On the night Li stole her ostrich-horse, the fireflies danced across the yard and cast a pale green glow over everything.
Song had thought of him as misguided and hopelessly troubled since then, wondering how he could accept her food and medicine and hospitality, then turn around betray it all. Wondered what kind of life a person had to have to turn out like that.
Months later, a messenger came with a new ostrich-horse and a letter, both bearing the Fire Nation's crest. The fireflies floated around her head, providing ample lighting as she read the wedding invitation.
It was signed twice. Once by Li with a post script apologizing for stealing from her; again by Fire Lord Zuko with a post script apologizing for lying to her.
One month later, the celebration of Zuko's union with a pretty waterbending named Katara was held in Omashu, a neutral zone between their two nations. Song watched as they laughed and danced and kissed, wondering how the other girl had made such a sombre, misled boy so alive and sure.
Introductions were made ("Song, this is Katara. She and I go way back." He and his wife exchanged glances like there was a secret joke. "Katara, this is Song. She helped my uncle when he was sick." A flicker of guilt as he meets her gaze.). Katara smiled and chatted and relayed the whole crazy story of their meeting, laughing at things that would've made a sane woman hate Zuko for all eternity ("And then he tied me to a tree!").
A stolen then returned ostrich-horse suddenly seemed like nothing.
The sun slipped below the horizon, the moon moving in its place. The party was winding down, but Zuko and Katara insisted on one last dance. Watching them sway in the waning light, Song decided Zuko was like a firefly; dark to those who couldn't look deep enough, until he matured and learned to shine on his own.
Firefly: Any of various flying insects which produce light by bioluminescence.
Disclaimer: "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and all of its contents are property of Nickelodeon, which I am in no way associated with.
