Following the doctors directions, they found cabin, and Iroh cautiously went inside to make sure it was empty.

"It's safe," he said when he returned outside.

He helped Chiara down, and then Zuko picked her up and followed Iroh inside.

"There are two small rooms in the back with beds." He led them to the smaller room with one bed upon which he laid a mat.

Zuko carefully laid her down and then knelt down by her side. "Is there anything you need? Are you hungry?"

"No," she said softly.

"Then you rest now," said Iroh as he laid a blanket over her.

He and Zuko returned outside where they unpacked the animals, and then they sat on the little porch and ate some food.

Iroh looked around. "This is much more roomier than the tent."

Zuko was silent.

"She will be okay, Nephew."

"It should be me suffering in that room," he said softly.

"Chiara puts others before herself. It's who she is. It's who she's always been."

"And what makes my life more important than hers?" asked Zuko.

"You are the future of the Fire Nation," said Iroh.

"So that makes her worth nothing to you because she isn't?" he snapped.

"She is worth everything to me, Zuko. But if she had not acted as she did, you could have been killed, and then who would lead our Nation to peace?"

"I don't care," said Zuko listlessly.

"You have to care. Our people are responsible for what happened to her. And how many other women like Chiara have been needlessly killed? Her own mother even. You will have the power to prevent this kind of injustice in the future."

Zuko sat silent.

"Prince Zuko, Chiara was willing to give her life for you. She has lost all her family, and she understands that you can prevent others from losing theirs. Do not let her suffering be in vain."

"So you just want me to abandon her and run back to the Fire Nation again?"

"No. We can take her somewhere she can recover and will be safe, and we will find the Avatar and help him defeat Ozai."

"And then what?"

"We bring her home."

"But you said no one would accept her as my wife."

"There may be...some who will object," said Iroh. "We will deal with it."

Zuko remained silent as he thought about Iroh's words. After a few minutes, Iroh stood up.

"I'm going to bed. You should get some rest too."

Before going to his room, Iroh walked into Chiara's room where found her sitting up.

"What are you doing up?" he whispered to her worriedly as he looked back to make sure Zuko did not see or hear.

"The sling's uncomfortable," she answered in a soft, dazed voice looking like she was about to pass out. "I-I was just trying to adjust it."

Iroh set down the lantern he was carrying, and then he sat on her left. She looked pale, and her eyes were dark, and the right side of her clothing underneath the sling was covered in dried blood that trailed from her chest down to the skirt of her kurta. He reached behind her and fixed the sling for her.

"Is that better?"

"Yes."

He wrapped his arms around her and held her as his eyes watered at the thought that he could have lost her and might still. He knew he had to be strong in front of Zuko for fear of increasing his nephew's anxiety over her condition, but now alone with her, he could not help breaking down a bit.

"It'll be okay, Father," she whispered, her head resting on his shoulder.

The tears slid down Iroh's cheeks as he realized she was trying to comfort him amid her own distress.

"I love you, my daughter."

He continued holding her while gently rubbing her back.

"You need to rest," he finally said.

He stood up and helped her down on the bed and pulled the blanket over her. "I'll leave the lantern on low in case you wake up." He turned down the flame. "I'll see you in the morning," he said as he caressed her head.

She slowly nodded.

Not long after Iroh had gone to bed, Zuko went in to check on her. He walked into the room and saw she was awake.

"I didn't mean to wake you," he said as he sat down at her side.

"You didn't," she said softly.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"Is the pain still bad?"

"It's tolerable."

He suspected she was downplaying the pain.

"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?"

She shook her head slowly. "You've been traveling all evening. You need to sleep," she said, her voice soft and somewhat weak.

"I don't want to leave you alone."

"I'll be okay. I'll still be here in the morning."

He moved some strands of hair as he tenderly caressed her face.

"Do you want me to do that relaxing technique for you?" she asked him.

He was reminded of what she did for him in the prison, and he also thought about the times she had done it on the ship. He was tempted.

"No," he said not sure she could even do it in her condition. But he did not want her to move, and he also felt he did not deserve it as he did not want to feel relaxed while she was suffering. "You shouldn't be moving around."

"It'll help you sleep."

"I'll get some sleep." He leaned towards her and tenderly kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you, my Prince."

He went to the other bedroom where he lay down in the empty bed opposite Iroh's. He was tired, but he had trouble falling asleep as he worried about Chiara.

Unable to stay asleep, it was only a couple hours later when Zuko returned to her room to check on her. He quietly walked in expecting to see her awake, but she was curled up with her back to the door and her long braid flowing behind her over the bed and down to the floor. Not wanting to wake her, he knelt down next to the bed and watched and listened for her breathing. She was still, dead still, he thought, and the sounds of the croaking frogs and chirping nocturnal insects outside drowned out any soft breathing. He needed to know she was alive, so he reached out and lightly placed his fingers on her neck. He could feel nothing, so he pressed harder hoping he would not wake her, or maybe he was hoping he would wake her to be assured she was still alive. Then he found it: the slow, steady beating of her pulse. He had not realized he had been holding his breath until he breathed a sigh of relief. She remained still, and he withdrew his hand, but he stayed in the room unable to leave her side for the rest of the night.

Early in the morning, Zuko left her room before sunrise to stew the herbs in water for her treatment.

As the sun made its appearance, Iroh walked out of his room and quietly looked in on Chiara, relieved to find her sleeping. Outside he found Zuko tending a fire.

"You made tea?" Iroh asked him.

"No. The doctor said to stew the herbs in hot water."

Iroh was looking longingly at the cup, so Zuko picked it up and set it on his other side farthest away from his uncle.

"I'm going to meditate for a while," said Iroh as he stretched. "Don't forget to feed the animals."

"I'll take care of it."

Iroh walked off to find a spot for meditation while Zuko continued stewing Chiara's medicine.

About an hour later he strained the liquid and took it to her room along with some clean dressings. When he walked in, he was surprised to find her still asleep. Usually, she was the first one up and busy doing chores; and though he did not expect her to be doing any work, he did expect her to be awake. He set the herb water on the little table with her lantern, and he sat on the bed at her side. She was now lying on her back, but he was worried about her pale complexion.

"Chiara," he said softly, leaning over her and caressing her head.

She opened her eyes.

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Weak," she answered.

"Are you in a lot of pain?"

"Some," she said softly.

"Some as in a lot?" he asked.

She softly laughed, and he could not help smiling as he enjoyed her smile, but he also felt bad as he knew she was in a great deal of pain.

"I have your medicine," he said, though feeling guilty again that it was going to mean even more pain for her.

She slowly moved to unwrap her right arm, but Zuko stopped her.

"Don't move; I'll do it."

He unwrapped the sling, and then he carefully began unwrapping her bandages.

"It doesn't feel right having you do this for me," she said, uncomfortable with being a patient.

"It's the least I can do after you saved my life. Besides, how many times did you use your 'special medicine' to heal me?"

She smiled. "What good is my gift if I can't share it? It's my destiny."

"And you're my destiny." He finished removing the bandages. "It doesn't look like it's been bleeding," he said, relieved. He picked up the cup. "I heated the water like the doctor suggested."

"I'm surprised the General didn't drink it thinking it was tea," she said.

"Yeah, I made sure he didn't. He kept eyeing it."

Though her voice sounded weak when she spoke, her soft laughing made him laugh.

"All we need is another white jade incident," she said.

He smiled as he shook his head.

"It shouldn't be too hot now," he said. He was hesitating. "I don't want to do this."

"I'll do it," she said reaching for the cup.

He lifted it out of her reach. "No. I know this is going to hurt you, and I don't want to do that."

"It's okay. The worst part's only temporary."

Her words did not make him feel better. He sighed. "Are you ready?"

"Do it," she said as she tensed up.

He poured the liquid in her wound, and again, the pain was excruciating. Tears fell from her eyes making Zuko feel bad.

"I'm sorry," he said.

She shook her head. "Don't be."

He finished pouring it and placed a clean cloth over the wound as the doctor directed, and then he began bandaging it.

"Prince Zuko, there you are," said Iroh standing in the doorway.

"I haven't fed the animals yet."

"You are taking care of something far more important," he said. "How are you feeling, Princess Chiara?"

"A bit weak."

"Breakfast and a nice cup of tea should help that."

She started to sit up.

"What are you doing?" asked Zuko.

"I should be helping."

"No...," he started.

"You will stay there and relax," said Iroh. "I will make breakfast."

He walked out.

"Lie down," said Zuko as he helped her.

"Thank you for doing this," said Chiara when he stood up.

"I'll be back later."

Zuko left to do his chores.

When he walked out of the cabin he stood by Iroh who was making breakfast.

"She's in a lot of pain but won't admit it."

"She is a strong, young woman."

"I hope she's strong enough to survive this," said Zuko sadly.

"When I rescued her from the Water village, one of my soldiers saw the bag I had hid her in. He thought I collected valuables from the village. He did not realize just how valuable its content was. Out of curiosity he went to cut open the bag in an attempt to see what was in it. I prevented him from doing so, but my heart nearly stopped as I thought he might have stuck her. There was no sound, no crying or screaming, so I assumed he missed her."

Zuko thought about Chiara's scar, and he remembered her telling him the same story.

"After I separated from my men," continued Iroh, "I stopped to let her out of the bag, and when I opened it, her arm was covered in blood." Iroh could still see the scene in his head. "I had told her earlier not to make a sound, and she never did, not even yesterday with that sword wound in her chest," he said softly. "She is a strong woman."

Zuko went to feed the animals. When he returned, Iroh had finished making breakfast, so Zuko put some on a plate to take to Chiara.

"Are you going to eat too?" asked Iroh.

"After Chiara eats."

He entered Chiara's room.

"I have your breakfast," he said.

"Aww. You didn't have to do this," she said as she slowly sat up.

"You need to eat to keep up your strength."

"I don't feel right having the Prince of the Fire Nation serve me."

"I worked in a tea shop serving tea to strangers; I think I can serve my wife breakfast in bed after she nearly died for me."

She took the plate from him and set it on her lap.

"But I'm your Imperial non-Firebender," she said. "I have to protect you."

It seemed like so long ago that she had teased him about that on his ship, and it made him smile.

"No, you're not. You're my wife. It's my duty to protect you."

"I took the same vows," she said.

Just then Iroh walked in carrying two plates, one which he handed to Zuko.

"I thought we could eat together," he said as he sat on the floor.

Chiara smiled.

"There's a market in the nearest town where the doctor is from," said Iroh. "I was thinking about visiting it and stocking up on some tea."

"Today?" she asked.

"Yes. After breakfast." He looked at Zuko. "I'll also get some extra food so you won't have to leave the cabin to hunt this week."

"Thanks, Uncle," he said softly, relieved that he could remain near Chiara.

After they ate breakfast, Iroh left to go to the market. As Chiara was lying in bed, Zuko walked in with two more lanterns and a cup of tea.

"Going to meditate?" she asked.

"Yes. While you're sleeping."

"I don't feel like sleeping," she said.

"I brought you some lavender tea," he said. "Uncle said it would help you sleep better."

She sat up and took the cup. "I hate sitting still."

"Then next time don't get between me and an opponent."

"But I wouldn't have been able to carry you back to the camp."

He playfully glared at her making her smile.

She sipped her tea and watched the flames of the lanterns sync with his breathing when he started his meditation, and she was reminded of their time on his ship. By the time he finished meditating, he was relieved to find her sleeping, so he left her room to stretch outside in the sunlight for a while and eat.

Several hours later, while Zuko was sitting quietly in her room, he heard a noise outside approaching the cabin. He grabbed his dao before carefully peeking out the cabin door relieved to see Iroh on the ostrich horse.

"How is she doing?" Iroh asked him.

"She's been sleeping most of the day."

Zuko helped him with the supplies, and then he took care of the ostrich horse before walking into the cabin to see what his uncle had purchased.

"You got chamomile?" asked Zuko.

Iroh smiled at him.

"She'll love this," said Zuko.

"And mint," added Iroh as he set it down. "And honey." He placed it on the table.

Zuko was softly laughing. "You know she's going to be upset you got this for her."

"We've been living frugally for a long time. I think she's earned it. Besides, the doctor said we can sell fish at the market once she's recovered."

Zuko went outside to make her tea while Iroh went to her room to check on her. He noted that her complexion was still pale and her eyes still dark, but he knew it would take time for her to recover from the loss of blood.

"How was your trip?" she asked as she opened her eyes.

"I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's fine. I've slept most of the day."

"The market was quite exciting," he said as he sat down. "They had so much there. As soon as you're better, we'll go together."

She nodded.

"How's the pain?" he asked her.

"It's painful," she said in a casual tone. "But I find it more painful sitting her doing nothing."

Iroh chuckled. "Yes, you've always kept busy. I imagine this must be very difficult for you."

"So tell me about the market," she said wanting to take her mind off her pain and inactivity.

Iroh had been describing all the different wares to her when Zuko walked in with her cup of tea.

"I made you tea," he said to her as she started sitting up with Iroh's help. "Are you hungry?"

"Not much. The tea's fine."

"Have you eaten lunch?" Iroh asked her.

"No. I'm not really hungry."

"You should eat anyways, even if it's a little food."

"Did you just get this?" she asked him after sipping her tea.

He smiled. "I believe that is your favorite."

"You shouldn't have done this," she said.

"I told you she'd be upset, Uncle," smiled Zuko.

"You even got honey."

Iroh was laughing. "You earned this, Chiara."

"But there are more important things we might need."

"Nothing's more important than you," he said. "And we've lived with less."

"Thank you," she said softly.

Later that afternoon Zuko began stewing the herbs for her wound, and after they all ate dinner in her room, he brought her medicine to her. He removed her bandages, and then picked up the cup and held it hating the idea that it was going to hurt her.

She placed her hand on his as he held the cup. "You add heat to the water to warm it up. Can you also remove the heat to make it cold?" She moved her hand over it and the liquid in the cup froze.

He hesitated as he thought about it. "No, I don't think so. I can generate fire and manipulate it, but when it's just warmth or heat, I can increase or decrease it, but not enough to freeze something." He warmed the cup and caused the frozen liquid to melt. "How do you freeze it?" he asked.

"I pull the heat from it or add it back when I thaw it out. My teacher from the Water Tribe said thawing ice is similar to firebenders when they generate heat."

"Like redirecting lightning," he said. She smiled and nodded. "Uncle always said all the Nations complement each other. I never really appreciated it before," he added softly.

He sighed, reluctant to cause her pain.

"It's okay," she said. "It really has been helping the pain."

After applying her medicine, he began bandaging the wound.

"Please let me help you sleep tonight," she said.

"I'll get some sleep."

"You look so tired."

"I don't want you moving around."

"If I find you in here tonight, I'll do it when you're not expecting it," she threatened.

He smiled. "I'll get sleep."

Zuko continued applying her medicine twice a day, and after a few days they allowed her to walk around but not too far since she still looked pale. They now ate their meals together in the little kitchen in the cabin, and Chiara enjoyed sitting outside on the porch during the day, but it bothered her to watch the men work knowing she could not help.

Towards the end of their first week there, she had been sitting on the porch after dinner when Zuko walked up to her.

"Would you like to go down to the river?" he asked.

Her eyes lit up. "I would love to."

He helped her up and then they walked down to the river.

"It'll be a full moon soon," he said.

"I can feel it getting stronger."

They walked into the water together, and sat where the water came up to her chest. She loosened the sling so she could free her right arm.

"You're not going to try to waterbend, are you?" he asked, worried about her injury.

"No, not yet. I just want to feel the current."

As her long hair drifted in the current, it flowed around Zuko's back, arm, and chest. He smiled as it floated around him, and he began playing with it.

"Are you okay?" she asked him as he had gotten so quiet.

He leaned over her and kissed her.

"I was just thinking about how much I love you," he said.

She tenderly caressed his face. "Awww. I love you too."

The days went by, and Zuko continued taking care of Chiara, pouring the medicine in her wound and taking her to the river as often as he could. After the full moon, Iroh and Zuko were both impressed by how much better her wound looked. Zuko was relieved that she was out of danger, but he was uncomfortable allowing her to do chores, though she insisted she was capable. She was happy to be able to waterbend again, and Zuko often practiced with her learning the moves of the waterbenders and then applying those techniques to his own firebending.

As the doctor had suggested, Iroh went to the market weekly to sell fish that Chiara caught. He used the money to purchase various supplies and a variety of food. During his visit to the market, he often spoke to the doctor giving him updates on Chiara's recovery and receiving updates on the war.

Eventually, her wound had completely healed, and Zuko finally relented and allowed her to work around the campsite as long as it was nothing he considered too strenuous for her.

One afternoon, Chiara returned to camp from the river.

"I found scallops," she said excitedly as she set the bucket down to show them.

"We could sell them at the market," said Zuko.

"Sell them?" said Iroh. "We can eat them."

"Yes," said Chiara. "It's been a while since we've had them."

They sat and shucked the scallops together, and then Chiara cooked them over the fire.

One day after breakfast, they took a trip to the market together. Zuko, to hide his identity, wore an eye patch which covered most of his scar, and his hair, which had grown out significantly, did a good job hiding the rest. After selling their fish and buying some supplies, Iroh took Zuko and Chiara to see the doctor.

"Come in," he greeted them when they arrived. He called his wife to make some tea. "How are you feeling, Lin?" he asked.

"I've been feeling great. Thank you so much," she said.

"Any problems with your wound?"

"None. All that's left is a scar."

"Good." He looked at Zuko. "How are you doing, Lee?"

"I'm doing okay."

Chiara went to help the doctor's wife with the tea.

"I want to thank you for what you did for Lin," said Zuko. "I don't know what we would've done without your help."

"I'm glad I could help. Though Mushi told me you took good care of her during her recovery."

"I just followed your directions."

The doctor chuckled, impressed by his modesty. His wife and Chiara served the tea.

"Lin, sit here," said Zuko. She sat next to him. "You work too much," he said softly to her as she knelt next to him.

The doctor smiled to himself as he took notice of Zuko's concern for her.

"Any news on the war front?" asked Iroh.

They discussed the ongoing attacks from the Fire Nation and the movement of the army until they finished their tea. Sometimes the doctor would speak in code, which Iroh understood, as he knew their identities. Zuko, though, found it a bit suspicious.

"With them getting so close it would be best if you come to the market using the north road," said the doctor. "You should probably return that way as well, especially as troops have been known to scout the roads."

"Thank you for the information," said Iroh. "We will take the north route home then."

"It was good to see you again, Lin," said the doctor as they stood up. "Especially in your current condition."

She smiled. "It's a pleasure to be able to thank you for your help."

"I heard that Lee did a good job of that too," he said.

"He did. His care for me was admirable."

Zuko heart melted at her words, and the doctor smiled.

"I hope you will all come by again for tea," he said.

"Of course," said Iroh.

They started their trip back to the cabin taking the longer north route as the doctor had suggested. As they traveled, Zuko thought about the conversation with the doctor.

"I don't trust him," he said to Iroh as they rode along.

"He's an honest man."

"Something doesn't seem right about him."

"How can you say that?" asked Iroh. "Look what he did for Chiara."

"And I appreciate that," said Zuko. "But...the way he was talking about the war...something's not right. Do you think he knows who we are?"

"Would it be a bad thing if he did?"

"He might turn us over to the Fire Nation."

"I don't believe he would."

"I hope not," said Zuko softly.

"Besides, he's a good Pai Sho player," said Iroh.

Zuko rolled his eyes, but Chiara was laughing.

"The white lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets," she said.

"It sure does," chuckled Iroh.

Now Zuko understood.

For a month they had been living happily in the cabin. Zuko was so content, he had no desire to get involved with the Fire Nation again, but the war was getting closer to them everyday as was Sozin's Comet, and Iroh knew that it would only be a matter of time before their involvement was inevitable.

One evening before dark, Chiara was cleaning up after dinner.

"Are you going swimming this evening?" Iroh asked them.

"Yes," said Zuko who enjoyed his evening swim with Chiara.

"Would you like to go?" she asked Iroh.

"That sounds relaxing. Maybe I will join you."

They headed down to the river, and walked into the water. After swimming for a while, they sat in the shallow water.

"So this is what you two do," said Iroh. "It is quite enjoyable. It's so relaxing to the muscles."

"Would you like a water massage?" Chiara asked him.

"It's been a long time since I enjoyed one of your water massages."

She smiled as she moved behind him.

"Lean forward a bit."

He did as she directed and she began using the water to massage his back and arms.

"Oh...this is the most incredible massage I ever had. It feels better than I remember. Prince Zuko, have you ever tried this?"

"No."

"You should. It feels wonderful." He groaned with contentment as each ache disappeared. "I never did fire those palace masseurs like I wanted."

Zuko and Chiara started laughing.

With Chiara's recovery they were happy to get back into their sparring routine. While dinner was roasting over the fire, they finished the rest of their chores, and then took their swords to the river. It was a long exhausting battle before Zuko finally disarmed her and took her to the ground. As he sat on top of her her hair flowed everywhere, and he slowly moved it relishing its softness.

"You win," she said.

"So you surrender?" he asked.

"I could fight my way out."

He laughed. "I'd rather you not. I claim this territory in the name of the Fire Nation."

Now she laughed. "I think they've taken enough territory."

He smiled and tenderly caressed her face. He was drawn to her and moved closer. "But this is the only Water Nation territory I want."

He could not help giving in to his heart's desire, and he tenderly pressed his lips against hers. She did not resist as she loved the feel of his warm lips against hers, and she ran her fingers through his hair as their hearts were racing.

"I love you, Chiara."

"I love you, my Prince."

He kissed her again, and he did not want to stop as he moved down to her neck. Suddenly, a wave of water rolled over them, and Chiara was now sitting on him. They were both drenched. She bent over him and kissed his lips before jumping up and running off as the water fell from her clothes, hair, and skin. Zuko laughed to himself, but he jumped up, still soaked, and ran after her. She had nearly made it back to camp, but he was too fast for her, and grabbing hold of her wrist he pulled her back to him and kissed her, and as he did the water dropped from his skin and clothes.

"Lee, Lin!" they heard Iroh call. "Dinner's ready!"

Zuko reluctantly pulled his lips from hers and looked in her eyes. "I know what I'd rather have for dinner," he said softly as he kissed her again.

He took her hand and they walked to the camp.

Despite the growing threat of the Fire Nation in distant towns and villages, life went on at the little cabin in the forest. Every day, they performed their daily chores, and much of Zuko and Chiara's free time was devoted to sparring with their swords and even more so to practicing their bending abilities together. The only regret he had about not knowing she had been a waterbender was that she never had much practical experience in defending herself against firebenders with her waterbending. Now they trained more intently as he wanted her to be ready for any fight with Fire Nation soldiers who might target her, and he wanted her to use any means of defense to protect herself. Even Iroh would practice with them fighting against them or teaming with Zuko against Chiara. Both men had always been amazed by her ability, but the harder they fought, the more impressed they became as they forced her to push her skill. When Iroh challenged Zuko and Chiara, he was amazed by Zuko's use of waterbending moves to control and even enhance his own firebending. He was also fascinated by their synchronous movements as they each controlled their own elements blending them together to defend themselves and each other from his attacks.

"I do not believe I have ever witnessed a more beautiful display of bending," said Iroh after a lengthy practice session. "And blowing up her ice missiles in front of the enemy could be quite damaging and take out several opponents instead of just one at a time."

Zuko smiled. "Exactly."

"I certainly worked up an appetite," said Iroh.

"We should probably check on dinner anyways," said Chiara.

They started walking back to the camp, and after dinner they returned to the river to swim.