Disclaimer: Nope not me. I don't own ATLA. Though I wish I did. It would definitely have this much fluff! LOL
Chapter 16
Grabbing the basket with one arm she scooped up a blanket in the other. Making her way down the corridor, slowing as she past the dinning hall just in case her brother was still in there filling his belly. Sighing as she went unnoticed. She could relax now, she heard her brother talking to Zuko's uncle, the old man doing most of the talking.
Luckily, after roaming the castle for weeks trying to find some sort of outlet for her tension, she came across a small garden with a fair size stream where she could practice her water bending in solitude. Rising early in the morning eat a modest breakfast and then scurry to the sanctuary that had been discovered. But this day she slept in as the night before had been rather ruff on her.
Entering the hallway that led to the small haven. Wondering what she would do if she were in fact challenged. Stopping in her tracks, realizing she was now a Master there was no need to fret. She could take what ever the phantom voice had to give. She would be prepared. She would be waiting.
Continuing with a new found courage, she felt the warmth of the sun on her face. Breathing in the fragrant aroma of the garden. Making her way to the stream that offered her peace of mind. Placing the basket on a bolder. Laying the blanket on the ground. Stretching out on the blanket she reached for the basket and placed it to her side. Searching through its contents she was happy to find a peach. Sitting facing the stream she savored the sweet taste of the juicy fruit.
Feeling thirsty she reached a hand into the basket once more grasping a bottle. Taking a sip she realized it was wine. A very sweet wine. 'Just one more sip' but found she couldn't put the bottle back. It was so tasty on her lips. Soon she was lost in time. Reveling in her day dreams of a certain young prince. Oblivious to the fact that time had past. Hours to be exact.
"Did you come here to do battle or to relax your cares away?" Said the voice. 'Oh Gods' She had forgot all about the voice telling her to meet him her. Startled she quickly stood and just a s quickly regretted it. Trying to push the dizziness aside she took a stance. "Are you ill?" The voice asked sounding a bit to concerned for her liking.
Forcing herself to steady, "Who are you? Where are you?" Looking around she found no one. Just like in her bedroom. Convinced someone was there she took the offensive. Sending a water whip out to her would be attacker. Or rather she thought she had but all she saw was her hand move in front of her. Where was the water? Trying again only to have the same thing happen. Alarm setting in she began to panic. What if the voice attacked her now?
"Something the matter, Water bender?" This was bad. Feeling her knees about to give out she rested against the bolder. What could she do? Scream for help. She couldn't do that. 'I'm not weak.' Standing once more she called to the voice, "Coward show your..." Buzzing in her head exhausted her. Felling herself falling she braced herself to hit the ground and be prey to the would be attacker. Never feeling the ground she looked up to meet golden eyes.
Anger could not have best described how she felt at that moment. Pushing her self away, "Was that you the whole time?" Her voice more than a little touchy. The prince nodded pulling her closer to him for much needed support. Fighting him she shot daggers at him As she struggled to free herself. Did he find this funny?
"It was." This only set her temper higher to rival his own. "I wanted to see you with out your brothers.. interference. But as soon as I entered your room the servant girl came in. So I hid not wanting to be found alone in your room while you slept. It wouldn't have looked very good for you." Understanding what he meant she relaxed a little in his arms.
"It will be some time before I forgive you." Turning towards the river, arms across her chest. Believing she had made her point she felt a hand on her chin turning her to face him. Feeling the fight leaving her as she met his own eyes. The icy cold daggers from a few moments ago would have melted when she saw the gleam in his eye. Her arms fell to her sides as she closed her eyes and felt his lips descend on hers. She wanted to tell him he was forgiven but knew there was no need.
Releasing her for only want of breath, "Elderberry." He said licking the sweet taste from his lips, savoring it. Wanting more he raised her head to meet his. Pressing against her lips he relinquished his hold on her chin in favor of running the course of her curves. Tingling passed over her body in waves at the slightest touch he offered. Biting ever so gently he suckled her lower lip. Both gasping for air they reluctantly parted. "You my dear, Katara, have been drinking."
Blushing, she knew it had been wine but didn't think it would have effected her so. "Would you like some?" She whispered, feeling ashamed for asking. Surprised when he answered yes. Taking his hand she led him to the blanket. Kneeling she gestured for him to sit beside her. Taking his place he crossed his legs and leaned back waiting for her to cater to him.
Finding a glass in the basket she poured him some of the sweet nectar. Offering him it to him he took it, brushing his fingers against hers. Sending another rise of sensations through her. Taking a sip he sensed her eyes on him. So he offered her a smile. "You said you wanted to see me. Well here I am." resting both her hands in her lap.
"Yes I did say that didn't I?" Savoring another sip, He wondered how to go about what he had to say. Should be be gentle or be blunt? Well, by now she was used to him being blunt, he would just come out and say it. "Your brother... how should I put this? Asked me what me intentions are to you." He was so blunt about it she felt her stomach do flips. Not able to gather the courage to look at him she shifted her gaze away. "I felt it was none of his business. At least I felt you should know before he did." Reorienting herself to him she awaited what might come next.
Seeing him place the glass on the bolder, her stomach did more flips. What was he going to say? Should she say something? "So what is it I should know?" She felt so very awkward now in his presence. Looking at her hands,seeing his overlap hers. He pulled her towards him. Swooning as her head came to rest on his chest. Shifting so she could look into his golden orbs. Placing a hand on his chest she could hear his rhythmic heart beat. Drawn to him like she was the moth she leaned into him providing him with more of her own sweet nectar. He reviled in this gift she offered him.
Cupping her cheek in a gentle hand he traced her lips with his tongue. Gasping at the new sensation he took the opportunity to his advantage. So as to not upset her, he slowly conveyed his tongue over her teeth. Realizing she was not pulling away he embarked further and proceed to play with her tongue. Shocked that this was happening, her heart racing to keep up with him. Not knowing how to handle this, but not wanting to disappoint him either. Relaxing into quite repose she allowed him to guide her. Slowly she began to realize that he was teasing her.
Just as they were getting into a good rhythm they heard the trumpet sound. Reluctantly they wrenched themselves apart. Looking at Zuko, Katara could not help but blush as he stood. Offering her his hand she took it. Standing up she leaned into him. Hearing another trumpet sound in alarm Zuko, whispered into her ear, "Katara, we can gather your things latter. Lets go see why they call."
Nodding they hurried to meet with the others to see why the alarms had sounded. Never noticing that Zuko still held her hand for dear life as they ran down the corridor. Past the dinning hall they ran as fast as their feet would carry them. Only releasing her as they neared the entrance to the castle. Zuko paused so he could hear better. He heard the frantic cries and screams of the frightened citizens of Omashu. As if directed towards him alone their voices seemed to collide in his ears, 'Fire Nation.'
'What?' Fire Nation here? Please let this be a drill. Wasn't his life complex enough, now he would have to fight his own people? But that is what he was supposed to do. In the company of the Avatar he would have to fight his nation one day. So today would be the day that tested his loyalty to the Avatar. So must it be.
Taking Katara's hand in his they made his way to the market place. Seeing from here that his uncle and captain were with Aang and Katara's brother on the castle rampart. They made their way to them, not slowing till they got there. The sight was amazing and terrifying at the same time. Zuko couldn't help but wonder if this is what all the people who his nation conquered felt on seeing the vastness of the Fire Nation Army? Awe. Horror. Suddenly he felt so very weak and small. Just like he did almost three years ago.
"They haven't attacked yet." Said Zuko's Uncle to himself more than anyone else. Iroh telescope in hand was scanning the mass that was the Fire Nation army. Looking for what no one knew. What was the point they were so vastly out numbered. Only the walls offered what piece of mind that did remain. If they could hold the army below would not be able to get in. Baffled he looked at the telescope placed it back to his eye. "Huh?" And proceeded to do this a few more times, as if there was some thing wrong with the device.
Captain Jee asked, "Is it broken? Would you like to try mine?" Iroh agreed taking Jee's telescope but again he kept up with the 'It's broken routine.' Sighing Jee offered to help, "Let me try, sir. What are you looking at?" Iroh pointed in the direction as everyone held their breath. Disappointment set in as Jee rested the telescope at his side, shoulders slumped.
Iroh could not wait for reply, "Well did you see what I saw or was it my old eyes?" Jee just stepped closer to the ledge. Leaning over a little he made some sort of bird call. Katara suddenly had visions of Jet. As if she wasn't feeling sick enough with the Army right below her she now was. Clear as the morning sky they all heard the reply in the form of a bird call similar to the on used by Jee. "Well?" Iroh asked.
Placing the telescope in his pocket Jee spoke, "Yes. It is him." Now the thought in everyones mind was 'Who was this man' who was Jee and Iroh talking about? But they were to afraid to ask. But someone managed to speak up.
King Bumi after all had the city Of Omashu to think about. "Just whom are you talking about, Captain?" Jee ushered the old King to the ledge and pointed to the man. Jee waved making eye contact. King Bumi out of the corner of his eye thought he saw a smile on the captains face. Seeing the man wave a flag back to them he couldn't help but feel he had been had.
"I think it would be wise to open your gates to them. They would not fight without the order from their Commander" Jee said to the king. The king was just about to push the traitor over the ledge as he heard him speak. "That brigade is under my command." Turning to meet the eyes of his companions, "You didn't really think I was just some ordinary captain? Did you?" Jee couldn't help but laugh at his own words, "I am the Commander whom half those men bellow us answer to."
Sokka quickly spoke up before anyone else could, "But what about the other half?" It was all on their minds. At least one of them had found their voice, they all let out a sigh relief. They might not have to fight after all.
"That man who is waving the flag? That's my twin brother, Sus." Katara couldn't help but lean over the edge to spy on the man. Shaking her head she looked to Jee then to Sus. Did these two men really command this army before her. All she could manage was, "Wow."