The Earth Kingdom Revisited
Chapter Two – Arrangements
Zuko awoke early the next morning. Well, he always woke with the sun, but being anxious, this morning he beat it by an hour. Mai grumbled beside him. "Do you have to go now?" she whined.
"Yes," Zuko grinned, bending over to kiss her forehead. "I'll meet you for breakfast in about an hour and a half. I'm going to send that hawk and get in a bit of firebending practice first."
The Fire Lord slipped quietly out the door, not wanting to further disturb Mai, who had already sunk back into sleep. He walked briskly to the messenger hawk compound, his letter to Piandao in hand. Inserting the missive into the hawk's tiny cylindrical carrying case, Zuko sent the bird on its way. That job done, he strode to an indoor training area and performed some basic breathing exercises and simple moves. As Iroh had always said, it was important to "remember the basics." Zuko splashed his face, chest and arms with water and then dried off with a towel. It was already time for breakfast with Mai. Walking through the halls of the palace, he nodded pleasantly to the servants who bowed in his presence and then got quickly back to work, preparing food, changing bed linens or cleaning rooms.
"Oh good, you're here," Mai stated as Zuko entered his chamber. "We're having breakfast in here today. Tea, fruit and pastries were arranged on the small dining table.
"I'm starving," Zuko declared, tearing into a delicious looking pastry and taking a piece of passion fruit in hand.
"Must be all the exercise we've been getting," Mai remarked.
Zuko's face turned a light shade of pink at the implications of Mai's comments. "Yeah, that must be it," he agreed.
Mai put her hand over Zuko's and asked, "Did you get the letter sent?"
Zuko finished chewing and took a sip of tea before answering. "Yeah, all done. Hopefully, I'll hear from Piandao sometime tomorrow."
"Don't worry," said Mai. "You'll know soon enough."
Finishing his breakfast, Zuko stood up and walked around behind Mai. He kissed the exposed flesh of her neck and whispered, "I have a meeting soon and I need to get cleaned up first. Want to join me in the bath?"
It was Mai's turn to flush. "I would like that, Zuko," she replied almost shyly.
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The afternoon dragged by as Mai read proposals of compensation from various Earth Kingdom cities and Zuko signed his name over and over again on completed agreements from the past few days. No meetings were scheduled for the rest of the day, so the couple wisely used their time to catch up on paperwork.
"I think you should read this proposal, Zuko. General Meng of Sen Si is quite demanding and vaguely threatening."
"Oh, great," Zuko moaned. "It's not like I blame everyone for being angry with The Fire Nation. But there's only so much money in the country's coffers. I can't do everything for everyone at once. This whole process will take decades. The people have to understand that compensation will come in many installments and many forms over the years."
"Well, everyone always wants everything NOW. You'll just have to be firm. Eventually, they'll understand."
"I hope so," Zuko sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
An hour or so later, there was a knock at the door. A servant entered, bowed and handed Zuko a letter. "This just arrived, sir."
Zuko snatched the letter eagerly. "Thanks. You may go," he said briskly. Turning to Mai, he opened the scroll. "It's from Piandao. I'll read it aloud."
Fire Lord Zuko,
Your letter was a surprise and your request an honour. I am more than happy to join you on your tour of the Earth Kingdom. All I need is a week or so to make other arrangements for my students. Please make all the plans necessary and inform me of the details.
Master Piandao
"Yes," Zuko exclaimed. "He's agreed to go. I can start getting things organized now. We'll take a ship up to the spa town where Uncle Iroh and I first landed in Earth Kingdom territory. From there we can ride ostrich horses across country. We'll need tents and sleeping bags in case there are no inns available."
"Wow," Mai said, her eyes huge. "You're really excited, aren't you?"
"Yep, I am excited. But I will miss you. Don't worry. I'll send you letters and give you a place to send them back if you have any problems. It's only for a few weeks, Mai."
"I know, I know, but it will be so strange around here without you. What if people don't respect me?"
"Mai, they already respect you. And I'll make sure everyone knows that you and General Haku and First Minister Cheng are in charge while I'm gone. I'll also make sure that no crucial meetings are set for that time. You'll be fine. In fact, you'll do great."
"Okay," Mai replied, still sounding a little unsure. "I guess that I can handle things. But I'll worry about you constantly."
"I promise that we'll both be extremely careful," Zuko reassured Mai. "And I'm not leaving for about a week. So we have time to prepare."
Mai nodded. "The sun is setting, Zuko. I have to get going. I promised my parents that I would have dinner with them tonight."
"Go, Mai. I can take care of the rest of this. See you later?" he asked questioningly.
"Yes. I think my parents accept that I'm living here, finally," Mai said with a hint of exasperation.
Zuko laughed. "I'm glad," he replied. "They were pretty angry for a while. And let's not even talk about your uncle. He'll hate me forever."
"He doesn't hate you, Zuko. He just doesn't like you very much." Mai giggled.
"Well, that makes me feel so much better," Zuko said grinning. "I'll win him over eventually. Just watch. If it's the last thing I do, your uncle will like me."
"Ha, we'll see," said Mai as she walked out the door, down the hall and eventually out the main gates of the palace and across the street to her parents' house.
The following week was a blur for Fire Lord Zuko. He had several important meetings moved up so that he would be free to take his trip. Those meetings combined with travel preparations made the week speed by. Piandao did the work on his end, making other teaching arrangements for his students and assigning various drills for them to practice. Mai did her part as well, sitting in on meetings and spending time with Haku and Cheng. They knew full well that Mai was in essence the proxy Fire Lord for the duration of Zuko's absence.
When everything was in order, Zuko sent another letter to Piandao.
Master Piandao,
All preparations are done. We leave the day after tomorrow at sunrise. Meet me at the harbor in the capitol.
I look forward to seeing you,
Zuko
Mai and Zuko made the most of their last day together. They spent their time leisurely walking through the capitol, visiting merchants and stopping for lunch at Zuko's favorite tea shop in the city. Zuko's guards were never more than ten feet behind their leader and his lady, ever wary of their surroundings. No attempts had been made on Zuko's life as yet, but there were those rebel factions who desired a return to the "old" days of conquering and domination started by Sozin and ending with Ozai. Their numbers were few, but that didn't meant the rebels couldn't do harm.
"That was a great lunch, Zuko," Mai declared. I think even your uncle would enjoy the tea there."
"Mmm," Zuko agreed. "I'm pretty sure he used to go there quite often years ago. I remember him mentioning it. That's probably why I tried it out months ago."
"Today's been wonderful. Thank you, Zuko."
Zuko smiled and took Mai's hand in his. "There's one more shop I want to visit before we return to the palace," he said, dragging Mai along.
"Okay, I'm coming," she replied snarkily. "Is it a sword shop?"
"Noo, it's a jewelry shop. I saw something there a few weeks ago that I know you'll love."
Mai opened her mouth to protest, but Zuko stopped her. "Uh, uh, just wait. I know you aren't the frilly type of girl who loves trinkets but, trust me, you'll love this. And it would please me to buy them for you."
The couple entered the dimly lit shop. It was quiet being the end of the shopping day. The proprietor bowed respectfully to Zuko and Mai. "Fire Lord Zuko, it is an honour to have you in my humble shop once again. And you brought your lovely lady friend this time too. Could this visit have anything to do with that remarkable piece you looked at the other week?"
Zuko nodded in return. "Yes, it does," he replied.
"I put them aside for you like you asked, my Lord," the merchant said.
"Thank you, Xiang. May we see them please?"
The merchant, an older man, heavyset, with rheumy eyes wandered to the back room in search of the jewelry. He came back with a lovely set of earrings with the ancient kiku* design. Orderly red chrysanthemum petals were inlaid on delicate gold balls.
"Oh," gasped Mai, "They are beautiful, Zuko."
Smiling hugely at Mai's obvious pleasure, Zuko explained that the kiku design symbolized perfection and long life. "You are perfect for me, Mai and I hope we have a long and happy life together."
The young woman flushed. She reached for his hands and held them tightly. "Thank you, Zuko. I haven't received many gifts in my life. I love them."
"I'm glad," he replied. "They suit you."
The shopkeeper slipped the earrings inside a small velvet bag and handed them to Zuko. "There you are my Lord. I hope the lady enjoys them."
The Fire Lord handed the man his payment and he and Mai walked out of the shop into the still warm late afternoon. The sun was just beginning to set and the sky was streaked with splashes of pink and orange.
"We'd better get back, Mai. I have an early morning."
Mai sighed. "I know. I'm not looking forward to you leaving. I want to see you off at the ship, though, so I better get to bed early too."
Walking home arm in arm, the couple enjoyed the rest of the sunset and the beginnings of a cool breeze. "Maybe the heat wave is breaking," suggested Mai.
"Maybe," Zuko replied.
They walked through the front palace gates, guards parting for the Fire Lord and his girlfriend. "Should we grab a bit of supper and then get some sleep?" asked Zuko.
"Sounds good," Mai agreed.
They walked to the kitchen and filled their plates with cold meat and some leftover vegetables. Mai brewed some spice tea. The pair ate in silence, both thinking about Zuko's imminent journey. Their eyes met and both pushed their chairs back. They walked to Zuko's bedchamber. "Staying here?" he asked almost pleadingly.
"Yeah, of course I am. It's our last night together for awhile. I've got three weeks to be alone in bed. I might even sleep here while you're gone."
"Mmmmm, I like that idea," Zuko agreed.
The two undressed and got into their sleeping clothes. Discarding the covers due to the still unusual warmth, Zuko and Mai curled up together. He wrapped his arms snuggly around hers and buried his face in her now loose ebony hair.
"Goodnight, Mai."
Already asleep, Mai gave no response.
A knock on the bedchamber door very early the next morning woke Mai and Zuko. "My lord, it's time to wake up. Your ship leaves soon."
"Okay, okay," Zuko grunted loudly. He reached over and shook Mai's shoulder. "It's time to wake up Mai. Come on."
"Oh, Agni. What an awful hour to get up. I'm so tired."
"You don't have to come down to the harbor, Mai. We can say goodbye here."
"No, no, I want to see you and Piandao off. It's just so early."
Smiling, Zuko reached over and began tickling Mai. "Cut it out, Zuko," Mai said breathlessly between fits of laughter.
"You're awake now, aren't you?"
"I suppose," Mai replied.
They had a quick breakfast of tea and fruit. The ship was already packed with the few necessities Piandao and Zuko required. The Fire Lord just needed his personal bag with a few changes of clothing (Earth Kingdom wear included), his cloak and a portrait of Mai. His money he carried in a pouch inside his simple travelling clothes.
Mai dressed quickly, leaving her hair down as she was unwilling to fight with buns and pins at that time of day. "I'm ready," she declared.
"So am I. Let's get going.
The eastern sky was just beginning to brighten as Mai and the Fire Lord walked briskly to the harbor. The small but sturdy Fire Nation ship was ready to leave port. Piandao stood by the gangplank waiting for Zuko.
"There's Piandao," declared the young man, an excited look on his face.
He turned to Mai and gave her a fierce hug. She returned it with equal ferocity. Caressing her cheek lightly, Zuko placed a delicate kiss on her lips. He tilted his head slightly and whispered in her ear, "I love you, Mai. I'll miss you."
Eyes misting over, Mai gave Zuko his own kiss. "I love you, Zuko. Be careful, please."
"I promise," Zuko said solemnly.
The couple broke apart and closed the gap between themselves and the sword master. He clapped Zuko lightly on the shoulder and gave him a wink. "Are your goodbyes finished then?" he asked.
"Yes," said Zuko smiling.
Piandao bowed graciously to Mai. "Goodbye, Mai. I will take good care of Zuko."
In a rare impulsive gesture, Mai gave Piandao a quick hug. "Thank you for going with him. I feel better knowing that he has you."
"I'm happy to do it. I need a change once in a while too."
"Time to go," Zuko said. He embraced Mai once more and kissed her cheek. "I'll write you and we'll be back before you realize I'm gone," he joked.
Sword master and Fire Lord walked up the gangplank and boarded the ship. Deckhands lifted the gangplank and the ship began to move. Mai waved at Zuko and Piandao. She stayed at the water's edge until the ship was out of sight.
*Note: kiku is chrysanthemum in Japanese. It's an ancient symbol in Japanese culture that represents perfection (the orderliness of the petals) and long life(the large quantity of petals).