This episode has a bit more of a sombre mood. I hope it's not overly sad.
Set before the first episode.
Ginkgo is an herb used for memory and relaxation, in case you were feeling overly curious.
Written with Hierba Manzanilla (Camomile tea) and orange cake.
Tea for Thought
Iroh sat alone, a cup of Ginkgo tea close at hand. He had just been arguing with his nephew about one of the usual subjects.
It happened day to day. Today's scenario stared out with the suggestion of stopping the quest for the Avatar and settling down somewhere. From there is went on to Fire Lord Ozai and eventually ended on the subject of Zuko's honour and a rather childish insult involving Iroh's age.
Iroh remembered that fateful day, when Fire Lord Ozai was 'disgraced' by his only son and a young Prince Zuko was publicly humiliated and had his pride burned, literally.
Iroh had never felt so helpless, and from that day Iroh made a vow to help Zuko in any way he could.
But some days, Iroh wished his nephew would not make his job so hard.
He places so much value on honour lost… Iroh mused. He does not realise how much honour he truly has.
And honour is not everything. There are plenty of other things in the world besides honour. And some of those things cannot be taken away. Love, for one…
Iroh stopped short and began thinking of his son. He sighed sadly and willed the memory away.
I've already lost my son; I don't think I can survive loosing Zuko.
He spent the next five minutes or so taking slow sips of his tea, and thinking of happier times.
Zuko soon joined him. Iroh smiled as his nephew walked in, and the smile deepened as he saw the playings of a smile on the corner of Zuko's mouth.
"Can I pour you some tea?" he asked as his nephew sat down.
"Yes." was the meek reply.
And so they sat in a comfortable silence, drinking their tea, grateful for each others' company and lost in their own thoughts.
There was no need for 'sorry'.
Iroh knew it.
And Zuko would never say it.