Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender.
Zuko set down his empty tea cup on the table as he turned another page of the reports given to him to read during his voyage to the South Pole. He had plenty of tea readily available because his uncle had decided to accompany him during his exile. That's what this 'assignment' really was; it was exile. This opinion was only confirmed with each number on the financial report of the South Pole Colony. It seemed that the Fire Nation was spending far more money enforcing their rule and protecting its citizens from the natives than they made in taxes and trade revenue. Zuko began to wonder why the Fire Nation continued their occupation at all.
"Uncle, remind me again why we are needed in the South Pole?" His uncle refilled his tea cup before answering with his well-versed response.
"It would seem that they are in need of a new governor. Apparently your father deemed the last one to be. . . 'unfit' since the water tribes rose up in rebellion."
"Yes, you've said that. I keep getting the same story from everyone. But no one will tell me exactly what happened."
"The story has been. . . inconsistent. Do not worry though. I have also heard that everything has settled down, since the chief is now in prison it is believed things should stay quiet with no one to cause trouble."
Zuko grumbled under his breath about futile and pointless missions before returning to his reading. The water tribes did not sound like pleasant people to be in charge of. At least the mission schools set up by the sages 10 years ago had proven successful. It was said most of the children now could read and write Fire Nation characters, in addition to being relatively fluent. He would not have the language barriers of his predecessors. It was said that one water tribe boy had even been funded to attend a Fire Nation school.
Their silence was interrupted when a soldier entered to inform them that land was in sight and that they should be arriving within a few hours. Zuko dismissed him before gathering the papers and going out to the deck to see for himself. He began to feel further disheartened as he realized that his new definition of 'land' was actually a large mass of ice and snow. He shook his head of the depressing thoughts quickly. Even if he was banished to an icy tundra he would find a way to earn his father's respect. He would be the effective ruler needed to make this colony productive.
The entire village was gathered to watch the Fire Nation vessel come in. The natural harbor had been widened years before to accommodate the larger warships and the people had gathered their canoes and fishing boats to one side to make sure there was plenty of space. By now they had received word that the Fire Lord's own son was on his way and had expected a much larger ship than the one that was now pulling in.
Katara shifted nervously from where she stood at the head of the group, trying to brush the black snow away from her without bending it. Beside her Bato stood, outwardly calm and steady as ever. With her father gone Bato had been acting as chief, and the two of them were responsible for greeting the new comers. She knew he was not happy about catering to the Fire Nation but would do so if it meant a better situation for their people in the future.
The ship docked and masked soldiers began to descend the ramp. At the sight of the familiar helmets Katara took a step a back nervously. A strong hand gently squeezed her shoulder. "Don't worry" said Bato. "Just act polite and hospitable. Then we can go home". Katara nodded and looked at her Grandmother who stood on her other side as the village elder. She wore the same fierce look as Bato and Katara tried to mimic it as two figures in red who were not wearing helmets approached. The elderly one bowed slightly and introduced them.
"Greetings, I am general Iroh, and this is my nephew Prince Zuko." He gestured to the taller man standing beside him who also bowed, though not as enthusiastically. Kanna extended her her hand rather than returning the bows.
"I am Kanna, the eldest in our village. This is Bato, and my granddaughter Katara". Iroh shook the woman's hand and subtly nudged his nephew to do the same as the prince did not as quickly adapt to changes in custom. Bato and Katara also shook their hands and exchanged greetings.
Katara peered up at the prince's face and was momentarily startled by the scar that seemed to dominate one side. She could feel his amber eyes on her, silently assessing her reaction and so tried to keep her own face as neutral as her Grandmother's. She invited the two of them and their crew to dine in the village, as had been discussed earlier. GranGran had stressed the importance of making a good impression on their governor before he had a chance to speak to the colonials. Perhaps then he would be more inclined to judge fairly between disputes that were always arising. The Fire Nation seemed pleased by the invitation and they followed them into the village center.
It was not long before Fire Nation soldiers were seated around fires and cook stoves that had been prepared earlier that day. They were hesitantly picking at their seaweed cakes and sipping their milky tea cautiously as Katara and other village women spooned stew out of their large pots to be passed around. Traditionally elders ate first and they followed this tradition in spite of their guests. However once the older members had been served Katara made sure that the Fire Nation soldiers, especially the prince were given their food quickly, in order to avoid too much impatience.
She watched with some relief as they ate, the villagers speaking mostly in Fire Nation. Everyone had at least working knowledge of the language, and Kanna felt it was important that they not speak too much in their own tongue since it might make their new governor uncomfortable. Katara glanced at the prince to see if their attempts at hospitality were successful. She was disappointed to see him glaring silently at the fire and pushing his stew around disinterestedly. The village had gone through a lot of trouble to make his first day pleasant and the apparent result was rather disheartening.
Zuko wondered how long this dinner would go on for. His stew had an odd texture and his feet were starting to turn numb from the cold. Just when he thought it was almost over the old woman stood to give a speech welcoming them. This was followed by a performance of children singing their savage folk-songs accompanied by even more savage drumming. "Uncle, when can we leave? The sun is starting to go down and I am sure the crew is very tired."
"Speak for yourself Zuko. I am enjoying the music, and it would seem your crew is as well." Zuko glanced around him and was forced to admit his uncle was right. Most of the soldiers seemed entranced by the drums and dancers that were beginning to circle the fire in graceful formations. As he watched, some of his men even began to join. Zuko let out an incoherent sound of frustration. "Perhaps nephew, if you are feeling tired you may ask one of our hosts to escort you to our new home." Zuko looked around again and spotted the girl from earlier that day. She was speaking with two of his men, urging them to join in the dancing. He marched over to her, determined to find an escape from the cold and the pounding drums.
As he approached he tried in earnest to remember her name, but the syllables were all too unfamiliar. He had heard so many 'Ka' and 'Ta' sounds that day. . . Unable to remember her name, he tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. "Excuse me, I was hoping to retire early tonight. We've had had very long journey." The girl looked startled but recovered quickly and bowed her head slightly in the Fire Nation style.
"Of course. I will escort you to the Compound where the governor's house is located" Zuko followed her away from the crowds outside the city. She stopped at a small tent to retrieve what looked like wooden fishing nets and handed him two large ones. "These are snow shoes" she explained noticing his confusion. "It is not far but the snow makes the journey tiring. These will help us walk in the snow" She fastened a pair to her boots and then helped him do the same. They walked in silence for a few moments before she looked up at him and began speaking again. "I hope the meal was satisfactory. I know our food may take time to get used to." Zuko nodded before realizing that she was expecting a verbal response.
"The tea, it was interesting." The girl smiled realizing it was the most honest answer he could give without insulting her.
"It's warmed seal milk, mixed with ground starfish and coral. It is an acquired taste but is very nutritious and helps take the sting off the cold."
"I do not think it is a taste I will acquire any time soon." She looked away and was silent for the rest of the walk. Zuko wondered if he had said something wrong, but then decided he did not really care what some water tribe peasant thought of his manners. They arrived at a steel wall with a gated entrance.
"The security here has been heightened, in light of recent events" she explained vaguely. "The colonials, they were probably expecting you to arrive with a much larger party. That must be why no one is here to greet you". She rang a bell that was placed outside a gate and they were answered by a youthful sounding soldier who allowed them in with some hesitance.
Once the soldier realized who he was and announced his arrival crowds of people began to gather to welcome the prince to his new home. When they were just inside the entrance the girl bowed her head slightly again "This is as far as I will escort you" she explained. "I've been told that your things have already been brought in from your ship. Good night Prince Zuko". Zuko nodded as she took her leave, still trying to remember her name as his own people began to gather and welcome him into the Fire Nation compound.