:: the prince and the warrior ::

by thisflyingmachine

[part three: the prince and the fire lord.]

When the young prince returned home to his nation, he was greeted by his family. The reunion was brief but happy, and he was soon sent off to see his tutor and catch up on the studies he'd missed during his visit to the North.

But he was saved from several hours in the palace library by a summons from his grandfather.

Happy to be free on such a fine day, the prince abandoned his books and frowning tutor, and hurried to his grandfather's private chambers. The guards stepped aside as he approached, and he entered the chambers. Red and orange afternoon sunlight filtered through the wide windows, illuminating the large room.

His grandfather was seated at a large, ornately carved desk, going over a stack of yellowed scrolls covered in beautiful calligraphy. He looked up as the prince entered, a smile touching his mouth.

When he was a small child, the prince had been frightened by his grandfather—or, rather, by the disfiguring scar on the left side of his face. But it was an irrational fear. His grandfather was a fair, intelligent man, and a good Fire Lord. Now the scar seemed unimportant, and he barely noticed it.

"Ah," his grandfather said, rising easily. He was quite old, but still healthy and spry, and not quite ready to pass on the crown to his eldest son—the prince's father. "You've finally made it back."

"We ran into some rough weather," the prince explained. "Our return was delayed."

"No matter. I simply wanted to ask you about your visit to the North. How was it?"

The prince considered this. "Interesting," he said finally.

"How so?"

"I've never been to the North," said the prince. "I didn't realize it would be so—cold. But the snow was beautiful. So was the city. It's amazing what the Waterbenders can build without machines."

His grandfather nodded. "I know the feeling." He paused. "Have I ever told you about my first visit to the Northern Water Tribe?"

"No, grandfather."

"Hmm. Another time, perhaps."

The prince nodded, though he wished that time was now. He loved his grandfather's stories, which were always filled with adventure.

"We arrived in the North in time for the Moon Festival," the prince said conversationally. "They had fireworks."

"Did anyone tell you the story behind that festival? It's always best to hear such a story told by a local."

"Yes," the prince said. "The son of the Southern Chief told me."

At that, the old man smiled, his golden eyes warm, but he didn't explain why.

"Grandfather," the prince said, thinking. "Didn't you know a warrior from the Southern Water Tribe?"

"I did. He was a dear friend of mine."

"Why doesn't he visit the palace?"

"He did, often. But you were very young then, and I doubt you remember. He passed away some years ago."

"What was he like?"

"He was brave and clever. And stubborn," the old Fire Lord added wryly. "But he was a good man."

"You knew many good people, didn't you, grandfather?"

"I still do. I know the world's greatest Earthbender and Waterbender. One lives in Ba Sing Se, and the other in the Southern Tribe. I haven't seen them in a long while," he added thoughtfully. "I ought to go see them."

The prince looked up sharply. "Could I—?"

"Go with?" His grandfather laughed. "I don't see why not. We'll just have to tell your mother it's part of your education."

"And you know the Avatar, as well, don't you, grandfather?"

"Oh, yes. He and I had quite a few adventures in our youth—as well as with that Earthbender and Waterbender and warrior. I suppose I could invite all three of them to the palace . . . Perhaps during the Sun Festival. They're all usually so busy, but—"

"What's it like to know the Avatar?"

"Not so different from knowing anyone. He's lighthearted, the Avatar, and we've been friends most of our lives. We were enemies, first, of course, but—"

"Enemies? But, Grandfather—"

His grandfather raised a hand to silence the prince, then leaned forward. "How old are you now, my boy?"

"Twelve."

"I think that's old enough to hear the story about the Avatar and me. It's a very long story."

"I don't mind."

"All right, then. I warn you, though—I did a great many stupid things when I was young. Try not to think too badly of me when I've finished. All right?"

"I never could," the prince insisted.

"Oh, I'm sure." Smiling gently, the Fire Lord spoke:

"I suppose it really began when I got this scar. Yes, I know you've always wondered about it. I wasn't much older than you at the time. My father—your great-grandfather—was the Fire Lord, as you know, and I was an eager prince. One day, I managed to convince my uncle to bring me a war council meeting. . . ."