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!

8. Chapter 8

Hello everyone~ Welcome to Chapter 8! This chapter has some exciting things shaking it up a

bit, hope yall are looking forward to it! Please review and ask questions, those will help more

that you know! And they help motivate me and its exciting when i get them!

Chapter 8

That next morning, early*

~Zuko Point of View~

I woke with a start, heart racing, and faintly aware of the uncomfortable feeling of being covered

in sweat in bed. I shoved the cover down off of me and sat up, making myself take a breath.

Lightning flashed out my window; a rumbling crash of thunder quickly following. I took

advantage of the brief illumination of the room, and with it, a familiarity came flooding back.

I ran my hand through my hair, trying to force myself to calm down my racing heart; while at the same time trying to remember whatever awefulness I'd dreamed within the nightmare I'd just been flung back into reality from.

I got vague flashes of Azula's maddening, mocking laughter as well as flashes of her angry, very

dangerous blue lightning.

Thunder rolled low then crashed against the window, it seemed.

The fact that it was storming could have entered or affected my dreams, sharpening it into a

nightmare. I know outside sounds or smells can affect dreams at times. This must have been

what happened tonight.

It had been a while since I'd been woken up from a nighmare like this.

Still, this one had woken me up with a start, then a small moment of confusion of almost

forgetting where I was for a second, and being covered in some sweat.

Well, I thought with frustration, I am awake; and thanks to a nightmare that I can only remember vague, confusing snippets of: and I feel on edge. Even though I am in another world, perfectly safe and perfectly far from my psychotic sister, she manages to rattle me through a nightmare.

Damn you, Azula, I thought as I let out a long sigh before getting out of bed.

I glanced out the window to try to gauge what time it possibly could be.

It wasn't exactly light out, and there were looming clouds covering the sky as far as I could see

from my window.

My best guess from being able to feel the sun, and with how it's still a bit dark, but not still the

middle of the night level of dark...about an hour before sunrise.

It looked like it was going to be one of those days, from looking out the window confirming not a

single pinch of hope in a let up from the thick cloud coverage, at least not for a good while if one

was trying for the optimistic side.

I stretched for a moment before deciding to go ahead and draw a bath then get dressed for the

day.

I seriously doubt anyone else could possibly be awake, I thought as I grabbed my clothes for the

day and took them with me to the bathroom, setting them down on the edge of the table that

held the wash basin on it that was in front of the mirror.

I went and gathered the soaps and towel from the shelf that was on the wall across from the

bathtub, and set them down on the small bench that was next to the bathtub.

After I drew the water for my bath I undressed and stepped into the bathtub, using my bending

to heat up the water before lowering myself fully into the water.

The water was at a steamy temperature that I usually found soothing.

I sank low so that only my neck and head weren't submerged.

I did my best to make myself relax into it. I was still on edge from my nightmare.

All it did though, aside from release a fraction of the tension that was in my body, was somehow

remind me of waking up covered in sweat. That feeling...

I grated out a frustrated sigh before taking away the heat I had previously added to the water

with the clenching of a hand and a slow breath.

The water was now cool, but not quite cold. It was oddly soothing in the way it made me feel as

if the sweat was properly removed from my body now, whereas the hot water I usually preferred was off-putting.

I took my time washing. It was too early to for anything else really. It also was a nice, though

temporary, distraction and slight sigh of relief from the mood, mind set, and feelings I'd been

rudely left with from my nightmare.

When I was done and had gotten dressed, I decided to head to the library, just to see if there

was anything that might catch my interest, if nothing else.

I brought a small flame into my palm for light as I closed my door quietly behind me.

After a few minutes I was at the door, opening it quietly and letting myself in. I closed it behind

me.

It was simple with touches of elegance and equally cozy in my mind, I thought as I looked

around me as I walked deeper into the rows of tall bookshelves.

I chose a shelf and started eyeing the titles on the spines. After making it to my second shelf of

scanning I found one of interest, and took it from the shelf with the hand that wasn't holding my

small flame.

'Elemental Beings and Their Truths and Their Myths' by The Professor.

I could't help it, it sounded interesting somehow to see what types of beings there were here that were associated with the elements and their myths and their truths.

I walked around toward the back of the library and found a comfortable and nice looking high

backed, coushioned chair in the left back corner, a small table and an oil lamp on top of it.

I sat into the chair, it sank slightly under my weight in the most comfortable way.

I leaned over to the lamp on the table, sending the small flame from my palm to catch on the

awaiting wick inside the lamp. It caught almost instantly, then growing to the full extended length of the wick and casting a bigger glow of light that the flame in my palm had done.

I nodded at it, satisfied in the amount of light it gave for me to comfortably read next to it.

I leaned back into the chair and opened the book once comfortable and started reading.

It was actually really interesting. There were many creatures I'd never heard of or even

imagined; many more than the young kings and queens told us about.

There were phoenixes, water nymphs, dryads, slyphs, and more.

I'd gotten so immersed in the book that the passage of time has become lost to me.

Suddenly, I heard a sound not far away. My head snatched up from my book, my body tensing

slightly. As far as I knew I was alone in here. I was on alert now, waiting and watching.

A few seconds later I saw Kayleona come around the corner of a bookshelf that wasn't far from

me.

My shoulders loosened slightly, I let out a small breath through my mouth.

I watched her as she was walking slowly in my direction, eyes on the floor as if looking for

something.

I glanced out the window that was further along the wall that was behind my chair. The cloud

coverage looked a bit lighter as if hours have passed...

How long have I been reading? I wondered. It didn't feel like that long at all.

Kayleona stopped suddenly, likely seeing my foot in the path of her eyes that were glued on the

floor. She looked up, "Oh, Zuko,hi..." she said as she noticed me, giving me a small smile.

"Uh, hi.." I responded, slightly uncertain.

Her gaze was already back on the ground, and then she softly exclaimed, "Found you!" before

stopping and looking up at me to say, "Zuko, my favorite bookmark is hiding between your foot

and the foot of your chair," pointing it out to me as she explained.

I looked down to see that a pink satin ribbon was in fact trapped between my foot and the chair

leg.

I lifted my foot and picked up the ribbon, holding it out to her.

She took it from my hand, seeming a little sheepish as she thanked me.

"You're welcome," I told her simply.

She glanced at my hand that was holding the book and asked, "Oh, what are you reading?"

I held it up so that she could read the title.

She smiled after reading it. "Any good?" she asked.

"Yeah, I actually haven't been able to stop once I started." I said before looking at the window

and continuing, "Apparently a while ago, now."

She looked out the window as well before looking back at me and asking, an eyebrow raised

slightly, "How long have you been down here reading, exactly? It will be time for me to get

breakfast started soon..."

I blinked in surprise at her words. "What, really?"

She nodded before telling me, "For cooking ,not time for you guys to eat just yet. Breakfast will

be ready in a little over an hour I expect."

"So," I started slowly, thinking the timing through, "several hours then... It was alot darker out

when I first came in here."

It was her turn to look a bit surprised, "Oh, well okay."

I asked her, now curious, "How did you end up losing your bookmark?"

Her cheeks flushed slightly, "I, um, I was reading there before you...I don't like big storms and

was struggling to sleep after a point so I came in here to read for a while. After it calmed down

some I went back to my room to get dressed for the day, I guess I ended up in a clumbsy hurry

to do so." She shrugged slightly before giving me a look and asking, "Well what about you, now?

Why were you up here reading so late-er, early?"

I rubbed the back of my neck with my free hand, trying not to feel embarrassed. I told her

anyway, "I, uh, got woken up by a nightmare and ended up getting up instead of trying to go

back to sleep ,and ended up in here and finding a book to read." I felt my cheeks threatening to

redden slightly. I let out a slow breath to try to combat it from at least fully happening.

"Ah, I see. Seems we have both been bothered by the storm into getting little sleep this time,"she said.

I nodded.

"I should be getting back to the kitchens to start with prep work, I will see you at breakfast in a

little while, Zuko," she told me.

"See you then," I responded with a nod.

She then turned to start walking back in the other direction and paused, looking back at me.

"Feel free to stop by for an early cup of tea before breakfast if it'd help."

"Thanks." I really did appreciate the offer. She was in the same boat so she knew an extra or

early cup might be helpful.

And with that she was gone from sight, her footsteps softening until I couldn't hear them.

I turned back to my book, wanting to at least finish the chapter before going for that offered early cup of tea.

I finished it after a short passage of time. I marked my spot as I got up and snuffed the flame in

the oil lamp on the table before making my way out of the library and heading to the kitchen.

I approached the kitcken door and knocked softly, then took a small step back as I waited.

The door shortly swung open and Kayleona appeared in the space the opening created.

She smiled tiredly, "Hi, Zuko, you interested in that early cup of tea?"

I nodded, "Please."

She nodded back and disappeared behind the door once more.

A few moments later she reappeared with a steaming big cup of tea.

I took the cup gently from her hands, making sure not to spill any of the very hot liquid on either

of us. "Thank you," I told her.

"You're welcome," she answered, before telling me, "Its a strong classic tea, I added a little bit of

sugar and milk for you already. Hope that's fine with you."

"It smells wonderful. Yeah, I appreciate it." I told her simply, honestly.

"Okay, good!" she said looking happy at what I had told her.

I nodded before slowly walking back to my room to enjoy my cup of tea.

After I got to my room I sat in my seat at the window, slowly drinking my tea while I continued to

read as the sun slowly rose some more behind the clouds. I could feel it.

I had finished most of the book by the time it was time to go down for breakfast.

I closed it after saving my place and set it down on my window sill to return to tonite.

Grabbing my empty tea cup I headed down, before anyone else I think, as it was still quite quiet

along the hall we all slept, as well as the entire dining room.

I went to the kitcken door and knocked softly.

After a few seconds it opened and Kayleona was poking her head through. "Here's my cup

back, the tea was really good." I told her.

She gave me a tired smile as she took it from my hand, "Good! We will be serving that kind for

breakfast today. See you later, Zuko."

"Sounds good. Okay." I replied.

The door swung shut and she disappeared back into the kitchen.

I headed to the dining area and chose my spot and sat down.

I stretched in my seat and just looked around. Did I really take in this space when we first came?

Perhaps a little, it was overwhelming being tossed into another world then to be led to a castle

by a young girl who was a queen, where they all exchanged so much information. And now here

I am not so long later, though it felt it, taking the room in with my eyes in a realxed way while

waiting on the rest to arrive for breakfast.

After a moment or two the young guy who is the head cook's assistant came through the door.

Yuko was his name, I believe, I recall Peter (I think) mentioning him our first or second day here.

"Morning. Would you like a cup of tea while waiting on everyone else? Also, food should be

done shortly," he greeted as he took a visual sweep of the room to notice that only I was here,

and I was early.

"Sure, thanks." I replied.

He nodded before disappearing back to the kitcken. A few moments later he had returned with a

small tray with a steaming fresh cup of tea and a container of sugar, a container of honey and a

server of cream. After setting them down infront of me he was gone again, this time only a brief

smile before disappearing.

I added sugar to my tea and stirred it, inhaling the aroma as I set my spoon down.

Lucy burst through the entryway and looked surprised to see me. Maybe she is often first to

breakfast, or even most meals.

She changed her surprised expression into a small smile, "Morning," she greeted simply as she

took one of the seats next to me.

"Morning, Lucy." I told her, taking a slow sip of my tea.

Shortly after, everyone else made their way downand found a seat. Katara had sat on my other

side.

With perfect timing, just after everyone had gotten settled, the door swung open to reveal Yuko

again, this time a larger tray with a large tea pot on it and six tea cups on it, as well as some

more sugar, honey and cream, and spoons for stirring.

Everyone started serving themselves tea and fixing their cups to their liking. Yuko waited, the

tray tucked under his arm as he watched.

Once it seemed we could give him our attention decently enough, he spoke, "Morning everyone!

Breakfast will be out shortly. Today we have made cheesy scrambled eggs with toast and

several jams to choose from."

"Okay, thank you," Katara and Susan said at the same time, and ended up giggling together

afterwards. Others around the table smiled. I slipped a half smirk.

Yuko gave a subtle bow of his head and smiled before disapprearing.

There was a rumble of thunder in the distance, which caught me off surprise enough that I

visibly stiffened in a startled response.

I grimaced inwardly at this, hoping no one had noticed.

"Zuko, are you alright?" Lucy asked me, face concerned.

Dang. No such luck.

I let out a sigh before telling them part of it, at least, "Yeah, I'm okay. Didn't sleep too well last

night. I suppose I am a bit tired and jumpy from it. Better sleep tonight and I should be fine."

Hopefully telling them that much and waving it off as I did will calm any concerns related to what

just happened.

"Oh, okay. I'm sorry, and I hope you sleep really well tonight. Maybe you can get a drink from the

kitchen before bed that could maybe help you sleep." She responded, her pure heart showing

through her words.

It was nice to have people other than Uncle that cared so much.

I did my best to give her a small smile,"It's okay. Thank you, I may just do that."

She smiled, looking at ease with my response.

Katara gave me a look as if trying to see if I really was alright. I gave the faintest hint of a half

smile, hoping it didn't come across as a grimace or scowl, trying to show that I was alright

enough.

Her look change to one that was at least somewhat satisfied at this, so I guess my attempts

were successful.

Yuko came back with plates, untensils and napkins.

Katara grabbed the stack closest to her and started passing plates and forks around.

Susan did the same but with the napkins.

Yuko went back through the door again, looking amused and a little happy with the small arount

of help he had just had.

I tried to not just sit there being tense now that I was aware that the storming was trying to

continue. Not sure if I was successful as I still felt tense, but none checked on me again

throughout the remainder of breakfast.

"Yuko, where's Kayleona?" Lucy asked Yuko as he came back in and was setting down the

plates of eggs and toast and containers of jam and one of butter.

"Oh, she is catching up on some rest, she didn't sleep too well due to the storming through the

night. She may be back to help with lunch," he filled her in as he looked the table over to no

doubt make sure nothing was missed.

"Oh, alright. Thank you for telling me," she said.

"Of course, Miss Lucy," he responded before looking back at all of us. "I will be back in a while to

check on you, please do enjoy." Then he was gone and breakfast began.

It was a little more quiet at breakfast today, maybe it was the weather.

The cheesy eggs were good, I also got some toast with apple fig jam on it.

The thunder only rumbled once or twice again during breakfast, thankfully it wasn't so close or

loud that I stiffened in response again. It wasn't raining though. Maybe it would hold off.

Breakfast was really good. I think the good food and the second cup of tea helped refresh me

more that I thought it would. I still felt the urge to yawn here and there but thats nothing

compared to what I thought I would feel like for most of the rest of the day.

The conversation was light and not too much. We all seemed focused on our food almost as if

by eating the food and drinking tea would combat the gloominess from the weather that almost

seemed like it were pressing in on us through the windows.

We requested an extra round of tea for all of us, and this time something a little more

awakening, not just warm and cozy.

As we were finishing our last cups of tea, I saw my uncle turn to Peter and ask, "So, are you

ready to learn Pai Sho?"

Peter swallowed before managing a partial smile and let out, "As ready as I am going to get, I

think, sir."

We all chuckled at this, my uncle laughing harder than the rest of us.

"Fine, fine. Shall we be going then? And none of that 'sir' business, I told you already! It is Uncle

or Iroh, please." He replied, making Peter turn slightly pink in the cheeks uncomfortablly.

"Ah, yes,sorry! Yes, lets get going then, Iroh." He managed, trying to answer fast enough but not

so fast he fumbled over his words.

Peter and my uncle got up and told us they would see us later on, and the girls wished him luck,

making him smile a little bit as they left. I think that helped him a bit.

I wished him luck silently with enduring my uncles wit and teaching and plethora of quotes of

wisdom. I smirked. Ahh, he will be fine.

After we parted ways after our last cup of tea, I went back up to my room to sit in front of the

window with a candle lit nearby to read some more of the book til it was time to meet at the

armory.

After lighting the nearby candle, I settled into my seat and got into the book.

In a little over an hours time, I had finished the book. It was good. Really interesting, I decided.

I blew out the candle before leaving my room to take it back to the library since I had a little bit of time before meeting at the armory.

After I took the book back and put it back whereI found it, I looked around the library at a

leisurely pace, glancing at a row of books on occasion seeing if anything was going to capture

my attention to pick up and take back to my room later to read. This time nothing did, though.

I headed outside. It was a few minutes early to be at the armory, but I could just make my way

there at my own pace once and it would be fine.

When I stepped outside I noticed there was a soft breeze. The clouds were a little less

overbearing than they looked earlier.

I walked up to the armory, and just looked around before opening the large sliding door to reveal the sparring room. I took a look around before going and finding the weapons in the armory and singled out a pair of twin swords similar to my own. Once I had them in my hands, I headed back into the sparring room to play around with them to familiarize myself with them a little bit before Peter and Edmund arrived.

I went to the far side of the sparring room and started just wielding them in unison with smooth

slow movements to begin familiarizing myself with them. They are a little smaller than mine but

well balanced, and a good weight to them.

Then, I began taking precise steps in time to my movements,making it feel like more complete

movements that I was making.

Moving my wrists together in fluid the left, and then the right.

Afterwards, I moved forward with parrying and thrusting, over and over til I felt very comfortable with them.

When I paused before working through other movements, I heard the door slide open and Peter

and Edmund came through, sliding it closed behind them.

"Hey," I told them.

They both nodded in greeting before coming closer.

"Ready?" I asked them.

"Yeah" they said in unison, causing them to smile before returning their attention to me. I even

managed a quirk of my lip in amusement at their answer that was in unison by chance.

"So," I started as I held my hands in front of me, perfectly symmetrical as were the blades I held

in both hands. "Don't think of these as two different weapons, cause they're not. They are two

halves as a whole, and working with them will be smoother and sensical when treated as such.

Think of them as extentions of your body."

I manevered them so that one effortlessly complimented the other. When one stopped the other

started, they flowed in in fluid unison between the connecting motions.

I formed an x with the blades inches from my face before sweeping them away from each other

over my head and back to my sides in smooth unison, not bothered at all by the close proximity.

I did a few more forms showing off the perfect complimentary relationship that was shared

between these, mostly complicated, motions that had the second one completing the precise

movement that was started by its mate.

I loved it, this was completely in my element. Practicing something that over time had become

familiar enough it was in a way comforting to go through these motions with my blades.

Peter and Edmund both came forward once they were certain that I was done.

"Very nice, Zuko. Brillaint. What do you think, Ed?" Peter complimented, then nudged Edmund

gently in the arm.

A smile mirroring his brother's broke across Edmund's features,"He's right. That was brilliant."

"Thank you," I said simply, truly meaning it. I know they meant their compliments.

"I may want you to teach me the basics one day, if you would be interested,Zuko. I'm sure

there's another pair of those somewhere around here." Peter spoke, a slight eagerness and true

interest evident in his voice.

"Yeah, sure." I truly wouldn't mind teaching him at all.

Suddenly the door slid open hastily, revealing a young man with short soft brown hair around our

ages.

We all turned our attention to him.

"Your majesties," He said, looking directly at the brothers who were his Kings. "We just recieved

an important message from and up and coming small village in the mountain pass requesting

assistance! Come to the meeting room with me immediately!"

I ran the twin blades over to the table and laid them down there, promising to put them away

properly later.

We followed the messenger, who mentioned his name was Jiro, to the meeting room quickly,

where Lucy, Susan, Katara, Temnara, Sarto, and Iroh were all talking worriedly, already seated

around a big table. We all pulled up chairs and gave Jiro our attention for he had the message to

deliver to them.

Jiro's gaze flitted toward Katara, Zuko, and Iroh questionably before meeting my own. "Sir?" was all he asked.

"They have been invited to join. Go on, Jiro, with your message." I assured him quickly, which

seemed to flip a switch in his brain to go back to the important matters he had for us, for he

pulled out a letter from his sleeve and began reading it aloud.

"Your Magesties, we urgently request your assistance immediately as possible for a troll has

been tearing apart our village, during the storm no less. Many homes have been damaged as

well as various important builings and structures, including our livestock pens so alot of out

livestock has been let loose during the storm. Some our reserves have been lost, too. We are

scared and exhausted, any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Signed Sincerely, Sig, the

leader of our tiny mountain village in the Sunrise mountain range."

He folded it and handed it to Edmund, who was holding out a hand as soon as he was finished

to look for himself. He handed it to Ed who began scanning it for himself. When he was done he

looked at me, and then our sisters. "So," he began, "how do you suppose we go about this?

How many of us help them and who do we take with us and what do we take with us by means

of supplies?"

Peter spoke up, "I think Ed and I will go, and we will take a few of our strong guys, for starters,

and one member of the war council, the reason being another member with not only strength

but strategy and delegating abilities would be an advantage."

Peter then looked at his sisters, his eyes lingering on Lucy's gaze longer than Susan's. "I know

you want to come but someone had to stay here. We can't all go and leave the Cair. At least not

on our first ordeal like this and without a protection plan for the Cair in our temporary absense

yet."

"You're right. I get it," Lucy sighed.

"It is sensible. We will work on that sometime in the very near future though." Susan

commented.

Peter nodded in agreement, looking relieved in the lack or arguing over the matter of who was

staying and who was going.

Katara spoke up, "I would like to come. I'm not afraid of real work, I'm good with my hands, and I

can use my bending to help dry stuff out and create ways to store clean water we may find or

access, which could be helpful. I can also help with defense if need be. I can also heal people if

anyone is hurt."

All eyes shifted to the girl who was from another world from them, offering her bravery and

talents.

Peter nodded, "Okay."

Katara smiled before a determined look settled across her face.

"I will come, too, if you'll have me. I can provide light and warmth, and I also can fight if need be.

I am strong and fast. My uncle taught me how to work with my hands some along our journey.

Katara can dry the wood and I can make a fire with a snap of my fingers." I found myself

speaking up as well.

Peter nodded again in acceptance.

Edmund produced a crude map someone had possibly just mader for him, with general

guidlines for the the travelling and trail markers, etc.

"Right," he started as he looked the map over again, "we will travel by foot and should arrive

well before sunset if we leave before 2 hours pass. I think we should take 3 additional men, and

a few simple weapons of defense of our preferences –one per person, and tools and supplies

such as axes and hachets, nails, rope, hammers, a small saw maybe. Then, food and water for

us and for them—they may need it, we just don't know. So, three or four of us will be carrying

food supply packs on their backs. Any questions?"

No one had any questions.

"Okay, so let's start packing and gathering. Edmund go choose your three men to take with us

and go to the armory and then the large supply shed and start grabbing what we will need in

defence and rebuiling supplies. Katara will you and Zuko head down to the kitcken and explain

whats going on and collect the food supplies we will be taking? Someone will drop by with the

carry bags for it all. We will meet outside the main door round the back in an hour and a half."

Peter instructed us.

"Hope you girls don't mind me hanging back here in the castle with you, Lucy, Susan. I know

you are both talented individuals and you have defences, I just figured it couldn't hurt for me to

be here, too. Besides your brothers and Katara and Edmund and their group are more than

capable." Iroh said.

"Of course not! And besides, you're right, it couldn't hurt." Lucy chimed in instantly.

"Thank you, and we understand. You are really good company, afterall." Susan followed shortly

after. She sighed before saying,"Besides, you are right. They are quite capable."

Iroh grinned. "Maybe we can share funny stories over lunch while their gone for a nice

distraction, hm?"

Both sisters nodded in agreement that that was a fine idea.

Katara leaned over and said something to Peter who nodded his head.

She then paused to speak softly into my ear on her way to the door, "Come with me."

I nodded wordlessly and folllowed her.

"What was that about?" I asked her as she led the way.

"I told him I needed to change really quick into something less nice and that I needed to grab my

water skein." She slowed enough to look at me, "If there's anything you want to take go get it

now and me me outside the kitcken. I will be quick," she told me before turning to take the

hallway that lead to our rooms.

She paused and ducked her head back into the meeting room and I heard her ask, "Wait,

what's a troll?"

I leaned over and gently tugged on her hand as I leaned in close to her as I told her quickly, my

voice softer, " I will tell you on the way to the kitckens. Come on."

She paused for a second and said next, "Actually nevermind everyone, see you in a little while."

Then she extracted her head from the doorway, her cheeks slowly redening as she shut the

door and turn to me. I quickly dropped my hand from hers. Not sure why I grabbed her hand. I

could've tapped her shoulder our her arm instead of grabbing her hand. I groaned inwardly. I

looked at her for a brief second. She didn't seem like she was bothered by it, thankfully.

She looked over at me as we made a turn, "So, what's a troll, Zuko?"

"Um, they are human-like, and huge, very ugly beings. They are magical beings, and some

aren't the smartest at all. Simple minded. Some tend to be aggressive, but not all of them. They

often live hidden amoung mountains and forrests in small family units. Often the more

aggressive ones are loners."

Katara looked at me after getting all the information, an eybrow arched ever so slightly.

"I read about them in a book from the library." I told her.

"Oh, okay. Thanks." she told me genuinely.

I couldn't think of anything I really needed that was in my room. My clothes were sturdy and not

too fancy for this. "I will meet you at the kitchen," I told her when we came to the hallway that

hosted our room.

She nodded and we parted ways.

Moments later she was walking up toward the kitcken, now having her water skien secured at

her hip, and she was wearing her water tribe dress and her hair was now braided in a single

long braid that trailed down her back.

She knocked on the door before entering the kitchen. I went in as well.

She started explaining the situation and instructions from Peter.

Adalburt and Kayleona and Yuko started discussing and gathering and checking at an

impressive speed. Katara and I stood almost against the door to watch and stay out of their way

and to also be ready if any further help was needed.

Fresh bread and dried meat were wrapped in cloth and prepped into the first large bag. It held

alot.

Next bag held various fruits and nuts and a jar of honey,and a generous chunk of cheddar

cheese that was also wrapped in a cloth, as well as a few knives for spreading and cutting.

The last bag was a mix of the previous bags of whatever it could hold.

Adalburt, Yuko and Kayleona all leaned against a table or counter for a moment, having earned

it at the impressive rate they had prepared these provision bags.

With their level of team work they got something done in likely under ten minutes that others it

wouldve taken possibly fifteen or more, especially if they did not know what they had or where it

was.

"Thank you guys, you did great. That was impressive." Katara told them as she secured a bag

on each shoulder and handed me the third.

I raised an eyebrow at her which she saw.

"I've got it for now, I may give one of them to one of Edmund's men later on," she told me,

picking up on me basically asking her if she was good carrying two large provision bags without

a single word uttered.

I shrugged and nodded before gesturing for her to lead the way.

We went to the meeting point and just sat down against the outer wall near the door, our packs

in a row against the wall beside us.

After a moment the huge door swung open, revealing Kayleona.

She looked over and saw us and smiled and walked over so that she was infront of us, facing

us. "Oh, there you are!"

We both looked at her curiously as she continued, "I brought you both a pastry for while you wait

for the others. They're vanilla cream with almond slices on top."

She placed a small shallow basket between us.

"Thank you," I told her. Katara echoed her thanks.

"You're welcome, be safe, all of you!" she said to us before turing and going back in.

Katara and I both glanced at each other and we both had the smallest of smiles on our faces.

I picked up the basket and passed Katara a pastry before taking one for myself and placing the

basket between us.

We ate in silence, enjoying the soft breeze that whispered past thanks to the still looming

clouds.

We enjoyed two each, and there was more, sliced in half to go farther with the rest of out

traveling party.

Time passed easily while we ate silently, each with our own thoughts as we just waited for the

others.

I thought of something that I could grab that would be useful while eating. I finished my pastry

and got up.

Katara looked up at me curiously.

"I thought of something I can grab for myself that may be useful. I got to go to the armory real

quick." I filled her in. I paused before saying slowly, "You can come, if you want."

She tucked the napkin that was in the basket with the pastries over them to protect them from

bugs and set it down next to our packs before hopping up and saying, "Yeah, let's go."

I led the way quickly back to where I was before not long ago, Katara barely a step behind me.

Once there, I swiftly slid open the door and let us inside. I strode quickly to the table where I left

the twin blades I had been borrowing and grabbed them, tucking one through my belt, just

behind each hip. Katara had slowed down once inside, looking all around her. I brought her

attention back to what was important as I told her as I made my way past her "Maybe Edmund

and Peter can show you around when we get back. Come on—and slide the door closed behind

you."

She nodded and did as I asked her to, and soon we were on our way back to our packs and the

pastries next to the door.

We leaned against the wall instead of sitting down again, likely enough time had passed that

any moment the rest would join us.

A few short moments later the door swung open and we heard voices instantly as

people started filing through the door and rounded over to where we where once they saw us.

Katara stretched her armed over her head. Stretching seemed like a good idea before the long

seeming trek so I copied her actions.

Once the door fell closed after the last person, we formed a loose circle for a moment. Lucy

stood near Katara, who picked the basket of pastries and offered her one while likely whispering

to her what they were. I couldn't hear her words, but that seemed what was the most likely

choice of them between the pair given the current visual context. Lucy took a piece and enjoyed

it thoroughly in no time flat.

I think she was here to send us off, as she wasn't going with us.

Peter and Edmund stood together and were talking low to each other, double checking things

together if I'd have to guess. They would point and nod and list off on their fingers and conclude.

After a few minutes, Peter stepped forward. "Thank you for all preparing and gathering so

quickly. Time should be on our side a bit moreso as we got everything ready a little ahead of

time. Those with packs, get them adjusted with help of a friend if needed, and lets be off."

His eyes found Lucy and softened just a hint, "We will be back hopefully in two days time

maximum. Don't drink us out of tea with Iroh beforehand, hm?" he said, ending it on a light note, making her smile.

She nodded and leaped at him with a hug only she could give. Then she singled out Edmund

and gave him the same fierce hug.

Katara hugged her close right after.

She then surprised me by giving me a hug as well. Startled at first, I finally came to my senses

and loosely wrapped an arm around her in turn.

She stepped away and smiled.

"See you all soon," she told us as she grabbed the handle to the door that led back inside.

Peter and Edmund nodded before turning to the rest of the group.

She then went inside.

We then started helping each other put on and adjust our packs, those of us that had them,

which everyone had something even if it was smaller.

A very fit looking centaur with long dark hair walked up from around the corner that beyond it

was some of the forest, not terribly far, a large roll of supplies strung over his shoulder similar to a quiver for arrows would be.

He tipped his head in greeting toward Peter and Edmund.

Edmund nodded his head in return, and Peter welcomed him, "Thank you for joining us, Oreius.

We were just starting to get everyone packed and strapped up. I think we are ready."

Edmund nodded in agreement as he gave our group one more glance over.

I helped Katara put her packs back on. She looked mine over briefly after I got it on my

shoulders.

Edmund pulled a rolled up scroll from his belt and examined it with Peter and Oreius looking

over his shoulder. Something soft was murmured amongst them and then the scroll was rolled

up and put back through his belt. Probably the rough map from earlier; they were double

checking it before we started.

Peter let his voice ring out slightly, "Alright, let's move out!" Then started walking, Edmund and

Oreius with him, the three of them taking the lead.

Katara and I fell into step together, round up the end of the group with one or two of Edmunds

younger men. I counted heads as we walked. Twelve of us all together.

The walk wasn't bad. It was nice to see Narnia beyond what we had seen that was the grounds

of Cair Paravel from other than my window view.

After about an hour, we stopped for a short water break and Katara passed around the pastries

Kayleona had given us. Everyone took a piece and enjoyed it. The good thing about the gloomy

skies was that we didn't have the need to duck into the shade while we took our small break. At

least it's something, I supposed. I don't really need to be distracted by more storms bringing up

thoughts of Azula or that dream again. I really don't want people I don't know having to witness

that or having to try to explain that. My gaze flicked to the sky. Still looming gloominess but not

particularly storm threatening.

I shifted my gaze from the sky to pull myself from such thoughts. It ended up settling on a

certain water bender who seemed to be taking all the greenery in happily. Oh. She lives on a

giant chunk of ice back in our world, of course she would find the plant life surrounding us nice.

She was quite happy with the flowers the the garden behind the castle. I somewhat grumpily

reminded myself of the fact as I ate my pastry piece that was handed to me.

We ate and drank in silence, save for a comment on the pastries or the breeze that passed

through once or twice was nice to have.

Mostly an uneventful trek; we talked quietly amongst ourselves here and there as well as

enjoyed looking at our surroundings.

We took another break a little after another hour, which meant after that break we were almost

there, and it hadn't tried to rain again thankfully.

~To Be Continued in the next Chappy~

- AN: Okay, So I know it seems like an odd cut off point,but it was the best I could do, it was going too long so I had to find a spot to break it up and what/where to start the next chapter with! Hope yall enjoyed! I humbly request reviews and any questions! Please but me with questions! I love to know what yall think,especially as this is my first fanfic ever and I love it and want it to be loved by others too! Ps I promise not to take so long to cough up the next chapter!-