Misadventures in Narnia (Eventual Zutara,with a hint of Iroh Wit)

by AaralynnEmereldEyes30

Say,what happens when katara ends up in Narnia with Zuko and his uncle after they were attacked by a rogue firebender and two sandbenders? New adventures, funny moments,learning a whole new world and learning to work together with and get along with her groups personal enemy? and maybe eventual friend ship and or more? what in the world!

4. Chapter 4

Hey guys, I hope yall enjoy chapter 4

ps I own nothing but my own ideas and kayleona.

**Oh, also, someone that read part of the fic so far pointed out that in chapter one I mention lucy by name before she is introduced to katara and zuko and iroh,and a few point of view swapping around on accident.. so sorry bout that. I just dont know how to or how easy or hard it is to go back and fix so I wanted to mention it here before diving into the next chapter. So,um, sorry bout that everyone, I will be more careful bout those things. I thought I had been, but I suppose not as much as I thought. I was also very tired and excited which probably didn't help in the matter.

Anywho onto chap 4!

Chapter 4

~ Lucy Point of View~

I along with everyone else turned our heads to watch the food come in,all curious to see what was in store for our dinner along side the roast chicken I happened to remember it being mentioned in the kitchen earlier as Susan and I had been walking past this morning.

Kayleona and several others came through the door bringing in the food,plates,bowls and utensils.

They took turns expertly reaching between us to place everything onto the table.

Once they were done only Kayleona remained,who beamed,looking pleased with the outcome at the table. She then stepped forward and starting pointing and listing off everything that lay in front of us.

"Okay,so this evening we have rosemary roasted chicken,mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots,boiled cabbage and onion in butter with salt and pepper,and white pea and corn soup. Any questions?"

she looked amongst us when she asked the question.

We all shook our heads no.

"Thank you ,Kayleona,everything looks and smells wonderful!" I told her.

Katara spoke up as well, "Thank you, I can't wait to try everything!"

Iroh gave a hearty, 'Mm-hmm' in agreement with our statements.

The rest nodded and or murmured smaller agreements to what Katara had said out loud.

Kayleona cheerily said , "You're welcome everyone. Oh,also I will be right back with drinks for you."

And with that she spun around and went back through the door.

I started getting down to business by grabbing plates and taking one for myself before splitting them and passing half to my left and half to my right. Edmund did the same from the opposite side of the table with the stack of bowls.

Once we all had our dishes distributed amongst us, we took turns passing stuff around to serve ourselves a little bit of everything,it seemed. Everyone was keen to try everything. It was nice.

As we started to dig in to our first tastes of our meal, Kayleona was back with drinks, water and sparkling plum-apple cider. She swiftly set down both pitchers and the drinking glasses and left again.

We passed around the glasses and chose our drinks pretty quickly. We all decided to try the cider.

It was lovely,everyone liked it.

The food was absolutely wonderful! Everyone seemed to like everything.

I glanced to my left at Zuko and asked, genuinely curious, "So what's your favorite part of the dinner, Zuko?"

He looked up at me,pausing from taking a bite of the cabbage and onion. He looked down at the bit on his fork then back up at me and said quietly, "This, I think. The chicken and potatoes are really good too."

He then looks to his uncle and asks, " What about you,uncle?"

Iroh pauses his forkful of glazed carrots and looks thoughtful for a moment. "Hmm... I think I find these as well as the roast chicken most delicious."

I smiled.

So we went around the table and got favorites from everyone,and this is how it went: Katara's were the white pea corn soup and the mashed potatoes, Susan's were the roast chicken and the mashed potatoes, Edmund's were the mashed potatoes and the onion and cabbage side, and Peter's were the roast chicken and glazed carrots. Oh, and mine were the roast chicken and mashed potatoes and the glazed carrots.

I couldn't help but to be curious, I've always been the curious one. It was just my nature.

I mean , I'm sure my siblings are also curious about our guests, I am just even more so.

" So," I began after polishing off my mashed potatoes and carrots, " What's some of the food like in your world?"

Katara smiled from my right, before starting the conversation , " In my tribe we have many fish and sea life related dishes, many of which include traditionally curing and treating the meats we acquire . So many of them are old and full of tradition that were passed down through our generations. A few that are staples as well as my favorites are : blubbered seal jerky, salmon jerky,five flavor soup,and sea prune stew. Sea prune stew is especially a favorite of my brother and I. Our Gran-Gran makes the best."

I could tell she loved and missed her grandmother by how her voice carried such fondness as she told us about her stew being the best at the very end. I could also see it in her eyes.

Iroh spoke up next , " The Fire Nation has many dishes to offer,and most of them are absolutely full of flavor,and can often be quite spicy. Fish and meats are generally roasted,while rice and vegetables are boiled. Two popular dishes that are also my favorites are : roast duck and spicy noodles."

Zuko grinned at his uncle , " You forgot flaming fire flakes,uncle. They are a popular snack food in our nation and its one of my favorites,as well as his."

Katara looked at the two guys across from her with a small half smile,probably appreciating their light banter.

She then spoke up again , " Aang told me that the Air Nomads were known for light and fluffy custard tarts. I don't really know much else about their food,sorry."

Iroh chuckled lightly, " I do! Remember , I have been around long enough to have learned a few things,heard a few things. I recall hearing that they were also fond of moon peaches, mung beans and sprouts, and sweet buns."

Katara looked with interest at Iroh. "Thank you. Aang hadn't shared too much with me and my brother other than the tarts, we had come across something that sprung the memory of learning to make the tarts with his mentors."

Iroh nodded his head in her direction.

"And that leaves?" Susan asked.

Zuko met her eyes briefly as he answered, "Earth Kingdom. Their food is similar to Fire Nation,just flavorless in comparison. From our experiences here's some of their dishes that stand out : dumplings,deep fried pickled radishes, steamed buns ,and moon peach cakes. The dumplings are basically a common staple that are actually pretty good. The fried pickled radishes are a bit of a snack food, the steamed buns have dessert versions and non dessert versions. And,last but not least the moon peach cakes are sweet desserts usually made at celebrations,festivals, stuff like that."

I couldn't help myself , wistfully sighing I said , "Honestly all of that sounds so interesting and wonderful. I'd love to try it all!"

My siblings smiled while shaking their heads at my love for trying new things with such earnest,especially food,and learning about traditions and cultures.

Iroh chuckled warmly " there is so many good things to try all around our world. Maybe one day I could try to make something similar from our nation here,with yours' and the chef's approval and probably even assistance,of course."

"Oh, I'd love that,thank you!"

Peter spoke up,giving me a smile , " I don't see why not, I will mention it to Adalburt and Yuko in the morning ."

Iroh clasped his hands in front of him in a happy gesture, "Wonderful, I can't wait to see what I am able to do!"

Zuko gave his uncle a slightly incredulous look, "Uncle, what can you actually cook other than the basics?"

Iroh gave his nephew an incredulous look in return , " Now Zuko, I know you may not have seen much of it when I have had to cook in our travels,but I learned to cook the real stuff back home growing up. One of the cooks back in the day had a soft spot for one such as myself that wasn't just a curious young lad but also eager to learn,and so I did from time to time on lazy summer afternoons when we took a few weeks break from lessons for family and festival. I can actually make quite the delectable roast duck with rice and a few vegetables when I have the time and proper resources!"

Zuko looked surprised for a few seconds before the look turned into what I could describe as a knowing smirk.

He commented, "Why am I not surprised," the hint of the smirk in his voice leading him to sound slightly amused.

I smiled to myself while watching the two of them before pushing my empty plate away from me slightly. I was mostly full at this point, the food too good as always is so far.

Shortly after doing so, I noticed the others doing the same with their dishes.

The door swung open, revealing Kayleona; who stepped forward and asked, " Would anyone be interested in dessert tonight? Adalburt made a rustic pear tart this evening."

That sounded so very good, Adalburt had already shown in our short time here already how great he is at not only cooking,but baking as well.

I spoke up, "That sounds delicious! What do you guys think?"

Everyone else nodded or commented a simple consent.

I spoke up again "Would you mind just bringing everyone a slice of it please?"

Kayleona smiled and nodded before disappearing again,the door gently swinging shut behind her.

Only a few moments passed of us talking about desserts in general,before the door swung open once more to reveal

Kayleona carrying a big tray in both hands.

Katara stood and offered to Kayleona, "Would you like me to help pass these around to everyone?"

Kayleona looked surprised.

Katara spoke again, " I don't mind,where I come from helping out is a huge part of our community."

Kayleona let a small hesitant smile cross her features. "Okay,then! Thank you."

Katara smiled back at her before stepping to the tray and grabbing two plates at a time and started passing them around and grabbing more,and passing those around until everyone had a plate before them.

Kayleona thanked her as she went back to sit down.

Katara nodded,smiling before turning her attention to her plate of dessert.

I looked down at my own,it looked pretty good , the thin sliced pears arranged on a flaky crust that was expertly folded just so around the edges,baked to perfection,and it smelled just as good.

Iroh exclaimed my thoughts exactly, " This looks and smells heavenly!" before taking his first bite and emitting pleased hum.

Witnessing how much he enjoyed his first bite spurred me to go ahead and not wait a second longer to take my first bite.

I hurriedly grabbed my fork and broke into the crust and a tiny bit of the fruity insides.

It was so good, I ended up letting out a hum of satisfaction of my own taste buds, and soon everyone was commenting or letting out the same hums from our wonderful dessert. It was so good we ate it practically in appreciative collective silence.

We all let down our utensils and there were sighs and small groans of contentment and of being possibly too full,

though surely it was that as the food was way too delicious.

I turn at the sound of someone yawning to see Katara yawning beside me, and before the long well earned yawn is finished,Susan on her other side lazily lifts her hand to her mouth as she fails to suppress her own yawn.

Iroh chuckles before emitting a brief yawn of his own before saying, " I think by starting of the yawns,its time for this old man to turn in for the night,its been quite a long day,for all of us."

I nodded in agreement as a yawn forced its way over me and I am now part of the yawning party.

Peter teasingly says, "oh enough of that, we get it its time to turn in!Hopefully you lot won't get me started!"

A soft giggle escaped me.

Together, we pulled ourselves from our seats at the table and slowly parted ways to prepare to go to bed ,saying softly murmured 'good nights' to one another as we exited the dining room.

I myself was going straight to my bed chamber.

Iroh said so himself and it was true,that it has been quite a long day for us all. I was so tired myself,more so than I usually am,so I know the others were as well,no doubt,especially our guests.

Upon entering my room, I took off my shoes,leaving them next to the door and softly padded to my wardrobe to grab my night gown and change. I went to the washroom to change and to do my other nightly things such as my teeth and brushing my hair.

Yawning once more, I blew out the the flame from my small oil lamp that I had lit on my bed side stand before peeling back the soft cover and sinking into my soft bed,and I was pretty much drifting off to sleep instantly after I turned onto my side.

-Katara's POV-

After entering my room, I stretched my arms over my head and arched my back slightly,leaning into the stretch a bit for full effect,popping my back in a few places. It felt great.

I then went to my wardrobe to grab the night gown from Susan. I grabbed it and draped it over the top of the door of the wardrobe as I leaned down to take off my shoes. I smiled softly at the fact that I could see just enough with out a candle or a lamp tonight due to the fact that there was full moon light streaming through my window and illuminating the nearby area,aka my dear little wardrobe and the short distance to both the bed and washroom.

I took off my dress and hung it up in my wardrobe and slide my night gown over me.

I'd decided to leave my hair in the braid, I could always let it down in the morning.

I walked over to my huge beautiful bed,that suddenly looked so inviting, as I'd suddenly felt so very tired.

All of today felt so very long,and parts of it so long ago,no wonder I'm suddenly ready for the comfiest looking bed in all of existence.

I peeled the cover back and crawled into the bed and let out a tired ,blissful sigh. It was so comfortable and so inviting, I just had a feeling that I was going to sleep very well. I drew the blanket all the way up to my chin and snuggled in to the comfiest position quickly and my eyes drifted closed after peacefully gazing on the soft moonlight that was cast upon my floor through my big window.

The next thing I knew I was waking up to the sounds of birds beyond my window.

I opened my eyes as I stretched while still under my covers. I looked over to the window to see the soft moonlight from last night replaced by soft warm light of the sun drifting through. The way it looked, I could somehow tell it was still early in the morning.

After a moment, I flung the covers from on top of me and got up. I walked over the the wardrobe to change into a dress,stretching and yawning as I do so. I went for the other dress this time.

After changing into my dress and slipping my shoes on I went into the washroom to look at my hair in the mirror.

It wasn't too messy from sleeping in it,but it felt nice enough as for the temperature in the air that I wanted to take it down. I rarely wore it entirely down. I looked over my reflection after undoing the braid, beautiful waves in its place.

My hair looked really nice down in waves with this blue dress that Susan gave me. I smiled to myself as I left the

washroom.

I walked over to my window to look out at the early morning view.

Beyond my window I saw lush green gentle rolling hills with small clusters of trees here and there, the small clusters casting small but still inviting shadowy forms to just one side of each tree cluster. The rolling hills weren't steep in the slightest,they were big and lazy in a sense. In a beautiful way. It made me want to relax just from gazing at them from my window. A few soft puffy looking clouds stood out in the pure joyous blue that was this morning's sky. The perfect view from my window,aside from a natural body of water.

I decide I want to explore a little bit.

After pulling my door closed gently behind me I head down the stairs and just follow the hallway that looks somewhat familiar, and after a turn or two I suddenly smell something in the air. Its the scent of freshly baked bread or bread-like baked treats. It smelled heavenly, and with humorous timing, my stomach growled.

Well ,that solidified the decision to follow the scent of the baked something.

After another turn and a small stretch of hallway, I come across the door that the smell seems to be coming from. I also think I recall passing that door on our tour of the castle yesterday.

I placed my hand on the door and pushed it in,slowly poking my head through the door just a small bit,trying to get a look at what was giving away the wonderful baked smell that led me here.

I saw the chef and Kayleona at a counter off to the side,seeming like they were talking softly and assembling ingredients for something, and to the left of them,on the part of the counter that was closer to me was a long basket full of little baked bun looking things.

I inhaled deeply and let out a wistful sigh, letting my presence known by doing so, as Kayleona looked up and saw me. A look of slight surprise which quickly turned into a smile as she greeted me. " Oh! Good morning,Katara! Do you need anything?"

I tried to ignore my warming cheeks as I smiled in return, " Good morning! I woke up not long ago and decided to wander around,and well after a while I could smell the scent of fresh baked goods in the air. So, I followed it til it led me here. It smelled so good I had to check it out! I hope I'm not intruding in your morning routine or anything!"

Kayleona shook her head back and forth, " No, of course not! Oh,we made sweet buns with fillings this morning; half with a custard filling,and the other half with a small bit of chocolate as the filling. I'm sure you will love them. Would you like to try one?"

My mouth watered at the description of the what I had been smelling. Nodding slightly I told her, "Yes,please! I'm sure I will! You had my mouth watering as you were describing them."

Kayleona giggled before swiftly grabbing a large napkin and plucking one bun from both piles and onto the center of the napkin before handing to me. "There you go! Need anything else?"

Suddenly a cup of tea sounded so good to go along with my sweetened buns. "Um, yes, I was wondering if you had made any tea yet this morning?"

Kayleona said with a smile, "Yes, you actually have perfect timing! The pot we put on for ourselves is almost done cooling, and you are more than welcome to a cup of it! This morning's tea is a vanilla-caramel tea,it will go great with those buns!"

She went over to a big kettle that was still softly billowing steam from its spout after grabbing a cup from a shelf that was nothing but cups on the way, and began pouring me a cup. Once she finished she asked me, "Would you like a little sugar in it?"

That sounded perfect so I said sure.

After she spooned a little sugar in it and stirred it she handed me my cup.

"Enjoy!" she told me as I made sure I had a good hold on my cup of tea and my napkin with my buns.

"I will,thank you!" I told her as I made my way to the door to go find a nice spot to sit and enjoy my lovely little breakfast.

It had looked so nice outside from my window, I decided to try to make my way out there for a little while.

After a few turns and a hallway or two, I finally found the big door that led to outside. Once I had closed the door behind me after stepping through, I took a breath of the fresh air and stilled to enjoy the soft breeze that was passing me before continuing to find a good sitting spot.

I started walking out into the grass that was across from where I had come out the big door, and I ended up walking along a slight curve of a small hill. Once it leveled out, I looked beyond my immediate path and saw a few of those small inviting clusters of trees not too far. Away. I walked towards them, and once I was a bit closer the second cluster looked a little better,had a little more shade to offer and one of the trees was big enough to lean against.

A moment later I arrived at my spot and sat against the biggest tree in mostly shade, the sun softly beaming down from the distance casting a soft warmth over me that was just right. I set my buns in my lap and took a sip of my tea,a slow long sip that was oh so wonderful. It very well could've been the perfect cup of tea as far as I was concerned at the moment. After another sip I place the cup down on a flat spot I'd found beside me and turned my attention to the sweet buns that were in my lap. I picked one up and bit into it. A perfect small explosion of a mild sweet flavor that had to be the custard filled my mouth. The bread was fresh,soft and mildly sweet itself,so it was the ultimate combination. I took another small bite before swapping to the chocolate which to my surprise was even better than the custard,though both were amazing. I happily went back and forth between the two small buns til they were gone and finished off with the blissful last sips of my tea which,as Kayleona said went really well with the little treats.

I placed the cup and napkin down beside me and just let my eyes roam over the sights surrounding me.

The lush green grasses that stretched on and on, the blue endless sky that was the perfect shade and that was now entirely cloudless, the trees with the warm tones of bark and green leaves that was shades darker than the grass, and a few of which if you looked closely were looking like they were about to start changing colors for fall.

It felt open and inviting here. Peaceful.

Its so very nice how content I feel right here and right now, I pondered. I let my lips curve into a natural smile,accepting my pondering thoughts as I enjoy the nature around me lazily in this early morning , in this new beautiful place we happened to fall into.

~ *~*~ Meanwhile,back in the castle ~*~*~

~Zuko Point of View~

I woke up feeling the most refreshed in a very long time. I had slept extremely

well. I laid there just taking it in for a moment,how good I had actually slept and how scant what I'd previously

thought what decent sleep actually wasn't in comparison.

I stretched my entire body before finally opening my eyes. I see soft but inviting sunlight drifting through my window. It was a beautiful sight to see when first waking up.

No need to keep the sun waiting any longer, I'd already slept later than I usually do. I could tell despite being in a new place,a new world. Time to greet the sun and then a little bit of meditation.

I grabbed the blanket and flung it off of me before sitting up and swinging my body around so that I was sitting on the side of the bed,feet planted firmly on the cool floor. I stood and stretched my arms above my head,turning gently one way,and then the other way,earning a few pops in my back.

I walked over to the sun-soaked window, and gently grabbed both sides of the window sill and leaned into it while soaking up the sun for a few moments,my eyes closed. I inhaled and exhaled slowly before opening my eyes and taking in the morning view. Same view of mountains in the very far distance, and the open rolling green grasses between here and the mountains,and the peppering clusters of trees strewn around. The brilliant bright sunlight and the endless clear blue sky made the sight beyond my window even more inviting. Warm and clear,but not too hot. The combination made for a very nice day.

I sat right in front of the window cross legged and and relaxed before inhaling slowly in the soft sunlight coming from the window in front of me,starting my morning meditation. I made it a shorter session than my usual as I wanted to go outside.

So after getting up and putting on the burgundy top and dark blue pants and slipping on my shoes I was leaving my room.

I wonder if anyone one else is awake I thought as I started going down the stairs at the end of the hall which led to the rest of the castle.

After a few turns and hallways I came hear soft voices around the next corner. I followed it, curious. After turning the corner I saw the door to the kitchen. I slid the door in so that it was open a fraction and turned my head so I was getting a look with my better eye. I saw the cook and what I could only guess was his younger assistant both at a stove , the cook dropping what looked like pasta into a large pot,and his assistant was stirring something next to him in a slightly smaller pot.

The cook paused and swerved his head in this direction, he must have heard the soft swing of the door. He saw me and a smile overcame his features before he call out to me in a jovial and sincere voice, "Good morning!"

I made quick work to shift the startled look on my face to a small smile. I replied with my own ," Morning," my voice still gruff from sleep.

The man could probably tell as such and chuckled before stepping from the stove and coming over til he was a few feet from me. "Would you like a cup of tea or anything? We just finished brewing our second pot of the day,we have plenty to share!" he offered me.

Tea actually sounded good. I nodded my head yes before uttering a soft 'thank you'.

Hearing my acceptance, he instantly went and whisked a cup off a shelf full of them on his way to the kettle that was hidden behind the big pots currently in use on the stove. He poured me my tea and as he put the kettle back he asked "Would you like any sugar or honey or milk in your tea? It's a black tea with blackberry leaves this time,a hint of sweetness but not too much."

"A small bit of honey sounds nice,thank you." I told him.

He grabbed a jar from a nearby small shelf and a spoon as well and quickly dished out some of the honey into the cup,gave it a stir and handed it to me.

I thanked him again before slipping through the door with my cup of tea.

After walking this hallway the rest of the way and a few more turns, I made it to the big door that led to the outdoors.

After letting myself out and closing the huge door behind me, I headed for the grass and walked along the edge of a small hill that was to the left slightly and then sat where it leveled off before the next one started.

I turned to my cup of tea and took a long sip,savoring in its taste. I looked down into my cup and swirled what was left of the tasty liquid before downing the rest.

I set the cup in the ground beside me and I just decided to do something I hadn't had the freedom to do in a long time,truly relax. I laid down in the grass next to my cup on my back, my right arm draped over my eyes ,shielding

them from the sun. I let out a long breath which turned into a content sigh and closed my eyes.

It was sort of strange just being able to relax ,actually relax and it not be only an attempt to do so while in my room on the ship or whatever corner of a space that's 'mine' that I am sharing with uncle at the time or whatever. I'm getting to do so outdoors,freely without worrying about someone seeing me or questioning me or anything worse.

It seems so small but, at the same time it wasn't. This is the first time since my banishment I have felt close to free for a moment,able to relax. Not feeling the need to look over my shoulder, or be bout constantly wary of others aside from my uncle,its nice.

A soft breeze blew over me, making some of my hair sway and flutter. I could get used to this,at least for a moment.

Suddenly, there was a voice almost right beside me,to my right.

"Morning... I didn't know I'd get to see you relaxed."

A familiar voice, friendly. The water bender..Katara.

I shifted my arm from over my eyes just so I could see her a little bit. She seemed like she was trying not to come across as amused as she looked down at me.

"Morning," I replied. I debated for a moment as to whether or not I was going to reply to the second thing she said.

I figured I probably should. We are currently being civil after all. She didn't mean anything by it, I told myself.

"I,uh,yeah, I don't get to relax much usually,never anything close to like this. It's so nice out, I had to take the moment when I saw it."

Katara looked thoughtful for a second before saying, " Well, that makes sense, and you're right ,its so nice out."

She suddenly gave me a bit of a look, her head cocked to the side slightly, a hand on her hip. It was one I didn't quite understand. " I thought fire benders got up practically with the sun... I was up and out here before you."

Ah,it made a little more sense now. Part inquisitive,a hint of almost accusing but not really. I think she was almost...confused. I wasn't sure. I wasn't particularly great with feelings in general,let alone figuring someone else's out.

I decided to be honest with her . " Yeah,we usually do. I usually do. I guess I needed the sleep. I actually slept better than I had in a really long time."

Her eyebrows dropped , they had been previously arched up in her inquisitive odd expression she had on her face when she was speaking.

She was quieter now as she spoke, "Oh. That's understandable." She paused before speaking again,seeming slightly in thought, " So did I, the beds they have here are amazing."

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I bet my uncle is enjoying his still", I said with a small smile.

She smiled. " I hope so,he deserves it, I'm sure."

"He does," I told her almost in a whisper.

She straightened her head, and was looking at me differently, so very directly. Finally she spoke, "I can see how much you care about each other, Zuko."

I nodded, pulling away from looking her in the eye as she was looking at me so directly all of a sudden, and look at the grass instead. I spoke again,my voice still just above a whisper, "Yeah, we do. He's looked after me a lot,and I care for him so much,even if I don't always want or understand his wisdom in the moment. He's also the only sane family I have from how my uncle described my father so honestly earlier. He has never said it so straight forward before,um,about my father,and parts of our family."

I swallowed. That wasn't easy to say. I'm still so unclear about some of it,even though I know my uncle isn't a liar by any means.

I saw her nod her head through my peripheral vision.

I don't think she knew what to say,but I get it. What the heck does one say in response to that, and to your almost enemy back in your world,none the less.

Eventually she found some words that she deemed fitting, "Well then I'm glad you have each other. Really,Zuko."

They were fitting,and I appreciated them.

Suddenly a voice came to turn our attention to the top of the grasses where the courtyard meets the edge.

We both turn to look up and see Lucy walking to the edge,looking slightly exasperated.

"There you two are! It's time for breakfast and no one knew where you two were!" she called out to us from her spot on the edge of the grass,her head cocked to the side slightly ,physically showing her impatience.

Katara spoke up ," Sorry Lucy, I woke up a bit ago and ended up exploring,I couldn't help myself,it's so pretty out. I think similar happened to Zuko,here," nodding towards me before smiling up at Lucy.

I nodded my head to confirm her guess before grabbing my teacup and standing up beside Katara.

Lucy's expression softened slightly as she straightened up before saying , "Oh, its alright, I'm glad you are fine and got to explore some. It's just we do our best to eat our meals together,and well I'm quite hungry!"

Katara chuckled slightly before starting up the grass toward Lucy. I followed not far behind .

We walked straight to the table where we ate before and sat in the two spaces left which placed Katara and I sitting side by side,which seemed like it would be okay as we were getting along.

I placed my used tea cup on the table,and saw Katara doing the same at almost the exact same time. Seems like I wasn't the only one to enjoy an early morning tea.

"Morning," I said as I briefly looked around the table. Lucy waved back while taking a bite of something already.

Edmund and my uncle both said it in return. Susan just gave me a small smile behind her cup of tea lifted to her lips for a sip. Peter nodded his head,meeting my eye while swallowing down a bit of food.

I looked at the table itself. The food had already been brought out,and it was a simpler array of foods this time.

Lucy just started explaining the arrangement as if were normal to do so. " There's scrambled eggs, toast and jam and butter, and some fresh fruit."

The eggs were on a giant plate with a generous serving spoon, next to it was a towering plate of toast. Next to those was a small dish containing the butter with a small spreading knife leaning across the edge of the dish, several jars of different jams with labels on them and a small knife next to each of them. A bowl of mixed fresh cut fruit was last with a spoon or a skewer utensil to choose from on a napkin in front of the bowl.

Katara murmured a thank you to Lucy before reaching for the spoon to serve herself some eggs.

Everyone started digging into the food in front of us; passing stuff around the table for one another and helping each other get stuff onto their plates.

I waited til all of that slowed down a little before grabbing two pieces of toast and a small serving of eggs.

I examined the jams to see what I wanted to try on my toast. There was raspberry peach , plum jam, and loganberry jam.

I spread some plum and loganberry onto my pieces of toast.

Kayleona came through the swinging door with a tray of tea . After setting it down and telling us it was a fall blend of tea, she disappeared back through the door again.

Most of breakfast was just small talk and complimenting the food. The tea was also good. Then again,all the food and tea has been very good so far.

Towards the end of breakfast, Susan eyed me,uncle,and Katara somewhat expectantly as she asked us, " How did you three sleep last night?"

Uncle was the first to answer, "Very well, thank you! My bed was generously comfortable, I honestly slept better last night than I have in ages!"

Katara nodded beside me, "So did I."

I then felt eyes slowly flocking my way for a response.

"Yeah, I did ,too." I told them.

Susan smiled wide, "That's good to hear."

I suddenly had a thought. "Um, I just thought of something to ask you guys," I started while looking at Susan and her siblings.

"How do we get back? To our world..." I finished.

Lucy spoke up first. " We don't... know. That is a question for Aslan,also Aslan is probably also the answer. But, you see he isn't a tame lion—we can't just go send a messenger to wherever he is. He comes and goes just as he does. He also will just be there for the important stuff. He should come around sooner than later. He knows you're here."

My brows furrowed in frustration. I glanced at Katara ,who looked similarly so,and sad as well.

Uncle was quiet,he looked like he was patiently taking the information in .

Susan took the reigns of the conversation next, " Lucy is right, so until then,please consider Cair you home whilst you're here. I'm sure you will get back,its just not right now. I'm sorry we don't have better answers,but they are honest."

I nodded my head,quiet and in thought,trying to not be frustrated with the situation.

Uncle and Katara thanked Susan for the extended invitation into their home.

Katara nudged my arm gently with her elbow , saying with a soft happier air to her voice, " hey how about we go outside and spar? It may be just what we need to get past feeling frustrated with the whole Aslan news thing. What do you think?"

I slowly caught her gaze and told her , "let's do it."

I pushed my chair back and stood. Katara copied me after getting the last sip of her tea.

Katara looked over at Lucy and asked her, " hey is there a decent place here for me and Zuko to spar? You're welcome to watch,too."

She then looked back over at me as if checking that I was okay with what she just offered the young queen. I nodded. I didn't mind.

Lucy and Peter answered at the same time , " there's the garden with the fountain..."

Lucy continued her answer, " its very open, so there's space to move around,and Katara has access to a supply of water."

Katara's eyes lit up, she exclaimed , "oh,that's perfect!"

"I agree," I muttered.

Katara caught my eye again ,just for a second,letting me know she had heard me before focusing on Lucy who was getting up herself to lead the way to the garden.

My uncle chimed in , "What a great idea, Miss Katara!" as he got up.

Peter spoke up as he and Ed got up from their chairs, "wait up, Ed and I are coming,too!"

Lucy stops with her hand on the door and looks back to the table,zeroing in on her sister who was just now putting her napkin down and standing up. "Su, are you coming ?"

"Oh,not this time, I have something I need to get a head start on, I may catch up later if I get it finished,alright,Lu?"

she responded.

"Okay", she opened the door and told us, "come on,this way."

We ended up going outside the same door both Katara and I had used this morning.

We took the opposite direction around the castle than we had on our first day to where we showed them our bending by the stream.

Before long two tall green hedges appeared in our sight.

Lucy stopped in the opening between the hedges as we caught up the short distance.

Lucy led us into the garden,which was a beautiful feature, I must admit.

Over to the side of one of the hedges ,on the other side of a cornering a fruit bearing tree that I wasn't familiar with, were two simple long benches.

Lucy and her brothers sat on the second bench,and my uncle sat at the first.

Katara was looking around the garden,taking it in. She seemed so happy while inspecting a few different flowers.

Peter spoke , " I take it you like the garden."

Katara paused her inspection of a rather interesting deep pink colored flower that was behind the hedge closest to the benches and looked at the young king. " Yes, it's great. I live on a frozen tundra,remember? So, I don't get to see many flowers back home." She spun away from the kings and youngest queen and Iroh to face some of the flowers that were diagonal ways from her, in front of a wall of vines. "I love this garden! " she declared,seeming to radiate genuine happiness.

Understanding fell upon Peter's face,and his siblings' faces as well.

"Sorry, I did forget. I'm glad you like it so much." Peter muttered.

Katara spun back around effortlessly to face them again. "It's okay." She smiled at the three of them before turning and locking eyes on me. "Ready,Zuko?"

I managed a half smile. "Yeah."

She stretched her arms over her head and walked over to the fountain.

I walked back a few paces and settled into a stance after stretching my legs real quick.

Katara settles into her own stance,eyeing me,her hands ready to draw water from the fountain at her side.

I waited a few more seconds before shoving my first blast at her from my open palm. She easily countered it by knocking it away with a water whip she had easily formed with a small length of water. I aimed a smaller fireball at her head,which she expertly dodged and in turn sent a short blast of water towards my face with one hand and while I reacted to evaporate the assault that was aimed for my face, she got me with a strong water whip,latching it onto one of my ankles during those precious seconds I took to evaporate the water blast towards my face.

She was good.

I punched a short blast towards my ankle so that the water whip came apart as it was turned into steam,at least the part that was directly grabbing my ankle.

I looked at her odd looking facial expression that I could only reasonably guess to be a mixture of being annoyed and impressed.

I flung a long jet of flames at her and she managed easily enough to douse them with a small quick splash of water from the fountain. She kept some water hovering between her hands,ready for more.

She suddenly froze the water and held it in one hand and started flinging thin ice discs at me,one after another in quick succession.

I punched fire at all of them as they came at me.

Katara flicked sweat from her brow with her bending.

She then withdrew an enormous amount of water, creating a wall of water and sent it hurling toward me,it morphing into a giant wave as she did so. She used one of her hands to keep its form and the other to keep rushing it towards me. Suddenly she made a movement and it stopped right in front of me at a little above eye level. Suddenly I could no longer see and I could hear her moving water. Then water came rushing and crashing over the the stilled water that was in front of me, racing towards my face.

To my left I hear a soft gasp from Lucy.

I sent a small wave of fire to combat it with a blocking motion with both arms, some of it sizzling and what was left dropping to the ground near me. I let out a small growl and advanced with punching fireballs until the suspended water fell. I then could see Katara take a small step backwards,slightly surprised.

She then recollected some of the water that fell to the ground in small puddles and created two tentacles. Suddenly she was closer than I wanted and was slashing at me with the water tentacles. It was not a very strong maneuver, but she was fast.

Our attacks advanced as we went on. I had more stamina. I could see she was starting to tire a bit,but her advantages were her fluid movements and her speed. We were both trying to out do the other,and were getting creative and pushing ourselves to the max.

A moment ago I almost singed the tips of her flying hair, and she got pretty close by almost knocking me down with a rush of cold water at my ankles and tugging on them with the cold water.

Our moves began becoming more and more intense and with glimpses of fierce and elaborate efforts. Hers were easier to make more complex than mine. It honestly kept things interesting.

We were both getting tired and basically going all out at this point,pushing ourselves and each other to new limits,

sweat coating both of our bodies. Our hair wild from our movements,our sweat,and her water, and possibly even the heat from my fire.

I shifted my feet slightly while watching Katara, who flicked her hair back behind her. She straightened a little, her eyes boring into me intensely,never take her eyes off me the whole time.

Good, always keep your eyes on your opponent.

"Need a minute, water bender?" I asked her, a hint of a small smirk evident in my voice,which she probably managed to hear.

"Not a chance!" she shot back at me, while drawing forth a huge amount of water from the fountain with both hands,arms tall and and spread a little wider than shoulder width,fingers arching as if controlling an invisible puppet. A huge wave rose beside her, slowly becoming taller than her. She suddenly thrust her arms forward with a great amount of force and speed,the huge wave coming at me at much faster than I anticipated.

It was too big for me to take out completely,so I sent several long punching blasts to weaken it before it came down over me.

Water crashed over my shoulders and sloshed down my body. Soon I felt it moving against me oddly. Katara was bending the water she had assaulted me with,it making its way down my body and collecting on my feet,ankles,lower legs and solidifying quickly into ice.

Shit! Not good for me at all. She was quickly taking from me my ability to move freely, I thought as I heard the ice crackle as it hardened even more,now all the way to the ground under my feet, which I noticed as I finally looked down after hearing it crackling and hardening.

I looked up at her to see her trying not to smirk too openly,admiring her work on me with her bending.

I clenched my fists,steam beginning to curl from them.

She was good,and I was currently trapped.

I growled in frustration.

She took a few steps closer to me,but still a moderately safe distance as it was harder for me to bend as I was used to being able to since I was frozen in place for the time being.

I punched a blast from each hand at her. She jumped to the side easily enough,though she let out a tired breath afterward none the less.

She took another step closer.

I think she was learning that the closer she is the harder it is for me to bend,especially safely. Fire bending in a spar session gets borderline too far when the opponents are too close to one another. It's easier to control and maneuver your fire in the matters of precision when you have some space.

Katara whipped a tendril of water at me,testing the waters of how I am able to respond at this distance.

I threw a hand up and sent a small spew of fire to fizzle out the end of the water whip,and it started collapsing,so she recalled what was left of it back to her, creating a water bracelet of sorts before transforming it into a little ball that stayed in her hand.

Her eyes lit up and then she threw the ball at me and mid air it transformed into a hoop of water that rotated in the air while still coming towards me.

I smacked it down with a steaming palm into the grass.

I then in turn punched a short blast at her,just to the side,not dead on ,and followed it immediately with a small stream of fire head on right towards her center.

She made a small noise of surprise as she jumped back and managed to summon just enough water from the fountain to douse the jet of fire before it hit her.

I take a few seconds while she recovers from that to try to melt the ice from my feet and ankles and lower legs.

I focus,taking a breath and started to slowly increase my body temperature a bit.

I pause to look up at Katara,who tossed her hair over her shoulder and turned her attention to me again.

I felt the ice thinning a little, I would be able to break free in a moment or so. Raising me temp would only do so much,but it's better than nothing,and I did not want to turn my attention from Katara for any real amount of time.

I took the next move this time, not wanting the spar to be at a standstill for long.

I punched several short blasts at her,alternating fists that they came from. She created a small ice shield that stood in front of her in response, my blasts bounced off it and fizzled out feebly in the grass in front of it.

I then sent a long jet of fire sailing straight for her ice shield, and then a few small sporadic fireballs after it, trying to weaken her ice shield and push her into making another mover so she wasn't just smirking from behind her ice shield.

Not saying that's what I have actually seen her do, but in a playful situation I could for some reason imagine her doing so.

I saw her narrow her eyes, determined and probably thinking of what to possibly do next.

~*~*~ Katara's Point Of View ~*~*~

I was at a creative end, bending wise, and I was sadly becoming tired and maybe a little frustrated.

Zuko was good. I like that he pushed me as a bender during this sparring session. I am quite proud of what I have come up with in the moment against him, as a few moves were things I had just thought of right then.

Urgh! What do I do now? The ice encasing his lower legs and below to the ground wont hold for too long, he has probably somehow already weakened it some.

My shield! I can throw thin ice discs at him from off the top of it! I would have to be fast though.

I placed both of my hands just barely above the part of the ice shield that was directly in front of them,palms facing down. I let out a breath, and start pushing ice off the top of my shield rapid fire towards Zuko.

I also see him glancing down as this happens, I follow his gaze and see him slowly breaking one leg free.

My ice shards are closing the distance and he doesn't have a clue.

He looks up,and is caught off guard to see slices of ice coming at his face,closing in and too fast to react very much. He took half a step back with his newly freed foot and also tried to rear his neck backward to evade, but his attempts only minimized potential damage. The first slice of ice cut into his right cheek. He ducks and manages to avoid the onslaught of the rest of them that I sent at him.

He rises back up to a full standing position, glaring at me all the while,and his features twisted into an angry scowl.

"You untrained peasant!" he growled at me while gingerly swiping his cheek with his hand and seeing blood when he looked.

"Sorry, I didn't expect you to look away !" I called over to him, a hint of worry/guilt lacing my voice.

He glared at me still,his mouth set in a grim,thin frown.

Iroh spoke up from the sidelines, "Zuko, you know how easy it can be to push the line to too far when sparring and truly pushing one another."

Zuko's head snapped toward his uncle. His jaw tightened slightly at the comment almost as if he was mildly torn for he knew his uncle was right,but wasn't at a point at accepting it outright.

I sighed at his obvious stubbornness and renewed anger.

"Here, let me heal that,at least" I spoke quietly as I started to approach him.

He whipped his head around to glare at me.

I stopped mid-step to see how he would respond.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you!" he snapped.

"Wait,what do you mean? I just want to heal you,genuinely,even though you are being prickly about it, I want to heal you!" I retorted, surprise evident in my voice at the beginning,though a hint of being on the verge of snappish showing in the end. I couldn't help it. This boy baffled me,honestly.

Iroh spoke from the sidelines, " Zuko, you should let her heal you. I don't know what you are getting at,but I am certain she is being pure and genuine."

Zuko closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, he immediately locked eyes with mine.

"Fine." he uttered tightly, still tense,still angry,but its something at least.

I stepped up to him,raising my water encased hand slowly up to his cheek. I gently set it against the cut of his cheek, the water glowing blue as I started to focus on healing of his cheek.

When the initial contact was made Zuko tensed slightly,possibly expecting it to hurt a little if I had to guess. I am pretty good at having a gently hand,and the healing usually feels surprisingly soothing from what I have healed on myself so far.

He relaxed almost instantly under my hand a few seconds after the water had made contact with his cheek.

It was like a visible sigh of relief from him once he knew or had the idea that it was not going to hurt at all.

For that second I felt for him. I mean can you blame him after what happened on the other side of his face? From his own father,no less. Some father, I couldn't help but think sourly at that fact.

I lifted my hand gently from his face and flicked the water back into the fountain.

I looked at his cheek. It was as if nothing had happened. Good.

He saw that I was done and strode out of the garden in a rush.

I sighed and approached the others at the benches they had been sitting on the entire time.

Iroh spoke up first, "first,that was a wonderful sparring session you two had, Katara. Second, I am sorry about my nephew's behavior."

I couldn't stop the small smile forming across my lips at his compliment. " Thank you, Iroh. I just ...don't understand what happened there." I shook my head back n forth in my obvious bafflement toward the troubled prince.

Lucy came and stood beside me,facing Iroh as well. " Why do you think he got so angry,so fast?" she asked the question out loud that was likely on the tip of everyone's tongues,though she was the one that was brave enough to ask it out loud,and to the right person.

I glanced at her two brothers who were still sitting on the bench slightly behind and to the side of Iroh, listening with solemn expressions on their faces. They could tell something was up. That there was more than just met the eye at this.

Iroh let out a sigh. "I think that somehow when Katara accidentally sliced his cheek and drew blood,which perhaps Zuko hadn't been expecting the sparring to go that far for whatever reason,it caused him to go snap back mentally.

I think her accidentally going to far in the sparring session took him back to how he saw her before we came here. Not an ally in the slightest. I also think her managing to sliced his cheek and draw blood,though it was an accident, felt too 'real' in a way. I think that is what happened and that's why he seemed to snap back into those old ways. Sadly, it probably wasn't that hard to do as my nephew is young,and so angry and so misguided by the wild hopeless chase his father sent him on a few years back. It does not excuse it by any means,but I feel that or very close to that is why."

I met his eye. "Its so frustrating,but it does make sense, a little bit."

I huffed a small sigh. "Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us."

He placed a understanding hand on my shoulder briefly, "You are welcome."

Lucy spoke up, looking past all of us at the entrance that Zuko swiftly left through "Iroh,do we need to..." her question lingered even though her words stopped.

Iroh followed her gaze for a second before looking at her directly when he answered,knowing her meaning, "no, he will be okay, he will get past this,too,though it may take time and a little patience."

Moving off the bench to join the three that were standing, Peter commented, "right,then, what shall we do now?"

Edmund chimed in as he got up as well, "I don't know about you guys,but I've got a meeting with Oreius,Temnara,and Sarto on studying strategies for battles."

Both me and Lucy turn out heads towards Edmund,probably similar looks on our faces.

Edmund saw the questioning worry on our faces and mumbled, "Oh,um,sorry." He let out a breath before continuing, "nothing is happening, just general learning for myself since I am in charge of those things now,at least,mostly. I was part of the strategy planning when we battled the white witch,remember? Chess probably is why I am good at absorbing the strategies so well."

Lucy sighed beside me, "Oh,good! I remember,and that does make sense,it being a strategy game and all."

"Yeah,alright, strategy king! Go on,then!" Peter said playfully as he made a single pass of ruffling Edmund's hair before Edmund ducked back,getting out of the furthering of the playful assault from his brother. He wore a smile even though he stepped away from his brother purposefully,showing he was in on the jovial type banter.

"I am,if you would let my hair alone,Pete!" he playfully retorted,making Peter as well as the rest of us laugh a little.

Iroh looked over at Edmund, intrigued, one eyebrow drawn up in an inquisitive arc, "A strategy game,you say?", his eyes gleaming with interest.

Edmund looked at Iroh, "Erm,yeah.. You can join and observe the meeting,and I can teach you about chess afterwards if you want."

Iroh responded appreciatively, "Excellent, I would rather enjoy that,thank you!".

Nodding, Edmund started walking toward the garden entrance, "let's go,then."

Iroh gave us a wave before catching up with Edmund, the pair taking the turn back toward the way we came from from the castle.

***Alrighty folks! goodness,what a chapter! 20 pages—my longest yet! I truly hope you guys enjoy it, I worked so very hard on it and enjoyed it very much! I know its slow and drawn out, I will pace it a little better once I've got a bit more practice,but I do love longer chapters and details!

Please please pretty please leave me a review, a comment,any ideas or questions! I really would enjoy some feed back,especially since we are a few chapters in now!

Also, I shall be introducing the two new character in chapter 5! what do y'all imagine them to be like?

let me know! ~Waves~