Shattering Ice
Chapter Nine
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
She was heavier than he thought, but then again, maybe it made sense. She spent a lot of time working in the market, carrying buckets of ice and fish around. It was only natural that she developed muscles.
"Pakku," He looked up from where he was sitting on the floor, in the same position he had been when he caught Kana. He had completely forgotten that they weren't alone. Standing over him, while he held an unconscious young woman in his arms, were two pairs of adults. The fisherman that had called out his name knelt down on the other side of the girl. "Give her to me. I'll carry her to her room."
"I can do it," Instinctively, his arms tightened around her body. He pulled her closer to him as he met Suka's gaze. "I can carry her to her room." He insisted.
"Don't be silly, Pakku," his mother's voice wafted over from where she stood behind his father. "Let Suka carry his daughter. You aren't strong enough to pick her up."
He bristled. It took all his strength to suppress the scowl that crossed his face. "I said I can carry her." Pakku told them firmly. His arms carefully made their way beneath Kana's legs and back. He adjusted his position as the adults around them watched worriedly. Once Pakku was sure Kana wouldn't slip off, he took a deep breath and stood up.
His legs shook. "Careful!" Akna gasped as she reached forward.
"I have her," Pakku assured them. He straightened up and adjusted Kana in his arms once more. "Now… where is her room?"
"I will take you there," Akna said. She brushed past the young man and led him into the hall. Pakku watched his step as he gingerly made his way through the narrow hallway. He was cautious; making sure her head and feet didn't needlessly hit the walls. Ahead of him, Akna pushed back the door to Kana's room. "Let me prepare her bed," she said as she darted into the room. As Pakku brought the unmoving young woman into her modest looking quarters, Akna tugged down the heavy furs that lined Kana's bed. "Here, put her here."
Pakku silently did as he was instructed. Kana's head was placed gently on the pillow; her arms and legs resting in a comfortable position before Pakku pulled his arms out from underneath her and took a step back.
"Will she be okay?" he asked in a quiet voice.
The woman beside him gave him a small nod of her head. "She'll wake… she was only… surprised. That was all."
Pakku found himself nodding in agreement. Surprised… was that it? He hoped it was. He stood beside Kana's mother for a moment longer. "Thank you…" His voice was quiet and Akna almost didn't hear it.
She turned her head and looked at him curiously. "What for?"
"For accepting the arrangement," Pakku explained. "I promise you, I will give Kana everything she needs. I'll make her happy."
The woman's face softened. She smiled at him and gently patted his shoulder in a comforting manner. "Then please take care of my daughter," she replied softly. Pakku looked down at her and met her gaze. "Now… would you please leave the room?"
"Leave?" Pakku's eyebrows shot up and Akna nodded.
"She can't go to sleep dressed in her thick over clothes. I'll change her into sleep wear." Akna told him. She ushered the young waterbender towards the door and gave him the final push out. Pakku stumbled into the hallway as Akna closed the door behind him.
Silently, he stood in front of the door, staring at the worn grains on the wood. Then it hit him. Her parents had accepted the marriage proposal from his parents, which meant one thing: he and Kana were going to get married.
Fireworks exploded in his mind as a sudden feeling of elation swept through him. Nothing could stop them now. Not family. Not rivals. He was sure that the Chief himself would bless their union. It took all Pakku's strength not to jump in the air with joy.
"Pakku," a voice at the entrance of the hallway caught his attention and he turned towards it. Kana's father stood at the entrance and motioned for him to follow. "There are some details that need to be discussed. We'd like your opinion on them."
"Of course." Pakku nodded eagerly and followed the older man. He entered the main living space of Kana's flat and then joined his parents and her father at the table.
"As I was saying," Siku began. "Kana will have duties to fulfill as Pakku's wife," Beside him, the young man in question felt his cheeks burn. He quickly lowered his eyes before Suka could see him. "Such as join the other wives of councilmen and waterbending masters in assorted events. She will have to help oversee the neighborhood festivals."
"Of course, that is understandable," the fisherman said. "And do not worry about Kana's manners. She may seem tomboyish and loud at times, but she is still Akna's daughter."
"Kana plays the flute," Siku told his wife, almost proudly. "And very well, I might add. I am sure that she will be able to represent the family wonderfully before the Chief."
His wife gave a small, demure nod. She looked across the table at the fisherman. "Everything seems in order," the woman nodded. "When should we have someone come to pick up the dowry?"
"Ah…" Suka lifted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck. "You have to understand that we are but a humble fishing family…"
"Suka, no dowry is necessary," Siku assured him sternly. His wife stiffened beside him and looked at him questioningly.
"But… it is tradition…" she trailed off. "Surely Akna has been preparing a dowry for her own daughter."
"Oh, she has," Suka told them reassuringly. "Akna has saved much of her own dowry for Kana; however, by today's standards, it must pale in comparison, especially compared to the dowry that you have prepared for your own daughter."
"Worry not about the dowry, my friend," Siku insisted. "What matters is that my son and your daughter will be married. We will bring Kana into our family welcomingly. We will not need a dowry."
"I must insist," the fisherman replied. "It is small, but it will be given. Now, about the announcements."
"That's right, we must inform the tribe," Siku mused as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Pakku," he said as he looked over at his son. The young man sat up straight in his seat. "When would be a good time to properly announce this? You are in the middle of your waterbending classes, and the festival has already come and gone…"
"We can inform the chief first," Pakku suggested. "Then the tribe."
"And what about Kana?" Siku turned back to the bride-to-be's father. "When does she turn sixteen?"
"In a week and a half," Suka replied. "We will be celebrating it when I return from my fishing trip."
"Oh! That's right!" The councilman slapped the table in front him as he chuckled. "Forgive me, Suka. I must be holding you back from your preparations. You are leaving soon, aren't you?"
"In a few hours actually," Suka said as Siku stood up and motioned for his wife to stand with him. "But please don't feel rushed. It was I who called you here."
"We are honored that you came to us first the moment Kana's previous engagement was retracted," Siku smiled widely. Pakku gave his father a questioning look. Previous engagement? He wanted to ask, but knew it was not his place. The young bender crossed his eyes thoughtfully. The point was that he was the one marrying Kana. "We are very lucky."
"Are you leaving? Already?" a voice asked behind them. The standing adults turned as Akna walked out from the hallway.
"We're sorry to have disturbed you, Akna," Sesi said as she bowed her head. "We lost track of time and have intruded on Siku's preparation for his fishing trip."
"Oh, nonsense, it doesn't take long to prepare now. Everything is ready," Akna chuckled. She looked over at Pakku and smiled warmly. "If you are leaving, would like you to say goodnight to Kana? I'm afraid she's asleep now, however."
Pakku stood up beside his father as he fumbled with his hands. A pink tint reached his cheeks as he gave the woman a small bow of thanks. "If you allow me to," he glanced over at Kana's father. " I'd like to see her once more before I leave."
Beside him, his father seemed to puff out his chest with pride. Ever the romantic gentleman, that was his son. Akna nodded and Suka gave him a small look of warning before Pakku headed back down the hall. He walked past Kana's mother and retraced his earlier steps to Kana's room. The wooden door was partially open.
He stood outside for a second and took a deep breath. His hand reached out and gently pushed the door open. Hesitantly, he took a step into the room. Kana was where he had left her, on her bed. The only difference now was that her hair was down and that the blankets had been pulled up to her chin to keep her warm.
Pakku left the door partially open as he crept into her small room. This time, he was able to notice the small details of the space. The drawers against the wall that held her clothes, the wooden wardrobe in the corner, and even the bed itself looked old and worn. He remembered that she wasn't wealthy. Everything there might have been a hand me down from relatives.
Still, everything looked comfortable and lived in. Almost warm and welcoming. The blankets over Kana looked snug and worn in. As he neared the bed, he could make out the light blue fabric of the pillows beneath her brown hair. The fabric was thin, but Kana still looked comfortable and that was what mattered.
He paused for a moment and looked over his shoulder. He was right beside the bed and wondered if he was too close. There was a possibility that her father would walk in, and Pakku didn't want to look as if he were planning something devious. Blue eyes lowered back to the sleeping young woman.
She was prettier with her hair down, he reasserted. Pakku looked over his shoulder once more and then carefully sat on the edge of her bed. His movements were slow and deliberate, trying to keep as silent as possible so as not to disturb the sleeping person. The edge of the bed dipped under his weight, but didn't make a sound.
He looked down at Kana's sleeping face. Despite himself, he could feel the soft smile reaching his own lips as he looked at her. Soft brown hair fell over her forehead and he reached over to brush it aside. Before his gloves could touch her skin, he pulled back. Silently, he peeled off his gloves. His hands were warm, yet clammy.
Even if her family had approved their engagement and they were destined to be man and wife, he was still nervous being in the same room with her. It was odd. The first time he had met her, just a few months ago, they had immediately clashed. She was rude, aggressive, and proud.
Nothing of what he had been brought up to believe was good in a woman. Despite what seemed to be all her faults, he'd fallen for her anyway. She had somehow entered his life and took over every thought. And he was grateful that she did. The fisherman's daughter showed him a world outside of the one he had around him. He had some semblance of a 'normal' young life with friends and laughter.
And she had been there every step of the way, coaxing him, prodding him, egging him on. Now, knowing that he would be with her in marriage, he'd never felt happier.
He slipped his gloves into his pocket and felt something cool and smooth to the touch. His hands coiled around the hard object and gently pulled it out of its cloth confines. The glistening blue surface looked back at him as it lay across his palm. Soft velvet fabric imported from the Earth Kingdom trailed from either side of the pendent.
A shaky hand lowered and slowly caressed the symbol engraved upon it. It had taken him a while to work on it. Not nearly as long as other men, as waterbending helped a great deal in smoothing and shaping the stone. However, it was prefect. The symbol that graced the wall and was woven into their lives was carved into the stone.
It was for the Northern Water Tribe. It was for waterbending. It was for the moment they met. The moment he laughed. The moment he realized he loved her. The moment he kissed her for the first time. No matter where she went, she would always be reminded of them. Of him.
His eyes rose and looked back at Kana's sleeping face. A small smile reached his lips as he leaned forward. Warm fingertips stroked her hair back as he swept it over her shoulder. His fingers ran along the velvet choker. He held the necklace over her slender, brown neck.
It complimented her nicely. Carefully, Pakku leaned over and reached behind Kana's neck. Making sure not to wake her, he fastened the necklace in place and then pulled back.
It was done. Kana was engaged to him.
He felt his heart swell as he admired the glistening blue stone over her neck. He'd buy her more jewelry later on, of course, but the necklace would always be the defining piece from him.
"I promise you the world, Kana," he whispered as he stood up. "I promise."
"Pakku?" A quiet knock rapped against the wooden door and the young man shot up straight. He whirled around, his face wearing a heated blush as he made out Akna's figure in the doorway. "Your parents are leaving now."
"Oh, thank you," Pakku gave the woman a bow as he turned to get one more look at Kana. He'd see her again, soon. He turned his back to her and headed out the door. "I'll come see her in the morning."
"Of course." Akna stepped aside as Pakku walked past her. She reached back and pulled the door closed.
A tiny click sounded and Kana shifted in her sleep. Warm droplets slid from the corners of her eyes.
For some reason, her head hurt. The dull throbbing at her temples woke her from her dreamless sleep. On instinct, Kana raised her hands from beneath the heavy blankets and gently brought them to the sides of her head. As she applied some pressure to the area, she opened her eyes.
They shut almost immediately. Kana's hands lowered and she turned her head away from the bright light coming through her window. It was one thing to have a sunny day, but it was several times brighter once the sunlight reflected off the ice walls of the buildings across from them that time of day.
Her eyes shot open. Time of day? Kana shot up in bed, ignoring her headache and the cold air in her room as she looked out the window. From experience, the sunlight wouldn't be reflected into her room like that until well past midday. Her heart stopped.
She had over slept. She hadn't over slept since she was eight! Not since she began helping her aunt at the fish market…"Oh, spirits…"
Multiple thuds, a groan, and panicked footsteps came from Kana's room before she tore the door open and shot out. Akna lifted her head and looked up from the sea cucumbers she was slicing on the counter as her daughter hopped into the kitchen in search of food. One hand was desperately trying to put on her boot while the other tugged her coat down the rest of the way.
"Kana," Akna voiced her concern as she put the knife down and then wiped her hands on a nearby cloth. "What are you doing out of bed?"
"Mom, it's past midday!" Kana exclaimed as she frantically pointed out the window. She stomped her foot on the floor to try to place it in the correct position before beginning to open all the cabinets. "Auntie can't man the booth alone!"
"She isn't manning it alone; your cousin Sedna is helping her."
"Sedna?" Kana whirled around. Her arms were still raised and holding on to the cabinet doors as she looked at her mother with disbelief. "Mom, Sedna doesn't know the first thing about fish…" She trailed off as her arms lowered. "How did Auntie know to bring Sedna?"
Akna smiled softly and crossed the kitchen. She raised her hands and gently pressed them against her daughter's cheeks. Under her mother's critical eyes, Kana began to squirm. "You look fine…" the woman mused. "You don't have a temperature… does your head hurt?"
Kana pulled her head back and gently batted her mother's hands away. "Mom, I'm fine," she insisted. Her head still throbbed, but it wasn't painful. "Did Aunt Nauja send for Sedna when I didn't show up?"
"Actually, I sent for Sedna," Akna replied as she turned around. Kana narrowed her eyes as her mother returned to the counter. "You were asleep all of yesterday and-"
"Yesterday!?" Kana's eyes widened. "Wait… no! That's not possible! Yesterday, I worked at the booth!"
"Do you remember what happened afterwards?" Akna asked. She turned around to face her daughter once more.
The young woman stood in her place, her eyes narrowed as her mind raced with memories. "I… I came home to help dad pack for the trip… but Pakku caught me and…" She blanched. Akna nodded in affirmation as Kana's eyes widened. A shaking hand rose and covered her gaping mouth. "No… That couldn't have…"
Akna smiled at her daughter, almost sadly. "You fainted as soon as we told you the news…"
Kana looked at her mother with a desperate expression on her face. "Mom…" She remembered walking into her family's flat and the smell of food from the kitchen. She remembered the warmth of the room wrapping around her, becoming confining rather than welcoming. She remembered the councilman and his wife. She remembered her father and his words. Then she remembered falling and darkness.
Akna watched the expression dance across her daughter's face. Realization was followed by uncertainty, and then by horror. "Kana," Akna began gently. "This should be a happy time for you. You're getting married. And to a young man who promises to be a good provider for you and your children."
"But…" Kana's mind whirled. "To Pakku?" She couldn't help the whimper in her voice. "It can't be…"
Akna smiled softly. She gently tugged down the fur-lined collar of her own coat and tapped the blue pendent resting against her throat. Instinctively, Kana mimicked her mother's actions. Soft, sensitive fingertips touched hard stone. An engagement necklace.
Kana tore from the room, her heart slamming in her chest as she rushed back to her bedroom. She flew through the doorway and headed straight for her dresser. Her free hand grabbed the handle of the mirror lying there and lifted it up. A crescent moon and waves looked back at her from their reflection. They were carefully carved into the shining blue stone.
Kana swallowed. She hadn't even felt it on when she woke, yet suddenly, she felt its weight against her.
"He placed it around your neck before he left the first night," a voice said from her doorway. "He caught you when you fell and carried you to your room. He came by yesterday morning to check on you. Then he returned after his waterbending practice and didn't leave until late in the evening. I'm surprised you didn't wake up with how he was talking to you." The woman chuckled.
Kana kept her eyes on the mirror as her fingertips gently stroked the smooth surface. That was it, then. She was engaged. To Pakku.
"Kana," Her mother's voice drew her attention back to the doorway. Kana slowly lowered the mirror in her hand as she looked at her mother. The older woman walked into the room and put her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "Pakku is a good boy. He has been nothing, if not respectful to your father and me. He has come every day to make sure you are okay. I know you two are always at odds, but give him a chance. Do not close him out of your heart so quickly."
Kana lowered her eyes and gave a small nod of her head. She took a deep breath and pulled away from her mother. "I need to think about this…"
Akna nodded her head understandingly. "There could have been worse matches, Kana. Be happy that he cares for you so much."
The young woman nodded and watched as her mother exited her bedroom. Silently, Kana closed her eyes. Her fingers never left the pendant around her neck. She traced the outlines of the moon and waves once more. It was happening so fast… she didn't expect it.
She raised her hand and ran it through her thick, unbound brown hair. She looked down at the mirror once more and closed her eyes. She walked out of her room and down the hall. "Mom, I'm going to take a walk…" she called out lamely as she cut through the living area.
"Don't stay out too late." Akna added from the kitchen. Kana closed the door and headed for the stairs. Silently, she fixed her hair into a bun at the base of her neck and then lifted her hood over her head as she walked down the steps to the front door.
As soon as she stepped out into the hard packed snow street, she headed for the market. Even if her cousin was taking over while she was gone, she still felt the need to check up on them and make sure her aunt wasn't overwhelmed. She walked along the docks, and inhaled the cold sea air.
The area was busy with traders from the Earth Kingdom. Numerous merchants were walking around the docks with their Water Tribe counter parts; talking business. "Kana!" a voice shouted to her side. She turned her head and offered a smile to a family friend in the midst of moving crates of fishing nets from the dock to his boat. "Congratulations!"
She jerked her head back. They couldn't already know, could they? "Ah… thank you…" she answered unsurely. Kana shoved her hands in her pocket and lowered her eyes before quickly walking away.
The closer she got to the market place, the more frequent the congratulatory remarks became. "Congratulations, Kana!"
"You got a good one, Kana!"
"May your marriage be long and filled with children!"
All she could do was smile weakly and give them a small bow of thanks. Family friends openly walked up to her and congratulated her; giving her hugs and complimenting her on the fine specimen of a husband she was able to catch. Catch? Kana kept a smile pasted on her face. I never meant to catch anyone!
It seemed as if it took half the afternoon to just reach her aunt's booth. As she came into view, her cousin shot up from her stool and began to jump up and down excitedly. "Momma! Momma!" the young woman piped as she rushed to the back room. "It's Kana!"
The approaching young woman let out a heavy breath. It seemed as if everyone did know. As she reached the booth, her aunt rushed out. "Kana! Congratulations, my dear!"
"Thank you, Aunt Nauja…" the suddenly drained young woman replied meekly. She forced a smile on her face as her aunt threw her arms around her and gave her a crushing hug. The woman and her daughter rambled on about how she knew Pakku was interested in her, and how no one would believe her when she told them.
Kana merely smiled and nodded; only half paying attention. As she stood inside the booth, a few other merchants from neighboring booths came by to congratulate her, some even bearing engagement gifts for her.
"How did everyone find out so quickly?" Kana asked as she pulled her cousin aside while her aunt spoke to the other market vendors.
"From Yugoda, of course," Sedna chuckled. "Well, momma found out from your mom, but everyone else found out because Yugoda came running through here yesterday screaming that you hadn't told her you were engaged to the councilman's son!"
Yugoda… Kana's eyes narrowed. Suddenly, it all made sense… kind of. "Wait, how did Yugoda find out?" the bride-to-be asked. She had been asleep for over a day; she couldn't have told Yugoda.
"Who knows," Sedna shrugged. "But who cares! You're getting married!" Gleefully, she hugged Kana once more as the young woman stood rooted in her spot. Kana didn't understand. Why was everyone so happy?
"Yugoda!" The name of her friend cut through her thoughts and Kana whirled around, instantly searching for her best friend. From the crowd surrounding the booth, Nauja was able to pick out and pull in the petite waterbender.
Instantly, the two girls rushed to face each other. "You!" they accused almost immediately. "Me!? Yes, you!" A frustrated look graced both their faces as Kana let out a low growl. She reached out and grabbed Yugoda's hand, dragging her with her. "Why did you tell everyone I was engaged!?" she hissed in a low voice as she pulled Yugoda into the backroom.
"Why didn't you tell me you were!?" Yugoda retorted. She lifted her chin up proudly and put her hands on her waist. "I had to hear from Anyu who heard it from Pakku that you were engaged!"
"Spirits, even Anyu knows!?" Kana exclaimed as she threw her arms in the air.
"Forget about Anyu for a second and let me see the necklace!" Yugoda nearly shrieked over enthusiastically. Kana grumbled and tugged down the collar of her jacket to reveal the blue stone against her slender throat. "Oooh…"
"I didn't even realize it was on until my mom pointed it out," Kana grumbled as Yugoda made mental comparisons between her necklace and Kana's. "I can't believe Pakku told Anyu…"
Across from her, Yugoda pulled back. Her nose wrinkled as she pouted. "Why didn't you tell me!?" she demanded as stomped her foot on the ground childishly. "You were one of the first people I went to when I was engaged!"
"Yugoda, I fainted!" Kana told her sternly. "Dad told me they accepted a marriage proposal from Pakku's family and then the next thing I knew, I woke up past midday. How could I tell you if I was unconscious?"
"Wait, wait…" Yugoda said as she shook her head. "You fainted? Why? Were you surprised? Are you okay?"
"I don't know!" Kana sighed heavily. She fell back against the wall and ran one gloved hand down her face. "It's… it's just happening so fast, Yugoda. And to Pakku of all people…"
"What's wrong with Pakku?" Yugoda asked curiously.
Kana lifted her head and looked at her friend incredulously. "What's wrong with Pakku?" she repeated, as if Yugoda had just asked her the stupidest question in the world. "What isn't wrong with him?"
"He's not a bad guy, Kana," Yugoda insisted. "He's your friend, isn't he? And didn't you guys have some sort of a truce?"
Kana took a deep breath and nodded her head. "Yes… yes, we do, but still… this is marriage…"
"You're just surprised," Yugoda assured her as she patted her shoulder comfortingly. "I mean, you two are always arguing and making fun of each other. This is probably just really shocking to you. You'll get used to the idea in a few days."
Kana felt her stomach churn at the thought, but pushed away the doubt and worry that bubbled up. He had been good to her parents and respectful to her aunt. Somewhere beneath his cocky attitude, he was a thoughtful person. Kana gave a small nod. "I'm sure you're right…" she replied rationally. "I'll give it a few days…"
"That's the spirit!" Yugoda beamed. She reached down and took Kana's hand in hers. "Let's go!"
"Go?" Kana was tugged forward. She stumbled out into the booth. "Go where!?" she gasped. Yugoda was pretty strong for a petite person.
"Auntie, I'm taking Kana up to the lodge!" Yugoda beamed a wide smile at Kana's aunt as she waved. "He should be getting out of waterbending practice soon."
Kana felt the blood drain from her face. "Wa… wait!" She pulled back, but Yugoda continued to drag her forward as they cut through the crowd. "Yugoda!"
"Come on! He'll be glad to see you!" Yugoda assured her as she excused them both and headed towards the lodge.
"No! It's fine! I can see him… later!" Much later. Kana added.
Yugoda shook her head. "Nonsense! It'll be fine, plus I'm going to see Anyu, too," Yugoda added with a grin. She looked back at Kana and smiled widely. "Besides, the whole tribe practically knows already, so it won't be a surprise."
Kana felt her chest tighten. Everyone was accepting it so quickly, but to her, it was going way too fast. Yugoda rambled on and on as she dragged Kana up the city and towards the lodge. Didn't they realize that days before, she and Pakku were screaming at each other? All of a sudden they were engaged. Didn't that seem a little rushed to anyone?
"…Give him a chance," Kana could hear her mother's voice as Yugoda pulled up her the stairs to the plaza in front of the lodge. "Do not close him out of your heart so quickly…"
"Excellent job, as usual, Pakku," Her head snapped up as she stopped beside Yugoda. They stood on the edges of the crowd that surrounded the advanced waterbending boys class. Master Sae Kung lifted his arms and returned the water back into the open holes in the plaza. "As expected from you."
"Thank you, sir!" Pakku bowed his head, a pleased smile on his face as straightened up.
"Tomorrow we will be having an early morning class as we need to adjourn early for a tribal meeting," Sae Kung told his students as they stood in a row before him. "Be here before dawn," A series of groans swept past the group, but no one openly complained. When the waterbending master was sure his students understood; he gave them a dismissing nod of his head. "Class is adjourned."
The young men in the line immediately began to disperse. Kana looked around her as the groups of maidens and young boys began to break apart. She suddenly felt unguarded as the bodies that surrounded her headed in different directions. "Anyu! Anyu! Over here!"
She felt Yugoda's hand squeeze hers as the female waterbender jumped up and down, waving her free hand in the air to get her fiancée's attention. Across the plaza, Anyu turned at the sound of her voice. A wide smile graced his face as he lifted his hand. Before he could call out to his fiancée, someone else called out to theirs.
"Kana!" The young woman cringed. She knew that voice. Anyu felt a small breeze fly by him as Pakku darted towards Kana with an elated smile on his face. "Kana, you came!"
"Pakku… good after-" Kana's eyes widened as she gasped. Yugoda had released her hand and stepped aside just before Pakku swept her up in his arms.
"I told you he'd be glad to see you." Yugoda chuckled as Pakku loosened his hold on Kana.
"How are you feeling?" he asked intently as he lifted his hand and brushed back the stray bangs that fell over her forehead. "Are you tired? When did you wake up? Yugoda," he frowned as he looked over at their friend. "Are you sure Kana is up to walking this far?"
"Pakku," Kana frowned as she pried herself out of his arms. "I'm fine. I woke up earlier… I had a small headache, but its gone now-"
He frowned more so. "A headache?" He turned back to Yugoda. "Yugoda, what were you thinking dragging her up here-"
"Pakku, stop it," Kana told him sternly as she took a step back. "I'm not a child. I'm fine. Yugoda only brought me up here because she wanted me to see you." She shot her a glare, and Pakku's look softened.
"Oh…" he trailed off, sheepishly.
"Kana," Another voice caught her attention. She looked past Pakku and gave Anyu a smile. Her old friend gave her a small bow of his head. "Congratulations."
"Thank you…" Kana said in a quiet voice.
"Come on, we'll all walk back." Anyu said as he took Yugoda's hand. Before Kana could reply, a heavy arm wrapped around her shoulder and she was suddenly pulled back against a warm body. Anyu looked past her and shot a subtle glare at Pakku.
"Not tonight," Pakku smiled cheekily. "Since Kana came up this far, I'd like her to have dinner with my parents."
"Is Kana even up to it?" Anyu asked quickly. "She did have a headache earlier."
"She said she was fine," Pakku told him brightly. He looked down at Kana and smiled. "Right, Kana? You'll have dinner with my family tonight?"
The young woman stood rooted where she stood, tense and silent. Yugoda looked pleased at Pakku's offer of dinner while Anyu was frowning. Kana frowned slightly. Why was he frowning? Did he not approve of the match? She glanced back up at Pakku. He was looking at her expectantly. Finally, Kana gave him a small nod. "I suppose…"
"Wonderful!" His happy smile only grew wider as he turned to the other couple. "Will one of you send a message to mom?"
"Mom…?" Kana asked in a low, displeased voice. Pakku didn't seem to notice. She inwardly cringed as she thought of whom he could possibly be talking about. Was he referring to…?
"I'll tell Auntie Akna!" Yugoda assured them. "You two go ahead!"
"Thank you, Yugoda!" Pakku gave her a wide smile and then gave a small wave to Anyu. "I'll see you in class tomorrow, Anyu!"
The other bender gave him a curt nod before Pakku turned Kana around and began leading her in the opposite direction. "Pakku," Kana said, as she was lead away. "Are you sure it's fine with your family for me to join them at dinner? It's very sudden."
"Don't be ridiculous," Pakku assured her. "You will be part of the family soon. Besides, it will just be us, my parents, and my younger sister. She wanted to meet you, you know."
Kana nodded dumbly. The feeling of pressure around her chest tightened once more. She was trapped again, but couldn't bring herself to say no. Pakku looked so eager. But I still shouldn't have to go... I mean… we're not married… yet… A small part of her asserted. Kana opened her mouth to protest when Pakku's next couple of words silenced her.
"Your mother has been very accommodating and kind to me. She insisted I have dinner with her when I came to visit you last night," he told her sheepishly. A pink tint reached his cheeks as he looked away slightly. "Her food is always very good… I hope you enjoy my mother's cooking as much as I've enjoyed yours."
Kana lowered her eyes. She took a deep breath. It was only one meal. One simple meal with his immediate family. Her mother's words echoed in her mind once more and Kana bit her lower lip. She turned her head up and smiled at him. "I'm sure it will be delicious."
"You're shaking," Pakku pulled her closer to him as Kana shivered in the aftermath of it all. "Did the food disagree with your stomach?" he asked, concerned.
Kana shook her head. The food was fine. It was excellent, actually. What had disagreed with her was his family. His father was fine, very welcoming and happy. He even called her his daughter. Pakku's mother was welcoming enough. She seemed somewhat disappointed. Perhaps she had wanted her son to marry someone else. His younger sister was eager to meet her and kept asking her all these questions about life in the docks; like what she and her friends did for fun.
In general, his immediate family was very pleasant. However, several Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and other extended family had given her a double take, as if questioning why Pakku – the heir to their family's great waterbending legacy – wanted to marry her.
They had walked into his family's house and as soon as Sesi discovered she was over, she sent her daughter out to bring the family around so that they could meet Pakku's future wife. Then, it had become an endless stream of greeting relatives, accepting congratulations, and being grilled on her family's less than prestigious background.
While most of them had been indifferent to the situation, she had received several negative looks from older members of the family. She could tell they deemed her unworthy of Pakku. Their judgmental looks and critical gaze only made her happy that Pakku was by her side.
Never once did he leave her alone. He stood beside her throughout it all, firmly holding onto her hand and giving her a gentle squeeze whenever he thought she was becoming overwhelmed. At one point, he had even butted in as distant aunt, who was married to another council member, began to question her lineage.
It had been overwhelming. She had been caught off guard. She had felt out of place. She had felt self-conscious. There they were; the upper echelon of the tribe; dressed in the deepest of blues. She stood amongst them; a fisherman's daughter; dressed in a worn, drab blue coat.
"They were impressed, you know," Pakku said beside her. She lifted her head up and glanced over at him. He was leading her towards his family's gondola so that he could bring her home. It was late and he wasn't about to let her walk alone. "Even the family elders commented on your good manners."
Kana nodded. "My mom was… very strict about them."
He couldn't help but grin. He honestly hadn't expected her to carry grace and poise. He hadn't left her side; half afraid she was going to run and half afraid she was going to tackle someone in his family when they became too irritating. Luckily, she was able to hold herself back well. Pakku was proud of her.
He looked down at her and met her gaze. "Even if she weren't, I'd still want to marry you."
Part of her wanted to laugh. Another part wanted to shove him away and then scream at him. Oddly, the part that won through was the one that returned his smile. "Thank you…" she said. She turned her head forward. "But I still don't know why you want to marry me."
"I told you already," Pakku replied. "I want to be with you. What more reason do you need?"
"Young Master Pakku," Kana looked up as they reached the gondolier. He was an old man and gave her a warm smile. "There is a blanket there for you, Miss Kana."
"Oh… thank you." Kana nodded dumbly, as Pakku jumped into the gondola first. As he steadied the boat with his waterbending, he lifted his free hand towards the edge of the street and offered it to her. For a split second, Kana recalled the tales her mother had told her when she was a child, the ones of a gallant bender saving the princess and sailing away with her. Carefully, she placed her hand in his and felt a flood of warmth across her face.
Pakku's fingers closed around her hand and held her steady as she stepped into the boat. Pakku assisted her into one of the seats before sitting beside her. He reached forward and pulled the neatly folded blanket that had been waiting for them up to their chests. Kana settled in as he tucked the blanket around them.
"Head towards the southern docks, please." Pakku told the old man standing behind them. The gondolier smiled once more and pushed the boat off the sidewalk. As they floated down the center of the waterway, Pakku reached over and wrapped his arms around her. Instantly, Kana tensed up.
She glanced up at him and saw his eyes diverted shyly. His lips were drawn in a tight, embarrassed line as he blushed. It was a bit… endearing.
At least he's trying, Kana thought to herself. He's trying to bring you into his family. Trying to make you feel welcomed and comfortable. Just give him a chance… He's arrogant and stubborn, but he cares about you. You're lucky that he does.
Kana bit her lower lip and forced herself to relax. Once her body settled into the space between the side of the gondola and Pakku's warm body, she found that her relaxation was no longer forced. The dull sound of water lapping against the boat. The sound of the wooden paddle moving through the liquid. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. They were all calming and eased her nerves.
Pakku looked down in surprise. Kana's head was resting against his shoulder and his face heated up. While ultimately her parents made the decision to accept the marriage or not, he still wanted acceptance from her. To know that she wanted to marry him or at least would give him that chance. Was she accepting the engagement? Was this her way of accepting it? She never really told him what she thought of it all. Frankly, he had been terrified that she hated him.
He had hoped to make his intentions clear with bringing her to eat with his family. When his relatives suddenly showed up, he was afraid she was going to be scared off. He should've known better. Kana was strong. That was one of the reasons he fell for her in the first place.
Pakku's hand tentatively reached for hers. Gloved fingers slipped between his and he felt his heart jump. A content look graced her face and the weight of fear that had been lingering in the back of his mind was suddenly lifted. Was she happy? Happy to be with him?
"This is still… sudden," Kana said quietly as she kept her gaze forward. Sudden. She didn't know how else to describe it. "But I'll try, Pakku."
He closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath. "I'll do everything I can for you, Kana, I swear. I'll be a good… no, a great husband. I'll treat you well and give you whatever you need. Whatever our children need."
Kana chuckled uncomfortably. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves…"
Beside her Pakku blushed. "I still mean it," he insisted. "I'll even grant your wish." He added.
"What wish?" Kana asked tiredly. The steady movement of the boat was lulling her to sleep.
"The one you made that night… about seeing the world," Pakku told her. He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "If you want to see the world, I promise you that you'll see it."
Kana shifted in her seat and looked at him seriously. "You promise?"
Her clear blue eyes and softened features were graced with faint hope. Pakku nodded, transfixed by the look on her face. "Yes…"
Kana relaxed. "Then I promise I will try to be a good wife."
She was almost asleep by the time they reached the doorway of her building. Pakku walked her up to her flat, afraid that she'd fall asleep in the stairwell and freeze to death. Kana allowed him to without complaint. Akna was up waiting for them and thanked her future son-in-law before seeing him out.
Before he left, he was able to kiss Kana quickly on the cheek and hoped Akna didn't see. He didn't stay to see Kana's reaction, but since she didn't scream or shy away, he assumed it wasn't negative. Of course, she was also half asleep. Blushing to himself, Pakku headed back towards where the gondolier was waiting. He made it just past the second building when a familiar figure stopped him in his tracks. Still smiling, Pakku approached the young man.
"Anyu, what are you doing out here-"
"Why did you ask her to marry you?" Anyu said as he stood across from Pakku. "Pakku, this better not be some sick joke-"
Before he could finish, Pakku cut him off with a scowl. "I've told her already that this isn't some joke. We're formally announcing it at tomorrow's tribal meeting, Anyu. I love Kana and I want to marry her."
"You've only known her a few months…" Anyu stressed. "And Kana… is Kana. She isn't like those girls where you live."
"Exactly! She's special," Pakku insisted. "That's why I love her."
Anyu took a deep breath, as if to calm himself. "Pakku, my brother gave up his engagement to Kana… because he thinks that you are a better match for her," The councilman's son's eyes widened. He knew that Kahasi might be after Kana, but he didn't think he was the one who was engaged to her. Anyu continued on. "He heard you that night on the wall and felt that you cared for her more than he did, so he spoke to her parents and withdrew the engagement."
Pakku felt his mouth dry. "I… I had no idea she was…" Pakku squinted. "But she didn't know… did she?"
"No," Anyu replied sharply. "And she won't find out. At any rate, my brother gave up his fiancée for you. Kana would've been my sister and, despite everything, I still consider her as such. If you hurt her in anyway…"
"I won't hurt Kana," Pakku insisted sternly. "She will be my wife and I will give her the world," He paused and looked over Anyu. "Is this the reason you've been so rude to me lately? Anyu… I won't hurt her. I love her." He repeated earnestly.
Anyu locked eyes with his friend. "To be honest, I don't know if the match is a good one," He admitted. Pakku felt a bit of disappointment rising. Anyu was his friend and Kana's as well. He had hoped the other bender would feel happy for him. "But, as long as you make her happy… I can't say anything. So…" Anyu extended his hand. "I wish you the best."
Pakku looked at Anyu's arm wearily before extending his own. The two locked arms and then brought each other close in a sign of respect. As they parted, Pakku met Anyu's eyes once more. "She will be happy." He assured Anyu.
The other bender gave a small nod of his head as he turned around and headed towards his own building. "Just hope it is with you."
Pakku watched as Anyu disappeared in the darkness of the alley before he headed back to the waterway. He got on the gondola and slid back into his seat before he gave a wordless nod to the gondolier. The ride to back to his neighborhood seemed twice as long without Kana curled up against him.
By the time he reached his house, he was drained. He yawned as he slipped into the living area. His father was sitting by the fire pit, seemingly lost in thought. Pakku was going to silently slip behind him when Siku's voice called out and stopped him.
"Ah, Pakku, good," Siku smiled and waved his son to join him. "I was talking it over with some of the council members the other day and it's been decided that you will be now be attending some of the council meetings with me."
Pakku jerked his head back in surprise. "Already?"
"Well, you're engaged now and are on the cusp of becoming a master waterbender," Siku assured him. "We decided it would be for the best if you start to sit in on meetings. Get used to the way they are held and become involved with tribal governing. You will start learning now and thus when you take your place as a councilman, you will already be fully prepared. What do you think?"
Pakku couldn't help the smile on his face. Honestly, could his day not get any better? Kana came to visit him. She had dinner with his family and survived. She accepted his proposal. He was able to kiss her without getting slapped. Now his father was going to bring him into the council.
"I… thank you, father!" Pakku bowed his head gratefully as the councilman laughed.
"Tomorrow is the tribal meeting," Siku told him as he sat up straight in his seat. "We will be dealing with quite a few serious topics. Some of which regard the war."
"Souzin's War?" Pakku asked as he took a seat across from his father. Siku nodded.
"It seems that the Fire Nation is advancing…The recent merchant ships delivered devastating news to us," Siku reported seriously. Pakku's smile slowly fell from his face as a heavy feeling settled into the room. "The last of the Air Nomad Temples has fallen."
Pakku's eyes widened. "That's impossible…"
His father shook his head. " Earth Kingdom reports say that there are no survivors. It was… complete and total genocide," He looked at Pakku solemnly. "They are encroaching on Earth Kingdom territory. They are encroaching on us."
Pakku's eyes narrowed. "But we fended them off before," he recalled from his history lessons. "Didn't we? We have an army of master benders and we're surrounded on all sides by our element."
"That was before," Siku sighed heavily. "But if they are serious about this, they will try again…We have… already lost contact with our sister tribe." Pakku tensed in his seat.
He had noticed that there were no more Southern Water Tribe ships. Not for quite some time. "Are… are they…" he began quietly.
Siku shook his head. "No… we would've heard about it by now if they had been. The Southern Tribe is well hidden. They are safe for now. However, in order to reach us, they must go through waters teeming with the Fire Nation navy. It is a risk they can't take. We only hear news of them through the Earth Kingdom traders."
"Regardless," Pakku insisted. "Water douses fire. We're surrounded on all sides by water. Surely, we can defend ourselves."
"It is not always a simple matter of bender against bender, Pakku," Siku told him. "What matters now is that we protect our own. Protect the city and the tribe." Pakku's eyes squinted in the dim light of the room. He could feel his stomach twist.
"Has the council decided on something?" Pakku asked quietly.
Siku lowered his eyes to the fire pit in the center of the room. "It is not yet certain… but it may well happen. In order to protect our people, we will close off all trade with the Earth Kingdom."
"All trade?" Pakku mumbled.
His father nodded. "All trade. Our doors will be completely shut."
"Wait…" Pakku sat up straight. "What do you mean completely shut?"
"Once the last Earth Kingdom vessel leaves our docks, no one else will be allowed in; save fisherman in and out of our territorial waters." Siku explained.
Pakku slowly fell back against the fur cushions. "So no one can enter…" he trailed off. Siku nodded in affirmation.
"And no one can leave."
A.N. – I know what you're thinking: Kana would NEVER stay once she found out she was engaged to Pakku, right? Well, they never say she left IMMEDIATELY after the engagement was made. They just said that she left because she didn't like the customs and stuff. One more chapter! Questions, comments, concerns, or conspiracy theories? Hit me up; note that I reply on my LJ for this. And thanks for reading! Thank you to LotF for her betaing!
