tea_lover64 | Tea Break 5 Voice

[He had been left in the outskirts of the village after they had finished with him. It had been a particularly difficult couple of weeks while they were there. They had tested his physical limits, pain endurance, capability of his powers, and seemingly just what it would take to make him cry out in pain. Exhausted was an understatement, he felt thoroughly drained and doubted their claims that it would somehow help. They had enjoyed the process it seemed to him.

Laying on the ground there he contemplated just taking a nap right here. It would be delightful to just rest now, but people would be worried, and the comparative safety and comfort of the house would be welcome. Thankfully it seemed at least he would be able to communicate, the journal was right beside him. Lifting a stiff arm he flips it on.

He starts to try and say something for a moment before coughing for a few seconds, and takes an audible breath in. He winced as he took it in, seemed like that would take a little bit of time to heal]

H-hello, I hope I haven't worried anyone too much..

[He clears his throat and puts a little more volume in it]

This is Iroh, I'm in the forest, I can't tell exactly whereabouts. Normally I would find my own way back, but I am feeling a bit under the weather. I would appreciate any assistance, and if it is not too much to ask, a good cup of tea.

[A fortnight without tea was quite barbaric as well]

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I am told young airbenders are often like this. There is something about the freedom of the element of air which seems to make them so full of energy.

Yeah? [He looks up to watch the gentle breeze that was out today slowly rock the leaves back and forth on occasion.] She and Aang are the first and really only young airbenders I've ever met, but that does sound about right.

[Pansear nods happily, before trying to bring the leaf closer to offer Iroh a sip. If he can't move much, Pansear can help! Hopefully, he won't make a mess...]

If it was tests of that nature, there is nothing you could have done to stop them, Iroh. [Quietly, it makes his blood boil, even if he's not entirely certain why. They had already had a round at him, and it had ended up with his skin stitched together and his mouth sewn shut because he hadn't wanted to answer. But Iroh was an old man, and only human. Somehow, that made the idea of it all that much worse.]

[Leeeet's just not mention how Zuko had a concussion when he came to see Souji then, yep yep yep.]

With your guidance, I'm sure he'll be a fine ruler.

[He glances over at Vash]

That is what I read about. In my time Aang is the last of the airbenders. Ikki and Aang are the only airbenders I know of as well. It will be some time for their culture to return to its former levels, though from what I heard they have a very good start in the future.

I know that. It is just... difficult to be in a position of complete helplessness. I'd like to hope that the experience contributed to something more valuable at least...

[He coughs.]

Somehow I think it was more for their own twisted amusement.

[Probably a good call]

Well, I simply gave him a bit of a push in the right direction. He already had a good heart.

[Iroh sips at the water as some dribbles down to his beard]

Ah, very refreshing.

An important trait in a ruler.

But just as important is to have good men to stand with him.

Oh. I didn't realize the airbenders were such a small culture where you are from. [It's former levels? So it hasn't always been like that.] I think with people like Aang and Ikki leading the way that their airbenders have a good chance to making it one day.

I think so as well.

[He won't go into the genocide that went on, it wasn't the time or place for it]

So, making any progress with the ladies, Vash?

[He manages a grin as he says this along with a sly wink]

Yes, the support of those close are quite essential as well.

Those he has gotten close to are some of the best people to keep him grounded.

[Vash shots that shy grin right back at Iroh.] Who me? Of course I am! I'm having so much progress with the ladies I don't even know where to start! [He sighs as if distressed as he buffs his knuckles against his chest.] Some days, it's just hard to be me!

Oh, I can imagine. Have to get them to line up and wait turns to go out with you?

Yeah, it's a problem. A reallllll problem, alright! As sometime they fight over me! It's so sad sometimes.

I had that problem myself frequently. When I was a younger man of course.

[Being the prince didn't hurt his chances either]

Heh. Of course. Man, then it must be tough growing old. [Must be pretty nice too...] Did you ever end up settling down with any of them?

Aang-kun and his friends, you mean?

Indeed, they have really helped him along as well.

There was one for what seems like a short time. Arranged marriage as was the custom. At first I was not happy with the match, but I grew to love her.

Oh? An arranged marriage? Those weren't very common where I'm from. [But not unheard of.] I never really fully understood it myself very much. [He was a romantic at heart. He likes to think everyone marries for love, but he won't knock what let Iroh find his.] But I'm glad that in the end you loved her.

It varies a bit where I am from. Though in my family it was quite common for many generations.

[He looks down at his tea and sips]

Yes, I am grateful for the time I had with her, limited as it was.

Hah. Never hope you have done something useful for them--the ones who abduct us like that are even more worthless than the Malnosso who hold us in these pens. May they all die cowards and languish in Hel.

[He disappears into the kitchen and then returns a moment later with a tea tray which contains the cups, the pot, and a little plate of sandwiches that Rogue left for him. He has little doubt Iroh needs them more, and will probably appreciate them more besides. Rogue does make lovely food...if you like that sort of thing.]

This entire place is framed around our ultimate helplessness. I loathe it. [He sets the tray down on the coffee table in front of Iroh and proceeds to pour him a cup, then offer it.] The one time they took me, I ended my pleasant stay with my mouth sewed shut because I did not feel like telling them what they wished to know.

Limited? [That rarely means anything good.] I'm sorry you didn't get to have more time with her.

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Tea Break 5 Voice

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