Sunrise

The nursery at the Fire Palace was a busy place. Azula was discreetly feeding Roka, on schedule as always. Masanori was bouncing Lu Ten on his knee, while Mai and Amaya rolled the little metal jinglers to Izumi.

Zuko stepped into the room, beaming. "Look who's here." Iroh and Ming entered the room with their baby boy, Kai.

"Hello, my dear ones," Iroh said happily. "I'm told we have a new arrival."

Amaya approached Iroh first. "Hi, Uncle."

Iroh lifted the little girl up. "Hello to you. We did not get much chance to speak at the wedding, but I hope we'll get to know each other better."

"Me too, Uncle," Amaya said. Iroh set her back down.

"And my son, as well. This is Kai." Iroh motioned Ming forward with the baby.

"How old is he?"

"Two months," the general replied.

"Must be a fertility spirit at work," Mai said with heavy sarcasm.

Azula came forward. "Uncle Iroh, meet Roka."

Iroh's large hand gently caressed Roka's head. "You named her after Roku? I am pleasantly surprised, Azula. You surprise me a great deal lately," he said with unmistakable affection.

"Maybe Roka and Kai will be playmates," Masanori said.

"I would not bet against it."

"It could happen," Ming said nonchalantly.

"She likes you, Uncle," Azula said. Roka was grabbing at Iroh's fingers. He leaned in to nuzzle her nose. Roka grabbed his beard and tugged. She had a little smile on her face.

"She causes pain and laughs," Mai mused. "She's Azula's daughter, all right."

"Where are the others?"

"They had some business to finish on the new island, Uncle. We'll all see them later. Azula..." Zuko cleared his throat. "I'd like very much if you would consider a nanny for Roka."

"Why?" Azula was offended. "Masa and I can raise her very well."

"I know that." Zuko didn't take the bait. "But you can't be everywhere. You have your work here, your charity-yes, I know about it."

"Not much gets past you, Mai," Masanori said. It could have been complimentary or suspicious-no one could tell.

Azula rolled her eyes. "I'll think about it, Zuzu. But the decision is mine, understand?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Nor would I." Iroh's eyes made it clear that he remembered his little talk with his niece those months previously.

So did she. "I guess those teas you sent me worked, Uncle."

"You sound surprised." Iroh was needling Azula, but in a good-natured way.

"Iroh. So good to see you," another voice said brightly. Ursa had entered the room with Pai and Suri.

"Ah, grandparents now," Iroh replied with gusto.

"Yes," Suri replied. "It's all happened very quickly, but...I wouldn't have it any other way." She paused. "Gen-ahem!-Iroh, would you be kind enough to give a lady a tour of the palace?"

Iroh smiled. "My pleasure, Mrs. Sun."

"Don't be too long, honey," Ming said.

"Oh, this will not seem long," Iroh said leadingly. And they went on their way.

"I think my mom is a bit taken with him," Masanori mused. "Then again, he has that way about him."

"There's something about this one, too," Azula remarked, her nose wrinkling.

"I'll help you," Ursa said. "I have some experience in this area."

"I can do it myself, Mother," Azula snapped.

"Young lady! I'll have you know I've done at least five-hundred changings, including yours! And I never once stuck you with the pins or gave you a loose fit, no matter how unpleasant your little 'presents' were!" That startled nearly everyone into laughter.

"Very well, Mother," Azula retorted. "I bow to your greater wisdom."

"Ohh..." Ursa blushed as she caught herself. "I just know a few tricks, is all. But I'll share them if you wish."

"Now might be a good time," Azula replied.