A/N: Thank you so much to everybody for reading and reviewing! You have all given me a much-needed boost through a draining few weeks. We are a few chapters away from a time skip - and also around the halfway point of the first arc – so I figured we were well overdue for some decent Katara and Zuko time. Enjoy!
The sun had set before Uncle returned from the council meeting.
Each hour that passed fed the cloud of uncertainty hanging over Zuko and Katara. The clamour heralding Uncle's reappearance in the wing caused both of the children to jump to their feet, apprehensively heading towards the noise. Uncle looked drained. As he noticed their arrival, he smiled widely. The smile did not reach his eyes; eyes that betrayed an exhaustion that had materialised during the man's absence.
"How was your afternoon?"
The cheerful greeting did nothing to dissuade Zuko. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing is wrong. I was delayed visiting your mother on the way back here," Iroh said. "We received word that your father is heading back to the Palace."
"Father? Why- Is something wrong?" Zuko repeated. "Is he injured? Did something happen at the council meeting?"
"No, he isn't injured. He has been called back to provide information on some movements in the Earth Kingdom. It's nothing to concern yourself with, Zuko."
"But-"
"I went to speak to your mother about the news, which is why I was late. She has asked for you to return home," Iroh's tone was firm, the meaning clear. This was the end of the conversation.
Zuko's shuffled his feet sheepishly. "Yes, Uncle."
"Can I walk with him?" Katara asked, her small voice breaking through the tense silence.
Uncle observed the girl, before nodding. "Yes, but don't be too long."
No words passed between them as they walked past the guards and out into the hallway. Katara appeared to become gradually more uncomfortable with the silence, squirming and fidgeting with her hands as they turned around the third corner in the labyrinth towards his family's wing.
Eventually, an arm was placed in front of Zuko, bringing him to a halt next to Katara. He turned to face her, wishing he could be amused by the emotional contortions playing out across her face. Unlike his sister, Katara seemed unable to hide what she was feeling. It was one of the traits he appreciated about his friend.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Yes."
Katara wasn't convinced. "Because you don't seem to be okay, and I would understand why you wouldn't be okay, because Iroh didn't really tell you why your dad was coming back," she blurted out, speaking quickly as her hands waved around carelessly. When Zuko didn't move to stop her, she continued, sounding increasingly out of breath. "But it sounds like your dad is okay and-and- you're acting weird…and what I'm trying to say is pleasejusttalktome."
It was an odd feeling, watching someone talk themselves into breathlessness just to express their worry about him. Expressing concern for something he couldn't even put into words. Zuko didn't even understand why he was feeling so strange about his father coming back. How could he tell her when he didn't even know? But as Katara tried to catch her breath in front of him, her eyes imploring, Zuko couldn't help but want to try.
"I thought I had longer."
The pleading look quickly descended into confusion. "Longer?"
"Till he came back," Zuko explained, before quickly correcting the meaning of his words. "I mean, so I could improve my firebending before he returned to the Palace."
"I'm sure you've gotten better since he left," Katara said. "Weren't you declaring your prowess earlier today?" she added, a teasing note entering her voice.
"It's not the same," he quietly answered.
Tears threatening, Zuko squeezed his eyes shut and turned away from her. This was ridiculous. There was no reason to be this upset. A shudder passed down his spine as he ran through the last week of firebending lessons, trying to remember if he was any better than when his father had left. Lost in thought, it took a few moments to register the tingling sensation up his arm as Katara's hand brushed against it. Cool fingers skimmed down his wrist, slowly intertwining with his. Zuko opened his eyes to see concerned pools of blue focussed on him.
Katara gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she apologised. "I'm sorry, Zuko; I didn't mean to tease you. Please tell me what's going on."
"I don't understand what is wrong with me. I should be happy. No, I am happy," Zuko said.
"But you're unsure if you've improved enough to – what – impress him?"
"It's-it's not just that. It's to show that I'm taking my position seriously. I'm his eldest child and I'm fourth in line for the throne," Zuko explained, shoulders slumping. "I don't want to let him down. Anything other than excelling in firebending is not an option."
"I'm sure you will be fine."
"You don't know that," Zuko snapped.
Katara winced at his tone but she didn't withdraw her hand. Feeling remorseful, he squeezed her hand back in a silent apology. Katara's resulting smile absolved some of the guilt.
"Could you practise with Iroh?" she suggested after a moment. "I'm sure he would be happy to help you."
"I don't know-"
"Oh! He could train you tomorrow after our joint lesson!"
Katara looked positively victorious at her proposed solution. Zuko couldn't help but feel slightly better at the beaming grin of his friend. Well, it was a start. The excited girl was tugging his arm waiting for an answer. He rolled his eyes before offering a grateful smile.
"I guess that could work," he said. "Thanks."
"Also I've decided that I'm declaring this 'Cheer Up Zuko' week."
The prince narrowed his eyes. "That is a terrible idea. What does that even mean?"
With a mischievous smile, Katara pulled her hand out of his. Zuko tried to ignore how empty it felt to have her hand removed from his grip. He was distracted though by his friend comically winking at him, before bowing deeply.
"Katara, seriously, what are you doing?"
"I am officially declaring myself available to the royal position of Official Prince Cheerer. I wish to be the authorised defender of Prince Zuko's temperament. It will be a temporary role but one that I would be honoured to accept." She gestured in an overly ingratiating manner.
Zuko looked at her in exasperation. At the resulting silence, Katara peeked up from her bow. "You have to anoint me for the position to take effect."
"I'm not doing that," Zuko said, fighting to keep the frustration in his voice as amusement crept in. "You're being silly."
"Ah, but isn't being silly the whole point of this?"
Zuko scoffed, running his hands over his face. "Fine! Can you stop bowing now?"
"Not until you say it."
"I'm not saying it."
"Then I will continue to bow."
"Why do you do this to me? You are the most ridiculous girl I've ever met."
A cheeky grin broke out across Katara's upturned face. "Thank you, your highness."
The prince groaned. "What do I have to do to make this torture end?"
"I can't believe they haven't taught you such a useful skill yet," Katara teased, giggling at his expression. "You obviously have to declare me the Official Prince Cheerer. You may also want to say some kind words about me or express encouragement in my ability to carry out my duties," she continued, before returning her eyes to the floor.
It didn't matter that Zuko didn't know the correct words to induct Katara into her ridiculous role. It didn't matter that Katara wasn't bowing properly and couldn't stop giggling. By the end of the "ceremony", he knew that she had fulfilled her first task in her new role.
He did feel better.
Katara had an uncanny ability to crawl under his skin, ease his worries and make him feel happy. That feeling remained after he arrived home; after talking to his mother, and after fending off mocking comments from Azula.
Even when the fears of the day threatened to sink back into his mind, he found himself brought back to that farce of a ceremony and his giggling friend.
The comedy of the night before dissipated with the reality of the early morning training.
Katara and Zuko followed Iroh through the Palace, taking the path to their usual practice room. Dragging her feet, Katara found it increasingly hard to stop shaking. The very idea of a firebender evaporating her water - taking away the tiny amount of power she had - terrified her. Since the incident in the Palace gardens, both Iroh and Zuko had been particularly careful to firebend as little as possible around her. She appreciated it, but sheltering her wasn't going to work forever.
If she wanted to learn how to waterbend - how to really defend herself - she needed to practice against a firebender.
Against Zuko.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled her nerves. She would not let this element continue to frighten her. It wasn't like fire itself was inherently scary. Back home, fire was used to keep them warm, cook their food and heat metal to forge their tools and weapons. In the Water Nation, fire was a practical tool; here, it was a way of life that pervaded everything. Even as she walked down the now-familiar hallways, torches lined the walls, lighting the way and surging as her companions passed them. Fire was everywhere.
Sucking in a breath, she felt a shoulder bump against hers. Turning to find an encouraging smile on Zuko's face, calmness washed through her. She just needed to think of this as a regular lesson - but one she got to spend with her friend. There was nothing to worry about. Recognising the intention to soothe her nerves, Katara sent back a grateful smile at the prince's efforts.
By the time Iroh had set up the room for them to begin, nerves had transformed into bottled excitement at the prospect of learning something new. Progress in her training had been pitifully slow over the last five months. She knew she had improved. Moving water, controlling its movement between her hands, required less concentration than those first draining lessons. But despite Iroh's calm reassurance that she had improved tremendously, each week had felt like a continuous repetition of the same motions over and over again. At the very least, today's lesson would be something different. Involving Zuko, rather than leaving him a sulky observer on the sidelines, would also have a positive effect on the prince's mood.
Under Iroh's instruction, they began with their usual exercises, designed to warm up their muscles before the lesson. The preliminaries done, the two children stood opposite each other - Katara next to the jug of water and Zuko a few paces from her. Katara focussed on Iroh, Zuko on his feet.
"I understand why you may be nervous about this," Iroh said. "Katara, if you would prefer, I can create a flame for you to douse instead?"
Katara noticed Zuko glance at her uncertainly. She shook her head, smiling reassuringly at him. "No, I'm okay. I want to learn with Zuko," she said, beaming back at Iroh. "I'm ready."
Iroh took a step back, gesturing that Zuko begin. The prince turned his hand over, a small flame blossoming from his palm, flickering for a few moments before growing. Once it had steadied, Zuko raised his eyes to his uncle.
"Right Katara, it is your turn to bring some water up," Iroh explained, nodding as she followed his instructions. "Now, carefully stream the water," he continued as the girl moved the water around until it became a uniform flow tracking her swaying hands. "Excellent. Walk slowly towards Zuko and when you get close enough, move the water in a constant stream in front of you until it passes through the flame. Try and keep your eyes on the water."
Focussing on the movement of her hands, Katara took a tiny step forward and then another until she could see Zuko emerge into the forefront of her vision. The appearance of the prince broke her concentration, the water wavering. It only lasted a moment before she retained control of the water. Breathe in. Breathe out. Fearing the consequences of blinking, she moved closer before the outline of the flame reached her view. She raised her hands slightly and drew the stream through the orange glow, sending hissing steam dancing outwards. Zuko appeared to start at the sound, blinking at the extinguished space above his hands. She sent the remnants of the water back to its vessel. Katara turned to Iroh to see him proudly beaming at her.
"That was an excellent start!" Iroh exclaimed, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "I'm proud of you both."
Despite the initial success, the movements were repeated over and over again for the next hour. Not every attempt worked but Katara's motions gradually became smoother, her concentration holding steady. Declaring that it was time for some tea, Iroh suggested they would change the roles after the break, before hurrying off. Katara was surprised to see Zuko tense at his uncle's words, hands fisted at his sides.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if I can firebend at you."
"Why?"
"Why not? The last time I did, you ended up in a hospital wing."
"Oh," Katara said, wincing at the memory. "But that was an accident. You didn't mean to and no one will be knocking you off balance today."
"But what if I lose control again?"
"You won't."
"Why are you not nervous about this?"
"I am, but I know you aren't going to hurt me. I trust you, Zuko."
Gulping, Zuko stared at her before shaking his head. "I really don't understand you sometimes."
"I know." Katara shrugged, grinning as Iroh rejoined them.
The break passed in the usual way: praise from Iroh, compliments on the tea, stories from Zuko's childhood. When the conversation turned to stories from Iroh's days learning firebending, Katara peeked at Zuko and decided to pipe up.
"Iroh, could you please train Zuko for the next week?"
Iroh stopped talking abruptly, eyes widening. He placed his tea down calmly, looking at his nephew. "Of course," he said. "If that is what Zuko wants?"
Zuko cleared his throat quietly. "I would appreciate it, Uncle."
Poorly concealed concern filled Iroh's eyes as he nodded in agreement. "We can run through a few things after the second half of the lesson with Katara."
Relieved, Katara nudged Zuko in solidarity. She received a soft smile in response, the tension drained from the boy's face. Returning to her half-filled teacup, she caught a glimpse of an unreadable expression on Iroh's face. A blink and it was gone. Distracted, she fiddled with the edge of her cup. She could hear Iroh and Zuko speaking and she lifted her gaze to meet Iroh's eyes. The only response was his usual smile. The strange moment had passed.
With the tea finished, they resumed their positions facing each other. Katara's hands shook, but she drew her water up, holding it in front of her in the familiar stream. Flicking her eyes up towards Zuko, she sent a heartening smile his way. The prince looked paler than usual, but determined. He nodded awkwardly back at her but his lips quirked up at the edge.
Her eyes reverted to the water and she focussed on her breath. Staring at Zuko wasn't going to help either of them. Iroh instructed him through a similar process. The key difference was that Zuko had to increase the intensity of the flame after he moved it under the water, evaporating it in the process. Katara saw his feet shuffle forward carefully as he coaxed the flame towards her. Her heart was thumping in her chest, the sound drowning out the hiss of the flame.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Katara forced her focus back on her element, drawing from its serenity to pacify the fear threatening to rise in her belly. Distantly, she heard Iroh ask a question, which a weak voice responded. A voice that sounded eerily familiar to hers.
Familiar hands came into her vision, an amber flame dancing above them. This close, Katara could discern the variations in colour spanning outwards from the centre of the flickering display. The flowing movements reminded her of the motions of water. They swirled together, swaying together, drawing her in. It was beautiful. Terrifying, but undeniably beautiful.
She looked up at her friend. The fire between them was mirrored in golden eyes watching her intently. Zuko whispered a question. She nodded with a slight smile, before returning her concentration to the water. She let the water overtake her thoughts once more.
Iroh's instructions broke through the moment. The flame sputtered before surging through the water. Evaporated droplets scattered. Katara recoiled at the hiss, squeezing her eyes shut. The sensations overwhelmed her, dragging her memories back to the Gardens. She could feel the heat crawling over her skin again. Breathe. Iroh was saying something in a calm, even voice, but she couldn't make sense of the words that felt so far away. Breathe. She wasn't there. She wasn't covered in fire. Breathe.
She could feel hands grip her shoulders, shaking her. She could hear her name and opened her eyes to see wide, golden ones.
Zuko.
"Katara?"
"I-I'm okay."
Eyes narrowed, Zuko turned to his Uncle. "Is she?"
Iroh crouched in front of her and asked what had happened. The feeling of warmth on Katara's skin had retreated, her heart beat slowing down from its erratic pace.
"I-I just felt too hot. I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologise for. Are you still feeling unwell?"
She shook her head, feeling calmer with every moment passing.
"I think you should take a short break. I can run Zuko through his exercises and we can see if you are able to try again afterwards," Iroh said gently.
Feeling exhausted, Katara nodded and let Iroh shepherd her towards one of the seats. Iroh returned to Zuko, putting a hand on the concerned boy's shoulder and saying a few quiet words Katara couldn't catch. They started to move through some firebending exercises.
Katara watched the hypnotic flow of flames, surprised that this did not provoke the same fear. The distance provided refuge from the heat, the sizzling and the memories close proximity to fire evoked. She could push that to the back of her mind and focus on how different Zuko's lessons were to her own.
Firebenders seemed to focus on power; golden arcs created through forceful movements in contrast to the flowing movements Iroh had been teaching Katara. Despite this, there was a grace in the connecting motions; the sweep of a leg before terminating in a sharp kick, the echoed movements of opposing arms before an arc of fire rose above the bender. For Iroh, firebending was obviously an extension of himself and each sequence was effortless, yet polished. Katara wasn't surprised by this.
However, she was stunned to see that, teasing banter aside, Zuko was obviously right. He was a superior bender to her. He didn't have the refined bending of his uncle and the exercises appeared to be straightforward. But he moved through them with little hesitation and far more ease than Katara worked through comparable exercises. There were a few mistakes made, moments the flow was broken and the prince appeared to be getting gradually more frustrated. These errors were minimal and Katara, impressed by her friend's ability, longed for the day she could spar against him.
Sighing, she realised that, for this to be possible, she would need to get past the events of the Palace Garden. Even, if it was just so she could one day match Zuko in her bending ability.
This was so embarrassing. Why couldn't he get anything right?
When Katara suggested he get some extra lessons from Uncle, their plan seemed faultless. They were wrong. Every mistake caused Zuko to wince, hammering away at his confidence. What was he thinking? Showing his uncle how far behind he had fallen would just lead to another person being disappointed with his bending. It would just highlight how much better Azula was. His elbow shook as he lost concentration. The fire expelled from his fist wavered and expired.
"You're getting frustrated. Focus on your breath. Try it again."
At Uncle's instructions, Zuko dragged in a shaky breath followed by a deeper, smoother one before starting the exercise again. This time the movements held and the flame that surged forward did not falter. It wasn't as powerful as Zuko had intended but he had completed the exercise correctly.
"That was much better Zuko," Uncle said encouragingly. "You know the exercises. You just need to remain calm, trust your ability and I'm sure your father will be impressed."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"We'll try the next sequence tomorrow. I think it's time to see how Katara is going."
Uncle spoke to Katara before she came back over. A moment of trepidation passed between the children as they stood across from each other before Katara leaned in.
"You were great," she whispered.
"Really? But I made so many mistakes?" replied Zuko, unconvinced.
The girl shook her head vigorously. "No, you didn't. You're really good," she said, smiling at him. "I want to be good enough to spar against you someday."
He couldn't help it. Katara's certainty in his abilities elicited a bashful smile and a burst of pride in his chest. "Thank you," he replied quietly, nodding in shy acknowledgement.
Uncle returned, placing a hand on Katara's shoulder. She shut her eyes, physically trying to relax herself.
"Are you ready to try again?" Uncle asked her, squeezing her shoulder.
She nodded and as Uncle stepped back, she pulled the water to her again. Unwavering blue eyes latched onto his, a focus Zuko wasn't expecting lurking in them.
Uncle instructed him through the process again: a small flame blooming above his hands, stepping forward cautiously until the flame was flickering underneath the stream of water Katara wielded. Hesitating, Zuko silently checked how Katara was going. The same fierce determination still blazed within her unblinking eyes. Listening to Iroh's instructions, he slowly breathed in and focussed on sinking his chi into the flame cradled in his hands, carefully giving his flame more juice.
As before, the fire coursed upwards, searing through the snaking water. The stream vaporised, sending tiny beads of hissing water spiralling. Katara flinched, ripping her hands back towards her face. For a moment, Zuko thought that she had returned to the panicked state they had coaxed her from after the last attempt. But Katara's nerves held steady, the trembling hands brought down from her face the only remaining sign of the shock the exercise had caused. Zuko grabbed them without thinking, hoping the action would ease the shaking and the last indication that Katara could be scared of his element. Scared of him. Eyes wide, Katara looked a little shocked at his impulsiveness before an immense grin split across her face.
"I did it," she said brightly.
"You did."
Zuko returned the grin, before a purposeful cough disturbed the moment. Hands were dropped before Uncle even finished the offending noise. The prince could feel his cheeks heating up as he tried to look anywhere but towards his uncle or Katara.
It didn't matter. The embarrassment passed, but the achievement remained. As the next few days of lessons passed, both of them improved in their ability to use their elements together. There were still moments where fear would pass across Katara's face and Zuko would feel guilty again. But their confidence kept building and those moments became less frequent.
One afternoon as they neared the end of their training session, a servant had brought a message for Uncle who had excused himself to briefly meet with someone. He allowed them to remain in the training room until his return. They ran through some more exercises before declaring the training over and sinking into chairs. Tea had been brought in and the two friends chatted as they waited for Uncle to return. More than an hour had passed, and Katara was getting restless.
"Where is he?"
"No idea. He didn't really tell us how long he would be," Zuko responded.
"Should we just go?"
The prince shrugged. "I don't think he would have an issue with that. I doubt he expected to be away for this long," he said.
Katara pushed herself up, before offering a hand. Zuko could have sworn she had a suspicious expression as he grasped it but Katara pulled him up with no issues. They headed towards the exit of the room, passing the jug of water along the way.
An escaped giggle was his only warning before he was soaking in water. Katara had coursed water from the jug and sent it right into him, drenching him in one shot. Blinking wet eyelashes, he glared at the cackling girl. Recovering from the disbelief, he reacted faster than she expected, lunging past her. The prince scooped water in his hands, splashing it towards her. His attempt was not as successful but the surprised look on her face was enough to feel slightly vindicated. Only slightly though. He had a second to react before determination returned to flashing blue eyes. Hands were not going to cut it as a vessel here. Decision made, Zuko turned and sprinted back to the tea set.
"You can't use my own element against me!"
"I think I just did."
"Oh, just try and run Zuko!"
The spluttering threats from Katara made him laugh but he couldn't look back. Sliding slightly as he reached the table, he eyed the fruit bowl. He glanced back at the advancing girl, water held in front of her. He definitely needed a shield. Quickly moving the remaining dishes from the tray, Zuko snatched it up along with the bowl. He spun around and ducked away from the table. She was too close. He was at risk of being hit in the back if he ran.
He had one choice to get the upper hand here. Sinking into a defensive position, he held the repurposed shield up in front of him.
"Come on waterbender, what've you got?"
"Iroh is going to be mad at you if you break a tray that brought him tea. You know that's sacred."
"You're terrible at this. Is that really the best threat you've got, princess?"
Katara snarled in response. Zuko held back at snort. She was clearly more wound up than he had anticipated. If he could goad her into wasting her water, he knew he could outrun her back to the jug.
"Is the Prince of the Fire Nation really defending himself with china and pathetic insults?"
"Why wouldn't I? It's obviously working," he replied, poking his head out from around the shield to wink at her.
Jackpot! He had just pulled his head back when a torrent of water hit the tray. It spilled around the outsides and doused his already wet limbs. But it was enough. Holding the tray between them as he passed her, he dashed for the jug. Katara managed to send some water his way, catching his back, before he could hear her trying to catch him. Laughing, he glanced back and stuck his tongue out at her.
Zuko reached the jug first. Scooping water into the bowl, he jumped back in front of the jug, putting his body between Katara and the source of her ammunition. She skidded to a stop, warily stepping back outside his range.
Zuko smirked. "I feel this game hasn't played out the way you expected."
"Game's not over yet," Katara scowled.
"I'm willing to graciously accept your surrender." He inclined his head but his eyes never left her, waiting for any movement. They had spent enough time in lessons together and he had noticed something. Katara had a slight tell, a hint that she was about to pounce into motion. She had yet to learn how to suppress those movements and if he didn't blink, he could catch her.
"You're kidding me," spat Katara, her eyes steeling. "I'm not losing a water fight to a firebender."
He could see the tell-tale shift onto her back foot. "Well that is where you're mistaken, I'm not-"
Katara sprang into action, diving towards the jug. Zuko was faster. The bowl was soon emptied on top of her head. Letting out an indignant cry, Katara dashed the water from her face and scowled at him.
"As I was saying, I'm not firebender right now," he continued, dodging the fuming girl lunging towards him. "Guess what I am, Katara."
She ignored him. Zuko ducked back behind the jug, splashing more water at her.
"I'm a waterbender!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in victory as Katara sent half the contents of the jug towards him. Zuko fell over backwards, laughing hysterically as more water cascaded down. Eventually, Katara gave up on bending and picked up the jug, tipping the remnants on him before bursting into her own giggles. She lay down next to him, both friends clutching their stomachs and laughing themselves breathless. Jug, tray and bowl were strewn across a floor covered with water.
That was how his uncle and mother found them. Both of them winded, but blissfully happy.
That moment was special.
It had stayed with Ursa throughout the next week, her thoughts often returning to the memory of seeing unabashed joy in her son's face. Seeing Zuko so happy had been a wonderful surprise and one that she did not expect when she ran into Iroh heading back towards the training room.
It was closing in on the winter solstice and the air was crisp as Ursa took an evening stroll through the gardens. Spending time with Katara and his Uncle had made her son happier than he had been in a long time. But she was wary. Her husband was expected back any day now. Among other things, Ozai had inherited the unpredictability of his father. Considering the circumstances he was returning under, it was hard to anticipate his reaction to the changes at the Palace.
Iroh had convinced her that Fire Lord Azulon was accepting of Katara's progress. That praise for her healing had reached his ears. Azulon had also acknowledged to his eldest son that the girl had not brought any particular concern or embarrassment upon him. Most importantly, his decision had not been openly questioned. However, Ursa knew each of these positive signs only provided flimsy building blocks of safety. Despite his convincing words, she knew that Iroh was not oblivious to this either.
Sighing, she returned her mind to that memory. Lost in thought, Ursa nodded absently at the guards as she entered the family's wings, missing the cautious expression they wore. Ursa dragged her fingers across the wall of the old familiar hallway, savouring the texture as she enjoyed the moment of solitude. Both Azula and Zuko had been in bed for a few hours and the halls were peacefully quiet. She turned towards the living area, pushing the door open and stepping over the threshold.
A gasp caught in her throat.
The light from the moon spilled past his outline as he stood facing away from her. Long hair cascaded down his back, past broad shoulders that cut an imposing silhouette. She saw the cut lines of his muscles shift beneath his robes as he slowly turned towards her. Golden eyes assessed her before a self-assured smile lazily broke out across his handsome face.
"Hello Ursa."