"We're docking." A crew member said to Prince Zuko. Uncle Iroh was standing next to him and then behind him stood Aiori. She ran over to the side and leaned over, looking at the market place. She had never been to one before, and it looked exciting! There were people all over, some walking, and some selling things in booths. She was used to seeing the same view from her home island, but being on the ship was actually a bit of adventure for her. She had never seen the places outside her Irashimu. Now that she was more comfortable amongst the men, she could take it as an experience. She ran back to Iroh and bounced on her heels in excitement.

"When do we get to look around?" she asked him.

"Right after we doc." He said.

"Not you." Zuko turned and said to Aiori. "You're staying on the ship."

"What?" she was shocked to hear him say that! "But I need clothes!"

"I will send someone to get them for you, then."

"No Prince Zuko, let her come along. She has never seen a market place before. Besides, I will take her with me." Iroh spoke up. He smiled down at Aiori who bounced again with glee.

As soon as the ship was docked, Aiori ran off and looked at the land. There was no snow! She gripped some sand in her hands and let it slip through her grasp. It was all so new. Iroh called her and she followed him. Zuko went off somewhere else. Aiori was looking in all directions, discovering new things. Iroh picked up a white kimono and showed it to her. He also picked up some materials and sewing thread. She wanted to make her own clothes. Other than that, he took her looking for a decent pair of shoes. After that came soap and other small things. Aiori was having so much fun that the day seemed to fly by! Before she knew it, it was sunset and they were walking back to the ship. She stopped when he saw a spear for sale. Iroh watched her walk over and pick it up. "You work with a spear?" he asked. She nodded and spun it around, showing off some of her moves.

"My father taught me how to work with a bunch of weapons." And she placed it back down.

"You know, I think we just might have a spear on the ship." Iroh said.

"Really, can we go check?" she asked.

"Be my guest." And she darted back on the ship and set down the stuff. After doing so she ran down to the cellar and looked in all the corners. Iroh walked in slowly after her and pointed to a tall crate. She ran over and opened it.

"Wow." She held one up. It was heavier than she expected, and the blade was very jagged. "It needs to be sharpened." She spoke up.

"Why don't you keep that one for yourself, hmm? Who knows, it might come in handy one day." And he walked out. Aiori set it up against a crate and began to make her new clothes. As she sewed, she looked at it, admiring it. She was a warrior from the inside out, but hadn't seen any action in so long. She day dreamed about using it to put bad guys at bay, and saving the day as usual. She also dreamed of giving Zuko another beating! It seemed very appealing at the moment until he entered the cellar.

"It's going to be chilly tonight." He told her. She didn't speak up. "There's a spot, near the fire pit, if you want it." And then he turned his back on her and left. Was he being nice to her? Aiori didn't think twice though and ceased the opportunity to sleep comfortably.

Later that night, she awoke when there was a loud slamming noise! She jumped up and looked at the door and saw Zuko standing there in what looked like a robe. He looked upset about something, as usual. Aiori just rubbed her eyes and looked at him the best she could.

"Stop that infernal racket!" he barked.

"What racket?" she asked, confused.

"That howling you were doing! Knock it off!" and then he left, closing the door behind him. Howling? Was she howling in her sleep? Nonsense! But then she remembered that she had dreamed about the wolves back at Irashimu. She had probably been talking to them in her dream, and accidentally really howled in her sleep. Embarrassed to death, she tried to go back to sleep.

"I cannot believe I was howling." She muttered to herself while feeling her cheeks burn. She peeked out the window and discovered the moon was now in a crescent, and it probably caused it. She snuggled her face into the pillow, feeling more homesick than ever. "I wonder how they're doing without me."