She first met him when she was 12 and he was 13; under the orange blossoms of the fire trees. She offered him a drink, as was customary in their ways during this season, in which he only gave her a shy smile in return. She did not understand this herself, but ever since that day, she discovered that she liked his smile.
When she was 13 and he was 14 she would find ways to wander in the royal gardens where he used to hang out during the afternoons with his friend. And when he recognized her, with his expression suddenly brightening, she quickly walked away, her smile hidden, admiring his own from afar.
But two years later, when the sages told them of his identity in public, her hope faded as she knew that he was someone that she can never have, as he became the servant of the world.
Still, her admiration remained.
*****
He had been gone for 12 long years.
She never saw him again until she was already a young woman of 27 when he suddenly came to her home, anxiously asking about the rumors of her engagement to another nobleman. She quickly assured him that the rumors were false, but was just as surprised that he still remembered her. Even after traveling the whole world, where he could meet women who were most likely be more beautiful and exotic, in which she tried so hard to accept and move on.
But it never came up from him as he decided not to take another chance on the matter to leave her again, and by the end of the year, they married.
For many years, she was happy, and so was he. And even though the burdens of his duty had strained his time with her, he was proud to be married to her, raising their children, growing old together.
****
When she was 69 and he 70, the love of her life fell, defending their home. And on that day her heart died with him. Despite traditions that she was free to remarry; she declined the offers from her suitors and hid away in her ancestral home, silently grieving.
Ten years after her husband's death, she met his old friend from the Southern Air Temple, who visited to inquire about her health. He had brought along his youngest ward, eager to meet new friends.
She looked at the young airbender, and him at her. And then he smiled shyly. Just like he used to.
There were no words needed as she took the child in her arms and held him tight, wondering if he remembered. And as the boy slowly hugged her back; she took comfort that he did.