A/N: Two month long wait for an update? Yeah, much longer than I had anticipated and for that I apologize. I've got several stories going..both here and HPFF. I wanted to map this out properly as well. I realize the chapters will jump through the years, but that's the point as it's based from the song. Please keep that in mind that I'm attempting to build relationships with years going by in each chapter lol. So if it feels rushed, I'm sorry! I'll try not to do that.
Also there's a backstory to Ursa in this chapter which you may find interesting. I realize it's probably not how her life was in canon by any means, but I liked this version with the given plot. And remember, Azulon is nice in this fic. =) So that's all I've got to say..please enjoy and review!
"If hate is a fist and love is a flame
I'm gonna smash it and burn it 'cause it's all the same" - The Mark, Black Light Burns
Chapter 2 - A Royal Announcement
"They seem to be getting along, don't they?" Hakoda asked, crossing his arms and peering from behind a curtain. He was watching his daughter talk to the three Fire Nation girls from one of the balconies; the Prince too busy scowling in their general direction to be included in the conversation.
Scowling, yes. But it was better than bending fire, which to be honest was what the Chief expected. He was once a boy himself and knew the idea of marriage at such a young age was beyond comprehension; especially to someone from a foreign nation.
The Fire Lady came to stand next to Hakoda and smiled fondly.
"Well, there hasn't been a fight yet," she said, chuckling. "Would you like some tea? I had a few helpers bring up a pot."
"Please," answered Hakoda, smiling at Ursa's reference to 'servants' being addressed as 'helpers.'
She turned and led him to a smaller table just inside the room which was dripping in ivory and gold. He took a seat in one of the wooden chairs that felt too tiny for his wide frame.
"I do hope this chamber will be adequate for Katara. I want her to feel comfortable here," said Ursa, pouring the tea into a delicate white cup.
Hakoda glanced around the room once more, raising a brow at its vastness.
"After she stays here I'm not sure she'll want to come home," he said, chuckling and brought the warm tea to his lips. It was sweet with an array of spices, a delicacy he always enjoyed in the Fire Nation. They of course had tea in the South Pole but their lack of trade with other nations put a slight damper on their spice range.
Ursa laughed and looked fondly in the direction of the balcony. She could barely make out the chattering from the kids below and felt a relief wash over her that she hadn't heard the sound of a serious argument; or seen any bending for the matter.
"This war has gone on for far too long," she said quietly. "I do wish there was another way to stop it." She then looked at Hakoda and frowned. "I apologize for dragging you and your daughter into this, Hakoda."
Hakoda waved her off gently, pleased they could drop the formalities. "Our tribe wants this war to end as much as you do, Ursa. It's customary in the Southern Water Tribe that the chiefs heirs are to be betrothed by the time they reach their tenth birthday." He sighed, setting down his tea and crossing his arms. "I don't like the idea of Katara not being able to choose a suitor, but its tradition." He then glanced to Ursa. "We've known each other for what, the past eight or so years? I know you teach your children the same values I teach mine. If my daughter becomes betrothed to your son, this assures me as a father that she will be taken care of, respected, and treated as an equal." He sighed once more and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "I don't want Katara to grow up stuck in the South Pole. I want her to see the world, to experience things she only could dream of."
Ursa smiled sadly, fixing her gaze back toward the balcony. She could relate to this. Her past was not one many of the Fire Nation advisors and counselors knew of; and certainly not the people. Truth be told, she wasn't the daughter of a wealthy noble or general. In fact, she was from a small village on the outskirts of Ember Island, called Ming Shu.
When she was a young girl, Fire Lord Azulon had stopped in their village with a small private army. They were arriving home for a few weeks, taking a break from the war and sought after a warm bed and food for the night. Ursa's mother and father owned the larger of the two inns in the village and offered what they had; pleased beyond words that the Fire Lord would be staying there.
Ursa helped her mother in the small pub in the inn, taking orders from the guests. This was where her life would change forever; she just hadn't known it yet.
"Ursa, tend to the guests at the back two tables. Quickly, dear! And manners!" shouted her mother, who was currently carrying a wooden tray of tea to one of the tables adorned with Fire Nation guards.
Ursa nodded once, flattening down her wrinkled and stained apron. She had spilt a hot pot of Jasmine tea right down the front. Unfortunately this was her only apron and her mother always said she needed to be dressed properly for work; even if she was only a child. 'Impressions, dear!' her mother would say.
Seven men were crowding around one of the tables, while only four sat at the other. Ursa glanced back and forth before deciding she'd visit the smaller table first. She walked confidently with her head held high, the way her mother always told her to, and stopped short of the table.
"Good evening Gentlemen. What may I bring you?"
The men seated at the table stopped their chatter and turned their attention downward at the young girl before them. One of them was very young compared to the others, possibly twenty five or so. He smiled sadly in a way that Ursa didn't understand. Did she say something wrong?
"Young lady, do you work here?" one of the men asked, the one seated closest to her. His dark hair was long and his point beard reminded Ursa slightly of her father's though this man was much more handsome despite his apparent age. He had to be at least in his mid forties.
"I do, sir," replied Ursa, giving a slight bow. Her mother had told her these men were Fire Nation soldiers and respect was to be given. Not that she hadn't realized it anyway; they were dressed in expensive armor and many of them wore golden topknots.
"And what is your name, little lady?" asked the boy sitting across the man with the pointy beard; the youngest of the group. His eyes were soft and a small smile graced his face.
"Ursa, sir," the young girl replied with another bow, as rehearsed. "Daughter of Akio and Ling, the proud owners of the White Jade."
"I see," replied the youngest man. "And what pot of tea do you suggest, Lady Ursa?"
Ursa blushed at such a title. "The Jasmine is the house special today, but my sister makes the best Ginseng in the entire village."
"Ginseng it is," the man with the pointy beard announced with a smile, "my son's favorite."
Ursa bowed and scurried away to the kitchens. She noticed upon arrival a bright set of golden eyes staring from the circular window near the top of the door.
The eyes disappeared as the door swung open.
"Do you have any idea who you were just talking to?" a girl asked with rushed breaths, hands resting on her hips with an empty cup clutched in her right hand.
"No…" Ursa muttered, biting her lip. "Why, Amira? Who was it?"
"Only Fire Lord Azulon and Prince Iroh!" Ursa's fourteen year old sister shouted at her, looking several emotions all at once. "Were you nice? Does mom know they're here? What did they want? Oh…I'll have to pull out our best china for this!"
Ursa wasn't really listening but rather grabbed a nearby chair and placed it in front of the door. She hopped on top quickly and peered through the window toward the table in the back. Had those nice men really been the royal family? How come she didn't recognize them? She had after all, seen their pictures before.
A prodding on her back snapped her back into reality.
"What was their order, sister?"
"Ginseng," said Ursa quickly. Then she smiled. "The Prince's favorite."
Ursa smiled sadly at the memory. She missed her sister Amira, missed her with all her heart. She was a hard working girl with far too many goals in life. She wasn't a Firebender; in fact Ursa was the only one in her family. She had no one to teach her however, and only used Firebending to heat the tea back at the inn. That was until the inn burned down…
It had been only a week since the royal family departed the White Jade. Amira had sent Ursa to retrieve more tea leaves from a local market early in the morning before opening but when she came back, the inn was consumed by fire. She had tried with all her power to put the flames out, but her lack of experience was no match for the furious flames. She ran for help, for anyone that could help, but there were only three other Firebender's in their village. By the time she reached them, it was too late.
Her mother, her father, and sister had been inside. Two guests had also been staying at the inn; a young woman and her brother. All inside had been killed.
It was then that Ursa realized the severity of fire; of the very element she could control. Fire brought life to this world, it kept us warm in the cold and fueled our veins. But it was also destructive and powerful; able to rise within seconds and cause damage beyond repair. Ursa knew from that day forward she would learn how to control her power. So that if anything like that ever happened again, she could stop it.
After her family – only family for the matter – had been announced dead, Ursa had been sent to an orphanage. Word spread through the cities of the tragic accident and soon to the Fire Lord himself.
Ursa had only been in the orphanage for two weeks when the pointy bearded man stood before her in her tiny room she then considered her new home. He smiled at her, asking if she remembered him. She had nodded of course, and when he properly introduced himself she bowed, shock still addressing her features even though she knew who he was; hearing his name out loud however made a young girl of eight bristle.
He had apologized for the loss of her family, and Ursa tried not to cry in front of such a powerful man but tears still slipped down her cheeks silently. Her mother had been a harsh woman, and her father always too busy to talk to, but she had loved them because they were her parents. And her sister…her sister would never be forgotten. She loved her dearly.
"I was hoping you could show my youngest son how to brew your sister's famous Ginseng tea," the Fire Lord said kindly. "He seems to lack the art of tea making."
Ursa smiled at him and nodded.
The young girl had walked into the gates of the royal palace that very day and never looked back. The Fire Lord became her legal guardian and she was introduced as a lady of the house. She met the young Prince Ozai not two days after her arrival. He had been skeptical of course; furious his father would make him brew tea in his downtime from lessons. But when Ursa watched the proud ten year old dump hot steaming tea down his expensive armor, she couldn't help but laugh and feel something comforting in his presence.
He was so serious yet held a playful note on the inside. It was like he was two different people, trying his best to find the perfect balance between the two. Ursa and the prince developed a friendship quickly. They played together in the palace and she was allowed to attend Firebending lessons with him in the afternoons. She was raised as a princess, and her identity was not to be mentioned outside the palace walls. The servant's whispers never surpassed their quarters. Generals and nobles simply did not question the Fire Lord.
A year after Ursa's arrival she was announced as Ozai's betrothal, silencing all rumors that had floated throughout the palace. She was from then on known as Princess Ursa.
And really, she had been okay with that. Sometimes destiny was a funny thing.
Two years later
"Do we have to go?" Katara whined, crossing her arms and glaring at her father.
"We're to announce your betrothal, Katara," said Hakoda with a frown, placing their moleskin bags on large trade ship. "Of course you have to go."
"But I don't want to," the young Waterbender gritted, not caring how bratty she sounded. In truth, she really, really didn't want to go. Thankfully her father and the Fire Lady had decided that one month out of the summer was adequate rather than three. That didn't mean the rest of her year went by in peace though. Meetings between the water tribes and Fire Nation ensued and Katara had had to suffer the company of Prince Zuko five other times throughout the year.
Her second summer had resulted with a deadly blow. Deciding she could – without proper practice – spar with the prince had ended rather badly. She had slipped on her own water and broken her left arm. Mortified beyond words, Katara begged the Fire Lady to go home and have her arm properly looked at by the healers in her village. Granted, they had healers in the Fire Nation but they weren't Waterbenders. Katara knew her people could do more than those of the Fire Nation. Plus, she didn't want to have to look at the smug grin on the Prince's face every five seconds.
So her trip last year had only lasted two weeks.
Now, one year later, nine year old Katara was fully healed. The healers at her tribe had begun showing her techniques using her Waterbending but she was still a novice when it came to combat and fighting. It was frowned upon in the water tribes for females to fight and as the Southern Water Tribe had no male benders, her lessons were limited. The Northern Tribe had plenty of benders and Katara hoped when this stupid treaty from her betrothal followed through it would result in a new teacher for her.
"Don't you want to introduce me to your friends and betrothal, Katara?" mocked Sokka, her ten year old brother who could barely keep the smirk from his lips. He adjusted his favored boomerang on his back before grabbing the last of their belongings.
"Shut up, Sokka," Katara gritted, tightening her little fists.
"I thought you said the girls were nice," said Hakoda with a frown.
Nice. Such a silly word with virtually a loaded meaning. Nice was a word used when you didn't want or know how to say the truth.
'You look nice.'
'She was really nice.'
'I had a nice time.'
But really, were Princess Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai considered to be nice?
Ty Lee was, Katara agreed immediately. She had been open-minded to the Waterbender the moment she stepped into the palace. Last year she had even brought her tea in her bed chamber when she had broken her arm. She was exuberant, positive, and smiled more than anyone Katara knew. Yes, Ty Lee was definitely a nice little girl.
But Mai? Well, Mai was quiet. Even around Ty Lee and the princess, the girl hardly spoke. Not that Katara minded, but it bothered her that she didn't know whether or not the girl liked her or not. Ty Lee was so bubbly, yet Mai was so shy. She wasn't mean so to say, but she wasn't the type of person to stand up against someone who was being mean. Katara didn't have much of an opinion on her yet. After all, both Ty Lee and Mai weren't at the palace every day during her stay.
This left Azula, the princess. She was certainly not nice, that much Katara could spot. But she wasn't exactly mean or evil, either; at least not to Katara. To Zuko, definitely. There was a strong competitive force between the two and had been the moment Katara had met them. The princess thrived off tormenting her brother, and it was easy really. Prince Zuko's temper was short and his flare ups happened several times a day. He was so serious about everything that Katara wondered if he even knew how to have fun. Still though, Katara was still undecided about Azula. She didn't know where she stood with the princess so she couldn't really make any judgments yet.
Katara guessed she'd have to see how the 'royal announcement' went when they arrived at the Fire Nation within the next week. She mentally groaned as her father led them up the ship.
"Stop fidgeting," scolded a lady Katara had just informed would act as her advisor and mentor during her stay at the Fire Nation from hence forth. Her name was Lady Cho; a middle-aged noblewoman taller than Katara's father with a large nose and feet. She wore large circular glasses that magnified her grey eyes and her hair was pulled into a tight bun. She was a stern woman that quite frankly scared Katara senseless. She had only met her a few hours ago and already feared her future stays, almost welcoming the torment and angst the prince brought over this piece of work.
Lady Cho narrowed her eyes and took a step back to look at Katara in a way that made her feel smaller than she was.
"Shoulders back," Lady Cho corrected, harshly straightening Katara up. She gave a muffled yelp but remained quiet. "Chin up!"
Katara quickly lifted her chin, hoping she could satisfy this dreadful woman. Her back ached from the tight bodice that most children in her village had certainly never seen before or heard of for the matter. She slumped slightly. Lady Cho did not miss it.
"Why do you keep slouching? We have gone over the proper way to hold yourself all day, Lady Katara."
"It's just…this dress is so tight," Katara squeaked slightly.
"Well then we'll just have to adjustment it won't we?"
Lady Cho turned Katara around quickly and began making the proper adjustments to her bodice. When she was finished, Katara had to agree it felt better. The crimson fabric was trimmed in gold, falling loosely to her ankles. She wore pointy gold shoes that sparkled with gems on the toes, matching the golden pointed crown now perched on her head.
"As lovely as a princess should look," Lady Cho complemented, sounding surprisingly genuine.
Katara smiled. She certainly felt like a princess when she gazed back into her floor length mirror.
When Katara arrived at the ballroom, she was about to sprint toward her brother who stood outside the main doors with their father when Lady Cho led her away and through a trapped door. The Waterbender threw her a confused look.
"You are to wait here for Prince Zuko and arrive with him once the guests are seated. You will then have to be announced after dinner to the townspeople at the Coronation Plaza."
"At the what?"
"Where new Fire Lord's and Lady's are crowned," said Lady Cho quickly, sounding frustrated. "Honestly, we have serious work to do with our culture. Now wait here. The prince should be along momentarily."
Katara nodded and watched as Lady Cho exited the room. Anxiety set in and she ran her fingers shakily over the last relic of her mother; an old betrothal necklace that had been passed down from her grandmother to her mother, and now to Katara. She was more than pleased Lady Cho did not make her take it off. She then proceeded to run her hands over her gown. the soft silk was smooth, reminding her oddly of the snow at home and the way it slipped through her fingers. A tiny smile crept onto her face as she waited in the empty room that was piled with pieces of artwork that didn't seem to manage to make it onto the walls in the palace.
"But – "
"No buts, Zuko."
"If you make me kiss her hand again I swear I'm going to be sick!"
Katara turned upon hearing the hushed voices as Fire Lady Ursa issued Prince Zuko into the small room; a smile on her face despite her son's all too familiar glare.
"Katara, so pleased you arrived safely," Ursa greeted, still smiling warmly.
Not knowing if she should curtsy or give the Fire Nation custom bow that Lady Cho had just showed her today, she decided to do a little of both. The end result wasn't pretty and she was glad Prince Zuko was too busy glaring at an innocent painting of a sunset in the opposite direction to notice.
"Zuko already knows, but when the guards open the door you two will walk out and proceed to the table where I am seated. It's as painless as you both make it," she said with knowing eyes. Katara blushed slightly but nodded.
The Fire Lady kissed a fuming Zuko on the forehead and exited without another word, leaving Katara even more nervous than before.
She took a moment to survey the prince while he wasn't looking at her – which he hadn't for the record – and noticed he was taller than before. His dark hair was pulled into a golden crown Katara had never seen before and he wore his traditional black and crimson armor, as though he were about to go into battle.
Katara gave a slight giggle.
This made the prince look at her; or more appropriately, move his glare from the painting to her face.
"What?" he snapped at her. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing," shrugged Katara innocently, wiping the smile from her face.
"Well something's funny otherwise you wouldn't be laughing."
"I just wondered why you were dressed so…seriously."
Zuko raised a brow. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, I mean I'm all dressed up so I thought you had to dress up too."
"I didn't want to wear my ceremonial robes!" he scolded. "It's not like we're celebrating anything."
"Only our betrothal," Katara gritted before a sour face was mirrored by his by the use of the word 'betrothal.' Neither child liked the idea by any means.
Zuko's expression turned into that of amusement. "How's your arm by the way? All healed up then?"
Had this question been addressed by anyone else, Katara would have been touched by their sympathy. But the fact that it was Zuko, only made the Waterbender glare at him considering there wasn't an ounce of sympathy or care for the matter in his voice.
Before she could reply however, the door in front of them began to open slowly. The Prince sighed and grabbed Katara roughly, pulling her arm through his like a proper escort. With fake smiles in place, they stepped into the crowded ballroom with at least a hundred eyes set on them.
"I give you Prince Zuko, heir to the throne and his betrothal, the future Princess Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. Please greet the forthcoming leaders of our nation!"
Suddenly Katara was blinded by fire as flames of different shapes and forms exploded in front of her eyes. The audience surrounding them clapped loudly, music ensuing and more jets of fire going off in all directions of the room. She could barely make out any of her family when her gaze landed on Princess Azula, who looked superior in her black and crimson armor. Zuko had somehow led them through the brightness and colorfully decorated ballroom to the head table.
Fire Lady Ursa stood from her seat at the long table, as well as Azula and several older men in long crimson robes on her left and right. Zuko broke their hold and bent at the waist, left hand balled and right hand pointed up, forming the notable flame Katara had learned only just today. She followed suit quickly, unsure what else to do. When Zuko stood straight again, she did too and noticed the Fire Lady and the others around her had done the same.
Azula looked mildly surprised. So yes, it was the right thing to do.
One point for Katara.
"Prince Zuko, Lady Katara, please have a seat."
It was then Katara realized there were two open seats to Ursa's right. Her left was taken by Azula, and the next two seats following the princess were taken by an older, portly man with graying hair and warm smile; and a boy with dark hair wearing a crown similar to the one Katara wore, only less feminine. He appeared older than Zuko, possibly by a few years. Yet there was a slight resemblance, only this boy was smiling at her; something the prince certainly did not do.
Katara followed Zuko and waved to her brother and father, who sat at the circular table closest to theirs. Sokka looked as though he was enjoying himself way too much, eyeing the servants at the back of the room carrying large circular trays. Several other members from their tribe sat at their table, one Katara recognized immediately was Bato, a lifelong friend of her father's. With her angst to arrive at the palace, she had forgotten another ship had followed them here.
Her eyes sought through the crowd and she noticed there were other tables amongst the Fire Nation that were adorned in blue fabric and white fur. The Northern Water Tribe must have come as well. There were a couple tables bearing green tunics and gowns, wearing all sorts of styles Katara had never seen before. It seemed the Earth Kingdom still had a few loyal ties with the Fire Nation after all.
"Katara, I'd like you to meet my brother in law, General Iroh," said Ursa suddenly, breaking Katara from her train of thought. She placed a hand around her daughter and onto the gray haired man, who sat forward in his seat with a smile and peered down at her from the table.
"It is a great honor meeting you, Katara. I apologize it has been so long until we have met. I'm afraid I haven't been able to visit home as often as I like."
The genuine kindness in his voice reminded Katara of her father and this made her smile at him. "A pleasure."
"And this is my son, Prince Lu Ten," said the General, patting the young man beside him affectionately. "He's four years older than Zuko here."
"Nice to meet you Katara," said Prince Lu Ten, flashing a brilliant smile.
Katara couldn't help but blush slightly. He was certainly good looking; with his piercing golden eyes and warmth that seemed to emanate from him. It was hard to look at him and not smile.
She leaned back into her seat with the smile still etched on her face.
Maybe this evening could be a little fun after all.
A/N: Well I hope you enjoyed it. Not much interaction yet on their second meeting (that we see) but the evening will proceed to chapter 3. So I asked in chapter 1 if you want Zuko to somehow get his scar and with much debate I've decided...it will be a surprise. =) You'll know by the time he's 13 if he gets it or not. Mwaha. Toph and Suki to be introduced next chapter. Please review guys! Questions will be answered promptly.
