INDEPENDENCE
"Your wardrobe is so different from how I remember it," remarks Ty Lee as she walks into the wide room filled with beautiful, expensive garments.
The princess sits on her bed in a robe, waiting for Ty Lee to select clothing for the two of them after their night together in the midst of a vital summit led by the Avatar.
"I bought new clothes. So?"
"Nothing. They're all beautiful. You're beautiful."
"I know," says Azula. She frowns, and decides to say something perhaps foolish. "Can I tell you a secret?"
"Always, princess," says Ty Lee, walking out of the wardrobe to face her girlfriend.
"I bought new clothes because of the color. Shades of red used to have meaning in the way we dress. It was a long time ago, but I had to learn about it in royal lessons on our ancient history."
"What do they mean?
"Back when the Fire Nation was a slave economy, color symbolism matters. The closer you were to earning your freedom, the bolder red you wore. Only the masters and nobles wore true crimson."
Ty Lee now notices what is so different about the clothes. She frowns and softly furrows her brow as she sees the muted, almost neutral-hued reds that comprise all of Azula's new clothes. Her eyes then drift to Azula's pale robe.
Maybe she can understand why Azula feels this way, being so tightly under the jurisdiction of Zuko. No one trusts her and there are countless measures to keep her in line until she earns her independence.
But still, Ty Lee cannot bare it.
She cannot handle the most remarkable woman she ever met thinking she is a slave.
At least one person trusts her. At least one person believes she already deserves to be free.
And if someone thinks that is foolish, Ty Lee does not want to hear it.
After a brief moment's hesitation, Ty Lee removes her bright crimson and ruby bracelet. Slowly and cautiously, trying to avoid an act of violence against her, she slides it onto Azula's wrist.
"A touch of freedom. Please wear it. For me."
Azula moves to take it off before stopping herself.
She leans over and kisses Ty Lee.
"I will," she whispers.
They smile and kiss again.
