a/n: Here we go. The meeting that started it all, and Azula making sure to get things off on the right foot.


Ty Lee was doing a handstand on a railing when Mai mentioned the Princess. "It's like she sees no one but the tutors. She ignores everyone else. She doesn't talk to anyone."

"She talked to me that one time!" Ty Lee said brightly, shifting so she balanced on one hand.

A fond smile on Mai was just a slight quirk of the lips, but it graced her face anyway. "Anyone would talk to you."

Ty Lee moved to her other hand. "I think that maybe --"

Azula was walking toward them, striding with a purpose. She stopped about a yard away from where the two girls were standing. And smiled.

She was only six, and hadn't quite gotten the hang of it yet.

Ty Lee recovered first. "Your Highness!" she exclaimed, flipping off of the railing to land before the Princess as behind her, Mai bowed primly. "So good to see you! How was your visit home?"

Azula tilted her head to the side. "Enjoyable. Listen. I am going home again next weekend, and I was wondering if you two would like to accompany me. My Lord Father said I could bring some friends." She attempted a winning smile. "And of course we are friends."

Mai and Ty Lee glanced at one another, and back at the Princess.

"Of course, Your Highness."

"We would be delighted!"

"Excellent," said Azula, beaming. "My Lord Father will be so pleased." This time her smile did not give the other girls chills.

"Oh, and Ty Lee?" she said, turning back and taking the girl's hand gently.

"Yes, Princess?"

"It is customary to bow before members of the royal family. For future reference."

"Y-Yes, your Highness. I will remember that."

"See that you do." Azula turned and walked away. The daughters of two of the wealthiest landed nobles in Fire Country, and they were clever to boot. Father would be em so /em pleased.

Behind her, Ty Lee cradled a dripping hand as Mai bound it with a scarf.