Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Traditions of the Heart ❯ Breakfast and Dinner ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the last airbender

 

 

It took only a day and a night to reach the Fire Nation and most of the time was spent playing pi sho or watching the clouds. Appa was in his element during the trip since he had been stabled while in Ba Sing Se. He enjoyed whenever Aang had to go on long trips. It was dawn when they reached the Fire Palace. The sun made the buildings within the palace gates, glow. A feeling of welcoming familiarity swept over the three travelers. Something they never thought they would feel about the Fire Nation.

 

“I almost forgot how beautiful it is here. Especially in the morning.” Katara said sleepily as she hung her right arm over the side of Appa's saddle. Aang look around at Katara and smiled as he watched her use her hand to play with the air rushing past them. On the other side of the saddle Sokka snored loudly with his head propped up against the side, a small sliver of drool ran out the side of his mouth. Aang chuckled to himself at the sight. A few minutes later they landed in the open garden just inside the palace walls. Guards approached surrounding them. A small group of guards made their way over to Aang.

 

“Good morning, Avatar Aang.” The lead guardsman said bowing deeply.

 

“Good morning, Shinze.” Aang said recognizing the gray haired man.

 

“Fire Lord Zuko has been expecting you. Appa is welcome to stay in the garden or if you would like we have his usual stable awaiting him.” Shinze said smiling. Aang climbed off Appa who gave a roar before lying down in the grass. Katara and Sokka laughed at Appa's obvious decision.

 

“I think Appa will be fine here.” Aang said chuckling as he helped Katara down. Sokka climbed down after throwing their bags over the side.

 

“Then I will escort you to the dining hall. The maids will come for your things. Breakfast is about to be served.” Shinze said before turning around and walking back into the palace. The trio followed closely behind. It wasn't long before they were in the dining hall. The table was bare except for the very end. There sat Zuko and Iroh chatting happily. Shinze stopped at the other end of the table, drawing the two men's attention.

 

“Excuse me Fire Lord Zuko. Avatar Aang and his two companions have arrived.” Shinze said gesturing toward the trio with his hand. Zuko and Iroh smiled brightly and stood up.

 

“That will be all Shinze. Thank you.” Zuko said polity. Shinze and the other guards left the room. “Aang, how are you?” Zuko said walking over to Aang with his arms out stretched, Iroh followed behind him.

 

“I'm doing well and yourself?” Aang said embracing his friend before they held each other at arms length.

 

“I have been better.” Zuko said honestly. Zuko then turned his attention to Katara, releasing Aang who in turn greeted Iroh with a hug and a handshake. “Hello, Katara.” Zuko gave Katara a hug and a kiss on the cheek then moved on to greet Sokka with another hug.

 

Iroh gave Katara a hug after Zuko released her from their embrace. As they pulled away form each other he said, “Katara. My, you grow more beautiful every year. Is Aang still procrastinating in asking you to marry him?” Katara giggled and nodded at which Iroh made a huffing noise looking in Aang direction. Aang blushed and scratched the back of his head.

 

“He will one day, Iroh. If he doesn't ask me, I'm going to ask him.” Katara joked. At that everyone laughed. Iroh gave Katara a kiss on the cheek and moved over to greet Sokka.

 

“He better or some other man may ask you first.” Iroh said still laughing. Aang went white at the thought of losing Katara and took her hand quickly. This only caused everyone to laugh harder. Iroh walked over to Sokka.

 

“So tell me Sokka. Are you hungry?” Iroh said after giving him a hearty hug. Sokka was about to answer when his stomach spoke up for him. Everyone laughed and Iroh patted Sokka on the back, “Well good. We have too much food here for just Zuko and me. Please join us.” With that everyone sat down to breakfast and ate well. They talked about old times and current events in everyone's lives. Then the subject turned to a certain earth bender and Sokka realized she should be there with them.

 

“Speaking of Toph, where is she?” Sokka asked taking another bite out of his rice ball.

 

“Oh! Miss Be Fong will be arriving this evening, along with her newest bodyguard.” Iroh said cheerfully. Katara felt bad for Toph as they all did. Even after Toph returned home a hero, her parents refused to see her as anything more then a helpless blind girl. Toph was then given a bodyguard to protect her. Katara had lost count at 16 but Aang said last time he checked it was up to 50 guards Toph had managed to run off, most were given a flying start with a little help from her earth bending. No one had met the latest victim but so far who ever it was had managed to keep the position for 3 months. A record not to be taken lightly.

 

“I wonder how she will get rid of this one.” Zuko mused.

 

“Who knows, it's Toph, enough said.” Aang said smiling and everyone broke into laughter once again. “When are you going to fill us in on the…” at this point Aang lowered his voice, “wife hunt.” Zuko nearly chocked on his water and Iroh patted him on the back chuckling.

 

“It's not a hunt. Is this why you invited them here, Uncle?!” Zuko said getting angry. Aang immediately felt guilty and a little unwelcomed. Upon looking at Katara and Sokka he could tell they were feeling unwelcomed too. Katara started to figit and Sokka stopped eating. Zuko's face softened as he watched his friend's reaction to his out burst. “I'm sorry; I didn't mean to get angry. All of you are always welcome in my home. I am just a little stressed.” Zuko said giving them all a slight smile. “I think I will go take a warm bath to calm myself. Please feel free to go any where you want, my home is your home.” And with that he left the room. Iroh sighed heavily when Zuko was gone.

 

“It's my fault I didn't know he would be sensitive about it.” Aang said hanging his head. Katara stroked his bald head and kissed it gently.

 

“It's not your fault Aang. I should have warned all of you before you came that Zuko is not taking this well.” Iroh said sighing again.

 

“It's Mai, isn't it?” Katara asked still stroking Aang's head even though he was now sitting straight up again.

 

Iroh nodded with a sad look on his face. “We all really thought he would ask Mai to marry him but then it was over between them. I can't say I didn't see it coming but I know my nephews pain well.”

“I feel bad for him too. After Suki and I broke up I couldn't even think about other women. He needs time to heal but your nation's tradition isn't going to give him that.” Sokka said with sad understanding in his voice. Everyone nodded in agreement.

 

“Unfortunately he still has to follow the traditions, no matter how much he is hurting inside. That's what it takes to be a strong leader.” Iroh said studying his tea. “Since everyone will be here by this evening we can discuss our roles in this….mission, after dinner. Until then try not to mention it to Zuko.” He finished saying with a small smile before taking his own leave.

 

The rest of the breakfast was spent in almost complete silence as was much of the day. Everyone was worried about Zuko but no one knew what to say about it. After exploring the town and palace the trio separated to get ready for dinner. It was around six when Katara's guest room door flew open and a young woman walked through the entry way. Katara didn't have to look up from her reading to know Toph had arrived. When she did she gasped. Last time Katara had seen Toph, about three years ago, she was only a slightly older version of the girl they had saved the world with. This Toph was full grown and not at all what Katara expected. Toph had become a delicate looking creature that could trick a man into thinking she was a flower. Katara knew better then to believe what her eyes told her but it was hard.

 

“Are you going to stare at me all day or give me a hug?” Toph said. Katara smiled and rushed over to give her old friend the hug she had asked for.

 

“Spirits, it is good to see you Toph. It's been so long.” Katara said happily.

 

“I would have come to visit but you know my parents and I never had time off from school. I nearly died when they willingly let me come here. I think they knew I'd go anyways if they didn't give me permission.” Toph joked. Katara laughed but stopped when she noticed someone was standing behind Toph. Toph sensed that Katara had noticed her bodyguard and moved aside so Katara could see the other person. Standing outside was a tall woman. She towered over Toph the way Toph towered over Katara. Katara knew she was from a water tribe by her clothes and if that didn't give it away the woman's eyes were a pale bright blue like the color of tropical water. The woman bowed low to Katara.

 

“Katara, this is my good friend Aihe.” Toph said gesturing to the woman. “Technically she's my bodyguard but it's just for show.”

 

“So you're the new bodyguard? It is nice to meet you Aihe.” Katara said returning the bow.

 

“It's nice to meet you Mistress Katara.” Aihe said politely. Aihe then turned her attention to Toph. “I'm going to check on the location of our bags, Toph. I'll be around.”

 

“Ok. Don't get lost. I'm not going to find you this time.” Toph said snickering. Aihe merely rolled her eyes and left. “She's terrible with directions. She can sense the cardinal directions but don't ask her to find her way around town.” Toph said laughing.

 

“You seem to get along well.” Katara said watching the other woman walk down the hall.

 

“At first we didn't but after awhile we became really good friends. I think you'll like her Katara. She's a master water bender from the island tribes.” Toph said smiling.

 

“So she doesn't really act like your bodyguard at all?” Katara asked.

 

“No, more like a big sister. So she still acts protective but she knows I can take care of myself.” Toph said.

 

“That's great Toph. We should all go hang out tomorrow.” Katara said envisioning a girl's day at the spa.

 

“Yeah, defiantly.” Toph said. “We will talk about it over dinner. I'm going to make sure she hasn't gotten lost and to get ready for dinner.” Toph said.

 

“Ok….oh wait Toph.” Katara said remembering why they were all here in the first place.

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Iroh is going to tell us why he sent for us after dinner and don't mention anything about it to Zuko. He isn't dealing with everything very well.” Katara said.

 

“My lips are sealed.” And with that Toph left Katara to dress.

 

 

Thirty minutes later Katara was seated between Toph and Aang. She was still smiling from her laughing fit a few minutes ago. She couldn't help it when Sokka's jaw nearly fell to the floor upon seeing Toph. Aang had to do a double take and ask confirmation of Toph's identity. Zuko had also dropped his jaw but several degrees less then Sokka who had only taken his eyes off Toph long enough to look Aihe over once before plastering them back on Toph. Aihe was seated on Toph's other side and was making pleasant conversation with Iroh.

 

“I didn't know there was a tropical water tribe.” Iroh stated curiously.

 

“I guess a few water benders from the other tribes got tired of the ice and snow so they settled for sand and surf.” Aihe said smiling. Iroh laughed and Katara thought it would be nice to visit her brethren of the islands.

 

“Aihe that is a very pretty name. It means dolphin, yes?” Iroh asked after taking a sip of his wine.

 

“You are correct. My mother named me after the first animal she saw when I was born. It just happened to be a pack of blue dolphins.” Aihe said happily.

 

“A suitable name for a water bender” Iroh said grinning.

 

“Thank you” Aihe said politely.

 

“How did you come to be Toph's bodyguard?” Zuko asked after sitting in silence for most of the meal.

 

“I came across the ad on the local news board and I was crazy enough to accept the job.” Aihe said smiling.

 

“I'm not that bad there were others willing to accept the job.” Toph defended.

 

“Not when I got there. All that was left of the other applicants was a hole in the wall where you had unceremoniously kicked them out.” Aihe said dead pan. Toph smiled as if she had just been paid a compliment.

 

“Toph you have not changed a bit.” Iroh said through his laughter. Toph smiled brighter. Katara then remembered that she wanted to invite Aihe to join her and Toph for a girl's day.

 

“Aihe do you like spas?” Katara asked taking another bite of her steak.

 

“I've actually never been to one. Why do you ask?” Aihe said taking a sip of her wine.

 

“Toph and I were planning a girl's day out tomorrow and we wanted you to join us.” Katara said.

“It will be a lot of fun. The mud bath is the best part.” Toph said grinning.

 

“I'm afraid to know why you like the mud bath most but I would love to join you.” Aihe said smiling.

 

“Great! We will meet in my room at ten tomorrow morning.” Katara said beaming.

 

The rest of the dinner was spent filling Aihe in on old stories of their adventures until everyone at the table was full of food and wine.

 

“If you will excuse us, nephew, I believe it is time to for us to have our meeting.” Iroh said standing up from his chair.

 

“Of course. I will see you all in the morning for breakfast. Goodnight.” Zuko said somberly getting up from his chair. The rest of the group gave their good nights to Zuko before he left the room.

 

“If you all will follow me we can hold our meeting in the library.” Iroh said gesturing in the opposite direction of Zuko's departure.

 

“I should bid you all goodnight as well.” Aihe said standing up and bowing low to everyone.

 

“Actually, Miss Aihe why don't you sit in on this meeting. If you are to accompany us on the journey then you should know what is going on.” Iroh said putting his hands into his sleeves. Aihe was a little surprised to be asked to join them but followed everyone out of the room anyways.

 

“Got enough books?” Sokka said looking at the massive amounts of books lining the walls.

 

“Actually…no.” Iroh said chuckling. The library was a two story room that almost every inch of wall space was taken up by books, scrolls, and maps. In the middle of the room were big puffy floor mats which everyone took a seat on. Aang and Katara took one together cuddling close.

 

“As you all know from my letter Lord Zuko has to be married by his twenty-third birthday.” Iroh began and everyone nodded in agreement. “What I did not mention in the letters was that if Zuko does not marry by that time, it opens the throne up to being challenged by other members of the royal family.”

 

“You mean to tell us that if he doesn't find a woman then Azula or Ozai could take it from him.” Sokka asked looking both frightened and angry.

 

“Yes, and anyone else who is in line for the throne, except for me of course. I have already given up the throne therefore I can not challenge for it.” Iroh said. “We have to insure that this does not happen. Tomorrow evening we will board the Ember Sun and make our way to the Earth Kingdom. Once there we will continue on foot to keep a low profile. There are only four families, three in the Earth Kingdom and one in the Northern Water Tribe that will allow a marriage with their daughters.”

 

“Only four? Zuko is a handsome guy, you would think more then four girls would be interested.” Katara said.

 

“Unfortunatly the girls must be of noble birth within their nation which limits us and like I mentioned before we have run into a problem. One girl from the Earth Kingdom actually came here about a week ago to meet Lord Zuko. She was attacked one night and while thankfully unharmed, she left immediately. We found that the man responsible for the attack belonged to a group called the Blood Raiders.” Iroh said.

 

“Who are the Blood Raiders?” Aang asked curiously.

 

“It's an organization that spans over all the nations but their sole purpose is to keep the nations separate and pure. We know little else about them except that they will stop at nothing to keep Lord Zuko from marrying outside the Fire Nation. Of course this has only made him more determined to not marrying within the Fire Nation. He believes that by marrying from the Earth Kingdom or from the Water Tribes that it will help strengthen political ties. However I can not sit by and watch Lord Zuko marrying with out knowing he will be happy. This is where you come in. As his family, friends, and newly acquired acquaintance” Iroh nodded over to Aihe, “we can help him find a woman who can make him happy and by traveling low key the Blood Raider will have a harder time tracking us.” Iroh finished with a small smile.

 

“That's a good plan but wouldn't the Raider just attack who ever Zuko picks to marry, even after the wedding.” Sokka asked scratching his chin.

 

“All I can say about that, is we have people looking into it.” Iroh said with a wink.

 

“I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse.” Sokka said raising an eyebrow. Iroh just chuckled.

 

“If it helps Zuko and helps maintain peace, you can count me in.” Aang said.

 

“Me too.” Katara said cheerfully.

 

“The longer I get to stay away from home the better. Aihe and I are in.” Toph said smiling.

 

“Technically your parents wanted me to bring you home two days from now but…I'm willing to get fired in the name of peace.” Aihe said with a shrug.

 

“I don't know. Running from people who may try to kill us and playing match maker to nobility, sounds risky and dangerous.” Sokka continued to scratch his chin.

 

“It will be like old times, Snoolzes. Camping under the stars, fishing in the river, chasing Katara with giant earth worms. Good times.” Toph sighed. Katara just glared at Toph and thought to herself `oh there will be pay back'.

 

“Yeah, but...” Sokka started.

 

“I'll bring marshmallows and chocolate.” Aihe said sticking her finger up.

 

“You learn fast, don't you?” Sokka said suspiciously eyeing Aihe.

 

“It's a gift.” Aihe shrugged again and smiled.

 

“Include graham crackers and I'm in.” Sokka bartered.

 

“Done.” Aihe and Sokka shook hands.

 

“Good then we leave tomorrow evening. As for tonight we should all get some rest.” Iroh said standing up and yawning widely. “Goodnight everyone.”

 

“Goodnight Iroh.” Everyone chorused and then began to discuss what they would bring for the trip. Iroh thought to himself `I'm so glad I asked them to come. Zuko will thank me later for this.'