ATLA: Azlua

Mai and Zuko

One hour after the celebration

Molten Island a small land mass with its current population of 20. Nothing of importance is built or even naturally occurring there. In fact the only building on the island is a large manor, of the 20 people 19 are servants that live within it. Originally owned by Fire Lady Ursa before being forgotten about.

The manor itself is rather Plain with typical fire nation colors but no glided gold or popping decor, the fanciest decoration being a non-funcational water fountain in the garden. Yet many flowers are in bloom and being properly cared for, even the bushes are trimmed and shaped to perfection.

Mai enters the manor, her heels hitting the marble floor  making her foot steps echo as she walks into the entrance of the manor, She confronts a large double stair case shortly after entering, She's led by a elder servant up the right stair case flanked by six Di Lee agents. As they approach Zuko's room, Mai notices the paintings on walls are of Ursa, Zuko, and Azula. Each painting varying between Zuko and Azula yet none depicting Ozai.

"It looks exactly the same as when I was a child." Mai says off handedly breaking the silence of their walk.

"Of course we had made sure not change anything for on the slim chance that Mistress Ursa came back home." The elderly man says with warmth in his voice.

"I'm sure Zuko appreciated it Mr. Lee." Mai says thanking him.

He nods before the silence takes over. The hallway shifts from professional paintings to crude drawings on the wall, or even a child's painting that's been preseved in frames. It brings back warm memories of her time here with Zuko. But the warmth is shattered by the cold glares of other servants they pass by. The Di Lee begin to move, Mai notices and immediately waves them off.

Given the power she now holds even that slightest bit of disrespect could have sentenced them all to death yet she simply shrugs it off. She had known them since she was a child, although they've aged she still grateful for being their for Zuko.

Unlike herself who betrayed him, dammit why am I even here? Why is taking so long to reach his room. Should I even see him? He hates me, I don't blame him either. I sided with the person who killed his uncle. Should I tell him? No..what right do I have. A person who didn't even bother fighting for him. Zuko probably thinks i didn't chose him because sidings with Azula was easy option. Azula thinks I don't have it in me to betray her. Everyone always thinks they know her better than she knows herself. But they're wrong...she's....she just a...

Time seems to slow to crawl as thoughts of doubt and frustration float to surface.

They finally arrive at his door.

"Wait outside the manor." Mai says coldly to Di Lee. They shift in discomfort for a moment seeing her sharp gaze before speaking.

"Apologies lady Mai but Fire Lord Azula instructed us to protect you." A member says still shocked at the display of emotion from Mai.

"And now I'm saying to wait outside, she gave you to me, meaning you now obey my commands. Understand." Mai says quickly throwing a stiletto past the man's face cutting his cheek.

They look to each other and bow to Mai before leaving. Mai let's out a sigh of relief before knocking.

"I told you Lee, please leave me alone."

Mai holds her breath as she hears his voice, it's strained and rough. He's probably been yelling in anger. I can't blame, I would too if I was trapped.

"It's Mai, please I need to talk you." The monotone in her voice still in tact as if the previous show of emotion was never there in the first place.