"They gave each other a smile with a future in it." –Ring Lardner

Chapter One: Striking a Match

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Chief Hakoda."

"Thank you for sending all that money to help rebuild my tribe's infrastructure. I suspect that has something to do with why you invited me here today."

Chief Hakoda of the Southern Watertribe gave the Lady Ursa a measured look, his jaw tight with tension. She sat behind her large desk, hands neatly folded on its surface, a smile in her eyes. The Southern Chief had never met the acting Fire Lord until today but he had heard stories. Lady Ursa was every bit as beautiful as the stories claimed. Thus far, she had also proved her reputation for kindness and hospitality to be true, as well. But, he had also heard that she was a shrewd negotiator and fierce leader. These traits helped her end the war her now deceased husband's family had started one hundred years ago. However, it was because of her shrewdness and ferocity that Hakoda sat back in his chair, wondering if he could trust this woman.

She smiled, sensing that pleasantries were over. "The beginnings of reparations for my late husband's war," she said. "I invited you here so that we could perhaps iron out a more permanent arrangement that could benefit your tribe and my nation."

The chief crossed his arms over his chest but made no reply. She took this as a sign to continue.

"Aside from the Air Nation, no one has suffered more from this war than your tribe. You have personally suffered at the hands of my husband's greed and pointless desire for power. I can in no way make up for the lost lives of your people, but I believe it is my duty as acting ruler of this nation to help pave the way for a better future for your people and mine."

Lady Ursa paused to let her words sink into the stoic chief.

"What do you suggest?" His cold eyes thawed.

Lady Ursa allowed herself a brief smile before continuing. "For starters, I would like to establish open trade between our nations. This war has been damaging for both of our economies and a diversity of goods traded between the two could only benefit us both."

"Very well. Draw up the trade agreements, if you like. But I should warn you: my people are grateful for your involvement in the war, but they are still very wary of the Fire Nation."

"Your people are not alone in their sentiments. The Earth Kingdom and the Northern Watertribe also have their fair share of dissent towards my country. I do not blame them in the slightest. However, it is important that I show them our commitment to ideal of peace. Establishing trade, I believe, will help rehabilitate my country's image. However, I also believe a more binding contract between our peoples is the only way to truly prove our…commitment."

Chief Hakoda quirked a brow and sat up in his seat. "Just what are you suggesting, Lady Ursa?"

"When my son, Prince Zuko, reaches the age of eighteen, he will inherit the throne. Wouldn't you agree that an alliance between our two nations, say, in the form of your daughter marrying my son, be the best way to maintain the peace?"

"Or your people could simply choose not to attack other nations without provocation."

Ursa smiled tightly. "Who's to say it would be my people attacking? As I said before, there is still a lot of dissent amongst the nations. An alliance of such a nature would be a deterrent for violence. In addition, it also demonstrates humility on my country's part and forgiveness on yours. Both virtues are necessary in order to move forward."

"No," Hakoda said sharply. "Draw up your trade agreements if you like, but I am not bartering my child's happiness for political advancement. That is not my tribe's custom and she deserves much better than that."

For the first time since he met her, Lady Ursa's warm demeanor cooled. A chill ran up the chief's spine in response. "Do not make the mistake, Chief Hakoda," she began slowly, "of thinking you are the only parent here who cares about the happiness and well-being of their children."

He had heard the stories. Rumors. Whispers, really, of what this woman was capable, of what she was willing do in the name protecting her children. Ending the war had been as much about a personal vendetta against Ozai as it had been about moral and ethical reasons. This was his first glance at the real woman behind the patient leader, the woman whose family had suffered as his had suffered at the hands of her late husband.

"I could have proposed this scheme to any number of other influential families," she continued in the same cool manner. "Chief Arnook of the Northern Watertribe, for example, also has a daughter around Zuko's age. And, unlike your tribe, it is their custom to, as you put it, 'barter their child's happiness for political advancement.' I have already received several letters from the patriarch of the Beifong family, suggesting the very scheme I proposed to you for his daughter. An alliance with such a financially stable and well respected family of the Earth Kingdom would do wonders for my country's economy and morale."

"Then why not make the deal with them? Why summon me here at all when you have such willing participants elsewhere?" His mind made up to leave, the chief stood. He was halfway towards the door when Lady Ursa spoke again.

"Because, deep down, you and I are the same."

Chief Hakoda turned and glared at her. They were not the same. She may have wanted to help his people but in the end, she was still Fire Nation. Never trust the Fire Nation.

And yet, as he glared at her, he saw an earnestness in her eyes that gave him pause. She saw this and when she spoke again, the warmth of their earlier pleasantries had returned. "Chief Hakoda, please sit. Allow me to finish my proposal. If you still find the scheme disagreeable when I am done, I will not argue with you. I only ask that you allow me to finish explaining before you pass judgment."

"Very well," he replied gruffly.

"Thank you. Now, it seems your objections stem from your concern for your daughter's say in the matter. I happen to agree with this; the children should have a say."

"Then what do you suggest?"

Lady Ursa smiled. "We have nine years until my son is eligible to take the throne. Coincidentally, by that time—and correct me if I am wrong—your daughter will have reached the age of marriage eligibility. I suggest that, for a few months out of each year, Katara stays here in the Fire Nation. She could get to know my son during those periods and become familiar with Fire Nation customs. Meanwhile, Zuko can get to know her and learn about Southern Watertribe traditions in his studies so that the cultural exchange is equitable. If, by the time they are of age, they cannot see a future in which they could be happy together, we let them out of the betrothal."

Amusement played on the corners of Chief Hakoda's lips. "It'll never work. Katara may only be seven years old, but she is as stubborn as an ox-mule."

"A family trait, no doubt."

Hakoda smirked, ignoring the barb. "So, when would these visits take place? I honestly have no knowledge of Fire Nation upbringing and customs but I am certain they are quite a bit different than ours."

"Well, for nine months of the year, my children are immersed in their studies as well as bending training. However, during the summer months they take a break from their studies and reduce the hours of their training each day. This would be the ideal time to bring Katara here. Although, I confess, I do not know much about Southern traditions and would hate to interrupt anything important during those months for you and your family."

"Actually, summers would be perfect. We take the best sailors in the tribe on an extending fishing trip during those months, following the migrations. It is also a bit of a rite of passage for the boys in the tribe. This will be Sokka's first time joining us."

"Then," Ursa said, extending her hand to the chief, "do we have an accord?"

Hakoda looked at the hand and then back at Ursa. Hesitantly, he reached out and took it. "Provisionally," he acknowledged, smirking.

"Of course."

"It'll never work."

"It doesn't hurt to try."