18 ASC

Being a prodigy wasn't something that just came naturally, Azulon made sure to keep up with his physical practice daily. If he could, he'd fire-bend twice a day, but being heir to a thrown that was left empty for months at a time made it almost impossible. As he grew older his father left him with more and more to look after. Sozin claimed it would mature him faster to take over when he needed to; was he planning on death soon?

He didn't worry; he held his weight up on his hands as he twisted his legs to a high kick. The flames emitted and his sparring partner approached with two hands in the air – a signal he couldn't handle much more. He noticed the sweat glazing the young man's face and sighed as he got to his feet. Maybe he would say he did a good job, but he didn't. Azulon was barely warmed up. He cast a harsh glare, wiping the loose strands of his ivory hair from his forehead.

"The heat today…it's something else." It was the same as any other summer day. Hot, yes, but if he wasn't immune he should go live somewhere like the South Pole, no? Azulon hated liars. He was about to lecture and demand a new sparring partner, but something caught his attention. More, someone caught his attention.

"Who is that?" He pointed beyond the archway that led to the Fire Nation Palace. The soldier scratched the back of his neck, observing the woman with long brown hair. She looked delicate, fragile.

"I believe she is Ilah, only recently moving here from her betrothal." He nodded, remembering the nobleman brag about his new trophy wife. "She's had quite the past, been around quite a bit." He chuckled and winked, going stiff when Azulon looked over dryly. Without second thought, the young prince made his way over to the beautiful young woman, whose feminine blush made her pale skin blow.

"Milord, it's an honor." She curtseyed as any woman would, he nodded in acknowledgement. He felt so drawn in to her, her youth and lovingness. He didn't even know her but it was as though he could read her. She stood straight and stared into his gaze. She wasn't trying to read him, the way most people did, but she was letting him know she was listening to whatever he was about to stay.

"I should be saying the same…" He stopped, how pathetic did that line sound? She didn't laugh at him, she merely giggled. Giggled like a schoolgirl, but he didn't feel so embarrassed. "When is your wedding, I believe the nobleman hasn't sent me an invitation yet." He cleared his throat; it was a good subject choice. Why should he look like he went out of his way for a woman? A part of him hoped she at least noticed he came over here for her.

"Why…my fiancée is dead." Her smile went flat and her laughter fell short. He wished he had been a more affectionate person, or at least had his mother to support him. He wasn't sure how to console the young girl.

"Ah, sorry to hear that. Good day, Lady Ilah." He bowed at the waist and turned on his heel.

"Wait!" She called out and he looked over, curious to how she dare speak to a prince in such a manner. "If you were implying you had an interest in me, perhaps…you could invite me to dinner sometime?" What a courageous girl she was.

Days became weeks, weeks became months. Azulon was spending his days and weeks and months with her, with his Ilah. She so loving; she made him feel soft. He trusted her more than his own father (was this that allusion his father told him about, love?). Right now, he sat with her at her favorite spot. The turtle-duck pond was serene with the new baby ducklings that swam eagerly to the thrown in bread. Ilah giggled at how adorable they were; he cracked a smile when she nudged him, one that would satisfy her.

"Oh, Azulon, look!" She pointed and he nodded, stroking her shoulder so she looked at him. She smiled sweetly, the way she always did, and neared her face to his, gently pressing their lips together. "I love you, Azulon…" She whispered and he could tell she was nervous. He was glad she had said so; she always seemed to make the first move when it came to their relationship. It made him more at ease; he wasn't a good romantic unless he had encouragement.

"Then you'll marry me, Ilah." He replied with a smirk so wide she smiled; only she added a gasp. She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered her loving words in his ear, just so he could hear.

She told him how much she loved him, and how happy he made her. She told him he was everything, her savior and her first resort to anything. While she whispered her words, he thought over a wedding. He would have it done before his father returned. It was the end of the year, Sozin would probably return soon. He didn't want his wedding ruined, not when it was supposed to be about Ilah, woman his father hadn't even met. Was he supposed to get permission to be wed? He was the only son to the Fire Lord; he could handle such a thing on his own. If his father had a protest when he came back, it'd be too late. Azulon had already found the woman that redefined forever for him.

This spontaneous act, did that make him more romantic?

I changed the first half completely, held on to this chapter two or three days until I felt satisfied. I thought it'd be ironic if he hated liars, I'm not sure if anyone caught on. Azula being a pathological liar her whole life and being named after her grandfather, I figured I'd give him the pet peeve :)

There's not much else to say, I suppose. I figured he'd have his guard up, if that counts. I don't see him as stepping forward for a serious relationship with a woman (I mean I'm sure he got action as an 18 year old...) but Ilah had to have some spunk in her. Maybe not, but oh well, I think it's far more fitting. Review?