The sequel to 'On the Ice':
Spring talks
By Eva aka Pinkfox
"What's going on there?" Aang frowned at the cluster of people at one corner of the catamaran he could see through the window. He, Katara and Sokka were seated in a small cabin, reviewing proposed amendments to the peace treaty from the Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom and Northern Water Tribe.
Katara looked up from the scrolls she was studying and also frowned. "I have no idea." She stood up and headed to the small window. "It looks like someone is angry?"
Sokka joined her at the window. "What now?" He sighed.
Aang also joined them. "Let's check it out. I think we are due for a break anyway."
Together they left the small cabin and headed over to where everyone was standing around. Hakoda and Pakku were glowering at a small girl dressed in a blue parka. She was trembling and fat tears dripped down her cheeks.
Aang gently pushed his way forward, followed by Katara. "Oef!" Suddenly the little girl flung her arms around his waist and burst out in noisy sobs, burying her head in his robe. Aang instinctively wrapped his arms around her before he looked down. "Miki? What are you doing here?"
Miki didn't reply and only buried her head deeper in Aang's robe. Aang took a moment to sit down on the wooden deck and maneuvered her to sit in his lap, her head tucked away in the crook of his neck and his hand rubbing reassuringly down her back. Then he looked up. "What is going on here?"
"We found here tucked away in a corner of supply room." One of the warriors stated. "We brought her back up and called for Chief Hakoda and Master Pakku."
"She stowed away?" Katara exclaimed. "But we have been at sea for almost two weeks. We are almost in Ba Sing Se."
Aang turned his attention to Miki. "Miki, calm down." He gently shushed her and pried her head out of his robe. When she had calmed down, he asked: "Why did hide on the ship, Miki?"
To be continued in 'Spring talks'. The fic can be found on my profile.