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Issarok has finished the morning classes and is now free to roam around the palace.

Unfortunately, it's nearly Midwinter, so the palace is dark, and there are Southerners and Firebenders everywhere, all of whom he'd really rather not run into in the dark.

He's sitting in the throne room instead, reading over a scroll of military theory and frowning whenever he finds something he disagrees with. Which appears to be fairly often.

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He smiles, patient, and offers her his arm. "I'm rather enjoying the concept of 'engineering.' It's about structure of objects, you see, and ways to put things together - it's complicated."

He doesn't want her to worry, waving off the subject instead. "Would you like refreshments?"

Taking his arm, Sakari positively beams at him, overjoyed at this response. "Really? That's fantastic, Issarok! There's so much being done with engineering right now in the South and Fire Lord Iroh is making incredible improvements in the Fire Nation. My father has sent several plans to King Bumi, too. They should have running water by the time the year is out."

Of course, the North doesn't have running water yet. But if there are engineering classes, Sakari is sure they're right on the verge of it.

The subject change is a little abrupt, but Sakari bows her head a little, flexible enough. "If you like, I'll come with you."

Her father. Ugh.

He manages a polite smile anyway. Ugh, talking to her is hard. Why does she sound so interested in political things that she surely can't have any real concept of?

"I would enjoy that, Princess Sakari." He bows and takes her arm, smiling at her. "Perhaps you could tell me about your projects on the way. I know your healing skills are very fine."

She smiles back, though the hint of confusion doesn't leave her features. She was hoping they'd continue talking about engineering and improving the nations. That's what this marriage is all about, after all.

But, then again, maybe he wants to know more about her, too.

"Thank you," she replies, bowing her head slightly in gratitude as she takes his arm. "I'm not quite up to Yugoda's skill, though. There's much I have to learn about healing, still. And from Masters Pakku and Katara, too! There's so much that can be done with waterbending, especially in this city."

"Yes, there is." He's proud of her for learning that, and he likes her modesty. "Did you know the city is continually being rebuilt? It's actually built into the glacier, and so we have teams of men constantly working to keep the city stable."

Nodding, Sakari beams at his interest. "I did, actually. I've been studying some of the architects and they've shown me quite a bit. It's fascinating how much effort goes into keeping the city so beautiful. The artists that design the bridges and fountains, they've been very kind too in showing me their technique."

Yes, actually, when Sakari came North to study waterbending, she came to study every single aspect of it.

"It's really incredible. The people here are so talented."

Iss smiles benevolently. "I'm glad they've been kind enough to teach you some of our ways. I hope you find it interesting."

"I do," she replies, still beaming. "Waterbending is a gift. It's my duty to learn all aspects of it."

He glances sideways at her, and smiles approvingly. "It's always wise to learn about other people's skills as well as your own. I admire that in a woman."

She blinks at him and-- okay, it sounds a little weird, but it's also obviously a compliment. Sakari smiles and bows her head again. "Thank you. I hope to make all aspects of waterbending part of my skills, eventually.

"It's a quality I'm pleased to find in all people."

You know, not just-- men. Or something.

He hesitates. "That almost sounds like you're planning to learn to fight, Princess."

Disapproval. SO MUCH disapproval.

Another blink.

Then a laugh.

"Prince Issarok!" Sakari exclaims between giggles, grinning at him for his obvious joke. "What do you think I've been doing here the last two years, with my aunt and Master Pakku? Come on."

Issarok isn't laughing. He just stares at her with a look of faint confusion.

Women who want to fight go to the South. Everyone knows that. It's not necessary here, and it's not really accepted. There's Master Katara, of course, but she's the exception that proves the rule. And besides, Issarok has heard rumours that fighting isn't the only thing Master Katara does like a man. She's still not married, after all.

But Sakari was raised in the South. So she probably doesn't really see that it's strange. And of course, Master Katara is her family.

He settles on another vague, polite smile. "Of course you have. Well, that will stop when we get married, of course."

There's no doubt in his voice. She's chosen to come to the North, of course, so of course she's willing to accept their traditions, their ways.

"Here is the kitchen. Tell me, how else do you fill your days?"

Sakari stares.

And stops in the doorway to the kitchen.

"I'm not in the habit of leaving tasks unfinished or lessons unlearned," Sakari informs him quietly, still holding his arm. But that Not Right feeling is back again. "That would be very irresponsible, I think, especially since our marriage doesn't include many extra duties for me. Not with all the servants in the palace."

If he doesn't want her learning, what does he expect her to do?"

"Well, you have a year," Iroh points out practically. "But the princess of the Northern city has to be seen to be upholding our traditions."

Silly woman. Silly barbarian woman.

"Please, be sensible, Princess."

...has to be seen upholding tradition.

Not that she necessarily, or very seriously, has to follow them. Just that she has to be seen to.

Still, Sakari's smile is a little shaky. To hide part of herself, part of her 'bending, for the sake of...

She bows lightly. "Of course. How silly of me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ignore your question. After my bending training, I often learn from the other women in the palace. Embroidery and calligraphy and I am trying to learn several Northern instruments as well."

Things she'd thought a princess should know, for the show of course, and not really necessity.

Sakari's starting to realize what this decision really means.

"That does sound interesting," Issarok allows, even giving her a gracious smile. At least she's capable of seeing sense. Maybe this won't be so bad. "Which instruments? I suppose you don't have many, in the South."

"Oh no, we have many different kinds," Sakari corrects, looking surprised that he didn't know. "Mostly drums - our music is more percussive than yours, I think. Rattles and sticks. We sing quite a bit more, too. Your music seems to favor strings and wind more and the South just doesn't the materials to make things like that.

"I've been practicing the erhu but I'm not very good. I'm a little better with the konghou."

Rattles and sticks sounds about right. Issarok keeps the derisive snort from reaching his lips and nods and smiles instead.

"I'm sure you're very good, Princess. You're a very talented woman." (dear.)

Sakari's gracious bow is a little less natural this time. She's less comfortable now and it's hard to smile and beam when she has the distinct feeling she's being looked down on and judged by this boy barely older than herself.

"Do you play, Prince Issarok?"

"Well, I know how to, of course." He smiles, tolerant. "I am a prince. But I rarely spend time on it - I have so much else to learn."

Sakari hesitates. There's a nagging little feeling telling her that the best thing to do right now would be to smile, bow, and excuse herself on a good note. But his tone, his smile, and his words...

She really shouldn't test him. It's something her parents would approve of and right now, Sakari doesn't want to do anything they'd like her to.

...still.

"Yes, you have so many lessons. The palace is filled with tutors every morning." She smiles again, slight but genuine - enough. "Maybe we could study together sometime. I have a lot to learn, too, about the history and politics here."

Issarok smiles, pleased with this development. "Yes, I'd be happy to tutor you if you like, Princess Sakari. It's good that you're learning about our culture."

See? See? He's pleased with her wanting to learn about politics and culture, all the things a princess - and someday, a chief's wife - should know.

So take that, Dad.

(and she'll work on him about the Waterbending later)

Sakari beams at him, just as pleased, and now she bows. "I would like that very much. It would be an honor to learn at your side.

"I shouldn't keep you now, Prince Issarok, I apologize for the intrusion."

"Of course." He accepts her apology graciously, and is pleased that she's willing to learn about her new culture. Maybe she'll learn to behave. She's bright, for a girl. He looks quite fond as he bows to her.

"And there was no intrusion, Princess. It was my honour to speak to you."

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weighandbalance.livejournal.com - 2010-04-18 15:48 (UTC) - Expand

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