ATLA: Azlua

The Everyday Part 1

Mai woke slowly, the muted light of the morning filtering through the thick red curtains of her room in the Fire Palace. She yawned, stretching her arms above her head and feeling the satisfying pull of her muscles. Her movements were unhurried, as though savoring the quiet moments before the day began. Her thoughts drifted as she blinked at the intricately carved ceiling.

I prefer waking in the manor, she mused, her lips pressing into a faint line. It's quieter there, simpler. But lately, this place is starting to feel like a second home.

She sat up, brushing a stray strand of dark hair from her face. Reaching for the small silver bell on her nightstand, she rang it softly. The sound was clear and crisp, and almost immediately, the door to her chambers opened. A group of servants entered with practiced efficiency, their steps silent on the polished floors.

The routine began without a word exchanged. Two of the servants began stripping the plush bed of its silken sheets while another moved to Mai's side, gently helping her out of her sleeping robes. Mai stood there with a detached ease, her arms lifting slightly as the soft fabric slipped away from her skin. At first, she had hated this—the endless doting, the lack of privacy. But over time, she'd come to accept it, even appreciate it. Life in the palace demanded this sort of precision and routine. She supposed she'd adjusted, even if she didn't want to admit it.

One of the servants draped a warm robe over her shoulders and guided her toward the bathing chamber. The room was a masterpiece of Fire Nation opulence, with marble floors and gilded fixtures. The large, steaming bath at the center of the room was surrounded by intricate carvings of dragons and flames, the gold inlay catching the soft morning light.

Mai stepped into the water, letting the warmth seep into her muscles as the servants busied themselves with preparing oils and towels. She leaned her head back, closing her eyes for a moment. The bath was quiet, save for the faint trickle of water and the occasional soft footsteps of the attendants.

This is what my life is now, she thought, her lips quirking into a faint smirk. A little over the top, but... it has its perks.

Once the bath was finished, the servants dried her off with plush towels, combed out her long black hair, and slipped a light dressing robe over her. Mai walked back to her chambers, dismissing the servants with a wave as she opened the balcony doors herself. The morning breeze was cool and refreshing, carrying with it the faint scent of flowers from the palace gardens below. She leaned against the gilded frame of the window, letting the wind dry her hair as it fell in dark waves down her back.

After a few minutes, she turned away, crossing the room to her wardrobe. She selected a set of elegant robes, deep red with subtle gold embroidery, the fabric soft but tailored to perfection. Pulling them on, she adjusted the high collar before tying the golden sash securely around her waist. Her movements were deliberate, her face impassive as she examined herself briefly in the tall mirror by the door.

Satisfied, she made her way to her study. Outside, waiting patiently with a scroll tucked under one arm, stood her new assistant.

He was a wiry young man with neatly combed black hair and a sharp, angular face. His uniform was pristine, the red and gold trim marking him as part of the Fire Nation administrative staff. His demeanor was calm, almost unnervingly so, as though he had rehearsed every movement to perfection. When he saw her approaching, he bowed deeply.

"Good morning, Lady Mai," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "I trust you slept well."

"Fine enough," Mai replied curtly, gesturing for him to follow her into the study. "What's on the agenda today, Jiro?"