The Teacher and the Pupil
By Verdigris
Disclaimer: Nope...still don't own it.
Author's Note: A collection of one-shots focused on Aang and Gyatso before the war.
Join the Dance
Autumn was a time for celebration and festivity for the Air Nomads. Their spiritual energies were at their strongest during the fall season when the winds changed at summer's end. On the first day of fall, Airbenders gathered at the Eastern Air Temple to celebrate. Colorful died cloth flags of orange, red and yellow were strung up around the walls and waved energetically throughout the temple. Pumpkin-beans were gathered by the sisters and piled in weaved baskets near the entryways to thank the spirits for the coming of fall.
The courtyard in the Eastern Air Temple was the largest out of the four temples, which was why it was chosen for the yearly festival. As the sun rose to mark the first day of the season, the temple as already filled with monks and sisters, as well as other Air Nomads from neighboring villages.
Gales of laughter echoed and rose from the center of the courtyard as platters of delicious food were passed from one hand to the other. The aroma of smoked cedar, celery and herb cheeses, honey glazed bread and fruit pies permeated though the air. Wooden pitchers of freshly squeezed raspberry-nectar juice had to be constantly refilled to keep up with the thirsty masses.
Filled with good food and drink everyone rose to dance, whirling and spinning to the tunes of Air Nomad folk songs. Even the sky bison, free from their saddles and harnesses, bellowed along with the music joyfully.
Gyatso was sitting next to Tenzin, an elder monk from the Northern Air Temple, sharing stories as they drank lemon grass tea together.
"The children are not dancing," Monk Tenzin gestured to the large groups of young airbenders behind them. "Why are they not joining in?"
The children chose to stay near the tables of food, preferring to be part of the scenery than the entertainment. The boys stood on one side of the courtyard while the girls stood on the other, nervously avoiding eye contact. For many, this was the first time they ever socialized with an airbender of the opposite sex. The four temples were either strictly male or female. Theses boys and girls had never came in contact with one another and did know what was to be expected of them, especially on the dance floor.
Boys gazed nervously at the girls and picked at their food. The girls were doing the same, never straying too far from their group. It was new territory for them, something their fellow monks and sisters never taught them. They watched enviously as the adults danced with each other with ease.
Gyatso chuckled at Tenzin's comment, "They just need a little encouragement. Once one of them starts dancing, they'll all join in."
It was no surprise to Gyatso when Aang broke the ice. Once the band began to play a new tune, he was the first to run onto on the center of the courtyard. At first the children only gawked, frozen in their place on the sidelines of the makeshift dance floor.
They were mesmerized as Aang danced by himself, acting as if no one was watching. What he lacked in rhythm and style, he made up for in enthusiasm. Kicking up his heels, he moved about with the adults in the courtyard, mixing in different styles he had picked up from the other dancers. He even came up with new ones, never caring if he looked ridiculous.
Aang suddenly paused after he noticed the stares from the other children. Instead of feeling embarrassed, he only grinned at them. When they didn't join him, he ran over to the side and extended a hand to a particularly shy girl.
The girl blushed and was unsure of what to do, turning to her other sisters for help. Before they could react she was pulled out into the dance floor. Aang sensed her nervousness, and slowly led her into a simple made-up dance. Before long, she was simply dancing and the worry of following the steps was soon forgotten.
Encouraged by Aang's fearless display the children forgot their apprehension and giggled, running out to join them. Their shyness disappeared and whatever uneasiness they had about dancing and each other was gone.
Life is like that, Gyatso thought as he sipped his tea. No matter the rhythm or the steps, one must always learn to join the dance.
Author's Note: Hoped you liked it. More on the way!
