ATLA: Azlua

Treaty Part Two

"You look stunning, Mai. That dress complements your aura of mystery," Ty Lee remarked with a cheerful smile.

Mai raised an eyebrow, offering a rare, appreciative nod. "And you manage to make any outfit look like it was designed just for you. Quite a talent."

As they shared a moment of camaraderie, Ty Lee couldn't help but steal glances toward Azula, keeping a watchful eye on her interactions with Aang. With a mischievous grin, Ty Lee couldn't resist acting out a playful rendition of their conversation.

"I can almost hear it," Ty Lee whispered to Mai, adopting a serious tone. "Aang saying, 'I'll end you if you step out of line,' and Azula responding with, 'Oh, please. Like you could.'"

Mai couldn't suppress a small smirk, finding Ty Lee's lighthearted take on the situation amusing, even in the midst of diplomatic tensions.

As Ty Lee's joke concluded, Mai subtly shushed her, strategically placing them within earshot of the representatives of each nation. The tension in the air escalated as Gilak, his face contorted with anger, growled his discontent over the perceived unfairness of the treaty.

"This treaty is a joke! We won't take this lying down!" Gilak roared, his voice echoing through the courtyard.

The Earth King, visibly shrinking in the face of Gilak's outburst, tried to maintain a semblance of composure. Meanwhile, Arnook, the Northern Water Tribe chief, dismissed Gilak's fervor with a calm but stern voice. "Quit with the false bravado, Gilak. If you were going to do something, it should have been before we signed the treaty. Face the facts; we lack the power and ability to oppose it now."

In response, Gilak barked accusations, claiming they'd lost their backbone. However, King Kuei, his expression firm, spoke with a sense of grim reality. "You have no idea of the power the Fire Lord holds. I was at her mercy. When the avatar and fire lord Azula battled, it was, Aang who looked defeated when the dust settled. It's better to keep your head low and accept our reality."

As the verbal sparring continued among the representatives, the weight of the treaty's implications became palpable. The delicate balance of power and the challenges of forging unity among the nations cast a looming shadow over the seemingly celebratory occasion.

Ty Lee playfully smacked her hand into Mai's, a silent acknowledgment of the strategic choice to have this conversation in close proximity to the representatives. As they exchanged thoughts about each delegate, Ty Lee couldn't help but express concern about the Southern Water Tribe chief, Gilak.

"He doesn't seem to know his place, does he?" Ty Lee whispered to Mai, her eyes discreetly shifting toward Gilak. "We need to keep an eye on him; he might cause more trouble than the others."

Mai nodded in agreement, her expression showing a hint of concern. "Agreed. Gilak is unpredictable, and that unpredictability could be dangerous."

As their conversation continued, Ty Lee's keen observation skills caught sight of Hiroshi approaching Azula. In a swift and subtle motion, she brought Mai closer and discreetly pointed out the unfolding scene, her eyes widening slightly. Mai's stoic expression remained unchanged, but a flicker of interest glinted in her eyes as they both kept a watchful gaze on the approaching interaction.

Azula suppressed a tongue click of annoyance as Hiroshi approached her, executing a bow with a bright congratulation for the successful peace treaty. His initial compliments seemed genuine, expressing admiration for her appearance and acknowledging his luck in being engaged to such a stunning figure. However, a subtle shift in his tone raised Azula's guard, signaling something off in his behavior.

In response to his kind words, she replied sharply, "Thanks, but I have no time for the words of a puppet," her tone cutting and resolute as she attempted to walk away. Yet, the hem of her sleeve was gently tugged, halting her departure. Hiroshi, with a sincere apology, explained the pressure exerted by his grandfather to win her favor.

Azula, slightly surprised by his candid admission, raised an eyebrow. "So, this isn't your intention?" she questioned, probing for the authenticity of his words.

Hiroshi shook his head, his expression earnest. "Not at all. I believe we should be friends first. Even if we are engaged, it doesn't mean we have to love each other. But perhaps our lives would be happier if, at the very least, we were friends."

Azula, taken aback by his unexpected perspective, found herself grappling with the unfamiliar sincerity before her. Internally, she begrudgingly acknowledged her disdain for individuals who sought companionship without hidden motives. Accepting his apology, Azula extended her figurative olive branch by inquiring about Hiroshi's military service. However, the atmosphere quickly soured as he admitted he hadn't served yet, being still underage. This revelation struck Azula with a pang of realization about her own upbringing. Her father had molded her into a weapon, and while she reveled in her strength, moments like these left a bitter aftertaste.

Sensing the shift in dynamics, Hiroshi deftly redirected the conversation, skillfully steering it away from the uncomfortable topic. Shifting to a safer subject, he asked Azula about her conquest of Ba Sing Se the first time. Recognizing his attempt to salvage the mood, Azula followed his lead, delving into the recount of her strategic prowess and the triumphant moment when the impenetrable city fell under her command. In this exchange, a peculiar understanding unfolded between them – a delicate dance of conversation that walked the line between political alliance and genuine connection albeit one sided mostly.