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

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"Really? It's common knowledge here. Benders use it, and I have a friend who can block its flow," Azula said casually.

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi was still grinning from ear to ear. "It is ripe in my world as well; it is what we use for martial arts techniques, after all. In this place, you control the elements?"

She was curious.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"Yes, that's right."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"We have something similar, but not quite our emotions and selves fuel our abilities. Illusions are common as well." She smiled to herself. "Though I am not proficient in that way. I am not a martial artist, after all."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

She nodded again. "Ah."

There was a momentary pause, but then she had to ask. "... What sort of illusions?"

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Tilting her head to the side, she replied, "Mostly of size and aura. Father does so love to battle bigger than the house when he is annoyed."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"Ah, auras."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"Yes. You can see them quite easily in my world."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"I don't really believe in them."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Shyly, Kasumi offered, "Would you like to see one?"

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

She looked skeptical. "If I don't think they exist on my world, what makes you think I'll be able to see one here? Unless, of course, you can create them."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi looked to the side, a little embarrassed. "...I have absolute control over my ki, I..." She smiled a little. "If the rules of your world allow, perhaps I can."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"Try it."

Brb, gotta catch a train~

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"Just a moment, if you will."

Closing her eyes, Kasumi relaxed into a comfortable position: legs spread to shoulder width, body relaxed. She took a breath and raised her arms, letting it out as she lowered them. After a moment, a vague, wispy sort of energy began to form around her, a pale blue almost like smoke.

It grew under her concentration.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

Azula was very good at pretending not to be impressed.

"Interesting."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi relaxed the aura away, standing there for a moment simply breathing. Then, with a smile and bit of a blush, said, "I could show you how, if you like...?

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

More skepticism. "Is it really something you can teach?"

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"You know the basics, do you not? I taught myself from them; I do believe it will be easy for you, princess."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"What makes you think that I have the ability to do such a thing? Like I said, I don't believe in auras, at least not on my own world."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi thought for a moment on how to respond, and slowly, stated, "Even if you do not believe in them...an aura is simply presenting your ki outside of yourself. I should think firebending would use something similar."

She smiled politely. "But if you would rather not learn, I shall not continue with this subject."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"That's what they are where you come from. But what makes you think they even exist here? Can you 'see' mine?"

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Kasumi blinked, confused. "But if there is ki here, it is possible."

Perhaps she should explain? "You are a controlled person, Princess Azula. Your aura would not leak out unless you willed it."

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

"I see. Then the 'auras' you talk about are different than the ones I'm thinking of."

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

"Then, what do you mean by 'aura'?"

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

She leaned back in her chair, setting her nearly-empty bowl aside. "Ty Lee's always claiming to be able to tell what mood I'm in because she can 'see my aura'."