Perchance, A Meeting of The Sharpest

It was a veritable evening in Ba Sing Se. The people of Ba Sing Se were mobile, moving about their daily lives without a fear in their minds. The markets were booming with business, a sign of prosperity. Not a cloud blocked out the sun on this fine day in Ba Sing Se. The calm wind blew throughout the streets, as children played their merry games. A man would approach where the Earth Queen spent her time, wisely of course. Bo Li, a nephew of the Earth Queen Meili, would be having a supposedly friendly meeting. But if what he was taught, told and learned about Meili, was that she was far more cunning and clever than her young, naive nephew who would be serving her tea.

But Bo Li was well-prepared for this, having brought a special tea set imported from the Northern Water Nation. It was hand-carved from bone, with special designs depicting the moon and ocean spirit. Though he expected that someone who once led the Dai Li would not be interested in tea, he gave it the chance that perhaps she wasn't as stern as he had been lead to believe. He shook off any preconceptions as he entered the palace, and moved directly to a room where he could set up to serve tea.

Bo Li started a fire, and filled the pot with water. As it boiled, he recalled a recipe for a simple tea, green tea. A simple tea that was adored by many. Bo Li himself enjoyed the tea, and as soon as the water was heated, he poured the water into the cups, which had already been prepared. The smell of the green tea was an aroma none could resist to think of. Smiling, he set two cups, opposite of each other on a low table. Hopefully Meili will enjoy it, first impression are important, he thought as he sat down.

The scene was set. An aroma of green tea, mixed with the scent of foreign flowers. Two cups of tea served on a low-rise table, with the rest of the imported tea set on display. Bo Li was prepared as he removed the high collar cloak he wore, rustling his hair to uncover the tattoo of the Earth Kingdom symbol on his neck. "Perchance, this shall be a fine event of the social elite.", he spoke to himself as he waited.

Meili Mitali Zalika

Queen Meili came from a large family, and so she had a lot of relatives. Most of them were in the middle or upper-middle classes though, and so royalty was something a little bit new to them apart from Meili. After all, Meili's ascension to the throne had not been hereditary--she had worked for it. Cunning and ambitious, Meili did believe in simple and humble basics such as hard work to achieve one's goals. Granted, there was supposedly also conspiracy and rumor that surrounded her ascension to the throne, but Meili proved herself as a competent ruler when she defeated Firelord Novai and Southern Chief Kanaryu in the War of Tipped Scales. Security around the palace was beefed up a bit, since Meili had also had several attempts made on her life. However, it was not to the point where no one could get in. however, thieves and assassins, who still thought they could break in "the old way", soon found out what assbeatings tasted like, usually to the point of even eating concrete. Today she was meeting one of her surely many nephews. As far as meeting him went, Meili only hoped for two things--that he didn't look ugly or stupid, and that he was at least somewhat clever or cunning. She would soon found out. Upon stepping in, she noticed that he was preparing tea. "cultured... bonus points right there..." she nodded to herself. as gruff and dangerous as she might have been, Meili had a refined side that had developed with years of social schmoozing, just as her sense of authority had been forged in the ranks of the Dai Li before she climbed the ranks even further. Even then, she did still lead that organization. Meili was actually not a very tall woman either, standing only at about 5'2". However, her voice was direct and commanding; the aura of charisma emanating from its sound. "You must be Bo Li of my sister's line?" she raised an eyebrow as she often did, approaching him. She was not exactly formal with hellos and pleasantries, but she did not generally cross the line into straight-up rude territory most of the time. A noticeable smile crept onto her face after the aroma of tea filled her nose though. if Bo Li noticed it, he 2ould at least be reassured that he had done the right thing in that regard.

Mood: Content Condition: Perfect

Link:

[/quote]

Bo Li had been expecting someone taller, but nonetheless Meili appeared to be a tough and well-versed woman. Her record of service to the Earth Kingdom, both impressive and terrifying to behold. Though she had once lead what was the Dai Li, she assumed the throne surrounded by conspiracy and rumor, though she later proved herself during what was known as the War of Tipped Scales. This was her triumpthant victory over Firelord Novai, and the Southern Water Tribe's Chief Kanaryu. It was also a somewhat known fact that thieves and assassins still found their way in. Bo Li felt some pity for the fool who would walk these grounds and halls uninvited.

He found her voice to be, somewhat frightening, yet inpsiring. Someone who was gifted to command. Though the answer to her question could have been obvious, Bo Li dared not venture down a path he feared. "I am Bo Li Zalika, of your sister's line. It is a pleasure to meet you, Earth Queen.", he said, moving to an upright position to bow to her, before returning to a seated position. He gestured to the only empty seat with a fresh, warm cup of green tea. "I took the liberty of preparing green tea, and the tea set itself is carved from bone. The intricate designs of the ocean and moon indicate that it was created by the Water Tribe.", he explained.

He had caught the smile on her face, and he himself gave a rather impressed smile. "My parents have decided that my training is done for now. They would have me ask you, for what purpose may I serve the great Earth Kingdom.", he told her, keeping himself composed. He lifted his cup to his mouth, taking a small sip of the green tea, taking a deep breath of relief. "You're success during the War of the Tipped Scales is both impressive and inspiring.", he complimented her.

"A childhood of training is nothing short of cruelty or closed doors. I take joy in knowing I was only child.", he said to Meili, drifting off of to memories he would rather avoid. He gave a half-hearted laugh and smile. "Perhaps it was not their success, but mine. Destiny has a strange way of delivering us, one thing I learned from my training. But enough of the past, we have better choices of conversation.", he spoke.

"I'm glad you like it, I chose to go with a simple tea. You may not know this, but it was the first kind of tea I was given, if I recall around the time I went off to learn at 5.", he provided her with insight to when he began training. "Taste is a rather undefined thing, but people will always come together to enjoy great food and conversation.", he added.

He thought for a second. "I've been trained to know Earthbending and Metalbending, as well as in the art of the sword and projectile based weapons. I spent some time traveling uncover as in a group of traveling performers. Though I am a capable fighter, I would rather settle with planner. I spent some time looking over the many strategies employed by the four nations, excluding of course the Air Nomads and their historical lack of a proper military force.", he answered her.

"The concept of right or wrong leaves a sour taste in my mouth. A road that people often travel, thinking that they may be doing good or bad. Little does one ever consider the ripples that expand outwards once they kick the smallest rock into the pond.", Bo Li replied to Meilie on the concept of right or wrong. He wasn't exactly against a decision that hurt someone, as long as it could be justifed for the betterment of the Earth Kingdom, or on a large scale for all the nations.

"Yes. Earthbending typically stresses the neutral jing. A sound strategy for almost any situation. I remember that King Bumi, of Omashu freed his own city simply by employing this strategy until the Day of Black Sun. That was of course, during the end of the 100 year war. I do understand that it is not our only strategy, but is clearly one of our best.", he commented in response to her short tale regarding the War of Tipped Scales.

"A name I only heard rumors of, but I was certain of their existance. I do not believe that the Air Nomad culture would thrive under such a move, even with their recovery from the war this day. I do know that, disregarding whether an Air Nomad is a pacifist, they are quite versatile fighters. I must say I envy their abilities and would not wish to be their foes in battle.", he said, showing great respect for both the Air Nomad's culture and bending powers.

"Of course, I both understand and respect that. The results are always what we should be wary of, whether our intentions are good. You did well, maintained your place and proved yourself despite the air of, shall I say conspiracy surrounding your rise to power. But I mean no disrespect by it.", he said to her, feeling as though he may have walked where he may fall.

"The Air Nomads would be a great ally. The fluid movement of the airbending style is fast, an impressive ability to dodge. The world is always at an uneasy stance however, an unfortunate dillemna that we cannot find a lasting peace. But I suppose that a forest rises with more vigor when renewed from a fire and ash.", he said, in reference to war, the Fire Nation, and the genocide of the Air Nomads.

"Omashu, a city that dates back to the first known earthbenders, Oma and Shu. The two were lovers, which were from warring towns. They created a great labyrinth to meet in secret, something only they could navigate at the time. But one day, Shu was slain in the war. Oma was stricken by overwhelming grief and sorrow. From this, a terrifying display of earthbending that could've destroyed both villages was performed by Oma. But she did not destroy them, instead declaring the war over. Thus, the two warring towns ame into one, in honor of the lovers, and became known as Omashu.", he said, reciting what he knew about the creation of Omashu.

"I have been there a few times, the city's mail delivery system is impressive. I've heard that it's fun too, though I am not too keen on trying it out myself.", he said, in regards to Meili's question of whether he had been there before. "An impressive place to say the least, but what are you getting at by bringing up Omashu? Perhaps you are thinking that I may be useful in Omashu?", he asked Meili.

He hadn't really been drinking his tea, focusing on the conversation more as time went by. He lifted the cup to his lips, the tea still warm as he finished what was left in his cup. He would have no more, as his mind and body were calm. "I'm certain that you brought Omashu up for a reason, but there is no room for an assumption my Queen."

"Then you must have already taken into account that my young age would provide a leader for Omashu to rally behind for many years to come, assuming I do not die early. You have a lot riding on this, and there's entirely no guarantee that I'll cooperate afterwards. Such a risky move to make, yet I admire it. Bold and brazen, and very upfront. The political field is just another battlefield to be fought and won, though with more underhanded and dirtier tactics. I accept your offer, but there is one thing I must address. The people of Omashu will become my people. If there is ever a conflict that threatens them before Ba Sing Se, I will see to the safety of Omashu's people before Ba Sing Se.", he told her.

"It isn't favoritsm, no is it a fool's errand. As you do everything in your power to protect the Earth Kingdom's lands, I must do the same, even if it does not appear as such. I will look to the greater good of the Earth Kingdom as much as I can, but if I cannot see past the troubles within Omashu, then there are things I must deal with. Still, you must have achknowledged that to the people of the Earth Kingdom, this appears to be a movement to grab more power.", he stated.

"But regardless, I am no fool and I accept your offer to compete in the political ring of Omashu. A wise man wouldn't turn down such an offer, but an inexperienced man would fall into it without opening his eyes. I have no worries of seeing Omashu become enemy territory. But there is one concern I have. The Avatar, she is a problem against the world from what I learned during my training. Though she seeks united peace, her methods are unorthodox to say the least. What of the Avatar, my queen?", Bo Li asked.

"You have my word that Omashu shall remain relatively under your orders.", he said to her. It was no lie, as Bo Li had every intention of keeping Omashu protected at any cost with any strategy that he seen fit to us. But he would always have to keep Omashu's people ahead of the other Earth Kingdom towns and cities. He smiled at the thought, before continuing on about the Avatar.

"I know little about the Avatar, other than what you seem to know. But she is dangerous and powerful. She may claim to be an Avatar in power and ideal, but her methods are not suited for dealing with this world. I believe she would be a threat, and if I should ever find her presence in Omashu what would you have me do?", he asked Meili about the Avatar's status in the Earth Kingdom.

"I will inform you should the Avatar enter Omashu. I'll extend her an invitation and give her the comfort of a noble. But I fully expect that you'll mobilise the Dai Li agents once you know she's there. Hopefully the lifestyle of a noble will subside anything she comes to Omashu to do. Peacefully, until she upsets the law of course.", he said as he rose to his feet and bowed to Meili.

"I will head to Omashu now. The political ring should be easy to enter and control to our liking. We should have tea again in the future.", he said as he began to leave. "Oh, and feel free to keep the Water Tribe tea set, consider it a gift from me.", he told her as he left.