"Yeouch!" Iroh's exclamation made the boy giggle, and the mother give him a grateful smile. As the old man stood, he pat the boy on the head with a small smile of his own. "Children are the most precious things in the world." He bowed his head to the mother respectfully before turning back to replace the instrument he borrowed. There was a lovely feeling of serenity in his spirit as he looked around. So many people out today, laughing and sharing happy memories. He picked up his basket and slipped the strap over his shoulder, ready to move on.
At they time he turned to step back into the moving shoppers, two children ran past him shouting. At first Iroh simply chuckled, admiring the way they looked so free. But then he heard something in their words that froze him to his spot. His head turned, eyes following the children as they ran. Lu Ten. It was impossible not to hear. The old man closed his eyes, his head bowing some. Had the universe somehow known what it was he was planning to do today?
If Azula had been hoping to hurt her uncle, she would be sadly disappointed. Iroh opened his eyes after a moment and lifted his face to the cloud dotted sky above him. His expression was blank for the quickest of seconds, but soon his lips curled upward. The boys' shouting was like a gift, a reminder that his son was always there even if only in spirit. That was especially meaningful to remember today.