#fire nation

[supremechancellorrex]

It was a school in the Fire Nation homeland I believe, but, yes, dancing and self-expression were not seen as "conducive" and thus seemingly discouraged by the authoritarian establishment the Fire Nation had become. This oppression contrasts with the freedom Aang knows of before the war, where he knows several classical Fire Nation dances, including the Pheonix Flight.

A number of nations have sought to curb and marginalise acceptable dances throughout history, especially when linked to ethnicity or a perceived ideology deemed unacceptable by the government. For example, Maoist China banned dancing for 20 years, deaming it socially "corrosive" and "decadent". Some dances are still banned like Shen Yun.

Cultural Fashion: Katara's Fire Nation Outfit

Was looking at some of my old posts and wanted to re-do a few of them, now that I'm 4 years older wiser.

Katara's Fire Nation outfit is inspired by the outfits worn during traditional Dai folk dance performances. These outfits are typically comprised of form-fitting tops that show off the midriff paired with flowing skirts or pants that emphasizes the elegant movements of the dancer. The necklace and other accessories that Katara wears are also reminiscent of the costume jewelry worn for these performances.

The Dai minority group refers to several Tai-speaking ethnic groups in southern China (Yunnan province) that are closely related to Lao and Thai people, both linguistically and culturally. They're a great inspiration for Fire Nation fashion. Fittingly, Katara debuts this outfit in the show's dancing-focused episode. Below are some examples of the elegance of Dai dance:

The "Peacock Dance" is the most famous Dai dance:

[frost-queen]

Melting snow (Reader x Prince Zuko)

Requested by @hyunjinvoid Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @alex–awesome–22, @ellie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers, @merlieve , @queen-of-books , @glimmering-darling-dolly , @denkisclown , @wildieflower , @meyocoko , @justanothercoco, @subjecta13-thefangirl , @m-rae23 , @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr , @swampything07, @melsunshine , @panhoeofmanyfandoms , @venomsvl , @the-uncoordinated-house-cat , @rosecentury , @imagines-by-her, @evilcr0ne , @vviolynn , @niktwazny303 , @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 , @erikasurfer @slythetic , @p0nycurtis, @eliscannotdance

“Zuko…”  - you said, reaching out for his shoulder. Before your hand could even touch his shoulder, he lashed out. Calling it out as he spun around, arm swaying out of your reach. It startled you making you blink innocently. – “Zuko… I was just…” – you tried explaining to him. – “Get lost!” – he called out, panting with anger. – “Zu…” – you tried once more, reaching out for him.

Zuko moved his hand across, a wave of flames with him. Making you block your arms up to cover up your face. Yelping loud as you felt the hotness brush near you. You stumbled to the ground looking frightful up at him. Zuko’s shoulder moving up and down with his heavy breathing. His expression cold despite the hotness radiating from him.

You had never seen him this angry before as it frightened you. Getting up, you took a run for it. Going back up to the ship’s deck. Zuko’s breathing steadied. Fading out till a soft breathing. Lowering his gaze, he felt the guilt of his actions clear. He knew he shouldn’t have lashed out, but he couldn’t help it.

It was his defence whenever he felt vulnerable. It was a weakness, he couldn’t show. Growing up with his father and sister made it that way. His weakness was of a quick time as his anger boiled again. Making him stomp his fist against the wall.

Some pots coming clattering down on the ground. Knowing his uncle might scold him later on it. It could care him less. For once again the avatar had slipped his grip. For sure he thought he had him. Only for the avatar to make a fool out of him. Nothing but silliness and games coming from him. Zuko thought for sure he’d outsmart such a child.

How wrong he was. For despite the childish appearance, the avatar had managed to  escape with a few good laughs. How he hated that capturing the avatar depended on regaining his honour and being able to return home. It was a task, he was not willing to fail on.

You had spurted onto the deck, panting loud. You noticed some soldiers looking your way. Feeling as if they were staring at you. Making your way to the railing, you gripped tight on it. Wishing you could be endlessly away from him and his temper. You admired Zuko much but that temper of his would be his undoing. You had hoped with your presence, you could’ve changed him. Helped him learn to control his anger and that there are more ways than using brute force.

When you signed up to join the crew, you only did it for Zuko. Knowing how utterly alone he would be. So as the girl that he had known since he was a child, you came along. Hoping your presence would make him feel less alone. It seemed to have worked till the arrival of the avatar messed with his brain.

All anger going straight to his head and fists. Gripping tight onto the railing, you tore your gaze away. Trying to stop yourself from crying. For crying for the friend you were losing in him with this process. Old scars never able to heal. Those old scars taking the upper hand on him.

Your lip quivered at the thought. A shudder of cold rushing down your spine. It made you open your eyes. Looking forwards at the glaciers. Chunks of ice drifting in the cold waters. Warming your arms a bit with your hands, you hoped to soon leave the Southern waters. You weren’t build for the cold. The ship steered narrowly through the glaciers. Hearing them crack once you get close to them.

The sound echoed and wrapped around the ship like a storm. Sending more shivers down your spine. Hearing some movement and commotion behind you, made you look. Seeing how all the crew formed a line. Not a moment later emerged Zuko onto the deck. Hands behind his back.

Still the same cold expression on his face. His crew saluted their prince. Between their heads you noticed Zuko. His head turned to your direction. Knowing he could see you, you dropped into a curtsy out of respect for your prince. No matter how well you knew him, you knew your place. It was nowhere near royalty.

Zuko quickly turned his head, focusing forwards once more. He neared the front of his ship, looking back at the Southern waters. His shoulders slouching down with a deep breath. You didn’t even needed to speak with him to know what he was thinking.

Biting your lip, you hesitated. Having the urge to run over to him and comfort him. Comfort him as you had done so many times. When he cried for his mother. When Azula taunted him again. When his father disciplined him. You were always there to pick up his spirit and keep him going.

Then your mind went back to just now. How he had lashed out to you. You didn’t have to lie that it hurt. Hurt seeing him treat you like this. After all this, after all what you went through, he still pushed you away when things got heated. Zuko tore his gaze away, turning round. His gaze falling on you. It made you gulp soft. Wondering what was going through his head. Zuko seemed to move to your direction before he changed his mind. A shadow fell over you, spiking up your curiosity.

A second later you heard shouting. Looking over your shoulder, you saw the biggest glacier close to the ship. The captain desperately trying to steer the ship away. Anticipating the moment. The ship’s side slid against the glacier, making an excruciating sound.

The captain and others shouting loud. You ran away from the railing. chunks of ice falling onto the deck. Falling into smaller pieces of hard snow. Gasping loud, you looked over your shoulder. Seeing the glacier shudder. The bumping of the ship awakening it. Gaze going down, you saw Zuko close by. Snow rolled down the glacier as you knew what it meant.

Focused on Zuko, you started to run over to him. The snow coming down like an avalanche. You knocked Zuko out of the way with your shoulder just before the snow hit the deck. Falling on top of you as your screams were deafened out. Zuko was panting loud, pulling himself a bit up by his fist. His gaze fixated on the chunk of snow laying on deck.

“Y/n!” – he screamed out. He rushed up to his feet, running over. Diving to his knees to start digging into the snow. Clearing a way to you. Knowing that each second counted. Panting loud, he kept digging and digging. Clearing away the snow. His mind panicking and begging for you to be alright. Regretting ever wrong word he said to you. Regretting all his angers outed towards you.

“Y/n!” – Zuko said when your arm resurfaced. He started to clear the snow faster. Taking you by the arm to drag you closer to him. He held you in his arm, laying in his lap. He touched your cheek feeling how cold it was. – “Y/n… please…” – he said gently shaking your clothing for any movement. – “Y/n!” – Zuko shouted loud when no reaction came. He shook you harder, more desperate for any reaction.

Any sign that would tell him you were still with him. – “Y/n… please… please…” – he begged, his eyes becoming teary. – “Wake up… please… wake up…” – his shaking stopped as it seemed pointless. Touching your cheek once more, you were freezing cold. He pulled you closer to his chest, embracing you. – “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… please forgive me.” – he let his forehead touch yours.

“I beg you… come back… please… I need you.” – he sobbed out, cherishing you in his embrace. – “I need you to scold me. To show me the right way. To comfort me and knock some sense in me. I need you to be at my side. Please I need you in my life. I can’t live without you.” – Zuko wiped his tears aggressively away.

“Don’t you dare leave me! You don’t get to leave me! I need you because I can’t go any further without you.” – he lowered his head to leave a kiss on your forehead. – “Do you hear me Y/n!” – he shouted loud out of frustration. – “I hear you.” – you responded making him widen his eyes. – “Y/n!” – he called out in disbelieve as you tried to get up. Zuko bumped his chest against you, wrapping his arms around you.

It made you tap him on his shoulder, feeling smothered by him. – “Don’t go squeezing me to death fire prince.” – you taunted him. You felt him squeeze you tighter just to taunt you back. He then released his grip onto you. – “I thought you were dead!” – he shouted at you, nearly crying from relief that you were still here. – “Why didn’t you wake up!” – he gave you a stomp against your arm, making you call it out in pain.

“Because you were giving such a great speech. I couldn’t interrupt that could I now.” – you curled up a smile. Zuko tensed his jaw, grabbing you by the chin. Your eyes shot wide open when he pressed his lips onto yours. Feeling the warmth of his body warm your lips. Sending a warmth through your body. From your head till the tips of your toes.

When he pulled away, he let his thumb brush against your cheek. Seeing your color had returned. No longer looked icy. He cracked up a smile at your frozen expression. Zuko started waving his hand in front of your face to get a reaction out of you. You squealed loud, jumping at him. Wrapping your arms around him as he fell back with you. Your lips on him again. Zuko kissed you lovingly back. Iroh watching approvingly from a distance. Already picturing the wedding for he had always been rooting for the two of you.

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Read more of my fics on my Masterlists!

[demaparbat-hp]

Arsonist's Lullaby

[late-draft]

This is continuation of this thread with great ideas that inspired the art: Post

Zuko hasn't (yet??) blocked Azula, not even temporarily

Iroh's photo is blurry because OF COURSE

Zhao keeps editing his stuff

I debated placing "Ozai: Seen" but it turns out he probably wouldn't even be looking at this social media

Please help me name this lame Fire Nation social media for boomers

Zuko's "On a quest" status is pure copium

Next part

[official-sokka]

Don’t forget we invade the Fire Nation today

[queen-morgana91]

Avatar the Last Airbender beautifully told the story of how imperialists lie and have to be called on it and yet somehow certain people missed that message and turned into fire nation apologists

[wileycap]

Selected Excerpts From The Fire Nation Royal Palace Servants' (Unofficial) Handbook

Or: Revisions To Normal Protocol After The Ascension Of Agni's Exalted Flame, The Dragon Of The Sun, et cetera, Fire Lord Zuko

1. Agni's Exalted Flame, The Dragon Of The Sun, et cetera, Fire Lord Zuko should not be referred to by his full titles and styles, no matter the context. This appears to annoy him. "Fire Lord Zuko" and "Lord Zuko" are acceptable, as well as "your majesty" and "my Lord".

1.1 "Lord Hotman", however, is unacceptable.

1.2. Even if the Avatar specifically requests you to address Fire Lord Zuko as that.

1.3. In fact, any attempts by the Avatar, the Lady Beifong, the honorable Tribesman Sokka or even Master Katara to get you to address Fire Lord Zuko by anything other than his proper title should be disregarded.

1.4. Referring to Ozai of the Fire Nation (titles rmvd, dishon.) as "The Loser Lord", however, is acceptable.

2. Fire Lord Zuko is aware of the concept of mortality, but does not seem to understand how it relates to His Majesty. Following activities should be discouraged: Free climbing, glider usage, contact with exotic animals larger than a turtleduck (or smaller, if the animal is known to be venomous), amateur theatre productions, cooking, sailing, spelunking, botany, please see full list in the Matron's office.

2.1. It should be noted that His Majesty's belief that mortality does not apply to him does not appear to be completely unfounded. After several "close calls", it has been decided that upon his demise, Fire Lord Zuko should lie in state for at least two weeks.

2.1.1. We do not want another incident.

3. The turtleducks in the Western Pond do not need to be fed by the servants any more.

3.1. However, the turtleducks should be rotated out at regular intervals in order to prevent overfeeding.

4. At any official social functions, at least three servants should be vigilant in case His Majesty tries to tell a joke.

4.1. It should be noted that there is no concern for His Majesty's jokes being offensive, crass or otherwise contrary to good taste. They are simply very bad. His Majesty always ends up embarrassed.

5. Any children left unattended in the Royal Palace for more than 15 degrees can be retrieved from the Fire Lord's office.

6. Should His Majesty go missing, the following places should be searched: roofs and any high places, cellars and secret passages, the fur of the Avatar's sky bison (which is surprisingly deep), and every place that an ordinary five-year-old would think to hide in during a game of "Hide and Explode."

6.1. All of the Imperial Firebenders as well as any soldier who wears a mask during the course of their duties should be questioned.

6.1.1. Important note: Some of the soldiers who are especially close to His Majesty can perform a passable imitation of him. Efforts should be made to prevent an uneducated soldier from, say, conducting a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture.

6.2. After the recent incident, that list is expanded to include the Kyoshi Warriors and any other groups that might wear concealing full face paint.

6.3. If all of these measures prove ineffective, a letter should be sent to The Dragon of the West, Prince Iroh, asking His Highness to return His Majesty.

6.4. If a ransom note is delivered, it should be immediately checked against the handwriting samples from the honorable Tribesman Sokka as well as Avatar Aang, before any other actions are taken.

6.4.1. Replying "Good luck, he's your problem now" to a ransom note is absolutely unacceptable.

6.4.1.1. To further drive home the point, the Royal Archives are required by law to preserve every single piece of royal correspondence. That thing will end up in a museum.

This handbook will be updated should it prove necessary.

[3cosmicfrogs]

I wanted to go a bit more in-depth with this piece that I did for zukka week 2023 because i got inspired to do more insane clothing details. ID in ALT.

Ramble about the influences/inspirations below:

Design inspirations for Sokka's clothing are mainly Inuvialuit and Yup'ik, with Nenets, Tlingit, and Chukchi inspiration for the tassels, patterns, belt and beadwork. I mixed these with the ornaments canon shows us used by the Northern Water Tribe, and also in Legend of Korra. I got particularly excited about drawing from Inuvialuit sources since the tassels we see in canon look like they could be inspired by this. Going beyond canon's animation-friendly colour scheme, I drew from Nenets patterns/embroidery/sashes and Yup'ik beadwork for accent colours. I think in the future I'd like to find ways to incorporate more Tlingit-style patterns since I rarely see them in fanart (which is a shame - they're stunning), but since they tend to be very big I ultimately decided to only include them as a nod in order to keep the regalia recognisable as 'Water Tribe'. I wonder if I could start using Polynesian influences as well?

Zuko's headdress and particularly the shoulder garment and beaded embroidery draw heavily from women's clothing styles of Lê Dynasty Vietnam. The other main influence is men's royal clothing in Tang Dynasty China, and patterns worn by Mongolian Khatun. Since we have a bit more to go on in canon as to what fire nation regalia looks like, I blended that in as well. I got particularly excited about the embellishments on Lê Dynasty clothes because I could give a little nod to Zuko's dragon-fire by adding more colours to the embroidery. In the future I think I'd want to make the Mongolian influence a bit more obvious... perhaps even push the envelope by incorporating some Bashkir designs, though I'm not sure how well that will go.

[xxbimboboyxx]

I am pumping these out goddamn

[prodogg]

Interesting is that Zuko is kneeling here as if he’s submitting himself to Ozai, meanwhile, Azula bends the knee which represents her swearing loyalty to her father.

[thefireprincezuko]

You're So Beautiful When You Hate The World.

[lapseinart]

I’m really fond of the idea of Zuko being a very competent bureaucrat. Is he an amazing fire bender by literally anyone other than the royal family’s standards? Hell yeah! But he’s also got an incredible head for facts and figures and his calligraphy is On Point and he can read really really fast so he’s just really good at paperwork.

And so one day Zuko gets fed up with Azula taunting him about being Fire Lord as soon as she escapes that he’s just like fine. And he dumps copies of rice tax allocations and legal petitions and a long list of candidates for a new Minister of Health and funding requests from the Minister of Education and the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Culture (all of whom he’s planning on firing but he gives them to her just to see what she does) and he says okay. Be the Fire Lord. Those need to be done by the end of the week. I’ll bring the rest down tomorrow.

And Azula’s beyond competent okay? She could do all of this and more. So she looks through everything, makes a few modifications, some of which Zuko even takes up because his little sister is a genius, but damn if it isn’t boring as hell. Sometimes when Zuko comes by she’s looking over a budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and casually says, oh we had to arrest Minister Yu because he tried to assassinate me. His replacement gave us a new budget. And Azula’s eye twitches as she crumples up the parchment she was holding and thrusts her hand out to receive the new budget allocation form. She sets it on fire and pretends it’s the traitor. Nobody should get to kill her brother except for her.

And by Agni Azula knows what he’s doing because between the two of them there was one that actually enjoyed doing homework and one that would rather be outside practicing forms. But Azula Will Be Fire Lord mark her words. Azula was the politically savvy one. Azula was the one who knew how to maneuver all the pieces into place.

Azula wanted to burn all the paperwork, even if that was as good as admitting defeat.

She lasts until Zuko peers into her cell to comment on the fact that she couldn’t set a meeting with the cabinet on the day of the summer solstice without losing the support of the Sage’s (who were invaluable in maintaining the dynasty) that Azula loses it. She sets the paperwork on fire. Zuko opens the door to her cell and she stomps out.

Zuko is the Fire Lord, and the Lightning Princess stands at his side. Pointedly not doing paperwork.

[mayskalih]

[demaparbat-hp]

The Perfect Prince

[exactlyonespoon]

[firenaition]

thinking about what zuko means to azula and weeping. he's a traitor but he's your brother. he held you when you were born. he's banished for being too weak to hurt your father and you learn to hate his goodness. he is somewhere in the world carrying your eyes. he misses your absent mother more than he loves you but that is the price you pay for being the one who stayed. he never grants you this same kindness. you are faster and deadlier and better but it doesn't change the fact that your brave big brother used to tell you stories of dragons every time it stormed because you were so afraid of the thunder. he is the only one who understands what it means to bear the brunt of your bloody inheritance. he crumbled under the weight of it, but you stayed. you always stay. he is half of you. you hate being betrayed.

you don't love him. he's your big brother. who could you possibly love more?