Chapter Twenty-Three

The Village of Hira'a

"What does she go by now?" Zuko asked from atop his horse. They had been riding all day and the sun was finally slipping behind a barrier of cumulus clouds and Katara was grateful for the shade. The hot, Fire Nation sun had been beaming down on them since dawn, and Katara was certain her face and arms were paying the price.

"Noriko," she answered, at least, that's what Azula had told her. Katara dragged her tongue across her bottom lip to force moisture back into her skin but it was no use. Her lips were cracked and dry, and Katara's shoulder's sagged from heat exhaustion. She reached for her canteen, uncapping the lid and tipping the bottle to her lips–only to find that it was bone dry.

Beside her, Ju-long snickered. Katara angled her face to glare at him, but it even hurt to narrow her eyes so she fixed him with a glower instead.

"I hate to be the one complaining, but, how much further?" Katara asked, rolling her neck from side to side in attempt to alleviate some of the stiffness building in her sore muscles.

"Hira'a is only a few more miles away," General Iroh told her. "Just beyond that cliff over there." He pointed towards the rocky-mountain terrain in the distance. Katara wasn't sure, but she thought she spotted palm trees, too. They made her think of Kyoshi Island and the warm sea that lapped at the summer shores. A sigh slipped through her parted lips as she reminisced about waterbending by the sea. The memories provided a mental bandage to her sunburned skin, and she used them like a salve to distract her from the incessant heatwave.

A dark shadow formed on her left and Katara looked over to see that Zuko had ridden up beside her and was extending his canteen with a smile painted on his lips. "Here," he said, "drink this." She envied the firebenders–so entirely nonplussed by the scorching rays of the sun.

Katara grimaced as she took the canteen and uncapped the lid. "It's still full," she commented as she tipped it to her lips and gulped down a mouthful. She swiped the back of her hand over her chin, mopping up a dribble that had missed her mouth. She took another drink–slower this time, and felt the cool liquid sliding down her esophagus to pool in her belly. "Thank you," Katara said, extending the canteen in his direction.

"Keep it." Zuko's hand folded over top of hers. "Do you need a break?"

Katara shook her head. "I'm just not used to the heat. What I wouldn't give for a nice breeze right now," she tried to joke.

"We're almost there." Zuko gave her an apologetic look and leaned over to deliver a gentle kiss to the curve of her cheekbone. Katara felt the heat of his lips searing her tender skin, but for that, she didn't mind the burn. She presented him with a small smile, grateful that he'd chosen to stay by her side for the remainder of their ride.

~xXx~

Hira'a was unlike any other village in the Fire Nation–so far removed from the hubbub and chaos of the Capitol City. It reminded Katara of Kyoshi Island with its antiquated charm and natural beauty of flora and fauna. Children played in the alleys, chasing a ball around as they screamed and yelled in cheer. Shopkeepers and merchants waved and smiled at them as they rode through the center of town.

"So friendly," Katara commented, waving to a woman who was sitting in a rocking chair on her front porch with a basket of knitting at her feet. She had a feeling she was really going to like this town.

The village stables were conveniently placed next to the inn. A young stable-boy–probably no older than twelve or thirteen rushed out to greet them when the group climbed down from their horses. "Hello," he said, "my name is Bolin. You guys must be from the Capitol City." Bolin had shaggy hair that flopped across his forehead. It was chestnut in color, with lighter shades of caramel from natural sun-bleaching. Freckles dotted the bridge of his nose, and his large eyes were a peculiar shade of mossy-green.

General Iroh's chest rumbled in laughter. "Right you are young Bolin."

"I could tell by your clothes," the boy continued. "We don't usually get any visitors from the Capitol City–are these real war horses?" Bolin reached up to stroke the nose of General Iroh's horse, lovingly cradling his large face against his chest.

"They are," Iroh answered with a smile. "This is Ru, and he's been my noble and loyal companion for many years."

"It's nice to meet you, Ru." Bolin scratched under the horse's chin and the revered war-beast that he was turned into a puddle of goo under the boy's affectionate hand. Ru rubbed his head against Bolin's chest and almost knocked him over. Bolin laughed and straightened himself. "So what brings you guys to the village of Hira'a?"

"Well," Katara said, "we're looking for someone." She glanced at Zuko before continuing, "Do you know a woman by the name of Noriko?"

"Sure do," Bolin answered. "Her daughter, Kiyi is in my class."

Katara grinned. "Do you know where we can find her?"

"Noriko runs the village apothecary," Bolin explained. "Her husband works in the theater. His name is Noren. They have a house about a half mile from the inn, just on the outskirts of the village." The boy's features rearranged in a thoughtful expression. "They're not in any trouble are they?"

Zuko stepped into view for the first time and stood at the front of his horse. "No," he said, "they're not in any trouble."

Bolin's eyes widened in utter shock, his mouth fell open as he gazed up at the Fire Lord. "F-forgive me," he stammered. "I-I didn't realize you were in the company, Fire Lord Zuko." The boy bowed politely in front of him.

"Your apology isn't needed." Zuko grasped the boy's shoulder, encouraging him to rise. "You've been a great help to us already, but we would appreciate it if you could take in our horses for the night? They'll need fresh water and hay if you can spare it."

"Of course! I promise your horses will be in good hands. We just got in a delivery of oats this morning. I'll take real good care of them."

"I'm sure you will," Zuko said with a smile.

"Do you know somewhere we might be able to freshen up before we find our other friends?" Katara asked.

"My mother runs the inn," Bolin said. "She can help you with that."

"Thank you Bolin. We won't forget your kindness."

"I'll stay with the boy and make sure the horses are taken care of," Ju-long said. "Once they're settled, I'll find you at the inn. The others are setting up camp outside the village. They'll send word by hawk if there's danger."

"Cool," Bolin said with a lopsided grin. "I can't believe the Fire Lord and his company are really here. This is so cool," he repeated again.

"Perhaps you can keep that information to yourself, just for today," General Iroh said with a wink. "We don't want to scare anyone."

"Of course," the boy said. "My lips are sealed."

General Iroh, Zuko, and Katara left the stables shortly after and made their way to the inn. It was a quaint, two-story building surrounded by a lush garden planted solely of pink roses. Katara inhaled the fresh floral scent as she walked up the steps and went into the inn. The scent of roses carried through the inside atmosphere, and complimented the elegant décor. Ornate rugs sat atop polished wooden floors and were surrounded by inviting white couches. Katara wanted to sink into one of the cushions, but she was afraid she'd get it dirty.

"Hello there," a woman called from behind the counter. "Welcome to Hira'a. My name is Lan and I'd be happy to assist you." Lan had long dark hair that fell freely below her shoulders in a solitary silken sheet. Her eyes were the same color as Bolin's moss-green, but her skin was blemish free and as smooth as porcelain. When the group approached the counter, recognition stirred in Lan's eyes and her smile dialed up to the highest notch. "Fire Lord Zuko," she breathed his name as she took a poised bow. "What an honor to make your acquaintance."

"Greetings," General Iroh spoke before Zuko had a chance. "What a lovely establishment you have here."

"Thank you. It belonged to my mother, and my grandmother before her. It's become family tradition for the eldest daughter to run the inn. It's a shame my husband passed before I could have a girl." Her eyes flickered up to Zuko's. "I assume you met my son in the stables?"

"We did," Zuko replied, "he was most helpful."

"We hate to trouble you further," General Iroh said, "but would it be possible to request three rooms for the night?"

"What about Captain Ju-long," Katara said–not that she cared two licks about where the man ended up, but she didn't want him to be out a room and it cause any more griping.

"He'll prefer to set up a tent outside," Zuko said.

"I can assure you that the inn is very safe," Lan said, quickly reading between the lines. "Hira'a is one of the safest villages in the Fire Nation."

Zuko smiled warmly. "Standard procedure," he told her. "We mean no disrespect."

"Of course," she said with another bow, "anything that is customary of the Fire Lord and his company is wholly embraced. So, may I ask what brings you to our quaint establishment?" Lan's eyes flickered to Katara's face before settling on Zuko.

"We're here to see a friend," he answered simply.

Lan waited a beat–as if she hoped he would explain in further detail. It soon became apparent that none of them were willing to dish out the information so Lan formed an easy smile and reached across the counter to lay her hand on the back of Zuko's. "Please," she said, "allow me to show you to your rooms."

Katara didn't consider herself a jealous being… but an ember ignited in her gut as she watched the woman flirt with Zuko. She'd wanted to slap her hand away from his but soon remembered she was supposed to be practicing a certain air of grace and manners worthy of a queen. Katara stamped the urge to put the woman in her place, and curled her fingers into her palms as Lan led them up the wooden staircase.

"Each room has fresh bed linens and towels, but should you feel anything is even the slightest inadequate please do not hesitate to call for help. It's such an honor to have the Fire Lord and his company staying in my establishment. If there is anything I can do to make your stay more accommodating I will." Lan paused in front of a mahogany door and fit the key into the lock.

General Iroh poked his head inside the doorway and peered at the modest furnishings. The décor was a little too floral for Katara's tastes, but the room looked clean and inviting nonetheless. "I'll take this one," General Iroh said. "I like to be nearest to the stairs."

"Very well," Lan said with a smile. She showed Zuko to his room next–the last room at the very end of the hall and easily the most grand. The bed was enormous–fit for a king with four posts that nearly reached the ceiling, draping the bed with a red-velvet canopy. Little gold tassels tied the canopy fabric to the posts, showcasing at least a dozen pillows and a down comforter with gold inlay threading. Katara's eyes widened. She thought the room (though smaller in size) resembled the Fire Lord's very own chambers in the palace. It was as if Lan and her family had modeled it in hopes that the Fire Lord would eventually stay with them.

Wish granted, Katara thought sourly.

Lan took Katara to the opposite side of the hall, nearest to General Iroh's room, and fit the key into the lock. Katara couldn't help but wonder if the distance separating her and Zuko had been intentional… probably. The room was simple. Wooden floors with woven beige rugs and cream-colored walls made up the atmosphere. The bed linens were sage-green with beige throw pillows. There was a single window with a sitting chair, a dresser, and a bathroom on the far side of the wall.

"May I?" Lan asked, gesturing towards the bathroom.

Katara's brows laced together. "Uh… sure."

Lan smiled. "It's not what you think." Lan walked into the bathroom and came back a short moment later with a small bottle of what appeared to be lotion. "It's from the apothecary," Lan explained, "it will help with your sunburn."

"Oh." Katara's hands instinctively lifted to touch her face. Her skin was warm to the touch and she could only imagine what she must have looked like. She hoped it wasn't as bad as she pictured considering she was standing next to a porcelain princess.

"The Fire Nation is a harsh environment for a waterbender," Lan said, extending the bottle out to Katara.

Once again Katara frowned. "How do you know I'm a waterbender?"

"Well," Lan said, "One doesn't help put an end to the Hundred Year War without gaining a reputation. You're Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, are you not?"

"I am," Katara replied, dropping her gaze to the floor.

"So where is the Avatar? Aren't you two a thing?"

Katara wasn't so sure she liked the tone of Lan's voice. Katara wasn't so naive that she couldn't tell Lan was digging for juicy gossip. "Aang is rebuilding an air temple so he can open a school where all the benders of the world can come together and learn their trade in harmony," Katara answered. She lifted her chin a little higher, straightening her shoulders as she said, "The Fire Lord and I, however, are courting." Katara fought the urge to bite her lip. That wasn't public news just yet, but Zuko had promised he'd make the official announcement when they returned to the palace. Rumors were probably already spreading so she didn't see the harm in telling Lan (as graciously as she could) that Zuko was off limits.

Lan lifted a delicate eyebrow as the corner of her mouth screwed upwards. "Fascinating," she breathed the word. "The Fire Lord has chosen a commoner to take as his queen." Lan paused here, not once breaking eye contact with Katara. "You give us hope, Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. If Zuko has chosen you, that means bloodlines will shift and titles and ranks won't be as esteemed as they once were… You're a revolutionary woman indeed. Well played."

If Katara had been born a firebender, she was certain the room would have gone up in flame. Her nails bit into the soft skin of her palms but Katara clamped down on her back molars, choosing to keep her mouth shut. Lan excused herself from Katara's room and closed the door quietly behind her. Katara released the breath she'd unknowingly been holding and tossed the little bottle of lotion onto her bed as she stomped into the bathroom.

In the mirror, Katara saw that her hair was windblown and wild. She'd piled half of it on top of her head while the other half fell below her shoulders in a tangle of dark waves. Her cheeks were pink and freckles had bloomed across the bridge of her nose. Her full lips were dried and cracked, and her riding clothes smelled of horses and earth. She didn't look like a queen… She looked like a woman whose birthright made her an outcast. Her skin was darker, her eyes sapphire blue… Katara gripped the edges of the sink and turned on the water. She splashed her face and streamed water out into the air, using it to invoke her healing powers as she got rid of the sunburn and healed her cracked lips.

"The Fire Nation is a harsh environment for a waterbender," Lan had told her. Well, Katara would just have to prove her wrong.

Katara bathed and changed into the nicest outfit she had packed. It was simple and modest, but it hugged Katara's small waist and accentuated the curves of her body. Best of all, the fabric was blue–an homage to her native tribe. Katara refused to be belittled because of where she had come from. Zuko wasn't ashamed of her, and Katara refused to let the remarks of others make her feel inferior because she hadn't been born into royalty. She was proud of her upbringing and her familial roots. The world would learn to get over it.

Katara stormed to her bedroom door and yanked it open–only to find that Zuko was standing there with his hand raised, curled into a fist as if he were about to knock. His eyebrow lifted when he saw her face, and he dropped his hand down to his side. "Where's the fire?" He caught her by the shoulders and felt how rigid her body was through the touch of his fingers.

"Sorry," Katara sighed and let her shoulders drop beneath his palms. "I must have let what Lan said work me up and I guess I didn't realize it…"

Zuko frowned. "What did she say to you Katara?" His hands slid down the length of her arms until he was gently cupping her wrists.

"The usual remarks: waterbender's don't belong in the Fire Nation, and if you chose me then bloodlines of royalty will cease to exist–that kind of stuff."

Zuko worked his jaw as a flash of irritation skirted across his golden irises. "You know that stuff doesn't mean anything to me, right?"

Katara nodded as Zuko caught her chin. "I may not have been raised in the palace, or had an upbringing befitting of a royal, but I can learn…"

"I don't care about that." Zuko leaned down, framing Katara's face between his palms and kissed her tenderly. "I want you exactly for who you are, Katara. And I love you for everything you already represent."

Katara smiled as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "It's not you I have to worry about impressing," she said, "it's your people."

Fleetingly, Zuko wanted to tell her to forget about the people… but deep down he knew she was right. They knew it would be hard, but Zuko wished he could take the burden away from her. She was the light of his world, and the people would come to see that in time. She would help him protect the world and make it a better place. Zuko pulled her against his chest and tightened his hold on her as if his embrace alone could protect her from other's cruel opinions.

Katara hooked her finger through the collar of his shirt and pulled it below his collarbone so she could press her lips against his chest. His heart leapt, and he wanted to close the door behind them and take her to bed and forget about everything… One touch from her was enough to make him lose his conscious mind; what a wicked and beautiful ability she possessed, and it tortured him sweetly.

"We should probably get a move on," Katara said, her words snapping him back to reality. "Are you nervous?"

"A little," he replied. "But I'm glad you'll be there with me."

"Always." Katara smiled up at him. "She's going to love you. It's impossible not to." Katara wrapped her hand around his and pulled him out into the hall, shutting her bedroom door behind them. There was one more person she needed to impress and win over before the day ended, and this person's opinion was particularly important. It didn't matter that Ursa didn't remember her past life, or the fact that she even had a son… Katara believed that deep down Ursa (or Noriko) was still the loving and caring woman from the childhood stories Zuko had told her about, and maybe–just maybe–something inside her would recognize him.

Katara didn't know why, but it was important for her to prove that hope still existed. She wanted to show Ursa the man that Zuko had become, and more than anything, show her how much she loved him.

Katara tugged on his hand, pulling him down the stairs as they set off on another adventure.

The chapters are slow-coming but I promise the story isn't quite over. I hope you guys are still enjoying the developments.

Thanks for joining us TifaValentine99 - glad to have you on board!

Stay tuned and happy reading,

~Sparrow