A/N: It's been a while, huh? I want to thank everyone for the wonderful reviews last chapter! How are you guys? Excited? The finale is almost upon us! Oh, I don't know if I can handle it. Haha! This next entry is a little sadder; I was playing with this idea for a while. I hope you all like it!

Lingering

When she was little, she liked spending time with the elder. The woman's creased smile was contagious, and her eyes often twinkled with a life that surprised many. It made the child feel at peace, like everything would be okay (like she could accomplish anything).

"Elder! How's my octopus stance?"

The old woman nodded sagely. "Very good. I can tell you've been practicing."

With a grin, the girl let the water splash to the ground and ran up, latching to her old master's arm. Her dark hair fell over her face, sticking to the sweat on her forehead. "Kultan told me that form was very fitting for me," she said, sticking her tongue out at the memory.

A laugh, withered, floated through the room. "He's just picking on you, dear. You could knock him down a peg or two."

"You think so?"

"Absolutely," was the simple response.

The child giggled, pleased, then tugged on the woman's coat and asked, "Um... when do I have to leave?"

"Not for a few more years," the woman assured her, ruffling her hair before beginning to shuffle out of the room.

"M-Master...?" A pair of blue eyes turned to the voice. "I had a dream last night."

Her raspy voice questioned, "What was it about? I may not be as good at deciphering them as others, but I suppose I could try."

"He said he's waiting—and he loves you. No matter how long, he'll wait for you."

A gloved hand moved to her mouth; tears ran down her wrinkled cheeks. "I... I see." She signaled for the girl to come closer. Wiping her eyes, she smiled down at her gently. "Thank you. It's been... twelve years, hasn't it?" she recalled. "If you see him again, could you tell him something?"

"What?"

"Tell him... I have a little bit more to do." Closing her eyes, she bended a makeshift ice chair to rest her shaking legs. The young girl clambered into her lap. "After all, you still need me."

"He knows, Master Katara," murmured the young Avatar as she hugged the elderly woman. "He knows."

07-15-08