Zuko sat next to Ashayna under a large oak tree in the outer ring of Ba-sing-se. The noontime sun was not hot enough to keep the two of them warm, so they sat closely together. Ashayna smiled at Zuko as he ran his hand softly over a small, delicate black box.
"I can't believe you found it," said Zuko for the thousandth time since they had left the palace to enjoy lunch together. He opened the small black box, letting a soft melody ring into the air. "I know its hers. This is mothers jewelry box. And the pendant. It is hers too. She has to be close. I can't believe you found it."
Ashayna laughed. "Zuko. Snap out of it. I knew it would make you happy, but I didn't think it would ruin our lunch," she said half-jokingly.
Zuko blushed, quickly shutting the box. "Sorry…I just haven't really held anything of hers in…a long time," he said, getting a far off look in his eyes. Ashayna squeezed his shoulder.
"I know. Now lets eat so you can tell me everything that has been happening to you. I told you about me last night. I want to know how you have been doing," she told him, grabbing the bag that held their lunch.
Zuko helped her unpack the lunch, secretly wishing he didn't have to tell Ashayna about the past couple years. He had changed a lot since then, and he wasn't sure if she would understand. Last time she knew him, he was an optimistic youth, finally getting over his mother's disappearance. Now he was the opposite. He wasn't sure how to explain all his behaviors to her.
He looked up when he heard the beloved music playing from his mother's box. Ashayna held it, gently lifting out the pedant necklace. The gold chain possessed a fire nation emblem with a red ruby as a centerpiece. The chain hung low.
"Come here, my young prince," Ashayna said with a smile. She stood up and linked the necklace onto him. "You look like her, Zuko," she said. "Just remember everything she taught you."
Zuko looked down at the pendant which hung more than halfway down his chest. The ruby caught in the light, flashing memories to the boy. He smiled slightly. "Thanks, Shay," he said.
"Don't mention it. Now tell me, what devious stuff have you been up to in the past two years?"
Zuko looked up at her thinking, "you have no idea." He opened his mouth, ready to vent, rant, confess, and defend.
100 yards away sat a dark figure, watching the pair. He had a lot to tell the Fire Princess.