The DragonBorn

Chapter 30

Zuko's fever had broken and once he was well enough to move around, the group of three moved into their new apartment in the upper ring. They bought new clothes and furniture, and on that very day Iroh's tea shop, the Jasmine Dragon, would have its grand opening.

However, their change of scenery and living weren't the only things that have changed. The young Prince Zuko was much different as well. He was calmer, kinder, and the look in his eyes was akin to the gentle flame of a candlestick.

Zeraphina liked this, as it reminded her of the boy she cared about back when they were children. Iroh was right, this city did have a way of changing people, and she hoped that he would stay like this for a good long while.

It was early in the morning and Zeraphina was making a pot of Jasmine tea while Iroh was cooking at the stove. Just then, Zuko came into the room yawning after a good night's sleep.

"What's that smell?" He asked walking up to his Uncle.

"It's jook." Iroh said stirring the pot, "I'm sure you wouldn't like it."

Zuko stood over the pot and took a whiff of the soup, but then smiled and grabbed a bowl for Iroh to fill.

"Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle." Zeraphina looked over in shock to see Zuko smiling so friendly with his Uncle. Even Iroh was surprised by his nephew's newfound attitude.

"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow." Iroh said filling the bowl.

"It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle."

Zuko sat next to Zeraphina by the window, sipping the jook from his bowl.

"Who are you and what have you done with the Prince?" Zeraphina joked and Zuko chuckled.

"I'm right here, Zera." He said placing his hand over hers, "And I'm not going anywhere."

Zeraphina felt her cheeks burn at the touch of this new Zuko, but she wasn't complaining and sipped her tea. Iroh was stunned, but smiled at his nephew's interaction with the young DragonBorn.

"Master is right, my Prince. You do seem to have changed if not completely adopted a new personality." Zeraphina said.

"I guess I just realized something." Zuko answered.

"Oh, and what's that?"

His hand squeezed hers just a little bit, "It's time I make my own decisions. Starting with a foot in the right direction. Hopefully my path leads to a better and brighter future."

Zeraphina smiled and nodded, unconsciously leaning closer to the young prince, "It will. I promise it will."

Zuko was surprised to feel her against him, but he didn't care. It just felt right to have her there with him. Like a puzzle piece from the missing picture.

~~~~~

Hours later, the three stood in front of the wonderfully built and decorated building with the name of the tea shop across the top. Zuko, Zeraphina, and Iroh stood inside the tea shop watching as the new customers came in and took their seats.

Zeraphina smiled at the crowds, feeling nothing but peace at the sight.

"Who would have thought that when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop?" Iroh questioned himself, as if he tried to convince himself that this wasn't a dream, "Follow your passions, you two, and life will reward you."

"Congratulations, Uncle." Zuko said.

"Yes, this place is amazing!" Zeraphina exclaimed.

"I am very thankful."