Chapter 8:

The sun was setting over the horizon. The sky was going from blue to black. The stars shining like lanterns in a black forest. I walked down to the dining hall in hopes that Jaren wouldn't be there. I hoped in vain.

I walked into the room to find Jaren boasting about something uninteresting and the crew looking bored. Iroh was playing Pi Sho with someone, and Zuko was sitting in his usual place, across from mine. I sat and slowly ate the noodles in front of me. I tried to ignore Jaren's voice, but it didn't work.

I walked down to Zuko's room as soon as I had finished eating. As I left I saw Zuko getting up out of the corner of my eye. I walked down to his room and saw Wolf and Lad laying on either side of the door. Ag and Snowthorn were curled up on Wolf's back, Avari stayed around my neck.

I walked into Zuko's room and stood next to Ealorr. He snorted at me and bit my hat in an attempt to cheer me up. I laughed quietly and pulled my hat from his mouth.

"Now I'm gonna have to burn this thing" I said jokingly to him. I pulled open the saddle bag I had slung over Ealorr's back. I shoved my hat inside, next to my quiver, bow, and cloak. I opened another bag as Zuko walked in. It was getting late and Avari was hissing at me to go to sleep.

"What are you looking for?" Zuko asked as he pulled off his armor and I dug deeper into the saddle bag.

"My night dress. I didn't use it when I stayed in the forest, but that was when I slept propped up against a tree. This skirt, well, it's really uncomfortable to lay down in." I explained as I realized that must have left it in my room. Well I was going in there to get it now.

"I might have something you can where..."

I looked up at him and he started to turn toward his dresser.

"Prince?" I said quietly. He turned back and I walked closer to him. I put my arms around his neck and hugged him. "Thank you."