Toph hoped dearly, as one hopes when one stumbles upon a beautiful moment, that the song would never come to an end. However, as all things eventually must, it finished. Luckily for her (and the Duke for that matter), there were more songs to follow. Toph lost track of how many dances they danced, as the Duke's hand on her waist began to feel almost natural, or less awkward at any rate, and her steps and spins even began to feel somewhat graceful.
At the end of the evening she hugged the Duke goodbye and he kissed her on the cheek. Toph blushed and touched the spot where his lips had brushed a moment before.
"See you around, Toph." he said and went on his way.
She wished her mother a good night and gave her another hug, telling her to come visit the Jasmine Dragon sometime. Then she set off to join her group.
"Why hello there, Toph." said Iroh as he saw her approaching, "how was your evening?"
"Wonderful" she sighed happily, a goofy grin still tugging at her mouth. "How was your's?"
"Lovely. I acquainted myself with your Uncle."
"Did you now?"
"Indeed I did. I probably shouldn't tell you this, but he wants to make you an ambassador to the Fire Nation."
"What? Really?"
"Yup. You're perfect for the job. Related to the Earth King, powerful earth bending skills, an understanding of the situation the world is in, friendship with the avatar...need I go on?"
"Oh you flatter me, Iroh."
"That's my job. So are you interested?"
"I'll have to think about it. Would you be returning to the Fire nation to advise Zuko?"
"I'll probably divide my time between here and there. My teashop won't run itself, you know."
Toph chuckled. Soon things would change as her friends scattered themselves to the corners of the globe in pursuit of their various destinies. Her eyes came to rest on each of them in turn, sleepy and smiling, and she felt an assurance that they would never be far away at heart.
And that's the end :)
Thanks so much for taking time to read! I hope you liked it!
3 Inkwarrior