"Brother?"
Iroh snapped awake, staring into the scarred face of his younger brother.
"Ozai. What is it?" he asked, tired but clear headed.
"There's been a breach in the defenses. I just got word from a messenger. Father wants to—" he paused, grinding his teeth nervously. "He wants to meet with us. In council."
Iroh sighed. "I remember when I was thirteen, and I received summons to council," he grumbled. "I was so nervous I'd mess up, or forget protocol."
Ozai nodded. Iroh knew his brother was petrified, but made no mention of it. "Alright, get dressed for the meeting—it'll be very soon, more than likely, and you know how the King is about tardiness."
"Then what?" asked his brother quietly.
"Then, we wait."
"Iroh..?"
The elder turned back to his brother. "Mm?"
"Thanks."
"No problem, brother. Hey, let's go make some tea afterwards, it really helps you sleep, and we'll have time to talk strategy. Not that you can easily fall asleep after one of father's late night meetings—he's always particularly grumpy at night."
The two boys chuckled.
