of comings and goings [open]

[azula]

Azula's step was light as she navigated the corridors of the palace, but not 'light' as one might first think upon hearing the word. 'Light' is not a word to describe the Fire Nation princess by, at least not when it means carefree and happy like someone in love tripping down the lane in a daze. That definition would be better suited to her friend Ty Lee...Azula had never understood how the girl could be so upbeat all the time. Admittedly, her friend's attitude was a welcome break from the humdrum gloom of the palace, but still, that didn't make it any less of an enigma.

But why was Azula in such an extravagantly good mood? Such a good mood that her normally solid, steady stride was bordering on the excited steps of a child? It was almost time for a practice, that was why. Azula took great pride in her abilities as a firebender, and she relished the times when she was able to unleash all her skill and finesse and really show what she was capable of. Of course, she always held some back; if there was one thing Azula was not, it is an idiot. Always keep something tucked away for those special occasions, never reveal all of your tricks. That was the mark of a beginner, and a foolish beginner at that.

Striding out into the courtyard, her step returned to normal and her eyes gleamed dangerously. She was early, but this was an open practice and she had not announced that she would be attending. Why scare off any would-be competitors without seeing what they were made of before wiping the floor with them? That in mind, she scanned the yard, golden eyes settling on a bench just far enough away that her presence would not be noted for as long as she desired. It was in the shade as well, which was an added bonus; not that it really mattered, since most all of the benches were in some amount of shade.

[General Liang]

General Liang watched a few of the new recruits practice their basic stances with little interest. The older man stood tall dressed in golden armor which caught the sun’s rays off an on as they flickered through the swaying ash branches. He’d just come from an important audience with the Fire Lord and his mind was firmly focused on their plan or multiple plans to extend the Fire Nation’s mighty reach through the Earth Kingdom before a swift take over of the much weaker water tribes.

A blast of fire soared past Hiroto‘s right ear as a young fire bender’s attack veered away from his intended opponent. Following the flame’s intended course with his dark chocolate eyes, the leader was surprised to find none other than Azula standing in it’s unsuspecting path.

Nothing was revealed on his face……not the merest flicker of emotion. The seasoned warrior simply leapt into the air …hand aloft and deflected the blast back toward it’s sender. The General landed smoothly on his feet in a Renoji-dachi stance before pulling his leg inward to rise to attention and bowing in respect to the young woman before him.

“ I beg your pardon, Princess. It is apparent that our new recruits need a great deal of practice before they are ready to face the Earth Kingdom.”

[azula]

Golden eyes glimmered, scanning the practice yard as other firebenders filtered in for practice, the only part of her that moved. She watched as they began their practice, silently criticizing and applauding the faults and strengths of the benders. Unfortunately, none of them stood out as particularly good opponents; oh, yes, in a couple of years perhaps, but now? None. Well, perhaps 'none' was not quite the right word. There was one young man who seemed to be ahead of the rest; his form was good, and he moved with great control and precision (not as much control as Azula, but still, well enough).

A slow smile spread on her face when she saw who was overseeing the practice. It was not often that she saw General Liang, but at least the teacher was no fool as some of the students seemed to be.

A sudden movement caught her eye. One of the bender's had lost control, quite literally, sending a jet of fire off in an unintended direction: right toward her. At a second movement, Azula changed her mind and remained where she was instead of moving to divert the fire herself; obviously the general had it all under control, and there was no need for worry - not that she ever worried.

"Evidently," she replied, giving the general a slight nod. Her expression hardened very slightly. "And they will be ready, of course. As I'm sure you know, failure is not an option in these times of expansion." Azula brushed aside speaking further on the topic of the recruit's mistake; she knew he had seen who his attack had almost hit, and the thought of what could have happened would haunt him for weeks. Besides, she didn't have time to worry about one little recruit's state of mind. There were always more.

ooc// my apologies for taking so long. life happened.

[General Liang]

((OOC: No prob I understand !!))

Hearing a cry as the redirected flame was dealt with by one of his more apt soldiers, the Genereal kept his eyes firmly focused in respect on the lady before him. “But of course, Princess. Those who are weak shall be spending every moment in preparation. As you are aware, failure often has…dire consequences for those who do not heed my instruction.” He paused to move a bit closer while cutting a short glance behind him to be certain that his men were continuing their training.

“Many of our plans are moving quite successfully. My son Jaron has captured quite a few Earth benders and has returned to continue our weakening of their presence along the coastline. My ship will be leaving within the next few days for Omashu as ordered.” his deep voice crisp and respectful. “Have you any concerns, my lady, before we leave the shores of our homeland?” ’Hmmm…I hope she hasn’t heard of Avelen or her slipping off the island…’ he thought to himself while waiting her reply. He’d kept the girl only as a lever to use against her mother but now…now her escape was a growing irritation which needed to be resolved with some speed. “I assure you that the men will be at the ready waiting for your word to take arms.”

[azula]

ooc// my apologies for taking SOOO long with this reply.

The Fire Nation Princess smiled, eyes narrowing to little more than slits. "See that they do, General," she stated simply in reply. She had no doubt that General Liang would do just that. Even with the occasional slip-up, she could see that his trainees were progressing well, and while some would say that the trainer is to blame for the student's failures, Azula did not adhere to that particular notion. If the student failed to progress, then the student failed to practice, and because it is the student's prerogative to practice, therefore it is the student's failure, not the teacher's.

Azula nodded slightly as the General continued. Good as it was to hear that the plans were progressing smoothly, she couldn't help but interject, "Concerns? Why General, I always have concerns, but concerns are not tangible and most times the root of those concerns just can't be fixed in time to avoid a problem. So? Deal with the problems as they arise, or plan so they don't arise at all. That's my philosophy."

[General Liang]

((OOC: No prob Azula…))

“As you so order Princess.” Hiroto bowed his head slightly. He listened with great interest as the young woman revealed her strategic philosophies. ‘Yes Princess…I see the thread of steel in your demeanor. Far stronger than your weak willed brother.’ The older man mused with a quick glance over his shoulder at the recruits.

“I have been ..working on a strategy which might aid in eliminating the need to deal with certain …problems before they arise. “ He paused for the shortest of moments to make certain that their conversation would not be overheard. “I have a doctor looking into a method of eliminating the abilities of benders from the other nations. Jaron should soon be arriving with the earth and water benders that he’s captured. If the physician’s efforts are successful, then it will be quite easy to finish this war with the minimal loss of our own men not to mention a method of dealing with this supposed Avatar. “

Hiroto ‘s obsidian eyes gleamed at the prospective success of his own philosophical endeavor. “ Of course, our men will be ready whatever the outcome of the experiment.” He added to make certain the Princess knew that he always followed orders and that their goals were most assuredly one and the same. “I find it reassuring to know that our ..philosophy’s are much the same, Princess.”