Tea with Uncle Iroh

I've already decided to pick up a souvenir from each world I go to before I leave them this time around, but once again I don't know where to start.

A smile split my face as I fondly recalled staying up to watch a specific series as a kid.

Then with a wave of my hand I created a portal that hovered before Daisy and I. It was only there for a moment before we walked through it.

"I hope this world has better biscuits than the last one. How can a futuristic society have bad tasting biscuits? It just doesn't make sense.." Daisy complained as we appeared in a barren plain surrounded by tall grass.

"Ha, don't worry, I'm sure it will so don't get your nickers in a knot." I replied while stoking behind her ear.

"Micheal, you know very well I've never worn anything a day in my life." Daisy shot back as her tail wagged behind her. I'm still petting her after all. She can act tough all she wants, but her body betrays her.

Honestly, it only made her look even more adorable.

"Yeah, yeah whatever you say. Remember you can't talk to people in this world. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves." Choosing not to bring up the time I dressed her up as Bat-Dog for Halloween I smoothly avoided the topic while reminding her to act her part.

"I remember. Just make sure to have a steak waiting for me when this is over."

"You got it." I patted her side and smoothed out her ruffled fur before walking forward as she moved to follow close behind me, her tail wagging the entire time.

I had to 'borrow' some clothes from a rather well off local so I could blend in, but once that was done everything went smoothly.

The world we're in now is identical to that of the world in Avatar The Last Airbender.

This world is separated into four mighty nations. Or at least it used to be.

Everything changed when the fire nation attacked.

Jokes aside, they wiped out the air nomads and started a century long war against the other nations.

But The Water tribe and the Earth Kingdom were hardy and strong. Plus they weren't caught off guard and attacked unprepared like the Air temples were.

Anyway, political thoughts aside I'm currently in Ba Sing Se. The largest and greatest of all the Earth kingdom empires.

Of course I'm not here for anything to do with the Earth nation. No, I'm here for something far more important.

A good cup of Tea.

And where else would I go besides the Jasmine Dragon. The Tea Shop Uncle Iroh opened after coming to this city with his nephew Zuko as refugees.

Standing outside the fabled building I almost felt a tear come to my eye.

'It's just so beautiful.'

The Jasmine Dragon isnt just a small tea shop either. It's a large, exquisite building in the Upper Ring of the Earth Kingdom's capital. That's why I had to borrow' clothes from a well off civilian. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to get in. I also took his coin purse.

Wasn't hard when magnetism and telekinesis comes into play.

Before I even walked through the doors the aroma tickled my nose and the tantalizing aroma set my mind at ease.

I could tell Daisy felt the same way as she can't stop sniffing at the air with a stupid grin on her face.

As I passed beneath the wooden double doors I immediately noticed the large, dark green, rectangular carpet edged with a yellow border and depicting two dragons lying in the middle of the shop floor.

Likely depicting the two Masters of fire living on the Sun Warriors island. The last living dragons that Iroh met years ago during his travels.

Not long after I entered the shop I was brought to a seat by one of the hostesses. A perfectly sized little table with matching chairs out on the terrace per my request. I mean who wouldn't want a beautiful view overlooking such an incredible city?

Daisy simply splayed herself out with her head resting under my chair with her body in the shade of the table as she enjoyed the delectable scent hanging in the air.

Once I was comfortable one of the waiting staff came over to take my order.

There's only one thing I could thing of getting, "I'll have the White Lotus Tea please."

The man paused for a moment before smiling "Certainly sir, it will be brought out shortly. Would you like any biscuits or cakes while you wait?" Daisy perked up immediately and her head smacked my chair as it did.

Lifting my clean off the ground before she lowered it again. Without missing a beat, as if this was totally normal, I kept talking to the bewildered man. "I'll have a whatever you recommend. And can you bring some extra for my companion as well."

Seeing the man nod before shuffling away I smiled as I looked over the city and awaited my tea. Not long afterwards a small plate of cookies came out. I didn't even bother and just gave them all too Daisy. Who scarfed them down with glee.

"It was a wise choice. The tea of White Lotus Leaf is best savoured on its own." A sagely, gruff voice found its way to my ears while I was lost in thought.

When I I looked up what greeted me was a man in his late fifties, to early sixties. He's sporting a full beard connected to his side burns. His grey hair flowing down freely near his shoulders from his balding head.

When I saw the man carrying my tea walk towards me I nearly fell of my chair. It's really him.

"Pardon my rudeness I didn't mean to disturb you. I am the owner of this establishment. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Placing down the steering hot kettle on the table Iroh immediately began to pour and brew the tea himself.

"White Lotus Tea is a fickle thing. Leave it too long and it's over powering. Take the leaves out too soon and it's too weak. It takes an experienced hand to know how to brew this tea. Not that I don't trust my employees. I just like to brew a good cup of tea. Buwahahaha" laughing merrily at his own joke as he carefully monitored the state of the Tea I didn't even know how to react.

Yet it wasn't long before I came to myself. "Thank you for this. My name is Micheal by the way. Would you care to join me?"

"Oh I really shouldn't." Raising his hands to signify his refusal didn't help at all when he was staring at the tea in the way he was.

"I insist. A good cup of tea is always better in good company."

"When you put it like that how can i refuse." Without me needing to twist his leg Iroh pulled up a chair and began to pour himself a cup of tea.

When it was finally ready he gently pushed my cup towards me.

The moment the liquid touched my tongue I felt like I was in heaven.

"Now that's a good cup of tea."

"Haha, thank you. Your too kind." Iroh said as he casually sipped his own with a content smile on his face.

And that's how I ended up sitting in the Earth kingdom, drinking Tea with the former general of the Fire Nations Army.

Today's been a good day.