Chapter 43: Chief and Chieftess

Yue had contemplated many things by the time dawn approached. Looking out of the window at the rising sun and letting the early light shine on her wistful face, she mutely battled with herself. She felt incredibly light after letting her agony out, and after many restless days, she was stable enough to really think.

There was no turning back after tonight. She would be given a new title; no, a responsibility. Chieftess Yue, they would all call her. The realization itself wasn't sudden; it was rather ironic. Yue had technically been next in line as chieftess; she had been destined to take on the duty and was expected to marry before doing so to welcome a new tribal chief. This was what prompted her father's haste in getting her betrothed. Had she not sacrificed herself, this would have been her fate. The long-forgotten prophecy was coming true today in a way she never dreamed of. She was becoming the chieftess as her father and her community had expected, but as Sokka's wife than as the princess she previously was, and the warrior had inducted her into the duty with one phrase that changed her entire outlook.

"Don't abandon me."

So she decided she won't protest anymore. If things were meant to be this way, she had to adapt. For once, she began thinking about the advantages of their union. For starters, she would always be next to him, so she could physically protect him and care for him when situation demanded it; how she would do so without her powers, she wasn't sure, but at least she would still have the chance. She could use this opportunity to become more involved in the political sector as well, knowing that he would be there to support her. Thanks to his role in lawfully eradicating gender discrimination, she had the opportunity to do anything she wanted in terms of political involvement- even if it meant taking measures to find the remaining rebels.

Being recognized doesn't matter anymore. Being there for my people...that's what matters now.

Yue also realized that while she may not be the Moon Spirit anymore, it didn't mean her supernatural experience was completely worthless. As a spirit, she used to be free from worry and was calming and motivating. Though she no longer had the spiritual energy to rely on and still felt extremely guilty for neglecting her celestial duties, she felt like she could still maintain that same aura as a human. After all, being human was nothing to feel disgraced about. Granted, it will be harder for her to control her emotions, especially whenever Sokka becomes a victim of bold talk and such, but couldn't she use this to strengthen herself? Strengthen him? Not to mention, since she was once the Moon Spirit, she knew a lot more details about rebellious activity than any of the generals did. Couldn't she use this information for the benefit of the tribe? Couldn't she use this to protect him, too?

If it's true that he was always your first priority, accept what happened and go to him, her conscience advised. If you're truly guilty, redeem your worth. You said so yourself: you're not that helpless princess anymore.

She took a deep breath. Was she chasing excuses to be with him and forget what happened? Maybe, and even if that was the case, she didn't mind. She had to prove her love wasn't as helpless as the princess she once was.

Do your duty, Yue.

"I will. And this time, I will not fail."


Wedding day had started off like any day. Other than Katara's incessant squeeing, Aang's good-natured hosting of the guests, and the perky servants who ran around trying to take care of the little things that seemed out of place, the morning at the palace didn't offer much to Sokka and had been quite mundane. A lot of people didn't assume him to be that nervous, taking into consideration the fact that he was getting married a little later in life, but that argument was completely pointless; the groom was a nervous wreck. All night he fretted about the wedding and received very little sleep. He wanted to make sure that everything was perfect. Until the actual ceremony, though, he would remain rather calm and subdued, indulged in his thinking.

By late afternoon, final arrangements regarding the coronation plans were taken care of by the public officials- the ones who didn't protest with all the "chief-commoner wedlock" nonsense, that is. Kano's absence made everything much more bearable as far as political and social tensions went, and many of the war ministers who had scoffed in court accepted the occasion and boosted their enthusiasm. On the other hand, Prince Anyu had strangely been absent from the morning celebrations and didn't appear for the emergency meeting, either. Of course, this irked Sokka, but the warrior had no time to consider it. It was best if haters hate in seclusion than wreak havoc and ruin his mood.

Sokka had taken particular care in reducing the guest attendance for the ceremonial dinner, limiting it to Aang and Katara, the Fire Nation royal family, and a handful of amicable peacekeepers and Order of the White Lotus members. In a few hours, he was going to be the leader of the tribe, and it was his responsibility to take certain precautions when dealing with banquets and royal feasts; not to mention, Chief Arnook's downfall took place the night of such a banquet. Besides, letting too many people in would also be a burden on Yue's part with all the inquiring and questioning.

Other last minute changes included the securing of a different wedding officiant since Kahuna Minnuk dropped out due to issues in his workplace. The new officiant, a priest seemingly from a high spiritual position, was a strange looking man- darker in complexion than most Water Tribe men and eerily bold upon a mere glance. He appeared very familiar to Sokka, too, and resembled features similar to those of the drunk man the councilman met the night before the eclipse. What was also a "coincidence" was that the officiant hummed the tune to "Sweet Water Tribe Girl" every now and then like that drunk man did, but Sokka dismissed his suspicions; he rationalized that he was most likely jumpy from the anxiety and was overanalyzing things.

As the evening approached, the fervor began to pick up, and thousands of people flocked to the Great Hall. The night was mercilessly dark, but the lanterns that lined the streets and the steps to the citadel added onto the ethereal surroundings and lit up the tribe. The level of security had tightened greatly; with each passing minute, multiple crowds of people squeezed into the vast hall and struggled for a seat, and thanks to the more efficient benders, the hall- crystallized for decor and elevated in palatial beauty- was extended as necessary. It seemed there was going to be a torchlight ceremony judging by how dark the entire place was with the blackened moon; the light bounced off in all directions, spellbinding the audience.

While Aang and Katara took on the roles of best man and bridal attendant, the Table of Honor was reserved for Zuko, General Bo (who was probably one of the only generals who as elated with Sokka's marriage), a few well-known White Lotus members, and Prince Anyu (if he ever decided to show up). Eventually, everything was set in place. All that were left to consider were the remaining thirty minutes until the event, the officiant's signal, and the depreciation of the chaos in the Great Hall.

"This is it, Sokka. Are you ready?"

Sokka nodded solemnly, straightening his navy blue ceremonial robes. His clothing wasn't too ostentatious as the Water Tribes didn't make a big deal out of extremely flashy appearances, but it was still elaborately designed; a Water Tribe emblem made of marble served as the centerpiece to the fancy drape over his shoulders. His glossy silk tunic was bordered by a triangular tribal pattern toned in indigo. The pattern was laced with small but noticeable gemstones in between, alternating with masculine shades of imported cerulean topaz and blue zircon. He wasn't wearing his usual parka, either, much less any trace of fur or thick clothing apart from his drape; as impossible as it sounded, it was bound to get stuffy pretty quickly in an igloo-like, windowless hall full of blazing torches and hordes of people.

"How are things going?"

"Pretty well so far," Aang said, handing Sokka a deluxe black sash that contained a white spot. "Lots of people are here. I think this is by far the greatest number of people the Northern Water Tribe has ever had."

"Everything's double-checked, right? Catering, travel arrangements-"

"More like triple-checked, Councilman," he smiled. "I guess I won't be calling you that after today, huh?"

The warrior shrugged. "Did Anyu ever come?"

Silence. The look on Aang's face was that of slight alarm. It was easy to tell that the young prince was swept under the influence of Kano and wasn't too happy about the wedding, but it would be hard for Sokka to just ignore that.

"I'm not going to explode, I promise," he assured. "Did he show up?"

"Well, not exactly-"

"Fine with me." After tying the sash around his waist and making sure the white spot was clearly visible, Sokka grabbed a dark blue headpiece bearing the Water Tribe insignia and fixed it with his warrior's wolf tail. He glanced at himself in the icy mirror for a moment.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing. Just thinking about the future."

Aang noticing Sokka's slightly sullen expression. "A happy future," he emphasized.

"Right," the warrior sighed. A future with Yue was something he always dreamed of, and he was more than ready to begin his new life with her, but now he was going to be the official leader of her home tribe. There was no doubt that he would work just as hard as he would if he was back home, but in the midst of all of the scoffing and social ignorance that's starting to seep through the tribe, what if he lets her down? What if he lets everyone down and doesn't do justice to his role?

"What is it, Sokka?"

"I guess...now that it's all happening… I'm nervous. Things usually don't come easy to me, and there's so much responsibility."

"Don't worry about chiefly responsibilities. You're practically a chief already, and you're doing a great job at it; this ceremony is only publicizing your title."

"I don't want to let anyone down."

"What makes you think you will?" Aang asked. "You've been successful all this time at being in charge."

"I don't know," he said, doubting himself. "What exactly have I done for this place?"

"You're a strange one," Aang said. "Don't you know what you've done? Thanks to you, the tribe is doing much better. Crime rates are low, laws are actually being written down, and industry isn't suffocating the place. You even got to establish a School for Orphans like you wanted and settled working conditions in the outer sectors."

"Any leader can do those things...but a real leader has to keep the community together. That's something my dad was really good at." He skimmed his surroundings. "This place is morally on the borderline. People are united for the time being, but this social class issue isn't as unpopular as I thought. I don't know how to get rid of it." He grew frustrated. "I mean, social classes shouldn't even exist for the Water Tribes."

"I know what you mean. We definitely don't want this place to turn out like Ba Sing Se," Aang said understandingly. "But I think your worry isn't worth its hype. I know you'll be able to figure things out."

"I don't want anything bad to happen." Sokka frowned in thought. "I came this far."

"And you'll go further," Aang assured. "Nothing bad is going to happen. You're just nervous and overwhelmed by recent conflicts. Stay calm and have a positive attitude. You got this."

The striking of the gongs in the distance caught their attention. Ritualistic cries were heard, summoning their vigilance. The ceremonial drums beat in synchronization with Sokka's pulse. This was it. Aang quickly straightened his own robes before turning to the groom and grinning broadly. "Let's get you hitched!"


"Respected citizens! Esteemed elders! Brothers and sisters who are gathered here today!" boomed the officiator's voice. "Tonight, beneath this sacred new moon sky and above these holy ocean waters of the Northern Water Tribe, we celebrate two important events."

The chaos died down. All eyes were fixed to the center towards the raised platform. The officiator stood along with his companion- a priestess of glowing complexion and a calm attitude.

"The first: a union between intertwined souls," she announced. "The second: a welcome to the tribe's new leader."

A few distinct cheers could be heard towards the very back from citizens who weren't from the Water Tribe. A few of the tribesmen rolled their eyes in amusement; what would outsiders know of the importance of staying quiet in such rituals? Some of the more conservative tribesmen were surprised to see a female officiator carrying out the occasion, but there was a spell in the air that muted the chains of question.

"First and foremost, we shall bear witness to the matrimony. I call upon Tui and La to witness and bless this fateful union," the priest said. "Come forth, Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe."

The warrior stepped up, accompanied by Aang. The airbender was holding a small cup of blue ceremonial paint. Sokka was ecstatic and was invigorated by the reality of it all. With every step he took, he imagined every step he would take in his life with Yue by his side. Despite his ecstasy, he grew highly curious as he spotted the priest and priestess. They really did seem familiar. Aang was caught off guard by them as well; for some reason, the Avatar felt as if he was in the presence of otherworldly phenomena.

"I now summon Lady Yue," the priestess called.

From the opposite end stepped the bride with Katara as her escort. Like Aang, Katara was also holding a container of ceremonial paint. Yue fixed her attention on Sokka. Her braid was embedded with occasional traces of arctic flora, topped with a deep blue winter lotus. Her dress- matching his robes in color- was different from the usual dresses she wore as it wasn't covered up by a coat; rather, it was stylized as a modestly flowing robe. She bore a marble Water Tribe emblem similar to his, but hers rested on her right shoulder and pinned the drape that wound its way from the back of her shoulder to her left hip. Her long sleeves were bordered by wavy designs with similarly alternating hints of barely noticeable gemstones. A white sash with a black spot in the middle enveloped her waist, and her neckline didn't fail to give prominence to her betrothal necklace- still the only actual jewelry she wore apart from her sapphire earrings. She was absolutely seraphic in appearance to the extent that Sokka only barely kept the heat from racing to his cheeks.

Upon facing one another, Sokka and Yue completely submitted themselves in each other's eyes, emitting mutual passion and a subtle mixture of anxiousness and yearning. He marveled at the way the torchlight illuminated her face. At the same time, he was soothed by the fact that her broken form from the previous night was surpassed by a caliber of acceptance. Yue couldn't help noticing how incredibly attractive he looked, realizing that this was the most formal he looked in all these years. To her, the gemstones that bordered his tunic served no real purpose, for they were completely outshone by his dazzling azure orbs and eager smile. A regal aura- powerful and unreachable- now lined his features. Fit for a chief.

"Before we commence with the ritual, I ask both of you to convey the answer in your hearts and seal your union in the presence of your community." The priest turned to Sokka. "Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, in the name of Tui and La, are you willing to take Yue as your wife, giving importance to her as your life-long companion?"

"I am willing," he stated sincerely.

"And Lady Yue, in the name of Tui and La, are you willing to take Sokka as your husband, devoting yourself to him?"

"I am willing," she answered, getting the chance to look at the officiators carefully. They were familiar to her, too, especially the woman whose aura glowed with patience.

"Sokka, do you promise to support Yue at all costs and take full responsibility of her? Do you promise to provide for her and hold her dear to your heart?"

"I do."

"And Yue, do you promise to support Sokka at all costs and take full responsibility of him? Do you promise to stand by him at all times and hold him dear to your heart?"

"I do."

Aang and Katara exchanged excited smiles, standing next to their respective siblings-in-law.

"Please join your hands together in prayer fashion," the priestess said. "The groom's right with the bride's left."

The lovers obeyed. Sokka's rough, calloused right palm and Yue's petal-like left palm met, one cushioned and supported by the other.

"The union of your hands symbolizes the union of our patron Spirits," she explained. "The right side represents La: masculinity and dominance. The left side represents Tui: femininity and humility. When a man's right hand meets with a woman's left, balance and prosperity are ensured."

"This is to say that upon your marriage, you both must similarly find a balance and accept one another's differences." The officiator turned to Sokka. "Even in a patriarchal society like the Water Tribe, both of you have the ability to be equally powerful. There is no guarantee that you will always dominate Yue."

"You must be aware that Sokka is a part of you and that you are a part of him," the priestess told Yue. "Your marriage should be a symbol of such unity."

"La is the epitome of life. With His Grace, Sokka, you are given the boon of both creating and leading a new life with Yue. Tui is the embodiment of strength. It is with Her Grace that you, Yue, are given the strength to carry out your duties to Sokka."

The priestess held up a thin strip of silk blue fabric. "Your joined hands will be bound by this sash, symbolizing the tightening of your bond. This sash is not to be removed until your wedding night."

The officiator took the sash and draped it over Sokka and Yue's connected hands, tying a knot.

"The first knot pays tribute to society, requesting the community to ensure their unity in life."

Another knot. "The second pays tribute to posterity. The couple asks that their legacy of unity is preserved upon death in the form of future generations."

One final knot. "And the third pays tribute to the Spirits, asking them to grant the couple unity in eternity."

Sokka and Yue briefly gazed over their connected hands before surrendering to each other again.

"Your hands are joined as if they belong to a single individual. You must both represent that you depend on each other to the extent that you are, in fact, one being." The priestess held out a small, lit candle before them. She gestured to a lantern situated on an icy pedestal a few feet away from them. "Hence, you are to light the ice lantern and pay respects to your ancestors."

Sokka and Yue's fingers entwined in efforts to tightly clasp the lantern. As one being, they glided towards the pedestal. They angled the candle and set the wick aflame.

She means to me as much as she means to you, Sokka thought, keeping Arnook and Ahnah in mind. I promise I'll protect her. I promise I'll keep her happy.

Sokka and I are one now, Yue voiced inwardly. Chief Hakoda and Lady Kya, I promise I'll protect him. I promise I'll keep him happy.

The officiator took the candle from them. "And now, keeping your hands joined, the two of you shall choose the symbol that defines your principal vow and mark the forehead of your betrothed with it. Bring forth the ceremonial pigments!"

Aang held his cup of paint out to Sokka while Katara held hers out to Yue. It was easy to tell that Sokka was prepared for this moment, for he wasted no time in dipping his thumb in the paint. For once, his ambidexterity came in handy. He marked Yue's forehead gently with a simple but prominent dot. I will protect you.

It wasn't too surprising that Sokka chose that mark, but what Yue spoke with her marking was all the more moving and made him feel incredibly invincible and capable. The last of his self-doubt was obliterated once she marked his forehead affectionately with a straight vertical line. I trust you.

The priest and priestess smiled knowingly, simultaneously announcing, "With your markings, you have conveyed your consent and commitment to marriage to the Spirits. We now pronounce you husband and wife. You may merge your marks."

In the midst of the excited hollers, Sokka and Yue's eyes involuntarily fell to a close. Their warm foreheads gently touched and imprinted the markings upon one another. It was a short-lived moment- simple and sweet and tinged with the sensation of inks colliding- but it was enough for them, showering a kind of intimacy that far surpassed anything physical. For what seemed like an eternity, their chests exploded from the pounding inside of them. They broke apart reluctantly, finding solace for the separation from the fact that their hands were still cushioned together, and their eyes flashed open. They were welcomed by the identical markings on their foreheads- one of a vertical line running through the center of a dot. Moisture glazed over their pupils; it had been far too long after all, and these painfully long years finally seemed to be worth it.

Katara beamed with a mixture of excitement and content. She brushed away her emotional tears, smiling at her brother and sister-in-law. Aang wandered over to his wife and placed his arm around her, equally feeling the fervor. For so long, Aang and Katara had been worried sick for Sokka. They often lamented how marriage was thrown out of the warrior's life, and they shared their concerns over leaving him alone in the tribe upon their move to Air Temple Island, knowing he was too busy to be travelling with them. The two of them no longer had to worry now that Yue was with him.

"Let us go on to the coronation!" the officiator thundered, breaking the newlyweds' spell and the excited chaos in the audience.

Aang and Katara stepped away from the platform and stood to the side, bearing witness to the ceremony. The guests eventually grew quiet again.

"Sokka and Yue, please take your rightful positions," the priestess said.

Sokka and Yue stepped to the center of the platform. Through the corner of his eye, Sokka noticed Anyu making his way over to the Table of Honor. The councilman, despite being too happy to care for the prince's negligence in attending the wedding ceremony, couldn't help being irked by the gesture. Yue, too, could see Anyu now and felt the tension threatening to take over. She gave Sokka a calm look, persuading him to drop his glare.

"Tonight, we also celebrate the enthronement of this couple as tribal chief and chieftess. They shall abide by what is best for the community and shall be humble servants of the Spirits."

Another round of applause and fervent uproar. At this rate, the ceremony would go on through the entire night.

"As of today, the Northern Water Tribe will enter a new era of stability and prosperity," the priestess declared. "The rebellions have inflicted several wounds upon us culturally and socially. They have threatened the coexistence of benders and warriors and have taken many lives in the process, including that of our esteemed Chief Arnook."

Yue's lips were pressed together to form a barely noticeable frown at the mention of her father, but it was Sokka's tight grip on her hand that consoled her the most.

"It was a time of chaos and impending anarchy, but with the councilman's help, we got the chance to step back up and challenge these rebellions," the officiator said. "We received the privilege of rebuilding our morale and boosting our cultural participation."

"Thanks to the councilman's efforts, the afflicted and the oppressed have found refuge in the tribe's newest benefits. The Northern Water Tribe has been blessed with many more allies in the world stage. Working conditions have drastically improved, and emphasis on education has heightened."

"So as we stand here today with no fear of our next move, I ask all of you to put forth your undivided attention and honor our new leader."

The crowd held its breath, watching as two attendants stepped onto the platform. They held an antique ceremonial robe. They fastened the furry robe over Sokka's drape and handed small containers of black war paint to the officiaters before hastily leaving.

"Aspiring chieftain, I ask you to make your oath."

Sokka held his free hand out. "I, Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, son of Chief Hakoda and Lady Kya, pledge my loyalty to the Northern Water Tribe. I promise to defend its borders, combat for its freedom, and maintain its peace and harmony with the other nations."

The officiator marked three small, horizontal lines on each of the warrior's cheekbones.

"And Lady Yue, you may make your oath."

Yue held her right hand out. "I, Yue of the Northern Water Tribe, daughter-in-law of Chief Hakoda and Lady Kya, wife of Sokka, pledge my loyalty to the Northern Water Tribe. I promise to uphold its culture, preserve its way of life, and serve its community."

The priestess marked Yue's cheeks in a similar fashion.

"In the name of the Spirits and with the unanimous accordance of the people, I entitle you both as Chief Sokka and Chieftess Yue!"

The audience arched to the ground; every single tribesman in the hall bowed in obeisance to the chief and chieftess, a gesture reserved for spirits only and quite rare in any coronation in the Water Tribes. Yue smiled proudly at Sokka as he faced the people. Of course, he deserved this recognition. It was funny how she played along with fate to make him a chief when his purpose was initially in the role of a diplomat. Never had she expected him to make her a chieftess almost as effortlessly.

"Don't sell yourself short, Chieftess," the priestess whispered to Yue to where no one could hear except her. "They may not be aware of what you have originally done for their sake, but they bow to you nevertheless."

Yue's eyes slightly widened as the woman smiled at her. The comment was a little too insightful. Did she know his woman? Did this woman know her? Yue faced the audience uneasily, caught by the image of them bowing to her for her sacrifice. It wasn't a comfortable image at all.

"This concludes tonight's ceremony! May the Spirits bless everyone gathered here today and provide prosperity for their families!"

The cheering crowd eventually began to disperse, heading towards the mass dining hall for dinner. The guards swarmed in just in time to keep the fanatics from pouncing over the now-royal Water Tribe family. The more respected guests were the last to leave, gesturing that they'll meet with the newlyweds at the ceremonial dinner.

Aang and Katara hurried back up to the pedestal. The waterbending master hugged Yue. "I'm so happy for both of you!"

Sokka grinned widely. He would give anything to freeze time right now. Everything was perfect.

Aang nudged his brother-in-law. "Congratulations, Chief."

"Thanks, Airhead."

"You're sticking to the nicknames even on your wedding day?"

"But I don't have to be formal with you guys," he reasoned, smiling.

Once the hall began clearing out at a much more rapid pace, they were approached by the officiators. Sokka and Yue were overcome with curiosity again.

"I advise you not to stay here for long. You have quite a lot of fans, Chief," the priestess said.

"Crazy fans," the officiator pointed out.

Sokka glanced at the man. "Have we met before, sir? You look very familiar. Both of you, actually."

The man grinned in response, sharing a knowing look with his companion. "Possibly. My wife and I have been around for a quite a while. We may have met you somewhere."

"We thank you for your service," Yue smiled.

"It's our duty, Chieftess," the woman smiled back.

"Do you plan on staying tonight?" Sokka asked. "We have your lodging accommodations arranged."

"I'm afraid we have to start heading back," the man answered. "Anyhow, our hearty congratulations to you both. May the Spirits favor you."

A servant quickly rushed over to them. "Chief Sokka, the officials are waiting for you in the Royal Dining Hall."

"We'll join them in a minute," Sokka said, turning back to the officiators. "Thank you once again. I'll have the guards assist you if needed."

"Don't worry about it, Chief. I think we'll find our way."

Aang and Katara bowed before the officiators before escorting Sokka and Yue to the dining hall. The newlyweds couldn't help glancing back, feeling more than certain that the officiaters were more than just strangers.


The hall was empty by the time everyone left. The officiators coalesced into their respective spirit forms.

"This is truly something for the Spirit World to consider," Tui said. "The Ocean Spirit taking the step to conduct a wedding and coronation ceremony for a human couple. And how enthusiastic you were."

"Who told you that?" La defended.

"Your smile did. Just now."

He wiped the grin off of his face.

"I know you too well," she smirked.

He shrugged, not minding the shorter end of the deal. "You know what? As long as you're happy."

"Don't be too relieved that it's over, my love. We are needed elsewhere."

"Oh, right."


A snowstorm was raging vehemently throughout the tiny village of Quaqtaq. Being more than a hundred miles away from the main city and the surrounding villages was definitely not an asset to this village, and although many of the villagers had heard of Councilman Sokka's wedding and coronation, they were chained in one place thanks to the weather. Then again, some of the female villagers were not concerned with the storm that raged outside; rather, they were exhausted from the storm that raged within the infirmary igloo.

A group of midwives was huddled around the corpse of who is supposedly Unnuk's daughter-in-law. The young woman was originally deprived of the will to go on, and the weight of helplessness had taken its toll upon her already weak body and her unborn child. After days of travel and escape from the rebels, she happened to run across this tiny village and found refuge in the company of the midwives. Today, using the last of her strength, she brought a beautiful baby girl into the world before breathing her last.

The newborn, however, was a stillborn, and though her divine appearance won over the hearts of the midwives, they knew it was too late for the young life in their arms to be revived. They still couldn't help, however, brooding over the infant's delicate appearance.

"She looks...nothing like her mother," a midwife pointed out. "Nor her father. I've seen him before."

An elderly midwife sighed. "That's not the issue of concern," she said, stroking the baby's hair. "You poor child. What other relation do you have?"

"It's pitiful, Mother Aluki," another midwife said. "The father's life was taken from him by the rebels. The mother passed away. And now, this child, too, has lost the will to live."

"We cannot help what fate decrees upon us," said a third, much younger midwife. "Rather, we must see to it that the mother and child are properly laid to rest."

But Mother Aluki didn't have the heart to bury such an innocent being. "It's just that...she's so beautiful."

"Her soul will be most pleased if her body is laid beside her mother. It's the least we can do."

"No." Aluki held the child closely to her chest. "I sense this child has much more in store than death."

"Forgive me, but I find that ridiculous. She was dead before she came into this world. What more could be in store for her?" the second midwife said.

"Dear Aluki, think on it. You have had children and grandchildren, and you know the way of infants. A life that is lost is just that: lost."

"I'm not sure. It does not feel right to bury her. She's different; I can feel it."

"What do you suggest we do then?"

"Leave it to the Spirits." Aluki wrapped a thick blanket around the infant. "We might not have a Spirit Oasis here as the main city does, but that doesn't mean the Spirits don't pervade our village. Surely They will decide the fate of this child."

Mother Aluki gestured the other two midwives to stay behind and see to the woman's burial rites. Clutching the infant, the midwife ventured out into the cold. It was storming harshly, but Aluki didn't mind, for she knew that the Spirits would hear her best in the midst of natural disaster. She raced over to the tributary at the far end of the village. With a heavy heart, she placed the infant by the bank of the tributary.

"Precious One, may the Spirits show you your path."

After checking for a heartbeat one more time and failing to sense anything different, Aluki stepped back and knelt next to the infant in the snow. She looked up at the sky and closed her eyes in prayer. She wasn't sure what suddenly came over her as she began to feel extremely dizzy and lost consciousness, falling onto a nearby mound of snow.

The surroundings glowed, blinding the area, and through the spiritual haze appeared Tui and La. The Moon Spirit gently held the child in her celestial arms. She smiled, reminded of how similarly she cradled Yue in the Spirit World when the princess was placed in the pond. This time, she had to restrain herself from granting life.

"She could have been," La said, touching the child's limp fingers. "I promised her to the chief and chieftess."

"Out of good intentions, but just not in a natural way," she said. "No matter. She will still be theirs, and your promise will be kept."

"Of course. When the time is right."

And with that, the spirits and the infant faded away into the air. Aluki stirred seconds after they disappeared, clutching her head and looking at her surroundings.

"What am I doing here?"