[It hasn't quite occurred to Eley that Iroh wouldn't recognise him and his initial reaction prompts him to rear back his head a little. You're a dragon Eley, of course you're going to cause as stir!]
I am glad to hear it, though I apologise if I startled you. I had come here to reflect, but I had not expected to find you in the same place, Iroh.
[He lowers his head now, a tad sombre.] Zuko has told me much about you. I had hoped to be able to discuss things with you first-hand.
[Judging by his words, he really did have respect for the dragons, and indeed for him. It seemed like what Zuko had told him about was true. Certainly, he felt he could relax somewhat around him now.
Ahem, but first they should probably get the... re-introductions out of the way.]
I am Eleytheria, the Wind Spirit who spoke to you some time ago. You described a game known as Pai Sho to me, do you recall?
Ah, of course. Perhaps I should have greeted you in that form before approaching so readily, but I am sure you would understand that flying to the mountains is a lot faster than walking.
[The dragon lies down now, his neck long enough to reach Iroh should he feel compelled to come closer.]
I am aware that you have some... history with dragons. Your nation sought to slay them, yes?
Having never particularly flown myself, I wouldn't say that would be the first thing to pop in my mind, but yes I understand that it would be more expeditious.
[Well this was turning out to be a rather awkward encounter all things considered]
Well, yes and no. There was no specific agenda for slaying all the dragons. It was a arrogant and short sighted policy by my grandfather Sozin in which a firebender could gain personal honour by slaying a dragon in single combat, thereby gaining the title of 'dragon'.
You have not flown? Hmm... perhaps one day you will.
[He wasn't opposed to rides as long as he trusted the person on his back. He listens well to Iroh's story, trying to make sense of things.]
Then Sozin was to blame... Is it true that you were the one to save the last of the dragons? At first I believed you to be the end of them and I admit that my trust in you faltered, yet you show great respect towards me. You do not have the nature of a dragon slayer.
Well with the production of zeppelins on a mass scale it seems as though that will be more possible.
[So Zuko told the story did he. Considering Eley was both a spirit and a dragon, it should be alright]
Well, I am not sure if save is the correct wording. I concealed the fact they were alive by claiming to have defeated them, and from there they went into deeper hiding to avoid ambitious fire benders with a desire for a fancy title. As a member of the royal family, and a proven fire bending master, my word went unquestioned. To call me a liar would have initiated an Agni Kai, or honour duel, which no one particularly felt was worthwhile.
It seemed to me a great sin to kill those whom fire bending had originated from. It has been passed down that humans first copied the movements of the dragon to more effectively control their fire bending. So I kept the secret for many years, and my nephew and the avatar came upon them while searching for a deeper connection to fire.
[Eley certainly hadn't heard of zeppelins before, nor had he heard mention of this Agni Kai. Something about the way Iroh talked about it unnerved him a little.]
The movements of the dragon... yes, is that the 'Dancing Dragon' that Zuko once showed me? I may not be a Spirit who can command flame, but the wind can also be wild and elegant in its movements. Trying to learn the steps myself also allowed me to better understand the element of fire and to be less afraid of it.
[He bows his head to Iroh after hearing the explanation.]
Those who show respect will find the same from me. Still, I must ask about this... duel of honour. Agni Kai. What exactly does this mean?
Yes, that is an ancient fire bending form. Aang would likely greatly enjoy a demonstration, and it could even expand the Airbending art.
[He takes a breath in before explaining an Agni Kai]
It is a way to settle disputes that have gone beyond words. The offended party will challenge those that offended them, and the one challenged must either formally apologize, or accept the challenge. It is fought at sun set, and for men it is bare chested. It is then a fight for supremacy, typically until one opponent is down. Whoever wins this also wins whatever feud that went on between the two. It typically ends with the loser receiving a burn from the winner in lesser cases, and in more extreme cases can end in death.
[He gestures with his hand]
So you see, claiming to have killed the last of the dragons forced other would be dragon slayers to abandon their quests.
It could? [Then it would benefit the both of them if they were to share in it, perhaps.] Then I will have to show him and see what can be done.
[He seems troubled by Iroh's explanation of the Agni Kai however, uttering a rather disconcerted growl from his throat.]
That seems... a rather cruel way to settle an indifference between people. To leave a permanent mark, even to kill another, does that not go too far? I do not understand the need for such violent customs even if it was used to the advantage of the dragons.
[It's then Eley realises that he knows someone else with a permanent mark - a terrible scarring on his face.]
I do not expect you to tell me the whole story but... Zuko... did he receive his mark during one of these duels?
I'm sure he would greatly appreciate that, Eleytheria.
[It sounded like something right up Aang's alley]
We are a warrior people, and have been since the very beginning. In the past, the Agni Kai did not involve scarring, except in the case of accidental. It was considered a mark of mercy and compassion to spare your opponent.
[It was what he considered the more honourable way of things]
Having a feud involving large swathes of people is far more dangerous, so it is a way to settle a dispute without turning into a war. Many in the Fire Nation are, as we often say hot tempered, better to keep things as minimal damage as possible.
[Iroh strokes his beard and looks distant]
Yes, though it was not what one would call a fair duel.
[The dragon rumbles a little, deep in thought. It was a difficult situation for him to accept. On the one hand he would never encourage a full-scale war and anything that can minimise the risk of one beginning should be considered a good thing, right? On the other... even small personal duels were undesirable to him, especially if it ended in mutilation or death.]
War is a terrible thing. If it helps to control your people then I can at least be thankful for that. Even I have had to take up a weapon in order to defend myself and those around me. One day, I hope that no violence will be necessary among men or Spirits.
[And hearing that Zuko's own duel was unfair? That just leads him to feel even more uncomfortable.]
...and his opponent? What became of him in this unfair duel?
I hope so as well, I like to believe that peace is possible even with all the warfare I have seen. That is what people and spirits truly desire in their hearts.
[He takes a deep breath in]
I will tell you the whole story. It happened when Zuko was just starting to get around the age where he wanted to be involved in the comings and goings of the government. There was a war council to be held which he was barred from. He convinced me to allow him to join in and I allowed it, and cautioned him to listen and be quiet. As crown prince, I felt it was an important meeting for him to witness, though had I known what would have occurred, I would have denied him.
[It was a bad day for the both of them]
As we took our places, the Fire Lord's war council began. We went through the campaign within the earth kingdom, and what needed to be done. One general suggested that to draw out some of the experienced earth benders, we should use some of our own inexperienced troops as bait to lure them in, and perform a pincer movement.
[He makes a bit of a face]
It was here where Zuko spoke out strongly against the idea, saying it lacked consideration for our people who were fighting on our behalf. He was right you see, but it was not his place to say so. His father was enraged by this outburst and said he had no right, and things would have to be settled.
[He rubs his forehead]
It was to be an Agni Kai, whom Zuko believed would be against the general whose plan he had objected to. As he had been training for some time, and was much younger, he felt no fear. Unfortunately on the day of the duel, it was revealed that it was his father, FireLord Ozai, not the general whom he would have to face. As Zuko had disrespected the general while the Fire Lord presided, it would be he, not the general whom would fight the duel.
[This was painful to retell a bit, but Eley should know the whole truth he supposed at this point]
Upon seeing his father, Zuko pleaded to end the duel and for forgiveness. His father demanded he stand up and fight. Upon his hands and knees Zuko looked upon his father and restated he did not want to fight his father. Ozai took this as an act of cowardice, and burned him in front of the crowd and banished him from the Fire Nation unless he captured the Avatar and restored his honour. At the time, the Avatar had not been seen in over a hundred years, and it was considered a fool's errand.
[He looks straight into Eley's eyes]
Shortly after recovering he began his search, and I used my influence to help him where I could. As you can imagine, it was a very difficult time. Family is a bit of a complicated thing for us.
[The dragon growls a little as he listens to the story, baring his teeth.]
That he should do that to his own son when he so readily defended the lives of their own people... Zuko must have come far from that day to become the man he is now.
[It hurt him to think that someone he considered such a close friend should be so brutally injured and humiliated by his own family. Wasn't family always upheld as one of the most important things to humans?
His expression softens a little as he stretches out his neck to give Iroh a gentle nudge.]
I am glad that you were there for him. I have heard about the situation with his mother as well... he has had a lot to contend with. I am only thankful that he is still with us and that he did not take his father's anger to heart.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
From:
2/2
An honor to meet you again as well.
[When that had happened he wasn't sure]
I am as well as can be expected after the draft, thank you for asking.
From:
no subject
I am glad to hear it, though I apologise if I startled you. I had come here to reflect, but I had not expected to find you in the same place, Iroh.
[He lowers his head now, a tad sombre.] Zuko has told me much about you. I had hoped to be able to discuss things with you first-hand.
From:
no subject
Not to worry, it isn't everyday a dragon appears. Though I suppose in a better world, it would happen a great deal more often.
[Iroh raises an eyebrow. So the dragon also knew his nephew?]
I would certainly not be opposed to a conversation. Though, you'll have to excuse me, great one. Your name escapes me.
From:
no subject
Ahem, but first they should probably get the... re-introductions out of the way.]
I am Eleytheria, the Wind Spirit who spoke to you some time ago. You described a game known as Pai Sho to me, do you recall?
From:
no subject
Ah, yes I recall. You were in your human form then I believe.
From:
no subject
[The dragon lies down now, his neck long enough to reach Iroh should he feel compelled to come closer.]
I am aware that you have some... history with dragons. Your nation sought to slay them, yes?
From:
no subject
[Well this was turning out to be a rather awkward encounter all things considered]
Well, yes and no. There was no specific agenda for slaying all the dragons. It was a arrogant and short sighted policy by my grandfather Sozin in which a firebender could gain personal honour by slaying a dragon in single combat, thereby gaining the title of 'dragon'.
From:
no subject
[He wasn't opposed to rides as long as he trusted the person on his back. He listens well to Iroh's story, trying to make sense of things.]
Then Sozin was to blame... Is it true that you were the one to save the last of the dragons? At first I believed you to be the end of them and I admit that my trust in you faltered, yet you show great respect towards me. You do not have the nature of a dragon slayer.
From:
no subject
[So Zuko told the story did he. Considering Eley was both a spirit and a dragon, it should be alright]
Well, I am not sure if save is the correct wording. I concealed the fact they were alive by claiming to have defeated them, and from there they went into deeper hiding to avoid ambitious fire benders with a desire for a fancy title. As a member of the royal family, and a proven fire bending master, my word went unquestioned. To call me a liar would have initiated an Agni Kai, or honour duel, which no one particularly felt was worthwhile.
It seemed to me a great sin to kill those whom fire bending had originated from. It has been passed down that humans first copied the movements of the dragon to more effectively control their fire bending. So I kept the secret for many years, and my nephew and the avatar came upon them while searching for a deeper connection to fire.
From:
no subject
The movements of the dragon... yes, is that the 'Dancing Dragon' that Zuko once showed me? I may not be a Spirit who can command flame, but the wind can also be wild and elegant in its movements. Trying to learn the steps myself also allowed me to better understand the element of fire and to be less afraid of it.
[He bows his head to Iroh after hearing the explanation.]
Those who show respect will find the same from me. Still, I must ask about this... duel of honour. Agni Kai. What exactly does this mean?
From:
no subject
Yes, that is an ancient fire bending form. Aang would likely greatly enjoy a demonstration, and it could even expand the Airbending art.
[He takes a breath in before explaining an Agni Kai]
It is a way to settle disputes that have gone beyond words. The offended party will challenge those that offended them, and the one challenged must either formally apologize, or accept the challenge. It is fought at sun set, and for men it is bare chested. It is then a fight for supremacy, typically until one opponent is down. Whoever wins this also wins whatever feud that went on between the two. It typically ends with the loser receiving a burn from the winner in lesser cases, and in more extreme cases can end in death.
[He gestures with his hand]
So you see, claiming to have killed the last of the dragons forced other would be dragon slayers to abandon their quests.
From:
no subject
[He seems troubled by Iroh's explanation of the Agni Kai however, uttering a rather disconcerted growl from his throat.]
That seems... a rather cruel way to settle an indifference between people. To leave a permanent mark, even to kill another, does that not go too far? I do not understand the need for such violent customs even if it was used to the advantage of the dragons.
[It's then Eley realises that he knows someone else with a permanent mark - a terrible scarring on his face.]
I do not expect you to tell me the whole story but... Zuko... did he receive his mark during one of these duels?
From:
no subject
[It sounded like something right up Aang's alley]
We are a warrior people, and have been since the very beginning. In the past, the Agni Kai did not involve scarring, except in the case of accidental. It was considered a mark of mercy and compassion to spare your opponent.
[It was what he considered the more honourable way of things]
Having a feud involving large swathes of people is far more dangerous, so it is a way to settle a dispute without turning into a war. Many in the Fire Nation are, as we often say hot tempered, better to keep things as minimal damage as possible.
[Iroh strokes his beard and looks distant]
Yes, though it was not what one would call a fair duel.
From:
no subject
War is a terrible thing. If it helps to control your people then I can at least be thankful for that. Even I have had to take up a weapon in order to defend myself and those around me. One day, I hope that no violence will be necessary among men or Spirits.
[And hearing that Zuko's own duel was unfair? That just leads him to feel even more uncomfortable.]
...and his opponent? What became of him in this unfair duel?
From:
no subject
[He takes a deep breath in]
I will tell you the whole story. It happened when Zuko was just starting to get around the age where he wanted to be involved in the comings and goings of the government. There was a war council to be held which he was barred from. He convinced me to allow him to join in and I allowed it, and cautioned him to listen and be quiet. As crown prince, I felt it was an important meeting for him to witness, though had I known what would have occurred, I would have denied him.
[It was a bad day for the both of them]
As we took our places, the Fire Lord's war council began. We went through the campaign within the earth kingdom, and what needed to be done. One general suggested that to draw out some of the experienced earth benders, we should use some of our own inexperienced troops as bait to lure them in, and perform a pincer movement.
[He makes a bit of a face]
It was here where Zuko spoke out strongly against the idea, saying it lacked consideration for our people who were fighting on our behalf. He was right you see, but it was not his place to say so. His father was enraged by this outburst and said he had no right, and things would have to be settled.
[He rubs his forehead]
It was to be an Agni Kai, whom Zuko believed would be against the general whose plan he had objected to. As he had been training for some time, and was much younger, he felt no fear. Unfortunately on the day of the duel, it was revealed that it was his father, FireLord Ozai, not the general whom he would have to face. As Zuko had disrespected the general while the Fire Lord presided, it would be he, not the general whom would fight the duel.
[This was painful to retell a bit, but Eley should know the whole truth he supposed at this point]
Upon seeing his father, Zuko pleaded to end the duel and for forgiveness. His father demanded he stand up and fight. Upon his hands and knees Zuko looked upon his father and restated he did not want to fight his father. Ozai took this as an act of cowardice, and burned him in front of the crowd and banished him from the Fire Nation unless he captured the Avatar and restored his honour. At the time, the Avatar had not been seen in over a hundred years, and it was considered a fool's errand.
[He looks straight into Eley's eyes]
Shortly after recovering he began his search, and I used my influence to help him where I could. As you can imagine, it was a very difficult time. Family is a bit of a complicated thing for us.
From:
no subject
That he should do that to his own son when he so readily defended the lives of their own people... Zuko must have come far from that day to become the man he is now.
[It hurt him to think that someone he considered such a close friend should be so brutally injured and humiliated by his own family. Wasn't family always upheld as one of the most important things to humans?
His expression softens a little as he stretches out his neck to give Iroh a gentle nudge.]
I am glad that you were there for him. I have heard about the situation with his mother as well... he has had a lot to contend with. I am only thankful that he is still with us and that he did not take his father's anger to heart.
From:
no subject
[Iroh smiles lightly at the nudge]
Love is far stronger than fear. Something that my brother has never realized, and I doubt he ever will, sadly.