Time for revealing the bending abilities! and more!

Thanks again for reading, I only own Kayleona and my ideas so far~

Chapter 3

~ Katara POV ~

Lucy led us out of the room where we had lunch and tea ,down a hallway,and after a few turns

we came to a door that led us outdoors. Down a few stone steps and onto the lush grass once again

that sloped gently and evened out once we passed a few trees. Just beyond the trees was a small

stretch of grass before you could see the stream .

I was excited to be near my element once again,as well as get to do some bending.

It suddenly felt like it had been ages since I had just been able to enjoy my element,and my bending. My excitement climbed suddenly ,enough so that a smile easily found its way to my lips,and I was now almost walking right next to Lucy who was in the very lead of our group.

She saw me walking along side her and smiled at me and my smile widened even more.

When we arrived at the stream's side , Lucy backed up a ways ,looked around her,then sat down. Her siblings joined her. She chose a spot where they could easily see and would also be a safe distance for fire bending.

Iroh and Zuko sat down a foot or two away from the sibling kings and queens. Giving a little space but still with them to watch me.

I walked over to the edge and knelt down, dipping my fingers into the cool flowing water before lifting my hand and drawing a small bit of water after it and then formed a orb between my hands in mid air. Then, I separated it into a few smaller orbs and rotated them in a circle above my right hand. Effortlessly I then just passed the small bit of water from hand to hand a few times before tensing my hands and jerking them fast sending ice shards into the ground in front of me.

Gasps came from the four siblings, Lucy was especially wide eyed and curious.

I smiled at them before holding my right hand up palm down and fingers spread and arched slightly and flicked my wrist up, the ice shards beckoning back to me from the ground and turned back to water rather than ice almost instantly.

"That is just small stuff. Are you ready for something bigger?", I informed them, clearly enjoying being able to share my element. It felt good to be able to relax for a moment and just do simpler bending things for fun.

Lucy spoke up first with an excited 'yes'. Her siblings agreed.

"Where's a shallow spot for standing in the stream?" I asked them.

Peter pointed to a large semi flat rock just off to the side. ''Right next to that rock."

I nodded my head as I stepped into the water gently beside the rock after removing my shoes. It was just right.

I released the small bit of water I had been bending back to the stream. Bringing my arms up in front of me I started doing push and pull motions with my arms and hands like I was reaching for something and pulling back. The water in front of me responded, repeating the same motion creating a small wave, gently sloshing and moving back and forth,push and pull. I made my motions a bit bigger and so the wave grew as well before I pushed once more and closed my hands into fists- freezing the wave into a magnificent stand still ice sculpture.

Lucy ran over to get a better look first,then everyone else followed. Eventually Iroh and Zuko did too,just for the heck of it from what could guess.

I opened my hands,releasing the frozen wave back to the stream.

I looked at the siblings. ''Its quite rare,even in my world,but some water benders also have the ability to heal with their water bending. I am one of those few."

Susan spoke up, "Really? That's incredible.! Could you possibly show us?"

All eyes were glued to me with an added level of interest and curiosity than even before.

"Sure", I shrugged, "Does anyone have a small something that needs healing like a scratch or cut or even a bruise?"

Edmund looked down then up again before walking towards me,holding up his right wrist. "Will this do? I got scratched during sword practice the other morning."

On his right wrist was a shallow thin cut .

I nodded. I drew some water from the stream and coat my right hand with it entirely.

"Ready?" I asked Edmund.

"Yes" he told me,looking me in the eye with his intense brown eyes.

I took a slow breath in then let it out. I held his hand gently with my left and then lowered my right water encased hand onto his wrist onto the scratch. I focused on the cut and the water started to glow blue. I could feel it healing itself. It was an easy one.

''Whoa!" Peter exclaimed half under his breath.

Lucy asked , "How do you make it do that glowing thing?"

I smiled as I shook my head back and forth, " I don't , the water just does that when I am healing with it. I'm not sure if anyone does,really."

I lifted my hand from Edmund's wrist ,and flicked the water gently back into the stream.

Edmund looked mildly fascinated as he inspected his perfectly healed wrist ", Good as new."

His eyes met mine again. "Thank you."

"You're welcome Edmund."

I looked over at Zuko and Iroh, catching their gazes. "You guys ready to show them some of your stuff?"

Iroh stretched his arms over his head and rotated his wrists in the air,cracking them gently.

When he brought them back down to his sides,he looked ready. Zuko did a similar stretch then nodded his head.

I stepped out of the stream and wicked bent the water off my legs and feet before stepping back into my shoes and walking over to where the siblings were originally sitting when I had started,and sat down. The siblings followed and sat down as well. Once we were comfortable we all looked at Iroh and Zuko who were now standing a little further away than I was when I was showing them my water

bending.

Iroh settled into a stance with his feet shoulder length apart. Zuko mirrored him.

Iroh brought his right hand up in front of him,palm up, took a deep breath and snapped his fingers, a small flame appeared. He opened his palm so it was relaxed and the flame was a little bigger than a candle's flame lazily danced in his open palm.

He met the eyes of the young kings and queens and Katara. "Power in fire bending comes from the breath,not the muscles. I will explain. The breath becomes energy in the body, the energy extends past your limbs and becomes fire."

Iroh then took a breath,stepped forward and punched out at the same time,releasing a short blast of fire.

All the sibling gave exclamations of awe and surprise.

Iroh continued speaking, " It is important that fire benders master discipline and self control. Otherwise,their bending will be out of control and dangerous. Fire is energy and life. That's why benders are taught to use the breath,it is controlled. Using your muscles to draw power in anger is dangerous. Our strength as benders is during the day,midday when the sun is highest in the sky if you would like to be specific. We fire benders are beckoned by the sun's energy when it starts to rise,therefore it is most normal that we rise with the sun each day."

Zuko then made a little more distance between himself and Iroh before drawing a breath and as he released it he spun slightly and and kicked a thin but long stream of fire into the air.

Iroh eyed Zuko for a second before instructing him " Zuko, face me and make a small wall of fire and hold it for a moment."

Zuko nods before stepping back,widening his stance before leaned down to a a spot in front of his feet that was bare of grass save for a small tuft. He snapped his fingers above the tuft and it lit on fire,he then extended the flame beyond it just by a few inches then placed both hands over it similar to a master holding puppet strings his palms down and hands and fingers arched just so. Taking in a slow breath he slowly rose up and bringing the flame up with him til it was about as tall as his waist.

Iroh brought both his arms in front of him, his arms facing in towards him,hands making fists a bit below his eye level. He leaned forward taking a step and leaning his arms out slightly away from himself,towards Zuko's wall of fire and broke his arms away from each other ,fast and sharp and strong,and in doing so he broke the fire wall into two halves before the halves died out,fizzling out and vanishing before everyone's eyes.

I must admit it was impressive even though to some it might seem simple.

Iroh smiled and told Zuko well done. He nodded and smiled at his uncle.

Iroh then straightened and asked Zuko, "Nephew would you like to join me in my favorite kata?"

Zuko looked a little surprised before accepting with the short answer "Sure,Uncle."

They re-positioned so they were standing side by side with a few paces in between them.

We watched as they moved through the kata in intense but at the same time graceful and fascinating movements. The kata ended with both of them sweeping one arm back to their side as they raised the other up in a surprisingly graceful sweeping motion where the other hand looked as if it had just maneuvered the most graceful under hand toss in the world,but instead of something being tossed in a traditional sense,a beautiful streaming arc of flames left their hands before gently fizzling out into the air.

It was absolutely beautiful. It was breathtaking to see the beautiful side of the element that has had a darkened name from the war.

Everyone clapped and I believe I heard a few soft whoas from the boys and From Lucy.

Iroh and Zuko turned to us and smiled.

Susan spoke up,turning all eyes on her as she did so. " I think that's enough show n tell for now,how about a tour of the rest of the castle,and perhaps we can show you to your rooms you will be sleeping in while you are here?"

Zuko and I ended up saying 'sure' at the same time,causing Iroh to chuckle softly.

As we started to head back up to the castle Zuko asked me , "Would you possibly be willing to spar with me tomorrow? We could also let the young kings and queens watch since we only showed our elements separately today. It would be nice to practice with someone other than a fire bender once in awhile."

I nodded,softly agreeing, "Okay,sounds good to me. A friendly sparring match with someone other than Aang would be nice, I must admit."

He nodded once before catching up with his uncle who was a bit ahead of us.

Well, this will be interesting, I thought, going against a fire bender casually to spar for once and not because we are being chased. Well all kinds of weird things out to happen when tossed into another world I suppose.

We went back into the castle the way we came,and went through the door Kayleona had been coming and going through that was off to the side.

The siblings took turns pointing things out along the way such as the kitchen and pantry that wasn't far from the side door to where we ate, or the library that was the last door of the same hallway before the stairs that was at the very end of the hall that led up to the floor that's mostly bedrooms.

The girls split from the boys once we got to being shown our rooms.

Lucy and Susan led me to the third door on the left hand side. The door itself was quite big ,and was solid beautiful wood. They had told me the two rooms before mine on the left side were theirs- Susan's first,and Lucy's second.

Susan also told me that Zuko and Iroh's rooms would be the third and fourth rooms on the right hand side of the hall,after Peter and Edmund's.

Lucy smiled at me as she grabbed the door knob to show me my room, "Ready?"

I nodded.

She opened it,and walked in,stepping to the side so I could follow after.

The room was big. On the wall to my left was the biggest bed I think I had ever seen. It was donned with a beautiful patterned blanket with several tones of blue,with some green and white accenting throughout. The trim was a deep beautiful blue. There were two pillows with coverings that matched. Next to the bed on the right side was a small rectangle with a single tapered candle on it and a small box of matches lay beside it. The wall across from the front door had a big window with long blue curtains gently pulled back. In front of the window was a bench with a slightly worn in an inviting way cushion seated in it. To the left of the window was a wooden structure that seemed to be for some type of storage.

I gestured to it while asking Lucy, " What is this?"

Lucy smiled and let out a small giggle. "That's a wardrobe,like from our story earlier about coming to Narnia. It stores your clothes. Open the doors."

I did so.

On one side there was several shelves and on the other was a rod for hanging.

I closed the doors and looked past the window,to the last wall of my room. There was a less grand door to what I suspected to me a washroom.

I opened the door to a wash basin on a sturdy wooden stand,and a pitcher and a towel beside it. A simple but pretty nonetheless mirror was mounted on the wall behind it

Across the room from the washbasin was shelves that were made into the wall. The top shelf was smallest and had several soap bars and jars of salts for soaking in the tub,two adorable and tiny bottles of perfume,and a comb with wide teeth. The next shelf had a few towels and wash cloths, and the last shelf on the bottom had a few spare sheets and blankets on it. In the back of the room was the toilet,and a beautiful tall bathtub that stood on metal clawed feet. I hadn't quite seen this style of tub before but I liked it. At one end of the tub was a small wooden bench. On my way back out of the washroom I found a soft bathrobe hung on a hook on the back of the door.

I came back out to see Lucy and Susan waiting for me on the bench in front of my window.,talking quietly to each other.

''This room is amazing,thank you!", I told them as I approached them.

They stopped talking and looked up at me,both looking very happy that I liked my room.

Lucy told me openly, " I saw how your outfit was blue and how it suited you,so I figured you would like this room. It just matched you."

I stepped forward and hugged her. "Thanks Lucy. Its one of my favorite colors, and its the color we all wear in my tribe."

Lucy smiled even wider after I released her from my hug.

She got up,pulling Susan with her,who rolled her eyes at being tugged,but then smiled. I suppose this happened quite often by how she reacted. Similar to how my brother and I interact often.

"Lets see if the boys are done with their room tours." Lucy insisted gently.

"Their rooms are much the same as yours,but with different color schemes on the beds." she then informed me.

~Zuko Point Of View ~

Edmund and Peter led me and Uncle past the girls to show us our rooms. We walked several doors past the girls rooms and was presented to the two doors on the right that were just past Edmund and Peters rooms. Edmund showed me to mine, and Peter to Uncle's.

The door was big, solid beautiful wood,the knob brassy with simple designs etched around the rounded surface in a single loop. I turned the knob and pushed it open, stepping inside my room.

The room was big and open,with simple beautiful features. Across the room was a single big window. I went straight to it to see what view would be granted for my room's window. In the distance beyond the gentle sloping grasses and clusters of trees peppered every once in a while were mountains. There were two there were almost exactly side by side from what I could tell and between them the stretch of sky was just so beautiful. Soft ,very white clouds fanned out against a perfect blue early evening sky. It settled a peaceful feeling I hadn't felt in a long time inside me seeing the sight. Reminded me a bit of my homeland that was now a world away, not just across the world from me. I let myself take it in for a moment, truly appreciating the perfect view I could possibly have while we are in this castle in this other world.

I turned from my window to take in the rest of my room. Long, almost a rust kind of red colored curtains flanked the window,with subtle gold threaded throughout flanked the window. To the left of the window was a rich brown sitting chair, its cushioning very inviting for a comfortable deep sit. The type of chair you could settle in for a nap while the sun's warmth streamed through the window,or sitting down with a good book,etc.

To the right of the window and almost in the corner that connected to the wall that hosted a inner door which must be to the bathroom was a small writing desk. On the desk was a small oil lamp,some paper and the writing utensils and a matching small wooden chair.

On the other side of the door to the bathroom was a wooden storage cabinet of sorts. It was made with solid wood, sturdy and beautiful not too unlike the doors to our bedrooms. I opened the door to reveal a rod for hanging clothes on one side,and two shelves on the other. It was empty aside for the hangers on the hanging rod.

I closed the doors back and looked across the room to see the bed.

The bed was a generous size, with pillows and matching cover draped and made over it perfectly. The bedding was a soft neutral color, with red and yellow leaves hand stitched all over it and the occasional stitched swirl in red or golden yellow thread. The trim was a simple brown that complimented the rest of the colors very well.

I liked it,it reminded me of the leaves turning back home,and of my nation's colors.

Next to my bed was a small rectangle table with a candle,some matches,and a small candle snuffer on the far end.

I looked back to my doorway to see Edmund casually watching me inspect my room,leaning against the doorjamb slightly.

He caught my eye before asking simply "Well?"

The corner of my mouth twitched back into a small half smile. I liked him. He wasn't overly wordy,like myself. "It's good. Thank you."

He nodded in return.

As he straightened himself from leaning on the doorjamb he said "Let get you a change of clothes. I think you could fit something of mine."

"Okay." I waited for him to lead the way.

Shutting my door behind me,we went back two doors and which was Edmund's room. Between,his room and mine was Peter's,and on the other side of mine was my uncles.

His room was similar enough to mine,but in tones of rich greens with silver and soft cream accents,and his writing desk was a bit bigger than mine was,and a tapestry of a lion hung on the wall behind his bed.

I liked it. Again,reminders of home came with seeing the tapestry.

That's what this home,this castle did was it was filled with stuff that was new and to be appreciated with a bit of wonder,and familiarity which gave a odd mix of the ache of home and hints of the comforts of home.

Edmund went straight to his own wardrobe and opened both doors and started looking through his clothes. After a moment he turned around with several garments in tow. He went to his bed and started laying the pieces of clothing out on his bed.

There was two tops,and two pair of pants. Of the tops, one was a slight off white color,and

from the looks of it the collar rose a little higher than what I was used to for a casual top. It also split into a small v shape splitting it down a little ways with 2 small buttons to open or close it a little more as one saw fit. It also had long ,loose looking sleeves. The second was a burgundy color,with a collar,as well as a deeper but still not very wide v til there was a few buttons to ,again, open or close up a little bit depending on one's preference. It had long sleeves as well. Both were a bit different from exactly anything he'd seen before,tho he had seen similar during traveling.

The pants were simple pants that looked plenty long enough,they were high waisted, each had two smaller buttons in the middle of the front. One pair was blue,the other pair a softer brown.

I grabbed the off white shirt and the brown pants.

Edmund nodded in subtle satisfaction before gesturing to his washroom. "You can use my wash room to try those on if you want" he told me.

"Okay" was my answer as I headed to his washroom to try the clothes on.

I closed the door behind me and placed the clothes on the stool in front of his wash basin, then took my clothes off quickly,just letting them drop to the floor. I left my clothes on the floor since it was only going to take a second to try on.

Trying the clothes on pretty quickly, I decide that they fit better than I thought they would.

The pants are sturdier material than what I've been used to but very comfortable as well. The shirt is light and a feels nice. Soft,but not a cuddly type soft like winter clothing often is.

I take them back off and swap back to my clothes for until after I bathe. Then I will change into the clothes I was given.

I gather the new clothes and drape them over my left arm before exiting Edmund's washroom.

He was sitting in his chair near the window gazing out. He turned upon hearing the door close behind me. He looked at me with a subtle expectant expression across his face.

"They fit ,thank you."

He let a half smile pass his lips before nodding toward the bed , "Take those as well,they will fit you too."

"Okay. I will." Simple words but appreciation saturated my tone. I hope he noticed since I may not come across as the most expressive.

He gave a small nod as he got up from his chair and started for the door. He had noticed.

I went back to my room to set the clothes aside for the time being.

I went back out to see my uncle closing his door behind him. I smiled. "Uncle, how is your room?"

My uncle turned to me smiling before telling me, "Oh its quite generous. Beautiful and comfortable indeed. I think I will come to enjoy its comforts quickly."

I smiled at his contentment with his room.

I spoke up,though softly , "It reminds me of home,certain details here and there."

Uncle's face started to change at hearing this.

I continued, "But not in a bad way,not really. I mean it made me miss it some,yeah but it mad it feel sort of comfortable with some of the similar things, like the tapestry hanging over my bed for example,and the view from my window of mountains in the distance."

Uncle's face lifted back into a smile at this, "Good, I am glad to hear it. Yes, the view from my window is much the same and give a fond familiar feel when gazing upon it ,i must agree."

~Katara Point Of View~

We exited my room to see the guys down the hall heading our way.

"Okay,so now what?" I asked,ready to see what else was to happen.

Susan I noticed has started to eye us,as in me and,Zuko,and Iroh.

I lifted an eyebrow slightly in silent inquisition,which she noticed.

"Erm, I had just had a thought. Would you guys like a change of clothes? You would stand out less in a new world that way,and well it's also just nice to have a change of clothes. Also if anyone would like to have a bath before dinner, we could have a change of clothes already picked out and ready for you after your shower and you could feel clean and refreshed before dinner." she explained,her cheek going subtly pink as she finished.

I didn't know about the guys but that sounded great.

"Actually that sounds wonderful,Susan,thank you for offering." I told her,my happiness apparent in my voice at getting to freshen up properly the first time in a little while.

Iroh agreed, and Zuko looked at Susan, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

He spoke up "Edmund actually already helped me out right after showing me my room."

Iroh also asked if he could get a cup of tea brought to his room. Zuko smiled, shaking his head at his uncle. Edmund nodded and had Iroh follow him to the kitchen to request a tea to be taken to his room for him.

"Okay, well where to to get a change of clothes then?" I asked the girls.

Susan looked me over before saying softly,almost seeming so to herself, " I think you could fit one of my dresses,so lets go have a look in my wardrobe in my room. Peter," she turned to her brother, " I think for Iroh, we may have to look through some of those clothes some people had thoughtfully sent us the other day. We will find something,either way."

We parted ways again.

I didn't mind though, I really liked Susan and Lucy. It seemed Zuko and Iroh didn't mind the guys either. Which I was unused to seeing this more civil side of Zuko, I couldn't help it,though it was weird it was also sort of nice.

Susan opened her door to reveal a room in greens with touches of blue and bronze. The set up was similar to my own,but with a few embellishments.

In the corner of the wall of the window was a small beautiful writing desk with an oil lamp,and paper and all the other writing utensils n such and a matching simple chair. Draped over the chair was a small soft green blanket. Also, just to the side of her bed was a small rug. Probably,so she didn't shock herself awake right away when touching feet to cold wooden floors on cooler mornings.

I smiled at the smart notion with the rug. That's not a terrible idea,honestly.

She opened the doors to her wardrobe and started lifting a sleeve or other part of a dress before putting it back and onto the next one.

After a moment or two of rummaging and the occasional consult with Lucy who was standing right behind her, she turned around with three dresses and went and draped them on her bed aside by side.

There was a stunning sky blue one with wider sleeves that went to a bit before the elbow most likely,and a soft neckline,it was very simple but a lovely color. Next to it was a yellow one with short sleeves and a forest green hem around the bottom and a soft neckline as well. It wasn't very pale or very bright,a comfortable in between some where ,in my opinion. Last was a dusky lavender purple dress with sleeves close to the elbow,they weren't as wide or as loose looking as the sleeves to the sky blue,and a very subtle v neckline. It also had gentle embroidery detail just above the hems of the sleeves in a dark silvery color.

They were all beautiful,and simple,and yet not quite any style she had actually seen before.

Susan asked, "What do you think,Katara?"

I turned to look at her . " They beautiful. Thank you".

"Of course!Now choose one to go try on! You can use my washroom to change since its right here!" she said , obviously ready to see which one I will end up wearing.

I smiled at her readiness. She was excited to see which I'd choose . It was nice to have that. It was nice getting to be a girl with other girls for once.

I nodded,turning back to the dresses. I truly liked all of them. The blue was an obvious choice,as it was one of my favorite colors,and the color of my people,but what if just this once just because,I gave something else a try?

I gently lifted the dusky lavender one from the bed and went for Susan's washroom to change.

Shutting the door gently behind me and turning to look around her washroom, I saw a stool in front of her basin and mirror. I draped it across the stool while I took my dress off an set it aside.

I took the lavender dress and pulled it on over me. It was a softer thinner material that what I was used to wearing. It came over me easily,fitting me just right everywhere,to my surprise. It felt so nice The bottom brushed my shins. It was a bit longer than the dress I had on,which was the one I had for warmer weather and it brushed the middle of my knees.

I looked in the mirror and could see bout to my midsection. It looked really good on me,against my skin and my dark hair. I couldn't help a small smile.

I opened the door to show Susan and Lucy.

Susan had a huge smile on her face,and Lucy's mouth was slightly open for a few seconds before she broke into a smile. Lucy spoke first, "It looks very good on you,Katara!"

Susan agreed, "It does! It seems to fit you just about perfectly,too!"

"It does" I told her.

"Good,then that means the other two will fit you as well and they are yours while you are here." she informed me with a even bigger tone of satisfaction in her voice.

I looked her in the eyes "Are you sure? That's very thoughtful of you, I will take them for sure and will absolutely enjoy them."

"Absolutely sure" she told me.

''Thank you again! Now to go for that bath,if you girls don't mind!" I said sincerely with happiness apparent in my voice.

I went back to her washroom to grab my dress and on my way out grabbed my other two new dresses from her bed,and looked over my shoulder,offering a wave at my new friends before heading to the much anticipated bath.

I went to my room and shut the door behind me. I slipped my shoes off right next to the door.

I walked over to the washroom and started setting things out I planned to use for my bath and lining them up on the bench that stood next to the tub.

I had chosen a soap that smelled light and sweet, and some soaking salts that also had some flower petals in it. I also placed a towel on the bench as well.

I looked at the tub and the water fixtures and soon learned I didn't know how to use it.

I sighed,and went on my way to find someone that could show me how to use it.

I could always figure out how to use my bending to coax the water out but I wanted to know how to do it the right way,and how to access warm to hot water with their fixtures.

I soon found everyone just in the hallway talking softly amongst themselves.

Upon hearing my footsteps,every one by one turned to see me walking up to them.

Lucy gave me a mildy perplexed look. "I thought you had went for a bath,Katara..?" she asked.

I shifted from foot to foot slightly,trying not to be too obvious with my embarrassment.

"Um, I was...Then I figured out that well I don't know how to use your water fixtures for the tub. Also, do I need to find someone to heat my water for me? Sorry, this is a little embarrassing..." I said,looking down at my feet by the time the very last bit came out of my mouth softer than the rest.

I looked up to see Susan looking uncomfortable as if she should've known I needed shown the water fixtures to the tub shown about to me. "Oh Katara, I'm sorry about that! I wasn't thinking about you needing should that. I should've,though!" she said with sincerity of being sorry and in scolding herself.

I gave her a small half nervous smile. "Its okay,today has been a lot Susan- for all of us." I told her reassuringly .

Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully before saying so matter of factly,as if it were absolutely the normal. "One of us could heat it up for you Miss Katara."

Zuko snapped his head toward his uncle and stared looking mildly mortified at the thought of his uncle offering his help for him for something in a personal space of someone they hardly know.

I couldn't help but feel a subtle blush trying to make its way up my cheeks. I laughed nervously on reaction,which hopefully staved off the blush from intensifying.

I ended up mumbling slightly, "Um,yeah that's fine if its truly not any trouble , or isn't weird or anything... but,i mean,also Lucy or Susan should also come show me or explain how to go about it in the future,too!"At the tail end it turned into a somewhat embarrassed rush. It wasn't real bad but I could tell even if the others may or may not have been able to.

Susan looked at Iroh,then at me before saying "Come on,then," as she started for my room.

I turned and followed,trusting Iroh would be coming behind me as well.

We opened my bedroom door then went to my washroom and opened the door.

Susan set the plug in the drain of my tub. Then, she turned the fixture up top and let the water start filling the tub as she started explaining. ''So for hot water,usually one of our maids will go get some hot water for us from the kitchen and come add it in for us til the right temp is acquired. There's an extra stove down in the kitchens just for that type of water heating purposes with large kettles and stock pots for it.''

I nodded in understanding. "Thanks for explaining," I told her,meeting her eyes with my own. Then I turned to Iroh, "And thank you for heating my water for me,Iroh."

Susan replied easily, "Not a problem."

Iroh told me merrily, "Not a problem at all! Back home, on the fire nation it is quite common to occasionally help friends or family out that doesn't have bending by heating their water for them for cooking,tea,and bath water,etc. So, it was so very normal to me to just offer to assist you."

I leaned over and shut the running water off,and gestured to Iroh to go ahead.

Iroh nodded,and stepped forward and leaned over the tub with his hands held over the water,palms down. He inhaled deeply, and as he exhaled slowly steam started to rise softly from the water in the tub. He straightened up before turn to look at me. "See if that is to your liking,Miss Katara."

I leaned over and slowly dipped my fingers into the water. I grinned at him as I straightened back up and gently flicked the water from my fingers. "Its perfect."

Iroh nodded in satisfaction before turning and starting to walk out. "Excellent,we will leave you to enjoy your bath then."

Susan nodded in agreement before following behind.

It was amusing to see Iroh take gentle charge of situations without seeming to just outright take charge. Its part of his personality, he comes across as genuine and happy in general.

Susan spoke up, "We will leave you to it then, enjoy your bath,Katara."

She looked at Iroh,speaking again as they headed toward the door of my washroom, "We should go check on Peter's progress for finding you something to wear."

Once they passed through the door and closed it behind them , I could faintly hear his response , "Sounds good,Miss Susan. Also, I believe my tea should just about be awaiting me in my room by now.."

I smiled at them while resuming getting ready for my bath.

I took down my hair and undressed quickly,so very ready for my nice bath.

Stepping over the lip of the tub, I eased myself into the water which was a blissful temperature, and let out a long happy sigh. I am going to enjoy this fully!

I grabbed the tube of bath salts and sprinkled a generous amount in before using my bending to swirl them throughout my water with my free hand before stoppering the bottle and setting it back on the bench that was right next to the tub. I just sat back and leaned my head against the lip of the tub behind me and enjoyed the hot water I had lazily swirling around me for a moment before I went to actual washing.

The water slowed from my influence after a moment or two. Okay,okay,now to get to washing, I thought.

I grabbed the soap and stood to wash myself better,other than my arms and chest and upward. I made quick work of it,though I didn't go so fast that I didn't take time to be thorough which made sure I got to enjoy the soap's lovely scent. I bent a good bit of water and held it over me before slowly releasing it to help rinse off before sitting back down in the tub while I wet and washed my hair.

I ducked under the water,enjoying the feeling as my hair got completely wet in the process. Coming up, I let out a happy sigh,enjoying getting clean and just getting to enjoy my element for a moment. I grabbed the soap again and bring it under water for a second before taking it to my hair,swirling it against my hair in gentle circles from the top of my head to the ends of my hair until it was generously lathered. I put the soap back on the bench before taking a breath and dunking my head beneath the surface again,this time using my fingers to guide and rake the suds from my hair more thoroughly. Since my hair was so long,it took a few dunks to get it all. After three more dunks under water to gently scrub and rake the suds out of my hair, it was rinsed entirely.

I found the plug at the bottom and unplugged it ,letting it drain.

Standing, I gently stepped out of the tub and grabbed the towel. I wrapped it around my body and secured it before leaning my head over the tub and wicking all the water I could out of my hair with my bending,so now it was still a good bit damp but not terribly so,and even more so it wasn't just dripping water all over the place..

After drying off and setting the towel on the hook I slipped the musky purple colored on and sat down at the basin with the mirror behind it,grabbing the comb and getting started on my combing out my clean and refreshed hair. It took a few minutes,but its always worth not walking around with a tangled nest on my head.

I started to go go about doing my usual hair style but decided to do something different for once. I settled for a single long braid for today. I looked in the mirror and smiled. I liked it,and it looked good with the dress I had on as well. The dress looked alright with my necklace as well,which made me even more happy.

I then took the time to put the comb and my bath things back where they were.

Finished with everything, I slipped my shoes back on before leaving my washroom and shutting the door behind me,feeling refreshed and clean and pretty in my dress Susan gave me. That feeling just put a smile on my face, I couldn't help it.

Exiting my room I went to find the others as its probably almost time for dinner .

I wonder what we will be having, I thought as I walked down the hallway to the stairs that led to other other places I had been so far.

Finally, I heard voices not far from where I was,and so I followed them til I reached the room we had dined in earlier. All luck, as I don't have directional sense of this place yet. Either way, I'm glad I found the others.

I pushed the door open to reveal everyone sitting around the table and chatting happily together while awaiting the food to be brought out.

It was a nice sight to behold new friends in the new world we are in and my semi/ex enemy, and his uncle,so now my temporary allies while here at around and chatting together like friends who had known each other for more than a day. It was happy and light and the sound of the overlapping chuckles and laughter brought an infectious air to the room.

I grinned as I approached the table,finding the only open spot left,between Lucy and Susan.

On the other side of Susan was Peter,then Edmund,Iroh,and finally completing our circle was Zuko.

"Hey," I said as I sat down. I got simultaneous greetings from all around the table from everyone.

Susan leaned over and asked me , " How was your bath?"

Leaning in slightly I answered , "It was very good,just what I needed. The bath salts with the dried flower petals are really nice."

Lucy leaned over slightly from the other side of me,and chimed in from hearing the start of our conversation. "You look really pretty in the dress and with your hair that way."

"Thank you, Lucy. I'm glad I tried something different for once with my hair", I told her with a smile on my face. It felt good to hear that.

Lucy smiled wide enough it showed her dimples as she nodded her head.

I looked over to Zuko and Iroh to see them in clean Narnian styled clothes. I must admit they did look nice in their new shirts, Zuko wearing a burgundy colored top, and Iroh a tan one.

I asked looked at Zuko and Iroh and asked, "Did you two take time to freshen up as well?"

"Uh,yeah,um... The washrooms in our rooms are real nice." Zuko answered,stumbling over himself a little bit.

Iroh said , "Yes,indeed we did. Those bathtubs are real nice,big and deep for a proper washing and soak. It was lovely to have a nice relaxing wash and soak. It's been a while since we have had anything that nice."

Peter swept his gaze over the three of us as he said, "Well thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as you did."

Iroh looked at me and smiled, " You look very nice in your new dress. Doesn't she Prince Zuko?"

Not expecting the compliment, I looked at him probably with a surprised expression on my face before saying "oh, thank you Iroh! You two look nice as well."

They weren't my favorite people by any means,but while here we have reached a temporary civil standing,and with that I couldn't deny that they did look nice with those clean shirts and clean hair.

Zuko looked surprised and slightly uncomfortable at his uncle calling him out so to speak,infront of the everyone at the table as well. "Um,yeah.." he was trying not to blush you could tell. I sort of felt for him for it. It's not easy being a teen,and I'm sure its less easy being a teen with Iroh for your uncle at times as well.

I thanked Zuko softly. He nodded his head. I feel he nodded it in welcome and in thanks for my own compliment to them .

Iroh thanked me verbally,not shy to use words at all.

Susan and her siblings simultaneously told all three of us that we looked good in our Narnian style clothes. Murmuring and nodding our thanks, I think we all let out a happy sigh once the door swung open behind Lucy and the aroma of food wafted through before the food was even seen.

A few seconds later Kayleona appeared in the door with a tray of simple buttered croissants and glasses of water. She swiftly came and brought the tray to the table and transferred the oval platter of fresh warm buttered croissants onto the table,then small plates,and our waters. " I will be back with the real food in a moment!" she told us in her soft but happy voice.

I looked up at her before she passed back through the door all the way, "Thank you!".

I looked over to Lucy, "Hey do you know what's being served for dinner?" Lucy looked thoughtful for a second, "I think its roasted chicken? With several complimenting sides..." Susan nodded in agreement as if remembering the same thing.

Iroh spoke up while taking a croissant from the platter to try, "If the smell that came through the door when miss Kayleona brought these out is any indication, I'm sure whatever it is will be excellent."

Zuko hmm'd softly in agreement.

I couldn't argue with that at all. "Good point. Whatever's going on back there does smell real good."

Peter looked at Iroh as he was taking the last bite of his buttered croissant, "What do you think of the croissants?"

Iroh happily told him "Wonderful."

I suddenly thought of something, "Oh, Iroh, how was your tea that you had up in your room earlier?"

Iroh smiled wide, " It was fantastic. It was a spiced plum blend, I think Edmund said." He looked over to Edmund who nodded his head affirming him so.

The door swung open with a soft bang,as several people with their hands full came through.

AN: Okay that it for this chapter!phew,15 pages! I truly hope y'all liked it. Please if you would so kindly leave a review,I'd love to hear what you think. I must admit I was nervous writing Zuko's point of view for the first time. I did my best,and it will only get better from here.

Also,should I switch to another point of view for dinner? And if so ,who's? I was thinking Lucy, but id love to hear what y'all think. Also two new characters coming up soon!