A follow-up to Sokka and the Barmaid.

AVATAR

A rather buxom young lady was sweeping up the dark tavern when there was a loud knock at the door. With a sigh, she leaned her broom against the bar and crossed the room.

"We're closed!" she said.

"Even to the fire lord's daughter?"

The barmaid took a step back, heart beating. "I'm sorry, but there's a rather large mess in here. I think you would be happier in another bar."

"Your sign says this is the Darkwood Flute. Thepeople around here say your tavernis never filthy.Either the sign's lying or you're lying." The door was kicked in. "Would you another chance to answer?"

"Sorry, m'lady," the barmaid murmured, turning back to the bar. Her shaking hands closed over the broom and her arms mechanically swept the floor. "I only wanted to close up early tonight. I meant nothing personal."

There was a cruel laugh from behind her. "I think that means we all deserve at least one drink on the house. That seems fair." A snappy cheer of agreement went up.

"Yes, ma'am." The maid darted behind the bar and started collecting an assortment of clean glasses. "What would you like?" Several orders were given and quickly filled. Fire Nation soldiers came up to grab their drinks and take others back to the tables.

"We will also require lodging," the leader said. "Show us to our rooms at once."

"But--" A pause, then the maid managed, "most of the rooms aren't made up yet. Let me attend to that, first"

Then came the sound a of a chair scraping along the ground. "I'll give you a hand. Lead on."

Buckets of sweat poured down the poor wench's back as she led the way up the stairs and along the halls. She tried her best to keep her face in shadow or behind her long brown and kept her voice as even as possible. Slowly, they made their way through the rooms in this fashion. It was quite a surprise to be getting aid from nobility.

"It's so very kind of you to take us in on such late notice," said the fire lord's daughter in a calculating manner. "Thank you...what did you say your name was again?"

"I didn't," said the barmaid. "But my name's Ghibli."

"Sure it isn't Kiozu?"

This caused the barmaid to freeze, though it was said rather nonchalantly. "Positive," she said through gritted teeth. In a lighter tone with a bit of laughter, she added, "Isn't that a boy's name?"

In one sudden movement, Azula brought the sheet she was holding up and around in a swipe at the top of the other girl's head. All her hair went flying off to hit the far wall and land in a heap. "Oops." The cruel grin returned. "Say, you look like my brother. All his hair was burned off before he was kidnaped." She turned away, only to smack Ghibli in the chest with the broom handle. Sticky juice ran down the left side of the front of her shirt, which became much smaller than the right. "I apologize again. Let me help you with that."

"No thank you," Ghibli said quickly, stepping back instinctively. "I'll go clean myself up." Before she could get out the door, a wall of flame rose up to block her way.

"Haven't seen you in a long time, Kiozu," Azula drawled lazily. "I thought you had taken my advice and killed yourself. Father always thought you were a disappointment." When this provoked no response, she added, "Would you like me to finish the job myself?"

"I left so father wouldn't have to see me ever again," the prince sighed as he leaned his forehead against the wall. "I thought this would make everyone happier."

"Don't worry." Azula placed one hand on his shoulder. "I'll make everything alright." She gave him a reassuring squeeze, then sent a strong electric shock through him. Her hand released and he crumpled to the ground. "Now everyone is happy."