The Walls Between Us (Zuko Love Story)

Chapter 5: The Winter Solstice

Chapter 5: The Winter Solstice

Zuko had found Katari's necklace on the edge of an old mining village that was controlled by the fire nation. They got wind that the avatar was spotted there, and so they stopped to look for clues about where the avatar may head next. Never did they imagine to find a necklace left behind. Nami thought it was wrong but Zuko assured her that they would return it to the water bender in time. Nami knew she couldn't argue with Zuko and gave up the fight.

The necklace itself was beautiful. It had a navy band with a carved stone in the middle. The stone had a wave carved into it. Nami was jealous of the customs water benders have with engagement necklaces. The man would make the necklace by carving a stone to express his love for them. She never saw one up close before, but she had read scrolls about them.

The fire nation didn't do much special for engagement, most women weren't even given the choice on who they would marry and would be told after they turn sixteen. Nami knew she only had one more year of freedom before she received a letter from her uncle that was not only sealed with wax, but also her fate.

Nami never even had a boyfriend, but she hoped that she could fall in love one day. She always pictured her future to involve a powerful and kind bender, not some heartless wannabe general.

Nami watched as Zuko slipped the necklace in his pocket. Zuko was protecting the necklace with his life and it made a unsettling feeling was over Nami. Did the necklace mean something to Zuko? Did Zuko have feelings for the water bender? Nami shook the thought off, Zuko would never go for a water bender. She seemed a little younger than them, it was odd to be engaged so young. Nami's thoughts then drifted to wondering who Katara was engaged to. Maybe the boomerang boy she traveled with, but they didn't have any romantic body language towards each other.

"Zuko, we should be getting back to the ship," Nami spoke no louder than the wind that was bellowing around them. Zuko could barely hear her before nodding and the two walked to his ship.

"We will head up towards the next town. They can't be far." Zuko started barking orders for the crew to set sail once more.

Nami leaned against the rail of the ship and watched as the mining village grew smaller. Nami let her thoughts drift to engagement once more. She couldn't picture herself being tied down to anyone and not allowing them to speak her mind. Nami loved her freedom and how Zuko let her do and say whatever she wanted. She could only hope her future husband would be the same as Zuko. She sighed and let her head fall into her hands as she massaged her temples.

"Tea to clear the mind?" Iroh handed her a cup of steaming tea which Nami gladly took as it warmed her hands, "If there is something troubling you, it is best to let it out."

"I have been thinking about my future," Nami admitted and took a sip of tea.

"Ah yes the future, it's hard to know what the future brings." Iroh smiled warmly at her.

"I am just worried about my freedom. I only have a year left until my uncle decides who I marry. What if I have to become silent?"Nami confessed.

"You will never be silenced, my dear. You are too strong for that. Besides, maybe you will end up with someone you will grow to love," Iroh patted Nami's shoulder.

"I just wish I could fall in love first," Nami said explains.

"Maybe you will, there are so many options in this world and maybe you will find true love. I doubt that even your uncle, as heartless as he seems, would hold you back from true love," Iroh assured Nami. Nami just shrugs as she finishes her tea.

"Thank you for listening, I needed to get it off my chest," Nami handed Iroh her empty cup and headed to her room.

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