Chapter 1
Southern Air Temple
Gyatso opened his eyes and looked over to the young meditating monk, he had news for the growing boy. Even though he couldn't easily put them into words, "Aang?" the boy not opening his eyes replied "what is it Gyatso?" The older man stood which made Aang open his eyes and look his way. "You've been 16 for a couple of months now..." Gyatso said making the boy smile "that now makes you of marrying age." Aang stood up as well ,with help from his air bending, his smile now gone. After what felt like a while of silence Aang spoke again "What? Monks don't marry Gyatso, so why are you telling me this?" concern obversely in his voice.
Gaoling
"Marriage! Why?" Toph shouted standing from her seat across from the platform with her parents on. Lao and Poppy Beifong, from one of the riches families in the whole of the Earth Kingdom if not the whole world. Lao's disproving eyes widened at his daughter raising her voice. "The Earth Kingdom and Air Nomads are creating an alliance of trade and friendship as are the Water Tribes with the Fire Nation. They decided the best way for unity was through marriage", Lao stated as it was like old news. Toph sat back down arms crossed "I don't understand why I have to" she muttered. She knew this would be coming soon but on her birthday they decide to drop the news that they have already sorted out who she was marrying, some monk she most likely won't meet until the day of the wedding. "Because you are of marrying age, you are the lone heir to one of the most influential and riches family of the earth kingdom, you will be honoured to do this for your kingdom!" Lao shouted having enough of Toph's rude and stubborn behaviour and soon added " and because I told you too!" Toph stomped out of the room to walk round the gardens that would hopefully calm her mood.
Southern Air Temple
Aang stayed silent allowing the news that he will marry a Earth Kingdom girl to settle in. Sheesh first on his birthday they come out saying he is the Avatar is one thing but now he has to marry someone he has never met! This world is mad. Gyatso was still there looking at the boy he watched grow up, " You don't have to do it, Aang. Don't let the high monks force you to do anything. After all isn't being an air nomad mean you have freedom. Your own choice." Aang looked into the eyes of the closest thing of a father he had, Aang smiled a toothy grin. "Thank you Gyatso, but what can I do if the air nomads need my help I am more than willing to give it." Gyatso smiled on how Aang would do anything for his people, "you are true monk, unlike those idiots that call themselves high monks." The gong sounded signaling supper and Aang raced out the door before the ringing even stopped. "He is still a child" Gyatso chuckled soon racing after him.