The White Lotus Society was in perfect condition. My servants and protectors were incredibly trustworthy. At that particular moment I had a handful of earth benders and couple of water benders at my beck and call. Of these who remained in my household all were female. No matter how devoted my male servants were I charged them to live outside my dwelling. Also in my staff was a chef who knew how to make all my food cold and still tasty. There were three advisors who watched over all my affairs. There was a gardener for the greenhouse and three maids. This made 16 members of my household including me. My building was located at the edge of the upper ring and disguised as a convent.
"Lo?" Adria, one of my maids asked after knocking on my door.
"Come in," I answered while turning in my chair to face the only entrance to my room. I was thinking that she was coming to petition me for something about the house or was calling me for a meeting with my advisors. I was far from what I was expecting.
The door hesitantly opened and standing next to Adria was a middle-aged man with a round belly. He was dressed in earth kingdom clothing, but that didn't fool me, dim orange eyes were watching carefully underneath bushy grey eyebrows. His hair was the same color and was receding from his forehead. He was rubbing his full beard with a large hand.
"You have a visitor," Adria said cautiously. The brown-haired woman looked nervous as if I would punish her for bringing my guest straight to my door. Even if she had been so foolish I wouldn't punish her, it was hardly a crime, besides this was one that I could trust. I'm sure Adria had already went through the motions of checking his status before letting him get so close to me.
"Iroh," I said while standing up. I wasn't scared or nervous, but I could feel my body temperature drop the instant the door had opened. I kept my eyes focused on the man and addressed Adria, "It's alright, send him to the parlor and I'll be there soon."
"I'm sorry Lo, but this is urgent," Iroh said without a hint of sarcasm to his voice. I tensed. Anything that was rushed with Iroh was a matter of importance.
"Adria, would you be so kind as to bring us some tea," I nodded to the woman who curtsied and shut the door behind Iroh.
"What brings you to my doorstep?" I said while we both sat down across an empty pai sho table.
"I have recently acquired my own tea shop in the Upper ring; it's called the Jasmine Dragon."
"How does this concern me?"
"My nephew, he has been captured by his sister..."
"Iroh, how does this concern me?" I repeated with frustration in my voice.
"Believe me, it is for good cause, just listen," Iroh said, "Zuko has found the good inside himself and he is about to be faced with the most difficult decision of his life. I believe that despite my hope he will choose to follow Azula and her plan. But I must still try. What I'm telling you is that if you don't hear from me after today, then you are in great danger. The soldiers who were ready to attack during the drill threat are still ready to enter the city and take hold of all its citizens. Including you. There is a great chance that you will be captured by the firenation. I advise that you leave the city tomorrow if you do not hear from me."
"And what if the firenation is already slaughtering those who are trying to escape?"
"Just try to get out Lo, you know how important you are, there are passages underground that can take you safely from the city, just be prepared."
I was surprised by his news, Zuko, Azula. I knew the avatar was in the city, but I thought I had more time to talk to him. And now I would loose my chance for another century. Iroh and I both stood.
"I have to go save my nephew now," Iroh bowed humbly.
"It's a lost cause, Iroh, just because he has found the good inside himself doesn't mean he has gotten rid of the darkness in his heart."
Iroh sighed as he opened the door to leave. Adria was there with the tea I had asked for. Iroh bowed to the servant and apologized for leaving so quickly.
"Forget the tea Adria, warn the household of a possible overthrow of Ba Sing Se in affect tonight."
It was a shame really that Zuko betrayed his uncle. I hadn't expected the firenation soldiers to arrive so quickly. It took nearly twelve hours for me to escape and even then I was the only one to make it. My servants had been dutifully right up to the point where it was between their lives or mine. They were all left under surveillance of the firenation while I walked away unscathed except for some bruises and cuts and a dirty dress. That was when I had stumbled upon the rebellion underground who were slowly being weeded out by the Dai Lee. I made it out of the city at least alive.
If you haven't noticed yet, this whole chapter was supposed to be flashback. The encounter with Zuko was too difficult for me to take on yet. But I promise next chapter so stay tuned!