Iroh
On the one hand, it was strange to think that his niece actually had a romantic interest in anyone. Yes, he was aware that she had a degree of fondness for Zuko and her 'minions,' but actual affection was not something that he really expected to see. The fact that he was a deeply spiritual man who understood the importance of tea, well that was a bonus and a good influence, just like Ty Lee. That, and apparently Azula trusted him enough to at least delay him enough that she could 'discuss matters' with Zuko without interference. "A most pleasant tea. Your own blend?"
He nodded. "Yes, there is something relaxing about getting it all right, even if I will admit that I prefer mine with lemon and certain tart berries added in." A hum of consideration, as he wondered how that tasted, how it would go down and the ingredients would affect the aftertaste. "Its something dry, with some sour edges, but served cool, with the heat removed from it, it makes for a pleasant drink after some time in the forge."
Another reason to approve of him, as he actually knew a trade and worked hard. A solid and sensible sort. "Oh, what do you make?"
He was curious as the man smiled. "A number of things. Some armor, some jewelry, general metal work in addition to the weapons. I actually made Azula's new spear."
Ah, that was a beautiful piece, even as he had to wonder about some things about it. "Is the head actually silver?"
Because if so, even as the man nodded, that was highly impractical for a weapon meant to be used. "Technically yes. Actually an alloy that needed a storm to finish it off. Actually binding the storm winds and lightning into the thing was a pain in the ass, not to mention the fact that I nearly fry myself making stormsilver."
He blinked, as he had to take that in. "Forgive me, old age has done my old ears no favors, but did you say you bound the storm into the metal?" Because, even as the giant nodded, a proud smile on his lips, Iroh had to wonder how that was possible, as even Avatars did not do anything like that! "How is that even possible?"
Because all of a sudden, that friendly young man was looking far more dangerous and threatening. "Well, its an extension of both spirit binding, spirit trapping and chi-smithing techniques. Now, while I'm aware that the Avatars did their best to destroy most of the records on the first to prevent others with similar abilities to themselves from coming about," wait, what was he implying, "and the second is mostly hidden inside some of the temples rituals," he blinked at that and took another sip of the tea, as he had not been entirely expecting that but made more sense than the first, "the latter is, while uncommon, mostly considered something of a secret due to the smiths who practice it don't really talk about it more than anything else."
The young man took a sip of the tea. "As it is, based on the records I got a hold of, and I'm not sure how much is entirely accurate, my version is a great deal more violent than the one that saw the Avatar be made, it is not fundamentally different." The man smiled, sipping his tea, a wide grin on his face. "Still, I don't have plans to mass produce knock off Avatar's. No, a spear that channels lightning better and returns to its wielders hand in a gust of wind is more than enough."
Well then, that was both a headache and a relief, as he tried to take another sip, only to find his cup was empty. "Ah, the tea is finished. I assume it is time to fight now?" There is a smile and nod, even as he sighed. "Very well then."
And so did the dragon and volcano begin their clash.
Ty Lee
You know, she wondered if all the Fire Benders that could be a part of the royal family had to be a kind of monster, to be more than human. Fire Lord Oazi was a creature of smoke and flame, hungry and cruel the few times she saw him, a shadow cast by his own flames that wanted blood. Zuko was an egg, rocking in a nest of ashes, about to hatch, but still not sure of what it would be. There was a dream of stars and song, of honor and compassion as great as the flames. Azula was a dragon made of lightning, dancing and as strong as she was beautiful, proud and arrogant because how could she not be and still be true to her own nature and self?
Iroh was still sleeping. A carp of flame resting beneath a gate, content for there was tea and beauty in the world. He was tired, so very tired, but an eye was opening as the fish started to uncoil, as the sun gazed out with calm wisdom. What need was there to make threats. He was. That was enough. And then she looked at Maza. He always carried his forge with him, and those bindings of gold were as much to hold himself in as anything else. Because what separated a forge from a factory but the passion and the dreams, the very stuff of myth and legend?
Which is why the hammer struck the dragon scales, why the world reverberated as molten rock and metal roared, as heat and flame clashed. Iroh was faster, he knew how to fight, and so Maza could not hit him, but the younger man was tempered by working long hours in a volcanic forge, his body as hard as the metal he worked. But, as her lips twitched into a smile, the air shimmering and forming heat hazes, grass shriveling and leaves catching on fire, there was no real hostility between them.
No, they were not fighting, they were sparring. And giving each other advice and pointers, though that was mostly Iroh. He was a good teacher, and even if she couldn't bend, she would enjoy the moment. A part of her suspected that Iroh would find a way to slip away... but she was not actually all that upset? It would mean more time watching Azula's aura get pinker, with sone of those lovely flickers and twitches as she thoroughly enjoyed their male friends company.
Granted, she was curious, as Azula was going to need some cheering up once Zuko and Iroh escaped (as her bestie did not like to fail), just how close Maza was to completing their shared gift to Azula.
Azula
She was not pouting as she sat in Maza's lap, HER dork feeding her. It was a punishment for him failing to capture her uncle, not because she liked sitting in his lap, not because she enjoyed leaning back against that strong chest. She did not enjoy his free hand patting and stroking her head. Still, it showed that he was capable of giving proper tribute to her and so she would graciously overlook his failures this time!
But, her eyes narrowed, as Ty Lee whistled innocently, before asking a question. "So, Maza, you have it ready yet?"
A part of her wondered what they were up to, why they were keeping secrets from her. She wanted to yell at them, to demand answers, as HER Maza replied. "Yup. Should be ready for testing anyway, if Azula is interested." Her eyes narrowed, and she jammed an elbow into his gut. That should convey a measure of her displeasure, her mouth full. "Yeah, we probably should show her."
Ty Lee giggled, as she cartwheeled away, towards one of the crates... and took out what seemed to be a saddle, one with what seemed to be a hollow place in a seat for some reason. Along with a number of straps... and then? Her seat rose, hands lifting her out of the lap she was comfortably sitting in! Only, as he moved over, to kneel down, getting on his hands and knees, Ty Lee assisting him in securing the saddle to his back. "Now, Azula. There are also reigns, a bit and bridle and a riding crop in the crate. I'm not handing them to you because..."
She winked, as Mai groaned and stood up, muttering something as she shook her head, Ty Lee getting in place... and closing it so that her face? Azula paused as she looked at her acrobatic friend, who seemed... valuable at this moment. "You'll need to strap me in securely, but we thought you might want a better seat for the saddle?"
In that moment, something inside Azula shifted, and she growled out a word with flame and storm, eyes slitted as she commanded the world about her two special friends. "MINE."