Sea and Sky

Chapter 11: The Middle

Sea and Sky
Chapter 11: The Middle

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With the span of a few hours the inner courtyard of the villa had been transformed into and otherworldly paradise. Along the several stone paths, hundreds of small candles had been lit and placed along the pathways, casting the courtyard in a soft glow.

A few red silk tents had been erected, creating a small village of comfort and luxury for the host and her guests. As the group filed out of the villa, Sokka let out a whistle. "Look at all of this - is this what having money can do?"

Suki grimaced as she listened to him speak. "Sokka... why do you say things like that?"

Shrugging absently, he reached for a mug of brew from the platter of a passing attendant. "It's not like you weren't thinking it."

Flushing, Suki reached for her own brew as if to silence herself. Having come from humble roots like Sokka, she still felt like it was tacky and in bad taste to point certain things out.

Somewhere deep within the circle of tents, instruments sounded, creating a soft melody that wafted around the group. Katara swayed slightly as she listened to the music, her mind far off from the celebration around her. Just an hour earlier she'd once again found herself subjected to the whims of dressing ladies and their cosmetics and constricting clothing.

Aang hadn't yet shown up to the celebration, but was delayed. Without notice, the vizier had arrived to the villa earlier than they'd all expected. And of course, the first thing to happen was an impromptu meeting between the Avatar, Fire Lord, Vizier, and her brother. Be it cultural norms or just general disinterest, none of the other ladies had even bothered to ask about attending the meeting.

"What a pretty dress. Red really suits you." Behind her, a bright female voice crashed through her mental turmoil.

Turning on her sandals, Katara was met face to face with Rana. Rana offered a sweet smile as she gave a small bow in greeting. Annoyance bubbled within Katara as she regarded the girl. Something about Rana didn't sit right with her, and she couldn't quite figure out what is was.

"Thank you. It's Lady Ceren's. She has great taste." Katara offered as she absently grabbed at a flute of plum wine and downed it without hesitation. Anything to take the edge of speaking with the girl.

Katara had many questions she wanted to ask Rana, but was unsure of where to start or how to bring them up. She could sense something strange between the girl and Aang, but wasn't quite sure what it was. Ever since her arrival the day before, a strange energy seemed to fizzle between the two.

At some point during the day, Suki had mentioned that Rana had arrived not with them on Appa, but had flown with Aang. Swallowing her pride, she chosen not to make assumptions and jump to hasty conclusions. But something wasn't right, that much she was sure.

"So how do you-" As she began to form the question, Katara was cut off by Rana's words.

"How do I know Aang? In all reality I don't, but-" Rana paused as her attention was drawn to the courtyard entrance. The group had formed around the entrance, it seemed the men had completed their meeting and were joining the celebration.

"Please, excuse me."

Shaking her head, Katara watched as Rana walked away and headed towards the men. Her patience with the girl was slowly melting away. It wasn't just that the girl had been rude, and then dismissive of her, but had walked away mid-sentence. It was as if the girl had no manners of all.

Behind her, Suki approached, twirling the long green cord of her robes. "Well, that was awkward..." She trailed as she looped her arm with Katara.

Rolling her eyes, Katara cast a sidelong glance towards the gathering. "I don't like her." She stated flatly, her voice tinted with annoyance.