Strike of the match: Chapter 2 - The Dinner
Apologies for the delay in update, friends.
Disclaimed: I don't own any character from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The room where Suki dropped her off was at the end of the long hallway in the wing where they were all staying. The grand wooden doors were flanked by tall ceramic vases with lush greenery.
"Remember, the dinner is in 2 hours. So have a rest and freshen up, and we'll all meet in the formal dining room." Suki said with a smile. "I think it'll be fancy to-do, so it's a nice excuse to dress up."
With a final exchange of pleasantries, Katara retreated into her room – she was immediately struck by a strange sense of déjà vu. The room, like the rest of the palace, had been recently redone – and was it by design or only coincidence that it seemed to be particularly with her in mind. The walls were painted a beautiful, rich, inky cobalt, like the deep oceans of the Fire Nation islands. The bedframe, the water basin and other furnishings were in golden metals punctuated with accents of Pearl of the Sea, and the walls were adorned with ornate masks in all shades of blue and white and black. She crossed the room and opened the curtains and was greeted by the most amazing view of the ocean. She recognised this view. The room was shoddy and neglected and covered in a thin layer of dust then, but it was the same place. The room Zuko took her that night of the Agni Kai.
"My Prince, is there anything may I get you?" The young servant girl asked by the doorway, eyes still wide in disbelief from the events of that evening. When Zuko politely shook his head no, she turned her head to Katara. "And to you, Mistress..?"
"This is Master Katara of the Southern water tribe." Zuko groaned out.
"If you wouldn't mind, I need some warm water to continue healing his wounds. And our associates may be landing at any moment, or… I'm actually not sure when… but if there may be a sky bison in the gardens at some point."
The servant girl nodded and backed out slowly. "I will return soon with fresh water. And, uh… Prince Zuko. We're all very happy you're okay." With a small smile.
Katara gave him a smirk as blush coloured his cheeks. As the glowing water surrounding her hands became warmed and dull from their healing session, she discarded the water and bent the last bit from the water basin to cover her hands. "How do you feel being back here again?" She asked tentatively. The muscles of his chest contracted with discomfort as she placed her hands back on the wound.
He took a while to answer. "I don't know what's going to happen next. When Aang returns, or Agni forbids if he doesn't…"
"Don't think about that now." She tried to shake the shared anxiety out of her mind. "All we can do now is wait." She looked around the room. In a dark corner she saw a picture frame standing, a book rack filled with dusty books. "What is this room?"
Zuko took a beat to reply. "I'm not sure why I led you here actually. It was just the first room that came to my mind that wasn't too far from the gardens. This used to be my mother's quarters, when I was little. Before she disappeared. Even when I was back here…" He cringed at the mention of his return, his betrayal of her. "I haven't been back to this wing in ages. Not since I was a little boy."
With her hand still on the wound on his heart she felt tears prickle her eyes. The weight of the day's events was starting to hit her, and an overwhelming sense of relief hit her. "I don't know much about your mother, but I'm sure she would be proud of you. For standing up for what's right."
He looked up at her and for a tender moment their eyes were locked. His eyes were bright golden, brimming with emotion and relief. His hand reached up to trace the outline of her cheek and tucked a wayward curl behind her ear.
There was a soft knock at the door, pulling them back to reality. It was the servant girl. "Sorry to disturb Prince Zuko and Master Katara. The Avatar has returned."
The air from the window was refreshing and salty. Katara inhaled deeply.
Her baggage was already placed at the foot of her bed, so she commenced unpacking her things.
Despite her restful trip, the anticipatory anxiety for the dinner was already draining her. But perhaps she could still make the best of this trip. All of her friends would be there, as well as so many interesting people – world leaders, innovators… There would be plenty to occupy her time, plenty of people to meet, and plenty of opportunities. Even if an uncomfortable situation did arise again – she could find other things to distract her. She was a grown woman after all. And this was just a little social interaction…
With a sigh to crossed the room to the basin to wash her face and start combing her hair, the reassuring mantra echoing in her mind.
The grand dining room was already brimming with people when she arrived. She gladly accepted the glass of wine offered to her at the door as she entered the expansive hall, scanning the crowd for a familiar face to attach herself to.
A smile crossed her face as she transversed the room. When in the past 100 years had so many leaders, dignitaries, notable figures from each nation congregate in the same room, socialising together no less. She recognised a great many friends and notable figures from their travels – the Earth King, in deep discussion with what appeared to be a fire nation Sage, while sipping on fire whiskey. King Bumi in the corner, entertaining a small crowd around him with a vivid and elaborate retelling of one of odd adventures. Northern Water Tribe politicians laughing and toasting amongst each other. The room was a kaleidoscope of reds and blues and greens. And in the centre stood a long table, set for what must be fifty-odd guests.
"Over here, Sugar Queen." She heard Toph call her over. She was standing with their group of friends and a platter of entrée's. Katara assumed they had once been in the hands of a waiter, distributing them to the guests – but they have clearly been high-jacked by Toph.
"Katara, you look lovely." Tai Ly said. "What a beautiful dress!"
"Oh, thank you." Katara insecurely fingered the short sleeve. It was a silky dress in her light blue colours that she had made ages ago when she was traveling with Aang across some warmer parts. Her hair, curling into little corkscrews in this humidity, was kept down. "I don't have many dresses that work for this weather to be honest. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate."
"Well, I think it looks great." Suki said, beaming. "But if you need some new things, we could take you shopping tomorrow maybe? We had such a great time dress-shopping in the city these couple of days!" Suki was in a long, deep green gown, much more formal than Katara's attire. She was currently tucked into Sokka's side, under his arm. Her brother, however, not particularly engaged in the dress-conversation, was preoccupying himself with the plate of entrée's which seemed to be emptying rather quickly.
"Yeah, yeah, you're all pretty. Let's get back to the point at hand – when is dinner starting? I'm starving!" Toph lamented.
"I second that." Sokka said, his mouth still full of a crumbly cheesy pastry.
"These things can't formally start until the host and guests of honour arrive. And Zuko is stuck in a meeting." Suki said with a shrug.
"Ugh, again? Can't Sparky just take a freaking break long enough so we can eat?"
And, as if called upon, the grand doorways opened and Zuko's arrival was announced. Katara craned her neck, and could just make out his form entering the room. He was surrounded by the silvery-grey heads of his advisors in dark maroon robes, and most of her view was obscured. She heard him though, speaking clearly and melodically, as the room silenced to hear him speak.
"My apologies for being late. I was unfortunately occupied in a meeting of utmost importance. I have one more announcement however before we start. Our guest of honour, Avatar Aang, has sent me a message that his travels have been delayed."
A small sigh of relief escaped her lips before she could stop it.
"He regrets that he will not be able to attend tonight's dinner – but hopes to be here in time for the ball in a few days. Anyway – I will not delay any further – please, if everyone can take their seats, we may begin our feast!"
It was a scurry as the different groups in conversation dispersed and headed towards the long table. Seats had been assigned according to tradition, and cards with names and titles in calligraphy were placed on the plates. It took her a few moments to walk along the table and find her seat. Her friends – Sokka, Toph, Haru - and herself were placed on one end of the table – the furthest edge, close to the one head of the table, where one chair stood empty. I'm placed next to Aang, of course. On the other side of the table sat Zuko, with Iroh on his right and the Kyoshi warriors, Suki and Tai Ly, ballgown-ed but still at his guard.
The waiters entered, lifted the coppery cloches to reveal the beautifully prepared meals and presented them to the guests. The promises of a delicious feast were certainly delivered upon – if slightly more spicy than her palate was used to. She tried to focus on the meal rather than the ominously empty chair at her left side. Her friends were engaging jovially in conversation; Sokka was moaning exaggeratedly as he forked increasingly large bites into his mouth. And yet, despite all of her efforts to forget her concerns and distract herself with the party, she was unable to avoid the reminders.
She took a deep sip from her glass of red wine. This was going to be a long night.
Dinner was over, and the guests had moved to the ballroom for drinks and merriment. The room was lit with candles and drinks were running like water. In one of the corners of the ballroom, at a low table, sat two elders drinking sake while in deep debate, a small crowd forming around them.
"You are misunderstanding the entire point of this debate, General – tradition. The Northern Water tribe is a traditional society, and our people value that tradition. And the traditional role for the woman is also valued and respected, and wanted to be upheld. The mother, the homemaker… The healer…"
Iroh nodded slowly. "I understand your point of view, chancellor. The Fire Nation too is a nation of great tradition. And we, too, put great value on the woman's gifts of giving and nurturing life. But this is only one of the many gifts. Fire Nation women have shown themselves to be some of our greatest warriors, strategists… not to mention in the fields of literature, theatre, medicine."
Katara stood listening to the elders, Fire and Water nations, debating. The issues obviously held particular weight to her, and the traditionalist views of her tribes Norther brothers got under her skin, but she allowed the two to grind through the issue. She had entered the small group gathering around the two men midway through the conversation.
"Perhaps you have had the most poignant example." Iroh said, extending his hand to touch Katara's forearm. "In the brilliant Master Katara."
"And I certainly do respect Master Katara." The chancellor said with a respectful nod. "But as I've said, these are roles that are imprinted on our society, in our culture."
"What are your thoughts, Katara?" Iroh said, formally inviting her into the debate.
She waited for a beat before she answered. "This is a subject close to my heart. When I was young and came to the Northern Water Tribe to learn waterbending, I was angry and frustrated when I was not allowed to learn combat. So perhaps I will always have some level of bias in this debate…" A grumbling from the Northern Water tribe officials in the crowd emerged, but was quickly silenced as she continued. "But – in my travels I have learned much. And what I have learned is that the world changes. Even culture, so deeply ingrained in all of use, given time does evolve. When we visited Yu Dao several years ago, I saw a new kind of city – one where Fire and Earth citizens were living together, creating families together. The society had evolved and changed. We are in a new world now. After 100 years of war, of acting out of necessity – we are now at a place where our societies can develop, grow. Nothing remains stagnant. Least of all, I would say, Water – the element of change."
"But Water is also the element of community." The chancellor insisted. "And our community was built on certain rules, on certain traditions."
"Perhaps, chancellor, we should leave the debate for now." Iroh said, as he stifled a yawn. "The night is becoming late, and these old bones are no longer what they used to be."
The chancellor agreed and extended his hand and shook hands with the General. To Katara, a respectful nod only – resulting in a subtle roll of the eyes when the elder wasn't looking.
"May I ask you accompaniment to the gardens, Master Katara?" Iroh asked.
"Of course." She said, linking her arm in his and helping the older man walk across the ballroom to the wide open doors leading to the gardens.
"You look most lovely. I am sorry I have not been able to talk to you or your friends sociably – I was caught in debate with Old Men much of the evening." Iroh said with a chuckle.
"That's alright. I've enjoyed watching. Regardless of the arguments and my feelings about them, the fact that we are able to debate these things in a civilised manner alone is a miracle in itself."
"For as much trouble as we have had maintaining peace after the war, I find comfort in these small signs of change." Iroh chuckled, and pointed to the crowd. "My poor nephew."
In the middle of a small crowd on the dance floor, stood Zuko. This was the first time she had seen him – not hidden by advisors or on the other end of a long table – since her arrival. The years had done the young Fire Lord well. He stood tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in his formal gold-and-red garb. His glossy black hair had grown out longer and was now pinned up in a bun with his crown. He looked regal– handsome even. But perhaps he would look even more so not for the look of extreme discomfort on his face. The warrior prince she knew looked positively struck with fear, with a long-haired spidery vixen attached to his arm. Katara couldn't help but giggle at the look of obvious panic on his face as she drew one long-nailed finger up his chest.
Iroh chuckled as well. "The poor boy. Since he came of age his council has been pushing him to find someone and marry. They want an heir."
"Already? He's so young."
"Producing an heir is of the utmost importance as the Fire Lord. But my nephew is a stubborn young man. And despite their best attempts, those old fogies have yet to find one politician's daughter or high society girl who can impress him. Although watching them try has provided me with quite some entertainment."
As they reached the doors, Iroh gently squeezed her hand. "Thank you for your help, dear. I think I should be fine from here. My room is just off the gardens. Perhaps I'll take a stroll the long way round – the night air will do me good."
"Sleep well, Iroh."
She watched as the General walked slowly along the garden path, and drew a deep breath of the cool evening air.
The gardens, even in the dim moonlight, looked spectacular. Lush, teeming with flowers.
She turned her head as she heard someone approached, and chuckled when she saw who it was. Zuko stumbled across the doorway with a deep sigh. "Escaped from your dance partner there, Fire Lord?"
"You saw that?" He asked embarrassedly, his hand moving to the back of his neck.
She laughed. "You looked terrified."
"Glad the first time you see me in a couple of years is like that. How have you been? I'm sorry I haven't been able to talk to you since you arrived."
"You've been busy. I understand."
"I should never be too busy for my friends."
Katara smiled. "Have you been well? From what I've heard from the others, it seems you are working yourself half to death."
Zuko shook his head. "Politics is… exhausting at times. But I think we are doing better now. The New Ozai Society is by and large dealt with; the assassination attempts have been infrequent; really, the only thing is..." He couldn't suppress the low chuckle. "I mean, you saw. I'm sure that Uncle told you as well."
"You're of age now. Time to get married and start popping out babies. Tick-tock." Katara laughed. "Believe it or not I get that too. The tribeswomen in the South Pole have been non-stop with me – 'When are you getting married? When can we expect little ones? Katara, where is your engagement necklace.' Ever since the day I turned eighteen."
"My counsellors have gone mad. It started out simple enough with meetings. Heir-this and heir-that… But they've been getting more and more aggressive in their suggestions as time goes on. I feel like I'm being hunted."
She chuckled. "It gets to you. Gets to me too."
"Really? I can't imagine anything getting to you."
She smiled. "Plenty of things get to me."
"Like what?"
Katara cringed and took another sip from her glass. "Ugh… Don't worry about it. I'm just… going through some personal stuff at the moment I guess."
He frowned. "Well, I'm sorry. I hope things work out."
A beat passed with comfortable silence, just the sound of crickets chirping in the gardens and raucous laughter from the party behind them. When she peered to the side, she caught Zuko's deep golden gaze and smiled. "Thank you for hosting this beautiful party, by the way. Everything has been so lovely."
"I'm happy to. And I don't think I deserve much of the thanks, I have some wonderful planners involved in putting it all together. This party being of international importance and all." With humorous gravity. "I just hope you have a good time and a comfortable stay."
"You know, I'm actually staying in the same room that I healed you in the night of the Agni Kai? What a funny coincidence."
Zuko smiled softly. "Really? That is funny."
Before Katara could push any further, a whirlwind of activity joined their quiet conversation, in the form of a slightly-tipsy Sokka. "Zuko!" He threw his arms around the shoulders of his friend pulling him into an embrace. "How've you been buddy? Long time, long time!" Soon they were joined by the rest of their friends, and their quiet reprieve from the party was over. But as they were pulled back into the great hall and danced and joked and drank – perhaps for the first time that day, Katara felt free from the concerns plaguing her mind.
Hope you guys are enjoying this so far. Please let me know with a review if you are!
Zanny