Merry Christmas! (and the other winter holidays that are celebrated around this time)

This chapter is a little shorter than usual, but that's just how scene breakdowns go sometimes. Enjoy!

"Fire is by far the most dangerous and least versatile of the four elements. While fire spells can be used to a limited degree in medical areas and everyday life, , this branch of magic is best suited for military purposes. Fire magic, unlike most elements, can easily fuel itself once started. This makes it advantageous to use for persisting damage against enemy combatants, resources, and structures."

"Hmm. The author's view of fire magic is reasonable, but far too limited." Iroh sipped his tea and exhaled with a content sigh. "For example, fire magic could be used to brew the perfect pot of tea, which could be served in an important diplomatic meeting, and could set the perfect atmosphere to secure a peaceful agreement. Therefore, you could say that fire is an instrument of peace."

"I say that argument is based on supposition and chance," Louise deadpanned. She slammed the book shut and pushed it aside. "Why am I wasting time reading through these books? They're not teaching me anything I don't already know."

"I already told you, it's for me," Iroh said patiently. "I can't read your country's writing, so I need someone to read the books for me."

"These are books for beginners! They're all just theory! I need to learn the practical."

"And I know my practical, but I don't know your theory," Iroh reminded her. "I'll be able to teach you better once I have a full understanding of how your people use the elements. Besides, I've already started teaching you the basics."

"You've shown me breathing exercises, stretching, and tea preparation. What does that have to do with casting Fireball?"

"Fire is in the breath," Iroh explained. It wasn't the first time he had said this, and he knew it wouldn't be the last time either. "Knowing how to breath will help you control the flow of your chi. Stretching keeps you limber, allowing your chi to flow more smoothly. And tea is good for everything, so knowing how to properly brew a pot is an essential skill."

Louise's complaints ended, but her cheeks puffed in a silent pout.

Iroh sighed as he set his teacup down. "I know you are eager to learn, Miss Louise. But you must understand, everything starts with a foundation. If I attempted to teach you firebending now, there are too many things that could go wrong."

"For example?"

If there was one thing Iroh could appreciate about Louise, it was her genuine curiosity. While she was temperamental, impatient, and stubborn, she was also willing to listen and learn. "On the mental side, if I don't know your foundation, I could be teaching you in a way you don't understand. It would make your progress slow at the beginning, but it wouldn't be a huge problem in the long run. Physically, however, your body is still not ready. Firebending can be very taxing, and I'd prefer not to give the healers any extra work. Spiritually, your chi is… different from what I am used to." Indeed. The chakra network that flowed through Louise's body was not similar to Iroh's, or any other benders he knew. The firebender chalked up the difference to their different sources of power, but that still had dangerous implications.

Iroh leaned forward in his seat, eyeing Louise with a serious expression on his face. "I know you are eager, and you feel you can handle any challenge set before you. However, it would be wiser to wait a month to take your first step properly, than to rush in a week and have you injured for who knows how long."

"It's been over a week!"

"And we are still not ready," Iroh said firmly. He rose from his seat and put his arms together in his sleeves. "It is getting late. Review your homework for tomorrow's classes before going to bed."

The temptation to argue further was evident on Louise's face, but discipline won out in the end. "Yes, Mister Iroh," the young mage said reluctantly.

Iroh had to force himself not to cave to Louise's pout. He knew she wasn't doing it on purpose, but her cheeks looked so squeezable. Alas, he knew treating her like the cute child she was would only make her mood worse.

"Mister Iroh!"

"Ah, Siesta!" Iroh called out as he saw the maid streaking across the courtyard to the table he and Louise were seated at. "Your shift is over?"

"Yup! Just finished!" As Siesta came to stop in front of him, she finally noticed the sullen Louise sitting at the table with her arms crossed. "My apologies, Miss Valliere. Did I interrupt your lesson?"

"No. I was just leaving," Louise said coldly as she got up from her chair and stalked towards the central tower.

Iroh noticed how Siesta's eyes trailed after Louise with concern. "Don't worry about her," he said. "She's a little frustrated right now, but she doesn't mean to be rude."

"If you say so," Siesta responded uncertainly. She hadn't had a proper conversation with Louise before—no commoner could easily speak with a noble, after all—but from she had heard, Louise was naturally cold and rude. Even to her own classmates. Siesta shook her head and put the thoughts out of her mind. "I have the tea set up near the servant quarters."

"Lead the way."

By this time, Iroh and Siesta had gotten into a routine of meeting over tea every couple of days. They spent the time comparing cultures and sharing stories. Siesta learned about the nation of her great-grandfather, and how much of his tales were actually true. Iroh learned about Tristan and a bit of Halkegenia from a citizen's perspective, which was invaluable to him.

As the two walked, they shared their experiences of the day. Apparently one of the cooks was planning to propose to one of the maids, but he chickened out at the last moment. It was an open secret among the staff that they wouldn't tell the girl he fancied until he had the courage to tell her himself. Iroh had less interesting tales to share.

"It's getting harder and harder to say 'no' to Miss Louise when she asks me to teach her firebending. She is a good learner and is very passionate. If I could, I would get her started right away. But her foundation is so very different."

"Does that matter?" Siesta asked. "Magic is magic, isn't it?"

"Magic is magic," Iroh agreed with a nod before raising a finger. "However, bending is not magic. Both involve the elements, but their sources and structure are different. Miss Louise informed me that a familiar is summoned partially based on elemental affinity. If that is the case, she has good chance to learn firebending."

"Wouldn't that make it easier to teach her?"

"Yes, but there's also the issue of safety," said Iroh regretfully. "Firebending comes from our breath, so if done incorrectly, it could kill the user. Fire magic has less written about it compared to the other elements. The only persistent fact is that fire is an element of destruction and war." Iroh sighed.

"Did you tell Miss Louise this?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, while her drive is good, it also makes her impatient. Despite the danger, she still wants to learn as soon as possible. I can see why, but until I find a way to get through these books faster, there's not much I can do."

"Hm… if that's the case, why don't I read to you?" Siesta offered.

Iroh was surprised by the suggestion. "Forgive me if this sounds rude, but I did not know you were literate. I heard that education wasn't common outside of nobility."

"Not everyone can," Siesta admitted, "but all of the staff are capable of reading simple words at least. I'm an avid reader myself, so I should be able to read Miss Valliere's textbooks. I don't think I'd be able to understand them very well, but maybe it could still help?"

"That would indeed be a big help," Iroh said gratefully. "Thank you, Siesta."

The maid blushed. "It's nothing really," she said. "Honestly, I'm glad to help you anyway I can."

"That makes me think I should work to return the favor," Iroh responded thoughtfully.

"N-no, you'd don't have to do that," Siesta insisted as she waved her arms frantically.

"Nonsense! I may be old, but I'm not an infirm yet. Receiving without giving would not sit right with me."

"I'm not doing this for anything in exchange," Siesta said with a pout. Her voice lowered as she confessed, "Honestly, I really enjoy the time I spend with you. You remind me of my family. Talking over tea, it makes me feel… whole."

Iroh was stunned into silence by the sincerity of Siesta's short speech. "I see," he said. And he was honest when he said that. "How long has it been?"

"Only two months, but it feels like its been two years," Siesta said with a sigh. "Just a few more months before I can take some time off to see them. You could come with me! I mean, if you're not busy."

Iroh laughed. "While I am unsure of Miss Louise's plans, if I have no other obligations, I'd be most honored to accompany you."

Before they knew it, they were already by the servants' quarters. The building was located in the shadow of the central tower. Doors to the kitchen faced the building, allowing easy access for the staff. Siesta ducked inside the kitchen one as Iroh took a seat at a small table placed outside. A few minutes later, the maid came out with a tray containing two cups and a pitcher. They weren't ornate, merely servant's faire, but Iroh was only interested in the contents.

Iroh watched with a soft but critical eye as Siesta poured the tea. The color was perfect, and the steam looked to be the right consistency: soft and wavy. The aroma was very good as well. As Iroh raised the cup to his lips, the scent of Jasmine was already flooding his nostrils.

"Ah…" Iroh said with a sigh as he lowered the cup. "Very good. The heat is perfect. The leaves were a little over-brewed, but not by much. And, is that honey I taste?"

"Yes! I added a little to enhance the flavor. Do you like it?"

Iroh feigned wiping a tear from the corner his eye. "They grow up so fast. One day you're showing them how to heat water, the next they're innovating their own flavors."

Siesta's cheeks became rosy. "It's only because I have such a great teacher."

"You flatter this old man too much."

"Or maybe just enough," Siesta suggested cheekily, causing Iroh to chuckle.

These times spent with Siesta took Iroh back to the days he last lived the mortal world, brewing tea and telling tales. He'd met many interesting people during that time, and sometimes friends and family would come over to visit as well. In fact, Iroh could imagine Seista as being part of his extended family. Maybe it was due to her familiar appearance, or her approachability, but Iroh found a kinship with Siesta. The girl was meek and easily flustered, but also driven and attentive. As far as grandchildren went, she was a keeper. Now, if only Iroh could get her and Louise to spend some time together…

Time flew by while the two sat outside. As the sun started to dip over the academy walls, Siesta rushed to the kitchen, retrieving a candlestick and placing it on the table. Without prompting, Iroh flicked his fingers, sending a stream of flame that licked the wick of the candle with expert precision.

"It always looks impressive when you do it," Siesta said in awe.

"Firebending is an art, after all," Iroh responded with a wink

Siesta laughed as the candle danced in the sun's fading rays. "There's actually a silly tradition we have in our family," she told him. "When we light a candle in the evening, we each hold our hand close to it. The more it flickers, the luckier we'll be until the next evening."

"That sounds like a challenge," said Iroh with a sly grin. "Should we try our luck then?"

"Yes!" Siesta jumped on the opportunity, unaware of Iroh's advantage. "You go first."

Iroh placed a hand close to the flame. Even without actively using firebending, the light of the candle ebbed and flowed to the pace of his breathing.

"The fire danced for you!" Siesta exclaimed. "That doesn't happen very often."

"I'd imagine," said Iroh with a knowing wink. Fire naturally resonated with firebenders. One would have to be incredibly lucky or have another trick to achieve the same effect.

"Let me see how my luck will be," said Siesta as she slowly reached a hand forward. "I was usually the luckiest person in my family, but it's been a while since I've done this."

Iroh's eyes popped open as the candle flared and flickered as Siesta's hand approached it. "It danced for me too!" she cheered. The flame jumped up, matching her enthusiasm. "Looks like we'll both be lucky tomorrow, right Mister Iroh?"

Not hearing a response, Siesta turned to see the old man staring at the candle with a slack-jawed expression on his face. "Mister Iroh? Is something wrong?"

"Ah… no, no, not all," said Iroh distractedly. "Siesta, by any chance, did your great-grandfather pass on that tradition to you?"

"He did. Is it common in your country?"

"In a sense," Iroh replied vaguely. He stood from his seat. "Ah, I just remembered I need to retrieve some books from Miss Louise's room for tomorrow. I'm sorry to leave so abruptly, but she likes to turn in early."

"It's fine," Siesta said understandingly. "I should start preparing for tomorrow as well, we talked longer than usual today. Goodnight, Mister Iroh." She bowed.

"Good night, Siesta," Iroh said with a bow of his own. As the maid turned to leave, he called out after her, "Siesta."

She turned to him.

"While you're reading, I'll also share some stories about the differences between firebending and fire magic. Sounds interesting?"

"Yes!"

As Iroh walked away, his expression grew contemplative. The candle test was a common way of testing if someone had the potential to firebend. It wasn't the most effective test, as it was easy to fake and could still be failed by someone who had the potential but lacked training. However, the test was well-known because it was convenient. Siesta's ancestor didn't seem to be a bender, but perhaps he came from a family who could. Either way, there was no mistaking what Iroh had just seen.

Siesta was a firebender.

Iroh usually left the door to his room unlocked. He had three youths who dropped in at various times of the day, so it was easier for everyone if they could enter at will. However, this policy finally backfired.

"What is she doing here?"

Iroh looked up at the question, seeing Louise, who was pointing at Siesta. The maid was sitting on one of the chairs in his room with a book in her hand, while he sat on a chair next to her. "She's reading to me," he replied simply.

Louise crossed her arms. "I thought that was my job."

"Yes, when you have time. Remember, you have your own studies. I'm supposed to be teaching you, not soaking up all your time to teach me. Why did you think I requested those books from you?"

"I thought you were going to try to read them on your own."

One eyebrow arched high on Iroh's face. "Have you tried learning a new language at my age? Your words are written so strangely."

Louise acknowledged that her assumption wasn't very logical, but she wasn't one to give up easily. "Doesn't the maid have other duties?" she asked.

"I excused Siesta from some of her duties. Teacher privileges are very useful."

Seeing that Lousie was pouting yet again, Iroh offered, "Think about it. With Siesta reading to me during your classes, and you reading to me in the afternoon, I'll be able to start teaching you firebending even sooner."

That made Lousie pause. Slowly, she nodded. "Very well," she said. "Just make sure not to spend too much time with her. Remember, your primary job is to teach me."

"Of course," Iroh said. "I remember that I am your mentor, first and foremost. Nothing will change that."

Hurried footsteps sounded down the hallway as Guiche burst in behind Louise. "Mister Iroh! I need your assistance! Montmorency is furious and—" Guiche finally noticed the mop of pink hair in front of him. "Oh, pardon me. I see you're busy with Louise."

"I was about to leave, but what are you doing here Guiche?" Louise challenged the blond boy with narrowed eyes.

"I'm here for Mister Iroh's guidance, of course," Guiche declared.

"He's my tutor!" Louise protested.

"Well, he's my counselor!" Guiche shot back.

"Counseling you on what?" Lousie scoffed. "How to seduce women?"

"Yes!"

An awkward silence filled the room.

Iroh sighed. "You might want to run while you still can," he whispered to Siesta. "I think this going to get ugly."

"You're teaching Guiche how to seduce women?" Siesta asked, sounding wounded.

Iroh felt as though his heart had been stabbed. "Not… quite the words I would use," he said.

"This skirt-chaser is already enough of a problem!" Louise exploded on Iroh. "Why would you teach him to be worse?"

"He's not teaching me to be worse!" Guiche protested. "Mister Iroh is teaching me the value of women, and the ways to reach their hearts."

The girls' deadpan stares looked at Guiche, then at a sheepish Iroh.

"Consider it a lesson in human affairs," Iroh offered. "Learning how to get along better with people isn't a bad thing, is it?"

"Exactly," said Guiche proudly. "And I'm taking all of his teaching to heart and improving. I can't say the same for your magic practice, Louise."

Iroh mentally facepalmed. Guiche was improving, yes, but his current attitude showed nothing of his progress.

"You still can't keep a single girl without cheating, so I can't say you're doing any better Gramont!" Louise spat. "Additionally, I'm also learning about Mister Iroh's history, which no one else can say they've learned."

"Um…" The two noble's heads were turned to Siesta, who raised a hand nervously. "Mister Iroh is actually kinsman to one of my ancestors, so I've been learning about his home country and history as well. And cultural differences, we um, talk about that too."

As Iroh looked at the three teens trapped in deadlock, he could only shake his head. It didn't take a sage to realize that his troubles had only just begun. At least now all of his students were together, so it could only improve from here, right?

First of all, thank you everyone who has followed, favorited, and most importantly, reviewed this story. At almost 600 favorites, over 800 follows, and 90 reviews in only the first three chapters, Iroh might end up topping Aang as the most popular familiar I've summoned in this series. While I'm not always able to make all my writing goals, seeing these numbers and reading people's feedback really helps keep me motivated. The past two months my uploads have been less consistent, but this winter break has given me breathing room. I'll start posting my upload schedule on my profile for those who want to know what's coming up in the month.

One thing I struggled with in this chapter is debating on whether or not Iroh would talk about Louise to Siesta. Given that the talk is non-malicious and everyone knows his role with Louise, I figured it wouldn't be too out of character for him. (Also it was literally the best way I could incorporate everything). As I said earlier, Iroh's a different type of familiar, so he warrants a different type of story. Fouquet will show up rather at the end of chapter 5 or somewhere in Chapter 6. As much as I want action, that ain't the focus here.

If you want to support me financially, I have a Ko-Fi under "RainEStar". If you want to see where I discuss this wacky series, I'm on the Spacebattles Forums. You can find me with my username "RainEStar", or by searching for "Louise Summons Series".

How many people expected this twist? What do you think of Iroh having three mentees? Have I still managed to keep Iroh in character? Leave a review! Remember, reviews are food for a writer's soul!