Author's Notes: Warning! This will be a very long author's notes. Why? Because this is the only location I can place my "significant" ramblings before letting all of you read the story.

First of all, this is my second attempt at writing an Avatar: the Last Airbender fanfic, and I am writing it for Fire Lady Ursa and the ever-excellent Crowned Princess Azula of the Fire Nation. The first one I've written is "The Beautiful Monster," and it is focused on Azula. This one, however, is going to put Lady Ursa at its very core in the beginning.

Second, this one is an AU story. I have always wondered about how Azula might have turned out if her mother was different so I decided to write this story. Iroh and Zuko do not exist in this story (there is a reason for this), and Ursa... well, I'm sure you will all find out soon enough what happens to her.

Third, I was thinking of giving this story the title "Ursa Major, Azula Minor" but the word "minor" could be taken as an implication that Azula is "lesser," and I did not want that. Any thoughts on this?

Fourth, this is just a "teaser", the introduction for a story that has been tugging on the strings of my heart and mind for a very long time. And I may or may not continue writing it. The fate of this story will be decided by the readers. And yes, I do love making teasers.

Fifth, I hope all of you will read, like, fave, follow, review...etc.

If you want to, of course...

Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Ursa Major

The Noble Twins

"Lo," a young female murmured, reaching out to gently hold her twin sister's thin wrists. "Are you afraid?" she asked, eyes wide in innocent curiosity.

"No Li," her twin replied, a wry smile on her lips. "Not yet anyway," she continued, entangling her fingers with her younger sister's.

"That does not help calm me," Li replied, smiling as well, though it was more out of nervousness than anything else. She deliberately pressed her palms against Lo's. "We have never been called before. I am unsure about what we might face."

"Do not worry," her older sister soothed. "I doubt that execution is the reason for us being here."

"And your use of that word has only added to my anxiety," Li countered, pursing her lips.

"You are such a child," Lo affectionately teased as heavy footsteps suddenly sounded. Li deftly released her sister's wrists and the two of them expertly schooled their expressions. Their faces became cold and emotionless masks as three soldiers rounded the corner nearest to them. The leader of the small group bowed to the two sisters, displaying a show of respect.

"Lady Lo and Lady Li," he evenly greeted before straightening up. His gaze focused on the two young women, "Please follow me," he requested as the other two soldiers moved to guard their sides. The two sisters nodded simultaneously.

The lead soldier inclined his head in reply before turning around and walking down the corridor. The sisters looked at each other in understanding before following him. The sound of their light footsteps was consumed by the loud and methodical marching of their escorts.

"Rise," the imposing figure behind the wall of fire regally commanded. The intensity and power of his voice reverberated inside the throne room as Lo and Li obeyed him.

"Fire Lord Azulon," Li uttered in reverence as she raised her gaze to his silhouette.

"We are honored to be called upon by you," Lo continued, copying her sister's movement exactly.

"And we will do…"

"Anything."

"Everything."

"That you will ask of us."

"Our Lord," they finished simultaneously, bowing their heads gracefully.

"I am pleased to know the severe degree of your loyalty to me," Fire Lord Azulon firmly articulated. "It assures me that I have chosen well."

Silence followed his solemn statement, and the two sisters remained motionless, waiting for him to continue. They could not see their Lord through the wall of red flames, but they could feel his penetrating gaze observing them. Their desire to prove themselves worthy shrouded their entireties.

"Bring her to me," Fire Lord Azulon finally ordered, immediately causing a young female soldier to appear from the many shadows inside of the Throne Room. She walked towards the twin sisters, taking cautious and silent steps. In her arms, she gently held a small and delicate form swathed in soft red silk.

The gazes of the two sisters remained focused on their Lord's silhouette, and they did not see the female soldier until she stood between the two of them. Li and Lo curiously observed her from their peripherals as a coo came from the bundle in her arms.

"My Lord," the soldier avowed, kneeling on her knees to gently place what she held – a baby?– on the cold stone floor. Another coo sounded, and the soldier rose, walked towards the grand doors of the Throne Room, and exited through them. The sound of those doors closing echoed almost warningly behind her.

"Her name is Ursa," the Fire Lord began after a moment of deafening silence. "And she is to be your daughter." He evenly declared, his words laced with an austere finality that the twin sisters did not dare to question. They did not have to look at each other to know what to do next.

"It will be our pleasure, My Lord," they said, inclining their heads once again to show the sincerity of their words. Then Li stepped forward, kneeled down, and took the baby in her arms, cradling her. Li looked at the child and saw that she was sleeping; small mouth unconsciously releasing soft gurgles. A delicate smile curled Li's lips as she sinuously stood up.

"She is beautiful," she said as Lo followed her gaze. She scrutinized Ursa's noble features before speaking.

"It will be our honor to raise her," she stated, knowing her sister enough to hear the slightest hint of fondness in her voice.

"Indeed," the Fire Lord approved. "And with this honor come grave responsibility and certain privileges. Ursa is no ordinary child."

His words instantly caught the attention of both sisters as they became aware of the fact that only they and Fire Lord Azulon remained in the Throne Room. Is this a secret? They asked themselves as they redirected their focus to their Lord.

"She is the sole descendent of Avatar Roku, and his potent blood runs in her young veins. When she comes of age, she will be the bride of my heir, Ozai. And she will be the future Fire Lady of our beloved nation. You will prepare her for everything that will come and ensure that she will be loyal to my son, my family, my country, and my cause."

He finished, and the two sisters readily accepted their prominent roles in the child's life. They would be her parents, mentors- anyone that she would need them to be. Their bodies tensed as they realized the true magnitude of their task, but they did not allow any doubt or fear to show on their faces.

"Yes, my Lord," they vowed.

Fire Lord Azulon raised his hands with deliberate imperiousness. The heat of the fire intensified as it expanded, growing larger and larger as his shadow rose and consumed the entire wall behind him.

"Everything you will need for her, I will provide," he told them as the grand doors of the Throne Room opened. The twin sisters knew that they were being dismissed and deftly turned around. Li clasped young Ursa to her chest as she and her sister began to leave.

Their footsteps were silent, and they had reached the open doors when Fire Lord Azulon's parting words reached them.

"Do not worry, my children. Our nation takes care of its people…"

Author's Notes: This is the second time that I've used the third person POV. I just want to know if you, the reader, think that I gave it justice or not...

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H.O.D.