Disclaimer: I do not own ATLA or its characters.

The Council


The blazing arc of the sun rose above the edge of the horizon, painting the ocean a brilliant red. Sokka rose with it, stepping out into the first wisps of sunlight, the promise of a new day. Despite the chill of the air, he removed his shirt before he ran through a sequence, the steel of his sword reflecting first his own face, then the brilliance of the morning as he twisted this way and that. This was the only moment he'd been at peace since they had left the Fire Nation.

And it shattered in an instant when he swung his sword around, his eyes meeting Suki's as she stood still as a statue, watching him with a carefully blank expression. "Morning," she said quietly. Then, even softer, "You still practice early."

He set the point of his sword on the ice, and leaned against the crosspiece. "My head is clear right now. Any later, and all I'll be able to think about is treaties and murders."

"I understand," she said with a hesitant smile. "I came to do the same thing."

Sokka scratched at the nape of his neck, optimistic but cautious of this newfound friendliness. "Then you haven't changed, either."

"My schedule's a bit full these days, but I still manage," she confided. "Zuko keeps us busy. And we have other commissions, all over the world."

"I had heard that you've become popular with the Earth King," Sokka said, trying his best to keep the hopeful note out of his voice. His heart was pounding in his chest. He'd been aching to have this kind of talk with her- real talking, not the strange, stunted speaking they'd been doing ever since the Fire Days Festival. "Political intrigues are common enough in Ba Sing Se."

She nodded, nose wrinkled in distaste. "Those are the commissions I'd avoid."

"No doubt they'll help you here," Sokka said, gesturing around them. "Political intrigue in spades."

"I look forward to seeing what you can do," Suki returned, her voice carefully neutral. "I've heard a lot about you over the past year." She broke off with a flush, her eyes training towards him in a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity.

He stifled a satisfied smile. "One does one's best." There was a beat, then he asked the question before his brain could stop him. "Have you been checking up on me?"

"No," Suki said quickly, her brows furrowing. "But, I receive reports-"

"They must be very thorough."

"We're nothing if not thorough."

"It's a good thing you're so well informed, then. How else am I supposed to impress you?"

She stilled, her flush growing deeper, and he could have smacked himself. For a moment, it had been easy, the way it was before. When he could make her laugh with a goofy comment, make her smile with a wry smirk.

"We should go," she said firmly, and his heart sank. "The Council will be starting soon."


This doesn't bode well, Aang thought nervously as he, Katara, Sokka, and Suki followed Hakoda to the Council chamber. The entrance was barred by a gaggle of politicians, their nervous voices burbling like a stream over a stone. They fell silent as the group approached, eyeing them cautiously. Tokala quickly adjusted his parka, sending the row of mink tails sewn across his chest fluttering, and stepped forward. "Avatar Aang," he greeted officiously. "And associates."

Beside Aang, Hakoda's lips pursed.

"I'm pleased that you're here," Tokala continued. "Perhaps with your voice of reason, the Council may actually accomplish something today."

Hakoda's pursed lips shifted into a frown. "Every council meeting is begun with the intention of accomplishing something."

Tokala dipped his head. "Of course, Head Chieftain." His pale blue eyes scanned the company, assessing. "I see your son is joining us." He shifted his attention to Sokka, an indulgent smile on his lips. "I've heard great things about you."

"My daughter, as well," Hakoda added, holding out an arm and placing it gently behind Katara's shoulders. "And the Fire Lord's representative, Suki, Captain of the Kyoshi Warriors."

Though the men gathered behind Tokala had remained silent throughout the exchange, a buzz ran through them at these words. Some leaned in to whisper harried words to their neighbors, but all of them glared openly at both Katara and Suki.

"Your son is most welcome," Tokala said carefully, "but it is not... considered proper to invite women into Council meetings."

"I had a feeling he was going to be difficult about this," Katara muttered under her breath to Aang. She took a step forward. "This isn't the North," she declared evenly. "I understand- to an extent- that you have your traditions, but there is important work that needs to be done that surely takes precedence. Work that requires my help, and Suki's."

Aang nodded, one hand going to rest gently but firmly on her shoulder. "Katara and Suki both have extensive experience in negotiation and mediation. Denying them access to this Council would be a mistake for that reason alone. Among others," he said, his tone as neutral as possible. The urge to defend his wife was overwhelming, but heated words would surely send Tokala on the defensive. "And, the Fire Lord himself selected Suki to represent his interests here."

"I have nothing but the utmost respect, both for your wife, and for Suki," Tokala protested, his hand going to his heart.

"Find Master Pakku," Katara demanded, whirling to one of her father's guards. "He can help set this to rights." She turned back to Tokala. "If Master Pakku can accept the changes necessary to move forward, so can you. Perhaps he can even stand in on your behalf."

Tokala raised one dark brow at her, and Hakoda sighed heavily. "Master Pakku is out of town," Hakoda told his daughter gently. "To assist with training some young benders in the North. He left weeks ago, and he took your grandmother with him."

"And we do not expect him back for many more," Tokala added silkily. "It's a long way away, as you well know. I believe you yourself made the journey during the war."

Katara crossed her arms over her chest and gave him one, short bob of her head.

"All of us have heard of your exploits during the war," Tokala continued, gesturing to the men who hovered behind him like a pack of wolves. "We do not mean to imply that you- or your friend- at not perfectly capable, merely that our cultural traditions emphasize roles that do not include you in certain things. Like councils, for example."

"We are having this Council meeting today," Hakoda insisted in his gravelly voice. "We cannot afford to appear as though Katsuro's death is not a matter of significance to us. And that's not to mention the cost of our continued indecision with regards to the Unity Act."

Tokala nodded. "I couldn't agree more, Head Chieftain. And you will need the assistance of the North in finding adequate resolutions."

"Assuredly," Hakoda replied, his voice a knife's edge.

"Clearly, the well-being of both Tribes and their relationship with the Fire Nation is of utmost importance to you," Tokala continued.

Aang fought the urge to sigh. "That goes without saying, Councilman Tokala. What's your point?"

"My point, Avatar Aang, is that the relations between our great nations hangs in the very balance of this arbitrary-seeming conversation."

"It is arbitrary," Sokka said, his eyes narrowed. "So let's wrap it up and take it to the Council Chamber, shall we? I love a good argument as much as the next person, but I'd prefer to spend this energy reaching actual solutions."

Tokala returned his glare. "You may be flippant, Master Sokka, but this is thousands of years of Northern Water Tribe culture we're talking about."

"We're not asking you to stop worshipping the Ocean and the Moon," Katara said blithely. "We're asking you to make space for us at your table."

"There will be space for you," Tokala replied coldly. "You can sit in my seat. If you are there, my representatives and I will not be attending."

Katara tensed visibly. "I am the Head Chieftain's daughter, the Avatar's wife, and, most importantly, a Master in my own right. I will be attending, as will you. The matters at hand are more important than your feelings."

"I couldn't agree more," Tokala answered delicately. "Certainly, momentous things have taken place that would result in catastrophic national relations should they go unresolved. Sacrifices must be made in order to seek resolution. It is obvious that you understand this."

"I do," Katara said warily.

"I do find it strange, however, that you insist that the burden of sacrifice be shouldered by me and my Tribesmen," Tokala said. "Surely, if the only requirement to join a Water Tribe council is relations to both the Head Chieftain and the Avatar, your esteemed brother would cover both of those requirements?"

"You're willfully missing the point," Katara snapped.

Suki stepped forward, eyes blazing. "And what about me? I am the Fire Lord's chosen representative, which you knew about yesterday. Surely, if this was a legitimate concern, you would have mentioned it then."

"If Fire Lord Zuko was concerned with representation, he should have been more selective." Tokala eyed her coolly. "As it is, he glaringly shows his ignorance in Tribal relations, and, furthermore, begs the question of whether or not a world leader who cannot be bothered to understand his fellow nations is worth parlaying with in the first place."

At this, the groups erupted. Hakoda, Sokka, Katara, and Suki stood toe to toe with Tokala and his Tribesmen, each straining to be heard, to drive their point home. Insults echoed around the frozen hallway, and Aang put one hand to the bridge of his nose. Years battling the Northern Water Tribe's obstinate opposition towards women in power should have alerted Aang beforehand that this was going to happen. He silently berated himself.

The Northern Water Tribe representatives had to be there. Without their participation, there was no point to the Council at all. And with Hakoda's suspicions regarding the circumstances behind Katsuro's death hanging in the air above them, a gray-scudded storm on the horizon, Aang did not doubt that the repercussions could be severe to the point of conflict.

Selfishly, though, he recoiled at the very thought of denying Katara and Suki entry to that council. Katara would be reasonably livid. And that was to say nothing of the fact that it would be her own husband denying her access.

The volume of the argument around him reached an unprecedented level, and he looked up. Globules of water hung in the air threateningly, and the guards on both sides had spears drawn as they stood in a ready stance, prepared to fight.

"Enough," Aang snapped, the frustration in his voice emphasized with a blast of wind that ruffled hair and sent robes flapping.

Silence fell throughout the hall as flames spluttered in their sconces. Tokala was the first to speak, his tone wary. "Avatar Aang... We mean no disrespect, and it is certainly not our wish to call into question the proficiency of either your wife, or Representative Suki."

"But, it appears that their 'proficiency' isn't enough to convince you to attend a council meeting in which they are present," Aang returned.

Tokala's lip twitched nervously, but he lifted his chin. "No. It is not. If you wish to negotiate, it will have to be without them."

"I shouldn't have to tell you that this mindset is a handicap for you," Aang said mildly. "You're denying the voices of half the population."

"It is the duty of the men to speak for their wives and daughters," Tokala protested. "It is not a duty we take lightly; they are to be preserved and protected."

Katara sneered. "But not heard."

"Women hold a revered role in our society," Tokala snapped at her, his patience breaking. "They are mothers, wives, healers. Where our men are warlike, our women are peaceful. The role brings us balance- I should think balance is something you hold dear."

"That doesn't even make sense, and- and 'peacefulness' is not a role that should be reserved only for women!" Suki injected angrily.

"Says the Kyoshi Warrior," Tokala said venomously.

Aang ground his teeth in frustration. "I said enough." He straightened to his full height, bracing himself before he made his decision. "This council must take place, and it must take place with the Northern Water Tribe representatives. Tokala; will you cooperate with the inclusion of Master Katara and Representative Suki of the Fire Nation?"

Tokala's chin lifted. "I will not."

"Very well," Aang replied, trying his best to keep his voice even. He took a deep breath before proceeding. "Then you leave me no choice. Sokka will represent the Fire Nation's best interest, and I will act as mediator. Katara and Suki will instead assume the burden of the investigation of Katsuro's death. Please, let us proceed to the Council Chamber. We have work to do."

Katara and Suki were spluttering, faces bright red, and Tokala had the audacity to look smug as he marched through the frozen double doors. Arrogant jerk, Aang thought furiously. Bracing himself, he turned to Katara and Suki. Sokka and Hakoda stood behind them, equally as irritated, but with a sense of resignation not present in either woman's face.

"I'm so sorry," Aang said to them earnestly, knowing it would not be enough. "This goes against everything I believe in, and you know that." He appealed to both women, his eyes boring into theirs in desperation for understanding. "This has to get done. This has to be resolved, before people suffer because of it."

"People who don't have a voice will always suffer," Katara said. Her voice was flat, calm. Seven years with Katara had taught him that this was worse than yelling. Underneath the cold veneer, she was boiling.

Aang took her hands in hers. "Katara, I don't expect you to accept this or be happy about it. You wouldn't be you if you did. I'd be furious, if I were in your position-"

"But you're not," Suki grumbled.

Aang rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I can't imagine two people better equipped to help with this negotiation, but with the North protesting you at every turn... "

"You don't know that they would protest us," Katara said. "They might agree with us. This might be a step in the right direction for them."

"They wouldn't even enter the Council," Aang countered, hating himself for it. "And that's no fault of yours," he added hastily at the look in Katara's eyes. "Please, try to understand, and know that this doesn't make me happy. At all."

But Katara's face went blank. "Of course, Aang. I'm sure the Avatar made the decision he thought was best for everyone."

Her emphasis on 'the Avatar' made him wince.

Hakoda stepped forward, resignation in his eyes. "We have to go."

Aang nodded, then leaned forward to press a kiss to Katara's forehead. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I love you."

Katara accepted his affection silently before turning away without another word. Suki followed after her, but not before shooting Aang a glare over one shoulder.

"Monkey feathers," Aang swore, drawing one hand down his face.

"Yea," Sokka agreed quietly from behind him. "You've done it, now."


Once Aang was out of sight, Katara's graceful stride shifted to something more akin to stomping, fuming. Or, perhaps, stewing. What did the description matter? Her gut churned. Disgust, anger, helplessness... and betrayal.

Logic reminded her that Aang had made the choice that needed to be made. He was right about one thing; this Council had to take place. The Nations at odds was a precarious place to be, and peace- if nothing else- between the Tribes and the Fire Nation could mean the difference between survival and thriving. A balanced world was all Aang wanted.

But Katara wanted to be a part of that, and instead, she'd been shown the door. "It always comes back to something like this," she muttered under her breath as she stalked down the long white hallway.

"What?" Suki grunted.

Katara's eyes flicked over to Suki's. "There's always someone standing in the way," she said. "Telling me I can't do this, or I shouldn't do that. Can you imagine what they'd say about us, if we weren't willing to cooperate because they were men?"

Suki shook her head. "I understand why, but I still can't believe Aang would..."

"He didn't want to," Katara mumbled. She knew it was true, but she was still too angry to invest much energy in defending him.

Suki frowned, but said nothing.

"Believe me," Katara reassured her grimly, "Aang and I will be having words about this later. But for now, let's just focus on the one thing we're allowed to contribute to. If investigating Katsuro's death is all we have to offer, then I want to be sure that we do the best job possible."

"Is it terrible of me to almost wish that Hakoda's suspicions are true, just to wipe that smug look off Tokala's face?" Suki asked bitterly.

Katara laughed, devoid of humor. "No."

"So, where do we start?"

"The police station, I'd imagine. Let's see where they are with this investigation."


To Katara's great dismay, the investigation was more or less at a standstill. The Chief of Police had already passed off Katsuro's death as one of natural causes.

"It just happens sometimes," he said, real regret in his voice. "He had no marks on him. Quite literally, he's in perfect condition."

"Except, of course, for the fact that he's dead," Katara reminded him dryly."

"Your report says there was a burn mark on the wall," Suki noted as she flipped through Katsuro's file.

The Chief was not impressed. "He was a Firebender. I wouldn't be concerned with seeing water in a Waterbender's house," he said, ignoring both women's scowls. "And, anyway this doesn't change the fact that nothing was wrong with him. Look, the last thing I want to do is undermine either of you. We've heard of both you down here, and we're very excited to have you. I just think you may be a bit over qualified for this one."

Although the Chief had ambivalently agreed to Aang's mandate that the women were to helm the investigation of the Ambassador's death, Katara and Suki left the meeting in disgust. "Well," Suki sniffed, "at least he wasn't sexist."

"I'll take what I can get," Katara agreed as they made their way out of the police station. "But, I thought that their investigation would have incorporated more... investigating."

Suki shook her head with disappointment. They were still making their way down the police station steps when they were stopped by a young man who looked vaguely familiar. He was tall, almost as tall as Sokka, but where Sokka was broad, this man was wiry, with flowing, raven-black hair and an angular face. He cleared his throat as they passed by.

"Hello," Suki greeted him cautiously.

He nodded politely, shifting his gaze between Suki and Katara with something akin to admiration. "You're Katara, Avatar Aang's wife," he breathed. "And Suki, Captain of the Kyoshi Warriors."

"We are," Katara returned patiently, no stranger to people approaching her on the street. "Who might you be?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," he answered, placing a hand over his heart in earnestness. "I'm Kele."

Suki's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Kele," she repeated. "You look sort of familiar. Have we met before?"

"No," Kele returned uncomfortably. "But you may know my father, Tokala; he's a Northern Water Tribe representative. I'm told we look alike."

Katara and Suki shared a look, a mixture of irritation and wariness.

A genuine laugh escaped Kele, softening his angular features. "I see you've met him. Only my father can elicit that kind of response from people."

Suki pursed her lips. "Yes, we- we've met."

"He's a difficult man to be around," Kele said earnestly. "That being said, I can promise you that no one wants better for the Tribes."

"He's got a funny way of showing it."

"That and a great many other things," Kele agreed, but he tactfully changed the subject. "Can I ask what would bring you to the Police Station? There are rumors..."

The wariness, levied somewhat by Kele's candor about his father, returned to Katara in full force. "Aang asked us to investigate the death of the Fire Nation Ambassador."

Kele fell silent, his expression guarded. He opened his mouth several times, as if to speak, but closed it.

Suki raised one brow. "Is there something you'd like to say?"

The young man frowned, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. "That's a complicated investigation. Many different theories."

"Perhaps you'd care to elaborate," Suki suggested glibly.

"I'm sure I can't share any information that the police didn't inform you of already."

Katara huffed out a frustrated laugh. "The police were remarkably unconcerned for a group assigned to investigate a death."

Kele regarded them silently. "Everyone has opinions on Katsuro's death," he said finally. "But, there is a woman here- a friend of mine who owns a popular local restaurant- who could help."

"Who is it?" Katara asked. "Can you take us to her?"

"I can," Kele said. "Her name is Asuna."


Aang settled into his seat on Hakoda's left side, and stared across the chamber to the Northern Tribesmen opposite him. Tokala sat in the center, and a tension grew in the pit of Aang's stomach. Tokala's fingers were laced on the table in front of him, and he seemed almost pleasant, almost placid, as if they were discussing the weather or a local fishing spot, rather than the future of international relations.

"So," Hakoda began officiously, shuffling some papers. "We've commenced this council to discuss two things: first, of course, being the death of Ambassador Katsuro, who's loss will impact us for generations to come. Second, the continuation of our negotiations of The Unity Act, which was indefinitely put on hold, pending review, following opposition from our Northern guests and the aforementioned death. Who would like to begin? The floor is open."

There was mere seconds of silence before Tokala stood slowly, with the bearing of a man who knows the group is hanging upon his every word. "I suppose I'll get us started," he began. "I'll start with the death of Ambassador Katsuro- may the Moon and Ocean Spirits rest his soul." He paused to bow his head, theatrical now that he had the council's attention. "Though it is with a heavy heart that we conduct these proceedings without him, I confess myself confused as to what exactly there is to discuss. Your own Police Chief has proclaimed his death to be of natural causes."

Hakoda's face betrayed nothing. "There are many who do not share his concern. Or, lack thereof. At any rate, the investigation is still ongoing, and a prudent person would not deny that the circumstances are... suspect."

"But suspect of whom, Head Chieftain?" Tokala asked. He gestured to the Northern Tribesmen seated either side of him. "Surely you don't believe any of us had anything to do with it?"

"I pray that isn't the case," Hakoda answered evenly, not rising to the bait.

Tokala only smiled, revealing a row of even, white teeth. "As do I. Though, if we're discussing suspects, you know my thoughts on that subject."

"The Spirits," Sokka said, his tone skeptical.

"I sort of doubt it," Aang interjected, rubbing the back of his head. "Spiritual intervention usually occurs following major traumatic events to people or places."

"You wouldn't consider what happened to the South traumatic?" Tokala asked sharply.

Aang frowned, censured, but Sokka, seated several chairs to the right, stood and cleared his throat. "My sister and Suki will surely provide the answers we're looking for. We shouldn't waste the Council's time on speculation."

"What are we discussing, then?" asked one of Tokala's Tribesmen, a lanky man with a scraggly beard.

Aang leaned back in his chair, eyeing Sokka as his brother-in-law continued. "A situation has arisen- one that, for the time being, potentially links both the Southern and Northern Tribes to the death of a Fire Nation official. Your next move is of the utmost importance. The last time I spoke with Zuko, he was concerned with the circumstances, but refuses to accept accusations of foul play without further proof. He hopes that, even with this overwhelming setback, we might be able to salvage this treaty, and national relations."

"How magnanimous of him," Tokala sneered, settling back down into his chair and draping one arm over the back. "I believe that the Spirits themselves protested this treaty. And why wouldn't they? A treaty with the nation that burned the South to the ground? It is my understanding that the Fire Lord himself terrorized this village."

"I know that Zuko regrets his-" Sokka began, but Tokala waved him off.

"I look forward to hearing his apology," Tokala interrupted sharply. "In the hundred years since the North and South's separation- separation caused, I'd like to add, by the very nation the Southern Chieftain proposes to enter into a trade agreement with- the South has strayed further and further from the Spirits' teachings." Tokala spread his hands wide. "In my mind, there is nothing to debate. Katsuro's death has thrown into sharp relief the failings of our sister tribe."

"Failings?" Hakoda asked quietly, a dangerous tilt to his dark brow.

Tokala nodded. "The death of Ambassador Katsuro is but a symptom of the disease. I know your intentions are honorable, Head Chieftain Hakoda- and let's ignore for a moment the Spiritual aspect of this situation- but how can you even contemplate a treaty with the Fire Nation? They tried to destroy you, and very nearly did. The circumstances surrounding this so-called trade agreement have become fraught with layered political tension. I still say it is not in the best interest of the Tribes, and therefore refuse wholeheartedly to lend my support."

"I can contemplate it because it is time to move forward," Hakoda said firmly. "You're right about many of those things, Councilman Tokala, but how long are we going to keep the Fire Nation at an arm's length before we acknowledge that they are under new leadership? Leadership that I personally fought with prior to the war's end. International cooperation is the key to thriving, and we want to thrive, Tokala. We want to stand on our own two feet again. Is that so very hard to understand?"

"And are we to receive nothing in the way of a 'thank you' for our assistance in getting your Tribe back on its feet?" Tokala asked darkly. "This treaty does nothing but give more power to the very nation that tried to cast us down in the first place."

Sokka cleared his throat. "I will concede to you, Councilman Tokala, that The Unity Act doesn't provide much in the way of amenities to the North, but I was under the impression that that was intentional."

Tokala flushed slightly. "What do you mean?"

"You and your people have made your opinion on the Fire Nation clear- as is your right," Sokka explained. "I wouldn't dream of suggesting that there isn't validity in your opposition, but, as such, the success or failure of the treaty should no longer concern you."

"It should concern you," Tokala snapped. "The Fire Nation's late ambassador snuck all sorts of things in there that might be of interest to the Southern Tribe. Complicated local bylaws that could trap Southern vessels in Fire Nation ports for months at a time, a noticeable expected deference of Southern customs to Fire Nation ones. The list goes on."

"Your concerns are legitimate, Tokala," Aang cut in finally. "But they could easily be remedied. With negotiation. I understand your reticence to work with the Fire Nation-"

"Do you?" Tokala mocked. "The Fire Nation tried to destroy my people, but they actually succeeded with yours. And yet, here I find you, urging me to join hands with them. Even more than I, you should be protesting them at every turn."

At these words, Sokka let out a hiss of anger even as a tremor of anguish, a flash of pain, passed through Aang. He stood suddenly, a physical reaction to an emotional response. The low murmur in the room fell silent at the sound of his chair scraping.

Even Tokala realized his mistake. "My apologies, Avatar Aang," he murmured, inclining his head in deference.

Aang took a deep breath. "You are well within your rights as a nation to refuse collaboration," he said levelly, "but even you can admit that for the betterment of the world, sometimes we have to cooperate with people we'd prefer not to."

Tokala did not appear to miss his double meaning, and grimaced uncomfortably.

"Katsuro and I were in talks regarding this very subject before his death," Hakoda broke in. "I, too, was concerned with the wording of some of these clauses, but Katsuro was working with us. And, I'd still like to move forward with it." His shoulders slumped slightly. "Assuming, that is, that Zuko would still like to cooperate with us pending the results of Katsuro's investigation. As Head Chieftain of my Tribe, I must act in what I believe is the best interest of my people."

"Then you will do it without assistance from the North," Tokala replied coolly. "Can you manage that, esteemed Head Chieftain? Can you manage if I withdraw my advisers, my engineers, my money? Without us, your city wouldn't even have the resources to manage its own sewage. Growth and development would halt in its tracks."

Hakoda frowned worriedly, but Sokka pursed his lips. "Perhaps not, following a couple years under The Unity Act."

"Can you wait that long, Head Chieftain?" Tokala almost crooned.

"No," Hakoda admitted finally. "No, we can't."


Katara and Suki followed Kele as he turned down a narrow avenue, stopping finally in front of Asuna's restaurant. He glanced over his shoulder at Katara. "So, you know Asuna?"

"She's my aunt. I grew up with her." She looked around, in fondness and pride, at the smooth walls of ice, the threshold to the new building. "She started with a food cart a few years ago," she added fondly.

"The Southern locals- and the Northerners, too- come here to eat and talk and commune," Kele said. "Asuna has her finger on the pulse of your Tribe."

"A good lead," Suki commented. "If she's a reliable source, she could come in handy."

Kele swallowed nervously. "She is a reliable source and a good friend, albeit a bit eccentric. But..."

"What is it?" Katara asked, concerned in with his tone.

He looked away. "You'll see." He pushed past the thick furs that hung in the entryway.

Katara and Suki exchanged a look before following him.

"Kele," a round-faced waitress called to him warmly. "Welcome back."

"How is she?" he asked.

The waitress sighed sadly. "She had another episode. She's fine, but she'll be happy to see you."

Kele turned back to Katara and Suki. He jerked his head for them to follow him into a back room, lit with candles, where Asuna lay abed, propped up by pillows.

Katara had feared that she would see a frail image of the robust old woman that she remembered, all withered hands and palsy limbs, but Asuna looked as strong as ever, face bright and eyes inquiring. At the sight of Katara, she broke into a toothy smile. "Kele, Kele, Kele," she called fondly, shaking her head, "You've always had excellent taste in suitors, but at least one of those ladies is a married woman." She reached out with her wrinkled hands to grasp Katara's firmly, and pulled her close. "My dear, you're looking rosy. How are you?"

"I'm good, Auntie Asuna," Katara replied, leaning down to hug her. She sat upon the edge of the bed as she pulled away.

"What brings you back South so soon?" Asuna asked, beaming. "I thought these old bones would be all over in ice before they saw you again."

Katara sighed. "There's trouble, Auntie, with the Fire Nation. Aang, Sokka, and I, and our friend Suki- this is her, she's from Kyoshi- have come down to see what we can do to help."

Asuna leaned back into her pillows. "Trouble, eh? I'd heard something about that," she added conspiratorially. "The people, they come in here and talk, you know, and Asuna listens. I suspect the Avatar will be involved before long."

Katara and Suki blinked at one another in confusion. In the background, a troubled look rose in Kele's eyes. "Yes, Auntie," Katara said slowly. "He's here."

"My little Katara is married to him, you know," Asuna whispered jovially. "Charmed those loose-flowing Air Nation pants right off of him. He was a goofy kid when she met him. Now, he's a man- and wrapped neatly around her finger." She chuckled fondly.

"Auntie," Katara murmured sadly, "that's me. I'm Katara."

A glazed look came over Asuna's eyes, a fog that clouded the bright blue. When it passed, Asuna smiled up at her. "Of course. My Katara." She looked around uncomfortably. "Grab me some tea, won't you? There's a pot by the fire over there."

She pointed to the kettle hanging above the hearth, and Katara patted her hand with nervous affection before pulling a mug down from the mantle above the hearth and pouring in some hot water and tea leaves. She wandered over to Kele while it steeped, whispering to him in a quiet aside. "What's wrong?" she asked, but she already knew the answer.

"It's tundra sickness," Kele answered sadly. "Still early stages." He regarded her seriously. "You're a great healer, they say. Can you do anything about it?"

Katara didn't answer, frowning. She'd heard of the tundra sickness as a child, an illness that started small- skipping little steps in a daily routine, like forgetting to put on shoes before going outside. But it grew in time, until the victim could remember nothing. A soul trapped within a husk. Outside the Poles, there was another name for it. Dementia.

"No," she said softly. "All we can do is make her comfortable. And be patient with her."

Kele nodded sadly. "Well, it's only been a couple months. She's not nearly so far along that she can't answer some of our questions." He strode to Asuna's bed, kneeling beside her and taking her wrinkled hand in his with a warm smile that betrayed none of his concern from moments before. "Asuna, you're looking especially fit today."

"You little charmer," Asuna said coolly, but Katara could sense an undercurrent of real affection. "You still haven't paid your tab from last week. Sweet talk all you like."

"A little flattery never hurt anyone," Kele teased. "But I didn't come here to settle debts."

Asuna grunted. "You try paying for fish with flattery."

"I told your lovely niece and her friend that you had your finger on the pulse of the Southern Water Tribe. Nothing happens here without you knowing about it, you old witch."

She grinned, gaps in her teeth missing like broken windows. "That's true," she conceded.

"Have you heard anything about Katsuro?" Suki put in gently, stepping forward. "The Fire Nation Ambassador? He's- he died under mysterious circumstances."

Asuna leaned back, tucking her arms behind her head in a picture of ease. "Oh, a great many things," she said. "But, information comes at a price."

Suki's lips quirked into a little smile. "And what's the price?"

"My tea. My 'lovely niece' seems to have forgotten about it."

Katara flushed, laughing abashedly before handing it to Asuna, who inhaled it deeply with a contented sigh.

"People like to talk," Asuna began after taking a sip. "They come in here to speak with their friends, boast to their enemies, prattle on about this or that. Lately, the talk has been about this Katsuro and his untimely death. Many people seem to believe he died of natural causes- a bit young, but that's life, isn't it? Not everyone is as robust as I am," she added with a little cackle, and Kele shook his head in fond exasperation. "But there are some others who think something else is afoot. Southerners who hear whispers among Northerners about concerns with our Head Chieftain. They feel we've gotten a bit too close to the Fire Nation. Think we've forgotten about the last hundred years." She tilted her head toward Katara, giving her a strange, wide-eyed appearance. "Getting in bed with the Fire Nation, they say. Forgetting our history. The say we need guidance, perhaps a touch more of the North's leadership. Bah," she spat suddenly. "My Hakoda sees that for what it is. The world has had enough of colonies."

Suki patted her shoulder soothingly. "Hakoda will take good care of the South," she agreed softly.

"And my Sokka, too, in his own turn," Asuna added, looking up at her. "He'll be a great Chieftain one day. Have you met him?"

"I-" Suki sputtered, "I- uh-"

"What have you heard about Katsuro, Auntie?" Katara interrupted, sparing Suki and getting Asuna back on track.

Asuna turned to Katara, and tapped a finger against her nose. "The Northerners think there's a great Spirit here. One who is angry about the way things are being handled."

"Well," Katara murmured, "what do you think?"

"There is what I think, what I hear, and what I see, my little Katara," Asuna replied, her voice dropping low. "I think that the Northerners truly believe there is a vengeful Spirit. They sit at their fires and whisper about how the South is turned, is lost, is confused. How we need a firm hand to guide us. Their anger spins around them like whirlpools, and Spirits can feel that. I hear that Katsuro was healthy one day, and dead the next, and no one knows why, not even the healers."

Suki frowned. "And what do you see?"

"I see him, at night. He wanders the city. He's searching, and he's angry."

"Who?" Kele asked.

"Him," whispered Asuna. "The Albatross. A great Spirit of the South."


A/N: fun fact! This is actually the first whole chapter that I wrote. Because the writing process makes no sense.

Love seeing all these guesses and speculations. We've had a lot of politics.. action is coming soon, I promise.