And train he did. And wait you did. It was pretty frustrating, watching Zuko get better and better while you sat on your butt all day. Of course, you too practiced your bending, but there was only so far you could get on small mammals.

Zuko had been able to master lightning redirection with moderate ease, so you wondered why you all weren't headed on your way. Naturally, you asked.

"Old man, why ain't we left yet?" You asked crossly.

"It is not a good time to travel. The storm has only just passed. We would not want to walk through miles of mud, would we?"

"What's wrong with mud?"

"Uncle, did you forget that she grew up in mud?" Zuko chimed in.

"The swamp ain't just mud! It's a living being and mud just happens to be a part of her."

"Her? The swamp isn't living!" Zuko rebutted, quickly however, Iroh hit his shoulder.

"The swamp people are definitely different than the Fire Nation, but they are not any better or any worse. But they are a much more happy people! Some of the friendliest people I have ever met. You should be thankful that you were able to meet one, Zuko. Nowadays the swamp people tend to stay in the swamp and out of trouble."

"Friendly is not how I would describe YN. And thankful is definitely something I am not." Zuko replied bitterly.

"Hey! I am a very friendly person! You were just the arrogant, gloomy, son of the Fire Lord, who I happen to have business with!"

"Were?" Iroh chuckled. Zuko ended up huffing and walking away into the woods.

"What's wrong with 'im?" You asked Iroh.

"He's a very angry young man. He has had a lot of wrongs happen to him in his lifetime and not a lot of rights. He doesn't know how to have friends, so you will have to excuse him and his actions for the time being."

"I don't hafta excuse him, ya know." You looked at Iroh with side-eyes, indicating that you were just being stubborn.

"I know, I know. But if you could for my sake. Do not be in such a rush to leave, the things you want will come to you. Life happens where ever you are, whether you make it or not." Iroh chuckled. This was a common trait of the swamp people; playfully stubborn. Iroh reflected on a time when he too, had been enamored with a girl from the swamp. Of course, he wasn't allowed to continue the relationship, but it had been such a whirlwind that he never forgot her. Wouldn't it be funny if YN knew her... Iroh thought.

"Alright, old man. If I'm doin' it for ya sake. I at least trust ya to follow through on ya promise to take me to ya brother." You said as you pulled him into a side-hug. It was rare that swamp people showed friendly or romantic affection face to face. Just another quirk of course.  Probably best when everyone is hot and sweaty from the intense humidity.

"If you'd really like to go today, go fetch Zuko and we will get ready." Iroh was in a pleasant mood. It was like old times, except this time his nephew might learn something new. And he might have a chance than Iroh himself had never had.