Theme: learning.
--------
The house was simple and clean, rough-hewn wood and cool earthen walls nestled between sloping hills of the Earth kingdom. Devoid of frivolity yet comfortable, the way she preferred things; an easy life blessed with small pleasures, very much unlike her youth.
Mementos of a different time were carefully arranged atop the aged mantelpiece—a woven rope, a sagging leather pouch, a pale blue disc adorned with delicate curls. Against the wall, nearly overshadowed by twin vases, rested a yellowed portrait of a young man, wild hair and drawn face, a thick scar marring his left eye. These few treasures served as a testament to an era gone past, lingering reminders of a history that was even now fading from the world's memory.
"Mama, mama!" An insistent tug on the hem of her dress shook the young woman from her momentary reverie.
"What is it, Kirey?" she responded, crouching to meet eyes with the child at her side.
"Who is that man, mama?" A pointed finger stretched toward the faded image questioningly.
"Ah… He was once known as Prince Zuko, heir to the kingdom of the Fire Nation, long ago. He was said to be harsh and cruel, obsessed with destroying those who threatened the Fire Nation's century-long war. He…he was not a nice man," she explained, turning from the crumbling paper to look at her daughter. "Something of a real bully."
The child's eyes lingered on the mantel, lost in quiet contemplation. "Mama, are you sure that man is Zuko?" she pressed after a moment, incredulous. "But grandpa is so nice. And he doesn't have that mark."
"Yes, I'm sure," the woman smiled, glancing toward the kitchen "that man" and her mother shared. Through the open doorway she watched her young son bounce lightly on his elderly grandfather's knee, burbling contentedly. Her mother, laughing from out of view, gently clinked earthenware dishes, preparing for tea.
"The scar…has been healed."