Chapter 7: Yours Faithfully

Zhi and Ping ended up indulging in more drinks as Sokka read through every last article. The prince's abrasiveness had thawed significantly within the next hour, and he held a grave look that only increased with each paper he tossed aside, his curiosity having long developed into concern, even fear for the princess's life. By the time he decided he had enough of this for one night and craved a moment of solitude to sort everything out in his mind, another crewman charged in, scroll in hand. He paused in his tracks upon seeing Sokka, his reaction highly similar to Ping's.

"It's fine, Aput, he knows the deal," Ping said.

The crewman nodded as Sokka took the scroll. Deeming this to be the last document for the night, he skimmed the contents. "The princess selected a few more people to join her Council. She has also called for a separate advisory board to work closely with the Council."

Zhi slammed his head against the table and groaned helplessly, his hands kneading his aching head.

"I'm assuming her Council is predominantly Revivalist," Sokka said. "It says...Daughter Ting, Sister Akia, Brother Guzaq."

"Yes. Ting is the vice president. Akia and Guzaq are both well-known Revivalist activists."

"And as far as the advisory board goes...one of the selectees is Rin Quiang."

"Several years ago, he was supposedly he was fired from his position in the Nationalist party for participating in a liberationist march," Ping explained. "He was also caught in the middle of Tui worship several times despite warnings."

"Then there's politician Eiji Hang."

"He...well, he identifies as Nationalist but is actually more of a neo-Nationalist." Turned out the Neo-Nationalists were a bit more lenient and were more like their ancestors during the reign of Aklaq, most certainly not like the radicals who had taken over the party and went to the extent of assassinating Aklaq altogether. They were still rather conservative for their complementary outlook on gender relations, and they still had their tensions with the Revivalists, but they nevertheless affirm the equality of Tui and La. They strongly oppose violence against other groups and even founded a small support group for lower class women. They're also apparently the only group of Nationalists who still refer to the North as the Land of Tui.

"Eiji is not as bad as the others, but I still don't see why the princess would appoint him as a member alongside the liberals," Ping frowned. "Unless if she's trying to gather a diverse group."

It seemed like that was the case, for whenever Sokka announced the rest of the names, each commentary that followed suggested a certain pattern of tolerance among the selected individuals despite drastic differences among some. It's most likely that the chieftess is playing on those levels of tolerance within a "Nationalized" advisory board to reach some kind of negotiation. It seems the princess is also expecting a healthy interaction between her Revivalist Council and the rather conservative advisory board. Confirming this was the message towards the end of the list of members for each respective division. There was a brief summary of the princess's supposed appeal for peace talks.

Dated the second day of the fifth lunar month

Star sign: Seagull

In her written address early yesterday afternoon, Her Excellence, the Princess of the North, expressed her plans to arrange a series of conferences aimed at pacifying hostilities among stretches of Nationalist and Revivalist branches. Newly elected board of advisors as well as Her Highness's Council of Affairs are sponsoring the peace talks. Individuals of all political affiliations and levels of experience are encouraged to enroll. Special membership through the Youth Group is required for university students willing to participate in the event.

"Sitting down and exchanging kind words are not going to help," Ping said, kind of annoyed. "There have been so many attempts at organizing peace talks, all of which had failed. This one won't be any different."

"Especially considering the Revivalist Council and the complete absence of Revivalists in the more diverse advisory board," Zhi followed. "I honestly don't know what she's doing."

"Keeping her enemies close." Sokka looked up from skimming the letter. "Or maybe not enemies...I don't think she sees the Nationalists as enemies. At least, not the ones who aren't radical and actually behave like humans. If anything, this shows that she is willing to listen to different groups. If she went with a Revivalist majority flat-out, she would be labelled as anti-Nationalist, but no. She's wanting to work with all groups, even the Nationalists who aren't radical enough to dismiss her, enough to have them in court. Her court, at least." He leaned back in his chair, forearm resting on his head as he contemplated the situation. "Aklaq was too involved and Arnook was not involved enough. The princess…" In resonance of his developing awe, the hoarseness lifted from his voice, letting her title flow smoothly from his lips. "The princess is trying to find a balance. She clearly expressed her support for the Revivalists by creating a Revivalist council, but at the end of the day, she went out of her way to create a separate advisory board that has zero Revivalist influence. And both of these groups will be working closely with her and have already sat down and had discussions for a series of peace conferences. It's quite...impressive…And a smart move. Her open-mindedness itself is a form of security." Though not enough security.

"He's right," Aput said. "Maybe we shouldn't dismiss the princess's efforts. Unlike the other politicians we've seen, she actually has an idea of what she's doing.

Eventually, the three crew members reached the point of turning in for the night, all of them heavily intoxicated, but they were also wary of Sokka pursuing things further. They advised him to act as if he didn't know anything. With Southern recognition came the responsibility of having Chief Hakoda and Chieftess Kya attend the Global Conference, which would be in the North this year and would take place in two weeks. It would be best if he didn't tell them about these tensions, especially given Hakoda's vehement responses to such issues and Kya's extensive Tui-worship. The crewmen also reassured Sokka by explaining that there was never any Nationalist violence when people of other nations were there. Such acts would backfire for sure, and the liberal nations, which outnumbered the conservative interests of select cities, would be compelled to aid the Revivalists and overthrow an otherwise stable Nationalist influence. Not to mention the fact that security will be overblown in the area thanks to the attendance of all world leaders this year, so Khasiq as the self-proclaimed representative of the North wouldn't be successful in putting down the Revivalists at this time anyhow. The pinnacle of it all is the first-time attendance of the esteemed Monk Gyatso of the Southern Air Temple along with his student, twenty one year-old Avatar Aang, who had just recently completed his training in all four bending disciplines.

"It will be a meeting empowered by the largest group of first-time youth attendees," Zhi said. "Along with Princess Katara and, well, you if you choose to attend, sir...the group will consist of Avatar Aang, Princes Lu Ten and Zuko along with Princess Azula of the Fire Nation, several other young leaders of different national provinces, and nobility from prominent cities such as Toph Bei Fong of Gaoling, Lady Mai, daughter of Governor Ukano also from the Fire Nation capital, and several others. So you see, security is a must. It would be too chaotic, even overwhelming for someone like Khasiq to make any stupid mistakes."

Even so, the highly perturbed warrior came to a firm decision as he stuffed all the papers he had access to into his coat pockets.

When he reached the igloo, he hardly recognized it now that it was decorated with beautiful tapestries, cushioned by new cozy pelts, and filled with the scents of sakuras and arctic sandalwood. He followed his nose to the main hallway where he heard laughing and talking. Out to one corner was a sleeping Kohana surrounded by his many animal companions and their slobber, and adding to the boy's personal menagerie were the animal plush toys sent by the princess. The boy snuggled into all kinds of furs, wrapped in warm quilts that he shared with the husky pups and his baby lemur. Meanwhile, the rest of his family members were gathered around a small fire with Ivaneq, chatting away and making jokes. Hakoda and Kya were taking a look at several massage oils spread out along with several containers of herbal pastes. Pakku and Kanna were occupied, too, and were huddled with more scents and lotions near them. Katara was seated in another corner upon yet another collection of new pelts, sniffing a rose-scented lotion and nearly swooning onto the pelts. Everyone was immersed in the princess's gifts, listening to the older Northerner's rather vivid explanations of the kinds and combinations requested specially for them. They were all feeling truly serene for the first time in years, and dare he say, decades.

Sokka wasn't sure why he was starting to get annoyed all of a sudden. Seeing his family be this happy should make him feel content...but now he was rather irritated by the fact that...well, none of the people in the room seemed to have made plans for knowing the actual situation and were occupied with fragrances instead. And the one person who knew the whole deal, mainly Ivaneq, was acting as if nothing was wrong at all. Was it just going to be oils and perfumes all day? What about the princess? Were they really not going to discuss the princess?

Woah woah, wait. Why am I so concerned? But where was the reason for him to not be concerned?

"I want to go to the North, too," he eventually announced. "For the Global Conference."

Everyone acknowledged him then, greeting him with surprised looks. Hakoda and Kya shared a smile of relief. "That's great because we were actually wanting you to come," the Southern chieftess said. "You and your sister both." But we figured that you wouldn't want to, she seemed to say.

Sokka ignored that look, though, and went on with, "If it's in two weeks, we need to leave first thing tomorrow, but if we're all going, who's going to watch the homeland?"

"We're not all going," Kanna said. "Pakku and I will stay behind to look after the South. Since the main issues were finalized this morning, there's not much work to do in confirming everything, so we'll make sure everything gets started."

"Especially the construction of a traditional palace," Pakku said. "As the leaders and future heirs, the rest of you must go."

"So it's just the four of us then?" Sokka asked to confirm. "And Captain Ivaneq, of course."

"You're forgetting Kohana," Katara said.

Sokka frowned at the possibility of bringing his baby brother along, and before he could say anything about it, Ivaneq, who was clearly aware of the circumstances, beat him to it. "Might I suggest that the child be with you, ma'am? These conferences are highly tedious; I think it may be best if he stays here and has his fun. I imagine that children would not want to go to such a conference anyhow."

"Maybe, but it's not a good idea to leave him here," Kanna said. "Especially with so much that's going to happen. For one, we can't sit around and play games with him all day. We won't even have time for ourselves. We'll be running around here and there, telling people to do this and that. If he goes with his siblings, then Sokka and Katara can have turns babysitting. Even if Kya and Hakoda find themselves busy."

No one could really argue with that without bringing up the politics.

"Besides, Kohana has always wanted to travel," Katara said. "Sokka's been on the seas for most of his life. Kohana and I were always stuck at home. It's time we did something on a vacation level together. And we're travelling to the North, our sister tribe. Kohana should more about our shared heritage."

"But the prince…" Ivaneq looked up. "What do you say, Brother Sokka?"

"Well if he's feeling so queasy, then he can take babysitting duty," Pakku suggested before Sokka had the chance to reply. There was nothing else to say, really; that's no doubt what Sokka's going to have to do. "Is the meeting going to be in the palace?"

"No, sir," Ivaneq said. "You see, the the princess had requested a change in location about two days before, but she's not a member of the World Leaders Alliance, so her request didn't go through. So instead, she arranged for high security and recommended the location be shifted to the Central Temple."

Obviously because of the political tensions. But Ivaneq, who had realized from the prince's tense look that he had delved deeply into the matter, conveyed that with eye contact alone. No words were needed at that point to express that they were both on the same page. Besides, Ivaneq had suspected this to be case, for he had seen Sokka sneak away from the celebrations and head to the Northern ships. The captain also learned from other crewmen that the prince had spent many hours with Zhi and the others in the central ship with a bunch of notes and scrolls scattered around him. Why, even now he could see a copy of the popular pamphlet sticking out from the folds of Sokka's robes.

"But at any rate, this will be a great opportunity for you and Katara to be exposed to a real conference," Hakoda said to his son. "This is the right time, too. And it won't be long before you, especially, take over. As the firstborn, you are a significant attendee. Not to mention the fact that the princess invited you to come if circumstances permit."

"Me?" Sokka blinked.

"Of course you," Pakku said. "You worked your butt off for this moment. You were the one who sent in the official repeals, and she was responding to them, after all. She knows more than what you give her credit for."

"She especially knows the art of proper gifting," Kanna added. "These oils, praise be to Tui and La. Most of them are herbal, too, to help with your father's injury."

"They're definitely doing their work," Hakoda agreed.

"They're also used for minor aches and pains." Pakku handed Sokka an oil container emitting the fragrance of the ocean breeze. "You said your back was hurting, didn't you?"

Sokka sighed, contemplated the use for a moment, and with a strong urge from the pulls in his lower back thanks to mountain-climbing, thief-chasing feats, ended up taking the container.

"There are other kinds, too, if you want to try them," Kanna said, rubbing some pine-scented moisturizing cream on her arms. "The princess sent us crates upon crates of oils, lotions, cosmetics, perfumes and colognes. She's very generous."

"Now now, let's not force our prince to give praise to the tyrannical Northerners," Ivaneq laughed. "We should just be glad that Brother Sokka has relaxed enough to make a trip."

"It's not like that," Sokka mumbled, soft and oddly quiet, but Ivaneq only smiled.

"It's alright, Brother. We were, after all, many decades late."

"Don't mind him," Katara said to the Northerner. "My brother's childish more often than not. Wouldn't be surprised if people get him and Kohana mixed up."

Sokka flushed in embarrassment as the rest of the room settled into more laughter, throwing in other words to joke about his occasional immaturity, but the Northerner simply took a look at the prince, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "Really? Then our princess must be mistaken. She actually preferred the terms 'child-like' and 'unblemished.'"

The drumming in Sokka's chest increased for another reason entirely, followed by the rush of blood and warmth to his face. Unblemished? As in...perfect?

Katara's teasing smirk dissolved into a soft grin as Kanna, Kya, and Hakoda exchanged glances of pleasant surprise. That is, until Pakku, who was stuck in his own bout of surprise, immediately tried to lighten the vibes, perhaps even killing them in the process with, "How do we know you're not making this up, Captain?"

The spark in Sokka's eyes vanished. In tune with his grandfather's pessimism, it was like he, too, was channeling his inner cynic that blocked out sudden compliments. The Northerner's smile only widened, however. "I swear upon my loyalty to the Great Moon and Ocean Spirits, sir."

"Allow me to also mention the fact that I was among the select few who had gotten a chance to meet with our princess and heard this from her own mouth."

Which immediately caught Sokka's interest. "I thought she wasn't allowed to see or speak to anyone…" he trailed off, realizing that he said too much already and earned more surprised looks.

"Did you do you research on the princess or something?" Katara asked in a nearly teasing tone that only the family members would notice.

"W-What? No!" Sokka flushed. "Of course not. Not at all. I-I just... heard a few people talking earlier…"

"Sounds about right," Ivaneq cleared his throat nervously. "But moving on...she really was aware that the prince would hold onto disappointment. According to his appeal, he sounded very passionate about uplifting his home, and she was very impressed. She said she admired his persistence even in times of adversary and that she has complete trust in his leadership. She was quick to defend him, too; she said that it was perfectly natural for him to hold that grudge. And yet it's child-like." Ivaneq smoothed his hand through a sleeping Kohana's hair. "As in an innocent individual's response to broken trust, especially by his own people...And for that, Brother Sokka, the princess asks for your forgiveness."

Glaciers of all kinds, even those within hearts, melted into puddles all at once. Just for a moment, the cynical Sokka within him wondered if such...what was the word...compassion...if such compassion even existed. Never in his life had people spoke about him that way. Eventually, his inner cynic gave up all musings and sported a grin, having gone mute, and the hopeful part of him broke out of its cages after so long. "She shouldn't," he said softly. "She sent help as soon as she knew...at the expense of...a lot." He even went out of his way to bow, the surprise of the night reaching its peak. "I'll...we'll never forget that."

For a moment, Hakoda and Kya, especially, began to get their hopes up, constantly referring back to their son's priceless expression and...downright humility in this very moment. Pakku laughed. "Well, Ivaneq, your princess broke the record. She got him to bow. That's the most my grandson's ever done for anyone in terms of formal respect."

"Well I'm sure it wasn't her intention," Ivaneq laughed as he stood up and bowed back. "A huge thank you to you as well, Prince Sokka, for believing in the existence of somewhat decent people in the North."

"It's not like that, Brother Ivaneq."

"'Brother?' Oh joy, what a treat to my ears." The captain bowed to the others. "I should be turning in for the night. Thank you for letting me spend time here."

"You're always welcome, son," Pakku smiled. "You're a member of our family now."

"I'm glad."

"I'll see him out," Sokka offered, and both men stepped out of the igloo. When they were far enough from it that their voices wouldn't be heard, Sokka stepped out of his warm daze long enough to ask, "Did you really speak with her? I mean, isn't she forbidden from contact with anyone?"

"Yes, you're right, but I suppose this was one rare case...perhaps the only time it will ever happen." The captain sighed. "Apparently she had insisted that she speak with us before we left for our trip here. Her visit was sudden and not known to anyone else. It was only me, Lieutenant Jee, and a select few others."

"What did she look like?" Sokka asked, completely unabashed.

"We do not know. She was covered top to toe by white robes and face veils. We couldn't even see her eyes. Spirits only know how she could see and breathe in that prison. It's to be a separate dress code for her, apparently, and it's highly unusual considering it's not at all the custom for Northern princesses or chieftesses to stay out of public view. But as you know, she's different, and Chief Arnook wants her to be hidden in all ways possible."

"What... what all did she say?" Sokka asked. "Other than what you already mentioned…" He softened up just thinking back to his share of received compliments.

"Well, she thanked us for our support. She said she appreciates our hard work and sincerity, and she wished us safe travels. She also told us a few things to be considerate of, one being the different social dynamics that the South has in comparison to the North. How you and your family must be more involved in the community than other leaders in other places. It seemed to me that she wanted things to be the same way in the North. She sounded rather nostalgic."

Sound. Yes. "What does she sound like?"

For a moment, the captain gave him a strange look. The prince was rather too invested in this, wasn't he? "Oh, um...well, she speaks very kindly."

"Yeah...but how literally?"

"Literally?" The man guffawed. "Alas, if I'd known this was a matchmaking session, I would've come with more details."

"I'm only curious!" Sokka defended, earning another round of laughter in response.

"Alright, alright. Well...she speaks very pleasantly. Very quietly. People hard of hearing won't get very far with her." A chuckle. "But she will speak to you like you're a family member. Like you're the best person in the entire planet no matter who you are. I know for a fact that in all of our years of service, we've seldom met anyone who spoke to us so kindly." Hints of worry crossed over the captain's eyes. "We wish her a long, prosperous life."

Silence followed once more, this time out of unexpressed anxieties. They didn't speak as they continued walking, and once they arrived at the hut arranged for the crew members, Sokka broke the silence. "Why did she do it?"

"Do what?"

"You know what. Why would she try to help to this extent...knowing there were enemies right beside her?"

"The South was starving, was it not?"

"We would've managed somehow. I even had a trip to Ba Sing Se planned." Sokka sighed. "If you lose a piece of meat, you can find another one, but if you lose a life, you can't get it back. The tribe has people like us to do whatever it takes to find food...but who does the princess have to safeguard her life?"

Ivaneq held an equally troubled look, but seeing the prince's disturbance, he shook it off and placed his hand on Sokka's shoulder. "Don't think about it too much. I know the Spirits will be on our side."

"That's what everyone says," Sokka huffed. "What are nonexistent mystical bodies going to do to help people in real situations?"

"I'm sure some form of security will be arranged for her, now don't think too much."

"But why did she do it?" Sokka pressed. He was having a really hard time wrapping his mind around how someone could go to such an extreme for strangers. Having lived all this time in a tribe that demanded resources, he didn't think twice about doing what he had to do because the tribe was his family. Being ignored by the rest of the world and raided by debtors instilled a harsh, cruel, near pitiless world in his perspective. This...compassion...that he kept hearing in his mother's daily prayers to Tui...he'd never had a practical demonstration of it to such a vast extent. Not by many strangers outside of the tribe, at least.

"I can find answers to any other questions you might have, but I feel like I'll never really know what made her go on with this...other than her nature to help, I suppose." The captain shrugged. "Some people do things without ever giving us answers. But I can tell you one thing. It's not your fault. You shouldn't blame your tribe for the misfortune it has faced, and you shouldn't blame yourself for asking for help. The princess wouldn't want you to. In fact, considering all that has been happening since last week, it seems to me that she's fed up with being unable to help anyone in any way. No matter how many times you reel in a fish, it's still going to fight for its life and try to slip back into the water. I like to think of her efforts in a similar way. The princess wants to breathe and swim despite knowing there are predators in the sea. She would much rather prefer that than stay locked inside and remain a naive, helpless woman born into a leadership family. She was, after all, almost sold for being that way."

It took a moment for Sokka to come down from that. For several more minutes, he sat in the snow and contemplated, accompanied by Ivaneq who kept patting him on the back to reassure him. Eventually Sokka grunted his way up, asking the Northerner one last question for the night.

"Brother Ivaneq?"

"Yes?"

"Do you at least know her name?"

The man shook his head. "No, sir."

"Do you really not know it or…?"

"I really don't know it. No one knows." He frowned, letting a flicker of bitterness shoot through. "I doubt even Arnook remembers it considering he didn't care to believe her attackers were imposters. Says a lot about him as a father...as overprotective as he had been all this time."

The comment resonated with the prince as he headed back towards home. He reached for the pamphlet and reread it for the fourth time that night.

...I did heard her claim in distress that "those men" ...had been imposters all along, seeking to sell her in the streets of Ba Sing Se. It is all the more astonishing to note that the chieftain completely disregarded her claims...Further in the conversation, it was revealed that the princess's marriage had been arranged in response to what Arnook described as her "bursting need" to aid the South.

He wanted to crumple the paper up then and there but only ended up jamming it back in his pockets. Eventually he reached home, wearing a heavy, stricken look on his face as he seated himself on the nearest pelts he could find on the floor, lazily leaning his head against the wall. His parents and sister were bustling about and packing for the trip now that they were free from tending to guests.

"Dad packed some of your stuff," Katara told her brother. "Make sure you have everything you need. We won't be back until after two weeks."

"Yeah…"

She raised her eyebrows. "What's up?"

"Nothing."

The master waterbender shared a look with her equally concerned mother before walking over to him, looming over his tired form. "By the way, you have a nice new bed now. Just go sleep in your room."

He didn't answer, feeling his eyes burn from exhaustion and lack of sleep for over a day. Adding onto his restlessness was the princess.

The princess.

Kya frowned in concern. "Sokka, what's wrong? Why are you like this? You should be happy."

"Yeah. You even got the princess to praise you," Katara said. "Maybe even unnecessarily."

"Katara."

"What? That's the most any girl ever said about him." And she was most certainly not wrong.

"Stop teasing your brother." Kya tapped her son's shoulder. "Get up, sweetie. Are you sure everything's okay?"

"Yeah... I'm just bone-tired."

"You want something to eat? Last time you ate was at the feast this morning."

Food was his true love, yes, but apparently not tonight. "No, I'm good."

"Go sleep in your room, son," Pakku said. "You've been up for too long anyway."

True to what his family members insisted, his room was more comfortable with a look alone. Torn tapestries were replaced. New carpets were spread out. Headdresses were stocked neatly in his brand new cupboard in the corner. Artistic weavings were draped over distant pelts, and worn-out dreamcatchers were replaced. His warrior paints have been updated, too. The crown jewel of all was the large new cot cushioned by mattresses shipped most likely from the Earth Kingdom. Sheets in blue and purple hues taunted him to slip under the covers and accompany the white fur pillows.

He passed out onto the bed, feeling the foreign silks envelop him. They had been scented, but none of them smelled like moonflowers and spices, and he was oddly irritated by that. He didn't feel like he was home. He didn't feel like himself. The faces around him, the faces he's seen all his life, were starting to seem foreign, too. So much has changed since the advent of the North. So much has changed in a span of twenty-four hours.

He pulled the tapestry of the nearest window aside to take a look at the sky. The aurora had dimmed down, and it appeared that the partial eclipse that Panuq mentioned earlier was drawing to an end. The moon began to peek out, gradually filling the voids built into its faithful tribesfolk.

White robes, white robes. He tried to imagine. He couldn't. His brain hurt and didn't let him. Nevertheless, he took a long look at the sky, at the eclipsed moon finally stepping out of the sun's shadow, enabling life to flourish with her silver light...very much like the princess (or was it the other way round?)…

Woah, what on earth was that about?

He was disturbed to the point of feeling sick to his stomach. The pamphlets and scrolls from earlier taunted him from the pockets of his coat that hung on the nearest rack. They fueled his bubbling annoyance, too. Annoyance combined with a kind of...dare he say anger... that the princess would not care to consider her situation...

Alright, Sokka, what's the big deal? Go to bed. You don't run her life, you can't do anything about it. Fate is fate.

And yet, he was anxious to hit the seas first thing in the morning, thinking about what to do. What can he do? A lot? Anything? He tossed over in his bed, absentmindedly fiddling with his necklace: it was made of a strong black thread complete with a small pendant of a manwolf. The pendant had a compartment in the back for a tiny moonstone that he had lost several years ago. His mother made him wear the necklace when he'd gotten really sick as a baby, and she forced him to keep it on ever since, arguing that it was the very reason why he recovered and would save him from further perils and sicknesses in the future. He always viewed it a reminder of his mom's religiosity and kept it with him as a token of her affection.

Tonight, he was getting another vibe from it.

"In the name of Tui and La, merciful upholders of civilization."

He tucked the necklace back inside of his tunic and jammed a pillow over his head, hoping it would alleviate some of his headache. In the distance, he could hear the voice of Shaman Chunta, who decided to stop by to make his smug point about his authentic fortune-telling and to rub his I-told-you-so look in their faces.

Sokka did not mind. Sleep was his other true love. Not to mention the fact that he was a heavy sleeper, blocked out all boisterous external sounds with his obnoxious snores, and didn't care to wake up even if he had rolled off of his bed and landed on the floor with a broken neck...But why was it that his ears had become sensitive to each time that old shaman mentioned the Northern leader? Why was it that even amid throes of exhaustion and much-needed slumber, he still perked up every time the word "princess" was tossed around in the air? He could hear every sentence that mentioned her reverberating through the igloo and sinking into his system, flowing through his body like bloodstream the moment it passed his ears. The princess who didn't have a name or face but definitely a voice and was very, truly real.

"There's much talk about the princess among the firebenders," came Chunta's voice. "You know of Lord Iroh of the Fire Nation, yes?"

"Yes, of course," Pakku said. "Just today I received a message from him. He has invited me to attend a meeting with a few other potential candidates from different nations. He has plans for a new organization, the Order of the White Lotus."

"Then surely you've heard of the rumors as well."

"Rumors? What rumors?"

"That Fire Lord Iroh and Fire Lady Mayu have chosen the princess of the North to be the bride for their son and heir to the throne, Prince Lu Ten."

Sokka immediately sat up in his bed. He could practically hear the disappointment in his mother's voice as she said, "Prince Lu Ten?"

"Yes. The royal family was very impressed by her initiative. Iroh, especially, thinks she will be a wonderful addition to the royal family upon initiation into Fire Nation customs. That, too, is not completely mandatory. She is given all the freedom in the world to have her own shrine for Tui and La worship in the Fire Nation palace."

"I can't believe Prince Lu Ten isn't married yet," Kanna said. "How old is he?"

"Lu Ten is around Prince Sokka's age."

"And why didn't he marry?"

"The boy's a spitting image of his father in looks and behavior. He dedicated much of his time to travelling and learning about different cultures. He also spent many years studying in Ba Sing Se. He also supposedly fell in love with a woman named Song. Daughter of a farmer in a small Earth Kingdom village. She attended Ba Sing Se university with of the Fire Nation crewman were talking about her relationship with the prince since some of them travelled with him to Ba Sing Se at the time."

"What happened?" Pakku asked. "He's not going to marry her? Unless if he was planning to keep her in his harem—"

"No, no, of course not! Harems were outlawed during Sozin's rule. Besides, Lu Ten is a sincere lad. He truly did love her, it seems, and hid his identity from her so he could court her. She did not know he was a Fire Nation prince until further into their courtship. Reportedly, he told her she would be his wife and future Fire Lady, but she was too shocked and didn't accept. Class divides are torturous in Ba Sing Se, so that must be what prevented her from proceeding, knowing he was royalty and she wasn't. She was also worried about her family's safety because who knows what will happen when someone finds out. So supposedly, she told him not to meet with her again and immediately left the city."

"Oh no."

"The prince was heartbroken," Chunta said. "Some say he's so in love with her that he will never fall out of love. He spends his recent days trying to contact her. Supposedly she moved away from her old village, so he's in the process of looking for her."

"Doesn't Iroh know about this?" Hakoda asked.

"I don't know. If he doesn't, I'll be surprised. Especially with so many crewmen talking about the prince and the prince himself taking measures to look for Song. But I would have to say he doesn't because if he did, he wouldn't refuse. He is perhaps the sweetest soul in the Fire Nation and would definitely consider his son's perspective."

"Yes. He is a rather peaceful man," Pakku said. "Even though he is the leader of the nation, he dedicates much of his time to philosophy and matters of the arts as a way to promote peace and spread global knowledge, hence his latest White Lotus project. He lets his brother, Ozai, handle most of the national duties. It's a mutual understanding for the brothers that way; Ozai is more like a sovereign while Iroh is the one who grants advice and stands as Fire Lord for namesake. Iroh has also started several charity organizations in the country. He and his wife own a monopoly of charity associations, all named after the late Lord Azulon."

"Then he will surely treat the princess like his own daughter if somehow Lu Ten finds a way to move on and the alliance goes through," Chunta said. "But many people are worried about Prince Lu Ten. It's obvious he won't accept, but at the same time, I don't know what's holding him back from telling his father about Song...if it's the case that no one knows."

"I know it's an immediate acceptance from Arnook's side," Kya said. "The Fire Nation has always been a historically significant trading partner for the North as it will be for the South."

"But there is still a concern in this matter, ma'am," Chunta said. "The princess is just recently starting a series of peace talks, I hear, in the North. Something about a few tensions, I'm not entirely sure about the specifics...but my point is, the princess of the North seems to be very invested in the issues in her homeland. I don't see her marrying someone from a different nation and living with that man away from her home. I hope she does not, actually; she will not have as much freedom to do as she likes." Chunta sighed. "It's sad, really. When a Northern crewman happened to hear the conversation and told the firebenders that the princess wouldn't abandon the North, their replies to him were just...horrible."

Sokka frowned. What did they say?

"They denounced princess based on the fact that she's a woman. 'What is a woman going to do? A woman needs to be in the shelter of a man at all times. Prince Lu Ten will make a fine master for your princess.' Things along those lines...which is sadly reflective of their emphasis on the patriarchs of the nation."

Sokka glowered at the ground. Sexist leech-pigs. And it would be no surprise if Khasiq is aiming at similar stupidity to try to gain conservative majorities.

"Even if it's nothing more than gossip and the alliance does go through, I still fear the princess's status as a tribeswoman will make people see her as inferior. Both cultures make wonderful trading partners, but racial and cultural tensions can't be easily forgotten."

True. The Water Tribe does come off as "savage" to other cultures even to this day.

"It's already being discussed that she is or is past marrying age," Chunta said. "If that's the case, then Arnook would want her married off this year."

Somehow, Sokka remained troubled. He should be blocking off such conversations, but he couldn't help being drawn to it for some reason.

Hakoda sighed. "I consider the princess like another daughter to me, and I trust that she will be a wonderful leader of the North and a great inspiration for the South as well. We are her allies, and we wish for what is best for her. The Spirits will see to it that she will find a suitable man of her liking."

"She can only do that if she finds a Water Tribe man. That way she will be closer to her home and culture," Chunta said, a smile evident in his voice. "I wonder where we can find a decent tribesman who's past marrying age, who can take really good care of her...and who's equal in rank to her as a prince…so that in the future, he and the princess will be exalted as the rulers of both tribes—"

Kya and Katara squealed simultaneously followed by the excited hollers of everyone else, their shrill cries nearly splitting Sokka's ears open. He was not surprised by the suggestions and reactions knowing his family members, but unlike his previous reaction to their high hopes, this time he felt a skip in his heartbeat, which then settled to a stop and picked up like a rapid drumbeat.

"We were all thinking of the same thing!" Katara exclaimed.

"The princess was supposedly very impressed by Sokka and his efforts," Kya chimed in. "Ivaneq was telling us how she thinks of him as a great leader and...and what was it? She said something, many things, what were they…? Oh, Tui and La, I can't think straight!"

"Unblemished! Perfect! Child-like! Innocent! Inspirational!" Kanna followed. "Oh the glory! Glory be to Tui and La!"

"And Ivaneq was being sincere," Pakku added. Sokka never thought he'd see the day of his gramp-gramp jumping out of his seat in genuine excitement.

"You should've seen Sokka's face earlier when he heard all those things," Hakoda said. "He was practically glowing. He was bowing, too, to give thanks to the princess."

"Bowing? Oh wow."

"I know, right? And that look on his face...yes, that's the face. I suddenly saw myself from all those years ago when I first met Kya." Most definitely, Hakoda was looking at his wife as he said so. "Sokka and the princess are both past marrying age, most likely similar if not the same in age. They're both having trouble finding matches. And they're both responsible leaders. It's a match arranged by the Spirits, I tell you! And the princess...even if she chooses to stay in the North, it's not a problem. Sokka will have to spend time there anyway when he becomes chief of the North through this marriage. They will both have to work out something, but they can take definitely arrange for it, perhaps stay here a few years and shift over there for a few years and so forth."

"I can see it now," Chunta smiled, his eyes closed in content. "Under the power couple, the prince of the South and the princess of the North, the Lands of Tui and La will become one…"

"And grandchildren. Many grandchildren," Kya beamed. "Oh Tui and La, this is everything anyone could possibly want."

"I know it's an idea we all love for sure, but...I can't help but think...Sokka hasn't seen her," Pakku pointed out. "As much as we love her and as much respect as he might have for her, what if he…?"

"Which brings me to the other reason why I'm here," Chunta said. "The whole reason I started this conversation is to bring more good news. You remember the horoscope of the anonymous Northern woman I mentioned? The one who was born during the same year as your son? The only other tribesperson born during the Year of the Wolf?"

"Yes."

"Well allow me to say that the Spirits are so in favor of this union that they have matched that horoscope to the events I've heard happening in the princess's life."

"Really?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, absolutely. Once I think about it, it was sent to me anonymously and from the North in a fancy canister, suggesting a member of a high class. I truly believe that the princess of the North is the woman I see in your son's life. The stars never lie. Seeing her doesn't matter for your son at this point. If I'm right, I'm sure he's already intrigued."

Sokka flushed as he heard it.

"The princess is a beautiful woman on the inside, and that's what counts," Chunta said. "She is really generous and compassionate. She will treat him with love and care, and it's obvious from what she's done for the South that she has immense respect for us. That's what's most important."

The warrior was most definitely not a follower of horoscopes and didn't want to believe any of the yakshit about birth years and totems the psuedo-shaman was uttering. Everyone else may be mesmerized thanks to one of his predictions turning out famously, life-changingly true, but otherwise, nothing can always be word for word.

And yet, as much as Sokka would like to maintain that thought, he was strangely not feeling that usual instinct to dismiss the idea. The princess was kind and compassionate and beautiful on the inside…

Hey, cut it out. You're going off on a tangent. Seriously, what is wrong with you?

But still, beneath the shift of moonlight that caressed his face, the innermost part of him admitted that he wouldn't mind having to safeguard someone who dove into such a web of risks for their sake. He didn't mind having to rely on someone of great strength like her for running the tribe in the future. He didn't mind having to bask in the fragrance of moonflower spice each night…

No, no, stop it. Go to sleep, damnit! He stood up and closed the door, having noticed that the conversation was delving into more excitement, more squeals, more possibilities.

"...and then we could have both palaces constructed in time for the wedding!"

"Oh, just imagine Kohana playing with his little nieces and nephews!"

His chest was drumming even more, but it was juxtaposed by increased worry as well. The documents and pamphlets and conversations with the crewmen wouldn't leave his mind. Truly he believed that the princess is not as naive as some people were making her seem, but there was definitely a lack of hesitance in her desire to help. Something that would both help and hurt her. Taking a deep breath, he shifted his coat on the rack to where he couldn't see the pamphlets and be tempted to delve into them again. He then took a seat by the edge of his bed, rubbing his temples until a something caught his eye from a small table on the other side of the bed: the flutter of a blue ribbon that was tied around a scroll canister, which rested on top of the long, thin package he received earlier. Sokka had forgotten about it in all honesty.

"Her Highness made sure not to leave anyone out."

He reached for the canister first and pulled out the scroll. It contained an invitation and all corresponding details pertaining to the Global Conference. There was also a document sealed by the World Leaders Alliance Committee, selecting him as a new official member for his display of leadership. Additionally there was another scroll: a confirmation document that requested his entry into the White Lotus along with his grandfather. It was on the grounds of Sokka's peaceful independent relations with neighboring places during the South's period of adversary…

Hard to believe it ended almost twenty four hours ago.

Following the collection of honors and documents came the crown jewel; his actual gift sent by the princess herself. His pulse quickened as he reached for the package, its purple wrap gleaming beneath the peeking moonlight. Sokka observed that it was neither lightweight nor incredibly heavy—something he didn't care to notice before.

Watch it be something super religious. But did he really mind that at this point? Even if it was, she certainly meant well by it.

Defensive, aren't we?

He wanted to take his time with the wrap but ended up tearing it out of the way. He lifted the lid of the box, finding himself shocked to see a sword. Well, it was sheathed by an intricately crafted scabbard of a royal blue hue, apparently custom-made to bear the symbol of the Water Tribe in beautifully arranged white metallic art.

"Leaping lobster-gators…" He was afraid to touch it. He had never seen anything of this scale in his entire life. Nevertheless, he swallowed his hesitation and grasped it firmly, pulling it out of the box. He grabbed the handle of the sword and unsheathed it, his eyes nearly bursting out of their sockets to see that it was black.

"It's black!" he said breathlessly, a wild laugh escaping his lips. "Black! This baby's black! Ha, it's black! This is what Sokka's talking' about! This is what I call a sword! Woo! WOOOO!"

"What's going on back there?" came Kya's voice that halted his heartbeat. "Sokka, what's all the yelling?"

"Nothing!" he called back, brushing his hand along the surface of the blade, completely enamored. Its brilliant sheen was reflected in the darkness of his pupils, building on his delighted spark especially at the inscription for justice on the blade. He stood up and wielded it, letting the sword become one with his hand in a series of swift motions. Its weight melded perfectly with the weight of his arm like an extended body part.

"It doesn't seem like an average sword, though," he mumbled, drawing the blade closer and inspecting it closely. He proceeded to sniff at the blade, pausing abruptly when he picked up on a whiff of floral spice. He scrambled his way back to the box on the bed and noticed a folded piece of parchment at the bottom.

Sokka thrust the sword back into its sheath and placed it on the bed. He picked up the paper, immediately hit with that luscious moonflower and spice combination, and as he unfolded it, he instantly recognized the calligraphy.

To the Esteemed Prince of the South,

Please allow me to express my most sincere apologies. First and foremost, I understand that a simple apology will not compensate for the hardships the South has faced, but I hope that by the time you are reading this note, circumstances have changed and took steps at restoring the harmony between our great lands. Please be assured that this is not the last of our efforts, for we are willing to work with you until the South fully recovers. It gives me great joy to see that prosperity is smiling down upon your tribe.

Secondly, I understand it is improper for me to be addressing this letter to you whereas tradition would favor a correspondence between our parents, the elders and the more experienced. But I do believe that as peers, we are both entitled to mutual understanding and long-lasting friendship especially in our shared efforts to serve our nation. I consider it a great honor to be associated with someone of your influence, and I must express my admiration for your hard work. What you have done for the South is remarkable and undoubtedly inspiring. The love you have for your people is worthy of praise.

I have heard of your extensive travels and your self-taught skills in swordsmanship, and I ask that you please accept this sword as a token of my appreciation. This sword was made by the best bladesmiths under the guidance of Master Piandao of the Fire Nation. It may interest you to know that it was made out of meteorite material, and the designs on its sheath are crafted from white gold. This blade is the only one of its kind and is the best companion for a man who himself is a unique blade among men. I hope this sword finds a place in your future legacy and aids you for years to come. I am certain that it is not the sword that will bring you glory, for it will be glorified in the presence of a capable leader as you.

I would like to mention quickly that extensive security has been arranged for you and your family during your stay for the Global Conference. The North welcomes you with open arms.

I wish you health, happiness, and success in your endeavors. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for the South. I promise you that prompt responses will be given the next time we receive your correspondence.

Yours faithfully,

A humble servant

The world around him became still as he sported a soft, blissful smile. He brushed his new sword to the side and laid back against the pillows, holding the letter over his chest and rereading it over and over again. There were, of course, certain dissatisfactions, such as the way she didn't mention a single one of the issues in the North and simply took on the blame of tardiness despite being the one to solve the problem as immediately as she could. Wasn't the "mutual understanding" she mentioned built on asking each other for help?

And perhaps the biggest crime of all: she didn't even mention her name.

But she certainly knew how to stoke egos because goodness, she was sweetness personified and easily sent tingles down his spine. He could almost see the smile she held with each word she wrote on the page.

Yours faithfully,

A humble servant

He dreamed that he was a round granule of spice, picking moonflowers in endless fields with an idiotic grin on his face.