In Ba Sing Se (The City of Walls)

By morning, the ship docked at a port in the Earth Kingdom, conveniently close to a bustling train station. Announcements echoed through the terminal, waking the girls from their slumber. They quickly gathered their belongings and disembarked.

"We're almost there!" Laurzen exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "We just need to get train tickets to Ba Sing Se!"

As they approached the ticket counter, they noticed a long line winding through the station. Sighing, they joined the queue. Azula stood behind Laurzen, her gaze wandering idly, until something caught her attention that made her heart race.

"Wait! Why is my uncle's picture on that wall?" she blurted out, her voice tinged with surprise.

The ticket seller turned to follow Azula's gaze. "Oh, you mean Mushi?" she said cheerfully.

"Mushi?!" Azula repeated, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"Yes, that's him!" the seller confirmed. "I sold tickets to Mushi and his nephew Lee once. Such lovely people! And Mushi was so kind—he even complimented my beauty!"

Azula stifled a laugh, raising an eyebrow. "He complimented your beauty?" she asked, half teasing.

"Yes! And when I found out he opened a tea shop in Ba Sing Se, I put his poster up to honor him!" the woman explained with pride.

Laurzen, intrigued, turned to Azula. "Wait… is this really your uncle?"

"Yes, of course! I'd recognize him anywhere," Azula replied, her tone tinged with a mix of pride and exasperation.

The ticket seller studied Azula for a moment before leaning in. "You know, you do resemble him! The eyes, mostly. You must be his niece." Lowering her voice, she added conspiratorially, "Since you're Mushi's family, I'll do you a little favor." Smiling, she slid two tickets across the counter. "These are for you—no charge."

"Thank you!" Azula exclaimed, clearly surprised as she took the tickets. She and Laurzen moved away from the counter.

"Can you believe it? She gave us free tickets!" Laurzen said, her voice filled with excitement.

Azula shook her head, smirking. "I can't believe my uncle praised her. I wonder what Zuko thought when he heard that."

Laurzen giggled. "Well, now we just need to find this tea shop of your uncle Mushi."

Azula crossed her arms, correcting her. "His name is Iroh, not Mushi!"

Laurzen chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let's find your uncle Iroh then."

"I know it's a strange name," Azula admitted with a sigh, "but I understand why Uncle and Zuko chose to change theirs. They were trying to escape from me." Her voice wavered slightly, a mix of regret and realization.

Laurzen placed a comforting hand on Azula's shoulder. "Well, now you have the chance to make things right with your uncle."

Azula nodded, her expression softening. "I hope so. I never realized how much damage I was doing. Every order from Father felt like a test—a way to prove my loyalty and worth."

"Maybe it's time to show some loyalty to yourself," Laurzen said gently. "Don't think about your father. He's gotten what he deserved. But look at what following him has done to you."

Azula sighed deeply, her gaze dropping. "You're right. I regret it now… all of it."

After a brief silence, Laurzen brightened. "Everything will be fine! We're finally heading to Ba Sing Se! I'm so excited!"

Azula's expression grew nostalgic, her tone quieter. "I'll never forget my last time there."

Laurzen's smile faded as she eyed Azula warily. "Don't tell me you did something terrible in Ba Sing Se."

Azula shrugged, a sly smirk creeping across her face. "Well… it was terrible, but only for Ba Sing Se. Not the Fire Nation."

The two stepped onto the train, finding their seats as Laurzen groaned. "I knew it. You always manage to do the wrong thing."

Azula chuckled lightly, leaning back in her seat as the train began to move.

The rhythmic sound of the train filled the cabin as they ate breakfast during the ride. After a while, an announcement echoed through the car: "The train will soon reach the outer wall of Ba Sing Se."

Laurzen pressed her face to the window, her eyes widening in awe. "Look at that! The wall is massive! The Great Wall of Ba Sing Se is even more incredible than I imagined!"

Azula leaned against the window frame, unimpressed. "It's not that great. The Fire Nation attacked it twice—once when I was a kid and my uncle tried, and the second time when I led the charge myself. My mission would have succeeded… if it weren't for the Avatar."

Laurzen turned to her, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really are impossible sometimes."

Azula smirked but said nothing, letting the conversation drift into silence as the train chugged toward their destination.

Laurzen raised an eyebrow skeptically. "If I'm not mistaken, the last time you came here, you conquered Ba Sing Se!"

"Exactly!" Azula declared, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. "The Fire Nation waited a hundred years to conquer this city!"

"But you were only 14 at the time!" Laurzen exclaimed, clearly astounded.

"Yes," Azula replied, her voice swelling with pride. "And I did it without my army. Isn't that impressive?"

Laurzen crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Sure, it's incredible to hear about a 14-year-old conquering a city single-handedly, but it was still the wrong thing to do! You shouldn't have done that. You always used your power for bad things."

"It felt important at the time!" Azula defended herself. "And don't forget, I had to handle the Avatar, too."

Laurzen sighed, shaking her head. "So negative! You could have joined the Avatar's team with Zuko. You should have left your father behind!"

Azula's expression softened, her eyes dropping to the floor. "Maybe I should have."

They sat in contemplative silence, gazing out the window. The second inner wall of Ba Sing Se came into view, tall and imposing. Azula broke the silence with a smug smirk. "They should've renamed the city Na Sing Se instead of Ba Sing Se. After I conquered it, it wasn't an impenetrable city anymore."

Laurzen shot her a sharp look. "Azula! Stop that. You need to let those thoughts go. If you want to move on, you have to leave your past behind. Otherwise, all our efforts will be for nothing!"

Azula's smirk faded, replaced by a somber expression. "Fine, as you say. I'll try not to think about it anymore, but it's not easy. We're going to Ba Sing Se. Everything here reminds me of those days."

Laurzen placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "I know it's hard. Being here will bring back memories, but you can make new and better ones. Then you won't have to dwell on the past."

Azula's lips curved into a small, determined smile. "You're right. We should do something special while we're here."

Laurzen returned her smile warmly. They turned their attention back to the window, watching the fields and quaint houses whizz past. Soon, the train began to slow, and an announcement echoed through the cabin, marking their arrival. The bustling train station of Ba Sing Se came into view.

"Finally! We're in Ba Sing Se!" Laurzen exclaimed, her excitement contagious. "But… where do we go now?"

"We need to find Uncle Iroh's shop," Azula said decisively, her tone brooking no argument.

"Yes, we do," Laurzen agreed. "But why are we heading this way? Where are we going?"

"To the market first," Azula replied, glancing ahead with determination.

"The market? Why?" Laurzen asked, confused.

"Because we can't keep walking around in Fire Nation clothing. We need to blend in. That means buying some Earth Kingdom outfits," Azula explained.

Laurzen tilted her head. "And why is that so important?"

Azula gave her a pointed look. "I don't want anyone to know we're from the Fire Nation. And more importantly, I don't want anyone to realize that I'm here in Ba Sing Se. Disguises are essential."

Laurzen nodded, understanding her friend's reasoning. "Alright, that makes sense. Let's do it."

---

The bustling market was alive with chatter, vibrant stalls, and the scent of street food wafting through the air. Azula's sharp eyes scanned the stalls, her gaze lingering on the displays of Earth Kingdom dresses. "These Earth Kingdom clothes are quite nice," she mused, her tone softer than usual. "I liked the one I wore a couple of years ago."

Laurzen, equally intrigued, admired the vivid colors and intricate patterns. "They really are beautiful," she agreed. After browsing for a while, they picked out outfits they liked, paid the shopkeeper, and slipped away to change into their new attire.

Emerging from the shop, Laurzen adjusted her dress and turned to Azula with a playful smile. "You're right—being in disguise does feel better."

Azula raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why do you think so? Aren't you proud to be a Fire Nation citizen?"

"Of course, I'm proud!" Laurzen replied earnestly. "But this disguise has its perks."

Azula smirked. "Like what?"

Laurzen grinned mischievously and mimicked Azula's commanding tone, raising her hand dramatically. "'How dare you not bow to me! Don't you know who I am? How dare you ask us to pay!'" She burst into laughter.

Azula stared at Laurzen in shock before letting out a laugh of her own. "Laurzen! Do I really sound like that when I say those things?"

"Yes! That's exactly how you sound!" Laurzen replied, giggling uncontrollably.

Azula shook her head, still chuckling. "I didn't realize I was so… dramatic."

"Well, now you know!" Laurzen teased as they both laughed together, the tension of their earlier journey finally melting away.

Azula continued to chuckle, her laughter settling into a grin. "So, you're happy that I've stopped shouting at people like that?"

"Exactly! You are a princess, and yes, people should bow to you," Laurzen admitted with a playful shrug. "But when you yell at them like that, it's just… embarrassing. It feels like you're drawing way too much attention."

Azula's smile softened. "I know. I shouldn't behave like that. It's something I need to work on."

With their shopping complete and new Earth Kingdom outfits in hand, Laurzen suggested, "Now that we've got everything sorted, let's focus on finding your uncle's shop."

"Right! Ba Sing Se is huge, though," Azula replied, her eyes scanning the bustling streets. "We should start by looking for the nearest tea shop."

Spotting a man walking past, Azula stepped forward and addressed him. "Excuse me! Can you tell us where the nearest tea shop is?"

The man paused and pointed behind them. "There's a tea stall just down the road over there," he said before continuing on his way.

Azula and Laurzen turned to look at the small stall. "That can't be Uncle's shop," Azula said, shaking her head with certainty. "His shop was big, with proper seating."

Laurzen nodded. "You're probably right, but it doesn't hurt to check."

Reluctantly, Azula agreed. They approached the tea stall and asked a young boy who was cleaning tables, "Who owns this tea stall?"

The boy pointed toward a man brewing tea behind the counter. Azula studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "That's not him," she said decisively. With that, they moved on, continuing their search.

---

By midday, Laurzen sighed and wiped her forehead. "I'm exhausted! We've checked 17 shops already, and still no sign of your uncle."

Azula rubbed her temples, equally tired. "I know. This is taking forever."

As they turned a corner, they passed another tea shop, one larger than the rest. Azula paused, her eyes narrowing as she examined it. "This one's bigger. Maybe this is it."

Laurzen looked skeptical. "What if it's not the one? Don't you remember the name of his shop?"

Azula sighed, exasperated. "No, I don't. Tea and music weren't exactly my priorities back then. But I have a feeling about this one," she said as they stepped inside to investigate.

The soft chime of bells announced Laurzen and Azula's arrival at the bustling eatery, a modest but popular establishment in the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se. The scents of sizzling spices and freshly baked bread hung heavy in the air, and the murmur of conversations blended with the clatter of dishes. Azula's regal gait and sharp golden eyes immediately set her apart from the other patrons.

Laurzen, trailing behind her, looked far more apprehensive. She could already sense trouble brewing.

They approached the counter, where a waiter greeted them with a polite bow. Azula surveyed the menu briefly before making her decision.

"I'll take the Golden Lotus Platter and the Emerald Soup," Azula declared, her voice as sharp as her gaze. "And make it quick."

Laurzen frowned. "Azula, maybe we shouldn't order the most expensive thing on the menu—"

Azula waved her off with a dismissive flick of her hand. "Don't be ridiculous. We're royals, Laurzen. We can't eat like commoners. Besides," she added with a sly grin, "this is my uncle's shop. I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Laurzen muttered under her breath but said nothing, opting for a simple dish. The food arrived promptly, and for a while, everything seemed to be going smoothly. That was, until the waiter returned with the bill.

"Your total, my ladies, is fifty gold pieces," the waiter said, bowing politely but firmly.

Azula's expression darkened immediately. She set down her spoon and crossed her arms, her tone sharp and unyielding. "I'm not paying."

Laurzen's head shot up. "Azula!"

The waiter blinked, clearly unsure how to proceed. "Madam, I'm afraid everyone must pay—"

Azula cut him off with a scoff. "Do you know who I am? I told you, this is my uncle's shop. He wouldn't dare charge me."

Laurzen buried her face in her hands, groaning. "Azula, this is going too far."

But Azula remained unfazed. The waiter straightened, his polite demeanor giving way to annoyance. "I'm sorry, madam, but if you refuse to pay, I'll have to bring the owner."

"Go ahead," Azula said with a smirk, leaning back in her chair. "Fetch him."

Moments later, the waiter returned with the owner, a short, balding man with a weathered face and a pristine apron. He looked at the two girls, his eyes narrowing.

"I hear someone refuses to pay and claims to be my niece," the man said, crossing his arms.

Azula's confidence faltered ever so slightly as she looked at the man. He was clearly not who she expected.

Laurzen leaned toward her, whispering sharply, "Azula, is this your uncle?"

Azula's lips twitched. "No," she muttered under her breath.

Laurzen's face turned crimson with anger. "Then why would you—"

"Quiet, Laurzen," Azula hissed.

The owner's patience was wearing thin. "If you won't pay, I'll have no choice but to call the Dai Li."

At the mention of the Dai Li, Azula's jaw tightened. But she didn't back down. "Fine," she said coolly, "call them. Let's see how this goes."

The owner signaled to his staff, and moments later, the dark-clad agents of the Dai Li arrived. Silent and menacing, they exuded an aura of control. One of them, a tall man with a scar running across his cheek, recognized Azula immediately. His eyes widened briefly before narrowing in suspicion.

"Is there a problem here?" the agent asked, his voice steady but cautious.

"Yes," the owner replied. "These girls refuse to pay. That one"—he pointed at Azula—"claims to be my niece."

The agent looked at Azula, his posture stiffening. Azula met his gaze, her golden eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity.

"Are you really going to arrest me?" she asked, her tone dripping with challenge.

The agent hesitated. He was no stranger to Azula's reputation—or the havoc she had wreaked in Ba Sing Se during her last visit. His colleagues shifted uncomfortably, clearly sharing his unease.

Finally, the scarred agent turned to the owner. "Sir, let me handle this. I'll take them."

The owner frowned but nodded, stepping aside. The Dai Li agents gestured for Azula and Laurzen to follow.

Laurzen whispered furiously as they walked. "Azula, what are you doing? This is insane!"

"Relax," Azula replied, her tone maddeningly calm.

The agents led them to a deserted alley, far from prying eyes. One of them spoke in a hushed tone. "You're free to go. But be careful next time."

Azula stepped forward, her lips curling into a wicked smile. "Good choice," she said softly. "And if word gets out that I'm here, you'll regret it."

The agents nodded quickly, their fear evident, and disappeared into the shadows.

Laurzen stared at Azula, her frustration bubbling over. "What was all that about? Why are the Dai Li so afraid of you?"

Azula shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "Let's just say I've left an impression."

Laurzen threw up her hands. "Do you have to cause chaos wherever you go?"

Azula's smile widened as she started walking. "Sometimes," she said, her tone as light as if they were discussing the weather.

As the two girls vanished into the darkened streets of Ba Sing Se, Laurzen couldn't shake the feeling that this was far from the last storm Azula would create.

"I knew it wasn't going to be your uncle's shop," Laurzen muttered as they exited the restaurant, her arms crossed and her steps hurried.

Azula, unfazed by the earlier chaos, stretched her arms lazily. "Yeah, you're right," she admitted, her sharp golden eyes glinting mischievously. "But we did have a great meal, didn't we?"

Laurzen's exasperation faded slightly. "I can't deny that," she said with a small sigh. "But we really should get back to work. We need to check more shops before the sun sets in a few hours. What will we do if we don't find it by then?"

Azula's lips curled into a sly smile. "Oh, we'll find it. In fact, we don't need to check any more shops."

Laurzen stopped mid-step, turning to Azula with a look of confusion. "What are you talking about? We've been wandering all day—"

Azula interrupted with a shrug. "I know how to get there."

Laurzen's eyes widened. "You what? Why didn't you say so before?"

Azula's smirk deepened, her tone infuriatingly cryptic. "I do... and I don't."

Laurzen stared at her, utterly perplexed. "What does that even mean?"

Azula didn't answer directly. Instead, she walked up to a passerby, her demeanor shifting instantly to one of charming curiosity. "Excuse me," she said, her voice sweet and persuasive. "Could you tell me where I can find the best tea in Ba Sing Se?"

The stranger, a middle-aged man carrying a basket of fruit, paused, his face lighting up with recognition. "Oh, that's easy! The best tea in Ba Sing Se is at the Jasmine Dragon tea shop. It's in the Upper Ring." He gave them precise directions before continuing on his way.

Laurzen's jaw dropped slightly as realization dawned on her. "You're brilliant!" she thought to herself, shaking her head with a mix of admiration and disbelief.

"I get it now!" Laurzen exclaimed aloud, snapping her fingers. "The poster! You remembered it from that poster we saw earlier!"

Azula tilted her head, her smug smile confirming Laurzen's deduction. "Exactly. Uncle Iroh's tea is the best in Ba Sing Se. Everyone knows that."

"Then let's go!" Laurzen urged, her earlier frustration replaced with renewed energy.

The two girls set off, following the directions they had received. The bustling streets of Ba Sing Se grew quieter as they climbed higher into the city's Upper Ring, the air becoming cooler and the architecture grander. Finally, they rounded a corner and stopped in front of a building adorned with delicate green-and-gold banners.

Azula's face lit up with unmistakable joy as she read the sign. "The Jasmine Dragon! This is it. This is my uncle's shop!"

Laurzen's enthusiasm matched her friend's. "We finally made it!" she cheered, holding her hand up for a high-five. Azula slapped her palm, a rare moment of camaraderie between them.

But just as they were about to step inside, Azula's expression shifted abruptly. Her golden eyes narrowed, and her jaw tightened.

"Azula, what's wrong?" Laurzen asked, noticing the change instantly.

Azula hesitated, glancing toward the shop's door. For a moment, her confident facade wavered. "I... I'm not sure how this is going to go," she admitted quietly.

Laurzen tilted her head, puzzled. "What do you mean? This is what we've been looking for!"

Azula's hands clenched into fists at her sides. "Yes, but my uncle and I... we don't exactly have the best relationship. Let's just say our last meeting wasn't... friendly."

Laurzen frowned, studying her friend. She had seen Azula exude confidence in the most perilous situations, but now, standing in front of her uncle's shop, she seemed almost vulnerable.

"Azula," Laurzen said softly, "we'll figure it out. Let's just go in and see what happens, okay?"

Azula took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Then, with a sharp nod, she pushed the door open, and the familiar scent of jasmine and oolong wafted out to greet them. Whatever lay ahead, Azula was determined to face it, as always—on her own terms.

________

The Reunion at the Jasmine Dragon

As they stood outside the Jasmine Dragon, Azula's confident facade faltered. She crossed her arms, her golden eyes clouded with uncertainty. "We made it to his shop, but how am I going to confront him? What if he doesn't want to train me after everything that's happened?" she admitted, her voice carrying a rare vulnerability.

Laurzen placed a reassuring hand on Azula's shoulder. "I'm sure he will! Stay positive," she encouraged, gently nudging Azula toward the door.

Azula took a deep breath, her fingers twitching as she tried to steady her nerves. Laurzen leaned closer and whispered, "Don't forget to stay calm and show respect."

"Yes, I'll try my best," Azula replied, her resolve strengthening.

The two girls stepped into the shop, where the soothing scent of tea leaves and the hum of quiet conversation enveloped them. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the room's elegant decor. They settled at a table near the corner, blending into the tranquil ambiance.

Before long, a waiter approached, his demeanor friendly and professional. "What would you like to have, ladies?" he asked with a warm smile.

"Laurzen, you go first," Azula urged, her voice steadier now.

"I'd like to have a ginger tea. And Azula, what about you?" Laurzen asked.

Azula straightened her posture, her tone confident. "I'd like a Jasmine tea."

The waiter nodded politely. "Thank you! I'll be back soon."

As the waiter disappeared into the back, Laurzen let her gaze wander around the shop. "This is a really big shop," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "And it's beautiful too."

"Yeah, it is," Azula admitted, allowing herself a small smile. She ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the table, her anxiety momentarily giving way to curiosity.

Within minutes, the waiter returned, placing their tea on the table. But before Azula could take a sip, a familiar voice from behind her froze her in place.

"Here's your tea, young ladies!"

Azula's eyes widened, and she whipped her head around. There, standing with a serene smile, was her uncle.

"Uncle!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and nervous energy.

Iroh chuckled softly, setting down the tray he carried. "Azula! I knew you'd be coming," he said, his tone warm and knowing. "So, you've finally decided to change your path. I hope you sincerely want to."

He paused, his gaze steady and expectant. "How was your meeting with Roku?"

Azula's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Uncle! How do you know that?!"

Iroh's smile deepened. "Once, a wise Fire Nation citizen told me that they exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions."

Azula froze for a moment before her lips twitched upward in recognition. "I remember what I said," she admitted, her tone softer now. She stood up from her seat, glancing at Laurzen, who quickly rose to join her.

Azula bowed respectfully, her voice steady but earnest. "Salutations, Uncle! I hope you're doing well."

Iroh bowed in return, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Salutations, niece! I am doing well, thank you." He then turned to Laurzen, his expression curious but kind. "And who is this?"

Laurzen stepped forward, bowing politely. "My name is Laurzen," she said. "I'm a friend of Azula's, and I've been helping her with... her journey."

"Ah," Iroh said, his smile widening. "It is always good to have a companion who keeps you grounded. Welcome to the Jasmine Dragon."

____

A Conversation with Iroh

"Now would you tell me how you know about what happened between me and Roku?" Azula pressed, her golden eyes narrowing as she leaned slightly toward her uncle. Her voice carried its usual sharpness, but underneath, there was genuine curiosity.

Iroh didn't seem fazed by her intensity. He calmly sipped his tea before answering. "You are not the only one he appeared to," he said, his tone as serene as the shop around them.

Azula blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You saw Roku too?" Laurzen asked, her interest piqued.

Iroh nodded, setting his cup down gently. "Yes," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "He appeared to me in my dream and told me that you'd be coming. He seemed... hopeful about your journey."

Azula tilted her head, skepticism creeping into her expression. "Hopeful? About me?" she muttered, almost to herself.

Laurzen, ever the curious one, leaned forward slightly. "So, Mr. Iroh," she began tentatively, "you know why we're here, don't you?"

"Yes, of course," Iroh replied, his warm gaze shifting to Laurzen. After a beat, his expression softened even further, and he chuckled lightly. "And by the way, you can call me Uncle too," he added, his smile widening.

Laurzen blinked in surprise, then grinned. "Thank you, Uncle," she said, her tone carrying a mix of respect and familiarity.

Azula, meanwhile, sat back in her chair, her sharp mind already piecing together the implications of Iroh's words. She wasn't entirely sure where this path would lead, but for now, the presence of her uncle—and the revelation of Roku's involvement—was enough to hold her attention.

Laurzen's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned forward eagerly. "Uncle Iroh, is it true that your tea is the best in all of Ba Sing Se?"

Iroh's smile widened, his expression one of humble amusement. "There is only one way to know," he said with a playful twinkle in his eye. "You can try it for yourself."

Laurzen clapped her hands together. "I'd love to!" she said enthusiastically.

Azula raised an eyebrow, her usual skepticism reasserting itself. "Let's not get too carried away, Laurzen. It's just tea," she muttered, though even she couldn't completely hide her intrigue.

Iroh chuckled softly, gesturing toward their table. "Please, sit and enjoy your tea," he said warmly. "Afterward, I'll take you both home."

Laurzen nodded, taking her first sip of the ginger tea before her. Her eyes widened, and she looked at Iroh with delight. "Uncle, this is the best tea I've ever had!" she exclaimed.

Azula rolled her eyes but took a tentative sip of her jasmine tea. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, though she quickly tried to mask it. "It's... acceptable," she said, her tone nonchalant.

Iroh let out a hearty laugh, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "High praise, indeed, coming from you, Azula," he teased gently.

The three of them continued sipping their tea in companionable silence, the atmosphere growing warmer. For a moment, Azula felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time. As she glanced at her uncle, she realized she had forgotten how soothing his presence could be.

After they finished their tea, Iroh rose from his seat, stretching his arms. "Well then, shall we?" he said, looking at the girls. "It's time I take you both home."

Laurzen beamed, ready to follow him, while Azula stood more slowly, her mind already churning with questions about what lay ahead. For now, however, she allowed herself to relax, trusting in her uncle's steady guidance.

After finishing their tea, Iroh led the girls through the bustling streets of Ba Sing Se toward his home. The walk was tranquil, with Iroh occasionally pointing out landmarks or sharing small anecdotes about the city. Laurzen listened intently, fascinated by his stories, while Azula remained quiet, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the days ahead.

When they arrived, Iroh opened the door to a modest yet welcoming home. The scent of jasmine lingered faintly in the air, and the interior was simple but warm, with carefully placed lanterns casting a gentle glow.

"Welcome," Iroh said warmly, gesturing for them to step inside. "This will be your home for as long as you need it."

Laurzen smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Uncle Iroh. It's lovely!"

Azula scanned the room, her critical gaze softening slightly as she noted the calming atmosphere.

Iroh guided them down a hallway and opened a door to reveal a cozy room with two neatly made beds. "This will be your room," he said. "Please, rest. You've had a long journey, and there will be time to talk in the evening."

Laurzen immediately plopped down on one of the beds, stretching out with a sigh of relief. "This is perfect, Uncle! Thank you."

Azula, still standing, glanced at Iroh. "Evening?" she asked, her tone questioning but without its usual edge.

Iroh nodded, his serene smile never faltering. "Yes. Rest now. You'll need your energy for what's to come."

With that, he left them alone, quietly closing the door behind him.

Azula sat on the edge of her bed, her arms resting on her knees, staring at the floor in silence. Laurzen noticed the uncharacteristic stillness and furrowed her brow in concern.

"Azula," Laurzen said softly, leaning forward. "Why are you so quiet? Everything is fine now. What's bothering you?"

Azula hesitated for a moment, her golden eyes flicking to Laurzen before returning to the floor. Finally, she spoke, her voice low. "It's nothing else. It's Uncle. I wasn't expecting him to react like this."

Laurzen tilted her head, her curiosity growing. "What do you mean?"

Azula sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I was always cruel to him," she admitted, her tone bitter. "I betrayed him, mocked him, and I even... I may have killed him the day I shot him. He could have died because of me. And now, after everything I've done, he agreed to help me." She clenched her fists, her voice trembling slightly. "This... it's giving me a headache."

Laurzen moved to sit beside her, placing a comforting hand on Azula's shoulder. "Don't think negatively, Azula," she said gently. "Your uncle is one of the kindest people I've ever met. He truly loves you and Zuko, even after all that's happened. He's the complete opposite of your father. And he's not angry with you because he knows you need serious help."

Azula was quiet for a moment, letting Laurzen's words sink in. Finally, she nodded slightly. "Yes, you're right. Maybe I'm just overthinking everything... thinking the wrong way."

Laurzen smiled warmly. "That's the spirit. But for now, you really need to rest. We've been traveling for days, and it's taking a toll on you."

Azula glanced at the bed and sighed again, this time in surrender. "Fine. I'll rest," she said, laying down and pulling the blanket over herself.

Within moments, her eyes fluttered shut, and her breathing grew steady. Laurzen watched her for a while, her smile softening as a thought crossed her mind. Maybe Azula really is starting to think positively, she mused. Maybe it's the bracelet helping her after all.

Feeling the weight of her own exhaustion, she laid down on her bed as well, the sense of hope still lingering in her heart as she drifted off to sleep.

The room grew quiet, the faint hum of Ba Sing Se in the background as the two girls finally found rest.