Dark Puck - Blood Lines

While awaiting the general’s convenience, Liàng idly tossed a small block of copper in one hand while considering a way of repaying Lady Mai.  No matter how he felt about his first encounter with the expressionless noblewoman, she had saved his life, provided him with food and shelter through his recovery, and even given him supplies enough to reach the palace.  Well, it was likely she would accept no payment for it, but surely a gift to show his appreciation wouldn’t go amiss.

“Sir? You can go in now,” the general’s assistant told him, bowing.

“Thank you,” replied the smith as he returned the bow and tucked the copper into a pocket.  He strode into the room.

“Liàng. I’m glad to see you’ve recovered,” the old man said, smiling slightly.

Liàng returned the smile as he bowed politely.  “Thank you.  It’s good to see you again, General.”

“Please, sit,” he said, gesturing to a chair.

He did as advised and turned his eyes onto Iroh.  “So, now that I’m here… what, precisely, did you want from me?”

“I’m sure you’re aware of some of the… difficulties we’ve been having since my nephew took the throne?” Iroh said, after a moment of consideration.

“I’ve heard rumours, but nothing substantial,” Liàng admitted, “even in the Earth Kingdom.”  Having a garrison of soldiers still in his town aided in this, of course.

Iroh studied him for another long moment. “We… do not believe the threat of assassination died with his sister,” he said slowly. “By virtue of your trade, you have access to people and places most of my agents do not.”

Golden eyes narrowed.  “You want me to spy, then?”

“Not in the sense that I want you to deliberately seek out to uncover things,” the General assured him. “Just… keep your eyes and ears open, and let me know what you see and hear.”

Liàng was silent for a long moment, then nodded.  “I can do that.  Will you need me to work in the Fire Nation?”

“Don’t go out of your way to do so, if it would compromise your credibility. But, if you can do so, I would appreciate it.”

Liàng considered.  “Shouldn’t be too hard.  I can claim to be looking for my father.”

Iroh nodded. “Good.”

“Any place in the archipelago you’d like me to settle in particular?”

“There are a few places I’d like you to look into.” He pulled out a map, and marked a few of the islands. “Start here.”

“Ahhh, travelling smith routine again, I see.”  Liàng grinned.  “Just go, and observe, and report?  Do you want the reports in messages, or shall I actually report in every once in awhile?”

“Messages, unless it’s something you can’t trust to paper,” the old man replied, decisively.

“Yes, sir.  Do I have time to stop back at home first, or should I send a hawk to my mother with my ‘new decision’?”

“Whichever you think would draw less suspicion. I don’t want to put you in unnecessary danger.”

Liàng considered.  “I should probably send her a message, then.  I told her I had fulfilled an order made in the Fire Nation before the war ended and that’s why I made this little trip… it’d be believable enough that spending more time here made me wonder about my father.”

The General nodded. “All right, then.”

“Is there anything else?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“Right.”  Liàng paused.  “Is there any repair work you need done while I’m here?  I’m a little hard up for money and supplies after that thief band hit me.”

“I’ll see what I can find for you,” the old man promised.

“Much appreciated, General,” the smith grinned.

He grinned back. “Glad I can help.”

“My thanks to you.”  The smith rose to his feet, and was struck by an idea.  Of course… it would be the perfect gift for a woman like Mai.