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Oh— You can make whatever... You'd know better than me. You seem to know a lot about food, too. I trust you.

[ Another statement with more gravity than Zuko has let Aurora know. It's a theme. The fact of the matter is in fact that he's had the luxury to be a picky eater in his life, which is why Iroh was skeptical he might not even like the jook he made special just for him. But Zuko's travels, both at home and in two other worlds now, have done a lot to expand his palate and his tolerance. But that his trust falls on Aurora to feed him food he'll like carries a whole other weight. He's a little bashful for saying it, but it's true he'll eat anything she makes without complaint. The Zuko in his story about the jook, before he fell ill...? Probably couldn't have said the same. He's grown a lot. ]

Well, thank you. And I have some knowledge, enough knowledge, but I am trying new things every day. But porridge is simple. I had it made for me as well when I was sick. I like to add honey and cinnamon to mine, with raisins and slices of fruit. I do not know what can go into your jook, but I always enjoyed that I could make it as sweet as I liked.

[And, as Aurora has mentioned before, she has quite the sweet tooth. Her aunts did not make her a 16 layer cake for nothing.

They get to her home after some walking, and she pauses.]

Ah, I just realized, you've never been in my home before. Well, welcome, Zuko, may you be able to rest, weary traveler.

[She said as she opened the door, warmth immediately surrounding the both of them.]

Heh, you really do like sweets a lot, huh...

[ It's endearing how much of a sweet tooth she has. It reminds him of Mai. Holding hands walking along like this, having his face touched so gently and lovingly, this tenderness and caring for his wellbeing — it's been so long since he's felt that from a girl... His face is tugged into a soft, wistful frown momentarily, eyes drifting down to his feet again as they walk, as his thoughts sneak in as they always seem to do... He can't help but wonder if Aurora and Mai would get along. He thinks they probably would. It's a weird, bittersweet, conflicting thought, that he's eager to put out of his mind.

So their arrival to her home comes just in time. And it wipes that distant look right off his face at the sight of it as they approach the yard. His eyes go wide, brows raised, and his jaw even drops a bit. He's never seen a house like this. He looks stunned, the most open his face has ever looked around her for sure. It's so... cute? Of course Aurora would live here. He can't help the edge of a smirk inching onto his lips, but when Aurora welcomes him as a "weary traveler," it widens in good humor. He thinks she's so funny. Always. Not so unlike Mai, though quite different senses of humor... He likes funny girls. He likes girls who make him smile, even if laughter seldom follows. His smile alone is an even rarer rarity than Aurora knows. And that awestruck lopsided smile reappears on his face as they walk up, and though his grasp loosens, he's loath to let go of her hand, even though he know he needs to finally... He doesn't even know what to expect of the inside now, though. ]

Ah—...!

As much as you insist upon spicy food. [She counters.

Her home is warm and well, wild. It is filled with natural light from outside. The outside belies the still living tree growing within the house that had had a natural wooden staircase built around it up to the second floor and below to the basement. She doesn't waste time and guides him to the kitchen where a giant stone hearth sits near much more modern appliances and a modern stove. All sorts of creatures are asleep in the rafters of the house, birds of all sorts, squirrels, chipmunks. Asleep in front of the stone hearth is a mountain lion, who opens an idle eye as Aurora comes in before going back to sleep. The other animals all stir a bit.

After all, Aurora is not alone.

And that is not Jane behind her.

It's not a woman at all, in fact.

It was Zuko. She takes off her cloak and immediately, her owl, Vivek, moves to hang it up on a hook before he flies up to the rafters to sleep.]

[ Zuko's awestruck look is all but painted on his face permanently now, trailing along behind her inside, gazing around agog. He notices all the woodland creatures stirring and scurrying about, head twisting to catch a glimpse of these other roommates all twisting their heads to catch a glimpse of him... Why is he surprised that she has a bunch of squirrels and birds and shit living inside her house? He's not surprised. He's just... stunned...

But not so stunned as he is when he catches sight of the fucking mountain lion lying by the hearth, and that actually startles him and stops him in his tracks briefly, catching his breath as his eyes go wide as their golden gazes meet one another's. It reminds him of Uri, whom he was once ferociously (albeit at Zuko's own suggestion) chased down the streets of Avalon by at full speed, and one doesn't really forget the adrenaline rush of getting hunted by a leopard, do they...? But this creature is a much larger cat than Uri. Zuko has little experience with animals. He never had pets except turtle-ducks in the palace gardens, and even then, while he liked them, he didn't really know what to do with them except throw bread at the pond and watch them eat it. They'd eat straight from his mother's hand, though, which always struck him as so magical as a child, and he's certain it'd be the same with Aurora. But he never had cats, dogs, poodle-monkeys, any normal pets like those... Didn't even have any kind of cat to hunt galley pests like spider-rats on his naval cruiser and that would've been useful! He never had reason to associate with animals much until he met Gokudera's cat in Lunatia, and now here in Avalon, that little kitten is more properly a leopard, and Zuko's not so inclined to let Uri try and crawl on his head here...

When the puma turns its attention back to sleeping and lies its head back down, Zuko relaxes again, though he does side-step slightly away from it. It's not that he's not cocky enough to think he couldn't win in a fight against a mountain lion, he just... really wouldn't want to fight Aurora's... uh, pet? Neighbor? Friend...? She stuns him. All these animals just like her — they trust her. Staring after her from behind, he suddenly has a mental image of a tigerdillo just rolling over for her to rub its belly. She's remarkable...

The flapping of Zizek's massive wings snaps him back to reality, and he starts with a little shake of his head, watching Aurora with a more polite interest now, perhaps — though he's still at a loss for words... ]

...Uh— Th-This is, um. A lovely home, Aurora!

[When Hikaru mentioned she had befriended wolves, she hadn't been making hyperbolic claims. She turned back towards him and gestured to the dining table.]

Sit- ah! [She plucked a rabbit off the chair and gently placed it on the floor.] There, sit please. [She pulled out a chair for him.] I'm told it is the warmest room in the house. [She gestured to the hearth.] Forgive my friends, they are taking respite from the cold. They will not bother you, though. [She moves over to the fire, gently stroking the spine of the mountain lion who purrs loudly at her touch.]

I will see about that soup, hmm?

[ Zuko can't help a twitch of a smile as a surprise rabbit appears, and she pulls the chair out for him... like she's the gentleman. When she says "Forgive my friends," he gives a little huff of a laugh, no more than a puff of breath through his nose. He's so endeared by her... For someone to get Zuko to crack so many smiles, small as they are, even laugh, when he's grieving so and has been so upset for days — she really seems as otherworldly and magical as she actually is.

He takes his seat, holding himself a little rigidly, looking around this incredible home like no other he's ever seen. It's beautiful. He likes how in tune with nature she is, even down to the very structure of her house. He can't help but keep gaping around, even as they begin to chat. ]

Thank you...

[ It takes him pause as he continues to take in this mild by overwhelming, warm and welcoming space, but a thought occurs to him as he dwells on the aesthetic impact of all the nature in her home. ]

...You know. I'm moving into a house with my friends from home. I'd love to invite you over once I'm settled. It's very pretty. Streams and trees inside... Sokka and I want to keep a rock garden... Oh, and Aang's gonna keep, y'know, a real garden—

[ And a realization strikes him, remembering his conversation with Aang just the other day when he'd told the Avatar his uncle and sister had disappeared. He's opening up more than ever before, but like their nice conversation on the way here, it's still about... other people. Not himself. Although there is a slight reveal that apparently he knows about rock gardening — that's something. But there's a lift in his energy as the thought strikes him, perking up even in his voice, his gaze finally falling on her in focused interest. ]

Actually! You met Aang recently, didn't you? What did you think of him?

[ Wait— how does he know that she did...? Aang must have told him so. Reading between the lines, it means he'd already talked to Aang about her. But... he seems to like talking about people in his life, after all. All the same — hmm... Noteworthy. ]

Edited 2021-11-19 16:15 (UTC)

[Once Zuko is seated, she goes to get food ready, the location of the dining table close enough they can maintain a conversation as she pulls out vegetables and cheeses and other spices from the fridge, cupboard, and other containers. She pulled out some knives and began to cut and dice and mince various things, putting some pots onto the stove.]

Well, I'd love to visit once you are. I spoke with Jane, we will be getting a TV. Then YOU can come over to watch our movies. We're going to watch musicals, I do not know what those are, but I cannot resist something with singing and dancing in it.

A real garden? How splendid. If he needs assistance, please let me know. My Aunt Flora was magical in her garden. [Literally.]

And yes, I did meet Aang, though it was a brief encounter. He seemed quite kind. I can see why you are so fond of him.

[ Zuko's so glad that she's putzing around and has her back turned to him when she mentions the musicals, because he absolutely can't help but let his face fall slightly, glancing aside. Right — they'd talked about that... He has a feeling Aurora wouldn't like the Quincy Terrancino films he watched in Lunatia. Or the Shimmer or Silence of the Fawns. Or Schneider's List and all his other World War II documentaries that he literally had no reason to learn about but for sick fascination and a foreign familiarity that chilled him to the bone. No, no, uh, musicals— sounded good... Better... He continues on cautiously. ]

Yes... I'd watch a musical with you.

[ Ahem. ]

Aang might like musicals, too. He likes music and dancing, as well. [ Nice, good segue. ] And I'm sure he'd also like it if you helped him in his garden. Aang's very friendly. Maybe you two could, uh— I dunno... trade... plants...?

[ Oh, boy. Zuko's clearly gonna be very involved in Aang's garden. ]

[Aurora wouldn't like women being objectified, mass genocide, serial killers, or hauntings, no. The world can be plenty terrifying enough, she doesn't need to add on more horror, violence, and death. She's from the 1400s, Zuko, she lived in a forest with literally 3 other people who weren't human. When she came here, she had a near panic attack because suddenly there were people EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME.

She hears his caution and merely smiles.]

You do not need to force yourself to see a musical with me, Zuko. I just wanted to extend the invitation.

It is there whether or not you take me up on it.

And, while I would love to trade plants with him, a garden can be rather personal, Zuko. It should be his decision to trade anything with me or to let me help him. We only met once, I doubt he would immediately wish to involve me in something like that.

Oh! No, I mean! I-I'll watch a musical with you! I've just... never seen one.

[ He's quick to clarify, bumbling slightly, turning around fully in his chair quickly to face her. He hangs his arm over the back of the chair nonchalantly, staring on, trying to find some footing as he listens. ]

...A-Anyway, I dunno. You should ask Aang. He's very, um— open— and generous. After all, Aang's a monk. Do you know what a monk is...?

[ He's considerate of the fact that she grew up in a forest. Maybe she's never encountered this concept, it's a fair question. ]

Then you are in good company, neither have I. It would be a new experience for us both.

[She slides the sliced veggies into the soup and begins a soft simmer.]

I do, but only from stories, I never met one. [She never met... anyone.] Though I suspect the monks I read about and Aang are not similar. Aang does not sequester himself all day to transcribe endless manuscripts into books.

[ Zuko raises a brow at that description. ]

...Nooo. We call those Sages in the Fire Nation. The Air Nomad monks were— well... Actually, I've only ever read about them, either. And— Fire Nation history books aren't exactly, um, accurate, I've learned recently.

[ There's a subtle twinge of darkness and wry humor to his voice on that note as he casts his eyes away and toward the fire, letting his gaze fall on the sleeping puma again absently. He doesn't know as much about Aang's people as he thinks maybe he should, he's suddenly realizing... He'll have to fix that. ]

Well, then it seems we both have something new to learn about your friend, that is, if he wishes to disclose.

[The puma, as all wild animals are prone to being, became alert when she seemed to sense something was watching her and a single eye opened up and then the other as she looked up and turned to look at Zuko, locking her gaze with him.]

But someone can be very generous and still not want to volunteer themselves, Zuko. So I am able to be patient.

[ Zuko keeps his eyes on the beast even when it looks back at him, but after a pause, gives a little sigh, looking away at nothing across the tabletop. ]

...Yeah. That's true. It's, um— ...It's a hard subject. The Air Nomads. And a long story. But— they were a peaceful people, from what I've learned from Aang.

[ Oof, too dark too easily. He shifts the subject rather forcedly. ]

...Sokka and Katara are from the Southern Water Tribe. We have two Earth Kingdom friends, too — Suki and Toph; they were both here, too, actually, but... they disappeared a few months ago. All of our cultures are pretty different from each other's... We've all been all over our world, though. We traveled together for a while.

[ He's making awkward conversation, but at least it's honest and open conversation, and slightly more revealing about himself and his life, even if he's talking about himself through his friends. It's just... easier, for whatever reason. ]

Well, why is that so surprising? The world is a big place, Zuko, even the kingdoms neighboring mine would be a different culture.

You must be glad so many of your friends from home are here.

[Or so she assumes, Zuko never SAYS how he feels and it leaves Aurora guessing and playing catch up.]

I am. I'd like you to meet them all. Have you ever met Sokka or Katara here?

[ He leans back in his chair a bit, finding more comfort deviating like this. He feels he's talking about himself when he talks about his loved ones. Those are the characters of his life's narrative, after all... It isn't all about him — as much as he often acts like it is, in a certain sense. The pervasive duality in him is mystifying, truly. ]

You'd probably get along with Katara. She's nurturing, moral— she's Aang's girlfriend now. She's a prodigious waterbender — a fierce, creative combatant and a healer. She has the same abilities here. And her brother, Sokka... He was a non-bender back home, but he has elemental magic here, and technomancy— he's very good with both, especially the tech stuff. Sokka is a brave warrior, too, and very clever— well— pretty clever... He's also... grating. But. Y'know. ...Every troupe needs a clown? At least ours is smart. He's fairly skilled with swordsmanship, as well. We trained under the same master. Although— I trained with Master Piandao for, um, years, almost all my childhood, and Sokka trained with him for like, a week, and yet still thought he could beat me when I first joined them back home, but... All the same. He's pretty good. His sword is a double-edged straight sword he forged with the master. A jian. Made of iron from a meteorite.

[ On the one hand, he's nervously rambling, but on the other hand, if he were actually nervous, he'd be clamming up entirely; he's only revealing so much because he's growing comfortable. He's still revealing quite a bit about himself in doing so. So Zuko knows swordsmanship, sounds quite well-versed, though he doesn't mention his own swords — just Sokka's... ~~Space sword deserves honorable mention after all!~~ Hearing him talk candidly about his friends is something Aurora doesn't know is a rare treat, unfortunately. If only the three of them could be flies on the wall, hearing him describe them this way... They'd be so flattered. Zuko needs to learn to tell the people he speaks so fondly of how fond he is of them. It's an ongoing theme. What's the opposite of shit-talking? He does that. ]

I'm sure you shall find a way for all of us to meet.

[She can't just invite HERSELF to his home to meet them all, that is rude and presumptuous. But maybe he'll catch on that he needs to be the one to extend the invitation?

As he rambles and speaks about his friends, she listens and cooks, the vegetables seeping into the water to make a hearty stock as she begins to peel potatoes and onions and other spices for flavor. She stirs it a couple of times before she goes to pull out the dough she had been letting rest earlier that morning, gently testing the consistency before she puts it into the oven below the soup.]

Yeah... I've already talked to Aang about it. He wants you over, too. We can all have dinner at our new place sometime. I'm still— moving...

[ It's weird to put it that way. He's mostly sorting through him and Azula's belongings. It's been a painful process. They'd amassed more than he'd thought they had. He doesn't know what to do with all her old clothes and things. He doesn't necessarily want to save them, but, he's such a sentimentalist... he probably will. He once saved Iroh's sweaty, stinky old sandal for, like... months and months and months... why.

But the thought is there. The thought is always there. ]

Does he! How wonderful, I would love to come by. I want to meet all your friends. And you need to meet Jane. We already have so many other mutual friends like Gokudera, Hikaru, Taichi, and a few others.

Here. [She took up a giant ladle, gently blowing on the broth before bringing it over to him.] Try this, and no, I will not be adding chilis or peppers of any sort. This way I can join you while you eat. But let me know if it is to your liking. [She held out the spoon, holding it just in front of his lips.]

[ He'd be ready to comment, to continue on about their mutual friends, but her bringing the spoon to his lips for him startles him, and he shrinks back just half an inch, looking up at her with wide, almost guilty-looking eyes, but wills himself to lower his hand and just... try the soup as told... There's certainly a sheepishness, a bashfulness, about relenting to being fed so casually, and it stirs something in him. But he nods after his taste, meeting her eye despite his nerves at the tiny, tiny care act. ]

...Mmn. It's good.

[ He wants to be amused about the joke about peppers and chilis, but he's a little frazzled now. She's too nice and too pretty to be doing this cute stuff to him, he's too grijsnkf inside... ]

Wonderful! [She pulled the soup away from him and then went back over to the stove.]

We'll let it continue to simmer, the bread won't be done for another 20 minutes or so. Have you had freshly baked bread before? It isn't terribly special, just a simple white loaf but I added some currants and almonds. It... well, it shall be on the sweeter side. [Look, she can't help her sweet tooth, but she does eat lots of veggies and fruits.]

We need only wait for a little. [She took a seat across from him.] When spring comes around again, I'll be able to make so many different things from the garden outback.

[ She draws a fond, lopsided smile on his face as she sits down, unable to take his eyes off her suddenly, her excitement about cooking and baking and gardening so foreign and endearing to him. He's never known these feelings personally. He likes seeing her happy and smiling and talking about the things she likes... It's something simple, visceral. ]

Heh... What do you most look forward to making?

Well, with spring will come all my flowers, and then all my bees will come and make the most delicious honey. But I can make so many delicious tarts and jams and pies. I can make poached pears and cinnamon apple roses, and more modern recipes I'm aching to try like blueberry pancakes once my blueberries ripen. You must try my blackberries, Zuko. Growing up, I would eat so many my fingers would get stained purple. My aunts would call me their berry fairy.

[ He puffs a tiny laugh through his nose, the fond, crooked smile still stuck on his face, and his gaze stuck on Aurora. ]

I don't know blueberries or blackberries... But when we were kids, my sister and I used to eat so many purpleberries our tongues would get stained purple, too, hah... Although no one called us anything cute. Those are summer fruits, though. Cherries, too. Those would stain our fingers red.

[ He never knows what will and will be common between worlds as far as animals and plants... He has to speak about everything with caution it might or might not be understood.

Seldom he has a fond memory to share with Azula, though... His childhood has been painted as fond and fairly normal to Aurora so far, though. Eating purpleberries with his sister, even if she obviously grew up to be mean, working in a teashop with his uncle, seemingly seldom having to clean... It's bizarre how Aurora's managed just to pull the simple, neutral, nicer memories from him naturally. Who else could manage such a feat? ]

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