Whisperings of What's to Come
Katara threw up for the third time today. She already counted two months without her moon cycle. She was certain now after a check with her water healing that she was pregnant. Katara closed her eyes and leaned against the cool sink in the bathroom. How was she going to tell Zuko about this? How was she going to tell her father?
Before she could think any more about it, her grandmother Kanna called her out to the kitchen. Kanna directed her granddaughter to sit down and immediately placed a cup of steaming tea in front of her. "It's ginger. It will help settle your stomach. So, how far along are you now?" she said without looking up. Katara pinched the bridge of her nose. Of course, Gran-Gran already knew! She's been a midwife for longer than Katara's father has been alive.
"Two months I think. The morning sickness just started for me." Katara admitted. Kanna grunted.
"The Fire Prince?" she asked easily. Katara sighed.
"Yes, it's Zuko's." Kanna hummed.
"Indeed. You'll be due around the time of the setting of the midnight sun. That's a special time for benders." She remarked. Katara nodded and sipped her tea quietly. Kanna knew that her granddaughter and the Fire Prince were intimate from the moment she saw them together. He was attentive and protective of her and she had eyes for no one else. It was clear they belonged to each other.
"Do you love him?" Kanna asked her granddaughter to gauge her reaction. If Katara hesitated marriage may be off the table creating a huge problem for her. Katara laughed in self-depreciation understanding her grandmother's question and concern. Katara didn't hesitate.
"I love him so much it hurts," she whispered.
"And I know without a doubt he loves me," she added. Kanna took a deep breath.
"Ok, that's good. We have to tell your father and the council right away. I suggest you inform Zuko of what's about to happen so that he can prepare to woo you. Katara nodded knowing her grandmother approved and would be with her during this ordeal. The Water Tribe were generally accepting of outsiders but Zuko was a Fire Nation outsider. Only Tui and La knew how this situation was going to play out.
Wooing was the term the tribes used for men to prepare to get engaged to and marry a woman. In the Northern Water tribe, it was about creating the hand-carved necklace like the one Katara's grandmother gave to her. In the South, it was another thing entirely. A man had to prove that he was worthy and able to provide for both a family and the tribe. Zuko would have to complete a series of tasks some of which were dangerous. Katara shivered at the thought though she wasn't cold.
At that moment Sokka ran in carrying a parchment.