Author's Notes: As you can see, I split the second chapter in two in my revamping, since I wanted to give Zuko and Katara a bonding moment. I realized that even though I made mention of Zuko's birthday (mostly for later chapter purposes) and I did nothing with it currently. Katara's not the kind of person to let someone's birthday go uncelebrated even though she's never mentioned hers passing. In this fic, Zuko's birthday falls on December 13. I tried to find the unluckiest day I could muster since he goes on and on about how unlucky he is. So, winter + unlucky 13 + born after the sun had set + no spark in his eyes = unlucky to the max. Katara's birthday falls on March 8, a very lucky day as far as the Fire Nation is concerned. Again, this information has absolutely no importance for the beginning half of this fic. But the second half...spoilers ;p.
It was amazing how fast Ba Sing Se recovered from war, as was shown by the complete lack of fire nation mementos. The cobblestone streets of the market square in the Middle Ring were lined with trees and shrubs. All gold, red, and yellow as December chased away the fall to bring the winter. The fallen leaves were meticulously piled between each tree, out of the way of the carts and pedestrians while still providing a buffer between the walkways and roads. The biting chill of the wind danced with the few stray leaves that escaped their mounds. The frigid cold nipped at their cheeks, and coaxed families and couples to huddle close, undeterred by the weather. Even with the cold, the Middle Ring was so alive with activity.
With the end of fall came the warm and inviting smells of the season as sweets and teas were warmed in charming stalls and shops. Pumpkins and maple spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, beckoning shoppers to seek shelter and warmth as they ran their errands. The image was perfect, and peaceful. It was as if war had never touched the beautiful city. There was no memory of fear, or loss. Nothing to mar the beauty that was the day to day life of Ba Sing Se.
More beautiful then it all was the light in Katara's eyes as she marveled, wide eyed and almost innocent at the world around her. The two walked in a comfortable silence as she took in the sights with barely concealed awe. Zuko watched her. The misery of the morning had lifted from her shoulders, to reveal the remarkable young woman he knew her to be. Her smile reached her eyes, almost glowing silver as the light of her spirit radiated brightly as it should.
Zuko longed to join Katara in her contentment. He wished to lose himself in the day of freedom he'd been granted. There was no better way to spend it than with Katara. If only the thoughts of that morning's conversation didn't cling to the back of his mind to steal his attention.
How did he plan on dealing with the issue with Aang? He had been raised by monks- monks that had lived a hundred years ago. What was the extent of his knowledge of what was appropriate between a man and a woman?
Did the Air Nomads even teach such things? From what he'd learned of the Air Nomads, they weren't necessarily celibate. They weren't actively seeking marriage either. Like the wind, they loved whenever the mood struck and left not long after. The monks were not that different, just more rigid in their practices. At least, that's what he'd been led to believe in his education. The history he'd learned was biased. It painted the Air Nomads as heartless gypsies that would steal into a fair maiden's room with promises of love and devotion, only to leave the next morning. Zuko was not so foolish to believe such slander- not completely, anyway.
Aang spoke of restraint and religious devotion being taught among the monks; of respect to life and the balance of the world. Again, Zuko's thoughts returned to the implications of celibacy within the temples. He definitely couldn't live that kind of life. Zuko enjoyed sex a too much for that nonsense. In such an environment, he would probably explode from the tension.
So, how did the Air nomad monks do it? How did they even approach the topic? It was human nature to copulate, so it wasn't something that could simply be ignored. The body had urges. Those urges had to be explained, or there would be consequences when those desires were found in "love them, then leave them" personalities.
Maybe Airbenders didn't feel carnal urges as intensely as firebenders did? Wishful thinking on Zuko's part, but it was possible. Air benders were more spiritual than physical beings. Firebenders were the complete opposite, so Zuko doubted that the talk he received would be affective for Aang. There was no fear of explosive desire feeding into an inner flame, creating a raging inferno. A lot of fire analogies went into it since firebenders drew their strength from the intensity of their emotions. It was why sex education was introduced at an early age so that when puberty hit, they were prepared. Did the Air Nomads practice the same thing?
Zuko massaged the bridge of his nose as he ran in circles with questions. Like with training Aang in firebending, Zuko had to try and figure out a way to make an air elemental understand a different way of thought. This was not going to be easy, especially when he really didn't want to think about Aang discovering intimacy with Katara. He would go so far as to admit to the desire that Aang would pursue a relationship of the mind and never lay his hands on Katara in such a way. He refused to delve farther into that thought, knowing that it would rip open old wounds.
"Oh Zuko, look," Katara pointed excitedly when something caught her eye, startling Zuko out of his silent reverie. She proceeded to drag him in the direction of a nearby stall. Her fingers laced with his as Katara gripped Zuko's hand tight.
He could only smile at her eagerness and be glad for the momentary reprieve from his thoughts. Zuko gave Katara's hand a squeeze, enjoying the new contact between them. She didn't let go, even when they reached the stall that had Katara's attention. Zuko made no attempt to pull away, only used his free hand to catch the edge of the table to keep from crashing into it. Katara was a lot stronger than she looked when excitement took over.
"It's so pretty," Katara breathed as she traced her fingers delicately over the hilt of a beautiful and ornate dagger. It was an elegant dagger made of engraved bone and moonstones. An image of Amarok*, the giant wolf of legend, carved its way along the entirety of the hilt and sheathe, a large moonstone filling the top of the hilt to serve as a make shift moon. Silver leaf accented the engravings, making the giant wolf pop and come to life. The blade itself was of tempered steel that was partially jagged around the tip but smooth closer to the hilt.
"You should get it," Zuko insisted with a squeeze of his hand, his trained eyes seeing the amazing craftsmanship of the blade.
"I wish I could, but Aang wouldn't approve and Sokka would try to claim it as his. But what about you? Do you like it?" Katara asked, her eyes refusing to leave the beauty of the blade. It was definitely of a water tribe flavor, but maybe Zuko would like that.
"It would look better with you. Besides, I have enough daggers." There was one tucked into his boot, and a hunter's knife pinched beneath his sash. He couldn't be too careful. Though he shared Katara's tastes- it would make a perfect addition to his display at home. It was by far the most beautiful piece the vendor sold. But there were better places for it than collecting dust in his room. He could easily picture it secured to Katara's waist, or strapped to her thigh. The sheath pressed against Katara's skin as it was wound into her under wrappings. Now, there was an image Zuko could appreciate.
So much for that idea. Righting herself, Katara leaned a little against Zuko's arm. She used him as support to survey the other stalls and shops, leaning back enough to peer down the road. Nothing of interest immediately jumped out at her, but Katara was determined in her search. There had to be something that Zuko would like.
"Excuse me, how much is this?" Zuko liked the idea of Katara carrying a weapon. It was possible that he liked the idea a little too muchm, considering the mental image that had cemented itself to his mind's eye. He was easily able to rationalize the purchase, even with such a mouthwatering image. If asked, he would share his belief that any traveler (especially a woman) should always carry a means of protecting themselves. That applied for benders as well. One never knew what life would throw at them, so it was best to be prepared for anything, especially with my luck.
Katara's eyes snapped back onto Zuko's form, wide and incredulous. That definitely didn't go according to plan... Leave it to Zuko to have her mission take such a drastic detour. She was looking for him, not the other way around. Plump lips pursed together into a pout as she glared
"That's a fine dagger you have there," the vendor began, his eyes filling with greed as he took in Zuko's well off appearance. He was of foreign origin, if the narrow slant of his eyes and slight accent was anything to go by. He wasn't completely sure, given the fact that half the boy's face was covered by long fringe. He was probably Fire Nation. Maybe a dignitary's son? If he wanted to impress his pretty little girlfriend, he was going to have to pay through the nose "That would be five gold pieces."
Katara blanched at the price. Zuko didn't even flinch. His honey eyes flashed with amber when the spark of his inner flame roared with life. Zuko met the challenging gaze of the vendor, could see the blatant disdain. It annoyed Zuko greatly, but it was to be expected given how soon it was after the war. He wouldn't dare lose his temper, nor would he give into the impulse to reveal his identity. All he had to do was push his hair back to reveal the scar. Not many in the world shared such a vicious branding.
Instead, Zuko took a deep breath and focused on the hand in his. He focused on how the entire length of Katara's arm braced against his. Her other palm rested against his bicep, trying to garner his attention to dissuade him from the purchase. This alone had Zuko reaching into his deep pockets to pull out the requested payment.
Katara never bought for herself unless it was a necessity. Zuko doubted anyone bought anything for her in the last few years. The life she had been forced to lead didn't allow for such things. It would be nice to treat her to something, though Zuko suspected she was dragging shop to shop for his own benefit. She really wasn't going to let this birthday thing drop. That touched him more than it annoyed him.
Placing the coins onto the table, Zuko managed a genuine smile at Katara's pout. She'll probably give him hell later, but he was glad enough to gift Katara with something. What was five gold pieces when faced with the happiness of a friend?
"Zuko," Katara huffed. "You know you didn't have to."
Zuko just chuckled at that as he accepted the blade. "But I wanted to," Zuko admitted.
Katara tried not to be charmed by the roguish smile taking over Zuko's expression. The cheeky...sweet jerkbender wasn't going to win. "But it's your birthday," was Katara's counter. It went over remarkably well, given how Zuko laughed at her concerns. At least he wasn't moping, so that was something.
"How about this," Zuko began, tapping the hilt to his chin a couple times. "You hold onto it for me until we get back to the Fire Nation." At which point Katara would probably forget to return it.
Since Katara really wanted the dagger for herself, she didn't put up much more of a fight. But only as long as Zuko agreed to her terms. "I will hold onto it, under the condition you show me how to use it." Katara had always wanted to learn. The only thing that stopped her was the fact that her tribe wouldn't approve. Neither would Aang since drawing blood went against his every principle. There were a couple times when that almost didn't stop her from asking Suki for some lessons. Katara has had her bending taken away one too many times.
Zuko could get behind that reasoning, and pressed his fist to his heart. "I would be more than happy to," he promised.
First lesson, placement. Taking a step in front of Katara, Zuko stalled their trek so he could show her exactly where to put it. It was not exactly his fantasy realized since there was no way to secure it to her leg, yet. He still found a way to enjoy the situation he found himself in.
Nudging Katara's free arm out of the way, Zuko snaked his arm around her waist. His knuckles brushed against the well warn fabric of Katara's tunic. The dagger's scabbard was tucked into Katara's sash, the hilt poking out at an angle. It was within easy reach of both her left and right hand, without being so obvious that anyone could tell that she was armed. Once secured in place, the pads of Zuko's fingers lingered over the small of Katara's back and her waist as his hand retreated.
A little giggle bubbled passed Katara's lips when he brushed passed a ticklish spot on her side. The laugh died just as quickly when Katara's chest brushed against Zuko's. She finally realized exactly how close the two of them were.
It was strange how easily she allowed him to get so close. Katara would even go so far as to say that it was a natural progression of their usual closeness. Even so, it was embarrassing to realize how comfortable she was. She couldn't even stand holding Aang's hand for long periods of time. At all, if she wanted to be completely honest. Aang's palms were always so clammy against her skin. Not like Zuko's: His calloused palms were rough to the touch, but so warm and gentle as his fingers laced with hers.
It was when Zuko tried to pull Katara closer that Zuko realized that he shouldn't enjoy this as much as he did. He shouldn't be stealing such intimate touches from Katara. He definitely shouldn't be holding her hand as if she were his.
Hand holding was not something he did, not even with Mai. Such public displays of affections should be beneath him, as she would say. They had an image to uphold. Yet with Katara, public image didn't even factor in. Zuko didn't think about anything beyond how good it felt. It didn't even dawn on him that he shouldn't. Katara wasn't his sweetheart, or his lover. He had no right to enjoy her touch.
There was a mutual separation between the pair, both realizing how they looked together. They tried to apologies for the growing familiarity between them, but they tripped over each other's words to talk over one another. Katara just gave up and smiled, lacing her fingers together behind her back as she tried to appear non-threatening. Zuko on the other hand crammed both his hands into his pockets and stared at the space between their feet. For once he was grateful for the added length of his hair since it meant it was easier to hide his blush.
"So..." Katara stammered, rocking from the tips of her toes, onto the balls of her feet, and back again. She tried to ignore it, but the cold rush of the wind against her freed hand made her want to grip Zuko's hand again. That would probably not go over too well.
Zuko tried to think of something to say, but came up moot with ideas. There wasn't really a 'safe' topic to discuss. Nothing beyond peace talks, summits, and endless politics. That was completely safe. No risk of triggers there...he hoped. "So...about the summit tomorrow..."
"Yes, the summit-" Katara latched onto the topic and ran with it, turning sharply on her heel so they could keep walking. The length of space between them danced with the edge of Katara's awareness. It was extremely uncomfortable, leaving Katara strangely cold. "Have you finished the reparation documents and peace concessions?"
A grunt was Katara's only answer. She didn't take offense to it. She remembered the mountain of paperwork surrounding the mess that made up the financial records and deficits. Ozai had a lot of dirty dealings, so much so that Sokka, Zuko and herself had to set up charts, lists, and a number of other visual aids to figure out what money belonged where and to whom. The extortion within Zuko's own country was ridiculous. Then they found out how much money was extorted from the Earth Kingdom...Katara shuttered at the thought. The Fire Nation was going to be so broke if Zuko didn't figure out a way to renew trade soon.
"I can only pray that the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes show some mercy," Zuko cringed.
Katara reached her hand out to brace against Zuko's shoulder, drawing closer until they were barely a hand's length apart. Much better, Katara thought to herself when Zuko's warmth enveloped her again. "I wish I could give you some good news, but dad and Sokka haven't told me anything," no matter how many times she asked.
That was strange to say the least, given how involved Katara had become. Zuko didn't think much of it. If it was something to worry about, then he'd worry. He trusted Hakoda to have a more lenient voice, Zuko couldn't ask for more than that. At least there, he had Sokka and Katara to smooth things over with the Southern Water Tribes. Which reminded him: "You need to get something to wear for the peace talks, right?"
Katara started to grumble. "Well, since Sokka conveniently left one of my bags at the colony, I have no choice but to wear this," Katara replied. She was still a little miffed with her brother, especially since Iroh had gone through so much trouble just to have the thing commissioned. She would be able to take part in the peace talks while representing her people with more than just her words and the color of her skin. At Zuko's look, she knew that he didn't approve of the idea. "What's wrong with it?" Katara huffed.
What happened on this trip? Zuko planned on sitting Katara down and having her tell him everything that happened. Between her boyfriend troubles and a string of bad luck, Zuko finally understood why Katara was in bed before everyone else. "Those are travel clothes," Zuko pointed out, prepared to take a giant step away from Katara in case her anger sought an outlet. He liked being on her good side. So far, she was only glaring straight ahead of her with her arms crossed petulantly. "Why don't we get you something to new to wear?" As for the bag lost, Zuko could only hope that the village was kind enough to send it back to the palace.
Katara didn't even try to fight it since she didn't have anything else to wear that would be appropriate. Unless they wanted her prancing around in her Fire Nation disguise. Barring a few individuals within the court, Katara didn't think many would approve of that.
She allowed herself to be led by the arm to a nearby tailor. It wasn't the intimate hand hold, but the platonic linking of arms. She was a lady, and Zuko was her escort. Such was proper, even if it did smack of a level of the chauvinism prevalent within high born society. Katara hated the concept of needing escort simply because of her gender. It was the only way they could touch, so Katara said nothing since she knew that Zuko didn't think that way. She would prefer hand holding, just the same.
Sensing her unease, Zuko gave Katara's hand a pat. Her mood had gone sour, so leading her about as if she needed to be protected wasn't helping much. He understood her distaste for the action, knowing more than anyone else how much of a free spirit Katara was. At least with handholding, there were no undertones of feminine inferiority. The only plus for playing escort meant having Katara close by. Removing his hand from Katara's laced fingers at his elbow, Zuko pushed the door open so Katara could enter in front of him. She flicked his fringe as she passed.
The storefront was a simple wooden add-on to a much larger stone apartment rising behind it. The stone masonry made up the far wall, and a door that lead to the seamstress's work space. The door was closed, but the off key crooning was all anyone needed to know that the seamstress was working up a storm. The rest of the building was mostly empty save for the cashier, a teenage boy roughly Zuko's age, and another couple that was perusing through the ready-made clothing. Most of the clothing could be adjusted to suit the wearer's needs and could be worn interchangeably. The fabrics spanned the entire spectrum of greens and yellows with the occasional flash of blues, pinks, and whites closer to the glass display case that made up the cashier's counter.
Katara instantly made her way towards the blues and whites, her fingers trailing over the fabrics. They ranged from silks to high quality cottons and wools. Slowly, she picked out pale blues and deep indigos before she made her way to the dressing rooms. As she passed, a few trinkets winked at her from beneath the glass. She could barely contain her shock when polished bone and fossilized shells inlaid with veins of platinum. She knew these pieces- or rather pieces like them.
Before trade had stopped, these made up one of her village's chief trade export. She knew trade was picking up again, but knowing and seeing were two different things. She smiled down at the pieces before she continued on her way to change. Her mind going back to one in particular.
Zuko missed the excited flash of aquamarine eyes when Katara passed him. He leaned against an empty wall between the racks as his eyes surveying his surroundings. Though he was certain that no threat would come out and attack them, he still felt compelled to scan every new area for threats. Old habits die hard, and Zuko was still far from trusting of those untested. Seeing nothing of interest, Zuko took to his tried and true form of passing time: people watching. Unfortunately, there were only three people there and terrible singing beyond the door where the seamstress was. Hardly entertaining.
What's he looking at? Zuko pondered, watching the male customer crane his neck in the direction of the dressing rooms tucked behind a painted wood divider. Clearing his throat, Zuko waited to catch his eye before jerking his head in the only other woman's direction. I really don't understand people sometimes, Zuko thought as he watched the couple coo over each other. The man was all smiles and adoration when his companion turned to him. The young woman lifted random things to her chest for her consort's approval, and he nuzzled against her cheek. Zuko could only roll his eyes.
"Zuko," Katara called several moments later as she stepped from behind the divider. "What do you think?"
Zuko felt his breath stolen away as he took in the vision that was Katara. A pale blue, almost white gown framed her lithe figure and growing curves. Over it a blue silk tunic rested, the deep v of the neck exposing her throat and the low rise of the almost white gown beneath it. A thick, pearl colored obi circled her waist snuggly with a smaller, deeper blue sash going over the top of it. Her new dagger was pinched firmly beneath the blue of the sash. Her shoulders were bare and low on her upper arms, just over her elbows were bands that secured her detached, billowing sleeves. The sleeves were of the same pale blue as her under dress, but they were hemmed with dark blue bubbles along the lower edges.
"You look…beautiful," Zuko breathed, unable to come up with a word that could even remotely describe loveliness.
"Thank you," Katara blushed. "Although, it's missing something. What do you think it needs," Katara asked, twirling slowly so Zuko could get a full view. The light fabrics spiraled around her and twisted around her legs before settling back to its original placement. The 'swishiness' of the material tickled against her skin pleasantly, and it was fun to twirl in. Katara rolled her hips to make the material swish again, having a little bit of fun as she acquainted herself with the material. It wasn't heavy enough, but she definitely enjoyed it.
Zuko licked his lips in thought, his mind struggling valiantly to be of use and answer her question. But all he could think about was how truly breathtaking she was and how her hips kept swaying hypnotically. Zuko watched Katara twirl again with hungry eyes, his golden orbs roving over the glimpses of Katara's bare legs exposed by the knee high slits up the sides of her gowns. "You need different shoes," Zuko said finally, his voice coming out deeper than intended. He cleared his throat when his eyes settled on Katara's moccasins.
"That's a given," Katara chuckled, "But does it need anything else?" Clasping her hands inside her sleeves, Katara leaned forward so she could meet Zuko's eyes. This forced the front of Katara's tunic to part since the obi wasn't tied tight enough around her waist.
Where has she been hiding those? Zuko pondered as his eyes honed in on her bust. It took all Zuko's will power to rip his eyes away from the gap in the material so he could focus on Katara's eyes. "You look perfect," Zuko stammered. "But won't you get cold?"
"Depends on whether or not I'm sitting next to you, I guess," Katara shrugged. Mum was the word on seating arrangements.
Zuko wished that she was, but a number of the Earth Kingdom's council was going to be between his party and the Southern Water Tribes. Again, Zuko found himself growing concerned with how ill-prepared Katara was. Red flags started waving in his mind. "Sorry, but we'll be separated during the peace negotiations."
Not the news Katara wanted to hear, but she'd get over it. What bothered her more was how easy it was to get the answer from Zuko, when trying to get any information about the summit from her brother was like pulling teeth. Thoughts for later. "Thanks. I'll be right back." Katara returned to the dressing room to change back into her regular clothes. All the while, she tried to think of a distraction.
Such concerns were unnecessary it seemed. When Katara stepped from the stall, Zuko was rummaging through the coats in search of... something. Katara took advantage of the situation and immediately went over to the cashier so she could pay for her purchases. It took every bartering skill she knew and the last copper coin she had allotted herself for frivolous spending, but she was able to pay for everything before Zuko made his way to her side.
Deep indigo lined with white fur was draped over his arm and his eyes shone brightly with pride. His good brow arched at the sunshine bright smile Katara was giving him, but he said nothing as he presented the item to her. "It seems trade is going well with the Water Tribes," Zuko announced as the summer coat was revealed.
A cheer of delight escaped Katara's lips as she ran her free hand over dyed fur. It must have all been from the same trade ship. The coat wasn't anywhere near as thick as far as the winter coats from back home, which is what made them ideal for the cold weather of the rest of the world. It would definitely give Katara the weight she was used to, as well as protect her from the cold of the night. The sleeves were modified to suit the style of the Earth Kingdom, so the sleeves of Katara's gown would fit perfectly without bunching awkwardly. It was perfect. The smile dropped from Katara's lips. Unless she wanted to dip into the traveling money, Katara wasn't going to be able to afford it.
Zuko understood that frown all too well, but didn't let it deter him. Sauntering over to the cashier with every attempt to buy the coat for her.
"Zuko~" There was extra stress on the vowels in his name, which meant Katara was about to complain. He'd already bought the dagger. She could do without the coat since she was used to the cold anyway. As long as Zuko didn't go around being all toasty and warm, Katara would be more than fine. That was the argument she was going to use, but Zuko was paying for the coat before the words could leave her lips. He didn't even let her see the price tag. The darn, cheeky, sweet jerkbender was seriously sailing well passed the realms of nice and into spoil her territory. That was something Katara was not used to.
"Don't worry about it," Zuko insisted with that smile of his. "Just think of it as me bribing the Southern Water Tribes into showing me pity."
The darn charmingly cheeky, sweet jerkbender was lying. Which begged the question of why. Katara wasn't going to ask that just yet, and decided instead that she was going to make this up to him. More than just the present she had in hand, she wanted to do something special. Maybe dinner? Earth Kingdom food was bland anyway, so no one would complain or question her. Zuko's secret would be safe, though Katara had half the mind to tell everyone that today was his birthday. He deserved some affection from everyone, not just her, Mai and Ty Lee. "I will accept the bribe, for now. But only because you need all the help you can get."
In a rare show of Zuko's surprisingly abundant charm, he feigned injury by clasping at his heart. "You wound me," Zuko gasped.
Katara just laughed at his antics before looping her arm with his, lest he buy something else. It wasn't so much a proper linking of arms as it was Katara physically dragging Zuko from the store. "Come on, you goof," she urged when his weight kept him grounded.
Zuko pretended to think about it for a moment, enjoying how carefree and easy it was to be with Katara. He would never be able to get away with fooling around like this with anyone else. With the crown came perpetual seriousness, even when he was 'off the clock' as his uncle would say. Zuko really didn't want the day to end. Katara was giving him the best birthday without even trying. Zuko had been told that he was a young man of many talents, but none could truly show how grateful he was for this day. "Would you let me buy something else for you?"
"You know you don't have to, right?" Katara insisted, lowering her arm from Zuko's so that only their forearms touched. It wasn't the intimacy of hand holding, but it was just as close. Her hand rested loosely at his wrist to just barely flirt with the idea.
Zuko found that he liked this touch as well. "I want to," he admitted easily. The fact that Katara didn't need it made him want to get her something even more. "Just one more thing, I promise. We should probably be getting lunch anyway." Zuko lead the way out of the store, his eyes scanning the venders in search of whatever special something he was looking for. They searched through the road for several minutes longer before they stumbled onto a little vendor at the end of the road.
"What are you looking for," Katara asked finally. Most of the items sold were hair ornaments and other, simpler accessories. One in particular that caught her eye was a pair of silver hair sticks that slowly morphed into a spiral along the thicker ends. The ends formed crescent moons with small pearls fastened to their centers. From where the moons and spiral met on the hair sticks, silver chains with a few more pearls and small silver coins dangled.
Zuko watched her with a keen eye before turning to the woman that sold the trinkets. "I'll have those please, along with the matching beads."
"A fine choice," the smiling crone smiled matronly. "Thirty silver coins please," she requested.
"Zuko," Katara managed, trying to come up with something to dissuade him from wasting his money on her. He was as stubborn as she was when he wanted something. It was what made him such a tenacious tracker and bitter enemy at the beginning. It was also what made him an unwavering example of an honorable individual who put the needs of his nation before his own. The only real ammunition she had against him was Mai, but that would be aiming below the belt. She could only watch with mounting guilt as Zuko paid the woman.
With a sigh, Katara just watched as Zuko placed the ornaments into her bag. "You happy now?" Katara pouted up at him.
He was. Zuko was very happy. "Yeah."
Good. Zuko could use a big dose of happy without any strings attached. Katara reached into the bag and pulled out her very special purchase. "Happy Birthday, jerkbender," Katara beamed up at him, holding out a small, haphazardly wrapped box in the palm of her hand.
Zuko just stared. It wasn't that he expected danger, or that he wasn't expecting Katara to do something for him. Such was her way to make her loved ones feel special. He just had trouble believing that this perfect, amazing day was real and not some dream his subconscious hadn't cruelly cooked up. If he touched the image, then it would vanish.
It didn't.
When Zuko gripped the small box from Katara's hands, he used a gentleness he didn't know he had. He hooked his nail into the folds so he could pop one end free and extract the gift without ripping or tearing. When he lifted the lid, he found blacks, reds, and purples crystalized inside a hollow bone. Platinum marbled within it to accentuate the lines that waved within the piece. Barely the size of his thumb, the piece was made of squares and rectangles that formed a barely recognizable shape of a man.
"It's an Inuksuk," Katara began, shuffling her feet and praying that Zuko liked it. "My people use them as markers between villages. It means that you are on the right path."
The symbolism wasn't lost to Zuko, and a familiar sting pricked at the back of his eyes. Rather than look like a fool, Zuko did the only thing he could think of: he wrapped his arms tight around Katara's torso and hugged her. He held her for all he was worth. "Thank you." He would treasure it always.
The next morning, Katara awoke from her glorious dream of warm hugs to the slamming of her bedroom door. To her right, she checked to see if Toph was okay only to discover that her bed was empty and her sleeping clothes were in a heap on the floor. That could only mean one thing, the house was empty and Toph was finally taking a bath.
Warning bells sounded within Katara's head when she realized the day and time, prompting her to spring up from her own bed and charge out of the room in hopes of finding any of her companions. Finding no one, Katara rushed to the door of the washroom and yanked it open. She didn't even bother knocking since Toph knew that Katara was the only person who would do that.
"Where is everyone," Katara inquired, spying Toph in the tub scrubbing away at the grime beneath her feet.
"They left already," Toph growled, a slew of inaudible curses and insults streaming from her lips. She was not a happy girl. No one had thought to pop in and let them know the time. Now she was on a major time crunch. What was worse was the fact that she had to take a bath and she wasn't sure if she was clean enough yet.
"All of them? Why didn't they wake us up?" Katara took over Toph's cleaning, removing the sponge from the smaller girl's hand and tossing it aside. She then bent the water around Toph's body, leaving only her face clear. Katara worked the water and soap over Toph's skin, gently lifting the dirt and grime and washing away the BO that was starting to become noticeable.
"How should I know?" Toph stretched her arms out to make it easier for Katara to bathe her, grateful to the older girl's help. "Am I clean now?"
"Yes, you're clean," Katara answered before stripping herself of her own clothes and streaming clean water from the tub. She gave herself a quick scrub from head to toe before tossing it back. She then grabbed the remaining fluffy towel present and wrapped it around Toph's frame, reclaiming her dirty tunic and pulling it over her own head so she wouldn't have to walk around the house naked. The two scurried back into their shared room before stripping down again and digging through their bags to find clean underclothes.
"Would you like a hand," Katara offered while she bound herself. It was a task that was harder to do as the days progressed. The tightness around her chest always left Katara gasping for breath as she wound herself in place. There were days where she wanted to just forgo the practice; it was far more comfortable that way. But, then there would be awkward stares and unnecessary movement. With a grunt, Katara had the end tucked way successfully without any risk of it coming undone...again. The task of pulling on her leggings was much simpler, mostly due to the popped seams.
"Um…no?" The statement came out more like a question. Toph ruffled through her bag in search of her old dress, the one she wore as a disguise when they first came to the Earth Kingdom to be exact. Her wrappings were only half done and slipping down her torso to snake around her waist. This only frustrated the girl more to rip a growl from her lips.
"I'll be there in a second," Katara sighed with a smile, dressing herself in the outfit she had purchased with Zuko. She struggled a bit with the obi and sash, trying to keep the folds neat with the added weight of her water pouches and her new dagger- tucked in the back as Zuko had shown her.
Once finished, she loosened her hair and ran her fingers through it to rid herself of the tangles. With the use of her new pins, Katara twisted her hair into a sloppy bun, not really having the time to make more than a few braids to lace into her curls. Pulling the beads from her hairline, Katara quickly replaced them with the ones that matched the hair sticks. When her hair loopies were in place, Katara made her way to Toph's side, who had managed to at least get her bindings to stay without incident.
When Toph stopped struggling with the fabric of her tunic, Katara was able to wrap it around her, surprised to find that it had become snug. Katara thought to comment on Toph's physical development, but decided against it.
Toph hated it when people made a big deal about her increasing femininity because it always made her feel as if she was being made fun of. Not that Katara would ever make fun of her, but the boys… Sokka and Aang often had a field day at her expense, all starting with the appearance of her 'spider-fly bites' as she liked to call them. The next two layers were easier to help Toph into now that she wasn't swimming in constricting fabric.
"I can't believe this is finally happening," Katara said in hopes of sparking up conversation. She worked her fingers through Toph's hair at a considerably tamer pace than with her own since Toph had a very sensitive scalp.
"It took long enough," Toph agreed, reaching up to try and figure out what Katara was putting on her head.
"It's a flower," Katara explained before swatting the searching appendages. "I'm almost done." Katara gave Toph's hair a final twist and secured the elaborate coil with a golden ribbon and a string of semi-precious stones she had found in Toph's bag. Katara made especially sure that no fly away would dare tangle itself with the stones.
They had been a gift from Sokka and Suki for no other reason than to surprise her. It was a fond memory since Toph had finally taken her first real step into womanhood with her first bleeding. She'd been so miserable, that Sokka and Suki instantly set out to find something to make her feel better while Katara nursed her. They brought her the stones since Sokka figured that she was just bored with normal earth. She needed special rocks to feel like Toph again.
No one thought to correct Sokka, since everyone suspected he knew the why of it anyway. Well, almost everyone. Katara remembered with vivid clarity how the ever oblivious Aang tried to understand why Toph was snapping at him every five seconds. It took Zuko pulling him aside and explaining things until he was in on the secret. It was still a fond memory. Katara gave Toph's head a pat when she finished, pulling herself from memory lane.
Toph's expression wasn't as serene as Katara's was. There was no memory to escape to, even though the smooth glassy stones almost always gave her a smile. "Do… Do I look okay?" Toph didn't usually care for her appearance, or at least she didn't show it. But whenever she and Katara were alone, especially in times like this, Toph's poor self-image would rear its ugly head and fill her with doubt.
Was she ugly? Could she compare to the reported beauty of the oblivious Katara? Toph wasn't exotic like her. Nor was she a warrior of amazing physique like Suki. She was just Toph; everyone's favorite little sister. No one's infatuation.
Wrapping her arms around Toph's shoulders in a platonic hug, Katara hummed against Toph's side. Her lips formed the words, but no sound was made as Katara rested them against the top of Toph's head. "You look beautiful." Boys would be lucky to even get the chance to realize that. If she could, Katara would give Toph her eyes just so she could see her own face in the mirror. But she couldn't, and they were on a time crunch. "Let's go, we don't have much time left."
Very little make-up was applied. Light rouging to their cheeks, coal to their eyes, red paint to their lips, but nothing more. There was not time to paint the faces of true noblewomen. Toph preferred it that way. Getting pretty and doll-like made Toph feel as if there was a physical mask being put on her face. The paints and powders were not fine like the light powders of Suki's collection of make-up. They were a heavy clay that sculpted the face with false joy, bleaching the skin to create the illusion of a life of luxury. Fair skin was the epitome of beauty, not the sun kissed tan of Toph, or the olive and caramel tones of Katara. It was better this way. That was the hope. They couldn't allow themselves to worry if it wasn't.
The two left the house hand in hand and ran most of the way to the grand palace, slowing only when the faces of other delegates came into view. Easily, the two schooled their breathing to hide their flight. Toph's coifed hair was perfectly in place, her fringe shielding her eyes dysfunctional eyes from the outside world. Only the rosiness to her cheeks, augmented by the pale rouge gave evidence to the spurt of physical activity.
Behind her, Katara's beads clacked as they fell from the sloppy bun. From the vibrations of some of the nearby dignitaries, the shift in appearance was appreciated. It didn't matter, only served as a check to ensure that they were still presentable. There were no familiar vibrations that she could tell, but Toph knew they were in the right place. A growl escaped her lips as she pulled Katara along behind her, leading the way further into the growing mass of people.
There! She could feel something just further down the way. "This way, I think I found Twinkle Toes," Toph announced, jerking Katara into a brisk, almost-run. She led Katara down the main hall and to the left towards the room where this part of the peace talks would be held. Part of the way there they could see Toph's parents, acting as advisors and ambassadors on behalf of Gaoling. Farther still, they could see Aang and Sokka in deep conversation with Katara's father and a few of the other heads of the Southern Water Tribes. Their gruff voices managed hushed tones as they discussed some last minute decisions between them.
"I'll catch up with you in a few," Toph said suddenly, releasing her hold on Katara's hand so she could join with her biological family*. Her stride slowed to a slow glide, showcasing the regal bearing that Toph tried to keep hidden on most occasions. Small hands were tucked into billowing sleeves, and Toph's head bowed out of respectful subservience to her parents. It was a lie on both counts, but Toph would play her part to maintain the fragile peace and to not have all her work be in vain.
Katara watched Toph go, offering silent wishes of luck. There was no envy for Toph's lot with her estranged family. All one could do was hope that things worked out since there was nothing that an outsider could do to make the situation better. As it was, Katara had her own issues to deal with. She continued towards her father, brother, and boyfriend with sure, even strides. Each step brought Katara's anger to mount, but she maintained a sophisticated air. Emulating the late Yue and her regal baring, Katara straightened her spine and kept her chin parallel to the ground to portray confidence. However, unlike Yue, she met the eyes of the chiefs that turned in her direction.
Remembering herself, Katara dipped her head and offered a shallow curtsy in greeting. That seemed to wipe the initial gruff shock from their faces, prompting the three men to cant their heads in response. The chiefs left Hakoda and Sokka to join the other eight leaders of the South, but not a word was said upon Katara's arrival. Katara didn't let it bother her. They were good men, and Katara knew each of them personally from her younger years. Chief Arrluk, a savage bear of a man who governed the village closest to her home had once told her that he no longer knew how to speak with her as she entered her first years of puberty. Even then she was defying the traditional gender roles of her people. He at least offered a smile as he passed her.
Her father, Hakoda did not look so pleased to see her. If anything, his dark complexion turned ashen when he turned to see Katara looming behind him. Sokka paled farther until he could rival a bedsheet, whereas Aang looked as if he was going to be sick. Katara knew to take this as a bad sign. "Guys," Katara huffed, trying to breathe through her anger to maintain her composure. It was a losing battle. "Why didn't you wake me up?"
Hakoda wasn't as familiar with the low lilt that Katara's voice took, having missed the birth of it in her early teen years. Sokka and Aang however knew better. That voice, with its deceptive sweetness and patience was the howl of a storm beating down the windows and doors. There was no escape. No misdirecting or avoiding. Hakoda couldn't even be warned, lest the eye of the storm turn onto the two youths.
"What do you mean," Hakoda questioned, shocked to see Katara before him. He had thought... "I thought you lost your clothes during your travels."
"Zuko bought them for me," Katara brushed the statement aside with a wave of her hand, dismissing the words as nothing more than flies buzzing in her ear. "It was either that than show up to the summit in my travel clothes. Someone could have woken me up though; I would have had more time to look more presentable."
Looking back at his son, Hakoda floundered for what to do or say in his current predicament. The years had been cruel in that his own daughter was now a stranger to him. No longer was she the child that hugged at his knees and pleaded with those doe eyes of hers for another piggy-back ride.
In that sweet, innocent child's place was a strong willed young woman forced to grow up too fast. A young woman who met his eyes without flinching away or submission. Those were the eyes of a warrior who commanded respect. Those were the eyes to be proud of, but they were in the wrong body. Katara was still a young woman, grown wild in her time without the guiding hand of a mother who knew a woman's place in the world. She was no longer his little snow flake, who hung from his every word.
Though he felt such pride in his beautiful and capable daughter, Hakoda felt his heart break at the hard reality of their world. It was something he didn't want to have to face. Sokka had told him that Katara was too crafty to let a little sabotage get in her way, but Hakoda had insisted on underhanded tricks to keep her away from the Summit. Shame had the chief turning away and the burden of what he would have to do weighed down his shoulders.
No one would look Katara in the eyes and suddenly she was filled with dark suspicions. "You didn't forget me, did you?" That explained it all: The shiftiness. The loss of her things when Katara knew she packed them away on Appa's saddle. The blatant avoidance whenever the peace talks were brought up. All of it. They didn't want her there. "Why?"
"I'm sorry, Katara, but you're not allowed to partake in the talks." Hakoda braced himself for the response he knew was coming. Were he in his baby's shoes, Hakoda would feel the same indignation that was swelling within Katara's heart. He had wanted to avoid this altogether.
"What do you mean I can't go," Katara demanded harshly, not caring that it was her father she was speaking to. His words were a slap to her face, its harsh sting locking away the emotions that such a family tie would bring.
Hakoda hated the frigid expression that took hold of Katara's face; so much like Kya's in her features that it was a new pain in his heart. "I wish I could bring you in with me," Hakoda insisted in an attempt to soothe his irate daughter. "But the other tribes won't take kindly to your presence." Especially the North. Even with Pakku's added voice singing Katara's praises and insisting on her value there would be no give. No compromise.
"Why? Because I'm a girl," Katara spat, daring her father to tell her otherwise. It was the Northern Water Tribes all over again, only this time there was nothing for her to hit, was there? If she could, Katara would have spit in the eye of every man who dared insist she was not worthy. She'd proven herself enough times. I know I have. I have every right to be there too.
Sokka stepped in for the sake of his father, knowing that he was ill equipped to handle her. They tried things the sneaky way. That didn't even slow her down. Katara was resourceful, intelligent, and stubborn. If she wanted something, she found a way to get it. Katara was not meek or docile. She didn't roll over at the slightest opposition. Treating her as such was only going to make things worse. When it came to his baby sister, straight forwardness was the best way to go. It may hurt at first, but grabbing the bull by the horns was better than letting it stick you in the ass.
"Katara, just drop it," Sokka interrupted. He didn't flower it up, or talk down to her. Sokka spoke to her as he would anyone he viewed as his equal. "Dad and I already spoke to the other tribesmen and they practically laughed at us for even suggesting that you be allowed in. Nothing we said would change their minds. After everything that's happened, the old bastards are still stuck in their ways." Those ways killed Yue, turned her into a hollow doll before she gave her life to the moon.
Was one martyr not enough for them to learn?
Now, they tried to break Katara by robbing her of her worth simply because she was a girl. Though his eyes didn't have the glow of a waterbender, Sokka's eyes held a spark of their own as they met with Katara's aquamarine ones. He felt Katara's rage. It beat within his own chest, but there was nothing he could do.
She met his look head on, seeing her brother's every pain while bearing her own. "But I'm the Avatar's teacher. I fought alongside all of them in this war. I fought just as hard to end this war as everyone else, but because I'm a girl I can't be a part of bringing peace? That's not fair," she argued.
No truer words had been spoken. Sokka had said the same himself, but there were few other options available to them without harsh consequences. "What would you have us do; have all the neighboring tribes ostracized us? If you were presented as a delegate, then our sisters to the north would feel disgraced." If there was some other way that Katara could get in, then the northern tribes would not be able to complain. But it would have to be someone that they viewed as more powerful than themselves. Cobalt darted in Aang's direction briefly before returning to Katara's aquamarines.
She didn't need another hint. "Then I won't go in with you as a water tribe delegate, I can go in with Aang as his console," Katara realized before turning to her boyfriend with fire in her eyes. "You'll let me in, right?"
Aang visibly shrank under Katara's gaze before he held his hands up in a defensive gesture. "I don't want to cause trouble for you and your family. I'm sure that during the next summit we can convince the tribes to accept you amongst them. Till then, I promise to let you know everything that happens, that way you won't miss anything," Aang offered in an attempt to placate his girlfriend. He did not see the silent message between the siblings. If he had, he might have felt more inclined to take such a risk. But as it was, Aang was a pacifist. To create conflict went against everything he'd been taught. What right did he have to overstep the boundaries of a parent?
The small bit of hope that took root in Katara's heart died just as quickly, filling her with a new kind of disappointment. "That's not the same! I have as much a right as you guys to be in there," Katara cried, raw fury at the injustice of it all building within her breast. How could he not stick up for her? After all she'd done for him, how could Aang not even try?
Just as shocked, Sokka glared in Aang's direction while pulling Katara into his side in a small offer of comfort. That was his last idea. No one else was around to take the risk. "No, Katara. You have more of a right. But the fact of the matter is that the tribesmen don't see that. In their eyes you're just a girl." Sokka corrected.
"I'm sorry, Snow Flake," Hakoda breathed, daring to risk his daughter's fury by resting his hand on Katara's shoulder. She did not push him away, so he kissed her temple like he used to whenever she got mad. The little girl he left behind peeked out at him through misty eyes and thick lashes, but then she was gone.
"Sorry sis," Sokka apologized, his heart breaking at the angry tears his sister fought desperately not to shed. If only there was something he could do; some foolish antic to make her laugh. Anything. He had no more cards to play, and what he thought was an ace turned out to be a joker. Just his luck. Sokka only prayed that this injustice didn't go unpunished.
"I'll see you later?" Aang wanted to cry when Katara wouldn't even look at him. Her attention was solely on the retreating backs of her family. There was not even a sideways glance in his direction. "I promise to tell you everything that happens," Aang tried again.
"Just go Aang," Katara commanded before turning sharply on her heel and storming away, pale blue and deep indigo billowing behind her like a storm cloud. As she passed each of her tribesmen, her aquamarine eyes darkened to mirror the anger of the churning seas in a storm. Her glare was set against each of them in turn.
Some had the decency to look apologetic. Sympathetic, in the case of a few of the neighboring tribes. Those that knew her at least pretended to care. As for the rest, the members of the five tribes to the north, there was open disdain. They were not her allies. Not even chief Arnook looked to accept her. Worse still, there was hatred in his eyes that she could not fathom. She met it head on, daring him to say or do anything out of turn. He may be a chief, but he was nothing against her might.
He didn't try anything. Katara almost wished that he did, given her mood. She didn't even wait for the door to close behind them before she continued down the hall in search of a hidden away corner where she could think. What she found was Toph.
"You're not allowed in either," came Toph's greeting. Judging by her expression, she had experienced a similar argument with her own father. There were a few choice words spat in her family's faces. She wasn't quiet, so a number of the nearby dignitaries had heard her opinion quite clearly.
"It's not fair, we were part of the war too," Katara vented venomously. Every curse she knew flooded into her mind, but none escaped her lips. She wouldn't dare. There was still a part of her that still cared about what other people thought.
In a very unladylike fashion, Toph spit into the pot of a nearby plant. "Like that counts for anything," nodded Toph, her sightless eyes set in a glare. "So what now?" She got all dolled up for nothing.
Heavy footfalls approached from down the hall, prompting both young women to turn in time to see Zuko round the corner. Behind him a few of his advisors and dignitaries kept the pace. Further still was King Bumi, who cackled merrily with his valet. Zuko wore a small smile when Bumi trotted to catch up with him. Out of politeness to the elderly man, Zuko slowed his stride until the elder man was able to reach him and clap him on the back. Fortunately, Zuko was prepared for the man, having been briefed about his personality by Aang the night before over dinner. Preparedness ensured that the young lord wasn't face planting the ground by the surprising level of strength the old man had. Zuko coughed instead before realizing that they weren't alone.
As with the day before, Zuko found himself dumbstruck by how Katara looked in her finery. The way her thick lashes framed her bluest eyes sucked him in so completely that Zuko could look at nothing else. He so entranced that he almost missed the glassiness in them. Zuko almost didn't see the angry rigidness to Katara's back and her squared shoulders. "What are you two doing out here? The meeting starts in a few minutes," He found himself asking once he felt a swift, boney elbow into his ribs.
"They won't let us in," Katara growled out before turning sharply to face the wall directly across from her. It was safe to assume that Zuko didn't know, given everything he'd done for her in preparation of the Summit. That only made this harder.
"What?" Zuko was genuinely appalled by the news. If it weren't for the two young women before him, the war would still be going on, or worse; his father would have won. Katara's ignorance finally made sense. It wasn't her being ill-prepared. It was information being kept from her. "Why?"
Taking a step forward, Toph growled out a colorful expletive. "Pops said its no place for children," especially blind ones who did not obey their fathers.
Zuko almost didn't recognize her. Giving a double take, Zuko couldn't believe how ladylike Toph could look. She almost looked delicate; a deception that Zuko didn't know how to react. Delicate and lovely did not suit Toph, who was rough and tumble's very soul. She was beautiful, he would give Toph that, but he knew better than to comment given her disdain for all things feminine. The shock to his system didn't last. He approached Toph with sure strides so he could squat in front of her. The young lord ignored the shocked and disdainful snorts of his party in favor of focusing on Toph. Using his sleeve, he wiped at the smudging under Toph's eye where she most likely scrubbed at her face.
"Thank you," Toph muttered when Zuko finished playing dad. She really wanted a hug right then, but Toph didn't give into that impulse. If she did, she'd probably start crying like a baby. That would ruin the rest of Katara's good work. She did appreciate the tap on her nose, taking comfort in Zuko's attention.
Zuko rose up to find himself intimately close with Katara. His breath fanned over the flyaway hairs that framed her face. The beads at her temple glimmered with the passing of his shadow, winking with its sisters that were woven into the random braids Katara laced into her hair. It made him happy to see them. He offered one of the beaded braids that hung from the nape of Katara's neck a flick. It clacked against the other two that had fallen free from the bun.
The smile the sound created was short lived. "My tribesmen won't accept me amongst them because I'm a girl," Katara sniffed, her anger evaporating under the presence of Zuko's familiar warmth. "If you want a better answer, you're more than welcome to have a conversation with the Northern Water Tribes."
Zuko did want to ask. The Northern Tribes shouldn't have a voice in the South's affairs- unless there was something else Zuko hadn't been told about. He and Sokka were going to have words. They were due for a sparring match anyway. "Come on, the King is expecting us." Zuko claimed both their arms in his and led them back towards the assembly. King Kuei had specifically asked for all of the Gaang to be there and he'd be damned if he allowed Toph and Katara not to be allowed in. Besides, without Katara there to keep him in check, Zuko wasn't as sure that he'd be on his best behavior in his current mood.
"There you are," King Kuei greeted jovially when Zuko entered with Toph and Katara, marking the last of the representatives to be present for that day's meeting. "I was beginning to think we'd be a few heroes short."
"You almost were," Katara purred- the perfect image of diplomacy. She dipped into a curtsey, sinking low as Zuko bowed at his waist. Their linked arms kept the two of them tethered together, keeping them in sync with one another.
Toph, not so much. Zuko elbowed her side to get her to bow to her king. The cajoling worked, but not without a snarky look. This wasn't his court, so Toph couldn't get away with such familiarity. Even if it was just King Kuei, who didn't command much respect it seemed if the day's earlier meeting was anything to go by.
The three rose as one before making their way to the Fire Nation's place at the large low table. There were only two advisors with Zuko for that meeting, one of which was his uncle who beamed up at Katara and Toph from his place to the right of the Fire Lord's spot. With a snap of his finger, Iroh managed to acquire a cushion for both Toph and Katara to join them. Toph immediately pulled from Zuko's side, her smile growing as she eagerly made her way to Iroh's other side. There was no care for decorum when she sank onto it, reaching out to the older man just as he pulled her tight to his side in a hug. Zuko and Katara just smiled at them when they heard Iroh coo over how lovely Toph was. That was how a greeting between family members was supposed to go.
Zuko cleared his throat a moment later, staring pointedly at the other advisor: the appointed representative of the Fire Sages. The older man jumped at the sound before glancing up in his lord's direction curiously. The man's copper flecked eyes of gold took note of the young woman attached to his arm before bristling. Zuko didn't care; he just told the man with a quick glance that he needed to move.
The bristle intensified as the elder's hackles rose at the prospect of surrendering his spot to some foreigner. His eyes narrowed until they found hers. The spark of a bender was strong in the young woman's gaze, making them glow silver with the intensity she looked at him. That fiery spirit was what he recognized. The young woman was the Lady Katara, savior of his lord. He bowed to her reverently before sprightliness beyond the man's years had him out of his cushion and onto the next.
Katara claimed the vacated cushion at Zuko's prompting. His hand held fast to hers until she was seated primly, relinquishing it to join the other on her lap once she settled. Only then did he sit down, showing through his actions how highly he regarded Katara.
Katara could feel the heat of many eyes leering down at her, making the hairs along her arms stand on end. She knew she was virtually slapping all her people in the face by defying her father's orders, but right then she couldn't bring herself to care. She shifted in her seat, trying to make herself more comfortable under their scrutiny. Slowly her fidgeting increased as she felt the glares of many more directed at her. Heat enveloped her uncomfortably as sweat began to bead at her palms. She balled her fists on her lap, wringing the fabric there mercilessly within her hands.
Zuko, unnerved by her fidgeting, placed a calming hand over hers in an attempt to still her. Instantly he felt her relax under his touch and he was secretly pleased by this fact. He scooted his cushion closer to hers discreetly so that the placement of his arm could be easily concealed.
"Thank you," Katara mouthed, lacing her fingers with his and holding his hand in a vice-like grip. With the touch of Zuko's hand giving her courage, Katara lifted her head high and scanned the faces of her loved ones. The first to fall under her gaze were her tribesmen, most wearing expressions of open shock and disdain. It was no secret that Katara and her immediate family had aided the current Fire Lord depose his father. All the villages of the Southern Tribes had a part to play, so that wasn't what bothered them so. That wasn't what shocked them so. What did was the level of respect she received.
The chiefs of their sister tribes to the north were not so kind. Her blatant forgiveness of the Fire Nation and its crimes had them leering with disgust in their direction. Some even whispered amongst themselves and pointed, gesturing between Katara and her family farther down the table with hate painted onto their faces. For once, Katara was glad her hearing was not as fine-tuned as Toph's or Zuko's, for she knew that their words would send her running in tears.
Her father and brother didn't have the same luxury. Angry couldn't begin to describe him: His fists, which rested on the long table's smooth surface, were clenched tight until her knuckles were white with the force. His shoulders were squared off, as if in preparation to go into battle. His jaw was clenched tight. His stormy hues jumped between Katara and Northern tribesman as if unsure who deserved his ire more: The daughter who disobeyed him or the men who slandered her name for it?
At least I still have Sokka, Katara thought with a small smile tugging at her lips. Sokka struggled valiantly to maintain a stern continence, but the grin won out in the end and he was forced to hold his hand up so his father wouldn't see it. Once he was sure that no one was looking in his direction, he sent his baby sister a 'thumbs up.' His plan had worked and the staunch Northern Tribe could do nothing about it. Sokka would have performed a little victory dance if he could have.
He was then distracted by Suki, dressed in their Kyoshi warrior regalia. She blew him a kiss across the table. Sokka caught it before pressing his palm to his heart. The two commanders that were present with her both sighed behind their fans. Suki pretended to ignore them, having grown used to the fact that her beau was considered a heartthrob back home on Kyoshi. She chose instead to give Zuko and Katara a quick wink.
Aang watched on, shocked over the fact that Katara had allied herself with Zuko, of all people. Why's she sitting so close to him,Aang seethed, and why won't she look at me? He was oblivious to the conversations going on around him, his only focus solely on Katara. She and Zuko were whispering into each other's ears and all Aang could think was that Katara was acting out against him.
Why would she do such a thing? He knew she was mad at him, but to go so far out of spite went beyond his understanding. Aang stared poignantly at Katara in hopes of catching her eye. Maybe then she would see how much he cared and she'd stop cuddling up to Zuko's side. But alas, that was not so. There was no room in her attentions for him, so evenly split they were between the plans and treaties presented and the Lord that she sat against.
An uproar brought Aang's attention back to the world around him, making him aware of the open hostilities between the chiefs of the Northern Water Tribes and a large number of the representatives from the eastern territories of the Earth Kingdom. He didn't know what it was that set them off, only that they threw angry words in Zuko's direction.
He didn't flinch. He wasn't baited into the shouting match they tried to instigate. Zuko awed Aang with his patience and resolve. Aang could only watch as Zuko took a deep breath. One hand remained hidden under the table, while the other pressed against his throat. He was reaching for something there, but Aang couldn't see what it was.
Though their laced fingers Katara could feel how each word uttered in rage affected Zuko. It hurt that she couldn't give him comfort beyond that hidden touch, which in turn enraged her. How dare they make such harsh demands? She understood the need for revenge, just as much as everyone there. She understood the need for the Fire Nation to pay penance for the war that lasted generations. Reparations were to be paid to each nation, but not in blood. Katara lifted one hand to knock against the wooden table, losing her patience with the vicious slurs thrown in their direction.
It was either the shock of her deigning to speak that silenced them, or the fact that they'd run out of insults. Regardless, Katara leveled Chief Arnook and the other chiefs with a disapproving look. "I am disappointed in you all," she spoke in her native tongue. It marked the first time that the shared language of the north and south was ever spoken in the presence of the rest of the world, who spoke only the common tongue. "You shame our people. Do you wish the world think of us as barbaric savages? Or is your vengeance so absolute that you would destroy the peace Yue wished for? The man that took your daughter is dead."
"I will take no comfort until every one of those monsters is dead." Arnook spat vehemently, slamming his fist hard against the carved wood table. Rage and sorrow gripped his heart, but it was unbridled hatred that leveled Katara with a vicious glare. "If you cared for Yue in any way, you would never betray her memory by allying with those monsters!"
Katara did care for Yue. Like her brother, she still mourned the loss of the girl who had been a friend in the short time they all knew her. Even so, Yue longed for peace, and gave her life for the world's sake. "Then you seek to end this fragile peace in stillbirth. Is that what you want?" Yue would never be honored by continued war and bloodshed. She was a young woman above hate and malice. Yue was now a divine being, and Katara refused to believe that such a pure soul would want anything to do with a war renewed.
The men were silenced- cowed down by Katara's words. They did not want the war renewed, nor could they afford it even if they did.
Zuko gave Katara's hand a squeeze, silently thanking her before he gave the Northern Tribes his attention. "I know that the war has caused great suffering. I will do everything I can to heal the wounds my ancestors have created, but I will not do by lining my people up to be slaughtered. Plans to shrink down my armies have already been put into motion. As for those that have committed atrocities in the name of war, they've already been imprisoned to await trial. The generals that remain were simply following orders. They do not deserve to be publicly executed simply for being on the losing side." If one wanted to go so far as to say the Fire Nation lost. There were criminals on all sides of the war; it was just easier to ignore that since it was his people that surrendered.
Grey eyes widen in shock, finally realizing what had been spoken. The war was finally over, and yet the cry for blood still echoed within the stone walls. How did he not hear it? Aang wanted to say something, anything to stop those feelings from festering within old wounds. This meeting was supposed to be about treaties for peace so that unnecessary bloodshed never happened again. His faith in humanity was shaken. Worse still was that anything he said now would be too little, too late. It was all because he couldn't focus on anything with Katara mad at him.
"We have agreed on the reparations, and what Fire Lord Zuko has offered is more than fair," Hakoda explained, reminding the chiefs of the Northern Tribes of what had been discussed before the meeting took place. Zuko was offering more than that, and to renew trade between their nations. The call for public execution was not discussed. If it had been, the south would have vehemently disapproved. Zuko was a good boy doing the best he could. The Southern Tribes new this and they fought for fair treatment for him.
"Not all of us have the benefit of keeping to the Fire Lord's ear," One of the Northern Chiefs hissed, his meaning not lost on anyone save for two. Had Aang or Kuei understood, then the entire party from the north would have been held in contempt and dismissed. But they didn't understand, so the implications were allowed to slander Katara's name. "How long until the appeal of your council wears off?"
"Say that again!" Sokka bellowed, slapping his palms hard against the table. Vicious words of his own danced with tongue. Across from him, Suki and her warriors roared their outrage. Their dominant arms crossed over their chests, battle fans flicked open in warning at their shoulders. Even Bumi, the forever jovial prankster curled his lip in a vicious snarl as the crystal ring at his finger grew to encase his wrist in a shimmering gauntlet. A tremor rippled over the ground, making the stone groan as Toph stood from her cushion, cracking her knuckles in preparation to start throwing punches.
More frightening still was Zuko. A sudden wave of heat filled the room. Skin drew tight at the sudden change in temperature, and sweat beaded many brows. Memories of the Fire Nation's might darkened the room, even as the torches overhead and along the walls flared upwards to scorch the ceiling. All eyes turned to the new Fire Lord. Flames licked his lips with each exhale as he tried to control his fury. Wrenching his hand free of Katara's to avoid burning her, his fists clenched over the surface of the table. Scorch marks bloomed from where his fists rested, giving rise to tendrils of smoke.
It touched her how much they cared, but Katara couldn't allow for them to jeopardize the new peace they had in defense of her honor. Bending the little bit of moisture that remained in the air to glove her hands, Katara rested her palms over Zuko's fist and wrist.
Her cooling touch eased the grip of Zuko's fist to sooth the heat from them. The crimson crescent moons in his palms sealed shut, drawing his attention to focus solely on her. "It's alright," Katara insisted, coaxing Zuko to calm down. "It's alright," she repeated, louder this time so everyone could hear. Inside she was reeling, but Katara presented an expression of serenity. Like the calming sea at noon, she was as inviting and comforting as the rhythmic lapping of the waves. She did not allow for anyone to see the riptides that made up her emotions, or the dangers that lurked in the deep.
Taking a calming breath of her own, Katara gave a gentle smile to the room even as her eyes froze over when they landed back on the tribesmen from the north. "I have many friends," she began, choosing her words carefully. "Friends that don't silence ideas simply because of nationality, social status, or gender. In so doing, the voices of change don't go ignored. A voice does no good without an ear to hear it. If you won't listen, then that voice will find someone else that will. Would you rather the world stay stagnant, and unchanging simply because you don't like where the voice comes from?"
No one dared argue, only marveled at Katara's words and conviction. Only Zuko could see how hurt Katara was at how easily her own people could belittle and insult her for no reason other than her gender. He could feel it in her pulse. It danced along the back of his hand where Katara's still rested. No one noticed the prolonged touch between them, so Zuko gave Katara the same comfort she offered him. His other hand rested along the back of hers, his thumb stroking her knuckles before he added his voice to hers.
Author's Notes: So, can I just say how annoying it is that I couldn't find an English - Inuit translator? I wanted to use the different language like I do so liberally in my Yu Yu Hakusho fanfic. But no- I've been denied the pleasure. Insert grumbling...
Anywho, the original chapter was lengthened considerably so I had to split it in two. Even so, I'm actually quite proud of it. More so than in the beginning when it was kind of painful to reread the chapters to get myself reacquainted with my story. However, if you preferred the original way it was, I can change it back with no problem...kinda.