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Azula smiled as she saw her mother enter with the teapot and cups. “You like green tea, right?” Ursa asked, getting a nod from her daughter. “Good, good.” Ursa said, pouring out two cups of tea and sitting across from her daughter.
Azula took a scone from the plate that was already on the table, “Thanks for setting this up, it’s really nice.” She said, with a smile.
“Well, I know you’re always saying how much you miss the palace, I thought I’d find a reason to invite you back.” She explained, “It must be hard to get out of your busy Ba Sing Se schedule to find time for yourself.”
Azula nodded in agreement, “Indeed. I didn’t realise how much I needed to sit down and have a cup of tea.” She said, taking a sip of her tea, letting out a sigh in relief.
Ursa did the same, “I like what you did with your hair.” She said, “Cutting it short like that, it’s very handsome.” She complimented.
“Thanks.” Azula replied, “I was really nervous about it, but I’m glad I did, it turned out great.” She said, drinking some more tea.
“So, what’s Ba Sing Se like these days?” Ursa asked.
“Busy.” Azula lamented, “Being a governess is hard, I mean, people coming to me everyday for a million things, it’s worth it though, my sector is really thriving, highest economic increase in the whole city, as well as citizen satisfaction.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Ursa said, “You’re doing an amazing job, dear.” She said, putting her hand on Azula’s and squeezing lightly, “To think you’re nearly all grown up now.” She said, with a smile.
Azula let out a small laugh, “yea, well, don’t rub it in.” she said, drinking some tea. “I still have a few months before I turn eighteen.” she said.
“It’s a shame you had to give up your youth for… all this.” She said, a bit sadly. “You should have been able to live your childhood out in peace.”
Azula shrugged a bit, “I don’t mind.” She said, through a smile, “I think I’d get bored of a normal life anyway now, outside of politics and war.” She said, “Besides, I can always just give my own kids a peaceful life, that sounds nice.” She had a small, content smile.
“You shouldn’t be thinking about any of that.” Ursa said, “You kids are growing up way too fast.”
“I mean, Zuko and Mai, and Sokka and Suki already had their first, it’s hard not to feel the pressure to settle down already.” She said, “But I don’t really have anyone yet, so,I think I have a ways to go.” She explained.
“Take your time, dear. It’s important to find the right person.” Ursa said, Azula nodded in agreement, drinking her tea as her mother continued, “but if you did settle tomorrow, would you have any special picks?” Ursa asked, prying into her daughter's love life.
Azula blushed a bit, setting down the tea. “Mom!” Azula yelled, “That’s totally inappropriate!” She huffed out, but Ursa didn’t let up, and insisted her daughter spill the details.
“Fine.” Azula relented, “Ty Lee has been showing up more and more in Ba sing Se lately despite her responsibilities to the Kyoshi Warriors. It’s been really nice to see a familiar face though, she’s really nice.” Azula had a warm smile on her face, she took a drink of tea.
Ursa smiled, “I always thought you too were awfully close.” She teased lightly. “I think she’d be good for you, you always did have a problem with being more carefree and positive.” She said, “Take her out for tea in Ba Sing Se.” She advised.
“I think I can figure out my own date, mom.” Azula commented, noting down the amazing idea for later. “Can we talk about anything else now? Please? I’d rather not talk about my miserable love life any longer. What about you, hm? How’re things with Ikem and Kiyi?” She asked.
Ursa smiled a bit, “Things are good Azula, she’s loving the Fire Nation, I think she might appreciate a few bending tips from her big sister?” She slyly suggested.
Azula laughed, “I guess I can drop in before I leave, have a little sparring match with her.” Azula said, “I’m sorry I can’t stay long term, but you three should come by for a few weeks, I can happily set you up with a comfortable place. We have great resources, I recently got a state of the art bending arena installed, I’d love to teach Kiyi a few forms there.”
Ursa nodded, “That sounds nice.” She said, “We were actually talking, Ikem and I, and we thought it would be nice if you could teach Kiyi lightning bending, when she’s ready, if that’s alright?”
Azula thought for a moment, Kiyi wasn’t royal blood, and wouldn’t be allowed to learn the form. “Sure.” Azula said, with a smile, “I’d be honoured, she can come over for a summer and I’ll teach her, I could even teach her firebending until she’s ready.” Azula offered.
“I’ll ask her, a few weeks in the Earth Kingdom every summer might do her some good.” she said.
Azula nodded as she finished her tea. “It’s a beautiful place.” Azula said, as she stood up, “We should do this again soon, mom.” Azula said.
Ursa finished hers off as well, standing up and giving her daughter a hug, “Of course, Lala, anytime.” She replied.