Author's Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Nathing.
Author's notes: I was asked if the dinner was gonna happen and I knew I had to see how awkward we can get :P Let's make it rain awkward :P
CharlieBarrow: For all the messages and thoughts throughout the day, thank you.
Maraghoul: I always appreciate your suggestions or input :P
QueenTyzula: your nudges and input are needed as well :P Thanks again, my friend.
Harley Quinn Davidson: Thanks for the kind words, hope you enjoy ^_^
Yubella: that will remain to be seen! Stay tuned to find out.
Lill: Thank you ^_^
"Stoking the Fire"
Chapter sixty-two "Dinner exchanges"
"Father?" Takumi knocked on the door to his father's chambers. A servant girl was kneeling by his bedside, finishing up a conversation of some kind. She looked upset, but his bedridden father was touching her hand benevolently. His cheery smile tried to right the situation.
Takumi's father let go of the girl's hand. "Go on, my dear. We'll solve this little problem quickly."
The girl smiled at the elderly lord and bobbed a bow. It was far lower to him than to Takumi as she turned to go. Takumi arranged his father's bedside table medication.
"What was that about?"
"Oh, Mitsuko was upset about her uniform. Her spare was stolen from the laundry room. I don't know what that's about, but we should be able to locate a new one for her." Takumi's father eased back onto his pile of pillows, grimacing.
"Are you in too much pain, Father?" Takumi asked. He started opening medicine jars. His father sighed, resting his head back.
"I'll survive. What's this I hear about you entertaining the princess Azula? She needs her rest and …..rehabilitation." Like most nobles, the elderly lord knew how erratic and terrifying Azula was.
Takumi gave a low smile. "Just leave it to me, Father. I know what I'm doing."
"I hope you do." The elderly lord frowned. He knew his son was trying to court the ill princess, and garner his own access to the Fire throne. There would be no way she would choose to entertain more than an evening with him, given his status.
"Oh, I do," Takumi drawled. He paced back and forth and finally took his leave, offering a bow to his father. "By your leave."
"Go." The hand the elderly lord waved was frail and thin. As he settled back into his pillows, he was frowning. 'That kid better not mess things up with the princess.
Azula was not known for her patience or mercy.
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Zirin tucked the hem of her tunic into her trousers. She had been lucky to locate a fresh uniform pressed and clean from the laundry room. She'd have to be careful. Mountainside Manor seemed to be an intimate location where everyone knew everyone. Zirin was only lucky that a few cousins and relatives of the established workers had invited their relatives over to help with the early spring cleaning.
She could blend right in. Plus, Azula would need her help to escape. She would need to be her eyes if she were truly blinded.
Should she try and get a moment alone with Azula? Or subdue Ty Lee? Lord Iroh's familiar voice rang out down the corridor and Zirin rushed in the opposite direction. She fell in with a gaggle of servant's relatives, all in new uniforms themselves. She ducked her head, letting her bangs cover her face.
Whatever she planned first, she had to get out of this hallway. Wouldn't do to be caught after the long journey.
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"There you are! Good evening, Princess Azula," Lord Takumi beamed. Azula flashed a neutral look toward his voice. Ty Lee held her hand and helped guide her to her chair. She sat only half gracefully, letting the edges of her calves locate the chair before attempting to sit.
Azula held onto Ty Lee's wrist when she made to separate. "Sit." She made it half a command and half a question. Ty Lee sat beside her and when Azula sensed she was still near, then she let go of her. Ty Lee's skin burned from the contact.
Ying and Tsung were ushered to their own seats and Ty Lee met their gazes, a cool expectant look on her face. Takumi loudly ordered wine to which Azula waved away. Ty Lee smirked in her head at the put-out look on his face. She supposed he was handsome in his own way, but she much preferred Azula's arrogant jaw and striking beauty.
"Very well! Shall we begin the first course?" Takumi gestured and five servants walked in, carrying platters. Each was set in front of a person. Ty Lee waited as Takumi gestured again and the servants pulled off the domes, revealing a green leafy salad with nuts and cheeses imported from the Earth Kingdom.
"It looks tasty," Ying said brightly, trying to hold up the conversation. Takumi raised an eyebrow as Ty Lee helped Azula reach for one of the strange metal forks and helped her navigate to her own bowl. After Ty Lee made sure Azula had gotten a few bites in, and helped guide her arm in a motion that would indicate where her salad bowl was, she turned to her own needs and took a few quick bites.
The sharpness of the goat-pig cheese was good and the nuts were crisp. Ty Lee could almost enjoy the meal if Takumi didn't begin his own grating version of what she could only think was courting. Her friends ate slowly, but even though their stances were relaxed, Ty Lee knew she could count on them in a moment's notice.
By the stiffness in her shoulders, Ty Lee knew Azula had come to the same conclusion.
"So, Princess! I have no doubt you'll see more day after day. You mustn't lose heart!"
All three women could have groaned aloud. Azula visibly slouched her shoulders, her strength receding a moment. She inhaled sharply and then exhaled. All her authority as an alpha was expelled and swelled over Takumi's person.
"Whether I can or not is not up to you." Iron lined her words and Ty Lee shivered at the force of her chi. Her nipples ached despite herself. "Is there any meat? Or do I only have lettuce to tide me over?"
The speed that Takumi hailed the servants was comical. The meat dish arrived, steaming hot as if it had been yanked from a pan in the oven a few moments ahead of schedule. Ty Lee touched Azula's hand, sliding her chopsticks into her long digits, and guided her wrist to the steaming plate.
Takumi pouted in his head as he watched the omega wait on Princess Azula. At the very least, he could try and lay the groundwork. He was almost shamed how quickly his beta instincts had been to submit before her more aggressive alpha chi. Lady Ty Lee's omega instincts were to receive and mold over Azula's raggedly hard chi. His own were to cower. Spirits, he needed a way to the princess alone…
"Girl! Leave it! Are you new here?" Takumi grated at one of the servants trying to take his salad bowl. The woman faltered and turned aside, effectively hiding her features.
"I'm sorry, my lord. I thought you were finished," she said lamely.
Takumi harrumphed and leaned back in his chair. "You must be one of the staff's relatives. Be quick to follow direction, girl. Got it?"
Zirin longed to cuff the irritating young lord across the chops. She was, herself, nobility and his attitude grated her spirit. She made herself incline her head demurely. "As you say, my lord."
Ty Lee made herself sip her water slowly, but her eyes were wide over the glass's rim. Tsung caught her eye and her careful pinch on Ying's thigh under the table got her lover's attention. Both girls communicated to Ty Lee without words to be on guard.
Ty Lee didn't know how Zirin had found them here, but the why was pretty obvious. She was going to try and steal Azula away. And she had stolen her here first! Azula turned her face toward her and Ty Lee shifted her chi in subtle waves over the blinded alpha, soothing her. She noticed Takumi giving a subtle scowl across the way when he noticed, but she didn't care.
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"Halt! Who goes there?" Suki called.
The three hunters bowed respectfully at the waist. Suki had risen up through the ranks as more than the leader of the Fire Lord's favorite guard. She was essentially a royal captain in name now and the Kyoshi Warriors ran the imperial soldiers with ease.
"We are expected by Fire Lord Zuko, Captain Suki. Please, can you give him a request for an audience?" one of the male hunters asked as diplomatically as he knew how. Suki nodded, and gestured to two of her Kyoshi Warriors. They approached, fists held at the chest in greeting.
"Please escort our guests to one of the sitting rooms. I'll inform Lord Zuko myself," Suki said. Her Warriors smiled and led the three hunters away. Bright sunshine cascaded into the courtyard of the royal palace. The imperial soldiers were kept on strict patrols and sparring regiments. Suki found General Mak an agreeable ally and his loyalty to the throne was unwavering. The fear of the past attack on the palace had almost all but receded, but Suki wouldn't let either the soldiers or her girls let up the slack. The sun was heating the lands during the days, even if it was still cold at night, and with good weather heralding spring, easy access to the palace came with it.
Zuko was in his family's chambers, on his knees beside his daughter, talking happily to her as she rocked back and forth on her round tummy. Izumi got her pudgy knees under her and raised up, crawling toward her erstwhile father.
"She's doing it again, Mai! Look!" Zuko said happily. Mai fell to her knees beside her husband, cooing at Izumi. The baby's wide smile split her face and she cried out, soothed by her parent's flexing chi.
"Soon enough she'll be walking. Spirits help us ," Mai lamented. But the smile on her face was good and Suki didn't want to interrupt the family moment. Zuko made the decision by noticing her loitering past her Kyoshi Warrior guards on guard at the royal apartment's front door.
"Suki! Look, it's amazing. Izumi can crawl!" he gushed. The look of enthusiastic joy on his face was infectious and Suki smiled.
"She can! Careful, little princess," Suki said. She knelt down, her heavy warrior's robe crinkling. Izumi got to her boots and patted the hard leather carefully with chubby hands, squealing. Suki crouched down and collected the princess up in her arms. The baby babbled at her. Zuko took her, patting her back. "My lord, I'm sorry to intrude on your afternoon, but three hunters are here, asking for an audience. They said you were expecting them. Should I turn them away?"
Zuko straightened, his eyes snapping. "Of course not. Please direct them to the council room. There should be no one there to interrupt us."
Mai took the baby, but stood at her husband's side. "I'll come too, Zuko. And you can't tell me no."
"Of course not, Mai." Zuko's chi softened. He straightened his armor gauntlets over his tunic sleeves. He had left the heavy gloves off so he could play with his child. "Shall we?"
The three adults with baby in tow made their way to the council room. Zuko took his seat at the head of the long table and Mai sat beside him. Izumi sucked on her fist, staring with wide eyes.
Suki stood at guard at the door as the three men and women entered and bowed on their knees beside the chairs of the long table. Their cloaks had been taken and their sleeveless tunics were spattered with mud and slush at the hems as well as their trousers. Their eyes weren't fatigued so they apparently had found rest in a town inn before being received at the royal palace. Zuko gestured and they rose to their feet.
"Go on. What have you to report?" he asked imperiously. This part of ruling came naturally after a few tries. Mai smiled in his peripheral vision. She rocked Izumi against her breast.
One of the men began. "Fire Lord, we have indeed followed Lord Iroh's carriage tracks. He and your lady mother have taken up refuge at Mountainside Manor over a week's ride from the capital. Yes, we did make a quick search from the outside; your sister is there."
"And she hasn't run from there?" Zuko sounded amused, his hand smoothing over his chin. He set his jaw. "Very well. Thank you for seeing this through to the end. See my magistrate on the way out for your payment. And thank you."
Mai could see the strategies flitting behind her husband's eyes. She waited until the hunters began to sidle for the door.
"Zuko…"she warned in a low tone. Yes, Azula was at the manor, but so was Ty Lee. Since the two were in close proximity, it didn't seem wise to charge in; especially given the connection that was between them. Zuko could deny it all he wanted, and his past dalliances with the heir's mother certainly didn't help, but such a connection couldn't be severed easily. Mai knew Ty Lee had defied her husband for love. As cliched as all of that was. She sighed.
"Lord Zuko…." The female hunter stayed at the door's threshold, leaning beyond Suki's shoulder to plead with him. Zuko blinked with surprise, his hand extended to help Mai up.
"What can I do for you?" he asked. That she had stayed past her companions spoke of something that desperately needed to be said. At his nod, Suki let her pass. She fell to her knees before him.
"My lord, I must apologize. I asked my comrades not to give you this information, but I can't, in good conscious, keep it from you," she demurred. A pit formed in Zuko's stomach despite himself.
"Please, go on," he said. Mai turned to regard the woman hunter curiously, the baby staring with wide golden eyes.
"My lord, I must extend all apologies. While following the missing royal carriage, we observed Lord Iroh. He was…. Embracing your lady mother," she said tactfully. Zuko still got her drift.
"….You're certain?"
Mai was astonished Zuko kept his old temper in check so easily. His eyes blazed with a slowly building fury, however.
"Yes. I observed them enter an inn myself. That may not be abnormal for traveling such a long distance…but the way they touched each other certainly was." The female hunter hung her head, certain she would be punished. Zuko was oddly touched by her honesty. She could have obviously kept this to herself.
"Rise. You did well reporting all you'd seen," Zuko invited. The woman hunter rose to her feet and bowed at the waist.
"Thank you, my lord. I worried you wouldn't want to know….but the Fire Lord is just, above all else. I knew you'd want to know all I'd seen." A hard light filled the woman's eyes. Zuko nodded.
"You will receive a higher wage than your comrades. You've done well," he said again. The woman hunter left with a spring in her step. Mai sighed, bouncing Izumi. She touched Zuko's sleeve.
"Are you okay, Zu?" she asked softly. It may have been a redundant question. The troubled look in Zuko's eyes made her heart ache.
"No… I can honestly say I'm not," Zuko said as carefully as he could. The walk back to the royal apartments was a quiet affair. Once safely ensconced away from the rest of the palace, Suki shut the front door, and Zuko flopped onto a sofa in the sitting room. "Agni's balls, what did I do to deserve all of this crap?!"
Mai set Izumi on her husband's chest and her heart lightened when his hands reached up immediately to secure her on his torso. "What are you going to do?"
"Do? I have to secure Azula. That's what I'm going to do." Despite his harsh words, Zuko carefully rubbed Izumi's back. She laid her cheek on her father's tunic front, burbling. Mai sat beside the sofa. She frowned down to Zuko's troubled face.
"Zuko, I don't think you should. Maybe Ty Lee did this for a reason…"
"Don't, Mai. Please, I know what you're going to say. But Azula escaped! She is not going to go free after what she did." Zuko was slowly growing angry despite himself. Mai touched his arm. Izumi wriggled tiny stockinged feet on his belly.
"Okay, okay. But please, will you talk to Ty Lee first? I'm certain that will help Azula be reasoned with!"
"She can't be reasoned with. Azula is unreasonable!" Zuko sat up, clutching Izumi to his chest. "I am going, Mai. And as for Mother and Uncle…" A rictus of disgust distorted his features. "Spirits help me, this had to fall into my lap. I wish I didn't know!"
"Well, can't fault two old people for finding a moment…" Mai said. When Zuko frowned at her, she held his stare. "Oh, come on, that's not really hurting your reign and you know it."
Zuko rocked Izumi. "Really, Mai, sometimes you vex me…"
"That's my job, isn't it? Vex you as much as you've vexed me?" There wasn't a trace of humor in Mai's face now. The old hurt resurfaced. Zuko swallowed in the wake of it.
"I'm sorry…." He repeated. Mai gave his arm a hard pinch.
"You have a lot still to make up for us."
Zuko frowned sadly. He bounced their child and nodded. "Yes…"
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"Are you still full?" Ty Lee asked. She was dressed down in her dressing robe and Azula wore a similar red bed robe. The princess grunted. She felt along the stone wall and gestured Ty Lee back as she found her way along to the window. She managed the wooden shutters herself and sighed as clear mountain air hit her in the face.
"Not as much. It…would do me good to stretch." Azula waited, blinking into darkness as her hands were extended. She internally gave a sigh of relief as Ty Lee's soft hands slid into hers. Ty Lee gently held her fingers, guiding her to the center of the room where the rug covered the stone floor.
"Well, let's begin." Ty Lee helped Azula lean on the floor, one leg extended and she followed. Ty Lee sighed quietly as her thigh and calf muscles slowly loosened, and pleasurable warmth uncoiled. Azula stretched quietly beside her, a small grunt escaping as she switched legs. Ty Lee followed the movement, but laid herself along her limb. Even after Izumi, she was still this flexible.
As she raised up, Ty Lee couldn't help watching the open window. If Zirin wanted to get close to Azula, she'd have to go through her. She wondered how to broach to Azula that she would be staying with her that night, when Azula switched legs. She held onto Ty Lee's arm for balance. Ty Lee's eyes smoldered along the expanse of skin Azula's tugged up bed robe revealed as she stretched her leg out.
"You can stay…awhile, if you want," Azula said. The hesitation in her usually arrogant tone was troubling and endearing at once. Ty Lee squeezed her hand.
"Of course, Azula," she said. Ty Lee hoped by staying and readily, that Azula's old confidence would return. But as she navigated the floor beside her, faltering, Ty Lee wondered what could be done to bring her sight back.
End for now
End notes: Sorry for the delay! Stay strong, my lovelies. As always, smash that button and do that review thing if you liked.
Most sincerely, pen
10/12/2017