Part 1 Chapter 8: First Flowers

Two day later, they were still on the raft, but there was a new energy to their actions. They knew they were getting close to land, all they had to do was stay alive, and keep their eyes open. They agreed that once they spotted land, Katara could use her waterbending to get them to land quicker.

She and Iroh were preparing fresh water as they had many times before. As they worked, Iroh was humming a song cheerily.

"That sounds like a nice song," Katara commented, pulling water from the air.

"One of my favorites," Iroh agreed. He began to sing. "Winter, spring. Summer and fall. Four seasons, four loves." He grinned. "That's the main verse, anyways. It is missing a little something without accompaniment, but it's still beautiful. When we get to land, I should buy a new tsungi horn, and then Zuko can play it for you!"

"I am not playing the tsungi horn!" came his voice. Katara merely raised an eyebrow.

"Zuko plays the tsungi horn?" It was sort of hard to picture him sitting down and playing any instrument. But, once again, Katara had learned something unexpected about the prince.

"Rarely," Iroh told her, shaking his head in dismay. "He doesn't seem to appreciate music. Quite the shame, really. I remember him playing it as a child. He was quite skilled." Iroh smiled fondly. "Honestly, if he felt like it, he could probably play it better than I could."

Katara smiled. "I'll take your word for it." It was a shame everything would go back to the way they were before.

They continued their process. Iroh's smile became wider before he spoke again. "Do you know what I love about our process?" Katara shook her head. She enjoyed it because it gave her a good way at practicing her waterbending. Why did Iroh enjoy it? It wasn't as though boiling water was any great feat of firebending. "Harmony," Iroh told her. "When we do this, we use two elements, opposites even, and we use them in tandem to create life. Fresh water. Our process wouldn't work without fire's heat to evaporate the water, which you pull from the air, into fresh water. Perfect harmony." He smiled serenely, looking at the orbs of water.

Katara looked at the fire in his hands, under the salt water, and she found herself smiling too. "Wow," she said. "I hadn't thought of that. That's…that's amazing!" A sort of balance, she thought. Like Aang.

Iroh nodded. "Yes. It's amazing what the different elements can accomplish when they work together. Had it only been you, or only been my nephew and I, our experience on this raft would have been far more unpleasant." He grinned. "Fire and water seem to make quite the team, don't they?"

Katara nodded.

She wondered…

The next day Katara noticed something.

On Zuko's head.

Her jaw dropped as she stared at him for a while.

Of course, he noticed.

"What are staring at me like that for?!"

"You have hair," she bluntly said.

Zuko furrowed his eyebrows, looking irritated and confused. "What are you, blind? Of course I have hair! I've always had hair."

"Well, yeah, in your ponytail. Now it's growing all over," she told him, motioning around her head.

Zuko blinked, and then brought his hand to his head, fingers grazing across the short little hairs that had grown all over his head. "Well what do you expect me to do? I can't exactly shave out here!" He groaned. "I'll shave it as soon as I can. This must look so stupid…"

"Well, you look pretty stupid with that hairstyle, anyways."

His cheeks turned red. "No, I don't! And you don't get to talk about my hair." He smirked. "You know, yours isn't looking too great, either. Your hair's a mess."

Katara frowned. It was true, she supposed, putting her hand to her hair. Her braid had long since come undone, along with her bun, and she had opted for a more simple style. Either way, her hair had become increasingly tangled. She really needed to detangle it before it turned into a giant, unfixable knot. She really didn't want to have to cut it. For one thing, Water Tribe girls wore their hair long. And, more vainly, she considered her hair to be one of her best features.

"Fine," she told Zuko. "I'm sorry about insulting your hair. It's really none of my business."

Zuko looked a little surprised, perhaps by how easily they had avoided a fight. "Okay then…I'm sorry I insulted your hair." He frowned as he touched his hair again. "I guess we'll both have to groom ourselves when we reach land."

They went about their day normally, but every once in a while, Katara couldn't help but glance over to Zuko. She felt a bit curious and a little disappointed. She wondered what he'd look like if he grew his hair out. At one point she tried to visualize it, then she shrugged and moved on.

Katara liked talking to Iroh. While she had initially thought his friendliness was strange, bizarre and uncomfortable given who he was, she had come to appreciate him for what he was. A genuinely friendly and wise old man, who was quick to laugh, quick to tell stories, and quick to help.

"You know," she said to him, "sometimes it's hard to believe that you're the Firelord's brother." She froze for a moment, wondering if that may have been the wrong thing to say. After all, Firelord Ozai was still Iroh's brother. He may not appreciate Katara's opinion on him.

Iroh frowned, a slightly sad and troubled expression. "My brother and I are very different people," he told her. He didn't seem angry, and Katara relaxed.

"So how much older is he?" Iroh seemed old enough to be a grandfather. How old was the Firelord, then? It could be useful information. Then again, she thought. Bumi was over one hundred years old, and he was still incredibly strong. Age doesn't mean much.

"Actually, Ozai is younger than me. By nearly twenty years, in fact."

Katara blinked. "But I thought…doesn't the oldest son inherit the title?" That was how it worked in her tribe, anyways. Of course, the bloodline could be challenged and a new line of chiefs could be established. But, still, if Iroh was the older brother, then… "Shouldn't you be the Firelord?"

Iroh gave a light frown, looking slightly uncomfortable. "That's a long and complicated story…and I suspect even more complicated than I may ever know," he glanced at Zuko as he said this. "Regardless, I honestly don't want to be Firelord." He resumed smiling. "I don't want the crown. Frankly, I'm retired, and I intend on enjoying the beauties of life, such as tea and Pai Sho, for as long as I can. I'd hardly be free to do as I wish with that crown, would I?"

"I suppose not," she agreed. She couldn't help but wonder, though, how things could have been different if Iroh were the Firelord. Iroh just seemed so…peaceful. It was hard to imagine him leading the Fire Nation in war against the world. Would he have continued the war? Would he have tried to make peace between the nations? Would the crown go to Ozai, anyways? To her knowledge, Iroh had no children. If so, then the crown would go to Ozai, and regardless of whether Iroh was a kinder Firelord, Ozai would probably pursue domination anyways. And after him… "Is Zuko next in line for the throne, then?" Did he have any siblings?

"I am," Zuko interrupted. "But only if I capture the Avatar." He was staring intensely at Katara, his gold eyes meeting her blue ones. She clenched her teeth and looked away. Iroh sighed, shaking his head. Katara went to the edge of the raft, looking into the water.

She needed to get some fish, anyways.

Zuko cooked the fish, one for each of them. This time, the fish were fairly equal in size. Zuko cooked his own last.

"Thanks for cooking the fish," Katara said.

Zuko just nodded. "Thanks for catching them."

A couple weeks ago, these words had been said only for politeness. They'd been hollow, said only because it was the proper thing to say. Now, however, there was a genuineness behind their words. They were more companionable, and they had come to appreciate each other at a level they never would have thought possible. They ate their fish, Iroh telling Zuko that his cooking had much improved.

It really had, Katara noted. She debated whether to offer the compliment.

"I agree," she finally said. Zuko looked over to her, surprised. They never really spoke while eating, aside from their expressions of gratitude. "You've really gotten better at cooking the fish." She offered him a small smile.

"I…Thank you? I should've figured it out quicker. It's not like I've had anything better to do."

"I think you figured it out quicker than I would've." She laughed. "I should show you some other cooking techniques." She blinked after she said it, making eye contact with Zuko, who, once again, had shed the angry and frustrated expression. "Not that I'll be sticking around once we're on land." She looked away from him, staring at her mostly eaten fish. These were dangerous thoughts to be having, even for a moment. She wasn't going to be staying with Zuko and Iroh once they reached land. She was going to find her way back to Aang and Sokka, and Zuko was going to continue trying to capture Aang. They weren't going to be sitting around a shared camp, she wasn't going to be teaching him to cook, and he wasn't going to be playing the tsungi horn.

"Katara?" Zuko's voice was quieter than usual, and she looked back to him. "Thank you. For the compliment, I mean."

She looked at him and nodded.

Beside them, Iroh looked at the two of them with increasing interest.

Iroh stayed up, watching his nephew and Katara. They rarely spoke, but now, at least, they were capable of doing so without arguing. Zuko went to sleep first, saying an awkward goodnight to Katara. She gazed at the moon for a while.

Iroh was glad that Zuko had rescued her for many reasons.

It had been a bit of a surprise when he had first come on the raft to get Zuko out of the freezing arctic waters. He'd only been expecting his nephew, but instead Zuko had shown him the waterbender, telling him to help pull her out of the water, too. Zuko had pointed out her head wound. When working to heat himself, he had also taken it upon himself to help warm Katara up with his fire. And Iroh was so proud of him for it. Once again, he proved himself to be honorable, full of nobility and capable of great goodness. A far better man than his father.

Iroh was always happy to see those moments, the moments when Zuko's true self revealed itself from behind the shell of anger that Ozai had created. Zuko's Agni Kai with Zhao; Zuko endangering himself to rescue a crew member; and now, rescuing one of his enemies. A friend of the Avatar. Yes, Iroh was very proud.

He was also glad because, as he had told Katara, they wouldn't have done as well without each other. They may have survived without Katara, but it would have been much harder. Days filled with thirst and hunger. And Katara, had she even managed to survive without Zuko's rescue, would have been alone, with an untreated head wound, with no access to fresh water. Yes, it was best for them to be together.

But there had also been a less expected gift which had come from this. Friendship. Iroh had spoken to her freely and while she had initially been unresponsive, either from shyness, or perhaps wariness about speaking to someone from the Fire Nation, they soon developed a friendly relationship. Iroh enjoyed talking to her, and she seemed to appreciate his stories, songs and proverbs.

But, more than that, she was also becoming a friend to Zuko. Within the first day she was awake, Iroh had wondered if it would be possible. She reminded him of Zuko. The way she could be quick to anger, her sense of dignity. And, recalling a certain incident involving pirates and a waterbending scroll, he suspected she may also share at least some of his rashness. Yes, he was almost certain that they could be friends if they tried to talk without arguing. Considering that another one of the traits they seemed to share was stubbornness, it took unsurprisingly long for them to try to have a civil conversation. He had tried approaching the matter with Zuko several times, and of course, he chose not to listen. At the time, Katara had been refusing to speak to both of them. But, finally, when she spoke to him and he suggested she go talk to Zuko, she had. And he had spoken to her.

It would do Zuko much good to talk to someone his own age, Iroh was certain. It had been three years since his nephew had spoken to people his own age (in a friendly manner, at least). And even before, the only people he had ever interacted with were Azula and her friends. And while Azula only seemed to know how to tie people to her with fear, Zuko didn't seem to know how to form ties to new people at all. If this continued, Iroh worried, Zuko could grow into a man who knew his destiny, and right from wrong, but also a man incapable of forming true friendships. And what was life without those?

And it seemed as though the Spirits themselves had sent Katara into Zuko's path. After that first conversation, Katara and Zuko had become far more peaceful with each other. Companionable. Friendly, even. He noticed them talk more, whether it be a few short words, or a decent conversation. She smiled at his nephew. Far too many of the 'smiles' Zuko had been given were malicious smirks.

A few days ago, they had become much friendlier.

After their small conversation at dinner, Iroh began to wonder at exactly how deep this connection of theirs went. How much in common did they have? Where did they complement each other? Maybe Iroh didn't know how Zuko would interact with his friends, as he'd never seen Zuko with any. But after seeing the way they looked at each other, the way Zuko looked at her, he wondered if it was friendship he was seeing, or the start of something different.

Of course, Iroh noted sadly, that could all be changed once we reach land. Katara would leave, return to the young Avatar, and Zuko would continue to pursue them. And then, whatever they had formed, whatever they could have had, would be lost in a cycle of anger and bitterness. It was selfish, Iroh knew, to wish that they could remain lost on the raft for a little longer. And maybe Katara, being from outside the Fire Nation and a friend to the Avatar, could help guide Zuko onto the right path. Help him see the suffering of the world.

But, it seemed that that was not to be the case. Iroh suspected that they'd be reaching land within the next day or so.

He would just have to trust in the Spirits, and trust in his nephew's capability of goodness.

Their eighteenth day on the driftwood raft was like all the days before it. Zuko and Iroh woke up at dawn. Katara woke up a little while later, and she and Iroh set to creating fresh water. It was around noon that the day changed from the rest.

"Do you see that?" Zuko demanded. He was staring intently at the horizon. "Uncle, Katara, do you see that?"

Katara peered out where Zuko was looking. She gasped. And then a grin formed on her face. "Land! There's land ahead!"

They were all standing, looking out at the small brim of land ahead. They could see the strip along the horizon.

"You can bring us in faster, I believe," Iroh said, looking at Katara. She nodded.

She took a few deep breaths, excitement thrumming within her.

"Katara?" Zuko's voice was quiet, almost hesitant. She turned around to look at Zuko.

"What?"

"I just…" he took his hand and put it on his head, looking away from her. "Thank you. For everything you've done. And…" He looked at her, but still didn't meet her eyes. "I want you to know that I won't take you prisoner when we reach land."

She looked at him, mouth falling a little. "I…do you mean it? You promise?"

He nodded resolutely. "I swear…on my honor."

She looked at him, meeting his eyes. She remembered him tying her to a tree, going on about how he needed to capture Aang to 'restore' his honor. He had just sworn upon it…he claimed he lad 'lost' his, but it was clearly important to him, and… "I believe you. And…for the record, you don't need to restore your honor," she said, thinking of her experiences with him, what she knew of him. What happened with Zhao. How Zuko had even rescued her. "You're probably one of the most honorable people I know." It was a heavy admission, but it felt true. Zuko, despite his hot-headedness, despite his arrogance, despite being the prince of the Fire Nation, was…maybe not a good person, but he definitely had a strong moral code.

Zuko, upon hearing her words, looked shocked. His unscarred eye widened. And then that melted into a very different expression; for the first time ever, Zuko graced Katara with a smile. It really seemed to change his whole face. The scar was still there on one side, but the other side lifted, and his eyes practically glowed. If nothing else came of this adventure, at least Katara got to see him happy, just once. Sokka would never believe her.

"Should we be sitting down, perhaps? This may be unstable, and we wouldn't want anyone to fall out," Iroh said.

Katara nodded, and they all sat down. She took a deep breath. And she pushed their raft forward.

Finally.

Even with Katara's bending, it had taken over an hour to reach the land. Still, there was an energy between them, the excitement impossible to contain. Katara didn't take any breaks, not to fish, not to purify water; no, she was entirely focused on getting them to land.

"I like fish as much as the next person," Iroh had said. "But it would be nice to have a little more variety again." Fish had ever been a staple in the diet of the Southern Water Tribe.

Katara wasn't sure if she ever wanted to eat a fish again.

Finally, they reached land. It felt a little unreal to her. But as she slowly bent their way closer to the shore, she knew it wasn't a dream. Finally, they left their raft behind and they stepped off, onto the muddy shore, taking their first steps on land in nearly three weeks.

"I never thought I'd miss walking without worrying about the ground swaying," she exclaimed. She laughed, almost doing a twirl. "I never thought I'd get sick of being surrounded by water!"

"You should try living on a ship for three years," Zuko told her as he walked up the shore. He looked around where they had reached land. "Uncle, does this place seem familiar to you?"

Iroh looked around too, before his face lit up in a huge grin. "Zuko, do you remember that stop we made a year into your search? The resort? With the nice spa?"

Zuko's jaw dropped. "We wasted nearly two whole weeks there! Now we're there again?!" Katara felt a knot form in her stomach.

"Could this be any more perfect? I remember it so well. It was so relaxing, and such a nice little town beside it, too. The food was good, the tea was good, the massages were to die for. And it's friendly territory," he reminded Zuko. "A colony. So we won't have to worry about the Earth Kingdom, and you don't have to worry about actually being in the Fire Nation."

Zuko grumbled. "Fine. But only until we're ready to leave−we're not wasting any more time than we have to here!" He turned to go to the resort. He remembered where it was. He'd been stuck there for plenty of time to remember where it was.

Iroh was smiling.

And Katara was just standing there, mouth open, as she realized just how bad this was for her. "We're in the colonies," she vocalized. And perhaps that was okay for Iroh and Zuko, they were royalty. But for her? The waterbender friend of the Avatar? She was stuck in enemy land. Without allies. She was confident in her abilities, but if it was only her…there was only so much she could do, and she was stuck in enemy territory. "I'm in the colonies."

Iroh, at least, seemed to understand. "Zuko," he called to his nephew. "What about Katara?"

"What about her?" he asked as he came back.

"If we leave her, she'll be alone in her enemy's territory. There isn't a friendly village for some way, provided that Katara could find her way out of the colonies. She could be killed, Zuko."

Understanding dawned on Zuko, and he gave Katara a quick glance. "Well, what are we supposed to do about it? We are not spending any more time out in the wilderness. We're not her escorts. And we can't just bring her into town with us."

"Why not?" Iroh asked. He looked to Katara, a huge smile coming onto his face. "I think that's the best option right now."

"I'm sorry," Katara spoke. She wasn't going to just stand around letting them make plans for her. "But I'm pretty sure they'd know I'm Water Tribe. I mean, even if they couldn't figure that out by my eyes, my clothing makes it pretty obvious." She motioned to her blue kimono and her mother's necklace.

"It wouldn't matter," Iroh told her. "If I tell them that you're with us, and to be treated as a friend of mine, then I assure you they'd accept you whether you were Water Tribe or Fire Nation. So what do you say? It's the best option for now, if you'd be willing to spend a few more days with us."

Katara frowned, considering the option. She'd only really been to one other Fire Nation colony, and that hadn't ended particularly well. Of course, that was mostly due to people realizing that Aang's the Avatar, and Iroh says that they shouldn't care that I'm Water Tribe if he says I'm okay. So there was that. Still, though, it felt strange and the idea of intentionally spending time in a town full of people loyal to the Firelord wasn't particularly comforting.

"I won't be a prisoner?" she verified slowly, eying the two Fire Nation royals.

"You won't," Zuko said immediately. After all, he had already promised that he wouldn't take her prisoner when they made it back to land.

"I swear upon my lotus tile," Iroh told her. "You will be free to leave as soon as you please."

She considered her options for a long moment. She had no supplies, no idea where exactly she was, and no fast method of transportation. She let out a breath and nodded. "Okay then. I guess I'm coming with you." She sounded surprised at her own words. She was surprised at her own words. But she couldn't leave immediately—not until after she had recovered from the previous two weeks and made preparations to travel by herself.

"Wonderful," Iroh said cheerfully. He began walking and the two teenagers followed. "I'll have to get a massage while we're there. You two should, too, they give the best massages here in all the colonies."

Somewhere along the line, Katara had to admit, she had formed a sort of trust for the two firebenders. Now I just have to hope I'm not wrong.

Iroh regaled Katara with the details of his last visit to the town two years previously. She smiled, as it was obvious that he had very much enjoyed it. He deserves some relaxation now, too, she thought. After putting up with me and Zuko for the past few weeks, he probably needs a massage and rest. He also told her that it was an incredibly beautiful place. The cherry blossoms, he explained, were absolutely gorgeous as they bloomed in the spring, and they practically covered the town.

"You might get to see them," he told her. "It's that time of the year now, when they bloom."

Katara had to admit, she was sort of hoping that she'd get to see them. She'd never really gotten to see any flowers. She knew what they were supposed to look like, of course, but she'd never actually been around anywhere that had any. She had grown up in the South Pole—no flowers there. On the journey to the North Pole, Sokka, Aang, and herself had spent most of their time in the northern hemisphere, where it was winter. What flowers she had seen had looked dead; brown and wrinkled. She had, of course, seen some painting and objects made in the image of flowers. It would be nice to get to actually see real flowers in bloom.

Iroh had suggested that she keep her waterbending secret, if possible. While he said that the people of the colony were typically friendly, they may not react too well if they put it together that she was one of the friends of the Avatar.

"You know, I'm almost insulted that they haven't actually figured out my name," she told him as they walked along. "I mean, I've helped him loads of times. I'm not important enough to remember?" She was mostly joking, really. She was glad she didn't have to use a fake name.

"Just because your name isn't known, doesn't make you any less great. You're more like a legend that way. And legendary is good enough, don't you think?"

Katara smiled. The Legend of Katara, she thought. The Last Waterbender of the South. A sad title, but somehow, it also sounded important. But someday she would live to see waterbenders flourish in the Southern Water Tribe once more.

Finally, small speck of pink appeared through the trees. As Katara saw it, she wondered what it was. Pink clouds was her first thought, as that was what the pink blobs looked like. Then she realized… "We're here!"

Iroh nodded. "And I was right. We are just in time for the cherry blossoms!" He was smiling broadly. They quickened their pace and Katara's face grew into a giant grin as she saw the flowers−real flowers−blooming from the trees. Iroh hadn't been exaggerating, they were practically everywhere. And they were beautiful. Katara forgot about the past few weeks as she stared at all of the flowers. When they were closer, she looked at them, now seeing all the tiny flowers that made up the pink clouds. As they passed into the town's entrance, she saw a branch within arm's reach, so she took her hand and ran her fingers across the petals. It was different from what she had expected. She had thought they'd probably feel something like leaves, sturdy and slightly tough. The dead flowers she had seen before had felt dry and fragile. Instead, the petals were thin, light, and almost fleshy. The little strings in the middle tickled her fingers a bit. She picked one from the branch, holding it in her hand for a moment, before a slight breeze passed, blowing it right out of her hand. I wish we could have these in the South Pole. But these would be impossible to grow there…I wonder how many other sorts of flowers there are?

As Iroh began talking, introducing himself, and being remembered from his previous visit, Zuko noticed Katara's fascination with the flowers. He frowned at her, also raising his good eyebrow. Katara finally noticed.

"I've never seen flowers before," she told him, shrugging slightly. "Don't I get to be curious?" She turned back to them, smiling. "They're so beautiful." Zuko looked at her, the flowers, and then shrugged.

"So we've been stranded on a piece of driftwood for nearly three weeks. We would much appreciate some hospitality and relaxation," Iroh finished as they entered the town's inn.

"Of course," the town's mayor said. His eyes wandered to Katara. "Although, if I may ask about the Water Tribe girl? Why is she here?" Katara tensed. Iroh had said she'd be okay, but…

"That's my nephew's girlfriend," Iroh cheerfully announced. Katara nearly jumped in surprise. What?! Her eyes had widened slightly and she quickly shut her mouth before she made Iroh's lie completely obvious. Instead she forced a smile that probably looked just a little crazy.

Zuko, apparently, was an even worse liar. "Uh, yes! She's my girlfriend!" He grabbed Katara's hand, flinging it forward towards the mayor. "This is my girlfriend, Katara." He stopped for a moment as the mayor looked between them. He didn't look suspicious, but he did look…kind of disturbed and confused. "She's my girlfriend," Zuko added.

Oh, Tui and La.

She put on a more friendly smile, offering her hand to the mayor (and getting it out of Zuko's tight grip). "I'm Katara, from the Southern Water Tribe. I'd tell you that I'm Zuko's girlfriend, but I think you've figured that out by now."

"First love," Iroh explained jovially, apparently enjoying the situation. "Don't you wish you were their age again, happily introducing your first girlfriend?"

The mayor relaxed. He even laughed. "Yes, I remember. And, after meeting Zuko several years ago, I'm almost surprised he has a girlfriend at all. So, congratulations, both of you," he said, nodding their direction. He looked to Katara again. "Strange that you would pick someone from the Water Tribes, but I suppose if that works for you." He shrugged. He left them to the innkeeper, who was a middle aged woman, with her graying hair kept in a somewhat lazy top knot. She looked between Katara and Zuko as they asked for rooms.

"Two rooms, then?"

It took a moment for Katara and Zuko to process just what she was suggesting.

"Wha−no!" Katara shouted. Blood rushed to her face and she could only stare at the woman in horror.

Zuko wasn't any happier. "I'm not sharing my bed with her! What do you take me for?!"

The woman looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, I just assumed…"

"I'm only fourteen," Katara snapped. "I'm not even of marrying age! I'm not…" Why, of all possible excuses, had Iroh chosen that?

"We aren't married," Zuko reiterated. "And it would be dishonorable to do that with a woman before marriage." He glared at the innkeeper, who just raised her hands in a peaceful gesture.

"Alright," she said. "A room for each of you. And I suppose you'll be taking the beds for one person only." She told them where their guesthouse was, and Zuko stomped off, fuming.

"Why did you tell them Zuko and I are…together?" Katara asked when they were out of earshot. They'd caught up with Zuko.

"Well, I needed some reason why you were with us. And since you're clearly Water Tribe, and I didn't want to even pretend that you're our prisoner, I needed a different explanation," Iroh told her.

"Couldn't you have just said 'friend'? Why did you have to say she's my girlfriend?" Zuko nearly shouted. Probably the only thing that kept him from doing so was the possibility of being overheard.

Iroh shrugged, smiling. "It was the first thing I thought of." Katara let out an indignant sound as Zuko breathed fire. Iroh changed topic. "We'll probably be here for a few days at least. Try to enjoy yourselves. Go to the spa, go get some new robes. I'm going to go get a massage. Before long, we'll be back to our usual paths." He looked to Katara momentarily. "I did say I'd have to make tea for you. Might as well do that while we're here, don't you think?"

Katara smiled before she went into her room. "I suppose it couldn't hurt." After all, here she was, staying with them in a colony. She lay down on the bed, taking a breath and letting it out. It was a soft bed, softer than she was used to. After spending almost three weeks sleeping on a raft with nothing but her parka to soften it, the bed was much appreciated. She resituated herself into her preferred sleeping position. It wasn't even dusk yet, but it had been a long, exciting, and exhausting day. Tomorrow, she decided. I'll go and get some new robes. And detangle my hair. And eat something besides fish. I'll go look at the flowers and have tea with Iroh. Maybe even talk to Zuko, if he's in the mood for talking.

It seemed that she'd be sticking around Iroh and Zuko for a little bit longer, after all.

End Part 1