Author's Note: Welcome to a random series of drabbles in which Zuko is visiting the Southern Water Tribe. I'm working by prompts, and the first and last chapter will consist of Zuko's arrival and departure. In between that, this story can go for as long as we all want it to. I've got a bank of prompts building up, and I welcome you to add to it. Throw out any old suggestions! Some prompts I already have are: Snow (snowflakes, snowmen, snow-fights), ice, penguin-sledding, ice-fishing, Water Tribe feast, the Southern Lights. Add to it! Now read!
A Warm Welcome… Not Literally
The ship did not crash through the ice as it approached the village of the Southern Water Tribe. There was no village to approach this time. Zuko looked on in amazement at the great city of ice the village he'd once visited had become. Ice had been sculpted into large buildings and statues, and carved into beautiful images and symbols. The Fire Lord's ship had just passed through the fortress, and on both the outside and on the inside of the giant wall of ice was a familiar carving. That same carving had hung around Katara's neck when he'd known her.
Katara's necklace still sat against her collarbone. She touched the pendant as if comforting herself by acknowledging its presence. As Zuko left the ship, flanked by a handful of guards, he couldn't stop himself from smiling at her friendly face. He held his arms open as she ran towards him and they embraced for just a moment. Looking up, he found Sokka waiting to be greeted next. After a brief handshake, Sokka threw an arm around him. "Welcome to the Southern Water Tribe!"
Zuko smirked, taking in his surroundings as Sokka stepped back. "It's changed a lot since the last time I was here. It reminds me of the Northern Water Tribe's city now."
"Our sister tribe helped us to rebuild," Katara said proudly.
Zuko nodded. Heavy booted footsteps caught his attention and his eyes met with Chief Hakoda. Sokka and Katara stepped aside. Zuko bowed respectfully to the Chief, but the older man chuckled heartily. "Zuko, you needn't bow to me. We are equal. If anything, I am the one who should be bowing to you. You helped my son get me out of the Boiling Rock prison, and you saved my daughter's life. I still can't tell you how thankful I am for that." Hakoda bowed his head to the Fire Lord.
Zuko shook his head. "You don't need to thank me. I want to thank you for inviting me here."
Hakoda extended his hand and Zuko shook it. Then placing an arm around the Fire Lord, he led him towards the congregation of tribesmen and women. Zuko recognized some faces from his first visit: Katara's grandmother, for one. He also recognized Master Pakku from the north, and from the White Lotus.
"Citizens of the Southern Water Tribe, and our brothers and sisters here from the North," Hakoda's voice boomed. "I would like you to give a warm welcome to the man who helped the Avatar end the war: Fire Lord Zuko."
There was a round of applause from the people before him. Faces smiled and beamed. Zuko smirked; despite the cold climate, these people really were warm at heart.
Author's Note: So tell me what you thought and feel free to leave suggestions for prompts. Leave a review!
Next prompt: Cold.