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Post by Iroh on Mar 13, 2011 22:40:53 GMT -5
((So just a reminder that there isn't a posting order per say for this thread, you only have to alternate with whomever you're RPing with since there'll be multiple conversations going on at once.))
The day had finally come. It had seemed like an eternity in the waiting, when really it had been under a month, but the wedding day was finally upon him. Zuko had not seen his bride-to-be since the return from the Northern Tribe, and in that time he'd grown fond of his memories of her, and was certain that over time, and probably very little time at that, he would grow to love her. She would certainly be better for him than Mei, if nothing else.
All week, the palace had been buzzing with activity in preparation for the ceremony. Thousands of people were expected to attend, and not a single detail had been overlooked. The city looked like a strange, beautiful mix of spring and autumn, and both his nation and his sister Kingdom's banners flew from every post. The palace itself and the outdoor event grounds shimmered with every hue of green, silver, red, and gold. It was a spectacular day for a wedding.
In what seemed like minutes, Zuko had awoken, dressed in fine tailored robes of Earth Kingdom colors, and was standing behind the curtains off to the right of the altar. In moments, he and his new wife would emerge through the curtain on opposite sides of the altar and be joined together in front of the entirety of both nations. The citizens, he was not worried about. Princess Raisa, on the other hand... that was a different story. You're being foolish, he told himself. This is a business deal, an arrangement to better the nations. Don't be worrying about pleasing her. There are other things to worry about.
Yet worry he did nonetheless, as he fretted with the firestone ring in his coat pocket. A matching circlet would be brought out by the gift bearer during the ceremony. Trumpets sounded. Zuko took a deep breath, and forced himself to step out from behind the curtains as a mesh of the Earth and Fire Nation anthems played in harmony. Walk to the altar, Zuko. Meet your bride. Do your duty.
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Post by Shang-hui on Mar 13, 2011 23:00:32 GMT -5
Shang-hui had been by his best friend's side since before she awoke. Everything from dressing to hair and make-up to keeping her spirits up was taken care of by him, though he couldn't help but feel that he hadn't fully succeeded in that last matter.
He was not to be her consort. She hadn't even asked him, though he was in no way hurt. Becoming her consort was something neither of them had wanted. For one, it would mean being her husband of sorts, which given their sibling-like relationship would have been out of the question. For another, if he became consort, it would mean renouncing his post as Captain of the Guard, which the Earth Kingdom could not afford. Thirdly, he would have boundaries with Raisa that had never existed before, including the inability to see her while the Fire Lord was present, which again was simply intolerable. Still, when Raisa stepped to him moments before the wedding, he couldn't help but regret that decision just slightly.
Raisa was resplendently dressed in the most beautiful gown Shang-hui had ever seen. The strapless sweetheart line dipped to the end of her back and fell in soft waves of silk into a long train. The whole dress was made of golds and bronzes so iridescent that with her porcelain skin and shimmering blonde hair, she seemed to make the sun grow dim. Shang-hui had to forcefully keep his jaw from dropping as she took his arm. He would had kept gawking, but he saw panic in Raisa's eyes that only he would notice, and instead hugged her tightly and took his place beside her.
When the anthem started, Shang-hui parted the curtains and held them open for the princess, her arm tucked into his, and lead her down the aisle to meet the Fire Lord. At the center, Shang-hui turned to Raisa and hugged her again. "You're doing the right thing, Rai," he whispered to her. "I'll always love you, remember that. And your people will, too." Shang-hui kissed her cheek and stepped to the side, next to the Fire Sage leading the ceremony. The Air Prince was no where in sight. He hadn't any real reason to be here; this ceremony was for his Princess and the Fire Lord. If Velox had accepted her bid to become consort, there would be a private ceremony later. If he declined, well... if Shang-hui were being honest with himself, he might ask Raisa to reconsider the situation with him. Something about her now being united to Zuko didn't sit right, like a hot coal flaring to life inside of him.
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Post by Raisa/Darkmoon on Mar 14, 2011 16:43:30 GMT -5
Everything was a blur. The only thing anchoring Raisa to the earth was Shang-hui. She knew that she needed to put on a happy face to ease her peoples' anxiety - more Earth Kingdom citizens had shown up than was expected, and their support eased her heavy heart somewhat. Still, there was no sign of Velox. And in under an hour she would be wed to Fire Lord Zuko.
Was the ceremony starting? Shang-hui was moving her out into the grand hall. Her ears were deaf to the music, and she clung to Shang-hui's arm all the more. When he had to leave her side she felt as if a gaping hole in her world stood in his place, and Zuko to her right did nothing to fill the void. Focus, Raisa. Your people are watching. You need to do this for them, what you want doesn't matter. And besides, Zuko has mellowed since his coronation. Certainly you can learn to love him in time...
Still, she wasn't convinced, and as the Fire Sage began, she kept her head held high out of sheer will and determination.
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Post by Fire Nation Soldier(s) on Mar 14, 2011 16:57:37 GMT -5
The Fire sage stood on the altar, before the soon to be King and Queen and their two nations, a smile on his face and his arms opened to the gathering.
"My friends!" he spoke, "We are witnessing something truly astounding today - the union of the two most powerful nations our world has ever seen! Not only is their love for all of you so great that not the elements or even the Triad could shake it, but also their love for each other. For without that, their joining today would never come to be.
"Fire Lord Zuko, Princess Raisa, please step forward and join hands." He paused as the rulers came together, the petite princess having to look up slightly at the Fire Lord. "Spirits of Fire! Spirits of Earth! Spirits of Air! Spirits of Water! Bear witness to this holy matrimony! These two rulers are coming forth not only as the heads of their nations, but also as two human beings choosing to spend their lives together! I ask that you bestow your blessings upon them not, and watch over and guide their paths unto the end of their days." He stepped forward with a small dish of ash from the sacred tree, carefully tracing the mark of marriage and unity on their foreheads. "May you all bear witness - these two are now one by the power of the spirits, and now by the power of each other..." He motioned for them to exchange their gifts. Raisa slipped the traditional silver wrist cuffs onto Zuko's forearms, engraved with the crest of her Kingdom. Zuko, in turn, placed a delicate golden circlet on Raisa's head, a Firestone dropping from a point in the center and onto her forehead.
The sage then took the rings and held them high. "Spirits! My friends! And all powers of this universe! I present to you two now the new marriage of Princess Raisa and Fire Lord Zuko, and ask that you forever make their bond unbreakable and loyal!" As he placed the rings on their fingers, small showers of fireworks in the shapes of blossoms sparked behind them. "My Lord, you may now kiss your bride."
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Post by Iroh on Mar 15, 2011 14:16:26 GMT -5
When Zuko took Raisa's hands and looked into her eyes, he felt a sharp stab of shock and alarm; the princess was scared. Worse, terrified. Her slim fingers seemed to tremble in his hands, and her crystalline eyes were wide and afraid. She was so incredibly beautiful, and he'd always known her to be the fearless leader that even his father would have had trouble dealing with, but he'd never known her to be vulnerable. In that moment, Zuko saw just how fragile and delicate she was under her mask, and took a silent vow to erase that look in her eyes and never let it return.
The exchanging of the gifts, a symbol not only of their union but also of how much they were both giving up. His own cuffs were beautifully made, and surprisingly soft and comfortable considering the weight of the metal. They would not again be removed. Raisa's circlet was an intricate weave of gold and Firestones, and fit perfectly atop her petite little head. Their rings were equally elegant, and with matching crests of the Fire and Earth nations combined. He spent the rest of the ceremony gazing at the girl he'd never really noticed before, and wondering how it had taken him until this moment to see just what she was.
"My Lord," the fire sage said, "You may not kiss your bride."
Zuko looked at Raisa, his heart beating strongly but steadily. This was for his people, for the world, and for her. He took both her hands in one of his, his free hand cupping her cheek and gently lifting her face to his. "Raisa, I am going to protect you, I promise." He said quietly, his lips an inches from hers. "Nothing will ever hurt you again, don't be afraid. I can give you the world." He brought his lips to hers gently, tenderly, uniting them before all the universe.
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Post by Raisa/Darkmoon on Mar 15, 2011 14:50:19 GMT -5
His touch, it's so warm...
Despite everything else going on in the room, Raisa could only focus on one thing: Zuko. When he'd taken her hands in his, she felt like the rest of the world was separated by a shield of fire and heat in his presence. Over and over again all she could thing of was the energy just below Zuko's skin, and how easily it would be to get swept away by it. She felt numb when she had to pull her hands away to clasp on his cuffs. At the same time, his fingers brushing her forehead raised goosebumps down her back at the whispers of heat they left behind.
Rings on. It was almost over. And her ring held some of the same heat at Zuko's touch, like a dull heartbeat. The realization of his power scared her, but somehow she knew he would never use it against her. When Zuko leaned in to her, she almost pulled back in panic - until he spoke. Raisa found herself believing every word he said, as irrational as it may have been. She wanted nothing more than to trust him and stay in his protective care and away from the rest of the world that fell more and more out of her grasp with each passing day. His kiss, so light and gentle, was return with more force, more desire. She entwined her fingers tightly with his, the deafening applause and cheers of the gathered crowd a faint echo. When at last Zuko broke the spell and parted form her, she felt part of his power and confident still lingering within her, the taste of fire still on her lips. "I believe you, Zuko." she whispered back. "I trust you."
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Post by Iroh on Mar 16, 2011 11:28:38 GMT -5
Zuko smiled at her words, a bond forming between them that would begin to ease the tension that had been growing for the past month. He kissed her cheek lightly and the two turned to the crowd, hand in hand, and bowed. Before Raisa could rise, a mischevious grin passed over Zuko's face, and he swept Raisa off her feet and into his arms. A brief thought passed through his mind that this could be the start of something tremendous, if only they could keep that bond growing deeper and stronger.
"Can you dance well, my wife?" He said teasingly as he carried her to the center of the ballroom and set her down lightly. He knew that in addition to Raisa's legendary and rather frightening skills in martial arts, she was also one of the most graceful dancers in all the nations. How she found time for all that she'd perfected still eluded him - assuming, of course, she wasn't born gifted at everything, as his sister had been so gifted at Fire Bending. Was that possible?
The orchestra began playing the same mesh of the anthems, though this time to a sweeter waltz arrangement. It was time for their first dance as lord and lady. Zuko took one of Raisa's tiny hands and spun her to him into the traditional closed position, thinking she looked for all the world like the embodiment of fire and earth combined in one perfect form.
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Post by Raisa/Darkmoon on Mar 17, 2011 20:58:45 GMT -5
Zuko picked her up, and the heat she'd felt from him before poured through her like white-hot sunbeams. It was intoxicating, almost addicting. He set her down on wobbling legs and Raisa had to remember how to stand on her high heels once again. Dance? Yes, she could dance well. Though apparently she couldn't speak in his presence any longer. Raisa was about to reply when Zuko spun her into his arms and she once again lost her voice. It took her several steps into the waltz to find it.
"Yes, my Lord, of course I can dance." She said with a playful air of arrogance. "I can sing and paint too, if you wished it. Of course, one has to first give me reason enough to grace them with my talents before I will perform. And even you with that incredibly alluring charm of yours won't find it an easy task." Zuko lead her into a quick chaine turn, catching her in a slight dip and continuing the watlz. "Though I have to admit, you're a bit more than I thought you to be. I don't know how exactly, I never thought you an idiot or incapable, or anything like that. You're just... more than I expected, if that makes any sense."
Raisa found herself trusting Zuko more and more by the moment. His heat, his strength, his blanket of security that enveloped her - it was too hard to ignore, too hard to pretend that he was anything but a genuine person, at least to her. She found his orange-gold eyes soothing in a way even Shang-hui's hadn't been lately, and she could breathe easier in his presence.
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Post by Shang-hui on Mar 17, 2011 21:10:52 GMT -5
Shang-hui had watched the ceremony with a strange mix of emotions. As an Earth Kingdom citizen, this union was more beneficial for keeping the Triad at bay than anything else and it eased some of the anxiety he felt for his safety. As Captain of the Guard, he was excited to gain new troops and strategies for his army. And as Raisa's... what was he to her? So many, many things. As her best friend, he'd grown up with her. He'd seen her throw every temper tantrum, laugh every day, and shed every tear in her entire life. It was strange to see her suddenly being married off. Was this how a father felt giving away his daughter? It was a strange notion, and a vexing one. He loved Raisa unconditionally - she was his best friend and little sister, but what about now? Why was he so incredibly envious of the Fire Lord? Surely he wasn't...
He shook his head. No, that was an impossibility. Raisa was his closest friend in all the world. He was being ridiculous... Right?
Standing to the side of the dance floor, Shang-hui watched the Princess and Fire Lord in their first dance. He had to admit that Zuko was skilled and lead Raisa with great care, though Raisa was such an elegant little thing that it was hard to look bad when she was dancing with someone. Shang-hui's heart throbbed slightly; he had been practicing this same exact dance with Raisa for the past few weeks in preparation for the wedding. In the back of his mind Shang-hui wished he were dancing with her instead.
Looking around in an attempt to distract himself, Shang-hui saw the adoring faces of two nations, every guest looking as ecstatic and full of hope as he'd ever seen a person look. At least some good was coming from all of this, and the nations would be unified as planned. Both nations, minus the Air nation consort. And speaking of the Air nation... where was Apolla? Shang-hui looked for her in earnest, hoping to spot her amidst the crowd.
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Post by LuJian Zands on Mar 23, 2011 23:18:03 GMT -5
At least there was an open bar
Lujian was normally loved weddings; after all social gathering were the perfect place to make new business partners, especially when the guest list included rich individuals like himself. That and two lovers joined together in eternal matrimony had a romantic appeal to it that he could admire. However, in this case, it was the scope and background of the ceremony he took issue with. As expected with a royal wedding, the ceremony was impressive, but instead of a high class soirée he was hoping for, which could have easily had him and his Earth Kingdom acquaintances making inroads into the Fire Nation. It seemed like just about everyone from every background possible was invited. This meant having to deal with a near endless stream of individuals who either were of little interest or worth, or would disappear onto the dance floor. Those poor souls would not be seen again till next morning at the baths…or at the lavatory, places not exactly conducive towards business dealings.
It also meant having to deal with those people think those foolish thoughts that perhaps one own soul-mate was buried somewhere deep within the drunken crowd. It wasn’t that he shunned the desire for companionship, far from it. It’s just that in his experiences with women typically were either the seductive gold digging type who agreed with everything he said and found everything interesting, genuine nice ladies, who simply didn’t agree or match his lifestyle for a long term relationship or the single minded obsessed kind, out on a hunt for male prey, who frankly scared him.
Of course being a rich, handsome, philanthropic, semi-reformed pirate was just the kind fantasy out of a bad romance novel that many in the female wedding crowd were desperately seeking to make a reality. That was an awkward posisition to be in, but far worse were the mid-level nobles, making sure they made it an issue to introduce their daughter, who seemed acutely trained to marry herself off to someone who could better the family fortune. Even more amusing when they reffered to him as the Sharif of Bohe Tang. A title he had basically bought for tax purposes, as he doubted many of them even knew where the small south east island of Bohe Tang was. All in all, a congealed mass of people who clearly were subjects to destiny, celebrating two who forged their own.
He wasn’t even going to come, not having a date (which also helped to sour the romance factor) but his father had convinced him to go in his stead to give his regards (being an Admiral ages ago) and give his thanks to the new Firelord for his freedom, and new Pai Cho partner in his uncle Iroh. That and he had hoped a wedding might let him find romance and produce children and gain additional favour with the nobility. Ugh, politics it always reared it's ugly head.
Lujian had accepted it as fact that this was a clearly politically motivated wedding. Everyone knew the young Firelord Zuko’s story from his father’s banishment, acceptance and rebanishment of him, to his time with the Avatar leading to the defeat of both his father and sister, leaving the throne in his hands alone. It didn’t exactly leave time or the romantic backdrop for the courtship of an Earth Kingdom princess who resurfaced out of nowhere. He honestly had no idea what to think of her, save that she clearly was capable of putting her personal desires aside for her political ones, something both respectable and woefully tragic.
Oh well, at least there was an open bar, with a bartender who actually knew how to make a Youdian shi, whose odd appearance was enough the deflect conversation away from undesirable topics. That and he could take solace in the fact that the massive amounts of guests had made him money, once in shipping the various exotic foods and goods to the capital for the celebration and second in ferrying so many to the celebration safely and third in Fire Nation goods that were still in high demand because they had not hit the Earth Kingdom market in ages given the war. It was a shame that he couldn’t have made a fourth, in smuggling those rare substances that high class society simply couldn’t do without during any special occasion. However, that was a bit too risky even for him, given how many were present for the ceremonies and the Great Gates of Azulon barring a speedy exit. He wasn’t going to let this keep him down as he willed away the negative attitude as he polished off his drink. He was here; the drink was running freely, there was talk about heading off to a gambling table after the reception, and who knows what surprises the night had in store.
He left to refil his drink and and his glance met Shang's, someone else he gauged was just shortly as lost in contemplation as he was. He seemed vaguely familiar...
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Post by Shang-hui on Mar 24, 2011 16:58:33 GMT -5
Shang-hui watched them dance. Even when the rest of the guests began to pair off and join in the dance, Shang-hui stood and watched. It was all he could do to keep himself from screaming out in frustration, for he feared that if he tried to walk away his feet would force him forward to the newly weds and tear Raisa away from her husband. He didn't like Zuko, possibly even more than he disliked Velox. And even then, he only disliked Velox because of his closeness to Raisa.
Raisa, the girl he'd grown up with, was moving on in her life... quite possibly away from him. It was more than he could bear to think about.
Shaking his head, he tore his gaze from the dancers and willed himself away from the dance floor. Apolla was no where to be seen yet, and surprisingly, neither was Velox. Did Raisa know that? And why in the world would her consort not be present at her wedding? He made a mental note to have a detailed conversation with him on how to properly treat Raisa... starting with common courtesy.
A ways away from the floor - though not quite so far that he couldn't keep an eye on his charge - a bar gathered most of the men unwilling to dance. Shang-hui sat on an empty stool next to a rather colorful stranger. He looked like he had a mix of backgrounds. Though if they'd gotten this far into the wedding and he hadn't caused trouble, chances were he wasn't Triad. "I'll take whatever my friend here is having." He told the bartender.
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Post by LuJian Zands on Mar 24, 2011 21:07:40 GMT -5
Lujian subtly glanced at Shang, while of course also subtly getting a glance at one of the nearby geisha. He continued to face the crowd as Shang sat down, and chuckled when he made his comment to the bartender and turned to face Shang with a smile.
"Well since we're friends now, this one is on me." Oh the wonders of an open bar, they were truly the real miracle of marriage. He briefly faced the bartender and raised two fingers. "Two, Youdian shi" as the bartender went to work on a strange concoction that involved a mortar and pestle as he ground leaves of mint and mixed them with lime juice and an uncommon foreign spirit called tian jiu.
As the bartender plied his trade, Lujian of course sought to break the ice. "You look like you need it ol' buddy ol' pal." despite the fact the man clearly had a couple years on him. "I take it you had a hand in the ceremony, because you look tenser then a bowstring" as their drinks arrived, as he nodded as he knew tipping would not typically be appropriate in a function such as this.
He took his glass and raised it "Cheers" hoping his new friend would reciprocate the gesture and would then take a drink, pause for a brief second and poise the question. "So....why the heck are the two of us here?"
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Post by Shang-hui on Mar 25, 2011 13:19:26 GMT -5
Shang-hui took the glass and raised it to the man, taking a sip. It was strong. Perfect. Listening to him speak, Shang-hui wondered if he'd witnessed the ceremony at all, or if he'd arrived afterward. If he'd been present, he certainly would have seen that he'd escorted Raisa down the aisle to meet the Zuko.
Instead, Shang0hui swiveled on the stool so that his back leaned against the bar and he faced the dance floor, drink in hand. "My name's Shang-hui Akoto. I'm Captain of the Earth Kingdom Army and Princess Raisa's personal guard." he said, extending a hand to the man. Normally he wouldn't so so outright about his position, though considering the setting and circumstances, Shang-hui hardly thought there was any danger in honesty this time. After all, not an hour ago he had just stood in for Raisa's father. "I'm here because the boss is here," he said with a laugh. "The Princess is my responsibility, where ever she goes, I go. I suppose I'm partly here by choice, and partly obligation." He caught sight of Raisa and Zuko and hated the look he found in her eyes, knowing what must be growing in her mind, and in her heart. "Though, you could say it's mostly by choice. She is something else, isn't she?"
He turned away from his best friend and back to the stranger, not wanting to dwell on the fact that after tomorrow he would return to Ba Sing Sey without his other half while she remained here to learn about the Fire Nation. "What about you, my friend? What brings you to this extravagant event? You don't seem to be too affiliated with any one nation in particular."
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Post by LuJian Zands on Mar 25, 2011 15:31:09 GMT -5
Lujian gave a cunning smile when Shang mentioned his title and that the boss was here "See, that's why I went into business for myself." and he chuckled with him. "I thought you looked familiar, I think we might have met in court during a rather unremarkable title acknowledgement ceremony, or maybe my pardon..although that was probably a bit before your time. I'm Captain Lujian Zands of the Red Dragon Triumphant" of which Shang would have had to have lived under a rock to not know the infamous pirate/privateer/rougish scoundrel who built a merchantitle empire that employs thousands, made him millions and was well known for his philanthropic efforts caring for veterans, the arts and other worthy causes.
He chuckled "As far as the why, Captain Akoto, I was more referring to how two clearly single, connected and handsome men managed to find themselves here without a date." he paused for a moment as he took a drink. "but then that sounds like I'm trying to pick you up." as he laughed as he cracked the joke in order to turn to conversation away from where Shang didn't seem to want to dwell.
"Actually I'm here at the request of my father, Admiral Soral Zands" a name certainly before Shang's time but was a famous Admiral and shipbuilder in the Fire Nation navy, specifically known for mounting very effective campaigns against the Southern Water Tribe before his abrupt retirement. "He wanted someone to give his thanks to the new Firelord for his freedom, but Sadly the old man is not exactly up to travel right now, and I was headed this way anyways on business so I figured I'd keep the old man happy and come." as he briefly stared at his drink with melancholy for taking another drink and banished such thoughts.
"Anyways, the princess is certainly an attractive woman and I'm sure this marriage will benefit both of their peoples." as he took another drink "Further peace and trade between the world's two largest, most advanced and most industrilized nations I'm sure will lead to a bright future and more money in my pocket for certain."
He continued the conversation, with a slighly more gaurded almost apologetic tone "I'll be honest, I've been a bit too busy at sea and with business to learn a lot about the young princess or her politcal views and, quite franky her personal life isn't really any of my business." he paused briefly to take a drink and catch a glance at some fat Fire Nation noble heading towards private corned with two attractive ladies. "That is unless of course she's interested in fine imported silks, which I'd be happy to acquire for her, at cost of course." he certainly had a certain charm, that could lead people to love or loathe him.
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Post by Shang-hui on Mar 25, 2011 21:14:51 GMT -5
Understanding dawned on Shang-hui as he realized why this man seemed so eerily familiar, even when he knew they had never meant. Growing up at court with Raisa and sneaking into meetings they had no right to be in, Shang-hui had learned a lot about politics, which was the main reason he was now essentially overseeing the kingdom in Raisa's absence. He'd also learned way more about the dealings and people through her father's reign than he should have. Raisa had always found sneaking into meetings to be an adventure. For Shang-hui, it had been a learning opportunity.
"Ah, of course I know who you are... your family gave Princess Raisa's father quite a bit of trouble before you turned ally. You name carries a very impressive line of work. And yet a rich man like yourself is still dateless? I see no excuse there! My only alibi is that my date ran off and got married on me..." A shadow crossed over Shang-hui's features, which he quickly dispelled with a well-practiced smile. "But of course she did, she's so dedicated to her people that she always puts there best interest above her own. She carries the world on her shoulders and means to fix everything on her own, I only wish she'd stop and remember that she only has one life to live, and that she needs to do some things that she wants, too.
"But about your line of work, I'll grab the Princess when they've finished their dance and have her talk to you, if you'd like. She's got quite a weak spot for fine clothing and jewelry, and I know that she'll be doing a lot of redecorating in the guest suite for the Fire Lord, as well as changing the uniforms of the guard and her own wardrobe. You could probably fair quite well if you keep an honest business with the palace."
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