The evening sun cast a warm, golden glow over the picturesque town of Hira as Zuko and Kira's airship gently descended, landing gracefully near the cozy home of Noren, Ursa, and Kiyi. The streets were lively, with lanterns beginning to flicker to life, illuminating the vibrant surroundings. The couple disembarked, Kira's eyes sparkling with excitement while Zuko looked as composed as ever, though a hint of a smile played on his lips.
As they approached the house, they were greeted by the familiar scent of Ursa's cooking wafting through the air, a delightful blend of spices and warmth that immediately made them feel at home. The front door swung open, and there stood Kiyi, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of her brother and sister-in-law.
"Zuko! Kira! You're here!" Kiyi exclaimed, running to embrace them both. Her youthful energy was contagious, and soon the trio was laughing and chattering as they made their way inside.
Noren and Ursa appeared in the doorway, their smiles broad and welcoming. Ursa, ever the graceful hostess, hugged them both warmly. "It's so wonderful to see you both," she said, her eyes twinkling. "We've been looking forward to your visit."
Noren, a man of few words but always with a kind smile, nodded in agreement. "It's good to have you back."
As they settled into the cozy living room, Kiyi couldn't contain her excitement. "Tomorrow's the big day! My first performance! Are you guys excited?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Kira beamed at her. "We wouldn't miss it for the world, Kiyi. You're going to be amazing!"
Zuko nodded, a proud smile on his face. "You've worked so hard for this. I know you'll do great."
Ursa brought in a tray of steaming tea and snacks, setting it down on the low table. "We've been hearing about nothing but the play for weeks now," she said with a chuckle. "Kiyi's been practicing her lines day and night."
Kiyi blushed slightly but grinned. "I just want it to be perfect."
As they sipped their tea and chatted, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories. Zuko and Kira shared tales from their travels, skillfully avoiding any mention of their big news. They wanted Kiyi to have her moment in the spotlight without any distractions.
At one point, Kira, who had been munching on a particularly delicious pastry, suddenly felt a wave of nausea. She quickly set the pastry down and tried to mask her discomfort with a smile, but Ursa's keen eyes didn't miss a thing.
"Kira, are you feeling alright?" Ursa asked, concern lacing her voice.
Kira nodded quickly, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, I'm fine. Just a bit of an upset stomach from the airship ride, I think."
Zuko shot her a quick glance, a silent question in his eyes, but Kira just smiled reassuringly at him. They had agreed to keep their secret until after Kiyi's performance, no matter what.
As the evening wore on, the family moved to the dining room, where a sumptuous dinner awaited them. The table was laden with a variety of dishes, each one more appetizing than the last. They all dug in with gusto, the room filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and lively conversation.
Kiyi, unable to contain her excitement about the play, began reciting her lines at the table, her enthusiasm infectious. Everyone clapped and cheered, offering her encouragement and praise. Kira, feeling a bit queasy again, discreetly passed her plate to Zuko, who smoothly took over her portion without missing a beat.
Ursa, ever observant, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply smiling knowingly. It was clear she had her suspicions, but she respected their decision to keep things under wraps for the moment.
