Normally, Azula wouldn't set foot in a bar, much less a dive like this. There are very few shirshu, however, and even fewer people who can control them. She wouldn't say she needs this woman to find Zuko- her brother has his allies, but he himself is hopelessly predictable. Mai and Ty Lee are certainly up to the task. Cultivating ties with rare talents is merely expedient, especially if the talent in question is known to be mercenary.

The crowd at the back of the room roars. Azula makes her way through the sour smell of sweaty bodies, ignoring the stickiness of the floor beneath her, and slides up to the bar just as a dark-haired woman pushes a stack of coin across it.

"A round for that lot," the woman says. The bartender laughs and nods, turning to fill a tray of glasses.

"Are you June?"

"Depends who's asking."

Azula slides her hood back just enough for the Fire Nation emblem in her hair to be visible, then draws it forward again. "Me."

The woman merely raises an eyebrow and nods. "Then yes. Princess."

Azula, used to more formal gestures, is reluctantly impressed by her strength of will. "I'm looking to build a small, elite team," she starts.

June snorts. "Heard you already had one."

"A two-member team is sometimes less than ideal," Azula says. She pauses, considering. "I'd also like someone who isn't embroiled in childhood ties."

June's eyes flicker with curiosity, but she doesn't ask questions. "Contract work?"

"You'd be on retainer for at least six months. The length of the contract is negotiable, but absolute confidentiality is not."

June looks insulted. "I am a professional, princess."

"I know." Azula holds their eye contact, unblinking. After a moment, June nods.

"Then let's say six months. When would I start?"

The sudden bubble of relief startles Azula, but she's practiced enough not to show it. "Tomorrow."