Breakfast was awkward for all sat round the table that morning. The tension between Zuko and Katara stifled the air like a dense fog, weighing the room. No person dared to question why. Getting in the middle of the two was like stepping into a firing line.
'So what are the plans for today then?' Sokka asked, sacrificing himself to the mercy of the room that Katara and Zuko had created.
'Zuko has informed me that we are to have a gathering this evening - a rather large affair - if my old bones can keep up with the youth of today.' Iroh replied.
'Come on don't try to get out of it old man - you can't fool us.' Toph responded with a smirk. Iroh laughed.
'Well - either way guests come at sunset. Though I'm not sure… who exactly…' Iroh glanced at Zuko.
'If I told you Uncle, it wouldn't be a surprise.' Zuko said, through spoonfuls of porridge.
'Okay my dear nephew…' Iroh threw his arms up in the air defensively and smiling said, 'I will ask no more.'
'Since it sounds like we have the day free I was thinking of travelling to the pools of Mount Kantia.' Katara announced, her voice suddenly full of energy and enthusiasm. She looked at Zuko. 'Since there's nothing keeping me in the palace until later.' His eyebrows furrowed and she felt his mood darkening like tea left too long to brew.
'Anyone else is welcome to come, of course. The air is cooler up there...' She continued, glancing to the rest of the group. But once again her gaze fell on Zuko. '...away from this stifling atmosphere in the capital.'
That was enough to push Zuko to the edge.
'You know what Katara that sounds like a great idea.' Zuko responded as he stood up from the table. 'I'll come with you.' Katara's eyes widened in shock and her face soured.
The rest of the room didn't know what to do. Iroh seemed unphased and continued sipping his tea. Toph, Suki and Sokka on the other hand cringed at the unfolding events. But not one for uncomfortable silences, Toph reached her limit and loudly spoke up.
'I don't know what the hell is going on between you two. But fix it. If going to Mount Kantia means I can throw some rocks around I'm there.'
'Great idea, me and Suki need a sparring match anyway.' Sokka patted Suki on the back gently. She smirked back at him.
'Because beating you last time wasn't enough?'
'Exactly.' Sokka smiled endearingly at his girlfriend.
'Then it's settled - Mount Kantia, it is!' Toph exclaimed.
The journey to Mount Kantia was little more than half an hours carriage ride. Katara and Zuko had jumped into different transports, the air still frosty between them. Katara with Suki and Sokka, Zuko with Toph. Katara was furious at Zuko's insistence of coming to spite her. But she was also frustrated with herself - she'd baited him. She hadn't expected him to accept the offer.
I guess Zuko is just as stubborn as he used to be. She thought to herself.
Zuko in the other carriage was under investigation by a nonchalant Toph, who was laid in the carriage with her feet hanging out the window with a half-eaten apple in one hand.
'So why are you and Sugarqueen wanting to wring each other's necks?' She asked before taking another bite.
'Because Katara is too headstrong to admit when I know what's best.'
'That's the problem with you two - you're either infatuated with one another or at the brink of killing each other. Even I can see that. Nothings changed.'
'Infatuated?' Zuko scoffed. 'Don't be ridiculous.'
'It's written all over your face Zuko.'
'No it's not!' He paused. 'Wait. You can't even see-'.
'Well done dumbass. I may be blind but I'm the one who can feel your heartbeat through the earth. Remember?' She finished the apple and chucked it out the window. Zuko never knew how someone with such - or lack of - eyesight managed to have such good aim. 'All I know - is that you two get all messed up over each other. The earth never lies.'
The carriages pulled up to the edge of a forest path and they came to a stop.
'This is it.' Zuko said before hopping out.
'Thank the spirits. I need to stretch my legs.'
The other carriage stopped behind them and Zuko saw Katara emerge. He looked forward to the path ahead.
'It's this way, just a short walk up this path.'
When they reached a clearing the group were met by a collection of natural pools. Two very small (enough for only one or two people) and one very large pool. The air was cooler up the mountain and was welcome in comparison to the summer heat that was currently battering the Fire-nation capital. Sokka laid down the bag he'd been carrying on the ground and turned to Suki.
'Fancy a walk and sparring match?' He was brimming with excitement.
'Always - let's go this way.' Suki and Sokka went off into the forest.
Katara removed her outer garments and walked into the water, it was hot but against the cool air she felt refreshed. She stood and practiced her water-bending. Zuko watched her. From years ago he remembered she would always practice vigorously as soon as she got in the water but now.. she seemed more to mediate with the water. Closing her eyes and breathing deeply, she formed a circular loop of water in front of herself. He looked to her hands softly cupping the circle from underneath. Her fingertips curled and pointed so delicately upwards.
'Sparky!' He was snapped out of his thoughts. 'Fancy a spar?'
Toph was sat on a big rock, cross-legged.
'Sure.' Zuko looked to the sky and interlocking his fingers, stretched them above his head. 'But only if you promise to play fai-'.
He was cut off as a large boulder hit him in the chest and sent him flying backwards.
'As if.' Zuko hit the ground on his back and groaned. 'And you need the practice - that palace has probably made you soft.'
'Oh you think so?' Zuko muttered as he lifted himself up.
He sent streams of fire to Toph. She erected wall after wall of ground to shield herself as she ran towards him. Zuko then blasted the floor with fire. The floor grew hot and Toph shot herself on a stool of earth to a different spot. The ground shook, and with it Katara's patience as the water around her vibrated from the sparring.
'Going for the feet Zuko? That's low!' Toph shouted with a smirk.
'Well you never did play fair!' He remarked back.
Top raised her arms and sent flying shards of earth towards him. He jumped into a side roll, narrowly escaping them. They hit the tree behind him on the clearing's edge.
'Do you think you could practice somewhere else?' Katara dropped her flow of water. Her voice was strained. 'I really need to meditate.'
Zuko and Toph lowered their arms.
'All right, all right.'
'There's another clearing this way.' Zuko started for the woods, Toph followed him in tow.
'I'm gonna kick your ass.' Their voices lingered into the distance.
'You can try.'
Katara refocused her mind in the new-born silence. After a spell of deep meditation she walked out of the pool and grounded herself. She spread her arms wide to the side and drew water to her palms. Closing her eyes, thoughts began to drift back to the Water tribes. She couldn't go back to the Northern tribe. She knew that for certain. Her heart sank in her chest. There were many things she had told Zuko in her letters. And many things she had not.
Frustration grew within her and she began to whip the water around her as if fighting an opponent. She spun, she jabbed, she twisted, she threw herself into the fight. She raised her arms and gathered around her hands, swords of ice. She sliced through the air. It became a beautiful dance that one could think was choreographed. The long sweeping motions, deep, wide and smooth. The air cried as she cut through it.
A branch snapped behind her. She sharply turned to meet it with her sword, panting heavily.
Zuko stood at the forest's edge. His eyes were forgiving and he raised his arms.
'Just me.' His voice was softer than she anticipated. She let the ice melt and pool on the ground.
'You're right.' He took a step further. 'You're the best person to go to the islands.' All the pride dissipated from her.
'I'm sorry for the way I acted this morning.' She reached for his forearm. 'I just wanted to help.' Zuko was blessed by her touch. He thought back to the conversation in the carriage with Toph.
'I know.' He gave her a soft smile and rested a hand on her shoulder in return. 'Isn't it also asking a lot? Surely you have commitments in the Water tribes? I know you sai-.'
'I can't-' Katara cut him short and her expression hardened. Her eyes became distant. 'I… can't go back there right now. Things are complicated.'
He dared not risk their reconciled state and thought it best not to question her further. When it came to Katara he knew not to pry. In their letters over the years she would tell him in great depth of the daily occurrences and the tribal communities but when it came to serious matters she was often withdrawn until events had cooled down a little. When she was ready. She would tell him what was bothering her now.
'There's always a place for you here.' He looked down at her with fond eyes.
She brought him into a hug and rested her head on his shoulder.
'Thank you.' His hands encircled her lower back and she leant into him. Katara felt as if all her worries had evaporated into thin air. They broke apart slightly and their eyes faced each other. She pressed a hand to his cheek and smiled. In that moment Zuko felt something stir within him, completely entranced. Katara felt the same and slowly they both drew closer until their lips were almost touching.
'Sokka - it wasn't an Inoli spider. You'll be fine.'
The voices of the others shook them from their trance and Katara and Zuko sharply pulled away from one another. Both their cheeks flushed red.
'B-But anyway-' Zuko stumbled over his words. 'As I said - you're welcome to stay.' He corrected himself. 'I-I want you to stay.'
Katara's face grew an even darker red.
'Of course!' She responded enthusiastically, trying to mask her fluttered state.
Toph, Sokka and Suki entered the clearing. Sokka was covered in earth, as he raised his hand to greet the pair dust sprayed into the air.
'You'll never guess who tripped Toph up!'
'It was a lucky shot.' Toph was unamused, her hands balled into fists as she stomped past him. 'Damn boomerang.' She muttered.
'You just tell yourself that.' Sokka teased as he walked with a cocky air. He didn't get too far before a chunk of earth rose up and tripped him over. He fell flat on his face. He looked up to see Toph standing over him.
'What - didn't see it coming Sokka?' Toph remarked, letting out a cackle. Suki also let out a soft laugh behind her hand.
'Suki!'
'Sorry but you were asking for it.' Suki walked over to him and helped him up before pecking him on the cheek.
'We better start heading back - it'll be dusk before we know it.' Zuko picked up the bag on the ground and started on the trail back to the road.
'Sounds good - more festivities means more food!' Sokka danced on the spot. It brought a smile to Zuko.
'Don't worry Sokka - they know you're coming. I'm sure they're prepared.'
The others followed him down the path. As they entered the woods Toph announced bluntly, 'I'm not wearing a dress tonight.'
Suki and Katara's laughter filled the forest as they made their way home.
It was dusk and Katara stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room. She couldn't wear this could she? She thought to herself. A Fire-nation tailor had brought clothes to the Northern Water-tribe last summer. It had been an impulse-purchase and now she wasn't sure if it was the best choice. The material was a sumptuous blood red, matching her painted lips. With wide pointed coverings on the shoulders, it narrowed to plunge at her chest and tightened at her waist. The bottom of the dress was light silk and flowed to touch her sandals. Too late to change now.
She walked to the end of her bed where a small box lay, opening it up she revealed a gold arm-band. Inside she found the note that had come with it.
When I saw this, I thought of you. Zuko.
She had brought it with her from the Southern Water-tribe. Zuko had sent it years ago but it had sat unused. She adored the patterns engraved on it and the twisting of the gold. But in the Southern Water-tribe a gift of such extravagant jewelry from a man often held another meaning. She had not wanted to cause a stir in the community with such a statement. Though the intimacy of their letters would be fuel enough to cause gossip. She doubted Zuko even understood such Water-tribe customs.
But here, in the Fire-nation. Things were different. She slipped it onto her arm and wore it proudly.
A bell rang out through the palace.
'Damn.' She muttered under her breath. She was late. She was never late. Ever since arriving at the Fire-nation she had not been herself.
Lifting the skirt of her dress, she scurried down the corridor to reach the main hall.
Zuko and Iroh were greeting the guests as they entered. Zuko looked around the room.
She's never late. He thought to himself. He felt a knot in his stomach as he recounted the events at Mount Kantia. She'd felt it too - of that he was sure.
'Iroh! Looking old now aren't you!' A seemingly frail elderly man in rags slowly approached, his head low and shoulders hunched. As he got closer Iroh's face lit up.
'It couldn't be…' Iroh walked towards him. The man ripped off his hood and revealed his wrinkled face.
'Hello old friend.'
'Bumi!' Iroh laughed. 'And who are you calling old? I think you have some years on me.' The two of them chuckled.
Zuko stared in shock.
He's still alive? He thought to himself. How is that even possible?
Zuko was interrupted in his thoughts by another guest. A tall middle-aged man came to Zuko. The way his hair was half-tied up and the colour of his clothes gave him away as from one of the Water-tribes. His face was stoic with little emotion. He bowed to Zuko.
'General Lantuk to represent the Northern Water-tribe. It's a pleasure Prince Zuko.'
'Of course General.' For diplomacy sake, Zuko had sent out invitations to all capitals of the nations, in an attempt to make sure none felt ignored. This was a birthday party, but nonetheless a gathering of some of the most important men and women on the planet.
'To my knowledge, Master Katara of the Southern Water-tribe will be here tonight?' The General inquired.
'Yes - she hasn't arrived yet though.' Zuko responded. He became anxious on her behalf. She might not have told him all the details of her troubles in the Northern Water-tribe but he was certain their presence here wouldn't please her.
The man bowed to Zuko and said 'Thank you,' in a cool and collected voice. He walked away into the crowd.
I have to warn her. Zuko thought to himself.
The hall bell was rang and Iroh stood at the top front of the room, next to the musicians.
'I want to thank you all for coming to visit an old man on his birthday… I never thought I would see the nations at one again in my lifetime...' He lifted a glass into the air. 'To my friends - old and new.' The room erupted with applause and the musicians began to play.
It was in that moment when Katara entered the room. There was far more people than she expected and she suddenly felt out of place, not seeing a familiar face. She made her way through the room and began to feel uncomfortable as unknown gazes fell upon her. A young man in his early twenties, cladded in Earth-Kingdom clothes, blocked her path. He grinned at her.
'Long time no see.' It took her a second to recognise him.
'Otai!' She hugged him.
'It's been too long! I've been meaning to visit.'
'And here's thinking you'd forgotten about all of us.' He pulled a dramatic frown.
'How could I! I would still be covered in elbow leeches if it wasn't for you!'
'You didn't half put up a fight as we tried to take them off!' They both laughed loudly.
'Master Katara.' Katara's laughter was abruptly halted at the sound of that voice. She turned to see General Lantuk behind her. 'We have many things to discuss.' Her blood ran cold.
'Y-Yes.' She turned to Otai. 'I'm sorry but I have some business to attend to… I'll catch up with you later?'
Otai noticed the paling of her face. 'Sure Katara… Whatever you need…' He watched as her and the General made their way to the outside balcony.
Katara's palms began to sweat. The General walked to her, one step too close for comfort.
'The South and the North agreed, yet you still have not.' He leaned in closer and looked down into her eyes. 'You must see why the joining of our tribes is needed. This conflict has to end.' She nervously stepped away from him.
'You know I would do anything to-'. She started.
'Then do it.' She felt tears forming in her eyes but calmed herself and ushered them away. She opened her mouth to respond but was cut off once again.
'When Chief Arnook passed, the throne fell to his nephew Taen. You have a good relationship with him-,' She turned away from him but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer, 'You know your duty.' His eyes were unforgiving and his voice like ice. Katara felt sick to her stomach.
Zuko had been searching for Katara, he reached Sokka and Suki who were conversing with other citizens of Kyoshi island.
'Have either of you seen Katara?'
'No sorry buddy… She's probably off somewhere schmoozing some diplomat.' Sokka remarked before sipping his beer.
'Katara?' The man next to Sokka spoke up. 'Yeah - I just spoke to her… She went off with some guy from the Water-tribe… A General I think…' Zuko snapped into focus.
'Which way did they go?' He ushered the man quickly to answer.
'The porch - to talk.' Zuko left like a shot for the balcony.
The first thing he saw was the General grasping Katara's wrist and pulling her closer. She looked like a deer caught by its hunter. Zuko stood behind the General.
'Is there a problem here?' His voice strong and assertive. The General backed away from Katara.
'No problem -' He turned to her one last time, 'Right Katara?'.
'There's no problem.' She stood tall again in the comfort of Zuko's presence.
'I was just leaving anyway…' Time seemed to slow as he passed Zuko, both men looking into the eye of the other. Yet, in a flash of blue he had disappeared through to the great hall.
Once he was out of sight, Zuko rested a hand on Katara's upper arm, his eyes full of worry.
'Are you okay? Did he hurt you?'
'No… no.' She calmed him. 'He was on Water-tribe business… I suppose you could say.' She felt flustered and adrenaline rushed through her.
'What is going on Katara?'
'Zuko, I don't want to go into it. It's my problem.'
'This conversation sounds similar… Almost as if we had it recently.' He raised his eyebrows in a condescending manner. She let out a soft, defeated laugh.
'This is different - you can't help me.'
'Then let me listen.' She looked into his eyes. They were so full of genuine care. It made her weak.
'You can't tell anyone. The negotiations are still going on...' She paused. 'Because I won't agree to it.'
'What is it?' He pushed. 'A trade agreement? A territorial dispute?'
'A marriage.' His eyes widened and for a moment he lost his words.
'A marriage?' His stomach twisted. It can't be. 'Between who?'
'Prince Taen and I.' No. He felt sick. She walked away from him to the corner of the balcony and looked into the distance. She closed her eyes and listened to the noise of the capital in the distance. The laughter of people in the street, the bards playing their music…
Zuko's heart ached. As if he had been punched in the chest. He felt desperate. He couldn't let this happen. She was finally here – in the Fire-nation – with him. His emotions overcame him.
'You can't marry him.' Katara, eyes still closed, sighed.
'Zuko it's-'.
'You can't.' He paused. 'I don't know what I feel. But I feel something for you – something so strong - that it hurts to even think of you with-.'
Katara turned to him, tears streaming down her face. Zuko couldn't tell if she was horrified or overwhelmed.
'I know it's crazy.' He continued. With every second that passed he grew more confident. 'But at Mount Kantia it hit me… you don't have to feel the same. But I can't hide it any-'.
He felt two arms envelop him into an embrace. His arms remained by his sides in shock. Katara pulled away from him ever so slightly to look into his eyes.
Even when she cries she's beautiful.
She pressed her lips to his and brought him into a kiss. It was short and sweet. His hands encircled her and pulling away again she cupped her chin in her fingers, her thumb pressed below his lips.
'I feel it too…' She smiled, as another tear rolled down her cheek. He released his right arm from her waist and with a gentle touch wiped away the tear. She suddenly laughed as she pressed her head to his.
'What?' He asked with a nervous smile.
'I never expected - I never thought this would happen.' Her hands travelled to rest on his chest. Her expression turned melancholic. 'This doesn't change anything Zuko… I-I still have a commitment to maintaining stability of the Water-tribes.'
Zuko felt his temper rise.
'You have spent the last four years maintaining stability with your own hands Katara. You can't carry both tribes on your own back forever.' Zuko urged.
'I'm the only one Prince Tean will listen to… If I reject him...' Her thoughts wandered to the worst possible outcomes. Her eyebrows furrowed.
Zuko brought his hands to meet hers and clasped them tightly. Katara felt the passion radiating through them.
'I promise you won't have to do it… I promise.'
Call it intuition, call it hope- but something inside of her believed him.