Alrighty. This is a short request fic for my faithful reviewer, Bluudyrabbitofportland.It will only be 5 chapters. It is based on the idea of Katara being from the North Pole. Yes it is Zutara, but of a more friendly longing kind. I like how its coming and the rest should be up fairly soon. Go check out my other works. Questions are welcomed, Read and REVIEW!! Within the Walls
Katara awakened to the soft sounds of the water around her house.
Her grandmother was already awake, the sounds of breakfast filling the air. Her Papa too, was awake, outside dancing with water.
She rolled away from her soft bed of furs, sliding her feet into the waiting sealskin boots at the edge of her bed. She had been scolded far too many times about touching the ice with her bare feet.
Katara slipped a deep blue robe over her shirt and pants, tying the sash closed below her waist. A thick parka was pulled over her head.
She slipped past the pelt in her doorway, leaving it swinging behind her.
The kitchen smelt of warm tea and stew, giving testament to her grandmother's work. Katara sat at the table, waiting for the rest of her family to appear.
Papa was next, entering from the front room, shaking snow off his parka. He kissed her grandmother on the cheek. Kanna swatted him for tracking slush into the house.
Sokka stumbled in belatedly, rubbing his eyes and half dressed.
Her grandmother handed out the meal in silence before taking her place at the opposite end of the table from her husband.
Katara tucked into her soup, gazing off into space.
"Katara."
Her grandfather's utterance took her from her trance.
For years she had lived with her grandparents. Her mother had died from cold sickness when she was 8 and her father had went to the Southern Watertribe to help reconstruct their villages.
Now she was fast approaching womanhood, her sixteenth birthday in a mere week.
Acknowledging her grandfather, Katara looked up.
"You have no training today."
It was one of the hardest things to love about her grandfather. Rarely did he explain his reasonings, merely expecting his words to be followed.
Katara hid a smile when she heard her grandmother huff from the other end of the table. Her grandfather was a proud man, a strict man, but his wife was just as stubborn.
Pakku gave in, hiding an amused smile. "I must meet with the chief."
Katara shook her head. Her grandfather was forever called upon as an advisor, spending his time looking over the military, the water sages, and so forth. He was easily the most powerful master alive, a title which granted him much respect, but Katara thought it swelled his head just a bit.
It had been agonizing watching him bend whilst she was expected in the kitchen, or the healing huts. Only her grandmother's sharp tongue had persuaded her grandfather into training her.
He had been very obstinate about his refusal, keeping her at the most basic of rudimentary bending. Katara's impatience had pushed her to challenge him. Pakku had been shocked to discover her raw talent, a true prodigy in tune with her element.
Despite her grandfather finally seeing her value as a bender, she had been scolded most intensely for disrespecting her elders. That had been the first row she'd seen between her grandparents.
Kanna had been proud of her, going as far as calling her husband a fool. Katara had delighted in her support and encouragement, working twice as hard at her bending.
Once he was past his ire at being bested by the women of his household, it was clear he was proud of his talented granddaughter. It was not uncommon for Katara to find him talking with more than one eager young lad about all of her charms.
"There are many things which we must discuss." He looked at her as he spoke, appraising her reaction to his subtle hinting.
Katara knew he was searching for a suitable husband, a task that fell to him in the absence of her father. Sokka had been quite adamant about helping, discouraging his grandfather from many a man. It hadn't helped matters that he broadcasted her sixteenth birthday to any male that would listen, in order to 'ensure a choice selection'.
The chief too, had offered his advice and council. Though his help may have stemmed from the want of uniting his son with Katara. Haku was scarcely a year older, in line for the throne. He had first taken notice of Katara at a wedding banquet, spending his time watching her from the corner of his eyes.
Kanna alone had been supportive, desiring nothing more than for her granddaughter to find love. She herself had been forced into marriage, and despite her now loving relationship with her husband, she saw Katara's spirit and knew her sorrow would be swift if she was chained against her will.
Pakku stood, leaving his wife and grandchildren to their lives. Kanna rose as well, picking up the plates and such that were now empty.
Katara was shooed outdoors upon her offer to help and she made her way to the wall of the village.
As her grandfather had taken the only gondola, she walked, taking in the sights of the early morn.
As often as she could, Katara would journey to the wall. She had never left the North Pole and found herself burning with curiosity as to the world beyond.
It often seemed like there was nothing outside, the entire world contained in her home. With her mastery approaching, she had been hoping to convince her family to let her tour outside the arctic.
She nearly snorted at her own thoughts. Pakku was too protective and stubborn to let her explore even the ice fields beyond the oasis.
Leaving the North Pole was impossible, especially with an impending marriage. Even if she was left unaware that did not mean a deal was not in the works.
She had long since been hearing talk of several offers that were directed at her. Many wished for her hand because of her high position, as well as for her family's wealth that came with her grandfather's mastery. Her own mastery being near only increased her prospects.
It certainly was rumored that many males desired her merely for her pleasant features.
Katara knew that she was considered rather pretty. Her grandmother had explained it once at her confusion over some older boys winking at her.
The memory brought a smile to her face. Kanna had been thrilled. She was sure her granddaughter could have any man she pleased. Even if she wanted her granddaughter's
Happiness, the ease at which Katara charmed people made her proud.
The guards on the wall waved at her as she ascended the steps that led up to the top of the wall.
Her home breached upon the Artic Seas of the North. As beautiful as she had always found the view, it simply lacked the change she had been certain would come with age.
It had always been there, a lurking assurance that one day, she would know more. She could think of no better time than with her coming of age.
The feeling had grown lately, like a storm brewing against a distant horizon. She would wake from dreams instantly forgotten with a racing heart and large smile.
She had awoken every night for a week in the same manner, desperately seeking the details of her nocturnal thoughts.
Very little was clear to her. The only thing she was sure of was change and a rough warmth. Katara had no possible idea how temperature could have any texture, let alone such a distinct one. Nevertheless, there were no other words.
Katara leaned against the ice that kept her in.
Of course the matter of getting out could be as simple as she wished, it would take little effort to cross the walls with bending.
But the idea of being completely alone, without family or blessing, left her dread to take on the outside.
Those thoughts never kept her from dreaming.
She had fantasized once, of sneaking aboard a vessel bound for the Earth Kingdom and letting the spirits guide her where they may. But her idle dreams did nothing but increase the longing.
To stall the inevitable longing, she turned and surveyed her home with eyes that were praised for their observance.
Children fell softly into the snow, shrieking with laughter.
Katara dearly loved little ones, and mourned being the youngest in her family. But now, the thought of children was a double edged blade.
Very soon she would be carrying her own child, wed to some faceless man. Any escape to the outside world would be halted by a pair of little round eyes.
Katara swiftly glanced over her shoulder at the water. It shimmered much the same as it had moments ago, and she was nearly satisfied to leave her friend and confident until an unusual hue took to the sky.
She turned all the way around, leaning forward to catch the best view.
In the distance, against the pale blue sky and graying clouds that promised snow, smoke was lazily drifting into the air.
A.N: Hope you enjoyed. REVIEW