Drabble: Grief

[somariel]

Written for avatar_500, Prompt #36: Lost

Rating: K+/PG
Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Characters: Iroh
Summary: Iroh learns of Lu Ten's death

Grief

Your son is dead.

Only four simple words, but those four simple words had just knocked the bottom out of Iroh's world. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that the messenger was watching him warily, as if afraid of his reaction. Swallowing, Iroh found his voice. "Are you certain?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," the messenger replied. "His battalion was ambushed by earthbenders. There were no survivors. He was one of the few who made it back to our lines, but he and the other three who did were too badly injured to be saved. The healers are preparing his body for cremation as we speak."

"Thank you for bringing me the news," Iroh said. "Inform the other generals that they are to meet me in the command tent in one hour and then you may return to your other duties."

"Yes sir," the messenger said. He bowed and then was gone, leaving the tent silently. Iroh barely noticed his departure. It was time to end the siege.

Two hours later, after a difficult meeting with the other generals, Iroh returned to his tent and was finally able to give in to his grief. Tears rolling down his cheeks, the Dragon of the West cried silently long into the night.

Comments

[lalunatique.livejournal.com]

I have a scene coming up in my story where Ozai berates Iroh for being sentimental and self-indulgent. In a way I can see that point of view, since supposedly princes should make policy decisions for the greater good and not for personal reasons. On the other hand, isn't it a greater insight to realize through personal tragedy what a waste the war is and too many sons have died? Isn't the drive for power at the cost of others the ultimate self-indulgence? So often there are more truths than one at work in the world.