Tides Of Flame : Avatar The Last Airbender

The aroma of freshly cooked stew filled the small, cozy dining room, a scent far more inviting than anything they had encountered in days. Mariah, Tosim, and little Rou sat around a sturdy wooden table, their faces glowing in the warm lamplight.

Alec, Zuko, and Iroh settled into their seats, a sense of peace washing over them that they hadn't felt in what seemed like an eternity.

"Please, help yourselves," Mariah said, gesturing to the steaming pot in the center of the table. "It's a simple vegetable stew, but it's hearty."

Simple it might have been, but to the three travelers, it tasted like the most exquisite feast. The vegetables were fresh from the garden, and the broth was rich and flavorful. Zuko, usually reserved, found himself eating with an enthusiasm he hadn't shown since leaving the Fire Nation. Alec, too, savored every bite, a content smile playing on his lips.

"This is wonderful, Mariah," Iroh said, his voice full of genuine appreciation. "Truly, you are a gifted cook." Mariah blushed. "Oh, it's nothing special. Just what we have on hand."

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Tosim spoke of his pottery business, and Mariah shared stories of Rou's latest adventures. Iroh, in turn, recounted tales of his travels, carefully omitting any details that might reveal their true identities or purpose. Alec and Zuko, for the most part, listened, interjecting only when directly addressed.

Eventually, the topic shifted to their supposed journey. "So, you're heading north, you said?" Tosim asked, refilling Iroh's bowl.

"Indeed," Iroh replied. "We're hoping to reach the Northern Air Temple. We have some distant relatives who settled there, and we heard they might be able to help us get back on our feet."

Alec and Zuko exchanged a quick glance. Iroh was a master of improvisation. The Northern Air Temple was indeed their destination, but the idea of distant relatives was purely for the benefit of their kind hosts.

"The Northern Air Temple?" Tosim mused, stroking his chin. "That's a long journey. And a difficult one, too. It's high up in the mountains, and the paths can be treacherous."

"We are aware of the challenges," Iroh said, his eyes twinkling. "But we are determined."

"Well, if you're going there, you should know about the new settlement," Mariah chimed in. "My cousin visited there a few months ago. He said a pair of father and son mechanics have built a whole new city there, with some elders who survived the war. It's quite remarkable, from what he described."

"A new city?" Zuko asked, intrigued. "Built by mechanics?"

"Yes!" Tosim confirmed. "They've made it quite self-sufficient, apparently. Because of its geographical location, high up in the mountains, it's remained relatively safe from the Fire Nation. Any attack would be hard to get through."

Iroh nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. A well-defended position, especially if they have skilled engineers."

Alec and Zuko had been mostly quiet during this part of the conversation, but the mention of the Northern Air Temple and its unique inhabitants sparked their interest. Alec knew, from his knowledge of this world, that the mechanist and his son were indeed at the Northern Air Temple, and their presence meant a different kind of challenge than just finding a desolate ruin.

Little Rou, who had been quietly eating his stew, suddenly piped up, "Are you going to see the flying bison? My papa told me they live at the Air Temple!" Zuko and Alec exchanged another look. The thought of flying bison was a stark reminder of the Avatar's absence and the true purpose of their journey. Iroh, however, smoothly handled the question.

"Perhaps, little one," Iroh said with a gentle smile. "If we are very lucky, we might see one but I think they are extinct already."

Rou's eyes lit up with excitement. "Can I come with you? I want to see a flying bison!"

"Rou," Mariah said gently, "these men have important business to attend to. You can't just invite yourself along."

"But mama—"

"No buts, young man," Tosim said firmly but kindly. "Besides, you have to help me with the pottery tomorrow, remember?"

 Rou pouted for a moment but then brightened. "Will you tell me about the flying bison when you come back?" Alec smiled warmly at the boy. "If we see any, we'll be sure to tell you all about them."

After dinner, the conversation continued in the small living room. Rou, despite his parents' attempts to send him to bed, managed to convince them to let him stay up a little longer to play with their guests. He brought out a collection of small wooden toys and challenged Zuko to a game that seemed to involve building towers and knocking them down.

"You have to be very careful," Rou explained seriously, his small hands demonstrating the proper technique. "If you knock down the wrong piece, the whole tower falls!" Zuko, who had little experience with children's games, found himself surprisingly engaged. His competitive nature kicked in, and soon he was completely absorbed in the challenge, much to Rou's delight.

"You're getting better!" Rou exclaimed as Zuko successfully removed a piece without toppling the tower. "But I'm still the champion!"

Alec watched this interaction with amusement, seeing a side of Zuko he rarely witnessed – relaxed, playful, almost childlike in his enthusiasm for the simple game. It was endearing, and Alec found himself smiling without realizing it.

Iroh, meanwhile, was deep in conversation with Mariah and Tosim about local politics and trade routes, gathering information that might be useful for their journey while maintaining his cover story.

Eventually, Mariah insisted that Rou go to bed, and Tosim led the three men to a small, separate bathing area behind the house. It was a simple setup, a wooden tub filled with warm water heated by a small fire beneath it.

"The water's fresh from the stream," Tosim explained. "And I've laid out some clean clothes for you. They might not be a perfect fit, but they'll be better than what you're wearing."

He handed them each a set of simple, earth-toned garments – loose tunics and trousers made of sturdy, comfortable fabric. Alec was already wearing dark green robes and linen, which blended in well enough, but Zuko and Iroh's Fire Nation attire would draw too much attention.

"Thank you, Tosim," Iroh said, accepting the clothes with a grateful nod. "Your kindness knows no bounds."