Altered reality

Pre wedding plans

Life seemed back to normal in the fire nation once Yanda's temper died down. It was after all only a betrothal. It could be years before she had to marry and a lot can change in a year. Besides, this new relationship between the ice nation and the fire nation, shaky or not, allowed for the fire nation to participate in ice nation events. In particular, to attend any royal weddings. Yanda was in her room getting ready for the trip. She was excited to be getting out. She often felt trapped in the fire nation. It didnt matter to her who was getting married. All she knew was that it was a younger prince to some mermaid princess. Yanda was going for the festivities, she could hardly wait to go.

Of course her mood was dampened by her brothers. "Looks like little yanda is finally going to meet her ice prince." Mocked one brother. "Perhaps it should be a double wedding." Scoffed the other. She scowled at them. "Since you seem so interested in my future marriage, perhaps father should find you both brides." The look of worry and horror in their eyes as they backed away made Yanda inwardly laugh, though she kept a straight face.

She turned her attention back to the impending trip and back to packing her bags. Her guidiness returned at the prospect of seeing new things, new people, a new kingdom. She was tired of her only ever seeing her home, her own people, hearing the same syories. She relished the change. She was even intrigued about the wedding. She had never been to one, but she'd heard it was a gallant affair, with food, wine and music. Soon she would be enjoying herself.

Ying kong shi was playing on a swing in snow fog forest, delaying and avoiding his involvement in the wedding preparations. He hated social affairs, he always had. He'd much rather spend time alone. He sighed. He'd have to get back soon or Ka Suo would notice and feel obliged to come looking for him. The last thing he wanted was to worry his brother when he had so much to worry about already. This wedding was truly a grand affair. It was rumored that Ka Suo was the favorite to be the next ice king, which meant that whomever he would marry might well be the next ice queen. Not to mention that a royal wedding was already considered a major event, not to be missed.

He swung off the icy swing, stood for a moment looking down at the ground, sighed loudly again and walked home, back to the ice castle. The wedding festivities were starting tomorrow. People were likely already filtering into the city. His siblings probably at the gates to greet them.  Maybe he could get away with not looking too princely and could avoid the power hungry suiters. As he neared the castle he suddenly had an epiphany. He could use his fiance as an excuse to keep any unwanted attention away. Surely she wouldn't be there. The fire nation never came to ice nation events.  He now felt as though his steps were a bit lighter.  As he walked away from snow fog forest a black fog was trailing around where he had just been, quietly laughing.