A/N: If you read the prologue (and I hope you did) you will notice in this that Ho was promoted as well after "the incident". I'm not sure I actually stated that in the story so I wanted to make it clear.

You may be wondering if I got Takara's name by simply rearranging the letters in Katara, it's not so. Takara is a Japanese name meaning treasure. All the names I picked for my characters have specific meanings. I will tell you if you are interested, just let me know.

You will never know how nervous I was to post this story. I have been working on it a long time.


Fall: The Coming Chill


Admiral Ho despised coming to this block of ice they called the Southern Water Tribe, so the quicker things were taken care of the better. He approached the elder's council chamber with an approved plan in his hand. It'd taken him months, but he'd gotten the directive pushed through. He smirked, his 'old friend' would never see it coming. Loyalty wouldn't save him this time, in fact it would be his downfall.

He pushed aside the heavy fur that served as a door and ducked his over six foot frame through the ice-block doorway. There were several men in the chamber discussing various topics but they all stopped to observe the thin Fire Nation man as he strode across the room.

Elder Kagah sat in the middle and watched this man he'd met months before, approach. "Welcome, Admiral." His tone was formal but without feeling.

Ho didn't care. He knew he was merely tolerated here, but achieving his goals would make any snub worth it. Truthfully he cared about these people about as much as the slush stuck to the bottom of his boots. Despite his sneer he bowed respectfully and handed the seated man a scroll.

Elder Kagah read over the directive unable to hide his surprise. "Is this real, Admiral?"

"Every word." The navel man stood tall over the Water Tribe leader. He had his hands folded behind his back as we watched Kagah's reaction.

"I don't know how he'll respond to this but I know it won't be pleasant," the Elder stroked his tied gray beard.

Ho smiled slightly, that was exactly what he hoped for. "You're probably correct, so I propose we choose for him. Make the transition easier. I would request that we finalize this matter soon. I have but a week before I have to return home."

Kagah's eyes went wide but he refrained from commenting. This was indeed a delicate matter and the man before him was treating it as a business deal. He decided he wanted the input of someone who knew the man they were discussing, someone who had his best interests in mind. A motive he suspected Ho did not possess. After informing the admiral of his intentions, he summoned Takara the seamstress and Hanna the weaver. It was common knowledge that they were of the few in the village that had regular, congenial, contact with Captain Zinan.


Hanna walked alone into the council room to face Elder Kagah and a Fire Nation man she didn't know. There were others from her tribe milling around, mostly elderly men, listening to proceedings or waiting for specific judgments to be passed. She'd never been in the council chambers and she was rapidly seeing she hadn't missed much.

She frowned as she bowed to the two men who sat on a dais before her. "I was summoned, Elder?" She couldn't fathom why she would've been called.

Elder Kagah smiled at her when she rose. "Yes woman, but where is your aunt?"

She bowed again. "Regretfully my aunt was unable to come, she is not feeling well today."

The elder nodded. "Alright. We've called you here because we'd like your opinion on something."

She was shocked to say the least. "My opinion? What could I have an opinion on that would matter to men such as yourselves?"

Admiral Ho detected the slightest hint of sarcasm in her tone, but brushed it off. "In the interest of better relations we are encouraging our nationals living abroad to "integrate" with the locals as much as possible."

His grin made her sick, like seal meat left too long in the sun. Whatever these men were getting at wasn't going to be good.

"What Admiral Ho is saying dear, is that a directive has been issued, that within a year any unmarried man or woman from his nation must marry a person from the area in which they settle, if it be outside of their homeland."

Hanna gasped, realization of what they were saying dawning on her. "Is this about Captain Zinan?"

Ho leaned forward. "Precisely. Elder Kagah says you've had more contact with him than anyone in the village. Can you think of someone that would make him a suitable bride?" He had a cat-stalking-prey look in his eyes.

Hanna was outraged. She looked at the floor, gripping her skirt into tight balls in her fists. How could these men calmly decide the fate of two innocent people like this? How could they ask me to participate. This isn't fair!

"Does he even know?" she asked in low, angry tones.

"Not yet. We're waiting until things are more... finalized." Kagah glanced at Ho, but the Admiral didn't look away from the woman at his feet.

She was indignant. They aren't even going to give him the chance to choose for himself!? "Zinan won't like this at all. He's a very private man. I can't participate in making his life miserable." She raised her eyes again to glare at the men sitting in front her.

Ho's grin didn't even waver. "He will comply with the directive. No matter what he is, he is not a traitor. Your helping us was just a courtesy to him. We'll choose for him, with or without you," his smooth voice edged over the growing silence in the room.

She knew the admiral was right. Zinan was a good man that would do whatever his country asked of him. Even if it meant his own condemnation. Hanna shuddered and shut her eyes. This can't be happening.

"Do you have an answer for us, or should we make the decision?" Kagah asked as gently as he could.

Hanna swallowed. She couldn't let these men do this to her friend. She would protect him as much as her limited position would allow. "I volunteer myself."

Silence descended on the room in force. No one breathed as the woman faced the two older men. Hanna lifted her chin a little further to show her determination, but her heart pounded hard in her chest.

Kagah and Ho looked at each other dumbfounded. Elder Kagah turned back to her. "Hanna, this isn't to be taken lightly. Captain Zinan is somewhat older than you. Consider your future."

Her eyes snapped in the firelight. "With all due respect Elder, I have to take into consideration Zinan's future as well. Like you said, I've had the most contact with him, so I have some understanding of the man. I think it very unlikely you will get anyone else so willing to go along with your little 'plan of integration'," she folded her arms within her sleeves to hide her shaking hands. "As I'm frequently reminded, I'm past the prime marrying age. Now that there's a shortage of men in our tribe, this is logically the best solution for both of us." She hoped it didn't sound like she was trying to convince herself of the plan. Because that was exactly what she was trying to do.

Ho leaned over to whisper in Kagah's ear for a minute. Hanna had to take even breaths to get her heart to stop racing. The two men turned back to her.

"Very well. If he agrees to stay, you shall marry Captain Zinan by the next full moon," Kagah said sadly.

Her breath was taken away at the nearness of her impending nuptials, but because she had something else to say she pressed on. "I have only one stipulation," she said with boldness. "Don't tell him I had anything to do with this decision. It would be better if he thought us equal victims in this situation."

Admiral Ho raised an eyebrow but nodded his consent.


The ceremony was held a mere three days later to accommodate the Admiral's departure and the moon's apex. Their wedding day was the first time Hanna had seen Zinan since her appearance before the council. He looked mad enough to kill. He never once spoke to her, instead shot scathing looks at Elder Kagah and Admiral Ho. She was relieved that his anger wasn't directed at her, but it couldn't quell the dread building within her.

The small ceremony was held at her Aunt's house, it was sparsely attended and felt very stiff. The words were said, but were devoid of emotion. Everything was exactly as it felt – forced.

It was an evening ceremony, to welcome the new couple with the rising of the moon. Zinan wondered why they were even bothering with a ceremony at all. Why didn't they just condemn him to life imprisonment and get it over with?

Once the blessed charade was over he was finally free to return to his home in peace. He strode to his house outside of town. He brooded the entire way, blocking all other thought from him. His feet followed the path as if on autopilot.

Why would his nation, the Fire Nation he loved, force him to do something like this? He didn't know, but he was sure Ho had something to do with it. He'd never liked that man. Zinan had always suspected Ho'd had something to do with that horrible accident on his own ship, those many years ago.

Zinan pushed his way into his home and threw his cloak aside carelessly. He sunk down in the chair at his desk, staring off into space.

He only noticed her when she picked up his cloak and hung it on a post. How could he forget, this wasn't only about him? She must've been right behind him all the way home, but he'd shone her no heed. I must seem like an insensitive jerk, he lamented.

He looked at the girl, Hanna was her name if he remembered. He chided himself soundly, he aught to remember the name of his wife! This whole situation was a mess.

He watched her move about the room. She was looking around at what was essentially her new home. Spirits, she's so young! He wondered if she was even in her twenties. This must be as hard on her as it was for him.

She set a bundle on the table and he wondered if that was all she owned. He also noticed that wherever her gray-blue eyes went there were two places they avoided. Him, and the bed in the center of the room.

He stood quickly, and cursed himself again when his sudden action seemed to frighten her. He opened his mouth to speak but wasn't sure what to say to make her feel better. He didn't even know what would make him feel better in this situation.

"It's nice," her soft voice traveled across the small room, breaking the heavy silence.

He looked at her quizzically, not sure what she meant.

"Your home. It's nice," she repeated, and waved her arm around the space.

He tried to smile. He only hoped it looked kind. "Thank you, but now it's your home as well." That was an odd concept to his brain.

She nodded, and he thought he saw her chin quiver and a little of the color drain from her face.

He ran his hand over the back of his neck. He walked over to the bed, trying not to take notice of her stepping back to flatten herself against the wall. He picked up one of the many furs. "I'll let you have the bed. I'll sleep over there," he pointed to a cot by the wall.

He saw her breath a sigh of relief as her posture softened. She must think me a monster. I can't blame her. I would too if I were forced to marry a stranger.

He turned to the wall and started to remove his armor. He set the heavy shoulder pads to the side. He hadn't worn his armor since the day he resigned. He turned back to the room only when he was sure she was already in the bed. "Goodnight, Hanna."

"Goodnight," she said meekly from where she sat with the covers pulled up. She didn't look at him.

He sighed and snuffed the light. He laid down and turned to the wall.

His churning mind was about to finally let him fall asleep when he heard a soft noise in the room. He sat up and was about to say something when he realized that it was the sound of a woman crying. He sat there for a minute trying to decide what to do.

He didn't want to frighten her again and he didn't want to embarrass her. Guilt and sorrow plagued him. Sadly he resigned himself to the fact he could do nothing. He laid back down and pulled his cover up tight.

As he listened to his young bride cry, he cursed the Fire Nation for only the second time in his life.


The next morning Zinan woke with a thick feeling in his head. He lay on his back trying to orientate himself and remember why he felt so horrible. He looked around and realized he wasn't on his bed.

Everything came back to him in a rush and he sprang off the cot.

His back and head protested his movements as he hastily got dressed. Hanna was nowhere to be seen. She must have gotten up much earlier, given the lateness of the morning and the tidiness of the room.

He shouldered his heavy coat and stepped out into the brisk late-morning air. The fall season was upon them, time to gather in the reserves needed to last through the winter. It was looking like it was going to be a particularly cold one this year. The villagers had done most of their stocking already, and some had warned him to do the same.

Zinan looked around and couldn't see the young woman anywhere. He should not have been surprised. He knew this was hard, and after last night he'd seen the depth of just how hard it was on her in particular. If she felt the need to flee from him he didn't have the heart to stop her.

He rubbed his temples with his gloved hands. He should have said something to her last night. He'd been such an idiot. He'd had several conversations with her when he'd taken his mending to her and her mother. He could've started with that. He'd just been so absorbed in himself that he was not the best host.

He barked out a laugh at the irony. 'Host.' Like she was a guest staying for the weekend.

"You seem to be in a good mood."

Zinan jumped a little at the nearness of the voice. "Hanna?" he asked turning to her.

"Yes?" she smiled.

He noticed she was carrying a large bundle and was pulling a short sled behind her. He hastened to take the bundle from her. "What are you doing here?"

She frowned but continued to the house. "Did you forget what happened yesterday?"

He lost a step when the reality hit him of what his question must've sounded like. "No. I'm sorry. It's just when I got up this morning and you weren't here I assumed..." he set the bundle down inside the door, trying to avoid her gaze.

"You assumed that I'd run away," she sighed sadly. He looked at her and only nodded. She set down the basket she was holding. "I would never do that. I made a promise and will not go against my word." She walked past him to further unload the cart.

He took a breath to calm himself and quickly tied back his loose hair. He followed her out to help.

"Besides it brings shame to a woman who is married not to live in the home of her husband. If I were to leave it would be as good as saying I'm unfit or unwanted."

He hadn't know that of her culture. When she reached over to pick something up he took hold of her wrist. "Let's start again. This is a difficult situation and it won't serve either of us if we let misunderstandings divide us. Forgive me?" He let go of her arm and stood straight waiting for her answer.

She seemed to really consider his words for a moment. "I... I think we just don't know each other well enough to make assumptions about the other. I'm willing to try if you are."

"It's a deal," he said with a slight smile. She smiled easily at him and they took more packages into the hut. "Where were you, if you don't mind my asking?"

"I went home." She stopped and corrected herself. "I went back to my aunt's house to get some of my things. I didn't have any time last night to bring them all out here."

"Your aunt? Takara is your aunt? I thought she was your mother."

Hanna shook her head. "My parents were killed in a Fire Nation raid when I was young. I've lived with my aunt and uncle ever since."

He paused, giving her an appraising look. "I'm sorry."

She glanced at him as she unwrapped a parcel containing clothes. "What for? You weren't there."

"I know, but-"

She cut him off with a wave of her hand. "Enough pity for one day. Would you like something to eat?"

He shook his head. "I'm fine. I can fix it myself."

"Nonsense, I'm hungry too and I'm a very able cook," she smiled and he acquiesced.

He showed her where everything was and then watched as she got things ready. "Have I met your uncle?"

She sighed, pausing the work of her hands briefly. "I don't believe so. He was killed in a hunting accident last year," her voice was soft and lost in a memory.

Zinan mentally slapped himself again. Talking to this girl was like walking into a minefield. He'd really have to watch his step.

"After we eat I'd like your help with something," she looked at him.

"Anything." He was desperate to be on better footing with this girl so at that moment he really would've done anything.

She smiled. "I wasn't able to haul my loom by myself but it would be great if we could get it out here before the snows come."

He nodded, "Of course."

They were alternately silent or chatted about meaningless things until it was time to go. They both decided to draw sleighs to load with supplies, figuring they'd stock up while they were in the village.

There were a series of gentle slopes down to the shops and closer-spaced homes. The walk was easy but they knew the return trip would not be.

Zinan hadn't thought of what the villagers might think of his marriage to one of their own. He cringed at the looks the two of them were given as they walked into the village together. It was like his first few week all over again, only now it wasn't just aimed at him. He heard mumblings such as: 'the Fire Nation has taken enough', and 'how could she agree to go through with this', and those were some of the more positive ones. None of the comments painted either of them in a favorable light and he prayed that Hanna didn't hear them. He felt horrible about what he was doing to her life. Disregarding what this meant for him, he wondered how his nation could do this to an innocent girl.

He looked at his bride as she bartered for the best price on meats. She has her whole life in front of her. I can't tie her down. This isn't fair! He was so distracted that he almost walked right into Elder Kagah. "Oh, excuse me, sir."

"Hello, Captain. How are you fairing?" he asked in a voice that indicated that he was already sure the answer wouldn't be good.

Zinan sighed, "I was hoping to see you today, sir. I have some questions."

"Of course, I'll answer the best I can."

"Is it true in the Water Tribes that if a woman doesn't live with her husband it puts shame on her?"

"I can't speak for our sister tribe but yes, that's how it is here."

"That's why you said Hanna had to live with me," he mused out loud and the older man confirmed it with a nod. "Are there any restrictions on divorce or things of that nature?"

The elder looked surprised but shook his head. His response was hesitant, "It doesn't come up that often, but no. If you are both willing to separate than it is permissible. But why do you ask?"

"I wish there were a way to spare her of this." Both men looked over to where Hanna was standing.

Kagah stroked his beard. "Yes. But the marriage was a direct order from your government, I don't see how you can get around it without hurting someone else." He paused for a moment as he studied the younger man. "Unless there were someone else that you already shared a connection with?" he prompted.

Zinan shook his head, dashing the older man's fleeting hopes. "There really was no other woman that was even an acquaintance. Women in this village are rightfully wary of Fire Nation and I'd had virtually no contact with most of them. You made the right choice, unfortunately for her, Hanna was the only option."

Kagah looked at Hanna then looked back at the Fire Nation man. She hasn't told him. He wondered why she would take this burden so freely upon herself. "Hanna is a good woman," he voiced, almost unnecessarily.

Zinan for his part agreed, he just didn't feel like she should be punished for his past wrongs. "If I write an appeal will you ensure it gets to the Fire Nation?" he spoke with a glimmer of hope.

"Of course. Do you think it will be effective?"

"There's no harm in trying. We are a stubborn people but we are reasonable."

Kagah tipped his head to him and the two of them headed to the meeting hall.

Hanna looked up in time to see Zinan walk off with Elder Kagah. She sighed and returned to her shopping, sure he'd come find her when they were done.


The snow started to fall later that day and continued on and off for most of the week. Hanna and Zinan both knew that very soon they'd be completely covered in snow so they worked tirelessly on preparing for winter.

Despite all the work needing to be done Hanna began to notice that daily, usually around the same time, Zinan would be gone for about a half hour. She grew curious about where he went and what he did but she didn't want to question him. That was the reason she was there, not to pry into his life.

One morning he returned with a cut on his leg. He allowed her to bandage it and repair his trousers but offered no explanation. It was the last straw and she really had to bite her tongue not to ask.

The next time he left for one of his "outings" she followed him. Out of sight from him they proceeded up the steep snowbank until it leveled off to a small plateau and he stopped. She hid behind some yet uncovered boulders and settled in to watch.

He took off his jacket and drew his sword. She'd seen him carrying the sword as long as she'd known him, but he'd never drawn it in her presence. Of course there was no need, now that they were living in peace.

She held her breath as he started to progress through a series of movements. At first they were slow and deliberate and she marveled how he moved with such fluidity. Soon he picked up speed until his arms seemed to blur from the rapid pace. What little she knew of sword fighting it looked to her as if he were very skilled.

After a while he slowed and she assumed he was finishing. She was about to go back to the house to avoid being caught when she noticed him doing something puzzling. He set down his sword and removed his shirt. It was a cold day and even if he were working out it was far too cold to go shirtless.

She paused for a moment to take him in; he was paler than the men of her village and she found the dark line of hair on his chest intriguing. Even from her present distance she could make out faint scars and burns littering his chest and back. She had no idea he'd seen that much action during the war, her impression had been that he was more a man of peace. She wondered briefly over the men that may have given him those scars; perhaps some of them had been from her tribe.

Hanna was knocked back to the present when she noticed that he'd retrieved the sword and had begun the same motions over again; that in itself isn't what got her attention. This time at the end of some of his swings and thrusts fire would extend from the tip of his blade. It wasn't a large amount but it was enough to scare the woman to her feet.

She ran all the way back to the hut, not caring if Zinan had seen her or not, once there she leaned against the closed door and covered he mouth to keep herself from crying out. The respite only lasted a few seconds before she pushed herself off and started pacing frantically.

She couldn't believe she'd married a firebender. She didn't know how or what to think as a deep-seeded fear gripped her. She couldn't let on that she knew, he might become furious with her. She shuddered at the realization of what he could do to her if he wished.

She had only barely caught her breath when Zinan returned. She had completely forgot about fixing lunch as she'd promised when he'd left, but now threw herself into the task to appear busy and avoid looking at him.

He set his sword by the door and removed his coat. "It started to snow again, but I don't think it will last very long this time. The sun is still trying to break through." Hanna didn't respond so he turned to look at her. She was by nature a chatty person, so she never let the opportunity for a conversation go by without making at least one comment. Silence from her was unusual to say the least.

Her back was to him but by the way she moved he knew something was wrong. He walked up behind her and touched her arm. She nearly jumped out of her skin to get away from him. She spun around, her eyes were wide and she looked pale. "Is something wrong?" he frowned in concern, he'd never seen her like this.

She shook her head but didn't speak. He watched her for a few minutes then nodded his head obligingly. He was still worried but he knew it would do no good pressing her when she was so upset. Instead he joined her in the food preparation in silence. He noticed her stiffen but then relax into the work. By the time they sat down to eat she seemed to be back to herself again, though she did seem a bit preoccupied.

"I was thinking we'd go visit Takara before the snow got worse." He was trying not to stare at her but out of the corner of his eye he noticed her freeze mid bite.

She looked at him in surprise, "Are you sure?"

He nodded, "I have to go to town so I thought we'd stop there. You can stay and talk while I conduct my business."

She brightened considerably and his heart felt lighter to see it. "When?"

"Tomorrow morning. That way we can get back here by nightfall."

A soft smile graced her face. "Thank you."

He was pleased that he could make her at least a bit more happy. "My pleasure," he said with heartfelt sincerity.


The morning dawned crisp and clear but the travelers were already halfway to the village. The nights were growing longer, soon they would have to deal with the permanent night that came with winter, but for right now they marveled in the colors the snow picked up from the rising sun as they walked.

Even though winter had not yet come there was still a considerable amount of snow on the ground making the going slow. It took more than two hours to reach the village and Takara's hut was on the far side, but when they got there they were welcomed with open arms.

Zinan rested for only a few minutes before heading out again. As soon as he was gone Takara pointed Hanna to some chairs by the fire. When they were both settled she analyzed her niece. It had only been a month but it had seemed longer to the older woman. Selfishly she thought of how she'd had this girl to herself all those years, she missed her dearly.

"Tell me how married life is treating you. Has he been good to you?" she paused for a moment, really looking at Hanna, "Has he hurt you?" The younger woman's expression of worry had her asking that question.

Hanna was startled. "No! He's very gentlemanly and quiet. I don't think he approves of this marriage any more than I do, but he hasn't done anything to me."

Takara nodded and took her hand. "What's troubling you than?"

Hanna looked at the elderly woman she so admired. Takara always had been able to read her moods with little to no words required. Tears sprang to her eyes, "Oh Auntie, he's a firebender!"


Zinan walked into the council chambers to find Elder Kagah. The older man noticed him immediately and motioned him over with a smile. "Good to see you, lad. I was afraid I might not have this pleasure again until spring." They greeted each other but the elder couldn't miss the expectant look on the younger man's face. Kagah immediately pulled a letter out of a satchel that lay nearby and handed it to Zinan. "This came two days ago."

He took it eagerly and broke the Fire Nation seal. He read and Kagah could tell from his darkening expression it wasn't good news. It took several minutes before Zinan could speak. "The council and the Fire Lord are tied up in post-war reparations and repairs. They won't be able to consider my case for several more months." He crumpled the parchment in his fist.

"I'm sorry. You will just have to endure a while longer than you thought. It might not be all bad, Hanna is a lovely girl." He put a hand on the taller man's shoulder in a show of support.

Zinan wasn't paying attention. "I was hoping to make it fast for Hanna's sake. I don't want her reputation tainted irrevocably as the wife of a Fire Nation man."

Kagah's eyebrows lifted in shock but he didn't comment.


Takara wrapped an arm around Hanna's shoulders. "Has he threatened you?" she asked slowly.

The weaver shook her head. "He doesn't know I know."

"Then how-"

"I was spying on him," she said remorsefully. "I know I shouldn't have, but he doesn't talk to me and I was so curious." Her voice trailed off in despair.

Takara patted her knee. "He would've told you eventually, don't worry about it now."

"I'm not so sure," Hanna said with a shake of her head.

"The winter is coming." The younger woman was puzzled at what kind of response that was but was hesitant to ask. Takara was silent for a moment looking thoughtful. "Did he suddenly become a firebender?"

"What do mean?" She thought for a minute that her aunt had lost her faculties.

"Was he born that way, do you think, or was it suddenly thrust upon him?"

"He's always been a firebender, I suppose," Hanna said meekly, twisting her hands in her lap.

"And since you said he's been good to you, that will likely not be different in the near future. Just because you know his secret now doesn't change the man that we both know he is. Don't let this knowledge color your actions towards him, and don't blame him either. He likely didn't tell you out of fear of this very reaction. You, more than most, can understand his reasons for not telling you. Be patient and understanding, things will work out."

Hanna nodded, but silently wondered how things could possibly work out.


A/N: To give you a little perspective on their ages Hanna is twenty-six and Zinan is thirty-eight. I encourage you all to see the drawings of these guys on my DeviantArt page (link in my bio).

I hope you like long chapters. I think the average word-count for the regular chapters is somewhere in the 6500 range. But don't dismay, there are only as many chapters as there are seasons. 8D