The Ice Queen and Fire Prince (Zellsantal and Alexis)

It didn't take long for the iron ship to dock at the fire nation's port and the horn like ramp lower itself down gently to form a platform going up and down from the ship itself. Smaller then most ship on the fleet which only a few were made like this but its lack of size is made up by it's speed. For this one however carried some one well known, Prince Zuko. It have been a year sense he was pushed out of the fire nation and force in serving in his nation's military as a errand boy. However he have done more then just errands as reports would prove, for Zuko have done much his year in the war effort against the earth and air nations in hopes to earn his father's trust once more.

It all started when he was part of the war council with the generals, his uncle and father, though he was sixteen at that time he thought he knew enough but what happen that day he wasn't prepared at all. Zuko spoke out against a general's suggestion to sacrifice an entire division of new recruits in a diversionary maneuver. His father, Ozai, saw this as an insult and demanded an Agni Kai. Zuko agreed but only because he thought he would face the general, instead when he rose and turn to face him in the thrown room he saw his father instead. It wasn't the general he insulted but his father or so that's what Ozai told him. Zuko right away got on his knees and pleaded for forgiveness, however it only angered his father more and declared that Zuko was showing a sign of cowardice and disrespect. At that time Zuko didn't think that, he just didn't wish to fight his own father. Zuko still payed the price, his own father burned and scarring his left side of his face and stripped of his birthright. However Ozai was not without some mercy, he would give Zuko a chance to regain his honor and birthright if he were to serve war effort against the earth nation for one year. Zuko agreed without question and the next day left his home on a small ship.

Today it have been over a year since he was forced out of the fire nation and now he is back home. He gotten a letter a week ago signed by his father that he was to come home. While Zuko have been away he have learn many things about the war, half he didn't agree and most he have question but only to himself. Other then that he did what he was asked and took on mission that some would say was not worth the risk. He took those challenges and with that report of his deeds were sent to his father and it seem to have pleased him enough. "Home sweet home! Man it felt like ages since I been back, I wonder if all the ladies still remember me?" Nail asked himself.

It was around Zuko's first mission that he meet Nail, a blond haired fire bender. Nail saved his life at that time and earn Zuko's respect. After that time Nailed asked if could go with Zuko to where ever life takes him. Zuko agreed and in truth it was the best thing for him, it helped make the time go faster and even though Nail can be a pain at times as well as a pervert but Nail became his closest friend. However there was one other he couldn't stop thinking about and haven't seen for over a year as well. Elsa, he wonder how she been or if anyone have finally take the hand of the queen of the northern water tribe. Zuko couldn't help but chuckle to Nail's comment "I'm sure they miss you very much, but for now they would have to wait a little longer. We are to report to my father and then you can see about some down time." Zuko told his friend.

Nail looked at Zuko "So how does it feel, to be back that is? Aren't you happy back after a year, I know I am." he said as he walked beside Zuko. The young prince look ahead of him, not saying anything for a long moment before replying "To be honest... I'm not sure. "

RE: The Ice Queen and Fire Prince (Zellsantal and Slexis)

Passerby's whispered his name as the Prince and his new companion walked confidently down the streets of the docks. Many spoke only of his scarred face. The sudden disappearance of the Prince was shrouded in mystery, and everyone seemed to have their own theories. It did not take long for news of Zuko's arrival to spread to the entire city. Zuko rounded one corner and found himself face-to-face with a small squadron of armed guards - palace guards from the looks of things. Upon seeing him they immediately bent the knee in respect - something that had not happened to the Prince in a very long time. They rose as one and their leader - Captain Tristan, a tall and lean firebender with a great red mane of hair - approached. "Prince Zuko, sir! It is indeed an honour to see you again. General Ozai has insisted I escort you to the Palace."



On the opposite side of town two very out-of-place water benders were in an important meeting of their own. In a dimly lit alley Elsa, the queen of the northern water tribe, was confronting a very nervous looking fellow who very much had the look - and the quality of character - of a rat. His eyes kept snapping back and forth between Elsa and her faithful companion Alexis, who was standing watch near the entrance of the alley in case things got out of hand.

"Look, I don't know what else I can tell you!" The man was saying, the panic clear in his voice. "I've already told you everything I know."

Elsa suppressed the headache the man was giving him and a let out a sigh of surprisingly cool air. The man felt the sweat that was dripping down his brow stiffen to ice and he almost squealed out before she silenced him. "How long have we know each other Styles? Just over a year now since you started keeping tabs on this damned place for me?" Shortly after the disappearance of the Prince, Elsa had begun to distrust the leadership of the fire nation. With no familiar faces in office, she had resorted to some degree of backhanded-ness in order to acquire information regarding the fire nation. That was when she first started making ties with this rotten fellow. The water tribes and the fire nation may be at peace now, but it was a tentative agreement at best.

"Now you summoned me here because you said the Prince had been pardoned," Elsa said, "And I'll ask you again - where is he?"

"I told you I don't know! I only found out that Ozai had decided to let him off the hook. That's all! I have no idea where he's arriving from! He could be a week away for all I know."

Alexis turned back to whisper to Elsa. "Hey, tell him to keep it down! People in the street are starting to take notice."

Elsa realized she may have pushed the limits of this relationship. "Very well, I believe you." She said and stepped back a little, waving him along. She fumbled in her purse and retrieved two golden coins - double his normal pay. "Off you go." She said as she tossed them to him. Styles snatched them out of the air and hurried away, disappearing around the corner.

Alexis walked back to Elsa, her eyes searching the dark corners of the alley. "I really don't trust that fellow. Someone loyal to coin is loyal to no one."

Elsa shrugged it off. "He doesn't know enough to be dangerous. Our relationship between the fire nation is obviously strained already. They know we have our spies - and we know they have theirs."

"I suppose you're right." Alexis said, clearly displeased with the idea. "I guess I'm not really well suited to this sort of work."

They left the alley together, their blue robes standing out amidst the sea of red. Elsa looked a bit nervous as they walked. "Do you really think he's coming back? It's been over a year."

Alexis just smiled, clapping her friend on the back. "He'll be back, don't worry. We know he's coming, we will just have to bide our time until he arrives."

As the two fire benders walked and came around the corner already a squadon of guards were at his feet. It's been a long time sense anyone have bowed before him, in many ways it felt odd. He been so use to taking orders or working with others that he forgotten what it felt like to be nobility. Zuko didnt know Tristan, then again there are more likly new face's sense he last came home. The prince smiled "It's good to be home captain and the honer is mine. By all means lead the way." Zuko said to him. Tristan nodded and right away order his men to get into formation, covering from all sides with soilders Tristan had and start marching down the streets.

It didn't take long as people from all around took notice and moved out of the way up until they came to the palace gates. The twin large doors slowly open and they waited until it was wide enough for them to walk in and would walk across the wide courtyard. That was until they seen a figer in the middle of it as if waiting. When they got closer they would see Azula in her standernd Fire Natation uniform. Right away the captain and his mean bowed to one knee "Lady Azula!" Tristan said as his eyes were lower only looking to look at her feet.

While Zuko and Nail were still standing, she took notice with Nail as she starts walking towards him with a grin on her face "Well, either your too afraid to kneel or you have some balls not to." she said as she pass Zuko and circling Nail like a vulture. "Leave him be Azula." Zuko told his sister calmly. "Oh don't worry dear brother, I am only teasing your pet here." she said while she lightly touching Nail with just the tip of her finger and leting it move around his chest area. "Besides he looks like the type that would break too quickly." she said still hold the dark grin on her lips. She looks over Tristan and his men "You are free to go back to your duity." she told them. "Yes mylady!" and with that the captain and his mean walk back out the gates.

Meanwhile another guard came over and got on his knee before Azula "Mylady, there is a man outside the gate who claims to be your... contack. He wouldn't say anything more unless it was with you." The guard said though he looked as he hoped that the daughter of the fire lord wouldn't ripe his head off. "Bring him to me." she said before taking her finger away from Nail. From were Zuko stood he could tell that his freind looked relieved.

Shortly after, the guard came with a man who looked more like the type you wouldn't trust . The man didn't look like a threat to anyone and surely not to Azula. The man came and bow before sister and Zuko only watch as the man looked to see him before quickly looking back at her. "This better be good Styles." She said firmly and her eyes glaring at him. He rose up to her level and whispers in ear. Her eyes with wide in surprise before her lips turn to a grin once more "you done will. Here is your reward." She said before handing the man a small bag. "Now get out before I show you how well I can use my fire bending on a moving target." she told the man and with that he quickly nodded and took off back into the city limits.

"It seems I some were I need to be dear brother, we have a guess that will be showing up in a little while." she told him before he walk base both men and headed out the gates. Once gone Nail took a deep break as if holding it the whole time "So that's your sister huh?" he asked without looking at the prince. "Yea, so I take it you were picturing her naked?" he asked as he started walking towards the palace doors. "Yea but only for a moment, after looking deeper in her eyes I saw to the spirites she had a demon in her. And you live with her? How the heck you deal with that?" he asked. "Very carfully" Zuko said in reply.

Zuko and Nail were not left alone for very long. A servant soon approached, standing tall and proud despite his status. "Prince Zuko, sir." He said, snapping a short salute to the Prince. He eyed Nail momentarily, giving him a curt nod before turning his attention back to the Prince. "Your father has requested your presence at once, sir. If it pleases you, I can have your things brought to your quarters in the meantime if you wish." He stood patiently with his arms at his sides awaiting Zuko's decision. He had been instructed to bring the Prince straightaway, however he would ultimately do whatever it was the Prince commanded of him.



It wasn't long before the whispers in the streets reached the ears of the two waterbenders. Elsa had decided they would return to their inn in the meantime. They were passing by a small cluster of people when whispers of Prince Zuko caught their ear. Elsa stopped mid-step and walked back to approach the group, Alexis close on her heels. The whispers ceased as the group nudged each other and nodded in her direction, muttering something about outsiders and the water tribe.

"Pardon me," Elsa began, addressing no one in the group in particular. "Did I just hear you mention something about Prince Zuko? Has he arrived?"

"Aye, he has." One of the group spoke up from the back. She pushed forward a bit so she was in view, revealing a worn-out looking brunette. "Arrived just a few hours ago." One of the group started muttering something about not trusting foreigners but was promptly struck in the back of the head.

"Are you daft?" Said the man who smacked him. "Do you know who that is? That's Elsa, of the Northern Water Tribe! Show some damn decency man." The others muttered in agreement and the accused backed off defensively.

Alexis ignored the outburst, bringing the conversation back to the Prince. "Thank you for the information, Miss." She said, addressing the first woman. "Do you happen to know if he's still down at the docks?" But the woman just shook her head, saying she had no idea. They thanked the group and moved on, exchanging grins as they walked away.

Once they were far enough away they stopped to chat. Alexis noticed right away how nervous Elsa looked and called her out on it. "Hey, what's up girl? Why are you looking so down? I thought you'd be excited! I mean that's why we came down here isn't it?"

"I know, I know." Elsa said, biting her lip nervously. "But he's been gone for a whole year Lexi. What if he doesn't care to see me?"

"Oh, please," Alexis said, dismissing her concerns as if they were nothing. "As if he could forget that ass." She gave her a wink and slapped her ass, causing her cheeks to go crimson. After she regained some of her composure, Elsa suggested they check the Palace first. She highly doubted that Zuko would loiter around the docks for too long. He certainly wasn't the type to stay idle.


Upon arriving at the gates they were greeted by a rather... Unwelcome welcome party. Azula stood watching them approach with some armed guards watching the gate behind her. "Oh no," Elsa said, dreading the coming meeting, "Not that witch." Alexis agreed with her sentiment, and they took a deep breath to calm their nerves before approaching. Elsa stepped forward confidently, stopping a few steps from Azula. "A pleasure to see you, as always, Miss Azula." She said with a slight nod of the head. Alexis - who was of lower ranking, bowed slightly at the waist for a moment, never taking her eyes off Azula in the process.

Zuko nodded to the man "That would be kind of you and thank you, I'm headed to the throne room now." he said to the man and nodded again before he start walking once more. "So being I am seeing the Fire Lord himself is there anything I need to know so I don't you know get frided?" Nail asked. "When we walk in you take behind me at all times and kneel the same time I do and stay that way unless told otherwise. That's what my father will expect. And what ever you do not look up unless your asked to, other then that you should be fine." Zuko told him with a smile. They came to a stop in front a pair of set of doors once more though not as big as the front of the palace, they start to open and on the other side was the throne room.
------
Azula was getting ready to go hunt down the ice queen herself, but to her surprise and some disapointment it seems the queen of the north came to her. "Ah the queen of the north what a surpirse to see you here." she said as she gave a low bow "If we knew you were coming we would have given you a more proper welcome." she said with a smile. She only eyed the other person with the queen for a moment but didn't real care about her or at lest not yet. Azula lightly wave hand to go though the gates and another lightly on her back. "Though I have to say your timeing here is about the same as the return on my dear brother. I'm sure being you both are close freinds and all you have a lot to catch up on." she said and hoped that her cold highness will follow. "At this moment he would be talking with father, but I could tell him your hear or unless you wish to still surpirse him?" she asked.

The servant nodded, and with a curt yes, sir! was off on his errand. Upon returning to his long-forgotten quarters, Zuko would find that all of his belongings were brought up and neatly returned to their proper place. It would be as if he were never gone.

Elsa felt a chill run down her spine as Azula laid a hand on her back. A metaphorical chill, of course. Her powers had granted her an uncanny resilience to cold. The icy touch of a heartless fire bender, now that was a different story altogether... Nevertheless, she allowed herself to be led inside. "Yes, I had heard about Prince Zuko's return. It must be quite exciting, having your brother home." Elsa said, still deciding if Azula's sudden appearance was a coincidence or not. "No need to interrupt their meeting just yet. I am sure that Zuko and his father have a lot to catch up on. I am happy to wait to speak with the Prince."

Alexis followed along silently, peering over her shoulder at the two guards that were following a few paces behind. Azula seemed to pay her no mind, and quite frankly she preferred it that way. She gave off a creepy vibe, that one.

"Oh It wont be any trouble at all. How about I tell him to go to the gardens, at lest you can suprise him there. Well I have to go but I'm sure we will talk more later, queen of the north." She gave a nodd and walked away from her, the guards followd as well leaving Elsa and Alexis alone.
-----

In the throne both firebinders walked in and bowed with one knee on the floor before the firelord himself. Nail behind Zuko and kept his mouth shut. "My Lord." Zuko and your freind as well. Come now can you greet your own father and stop acting like a soilder, at lest for a little while!" Ozai said and sounded more happy to see his son rather then still hate him when he left. This however caught Zuko off guard, his father wasn't this kind before. Have the time he been away change his father or was there something else that help make the change? In either case he wasn't complaning but still the young prince didn't how to act on it.

Ozai came down from his throne and imbrace his son in a hug which Zuko haven't had that sense he was a young child, when his mother was still around. For years now he still didn't what happen this mother, Ursa. His father said she gone one night and never was found, either some one have taken her or she left on her own. For a year there was a search for her but no one found her, not even a body. If she have left then why leave her family behind? Zuko have tried looking for his mother while he was on teh war effert in hopes to find some clue. Saidly he found none.

Let going of his son Ozai then looks over to Nail "You too young man, whats your name?" he asked. Nail stood up and looking at the firelord himself "Nail my lord, Nail Brightblade." He said in reply. "Ah so your the one who have been with Zuko the whole time. I have gotten good review about you and I think you have a very good future ahead of you. Now then how about you boys tell me what you went though, I'm sure you have many storys to tell." he said. In about an hour they have talked about how they met, Zuko saving Nail's life from a earth bender's ambush and soon after the young prince as taken by the benders and ready to use him for ransom but Nail manage to get Zuko out of it by tricking the benders that he was against the fire nation. It was luck that got them out of that one alive but it payed off.

It was in that time Azula came walking in and came to her father whispering in his ear. The fire lord grin with interest and nodded to his daughter. "Well as much as I want to hear more but there seems to be a guess in the guadens and I have a war meeting to be in very shortly. Could you take care of our guest for a while, at lest until dinner time and to get rooms ready for them.". Zuko looked at his father, the change he sees still was hard to beleive. He smiles back at him "Alright, maybe we can catch up more at dinner tonight?" Zuko asked. HIs father smiled "Sounds good to me, that is if you don't spen all night without guest." he said in reply and with a laugh at that before he turned and start walking out of the throne room.

Both Zuko and Nail looked at each other. "Was it me or did that seem to go better then you thought it would?" he asked. "Odd enough it did, maybe its a sign of new beginings." Zuko said in reply "Well lets see who our guest are shale we?" the prince asked as he himself start walking to the gardens.

It took only a few minutes to get from the throne room to the gardens itself. It is a large garden with a few trees and many sorts of flowers. By one of the trees with a small pond under it he could see two figures standing there. By the look of there clothing they were water trible, why they were here was beyound him or at lest that's what he thought until he gotten closer and see the blond turned around just in time to see her fact and he was only teen feet away from her. It shocked him to see Elsa standing there and by the spirites she looked like a goddess.

It have been over a year sense he last seen her but she didn't seem to change that much at all. The same blue eyes and blond hair and how she looked in her water nation dress it enough to make him weak on the knees. However that he knew of they were just close friends. As much he wanted tell her how he felt he couldn't for many reason, one of which he didn't think she felt the same and didn't wish to ruin their friendship. "E-Elsa?" he asked.

When Elsa and Alexis were finally left along in the garden a noticeable calm settled over them. They found some measure of peace in the garden, finding it oddly out of place within the heart of the fire nation's capital. They talked quietly amongst themselves, feeling the need to speak softly in such a place. Time went by quickly, and before she had prepared herself for the meeting she heard a familiar voice. She turned as her name was called and she turned to see the two young firebenders, looking rather shocked themselves.

"Zuko!" She said, the excitement clear in her voice as she walked briskly around the small pond towards them. She thought she might have run right up to him and embraced him, but she stopped herself a few paces short when she caught a better look at his face. "Oh Zuko, your face!" She said in surprise, taking the last few steps towards him slowly. "What happened to you? Were you injured during the war?"

Alexis followed suit, following to stand beside Elsa. She nodded in greeting, which caught Elsa's eye. "Oh, sorry Lexi." Elsa said, laying a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Zuko, this is Alexis. Alexis, Prince Zuko." If ever there was a more awkward meeting, Alexis hadn't seen it. "A pleasure." She said, bowing slightly, not sure how to behave in this situation. This reunion hadn't gone as planned for any of them it seemed.

He flinch when she seen his scar on his face, and her reaction just as well which only made him feel more shamful to himself. Quickly but gently as he could he took hold of the wrist before she could touch it "It's nothing, I rather not talk about it. At lest for right now." he said. By this reaction she must not have heard that it was his father that did this, he would tell her what happen the why he didn't see her for so long. However right now wasn't a good time and with that thought he let go of Elsa's hand. Zuko's eyes turn to Alexis as the ice queen intorduce her freind, he gave her a warm smile and a nodd. He turn towards Nail "This is Nail, he might look much but he save my ass a few times and been with me the whole year." he told them.

Nail gave both ladys a bow "Pleasure to met you both." he said. Now finaly meeting Elsa in person he could see why the prince here have the hots for her. The woman herself in only that dress would make any guy want to get a piece of her. The only reason he wasn't thinking dirty thoughts about her was the fact Zuko was crasy about her. The other girl though he let his mind wonder, Alexis wasn't as hot at Elsa but still sexy in his mind. "So sense we are all together here how about we all have a outing together huh? Maybe have a few drinks before dinner, what you say?" he asked them.

Zuko looked he was about to agree but something he rememberd he wanted to do, and it only made him frown. "I'll catch up, there is something I have to do first and I need to do it alone." he said to them. "Really and who is this person you got to see that would keep these lovely ladys waiting?" Nail asked. "The traidor." Zuko said. The Traidor or rather the man Zuko once called Uncle. Iroh was the fire nation's greatest hero and Zukos as well when he was younger. However night Iroh attack the firelord himself who was also his brother, he said the spirits warn him that Ozai would ruin the nation and the world. At the end Iroh lost the fight with his brother and considerd to be mad and a trador to the fire nation.

"Ah ok... then meet us at the tea shop." Nail told him which was the only thing he could say at the moment. All Nail know is that right now it is an odd day for the prince and he needs to recover himself in order to deal with Elsa if he can., then again maybe he might find out some infomation from the ice queen her self. Maybe to see if she did have feelings for Zuko of they are indeed just friend. Zuko just gave a nodd too them and turn to walk away.

Elsa watched him go with one hand raised, her voice caught in her throat. Alexis saved her friend from some momentary embarrassment by disrupting the awkward silence. "So," She said, turning to address Nail, "Nail, you said your name was? I'm Alexis." She glanced over at Elsa who was still staring off, lost in thought. Alexis laid a hand on her friend's shoulder, drawing her to them and into the conversation. "I think tea sounds like a great idea!"

Elsa regained herself enough to address Nail. As queen, she had become quite skilled at pushing drastic - or in this case just emotional - situations to the back of her mind, in order to focus on the task at hand. In the time it took from her eyes to meet Nail's, they had lost all semblance of worry or doubt, and instead reflected her calm demeanor. It was an interesting transition to see, if one were paying attention. "Yes, I would love to hear about some of your adventures over the past year. I am sure there is much to tell."

Nail watch carfully at the reactions taking place and reading the body language that's going on as well. Everything was going too fast for the fire prince that much Nail could tell and need some time to regain his thoughts, which might be a little while. Also the look in Elsa eyes of how she change from worrying to being calm, Zuko was the same way. They two were more alike then either one would admit, but still he wasn't sure if Elsa was worried like a friend would or did she really have feelings for him? Well it was time to find out for sure but he knew Zuko wouldn't approve of it, at lest not at frist.

"A pleasure Alexis." he said before giving her a playful wink. Nail's eyes turn to Elsa " More like storys of how we kept saving each other's sorry ass's but I'll tell what what I know." he told them. Nail new the way out the palace, the place was huge but it wasn't hard to get around at all. He walked the girls to a tea shop he knew, one he almost was raise in. Once open the door the bell rang and the scent to different teas and hurbs filled the air. On one side of the place a large counter with many tea pots while the rest of the place was full of tables which at the moment was empty.

"Well well so the perv still alive huh?" said a large man who was taller then any of them. The man look strong enough to take on a D-Bison by himself or so that's what he believed. "And so you have nurve to come back in here after what you did the last time you been here?" the man asked as if he was to beat the fire bender to the ground. Nail only smiles at him "you mean your bet that I wouldn't come back alive, and that you would give me all the free tea I want for a month? Yea I think that was worth coming back." The man suddenly start laughing and then gave Nail a bear hug "Its good to see your still alive Nail, really I was starting to worry you weren't going to make it!" he said.

Under the arms of the large man it felt like he was being squeeze to death and looked like it as well. swore they could hear a few bones being poped. "Good ... to see you... too Bob. If you don't let go I think you.. are going to kill me." Nail said trying very hard to breathe. Bob let go and looked over at the girls "Ah and I see you didn't waist time finding a few lady's, though I can't say blame you for it."

Nail quickly gave a cough "Not this time Bob, these are special guests. And no their not like the ones from last time ok." he said and turned to the girls "You have queen Elsa of the northen water tribe and her friend Alexis." Nail told him before looking back at Bob. The big man's eyes went wide as he looked at the girls then right back to Nail. "Oh and Zuko, the prince of the fire nation will be stoping by as well, so if I were you I be getting out the good stuff." Nail said as he give him a wink. Bob couldn't help but chuckle "in that case have a set and I'll see what I got." he said to him before turning to the lady's, he place a arm around his front and gave bow to Elsa "I hope you can forgive my outbirst your highness, not everyone comes back from the war and it is good to see that at lest some one comes back from it. In any case I am honerd to have you in my humble tea shop and you too lady Alexis.

Alexis chuckled and began fanning herself like some pompous noble girl. "My, my, Lady Alexis. A girl could get used to that sort of treatment." She said, smiling at Bob. "But please, just Alexis for me." Elsa concurred, telling Bob he could also call her simply Elsa. He seemed uncomfortable with the idea as he dismissed himself to retrieve some tea.

The three of them took a seat at one of the tables and Bob soon reappeared from the back with a tray in hand. He set out a pot and four small cups - one for the waste (the first cup of tea) and three for each of his guests. "If you will, your High- I mean Elsa." He said, gesturing to Elsa with a slight bow of the head. Elsa smiled at his slip of the tongue and took the pot, pouring out the first cup and setting it aside before pouring equal amounts for each of them. She passed the cups to Alexis and Nail and took her own in both hands, savoring the warm feel of the ceramic and the flowery aroma before taking a sip. She turned to smile at Bob, nodding in approval. "Perfect, Bob. My thanks to you." Bob was clearly relieved by her positive review, thanking her and saying if she needed anything to call before retreating back behind the counter.

"So, Nail. I'm curious about what this incident was that Bob was talking about?" Elsa said, breaking the ice.

Nail blinked, he wasn't expecting that qustion. He put a hand behind his neck and rub it some as he gave a nervous laugh "Heh, that lets just say i rather not have happen again. It was with these two twins who I thought were very hot woman. Well come to find out one was a guy and both had this thing for leathers and whips." he said before shudders." he said once more but then his eyes turn back to Elsa. It was his turn to make a comment "I am suprised though, I thought you would have known about Zuko's scar long time ago." Nail pointed before he took a sip of his tea but never leaving his eyes off her. There was a look in his eyes, a look that was more serious then he is normaly.

Alexis laughed out loud at his story, but Elsa went crimson red with embarrassment. She was thankful that he had decided to change the subject. She leaned forward slightly as she spoke, her finger trailing circles around the rim of her cup. "We heard plenty of rumors, of course." She said, thinking about all she had heard about the prince in the last year. The stories were as outlandish as they come. "You can't put much faith in rumors, however. We heard reports that he was attacked by an assassin, right here in the palace before he vanished. Hell, we even heard reports that he was killed and buried in the gardens!"

Alexis nodded in agreement, leaning back casually in her chair. "My particular favourite was that he was recruited as a spy for the air nation and was in hiding."

Elsa raised a hand in Alexis' direction to prove her point. "Sorting out the truth from the lies was nearly impossible. I didn't know what to expect when we came face to face." She leaned forward, lowering her voice so as not to be overheard. "So, what did happen to Zuko? That didn't look like an injury from any earth bender."

"Far from it." he said before taking another sip and look at her again. "I wasn't there when it happen but Zuko told me. Lets agree on something first, what we talk about in here is just between us. I rather not being in a royal barbecue with my best friend." he told her before taking a deep break. "From what he told me it happen like this, Zuko was in a war meeting for the first time. One of the generals had a strategy to take out an air temple, Zuko didn't like it in the fact it involved sacrificing half of the army they had of new recruits and frocing some water tribe to help out as well."

Nail knew this might seem like selling out his own nation giving this type of infomation. However he wasn't giving names of were it was at so he was safe for now. "It gotten to the point that Zuko challanged the general to a Agni Kai. However it wasn't the general he faced, it was his own father Ozai. He did that to Zuko.

Alexis and Elsa listened intently to the story. They had heard a similar tale before - one of the many - but this was the first time they got some actual answers. Their eyes opened in surprise as he finished. "His own father?" Alexis muttered softly. Elsa shook her head, hardly believing what she heard. "You can't be serious?" She said, her thoughts dwelling on her own father. All she could picture of him were glimpses, moments frozen in time. Even so, she could never imagine him doing something so cruel to his own daughters. "Why would he lash out like that against his own son?"

"Not sure on the detels, only going by what Zuko was open enough to tell me. Because he out spoken about the general's plan in the war room it disrespected the fire lord himself and dishonering Zuko. Zuko refused to fight and so... which really I can see him doing this.. begged for his father's forgiveness. His father in the other hand wouldn't have it, so because Zuko wouldn't fight back the fire lord punished him, saying suffering would be his teacher just before placing what Zuko calls his dishonor on his face. The next day he was pushed out of the kingdom the only way to regain his honer was to fight in the war, as low ranking soilder and build up from there." Nail told them.
------

Zuko came to the tower like prison within the montain's face and walked inside. Only the most wanted or dangerous to the fire nation. As he walked to the top he notice there wasn't many guards for a place like this, but then again there was only one person here need guarding and this place itself is like a fortess ment to keep people inside of the place. Once at the very top he came to two guards on either side of the door. Zuko Nodded to them and right away they open the cell door. In side lay a old man, a man he once called Uncle.

Elsa frowned, taking a long moment to sip her tea. She poured herself another cup from the pot, offering some each of the others in turn. "Why did you tell me all of this?" She asked once she had a fresh cup in front of her. "Zuko is not the most open person. If he didn't feel comfortable telling me about this earlier, I assume his feeling hasn't changed by now."

Alexis tapped the table. "Well I for one think it's good that we know." She said. Elsa looked at her with her eyebrows raised in surprise. "What? I do! You know Zuko, it would take months for him to open up. Between Nail and myself we can peel back that steel skin of his." As she said this she mimed peeling back an invisible layer on the table, straining under the weight of it.

------

Iroh heard the door open and shut and turned his head. He squinted at the bright light, raising a hand to shield his eyes as he was temporarily blinded. "Rare to get visitors." He said, sitting up slowly. He was much leaner than he was before his imprisonment, and he had let his facial hair grow. But he was clean, something that could not be said for some of his guards he might add. As his eyes adjusted he could hardly contain his surprise as he recognized his nephew. "Zuko!" He said, slowly pushing himself up to his feet. "You're home!"

Nail had to hand it to Alexis, she wasn't the shy type or so that's the feeling she was giving him. Willing to help Zuko open up might not be as easy as it sounds but still he like the idea. "Why you asked... part of it because I got a good feeling from you, both of you really. I have this gift to read people by their actions and such, but that's the whole truth. There is something I want to know before I tell you anything else, when I seen the reactions in the garden it got my mind wondering. It didn't looked like you were there just as friends, it looked deeper that that. So my question to you Elsa, queen of the northern water tribe, what is your feelings towards Zuko?' he asked.
----------

"Stay were you are!" Zuko almost calling out with a hiss of anger in his voice. Zuko still felt betrayed by Uncle's actions. He still remember walking into the throne room that night in the middle of the fight he watched how both his father and Uncle trying to kill each other. He was young when this happen but is once hero attacking his father ruin that bond. It was only the site of Zuko did Uncle lost the fight but that didn't matter. He tryed many times to ask him why he attacked his father, telling him it was the spirits which made him turna way from that as well for fear he might become mad like his uncle. "I came to see you for the same reason I see you each year. You know what I'm asking for.

Elsa felt her face begin to flush. "I don't see how that's -"

"-any of your business?" Alexis finished for her. She grabbed the pot and refilled her own tea as she spoke. "Look, he opened up to us. I feel like we owe him one."

Elsa frowned in towards Alexis and said in a low voice. "Seriously, Lexi? It's not like it was his secret to share in the first place." They argued back and forth for a few moments, during which Nail was left to watch the display from the outside. Eventually Elsa sighed, conceding to Alexis. "Fine, fine." She said as she turned back to Nail. "I like Zuko. We were really close friends before - well before the incident. But I haven't heard anything from him in over a year. I didn't know where we stood then, I really don't know where we stand now." She paused for a moment before remembering his promise from earlier. "Nothing we say leaves this room, right?"

-----

Iroh smiled sadly, remaining where he was for the time being. "Ah, of course. You want to know why your father and I were fighting." He raised a hand to his chin, stroking his long beard in thought as he examined Zuko up and down. Zuko had still very much been a child when he had left before. But the man he saw before him had been hardened by conflict. Conflict with his father, if what the guards whispered among-st themselves was true, and conflict in war. "Yes, perhaps you are ready to know the truth, Zuko. We will need all the help we can muster. I have been trapped here for too long, and I fear that I may be too late already."

Oh he definitely like this pink haird girl, wonder how well she would do in the bed room or so that was his thought but quickly pushed it away. This was more important then his thrid leg right now. Nail sat there waiting until Elsa finaly given him an answer, his lips form a smile as it was a satisfied with what she said. That and it was what he thought all along, the two have the hots for each other but too afraid to tell each other. Well Zuko might not like what hes about to tell her but better now then the two never hitting it off.

"On one mission me and Zuko were with this commander and his group to find this outpost in across this forest. None of us knew the area but we came uppon a near by village. Our commander demanded a guid to help them though the forest. The only guid that willing to do was a woman name Rose. A smoken hot woman, long red hair, dark olive skin and hell of a body. Anyways she said she would do it but for a price, she said this while looking at all the men and she spoted Zuko with a grin. She said she would guid them she is payed five hundred gold or half that and he comes with me for the for the night."

Nail new that Else might be thinking what the point was this story, even more so when the type of woman he was just talking about. He took a sip of his tea before continued. "I thought to myself 'dame you lucky basterd', all the guys were thinking the same way and I even heard a few comments in whispers. One would have to be crazy to turn an offer down. On top of that the commander didn't have all the money. But heres the kicker, he flat out turn her down and then got out money he himself hardly use's and give her five hundred."

"That night we were alone I asked him how the heck he could turn down a woman like that? His reply, 'simple Nail, you keep your mind on the one your heart truely wants.'." "I asked him who then is the lucky woman he have his mind and heart set for. He pulled out a silver lockit which had a symble of a snow flake. He said with a small smile which he rarely does ' a girl with blond hair, icey blue eyes and known for being queen of the north. "
-------

Zuko frown, what was he talking about? Too late for what? But sense he might get some answers he might as well listen to some of his madness. "I'm not here to get you out and even you were able to get out of this cell you can't think you can get pass all the guards." he said then took a deep breath "So tell me and the truth this time."

Alexis was nudging Elsa excitingly. "Well that sounds like someone I know. Don't you think so Elsa?" She could hardly contain her glee, and to their surprise, nor could Elsa. She smiled, her embarrassment gone for the moment. "He really still has that silly thing?" She said, hiding a quiet giggle behind her hand. "When we were younger we would often be forced into these dull meetings and ceremonial things. Training for what was to come, you understand. We got to know each other as restless children, sneaking off to shirk our duties and goof around."

Her eyes glazed over slightly, losing that hard edge as she remembered their wild childhood. "One day he visited my homeland, sitting in on peace treaties and the like with his father. I pulled him away through the servant's corridors and we snuck off to the market together. He saw that locket there and said it made him think of me. He bought it and said he would keep it with him when we were apart." She shook her head in disbelief. "I just can't believe he held onto that for all these years."

----

Iroh shook his head. "No, no, I'm not asking you to break me out of prison Zuko. Unfortunately it is far more serious than that." He sat down on the edge of his bed, and gestured for him to do the same. "Come, sit with me. We have a lot to talk about." He began to tell Zuko about how he had always been in contact with the spirit world, working to maintain the balance. "That is why Rasa, the fire spirit, came to me with a grave warning. He told me that your father was walking down a dark path. One that would lead not only to the destruction of the fire nation, but the destruction of the spirit world as well! That day I went to Ozai to question him, but he would hear none of what I had to say. He accused me of betrayal and attacked me outright, and I was forced to defend myself." He paused for a moment, thinking of how he might of won had he not been distracted by Zuko. Perhaps there was a meaning to all this, but it was lost on Iroh this day. "I have tried to make my voice heard from here, but no one trusts the word of a traitor. The world is in danger, Zuko. And I fear it may already be too late to stop it."

Nail lean back as he hear the story behind the pendit, it made sense to him and really it helped Zuko more then Elsa might realize. "Well would you believe if I told you he had feelings for you sense the first time you both met. He said it was at the same garden that we all just came from. He said it was night of a full moon and he saw you dancing around and water bending. He thought you were a water spirit at the time, well at the time he beleived in spirits." he said and new that might ruin the mood a bit. "The sad thing is he was going to tell you his feelings or it was the plan when he seen you again back at the north land. That was until the day he got kicked out and striped of his nobility, oh and the going away gift from his father." he said as he pointed at his eye, the same side of Zuko's scar. He said the last part with a frown before finshing his tea.

"That and I have tried to get him to go in the north lands so I could see you myself, however...fear is what stoped him. He didn't tell me but I could see it in his eyes. He feared you didn't have any feelings for him and he didn't want to ruin the friend ship you both have. The scar however just made it worst for him, he always consider it his mark of shame and dishonor. Thinking he wasn't fite to even be with you if that make sense?" he told her before his eyes looking at hers. "It's why I was so bold, I wanted to know myself to perfect a breaking heart if you indeed thought of him like a brother. Well put this this way you be a better sister then the one he have now." he said with a shudder.

------

Zuko said next to his Uncle and listen to what he said, only to be dissapointed. The man still talking about spirits and his story of why attacking is father in the first place anger him more for this was all some story of a man who lost his mind, or most of it at the very lest. He rose up slowly of the bed "Maybe the end of your world." Zuko said before looking at him with anger still in his eyes. "In the real world I see only a crazy old man who was once a hero to not only his nation and other people but of his nephew. I have went all over the world, yet I have never saw any spirits that you claimed. For all I know you made it up and believe in such things." he said as he walked over to the door. "Goodbye Uncle, for this is the last time we see each other. Unless you finaly come to your senses." with that said the door close behind him.

Alexis was sitting very child-like, with her elbows on the table and her head resting in her hands. Her gaze shifted from Elsa to Nail and back again, trying to catch every reaction as the truth was unveiled. From all the stories she had assumed this was the case. A classic tale of two would-be lovers too shy or too nervous to do anything about it. She could hold her own in battle or in politics, but the ways of the heart often left poor Elsa at a lost. Zuko too, she supposed. That must be why they sought out people like me and Nail.

At the mention of Azulu both of them shuttered involuntarily, muttering in agreement. There was a brief moment of silence as they digested this new information. Alexis was thinking only of Elsa, but Elsa's thoughts were dwelling on the elusive prince. "Zuko said he had to speak with the traitor." She said thoughtfully, deciding it best to change the subject. She too had grown up idolizing Iroh as both a great man and a great leader. And the story of his trechery was spread far and wide - she suspected due mostly in part to his father. "He really refuses to call his own uncle by name?"

-----

Iroh followed him to the door, shouting through the barred window at Zuko's departing form. "Don't look without for the truth, Zuko! Look within! Remember your meditation." He watched Zuko disappear, ashamed of his own failure. He sat down with a loud sigh and muttered to himself. "You don't need to travel the world to find spirits." And with that, he began to meditate himself, for guidance.

At lest he wasn't the only one that thought that way about Azulu, he just met her face to face today and already he felt like pissing his pants. In any case this was good to hear, at lest now they have a better chance or at lest for Elsa's end. He figure knowing this now she would try to press onto Zuko, and maybe break the barrior that's between them. Elsa suddenly was now talking about Zuko's Uncle which give Nail a sad look "Yea, if you think about it if you were a young kid who saw both your father and Uncle the heros of your life all the sudden fighting each other, it could ruin once childhood if you know what I mean?" He asked. "On top of that Zuko... as crazy it might sound, he tried to look for the spirit sense he was gone from home. To see for himself if in fact they were real or just part of his Uncle's wild storys, I was up for it when he told be about it because I always want to see the spirites myself. However we never found any." he said and finsh another cup of tea.

"So I'm sure you understand the frustration he's going though, he has yet to let it go on anything. Really I'm not sure how much more he can take before he blows, and fry anyone thats with him." he said with a worried looked in his eyes. However his mood change into a grin as he leans back with both hands resting on the back of his head "So tell me, being you got all this from me. What do you plan to do?" he asked and interested if Elsa had any plans of her own now or did she need more time to come up with one.