Authors notes: I'm still playing with this, but overall I love how it's turned out. Inspiration music: peace (full) on YouTube. Peace -the evenstar.
"Send word to all the nations! My daughter is to be wed to Avatar Aang in two weeks time. Send out express notices to the firelord and his wife, escort them here immediately if they are available. And hurry!" Hakoda was calling on everyone at his disposal to make this wedding of his only daughter happen. Everyone understood the urgency as the Avatar was needed almost everywhere constantly, and as important as the young couple viewed this special day, they knew that their responsibilities were greater.
The fire lord sent word almost immediately that he and Mai would arrive the next evening. Aang was delighted at this news and although he felt a little 'in the way' he made rounds trying to help where he could. Such pride and happiness emitted from the young Avatar that he thought he would burst. His happiness was infectious to all near him.
As he was headed back to Hakoda's for what seemed like the umpteenth time for a robe fitting he happened upon Sokka who was sitting directly in his path, slowly sharpening his boomerang. Mentally Aang couldn't help but laugh at this display, but physically he kept a straight face.
"Oh hey Sokka," he began.
"Hi Aang, I guess congratulations are in order."
Aang smiled warmly at his future brother-in-law, "oh, thanks!"
Sokka jumped up so that they were almost nose to nose, "Listen Aang I like you, I think you'll be a great husband. Just remember, that's my little sister and if you dare EVER give her anything less than what she deserves, I will...I'll.."
Sokka threw his hands in the air in exasperation, and although Aang wanted to give him an opportunity to finish he could tell this might be his only chance to interject.
He began slowly, "Sokka, you are my brother, I have known you for just as long as I have known Katara. I have never once given you reason to think I will be anything less than the man she deserves. I didn't know this needed to be said, but I will, I have never and will never love any person the way I do your sister. She saved my life. There is nothing in this world that could keep me from her."
Sokka's eyes connected with the deep grey eyes off the avatar and realized he had taken his nightmares too far. "Yea, I know."
Aang smiled, "I only hope that if I ever have a daughter her brother will care for her as much as you do for Katara," he said throwing an arm around Sokka.
Sokka managed a smile and clapped his soon to be brother-in-law on the back. "Enough of this talk, let's go make sure your dress fits."
"Ceremonial robe!" Proclaimed Aang indignantly.
"I just call 'em how I see 'em," Sokka said laughing loudly at Aang's distress.
The next two weeks passed in a whirlwind of activity. Aang and Katara barely saw each other but for a few stolen moments or official wedding business. They welcomed their dear friend Zuko and his noticeably pregnant wife Mai and spent a great evening regaling in old tales of their adventures past and teasing one another. The sake was abundant and everyone was in high spirits for the wedding.
Finally, the ceremony was planned. In that time the word of the avatar's nuptials had spread like wildfire. The village was bursting with visitors who had come for the chance to be a part of this historic day. The small inns were at capacity and strangers roamed the streets, taking in the sights and trying to catch a glimpse of the Avatar.
Katara had arranged for a separate hut for herself and their friends for the time being. Her father had been nothing if not completely accommodating for this surprise visit turned wedding, as such he had given up his private quarters, electing to stay with Gran Gran and Pakku. The small hut of her childhood was gone and a modern home stood in its stead. It was spacious, well decorated with the trappings of their journeys, artifacts from every kingdom adorned the walls and shelves, it was as if they had stepped out of the Southern Water Tribe and into something else entirely. A melting pot of cultures. As Aang and Katara walked back to their separate rooms hand in hand they both secretly blushed in the knowledge that this would be their last night apart. Both were nervous, but excited for the day to come. At last the time came for them to separate and they turned to each other happily. Katara noted the ease in which her fiance carried himself then last few days. She was happy she could make him forget his worries for a little while. Aang smiled at the way her eyes sparkled when she said she loved him that night. He took in the size and softness of her lips as she kissed him one last time as his beloved fiance, it was almost too much to wrap his head around, but tomorrow she would be his wife.
The next day greeted them with all the chaos and spectacle you would expect from a wedding. Aang and Katara were forced through last minute instructions, poor Katara was made to sit in a chair for hours while Suki wove an intricate braid. Toph scoffed from her corner of the room noting that old twinkletoes wouldn't be looking that closely at her hair this day, which made Katara turn the most vibrant shade of crimson, not that Toph knew. They were both pulled into dressing rooms and forced into the most impractical clothes. Then when everyone was satisfied with their respective attractiveness they were ushered towards the ceremony site and given last minute advice.
Sokka and Zukko brought Aang a hot cup of sake, Aang began to protest before his nerves got the better of him. Aangs mind cleared and he clapped them both on the back.
Toph and Suki presented Katara with the most beautiful headpiece she had ever seen. It was small and delicate and square in shape. In each corner one of the symbols of the elements. Perfect for the bride of the Avatar. She shed a small tear as Suki fixed it on top of her hair. Hakoda came to her as well kissed his daughter on the cheek, offering his arm to walk her to Aang.
Aang stood at the front of the ceremony site which over looked the water, fire lilies brought by the fire lord himself decorated the aisle and front of the area. They shone brilliantly against the snow as if to compliment the natural beauty of the place. The earth kingdom priest that was to marry them nodded to Suki who in turn alerted Hakoda that the time had come.
Aang had never seen such a sight. He indulgently let his eyes take in the vision that was Katara of the southern water tribe. Her pale blue dress was cut close to her body, it fell in waves of delicate lace and satin to the floor. The sleeves were cut at an angle and fell almost as long. Her hair was done up in an intricate braid, strands of which fell softly against her neck and shoulders. Her lips were broken into a smile, her blue eyes sparkling. He took in her frame and the very soul of her. He committed it to memory so as never to forget this beauty. He found himself once thanking the spirits for allowing him the honor of spending his life with her.
Katara felt herself blush as she fell under the intense scrutiny of the avatar, her avatar. His ceremonial air nomad robes were the traditional yellow and red. His toned body showed through even the loose draping. She too found herself amazed at the sheer luck she must have to have captured the attentions of such a man, so powerful he could level a city in minutes, yet so kind he could never take a life. His deep grey eyes were piercing through her blue ones and in that moment everyone could see the depth of their love for one another evidenced in their faces.
Hakoda and Katara made their way up to Aang and upon reaching their destination Hakoda reached down and placed his daughters hand in Aang's. "Be by his side whatever he has to do and where ever he has to go daughter. He needs you," and turning to Aang he added, "take care of my little girl. She needs you too." Aang's inability to do anything other than nod and stare at his beautiful bride was enough closure for Hakoda, and he sat down to let the ceremony begin.
They chose to exchange simple vows. They promised remain steadfast and true, to put the others needs before their own, to be with one another until the end of time. The two were in their own world, it was just the two of them standing there before the water, confessing their love with tender simplicity. When he was told that he could kiss his bride Aang didn't hold back. Such passion and love in one kiss was all it took to move the whole crowd of their friends to tears.
Then they turned to face their friends, the avatar, and his wife.
The ceremony sweet and simple, was held away from the vast crowds of uninvited well-wishers, the party, however was held in the main village square. The villagers had spent the last two weeks preparing the most wonderful meal chock full of exotic meats and delicious vegetarian dishes, appealing to the wide range of people who had come.
Aang and Katara made their way through the crouds of well wishers with wide smiles. They happily hugged their friends and family.
Suki and Toph pulled Katara aside to present her with a delicate silk shift to wear that night, she couldn't help but marvel at it's beautiful delicate lace and light weight, although she blushed heavily. Toph scoffed at this, "Come on Katara, you do realize everyone here realizes what a wedding night is, right? And seriously Suki is married. Believe it or not we know."
Suki laughed and shook her head, "Speaking of being married, I think I should attempt to wrangle in my husband before he drinks more than enough for the both of us. Your brother!"
Katara giggled and threw up her hands, "hey you married him, no one forced you."
"Haha yea I suppose so. Good thing he's so hot."
"Gross Suki!" said Toph, "Save it for tonight, ugh, it looks like I'm going to have to find a new group to tag along with. You are all insufferable!" She playfully bent the earth under Sokka's chair up as she walked to the other side of the room and laughed as he stumbled off of it, completely confused.
There was lively dancing which pleased the newlyweds as they remembered their first dance in the fire nation so many years ago, how they'd changed and grown since then! Katara had to admit that Aang hadn't lost one ounce of his talent on the dance floor in that time. He made things so easy for her and they seemed to glide through the crowd seamlessly.
"So... what did Suki give you?" asked Aang.
"Ah. You'll see soon I expect Master Avatar," Katara replied, full of mischief.
Aang could hardly concentrate knowing what was in store for him that night and eventually after some encouragement from his new wife he announced that they would be turning in. Much to his dismay this was met with cat calls and cheers all around. He did everything he could to avoid Sokka's gaze. Red cheeks blazing they grabbed hands and headed for their room. They stopped at the doorstep and basked in the glory that was their wedding day. Aang sweetly kissed his new bride before scooping her up. He never took his eyes off of hers as he carried her over the threshold and closed the door behind them.