Sun And Moon ---- General Iroh II

7. GOODBYE

When Adira woke up she was all alone. No Iroh. She wondered where he could be. Maybe he just went for an early morning walk.

She decided to get ready for the day. She bathed and changed her clothes. She went back to sit on the bed she bended the water out of her hair.

Then something caught her eye on the night stand. A piece of paper folded up next a book. Along with a small box.

She reached for the piece of paper bringing it to her. She gently opened it. It was a goodbye letter.

She started reading it. As she read it she couldn't control the tears that started to fall down her cheeks. She was struggling to breathe. It seemed as if all the air had been knocked out of her lungs.

Dear Adira,

Darling I'm sorry I couldn't say goodbye to you. I know this was a horrible move on my part. I understand if you may never want to see me again. But I wrote this to inform you that I enlisted for the United Forces. It was a rash decision. My thoughts were all over the place and before I knew a week before my wedding I stopped by Republic City on my way to the North. And I enlisted myself.

I'm not asking for your understanding or your forgiveness. I don't deserve that. But you deserve an apology. So I'm sorry, darling. You're an amazing woman, a wonderful wife. But I was being selfish. I couldn't help myself. And that's no excuse, cause I should've stayed committed to you. I mean it's not even been a month and I've already separated myself from you.

I know this marriage was arranged. But despite those circumstances I fell for you, Adira. I fell and when I fall, I fall hard. From your sometimes devious personality, down to your selflessness. You are perfect in every way shape and form. You're too good for me. And, I'm not good enough for you.

I love you Adira. I hope to one day be with you again. But that is too much to ask for. Until then, this is goodbye. And here's something to remember me by.

Love, Iroh.

She sobbed, uncontrollably. How could he?! How could he leave her when they were just starting to be happy.

Then she heard a knock on the door. She didn't answer. The door opened and came Su.

"Adira? Iroh? You missed breakfast, I just wanted to check up on–" Su cut herself off as soon as she saw a sobbing Adira.

She ran to the girl. She held her face in her hands, wiping her tears away. "Adira what's wrong?" She asked her.

Adira was finding it hard to speak so she handed Su the letter Iroh left her. Su skimmed over it and was shocked.

She threw the letter to the floor and brought the girl into her arms. "Oh sweetie, you shouldn't cry. It's not your fault, it's his fault. He just left an amazing young woman" Su said rubbing her back.

After a while she calmed down. She was still in Su's arms, the woman didn't let go. Adira looked up at her. "I must be a wreck right now" She says rubbing her eyes.

Su shakes her head. "No, you're a pretty crier" Su says trying to cheer the girl up. Adira smiles.

"Thank you" Adira croaked out. "Do you want to go home?" Su asks her. Adira nods. "I'll have your transportation arranged" Su says letting the girl go and rubs her back.

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Later that day despite being distraught Adira still pushes through and Su had  prepared everything for her departure.

There she was saying goodbye to the woman. "Thank you so much, Su. I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I hope I wasn't an inconvenience or anything" Adira says looking at the woman. Her eyes are still red and puffy.

Su shakes her head. "Oh Adira, I would never turn anyone in need of help away. Now you go home and clear your head. Don't show anyone your weakness. And when Iroh comes back, show him how strong you truly are" Su brings the girl in for one last hug before she boards the train.

Adira sits down on the mostly empty train. "Would you like a cup of tea, princess?" A servant asks her. She nods gently.

She looks back at Zaofu as the train starts moving away from the city. She sighs closing her eyes, trying to stop thinking about him.

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