Of Oceans and Stars
stormwaterwitch
Chapter 1
"So... this will be the last gathering of the season?" Suki asked quietly. Picking at the pale gold bangle on her wrist, Suki looked out upon the vast, empty meeting hall.
Katara winced, offering the warrior maiden a pained grin. "I know these dinners are not our favorite thing, but we are helping Zuko by attending. Just having Aang present helps Zuko to show his people a unified front."
In the back of her mind, Suki knew Katara was right. In the nine years that Zuko had sat upon the Fire Nation throne, his time as Fire Lord was every bit as tenuous as his father's reign. Despite the peace that had been established after Black Sun, things hadn't truly stabilized between the Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, and the Water Tribes.
"Thank the spirits. I'm not sure I'll get through this one. I'm cooked." Sokka's voice washed over Suki as he approached the pair.
Suki's lips curled upwards into a smile. "You look so handsome in your stuffy clothing." She teased him, reaching for his hand.
Flushing, Sokka placed a kiss on Suki's cheek before turning to his sister and clearing his throat. "This is the last time I put on this get-up for Zuko. We are more effective working with the people instead of sitting in this palace."
Dressed in muted hues of blue and cream, Sokka pulled at the stiff collar of his changshan. It was an ensemble he rarely wore, with the grand exception of state functions as requested by Zuko. Next to him and dressed in complimentary hues of green and gold, Suki stopped herself before she said something she might regret.
While Suki agreed with Sokka, she rather enjoyed the grand parties thrown by Zuko. She had spent her entire life within an isolated, insular community. While she loved Kiyoshi Island with all that she was, there was something about the splendid parties and glittering hoards of Nobles and government officials that called to her.
Katara rolled her eyes and sighed. "Sokka, we know. You're miserable, so you make us miserable. Spring is over and the social season is closing. Once tonight is over, we'll be leaving in a day or two."
By tradition, spring was the only season suitable within the Fire Nation for the Fire Lord and the Royal Family to host parties. Not only by tradition but by the fact that it was the only time of the year practical for most people to travel to the capital city. During the summer, monsoon storms ravaged the land and the humidity made it almost unbearable to travel. By foot, ostrich horse, or even palanquin for the discerning Noble - summer was even more miserable than Sokka was at that moment.
Nodding at his sister, Sokka chose to remain silent. He was not in a great mood but did not want to further ruin her night. He knew that she enjoyed the parties and the temporary glamour while they stayed with Zuko at the Fire Nation court. Once they did leave, they would quickly return to rough accommodation and improvised living.
Even as they traveled with Aang, and many families offered their homes for temporary lodging, Sokka knew his sister wanted to put down permanent roots. Somehow, somewhere. The never-ending traveling and peace negotiations wore on his sister, even if she didn't voice it aloud. He could see it on her face, even now.
"Someone's pissy tonight."
Without evening looking back, Katara knew the source of the words. "Hi, Toph."
Amusement dancing in her pale eyes, Toph Bei Fong approached the trio with a broad smile. Like the others, Toph was dressed in a manner appropriate for court. However, unlike the others, her ensemble was a strange mixture of bare feet and a shorter formal dress. She looked like both the strongest Earth Bender in the land and a noblewoman. If she wasn't who she was, Zuko would have banned her from evening entering the palace.
"Princess, don't you look breathtaking tonight." Toph continued her sarcastic ribbing as she playfully punched Katara's arm.
"How can you even tell?" Katara asked as she stepped aside, making room for Sokka and Suki to greet the Earth Bender.
"Really wanna know? It might be the fact that I could SMELL you from fifty paces back." Toph's nose burned from the slight jasmine and pear perfume that had been deftly applied to Katara's hair.
Wincing slightly, Katara brought a few strands of her hair to her nose. Sniffing, she smelled nothing but the floral and slightly fruity notes of the hair oil she'd used earlier that night. "I'm sorry I didn't want to smell like Earth and iron like some of us."
Ignoring Katara's retort, Toph swiftly moved a chair from a nearby alcove and sat next to the group. "So, anything exciting planned for tonight? A bride-napping, perhaps?"
It wasn't unheard of for proposals to occur at the last formal court gathering of the year. Dramatics almost always ensued as some did not receive their parent's blessings or their lover was to be married to another. Toph took great amusement in listening to the dramatics of the Noblemen and women. While she came from a high-ranking Earth Kingdom noble family, Toph had far removed herself from ever even allowing her parents to make her a match.
"Not tonight, Toph," Katara responded, her face neutral and vaguely bored.
"Damn. I heard some weirdo General and his daughter from my Kingdom were supposed to be here tonight."
At that last comment, both Sokka and Suki's brows raised in interest. "Weirdo... General?" Sokka asked in a low tone.
Toph's grin widened. She'd finally gotten them.
"Oh, yeah. Weird is the least of it. He was part of the Council of Five before Black Sun. Something went down after the war and he was ousted. Now he's holed up in some ramshackle province. Goaling, I think."
Before Toph could continue, the voice of the Fire Lord stopped her. "General Kuyu Bai-Sha. I don't want him here, but Iroh insisted on diplomacy this evening."
"Zuko!" Katara let out a happy shriek as she leaped from her seat, moving to hug the Fire Lord.
Slightly stunned, Zuko hugged her in return before stepping away. "It's nice to see everyone. Thank you for coming."
He nodded towards Sokka, offering silent thanks for wearing his "stuffy outfit." The Fire Lord was well aware of how the group felt about attending the courtly functions of the Fire Nation. He knew that Suki and Katara both secretly enjoyed the parties, but was also aware of Sokka and Toph's disdain for them.
Gesturing behind Zuko, Katara raised a hand. "Where's Aang?"
She knew better than to ask. Ever since the group had arrived in the Fire Nation's capital city at the start of Spring, Katara had rarely seen the Avatar. Between the endless political droning and meetings mixed with countless court functions, they'd rarely had a private moment together. It was the part she hated most.
Before Zuko could answer her question, Katara again trained her face in bored neutrality. Zuko frowned, instantly noticing her shift in demeanor.
"Now, about this General. He's weird, we get that. What about his daughter?" Toph asked, her listening trained intently on the Fire Lord.
Sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose, Zuko replied. "Rana Bai-Sha. I was never formally introduced to her, but did meet her in passing once. She's... strange as well. Again, diplomacy tonight as my uncle so strongly encourages..."
Toph's eyes narrowed as she listened to the Fire Lord. Something was off. From what she knew of the Noble families of the Earth Kingdom, the Bai-Sha family was reclusive. When would the Fire Lord and the Bai-Sha daughter have met?
As she reached for a bowl of fruit across the table, amusement overtook the Earth Bender. "Oh! She's here for a husband!"
Zuko's cheeks flushed again as the group locked eyes on him. "Not me! My uncle is working on a match of my own and it's not some Earth Kingdom noblewoman."
Briefly taken out of her thoughts, Katara grinned as she looked towards the scarlet-faced Fire Lord. "Zuzu! Are you finally making it official with Mai?"
Fighting the urge to scowl, Zuko sat with the group and instead slid his attention to the bowl of fruit Toph was plucking from. With a deft movement, Zuko snatched the bowl and removed a few dates for himself. "Nothing is official yet, but yes. Eventually. Hopefully."
Delighted surprise colored Katara's face. "Zuko, that's wonderful news. Congratulations." Her tone was soft as she looked towards the Fire Lord.
It was no secret that the Fire Lord was officially courting Mai. Zuko was nearing twenty-five and hadn't married yet. Something unheard of for the Fire Lord. By his age, most royalty and nobles had been long married off.
A soft blush still coloring his face, Zuko shrugged as he finished his dates. "The gathering is about to start. Tonight, please, for the love of spirits above - Just blend in."
Standing from the table, Zuko lead the group from the hidden alcove and through a grand entrance. Countless windows lined the expansive hall, endless small sconces were lit and cast the room in a gentle warmth.
Keeping a step behind the Fire Lord, Katara followed her brother and friends into the grand hall. Thrilled cheers erupted throughout the great hall of the palace. Rising from their chairs, countless numbers of noblemen and women looked upon the Fire Lord and his retinue with wide smiles on their flushed faces. Raising their golden goblets as the Fire Lord passed, their cheering only continued to grow louder.
"Lords and Ladies, your Fire Lord speaks!" The swarm of nobles quieted at the announcement. Bowing away, the herald stepped aside from Zuko's dais.
"As you all know," Zuko began, his rich voice filling the expansive hall. "Tonight marks the end of Spring. The solstice has passed. May spirits' above continue to bless our kingdoms with peace." He motioned towards a burly, bearded man dressed in Earth Kingdom military regalia seated next to the Earth King's emissary.
"Tonight, we honor the continued friendship between all of our lands. In this wonderful and hard-earned alliance, we have achieved boundless prosperity and countless new friendships." Again, Zuko motioned toward a few Water Tribe diplomats.
As Zuko continued to drone on about peace and prosperity, Katara's gaze swept the room. Her stomach twisted as her eyes searched and searched for the missing part of their group. The missing part of her. Zuko finished his welcoming words and the throngs of nobles returned to their revelry and merry-making. Finally finding a moment to remove herself from the meandering groups, her eyes still search for any hint of orange robes or a blur of bright yellow fabric.
Nothing caught her eye. The countless numbers of nobles, diplomats, and other people of importance seemed to blend into a muddy mixture of muted hues - dull reds, boring greens, lackluster blues. It was almost too much for her to bear.
Exiting the great hall, Katara found her way onto one of the countless walkways that wound around the palace. Even in the pale light of dusk, she had never seen gardens so vibrant. Cool ponds of blue intermixed with verdant greenery and lush flowers. Somewhere back in the great hall, a band had picked up a cheerful tune played on stringed instruments.
"This is my favorite view." Behind her, a rich and familiar voice washed over her.
Turning back on her heels, Katara removed herself from the wooden railing of the walkway and faced Zuko. "It's very beautiful, for sure."
Her gaze returned to the gardens in front of her. "Everything here is beautiful." Katara offered dully.
"He'll be here tonight, Katara. We all know you've been missing him."
The Fire Lord's words were like a hollow offering of comfort. While she did appreciate his efforts at trying to cheer her up, she wanted nothing more than to be alone in that moment.
Insects buzzed in the silence between them. Katara silently pushed from the railing and moved towards the gardens, her face again trained in bored neutrality. Zuko followed, keeping in step with her.
For a few moments, they walked in comfortable silence. Zuko had become one of her greatest friends in the years following the end of the war and Black Sun. Even if no words passed between them, having him near provided a small measure of comfort. She paused for a moment, a large stone carving catching her attention.
"I was sure the Fire Nation didn't have any... artwork like this." She motioned towards the statue. Rising from a small bed of flowers, the stone woman sat perched on a small wooden dais. Long, flowing hair fell around her delicate features. Flowers crowned the top of her head, numerous strands of pearls and other stones adorning her arms and legs. The stone woman sat regally perched, embracing a large lotus blossom. The sheer detail of the idol seemed to bring the woman to life.
"Tennyo, celestial maidens. They're said to be messengers of the spirits. Legend has it that they take on the appearance of women and come down to Earth to cause mayhem."
Drawing her focus away from the idol, Katara looked up at Zuko. "Zuko, I never knew you liked art and mythology."
Shaking his head, the Fire Lord continued. "I only know what my mother has told me. She was the one who enjoyed these things."
Katara shivered as a cool breeze blew past them. "I think it's time to head back. A little chilly out here..."
Zuko nodded, turning back towards the great hall. Katara's steps slowed as she watched the Fire Lord retreat into the great hall.
Annoying. That's how the night felt. All of the nobles, the finery, the faceless and feckless energy of the gathering. It was annoying, grating even. Katara would be glad when it was all over and she could finally return to her status quo.
Stopping briefly, she again turned to the gardens. Finally, alone, she let out a massive sigh. A massively long-held sigh that revealed all she felt at that moment. "There you are..."
Eyes shooting open, Katara froze against the railing, unable to move. Finally. After days of nothing and no word from him, he was finally free of the nobles and peace-making. Her face heated slightly as she bit her bottom lip and turned.
"Aang..." His name left her lips in a sigh.
With a swift, graceful movement, he was at her side. Pulling her into a tight embrace, he never wanted to let her go. He let out a near-silent groan at feeling her body press to his.
Twenty-one had done much for the Avatar. Leaning back in the embrace, he looked down at her. Towering over her, he was taller than her by over a head and a half. His once-lithe form had filled out to a sturdy, sculpted mass of muscle and sinew. Stubble shaded his face. Katara let out a sigh and rested her head against his hard chest.
Pressing a kiss into her hair, he mumbled. "I've missed you more than you know."
Katara closed her eyes, biting back the words she wanted to launch at him. For now, she would just enjoy the fact he was here, with her.
Dropping his arms, one of Aang's hands grazed across her waist. Hot silence fell over them as they both pressed further into their embrace, leaning against the wooden railing. They both had so much to say, some much to catch up on. But at that moment, his lips dropping down to hers, nothing else existed between them.
Pulling back from the kiss, Katara rested her head against his shoulder, face angled towards his neck. Her lips brushed the skin beneath the collar of his tunic. She could feel his skin heat beneath the touch of her lips.
"I - " He paused, pushing back and separating them. "We can't, not out here." His words were half-yoked and not entirely convincing.
Offering him a half-smile, Katara nodded. She knew if they got carried away they would never return to the gathering. "Okay."
Taking her hand, he motioned towards the great hall. "I'm sorry I've been tied up for so long. There was this General... and his daughter. They're both odd."
She could sense he was leaving out some details. Urging him to continue, they walked slowly. He couldn't find the words to describe how the interaction had gone.
"What happened? Zuko mentioned them before the gathering started."
"Oh?" Aang questioned, his brows raising.
"Yes. He mentioned that Iroh had wanted them here in the 'name of diplomacy'." Katara offered, shrugging slightly. There hadn't been a lot of information given earlier, but she was eager to hear about Aang's encounter with the pair.
Aang was silent for a moment as they approached the entry to the great hall. Taking a step back from her, he took both of her hands into his. He swallowed hard, searching for the right combination of words to accurately describe what had occurred.
Letting out a hollow, nervous laugh, he started. "They're - her father - is looking to marry her off."
Katara's eyebrows puckered together and her full lips drew together to form an 'O' as if to question him further. She remained silent.
Panic began to color Aang's face as he looked down at her. He could see the anger and confusion clouding her eyes. "Before you even think anything of it..." He floundered for a moment, reaching into his robes for something.
"I have other plans." He offered, his voice low and husky as he dropped something into her waiting hands.