𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒔

             Chapter Forty Eight
Elora

I bounced on my feet, excitement bubbling up inside me. Finally, after so long, all our friends would be in one place again. Oh, how I've missed it, how I've missed when we were all together. After the war, in order to rebuild and start anew, everyone had been busy, constantly in separate places, rarely having the time to all be together. So, I was feeling more than excited. Even though Zuko and Inara were here on business, I was determined to make the most of it.

The air was filled with the sound of loud chatter. Almost everyone in the South Pole was talking excitedly and gathering around, eager to catch a sight of the Fire Lord's arrival.

A horn blared loudly, signaling the arrival of the Fire Lord's ship, but we'd spotted it far off the shore long before the sound echoed through the air.

Slowly, the ship drew closer, gliding through the water until it came to a stop at the dock. My excitement surged, and I gripped Sokka's hand tightly, almost too tightly. With my other hand, I grabbed my brother's shoulder and gave it an enthusiastic shake, eliciting playful groans from both of them.

I glanced back at my family, all dressed to impress for the occasion—except for Toph, who wore her usual clothes, bundled in a coat she'd pilfered from Sokka. The scene was set: the villagers gathered, their excited chatter filling the air, all eyes on the grand ship. The anticipation was electric as we waited for our friends to disembark.

My attention snapped back to the ship as its large metal hatch finally opened, landing on the dock with a resounding clang. The Fire Lord's guards stood at attention, their presence adding to the gravity of the moment.

And then I saw them—Zuko, his face lighting up with a big smile as he spotted us, and a petite Inara quietly trailing behind him, her hands clasped behind her back, an almost there smile playing on her lips.

Both were dressed in their Fire Nation royal attire, looking every bit the part as they approached. I could no longer contain my excitement and abandon any pretense of civility.

"Zuko! Inara!" I squealed, rushing toward them and engulfing them both in a tight hug, earning a chuckle from Zuko.

"Lora, we've missed you!" Zuko exclaimed as we broke away.

"I've missed you too, so much!"

"Alright, alright, leave some room for the rest of us, will ya!" Sokka snickered, coming forward to hug Zuko as well. I smiled contentedly as everyone exchanged their hellos and greetings, the air buzzing with warmth and familiarity.

soon we moved inside to where a grand dinner awaited, prepared to welcome the Fire Lord and his entourage.

As we moved inside, the grand banquet hall revealed itself in all its splendor, a testament to the effort put into welcoming the Fire Lord and his entourage. The room was adorned with intricate ice carvings and shimmering tapestries, reflecting the importance of this momentous occasion. Long tables were laden with an array of dishes, their rich aromas mingling in the air and promising a feast fit for royalty.

Everyone found their places, with Zuko and Inara seated prominently beside Chief Hakoda at the head of the table. The first course was brought out, and a lively conversation immediately filled the hall. Old stories were swapped, the air thick with laughter and nostalgia, making it feel like we were back in the days of our adventures together.

Sokka, ever the entertainer, regaled us with his exaggerated tales, drawing hearty laughter from everyone, including the typically reserved Zuko. Toph, always one to stir things up, challenged Sokka to an arm-wrestling match, eliciting cheers and bets from the of us. Katara and Aang sat close, their whispers and giggles a testament to their enduring friendship that didn't end.