"Miss, please, you have to eat something." Jin urged as she motioned to the plate of food standing on the low table in the middle of the room.

Elyrie only shook her head: she was too nervous to eat. She sat by the window and looked out over the ocean.

In the hours following the challenges, her suitcases were moved to the greatest warship in the harbour. She had her own room at the upper level of the ship, with a window opening with a view on the front of the ship. She looked out of the window at the setting sun, which made his way closer and closer to the surface of the water. It was a lovely sight, but she could not enjoy it. She looked at the smaller ship next to the great warship, which belonged to Zuko and Iroh. She had seen Zuko returning to his ship a few hours ago, but had not seen him since. She nervously played with her bracelet, which still had the small piece of paper hidden in it. She had hoped to give it quietly to Zuko, but it all seemed useless now.

An Agni Kai was a duel of honour: 'who cannot live with honour, must die with honour.' Those words were repeated to her again and again, when she was younger. The ancient tradition was used to settle a dispute, but only after Fire Lord Sozins ascent to the throne had the outcome become more deadly. Burning the defeated party had not been enough, she thought wryly. She continued to bite her nails - a rarity, since she had quit that bad habit years ago - and she unable to calm herself.

With a sigh, Jin returned the plate of food back to the kitchens. When she returned, she saw that Elyrie had not moved from her seat.

"Miss, do you need me for anything else?" she asked quietly, not expecting an answer. But to her surprise, her Lady asked her to take down her complicated hair updo. Jin obliged, but looked at her Lady with concern. Lady Elyrie had been kind to her, which was unusual in the Fire Nation. Most noblewomen treated their servants as property or things without feelings. Lady Elyrie treated everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their rank. As her maidservant and official chaperone, Jin had become fond of the girl who was only a few years younger than herself. She loved to talk with her, as they shared the same sense of humour but tonight nothing seemed to distract her.

Without saying a word, she pulled the pins out of Elyrie's long auburn curls. When all her hair was down, she carefully brushed it. Elyrie looked at Jin in the mirror and smiled weakly at her. Jin gave her an encouraging smile, as she knew how much her Lady worried about the banished prince. She had told her about her childhood in the Fire Nation Capital and how she had spent most of her time in the Royal Palace.

When Jin was finished brushing her hair, Elyrie asked: "Do you think I can let my hair down?" Jin frowned, since it was uncommon for engaged women to wear their hair down. It was customary to pin up long hair to signal their status as a woman, instead of a young girl. Only members of the Royal Family were allowed to change their styles, as long as the traditional Fire Nation topknot was worn. But Elyrie looked at her with such sad eyes that she obliged without further protest. "Shall I pin back the front locks so it won't be in your face, Miss?" Jin instead asked as she pulled the hair back to demonstrate. For the first time this evening, she saw a glint of a smile in Elyrie's eyes.

"Thank you, Jin." she replied warmly as she smiled at her maidservant in the mirror.

"Do you need anything else, Miss?" Jin asked softly while giving the auburn curls a last stroke with the comb.

"No, thank you" Elyrie answered, turning around to face Jin. The small smile had disappeared and her face was again strained with concern. She looks so sad, Jin thought. "Why don't you play a little bit, Miss?" Jin motioned to the small piano, "It will be at least an more hour until sunset." The small piano was the one thing Elyrie had insisted on to be taken on the journey on sea. "I have read all my books at least three times already and what else are we suppose to do during those long hours on the ship?" she had asked the captain, clearly not taking no for an answer.

Elyrie eyes lit up at this suggestion. "Why, yes! What a great idea, Jin. Thank you very much", she said with a warm smile at the darkhaired woman. Jin bowed with a smile and left the room to give Elyrie some privacy. She softly closed the door, happy to leave her in a more cheerful mood.

Elyrie walked towards her small piano, which was placed in the corner of the room under the window. She opened the shutter completely and inhaled the fresh air. Then she sat down and lovingly stroked the keys. The lullaby the Fire Lady had taught her kept going through her head. She started to play the melody, softly and surely.

Don't you dare look out your window

Darling, everything's on fire

The war outside our door keeps raging on

Hold on to this lullaby

Even when the music's gone

She sang the simple words of love and kindness, all while trying to control her racing heart. As she continued to play the instrument, her heart began to slow down and she started to sing with more confidence.

Lovely melodies filled her room and travelled out of her window to the deck of the ship. The working crew beneath her window heard her singing. One by one, they put down their work and stopped to listen to hear sweet voice. She did not notice it and sang the whole lullaby, completely losing herself in the music.

In her mind, she saw Lady Ursa patiently teaching her the song. Her small legs barely able to reach the paddles. Lady Ursa stroking her hair. The memories came flooding back one by one as her fingers danced over the keys. Her own mother singing to her with the most beautiful singing voice. Zuko leaning in closer to listen to her.

Her fingers stopped and she gently let the music drift away. After the last notes had died, she heard an applause. Quickly brought back to the present, she looked confused out of her window. Beneath her window, the crew cheered for her and it made her smile and blush at the same time: it had been a long time since she had played for anyone but herself.

She smiled shyly at the crew and bowed her head. When she looked back up, she saw that the sun had almost disappeared completely in the ocean. The Agni Kai will soon begin, she though as she started to turn around. As she turned, a small figure on the deck of the smaller ship beside her caught her eye.

It was Zuko.

Zuko had stormed back to his quarters on his ship. Furious and full of hate, he started to meditate before the Agni Kai. He refused his Uncle or any food as his mind kept racing, like it was refusing to settle down and steady his breathing.

Angry and restless, he started to change into the traditional Agni Kai clothing. He bound leather straps around his biceps and switched into dark red pants. His shoulder garment was draped over his shoulder, but he also added a simple shirt over it. Finally, he left his quarters after hours of locking himself in.

He wandered the ship and made it on to the deck. The blue colour had been replaced with orange and red tones, signalling the approach of the night. The sun is setting, he thought. As he was looking at the enormous war ship beside his own, he felt his anger flare up again. Zhao had everything at his disposal, but he refused to give up without a fight.

He saw Zhao's crew preparing the departure, which only fuelled his anger. He turned around to return to his room, when he suddenly heard soft music. He stopped and listened, not sure if he heard it correctly. He remembered the song: Mother used to play it for me, he though absentmindedly. He noticed that the crew heard the music as well, but after a few seconds he heard a sweet voice fill the air.

Hold on to this lullaby

Even when the music's gone.

Elyrie.

It had been many years since he last heard her sing. She always had a beautiful voice, but now she sounded like Koel-Nightingale. It brought back so many memories of his mother and her, together playing. He was always content to listen, since playing the Tsungi-horn was not exactly his favourite activity. His mother taught her to play and she was an eager student, he remembered.

The crew had stopped to listen to her as well, he noticed. He looked up at the open window and only listened to her sweet voice. After a few minutes, when she was finished, the crew started to cheer. Zuko saw her appear at the window and seemed to be bashful of the attention. She smiled and bowed her head as a sign of gratitude.

Just as she was about to turn away, he saw that she noticed him. When their eyes met, she smiled. Even from such a distance, he saw the small smile that appeared on her lips. She bowed her head to him and closed the shutters.

Zuko knelt in front of his Uncle. He had taken off his shirt and mentally prepared himself. The Agni Kai took place in front of his ship. The harbour had a special plaza for it, in the shape of a rectangle. Red flags with Fire Nation symbols waved on top of the gates, as the setting sun filled the plaza with a orange coloured light. Zuko knew Zhao knelt as well, even though their backs were turned. He had not seen his opponent yet, but he had noticed Elyrie standing on the side. The wind played with her long curls as she nervously bit her nails. He took a deep breath. I will not lose another time, he thought.

His Uncle stood in front of him. "Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." The old man said to him, as final words of advice.

"I refuse to let him win." Zuko said, more to himself than to his Uncle. His Uncle only nodded as he walked to stand next to Elyrie.

Zuko stood up and shed his shoulder garment to face Zhao. Zhao turned as well to face his opponent. "This will be over quickly." he said arrogantly.

Elyrie looked from the sidelines, still biting her nails as she saw the two men facing each other. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the gong, signalling them to begin the Agni Kai. After a few seconds, Zuko was the first to strike. He attacked quickly, shooting blast of fire from his fists and feet. He had become better, she noticed. He moved more controlled, but he attacked in anger.

Elyrie felt the heat of the fire on her face as her eyes quickly followed the duel. "Basics, Zuko! Break his root!" She heard Iroh yell next to her.

Zhao countered the first attacks with relative ease, before he started to counter-attack. His powerful blows were aimed directly at the prince. Zuko blocked the first two fireballs, but the third followed too quickly. Zuko lost his balance and landed on his back.

Elyrie cringed when she heard him groan in pain. Her heart began to race, as she noticed Zhao taking advantage of his fallen opponent. With great force, he landed just before Zuko. As Zhao prepared to deliver the final blow, she closed her eyes as tears pricked in her eyes.

Her eyes snapped back open when she heard Zuko yell. It was not a scream of pain, but a battle cry. From his position on the ground, he spun himself on his arms and kicked Zhao's leg from beneath him. Zhao was surprised by this and lost his stance. Zuko was back on his feet and now had the upper hand. Elyrie clasped her hands in front of her mouth as she watched the men. Zuko continued to attack Zhao with more force, until Zhao tripped and fell backwards. Zuko moved swiftly to him and hovered above him. His fist was aimed at Zhao's face.

"Do it!" Zhao yelled. Elyrie closed her eyes again, unable to watch such a horrid sight. She heard Zuko fire his blast and then silence.

To her surprise, she heard Zhao's voice say "That's it? Your father raised a coward."

She opened her eyes and saw the smoke from the burned ground a few inches next to Zhao's face. Zuko had deliberately spared his life. Instead of delivering the final blow, he showed Zhao mercy. Elyrie's heart filled with relief and warmth.

Zuko looked at his defeated opponent as he straightened his spine. "The next time you get in my way, I promise I won't hold back." He said calmly as he turned his back to Zhao.

"No!" Zuko heard a panicked cry and he immediately recognized Elyrie's voice. Then, multiple things happened in less than five seconds.

Zuko turned to see what caused Elyrie's distress. Elyrie ran towards him, but she did not look at him. Her eyes were fixed on Zhao. His Uncle pushed him out of the way. And before Zuko was able to turn around, he saw that Uncle Iroh had grabbed Zhao by his foot and shoved him back with ease.

It was only then that Zuko realised that Zhao had tried to attack while his back was turned to him. He felt his anger rise again and lunged to attack Zhao, but was stopped by his Uncle.

"No, Prince Zuko, do not taint your victory." He said softly to his nephew, before he turned to Zhao who was still lying on the ground. "So this is how the great commander Zhao acts in defeat?" Iroh said with disgust in his voice, "Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honourable than you."

He turned to Elyrie, who had been two steps behind him, and added more gently to her: "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious."

Zuko looked at the girl in front of him. He noticed trembling hands, but she looked relieved. She had a proud look in her eyes, which he knew was meant for him. He took one last look before he followed his Uncle back to the ship. It was better to leave now before there would be any more trouble.

"Did you really mean that, Uncle?" Zuko asked quietly as they walked back to his ship. His Uncle called him honourable, more honourable than Zhao. After long years of believing he had lost his honour, it made him feel good to hear these words.

"Of course," Iroh replied, "I told you ginseng tea was my favourite." Zuko gave a small smile at these words, feeling reassured.

Back in the plaza, Elyrie looked at Zhao with disdain as he sat on the floor, defeated and humiliated. This Agni Kai had been unnecessary: there was no honour for him to gain by defeating the banished prince. He could have refused the Agni Kai, yet he accepted in hopes of humiliating Zuko. His defeat had been a blow to his ego, but to attack the prince in the back was shameful. She had already noticed he had trouble controlling his temper, but this was disgraceful.

"You better keep your mouth shut next time." Zhao sneered at her suddenly. Elyrie's eyebrows lifted in surprise. He blamed her for his defeat?

"I beg your pard-" she began indignantly before Zhao stood up. He didn't even spare her a glance as he made his way back to the ship. Blaming me for your cowardice? She was boiling with anger as she watched him retreat. She clenched her fists and took a deep breath as she turned around to watch Zuko and Iroh walk away. She wished she could have had a few more moments with them. As she was clicking her bracelet, she felt the note. The note! she mentally slapped herself for not thinking about it sooner. Without thinking, she started to ran to Zuko and Iroh, with two guard quickly following her.

"Wait" she yelled. If there was any moment Zuko deserved his advantage, this was it.

Zuko quickly turned around and looked surprised the see her racing after them. He and Uncle stopped and turned to face her. He already had put on his shirt and frowned at her two guards. Elyrie noticed them as well as she quickly straightened her back and bowed to the pair.

"I wanted to wish you a good journey", she said, slightly out of breath. Iroh smiled and playfully gave her a small pinch in her cheek. "I want to thank you, my dear. Despite everything, I had a wonderful time seeing you again."

Elyrie smiled again at the older man. "I am going to miss you. Both of you." She said as she turned to look at Zuko. Zuko smiled at her, but was surprised when she grasped his hand. She held his hand with both her hands as she continued to look him in the eyes. "I wish you all the luck in the world. Maybe we will see each other again soon."

Confused, he looked into her sapphire eyes when she smoothly put a piece of paper in his hand. Her eyes gave a clear message: act normal. He shot her a puzzled look, but he nodded and bowed to her. She let go of his hand, bowed one last time and smiled again. She turned and walked away, the guards guiding her to the ship.

Zuko returned to his quarters immediately to look at the note she put into his hand. When he was alone, he quickly unfolded it and read the two words.

Kyoshi Island.

He sighed, relieved and surprised. Elyrie apparently knew to which place the Avatar was heading. He had a clue, which meant he still had a chance. He mentally thanked her, but it did not seem enough. So, for the first time in years, he send a little prayer to the Gods.

"Please, give me a chance to see her again."