Okay, Folks, here is my fabulous second chapter, I apreciate the reviews and I'm thankful to those who liked my story! This one is probably a little longer than the last! Enjoy, and I hope to get the third chap up soon, Adios, Au revoir, see ya, whatever...

--Be Our Guests

As the pair flew out over the ever brightening sky, Katara decided to brush her hair out before entering the massive palace. Her traveling clothes were somewhat soiled and she desperately needed new shoes for hers were falling apart. But she could get those all later.

Aang looked around, blushing when he saw Katara brushing waist length chocolate brown hair. Momo came to rest atop his head. Murmuring a hello to him, he continued to drive Appa around. Spotting the magical looking palace, he informed Katara.

"We'll be there in about thirty minuets." A beaming smile on his face. Katara tried to smile with weak attempts. Hopefully, the others would come too. She must write letters and invitaions. She at least wanted a happy wedding if she couldn't have a happy mairrage.

Awkward silence ensued between them. The only noises were the twittering of Momo and the occasional grunting of Appa. Eventually, they had landed in front of the palace gates. Soldiers welcomed them inside. Aang was very comfortable wherever people were, but Katara had always been a little wary. Although she was amiable, Katara was never as charming as Aang was. Smiling gently, Katara pushed aside her wavy locks. At the palace doors Iroh was waiting, a wide smile covered aging features. Aang took her hand and they walked up the steps together. He was still a little shorter than her, but it never bothered her as much.

"Welcome, Miss Katara, Avatar Aang. What brings you to the Fire Nation on such short notice?" Iroh said with a chuckle. "Well-" Katara began, but as usual, Aang cut her off. "We came-" Steering them inside the foyer, Iroh pronounced to no one in particular, "Tell me over tea. Someone fetch us some tea, please!"

A few servants in red and black livery came to be of assistance while others left to fetch tea. "Get two rooms prepared for our special guests." Walking down a black marble hallway, Katara and Aang were ushered into a comfortable looking sitting room, with plushy pillows and frankensense burning on some redwood tables. A low table was set already as if expecting tea was to be poured soon. (which in fact, it was :) Right away, Aang sat down on one of the red pillows at the edge of the table.

Katara meant to follow but Iroh stopped her with his hand. "It has been too long, Miss Katara. Let me have a look at you." Feeling shy and slightly nervous under Iroh's scrutinizing gaze, Katara held her ground. Iroh looked over her carefully. My! How she had changed. No longer a young girl with blossoming features, but a woman with the promise of more beauty.

Her clothes were a little ragged and her feet looked like they needed new shoes to console them. He looked into her face then, noticing how much she really had changed. She seemed wary, her blue fire that used to grow in her soul somewhat dimmed. Katara looked unwell. Not physically or mentally. But emotionally.

Iroh glanced in the young Avatar's direction, he looked passive, content as always. Though deep down, Iroh knew in the very marrow of his old bones that Aang had changed her. For worse. Frowning, Iroh gestured for her to sit down. One more look at her...then he noticed something odd. Her necklace was missing, her graceful neck obscured by another one.

A pale yellow silk covered by a blue stone carved with a picture of the wind and rain. The Avatar and master waterbender were getting married! Not good, not good at all, the retired general thought.

"Please sit down my dear, it must have been a very wearisome trip." Nodding appreciativley, Katara sat down across from Aang. Strange...Iroh thought. He decided to sit at the head of the rosewood coffe table. Awkward silence overcame the two young people. Katara's head slightly bowed. A fake smile placed over Aang's plain yet intense features. Studying them carefully, Iroh decided to play match maker.

For Fire Lord Zuko. Although he knew of his nefews plans to marry the intolerable Mai, Iroh had watched Zuko closely also. Zuko's fire had been dimming as of late and needed a litlle more...Something. As he glanced over at Katara's powerful beauty, (noticing her beauty within as well) Iroh knew that she would be the woman Zuko desired. And Zuko would be the man of her dreams.

A secret smile played across the old man's pleasent face. Soon enough, a maid brought in refreshing peppermint tea that calmed nervousness and stomach aches, and a few refreshments as well. Aangs mouth watered as he saw buns dripping with mint sauce and peppermint paties wrapped in a glaze of honey. "My dear friends," Iroh began, "Be our guests." And the three of them drank to each other's company, and prayed for the food that Lord Agni, Tui and La gave them.

I really liked this chapter. Maybe, as a writer, I will learn more on how to write short stories, for I only write poetry...anyways, hope you enjoy this chap as much as I do, pip pip, cherio, goodnight governer!