Chapter 17: Of Sugar and Spice

Zuko walked through the hallways with assurance, knowing he wouldn't be stopped by his father or another. He succeed, the goal he strived for so long was accomplished in a different way then he expected.

His footsteps echoed softly through the hallway, his hands were clasped slightly behind his back, "A week. It seems like a month already." His whispers were hushed by the footsteps of others. Zuko bit his tongue slightly, but released slowly to see his uncle, "Uncle? I thought you were going to go-"

"Nope. I changed my mind; anyway I have important matters to attend to."

"Really, like what? Getting more tea?"

"No, what made you think that? Ok, yes and no. Yes for the tea, but I also have a date today."

"What? With who? Wait, aren't you to old to-"

"Are you calling me old? Alright, I'm old…but I still got my moves."

Zuko sighed, finding that last comment very disturbing, "So who is this lucky lady?" Iroh grinned, knowing he was going to get a kick out of this, "Funny you should ask why it is Ciara." Zuko gave him a puzzled and shocked look, "What?" Iroh laughed heartily; glad he was right about getting a 'kick out of this.' He patted his nephew's shoulder in a comforting manner and responded, "We are going to drink some tea in the garden and gossip about you. You should join us; we will all have a great time."

Zuko sighed; at least it wasn't what he expected, "Very funny, Uncle. So it's just a tea date, right?" Iroh smiled warmly, "Don't worry; I won't keep her for too long. You can steal her from me afterward. Zuko, you are so protective; you make me proud to be your uncle."

Zuko growled softly, seeing his uncle caught him in another tangle, "Uncle." Iroh just ignored his nephew's temper and walked off, "I'm so glad I have an understanding nephew." Zuko sighed and rubbed the back of his neck roughly as he headed toward his room.

Hours passed and Ciara watched Iroh leave, so far they have been talking about the weather and tea. She referred to him as her own uncle; he always seemed to be that relative who wishes to be known as a friend not as someone related. Knowing Uncle Iroh was there for her as a friend made her feel more reassured about herself and what she was going to do next.

Ciara walked over to the small gazebo, which was located in the middle of the large garden. The gazebo had a reddish and orange color, but the two strong colors were settled by the creeping green vines. She sat down on the bench inside it, her pale green eyes rested on the purple irises which decorated the moist ground.

A curtain of lush green bushes lay behind the lavender-colored flowers, which lined across the dirt pathway. Ciara was to busy studying the features of the garden before her, she didn't realize that someone took a seat beside her. "Beautiful, isn't it." whispered the figure beside her, making Ciara jerk her head in surprise. She relaxed, seeing it who it was, "It is…"

Iroh slapped his hand on his forehead, "Great. I forgot my favorite tea cup outside. It must be on the table outside still. My poor child! I'm coming to save you!" He turned around and headed toward the large garden, hoping he remembered which side of the garden he was sitting out. "Was it east or west? Or maybe it was at the north side?" he muttered, opening the doors that revealed the silent garden.

He walked quietly through the sea of green with dashes of fiery red, smooth orange and soft lavender; but the silence was broken by the sound of sweet laughter. Iroh paused and rubbed his chin in a thoughtful manner. He peered through a hole in the bushes, and gasped in his amazement.

"Finally. This is too good to be true." he whispered quietly to himself, still rubbing his chin. He knew this was snooping around in another's business, but this was something he couldn't turn down to watch. Murmurs filled his ears, but he couldn't make it out. He watched his nephew closely, occasionally looking at Ciara for her reactions.

Ten minuets passed, and Iroh found himself accompanied with five soldiers. Each of them were betting on the outcome. Iroh first found this disrespectful, but found himself doing the same. "I bet ten silver pieces." he announced quietly, holding the coins in his hands. The thought of his tea cup, which he came to rescue, was sitting far back in his mind, waiting for him to remember that he left something dear behind.

The guards gasped quietly in surprise, "General Iroh, you were right!" Iroh gave them a smug grin, holding his hand out, "You saw it boys; the young lord got to her first. Pay up." The guards groaned quietly, rummaging in their pockets for the coins.