Book 4 Air
Chapter 35 Reviews of Approval
Part 2
The scene of the Earthen village was seen as a lean figure hid in the shadows. Her breath was sharp and short as she panted lightly. Quickly Aeron raced between alley ways and through damp pathways. Finally she found the office, sorting information of recent arrests in the city. Taking a deep breath the girl fixed her hair into a bun and then casually walked into the office. Clothed in a light green dress with a small yellow cotton jacket, Aeron acted as innocently as she could. "Umm, excuse me Sir…" Aeron said in a small voice.
The man lifted his eyes up from his desk, "What can I do for you miss?" the man said as he sat up from his chair.
"I was hoping you can help me…You see, I lost my mother in market place, and…She hasn't returned home…I'm so worried…Please help me find her…" Aeron said as she sniffled a pitiful cry.
"One moment miss…I'll get someone who might be able to help you find your mother." the man said as he stood up and left the room.
Aeron smirked as she then quickly reached over and hopped over the desk. Bending down on her knees, Aeron quickly scanned through the files on the desk. Reading through the letters, she then saw the character for the word meaning 'taken into custody'. Skillful the girl grabbed the paper work then leaped over the desk again. Rolling the paper up, she then tucked it in a hidden pocket behind the flap of her jacket. Just then the man came with a woman by his side.
"Hello, my name is Saya. I was told you lost your mother?" the woman said kindly.
Aeron lowered her head as she played along her child-like behavior. "Y-yes, Ma'am. Please, I'm afraid she was arrested." Aeron said quietly.
The two officers looked at one another confused, "Arrested you say?" the man said as he rubbed his dark brown beard.
"Y-yes…I'm so worried…She would never do anything wrong!" Aeron said sadly as she cupped her hands into two balls and rubbed her eyes as though she was crying.
"Don't worry, now tell me your name and we'll find out where your mother is…" the woman said as she patted the girl on the back.
Aeron frowned, a name uh? Then I shall honor my own mother- "Lillian…" the girl said as she continued to fake a sad cry.
"Alright my dear…Now tell me, what does your mother look like?" the woman asked.
"S-She has short brown hair…A-Add light brown skin…Add…pretty green eyes." Aeron said giving a false description.
"Alright…" the woman said as she turned her attention to the man.
"Mac did you get that?" the woman asked as the man wrote down the details.
"Yea." He said as he then scratched his balding head. He didn't remember taking anyone from that appearance. Perhaps the mother abandoned the girl? No, maybe she was out for the day?
"Are you sure she didn't come home?" the man asked as just then the front door opened.
A woman came in as she looked at the three people before her. "My baby!" the woman said as she ran up and hugged Aeron.
"Mommy!" Aeron called out as she hugged the woman.
The two officers smiled, she simply lost her mother only to have her mother find her. It was a heart-warming scene as the man chuckled. Looking down at the details that the girl said seemed to match the woman's features. "Well I guess I'll remove this statement. This your daughter, right Ma'm?" the man asked as the woman lifted her head and nodded.
"I was simply going to buy some fish for supper. My little baby can't help but miss me every five minutes. I'm sorry for the trouble officers…" the woman said.
"Not at all, we are happy to help in any way." Saya said with a soft smile.
"Come now dear, let us cook that fish." The false mother said to Aeron.
"Ok mom!" Aeron said in a child-like innocence.
Once the two left the building Aeron hugged Aella. "Thank you so much, you played your part wonderfully!" Aeron said as she pulled away.
"Of course my dear…I was happy to help." Aella said with a warm smile.
"Yet, I feel bad you had to lie…" Aeron said as she tugged at the scroll hidden in her jacket.
"If it is to help your mother, then I am happy to lie." Aella said.
Aeron smiled lightly, she knew it wasn't a complete lie when she told Aella her story about losing her mother. Ursa did care for her, so in turn she had to make up a story to save her. So far her plan was working.
'Mm…Cole's going to be so mad if he finds out I had Aella do this…Hopefully she'll keep this between us.' Aeron thought with worry.
"Come now, let return to pub before my husband drinks too much again, and breaks the piano." Aella said with a smile. Aeron laughed lightly, it was good to feel happy again-if only for a day. The owners of the pub were kind people; Aeron was grateful Cole found them and that they accepted her in so easily.
'This plan, just might work…' Aeron thought as she looked up into the clear skies.
The view of the Tea Palace came in sight with an elegant tea room surrounded by lush gardens. The small wooden pavilion painted in a light and airy design, with features brightly painted beams and pillars. As Aang and the Earth Kingdom walked up the steps, the airbender noticed the exotic animals surrounding the building. Huge green peacocks encircled the area, along with small liger and tiglon cubs playing on the soft grass. Aang smiled as he then entered the Tea Palace. 'Kuei was indeed known for collecting rare species…' Aang thought still happy that the King was an animal lover.
The Earth King walked in then sat on a low throne on top of a raised golden platform, complete with a small table for holding cups and two large metal urns. The decorative screen behind his throne served as a focal point for the room, it also featured a relaxing landscape of lofty, mist-shrouded peaks and pines. Aang sat on one of the seats pointed in front of the Earth king. Once settled and served their tea, the Earth king cleared his throat and spoke.
"Much has happened to my people and the rest of the world. Drought has continued to kill our crops and run down our food supply. We can't help but trade with the Fire Nation and tropical islands near the Air Nomad territories." Kuei said as he took a sip of tea sighing.
"Yea, it's pretty serious…" Aang said out loud.
"Avatar Aang, with your abilities, we just might be able to save the crops and feed the people. But there's another problem, I just receive a message, shortly after you arrived." The Earth King said with a stern tone.
Aang lifted his head, waiting for the king to announce the news.
"There were some attacks on the South-West border of the Earth Kingdom territories. We think, it might be the Fire Nation colonies." Kuei said as his eyes narrowed.
"The Fire Nation colonies?" Aang repeated to himself as he thought.
The Fire Nation families born on the earthen lands were not known to be hostile. They were just innocent bystanders trying to live their lives like anyone else. Torn between Ozai's propaganda, and the rest of the world's discernment of the colonies. It wouldn't be a surprise… That they fought back against the people…Yet during these tough times, he couldn't blame them.
"What can I do to help?" Aang asked as his eyes glistened.
Opening her bedroom door, Katara dropped her towel and shuffled her feet along the carpet floor, feeling exhausted. Lifting her head Katara suddenly pick up a sweet scent in her room. Tilting her head to the side Katara nearly gasped at the large bouquet of red and white roses placed her nightstand. Katara walked up and lightly traced her fingers along the soft petals. Smelling the fragrance, the girl sighed. Looking down, Katara saw a small note.
"I hope you enjoy the roses…."
One the bottom of the small note was a stamp like symbol of a dragon. The Fire Lord's seal of the red dragon.
Katara smiled, 'Zuko…'
The same complains…The same rants about everyone else's problem. Zuko grew tired of it. It wasn't his fault the world was breaking apart due to his great grandfather's hundred year war. His power as Fire Lord did have its limits, it's not like he was the Avatar.
The Avatar…
Once his greatest obsession, now one of his good friends…A good friend who has the woman of his dreams…What was he going to do? Try and gain Katara's acceptance to his feelings? Live with the fact he may never have her? That he will hide in the shadows of every waking day knowing she is with the wrong person?
Zuko rubbed his temples in a circular motion unaware of the generals and colonials still arguing over the tiring rants. Then the Fire Lord soon heard a word from one of the generals, something that interested him.
'Pirates'
"What was that?" Zuko spoke out scanning his eyes over the table.
"Sire?" the general asked on his right side.
"Something about pirates…" Zuko said as he waved his hand in a bored matter.
"Oh, umm, it would seem a massive hostage situation erupted near the Earth kingdom territories, Sire. Pirates appear to be the culprit." The general said as he overlooks the documents.
"I see...In the Earth kingdom territories you say? Exactly where, general?" Zuko asked as his eyes turned to the man beside him.
"Uh, let me see. Ah, in the Southern-West border, Fire Lord Zuko." The general said.
Zuko's eyes slightly widen, he was familiar with that area. Crossed it over twice in his life. Once, while he was searching for the Avatar, and then again on his quest with Katara finding the Southern Raiders. The island…What was it called again?
"Was it near Whale Tail Island?" Zuko asked as he rested his chin on his hand.
"Um, yes…Actually we believe that's where the hostages were attacked. On Whale Tail Island, Sire." The general said as he looked up at his leader.
"Does it carry any importance to you, Sire? Shall we look further into it?" the general asked as Zuko rubbed his chin.
"Yes, please do…As for the rest of you, this meeting is dismissed. I have much to do and will need my rest. Thank you for your time." Zuko said as he quickly stood up and left the war room.
'Why would pirates attack a small village on the coast of the border? Unless it involved the trade route. But it would have been too simple even for them. There's something else more serious in play here…" Zuko thought as he walked down the hall. Focused on his trail of thought, the Fire Lord failed to notice Iroh walked up to him.
"Fire Lord Zuko! How did the meeting go?" Iroh asked.
"Uh? Oh, well I guess…" Zuko said as he drifted his eyes else where.
"Well, that's good. Now clean yourself up and get ready for dinner." Iroh said as he eagerly pushed his nephew down the hall.
"Ah, uncle what are you doing?" Zuko called out at the suddenly strange behavior.
"What? We can't have you looking like this before a meal. Now get to it…We have a special lady friend to impress." Iroh said as he continued to push the Fire Lord down the hall.
"Gah, who?" Zuko managed to ask.
"The councils will be meeting us to give their finally examination for Katara's review. Now get ready." Iroh whispered to his nephew as he rushed the boy into his room.
'Now to alert the girl …' Iroh thought as he smiled.
Speeding through the dirt trail as hills of earth rose and fell beneath the earthbender's feet, Toph continued to follow her landmarked path to the familiar linings of the massive walls only a day's worth away. Little did Toph realize the major obstacle in front of her. A hidden valley with tall murky trees in the distance, and no sign of Ba Sing Sa.
'At this rate, I'll be in Ba Sing Sa in no time.' Toph thought as she pushed herself harder.
'Aang…' the girl thought as she continued down the road.
"Oh, thank you for informing me, Iroh." Katara said as she said her goodbyes, closing the door. Once the door shut, Katara scrambled to the wardrobe. "Ah! Why now!?" Katara called out as she pulled clothes out of the closet, tossing them on the bed.
Hearing the woman's distress, Ming entered the room. Slightly amused by the girl's frantic stated, the servant girl asked what was wrong.
"The councils are coming! And I have nothing good to wear! Oohh!" Katara cried out as she grew more nervous.
'I made such a terrible impression when I last saw them, I can't fail again.' Katara thought as she pulled the last dress out from the wardrobe unaware of the scattered pile of clothes behind her.
"It is alright, Katara…" the servant girl said as she pulled the distressed maiden away from the closet, sitting her down on the edge of the bed.
"We'll find the perfect dress for you. Don't worry." Ming said with reassurance as Katara sighed.
"Thank you Ming…" Katara said as she lowered her head.
The dress was by far the most elegant, Katara has ever worn. Its deep red crepe and dark burgundy almost black chiffon with a deep V-round neck, slightly raised waist and A-line skirt. A tiny black floral lace formed around the neck and at the waist. The crepe was over the body of the dress, and the chiffon was a skirt overlay and with no sleeves. Ming place two long black velvet gloves through her fingers and up to her elbows. Golden rings set on Katara's fingers with a light golden chain across her neck. Ming decided to leave the girl's hair down with the ends of her hair in light twisted curls, making her radiant and natural.
Katara was ready to meet the councils and Zuko…
Wishing the girl luck Ming smiled admirably, at the waterbender as she left her room.
Walking half way down the hall, Katara ran into Iroh. Dressed in his royal robes of red and gold. The old general smiled warmly, "Shall I escort this lovely lady to the dining quarters?" Iroh asked as he held out his arm to the girl.
"Why of course." Katara said with a light giggle.
Walking up to the large doors, Katara held her breath. Once entering, she was greeted by the two elders and Fire Lord Zuko. Sitting at the head of the table, Zuko gulped hard. Katara looked stunning in her dress, plus with her long thick chocolate locks of hair down, made her simply irresistible. Zuko lowered his head as he shifted his body, adjusting himself.
Once Iroh seated Katara, the waterbender smiled softly at the two councils. She wanted so badly to apologize, yet she wasn't sure if now was the time.
Li spoke, "It is such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Katara." Li said as she nodded her head in a short bow.
"Oh-yes, it's a pleasure to see you both as well." Katara said as she bowed her head lower, her hair falling against her cheeks and resting on the table. Li and Lo nodded in approval.
Such a sweet girl, the women both thought.
"We have come to share with you, your scores and review your tasks." Lo said as she pulled out a few papers underneath her robes.
Katara tensed as she bit her lower lip.
Zuko turned his attention to the two elders, wondering how the waterbender done on the tasks.
This was the final judgment, the final prove that Zuko will in fact be marrying the Master waterbending princess of the Southern Water Tribe.
"With each question we asked you…" Li started to say.
"We expected a straight and honest answer…" Lo said finishing her sister's sentence.
"We have added your scores and matched them up with the previous contender you had to beat." Li said as her eyes narrowed at the papers.
"Of course, both your answers were not the same. The meaning of your answers is still valid." Lo said.
Katara's eyes widen slightly, she didn't know she was completing. Much less known someone else trying to marry Zuko. Somehow the thought didn't set well with her.
Katara knew more nervous, the suspense was killing her. 'Please just tell me!' Katara thought as the two women rolled down the scroll to announce the Fire Lord's new bride.
"The bride for our majesty, Fire Lord Zuko of the Fire Nation will be…
Just then a loud boom alerted the group, a cry escaped someone as the doors opened wide. "Fire Lord Zuko important news from the Capitan Cao's fleet!" a man called out as he interrupted the announcement.
Zuko slightly rose from his chair, "State the urgency, Kai." Zuko said as his eyes set firm.
"Pirates, Sire! They took hostage of Cao's command!" the young private said.
"I see…Inform to the navy's central by the harbor then send out a recruit." Zuko said as he sat back down taking control of the problem.
"Yes Sire. Excuse me Sire…" the man said as he left the room.
Zuko sighed as he straightened his back against the chair, "I apologize for the sudden interruption." Zuko said slightly embarrassed.
"Li and Lo as you were saying…" Zuko said as he looked at the two elders.
The women both smirked as they stated their decision, "Congratulations, Princess Katara." Lo and Li said at the same time.
"You have past the tasks." Li said with a smile.
Katara blushed as she nodded her head. Deep down she was grateful she won, and was able to please the two women. Yet, now she had to deal with someone else. Lowering her head she thanked the two women as she then excused herself from the table.
Walking out of the room, Katara hided her tears as she ran down the hall. Zuko tensed as he thought about following her. Turning his gaze towards his uncle, Iroh nodded his head. Zuko then declared his choice and quickly stood up chasing after the woman.
Iroh smiled at the two elders as they returned the same mischievous grin.
Next Chapter will have some Zutara make up goodness with a lovely scene. Along with Azula and Mai. Aang and Toph. Prepare to be blown away next chapter! Please review if you want a fast update!