Tea & Sympathy combines the two best things in the world. Tea… and Iroh.
Tea & Sympathy is a collection of Iroh shorts, as I believe Iroh is best character in the whole Avatar series, apart from another certain firebender (tea and a brownie to anyone who guesses who that other firebending fella is).
Chapter was written while drinking tea (whoo!) and listening to Enya. Yes, Enya.
Disclaimer: I own nothing unless it is stated otherwise.
To Soothe the Soul
Iroh sat calmly at a low table. The rich aroma of jasmine danced around his senses. A low whistle announced the comings of what he had been expecting. His tea was ready.
After a hard day of battling the high seas, the sometimes glum moods of the crew and his nephew's ferocious temper, it felt good to take time, get comfortable and unwind with a hot cup of Jasmine tea.
Iroh found Jasmine tea was best when he needed some cheering up. Also when he was angry or feeling down. It soothed him. Mind you, any tea was good in Iroh's view, but the properties in jasmine always managed to calm his nerves, no matter the circumstances.
The mellow atmosphere was disturbed as Iroh's young nephew burst in.
"Uncle," he announced, "we are gaining on the Avatar. I suggest you stop supping that spit and come up on deck."
"I fail to see how I may be of use. You seem to be doing a fine job of chasing the boy."
"I will not underestimate him again. I want every able-bodied firebender at the ready and prepared for his capture."
"I hardly think that is necessary." muttered Iroh.
"What?" Zuko inquired.
"Nothing." Iroh took a sip of tea. "So, how long until we reach the Avatar?"
"An hour. Maybe two."
"In that case, sit! I'll pour you some tea."
"I don't want any tea, Uncle!"
"No, but you need it. You are stressed, and stress gives you wrinkles. You'll end up looking like me by the time you are twenty."
"There is no time!"
"There is always time. There is all the time in the world. And there is no time like the present."
Zuko growled in frustration and left the room, slamming the door on his way out.
Iroh looked up for the first time and sighed.
"There is not enough tea in the world to calm that boy's nerves."