I'm so very sorry it has taken so long to get back to the story!I just moved in to college, so I'm pretty busy and stuff.
So anyway…Sorry for the wait! Read and reply, my friends!

Much love,
Karynna

A burst of fire shot past his face. "Gotta do better than that, Zhao!" His hand blazed as he sent a shot towards his sparring partner, explaining his problems between breaths and flames. "So if...I marry...the wrong girl..." A blast of flame"The world ends!"

Zhao laughed and signaled for a break. "What do you need a wife for anyway? Women are too inferior to matter all that much. You don't need one to rule."

"Politically? An heir. Physically?" Iroh laughed as he tossed a skin of water to Zhao. "Well..."

Zhao chuckled and took a drink. "So...when do you choose?"

"The Fire Lord expects me to choose a family before the week ends," said Iroh, rolling his eyes.

"Sucks. What options do you have?"

"I can't marry a Huojin, I'll lose the throne. They're too apt to revolt, and if given a little more power..." Iroh slid his finger suggestively across his throat.

"What about us, man? The Jinhai?"

Iroh shook his head. "Dude, do you ever leave the Agni Kai arena? There are no women in your family."

"Oh yeah...wait...no, she's six. Well...we know the Iwao are out." He gave Iroh a knowing look. "Half-breeds. Every last one of them has some Earth Kingdom whore for a mother."

"And the Hiromi are too...ah...loose for my taste. I want a girl to myself, y'know what I mean?"

"Yeah, but they're fun!" Zhao sniggered. "Don't even bother with the Rei. They're all so stiff and polite and self-conscious. Probably'd end up spending half the day waiting for her to perform all the formalities just to say 'Hello' to her. And forget having an heir..."

"Which leaves the Shan."

"Ugh. They're all so...backwoods."

"Yeah, but they have the support of the Jinhai. And the Rei and Hiromi wouldn't object too badly, as long as she wasn't a Huojin."

"True, but still...the Shan?"

"Looks like it."

Zania rummaged through her bag, noting what she had purchased and what she still lacked. Red thread, lye soap, fish, fruit...Liro...Yes, I most certainly need fruit.

Her mind stayed distracted as she haggled the price of the crimson thread. The elderly man got much more than he should have, but Zania hardly noticed as the extra coins exchanged hands. Liro was three stands away and she couldn't wait. She thanked the man and went to stand in line, her heart racing.

Four people in front. Three. Two.

Their eyes met and all he could see was her anticipation.

What she expected him to say, he didn't know.

So he bowed. It seemed appropriate enough. She was the Fire Lady and his mother after all.

They had run into each other in one of the many corridors, he still sweating from his practice with Zhao, she dressed ready for the most elaborate occasion.

"Hello, Iroh."

"Hello, Mother. I pray you're doing well?"

"Yes, my son. And have you come to your decision?"

Iroh breathed deeply. There really wasn't much of a choice. "Yes, Mother."

"Good. Your father and I will expect your announcement tomorrow afternoon, then."

"Yes, Mother." He bowed. "If it pleases you, Mother, my current perspiring state is not one suited to your company. I request your permission to retire to my quarters."

At this, she laughed, breaking though the heavy facade of a royal family's duty.

One.

Zero.

Their eyes danced across each other's face, avoiding the direct gaze of an impossible hope.

He handed her the fruit.

She handed him the coins.

He hesitated, breath drawn. But the breath escaped his lips. No. She just used you. Don't fall for this wench. She's not worth it.

Her face fell. Just slightly--just that fraction.

She spun slightly, ready to leave. She would not force herself through such humiliation.

"Zania. Wait, please. I was just about to close for lunch." The words rushed from his throat. "Join me?"

Their eyes met.

"Of course."

The announcement shocked the Huojin.

They had been so sure, so sure that they would provide the next royal bride that their daughters had already ordered elaborate kimono and elegant garments, ready to impress their Prince.

Instead, the Jinhai and the Shan celebrated jointly. The Shan prepared their daughters diligently, putting them through their last paces in etiquette and charm. They selected only the best of the girls they had: the most beautiful, the most intelligent, the most captivating.

But the Jinhai had a different plan.

A stolen glance in the market, a slight nod when busy, the secret language of Liro and Zania formed with caution. Always with caution. A week passed and each was sure that there had to be a way.

Some way, somehow...

Taira looked at Zania with interest. She had recently seemed to be in another world, as though she were haunted. But Zania had never danced so well, her circles were always crowded.

"Zania! Snap out if it, girl!"

Zania's mind jerked back to their conversation. "Oh, wait...sorry. So, Saturday. A duet, you think? The market will be busy, so we'll need something different to catch their attention."

"Yeah, 'cause you're hurting for attention..." Taira rolled her eyes dramatically and laughed. "Whatever it is you've got, I want some! People have been leaving the Houses just to watch you."

"Mmmm..." Zania looked pensive again. "Maybe you could bring your flute and we could add some music."

"Yeah, that sounds good...Are you alright?"

"Fine, I'm fine." She smiled. "I'm happier than I've ever been."

The Shan elders were surprised by the proposal of the Jinhai.

"Are you sure this is a good idea? Introducing an outsider girl?"

"Trust us, honored brothers. We will make sure it works to the best advantage."