Breeze <Ba Sing Se, Earth Kingdom>

[earthking]

"Now, now Bosco," his Majesty began crooning to the sitting animal, "there will be no Mr. Grumpiness nonsense today, now will there?" Gently pinching both of Bosco's cheeks while cutely speaking and teasing the adult Grizzly Bear. "We should enjoy this bright, spring day while it last!"

Indeed it was and his Majesty, the current and fifty-second ruler of the city Ba Sing Sei and entire Earth Kingdom, formerly known as Prince Kuei so long ago, had deftly intended to spend as much of it outside as he could. The balmy weather that refused to make his layers of clothing oppressive to wear, the melodious notes from song birds flitting in the air, the sensuous aromas of local and exotic flora wafting from the royal gardens along with the kiss and caress of soft breezes all lended to a joyous atmosphere his Majesty refused to be left out of.

Thus the two occupied the windswept palace courtyard, his Majesty winding a length of canary yellow silk about Bosco's paw in order to keep a bamboo rod connected to a length of twine attached to the animal's paw. Meanwhile, the palace royal guard of elite earthbenders statueesquely kept guard whilst a handful of servants awaited the two to complete their preparations.

[xuan]

Just outside the palace walls the city of Ba Sing Se was up and alive, moving at a normal alarming rate. Everyone had somewhere to be and something to do unlike Xuan Yen and her two children who had nowhere to be and nothing to do at the moment. After several hours of pestering Xuan had caved into her son's pleas for relief of his boredom. Now early in the afternoon Xuan was dressing her duaghter appropriatly for the mild weather, though being particularly caucious with Jiang understanding to well her frail body.

Once dressed and ready to leave the house the trio exited into the bright sunny day. Xuan squinted not being able to hold a hand up to shade her eyes like her son could with both being preoccupied on holding her children. Bo's hand was held fastly in her left while her whole right arm carried the wieght of the two year old against her body.

"Mama, where are we going?" Bo asked in a whining voice that any five year old would have if they had been couped up for the better part of the day.

"Well, I dind't exactly plan that far ahead," she told her son with a soft smile and the little girl balanced on her hip laughed. "I figured a simple walk would be nice, what do you say?" Bo looked up at her, his small face scrunched up in thought, but he nodded his head agreeing to her uneventful terms. Xuan smiled and started off down the pretty much empty street, barely noticing the two guards follwing at a reasonable distance.

[earthking]

"No, no Bosco," gently batting away the furry paw. "Leave that on," dotting over his Grizzly Bear as it used a free pawed at the bamboo rod tied into the other paw by a canary silk cloth. "Here, let me loosen the knot. But it needs to stay on. Okay?" Grinningly patting the bear's head.

Loosening the cloth yet making certain the rod was firmly in place, his Majesty turned around in the large courtyard. His eyes locked onto one of the city's priest sequestered for today's outing. Still reciting prayers, lighting incense and bowing in the four directions. Beseeching the Gods and the more importantly the Wind Spirits for a nice windy day. Nothing too strong but a continuation of the good, gentle winds that were making today absolutely exquisite for flying kites.

His Majesty then turned to one of the palace couriers. The courier jumped nervously and shook his head.

Still no mention of today's guest it had seemed. Surely one of the palace's swiftest couriers sent out earlier would have reached the lady Xuan Yen by now.

His Majesty kept an upbeat grin as he turned to Bosco. Optimistic that his plan would succeed.

About a month ago, during a random party held by his Majesty, Bosco had took to following about one of the guest like a puppy-kitten for much of the night. A rather high honor many of the other courtiers and other nobles admitted. And from his palaquin the Earth King had determined the woman, discovered to be namded Xuan Yen, to be a person of rather noble character. Especially if Bosco liked her.

And so now, around a month later, on this breezy day the Majesty had remembered this woman by incident. Taking in the weather during a morning stroll with Bosco in the royal gardens he decided that today would be beyond excellent for flying kites should the weather keep up. Excitedly his Majesty suggested this to the bored looking Bosco and yet despite the attitude of his pet, sent forth for a priest to make sure the weather remainded as is.

Yet Bosco still seemed bored on such a joyous feeling day that it threatened to break the high hopes of owner. And so searching his mind the Earth King remembered the noble woman and immediately sent forth for the swiftest courier to summon her to the palace immediately.

[xuan]

The trio was barely around the corner from their home when a steed and his messenger hurried past. Xuan clutched Bo's hand and held Jiang closer to her chest as he went by. She pulled the corners of her mouth down in a mock scowl than lifted into a grin looking down at her son.

"Some people are in far to much of a rush for such a pretty day," Bo didn't seem as pleased, the boy was far less light hearted than his mother, but Xuan tried to make the best of it.

"Lady Xuan Yen?" just as Xuan had prepared to continue her walk a mans voice called out behind her and she knew it wasn't either of the guards. Turning toward her announcer she spotted the man who had rushed past just seconds earlier, now standing still it was clear he was one of the kings messengers.

"Sir," she bowed as elegently and poilitely as possible without letting go of Bo's hand or dropping Jiang; it was a far cry from proper, but it was graceful enough.

"I bring a message from the highness, King Kuei," The man bowed in a more successful manner and held out hand with thin letter. Xuan nodded to the guards and the came to her side, one taking Bo's hand and the other taking Jiang. Free of children she stepped forward and retrieved the letter. It was short and to the point saying merely that she was invited to the palace to fly kits. Though she noticed it said nothing of her kids.

"This is a great honor, but I can not leave my children, do you know if the king would accept their company as well?" The man thought for a short while looking from the letter to the children and finally to her.

"I can see no reason why he would not," the man said cauciously, afraid to give the wrong answer.

[earthking]

"Your Majesty," the long robe priest approached. Stopping at a safe distance as the bottom of his robes slid across the courtyard floor. He brought his hands together, which soon became hidden underneath the pretensiouly large cuffs of his robe. Large enough to hide an upright infant inside.

"It is done!" His task of beseeching the Gods and particular spirits for favorably winds accomplished. Gracefully, the priest bowed lowly. And as if on cue a stiff swirling breeze engulfed the palace courtyard. Twirling leaves and petals inside of miniature twisters. Lifting and swaying about flowing robes and loose clothing. Nearly sending numerous hats into flight, including the majesty's royal crown from his head.

"Delightful!" Exclaiming after the spirited air currents began to subside. The priest meanwhile began retying the his hat onto his head after almost loosing it to the currents. "As a show of my appreciation," his Majest began. "You are welcome to join us," satisfyingly grinning to the priest, suddenly bemused by his reward.

[xuan]

The messenger didn't take long to decide that bring Bo and Jiang would be fine and it was only a short while later at the group stood outside the palace gates. The messenger spoke in a hushed voice to one of the guards and the man left to tell the king Xuan had arrived. The messenger turned his horse and left to the stables leaving the trio with the last guard who lead them just inside.

"Your highness will be present soon," the man said before stepping back to stand by the door. Xuan nodded in politness and watched with a soft smile as Bo looked around the large hall with wide-eyes. Jiang had falling into a nap in Xuan's arms, but her little boy was as giddy as a school girl in the kings palace.

"Lovely isn't it, Bo," Xuan looked down at the boy, he simply nodded as his bright eyes took in the vastness of the place, Xuan hels=d his hand still to keep him from wondering.

[earthking]

His Majesty was pleased. Even as the inner palace courier came running to him he understood well what was going on. Before the courier could run off to retrieve the lady or inform the Earth King that she had brought children along, his Majesty halted the man. Instead his Majesty had decided to greet the noble woman, Xuan Yen himself. Gently patting Bosco upon the head and telling his pet he would soon return with a playmate.

Immediately, slowly hastening to his side, the emerald clad golden trimmed royal guards formed a small, square perimeter around their king. A long trained percaution they had been taught since their induction into the palace guards.

Entering the inner halls just outside the royal courtyard, his highness rose an eyebrow at the sight. Xuan Yen had brought children. And as the guards walking before the king walked past the noblewoman and her children, only to turn around and stand statue-esquely behind them to enclose them in a perimeter, the Earth King smiled.

Xuan Yen was more of a person of moral character than he had assumed when Bosco followed her. She was the mother of two adorable children. A picture-esque image of the virtuous mother, a sleepy, baby-girl toddler at her hip and an energized boy--who was maybe no more than seven at the most--wanting to explore yet kept near by his mother's hand. A gratified sigh nearly escaped from his Majesty's lips. To think those kids would be among the future of not just Ba Sing Sei but the Earth Kingdom as a whole when they came of age. Her daughter would become a virtuous wife and mother while her son would grow into a man and leader of virtue, strength and intellect. Truly a marvel it would be to see.

"Virtuous and noble lady, Xuan of house Yen," the Earth King announced with out stretched arms and open palms up. Though hopefully not loud enough to wake her toddler. "It is so good of you to join us. And even more delightful--you have brought children!" Almost forgetting to keep his voice down as he smiled with closed eyes.

[xuan]

Xuan smiled, almost a little taken aback by the kings open happiness. Most nobels she knew were all about presentation and were frankly a bit stiff with it.

"You highness," Xuan gave a hearty smile having been complemented so. She let go of Bo's hand and supported Jiang completely as she bowed lowly to the king. "Bo, meet the Earth King," Bo stepped forward like a little gentleman and bowed to the king.

"Greetings your highness I am Bo of house Yen," The boys voice was small but it didn't shake, infact it was quite sturdy and confident.

"I can't express how honored I am that you have invited us here on such a marvilous day," Xuan straightened and Jiang stirred in her arms and gave a small cry then feel back to sleep as Xuan rubbed her back.

[earthking]

"Greetings your highness I am Bo of house Yen," the boy's voice exhuding a sturdy confidence despite whatever else he felt at the moment.

"Bo," the Earth King sounded out. "Such a strong name for a such a strong looking boy," he grinned. "I bet you already have muscles don't you? May I see?" Bending forward as the child flex. "Oh my," widening his eyes exaggeratedly, "you have the makings of a strong man.

"But it may not be enough to make a great man. What is two plus two?"

"Four," Bo replied.

"Whoa ho," the Earth King exclaimed with both arms. "Intelligent too. Two excellent qualities needed for becoming a great man, young Bo," grinning. "The kingdom will always have need for great men like you when you come of age, Bo. With your strength," pointing at the boy's arm, "and intelligence," point at the boy's head, "your deeds and aid make our land stronger than any mountain."

"I can't express how honored I am that you have invited us here on such a marvelous day," Xuan Yen rubbing the little girl back to sleep.

"A marvelous day indeed." his Majesty chuckled. "Which will help teach your young man here a lesson all great men need from time to time. A chance to enjoy themselves. Now if you'll follow me..." nodding his head which caused the guards behind him and to the side to turn in unison. Escorting the quartet to the royal courtyard.

[xuan]

Xuan nodded to the king and followed, Jiang still fast asleep and Bo trailing behind the king like a puppy with a giant grin on his face. She could tell how happy he was to get such compliments.

The court yard was magnificent and the beautiful day illuminated its wonders. The open space was indeed perfect for kite flying, something Xuan hadn't done in a fairly long time.

"How is your highness at flying kites?" she asked the king, she gathered he was fair enough. Bo had never flown a kite, this would indeed be an intresting occassion.

[earthking]

Tranquil and good spirited the quartet strolled into the massive courtyard (save for the carried and sleeply unconscious Jiang). At its center awaited a small retinue, including servants, Bosco and the preist who had decided to stay and join them today. The quartet's marching entourage of emerald clad palace guards began expanding their protective, square formation, perimeter. Assimilating back into larger group of palace guards located around the courtyard, save for four.

Though little to fear from a mother and her two children, neither of which had to be older than eight, the action was a training embedded caution for the royal guards.

"How is your highness at flying kites?" Lady Xuan Yen asked.

"Unfortunately I can no say my skills are as deft as breathing or walking," the Earth King replied without turning back towards her. "But I manage as well enough as one getting dressed in the dark," he quiped. Suggesting some amount of skill though still maintaining a bit of amatuerishness.

[xuan]

Xuan gave a soft giggle to the kings words, but it wasn't to boisterous to be rude. Before replying with her own inept kite flying confession she carefully lowered herself to the ground with Jiang held close. Sitting on the cool grass she looked up at the king with her natural smile.

"Don't fear, my kite flying has turned quite rusted over the years," She smiled then motioned to Bo, "though Bo has never flown a kite I'm sure you would make a most excellent teacher," was she sucking up? most certainly, but she was sincere in a way.

"I could fly a kite like a pro if I tried," Bo gave a toothy grin and placed his hands on his hips while sticking out his chest in a proud way. Bo was always a positive boy, he was strong even at his age and Xuan believed the king was right; he would be a strong man. Like any mother would Xuan laughed encouragingly at Bo while rubbing Jiangs back. The girl stirred in her arms and Xuan was sure she would be done napping soon which would mean she would need the guards to fetch her some milk for the girl.

[earthking]

"That's the spirit," the Earth King applauded the boy. "One's first step," he babbled "should not only be just the first but also positive." Four palace servants scampered forward. Between them they carried a large, elongated and ornately carved wooden tray.

"As the masters say," he lead the boy along, "such a mindset is primary for one that chooses to overcome or complete whatever obstacle or task placed before them," lecturing much like a tutor or teacher. In fact, certainly, a keen enough person would not only notice his Majesty sounded much like something directly out of a book but it was likely an exact quote.

Simultaneously the four men went down on one knee. One hand reaching underneath to pull down a leg as the tray was set upon the ground. Organized atop it was arrayed a variety of kites in various shapes, sizes, styles and colours.

"Now then," a finger hung upon the Earth King's mouth, rather childishly, as he turned to the boy. "Which ones shall we tryyyy?"

[xuan]

"Hmm," Bo looked at the various kites, but his eyes brightened at a green kite with the Earth Kingdom symbol one it and he pointed, "That one is the strongest," the boy sounded very sure of his answer.

Xuan watched from the grass a few paces away and smiled, she could see well enough which kite he was pointing to. The symbol of the Earth Kingdom, he thought it was the strongest. Xuan had alkways told him how brave his kingdom was and apparently the boy had taken it to heart.

Jiang twisted in Xuans arms and gave a small yawn as she stretched. She rubbed her closed eyes and than opened them slowly, obviously still groggy from her noon nap.

"Mama, ungy," not only was the girls speech natural choppy from her age, but it was slurred from her drowsiness, Xuan understood her though. Her duaghter was hungry.

"Your highness," she looked at the kings back as she spoke, "would it be possible to get a small glass of milk and possibley some rice for my girl?" she waited hopefully. She didn't believe such a kind man would refuse her duaghter food, but it was always best to ask.

[earthking]

"Stupendous choice," applauding with the glee more like a fellow youth than an adult towards a child.

Though in all honesty his Majesty would not have felt affronted if the child had chose another kite. But the kite crafted in the kingdom's was no less lovely in appearance. Probably no bigger than the boy himself, excluding his limbs. An emerald paper circle with a bright canary yellow trim about the hole in its center, and loose canary yellow paper attached to the outer edges. Once in flight the kite would show the symbol as both circle and square and circle as the canary yellow flaps waved about in the breeze. Its circular frame consisted small bamboo poles fastened into a cartwheel like shape to support and hold its form.

Two of the servants attending the kite tray approached. One gently lifting the kite and tying it to a string of silk. The other approaching Bo with a bamboo spool with the rest of the silk string wrapped about it. Kneeling before the child and presenting him the spool.

Of course his Majesty was momentarily directed away from the entire sight by the needs of a child and the care of a mother. "But of course," nodding in agreed approval. The Earth King rose hand to one of the nearest aides. The aide approached, bowing lowly before his Majesty before looking at his king's upturned palm pointing towards Xuan Yen.

Though statue-esque as they off stood to the side, the servants servants were neither deaf, blind nor incompetent to what went on around them. The servant took another moment to bow before taking leave. Immediately sprinting across the courtyard and into the palace proper.

"It should not take long," his smile directed more at the child than the noble woman.