Accordance

63 AG

The official ceremony to anoint a new minister was a time honored tradition that dated back more than 500 hundred years when the first of Sozin's line united the hundreds of petty kingdoms across the archipelago under his rule, ushering in the rule of the Fire Lord over the Fire Nation. As a concession to demoting these petty kings to minor lords and dukes, the Fire Lord agreed that the most powerful lords would become his ministers in order to better help rule the Fire Nation. A feast lasting more than forty nights celebrated the birth of a new nation and those who would work tirelessly to ensure its success.

Although the ceremony was not still 40 days, Azulon felt the night was dragging on far too long. It was around the fifth course of the meal that his mind began to wander.

His eyes rested briefly on the new minister, Dagu. A rotund man whose appetite was seemingly endless; too busy stuffing himself to even notice the disgusted look his Fire Lord was giving him. In truth, Azulon did not mind Dagu all that much though.

The man was easy to talk to and beloved by commoners and courtiers alike. His complete lack of military experience or knowledge may seem like a detriment to his qualifications as War Minister, but those who knew Azulon knew that Dagu was exactly the type of man for the role.

In the 4 decades since Azulon had taken over as Fire Lord the War Ministers who had served him had been nothing more than public figureheads meant to draw the public ire away from those who truly dictated what was happening in the war. Azulon was always more than willing to accept advice from his council, but he had a rather troubled past with this particular position.

Any time he was in the presence of the War Minister, which was rather rare, Azulon always thought back to that letter he received on his second official day as Fire Lord.

My Honorable Liege,

Apologies for the lack of my presence, but I fear I am unwell and cannot offer homage to you in person. Your ascent to the throne will lead our proud nation to a new age of success and glory. I trust that my gift will be well received, I hope it brings you relief when you need it most.

I fear the condition I am in has weakened my constitution so significantly that I find myself writing to you for dual purposes. It is with deep regret that I must announce my forthright retirement. I wish for you to know that this decision came after a lengthy period of internal debate and I do not make it lightly. I am sure you will find someone who will more than outshine me in this role.

Should you wish to inquire upon my humble being, you will find me taking up residence in the beautiful colony of Kasai Koroni.

Long may you rule, Fire Lord Azulon.

Your Former War Minister,

Kuraz of the Supine Dynasty

Azulon's fists clenched the armrests of his chair tightly and much to his embarrassment there where char marks when he lifted them. Nearly 20 years after his death, Kuraz still infuriated him just as much as the gift that had been delivered alongside the letter.

A palanquin.

Azulon burned it to nothing the second he saw it. The palace guards cowered in fear for their life, realizing they were now serving under a lunatic who burned gold encrusted gifts on a whim. For Azulon though, it was no whim.

Kuraz meant it to be an insult and Azulon knew it.

Ilah elbowed him as the rest of the crowd had risen to its feet to cheer on the jugglers who had just finished their final act. He rose to his feet to join the applause then sat once more as the dessert was brought out.

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

Only another hour of this drivel.

"Dad, how come-"

"I told you to be quiet, Ozai." Azulon cut him sharply.

Azulon and his sons sat in a meditation as the sun rose over their villa's gardens. Ozai, as usual, had little patience for mediation and was filled to the brim with questions over last night's festivities, which happened to the first that Ozai was allowed to attend.

Mercifully, Azulon ended their mediation a few minutes early and the trio joined Ilah on the beach to watch the sun.

"Last night was amazing! Those guys who made a dragon out of fire were so cool. I can't believe I get to go to these parties all the time now!" Ozai accentuated his excitement with his own attempt at making a flame dragon but could not come close to replicating the intricate shape. "When I become Fire Lord, I am going to have the biggest coronation ever! There will be a 12-course meal and every table will have its own sword juggler and there will be fireworks and-"

"Enough." Azulon found himself cutting off his youngest son again. "And stop trying to make a dragon with your bending, I do not spend hours training with you only for you to waste your time on party tricks. And do not forget that your brother is to follow in my steps and then his children shall follow him."

Ilah narrowed her eyes at him and kicked him in the shin. "Not the time." She whispered to him under her breath.

Azulon stared down at the crestfallen Ozai, who was now much more interested in studying the grains of sand than talking about coronation parties. He bent down and forced Ozai to look at him. "My son, when you are Fire Lord you will be much too busy governing the nation to worry about coronation parties and silly jugglers. A good Fire Lord is one who spends his time listening to his council and striving to do right for not only the rich, but the poor as well."

Ozai turned his eyes downwards before meeting his father's gaze again. "Will Iroh help me when I'm Fire Lord?"

Iroh bent down next to his brother and ruffled his hair, the top knot coming free. "Of course I will, I'll even help you throw extravagant balls with all the beautiful ladies from far and wide." He finished his sentence with a waggle of his eyes, causing Ozai to giggle before tackling his brother to the ground and play wrestling in the sand.

Azulon rose back to his full height and saw Ilah smiling out of the corner of his eye. She tugged on his sleeve and he obliged to meet her with a quick kiss.

"Much better." She began. "My love."

"Dad." Ozai said, slightly out of breath, but sitting triumphantly upon Iroh's chest. "Can we go swimming today?"

Azulon considered the question. He had already told his family that their stay would be short, and he had planned on leaving today. Yet even Azulon had to admit that the weather was shaping up to be perfect and it had been ages since he had gone swimming in the ocean.

"Yes, my son." He said with a smile. "Let's go swimming."

Ozai hollered with glee and pulled Iroh into the waves, neither bothering to change into proper swimwear.

AN: You may remember Kuraz from chapter 7 (You may want to re-read that chapter if you don't remember why Azulon burned his gift). Although he does not actually appear in this chapter, I did want to include him as he will be showing up again. Not much else to say about this chapter, although I would be curious to hear your thoughts on my interpretation of Ozai here. Keep in mind this chapter is a direct continuation of the last and Ozai is around 10 here.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed.