3. We are better

…

Lee sat down on the animal pelt as Pakku had instructed. Pakku settled a few steps away on a similar pelt. For a moment, neither of them spoke, simply studying each other. Lee couldn’t help but find the situation both awkward and uncomfortable.

He fidgeted, acutely aware of the tension in the air. Pakku watched him in silence, his expression unreadable, as though weighing more than just his presence.

“There is a long queue of people who wish to be taught waterbending by me,” he finally said, his voice soft but carrying a hint of confidence bordering on arrogance. “They are willing to offer a great many gifts and favours for even the possibility. Learning from me is a privilege few can afford.

“I intend to keep my promise to Tokka, but it takes two hands to clap. If I’m to teach you, then you must be earnest in your learning. I value hard work over fast results—something your father didn’t understand until it was too late. Don’t follow his example. Be diligent, and I’ll be satisfied, even if your progress is slow.

“You’re already starting late anyway. I began waterbending before I could even stand. A little more time won’t matter in your case. …One last thing: as my student, you’ll represent me. Don’t bring shame to your teacher.”

Lee remained silent for a moment, allowing his words to settle in his chest. He straightened his back and met Pakku’s gaze with resolute eyes. “I understand,” he said, determination bleeding into his voice. “I won’t disappoint you.”

Pakku’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if testing the weight of that response. “Good,” he curtly said, “then we’ll begin your waterbending lessons from tomorrow early in the morning.”

He turned his head, his gaze shifting to the young woman sitting quietly behind him. “This is Mona. She’ll be staying here and will take care of your needs. If you need anything, ask her. She’ll also be responsible for teaching you things outside of waterbending. As my student, you need to know enough not to embarrass me.”

Lee nodded.

“Good,” Pakku said, rising to his feet. “I’ve got some work to attend to, so I’ll be going out.” He glanced at Mona. “Show him his room and help him familiarise himself with the house while I’m away.”

Mona inclined her head in acknowledgement. “Of course, Master Pakku.”

Pakku gave a brief nod and left without another word, his footsteps fading down the corridor until the room fell into a quieter, less oppressive silence.

Lee let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding and rubbed the back of his neck. Dealing with the waterbending master was by no means easy, especially when he needed to act like an obedient four-year-old.

A ruffle of clothes attracted his gaze to Mona as she rose gracefully to her feet. “Come,” she said in a gentle tone that his sister used whenever she visited him, a stark contrast to Pakku’s sternness. “I’ll show you your room.”

Lee hastily stood up and followed her, his eyes taking in her figure. She appeared to be in her early twenties, based on his estimates, but there was a graceful composure in the way she carried herself that made her seem older. He wondered if she had been taught to be like that.

Her steps were light, almost soundless, and her posture remained straight without looking stiff. Her long, deep black hair was pulled back neatly, though a few loose strands framed her face, softening her otherwise composed appearance. Her features were gentle, her expression calm, and her eyes held a kind of hidden wisdom which one could only gain from a multitude of rich experiences.

She slowed slightly before glancing back at him when she realised he was studying her. “You can relax,” she said softly, a faint smile touching her lips. “You don’t have to look so tense.”

His eyes widened slightly. He nodded and took a deep breath, consciously letting the stiffness in his shoulders ease.

They walked through Master Pakku’s house, with her explaining which rooms he was allowed to enter and which ones were off-limits without explicit permission.

After they’d gone through the entire ground floor, they took the stairs up to the first floor. There were only a few rooms there—one of them a library he wasn’t allowed to enter without permission, as they were worried he might damage the scrolls kept inside.

The remaining rooms were Mona’s and his, separated only by an icy wall. Given his current appearance, he was still just a child in every sense that mattered. It wasn’t surprising that his caretaker’s room was right next to his, especially considering he’d just gone through something deeply traumatic.

Mona paused outside his door, resting her hand lightly against the handle before glancing down at him. “This will be your room,” she said gently. “If you need anything during the night, just knock. I’m a light sleeper.”

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Lee nodded again, though this time much more naturally. From what Lady Tokka had told him, Master Pakku had not only taken him as a student, but he had also decided to adopt him. This place was going to be his home until he was at least old enough to be an adult.

“…also, if you’re afraid of the dark and need to pee late at night, just wake me up,” she added softly, causing his face to turn pale in astonishment at the implication. “Washing a soiled blanket isn’t a pleasant experience.”

“That won’t be needed,” he quickly said, feeling offended at the insinuation.

Mona studied him with a raised eyebrow for a moment, the faint smile still lingering on her lips, which quickly turned into a chuckle. “If you say so,” she replied, neither agreeing nor dismissing him outright. “Come, let’s get you something to eat now. You must be feeling hungry.”

He nodded without hesitation, more than happy to move on from the earlier topic to protect his pride.

They made their way back downstairs, and Lee followed her into a modest kitchen. He watched patiently, sitting on a small stool, as she gathered a few things from the shelves before quickly cooking with practised ease.

Before long, he had a bowl of fish and seaweed stew presented to him.

“Eat up,” she said, handing him a spoon. “Then you need to take your medicine too.”

Lee observed the steaming bowl for a fraction of a second before taking a spoonful of rich stew from it and bringing it near his lips. After blowing it a few times to cool it down a bit, he took a cautious sip.

His taste buds lit up the moment the rich broth touched his tongue and slid down his throat. The deep, salty flavour was far better than he’d expected.

Lady Tokka wasn’t a bad cook, per se, but because of his injuries, he’d only been given bland food until now. That made him appreciate the stew even more, despite it lacking any spices beyond salt.

He ate slowly, savouring each spoonful before taking another.

Mona watched him with a faintly smug smile for a while before her expression softened, and she turned back to tidy the kitchen.

Once he’d finished—down to the last drop—she handed him his medicine. He took it without complaint, despite its bitterness.

With his hunger satisfied, Lee stood and walked over to her. Then, without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her legs and looked up at her with wide, pleading eyes.