>>5968998“I do not know. Generally, the Avatars are made aware of their status once they are sixteen, to ensure they live a plentiful childhood with their peers.” Uncle looks at the kid at the front of the boat. “And I am pretty sure that he is not sixteen.”
“But he knows he’s the avatar.” You say, punctuating with a swing of your hand. “Explain that to me.”
Uncle simply sits there and ponders.
“Still.” You continue. “How is it that he’s so young?”
“Another question we can’t know the answer to without asking him directly.” Uncle replies. He caresses his beard as he ponders further. “In fact, why not do that? I wouldn’t want our guest to go without some good, warm tea to stave off the southern cold.”
He gets up with teapot and cup in hand and heads towards the front of the ship. Zuko looks at him walk up to the Avatar, you follow along behind your Uncle, but keeping a safe distance.
Uncle stands right by the Avatar, who keeps looking down to the flowing ocean under the ship. He pours a bit of tea in the cup he took with him and keeps it warm with his hand.
“Excuse me, young man. Would you like a bit of tea?” He extends the cup to the Avatar.
The Avatar looks at the cup, then at Iroh. A soft, sad smile appears. “Thanks.” He takes the cups and sips on it. “It’s delicious.” He says.
“Thank you.” Uncle responds, smiling back at the Avatar. “Please excuse our harsh entrance at the Water Tribe village, we were expecting someone older, far stronger.”
“Yeah.” The Avatar responds, dangling one of his legs off the side of the boat. “A lot has changed.”
Uncle looks at the Avatar confused. “What do you mean?”
“It’s nothing.” The Avatar replies. “It’s just that… I don’t understand why this war is happening.”
“But…” Uncle Iroh replies, bewildered. “The war has been going on for a hundred years.”
The Avatar looks into Iroh’s eyes. “For what?”
You decide to intervene as you see your Uncle stay silent. “Because it’s the Fire Nation’s destiny.” You say. “We are at the forefront in technology, we are the richest of all the nations and we are the most powerful. The strong conquer, the weak are conquered.”
The Avatar looks back at you, his smile disappears, and he looks again towards the ocean. “I don’t get it.”
The ship reaches the ancient, moored vessel stuck in the ice. The Avatar hops onto it, jumping light as a feather, and Zuko crosses after a ramp is laid down. You and Uncle cross as well.
Your brother takes a strong stance, while Aang’s is clearly doubtful. His mind is barely in the game and it’s noticeable. Whether your thickheaded brother noticed was another thing.