Disclaimer: I'm not Nickleodeon Because I am not Nickleodeon, I came to the conclusion that Zutara is totally perfect, and thus, this story.

Epilogue: A Lord and his Lady

Zuko

It's not very often that I feel proud of anyone, or anything. I've occasionally been proud of the things I've done, and I know of others who were proud of me for things (often the same things). For example, I was proud of my choice to join up with Aang and the others. I was proud when I finally sucked up the courage to ask Katara to marry me, and I was definitely proud of her betrothal necklace.

I smiled as she walked toward me. There was only one thing left that had to happen for Katara to stay by me forever.

I had to crown her.

Katara's dress was traditional Fire Nation garb. The style adhered perfectly to standards set by previous nobility. It was fitted at the top with extra material flowing down. The heavy, layered skirt brushed the floor of the temple. There was only one variation.

Her dress was blue.

And she looked spectacular.

Katara knelt in front of me. Her eyes were facing the ground just in front of her. I smiled down at her, but she could not see.

"Waterbending Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, Daughter of Hakoda, Sister of Sokka and wife of Zuko," I paused because I still got a little giddy when I got to say that, "you are about to be crowned Fire Lady. Do you understand all that this entails?"

"I understand."

"Do you swear upon your life, soul and bending to govern the People of the Fire Nation by the laws set forth by His Royal Highness, the Fire Lord?"

"I so swear."

"Will you use your power, influence and status to protect the Law and honor the codes of this country, by no means cruelly, in all projects and judgment?"

"I will."

"As acting mother of the Fire Nation, will you provide a motherly vision to all citizens who seek your guidance?"

"I will."

"Will you raise the heirs to the throne with all the knowledge of our customs so that they may one day take the throne of the Fire Nation themselves?"

"I will."

Katara slowly rose from her kneeling position. Immediately after she straightened her body, she dropped into a deep curtsy. Her first curtsy was to me. Her second was to Uncle Iroh on my left. The third was to my mother on my right.

Then, she knelt again.

Mother handed me her crown. I placed it on her head.

I reached out a hand. Katara looked up and grinned. She slipped her hand into mine and stood gracefully. She had one last curtsy.

Her first one to her People.

AN: It's over. Sniff. Sniff. Also, credit to the English Monarchy because I adapted those vows to make most of Katara's. Also, Katara is the Fire Lady, YAY!