Hey! Forgive my absence please! I've had a lot going on, and I just couldn't get myself in front of a computer recently. My beta reader, F1nal Front1er, had returned a while ago, but I couldn't send any chapters in. I've also had some bad writer's block in my brain, so I couldn't really get anything in. This chapter = interesting. Let me know what you think! Please Read and Review! If some of it is a little rusty, I'm sorry! Beta'd by F1nal Front1er.

The subtle rocking of the ship lulled me to sleep while I laid on the soft bed. The slight creaking coming from the ship and the gentle splashing of the water against the ship joined together into a song. It wasn't long before I felt myself drifting off, and I was glad that I could get a comfortable night of sleep.

I could feel the bright morning sun beaming down on my face, but I didn't feel the ship's gentle sway. Not wanting to open my eyes, I turned my head away from the bright light. The soft fabric of whatever I was laying on was very comfortable, but it didn't smell of salt water or sweat.

There was a shift on the bed; someone was lying next to me. I listened intently to see if this stranger was asleep or awake. There was deep breathing coming from the body next to me, and so I assumed he or she was asleep. This person scooted closer, making me feel a little uncomfortable. The even breathing was now in my ear, warm air from their nose venting out into my hair. "Good morning, Markaia," a familiar, silky, and husky voice whispered in my ear. I didn't want to move, unsure of what and where I was.

Zuko wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me against his body. I opened my eyes, taking in my surroundings as Zuko nuzzled the back of my neck. The wallpaper indicated that I was in the Palace of the Fire Nation, but this was a room I wasn't familiar with.

From my position on the bed, I saw a window directly in front of me. Its curtains were a dark maroon color. As for the wallpaper, it was in a fire-like pattern, and was blood red.

I lifted my head curiously. I felt Zuko's body shake in a deep chuckle. "Markaia, you act as though you haven't seen our room before." He continued to laugh as I looked around. Sitting up, I looked further around the room. The wall in front of me, the wall that the foot of our bed was in front of, had a large archway. From what I could see, it was the entrance to our bathroom. Looking to my left, there was a small arrangement of dark red couches surrounding a small dark oak tea table. The far wall to the left of the room was a large work desk of the same wood, cluttered with papers and maps. To the right of the desk was a shelf of books.

Zuko pulled me back down to the bed. "Don't get up just yet. It's still early morning, probably around nine." He sighed. I nodded silently, wondering what was going on, where I was, and if this was a dream. A wailing cry echoed throughout the house. It sounded quite distant, but if it was in the house, I'd guess it was three or four rooms down.

"What's that?" I asked quietly as the crying continued. Zuko felt my head.

"Are you ill, Markaia?" He got up and out of bed. I looked over at him to see what he was doing, then turned my head away upon noticing that he was in only his underwear. "Don't get up, it's just Hanya."

"Hanya?" I asked. Zuko looked at me with a questioning face before nodding slowly.

"Yes, Hanya, our three month old daughter." Zuko smiled at me. My words got caught in my throat as I coughed slightly. He then turned away and grabbed a robe off of one of the couches.

I watched as Zuko then hurried out of the room. A cooling breeze swept across my body, leaving me to discover I was half naked. I ran towards the arch of the bathroom. To the left of the bathroom was a door, and near the door was a large sink and counter with a large mirror hanging over it. The counter was covered in makeup, combs, and brushes of much variety. To my right was a large bath tub.

The door was probably a closet, so I quickly walked over and opened it. My suspicions were correct; it was a closet. "Markaia?" I heard Zuko call from the next room along with the quiet cooing of a child. "Markaia!"

"Markaia." I sat straight up; my chest heaving and sweat pouring down my face. I once again felt the rocking of the ship. I looked around frantically, blinking several times to be sure I was awake. Zuko was holding my bag and the veil, and he stared at me curiously. "My Uncle just came in, and he says we are going to be arriving very shortly. You better get up now and get ready." He handed me the veil and my bag before walking out of the room.

I sighed, remembering the dream. These dreams were getting annoying, even though there had only been two so far. They keep getting worse! Like hell I would ever want to be with Zuko. Grumbling to myself, I pulled my brush from my bag and did my hair. There was a knock at the door.

"Lady Markaia, we have arrived at the dock." Iroh said through the door. I grabbed my bag and put it on before opening the door.
Iroh was standing in the hall, and Zuko was standing outside of the ship. "Iroh, should I wear the veil?" I knew it was a stupid question to ask, but I just wanted something to say so I could talk and forget about the dream. Iroh nodded. I put the veil over my head once more and followed Iroh off of the ship.

The sun was bright, and I was thankful that I had a veil on. I whispered to Iroh, "What time of day is it?" He chuckled.

"It is only eight, my dear, now go to Zuko." I nodded obediently, stepping to Zuko's side. Zuko gave me a fake smile before nodding to the captain; I didn't notice the captain standing there.

"Come along, my dear," Zuko said as he extended his elbow once more. I calmly took his arm, willing myself to forget the memories of my dream. "Thank you, Captain. Come along, Uncle." I followed Zuko slowly, taking note that we were on the same dock that I used to get to the Fire Nation only a few days ago.

We exited the dock gates, and I saw the man that had driven me to the Fire Nation. I passed him cautiously. I guessed that Zuko had noticed my now tense arm hanging onto his. "Is something the matter, Markaia?" His voice was like warm honey. I shook my head and relaxed.

"Nothing, Zuko." I mumbled. He nodded and we continued to walk slowly with Iroh following us close behind.