Into the Open Air

Part X: Proposal

Zuko panted as he sheathed his dao blades. He had pushed himself harder than usual, his pent up emotion fueling his bending and the fury behind his swordsmanship. Frustrated, and tired but not quite spent, Zuko sat on the stone floor of the courtyard. He put his head in his hands.

So he would marry Lana. It made sense, perfect sense actually. The Council had been correct, she was the perfect choice for the Fire Nation...but not for Zuko. He knew Lana and knew he should be thankful that he was not forced to marry a stranger, but he did not love her.

Suddenly, the trail of a green kimono was at his feet.

"Still moping, I see."

"Lana," Zuko tilted his head so that he could see her. She stood solidly with her arms crossed. Though she wore no makeup, she was dressed in her full Kyoshi uniform. It was clear how much she had changed. When he had known Lana as a girl, she had been meek and silent, repressed by her father's shadow. Squinting into the sunlight, he saw that the sleek curtain of hair she would hide behind had been cut short and her chin was raised. She was not the same girl. She was stronger.

"You're different," he said as she sat next to him, eyeing the katana she carried.

"Not really. With the warriors, I can finally be myself."

"I'm sorry," Zuko apologized. He hated that he was taking that from her.

"It's not your fault," she said. "Sometimes, we have to make sacrifices to do what is right." Zuko wondered if this was even right. Lana may be Zhao's daughter, but she didn't belong in the Fire Nation anymore. The council said she would be the perfect Fire Lady, but that was not her path.

"I'm still sorry," he said.

"Yeah," He watched as Lana unwound a tiny golden chain from around the hilt of her sword. Attached was a small trinket, like a locket. She held it tightly in her palm and closed her eyes. Zuko wondered who the man was who had given it to her, where he was now. "Me too."

Zuko clenched his fists and grit his teeth. He was tired of letting others control his destiny. He would be the play thing of politics, but he would not drag her into this. He was the Fire Lord for Agni's sake!

"The Warriors' ship is waiting at the docks," said Zuko quietly, "it will leave soon."

"I know," Lana pursed her lips, holding back tears.

"If you hurry, you will still be able to catch it."

"Aya," Nanami asked the servant woman who brought their tea every morning, "have you seen Zuko this morning?"

"No," the older woman poured tea for the gypsy, "but he often wakes early to train. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Thank you, but no. This is something I have to discuss with him myself."

"Yes, milady." Aya gave a slight bow and set out a plate of rice cakes and plums. Nanami watched her, made uncomfortable by being waited on.

"Nanami is fine. Please," she motioned to the cushion opposite her, "Aya, there's enough for two here, why don't you join me?"

"Oh," she said, wiping her hands on her apron and smoothing back the wispy gray hairs that had escaped from her top knot, "I couldn't."

Nanami grinned up at her, "If the Fire Lord can have a gypsy at his table, then you are certainly welcome." Grateful, the woman took the offered seat.

"So the rumors are true." Aya sipped from her cup, "The Fire lord is entertaining a gypsy."

"I wouldn't say that," Nanami blushed. "He saved my life. I owe him everything." She traced the rim of her cup with her fingertips.

"I have worked in the palace for many years," Aya said as she set down her cup, "and have watched Zuko grow from the young Prince he was to the man he is today. His life has been very troubled, but he has a good heart." Her wrinkled eyes extended her smile, "And I've seen more of that good man during your stay than I have in many years."

"I don't know what to say."

"It doesn't matter, but it's not me you have to tell." She stood. "Thank you, for the tea, milady." With a curt bow, Aya left Nanami alone.

Nanami sat, finishing her tea and thinking in the early morning silence. what had Aya meant? What was she supposed to tell Zuko? She realized then that it didn't matter, but every moment she wasted the sun grew higher in the sky. Standing, she rushed into her room to dress. She threw on a tunic, not caring about the mass of thick hair that was left unbound or the bare feet she usually forced into shoes.

She ran out of the bedchambers and down the corridor. Nanami wasn't sure where the training grounds were, but she knew she had to get there.

Eventually, she did find the training grounds. And Zuko was there! But, she came to a halt, he was not alone.

Beside the Fire Lord sat a woman in the green robes and armor of a Kyoshi Warrior. The two were speaking in hushed tones, their faces close as if sharing some kind of secret. Nanami continued to watch as they spoke. Zuko said something that lit the woman's face. With a happy shout, she flung her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek before rising and sprinting away.

Nanami wanted to run. She wanted to turn on her heel and feel her feet fly over the ground. She wanted to run and leave the palace behind. Zuko had chosen and she could not stay.

But she could not bring her feet to move.

Grinning wildly as he watched Lana run toward the docks, Zuko stood. He had a plan. He only had to find Nanami.

He did not have to go far because when he turned, his eyes met those of the gypsy. She stood on the edge of the training field, hair loose and feet bare. His grin melted when he came close enough to see the pain in her eyes.

"Nanami," he called to her softly.

"No," she said, wrapping her arms around her shoulder, "No. I know. I understand." Zuko reached for her arm, she moved out of his reach. He tried again and got the same response. He did not try a third time and she backed away from him.

"Nanami, wait, you don't understand." He followed her as she sped back the way she had come. "Nanami!"

Soon, they were back in his bedchambers.

"Stop, Zuko. You don't have to say anything. You've made your choice. You kept your word. I will leave." She turned her back to him.

With great trepidation, he took a step in her direction, then another until he was directly behind her.

"I have chosen," he said to her, "but she has to agree."

Nanami turned and looked up at him, "Hasn't she?"

He shook his head. "I haven't asked her." Nanami was silent, so he went on, taking one of her hands. "Marry me?"

AH! This was a perfect place to break the chapters. Keep y'all hungry for more. *evil laugh* Don't worry, this story is FAAAAR from over! LEAVE A REVIEW! Did you guys like Lana? You won't see any of her anymore, but I enjoyed writing her, for such a small character she had a heck of a back story. LEAVE A REVIEW! Also, check out my Korra fics "The Great Jaak Gatz" and "The Fighter" They are both kind of on hold while I write this, but I WILL finish them. And, if you're into Star Wars, try "Black and White". Okay, enough shameless self-promotion. LEAVE A REVIEW! LEAVE A REVIEW!