Book 4 Air
Chapter 26 Late
The sound of chirping birds awoke Katara from her deep sleep. Groaning lightly, slightly kicking the silken sheets that were tangled in her legs. Katara sat up and sighed. She had a restless night filled with confusing night dreams. Brushing her troubled thoughts aside, Katara turned and saw a small ray of sunlight outside with a few rain clouds drifting throughout the skies.
'Looks like it won't be raining today.' Katara thought as she awkwardly stood up and slowly paced herself to the master bathroom. Katara walked up to the sink and turned on the copper faucet. Delicately running her fingers through the cool clear water, Katara smiled lightly. She then cupped her hands together collecting the stream and then lifting the small pool of water to her face. Katara splashed her eyes and forehead. Small droplets lightly fell down her cheeks and neck as she sighed quietly enjoying the crisp feeling of her element rolling down her soft features.
Reaching over for a white cotton towel, Katara wiped her face clean. Looking to the side, she noticed the complex pipes and tunnels etched along the walls. Even 'til this day Katara was still amazed of the nation's plumbing system. It was more advanced and well-maintained than in the Earth Kingdom. Turning her attention to the porcelain tub, the waterbender turned the knob as warm water poured into the huge bathtub. Steam slowly rose into the air creating a misty atmosphere in the room. Slowly undressing her night kimono and bottom bindings, Katara dipped into the warm bath.
Sighing peacefully, Katara slowly submerged into her hot bath as she lightly lifted her feet on the edge of the white tub. Dipping her thick locks of hair into the water, Katara duck her head under. Bubbles escape from her nose and lips as she held her breathe, enjoying the water surrounding her in a warm embrace. Opening her eyes under water she stared at the rippling surface. Feeling her lungs tighten from lack of air, Katara sat up as she broke through the water to breathe. She then ran her fingers through her wet hair and sighed again with light content.
'This is so wonderful…' Katara thought as she rested against the tub.
Looking over Katara noticed essential oil bottles. Picking one on her right, Katara opened the bottle, smelling the sweet fragrance of ginger and vanilla. Pleased with the scent, Katara poured the fine liquid into the steaming water. Soaking in the fresh oil and warm water, the waterbender sighed once more as she closed her eyes.
Opening her eyes slowly, Katara then sat up. 'I better wash up and get ready.' Katara thought as she reached over at the bar of soap on a small shelf.
Rubbing the bee wax soap on her dark skin, cleansing her body as foam lathered over her skin. Katara then dunk under as the soap scum floated off her form. Lightly gripping on the edge of the tub, Katara stood up as droplets of water felt down her curvious body. Walking out of the bath with her night kimono clinging to her form, Katara dried her hair with the spare towel.
Just then a knock tapped on the door, turning her head Katara called out. "Who is it?" the waterbender asked.
"It is Ming, Miss Katara. I was ordered to inform you to meet the Lord for breakfast." The servant girl said behind the door.
"Alright." Katara said as she then smiled.
"You are free to come in, Ming." Katara said softly as the door opened lightly.
"Are you certain Miss? May I offer to help you dress for the day?" Ming asked shyisly.
"Yes. I would like that." Katara said with a smile.
A low sigh escaped Zuko's lips as he rested his fingers over his eyes, pinching his brow below his temples. From the moment he woke and prepared for his meeting. Zuko has felt rather irritable. The Earth Kingdom generals arrive the night before and now are arguing over the riots and possible trade with Zuko's country.
The young Fire Lord lifted his head and spoke, "Since your people continue such uncivilized acts against your King. I would like to ask, why is this important to me?" Zuko said rather bluntly as the men in the meeting tensed.
"How dare you! You are to bring order to the people!" one general said loudly as he nearly stood off his seat.
"Correction, General Qin. Your people have caused the riots along the Western line; bringing your country's economy nearly non-existent. My people however, are stable and sane." Zuko said firmly.
The general's face tinted red with rage, "It is your father's sins that have cause this catastrophic era to my people! You are to pay for them." The general said coldly.
"Now Qin, calm yourself. We are to be humble guests, with great gratitude for Fire Lord Zuko's presence. He is doing all is able. We should be honored." One of the advisors said calmly as he highly respected the young Lord's decisions.
"Thank you, Lang. Now gentlemen, please let this meeting be dismissed for today. We will talk about the new trade routes for central on the Eastern front later on. Please exit to the antechamber on your way out." Zuko said as he remained in his seat.
As the men left the room, Zuko stood up and slowly paced to the door. His mind was cluttered and distracted. Before he knew it, it was in his bedroom. Taking a deep sigh he removed his outer clothes. Tossing them roughly to the ground, the young lord ran his fingers through his hair, taking out his royal artifact and hair style down into a matted mess of black strands. Lifting his head as he huffed out his aggravated voice as Zuko tried to ignore the constant complains of riots, and breakouts through both earthen territory, and Fire Nation colonies that were overwhelming his thoughts. Not only that, but a never ending worry in the back of his mind about for his sister remaining undefeated and still unable to find his mother…To top everything off Zuko was concerned with the marriage proposal for the water princess.
Zuko's eyes widen slightly, 'Katara…I was supposed to meet her.'
Cursing under his breath the young lord raced to his front door. Seeing a guard pass by he called out to inform the girl his late arrival. Racing back into his room, Zuko called out for his servants.
The three men all surrounded the Lord quickly; dressing his formal clothing and fixing his tangled hair. Zuko raised his arms out as one servant buckled his light armor along his torso and chest. While the other servant tucked a long stain cloak underneath as it dangled behind Zuko's calves. After the last servant crowned the lord's golden symbolic flame into his knot bun; the three men slowly bowed taking four steps back from their majesty.
Zuko nodded in approval as he set out of his chamber and down the vast red hallway as his cape swayed behind him.
"Here you go dear, have some more tea." A woman said as she poured an old copper tea pot.
"Thank you." Aeron said weakly as her hands shook lightly.
"It's alright Aeron." Cole said calmly as he watched the girl intently.
"Oh Cole, you should have told us you had a girlfriend. She's free to stay as long as she'd like." Aella said warmly with a smile.
Cole blushed wondering if he should correct the pub owner about Aeron just being a friend. But he decided it's best to leave it be. Aeron will be safe here in the care of the owners.
Cole turned his attention to his friend; he was surprised of her current state. She was pale with dark circles under her eyes. Her long black hair braided with a few strands out of place. Her lips cracked and her body, weak, and frail.
'Aeron…What happen to you?' Cole thought deeply as he lowered his head.
"Well here we are Toph. Your home." Aang said as the carriage stopped by the main gates with a huge symbolical pig with wings etched in gold.
Toph fiddled with her fingers as she turned away from the door. "You didn't have to come all this way." Toph said as she lowered her head.
"Nonsense, I was happy too. Come on I'll escort you to the door." Aang said as he stepped out of the carriage and held out his hand to the blind girl.
"I may be blind, but I can see my way to my own house!" Toph said in a defense matter.
Aang chuckled, 'She always gets defense when she nervous…' the airbender thought as he smiled.
"I know, I just think it's better if I show to your parents. That way they understand I didn't kidnap you." Aang said as he held back a laugh.
"This isn't funny Twinkle-Toes!" Toph nearly yelled as she hopped out of the carriage and walked pass the airbender.
"My parents are strict and demanding. Don't think for one second that they'll go easy on you just because you are the Avatar." Toph said.
Just then the two children heard a big gasp as a woman stood in front of the gate.
"Toph! My baby girl!" a woman said nearly in tears as she raced to her daughter.
Embracing the small girl in her arms, the woman cried out in a hysterical sob.
"Oh my sweet pea! How I've missed you!" the woman said loudly.
"Mm…Mom!" Toph complained as her mother nearly attacked her with kisses.
Aang smiled at the scene, it was heart-warming. Just then a tall man walked out of the gates and stood in front of Aang. Staring at him with a serious expression, he then bowed. Aang blinked as the man straighten his pose and spoke sharply. "Thank you young Avatar, for protecting my little girl. I understand she was in grave danger during the time of war. Yet you have finally brought her home unharmed. Thank you." The man said with graduate.
"Heh, don't mention it Mr. Bei Fong, Sir." Aang said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Come let us celebrate Toph's homecoming. Would you care to join us, young Avatar?" the man said warmly.
"Uh, I'm sorry. I can't. I am to meet the Earth King in Ba Sing Sa. But thanks though." Aang said as he then turned his attention to the blind earthbender.
"I hope you have fun Toph." Aang said with a smile.
Toph folded her arms and puffed upward as he bangs flew up lightly, "Yea. And you have fun dancing with Bosco and drinking tea with the Earth King." Toph said in an envious tone.
Aang smiled and waved his goodbyes to Toph and her parents. He then stepped inside the carriage and was off to central to meet the generals.
Walking down the corridor then out to the vestibule he saw the garden ahead. Coming into view, Zuko saw a figure sitting under the willow tree. It was Katara.
Zuko slowly stood a few steps only to stop in awe. The girl turned her head and noticed the Fire Lord. Quickly she stood up and bowed.
"Zuko!" Katara nearly squeaked out as she kept her head down.
"Er, sorry I was late." Zuko said casually as he continued to stare at the waterbender.
Katara lifted her head revealing her whole outfit before the teen boy. The rich crimson surface is decorated with golden rivers, each wave overlapping into a geometric motif. Glorious plum blossoms of pure shining gold and silver sparkle in the light, their large petals appearing like suns.
Decorative tassels hang from the sleeves, while thin layers of fabric along the collar and sleeves give the illusion of many layers. Finally, vivaciously colored cranes soar through the red sky of her dress, their feathers wonderfully imaginative as it dipped along the end of her gown.
Her ricked chocolate locks of hair were tied in a light fashion with a bun near the top of her head. Her deep blue eyes appeared to glisten against the fine colors, as she smiled warmly.
She was stunning.
Zuko continued to stare at her as the girl began to grow uncomfortable and nervous. "Umm…Shall we feed the turtle ducks, Fire Lord Zuko?" Katara asked as she looked away from the lord's intensive stare.
"The-The what ducks?" Zuko mumbled as he blinked.
"The turtle ducks silly. What's wrong with you?" Katara asked as she lightly giggled.
"Oh, right, of course." Zuko said as he straightens his back and walked up to the girl.
Sitting on the small mound of grass beneath them, the two teens broke a couple pieces of bread and flew them in the pond. The baby turtle ducks quacked cheerfully as they swam to the floating pieces. The two remained silent for a while before Zuko broke the awkward tension.
"You look nice." Zuko said as he continued to stare at the pond.
Katara smiled and turned her head to the boy, "Thank you, so do you." Katara said as she then looked at the baby ducks.
"A servant should be arriving soon with tea, pastries and fruit tarts." Zuko said as he tossed another piece of bread.
"That sounds delicious." Katara said with a warm smile.
Zuko lightly chuckled as he slowly drifted his eyes to the girl.
'Why am I so nervous? I've never felt this way before. Maybe it's just the weather…' Zuko thought as he lifted his head looking up at the rolling clouds above. 'There hasn't been much sunlight lately, that's probably why I'm feeling this way, plus with everything else on my mind.' The Fire Lord thought to himself as he reached over for more bread. Just then another slender hand reached out. Their fingertips touched lightly as a spark shot out. They both reacted by pulling away. Katara held her hand while Zuko lightly lifted his head looking at the girl.
"Are you ok?" Zuko asked as the waterbender nodded her head.
"Heh, it definitely must be the weather. All the static in the air." Zuko said with a low chuckle.
Katara blinked wondering why he would suddenly come up with the idea. She then brushed the thought aside as three servant walked into the garden.
"Your meals, Fire Lord Zuko." A servant girl said as she placed the tray down.
"Thank you Miki." Zuko said with a light smile.
Lifting the tea cup, Zuko turned to Katara. "Cheers."
"Cheers." Katara repeated as she tapped her cup towards Zuko's.
I hope you like it! Zuzu is starting to get some feelings for Katara, but what kind of feelings? Or is it just the weather? What happens to Aeron? What about Jun and the others? Stay tune and please review!!!
