Disclaimer: Not mine.

Author's Note: So I decided to get back into the swing of things after like a year..break. Anyways, since I have to get all my thoughts together, here is...plot movement. Yes.

It wasn't that Toph neglected to tell others about all the thundering feet under them, as much as she realized that it really wasn't the right time to mention such a thing. After all, they were walking along trying to find the exit when realistically she could of just created a path for them. Of course, that might also lead to horrible death as thousands upon thousands of creatures descend on them.

So, here they were walking along trying to be really quiet.

Toph walked over to Gimli, sightless eyes gazing at nothing. "I like this place." She confided to him, quietly.

She sensed him looking up at her.

"I would of liked to meet the lord of this place."

He still had hope, his heart beating steadily. She didn't have the heart to tell him that none lived. It was not her place, caustic as she was, she would never be this cruel.

At least Aang has elected to be quiet, bouncing along ahead as a scout along with Legolas.

It really wasn't necessary. From what Toph could sense, the ground was rich with iron. It told her a story, of all that died on the rock. Of those who bled out before they could be saved and the age of the land. Unlike home, the rock sang a different song to her. Deeper below, there were an even richer vein of metals that had the strongest vibrations. Much like the ones on Frodo's chest.

Oh, how much she so wanted to bend this rock and to shape it to her will.

She could smell the rich metals of the weapons that the others carried, and the armor. And plans began to form in her mind. If she were ever pulled into a battle, those very weapons and armor would be their doom. Not to mention, the earth itself was never their ally and never will be-not with her commanding it.

She knew she would have to do this. Aang would never purposely kill, it was against his beliefs and she respected that. She also knew that everything here was sharp and pointy and made to kill. As his friend, she had a duty to keep him alive-no matter the cost.

Even if he does not approve of her methods.

She could deal with his fury.

Not with his death.

Back with the other group of adventures, they were relaxing regardless of whether or not if they need it.

Katara wasn't against resting, as much as she wasn't thinking about Aang and all the trouble he could get by himself. It wasn't that Aang looks for trouble as much as it looks for him, and then he rushes off to go save someone.

"BOOOMERAAANG!"

Hmph, at least someone was having fun. Her brother loved this. After putting his foot in his mouth a few times, who knew the female elves looked much like their male counterparts? There were so many blonde haired and pale faced people here. They'd never seen that many in their home, or in any other kingdom.

Her brother was sometimes a little idiot.

But she loved him all the same.

"Katara." Ah, it was Prince Zuko. The fire nation prince stopped a foot away from the river. "We have to talk."

"There is nothing to talk about." She raised her arms, two tendrils of water rising with her.

"Yes, there is."

The water continued to rise, following the motion of her hands as she practiced her stances.

"About what happened in the Earth Kingdom."

"I don't want to talk about it." Smoothly, she sank down ignoring the coldness of the water. Her home was far colder.

"But I do."

"I don't." The crack of the water whip only emphasized her words.

She could feel his stare, and she wondered silently how long it would take before he walks away.

She continued through her stances, imagining Aang just next to her going through the same movements with a grace she could never copy. She knew that the Avatar would be better than her and that she would be hard pressed to match him. What she also knew was that despite all that power and skill, Aang was never dismissive of her and no matter the situation she would find a friend in him. He was humble and forgiving-more than her.

Would he had talked to Zuko? She lost her mother to his people, the other waterbenders in her village. Aang...Aang lost everyone he ever knew. And yet he is still able open his heart to them. Why...would she be able to do that if she ever found the person who killed her mother? Would she?

"I like how soothing water bending looks like." Katara launched the icicles before she could register the voice.

The water splashed harmlessly on the ground as she controlled herself before it managed to spear the older man. Iroh had his hands raised defensively, eyes wide. He stared at her before starting to laugh-a full belly laugh.

"Ah, perhaps I should have announced myself." The wrinkles in his face crinkled as he smiled. "I don't believe I formally announced myself, I am Iroh."

"Katara." She walked out of the water, drying herself instantly. "Sorry about accidentally attacking you."

"Haha. No worries." He waved his hand. "I may be old, but I am not that old." He patted his paunch stomach. "But that is not the business I wished to speak to you about, I would like to invite you to tea."

"I would love to."

He held out his arm for her to take, before guiding her back to one of the open faced rooms.

"Lord Elrond told me that in a few days we should be able to leave. He's waiting on news from one of his allies." He began the conversation, to cover the slight awkwardness of walking in silence. "Hopefully the young Avatar has not gotten himself into too much trouble."

A lengthy pause filled the void as Katara considered those words.

"Yes, hopefully."

To the left, she could see Zuko practicing his firebending. As always, he had an audience. The elves were rather intrigued in their abilities, more so in Zuko's ability to produce flame from nothingness. They were also interested in her abilities, but Zuko's had more flare and less limitations than hers.

"He will be a good teacher, once he masters himself." Iroh's soft voice broke through her concentration. "Once he accepts himself, flaws and all."

Katara reminded silent, staring at the ground. She knew what he might ask of her.

"And then, then when he will learn how to ask others for forgiveness."

A/N: Yaaar.

So..what do you guys think?