He has been wandering for almost a week now. I feel guilty about tracking him like an animal, but I also know that he needs his time and space. I am careful to stay about a day's worth of travel behind him, but years in the army make the tracking simple. When he needs me, I will not be far behind.
I am not trying to push him down any one path; it just pains me to see him hurting like this. I only hope that he will be able to learn the value and pleasure of a simple life, free from the structures he once knew. I believe it is the only way he may come to some peace.
"…so one of the kids was waaaaay too focused on his destination. I mean, man, we were in a cave! How much closer to the earth can you possibly get? But he kept on about how we should make a map or try to get out before we all die."
"Way too harsh."
"Yeah, kids are supposed to be all in tune with nature, pure innocents. But he was just way too sharp. Hopefully he learned something from travelling with us."
I nod over my cup of tea, not really listening. The travelers had wandered into my camp early in the day, and I was quickly coming to regret my hospitality. True, the banjo and flute music were quite lovely, and there are a few songs we all know the words to, but the conversation leaves something to be desired.
"They were heading to Omashu, and while the king there is totally awesome, the whole idea of cities just bums me out. Everyone crammed in together, trying to play by the same rules. They don't even notice all the cool stuff outside their walls, too busy working. They all need to cut loose and feel the flow of life, do you know what I mean?"
The rest nod as their leader continued to ramble. Two of them do not seem to have a purpose beyond agreeing with him and dancing whenever someone starts playing music (not that their rhythmic flailing can quite be called dancing).
I cannot wait to leave in the morning, and I can only hope that they set out in a different direction, headed "wherever the wind takes them". Yes, I want Zuko to see the value of a simple life without structures, and I myself have been known to indulge in frivolous journeys and detours every once in a while.
But these people are ridiculous.
"Hey, cool old guy, do you have any of that tea left?"