Warning: Contains spoilers for Book Two and occurs shortly after The Crossroads of Destiny.
The stars were bright tonight.
When he was trapped inside his palace, barely able to see the sun rise or set, he had never known that the natural world held such wonders. Now, with his back propped up against Bosco, the former Earth King couldn't help but feel his heart racing within his breast at the sight of so many twinkling lights above him.
He had no idea where he was, really. Last place he and Bosco had stopped in for some food was a small hamlet of some sort. It was probably the most depressing place he had been to so far, especially since the town seemed run by thugs instead of proper soldiers.
It was difficult not to speak out, not to declare change when he so obviously had no right to. It was an unusual feeling, being helpless, and it was something that, if given the choice, he would rather do without. But it was also humbling, and horribly thought-provoking. With each step that he made further and further into his former kingdom, he was shocked to find just how thick the cowl that Long Feng had thrown over his eyes had truly been.
In the Palace, he had wanted nothing. He merely had to open his mouth and he would get it. It was only when he was forced to do things on his own did he realise that his silence and utmost ignorance was the price to pay for these things, and it was too much of a price to pay.
Now, alone with Bosco, he had to learn how to do things for himself. It was like being born again, almost literally. He had to learn how to fish, how to take care of himself, how to make sure he had enough sleep. He also had to learn how to take care of Bosco, which, if he were honest, was a lot easier than taking care of himself.
At times it was so frustrating that he almost gave up. There were a few incidences when he just lied on his back, in the wilderness, and shut his eyes, wondering, how did it come to this? How could I have been so blind and stupid? Is this the price I have to pay to make it right?
But then Bosco would nudge him out of his stupor and he would keep going, keep moving.
There were times of joy, as well. The freedom of being able to do as he wanted without being chastised. Being able to wake up when he wanted, eat what he chose (within reason)…even sleeping outside was a novelty. The first few weeks were spent like it was a vacation; everything was just that new and exciting to him.
But then, sometimes, he would sober up and see the details for what they were. His lands outside Ba Sing Se were in poverty, his people suffering. The yoke of Fire Nation rule was too tight, and had kept on tightening while he was sitting in his palace getting everything he thought he wanted. Now all he wanted was to get his kingdom back and make it right.
If he ever got his kingdom back, he knew that his first course of action would be to stay afloat. He wouldn't be locked away in his ivory tower ever again. He wouldn't allow himself that kind of luxury, that kind of glorious ignorance, while his people, the very people he was supposed to be protecting, suffered under the heel of the Fire Nation.
But now, under the stars, with his back warmed by Bosco's body heat, comforted by the sleeping bear's snoring and deep breathing, all he could think of now was, The stars are so bright tonight.
