Yet another Irko Week 2.0 prompt. For more info, check out terrafan4242 at deviantArt.


RELAXATION

Iroh scowled at the maps before him. He searched through the disorganized stack of intelligence reports, grumbling as he checked each one. Finding the report he wanted didn't improve his mood any, as the scouts confirmed the terrain in the area was very loose and easily manipulated by Earthbenders; any fighting there would finished only with great losses, regardless of whether victory was achieved.

Yet the war made its own demands, and Iroh could not always choose his battlefield.

At least he was here in the Fire Nation, where he had the benefit of the full Intelligence Archives, including a truly spectacular set of maps. Perhaps some more searching would reveal an alternate way to move his armies into the region, preferably one that would shield them from the scattered Earth Kingdom reinforcement opportunities in the area, and at the same time easily allow for a safe withdrawal if the assault had to be broken off...

...and while he was wishing, why not wish he didn't have to spend the rest of this increasingly long day in his study, and could instead go outside to enjoy the warm sun and beautiful gardens and maybe some pleasant company?

Soft padding sounded from the door, as the young Prince Zuko marched his way into the study, clutching a bundle of something. He walked comfortably over to the aging Prince Iroh's desk, and deposited his cargo, a number of tin soldier toys, on the floor. Looking up at his uncle, Zuko smiled. "Can I borrow an Earth Kingdom map?"

Iroh smiled back. "I believe I can spare one. Here." He handed Zuko the map he had just been looking at, the one with the fatal terrain. The younger prince took it, unrolled it out onto the floor, and began setting up his toys at what he considered to be strategic points on the sketch.

Iroh sighed, letting the bad air leave his lungs, and his body relaxed. Perhaps the study wasn't so bad, after all. He dived back into the assembled documents with renewed enthusiasm.

END