(Dragonstone: 10/8/298 AC) Margaery V

She and Kai came upon the entrance to the Academy's small amphitheater. "Did we lose her?" she questioned, bracing herself against the study wooden leg of the archway. Fellow students surrounded them, their chatter nearly drowning her words out, yet Kai had heard them.

"I…think so," her friend replied through labored breaths, eyeing the passing students who were shooting confused looks of their own. He reclined opposite of her, partially hidden in the shadow of the arch, forehead glistening with sweat, mirroring her own. They looked at each other and chuckled. "Spirits, she runs fast. How did she see us?"

"The reflection of light off of the telescope," she added, catching her breath and glancing off to the side. Patting her small rucksack, she assured herself nothing had been left behind and looked up. There, over the crest of the hill, was the instructor, casually strolling towards the auditorium. Margaery's stomach sank like it was made of stone. Chi-Ha had not stared in their direction, but Margaery saw the focus in those golden eyes as they scanned the throng of students entering the theater grounds. 'She picked up our scent!' "Fuck! We need to go inside, now!" she reached for Kai's arm before he had a chance to look in the lieutenant's direction, and dragged him through the crowd.

"Hey! Watch it!" a student shouted, as she shoved past her, eyes glancing back every so often to make sure the instructor was not on their heels.

"Slow down," Kai winced at her iron grip.

She sniffed, smelling him before hearing him, that musky agarwood fragrance. Far too potent for her nose, yet charming for those others within that boy's circle.

"And where are we going in such a rush, my lady?" a lithe arm reached out, barring her path.

"I don't have time for this Takkar," she warned, eyes boring into those ever mocking golden rings. The boy's sycophants lingered nearby, seven of them, all dressed in immaculately pressed uniforms of red and gold vests, with long black sleeves and pants. They shared hushed whispers with one another, observing the exchange. The girl with the silvery hair, Syrah, a dragonseed she would have been called once upon a time, stood at the forefront of Takkar's group. Daughter of, Dorona, a peasant whose ancestors had been one of the families that had interbred with the Valyrians that once inhabited this rock, and ensign Kao-Sing. She and Takkar were rumored to be an item, yet neither had revealed any outward expressions of companionship.

He looked behind them, revealing that perfectly sharp smile with teeth white as milk. "Running from something, are we? Or someone?"

"You're going to be the one running if you don't get out of the way," their need for urgency had made Kai's temper rise, causing him to clench his fist, and lower his voice.

She had no need to start a fight, but she would finish it and kept the knuckles of her index finger raised and ready. Her eyes drifted to the pressure point, just below Takkar's shoulder, that would numb his arm.

"Oh? Is that so?" Chang's spawn tensed, the predatory smile never leaving his lips. Those annoying eyes were implacable, reading her own, daring both of them to strike. She noticed his lackeys slowly maneuvering to surround them.

"Funny how you and your lapdogs only grew a pair of stones once Ursa left," Kai stepped forward, taunting the boy and his followers with shades of the truth. Takkar had tried many times to break the records an eight-year-old Ursa had left behind, but he always failed. And as if to twist the knife even further, his only competition now was yet another young girl, the one from Bear Island, Maege Mormont. "You're still those little cockroaches who would flee from her shadow. Only dressed up nicer."

Takkar's eye twitched.

"Geez, it's getting kind of crowded in here," a soft voice interrupted, one both had been very familiar with. "Margaery!" Ty Lee exclaimed. "Excuse me," the Fire Lord's youngest pushed past the smug snake with the slick black hair and perfect top-knot. Her two armored guards followed closely behind, causing the gathered students to make a path. "If you would please allow my friends to come sit with me?" Ty Lee spared a look to Takkar. "They are late, and surely in rush to not keep me waiting."

Takkar stared at them a moment, then the two towering guards casting their shadows over them. He clicked his tongue before nodding his head and setting his eyes on her tiny friend. "Apologies, princess," he replied, then looked at her, "My lady. I did not know," he gave a respectable bow and let them pass, but not before whispering something in Kai's ear.

"Looking forward to it, little man," her friend replied, a stern look in his eyes, muscles taut. Takkar smiled as they withdrew into the auditorium, his hands clasped behind his back.

'You're no Fire Lord, Takkar. Don't try imitating her,' Margaery thought. Kai's face seemed to show him thinking similarly.

With Takkar behind them, they followed Ty Lee down the rows of chairs, passing a trio of girls that whispered, "Steffon," as she passed. The front row held several empty seats, with another four already taken by Tima's little sister, Rina, and the three Mormont girls, Lyanna, Maege, and Azula.

"Ty Lee!" the other Azula shouted. "Margaery…" her cheeks turned beet red and she looked down, a shy smile on her lips. "Ser Kai…"

"Come, let's have a seat, the play is about to start!" Ty Lee giggled excitedly, rushing to seat herself near Maege, while she and Kai moved to the outer seats near Azula. The girl's eyes bulged out of their sockets.

"Maybe I should sit here?" she suggested, smirking at the little girl's shyness.

"No!" Azula yelped. "Ser Kai can seat here…sit here," she corrected herself, fumbling with her hands in nervous anticipation.

She shared a knowing look with Kai and smiled before he shrugged and sat next to the enthusiastic little girl. The seat made a slight sound of compression, causing Kai to sink into the cushion.

"Hi," she heard the Mormont girl say, a bright smile on her adorable face.

"Hello," Kai looked sideways and replied awkwardly.

Taking her seat next to him she finally relaxed her aching legs, glancing back towards the entrance of the auditorium and seeing no sign of the instructor.

She felt Kai grow closer. "Do you think it wise to stay here?" he whispered.

"Why not? Running out of the play would only make us look more obvious, and then we would both be well and truly fucked," she replied, cupping her hand and muttering into his ear so the little ones, especially Ty Lee, could not hear her use of foul language.

"Shhh! Instructor Tima is about to speak!" the she-bear sitting across Ty Lee chastised, leafy green eyes burning with irritation.

'That little Mormont girl, Lyanna, has more grit than many of the 'men' attending the academy,' she snorted in delight, her eyes moving center stage to pay heed to the Academy's historian, standing before thick crimson curtains.

"Good afternoon students of the Academy," the instructor exclaimed, her words were soft, sweet, and slightly melodious. The majority of her fellow classmates became silent save for a particularly loud student towards the back of the auditorium. "If I could have your attention please?" she directed towards the boy.

Kai's temper rose, "Hey! Shut up!" he shouted, turning back to glare in the direction of the noisy student. It became deathly quiet, and all was well.

"Thank you, Kai," Tima smiled, looking down at him from the stage, and accepting his nod of acknowledgment. "Now, as you are all aware, this play has been months in the making. Those of you with Fire Nation parentage," the instructor looked somewhere off to the side of the audience, "or paid attention in my classes should have some sense of the reenactment to be presented here tonight." The historically inclined woman paced around the stage, her heels clacking all the way. "Those of you who are not of such parentage," she looked to the Mormont girls, then shifted her eyes to the middle section, "or are easily distracted, are in for a treat." The kindly historian returned center stage and paused, seemingly taking in the gathered crowd. "The first act will be of Roku's betrayal," the instructor withdrew her hands, placing one behind her back while the other gestured to the audience. "The second will display his defeat, and the final act will show the ultimate destruction of the Air Nomad menace and their barbarian hordes."

She felt Ty Lee shift and saw a concerned look cross her face. "Is everything alright?" she muttered to the young girl.

"I…" Ty Lee answered, "...think so. I just felt odd when she said that..." The small girl shut her eyes, and shook her head.

"Are you sure?" she whispered, drawing Kai and the Mormont girl's attention.

"Yes," Lady Azula's youngest replied uncertainly. "Just a memory, but I…it's nothing. Let's just watch the play," she reassured them, reclining in her seat. The instructor bowed out from the stage and disappeared off to the side behind a second set of curtains. Margaery cast a fleeting gaze towards Ty Lee, wondering why her normally bubbly face was scrunched up in apprehension.

'I hope she's alright…' Margaery cast a worried glance to the young Baratheon girl, before relaxing back into her seat and watching as the main curtain rose. A dual pair of low burning lanterns at either side of the stage provided an unearthly ambiance, revealing nothing of what hid in the shadows behind the four points of flame.

"So what did you see?" Kai asked, his voice barely rising above the soft scuttling of the sole individual, with short wavy black hair, who had taken the stage. "I heard that…that scream, but you just tugged my arm and told me to run," he continued, leaning in and distracting her train of thought.

"Look! It's Maia!" Rina whispered excitedly of her classmate.

Margaery spared a glance, spotting a single hanging lantern at the center of the platform burst to life, and illuminating a young girl. All eyes converged on Maia, who wore the bright red robes of a scholar, with black trim and sash, a silky sheen rippling throughout. Specially chosen to present the play, the girl had perfect marks in history and was instructor Tima's favored pupil. Her hazel eyes were soft, yet focused, her young voice stern as she uttered the words all had heard before, had read before, but never seen spoken in such grandiosity.

"I saw stars in a box," she answered, her eyes drifting between Kai and the stage. The chase, and meeting with Takkar, had almost made the incident slip her mind.

'Crash!' a gong thundered somewhere off-stage, startling her.

A lantern suddenly burned brightly above a red banner bearing the Fire Nation word for, "Fire," the girl proudly stated, head held high. A lone female figure, facial features shrouded in shadow, and bearing royal attire similar to the Fire Lord's own, stood before the exotic lettering. She struck down into the wooden floor with a balled fist, before leaping, and following up with a strong kick. Bright red streamers shot out from the figure's hands and feet as each move was performed. The flame went out, and another next to it flared.

"Yeah! Fire!" several students hooted from somewhere towards the rear of the auditorium, causing a several of the attendees to clap.

"Stars?" Kai held a thoughtful frown, his large arms crossed over his chest. "You saw stars in a box? That just happened to roar like a cracking glacier? Had I not hear that sound, I would have thought you madder than the Mad King."

'Boom!' the unseen percussive instrument was struck once more, silencing the applause.

A source of light sprang to life, hovering just above a green banner with Fire Nation script. "Earth," Maia continued, a bit less enthusiastic than before. Emerging from the darkness, behind the lantern's light, stood another figure. Its face was concealed by a bull-shaped helmet. Thick muscles were hidden underneath dark green leggings and viridian arming doublet. Pristine and polished, a well-crafted breastplate, heavy pauldrons, and greaves completed the ensemble. A large stone hammer dangled at the armored man's right side, a black razor-whip on the other. The man stomped forward, quickly drawing and flourishing the hammer. He knelt, ending his display just as the flame above went out.

"They were slavers weren't they?" she heard someone whisper to the right of her, several seats down.

'Whack!' she punched his arm. "It was more than that. Those lights were eyes. As far away as I was," she shivered, looking over her shoulder. The strange feeling of being watched caused the hairs on the back of her neck to rise. "I think it knew I was watching it. Then the instructor stepped up to it, and the whole thing exploded into a cloud of steam."

'Bang!' the gong rang, its deep ominous sound echoing throughout the theater.

A banner, deep blue, slowly revealed itself with the increasing light of the lantern above it. "Water," Maia pronounced, with decreased fervor, translating the word written on the draped cloth. A woman with a jagged skull-like pattern painted across her face, partially shrouded in shadow, raised her hands forward. Shimmering blue streamers twirled around the actress, following the flowing movement of her ghostly looking dress. Thin fabrics of various blues and brilliant white danced around the woman like a whirlpool of liquid crystal.

"Sister? Doesn't she look like the pale woman in the tales mother told us about the Oth…" muttered the Mormont girl with the eye tattoo, who chittered excitedly with her younger sister, the one bearing the Fire Lord's name.

'Witch,' she thought.

"The instructor?" Kai grunted, rising slightly from his seat to adjust his pants. "Which one?" he scoffed, "There are quite a few."

"Chang," she grumbled. Suddenly remembering her rucksack, she grasped at its worn leather strap and slid it down from over her shoulder. Margaery brought the small satchel to rest on her lap laying her hands on top.

"Shhh!" the eldest she-bear popped her head out four seats away, a menacing scowl on her small face, and scolded them all.

'Crack!' A final strike of the metallic disk signaled the final element.

"Air," the lingering sound of the gong resonated with the young woman's word. A lantern above the last banner burned with an otherworldly intensity, casting odd shadows along the curtains. A bald man emerged from the reddish light, stepping into the forefront, the wooden paneling groaning in protest. Tattered orange robes, scraggly beard, skull necklace, and heavily tattooed body made the burly man look more like a drunken demon than a barbarian nomad. Despite his girth, the man moved swiftly, silvery twin streamers dancing before him like he was part air.

"That's…not what I imagined," she heard little Azula mutter.

"Neither did I," Ty Lee stated flatly, her soft voice carrying a stern undertone.

The girl, Maia, began narrating again, her voice serene, yet commanding. "Long ago, the four nations lived in strife." Rina's classmate paced around the stage, eyeing her, and the rest of the audience. "Only the Avatar," a disgusted sneer crept onto her thin lips. "Master of all four elements could end the darkness, but did not." The crowd grumbled, a low growl, animalistic, primal, she thought. "When the world called for peace, for an end to the darkness, no one answered," Maia pointed to them, her eyes drifting to and fro, jutting her finger out with every other word. "Then…" Margaery knew the girl had paused for effect, "everything changed when Fire Lord Sozin stood up against the Avatar who had betrayed his country, who had grown lax, and said 'no more.'"

The hall began to rumble as nearly three hundred pairs of feet stomped on the floorboards. The pure-blood who sat towards the back, on the cushioned benches, rose and began chanting, "Sozin! Sozin! Sozin!" with religious zeal. Those that felt more kinship with the old world than the new, the half-bloods, added voice to the mantra, overwhelming the fevered cries of their high-born counterparts. She and Kai joined in half-heartedly, not wanting to seem out of place. Kai was always one for these chants, but at the moment Margaery knew her friend's mind was elsewhere.

"Sozin. Sozin. Sozin," the Mormont girls followed their example, while little Ty Lee remained silent. The youngest of the Fire Lord's brood bore a face full of anger, a fury so deep that her normally soft eyes burned like hot coals, almost glowing in the dim light. She had seen something like that only once when Ursa had nearly killed instructor Chang, but her eyes had been a cold fury, not the fiery one she saw now in Ty Lee's. The flames dimmed, the heated chants quieting soon thereafter. Crimson robes disappeared, shrouded in the darkness. She heard the curtains 'swish', and saw movement in the gloom.

"So," Kai's chair creaked. "Anything else?" he mumbled.

The hanging lanterns hidden in the rafters, blazed into furious life, revealing an audience chamber. Drums beat in the background, a repetition of deep 'thumps' adding the proper ambiance to the formal setting. It was similar to the Fire Lord's own, she remembered from her youth, though far less elegant. Ty Lee's chair lay empty, and she turned, looking back from where they had entered, watching as the curtains of the exit swayed.

'I don't think she is okay…' she lingered on the empty doorway before she caught something else, something she had seen many times before. Just out of the corner of her eye, a well-muscled frame, clad in military dress, sat just behind her, arms crossed, a face of chiseled stone standing out in the sea of hot-blooded youths. Those dull golden eyes, they stared right at her, and she snapped her head back toward the stage, nearly causing her small pack to slide off of her lap.

Margaery looked up at the stage, 'Maybe she didn't see me?' she slumped her shoulders in defeat. 'Oh, who am I kidding?'

An older man with silver-streaked black hair, trimmed beard, and flawless topknot, sat in an ornately decorated chair of hearty redwood and fiery golden trim. "Roku! My friend!" he smiled, though his voice and face held a certain weariness, one born of leadership in hard times.

Margaery had seen that look on the Fire Lord herself, though she had never said that aloud.

Sozin rose from his seat, clad in exquisitely pressed and tailored silken robes, striding towards his friend, seemingly intent on embracing him. "You are a sight for sore eyes! The barbarians have attacked our western borders, thousands died. You must help us…to…"

"Kai," she muttered. "Chi-Ha is right behind us…don't turn around."

Another man emerged from off-stage, a guarded look in his eyes. "Fire Lord Sozin," he answered, in a guttural tone. Roku mirrored the look of the Fire Lord's ancestor, down to the robes and silver-streaked hair, only taller, and with a mane of long, dark brown hair falling just past his broad shoulders.

Kai's response was measured, and calm. "We have to get the blazing hells out of here!" he whispered poorly.

"That would be unwise, cadet," a stern voice commanded, rearing up between them. "The Overseer would like to speak with you, but she did not want us to make a scene. Just sit back and enjoy the show," she patted Kai's shoulder. "No funny business or I'll break your legs, the both of you." Chi-Ha withdrew back into her seat.

A dark frown formed on Sozin's lips, "…fight them…" he finished, stepping back from his friend. "Something tells me you have not come to help us? Help me?" Atop their heads lay immaculate imitations of both the Fire Lord's and Ursa's crowns.

Fire Lord Sozin and Avatar Roku, brought to life at the Fire Lord's insistence. Even with her Westrosi heritage, she still felt a sense of awe at seeing those two men, actors, though they were.

"No, I have not," the Avatar answered. "I have come to tell you to let them be."

"Let them be!?" Sozin roared, the fury clear on his face. The torches along the walls flared in anger. "Have you seen what they have done!? To us, to my people? To our people!?"

"I have," Roku answered dispassionately. "There is a balance that must be maintained, old friend."

"Allowing thousands of innocents to die, is not balance, old friend," Sozin growled, his body tensing in preparation for a fight that all knew was coming. "That's madness…and I will have none of that…Agni Kai…."