Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Four
By DamageCtrl

All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.


The converted Fire Nation ship cut through the dark waters of the harbor leaving a trail of smoke in the air above it. Behind it, a sprawling city left behind in the distance. Torches lit the buildings, sending a yellow glow through the windows as smoke rose from pipes on the roofs. Rain fell from the dark sky creating a calming rhythm for the citizens of the city.

Stray locks of wet hair moved gently over her face in the wind. Blue eyes remained locked on the city fading behind them as she stood on the stern alone. Tan hands gripped the railing as silent tears slid down her cheeks. A hand rose and gently touched her warm, swollen lips. They were still sensitive from the pressure of his sudden kiss. She closed her eyes as her finger tips gently caressed them.

A small, muffled sob was caught in her throat as she closed her eyes. She tilted her head up towards the heavens and opened her eyes, letting her tears mix with the rain.

Sokka stood on the deck of the ship, shielded from the rain by an overhang just outside one of the doors. His arms were crossed over his chest as he leaned back against the wall. His own eyes watched his sister stand silently out in the open, baring the wind and the rain, unwilling to come under the shelter.

Katara had been silent the entire way to the dock, her eyes downcast and a vacant expression on her face. He had tried to talk to her, ask her what was wrong. But Katara turned her head away and solemnly told him she didn't want to talk about it. It was rare that she slipped into silence and carry a look so empty, that it scared him.

His hands clenched at his sides as he gritted his teeth. He cursed Zuko vehemently under his breath as his eyes watched his sister look longing back at the Fire Nation, not caring that she was soaked to the bone. Sokka's mind reeled. What had the Fire Lord done to his sister? What did he say to her that made her cry? He had believed that Zuko was a decent man. Someone worth fighting along side of. Had they all been wrong?

His foot kicked the side of the wall angrily. Betrayal and forgotten hate rose through him as the painful cries of his little sister reached his ears. He couldn't stand it any more. Sokka stepped out into the rain, ignoring the sudden shock of water falling against his skin as he marched towards the wailing waterbender.

Katara didn't hear the sound of approaching footsteps. She was completely lost in the crushing pressure of an aching heart. Suddenly, firm hands gripped her shoulders and whirled her around. Her braid flew around her body, soaked with water, as stray strands of hair clung to her face. Blue eyes filled with anger and confusion bore into hers as she let out a gasp.

"What did he do to you?" Sokka demanded. "Tell me, Katara! What did he do?" He wanted to know...needed to. If she didn't tell him, he couldn't protect her from it.

Her eyes began to water with a fresh set of tears as her gaping mouth struggled to produce an explanation. "Sokka..."

"Tell me!" Sokka pleaded over the sound of the rain and the motor of the boat. He shook his sister desperately. "What did he do to you? What did that bastard do?"

Katara felt warm tears slide down her cheeks as she pulled her shoulders away roughly. She stepped back, the side of the ship digging into her lower back as she held her hands up to keep Sokka from coming closer. A pained look crossed his face as he looked at her, horrified. She shook her head sadly.

"Stop..." Katara whimpered.

Sokka's eyes narrowed worriedly. "Katara..." he began, gently. He stood cautiously before her, suddenly afraid to move, fearing she would do something rash. "What did he do to you?" he asked softly. "Tell me and I'll make him pay for it, I swear."

She choked back a cry as she shook her head. "You don't understand..." she rasped out. Her eyes blinked back the tears. "He didn't do anything to me."

Her brother's eyes widened with disbelief. "No," he asserted. "He must've done something to you. Why would you be out here," He scoffed, throwing his arms in the air. "Crying in the rain if he didn't do anything to you?"

Katara continued shaking her head, frozen in her spot. "He did nothing to me, Sokka-"

"Was it the kiss? He forced you to kiss him, didn't he? I knew it! Did he hurt you, Katara? What else did he do? I swear I'll kill him-"

"No!" Katara screamed, making Sokka take a step back as his face filled with surprise. "He didn't hurt me, Sokka! He didn't do anything wrong!"

"Then why?" Sokka asked breathlessly. His heart sank as he watched Katara lean back against the railing and slowly slide down on to the rain covered deck. He took a step forward, extending her hands. The sight tore him apart. His baby sister, whom he swore he'd always protect, lay at his feet in a tight ball. "Why are you crying, Katara?"

She shook her head and buried her face in her knees. She felt his hands on her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Slowly, she lifted her head and looked at him. Hurt was written in her deep blue eyes as a shaking voice spoke out. "I..." Her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes closed tightly and she clenched her legs tighter against her.

It had been too late to stop it the moment he started feeding the turtle ducks...and they both knew it. "Katara..." a voice encouraged above her. What would Sokka think when he found out? And her father? Her tribe?

Katara opened her eyes and met her brother's gaze. It was too late to do anything, anyway. She swallowed and lifted her chin up. "Sokka..." her voice was low. Almost unheard. "...I love him."

Sokka's eyes went wide as her words echoed in his ears. His hands slipped from her shoulders. His legs gave way beneath him and he fell to his knees in front of her. His face glazed over and Katara choked back a cry. Was he angry? Was he shocked? Why wasn't he saying anything?

The siblings sat in the rain silently. Moments passed and the rain never relented. The sway of the ocean against the boat did nothing to calm them. Katara watched her brother with desperate eyes, hoping to find understanding and comfort in his eyes. Finally, his blue orbs moved over her face and settled on hers with an empty look.

"You are tried..." he mumbled numbly."You...you should get some rest."

Katara let a heavy sob escape. He didn't understand. He reached forward to help her up and she pushed his arms away. "Leave me alone." she hissed in a low voice.

Sokka looked down at her pitifully. "Katara..."

"Just leave me alone, Sokka!" Katara screamed. She covered her face with her hands. Her voice was begging him. "Just leave me alone..."

Not knowing what else to do, Sokka lowered his eyes and pushed himself up. Katara paid no attention as he left her alone on the deck.


Iroh stood on the top step beneath the covered hallway. A sad look graced his weary face as he watched Zuko sit in the rain. Thick black hair pasted against his head as closed golden eyes shut out the world around him. He had had been sitting there, leaning back against his arms, as he tilted his head back and allowed the water to course down the contours of his face.

Soaking layers of cloth fanned around his body as he sat their uncaringly. His mind relieved the last moment he had with her. The softness of her lips parting slightly against his hardened ones. The gentle curves of her body as it pressed against his. The smoothness of her skin as his fingers trailed down the side of her face. Katara, he realized, would only grow more beautiful with time.

His eyes opened to the darkness above him. In time, she would become a respected elder in her tribe. A heroine to the young girls of both poles. And one day, a kind hearted man would ask him to marry him. He would be gentle and considerate and would support her and her tribe. He would be the man Zuko could never be.

His hands tightened into fists as a wave of jealous spread through him and he hated himself for it. Katara didn't belong to him. Even if it had worked out, Katara would never belong solely to him. She was a healer and a waterbender. She was a daughter and a sister and a friend. Katara belonged to and was loved by everyone she held dear. She belonged to herself. That was one of the things he loved about her.

Love... The word was never spoken between them. Any words that were said were seemingly pointless, but laced with indirect meanings. Still, no matter how many times he held her, no matter how perfect the moment might have been, she never told him that word and he never whispered it back.

Perhaps they both already knew. Nothing needed to be said.

Zuko let out a bitter scoff and closed his eyes once more. Everything seemed to fall into place with Katara. Even in the all consuming quiet between them, everything was natural and pure. He had lost himself in those moments of silence. The world outside the garden did not exist; no post war chaos, no hungry nobles, no boring meetings...just Zuko and Katara...just a boy and a girl.

The sound of feet padding carefully across the rain soaked earth reached his ears and Zuko slowly turned his head. His Uncle bent down and picked up the discarded and forgotten umbrella. The old general removed the water and lifted it up over his head.

"You missed them."

The corners of the Fire Lord's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "No...I didn't." He said quietly as he turned his head back to the pond.

Iroh raised on eyebrow and followed his gaze. "Is this what you really want, Zuko?"

"I have gained what I wanted. Even more so," Zuko replied coolly. "I have a throne. I have a nation. And most importantly, I have my honor. What more did we set out to gain, uncle?"

Iroh shook his head slightly. Zuko obviously didn't want to talk about it. Tiredly, the old general turned around headed back to the hall. "The Minister of Financial Affairs requested a meeting with you tomorrow, Zuko."

"I will be there." Zuko replied, still rooted in his spot. Iroh sighed and paused before disappearing into the hall. Without turning back, he began to speak.

"You know...in some species, turtle ducks included, the pairs mate for life. It is said that when something separates the pair, they will return to where they became mates and wait there until the other returns."

Zuko kept his eyes on the pond. "What if the other doesn't come back?"

"No one knows," Iroh shrugged. "Personally, I do not want to find out."


The trip to the South Pole was tense and filled with gaps of silence between the two siblings. Sokka found himself ignoring his sister's tearful confession of her feelings for the Fire Lord. Every time he opened his mouth, he would find himself on the verge of screaming with disbelief. And so he kept his mouth shut; going about their days as if nothing had transpired. Katara pretended she hadn't said a word to Sokka about it. When he sat there, staring at her with disbelief, unable to even speak...she realized he wouldn't understand how she felt.

Maybe he doesn't want to understand. Katara thought silently. She stood on the bow of the ship, leaning over the railing as the midday sun. The chilly weather signaled they had arrived in the polar regions and Katara brought her arms closer to her body. Two long locks of hair billowed around her face as looked ahead of them. She was expecting to see the smoke from her village soon.

As the cold wind met her face, a pair of arms coiled over the metal railing of the ship beside her. A figure, just a few inches taller than her, leaned forward, closing his eyes as he inhaled the cold, salty air.

Sokka took a deep breath and exhaled. "Ah! Don't you miss that fresh scent?" Katara rolled her eyes. She wasn't in the mood for her brother's stupidity at the moment and pushed herself off the railing and began to walk away. "Hey!" Sokka stood up straight and went after her "Katara!"

"We're almost to the village, Sokka," she grumbled as she ignored him following behind her. "I'd like some time to myself."

Sokka frowned and rushed forward. They were almost home. It had been one grueling several days at sea and he had never spent so much time with so much tension between him and his sister. He wouldn't let her carry their tension home. It was going to get cleared up now. Without another thought, he darted in front of her, stopping her from going any further.

"Okay, that's it," Sokka said sternly as he stood in front of her. "We've been out at sea for almost week and all you've been doing is standing out here, looking out at the sea. You haven't said a single word to me, you haven't even waterbended!"

Katara took a deep breath and crossed her arms. "Sokka, I just don't feel like it."

"Why?" Sokka gasped out, confused. His eyes narrowed. "Because of him? Katara, one kiss doesn't make you in love with him."

Katara's eyes narrowed as well and locked with his. "Is that you think?" Katara said in a low, dangerous voice. "That just because we kissed one, that's what made me feel this way? Sokka, what do you take me for? Some stupid, naive, lovesick little girl lost in dreams of a fairy tale coming true? Do you think I'll fall for anyone just because of a kiss!"

"We have been around Zuko since he joined up with us months ago!" Sokka exclaimed. "And I've never seen you two act...act the way I saw you two acting before we left!"

"That's because you never saw us!" Katara shouted. Sokka took a step back, a hurt expression on his face.

"What are you talking about...?" Sokka said quietly. "When did you have time to...? Why didn't you tell me...?"

Katara turned her head away and wrapped her arms around her. "About a month ago...no, longer than that...Zuko caught me feeding the turtle ducks in one of the royal quarter's private gardens. Every night after that, we'd meet each other there and feed the ducks together."

Sokka stared at her dumbly. "Okay...so you two fed animals. I don't see it."

"Ugh!" Katara threw her arms in the air and scowled as she stomped around him. "See! This is why I wanted to be alone! You don't understand!"

"Katara, what is there to understand?" Sokka asked as he grabbed her wrist and stopped her from running off to avoid him.

Katara turned and glared sharply at him. "I said I don't want to talk about it! Sokka, just pretend I didn't say anything, okay? Forget about what I said! We're almost home and I don't want everyone asking me what's wrong because you don't understand!"

"Well, excuse me for caring!" Sokka grumbled as he released her wrist. "I just watched my sister crying out in the rain and then go silent for almost a week. I'm sorry for being so cold hearted as to care about why she is!"

The waterbender sighed and let her arms drop to her sides. A prang of guilt gnawed at her gut and she reached out and placed her hand on Sokka's shoulder. Even if he didn't like the idea, that didn't mean that he would disregard her. Her brother still cared.

"I'm sorry, Sokka."

"You should be. You ignored me throughout this entire trip." he insisted. Katara resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"About Zuko...just forget about it. It was just a crush, you know? Nothing serious." Sokka gave her a disbelieving look.

"You expect me to buy that after you spent three hours in the rain, in the middle of the night, curled into a ball while crying your eyes out? You'll have to do better than that."

He's not going to make this easy... Katara met his eyes seriously. "I spent the entire journey here thinking about it. It's just...I've spent a lot of time with Zuko while feeding the turtle ducks and I noticed some things about him I never noticed before. I guess I kind of grew attached to him."

"Kind of?"

"Okay, maybe more than that..." Katara trailed off. "Anyway...when you saw us, I was kissing him good-bye. I just wanted to see what it would be like it did work out..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Carefully, she tried to ease her brother's worries. "He...he didn't feel the same way, Sokka. And I guess when he turned me away; I realized then that nothing would ever happen between me and him. He called me a naive peasant. I should've known..."

"Katara..." Sokka said softly as he looked down at her sadly. "I'm sorry..."

"It's okay-"

"I knew you had horrible taste in guys, but Zuko?" Katara nearly screamed. Sokka reached forward and gave his sister a big, comforting hug. "Just be glad you didn't get too attached to him. You did the right thing, leaving the jerk behind. I know it hurts that he rejected you, but in the end it's for the best."

Katara narrowed her eyes as she stood there limply. "You sound a little too happy about this..."

"Happy? No, no!" Sokka said as he released her and smiled. "I'm just relieved!"

Oh, yes...so much better.

"I was afraid you were in love love with Zuko," Sokka gushed ignorantly. Katara kept a sheepish smile pasted on her face as Sokka let out a content sigh. "But you know what, Katara, its okay. You'll meet a way better guy. Someone who'll feel the same way about you."

"Yeah...I'm sure..."

"Well, now that we've got that cleared up, don't you feel much better?" Sokka smiled.

Katara nodded. "Yes...yes, I do..." she replied calmly.

"Great!" Sokka stretched out his arms over his head. "Why don't you head back to the room and get your things ready. I'll call you once I see the village in the distance. From dad's letters, it's a little bit different from when we left it."

Katara nodded. "Okay...Thanks, Sokka."

Her brother nodded brightly as Katara headed back into the ship. As soon as she disappeared inside, the smile from his face left. He lowered his head and released his clenched hands. He suddenly felt disgusted at himself for what just transpired. He knew full well that Katara was lying through her teeth, trying to pretend that it nothing major.

He wasn't as dense as everyone thought he was. He wasn't blind. When Katara froze Jet to a tree, she had been hurt because her little crush turned out to be a teenage terrorist. It was plausible that because she had spent longer with Zuko, her crush was much deeper and much more involved. But she would not have been sitting so heart broken in the rain if the Fire Lord had simply rejected her. It wasn't that simple.

Katara was a strong young woman; he knew that better than most, despite his over protectiveness of her. No, it wasn't just an unrequited school girl crush. But, for Katara's sake as well as his, he would play along with her and help her pretend that everything was okay. He silently hoped that whatever it was between them would be forgotten.

The memory of Katara parting from Zuko replayed in his mind and his hands gripped the cold railing in front of him. It was wishful thinking...like he would never forget his first real love, Katara would never forget hers.


They should've arrived in the south pole already... Zuko thought to himself as he sat above numerous nobleman, state officials and ministers, and military officers. In front of him, the Minister of Internal Affairs was speaking on monotonous matters of palace staff, money, and other things that Zuko had heard several times over before the meeting even began.

Iroh sat just below him, papers neatly kept on his desk as he listened intently at the minister. All around the room, nobles nodded and officials commented. Military officers stayed quiet and waited until something that concerned them was brought up.

"That concludes the reports for the coming month." the gray haired old man said as he put a scroll down.

Thank Agni... Zuko mentally whispered.

"Up next..." the clerk said as he stood up, reading from the agenda.

Zuko stopped himself from glaring a hole through the clerk's head. Someone kill me...

"Nobleman Yan would like to submit a proposition on behalf of the nobles from the northwestern regions of the Fire Nation," All eyes turned to Zuko and the young Fire Lord gave a subtle nod for the clerk to continue. "Previous to the reign of late Fire Lord Souzin, there was an institutionalized system of young female court members being trained in Fire Nation cultural arts within the palace."

"I am aware of that." Zuko said in a low voice. Iroh grimaced, silently praying that Zuko wouldn't loose his temper after realizing what exactly the system meant.

"It has been requested that the system once again be instated and noble daughters allowed to live in the palace for proper instruction on all manners of palace and noble life, including, but not limited to the arts, music, and literature." the clerk ended.

Iroh sat as emotionlessly as possible all while hoping that Zuko would not cry out about the hubris of it all. He waited for his nephew's explosion, ready to take the reins and calm everyone down, but it never came.

"I believe that this ladyship system was abolished due to the uselessness of the system. In its place, Fire Lord Souzin instituted the Royal Fire Academy For Girls to teach them more than just the arts, music, and literature," Zuko stated calmly. "As the Academy For Girls is still standing, I do not see the need for the previous system to be brought back to the palace."

Oh! Good answer! Iroh nodded to himself, pleased.

A few muffled murmurs were spread out amongst the nobles and finally one stood up. "Fire Lord Zuko, if I may."

Zuko nodded his head. "Proceed Master Lee."

"while the Royal Fire Academy For Girls instructs more than the previous system that emphasized being a proper, well rounded lady, those who are gifted with firebending skills are at an advantage to the non-bending students. Some girls are not fit to practice the...techniques that are taught at the Academy For Girls. Especially the older girls who were unable to further their education because of it. However, the ladyship system might be of use."

To get me a wife, you mean... Zuko nodded, as if intently listening.

"Before Fire Lord Souzin discarded the system, the young women who were part of it were trained in classic Fire Nation arts, specifically for women. This included embroidery, cooking, dance, and academics. We feel that if the Fire Nation is to shift back into its pre-war era, we should bring back the system. It would be of great benefit to the people."

"Really?" Zuko asked coolly. "How so."

His words were more like a demand than a question and Iroh shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Zuko was edging towards irritation and everyone could sense it. The nobleman who was standing glanced briefly at his comrades, as if asking for help. Nobleman Yan stood up beside him.

"They say that women are the bearers of culture, Lord Zuko," Yan began respectfully. "We would like our daughters to bring back the lost arts that have been ignored by the general public for years prior to your reign."

"It is noted that many graduates of the system often went to teach young children else where in the Fire Nation. Education should be a priority if we are to rebuild the Fire Nation." Lee concluded.

Ah...that is also a good answer... Iroh mused, somewhat disappointed.

"You bring to light a good point, gentleman," Zuko agreed. "However, this is quite a time consuming and expensive endeavor for us to pursue."

Iroh looked up at Zuko and frowned. He began to mentally chant, as if willing Zuko to listen. Do not dismiss it immediately...do not dismiss it immediately...

"However, it has much merit."

Iroh let out a silent, relieved breath. Thank you, Agni...you have shown my nephew patience.

"I trust that your proposal is complete and that all the arguments for the system's re-instatement are included?" Zuko asked as he held out his hand. The clerk rushed over and handed the scrolls to him.

"Yes, Lord Zuko. If you wish to discuss it further, we would be delighted to meet with you."

"I'm sure that won't be necessary," Zuko said as he opened up the largest scroll and skimmed it with seemingly interested gold eyes. After a few paragraphs, he rolled it closed and nodded. "It will take me some time to deliberate the proposal and review the situation here in the palace if I do decide to approve it."

"Thank you, Fire Lord Zuko." The noblemen bowed.

Zuko nodded his head and glanced down at his Uncle. As if knowing what to do with a single look, Iroh stood up and gained the attention of the men around the room. "I believe that is all on the agenda today, my fellow nobles. Is there any more business that should be mentioned before we conclude today's meeting?"

Zuko watched as the men glanced around the room. Once he decided that no one else was going to say anything he spoke out. "Then let us conclude the meeting for this evening! I will see everyone next week for the meeting."

"The Fire Lord as declared the meeting has ended!" the clerk repeated. Everyone stood up and bowed their heads as Zuko rose from his elevated seat and slipped out through a back passageway with regal movements. As he passed his Uncle, Zuko met his eyes, as if giving him a silent command. Iroh bowed his head, carefully acknowledging Zuko's request for a private meeting in his study.

As soon as Zuko left the room, the men began to gather their things and come together in little groups to talk about the results of the meeting. Iroh stealthily put his papers under his arm and slipped out of the room before any of the nobles could stop him to 'chat'. Once out in the hall, he quickly walked to Zuko's study, hoping he wouldn't be seen and stopped.

He looked behind him one last time as he arrived at the doors of Zuko's office before he pulled the handle and sneaked inside. He quietly closed the door behind him and turned around.

The young Fire Lord was sitting at his desk; mountains of papers spread around him, making him look almost trapped. He was leaning forward, his elbows on the desk as his head rested in his hands. Downcast eyes were fixed on to the unraveled parchment before him; the proposition for the re-instatement of the pre-war, courtier instruction and preparation system.

"Before you say anything," Iroh began as he crossed the room. "I want to tell you that I am very proud of you for the way you handled yourself back there. Part of me was afraid you would throw a tantrum and then toss the proposition into the fire."

"I'm not foolish, Uncle..." Zuko grumbled in a low voice. "You've told me to control my temper around the nobles and officials a thousand times."

"Well, I'm glad to see it stuck." Iroh chuckled to himself.

Zuko lowered his hands and lifted his head, his eyes meeting Iroh's. "It's a harem." he stated simply.

Iroh took a deep breath and nodded. "Do not speak so badly of it. Your great grandmother and almost all the women of this family before her were chosen from the system."

"I'm aware of that, Uncle."

"Then do not talk as if it is so horrible. It would disrespect them."

Zuko closed his eyes and took a calming breath. "This is nothing more than some pathetic attempt to parade their daughters under my nose in hopes that I will pick one out and marry her!"

"Zuko-"

"Do you know what will happen if I approve this proposition?" he continued frustrated. "Every where I turn, I will be followed and bothered by the daughters of those men, desperate for attention and favor! I won't have a moment's rest from those vultures! All they want are the advantages to being the Fire Lady!"

"Zuko!" Iroh shouted just loudly enough to stop the young Fire Lord's triad. "That may be so, but the system was not made for idealistic notions of romance and love. It was made for gaining prestige and power. For forming alliances and strengthening political bonds."

"I know that!" Zuko exclaimed as he shot up from his seat. "I know exactly what it's for!"

"Zuko, you are the Fire Lord now," Iroh reminded him sadly. "And with the nation comes the responsibility to be a good leader. That includes finding the ideal woman to be your wife."

Zuko was breathing deeply, his face flushed as he fell back into his chair. He leaned back and rubbed his forehead with his hand. "Why do I suddenly get the feeling that you're supporting this proposition...?" He asked, sounding tired and almost betrayed.

Iroh looked at him, concerned. "The nobleman brought up a good point, Zuko. Women have always been the bearers of culture throughout the Fire Nation and in the countries abroad. They know the arts and traditions of our culture better then us men and will pass them down to our children. During the last century of war, we have lost much of what we once held dear and defined us as the great nation we once were."

"We still are a great nation." Zuko spat out.

"Yes, I agree," Iroh insisted. "However, we cannot let the culture of our past disappear because of a war in our present. The opposite of war is not peace, Zuko; it is creation. We cannot let the things that symbolized our life as a civilization die."

Zuko looked up at his Uncle, his lips set in a tight line. "And the fact that everyone is hoping that I'll marry their daughter means nothing to you?"

"I am not saying that you should marry immediately, Zuko. Not this soon after..." Iroh trailed off cautiously. "And I am not even saying that you must pick from one of the young women in the system. There have been Fire Lords that choose their partner outside the system."

Zuko shook his head. "I can't believe I'm hearing this from you," Zuko snarled as he stood up. "You're the one who agreed with me when I said it was too early! That neither I, nor this nation, were ready for a wife!"

"While they may have submitted the proposal with marriage in mind, do not let that cloud your decision on the proposition. Think about the benefits," Iroh insisted. "In my early years, my art and music lessons were taught to me by a graduate of the system. They are excellent teachers of the arts as well as knowledgeable sources of history once they graduate, Zuko. We can all benefit from that. So can the children and future of this nation."

The Fire Lord closed his eyes tightly and inhaled deeply to calm himself. "It's late..." he stated as he moved around his desk."I'm going to get some rest."

He walked passed Iroh and the old general followed him with his eyes. "Zuko," Iroh said, stopping the young leader just before he walked out the door. "All I ask is that you think about it."

A pale hand gripped the door handle and pulled it closed behind him.

Wife. Why did blue eyes framed by brown hair as soft and smooth as silk come to mind when his Uncle said that word? Zuko swore. Even after she left, those all expressing eyes haunted him. He silently walked through the palace, ignoring passing servants that bowed in his wake as he headed for his room.

As he passed through the private gardens, he willed himself not to turn and look out to the pond. Even as the turtle ducks quacked, calling for him, he ignored them. He ignored the calling for him to go there and sit in their spot. He threw his doors open and shoved them closed behind him as he stalked into his room. Without stopping, he walked to his bed and headed towards the pillows. He grabbed the largest one in the center and tossed it across the bed.

There was a small lacquer box nestled in the soft cushions. Golden eyes narrowed as he stared down at it. His hand moved over the smooth, shining finish before picking it up. Carefully, he opened the lid and stared at the fragile brown flower pressed beneath a clear crystal inside the box.

Zuko fell to his knees beside the bed and closed his eyes. Katara...what should I do?


"Gran-Gran!" The old woman laughed as a boisterous young woman flung her arms around her body and hugged her as if never planning to let go. "Oh...it's good to be back!"

"Katara!" Kanna's arms wrapped around her granddaughter as she closed her eyes and relished the feeling knowing that her precious grandchildren were safe and sound. "My Katara...welcome home..." Tears rimmed Katara's eyes as she pulled away. Kanna's hands cupped her face, studying her dutifully and then smiling with approval. "Your father told me that you had matured beautifully since you left. He was right."

"Gran-Gran..." Katara whispered fondly as her tan cheeks blushed.

"Hey!" a male voice said behind her. "Am I destined to be ignored my entire life? When am I going to get a hug, huh?"

"Sokka!" Kanna laughed as she released Katara. The young waterbender stepped aside and smiled sheepishly as her brother came down from the Fire Nation ship they had been traveling in.

"Sorry, Sokka," Katara chuckled. "I got carried away."

"Non-sense!" Kanna insisted as she gathered Sokka in a bear hug. The warrior let out a gasp of air at his aging grandmother's strength as he hugged her back. "I haven't seen you in ages! Do you know how hard it is on me to hear about your adventures! I'm just glad to see you come home safe."

"Home..." Katara mused. With an elated look on her face, she lifted her head and surveyed the sprawling, frozen area before her. Her eyes were wide with awe as she compared her once tiny little village to the bustling town that had taken its place. "It's amazing..."

Formed from the white, glistening frozen wasteland was a newly formed city carved and shaped from snow and ice. Where the original village of igloos and fur tents once stood just paces from the chilling water's edge was a series of interlocking canals; a similar system of defense based on what they had seen at the North Pole. A wide canal was dug around the larger area that was set aside for the city.

Unlike the North Pole, the village hadn't been nestled against sheer ice cliffs for protection. It was out in the open without any natural defenses. So they had to make them. The wide canals were filled with water, almost making an island out of the city they were building. Instead, it was a peninsula connected to the rest of the ice cap by an easily defendable series of ice strips. They acted as a series of five bridges that lead to the rest of the surrounding tundra.

Massive walls were constructed around the village; the very front of it leading to a main dock where their ship had arrived. Inside the walls, homes made of ice were in the process of being created as further in, a larger building was almost finished with construction. It was a lodge and would act as a meeting place for the tribe.

"Katara! Sokka!" a voice shouted from the start of the dock.

"Dad!" The two tore down the dock, slamming into their father with such force that he nearly fell back, laughing as he did so.

"Welcome home!"

"Home looks completely different," Sokka exclaimed. "Although, I must say, I love what you've done with the place."

Hakoda laughed and motioned for them to follow them. "Some of the men bring your things inside. But I'm eager to show you the city."

"Take them around and show them the changes," Gran-Gran said as she followed behind them. "I'll see to it that their things are brought to the correct rooms."

"Rooms?" Katara asked, confused. To her knowledge, their igloo only had one room. Hakoda laughed slyly.

"That's a surprise," he assured them. "Follow me! I want to show you the new residential areas."

Excitedly, their father led them through the canals and through a second inner wall. The inner wall was shorter, but the area inside had been elevated for better viewing outside the outer walls. Unlike the North Pole, it was small; perhaps about half the size as the population was miniscule compared to their sister tribe. There were also hard packed streets instead of canals.

Decent sized homes that contained several rooms had been built for each family. A few extra homes had been built or were in the process of being built for those who were going to start a new family soon. They passed by fountains and huts that had been reinforced to smoke and preserve the meat and fish they gathered. All around them, people were helping with the construction and children were running around gleefully.

Katara and Sokka took in the wonder of it all.

"Hakoda, what brings you to the site? Checking up on it again?" an amused old voice laughed.

"No, Master Pakku," Hakoda replied happily. "My children have arrived. I was giving them the grand tour."

"Ah...if it isn't my star pupil Katara," he paused. "And Sokka."

"How come I don't get a nice title...?" Sokka mumbled under his breath. Katara held in a muffled laugh before bowing her head and greeting her former master.

"Everything is absolutely breath taking, Master Pakku. I can hardly believe its home."

"Yes, well...even though the war is over, we couldn't be too careful. The village will be more easily defended this way," Pakku explained. "Has your father taken you to the lodge yet?"

"Lodge? We have a lodge?" Sokka asked.

"We were on our way there," Hakoda replied. "Would you like to join us, Master Pakku?"

"No, no...I am far to busy instructing the work here," the old waterbender explained, waving his hand over to the side where numerous workers were busy water behind the foundations of buildings. He looked over the trio casually. "I see Kanna is not with you..."

"Gran-Gran? She headed back home and said she'd make sure our things were put away." Katara informed him.

"I see...well...tell her I said hello." He gave them a nod of his head and turned back to his work.

As they got out of hearing range, Sokka leaned over to his sister. "Kanna? What was that about?"

Katara shrugged innocently and tried to conceal here sly smile. "Maybe he likes Gran-Gran?"

Immediately, Sokka turned green and carried a partially horrified, but mostly disgusted look on his face. "Oh, thanks, Katara...now I'll have nightmares for years to come."

"This is the lodge!" their father announced suddenly. The siblings stopped behind their father and looked up at the largest structure at the center of the meager little city. It was a wide building with a wooden structure and thick walls. There was a large hole at the top for smoke to come through from the warming fire that would one day be inside. It looked like the last of the roof was being installed.

While it lacked the grandeur of the North Pole, it still carried regal air despite its modest standing. Katara and Sokka 'ohhed' and 'ahhed' over it as their father lead them around and took them inside to get a better look. "I like it," Sokka mused as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Rugged yet cozy and accommodating."

"Dad, when are we going to use it?" Katara asked. She couldn't wait to sit inside and eat with her reunited tribe.

"Once it's finished," Hakoda assured them. He smiled widely. "I can't wait either. But for now, I bet you two are hungry."

"Oh! I'm hungry!" Sokka agreed readily. His sister and father stared at him lamely.

"You're always hungry." Katara and Hakoda chorused at the same time. Sokka rolled his eyes.

"Let's just go..." Sokka grumbled. Their father led them back down to the residential area and stopped in front of the largest ice house. "Is this what I think it is?"

"After everyone heard about your parts in ending the war, they wanted to show how proud they were of you two and gifted the family with this house. Everyone hard a part in it somehow." Gran-Gran told them as she met them at the door.

"It's beautiful..." Katara whispered in awe. She smiled warmly. "This is amazing..."

"If you want to see amazing, you should see your rooms," Gran-Gran smiled. She ushered them inside and took them through the house. They marveled at the neatly placed furs and the cozy looking skins. They arrived at the first room and the two looked inside. It was a reasonably large sleeping area with dark colored furs on the ground and a sleeping area that looked like one could melt if they slept inside of it. New weapons were carefully placed in one corner. "This is Sokka's room."

Beside her, Sokka's lip started trembling. "It's...beautiful..." he joyfully. He dashed into his room and dove into the warm bed. "Oh, beautiful, warm pelts...how I missed you!" He cooed as he snuggled against them.

Gran-Gran sighed. "That boy...hasn't changed," she mused. She began walking again and Katara followed her. They stepped in the next room. "This is your room."

It was about the same size as Sokka's with lightly colored pelts and a warm bed. Instead of weapons, there was a mirror and dozens of packages that had been brought from the Fire Nation were stacked neatly in the corner. However, there was something on the wall and floor that stole Katara's attention.

"Is that a pool of water?" Katara gasped as she stumbled in. Gran-Gran smiled and chuckled as Katara zoomed over to the wall where water was streaming quietly from a stone valve and into a low stone bowl.

"It's a fountain. Pakku thought you would like it."

"I love it!" Katara gasped. She ran her hand over the water, making it move and sway with her motions. She turned around and looked over the room. "This is...amazing..."

The old woman laughed at Katara's wondrous expression. "What are amazing are all these things you brought from the Fire Nation. You must've been greatly cared for there for you to bring back all of these things."

"Hmmm?" Katara turned around and looked at the boxes. She smiled slightly. "Actually, General Iroh went shopping with us and well... let's just say that he doesn't so much shop as buy everything he sees."

Kanna laughed and smiled some more. "Well, let me help you unpack."

"Thanks, Gran-Gran." Katara smiled back and began unpacking her things. She began laying out the random dresses across her bed and grinned as she noticed the large wooden turtle duck behind her belongings. She mentally wondered where she would put something so...turtle duck-ish. Half way through folding her clothes for storage, she heard her grandmother let out a wistful sigh and looked up.

"Oh, Katara...this is fine material..." Young blue eyes went wide as she saw the silk robes in her grandmother's work worn hands. "Have you worn it yet?"

Katara's heart momentarily stopped. The waterbender's smile left her face as memories of a painful night of revelations and decisions flooded back to her. New blue robes, made just for her. A silly decision to show it to her Fire Nation host. Zuko's comments, his pleased look, his golden eyes...his cold words. Her hands clenched the cloth she was holding in her hands before dropping them suddenly.

"It's nothing," Katara insisted as she crossed the room and took it out of her grandmother's hands. Hastily, she rolled it up. "It's actually a very ugly dress. I was going to return it, but I didn't have time."

"Are you sure?" Kanna asked, looking up at her granddaughter. "It looks fine to me-"

"It's hideous," Katara cut her off sharply. Kanna frowned and studied Katara's face. Her eyes were suddenly hazed over with sadness as her lips trembled on the verge of tears. "It doesn't look good on me at all..."

The color brings out your eyes... Her heart twisted painfully.

"Katara..."

"Actually, Gran-Gran...I can take care of this myself," she stammered as she brought the robes closer to her chest. "Sokka and I were talking about your stewed sea prunes the entire time here...do think you can make some for us? I'll be out in a minute to help, if you need me."

Katara's eyes looked away the entire time. Kanna nodded slowly and put her hand on Katara's shoulder gently. "Take your time, Katara." The young woman closed her eyes tightly and nodded as Kanna released her. A wooden door closed behind the old woman and Katara buried her face in the robes.

Outside, Kanna hesitantly made her way down the hall to Sokka's room. She looked inside and found him rolling on the bear skin rug. He saw her standing at his doorway and stopped, beaming a smile.

"Gran-Gran, have you felt this yet? It's so soft! Was it treated? Because it can't possibly be straight off the bear-"

"Sokka," the old woman said before her grandson could go off one of his tangents. "Is there something...different about Katara?"

The young warrior's smile left his lips. "Different? No..." he trailed off, his eyes moving across the floor. "I don't think so..."

Suspiciously, the old woman looked at him. "She seems...different some how. Did something happen to her in the Fire Nation?"

Something? Like...say...falling in love with and being loved by its leader, Fire Lord Zuko, and then leaving? "Um...she seems fine to me," he offered. "Completely fine. Great. Super."

Kanna frowned and glanced over in the direction of Katara's room as she headed towards the door. "She reacted strangely to a dress she had bought in the Fire Nation. I thought that maybe it reminded her of something."

This time, Sokka was genuinely clueless. "No...I don't know about that. I didn't really see her wear anything other than her usual clothes." he admitted.

That's because you never saw us! Her exclamation from the ship echoed in his head.

Kanna sighed tiredly and stepped out of Sokka's room. "She seemed...distraught...it seemed for a moment she was...ah... never mind."

"What, Gran-Gran?" Sokka asked. The older woman pretended not to hear him as she disappeared out the door. "Gran-Gran?"

For a moment... Kanna thought as she passed Katara's room. Inside, behind closed doors, the young waterbender was on the floor, clutching the robes against her as she buried her face in its soft fabric. Shoulders heaved as tearful sobs were muffled by the extravagant clothes. No one could hear her. For a moment it seemed as if she was regretful.


Iroh stretched out his arms as he stepped outside of his room. He gently raised a hand and rubbed his shoulder, getting the kinks out from a night of fitful tossing and turning in bed. His stomach rumbled with hunger and he patted it gently, as if reassuring it that it would get some tea and breakfast soon. With that in mind, he headed out of the royal quarters.

The sun was shining, the skies were clear, and Iroh stopped to take a deep breath of fresh air. Rising with the sun had its advantages as beautiful mornings were always a treat. He proceeded to walk down the covered walkway when he noticed a black robe clad figure sitting cross legged by the pond. With a royal knot lazily clasped into place and what looked like sleeping garments peeking from the edge of the robe, Iroh concluded that his nephew was becoming an insomniac.

"Zuko!" he exclaimed as he stood by the railing. "How long have you been awake?"

The figure on the stone slab didn't move. "I couldn't sleep." A calm voice replied. Iroh's eyes widened.

"You should've come and told me. I know a drink that would cure that right up!"

"its fine Uncle...I'm fine." The male turtle duck swam around the pond before him, occasionally diving for aquatic plants to eat. His mate and babies were sleeping in their nest.

"How can you be fine if you haven't had any sleep? The body needs to recuperate, Zuko."

"I'll get some rest later," Zuko assured him. He seemed to pause for a moment. "Uncle...I've thought it over."

Behind him, the old general narrowed his eyes. "Thought what over...?" His voice was hesitant.

Zuko looked down at the lacquer box in his hand. The blue flower was the same shade as her eyes...he knew they were the same shade. He remembered them so vividly. The small flower had been pinned back in her hair the day she left and he couldn't help but notice that they matched her brilliant blue orbs perfectly.

"I've been thinking about the proposal and what you said," Zuko began. He closed his hand around the box and the little flower preserved inside of it. "I read over the scrolls and I've come up with a decision."

Iroh looked hesitant to hear the answer. His hands reached out and held on to the railing. "What have you decided?"

Zuko closed his eyes and slipped the small box beneath the flap of his robe, tucking it in a pocket over his heart. Iroh watched as his nephew stood up and turned around. Golden eyes opened and met the old general's with a level gaze.

"Send notices to each noble family recognized by the royal family," Zuko said as he clenched his hands. "They are allowed to send one daughter and one daughter only, per family, into the system."

Iroh's eyes widened with surprise. "Then you've..." he trailed off. Zuko nodded.

"I approve the proposition for the re-instatement of a system that will train female court members to become proper instructors of the Fire Nation's cultural heritage here in the palace."


A.N. - No flames! Please no flames! Yes, I know the whole ladyship system is an excuse to get girls around Zuko. I hope it's not getting too cliched. At any rate, thank you for reading! I hope you are all enjoying the story at least a little bit. Your reviews are too kind and I'm very grateful. Normally, I don't update on weekends, but I finished this chapter today and everyone is so nice, I figured I might as well post it. :) Please excuse all the little typos. Once again, thank you so much!