AN:
This is another chapter that is mostly about fluff and bonding. But to answer Agent Banana's most recent query. Elle is not the type to make enemies with people, despite her years of abuse and trauma, Elle is a mostly pacifistic person that prefers to avoid conflict. Even against people that have harmed her. So it goes without saying that she won't be making enemies of Azula's most skilled soldier.
And Zoi is not the type to look down on commoners like Elle. That being said, there is much bad blood between Zoe and Mai. Elle sees Mai and Ty Lee as her big sister's. So, she is unlikely to make friend's with Zoi for as long as Zoi hates Mai. But they won't be enemies, Elle might just dislike her mildly.
And regarding the advice on replacing Elle's wakaru with wakarimashita, I went through all of my uploaded chapters and corrected it. Thanks!
Anyhow, on with the chapter! As always, I would love to hear your reviews!
Gifts for the Team – Chapter Nineteen
Ty Lee stood beside Elle while she watched over her in a protective manner.
She stared on in amusement while she observed as Elle chatted with the owner of a stall in the royal market.
She was now beginning to see just what Azula had meant by giving away the entire bag of gold.
"Huh? So that's…this, much ban, right?" Elle inquired innocently while the vendor gazed down at the offering with his eyes nearly falling out of their sockets.
"Y-yeah. That much ban!" The vendor exclaimed just when the girl dropped a handful of gold coins upon the countertop.
And before he could greedily scoop them up his hand was swatted away by none other than Ty Lee.
"Um no. It's…this much." Ty Lee spoke with a cheerful smile just as she handed the now deflated man two coins.
All the while practically daring him to argue with her.
"Oh yes! Pardon me. My mistake." The vendor answered as he gave the noblewoman a bow.
As Ty Lee gazed at the man while she nearly rolled her eyes before she led the young girl away underneath her arm.
"Thank you for helping me oneesan." Elle spoke timidly while she happily hid beneath Ty Lee's arm snuggling into her even as they walked.
Ty Lee just grinned warmly down at her before mussing her hair with a strong yet playful hand.
She was beginning to see that the adorable girl made for a delightful shopping companion.
So delightful that she just couldn't resist buying everything that her adoptive sister wanted only relenting when the girl politely requested that she allow her to make the next purchase.
She didn't even really mind Elle's habit of clinging to her bicep.
To be honest she rather enjoyed it!
"What can I say? You're too cute for me to say no!" Ty Lee gushed with a cheerful smile while Elle blushed sweetly just as they made their way to their next destination.
"W-well I am glad that you think so. I would like to buy Azula-sama a gift. What sort of gift would please her?" Elle pondered with a finger beneath her chin while she peered up at Ty Lee's now comically hesitant face.
"Oh well…let's see? You know she's really difficult to please. Chances are anything you'd think to buy…she already has." Ty Lee explained with a sigh while the petite blonde followed after her.
"Well I already figured that. Is there something creative I can make for her?" Elle requested while chewing on her lip in a thoughtful manner.
"Elle…don't you already write Azula poetry and craft her paintings too?" Ty Lee questioned fondly while she watched Elle glance around searching for something that escaped her.
"Yep! But I want to give her something else. I am just a peasant girl and she is a princess. I want to show her that I am grateful for all that she does for me." Elle insisted with a bright smile while Ty Lee gazed down at her unable to resist a growing smile of her own.
Elle was just about the only girl that would scamper about worrying about how to express gratitude to Azula of all people.
It just goes to show how close the two were becoming.
"Well! Then creative is the way to go and you are very creative. I am certain that she'll like whatever you make her." Ty Lee assured with a giggle while Elle began to scurry over to a jewelry shop.
Truth be told she wasn't truly certain that Azula would like whatever innocent offering Elle made for her.
But she would be damn sure that her spoiled friend at least acted like she did.
"Then I'll make her a bracelet!" Elle declared just as she slammed both of her fists together while the older girl smiled gently once more.
Ty Lee could only scratch her cheek as she shook her head with a grin still adorning her features.
It really was pleasant having someone like Elle around to lighten up the mood around here.
About three hours later the two had taken a carriage from Hari Bulkan to visit the shops below the caldera in the commoner districts.
While the two were now walking back to their carriage with the noblewoman carrying a bag or two.
All the while sighing fondly as she watched the younger girl carry several bags of which the contents were unknown.
She had a sneaking suspicion that the girl bought something for all of them.
"Oh! What's that shop oneesan?" Elle pondered with a tug on Ty Lee's sleeve while peering up at the woman in search of her guidance.
"Oh that! That's just a memorabilia shop. They sell things relating to important dates and historical people in the Fire Nation." Ty Lee commented in an offhand manner while she blinked curiously when her young companion chewed on her lip thoughtfully.
"Historical people? Like Azula-sama? Her Highness is historical, isn't she?" Elle requested while gazing up at the noblewoman's now comically thoughtful countenance.
"Huh? Azula could be considered a historical person yes…but I really don't know if they…" Ty Lee trailed off just when the smaller girl began pulling her towards the shop
"I want to purchase Azula-sama memorabilia!" Elle cried out before bursting through the shop doors with Ty Lee following in after her sighing all the while.
This was undoubtedly the first time that she has ever heard anyone express a desire to buy any of the children's toys in Azula's image.
Such knickknacks were becoming increasingly popular now that the princess had gotten older and had more time to spread her fame.
But even still, it was adorable all the same!
Moments later Ty Lee found herself wandering through the shop with all sorts of Fire Nation historical gifts on display.
Ty Lee could only stare on wide eyed when Elle's own eyes began to sparkle just when she discovered a small section of Princess Azula related items.
'Oh boy. If only Azula was here to see this…' Ty Lee thought while making little effort to stifle her giggling as she watched the girl lean over the rack with her mouth open in awe.
Then Elle gasped in delight when she gazed up at the wall to see a small plushie on display.
"I-is that an Azula-sama doll?" Elle squealed with her hands clasped in excitement while the older girl glanced up at it blinking in comical disbelief.
"Wow Elle. It sure is…you want it don't you? Who I am kidding? I know you want it." Ty Lee spoke with a barely suppressed giggle before reaching up to retrieve the Azula doll.
"I want it oneesan!" Elle shouted just as she gazed up at Ty Lee who was bursting out into hearty laughter.
"Well let's get it then." Ty Lee stated with a grin before making her way over to the counter.
Not long afterward the owner of the shop was gazing down at the item with a comically concerned countenance.
"Erm…before I sell this…I'll tell you what I tell everyone else. For my safety…this item is not to go anywhere near the palace. Understood?" The saleswoman announced warily while she gazed back at the two girls' now trying to smile as innocently as possible.
"What sort of question is that? Of course, it won't be going near the palace. It's not like we know the princess personally. Worry not. This will just sit on my little sister's bookshelf!" Ty Lee assured with a joyous nod while inwardly hoping that Azula will refrain from terrorizing this woman.
"I don't expect that you would know her. But all the same…I'd rather not incur a visit from Her Highness. But very well. The total will be…" The owner trailed off whilst adding the taxes into the item's price.
And then the next moment the two were walking out of the shop with the small doll in a bag that Elle carried with pride.
Ty Lee glanced down at her young friend while she scratched her cheek nervously.
'One can only hope that Azula doesn't decide to destroy that shop in retaliation…' Ty Lee thought before sighing as they made their way through the streets.
"Now I can snuggle Azula-sama all night, and every night." Elle declared just as she crushed the plushie into her chest while the older girl giggled above her.
"I suppose so! Is there anywhere else that you want to go little sister?" Ty Lee asked in a good-natured voice just as her laughter finally began to die down.
"Oh! Just the flower field, then we can go back." Elle answered with a blissful sigh while she padded alongside her big sister.
'Now that…is just too adorable.' Ty Lee thought with a broad smile while she followed after her young companion.
About another hour later Elle knelt in a flower field with Ty Lee over her shoulder while they diligently assembled an item together.
"Do you think that Azula-sama will like this crown?" Elle requested with her back turned to the now giggling noblewoman.
"Oh! She'll just adore it Elle." Ty Lee responded with a grin while she sat with her fists upon her hips surveying the girl's creative skill with impressed brown-gray eyes.
"T-that's good. Because I like to make the princess smile." Elle spoke bashfully with redness tinting her cheeks all while she stared down at a small flower in her hand.
"…I know you do. I really think that you're a good thing for Azula…I really do." Ty Lee remarked softly while placing a palm on the smaller girl's back.
"I am a good thing for Her Highness?" Elle inquired with an inquisitive countenance while she turned to peer up at the older girl.
"Yes, you are. Azula…needs to learn about compassion. And I think that you are the one best suited to teach it to her." Ty Lee sighed whilst watching Elle set her collection of flowers in a small basket beside their shopping bags.
"I like Azula-sama just the way she is. I wouldn't change her even if I could. But…I would like to remain beside her." Elle replied gently while she gazed up at the sunny sky with a peaceful look in her amber eyes.
Ty Lee just couldn't help but smile after hearing those warm words.
"Your place beside Azula is secure. Believe me. I can tell." Ty Lee assured with a sisterly pat to the girl's back.
"That is good. Because I think that I've finally found a sense of purpose!" Elle admitted with a shy smile while turning to gaze back at Ty Lee's curious countenance.
"Azula gives you purpose Elle?" Ty Lee pondered in a tone of fondness while she glanced down at her carefree companion.
"Yes. Azula-sama fills me with a sense of hope. And that is why I have decided to dedicate my life to her." Elle announced with a passionate nod while she turned to stare up into the clouds once more.
Ty Lee sat in a speechless silence clearly taken aback by her young friends' words.
She would have never thought that anyone would say such devoted words about Azula, a woman who took pride in controlling those around her by fear.
And yet, Elle just said what she once thought impossible.
Without saying so much as a word she placed her hand on Elle's shoulder before she joined her in watching the gathering clouds.
"No matter what happens. No matter if I am just a servant. I will stick beside the princess for as long as she wants me." Elle concluded with a happy nod while her big sister patted her shoulder gently.
"That is very kind of you Elle." Ty Lee spoke just as she pulled the younger girl into a hug while they gazed up into the sky together.
The two sat side by side as time continued to pass them by.
All the while Ty Lee patiently indulged Elle's innocent desire to learn all that she could about their nation.
Another two hours later…
Azula sat with her face in the palm of her hand in her palace gathering room with a noticeable scowl adorning her regal lips.
Mai watched Azula with a trace of hidden amusement in her tawny eyes while she observed the princess's habit of glaring at the wall clock.
"Just a servant…right Azula?" Mai teased while the woman turned to glare at her through the corner of her eye.
"Silence Mai. I simply need the girl to fill my drink and nothing more." Azula barked with her callous amber golden eyes glaring back at her friend.
"Right. But there are over a hundred other servants that could do that." Mai stated dryly as Azula stared frigidly at her once more.
And then she turned to glance away in a monotone manner.
She knew well enough that the princess's desire to see the strange girl had nothing to do with wanting her drink filled.
Because if that was all it was.
She would just call in another servant to tend to her.
Truth be told she was looking forward to hunting the Avatar once more.
If nothing else.
It would kill her boredom.
Then the door finally opened while Azula turned to stare at it expectantly only to frown when Ty Lee entered unaccompanied by her servant.
"Just what took you so long?" Azula demanded with bite to her voice while she glared at her friend's grinning face.
"Sorry Azula! We went to a whole lot of shops and then after that we spent the last few hours watching clouds together." Ty Lee announced cheerfully just before striding in with her fists on her hips while she gazed at the princess as the woman scrunched up her face in distaste.
As Mai stared on in humor over the comment about cloud watching.
"Cloud watching Ty Lee?" Azula snorted with a roll of her eyes just as she leaned forward upon her throne.
"That's right Azula! Elle's a very pink girl. She even named a cloud after you. I couldn't make it out from the other clouds ten minutes later. But it's the thought that counts!" Ty Lee exclaimed before taking a seat while Azula now stared at her with incredulous amber golden eyes.
"Is that one the Azula cloud?" Mai pondered with her finger pointing out the window while ignoring the princess's irate glare.
"Huh? No, I think 'Azula' dissipated pretty quickly." Ty Lee giggled with a snicker while they gazed in amusement at the princess's scowling visage.
"There will be no further comparisons between my likeness and clouds! Is that understood!" Azula snapped icily while staring at her two-snickering friends with an imposing amber golden glare.
"Whatever you say Azula." Ty Lee chuckled while her friend continued to glare at her.
"Where is the little tiger monkey anyway?" Azula snorted just as she folded her legs regally while gazing down at her clenched fist pretending as if she didn't care.
It did not escape the notice of the two noblewomen that Azula spoke of Elle in a grudgingly fond manner.
It was rather obvious even if Azula tried her best to hide it.
The nickname, Tiger Monkey.
Spoke volumes about how the princess felt about their new young companion.
"She's in her room Azula. Making something. Likely for you." Ty Lee answered with a smile while Azula glanced up with a curious gleam in her cold eyes.
"Another tribute? I can only fathom what gift the girl has bought me. One can only hope it isn't a commoner trinket." Azula sighed in a vastly entitled manner while paying little mind to her friend's pointed stares.
"Wait. So, she actually spent all of her gold on Azula?" Mai asked in a deadpan voice with her eyes twitching in annoyance.
All the while the princess swelled in smugness while she continued to scan her well-manicured finger nails.
"N-not all. More like two thirds." Ty Lee replied while the princess glanced up with a pleased smile on her crimson lips.
"Seriously? Then what was the point in paying for her if she doesn't get anything for herself? Azula's already spoiled enough as it stands." Mai spoke while casting the smirking princess an accusatory glance.
"Huh? Oh, Elle got plenty of things for herself. She's so cute that I just couldn't help purchasing everything that caught her eye!" Ty Lee exclaimed with a broad grin while the other two women stared at her dryly.
"So…if she spends all of her gold on Azula…and we are the ones that buy her what she wants anyhow…once more. What's the point in paying the girl?" Mai questioned in a bewildered voice despite knowing that it would be cruel to effectively render Elle a slave.
"Because she's a human being and she deserves her own fair share of pay. And because it gives her the ability to learn more about Fire Nation customs." Ty Lee explained in a slightly sterner voice.
"Relax Ty Lee, I am not going to revoke the girl's pay. Though I am curious…did she seem to understand the basics of ban?" Azula inquired with an elegantly raised brow while reclining in her seat.
"Uh…well she almost gave away 1/5 of the sack for a treat…" Ty Lee trailed off while playing with her braided hair.
Azula was now gazing ahead with her brows scrunching up in mild aggravation.
"That simply will not do. I see that a second lesson is in order for this one." Azula declared with a stern shake of her head while her friends made no comment on her peculiar habit of tending to their young friend's needs.
Elsewhere.
Elle made her way through the palace with a paper sack in her right hand.
She strode with purpose and quickness in her step just as she rounded a corner only to nearly bump into someone familiar.
"Sorry!" Elle blurted before blinking when she found herself face to face with Lao.
The older girl was gazing back at her with a surprised countenance that rapidly gave way to a dry stare.
"I haven't seen you in a few days. I was beginning to think that the princess got rid of you." The servant girl stated calmly while eying the younger girl's bafflingly cheerful face.
"Oh no. Azula now has me serving her personally all day long!" Elle exclaimed with enthusiasm in her voice that took the older girl aback.
"How unfortunate. I truly pity you. Just…be careful Elle." Lao advised discreetly while Elle's brows began to furrow in confusion.
"She's really not that bad. She…hasn't been too hard on me." Elle attempted to explain only for the other girl to stare at her in disbelief.
"Not that bad? How can you…you know what forget it. But you'd be wise to watch yourself. All it takes is one small mistake and then you're doomed. Just like that." Lao spoke quietly while snapping her fingers to accentuate her point.
"I will! It was good seeing you Lao." Elle quipped just as the older girl began to walk past her.
"Yeah. You too." Lao called out with a sigh before vanishing down the hallway.
Not too long after that the three women turned their heads when Elle entered with a paper bag in hand.
"There you are. I am starting to wonder if I will have to leash you." Azula announced with casual strictness in her voice before leaning forward to watch the girl scurry over to her side.
A shiver traveled down Mai and Ty Lee's spines after hearing the princess's statement but they were unsurprised that it did not phase Elle.
"I missed you so much Azula-sama!" Elle shouted sweetly before coming to a stop before Azula's throne unbothered by how the princess was now rolling her eyes at her.
"No doubt not as much as I missed you. Now I am in desperate need of a foot massage. I presume that you are willing?" Azula purred in a spoiled voice while propping her boot up before the girl's face in a taunting manner.
"Can you at least look at what she made you before you start ordering her around?" Ty Lee asked in a sterner voice while her friend sighed as if it was a tremendous burden to shoulder.
That was when Azula stiffened when she felt Elle's smaller frame latch onto her midsection in a joyous hug that had her friends watching with amused eyes.
"I am always willing to do anything that will make you smile Princess. Because you're my best friend." Elle declared with her face buried in the princess's neck while Azula glanced down at her rolling her eyes yet again.
"Aww! Isn't that sweet Mai?" Ty Lee asked the other woman who just sighed in response.
"Yes girl, your best friend! Now release my stomach at once!" Azula ordered with a snap of her fingers while she glared down at the girl trying to crawl into her lap.
"We have such a strong bond! We're pretty much inseparable!" Elle chirped with a jubilant smile just as she hopped to her feet while Azula regarded her with a deadpan countenance.
"I know. As inseparable as a tumor growing on my side." Azula scoffed rudely while she watched the joyful girl begin to dig into her shopping bag.
"Azula! That's mean." Ty Lee complained only for the spoiled woman to roll her eyes at her as well.
"I…got you mochi Azula-sama." Elle admitted bashfully just as she withdrew a small box before woman's curious gaze.
Ty Lee couldn't resist the urge to smile over Elle's lovable way of getting through to even Azula of all people.
It was just astonishing!
It said much and more about what sort of person Elle was.
A girl so gentle and kind that even Azula can't find a reason to be displeased by Elle's efforts to befriend her.
"I don't recall telling you that I liked mochi…" Azula trailed off just as she bent over the smaller girl to appraise her most recent tribute with a rather pleased look in her amber golden eyes.
Yes, she can easily get mochi on her own.
That wasn't the point.
The point was that it was quite pleasing having a servant that was so well behaved that she even brought her mochi.
"I-I heard a rumor that you liked it…" Elle spoke with a blush while Azula leaned over the box sniffing it with a discerning demeanor about.
"You heard a rumor? In other words, you spied on me." Azula commented factually much to her friend's amusement while glancing down at girl's the reddening face with taunting amber golden eyes.
"N-no. I didn't spy on you Princess." Elle insisted while the woman snorted above her.
"I am sure you didn't. But never mind that. I want my mochi now." Azula commanded in a tone of absolute dominance while she narrowed her eyes down at the bashful girl just for the joy of watching her trip on her words.
"A-as Her Highness commands!" Elle cheered just as opened the box with a bright smile while the princess reached in to grab one of the rice balls with a smug smirk adorning her visage.
All the while Mai sighed in the background but neither Azula or Elle seemed to pay her any mind.
And then Azula bit into her mochi while she eyed her little admirer standing so diligently before her throne with a vastly pleased look in her amber golden gaze.
"When I become Fire Lord. This is the new standard that I will hold everyone to." Azula remarked lazily while she chewed the offering with a content smile before extending her hand to pat the younger girl's head.
The arrogant announcement had both of her friends flinching in pity for the other servants but even so.
The sight of Azula patting the petite girl's head was a heartwarming one to Ty Lee.
"D-do you like it Azula-sama?" Elle requested with a sunny smile while the princess continued to pat her fondly.
"It is good." Azula stated with a sigh while her friends gazed at her in shock to hear her admit that she liked it.
It was well known that even when the princess liked something. She would always say that it was subpar, or that she has had better.
It was almost like…Azula was making an effort to refrain from hurting Elle's feelings.
Which was a huge accomplishment on Elle's part.
"I am glad! I have other gifts for you Princess!" Elle chimed before bending over to dig through the bag once more while Azula continued to gracefully chew her mochi with an uncharacteristically satisfied countenance.
All while glancing down at the girl with a trace of fondness breaking through amidst her glacial stare.
By now it was rather apparent that Azula had taken such a liking to Elle that it was clear that she had meant what she said about protecting the girl.
It was obvious just by the princess's unusually protective posture that she would not react well if anyone should attempt to hurt the girl in her presence or otherwise.
One simply had to look back on her wrathful behavior at the café as proof of her budding affections for the younger girl.
"What else have you got in there…Elle?" Azula queried while gazing down at the girl with her half-eaten ball of rice in hand.
Neither one of her friends failed to notice how she almost addressed Elle as servant but elected to use her name instead.
"I-I got you…t-this." Elle stuttered adorably just as she extended her hand while the princess glanced down with surprised amber golden eyes to see a small crystal.
A small crystal with a fire lily forever preserved inside its protective shell.
Ty Lee smiled even wider while watched beside the similarly taken aback Mai.
"Another fire lily?" Azula pondered in a marginally subdued voice while she reached down to accept the gift.
All the while she stared down at it with impressed eyes well aware that this cost her servant the bulk of her pay.
Then her strict eyes flickered back to the timid girl averting her eyes from her gaze in a manner that she had come to approve of.
"It…i-it is so." Elle mumbled with her heart racing rapidly while she sat tracing her fingers along the paper bag.
"Elle." Azula spoke just as she set the preserved flower on the tabletop before turning to gaze down at her little handmaid.
Just as soon as Azula said her name the girl spun around in an adorably alert manner to meet the princess's gaze.
"Y-yes, Your Highness?" Elle answered in an adorably courteous voice while the princess regarded her with an approving stare.
"This is a splendid fire lily. You have pleased me with these tributes." Azula announced before reaching out to grasp ahold of the smaller girl's chin with a possessive palm.
"Knowing that I have pleased you Princess makes me so very happy." Elle confessed in a heartfelt voice while staring back at the seated princess with emotional ambers eyes.
"You are a good girl. You always please me." Azula spoke in a brief break from her harsh voice while she held her handmaid's chin up by her fingertip.
The unusually tender words were a shock to both noblewomen.
Both wisely kept silent so as not to draw awareness to Azula's fleeting display of kindness.
"T-that is good to know. Because you're all that I want in this life. I don't want anything else…I just want to spend my days with you Azula-sama." Elle declared just as she clutched at the princess's hand with a joyful tear sliding down her cheek.
The princess took careful note of the single teardrop while she observed it fall to the floor below with her lips pursing into a growing frown.
"Cease your crying right now or I will punish you." Azula ordered with a snap of her fingers while blue flames roared to life behind her that accentuated her imposing image.
All the while she now leaned forward to glare eye to eye with the mousy girl with a tight scowl on her crimson lips.
While the two noblewomen shook their heads in exasperation over the princess's terrible social skills.
"That's…not how you're supposed to deal with your girlfriend crying Azula." Ty Lee advised with a heavy sigh yet even so she still managed to smile.
"Y-yes Azula-sama! Please forgive me!" Elle cried out comically with another tear falling down her cheek while she gulped under the weight of her mistress's rigid stare.
Their faces were so close that she could feel the princess's unusually warm breath tickling her face while the princess's fingertip continued to restrain her chin.
And her eyes…oh her eyes.
Her captivating amber golden eyes were narrowing in such a striking manner that she found herself powerless to fight her quickening heartbeat!
"You are still crying. Are you challenging my will? Surrender at once or I will destroy you." Azula growled out in a controlling voice while she exhaled in her petite servant's gasping face with her palm now gripping the girl's face in a domineering manner.
"I-I surrender! I surrender to you Your Highness! Please don't destroy me!" Elle squealed in a submissive manner while she furiously wiped at her eyes before swiftly straightening under the princess's stern stare.
The scene that followed was comical to both noblewomen while they observed in amusement when Azula continued to loom over Elle with her lips curling into a refined smile.
"Oh, very well then…I shall show you mercy. You are spared from annihilation." Azula remarked in an offhand manner with her hand still seizing her blushing pet in an unforgiving grip.
"You're also not supposed to threaten to destroy said girl." Ty Lee stated once more only for her words to fall on deaf ears.
"Don't waste your breath, Ty Lee." Mai scoffed while she shook her head in a knowing manner.
"Thank you for sparing me Azula-sama! This loyal servant will not forget your mercy!" Elle exclaimed with a sunny smile while she still blushed over the proximity of Azula's looming visage.
The princess now smirked back at her in a supremely confident manner all the while swelling in an increasingly prideful manner with every word that her young admirer spoke.
"You had best not girl. Because you…are mine now." Azula purred with her breath lightly brushing against Elle's cheek before she released the girl's chin in a purposefully teasing way.
Azula's friends noticed the princess's subtle attempts at seducing young Elle in the ever so slightest ways.
The princess reclined upon her throne once more before gazing back at the red-faced girl with a haughty smile just as she bit into her mochi once again.
"Y-yours Azula-sama." Elle agreed with a jubilant expression while she nodded rapidly under her mistress's intimidating stare.
"Mhm. You are. So…do you have any other gifts for me?" Azula inquired in a tremendously entitled tone while she began to examine her fingernails in an attempt at indifference.
"I do Princess! More flowers!" Elle yelled out before bending to search through the bag just as Azula stared down at her turned back while she now rubbed at the bridge of her nose sighing.
"More flowers?" Azula repeated dryly while she turned to glare at Ty Lee's giggling face.
There was something that Ty Lee knew that she didn't!
"I-I made you this Princess! With some help from my oneesan of course!" Elle cried out with her chest puffing out in a childish show of pride while she held up a ring of flowers before princess's now incredulous face.
In that very moment Azula's eyes narrowed just as she turned to glare at both of her friends who were breaking out into chuckle fits over the girl's embarrassing third gift.
A crown of flowers!
"Ty Lee helped you construct this…ring?" Azula questioned with a twinge of disgust that she was barely able to suppress while she gazed down at her little handmaid's nodding face.
And yet despite her cruel instincts she found herself choosing her words carefully to avoid making the girl cry.
She felt an urge within every fiber of her being to incinerate the crown of flowers to ashes!
And yet…
She can't!
"She sure did! And it's not a ring Princess. It's a crown." Elle explained innocently with her hands holding the crown up before Azula who sat glaring down at it with merciless amber golden eyes.
"We had a good time making it too!" Ty Lee giggled while her regal friend turned to glare at her through the corner of her eye.
"I can see that it's a crown! I have eyes!" Azula snarled while she leaned back in her seat all the while eying the crown with endless distaste in her gaze.
"I hope you like it, Mistress." Elle murmured shyly with her fingers holding the crown before the princess's scrunched up countenance.
If looks could set items ablaze the crown of flowers would have been rendered to ashes the moment that the princess set her eyes on it.
"Like it? It's…" Azula trailed off with a scowl still adorning her ruthless lips before turning to survey her admirer's innocent face with her cruel words promptly dying in her throat.
"I-I made it for you Princess…b-because you are the ruler of me." Elle admitted with a lovable stutter before dropping the ring into the older girl's lap.
And then she turned away with her cheeks heating up all the while the princess gazed at her back before sighing under her breath.
Curse this…peasant girl.
The girl's words were vastly pleasing.
At least she could say that much.
"Ugh. Well good work I suppose. It's…well-constructed." Azula grunted before dropping the crown on the table's surface while she resumed staring down at it with icy amber golden eyes.
"I am overjoyed that you think so Azula-sama. I-I just know that it will go well with your final gift!" Elle called out just as she bent over to fish through the bag while the princess glared at her chortling friends.
"My final gift you say?" Azula groaned with her clenched fist resting against her cheek while her icy eyes began to pierce the other girl's skulls.
"Actually, this one is for everyone! I made us all something! But yours is the biggest because you're our matriarch." Elle stated happily while Azula glanced down at her turned back with a returning pleased gleam in her strict eyes.
"Humph. Indeed, I am and that is how it should be servant." Azula boasted with a refined smile while she closed her eyes never seeing her friends roll their own.
"I can only hope that you didn't make me a crown of flowers." Mai commented in her typical monotone voice while Elle turned to peer up at her beaming as brightly as can be.
"Oh no oneesan! I made everyone bracelets!" Elle shouted before thrusting a black beaded bracelet into the gloomy noblewoman's face.
The announcement prompted Ty Lee to grin down at Elle in approval.
And Azula opened her eyes while she gazed at the back of Elle's head just as she sighed under her breath.
"Aww! That was so thoughtful of you little sister!" Ty Lee cried out while she giggled all the while observing Mai stare down at her handmade bracelet with surprise in her stoic eyes.
"I made yours black and red because I was informed that you liked those colors." Elle quipped just as Mai accepted the gift with her apathetic expression giving way to hints of appreciation.
For handmade jewelry by a nearly fourteen-year-old girl.
Mai couldn't help but admit that it was rather nice.
"Thank you, little sister." Mai responded in a softer voice before surprising the others when she pulled the smaller girl into a gentle hug.
The girl really was a lovable little thing.
Even she couldn't deny that.
"O-of course. I hope you like it oneesan." Elle replied softly with her head leaning against the older girl's shoulder while she quietly savored their brief moment of bonding.
She really liked being the youngest in the group.
It was quite comforting having all three of the older girls to look out for her.
"I do." Mai assured just as she patted Elle's back before tenderly disconnecting from their hug.
Elle stood back up with a faint blush on her cheeks while Mai slipped the bracelet over her wrist.
As Mai gave Elle a small smile just as she observed the joyful girl dart over to Ty Lee's side.
"So that's what you were doing in your room. You are a sneaky one little sister." Ty Lee commented with a smile while she gazed down at the girl's opening palms.
In the younger girl's hands was a simply lovely handmade, pink bracelet!
"P-pinks your favorite color, right?" Elle asked in an adorably fretful voice while she chewed on her lip only to squeak when Ty Lee promptly crushed her into a hug.
Mai gazed on humorously as she watched Ty Lee giggle with Elle face first in her chest.
An act that incurred a comical stare of disapproval from Azula.
"Are you kidding me?! I love pink! This calls for snuggle time!" Ty Lee bellowed before pulling Elle's small frame into her lap while she began to curl up with the handmaid in her chair.
"Ty Lee." Azula stated with her hands folded over her resting belly while she stared at the other woman with possessive amber golden eyes.
"I love snuggle time!" Elle cried out bashfully with her face in the noblewoman's pink top while Ty Lee patted her head softly.
"Remember Elle, when Azula is being stingy with snuggles…just come and see me. And I'll cuddle you to your hearts content." Ty Lee cooed with a grin while she held her little sister into her chest.
"Okay! I'll remember. I should go give Azula-sama her bracelet now. I think she wants it." Elle remarked just as she sat up while Ty Lee giggled before pushing her to her feet.
"Yes, I can't wait." Azula snorted snidely while she watched her servant scamper back over to dig in her sack.
"You did a good job with these bracelets Elle!" Ty Lee exclaimed while slipping her over her wrist with a content nod.
"I found it Your Highness!" Elle blurted with her hand fishing in the bag while Azula scanned her finger nails just as she rolled her eyes.
Outside of the girl's line of vision anyhow.
"Hm? That's relieving to hear. I was beginning to think you lost it." Azula commented wryly with her sarcasm soaring over the younger girl's head just as she dashed over.
"H-here's yours Azula-sama…and this one is mine." Elle informed with a returning blush just as she deposited a golden bracelet in Azula's open palm.
The princess glanced down at the gift with a scrunched-up expression while the teenager stood observing her with hopeful amber eyes.
All the while both noblewomen were gazing at Azula with pointed stares that communicated a silent message to be gentle with Elle.
"Gold...the color anyhow." Azula stated flatly only for Ty Lee to shake her head before she turned to peer down at her little admirer holding a smaller gold bracelet of her own.
She furrowed her brows over the girl's choice of color before she turned her gaze back to the ridiculous little piece of jewelry.
It was utterly preposterous for the Crown Princess of the Fire Nation to wear such a simple commoner bauble!
And yet once again…she was finding that she couldn't just say that to the girl.
"I made yours the largest because you're our princess! This way when you wear it there will be no doubt that you are the leader." Elle explained in an innocent manner while the princess wrinkled her nose over the offering.
"How reassuring to know. But why do we have the same color?" Azula questioned dryly with a tilt of her head while she regarded Elle with a curious glance.
"W-well because I follow your path Azula-sama. Where Her Highness goes, I go. And I thought twin bracelets would symbolize that. T-that is if it's okay with you…" Elle stuttered with a blush while she listened to Azula sigh under her breath.
"Oh, very well. Mimic my colors if you wish." Azula commented with an arrogant sigh just as she began to set the bracelet down.
Only to gaze up in annoyance when the other two gestured for her to put the silly thing on.
"Come on Azula. Put your bracelet on." Ty Lee urged with a grin while the princess glared at her through the corner of her eye.
"Let's share friendship bracelets Princess!" Elle exclaimed with a soft smile just as she began to slide her bracelet over her wrist.
The innocent announcement earned a bright smile of approval from Ty Lee and a monotone sigh from Mai.
While Azula continued to glance down at Elle with mocking amber golden eyes.
"Friendship bracelets?" Azula snorted snidely with an elegant roll of her eyes to which Elle just beamed back at her nodding all the while.
"Yep! This way we'll always be connected to one another. And if anything were to happen to you. I could find you because we share bracelets." Elle explained sweetly just as she seated herself while Azula turned to stare down at her like a parent about to chide her child.
"You truly are a naïve little thing." Azula remarked haughtily before narrowing her eyes at Ty Lee when she abruptly leaped from her seat.
And then performed a graceful flip across the table before landing behind her throne with a mischievous grin.
"Don't be such a meanie Azula! This is so pink!" Ty Lee shouted with her hand seizing Azula's wrist just as she began to slide the golden bracelet over the growling woman's hand.
"Ty Lee!" Azula barked in a moody voice while she reeled around to glare up at the other woman.
"There! Now you're part of the link." Ty Lee stated victoriously with her fists on her hips.
"Do you realize what would happen if father were to see me like this?" Azula snapped while she glared over her shoulder at the cheerful Ty Lee.
"Your father isn't here Azula. It's just us." Ty Lee answered with a sigh while she observed Azula sink into her throne with a scowl lining her lips.
'I cannot allow Father to hear about any of this!' Azula thought just as she snorted out a small puff of fire before gazing at Elle's bright countenance.
"Now we all have one." Elle commented with a joyful hum while the princess just rolled her eyes down at her in response.
"What about your crown Azula?" Mai asked with a twinge of smugness in her voice while Azula now turned to stare at her with merciless amber golden eyes.
"I already have a crown…don't you dare Ty Lee! I will burn you to ashes!" Azula roared in a furious voice just as she stiffened when the flower crown was dropped upon her head.
"There! A crown for the matriarch!" Ty Lee announced proudly before walking away on her hands while Azula glared after her with an icy stare.
"All hail the flower lord." Mai snorted with a smirk while the princess stared at the two of them with wrathful eyes.
"If either of you say another word. The two of you will be picking cherry pits for the next three months as punishment for this transgression." Azula declared in a savage voice while she glared between both of her now silent friends.
It was a truly terrifying threat that would have normally sent shivers down their spines.
But…
"It's hard to take you seriously with that on your head." Mai stated in a brief break from her usual aloofness.
That was all it took for the princess to swiftly remove the crown.
It plopped back down on the tabletop while she glanced down at it with cold amber golden eyes.
"I didn't really expect for you to wear it Azula-sama. But…will you at least keep it?" Elle requested shyly just as she sat playing with her bracelet.
"Maybe I will. Perhaps I'll incinerate it. In any case it's not for you to worry about what I will do. I am your master. And I will do as I please…and you my pet…will obey." Azula spoke in a silken voice while she leaned on the side of her throne to peer down at her timid little pet.
"Yes Mistress. I'll be good." Elle answered submissively with a blush while Azula reached down to pat her head.
"Good girl." Azula purred just as she resumed biting into her mochi all the while giving the smaller girl one more pat to the head.
"You know Azula…ignoring the fact that she calls you mistress…you two have a pretty pink bond going!" Ty Lee quiped with a soft smile while she gazed at her leader eating the remainder of her rice ball.
"Peasant! I'm thirsty! Hurry up and pour me a drink!" Azula bellowed with a snap of her fingers while she reclined in her throne to watch in satisfaction when her handmaid sprang into action.
The other two highborn women just sighed as they exchanged a knowing glance.
"Yes Princess! Her Highness's thirst much be quenched!" Elle chirped while leaning forward just as she skillfully poured her princess a tall cup of wine.
"As you said Ty Lee…our bond is very pink." Azula boasted with her red lips curving into a smug smirk just as she took a long drink of her wine.
"Azula-sama?" Elle began in a voice seeking guidance that the princess enjoyed.
"Just what is going through that little mind of yours now?" Azula inquired with a tilt of her head while she gazed down at the smaller girl in a patient manner that she didn't show anyone else.
"Will our routine be the usual on the road trip?" Elle pondered with a finger being held to her lip while Ty Lee giggled in her direction.
Azula now stared down at Elle with stern amber golden eyes trying not to groan in renewed annoyance.
"It isn't a road trip! It is a mission to kill the Avatar!" Azula barked just as she pointed a domineering finger in the gulping girl's little face.
"B-but why can't it be a road trip when you aren't killing the Avatar?" Elle retorted only to back into her seat when her mistress jabbed her forehead with her fingertip.
"I just said that it isn't a road trip. Therefore, it isn't a road trip." Azula declared with her finger pushing the mousy girl back in a dominant manner.
"Azula…" Ty Lee trailed off in a chiding voice while gazing over at the two.
"Yes Princess." Elle mumbled like a saddened puppy while Azula stared down at her now rolling her eyes.
"To answer your question regarding the routine. No, it will not be the same. Firstly, there will be no lapnaps in the duration of the entire mission." Azula announced tyrannically just as she reclined in her throne to observe Elle's growing horror much to her amusement.
"W-what? No snuggle time?" Elle stuttered with Ty Lee now casting her a reassuring glance.
"It's okay Elle. You can snuggle with me instead." Ty Lee assured with a sisterly nod while the young girl's smile began to slowly return.
"No Ty Lee! No, you will not. Anyone who embarrasses me in front of my army will spend the next year stripped of their nobility, with ample time to rethink their actions in the palace kitchens." Azula spoke in a sadistic voice that sent a shiver down Ty Lee's spine.
"But Azula-sama. I already do that." Elle stated with a curious tilt of her head that had her big sisters gazing on in amusement.
"Hm. I suppose that you are a peculiar case. Very well. I shall give you sufficient gold to buy a small house and then I shall set you free for one year. Without me." Azula informed in a devilishly smug manner while her imposing eyes watched her little handmaid's jaw drop in despair.
"One year, without the joy of serving you?" Elle asked in a sorrowful voice while the regal woman smiled down at her.
"One year." Azula purred before taking a gulp of her beverage all the while savoring her young companion's servile nature.
"T-that is a cruel punishment. I wouldn't survive." Elle muttered glumly while she sank in her seat with her big sisters staring at her comedically.
"No. I presume not. Just do as I say Elle and I will guide you with my strength." Azula commented in a sanguine manner just as she placed her palm on the petite girl's shoulder.
"As Her Highness commands. I'll be good." Elle agreed with a nod while she relaxed under the woman's palm.
"You know Elle…I don't believe you've shown Azula her proxy yet." Ty Lee began in a mischievous voice that quickly earned her a suspicious glance from Azula.
Especially given how Elle's eyes instantly perked up upon hearing of this 'proxy'.
"What are you talking about Ty Lee? What proxy?" Azula demanded before turning to stare down at her pet now diving for her bag.
"Erm well you see Azula…you've kind of gotten more popular since conquering Ba Sing Se…and well…" Ty Lee answered while the princess just gazed on with a pleased look in her eyes.
"Yes, I have. And rightfully so." Azula boasted with a conceited smirk while she set her hands on her belly once more.
That was when Mai's eyes nearly fell out of her head when she watched Elle hold up an Azula doll proudly for all to see.
"Azula-sama! Look at what my oneesan bought me!" Elle announced gleefully while Azula turned to gaze down at her with her amber golden eyes agape in comical anger.
All the while listening to the two noblewomen begin breaking out into hearty laughter that only served as fuel for her rage.
"Where did you obtain such an insult to my likeness! Who dares to produce the image of Princess Azula as a commoner doll!" Azula bellowed with her eyes narrowing dangerously while blue fire flared throughout the room.
"I-I found it in a Fire Nation memorabilia shop Azula-sama! They had figurines of all sorts of famous people. N-no! Please let me keep it!" Elle cried out just as she defensively curled up with the doll cradled to her chest when the princess made a grab for it.
"Just let her keep it!" Ty Lee pleaded only to flinch at the terrifying glare that Azula directed their way.
"Absolutely not. Give it to me now!" Azula ordered with her hand held out expectantly while she stared down at the infuriating doll in a livid manner.
"I like it." Mai stated with a snicker while Ty Lee just barely suppressed a giggle in agreement.
"B-but you're going to burn it." Elle protested pitifully with the plushie safely hidden in her arms all while Azula stared down at her rolling her eyes.
"Of course, I am going to burn it. When I was little, I used to burn the faces off my dolls. Why don't I show you?" Azula explained in a cruel voice with a pursed scowl while she continued in her attempt to confiscate the doll.
"Azula!" Ty Lee called out with a trace of anger in her voice this time around.
"N-no. I refuse!" Elle squeaked while her big sisters observed the dispute from the sidelines.
"Are you defying my authority Elle?" Azula inquired in a menacing voice while she stared down at the girl with intimidating amber golden eyes.
"Y-you'll have to burn me to get to it." Elle announced in a comically distraught voice with the two noblewomen watching in amusement while Azula snorted in contempt above her.
"Really? I have taken a direct interest in you and you would challenge me over a commoner doll? Don't be stupid! Give it to me Elle!" Azula shouted while her friends watched in increasing wariness when she pulled on the teenager by her shirt.
"You're being really mean Azula. It's just a doll!" Ty Lee exclaimed in a disapproving voice while Elle yelped when Azula began to pull her up.
"Please don't take it from me!" Elle whined in a childish manner just as she was being dragged out of her chair.
"You are not keeping it!" Azula barked almost like an angry mother just as she exhaled a small puff of flames before loosening her grip to avoid injury.
"I-it's not fair. You said that we're dating and I still sleep alone. Why can't I have an Azula-sama plushie to keep me company?" Elle complained with the doll hidden in her arms while the princess still gripped the back of her shirt.
And if you asked either Mai or Ty Lee the girl had a point.
"You just spent two hours in my lap this morning. That is sufficient as far as I am concerned. Quite generous even. Considering that we've barely known each other for even a week." Azula scoffed with her palm still tightly grasping the back of her handmaid's robes.
"But I get lonely at night…and I wanted to have you beside me. Even if it is only a doll." Elle confessed with her head hung low while the older girl stared down at her scowling all the while.
Azula held onto her young companion for another moment before releasing the girl to plop back into her chair.
She sunk back into her throne with her elegant lips still forming a thin line before turning to regard her adorable admirer with a stern gaze.
Curse her fondness for this peasant!
"Put it in the bag. Now. And if you ever show it to anyone. I will incinerate it." Azula commanded in a frigid voice while she set her hands over her belly once more.
The announcement came across as a bit of a shock to the others.
Ty Lee had been convinced that Azula would surely burn it.
"W- wakarimashita Azula-sama!" Elle exclaimed in a much happier voice just as she reached for the bag while she listened to Azula grunt under her breath.
"Ty Lee, where is this shop located?" Azula queried in a tone so callous that the other woman shuddered in her seat.
"A-Azula please leave the poor woman alone. S-she was really nice. And she even asked me beforehand if you would see it. I…um lied to her and told her that I didn't know you personally…" Ty Lee trailed off with a nervous smile while the princess just gazed at her narrowing her eyes.
"Wait. This unfortunate shopkeeper didn't even know that she was selling it to someone from Azula's inner circle?" Mai asked with a trace of humor in her voice while she gazed at her now guilty faced friend.
"That is indeed unfortunate…for her. Is your aura still pink after that one?" Azula taunted with a sliver of amusement while she stared at Ty Lee's reddening face.
"You weren't there Azula! Elle wanted it so badly. It was so cute!" Ty Lee defended with a nod while Azula glanced down at the innocent girl now smiling once again.
"While I am pleased that Elle's worship extends to even commoner dolls of my likeness. I want the name of the shop. Now." Azula insisted with her palms folding in her lap while she continued to glare at the folding Ty Lee.
"W-what…are you going to do to her Azula?" Ty Lee pondered with worry in her voice while her friend snorted.
"Do to her? Do you really think that I would haul my own people off to be killed? What sort of princess do you take me for?" Azula questioned with a sliver of offense in her voice while the other two women eyed her in a pointed manner.
"Is that a serious question?" Mai replied dryly while she sat unflinching under the princess's frozen gaze.
"The sort of woman that terrifies people. Even your own people. It's true and you know it Azula. You remember our talk, don't you?" Ty Lee spoke while Azula leaned back with her fist pushing into her cheek rolling her eyes.
"Of course, I remember you bawling like a baby." Azula sneered with her words incurring Mai to gaze between the two curiously.
"I was talking about you being a little bit nicer to your own people. She's just a shop keeper Azula." Ty Lee stated with a pleading smile while the callous princess scanned her fingers nails in a disinterested manner.
"For the last time. I am not going to kill her. I am going to have a talk with her about that unsightly little commoner doll." Azula growled out while she glared down at her petite handmaid's beaming face through the corner of her eye.
"I don't think it's unsightly Princess! I think it's lovely." Elle announced with her bag in her lap while Ty Lee giggled over the way Azula was staring down with narrowed eyes.
"Don't push your luck girl! Or I really will burn it." Azula insisted with a scowl adorning her features all the while her pet clutched the bag in a laughably protective manner.
"I can't wait to cuddle my Princess Azula plushie all night long! The only way it could be better is if she spoke!" Elle chirped while cuddling the bag to her chest while the others observed in amusement.
"You know little sister. We could probably find a way to make little Azula speak." Ty Lee suggested much to Azula's anger as she turned to stare at her with ruthless amber golden eyes.
"Ty Lee…" Azula warned with her palm gripping at her wine cup.
"That's a great idea oneesan! If she called me a peasant every time that I hugged her then it would be just perfect!" Elle exclaimed with a sunny smile while both of her big sisters laughed in amusement.
"Well…that might be workable." Ty Lee chuckled as she gazed at her friend's callous face with humored brown-gray eyes.
"If you are turning to a doll for dominance then I can only conclude that I have been…far too lenient with you. Very well then…I shall dominate you until you feel like a slave!" Azula announced in a tone of absolute sternness while both of her childhood friends shuddered in pity for the poor girl.
All the while she glared down at the now quivering girl with a glacial gaze that sent a blush down the younger girl's cheeks.
"Um Azula…I really think that you're looking at this the wrong way. Elle wanted the doll is because she wants more physical comfort. Not dominance." Ty Lee advised with a sigh only to realize that the princess was ignoring her once more.
"Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy Princess!" Elle replied in a joyful voice while the princess peered down at her with entrancing amber golden eyes that made her blush even deeper.
That was when a rumbling sound emanated into the air that was revealed to be none other than the princess's growling belly.
"Girl! I am hungry! Go fetch my lunch!" Azula bellowed with a snap of her fingers just as her friends sighed while they watched the teenager leap to her feet in a panic.
"It would be my pleasure Princess! What can I get for you?" Elle inquired just as she bent over to bow to her mistress with a serene smile adorning her features.
Azula turned to stare down at her bowing servant with her hands resting on her complaining belly.
All the while she was finding herself unable to resist the fond smile of approval that crept onto her lips.
"To start bring me a fresh bowl of cherries…." Azula trailed off with a lazy wave of her hand while she smugly observed Elle speedily withdraw her notepad to record the order.
"A bowl of only the freshest cherries…for Her Highness." Elle muttered while she chewed on her lip thoughtfully.
"And a bowl of fire noodles." Azula stated with her palm falling back into her lap.
"It will be done Princess." Elle answered before she bowed low at the waist once more while Azula surveyed her in a pleased manner.
"Good. Very good Elle. You are so well behaved." Azula purred before leaning forward to pat the smaller girl's head all the while enjoying how Elle yearned for her approval.
"I strive to please! And there is no one that I wish to please more than you Azula-sama. Y-you mean the world to me." Elle spoke in a passionate voice while she bent over with her eyes closed.
All along savoring the sensation of Azula petting her in a dominant yet tender manner.
"I know you do. And today you have pleased me immensely. Get yourself whatever you like to eat and bring it back here. We'll have lunch together." Azula informed with her fingers trailing through her little handmaid's hair while she gazed down at her bowing servant.
The two noblewomen said nothing while they watched the strange duo bond once more.
And despite Ty Lee's reservations about Azula taking the dominance too far she couldn't help but smile even so.
Elle was nothing else if not adorable.
"Yes Azula-sama!" Elle agreed in a voice laced with warm laughter while Azula gave her a final pat to the head.
"And go put that wretched thing in your room while you're at it." Azula commanded just as her hand returned to her side while she fixed her loyal handmaid with a stern scowl.
"Aww! I don't think it's wretched. I for one think it's cute." Ty Lee cooed while also Mai suppressed a snort of amusement.
The princess glared at the two from the corner of her eye yet strangely made no comment.
Her attentions were currently occupied by the teenager rising to her feet with a bright smile about her innocent face.
"I will just that Princess. But before I go may I ask Your Highness a question?" Elle requested meekly with her hands folded over her belly.
"What do you wish to know Elle?" Azula responded in a restrained voice that was for her young companion only while she glanced at the girl with curious amber golden eyes.
"There is a machine in my room…I presume for my breathing. But I don't know how to use it. Will you…show me how?" Elle pondered with a slight blush while she averted her eyes from Azula's harsh gaze.
"Yes servant. I will." Azula commented with her hands folded in her lap while she watched Elle bow to her once more.
"Arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama!" Elle exclaimed joyfully before she rose from her polite bow as she turned to depart.
"Ugh. Not just yet Tiger Monkey. Come here." Azula ordered with a wag of her finger while her deadpan eyes remained fixated upon her pretty handmaid's bow tie.
"If my princess says come. I come!" Elle cried out before happily skipping back over to her mistress's seated form.
And then the young girl bent over to bow before the woman with her chest puffing out pridefully under Azula's approving gaze.
"Three times in one day? I can see that Ty Lee's guidance is sorely lacking…" Azula sighed with a shake of her head to the other woman's confusion before observing her lean down to adjust the girl's bow tie.
"S-sumimasen Azula-sama. I-it must have come loose while we were shopping." Elle stammered with a shamefaced expression while her mistress's skillful hands tightened her bow.
"Really? I wouldn't have guessed that. In the future Ty Lee…the bow tie on this one must remain flawless at all times." Azula remarked with her amber golden eyes narrowing in the direction of Ty Lee's smiling face.
"Right Azula. I'll be sure to remember that." Ty Lee agreed with a grin all the while musing that Azula's peculiar habit of managing Elle to be rather heartwarming.
Not that she would ever say as much to the princess's face.
"And you have a hair out of place." Azula spoke with a displeased click of her tongue before patting her handmaid's hair down while the young girl's shoulders slumped even further.
"O-oh. I do?" Elle muttered in a sulking voice while she stood motionless while Azula continued to fix her hair.
"You are a naive little thing…but not one that I dislike. Hm. That is much better." Azula concluded in a gratified voice before gently pushing her fragile servant to her feet.
"T-thank you Azula-sama…for being here for me…." Elle trailed off timidly before she bowed before the princess a final time.
"It is clear that you wouldn't survive without me. Now go. I am becoming terribly hungry and I would prefer to save my mochi for later." Azula commanded in a colder voice while she waved her hand in the air once again.
The teenager arose with a sunny smile before nodding speedily just as she turned to grasp her bag while she made her way towards the door.
That was when she halted before Ty Lee before surprising the woman with a hug around the neck.
"A-arigatou gozaimasu oneesan…for taking me out." Elle murmured with a nervous smile while she felt the noblewoman pull her into a crushing bear hug.
"Aren't you just the sweetest! It was my pleasure little sister." Ty Lee responded softly just as she patted the smaller girl on the back.
"Get going! Your primary focus is my needs. Not Ty Lee's!" Azula called out in a spoiled voice with another tyrannical snap of her fingers.
To her amusement and Ty Lee's disappointment the young girl frightfully jumped to her feet.
"Yes Princess! Straightaway! Her Highness's belly will not wait!" Elle declared in a comedically distraught voice before sprinting to the door while her big sister watched her run off sighing under her breath.
"Why did you have to ruin our hug Azula?" Ty Lee complained with a slight pout while she observed Elle burst through the door.
The door slammed shut with a resounding thud.
All the while Azula gazed at the now closed door with noticeably smug amber golden eyes.
"Because I enjoy watching the girl jump about as if she's on fire every time I give her an order." Azula remarked with her lips curving into a pleased smirk while she reclined in her throne.
"Well, I still think that you could go easier on the poor girl." Ty Lee sighed while shaking her head all the while.
"Please! She adores me! I even have her trained to leap to her feet when my stomach growls. If I didn't know any better Ty Lee the girl was already rising to her feet even before I spoke. I am the clock that her entire life revolves around." Azula stated with a refined smile gracing her features while Ty Lee just stared at her at a loss for words.
The fact that Azula had Elle trained to stand when her belly growled of all things.
Spoke volumes about the princess's controlling personality.
"I swear Azula. You remind me of a chauvinistic man." Mai said with her arms folded over her chest while Azula turned to gaze at her icily.
"Did you just compare me to a man once more?" Azula asked in a much colder voice while she eyed the other woman's apathetic face.
"I did. You may look feminine. But you behave like a man. Seriously. Girl fetch my lunch? That's not much different from a man barking at a woman to make him a sandwich." Mai explained with Ty Lee listening in humor alongside her while they gazed at Azula's scowling countenance.
"While you might prefer me to be weak and spineless like Zuko. I was born to lead, and giving my people orders is what I do." Azula commented while she lounged in her seat with her hardened gaze flickering down to her handmaid's recent offerings.
Her two friends decided against commenting any further in favor of spoiling the princess's decidedly pleasant mood.
Azula reached down to lightly trace her fingernail along the surface of the crystallized fire lily with her rigid amber golden eyes softening momentarily.
The regal woman then clutched at it with her palm before raising a contemplative finger to her crimson lips.
Her callous eyes also shifted down to the girl's handmade bracelet before passing over the grudgingly fine batch of mochi.
Yes, Elle was indeed a strange case…
Who would have ever thought that she would consider a little peasant girl her friend?
Yet in her mind she knew that she did.