A/N: Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews. It had been a while since I last checked in on this fic and I was pleased to find so many people have followed it. I know it's been too long and I promise you, I did not forget this story.
25Carin: I'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapter. I'm always happy to see your comments among the reviews.
Tinkpat: I won't put too much on the lovely couple but this story will hold a great deal of self-discovery on both their parts as well.
AnotherHuman000: Sorry for the long wait, there will be plenty more to come :)
BUBU30: Thank you. Jealous Zuko is my favorite next to awkward Zuko. He happens to be my easiest to write.
To everyone else, thanks again for following!
"And in time's we'll stand in fields of gold from seeds that we have sown
You can find me when you think you're lost and it can lead you home." -Becky Hill, Unpredictable
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender
"Who knew you were so skilled at weaving, Master Katara." Lady Anju commented. "I could never be that good. I don't have the hands for it."
Katara sat at the servant's table in the palace kitchens among Noblewoman Anju and her maids, gathered around a large tapestry they were weaving. The noblewoman was not skilled in weaving and had sought the help of the master waterbender whom she had heard had taught several of the palace residences. Katara was happy to help after Lady Anju told her that the tapestry was meant as a gift for her betrothed in the Earth Kingdom.
"I was told a gift from the bride to be is valued in his city." Lady Anju stated. "Apparently bought gifts are ill advised. I hadn't a clue on how to make a thing."
Katara was confused. In the Southern Watertribe the women made various tapestries, one, being used to present to her future husband the day of their wedding. The groom accepts the gift, wearing it at the beginning of the ceremony until their wedding night. He would then spread it on the floor of their hut and lie with his new wife. The tapestry would forever be used as a blanket on their marriage bed.
Katara had helped weave many tapestries with the women of her village. She hadn't made one for a wedding since the men left for war. When she came back after helping Aang defeat the previous Fire Lord she didn't take part in such traditions. Not for the lack of wanting to but she just didn't feel the same as she did when she last left. Teaching waterbending became her main priority.
"I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty. It has been a long time." Katara told her.
"Nonsense, Master Katara." Anju's eldest maid, Pena chimed. "Your skills are quite advanced. I've never seen such detail." The maid ran her fingers over the intricate designs Katara had woven so far. "Such beauty. I've woven since I was a little girl, but I've seen nothing like this. Do the tribes sell or trade any? I'm sure many people here in the Fire Nation would be interested in purchasing them."
Katara chuckled. Years ago, she couldn't imagine that the Fire Nation people would be remotely interested in her culture. "I'm not sure about the North but we don't in the South. It's tradition to weave your own. But we aren't the least bit bothered to teach those who are willing to learn."
"Well, I for one am grateful." Lady Anju couldn't express her gratitude enough. "Oh, dear Agni, I ruined it!" She had somehow strayed the design. "Now it's ruined!"
"Don't fret." Katara said gently. "Look." She loosens the thread enough to where the noblewoman could restart. "You are doing well so far. Don't let it bother you, I still make mistakes now and again."
After that Katara sat in silence, enjoying the chatter amongst the women. It reminded her of home and how the older women would gossip and laugh. Encouraging the nervous bride to loosen up before her wedding day. She always imagined what it would be like to weave a tapestry for her future husband when she was young. Adorned in her heavy fur trimmed parka, traditional wedding gown underneath, and hair braided and styled with handmade beads. After the war, those fantasies faded. Now she wasn't sure what she would even imagine her wedding looking like.
One thing she was sure of at this point was no matter how her future turned out to be, all she could see was Zuko's face.
"Well, what's that smile for, Master Katara." Rei smirked. She offered to help with the tapestry after doing her morning duties.
"I was smiling?" she wasn't even aware.
"You were!" Lady Anju squeaked.
"I was only smiling." Katara shrugged.
"I know what that simile is." Pena said. "It's love. Looked at my dear Kanzu the same way everyday til Agni took him from this Earth, rest his soul. Can't fool me, if you're trying, dear."
"The Avatar has been around recently. You two making up for lost time?" Anju teased.
Katara gasped but caught her own spit in her throat, ending up in a coughing fit.
"Master Katara!" Anju went to pat the back of the tribeswoman until she settled. "Sorry." She mumbled.
"It's okay. No. Me and Aang aren't getting back together." Katara cringed.
"Forgive me." Anju begged. "Sometimes my mouth runs away from me." Pena rolled her eyes. Rei smiled without a word. She could guess who the lucky man was.
"I wish I felt the same for my betrothed." Anju sighed.
Katara's brows shot up. "Then why are you marrying him?"
"Pena's parents have agreed to marry her off to the son of a wealthy family in the city of Hang Zhou in the northern Earth Kingdom." Pena stated.
"Well that's not fair." Katara said.
"It is her duty. The Wei family is one of the wealthiest in the Earth Kingdom. She would be a fool to pass up such an offer."
Katara turned to the young woman who looked on the verge of tears. "Lady Anju…"
"No need to feel sorry for me." Anju smiled sadly. "I've been prepped for this all my life. If not for him, for someone else. Besides I hear it snows there one season a year. It must be beautiful."
The waterbender's heart hurt for the young woman. She knew it was common for nobles in the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom to marry arranged. Katara hated it, that's why she had no respect for the Northern Watertribe and their tradition to marry their women off like they were precious cargo trade. But she did not want to upset the bride to be. "It is beautiful. The snow glistens like diamonds on the ground when the sun comes out."
The girl beamed. Taking in Katara's words, a smile glued to her face as she continued weaving.
Katara sat in Iroh's room as they quietly listened to the light rain. Iroh hummed a soothing song as he poured more tea into both their cups. Katara was in the midst of weaving the last bit of the tapestry she had promised Lady Anju she would finish, whose parents had requested her presence near its completion.
Iroh didn't seem to mind. In fact, he loved the waterbender's company. Especially when she went on about her homeland. He had always enjoyed being around other cultures. His time journeying after stepping down as General gave him the opportunity to get to know people of many backgrounds.
He was stubborn back in his youth. Being raised in the Fire Nation, especially as a royal, made him narrow minded. He had no interest in the other nation's other than to conquer them. Ba Sing Sa was his prize and it was calling to him. He had it within his grasp. Just a few more days and his name would be remembered for many years to come. The Dragon of the West, breaking the walls of Ba Sing Sa. Until he received news that his son was one of the many casualties during the siege.
His clear colored world turned gray.
He abandoned the siege. Making his way home after burning his son's body on Earth Kingdom soil. The idea of bringing Lu Ten's body back to the Fire nation for a proper funeral sent a dark, sickening hole in the pit of his stomach. He arrived in time to learn of his father's death and his brother's place on the throne. Yet, it meant little to him, even now. The title was something he had been prepared for all his life but he wasn't prepared to lose his only child.
So, without so much as fighting for his right birthright, much to the Sages disappointment, Iroh sought out on his own journey of self-discovery. Ozai caring little of what his brother was doing as long as it meant him keeping his place without disturbance. That's how he crossed paths with the White Lotus. Through the loss and the gray colored energy that seemed to overwhelm his very soul, he found place in the world. He owed that much for what him and his ancestors had caused. He wouldn't exempt himself for the countless deaths he had caused during his siege.
"That is a pretty tapestry, Master Katara. Though, I thought women of your tribe do it in groups."
Katara smiled sweetly at the former General for his knowledge of Southern Watertribe culture. "We do. I was actually teaching a few people but everyone had errands to run and there was only a little bit more to go."
"I hear you've been teaching Lady Anju."
"Yes, she is so sweet. I feel bad that the marriage is arranged. She seems afraid to leave home."
Iroh hummed in acknowledgement. He understood. He was indeed nervous about marrying his now deceased wife. He supposed he was one of the lucky ones to fall in love with the woman he was forced to marry without knowing a single thing about her. "It is unfortunate, but it is part of our society."
Katara clenched her jaw. That was something she refused to believe was right, even coming from Iroh. She wasn't a fan of arranged marriages since her first visit to the Northern Watertribe. But what say did she have? She was a peasant. You could say she was a princess in her own right considering her father was chieftain but in her homeland the chief was equal to his people. He shared just as much of the labor as he would the quantity of food that they split from their hunt. The chief was there to lead, not to gain treatment and praise in exchange for giving his people knowledge and leadership. It has been that way since her great-grandfather broke ties with the North over a hundred years ago. "I don't agree." Katara commented. "But I respect it."
Iroh couldn't help but chuckle. "No wonder Zuko enjoys having you around."
Katara immediately blushed, snapping her head up to express confusion when her brows knitted. "You know?"
"My dear, if you or my nephew think that the palace residence is oblivious to your love drawn glares at one another, you are sadly mistaken." He grinned, taking a sip of his tea.
Katara's eyes darted around the items sitting on the table between them, setting the needle and tapestry on her lap.
How embarrassing. Just how ridiculous did she look trying to look inconspicuous.
"It's nothing recent we were aware of. You haven't fooled me for years." Iroh warmly patted the hand Katara had clenched on top of the table. "You are a beautiful couple, dear. I wish your union was better timing."
She cocked her head. "How do you mean?"
Iroh scowled, shutting his eyes and shaking his head, he squeezed her hand. "Zuko is still not clear of danger, I'm afraid. I am worried that your time here with him may put your life at risk as well. Understand, that I want what's best for both of you. So, I ask that you do not confirm your relationship with my nephew until things settle. Although, I cannot guarantee that occurrences like these will not continue throughout Zuko's life."
Katara nodded, allowing the former General's words to sink in. She had no plans of announcing their relationship for some time. Zuko had explained to her the possible consequences for being with him. She was even aware of the possibility of his people not wholly accepting her, regardless of her title as a Master Waterbender and teacher of the Avatar. Yeah, she was respected now but who was to say how they felt about her being with the Fire Lord not only after divorcing their previous Fire Lady but also taking her place being from a different background.
"I understand, Uncle. I appreciate your acceptance of this."
"I will admit," He released her hand. "I had my doubts about how the two of you being together would turn out. On the other hand, I had no doubt your feelings for one another were pure. I feared what would come of you two once you learned that being with the Fire Lord meant giving up so much. It was something Mai had come to realize, and she had left my nephew heartbroken."
"I don't mean to sound rude, but please do not compare me to Mai. I had my fair share of heartbreak, I could never bring myself to hurt Zuko. Not after I lost so much time distancing myself from him physically for years."
Iroh gave her a genuine smile. "You are right, Master Katara. You are nothing like Mai."
A knock at the door interrupted the two. Iroh called for the visitor to come in.
"Good afternoon, Prince Iroh." A servant bowed. "Master Katara." He bowed again. "I have a message for Master Katara from Caldera University."
Her brows shot up. Could it be Professor Qin? She had not heard from him since they captured Yuna. "Thank you, Masaru." She smiled.
The servant blushed when she said his name. Not many of the nobles bothered to remember it. Masaru mirrored her smile, bowing once last time before taking his leave.
Katara unrolled the scroll, scanning the contents before rolling it back up.
Iroh narrowed his eyes when she did not speak of what the message was about. "Is something wrong my dear?"
Katara shrugged, grabbing her cup to drink. "Nothing. It was Professor Qin requesting I come visit him and his class sometime."
He was somehow not convinced. "You do understand that none of us are to leave palace grounds for the time being, Master Katara."
"Oh, I know. I will just reply that my visit will be delayed for quite a while."
Iroh pursed his lips. "I appreciate your understanding."
Katara nodded, playing with the drops of tea sitting at the bottom of her cup.
Katara's feet patted on the marble flooring of her bedchambers as she hurriedly opened the door to answer the knock that took place seconds ago.
She giggled as she swung the door open, grabbing the sash around Zuko's robe and pulling him in. His eyes widened when he was suddenly pulled into the room, Katara shutting the door behind him and pressing him against it so she could stand on her toes to press her lips against his.
He gasped, mainly from the door knob coming in contact with his rear and she laughed when he groaned.
"Sorry." She whispered, grinning at the way he tensed when she went to rub his bottom to sooth the ache before going in to grip both cheeks. He was just too cute. "You missed me?"
Zuko chuckled, wrapping his arms around her so he could pull her in for another deep kiss. "Very much." He replied, his hot breath hitting her parted lips.
She broke the hug, grasping his hand to lead him to the bed. "I'm surprised you didn't want me to stay in your room tonight, you haven't slept in mine in a while."
Zuko fell backwards on her bed, laying out his arm as a gesture for her to lay her head on it. Katara obliged, snuggling close to him so she could wrap her leg around his waist. "Tomorrow is supposed to be my day off and I hate seeing you sneak away before sunrise. You could've stayed in my chambers so we could sleep in but I didn't want to risk my servants popping in. So if they end up needing me, they can search."
Katara patted his cheek. "Well you can stay as long as you need to."
Zuko sighed, closing his eyes, tense and achy muscles relaxing at the gentle skim of Katara's fingers as they traveled down his bare arm. Goosebumps rose from her touch. It reminded him of the first time they had become so intimate. No matter how exhausting or conflicted he felt throughout his days, Katara always settled the pulsating need to let out his rage.
Since he had fired the matchmaker and informed his advisor's the search for a bride was on hold until further notice, things have gotten out of hand. Even his ambassadors were becoming on edge with the way the council was outraged by his decision. None the less, he chose Katara, there was no going back nor, did he ever plan to.
Zuko turned his head, placing a kiss on Katara's forehead, He never felt so complete. "It kills me going so long without seeing you." He opened a single eye to peak at her.
"Zuko, quit worrying. It's a given that your busy. I don't mind waiting, I've been happy to do other things around the palace."
"Ah, yes. I heard of the tapestry that Lady Anju requested your aid with. I think it's amazing how the palace has taken to you."
Katara pursed her lips.
"What's wrong, Kat?" He asked when she remained silent.
"I don't know. I sometimes worry about what people will think of me being with you. I'm not a noble and I'm not Fire Nation."
Zuko frowned. It was not something he hadn't thought about before. He just didn't care to look pass what was presently taking place between them. He couldn't very well ignore the impending backlash he may get from eventually announcing their relationship, but he knew plenty of people who would support him either way. "That is something we will face when the time comes, Katara." He assured her, bringing her in closer. "I will protect you with everything I have."
Katara snuggled into him, revealing in the Fire Lord's warmth. She never thought for a second that Zuko wouldn't protect her and she would do the same in turn.
Which strayed her thoughts to the message she received from Professor Qin. A swell of guilt set in her chest when she hid it from Iroh and even more so from making the decision to keep it from Zuko as well. The waterbender could sense it in Iroh's blood that he knew she was lying when his heart tensed for longer than normal before resuming its regular heartbeat. But one thing she could count on was that Iroh was not one to make accusations without the facts.
Katara rubbed Zuko's chest as his eyes drifted close. "Will you be back tomorrow night." She asked.
He shook his head. "I actually meant to tell you that I will be in Ember Island for few days after tomorrow. I was invited by the governor to go over some legislations. I was hoping it's something I could take care of in a day but Governor Quan is persistent and slow due to his elderly state. There's no telling how long the man will be able to process a thing. Why? Can't go a few nights without me?" He teased.
"Nah, I'll be fine. Besides I can always keep Toph company. We haven't had girl time in a while."
"I'm pretty sure she would enjoy that immensely."
Katara hummed in response, allowing the sound of Zuko's gentle breathing to pull her into sleep as it took him as well.
Yuna drummed her fingers on her knee, sitting crossed legged as the sound of feet approached her cell. A sly smile slowly stretched on her lips as the metal door creaked open and a figure emerged from behind it. The glow of the torch descended into the room, displaying the clearly amused face of the foreign redhead.
"My, my, what take so long? I am lonely since last visit." She grinned taking in the form of the visitor clad in black.
Her cerulean eyes narrowed at Yuna. She bent the water from her waterskin, penetrating the lock and using it to break it open.
The door swung open, Yuna stepping out in time to catch the black attire that was originally apprehended from her when she was first imprisoned.
"Quiet." Katara hissed low. "We have a deal and if you want to be free from being imprisoned, then you will do as I ask."
Yuna put her hands up in surrender, nodding her head. She brought her right hand down to caress the side of the waterbender's face, "You no worry, water girl, I have best interest in mind."
Katara blushed furiously. She knocked Yuna's hand away. "I doubt that. Don't forget what I could do to you if you so much as back away from the deal."
The redhead chuckled, sliding the body suit over her prison attire before covering her mouth and nose. "I never go against such powerful bloodbender."
Katara's eyes widened, she did not tell her she could bloodbend.
"I keep secret." Yuna winked. "Come, water girl, we have not much time."