"What was that?!" Zuko said picking himself up off the ground.

Sir Chief Hakoda was laughing so hard he couldn't answer… Just like his daughter. Shaking his head he looked at the red bundle on the ground, it was a messenger hawk from the palace. Somehow, Sokka's bird had made it to his palace and become one of his messenger birds.

Zuko picked the bird up and wrapped it up in his parka; the poor thing was shivering too badly. Finally his companions stopped their laughing, Katara went nuts over the bird and demanded that they all go back to the hut and warm the poor thing up. Sokka was glad to see his old friend and cuddled him next to the fire.

"Hey, Sokka, does Hawkey have a note?" Zuko asked as he sat down next to his fiancé. Sokka handed him the note. He seemed a little distracted, but it could be the bird trying to make an escapee. Zuko laughed lightly and turned to read the note, it was dated a few days ago.

Dear Zuko,

It has been quite eventful here at the palace without you to guide the people with a steady hand. Your position in court has improved slightly now that they know you are staying in the south to procure a bride. The ladies at court seem disappointed, but accept that they will never be yours through marriage. They are still curious about the royal harem though. Personally I don't think it's a good idea to open that policy after closing Ozai's.

There is trouble here without you. Some people are beginning to rebel. The court is glad that you want to getmarried and give them an heir, but they don't like where she comes from. It is one of the reasons why there might be a civil war after all. The old men that want to marry their daughters off to you are angry and want a harem so they have some hold over you. DON'T DO IT!

Your sister is doing remarkably well, though I hope it is not due to all the commotion. She eagerly awaits your return and is planning a small private affair to celebrate. She presently is asking when you are returning and how many of your friends are returning with you.

Azula is alert and responding coherently due to the civil war threat has become more serious. You are not here to balance her out and she is relapsing. She is planning a surprise attack when you get home. Warn your friends.

I hope everything is going well down there with Miss Katara and her family. Have they accepted your proposal? Sir Bato wishes to bring his bride home and remain in the Southern Watertirbe, if you would be so kind as to pass that information on to Chief Hakoda.

Don't screw things up with Katara, I really like her and her family. Don't worry yourself to death, they love you too. Bato is coming back and wants a warm welcome for his bride.

I must make this letter short because your sister is hyperactive and requires less sugar in her diet.

She gets hyper?

Remember, tea is liquid wisdom.

Lots of love,

Uncle Iroh.

P.S. There is a ship coming to get you and your friends (Bato is on it presently). It is scheduled to dock on the third.

There was an enclosed packet of tea, enough to share with Katara's family.

Zuko sighed, the the ship was coming to take him back to the Firenation tomorrow and the time he had spent here was going to come to an end. Katara looked up questioningly at him. "Uncle says that things are getting ugly at home and Azula is acting up. There is also a ship that is going to be docking tomorrow to take me, and you if you want, to the Firenation. Oh, and Uncle says he loves you."

"Love him too."

"I need to talk to your dad about the trip." Zuko gave Katara a small kiss before he stood up, "See you tomorrow. Good night."

Zuko went out side to find Sir Chief Hakoda and saw him sitting on a snow bank staring up at the stars. Zuko tried to interrupt as politely as he could, "Sir? I'm sorry to disturb you, but I received a letter from Uncle telling me that there is a ship arriving tomorrow to take me, and whoever else who wants to come, back to the Firenation. Sir Bato is presently on the ship with his new bride and they are going to be staying here in the south, indefinitely. I just thought I should let you know."

"Thank you, Zuko. I want to tell you that I'm sorry for being hard on you earlier. I hope it haven't destroyed any chance I had at being a decent father-in-law."

"Sir, I completely understand your reasons. I am glad you did what you thought you had to do. It gave me and Katara a chance to stand by one another during tough times, not just the good. It gave us time to be sure of each other."

"Well, I'm glad something good could come from this mess I made."

Hakoda spent the rest of the night making plans for the tribe and a welcoming committee for Bato. Now that his second in command was back the contest was at an end.

The next morning was hectic and more people wanted to come than were expected, meaning Sokka. They all welcomed Bato and Sophia, his wife, before a brief farewell. Hakoda, Katara, Zuko, Toph, and Sokka piled on the ship, waiving farewell to the tribe.

Posted 1/31/14