30th Day, 12th Moon, Year of the Hare (Azulon 64)
The combined festivities of the New Year and Iroh's victory have begun at last, and thus far they have been an inspiring success. The worst thing for me was waiting for the parade, which was staged to appear as though Iroh and his troops were just arriving home from their victory, so started at the city gates and ended at the front steps of the Palace, where the rest of us had to stand and wait the entire time. And I in my weighty gown!
It was an impressive procession, however, with several thousand men and their beasts and vehicles, and the firebenders periodically sending blasts of flame toward the sky in perfect unison. Iroh, riding an elaborately caparisoned rhino at the head of the column, did a bit of shameless showboating with his mount, which he has trained to rear on command and walk a few steps on its hind legs before crashing back to earth. It gave Zuko quite a fright when he did it close to the Palace steps, but Su-Lin was able to calm him quickly.
Then Iroh formally presented "the Earth Kingdom town of Tien Shang and its wealth" to Fire Lord Azulon, in a brief scripted exchange that nonetheless impressed the commoners very greatly. Then my lord husband and I, and Lu Ten, bowed to Iroh and praised him—again, as scripted—and the Fire Lord gave him his honors. Iroh turned to the assembled crowd, and they all fell silent and bowed, the movement sweeping rapidly down the street and giving me the impression of a grassy plain when a wind comes along. The sudden realization that all this pomp and circumstance was in honor of my family was dizzying…or maybe it was just fatigue from standing for hours in my heavy garments. In any case, I was glad when the signal came that released us all from our obeisance, and the reverential silence erupted into a cheer. There were firecrackers and music, and then it was over, and we returned to the confines of the Palace.
Supper was lavish indeed—I have never seen so many roasted ducks at one time in my life! I quickly lost track of how much I was eating, and I hope I did not embarrass myself. When it was time for the entertainers to perform, Fire Lord Azulon made a point of informing the guests that it was I who had arranged them…so they would know whom to blame if they didn't like the shows, I surmise. Fortunately, they were generally well received. Even the Fire Lord seemed to enjoy them—though he showed no outward signs of enjoyment, which would have diminished his mystique, he was attentive throughout. Iroh, though, had no such qualms, and it gratifies me to remember how loudly he applauded the troupes I hired. I can hardly wait for tomorrow evening, when Lu Ten will be putting on his demonstration.