Flame Realm By Angel Síoraí

Part 1
Kindling

Doing what she loved best, Peaches decided she would aggrivate her servants by disappearing before their morning ritual of taking down the curtains. She hid behind one of the gaudy vases in the corner as she watched them run about the room frantic as they could not find her, in their fits she put her palm to the floor casting a small spell that made the floor start steaming at which point she emerged laughing. Her head keeper stormed into the room crossing her arms as she tapped her hooves against the floor which Peaches knew meant only one thing, her father wasn't going to be happy with her today. She found it amusing sometimes the looks her father gave her, as she entered his viewing room she could sense that today..was going to be a bit different.

In front of her stood 7 males who seemed to be near her age or a little bit older. She looked around confused as she noted as well that the room seemed to be full of viewers..then it dawned on her..today was the Selection. She hated this day, she'd been put through this day about 4 times in the past 4 years as well..each had the same result..those who could walk away were lucky the others..not so much. Her father stood up and the crowd hushed “Today, you are all gathered here to bear witness to my dear daughter's Selection..whether she likes it or not” her father glared at her which made her turn away. Peaches sighed a bit as she was motioned forward to walk around the males..they never caught her interest and this was no different..a bunch of boys puffing out their chests, others playing with fire trying to show how their skills could match or possibly rival her own..she muttered softly as she stomped on the floor giving them all hot feet making them hop around before her father shouted “ENOUGH! If you will not choose a suitor you will choose your fate. Exile or Death”.

Peaches, her fur as dark as coals, her eyes and mane as fiery as the brightest flames glared up at her Father 'Exile or Death? Because I chose no suitor? I have known for some time you cared not for me but to go to this extreme is beyond comprehension” She walked back and forth on the floor below his throne as she thought about her choices..the daughter of a Fire Lord, she had power herself but no one would go against Him. She muttered again before she turned and made her way out of the viewing room her father shouting at her but his words being ignored. She made her way to the training area down by the ocean. She put her palms out in front of her as she closed her eyes letting the heat flow through her as she engulfed herself within flames before she sat on the ground meditating. It was about a hour that passed before her mother put her hand on her shoulder which snapped her out of her meditation as her touch was cold as ice compared to her own, she looked up with the flame kissed tears fell down her face which her mother wiped away “You are the only one who can decide your fate Peachy..be it here and miserable..or out there across the ocean content” she said as she waved her hand out over the great expanse “If you stay here you know your flame will die” With that her mother kissed her forehead and left her knowing she would not be hearing from her again.

With her fate in her own hands she stood and left the training area but not before she left her mark on the floor glowing brightly, her sign to her father that she would rather be exiled then live by his rule.