The Avatar's Advisor (HIATUS)

The Swamp

I feel like it's important to note that, in some flashbacks/dreams, Polu is referred to as 'Hera', while in others, he's referred to by his proper name. To eliminate confusion, please consider the tone and nature of these flashbacks. :)

Also, this is the last heavy chapter for a bit. Polu gets a break after this.

TW: use of slurs, misgendering, slight descriptions of gore

"It's time to get up, my darling." A gentle voice stirs a toddler from his sleep.

A three-year-old's eyes blink open. He grumbles as sunlight strikes his sleepy face. "I'm tired, Mama."

Queen Tola laughs softly, smiling as her toddler does the same. "I know, sweetheart, but there's a day full of learning and fun to be had." She lets out a breath and holds her swollen belly.

"Did the baby kick?" Polu sits up, now wide awake. He rests a hand next to his mother's and grins broadly.

"They did," Tola affirms. "They're becoming more rowdy lately."

Polu leans close to Tola's belly and whispers, "Hi, little baby!"

The queen murmurs, "You're gonna be a big brother soon."

Her son glances up at her with big, innocent eyes. "What's a big brother do?"

Tola leans back on her hands and considers the question. "A big brother protects their sibling and helps them when they make a mistake."

"I wanna protect!" Polu cheers.

"And protect you will." The queen smiles adoringly and strokes her son's long black hair. "Let's get you ready for the day, hm?"

The toddler nods eagerly. He pulls back his blankets and hops to the ground. Nannies come in to bathe the boy and, after he's done, he is dressed in simple green robes.

Next, he sits in front of a mirror. Tola grabs a comb and begins to work through her son's long hair. She hums a familiar tune.

Polu giggles and rocks from side to side.

"Sit still, child," Tola lightheartedly scolds. "I can't set your hair if you move so much."

The toddler pouts, causing his mother to chuckle and finish her work.

Finally, the length of his hair is lifted into a bun and held in place with a fancy hair stick. Compared to the hairpiece of an adult, it was rather simple, but it was quite fancy for a child.

Polu admires the design of the pin as his mother flattens the last of his fly-away hairs.

"Alright, love, let's go eat." Tola steps back and offers her hand to her son.

The boy climbs off his chair and takes his tiny hand in hers. "Yay! Breakfast!"

~~~~~

Polu wakes, a small grin toying at his lips. He yawns and glances at the scenery passing below him.

"Feeling better?"

The proximity of Sokka's voice makes the prince jump. He turns to find his friend less than a foot away from his face. Groggily, Polu murmurs, "Yeah. Had a good dream for once."

Sokka smiles softly. "I'm glad. You really needed it."

Polu nods. He goes to say something but stops. His head slowly turns to the front of Appa, his eyes unfocusing as he appears to space out.