Krazoa: Hi there! First story and it's an Amon/OC. I see it's not very popular as I notice more Amon/Korra or Amon/Lieutenant but give it a chance? :) This is set a day before Korra arrives. Plus, I've made up the Fire Lord's name. Zuko had a daughter who then had General Iroh. So I thought maybe she had a girl too ;)
OCs are mine but Korra and friends belong to Nickelodeon/Michael and Bryan. I own nothing!
It was a bright day on Ember Island. The breeze felt soothing as it gently brushed the palm trees. Tropical flowers danced in the winds as it coasted over to a figure settled in the sands on the edge of the beach. The woman's sea shell pink lips curled in a small grin when the scents of the island reached her nose.
Inhale...
The floral seeped into her lungs and filled her with ease.
Before her, the candle's flame grew taller and brighter.
Exhale...
Calmness took root when the breath escaped.
The fire slowly returned to it's orginal state.
Sea water crept up the shore, passing the small table the candles were placed, and skimmed over her naked toes. A giggle broke through her meditation causing the candlelight to spark.
"For heaven's sake!"
She moved her feet closer and went to resume her exercise when a cough interrupted once more.
Black painted eyelids opened slowly to have a pair of gold eyes lock onto a matching set. They belonged to the tall pale man in the United Forces uniform flanked by her guards.
"Big brother Iroh!" The younger woman jumped to her feet exclaimed.
Iroh smiled as his sister motioned for a guard to bring over the cloak to cover her swimwear. Always so formal his sibling.
"The Spirits have blessed me with this surprise visit, Colonel-er, I mean, Gerenal Iroh." She cracked an awkward grin, obviously embarrassed by her slip up.
Iroh chuckled. "Quiyue, for someone so level minded, you can be very forgetful."
Quiyue felt heat flash a powder pink against her cheeks.
"You are cruel." She sniffed.
Her older brother smirked. "We are brother and sister. It's a cruel fate."
She rolled her eyes while tieing the sash. Cruel fate indeed...
"But I am joyous to see you nonetheless!"
Quiyue hugged Iroh tightly before pulling back and inquiring about the unexpected visit.
Gold orbs narrowed. "Not out here,"
The Fire Benders nodded to their guards and entered the house on the hill behind them.
Floor boards creaked underneath boots and bare feet as they walked through the estate.
"There are so many memories here," Iroh mused as his gloved hand trailed down the dark wood in the hallway.
His little sister smiled fondly. "Yes there is," Then her eyes drew downcast. "Good and bad."
No one spoke a word. All the stories and memories of this place swirled around the sibling's minds. Mixtures of happiness, lies, and secrets.
"So," Iroh cleared his throat. "Let's get on to why I've arrived without notice."
The princess shook away the thoughts and moved them into the pallor.
Iroh took his normal chair by the fireplace while she sat down on the dark red sofa with her guards standing on both ends.
"What's happened, brother?" Quiyue traced the golden rope trimming the handles.
With a single look from the General, the guards exit the room to leave them to business.
"Quiyue, our mother received a summons to Republic City to check in on the council."
A knife thin brow rose. "Is there something amiss?"
"Not to my knowledge, just the usual keeping everyone in line. Lady Daiyu is on the council representing the Fire Nation so there has to a close eye on them; in order to make sure the interest remain the same." He explained.
"I know this. But why is coming to my attention?"
"You understand that it is difficult for a Fire Lord to move freely when they wish. Plus, even she decided to go, I cannot return to watch over the throne and Grandmother Mai isn't-"
Quiyue interrupted. "So, you and mother see it fit that I go in her stead?" It came out more like a statement rather than a question.
Iroh closed his eyes, lips forming a thin line.
"I pushed Mother to agree with me."
Both black eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Mother agreed so easily? No fights or deals?"
"I'd still be at the palace for days if it came down to that." He let out a jumbled laugh. "But, she agreed solely because she felt traveling would be some good to you."
"I am not Grandfather but I will do what you asked."
The General looked into his sister's eyes. "How are you? Has the island helped even a little?"
Quiyue tucked the blond strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes, I feel very rested, thank you."
"Good. Well, I dock here tonight so I may drop you off at the City personally. Select your guard and pack a reasonable wardrobe." Iroh left eye twitched. His sister's love of having an outfit for every occasion made him shudder. "We depart at sun rise."
The princess bowed her head. "Make yourself at home, brother."
Quiyue stood in her room staring out over the ocean from her window. The sun began to rise causing the sky to ripple in warm colors and the sea to glitter like diamonds. Soon they would the sandy shores of Ember Island for the concrete streets of Republic City.
A soft knock brought her out of her daze.
"Enter,"
Her handmaiden, Ping along with her two personal guards Lee and Lu came in.
Ping had cropped brown hair that settled at the bottom of her ears. Like many people of the Fire Nation, she had the pale complexion and distinct cheek bones. Although her eyes were bright sapphire giving evidence to her Water Tribe heritage. Her father was a warrior from the Northern Tribe.
Lee and Lu were twins born merely minutes apart. Lee holding the title of 'Older brother' by three minutes. The only way to distinguish the brothers apart was the design of their facial hair. Lu had sideburns while Lee had a braided goatee; both shared grey eyes.
"Princess, General Iroh is ready." Lee informed.
With a sigh, Quiyue faced her companions.
"Let's be on our way then."
The trio bowed at the waist after Ping instructed which suitcases to bring and which to be careful with.
Quiyue left the doors open for her guards when they came down with her things. She started towards the beach where Iroh's massive United Forces ship docked.
Stopping before the giant boat, she peered up at the dragons that decorated the bow. It gave the ship an intimidating and regal look. Only a fool would take on her brothers' fleet.
"Ah, there you are!"
Iroh raced off the boat's ramp.
"Admiring the dragons again?" He questioned.
"Of course, there may be no more in existence but their beauty and power remain. Impressive as usual Iroh." Quiyue spoke with pride. As princess she devoted her heart and life to her people and their culture. That included the dragons; the first Fire Benders. Such a shame Fire Lord Sozin started the tradition to slay the creatures.
"Allow me to escort you a board." Iroh tucked his sister's arm underneath his own and lead her up.
Ping rushed after her princess while Lee and Lu struggled keeping up with juggling the suitcases.
The horn sounded and they set sail.
It was in the middle of the afternoon when Ping discovered Princess Quiyue soaking up the sun rays on the deck just in her training pants and halter top.
"Princess, I've looked everywhere for you." Ping said as she walked up beside her.
"Hello Ping, no need to fret. Iroh is standing watch above me." She laughed a little.
"How long have you been standing here?"
"Almost an hour as directed." She replied, peeking out of her left eye at Ping.
"Excellent. Don't want you getting sick on your trip. That'd be awful." Her servant frowned.
"I'm not the frail child I used to be. All is well." Quiyue reassured.
"I believe you, Princess."
"Sis! We'll be arriving in 10 minutes! Get ready!" Iroh called down from the top railing.
The girls waved in thanks and retreated in Quiyue's chambers.
"Take a seat and I'll grab your clothes." Ping instructed, leaving Quiyue to strip out of her training outfit.
Only in her under garments, she sat down in front of her mirror and spun her golden lock of hair around her thin finger, waiting.
Ping reappeared holding her royal dressings in her arms. Setting them on the chest beside the vanity, Ping took a brush and began combing her princess' hair.
Quiyue sighed as the brushed stroked her hair. Ping gently took the blond hairs from her hand and combed them as well.
"You only touch that when you're nervous. Is everything all right?"
Their gazes met in the mirror. "I am afraid I may not do well. I don't wish to fail Mother or my Nation."
The princess suddenly spun around facing the annoyed expression of Ping.
"Princess, speaking as your friend, that is positively the dumbest thing I've heard!"
Quiyue blinked.
"You are the Princess of the Fire Nation! You have won our people's hearts with your kindness and compassion! Yet, you think you'll fail them? I cannot see how!" She slammed the brush down on the table, overcome with emotion.
The princess felt tears pool. Ping was right. She already held her Nation's heart in her hands. She couldn't disappoint them now.
"Thank you, my friend. I'm sorry." She rubbed her eyes.
Her friend huffed and grabbed the brush back. "Bet you are."
Iroh stood confidently as Republic City came into view. This was a treasure of Avatar Aang and his grandfather Zuko. He couldn't help but feel proud.
"Sir, Princess Quiyue is coming up."
Iroh gave a curt nod to his shipmate. "Thank you,"
In five mintues, they'd dock and his sister would be on her way. Hopefully her influence would be welcomed. Iroh had heard rumors of the non benders getting lively of late.
"Iroh," Her voice carried over the ocean breeze.
He turned to face his younger sister. The expression on his face could not be faltered.
Quiyue was dressed in her royal garb. It hadn't changed much over the years but Mai had some voice in it. She wore a burgundy dress trimmed with gold over a black long sleeve shirt tied with a gold sash. Her forearm and leg armor matched her dress. Her long black hair had been tied in a bun covered by a wine colored cloth but her blond lock had been kept out.
"Sister, always such a vision." He bowed and took her hand, leading her to the railing.
"Brother, you're such a suck up." She teased.
He rolled his eyes, ignoring the jab.
"Sister," He gestured toward the city. "I give you Republic City."
Krazoa: Sooo, what do you think? :)