So here is the next chaper, hope you like it. I know there isn´t much romance in it but that has to wait a bit. It is much longer than the one before but I did not want to end while still in the trial, I also felt I rushed a bit at the end. Maybe I edit this later
The council that held trial over Azulas future consisted of leaders of the three nations that suffered under the war. Chief Arnook was part of it as well as the Earthking and guru Pathik. At first he was reluctant but when Aang expressed his wish to have him represent the air nomads he just couldn´t say no.
They wanted the avatar to join as well but Aang declined and instead pleaded for Zuko to be part ot his council as well. That however would not be accepted by the other nations so Aang declared he would give his advice but that he would not want to have a final vote.
So while the council discussed which way of punishment would be appropriate Aang discussed the same question with Zuko and his friends. And in the rest of the world people were argueing over it too.
The only one it seemed who was not involved in that discussion at all was Azula herself. Her presence wasn´t necessary in this stadium of the trial as it was clear that she was guilty like Zuko had already told her. So she was in her cell alone and did not care at all. To her it was clear how this would end but that did not bother her. Death was nothing she was afraid of she would embrace it even. There was nothing on this world that would make her want to stay anyway.
„So now that everyone stated his oppinion we are ready to hear what the avatar has to say." Arnooks voice had a dark and severe tone to it and it made Aang only more nervous than he already was.
He had talked to Zuko and Sokka the last hour and they had come to the conclusion that a banishment would propably the best. Zuko thought it was the best way to change her for good and Sokka had to admit that even he found death to hard for Azula. But the words didn´t come easy to Aang as both Arnook and the Earthking had stated before that they favored a „final solution".
„Well," Aang began in a very shaky voice, „ I don´t think a death penalty is such a good idea." He tried to grin but everybody seemed so ernest he quickly surpessed it. „Would you mind to explain that to us?" the Earthking raised a brow but when nobody seemed to protest to the fact that he was speaking he felt relieved. He just wasn´t used to this kind of governing and he felt uncomfortable without Bosco at his side.
„Err you know I kind of think it is not the right way to punish someone in that way. Rather than just hurt people that hurt us we should make them sorry for hurting us. So I think that the best way of punishing Azula would be to banish her from the firenation and make her see the effects of this war." Aang glanced around and was happy to see guru Pathik nod in approvement.
„Well spoken young avatar. I think your suggestion is wise and it shall get my vote." So Pathik was convinced but he wasn´t the one Aang feared would disapprove. Arnook spoke next and stated that his tribe does not fear a single woman and therefore can live with this punishment.
Only the Earthking did not seem too happy with this solution.
„ I don´t know, I mean she conquered Ba Sing Se on her own and what if she manages to gather some Dai Li agents around her. But on the other hand she is royalty and I believe we cannot just kill her like an ordinary peasant. But I am still worried, I just don´t know." He felt really lost now without Bosco. „Maybe it would get you some comfort if the avatar promises to protect you." it felt a bit weird for Aang to speak of himself as the avatar but he knew it sounded better than if he just said I will protect you.
„Well yes but I have another condition. Should she ever attack someone with her bending ..." „Then she shall be executed without another trial." finished Arnook.
When Azula was brought to the council she had sheepish smile on her face, she knew that they would sentence her for dead that was for sure. But she would show them how a real princess deals with that. She was ready to impress them with her pride that would not allow her to fear or to weep. Not even the slightest expression of regret will they see when the kill me was Azulas last thought when her world crumbled to pieces. „This council has decided that you princess Azula are guilty of countless war crimes. By the power we received from our nations and from all people you directly or indirectly hurt and caused misery will we banish you from your home country. You will be deprived of all your royal rights and shall live as a normal peasant. If you ever attack someone with your bending you shall be executed immediately by the local governing bodys without another trial..." from then on everthing faded black for Azula.
Wow finally the next chapter is done, I hope it is still interesting. I know most of you are waiting for the romance to start but that has to wait until the fourth chapter, at least pls be patient. Reviews and critics are more than welcome.