Fire Nation

The sound of banging could be heard throughout the castle. The sound was coming from the part of the castle that was cordoned off as especially for Prince Revan's use. Not many people were found in that part of the castle. Servants came and went to deliver food and collect the empty trays, and his siblings were allowed access on rare occasions, but overall, this part of the castle was his "inner-sanctum."

If one drew closer to that part of the castle, one could also hear the low mumbling voice of the prince. He was repeating specifications and equations to himself out loud, because if he did it in his head it never made as much sense. He banged and mumbled, banged and mumbled, though he wasn't working on anything in particular. He was just keeping himself busy, because if he didn't, he would have to think about things he would rather not think about.

Revan Gabriel Avak was flat on his back under a monstrous contraption made of metal. With a hammer in his hand, he was banging out the dents of a particularly dented piece of scrap metal. Of course there were many easier ways to accomplish such a task in the Fire Nation, but he preferred working with his hands at times like these. If his hands were moving then his mind was moving, and not focused on one thought: the one thought he did not wish to allow into his mind.

"Ouch! Dammit!" he cried, dropping the hammer to the ground beside him. In a moment of distraction he had accidentally hammered his own finger instead of the intended target. Revan pulled himself out from under the metal and sat upright, waving the offended hand around wildly in an attempt to relieve the pain.

"Dammit! Dammit!" he cried again.

Revan cradled the finger with his other hand and eventually the pain ebbed away. He raised his eyes from his position on the floor to see that a sandwich had been left on one of the many counters around the room. Food always had a way of magically appearing when he was working. The servants could be quiet as mice if they wanted to be.

The prince let go of his finger and stood up, grabbing the sandwich and taking a bite. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until the food hit his taste-buds. He finished the sandwich quickly and ravenously, pacing the room the entire time. As he paced, his little friend Pliny followed him around with a smallish broom and dustpan, sweeping up the crumbs and occasional tomato which fell to the floor.

When he was finished with his sandwich, a servant came in to clear away the plate and tray, but it was not all she came to do.

"The princess has been found, my Lord. She said to say that she would be in the library if anyone needed her."

"Thank you," Revan replied, relief sweeping over him as the servant bowed herself out. His sister had been missing since their father revealed their impending marriages, and he had been worried about her. Revan knew his sister, and he knew that she probably just needed time to process things, so he hadn't gone searching for her. But, he could not stop himself from going to check on her now.

Revan made his way to the library with Pliny in tow as he always was.

"Phee! Are you in here? Seraphina?" he called as he entered.

The library had always gave her a presence of tranquility that she usually was not granted with it comes with the Fire Nation. Everyone was always busy with their mundane activities and the exhilarating noises of various machines filled the air. There was no doubt that they were truly technologically more advanced than the other nations. In this sense, they are truly at a forefront if the cold war turns into a full-scale. Nevertheless, she never wants such a thing and even if it is with a heavy heart. The prepared marriage will be done if this could be avoided.

She had always wondered if she was truly a princess of the Fire Nation. Her passion and likes were far different from her siblings and peers. If she had remembered correctly, her mother told her that she was more befitting to be a lady of the Water Nation. Yet, her features were undeniable of the Fire King. Seraphina also wonders from time to time about her specifications but, it was not a hindrance to be loved by her family and people. They do say she is a wonderful oddity among them.

Speaking of which, it would not be long before she would leave this Palace that she had grown with since her birth. In a few hours, she would be whisked away by some foreign prince into a marriage that would benefit the peace between the nations. She had always wondered if this was a tradition for such a long time why did it became only a temporary means? Strictly speaking, her along with her siblings are currently the nephews and niece of the Light Nation's King. This is because their mother is the Light Princess who married into the Fire Nation. In that sense, blood ties the six nations since long ago.

Releasing a sigh, she reprimanded her thoughts.She came here to prevent herself from thinking such political dealings and about the marriage. Still, she could not escape from the thought of it. This was truly pathetic of her if she does say so herself. Taking a few moments, she refocused herself upon the book that she held open and began to read it again. Immersing herself within the realm of fictitious romances that she also desire at some point. Yet, something no someone took her attention once again.

Racing her head from the novel that she was reading, a gentle smile came across her beautiful face. The voice that called her personal nickname was one of her beloved brothers. She closed the book and made her way across the many shelves of the library. After a few moments, she had found him along with that adorable friend of his named Pliny. A sense of relief flooded her every time she would be around her siblings. One could say that she has deep attachment with them especially with this specific Fire Prince.

"Revan! I am so happy to see you!"

Seraphina said with much happiness as she embraced his brother which she usually does when in greetings. However, she only does this with them and no one else. In addition, this carefree persona is only shown behind the close ties of her family. She even greeted Pliny with an expression that resembles of an angel.

"Hello to you as well, Pliny."

With that, she gazed at her brother with those olive green eyes of hers. She exuded a certain presence around her of warmth. This maybe one of the many reasons why the Fire Nation adored their Princess Seraphina very much. Moreover, she was truly a beauty to be admired and the thought of giving away such a gem was truly a complicated feeling.

"What is it that you need with me Revan? Is there anything I could do to help you?"

Revan walked through the library slowly as he awaited a response from his sister. This was a place far out of his realm and he felt like a foreigner in it. The library was filled with what he thought of as relics of long ago. He looked down at his hands --dirty from the work he had been doing-- and he couldn't imagine touching anything in this room. Even if his hands weren't dirty, his clumsiness forbade it. The prince could just see himself accidentally ruining one of his sister's precious possessions.

He heard the soft step that belonged to his graceful sister as she approached, and sure enough, she soon came into his view. Seraphina greeted himself and Pliny, and was genuinely delighted to see them. Revan smiled. His sister always had a way of making him feel wanted, it was one of the things he so loved about her.

Pliny walked in his slow, stunted way to stand before the princess. He did a little bow, as he had been programmed to, and his bright, artificial eyes blinked up at her.

Revan walked closer to his sister. He felt a sadness sweep over him as he thought about how little time he had with her, now that their fate had been decided. The Gathering was tonight, and after that, she would be gone. Who knows how often he would see her after that.

The prince took a deep breath. He had to be strong for his sister. After all, her role in this situation was far more frightening than his was. He had to make her see that everything would be okay.

"No," he said in answer to her question, "I just came to see how you are, Phee. I'm a little in shock from the news, myself."

He took his hat in his hands nervously. Having serious chats like this always made him nervous, but he could get through it as long as his hands were occupied. Revan twirled the hat around his finger continuously, resting his back on the bookshelf behind him.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, his eyes resting on his gentle sister's face in a sincere way.

Seraphina gave a very grateful smile upon hearing his brother's words. She knew for a fact that Revan also had his own worries about the Gathering tonight and yet he was here beside her. Everything was being prepared before their eyes and even the gown that she would be donning had been made without much her consent. It simply says that the ball will progress even if she wished not to do so. It was for the impediment of the wars and she would accept it. Her only regret in this is being away from her family especially her siblings. At this thought, a tear fell from her right eye. It startled her that she quickly turned her back towards Revan.

"I am so sorry letting you see me like this Revan."

He came here to see if she was alright. She did not want him to be more worry than he is now. However, the tears would not stop from falling. This is something she could not understand. The moment their father announced about the arranged marriage, she stood their with a proper and polite facade. Leaving towards the garden's labyrinth for a time alone, yet no tears had come. But now, it fell like a waterfall from her eyes as she covered her face from being seen. Maybe, this was due to the presence of his brother. Could she really survive far from this nation?

"I am scared Revan... I am honestly fearful of tonight... What if I could never see you, father, mother and Blake? What if I could not leave peacefully in the Earth Nation? What if... I do not know what to do anymore..."

Pitiful, this was the one word entering her mind. She was truly pitiful in this current state. If anyone could see how broken the prim and proper princess is now, they would certainly look at her with disdain. Yet, she could not help it that the emotions just kept piling up within her. She was simply torn between her desires and duties. Moreover, both were very important in many sense. Her mind and heart were in great turmoil and she did not want to burden anyone with this. After all, this is something she should handle on her own.

"Forgive me, Revan. I am falling apart before you..."

It was warm and comforting hearing how Revan consoled her even though it was not his strongest areas. She felt very fortunate to be his sister in many ways. The sickness of being separated would be alleviated slowly. This was something she was certain of. After all, time has various ways of healing different kinds of pains. She need only to be patient and optimistic of the path being laid out in front of her. Taking hold of the tissue given, she gave a grateful smile.

"Thank you Revan."

Wiping her tears, she still exuded a gentle radiance around her. Albeit, Seraphina had no idea of this at all. Olive green eyes that were the exact replica of their Father gazed at Revan with much warmth. The princess understood that their Father was a man of his words. He had a heavy responsibility to the nation. In this manner, she was very proud of the Fire King. Their father maybe busy in many affairs but he never failed once to show his care through subtle way like not forgetting her birthday ever.

"I do not want the honor of the Fire Nation to be questioned. You need not worry, I will be fine."

Regaining her composure, she gazed at Pliny and gave it a gentle pat on the head as a show of her appreciation. The fear was still lingering within her heart. However, she only has to know that her loved ones would be always there when needed. Looking back, she was quite a child breaking like that in front of Revan. She had only done that once with their mother.

"I will hold you to your promise, Revan."

Seraphina smiled with much grace and joy that her very appearance was truly of an angel. She only wished that at the Gathering tonight she and her siblings would have at a wonderful romance that the novels she had read illustrated. It would be nice if that could truly happened even to at least one of them.

Revan smiled, but his heart broke slightly. Regardless of whether or not Seraphina would be allowed by her future husband to visit her homeland, the fact was that this was the last time they would be able to be together in this way. If they saw each other in the future, everything would be changed. This was the twilight of their young lives and a new day would soon be dawning: a day in which they would have many new responsibilities they had probably never imagined. After tonight, their lives would never be the same.

Revan wanted to hold onto this moment for as long as possible, but he could feel it slipping away. He looked down at his watch and sighed.

"Father did not give us a lot of time to adjust to this news," he said, placing his hat back on his head, "we don't have long before we should start getting ready. After you ran out, father told me that he is having the royal shuttle prepared in order to take us to The Dusseteu Gardens. It will be ready soon."

Revan paused and sighed again, thinking of another matter which made him uneasy.

"You will have to help me decide what to wear. You know that I'm useless at that sort of thing," he laughed, holding his arm out for his sister to take.

If Revan said that he did not often attend social functions, it would be a bit of an understatement. He could only remember two balls he had ever been to, and they were the two most excruciating nights of his life. He felt nervous and out of place the whole night. He barley spoke to anyone, and danced less. Of course he was sought after by many of the young Firean noble ladies (they would have sought the attentions of any prince regardless of whether or not they actually found him charming) but he spent most of the night trying to avoid them.

Meeting his future wife was an even greater concern. Would he be expected to try and woo her? What an uncomfortable thought! Revan had spent most of his life on his work, and rarely spoke to any women besides his sister and mother. He had no idea what he would say to her. Though, chances were, it didn't matter whether the couple liked each other, but he would hope that his future wife would at least find him tolerable. But, the prince felt he had little to recommend himself by, unless the light princess enjoyed hearing about android research. Something made him doubt that.

"What in Dusseteu are we supposed to talk about at these things anyway?" he asked his sister.

Seraphina listened calmly as Revan explained the transportation they would be using to arrive at the Dusseteu Gardens. Everything was truly moving on and even how much she wanted it to stop even for a brief moment it would be impossible. The time she has remaining in the dwellings of the Fire nation was slowly slipping away from her hands. There was nothing she could do but to watch it be taken away from her with a smile. She has to cherish these little wonders of hers.

"Anything would look stunning on you Revan." She said with much sincerity as the offered arm was taken by her.

The young princess did like the idea of choosing clothes for her brother. She would grab every opportunity to dress him up. He seemed to have no confidence about his looks when he was clearly a handsome man. The only problem is he liked machines more than himself at times. Seraphina would ensure that his brother would look amazing at the Ball tonight. After all, he would meet the woman that would take her place here in the nation. The one who now be beside him will not be her anymore. Insecurities crept inside her heart once again however, she contained herself. Even if they were apart, they would always be siblings is it not?

"Why not present your future wife with that dashing smile of yours? I am pretty sure she would like you. After all, I love my brother very much don't I?"

Her smile was every radiant as she clutched onto his arm like a lifeline. She only hoped that Revan would ignore her actions. The last moments that they could be together should be remembered in rose-colored hue instead of her tears and fears. Moreover, she would also meet her future husband in that Gathering. Seraphina wondered what kind of man would the Prince would be. Will he be kind and gentle to her like Revan and the Fire King?

"Speaking of that matter, I wonder what kind of person my future husband would be? I hoped that we could be at least friends in the long run."

Looking ahead of her, she had a distant look in those olive green eyes of hers. She would miss everything about this nation. The labyrinth gardens, the laboratories, the throne room, her room, her library and her family were the things that she would long for once she is taken to her future husband's nation. Maybe, she could at least voiced out one request.

"Revan, would you keep my library in check once in a while? I know your not good with such things but just look out for it. Will you?"

Gazing at her brother with a soft look, she knew this would be selfish on her part. However, she wanted to have a part of her still left in the Fire nation even if she was not there anymore physically. At least, people would still remember that there was once a Princess of the Fire that loved books and this was her special place. Even if it was just a small reminder, Seraphina would feel relieved in that sense.

{Seraphina's Dress, Hairstyle and Headpiece.}

Everything has been finally prepared for the Avak siblings. Their attire to be worn and the entourage that would be coming with them. It would appear that their parents could not accompany them. There were important matters holding them to stay thus, they had been assigned with the Royal Adviser and selected Guards. Seraphina sat nervously inside the Royal Shuttle. Her hands were placed upon her lap which was gripping each other tightly. Olive green eyes gazed outside the window beside her as she could already see the beautiful Dusseteu Gardens. It is truly a legend to see after 20 years. However, she could not feel but forlorn at its sight.

The thought of not returning to the Fire Nation when she exits this shuttle floated within her mind. Sadness and anxiety filled her yet, she did not let it show on her face. Duty was more important than anything else this had been taught to her well by their parents. Tonight, she would be prim and proper to represent the Fire Nation splendidly. Looking at her brother who was sitting beside her, Seraphina knew that he was also nervous about all of this. Revan had a hard time being fitted with the suit she had chosen. But, he did look dashing in it. A sad thought entered her mind. This would be the last time they could be together like this. Her position would be replaced by the Light Princess.

"My Prince and My Princess. We have finally arrived."

The Fire Princess gazed at the Royal Adviser, Fredrich von Delamer, who accompanied them. He was a kind man as she could perceive . Their father trusted him and Seraphina knew it was fine to do as well. Standing from her seat, all eyes were on her. She was a vision of beauty and elegance. It was even radiated more by her ephemeral yet seductive gown. Within the Fire Nation, Seraphina was admired and desired by many. It was without doubt that when the news of the Princess be engaged to a Foreign Prince, many had complained and even had broken hearts. Although the most who was brokenhearted over this would be Seraphina, herself.

Revan held her hand as he always do and escorted her out of the Shuttle. Their entourage followed suit while Fredrich had exited first as he watched the prides of the Fire Nation. The siblings descended from the Shuttle that showed the prominence of their nation's technology. Seraphina held onto Revan's hand as if it was her lifeline. There were already other Royalties that had arrived. It even made her more anxious in this whole event. She only hoped everything will be fine for everyone as well. Taking a deep breath, she stood with brimming elegance and beauty that she possessed without manipulation.