The village had a wall, but no real gate. A lattice door made of leather was propped in a narrow gap. Zuko realized it was more about keeping the polar bear hounds out than as protection against an invading force. Back then, the first time, Zuko had just seen the snow wall as a pitiable attempt at defense.
His cousin had been right; they never stood a chance.
The gate was pulled back slowly. As it inched to the side, Lu Ten and Zuko rode forward. They waited patiently for the villagers to clear the way. Zuko could hear the straining grunts of children as the gate stuttered open.
He frowned.
Lu Ten glanced at him before shifting over in his seat.
"You shouldn't glower so. It puts them off." He whispered.
"Sorry." Zuko replied and tried to keep his face neutral.
Lu Ten rode in first and, though his back spasmed in protest, Zuko followed after. He knew how it must have looked, riding in on war mounts; he had always been aware of how things looked after the Agni Kai. Bursting the shore and breaching their wall, coming down a gangplank flanked by guards, it had all been in the presentation.
The village now was as it had been then, older women grabbed small children to their legs. They were too frightened to speak, and even the children stayed silent. There was only Sokka, with his warrior's paint, glaring up at them.
Pausing for a moment, to let them all see him astride a beast that was almost as dangerous as himself, Lu Ten allowed the fear to linger but not turn to rage. He swung down gracefully, took off his helmet, and gave a polite bow to the gathered villagers.
"I come on behalf of my father, the Fire Lord Iroh, to pay restitution for our crimes against your people." Lu Ten began as Zuko also dismounted. His cousin gave a broad sweep of an arm and the supply sleds were brought around.
"My father offers his most humble apologies for the reprehensible capture of your Benders. We come now with an affidavit from your King in the North." Lu Ten continued and gestured offhandedly to a guard. The other figure stepped forward and handed him a scroll, sealed with blue wax and spilling red and blue ribbons out one end.
"I offer peaceful transport for the Waterbender who resides here. My ship will take her to the North Pole where she can be trained, properly, and bring back the power to your," Lu Ten hesitated as his eyes flickered over the small number of faces. "Tribe." He added firmly and in a manner that made the homes and people feel smaller.
Zuko, who had been staring at Sokka's twisted face, now scanned the group for Katara. He couldn't see her, nor had he been able to see any orange. Perhaps Aang wasn't here, or perhaps he had learned to wear other clothes.
"Wood and wheat won't bring back my mother." Sokka spat out and Zuko looked back at him. Lu Ten gave Zuko a knowing look and sardonic smile before turning to address Sokka.
"Your mother will be returned after her training." He said. Sokka's face colored, even under the paint.
"You KILLED her! Six years ago!" Sokka bellowed. Lu Ten's face fell into a scowl. He sighed as he began to squeeze the bridge of his nose.
"There's not even a Waterbender here." He muttered to himself. Zuko shifted on his feet uneasily. He glanced about again for Katara, but did not find her.
"My grandfather, the late Fire Lord Azulon, was misguided in his attempt to hunt down the Avatar. It is unfortunate what the raids caused, and my father is seeking to correct that course." Lu Ten said with barely restrained irritation. He relaxed and started to smile.
"If there is not Waterbender here, we will leave the supplies and return to our ship." He added and the soldiers began to untie the supplies. Lu Ten took a few steps forward and held out the scroll to Sokka. To his credit, Sokka didn't even flinch.
"This is the treaty my father signed with King Arnook. Take it. You can use it if you ever travel." Lu Ten added as Sokka took the scroll. After giving him a curt nod, Lu Ten turned and walked to the sleds. Zuko lingered, as Sokka looked at the scroll in his hand.
"I'm sorry, about your mother." Zuko said, his voice halting. Sokka looked back at him, his eyes hard.
"My-" Zuko cut himself off and cleared his throat. He didn't know if his mother was dead in this timeline. "I'm sorry." He said again and turned away.
At least Aang wasn't here. At least Katara was safe.