Hey There,

Welcome! I'm back with my third post this week, as promised. And had way too much fun with this chapter. It could be next week till I can post again, but I promise to get the next chapter posted as soon as possible. But enough of my rambling, let's get going!

First off Special thanks to the two of you who reviewed. Thank you so much Rose-Aki! For you encouragement and high praise. You once again touched on so many of the things I had been so nervous about when I had posted yesterday and today. It made my day on a very difficult day! And Dimihd, thank you so much for writing in, you made my new day this morning! Thank you both so much!

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender, or any other trademarked things mentioned. I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own plots and plans. Most will be returned unharmed.

Dedicated to that special friend who got me through those impossible feeling last two days (April 11th and 12th). It is a miracle I won't forget, that I posted throughout all of that. And they managed this while facing their own difficulties and strife. And I couldn't have done any of it without that friend. You know who you are and this one is for you.

Enjoy!

"They Forgot!"

Chapter 20 - New Azula's Style of Ambush!

(Azula's Perspective)

It seems so unfair that not only does my little brother get to be the Fire Lord. He also gets to be so much taller than he used to be. It didn't bother me so much when I saw him outside of my necessary home (within a mental institution), however, it did again when he walked into my room today all pissy and arrogant again. I didn't dare ask what his problem was. I know that if I'm meant to know, he'll never be able to keep it to himself. So I just sat calmly and waited for the explosion he was bound to have.

When he wasn't as forthcoming as I would have liked, I teased. "You know if someone were to look in here right now and ignore the way I'm dressed. They wouldn't suspect me to have been the one with all the firebending control problems."

It was a good joke, you should have seen him sitting there with his smoking fists. The veins in his forehead all pulsating in plain sight. Next to him, I looked like the sane one and that's sad, even to me.

It was just the nudge he'd needed. He finally vocalized, "Why didn't you warn me about your other visitor today? Why did you leave out that our mother was being brought in today? By Uncle, no less! You could have warned me before now."

Ah, so that's what this was about. Caught on to my little surprise today, has he? Serves him right for not asking when was a good time. Just telling me when to expect him… Like the world stops for whatever the Fire Lord and Elders will.

"I told you I was writing to Mother while we were still on the island. Arranging a time to meet up and talk about everything. It's not my fault you stole that day to come here and speak with me as well."

"I didn't realize I would have to be helping a Fire Elder, while also explaining EVERYTHING that's happened to our MOTHER! Why didn't you warn me?" He flipped out, finally in full.

So I took my own sucker punch. "Well, I didn't realize you would be making the announcement as soon as you got home with Mai. Mother found out both of our relationship upgrades from a news scroll… just like me… BECAUSE of you! I thought it was only fair that you have the metaphorical rug pulled out from under you for a change."

He fumed and negated, "You don't think anything about your half of the news wasn't shocking enough to me? That wasn't surprising enough? So I gotta get hit with a double whammy?"

I shrugged unimpressed. "I thought you would be happy to see Mother and I communicating so well. Completely on our own, even managing to do so without going for each other's throats." I'd guessed, and looks like I'd guessed wrong… revenge still can be sweet!

Kavin came in at this moment and took in my passive body language enough to know I wasn't the aggressor this time. He came in and was between us in seconds, taking my hand on the sly as he asked Zuzu. "Now what seems to be the problem here?"

Mai had slipped in with my husband and was now seated next to my brother. He clearly didn't want me to hear him, but I know he said to her. "I told you to stay out of this."

She whispered something back to him, that did give him pause. Why did she have to be so much better than everyone else at whispering? I would have liked to have heard what made my brother stop so completely mid-rant. Ty-Lee's right, they really are annoyingly private about things.

He unloaded on my new husband, even with Mai holding his hand now. "Azula never once mentioned to me, that the same day I would be here. Bringing the Fire Elder who is supposed to be observing ALL of us. Speaking with all of this immediate family about both upcoming ceremonies. That our mother would be coming too and that we would be accommodating that as well. A person who up until now hasn't been in on any of this. I heard about it just now when I arrived. From Ty-Lee who was informed by the people working the front desk."

Kavin did glance back at me and asked, "Azula is that true? Did you not warn your brother even though I specifically told you that he would need to be cautioned about this? Before his arrival here today?"

"Mother and I both were told his news by a flyer." I reminded my other half, "Because of his carelessness, he also told my news. In the same breath to our long estranged and only sane parent. Do you really think he deserves much help from me after a stunt like that?"

Zuko fumed, "YOU TOLD ME to ANNOUNCE those things TOGETHER!" I saw Mai's grip tighten on his hand. It's amazing how that small change lowered the decibels. "That's why I did it that way. I wouldn't have done it without your permission."

I lost my cool and shouted back at him, over Kavin's shoulder. "I-DIDN'T-KNOW-YOU-MEANT-TO-ANNOUCE-IT-THE-MINUTE-YOU-GOT-BACK! I thought you had more SENSE than that! That you would have at the very least made the two separate, at least."

Kavin got me to sit down again and Mai did the same for Zuko. While my husband did his best to mediate, I continued. "I was arranging to tell Mom in person. You knew that! I told you and Mai that over breakfast more than one morning on the island."

Mai back me up, "She did." Even though Zuko shot her a look, Mai still backed me. "What? She did."

"Like you knew we weren't even here when you let that news break. We were still on the island, still on our honeymoon. Because of you, Mom came here all upset the minute we got back from our honeymoon. Not just about missing my wedding either, but also all upset that 'her favorite' had not come to her yet with his news. But he'd told the world he was getting married too. Do you know how difficult that was for the both of us to handle? Do you at all grasp how terrified mother was of me since I was small? Long before I ended up here? How can a person you fear offer you comfort? It was a NIGHTMARE happening that I couldn't wake up from! How good do you think that was for the strengthening of my mental health? Have you forgotten my fragile at best control of my bending?"

After a pause, where I think Zuko was just making certain I'd finished yelling at him. He did have the grace to apologize. "I'm sorry! It turns out I really suck at figuring out the best way to do this stuff."

"Yeah! You kinda do." I had to point out. Before Kavin was back into damage control.

"Alright! We've both expressed our frustrations, our struggles and our feelings. Let's get things back on track, because we need to figure out the best way that we can accommodate all of the things we ALL need to squeeze into getting done today. I'll see if I can better our odds of doing that by speaking with my superiors. About allowing just for today a few people over our '3 visitor at a time' rule. Would that help at all?"

Zuko allowed, "That would be a start."

"Okay, then I will go start that if you two can play nice while I'm gone."

I assured him, "We'll be fine."

When Kavin kept watching us and hesitating I advised Zuko, "Slack up that body language and relax a little Zuzu. Or Kavin will never believe we're over the worse of your tantrums."

"My tantrums?" He questioned as if he wasn't the one who'd started this. I gestured with my hand towards my husband still standing by the door. I saw Mai ran her hand along my brother's back. Then he finally visibly relaxed enough for Kavin to feel like he could leave.

Before Kavin left, however, my brother did feel that we both needed to know. "The Elder I brought appears to be a good man, I still don't know if I fully trust him yet. But he appears to genuinely want to help, for now. To really talk to both of you as well as Mai and me. So we can all sort of figure out what we're doing for both ceremonies. I don't expect us to have much freedom at all. These traditionalists are always fickle and never want to bend or change. Yours will be first, as it should be, it's just a formality, and once your union is recognized by our homeland. They'll begin on ours."

It hadn't been tackled yet, so I asked my brother, "Do I get to take any part in your festivities? Or do I have to also hear about that in the national news flyers?"

He almost smiled as he said, "Mai and I have only started to talk about that a little bit. But even in these early stages, she's said she wants you there as much as I do." Before I could say anything he warned, "I don't know how we'll make it happen off-hand. But we'll work it out somehow… okay."

"Okay…" That was all I had wanted to know.

Kavin finally stopped dancing between his desk and the door. He left to move a few mountains metaphorically while I thought I should warn my dum-dum brother. "One of the things our mother kept wailing about when she was here last. Was that she'd already missed so much of both of our lives. Kavin explained to me that even after all of these years. Even after you and I have grown up and lived separately from her all these years. That Mom probably still carries a tremendous amount of guilt over it. Even though we all know she couldn't help it. I think that we don't let her be a part of this process in some way. It could possibly cause her some serious mental and emotional harm… but that's just because I've seen the dark side of that type of injury. It's not the easiest thing to recover from."

"Yeah," Zuko said brilliantly after my analysis. Thankfully he added a bit of wiser elaboration on that simple answer. "She's left me with that same impression a few times. Do you think we should try to bring her in with all of us if Kavin can get them to allow it?"

"I think she would like that." I had to admit. "And we might as well, she's here. Why miss the opportunity?"

"Alright, I'll try to make certain that happens." He said, and I believed him. "But I need to be here and so does Mai as well."

I sighed, "That goes without saying, Zuzu. Now go start getting everything prepared and send in Ty-Lee to keep me company in the meantime."

"Yeah, okay." He said as he left swiftly to get everything ready.

When I turned back to face Mai, who still sat in front of me I confided, "Even from in here I have to do everything myself."

She agreed, "Yeah, tell me about it."

((Iroh's Perspective))

I have been trying to remember exactly how I got roped into all of this. But for the life of me, I can't remember.

Ursa has been all upset after hearing about both of her older children's recent news. Even though the news is all happy and exciting. It all happened so fast that neither were able to include her. I tried to explain this to my friend, and she's understanding of those circumstances. It also helped that Zuko was announcing only engagement, while Azula must have another more formal ceremony before her union is fully accepted.

I think it's the way she found out that upset her the most. That neither of them came to her or told her in their own way. She's been so deeply rattled by these events, that her new husband (and my new friend) told me she barely eats or sleeps anymore. But he did thank me repeatedly for agreeing to accompany Ursa when she went to speak with Azula. Ikem shared that his presence usually upsets my niece. So he would stay with Kiyi and let Ursa have this time with her older children.

I assured him, everything would be fine, and we'd be back before Ursa was missed. I'd bring tea back with me when I returned. So we could brew a nice pot as we all caught up together. But to be honest, I was prepared for Ursa's face-off with Azula. I wasn't prepared for my Nephew to be here too. For Ursa to be facing both of her children all in one day. But I was glad for the chance to help all of them through this tiff. Hopefully, this can be the start of better communication between mother and daughter if nothing else.

My nephew was there to greet us when we arrived, and I was very proud of him for it. There was a time when he could have hidden and prolonged this snag with his mother. But the young man greeting us today was facing everything head and forthright with apologies.

He started, "Mother, I'm so sorry that I messed everything up for you like this. That you didn't just hear about Azula's wedding because of me. But you also had to read about my news in the same scroll. I completely forgot that Azula was writing you and planning on telling you herself. And I should have arranged to do the same before we announced anything."

"Yes, you should have," Ursa didn't pretend not to have been hurt. She let my nephew know, she was still recovering from this. "How could you be so thoughtless? It isn't like you."

"I know, I'm usually much more careful," Zuko said. After probably kicking himself all morning. "I promise I will explain all that happened, and it is a lot. But Mom, I first just want you to know how sorry I am. I never meant for you to be hurt like this."

Ursa took a seat on one of the benches outside of the institute, and said, "What happened?" Patting the seat next to her.

My Nephew sat beside her, and even though I'd seen nearly everything for myself. I was curious to hear how Zuko would retell it.

He started, "First off, I was just as shocked as everyone else when I realized it. It wasn't something I planned on for a long while. I realized it and asked Mai all in that same day."

Ursa tried to hide a smile, "That I can easily believe, you've always had that kind of quickness. Once your mind is set on something, it's no surprise that your heart is the same. But if you recall the week before your official proclamation. There was a falsified one as well."

"There was." He nodded.

"Was that part of why you announced things more quickly? Was it because you were making sure to say it before others would? Your Uncle was kind enough to point this reasoning out to me."

"Yes, but I didn't want to say it, it sounds like an excuse." Zuko shared, "And not a very good one."

"Not if it's the truth," Ursa saw, and thankfully she already appeared more comfortable. "Now why else did you rush, as you did?"

"Because it all hit me in probably the worst place possible." He did a good job of explaining. "When I was informing Mai's parents that I was stealing her away for a long weekend trip. Over the weekend of her birthday."

Even dear Ursa asked, "Do they at least celebrate birthdays now? Or do they still act as they did when you were all small?"

"Worse! They forgot entirely and didn't want to fix it the moment I brought it up to them the MORNING of her birthday. They were too wrapped up into themselves. It was disgusting and I know, that sounds like I made this whole decision out of anger and blind rage. But… I'll never be able to explain how clear everything was. It was like I had been planning it without even realizing that's what I had been doing. Then the whole day I had trouble NOT just letting it pop out of me."

"But you didn't right? You did things properly, right?" Ursa asked before confessing, "I kept asking your sister for details but she kept telling me to ask you. So I really don't know any of the how or what you did. I just know that if you're talking about planning and everything. You did it, right? Right?"

"I hope so," Zuko nodded.

That was when I (Iroh) couldn't stay a bystander anymore. I rushed up to Ursa back and gushed, "He did a wonderful job you should have seen all that we did."

Between Zuko and myself, I think we did a fine job of explaining everything. When we'd reached the end of our stories. Ursa had to commend her only son, telling him. "Well, I'm very proud of you. You pulled out all stops and it sounds like you couldn't have done so for a more perfect person. I always kinda thought that the two of you were something special."

"I feel the same," I told my former sister-in-law. "You should have seen the way he would light up just talking about her or how mad he would get. If one of her letters to him got ruined."

Ursa had to say, "I'm happy for the both of you, as well as your sister and her husband. He seems like a perfect match for her somehow. I promise I won't get in the way of either of your plans. I just would like to be SOME part of things. If I can."

Zuko didn't hesitate, "I would love that, and Azula from the beginning of hearing she would need to have a formal ceremony. Has been saying she wanted you there with all of us."

Ursa tried to keep it together, but as tears ran down her face. Zuko and I both took her hands and Zuko told her. "No matter how old we get, or how much we grow. You're still our Mom, and we're both so glad you're here."

Ursa hugged her son and pulled herself together. While Zuko promised he'd be back to get us when we were all meeting about Azula's ceremony. In her room here at the institute, he just needed to make sure everything was right. When he'd gone to do that, I hugged my friend and assured her. "I told you, they want you with them. Both of them. Don't you feel better?"

"I do," Ursa said, "I don't know how I got so lucky, Iroh."

I let her know, "You deserve every bit of it, and so do all of your children. Wait till we get to go home and tell the rest of your family all you've heard about today."

(Mai's Perspective)

After Zuko and Kavin left, it was just Azula and me for a little while. During that time, she'd shown me a bunch of new paintings she completed or been working on. As well as the portrait Kavin and her had sat for moments after their wedding. They both looked so incredibly happy in it, I asked Azula. "Are you sure that's you?"

She said. "I know! That artist swears it was an accurate rendering. But I still think that old fool had just gotten too used to painting such brightly happy people. He'd claimed to be painting wedding portraits for thirty years. Like that somehow explained it all, I still maintain that I don't think I've ever been that simile in my life."

I had to throw her for a loop, I took down the portrait and turned in slightly to the side to observe it closer. "I don't know…"

"What do you mean 'you don't know?' Have you ever seen me that annoyingly happy?" Azula asked stubbornly.

I reminded her, "Remember you're next stop after this rendering was my birthday party. I'd never seen you ever so happy as you were that night."

"Come on, out with it, Mai," she demanded. "Just what are you getting at?"

"All I'm saying is, he may not have been as far off of the mark as you think." I shrugged as Ty-Lee came in and looked over my shoulder.

"CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE! Is that the wedding portrait? It's so PRETTY! You guys look so great together!" The frame was snatched away from me. So Ty-Lee could see it a little better too.

"You don't think I look too happy either?" Azula asked with a scoff, mumbling, "You think you know someone, and then they act like that."

Ty-Lee chirped merrily, "Nope! I saw you guys the evening after this and you both still looked like this! It was AMAZING! But let's just hope it's the first of many portraits where you feel so happy."

Azula didn't want to admit that she'd liked this idea, so she tried to wave it off. But Ty-Lee and I both could see how truly happy she was. Not just in that snap of captured time either. Changing the subject, Azula effectively moved the conversation on.

"Enough about all of my stuff though, how have you both been since the island? And how was the circus?" We all sat around the low-setting coffee table in the center of her room and I poured tea for everyone while Ty-Lee jumped right in. Not only telling Azula all about her experiences reconnecting with her circus family. But also showing her some of the new moves that the ribbon dancers and other acrobats had taught her. It was a padded room so she had been safer here than she had been on that highwire. With only a very thin cabled net to save her.

Azula did seem entertained by Ty-Lee's retellings. But she could also tell I was being quiet again. She made a point of waiting till Ty-Lee had finished before she asked right out. "What about you Mai? You're still doing that stealthy silent thing that gives me the creeps. Now speak up and share a little already. Is everything still okay between you and my dum-dum brother? Is he treating you right? At least?"

"Of course, he is." I assured.

But Azula claimed, "You would say that even if it wasn't true."

Ty-Lee spoke up for me, "They really do seem to be doing fine. It's just that Zuko has been so busy lately. He hasn't had much time that he could spend with Mai. And with all the new fame Mai's facing, she's become one of the most easily recognized people in all of the world. Since that scroll went worldwide… she hasn't been able to leave her house much."

"So he managed to screw you with this announcement too? Typical!" Azula scoffed kicking at the table and spilling a little tea out of it's pot.

I ended up explaining, (while I wiped up the spill) "It's all my fault that he rushed to announce it like he did. He was trying to keep ahead of my parents. That's how everything got so messed up."

Azula with arms and legs crossed tightly maintained, "He wouldn't have that trouble either. If he'd been more careful when he realized what he was going to do. But no, he just HAD to tell them his plans and give them that power over the situation. One that had nothing at all to do with them, besides family ties in bloodline alone."

I ended up asking, "Please don't let it set a rift between you both. You've both been doing so much better lately. I don't want to be the cause of more strife."

"Well," Azula answered before taking a pause to really considering what I'd just said. "He won't get a total free pass. You didn't see me struggling to comfort Mother all these weeks. He still messed up… but for your sake… and I want this clear. For you, Mai, I will let it go and try not to sulk so much. But he should feel all of the effects of the drama he caused. Not only with me and Kavin, but with mother too. We were all swept into the same swift swoop of stupidity!"

I said, "Thank you Azula."

"What are sisters for," She shrugged.

Ty-Lee gushed, "That's right you two will be sisters-in-law! That's so AWESOME!"

Azula even said, "Yes, it's the only perk to Zuko getting married right now. He's finally making one of my sisters official. Ty-Lee you're still here completely by choice, which makes me question why the hell are you still here?"

Ty-Lee teased right back, "Well, I"ve been here this long. Why fix what isn't broken?"

Kavin came back through the door at that moment and said, "Sorry for the intrusion ladies, but the former Fire Lady has just arrived, and has been brought up to speed by the current Fire Lord. Now Lady Ursa is requesting a private audience with Miss Mai." My heart did skip a beat and Ty-Lee grabbed my hand.

She tried to comfort, "I'm sure the former Fire Lady just wants a chance to speak with you. Before all of you are in front of the Fire Elder and have to be so precise about everything you say and do."

Azula took my other hand and said, "She's always liked you. I'm sure she just wants a chance to react to the news that you'll be her first and only daughter-in-law. Unless that little Kiyi grows up to be into girls."

Kavin offered me an arm and said, "Allow me to escort you there. I've set up a place where you two can have a little privacy."

I thanked him and took his arm, glancing back at my friends. They both waved me on encouragingly. But I still couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. I asked Kavin along the way, "Did Lady Ursa seem to be angry at all when she made this request?"

Kavin revealed, "She did this same thing with me when she found out I was Azula's new husband. I looked mirror image of you, right now, walking to that meeting. But from what I can tell, her ladyship doesn't have any problem with us. It was her children she was angrier with. In our discussion, she welcomed me to the family and just wanted to hear a little bit of my take on how everything happened. She probably will want the same from you… Here's our stop. Are you ready? Or do you need another moment to mentally prepare?"

"I think I got this… hope you're right." I had to share.

"I think you're a lot braver than I was." He complimented me before he pat me on the back and said, "Good luck, We're just around the corner if you need us."

With that, I took a deep breath and walked into the door Kavin had indicated.

The room was identical to Azula's but much smaller. We must be using a vacant suite, but three of these rooms could have fit inside Azula's so even here she's still a princess, it would seem. Lady Ursa had been sitting on the couch and stood when I came in. She greeted, "Hello Mai, how have you been?"

"Very well, my lady." I curtsied, it's just how I'm used to always greeting her. Old habits die hard. "How have you been?" I'd asked in return.

Lady Ursa waved off the formality and said, "Come now, we're to be family are we not?" She rushed forward and hugged a shocked me. Claiming, "I always thought there was something special between you and my son. I'm so glad that he has chosen you, he couldn't have done better if he'd been picking someone to be custom-made for him."

I didn't know what to say to that, knowing how overly protective Lady Ursa was over all of her children. I hope I didn't sound too vapid as I said merely, "Th-Th-Thank you."

"Come, come, sit with me." She said excitedly pulling me over to the sofa, where she had been seated waiting for me. There was tea here as well, she whispered. "I had Iroh sneak this in for a gab session, that wellness swill they call tea inside this place could kill you."

The tea did smell more like the delights Zuko's Uncle brewed regularly. It had a comforting aroma and a pretty bright red color. After a sip, she said, "I just finished speaking with my son and Iroh about the last several weeks. I know their stories as well as Azula's and Kavin's. But I would like to hear a little bit of your take on things. If you don't mind."

"I don't, no." I let her know to start off. Before I couldn't hold it in anymore and I found myself saying. "First please let me apologize to you, for the way all of this came to you. We should have been more careful and the last thing any of us wanted was to hurt anyone."

"I know, and I don't blame you or my son anymore for what happened." Lady Ursa revealed.

"You don't?" I asked. I'd been warned pretty well of otherwise from Azula. Even though she had kindly reminded me, Lady Ursa had always liked me before I came here. I didn't think anyone could get over hurt feelings like that so quickly.

Lady Ursa was absolute. "No, I understand better now what was going on. I just wanted a chance to speak with you and see how you're doing with so many changes to your life. I was in your same shoes once and it can be so overwhelming, even with a wonderful man like my son compared to the monster I married."

"So, you wanted this to be a chat that was one former Fire Lady to a possible future one?" I guessed and her ladyship lit up again.

"Well," her ladyship explained. "That and I wanted the chance to welcome you to our family. Even if you've already been a big part of it to all of my children for so long now."

"All?" I questioned… I knew my part with Azula and Zuko was well-established. I just didn't know Kiyi was part of it too.

Lady Ursa reminded, "You and my son have taken her trick-or-treating a few times. Did you know she keeps her dolls pristine now. The way you taught her, thank you by the way. She's also asked to style her hair like yours (now that it's longer) for school. Whenever she wants to feel a little braver for a test or when she confronted a bully. A kid that had all of the teachers bamboozled into thinking she was an angel had been harassing her. She refused to let us help her, she had to handle it herself. You've had quite the impact, and I'm so thankful for it."

I'd really had no idea, so I was quite shocked as I said, "I had no idea. Thank you for telling me."

She shared, "I'm still getting to know Dr. Kavin and the more I've been around him. I'm convinced my daughter has done very well. But when it comes to you, I don't really need that trial run at all. I feel like I've gotten to watch you grow up as much as my children. The lady you've grown into will make a far superior Fire Lady than I ever was."

I had no idea how to respond to such glowing praise. So I found myself being honest, "I wish I had a fraction of your confidence. I'm so afraid of letting Zuko down, or not coming within a mile of any of the great former Fire Ladies. But Zuko always talks so much about how he's learning and growing all the time in his role. I just hope I can make him feel even more confident as he moves forwards and rules his way."

Lady Ursa shook her head in what I hope was amazement. As she said, "I don't think anyone else could be that selfless and supportive of my son's legacy. I know you'll both do great things and be the best team effort this nation's ever seen."

I told her honestly, "I hope you're right."

Lady Ursa felt the need to add, "From what little I've witnessed for myself. I know you can do it, I know it like I knew Zuko could be the Fire Lord. Even though the odds were so stacked against him. You are just the kind of person he needs at his side, and I can see he's just the right partner for you too. You both seem to bring out the very best of each other."

I appreciate her praise, and all the while prayed she was right. I don't know how I could ever measure up to the standard she herself had left behind. In that moment, I felt the need to share with her. "I hope I can be all of that. But more than anything else, I just look forward to being with Zuko and helping him the best I can."

Lady Ursa smiled and said, "That's exactly why I'm so sure you're perfect. You're not the least bit concerned with the title you would gain or royalty status. You're focus is on the goals and ambitions that take serious and deem important. When it comes to my son's wants and needs you see him as a person. Not a king, he needs that to keep him grounded and humble. You don't know how rare you are and I'm so glad he asked you. That you're the one wearing that necklace and that you'll be there for him. You can't know the comfort that part of this news has brought me, dear Mai... It's more than any mother could ever hope for. I can't wait to get started on the plans... it is alright that I've been invited along for today-"

"Oh yes!" I interrupted, in excitement. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Azula and I both have no idea what we're doing at all, and the men are no better." I stopped when Lady Ursa had laughed behind her hand. But continued, regardless. "Your experiences after having two weddings will be invaluable, to both of us. I'm sure." I had to further admit too. "Besides... I have always admired your motherly ways over the way my own mother has always acted. I would trust you way before I could ever put that sort of faith in her. I'm so glad you're here and I know Zuko is too."

She took my hand and said, "That's so sweet of you to say. But I promise you I won't overstep or push things on you that you don't like. I will try to make sure none of those Elders get too mean either. Or else your knives won't be the only thing they'll have to dodge."

The conversation flowed nicely for the rest of my time with her. Till we were called back to Azula's room for the gathering we'd all been summoned for. With Lady Ursa, Uncle Iroh and Ty-Lee all in my corner. I felt a lot better walking back toward that room. I was almost hopeful that these plans could not be so terrible with them along. Wish us luck, that nothing squashes these flickers of faith just yet. Save that for another day please, today has been a crazy enough already.

When we re-entered the room, the Elder was still gathering some of the things he would need and he'd brought with him on our airship. He hadn't returned yet, so the atmosphere was very relaxed. It was just friends and family in that room. Lady Ursa, of course, and Uncle Iroh. Azula and Kavin looked like newlyweds seated on the love seat across from me. Ty-Lee was still here as promised but surprisingly so was Suki and Sokka. They were curious what went into planning something like this. So Zuko had gotten them permitted too, on the rights of being his head of security (Suki) and A White Lotus Rep (Sokka... spirits lend us strength). But it turns out Sokka and Suki had both been just the cheerful reminder the room had needed. That these plans were for a special and happy occasion. A gift to a room full of so many people who took things too seriously. So I reclaimed the seat I had been occupying earlier. The one beside my fiancée on a low-setting couch, he reclaimed my hand before I could even sit down. Quietly and discreetly asking, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I assured, with a wave of my free hand as I was plopping in place.

When I was at his level and no one was speaking to us. He pulled me closer into his side and asked discreetly in my ear. "What did my mother ask you? She didn't scold you or anything did she?"

"No," I assured.

"Good," He replied punctuating his opinion with a peck on my hair.

I had to tease, "I don't think I can share any of that conversation though. Your mother deemed it a talk one Fire Lady to a possible future one. I feel like that may need to stick between the two of us."

"No," He corrected immediately, "It was a conversation one Fire Lady to the Next, no question about that. And I'm okay with keeping it between you two. As long as my mother didn't do anything to scare you off or change your mind... She didn't, did she?"

"Of course, she didn't..." I assured, before teasing. "She's storing that real kind of talk till it's officially my turn. This is technically still Azula's time."

"Mai." Zuko warned me, even though he couldn't help but smile.

"What?" I asked innocently.

He shook his head, "Only you would dare tease me when I'm already this stressed."

"Do you feel better?" I finally asked him, after wanting to since I saw him. "Are you okay?"

"I will be when this over." He said honestly, before he pulled the hand he was holding up to kiss it. "This helps though."

"Are you sure we can do this in front of this Elder. It feels like contraband or something." I worried.

Zuko said with more conviction, "Yes, I insist... besides, if this Zebra-Monkey former Admiral should suddenly decide to change his stripes. I am the Fire Lord and what's the point of having that title if I can't roll a few heads here or there?" Clearly, now he's teasing.

Before I could answer him the Elder was returning and our planning needed to begin. While his back was turned I did peck Zuko's cheek before sitting more properly. I tried to correct my posture and sit like I was more put together. Less like a manner-less Moose-Bear cub but Zuko refused to let me. He'd been given leave to act like he was in love and he wasn't gonna restrain himself at all in this meeting. If this was breaking so many of the rules and laws that been impressed upon me since birth... Why did it feel so fun?

Again, I realized this was what this session was supposed to be all about. This was what had brought us all here today. Not an official matter that needed tending to or a threat to everyone's safety for a change... this was all about Azula and Kavin. As well as Zuko and me... So when the Elder said, "Let's begin." I didn't feel nearly as overwhelmed or blank-minded as I had been anticipating. I let that feeling lead any choice I was handed... and with Zuko's hand still gripping mine. I somehow knew he was doing the same.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad afterall... or maybe this is that little bit of calm before the storm.

That's it for this chapter!

But don't worry, I will be posting again soon! Not gonna leave ya hanging that long! (That and these parts were getting a little long) So more as soon as I can, lovely readers! Please review if you get the chance. I love hearing from you and can't wait to share what happens next! Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85