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Zuko awoke to a sharp knock on the door, rubbing his head before navigating the sheets and open scrolls scattered on his bed top. After receiving the egg yesterday, he had spent the reminder of the day with his uncle, looking at every drop of information concerning dragon's and their eggs. He had fallen asleep reading them, while watching the burning egg that rested on it's own stand in his room, with a removable palanquin for easier transport. He had it for less than a day, but already he felt protective of it, wanting to keep it in view wherever he happened to be. Remembering that there was someone at the door, he donned a robe to cover his sleeping wear, and finally opened the door. Attendants waiting patiently outside, some of them trying to converse with the guards around his doorway, but as soon as Zuko poked his head out, they returned to the duty of delivering breakfast. He let them inside, leaning against the doorway before noticing his uncle was also wandering the hallway. "Mmm...morning uncle."
Iroh was in good spirits that morning, having also spent many twilight hours reading old scrolls about dragons and the ancient ways of the fire nation. It was good to remember history... it often made the future clearer to those who could read the signs. "Good morning, Firelord Zuko. You look, eh, well rested?"
Zuko rose an eyebrow, suspecting that Iroh was trying to hint at something that went above his head, again. The servants exited the room once the covered plates were place on a stand, and Zuko was still eyeing Iroh. "....I guess so. And so do you."
"Why look at me that way? I had a peaceful rest on an overstuffed bed with laaarge pillows." Iroh sighed blissfully, "And they smelled of jasmine. The sages remember me."
Zuko smirked a little. "Seems that your enjoying yourself, wondering why you'd ever think of leaving again."
"I enjoy seeing the homeland but there is something unique about Ba Sing Se... and nobody wants to play pai sho with me. I can't imagine why." Iroh thought, briefly gazing toward the ceiling. "Still, I decided to stay until your egg hatches. It would be irresponsible of me to leave you when you need me."
Zuko nodded once, feeling a little disappointed but refusing to let it show. He gestured for Iroh to come in, returning his attention to the egg. "I looked though all the scrolls, but I still couldn't find a few things. Like how long it takes for it to hatch."
"It wouldn't do you much good, since we don't know how many days ago it was laid. As long as you keep it warm and safe it will hatch, rest assured. Have you thought what you will do once your egg becomes a hatchling?"
"Once it hatches it will require a diet of meat. If it has teeth already." He quoted straight from the scrolls, fingering the flaming shell without being burned.
"You forget this is not a simple iguana cat. It will breathe fire, and you will have to teach it how to fly. Unless you intend to bring it back to its parents, you will teach it how to be a dragon." Iroh followed Zuko to the egg, watching gentle flames lick its creamy shell. it would darken as hatching day neared, becoming almost black before the shell finally cracks.
Zuko paused, looking a little uncertain now. How was he supposed to teach it how to be a dragon when he still knew so little? "The scrolls don't include flying lessons."
Iroh chuckled heartily, "Flying is easy, try teaching it not to chew on the sages!"
Zuko snickered, just imagining the baby dragon snacking on one of the over serious old men. "Actually, I think that would a blessing. You don't know what they did to my room when I returned...I had to get everyone recleaned just to be on the safe side.
"I heard rumors. You must understand their eagerness, Zuko. There has never been a Firelord who didn't have a son or daughter to groom into the next ruler. Of course, you are the youngest Firelord." Iroh took a deep breath, smelling ginger tea on Zuko's breakfast tray, and helping himself to it. He knew his nephew was still forsaking tea after the bee incident.
Zuko huffed, even as he knew that to be true. The sages, besides providing a religious influence in the royal court, were the keepers of the royal family. Always concerned with the continuation of the bloodline, and guarding the family's most dear, and deadliest secrets. It was because of the sages work that the lineage could be traced backward through hundreds and hundreds of generations. "...Still doesn't excuse a dozen women when I have a girlfriend."
"It won't stop them from trying, unless you solidify your intentions with Mai. Have you thought of the future?" Iroh breathed deeply the tea's light scent before sipping, "Ahh, good brew."
"A little." At least concerning Mai. He couldn't imagine being with anyone else, no one would ever understand him like Mai did. "Though...Mai hates weddings. Too happy for her taste."
"A ceremony in secret is not unheard of, but is will be frowned upon. What is important is that you do what will make both of you happy, even if it means the nation can't fawn over your every wedding detail."
Zuko had to admit he didn't see the appeal of a huge state wedding either, although such events had a major effect on population morale. "Well, we're not at that point, yet." It occurred to him, as much as the fire nation would look forward to a royal wedding, the entire world was probably looking forward to seeing the day the Avatar took a wife. As much as Aang and Katara cared for each other, it was only a matter of both growing a little older. Which reminded him... "...Aang said he was pick up the others yesterday. I got so involved in research I didn't notice if they came back safely or not. Have you seen them at all?"
"No, but your lookouts at the harbor reported them flying to the south. It seems, for a while, you will have peace and quiet... as much that can be found while running a nation." Iroh watched Zuko, judging his reaction, "Will you be alright without them?"
Zuko was unable to hide his shock for a few seconds, for some reason thinking they would have returned to the palace for a few days, instead of continuing onward, and without a farewell. Where were they going that was in the south anyway? '...The south pole, of course. That's where Katara and Sokka's home village is.' Realizing that Iroh asked a question, he regained composure, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. "Of course. It's good to hear they weren't attacked afterall."
"They will come back, Zuko. All of you suffered during the war and you ended it so the next generation could live without fear. That binds you together with something stronger than ordinary friendship." Iroh joined Zuko near the egg again, "And they will want to check on your little friend."
Zuko stepped away reflexively, hesitating for a spilt second before walking over to the breakfast tray. "Of course, Uncle." He didn't need to be coddled, as if he was a lonely six-year-old. "Do you want more tea to brought?"
"No, I think I will finish my walk and then find a nice quiet place to read. You might want to reflect on the value of meditation before your day begins." Iroh bowed a little, out of respect for his nephew, before leaving.
Zuko froze, a fork hovering over a section of fruit slices, bristling at Iroh's suggestion even after he left. He huffed to himself, throwing the fork on the floor before sitting on the bed to rub his forehead. "And he leaves, too."

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Aang couldn't help but grin as the air turned cold and crisp, just as he remembered it. It seemed so long ago, but in fact it was a little less than a year that he awoke in the pole to Katara's smiling face. They had stopped off at the last earth kingdom village on the way to secure parkas for himself and Suki, Sokka and Katara already having their own. Even Momo had a little lemur sized coat in case he got too cold. "Hey! I can see it! I see the glacier!"
Katara could barely contain her giddiness as familiar sights came into view. Memories that made her heart ache as she lay awake at night, longing for home. Sokka hung an arm across her shoulders, feeling warm deep inside. "We're home, Katara. Finally home..."
Aang glanced back, feeling happy for the siblings, sharing their excitement. "What's the first thing you're going to do?" He directed the question to both of them as he returned to the saddle.
"I'm going to see Gran Gran!" Katara leaned over the saddle, as if she could leap out and race to the distant village with some unseen superpower. Sokka was a little more relaxed, crossing his arms with a knowing grin, "I'm going to see Dad, and see how the village changed since we left. I bet he rebuilt almost everything by now!"
'I'm going to follow Katara.' Aang thought to himself as they passed over ice chunks floating in the water, which soon became a solid mass. He could feel his heart pumping faster, and before he knew it the walls and structures of the village were below them, and Appa was dropping down for a landing.
Appa's great shadow didn't go unnoticed, and waves of excitement passed through the village as people recognized the avatar's flying bison and his companions. As soon as Appa's feet touched the ground Katara was sliding down his broad tail, tears in her eyes as she ran for a familiar face. Villagers parted as she nearly plowed through them, practically leaped into her grandmother's outstretched arms. "Gran Gran!" Sokka was a bit more composed, soaking in hero worship from the younger villagers who remembered the day he vanquished a fire navy ship and joined the avatar as a great warrior. Hakoda also told stories of his son's valiant leadership during the invasion, and his part in destroying the fire nation's air fleet.
Suki followed close behind Sokka, finding it odd to walk on snow and ice, nearly tripping more then once. Aang wasn't far behind Katara, letting her have her teary reunion before bowing in respect to the grandmother.
"Katara...Aang....it's good to see you both."
Christina: "Gran Gran... I missed you so much." Katara held her tightly, nearly burying her face in the thick fur lining of her parka. "I thought we wouldn't be home for a while, but Aang flew us all the way here!"
Kanna didn't let go of the girl as she glanced to the avatar. "Thank you for bringing them back....Katara, where is your brother?"
Sokka stayed behind to help Suki, offering her a helping arm so she wouldn't slip on the thick ice and snow. They soon joined Katara and Aang, wading through a sea of children who begged for stories of how they defeated the firelord and made him cry.
Kanna quickly grabbed Sokka's sleeve, drawing him into the family hug. "Sokka, there you are. What took you so long?"
Sokka didn't pull away, feeling warm in their grandmother's embrace, and pointed at Suki. "I had to help. Uh, meet Suki... she is one of the Kyoshi Warriors, from an island near the earth kingdom. And she's my girlfriend!"
One of the younger ones tugged on Kanna's tunic, "She doesn't look like his other girlfriends. The imaginary ones!"
Kanna let chuckle. "No little one, Suki seems quite real!" She finally released Katara and Sokka to wrap her arms around Suki. "You must have a lot of patience, dear." Suki nodded as she gave Sokka an odd look. "Imaginary girlfriends?"
Sokka grimaced, scratching the back of his neck, "...no one here was old enough to date. And they are all my cousins and nieces."
Kanna sighed, looking at them all before gesturing to their home. "Come inside, all of you. I have sea prune soup and seal blubber jerky waiting."
Sokka's eyes glazed over when he heard 'blubbered seal jerky' and he could almost taste it already. "Ohh... home cooking is the best. Come on Suki, its not as bad as it sounds!" Katara glanced to Aang as Sokka and Suki went ahead, reaching over to hold his hand.
Aang smiled broadly, glad to see Katara and Sokka so happy, even if he did have to choke down some sea prune stew. Kanna ushered them inside, dishing out a bowl for each child. "Hakoda is out hunting...He should be back in a few hours."
"I bet he'll be surprised we're home so soon. I thought we would be gone a lot longer." Katara quirked a delicate eyebrow as she sat on a fur mat and accepted a warm bowl of stew, "How long did you think we would be away?" Sokka shrugged, "I dunno. Forever? Things get turned upside down with the avatar."
"I'm glad you found an opportunity to return. By the way, you two have a new grandfather. Pakku, whom you met in the North." Kanna also prepared some hot juice to go with the snacks, which Aang happily accepted. The avatar surmised that she didn't know of the meeting between her grandchild and Pakku right before the comet, and certainly not that Pakku was part of an ancient order.
"He told us when we saw him right before the invasion. We didn't think anybody from the water tribe would come but so many did!" Sokka said enthusiastically, remembering the week before Day of Black Sun. "At the north pole, he told us how much he loved you and missed you... but... why did you leave?"
Kanna sighed, thinking back on those early years. "That...is ancient history, Sokka. You never cared to listen to my life stories before, why start now?"
Sokka reflected on the boy he used to be, overzealous and rarely listening to wisdom that didn't come from his stomach. It felt like so long ago, like ages past instead of just a year. "Remember how you used to tell us stories of when you were younger? When you would travel and how it changes who you are? Its true."
"Hopefully not too much. In a war torn world, some changes are not for the better." Kanna reflected for a moment, thinking of all the things Katara and Sokka must have gone through.
Katara knew what her grandmother meant, the memory of Aang's death flashing through her mind. She felt so lost, so desperate, when he was laying in her arms without a single breath. Then, losing him meant so much more than losing the war. She shook off the feeling and sipped a spoonful of prune stew. Sokka nodded solemnly, but his sadness was quickly replaced with warmth and joy when he remembered Suki. If not for the war, they would have never met. He needed to ask Hakoda about carving a medallion...
Aang prepared to deliver a spoonful of soup to his mouth, cringing and grimacing when it made contact. "Great soup you made..." The avatar glanced to the entrance as Kanna's new husband strode in, and Kanna huffed. "There you are. Where have you been? You missed Katara and Sokka's return."

Pakku calmly sat beside Kanna, accustomed to the grander homes created b the northern water tribe but adapting to the modest sensibility of the southern water tribe. He held an orchid, short and small like most tundra flowers, with white petals edged with bright blue that faded nearly to black at the edges. "A frost lily. I was looking all afternoon." He placed it in Kanna's hand before looking to the children, expression softening. "Welcome home, grandkids. And, the avatar. And... hrm, who are you?"
"I'm Suki. We've met." Suki supposed she didn't look at all the same, since she was dressed in a water style parka, and her hair was a bit messy from the winter wind. Kanna smiled at the flower, her favorite, and in return placed a bowl of steaming soup in Pakku's hands.
"Suki. You look terrible." Pakku said flatly as an old finger pointed at Sokka, "Be courteous and find her a wind cloak. it will keep her warmer." Sokka sighed, just as he was about to dig into seal jerky, and trudged out of the hut. Pakku grinned a little and enjoyed a spoonful of soup. "Where are you children headed next?" Katara glanced to Aang and smiled, "Nowhere. We're staying here for a while!"
Aang nodded. "And I'm going to make an ice hut for myself!" Kanna blinked, pausing slightly. While she wouldn't past him to make an igloo past for fun, his phrasing indicated something a little more permanent. "You mean...you're making a home...here in the south pole?" Again, Aang nodded. "Hope you don't mind me as a neighbor.
"Is that so?" Pakku sipped from a bowl, "It will be fortunate to have such a talented waterbender around. The village still needs a lot of work."
Kanna was happier than ever. While she knew Katara and Sokka would travel with Aang even after the war, having the Avatar with a home here would reduce the time that the grandkids were away. "Hakoda will be pleased to hear that too. That is wonderful news."
"I hope dad comes back soon. Its been a while since we saw him... it feels like we're almost whole again, doesn't it? Like the way things were before the raids." A heavy silence came over the hut as Sokka returned with a fur-lined cloak, designed for long treks on the glacier. "Hey Suki, I found a... wow, what happened here?"
"Um..." Aang looked for a way to break the uncomfortable silence, glancing at his unfinished soup. "Ah...hey, everybody, look at this!" He bended the soup into the air, making it swirl around in a elabrate series of shapes. "Ta da!"
"Playing with food. I see the avatar has matured..." Pakku commented as he finished his soup. He kissed Kanna's cheek, thanking her for the meal.
Kanna shook a stern finger at the young avatar. "Aang, if you spill even a drop of that you're not getting any dinner. We don't waste food here." Aang deflated, quietly bending the liquid back in the bowl with a sigh. "Sorry ma'am."
"Sorry, Gran Gran. We're not used to being in places where food is scarce. I guess we forgot how valuable food is this far south." Katara also finished her soup, feeling warm with the cuisine of her childhood. There was a commotion outside, voices gathering together and talking over one another, as the sound of a ship being hauled up on the ice drifted into the hut. "Sounds like your father's hunting party returned."
Aang was about to get up with the others to investigate outside, but one look from Gran gran and he stayed to finish the now cold soup. Suki was right behind Sokka as they walked outside.
Sokka practically ran outside, just in time to see a water tribe ship being hauled up onto the ice. Woven baskets of salted seal and penguin meat and nets of fish were being tossed down onto the ice, and families emerged from their huts and tents to gather some food. Everything was shared in the village, which was still small compared to the northern water tribe, but spirits were much higher than a year ago. Hakoda stood on the bow, tossing down heavy ropes to tie off the ship, and he spotted the children. "Sokka, Katara! Is that Suki, too?"
Suki grinned, waving enthusiastically. "Yes. Good to see you again, Hakoda!"
Hakoda grabbed another rope and jumped off the bow, using it to slide to the ground with a thump. He brushed crusted salt and snow off his gloves just as Sokka and Katara nearly bowled him over. He chuckled and wrapped an arm around each, "I'm glad to see you, too. When did you kids arrive?" "Just a little while ago. We were talking with Gran Gran and Grandpa when you came back," Katara said, glad to hold her father again.
Hakoda grabbed another rope and jumped off the bow, using it to slide to the ground with a thump. He brushed crusted salt and snow off his gloves just as Sokka and Katara nearly bowled him over. He chuckled and wrapped an arm around each, "I'm glad to see you, too. When did you kids arrive?" "Just a little while ago. We were talking with Gran Gran and Grandpa when you came back," Katara said, glad to hold her father again.
Aang joined them soon after, oddly finding the soup had a different flavor when no longer hot, and he actually somewhat liked it. "Hello! I'm here too!"
"There you are. I wondered if you came or stayed behind in warmer climates. We'll need to get you and Suki a proper set of snow clothes!" Hakoda smiled warmly, "And maybe something a little more appetizing than dried fish. Aurora berries should be in season, maybe Katara will take you picking this afternoon." Katara nudged her father, a little embarrassed. They didn't announce their relationship to anyone yet but it seemed like he knew!
Aang looked excited. "Oo, there's berries here too? I thought it was just sea prune and seaweed. Sounds great!" Suki gathered some fish and meat, helping carry it back to the hut, since it seemed they would all be eating together that night.
"There are lots of things you can eat, but getting to them is a little harder than in the earth kingdom or fire nation." Katara noticed Sokka was helping Suki with the food and she thought about taking Aang to the berry caves before it became too dark. "I guess we could go now. It doesn't look like there is a lot to do!"
"Really? I'd like that." Aang held Katara's hand, smiling gently at her.
"Is it okay, Dad?" Katara's eyes were nearly pleading and Hakoda couldn't say no. "Go on, have fun but be careful. Moose bears will be looking for berries, too." "Thanks, Dad!" Katara hugged him again before grabbing Aang's hand and running toward the village wall.
Aang after her, noticing that there were more huts then before, and even some ice sculptures for decoration. Waterbenders from the north were on the wall, adding and refining it to improve the villages defenses. "It hardly seems to the same, does it?"
"It might change on the outside, but the people are still the same. It feels like home, no matter how different it looks." They passed under an arch of ice that was being strengthened to hold a protective door. It wouldn't be long before their village was expanding, as more northern water tribesmen came to join them and new families were formed. The promise of new life made her smile, even as they passed into a wide, white expanse. "This way, there are underground caves just warm enough to grow small plants."
"You'll have to give me a complete tour around this week. There's no much that I had no idea was around." His feet crunched the thick snow underneath, and soon they reached the cave. The air from inside was slightly warmer, as if there was a heat source deep within.
The cave, discovered long ago, was cultivated by water benders into rings. Each ring was a few feet lower than the one before, and in the very center was a steaming pool of crystal clear water. The steam provided moisture and heat for berry vines that creeped all over the layered rings, most heavy with fruit. Momo, who was hiding in Aang's tunic, leaped out and glided to one of the vines to start feasting. "I guess he likes them!"
Aang laughed, skipping over to collect a few berries for himself, sampling them. "It's good...rather sweet."
"They only grow in these caves, and this is the only one close to home." Katara started picking the marble-sized berries and dropping them into a cloth sack. "They are one of Gran Gran's favorites... I bet she would warm up to you if you made her a tart with them."
"I know how to make tarts. I'll make gran gran dozens of them!" Aang plucked berry after berry, storing them in Katara's bag as well.
Soon Momo had his fill, a little pot belly showing on the lemur, and he could barely fly. He perched on Aang's shoulder as the two picked, emptying the vines of nearly two plants before Katara was convinced they had enough. "It means a lot that you are going to stay. I didn't think you would like a place this cold."
Aang shrugged slightly as they started to return to the village. "It's not so bad after being in a glacier for a hundred years. And...you're worth freezing my toes for."
"I would have followed you, if you wanted to go somewhere else. I just want to make sure you know." Katara kissed Aang's chilly cheek, imagining their future lives together. "Although, being a fire bender, I guess you can stay as warm as you want."
"Yeah. But i'd never want to separate you from your dad and grandparents." He wrapped an around her waist. "Any more then we'll have to, anyway. Still world peace and such to tend to."
"I think of those as... stressful vacations." Katara giggled as she nearly skipped, her heart light and full of glee. She was home, Dad was home, and Aang was with her.

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Zuko removed the crown from his topknot and pulled on the band, letting the hair fall back to it's natural state. Another day on the throne, listening to people complain about each other, looking over reports, and issuing orders that over seemed to change. He barely remembered most of what occurred, only hearing a monotone buzzing when anyone opened their mouth. 'Why is this position so desirable, again?' Evening gave him an excuse to leave the throne room, and he decided on a quick break in the central garden.
Zuko gently kicked off his dress shoes in favor of walking barefoot in the grass, not caring if the hem of his royal robe become dirtied. He noticed Iroh was already present, sitting in a corner with an attendant, both of them hunched over a Pai Sho table. 'Hm, looks like he found someone to play with...' He thought of walking over to watch, but instead he moved over to the turtle duck pond, feeling as he shouldn't interrupt the older man.
Iroh studied the board like an old general studying a battlefield, carefully weighing every option before raising his hands to move. He slid a single tile forward, suddenly commanding nearly half the board's spaces, and leaned back with a grin.
The attendant considered his options, although not focused on winning. He had performed just enough to entertain the former general, but set himself up to lose. He made a choice after moment, a move that would surely end with his defeat.
Iroh triumphantly made his winning move, locking his opponent's pieces, but he didn't gloat. A thoroughly entertained chuckle escaped the general once victory was obviously his to claim. "That was a good game! Better than ca be found in most of Ba Sing Se, thank you."
"Always a pleasure to serve, general." The servant bowed slightly. "Another game? Or would you prefer some tea?"
"Thank you but it is getting late and you should attend to your family. I will brew my own tea." Iroh stood, returning the respectful bow, and caught Zuko in the corner of his eye.
The servant nodded, leaving Iroh to his own devices as he left the garden. Zuko was crouched at the edge of the pond, a bread loaf in one hand and tearing off pieces to the hungry ducks. He could overhear the two as they parted ways, but didn't bother to look back. 'Probably going straight to the kitchen for tea anyway.'
The sound of crunching grass became louder as Iroh joined his nephew at the pond's edge, content with spending the day playing pai sho and visiting old friends that lived near the palace. "An eventful day is best ended with peace and quiet. You are quiet, but not peaceful. Is something on your mind, Zuko?"
"No." He stated without thinking, tossing more crumbs into pond. After a minute he continued. "I wouldn't call it an eventful day, either. Just a lot of talking."
"The words of men have declared peace, started wars, and established nations. Never undervalue anything you do." Iroh kneeled as a baby turtle duck quacked at him, and he let it inspect his empty hand. Uninterested, it went back to bobbing for crumbs. "You could appoint advisers to handle much of that for you."
Zuko puased in his bread breaking, but still staring into the water. "So I would sit and do nothing all day?"
"I am sure other things could fill your time. You haven't seen Mai all day." Iroh watched his nephew, detecting a heaviness about him that was common during exile. He was lonely. "You miss them."
"Mai's gone." He stated bluntly, ignoring Iroh's second statement, as if by doing so it never existed at all. "With her parents. For her baby brother's birthday."
"She lives within shouting distance of the palace gates. That is hardly an excuse." Iroh knew his nephew was falling into hold habits, pushing others away because he perceived they pushed him away. "Your friends will come back in time, Zuko. Pretend to ignore your feelings all you want but there is no weakness in admitting you miss them."
Zuko grimaced, tossing the rest of the bread in the water, and letting the ducks peck at it as they please. "I'm fine." And yet, he couldn't help but think that if they were there, Aang would be airbending bread pieces to the turtle ducks, and Sokka would be trying to hunt one.
"The more you say that, the more I am concerned. You are afraid of abandonment." Iroh stood by Zuko's side, as if to emphasize that the young firelord would never truly be alone.
Zuko tensed, immediately rising to his feet. "I'm not afraid, Uncle. Of anything." He met Iroh's eyes, as if daring him to contradict the statement.
Iroh sighed, shaking his head and thinking Zuko was still a little lost. He didn't learn to rely on others just yet, thinking he needed to defend himself, by himself. 'He will realize sooner or later the value of friendship.' "I know that is not true, Zuko, I have seen your fear. It is not a weakness!"
Zuko seethed, hating the topic with a fiery passion. Despite the bond between him and Iroh, the years of being raised by Ozai did not vanish so easily. Just a few months ago he would be breathing fire by now, but this time he refrained from letting the fire loose. "...Isn't it time for your evening tea by now?"
Iroh knew when he was being pushed away and nodded, "I suppose you are right. Tea would be good right now." He bowed and saluted Zuko, out of formality, and headed for the royal kitchens to get a kettle and water.
Zuko watched Iroh as he exited the garden, wishing he could have dropped the subject without leaving. He could almost feel the sky darkening around him, an imaginary rain cloud preparing to pour all over him. Like an old mistake being made all over again...Impulsively he rushed after Iroh, catching him before he turned a corner. "Uncle...I'm sorry....Please don't go."
Iroh paused in the spacious hallway, looking back to Zuko curiously. "I am only going for tea. Would you like to join me, or would you rather sulk at the pond?"
Zuko didn't hesitate. "I'll go with you." He joined his uncle at his side, completely forgetting his shoes. "...And I wasn't sulking."
Iroh chuckled, "Whatever you say, nephew, but you are forgetting something... your egg!"
Zuko paused to blink, then smacked himself in the forehead. All the monotony of the meetings that day, and other issues had distracted him from the dragon egg. 'Worst egg keeper in the world.' "Right...I'll be right back." He raced back to the throne room, half believing someone would be trying to turn it into scrambled eggs.

Description
Zuko awoke to a sharp knock on the door, rubbing his head before navigating the sheets and open scrolls scattered on his bed top. After receiving the egg yesterday, he had spent the reminder of the day with his uncle, looking at every drop of information concerning dragon's and their eggs. He had fallen asleep reading them, while watching the burning egg that rested on it's own stand in his room, with a removable palanquin for easier transport. He had it for less than a day, but already he felt protective of it, wanting to keep it in view wherever he happened to be. Remembering that there was someone at the door, he donned a robe to cover his sleeping wear, and finally opened the door. Attendants waiting patiently outside, some of them trying to converse with the guards around his doorway, but as soon as Zuko poked his head out, they returned to the duty of delivering breakfast. He let them inside, leaning against the doorway before noticing his uncle was also wandering the hallway. "Mmm...morning uncle."
Iroh was in good spirits that morning, having also spent many twilight hours reading old scrolls about dragons and the ancient ways of the fire nation. It was good to remember history... it often made the future clearer to those who could read the signs. "Good morning, Firelord Zuko. You look, eh, well rested?"
Zuko rose an eyebrow, suspecting that Iroh was trying to hint at something that went above his head, again. The servants exited the room once the covered plates were place on a stand, and Zuko was still eyeing Iroh. "....I guess so. And so do you."
"Why look at me that way? I had a peaceful rest on an overstuffed bed with laaarge pillows." Iroh sighed blissfully, "And they smelled of jasmine. The sages remember me."
Zuko smirked a little. "Seems that your enjoying yourself, wondering why you'd ever think of leaving again."
"I enjoy seeing the homeland but there is something unique about Ba Sing Se... and nobody wants to play pai sho with me. I can't imagine why." Iroh thought, briefly gazing toward the ceiling. "Still, I decided to stay until your egg hatches. It would be irresponsible of me to leave you when you need me."
Zuko nodded once, feeling a little disappointed but refusing to let it show. He gestured for Iroh to come in, returning his attention to the egg. "I looked though all the scrolls, but I still couldn't find a few things. Like how long it takes for it to hatch."
"It wouldn't do you much good, since we don't know how many days ago it was laid. As long as you keep it warm and safe it will hatch, rest assured. Have you thought what you will do once your egg becomes a hatchling?"
"Once it hatches it will require a diet of meat. If it has teeth already." He quoted straight from the scrolls, fingering the flaming shell without being burned.
"You forget this is not a simple iguana cat. It will breathe fire, and you will have to teach it how to fly. Unless you intend to bring it back to its parents, you will teach it how to be a dragon." Iroh followed Zuko to the egg, watching gentle flames lick its creamy shell. it would darken as hatching day neared, becoming almost black before the shell finally cracks.
Zuko paused, looking a little uncertain now. How was he supposed to teach it how to be a dragon when he still knew so little? "The scrolls don't include flying lessons."
Iroh chuckled heartily, "Flying is easy, try teaching it not to chew on the sages!"
Zuko snickered, just imagining the baby dragon snacking on one of the over serious old men. "Actually, I think that would a blessing. You don't know what they did to my room when I returned...I had to get everyone recleaned just to be on the safe side.
"I heard rumors. You must understand their eagerness, Zuko. There has never been a Firelord who didn't have a son or daughter to groom into the next ruler. Of course, you are the youngest Firelord." Iroh took a deep breath, smelling ginger tea on Zuko's breakfast tray, and helping himself to it. He knew his nephew was still forsaking tea after the bee incident.
Zuko huffed, even as he knew that to be true. The sages, besides providing a religious influence in the royal court, were the keepers of the royal family. Always concerned with the continuation of the bloodline, and guarding the family's most dear, and deadliest secrets. It was because of the sages work that the lineage could be traced backward through hundreds and hundreds of generations. "...Still doesn't excuse a dozen women when I have a girlfriend."
"It won't stop them from trying, unless you solidify your intentions with Mai. Have you thought of the future?" Iroh breathed deeply the tea's light scent before sipping, "Ahh, good brew."
"A little." At least concerning Mai. He couldn't imagine being with anyone else, no one would ever understand him like Mai did. "Though...Mai hates weddings. Too happy for her taste."
"A ceremony in secret is not unheard of, but is will be frowned upon. What is important is that you do what will make both of you happy, even if it means the nation can't fawn over your every wedding detail."
Zuko had to admit he didn't see the appeal of a huge state wedding either, although such events had a major effect on population morale. "Well, we're not at that point, yet." It occurred to him, as much as the fire nation would look forward to a royal wedding, the entire world was probably looking forward to seeing the day the Avatar took a wife. As much as Aang and Katara cared for each other, it was only a matter of both growing a little older. Which reminded him... "...Aang said he was pick up the others yesterday. I got so involved in research I didn't notice if they came back safely or not. Have you seen them at all?"
"No, but your lookouts at the harbor reported them flying to the south. It seems, for a while, you will have peace and quiet... as much that can be found while running a nation." Iroh watched Zuko, judging his reaction, "Will you be alright without them?"
Zuko was unable to hide his shock for a few seconds, for some reason thinking they would have returned to the palace for a few days, instead of continuing onward, and without a farewell. Where were they going that was in the south anyway? '...The south pole, of course. That's where Katara and Sokka's home village is.' Realizing that Iroh asked a question, he regained composure, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. "Of course. It's good to hear they weren't attacked afterall."
"They will come back, Zuko. All of you suffered during the war and you ended it so the next generation could live without fear. That binds you together with something stronger than ordinary friendship." Iroh joined Zuko near the egg again, "And they will want to check on your little friend."
Zuko stepped away reflexively, hesitating for a spilt second before walking over to the breakfast tray. "Of course, Uncle." He didn't need to be coddled, as if he was a lonely six-year-old. "Do you want more tea to brought?"
"No, I think I will finish my walk and then find a nice quiet place to read. You might want to reflect on the value of meditation before your day begins." Iroh bowed a little, out of respect for his nephew, before leaving.
Zuko froze, a fork hovering over a section of fruit slices, bristling at Iroh's suggestion even after he left. He huffed to himself, throwing the fork on the floor before sitting on the bed to rub his forehead. "And he leaves, too."

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Aang couldn't help but grin as the air turned cold and crisp, just as he remembered it. It seemed so long ago, but in fact it was a little less than a year that he awoke in the pole to Katara's smiling face. They had stopped off at the last earth kingdom village on the way to secure parkas for himself and Suki, Sokka and Katara already having their own. Even Momo had a little lemur sized coat in case he got too cold. "Hey! I can see it! I see the glacier!"
Katara could barely contain her giddiness as familiar sights came into view. Memories that made her heart ache as she lay awake at night, longing for home. Sokka hung an arm across her shoulders, feeling warm deep inside. "We're home, Katara. Finally home..."
Aang glanced back, feeling happy for the siblings, sharing their excitement. "What's the first thing you're going to do?" He directed the question to both of them as he returned to the saddle.
"I'm going to see Gran Gran!" Katara leaned over the saddle, as if she could leap out and race to the distant village with some unseen superpower. Sokka was a little more relaxed, crossing his arms with a knowing grin, "I'm going to see Dad, and see how the village changed since we left. I bet he rebuilt almost everything by now!"
'I'm going to follow Katara.' Aang thought to himself as they passed over ice chunks floating in the water, which soon became a solid mass. He could feel his heart pumping faster, and before he knew it the walls and structures of the village were below them, and Appa was dropping down for a landing.
Appa's great shadow didn't go unnoticed, and waves of excitement passed through the village as people recognized the avatar's flying bison and his companions. As soon as Appa's feet touched the ground Katara was sliding down his broad tail, tears in her eyes as she ran for a familiar face. Villagers parted as she nearly plowed through them, practically leaped into her grandmother's outstretched arms. "Gran Gran!" Sokka was a bit more composed, soaking in hero worship from the younger villagers who remembered the day he vanquished a fire navy ship and joined the avatar as a great warrior. Hakoda also told stories of his son's valiant leadership during the invasion, and his part in destroying the fire nation's air fleet.
Suki followed close behind Sokka, finding it odd to walk on snow and ice, nearly tripping more then once. Aang wasn't far behind Katara, letting her have her teary reunion before bowing in respect to the grandmother.
"Katara...Aang....it's good to see you both."
Christina: "Gran Gran... I missed you so much." Katara held her tightly, nearly burying her face in the thick fur lining of her parka. "I thought we wouldn't be home for a while, but Aang flew us all the way here!"
Kanna didn't let go of the girl as she glanced to the avatar. "Thank you for bringing them back....Katara, where is your brother?"
Sokka stayed behind to help Suki, offering her a helping arm so she wouldn't slip on the thick ice and snow. They soon joined Katara and Aang, wading through a sea of children who begged for stories of how they defeated the firelord and made him cry.
Kanna quickly grabbed Sokka's sleeve, drawing him into the family hug. "Sokka, there you are. What took you so long?"
Sokka didn't pull away, feeling warm in their grandmother's embrace, and pointed at Suki. "I had to help. Uh, meet Suki... she is one of the Kyoshi Warriors, from an island near the earth kingdom. And she's my girlfriend!"
One of the younger ones tugged on Kanna's tunic, "She doesn't look like his other girlfriends. The imaginary ones!"
Kanna let chuckle. "No little one, Suki seems quite real!" She finally released Katara and Sokka to wrap her arms around Suki. "You must have a lot of patience, dear." Suki nodded as she gave Sokka an odd look. "Imaginary girlfriends?"
Sokka grimaced, scratching the back of his neck, "...no one here was old enough to date. And they are all my cousins and nieces."
Kanna sighed, looking at them all before gesturing to their home. "Come inside, all of you. I have sea prune soup and seal blubber jerky waiting."
Sokka's eyes glazed over when he heard 'blubbered seal jerky' and he could almost taste it already. "Ohh... home cooking is the best. Come on Suki, its not as bad as it sounds!" Katara glanced to Aang as Sokka and Suki went ahead, reaching over to hold his hand.
Aang smiled broadly, glad to see Katara and Sokka so happy, even if he did have to choke down some sea prune stew. Kanna ushered them inside, dishing out a bowl for each child. "Hakoda is out hunting...He should be back in a few hours."
"I bet he'll be surprised we're home so soon. I thought we would be gone a lot longer." Katara quirked a delicate eyebrow as she sat on a fur mat and accepted a warm bowl of stew, "How long did you think we would be away?" Sokka shrugged, "I dunno. Forever? Things get turned upside down with the avatar."
"I'm glad you found an opportunity to return. By the way, you two have a new grandfather. Pakku, whom you met in the North." Kanna also prepared some hot juice to go with the snacks, which Aang happily accepted. The avatar surmised that she didn't know of the meeting between her grandchild and Pakku right before the comet, and certainly not that Pakku was part of an ancient order.
"He told us when we saw him right before the invasion. We didn't think anybody from the water tribe would come but so many did!" Sokka said enthusiastically, remembering the week before Day of Black Sun. "At the north pole, he told us how much he loved you and missed you... but... why did you leave?"
Kanna sighed, thinking back on those early years. "That...is ancient history, Sokka. You never cared to listen to my life stories before, why start now?"
Sokka reflected on the boy he used to be, overzealous and rarely listening to wisdom that didn't come from his stomach. It felt like so long ago, like ages past instead of just a year. "Remember how you used to tell us stories of when you were younger? When you would travel and how it changes who you are? Its true."
"Hopefully not too much. In a war torn world, some changes are not for the better." Kanna reflected for a moment, thinking of all the things Katara and Sokka must have gone through.
Katara knew what her grandmother meant, the memory of Aang's death flashing through her mind. She felt so lost, so desperate, when he was laying in her arms without a single breath. Then, losing him meant so much more than losing the war. She shook off the feeling and sipped a spoonful of prune stew. Sokka nodded solemnly, but his sadness was quickly replaced with warmth and joy when he remembered Suki. If not for the war, they would have never met. He needed to ask Hakoda about carving a medallion...
Aang prepared to deliver a spoonful of soup to his mouth, cringing and grimacing when it made contact. "Great soup you made..." The avatar glanced to the entrance as Kanna's new husband strode in, and Kanna huffed. "There you are. Where have you been? You missed Katara and Sokka's return."

Pakku calmly sat beside Kanna, accustomed to the grander homes created b the northern water tribe but adapting to the modest sensibility of the southern water tribe. He held an orchid, short and small like most tundra flowers, with white petals edged with bright blue that faded nearly to black at the edges. "A frost lily. I was looking all afternoon." He placed it in Kanna's hand before looking to the children, expression softening. "Welcome home, grandkids. And, the avatar. And... hrm, who are you?"
"I'm Suki. We've met." Suki supposed she didn't look at all the same, since she was dressed in a water style parka, and her hair was a bit messy from the winter wind. Kanna smiled at the flower, her favorite, and in return placed a bowl of steaming soup in Pakku's hands.
"Suki. You look terrible." Pakku said flatly as an old finger pointed at Sokka, "Be courteous and find her a wind cloak. it will keep her warmer." Sokka sighed, just as he was about to dig into seal jerky, and trudged out of the hut. Pakku grinned a little and enjoyed a spoonful of soup. "Where are you children headed next?" Katara glanced to Aang and smiled, "Nowhere. We're staying here for a while!"
Aang nodded. "And I'm going to make an ice hut for myself!" Kanna blinked, pausing slightly. While she wouldn't past him to make an igloo past for fun, his phrasing indicated something a little more permanent. "You mean...you're making a home...here in the south pole?" Again, Aang nodded. "Hope you don't mind me as a neighbor.
"Is that so?" Pakku sipped from a bowl, "It will be fortunate to have such a talented waterbender around. The village still needs a lot of work."
Kanna was happier than ever. While she knew Katara and Sokka would travel with Aang even after the war, having the Avatar with a home here would reduce the time that the grandkids were away. "Hakoda will be pleased to hear that too. That is wonderful news."
"I hope dad comes back soon. Its been a while since we saw him... it feels like we're almost whole again, doesn't it? Like the way things were before the raids." A heavy silence came over the hut as Sokka returned with a fur-lined cloak, designed for long treks on the glacier. "Hey Suki, I found a... wow, what happened here?"
"Um..." Aang looked for a way to break the uncomfortable silence, glancing at his unfinished soup. "Ah...hey, everybody, look at this!" He bended the soup into the air, making it swirl around in a elabrate series of shapes. "Ta da!"
"Playing with food. I see the avatar has matured..." Pakku commented as he finished his soup. He kissed Kanna's cheek, thanking her for the meal.
Kanna shook a stern finger at the young avatar. "Aang, if you spill even a drop of that you're not getting any dinner. We don't waste food here." Aang deflated, quietly bending the liquid back in the bowl with a sigh. "Sorry ma'am."
"Sorry, Gran Gran. We're not used to being in places where food is scarce. I guess we forgot how valuable food is this far south." Katara also finished her soup, feeling warm with the cuisine of her childhood. There was a commotion outside, voices gathering together and talking over one another, as the sound of a ship being hauled up on the ice drifted into the hut. "Sounds like your father's hunting party returned."
Aang was about to get up with the others to investigate outside, but one look from Gran gran and he stayed to finish the now cold soup. Suki was right behind Sokka as they walked outside.
Sokka practically ran outside, just in time to see a water tribe ship being hauled up onto the ice. Woven baskets of salted seal and penguin meat and nets of fish were being tossed down onto the ice, and families emerged from their huts and tents to gather some food. Everything was shared in the village, which was still small compared to the northern water tribe, but spirits were much higher than a year ago. Hakoda stood on the bow, tossing down heavy ropes to tie off the ship, and he spotted the children. "Sokka, Katara! Is that Suki, too?"
Suki grinned, waving enthusiastically. "Yes. Good to see you again, Hakoda!"
Hakoda grabbed another rope and jumped off the bow, using it to slide to the ground with a thump. He brushed crusted salt and snow off his gloves just as Sokka and Katara nearly bowled him over. He chuckled and wrapped an arm around each, "I'm glad to see you, too. When did you kids arrive?" "Just a little while ago. We were talking with Gran Gran and Grandpa when you came back," Katara said, glad to hold her father again.
Hakoda grabbed another rope and jumped off the bow, using it to slide to the ground with a thump. He brushed crusted salt and snow off his gloves just as Sokka and Katara nearly bowled him over. He chuckled and wrapped an arm around each, "I'm glad to see you, too. When did you kids arrive?" "Just a little while ago. We were talking with Gran Gran and Grandpa when you came back," Katara said, glad to hold her father again.
Aang joined them soon after, oddly finding the soup had a different flavor when no longer hot, and he actually somewhat liked it. "Hello! I'm here too!"
"There you are. I wondered if you came or stayed behind in warmer climates. We'll need to get you and Suki a proper set of snow clothes!" Hakoda smiled warmly, "And maybe something a little more appetizing than dried fish. Aurora berries should be in season, maybe Katara will take you picking this afternoon." Katara nudged her father, a little embarrassed. They didn't announce their relationship to anyone yet but it seemed like he knew!
Aang looked excited. "Oo, there's berries here too? I thought it was just sea prune and seaweed. Sounds great!" Suki gathered some fish and meat, helping carry it back to the hut, since it seemed they would all be eating together that night.
"There are lots of things you can eat, but getting to them is a little harder than in the earth kingdom or fire nation." Katara noticed Sokka was helping Suki with the food and she thought about taking Aang to the berry caves before it became too dark. "I guess we could go now. It doesn't look like there is a lot to do!"
"Really? I'd like that." Aang held Katara's hand, smiling gently at her.
"Is it okay, Dad?" Katara's eyes were nearly pleading and Hakoda couldn't say no. "Go on, have fun but be careful. Moose bears will be looking for berries, too." "Thanks, Dad!" Katara hugged him again before grabbing Aang's hand and running toward the village wall.
Aang after her, noticing that there were more huts then before, and even some ice sculptures for decoration. Waterbenders from the north were on the wall, adding and refining it to improve the villages defenses. "It hardly seems to the same, does it?"
"It might change on the outside, but the people are still the same. It feels like home, no matter how different it looks." They passed under an arch of ice that was being strengthened to hold a protective door. It wouldn't be long before their village was expanding, as more northern water tribesmen came to join them and new families were formed. The promise of new life made her smile, even as they passed into a wide, white expanse. "This way, there are underground caves just warm enough to grow small plants."
"You'll have to give me a complete tour around this week. There's no much that I had no idea was around." His feet crunched the thick snow underneath, and soon they reached the cave. The air from inside was slightly warmer, as if there was a heat source deep within.
The cave, discovered long ago, was cultivated by water benders into rings. Each ring was a few feet lower than the one before, and in the very center was a steaming pool of crystal clear water. The steam provided moisture and heat for berry vines that creeped all over the layered rings, most heavy with fruit. Momo, who was hiding in Aang's tunic, leaped out and glided to one of the vines to start feasting. "I guess he likes them!"
Aang laughed, skipping over to collect a few berries for himself, sampling them. "It's good...rather sweet."
"They only grow in these caves, and this is the only one close to home." Katara started picking the marble-sized berries and dropping them into a cloth sack. "They are one of Gran Gran's favorites... I bet she would warm up to you if you made her a tart with them."
"I know how to make tarts. I'll make gran gran dozens of them!" Aang plucked berry after berry, storing them in Katara's bag as well.
Soon Momo had his fill, a little pot belly showing on the lemur, and he could barely fly. He perched on Aang's shoulder as the two picked, emptying the vines of nearly two plants before Katara was convinced they had enough. "It means a lot that you are going to stay. I didn't think you would like a place this cold."
Aang shrugged slightly as they started to return to the village. "It's not so bad after being in a glacier for a hundred years. And...you're worth freezing my toes for."
"I would have followed you, if you wanted to go somewhere else. I just want to make sure you know." Katara kissed Aang's chilly cheek, imagining their future lives together. "Although, being a fire bender, I guess you can stay as warm as you want."
"Yeah. But i'd never want to separate you from your dad and grandparents." He wrapped an around her waist. "Any more then we'll have to, anyway. Still world peace and such to tend to."
"I think of those as... stressful vacations." Katara giggled as she nearly skipped, her heart light and full of glee. She was home, Dad was home, and Aang was with her.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Zuko removed the crown from his topknot and pulled on the band, letting the hair fall back to it's natural state. Another day on the throne, listening to people complain about each other, looking over reports, and issuing orders that over seemed to change. He barely remembered most of what occurred, only hearing a monotone buzzing when anyone opened their mouth. 'Why is this position so desirable, again?' Evening gave him an excuse to leave the throne room, and he decided on a quick break in the central garden.
Zuko gently kicked off his dress shoes in favor of walking barefoot in the grass, not caring if the hem of his royal robe become dirtied. He noticed Iroh was already present, sitting in a corner with an attendant, both of them hunched over a Pai Sho table. 'Hm, looks like he found someone to play with...' He thought of walking over to watch, but instead he moved over to the turtle duck pond, feeling as he shouldn't interrupt the older man.
Iroh studied the board like an old general studying a battlefield, carefully weighing every option before raising his hands to move. He slid a single tile forward, suddenly commanding nearly half the board's spaces, and leaned back with a grin.
The attendant considered his options, although not focused on winning. He had performed just enough to entertain the former general, but set himself up to lose. He made a choice after moment, a move that would surely end with his defeat.
Iroh triumphantly made his winning move, locking his opponent's pieces, but he didn't gloat. A thoroughly entertained chuckle escaped the general once victory was obviously his to claim. "That was a good game! Better than ca be found in most of Ba Sing Se, thank you."
"Always a pleasure to serve, general." The servant bowed slightly. "Another game? Or would you prefer some tea?"
"Thank you but it is getting late and you should attend to your family. I will brew my own tea." Iroh stood, returning the respectful bow, and caught Zuko in the corner of his eye.
The servant nodded, leaving Iroh to his own devices as he left the garden. Zuko was crouched at the edge of the pond, a bread loaf in one hand and tearing off pieces to the hungry ducks. He could overhear the two as they parted ways, but didn't bother to look back. 'Probably going straight to the kitchen for tea anyway.'
The sound of crunching grass became louder as Iroh joined his nephew at the pond's edge, content with spending the day playing pai sho and visiting old friends that lived near the palace. "An eventful day is best ended with peace and quiet. You are quiet, but not peaceful. Is something on your mind, Zuko?"
"No." He stated without thinking, tossing more crumbs into pond. After a minute he continued. "I wouldn't call it an eventful day, either. Just a lot of talking."
"The words of men have declared peace, started wars, and established nations. Never undervalue anything you do." Iroh kneeled as a baby turtle duck quacked at him, and he let it inspect his empty hand. Uninterested, it went back to bobbing for crumbs. "You could appoint advisers to handle much of that for you."
Zuko puased in his bread breaking, but still staring into the water. "So I would sit and do nothing all day?"
"I am sure other things could fill your time. You haven't seen Mai all day." Iroh watched his nephew, detecting a heaviness about him that was common during exile. He was lonely. "You miss them."
"Mai's gone." He stated bluntly, ignoring Iroh's second statement, as if by doing so it never existed at all. "With her parents. For her baby brother's birthday."
"She lives within shouting distance of the palace gates. That is hardly an excuse." Iroh knew his nephew was falling into hold habits, pushing others away because he perceived they pushed him away. "Your friends will come back in time, Zuko. Pretend to ignore your feelings all you want but there is no weakness in admitting you miss them."
Zuko grimaced, tossing the rest of the bread in the water, and letting the ducks peck at it as they please. "I'm fine." And yet, he couldn't help but think that if they were there, Aang would be airbending bread pieces to the turtle ducks, and Sokka would be trying to hunt one.
"The more you say that, the more I am concerned. You are afraid of abandonment." Iroh stood by Zuko's side, as if to emphasize that the young firelord would never truly be alone.
Zuko tensed, immediately rising to his feet. "I'm not afraid, Uncle. Of anything." He met Iroh's eyes, as if daring him to contradict the statement.
Iroh sighed, shaking his head and thinking Zuko was still a little lost. He didn't learn to rely on others just yet, thinking he needed to defend himself, by himself. 'He will realize sooner or later the value of friendship.' "I know that is not true, Zuko, I have seen your fear. It is not a weakness!"
Zuko seethed, hating the topic with a fiery passion. Despite the bond between him and Iroh, the years of being raised by Ozai did not vanish so easily. Just a few months ago he would be breathing fire by now, but this time he refrained from letting the fire loose. "...Isn't it time for your evening tea by now?"
Iroh knew when he was being pushed away and nodded, "I suppose you are right. Tea would be good right now." He bowed and saluted Zuko, out of formality, and headed for the royal kitchens to get a kettle and water.
Zuko watched Iroh as he exited the garden, wishing he could have dropped the subject without leaving. He could almost feel the sky darkening around him, an imaginary rain cloud preparing to pour all over him. Like an old mistake being made all over again...Impulsively he rushed after Iroh, catching him before he turned a corner. "Uncle...I'm sorry....Please don't go."
Iroh paused in the spacious hallway, looking back to Zuko curiously. "I am only going for tea. Would you like to join me, or would you rather sulk at the pond?"
Zuko didn't hesitate. "I'll go with you." He joined his uncle at his side, completely forgetting his shoes. "...And I wasn't sulking."
Iroh chuckled, "Whatever you say, nephew, but you are forgetting something... your egg!"
Zuko paused to blink, then smacked himself in the forehead. All the monotony of the meetings that day, and other issues had distracted him from the dragon egg. 'Worst egg keeper in the world.' "Right...I'll be right back." He raced back to the throne room, half believing someone would be trying to turn it into scrambled eggs.