Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender, it's owned by its creators Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko and Nickelodeon.
Zuko and Katara returned to Hakoda's tent. Sokka as talking when, they entered.
"You came back," said Hakoda not surprised.
"Yes. I'll do whatever it takes to get your approval," Zuko replied.
Hakoda looked at Zuko, then at Sokka and Katara. Then he said to Sokka, "Bato told me he took you, Katara, and Aang ice dodging."
"That's right," said Sokka. "I earned the mark of the wise and Katara earned the mark of the brave. What does Zuko need your approval for?"
Hakoda was surprised by the question. He thought Katara would tell Sokka about her plans to marry Zuko.
"Katara and I plan on becoming engaged," said Zuko.
"I-you-my sister," said Sokka with an exasperated look on his face.
"I knew you'd freak out. That's why I didn't tell you," said Katara to Sokka.
Sokka took a deep breath, thought for a moment. "This is a lot to take in."
"I know," said Zuko.
"What does ice dodging have to do with their engagement?" Sokka asked.
"I'd like to respect the customs of your people and get their acceptance," said Zuko.
"What about the Fire Nation? Will they accept Katara?" Sokka asked.
"I'm taking this one step at a time. I think it will be easier for them to accept her than it was to accept me," said Zuko.
"So you're taking Zuko ice dodging?" Sokka asked his father.
"No, we're going as a family," said Hakoda.
The four of them boarded Hakoda's ship. Hakoda led the ship away from the harbor.
"Ice dodging is a ceremonial test of wisdom, bravery and trust.* Zuko will lead us through the field of icebergs ahead," said Hakoda as he pointed ahead to a field of icebergs.
Zuko thought for a moment, the said, "Katara, you control the mainsails. Sokka, you control the jib."
Zuko told them how to maneuver through the icebergs. He even blasted an iceberg, while Katara followed up with her waterbending to get them over it.
When they returned to the harbor, Kanna was waiting with a bowl of black face paint.
Hakoda placed his hand into the bowl and made a dot with half circle mark on Zuko's forehead, and he said, "The water spirits have witnessed these marks. For Zuko the mark of the wise, the same mark Sokka and I both earned. You are now an honorary member of the tribe."
Zuko smiled. Katara smiled too.
"Congratulations," said Kanna.
Sokka decided to accept Zuko and Katara's relationship. It was the first time in a long time he'd seen either of them smile.
The tribe had a feast to celebrate the Fire Lord's honorary membership into the Water Tribe.
Stay tuned...
AN: * from Bato of tthe Water Tribe.