Chapter 1:
Zuko rolled his shoulders and rubbed his temples. Piles of paperwork were stacked in front of him. He had been up since the early pre-dawn hours of the morning diligently working his way through them all. With the end of the war, and the subsequent peace negotiations with the other nations, on top of the regular running of an entire nation there was always an enormous amount of work to do. It was enough to almost make Zuko miss his time as a tea server in Ba Sing Se, almost.
In three weeks from today it will have been three years since the solar eclipse, and the invasion it allowed. Three years since his father's arrest. Despite Iroh officially acting as Fire Lord what most people didn't know, is that , he had, in secret, been involving Zuko in every aspect of the role in preparation for him to step down and for Zuko himself to take up the crown on his twentieth birthday. Putting down his pen and stretching his arms Zuko sent up another silent prayer of thanks, one of many he'd made in the past three years, to Agni and whatever other spirits were listening that his uncle had decided to stay, if only for a few years, rather return to Ba Sing Se and The Jasmine Dragon as Zuko had known he had secretly desired to. Zuko knew for certain that he could not have made it through these last few years without Iroh to help him.
These last three years had worn Zuko down. Returning to normal life , and trying to fit back in with Fire Nation high society after years as an outcast had been harder than Zuko would care to admit, even to himself. Many of the people who now expressed their praise and deepest admiration to his face just a few short years earlier not only actively contributed to the war effort but also, In a personal hurt, supported his father's decision to burn and then banish a 13-year-old child over a minor misstep. Certainly none had spoken out about the injustice at the time. Despite the passing of time, the wounds of Ozai's cruelty, and those who supported and enabled it, were not only still etched on his body but deeply embedded in Zuko's mind as well as. He found it difficult to trust even his closest advisors, and least of all Azula who had insisted, demanded really, a place on Iroh's private council.
Shaking his long hair out of his eyes Zuko picked up his pen and pulled the final few scrolls towards him but the words blurred in front of his eyes. He thought of how it would feel in just a few short weeks to have the final peace treaties signed and the war officially done. He felt happiness at the idea but he also knew that this new peace was extremely tenuous. Despite his and uncle's best efforts, the move from a century of aggression to a peaceful coexistence with the other three nations was not as simple or as smooth sailing as he had once hoped. The negative effect of his father's time in power, really the whole reign of his family since Grandfather Sozin, was still very much in the forefront of the other nation's minds. He couldn't blame them really the war was long and brutal. The Fire Nation had done some truly terrible things. The war effort still deeply was still impacting the Fire Nation itself as well.
It was the main reason he had agreed to this slightly ridiculous plan of an arranged marriage. When Iroh had first suggested the idea, Zuko had laughed assuming it was another of Uncle's bad jokes. Soon he began to see the benefit to the idea. With a bride from one of the other Nations they could solidify both the international peace and create a new alliance with whichever of the nations she happened to come from. That nation in turn, due to a new emotional investment, would be more willing to work with the Fire Nation to continue the peace. The Fire Nation would also be exposed to new ideas and culture hopefully helping to break them out of the toxic mindset the war had created.
Deep down as Zuko had gotten used to the idea he became somewhat excited by the prospect of a marriage. In his weakest moments he still heard his father calling him weak and a failure. Despite the fact that he had been born for the role, that the title of Fire Lord still felt heavy in Zuko's mind when applied to himself. He could not bear the thought of actually becoming Fire Lord, and as such being in full control of his nation, on his own. The idea of a wife, even one who had married for duty rather than love, to help shoulder the burden was a relief. Zuko would never, ever, admit it out loud but the possibility of a family had also sparked the tiniest fraction of excitement in him too. Now, however, as he and Uncle Iroh sailed their way around the world in order to formally finalise the peace treaties with the other nations, and the possibility was on the verge of becoming reality, the thought made his palms sweat profusely and anxiety began to build like a heavy weight in his chest. He could not realistically imagine any women from any of the other nations willingly agreeing to leave their home forever for a life in the Fire Court notoriously full of lies, gossip and backstabbing even before the war. Especially if it involved being married to him.
Finally deciding to stop dwelling on his problems Zuko extracts himself from the small desk stretches, dresses and walks up to the upper deck where he already finds his uncle despite the still early hour of the morning. "Good morning Prince Zuko. I trust you slept well, judging by the snoring I heard coming from your room last night" his uncle greets him with a light hearted chuckle. Once this type of teasing my have angered Zuko but now he simply laughed along and teased back saying
"I was simply trying to imitate my favourite Uncle who's snoring is well known to keep the whole palace awake." Iroh let out a hearty belly laugh at the well placed, and entirely true, gibe.
"Fire Lord, Prince Zuko" the captain interrupts bowing to each of them in turn, "we will reach our destination in the Pole by this afternoon" Zuko thanks the man and turns back to look out into the ocean. They had passed their first ice berg yesterday morning so he had known they must be close to the water tribe settlement. That knowledge had not helped ease the worry he felt. His racing thoughts only broken when Iroh places a calming hand on his shoulder
"Do not worry Prince Zuko, the only thing the Northern Water Tribe are expecting from this trip is the finalising of the peace treaties and our new trade deals. You need not mention anything else if you do not find someone you feel would make an appropriate life companion for you." Zuko looks at his uncle and feels a deep love for him. He was sure his uncle would not press the issue if Zuko decided not to go ahead with finding a bride on this trip and the relief in knowing that took some of the pressure of his shoulders. He smiled at Iroh and said
"Life partner, really Uncle? It would be an arranged marriage. Hardly the stuff of silly romantic stories."
"You never know Prince Zuko, love can often find people when they are least expecting it." Iroh placed a hand on Zuko's arm, no longer easily able to reach his shoulder easily thanks to an impressive growth spurt. Zuko gave him a forced smile and tried to think of something that would change the subject.
"Would you like some tea uncle, I haven't seen you have one all morning." A blatant lie. He hadn't seen uncle all morning but either Iroh didn't notice or he pretended he didn't.
"What an excellent idea Prince Zuko I am rather in the mood for a nice cup of tea and maybe one of the officers will have time for a rousing game of pai sho."
As Iroh wandered off a genuine smile fell on Zuko's face. He headed back to his cabin to eat a quick meal and meditate. His uncle had spent years trying to convince him to take up the practice while Zuko stubbornly refused. Unsurprisingly when he did start adding it in into his routine he found great benefit in the practice for focusing his mind and, in his own opinion, helping his notoriously hot anger to stay cooler than it had ever been previously. He needed to be as calm as possible for this trip, not only did world peace depend on it but possibly his future marriage. When the call came that they were officially in Water Tribe controlled waters he quickly changed into his official, and more importantly fur lined, robes and tried not to hold his breath.
The Northern Water Tribe was more stunning than Zuko remembered. Part of that may have been because the last time he was here he had snuck his way in. He remembers sneaking his way through the Northern Tribe's impressive defences with a fair amount of shame but also a little bit of pride that he had managed such an enormous feat alone but resolved to make sure he didn't mention that particular escapade when meeting with Chief Arnook.
The welcome they received while not friendly was warm and Zuko and Iroh spent a pleasant evening with Chief Arnook and his family in the palace. The formalities of the Fire Nation delegation's visit required the entirety of the next day wrapping up only when the sun had already long set. Although, Zuko mused, the sun set remarkably early this far north so it may not have been as long as he thought. With the last of the peace treaties signed and new trade deals agreed upon a large celebration began in earnest.
The event was held outdoors to allow the whole tribe to attend. Tables and tables of traditional Water Tribe food had been prepared and music played loudly from one end of the court yard. The air was full of the sounds of the instruments, happy talking and loud bursts of raucous laughter. The evening was a sea of white and blue with only Zuko, Iroh and their dozen or so guards standing out with their distinct red and black attire. It made Zuko an easy target as he was unable to blend into the crowd as he normally did at these types of events. As such he spent the whole evening having the same overly formal and polite conversation with senior members of the tribe about the good weather and if he was enjoying the food. Late in the night just as Zuko was planning to take his leave and find a warm bed he was cornered by Chief Arnook who was now more than slightly tipsy and clearly angling for Zuko to disclose the details of their agreements with the Southern Water Tribe, possibly looking to make sure they had not gotten a better deal than the North.
Thankfully Zuko was spared from having to talk one on one with the chief and dodge his pointed questions for long before they were interrupted by a nervous young girl. Her intricate dress and hair beads marked her as some type of tribe nobility, with the familiar way she was speaking to Arnook likely some relation to the chief. Zuko wondered if this was Arnook's daughter until he remembered the fate of Princess Yue upon his last visit to the North and grimaced to himself before forgetting to keep his thoughts masked and hoping the chief and the girl hadn't noticed. Oblivious to Zuko's inner monologue Arnook turned back to him placing a protective hand on the girls shoulder "Prince Zuko, I'd like to introduce you to my niece Sora"
"A great pleasure to meet you princess." Sora gave a polite bow without looking up at him properly. Arnook coughed lightly behind her and she remembered her proper manners and raised her eyes to meet his. Zuko could tell the moment she spotted his scar. While he was slowly coming to terms with the distinctive mark he knew it still bothered most people, and now this young girl was frightened of him. He took a deep breath and tried to give her a warm smile, hoping it would help her see past the disfigurement of his face. It seemed to help a little as Sora's now tight posture relaxed a fraction and she gave him a tiny tight smile in return but still quickly turned back to her uncle.
"I am sorry uncle but Mama wants you to come now, she says that…" Arnook held up his hand to stop her repeating the message he had already heard
"Apologies Prince Zuko, it seems I am needed elsewhere." Before moving out of ear shot Zuko swore he heard the chief mutter something about his sister being damn sure this was an emergency and he stifled a laugh. Families, it seemed, were universally frustrating. With that, he thought he should find his uncle.
Moving through the crowd he quickly spotts his uncle. Making his way over Zuko arrived just in time to hear the end of Iroh's favourite tea joke get an enormous laugh from the rather large group surrounding him. Zuko caught his uncle's eye and the old man gently extracted himself from the crowd and made his way over to his nephew. Together they move to find a fairly secluded corner in which to talk.
"Prince Zuko! How are you enjoying the party? Have you met anyone particularly interesting?" Iroh asked rather loudly with what Zuko assumed was meant to be a conspiratorial wink but really was more of a very slow blink, probably to do with the many waiters carrying an abundance of very strong Water Tribe alcohol. In his past Zuko knew his uncle's lack of decorum, getting drunk and almost blurting their secret out in the open like that would have made Zuko furious. Now he simply rolled his eyes fondly and replied in a much quieter tone
"No uncle. As we both know Chief Arnook has no daughter left in his immediate family and the only girl I've met among his extended family not already married or is his niece who cannot be older than 12." Zuko thought again of Yue and thought maybe the Fire Nation had already taken too many Water Tribe women already. Iroh nodded wisely despite Zuko not voicing the last part aloud, the force almost knocked him over. Zuko put an arm around his waist to steady him "come Uncle, I think it is time we both retire to our beds we will be leaving for Ba Sing Se tomorrow." It was a comfortable silence on the way back to their suite in the palace.
Their time in the Earth Kingdom was much longer and much less enjoyable in Zuko's opinion. The fall of Ba Sing Se meant a collapse of the entire system keeping the Earth Kingdom together. As a result, the last few years had involved much infighting amongst the nobility about whether to remain one nation or officially split into separate entities. Zuko when forced to be present during these meetings, which Iroh had quickly allocated as his responsibility, had spent most of his time repeating that the Fire Nation would recognise any system of government that the earth kingdom, or kingdoms, would implement. Not to mention the complex and long winded processes surrounding the previous Fire Nation colonies and how they would be returned peacefully to Earth Kingdom rule. Now there had finally been a consensus, or at least a tense agreement reached. With all parties happy, at least for now, many forms were signed and peace had at last been formally achieved. Then came days and days of celebrations.
Due to conflicts of ideas, not to mention the sheer number of people, there was no one large party. Rather, Iroh and Zuko were whisked around to the houses of all the Earth Kingdom nobility separately so that each might try and curry favour with the new Fire Lord and the crown prince. At all of these visits each family made no attempts to hide their strategic attempts to show their wealth and their strategic benefits as allies including pushing forward their available daughters. Their daughters, according to all of their parents, were always the most beautiful and talented in the whole marvelled at their mother's ability to always manage to find ways to ensure Zuko was seated next to the girls in question despite his own attempts to avoid it.
Now Zuko had to admit that all the girls were indeed beautiful; dressed in the latest fashions, he assumed, their hair and makeup intricately done and expensive jewellery on clear display. He could imagine any of them being a stunning Fire Lady. He could not imagine any of them being his wife. The women paraded in front of him were unfailingly all quiet, demure, polite and, if he was being honest, boring. When Zuko had attempted to engage them in conversation they were all quick to please. Agreeing with his opinions on all things, even deferring to his preference of tea. They all also refused to comment on any type of political subject he broached with them hastily returning the conversation back to neutral topics such as upcoming spiritual holidays and their latest purchases at the markets. Zuko knew it was stupid to expect it from an arranged marriage but deep down he wanted more, a marriage that was also a partnership a friendship even. He didn't want to be like his father, or even what he could remember of his grandparents, where the women were mere trinkets and children ignored until they became useful. At the very least he wanted his wife to be someone who he could rely on to shoulder the burden of running a country with. A woman he could trust to be a good Fire Lady. None of these Earth Kingdom girls came close.
The one exception was a very unique girl from Gaoling. Despite being blind she was the most outspoken noble women he'd ever met, even insisting on calling him Prince Hotpants to his face which was both insulting and amusing. In spite of her age she had no reservations speaking with Iroh or Zuko and even asked some very pointed questions about their plans to rebuild including potential jobs for earth benders and their plans to support the many disabled war veterans. Unique questions which Zuko had not considered before and made mental notes to discuss them with the council once back in the capital. Lady Beifong also asked about how likely he was to allow bending tournaments - like the earth bending one's popular in her home city - now that there was no longer a war between the countries. Despite her abrasiveness Zuko liked the girl, but she was still quite young and Zuko doubted her family would agree to such a match even if he had suggested it judging from the way they kept bringing up how weak and helpless she is despite the girl herself giving off quite the opposite impression. Discouraged Zuko held out very little hope for their third and final stop in the Southern Water Tribe.
The Southern Water Tribe was like night and day compared to what Zuko had remembered of his brief time there previously. Three years of peace, of having their men home and reconnecting their trade links had seen the tribe flourish back into the impressive civilisation it had once been. Gone was the tiny cluster of worn down tents and sad looking igloos. In its place, there was now a sprawling bustling permanent encampment with beautiful ice-based architecture - igloos on a larger scale - and hundreds of impressive handmade traditional tents. Not to mention the hundreds of people who all seemed to have a job in this community bustling hurriedly in all directions. Just as it did in the North Zuko's mind unconsciously went back to his actions the last time he visited this place. All he saw was a villain, there was no pride or honour in these memories. Zuko knew his actions here had been disgraceful but he tried to block the memories out as they disembarked the ship.
There was silence as the Fire Nation delegation set foot on Water Tribe land, nobody spoke on the long walk up the dock. This was worsened by the silent reception they received from the tribe. All eyes were on them and all held looks of anger or disdain. Zuko squared his shoulders and tried not to show his disappointment. This was immediately pointless once he saw who exactly it was forming the official welcome party. Chief Hakkoda was instantly recognisable but the two younger figures flanking him either side were what caught Zuko's eye. It was her. Katara. The avatar's water bending master. The girl he had hunted across the world for months. The girl he had betrayed in the caves under Ba Sing Se. A girl who looked at him with fierce cold hatred. Not to mention her brother, now older and clearly stronger standing in the place of honour next to Hakoda and also glaring at him with a fierce dislike. He hadn't known that they were the children of the chief. During the months he had chased the avatar and his friends he hadn't had time or the chance, or inclination, if he were being totally honest, to stop and ask who they were. He doubted saying so now would be of much help. Zuko barely heard the strained welcome speech Chief Hakoda gave and only remembered to bow in return when his uncle gave him a discrete but sharp kick to the shins. He was just about ready to turn around and get back on the ship. If it were not for the importance of the treaties he carried he just might have. Instead he took a few deep calming breaths and fell into step with his uncle as the followed the Water Tribe delegation to begin the talks.
The meeting took place in a large igloo which was also apparently used by all members of the tribe for any community purpose. It was surprisingly comfortable inside. Zuko marvelled at how the thick ice walls somehow provided excellent insulation. With thick furs on the ground and a fire lit in the centre of the space it was almost too hot when what seemed to be the entire Southern Water Tribe crowded in after them. Despite the chilly greeting the meeting went smoothly. While there were minor changes made, due to most of the details having been worked out and agreed upon prior to this visit the discussions remained civil. Zuko took the smooth operations of the meeting as a chance to zone out and look at Sokka and Katara again.
Sokka continued to throw dirty looks his way on occasion on the walk here but once the talks had begun properly he focused his attention and was all business. Clearly Sokka, despite his still relatively young age, was an important member of the tribe. Not only was he seated to the right of Hokkoda, but he was given ample time to speak up during the discussion. Of particular note to Zuko was that not only did Hokkoda seek Sokka's opinion but that all of their tribesmen listened to him with respect when he voiced his opinions. This could not be more different to the treatment Zuko was used to in his own experiences. Furthermore, Sokka commanded this attention with skill and confidence, something Zuko still often struggled with in his own court.
Of interest to Zuko was that Katara on the other hand had taken a seat with her grandmother in the middle of the group; certainly not near the back of the meeting but noticeably separate from the Tribe leaders. She didn't interject despite her facial expressions looking like she desperately wanted too. Katara hadn't spared him another glance since their arrival. Zuko was somewhat glad for this because it gave him a chance to observe her more closely.
During their previous encounters, Zuko had been focused on the avatar but, he had to admit, Katara had always been attractive. With her dark hair braided back with her cute little hair loop things and those big eyes, he would've had to have been blind to overlook her entirely. They had been enemies though, and he'd had more serious concerns on his mind. Now, sitting in an igloo in the South Pole that attractive girl was, well now she was gorgeous. Her hair was even longer than when that had last met loosened and hanging down her back, her little loopies the only reminder of her childhood self. Zuko couldn't help but smile as she brushed them out her face every minute or so.
As she rolled her eyes at one of his own dignitaries long winded explanation of an added clause in the contract his mind, unbidden, changed the image in front of his eyes from watching Katara in her frozen homeland to watching Katara in one of his closest advisor meetings. Despite the seeming absurdity of the image Zuko just knew that it felt right. The image changed before he could focus though. It was now Katara dressed as the Fire Lady, in soft silks of a deep wine red, the delicate crown placed in her hair. In this image she was smiling up at him with a hard to read look but it most certainly wasn't the hatred she had shown him before. Back in reality Zuko could feel the heat from his own blushing cheeks despite the overly warm air around him and he honestly thought might faint.
Iroh, seeing the state Zuko was in, interrupts the meeting saying "my sincerest apologies Chief Hakodo" to cold looks from the Water Tribe, "it appears the weeks of travel have caught up with nephew. Would you excuse us for some fresh air" with a curt nod from the chief Iroh man handles the still woozy Zuko out of the igloo and half drags him down a secluded alley between a whirlwind of igloos and tents until they were far enough away that no prying ears could listen in. "Prince Zuko, are you alright, what happened? Are you ill? Do you need a healer? Do you need some tea? Do you.."
"I don't need tea uncle!" Zuko grabs Iroh by the shoulders to snap him out of his worried spiral "I'm sorry for worrying you. The um, the travel has gotten to me a bit" he lied rubbing his face he turned slightly away so he wouldn't have to look his uncle directly in the eyes as he debated if he should tell Iroh the truth. He thought of Katara again, everything he knew about her and debated if this was a stupid idea. He took a few steadying breaths and knew if he didn't say it now he may never have the guts. "Uncle, I think it should be Katara." Iroh, still stuck on Zuko being ill and the idea of a nice cup of tea, was slow to catch on to what his nephew was trying to say
"You think that lovely young lady got you sick. That would be very unusual. We have hardly been here. Maybe it was the fish we had for breakfast this morning. It smelled very fishy to me.."
"Uncle!" Zuko yelled, small flames shooting out of his balled up fists. Remembering himself, he tried again in a softer town "Uncle. I am trying to tell you I think we should offer the marriage contract to Katara. And, and to her family"
"Oh, oh I see" was all his uncle could say
"No you're right. That's a stupid idea never mind. Let's just go back and forget..."
"No prince Zuko I think it is a wonderful idea." it was Iroh's turn to interrupt before his nephew went into an anxious spiral. "The Southern Water tribe was the hardest hit in the war, behind the Air Nomads of course. And she is a powerful water bender a good match for you eh? Fire and water. Not to mention she already knows you"
"That is what I'm afraid of uncle." Zuko admits in a small voice, "Did you see the looks she and her brother gave me?They have every right to hate the Fire Nation. To hate me. Just forget about it it was a stupid idea."
"Prince Zuko" Iroh interjected "do not forget that you have changed a great deal in the time since the two of you last saw each other. Do not be so quick to assume what others think. Cast aside your pride for a moment, do you think she would be a good Fire Lady?" Zuko nodded
"I think she could be a good Fire Lady but she would never agree."
"And do you think" Iroh continued ignoring Zuko's last comment "that you personally could have a happy life together" Zuko hesitated and the image of Katara from earlier reappeared, it quickly turned to the image of a much younger girl offering to heal his scar and he instinctively nodded.
"Well then nephew if you are sure of this match then when we return to the meeting I will make the suggestion". And so with much trepidation Zuko and Iroh returned to the common house with an important question.
The results of the proposal were immediate and loud. Shouting erupted from several areas in the igloo and all of it was directed at Zuko. All he saw was the look of shock and anger on Katara's face and mentally smacked himself for letting himself believe that this would go well. Despite this visceral reaction no set decision was reached that night, in fact no decision was made for another three days. By the evening of the third day Zuko was certain that the proposal had ruined their chances of even having the Southern Water Tribe sign the final peace treaties.
With no official duties the Fire Nation was left aimless in the freezing tundra so they stuck mostly to their ship and Zuko was slowly going crazy. He had spent these last three days mentally berating himself for being so foolish and allowing a day dream to affect him so deeply.
In order to clear his head, but mostly to avoid another game of pai sho with his uncle he decided to take a walk. With no precise destination he just wandered aimlessly through the encampment and then out the other side finally ending up in what appeared to be some kind of a penguin-otter colony. The little creatures were ridiculously cute, and very friendly to the stranger in their midst. It was a nice change to not immediately be distrusted. Looking around Zuko realised he was quite a distance from the camp and decided there was no harm in playing with the animals and started chasing after the penguin-otters as if he was a small child resulting in an impressive tumble into the snow when he lost his footing and getting squished under a friendly swarm of the creatures.
That was when he heard the giggle. His face immediately turned a deep maroon and he sat up trying to spot who had been watching him. There in the entrance to a cave he hadn't noticed before was Katara. Mentally slapping himself again for allowing her to see him so foolish he cleared his throat awkwardly and rushed to stand up saying "oh uh, hi Katara. What, um, what are you doing out here?" She rolled her eyes and her usual frown fixed itself to her face again.
"This is my home Zuko" they way she said his name with such venom "I'm allowed to go wherever I want to. What are you doing here?" Zuko opened his mouth to explain that he had not intended to come out here specifically and he definitely had no intention of disturbing her but Katara barrelled on. "What are you doing in my home, and asking me to marry you! But it wasn't even you asking, it was your uncle. And in front of the whole tribe! How could you expect that I'd agree. How could you be so arrogant as to think that I'd be able to trust you after everything you've done" she turned to glare at him head on.
Zuko an equal mix of dumbstruck and terrified at the outburst and suddenly reminded of the many tons of water surrounding him decided that honesty was the best way to go. "I'm sorry Katara" he said looking down at his hands unable to bear looking at her directly anymore. That stopped her in her tracks just as she had just drawn a breath to start yelling again, but she didn't say anything and the silence stretched to a painfully long moment so Zuko added "I know it is a lot to ask of you. And I am sorry that I could not ask you personally beforehand but that is just how marriages are between people of our station"
"People of our station?" Katara scoffed "you don't consider my people on the same level as you. I know you think of us as just dirty little peasants. You used to scream it at me and Sokka, when you weren't trying to capture Aang." Zuko grimaced and thought about how to explain that he had changed.
"I am so sorry for all of that. I used to believe a lot of the lies I had been told about the others nations and about my own home and I did some awful things because of them"
"You're telling me!" Katara exclaimed turning away from him but making no moves to leave.
"That's why I asked you Katara. I could have asked any Fire Nation noblewomen, hell every noble family in the earth kingdom practically begged me to marry their daughters while we were there"
"Urgh Zuko I don't want to hear about all your women"
"No Katara please listen to me." Zuko said edging closer to her with his arms outstretched hoping he looked harmless and not desperate. "All of them, they don't know the truth about who I really am. What I'm capable of. And you do. You'd be able to stop me, if … if I ever became like that again."
"So what you really want isn't a wife but a conscious, a babysitter to make sure you don't go all evil again. That's pathetic. And it's going to take a whole lot more than one little apology to make me forget what you've done" Katara instinctively reaching for the necklace she wore.
"I don't want a babysitter Katara!" Zuko fumed through gritted teeth, digging his nails into his palms to prevent the bursts of fire he knew when seconds away from exploding.
"And even if I did, there's no way I'm going to willingly agree to go be some pretty Water Tribe doll for the Fire Nation to ooh and ah over on fancy occasions and then be shut away in a palace the rest of the time" Katara spat back her voice beginning to rise in pitch and volume.
"You wouldn't simply be pretty figurehead" Zuko said much softer than the angry halfshout he'd just been using. Katara rolled her eyes but didn't interrupt. "I know it is hard to believe but I am trying to be a better person, and make my nation better but I need, I want, a partner who I know will help me. Who will fight for the people of the Fire Nation and make sure they are being looked after and nothing like this war happens again." Katara was silent just looking at him for ages and Zuko almost wished she would shout at him again. She turned and began to walk away back to civilisation. Only when she was almost out of sight did she turn and motion for Zuko to follow her even waiting for him to almost catch up before starting off again. They didn't say another word and went their separate ways once back at the camp.
The next day Zuko almost had a heart attack when the message came that Katara had accepted the proposal. The message continued that in celebration there would be a feast tonight where the treaty and the marriage contract would both be signed. His uncle was delighted and immediately began to list the kinds of tea they should serve at the wedding. Zuko's heartbeat increased significantly and his palms got sweaty again now that this was actually happening. These problems were only worsened when he read the end of the quick message from Hokkoda that also mentioned that tonight would involve the exchange of the traditional gifts to mark the agreement would take place. He was immediately light headed at the idea of having to tie a necklace, as a Water Tribe engagement calls for, on Katara's neck in front of so many people.
The necklace. Zuko suddenly had a panicked thought that after all this trouble they had forgotten to bring the necklace. He bolted down to his cabin and tore through his belongings the fear that they had forgotten the necklace at home suddenly at the forefront of his mind. He needn't have worried, his uncle had made sure that they brought with them the appropriate engagement gifts for all three of the nations just as an insurance. Holding the little wooden box open Zuko looked down at the delicate necklace. The ribbon was made of the finest silk available in the whole Fire Nation and was a deep purple. He had agonised over the colour of the ribbon for longer than he would like to admit, settling on the purple as a blend between red and blue while technically still being close enough to blue for a water tribe woman to feel comfortable in. Attached was a tiny golden fire lily; the official flower of his homeland. He ran a finger over it gently, fire lily's were also his mother's favourite flower. The reality of tying the necklace on Katara in just a few hours hit him again. The image of touching her so intimately when they hardly knew each other really made his palms sweet his heart race and even made him feel woozy. His mind instinctively flashed back to years ago, another time when he had held a water tribe necklace against Katara's neck.
He had found the scrap of material on a Fire Nation Prison off the coast of the Earth Kingdom. Despite its size and lack of any material value he had recognised it instantly as belonging to the girl following the avatar and he had kept it on him for weeks as he hunted them.
Uncle had known immediately that it was a betrothal necklace. This had intrigued Zuko. She seemed young to be set to marry but he put it down to simply water tribe backwardness. And I suppose if the avatar is interested in your daughter you weren't going to say no. Through the weeks he had the scrap of fabric and crudely carved rock he had found himself taking out more and more to look at it. At first it was to remind himself he was closer than ever before to his goal but soon it became comforting to hold the trinket and he couldn't stop himself contemplating the girl it belonged to.
When he had eventually caught up with the group again he managed to get Katara on her own. She was younger, small and weaker and he had her tied to a tree. Despite being surrounded by his men and a group of pirates, she refused to back down. He had circled her menacingly, trying to scare her. It was only at the sight of the necklace in his hand as he threatened her that she seemed truly affected by the situation. Holding the material against her neck he whispered in her ear about his need to find the avatar to find his honour. Even at the time he didn't know why it was so important that she understood why he was doing this. Rather than becoming frightened and compliant as he'd hoped she had simply become angry pulling at her bindings and yelling "that was my mothers, give it back." The hatred on her face in the memory was intense. Zuko grimaced to himself at the image and realised she would never willingly replace such an important heirloom to her with a gift from him. More importantly, he realised, he didn't want her to. But he also knew that at their official engagement celebration this evening both her whole tribe and his delegation would be expecting the traditional exchange to happen and he agonised over what to do.
That evening with the final treaty between their two nations signed it was time for Zuko and Katara to sign an official marriage-pact and officially begin their engagement. She had been dressed for the occasion in a floor-length fur-lined parka made of a deep blue. Zuko thought the colour was like the sky just before dawn. It wasn't until she leaned forward to take the pen that he noticed her usual hair loops were done in some kind of intricate braids and that the rest of her hair had been threaded with tiny beads. The way some of them glittered in the firelight he wouldn't be surprised if they were made of ice, they made her dark hair look like the night sky. Katara was undeniably beautiful. Zuko glanced down at his own attire and thought maybe he should have brought robes more fitting of a royal celebration. While his everyday robes were impeccably made and of the highest quality, they were rather plain and uniform-esq. He wondered if Katara had any thoughts on his appearance, if she thought about him at all.
With both of their signatures complete the celebrations began. The entire tribe gathered in a cleared area in the centre of the camp with Zuko and Katara seated together at the table of honour right in the middle . The feast was enormous and the food was delicious even in Zuko's opinion despite being less spicy and rather more salty than his usual preference. He attempted to bring this up with his now fiancée but she didn't seem interested, only humming her agreement and turning back to the food. There was lots of music and many formal dances. The most impressive of these was the one led by Chief Hakoda and Katara's brother. He was told it traditionally used to only be performed before going into battle and Zuko did not miss the message that the aggression of the performance was aimed directly at him. The most emotional of the performances, in Zuko's mind at least, came from Katara herself.
Standing unexpectedly she got the crowd's attention and announced she would like to do a water bending demonstration. There was mild surprise, obviously this was an unplanned addition to the celebration, but everyone cheered and cleared a large space in the middle of the gathering for her. Zuko had never seen anything like it. It was almost magical the way she moved through the positions directing the water around her as if it were an extension of herself. The precision and control she maintained despite how fluidly she moved. All he could do was stare at her with his mouth open in complete awe. In his devotion to watching the performance he missed the knowing glance his uncle gave him just as Katara finished with an explosion of tiny snowflakes raining down. Zuko was the last to finish clapping. As Katara took her seat again she discreetly wiped tears from her eyes.
As Zuko was about to ask Katara if she was alright Iroh decided this was the right moment for the exchange of their gifts. He stood next to their table bringing the group's attention back to the couple. "Thank you all for your most warm hospitality, before the night gets too old and we all have a little too much of this excellent Water Tribe alcohol my nephew Prince Zuko would now like to present his gift of a traditional engagement necklace to his beautiful fiancée Katara" to loud cheers and whistles. Katara stared down at her hands in her lap. Zuko took the box from his uncle and he knew what he had to do. Turning at an awkward angle in order to both face Katara and the watching crowd her cleared his throat and said
"Ah hello Zuko here" and he mentally smaked himself, what a stupid way to start as the crowd gently laughed at him but he plowed on "I am aware that on an engagement in the Southern Water Tribe, the man traditionally gives his wife-to-be a necklace." He turned to look directly at Katara here, but she could still not look anywhere but her lap. "But I am aware that Katara already wears a necklace of great importance to her, that I would not dream of attempting to replace." Katara's head whipped up and she looked him right in the eye as he finished "Instead I would like to present my, um, my fiancee with this bracelet which I hope is a happy consolation." He heard the crowd gasp but Zuko only looked at Katara who nodded just slightly and offered her wrist to him. Gently taking her hand and tying the ribbon securely around her wrist Zuko couldn't help but notice how warm she was and how soft that tiny bit of skin was. When he was done he looked up into her face to see a single tear had escaped and he almost went to brush it away when Katara whispered a gentle
"Thank you Zuko." It was the nicest thing she'd said to him since his arrival and then even quieter "I have something for you too"
"No Katara" he hurriedly whispered back. In all his worry over his own gift he hadn't considered that she would be giving something to him as well. "You don't have to go out of your way for me." He smiled at her hoping to ease her mind and she even returned it slightly to his deep surprise. She still turned away to her waiting grandmother. When she turned back she was holding a thick fur lined parka, similar in style to the ones her brother and father wore in the same deep blue of her own outfit. He wondered if she had sewn it herself; if she had sewn it for him or if there was someone else she had expected to wear this gift. He went to take it from her but she motioned for him to stand. When he did she stepped impossibly close and slipped the coat over his other clothing. As she pulled the collar tight against his neck her fingers gently grazed along his cheek. Zuko had to resist the urge to lean in to her touch. Finally stepping away Katara gave him a slight bow before excusing herself from the table. She did not return to the party.
