"You're trembling." Azula noted about the girl sitting on her knees before her.
The newcomer sat in the center of the room, surrounded by a semi random assembly of already established students, curiously looking at her. Though, their discipline, training and sheer decency prevented them from glaring too obviously. Something about the entire situation fondly reminded her of her old life. There she was, clad ceremoniously in long and elegant orange and red robes, sitting on a throne, looking down, enjoying more genuine authority and respect among her small kingdom than Zuko in his large one, despite technically ruling on his gracious sufferance. The only thing throning above her was a huge portrait of Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion.
Compassion.
Once an utter mystery, now her greatest weapon. It would have stayed one hadn't it been for old Hakuin, or Lao as he called himself, her second father, now only fondly and longingly remembered the way her real father was.
"I'm, I'm..." the girl stuttered. Moments dragged on without her being able to continue.
"Zhurin. Yes, I'm aware of your name. I had a good friend once who had the same one as you, long ago."
She paused.
"What I want to know is why you are here. Why did you traverse the long road to see me in this remote place? Or did you want to see the portraits? They were painted by my old teacher in his last days, unsurpassable, really."
The girl was just looking at her with wide eyes. Azula pondered. How can I make this beautiful little doll speak. She didn't have to wonder for too long however. Zhurin finally bowed down her head and cried out.
"I'm afraid. I'm here because I'm afraid. I'm so scared. Scared all the time and hate it. I hate myself for being so anxious, so timid, so useless. My... my... my parents sent me to the hospital after my boyfriend left me. I don't want to go back there, you are my last chance. I know you only teach the very select but please. I might not have worth, I failed school because I was too scared of going there but please. You are my last hope. I will do everything in my power to absorb your teachings, great and wise mother. Please take me in."
By the time she was done, she was in tears.
"Fear has the power the make you feel completely alone in the world, doesn't it?"
"Yes. I feel there is no one more pathetic than me."
"Don't be so proud of such an honor."
"I'm not proud, I'm just pitiful."
"No, you are not. There are world apart between pity and compassion, between what the ignorant give and what the great mother and her disciples teach. You came here for the latter and that's what you will receive... sister Zhurin."
The girl looked up at Azula again with an unbelieving stare.
"Truth be told. Every time a new student comes, I'm afraid. Afraid I will fail her."
"But, but, I heard your teachings are perfect. That you are perfect."
"And the more I succeed the more afraid I am to break the record. You will not fail because I have no intention of failing you. Therefore, it's time you get up. Sister Wu will show you your room and introduce you to everyone. You are expected to be on time for dinner. Before you are initiated you will have to undergo training. You will need to know how to keep this sanctuary in good order. Be ready to wake up with the rise of the sun every morning. Understood?"
"Yes. I understand." she said with a huge smile.
"I hope you are not deathly terrified of messing up housework."
Zhurin's smile quickly and noticeably vanished. The next instant one appeared on Azula's lips.
"You know. You might not believe it now but one day your demons will be your friends. Right now, for example, your fear. Remember, the thing to be most afraid of here is my displeasure and I will be very displeased if you don't at least try. Remember that and you will be able to face the all the cleaning tasks expected of you."
Zhurin nodded timidly.
"Dismissed. You can go now. I wish you a good night."
And so the new student left, attended by sister Wu while Azula remained with her most senior students to discuss matters of administration.