The Water Bender and the Fire Prince//Zuko Fanfiction

Epilogue

Approximately a year later

Enyo leaned across the desk, glaring at Zuko. He was tired-- there were bags under his eyes and his clothing was rumpled-- but he was giving her a small smile.

She braced her hands on the edge of the desk. The advisors hadn't been the most receptive of her-- or her blue and purple robes in the Fire Nation style-- but they tolerated her after they realized that Zuko wasn't going to do what his father had. 

"We are going," She spoke. "It is a diplomatic mission, and you can't keep avoiding him forever."

Zuko frowned and leaned back in his seat. She could see the papers he had been working on-- a law banning improper teaching of history. 

"How has training been for the White Lotus?"

"Don't change the subject," She responded. "You can't keep finding ways to worm out of talking to my dad. He wants to meet you. He's already met Suki and Aang and likes them both."

"But neither of them are Fire Nation and were the enemy."

Enyo met his gaze, softening her eyes at the nervousness she saw on his face. "You are not the enemy, not anymore, and besides, we are a team and always have been. If my father tries anything-- which he won't-- I'll talk to him. You need to go talk to the South Pole anyway."

Zuko sighed but nodded. "Fine, we will go. I've got to find warmer clothes though. Last time we were there it was freezing."

Enyo snorted but leaned across the desk, kissing him. The last time they had been in the South Pole was a long time ago, and they had been hunting Aang.

"I'll go pack some things"

~~~

A few weeks later, their ship crunched into the ice around the village Enyo had grown up in. Enyo grinned as the ramp began to lower and they could descend.

Zuko's arm was wrapped around her, his other shoved in his pocket inside a thick pair of seal gloves. Enyo had sent a messenger hawk to her brother to ask for a couple of pairs. She didn't know if she wanted to hear Zuko complaining about the cold again. The man in question had his nose tucked into his scarf, his face flushed pink.

In the year since the ending of the war, Sokka had been working on rebuilding the South Pole and had made great progress since she had last seen it. A tall guard tower was attached to a wall that surrounded a village of newly built houses. Enyo had heard that some delegates from the North had come down to help rebuild. She scanned the area as they descended the ramp. 

Near the edge of the wall, stood an old man and woman. Enyo grinned as they approached. She quickly accepted Grangran's hug.

"I can't believe you're alive and looking so healthy," She crowed, squeezing Enyo's face. She turned her attention to Zuko, whose eyes flickered for a second as the woman hugged him. "I'll admit, this is much better than the first time we met."

Enyo snorted as she squeezed Pakku as well. They had become good friends throughout her White Lotus training. The man had a grumpy demeanour but made excellent soup and was a great conversationalist-- when given enough to drink.

"Enyo!" 

Enyo grinned as her father and siblings approached. It had taken a bit of getting used to for her father to understand the new name, but it worked well now. 

She joined them in a group hug, letting them squeeze her tight. "It's been so long," 

"I'm glad you were finally able to visit. We've missed you," Hakoda spoke. His eyes drifted away from Zuko, who was still being fawned over by Grangran and Pakku. He stepped around them and Enyo watched him approach Zuko. There were a few words exchanged and Zuko visibly relaxed. Enyo smiled.

Sokka walked past her as well and Grangran joined her and Katara. Enyo frowned as Zuko was shuttled off into the village. He cast one surprised look back at her as he vanished behind the walls, and she gave him a quick smile. 

~~~

"Are you glad we came?" Enyo asked.

Zuko nodded. There was an easy grin on his face. "Yeah, thanks for convincing me to do this. Your father is nice,"

Enyo smiled and squeezed his hand as the boat began to move away. She waved down at the shore of people, her family in front. 

She waited until they were out of eyeshot before glancing at Zuko, surprised to find him looking down at her. She nudged at him and he smiled before speaking.

"I've been reading through some of the books in the palace library on water tribe customs." He started. "And I spoke to your family while we were here."

Enyo raised an eyebrow, unsure where he was going with this. 

He dug a hand into his pocket and pulled out a choker-style necklace. Enyo's eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly. It was a purple ribbon with a hand-carved pendant-- similar to the runes on her spear. She dug a hand into her pocket and wrapped it around her two stones. It was the same style as she had seen the women in her family wearing.

"I know it may seem a bit strong, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you, even if it means I have to follow you across the world. I will."

Enyo grabbed his face and pulled him down to kiss her. He grinned against her, his hand coming up to brush over hers.

He was her family, and would be for a long time.