The Earth Kingdom Revisited
Chapter One – The Brotherhood of the Sword
The grating sound of metal clashing against metal filled the courtyard of Piandao's palatial estate. Fire Lord Zuko and the renowned sword master were sparring energetically beneath the blazing afternoon sun. The Fire Nation had been experiencing an unusual winter heat wave for the past two weeks. Both men sweated profusely and were tiring, the older man a little more than the younger.
"I think it's time for a break," Piandao yelled above the sound of their mock battle. "Mai, would you join us in a cup of chilled tea?"
The Fire Lord's girlfriend was lounging in the shade and had taken off her outer robe because of the heat. "Yes, please," she said emphatically. "If I'm hot, you two must be just about dead," she joked.
"Just about," Piandao smiled. "Come, my lord. Let's take a break."
The dark haired young man grabbed a towel and wiped off his glistening head. "Piandao, please call me Zuko. You keep forgetting."
"Force of habit, young man."
Piandao's butler, having seen the pair stop their sparring, brought out the promised chilled tea. The trio retired to a table under an overhang and sipped away at their drinks.
"Well, Zuko, I'm pleased with your progress. You've been training with me once a week for three months now and I can see your creative fighting skills improving with each visit."
"You are an accomplished master and I can learn much from you," Zuko replied, bowing his head. "There are those people who think a firebender should not use other forms of fighting. But I don't care. I love using my sword and I've loved blades since I was a child. How can having an extra skill be wrong?"
Piandao nodded his agreement and then turned his attention to Mai. "How about you, young lady, would you like to learn the art of the sword? Zuko tells me that you are quite accomplished with shuriken and knives."
Mai's eyes widened. "Um, I never gave it any thought," she said hesitantly.
"There's no reason for you not to, if you wish it. Let me know. If you decide to take up the art of the sword, you'll have to make your own just like Sokka did."
"Uh-huh, make my own sword. I'll give it some thought."
Piandao chuckled. "If that doesn't appeal to you, bring your blades along next time and practice your aim. I've got wonderful targets we can set up for you."
The young woman's lovely grey eyes shone with delight. "Now that I will do," she agreed.
Zuko grinned. "Mai loves her knives," he said jokingly. "Really, she does."
"I know it's hot, and your Fire Lord duties require you back at home soon, Zuko," broached Piandao, "but let's take a short walk out to the waterfalls. I find the view there soothing and inspiring. Take that feeling back to the palace with you. Then you and Mai can take your balloon home."
"Certainly," Zuko nodded, getting up from the table. "Are you ready, Mai?"
"Let me grab my robe first," Mai replied.
Mai returned quickly and the trio walked through the courtyard out into the countryside surrounding Piandao's home. Situated on a huge, jutting outcrop of rock, Piandao's estate was surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The white stone mansion with the red roof tiles, stood out dramatically against the lush green of the grasses, the occasional palm tree and the bright blue of the winter sky. Following a rocky path, they reached the waterfall Piandao spoke of and stood in awe.
"No matter how many times I walk out here," Piandao declared, "I never tire of the view and it never fails to impress me."
"You have an incredible home, master," Zuko said reverently.
"Well, it's not the royal palace, but it does me fine," the older man stated mischievously.
"Feel free to visit the palace whenever you like," Zuko offered. "There are some great sparring areas. Much as I hate to, Piandao, Mai and I should be getting home. The sun will set in a few hours and I don't want to fly home in the dark."
"Certainly," Piandao agreed easily. "Let's get you two back."
Once back in the courtyard, Zuko and Mai grabbed the rest of their things, bid their goodbyes and climbed into the small airship. They headed in the direction of the capitol city.
Enjoying the view and their time alone, they young couple spoke softly to each other of trivial things, day to day life things that only those close to each other would know of. Zuko's voice became serious, however, and he broached an idea to Mai that had been whispering at the back of his mind for weeks.
"I'm thinking about making a little journey through the Earth Kingdom."
Mai raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you have enough of that when you were banished?" she asked.
Zuko laughed softly. "At the time, I was certainly tired of the travel and the running. But lately I've been thinking a lot about the people I met there, the towns I went through and I want to go back."
"Why do you want to go back?" his girlfriend inquired.
"Now that I'm Fire Lord, I don't want to lose touch with the so-called regular people. I want to know what they're thinking, what they want and I want to see how they will react to me."
"But Zuko," Mai interjected, a hint of trepidation in her voice. "Won't it be dangerous? Aren't there lots of people out to get you?"
"There will always be people who want to kill me or dethrone me somehow, Mai. We have to live with that."
"Why do I get the feeling that you'll be making this trip without me," said Mai tilting her head and looking up at Zuko, a small smile playing at the corner of her mouth. "And why do I get the feeling that you've already made your mind up about this trip."
"You got me," the Fire Lord answered smiling. "I need you at home, Mai. I trust you implicitly. I know that you will keep things in order along with First Minister Cheng and General Haku. Besides, it won't exactly be a vacation," he smirked.
"Hmmm, and have you spoken with Cheng and Haku yet? What about your protection? Will you bring soldiers or guards with you?"
"No. I don't want an entourage. I don't want to draw attention to myself. So I'm thinking about asking Piandao to go with me."
"Piandao," said Mai slowly. "He's a good choice. Do you think he'll say yes?"
"I plan on sending him a letter once I clear things with Cheng and Haku. Having a member of The Order of the White Lotus with me will be an advantage, I think. And I've grown very fond of him. He's almost like a second uncle. Speaking of uncles, I'll be able to visit Iroh as well."
"It seems you've thought this whole thing through. If it's what you need to do, then do it, Zuko. I'll miss you, though. How long do you plan on being gone?"
"Probably a good three weeks."
"Oh," Mai pouted.
Zuko leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. "I'll miss you too, Mai."
The Capitol City came into view beneath the air balloon. "Here we are," stated Zuko. "Get ready to land."
Zuko did his best to guide the balloon to the large open field outside the city used for landing both large and small airships. It hit the ground a bit roughly and Mai laughed. "You'll never get the hang of this thing, will you?" she teased.
"Next time, you can do the flying. How about that," Zuko retorted.
A small group of guards awaiting the Fire Lord's return accompanied the couple to the palace. Though not yet married, Mai had taken up rooms there and had a hand in the day to day functioning of the palace, as well as affairs of state. Her coolness and at times sharp insight had proved invaluable to Zuko.
"I'll see about dinner, Zuko. Meet me back at the dining room in an hour."
"Okay, Mai. I'm going to inform Cheng and Haku of my idea and then write a letter to Piandao," he replied.
"Well, as long as it's better than the one you left for me on the day of the eclipse, you should be alright," Mai said smartly.
"Oh, you're bad, Mai. You'll pay for that later."
"I'm looking forward to it," she said suggestively, tossing her raven hair and batting her eyelashes at Zuko.
The Fire Lord smiled broadly, shaking his head, and walked down the hall to his office.
Exactly one hour later, Zuko strode to the dining room where he and Mai took most of their meals. There was a balcony they often used for outdoor dining. The heat being what it was, Mai had the servants set up the table outside and she was waiting patiently for him.
"Roast duck! " exclaimed Zuko. "This must be my lucky day."
"Yeah, yeah, just sit down and seat," Mai replied dryly. She poured them each a cold glass of water to go with their dinner. "So, did you write that letter to Piandao?" Mai asked.
"Yes, it's finished, but I'd like you to read it before I send it off by hawk tomorrow," the Fire Lord replied.
"Okay. I'll read it when we finish our meal."
The couple took their time, savoring every bite. Meals were another time for togetherness and they tried their best not to rush them. When finished, Zuko suggested they walk back to his office so Mai could read the letter.
"Here it is," Zuko stated, handing over the crisp cream coloured parchment.
Mai sat down in a comfortable chair beside a lantern and began to read.
Master Piandao,
For quite some time, I have been contemplating a trip through the Earth Kingdom. While banished I encountered a few people I would very much like to see again. These strong people opened my eyes to the sorry situation the world was in back then and to the evils of my own beloved nation. Though I didn't realize their part in my awakening then, I certainly do now.
What better way to find out what the "common" people of the Earth Kingdom want from me as a Fire Lord and from the Fire Nation itself, then to live among them for a few weeks, observing real conditions and the real affect or lack thereof my changes have made.
Not wanting to draw undue attention to myself with an entourage or take Mai away from the capitol, I look to you, Piandao, to accompany me on this journey. I trust you completely, respect you immensely and have grown very fond of you. As a member of The Order of the White Lotus, your insight and knowledge will be invaluable to me. And, since I'm not sure what sort of reception I will get, your protection may also be necessary.
Please give my request serious thought. I can think of no one I would rather journey with (besides Uncle but he's very busy with his tea shop and we've done the journey thing once already and Mai, who is needed in the Fire Nation) than you.
Your humble student,
Zuko
Mai looked up from the letter and met Zuko's expectant gaze. "I think you can put your seal on it, Zuko. It's excellent."
"Oh, good," he sighed in relief as he heated the wax in the royal seal and made his mark underneath his signature. "I'll send it off first thing tomorrow morning."
"Well, I'm going to get ready for bed. Isn't there something you need to get me back for, Zuko? I'll be waiting for you." Mai stood up, walked over to the desk and placed a light kiss on her boyfriend's mouth. Zuko deepened the kiss, tangling his hands in Mai's long, dark hair. "Save it for later," Mai said laughing as she darted out of the room. Zuko looked after her and smiled.