Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender copyright Dante Dimartino, Brian Konietzko and Nickelodeon Studios.


"You've been busy."

Iroh's words were casual, but she caught their hidden weight. "You disapprove?"

"Not at all. The Fire Nation is not strong enough to face another war so soon, but we are a proud people. Had you asked, we would have fought to our last for you."

"I know," she replied quietly. "That's why I couldn't let you. Zuko entrusted me to protect his people. As much as I want to help the Water Tribe, my first responsibility is to the Fire Nation now; I have to trust that Dad and Sokka can protect the tribe without me."


Author's Note: Bad migraines and hectic work schedule left zero writing time. Doesn't look like that's going to change much for the the next few months. Sorry. Updates will be sporadic. This story has NOT been abandoned!