Zutara Month Day 11: Lady of the Moon

Somewhere Between the Sand and the Stardust, There Is A Pulse

"It is an honor to be here on this night, ten years after Princess Yue's brave sacrifice," Fire Lord Zuko says from where he stands on a raised dais made of ice, his voice carrying over the crowd.

Chief Arnook and his wife stand beside him on his left, with Katara standing on his other side. Next to them, there is a large object covered in white linen, obscuring it from the crowd gathered in the ice courtyard. Overhead, the stars glitter in the sky like precious jewels, and the full moon bathes the scene in her soft light.

Only Katara has seen what is beneath the cloth, and her body nearly hums in anticipation. Ten years have passed since Yue took the place of the moon spirit, and as far as Katara is concerned, this moment is long overdue.

Zuko speaks again, his velvety voice carrying over the crowd. He is solemn and proud, standing straight and regal in his red, fur-lined cloak, the Fire Lord's diadem shining in his topknot. Katara is fiercely proud of him, so much so that her heart feels like it might burst with her love for him. He has come so far from the boy he was that night, and she too, is no longer the young girl that he had battled.

"It is because of Princess Yue's sacrifice that the moon still graces us with her beauty tonight. There are no words to adequately describe how important Yue's final act was, still is, and will forever be." Zuko pauses here, and then his eyes land on Katara's face, a soft smile curving his lips. "So I won't try. However, my wife has created something to help memorialize Yue, so that we may always honor her." He gestures to the covered object. "My lady?"

Katara steps away from her husband, towards the object. But before she unveils it, she faces the crowd.

"I didn't know Princess Yue for very long," Katara says, her clear voice ringing in the courtyard. "But in the short time I knew her, I came to understand that Yue was selfless, brave, and kind. She willingly gave her life for the moon spirit, and for the entire world, and while there is nothing that anyone can do to compare to such a sacrifice, I hope that you accept this gift...this tribute to Yue's life."

Four stout young men remove the cover at her cue. The linen cloth slips with a whisper, and a beautiful statue made of ice is revealed. The crowd's soft gasps of wonder reach her ears, and her heart swells as tears sting her eyes. Beside her, Zuko wraps his hand around hers, warm and familiar. She squeezes his hand, and he returns the gesture.

She looks upon the statue. She had spent weeks carving the ice, shaping it, etching it, until it was perfect. Now it stands as a perfect likeness of Yue, her robes billowing around her as seafoam crashes against her legs, her face upturned and one hand reaching towards the sky. Her index finger touches a white koi fish, curling just above her hand.

"Thank you, Master Katara," Chief Arnook says, his voice filled with his emotions. "You have truly done my daughter justice."

Katara releases Zuko's hand and bows to the chief. "It was my honor."

As she straightens, brilliant, colorful lights burst through the sky. Everyone turns their faces upwards and sees the Northern Lights displaying their ethereal beauty for all to see. Katara studies the kaleidoscope of greens, pinks, yellows, and blues, feeling the moon sing in her veins, the sweetest melody she has ever heard. Beside her, Zuko slides his hand around her waist, and she leans against him, watching the aurora.

Up above, the moon continues to smile down on them. Katara knows that Yue, wherever she may be, is proud. It's enough for her.