Higher than Honor

Once, in his youth, Zuko had lived for nothing but honor. It had been the only thing he'd cared about to restore his broken honor and prove his worthiness in his father's eyes, and he had been willing to do whatever it took to achieve that goal-he'd done some things that when he looked back on them filled him with a deep shame. The bitter irony, of course, was that everything he was doing in the name of honor was the very opposite of it.

Now that he was far older and somewhat wiser he realized how misguided he had been all those years ago, his heart twisted by bitterness and anger. However, he still endeavored to live his life with honor, and to rule honorably, justly, and fairly.

But Zuko reflected on something his Uncle had once said to him, while he was cast adrift in exile:

"My nephew, honor is a very good thing to have, but here is what I have learned: honor cannot begin to compare to the love of a woman, or the feel of a newborn child in your arms. Yes, it is noble to live your life with honor, but remember, Zuko, honor will not keep you warm at night, but love will."

It wasn't until many years later that he truly understood what Uncle meant when a tired but smiling Katara placed their firstborn child in his arms, and he experienced a kind of love that he could never describe as he cradled the squeaking, whimpering bundle.

Yes, uncle had been right. Honor could not begin to compare to this.

A/N: Inspired by a quote from Game of Thrones.