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☽𖤓
𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐤𝐚'𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐡 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝, "You should move your tile here, my dear." Determined to grasp the game the old man cherished, she followed his instruction with a hum.
Her attention was broken when an irate Prince Zuko marched past her spot on the floor, confronting the Captain. "What's the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course."
Frustration flickered across Touka's face as her opponent blocked her move. Iroh chuckled, offering a helping hand.
"Actually, someone did," Iroh corrected, prompting Zuko to turn his gaze to him. "I assure you, it is a matter of utmost importance, Prince Zuko."
Touka stifled a laugh, and Zuko's eyes snapped to her. "Is it something to do with the Avatar?"
Moving a piece, she sought Iroh's approval. He smiled, stroking his beard as he addressed the Prince. "It seems I..." Iroh paused, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "I've lost my lotus tile."
"Lotus tile?" A tilt of Zuko's head brought a small smile to Touka's lips. "It's for the game," she clarified, gesturing to the board.
Zuko approached his leg almost grazing Touka's arm.
"Most people think the lotus tile insignificant, but it is essential for the unusual strategy that I employ, the one I am trying to teach our guest."
Looking up, Touka noticed smoke billowing from Zuko's ears. "You've changed our course for a stupid lotus tile?"
Iroh leaned forward, gesturing to his nephew. "See, you, like most people, underestimate its value. Just give me ten minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. Hopefully, they'll have the lotus tile in stock, and I can get on with my life."
Fanning herself, Touka coughed as smoke filled the room when Zuko exhaled a fiery breath.
Iroh could only smile with a sigh. "I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew."
☯︎ ⋆.° ₊ ⊹
As a warm bread roll was shoved in her face Touka grinned and snatched it from Zuko with a quiet 'thanks'. She had been dragged off the ship and Zuko had her attached to his hip at all times. Touka had groaned when they had passed a pastry shop and Zuko merely rolled his eyes and continued walking.
After she hadn't thought much of it when he had left her with a guard and Iroh for a little while. Though, now she knew why. Despite his cold front, he had done something far kinder than she had expected him to do.
Zuko kept his gaze on her for a moment, the corner of his mouth daring to lift as he watched the girl enjoy the bread. He blinked quickly when he realized what he was doing and crossed his arms, glancing over when his Uncle walked back over to them.
