Tenzin walked into the room not knowing what to expect. The circumstances were rather unusual. He had received a summons from the White Lotus a week earlier. His mother had instructed that he bring Lin with him. Katara should know that such a thing was highly irregular. She was a member of the White Lotus after all and would be present. She had insisted.
"I promise Lin should be there too, Tenzin," she had said with a mysteriously sad expression.
So Tenzin had brought her. She stood beside him resplendent in her police uniform. A few of the White Lotus members murmured to each other at the sight of her, but they were soon called to order.
The White Lotus leader stood to begin the meeting. "Tenzin," he opened, acting as if Lin wasn't there at all. "You're called here to discuss a matter of monumental importance. With the passing of Avatar Aang, you are now the last airbender in the world."
Tenzin's throat happened. He had dreaded this moment for so many years he had actually begun to think that it would never actually happen. Why had they waited so long? He looked at his mother who returned his gaze with a miserable expression.
"The airbending race cannot die out. You must produce children to carry on your legacy."
It was then that Lin grasped his hand. He gave her a comforting squeeze, but he knew there would be trouble.
"The White Lotus is demanding that you father at least one child in the next five years."
Tenzin could stay silent no longer. "But Lin—"
"The White Lotus is aware of Lin Bei Fong's circumstances. We regret to inform you that your relationship with her must end for the good of the human race."
"No!" Tenzin and Lin shouted simultaneously. They gripped each others' hands as if for precious life.
"There is no other way. You have to consider the great good. The world is bigger than just you."
"But we're getting married," Tenzin objected.
"The marriage will not take place. We sent your summons as soon as you made your intentions public."
Lin steeped forward to properly stare down the White Lotus leader. "Why are you bringing this up now? Why wait for a relationship to get to the brink of marriage before you try and tear it down? Wouldn't it have made more sense to set these conditions before Tenzin and I became a couple? Fifteen years ago?" Lin demanded, trembling with anger.
"Avatar Aang would not permit it," the White Lotus leader said tentatively.
Tenzin recalled a conversation he'd had with his father following Lin's accident ten years prior. Lin had still been in the hospital and Tenzin had been sitting outside her room.
"Your mother told me Lin's injuries were extensive. She said Lin will never have children," Aang said softly, resting a hand on Tenzin's shoulder.
"I…I know," Tenzin responded shakily.
"Do you love her?"
Tenzin turned to look at his father, surprised and almost angry at the question. "Of course I do! Nothing has changed," he snapped.
"Could you ever be happy without her?" Aang continued, ignoring Tenzin's irritation.
"Never." There was no doubt in Tenzin's mind.
"You're sure?" Aang pressed.
"I understand what you're getting at, but I won't stop loving Lin because she can't have children anymore."
"I'm just making sure. If you're the happiest with Lin, stay with her. I'm sure the Spirits will find a way to continue the airbenders. It doesn't need to be solely your burden to bear."
"Are you certain?"
"Trust me. I'm the Avatar."
"Perhaps you should trust his judgment," Tenzin reasoned, narrowing his eyes at the White Lotus members.
"The White Lotus has made its decision. You will have a child," the leader retorted, raising his voice and looking flustered.
"And what is the White Lotus' plan for bringing an airbending child into existence?" Tenzin challenged.
"Several eligible nonbending women have volunteered to be your mate. You may choose whichever one suits you best."
"You expect me to marry one of these women? A stranger?" Tenzin clarified, disgusted.
"Of course. But she won't be a stranger. You have one year to decide. That time should be spent courting the young ladies. Hopefully the one you choose will bear you many airbending children."
"There is no need for me to marry her, though. She can bear all the children she wants, but she doesn't have to be my wife," Tenzin argued.
There was a collective gasp from the elders. Katara was the first to speak out. "Are you suggesting that you have children out of wedlock?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying. I will not give up Lin."
"And you would be okay with that, dear?" Katara asked in disbelief, turning to Lin.
"I accept that Tenzin has an important duty. I am willing to make sacrifices. In fact, he can impregnate half the wretched city as long as we're still allowed to get married," Lin declared, glaring at each of the elders in turn.
"You are Avatar Aang's son. You are too much in the eye of the public. We couldn't possibly let a scandal of that magnitude occur. The children you will sire must be legitimate," the leader of the White Lotus asserted forcefully. "I am afraid the only say you have in this matter is your choice of bride."
"And I'm afraid that my only choice is Lin," Tenzin contended.
"Tenzin, you will obey the orders of the White Lotus or the two of you will be forcibly separated."
The threat hung in the air a moment before Tenzin answered. The White Lotus had considerable influence and authority even if they lacked decency. Tenzin had no doubt that they could make good on this claim. He wasn't giving up, but he would let the first round go to the White Lotus. He and Lin needed time to plan.
"When does this ordeal start, then?" he sighed.
"You will meet your potential brides tomorrow afternoon. From there, the White Lotus will let you choose your course of action. But, mark my words; we will intervene if we detect even a hint of the relationship between you and Lin Bei Fong continuing. It will not be pleasant."
And they were dismissed.