The room was littered with various candles that gave off small wisps of smoke that twirled and danced into the air. A good majority of them had gone out, leaving only smoldering ashes and embers in their wake. The light that was emitted from the few that were still lit reflected from ancient golden heirlooms that decorated the room, casting light weakly into the shadows. However, these small flames could not chase away the midnight darkness that plagued the house that night. Dark red walls seemed to close in on each corner, pillar were hidden by night's dark blanket. Even the homes of the Fire Nation had to feel the cold winter's breath at least once during the time before dawn. However, the chill in the air was unsettling. Tension was thick in the air. It felt like the beginning of an Agni Kai, right when the warriors would stare each other down before striking. That's when the first blow was cast, and the tension broke to give way to pure aggression.
"I will not marry him!"
The shout shook the silence that had been cradling the home, revealing the image of a young woman who stormed into the room. She could not have been more than twenty, her long black hair trailed behind her angrily as she walked. Her golden eyes were locked in a fierce gaze, sending violent rays toward the front door. Her robe had been put on in a rush, and a pair of dark red slipped adorned her feet, but she was ready to leave none the less.
"You will do as you're told," whispered an elderly man who followed her into the room. His hair was still brown, but threads of gray were growing at random in his main. His wrinkles were set into a stern from. The way he spoke was soft, but it sent shivers down the woman's spine.
"But father, he's atrocious! He's the human form of a platypus bear. I will not marry him!"
As she spoke she finally turned to face her father, her chest huffing up and down in anger. The candles around the room grew a little brighter, using this moment of strength to chase away more darkness.
"Luli, if you do not marry him, you will have disgraced this family. Our honor is riding on this marriage," the elder man reminded her with a snap.
"Your honor is! I don't give a damn about my honor! I want happiness, I want love. Honor means nothing to me if it means being that man's slave."
"Honor is everything, Luli. It is what makes who you are. If you have no honor, you are as good as a common peasant."
"At least, peasants get to decide who they marry!"
"Go to your room, CHILD," this was the first time the man raised his voice. Luli shrunk back with a look of fear painted in her eyes. For a moment, the woman looked like a child who had been caught doing something wrong. Her mouth opened to speak, but no words came out. Instead, she gave a small nod and rushed back to her room. The elder man said nothing, but as Luli disappeared the candles began to die.
---
End Part 1
View User's Journal
The Scrolls of a Firebender
Past, present, future... I hope to record the time I spend with those I care about... or cared about in here.
 |
