Book 4 Air
Chapter 40 Enjoying
The evening settled over the Fire Nation Palace as the scene of Katara and Zuko was seen at the dining table.
Not much has happened after their discussion with Iroh. The old general retired for the evening as Zuko attended his last meeting for the day. Katara relaxed in her bedroom and took another pleasing bath before changing in one of her favorite kimono. A formal dress designed with autumnal sketch and gold leaf imprint on dark burgundy silk crepe. The dark burgundy material is covered with a bold design of branches of ripe red persimmons, tied together with a shimmering gold obi. Katara was pleased with her dress as she patiently waited at the table. Looking over at Zuko she noticed he wore his usual royal clothes along with his royal artifact neatly topped on his bun. Katara frown lightly, she likes it when the firebender's hair is down; full of his ruffled, wild locks of black silky hair. Blushing by the thought Katara shifted in her seat more comfortably.
Just then servants arrived with dishes and trays of food.
Placing the plates down in front of Katara, the waterbender could smell the inviting, mouth-watering meal before her. Looking down she awed happily; the dish was plated with sliced beef and red potatoes cooked in onion, ginger, salmonberries and coriander seeds. It was a very pleasing dish for the waterbender; looking over at the lord, Katara smiled as she picked up her chopsticks, setting the morsel of food while lifting it to her lips. Katara was amazed of the sweet flavor. It was a delicious treat for her.
"This is so good." Katara said as she swallowed her food.
Zuko chuckled as he took a bite of his meal. Indeed, the flavor was light and savory. The two continued to eat in silence as a view of single flame of a candle flickered evenly.
Rain fell from the dark clouds as Sokka ran across the courtyard of the village. Shielding his eyes from the fat drops of rain, the teen boy finally made it under the small patio. Huffing out a small sigh, Sokka grinned. It felt good for the change of weather, the cool air and breeze; rather than the hot summer days only a few months ago.
"Quite a storm, we're having uh?" Suki said as she walks out to greet Sokka.
"Yea…" Sokka said as he could hear the distant waves crash along the shore.
"Haha, look at you, you're soaking wet." Suki said with a giggle as she started to the clean the boy's face with a towel.
"Ah, Suki…I can take care of myself…" Sokka whined at he blushed.
The girl always seemed to be watching over him, in a strange way it was kind of sweet. But Sokka felt it was his job to watch over and protect the Kyoshi warrior woman. His pride would fall but his heart would swell, he loved Suki no matter what. Even if she baby-ed him a little once and while.
Leaning over Suki kissed the water tribesman on the cheek as she giggled, "Come on, Nana is making squid and seaweed." Suki said as she made her way to the doorway.
"Ah! You guys have sea prunes?!" Sokka exclaimed in excitement.
Suki giggled, "No, but if we brew them long enough I bet they will be." Suki said with a smile.
"Oh boy! I'm starving!" Sokka said as he nearly ran into the home. Suki shook her head and rolled her eyes.
No matter how much work Sokka did, or how much he ate, he was always hungry.
Suki laughed to herself. Just then a sudden chill blew west from Suki's location. Her eyes narrowed, years of strict training in the arts along with hunting traditions of the Water Tribe gave the warrior keen senses. Suki felt discern, something wasn't right. The air carried an ambient texture in the rain pour. Brushing it aside, Suki walked in to join the others for their meal.
The ship rocked against the rolling waves as it sailed closer to the eye of the 'cane. Mai was resting on a small seat as she slowly opened her dull eyes. The constant swaying of the ship was starting to stir Mai's stomach uneasily. Slightly bored and annoyed the gloomy girl stood up and looked out the window. The once choppy waves slowly shifted into calmer waters as the wind decreased and pouring rain now a light drizzle. Far off in the distance Mai saw something in the hazy gray mist. A mass of land was seen beyond the horizon, an island.
Stepping behind her, the captain sucked on a pipe with a grin. "Kyoshi Island…That will be our next stop." The captain said as he blew out a puff of smoke from his burning tobacco tube.
Mai narrowed her eyes, "But aren't there villagers there? Won't they stop us from continuing our journey?" Mai asked as she turned her face towards the man.
"Arh, we'll set those villagers straight. Take what we need and leave. Simple as that." The man said with a grunt in his voice.
"Aye, Captain. Perhaps a little blood will spill for our viewing pleasure…" a pirate said behind his leader as he smirked wickedly.
"Ne, we're just taken their food and money. No one ain't bleeding you got that?" the captain barked out at the man behind him.
"Aye, Captain…" the man said as he left the room.
"You can't honestly think you'll leave just like that, do you?" Mai said not believing how naïve the leader was. Kyoshi Island was known for her warriors. Skilled in the arts of air and earth tactics, with Water Tribe traditions, they were strong when together. Attacking the heart of their base was foolish and risky.
"Oh come now, Mai…With your skills and whole crew of pirates. Those fan girls won't stand a chance…" Azula said as she walked into the room.
Mai closed her eyes, 'I suppose she doesn't know…Ty Lee is there. I wonder how things will turn out once she sees her again." Mai thought as she formed the next plan.
Use Azula's greatest fear…Her friends betraying her…Azula being alone once again.
'If I manage to make this plan, work. I can finally stop Azula.' Mai thought as she turned her attention to the enclosing island ahead.
After Katara took her last bite of food, the waterbender sighed with content. The meal was cooked to perfection along with the new pomegranate wine she tasted that evening. Katara looked over at Zuko. The lord appeared relaxed and at ease as he took a final sip from his glass. Catching the waterbender's gaze, Zuko turned his head and smiled. Katara blushed lightly as she spoke, "Dinner was wonderful, thank you." The girl said politely.
"Of course, it was a pleasure enjoying it with you." Zuko said in a kind matter.
Katara blushed deeper as she excused herself. Standing up Katara noticed that the black haired teen stood up as well, "Before you go to your room, I'd like to show you something." Zuko stated as he held out his hand.
"Alright…" Katara said as she took the lord's hand gently.
The two teens walked out of the dining quarters and down the hall. Walking into an open corridor, Katara marveled at the vast architecture of doors and red walls. As she followed Zuko, the young man opened a door and entered. Katara smiled as she admired the small round dining table with candles lit and a small tray with plates centered in the open room with a large window revealing a near full moon with stars. It was very romantic and charming.
"I figured since you've enjoyed dinner so much, that you'll dessert just as much." Zuko said as he seated Katara at the table.
"Thank you Zuko, it's beautiful." Katara said nearly breathless.
"You're welcome…" Zuko said softly.
Lifting the tray up, Zuko removed the silver lid and before the girl's eyes was a very appetizing piece of cake topped with glazed strawberries. Offering the girl a slice, Katara thanked Zuko. Katara reached over and pick up a strange utensil made of gold. The handle was small and the flatten dip was seen as an oval shape. Katara blinked, she never saw something like this. "How do I eat with this?" Katara asked as she rubbed the utensil's smooth surface.
"It's a spoon. They're use for eating meals too big for chopsticks." Zuko said as Katara remembered such a tool was used in the Northern Water tribe. Only it was carved with a whale tooth instead.
Katara gripped her fingers around the handle and dug the spoon into the moist cake. Lifting the food to her lips, Katara took a small sample. The cake was the most delicious thing she'd ever tasted. It was so sweet and sugary- far richer than any fruit or meal she has ever tried. The girl's eyes widen as she licks her lips, "This is so good! What is it?" Katara said in amazement as she took another bite, savoring the taste.
"It's a rare treat call chocolate. Near the more topical regions of the Fire Nation there's an agricultural estate where our famous coco trees grow. It used to be used by the Sun Warriors as a ritual meal to please the Spirits. Now it's simple a tasty treat." Zuko said as he took himself a slice.
"Wow, I've never had anything so good. There's so much flavor!" Katara said as she took another big bite, enjoying the tangy strawberries as the creamy chocolate taste buzzed her taste buds.
"Well, if you'd like, perhaps sometime you'll try some hot coco. It's one of my favorites." Zuko said as he took a bite of his cake.
"Hot coco?" Katara said as she swallowed her piece of dessert.
"Yes, it's a type of drink. It's very creamy and warms your stomach. Sometimes it would be used to help an aching belly or illness." Zuko said as he ate a strawberry.
"I see…" Katara said amazed of how much food and flavor is important to the Fire Nation customs.
Truly it was a treat for Katara, somehow she felt like she was being spoiled. Yet in a way, she didn't mind. Katara felt like for once she deserved some treatment for what she's done in her life.
Brushing the thoughts aside, Katara smiled as she chopped down on another bite of cake. 'It's so good…' Katara thought to herself as her cheeks flushed.
Zuko chuckled as he watched the girl enjoy herself. He was happy to make Katara smile, and he would do anything to make sure she was happy.
Coco or Cacao, native to lowland, tropical South America, has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mesoamerica and Central America. It was used in Mesoamerica both as a beverage, and as an ingredient in foods.
I wanted to use this for the Fire Nation because of their similarities to the Maya and Aztecs, who were portrayed the same way as the Sun Warriors among the Avatar Universe. We'll see more of this chocolately goodness used later with another yummy Zutara moment. As for what happens to Toph, you'll find out more next chapter, along with Aang and the pirates pit stop at Kyoshi Island. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review and comment for a fast update!
Also I want everyone to know that in the next few chapters will have more action. I understand I probably make Zuko and Katara pretty boring, but just wait for when Katara reveals her bending to the councils!! And I'll try to change their scenes...I know they seem to eat more than anyone, but hey it is a royal palace! Haha! Besides, I want the Fire Nation to be known for their spicy-sweet flavors...Hint Zuko and Katara foreshadowing hahaha! Anyways, please review!!!
