Two No More
Chapter 25: A Wedding and a Departure
The entire town of Kyoshi was in a state of quiet businesslike uproar. Huge trays of food were carried to the main hall, the scene of the reception later in the day. Summer flowers native to the island were brought in bunches to both the hall and the square. Businesses were closed for the day and the main street had been swept of any debris, leaving a clear path for all the wedding guests.
The entire population of the village, which teetered on the verge of four hundred, was invited to the festivities. After all, it was in essence the village that had raised Suki. Her parents died before she formed any real memories of them. The people of Kyoshi took the place of her missing mother and father. She stayed with various families, all loving and nurturing, until the age of twelve. After that, she began training in the ways of the Kyoshi Warrior, and lived with the small group of highly skilled young women.
Some of those women had moved on and started families of their own. Others were still part of the elite group. Suki had surpassed them all at a young age, however, and become their leader the day she turned fifteen. One day, she might hand over the reins, but, despite her impending marriage to Sokka, and the idea of one day having children of her own, she wasn't ready for that quite yet.
From his seat by the window in the small house Mai and Zuko occupied, Tom-Tom watched a group of the green clad warriors with painted faces walk down the street. He was fascinated by their attire, especially the makeup, and wondered why boys weren't part of the group.
"You can answer that one, Zuko," Mai smirked as she continued to brush out her shoulder length black hair.
"Great," the Fire Lord muttered, trying to come up with a suitable response.
"It's a girl's thing," was the best that he could come up with.
"Why?" Tom-Tom pestered petulantly.
Zuko looked over at Mai who shook her head and pressed her lips together tightly, sealing in the laughter that wanted to bubble out.
"It's always been that way. You see, Avatar Kyoshi was a woman and the warriors are a tribute to her."
The Fire Lord was proud of his answer and almost sure that it would satisfy his young brother-in-law. Much to his dismay, the boy had latched onto the topic with all his teeth and wasn't about to let go. He looked out the window again, thinking hard.
"But you said that the world is different now and that everyone should work together. So, why can't I be a Kyoshi Warrior if I wanna be?"
There was nothing quite as irritating as having his own words thrown back in his face as a means of argument. Zuko hated it.
"I meant all the nations should cooperate," he replied, voice rising with aggravation. "That has nothing to do with the Kyoshi Warriors."
"It's not fair if they don't let me try," Tom-Tom whined.
Zuko dragged his hand through his dark hair and groaned in frustration.
"Okay, Tom, that's enough," Mai said, saving Zuko from further agony. "You've worn Zuko out. Ask Suki the next time you talk to her. She'll answer your question."
"Okay," the boy replied, apparently appeased.
He sat down beside the twins, grabbed a rattle and shook it for them. They both smiled up at the boy, captivated by the noise.
"You should start getting dressed," Mai instructed her brother. "The wedding starts in an hour."
"I will, I will."
"You too, Zuko," Mai added.
She was pulling her thick hair into a top knot and inserting the Fire Lady's royal hairpiece. Mai didn't wear it often, only on formal occasions. Her robes were the traditional Fire Lady ones, but a lighter version for summer. She didn't wear those as often as her predecessors either. Zuko's were laid out on the bed ready for him to put on.
The Fire Lord walked into the reasonably sized bathroom to wash his face and hands. He took off his casual robe and stood in the light silk pants designed to fit underneath his royal attire. He rubbed his fingers up and down his cheeks and chin, feeling the stubble.
"Mai," he called. "Do I need a…."
"Yes," she replied. "Shave."
Sighing, Zuko pulled his straight razor from its case, filled the sink with water and heated it. He lathered up and dragged the sharp blade carefully across his skin, down the jaw line and up his throat. When he was done, he wiped the residual lather off his face and decided to clean his teeth while he was at it. Leaving the bathroom, his breath stopped for a second when his eyes rested on Mai.
Mai wasn't pretty in the typical sense. When Zuko thought pretty, Ty Lee and Katara came to mind. Mai was regal. When in her formal robes, she looked every bit the Fire Lady, elegant and sophisticated and just a bit intimidating. Her heart shaped face with its narrow golden eyes, perfectly straight nose and thin lips, her flawless pale skin and the passion he knew bubbled under the surface, passion he alone was privy to, thrilled and excited him.
"You're staring," Mai observed. "Did I miss a wrinkle or something?"
"No," Zuko replied. "It's just, you look amazing and beautiful."
"Oh?" she asked with a slight upturn of her lips and a slight quirk of her eyebrows.
"Yes," he reaffirmed, licking suddenly parched lips.
"Thanks. Now get your robes on. Tom-Tom's dressed already and so are the twins."
"I helped dress them," the boy stated proudly.
"Yes, you are somewhat useful to have around," Mai said dryly.
Zuko pulled on the layers of summer weight cloth, Mai adjusting things occasionally. He pulled his hair into a messy bunch and attempted to put it up into a top knot. Mai giggled. She couldn't help herself. Zuko looked so helpless and dorky and incredibly cute. After four years together, he still couldn't manage his hair. Mai secretly wondered if his hair incompetence was an act, all done to encourage her participation. He certainly seemed to enjoy it.
"Here, let me," she said, and took the comb from him.
Gently she combed his hair out, working through the snarls until it was smooth and shiny. Zuko groaned softly and Mai smiled. He definitely faked it. Pulling the hair back from his forehead and up from his neck, she expertly placed it all in a perfect top knot, slipping the special Fire Lord hairpiece inside.
He turned around to face her, placing a kiss on her cheek.
"Thanks, Mai."
He looked so different with his hair up. His scar was so much more visible and with his smooth face, he almost looked like the little boy of ten she fell in love with. Almost…..the scar, something Zuko accepted fully now and even bore with pride, marred that image. But Mai loved it anyway. The angry splotch of red and pink was so much a part of her husband, so much a mark of all the turmoil he endured to become the man he was now, that Mai could no longer imagine him without it. The knife thrower shook her head, clearing it of wandering thoughts. She leaned towards her husband and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.
A knock on the door disturbed their intimate moment. Tom-Tom ran to open it. Ursa, Iroh and Lan were outside.
"Hi," the boy greeted everyone. "And hi, Jee," he added.
The bodyguard gave Tom-Tom a wave.
"May we come in, young man?" Iroh asked very seriously.
"Zuke, it's your mom and Iroh and Lan."
"Let them in, please."
Tom held the door open and let the trio of adults pass.
"It's almost time to leave," Ursa stated.
"We're all ready," Mai replied.
Zuko's mother and uncle were both drawn to Ryuhito and Miyako. They each picked up a baby, something soft but fierce flitting across both their faces.
"I'd be happy to hold one during the ceremony?" Ursa offered.
"That's fine," Mai agreed. "I just hope they make it through the entire thing. I wonder how long it will last."
"Oh, I don't think more than half an hour," Iroh replied.
"I love their little matching outfits," Ursa declared with a grin. "They are just adorable."
"Shall we go?" Lan asked.
Tom-Tom grabbed hold of Zuko's hand, pulling him toward the door.
"We'll let everyone else leave first," Zuko said to the boy and moved aside for the women and Iroh.
Zuko and Tom followed, the Fire Lord pulling the door shut behind him. Jee fell into step with Zuko, eyes in constant motion. The group reached the square after only a few minutes. Most of the townspeople were already gathered there along with Pakku, Kana, Nauja, the Kyoshi Warriors and the town elder who was performing the marriage ceremony.
After a few more minutes, Sokka arrived with Aang (Momo in tow) and Hakoda. The Water Tribesman wore a robe of deep midnight blue, a pale green sash tied around his waist. His brown hair was pulled back into the beloved wolf tail. Hakoda wore the traditional pale blue of the Water Tribe and his longer hair was also tied back, loose pieces in front decorated with blue beads. Aang, of course, wore the yellow robes of the Air Nomad monks.
"Hey," Sokka greeted everyone cheerfully. "We just have to wait for my woman now."
Mai rolled her eyes at Sokka's possessive description of Suki. She looked over at Zuko and the two shared a smile. They stood off to one side of the altar, near the imposing statue of Avatar Kyoshi. The village folk formed a semi circular mass, children at the front so they could see.
"Look at that guy," Tom-Tom whispered in awe.
"Who?" Zuko asked.
The boy pointed to the first row of adults in the crowd. A man was foaming from his mouth in vast quantities, clearly excited by the thought of the wedding. Mai blinked hard and then looked again. The man was still there. Now that was something you didn't see every day.
"What the….?" Mai exclaimed.
"Oh yeah, that's Foamy," Sokka explained. "He's just a little excitable."
"You think?" Mai replied drolly.
"There are a few colorful characters here on Kyoshi," Sokka continued. "I think it's because they were isolated for awhile."
Zuko looked at Mai and Mai looked at Zuko. Neither had a clue what Sokka meant and neither wanted to pursue the subject any further.
"When is Suki coming?" Tom-Tom asked impatiently.
"The bride wants to make an entrance, child," Iroh answered. "She wants everyone to be waiting for her."
"Well that's dumb," Tom stated. "What if we get tired and want to leave?"
"She won't make us wait that long," Mai corrected the boy. "In fact, I see her now."
Suki walked with Katara and Toph on either side of her. She held a rough bouquet of wildflowers in her hands. The yellow blooms looked striking against her dark green gown. Her sash was of a striking blue that matched her fiancé's robes. Her lovely red hair was loose and moved about in the breeze, giving her a carefree appearance. The Kyoshi Warrior had on just a hint of makeup; a little color on her lips and a hint of brown shadow on her eyelids. Underneath the green of her gown was a slip of white silk. Her betrothal necklace lay against it, noticeable to everyone. Suki's sleeves were wide and billowy, the insides a yellowy gold color.
For her part, Katara wore a formal robe of pale blue while Toph wore a simple set of light green robes. Katara's hair was loose as well, her hair loopies the only concession to her old way of dress. The earthbender's dark hair was pulled up into a loose bun, tendrils hanging down in front and long bangs almost covering her sightless eyes. Toph looked ready to kick off the shoes that Katara had insisted she wear, at least until the end of the ceremony itself.
Mai sensed her friend's discomfort with the unwanted footwear. The young woman would probably be irritable for the rest of the day. She hated losing contact with her element. It frightened and disoriented her.
The women walked by the villagers and toward their group of friends and family. Suki joined Sokka in front of the village elder, while Katara and Toph moved off to the side with Mai and Zuko. The man who was to perform the ceremony raised his hand and silence befell the entire crowd.
"Before I begin the actual ceremony, the warriors will perform for Suki, Sokka and the rest of us. The Kyoshi Warriors took our girl in when she was twelve years old. They trained her, educated her and loved her. It seems fitting that they take part in her wedding."
Suki grinned at the group of fifteen girls and young woman. She was proud of them and proud to be their leader. Ty Lee nodded to Suki. Suki nodded back and the group began. They moved slowly, deliberately, yet with exquisite grace, performing fighting moves, evasive moves, with both fans and katana. Suki realized that their movements were progressing from the most basic to the most challenging as if in representation of her own growth as a warrior. She was touched and dabbed at her eyes. Sokka took her hand and smiled over at her, his admiration of Suki shining in light blue eyes.
The perfectly synchronized Kyoshi performance came to an end and the crowd burst into enthusiastic applause. Mai gave Ty Lee a little wave and the one time circus performer waved back frantically. The grey eyed girl was clearly relieved that the Warriors in general and she specifically had been flawless.
Once again, the elder raised his hand and respectful silence reigned.
"Now, let's get these two married."
Miyako began to twist and fidget in Ursa's arms. She cried out loudly and everyone laughed. Ryuhito slept blissfully, cradled within Iroh's strong arms.
"Do you want me to take her?" Mai asked, turning to Ursa.
"I think she's settled down again for a few minutes," Ursa replied.
Mai nodded and turned back to Sokka and Suki who were now holding hands as they stood before the elder. The pair paid respects to their ancestors and heritages by presenting gifts, Sokka to his grandmother and his father, Suki placing a token at the foot of Avatar Kyoshi's huge statue.
"Who is standing up for you, Sokka?" the man asked.
Aang stepped forward and stood beside his friend.
"Who is standing up for you, Suki?"
Katara stepped forward and stood next to her friend and soon to be sister-in-law.
"Aang and Katara, come forward."
The pair moved ahead until they were standing beside a small table that held a beautiful teapot and a solitary cup.
"Pour the tea, please."
Aang grabbed the handle of the teapot and Katara placed her hand on top of his. They poured a small amount of tea into the single cup. The waterbender handed the drink to Suki who took a sip. Aang took the cup from her and gave it to Sokka who also took a single sip.* The couple bowed to each other.
"May Kyoshi bless you; May the Earth and the Seas bless you."
"Are we done yet?" Sokka inquired irreverently. "I want to kiss my bride."
Suki gave her new husband a friendly glare and he smirked, leaning in for a kiss. The village elder forced his way between the two before lips met.
"Hang on there, young man. We're not quite finished yet," he grinned. "Join hands."
They did as they were told, waiting expectantly for the elder's final words.
"You have both drunk of the marriage tea, using a single cup. You are two, yet you are one. Go ahead and kiss!"
"Whoot!" Sokka exclaimed and dipped Suki low to the ground, planting a sound kiss on her lips.
The crowd laughed and clapped. Suki's face was pink when Sokka finally let her back up. She was smiling widely, though, and gave her husband a kiss of her own.
"Save it for later," Toph called.
That was becoming the earthbender's standard wedding declaration.
"Save what?" Tom-Tom asked Zuko, who turned a bright pink.
"Um, kisses," he answered.
"Ohhh," the boy said knowingly. "Kisses are gross."
"You'll learn to like them when you get older," Toph whispered in the boy's ear.
"Let's keep the corruption of children to a minimum, Toph," Mai remarked dryly.
"Sure, Blade," the young woman replied, giving the knife thrower her trademark punch to the arm.
Family and friends crowded around the newlyweds, offering congratulations and giving hugs.
"GrandPakku!" Sokka exclaimed as he threw his arms around the crusty waterbending master. "Hey, Suki, you can call him that now too."
"No," Pakku replied succinctly.
The look on his face brooked no argument. Suki smiled timidly at the man.
"Now, husband, there's no need to be grumpy at a wedding," Kana stated as she pulled her grandson into a hug. "Be happy, Sokka."
The old woman let go of the warrior and turned to Suki. She wrapped her arms around the redhead, who smiled over Kana's shoulder at her husband.
"I think my husband might be hungry. That's probably why he's in a bad mood. He's a lot like Sokka in that regard."
Suki laughed while Sokka looked indignant. Mai and Zuko moved toward the couple. Awkwardly, still unsure of how to physically show their affection for each other, Zuko and Sokka reached out, gently punched the other's shoulder and smiled goofily at each other.
"Congratulations, Sokka and Suki," Zuko said almost formally.
"Thanks, now I hope you got us some great gifts," the Water Tribe warrior joked.
The women were talking happily. Katara, Toph and Ty Lee had joined them. Ursa, still holding Miyako, approached the group and was welcomed with warm smiles.
"Ursa,we need to fit a session in tomorrow before you leave," Katara reminded the woman.
Ursa nodded and then expressed her happiness for Suki and Sokka.
"Thanks, Ursa," Suki replied. "Who have you got there?"
"Look at the hair," Mai said with a roll of her eyes.
"Oh, it's Miyako. May I hold her for a minute, Mai?"
"Go ahead."
Ursa handed the infant over to Suki and the other women crowded around, cooing at the baby girl who lapped up the attention, smiling and waving her tiny hands around with vigor.
"Someone likes attention," Toph observed.
"Yes, she does," Suki agreed. "And that's just fine, isn't it, Miyako?"
The baby began to move in Suki's arms. Her eyes filled with tears and she let out a shriek.
"Must have been something you said," Toph remarked with a grin.
"She's hungry," Mai informed everyone, reaching for her daughter. "Zuko, can you get Ryuhito from your uncle and come with me to the house. The babies need to be fed."
Obligingly, the Fire Lord retrieved his son from Iroh who was busy exchanging news with Pakku.
"We'll see everyone up at the hall in an hour or so," Mai told Suki.
"I'll watch Tom-Tom," Ursa offered. "You guys go ahead."
"Thanks," Mai said gratefully over her shoulder as she and Zuko walked up the street back to their living quarters.
Jee followed behind.
They were stretched out on the small bed, shoulders touching, as Mai opened her tunic and began to feed a by now frantic Miyako.
"It's alright," Zuko said softly to his daughter as he stroked her head.
Miyako's cries and the fat tears on her soft cheeks pierced his heart as surely as one of Mai's knives would. The Fire Lord cradled a still calm Ryuhito on his lap.
"She's settling down now," Mai noted as their girl gave one last hiccoughing cry while still taking in all the milk she could.
"Did you like the wedding?" Zuko asked, thinking back to his own the year before.
"Mmmm," Mai replied thoughtfully. "It was lovely. They're a great couple."
"I was thinking about ours most of the time," Zuko confessed.
"Ours was great," Mai recalled with a smile.
"The reception should be good. It's not often we have everyone together."
"It will be memorable, I'm sure."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching their children. Miyako finished and Mai held her up, giving the baby a chance to burp. She did so in a spectacular fashion which made both parents grin. Mai laid the child on the bed and took Ryuhito from her husband.
"I'll change her diaper," Zuko said.
He got off the bed, taking Miyako with him. Spreading a blanket out on the floor, Zuko crouched down beside his daughter and cleaned her up, putting on a fresh diaper and pulling her little pants back on.
"She's all set," he declared.
They performed the same routine for Ryuhito and were ready to join the party within an hour. As they went through the doorway, Zuko stopped Mai with a tug on her sleeve.
"What?" she asked abruptly.
Zuko tilted her chin up with his one free hand and kissed her lingeringly on the lips.
"You are the most beautiful woman here," he stated almost shyly.
Mai shook her head as if Zuko were crazy but she was secretly thrilled.
Ursa sat with Iroh and Lan at a small table set up in the spacious town hall. Their plates were full and a bottle of wine sat on the table. She waved Mai and Zuko over as soon as she caught sight of them.
"Go get some food. We'll hold the babies," Ursa ordered with a grin.
"Okay," Zuko answered, giving Ryuhito to his mother.
"Hand her over," Lan said jokingly to Mai.
Dutifully, Mai gave Miyako to Iroh's lady friend, who laughingly put her face close to the infant, trying to make the little girl smile.
"Where's Tom-Tom?" Mai asked no one in particular.
Ursa pointed to a large table packed with children. Tom sat amongst the village kids and looked like he was having the time of his life. He was eating and talking, gesturing expressively with his chopsticks.
"He looks happy," Mai observed with typical understatement.
"A little girl invited him over and I told him to go. He won't have much fun with us," Ursa explained. "Now, go get some food before Sokka eats it all."
The couple left and came back with heaping plates. They ate slowly, savoring the different tastes. Mai drank tea while everyone else enjoyed wine made right on Kyoshi Island. The conversation was light and happy. Ursa spoke more of her time in Ba Sing Se, while Iroh and Lan regaled them with anecdotes about Ursa. The three were clearly very close and that made Zuko happy.
After sufficient time for everyone to finish eating, the newly married couple paid a visit to each and every table, taking the time to say a few words to all their guests. That done, the fun could begin in earnest. Tables were pushed to the side, leaving an open area for dancing. The island's musical talent grouped themselves together and began to play an upbeat tune. Sokka had never been much for dancing, but Suki dragged him out onto the floor, whispering something about it being similar to training moves, and they began to move together. Iroh looked to Lan who immediately gave Miyako to Mai. He took the Earth Kingdom woman's hand and led her to the floor where they danced gracefully together.
"Looks like they've danced together a few times," Zuko said to his mother and Mai.
"They go out dancing quite a bit," Ursa confirmed. "They really enjoy each other."
The last statement was a little wistful, making Zuko frown. He hoped one day his mother could find happiness with a decent man, someone who would treat her with kindness and respect. The music stopped momentarily, bringing Lan and Iroh back to the table.
"Go, have a dance if you want," the teashop owner encouraged his nephew.
Zuko looked to Mai, raising his one eyebrow in a questioning manner. She nodded. Once again, the twins changed hands. The Fire Lord and Fire Lady danced to a slow, sweet romantic tune. Mai leaned in close to her husband. She felt his warm breath on her cheek and the muscles of his arms as he held her tight. When the music ended, he kissed her cheek. They were flushed and their eyes sparkled with joy.
The evening wore on. Iroh, unable to help himself, somehow found another sungi horn and joined the band for a few songs, eventually playing something melancholy and plaintive all on his own.
Zuko was reminded of music nights aboard ship in those days of hunting the avatar. He reached for Mai's hand and squeezed. She gave his an answering one, aware that his thoughts had traveled back in time. Mai was attuned to Zuko's moods and expressions. He got a distinct look in his eyes when something from the past took over his mind.
An exhausted Tom-Tom walked over to their table. He leaned against Zuko, eyes fighting to stay open.
"There's going to be cake soon, Tom," Zuko said to the boy.
Tom-Tom yawned and nodded. "I like cake," he said slowly.
Sure enough, the traditional wedding cake was brought out. Suki and Sokka took the first piece, eating in front of the crowd who cheered them on. Someone else took over, cutting little slices of cake and others handed them out. Being Fire Lord had its advantages. Their table got cake before most of the others did. Tom-Tom ate his quickly while the others took their time, sipping tea in between bites.
"Should we go after we're finished the cake?" Zuko asked Mai.
"Yes," she replied. "The twins will be hungry soon anyway. And Tom can hardly stand."
"Lan and I are going to stay for a bit. What about you, Ursa?"
"I'd like to stay for a bit too."
"Alright, we'll say goodnight then," Zuko stated, giving his mom a kiss on the cheek and Iroh a quick hug.
"Good night everyone," Mai stated.
"Good night!" Tom-Tom said loudly.
Each carrying a baby, Zuko and Mai, Tom-Tom and Jee in tow, made their way over to Suki and Sokka, offering their congratulations once again. The rest of the gang was at the same table.
"We had fun," Mai told Suki. "It was a great wedding and you are glowing."
"Thanks, Mai."
A chorus of 'good nights' followed Mai and Zuko out of the hall and down the deserted street back to their very temporary home.
Mai's brother fell asleep as soon as he crept under the covers. The couple went through another feeding session before putting the twins to bed. They cleaned their teeth, washed up and then changed into sleeping clothes. Before assuming their usual sleeping positions, Mai and Zuko lay facing each other, talking quietly about the day. Zuko breached the distance between them, and initiated a kiss. Mai responded instantly, feeling the heat build inside her. They made love slowly, taking the time to explore each other's bodies, before lying back, really tired now.
Mai kissed the tip of Zuko's nose before flipping over onto her side so he could wrap his arm around her waist, drawing her in tight against him.
Once again, the Fire Lord's ship left at sunset, so the couple had an entire day to spend with their friends. They had breakfast on their own, just Tom-Tom and the twins with them. Ty Lee hand delivered it to them, a covered basket filled with pastries and fruits. They all had baths after eating, babies included, got dressed and walked out into the sunshine of the day. Jee stood guard outside and followed at a discreet distance as the group walked down the village's main street. Tom-Tom spied a few children from the evening before and threw his sister and Zuko an imploring look.
"Go play," Mai said. "Just don't go in the water. Remember the Unagi."
"I won't," Tom-Tom agreed.
The seven year old knew the tale of Aang and the Unagi inside and out. Sokka loved telling it and Tom-Tom loved to listen. The water was definitely no place he wanted to venture into.
Zuko and Mai spotted Iroh and Lan walking out of the woods that bordered the village of Kyoshi. The tea maker gave them a wave and a smile. They met near the statue of Kyoshi that dominated the square. Both Iroh and Lan put their arms out, almost instinctively, and were rewarded with a baby each.
"In a few hours, we will be apart again," Iroh reasoned. "So I want to spend as much time with Miyako and Ryuhito as I can."
"You can always visit," Mai offered.
"Yes, I know," Iroh replied. "And we will visit again sometime soon. The twins must be introduced to the Jasmine Dragon in the near future. I want them to think of it as a second home, somewhere they can retreat to when the world becomes too much."
"I'm sure that's exactly how they'll see it," Zuko stated. "That's how I see it."
Iroh smiled with delight. "Yes," he agreed.
"Why don't you two go for a little walk, while we watch the babies," Lan suggested.
"Are you sure?"Mai asked.
"Yes, we'll be fine for an hour or so."
Mai nodded and tugged on Zuko's hand.
"Jee, is it necessary to follow them?" Iroh asked his former shipmate.
"I take my job seriously. He's my Fire Lord and my friend. I want to protect him."
"But you look so tired and surely this island holds no assassins."
Jee shrugged and continued walking, twenty paces or so behind Mai and Zuko.
It seemed that half the village was still asleep after the huge party the day before. A few people swept their doorways and one shop was open. Other than that, only the children moved about, laughing and playing, feeling special because the street was almost empty and they were like the village kings and queens, free to do as they pleased.
Zuko and Mai took the path that led out of the village proper, walking over the bridge that crossed a small blue creek and toward the waterfall that fed it. It wasn't as spectacular as the one on Piandao's estate, but the waterfall was pretty nevertheless, and the couple sat down on some nearby rocks to enjoy the scenery and some time alone. Peace was disrupted by the loud rumble of earth shifting.
"Toph," Mai and Zuko said simultaneously, grins on both their faces.
"Yep, it's me," the earthbender declared. "How are you doing Blade? Grumpy?"
"We're good," Mai replied.
"Getting in some practice or just having fun?" Zuko asked.
"Both," the sturdy blind girl answered cheerfully. "I'm bored. I guess I'm disrupting your romantic walk."
"It's fine," Mai said. "We're glad to see you. I miss you, Toph."
"Don't you miss me, Grumpy?" Toph asked slyly.
"Of course, the palace isn't quite the same without you."
"Nice wedding, huh?"
"It was. I wonder whose next?" Mai asked with a smirk.
"Not me," Toph exclaimed. "I like guys but I'm not ready to get married….not even close."
"So where are Aang and Katara?" Zuko inquired curiously.
"Katara's with your mom," Toph answered.
The waterbender had insisted on giving Ursa a healing session before they parted ways again. Grateful, Zuko's mother made her way to Katara's quarters early in the morning.
"And Aang's meditating or something, waiting for Katara to finish. Suki and Sokka are still sleeping," Toph sniggered.
"When are you leaving,Toph?"
"Tomorrow, with Iroh and Lan; I'm going home to see my parents for a few days and then I'll head back to Ba Sing Se."
"Come see us again, okay," Mai said hopefully.
"Hey, don't worry. You know that I love you guys."
"Prepare for the bruises," Mai said to Zuko as Toph's strong arms extended outwards, one fist landing on Zuko's shoulder, the other on Mai's.
"It's how I…"
"Show affection," Mai and Zuko finished for her.
Sunset came. A gathering of people stood on the dock, all there to bid Mai, Zuko, Ursa and Tom-Tom goodbye. Hugs were exchanged and whispered words of affection. Visits were promised and well-wishes shouted.
"Hey guys, thanks for coming," Sokka said. "And your gifts are great."
"You're welcome," Zuko answered his friend.
"We'll be traveling to the Southern Water Tribe soon. Would it be okay if Suki and I stopped at your place for a few days?"
"We would be upset if you didn't."
"Good. We'll send a hawk with the details."
Ty Lee hovered near the twins, getting some last minute hugs in and kisses in before the ship departed.
"The offer is still open. Come live with us if you want to, Ty," Mai reminded the Kyoshi Warrior.
"Thanks, Mai," the woman replied, grey eyes pooling with tears. "Things are looking up a bit, though."
"Yeah, I like him," Mai replied.
Aang and Katara said their goodbyes. Tom-Tom stroked Momo and gave the avatar a hug.
"Thanks for the ride on Appa," the boy said politely.
"Any time, Tom-Tom," Aang replied with his characteristic bright smile.
Lan and Iroh were the last to say their farewells. The tea shop owner surrounded his nephew with strong arms and hugged the young man tightly.
"Don't wait too long before you visit, Zuko. I miss all of you already."
"We'll come as soon as we can. I need to work hard for a few months before I can leave again. I can't afford to have council members think I'm a slacker."
"Yes, yes, I see your point. Mai, I would love to get letters from you telling me all about the twins. If I can't see them every day, at least I can read about all the changes they will go through."
"I'll do that," Mai promised and gave Iroh a warm smile.
He put his arm around her shoulders and looked down at Miyako one last time. The Fire Lord's wife heard him sniffing and figured there were probably tears in his eyes too.
Lan gave Zuko and Mai each a hug then kissed each baby on the forehead.
"They are so precious," she said softly.
"They are," Ursa agreed.
Zuko's mother, who had grown very close to Lan and renewed her bond with Iroh during her month in Ba Sing Se, was obviously sad to leave the pair behind. She spoke with them for a few minutes and shared an embrace with each.
"Look after your mother, Zuko," Iroh commanded with a twinkle.
"I will, Uncle."
The group boarded the ship, Jee last, and stayed on deck waving to their loved ones until they were tiny specks on shore, one indistinguishable from another.
"Is everyone ready to go home?" Ursa asked.
"Yes," followed a chorus of replies.
*a version of the traditional Chinese tea ceremony
Author's Note: I kind of struggled with the wedding. I hope it turned out alright. It's so much more difficult to write scenes with a multitude of characters than a scene with just two. Anyway, the main story is done, but I will write an epilogue that ties things up but also leaves things open enough for sequels.
Thank you so much to everyone who has read this story and extra special thanks to those who review.
Alabaster