Fire Nation Capital
Winter 170 AG: The Year of the Horse
"The Fire Lord will— hrnngh- The Fire Lord-"
The weight of the enormous doors leading into the Fire Nation Throne Room appeared a formidable challenge for the struggling footman. He was older, shaking slightly, and mumbling obscenities under his breath.
After a full thirty seconds of holding his tongue, Kazuo figured it was now more polite to offer assistance than to protect the footman's pride. He moved forward tentatively, "Would you like-"
"Certainly not!" the footman grunted, offended. Kazuo nodded placing his hands behind his back once again.
"She must have placed….something….this damn door sticks," the man huffed as he turned his shoulder, shoving it just under the base of an embellished golden flame.
Quite suddenly the doors opened inward causing the footman to stumble directly into the Fire Lord's feet. She raised one regal eyebrow at the footman as he pulled himself together, straightening his robes as he stood.
"The Fire Lord will see you now," he announced, bowing to Kazuo as if everything had gone according to plan.
"Thank you, Ping," Fire Lord Izumi commended him, nodding her head curtly to signal his dismissal.
Ping and Kazuo both bowed deeply to their sovereign, one as a farewell and the other as a greeting. Ping made his way from the Throne Room without turning his back, wrenching the heavy doors shut with an audible groan as he left.
The closing door echoed between the black marble floor and the row of imposing columns in the dimly lit room, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. The Fire Lord said nothing- instead she moved forward to the dais at the far end of the hall. Kazuo followed silently, observing the first rule of royalty: "only speak when spoken to."
Kazuo paused at the stairs as the Fire Lord ascended to her throne, taking her seat with a satisfied sigh, content that they were now in their proper places. Her eyes closed and the room fell silent for a prolonged moment as if she were getting into character. When she opened them again the Fire Lord was undeniably present.
"First, please allow me to extend my sympathies regarding the United Republic," Izumi told him plainly.
"Sympathies?" Kazuo wondered.
"They are disbanding the Council," Izumi returned, "I was under the impression that you've been vying for that post for some time."
Kazuo nodded solemnly, "That is true. While it is disappointing, not having to organize a campaign does free up plenty of time to tour my constituency during our upcoming recess, which I-"
"Hm," Izumi interjected, shooting him a look, "That is actually why I've called you here."
"I beg your pardon?"
"My father speaks very highly of you, Representative. As does my younger sister, though I suspect that has little to do with your public record," she smiled wryly, revealing a hint of humor finally. "Disbanding our Council Seat in the United Republic is going to require a committee, a committee I would like you to lead."
"Me?" Kazuo replied dumbly, "I- well, with all due respect, Lord Izumi, wouldn't that duty fall to Councilwoman Qian? It is her seat being disbanded, after all."
Izumi looked over the rim of her glasses, ready to dish out some old fashioned straight talk, "Representative, I think we are both aware of our long-serving Councilwoman's shortcomings. I need someone with a background in Fire Nation political law, someone who is able to see what kind of benefits or consequences any charters or treaties we agree to may have in the future. In short, I need someone that will represent our nation's interest with foresight… as such, you are my first choice."
Kazuo's mind raced; he already had a slew of questions piling up, his upcoming schedule was almost reorganized, groundwork for future plans were being set, and then of course he had his fellow committee members to consider.
"Ambassador Lee, he-"
"-will be working closely with you, of course," Izumi supplied, "he and Qian will have a seat on the committee, you are free to choose who fills the other positions."
Kazuo nodded.
"Do you accept?" Izumi followed after a moment of pensive silence.
Kazuo looked up, startled that she'd even asked, "Absolutely. And I humbly thank you for thinking of me to represent our nation. It will be my honor to take this appointment."
"Good," she agreed, "You leave in a week. Please see my secretary for your travel itinerary on your way out."
Kazuo swallowed. A week wasn't much time to change a calendar as extensive as his, but he supposed history waited for no man. The United Republic was clamoring for a new form of government, a non-bending front-runner had already emerged and the people were demanding a change in the wake of Amon's revolution. A week of preparation would have to suffice.
He bowed deeply, "Thank you, Fire Lord Izumi."
She gave a brief nod and Kazuo turned to leave. He was halfway to the exit when she called after him.
"Representative Kazuo?"
He halted, turning to face her.
"Have you completed our Foreign Service Exam?"
He stood still, unsure if he should make his way back to her or not. After a moment he spoke, "For election eligibility? I have. It should be on file with your office."
"There is a separate section for those wishing to fill the Ambassador position. Perhaps you should consider registering… depending on how this committee pans out- it may be in your best interest to prepare for such an eventuality."
His breath caught- being tapped for Ambassador was considered highly unlikely for men of Kazuo's background. So rare in fact, that even his voracious ambition had stopped short of envisioning such an outcome.
"I will get right on that," he agreed, smile uncontainable.
Izumi bowed her head once more with finality and Kazuo made his exit, pushing the double doors out as if they were weightless.
He had a phone call to make.