Avatar: The Book Of The Phoenix

The Offering

The midday sun beat down on the Nomads' stronghold, casting long, dancing shadows across the training grounds. Azula, clad in sleek black armor, moved with a practiced grace, her movements a blur of motion as she parried and countered Rokkun's attacks.

"You've gotten better, my love," Rokkun commented, his voice a low rumble.

Azula grinned, a flash of white teeth against her pale skin. "What can I say?" I had a good teacher."

Their training session ended with a flourish, both of them panting slightly, but their eyes sparkling with the thrill of combat. They retired to Rokkun's tent, the air thick with the heat of the day and the lingering scent of sweat.

After all they had been through, Azula decided to let her guard down. She allowed herself to get closer to Rokkun, to savor the quiet moments, the shared meals, the easy laughter. For the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of peace, a feeling of belonging.

"This place," she murmured, as they shared a simple lunch of roasted game and dried fruit, "it feels like home. Like we don't have to run anymore."

"I'm glad you like it here," Rokkun replied, taking a bite. "As long as you're with me, anywhere feels like home."

Azula blushed, smiling affectionately.

Their lunch was interrupted by the abrupt arrival of Oghuz. "Rokkun," he said, his voice urgent, "you better come see this."

Azula and Rokkun exchanged a puzzled look. Oghuz ushered them towards the main gate, where a growing crowd of nomads had gathered. Rokkun pushed through the throng, his gaze fixed on the source of the commotion.

At the gate stood three earthbender soldiers, their faces as pale as snow, guarding an ostrich-horse drawn carriage that held a large, ornate chest. The earthbenders seemed nervous, their hands hovering near the hilts of their swords.

Rokkun approached the middle soldier, his presence alone radiating an aura of power. The soldier visibly trembled.

"The king has sent you a sum of silver in good faith," the soldier stammered, his voice barely audible. "He requests an audience with you at Ba Sing Se. You must bring General Fong in exchange for peace."

Rokkun stepped around the soldier to inspect the chest. He opened it, revealing a dazzling display of silver and jewels, glittering in the sunlight.

He turned back to the Earth bender, his gaze unwavering. "Is the king's reward satisfactory?" The soldier gulped, his eyes wide with fear.

Rokkun continued to stare into his soul, a silent, chilling pressure building between them. Finally, he spoke, his voice a low hiss. "I would be delighted to meet with the king."

The soldier visibly relaxed, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "I will inform the king immediately. Please bring General Fong with you."

Rokkun watched the earthbender soldiers depart, a calculating glint in his eyes. Peace, he thought, was an interesting proposition. But what price would he have to pay?