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As the sphere of bright golden flames known as Agni rose gradually over the horizon in the early hours of dawn, its soothing rays revitalized all who called the land of fire their home. This feeling was especially true for firebenders, who shared a deep spiritual connection with their patron spirit, Agni, the essence of the golden fireball in the endless heavens.
The invigorating pre-dawn rays spilled softly into the magnificent imperial palace through delicate silk curtains, casting gold and calming lavender hues across the Fire Lord's chamber.
Sozin stood silently by the bedside, his golden eyes lingering on the tranquil features of his beautiful wife, Aguya. She rested soundly, her breathing steady, with her dark lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks.
He observed her for a moment, admiring the woman who had transformed his world. Her presence grounded him, anchoring him in a way he could never fully explain. Leaning down, he gently kissed her forehead.
Despite being a firebender herself, Aguya made no attempt to stir from her peaceful slumber. Since accepting the title of Fire Lady, she had endured sporadic terrible nightmares. Today, however, it was clear that she was experiencing one of her rare, beautiful dreams.
"Rest, my love. You deserve this peace," her devoted husband whispered. He lingered for a moment before turning away; the responsibilities of the Fire Lord awaited him. Quietly, he slipped out of their matrimonial chamber, leaving her to embrace her wondrous dreams.
In her mind, the Fire Lady found herself in a world illuminated by sunlight that felt sunnier and warmer than the daylight outside. It was like an unconditional, loving embrace. Surprisingly, she discovered she was standing in the center of a royal garden.
However, this royal garden had changed significantly in her dream, as if to illustrate the passage of time. Numerous additions had been made, which now fell upon the current Fire Lady to tend to.
Her warm golden eyes glimpsed several stunning blossoms she had never seen, artistically scattered throughout the garden. A small yet magnificent pavilion and a large pond filled with charming little turtle ducks provided a perfect setting for an outdoor tea party.
The sight took her breath away—it was more than she could have ever hoped for. Even though she instinctively understood her contribution, the serene garden for the servants still remained present in this lavish new space.
Aguya glided gracefully towards the pavilion. As she got nearer, she uncovered a small tea party taking place. Four people were seated around an intricately crafted table adorned with the finest tea set she had ever witnessed. To the right of the table sat an elderly couple who still retained an air of attractiveness despite appearing to be in their late 80s or early 90s.
She noticed that both ladies at the table were gorgeous, regardless of age. The elderly woman looked old enough to be a great-grandmother, while the younger one seemed to be at least the age of a grandmother.
Aguya observed parallels between the couples and noted that the cheerful gray-haired man wore the Fire Lord's crown. She was surprised to see a fifth empty seat at the table as if it were inviting her to join them. Composing herself, she sat down, knowing that no one could see her, but she could see and hear their exchange.
The current Fire Lord generously served everyone a peculiar tea Aguya could not identify. She was even more perplexed when everyone remarked that it smelled and tasted different for each of them.
The elderly man spoke first, his voice rich and amused. "I still don't understand. How did you manage to create this 'mystery tea,' Iroh? It seems impossible to make something that tastes different every time."
"Oh, give your eldest some credit, Azulon," Ilah said, her tone affectionate but firm. "He's a true master of the art. How he does it is inconsequential. What matters is that we all enjoy it."
Lady Kimana, Iroh's wife, smiled gently, adding, "Indeed, what matters most is that we share this moment together."
"Well, I cannot argue with that, Lady Kimana," Azulon replied, his voice warm but tinged with the wisdom of his age.
Azulon turned to his wife, Ilah, who smiled as she answered a question he had asked. "Ilah, why do you always leave an empty chair at the table?"
Ilah's gaze softened as she explained, her voice calm and steady. "You never know which of our loved ones from the spirit world might wish to visit. It's only good manners to leave a seat for them if they do."
Unexpectedly, a child's laughter broke the silence in the garden, prompting Aguya to rise and follow the sound. She discovered an adorable young boy feeding turtle ducks alongside a captivating woman who reminded her of Ta Min during their shared moments of feeding the tiny creatures.
Nearby, under the shade of a magnolia tree, sat a handsome young man who gazed fondly at the woman and the boy. In his strong arms, he cradled a newborn baby girl. Aguya quickly realized that this was the Crown Prince's family.
She gradually approached them, taking a seat on the boy's other side. She felt immense love for him and a strong instinct to protect him and his little sister.
As the young boy accidentally startled a mother turtle duck, she bit him on the ankle. The boy's mother quickly freed him from the angry creature. "Zuko, how many times have I told you that a mother will do anything to keep her children safe?" the stunning lady said.
"I didn't mean to throw the bread, Mom!" Zuko insisted. "I just lost my balance!"
"He's right, Ursa. He just stumbled for a moment," Zuko's father chimed in.
"Lu Ten, darling, I know that. But it doesn't hurt to remind him—and yourself—that mothers will do anything to protect their babies. Speaking of which, how is Kiyi doing?" she asked as she walked over to her husband and daughter.
"I believe she needs you to feed her, as she's getting a bit fussy," Lu Ten replied awkwardly.
"Well, it has been nearly three hours since she was last fed. I'll be in the nursery if anyone needs me," Ursa said, heading inside to tend to her youngest.
Aguya smiled at the sweetness of the scene she had witnessed in her dreams. Yet, a nagging feeling told her that something was concealed from her.
She searched frantically for the darkness she sensed, but it remained elusive, just out of sight and reach. Regardless of whether she could see it or not, she felt this malevolence deep within her bones.
She lingered for a moment but ultimately had to wake up. The sun indicated it was midmorning, leaving her with bittersweet feelings. While delighted by her dream, she couldn't shake the sense of an unidentified evil lurking nearby.
Grabbing her dream journal from the bedside table, she wrote down every detail she could remember. She had been doing this since her nightmares began, hoping to uncover a pattern or meaning that the wise fire sages could use to help her sleep peacefully once more.