Sometimes, I wonder what would've happened if I simply went with him. Left everything.. No. Stupid. That would have made it worse. Father would kill him if it meant I couldn't run away with him. Forget it.

What matters is now... I don't think the court would have a problem with his return. He's of noble stock (as far as they know), handsome, tall, well mannered, and a fire bending protege; a perfect candidate for a future marriage. Better than an arranged marriage. Doesn't matter. No one questions me, not if they know any better. The only real question is how will father react to his return? I don't know how it was so easy to convince him. Did he not care because the war is over, anyway? Or is there something I've missed?

Azula's mind blanked when she saw the doors open.

Zan quietly walked into the throne room of the Earth King, not noticing that Ty Lee was behind him, and successfully sneaking up on him.

"Zan!! I've missed you so much!!" She yelled as he came within a few paces of the steps to the throne.

Before he could fully turn around, Ty Lee launched herself towards her long lost friend, giving him a long, tight hug, much to Azula's silent chagrin. By contrast, Zuko and Mai of all people, both smiled at the sight of this.

"I've missed you too, Ty Lee," Zan said, returning the hug.

"You've gotten so tall," Ty Lee commented out loud, still hugging him.

And cute, Ty Lee thought.

"Zuko. Mai. It's good to see you," Zan said, "It's been.. too long."

"How did Azula find you?" Zuko asked, confused.

"Me, of course," Ty Lee said with a smile.

"Ty Lee was the only one who ever wrote me, so naturally, she would be the one who would know where I am," Zan said.

"Enough," Azula said, "We are going home tonight."

Zan turned towards her to speak.

"Will I be going with you?" Zan asked.

Azula could see the doubt in his eyes.

Trust me.

"Of course you're coming," Azula said, "Did I ask you to come all this way just to see this palace?"

"Did you?" Zan asked.

"Of course not," Azula scoffed, "What's with you?"

"I've been banished for three years because I was a thorn in your father's side. How could I be welcomed back so fast? What have I done to make him want me to come back?" Zan asked.

Mai, Tai Lee, and Zuko exchanged glances, not knowing how to react.

"Don't worry," Ty Lee assured, putting a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure there's a good reason why you've been called back."

He turned to Azula again.

"And what reason is that?" Zan asked.

"I convinced father to let you return," Azula said.

Zan nodded, deciding to drop the subject. For now.

It was quiet on the top deck of the ship, save for the wind, and the crashing of the waves.

"The moon is so bright tonight. Isn't it beautiful?" Ty Lee asked.

"It is," Zan said.

They stood in silence for a few minutes, admiring the moonlit water.

"Thank you for writing me, Ty Lee. It really meant a lot to me. I know you care, at least," Zan said, gripping her hand briefly.

"Of course I wrote you," Ty Lee replied, "You're my friend. If I'm being honest, I was feeling lonely, too after I left the capital. Am I really the only one who wrote you letters?"

"Iroh sent me a few over the years. One from Zuko. Besides them, that's it."

"It must've been hard."

"It was. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Did Azula change after I was banished?"

"Well.. she was never as nice as she was when you were around."

"Did she ever talk about me?"

"No. Never. She would throw a fit if anyone mentioned you. She banned your name in the palace. I remember one time, Azula didn't speak to Mai and I for two days when she overheard us talking about you. She always said that we shouldn't talk about people who are banished."

"Do you think she missed me?"

"I know she did. Azula would never admit to it, though. Once, she came into my room and read one of your letters when she thought I was asleep. She started crying, and left the room. Now it's your turn. Why are you asking me all these questions?"

"Because I knew you weren't going to lie to me."