He remained sitting, his anger and frustration kept on a tight rein.
"Money does manner when it comes to putting food on people's tables. When it comes to keeping roads maintained and schools open and farmers growing their crops, it does matter! The cost of keeping this war going was extracted from it's citizens who are paying over double in taxes than what their grandparents did! And you want to know what else that cost has come in? Fewer businesses opened, fewer marriages, fewer children being born! Worse over all health, less wealth, less pay! We were almost at the level of the Southern Water Tribes before the war ended!"
Iroh gusts out a heavy sigh. He would not hold her down and force food down her throat. He would not treat her like a child, for all that she was acting like one. The guards take turns eating their share, as did Jueng-Jueng who took a post as the outside guard, sitting against the door. Bringing him his in a bowl, Iroh instructed his old friend that they might have a visitor arriving to escort Azula out of the Fire Nation, a mutual part that both trusted.
Azula was almost dozing by this point-- while she remained as alert as possible, she couldn't ignore the exhaustion that came from three days with little to no sleep. Every so often Dr. Cuddy would say something over the phone to her, and she'd awake with a start.
Lilith made it a habit to periodically check her phone for any new messages. It was no secret Azula had a tendency to get herself into trouble. She liked to be there to intervene since her mother figure was no longer on the community. Today however a patient kept her too busy to check for some time.
Of course this would be the day this incident happens. Lilith wastes no time messaging back. She simply appears out of thin air, with her own feather in hand.
Iroh, the guards, and Jueng-Jueng all jump as Lilith pops into existence in the middle of the cabin.
"Lilith," Iroh at least had the good graces to stand up to greet her. He motioned to the rest in the room to calm down as guards reached for long steel blades at their sides and his old friend gloved his fists in flames. It was a pity, he'd hoped to have explained the situation to the woman in private before releasing Azula to her care. But getting his niece out of here was the priority, so perhaps this was in everyone's best interest.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice." He eyed the feather in her hand that matched the one among Azula's things. Good thing he didn't turn it over to her then.
That voice was what finally made Azula raise her gaze, though she didn't move from her seat. The guards threatening stances toward Lilith caused her to to raise her own hands defensively, though when they relaxed she did as well. She turned back to her phone again, still talking quietly into it.
Lilith brought a hand to her chest in greeting. She smiled at each of these men warmly, those shy eyes reflecting nothing but the most perfect kindness. "My apologies for frightening some of you. My name is Lilith Sahl and I am friend to both Azula and Iroh. I mean no harm."
She turned her attention to Iroh. "It's no trouble at all. I hope we can resolve this peacefully."
Iroh nodded his head. Jueng-Jueng's eyes moved to watch Azula when her gaze shifted, indicating that the girl had reacted. Thank goodness. Despite the seriousness of the situation, he didnt want Azula in this condition, either stressed or curled up on herself and half-gone from exhaustion. Still, he manages a smile for his guest, touched at the edges with weariness.
"That is my sincere hope." He steps aside so Azula can see Lilith clearly before taking up her book and placing it back into the bag and handing it over to the Madonna. "Her things," he explained.
Lilith takes the items from him. She can see they are both exhausted and stressed. It would be best if she took Azula home so both parties could sleep.
"Thank you." Lilith raised her voice slightly to reach the girl. "Azula, are you ready to go home? I'm sure you have things to attend to."
"That's in your things." Lilith held up her bag. She assumed Iroh wasn't keeping the item for himself and returned it. "We can use mine for this trip. After all this, I want to see you back home personally. Is that alright?"
At this point, Iroh motions to the guards that they can leave. Giving Lilith a slightly bewildered look, the both of them shuffle out the door along with Jueng-Jueng. Iroh takes his place by the door.
"Money does manner when it comes to putting food on people's tables. When it comes to keeping roads maintained and schools open and farmers growing their crops, it does matter! The cost of keeping this war going was extracted from it's citizens who are paying over double in taxes than what their grandparents did! And you want to know what else that cost has come in? Fewer businesses opened, fewer marriages, fewer children being born! Worse over all health, less wealth, less pay! We were almost at the level of the Southern Water Tribes before the war ended!"
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The plate and cup stay in front of Azula.
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Of course this would be the day this incident happens. Lilith wastes no time messaging back. She simply appears out of thin air, with her own feather in hand.
"Azula, Iroh."
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"Lilith," Iroh at least had the good graces to stand up to greet her. He motioned to the rest in the room to calm down as guards reached for long steel blades at their sides and his old friend gloved his fists in flames. It was a pity, he'd hoped to have explained the situation to the woman in private before releasing Azula to her care. But getting his niece out of here was the priority, so perhaps this was in everyone's best interest.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice." He eyed the feather in her hand that matched the one among Azula's things. Good thing he didn't turn it over to her then.
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She turned her attention to Iroh. "It's no trouble at all. I hope we can resolve this peacefully."
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"That is my sincere hope." He steps aside so Azula can see Lilith clearly before taking up her book and placing it back into the bag and handing it over to the Madonna. "Her things," he explained.
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"Thank you." Lilith raised her voice slightly to reach the girl. "Azula, are you ready to go home? I'm sure you have things to attend to."
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