Xenial Part 2
The Southern Water Tribe developed a deep respect for Zuko as he continued to live and work among them. He easily adapted to their way of life and humbled himself to show them that he had no qualms about leaving his former life behind and becoming one of them. He even liked sea prunes! This undoubtedly made Gran-Gran Kanna happy as sea prunes were one of her specialties.
Zuko proved to be one of the best hunters among them which bolstered friendships with some of the other men. Anyone who would so faithfully commit to the survival of the people was alright in their book though there were a few who still regarded Zuko cautiously and gave him a wide berth. There was some distrust from among the warriors who had known what it was like to suffer the atrocities of war at the hands of the Fire Nation.
Zuko gave those men the respect they deserved and tried his best to live consistently to show the tribe that he only desired to help and live in peace. The women appreciated how strong yet gentle he was with Katara. The former prince treated her like his treasured wife long before they had their ceremony. They admired how he would do simple romantic things every day to show his wife how much he loved her.
Zuko had just returned from a long sleigh ride back from town to collect supplies. Since Sokka left for Gaoling with Toph, he wasn't able to bring supplies to them as he had before, but Zuko had a little more freedom now since the Fire Nation had taken a break from fighting and terrorizing the defeated nations while their country prepared to have the double coronation of his father and sister.
Sokka sent his messenger hawk with the printed propaganda to Hakoda to keep the Water Tribe abreast of happenings thanks to Suki who had returned to Kiyoshi Island to rally her warriors. They would not be caught off guard this time if they could help it.
At the news, Zuko thought of his friend Aang and wondered how he was doing. He hated that they weren't able to reconcile and reaffirm their friendship. Zuko had long since forgiven the Airbender for his jealous rant several months prior. He could only hope the young boy made peace with himself. As Zuko approached the door of their home, he heard his wife cry out in pain. He ran into the icehouse wide-eyed to find Katara clutching her swollen abdomen as she held on to the wall for support. Her look told him everything he needed to know.
"Ahhh! Zuko…I need Gran-Gran." She said hissing through the rolling pain from her back to her middle. "I think the baby's coming," She added breathlessly. Within moments Zuko went out and released a Fire Nation flare from the abandoned ship. Hopefully, the villagers saw it and would send help quickly.