II: TOUCH
i'll never leave you on the wire
so baby let me touch your fire
i'm cold, sick and i'm tired
so let me touch your fire
"Let Me Touch Your Fire" — ARIZONA
The most important part of an official marriage engagement ceremony is far easier for firebenders than nonbenders. Once two people commit to each other and promise marriage, they must go to the Fire Sages. Whoever oversees the ceremony lights a fire in a bowl of coals, and those who wish to be betrothed each set their hands in the flames.
When Azula asks—well, demands—that Ty Lee marry her, they set out for the ceremony in under a day. And, so, at the moment, they stand in front of a Fire Sage as the coals heat up.
Ty Lee turns to Azula. Her sweat does not just come from the hot room.
"Azula, this is going to hurt," Ty Lee whispers, beginning to inch away from the red coals.
"Would you not suffer any pain for me?" Azula asks coolly and Ty Lee purses her lips. Yes, she would hurt for Azula like she regularly does, and so she steps forward again. "Right."
They stand together and listen to the binding words. They sign the official papers since the Fire Nation adores its bureaucracy even under Zuko's reign.
Then, Azula sets her hand there first. She does not flinch or react since it would never hurt the most powerful firebender in the world. Ty Lee grimaces as she touches one finger then pulls back.
"Set your whole hand down. Doing it slowly will make it worse," says Azula, not lifting her own hand as she speaks.
Ty Lee takes a deep breath and smashes her hand down. She manages to contain the yelp of pain building in her throat.
And now, the two women are engaged to be wed.
