Disclaimer: I do not own A: TLA

Argh! I'm a bad, bad author! It's been months and months! And after months and month all I can do is grace you with an impossibly short chapter. Please forgive me!

Chapter 8

(Mizoku)

I was left to mourn alone for two days after the death of my parents. Everyone but Zuko, Iroh and Kiki assumed I was mourning for the loss of both my parents, as the story of their demise had been concealed to protect my dignity. Suddenly there came a knock at my door, jerking me out of my thoughts. I had been so wrapped up in them I had hardly eaten or slept. "Come in," I called rather detachedly. Was that me? My voice sounded so small.

"Lady Mizoku," It was Zuko.

"My Lord," He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

"There are some people who would like to condole with you," He said simply. I sighed.

"I suppose you'd better send them in," I said wearily. I knew exactly what kind of people I would soon be meeting. Friends of my father's who would tell me what a good man he was, what a tragedy his early death was, how he will be greatly missed and will surely make it up to the high plain of heaven to live in eternal bliss with the Highest Lord Agni. I would be forced to agree and pretend to be sad that he was gone. And all the while I knew that the most recognition my mother would get would be that she was a good wife, a good mother. But she was more than that, and he was far less. The first well-wishers were a Lord and Lady who often attended meetings with my parents. "A terrible, terrible loss," the Lord said, shaking his head and helping himself to my tea. I nodded silently.

"He was… a good man," His wife agreed after a pause. The look in her eyes told me that she had seen through the lies that hid my mother's bruises. "And your mother, she was the strongest woman I ever met," Her husband looked up sharply, as this was a rare compliment to give to a woman.

"Yes, indeed she was," I said firmly.

"So sad you should be made an orphan so young," The Lord cut in quickly. My mind went blank. Orphan? To me, the term 'orphan' meant the tiny little children living in the gutter with no parents, not a young lady soon to be married. And in an instant, I felt as small and helpless as that tiny little child in the street.

The next few couples were similar, then a few of the young ladies turned up, most looking for gossip. One girl came in, enveloping me in a hug and saying how sorry she was for me, before continuing, "Oh, it's so tragic how your parents died… How did it happen again?" Needless to say, she was asked to leave quite quickly afterwards.

One nice surprise was that Lady Timane came to see me, and we sat for a least an hour talking quietly. I was surprised how articulate she was when she was more relaxed. All too soon the end of the day came, and I was left to my thoughts.

(Zuko)

I had been called to a meeting by the council to discuss my marriage choice. I grudgingly obliged, even though I really had no patience with the old men. In my opinion, they should have been executed along with my father, but I knew I had to cooperate for the time being.

"Ah, Lord Zuko," Greeted the Chief Advisor. "Welcome. Have you made your choice?"

"I have," I said stiffly. "I have already proposed to Lady Mizoku and she has accepted me,"

"My Lord, you surprise me," He replied, after a long pause. "Lady Mizoku is hardly considered marriage material. Indeed, after the untimely and highly suspicious death of her parents, we are considering stripping her of her ladyship,"

"What?" I demanded sharply, rising out of my seat.

"Well, her father was often displeased with her, and there is an up and coming Admiral we are quite keen to give a place in the palace…" He trailed off, and the other advisors shifted uncomfortably around the table.

"I forbid it," I said instantly. "That wing of the palace is hers by law and you have no right to flout the law,"

"With all due respect, my Lord, you hardly know what is expected in this situation,"

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I roared, losing all my former patience.

"Please calm yourself, Lord Zuko," Uncle said from beside me. He then turned and addressed the chief advisor. "My nephew is correct. Lady Mizoku is nobility by law, and therefore is eligible for a match with the Fire Lord," The Advisor grumbled his agreement, but I felt that this was far from over.

(Mizoku)

I was alone in my room for a few hours after Lady Timane left. I sighed to myself, too tired to cry, but too awake to sleep. I was just lying on the sofa when there was a knock at the door. Again? I thought, getting up and straightening my dress. "Please, come in," I called. Zuko's face appeared and I relaxed some. "Zuko, thank Agni. I was afraid it was another noble," The corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. But there will be fewer and fewer of them through the next few days, and once the funerals are over you will be left in peace,"

"Thank you,"

"I did nothing,"

"Yes, you did," He didn't reply.

Still not the end... Anyone got any suggestions?

Miss SJB