The Water Bender and the Fire Prince//Zuko Fanfiction

14 ~ Tea

"Iroh!" Enyo exclaimed. She slapped the teacup out of his hand. "What are you doing?"

Iroh pouted, looking down at his still-steaming cup of tea. "I was going to enjoy a nice cup of calming jasmine tea before we get our new loft, but now you've spilt it." 

Enyo hissed through her teeth, quickly scanning the area. It was bustling with refugees, but none seemed to be paying attention to them. She kept her hand near her spear.

"You can't fire bend in here, you'll give us away instantly!" She lowered her voice to a whisper. "You can have a cup of hot tea once we get inside."

Iroh mumbled, but he stood as Zuko returned, carrying an envelope. 

"I've got our new place," Zuko spoke, handing it to Iroh, who ripped it open and broke into a grin. 

"Hello, travellers!" 

The three of them turned to face a lady with neatly styled brown hair and matching eyes. Her smile was too wide and sent an uncanny feeling piercing through Enyo.

"I am Joo Dee, and I will guide you to your house!"

Enyo glanced at Zuko. He was looking at her with a raised eyebrow. They both thought this woman was peculiar. 

Joo Dee led the way down the dock, and Enyo followed, keeping her hand near her spear. She tilted her head back as they approached the wall that surrounded Ba Sing Se. Enyo whistled through her teeth. It was larger than she had thought. No wonder Iroh had been unable to get in. And now he was returning as a tourist.

The wall split in half-- no doubt Earthbenders at work-- and they entered the city of Ba Sing Se. Enyo stared down the long street, crowded with people and market stalls. Ba Sing Se bustled with activity, seemingly ignorant of the war that was beginning to press at their walls. 

"Follow me," Joo Dee smiled at them again and Enyo brushed her fingers over her spear. This woman was weird. 

Joo Dee turned a corner, leading them down a rough unpaved alley, and stopping outside a rickety set of apartments. 

"You are on the third floor," Joo Dee's voice was cheery, despite the edge the alley had to it. Shadows seemed to press down on the ground, blocking out the sunshine. 

"Thank you," Iroh bowed to Joo Dee and then led the way inside. Enyo glanced at Zuko. He must be feeling the same way she did if the frown that marred his face was any indication. 

"This is a creepy city," Enyo murmured, as she followed Iroh up the stairs.

Iroh made no indication of hearing her, but Zuko responded. "It is, something seems wrong with that woman."

Iroh pushed open the door to their new apartment. Enyo cringed at the heavy squeal as she shut the door behind them.

The apartment was already furnished, although sparsely. There was a low table with a few cushions to sit in. A pot on the stove. Enyo peered through the only other door in the apartment. Three mats were laid out, each with a green blanket. 

"Isn't this lovely!" Iroh cheered. "I think we could be at home here." 

Enyo smiled at him. If she was lucky, she would find a healer and would be able to go home. Enyo didn't know how long that would take but was ready to find some semblance of her memories.

"They seem to have everything we need," Zuko commented. Enyo could hear the disguised disdain in his voice. He was likely trying to seem enthusiastic for his Uncle.

"Except our spark rocks," Enyo commented, gesturing to the small hook by the stove. Normally it would be stocked, but the hook was empty. 

Iroh smiled. It seemed Enyo and Zuko's attempts to seem cheery were working. "I will ask the neighbour if we can borrow some, then, I think we should look for work. I saw that a tea shop was hiring on the way in!"