Chapter 29
Omashu glittered in the late afternoon sun before them like a jewel in a king's crown. The group aboard Appa gave a collective sigh of relief as they landed in the huge, empty central courtyard. Sokka, Suki, Katara, and the children walked out to meet them.
As Jet gave Toph a hand down from Appa's back, he found himself looking around in amazement. He'd never been in a place like this. He'd always had to look in from the street outside and wonder what lay behind those massive gates that led to the center of the city.
Now he knew. He gazed around him in wonder. The large formal courtyard was surrounded on all sides by beautiful multistory buildings that looked to Jet like palaces.
But as he looked to the north he could see the large, ornate staircase that led up to what had to be the real palace. It was beautiful. Not a single corner was bare of elaborately shaped decorations. Every doorway, every window, every arch bore incredibly detailed moldings and trims. The windowpanes sparkled in the sun.
The central courtyard also boasted a beautiful fountain, the centerpiece of which was a large golden-brown stone statue of a man and woman embracing. Jet looked up at the lovers, noting how perfectly the artist had captured the emotion between them—longing, tenderness, and sadness combined in one. The inscription merely read "OmaShu."
"I am so happy to be back," Toph sighed at his side. "The first thing I want is a nice hot bath and a change of clothes."
"You're telling me," Mai commented as Jet reached up to offer her his hand as well. "Then everyone comes to my place for dinner, okay?"
"I don't know about that," Sokka said. "The last time we were at your place, I nearly worried myself to death that Toma was going to break something."
"Besides," Katara interjected, "we've already got dinner planned for our place. It's kid friendly."
Jet looked around and asked, "Where do you guys live?"
By way of answer, they all headed off toward the building directly opposite the palace. "These are the diplomatic quarters," Mai explained as they crossed the courtyard. "The various ambassadors live here. It also contains guest suites and the avatar's designated residence."
They walked through a gigantic archway that cut into the building and Jet could see that the building was built surrounding another courtyard. This one was not quite as huge as the main one, but still big enough to have held all the shops on either side of the street for several blocks in the neighborhood where the leather shop was located.
The courtyard boasted a bending practice ground, complete with spectator stands, a garden full of lush plants, various seating arbors, another beautiful fountain, and a large grassy area, perfect for the children. In fact, they ran to it immediately, rolling in the grass and chasing each other. Appa also found himself a nice shady spot adjacent to it and prepared to rest after the long journey.
As they walked along a stone pathway along the courtyard, they were met by a distinguished looking gentleman wearing earthy green robes and a green velvet cap with a gold tassel. He gave a very respectful bow as Aang stepped forward.
"Peng, we will be needing another suite of rooms made available, if that's possible," Aang said, returning the man's bow politely.
"What size will you be needing? For a family?" Peng asked, casting a curious look at the group.
"No, just for an individual," Aang replied. "For Master Jet, who will be staying here for an audience with King Bumi."
Peng gave Jet a quick glance. Jet fancied he could see a bit of disdain at his appearance creep into the man's carefully schooled features. But if he did, it was quickly squelched and replaced with a calm respectfulness.
"All we have available at the moment is the large suite, Avatar Aang," Peng continued with another small bow. "A trade delegation has arrived from the Southern Earth Kingdom provinces and all the smaller apartments have been taken. We can use the large suite if you believe that will be appropriate." Again Jet believed he could hear just the slightest edge of doubt in the man's voice.
"Hey, I can just sleep on a couch or go back into the city and meet you guys later," Jet began. He was growing a bit uncomfortable with the finery around him anyway.
"No," Aang replied firmly, then he turned to Peng and stated, "Considering the nature of Master Jet's audience with the king, I believe the largest suite would be entirely appropriate lodgings for him. He has also come with us without much chance to prepare, so he will be needing a manservant assigned to him."
Peng nodded solemnly, then gave the group yet another deep bow. "If you will follow me, Master Jet," he said, "I will see you to your quarters."
As Peng began to walk away, his back ramrod straight, his hands tucked ever so properly in his sleeves, Sokka pulled Jet to one side, saying, "Don't let old fussybritches get to you. He thinks I am the biggest slob that ever walked the planet. And you should see the looks he gives Hu when he comes to visit."
"Hu kind of asks for it though," Katara interjected. "He always camps out in the courtyard to be closer to nature."
"It is a little unnerving to look off the balcony and see Hu doing laundry in the fountain, I have to admit," Aang added with a grin and a shiver.
Up ahead, Peng paused several steps ahead to wait on Jet, only the tiniest flicker of impatience in his expression. "Sir?" he inquired politely.
But Jet ignored him and asked, "Just where am I going?"
"Just go along with Peng for now. He'll get you settled in. As soon as we've all had a chance to change clothes and clean up, we'll gather back at my place," Aang assured him.
Jet nodded obediently, still a bit overwhelmed, and followed Peng along the courtyard to a pair of large doors set at an angle in the corner of the huge building before realizing he had no idea where Aang and Katara's apartment even was. He looked around, but the rest of the group had vanished through various doorways of their own.
Peng threw open the suite's ornately carved double doors with a flourish and a bow. Jet walked inside and could barely restrain a gasp of amazement. From the highly polished floors of some kind of beautiful stone to the wall hangings to the beautiful furniture, the suite was as much a palace as anything he could imagine.
Peng walked him through the elegantly appointed foyer and into a large area with seating for at least thirty people on the various couches and chairs. There was a huge unlit fireplace in the corner of the room.
"Please excuse the unreadiness of the suite. I will send up the servants immediately to make up the fire for you, sir," Peng stated.
Then Peng led him to a gigantic dining room, complete with banquet table to seat at least twenty, then up an elaborate staircase to the second floor where he was shown a smaller sitting area, smaller dining area, office for his use, and two guest bedrooms.
Up the next flight of stairs Peng revealed two more guest bedrooms and a master suite four times the size of the entire leather shop, including the storage building out back. The suite had a bed that dwarfed any bed he'd ever seen and a separate bathing room that contained a tub large enough for five people.
To his amazement, Peng pulled a silk bell cord beside the tub and within minutes, water began to fill it from a large brass spout. Jet could see from the steam coming off it that the water was very hot.
"I believe Avatar Aang said everyone was planning to clean up and dress. Until your manservant arrives, I will see that the bath is filled. Do you have luggage, sir?" Peng asked courteously.
Jet looked down at the shabby brown knapsack that contained his clothing—all dirty. "Just this," he admitted. "I need to do a little laundry as well."
Peng held out one immaculately clean hand. Jet passed him the knapsack, which he took with only the slightest air of distaste. "I will send up your valet with a suitable change of clothing for you sir, until your own things can be laundered," Peng said politely.
The tub now nearly filled, Peng pulled once again on the silken cord and within seconds the flow of water had ceased. Peng then laid out a selection of towels, soaps, shaving accessories, and other oddments that he pulled from a variety of beautiful cabinets.
"Enjoy your bath, sir," Peng said with yet another bow, took up the knapsack, and backed out the ornate double doors of the bathroom.
Jet stuck one finger in the water to check the temperature—hot but not so hot he couldn't take it. So he gave a shrug and stripped down. As he eased his still healing cuts and bruises into the hot water, he had to admit that floating in that huge tub was much preferable to the icy water of the waterfall.
But at the waterfall, he'd often had Mai's company. He couldn't help but think that the huge bathtub would be much more enjoyable if she were in it as well.
Some time later there came a knock at the door and a voice called out, "Master Jet, I am Enlai, your valet. I have brought a change of clothing for you when you are ready."
Jet finished up and wrapped a towel around himself, impressed with its softness, then walked back into the bedroom where a tall thin man stood before a clothing rack, brushing imaginary wrinkles out of a very expensive looking green and brown suit of clothing.
Enlai bowed politely at his approach, then gave him a measuring look. "I believe Master Peng has sized you correctly," he stated evenly, then began to lay out the clothing across the bed. Once he'd laid things out to his satisfaction, he turned to Jet and waited.
Jet realized the man was waiting to help him dress. "I've been dressing myself a long time," Jet began. "I think I'm capable to continuing to do so."
"Certainly, sir," the valet replied politely. "I'll be outside the door should you need me." And with that, Enlai left the room.
Jet fingered the fabric of the tunic. He'd never worn anything this fancy in his entire life. The material felt just like that stuff Mai wore. He didn't think he'd be able to cope with it. It would just make him feel awfully girly.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much else around to wear—only the clothes he'd left in a heap on the bathroom floor. Tentatively, he began to slip the items on, distinctly uncomfortable with the whole situation.
The fit, he had to admit, was pretty good, and as he looked in the mirror, he had to admit he looked pretty good—if he were headed out to a wedding or a funeral.
He wandered out of the big room again to be met by Enlai at the door. The valet immediately began to straighten his overtunic and adjust the fit to suit him. Jet just kept walking. He didn't like being fussed over but didn't know how to tell the man to stop.
"Master Jet, you have visitors downstairs I believe," Enlai offered as they headed down the steps to the lower floors of the gigantic townhouse.
"Who?" Jet asked. But as he stepped onto the stone floor of the downstairs, he saw them. Zuko and Toph.
To his relief, Zuko was dressed no less fancily than himself, only his colors were red and black. Toph was a vision of loveliness in a beautiful red and green silk dress. Her hair was put up in some kind of elaborate twist that framed her face. She had an orchidlily pinned to her hair.
"You ready to go get something to eat?" Zuko asked casually.
"Sure," Jet replied. "Just how formal is this dinner we're having?"
"It's not formal at all," Toph answered with a bemused grin. "It's just us having dinner."
Jet walked with them toward the front door, surprised when a footman suddenly appeared to open the door for them. "Where did you come from?" he asked the young man. The man looked shocked that Jet had spoken to him.
"The townhouse will be completely staffed when you return," Enlai explained from behind them. "Please excuse our lack of preparation. We were not expecting anyone to be staying here."
"Hey, don't make any big fuss on my account," Jet began, but Zuko cut him off.
"Master Jet's arrival here was a surprise to us as well," Zuko said kindly. "We will return him sometime late this evening." Then he took Jet by the elbow and guided him out the door, Toph following right behind trying not to giggle.
They walked out onto the courtyard path, and Jet turned to ask, "What was that all about?"
"If you are going to be king of Omashu, there's no time like the present to learn how to act like a king," Zuko began patiently. "Let your staff do their jobs. They take great pride in being the most accomplished house staff in the Earth Kingdom. It would insult them if you rejected their service."
"Well, I have never had to be served by anyone in my life," Jet replied defensively. "I've always served myself."
"We know," Toph answered. "Trust me, it gets on my ever last nerve as well. I'd much rather just take care of myself. But I've also grown to appreciate having someone around who can do those things I can't do or don't have time to do."
"I still don't like being fussed over," Jet replied firmly. "And where do you guys get these outfits?" he asked, giving his tunic a little accusatory tug.
Zuko looked at him with a wry grin. "Ah, the joys of formalwear," he commiserated sadly.
"Do you dress like this all the time?" Jet asked in disbelief.
"Pretty much, unless we're on vacation on Tuzai," Zuko replied.
"Or unless we're doing something really formal," Toph added. "Then it's much, much worse. You should have seen my wedding dress. It must have weighed thirty pounds. It took three people to get me in it."
Jet looked so downcast that Zuko had to give him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll get used to it," he said as they walked into Aang's apartments.
"Get used to what?" Sokka asked curiously as he picked out some hazelpecans from a beautifully enameled bowl.
"Wearing a monkeysuit," Toph replied with a mischievous grin. "Jet's complaining about his outfit."
"I think you look extremely handsome," Suki commented. "I wish I could get Sokka to dress up a little sometimes."
"Watertribesmen just don't look good in silk," Sokka answered. "We're leather kind of guys."
"I'm with you, Sokka," Jet said, really feeling overdressed when he took in Sokka's blue leathers with white fur trim.
"Well, I agree with Suki," Katara added with a smile of her own. "You look really nice. Besides, Zuko and Aang don't have a problem with silk."
"I do too," Aang retorted as he entered the room arrayed in orange silk robes. "These pants ride up."
"Clothes absolutely do not make the man," Zuko stated wearily as he found a seat, stretching his injured leg in front of him and rubbing his thigh with a grimace. "An idiot wearing silk is still an idiot. However, when you have a job to do, you have to dress for the job. Being king is a job. A good job in many ways, but still a job."
Jet remembered what Mai had told him about being Fire Nation Representative, how it was just a good paying job. He looked around for her but tried not to look like he was looking around for her. She wasn't to be seen.
"Well, I don't know where these things came from. That guy Enlai just brought them up," Jet stated. "I have no idea how to dress for a job like this."
He glanced over at Aang, who replied, "Don't look at me. I'm a monk. You're looking at my one good suit of robes."
A glance at Sokka brought yet another dismissive shrug. "Like I said. I'm a leather man."
Zuko then spoke up. "I'll see that you get hooked up with a good tailor," he answered. "But somebody really ought to go with you to be sure you get everything you need for the different events you'll be attending."
"And you need some boots with the same soles in them that I wear," Toph added.
"Well, Sifu Toph, maybe you need to go with me to help me get the right stuff," Jet said.
Toph gave him a big grin and passed her hand over her eyes. "Blind. Remember? Can't tell one suit of clothes from another," she laughed. "You'd be better off to let Zuko take you. He's seriously fashionable," she teased her husband.
"No," Zuko answered firmly. "I do not shop."
Jet felt silly. This whole king business was just too much for him. He needed to start trying to find a way to get out of it—now.
Just then, Mai entered the apartment. She looked like a princess. Her dark hair was arranged in some kind of half up, half down style that framed her heartshaped face, but left part of her hair loose and silky against her back.
She wasn't dressed any more formally than anyone else in the group, but she looked so elegant to him. The simple lines of her embroidered red silk dress showed the curves of her figure without being too revealing. Her sleeves were short for once, leaving her arms bare.
He walked over to her without hesitation. "You're not armed," he said with a bow.
"That grizzly wolverine took my blades," she said with a sigh. Then she gave him a warm, appraising look. "You look really nice this evening."
"Do you think so?" he asked. "I feel like an idiot."
Mai ran her hands across his shoulders, then down the front of his tunic, straightening the folds. It felt so much better having her do it than that Enlai character, Jet thought to himself.
"I think you look absolutely wonderful," she repeated, looking him in the eye and giving him a smile that made his stomach flip.
"Hey," Toph interjected, "Mai ought to go with you. She knows all about the events you'll have coming up and what people are wearing."
"That's a really good idea," Aang interjected. "Mai, Jet needs to go clothes shopping tomorrow. Think you can help him out? Be sure he gets the right stuff to wear for everything that'll be coming up?"
"If he wants me to," she replied, looking up at Jet.
Jet wanted to nod like a happy three year old, but instead just said, "I would really like for you to help me."
The next morning found the two of them in a palanquin traveling the most fashionable streets of Omashu. Jet had wanted to walk, but Mai assured him that between the distances to travel and the likelihood of purchases to be carried back with them, the palanquin was the way to go.
The stop at the bootmaker for new boots with soles of the same flexible earth-based material Teo and Haru had invented for Toph was easily the best stop of the day for Jet. He knew boots. He knew leather. He knew what he liked to wear. It took all of fifteen minutes to get measured and commission a pair.
Mai tried to get him to purchase a couple more, but he refused. "I can pay for one pair and that's it," he told her. "I have to keep it simple."
The next stop at the tailor was both mind-numbingly boring and disturbingly uncomfortable all at the same time. Within moments of arrival, three very flouncy fellows had pulled his now clean but clearly worn brown leather overtunic off him, leaving him in just his shirt and breeches, and had begun to measure and measure and measure some more.
Mai had watched with an amused expression as he tried not to wriggle free of their grasp.
"Such a nice physique," one of them sighed. "It will be quite a pleasure to craft garments to fit such a body."
Then they began to hold fabrics up to his face and say things to each other like, "Do you think this brings out his eyes?" and "I love the way this one picks up the sun streaks in his hair."
Mai joined them and began to pull fabrics of her own out of the impressive selection that lined the room.
"Formal wear," she declared, picking up a piece of embroidered brown silk that Jet thought looked like it would be better suited to a pair of pajamas—or a ladies' dress.
"Oooooh!" one of the tailors squealed, clapping his hands. Then he reached for a length of dark green velvet. "These for the trousers! How gorgeous!"
"No!" Jet tried to say, but was overridden at once by four voices.
Before he knew it, Mai had commissioned at least ten outfits for him including daywear, formalwear, workoutwear, sleepwear, and even underwear. He was more than a little bit embarrassed.
They left the shop with two things on Jet's mind: how on earth would he ever manage to pay for these things and how fast could he get away from all this?
Then they rode past a side street he actually knew well. "Stop just a moment," he called out to the bearers. He slipped out of the palanquin, followed closely by Mai, and they walked down the narrow alley to an armorer's he'd dealt with in the past.
"Cheng!" Jet called out to a burly man working at a blacksmith's forge in the back of the shop. "Got a minute?"
"Sure, Jet. Just finished up," the smith called back, plunging the metal he'd been hammering into a vat of water, sending a plume of steam into the air. It was hot and dirty and smelled like metal in the shop. Jet was thrilled to be someplace that felt familiar.
Cheng walked forward and Mai could see the corded muscles that ran over the man's bare chest and shoulders. He wore a leather apron that bore numerous burn marks and sweat ran down his arms. His hair was covered by a length of cotton that had maybe once been white, but was now a dingy tan color.
"How's it going?" Cheng asked, reaching out to clasp Jet's offered hand at the wrist. "Haven't seen you since I re-wrapped the hilt of that crazy sword of yours."
"Yeah, I know," Jet answered. "Been a little busy lately. Plus, I actually ran into the real owner of the sword—and old friend named Sokka, would you believe it? So I need a new one. What's it going to run me?"
Cheng quoted a price that made Jet's eyes widen. "That much, huh?" he said in dismay. "I've always kinda picked my weapons up on the battlefield, if you know what I mean. I've never owned a sword that was made for me."
"I don't know about that," Cheng replied. "That black sword fit you pretty well. Sure you can't just re-lift it from the owner?" he gave Jet a conspiratorial grin.
"No can do," Jet answered. "Sokka's too good a friend for that. I guess I'll have to just save my pennies and come see you later—unless you know someone who's got something good in their weapon stock that they might be willing to part with?" he asked hopefully.
To his disappointment, Cheng shook his head. "Not likely right now. All I've seen in the dealers' stock lately is junk. The bandits keep anything decent bought up—usually under the table before it ever hits the open market."
Jet sighed. Then Mai pulled him to one side. "Why not just charge this to the palace account?" she asked.
"What are you talking about?" he asked.
"Just like the clothing. Charge the sword to the palace account. These are all things you'll be needing as king," Mai explained.
"Wait a minute," Jet began, pulling her out the door with a brief "see you later" to Cheng. "All these purchases have been charged to the palace?" he asked in disbelief.
"Of course," she replied. "Aang told me to just charge them to the palace. He said you'll pay for them as king."
Jet was disturbed by this. "I have never bought anything I didn't pay for myself. I will pay for all this myself," he began. "Anything I can't pay for, I'll leave behind when I go."
"What do you mean, when you go?" Mai asked. "You're going to be king of Omashu."
"Not likely," he answered firmly. "I know I'm not a king. I'm just working this until the rest of them figure it out."
"Then why are you doing it at all?" Mai's voice was incredulous.
Jet stopped walking, took both her hands in his, and looked her right in the eyes. Now was as good a time as any to come clean with her. To let her know just what he was working toward. "I'm doing it for you," he admitted. She just looked up at him blankly, so he kept explaining.
"If I can manage to make a good enough impression, maybe I can get some kind of respectable position when all this is over with. I can work with law enforcement or something. I can do palace security maybe. Then given a little time, I can make a life for you—for us. If you're willing. If you want to," he finished, more than a little bit nervously.
"What are you saying?" she asked in confusion.
"I think I'm asking you to marry me," Jet answered.