Z. P.O.V.

Katara led the little girl up into the palanquin and they sat down. Ty Lee joined them and I mounted my rhino.

"Move out" I commanded.

The ride to the palace was uneventful. I had guards on every street along with those in our procession.

The front gates of the palace loomed over us as we passed through. The guards fanned out and even more nobles crowded the courtyard trying to get a look at Katara.

We stopped close to the front doors of the Palace. The guards fanned out even further and two servants moved to pull back the curtains of the palanquin. Katara stepped out first leading the little girl and Ty Lee followed. I dismounted and walked to Katara.

"My Lady" I offered her my arm and graciously she took it and I led her into the Palace away from the prying eyes of the nobles. The doors shut behind us and we both visibly relaxed.

"Well at least that's done." She sighed.

"But we do have a dinner tonight with them all." I led her through the halls to the gardens. "I didn't want it to be tonight but the Council felt it was a good way for the people to get to know the future Fire Lady." I said mocking the men.

"Well I say we give them a show don't you think?" She smirked. We rounded the corner to the garden. I could hear Ty Lee and the little girl just behind us.

"What do you have in mind?"

Toph P. O. V.

We flew into Omashu late a few nights after Aang and I's fight. Neither of us had really spoken since he pissed me off that night. Really the kid could be so blind sometimes. I spent most of my time in Iroh's tea shop and walking through the army's barracks testing the soldiers. When the war was over Bumi asked that I surprise his men often. I really enjoy Omashu.

Though my days were filled with training my evenings were filled with horrible parties that my family insisted I attend. It was part of my deal with them that I could still travel. I travel with Aang but whenever they are in the same town or a major function I would attend. Ugh.

The only good parts of the parties was that normally Aang and I would hang out. Though with the last fight we had only gone through the pleasantries then parted ways for the evening. It was odd, not being with him but after our fight I wasn't really ready to talk to him.

"Ah there you are Toph I was looking for you." Bumi walked up to me. I was sitting in a small rock garden petting Fluffy.

"And?" I asked.

"What is going on with you and Aang? I haven't seen him this sad since…Well ever." I hated it when Bumi went all psychiatrists on me.

"We got into a fight about Katara. That's it."

"Young Toph, give Aang some time to get used to things. His best friend, master, and would be lover has left him for his other best friend. He needs time to think." I hated it when Bumi was right.

"It wasn't that hard for me. I saw that Sugar Queen and Sparky should have been together years ago! They acted different around each other than they did the rest of us."

"The fates work in mysterious ways my dear." Bumi walked away and left me to my thoughts. "Come on Fluffy."

Maybe talking to Aang would help. It wasn't easy for me when I found out about the engagement through Aang. In truth Katara was always like an older sister to me, and finding out about this through Aang had hurt a little. That she didn't write to me or even send for me was a little upsetting. But then again she was probably overwhelmed and refused help. Yep, that sounded like her.

I stood and walked into town, I needed a good fight with The Boulder to clear my head.

Z. P.O.V.

Her plan was flawless. I couldn't believe how quickly she came up with it.

"Do you think it will really work?" Ty Lee asked after Katara finished explaining it to us.

"Yes. No way it couldn't. Its Sokka worthy." I smiled as Katara flushed from the complement.

"Thanks." She looked down at her hands then back at me. "Zuko what would you say if I took on a few Lady's maids and guards? To be under my, and yours command only."

I looked at her for a moment before responding.

"I don't see why not. I have my men. I'll start gathering men to.."

"No, I mean I only want women. Trained to fight as well as the more womanly arts. Like Ty Lee for example, I want at least one girl or woman from every style. Water, Fire , Earth, and a few Kyoshi girls. Ty Lee you are the first I'm asking."

I sat there stunned. She had really put a lot of thought into this and I knew in the end I would give in to her and she seemed so excited…

"That's fine with me. Just make sure they can be trusted." She and Ty Lee both beamed up at me.

"Fire Lord Zuko, Guard Ming is here it retrieve her daughter." A servant bowed.

"Send her in." Katara ordered. The servant looked a little startled that Katara was ordering him and looked for me to confirm her order.

"I believe the Lady said to send her in, yet I don't see the woman in question, do you Ty Lee."

"No I don't."

"Right away My Lady." The servant went to the door and ushered a young woman in. She couldn't have been older than Katara and the girl already had a child.

Then again aren't you supposed to get Katara pregnant in the next year? The little voice inside his head nagged.

"My Lord, My Ladies." She bowed kneeling on the floor.

"Mama!" Maiko jumped off of the couch she was sitting on playing with the dolls Zuko had sent to the nursery for her.

"Maiko, darling why did you bother these nice people? We should get you home." Ming stood and started to lead Maiko out the door. "My Lord, Your highness."

"Wait!" Katara called standing up. "Don't go. I wish to talk to you."

"Yes my Lady." Ming turned back to us.

"You are a firebender correct?" Katara asked. I couldn't see where she was going with this. "I am taking on a few women as guards and personal helpers. Can you give us a demonstration please? Don't worry about setting anything on fire. I'll put it out quick enough."

"As you wish my Lady." Ming went through some basic forms then progressed to more complex and advanced moves while keeping the fire contained and not burning a single item in the room.

"Does that please you my Lady?" Ming asked breathless.

"Very much so. I have a proposition for you. Work here in the palace. Maiko can spend the days in the nursery with the other children. I need women and girls who I can trust to be at my side all day, who knows the palace and the nobles but can still fight and hold her own if someone were to attack."

"I- My Lady …I.." Ming stuttered

"I don't need an answer today. But tomorrow yes. I will pay you, though how much I need to determine how much is at my disposal-"

"The entire treasury" I cut in.

"Well I still need to discuss this with the Fire Lord."

"Yes, I'll do it!" Ming exclaimed.

"Well that settles that. Call me Katara when there aren't any nobles around, I hate the formality."

"Of course my" she caught a stern look from Katara. " I mean Katara."

"Your dinner guests are here my Lord. And the changes in the menu have been made as you requested." The servant appeared again.

"It's time" Katara said.

Okay, a bit longer this time. I am totally caught up with what I have written so please bear with me!! I have to find time to write and come up with ideas...

Thanks to all who reviewed! I really appriciate it.

And i know some of the names are really cheesey, but hey who really cares? Its a story.

Adurna Risa