Kozue Ishida

[\Mai-Dee/ *Erity* ~Kenzi~]

Kozue Ishida

Basic Info

Birth name; Countess Kozue Seiren Ishida
Age && date of birth; 25; April 13 407
Gender; Female
Bending Element; Fire
Bending/Non-Bending Level; Master Bender and Advanced Swordswoman
Alias; Zu-Se (family nickname), Kenzi Seiren (traveling alias), Lady Firebird (Fire Nation honorary title)
Plot Position; Fire Nation Countess

Appearance

hair color; Mahogany/Red
Eye color; Violet with amber flecks
Height; 5'5"
Weight; 120 lbs
Appearance;Though not the most striking of the refugees or the most statuesque Kozue has never had a problem being well thought-of by her fellow companions, or even the friends she kept in her previous life. Though the typical style of her family was always to keep their hair a bit shorter her mahogany-red locks reach all of the way to the small of her back; to keep her eyes clear her bangs are cut in a line across her brow, just barely feathering in front of her startling eyes. The faint hint of blended blood shows in her gaze, violet eyes flecked with the recognizable Fire Nation amber-gold and full of a mix of intense mischief and hidden knowledge. Though otherwise conventionally pretty her most recognizable feature gives her an air of mystery and that adds to her quiet allure. The sides of her hair are often pulled up to the back to keep them out of the way of her Firebending practice and whatever she's reading but in more formal situation she puts it up into the traditional style with kimono or armor.

The only seeming disadvantage to Kozue's oddly colored eyes is a slight vision problem; though fine in most situations when working with small prints or fine details she has to wear a pair of gold-framed eyeglasses made to very precise specifications. Putting these on almost seems to be a ritual for her, as once they're on her demeanor changes to that of someone deeply focused on detail and the retention of the information she's taking in. It's as though the glasses are a funnel bringing knowledge into her mind at a rapid rate with very little interference from the rest of her mind. This, along with her habit of dressing in full-length slitted skirts and blouses, can almost give her a bookish seeming if not for the grace of her movements, much schooled by her childhood training in gymnastics and her constant practice at Firebending.

When sparring with friends, sparring or exercising she wears a more relaxed ensemble that allows for more free motion for both wielding her dual sabers and Firebending. Though not a fighter by nature Zu-Se is well-schooled in martial arts and agile as well, making her a formidable force in the sparring ring and in less pleasant circumstances. This means that she walks and holds herself with confidence, often wearing a pleasant but quiet smile and with her eyes flashing in some secret amusement. Her body is well-toned and proportionate but not overly muscular and her color choices tend toward deeper tones of brown, red, grey, black and burnt orange, though an accent of white is often used to lighten the outfit. When necessary to carry a weapon she keeps a saber slung low on her back and a dagger at her side.

Traits

likes;

• Books
  
• Firebending
  
• Music (especially bird song and bells)
  
• Tea
  
• Long baths
  
• Hyacinths
  
• Knowledge
  
• Games
  
• Tricks, even if she's the one being tricked
  
• Cleverness
  

dislikes;

• Burnt hair
  
• Wine
  
• Thoughtlessness
  
• Senseless authority
  
• Edited history
  
• Vindictiveness
  
• Ungrateful behavior
  
• Useless secrecy
  
• Not being believed (even in a lie)
  
• Those who hold her back
  

Overall Personality;Almost seeming to be born with a more of the more flickering and calm of fire-souls, Kozue usually seems to bear an aura of warmth and curiosity even when at her most reserved; it seems to almost unconsciously relax those who don't come to her with malice or hatred toward her already in their hearts. Whether it's a genetic inheritance from her diplomat father, who was also good at making people feel at ease or simply her nature by sheer luck the effect is still the same; there's an air of relaxed merriment to her, filling her smile and flashing in her eyes by default. When angered that warmth grows more intense and almost snaps like electricity in the air around her, very much the match for her temper. Though slow to build once she's reached the point of true anger or rage she's never able to fully forgive whatever brought her ire. When she snaps she has a tendency to overreact to situations.

When called to attend to courtly duties as befitting her rank of Countess Zu-Se doesn't mind dressing up or being present, or even the socializing and making sure to keep a smile- but she does this only because she knows her family and nation depends on her to and not out of any real sense of ambition or desire. Making those whom are important to her happy or helping to stabilize the precarious position of her hidden nation is a very good motivator for her but she sees very little reason to scheme or backstab; it would only hurt the cause further by dividing the few remaining factions and causing resentment. Instead she tries to stay quiet and watch carefully, offering her suggestions politely and taking on the small responsibilities that are most helpful but bring the least recognition. The spotlight is certainly not something that calls to Kozue.

Among her few friends her inner light shines more brightly and she's able to relax, speaking more openly and even playing tricks on them as the mood strikes. Dedicated to learning as much as possible and working hard to put that knowledge into practice and her own natural talent has pushed Kozue to excel at her Firebending, and she has earned every bit of her Master status through sheer hard work, willingness to adapt and experimentation. Never greedy with her knowledge she hates the idea that some information is hidden simply to increase the power of the ruling class and teaches what she knows to those who ask with an eager patience. All of the tragedies and trials that her family and people have endured has drawn her more into the role of pacifier and mediator but more than blindly following orders she believes in following what she sees as right and the ideals she was raised into.

History Info

Home Country; Fire Nation Refuge (though she still considers the old Fire Nation her 'true' home)
siblings; None
history;Born on a sunny spring day of the year 407, Kozue started with quite a few more advantages than the average child. Her father Kujin was a half-Airbender diplomat from an old family, and her mother was a cousin to the Fire Lord himself. Not that his mattered overly much to the infant- she was a pleasant and peaceful infant from the moment she was cleaned of the blood of her birth. Her parents, being involved in the politics of the nation, didn't have much time for an infant- but they both hoped the girl would grow up well, and paid for the best nurses their station could afford. Though her traveling father and socially mobile were only a faint presence in her early memories the child lacked for neither food nor attention and the gentle care of her attendants brought her sunny disposition into full bloom.

Once she was past the most dangerous and needy time of her childhood there was a bit more parental interest in Kozue's state and began to take the toddler on their travels to her father's different positions with the different countries of their world. Their faithful servants, nurses and wealth followed them from place to place as well, so even among the varied landscapes there were quite a few constants to make the child feel at ease. Too young to make real friends yet she nonetheless played with a variety of other children and showed a very early skill for relating to the ideas and cultures of her new playmates. This talent was encouraged and praised, and like any child Kozue's desire for approval drove her to better her skills. Her unique idea of the correct way to 'understand' these other children sometimes led her to get into other trouble, but these times would soon blow over and she'd return to her games and pranks.

Wanting to nudge her onto the path of an educated woman and further encourage her innately bright intellect (as well as keeping her out of trouble) she was given tutors at a very early age and in a number of subjects. Reading came to her the most quickly and once Kozue saw that this method delivered knowledge without having to wait for the adults to decide she was ready for it she took to it avidly. Between lessons in history, philosophy, science, deportment, world cultures, dance and vocal training- all of which were on a rotation to keep her from feeling too trapped- there wasn't as much time to play as there had been when she was a toddler, but she'd been taken by the learning-bug and didn't mind at all. Now she had even more to talk to the other children and adults about and that suited her perfectly. From the time she was four onward there was always a book secreted somewhere on her person; she was even caught sneaking them into her meals and bed, and often she would wake at the crack of dawn and sneak down into the residence's library before anyone else was awake, just to enjoy the company of the texts there.

When she was about eight years old it was decided that her family would return to the Fire Nation capital; though she didn't know it at the time the political atmosphere of the world was beginning to sour and there had been some events in their home country that were a bit unsettling. It was decided that for everyone's best interests the family gather back together in the capital or outlying estates to consolidate their forces and wait out whatever was about to transpire and never ones to argue her parents followed the decree- though they fortunately had the good sense to leave on good terms and retained many friends outside of the Fire Nation. None of this was terribly important to the learned but unambitious Zu-Se though; she was promised the opportunity to attend the Royal Fire Academy for Girls and that was, to her young mind, the pinnacle of all events. Stories from her nurses and tutors- particularly the Firebending teacher she'd had once she'd shown an aptitude for it- had indicated that it was the best institute of learning to be found. Even with her social nature the quest for knowledge was a driving force in her life.

Kozue's parents wisely carried through with their promise, enrolling her as soon as possible before settling into their own duties among the other relatives and councilors around the court. Making friends still came relatively naturally to her and though she wasn't a member of any particular group she moved freely between them. She found a good if stern friend in the older girl Yukiko, whom seemed to balance out her butterfly-like tendency to switch between hobbies with her determined intensity, and she offered her friend an outlet for her sorrows and anger with her empathy and skill at listening. The classes in deportment, dance and academics were joined with those in tactics and fighting, which she took to well enough- but it was the Firebending exercises where she showed real promise. Enchanted with the beauty and drama of the art she turned herself toward studying as much about it as she could and excelled rapidly, digging up long-forgotten techniques and theories even when she wasn't embroiled in her other studies. Her weapon of choice became the dual sabers she saw in so many historic pictures of Fire Nation heroes, but she was beginning to learn that it was a scandalous association to keep. The Fire Lord, her mother's cousin, was becoming less popular among some of the other nobles, who feared the 'coming storm'.

As the wiser adults predicted things began to get worse, though it started small. First Yukiko's brother left her, throwing her further into her own anger and despair. The talk of the other nations grew far more grim and Kozue's parents breathed a silent sigh of relief that they'd returned while it was still possible. Unable to do anything more- even traveling again and reconnecting with the old friends whom may have been able to forge some kind of tenuous underground peace- Zu-Se did what she'd always done, learning as much as possible and trying to find the hidden truth beneath all of the contradictory information and messages. A few more years passed and graduation came- and then Yukiko left as well. There was still some communication via messenger hawk so long as her friend was in the Fire Nation, but once outside of that the correspondence stopped.

Three years passed with things growing steadily worse and rumors of insurrection- and then it happened. Total upheaval, and her family and friends were dead, running for their lives- or in agreement with the anarchy that took the place of their carefully ordered society. Raised as one of the upper echelon but still considered a child she had no idea which of the rumored events or ideas had brought this terror down on them, but at that time there was little time to ponder it. Her small family, which only consisted of her mother, father and herself, managed to have a few contacts who managed to smuggle them out of the country, at least most of the way. Then finally one of their own friends turned against them. Kozue and her mother managed to get out, but her father wasn't so lucky and took a wound that killed him during the trek.

The former diplomacy work they'd done when the girl was almost too young to remember still seemed to hold; though not able to offer implicit help in most cases there was assistance, warm beds and food when possible or a few provisions from time to time. They'd left with almost nothing save the clothes on their back, the weapons they'd needed to fight their way free and a book of poetry Kozue had slipped into her sleeve at the last moment. They'd all been told to meet with the last of their allies in Ba Sing Se, and their stalwart friends had agreed, arrangements were quietly and secretly made to protect the last of the Fire Nation's nobility, to keep it safe from this new Burning Legion. It was a solemn affair and no one could find any joy in the idea of never returning to their home but most agreed anyway and were taken to an island off the coast of the Earth Kingdom. Ships brought provisions and some luxuries when they could, but otherwise they survived as an independent entity.

During those long years things actually changed very little. The Regent took over the newly formed council, and her always-social mother clung to the old ways as they were reborn, willing to obey those of higher authority so long as it brought the familiar security of home. In the quiet spots of her mind the daughter wondered if this mindless devotion to tradition and cruel laws was going to repeat this pattern into perpetuity; lacking better options and with her mother so fragile after the loss of her home there was nothing Kozue could do but go on. Her hard work and study brought her to the status of a Master Firebender and she continued to read whatever came to the main compound in the shipments. With the limited number of officials to serve and her mother still- unsteady- Kozue began to sit on the councils, always offering words of hope and agreeing to whatever duty was asked of her, from arranging cleaning details to cooking. She was always looked on fondly and her dedication to her people was praised.

Then she was called to the ultimate duty- a marriage, to whom she didn't know, but this alliance would strengthen her people. Not knowing how to object when everyone was so desperate to see something, ANYTHING, change for the better, she quietly agreed to begin the negotiations. There was even a moment of surprised excitement when she learned who was supposed to be involved; true, Genji had abandoned Yukiko when they were only children, but he was familiar, had always been moderately polite, and perhaps he'd repented. Their first meeting went well and so she agreed, but slowly they began to sour over the time of the negotiations, with them meeting every few months for almost two years. Her nagging doubts and his controlling, condescending demeanor alone didn't seem in her mind enough to break the hopes of her people, so she continued, against her own instincts. Besides, there was vague word of Yukiko not too far away, though she couldn't tell Genji, and that provided a final option.

Finally, just days before the wedding, she could go no further. The apprehension she'd been feeling over the match came to a head and she spoke of it in the last private council that didn't include her fiance- for once she married him he'd have her power, and though she was young that power was great. Fearful and reluctant to throw away this valuable chance for an ally they dismissed her words, but after so long of dismissing them herself she couldn't sit by any longer. After council was dismissed she'd packed a few things and slipped out into the night. A quick bribe and smile to the boatman bought her passage to the mainland and she had a new name to go with it. Kenzi Seiren stepped off of the boat with many things on her mind. She needed to get away from her family, to find out what was really going on- and if the rumors were true, to help everyone. The Burning Legion and the Fire Nation could be reconciled, the Spirit creatures defeated- and if no one else was going to try, she would.

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It seemed like time simply evaporated once she was in the library, and Kozue couldn't understand why that was. Of course she consciously knew that it wasn't the case, but between all of her duties and the way the rest of her day had been planned there didn't seem any time for her one overriding joy- her books, and the information that lay nestled carefully between the pages. That didn't give her an excuse to forgo the plans she'd already made though. Considering the intensity of today's exercises, as well as the purpose of them, she couldn't just blow it off or delay it. That would mean letting her family down. When the water-clock struck the hour the Countess dutifully shut the book on classical architecture and stood, smoothing down the skirt of her practice outfit. At least she'd managed to get her preparations done early enough to sneak down here for even a few minutes before having to go to the central courtyard.

The walk was a short one and as she stepped out of the central hallway the afternoon sun shone with a hazy yellow-red on the largest of the Palace's courtyards. A raised platform of stone almost a man high and at least fifty feed square stood in the center, where it was surrounded on all sides by graduated steps, then another wide space that contained the actual greenery in the space. Around that faced the numerous palace balconies, most of them filled with various council members, distant relatives or diplomats. Remember, you're the pride of the Fire Nation, she'd been told, as though she was a child who needed to hear such things. She knew what this really involved; to prove that these last bits of a noble lineage still had strength to barter with and points to make she was their shining example of a Fire Nation bride and warrior. It wasn't what she ever dreamed of being, or even wanted, but this is what she was.

Without hesitation she gracefully climbed the steps to the platform, for the moment beyond grateful that the distance quieted the speech of those nearby. Distractions generally didn't bother her, but she didn't want to know what some of those naysayers thought of her either. There were a few girls in the court who were envious of the position she'd won, as well as the groom she'd been granted, and there had been moments of building confusion and apprehension when she'd almost wished them well of it and given up- but then she would be sending a bad message for her Regent and family. The sabers strung across her back were a familiar weight and she could feel the sheathes shift easily with her steps as she reached the top, then walked to the center of the space before turning to face the way she'd come in- and the largest balcony, which hung just over the foyer she'd entered through.

Bowing respectfully to the Regent, whom she would be in that esteemed palace, Zu-Se then rose and cast her eyes over the rest of the occupants. A light wind picked up the ends of her hair and she smiled as she took account; there was her mother, on the right of the Regent and looking as proud as ever, her deep red hair streaked with grey and her eyes old but deep. Others as well, and from her court, but less important. And then there was the Northern Water Tribe's entourage, with her intended fiance, his eyes as cold and that fixed but pleasant expression, and his other attendants behind him. Being available and with the treaty so near completion of course they'd be sitting in on this demonstration of the Fire Nation's might. No time to think on that now, or the slight shudder that those glassy eyes of Genji's almost drew from her. With a bare flick of her gaze Kozue's violet-gold eyes returned to the Regent. "Countess Kozue Ishida, are you ready?"

"Yes, Regent," she replied with a wider smile and a respectful nod. No matter how much of this was uncomfortable, one thing she was sure of was her ability to fight and Bend. That confidence ran so deep she felt no need to push it in anyone's face or even perform parlor tricks unless there was a deeper reason than impressing someone. Most people who looked at her wouldn't even be able to tell she was any kind of trained fighter at all unless they closely watched how she moved and the way she let her grace blend into her actions. When she felt her skills necessary she used them; otherwise they lay in waiting, like a sleeping dragon.

"Then begin," she heard, and giving another respectful bow she turned to face the open space of the demonstration pavilion, pulling free her sabers as she did so. She was the only person there, but her mind was all of the practice aid she needed and in her imagination she saw a dozen foes ringed around the edge of the space, and her sabers moved into her 'ready' stance, feet placed for balance, left saber in front of her and at an angle, right saber over her head to swing. A rush of adrenaline moved through her veins as she began her intricate battle-dance, spinning and slicing with such accuracy that there was little doubt those assembled could even see the moves of her phantom opponents by the way she blocked, dodged and attacked them. It was a show she doubted many of them had seen before, and hopefully it was enough to impress those present with her sword-fighting and acrobatics. Through it all she kept her steps light but well-placed for balance, her motions clean and defined, and it made for a beautiful dance that was also functional and deadly.

After half of her 'enemies' were defeated the pace of her steps changed slightly, the air around her almost seeming to crackle with energy as she gathered the power and heat of her Bending into her limbs. In the previous part of her demonstration Kozue had been filled with lighter energy, the adrenaline in her body translating to speed and dexterity. Instead she was now filled with a warmth, her very blood seeming to become a controlled and just-banked fire and her focus shifting to integrating her saber-swings with the fire-energy of her soul. One twist of that power and her saber-blades were edged in flames, with every swing and kick leaving a trail of warm red-gold fire in its wake. Three more of the invisible opponents fell before she put the sabers away, never missing a beat, and simply 'defeated' the final two with the seamless use of hand and foot strikes accented by her Bending. Show a variety of skills they'd said, and she didn't mind obliging. Using her skills in this way brought her joy untainted by the sorrowful necessity of hurting another.

Now for the final act, she thought to herself, then spun in a slow circle, as though seeing herself surrounded by new enemies. The effort she put into learning and perfecting her techniques never ceased to please her, no matter how common or trivial they seemed- but she also had to admit that those she'd learned from her precious books and fought free, long-forgotten and almost lost to time, were her favorites of all. She'd spent hours not only reading but translating and equivocating those arts, then trying to piece in the motions that had gone with them, and that made them the most worthwhile of all. This skill for adapting and relearning was what had given her Master status even more than her sheer power and talent; she was ready to show that to her people, to give them hope. A quick kick that was nearly a pirouette and she guided a line of fire from her hands toward the ground, where it stayed and burned, the tendrils of it reaching out like the beams of an idealized sun when looked at from above. This protective barrier was one she'd found in texts far older than even The Trials of Ba Sing Se, and why it wasn't still in use eluded her reasoning. The Firebenders were far too comfortable using offense for defense, it seemed.

Once this movement was completely there was scarcely no pause before the next was begun, these steps far more intricate and subtle, her spins and strikes gaining more momentum before she ducked to the ground at a complete stop. With her face a mask of complete discipline, her arms crossed in front of her chest as the thin line of fire appeared around her entire body, almost like a shell. Moment by moment the flames grew thicker and hotter, first red, then yellow, blue- and finally the barest hint of white flames encircled the girl completely, as though she was contained in an egg made of the hottest flames. This was where the Bender had to be careful; if the flames grew too hot they could burn their own skin and clothing and then the fire would be beyond their control. At the last possible moment she sprang to her feet, arms moving out and over her head as the shell 'cracked', bolts of flames moving in all directions while the rest gathered around her in the shape of a majestic phoenix. There weren't any people on this dais- but if there had been there's little doubt they'd have had trouble surviving the onslaught, or even turning it to a minor advantage.

With another deep breath she calmed the flames to the sound of applause and smiled, nodding respectfully to the side balconies before turning back to face the Regent and Genji where she went into her most respectful bow. After a moment in that position she rose, dusting off her clothing a bit before bringing her eyes up to the box. The Regent looked pleased, and her mother was nearly beaming in pride- though not being a Firebender herself it was probably for Kozue's grace and the way it had pleased the rest of the relatives. The delegates couldn't seem to stop murmuring amongst each other- which was probably a good sign too. But then there was General of the Water Tribe, her intended husband; his face was as impassive as ever, except for that oddly curled and stiff grin he wore, and the tension in his body. And his eyes, always glassy but lovely, were somehow darker. There was nothing in them she wanted to understand, and she quickly cast her own eyes away before he saw the shudder she repressed. With all of her previous calm and poise granted by the successful demonstration gone she just managed not to start down the steps toward her room. The Regent wouldn't appreciate such rudeness though.

Stopping the discussion for a moment her leader looked down over her, as though suddenly reminded of the girl's existence. "A good show, Countess. Please go and make yourself presentable before returning to the Throne Room." Oh gods be blessed, she'd have a chance to compose herself and fight this bad feeling back down. Smiling again she nodded and finally exited the stage without another look at Genji, forcing her steps to remain even as she went back into the foyer and toward her room. Finally it struck her, why that look in her eyes had bothered her so badly. It was the same as a pet snake with a mouse-mole in its cage.

What kind of man was she supposed to marry?

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There was no ignoring it now- the weight of her realizations, the pieces beginning to fall into place, was nearing the point of crushing her soul beneath it. General Genji Kazan of the Northern Water Tribe, elder brother to her childhood friend Yukiko, an esteemed warrior, handsome and poised man, and her fiance besides; to most he would be the ideal husband, and their common links could even result in more than just a cold alliance marriage given enough time. She should have thought of those things, but instead the negatives came to mind, building little by little into the dark person underneath the pleasant facade. Condescension, frigidity, thoughtlessness, the orders and the quick rages and the careless acceptance of those things, it was all just too much to accept as uncertainty or shyness anymore.

After the showing he'd looked at her like she was a morsel, a thing he meant to devour once it was dropped into his grasp, a tool to use. It was the final piece falling into place. She'd never be a person to him, and that was something she could never accept. I will be myself and serve my Nation but I won't let myself become nothing.

Her kimono was scarlet and the robe underneath showed burnt orange, her hair carefully pulled up in the traditional style, and her steps were quiet against the stone floor of the council chambers. This would be her last chance to meet with her elders before her wedding- at which point her husband would decide how their power would be used for the Fire Nation. If he chose she would accompany him, or handle these affairs herself, or he would wrest the power from her and take the council position for himself. She'd be moved to his lands of ice and snow, where there were months with almost no sun at all, and see her people on his terms. With his nature Kozue wasn't sure he'd honor any other way than his own.

Quietly she sat at the table, her hands clasped politely before her as the council began; of course the talk was only of the upcoming wedding and the solidification of the alliance. There was still something hidden under all of this, but asking would only draw those nobles involved to bury it more deeply and then she'd never hear the truth.

Unable to keep it back anymore Kozue's clear voice moved over the table. "I think there should be a secondary course of action for this alliance."

That stopped all conversation dead in its tracks and suddenly all of the eyes were on her gracefully bowed head, drawing her gaze back up again. An older man in a dark robe, his face twisted in irritation, spoke out first. "Do you plan on making this alliance fail? Do you know how much this means for our people?"

"Of course she does, she's been involved in this entire process," a younger man and a distant cousin of hers protested. "The Countess wouldn't do anything to sabotage this opportunity, she's only trying to be cautious and sensible."

One of the older women crossed her arms and said in a low, annoyed tone, "She'd better know, and she'd better not let some prima-donna sense of vanity or fearful cold feet spoil everything we've worked for!"

Another man shot up from his seat, nearly red with anger. "The Countess is not some spoiled child! She respects the will of her elders!"

A harsh laugh was the beginning of the woman's answer, which was just as cynical as the first. "Then she'll get the chance to prove it, won't she? We spent a lot of money on her training and indulged her whims, and I hate poor investments."

That was it, and the entire table was filled with people shouting at one another with their differing points of view, either pessimistic or optimistic and Lady Firebird wasn't the type to ever yell over anyone else and contribute to the general chaos of the situation. Even through the loudly forceful altercation the girl's downcast eyes hid the painful thoughts that chased themselves around her head. They all still think the marriage has to happen; without even waiting to hear my concerns or ideas they thought only of the benefits this marriage would bring to their noble standing in the world. If Genji were an obvious monster they'd still want the wedding to take place, and if that's so they won't take any heed of vague doubts and suspicions.

No one here will hear me now, or care what I feel. They only see the fire of success.

Once everything had calmed back down the talk of the preparations continued. With smiles and nods she let them choose the details of her wedding ceremony, from her gown and flowers to the vows and the food for the reception. There was no expense spared and there was the desperate sense that by making her wedding beautiful they'd ensure a smooth marriage for their Countess. It was their way of buying off the hidden guilt with silks and fireworks while impressing the Water Tribe yet again with their wealth and strength to keep their authority in future interactions. Any illusion of choice she had was now gone.

Kozue had lost track of time while the meeting continued and she ran through the things she knew and her possible options in her head. Already the sun was beginning to set when the deliberations had finally finished and she went to her room, then turned her servants out. Her generally calm nature had turned from a warm flame to a stalwart blaze; nothing would be allowed to interfere in this final matter. She'd always wanted to learn from the other nations, even the Burning Legion, exactly why her family had been so abruptly usurped and their death was so intimately planned for. If she had to be in hiding there may as well be a benefit from it. If she could use her skills and nature to bring an honest peace, and that brought her family home, perhaps they would forgive her for not seeing their plans as the right ones.

It took her less than an hour to pack and slip out from her window, and less to board a departing trade ship headed for the mainland. The time had come for her to be her own flame, not merely a glow of hope for others.
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Code Word: Accepted