Hawks and Wolves
Zuko
He watches them, the two hawks. In the last rays of the blood red sunset, they dart and weave and circle around each other, in a dance as old as time itself, their sharp screams piercing the air, the only sounds to disturb the silence. He feels his heart soar to see a wild pair, unencumbered by leather chords, and the Fire Nation's emblem, indicating their service to man. Completely free, they are a magnificent sight to behold. Strong, proud, and beautiful.
He remembers hearing that the fire hawk is a sacred animal to Agni. They represent eternal fidelity and love in marriage. It is well known that if a hawk's mate passes on, their loyalty runs so deep and fierce that they'd never dare take another, for they would sooner die than dishonor the memory of the one they've lost, preferring instead a lonely existence, until they reunite together in the spirit world once again. They live for each other, and face anything together. They live for one another, and die for one another.
He catches his breath as suddenly they clash in midair, and their talons hook together and they tuck their wings in, and dive in a vertical drop, straight downward, silhouetted against the sun, plummeting like two stones. He feels a sense of exhilaration as he watches them, momentarily breathless, fearing they will crash to earth. At the last second, they let go, and soar back into the air, having pledged themselves to each other for life, the sun, wind, and him the only ones having borne witness to their union.
Uncle will say it is an excellent omen. It means that whomever he chooses as his bride, the union will be blessed by Agni.
As he moves on, a memory of soft honey colored skin, rich auburn hair, and eyes as deep as the ocean arise and tug at the edges of his heart, unbidden, and silently, he yearns.
A/N: When hawks or eagles mate, they do a mating flight where they hook their talons together, and then do a vertical drop, and then let go at the last second, and thus mate for life. And Zuko reminds me of a hawk, he's proud and fierce, plus those golden eyes...anyways, Katara's up next!