Disclaimer: Bryke & Nick owns the characters. I just tell stories. =P
Prologue:
The moon shines bright
Every night, but when
She doesn't, all the stars
Come out like fireflies
In the night~
A little girl looks amused at the sight. Really, is this the Dragon of the West? She kept asking herself the same question but in the end she just stared at the old man singing while boiling tea leaves in an earthen pot.
The old man quickly spun around facing the oak door. "Ah, well if it isn't Chibi Mai-Mai! How do you do my dear? My songs must have reached into your heart and pulled you over here." He couldn't suppress a giggle when the little girl blushingly smiled on the cold floors. "Come here, we could have a chat and I'll tell you a story about teas." The little girl looked up and nearly hung her jaw, but then remembered it was so unbecoming of a lady so she just obliged. "As you wish, General Iroh-sama."
The old man chuckled again. "No need to be so formal, Chibi Mai-Mai. After all, I don't think you're obliged to when you talk to my dear son Lu Ten, or adorable nephew Zuko" with emphasis on the last name spoken. The little girl just let out a gasp and just stared at the old man before letting her eyes fall to the ground again. To be honest she can't help but blush, it's a part of her that is as natural as a cat having whiskers and fluffy ears. Ah, cats, so fuzzy and warm. The little girl thought about her kitten and smiled. "Couldn't Chibi Mai-Mai at least have some almond cookies? That goes well with some lychee nut tea you know." The old man patted the stool beside the wooden table and the little girl's eyes grew wider at the sound and smell of almond cookies. "Okay, as you say so, General uhm… What should I call you then?" She suddenly felt a bit foolish after the last sentence.
"Hm… Uncle Iroh should be just fine, Chibi Mai-Mai." The little girl suddenly felt warm and fuzzy. It's just like when Uncle Wei told her that she could just call him Uncle Wei, no other pretentions. Just like the feeling of being loved unconditionally. Maybe this is the reason why Zuko loves going to this sojourn location in the first place. For a place known to be the warmest among Four Nations, the great walls of the palace can be pretty cold as ice…
"Ok, I think we just ran out of tea, Chibi Mai-Mai. Shall I teach you a bit of my brewing secrets? Just between you and me of course." The old man winked at the little girl and she smiled without even knowing what happened. "Okay, Uncle Iroh Sir!" And with that, tea brewing (and some life) lessons began.
Author's Note: This is my first attempt at posting a fan fic. I hope to hear your comments, suggestions, rants or raves. Please tell me what you think. Thanks! ^-^
