Chapter 6: Tainted With Awe
Ciara grinned smugly to herself, as she was lead onto a large metal ship, it's appearance making her gape with awe. Zuko growled angrily at himself, I really need to learn when to keep my mouth shut. When Prince Zuko proposed her his idea, so that he could finally obtain the Avatar, she gave it a whole new meaning.
Well, I guess I was off by a lot. Her deepest desire isn't what I thought. Yep, this is top stupid mistake I pulled this week. I bet Uncle Iroh will be happy. 'You brought her back? I knew you would, for this old fox still has his eyes.' he'll probably tell me, dancing around like a damn fool.
Zuko glanced at Ciara, seeing the smug look playing on her face. His gaze fell on the Avatar, who was tied up tightly with Ciara's hand on his shoulder. "Here we are." he muttered, a sturdy rope ladder falling before him. Zuko stepped back and motioned Ciara to go first. He sighed softly to himself, recalling what happened two hours ago. 'Deepest desire? It's a deal; my deepest desire is for you to allow me to travel with you to the fire nation, as a commander. There I will present the Avatar, with you, to your father.' Ciara's voice rang in his mind. I can't believe I agreed before she told me. Ugh, curse my bad luck.
Zuko waited a few seconds before grabbing hold of the ladder and making his way up. Behind him, two guards were carrying Aang up slowly, finding it difficult to climb and carry someone. Zuko jumped over the railing of the ship, soon to be greeted by his uncle. "Ah, I should have known you would go after her. You just can't keep your hands off her, can you? Anyway, did you bring me some tea?" his uncle grinned, but paused, seeing Aang on the deck. Zuko grinned and motioned his uncle toward the Avatar, "Uncle, this is the Avatar. Now we can go home." Uncle Iroh nodded, "Yes, that's nice. But are you telling me you brought the Avatar but no tea? What kind of nephew are you? Shame. But I'll forgive you, for I will soon have a grandson or a granddaughter. So all is well. I'll be downstairs if you need me."
Zuko gaped, not knowing what to say, as he saw his uncle go down the stairs. He cursed under his breath, and turned to see Ciara talking to the guards. They nodded stiffly and went to the Avatar, taking him down to the prison hold. Zuko watched with slight admiration, before coming toward her, "Already on the job?" Ciara smiled and replied, "That's Commander Ciara, to you. But yes, I told the guards to but him in the cell and watch him. You can never be too sure. So, how long till we're home?"
Zuko nodded; maybe this wasn't a bad deal after all… She seems so determined to keep Aang in one place, I have to give it to her…she's stubborn. Zuko led her toward the study, passing a guard who was carrying a tray of tea. Great, the tea addict is still thirsty for more. He rolled his eyes at his uncle's love for tea, as he opened a door at the end of the hallway.
The room was welcoming, the candles burning softly, and the crimson furniture made it fell relaxing. Zuko offered Ciara a chair, as he pulled out a scroll. He opened it up, and pointed to there location. "We are here. So it should take us at least a week or two." he said in an eager tone, he would be home soon.
They both talked more about the journey ahead, and wondered if Katara or Sokka would be a threat. Before Zuko left Ciara to the map, he asked in a curious tone, "So tell me, what really is your deepest desire?" Ciara smiled to herself, before turning her head to look at Zuko, "That is something you will have to find out yourself." She turned back to the map, tracing her finger along the route they were going to take. Zuko sighed wearily and headed back toward the deck, his footsteps echoing through the hallway.