p class="MsoNormal"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"Author's notes./strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"Hey readers, I know its been a while since my last update. Honestly, I've been fighting with this chapter for a while. I knew the plot of the story but I couldn't figure out how to get there. But here we are again. I've finally worked past my writer's block and finished this chapter. Also thank you em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Frankie/em for giving me the last shove to finish this chapter up. But Hopefully things will be going my way for continuing this story. But who cares after all these set backs with school and life and shit? Our characters are back and full of all they're lovely quirkiness./strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"(Zuko pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal""You did what!" I cant believe it, after chasing the Avatar and his gang for two months. We finally come along intel that might just help us finally recapture him before the news reaches the ears of my father, my uncle rerouted us. To a vacation spot! Because he feels like it!/p
p class="MsoNormal""And this is why we need to take a break prince Zuko, you see you are far too stressed. Also, Yusei bo, is known for its thriving economy, saunas, and fascinating trinkets. Also did I mention they are famous for their tea ceremonies." My uncle continued as he was pitching the idea for the first time. It wasn't like he said this before while causally stroking his beard./p
p class="MsoNormal""You already have an entire vault of this ship dedicated to your collections!" I seethed as him. The flames in the room licking at the walls and revealing the newly burnt areas weather they once were. They kissed the wounds of the ship in false hopes of fixing the damage that was dealt. "How much more crap do you need, uncle!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Nephew, you fail to see past your own nose. That room is filled with priceless treasures, if you would just take a look…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""FINE! Lets go to Yumei Tong, whatever! As long as it gets you out of this room!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I knew you would see reason, you are a very wise young man, if I do say so myself." My uncle said triumphantly as he walked towards the door of the meditation room as if nothing had happened. "also,.."/p
p class="MsoNormal""what" I said exasperated/p
p class="MsoNormal""Remember, the deal we made a while ago?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""what deal, oh" I remembered the deal that the next time we stop for pleasure I'd at least spend some time off ship for once, in exchange I got to have full control of our stops for the next month./p
p class="MsoNormal"" I cant wait to taste the Yusei bo tea, I also sent a bird ahead for our reservations to the saunua."/p
p class="MsoNormal""aggh!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"I threw my cup at the door my uncle retreated behind. Only to be left with the happy muttering of an old man walking away and the metallic ring of metal./p
p class="MsoNormal"Maybe, uncle was right, We've been chasing after the avatar without rest for soo long, we all might just need some time away from everything./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"(Anaka pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Oh, thank the gods! I think I've heard the best rumor ever. After months of being at see endlessly only stopping to try and hunt down Anng. We've finally got a few days of rest. No most overly stressed and skeptic soldiers to tiptoe around. And no more having to worry about whether or not I can slip off the ship without it leaving me behind. I can get off the ship and shop! Relax, and whatever else I want!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I mean, the further we've traveled away from home the more I've had to try and find lighter clothes to wear. I mean there are a lot of options but, not a lot actually fit my frame. Heck even my summer gear is still to warm for the ever-warming climate. After rummaging around through the clutter I've found a simple fire nation dress. Its nothing fancy but its material is better suited for the warm weather. It's a simple long sleeve dress with buttons that fasten to the right tow toward the top weather the fabric sits at an angle and the other two at the waist. These are normally hidden by a series of waist ties. The sleeves are puffy until it comes three quarters down my arm which are more tight fit. The skirt goes down to my knees and I found some boots. The entire outfit is an assortment of reds, I also found some tights and short booties which seemed to matched. If I pinned my hair back, I looked simple and cute. Even with my earrings, and their matching scared tissue./p
p class="MsoNormal"Yusei bo here I come!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I guess I need a story for this new look. I mean from the pamphlet I found while checking the old man's room. Its seems like a big shopping and tourist place, lots of goodies and places to buy stuff. So I need to be prepared to be at the very least a bit social. I think I can wok with a simple farm girl or something, Do they have farms in the fire nation. I assume so with all the good food I've been eating which tends to be fire nation based. Just thinking of all the spices and seasoning is making my mouth water./p
p class="MsoNormal"I found the old mirror that was a few rows back from my nest which had become far comfier and more decorated over the months I've spent here within this room with nothing to-do. I've never been more sea sick in my life! Those nights in those big waves in a dark room was not helpful. Ah well, I mean Those sleepless night had made my space both roomier than what a started with (I was like crunched in a corner) and nicer. With nothing better to-do, I found lots of motivation fixing it up, I also found some cushions and blankets and plumped up my bed and I even have a small area that I use to sit now and prepare small meals when making it to the kitchen to steal food was a bit to trying. I found out the mirror which is a few rows back from my living space is normally my closet space and its become the place where I keep most if not all of the clothes I find or have that fit./p
p class="MsoNormal""ahem"/p
p class="MsoNormal""hi, I'm Anaka! I've just come from my farm"/p
p class="MsoNormal"No no no, lets not use my name. also a bit too enthusiastic? Lets try again./p
p class="MsoNormal""Um, hi I'm new to the area. Yeah just came from my families farm to visit my aunt for a while." Aunts are safe right? " Any way my name is … is, is Toziso" Toziso, really!? Ok let's try something closer to the truth, Tei? Naseko? No how about Sio, maybe Azeli? Yes Azeli! close to Anaka enough to hopefully not mess up. Lets try this again./p
p class="MsoNormal""hi, its nice to meet you! Oh. My name? My name is Azeli, My parents sent me to Yusei bo to stay with my aunt for a few days."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ok break down, I'm a farm girl who lives with her parents on the family farm. My name is Azeli, my mothers is Shie, and my father is,, is Tozi! My parents decided to treat me by letting me visit my aunt while she is in Yusei bo for a business trip. Which means I'll only be in town for a few days. Good story me. Now how do I deter people from wanting to follow me back. I can't have them seeing me sneak my way back on the ship. What if I say that my aunt doesn't like visitors? That'll work for some people, I guess. I know I use my self-defense techniques and say I can handle myself just fine. I mean I do work a farm and my father was in the military for a while so he taught me some moves./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm starting to really like this plan. Now its time to do some stealth research I need to know if this is really happening. I check my reflection once more wearing my new disguise and I unclip my hair letting it far back to where it was before. I couldn't stand looking at my ears anymore. So my soft brown curls flopped back to my face in a familiar hug. It would cause to many questions anyway./p
p class="MsoNormal"(Zuko pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal"Trying to calm down wasn't an option. Trying to calm down while hungry harder. So I decided I might as well go to the galley and try to eat a decent meal for once./p
p class="MsoNormal""hmm, spicy noodles with shredded jerk and fire blossom tea" the galley sign read. Not bad but there have been better I guess even the chef is a bit run down./p
p class="MsoNormal"I walk to the line and the room grows quite the men wee rowdy with the news of the short break. I only recently found out that the detour my uncle scheduled was for 4 days. All eyes were on me as I got my tray of food and strolled to my seat./p
p class="MsoNormal"They all just kept looking then across the room the trio started to push the newer addition toward me egging him to ask all what they wanted to know. Was the rumor true. God it was takng to long. I just wanted to eat my dinner in peace. As this was the last time I'd have it for a while. I was dreading being dragged around my my uncle for several days. Nevermind the men on this ship partying until it was the last day./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""if you have something to say just spit it out" the young man, matsu was it? Shot straight up as a rod and slowly turn twards me shaking. "is isis it ttttrue that we have a break at Yu Yuyusei bo?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"You could have heard their eyeballs clicking./p
p class="MsoNormal""mggmf" I sighed as I admitted my defeat "yes, it seems so."/p
p class="MsoNormal""yeaaah!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I expect you all to be ready as soon as this is over because we will be working double time to make up for this excursion!" and they soon fell silent again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""what my nephew was saying was to enjoy yourselves while you can you deserve it"/p
p class="MsoNormal""look how happy they are zuko, when was the last time you saw any of them smile?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""they don't smile at me uncle, ever"/p
p class="MsoNormal""then this is a great time to get to know your crew." He happy gaufed./p
p class="MsoNormal""no"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Ah, if you don't take the time to enjoy life, you might just miss your best year without knowing it"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Uncle, I've been discarded by my nation sent adrift on what was an seemingly impossible mission to regain my honor AND my home. And you insisting to slow down. What if I don't catch the avatar and someone else does? Do you really never want to see the capital again?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I've found that sometimes you find things you were looking for in unexpected places and ways."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm eating in my room" I grab my tray and stand up to leave./p
p class="MsoNormal""you also could find thing you never would have found too" my uncle says before taking a sip of his tea./p
p class="MsoNormal"I leave them all in the galley to eat in solitude./p
p class="MsoNormal"(Anaka pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal"Double score! Woo! Never has that phrase actually make since since Sokka invented it in his crazy game. I never understood how exactly to play but I seemed to always win, so much he invented the double score in order to try and catch up./p
p class="MsoNormal"Not only did I get to eat delicious food again, but I found out that the rumors were true. Know it was only mere hours before we reached shore so I decided to head to my cozy nook to sleep. "When I wake up, I will finally socialize with someone other than myself." I yawned as I pulled my covers up and snuggled into my bed./p
p class="MsoNormal"em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Several hours later/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"I stepped onto solid ground and took in a deep breath of the fresh morning air. It was a bit strange because my feet and my brain still were fighting about being on ground that wasn't swaying. So I sat in the early hour just taking in the morning life./p
p class="MsoNormal"The men last night partied until the early hours as I woke up and the stranglers were still shuffling off in they're afterparty stupor. After sneaking around, and peeking around corner I walked out onto the desk and descend the walkway to the dock below. I was lost in thoughtspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanwhen two very familiar faces appeard to my right./p
p class="MsoNormal""well my, my they sent such a fair maiden to escort us around Yusei bo today?" the old man said startling me/p
p class="MsoNormal""woah, I mean no." I paused scratching my head "you scared me sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal"We stood there in awkward silence for a moment. The old man in a lesser shock than me. With a veerrry grumpy fire but groaning behind him. As if realizing this the old man stepped toward me and gently grasped my hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""Well I'm sorry young miss, but no one so beautiful has called me sir. Don't mind my nephew, he just not use to be up in these early hours."/p
p class="MsoNormal""oh, I don't mind" calm down Anaka, its not like they know you've been a stowaway on their ship. In fact, this might end up being my stop if I happen to fight a master. If not, I should just enjoy this./p
p class="MsoNormal""What bring you two here to Yusei bo? Especially so early?" I ask as I peer over to the grumpy Prince./p
p class="MsoNormal""oh we're just here to enjoy ourselves, right Zuko"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Zuko growled at the mention of his name, I wonder if its because it could be linked to his lineage. I guess I might as well play dumb./p
p class="MsoNormal""well I guess that goes for me too! Any major plans while you're here?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""oh we plan to make a stop at some of the famous tea houses here, and then relax at the best sauna in town." Zuko groans more ask his uncle goes through their itinerary. I have to giggle it reminds me so much of Sokka's training camp sessions. He's like a big kid. Well if the kid had permanent sour face on./p
p class="MsoNormal""do you happen to have any plans that match up with ours, perhaps?" the old man asks me. Red flag, no way am I going to hang out with them all day, I was planning to explore around maybe find new stuff. Ask around for a master. Would it be weird to admit that? Yes, it would! I doubt that most people here train this late in life other than to keep sharp on their skills. What if they invite me to stay with them during their trip. The chances of being caught increase exponentially. Shit, shit, got to say something./p
p class="MsoNormal""no plans exactly, my parent's kind of sprung this trip on me." Good non-committal, and if by parents you mean the ship you stowed away on even better just keep stretching the truth until they leave./p
p class="MsoNormal""why, then don't you join us today? We've been traveling so long with just men. A pretty face might do my nephew some good." "pfft" god that old man has both charm and guilt. But it shall not work, I will not fall in to this trap./p
p class="MsoNormal""as much as your invite intrigues me, I am afraid Top-knot behind you doesn't seem to agree. Not to mention I doubt I'd be able to pay for any of the experiences you mentioned. My family isn't the richest" I said with a small giggle, god stop looking at me like that Prince of jerks! Ever since his uncle mentioned inviting me he has been giving me this glare./p
p class="MsoNormal""nonsence! Come with us, tea is much better with company." And with that the old man swept me along in stride as we headed into the town./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ok time to panic, stick to story, I guess I'm hanging out with them today. Note to self, do not under whatever circumstances stand in front of the ship tomorrow!/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""now that we're friends lets get to know one another"/p
p class="MsoNormal""uncle!" Zuko protested/p
p class="MsoNormal""As you already know the grumpy one behind us is my Nephew Zuko, don't worry he is almost always grumpy but at east this is one of his better days." You don't have to tell me, I watched him lose his cool several times over the months./p
p class="MsoNormal""my name is Iroh, and what happens to be your name?" Iroh was smooth/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm Azeli, it's a pleasure to meet you Iroh" I smile at him. We walk through the streets getting closer to the first tea house "le chez" and we get a table for three and sit down. I grab one of the menus and start perusing it when to my surprise a hand comes gently and removes the menu from my hands. I look up in question to find Zuko, who is surprisingly calmer than how he started calmly shake his head in silent defeat./p
p class="MsoNormal""you won't need it" he says with a whisper. I lean in close in curiosity./p
p class="MsoNormal""why not?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""he just ends up ordering for you, and trust me he always knows what to get." We both share a look as we look over to Iroh who is happily ignoring us and whistling to himself./p
p class="MsoNormal""but we just met he couldn't…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""he will"/p
p class="MsoNormal"And with that he returned to his stoic pain in the but self. Conversation over./p
p class="MsoNormal"Without a doubt Iroh ordered us tea without even debating it. And in such a manner we receive or order. I grabbed my cup which had a red tint and smelled great. It was great. After we had pleasant conversations over tea we parted ways./p
p class="MsoNormal"I wish./p
p class="MsoNormal"strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"Hey readers, I know its been a while since my last update. Honestly, I've been fighting with this chapter for a while. I knew the plot of the story but I couldn't figure out how to get there. But here we are again. I've finally worked past my writer's block and finished this chapter. Also thank you em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Frankie/em for giving me the last shove to finish this chapter up. But Hopefully things will be going my way for continuing this story. But who cares after all these set backs with school and life and shit? Our characters are back and full of all they're lovely quirkiness./strong/p
p class="MsoNormal"(Zuko pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal""You did what!" I cant believe it, after chasing the Avatar and his gang for two months. We finally come along intel that might just help us finally recapture him before the news reaches the ears of my father, my uncle rerouted us. To a vacation spot! Because he feels like it!/p
p class="MsoNormal""And this is why we need to take a break prince Zuko, you see you are far too stressed. Also, Yusei bo, is known for its thriving economy, saunas, and fascinating trinkets. Also did I mention they are famous for their tea ceremonies." My uncle continued as he was pitching the idea for the first time. It wasn't like he said this before while causally stroking his beard./p
p class="MsoNormal""You already have an entire vault of this ship dedicated to your collections!" I seethed as him. The flames in the room licking at the walls and revealing the newly burnt areas weather they once were. They kissed the wounds of the ship in false hopes of fixing the damage that was dealt. "How much more crap do you need, uncle!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Nephew, you fail to see past your own nose. That room is filled with priceless treasures, if you would just take a look…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""FINE! Lets go to Yumei Tong, whatever! As long as it gets you out of this room!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I knew you would see reason, you are a very wise young man, if I do say so myself." My uncle said triumphantly as he walked towards the door of the meditation room as if nothing had happened. "also,.."/p
p class="MsoNormal""what" I said exasperated/p
p class="MsoNormal""Remember, the deal we made a while ago?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""what deal, oh" I remembered the deal that the next time we stop for pleasure I'd at least spend some time off ship for once, in exchange I got to have full control of our stops for the next month./p
p class="MsoNormal"" I cant wait to taste the Yusei bo tea, I also sent a bird ahead for our reservations to the saunua."/p
p class="MsoNormal""aggh!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"I threw my cup at the door my uncle retreated behind. Only to be left with the happy muttering of an old man walking away and the metallic ring of metal./p
p class="MsoNormal"Maybe, uncle was right, We've been chasing after the avatar without rest for soo long, we all might just need some time away from everything./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"(Anaka pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Oh, thank the gods! I think I've heard the best rumor ever. After months of being at see endlessly only stopping to try and hunt down Anng. We've finally got a few days of rest. No most overly stressed and skeptic soldiers to tiptoe around. And no more having to worry about whether or not I can slip off the ship without it leaving me behind. I can get off the ship and shop! Relax, and whatever else I want!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I mean, the further we've traveled away from home the more I've had to try and find lighter clothes to wear. I mean there are a lot of options but, not a lot actually fit my frame. Heck even my summer gear is still to warm for the ever-warming climate. After rummaging around through the clutter I've found a simple fire nation dress. Its nothing fancy but its material is better suited for the warm weather. It's a simple long sleeve dress with buttons that fasten to the right tow toward the top weather the fabric sits at an angle and the other two at the waist. These are normally hidden by a series of waist ties. The sleeves are puffy until it comes three quarters down my arm which are more tight fit. The skirt goes down to my knees and I found some boots. The entire outfit is an assortment of reds, I also found some tights and short booties which seemed to matched. If I pinned my hair back, I looked simple and cute. Even with my earrings, and their matching scared tissue./p
p class="MsoNormal"Yusei bo here I come!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I guess I need a story for this new look. I mean from the pamphlet I found while checking the old man's room. Its seems like a big shopping and tourist place, lots of goodies and places to buy stuff. So I need to be prepared to be at the very least a bit social. I think I can wok with a simple farm girl or something, Do they have farms in the fire nation. I assume so with all the good food I've been eating which tends to be fire nation based. Just thinking of all the spices and seasoning is making my mouth water./p
p class="MsoNormal"I found the old mirror that was a few rows back from my nest which had become far comfier and more decorated over the months I've spent here within this room with nothing to-do. I've never been more sea sick in my life! Those nights in those big waves in a dark room was not helpful. Ah well, I mean Those sleepless night had made my space both roomier than what a started with (I was like crunched in a corner) and nicer. With nothing better to-do, I found lots of motivation fixing it up, I also found some cushions and blankets and plumped up my bed and I even have a small area that I use to sit now and prepare small meals when making it to the kitchen to steal food was a bit to trying. I found out the mirror which is a few rows back from my living space is normally my closet space and its become the place where I keep most if not all of the clothes I find or have that fit./p
p class="MsoNormal""ahem"/p
p class="MsoNormal""hi, I'm Anaka! I've just come from my farm"/p
p class="MsoNormal"No no no, lets not use my name. also a bit too enthusiastic? Lets try again./p
p class="MsoNormal""Um, hi I'm new to the area. Yeah just came from my families farm to visit my aunt for a while." Aunts are safe right? " Any way my name is … is, is Toziso" Toziso, really!? Ok let's try something closer to the truth, Tei? Naseko? No how about Sio, maybe Azeli? Yes Azeli! close to Anaka enough to hopefully not mess up. Lets try this again./p
p class="MsoNormal""hi, its nice to meet you! Oh. My name? My name is Azeli, My parents sent me to Yusei bo to stay with my aunt for a few days."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ok break down, I'm a farm girl who lives with her parents on the family farm. My name is Azeli, my mothers is Shie, and my father is,, is Tozi! My parents decided to treat me by letting me visit my aunt while she is in Yusei bo for a business trip. Which means I'll only be in town for a few days. Good story me. Now how do I deter people from wanting to follow me back. I can't have them seeing me sneak my way back on the ship. What if I say that my aunt doesn't like visitors? That'll work for some people, I guess. I know I use my self-defense techniques and say I can handle myself just fine. I mean I do work a farm and my father was in the military for a while so he taught me some moves./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm starting to really like this plan. Now its time to do some stealth research I need to know if this is really happening. I check my reflection once more wearing my new disguise and I unclip my hair letting it far back to where it was before. I couldn't stand looking at my ears anymore. So my soft brown curls flopped back to my face in a familiar hug. It would cause to many questions anyway./p
p class="MsoNormal"(Zuko pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal"Trying to calm down wasn't an option. Trying to calm down while hungry harder. So I decided I might as well go to the galley and try to eat a decent meal for once./p
p class="MsoNormal""hmm, spicy noodles with shredded jerk and fire blossom tea" the galley sign read. Not bad but there have been better I guess even the chef is a bit run down./p
p class="MsoNormal"I walk to the line and the room grows quite the men wee rowdy with the news of the short break. I only recently found out that the detour my uncle scheduled was for 4 days. All eyes were on me as I got my tray of food and strolled to my seat./p
p class="MsoNormal"They all just kept looking then across the room the trio started to push the newer addition toward me egging him to ask all what they wanted to know. Was the rumor true. God it was takng to long. I just wanted to eat my dinner in peace. As this was the last time I'd have it for a while. I was dreading being dragged around my my uncle for several days. Nevermind the men on this ship partying until it was the last day./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""if you have something to say just spit it out" the young man, matsu was it? Shot straight up as a rod and slowly turn twards me shaking. "is isis it ttttrue that we have a break at Yu Yuyusei bo?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"You could have heard their eyeballs clicking./p
p class="MsoNormal""mggmf" I sighed as I admitted my defeat "yes, it seems so."/p
p class="MsoNormal""yeaaah!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I expect you all to be ready as soon as this is over because we will be working double time to make up for this excursion!" and they soon fell silent again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""what my nephew was saying was to enjoy yourselves while you can you deserve it"/p
p class="MsoNormal""look how happy they are zuko, when was the last time you saw any of them smile?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""they don't smile at me uncle, ever"/p
p class="MsoNormal""then this is a great time to get to know your crew." He happy gaufed./p
p class="MsoNormal""no"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Ah, if you don't take the time to enjoy life, you might just miss your best year without knowing it"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Uncle, I've been discarded by my nation sent adrift on what was an seemingly impossible mission to regain my honor AND my home. And you insisting to slow down. What if I don't catch the avatar and someone else does? Do you really never want to see the capital again?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I've found that sometimes you find things you were looking for in unexpected places and ways."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm eating in my room" I grab my tray and stand up to leave./p
p class="MsoNormal""you also could find thing you never would have found too" my uncle says before taking a sip of his tea./p
p class="MsoNormal"I leave them all in the galley to eat in solitude./p
p class="MsoNormal"(Anaka pov)/p
p class="MsoNormal"Double score! Woo! Never has that phrase actually make since since Sokka invented it in his crazy game. I never understood how exactly to play but I seemed to always win, so much he invented the double score in order to try and catch up./p
p class="MsoNormal"Not only did I get to eat delicious food again, but I found out that the rumors were true. Know it was only mere hours before we reached shore so I decided to head to my cozy nook to sleep. "When I wake up, I will finally socialize with someone other than myself." I yawned as I pulled my covers up and snuggled into my bed./p
p class="MsoNormal"em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Several hours later/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"I stepped onto solid ground and took in a deep breath of the fresh morning air. It was a bit strange because my feet and my brain still were fighting about being on ground that wasn't swaying. So I sat in the early hour just taking in the morning life./p
p class="MsoNormal"The men last night partied until the early hours as I woke up and the stranglers were still shuffling off in they're afterparty stupor. After sneaking around, and peeking around corner I walked out onto the desk and descend the walkway to the dock below. I was lost in thoughtspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanwhen two very familiar faces appeard to my right./p
p class="MsoNormal""well my, my they sent such a fair maiden to escort us around Yusei bo today?" the old man said startling me/p
p class="MsoNormal""woah, I mean no." I paused scratching my head "you scared me sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal"We stood there in awkward silence for a moment. The old man in a lesser shock than me. With a veerrry grumpy fire but groaning behind him. As if realizing this the old man stepped toward me and gently grasped my hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""Well I'm sorry young miss, but no one so beautiful has called me sir. Don't mind my nephew, he just not use to be up in these early hours."/p
p class="MsoNormal""oh, I don't mind" calm down Anaka, its not like they know you've been a stowaway on their ship. In fact, this might end up being my stop if I happen to fight a master. If not, I should just enjoy this./p
p class="MsoNormal""What bring you two here to Yusei bo? Especially so early?" I ask as I peer over to the grumpy Prince./p
p class="MsoNormal""oh we're just here to enjoy ourselves, right Zuko"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Zuko growled at the mention of his name, I wonder if its because it could be linked to his lineage. I guess I might as well play dumb./p
p class="MsoNormal""well I guess that goes for me too! Any major plans while you're here?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""oh we plan to make a stop at some of the famous tea houses here, and then relax at the best sauna in town." Zuko groans more ask his uncle goes through their itinerary. I have to giggle it reminds me so much of Sokka's training camp sessions. He's like a big kid. Well if the kid had permanent sour face on./p
p class="MsoNormal""do you happen to have any plans that match up with ours, perhaps?" the old man asks me. Red flag, no way am I going to hang out with them all day, I was planning to explore around maybe find new stuff. Ask around for a master. Would it be weird to admit that? Yes, it would! I doubt that most people here train this late in life other than to keep sharp on their skills. What if they invite me to stay with them during their trip. The chances of being caught increase exponentially. Shit, shit, got to say something./p
p class="MsoNormal""no plans exactly, my parent's kind of sprung this trip on me." Good non-committal, and if by parents you mean the ship you stowed away on even better just keep stretching the truth until they leave./p
p class="MsoNormal""why, then don't you join us today? We've been traveling so long with just men. A pretty face might do my nephew some good." "pfft" god that old man has both charm and guilt. But it shall not work, I will not fall in to this trap./p
p class="MsoNormal""as much as your invite intrigues me, I am afraid Top-knot behind you doesn't seem to agree. Not to mention I doubt I'd be able to pay for any of the experiences you mentioned. My family isn't the richest" I said with a small giggle, god stop looking at me like that Prince of jerks! Ever since his uncle mentioned inviting me he has been giving me this glare./p
p class="MsoNormal""nonsence! Come with us, tea is much better with company." And with that the old man swept me along in stride as we headed into the town./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ok time to panic, stick to story, I guess I'm hanging out with them today. Note to self, do not under whatever circumstances stand in front of the ship tomorrow!/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""now that we're friends lets get to know one another"/p
p class="MsoNormal""uncle!" Zuko protested/p
p class="MsoNormal""As you already know the grumpy one behind us is my Nephew Zuko, don't worry he is almost always grumpy but at east this is one of his better days." You don't have to tell me, I watched him lose his cool several times over the months./p
p class="MsoNormal""my name is Iroh, and what happens to be your name?" Iroh was smooth/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm Azeli, it's a pleasure to meet you Iroh" I smile at him. We walk through the streets getting closer to the first tea house "le chez" and we get a table for three and sit down. I grab one of the menus and start perusing it when to my surprise a hand comes gently and removes the menu from my hands. I look up in question to find Zuko, who is surprisingly calmer than how he started calmly shake his head in silent defeat./p
p class="MsoNormal""you won't need it" he says with a whisper. I lean in close in curiosity./p
p class="MsoNormal""why not?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""he just ends up ordering for you, and trust me he always knows what to get." We both share a look as we look over to Iroh who is happily ignoring us and whistling to himself./p
p class="MsoNormal""but we just met he couldn't…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""he will"/p
p class="MsoNormal"And with that he returned to his stoic pain in the but self. Conversation over./p
p class="MsoNormal"Without a doubt Iroh ordered us tea without even debating it. And in such a manner we receive or order. I grabbed my cup which had a red tint and smelled great. It was great. After we had pleasant conversations over tea we parted ways./p
p class="MsoNormal"I wish./p