Chapter Text
Ursa wasn’t royalty growing up. She had come from a quiet fishing island on the border of the Fire Nation. Her skin was permanently tanned, a few shades darker than other Fire Nation citizens who lived on the main island. Her hair was dark, eyes golden. Money was scarce, but the village made it work. Her clothing was always a bit baggy. Ursa remembers going into the capitol once, for trading purposes. The citizens mocked her outfit, saying that it was too “scandalous” and “revealing”. She herself had no qualms about the way she dressed. It was hotter on her island and everybody else there went shirtless or would wear a piece of cloth across the chest. Ursa also couldn’t care less about what these rich folk said.
Traditions in her village were very important, they meant everything. Every holiday, birthday, and wedding would be celebrated until nobody could stand anymore due to tiredness. She loved these days the most, always helping put up decorations or cooking for the event. All the people on her little island knew each other, and Ursa liked it that way.
Now, she knew no one. Her wedding with Ozai didn’t come as a surprise to her. Previously her mother told her that she was important, due to her grandfather. Ursa didn’t understand why her grandfather was so important, didn’t understand why her mother was telling her about the royal family, didn’t understand why she had to know this. Age sixteen found her these answers when the prince showed up, just to meet with her. Prince Ozai had stated that she would be his bride and that was that. Nobody in the village congratulated her and even if they had, Ursa would’ve been upset. Hatred for the royal family was rampant in the islands that surrounded the main island of the Fire Nation.
At eighteen, Ursa was married and the next year she had given birth. Those in the palace were upset about her Zuko’s birth, she heard the whispers, due to the date it fell on and the weather given, but none was as angry as Ozai. Ursa didn’t care about any of that. The day she found out she was pregnant wasn’t a happy one. She knew what her husband was like and how he’d inevitably treat the baby. But, as her son grew so did her happiness and love for him. Back on her island religion was very important. It was in the capitol as well, but not like how it was in her home. There were festivals throughout the year, altars set up all around. That’s the way Ursa grew up, she knew when a gift from Agni had been given.
That’s why she knew Zuko was special. About three months or so into her pregnancy, she started having dreams. If you asked Ursa what they were about, she wouldn’t be able to tell you, but she knew. A mother always does. She knew her baby was to be blessed. A few weeks before her upcoming due date, she started asking Ozai if she could go back to her home village. It was important for her baby to be born there, it was her favorite place anyway and she’d rather give birth somewhere she felt comfortable. Her husband said no, but that was why Ursa started asking early. For days the topic was brought up again and again, until Ozai gave in.
Being home felt like heaven. Even in the winter months, Agni shone brightly down on the island and Ursa knew it was smart to have her baby here. Also, with her husband staying at his palace, it gave her a nice reprieve from his attitude.
Zuko was born on the winter solstice during a storm. The local doctor and midwife along with her mother were there. Most everybody else braved the storm in hopes of reeling in as many fish as possible. Once cleaned, Zuko had been given back to Ursa. His skin was the same shade as hers and when he squinted his eyes open for a moment or two, she could tell they shared the same eyes as well. What stood out the most had been his hair. Ursa was surprised with how much he had, for a baby anyway, but what stood out the most had been the color of it. Overall, Zuko’s hair was black, all except for a thick part of light blond hair interrupting the rest of his dark hair. “Hmm,” her mother mumbled after she had snuggled into Ursa’s side on the bed, “would ya look at that? Agni has given you a gift.”
Yes, yes she had. Don’t worry Zuko, mommy will protect you and love you. Forever and always.