Trading, of course, is handled with a humble hand from the Fire Lord himself—who’s a constant presence in the Jasmine Dragon. Sparky probably spends more time at the Jasmine Dragon than he does running the Fire Nation, but neither nephew nor uncle see it as a problem. Toph suspects it’s where most of the political power goes: making sure the old man is well -stocked and versed in his tea selection, even if Zuko’s palate hasn’t improved past hot water and leaves.

Zuko wrinkles his nose—pouts and sulks, even—but Toph can hide her snicker behind her cup of tea. This many years after the war—five, going on six—Zuko needs—and knows he needs—to unwind himself from his coiled spring and make some flying lemurs in the mud.

Toph gets a kick out of it—because it serves as a reminder how socially awkward Zuko can be despite his royal status. For example: Once, a regular saw Toph camped out at a table that hosted both their belongings. The woman couldn’t leave without making a remark, and Toph was aware she’d been staring since she entered the tea shop.