The Thief |Sokka

FOUR

Life at the Eastern Air Temple was never predictable. Jaya woke up whenever she wanted, usually by the sound of grunting and the telltale swish of fire as it was produced while Aang and Zuko practiced firebending. The rest of the team was usually already awake, and in those couple of days, they had gotten used to her sleeping late, expecting it even. Jaya could do nothing when they poked fun on her for sleeping all those long hours. She couldn't help herself. It had been years since she had last had the chance to sleep somewhere where the people around her could be trusted not to hurt her.

The only constant she had during the morning was her healing session. And this morning, it was no different.

She woke up to Aang having his lesson with Zuko not too far away, most members of the company watching them as Aang tried his best and Zuko stood nearby, calling out directions and orders. Jaya retreated as she stifled a yawn with her hand, headed to where she knew was the small pool of the monks, wishing to take a dip if only to wake up. Baths had been one of the things she had missed the most in her time running from the Fire Nation officers, and now she could have them freely she wasn't about to distance herself.

She took her sweet time there, got out with great reluctance and got dressed once more, even though she could almost hear Katara scolding her for leaving a wet trail through the temple. She could do no different, though, so she rushed back to the upper levels of the temple where the rest of the company was waiting. They had not moved from where they had been watching Aang practice, so Jaya walked over and stood by Katara with a wide, innocent smile. The moment Katara noticed her properly, she scowled.

"I suppose I'll find puddles along the floors once more, won't I?"

"Not if you get there later," she replied with a cheeky grin, bringing Sokka who had been sitting beside Katara to laugh. At Katara's glare, he instantly fell silent.

"Come on," she gave up with a sigh as she drew the water off of her clothes and hair. "Lift your shirt."

Jaya did as she was told, allowing Katara to look at her injury properly. Now, a few days after her escape from the Boiling Rock, thanks to Katara's healing, only bruises remained. Jaya could do almost all she had done before she got injured and for that, she was truly grateful to Katara. Soon, she felt the soothing sensation of the healing water on her ribs, settling her down, alleviating some of the dull pain that was still there. It was only for a moment, but still, her pain had now lessened. Jaya sent her a small smile.

"Thank you, Katara."

"You are welcome," she waved her off as she stood up. "It's almost noon. I think lunch should be prepared."

"I will help you," Jaya decided at once and didn't wait a moment longer before she followed her inside in their makeshift kitchen.

"Dad managed to hunt a rabbit today," she told her as she took it out. "We could make a soup."

Jaya beamed at her, "That sounds great. Let's get started."

So they did. Katara did the cooking, Jaya mainly watched, not knowing any recipes. In her time in the wild, she ate from what she could scavenge or on a rare occasion, she managed to catch an animal, and then she would attempt to cook it. She had been able to survive for about a year like this, but now, since there was no reason for her knowledge gained from experience, she saw it fit to let Katara do what she wished and just watch and take notes. She helped whenever she was needed, of course, and not too long later, the food was ready.

"Go gather the others," Katara instructed her as she stirred the pot one last time. "We should serve the food while it's still hot."

Jaya agreed, and so without preamble she left, headed for the courtyard where Aang was still practicing with Zuko breathing down his neck. The Avatar's remaining company was around, plus Chief Hakoda, who had come to watch Aang suffer. Fire had never been Jaya's favorite element, and she suspected it never would become either. She took great pleasure in cutting the practice short.