Post by tenoko on Dec 10, 2007 8:46:57 GMT 1
Knock, knock, knock...
"Enter"
"Lord Zuko, we just got word from Avatar Aang that he and his wife will be running late" a young man said handing Zuko a scoll of parchement.
"Thank you", Zuko said, and with a bow the messenger left the room. Zuko opened up the parchement and swiftly browsed through it, pacing about his extravagant room, finally sitting on the scarlet sheets on his bed.
"Well I guess that gives you more time to finish getting ready" He said looking over at the dressing divider, not bothering to hide his frustration
"You can be so impatient, you know that?" was the response followed by a giggle to show jest.
"I can't very well be late for my own Treaty party, now can I?" his impatience had waned but he wanted the importance of the event to be emphasized, so he stood up and began walking over to the divider.
"You won't be late, besides, didn't I just hear that Aang and his wife will be late?" came the patient response.
Zuko sighed, "Yes," he said but in a worried tone added, "but what about the earthbender and the guy from the Southern Water tribe-"
"My brother," started Katara, "will be late as well. He's going to pick up Toph and they're coming together".
Zuko looked at her, bewildered.
"How do you...?" He started, but was interupted as she pulled a parchment from a drawer and kissed him softly on the cheek, holding it up.
"Hawky had flown in last night, while you were..." she fell silent. He had been laying flowers on his Uncle's grave. It had been a year since he passed away and Zuko had taken over the throne. It had been quite the occassion; some of Azula's followers had started a riot during the crowning ceremony, insisting she take the throne. It looked as though she was going to try and take over, but instead she had sent some of her remainig Dai Li on the rioters and had them imprisoned. Azula had changed the most since their fathers' death, having become somber and meek. It was a welcome change, but a sudden one.
There was a sudden bang as their door burst open and sobs filled their room.
"D-daddy!!!!!" Was the only discernable word as Kana ran over to her father, soaking wet. She was soon followed by an ashened face young boy, burn marks all over his dress suit.
"She started it!" was the automatic response as Iroh saw the look on his father's face.
"What happened?" Katara started, "Kana, you first" she added with force as they had both started talking at once.
"I was feeding the turtle-ducks out in the graden and he splashed me!" she said with an accusatory finger flourishing in her brother's face.
"Well she burned my suit for the party tonight!" was the defense as he mirrored his sister while tugging at a burned spot in his clothes.
"I did not! He did that to himslef! He's lying!" Kana screamed as Iroh screamed back, "Nah Uh, you know I can't firebend!" and with a swift movement froze the water still soaking his sisters' dress. She retaliated by kicking flames in his direction which was countered by a quick water barrier from Katara. Her glare was as cold as the ice she controlled and the siblings cowered.
"Now, how did his suit get burned Kana?" she asked quietly looking at her daughter.
"I-I burned it" Kana replied quietly, staring at the floor. She chanced a glance upward and saw Iroh sticking his tongue out at her. Infuriated steam started to come off the dress as she evaporated the water away. Zuko looked over at Iroh and Iroh froze, tongue still sticking out of his mouth, staring at his father.
"And how exactly did your sister get soaking wet?" Zuko said with a burning look at his son.
"I hit her with a water bubble" he mumbled, looking at the twiddling fingers he had playing in front of him.
"Now," said Zuko with an air of finality, "Kana, you're obviously dry now, so go take Iroh's suit to the seamstress. Iroh, you have at least one other suit that's appropriate so go change but," he said stopping his children in their tracks, for they had taken these as words of leave, "if I hear that either of you have been fighting outside of the sparring ring, I'll have Ty Lee block your chi so you can never bend again". Their eyes wide with fear they scrambled out words of apology and promises of that never happening and bolted out the door.
Katara looked over at Zuko laughing and he pulled her into an embrace, kissing her gently, her returning the kiss.
"Your children are so much trouble" he said with a grin. Katara laughed.
"My kids? You're the one who put 'em in", kiss
"Hey, I saw them come out, no one saw me put them in", kiss
"I may not have seen it, but I felt it", she said quietly, smiling
"Yeah, I felt it too", he said, a grin plastered on his face. Katara sighed.
"I do miss when they were little, non-bending babies", she looked at Zuko whose grin widened maliciously.
"What are you thinking?" she said the grin returning in full. He chuckled a bit.
"I was just thinking, you miss having a baby so bad, why don't we make you another?" He pulled her in tighter at these words, hips pressing against each other hard, lips locking passionately, his hands roaming her waist and lower, her fingers entwining in his hair which fell out of it's topknot. He picked her up, her legs wrapped around his hips, and moved her onto their bed.
"Sh-shouldn't we g-get ready?" she sighed as his hands worked swiftly, undoing the work he had complained about taking too long earlier.
"We have time" he said, working on his trappings.
They began kissing more deeply as he worked himself onto the bed and into her body. -EDITED FOR CONTENT- ...him having singed the sheats, her having broken the water jug. She robed herself and went behind the dressing divider once more to redo her gown, as he robed himslef and answered the door.
"Excuse me Lord Zuko, but the first guests are being led into the palace courtyard" the messenger said glancing at Katara and blushing, realizing what he had just intruded upon.
"Thank you. Make an announcement that my Queen and I will be arriving shortly. Oh, and can you see if Prince Iroh, and Princess Kana are ready yet?" Zuko said adding, "If they are, tell them to meet us down there".
"Yes sir, as you wish" said the messenger as he made a swift bow and left. Zuko stared after him, thinking of palace gossip and smiled. He's more than glad to let it be known that the Great Fire Lord Zuko and his Water Tribe wife are so passionately in love that they'd risk being late to their own party for a quick romp in the sheets.
"Aren't you ready yet?" said Katara smiling as he closed the door.
"Well actually," he said grinning mischeviously, "I was thinking of a Round 2". They both laughed as he grabbed her and pulled her in close for a kiss. He let her go slowly and she helped him get ready, her tender touches making him regret not persuing a second session with her. Their was another knock on the door as he placed the crown around his topknot.
"Enter" Katara said, beaming at her husband.
"My lady, a message for you" as he handed Katara a piece of parchment, bowed and left. She scrolled through it, reading aloud,
"Hey Sis, I hope you guys don't mind if we bring a few old friends with us, we ran into Haru and kind of invited him along. We also figured we'd pick up Bumi since he was invited too. See ya soon.
~Love Sokka.
P.S. Toph says it's all my fault we're gonna be late >,< "
Katara rolled her eyes as she finished reading.
"I don't understand why they don't get married already," she sighed, "It'd be good if they got that out of the way so he wouldn't have to worry so much about her" she finshed, putting the letter onto the already paper strewn dresser.
"So they're still having trouble with the Dai Li out in Ba Sing Se?" Zuko asked. This certain aspect intrigued him very much, because he knew Azula still had marginal control over the Dai Li. He's not entirely sure he can trust his sister, and these disturbances made him suspect that she was behind it.
"Don't you go worrying about that tonight, ok? Aang promised he'd go check into that once he was finished training the Airbenders at the Eastern Temple. Besides," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning up to kiss him, "Toph says Azula has been very helpful out there, trying her best to round up those in the Dai Li that have been causing problems. Your sister has changed.... for the better" she added, giving him a small smile which he returned.
They walked out, hand in hand, and headed toward the coutyard. They saw Iroh and Kana sitting at the head table, Iroh with his food smoking and charred, Kana with her shattered cup remains piled around a solid block of ice, which was once her drink. A fanfare played as Zuko and Katara stepped out into the open, while a call of, "Presenting Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Queen Katara!" rang out to the crowd at large, which was welcomed with a smattering of applause. A pair of waiters brought Zuko and Katara some glasses of wine along with a plate of food for Iroh and a new cup for Kana, who held the frozen contents over it, which splashed inside instantly re-filling her cup.
"Not fighting, I hope" said Zuko, holding Katara's chair while she sat down. He made a small motion with his hand and a servant came over immediately. He leaned over and whispered something in the servants ear, who hurried off. Iroh and Kana, not having missed this exchange, started sputtering "Oh no, we were just having a bit of fun...", "Yeah, he was just letting me practice...", "Yeah, and my food was kinda cold, and she did it on accident...", "and I just wanted some ice..." but their words were lost as Ty Lee came up, dressed in her performance outfit smiling.
"You wanted to see me Zuzu?" he shuddered while Katara and the kids laughed, the siblings quelling at the look their father gave them.
"I wanted to ask you a favor. For my children..." He said, holding up a hand silencing the "Please daddy! No!" "We won't do it again, we promise!" She looked at them and him in bemusement, and he gestured for her to move in closer. As she leaned in Katara glared at them as her husband whispered quietly in Ty Lee's ear, her hand on his shoulder. When he finished, she winked and said, "No problem! I'll be here tomarrow afternoon" and backflipped away. Kana and Iroh stared at Zuko in disbelief, unable to comprehend the betrayal they just witnessed.
"What was that?" Katara said, with a hint of venom in her voice. Zuko leaned over and whispered in her ear, rubbing her neck as he did, to show he understood her jealousy but it was un-needed. When he finished he cupped her head in his hand and pulled her in for a kiss, her submitting with a smile and a blush.
A fanfare began to play and the annoucement "Now welcoming Avatar Aang and his wife Xian Zi!" as Aang and Xian flew in overhead together, waving to an outburst of clapping and laughter. They landed right in front of Zuko and Katara, both of whom and stood up and were clapping as well.
"Nice entrance" said Zuko,smiling and grabbing Aang's hand and shaking, which was then turned into a hug by the Avatar.
Aang gave a huge smile.
"You know I couldn't resist"
"Of course not!" Xian said grinning broadly herself, "The Avatar has no formal entry. He's gotta do it with style!" she finished to a great deal of laughter.
"Oh, do you remember our children?"Katara said gesturing to her right hand side at Iroh and Kana.
"Oh wow! You guys got big since the last time I was here! Do you remember me?" Aang asked, smiling from one to the other.
"Well, yeah I remember!" Iroh said giving Aang a big hug. "You and I had so much fun together!"
"What I remember," said Kana, not having stood up or smiled,"was some bald headed breeze blower knocking me in a pond which my brother froze, trapping me inside and causing me to catch a cold" she finished with a glare as fierce as her mothers.
"Kana! Don't be rude!" said Katara, aghast at her daughters vehemonce.
"It's alright" said Aang, looking worried, "she has every right to be mad at me"
"Damn straight" Kana replied, not looking up, her arms crossed tight.
"Kana!" Katara said with volume.
"No, no" intervened Aang, then turning to Kana, "I'm sorry for what I did, can you forgive me?" he finished smiling meekly at her. She looked into those grey eyes that were staring at her so intently and blushed. "Oh, alright then" and she stood up and allowed him to give her a hug. Xian smiled at this whole procession, then introduced herself, not having been here for Aang's michevious forthcomings.
They took their seats on Zuko's left side and were offered plates of food. Aang looked down at the piece of meat on his plate and made a face. Zuko saw this and snapped for the server. He came over and Zuko pointed at the plate, then said, "Where's the Avatar's food?" giving the server a meaningful look, who then slapped his head, grabbed both the plates and ran off. He then came back with two plates laden with fresh vegetables and exotic fruits, giving Aang and Xian huge grins.
"Thanks Zuko! I didn't know you guys had anything just for us!" Aang said, and began digging in.
"Well, I had told them you were both vegetarians" said Katara. Xian and Aang beamed at her, unable to speak with their mouths full of food. There was yet more fanfare, this time with the annoucements for the King of Ba Sing Se and Cheif of the Northern Water Tribe. Katara was starting to look worried. It had been nearly 2 hours since everything had gotten started and there was still no sign of Toph and Sokka's ship.
"Don't worry too much my love," Zuko said quietly, so only she could hear him, having seen the fear etched on her face, "he did say they were going to be later than they expected" he finished giving her a small smile, which she returned half heartedly. To Zuko's misfortune, however, Aang piped up with, "Hey, where's Sokka and Toph? I thought they'd be here by now?" looking from Katara, who's worried demeanor increased, to Zuko who grimaced, with a whisper from Xian, "You've got the worse tact Aang" causing Aang to give an 'Oops' look.
There was a sudden uproar of movement amongst the servers, and their excitement eased Zuko's thoughts, who let out a sigh of relief joined by Aang when the fanfare started up again, announcing, "We now welcome Chief Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, King Bumi of Omashu, and Lead Administrator of Defense for Ba Sing Se Toph with their guest Haru!" the applause had started, but was soon haulted by a continued announcement, "We also welcome back our own Fire Nation Princess Azula!" There was a collective gasp from those at the head table, which went unheard amongst the rest of the applauding guests. Sokka came up to the table, Toph on his arm, and was greeted with a punch to the other one by his sister.
"How dare you make me worry!" she said as Sokka rubbed his arm and everyone laughed. "Hey Toph, Bumi, Haru, Azula" she said giving each a respective hug, though Azula pulled out of hers almost immediately. Her and Zuko stared and each other, every eye upon them, tension filling the air.
Then she smiled and gave him a hug saying, "It's good to see you big brother", he gave a little smile.
"It's good to see you too" he said, though it was a lie. She looked strained, old, and tired. It made him worry, for the first time he could remember, about his baby sister. She looked at Iroh and Kana and smiled a sad smile as grettings of "Aunt Azula!" reached her ears. Her eyes began to water as she hugged each of them. She didn't have any children of her own, she didn't even have a significant other. Looking at her brother, so happy with his peasant wife and half breed children, that blind girl and the water tribe boy, and the Avatar with his airbender wife... she felt so alone, so sad.
Zuko had been staring at his sister's face, seeing her meloncholy stare, the tears he never thought were possible, and he felt... sorry for her. He pitied her. She must have changed, to be able to tear up. He looked over at his wife, to try to ask her if she saw what he saw, but she was busy in conversation with Haru.
"I noticed I didn't get any fancy title" He said smiling at Katara, who giggled in a girlish way, blushing.
Zuko cleared his throat, staring daggers at Haru saying, "Let's sit down and get you guys fed, huh? No, no," he said as Haru had tried to take a seat near Katara, "you're over on this side, next to Azula" he pointed to the seat one over from his direct left, having gotten a sudden inspiration. Azula sat right next to Zuko, and Haru next to her, looking at her as he sat and smiling.
"I guess we get to talk a bit more then huh?" He said as they sat down together. She looked at him smiling at her and blushed. They had a brief conversation on the ship ride over, but found themelves joined by the others on the ship, never able to talk alone. Zuko saw the blush and grinned. He didn't like Haru much, always hitting on Katara every chance he got, but he wouldn't mind if Azula made him apart of the family.
They all finished eating and had gotten various conversations started when Zuko's head counselman came over to remind them all of the reason the event was being held. Zuko stood up, holding his hands in a gesture that requested silence.
"I'd like to take a moment out of everyone's time to discuss some buisness" he said mainly to the guests at the head table, though all the guests had heard.
"Though my uncle, the former Fire Lord Iroh, has passed, I want it made clear to all that his policy of Peace amongst our countries shall remain the firm policy of the Fire Nation!" with this came cries of jubilation and applause, and a servant came with a scroll of parchment and a pen. Zuko held it up saying, "This Peace Treaty is the promise of continued friendship and peace, and will be signed by the leaders gathered here today, from all countries. Starting," he added, raising his voice over the renewed shouts of joy, "with me, Fire Lord Zuko of the Fire Nation!" and with that he bent down and signed, passing the parchement to Aang, who passed to Sokka, all the while people cheering and clapping. When Bumi finally added his name and handed the treaty to the waiting servant, Zuko held his hands up again.
"And now let us celebrate with music and entertainment!" he finished, gesturing toward a stage in the center of the courtyard where a band struck up and some performers began their routine.
"Hey! Isn't that Ty Lee?" Kana shouted ponting at the center performer. She was doing a number of difficult positions and flips involving rings of fire and tall pegs. There were many 'Oohs' and 'Ahs' from the watching crowd, and her performance was greeted with applause, and calls of 'Encore!' by some of the males out in the audience. Then the band took control of the stage and the gathereing crowd spread around it to dance. Aang stood up and held a hand out to Xian, who smiled broadly, and they floated down to the dance floor. Haru stood up too, and held his hand out to Azula, who looked surprised but blushed at the gesture, and they departed to the dance floor together. Zuko turned to Katara and found that she was already staring at him, so he took her hand and they walked down together.
When they got onto the dance floor, Zuko made a motion and the band changed pace and played a slow, romantic tune. He pulled Katara in close, who blushed at his preparations. "I don't dance, but I will slow dance with you" he said, twirling with her held tight, but gently in his arms. As they passed Aang and Xian, Zuko heard a quiet "Smoothe" float in his ear, and saw Aang giving a huge grin and thumbs up. He couldn't help but grin too, and held Katara firmly, putting his forehead upon hers and giving her a soft kiss. Toph and Sokka had joined in the slow dance too, Sokka saying, "All you have to do is hold me and sway" and he held her close as Toph replied, "I can do that all day".
The slow dance ended, Zuko leading Katara off the floor while the rest stayed and began dancing to a faster beat, being joined slowly by the gathering crowd. Katara started heading back to the table, but Zuko grabbed her hand and gently led her back inside the palace.
"Where are we going?" she asked, confused, "Shouldn't we get back to our guests?"
"They won't miss us," he said, "besides, we'll be back before they notice we've even disappeared"
He opened a familiar door and she found herself back in their room. He was looking at her with a smile, and she couldn't help smiling back as she noted his intentions began on the dance floor. He closed the door and locked it, then pulled her in tight for a kiss. They began releasing themselves from their formal wear, him kissing her neck as he helped her; her kissing every inch of him slowly and passionately as she undid his garb. She backed him onto the bed, running her fingers up and down his defined body, kissing his neck, torso, and hips. He flipped her over and started kissing her in turn, -EDITED FOR CONTENT-The sheets set on fire and she bended some water onto the singed spot the water evaporating, the room full of steam from the mixture of the fire with water. They lay there bare, holding each other, not giving a damn about what their guests did or said, breathing in the steam they created together.
"Enter"
"Lord Zuko, we just got word from Avatar Aang that he and his wife will be running late" a young man said handing Zuko a scoll of parchement.
"Thank you", Zuko said, and with a bow the messenger left the room. Zuko opened up the parchement and swiftly browsed through it, pacing about his extravagant room, finally sitting on the scarlet sheets on his bed.
"Well I guess that gives you more time to finish getting ready" He said looking over at the dressing divider, not bothering to hide his frustration
"You can be so impatient, you know that?" was the response followed by a giggle to show jest.
"I can't very well be late for my own Treaty party, now can I?" his impatience had waned but he wanted the importance of the event to be emphasized, so he stood up and began walking over to the divider.
"You won't be late, besides, didn't I just hear that Aang and his wife will be late?" came the patient response.
Zuko sighed, "Yes," he said but in a worried tone added, "but what about the earthbender and the guy from the Southern Water tribe-"
"My brother," started Katara, "will be late as well. He's going to pick up Toph and they're coming together".
Zuko looked at her, bewildered.
"How do you...?" He started, but was interupted as she pulled a parchment from a drawer and kissed him softly on the cheek, holding it up.
"Hawky had flown in last night, while you were..." she fell silent. He had been laying flowers on his Uncle's grave. It had been a year since he passed away and Zuko had taken over the throne. It had been quite the occassion; some of Azula's followers had started a riot during the crowning ceremony, insisting she take the throne. It looked as though she was going to try and take over, but instead she had sent some of her remainig Dai Li on the rioters and had them imprisoned. Azula had changed the most since their fathers' death, having become somber and meek. It was a welcome change, but a sudden one.
There was a sudden bang as their door burst open and sobs filled their room.
"D-daddy!!!!!" Was the only discernable word as Kana ran over to her father, soaking wet. She was soon followed by an ashened face young boy, burn marks all over his dress suit.
"She started it!" was the automatic response as Iroh saw the look on his father's face.
"What happened?" Katara started, "Kana, you first" she added with force as they had both started talking at once.
"I was feeding the turtle-ducks out in the graden and he splashed me!" she said with an accusatory finger flourishing in her brother's face.
"Well she burned my suit for the party tonight!" was the defense as he mirrored his sister while tugging at a burned spot in his clothes.
"I did not! He did that to himslef! He's lying!" Kana screamed as Iroh screamed back, "Nah Uh, you know I can't firebend!" and with a swift movement froze the water still soaking his sisters' dress. She retaliated by kicking flames in his direction which was countered by a quick water barrier from Katara. Her glare was as cold as the ice she controlled and the siblings cowered.
"Now, how did his suit get burned Kana?" she asked quietly looking at her daughter.
"I-I burned it" Kana replied quietly, staring at the floor. She chanced a glance upward and saw Iroh sticking his tongue out at her. Infuriated steam started to come off the dress as she evaporated the water away. Zuko looked over at Iroh and Iroh froze, tongue still sticking out of his mouth, staring at his father.
"And how exactly did your sister get soaking wet?" Zuko said with a burning look at his son.
"I hit her with a water bubble" he mumbled, looking at the twiddling fingers he had playing in front of him.
"Now," said Zuko with an air of finality, "Kana, you're obviously dry now, so go take Iroh's suit to the seamstress. Iroh, you have at least one other suit that's appropriate so go change but," he said stopping his children in their tracks, for they had taken these as words of leave, "if I hear that either of you have been fighting outside of the sparring ring, I'll have Ty Lee block your chi so you can never bend again". Their eyes wide with fear they scrambled out words of apology and promises of that never happening and bolted out the door.
Katara looked over at Zuko laughing and he pulled her into an embrace, kissing her gently, her returning the kiss.
"Your children are so much trouble" he said with a grin. Katara laughed.
"My kids? You're the one who put 'em in", kiss
"Hey, I saw them come out, no one saw me put them in", kiss
"I may not have seen it, but I felt it", she said quietly, smiling
"Yeah, I felt it too", he said, a grin plastered on his face. Katara sighed.
"I do miss when they were little, non-bending babies", she looked at Zuko whose grin widened maliciously.
"What are you thinking?" she said the grin returning in full. He chuckled a bit.
"I was just thinking, you miss having a baby so bad, why don't we make you another?" He pulled her in tighter at these words, hips pressing against each other hard, lips locking passionately, his hands roaming her waist and lower, her fingers entwining in his hair which fell out of it's topknot. He picked her up, her legs wrapped around his hips, and moved her onto their bed.
"Sh-shouldn't we g-get ready?" she sighed as his hands worked swiftly, undoing the work he had complained about taking too long earlier.
"We have time" he said, working on his trappings.
They began kissing more deeply as he worked himself onto the bed and into her body. -EDITED FOR CONTENT- ...him having singed the sheats, her having broken the water jug. She robed herself and went behind the dressing divider once more to redo her gown, as he robed himslef and answered the door.
"Excuse me Lord Zuko, but the first guests are being led into the palace courtyard" the messenger said glancing at Katara and blushing, realizing what he had just intruded upon.
"Thank you. Make an announcement that my Queen and I will be arriving shortly. Oh, and can you see if Prince Iroh, and Princess Kana are ready yet?" Zuko said adding, "If they are, tell them to meet us down there".
"Yes sir, as you wish" said the messenger as he made a swift bow and left. Zuko stared after him, thinking of palace gossip and smiled. He's more than glad to let it be known that the Great Fire Lord Zuko and his Water Tribe wife are so passionately in love that they'd risk being late to their own party for a quick romp in the sheets.
"Aren't you ready yet?" said Katara smiling as he closed the door.
"Well actually," he said grinning mischeviously, "I was thinking of a Round 2". They both laughed as he grabbed her and pulled her in close for a kiss. He let her go slowly and she helped him get ready, her tender touches making him regret not persuing a second session with her. Their was another knock on the door as he placed the crown around his topknot.
"Enter" Katara said, beaming at her husband.
"My lady, a message for you" as he handed Katara a piece of parchment, bowed and left. She scrolled through it, reading aloud,
"Hey Sis, I hope you guys don't mind if we bring a few old friends with us, we ran into Haru and kind of invited him along. We also figured we'd pick up Bumi since he was invited too. See ya soon.
~Love Sokka.
P.S. Toph says it's all my fault we're gonna be late >,< "
Katara rolled her eyes as she finished reading.
"I don't understand why they don't get married already," she sighed, "It'd be good if they got that out of the way so he wouldn't have to worry so much about her" she finshed, putting the letter onto the already paper strewn dresser.
"So they're still having trouble with the Dai Li out in Ba Sing Se?" Zuko asked. This certain aspect intrigued him very much, because he knew Azula still had marginal control over the Dai Li. He's not entirely sure he can trust his sister, and these disturbances made him suspect that she was behind it.
"Don't you go worrying about that tonight, ok? Aang promised he'd go check into that once he was finished training the Airbenders at the Eastern Temple. Besides," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning up to kiss him, "Toph says Azula has been very helpful out there, trying her best to round up those in the Dai Li that have been causing problems. Your sister has changed.... for the better" she added, giving him a small smile which he returned.
They walked out, hand in hand, and headed toward the coutyard. They saw Iroh and Kana sitting at the head table, Iroh with his food smoking and charred, Kana with her shattered cup remains piled around a solid block of ice, which was once her drink. A fanfare played as Zuko and Katara stepped out into the open, while a call of, "Presenting Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Queen Katara!" rang out to the crowd at large, which was welcomed with a smattering of applause. A pair of waiters brought Zuko and Katara some glasses of wine along with a plate of food for Iroh and a new cup for Kana, who held the frozen contents over it, which splashed inside instantly re-filling her cup.
"Not fighting, I hope" said Zuko, holding Katara's chair while she sat down. He made a small motion with his hand and a servant came over immediately. He leaned over and whispered something in the servants ear, who hurried off. Iroh and Kana, not having missed this exchange, started sputtering "Oh no, we were just having a bit of fun...", "Yeah, he was just letting me practice...", "Yeah, and my food was kinda cold, and she did it on accident...", "and I just wanted some ice..." but their words were lost as Ty Lee came up, dressed in her performance outfit smiling.
"You wanted to see me Zuzu?" he shuddered while Katara and the kids laughed, the siblings quelling at the look their father gave them.
"I wanted to ask you a favor. For my children..." He said, holding up a hand silencing the "Please daddy! No!" "We won't do it again, we promise!" She looked at them and him in bemusement, and he gestured for her to move in closer. As she leaned in Katara glared at them as her husband whispered quietly in Ty Lee's ear, her hand on his shoulder. When he finished, she winked and said, "No problem! I'll be here tomarrow afternoon" and backflipped away. Kana and Iroh stared at Zuko in disbelief, unable to comprehend the betrayal they just witnessed.
"What was that?" Katara said, with a hint of venom in her voice. Zuko leaned over and whispered in her ear, rubbing her neck as he did, to show he understood her jealousy but it was un-needed. When he finished he cupped her head in his hand and pulled her in for a kiss, her submitting with a smile and a blush.
A fanfare began to play and the annoucement "Now welcoming Avatar Aang and his wife Xian Zi!" as Aang and Xian flew in overhead together, waving to an outburst of clapping and laughter. They landed right in front of Zuko and Katara, both of whom and stood up and were clapping as well.
"Nice entrance" said Zuko,smiling and grabbing Aang's hand and shaking, which was then turned into a hug by the Avatar.
Aang gave a huge smile.
"You know I couldn't resist"
"Of course not!" Xian said grinning broadly herself, "The Avatar has no formal entry. He's gotta do it with style!" she finished to a great deal of laughter.
"Oh, do you remember our children?"Katara said gesturing to her right hand side at Iroh and Kana.
"Oh wow! You guys got big since the last time I was here! Do you remember me?" Aang asked, smiling from one to the other.
"Well, yeah I remember!" Iroh said giving Aang a big hug. "You and I had so much fun together!"
"What I remember," said Kana, not having stood up or smiled,"was some bald headed breeze blower knocking me in a pond which my brother froze, trapping me inside and causing me to catch a cold" she finished with a glare as fierce as her mothers.
"Kana! Don't be rude!" said Katara, aghast at her daughters vehemonce.
"It's alright" said Aang, looking worried, "she has every right to be mad at me"
"Damn straight" Kana replied, not looking up, her arms crossed tight.
"Kana!" Katara said with volume.
"No, no" intervened Aang, then turning to Kana, "I'm sorry for what I did, can you forgive me?" he finished smiling meekly at her. She looked into those grey eyes that were staring at her so intently and blushed. "Oh, alright then" and she stood up and allowed him to give her a hug. Xian smiled at this whole procession, then introduced herself, not having been here for Aang's michevious forthcomings.
They took their seats on Zuko's left side and were offered plates of food. Aang looked down at the piece of meat on his plate and made a face. Zuko saw this and snapped for the server. He came over and Zuko pointed at the plate, then said, "Where's the Avatar's food?" giving the server a meaningful look, who then slapped his head, grabbed both the plates and ran off. He then came back with two plates laden with fresh vegetables and exotic fruits, giving Aang and Xian huge grins.
"Thanks Zuko! I didn't know you guys had anything just for us!" Aang said, and began digging in.
"Well, I had told them you were both vegetarians" said Katara. Xian and Aang beamed at her, unable to speak with their mouths full of food. There was yet more fanfare, this time with the annoucements for the King of Ba Sing Se and Cheif of the Northern Water Tribe. Katara was starting to look worried. It had been nearly 2 hours since everything had gotten started and there was still no sign of Toph and Sokka's ship.
"Don't worry too much my love," Zuko said quietly, so only she could hear him, having seen the fear etched on her face, "he did say they were going to be later than they expected" he finished giving her a small smile, which she returned half heartedly. To Zuko's misfortune, however, Aang piped up with, "Hey, where's Sokka and Toph? I thought they'd be here by now?" looking from Katara, who's worried demeanor increased, to Zuko who grimaced, with a whisper from Xian, "You've got the worse tact Aang" causing Aang to give an 'Oops' look.
There was a sudden uproar of movement amongst the servers, and their excitement eased Zuko's thoughts, who let out a sigh of relief joined by Aang when the fanfare started up again, announcing, "We now welcome Chief Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, King Bumi of Omashu, and Lead Administrator of Defense for Ba Sing Se Toph with their guest Haru!" the applause had started, but was soon haulted by a continued announcement, "We also welcome back our own Fire Nation Princess Azula!" There was a collective gasp from those at the head table, which went unheard amongst the rest of the applauding guests. Sokka came up to the table, Toph on his arm, and was greeted with a punch to the other one by his sister.
"How dare you make me worry!" she said as Sokka rubbed his arm and everyone laughed. "Hey Toph, Bumi, Haru, Azula" she said giving each a respective hug, though Azula pulled out of hers almost immediately. Her and Zuko stared and each other, every eye upon them, tension filling the air.
Then she smiled and gave him a hug saying, "It's good to see you big brother", he gave a little smile.
"It's good to see you too" he said, though it was a lie. She looked strained, old, and tired. It made him worry, for the first time he could remember, about his baby sister. She looked at Iroh and Kana and smiled a sad smile as grettings of "Aunt Azula!" reached her ears. Her eyes began to water as she hugged each of them. She didn't have any children of her own, she didn't even have a significant other. Looking at her brother, so happy with his peasant wife and half breed children, that blind girl and the water tribe boy, and the Avatar with his airbender wife... she felt so alone, so sad.
Zuko had been staring at his sister's face, seeing her meloncholy stare, the tears he never thought were possible, and he felt... sorry for her. He pitied her. She must have changed, to be able to tear up. He looked over at his wife, to try to ask her if she saw what he saw, but she was busy in conversation with Haru.
"I noticed I didn't get any fancy title" He said smiling at Katara, who giggled in a girlish way, blushing.
Zuko cleared his throat, staring daggers at Haru saying, "Let's sit down and get you guys fed, huh? No, no," he said as Haru had tried to take a seat near Katara, "you're over on this side, next to Azula" he pointed to the seat one over from his direct left, having gotten a sudden inspiration. Azula sat right next to Zuko, and Haru next to her, looking at her as he sat and smiling.
"I guess we get to talk a bit more then huh?" He said as they sat down together. She looked at him smiling at her and blushed. They had a brief conversation on the ship ride over, but found themelves joined by the others on the ship, never able to talk alone. Zuko saw the blush and grinned. He didn't like Haru much, always hitting on Katara every chance he got, but he wouldn't mind if Azula made him apart of the family.
They all finished eating and had gotten various conversations started when Zuko's head counselman came over to remind them all of the reason the event was being held. Zuko stood up, holding his hands in a gesture that requested silence.
"I'd like to take a moment out of everyone's time to discuss some buisness" he said mainly to the guests at the head table, though all the guests had heard.
"Though my uncle, the former Fire Lord Iroh, has passed, I want it made clear to all that his policy of Peace amongst our countries shall remain the firm policy of the Fire Nation!" with this came cries of jubilation and applause, and a servant came with a scroll of parchment and a pen. Zuko held it up saying, "This Peace Treaty is the promise of continued friendship and peace, and will be signed by the leaders gathered here today, from all countries. Starting," he added, raising his voice over the renewed shouts of joy, "with me, Fire Lord Zuko of the Fire Nation!" and with that he bent down and signed, passing the parchement to Aang, who passed to Sokka, all the while people cheering and clapping. When Bumi finally added his name and handed the treaty to the waiting servant, Zuko held his hands up again.
"And now let us celebrate with music and entertainment!" he finished, gesturing toward a stage in the center of the courtyard where a band struck up and some performers began their routine.
"Hey! Isn't that Ty Lee?" Kana shouted ponting at the center performer. She was doing a number of difficult positions and flips involving rings of fire and tall pegs. There were many 'Oohs' and 'Ahs' from the watching crowd, and her performance was greeted with applause, and calls of 'Encore!' by some of the males out in the audience. Then the band took control of the stage and the gathereing crowd spread around it to dance. Aang stood up and held a hand out to Xian, who smiled broadly, and they floated down to the dance floor. Haru stood up too, and held his hand out to Azula, who looked surprised but blushed at the gesture, and they departed to the dance floor together. Zuko turned to Katara and found that she was already staring at him, so he took her hand and they walked down together.
When they got onto the dance floor, Zuko made a motion and the band changed pace and played a slow, romantic tune. He pulled Katara in close, who blushed at his preparations. "I don't dance, but I will slow dance with you" he said, twirling with her held tight, but gently in his arms. As they passed Aang and Xian, Zuko heard a quiet "Smoothe" float in his ear, and saw Aang giving a huge grin and thumbs up. He couldn't help but grin too, and held Katara firmly, putting his forehead upon hers and giving her a soft kiss. Toph and Sokka had joined in the slow dance too, Sokka saying, "All you have to do is hold me and sway" and he held her close as Toph replied, "I can do that all day".
The slow dance ended, Zuko leading Katara off the floor while the rest stayed and began dancing to a faster beat, being joined slowly by the gathering crowd. Katara started heading back to the table, but Zuko grabbed her hand and gently led her back inside the palace.
"Where are we going?" she asked, confused, "Shouldn't we get back to our guests?"
"They won't miss us," he said, "besides, we'll be back before they notice we've even disappeared"
He opened a familiar door and she found herself back in their room. He was looking at her with a smile, and she couldn't help smiling back as she noted his intentions began on the dance floor. He closed the door and locked it, then pulled her in tight for a kiss. They began releasing themselves from their formal wear, him kissing her neck as he helped her; her kissing every inch of him slowly and passionately as she undid his garb. She backed him onto the bed, running her fingers up and down his defined body, kissing his neck, torso, and hips. He flipped her over and started kissing her in turn, -EDITED FOR CONTENT-The sheets set on fire and she bended some water onto the singed spot the water evaporating, the room full of steam from the mixture of the fire with water. They lay there bare, holding each other, not giving a damn about what their guests did or said, breathing in the steam they created together.
||__|| 
||__|| 
And Yea, I talked to Roku and he said the edited verion is all right, otherwise it would've been deleted. The original was up for a while, but I knew it needed to be edited to stay. It's up on 
