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<br/>
Fire Nation Throne Room<br/>​</div>Two centuries had passed since the Hundred Year War. The Fire Nation was always deemed as a prosperous and robust territory, thriving in the political, trade and military divisions. Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang spearheaded the United Republic Council after joining forces in putting an end to the ruthless Firelord Ozai. They informed all citizens that benders and non-benders would be able to coexist together and be treated as equals. As time went by, the days of the Avatar would no longer be of use. The various nations did their part in keeping the peace while also maintaining tradition.<br/><br/>It just so happened that the following tradition taking place within The Fire Nation was a bit of a stretch but a progressive one, one that was proposed by Firelord Ozer, a fifth-generation descendant of Lord Zuko. His dreams within the past few years sparked this unorthodox concept and, luckily, without any complaint from his only son,<b><a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F564x%2F27%2Fbf%2F56%2F27bf56d14f3af730ffc4c97c0518cf38.jpg&amp;hash=4452eec10821131c65eb266cb65a0b76" href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/27/bf/56/27bf56d14f3af730ffc4c97c0518cf38.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Prince Zander,</a></b>he was open to the idea of mingling outside of his comfort zone. He understood the responsibility of making sure his very special guest was not to be rushed or forced into anything. Based on the history of the Fire Nation, both good and bad news traveled quickly.  It wouldn't come much of a surprise for the Water Tribe candidate if she wouldn't show her enthusiasm in visiting a foreign land. After all, they had to travel thousands of miles to make it to the banquet, which was all under well preparation. Another person who wouldn't show her enthusiasm, was<b><a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-ext-1.discordapp.net%2Fexternal%2FcutKc6dBSfjwJEnQ67-pYgAN0taMmTyf042GGsHbEjQ%2Fhttps%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F736x%2Fb5%2F2a%2Fe5%2Fb52ae5c60917cbf3312c8d8f4e6e716d--air-bender-legend-of-korra.jpg%3Fwidth%3D145%26height%3D331&amp;hash=8bd8089b0637d92ad27d2396e8a55813" href="https://images-ext-1.discordapp.net/external/cutKc6dBSfjwJEnQ67-pYgAN0taMmTyf042GGsHbEjQ/https/i.pinimg.com/736x/b5/2a/e5/b52ae5c60917cbf3312c8d8f4e6e716d--air-bender-legend-of-korra.jpg?width=145&amp;height=331" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Princess Ayla</a></b>, Prince Zander's older sister who was also next in line for rulership. She was more inflexible to change and was stubborn toward her father along with being overbearingly protective of her brother.  Prior to the banquet, the royal family shared their exchanges within the Throne Room, both in favor and not in favor of this expensive and momentous event.<br/><br/><b>"Father, please, your dreams are but a fantasy,"</b>said Princess Ayla who was not at all amused with the bogus idea.<b> "All this for a foreigner, and might I add a former enemy of many centuries ago? Why must the girl come from the Southern Water Tribe? I heard the women are just as challenging as our own natives. Personally, I think it is a mistake to let someone enter our lands. She will not acclimate and will become miserable. I would know because I, too, am female." </b><br/><br/>Ayla turned and faced her brother who stood just shy of six-foot even.  His light blue eyes absorbed his sister's strong comments, but his words would impact the flow of the conversation. His sinewy stature was defined underneath his royal garb. He was conservative in appearance but quite liberal in ideas, which was why many citizens always could relate to him more than his fiery sister.<br/><br/><b>"I think that change is not easy for anyone, regardless if you are female or male, dear sister. Why not reserve judgment for later instead of making rash assumptions?</b>" He smirked and raised a questionable brow to her, trying to assuage the situation. Then, both siblings would be interrupted by their father's clapping.<br/><br/><b>"What wise words, my son," </b>said the elderly Firelord Ozer, who raked his bearded, peppered chin. His personality was both serious and lighthearted in a sense, but whenever it came to his late wife, he would regress into a stoic state and shut himself out, which was why he insisted his time on the throne would be impermanent. For now, his focus was to make Ayla next in line, but within the past year, he was remarkably pleased with Zander's maturity, for it surpassed his own. His decision was not quite finalized, but it would all depend on how the new change would fare following the relations between The Fire Nation and The Water Tribe.<br/><br/><b>"Father, I see you are favoring your son again,"</b>chimed an irritated Ayla. Her hands balled into loose fists, which did not bode well with Zander who immediately took them into his hands. His smile subdued her vexation as he brought one of her hands to his lips, kissing them lightly.<br/><br/><b>"I don't like seeing you angry. You're not going to get any suitors if you don't lighten up a little. We need to respect father's wishes and at least be open to keeping peace with other nations. We are not looking back into the past and dwelling on it. We are living in the present and must do what is best for the people of this land. Let's center and calm ourselves, and give it a shot, okay? I don't mind if you keep watch while she resides here, but I only ask for you to give her space and try and welcome her as best as you can." </b><br/><br/>Initially, Ayla wanted to growl, but she was surprised to see her brother react in such a sentimental manner that it nearly swept her off her feet. Why did she have such a brother complex? She absolutely adored him, but she wouldn't tell him the truth about her true feelings. It was already difficult trying to find someone to match her assertive and determined personality. She wanted someone to quell her temperament, not another alpha to question her decisions and doubt her abilities to rule The Fire Nation.<br/><br/><b>"I'll be civil enough, but I am not going to be inauthentic. The girl will know who I am really fast, and if she becomes a bother, I won't hold back because I care about you,"</b>she squeezed his hands gently.<br/><br/><b>"Thank you, Ayla,"</b>Zander replied and understood her concern. He loved his sister very much. She had to take on a caretaker role when their mother passed years ago. He would hope that one day someone would come along and make her one lucky woman.<br/><br/>In the meantime, the royal prince and princess excused themselves and prepared for the banquet. They'd send the word out to the noble families, including Zander and Ayla's cousin, Xeno. He was looking forward to meeting The Water Tribe girl and would make his presence known within the upcoming weeks.<br/><br/>As soon as the day of the banquet came, The Fire Nation servants greeted both guests of honor, Risa and Koma, into the main banquet hall. They would have time to tour the palace later, but Prince Zander wanted them both well fed after their tiring journey. They needed to replenish their energy and enjoy their time. He informed his 100 guests that they were to converse with them later after they've had food and drink. While Risa and Koma would have their table adjacent to the royal family's table, the decision was made for them to enjoy their own private space, for there would be much communication during the duration of their stay. Hopefully, Koma would see that she would be welcomed with open and respectful arms, and not with hostility. The ambiance was calm and many of The Fire Nation's natives were joyful. The only one who kept close watch was Ayla, who intentionally hooked arms with Zander. For now, the prince would allow it, but sooner than later, she would have to let him go.<br/><br/>At their table, one of the servers placed freshly baked chicken with steamed vegetables and offered spirits and cold water, along with a small slip paper which stuck out with the purpose of having Koma eye it underneath one of the glasses. The note would read the following:<br/><br/><i>You look lovely this evening, Koma of The Southern Water Tribe. Please enjoy your meal, and we shall speak soon. Respectfully, Prince Zander of the Fire Nation <br/>
</i><br/>As they ate, admittedly, he gave credit to Ayla; Koma seemed a little tense and not too happy in her current situation. However, with her mother by her side, she wouldn't be entirely alone. Zander's eyes shifted over to Koma who had just noticed the paper. How would she take the note? For the first time, in a long time, he was...nervous but he remained optimistic, keeping his demeanor soft and curious. He was currently dressed in his striking golden and red robes. His black hair was pulled back in a traditional bun. His light blues admired Koma's beauty and exotic look, but he wouldn't stare for too long and resumed his meal.<br/><br/><a class="username" data-user-id="48" data-username="@Elle" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/48/">@Elle</a>