The Spark of a Firebender

Tainted Village

Kyra sat atop her ostrich-horse, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she observed Zuko's struggle to mount his own steed. It was evident that he lacked experience in riding, and she couldn't help but chuckle at his awkward attempts. The sound of her laughter reached his ears, causing him to shoot a glare in her direction, a mixture of irritation and embarrassment etched on his face as he finally managed to clamber on.

As they rode side by side, Zuko couldn't help but notice a hint of apprehension flickering across Kyra's features. Her gaze wandered into the distance, where the town awaited them. There was a nervousness in her eyes, an unspoken worry that tugged at her thoughts, which seemed unlike the lively character he had just met.

Setting aside his wounded pride, Zuko broke the silence and asked, his voice tinged with genuine concern, but trying to hide it, "You alright?"

Kyra's attention snapped back to the present, and she blinked, momentarily lost in her own thoughts. "Hm?" she replied, meeting his gaze. "Oh, yeah, yes... I'm fine," she responded, her voice carrying a hint of distraction. "Just haven't been to the village for a while."

Curiosity got the better of Zuko, and he couldn't resist delving further into the matter. "Why's that?" he inquired insensitively.

A shadow passed over Kyra's face, her voice hardening as she recounted the recent history of the village. "Fire Nation soldiers," she uttered, her tone laced with bitterness. "They came here a few months back. At first, they didn't cause much trouble—just buying supplies occasionally. But then things changed. They started stealing our provisions and medicines, etcetera. Then for a joke, they started trying to recruit people into their army." Her voice trailed off, and she averted her gaze, a flicker of pain in her eyes.

Zuko could tell she was avoiding talking about something, and he didn't like this, as he pressed for more information. "And then?" he prodded harshly, not bothering to be tact.

Kyra's response was curt, her voice devoid of emotion. "We're here," she stated coldly, her eyes focused on a point ahead. Zuko followed her gaze and realized that they had indeed arrived at the village, their destination now before them.

The small, impoverished village stood as a solitary outpost in the scorching desert, its structures of sun-bleached adobe and weathered thatch huddled together against the dry winds. Dusty streets wound through the settlement, marked by footprints and worn by time. Modest houses with thick walls provided respite from the harsh climate, while a central square boasted a weathered well and sparse vendor stalls, where ragged villagers displayed their meager wares.

Kyra gracefully dismounted from her ostrich-horse, her movements practiced and effortless, while Zuko stumbled awkwardly behind her, his eyes drawn to the lingering gaze of a few Fire Nation soldiers, who leant on a fence, eyeing the strange pair that was Kyra and Zuko. Sensing the attention, Kyra swiftly tied the ostrich horses to a nearby post, cautioning Zuko under her breath, "Don't make eye contact."

Following Kyra's lead, Zuko obediently averted his gaze as they maneuvered past the soldiers. They eventually arrived at a small stall, where a weary and impoverished shopkeeper greeted Kyra with familiarity. "Oh, hello, Kyra. Haven't seen you in a while."

Acknowledging the shopkeeper with a nod, Kyra avoided direct eye contact, her focus on searching her pocket for money. The shopkeeper's voice lowered, 'Heard about your parents...well, the whole village did. Such a shame...such lovely folks..'

'The usual please, Mr Quoi.'

Unresponsive to her words, Mr. Quoi continued, 'Saw the fire from here, 'course. Again, such a shame.... what'll be happening to the house now it's y'know...' It was evident, even to Zuko that the man, Mr Quoi, did not really care, was just being nosy about Kyra's affairs.