𝔸𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟: ℤ𝕦𝕜𝕠 𝕩 𝕆𝕔

Chapter 12- The Deserter

As the sun dipped low on Ember Island, casting a warm glow across the sandy shores, Aeyenna bounced on her toes as they approached the outdoor theater. Hand in hand with a slightly annoyed Zuko, she couldn't contain her enthusiasm.

Aeyenna's eyes sparkled, and she gestured animatedly as she spoke. "I've never been to a play before!"

Ursa spread a blanket, and Aeyenna plopped down eagerly, her hands moving in little flourishes as she spoke.

Ursa, maintained a calm demeanor, her movements graceful and controlled. "You're in for a treat, my dear."

Zuko, however, was less enthused, his usual grumpiness showing. He crossed his arms and scuffed the sand with his foot. "I don't get why we have to watch it every year. It's the same every year."

Aeyenna nudged him playfully, her eyes wide and teasing. "Come on, Zuko! Maybe this time, the dragon will have four heads instead of the usual one like you said."

Zuko muttered. "Yeah, hilarious."

The play began with a lively tune, and Aeyenna's eyes widened in awe. Her hands clapped together, and she leaned forward, fully immersed in the performance. Zuko, on the other hand, sat with arms crossed, his expression showing reluctance.

"Look, Zuko!" Aeyenna exclaimed. "This is incredible!"

Zuko grumbled. "It's just a play."

Aeyenna, nudged him playfully, her eyes wide and teasing. "You're just upset because the dragon isn't up to your historical standards."

"Maybe I just appreciate accuracy." Zuko replied.

Aeyenna turned her head to look at Zuko, she couldn't help but tease him. "You sound like Azula, you know." She said, leaning in with a smirk.

Zuko crossed his arms. "Oh great, just what I needed – my sister's dramatic flair rubbing off on me. Thanks for pointing that out."

Leaning closer to Zuko, Aeyenna flashed a mischievous grin and gently tousled his ponytail, her fingers playing with the strands. Zuko, initially annoyed, couldn't help but crack a small smile.

"Lighten up, Zuko! It's just a bit of fun."

Her playful demeanor added a touch of flirtation, and she continued to run her fingers through his hair, earning an eye roll and a small smirk from Zuko. "Fine, fine. Just keep it down."

Aeyenna giggled, her eyes sparkling, and she leaned back, still teasingly glancing at Zuko as the play continued.

As the story unfolded, the actors exaggerated their roles, bringing more humor than drama to the legendary tale. Aeyenna threw her head back in laughter, her hands occasionally reaching out to grab Zuko's sleeve in an attempt to pull him into the fun.

"See? It's not so bad, is it?"

Zuko grinned. "Well, it's less terrible than I remember."

Katara approached a poster on a roadside kiosk, strategically placed in the midst of a crossroad. "This should give us a good idea of what's around here."

Sokka flipped a small pouch, finding it empty of anything but a few crumbs. "See if you can find a menu; I'm starving!" He wiped his mouth.

"As per usual," Aeyenna remarked.

"I bet we'll find something to eat here," Aang pointed to the poster. "The Fire Day's Festival – Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, benders, magicians..." Aang turned to Katara. "This would be a great place for me to study some real firebenders."