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[scarwithin.livejournal.com]

When; July 5, evening.
Rating; G.
Characters; [Bad username or site: scarwithin title=Zuko @ livejournal.com].
Summary; In honor of a memory, he takes a moment alone on the beach to remember and respect someone important.

He waited until the sun began to set, just as the orb darkened, setting the sky ablaze with heat and life. There, upon the beach laden with sand and snow alike, the exiled prince kneeled before a small rock formation he built. Four candles were wedged between the stones, each wick lit with great patience and care. As the natural light fell away from the world, shrouding the city into shadow, the boy merely breathed. In, out, in, out. So often he was too preoccupied with things that mattered little, and here in this moment, he wanted more than anything to respect a memory he treasured beyond anything else. This was important, this meant everything to him, even more than the honor he likely would never regain.

In those brief moments before the night awakened, Zuko felt overwhelmed with a mixture of emotion. The pain that must come with extended solidarity, the pride in even the smallest work bearing fruit, and the yearning for what is familiar, what was once home and can no longer be. Head bent before the flickering flame, he offered Iroh the only thing he had left. Mediation. Patience. Respect. Love.

"Good health, uncle." He rasped against the knot in his throat, unaware of the tears before they streamed from his eyes, unbidden.

As the dying sun fell away from the world, a memory burned ever brighter.