Food {BACKDATED TO 4/12/09}

[bentflame]

As a princess, Azula was used to being respected-- worshipped, even. She was used to people doing things for her, often without her even needing to ask. What she was not used to, however was people doing things for her out of the kindness of their own hearts. So naturally, she was a bit suspicious when Kasumi-- a random community member; one who wasn't even from her world-- offered to cook an elaborate meal for her. Expecting respect from an acquaintance was one thing. Large favors, however, were an entirely different story. Off-worlders usually had to be threatened for those.

Despite her cynicism, Azula was in her room and waiting at the time she had told Kasumi to arrive. She was fully-dressed, and her hair set perfectly in its usual topknot, crown in place. Normally she wore her robe in the privacy of her own room, but when expecting a visitor-- any visitor-- there was no reason to be anything less than perfect.

Comments

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"As you say, Princess Azula." She set the chopsticks on their rests and turned back to her. "Is your companion close by? Perhaps I should fetch them."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"That won't be necessary." Azula stood herself, striding towards the door.

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi bowed her understanding. "Shall I await you here?"

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"If you wish."

Less than a minute later, Azula returned not with a friend, but with a servant. "The food taster," she explained, nodding to Kasumi."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi bowed to him as well. "Thank you for your service," and to Azula, "I hope it is to your taste."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"We'll see," she said.

The servant took a bite (using the extra set of chopsticks), and waited a minute or so. Then, he nodded. "It is safe, Princess."

"Very good." Azula sounded pleased. She hadn't really expected the food to be poisoned, but it was better to be safe than sorry. "You are dismissed." She waved the man away.

i-is someone actually coming 8D

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi bowed him out of the room, as was only polite. "Would you like anything to drink, princess?" There was only food on the table.

Not unless Mai or Ty Lee's player shows up and wants in XD

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"I'll pass," she said evenly.

I'm gunna have to Brb to class in a few, but I should be back in three hrs~

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"Yes, princess." She nodded her head and took a position to the side, staying within Azula-sama's line of sight. This person was a martial artist, of course, and it would not do to try and surprise her in any sort of way.

After a few moments of silence, Kasumi asked, "How have you been, if I may ask?"

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"Quite well." Given some of the events of the past few weeks that wasn't entirely true, but she wasn't going to admit that.

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi smiled to herself, turning her head at such an angle that Azula-sama couldn't see. With this one, she must not allow herself outward concern. "That is good to hear. Your duties must keep you busy, princess, being the ruler now."

Small talk was best.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

She frowned slightly. "I'm not 'the ruler now'. My father will be returned to his normal state soon enough; I'm not stealing the throne from him."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"My apologies. I was not aware of the situation." She bowed her head. "He is sick?"

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"You could say that." She took another chopstickful of rice.

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"I hope he gets better, then." She'd talked to him, once; he reminded her of father before mother had died.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

She waved a hand. "He will."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"I am sure he has the finest doctors."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

Azula made an irritated noise in the back of her throat. "... It's not that sort of illness."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"No?" She hoped she wasn't pry, but Kasumi couldn't think of any other sort that could affect a ruler.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"No," she said firmly.

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Nodding in acknowledgement, Kasumi shifted to the side, confused. "All right."

She let silence fill the room for a few minutes, then asked, "Would you like some more of anything?"

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"This is sufficient."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi fell into silence again, allowing Azula-sama to eat her fill. There was still the next course, after all, and maybe her friend would show up for that.

Not bored very easily, she looked around the room for a while, but soon she had seen her fill. Closing her eyes instead, she took a moment to find her center and smiled. You could never out pratice meditation.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

Now that Kasumi's eyes were closed, Azula watched her curiously.

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi practiced a kind of ki control and clensing. She was very good; you had to be, to control your aura. Her face and body were completely relaxed, and there was no tension. It seemed the calmness was oozing out of her.

The books she had borrowed had taught her how; she began to count the steps in her head. Find the core, secure the center, and slowly look out side...