Music Playing: For beginning of this chapter- Obokuri-Eemui by Ikue Asazaki
Book 5 Water
Chapter 4 Gone but Never Forgotten
A cold early winter breeze surrounded the area as dead autumn leaves danced in a circular motion across the dirt path leading up to the solid stone steps. The howling winds drifted pass as a body of a woman was seen dressed in black robes with a royal golden crown worn on the high hair bun. The feminine figure slowly paced up the stairs with grace, as she kept her head down while the frail scent of frost filled the air.
Coming into view was a wide courtyard with two dragon statues guarding the open gate leading into the small shrine. Around the courtyard, trees were seen wrapped with shimenawa rope and shime strips, protecting the area from evil spirits.
The woman continued down pass the shrine and to the back where a small hedge trailed along the side and further along was the sight of stone monuments. The sight was tranquil yet mystical as the sun shined over the graveyard with rays of light.
The woman walked up to one of the tall stone planks, looking down with a tender expression on her face. The woman admired the tombstone as the scene of early buds of fire lilies, incense, and a small bowl of water was seen laid in front of the memorial and a low crypt underneath of her beloved's ashes.
Ursa lowered her right hand as her fingertips traced over the smooth surface, crossing over the engraved symbols deep in the granite.
"Ozai…" the woman spoke in a low whisper as silent tears fell down her cheeks.
No matter how many cruel and evil acts her husband committed, Ursa continued to believe it was the work of the dark spirit, who has corrupted not only her beloved but has ruined so many other lives. Her head lowered down as a shadow casted over her eyes.
'The same spirit, who had also took over my own heart', Ursa thought as she pulled back her hand and covered her chest.
For six long years, Ursa still mourned for the loss of her husband. Yes, she was still blessed for her son and grandchildren yet inside her heart continuously wept for her beloved. The sorrow slowly ate away at her soul as she bowed to her knees and cried softly.
Ursa held her heart as she lowered her head to the floor. Bowing respectfully, as the woman's forehead rested on the stone of her husband's grave. Strands of black hair collected in a band of silk onto the ground as wet droplets hit the granite.
The image of a tall man was seen in Ursa's mind. The sight of Ozai's rare smile beamed at her, his body dressed in a casual red robe and his long hair fanned out over his shoulders.
"Ozai…" Ursa spoke in a choking sob as her finger nails gripped into the stone beneath her.
How she longed to embrace him again, to feel her beloved's warm touch. Gentle yet strong in her arms; how she wanted to hear his deep voice laced with softness and witness his deep golden eyes glisten with love for her.
Now hugging herself, Ursa cried out as the cold harsh winds surrounded the area. In her present state of mind, the only thing keeping her in the world of the living was the memories of the man she loved. If she continued on, so will Ozai's spirit in her heart.
As the cool breeze laced over the woman's tear dried face, Ursa fought to stand up. Slowly she pulled away from her husband's grave. Still staring down, Ursa couldn't look away as she drifted further from the monument. Finally turning back, Ursa closed her eyes as her lips trembled.
'Ozai…' the woman thought as she gave a silent goodbye before stepping out of the yard and passed the shrine.
Ever since her husband's proper burial, Ursa came to visit him.
Though, back at the palace, Ursa kept a warm smile and acted happy but it was far from the truth.
Ursa devoted her life to her husband and to her children. Of course now, as Ursa continued to age, the more she came to realize death was drawing near. Struck with an overwhelming sadness and guilt, Ursa became unable to let her undying-love for her husband go. She visited her beloved's grave almost once every month. Mourning for his loss and that no one will see him as the man she once knew.
As Ursa stepped closer to the capital, she quickly dried her tears and masked her expression with a soft smile. Passing by a guard, Ursa nodded her head in approval before entering into the noble district.
Continuing down the path to the front gates, Ursa ran into the chief tribesman of the Southern Water Tribe. His stature was tall and proud as he turned to see the woman. A small smile curved his lips. Hakoda bowed to Ursa in a respectful stance before straighten his pose. The man then spoke in a deep yet kind tone, "It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Ursa." Hakoda said as Ursa nodded her head. "It is a pleasure to see you as well, Chief Hakoda. Tell me, what brings you here?" Ursa said as the warrior's smile faded.
"I have come to bring grave news, unfortunately." Hakoda said as his demeanor dimmed.
"My mother in law has passed away recently. I came to address my daughter and take her to the memorial." Hakoda said as Ursa gasped covering her mouth in shock before lowering her head. "I am so sorry for your loss." Ursa said as her eyes tinted with sadness.
Hakoda smiled lightly, "It is alright. Kanna is in a better place among the spirits. I only pray Pakku can cope with the loss." Hakoda said as Ursa then bowed elegantly as she gestured her hands. "Please come inside and have some tea. I'll inform the servants to bring Miss Katara to join us." Ursa said as Hakoda gratefully nodded his head and followed the woman into the palace.
Looking up at the high dome ceiling, two blue eyes blinked. The sight of a girl dressed in a simple robe with princess crest in her hair bun was seen as the child stared up at the golden glass lotus.
The curious Kya wandered further into the room and noticed a figure standing by a near window. As the little girl cried out a whimper the person turned. It was a man, dressed in royal armor and clothing. The man's eyes narrowed as he looked down at the young princess.
"Miss Kya…What are you doing in these quarters?" the man asked as the girl fiddled with her fingers nervously.
"I lost my way…" Kya said honestly as the man turned facing the child.
"Hnn…Then I will escort you to your mother. This isn't a place for children." The man said as he took a step and led the girl onward to the door. Kya looked up at the man with slight confusion yet innocence. "I'm sorry…It's just so pwetty." The four year old said as the man lightly chuckled.
"I suppose, you being the Fire Lady's daughter. Curiosity will get the best of you." The man said remembering the waterbender's reputation of pushing the boundaries of restricted locations and learning more of the royal family legacy.
'Stubborn woman…Even now as the member of the royal family, I will never break the blood seal of the secrecy from this palace.' The man thought as he entered down the hall with the child by his side.
Kya looked up at the man again, as her youthful eyes tried to recall his appearance. From his armor and golden seal wrapped around his left arm.
She knew from her studies, he was a powerful person in the palace. Someone she knew she could trust, safely inside the palace walls.
Though she wasn't sure of his rank, the child knew enough to believe his judgments and obey his commands if needed.
Walking further down the hall, the child saw a figure with dark flowing brown hair that trailed behind a beautiful woman dressed in red robes. Immediately, the little girl recognized the woman.
"Mommy!" the child cried out as she ran up to the woman. Katara slightly gave a look of surprise before smiling lightly as Kya hugged her mother's knees.
"Kya…I thought you were in the nursery with your two brothers…" Katara said as she patted her daughter's head.
"My Lady, it has seemed that princess Kya wandered off. I happened to find her in the eastern quarters." The man said as he bowed deeply to the woman.
Katara narrowed her eyes slightly, "I see." The woman said with disappointment in her tone as the little girl looked up at her mother.
"I'm sowwy Mommy! I didn't know I wasn't allowed. I got lost." Kya said worried with her mother's tone as she tried to defend herself.
Katara smiled warmly as she bent down to her daughter's height. "It's alright my dear…You didn't know. Just remember next time not to venture off without your nanny." Katara said softly as the child nodded her head slightly.
As Katara straighten her pose, a servant entered the scene. "Your Highness…I bring urgent news that you are to report to the dining room. Miss Ursa wishes to speak with you." The female servant said as she bowed.
Katara nodded her head in agreement as she then looked at the woman with a smile.
"Very well. I shall be off then. Oh, and Jun can you take Kya back to the nursery please?" Katara asked as the woman bowed again, "Yes, My Lady." The servant woman said as she lightly took the girl's hand and led her down the hall.
"Bye mommy!" Kya called out as her mother waved sweetly back. After the sight of her daughter and servant were gone, Katara turned her attention to the man patiently waiting for any orders.
"Thank you, Imperial Ryuan for bringing my daughter safely back." Katara said as she nodded her head in a curt bow.
"Of course, My Lady." Ryuan said as he bowed deeply.
"Hmm…You are free to return to your post and commands, Imperial." Katara said in a regal voice as she smiled softly before heading down to the dining quarters.
The man bowed again as the woman left; Ryuan slowly stood up and turned.
'Curse these delays…I need to find out more on those reports…' the man thought to himself as he walked down the hall.
What plans does the Imperial have in mind? What secrets are kept from Katara and her family? Stay tune and find out next chapter! Also more Taang!