XXXIV/ Night call
The night was falling as Elsa and her companions were preparing to sleep. Momo flitted around, occasionally landing on a rock to observe the group's activities with curious eyes. Elsa glanced around, making sure everyone was busy with their tasks. Cricket birds chirped a gentle lullaby, punctuated by the occasional splash from the nearby waterfall.
Katara joined the young queen to check their supplies, ensuring they had enough food and water for the journey ahead. She knelt beside a pile of travel bags, meticulously checking their supplies. The young waterbender's face was focused, but she couldn't help but smile at Momo's antics. He was nibbling on a piece of fruit, offering it to Elsa with a chirp before scampering off. Elsa chuckled at the lemur's gesture, but accepted it nonetheless.
Across the campsite, Sokka wrestled with a stubborn fire flint, his exaggerated huffs and puffs drawing a small smile from Elsa. Aang, ever the optimist, bounced on the balls of his feet, his playful energy a stark contrast to the fading light. He was checking on Appa, the massive sky bison grazing peacefully nearby.
"Everything looks good here," Katara said. "Elsa?"
The young woman glanced up, her blue eyes glimmering in the dying light. "Almost," she replied, tucking a stray scroll into her bag. "Just making sure we have everything for the journey tomorrow."
She checked a last time the supplies before nodding at Katara. "Good. Everything seems alright."
They stood up, dusted off their clothes, and walked over to join Sokka and Aang.
"What are you up to?" Elsa asked the boys.
Aang smiled widely. "Just making sure Appa's comfortable. He's been carrying us all day."
Katara turned to her brother, who was adding more wood to the fire. "How's it going, Sokka?"
Sokka, crouched over a pile of sticks, grunted in frustration. "Almost got it... just... one... more... There!" he exclaimed as the fire finally sparked to life. "Told you I could do it."
Aang looked over with a grin. "Nice job, Sokka!" He then patted Appa's large head. "How are you doing, buddy?"
Appa let out a contented groan, his big eyes closing in relaxation.
"Fire's up and running," Sokka replied, wiping his brow. "We should get some rest soon. We have a long day ahead."
Elsa looked thoughtful. "I think we should have at least one person on watch. We can't be too careful."
"Is that really necessary?" Aang asked, his youthful optimism shining through.
"I'm sure it is," Sokka said as seriously as he sounded, "Who knows who would visit us in the night without us being aware of their presence?" he whispered as if to keep it secret.
Katara rolled her eyes at her brother's antics, but pondered on Elsa's suggestion. "Well, it doesn't hurt to be vigilant," she finally replied.
Aang finally nodded while looking back at Elsa. The young queen was glad that everyone seemed fine with her suggestion. "I'll take the first watch."
"Sounds good. We'll rotate shifts," Sokka agreed.
As the group settled down for the night, Elsa took her position by the fire, her senses alert. Momo snuggled up beside her, his presence a small comfort in the gathering darkness. The others drifted off to sleep, the sound of the waterfall providing a soothing backdrop.
Momo chirped softly, and Elsa smiled, giving him a gentle scratch behind the ears. "Thank you for the company, Momo," she whispered. The winged lemur, ever curious, nibbled on a piece of fruit before darting off to explore the campsite, his antics bringing a brief smile to Elsa's face.
She thought of Bruni and the other elemental spirits in the Enchanted Forest, wondering how they were faring. Her thoughts then drifted to her sister, Anna, and her friends Olaf and Kristoff. She wondered if they were safe and happy, the weight of their absence a constant ache in her heart.
Her gaze shifted to her companions. Aang, Katara, and Sokka were like younger siblings to her now, each one unique and precious. Aang's boundless energy and optimism were infectious, while Katara's nurturing spirit and determination were inspiring. Sokka's humor and strategic mind brought balance to the group. She felt a deep protectiveness towards them, knowing they were still children navigating a world at war.
Elsa's serene presence seemed to calm everyone, her protectiveness evident in her every action. She watched Aang as he slept, his face peaceful in the firelight. She admired his strength and resilience, knowing the burden he carried as the Avatar. And yet, despite the challenges that waited them, she felt proud of him, appreciating his company and sensing his potential as a bender and a person.
Katara, curled up nearby, looked so much like Anna when she slept. Elsa's heart ached with longing, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. She had promised to protect these children, and she would do everything in her power to keep them safe.
Sokka's snoring broke the silence, and Elsa chuckled softly. Despite his bravado and sarcasm, he had a good heart and a sharp mind. He had learned to appreciate her powers and respected her strength, even if he didn't always understand her.
Momo returned, landing gracefully on Elsa's shoulder. She petted him gently, her thoughts turning back to their journey. They had a long way to go, and many challenges ahead, but she knew they would face them together. She looked at the waxing crescent moon once more, drawing strength from its steady presence in the night sky.
Her thoughts wandered to the lessons she had given her young companions. Aang, Katara, and Sokka were starting to develop a shred of tactful manners, each in their own way. Aang's enthusiasm was tempered with a bit more patience, Katara's compassion was now paired with strategic thinking, and even Sokka showed moments of deeper understanding and respect.
Elsa's eyes grew heavy, but she remained vigilant. She couldn't afford to let her guard down. Not with so much at stake. Momo snuggled closer, his warmth a small comfort against the chill of the night. Elsa thought of her family once more, sending a silent prayer for their safety. She then turned her attention back to the fire, determined to keep watch until it was time to wake the next person for their shift.
Moments passed, and Elsa stood up, stretching her legs. She moved quietly around the campsite, checking on her friends. Aang's soft breathing was a rhythmic reminder of his peaceful nature. Katara, even in sleep, had a determined set to her features. Sokka, on the other hand, had a faint smile, perhaps dreaming of another successful hunt.
She returned to the fire, adding a few more sticks to keep it burning brightly. Time seemed to move slowly, each minute blending into the next. Elsa's mind wandered, but her senses remained sharp, always alert for any signs of danger.
Eventually, it was time to wake Sokka for his watch. She approached him gently, kneeling beside him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Sokka, it's your turn," she said softly. He stirred, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.
"Already?" he mumbled, stretching his arms. "Alright, I'm up."
Elsa smiled, her expression serious yet kind. "Keep a vigilant eye. We can't be too careful."
Sokka nodded, his usual humor replaced by a rare moment of seriousness. "Got it, Elsa. Don't worry, I'll keep us safe."
Elsa gave him a reassuring nod before retreating to her spot by the fire. She created a blanket of ice, carefully wrapping it around herself. The cold didn't bother her; instead, it provided a comforting embrace. She lay down, closing her eyes, letting the gentle sound of the waterfall lull her into a restful sleep.
Sokka, now fully awake, settled into his watch, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Despite the weight of responsibility, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. They were a team, a family, and together they could face anything.
Across the campsite, hidden amidst the dense foliage bordering the lagoon, Zuko crouched low, his amber eyes narrowed in the darkness. One of his men, a burly Fire Nation soldier named Li, nudged him with a gloved hand.
"Water Tribe boy's turn, Prince," Li rasped, his voice barely a whisper.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through Zuko as his eyes narrowed. This was his chance. He'd spent the past moments concealed with his crew, ever since spotting the telltale smoke plume rising from the valley below. Having approached the place and seeing the waterbender witch confirmed it. The Avatar and his companions were here.
But attacking when Elsa was awake was suicide. He knew that much. A flicker of respect, grudging though it may be, burned in the pit of his stomach. The woman had proven herself a formidable opponent on Crescent Island. He needed a plan, and fast. Fortunately, seeing her going to sleep and the water tribe peasant on the watch made things easier.
"Get ready, men," he commanded, his voice a steely whisper.
A murmur of assent rippled through the group, but a flurry of movement followed his order. Iroh stepped forward, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Are you certain, Prince Zuko?" he rumbled, his voice a gentle counterpoint to Zuko's intensity. "Even with a surprise attack, this is a dangerous gamble."
Zuko's jaw clenched. He wouldn't back down now. "We can't afford to wait, Uncle. This is our best chance."
Iroh sighed, his bushy eyebrows furrowing in concern. He knew Zuko's burning desire to capture the Avatar and regain his honour, but this plan reeked of recklessness. He wasn't sure how to consider the situation as it was good to see Zuko developing some kind of restraints due to the circumstances, but at the same time, he was still entrenched in his desire to capture the Avatar, making his recklessness further greater.
The Dragon of West pondered on the fact he didn't expect that their visit to that shop earlier in the day would give them on the vicinity of the Avatar and his companions, though he wouldn't lie if he didn't admire the beauty of the ice sculpture and how ethereal and magnificent it was. The old general was intrigued, desiring to discover this mysterious waterbender after the tales of his nephew and of his men or the sight of Mo Ce Sea Prison being frozen. He suspected she was more than she sounded but seeing her in real would allow him to estimate what kind of person or being she was.
"Very well," he conceded, his voice laced with resignation.
Zuko nodded curtly, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes.
The group moved with practiced stealth, the banished prince and his men blending into the shadows as they approached the campsite. Zuko's heart pounded in his chest, his eyes darting between the sleeping forms of the Avatar and Elsa. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts. He knew attacking them while they slept was dishonorable, yet he felt he had no choice. The Avatar was his only chance to regain his honor, and he couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away.
As they neared the edge of the campsite, Zuko signaled for his men to halt. His eyes locked onto Sokka, who was keeping watch near the campfire, his boomerang resting in his lap. Zuko's gaze flicked to the sleeping form of Elsa, her serene face illuminated by the soft glow of the fire. A pang of guilt gnawed at him. She had spared him once on Crescent Island, and he knew how a formidable yet merciful opponent she was. He couldn't afford to underestimate her.
Li crouched beside him, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "What's the plan, Prince?"
Zuko took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. "We take out the sentry first. Quietly. Then we move in and capture the Avatar."
"What about the waterbender witch?" Li asked, his voice low.
Zuko hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "We'll deal with her if she wakes. But our priority is the Avatar."
The soldier tilted his head in understanding. Zuko signaled to his men, and they moved forward, their steps silent and deliberate. They reached the edge of the camp, hidden behind a thick cluster of trees. Zuko watched as Sokka stretched and yawned, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby.
Suddenly, the winged lemur, Momo, stirred and let out a chittering sound, his eyes wide and alert. Sokka's head snapped up, his eyes scanning the darkness.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice tense.
Zuko's heart leaped into his throat. They were losing the element of surprise. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, his men following suit.
Sokka's eyes widened in recognition and alarm. "Zuko!" he yelled, diving out of the way as a fireball seared past him, scorching the ground where he had just stood. Momo fluttered into the air, screeching in fright, and swooped down to claw at one of Zuko's men, causing him to stumble.
His shout woke everyone else. Aang, Katara, and Elsa all jolted awake, their eyes widening as they realized what was happening. Sokka dodged a fireball, rolling to the side and grabbing his club. He swung it defensively, recalling the moves he had learned with Suki on Kyoshi Island.
Aang, still groggy, reached for his staff and created a gust of wind that knocked some of Zuko's men to the ground. Appa was groaning defensively, ready to intervene. Katara reached out her waterskin and bent a whip to slap one of the spearmen charging them. Elsa, seeing Zuko and his men, reacted swiftly, freezing the ground before her. The ice spread rapidly, causing Zuko and his men to slip and lose their balance. Even Sokka slipped, slamming into the ground with a grunt. "Hey!"
Elsa winced and glanced apologetically at the water tribe boy before raising icy spikes as a protective wall against the Fire Nation group. "Stay back!" she warned, her voice steady despite the chaos.
Zuko and his men jerked back, avoiding the sharp spikes. The prince's eyes narrowed as he saw the determination in Elsa's gaze. Behind his men and him, Iroh stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Elsa with an intensity that went beyond mere curiosity as it was the very first time he saw the mysterious waterbender his nephew encountered. He was also admiring her ethereal beauty.
Elsa noticed the older man watching her. There was something in his gaze—recognition, perhaps, or an understanding that ran deeper than mere observation. She wondered why he didn't do anything, but felt he wouldn't endanger her friends or her.
"Aang, Katara, get ready to leave!" she called over her shoulder. "Take everything and go!"
Katara and Aang hesitated, their eyes filled with worry and reluctance. "But Elsa—" Katara started.
"Trust me," Elsa said firmly. "I'll buy you time. Now go!"
Sokka, already scrambling to his feet, nodded in agreement. "She's right. We need to move."
Aang and Katara exchanged a glance before they began gathering their belongings, their movements hurried and tense. Elsa focused her attention back on Zuko and his men. The firebenders were struggling to melt her ice spikes, their flames clashing against the frigid barriers. Zuko's eyes blazed with determination as he fueled his firebending, the intense heat causing the ice to steam and sizzle.
The young queen maintained her defensive stance, raising a new set of ice pikes to keep Zuko and his men at bay. While she knew she could deal in a snap with Zuko and his men, they weren't the biggest threat and her interactions with Zuko back on Crescent Island made her wary of hurting him when she felt the turmoil within him and knew more about why he was chasing Aang. There was likely more to the story, notably on why his father banished him, but what she now knew was already a start for her.
"Keep back!" she commanded, her voice strong and filled with resolve.
Zuko narrowed his eyes at her, his firebending growing fiercer. "You can't keep this up forever!" he shouted, frustration evident in his voice.
His men continued their assault, firebending at the ice spikes, but Elsa's control was precise. She created another layer of ice, forcing them back once more. She noticed the old man still watching her intently, his gaze thoughtful and calculating, but not intervening. She wondered what he was doing.
"Elsa, we're ready!" Katara called, her voice urgent. Aang and Sokka had finished packing their supplies onto Appa.
The young queen glanced back, seeing her friends standing by the bison, their expressions a mix of awe and concern. She gave them a quick nod. "Good. Get on Appa and be ready to leave."
As they climbed onto Appa, Elsa turned her attention back to Zuko and his men. She saw the determination in the prince's eyes, but also the anger and the pain. She knew she had to end this confrontation quickly and decisively. Taking a deep breath, the young woman raised her hands, summoning a powerful blizzard. Snow and ice swirled around Zuko and his men, blinding them and making it impossible for them to advance. They staggered, their movements disoriented by the sudden onslaught.
Elsa stopped the blizzard as quickly as she had started it, and in its place, she created ice cages around the Fire Nation men, trapping them. Zuko glared at Elsa, his breath coming in heavy puffs of steam before unleashing his firebending on the ice bars, but the ice was strong and held firm.
Elsa noticed the old man approaching, his steps slow but steady, his gaze thoughtful and assessing her. Elsa remained cautious but did not take a defensive stance. She took note of how his glance was intrigued, and vigilant but also assessing her as if he was admiring her. She didn't know how to interpret his intents and expression. He was far less obvious to guess than Zuko or the commander she faced at Roku's temple.
"Uncle, do something!" Zuko shouted, his anger and disarray still evident.
Elsa's eyes widened slightly at hearing those words as it meant this man had a significant influence over Zuko. She wondered why he was accompanying him. She hoped it was for his nephew's sake and not because the Fire Lord asked him to. With the turmoil she had noticed in Zuko, he needed someone he could rely on. But was his uncle reliant and trustworthy? She decided to wait and see.
Iroh approached his nephew's ice cage, his expression calm and reassuring. "Patience, Prince Zuko. You will be free soon."
Zuko's frustration flared again, but he held his tongue, trusting his uncle's judgment despite his weariness, frustration and disarray.
Iroh turned his glance to Elsa and saluted her with a polite nod. "Greetings, young one. Your control over ice is truly remarkable."
The young queen inclined her head in acknowledgment, still cautious and vigilant. "Thank you. What do you want, sir?"
Iroh's eyes were kind but watchful. "I wish you release my nephew and his men. Is it possible?"
Elsa considered this for a moment before replying, "I intend to free them once my friends and I are safely away from the ground."
Iroh nodded, understanding her caution. "Very well. That is a reasonable request."
Zuko watched the exchange with confusion and angry puzzlement. "Why are you talking to her like that, Uncle? She's our enemy!"
Iroh looked at his nephew with an assuaging glance. "Prince Zuko, there is a time for a fight, but there is more for discussion and tea, especially with a worthy opponent."
Elsa's brows furrowed in a mix of curiosity, uncertainty, amusement and intrigue. A part of her felt moved and flattered by how the old man was regarding her, sensing it was his experience speaking and something else.
Zuko's frustration was palpable, but he reluctantly ceased his firebending. "Fine," he muttered, glaring at Elsa. "It's not over."
Elsa observed their interaction, feeling a pang of empathy for Zuko's turmoil and appreciating his uncle's words and intervention. She didn't answer the banished prince, merely acknowledging his point. She turned back to Iroh. "Thank you for your patience."
The old general gave a respectful nod. "May your journey be safe, my lady."
Elsa looked at the old man with an intrigued glance as the fact he spoke to her with such protocol meant he was either polite to her or suspected she was of aristocratic upbringing. She nevertheless returned the nod before moving backward, her eyes never leaving Zuko and his men. With a graceful motion, she conjured icy stairs leading up to Appa's back. She climbed them effortlessly, joining Katara and Sokka.
As she settled into the saddle, Elsa took a deep breath, her mind focused on the task ahead. "Let's go, Aang."
The young airbender nodded. "Yip yip!" he called, and Appa soared into the sky, leaving the waterfall lagoon and their pursuers behind.
As they ascended, Elsa glanced back towards the icy cages she had formed around Zuko and his men. Aang maneuvered Appa expertly through the clouds, and Katara and Sokka settled into a comfortable position nearby. Elsa, however, couldn't shake the conflicting emotions stirred by her encounter with Zuko and Iroh. She raised her hands, and the air around her shimmered with a faint frost.
Aang turned his head, his eyes wide with curiosity and awe as he watched Elsa's powers at work. Katara and Sokka exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what to make of Elsa's actions. They had seen her unleash incredible displays of ice manipulation before, but this act of freezing and then releasing their pursuers left them conflicted.
Elsa's focus remained steady as she dissipated the ice she had created on the ground below. The icy spikes and cages around Zuko and his men melted away, freeing them. She lowered her hands slowly, her expression composed yet contemplative. Katara and Sokka watched her closely, their faces betraying a mix of concern and curiosity.
Sokka was the first to voice his thoughts. "Why did you let them go, Elsa?" His tone was cautious, trying to understand her decision.
Elsa met Sokka's gaze directly, recognizing the weight of his question. "I couldn't leave them trapped forever," she replied calmly. "I didn't want to inflict them the discomfort their people did to Haru and his people."
Sokka was about to protest, but Aang nodded thoughtfully. "You did right. No one should suffer that."
Katara looked more conflicted, her brow furrowed with worry. "They won't stop, Elsa. Zuko won't stop."
Elsa sighed softly, her gaze shifting between the three children she now felt responsible for. "I know," she admitted quietly. "But I had to show mercy. It's important, even in times like these. And I feel there's more to his story than just obeying his father. You heard as much as I did on Crescent Island."
Aang's expression softened as he processed her words, nodding slowly in understanding. Katara and Sokka exchanged another look, their conflicting emotions mirrored in each other's eyes. They trusted Elsa and they remembered what they had heard in Roku's Temple, but the danger Zuko represented was undeniable. The two siblings were tempted to assume the worst of the banished prince, even with what they had learned, but Elsa's compassion put them at odds. They didn't know how to grasp the topic.
"I know," Katara finally said with a sigh, "But I can't help it. Each time I see him, I see the face of what his people did to mine, to my mother…"
Katara closed her eyes and tightened in her hand her mother's necklace. Elsa looked sympathetic at her. Aang was also silent and watching with a concerned and sad glance the young waterbender. Sokka was also solemn.
Elsa approached the young girl and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. The touch was gentle yet firm, a reassuring presence amidst the darkness of the night sky. "Katara," Elsa spoke softly, her voice carrying the weight of shared sorrow, "I understand your pain. I know it's hard to forgive, especially when the scars run deep. But holding onto hate only weighs us down."
Katara looked up at Elsa, her eyes brimming with tears yet holding a glimmer of hope. "It's just so hard," she admitted, her voice trembling.
Elsa nodded empathetically. "I know," she said sincerely, "but think of Shyu. He's of the Fire Nation, yet he's a good man who didn't hesitate to help us to the risk of his life. I believe there are other people like him in the Fire Nation."
Katara considered Elsa's words, her brow furrowing in thought. Aang and Sokka stood nearby, silently absorbing the exchange. Aang's eyes reflected curiosity and concern, while Sokka's expression was more guarded, though thoughtful.
"If that's the case, where are they?" he questioned a bit skeptical yet intrigued.
Elsa looked down as she pondered the question before looking at the three children with a serious and sad expression. "Maybe they are afraid. We don't know much about what is happening in the Fire Nation. But it can be very difficult to challenge or question the people who are leading you. And if someone like Zuko can be banished when he is a prince, what can happen to someone who is against what his people are achieving?"
The silence that followed Elsa's words was heavy with contemplation. Each member of the group was lost in their thoughts, reflecting on the complexity of their enemies and the nuances of war. Appa's steady flight provided a constant backdrop to their meditations.
Aang was the first to break the silence. "Elsa's right," he said softly. "We can't paint everyone in the Fire Nation with the same brush. They weren't like that back in my time. Shyu is one and there is this commander he is looking for. Maybe there are more of them."
Sokka crossed his arms, still skeptical but more open to considering Elsa's perspective. "Maybe," he conceded. "But how do we know who to trust?"
Katara sighed, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's just...hard to believe there could be good people among them after everything we've seen and suffered." She fingered her mother's necklace, the pain in her eyes evident.
Elsa's grip on Katara's shoulder tightened slightly, a gesture of support. "It's never easy to change our perspective, especially when we've been hurt so deeply. But if we want to end this war, we have to believe that there can be good people on both sides. Otherwise, there's no hope for peace."
Aang nodded in agreement. After a moment, Katara gave a small nod to Elsa. The queen of Arendelle knew that such a topic wouldn't be further tackled until Katara was ready to handle it, remembering how difficult it had been for herself to deal with her own fears and pain. She then looked at Aang and Sokka, her expression soft yet resolute. "Remember, I'm here for all of you," she said gently, her voice carrying a hint of her own vulnerability, "if you need to talk, to confide, or just to be there."
Aang nodded appreciatively, his eyes reflecting his trust in Elsa. Sokka simply met her gaze with a solemn nod, his earlier banter set aside in this moment of shared understanding.
Elsa smiled softly at the three children, her heart heavy with the weight of their burdens but also warmed by their resilience. As much as she didn't like the fact they were to deal with such a situation, she was impressed by how determined and persistent they were, making her think again of Anna. She was sure her sister would appreciate those children.
Noticing their tired faces, she also knew they needed to take a rest after the impromptu attack of Zuko on them. "Let's try to get some rest," she suggested, her tone gentle yet firm. "Aang, could you guide Appa for the rest of the night?"
The young airbender's face brightened with a smile. "Of course, Elsa!" he replied eagerly, adjusting himself on Appa's saddle to take over the reins.
Elsa nodded approvingly before turning to Katara and Sokka. "Try to rest as best as you can," she encouraged them softly.
The water tribe boy yawned widely, stretching out as he settled down. "Sounds good to me," he muttered sleepily, curling up against Appa's fur.
Katara offered the young queen a small, grateful smile. "Goodnight, Elsa," she murmured, her voice holding a trace of lingering sadness as she found a comfortable spot to rest.
"Goodnight, Katara," Elsa replied warmly, her voice soft as she watched the young waterbender settle in.
With a final glance at the peaceful faces of her companions, Elsa settled back against Appa's warm fur, her thoughts drifting to the events of the day. She was glad that Aang had started to waterbend as it meant he could have some basics before they arrived at the North Pole. Having the waterbending scroll was a big help, but she felt a bit uneasy about the fact she had to use her powers to create something that would have attracted the attention of the pirate leader. A part of her was wary of the possibility he could have hunted her down, but at the same time, perhaps he felt it wasn't worth his trade.
Elsa's brows furrowed as she thought of this night attack. She sensed Zuko was going desperate because of how strong she was. And yet, when she looked in his eyes, it wasn't the backstabbing of Hans or the opportunism of the Duke of Weaselton or even the treachery of her grandfather she was seeing. It was like seeing something familiar and yet worse. She wasn't sure of his family, but she knew that her parents loved and supported her, even with their mistakes in how to handle her powers. She couldn't picture them banishing her from Arendelle for whatever reason. At least, Zuko seemed to have someone who cared for him and his uncle was decent, even though Elsa suspected he was more than he seemed behind his nonchalant and peaceful demeanour, having noticed the way he watched her as if he was assessing her and sensing she was more than she was. Not only that, but she wondered whether his uncle was a supportive figure like her sister or like her parents, trying their best but failing. While she first the first, she wondered if it was the lattest. She chased away the thought, deciding to wait to decide on the man the next time she had the opportunity to meet him.
As Appa continued to soar through the night sky, Elsa closed her eyes, the rhythm of the bison's flight lulling her into a quiet introspection, ready to face whatever the dawn would bring and forgetting the thoughts that were crossing her mind.