End of the Beginning

Chapter 18

We arrived at a small home at the edge of town. Upon entering there was a woman sitting in front of the house watching as a little girl played with her doll. I quietly observed the both of them who had a warm smile on their faces. Not really wishing to disturb their peace. The little girl giggled to see her father again and quickly rushed over to hug him before realizing there were guests and running away. It reminded me of the kids back in the South Pole, although for some odd reason those kids were always much more outgoing.

"Your home," The lady greeted her husband who kissed her on the cheek,"And you've brought guests,"

"This is my wife Noriko," He introduced wrapping his arm around his wife,"And my daughter Kiyi,"

Zuko and I looked at the little girl, as she peaked out from the side of the house. I smiled at her, causing her to stifle a giggle and hide once more. Something about her little reactions made me feel at happy, enough for Zuko to notice. He rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb, returning the warm smile I held on my face.

"I'm going to prepare some tea for our guests," Noren announced.

"I'll help you!" Sokka happily followed the man to the back of the house.

I heard Kiyi let out a loud giggle so I could only assume Sokka tried to "scare" her to make her more open to the fact a handful of teenagers showed up to her home. She ran out from the side of the house to now watch Zuko and I from behind the small tree the family had on their property.

"Please come inside," Noriko gestures with a small smile.

Noriko sat with Aang and Katara at the small table while Zuko, Azula and I sat closer to the door. I listened here and there to the conversation being held as the three of us stayed silent for the most part. Noriko then teased Aang and Katara about marriage, which was a feeling I knew all to well from the court officials back at the palace. I shook my head in amusement and looked outside to she the cute little girl poking her head in to look at Zuko and I from the door. 

"Hello," I smiled to her softly.

"Hi," Kiyi replied, still a bit shy.

"Hi," Zuko responded kindly.

She looked to Zuko who also sent her a smile, making her relax.

"Wanna meet my doll?" She asked.

"Of course," Zuko said as I nodded.

"No," Azula blurted out making the two of us glare at her

"Come inside," I gestured to her, which she did. Quickly removing her shoes.

Kiyi brought out her hands that were behind her back to show us a doll

"This is Kiyi!" She was excited to show us.

"I thought your name was Kiyi," Zuko softly laughed.

"It's such a good name, I used it twice!" Kiyi replied.

"Well I think that was a perfect idea," I hummed. She brightly smiled my way and brought the doll closer for us to see.

"Well, little Kiyi has a very,,interesting,,,haircut," Zuko said, trying not to sound mea.

"I wanted to make her prettier but it didn't turn out very good," Kiyi replied.

"It's alright," I replied, trying to fix the doll's hair but it would still look a bit weird,"I think she still looks nice," I snickered a bit.

Even if it looked weird, it was still better then a perfect doll that damages easily.

"My sister did stuff like that when she was little," Zuko added, the smile on his face evident that he was enjoying his time with the little girl. It was cute.

"That's right," Azula said, interrupting our peaceful time,"Only, I didn't give my doll haircuts, I would give them headcuts! Would you like me to show you?"

"No!" The girl squeaked out, tightly hugging her doll.

"Azula! Stop it!" Zuko ordered.

"It's alright Kiyi," I said, trying to calm the little girl down.

Sokka and Noren came back with tea and a tray of snacks.

"Kiyi, are you being hospitable to our guest?" Noren asked.

"I'm trying," She replied in a bit of a whine.

Noren sat next to his wife, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek. Noren then offered us tea, Zuko grabbed two cups, handing them to Azula and I before grabbing one for himself.

"I must admit, I was a little suspicious when you all started asking about Ursa. But Sokka, tells me you're drama historians!" Noren said.

I internally rolled my eyes, it was a guise stupid enough to work just like all of Sokka's plans. I looked over to him who quickly shot a thumbs up in my direction, proud of himself. I gave a small nod to fuel his enthusiasm before sighing.

"How wonderful!" Noriko said, taking the lie,"It's about time the Hira'a acting troupe got a little recognition!"

"Ursa, the woman you asked about, was probably the troupes most famous member,,, but not for acting," Noren paused for a second to drink his tea,"Years ago, she was,,,well,,,taken to the capital city on some sort of official business. We're not supposed to talk about her anymore, but people can't help speculating,"

"Supposedly she married into the royal family. This all happened before I came to town, but even I've heard the rumors," Noriko continued.

I looked down, wondering how horrible her life must have been to mysteriously disappear from her hometown. To have been forcibly taken from her home just for o one actually remembered her as a person. As the years went on she was just another rumor of the town.

"What about,,, Ikem?" Zuko asked a but hesitant.

"Ikem,,,my you've really done your research!" Noren said, surprised to hear that name,"Ikem, was an actor too. Ursa's boyfriend, I believe. He disappeared shortly after Ursa left,"

"Folks say that he ran off to Forgetful valley," Noriko said a bit wary of mentioning the area.

"Forgetful valley?" Aang asked, the name also peaked my interest. As if I've heard it once before

"A forest at the bottom of a canyon, just outside of town. The heartbroken go there to forget their lives." Noriko said, placing her hand on her cheek trying to remember,"You know, I vaguely remember hearing that Ursa came back to town years later, looking for Ikem. They say she went after him to Forgetful Valley."

"That can't be true!" Noren said, trying to correct his wife's statement,"No one's seen or heard from Ursa since she was taken to the capital city!"

Noriko sighed. "Well, if it is true it's awfully romantic,"

"Romantic or tragic? Forgetful valley is a dark, dangerous place. No one who enters ever returns," Noren corrected once more.

I could feel deeply sorry for the two. Their love seemed so ill fated. It was all the more reason for me wanting to help Zuko find out the truth. I looked to Zuko who was lost in thought, he probably was thinking the same as I was. Feeling sorry for his missing mother. I placed my hand over his, a small smile grew on his face.

We'll find her, I promise, no matter how long it takes. I want you to have closure. 

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(A/N: Guys I've been on discord servers all morning I'm sorry. I'll try to be more on time. Anyways heres this chapter.)