A knock sounded at Iroh's front door. With a heavy sigh he stood up and went to admit his first guest of the evening. When he opened the door Master Piandao bowed deeply.

"Iroh, old friend, it has been too long," said the swordsman. "Especially at our age."

"I agree, Piandao. And unfortunately it is not under better circumstances that we meet." He led his friend into his sitting room. The two sat on comfortable green cushions and Iroh poured them both a cup of ginseng tea. "Although I hope life has been well for you."

Piandao nodded. "Yes. It has been quiet. With the war over I have fewer students seeking out my teachings. I'm still not sure if that is a good or bad thing. How is your tea shop?"

"The Jasmine Dragon is infamous throughout the Earth Kingdom as the best tea in the land," Iroh said proudly. "I have two new apprentices under my command, Keiko and Rumi. Siblings. They are learning very well. I feel confident that they will serve me well when I decide to retire fully."

"And Miss Toph?"

"She is well, as far as I know. She came to visit me in late spring," Iroh said. "Her training is going well. She is a very astute learner."

Piandao raised one gray brow, a hint of mirth around his mouth. "More astute than your nephew, I hope."

"Oh yes." Iroh chuckled. "Zuko never had the patience it takes. Toph is far more suited for it. She will make a fearsome and powerful member to our Order someday." He eyed Piandao over the rim of his cup. "And have you found an apprentice of your own?"

"I've got one in mind." Piandao stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Though I haven't seen him in quite some time. Given these new circumstances, I will likely reach out to him sooner than I had planned to."

Before Iroh asked who he had decided on, another knock came at his door. Iroh went to see who else had arrived. Master Pakku and Master Jeong Jeong stood on his porch. They bowed respectfully.

"Good evening, Grandmaster Iroh," Jeong Jeong greeted. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"Unfortunately this is not a social call," said Iroh. "Please come in and join Piandao and myself for a cup of tea while we wait for Grandmaster Bumi."

The two of them followed Iroh inside.. The masters sat down while the Dragon of the West poured more tea for everyone.

"It is good to see all of you," Jeong Jeong remarked. "We must make these journeys more often. The sands of our time are running low."

"Yes, and the weather is pleasant as well. Much more temperate than the South Pole," commented Master Pakku with a rare chuckle. "I'm not adverse to spending more time in more acclimable weather."

"How are things going down there? I hear your waterbenders are building quite an impressive city," Piandao asked, sipping his tea.

Pakku nodded. "You've heard correctly. Things are moving along quite nicely. I expect construction to be completed by next summer. Soon the Southern Water Tribe will be as formidable as its sister in the north."

"Very impressive," Iroh said. "It is a shame you don't have your step-granddaughter there to help with the building. I'm sure it would be done much sooner if she was."

"Yes, I believe so too. Unfortunately she's with the Avatar in Yu Dao and rarely comes home to visit." The white-haired waterbender frowned disapprovingly. "I should consider myself lucky that I have Sokka to help with the planning. The oaf is actually quite good at it."

None of them missed the affection in the stiff man's voice. Sokka was growing on him, which all of them knew was good for Pakku.

"He never fails to surprise, does he?" Piandao quipped good-naturedly, his dark eyes twinkling in amusement. He was well acquainted with Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe himself, having taught the young boy the ways of the sword.

After a half an hour of tea and catching up, the final knock came. King Bumi of Omashu had arrived.

Iroh opened his door to him and the king bowed to Iroh and stared at him with his wild eye.

"So the Seishin Lord calls on us at last, eh?" Bumi inquired. "I was beginning to think he was going to wait until we joined him in the Spirit World. Ha ha hah!" He snorted loudly.

Bumi joined the others and Iroh served him tea. There was no more small talk or catching up. It was time to get down to business.

"I think you know why I have called you all here. Unfortunately, dark times are upon us once again. The prophecy is beginning." Iroh looked around at his fellow grandmasters, looking each of them in the eye before continuing.. "I am sure you have all felt it."

"I've been dreaming of it," Piandao said quietly, averting his gaze. "Every night for weeks now. The Mother Willow calls to me in my sleep. I was waiting to hear from you, to be honest. I knew what the dreams meant."

"I've been having dreams of the Mother Willow as well," Pakku admitted. "They didn't cease until I decided to come here and meet with the Order of the White Lotus."

Iroh nodded. "Yes, the dreams stopped for me as well as soon as I asked all of you here. That means we are on the right path, and that it truly is time. We know what we must do."

"But we haven't solved the prophecy yet," Pakku argued. "How are we supposed to act if we don't know whom the prophecy speaks of?"

"I think we all know deep in our hearts who this prophecy speaks of," Iroh said quietly. "I for one have my suspicions. Does anyone else?"

"I believe I do as well," Piandao said. He looked to Iroh. "So what do we do now? How do we get this to play out in our favor? In the favor of the world?"

"The fate of the world depends on it, so we better do it right," Jeong Jeong remarked. He stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "I may have an idea."

"What do you propose, Jeong Jeong?" Pakku inquired.

"Are you familiar with the phrase, 'You can lead an ostrich horse to water but you can't force it to drink'?"

Iroh smiled knowingly. "I am, and I believe I understand where you're getting at. We need to bring them together naturally, and allow them to figure this out on their own with little nudging from us."

"Precisely, Iroh." Jeong Jeong nodded. "We must be as the wind is: light, gentle. A carefully placed whisper, a subtle nudge. That is how we will get this to work." The last few years had changed his perspective on life. With the scourge of the Fire Nation behind them, he was able to look toward a future where fire could be more than just a weapon.

Pakku leaned forward. "And how, exactly, do we do that? And how can you be so certain that this is who the prophecy is speaking of?"

"Trust me, Master Pakku, I know." Iroh bowed his head. "My own son, Lu Ten, told me in a dream."

Pakku sat back, dumbfounded and placated.

"Pakku is correct about a plan of action. How do we intend to get them together?" Piandao asked.

The Grandmasters sat in silence as they tried to come up with a plan.

"Why, the prophecy of course!" Bumi burst out. He rapped a gnarled knuckle against the table top. "Have you no brains in those skulls?"

"Care to elaborate, Bumi?" Piandao drawled.

The mad king cackled. "The prophecy, I say, the prophecy! We must send them after the Dark One, I do say, so that the young heroes will save the day!"

"Yes, of course!" Iroh exclaimed. He looked around with a hopeful energy in his eye. "We will send them after the Conduit. I will not reveal the prophecy to them...I will feed them just enough to pique their curiosity."

"And as for the Avatar?" Pakku drawled.

"I will tell him what I know, once the others have safely departed. He needs to know the truth," Iroh said. "He believed his biggest challenge as Avatar was facing off against my brother, but he was wrong. His greatest battle yet is only just beginning."

"My lord, I do hate to interrupt, but I feel we can ignore this issue no longer." The Lord Chamberlain, Mal-Chin, bowed respectfully before his Fire Lord. "My deepest apologies for cutting into your lunch hour."

Zuko pushed aside the bowl of noodles. He hadn't been very hungry anyway. His sleep still had not improved over the last few weeks, even with Alasie's frequent visits. Although maybe that's part of my problem.

He looked at Kiyi, who was playing with her dolls on the floor nearby. "Can you leave us, turtleduck? Mal-Chin and I have some very important matters to discuss that aren't fit for young ears." He smiled at her.

Kiyi sighed dramatically but she got to her feet, her dolls gathered in her arms. "Okay, Zuzu. Can I please come back later?"

"Of course, little one," Zuko said affectionately.

"I love you, Zuzu." She planted a damp kiss on his unmarked cheek before skipping happily from the room.

He turned to the Lord Chamberlain. "What issue would that be, Mal-Chin?"

"There has been talk amongst your court, your Grace. The general consensus seems to be that they think it is time you take a wife and produce an heir."

Zuko's hands curled into fists. "Talk amongst my court, hm? And what concern is it of theirs when I marry? Unless, of course, they want me to court their daughters to earn favor with the Fire Lord and give themselves more power? No, Mal-Chin, I do not think I will listen to a bunch of nobles and their politics."

Mal-Chin started pleadingly at him. "My Lord, I implore you to reconsider. I mean no disrespect but your reign is...tumultuous at best."

Zuko snorted derisively. He could hardly believe he was having this conversation. "And at worst?"

Mal-Chin hesitated. "Weak."

The oil lamps flared in response to Zuko's rising temper. Mal-Chin seemed to shrink even further in upon himself. Zuko glowered at the parchments before him. How dare the nobles of his court speak of him in such a way? He had been merciful to them after his father's imprisonment. Far more merciful than Ozai ever would have been. He could have suspected them all to be Ozai loyalists; instead he had given them a second chance. Wisely he had distanced them from the inner workings of his government until they earned his trust, and for that they should have been grateful.

"And who have they considered to be worthy to be my wife?" Zuko asked his most trusted advisor from between gritted teeth. "Or are they just gossiping amongst themselves like old ladies at teatime?"

"Lady Akemi seems to be quite the popular choice. She is the eldest daughter of General Yoshiro. She is beautiful and intelligent. She has spent time studying political science at Ba Sing Se University, and she is quite the dancer."

Zuko raised his one good eyebrow at this. Why would he care if she was a good dancer or not? It's not like he had hosted many balls during his reign. He was certain he had met her before, but he couldn't place a face to the name. "Who else?"

"There is also Lady Kemeko. She's a few years younger than you, sir. She is also the daughter of Admiral Jee."

Zuko furrowed his brow. Admiral Jee—who had been a lieutenant at the time—had been the ranking officer on his ship during his banishment. He didn't recall Jee ever mentioning that he had a daughter.

"What is she like?"

Mal-Chin seemed to be relieved that his Fire Lord was finally showing interest in women after Lady Mai had left him. "She is stunning, your Grace, and as fiery as a fire lily. She is well-known for her sharp tongue and sharper wit. And I hear she is very talented with a katana. Dare I say she would compliment you nicely?"

"You may," Zuko murmured thoughtfully. In his mind he pictured the beautiful, violet-eyed woman in his dream. Could Lady Kemeko be that woman?

"The last big contender is Princess Saura of the Shimashina Colony in the Earth Kingdom. She is a remarkable beauty, smart, and poised. She has spent her life in the Earth Kingdom and would add to your political prowess."

Zuko nodded thoughtfully. It was a lot to consider. Marrying someone his nobles approved of would do their relationships well. But what if Zuko wasn't satisfied with any of their choices? And where was his choice in the matter?

"My Lord?" Mal-Chin prompted delicately. "May I be bold?"

Zuko looked at him, wondering what else he could possibly have to say. "Of course, Mal-Chin."

"I haven't said anything to you because I believed it wasn't any of my business." Mal-Chin cleared his throat nervously. "But...I am aware of your late-night meetings with a certain Southern Water Tribe diplomat. As your most trusted advisor, I must recommend that you put an end to things with her."

Zuko was hard pressed to keep the shock out of his expression. How does he know about that? Zuko pondered briefly. She's always gone before even I'm awake. It was Zuko's turn to clear his throat. "Yes. That. Thank you for...bringing my attention to that...matter."

Mal-Chin looked relieved that he hadn't incited his Lord's infamous temper. "Of course, my lord. I have your best interests at heart, as I always have. Now, in regards to your potential brides…?"

Zuko sighed, but he was glad to change the subject. "Invite them and their families to my summit, Mal-Chin," Zuko said. "We'll have a banquet after the meetings with the nation's leaders. All of the nobles will be invited. I would like to request the presence of Akemi, Kemeko, and Saura as well."

Visible relief showed across the Lord Chamberlain's face. He bowed reverently. "As you wish, your Grace. I will ensure that all three of the lovely young women are there for you." He backed out of the room. "Your nobles will be pleased."

Zuko snorted once again after Mal-Chin had left. He couldn't stop the immature roll of his eyes either. He stood up from his desk and went to the window, momentarily forgetting the ever-growing stack of paperwork for him to deal with before the day was over with.

With his arms folded behind his back, Zuko surveyed the Capital City from his vantage point. It spread out across the bottom of the volcanic crater it was situated in. It started with the marketplace and the homes of servants, artisans, and low-level government employees then continued up to a residential district where higher-ranking government and military members and their families resided, as well as Zuko's own advisors and cabinet members. Finally, walled off from the lower half of the city, like a city within a city, was where the noblemen and their families resided, with its own market, restaurants, and entertainment.

At the peak of all of that was the Royal Palace, where he lived, alone and secluded.

Zuko sighed in resignation. Perhaps it was time to seriously consider marriage and children. He decided he would go into that banquet with an open mind and give the girls an actual chance before he made up his mind. Of course, if he did fancy one of them, courting them would have to ensue before he would even entertain the thought of marriage. How tedious. At least he hadn't had to do any of that with Mai. She had known him, and he had known her.

He thought about how nice it would be to be on the road again. To be free to be able to do and feel what he actually wanted, instead of what others expected of him. Zuko never thought he would miss his banishment so much.

He would have to talk to Alasie. Their apparently less-than-secret tryst would have to come to an end. Zuko hoped that she would understand, and that she had not grown too fond of him. She should have known that nothing serious would come of it anyway.

"Alright, we're all ready to set sail," Hakoda said to his son. "Are you ready to go, Sokka?"

They stood on the dock on the outskirts of the Southern Water Tribe. The last of the provisions for the three-week long journey were being loaded onto the water tribe ship.

"Are you kidding? I've been ready for the last two weeks!" Sokka replied enthusiastically. "I can't wait to see Suki." They started up the gang-plank.

Hakoda raised a brow at him. "You're not even the slightest bit nervous about proposing to her?"

Sokka shook his head. "Nope! I know she'll say yes." And all of my friends will be there, he thought but didn't say. He wanted to surprise his dad by not telling him Katara would be there. He'd gotten hers and Aang's letter—Toph's as well—almost a week ago.

Hakoda laughed. "I wish I'd been as confident as you when I asked your mother to marry me. I was a nervous wreck."

"Wait, you were worried Mom wasn't going to say yes?" Sokka asked, confused. "But I thought you guys loved each other."

"We did. But your mom...I felt like she was out of my league. She was so beautiful and kind and smart. I was just a hunter." Hakoda shrugged as he stepped onto the ship. "I felt like she could have done much better than me."

"But look at you—you became the chief of our tribe," Sokka said.

Hakoda smiled. "I know, son. And apparently your mother saw something in me too, because she said yes with no hesitation. I know Suki will do the same for you."

Color rose in Sokka's cheeks. "I hope so, Dad. I really love her."

"I know you do, Sokka. And I believe she does too," Hakoda told him.

Sokka reached into his pocket and pulled out a gift wrapped in white silk cloth. He untied the ribbon holding it together. "This is the necklace I carved for her. I wanted it to be special."

Hakoda took the necklace from his son gently and looked it over. It was undoubtedly an impressive piece of craftsmanship. It hung on a blue silk band. The stone was made of jade. Carved into it was the symbol of the Water Tribe above a carving of the fan of a Kyoshi warrior. Although Sokka disagreed with many of the outdated traditions of the Northern Water Tribe, he had liked the idea of betrothal necklaces ever since he had learned of them.

"Do you think she'll like it, Dad?" Sokka asked hopefully.

Hakoda wrapped an arm around his son and hugged him closely. "I think she'll love it, Sokka."

Sokka beamed proudly and turned to face the north, where his love waited for him.

Katara carried the last travel bag out from their home and set it down beside Appa. She petted his soft white fur absently while she turned to find Aang. She found him with a group of the Air Acolytes who had come to see them off on their trip. She decided to walk over there and check on them. If she wasn't careful, Aang would spend the whole day telling them goodbye.

"That's everything, Aang. Are you ready to go?" Katara asked.

Aang looked over at her and beamed a smile at her. "Sure, sweetie. I was just telling everyone goodbye." Momo leapt up onto his shoulder and he scratched behind the lemur's ears affectionately. He turned back to the Air Acolytes. "Well guys, you know what to do. Me and Katara will be back soon. Take care, guys!"

"Bye, Katara!" The Acolytes waved to her.

Katara returned the gesture with a smile. It wasn't fair for her to take her frustrations at Aang out on them. They were really nice. "Bye, guys!"

With that Aang wowed his disciples with a gust of air that carried him and Momo onto Appa. With a wind whip he brought the final bag Katara had brought out into Appa's saddle. Katara climbed up the sky bison's tail and settled herself into his saddle. She waved goodbye to the Air Acolytes as Aang called out, "Yip yip!" and Appa rose into the air.

"First stop, the Beifong Metalbending Academy. Next stop, the Fire Nation!" Aang said.

"Well, we'll have to make a few stops for rest along the way," Katara pointed out with a laugh.

It felt amazing to be back in Appa's saddle with an adventure at hand. The wind whipped against her cheeks, bringing color to them, and the sky was cloudless and the most perfect shade of azure blue. The summer sun was warm on the top of her head. A light, weightless feeling encompassed her. Katara threw her head back wildly and yelled up at the sky.

Aang looked back over his shoulder at her and smiled warmly even though she couldn't see him. He hadn't seen her so happy in a long, long time. He turned around and tugged on the reins. "Appa, yip yip!"

At his command, the bison put on a fresh burst of speed.

Toph was waiting for them outside of her academy. Her students were there as well, looking a bit lost. She had done her best to prepare them for her absence, but she could tell they were going to miss her. And if she was being honest with herself, the Blind Bandit was going to miss them, too.

"Don't sit on your lazy butts and get rusty while I'm gone," Toph told them harshly. "You better practice your forms every day. If I come back and you haven't improved an inch, I'll show you the real meaning of pain!"

"Yes, Sifu Toph," her students chorused back to her.

"Look, Sifu, the Avatar is here!" Botan exclaimed, grabbing Toph's arm.

"Oh yeah, I'll get right on that," Toph muttered sarcastically.

"Sorry, Sifu."

Toph felt the ten ton bison land on the grass before her academy, and felt Aang land lightly on his feet in front of her. He noticed that she had gotten taller since the last time they had seen her. She had really grown up from the twelve year old girl he had first met when he was searching for an earthbending teacher.

She punched his arm affectionately. "Hey, Twinkle Toes. You ready to invade the Fire Nation or what?"

Aang laughed. "I'm glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor, Toph."

"Not in your life, Twinkle Toes. Where's Sugar Queen?"

"She's really impatient to get there so she decided to stay with Appa," Aang replied with an elated grin. He looked at Toph's students and waved. "Hey guys!"

"The Avatar," came the reverent whisper.

"Don't get soft on me now, you guys," Toph growled at her students. She turned back to Aang. "Okay, let's go."

Toph climbed up the Appa's broad tail, taking Katara's proffered hand before she settled into the familiar saddle. Aang lifted himself up onto the bison's head and directed Appa into the sky.

"I never thought I'd say this, but I actually kind of miss traveling like this," Toph said.

"It grows on you," Aang replied.

Toph smiled. "It really does."

Outside, a small knock sounded on the back door of the restaurant in the upper tier of Capital City. He looked around nervously. Rarely did he leave the comforts of the Royal Palace, but this was a message too urgent for one of his messengers to send to his higher-ups. An opportunity was opening itself up.

The small window in the door slid open, and amber eyes stared at him. "What beast rises at daybreak?"

"The Mighty Dragon of the Sun," came the reply.

The window closed and a moment later the door opened, bathing the dim alley with yellow light. The visitor entered and bowed low to the person who had admitted him.

"I must speak with Ukano right away. I have important information for him," said the visitor.

"I was wondering what this was about. It is not like you to present yourself. You usually send one of your spies."

"Yes, but I believe this is too important to trust with someone of such low status."

The man considered this before nodding. "Come with me, then. I will see if Ukano will take visitors."

"Thank you."

He followed the man down a narrow back hallway. The man stopped beside a cupboard and opened it, sliding away the false back that hid a set of stairs. They descended into a secret underground room. Other members of the New Ozai Society were gathered there, some of whom he recognized from the palace. Most of them held important positions within Zuko's government. It had taken years of careful planning and maneuvering to accomplish that.

"Wait here," said the man. He disappeared down the hallway.

"Must be big news if you're here in person," one of them said.

The visitor nodded. "Yes. I must speak with Ukano."

"Hmph."

Moments later the man returned and beckoned the visitor forth. He followed the man to a closed door. His guide bowed with respect.

"Ukano will see you now." With that, he took his leave.

The visitor knocked, and a voice on the other side called him in. The room was large and opulently furnished with Fire Nation propaganda from the war. The man he had come to see sat behind a large desk beside an empty hearth. Ukano had aged in the five years since he had been deposed as governor of New Ozai. Grey hair had sprouted at his temples and in his beard, and his face was drawn and tired. He eyed the visitor with curious surprise.

"This is a first. What information do you have that would be important enough to warrant a visit in person?" Ukano inquired. He gestured for the visitor to take a seat.

The visitor bowed deeply before sitting. "I have finally convinced Fire Lord Zuko to consider taking a wife, sir."

"Never speak of that disgrace with that title before his name!" Ukano roared. He unclenched his fists and exhaled through his nose. "However, that is good news. Very good news, indeed. And did you recommend the suitable partners we have cultivated for him?"

Lady Akemi and Princess Saura's fathers were loyalists to Ozai. Their daughters would be able to feed information back to the New Ozai Society. Lady Kemeko and her father, the traitorous Admiral Jee, were to act as a foil. Some people had wondered if it was a good idea to include a woman who wouldn't further their agenda, but Ukano was confident that Zuko would choose Akemi or Saura over the admiral's daughter due to their fathers' superior political standing.

The visitor bobbed his head. "Yes, sir. He has requested they attend a banquet he will be hosting after his summit with the foreign leaders."

A humorless, dark grin crossed Ukano's face. "All the better, Mal-Chin. Things are progressing nicely. Soon, we will begin to enact our plan. Mark my words: by the turn of the season the true Fire Lord will be restored to his throne, and the glory of the Fire Nation will be realized once and for all!"