Author's notes: Here's chap 2! Read and review…
Disclaimer: it may be my birthday… but they won't give it as a gift…
"Your Majesty, our task is finished."
"Head home now." Zuko replied, his hands behind his back as he stood out on the deck… He looked away as the boat moved away from the rocky shores of the earth kingdom…
I'm going home… at last…
He walked towards the decks edges and leaned on the railings. He glanced down the water, his own image blurry as the ripples distorted the mirror…
This scar…
He closed his eyes and felt the gentle breeze caress his hair…
Like when she moved my hair away from my eyes… that romantic scene in the crystal catacombs…
His eyes shot open, blood rushed to his face and he let out a small groan…
Darn it…
"GRAN-GRAN!!!" Katara shouted as she ran inside the elder's tent…
"What is it, my child?" Kana asked.
"A dress…" Katara spoke as she panted…
"My… What would you do with a dress…?"
Katara held out the card, its gold trimmings and seal damaged and opened… Kana gently took it and opened…
Greetings and salutations!
The Royal palace of the Fire nation has invited you to come to the Royal ball that will be held in the second day of summer, in the Fire nation royal palace…
Be sure you wear your most elegant and stunning gowns and dresses.
Your presence is well expected! Thank you very much!
The Royal Family
"A dress…" the elder spoke in a whisper.
"Yes… do you have one, Gran-gran?" she asked.
"Of course I do, my dear…"
"Can I see it?"
"Wait here and I'll look for it…"
She sat down on the carpet, her eyes stopped on the flame slowly burning in the middle of the tent. Its warmth reached her face and she closed her eyes… Daydreaming about what she'd look like in a dress… She was interrupted by her grandmother holding a thin box with animal skin wrapping. It was covered with dust and ice. Her grandma smiled at her and sat down beside her. Katara beamed back and shuffled, facing the elder.
Old hands reached for the box, slowly unwrapping the animal skin, she lifted the blue cover and held up the dress. Katara awed in amazement as she stared at the light blue dress. The collar was made of fine and pure white wool, embellished with the finest gems and charms. The fabric was made of pure, soft silk, woven and embroidered with fine patters and flowers. It was a beautiful dress. A dress fit for a princess…
"Gran-gran, it's beautiful…"
"I used to wear it when I lived in the northern tribe…"
"This was the dress of a princess?"
"Yes, it is…"
Katara smiled wider, she took the dress and danced with it… her pleasure lasted for a moment but was cut off by the elder…
"Don't forget this…" She said, handing over a small blue box. Inside it, a mask designed with sparkling gems and beads…
"Thank you, Gran…" she hugged her grandmother, placed the gown back in the box and ran home…
"Your Majesty, do you prefer the red or the gold?"
"I like the gold one…"
"Yes, Your Majesty…"
"Zuko…" Iroh's voice rang across the room… Zuko turned around and looked at his uncle…
"Uncle, what are you doing here? You should stay and rest!"
"No, it's okay… and besides, I want to see what you would be wearing…" he chuckled
Zuko smiled…
"Anyway, uncle… you'll be in the ball, right?"
"Of course, Zuko…"
Zuko didn't reply…
"I'm sure there'll be a lot of girls you can choose from, my nephew…"
"I know but what if…"
"Don't worry my nephew…"
Zuko sighed… he smiled and walked away…
What if I already have someone I've chosen…?
The first day of summer has finally arrived. Katara packed up her suitcases and waited for her chaperone. She walked slowly inside the boat and waved goodbye to those dear to her. She smiled and at the same time cried… The boat aboarded and sailed slowly into the chilly sea…
Katara sat quiet in her cabin. She gently lied down and placed her hands on her face…
This is it… I better get ready…
Zuko sighed as he stood outside the balcony of his room. He looked at the slowly rising sun and smiled…
I'm ready…
The hours of summer flew fast and the day of the event arrived. Katara inhaled the warm air of the Fire nation and she smiled… I'm back to the place of our greatest success… she walked into a carriage that was waiting for her. She took her luggage beside her and opened her bag. She changed her clothes and looked into the glass… She fixed her hair into a loose bun tied with a ribbon, her bangs fell down her cheeks, and her long brown locks flowed down to her knees. She smiled and reached into her bag wherein she pulled out a small blue box, she opened it and she gasped in awe as she took out a jeweled mask. She placed it on her face and looked into a mirror… who was this girl she was looking at?
The carriage stopped and the door opened. She was welcomed by a huge gate of gold and black. She stepped out and walked inside the open gate. Hundreds of young ladies from different countries walked into the palace. She walked slowly and glanced down the red and gold carpet. She felt her heart race like an over-excited platypus bear…
She stopped… the girls were looking at her… Katara blushed hard and smiled weakly, and continued to walk slowly, her hand clutched the skirt of her gown.
Agni, spirits or anyone who can hear me… help…
Zuko sat in front of the hall. His arms laid tense on the arms of the chair, he smiled nervously as he gazed at the large door of the hall. He was checking every lady that came in, hoping to find a girl in a dark blue dress…
"Your Majesty, the event will be starting soon…"
"Yes, let us proceed…"
Zuko stood up and smiled at his guests…
"A good day to all of my guests, I hope you have a wonderful time today as we gather here in this very special day…" He declared. Applause could be heard from across the atrium.
"Let us start the event with a few words from a great man. My uncle, the Great General Iroh." He continued as Iroh walked slowly to the stage beside his nephew…
A good day to all of you. I am so happy that everyone of you have come… This event has been held for the purpose of having to find the right lady that my nephew, the fire lord will be sharing his lifetime with. Someone who can take care of him and he can take care of. A lady that can make him happy.
Silence dwelled in the hall, but Iroh continued…
I hope you enjoy this day… and may the best lady win…
Iroh smiled at his nephew, who stood still, staring at the crowd of ladies.
Where is she? Didn't she come?
Zuko frowned and Iroh patted him on the shoulder…
"Don't worry my nephew, you'll find her eventually…" Iroh whispered, and with a wink, he walked away…
Zuko sighed and stepped down the stage, greeting every lady that came into his way… Looking for a girl in a dark blue dress…
It's too crowded in this hall… Anyway, I've already seen Zuko… maybe I'll just take some fresh air outside…
Katara walked outside the porch and leaned on the railings… the wind gently blew and her hair flowed with it… she sighed and smiled…
I'm not the girl he deserves… what's the point of coming into this ball anyway…?
She turned around and was about to go inside when he bumped onto Zuko…
"Oh, I'm sorry miss…" Zuko apologized, Katara blushed and she coughed, her voice changed a pitch higher…
"No, I'm sorry Your Majesty…" she bowed slightly and looked away…
Author's notes: Well… another chapter finished… I hope you enjoyed that one… it's a cliffy isn't it? Well… you'll just have to wait for the next chapter… but even though I'm busy… I just can't wait for the end of this fic… (Though I'm the writer, I'm still excited…XD) anyway… please review… or flame all you want!!! I don't care!!!
Till next time!!! BYE! BYE!!!