Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75165 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
Kiss of Fire

Chapter Sixteen – Hearth and Home

o0o0o0o
Katara

I sat next to the paddock where my peacocks were kept. They continued to be aggressive, even going after the people sent in to clean up after them or place food in their feeding area. But spirits be damned, I was determined to tame them. So here I sat, just outside the fence, reading a book that Xhou had assigned for me to read. A couple of guards stood at a distance. I had commanded them to maintain absolute silence, so the peacocks would not be disturbed.
The sun shone on the pages of my book as I read the neat wood-block print that chronicled one of the earlier eras of Fire Nation history. As I read on, I saw one of the peacocks approach the corner out of my eye. I maintained absolute silence, slowly turning to the next page as I felt his eyes on me. I had to resist the temptation to look back at him.
He inched closer, peering at me through the fence. I continued reading as I slowly reached into my pocket to get a few fire-berries. I rested them in my open palm as I resumed my reading, and now he was as close to me as the fence would permit. I had but to extend my hand to the fence, and he would be able to eat them. Slowly, I raised my head to look at him, but I maintained my silence. He continued to stare at me, and I took a moment to admire him. The feathers of the males are a deep, beautiful ruby-red, brilliant in the sunshine. I would love to pet him, but that was not possible, at least, at this point.
I just needed to be patient. Slowly, I extended my arm, my hand inching closer and closer to the opening in the fence. I was ready to pull my arm back at any moment. He did not move for several moments, then his beak poked out from the opening. I remained still, resisting the urge to coo at him.
So close, so close, come on... I did not even realize I was holding my breath as the beak came within a inch of my fingers. Please don't bite me. If he did, Zuko would probably order the bird served for supper for the offense of biting his wife!
To my amazement, he plucked a berry from my palm, and then disappeared from sight. I continued holding out the berries, hoping he would come back, but he did not. At least he didn't try to bite me, I thought with relief. One step at a time, I had to remind myself. After living with the Iyashiis and doubtlessly made to parade around for the entertainment of others, I could not blame the birds for being so skittish.
Hopefully next time I could get him to eat two berries, or entice the other one. Meanwhile, it was time to visit someone more welcoming of my attention.

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

To call where I reside a Palace is an understatement. An entire Nation is the domain that I rule, and my home is not too different. Most people will never own or live on more than a small plot of land – if even that, in their entire lives. My home is a city unto itself, surrounded by high walls of both volcanic rock and manufactured barriers, and almost entirely self-sufficient. It has grown throughout the centuries, as my ancestors expanded the grounds and made the Palace bigger.
The Palace itself sits on raised earth, not unlike the Palace in Ba Sing Se. When I am at the top of the Palace, in my apartments, I can see over the walls, and see the city of Sozun and the ocean. Around the Palace are countless buildings, but none as grand. Temples, pavilions, homes for the more important servants and groundskeepers, storage houses, greenhouses, stables, garrisons, weaponries, shrines. And between that – roads, orchards, streams, lakes, gardens. Even if one were to live within the walls of this ‘city’ for their whole lives, they probably would not see it all.
A very limited amount of this ‘city’ is open to the Court and public eye, and my guards enforce that. The servants that maintain the little city each have their duty to attend to, and they all work together. Everything is neat and ordered. The people that run each part of the city are handpicked by me, or by Kamas or Ging Lei. I make it clear that the little city is to be run with harmony. After all, the household of the Fire Lord must be run to the standards that are befitting of the ruler of the Nation.
Not long after the War ended, I often wandered the grounds. It took a while for me to get over the numbness that came over me in the aftermath, contemplating life without the woman I loved.
My uncle tried to rouse me from that numbness. I performed my duties as I should have. I listened to petitions and suggestions, and sat through meetings and court sessions, passing my statements and judgments. Uncle was there to help, and he shared my duties as Fire Lord, albeit in a semi-official capacity. Together, and with Avatar Aang, we helped the world back on its feet.
I buried myself in affairs of state to get over my loss. I ignored the luxury that surrounded me, the pleasures that such things as fine cooking, silk robes, courtesans, plays and performances, gardens, and other things had to offer me. Uncle worried about me constantly, and had me placed under close guard to make sure that I did not harm myself. He continued to insist that I find pleasures to indulge in. To him, my meditation and exercises did not count, although he did encourage that I continue those.
But after a while, my numbness did wear off. I appreciated the tranquility of the secluded spots that were to be found among the untouched parts of the little city. I meditated often and preferred to exercise outside rather than in the training room. I remembered the days before I was banished, and before my mother disappeared. We would often roam along the Palace grounds, and I cherished these moments with my mother. Sometimes, I would walk with Uncle or Lu Ten when they were at the Palace.
These walks were a way for me to clear my mind, a form of meditation for me. I didn’t always want to sit in the dark with candles as my only illumination. I would bask in the silence of these walks and find a kind of peace.
There was a small hill, one in the more secluded part of the Palace grounds. When I climbed atop it, I could see much of the little city. But I did not come up here for the view.
On top of this hill, under a tree, was a stone marker. On it was my uncle’s name and title. This hill was part of my private garden. It was not so much a garden, as it was for the most part lacking in flowers, but it was what I called this plot of land. There were four markers on this plot. Uncle’s was on this hill. Mother’s was in a grove, surrounded by the only flowers to be found on the plot, her favorite kind. Lu Ten’s lay in a clearing, with soft, thick grass surrounding his marker. And Katara’s… hers lay next to the pond.
On special days – such as their birthdays or other certain days, I would visit the markers and place offerings on the appropriate stone. Other times, I came up here to meditate. Sometimes I spoke to the markers, as if the people they represented were still there. I missed Mother’s loving smile, Uncle’s words of wisdom, Lu Ten’s optimism, and I had missed Katara’s affection.
Now that she was back here, I had her marker removed – after all, why would I need a marker when I had flesh and blood?
I sat in front of Uncle’s marker, looking down at the neat inscribing of his name in the stone. It had been a while since I came to his marker, over a month in fact. I had come to visit him the day after I came back from Omashu with my wife. I came up here when I needed to talk, even if I did not get a response. It felt good to get things off my chest, for he had always listened, and been patient with me.
I remember how thrilled he had been when Kuzon was born. He often visited the nursery, according to the guards that I put in place for Kuzon. He was friendly with the concubine that had given birth to my son, and had approved of her when I had chosen her to bear my heir. I ensured her comfort when she came to live here. I gave her a more than generous yearly allowance when she left the Palace not long after Kuzon’s first birthday, and our parting was on amicable terms.
My uncle had often encouraged me to find a companion, and to spend more time with my son. He often insisted that I go to the nursery and hold my son, something that I never got into the habit of doing. I had no confidence in my ability as a father, and left him to his mother and my uncle, though I did visit sometimes. I had held him on the day he was born, and remembered how he had felt in my arms. I had produced an heir, and I had silently prayed to Agni that he would carry on my work, not that of my ancestors, like Sozin or Ozai.
My uncle had stood there, beaming happily as I held my newborn son in my arms. He had been so happy for me.
When my uncle passed on, it was a huge blow to me. His death had been unexpected, and it had come just before Kuzon’s first birthday. Kuzon’s mother had tried to offer me comfort, and I shut her out. It had taken me a long time to get over his death. He was a father to me, and I would have been completely lost if he had not come with me on my banishment.
Having this marker was a way to cope with it. I would close my eyes and imagine him sitting there, listening to me. I set out a few gifts for him, a couple of incense sticks in his favorite fragrance as well as some fruit and tea. When I crossed my legs and closed my eyes, I could almost feel his presence.

o0o0o0o
Katara

When Kamas and I had talked on the journey here, he had been right in telling me that the Prince needed a mother. I could see that Kuzon looked forward to our time together, so whenever it was possible, I scheduled to have time with him – sometimes lunch or dinner, or simply a walk around the grounds, or some play time with him. He was a bright child, and one that was clearly starved for affection. I knew that he was Prince of the Fire Nation, the next in line. He would take on a lot of responsibilities one day, and I understood that a lot was expected of him. But he was still a human being, one that needed to know that he was cared for and appreciated.
It made my heart warm to see how his eyes would light up when I came within his sight. After a few visits, he would hold his arms out for a hug in greeting, and I always gave him one. It made me feel better about being here, that there was someone who was so clearly happy to have me be a part of his life.
Sometimes I felt glad to be here. My husband was a good man despite his flaws, and I was surrounded by comfort and luxury. I had a city of servants at my beck and call, yet my husband made sure that I was not complacent or pampered. I practiced my Waterbending every day just as he wanted me to, often at my garden, and of course, there were my lessons. Even if the daily minutiae of the household was left to others, I was given the final say in things, though I usually just went with what Ging Lei would decide, and learned as much as I could from her. I was like my husband, wanting to be aware of what was going on, instead of just leaving it all to others.
That on top of going to Court with my husband or meeting with nobles and servants alike, ensured that I was given a busy schedule, but one that left me with a feeling of productiveness, which made life here better. Before I had come here, I had been thinking that I would live the easy life of a pampered noblewoman, passing her days idly and waiting for the nights whenever her husband would call her to his bed.
How relieved I was to see that my life was anything but. I shared my husband’s bed every night and led a rich and productive lifestyle, honing my skills and learning new things. I hated to admit it, but I was actually enjoying myself here.
I was distracted from my thoughts when Kuzon tugged on my hand.
“I’m out of bread.” he stated, showing me his empty hands. We had been feeding the turtle-ducks, and I had brought a loaf of bread with me, hiding it in my sleeve. I did not reveal it to Kuzon until we came to the pond, and his eyes had filled with delight when I pulled it out and proposed we feed the animals.
I still had some bread in my lap, and I gave the rest to him. I watched as he crumbled some of the bread, waiting for them to approach. I showed him how to hold it in his hand to entice the ducks to eat from it. He sat still as one of the ducks came and took the bread from his hand. He looked up at me with a winning smile. I imagined that my husband had looked like this, years ago. I was unable to resist the urge to rumple Kuzon’s hair gently, and he laughed at that.
Since Zuko did not expect a child from me, Kuzon was the closest thing to one. And I was happy with that, for he really was a wonderful child. I had a close relationship with my own stepmother, so why should I not do the same with Kuzon? He needed a mother, I needed a child, and we both needed a friend.
After the bread was gone, he scooted closer, laying his head on my lap. I smiled down at him and stroked his hair. He closed his eyes, his small hands balled up in loose fists. I ran my finger along his pale cheek.
Despite his upbringing, he was not spoiled. He was expected to perform well in his lessons. He was not showered with toys or gifts or allowed to fool around and have his slightest whims catered to. His day was structured as I learned later. In the morning, he started off with a bit of light exercise before breakfast. Then he would proceed with what I called ‘book’ lessons – calligraphy, history, mathematics, and other subjects, which usually consisted of sitting at a desk and listening to teachers. After that would come lunch, which I sometimes shared with him. He would then receive a rest period, where he could read or play or nap, then in the afternoon he would receive physical lessons and training in Firebending, martial arts, or weaponry. He had a lot on his plate for someone his age and I knew that he was aware of what was expected of him. I supposed that was what helped to keep him grounded.
My father had not been too different. Even when out lifestyle became comfortable from his profit, he made sure that I was grateful for what we had, and to treat everyone – servant or noble – the same. I knew how to mend clothes, clean up, and do basic cooking. I worked hard at my lessons, and made my father proud.
I continued stroking his hair and cheek, feeling him snuggle closer. We remained like this for a bit, and when the sky started to get darker, I gently eased him off my lap. He whimpered softly, looking up at me with these big golden eyes, and I gave out a sympathetic sigh.
“I don’t want to go back, Lady Miumi. Let’s stay here, please!” he asked, pointing at the small house in my garden. It was a cozy little house, but it was not one built for actual habitation. There were a few pieces of furniture in there, and I would relax in there and take breaks while I was Waterbending, but there was no bed.
“There’s no bed in there. It’s not what that place is for.”
“Then put a bed in there!” Kuzon stated. I smiled just a little.
“We must be going back to the Palace. It is almost your bedtime.”
“Don’t wanna go to bed. I want to walk with you.”
“It’s almost my bedtime too.” I said. He looked up at me curiously. I smiled at him.
“But you know I am not leaving. You will see me again.”
Before my stepson could say anything else, I took his hand, tugging at it and leading him into walking at my side. My garden was not so far away from the Palace, but it was a distance to walk. I was frequently offered my palanquin, but I preferred walking, and used the vehicle rarely.
When the Prince and I parted, he looked up at me as he was led away by his guard. I felt bad that I was unable to spend that much time with him, but I was doing my best. As I got ready to go to my husband’s bed, an idea occurred to me.

o0o0o0o
Fire Lord Zuko

Papers and scrolls were scattered across the large mahogany desk in my study. Already I had signed and stamped many of the papers with my approval, denial, or additional comments, but plenty of them still remained. I called forth a servant to remove the papers I had already signed so that the desk would not be as cluttered. I stared down at the rest of the papers, debating whether I should simply go take a shower and meditate, leaving this for the next day, or stay here and finish.
I took a deep breath, deciding to look through a few more papers. I stamped and signed a few more papers, looking forward to taking a warm shower. It had been a particular long and trying day, with many people demanding my attention.
I heard the doors to my apartment open, and in several moments, my wife passed by the doorway to my study. She paused when she noticed me, and came to a stop. I beckoned her closer. I had not seen her all day, and missed the times when we were part of the same group, so long ago, and were not placed so far apart by our duties. She moved closer, her hands folded in front of her demurely. She wore a red robe, her hair pulled back with her fire comb, in a style almost identical to the one my own mother had often worn.
How different you look as a royal consort, Katara… I thought to myself as I took in her appearance. Her eyes and skin, her voice were all the same. But she was taller, older, and bedecked in the finest materials her wardrobe had to offer. And I still called her Katara, if not out loud. She would always be Katara to me, no matter what she had gone through.
“Should I have some tea brought up here?” she asked in a soft voice. I blinked and raised my head, looking up at her. She stared back at me calmly.
“That would be nice.” I murmured. She gave me a small but soft smile.
It was nice to take a break from my work and have a cup of tea with my wife. I had her pull up a chair, and she sat near me, her cup in her hand. I saw her eyes move along the papers scattered across my desk.
“It’s not easy being a Fire Lord. I remember you telling me about that. About the decisions that you make.” she said. I nodded, remembering the talk we had after she had asked me what it was like to be Lord. She glanced at the papers again, “You certainly have a lot of decisions to make, my lord.”
That comment brought a small smile to my face.
“I do, indeed.” I stated. She stared at me thoughtfully.
“If there’s anything I can do to help you, my lord, all you have to do is ask.”
I was silent for several moments, and a worried glance passed through her eyes.
“If I have overstepped my bounds…” she started to say, but I cut in.
“You have not. Your offer is much appreciated.” I stated firmly. I looked down at the papers again, then back at her. Katara and I had sometimes discussed philosophy or politics when she asked me questions about my own nation, or if I asked her about hers. She had insights that surprised me. We did not talk much, her and I, and when we did speak, it was of important things.
“If I asked you to give me your opinion or insights on affairs of state or other such important issues, would you be honest with me? Speak to me as a equal, not giving me answers you think would please me?” I asked evenly.
“I do as you command, my lord. I have been careful to observe Courtly protocols and guard my tongue and behavior in public.” she replied guardedly, “If you desire my honesty, you will have it.”
I held back a sigh as I sensed her defensiveness.
“This is not a test, wife. I took you not as a servant but as a companion. I value your thoughts. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind to me… after all, you’ve done it before.” I said with a small smirk, remembering the few times she had been defiant to me. She blushed.
“I don’t mean yelling or arguing. I want you to be honest with me, and not be afraid to say anything. Share your thoughts and observations with me. If there is something you desire, ask for it. If something is wrong, tell me. If you see something that can be improved or have a idea to offer, please tell me.” I said. She was quiet for a few moments.
“Yes, my lord.” she said softly, before taking a sip of her tea.
“Come here.” I ordered. She rose from her seat and went to my side. I tugged at her sleeve, gently pulling her down before my lips brushed against hers.
“Are you happy here? Do you have everything you need?” I asked. She paused for a moment before nodding.
“Are you sure? Is there anything else you desire?” I asked. She looked thoughtful for a moment.
“You have been most generous, my lord. I could not want for anything more.”
I smiled a little. I had sent a letter to the Northern Tribes, requesting that they make copies of material on advanced Waterbending. A few times, when she had bended in the pond in her garden, I would watch, entranced by the grace with which she controlled her element. I knew my wife would be pleasantly surprised when they came for her. I also intended to see about sending a Master down here, but I wanted to talk with her about that first.
“I am glad that you are comfortable here. I want you to be happy, I really do.” I whispered.
“I still don’t see why I am so… valued to you.”
“Just accept, and be my companion. That’s all I ask of you.”
“And do I satisfy you as a companion?” she asked. I nodded.
“You do more than satisfy me.” I replied before I kissed her again. I felt her hand touch my face, and I smiled. Over the time we spent together, she had become more comfortable with me. When we were alone, she would reach out and touch me, or snuggle with me, and I liked that.
“Go to bed, wife. I will be with you when I finish my meditation.” I was done with paperwork, and was looking forward to the shower and meditation, though not as much as I looked forward to taking her into my arms.
She nodded and made her way to the door before looking over her shoulder at me. There was tenderness in her eyes. Katara… I wanted to call out as I saw the gentle smile on her lips.
“I will be waiting for you, my lord.” She blew a kiss.
- 15
- 16
- 17
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Kiss of Fire