Palace Life

Hi! Sam here. I am Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Katara's chamber maid! They are the best Fire Lord and Lady our Nation has had! Art by EverlastingFantsy

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So I heard Zuko whisper his resolution to Katara this morning as I delivered their breakfast...To drink more water! I almost fainted.

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Queen of Assassins, Halloween 2017

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Palace Life: day 24

This morning my day, week, month was made. It is a wonder how kind words and admiration can have so much power. Not feeling all that well this morning carrying fresh water the royal quarters, a handsome stranger, water tribe I think, stopped talking to his companions to walk over and open a door for me. As he looked me in the eyes with a kind smile he said, "You look lovely" shaking his head like he did not mean to speak it out loud he continued, "I guess I had to tell you". Nodding once more at me with a smile and his dark ocean blue kind eyes he returned to the group. At that moment I felt what the Fire Lady much feel every time Fire Lord Zuko looks at her and whispers in her ear. All those stolen moments that are just between them even in a crowed room. For this I thank all of those who choose to speak kindness and dare to speak from the heart in a stolen moment. You may never know the impact of those words but trust that they are felt.

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Palace Life: day 23

Spending the a small part of afternoon with Iroh enjoying his company and master brew has to be the best perk of this job. He never treats me as a common server and he tells me about the sights around the world. He also hints at great love and my apparent need for it. This time he told me about the beauty of the Northern Water tribe city. He even said that I may even get to see some of these great lands by traveling with the royal family. Though I don't think we will be leaving the Fire Nation anytime soon. The little firecracker needs to grow strong before any adventures are had. But to think someone as simple as me can have a future filled with new lands in a time of peace brings me so much hope. Until then, I will hope to one day find a love so deep as my Fire Lord and Lady that to would be an adventure. They started out as rivals and then grew to work together which blossomed to respect, trust and love. I just pray that does not mean Chet is my future because he really is an ass.

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Palace Life: day 22

The firecracker just keeps growing! I am not sure how long the Fire Lord Zuko and Lady Katar plan to keep Durk in their quarters but in just a matter of a few days he grown to the size of a baby koala sheep. Shaved of course. As far as I can tell he is sleeping at the Fire Lords feet because there are scorched marks in the area. As trade meetings move forward this week, Durk has been invited to join them. Both the Fire Lord and Lady have never looked more happy and in love with each other and him. I have heard rumors that they are going to plan a celebration of the dragons. I hope to confirm the news with my favorite tea master Iroh tomorrow.

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Palace Life: day 21

You can not go anywhere in the palace or Fire Nation without the mention of Druk. Some of my favorite rumors are where the baby came from. 

 A mystic society of volcano worshipers brought forth the egg from lava after weeks of  dancing on the mountains edge (since Zuko reinstated dance back into our culture.)

Toph created it from stone and Zuko breathe life into it.

As all the talk keeps most citizens busy, it also keeps them distracted from the on-going trade meetings. The stress carried by our Fire Lord and Lady to bring balance to the four Nations, repay the Fire Nations wrongs and still protect the people of the Fire Nation’s interest. Druk and the Fire Lord have begun a bond and the Fire Lord is already in the little fire crackers debt.

The weight of stress seems to lift as the Fire Lord and Lady enjoy some fun while I serve dinner and tea in their room. This past few days they have found solace in their quarters after long demanding meetings.  At the end of a long day my heart melts the way Lady Katara stairs at Fire Lord Zuko as he plays with Druk. The Fire Lord will send small flickers of flame about the room for Druk to chase. Then Lady Kartara will surprise them both with a few snow flurries to chase and bite as well. 

I get to repair all the singes sent from the flames and the the damp spots left from melted snow. But I love it all, I get to see this small family expand. Druk is not a pet in their eyes. He is respected and loved, cherished like a first child.

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Palace Life: day 20

The place has been in a complete frenzy about the baby dragon. Fire Lord Zuko is acting the part of a proud father. He named the cute little baby, Druk. It turns out that my throwing water on the heap of burning towels expanded the creature's tolerance for damp resting places as long as they are warm as well. When Fire Lord Zuko exits from the bath in the mornings robed with a towel on his head, Druk is perched on top it! This has to be the cutest vision I will ever have the pleasure of witnessing. I prepare his attire for the day as he careful removes the baby and towel to his bed. Fire Lady Katara has also taken to the sweet baby. I hear her singing sweet water tribe fables as the baby sleeps and she is alway changing out Druk's bedding before I can. The little red firecracker seems to have taken to her as well. When Zuko is not present Druk can be found curled around her neck hidden by her curtain of chocolate hair.

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Palace Life: day 19

Sweet fire flakes today is a madhouse! After getting Fore Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Katara on their way for the morning events, I stripped the sheets off the bed and piled them up with the towels next to the couch. While wiping down the bath I start smelling smoke. Running back into the room, I see the sheets are on fire! I grab the pitchers of water Lady Katara keeps in the room, and start dousing everything. Praying to the spirits to not let the flames spread.

Calling for help at the top of my lungs, my ears drums began to shriek in pain as a high pitch screaming encompasses the room. I keep pouring more water on the heap of burning fabrics. That’s when I see it, at first I though the smoke was causing me to hallucinate. I was terrified and overjoyed all at once. A red dragon the size of a baby cat owl climbs up from the burning pile and continues to scream at me.

I panic and stop throwing water. A fire bending guard comes rushing in and snuffs out the flames while we stare in shock at this little beast. It stomps on the damp towel, picking its tiny feet up in disgust of its new wet surroundings. I am trying not to giggle at its displeasure. That rock Fire Lord Zuko was given last week was a dragon egg! I have been cleaning around it this whole time.

Next thing I know, FL Zuko storms through the entrance and is taken back by the whole sight. A smoke filled room, a guard and servant looking dumbfounded at a heap of soaked and seared linens with a baby dragon at the peak circling for a dry spot to rest.

I’m promptly sent to go retrieve Lady Katara’s from the meeting and to ask for it to be postponed till tomorrow without telling anyone why. I am only to apologize and state that it is of the upmost importance to break for the day.

A dragon! We have a dragon in the Fire Nation!

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Palace Life: day 18

Servants dislike Monday's too! What a long day, it started earlier than the Fire Lady would have cared for. A morning trade and budgeting meeting had us all scrambling. I had to get the attire ready and wake Lady Katara at the very last moment possible. She was not as pleasant as usual. I don't blame her, they were in trade route talks all the way through dinner last night. This makes for very long days for me. I am not sure they remember sometimes how long a servants day can last. For now I am going to catch a quick nap while they freshen up in their room. Then it is off the straighten the chambers while they are in the dinning hall.

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Palace Life: day 17

As the Fire Lord and Lady's chambermaid, I often get to attend functions to assist their needs. With both of them being humble and capable, I am often left with very few tasks except helping other servants with more demanding guest like Toph and Sokka. I often spend my down time watching the mesmerizing royal couple. This is when I noticed that they have an on-going private game! Most would never notice it, they are that good. I figured it out when I saw Lady Katara freeze her tea to cool down. It was not even that hot of a day but right before she did it the Fire Lord had whispered in her ear an brushed his lips across her jaw ever so briefly in the middle of a busy banquet. The next time was when we were walking to the Navy docks. As the Fire Lord helped her out of the carriage she brushed her breast against his cheek so lightly and swiftly and ran her fingers down his forearms with the slightest smirk. A very light puff of smoke rolled out his mouth. While the Generals and figure heads surrounding were non the wiser. These little touches and whispers to each other have only increased in the most public events. They remain so subdue, that even Toph misses some of their promps. The heated expression is fast to evaporate as the other smiles a knowing smile. The dropped dinner napkin to caress a calf. A whisper that brings the rooms firelight just a tiny bit brighter. Or a stroke down the back with a nip at the neck to drops the room's temperature a degree or two. They are sparing secretly on a new level and it so much fun trying to keep score.

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Palace Life: day 16

Fun fact- I have replaced the Royal bed sheets everyday. Seven times I have turned them into scrap material due to burns. Twice they have been iced over.

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Palace Life: day 15

I am not off to a great start this morning. I thought the Fire Lord and Lady had left their cambers already and so when I opened the bathroom door and saw them peacefully soaking in the tub I wanted to run and find Toph to burry my head in the earth. Instead I turned red, respectfully tried to choke our apologies as I backed away while bowing. Tripping over my feet and landing outside the door on the towels. At least I heard giggles and a deep "Are you ok Sam?". Mortified! But as I replay the comical event in my head all I can recall is that they are a spectacular vision! Her luminous bronze skin wrapped in his pale arms, so mush beauty in their contrast. The tender way he held her, strong arms relaxed to fit around her perfectly. They were so at peace, almost a sleep. While the dawns rays warmed them them.

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Palace Life: day 14

What a busy day! Fire Lord Zuko received a special package today after the committee meeting. No one was sure we’re it came from but it seems like he knew. It is a large stone, that weighs as much as a small toddler. When the suns light shines on it, it vibrant reds look like a ruby. He is keeping it on a love seat surround by blankets and sunlight. Lady Katara asked me to just work around it the best I could.

They both are very excited which is a welcome change from there drained expressions through these meetings.

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Palace Life: day 13

Fun fact most of our tea in the palace is imported from the Earth Kingdom but comes from land that was gifted to General Iroh to grow rare blends. He agreed to split the crop between all the nations.

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Palace Life: day 12

Now that the welcome ball has come and gone the palace guest are busy with meetings. Giving that I was a chamber maid for Master Toph prior to my services to the royal couple, I have been requested to help show the new staff how to prep her room. Although, the thing you need to know is don't move or clean anything until she asks or leaves. Lady Katara seems to be very happy have her family so close. Although, Fire Lord Zuko seems very tired. He drank only a few sips of his tea and his breakfast was untouched. He also did not train after meditation. I have heard that some wealthy Fire Nation's are claiming that he favors the Water Tribes. I think this is ridiculous, he has grown to love them both but will always rule for what is best for our nation.

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Palace Life: day 11

Hung over from too much fire wine. I believe I may have shared some fire whiskey with Iroh as well. We sung some love melody and then he tried to talk me into talking a stroll around the grounds with CHET, the Komodo Rhino! I almost considered to accept the offer, which made me realize I drank too many spirits and returned to my quarters for the night.

Now, I actually have the day off and I am planted on my couch wishing I was a fire bender to burn off the affects of over indulging. I need to recover before this afternoon, I have to get back to work in the Royal chamber. As of this morning, the couple did not want to be distributed and I don’t think the status will change anytime soon.

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Palace Life: day 10

The courtyard looks beautiful this even. Lanterns glow in all the nations colors, rich blues and reds giving off purple hazes, while dark greens and yellow create a fresh vibrant feel.

In the center of the court yard, a glass sculpture was commissioned to represent the elements. I heard that all four elements to create the glass. It stands over ten feet tall and encompass all the nations colors. The shape is organic, similar to a Lilly. The pedals vary from the size of my hand to my body. They all stretch away from a clear lit core. The artisans spent most the afternoon reconstructing it once we got the courtyard back in order.

The soft light of the lanterns reflects off each pedal and casts a rainbow of scattered light all over the yard. I have never seen anything like it before. It is beautiful.

The food smells divine! Fragrances from all the nations invaded my nose and have my mouth watering! The kitchen made it a point to intermix all the dishes to continue with the theme. I remember hearing earlier a few arguments in the galley over it. Something about not mixing meat with meatless dishes.

With all this spender to gaze on, I can not keep my eyes off the Fire Lord and Lady. Lady Katara’s gown is flawless. The deep red silk falls to the floor, flowing over her shoulders and plunged low down her back. Exposing her defined tone, that she earned from years of mastering water bending. On the trim of the dress silver embroidered waves give the illusion the fabric is moving. She is beautiful and carries a herself with strength and respect. Her husband stands in the Royal Fire Lord attire, mirroring her dark reds. His hair was half way pulled in a top knot, allowing the back to flow past his shoulders. His stature radiates power but his eyes shows only kindness. When I catch him staring at his bride, you can feel the temperature rise in the room. They are a sight, the hidden looks they share, to the soft touch on the arm, or the way he takes pride in guiding her on the dance floor by placing his hand on the exposed small of her back. This is the love we all dream of and I am so happy my Fire Lord found it.