Chapter Six
Zuko led them down a twisting maze of elaborate hallways before stopping in front of overly ornate doors. He gestured to the second door on the left. "Aang, this will be your room. It used to be mine. Uncle is just next door." He said pointing to the first door on the left. "Katara, your room will be across from his and next to mine. It used to be my mothers."
Aang frowned a little. "Why is she next to your room?"
"It'll make security easier. If they hear a noise from either room, they'll be able to defend them both faster." He explained with a little shrug.
Katara put a hand on Aang's shoulder. "I'll be fine. You're just across the hall from me."
"Your things should already be in your rooms. I'll just let you get settled. Dinner should be ready in an hour. Do you know how to get to the dining room?"
"I'm sure we can manage." Katara said with a smile. Zuko nodded and turned to leave they way they'd come. Katara plucked at her dirty clothes. "Well, I do believe a bath is in order." She smiled at Aang.
"That does sound good." Aang admitted and they shared a private grin. "See you in an hour?" He called hopefully.
"In an hour." She agreed before disappearing into her room. Inside she could only gape in awe. The room was bigger than her hut back in the South Pole. It had huge windows that overlooked the garden behind the palace with a small balcony where she could sit and relax. Unlike the rest of the fire nation, this room was painted not in the stunning reds and golds, but in softer colors, earth tones that were subdued and soothing. The entire room had a touch of femininity without being overstated, evidence of Zuko's mother's presence before her. A giant four poster bed with curtains pulled back sat against one wall and experimentally she sat on it, slowly sinking into the downy covers and squashy mattress. She allowed herself to flop back and felt her eyes fluttering closed.
"I should bathe or I'll ruin the quilt." She mumbled to herself sitting up and fingering the fine silk embroidery. She stifled a yawn and continued exploring the room. There was a desk stocked with paper and quills, an expansive wardrobe that would easily hold her meager belongings and then she found the door leading to an adjacent bathroom. The counters were a creamy marble with silver faucets as was the tub that would easily fit herself and probably two other people. She ran the tap and placed her fingers under the water, pleased to find that it was heated. She allowed the tub to fill as she examined her reflection.
"Ugh…" She let out an exasperated sound of dismay. Her hair was a bit matted with dirt and oils and her skin was smudged. Deep bags were evidence of the lack of sleep the recent trials had put her through. Her clothes were stiff with sweat and more dirt and she was quick to shimmy out of them, discarding them in a stale heap on the polished floor. Fluffy towels had already been deposited on a shelf next to the tub and she began uncorking several colored glass bottles on the tubs edge. They held fragrant creams, lotions, oils and soaps. She picked out an array that her nose approved of and poured scented oils into the water before she turned off the taps. Slowly she slid into the fragrant, warm waters and sighed in pleasure.
It had been too long since she had a decent bath and this far surpassed her expectations. Lathering some soap she worked it into her hair and across her body, bending water over herself in a leisurely stream to rinse herself clean. She spent a long while soaking in the water, absorbing its heat and fragrances. When the water became tepid, she stepped from the tub and wrapped herself in the towels, going to the mirror to check her appearance once more. Smiling back at her was a beautiful young woman, eyes bright and shining. A huge improvement to what had been reflected the first time.
She bypassed her dirty clothes on the floor and made her way back to the wardrobe where her clothes hung thanks to one of the palaces many servants. She withdrew some of her blue water tribe clothes and shimmied into them, brushing her damp hair aside and bending the water from it. A knock sounded at her door.
"Come in."
Aang stood there clean and freshly shaved. "Are you ready for dinner?"
"Yes." Braiding her hair would take too long so she left it down and they made their way through the halls together.
Aang sniffed the air. "You smell really nice."
A light flush colored her cheeks. "Thanks. I found some smelly bath stuff." She held a strand of hair to her nose and sniffed. "It's not too much, is it?"
Aang shook his head. "No, I really like it." He took her hand as they navigated the turns. In due time they found their way to the dining hall where just outside Zuko was talking to one of his councilors, wrapping up their conversation as Aang and Katara approached.
"Hope you're hungry." Zuko said with a faint smile and the three of them entered to find Iroh already seated, sipping tea leisurely.
"Welcome! Please sit!" Iroh said energetically motioning them to the seats around him. Katara sat between Iroh and Zuko, Aang across from her on Zuko's other side.
"Good evening Iroh." Katara greeted, taking her seat.
Iroh looked over her and Aang. "You look much more… relaxed." He said casting about for a suiting word.
Aang grinned at him knowing what he had wanted to say. "The bath really helped." Any trace of stubble had been removed from his scalp and they were both looking much better without the thin layer of dirt and smelling pleasant.
Zuko was staring at Katara and she caught his gaze shortly before his Uncle did. "Zuko," he chastised. "It's not polite to stare."
Zuko gave his head a small shake, bringing himself back into the present. "My apologies Katara." He said, averting his eyes in embarrassment. "It's just that you smell… nice." He finished lamely, turning red with his further awkward comment.
Iroh inhaled deeply and stroked his beard. "You're right Zuko. She has the same scent as Ursa."
Katara started, flustered. "I'm sorry. They were in the bath and I used them I didn't mean to-"
Iroh placed a hand on her shoulder stopping her short. "No dear, don't worry about it. They were there to be used. It's just been… a long while since we've smelled that particular fragrance." There was a long uncomfortable silence after, only interrupted by the clinking of dishes as servers brought in the meal and placed a dish before each person.
"Ah dinner!" Iroh said gleefully rubbing his hands together. "Dig in, you must be famished."
Aang smiled down at his vegetarian meal, pleased that they had informed the cook. Everyone ate with gusto, the only break in the quiet was the scrape of silverware. Katara ventured some of the spicier fire nation cuisine and was rewarded with a burning mouth. She waved a hand before her face and quickly seized her water glass draining it.
Zuko chuckled. "Careful, it's hot."
"Now you tell me." She said with mock anger.
"Here. This will help soothe the burn." He slid a few slices of his mango from his plate to hers. "Usually when you eat the spicy komodo chicken, you temper it with a bite of fruit." He explained trying to hide a smile at her expense. "Try them together." He suggested.
A servant was refilling her water glass. "Komodo chicken and mango? No thanks…" She said doubtfully poking at her rice instead.
"Try it Katara." Aang urged, watching her with a big grin. He enjoyed the show she had provided too and she narrowed her eyes at him.
Zuko made a motion that said go ahead with his hand, watching her eagerly and she let out a defeated sigh. Cautiously she speared a piece of komodo chicken and mango and ate them together, chewing warily. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow." She mumbled after swallowing.
"See." Zuko said with that smug look on his face.
Feeling impetuous she stuck her tongue out at him and Iroh chuckled.
"Careful nephew…" he cautioned, a humorous glint in his eye.
The rest of dinner was spent idly chatting about what they had been up to since they had last seen each other, avoiding the serious topics of recent events. Zuko told them of all the changes he was making, like having most of the colonies return to the fire nation, disbanding majority of the military, lowering taxes and working on trade treaties with the other nations. Aang and Katara (mostly Aang) filled them in on their trip how he had solved minor conflicts, gave demonstrations and basically just reassured the world that he was back and that the new found peace would be one of permanence. Dessert came and went and Katara found herself yawning.
"You must be tired." Zuko observed looking between his two friends.
"It's been a long couple of days." Aang agreed with heavily lidded eyes.
"Allow me to escort you back to your rooms."
"You don't need to." Katara insisted.
"It's no trouble. Just beyond that wing is my office. There is still some paperwork I have to finish tonight."
They three teens left the room together, Iroh staying behind claiming to have a pai sho match with one of the gardeners.
"I'll post some guards outside your room." Zuko said, watching Katara as they transversed the halls. "If there are any problems, just shout. I handpicked them and they're the best for the job." He insisted, feeling he had to assure her as much as himself and Aang.
"Zuko." She stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Thank you. For everything. I'll be fine." She paused and watched his tired expression. "You'll have guards with you too, right?" She worried for his well being if he was going to stay up late in a more secluded area of the palace by himself.
He nodded wearily.
She smiled, feeling better. "Don't stay up too late. Even fire lords need their sleep." She teased.
"I will." He gave them a thin smile as they stopped outside their room's doors, guards already at attention by the doors. "Good night. I'll see you two in the morning for breakfast." With that, he continued down the hall.
"Good night Katara." Aang said, leaning in for a kiss. She turned her face so he caught her cheek. He gave her a concerned look, caught her blush and looked to the guards standing behind her. Katara had never been much for public displays of affection in front of strangers, so he gave her a small nod of understanding before they parted, headed for their respective rooms. Inside, she slid out of her clothes leaving them in a heap on the floor and trudged to her bed in her under clothes. She crawled across the squashy mattress and flopped on her stomach on the silk and satin blankets. Her tired body sank and she snuggled into the fluffy pillows. With a low moan she dragged herself under the blankets. Her body felt heavy as sleep pulled at her, every muscle leaden with exhaustion. Quickly sleep took her.
A few hours later, a dark figure emerged from a secret panel in the wall. Slowly he crept forward, cautious not to make any sound on the plush carpet. Edging ever closer until Katara was in his sight. She lay on her side, hair splayed under and around her, draping over her bare shoulders, just a hint of the white wrappings peeping up from the blankets. She looked so peaceful, so safe. The figure shrouded in darkness loomed over her, watching the slow rhythm of her chest rise and fall. Stepping away, he disappeared back through the hidden panel into his own room.
Zuko had a nagging feeling and wanted to check on Katara. Feeling satisfied with her sleeping soundly next door, he slowly shrank onto the edge of his bed, rubbing his face tiredly. Too much paperwork and the stress of the recent events had left something to be desired. He flopped back on the bed, pulled the covers up and let himself relax for the first time in a while.
Hey all, Sarahplainntall here! I hope you enjoyed. I know it's still a bit slow, but it's picking up, I promise! I know the chapters aren't super long, but that's so I can update faster and sooner. Review!