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As you arrived to Ketu Harbor, your realize that you can’t really hide the fact that there was a battle. There are dents from the impacts of the Avatar’s water, areas charred by fire, and the mechanisms holding Zuko’s boat’s prow up are failing and will likely break before you reach port.
Zhao would ask questions, uncomfortable ones. As far as you know, the fact that the Avatar has appeared is only known to you, Zuko and Uncle. Father had his suspicions, but no confirmation. Meanwhile, Zhao should have no idea about this, not even of the rumors of sightings in the Southern Water Tribe’s territory.
Still, it’ll be hard to explain the damage on the boats. Zuko says it can be pinned on an attack by Earth Kingdom ships, but would Zhao buy it? You’re not sure. He is a crafty man, you don’t rise from a nobody in the Fire Nation’s navy ranks to commanding a hundred ships in the southern ocean without a bit of political play.
The ships dock at the harbor and with a small hit against it, Zuko’s prow collapses, giving the soldiers below the scare of their lives. You sigh and take a hand to your temple, the headaches are gone, at least.
Your own prow fares better, but it’s clear your ship’s hull has also taken some damage. You descend the steps with your retinue and order the crew to ensure repairs are made as swiftly as possible, and you see Zuko do so as well.
Not even five minutes here and you distinguish Zhao coming to welcome you with his own cohort.
“It is an honor to receive the two princes of the Fire Nation in my harbor.” His stern eyes look up to your ships. “Strange. I heard no reports of any fighting within the southern ocean. What happened to your ships?”
“We were attacked by Earth Kingdom ships.” Zuko replies instantly. A bit too quickly, for your taste, it shows nervousness.
“Is that so?” Zhao takes a hand to his chin. “We have almost full control of the southern ocean right now. It’s quite unlucky you were accosted. Perhaps a raiding fleet.”
He takes a step back and invites you both to follow him. “Please, come with me to my tent. I will offer you whatever you desire.” He looks at you for a moment. “I would be happy to know what brings the esteemed Princess to the Harbor, are you giving your exiled brother a visit?”
>Take a hard stance against Zhao’s requests. “My objectives are my own, commander. I suggest you do not pry.”
>Play along with it. ”Of course, I have to check on my brother every once in a while.”
>Write-in.