Sea and Sky

Chapter 1: At Day's End

Sea and Sky

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Chapter 1: At Day's End
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Earth Kingdom
City of Gaoling
Bai-Sha Compound, Dining Hall

Hands folded neatly in her lap and eyes downcast, the girl listened intently as those around her spoke. Across the room, she watched out of the corner of her eye as her father paced, his booted footfalls echoing hollowly against the richly decorated walls of the chamber.

"It must be tonight, or we will miss our chance to present Rana at court. She must be made known to the Avatar."

Rana listened intently as her father continued to pace about the dining hall. As if to distract herself from his plotting, Rana moved to take a sip from the golden chalice in front of her. The richly spiced liquid warmed her as she swallowed deeply.

"Why is it so important the girl is presented to the Avatar? We owe neither him or any of the Kingdoms allegiance." Kuyu's wife argued as she cast a sideways glance, her sharp green eyes assesing Rana harshly. The woman sat upright in her chair as she took small, measured bites of her food.

Kuyu was silent as he moved towards a gilded bird cage. Before speaking, he unhinged the latch of the small cage door before drawing a small song bird onto his outstretched hand. Delicately, he withdrew the small animal from it's cage. Upon its release from its gilded prison, the bird began to chirp happily, performing a sweet tune for its audience.

Rana and Samina watched intently as Kuyu ran a finger delicately over the bird's head, as if to show affection. For a few moments, they watched as the song bird continued it's cheerful tune. A smile lined Kuyu's bearded face as he presented the bird to the women at the table.

"You see how happy the bird is at being freed? We too, with the Avatar's help, shall enjoy the same freedom..." Kuyu drifted off as he approached the women, his hand still outstretched with the bird. As he approached Rana's side, he looped one arm around her shoulders and dropped the bird into her waiting hands.

"And Rana will be at the Avatar's side, as his wife."

Rana's breath caught in her chest as the delicate claws of the bird dug into her palms. The bird continued to chirp as she drew it upwards to her cheek and nuzzled it softy. Ever weary, Rana was scared for the small bird.

"If we fail to act swiftly, we will be snuffed out as quickly as this small bird." Kuyu's voice resonated around Rana. Before she could draw a breath, her father crushed the small bird as it sat upon her outstretched palms. The room was suddenly silent except for the deep exhale that left Rana's lungs.

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Ember Island Imperial Palace
Aang's Quarters

Splashes of pink and orange lined the horizon as the sun peaked, casting warm golden light through the reeded slats of his bedroom. Excitedly, Aang threw back his bed covers and lept from the bed. Today was the day. The day he'd been waiting for, has anticipated with all of his being.

Quickly, he hastily pulled on his leather boots and fastened the ties. Suddenly self-conscious, he skidded to halt as he took in his appearance in the mirror across the room. He hadn't bothered to change from his clothes from the day before, his tunic wrinkled and rumpled, signs he'd slept in the same garments.

Taking a moment, he squared his shoulders and summoned his staff with a quick burst of air. With the staff planted firmly in his left hand, stood tall and confident as he took in his appearance. While today was his coming of age, he didn't feel different at all. Maybe a little taller, maybe a little bulkier and leaner. Physically, he didn't feel any different from today than the day before.