Sing Without A Reason

Gaelic Obsession

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 01:02:01 GMT

Halò agús fàilte! Is mise Màìrí. Ciamar a tha sibh? Tha mi gu math. Mar sin leibh!

Translated: "Hello and welcome! My name is Marie. How are you? I am fine. See you!"
Short, sweet, and to the point.

I've started learning Gaelic.
I mean, sure, I'm learning French in school. But that's no challenge, NO. Let's
do Gaelic AND French at the same time! Yeah!!!

^{/sarcasm, btw/}

-_____-"""" Unfortunately I have an affinity for languages, and this is my mindset. I do this of my own free will.
Oh well! More basic Gaelic to come! Look for it! XD

Oh yeah, and comment on my total awesomeness.

Mar sin leibh!

Glastonbury Incident.

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 16:02:35 GMT

http://mind-n-magick.com/flexphpnews/news.php?newsid=443

This disgusting. Sickening.
It makes me cry thinking what some of these people go through.
And people merely walk away with fines and warnings!

I am angry. I am honestly sick to my stomach now. That is disgusting. I will pray for the safety and stability of these people in their faith.
And I'll pray the Wiccan way, too.

Fri, 03 Nov 2006 12:40:51 GMT

I've been caught up in the AU frenzy.O.O;;
But, see, everyone else has been doing high school or college level AUs. Not for me, no. I am in Middle School, therefore there SHALL be middle school AUs! Haha! Take that, conformity!

Oh, yeah, name key:
Marie- Katara
Katt- That-One-Water-Tribe-Girl
Ash- Toph
Tyler- Zuko
Ben- Jet
Kevin- Sokka

((Haha, yeah, and to furtherly beat the conformity I refused to make corresponding-ish names. So hah!))

Author:
Prompt #000- No prompt
Title: None so far, give me suggestions!

She sat next to him in French class, was in his Honors English class, and his Honors Social Studies class. She had her little group of friends, he had his. They never got along, him and her ,or their groups. Everytime he passed by them chatting in the hallway, Marie at their center, he would hear them titter and giggle and he heard the words, "Ass Squad."
    That's right, they nicknamed him and his group of friends the Ass Squad.
    It was like a constant battle between them, the push and pull of the ocean, the flicker back and forth of fire. Neither group would give, although both sides had the occasional "traitor" when a crush would form for the enemy.
    But the groups were always seperate, the relationship steadfast and clear, as if each had a Do Not Touch sign hanging around their neck. Forbidden territory.
    That had been seventh grade. But as more mature, respectable eighth graders, this continual feud had to end, right?
    "Oh my god, losers!" Ash shouted, turning around quickly while she shouted at their backs down the hallway. She, Katt, and Marie scurried around a corner, laughing hysterically.
    "Oh my god, did you see his pants? Hahaha! I'm surprised they didn't cut of his circulation!" Ash was laughing so hard she walked into lockers, drunk on that first-day-of-school high.
    Marie had her head in her hands, rolling her eyes, "Can't you guys just grow up and get past our petty little differences?"
    She got silence and a look that screamed, No.
    The lunch bell rang and they split up to put their stuff back in their lockers, planning to meet at Ash's locker, since it was closest to the cafeteria.
    Marie thre her books in her locker, not a little harshly, cursing her friend's stubborness in her mind. She headed towards Ash's locker when she was suddenly tugged into the dark faculty room, "Marie."
    "Who the fuck--" her eyes dimmed, "Tyler, what the hell do you want, emo-anorexic-fag?"
    The name they normally called him rolled off her tongue immediately, so fast she didn't notice she said it until it was out. So much for a truce. Hypocrite.
    Something in his eyes changed after that, got a little harder than he had looked when he had grabbed her. He dropped her wrist like wild fire, "Nevermind. It's obvious you haven't changed either." he sounded almost disgusted.
    "Wait!" she blocked his way, "What was all this about? You can't just pull me into here for no reason then expect to-"
    He broke her off, pressing his lips to hers lightly, backing her up against the wall in the doorway.
    Right about now is when she can't think straight, and this is also when the lights turn on and a group of teachers are standing there, lunches in hand.
    Damn.

It's a bird! No, it's a plane! No! It's a picture of me!

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 20:57:09 GMT

Gaaaaah. This is like a first for me. Look! Below the cut! It's an ACTUAL picture of me, phantisaeii! Le Gasp!

GASP!

Sure, it's sideways (I blame the photographer, Katt!), but it's still me. :) I hope I cause no eye bleeding. ANywaaay, I recently dyed my hair. That orangey-auburn is the result. I'm normally light- to dark-brown. :) Hee ^^

Majorly Due Updates

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 22:17:43 GMT

I haven't posted in my own individual journal in forever! Well, I guess I owe anyone still reaidng this a really big update.
I've mostly been busy in zutara100, writing drabbles and fanfictions for the Avatarverse and being an overall lifeless loser.
</lj>

In other news....

I lost my friend Layne. She turned out to be a bitchy, fair-weather friend who could only cause damage to my life and anyone elses'. Revenge is in order for what she has said and done to me and what she has caused me to do.
Got a boyfriend! He's so awesome! He is (ironically, of course) Layne's older brother, Adam. He's 15, totally adorbale and sweet and nice and caring, and I have no clue why he would ever, EVER want me.
Other random junk, like I'm actually doing kind of good in school. It's a miracle sent by God!

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 16:18:02 GMT

I went icon shopping :]
I desperately need a sokka/suki icon from SOTFN. DESPERATELY.

OMGAODHPOIHWRNJF!!!!

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 15:49:30 GMT

I. Hate. Waiting.
My dad was scared of my last night cuz I was sitting there imploding. There would be a periodic "WEEE!" or "EeeEEEEeeEEeeeEEeeeEEEEEee!!!!1!!!11!!!!oneoneone!!!!1"
I can't wait for the next episodeeeeeeee.... gahh~!

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:29:50 GMT

You Are 13% Fake

Fake doesn't even come close to describing you.
You're totally natural, and proud of who you really are!

How Fake Are You?

Teh w00tness!

Your Aura is Purple

Your Personality: You're a dreamer and visionary. You believe you were put on this earth to do something great.

You in Love: You're very passionate but often too busy for love. You need a man who sees your vision and adopts it as his own.

Your Career: You need a job that helps you make a difference. You have a bright future as a guru, politician, teacher, or musician.

What Color Is Your Aura?

Teh Second w00tness!

You Are Artemis!

Brave, and a natural born leader.
You're willing to fight for what you believe in...
And willing to make tough decisions.
Don't forget - the people around you have ideas too!

What Goddess Are You?

ANOTHER W00TNESS I'M ON A ROLLLLLLL!

You Are Elektra

"You don't know how I feel. I want revenge."

What Superheroine Are You?

w00t, depending on opinion?

Quizzes Galore!

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 01:02:07 GMT

You Are Lightning

Beautiful yet dangerous
People will stop and watch you when you appear
Even though you're capable of random violence

You are best known for: your power

Your dominant state: performing

What Type of Weather Are You?

You Are 86% Evil

You're the most evil person you know.
The devil is even a little scared of you!

How Evil Are You?

Me: oO;;;;;;;

oO;

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:04:16 GMT

Dad: Hey, you've got scurvy!
Me: oO; Huh?
Dad: You've. Got. Scurvy.
Me: ...- - No I don't.
Dad: Its what you get when you like Johnny Depp!
Me: - -;

He's insane. He was driving his wheelchair in little circles laughing like a maniac.
I'm scaaaaaaaaredddd.

Sat, 26 Aug 2006 17:10:18 GMT

Well, loveroftheflame did this wonderfully wonderful friendship Toph/Sokka of awesomeness. It was up for grabs and titleless and I, always loving to take on more than I could probably handle, have claimed it first! Mwuahahahahahahahahahha.
Still need a title. Any suggestions?
Uhmmm.... its kinda small but I'll write more later :D

She had always hated the girls around her as she was growing up. They had more freedom than her and it didn't hurt that they could see. At first she had found it unfair, but then she had stuffed it away with every other pathetic emotion; she stopped crying every night and started to spend that time practicing earthbending. Now she was filled with a sense of power every time she bent the rock to her will. And she knew she now had the advantage over those stupid girls back home who now wore frilly things and sipped tea or something.
As she "watched" the sparring match she felt a twinge of anger and envy. It wasn't fair- Katara was pretty, nice, and she could bend. She felt someone trying to sneak up behind her and was jolted out of her thoughts, "Nice try Sokka, but there's no way you could ever walk light enough," she laughed.

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:15:33 GMT

    "Look- up in athe sky!" Sokka shouted, pointing to the steadily darkening skyline and a large red ball of fire hurtling towards them, "It's a bird! Its a plane! No, it's.... our impending doom!"
    He got a couple of glares from the people around him, but as the Fire Nation soldiers stopped fighting, everyone's faces turned to the sky. The Fire Nation's benders stood as if in a trance, standing stock-still and staring off into space.
    "Ummm..... guys? This is not good," Toph said worriedly, "Where's Aang? Hasn't he defeated Ozai yet with Zuko?"
    The palace doors flung open and everyone stared at the shadowy figure within.
    Please be Aang, please be Aang. You could almost hear the thought from everyone in battle.
    And out stepped Lord Ozai, throwing down Aang and Zuko's bodies on the steps.
    It was over. Everything was over.
    Katara was the first one to snap out of the depressing trance the bodies had thrown over everyone, spinning around with a cry of fury and water whipping every still Fire Nation soldier in sight, "I will not go down without a fight!" she screamed.
    Slowly, gradually, more people followed. But time had been wasted, and a few soldiers later the firebenders were wide awake and full-up on power. The comet hurdled on regardless of the events below, oblivious to the fact that it had condemned them all. Fighting broke out.
    But it was hopeless.

    "That day was the day when we wiped out all the other nations. It is thanks to Ozai we are dominant and alone," the grandmother tucked her grandson into bed tiredly, "Now, wasn't that a nice bedtime story? Aren't you glad it happened?"
    The boy pretended to be asleep, but inside he was sickened by his nation's actions. He felt like he was going to through up.
    And that was the day the newly dubbed Fire Tribe began the revolt.
---

    It sucks, thankyouverymuch.

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 15:53:24 GMT

I feel: Lonely
Listening To: "Cassie" by Flyleaf

OMG YAYZ.
Today I'm going to this fair thingy. I'm in 4-H, so I have to be there and enter in my projects. It'll be fun, because I'll be with my friends.... and Shawn ^^ He's so awesome, and he's the only one of my friends close to my age in our 4-H group.
BBL!

OMGZ I'm Mood-themey.

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 18:33:19 GMT

I feel: Sleepy

Listening To: "But Its Better If You Do" by Panic! At The Disco

I got an A:TLA Moodtheme! Sure, I'm not a paid acocunt and had to upload a bunch of photos to my photobucket account, but I'm [pretty] sure its worth it because they're so darn adorable! Credit goes to: pezlikeicons who officially wins 30 Internets.
Also, I got this pretty little page divider! Not sure I'm ever gonna use it, but it's so pretty! I shall use it to seperate the lj-cut from the rest of this post. :]
It moooooves!

Today's List Is Brought To You By...
-room___service's -Day present. Do before all else. Because I say so.
->< Rewrite Chpt. 3 of Fire Lilies damnit! Stop procrastinating!
-Finish Hidden Truths
-One drabble for Zutara100
-One drabble for 30_deathfics
~~-Eat food. Somewhere inbetween all that~~
-Search eBay for a life.. eventually

The To-Do List To End All To-Do Lists

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:40:36 GMT

~~-Chores~~
-Rewrite Chapter Three of Fire Lilies!!!!! Stupid writer's block.
-Finish Hidden Truths
-Begin Static or Silence
-room___service needs a happy birthday present!
~~-Post a 30_deathfics drabble~~ and maybe one more in Zutara100.
-Eat a peach. We just got them. They're yummy.
-Bake cookies. Yummmmm.
-More coming soon. Don't want to overload myself, now do I?[[...Yes, I do.]]

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:56:10 GMT

My layout's a little whacked up if you're using Firefox [like me]. So... um..... oO;;

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 18:42:08 GMT

I know I said I wouldn't post anything, but screw that. If you want to see how far I'm getting in my fanfic shit, just scroll down.

I just got back from biking a mile and a half in ten minutes to go to CVS to get my Dad's medicine because he's mean like that.
Me- I threw up.
Da- WHAT!?
Me- *all calm* On the side of the road. I threw up.
*running my head under freezing cold water*
Da- You're wearing three shirts!?!
(I had a tank top on under a T-Shirt and the tanktop had a built-in bra, therefore creating three layers)
Me- Yes.
Da- WHY!?
Me- *shrug*
Da- ....
Me- Now that you've accepted and gotten over the fact that I'm not exactly the brightest bulb in the box could you go grab me some freaking gatorade!?

My dad's giving me spending money for down the shore.
Da- You know, money doesn't grow on trees.
Me- Yeah. It grows on you.

I'm laying on my dad's bed and were talking and suddenly we get all quiet and then he puts the bottom of his palm to my forehead and presses really fast and goes 'kerchunk.'
Me- oO;....
Da- *again* Kerchunk.
Me- oO;;;...
Da- *again* Kerchunk.
Me- oO;;;;;....
Da- *raises hand to do it again*
Me- What the heck is wrong with you!!?
Da- Kerchunk. *does it again*

My family's weirdd.

Revised To-Do List

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 21:21:06 GMT

My revised to-do list. More time-line-ish than the first. Read if you're expecting a chapter or some more writing from me.

Attention: From the end of Friday (tomorrow) to Sunday you will not see a single thing from me. I'm going down the shore with my wonderful friend Layne and her family. I might write some drabbles and things down there (maybe in the car, idk yet) but don't count on it.

The Ultimate To-Do List

To Be Done By Friday Night When I Leave:
-Still have to rewrite Chpt. 3 of Fire Lilies
~~-Begin Hidden Truths (Clean Version), maybe even finish it?~~
-~~Get two more drabbles down for Zutara100 and one for 30_deathfics~~

To Be Done By Tuesday (Done on Monday?):
-Revise Chpt. 3 of Fire Lilies
~~-Finish Hidden Truths (if not already completed)~~
-Get drabbles typed up and posted in their communities

To Be Done By Thursday:
-Type up and post Chpt. 3 of Fire Lilies
-Type up (post? maybe.) Hidden Truths
-Get two more Zutara100 drabbles typed up and posted; get one more 30_deathfics drabble typed up and posted

To Be Done ~~Eventually~~:
~~-Do chores in between obsessive compulsive writing and computer time.~~
~~-Finish cleaning my room. Its 3/4 of the way done.~~
-I still need a lifeeeee!

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 20:52:19 GMT

Well, I wrote this a few weeks ago (for 30_deathfics originally), before I learned that Mako died, and now I read it and I'm all O.O.... So now I'm posting it here. Ah, I love tormenting Zuko, and so does Iroh.

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Title: Listen To Me
Author/Artist: phantisaeii
Theme #29: Teacher
Characters: Zuko, Iroh
Rating: PG
Warnings: Mild Language
Disclaimer: Does Zuko go shirtless on a daily basis? Has he hooked up with Katara yet? Were there any really hot make-out sequences? No? Well.... I don't own Avatar, now do I?
Summary: He never listened to anything he said until it was either too late or useless. Maybe this would give him a good frightening and put some sense into the boy.

    Tears spilled recklessly from his eyes as he fell to his knees next to Iroh's cot and body. He leaned over him, his voice cracking pathetically, "Get up, Uncle!... Get up!... You're too wise and stubborn to die..." he urged, shaking the old man's arm gently, helplessly. "Come on, we cannot make it all the way to Ba Sing Se for you to give up like this-"
    He was interrupted as Iroh groaned, his eyes fluttering open weakly, "Zu-Zuko.......I......I...."
    "What? You what?" Zuko urged impatiently, tears wetting Iroh's green Earth Kingdom clothes as the man took a wheezy breath.
    "I......I ne-need......... need..................tea. We're all out," he finished in a perfectly normal voice, sitting up from his cot easily and grinning, "Shall we go get some?"
    Zuko's mouth was agape, his tear-streaked face a mask of total astonishment. His mouth worked open and closed silently for a moment before he exploded, "Tea!? Tea!?!? Old man, you scared me half to death because we're out of tea!?! I thought you were dying! What the hell is wrong with you!?" he shouted, flames threatening to engulf the tent while his Uncle grinned innocently, "Tea!?! I'm going to kill you! Why the hell did you scare me like that!?!" he was pacing the small confines of the tent now, fire roaring from his mouth with every word.
    Iroh grinned knowingly, wisdom glinting in his eyes, "Now you realize I won't be around forever to cover your behind, Zuko. Maybe you'll finally listen to the things I try to teach you."

"His Moon"- Originally for 30_deathfics- now for you and Zutara100!

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 20:23:13 GMT

Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Title: His Moon
Author/Artist: phantisaeii
Theme #3: Nighttime
Characters: Prince Zuko, mentions of Katara
Implied pairing: Zutara
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Disclaimer: I don't own this, you don't sue me, the happy bunnies frolick in the meadows.

    Nighttime was everything he feared. It was when there was no sun, no advantages for him, all advantage over him. It was when he was helpless against any other bender. It stood for the temporary domination of the moon over his power, his rays of light. It was his weakness. It was the Fire Nation's weakness, not that he considered himself a part of the dishonorable nation anymore. Nighttime was everything he hated, everything he was afraid of.
    Nighttime was when he used to feel dead.
    But then she came. She loved the night, the moon. She was the night, she was practically a living embodiment of the moon. She was the one who had the advantage over him when they fought under the stars. It was she who drew power from his weakness. She hated him and everything he stood for. He had thought he had hated her and everything she had stood for.
    But the feelings he had as he fought with her under the watchful eye of her moon, her rays of light were not that of hate. He did not feel weak (well, not mostly), he did not feel afraid.
    He did not feel dead.
    (In fact, he had felt more alive than he had felt ever before, encased in that black box of nighttime with this embodiment of his lovely moon.)

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:30:05 GMT

nihgeM (6:26:39 PM): I HATE BIG DROPS
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:27:30 PM): YAHH.
they're all WHAMPHF. and your stomachs all GDOINGGG. and you're like AHSHITT.
nihgeM (6:27:39 PM): HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:27:44 PM): XD
nihgeM (6:27:50 PM): and then your head gets all dizzy and your eyes squinr.
nihgeM (6:27:52 PM): squint
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:28:11 PM): and once I got hit by a bug and I was like WTF!?!?!?!
nihgeM (6:28:17 PM): EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:28:26 PM): and I was like EEEEEEKKKKK!
nihgeM (6:28:40 PM): i woulda been like. OMG BUG YOU FOO. DONT MESS WIT DIZ SHYT.
nihgeM (6:28:58 PM): YOU WANNA GO, HOMIE?! AIIGHT DAWG.
nihgeM (6:29:04 PM): we damn straight.
nihgeM (6:29:09 PM): -crosses arms-
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:29:24 PM): -falls out of chair and breaks her wrist-
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:29:28 PM): OMFGLMFAOOOOOOOOO
nihgeM (6:30:08 PM): HAHA.
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:30:19 PM): damn straight homie. We gonna whack that Mofo Bug, yo.
nihgeM (6:30:29 PM): HAHAHAHAHAHA.
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:31:46 PM): and da bug woulda bin lyk "dude dont mess wit this shizit i be part of ze Fly Gaang, yo and we gonna be messin you up, yo. Fo shizzle."
nihgeM (6:31:57 PM): LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
nihgeM (6:32:04 PM): id be like. dont mess wit da fro yo.
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:32:10 PM): hahahahahaha
nihgeM (6:32:13 PM): and then.
nihgeM (6:32:21 PM): OMG DONT TOUCH MY TORTILLA CHIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lostxnotxlonelyx (6:32:33 PM): and then the roller coaster woulda lkept going and we'd be like *cool shrug and then slip on men in black sunglasses*

And that is why I worship my friends. I'm lostxnotxlonelyx btw. IM me.

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:52:42 GMT

You learn to love the beauty of coincedence. Its pouring down rain, thunder, and lightning (well, not lightning yet, but its sure as hell coming). Oh! Speak of the devil, there it is! *Squee!*
Anyway, I'm at my computer desk with a sandwhich and a glass of green tea, having lunch, and I have my headphones on, listening to music in Windows Media Player. I sit down, hit play without looking at what song is on, and look out my window. "Iris" by the GooGoo Dolls starts playing, as I look through the blurry rain-soaked window when the lyrics begin.
And the boy I like is walking past my house, soaked to the bone. Uhm..... Kodak moment, anyone?

The To-Do List ~~That May Never Get Done~~

-Rewrite Chapter Three of Fire Lilies. I don't like the one I already have written down.
-Type up Chpt. 3 of Fire Lilies, revise, post, etc.
-Begin gradual work on my various one-shots
-Update my stories on FF Net.... within the next few weeks so they know I haven't died. ; )
-Take back my library books (which include "The Vampire Prince" and "The Trials of Death" from the Cirque Du Freak series, and Tamora Pierce's totally friggin kick-ass herione Allana of Trebond and Olau wuarter(I do believe). "The Song of the Lioness" holds all of the stories in Alanna's story, and Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors. All her stories are based around heroines and is great for anyone who loves raw, kick-ass girl power. (: I rec. ANY of her books!!!)
-After taking back said library books that were so shamelessly praised in the former task, I need to check out two more books in the Saga of Darren Shan (Cirque Du Freak) and aother one of Tamora Pierce's books- I'm determined to read everything she's ever published.
~~-Get around to doing my chores. I'm the only one who does them, so I have to do a lot, but I get $10 a week. :D~~
-Go shopping and buy that mp3 player I've been drooling over. I got $100 for pet sitting my neighbor's dog, $20 in saved allowance, and since my last mp3 player halted functioning without reason, my dad says he'll match whatever I have, so technically I have $240 on my hands. Damn. O.O
~~- Get a higher postcount on AlteredThoughts.org, I hate being a Junior Member, dammit.~~
~~-Anything else that I run into along the way, so help me to avoid them.~~

[Fire Lilies][(Chapter Two)]

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 01:13:42 GMT

Here it is, finally!
Fire Lilies- Chapter Two, The Masquerade Ball.

A/N: In this chapter, I focused on fleshing out Ursa's general characterisation and her relationships and interactions with other people. She came off as shy and rather clumsy in the first chapter, as she is, but I wanted to show that when she had nothing to prove to anyone, Ursa could kick ass (hence the mysterious figure you shall meet in the beginning of the chapter). Ursa is a logical person, shy, never really into the whole extreme emotion thing. Her reactions to people around her show this, as you will soon see. She hates the feeling of confusion, chaos, is terrified of not being able to think straight, to lose her head. She is a normal human being with flaws, but sometimes she feels invincible, and Ozai makes her feel that way, although it doesn't normal show. She covers up her true feelings with as witty of comments as she can make. She is like everyone else, but slightly less understood. She has strong bonds with her family.
I felt it necessary to portray the strengths and weaknesses of her character early on in the story, to establish a before, and evetually, an after picture of her.
Enjoy!

As I cleared off the dining table I hummed quietly to myself, collecting the dishes and prancing around, my head already off in the masquerade. I placed the dirty dishes in the large empty water basin and called out, “Be right back! I'm going to go get some water!” and grabbing a bucket on the way out.

Without waiting for a reply I headed towards the center of our neighborhood, towards our neighborhood's individual well. I sent the bucket down and slowly cranked it back up, now heavily laden with water. Sighing, I sat on the edge on the stone well, staring off into the dusky, nearly hidden sunset. I swung my legs back and forth, content to stare at the reds and oranges mingling with the blues and purples of the conquering night sky. “So balanced,” I whispered, reaching out as if to touch the breathtaking sight.

I heard a muffled shuffle to my right and turned abruptly towards the noise, standing, “Who's there?” I shouted.

A silhouetted figure stepped out of the shadows. The figure was distinctly male, but his face was hidden by the darkness. My hands moved towards the sash on my skirt, to the black hilt of a broadsword that I always took with me when I traveled out at night alone.

“Who's there,” I demanded again, “Show yourself!”

The figure chuckled, “Feisty one, aren't you? Or are you scared?” to my surprise, the voice wasn't mocking- in fact, it was quite gentle. My grip on the broadsword slackened ever so slightly, “Don't worry, I mean you no harm.”

“What coward are you that you do not show your face?” I hissed, taking one threatening step forward and gripping my broadsword's hilt tighter than before. What bothered me was he was right- I was scared. I put up a confident front, holding my chin high.

“I've been watching you,” he left my questions unanswered, “And Ozai knows it. Stay away from him. You deserve better,”

“Who are you? How do you know Ozai?” so many questions flew through my mind I was unable to voice them all. This mysterious figure was angering me, frightening me. I took another brave, threatening step towards him although I had yet to draw my broadsword, “What nonsense are you spewing!?”

I caught a flash of teeth in a grin, “He intends to 'steal' you from me. He thinks you are just another girl, another competition with me. Oh, but he is wrong. I was merely watching you as father told me to. He thinks you are a very powerful young woman. However, all I see is blind faith, confusion, naivety, innocence. Nothing powerful there. Beauty, perhaps, but that is not always a sign of power. He thinks you will fall prey to him, but in fact it is quite the opposite. Ursa, stay away from him.”

“What? What are you talking about?” I shouted but with a burst of smoke and flame, he was gone. I snorted, Well, that was so unoriginal.

I was confused, unable to think straight, thoughts whirling in a never-ending cyclone; it was like his little, confusing rant had put some spell on me. Had I... had I perhaps imagined it? But how could I? That voice was real. I couldn't stand thinking anymore, so I roughly shoved all thoughts aside and focused on getting the bucket of water home. But I could not keep my intellectual mind from wandering.

He knew my name.

'He says you are a very powerful young woman. All I see is blind faith, confusion, naivety, innocence. Nothing powerful there. Beauty, perhaps, but it is not often a sign of power.'

His words repeated n my mind, making my head spin. I suddenly felt very dizzy, my vision blurring. I stumbled up our doorstep, water sloshing out of the bucket. Maybe he had put some kind of spell on me. I was never so susceptible to this chaos that was enveloping my mind. I felt like I was going to collapse if I didn't sit down soon. My thoughts were running too fast, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I managed my way into the kitchen and dumped the cool water into the basin. I splashed some on my hot face, feeling my mind clear almost instantly. My stomach was still churning, but I washed the dishes and put them away before calling, “Ma! I'm taking a quick nap! Wake me in ten minutes!”

I dreamed of the figure, except this time he stepped into the receding light and I saw his face. It was a monster's face, bright red, and he was covered in slime and had horns and a tail. Just as I drew my broadsword, Ozai jumped in between us, appearing from nowhere. He fire bended it all the way back to hell without breaking a sweat (okay, maybe he broke a sweat or two, and his shirt got torn off.... ahem, anyway....). He turned to me as he folded my in his arms, whispering that he would always protect me, that he would always be there for me. He leaned down slowly... so excruciatingly slowly!... his warm breath heating up my already flushed cheeks, hi lips almost touching mine....

“Ursa! Wake up! Time to get ready for the masquerade!”

Seriously, that woman's timing sucks...Or maybe its absolutely perfect.

My eyes fluttered open and I groggily sat up, rubbing my sleep-filled golden orbs, “Thanks, Ma,” I mumbled.

After stretching and washing my face in a basin of cold water in my bathroom, I picked up my gown from its perch on a hanger in my wardrobe. Moving to the mirror I held it up against my body, spinning this way and that.

I slid it on over a short black slip, lined my eyes heavily with kohl and a black mixture my mother had said would lengthen and darken my lashes when she had given it to me, not that I needed it. I took some beeswax from a small tin on my nightstand and tubbed a bit on my lips, making them shine. As if on cue, my mother bustled in and did my hair, brushing it out, wetting it a bit, then mussing it with her fingers, which created black waves cascading down my back. After she smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles in my dress and made one little last flip in my hair, she whirled me around to face the full-length mirror.

I gasped as I held a small, shimmering red and black mask to my eyes. Was that... me? The dress fell off both shoulders with long and flowing, black gossamer, practically transparent sleeves edged with elaborate black lace. It hugged my chest, and from the bottom of my breasts to my hips it tied with multiple ribbons (five, I counted exactly) that my mother had knotted individually down my back. The black silk lower half of the dress had large slits on each side, reaching up to nearly my mid-thigh. My long, slender legs were visible when I walked, the fabric swishing out and exposing them in what I felt was a very revealing, sexy way. I had slipped on my small feet into my favorite little black heels that went nicely, but were still comfy and only had a small heel. My bare arms, visible through the thin fabric of the sleeves, had ebony bracelets covering half of my forearms. A black choker clung to my neck, a small red pendant dangling from it- it had been my grandmother's and she had passed it on to me before she died. I looked like the Dark Princess from one of the classic Fire Nation children's stories, as I had intended.

My mother's eyes were shining as she gave me a hug, “My little Ursa has grown into a pretty young woman,” she whispered in my ear.

I laughed, “Ma, please. That's so.... cheesy,” I smiled and our little mother-daughter bonding moment was interrupted by a knock on the downstairs front door, “Oh, that's LiLi! Got to go!” I rushed down the stairs and out the door.

Li-Tai twirled in a small circle as soon as I emerged and struck a dramatic pose, “So... how do I look?”

She was wearing a rather short and skimpy red dress that reminded me of lingerie more than anything, “Fabulous, as usual!” I semi-lied.

She finally caught sight of my costume, “Ooh! Perfect! I might as well start calling you Dark Princess Ursa!”

I laughed and we hooked arms, walking companionably towards the palace with other men and women in front and behind us, heading for the nobles masquerade ball.

“So, is Uzka not coming?” Li-Tai asked curiously.

“I don't think he could get a date,” I rolled my eyes.

She giggled, “Why not just ask me? I'm totally dateless,”

Li-Tai had always had a bit of a crush on my twin brother, which I found frightening. Then I remembered dinner, which led to my realizing I had neglected to inform Li-Tai of my little encounter with Ozai. When I let out the whole story in one big rush, not leaving anything out, she practically pounced on me.

“Spirits above! Prince Ozai?! Ursa, you're amazing!” she cried as we approached the palace doors, “That was the most supreme flirting you have ever done! And with the Prince! You never cease to amaze me,” she shook her head and I blushed.

“You're just being over dramatic. Hush, we're here,” I replied, a bit embarrassed by the looks we were getting from the groups of couples around us when LiLi had squealed so loudly.

As we held our skirts up (well, I did. Li-Tai's dress was short enough as it was) we climbed a large set of stairs to the palace's massive doors, which were open wide. I could see a gigantic hall inside, many noble families and couples already filling the room. An orchestra tuned its instruments, preparing to play soon. We placed on our masks as we approached, and saw a man with two sons and a woman next to him standing at the doors, greeting everyone.

I recognized the man, who seemed to be in his forties or so, as Fire Lord Azulon, the woman as Fire Lady Illayah. The two boys were, I realized, Ozai and his older brother Iroh, wearing small thin masks over their eyes.

Silently, Li-Tai and I bowed deeply to the royal family in unison. We rose and the Fire Lord noted in with a warm smile, “What exquisite young women, Illayah, are they not?”

The Fire Lady smiled at us, “Ah, yes. Please, do have fun, girls.”

We nodded, smiling and passed them quickly, allowing the next visitors to present themselves. As I brushed past him I glanced at Ozai, seeing something like recognition spark in his eyes as they met mine.

“He looked at y-oooo-uuu,” Li-Tai trilled quietly as we headed down the grand staircase to the tiled floor of the ballroom.

“Shut up,” I whispered back, and she laughed in response, “You're so immature, LiLi,” I added, ignoring the fact that my heart rate had sped up and a light blush graced my cheeks.

We mingled with the crowd- well, Li-Tai did, she was the outgoing one, I merely followed her. I was more content being a wallflower, but it was becoming obvious that the stares I was getting from the opposite sex were going to make being a wallflower a bit of a challenge for me.

If only they knew it was the shy, clumsy Ursa they had known since childhood behind this mask. Would they still stare? I wondered. My fingers traced the edges of my mask, spun one wavy strand of my normally straight hair between my thumb and forefinger. But that was it. They don't know it's me. I felt a heightening of my self-confidence at the thought that I could be anybody- act any way I pleased, and they wouldn't know it was me!

The musicians began playing, and the more comfortable dancers surged into the center of the ballroom, including Li-Tai who I refused to tag along with. She shrugged and was whisked off to dance with some guy as I grabbed something to drink and leaned against a wall, watching throngs of people dance. On their own, my eyes searched for Ozai through the crowds without success.

“You will dance with me, only me.” his soft voice echoed in my head, sending a chill through my body. “Until then, fair Ursa.” My fingers absently ran over my cheek where he had touched me. Perhaps he hadn't recognized me, after all!, I worried, Or mistook me for someone else! It was then that I realized I had developed quite the crush on him. I blushed light pink at the thought. Me? A crush? How thirteen years old, I chided. I didn't want to admit to myself how much I was actually becoming infatuated with this boy. I, the reasonable, intelligent Ursa, never susceptible to the lures of emotion, was falling for someone I was sure could never like me back as even a friend, let alone how I was picturing us. How silly, I scolded inwardly, to let your hormones run away with you, Ursa. Why do you even bother? Boys have never liked you in that way.

I felt a soft voice say close to my ear, “May I have this dance?”

Absentmindedly setting my untouched drink on the nearby table I turned, was met with a masked Ozai holding out a hand with that political smile of his. His tone had been neutral, although quite... for lack of a better word, seductive, right by my ear, his breath tickling my neck and sending goosebumps up my arms. I screamed at my brain to continue functioning and come up with a response. For once, it didn't fail me with a boy in such close proximity, “I don't know, may you?”

“If you would be so kind as to bestow upon me the honor,” he said, evidently struggling to keep his tone flat and bored, but amusement was besting him.

Feigning reluctance, I took his hand and prayed I wouldn't trip over my own feet as he led me out to the floor. I caught Li-Tai's eye as he spun me to the beginning of a new Fire Nation waltz. LiLi's eyes got wide and she was grinning at me, then winked before her dance partner (a different man than the original one she had gone off with, I might add) twirled her and we broke eye contact.

To my astonishment, I swiftly learned the steps, laughing and actually enjoying myself. I gasped quietly as Ozai twirled me in, pressing my body against his almost possessively with a (totally hot...cough) grin, but I dismissed it as only part of the dance as he spun me back out and we continued through the song.

We danced for the next hour and a half, time shooting by so quickly it felt like only a few minutes. I felt on fire, excitement and happiness pulsating through my body. I truly felt like a princess, never wanting the night to end. It was all too surreal, too fairytale, for it to last, I thought.

As another song slowed to a halt, someone tapped Ozai on the shoulder. I don't know if he realized it or not, but he slipped a hand around my waist as he turned, “May I cut in?”

I was flushed, and it wasn't just from all that dancing. Ozai's grip on my waist tightened almost imperceptibly as he made eye contact with his older brother, Iroh, who was standing there smiling. I caught the briefest of glares flash between them, so brief I wondered if my eyes were playing tricks on me. Ozai stepped aside and said in a dull tone, “Be my guest,”

Iroh gave him a nod and Ozai stalked off with a final glance at me. Iroh turned to me with a warm smile that reminded me distinctly of his father, and a slow song began to play. He placed his hands on my hips and I, another hue of red darkening my face, hesitantly put my hands on his shoulders. There was a small, comfortable distance between our bodies, unlike the other couples pressed tightly together on the floor.

Iroh continued smiling down at me, our eye contact never breaking, “It seems my brother has taken quite a liking to you,” he noted.

“Oh, no,” I shook my head instantly, “I don't think so...”

“Why else would he have danced with none but you so far tonight unless he liked you?” Iroh pointed out.

“I-I don't think so, not in that way. Maybe as just a friend, but that's it,” I denied, my tone having a ring of disappointment to it.

“Do you not see the way he looks at you?”

I shrugged, my blush deepening,”No, he looks at me as everyone else does. Certainly it is your imagination, or a trick of the light,” I insisted, looking away for a moment uncomfortably.

“I do not see how that could be,” he continued as he lead me in a slow circle, “I spoke with my father and he has seen it too. Do you disagree with the Fire Lord?”

“O-Oh, definitely not,” I stammered hurriedly, knowing I was bright red by now and hating myself for being someone that blushed so easily, “But...”

“But it is true,” he said as the song neared its end, “And I do not blame him. You are a beautiful young woman, Miss,”

I bit my lip and removed my hands from his shoulders as the song ended, the musicians preparing for the next tune, “Thank you, but I cannot possibly accept such compliments nor believe I could ever catch the eye of a prince,” I mumbled awkwardly, hurrying off through the crowds to my calm, dark corner of wallflowerdom.

Li-Tai meandered over, holding out a drink for me and taking a sip of her own, “Whew! This is so much fun! And you! You danced with both princes in one night! Needless to say, I think you've won!” she smiled.

I rolled my eyes but matched her smile, “It is a first! This is world-class news! Someone contact the newspapers! This is one for the schoolbooks!”

We talked about nothing in particular for a while, cooling off after dancing for so long. Out of the corner of my eye, while Li-Tai and I spoke, I saw Iroh and Ozai speaking together, looking none too friendly. I saw Ozai approaching, Iroh a little ways off glaring at him. I wanted to disappear into the wall when I saw the way he was staring at me. He grinned, “Sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if I could continue dancing with the Dark Princess?” he said in a polite tone. I was staring at him, our eyes locked for the third time that night, his gaze so intense I was wondering if maybe I was disappearing into the wall behind me.

Li-Tai, oblivious to our stare, batted her eyelashes and said in a cloying sweet voice, “Of course, I'm sure she'd love to! But make sure you save a dance for me, too,” she giggled.

Without even a glance he nodded silently, absently to her and slipped his hand in mine, leading us to dance on the outskirts of the floor. I glanced over my shoulder at Li-Tai with a smile, but she was glaring sourly at Ozai's back, rejection and... was it jealousy, in her eyes?

Is she jealous... of me?, the thought was incredulous. Ozai wrapped his arms around my waist and I reached up and slipped my arms around his neck. We turned in small, slow circles as he gradually (almost... nervously? No, surely not...) pulled me closer to him. Eventually I wound up blushing as our bodies were pressed flush together, and bit my lip nervously, resting my head against the smooth, soft fabric that covered the expanse of his chest. I felt my face heat up to impossible levels, felt it hit shades of red that probably hadn't existed until now.

I felt the vibrations of his voice as he whispered in my ear, “So, you spoke with my brother?”

“Yes,”

“What did he say?” his voice had that unimpressed, uncaring sound to it and I had a sudden feeling that he already knew.

“That he had noticed we were friends, that we knew each other among other things,” I replied vaguely, blushing. I was going to kill the spirit who had cursed me with the ability to blush if it was the last thing I ever did.

“What 'other things'?” he asked, his tone still flat.

I bit my lip, “He thought you liked me, but I told him that you probably just thought of me as a friend,” I admitted.

He looked down at me, surprise rippling across his features, “Oh,” his voice had gained back its sincerity, “'Probably'?”

“Well, uhm... definitely... I guess,” I stammered, my heart dropping. Oh, how far the fall from grace.

“What's what you think? That I think of you as definitely just a friend?” he asked.

“Uh... yeah,” I stuttered, “He said I was pretty and I-I said I couldn't accept his compliments or I could ever be of love interest to a prince such as yourself,” I mumbled, looking up at him but not meeting his eyes. Agni above, his eyes- they made me forget how to talk, how to move, whenever they met mine. I kept my eyes skillfully averted.

“Really now. What would lead you to think that?” he asked curiously, and I wondered where he was going with this.

“I-I... don't know really. Its just that I thought-”

“You thought wrong,” he interrupted me.

“What-” I was about to ask “What was that supposed to mean!?”, not liking to ever be wrong about anything, but I met his eyes against my will and my brain seemed to melt and spill out my ears. There was something in his eyes that I'd never thought I'd see- passion? Love? Lust? For...me? I didn't have time to analyze the emotion as much as I wanted to before my brain ceased existence. He leaned down, his warm breath on my face sending chills down my spine (and they weren't the bad kind of chills, either). His lips softly alighted on mine, like a butterfly would gently land on a flower. It was a quick kiss; he pulled away reluctantly as the song ended. My eyes were wide, my cheeks tinged a dark pink that brought a mind-numbing smile to his face, only causing me to blush deeper.

I was in total shock, breathless, “.... I... have to go,” I managed to whisper and broke from his grasp. I rushed through the crowd towards the doors, biting my lip so hard I tasted metallic blood in my mouth.

“Ursa, wait!” he called, but his I plowed on unhearing. My cheeks were reddening by the second as I rushed out of the now-abandoned palace doors, hastily clicking down the front steps and hurried home, my heartbeat the only thing I could hear as it pounded in my ears.

I didn't care that I wasn't expected home foe at least another two hours, that I was going to be bombarded with questions and interrogated by whole family. I didn't care that I had basically deserted Li-Tai at the masquerade- she would have fun without me, anyway, so it really wouldn't matter. I didn't care that I had probably just made a total fool of myself. I didn't care about anything.

I just knew I had to get away from him.

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:05:46 GMT

To-Get-Done-Eventually List:
~~Strikethroughed~~= Done.
[(This'll be up for awhile, until I finish [[(most)]] of the stuff on the list. Until then, I refuse to post anything except drabbles in their respective communities.)]

~~- Type up my entries for the 30_deathifcs and Zutara100 communities.~~
- Finish at least two 30_deathfic community challenges and post them.[By the end of tomorrow(Tuesday)]
~~-Finish at least one Zutara100 community challenge and post it.[By the end of today.(Monday)]~~
- Get around to scribbling down Chapter Two of Fire Lilies.
-Type Chapter Two of Fire Lilies up.
~~-Revise, spellcheck, and maybe even find a beta reader for Fire Lilies, Chapter Two.~~
~~-Post Chapter Two of Fire Lilies once at least Static or Silence and Hidden Truths [both versions] requirements are completed.~~
- Continue "Static or Silence"... of which I only have one paragraph written. Get at least two more paragraphs written. [Totalling three paragraphs]
- Write first, smutty hate!sex version of Hidden Truths* (three paragraphs needed to complete this)
- Write second, more!angsty version of Hidden Truths*(complete one paragraph to complete this)
- Get around to Inner Strength....... in the next few months. I have a bad feeling that its going to develope into one hell of a lengthy one-shot, so I'll save it for last.
- Yep. Still haven't gotten around to buying that Life on eBay I've always wanted.

* That's right. Last night I got to writing, and, due to comments found on my post at Zutara100 (Regretful Assassin) I want to make an attempt at writing smut. Fun. So, anyway, I got to writing Hidden Truths and I was like, stealing Yue's virginity seems like a really snarky, sly thing to do. I can see Hahn totally seducing her into it. So, tada.
There will be a clean version, wherein there is no sex, just hate, and it will be drastically different, don't worry.
:D
I must go read Avatar fanfiction ~~and procrastinate typing up my Zutara 100 and 30_deathfics entries.~~

[Fire Lilies][(Chapter One)]

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 16:23:13 GMT

Title: Fire Lilies
Author: Moi!
Rating: PG-13 [For mentions of sex and affairs, and mild language]
Characters/Pairing (if any): Ozai/Ursa, Ozai/OC, Mai/Zuko, Zutara Foreshadowing
Spoilers (if any): None
Word Count: 2,365 [O.O Whoa...]
Summary: She missed the man- the boy, really- that she had fallen in love with. After the ceremony, it was like he had run off and she had married a complete stranger. The past no one heard about... until now. What really happened to Zuko's mother, and why would she marry a man like Ozai? OzaixUrsa, OzaixOC, foreshadowing of Zutara, implied MaixZuko with Zuko not reciprocating Mai's feelings.
Excerpt of Chapter One: “I was the normal, soft, natural kind of pretty- at least that's what I've been told. However, Li-Tai was the dramatic, sexy, seductive type of pretty that matched her dramatic, striking, outgoing personality and upfront, honest nature.[...] We could never compare ourselves to the other- we were just too different.[...] Needless to say, some people were surprised when Li-Tai and I became inseparable, best friends.[...]”
Author's Note: This is the first chapter of my little ficlet, Fire Lilies. It was inspired because this little plot bunny asked me, “Why would someone as kind as Ursa marry such a monster like Ozai?” You'll find the plot summary in the introduction, because the summary above the lj-cut doesn't hint to very much. Read and please give me your thoughts and comments on the plot or chapter!
Disclaimer: The only character I own is Li-Tai. The rest belong to the creators. Damn them.

“Ursa, wake up sweetheart! It's almost noon and Li-Tai's here. She says you two are going gown shopping for that masquerade tonight! You never told me you were going, dear,” I felt someone shake me and rolled towards the wall with a groan, trying to avoid the familiar voice that was bringing consciousness, “Ursa, wake up!”

“No,” I grumbled to the cool wall, “Tell Li-Tai to go burn. I am not a morning person,”

“Honey, did you even hear me? Wake up! It's the afternoon!” my mother's voice was firm and insistent as she shook harder, which turned out to be unnecessary as I shot up in bed, tumbling out and hastily pushing past my mother and dressing.

“Noon?! Why didn't you wake me earlier?!” I cried, trowing on a black silk halter top with a red hem and a long black silk skirt with dangling red trim.

“You were sleeping and I thought I was being considerate, silly! And you, being such a communicative daughter, just always tell me when you have plans,” Ma shot back sarcastically, earning a laugh from me.

“Thanks, Ma. Be back for dinner,” I gave her a swift hug and kiss on the cheek before rushing down the stairs of our modest home and met Li-Tai out on the doorstep.

I was the normal, soft, natural kind of pretty- at least that's what I've been told. However, Li-Tai was the dramatic, sexy, seductive type of pretty that matched her dramatic, striking, outgoing personality and upfront, honest nature. She was dressed in a slightly revealing, short red kimono and the usual sandals. Her short hair was layered in choppy, wispy strokes, part-way framing her face. Her light amber, almost dandelion yellow, were lined heavily with kohl (as were mine, but not as darkly) and her complexion was perfect and even.

Most people would be jealous (and most were) of Li-Tai, but not I. Maybe that's one of the reasons we were such good friends. We could never compare ourself to the other- we were just too different.

I had only had a handful of boyfriends in my lifetime, so I could never relate to most of Li-Tai's boy troubles; although I tried to understand her dilemmas as best I could. Even thought she had only just turned 18 (as had I), she had had more boyfriends than I could count, not to mention her only one-hour-long crushes. Over the past few days she had been checking out every prospective courtier within a five-mile radius; we were both at the age where most girls would marry in the Fire Nation.

Needless to say, some people were surprised when Li-Tai and I became inseparable, best friends.

“What took you so long, sleepy-head! Goodness!” she complained in a semi-playful tone, “I've been standing here waiting forever,”

I gave her an apologetic look, “Sorry, slept in late,” We turned from my house and began heading for the marketplace to get shopping, there was no time to waste.

“So, which shop first?” I asked, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face.

“I was thinking we should check out that new shop that opened right next to to the fruit stand,” Li-Tai suggested.

“Its a plan,” I nodded.

Laughing, we made our way into the shop and browsed around nonchalantly.

But I couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching me the whole time.

“...And then he tripped and just fell on top of me! It was so funny,” Li-Tai and I chuckled as we made our way noisily into Chai Fung's tea house. We had been shopping for three hours, and I (being the indecisive shopper I am) had only found a dress and a mask- but no jewelry or shoes- and we were exhausted, in desperate need for a snack.

We settled ourselves down by a square hole in the wall that served as a small window in a corner of the dark room. It was damp and cool, a welcome shelter from the sun's strong heat to many a busy shopper that day. The place was buzzing with noise and people; it seemed we weren't the only ones looking for last-minutes outfits for the masquerade. Every tailor shop we had entered had been bursting.

In less than a minute an exceptionally handsome waiter appeared, “Good afternoon, ladies. Do you happen to know what kind of tea you'd like?”

“Rose hip for me, please. And you, Ursa?” Li-Tai said in a delicate, polite voice.

“Jasmine would be just wonderful right about now,” I smiled sweetly at the waiter and he grinned.

“Condiment preferences?” he asked, turning to Li-Tai, “Milk and sugar?”

“Yes, please,” Li-Tai batted her long black lashes at him and his grin turned into a full-fledged, flirty smirk.

“Milk and honey for me, please,” I said trying to regain the boy's attentions. He nodded and scribbled down our orders with the occasional sideways glance at Li-Tai.

“That'll be right up. We're a bit busy, but I'll have it made top priority, special for you,” he dropped a wink and left with a look back over his shoulder at Li-Tai,

We looked at each other in silence for a moment, then burst out giggling. I attempted to look glum but couldn't hide my huge smile, “Surprise, surprise. You've won. Again,”

“Hey, you put up a hell of a fight this time. At least you're improving,” Li-Tai laughed.

After Li-Tai had pointed out for the twentieth time a few years ago that my flirting skills were poor (“beyond poor, really. You're in the zone of 'pathetically piss-poor.'” were her words exactly) we had developed a little game between us.

Whenever we saw a cute guy, we would flirt as best we could, and whoever seemed to keep the boy's attention longest would win.

Do I really need to say who usually won?

“'Put up a fight'? Are you blind? I got a polite smile for two seconds, then you bat your eyelashes once and suddenly I'm not in the room,” leaning back in my chair I sighed mockingly, “So sad...”

“Oh, stop it,” Li-Tai grinned mischeiviously, “You underestimate yourself.... It was more like three seconds,” she snorted a bit. She was never one to deny any compliments directed towards her; people had always whispered her to be an attention whore. Which was, I'm afraid, a mostly true statement.

“Thanks,” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. We talked for a few minutes, then the boy brought us our tea and biscuts; Li-Tai won again.

We talked, chatting away the hours, and by the time I realized what time it was it was far too late for us to continue shopping.

“Oh no, its nearly sunset- dinnertime! I can't be late! I've got to go, see you at the masquerade LiLi!” I cried, standing and using my nickname for her.

She nodded, “Oh, but you didn't get any jewelry or shoes! What will you do?”

Leaving down a hefty tip on the table I replied, “I'll use something I already have,” at the astounded look on her face I added, “Don't worry, I'll be fine. Are you going home yet or are you forcing me to walk home alone?”

Li-Tai looked at her half-finished, second cup of tea and remaining biscuts, “No, I have a little more time left before supper,” she grimaced, “And I better eat up now. You know how my mom's cooking is.”

“Yuck,” I agreed, and backed out the tea house door, waving, “Bye! See you tonight, Li-Tai!”

“See you!” I caught her muffled voice as the door closed.

I turned quickly, preparing to run home. And bumped right into someone.

“Oh-Oh my! I'm so, so sorry!” I sputtered out. Feeling a blush creep over my cheeks, I held out a hand to the boy I had knocked into, “Really, I'm sorry, I wasn;t paying any attention to-”

“It's okay,” he interrupted in a bored tone, brushing himself off and finally raising his eyes to look at me. MY blush intensified at being being under such obviously unimpressable scrutiny.

There was a moment or two of awkward silence until, “I'm Ursa. And you are..?” I smiled and held out a friendly hand.

His eyes focused and he seemed to come out of his thoughts, whatever they may have been. With a smile (it was a politician's smile, one that hid behind a bunch of lies, I noticed subconsciously. But it didn't really matter, he was quite handosme.... did it?) he shook my hand, “I'm Fire Lord Azulon's son, Ozai,”

My eyes went wide, “O-oh. I'm sorry! I didn't know, eally! Forgive me Prince Ozai,” I rambled out as I bowed deeply throughout my apology.

He laughed, and it had a sincere sound to it- not at all like his polite, curt actions earlier, “It's okay, calm down! It was nice to be treated like a normal human being,” he gave me a lopsided grin and I could feel another hue of red layer my cheeks. He seemed to take in my expensive silk clothes, “Are you from a noble family? Why don't I know you?” he questioned curiously.

I nodded, “My mother is Healer Shiami, she's Lord Azulon's personal healer. My father is Minjinem, Keeper of the Royal Library and official Royal Scribe?”

“Oh? I wasn't aware they had daughters, only Uzka,” one eyebrow raised in inquiry.

“Oh?” I mimced him, “And it is your job to know these things? They have to daughters, to beexact. Myself and my younger sister, Nunze,” I teased, “You already know my twin brother, Uzka.”

“It may not be my job,” he teased back, “But I like to know about the beautiful, single noble women,”

I blushed, but retalliated with, “Nunze is far too young for you, I'm afraid,”

“I wasn't talking about her,” his voice was low, his eyes locked with mine, and I felt my face flush bright, merciless red, and I wanted to hide in a hole somewhere. Anywhere away from that piercing gaze.

Bells rung out, signalling the end of the workday. I snapped out of the trance he had me under, “Oh! I have to go! Nice meeting you, Prince Ozai!” I said hurriedly, rushing off, but he grabbed my arm.

“Wait! Are you attending the masquerade tonight?” he asked urgently, and continued when I nodded, “I will look for you there. You must dance with me, and only me.” he touched my cheek and grinned (it was a charming grin, I was melting in his eyes, the cool feeling of his fingers against my hot, blushing cheeks, biting my lip so hard I thought I'd draw blood) “Until then, fair Ursa,” he turned and walked the opposite way before I could reply, before I could even get my brain to function. I stood there for a moment or two, totally dumbstruck, before sprinting all the way home, trying to beat my father.

I would've happily skipped home, but I was late as it was.

Luckily enough, I made it home before my father and in doing so was not considered late; dinner begins only when my father returns from work in the Palace. In merry silence, I danced around the table, setting down plates, bowls, forks, and spoons.

“Why are you so happy?” mumbled Uzka as he trudged into the dining room, dragging a bouncy Nunze with him by the hand.

“Why so gruumpy? Rejected by some girl again?” he responded with a non-commital grunt and sat Nunze then himself at the table with me to wait for Da.

The seven year old piped up, “I think she met a boy,”

I tapped her on the head lightly with the blunt edge of my fork, “Did not,”

“Did too,” she grinned innocently.

“Who was it?” asked Uzka interestedly.

I had a big smile on my face (the traitor) but I couldn't rid myself of it, “No one! I'm telling you there's no boy,”

“And I'm telling you that you're a horrible liar, Ursa,” added in my mother, who had begun taking out rolls and bread to the dining room table.

“Hey! That's no fair, you're teaming up on me!” I pointed out indignantly.

My father came in and sat himself down swiftly, smiling calmly, “We wouldn't have to team up if you weren't denying and lying about it.”

I pouted and crossed my arms, sighing resignedly, “Well, if you must know, I don't want my family in that part of my life.”

My mother, always one to pry, set down the stew and salad then seated herself, “Can we at lease know who? Come on, Ursa, pretty please?”

Rolling my eyes, I sighed again, my good mood dampened by the whole interrogation, “Ozai.”

Da blinked, “The Fire Prince?”

Uzka's mouth was agape and Nunze was laughing at everyone's shocked expressions and mumbled something about “I'm always right..... it was a boy...”. Ma was staring at me as if she expected me to continue.

“No, no, no! Nothing more! This is why I didn't want to tell you in the first place!” I argued, grabbing a roll and throwing some salad on my plate angrily.

“Ursa...” Ma started, and I groaned at the tone in her voice. That was the “I'm your mother- explain now or suffer the consequence” tone, “You have to tell us. You can't just start like that and leave off!”

There was a chorus of agreement around the table and I put my head in my hands, blushing.

“Fine, fine! Don't respect my right to privacy!” I threw my hands up helplessly, “I was rushing home and bumped into im outside Chai Fung's! And that's all I'm telling you!”

Everyone lapsed into silence for a little while, then conversation continued on as usual. The rest of the dinner went on normally. Although I got a lot of weird looks from Uzka.

I can understand why.

Ozai is his best friend.

I demand comments! How do you like it so far?