Thank you again to everyone who is reading and thank you again to LunaEvanna Longbottom for the review! I so appreciate it and hope that my story isn't too slow... In answer to your query, Lyra may go nuclear, or she may discover the perks of having powerful men on your side ;D.
Over the next few weeks, Lyra's routine continued much the same as it had on her first day. She sat in on all of Azula's lessons, armed with a brush and scroll, frantically taking notes and learning things of which she had never fathomed. It was the history tutor's deep, grumbling voice that first described what Lyra recognized as the scene portrayed on the screen that had been in her room on that first fateful evening she had been invited to the palace: a Fire Nation battle with the now-extinct Air Nomads. She had also seen the writing technique that one could employ to produce beautiful calligraphy, though her own quasi-literate scrawl had so far only shown marginal improvement. In addition to her own education, Lyra had managed a few victories for her ward. She had successfully insisted that Azula be allowed to join her brother under the tutelage of the eminent General Lee, who was instructing Prince Zuko in military strategy. True, she had to frame it in terms of the benefits the prince would enjoy from having learning partner, but this did not matter. Azula had taken to the lesson like a fish to water and seemed to have an instinctive understanding of logistics, troop movement, and most especially, deception of the enemy. Lyra observed that the relationship between brother and sister worsened as Azula continued to outshine Zuko in every possible way, but she did not care. The strong survived; the weak died.
Every evening, Lyra would quiz Azula tirelessly on what she had learned that day, and after the princess had gone to bed, she would go through it all again herself, trying to make up for her own lost years of ignorance.
Ursa would occasionally stop by to chat, but already she seemed rather bored with Lyra's presence. She did not take much interest in the edification of her daughter and seemed only mildly amused by Lyra's efforts.
"I'm glad that Azula has an advocate in you," Ursa told her one day as they had sipped tea together, watching Zuko and Azula swinging around on the expansive tree in the courtyard. "But I can't help but wonder what it's all for. She'll just be married off to some general or prince or another." She expelled a resigned-sounding sigh.
"But don't you see?" Lyra pressed, leaning forward. "If we can make things better for Azula, surely it will follow for the rest of the women in this country. We can make an example of her. If she can be a general and a politician and a master firebender, then all the stupid excuses that people always give for why women can't do this and that will be proven false!"
Ursa's eyes moved as though she had wanted to roll them, but she seemed to think better of it. Instead she said lightly, "Oh Lyra, how I admire your optimism."
Lyra was prepared to argue, but Ursa cut in preemptively, "Have you met many people in the palace? I worry that you only ever spend time with a five-year-old and her dull teachers."
Taken aback the query, Lyra answered stiffly, "Wasn't that what you hired me to do?"
"You're far too serious, sister," Ursa laughed, setting her teacup down on the little table between them. "I think some entertainment would do you some good." A keen smile played about her lush lips.
"Entertainment?" Lyra repeated, uncomprehending.
"Yes," Ursa said eagerly, growing more animated. "In fact, there is to be a small party tomorrow in honor of General Iroh – he and his son Lu Ten have just returned from the front, you know. It'll just be something casual in the garden, but I think you may meet some people. Why don't you come?"
A party? And a royal party at that? Lyra knew nothing of that sort of pomp, but she couldn't deny the prospect was more exciting than memorizing how many troops General Fung had at his command during his establishment of the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom, which was all she had on the agenda. "That sounds wonderful," Lyra answered. "Thank you for inviting me."
…
Lyra lingered at the fringes of the garden, not sure where her place was in the ménage assembled before her. Ursa was with General Iroh underneath a tree, giggling behind her hand. General Iroh's handsome son, Lieutenant Lu Ten, was demonstrating some sort of trick to an enthralled Zuko where he created some small firework display in the palm of his hand. Azula was lurking behind some rocks with a pretty little girl – distinctive because there were six other little girls dispersed throughout the party who were identical. Septuplets, as it were.
Ursa had invited her, as an afterthought it was true, but invited her nonetheless. Still, she had to fight the urge to join the servants bringing out tea and cakes for the soiree. She felt out of place. Not part of the family, but not a servant either. That her clothing did not match the finery of the royal family was not lost on her, and with her arms crossed and stolid expression, she was certain her discomfort was on full display. To give herself some occupation, she wandered over to the tables where servants were manning teapots.
"Oolong, please," she requested.
As the servant poured her a cup, a deep voice behind her spoke, "Oolong as well."
Lyra wheeled around and discovered Iroh's son, Lu Ten, standing quite closely behind her. He offered her a broad, but rather wicked smile. She could not manage to muster one back and merely gaped at him. He had a strong jaw and stood with a tall, powerful build. This, along with his well-fitted armor, seemed to radiate strength and vitality.
"Here you are, sir; madam," the servant said dutifully, and Lyra turned back and accepted the proffered mug of tea. Lu Ten took his as well.
"There's nothing like Fire Nation-grown oolong, is there?" Lu Ten told her as they left the refreshments behind them.
Rather shocked that this illustrious figure was engaging with her, Lyra did her best to sound sentient. "It's the volcanic ash the tea leaves are grown in," she parroted, hoping that Ursa had been right. "It makes them more fragrant," she added with a flourish.
"Really?" Lu Ten mused. "Then it's no wonder the Earth Kingdom's tea is so flavorless. A dryer, flatter region I've never seen." His voice had an impertinent edge.
"I suppose when we win the war that will be the second thing we'll have to teach them, after the wonders of industry I suppose," Lyra bantered back at him.
Lu Ten threw his head back and laughed heartily. "If it's up to father, it'll be first item on the lesson plan." He gave Lyra a once-over, eyes seeming to linger on her chest. "Forgive me, I did not catch your name."
"Song Lyra," she responded easily. "And I know who you are, Lieutenant Lu Ten." She inclined her head respectfully. "It's a great honor to meet someone fighting so bravely for our country."
Waving her praise away with a flash of his hand, Lu Ten continued their conversation. "With whom are you here? Who is your father?"
"Oh! I suppose I'm here with my sister," Lyra paused, considering. "She invited me, at least."
"And who is your sister?" Lu Ten was quite close to her and his arm brushed hers.
"Princess Ursa," Lyra answered.
Lu Ten jerked, as if ice had been dropped down his shirt. "Princess Ursa… - but of course! You're here to be Azula's new nanny. I had heard about that." Suddenly his posture was much straighter and his eyes clearer. "Please, come meet my father. He'll be very interested in your little project with Princess Azula."
Lyra had grown up hearing stories about the legendary general who had sired the man before her, and she was more than a little nervous to meet the man behind the myth. Perhaps this colored her countenance, for Lu Ten offered her another smile, smaller this time, but somehow truer. "He's very nice, and he loves clever and pretty girls." Suddenly his wicked grin was back and he leaned in very close to Lyra's ear. "That's something we have in common," he whispered. "Come along!" He gestured toward the cherry blossom trees where Iroh and Ursa were still deep in conversation.
Lyra followed without protest, and as they approached, she could hear snatches of conversation drifting out from the cascade of pink blooms.
" – don't know what do, Iroh; he just hates Zuko no matter how hard he tries. In fact, the more he tries, the more he – "
The voice was undoubtedly Ursa's, but as Lyra and Lu Ten came into view, she abruptly broke off and by the time Lyra could see her face, it was benevolently neutral. Seated next to her was General Iroh, who was not as quick in disguising his expression of concern, but who brightened up immediately when he clapped eyes on his son.
"Lu Ten!" he boomed. "Back to your old father after sampling the delights of the party?" His eyes raked over Lyra. "And brought something for me to taste?" His voice was good-humored.
"My sister, Lyra," Ursa interjected quickly. "She's here to watch Azula."
Iroh chuckled. "What a pity. The most delectable fruits always belong to someone else's tree." He leaned back in his chair and studied Lyra more closely, his finger twirling his beard. "But of course – you look exactly as Ursa did when she first came here all those years ago."
Ursa, Lyra noticed, didn't look exactly pleased at this pronouncement, but she continued politely nonetheless. "She has only been here a few weeks, so be gentle with her. None of your tricks, Lu Ten!" A wry smile colored her lips as she got to her feet. "I must go see where Zuko has gone off. There is only silence, which is a sure sign of trouble."
"I saw him heading towards the plum trees," Lu Ten volunteered helpfully, and Ursa hurried off in that direction, leaving only Lyra, Lu Ten, and Iroh in the little clearing.
"Please sit," Iroh gestured at the chair Ursa had vacated. Lyra sat. Lu Ten remained standing, appearing to study the bark of the willowy trees surrounding them.
"It is a true pleasure to see a fresh face," Iroh told her, eyeing her over his mug of tea that he had raised to his mouth before taking a sip. "We always have a little gathering when Lu Ten and I return from the front, and it gets so boring to see only the same old heads every time."
"And most aren't as pretty as you," Lu Ten called over his shoulder from where he was still studying the tree.
"Yes," Iroh agreed, not taking his eyes from Lyra's face. "There's something about the girls from the provincial islands. Exotic. I noticed it with your sister too." He took another draught from his tea.
Lyra laughed mechanically, despite her internal irritation – exotic and provincial was she? "I'm sure you have seen a great many exotic and beautiful creatures in your travels, General," Lyra posited.
Lu Ten turned around at last and threw himself into the chair next to Iroh, evidently deciding that the conversation was interesting enough to take part in. "You would be shocked to see those Earth Kingdom hags. As leathery as my boot and they all look at least 10 years older than they are."
Iroh nodded sagely in agreement. "They have very hard lives, you see. Toiling under the hot sun in their fields all day, and then child after child after child. Did you know most Earth Kingdom women bear at least ten children in their lifetime?" He tutted regretfully. "Even the most elegant flower withers if it is bred to exhaustion."
"They're much more primitive," Lu Ten added knowledgeably. "Unable to control their animal urges. When we win the war, I think we'll really be able to modernize that warlord's stomping ground they call a kingdom."
Iroh raised a hand, while taking another long sip of tea. "No talk of war here, my son." He swallowed loudly. "That's all we ever hear. Madam Lyra – do lighten the mood. Speak of gentle and pleasant things. Oh! What of your plans for Princess Azula?"
Leaning forward, Lu Ten interjected, "Oh yes, of that I am curious. It's high time someone turned that little ruffian into a lady. Though I wonder if it's even possible." He inclined his head to where Azula and the other little girl were competing to see who could do more chin-touches on the maple tree in the corner of the courtyard.
Still observing her charge, Lyra responded thoughtfully. "My opinion is that her talents are underutilized." She turned back to face Iroh. "She shows enormous potential in both her academics and her firebending, but is not being moved forward in the curriculum due to outdated concerns regarding tradition and maturity. I hope to align with her tutors on a new learning process in the future, where she will be given real challenges and increased responsibilities, as quickly as she can handle them."
Lu Ten looked amused, but Iroh had a shrewd expression on his lined face. "What sort of responsibilities do you have in mind?" He had his elbow on his knee and was stroking his beard again.
"Well –" Lyra paused. Perhaps she had revealed too much already. But her mind was not quick enough to stop her mouth and formulate something else viable to say. "Advanced firebending, of course. Military strategy and tactics. Political maneuvering. Perhaps some navigation or engineering as well."
An incredulous chuckle was spilling out of Lu Ten, "You certainly are ambitious, aren't you? I think they've given you charge of the wrong child! Why on earth would Azula need to know military strategy?"
To Lu Ten's left, Iroh did not seem to find this as comical as his son. In fact, his countenance was grave. "Princesses do not need to know advanced firebending or politics," he dictated sternly. "They content themselves with embroidery, painting, and music, and then they get married. Believe me, Madam Lyra – it would only cause trouble to have a girl in the palace instructed in those subjects. We already have treachery and bad blood in our family and you're proposing to create another rival?"
"I – " Lyra spluttered. She had definitely said too much. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean, General Iroh. A rival? Certainly not, I would never –"
"Father, look what you've done," Lu Ten interrupted. His tone was lighthearted but there was steel in his words. "You're the one who said we should speak of pleasant topics and now you've brought up inner family dramatics. I'm sure Madam Lyra doesn't wish to hear our dirty laundry, nor does she have any intention of joining the fray."
Iroh regarded his son, and after a moment he seemed to relax. "You're right, Lu Ten. Forgive an old man's ramblings."
"Nothing to forgive," Lyra answered with a wooden smile.
Changing the subject, Iroh addressed her again. "I believe I have heard that you have quite a musical talent. Wasn't it you who wrote that lovely tune 'Dancing Islanders Love our Land'? I should love to hear it played."
"I'm afraid my vocal talents are nowhere near that of a performer you may have heard singing my little song," Lyra hedged, a little bashfully.
Lu Ten and Iroh both enthusiastically waved off her protests, and the jinghu was sent for, so that Lyra could serenade them with a ballad of her island's love for the capital of the Fire Nation.
By the time she was finished, a small crowd had gathered and beaming, she accepted the compliments from the onlookers; Lady Hu telling her how she had loved the beach on this island, and what a relaxing vacation Admiral Tang had taken at that resort. Writing how the simple people adored their rulers always made for good business, Lyra thought.
It was when Admiral Tang had engaged General Iroh in conversation and the others had drifted away that Lyra heard a quiet voice whisper in her ear. "Care to walk with me?"
It was Lu Ten. "Um, okay." Lyra handed her jinghu back to the servant and rose from her chair, following him along the pretty little pathway that trailed beside a bubbling ornamental stream.
"I'm sorry about my father," Lu Ten said conversationally. "I hope he didn't scare you off with his mutterings. He's a military man, you know. They're all very paranoid."
"Of course," Lyra answered on cue. She did not take it for granted that she could trust this handsome young man's assurances, but nevertheless she strolled alongside him as he led them deeper into the exquisite garden, until all they could hear was the rushing water and a few birds chirping.
Feeling that she should at least attempt to be somewhat interesting, Lyra chanced a stab at conversation. "Are you glad to be home from the front, Lieutenant?"
"In some ways," Lu Ten answered, "The food is certainly better here, and there is no question that our women are the most beautiful in the world." He turned and gave her a rakish grin.
Lyra felt herself blush but tried to remain unflapped. "And in other ways?"
Lu Ten raised an awkward hand to his neck and cast his gaze to the moon bridge that rose in front of them. "It would be hard to understand for a girl, but there's just something about the camaraderie we feel with the men at the front. I suppose that's where the term brothers-in-arms comes from. It's strange – when I'm home I feel like I should be with my men, but when I'm knee deep in mud in some filthy Earth Kingdom village, nothing sounds better than my bed in the palace."
"My brother didn't like being home either," Lyra commented almost absentmindedly, remembering Yizheng's eagerness to return to war.
Lu Ten turned to her in surprise. "I didn't know Princess Ursa had a brother at the front. What's his name and rank?"
"Private Song Yizheng," Lyra told him.
"And did he go back?" Lu Ten enquired, expression curious.
"Yes," she said. "Even though he had lost an arm."
Lu Ten stopped in his tracks. "He lost an arm and he went back to the front? Ursa never mentioned."
"Actually she just found out," Lyra admitted. "It happened long after she came here, and I only just told her when I saw her again."
"Your brother is a hero." Lu Ten stated earnestly. "Is he still in the army? Do you know where he is?"
Lyra thought of Yizheng's less-than-honorable reasons for wanting to return to the fight, but she did not bring them up. Instead she answered, "I don't remember. Some Earth Kingdom village. We haven't heard from him in a long time. But I know my other brother is near the colonies."
"Ah well, the colonies are safer than most places," Lu Ten said breezily, leading her up the steeply sloped bridge. "They don't see as much action. But if you write down the name of your brother for me, I can try to find where he is."
"O-okay," Lyra replied. "Thank you." Truthfully, she had hardly entertained a thought of Yizheng in months, and she did not particularly believe that Lihuang was eager to hear from him either.
Lu Ten offered her an easy smile in reply and she joined him at the top of the bridge. They both looked down at the clear stream, watching the brightly colored fish merrily dart through the water.
"So how do you like it here?" he asked. She saw in her periphery that he had turned his face toward hers, but she found she could not tear her eyes from the joyfully dancing koi in the clear stream.
"I like it well enough," she answered vaguely. "Though it's very warm."
Lu Ten chuckled heartily. "Well we are in the Fire Nation after all. Surely it's warm in Hira'a as well?"
"Yes," Lyra affirmed, finally pulling her gaze away from the entrancing scene in the water. "But we don't wear so many clothes."
"So you're saying that the 'dancing islanders' hold even greater pleasures than your song promised? I shall have to plan a trip to Hira'a."
Lyra blushed at this interpretation, but Lu Ten did not drop his mischievous smirk. He was leaning casually against the railing and looked supremely comfortable. Strangely, it seemed to set her at ease as well and she found herself letting out an unwilling giggle. "I'm sure that's not what I meant."
"And besides the heat, has our little provincial town met to your satisfaction, Madam Lyra?" His tone was teasing but his eyes were warm and fixed on her face.
"I'm sure it has," Lyra answered hesitantly, but amused despite herself. "At the very least the company is intriguing."
Lu Ten let out a peal of laughter. "I should hope so. And your young charge? Has Princess Azula proven herself amenable to your grand plans for her to become the first woman Fire Lord?" He raised his eyebrows playfully.
Lyra eyed him with suspicion. "I hope you didn't misunderstand me, Lieutenant Lu Ten. I certainly have no intention of – "
"Of course, of course," Lu Ten waved his hands dismissively. "You'll find that in contrast to my father, I do not find the nursery rhymes being taught to a five-year-old girl threatening to my position. As I said, these generals see threats everywhere."
"Right…" Lyra responded uncertainly.
"So? Is Azula flourishing under your supervision? Exceeding all expectations?" he pushed.
Lyra studied Lu Ten for a moment, but all she could discern in his dark eyes was curiosity colored by amusement. Speaking slowly, she said, "Certainly Princess Azula is very motivated and in my estimation, quite talented. But of course, there are some teachers who are reluctant to alter the curriculum to suitably challenge her."
Lu Ten eyed her shrewdly. "Is it the Firebending Master, Master Chen?"
Lyra jerked in surprise. "Yes! How did you know?"
"Old Man Chen is a stubborn old mule. He wouldn't change his ways for the Fire Lord himself," Lu Ten told her sagaciously. "But I thought his son was helping him now. Chen Jing."
"He is," Lyra confirmed. "But he works primarily with Prince Zuko. Princess Azula is under Master Chen's instruction."
Lu Ten raised a thoughtful finger to his chin. "Hmm. Well if you want my advice, I would say if you can get them to switch, that's probably your best – "
"A thousand pardons, Lieutenant!"
Lyra and Lu Ten both whirled around. A servant had approached them from behind without either of them noticing.
"Yes?" he asked expectantly.
The servant inclined his head dutifully. "Your father is asking after you. He is in conversation with Commodore Liu and begs you join them."
Lu Ten smiled ruefully at Lyra. "I guess we've been missed. Better head back." He beckoned at her, and she followed behind him back to the party.
…
The next day, Lyra found herself again in the arena, watching the children's firebending lesson, wondering how on earth she could raise the issue of switching teachers between the prince and princess. It seemed a very bold request, even to her.
Suddenly she heard Zuko let out an excited whoop. "It's cousin Lu Ten!" He took leave of his drill and bounded to the corner of the pavilion, where indeed Lu Ten could be observed entering the space, dressed in the loose clothing meant for firebending practice. Lyra couldn't help but notice his well-defined arms in the sleeveless outfit.
"Zuko!" Lu Ten laughed and gave the young boy an affectionate clap on the back.
"What are you doing here?" Lyra strained her ears to listen to what the boy was saying.
"Oh, I just thought I'd come by and see what you all are learning. Got to make sure you all are tip-top, don't I?" Lu Ten answered heartily. "Jing! How are you?"
Chen Jing had approached the pair and offered Lu Ten a bow. "Lieutenant. Well, and yourself?" For a moment he seemed very formal and he and Lu Ten looked to be sizing each other up, but then they both burst into peals of laughter.
"Good as ever," Lu Ten grinned and he clapped Jing too on the back.
"What are you doing here?" Jing asked. "Need tips from your old pal on how to roast earthbenders?"
"Certainly not," Lu Ten rebuffed him, pretending to look scornful. "If you recall, the last time we sparred, I beat you two out of three."
"You cheated!" Jing retorted, chuckling. "You invited Huami to come watch us because you knew it would make me nervous!"
"The battlefield is full of surprises," Lu Ten tutted condescendingly. "Anyway, that's not why I've come."
"Then what is it?" Jing asked.
"I just thought I'd come take an interest in what the children are learning here. Make sure they're up to snuff." He hit Zuko lightly with a mock-chopping motion. "See if we should switch anything up."
At that last sentence he seemed to fix his gaze on Azula, who had not deviated from her training with Master Chen, but could not disguise the envious look on her face as she glanced from time to time at the chummy gathering at the side of the pitch.
Observing Azula for a split-second more, Lu Ten turned and gave Lyra the briefest of winks. "Shall we get started?"