Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire [Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfic]

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Izara was several paces behind the Fire Lord, and he and Wen were walking to greet the Dragon of the West, Iroh. He was coming to fill in as Interim Fire Lord while Aang and Fire Lord Zuko were visiting some Fire Nation colonies in Earth Kingdom territory. She and a few others had been personally requested to be Iroh's guards, and she felt well out of her depth. The other guards here were all more experienced than her. Most had been working in the palace for years. However, she didn't let her self-doubt show, hiding her true feelings so well they couldn't be seen by anyone looking from the outside.

Fire Lord Zuko quietly discussed a few things with Wen as they walked towards the harbour. Iroh's ship had just arrived, and they waited for a few minutes as everyone began to disembark. Iroh's pace was casual until he saw his nephew and quickened to a power walk until they embraced strongly. Despite Izara's usually stone-faced attitude at work, she couldn't help but smile at the warm exchange between the two men. Some of the sailors waved and yelled a tearful goodbye to Iroh, who turned and similarly thanked them. It was common knowledge that he made lifelong friends no matter where he went, and everyone immensely enjoyed his company.

Iroh approached Wen, who smiled shyly as he held out his arm for her to take as they returned towards Izara and the others. Although she only knew things she had read and heard in passing about Iroh, Izara identified with him. He had once been a great enemy of the Earth Kingdom. He had tried hard for years to break through into Ba Sing Se. Still, he had changed so much and seemed to bring a sense of appreciation, calm and peace into every moment of his life and those around him. His part in ending the 100-Year War was well known. There was still a lot of mystery around his allies in the White Lotus, but some things couldn't be hidden or suppressed.

They stopped a few paces away as Fire Lord Zuko turned towards Izara and the other guards. Iroh stopped his quiet conversation with Wen, who he seemed familiar with and gave them all a smile. Izara didn't spare a second to bow low and stayed there, even after those next to her had straightened up.

"Uncle, these will be your guards while you're staying here. This is Luan, our second in command. This is Kai, Jay, Seju, and Chan. Last but not least, we have Izara. They will be rotating each day to look after you." Fire Lord Zuko gestured towards each person as he introduced them, and Iroh went between them and greeted everyone individually.

When he reached her, he must have seen something in her eyes that she didn't realise was there. He took her hand ever so gently and gave her a warm smile that reached all the way to her soul. The gesture didn't seem to be a simple greeting but rather a call to something more profound. Maybe it was something Izara was trying to pretend wasn't there.

"Izara. It is wonderful to meet you." His voice was genuine and kind, as if they had already known each other for years.

"The honour is mine. You have inspired me greatly, and I am truly grateful to be one of your protectors during your time in the Capital." Before she realised it, she had blurted everything out, and Iroh smiled when he noticed her panic. He laid a hand on her shoulder, and his calm demeanour eased her embarrassment.

"You are far too kind, but the honour seems mine. I am pleased to have such a kind young woman looking after me. Thank you."

Izara couldn't help but smile in reply. Still, she didn't notice Fire Lord Zuko's expression as he watched the interaction. In fact, no one did. They were too busy watching as well. When Iroh let go of her hand, he turned back to his nephew, who gestured for them to head back up towards the palace. The two men went ahead, and Wen was on the Fire Lord's left as he walked with his Uncle's arm around him.

The guards followed behind in silence, not wanting to disturb the reunion. It was lovely to see them be so happy to see one another, and Izara felt something strange, something that she couldn't identify. As they reached the palace, she and Jay were dismissed. They would be sharing night shifts, and the Fire Lord requested they be well-rested for their work beginning tonight. Izara had offered to take the first shift, and they would work two nights on and one night off. Since it was early in the morning, Izara would stay up and train for a few hours before going to the barracks and resting until her shift started that night.