Steam rose from the natural hot spring, curling up into the cool air as laughter and conversation echoed softly through the half-cave. The water was warm and inviting, its surface rippling as Appa, half-submerged, let out a low rumble and blew bubbles with his nose. On the far side of the spring, Sokka floated on his back, Momo perched precariously on his chest. The lemur stared intently into the water, his tiny head tilted as though planning an ambush on any fish daring enough to swim close. Katara, now clean and refreshed, had already returned to the small campfire just outside the cave from being in the woods, her arms full of freshly gathered supplies for dinner.

Toph sat on the edge of the spring with her legs dangling in the water, toes stirring lazy circles. Though she didn’t seem interested in bathing, she was grinning as she flicked small rocks into the water to disrupt Sokka’s peace.

Aang floated nearby, effortlessly drifting with the current as he practiced a delicate airbending trick: creating tiny whirlpools around his fingertips without disturbing the water’s surface.

Zuko had been silent for most of their time in the spring, sticking to a far corner, his wiry frame partially submerged. After quietly ducking under the water, he stayed there for an unnervingly long time, his figure just a faint blur beneath the surface. When he finally emerged he threw his head back, briefly slicking his thick black hair away from his face. For a fleeting moment, he almost looked at ease, the warm light softening the edges of his ever-present scowl.

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head quickly to clear the water from his hair, sending droplets flying. His scar caught the dim light, its familiar outline a stark contrast to his pale skin, but his hazel eyes were focused ahead, distant. The scene felt peaceful, though the faint tension in Zuko’s posture hinted at his lingering discomfort being surrounded by so much… warmth—both from the water and his unlikely companions.