Prologue
I remember that I could have almost anything I wanted as long as I behaved like a lady. My mother taught me everything by keeping me close to her side. All of her teachings came to me easily. I suppose it was from being born from such a high class family. I was not to speak unless spoken to. I was not to partake in childish games or play with toys once I turned ten. Every time I behaved for an event or dinner, I received something I took interest to.
I suppose that my love of dolls turned to disgust because of my mother's rule. Dolls, my favorite plaything when I was younger, were nothing but ornaments and collectables when I turned ten. Dolls were my friends. I related to them easily, for they kept their silence and their positions no matter what. I would tell them things and they would never betray me. However, the shelf now held all of those precious dolls. They left my side because I "outgrew" such petty things.
Yet, I for sometime I looked longingly at a new doll I did not possess. A friend I could have, but could not talk to. After dinner parties and festivals, I would find the latest doll on my bed; my mother's doing of course. It was her way of expressing her love, no matter how conditional as it was. I would take my new friend and place it on a shelf because it was expected of me. Eventually, I tired of wasting my time dreaming of holding dolls and conversing with them.
A year passed and my misery grew. Teas with young ladies and their mothers were dreadfully boring. I stopped receiving dolls or any reward because an "unhappy lady was unappealing" as my mother said. Art lessons and histories bored me. My mother even threw crafts my way, always abandoned. My only solace lay in my father's library, where history scrolls of the war laid on shelves. The glory of war captivated me. Then I realized that the life of a noblewoman was not for me.
Unfortunately, my mother caught me "poisoning" my mind with the details of war. Apparently, these scrolls were the source for my newfound "twisted" fascination of knives. She hid my father's scrolls and forbade me from reading such "horrendous" material ever again. This didn't stop me the least as I found there hiding place and took up sneaking them out of the house to read.
During this time, I attended my first year of "real" school at the Fire Nation Royal Academy for Girls. A decision made by my parents as soon as they found out that Princess Azula left her tutor for the school. In desperate hopes that I would acquaint myself with royalty, they enrolled me for the school. This act spoke volumes of my parents' pettiness. However, as their daughter, I went through with their plan and attended the school, avoiding Princess Azula to spite them.
The Fire Nation Royal Academy for Girls was a tedious school to go to. They taught advanced courses, but gave the girls many perks to motivate them. The girls were kept on a low fat diet, made by one of the most talented chef and crew the Fire nation had to offer. Elaborate gardens with tea areas and koi ponds were where few classes were held and provided a place for the girls to spend their free time in.
My first half of my first year in that dreadfully pompous place, was spent in voluntary isolation. I had refined my face to become cool and uncaring, which sent overly friendly girls away. I spent all of my free time up in a comfortable tree reading dark stories of the Earth Kingdom. No one wanted to talk to a girl that was only interested in dark books and only gave unpleasant looks of disgust. Despite my lovely social life's death, my grades were excellent.
I soon found that my little branch gave the perfect view of Princess Azula's favorite spot, or territory. Despite my disgust for beauty, she did choose the perfect spot of scenic beauty. The Princess took it upon herself to "entertain" other girls. Of course, these were unlucky souls that chose the wrong princess to suck up to as they stumbled away from the beautiful patch of land. Princess Azula had a cold, yet sweet, viciousness about her. Her words would efficiently and utterly tear down any girl, a trait I found really impressive.
Halfway through the year, Princess Azula graced me with her presence. Her manner was very business-like and professional. Her speech was controlled and confident. Princess Azula's posture was regal, yet conveyed a sense of boredom that I could relate to. I had been very polite by leaping down from my perch. I remember her speech of requesting friendship.
"You're given and preferred name is Mai. You are the top of your class, coming second to my own. For a high class lady, you have the spirit of a fighter. All in all, you're above these-what is that word-dolls. You don't go out of your way to associate with these lower class brats. I know you will be a valuable friend, seeing as you won't drag me down. Come to the palace with me after school for a study session. There will be another girl similar to your status attending. Come as you are dressed. That is all," Princess Azula had said.
I had no idea that this was the biggest turning point in my life. For after my first tea with Princess Azula, my life changed completely.
Please tell me how I did with the characters. I enjoy input and welcome constructive critism. If you believe there is an inconsistency, then please tell me. =)