Princess of the Fire Nation

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Lian skips down the street happily with Zuko and her father. They had made it to the city in one piece – they were finally free! Here, they didn't have to worry about Azula or the Fire Nation hunting them down. They were free to start new lives and do whatever they wanted and Lian couldn't help but feel excited.

While she was in the city, Lian planned to explore and just enjoy herself. She wanted to be a normal teenager with no worries or expectations. Here she wasn't a Princess, a criminal or even a firebender. She was just Lian and that made her happy.

Her father catches up to her, holding a large vase with several orange flowers placed in it. He too felt happy, his daughter's happiness was infectious. The only one who still looked grumpy was Zuko but Lian didn't care, Zuko just needed time to come around.

"Why do you have that?" says Zuko, glaring at the vase her father was holding.

"I just want our new place to look nice in case someone brings home a lady friend" Lian just snickers, unable to contain herself as Zuko goes bright red.

"This city is a prison. I don't want to make a life here" grumbled Zuko, "Besides, how are we meant to make a life here with no money?"

"I have an old friend who works in the city!" exclaims Lian, "He owns a tea shop, maybe we can ask about jobs there!"

"Perfect!" replies Iroh happily as Lian links arms with her father. Zuko just looked on at the father and daughter unsure of how they could be so happy in to start a life in the lower rings of the city.

Lian finally led Zuko and Iroh to a small tea shop in the heart of the lower ring of the city which was a popular spot to recover and relax after a long hard day of work. While Zuko and Iroh waited outside, Lian walked in immediately seeing an old friend.

"Pao" exclaims Lian happily walking over to the old man, "It's lovely to see you again!"

"Ai? Is that you?" the old man turned from where he was cleaning a table, surprised to see the young girl come bouncing forward and engulfing him in a hug.

On Lian's journey to the city years ago, she had no passports and was forced to cross via Serpent's Pass – a route only the desperate would take. There she met Pao and his daughter Akako who were also travelling down the path and without Lian's help neither would have made it to Ba-Sing-Se alive. Shortly after, Akako fell in love with an earth kingdom soldier, married and moved away to General Fong's base. Pao decided to stay in the city where he eventually set up the Pao Family Tea House which he had run ever since.

Pao was more than happy to give her cousin and father a job – he owed Lian his life and this was the first time she had ever asked for anything in return.

Lian took a seat, watching with amusement as Pao explained Zuko and Iroh's new jobs as waiters. After, Zuko and Iroh returned in traditional earth kingdom waiting wear. While her father looked happy, Zuko looked like he was having trouble not burning the place down.

"Well, you certainly look like official tea servers. How do you feel?" says a satisfied Pao.

"Ridiculous" snaps Zuko.

"Don't forget your aprons!" teases Lian while handing them both one. Zuko snatched his and grumpily put it on. Her father desperately attempts to tie the string behind his back, but his effort is in vain.

"Uh, does this possibly come in a larger size?" he asks Pao.

"I have extra string in the back. Have some tea while you wait" smiles Pao before walking towards the back of the store.