Book 4 Air
Chapter 10 Potential in the Elders Eyes
The crowd formed around the five friends as they faced in front of a long stage. Over the stage were two seats on a small balcony decorated with golden rims and red silk. Curtains draped down from the veranda then flowed over like small scarlet dunes across the stage floor. Rose petals were scattered on the platform making it look elegant, and almost closely similar to a wedding ceremony.
Two old women walked along the stage, their hands clasped behind their backs.
Katara blinked, 'They look familiar…Maybe I've seen them from the palace…' thought Katara as she then was nudged by Sokka. "Look! There's Zuko!" Sokka said as he pointed to the balcony.
"For the second time in Fire Nation history!" the first woman said as she called out to the audience.
"The council of chiefs shall choose their nation's new queen!" the other old woman said.
Clapping their hands and both doing some synchronized arm movements, the two aged women, both called out with much excitement. "Let the Maiden-Match Ceremony" begin!"
The crowd cheered, while the five friends clapped lightly.
"This just doesn't seem right…" Katara said as she continued to look at the Fire Lord.
"It is sad…But they need to have a queen…an heir for their nation." Toph said as she munched on a couple of fire flakes.
Katara blinked, she was surprised how much Toph knew about the royal settings. Then again, Toph's family was closely tied to the nobleman's of the Earth Kingdom.
"Hey where did you get those…?" Sokka said as he fiddled his fingers greedily.
Toph pointed to the small stand near the buildings by the market. "Go knock yourself out…" Toph said as she dropped the small bag of coins in Sokka's hands.
Sokka smiled and hastily made his way to the food stand.
Suki laughed and Katara rolled her eyes.
"Hey look!" Aang said.
The friends looked up at the stage. Five girls walked along the stage, each one wearing a similar kimono like Toph's.
Their collars were up to the neck, and a strap knotted tied each side together. Their designs were different. Swirls of flower petals, fish, and leaves decorated the silken fabric. The sleeves were short and stopped at the wrist. The whole outfit was very slender and sleek.
The girls in general appeared nice and sweet. Probably very obedient as well…
Each of the girls bowed to Zuko then turned and bowed the crowd. The two old women moved to the left side. That's when Li turned her head towards the crowd. The old woman's eyes widen lightly as they glistened softly.
She then tapped on her sister's shoulder, "Lo, look on your right. Isn't that the waterbender, one of the Avatar's friends?" whispered Li.
Lo turned her head, she lightly gasped, "Ah…Not just any waterbender…She is special…" Lo smiled deeply as she then raised her hand.
"There will a slight change in our plans…Ladies please wait for a moment. Your Highness, we will be back soon." Lo said as she and her sister bowed to the Fire Lord.
The two old women walked off the stage, the crowd impatiently waited for the ceremony to begin.
"What do you think that was all about?" asked Toph as Sokka came back with some fire flakes and steaming meat sticks.
"Maybe they have a surprise gift for Zuko!" Aang said with optimism.
"Well whatever it is…I'm sure it can benefit Zuko." Katara said with a light smile.
"What! You both can't be serious!?" exclaimed the royal guards man.
"The decision is final." Li said.
"She will be perfect for our Lord" Lo said.
"But are you certain?" the royal guard asked as he rubbed his brow with frustration.
"Yes…Now tell the girl's father about the arrangement…" Li said.
"Very well…" the royal guard said with a bow.
"Alert the Water Tribe chief, Hakoda!" the royal guard said to the messenger of the royal assembly.
The messenger quickly bowed and left the room to tell the news.
Turning around to the two old women, the royal guard sighed. "You know that you are crossing dangerous grounds, by arranging this marriage." The guard said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"We know." Lo said.
"And we are confident that all will go as plan." Li said.
"Well either way, the nations will not take this lightly." The royal guard said.
"We have our reasons." Li said.
"More like an excuse…" Lo said with a smirk.
"Oh sister, you are so mischievous." Li said as she covered her mouth hiding her small laugher as she chuckled away.
"Hmm…But there's still one thing that troubles me…" the royal guard started to say.
"And what's that Yuan?" asked Lo.
"How will we know the girl will be fit for becoming queen?" asked Yuan.
"Oh we have a few tasks for her." Li said.
"You mean the same tasks you've preformed on the nobleman's daughter?"
"Yes…The tasks she took have been passed down since the last time of the Maiden-Match" Lo said.
"She failed the most important one…So we knew she was not capable." Li said.
"Along with the girl's history and criminal record, it was too risky." Lo said.
"But with the waterbender, we see great potential in her…" Lo said with a smile.
"Oh my how long ago was it, sister?" Li asked.
"You mean when they were written, dear sister?" Lo asked.
"Yes…" Li said in wonder.
"Almost around the time of Fire Lord Wu Shin…The father of Fire Lord Sozin…" Lu said.
"Ah…Did he in fact wed a Water Tribe Princess?" Li asked.
"Yes…But she passed away after child birth…Such a tragically." Lo said.
"Hmm…Indeed." Yuan mumbled.
'That Water Tribe girl…What makes her so special?' thought the royal guard as he watched the two old women left the room.
Stepping into the crowd, the girl smirked darkly. Glaring her eyes along the group of scattered people the girl turned her head to the stage then to the balcony.
"Hehe…I'll get you Zuzu…" said the wicked voice as she lowered her head.
Guess you never expected that uh? Haha. I hope you enjoyed it!
Also…
Disclaimer: I am not taking any other characters from the series. I've done my research, and there was no claim or mention of Fire Lord Sozin's parents or further history of his earlier childhood. So yes this is indeed my own part and fictional character. I am just making sure no one sues me…Haha.
Stay tune for more on what happens! I expect more reviews! Gimme meh moar! Please?
