A. N. : Uh oh ! Looks like what was bound to happen did, in fact, happen ! In other news, I'll be working to complete an exhibition for the museum from next week onwards, up to late june, so while I did make sure to keep Tuesdays off, I... might end up just sleeping the whole day through instead of posting. So just, don't be surprised if I don't update at some point. Really excited for the exhibition though ! It's a lot of work, but it's really cool to be able to work on this kind of thing during my studies, and the artists involved are also super into the idea of what we're doing, so ! It's nice !
It is pure coincidence.
Qin doesn't know if he would call it luck or misfortune – all he knows is that Lady Mai jumped when her deep thinking was interrupted by an offer for more tea, and the contents of the teapot ended up feeding the sand. Then, after Qin asked Lady Mai to apologize – it didn't take much prompting, although her complex feelings towards Master Tao made her stumble over her words – he offered to fetch some fresh water inside.
He thought to use this opportunity to check up on Lady Azula. Perhaps offer his help and support once more, assure her of his presence at her side no matter what.
Thus, it is pure coincidence that by entering the house at the time he did, much earlier than was originally planned, Qin walked in on Lady Azula reading a series of old, decrepit books.
Quickly scanning the room – a drawer in the clothes box has been opened and emptied out, the dozens of books on the floor have their covers annotated in messy handwriting that indicates a personal use rather than professional publishing – and taking note of Lady Azula's reaction – surprise, a flash of rage, and finally a deliberate show of unashamed assurance – Qin can only reach one simple conclusion.
Lady Azula has been going through their hosts' personal belongings – their hosts' private diary even, perhaps – for long enough that she believes she can justify it to him – hence the assurance. Hence, also, the amount of time she has spent on her own inside the house, surely.
Qin sits down, places the teapot he came in to fill next to him on the floor. He asks, low enough that he won't be heard from the outside – what are you hoping to accomplish ?
Lady Azula glares at him, possibly offended at perceived judgement from Qin, but he doesn't give her more time to linger on these feelings. He reiterates once more his desire to stand by her side, to watch her achieve whichever goals she sets off to accomplish. He will help her, no matter what. That is the reason he followed her to the Fire Nation, and the reason he is here still.
But to do this, he needs to know her goal.
He needs to know if she truly does have one, like Lady Ty Lee thought, or if Lady Mai's untold uncertainty had reason to be. This, however, he does not say.
When Lady Azula raises a hand to her throat, the way she has done every time she is asked a question she cannot answer with yes or no, he gently tells her – Master Tao told us you should be able to speak by now. He does not ask whether or not the reason she hasn't is of her own will, or from a mental block. Her reaction will be enough to learn the truth, and he doesn't wish to be… invasive, perhaps, or questioning in a way that is more appropriate for work than for normal conversation.
This way also redirects the blame on Master Tao for sharing patient information, rather than on Lady Azula's behavior, whether chosen or not, which will in turn make the conversation easier.
Lady Azula tsks. Damn that pirate, Qin hears her mutter under her breath. She shrugs, then, movements more fluid than what he's seen her do in the past week. Smiles conspiratorially when she sees Qin take note of this, as if she just shared a major secret that he should feel honored to be privy to.
She isn't aware of the extent of Master Tao's knowledge. Most likely, she knows the damage to her throat can easily be observed with a good source of light – but the state of her body could only be subject to informed guesses.
She speaks, then, her voice deeper than it used to be, raspier too. She speaks of the notebooks, of the power they no doubt hold on their owner, of contents that border on traitorous and he is a clever man, surely he must see the weight these have –
Qin frowns. Lady Azula's voice sounds too convincing for the empty words they speak, like she seeks to bend a crowd to her will, and not just the single man in front of her. Is two a crowd ?
He asks again, slowly, what her aim is. Notes her growing frustration, the tension in her voice as she retorts that she told him, that she will make him regret breaking his word, that she should have known whose side he really is on – he interrupts her.
What she just explained were the means, not the end. And he believes she knows this. She is too clever not to.
He is on her side, no matter what, no matter her goals. He will stay by her side if she doesn't have one too, until she finds new objectives that will no doubt lead het to greatness. Thus, he cannot stand to see her lie to herself, and sabotage herself this way.
What she has done is greatly disrespectful to their hosts. More so with the danger Lady Azula's presence brings to them. More so with the incident with Lady Mai, during Lady Azula's illness.
She must apologize, now.
Before the situation gets out of control.