The Wedding Part II
They only had two days remaining until the wedding and there was still so much that had to be done. Everyone gathered that morning at the shared house and was patiently awaiting their orders from Ari, who had taken control of the situation. She was going over her checklist as everyone settled; at least she could cross off that she had already made confirmations with the florist and baker.
"Hello everyone." Ari said once she realized everyone was ready, she looked back down at her clipboard as she issued orders. "Alright troops here are your marching orders. First up we need to do the final fitting of Katara's wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses, all of which are here and ready for any last minute alterations." Ari looked up and rounded on the men. "Boys you have a final fitting in town to pick up your suits. Zuko I need you to stop by the caterer on the way to give him the final head count for the reception, I already have it all ready for you." She said as she handed him a small scroll. "I need a volunteer to drop the finalized seating chart off at the banquet hall."
"I'm on it." Sokka volunteered taking the next scroll.
"Good. I've already confirmed the delivery for the wedding cake Saturday, but I'm going to need someone there when its delivered." Ari said looking out over the top of her list.
"I'll ask Pakku to supervise the delivery." Hakoda offered as Ari nodded in confirmation.
"Aang and Katara, you both need to have your overnight bags packed."
"Already done." Katara answered.
"Great. Last thing on the agenda is to confirm transportation details, Hakoda that was one of yours."
"The sleighs are all set to pick the bridal party up for the wedding ceremony, transportation to the banquet hall, and departure at the end of the night." He told her as Ari nodded.
"Alright people. That's our morning, this afternoon is a ladies luncheon, and this evening we will all be stuffing party favors after the kids go to bed. Hakoda, Sokka, Suki if you haven't finished your speeches you're cutting it close. We'll reconvene like this again tomorrow." Ari told them with authority.
"I think Ari may have missed her calling as a general." Iroh whispered as they dispersed.
As Suki and Ari got the children settled in one of the nurserys to play, the other women busied themselves with pulling out and arranging the dress forms and gowns. Entering the room Ari was once again struck at just how beautiful Katara's wedding dress had turned out. Katara, Suki, and Ari had spent months sewing their creation and hours upon hours had been devoted to the incredibly intricate beadwork that graced the front. The gorgeous a line dress was composed primarily of a luxurious white suede, it had bell sleeves and the panel underneath the vneck made it quite modest. It was accented with their detailed beadwork as well as a rich polar bear fur. As this was the south pole all of the dresses they had made also had a coordinating fur lined cape; Katara's being long, white, and edged with the same rich fur they had used for the dresses. The bridesmaids dresses lined up next to the wedding dress were gorgeous as well. All three were made of carefully dyed suede, in a different color for each of the three bridesmaids; blue for Suki, green for Toph, and red for Ari. Though different colors they were all of the same design. All three had an off the shoulder neckline with long fitted sleeves and three rows of the polar bear fur that wrapped around the bottoms of the dresses, dipping into three concentric v's. The coordinating capes for three bridesmaids dresses were of a much shorter design than that of Katara's.
"They are just incredible." Malina said in awe.
"You girls did an amazing job. I'm impressed, I couldn't sew in a straight line if my life depended on it." Ursa added.
"It was a labor of love." Suki told then with a satisfied smile.
"They are so soft." Toph told them as she ran her fingers over one of the dresses.
"Let's get started with the fitting, incase we need the time." Ari said as she urged them along.
Suki and Ari took Katara to one of the bedrooms to help her into her dress.
"Oh wow." Malina gasp as Katara walked back in the room.
"You look stunning!" Ursa told her.
"Thank you." Katara said, blushing, as she stepped to the middle of the room.
"Does anything feel tight or uncomfortable?" Ari ask her as she double checked their work.
"No it fits perfectly." Katara answered with a wide grin.
"Good, but let's try the cape on with it before you take it off." Ari directed.
That too fit perfectly and it was time to carefully pack the wedding dress back away and move on to the bridesmaid's dresses. Thankfully they needed no additional alterations; after all, two of them had been made with live models and Tophs measurements hadn't changed in the last month.
With their first task of the day done it was time for the women to prepare for the ladies lunchion that some of the village women had prepared for Katara. Of all the high stress events they had endured that week, this lunch promised to be a relaxing event surrounded by people who had come to care about Katara. Ari dressed quickly and busied herself with preparing lunch for the men and children. Some things never change, and Ari still loved taking care of people, and was hard wired to show her love with food. Ari could hear the men returning as she began plating the children's meal.
"How did it go at the tailor?" Ari ask as they walked in.
"Everything fit perfectly." Zuko told her.
"We dropped everything off at Hakodas already." Aang added.
"What smells so good?" Sokka ask her.
"Nothing too elaborate, just some fried rice and a red bean soup." Ari told him as she pulled more bowls out for their lunches.
"Don't forget to put the kids down for a nap after lunch." Suki told Sokka and Zuko, adjusting an earing as she strolled into the living room.
"We got this." Sokka said with confidence.
Ari and Suki looked at each other dubiously.
"You're sticking around to help them right?" Ari turned to ask Iroh.
"Don't worry about a thing." Iroh assured the women.
The bridal luncheon proved to be a heart warming example of how important Katara was to her people. The women of the Southern water tribe had put together a merry little affair; full of good food, laughter, and love.
"Can I get you anything Kanna?" Ari ask the older woman taking a seat next to her.
"No dear, I'm fine." Kanna said in her usual manner.
"Ladies gather round." The host of the luncheon called out. "Katara if you can sit here we have prepared a little something for you." She said gesturing to the chair up front and waiting for Katara to settle.
"This jar is a symbolic marriage survival kit, it contains: a candle to light your way to a bright future together, a sewing needle to help you fix any mistakes, a tea bag so you may relax and enjoy yourselves, a marble to replace the ones you loose, a match so that you never loose your spark, a handkerchief to dry any tears, and hearts to symbolize the love you share."
"Thank you everyone this is beautiful." Katara told the women with tears in her eyes, it was a beautiful gesture.
The gifts that followed after helped to fill her bridal chest; sheets, table cloths, towels, and a gorgeous quilt made by Kanna and a few of her friends. Last but not least she was given a small wooden box that the women had filled with recipes.
"Thank you to everyone who made this event so special. Your love and support mean more than you could ever know." Katara told them all.
That evening passed quietly with all of them waiting patiently for the children to fall asleep so that they could work on stuffing the party favors: small gossamer bags filled with almond dragée. With the children finally out for the night and Ursa, Noren, and Iroh in bed as well, it was just the core group still up working on their task as hand.
"Sorry that took so long." Ari apologized after she had quietly snuck out of her bedroom after Lily had fallen asleep.
"No worries only a million little bags to go." Sokka said tying off another little bag and tossing it on the pile.
"It's not that bad." Katara defended.
"Just repetitive." Toph complained.
"Remember when we did this for Sokka and I's wedding." Suki mused.
"Barely, but that's only because the four of us spent nearly three days drinking." Ari cringed as she remembered.
"Ah that was so great." Sokka said with a sigh.
"Wait why aren't we drinking now?" Toph ask.
"Cosleeping." Ari shrugged.
"Because hungover parents still have to be parents in the morning." Suki answered.
"If you three want to drink, you're welcome to." Zuko said getting up and pulling the fire whiskey out of its hidden spot in the cabinet before grabbing three glasses and walking back to the group. "You guys were too young last time.
"Who do you think it was that finished the bags last time." Katara said rolling her eyes.
"I don't know guys..." Aang said rubbing his neck.
"Come on Twinkle toes live a little." Toph said as she took the proffered glass from Zuko. She drank it down quickly and made a face. "Ugh that burns." She said quickly grabbing a glass of water.
"Well it is called fire whiskey." Zuko told her.
"It gets easier after the first couple drinks." Suki assured her.
"Just don't overdo it tonight, we still have your hen and stag parties tomorrow." Ari reminded the younger three, tying off bags while she spoke.
Morning came all too soon for the group that had stayed up late the night before working on the wedding favors. It had been an interminably long week, but the end was finally in sight. Once again they had all convened in the living room so as to all recieve their instructions for the day. The children were sitting down for breakfast and the adults were passing around cups of tea as Ari took her place at the front of the room.
"Alright, today is not that heavy of a day; we have the rehearsal and rehearsal lunch in just a couple hours and this evening the hen and stag parties. Have fun tonight, try not to go overboard, you still have to be functional tomorrow for the wedding. We won't be meeting tomorrow morning like we have been, but I have written out schedules for all of you so that you know where you need to be tomorrow and when." Ari told them all, finally stopping to take a breath. "That's really all we have on the agenda. Are you sure your going to be alright over night will all the children?" Ari ask looking around the room at Ursa, Noren, Iroh, Hakoda, and Malina who would be in charge of all 6 small children for the night.
"We'll be fine." Iroh assured her. "Besides I'm sure Kiyi is going to be a great help with the younger children. Right?" He said turning around in his seat to look at the young girl.
"Right!" Kiyi said excitedly from her place at the table.
The rehearsal and the rehearsal lunch went off without a hitch, there wasn't much that could really go wrong. Aang had ask Bumi to officiate the ceremony for them, it wasn't exactly water tribe custom but Bumi had known him longer than anyone else. It had not taken long to run through the wedding, and lunch was served afterwards at a restaurant that had become one of their favorites in the south pole. Before too long they were back at the house getting ready for the nights excitement.
"So who is going to be at your hen tonight?" Ari ask Katara as she finished getting ready.
"We kept it pretty small, just people we knew we could trust to be silly and a little drunk around." Katara told her, glad her father and his wife hadn't arrived yet, as it still made her uncomfortable to discuss things like that in front of him. "So you and Suki obviously. Toph, Ty Lee and Mai, a couple of the Kyoshi warrior girls, and a couple of local girls." Katara said as she thought over the guest list.
Ari frowned at the mention of Mai. Normally she would have simply ignored the other woman, however Ari had no intention of not trying to antagonize the other girl tonight. She had heard rumors while she was gone that Mai had been trying to get closer to Zuko again. Ari found it absolutely despicable, Mai had been given the public story: that Ari was incredibly ill. So what had she done? Tried to weasel her way back into the palace. Ari trusted Zuko completely but hearing about Mais' advances from her maid had still been painful.
"So what will you boys be doing tonight?" Suki ask her husband.
"Guy stuff." Sokka answered simply. "How about you girls?" He ask her.
"Drinking, dancing, and singing." Suki answered with a sly smile. "Just like my hen party."
"Aww man, I've been hearing about that night for years." Sokka whined.
"You have? Why haven't I?" Zuko ask his wife.
"Because we got drunk and stupid and I sung until I lost my voice." Ari answered, looking embarrassed. "Which we are not repeating tonight, I will need my voice for tomorrow." Ari said turning to Suki.
"A couple songs." Suki pleaded.
"Yeah come on that part was fun." Toph added.
"A couple." Ari capitulated. She was going to have to be extra careful that night to not overtax her voice, Suki would still most likely spend most of the evening trying to egg her on. Ari was already nervous about performing for hundreds of people for the wedding.
It was at that time that their reinforcements arrived to baby sit the children. Ursa, Noren, and Iroh had spent the afternoon relaxing with Hakoda, Malina, Kanna, and Pakku; as such the five grandparents arrived looking refreshed and ready for the night ahead of them.
"If there are any problems at all please send for me." Ari told Ursa as she handed her Lily This would be the first time Lily had ever slept without her overnight, and Ari wasn't sure how her daughter would handle her absence.
"Don't worry about anything, they will be fine." Ursa assured her worried daughter in law.
The girls had started to put on their thick outerwear when Sokka stopped them.
"Wait a minute I've been hearing the stories of the last hen party for years, we should get our own song before you go." Sokka told Ari.
"Are you crazy!?" Ari ask him scrunching up her face. "Not only are there children in the room, but my in laws." She said flapping her hands towards the innocent party.
"Hmm. Then it has to be a song that sounds innocent but isn't." Sokka told her.
"Dang it I have at least two, surprisingly about the same thing." Ari said persing her lips.
"Well now you have to do it." Zuko told her with a raised eyebrow.
"Traitor." She teased before taking a deep breath and stepping to the center of the room.
It's an old wive's story, said it's an old wive's tale
I say that love is glory, I tell you love's so frail.
Lovin' needs a bandage and intensive care
And it's a disadvantage when you're playin' fair
If you're treadin' water
And romance is on the slide
Don't you know you have to swallow
Something more than water, it's your pride
Uh, huh
I've huffed and puffed
Just to keep love goin'
I'm done, I've had enough
Of pumpin' and of blowin'
"I don't get it." Aang said with a tilt of his head at tge end of the song.
"You have no idea how happy that makes me, buddy." Sokka told him while Katara blushed.
"Who-who taught you that song?" Ursa choked.
"My mother!" Ari laughed.
"I have heard enough stories about Daphne over the years that I have a hard time believing that." Zuko told Ari in disbelief as she kept laughing hysterically.
"It was a song from her favorite m-play." Ari said correcting herself at the last minute, so that she wouldn't have to explain movies.
"Come on we've got to get going." Suki told them as she shooed them all out the door.
The women arrived at the brightly decorated small lodge they would be spending the rest of the evening, and getting ready in the next day. The other women had spent the afternoon decorating it and dropping off supplies, and it looked bright, lively, and inviting.
"Come on everybody the bride is here!" They heard Ty Lee call out as they approached.
"Congratulations!" The other women called out as Katara walked in flanked by Suki, Ari, and Toph.
"Thank you everyone, it looks beautiful in here." Katara said gesturing to the decorations.
"Just remember ladies, please use discretion. What happens tonight is not to be discussed." Suki told the group of women sternly.
"With that being said let's get this party started!" Toph yelled.
The morning of the wedding came sooner than any of them were prepared to meet the day. They were joined bright and early by Kanna, Malina, and Lily who would be the flower girl. While the girls who had stayed the night departed quickly for their own accommodations. It wasn't long before they were joined by the team that would be handling hair and makeup for the bridal party. The girls spent the bulk of their morning in one chair after another as they were primped, pampered, and prepared for the day. One of the local restaurants provided the group breakfast and all in all it was a lovely bonding experience for the women. Suki looked over and saw Ari getting more tense the closer they got to the main event.
"Are you okay?" Suki ask her best friend.
"Yeah, I'm just waiting to see what it is that is going to go wrong today?" Ari told her, taking a deep breath.
"A premonition?" Suki ask her with a raised eyebrow.
"Past experience." Ari chuckled.
As the sleighs pulled up out front to take them to the ceremony site Malina turned to Katara.
"Are you ready?" Malina ask her step daughter.
"I'm marrying the man I've been in love with since I was 14, I am more than ready." Katara said confidently.
Arriving at the ceremony site, they were parked extremely close to a large tent that had been set up to shield the bride from the wedding guests, until they were ready. Hakoda met them inside not long after they had arrived.
"How are you feeling?" He ask his daughter.
"Anxious. Not to get married, but there are hundreds of people out there."
"Don't look at the people, Katara, just look at Aang. Only Aang." Suki advised her.
Ari stepped away from the group and worked on warming up her voice for the insipent performance. Before they knew it it was time to begin. The groomsmen met them in the tent as they prepared to take their first steps outside the tent.
"Nervous?" Zuko whispered to Ari.
"Terrified." Ari admitted while trying to paste on a big smile, for her friends benefit.
Ari was the first to step out of the tent, alone, as she was to lead the processional. The band stopped playing to signal that they were ready to begin the ceremony. Standing at the back Ari clutched her simple bouquet of snowdrops and took a deep steadying breath as she watched all eyes turn toward her.
I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete
Ari started to walk down the aisle as she continued to sing.
I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?
Ari smiled as she approached Bumi and Aang; before she turned to watch Zuko and Toph walk down the aisle as she kept singing. Next up was Sokka and Suki, soon followed by little Lily as she scattered her petals down the aisle before sitting with her brothers. As the last lines of Ari's song came to a close a hush fell as the wedding guests stood for Katara's entrance. Ari took a deep breath as she began the next song.
In one indescribable instant
The whole world falls away
In one indescribable instant
You'll know just what to say
Katara and Hakoda began to make their way down the aisle. Katara was truly a beautiful bride; she was a vision in white, her hair had been left half down and expertly curled, and in her hands she clutched a simple bouquet of white snowdrop flowers and blue muscari.
The look on Aang's face was that of amazement.
In one indescribable instant
Your heart will speak the truth
'Cause in that one indescribable,
Magical, mystical, endless, incredible instant
The only words you'll need are I love you
As Katara and Hakoda reached where Aang stood with Bumi, Hakoda kissed his daughters cheek before she closed the distance and took Aang's hand.
"Please be seated. We are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to celebrate the marriage of Aang and Katara, and boy do you two know a lot of people." Bumi said with a laugh. "Today is a day that Aang and Katara have been thinking about for a long time. Today, their journey as two separate souls comes to an end, and married life begins. The gratitude in this room today is overwhelming; not only are we all grateful for the parts we all were able to play, large or small, in the success of this relationship; but also for how much these two have done for the world. Aang and Katara extend their deepest gratitude to you for being here to support and encourage them as they cross the threshold into a wondrous new chapter of their lives. We mark today as the moment you forever embrace not only one another but everything that has risen up out of your union. Your partnership, steadfast and humble, has nurtured love from the ground up. From this day forward, you will continue on your paths, seeking goodness and light in every direction, strengthened evermore by the goodness and light in one another. With this partnership, bound by law and sealed with a kiss, the world calls upon you to protect one another. To cherish every moment. To find humility when it is needed. To support, uplift, and encourage the heaviest of hearts and the wildest of dreams. This marriage is your gift to bestow upon the world around you. When you leave today, you will both have the power to demonstrate the divine magic that is a lasting love. At the couple's request, they have written their own vows to one another. You may now share your vows."
"Katara, you have been my savior, my friend and confidant, my teacher. No matter what you have always been what I needed you to be at the time. I knew from the very first moment that I laid eyes on you, that you would be the only woman I would ever want. From that day on my heart has belonged only to you. I know that whatever challenges arise in our life that we will meet them head on together, as a team." Aang told Katara seeing only her.
"Aang, when I was 14 my life was changed forever when I found you frozen in that iceberg. I left my home with you and you showed me the world. Of all the people we met together on our journeys and of all the places we've been, somehow and someway, we ended up here- together. It is the most powerful and humbling fact that I can accept. I used to think that we met by chance but now I know without a doubt that the universe put you in front of me because we were meant to spend our lives together. You have filled my life with hope and joy, and through all the hardships we've faced together. You have given me a sense of peace that I have never known. Though today marks the start to the rest of our lives together, I know it could never be enough time with you." Katara spoke from her heart.
"Today we call upon the divine elements - earth, water, air, and fire - to bring to this union the same harmony that they share. We know that coexistence is the key to a mutual, loving partnership. It is through these four elements we understand how one has the power to make another stronger. We ask the elements to share with Aang and Katara some of their most magnificent features: From Air, we ask for lightheartedness, curiosity, playfulness, and peace. From Fire, we ask for courage, passion, radiance, and warmth. From Water, we ask for stillness, strength, creativity, and flow. From Earth, we ask for humility, friendship, gratitude, and growth. Do you promise then to take one another, to have and to hold, from now until eternity? Aang, do you take Katara as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do."
"Katara, do you take Aang as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do."
"Well that was easy." Bumi laughed. "By the power vested in me by the universe. I now pronounce you lawfully and spiritually wed! Let's start this marriage off with love - you may now kiss!"
The crowd roared with applause as Aang and Katara shared their first kiss as a married couple.
The band started playing again as the wedding party made their way back down the aisle, where they all stopped for a group hug. The wedding party lined up in a receiving line to greet the guests as they left the ceremony site for the cocktail hour, before the reception started.
I didn't know you were such a wonderful singer." King Kuei told Ari as he kissed her on the cheek in the recieving line.
"I'm sure I have many talents you're unaware of as they are generally unnecessary in conference." Ari told him with a coy smile.
As the line finally dwindled to nothing, the group was finally able to load up in the waiting sleighs to head to the banquet hall.
Arriving at the banquet hall they were quickly ushered into a side room so that they could make a grand entrance for the waiting guests. As the guests found their tables the group prepared to be announced; the line up varying just slightly from earlier so that Zuko and Ari could walk out together. As they heard a large drum begin to roll inside the banquet hall they knew it was time.
"Introducing the bridal party: Toph Beifong, Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Ariadne, and Best man and Matron of honor Sokka and Suki! Now finally the Bride and Groom Avatar Aang and Katara of the Southern water tribe!" The announcer called as they all entered the room and made their way over to the long table in the center of the room.
"Thank you everyone for coming all this way for our wedding! I know you all have been waiting patiently so let us all eat!" Aang called out and servers took their cue to begin bringing out the plated meal. As the meal came to a close it was time for the toasts and Hakoda took the lead.
"Good evening everyone! I would like to start by welcoming you all and to thank you for coming all the way here to the Southern water tribe to celebrate this very special, happy occasion, the marriage of my daughter Katara and Avatar Aang. Seeing my daughter get married today was a memory that I will always cherish, I just wish your mom could have been here today; she would have been just as proud of you as I am. As many of you here know, I left the Southern water tribe when Sokka and Katara were still very young; to do what I had to, to fight the war against the fire nation. I did not get to see my children for many years, and when I finally did they were all grown up and fighting to save the world. I got to watch my children surround themselves with a great group of friends, and together they helped save the world. I am so proud of all of them. They truely deserve all the happiness. I know Aang is a good solid man, who has already impressed us all with his thoughtfulness and unshakable love for my daughter. What more could a parent want for their child? So here's to the past, for all that you've learned. Here's to the present, for all that you share. Here's to the future, for all that you look forward to, together. Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, could you please raise your glass to the bride and groom: Aang and Katara!"
As the room finished drinking the toast and clapping for Hakoda, Sokka stood to give his own toast.
"Hey everyone, Sokka here, I'm going to kick off the wedding toasts. I've been there from the very beginning, from the very first time the happy couple laid eyes on one another, and all I have to say is "you're welcome!". No seriously! If I had not made Katara angry she would have never lost control and freed Aang from that iceberg. That one moment quite possibly changed the course of history, that moment was also the catalyst of change for my sister and I; We left our home after that to travel the world with Aang. If it weren't for that decision, I would have never met my own wife, Suki, or all of the most important people in our life. I have always been a big supporter of Aang and Katara's relationship, I'll admit, having a front row seat to my sister's epic romance has not always been fun for me; but those two are perfect for each other. Aang, I don't have to tell you to treat my sister right because I know you would never do anything to hurt her. I know you will have a great life together and be very happy. Today you are surrounded by people from all around the world who care and love you very much and we wish you all the happiness in the world. You two have always been there for us when we needed you and we will always be there for you if you ever need anything. Finally, I would like to propose a toast to the happy couple and I know everyone here will want to join me in raising your glasses in a toast to a very long, happy and healthy life together. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and raise your glasses to the new bride and groom, Aang and Katara."
There was another round of cheering as Suki stood up nervously.
"Good evening everyone. I'm the matron of honor, Suki, though most of you just know me as Sokkas wife. I've known the bride and groom for 6 years now, we might have never met if Aang hadn't made a detour to Kyoshi island to ride the elephant koi. That decision changed the course of my life for the best. I met the man who would be the love of my life and joined the war effort, which further put me on the path to meet all the wonderful people sitting at the table next to me. Traveling with team Avatar I got to watch the love between Aang and Katara grow; Aang has been in love with Katara since he was 12 years old, and I have never seen him waver in that belief. It only took Katara a little longer to come to the same conclusion, though in all fairness there was a war going on. Once the war ended there was no question to either of them that they belonged together, and we have all watched their love for one another blossom ever since. You two have overcome every challenge that has ever been placed in your path, and you've done it all together. Aang and Katara, I know you two will have a great life together full of happiness and love. So everyone raise your glass in a toast, to the happy couple and their happily ever after."
As the last toast concluded it was time for Aang and Katara to cut the wedding cake, quickly followed by their first dance. They stepped out onto the dance floor as Ari took her place at the front of the room to sing her last song of the night for her friends.
My love
There's only you in my life
The only thing that's right
My first love
You're every breath I take
You're every step I make
Ari watched her friends dance as she tried her hardest not to tear up as she sung to them.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of dancing and more than a little drinking for most of them. The children had been taken home after the first few songs, and their parents were free to celebrate the happy occasion with their friends. At some point Chief Arnook had approached Zuko and Ari as they took a break from the dance floor.
"Fire Lord Zuko. Fire Lady Ariadne." Arnook said with a nod of his head to the two rulers.
"Chief Arnook." Zuko nodded back.
"I hope you and Dongmei are having an enjoyable evening." Ari responded to the more senior ruler.
"We are, thank you. I actually wanted to offer you something Fire Lady Ariadne, like most of the world I have heard about your health problems. I would like to offer you the services of one of our young healers; a young girl named Min."
"Thank you Chief Arnook that is very kind of you. We would be very happy to take you up on that offer. I would feel much better having a talented young healer around to care for my wife." Zuko answered happily.
"Yes Chief Arnook, Thank you. That is very generous of you." Ari responded with a smile.
The festivities continued, but all good things must end. At the completion of the nights revelry, sparklers that had been procured by Zuko from the Fire Nation, were passed out and lit; as the happy couple made their grand exit by sleigh.
"It was a beautiful wedding." Suki said as the she, Ari, Sokka, and Zuko walked arm in arm back to their shared house.
"It really was." Ari agreed with a satisfied smirk.
With the completion of the wedding all that was left was to pack and begin preparations to go home. They just had one stop left though before returning to the Fire Nation; they still had the private wedding ceremony for Aang and Katara at the Southern Air temple.
Songs in this chapter are:
Pumpin' and blowin' sung by Kristy McNichol for The Pirate Movie
Somewhere only we know by Lily Allen
One indescribable instant from Crazy ex-girlfriend
Endless love by Mariah carey and Luther Vandross