Beverage Diplomacy
Title: Beverage Diplomacy
Rating: G
Characters: Sokka, Piandao
Word Count: ~400, complete
Summary: Piandao introduces Sokka to a new drink.
Notes: Written for the Round 3 Writing Bingo at atlaland, for the prompt 'hot chocolate.'
Beverage Diplomacy
It was winter when Sokka returned to Shu Jing, although he didn't consider Fire Nation winters real winters. Listening to the villagers worry that the temperature might drop below freezing overnight amused him.
He was happy to visit the village again. It was by far his favorite place in the Fire Nation, and one of his favorite places anywhere. No one had ever attacked, chased, or imprisoned him or any of his friends here. Well, there was that time Piandao attacked him with a sword, but that was a test--sort of like ice-dodging. So many people had actually tried to kill him, he didn't count it.
It occurred to Sokka, as he approached his sifu's home, that he had kind of warped reasons for liking a place.
He arrived in time for supper. Fat was, as always, dour and tight-lipped, but his cooking was, as always, excellent. Sokka had learned to enjoy Fire Nation food, but he avoided the small bowls of variously-colored, lava-hot sauces that accompanied the meal.
After they finished eating, he and Piandao settled onto cushions in the high-ceilinged, many-windowed library. The lights twinkled in the town below, and cold wisps of cloud ringed the full moon.
Fat appeared carrying a tray with two steaming cups. Sokka picked his up, expecting tea, but a strange scent filled his nose.
Piandao sipped from his cup with a small smile. Sokka sniffed his drink inquisitively.
"Ah," his sifu said, clearly enjoying himself. "Hot chocolate is perfect on a chilly winter night."
"Uh," Sokka said sheepishly, "I've never had hot," he made sure he got the word right, "chocolate." It certainly sounded like a Fire Nation beverage.
Piandao arched a brow. "You, my boy, are missing out on the good things in life."
Briefly blowing on his drink, Sokka braced himself for a fiery flame of spices. But instead of being mouth-searing, the hot chocolate was slightly bittersweet. Thick and creamy, it had a dark, rich, sort of roasted flavor, reminding him of dried fruits and nuts, bitter sake and cinnamon, but somehow making all those things taste good together.
He took a deeper draft, then said, "It's delicious." Rubbing his chin, he added, "You know, if the Fire Nation shared this stuff with the rest of the world, other people might start liking you more."
Piandao laughed and raised his cup in a salute.
--end
Rating: G
Characters: Sokka, Piandao
Word Count: ~400, complete
Summary: Piandao introduces Sokka to a new drink.
Notes: Written for the Round 3 Writing Bingo at atlaland, for the prompt 'hot chocolate.'
Beverage Diplomacy
It was winter when Sokka returned to Shu Jing, although he didn't consider Fire Nation winters real winters. Listening to the villagers worry that the temperature might drop below freezing overnight amused him.
He was happy to visit the village again. It was by far his favorite place in the Fire Nation, and one of his favorite places anywhere. No one had ever attacked, chased, or imprisoned him or any of his friends here. Well, there was that time Piandao attacked him with a sword, but that was a test--sort of like ice-dodging. So many people had actually tried to kill him, he didn't count it.
It occurred to Sokka, as he approached his sifu's home, that he had kind of warped reasons for liking a place.
He arrived in time for supper. Fat was, as always, dour and tight-lipped, but his cooking was, as always, excellent. Sokka had learned to enjoy Fire Nation food, but he avoided the small bowls of variously-colored, lava-hot sauces that accompanied the meal.
After they finished eating, he and Piandao settled onto cushions in the high-ceilinged, many-windowed library. The lights twinkled in the town below, and cold wisps of cloud ringed the full moon.
Fat appeared carrying a tray with two steaming cups. Sokka picked his up, expecting tea, but a strange scent filled his nose.
Piandao sipped from his cup with a small smile. Sokka sniffed his drink inquisitively.
"Ah," his sifu said, clearly enjoying himself. "Hot chocolate is perfect on a chilly winter night."
"Uh," Sokka said sheepishly, "I've never had hot," he made sure he got the word right, "chocolate." It certainly sounded like a Fire Nation beverage.
Piandao arched a brow. "You, my boy, are missing out on the good things in life."
Briefly blowing on his drink, Sokka braced himself for a fiery flame of spices. But instead of being mouth-searing, the hot chocolate was slightly bittersweet. Thick and creamy, it had a dark, rich, sort of roasted flavor, reminding him of dried fruits and nuts, bitter sake and cinnamon, but somehow making all those things taste good together.
He took a deeper draft, then said, "It's delicious." Rubbing his chin, he added, "You know, if the Fire Nation shared this stuff with the rest of the world, other people might start liking you more."
Piandao laughed and raised his cup in a salute.
--end