#avatar tea

[one-lost-vickle]

Tea Tasting with Zuko and Iroh

Headcanon that when Zuko (as Fire Lord) has to visit different areas of the world to form connections or meet with other dignitaries, he always likes to roam around the common folk and buys his uncle a specialty tea from each place.

In his first year or so as fire lord, Zuko goes everywhere with his uncle. After all Iroh has military experience and more wisdom than sometimes wanted. Never the less, Zuko relies on Iroh to offer him quality advice when having meeting with different foreign dignitaries and advisors and noblemen. Iroh never minded helping, but eventually he has Zuko go alone—making an excuse but in reality pushing his nephew because he knows Zuko can make his own decisions for his nation.

Zuko struggles at first, but becomes more confident in stating his opinions as time progresses. One day he was being given a city tour and passed by some shop that sold sets of tea leaves. He thought of his uncle, and as a gift bought him some.

From then on whenever he goes, he always brings his uncle back some tea (maybe more than one kind at a time) to express his thanks for the years spent helping him.

Zuko still continues to buy the tea after Iroh dies. He buys two bags and steeps two cups. Takes it to his grave or brings a picture tribute. He drinks his tea and speaks aloud to his uncle about the flavors of each one hoping that he could at least hear him even if he can no longer drink the tea.

[joyuskukuruznik]

Laws are a type of codified social convention, and like all social conventions its existence is determined by social facts. One cannot be a criminal if there is no crime to be convicted of.

Thus, as we have no reason to believe that there are any laws governing the conduct of war in the Avatar universe, none of the characters could be accurately called a war criminal. So, regardless of your opinion of them, it would be wrong to call Iroh, Jet, Hama, Ozai, and even Sozin a war criminal.

[one-lost-vickle]

Iroh helps Zuko grieve

Zuko doesn’t know how to healthily grieve. Let’s be honest. All the potential he had for learning to express his feelings was transformed into anger. Angry at his father for banishing him (causing the initial damage). Angry at his sister for being perfect. Angry at his mother for leaving. Angry at the Avatar for evading him/not being able to be found. Angry at himself for not being the strongest bender. Angry at himself for being worthless, and this anger is the strongest.

His father truly took everything out of this child. When he says “I’m never happy,” I believe it. He’s so full of self loathing that he probably forgets what happiness is at times or confuses it for victory and obedience. He has to mourn his living family before he can let go of his anger.

Irohs roll here being the “caring father that should have been” is to help Zuko through this transition. This is a man who has lost his son and could be filled with anger and rage, but chose to grieve and then move on. He pushes Zuko in his little ways of wisdom and doesn’t yell at his anger.

Zuko still isn’t the best at grieving. He still flinches when he hears a laugh that sounds like his sisters. His voice quiets when he hears one like his father. But he manages to drop his anger and move on to have some kind of peace in his life. He doesn’t want to be filled with anger for things he cannot change.

When Iroh dies, Zuko doesn’t shout at strangers or break things or burn cities down. He cries—sobs to himself at night. He calls on his friends. He grieves.

He still struggles with letting go so he leaves Iroh’s room the same. Decorative teacups adorn dusted shelves. The red-eyed monkey statue haunts the corner. Incense burns a lovely fragrance into the air. (Extra by the shoes smelling up the closet). Curtains flutter in the breeze from the cracked window.

It becomes a sense of safety for Zuko when he needs the comfort or wisdom of his uncle—the man who made him feel full of worth. he brings little tributes to his uncle and places them about. (The gaang does as well because they are always welcome.) He holds conversations with his uncle even though he never receives a response. He’s sad. But he’s not angry. He’s a peace knowing that even after death his uncle brings so in much life. He may never know how to grieve, but does anyone?

[makoshirogane]

"Aren't we supposed to be dancing a little closer?" "Korra, your dad's chaperoning and he's giving me the death glare. I wanna live long enough to take you out on a proper date." Cliche'd High school prom AU for avatar-tea! this is your gift for the makorragiftexchange!!! I hope you like it, and I was really happy that I got paired with you. ❤️💃

[asuspiciouslytallplant]

THIS TEA TASTES OF CONFUSION AND ANGST.

...said the description of Zuko tea from Adagio. I'm not sure if I want to try it or not.