A/N - Okay, this is my first Avatar fic. Please be gentle. The characters are pretty OOC, but it's entirely intentional. The story is set two years after the final battle (if my math is okay, Katara is about 17 and Zuko is 19). It's rated for some sensuality later on. Please read and review!

A Visitor

Over the rim of his teacup, Iroh watched his nephew with sympathetic eyes. The young man's face was tense and unmoving as he gazed into the fireplace, light reflecting in his steady gaze. Iroh could see from his solemn countenance and rigid stance that he was troubled.

The old general shifted in his seat and sipped his tea in thought. He knew that his nephew had grown into a just and powerful leader. Even more importantly, two years since the Avatar had appeared, Iroh found that the nephew whom he regarded as a son had grown into more than just a great leader. He had become a good man. Iroh cleared his throat, settling his teacup down onto the table before him.

"Zuko?" He questioned gently. Zuko's mind returned to the dim, fire lit study. He tore his eyes from the dancing flames before him and gave Iroh a tired smile.

"Yes, Uncle?" Iroh motioned him over to the table. Zuko obliged, settling heavily into the chair across from his uncle.

"You have been staring into that fire for some time, Zuko," Iroh observed. "I was just wondering what you were looking for."

Zuko pushed a hand through his dark hair. He had expected a question like this from his uncle, and yet he still found it difficult to answer.

"You know how our people have struggled with peace," he finally answered. "When the Avatar defeated my father a year ago, he said that he could bring peace, but we would have to keep it." Iroh nodded, reaching for his tea again.

"That is true. But this is not something you can be expected to do on your own." Zuko passed a hand over his tired eyes. Though the peace between the nations had remained, it was an unsteady peace. For Zuko this meant unending meetings, political acrobatics, and many sleepless nights. Despite all these efforts, there was still widespread mistrust of the Fire nation. And Zuko was tired.

"I just wish I knew a way to unite with the other nations. I wish our people knew how to keep peace. All they have ever known is war." Iroh opened his mouth to speak when there was a knock at the door, and one of the guards stepped inside.

"Fire Lord Zuko, a representative of the Northern Water Tribe." Zuko rose from his seat wearily, prepared to greet the next in a long line of political figures. His brow furrowed in confusion as he turned to Iroh.

"I don't remember a meeting for today, Uncle." Iroh only smiled. A moment later, a young woman stepped into the room. Zuko turned to her, prepared to greet her, and stopped short.

"Katara?"

There's the first chap! They'll get a little longer, I promise...