how long does it take zuko to convince his staff that he isnβt gonna slap, punch, beat, banish, or otherwise assault them?
that they arenβt about to lose their job (or life) over a spilled cup or broken vase?
that heβs not trying to trick them when he says they can relax the ornate and complex flattery each time they leave the room?
that he means it when he bans corporal punishment in the palace (and out of it) and that they really can come to him if someone forgets that rule?
that they havenβt upset him or wronged him when he asks to take his meal without the full serving staff of twenty watching him?
zuko is sensitive, even when he tries not to be, and watching these people be so afraid of him would break his heart. but that also means we gets to see it when they begin to open up to him.
firelord zuko whoβs feeding the turtleduks when a toddler comes running over. she almost topples into the water but zuko sweeps her up before sheβs in any danger. he holds her in his lap and shows her how to feed them gently. when the mother comes careening out screaming for her child she stops short at the sight of zuko and collapses into a bow, head to the floor. she begs forgiveness but zuko shakes his head, and offers his hand for her to stand. he hands over her daughter, asks the girlβs name. his guard calls him back into meetings so he leaves with a smile and a bow to both of them. itβs the first time a child hasnβt been afraid of zuko here in the fire nation, and he smiles all week
firelord zuko who spends months trying to win over the kitchen staff enough the let him make his own tea. they refuse at first (as much as one is allowed to) and stand on principle. but zuko is patient, so patient, so he begins to visit the kitchens once a week. he tells the head chef heβs going to come, itβs not a surprise. and he just thanks the staff, asks their names, maybe mentions an earth nation dish he had thatβs native to a region whoβs dignitaries are coming. once heβs been a few times he asks about their lives. simple things, never much more than yes or no answers; he doesnβt want to force them into speaking more than theyβre comfortable just because he is their firelord. but 10 months in, and he finally convinces the guards, tasters, and head chef he can make his own tea. the head chef still insists on checking the tea as it comes in (special shipment from the jasmine dragon of course) because heβs been working in the palace for a long time and heβs seen many leaders but zuko is the first firelord heβs actually wanted to serve. and heβs seen this 18 year old kid trying so damn hard to help the palace and nation heal, tying so hard to win favor with his dishwashers, that he wants to keep safe. he may not prepare the tea, but not a leaf gets to the firelord that isnβt personally checked by him.
and in a couple years, the permeating sense of fear and dread begins to leech out of the palace. maybe the maids start humming in the corridors, maybe the washer women laugh and talk as they go about their business, maybe the royal dressers donβt flinch at the scars all across their young leaders skin anymore
maybe the country is being run by a smart, kind, genuine young man who works tirelessly to restore their honor as people of the fire nation. zuko brings music, art, poetry, dancing and life back to the fire nation. he teaches the wisdom he learned from the sun warriors and old masters: fire isnβt just hate and death. it can be life, light, a sun blazing inside you and he fosters that light in his people. so they can shed the last 100 years of hatred together and foster a new nation of peace
