***SPOILER ALERT*** This references the new comic, North and South: Part One, so if you haven't read it and don't want to know the "surprise" ending, then skip over to Chapter 2.

Republic City was newly erected, but Iroh felt like he knew the place like an old friend. People came and went in steady waves, all from different backgrounds and walks of life. As a driver for a professional car service, he'd met a lot of interesting folks along the way. Even though each stranger was new to him, just like the city was new to the world, he always felt a connection as soon as they sat down. Most of his trips were to the airport, and so when each passenger left his vehicle, he felt that much more connected to the world—through their world.

One of those young smart techie types had invented the Lotus app for the phone that would map out his route and show him a picture of his patron. Hell, it would even facilitate payment. The White Lotus was known as one of the more classy car services, their Elise fleet had gained recognition quickly. But what most people didn't know was that with a White Lotus driver, you often got a ride with a side of advice.

Iroh thought wisdom was a lot like tea. It needed to seep long enough for fullness and balance to be achieved. Different varietals and blends would serve to expand one's palate. And it should always be shared among friends. And sometimes even strangers.

On a gray Friday morning, Iroh's phone alerted him to a new pickup. Hakoda, he read, and from the picture he could tell the guy was Water Tribe. This could be interesting. Because of the distance, they rarely had visitors from the Water Tribe. Also, the tribal nations tended to be poorer and less developed, and oftentimes its citizens could not afford the cost of The White Lotus service. This man must be of some importance, Iroh figured.

"Good morning, sir. On your way to the airport?" Iroh always opened with this line even though they both knew the app would tell him the destination.

"Yes, thank you." The man sat in the passenger's seat of the two-seater Elise.

"The name's Iroh. Mind if I ask what your ultimate destination is today?"

"Hakoda. I'm headed home. To the Southern Water Tribe."

"Ah, yes. That is quite a trip. What business brings you to Republic City?" Some of his coworkers would say that Iroh was more nosy than friendly, but he hadn't offended anyone, yet. He'd found that a lot of people really wanted—craved—someone to talk to, or more importantly, someone to listen.

"I was visiting my in-laws. In fact, I think my father-in-law used to drive for you guys. His name is Pakku?"

"Yes, yes, I know Pakku. He's still technically on the payroll, but as I understand it, he's rekindled an old love interest."

"Mmm, yes, that would be Kanna, my late wife's mother."

"Tell me, are they enjoying Republic City? Not too many from the Water Tribe have chosen to move here."

"He is from the North, and she is from the South. It seemed to be a good compromise for them."

"Mmm, compromise is good in relationships. Especially when two people are very different from each other." Iroh then noticed a telling expression on the tribesman's face. "So, there's a new love interest in your life, I take it?"

"Um, yes, actually. How did you know?"

"I meet a lot of people doing this job. And most people are dealing with some aspect of love. It could be a family relation, but most often it's romance. Yours seems to be troubling you, though."

"Well, she is very different from me, I suppose. And I feel very different when I'm around her. I've even done some things I never thought I would do, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. But I also feel… alive again."

"This is a new relationship then. And your first since your wife passed."

"Yes."

"Well, you are not the man you were before. And she is not your wife. So naturally, things will feel different. And just because you've allowed yourself to love again, doesn't mean that you loved your wife any less. Very few people get a second chance at love—at living, as you put it."

"I know Kya would want me to be happy, it's just that…"

"There are other family members you are concerned about?"

"Yes."

"Children perhaps?"

"Yes. Damn. You're good."

"It is always harder for children to see their father love anyone besides their mother."

"They're coming to visit this weekend. So… it'll be their first time to meet her. I'm… nervous. My children mean the world to me, and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize our relationship."

"It may take some time. But I'm sure they'll come around. Have your children found someone they love, yet?"

"Yes, they both have found wonderful partners. I couldn't be prouder."

"Their first loves, I take it?"

"Um, yes. I think so? Or their first serious relationships, at least. My son is engaged, and it wouldn't surprise me if my daughter will be before the end of the year. The young man, he has some confidence issues and hasn't proposed, yet, but I know they've talked about marriage."

"That will make it both harder and easier for them to understand your situation."

"Huh?"

"Harder because they are experiencing their first love and cannot imagine loving anyone else, even if they were to lose their lover. Easier because they know what true love is and will recognize it between you and this new person."

"Makes sense. She's just not… like their mother… at all. She's not even from the South. I feel like that's already two strikes against her."

"You'd be surprised by young people these days. I don't know about your children, but the ones I meet in Republic City have more consideration for who people are, not where they're from."

"You-you're right. My children, their significant others aren't even Water Tribe. I didn't even think about that. I guess I thought because I'm the chief…"

"Chief Hakoda? Well, well. It's not everyday that I have the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe sitting in my car."

"I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I'm glad that you didn't know until now, I guess. I appreciate being treated like a normal person. With real feelings. For a change."

"Your title changes nothing about our relationship, sir. You needed a ride to the airport. I gave you one. And we got a chance to talk along the way. So, here's the terminal for the Water Tribe… the ticket line should be short. And if you ever need another ride in Republic City, look me up."

"Thank you, Iroh. For the ride. And conversation. I still feel unsure about everything, but it definitely feels good to talk about it with someone."

"Anytime. The driving forces of the White Lotus are philosophy, beauty, and truth. We value the journey as much as the destination. Good day, sir."