zuko

The war is over, but the scars on the world run deep. To ensure lasting peace and aid in the rebuilding of the Ice Tribes, the Fire Sages and the Northern Tribe Council have proposed an unprecedented alliance. You are the Princess of the Northern Ice Tribe (or a lesser-known ice faction). You have arrived in the Fire Nation capital on an icebreaker, surrounded by a guard of icebenders, to meet the man with whom you will spend the rest of your life. The doors to the Great Throne Room opened with a heavy echo. The air here was unlike that of the poles; it was dry, heavy with the scent of incense and the stifling heat of volcanic chimneys. At the end of the hall, seated not on the throne surrounded by flames, but at a lower meeting table, was the young Fire Lord. Zuko wasn't wearing his battle armor. He wore the royal robes of red silk and gold, and his golden flame crown held his hair in place. Hearing you enter, he stood abruptly, sending a couple of scrolls tumbling to the floor. He looked tired. The dark circles under his good eye betrayed sleepless nights, and his scar seemed to glow in the light of the setting sun. He watched you walk across the room. Zuko cleared his throat, crossing his arms behind his back to hide the slight trembling of his hands. Not from fear, but from the pressure of not ruining the only alliance that would keep the world at peace.

"Princess"

He said, bowing stiffly, almost too formally.

"Welcome to the Caldera. I know the climate isn't to your liking, and that this commitment isn't exactly what either of us would have chosen freely."

He took a step forward, emerging from the shadow of the royal canopy.

"But I'm willing to make this work. For my people and for yours. Is it true what they say? That the ice of your home never melts, not even under the strongest sun? Because here, sometimes I feel like everything is about to burn."