13. Mark of Honor
She ran her fingers over the scar tissue, tracing the mottled, discolored starburst pattern lightly. It had healed over well, but the blemish would be permanent. She reached up to caress the scar that branded the left side of his face, and he closed his yellow eyes and kissed her palm.
Her gaze moved to the scar on his chest, the flat of her palm resting against it. "I wish I had the power to heal these," she said sadly. "But I don't. I'm sorry."
He opened his eyes too look at her, a bit taken aback by the confession-and the apology. "Don't be," he said gently.
"But it's because of me that you have this, " she indicated the mark on his torso.
His large hand cupped her cheek and lifted her cerulean eyes to his. His honey-colored eyes were soft with love.
"I have no regrets. While I may carry this as a mark of shame," -he briefly touched the scar on his face-"I consider this," he touched the scar on his chest, "A mark of honor."
"Why?" Asked Katara.
"Because, it shows that I was willing to lay down my life for the woman I love."