十二

[o_tea_p]

[accidental video]

[Iroh is in his bedroom above the tea shop, lighting incense in front of a makeshift shrine. But there is no picture, only the name 路騰 (Lu Ten) written in beautiful calligraphy.]Is there no pity sitting in the clouds

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[seesbydoing]

[ Toph's appearance at the teashop isn't unusual, but she's more quiet than boisterous tonight. It's not quiet in an unhappy way, but a thoughtful one. Yeah, she does know how to be respectful once in a while. ]

[ She takes a seat and ponders. She's not entirely sure what Iroh's message meant; the language was weird. But he seemed quite solemn. She thought it might be a nice idea to give him a little company. ]

[ In fact, when he next wanders by her, she plans to talk him into sitting down with her. ]

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[o_tea_p]

[There is little sign of sadness in Iroh. He laughs loudly and speaks cheerfully, clearly enjoying the poetry. He has lived with this pain for many years; it is not new for all that it has found poetic expression.

He lights up when he sees Toph.]

Then there was a star that danced, and under that was Toph!

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[seesbydoing]

[ ...nonplussed. ] I don't know a lot about stars, but I don't think they dance.

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[o_tea_p]

I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a woman deny poetry!

[praisemenow]

A fine piece.

[o_tea_p]

[Iroh is quite surprised to have a response, and momentarily abashed. It takes him a moment to return to himself.]

Thank you. Words of so sweet breath composed as made the things more rich.

[praisemenow]

I would be proud to inspire such words as those- so I am sure they are pleased.

[o_tea_p]

He is dead and gone, lady.

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[chasingmorning]

[That all sounds so sad.]

...Did somebody die?

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[o_tea_p]

[sung softly]

He is dead and gone, lady,
He is dead and gone;
At his head a grass-green turf,
At his heels a stone.

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[chasingmorning]

I'm so sorry.

[Say something! Clearly he's upset... What would I say to dad--no, not that. Say something else!]

I don't think they'd want you to be so upset for so long.

[drizzlinginside]

[Those words are just so painfully, yet beautifully, sad. She stays quiet for a moment, respecting the solemnity, before she speaks in a soft whisper.]

General Iroh...

[o_tea_p]

[Iroh is a little nonplussed at all the sympathy, especially from Katara. He is not embarrassed of his grief, but it has been a part of his life for so long that it feels strange to have it remarked upon.]

Sigh no more, lady, sigh no more. Thus goes everyone to the world.

[stargathering]

... [ Even if the scene doesn't hold any real significance to him, he understands the words well enough to put it together. His voice is soft. ] Are you okay...?

[o_tea_p]

[Iroh smiles not ungratefully.]

I am keen, my lord, I am keen. How fairs my lord?

[stargathering]

[ It's been a long time since random people have addressed him as "lord"; he's taken a bit by surprise. ]

I'm fine... [ and he totally doesn't know there's other meanings of "keen". ] I didn't know your hobby was reciting poetry.

[o_tea_p]

I can sing and speak in many sorts of music.