Author's Note: Finally, here is the update! I'm sorry for the delay, I was busy last weekend hunting (with no luck – deer are f*ckers). Like I said at the beginning of the story, most of my updates will occur on weekends, and I will always do my best to put chapters up as quickly as possible. I appreciate the feedback some of you gave me on the "perspective" issue. I will continue the chapters the way I've been writing them. Thank you for reading, reviews are deeply appreciated! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any of its characters.
Zuko could have slept all day, had it not been for the rapping of a fist on his bedroom door. With a quite groan, he rolled from his side and placed his feet on the cold floor, wincing with annoyance at the sensation.
He had not slept well at all, to say the least. His night had consisted of tossing and turning, in an attempt to shake off the feeling of all those eyes that had watched him with blatant loathing and judgment. It was to no avail.
"Coming," he muttered blearily as he rose from the bed.
The lack of windows prevented him from telling what time it was, though his tired mind suggested early morning.
Having only worn pants to bed, Zuko grabbed the simple black shirt he had worn the day before, which lay on top of a chest, and slipped it over his head. Slow footsteps carried him to the door and he turned the knob.
The old woman, Lina as he recalled, was on the other side, standing in a formal posture. She was dressed in what Zuko had observed to be standard Water Tribe servant apparel: dark blue robe on the outside, white shirt underneath, and gray pants that were slightly baggy, but fastened tightly around the leg just below the knee.
In her arms, Lina held a similar outfit, which was folded and smoothed of all wrinkles.
"Good morning," she greeted him curtly. The woman managed a small smile, then, "I trust that you slept well?"
No, his immediate reaction was to snap at the old woman. But he restrained himself, keeping in mind that this woman had done nothing to him. To take out his frustrations on her would be dishonorable, not to mention the fact that she seemed to be a bit frightened of him. Or maybe it was just the scar. He really couldn't tell.
"Fine," he replied with a small nod. He winced inwardly at his voice, which sounded rougher than usual due to his just waking up.
"I am to brief you on your duties," Lina informed him. "Here," she handed him the outfit in her arms, "change into these, then I'll inform you of your responsibilities."
Taking the proffered clothes, Zuko gritted his teeth at the woman's words. His 'responsibilities' would no doubt involve catering to the every need of that water peasant. Stupid girl.
After closing the door and slipping into his new attire, Zuko found that the clothes were surprisingly comfortable, and they fit perfectly. Sparing a quick glance into the bathroom mirror, his eyebrows furrowed at the sight of him in blue.
It was a peculiar sight; his pale skin was contrasted against the dark fabric, even more so than against the dark reds that he was so accustomed to wearing. It would take some getting used to on his part, especially after being in shades of red and gold for most of his life. He didn't much care for the color blue – it lacked the passion of a deep red, or the burning intensity of gold. Then again, he didn't care much for anything that resembled Water Tribe.
Rejoining Lina, the pair made their way down the hall toward the center staircase and descended down the steps. Zuko followed the woman as she led him into a side doorway in the main room, and he was greeted by the sight of an impressive dining room.
The burgundy walls were a welcome change from the stone that ran through most of the hallways, and Zuko reluctantly noted the beautiful, ornate carvings of the chairs seated around the table.
As his eyes gazed about the room, Lina spoke from beside him.
"This is where Master Katara and her family eat most meals," she told him. "You won't have much need to come in this room, as the kitchen staff takes care of meals and clean-up."
She set off at a brisk pace to the opposite side of the room, beckoning Zuko to follow her with a wave of her hand.
Entering another doorway, they entered a sitting room with a fireplace and a few couches. From the appearance of the ashes, it looked to Zuko as if there had been a fire burning not too long before. The previous night, maybe?
"It will be your responsibility, along with a few others, to maintain the cleanliness of this room. When you're not occupied with tasks concerning Master Katara, you will either be working in here, or in the palace gardens." Lina spoke with authority, but not in a demanding tone.
Something about the old woman reminded Zuko of his uncle. Perhaps it was the wise spark in her eyes, or the calming tone of her voice – Zuko wasn't sure.
A pang of sadness and loneliness pricked at Zuko's heart at the thought of Iroh. Where was his uncle now? Was he safe? I hope he has tea, Zuko thought fondly, regretting the times he had rejected his uncle's offer for a cup.
"This way, we still have a lot of ground to cover," Lina told him, breaking into his thoughts, and they exited the room.
As the two ventured through the palace, it dawned on Zuko that the place was much bigger than it had originally seemed. He learned that there were four main wings to the structure: communications, rooms, dining, and the lounge areas that he was to keep maintained.
Lina finally led him outside into the palace garden, which was undoubtedly the strangest garden Zuko had ever seen.
There was no grass to be found here, only a thick blanket of glittering snow that covered everything. However, there were somehow beautiful trees with white leaves, and bushes with icy purple flowers dotted here and there.
Intricate ice sculptures were placed in various corners of the garden, and along the stone path that winded through the icy foliage.
Although it was different than any other garden Zuko had seen, he had to admit that it was, in its own way, beautiful.
It was when the pair was walking back toward the palace that Zuko was granted with some rather interesting information.
"As Master Katara's personal servant," Lina informed him as she led the way, "your main duties will revolve around keeping her room tidy, clothes clean, and any other tasks deemed necessary by her."
Golden eyes widened slightly at this news. I knew it! He fumed inwardly. I knew that filthy waterbender would have some ridiculous job lined up for me. But really…keeping her 'clothes clean'? This was beyond embarrassing. It was downright offensive.
At his sides, pale fists clenched. I'll play your little game, Katara, he vowed. He could act the 'good little servant boy'. When the time was right, and suspicions had settled, he would make her wish he had never been sent to this place.
Although it was buried beneath hatred and scorn, Zuko had seen fear in Katara's eyes when he'd been dragged here. He knew that somewhere, deep down inside her, there was still a trace of that young girl who he'd encountered upon their first meeting. The same little girl he had tied to a tree. She hid it well, but he couldn't be fooled so easy; she was scared of him.
So I'll play your little game, act the good servant, he decided, but there will come a time when you'll regret everything.
:: Review Responding ::
lawliness: Thanks for your input, I'll keep using this perspective :) I will continue to try my best to update quickly on this story. Thanks for your review!
Lady Rini: Katara and her family live in their own palace in the South Pole, which was constructed (with help from the Northern Water Tribe) after the end of the war. Thank you for your review! :)
Christina: I love doing that to you folks…sorry XD Thanks for the review!
Lillian Rain: I'm so glad you like it! :) Thanks for your review!
Chloe: Yes, I agree…LET'S SEE SOME DRUNK ZUKO! *joins you in evil laughter* Thanks for the review :)
Christina: I appreciate your thoughts on the perspectives issue, I'll keep them the same. Thank you, I was hoping to portray Zuko correctly throughout these events. Their meeting will certainly be interesting :D Thanks for your review!