Months had passed since Iroh and I became engaged. I loved the word "fiancé" so much that I could wait to marry Iroh just so I could say it all the time.
It turned out that Iroh had asked my family for their blessing before proposing to me, and I was genuinely surprised that my father, let Iroh propose to his first child.
After Iroh proposed, I said yes, of course. I'm not crazy, guys.
I called up Asami, who was thrilled for us. She shared the news with the brothers, and Bolin was especially excited. Varrick, being his eccentric self, even wanted to make a movie about our engagement. At that point, the whole Republic city knew.
I contacted Korra, who was still recovering in the South Pole from the tragic events.
I informed her about the engagement party that Iroh and I were planning to have. But, she declined the invitation, explaining that she wasn't feeling up to it. She felt embarrassed to show her face in public, and since the Fire Nation Royal palace is highly visible, she preferred not to attend. While I understood her reasons, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment.
However, my friends from Republic City were all able to attend, and I eagerly awaited their arrival in three...two..one
"Fara!" Soon enough, Bolin and the rest of the crew entered the palace, escorted by guards.
"Bolin!" I greeted him with a smile, bowing slightly.
Bolin playfully smacked my hand away and enveloped me in a tight hug. "The Fire Nation is making you too formal! Give me a hug!"
We laughed as I returned his hug, and Mako greeted me next, offering his congratulations.
"Thank you, Mako," I replied, touched by his words.
I looked around, expecting to see Asami, "Where's Asami?"
"Oh, she wasn't able to make it today, she's been having some issues with her company, but she said she'll make it way before the party!" Bolin explained.
"Oh, okay."
Varrick entered the room with Zhu Li by his side, and his usual dramatic flair. "Wowza! Can you believe I've never been here?"
Zhu Li, as pragmatic as always, reminded him, "Sir, we aren't even supposed to be here. You're banned from entering this nation due to-"
Varrick interrupted her, playfully hushing her. "Zip it, Zhu Li! Are you really airing my business like this?"
Everyone exchanged amused glances. Of course he had somehow managed to get himself banished from a nation he had never even visited before.
Varrick then walked over to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Fara, congratulations! Where's the hubby?"
I playfully swatted his hand. "Oh, you know, Iroh. Busy guy. He'll be home soon."
Right on cue, Iroh had walked in through the door with Uncle Bumi, they were chuckling and having a lighthearted conversation.
"Kiddo!" Uncle Bumi exclaimed, pulling me into a bear hug. "Oh, spirits, you're all grown up now."
I smiled mischievously as Uncle Bumi complimented me.
Uncle Bumi struck a confident pose, arms crossed over his chest and legs spread wide. "You know, I always knew you two would end up together. Iroh wouldn't stop talking about my gorgeous niece when we served in the army. Boy, he had it bad."
"He still does," Iroh coughed out.
I chuckled and playfully punched Iroh's shoulder. "That's cute."
Uncle Bumi paused for a moment, suddenly concerned. "Wait, your mother isn't here, right?" he asked Iroh.
Iroh raised an eyebrow, his expression unchanged. "She's the Firelord. Of course, she's here."
Uncle Bumi nervously bit his fingernails, his panic evident. "Oh no, oh no!"
"What's wrong, Uncle Bumi?"
"Yeah, you seem stressed." Bolin commented.
Uncle Bumi ran his fingers through his hair. "I knew, I shouldn't have come here."
Confused, I furrowed my brow. "Uncle Bumi, what do you mean? What's going on?"
Taking a few deep breaths, Uncle Bumi placed his hand on Iroh's shoulder for support. "Once upon a time, Izumi and I used to date...we didn't end on the best terms."
My jaw dropped in surprise. "You and Firelord Izumi?!"
Iroh remained unfazed, replying calmly, "I knew about this."
"And you didn't tell me?!" I exclaimed. "We could be cousins! Oh my spirits, imagine if we are cousins!"
Iroh shot me the most disapproving bombastic side eye, I have ever witnessed. "Fara, never say that again. That's gross."
Varrick, ever invested in our conversation, chimed in. "You know, I once dated my cousin."
Once again, everyone turned to Varrick in complete shock. Anything that came out of the man's mouth was insanity.
"What?" Varrick examined everyone's stares. "It happens!"
Bolin started to feel a bit nervous. "Mako, do you think Opal and I are cousins?"
Mako glanced at his little brother. "No, bro, you're not cousins. Relax."
Bolin started panicking. "What if we're all cousins?!"
Varrick pulled out a board from his bag. "You know, I have a theory that we're all actually related."
"Okay, everyone, that's enough. Go to your rooms," I declared, trying to diffuse the situation. "You're all clearly tired and delusional from the long journey to the Fire Nation."
Bolin rubbed his head. "Now that you mention it, I am pretty tired."
"Royal servants, please show our guests to their rooms," Iroh requested.
The servants promptly gathered their belongings and guided them to their rooms. Once they were gone, Iroh and I found ourselves alone in the palace.
"Your friends are quite strange," Iroh remarked,
Smiling, I pressed my lips against Iroh's shoulder. "I know, but I love them anyways."
Iroh smiled back, wrapping his arms around my neck and playfully putting me in a headlock. "I know you do."
✧༺♥༻∞༺♥༻✧
Several weeks had passed since my friends arrived. Asami had joined us, and the four of us spent time catching up.
Bolin was officially dating Opal and remained in Republic City. He had been working on a few movers with Varrick but was contemplating whether or not to explore another profession, but he wasn't sure yet.
Mako continued to work with Lin, but she offered him a new assignment. He was tasked with protecting the next leader of the Earth Kingdom, who happened to be the late Earth Queen's nephew. Mako wasn't thrilled about the change, but Lin insisted he take on the responsibility. He would be heading to Ba Sing Se in a few months to prepare for his new role.
Asami was still Asami, focused on rebuilding her company in as always.
During our conversation, the boys had addressed that they hadn't heard from Korra in months, they had been receiving letters for the first couple of weeks, but then they just stopped.
Once Asami and I were alone we confessed that we had been receiving letter from Korra, but it was strange that she hadn't been writing to the brothers. They had always been an important part of her life and ours, so it seemed odd.
Today marked the day of Iroh and I's engagement party, and Lin arrived on the same day.
"I can't believe you're engaged," Lin grumbled at me. "And here I thought you would be sixteen and pregnant with no baby daddy around."
I decided to tease her back. "You have issues, Lin. I'm engaged before you, that speaks a lot of volume.."
Before things escalated, my father intervened and prevented Lin from getting physical with me. I giggled and skipped away, greeting other family members from my mother's side who were from the Fire Nation. Mom's other half were in the Earth Kingdom, so they weren't able to make it.
Unfortunately, Gran-Gran and Aunt Kya couldn't make it to the engagement party. Apparently, Korra was going through a tough time and needed them both.
Once the family members were settled in the palace, the party was about to begin. I got dressed, and the finest makeup artist in the Fire Nation worked on my makeup.
Or
When I was ready, I entered the shared bedroom of Iroh and me. I bumped into his crew as they were about to leave the room.
As Iroh turned away from the mirror, his mouth dropped open as he examined me from head to toe. "Fara, baby, you do know this isn't our actual wedding? Why did you have to eat up like this?"
I blushed and placed my hand over my face. "Iroh stop, you look handsome."
Iroh gestured for me to do a twirl, and I obliged, showing off my entire dress. He took in every detail.
"I'm speechless," he said, clearly impressed.
I couldn't stop smiling. "Oh, this was all the female servants, they did this."
Iroh held my shoulder and pulled me into a hug. "Yes, but you're beautiful as well. You look incredible."
"Thank you, my fiancé." I replied, giving Iroh a playful wink.
He chuckled as we linked our arms together. "You really enjoy saying 'fiancé,' don't you?"
I eagerly nodded.
"Well, my fiancé," Iroh said, lightly bowing. "We must greet our guests."
"We shall," I agreed.
A knock was heard at the door. "Come in," I called out, and the door opened, revealing Zuko.
"Congratulations, Iroh and Fara," Zuko said, his smile broad. "I am so happy for you both."
Iroh and I smiled shyly, touched by his kind words.
Zuko shuffled forward, patting Iroh on the back. "Oh, my grandson. I knew you two would find your way to each other. You were both a bit awkward as children, but look at you now."
Zuko sat on Iroh's bed while Iroh and I found seats across from him at Iroh's work desk.
Zuko's voice grew emotional. "I don't want to get too sentimental here, but you two make such a beautiful couple. Fara, I am honored to have you as part of our family. Though in truth, you've always been a part of it."
I tried to hold back my tears. "Awe, Zuko, stop."
Iroh gently fanned my face with his hands, helping to dry my tears.
"As you embark on this new chapter in your lives, always remember to be kind, patient, and understanding with each other," Zuko advised, his voice filled with wisdom. "Marriage requires hard work and dedication, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have."
Iroh and I nodded, taking Lord Zuko's words to heart.
"Thank you, grandfather," Iroh said, his voice filled with emotion. "We will always remember your words of wisdom."
Zuko smiled, his heart filled with joy. "I am so happy for both of you. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day."
✧༺♥༻∞༺♥༻✧
The engagement party took place at Iroh's grand family estate, with guests arriving in their finest attire. The palace was decorated with elegant red and gold banners, representing the colors of the Fire Nation. A magnificent table showcased traditional Fire Nation dishes, such as roasted hog-monkey and flame-seared fish.
As the guests mingled and engaged in conversations, Iroh and I made a grand entrance. We were dressed in traditional Fire Nation robes, with me wearing a stunning red dress and Iroh donning a black and gold robe that showcased his noble status.
I noticed Varrick and Zhu Li in the corner, diligently filming the entire ceremony, and their presence brought a smile to my face.
Amidst cheers and applause, Iroh and I took center stage to deliver a speech. Iroh stood up, his eyes filled with adoration as he looked at me. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being here today to celebrate this special moment with us," he began. "I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found someone who loves and accepts me unconditionally."
Iroh then spoke about the lessons he had learned from his family. "My grandfather, Lord Zuko, taught me the significance of compassion and forgiveness," he shared. "My mother, Fire Lord Izumi, instilled in me the values of hard work and unwavering dedication. And my great grand-uncle, General Iroh, inspired me to become a great leader."
He paused for a moment, gazing out at the crowd. "I aspire to carry forward their legacies and make them proud," Iroh said earnestly. "And I promise to extend the same love, support, and unwavering presence to my beloved fiancée. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way."
I took the microphone from Iroh, eager to express my gratitude and share my joy with my loved ones. As I stood there, looking out at the breathtaking scenery and the familiar faces, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.
"While I grew up different from Iroh, coming from a family deeply rooted in spirituality and our own set of morals, I have always been taught that everything happens for a reason," I began. "I may have tended to break some of the rules time to time. Sorry, Mom and Dad." A light chuckle rippled through the crowd, and I could distinctly hear my father's laughter.
"She was pretty bad," my father playfully responded, causing another round of laughter.
"Thank dad," I continued, my voice filled with warmth. "Thank you to my incredible family who has nurtured and molded me into the woman I am today. Without your unwavering love and support, I would not be standing here today. I love each and every one of you."
"We love you too!" Ikki shouted, breaking through the crowd and jumping onto me. I smiled, holding her close.
"I've always believed that every twist and turn in life happens for a reason," I continued, my voice tinged with emotion. "When I met my fiancé, I knew he was someone truly special. Despite how we may be polar opposites, Iroh possesses a kind heart and a gentle spirit that perfectly complements mine."
I paused for a moment, capturing the gaze of the crowd and, most importantly, locking eyes with Iroh. "I am filled with immense gratitude as I prepare to embark on this beautiful journey of marriage with my best friend and soulmate. I love you beyond words, Iroh."
"I love you, times infinity, Fara," he responded, his voice full of warmth and devotion.
As I finished my speech, Iroh raised his glass in a toast. "To my beautiful fiancée, I can't wait for the adventures that lies ahead as we start this new chapter together," he said. "And to all of you, thank you for being a part of this special day."
After the speeches, Iroh and I shared our first dance as an engaged couple, with guests soon joining in the festivities. The music, provided by a traditional Fire Nation band, filled the air with the enchanting melodies of drums and flutes.
As we danced, our eyes locked, and a smile formed on our lips. "I am so happy that we are engaged," I whispered. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
"I feel the same way," Iroh responded, his voice filled with love. "You bring out the best in me, and I cannot imagine continuing life without you.
The music played on, and our friends and family joyously danced around us.
"This is the best engagement party ever!" Bolin exclaimed, his voice beamed with excitement. "I love the traditional Fire Nation music and the vibrant atmosphere."
"It's the only engagement party you've been to," Mako teasingly interjected.
"That's true," Bolin admitted. "But it's still the best! And the food is fantastic. These Fire Nation spicy dumplings are to die for. Fara, you should get engaged more often!"
"I agree." Meelo chimed in, his mouth full of dumplings. "This party is amazing!"
Meelo then approached Iroh, trying to size him up. "Fara told me that she and I would throw an even better party than this one, so watch out!"
Everyone erupted in laughter at Meelo's remark as Iroh looked quite threatened by the small child.
The joyful atmosphere continued as the night progressed.
At one point, my eyes widened in astonishment as I watched my uncle Bumi and Iroh's mother, Izumi, laughing and dancing together. They seemed to be having the time of their lives. I playfully nudged Iroh's chest a few times.
"Hey, hey, what's going on?" he asked, a bemused expression on his face.
I twirled him around as we watched the unexpected duo. "Look at them," I said with a grin.
Iroh perked an eyebrow. "Wow, "I never thought I'd see the day."
The night was filled with laughter, joy, and celebration. The guests enjoyed the food, danced to the rhythm of traditional Fire Nation music, and indulged in the lively atmosphere. Games such as Pai Sho and Dragon Tiles entertained those seeking friendly competition.
"I love this game," Zuko said as he was playing Pai Sho with Asami. "It's so strategic and requires a lot of focus. I was taught by the best."
Asami nodded in agreement. "It's been years since I last played, but it's like riding a bike. Once you start, it all comes back to you."
As the night went on, the guests laughed and joked as they played games and enjoyed each other's company. The music continued to play and everyone danced around the room.
"This is the best party I've been to in a long time," one guest commented.
"Indeed," another guest added, "And the young couple look so happy. They are perfect for each other."
As the night gradually wound down, Iroh and I expressed heartfelt gratitude to our guests for making our engagement party so memorable. "Having all of you here means the world to us," I announced. "Thank you for celebrating with us."
Iroh raised his voice, his expression filled with appreciation. "We cannot wait to start our new chapter together, we are so happy to have all of you with us on this journey."
As the night came to a close, the guests bid their farewells and our family and friends returned to their rooms. Iroh and I embraced each other, filled with a profound sense of joy and anticipation. We knew deep in our hearts that we had discovered a love that was truly extraordinary, and we couldn't contain our excitement as we embarked on this beautiful journey together.
As we held each other in that quiet moment, we exchanged heartfelt promises and whispered words of love. We gazed into each other's eyes, our smiles reflecting the profound happiness we felt in our souls.
With a final tender kiss, we knew that our love would continue to grow and flourish with each passing day.
The end.
A/n: lmao, just kidding, this is not the end..🙈 see you next chapter