In the late afternoon the Avatar gang all meet up again in the entrance way of the palace where they had been asked to meet so a guard could lead them to a private dining room where they would dine with King Kuei.
Ones again it had been a long and exhausting day and Zuko felt tired all ready.
Toph came marching in from the door as well, covered from head to toe in dirt and mud. "Man. That was quite the project." she groaned. "No matter though. I'm gonna have the best sleep tonight." she grinned at Zuko.
Only for Zuko to put a flat hand against her forehead and push Toph away. "You need to take a bath first." he said.
"Aww. Is the dirt getting to you?" Toph asked. "That's okay! I got this." she stood on the ground and slammed her fists together and in the next second all the dust, dirt and mud just flew off Toph and unto everybody else who stumbled back. "I'm ready for my nap now!" she reached towards Zuko.
"Ew no! You still smell!" Zuko exclaimed as he stepped back.
"It's my natural odour. Breath it in your highness, it's good for you." Toph grinned.
"You smell like Appa when he hasn't bathed for two weeks!" Zuko complained.
"Hey! Don't be mean to Appa." Aang shouted.
"To be fair though it is a very accurate comparison." Sokka commented as suddenly Toph was chasing Zuko across the hall with her out stretched grabby fingers and Zuko did his best to dodge all of her attempts.
Toph though laughed as Zuko danced around gracefully dodging.
"I should have called you twinkletoes the second!" Toph proclaimed.
Finally Zuko jumped up in the air and landed on the staircase railing gracefully balancing on it. "Would you stop?" he asked.
"I was joking." Toph chuckled. "That was a lot of fun though. I'm going to go wash up before dinner with his royal majesty." she stated as she turned and went into a side corridor where presumable she had sensed there was water.
"Hahahaha!" Iroh suddenly laughed from where he was standing with the rest. "Excellent form Prince Zuko. Avoiding the attacks of the worlds greatest earth bender is no easy feat."
Sokka smirked as he crossed his arms. "Zuko is wasted being a crown prince." he observed. "You could have been the worlds greatest dancer!"
Aang gasped. "You must be amazing at dancing Zuko!" he said.
Zuko snorted as he jumped down. "I don't dance." he simply said.
"I don't believe that." Katara smirked. "Aren't royals supposed to be good dancers so they can waltz with all the ladies?"
"I was to young!" Zuko defended himself.
"Zuko was an excellent dancer." Iroh beamed. "He loved dancing with his mother when he was small! And all the little ladies sure were sighing in the corners." he chuckled.
"Uncle!" Zuko shouted and everybody just laughed.
"A fire nation citizen not dancing?" Aang then said. "That's weird! I remember when I visited a hundred years ago. Fire nation citizens loved to dance! IT WAS AMAZING!" he beamed spreading out his arms. "They had the best parties and dance contests! And they did it all the time!"
Zuko halted and he turned to Aang.
"What?" Aang asked.
"In in the fire nation… There is no time for dancing or parties. It's not allowed for the common crowd." Zuko said.
"What?!" Aang asked again now aghasted.
Iroh nodded as he stroked his beard. "In my youth. There would be the occasional party but it was eventually deemed a waste of resources and the people were to dedicate their attention to the firelord. Azulon didn't want the people to become distracted and knowing my brother." he sighed deeply. "He would definitely ban it." he said.
"Oh…" Aang realized.
Just then Toph came walking back in dripping wet. "Hey! Twinkletoes! Give me a hand here!" she asked.
"Sure." Aang said sending a gust of air in Tophs direction ruffling her all up but also did the effect of drying her up good making Toph grin as she now stood with her hair in a big puff ball. "That was fun."
Katara sighed as she moved forward getting a bit of water. "You can't go meet the earth king looking like that." she said as she started to fix Toph's hair with a bit of water.
"Why not? He has already seen me." Toph said. "Man. You know how weird peoples obsession with looks is to me?" she asked. "I don't even know what I look like."
Katara sighed deeply. "It matters in court. Like you already know. Don't worry when we get back on the field you can do what-ever you want with your hair." she said and was finally satisfied with her job before she frowned as she took off Toph's hair band and then put it on again, pushing her bangs back revealinged her face. "It's really a shame you're always hiding your face though. It's a very pretty face."
Toph halted and she looked up. "Really?"
"Yeah." Katara smiled as she stood up.
Toph was smiling but tried to hide it as she turned her head away and Zuko shook his head just in time for a servant to enter. "His majesty is ready to see you now." he said. "Do you wish your own servant to serve you. Otherwise we will be happy to host him with our own finest servers who are soon to dine."
Zuko looked at Zhau-Li who stood behind him and really wished he could just ask Zhau-Li directly without it looking weird. Zhau-Li looked tired though. No wonder, he had been standing all day and Zuko sighed. "I am certain the palace servants will suffice." he said. "Zhau-Li, you are off duty for today. I shall see you at home."
"My Prince." Zhau-Li put a fist into his hand and bowed.
Soon after they were all lead into a dining chamber where Kuei was already sending at the end of the table. Food spread out in front of him… And a big bear sitting right next to him.
"Welcome. Honoured guests." Kuei gestured. "Avatar Aang. Prince Zuko. Toph Beifong. Katara and Sokka of the southern water trip and." he looked at Iroh. "General Iroh. General How briefed me on you and your presence."
"It is an honor that you would extent your invitation to me." Iroh said as he bowed for the king.
"I have recently learned that I should see things for myself and make up my own mind about it." Kui said. "Prince Zuko. Would you join me at my side." he asked as he gestured at his empty left side. The right side being occupied by the bear.
Zuko nodded. "It would be an honor." he said as he sat down on his assigned seat and Aang Next to him and then Iroh.
On the other side Sokka took place next to the bear and Katara next to him, lastly followed by Toph.
"Now. Please enjoy the meal." Kuei asked and they all nodded as they pressed their hands together bowing their heads.
"Thank you your majesty." they all said in unison and then servants came to fill their cups. Though it was only Kuei and Iroh who got any fine wine.
Zuko was offered it but quietly declined as he felt Irohs eyes next to him. He quickly gathered this probably wasn't the right time to taste alcohol for the first time. Aaaand the rest of the gang probably wouldn't be to impressed either if he got drunk.
Zuko glanced at Kui and saw dark shadows under his eyes, his shoulders as well was slumping.
"Are you all right?" Zuko asked concerned.
"Yes." Kui said. "There has just been… A lot of things." he said rubbing his eyes. "I barely closed an eye last night." he finally admitted.
"That's no good." Iroh said. "A leader needs to be well rested. How else are he supposed to make any good decisions."
"But… There's so much." Kui said looking up. "And I don't even know who I can trust! I used to leave it all to my advisors but… Now I can't! I don't know who to trust and who not to."
"Your majesty." Iroh spoke a little sternly. "I hope you don't find me pushing my boundaries." he said. "But you must put a little fate in them. And be satisfied with just taking it a small step at the time. Ba Sing Se wasn't build in one day."
Kuei looked at Iroh.
"If you would allow me." Iroh offered. "I have a tea I think would help you relax. You should try and drink it before bed."
"I would take him up on the offer if I were you." Zuko smirked amused. "My Uncles tea can be outright magic."
"Aww Zuko. That's sweet." Iroh smiled.
Kuei nodded. "Then I shall take you up on that offer." he said. "Now then." he said. "Ms Beifong I have news for you."
"Me?" Toph asked.
"Yes. My guards has raided Long Fengs study and there they found a letter from your parents." Kuei said. "A request to meet you. It seems like they are in the city looking for you."
Toph's eyes widened. "They… They are?" she gasped.
Kuei nodded. "The address." he asked and a servant stepped forward offering Toph a piece of paper.
Toph of course didn't even look at it, but took the paper and handed it to Katara who unfolded it to look. "This is right here in the upper ring." she said. "It's not very far."
Toph gasped for a breath. "Mom… Dad."
"Also there was a message from the Kyoshi warriors offering their services." Kuei said. "They said they would come here. Do you know of them? Can they be trusted."
"YES!" Sokka exclaimed as he stood up. "Yes they can be trusted!" he beamed.
Kuei blinked a bit taken back by his enthusiasm.
"His girlfriend is among them." Zuko whispered.
"Oh…" Kuei blinked. "I see."
"The Kyoshi warriors are our allies." Aang grinned.
"Very well then. I shall them an invitation." Kuei said.
Toph though swallowed. "So mom and dad is…. I don't know." she turned her head away.
"You don't want to see them?" Katara asked.
"I don't know." Toph sighed. "I just.."
"Well." Zuko halted. "If they want to see you." he said. "I think you should go see them."
Toph glanced up.
"Having family that actually go out of their way to find you." Zuko smiled. "That needs to be treasured." he glanced at Iroh who smiled in return.
Toph sighed deeply. "Fine." she finally said.
"That reminds me." Sokka said. "Iroh has told us where the Southern water tribe fleet is currently harboured and we… We should go meet them before they leave." he said. "Also… I would really like to see my dad." he admitted looking down.
"Then there is that Guru." Aang said. "How important do you think that is though?" he asked Iroh.
"Young Avatar." Iroh said. "I think you should go meet him. He may be able to help you control the Avatar state."
Aangs eyes widened.
"Then you should definitely go meet him." Katara said.
"Yeah. It'll at least be worth a try right?" Aang asked then he swallowed. "What about you Zuko?"
"Erhm." Zuko halted.
"Prince Zuko. I hope it is not to much to ask." Kuei said. "I know you must soon travel with the Avatar again. I was just thinking… Would you mind staying here a few days?" he asked. "I…" he wet his lips. "I got so few I know I can trust. I just need a little time to… Figure things out a little more."
Zuko looked at Kuei then he nodded. "Of course." he said. "It is in our best interest as well to see Ba Sing Se flourish and you. Your majesty."
"So…" Katara halted. "Does this mean that Sokka and I will go meet dad. Aang will go meet that Guru. Toph will go meet her parents and you'll stay here?" She asked Zuko.
"I… I guess so." Zuko said.
There was quiet. Stunned quiet.
"But that means." Aang gasped.
"We wont see each other for a while." Toph muttered. "That sucks!"
"Man." Sokka ran a hand through his hair. "We haven't been apart since… Since we joined up!" he said.
"It'll be okay. It'll only be for a few days!" Katara said. "And we'll be fine! The two of us will be together like we always have. Toph and Zuko will still be in the same city."
"I'll still have uncle, Zhau-Li and every body else." Zuko said.
"And I'm the Avatar." Aang said in a wry grin. "I can take care of myself." he said though clearly he seemed uncertain.
Then there was quiet and they all glanced at each other and then down on their food.
Kuei cleared his throat. "If there is anything I can do." he said. "I owe you all a debt after all. A message you wish to send? Provisions you may need?"
"Can I have a sword?" Sokka suddenly asked as he perked up.
Kuei blinked. "If that is what you want." he said. "I'll have a servant show you to the royal weapons chamber and you may pick a weapon."
"Wow." Sokka blinked. "That was easy."
"Actually. I would also humbly request if I may have a look." Zuko asked as he raised a hand.
"Of course Prince Zuko." Kuei said. "Are you familiar with the blade?"
"He's really good!" Aang grinned.
Kuei looked down.
"Your majesty?" Zuko asked.
"Should I…. Learn the blade?" Kuei asked.
"Well." Zuko halted. "It probably would be a good idea to learn how to at least to defend yourself." he admitted. "But the blade is probably not the place to start and… You have a lot of other things on your shoulders now than learning self defence from scratch." he said.
Iroh nodded. "Zuko is right. For now it is best to prioritize. You must find guards you can trust."
Kuei sighed. "May I ask. How come the crown Prince of the fire nation is so adapt in fighting?" he asked.
"In the fire nation the Fire Lord is also the head of the military." Zuko replied. "He is expected to be able to lead an army, therefore all born in the royal line is expected to join the military and train to be good military leaders. As well in the fire nation, strength is considered an important part of leadership." he said. "It is not uncommon that disputes are being solved in duels. And thus a leader of any house or royal line must be able to win those duels."
Kueis eyes widened. "That sounds… Awfully violent does it not?" he asked.
"It has been our way for generations." Zuko replied. "It's not…. Flawless." he sighed deeply. "There are many issues in our old ways. But it is also considered very dishonourable to disrespect those traditions. I also think there are aspects of it worth maintaining. Our legacy must still be respected."
"I see… I think." Kuei said though he still seemed slightly shaken. Then the bear next to him made a grunting sound and he reached out a hand scratching Bosco on his right ear.
"Well there seems to be just one you can certainly trust." Iroh smiled as he pointed.
"Huh?" Kuei asked. "Oh Bosco! Yes indeed." he smiled looking at his bear. "He's always been with me." he informed warmly. "He was gifted to me when my parents died." he informed. "To keep me company. And that he has indeed done ever since."
And Bosco gave a happy roar making Kuei smile. And they all smiled with him.
After dinner like promised a servant lead Sokka and Zuko to a chambers room while Iroh stayed with Kuei to brew him a nice cup of tea and probably offer him some words of wisdom
The doors was opened to a massive room with beautiful swords hanging on all walls and Sokka squealed. "This is the coolest thing ever." he shouted as he ran inside.
Zuko shook his head as he stepped inside glancing around. Seeing if he could find a twin dao somewhere.
"What should I go for?" Sokka asked. "Something big right? The bigger the better! But then again that may be to obvious." he said. "Hey this one is a set. What about this one? Or this."
Zuko sighed and then halted as he saw a collection of small daggers on the table in front of him. He reached out a hand to pick one up and pulled it out of its shed to see an inscription.
"Fight with honour."
He put it back and tried another one.
"Be steady as a mountain." and he put that back to as he halted.
"There are only ten of these daggers in the world." The servant informed Zuko. "Eight you see before you. You have a good eye, these are made by one of our finest craftsmen. His works is legendary."
Zuko lightly touched the dagger in his own belt and looked up. "Has he made any twin Dao blades?" he asked.
The servant blinked. "Actually… Just the one pair." he said. "It's this way." he gestured for Zuko to follow until they reached the left wall where there hang a beautiful set of Dao.
Zuko gasped as he reached up a hand and took the blade in his hand. He made a swing. The balance was perfect and then he looked at the blade which had an inscription.
"Honour comes from within."
And on the other blade.
"Strong spirit leads to victory."
Zuko glanced up. "Does this crafts man write things on all his works?" he asked.
"Yes." The Servant smirked. "It's his signature. It's not an easy technique though. To be able to write on blades without compromising their quality or balance. So far Master Liuye has indeed been the only one to manage it. So he makes it a point to always include it. Some may call it..." he halted. "Showing off."
Zuko smirked as he gently shed the swords. "May I take these?" he asked.
"The king said you both could pick any sword of your own choosing." The servant said. "With you those swords seems to be in good hands… Your friend though." he commented dryly.
"I'll teach him he needs to respect his blade. I promise." Zuko chuckled amused and then suddenly noticed Sokka had gone quiet. "Sokka?" Zuko turned his head and saw Zuko standing still as he looked at a sword on the wall.
It was a simple yet elegant sword. Straight and double bladed. A jian model. Then Sokka picked it up and held it in his hand wide-eyed looking at it.
"You found something you like?" Zuko asked as he stepped forward.
Sokka nodded. "I don't know what it is but it feels… Right somehow." he said.
The servant looked at Sokka with new eyes. "You have a good eye." he admitted. "That sword is made by Master Piando. The worlds greatest sword master."
"What?" Both Zuko and Sokka turned to him.
"Ho-How did it get all the way out here?" Zuko asked. "Piando lives in the fire nation!"
Sokka looked up at Zuko. "Have you ever met Piando?" he asked.
"Ye-Yes." Zuko swallowed. "He used to be one of the highest ranking Generals in the fire nation. And he was good friends with my uncle. Uncle insisted that I should try to take lessons from him. Since I was so fascinated by the blade and all."
"Wow really?" Sokka asked. "How was he?"
"He was..." Zuko halted. "Strict... Harsh. Insisting on pushing you to your limit. But as it turned out that was indeed what helped me become stronger. Diciplined. And though he seemed very harsh. He was also fair." he said.
Sokka smiled warmly. "Sounds like how you are when you teach."
"Re-Really?" Zuko asked and Sokka nodded as he smiled.
"You seem to each have decided upon a blade." The servant observed.
"Yes." Zuko nodded. "Thank you so much." he bowed respectfully.
"Thank you." Sokka said as he bowed to. The next second he grabbed Zukos sleeve and pulled him outside. "Come on hurry! We gotta get home so you can show me some stances!"
"This late?!" Zuko asked wide-eyed.
"Yes!" Sokka exclaimed. "Katara, Aang and I are going away for a while tomorrow! You gotta give me something to practise on!" he said.
"Oh. Yes that makes sense." Zuko admitted.
And Sokka laughed as he pulled Zuko with him for an evening lesson. Secretly happy he had found a reason to stretch out their time together just a little bit more before they all had to be apart.