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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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 Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 6:21 pm
Kallan worked for a moment to find her voice after Zuko came over, still awed by the display of physical prowess and bending expertise he had shown at the end. Finally, it came, and she was pleased that it didn't quiver or squeak at all.
"Yes, my lord. I had an idea and wanted your input on it." Quickly, she moved to a nearby bench and spread out the palace schematics on it. With two fingers, she pointed to the two places where she thought he could have his office.
"You'll need a private office for taking, reading, and storing reports. The throne room is really just meant for giving formal audiences. I came up with two good spots that I thought you might like to put it." With one finger, she tapped the room in the spire. "This one would be a good place because of how easy it is to receive and send messenger hawks. It's also easily defensible and private, making it difficult for enemy spies to get in." With her other finger, she drew a little circle around the room near the fountain.
"Here, there are a lot of secret entrances, so you would be able to take reports discreetly from your own spies. They also make good escape routes should you ever need them." She pointed just outside of the room to draw Zuko's attention to the fountain. "Also, this fountain will create a mask of noise, ensuring that eavesdroppers won't be able to hear private conversations."
As he moved closer to see, she tried to forget about how near he was. She had to push the image of him dancing that deadly dance out of her mind and how his body exuded strength and confidence. If she didn't, she'd be unable to say anything again, and end up looking like an idiot. If that happened, it would be the second time today, and Kallan couldn't bear the embarrassment. She didn't know what was wrong with her and why she lost her composure so easily around Zuko.
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Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 12:49 pm
 The young Firelord listened attentively as she spoke of an idea and breathed in a controlled manner to get his body to start relaxing. He took a closer look at the plans to see which he should pick. He didn't much like the idea of spies at all, but he knew that things still weren't stable with the other nations. Though the tower seemed ideal, he knew that if the palace was ever raided, the tower was the last place he wanted to be caught in. There was really only one way in, and one way out, and that didn't exactly spell out safe for him. However, the space next to the fountain had too many exits and entrances, so enemies could easily flood him, but they couldn't possibly block all of the entrances and there would be at least one of them that led to some sort of escape. The fountain also provided a source of bending material for water benders, but he supposed if all went well with negotiations and this whole situation was handled delicately he wouldn't have anything to fear from them. He noted though the sound of the fountain may be used to hide conversations, it may also be used to hide an assassin's movements. He made a note to face his desk towards the fountain. He stared at the location a moment longer before he nodded and pointed at the fountain location. "This would be the best place... but we'll need to fortify the doors," he replied before pointing out "Here, here and... here."He pulled away for a moment and put his hands back on the towel around his neck so that he wouldn't be leaning over the blue prints anymore. He was conscious of his sweat soaked hair and didn't want to drip on the plans. He ran the towel through his hair once more just to get it a bit drier before he set it back around his neck again. He paused and started reflecting back on how his nation would view him. If he didn't have the support of his people, he wouldn't be a very good leader. Zuko wondered how he could gain the trust and respect of his people without them fearing him like they had done with the previous Firelords. "When is the nearest festival on the calendar?" he asked, his mind a bit weary at the moment, so he wasn't able to name it off the top of his head. He was trying to piece together what he would be doing in the upcoming days while also trying to supress the imagry in his mind of a nice cool shower.
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 4:35 pm
Kallan nodded as Zuko made his decision and pointed out where he wanted the doors fortified. She mentally marked the schematics and said, "It'll be ready for you to move into by the end of the week, then, my lord." Her mind was running through how to get it accomplished. Getting the doors reinforced would be easy. She'd just have the contractor that was coming to fix the throne room doors at the same time. It might even be possible to get him to build the necessary shelves and cubbyholes for all the books and scrolls that would eventually be put in there.
Zuko's next question made her pause in her train of thought, and sent her on a new one. "Um...." Kallan searched her mind to remember what the palace kitchens had been preparing for. "Ah! I remember now. The next holiday will be the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lord Zuko." The kitchens had called for a few thousand eggs in order to make the traditional moon-cakes.
"It will happen in the next three weeks. Was there something in particular that you wanted to do then?" She knew that the best performers from all over the Fire Nation were scheduled to come to the capital city to do the Fire Dragon dances. They were to be housed in the palace in return for a private performance for the Firelord and his guests. There were also lanterns being made in order to distribute to the populace and to decorate the palace inside and out. For some reason, it had slipped her mind to double-check if Lord Zuko was aware of how close it was. After all, a Festival without a public appearance from the Firelord was hardly a Festival at all.
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:00 pm
Zuko nodded slightly and remembered the festivals of his childhood. There was always happy air about it, save for his father. He always made everything seem so serious, and as Zuko got older he wasn't really allowed to do anything at the festivals when his father expected him to act 'like a Fire Nation Prince was supposed to'. In other words, he wasn't really allowed to move from his place beside his father. He brushed his hair out of his face as he tried to think of something other than his father for once. Ozai wasn't nearly as powerful or frightening without his bending anymore anyways. The young firelord came back to attention and nodded slightly. "Yes... I would like more than just our rich Fire Nation guests at the festival. I want to invite the lower classes as well, anyone who might be able to make it," he replied and paused before he continued, "But I don't want to force anyone to come if they don't want to. I want to make that clear, alright? Can you do that for me?"He knew he had to be always conscious of what his nation thought of him, and knew he'd meet opposition because some people, the wealthy mostly, that had benefitted from his father's rule. Some still thought him weak, traitorous and undeserving of the throne, but Zuko would do everything in his power to prove them wrong and gain support from the rest of the Fire Nation. Zuko also knew that a few rumors were going around about Zuko needing an heir. He was less keen to discuss that aspect of his nation and state of power at the moment.
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 6:08 pm
Kallan frowned, pondering the Firelord's idea. While public opinion of Lord Zuko might be mixed, if she did as he suggested, everyone in the surrounding area would attempt to come to the palace, simply out of curiosity. It would be a major task to keep everything and everyone secure. It wasn't a good idea, but she hated to deny him his wish. At least she knew he wouldn't banish her for speaking her mind.
She spoke carefully, trying to choose the right words to get across her point without being brutally blunt as was her usual way. "Lord Zuko, it would be better for you to go out into the city for the Festival, rather than inviting the city into the palace. Everyone will want to come and see the new Firelord, regardless of what they may think of you personally. People are naturally curious, and they'll want to see you." She paused, taking a deep breath. "If they came to the palace, they'd put a great strain on your guards. It'll also be an unmanageable burden on palace resources."
Kallan thought for a moment. Zuko had good intentions, but would do himself no favors politically by forcing the nobles to mingle with commoners. An idea struck her. "My lord, you could instead attend the festival as a commoner, and invite other nobles to do the same. Go into the city with a minimal guard and entourage, and attend the events."
She blushed as the words came out. She hadn't intended to suggest that the Firelord should lower himself, but that's what had happened. Kallan fiercely hoped that Zuko wouldn't get angry at her for suggesting any such thing. He was, after all, still royalty.
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 7:01 pm
Zuko just smiled slightly as she spoke. He hadn't intended to have the festival celebration in the palace. He supposed he could've made that a little more clear in light of the circumstances. Zuko supposed a lot of people would come to the festival regardless, but since this whole concept of a new firelord kicked in, he didn't really assume that many more people might come just to see what kind of person he was. "The problem with attending as a commoner would be that people would recognize me unless I wore a mask," he replied, motioning to his scar on his face, "I'm fairly noticable in a crowd with this, believe me." He thought back to his time as the Blue Spirit, but had put those days behind him now. The need to wear a mask and be the vigilante type wasn't there any more, of course, this time a mask would be for a different purpose. "Maybe I can make a public appearance as Firelord, and then mingle after I change into something more plain, and get a mask of course," he said thoughtfully, "I haven't really been able to enjoy a Fire Nation festival in years... It could be fun." He looked to Kallan and smiled slightly as he continued, "I wasn't thinking of holding the entire festival in the palace, you know..."
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Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 3:16 pm
"There is some one behind all the raider attack's, they are organized and planned out. As if conducted by another source." The brown haired girl said as she started to put on the Kyoshi uniform. "They move in groups and attack with perpous. a Perpus that is unknown, but some of them do not take any thing, some have just attacked to strike fear in to others hearts." The brown haired girl said as she pulled on the last piece of armor.
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Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 9:57 pm
(( "Purpose" ... -brick'd- ... I'll just go hide in a corner now. ))
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 9:53 am
Kallan nodded at the Firelord's words. "My apologies for the misinterpretation, Lord Zuko." She glanced at him, feeling a little embarrassed.
When he considered her idea, she smiled, trying to imagine Zuko in a mask. It was hard to imagine someone as powerful as the Firelord wearing something that was intended to be slightly comical. "Perhaps you would like to accompany me? I always spend a little time out there before coming back to help handle the palace festivities." She gestured vaguely in the direction of the city. "My parents always come here to the capital in order to see me at the Mid-Autumn Festival."
Kallan stopped speaking suddenly, realizing that it sounded like she was asking the Firelord on a date. She backpedaled verbally, her tongue getting tangled up on itself. "N-not that... I-I mean... As your second adviser..." Unable to formulate any sort of coherent sentence, she fell silent, hoping the ground would swallow her up.
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Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:39 am
≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎ Azula sat in a chair, picking irritably at the cushion's embroidery. She hated being here in this plush little prison she'd been exiled to. People always kept bugging her, asking her how she felt, what kind of emotional state was she in, would she like this, would she prefer that, on and on and on. It made her gnash her teeth in fury.
They were all lying, of course. Not one of them really cared about what she felt or what she wanted. They called themselves nurses and healers, but she saw them for what they really were. They were guards, placed around her to ensure that she wouldn't escape this quiet little prison. They weren't the normal type of guards she was used to seeing, not being large and hulking, but they were guards nonetheless.
Azula rested her elbow on the chair's armrest and propped her chin in her hand, sighing. She was so bored! There was nothing to do here, nothing to see. They kept her drugged so that she couldn't Firebend. Not that she had control over it anymore. Ever since her traitorous brother had attacked her and usurped her throne, she hadn't been able to tame her inner fire. When she wanted a blaze hot enough to melt steel, she got a little candleflame barely warm enough to burn somebody. When she wanted a short burst of flame focused into a single point, she got an explosion instead.
She knew it was dear little Zu-zu's fault. Azula gritted her teeth in rage thinking about it. He'd ruined everything. It was his fault that nobody loved her. It was his fault that she was stuck here in this place. He didn't even have the courtesy to gloat in front of her. Instead, he stayed at the Firelord's palace, controlling her affairs, her subjects.
Azula's thoughts were interrupted by one of her guards that called themselves a nurse. "Miss Azula? Someone would like to see you. Would you like me to call them in?"
She glanced at the guard/nurse and frowned, eyes narrowing. What kind of new trick were they going to pull now? Unable to think of anything, she waved her hand, looking away. "I don't care." Whatever they intended, at least it would be a break in the monotony of the place.
The guard/nurse bowed and left, but soon returned, followed by a tall, well-muscled man in a military uniform.
"Well, well, how the mighty have fallen." Azula's inner rage flared at the insolence in the man's voice. She turned with a glare that would have killed if it could and said in an icy, imperious tone, "General Vahm, I see. What do you want?"
The general grinned lopsidedly, looking amused at her tone of voice. "Can't I visit a former princess of the Fire Nation and ask about her health without being so brutally attacked?" He came close and leaned over her, patting her shoulder in a fatherly manner. "After all, you were Firelord for a short time, as well as one of the best Firebenders in the nation. I'm concerned about your welfare." General Vahm smirked, putting the lie to his words.
Azula wasn't in the mood for the delicate dance of politics. Her fists tightening, she snapped, "Don't play childish games, General. You don't need to remind me of everything I've lost." Her face was clouded with fury. "I relive that moment every day."
General Vahm knelt in front of her, the smirk still on his face. He looked extremely devious. "Very well. I came her with a proposition." Azula glanced sidelong at him, wary as a stray cat. "What sort of proposition?"
He put a hand on hers casually, making her look him straight in the eye. "How would you like to regain your throne?" ≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:45 pm
(Should I be in Omashu or the fire nation?)  Tally dodged around a cabbage cart and was rewarded by finding herself in front of an enormous platypus-bear that looked about to eat her. "Awesome" She said under her breathe the moment she was a safe distance away.
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Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 11:46 am
≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎ ((Why not be in Omashu? It'll give you a chance to run into Toph and the others there. Perhaps you could wander up to the palace and ask for work there while you try to find a teacher?))Azula's eyebrows twitched at the general's proposal. She hadn't expected anything like that to come from anyone. Instantly, she was suspicious.
"And what's in it for you? I don't believe that you were suddenly struck by a need to be helpful all of a sudden."
General Vahm smiled, looking like a snake that was about to feast on some unsuspecting prey. "Oh, just a few things." He began ticking them off on his fingers. "One, I become the chief military adviser to you. Two, the other generals get executed and replaced with my loyal subordinates. And three...." At this point, he paused, looking at her greedily. "I become the husband of the Firelord."
Azula couldn't believe what she was hearing. This idiot had the gall to tell what would and wouldn't happen. She snarled, "You're out of your mind. I'll never agree to those terms. Leave!"
General Vahm was undaunted by her anger. Instead, he strolled around behind her chair and rested his hands on her shoulders. His powerful hands suddenly gripped her shoulders painfully as he leaned down to speak quietly in her ear. "I'm not the one out of my mind, you are. That's why you're here instead of rotting in a dungeon someplace far away. I'm not the one who has no power, influence, or allies." His fingers dug into the sensitive points just underneath where the collar bone joined up with her shoulders, making her wince in pain. "You can remember that, can't you?"
Azula didn't want to concede anything to this man. He infuriated her with his insolent manner and brusque approach. But he was standing over her, causing her pain, demonstrating how much power he had over her. She had no choice but to listen.
Satisfied that he had her full attention, General Vahm released her shoulders. "You're wondering how I will give you your throne back, of course." Azula nodded silently, body tense. He moved to stand next to her chair and clasped his hands behind his back.
"I have control of much of the military. The troops view me as a loyal, upstanding citizen of the Fire Nation, concerned about their welfare. With this control, I could seize the palace and capture Zuko, then in a public, magnanimous gesture, give the throne to the rightful Firelord." He grinned guilelessly. "Of course, granted that you agree to my terms. If you don't, I'll simply carry out my plan without you."
Azula was already turning over the idea in her mind. It was far too simple tactically, she knew. Either General Vahm was truly an idiot, or he was leaving out quite a bit of information.
"Why would you come to me when you intend to carry out these actions either way?" She glared up at him, still suspicious.
He glanced down at her, then said, "If I have you, a princess of the Fire Nation, I can look as if I'm acting on your behalf. It'll make the transition of power that much smoother in the eyes of the people. The way things stand now, not many people feel loyal to their new leader. They simply respect the position, not the man. But if I set rumors in motion about your plight as a prisoner of your brother, I can make you look like a victim and get the people to champion your cause." General Vahm gazed off into the distance. "People will lose faith in Zuko, a former exile of the Fire Nation, and yearn for a true leader, one that embodies the spirit of the Fire Nation."
Azula just stared at him. She was just to become a figurehead for him? Then she thought about it. If General Vahm gave her the throne, she could just have him executed, thereby saving herself the trouble of having to honor his terms. She would lose nothing by agreeing to them, and had everything to gain by going along with him.
"I don't like the idea of having to take you as my husband." Azula made token protests, so as not to arouse his suspicions. If he thought she accepted his terms and would go along with it, he would cease to view her as a threat. She intended to make him her ally, then toss him when she had what she wanted.
General Vahm shrugged. "If I told you that I'd present you with Zuko's head as a wedding gift, would that change your mind?"
She looked up at him, a wide smile across her face. "It would. We have a deal, then, General?"
He smiled back at her. "Of course." ≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎≎
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Irako of the Desert Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 12:05 pm
+xx{Toph Bei Fong}x++ ╔══════════════╗ Toph rolled her eyes. She never enjoyed these meetings. How did she even get in this situation. She is the King of Ba Sing Se's new advisor ever since the whole Dai Li debacle, and she was here doing personal lacky work for the crazy King Bumi? She spit on this ground. Even being an advisor, she hasn't lost any of her personality.
"I'll be on my merry way then. More things to take care of then slave work for the King of a struggling city. I mean you are carrying out a bridge rebuilding operation when you could just dispense a few able bodied Earthbenders to do the job." She said.
Bumi looked over to her.
"Toph, with the rebels and the nation in disarray, we can't afford to deploy valuable Earthbenders to build a bridge."
"Then why on Earth am I doing work for YOU!?" She exclaimed.
"Because it is the Earth King's orders." He said thinking to himself why the Earth King told her to come here.
Toph scowled. She never liked the Earth King. He was too naive. First, letting Long Feing brainwash all of Ba Sing Se, letting Azula start the coup, and letting the Fire Nation take over the city. But, she would neer betray him. No amount of persuasion abilities could allow that to happen.
She turned around and walked out of the palace. She dove partly into the ground and rose back up with mounds of Earth under her, carrying her. She decided to take a break in the Fire Nation. She was also nervous for Zuko. He seemed a little uneasy still about ruling his own nation. And to have to think about everyday how much more powerful Azula and the rebels are? Must be devouring. ╚══════════════╝
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Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 12:49 pm
(( gah sorry guys... I've been busy with school and I've only been able to post on a few rps within the past through days, and that's been in my down time. Now the New Assassin's Creed Game is out and I have it... so... I may be even more inactive. I shall try to post later tonight if possible! ))
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Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 5:38 pm
Looking around was all she seemed able to do nowadays. To Tally it was one thing to the next, everything was new but the people. Sure. They were different people but there wasn't really any interesting personalities that she hadn't seen before. She sat down and rubbed her feet, walking so far was painful. "Gahh" She complained to no one in particular. The Palace stood above everything else, her only option now was to go see what she could go from there. She wasn't quite ready to leave so up she went and started walking, playing with the water from her flask.
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