Title: Uncle Iroh's Tea Corner

A/N: For the Four Nations ATLA zine! I got to write two articles and my second one was everyone's favourite uncle! I like to think he just became a cornerstone in every newspaper in every town they stayed in, spending his time writing replies while Zuko burned up the countryside in his latest plan. XD See if you recognize the two askers!

Summary: Do you need wisdom? Advice? A kind word? Write to Uncle Iroh's Tea Corner! Take a seat, have a sip, and listen as Uncle Iroh uses his infinite patience and wisdom to help you with your problems. Even the biggest problems seem tiny after taking a deep breath.

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Uncle Iroh's Tea Corner

Uncle Iroh,

I am a fighter. I am strong. I am amazing. I am undefeatable.

Or so I was, until this tiny, blind girl destroyed me in the ring. She wasn't even an adult! A child defeated me! In the most humiliating way possible! No one takes me seriously anymore. I can't even look myself in the mirror. Sometimes I think about stepping back in the ring, but I just can't. What can I do to feel invincible again?

—a boulder who feels more like a pebble

Pebble,

The short answer: nothing.

The long answer? There is humility in accepting your defeat. Whether a child or an adult or even a beast, there will always be someone out there who is stronger than you. Someone who can take you down. I too have faced many defeats in my long life. It is impossible to live this long otherwise.

However, what is important is what happens next. The child isn't the one who is keeping you down now, it is yourself. Your fear of humiliation, your fear of yet another, stronger opponent—all of it is keeping you from entering the ring. You cannot be afraid of falling down again. Accept that it will happen and try your best despite that. You will find you will stand longer.

You will not feel invincible again, but it is better that way. Nothing is invincible after all. Everything falls, even if only to time. Even the strongest boulder is eroded by water and wind.

Yet, what was destroyed can be rebuilt. Pebbles turn into sand turn into castles. You will not be the same, for no one is the same after they have changed. But you will be better and that is all one can wish for in life.

When you are filled with fear and doubt, drink a cup of tea, enjoy a game of pai sho, and reflect on life. You will find your troubles are not as big as you think.

—Uncle Iroh

Dear Uncle Iroh,

I met my destined one! He's funny, cute, and really strong. He also has these big ears that I think are adorable. Our names even rhyme! Even without Aunt Wu's predictions, I know he's just the guy for me.

But he doesn't feel the same. Does destiny take time? Or does it need effort? I can do more, I'm sure!

Hoping for love,

Lovelorn Girl

Lovelorn,

Destiny is a funny thing. It works in the most mysterious ways. Sometimes, you get what you want, just not the way you expected it. Sometimes you convince yourself something will happen, when it doesn't have to. Sometimes, you try so hard, you miss what was in front of you all along.

There is a simple solution to this: do not concern yourself with destiny. If it will happen, it will. If it doesn't, it won't. Destiny is not something you can control. Instead, little one, focus on what you can do. If that boy doesn't love you, then there are many other boys out there. Do not limit yourself to what boundaries the predictions have given you. Meet new people, try new things, live your life as you wish.

And then, when you least expect it, destiny will come knocking. You'll find you don't need it as much, but it is a pleasant surprise. Good luck!

—Uncle Iroh