A. N. : I'm going to be honest, I almost forgot to post this chapter today. Oops ? But well, it's done, it's here, it's all good. If any of you feel like the names in this chapter are... somewhat familiar, it's probably because you've read Of honey and flesh, the first anniversary short I ever made for this fic. If not, then don't worry about it, these are just bonus content.

Tao changes the steaming cloth.

For the umpteenth time since he was brought this patient, he wishes Sekiji was home. It has been some time since he had to deal with a bender's disease – not since he was finally given his leave, in truth – and even back then he was never the specialist.

As if answering his silent pleas, familiar footsteps cross the threshold, bringing with them the smell of smoke and fish. Tao looks up as Sekiji explains that he was gifted a few more blue mackerels, as well as the last eel, as thanks for last time – he doesn't know how Madam Tsuyu expects them to eat all of that, he adds with a sigh, although Tao can see the slight smile on his face.

Said smile evaporates as soon as he notices the young girl lying on the cot. He puts the groceries down, slowly walks closer – it's not swamp fever, is it ?

Tao shakes his head. Changes the cloth. Sekiji frowns, asks if – if Tao wants him to take a look.

He cannot do what he used to, hasn't been able to ever since he left the frontlines and half of himself with it. Both of them are well aware of that. But knowledge isn't as fickle as a bender's chi seems to be, or as their aging bodies, and Tao welcomes the help. Welcomes the fact that Sekiji has, for the first time since they've settled here, decided to practice some version of his craft.

Sekiji kneels next to Tao, examines their – their ! – patient, asks about the way her state has evolved since her arrival, about the rate at which the cloths begin to steam, about the odd way her arms twitch at times – Tao has no answer to that last one, but he suspects it has little to do with her current ailment. A pre-existing condition, maybe ?

Although, the reddish markings flowing up her forearms from her hands are… odd, to say the least. And yet strangely familiar.

She can't stay inside.

Tao startles. With the sun setting, Sekiji explains, she will weaken, and in her state she might even die. The sun's reflection on the moon might be just enough to make a difference, although…

Another change of cloth. Tao's eyes linger on the girl's face, on the signs of deep fatigue under her eyes, that probably preceded her illness – and yet, could nothing have been done to prevent it ? He will need to ask Sekiji later, about potential signs to watch out for.

The youngest son of Gen-up-the-stream is probably about the same age as this girl, now that Tao thinks about it.

As he opens his mouth to ask Sekiji to fetch the Earth Kingdom man outside to help with moving the patient, Sekiji says that a royal messenger was in town when he passed through.

In Tao's opinion, the less they hear from the Fire Lord, the better, and so he prepares for the worst – last announcement of this kind was about the execution of the Dragon of the West, and while Tao has no affection for the man, it was still disturbing to think about. He doesn't expect nobles to sympathize with the people they're sending to their death, but killing one's own brother… that's despicable, even with the low bar Tao set in his mind for them.

The Princess got exiled from the Caldera, Sekiji says. Tao nods. Frowns.

No. Surely there's no way –

The Earth Kingdom man has been in the Fire Nation for a month, said he was a servant, and Tao didn't bother thinking any deeper on this, but – what kind of person could even get their hands on an Earth Kingdom servant in the first place ? And bother bringing him home ? Earn such loyalty that he would follow three young girls who barely trust him, in order to protect them when they don't seem to need help, on that one front at least ?

The Princess came back from Ba Sing Se a month ago.

Being exiled would surely be enough emotional turmoil to trigger a bender's disease.

And there's the hair, cut shorter than Tao has ever seen any Islander wear away from the frontlines, and certainly not a noble or rich merchant's hairstyle, when those are the only people who could afford servants.

Tao looks up at Sekiji. I think… I think it's her, he whispers, earning a grimace from Sekiji.

He changes the cloth. He can't believe it.

In the same hushed tone, Sekiji mentions he heard a rumor that the royal family can make lightning. He'd dismissed it as an exaggeration, but – it hits Tao, then, that the reason the weird makings on the girl's – the Princess' !? – arms are so familiar is that he's seen similar ones on victims of lightning strikes, both human and not, albeit much worse-looking.

This is all so surreal. Tao can't help but pinch himself.

If word spreads… Sekiji doesn't finish his sentence. He doesn't need to.

Keeping her around is a risk. Healing her is a risk. Failing to heal her is as well. The only safe-ish option would be to send her and her companions away right now, so that neither grudge-bearers nor blood royalists would have any reason to come here and cause trouble.

And yet…

Tao place his hand on Sekiji's. A patient is a patient.

Are you sure ? Sekiji laces his fingers together with Tao's, struggling a bit due to his rusted joints. You're the one people would –

Tao shakes his head. It's fine.

At his age, he doesn't have much to lose.