The morning after their arrival, the small village buzzed with a renewed sense of purpose for Alec, Zuko, and Iroh. After a hearty breakfast of fresh bread and berry jam, Tosim, true to his word, sat down with them, a worn map spread across the kitchen table.
"This is the best map I have of the region," Tosim explained, tracing a finger across the parchment. "It shows the main trade routes and the general direction to the Northern Air Temple. It's a long journey, mostly through mountains and forests."
Iroh leaned closer, his eyes scanning the intricate lines. "This is very helpful, Tosim. Thank you."
"The problem," Tosim continued, his brow furrowed, "is that merchant activity is quite low this season. Most traders prefer to travel when the weather is more predictable. You might have to wait a while for a caravan heading in that direction."
"How long is 'a while'?" Zuko asked, his impatience barely concealed.
Tosim scratched his head. "Could be a week, could be two. Maybe even more. It just depends on when the next grain shipment or pottery delivery is scheduled."
Zuko sighed, a frustrated puff of air. "Two weeks? We don't have two weeks!"
"Patience, Nephew," Iroh murmured, a subtle warning in his tone. "Sometimes, the fastest way to get somewhere is to wait."
Alec, ever the pragmatist, spoke up. "If we're going to be here for a while, we should at least make ourselves useful. We can't just impose on your kindness."
Mariah, who had been listening from the doorway, smiled. "Nonsense! You're our guests. But if you insist, Tosim could always use an extra hand with the pottery, and I could use help in the garden."
And so, their two-week waiting game began. It was a stark contrast to their usual hurried pace, but it proved to be a valuable experience. Zuko, accustomed to the rigid discipline of Fire Nation training and the urgency of his quest, found himself learning the rhythm of village life. He helped Tosim in the pottery workshop, kneading clay, turning the wheel, and even assisting with the firing of the kiln. His hands, usually skilled in firebending, now learned the delicate art of shaping earth.
Alec, with his keen mind and surprising adaptability, quickly became indispensable. He helped Mariah in the garden, his heat-sensing ability proving surprisingly useful for identifying healthy plants and detecting pests.
Iroh, of course, became the village's favorite storyteller and tea connoisseur. He spent his days sharing wisdom with the elders, playing games with the children, and brewing the finest his favorite ginseng tea the village had ever tasted. He subtly observed Zuko and Alec, pleased to see them adapting to a life outside their usual roles.
During these two weeks, their firebending remained a secret. They couldn't risk exposing themselves in an Earth Kingdom village, especially with the Fire Nation's reputation. This meant no casual firebending for warmth, no quick bursts of flame for light. It was a constant exercise in self-control, particularly for Zuko, who was used to relying on his bending for almost everything.
One afternoon, while helping Tosim load finished pottery onto a cart, Zuko found himself struggling with a particularly heavy crate. He instinctively reached out with his mind, ready to use a small burst of fire to lighten the load, but then remembered where he was. He gritted his teeth and strained, his muscles burning.
Alec, noticing his struggle, stepped in without a word and helped him lift the crate. Their hands brushed, and a small spark passed between them.
"Thanks," Zuko mumbled, a little embarrassed.
"No problem," Alec replied, his eyes twinkling. "Sometimes, brute strength is all you need."
Little Rou became particularly fond of Alec, often following him around like a shadow. Alec, in turn, found himself enjoying the boy's innocent curiosity and boundless energy. He would tell Rou stories, not from his ancient book, but simple tales of adventure and courage, carefully crafted to avoid any mention of his true origins.
As the two weeks drew to a close, a small caravan arrived in the village, led by a jovial, burly man named Dane, a grain seller. He was heading north, planning to stop at several towns along the way, including one not far from the Northern Air Temple.
"We'd be happy to have you join us," Dane boomed, his voice echoing through the small general store where they met. "Safety in numbers, especially with all these bandits about."
It was the opportunity they had been waiting for. The next morning, under the soft glow of dawn, Alec, Zuko, and Iroh stood outside Mariah and Tosim's house, their meager belongings packed.
"We can't thank you enough," Iroh said, bowing deeply to the potter family. "Your kindness has been a beacon in our darkest hour."
Mariah replied with a slight smile and moist eyes "You are always welcome here. And you, young men, be careful on your journey."
Tosim shook hands with Zuko and Alec. "May your path be clear and your burdens light."
Little Rou, clutching a small, lopsided clay bird that Alec had helped him make, looked up at Alec with wide, sad eyes. "You're really going?"
Alec knelt down, ruffling the boy's hair. "Yes, Rou. But maybe, someday, we'll meet again."
"Will you tell me more stories later?" Rou asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"I promise," Alec said, a genuine smile on his face. He stood up and gave Rou a final, gentle pat on the head.
As they walked away, joining Dane and his small caravan, they looked back one last time. Mariah and Tosim stood arm-in-arm, waving, and little Rou, still clutching his clay bird, waved furiously until they were out of sight.