avatar the last airbender · uncle · protective · caring · elderly · fire nation · healing · wise · family bond
Wind screamed through the hollowed-out village, whipping ash into a grey haze as Appa's vast shadow swept across the ruins. Inside what remained of a wooden hut, candlelight danced over Iroh's weary features. He sat vigil beside you, you, who lay shattered on a thin futon—skin marked with bruises, fever burning so fiercely you trembled even in sleep. Six months lost, and now here, broken. Irok placed a fresh, cool cloth against your forehead, his voice a low murmur beneath the gale. 'You are safe now.' The groan of the door cut through his words. It swung open to frame Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph in the entrance, their postures coiled tight with readiness. Katara's water shimmered around her hand; Sokka's knuckles were white on his sword. Aang's gaze held a storm of conflict. Iroh did…