First Dance: Water and Wind [Editing]

04 - The Southern Air Temple

Tsuie hopped off onto the dock following Iroh and Zuko. 

"Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

"You mean the Avatar?" Tsuie asked. 

The prince turned back to her, "Don't mention his name on these docks. Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him--and I don't want anyone getting in the way!"

"Getting in the way of what? Prince Zuko," a man in fire nation clothes, which Zuko then referred to as

"Captain Zhao."

"It's commander now."

Tsuie stepped out from behind them, "Woah! A commander? That's cool!" 

Zuko put his arm out to stop her from getting any closer, "Go back onto the ship." 

"Aww, no fair!"

"Who might...that be?"

She shoved Zuko's arm down and introduced herself, "Tsuie!" 

"Lovely," Zhao turned and bowed to Iroh, "And General Iroh, great hero of our nation."

"Retired General."

"The Fire Lord's brother and son, and their companion, are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?"

Tsuie smiled, "Ship's being repaired."

"Just stay quiet will you?" the prince shot a glare at her. 

She pouted. 

"That's quite a bit of damage."

"Yes. You wouldn't believe what happened," Zuko internally panicked, "Uncle, tell commander Zhao what happened."

"Yes, I will do that. It was incredible!" he leaned towards his nephew, "What, did we crash or something?"

"Yes! Right into an earth kingdom ship."

"Really?"

"You guys are horrible liars," Tsuie commented. 

"Tsuie!" Zuko screamed at her. 

"What?" she said defensively, " What actually happened was a chase."

"Oh? Who were you chasing?" 

Both royals face palmed at the stupidity of the girl.

"You see, there was this person that we thought had information on the Avatar. Turns out they didn't, and they were refugees so Prince was going to capture and bring them to the closest Fire Nation post." She started to wave her hands all over, "It became a full on chase! They ended up escaping and left an avalanche to fall on us. Princey didn't want to say anything since he was embarrassed or something."

Princey?  The commander thought. 

Then both the royals looked at her in disbelief. Wasn't she against lying? 

Zhao nodded, "You must regale me with all the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?" He got all up and personal in Zuko's face.

"Sorry, but we have to go." 

"Prince Zuko, show commander Zhao your respect. We would be honored to join you." Iroh turned to Zhao, "Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite."

"Ooh! Can I have some?" Tsuie followed Zhao and Iroh, Zuko just after her. 

xxXxx

 The four of them stayed in the biggest tent, a map of the world drawing everyone's attention.