Blades and Fans

The Warrior

Zuko and the Kyoshi Warriors returned to the Inn where Kikki finally awoke from her nap. They then headed to the dining hall to eat before heading off to their rooms for the night, but Zuko did not join them. Taking what food he was given and heading up to his room to eat alone. Suki did protest, asking him to join them, but Zuko shook his head, he couldn't risk it, he couldn't let them see who he was. When he reached his room, he made sure the door was secured and that he was alone before removing his mask, tossing it on the bed. Zuko rubbed his face, trying to soothe the soreness that spread across his cheeks and forehead from the mask being on all day. He wasn't sure if he would ever get used to wearing the mask all the time, but it seemed for the time being he had no choice. He let out a long breath as he sat on the bed and started eating the meaty stew he was given. He sighed in relief as he tastes the meat and vegetables, finally something with a little flavour, he didn't realize how much he missed it until he started eating. Sure, the food the Kyoshi Warriors had was filling but lacked taste. Though when you're hungry you can't really complain about what you get.

Zuko continued to eat, slurping down the rest of the bowl before resting it on the nightstand next to his bed. He then reached over to his bag, opening it up and dumping what was left on the bed checking what he had left. All that fell out were two rings, a bracelet, some loose gold pieces, and a silver flute. He had already stashed most of his money on his Ostrich horse so he picked up the few pieces left and stuffed them away. He then grabbed the rings and the bracelet and put them back in the bag reminding himself to sell these later if possible. His eyes then gazed at the small silver instrument picking it up and fiddling with it between his fingers; it reminded him of his uncle.

Whenever they had music night on the ship, Iroh had forced him to join in on a few occasions. Zuko knew his uncle wouldn't stop nagging and pestering him, so he had compromised once in a while and played the flute. He never thought he was very good, but it pleased his uncle so he couldn't really complain. Though the flute he had was a wooden one he had never played one that was metal. Zuko pursed his lips and pressed it to the mouthpiece as he shifted his fingers over the blowholes. He took a soft breath and blew into the flute, it gave off a higher pitch than he thought. Taken a bit back he readjusted his fingers over the blowholes and blew a bit softer into the pipe. He started to play a soft melody the words of his uncle's song played on his mind along with the tone.

"Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Four seasons, four loves. Four seasons, for love."

Suki had finished her meal a bit later than everyone else, as she had had seconds maybe thirds. She thanked the Innkeeper as she left the dining hall and decided to check in on her sisters, making sure everyone was in bed before heading to bed herself. As she walked the halls she started to hear something peculiar which made her arched her brow. "Is that...music," Suki said to herself as she scanned the rooms peeking in each one as she passed them. The music got a bit louder and clearer as she roamed further down the hall until she found the source. She stood in front of the door the music was coming from enjoying the pleasant tone. The melody made her smile, it was a lovely song she thought as she pressed her ear to the door to listen. Soon she found her fingers reaching for the doorknob, turning it slowly as she wanted to see who was playing.

Zuko didn't notice the door slightly opening as his mind was focused on playing. His mind lost into the song of his homeland, his fingers dancing along the instrument. Suki peered into the dark room barely seeing anything as her eyes scanned the darkness. Her eyes finally spotted the dark-clad figure sitting crossed-legged on the bed who sat shrouded in the dark. She was about to speak out and announce her presence but bit her tongue, her eyes widened now locked onto the mask that laid on the sheets. "The Blue Spirits masks... but that would mean," she thought silently to herself as her gaze shifted to the figure playing the flute.