Chapter 44: Priorities

The dining hall was richly adorned with fur tapestries. Two long tables were lined evenly against the center of the room as waiters bustled in and out, getting the feast situated and the food served. Although a traditional Water Tribe dinner was expected, the diversity of the place prompted Sokka early on to invite cooks from different parts of the world. Exotic dishes and Water Tribe specials were served generously to appeal to the different guests, and imported fruits lined the center of each table.

To one side of the first table sat Sokka and Yue, their joined hands resting somewhat awkwardly between them on the icy bench. The seats before them were reserved for the Avatar family and three important guests, who were still yet to arrive. The Royal Fire Nation family, after taking the time to formally congratulate the newlyweds and taunt them with their honeymoon plans, took its place at the second table and spoke with the peacekeeping agents from the Earth Kingdom and a few White Lotus members. Aang and Katara engaged in discussion with the Republic City officials regarding plans for Air Temple Island, and in the meanwhile, Kya and Bumi kept sneaking away from their seats towards Sokka and Yue.

"I'm hungry," Kya complained, yawning and fidgeting impatiently.

"Sleepy, too," Sokka noted, watching his niece. "Just go eat, sweetheart."

"Mom says we'll eat in a few minutes," Bumi groaned. "The important people aren't all here yet."

"But you don't have to wait on them," Yue said gently.

Bumi shrugged and leaned onto Sokka. The chief sighed. "Just a few more minutes, kiddo."

"Well, I don't see how a few kale cookies can go wrong," Yue said, gesturing to a servant. The servant hurried over to their table with the plate of cookies.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Bumi excitedly grabbed a few. "Thanks, Aunt Yue!"

In an instant, Izumi was by their side, digging her hands in the plate with equal fervor and joining Bumi in the gobblefest. Kya held out her tongue in disgust.

"I have something special for you, Kya," Yue reached for a container on the table and pulled out two small fruits.

Kya's eyes lit up. "Peaches?"

"Here we go again," Sokka said, amused.

Yue situated Kya in her lap and handed her the fruits. The little waterbender devoured each peach, the juices trailing down her lips as she mumbled "thank you" over and over again between bites.

"She's a messy eater. Don't say I didn't warn you," Sokka chuckled.

Yue straightened Kya's hair affectionately, dabbing at the toddler's sticky mouth with a cloth. "Don't get it on your pretty dress, now," she murmured.

"I'm going back to my table before my mom finds me," the young fire princess said, grabbing a few more cookies and hiding them in the folds of her robe.

"Sounds like a plan," Sokka said, giving Izumi a fist bump.

"A failed plan," Mai interrupted them. She scooped Izumi into her arms. "I've been looking everywhere for you, missy."

"And what are you two goofballs doing here?" Katara chimed in, holding Tenzin. She gasped as she saw that Yue's sleeve was covered in peach juice. "Oh no. Kya, look what you did-"

"It's okay, Katara," Yue said as Sokka helped wipe the juice off of her sleeve.

"Thanks for the peaches, Aunt Yue." Kya planted a quick kiss on Yue's cheek, smearing the chieftess's cheek with peach juice. Yue laughed, pleased.

"I see how it is," the warrior pouted. "I've given you plenty of peaches before, little lady."

Kya giggled and mimicked the action for her uncle, smearing his cheek with juice as well before trotting back to her seat at the far end of the table.

"Silly girl," Katara shook her head.

"Don't worry, the dress isn't that important," Yue assured.

"Yeah, Katara, the dress isn't important," Mai murmured, smirking. "It's not like she'll be needing it for tonight."

After letting the comment sink in, Sokka and Yue looked away nervously.

"Alright Mai, let's just leave them alone for now."

"You can't be there to protect them forever, Katara. There's something called a honeymoon," the Fire Lady said deviously at which Katara couldn't help bursting out in laughter.

An awkward pause settled in as the ladies walked away.

"Uh...don't mind them," Sokka told Yue quietly.

The awkwardness was broken once General Bo, Kahuna Minnuk, and Peizhi- a White Lotus sentry- stepped into the hallway. The trio joined Sokka and Yue at the table a few minutes later.

"It's great to see you, sir!" Minnuk bowed. "I hear the ceremonies went off without a hitch. My apologies for the last minute drop."

"Don't worry about it," Sokka assured.

Minnuk smiled at Yue, bowing. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Chieftess."

"It's good to see you as well, Honorable Minnuk," she greeted.

"I expected to see Prince Anyu here," the man noted. "He's not back yet?"

"Yeah, where is the young prince?" asked Peizhi.

"Who knows?" Sokka said, failing to hide his irritability.

Yue gently squeezed his hand, signalling him to stay calm. "Anyu's probably busy," she covered. "He has been working really hard lately."

Some hard worker, Sokka scoffed.

"Ah, I see. Not a surprise." Minnuk turned back to Sokka and whispered in his ear, "Is she the candidate you had in mind, sir?"

Sokka gestured for him to keep quiet. Once Yue was distracted by the other guests, he rasped, "I didn't tell her yet. You have the papers ready, don't you?"

The kahuna handed him a few parchments, rolling them up in scroll form. "Right with me, sir."

Sokka hid the papers in the folds of his robe, double checking to make sure she didn't notice.

"Everything has been arranged until after your trip. No requirements or prerequisites are going to be asked. She just needs to sign the papers."

"Good."

"But she'll agree to it, right? It's just that...I don't have any other candidate in mind and I was relying on-"

"Don't worry. I'll talk to her."

He saw that Yue was eyeing them both curiously. He quickly cleared his throat. "Uh, please have a seat, Minnuk," he raised his voice a little, nudging the kahuna. "Help yourself."

"Yes, of course, sir," the man laughed nervously.

Aang and Katara took their seats at the table near the newlyweds, getting the kids situated. Yue glanced at Sokka. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah yeah, everything's fine."

Once everyone was comfortably settled and basic greetings were exchanged, Aang stood up and raised his cup. Within moments, he had everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, please join me in toasting these amazing individuals tonight."

The guests cheered for the beaming newlyweds.

"When I first met Sokka, I was impressed by his loyalty and determination to protect his people. As I got to know him through our travels, I've seen him strengthen his skills and develop his drive to help bring peace to the world."

Sokka flashed a smug grin.

"I've known this boomerang guy for many years now," Aang chortled, "and I've had the pleasure of seeing him achieve so much. Even today, he took a step forward as chief of the Northern Water Tribe….but I feel that his true luck and achievement comes from having his other half by his side."

Yue smiled warmly.

"Yue is not only beautiful, but strong, caring, and courageous; she completes him. I know for a fact that she will keep him happy and support him... and tolerate his shenanigans."

She giggled along with the audience. Sokka shrugged sheepishly.

"It gives me great joy to see my best friend, most trusted advisor, and brother-in-law take the next most important step in his life, and with Yue by his side, I know that he will take on his responsibilities with ease." He held his cup up. "To Chief Sokka and Chieftess Yue. May the Spirits grant them a long, happy, and prosperous life."

A light applause erupted as everyone else raised their cups. Sokka and Yue glanced appreciatively at the airbender. Aang smiled widely at them, silently congratulating them before taking his seat. Once the applause died down, the feast commenced.

"So, Chief Sokka... you're taking up two important responsibilities at the same time," Minnuk said. "Are you feeling the pressure?"

"Not yet," Sokka chuckled.

"Well you better be ready. Time flies by after marriage, and you won't even know it."

"You gotta say goodbye to all that freedom, though," Peizhi joked. "But in all seriousness, Lady Yue is a lovely young woman. I'm sure both of you will have the time of your life in this journey."

"You really should count yourself lucky, sir. It seems Lady Yue is your total opposite. Much more patient," Minnuk said lightheartedly.

"I should say I'm the lucky one," Yue smiled.

"Eh, we're both lucky, me and my better half," Sokka added pridefully. "My best half, I mean."

She nudged him softly, embarrassed.

"What? It's the truth."

Aang and Katara exchanged amused smirks. It was funny how the warrior always complained of their "oogies", and yet he was the one openly flirting with his wife. They didn't wish to tease him about it, though; it had been so long since Sokka was genuinely happy, so they let him have the fun for now and occupied themselves in conversation.

"It's great to see you two excited. I'm sure you will both fulfill your roles," General Bo said. "Being chief and chieftess, however, is something on a totally different plane."

"Uh...definitely, General," Sokka said.

"Of course, I know you will do equally well in your leadership positions, but just a reminder that you should be extremely careful."

Yue's excitement waned a little bit. Reality certainly was a harsh catalyst. Her thoughts drifted to the rebellions.

"I heard a lot about the rebellions that took place here," Bo continued. "It was alarming. Not to mention, you were one of the victims, Chief."

Yue frowned at the memory. Sokka brooded over the statement, wondering if he had still been attacked despite things being different. There was no Yue statue for him to defend according to global perspective.

"Me?" he asked purposefully.

"You know, on your first day here. You were being escorted, and you were attacked. At least, that's what I heard."

So that's how it went. "Oh...well, that was nothing, honestly," Sokka replied. "It could have been much worse."

"Thank the Spirits it wasn't," Bo said. "Recovering from shirshu poison, especially here where there's a lack of adequate medication for it...that's quite an amazing feat if you think about it."

"I don't understand how even with tight security, it all happened," Peizhi mused.

Sokka noticed how disturbed Yue quickly became. Frankly, he was disturbed, too. This wasn't really the perfect topic to discuss at a ceremonial wedding dinner. "It's all in the past," he said, trying to change the subject. "Things are more stable now."

A false sense of assurance, Yue knew, but the more she thought about what happened the night of the eclipse, the more she wondered if the rebellion leader they captured was the same leader who killed her father and imposed the attack on Sokka. If only she had seen the rebel's face, she would have known.

"You can't be too sure, sir. I understand that this may not be the right time for me to say this...but you never know what's going to happen," Bo said. "You should be really careful from now onwards. And you as well, Chieftess. As the leaders, you are put out in the open."

The statement bothered Sokka and Yue because the general was right. There could still be an attack when people least expected it. As leaders in the world stage, that was the primary issue they needed to take care of.

"I'm sure that won't be too much of a problem for them. Being a leader means being surrounded by guards twenty four hours a day. That's security on a whole different level," Minnuk said, noticing the slightly grave faces of the newlyweds and trying to ease the tension a little bit.

"Right." Sokka cleared his throat. "So, uh, how are things back home, Peizhi?"

"The usual. No signs of mass unrest, but not too many improvements, either. There's a lot of hype going on about news in the North; I'm sure that's obvious."

"Pretty much."

"Oh, and apparently, some tribesmen started constructing a commemoration monument for Chief Hakoda," Bo said. "They were going to surprise you about it, but I guess I just spoiled it."

Aang and Katara, who were caught up in another conversation, paused abruptly from the statement.

"For my dad?" Sokka asked nostalgically, sharing an excited look with Katara.

"Well of course. Chief Hakoda's contributions were remarkable. The commemoration is going to coincide with the remembrance ceremony the day of his two-year death anniversary."

"Wow...the anniversary is...not too far off," Sokka pointed out disappointedly. There was no way he could make it. Yue noticed how despondent he sounded. Clearly he missed his home and wanted to be there, especially since his father was being given such a great honor. Besides, Sokka didn't get to attend the previous remembrance ceremony since he had to take up duties in Ba Sing Se.

"I'm afraid we won't be able make it that day," Katara said regretfully. "Usually I would be the representative, but we still have issues to settle in Republic City."

"That shouldn't be a problem, Katara," Aang consoled. "I can talk to the officials. We'll make time to visit."

"It's not going to be that easy, Aang. And it's not about visiting; we can go some other day. I just wanted someone to represent Dad at the ceremony. Sokka's the chief now, and he shouldn't be travelling too far from the tribe."

"Even if there is a way for Chief Sokka to visit, I suggest that he lay low this year," said Yunru, a White Lotus member from the other table who happened to overhear their conversation. "It's just that they've caught another Red Lotus sleeper cell."

"What?"

"They caught who now?"

"When did this happen?"

"Around last week. You probably didn't know since you were travelling, Peizhi."

"How come no one told me?" Sokka asked.

"At least I should have been informed about this," Aang said, incredulous.

"We didn't want to trouble you with it since there was no real harm," Yunru said. "The guy wasn't much of a threat, either; highly incapable despite his position. He gave away plenty of details, too, so the White Lotus is on constant watch and search."

Sokka grimaced. The last time the Southern Water Tribe caught a sleeper cell was over two years ago, and the White Lotus members assured him they had everything under control. While he trusted the organization, situations can't be worsening right now when the Northern Tribe is seething with its own dangers. In the middle of anti-bending rebels and anarchists, there was no way he could be in two different places at once. "I see."

"Don't worry, sir," Yunru told Sokka. "Everything is taken care of; we just can't take chances with you being exposed to the public."

"If you need the assistance, I'll be happy to come with you," Aang told Peizhi. "We still have a few weeks before we proceed with our plans for Air Temple Island, and I'll do my best to convince the Republic City officials. I'll help you settle the issues and stay for the next three weeks; Katara can attend the ceremony, too, that way."

"If you're up for it, sir," Peizhi said. "I can start making the arrangements. You'll have to take it up with the officials for your leave, though."

"That won't be necessary," Yue said, breaking the uncertainty. "The chief and I will be leaving for the Southern Water Tribe tomorrow evening."

Sokka almost choked on his arctic hen. "What?"

"There's a slight change in plans," she elaborated, turning to the airbender. "Aang, I know it's going to be hard for you to deal with Republic City. If you can't be there exactly, you need to be at least a short correspondence distance away. The Southern Water Tribe is on the other side of the world; there is no way you can handle the pressure from that far. It will be much easier for you if you manage Republic City issues from here. Plus, the situation will be stable in our absence if you stay."

Sokka lost himself in her confidence.

"You don't have to give up your plans for this," Katara said.

"Yeah, we'll find a way," Aang assured. "Relocation isn't new for us."

"Even if relocating isn't the problem, travelling is," Yue said. "It's going to be difficult for you and Katara to travel that far with the kids. If Sokka and I go, we can easily explore the conditions there and gather more support for fighting off the rebels."

"True," Minnuk interjected.

"You shouldn't be worrying about this right now," Katara said. She knew Yue and Sokka had huge responsibilities before them, and this honeymoon was supposed to be their chance to relax and make up for the time they lost in their separation.

Yue smiled assuringly. "It's no trouble at all. I've always wanted to visit the sister tribe. And I know for sure Sokka won't have a problem with that." She gazed at the warrior knowingly, who kept gawking back at her with surprise.

"She's right," Katara said, turning to Aang. "You can easily fly to Republic City from here if worse comes worse, can't you?"

"I could."

"You don't have a problem staying here for the next three weeks, do you, Aang?" Yue asked.

"Not at all, Yue," Aang said, convinced after another moment of thought. "We'll be more than happy to watch over the tribe. We have to wait anyway."

"This might all sound okay, Lady Yue, but you and Chief Sokka can't take any risks right now," Bo said.

"It's going to be equally risky if we stay here, if not more," she said, convincing herself along with the others. "There's no point in fearing for danger when we're constantly susceptible. Also, it's our duty to represent both tribes. Sokka hasn't had the chance to properly represent Chief Hakoda; if he's going to be the future leader of the South, he has to attend."

"There's always another year," Peizhi said. "The Southern Water Tribe will understand if he's busy."

"But we can't limit our functionality based on the fear that something is going to happen. Our sister tribe is in a much calmer environment compared to here. I'm sure we will have nothing to worry about. Avatar Aang will serve as the interim leader until we return." She looked at Aang. "And we'll be back just in time for you to carry on with Air Temple Island."

"Well said, Chieftess," Minnuk agreed.

"Then it's settled," Aang said, relieved.

"You can take one of our steamers if needed, Sokka," Lord Zuko offered, the conversation having spread to his table. "It'll get you to the Southern Water Tribe much quicker."

The conversation ended quickly as the guests dived into their meals. Sokka, who was still fazed by the turn of events, couldn't take his eyes off of Yue. A servant came by with a container of blubbered seal jerky, stopping by Sokka. Yue reached for the chopsticks in the container and served the warrior with two extra. She shrugged casually. "They're your favorite, right?"

Just when he thought he couldn't melt any further. He purposely dropped his chopsticks, and using the action as an excuse, he pulled Yue under the table and kissed her lips urgently, thankful for the haste conversations that drowned out his eager, elated smooches.

"What are you doing?"

"Did I ever...tell you...that you're amazing?" he mumbled happily between kisses, losing himself.

"Sokka, this is not the time-"

"You're so adorable, Chieftess," he squeed gleefully, repeatedly pecking her cheeks.

Adorable? Her conscience flailed in the sea of his boldness.

He pulled her back up after a few seconds and appeared as if he wrestled for the chopsticks the entire time, ignoring Katara's suspicious look like nothing happened. Yue focused on everything else but him, hiding her furious blush.

"So," Sokka said, straightening his posture and suppressing his satisfied smile. "You guys were saying?"


The uninvited guests were quick to leave following the feast, but once the formal ceremonial dinner was over, the White Lotus members and all of Sokka's friends bid the newlyweds goodbye and good luck. Lord Zuko and family- being the busiest of them all- were the first to start back home, followed closely by the other families. The servants were sent away earlier than usual, and even the guards eased up on their vigilance. After the palace grew empty, Aang and Katara scurried around in attempts to get everything settled.

In the meanwhile, Sokka and Yue hung around the balcony, their tied hands resting over the ledge. Yue was lost in deep thought. She anticipated the visit to the Southern Water Tribe. For the first time in her life (minus her spiritual intermission), she would be leaving her home. Not that she saw the Northern Water Tribe as much of a home anymore; it was merely a place filled with social walls that tried to chain her peace of mind. The rebellions were also responsible for her disturbance, and General Bo's words kept troubling her.

"I understand that this may not be the right time for me to say this...but you never know what's going to happen. You should be really careful from now onwards."

It was definitely true that Sokka could be a target. She shrugged the thought away uneasily. I can't let anything happen. If I want to help end this and find the killer, I need to get involved in some way, she told herself. But knowing Sokka, he was too overprotective to consider her involvement in tracking down the rebels. She needed to persuade him to where her involvement would benefit her, knowing that he won't refuse then.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, looking at their reflections in the water canal below the balcony.

"Nothing," she answered.

"You're not freaking out over the rebellions, are you? Bo's just a worrywart; he thinks everybody's in constant danger and-"

"It's not that," she said tentatively. A ripple waved their reflection.

"Did I make you feel...uh...uncomfortable earlier?"

"No," she said. "You were just excited. There's nothing wrong with that."

"It's just…after so long, I felt great. I mean, I...we...are going to visit my home."

"Our home," she corrected thoughtfully.

He grinned. "Yeah. Our home."

"You don't have to defend yourself. You have the right to...do what you want..." she trailed off, a visible blush on her cheeks.

His cheeks grew warm, prompting him to scoot closer. "Are you worried about...tonight…?"

He phrased it very carefully, and for that, she was quite surprised. Honestly, the wedding night had been the least of her worries, but now that it was actually here… she didn't know what to think. He told her that he would give her all the time in the world, but clearly he had the intention of taking the next step with her. What was she to expect? What was he expecting from her? More importantly, if he did want to take the next step, would she be ready?

Goodness, ready was a strong word, but at least she knew she wouldn't...refuse...if that was the case.

"Not really," she said truthfully. "I haven't thought much about it."

"Oh." He wasn't disappointed, again to her surprise. Only inquisitive. "What about the honeymoon? Are you worried about that?"

"No, no."

She shivered a little from the chilly wind. He draped his ceremonial cape over her shoulders.

"Just think of it like a vacation," he said, making small circles on her palm with his fingers. "Blowing off steam, that's all. You can be comfortable around me."

She nodded, hesitant as she asked, "What about you? Are you expecting anything...tonight...?"

The question caught him off guard. He shrugged, letting the darkness cover his crimsoning cheeks. His palm was a little sweaty. "Well..."

She watched him struggle to find the right words, but he eventually gave up on the question and straightened himself. "I almost forgot...I, uh, have something for you." He pulled out a scroll marked with a gold seal and placed it in her free hand.

"What is this?"

"Read it," he said, helping her unfurl the scroll. She skimmed over the contents, furrowing her eyebrows.

"An acceptance letter? Future professor of the School of Philosophy?"

"Yes, Sifu Yue," he said, enunciating the rest of the letter in a professional tone. "You have been selected as a suitable candidate to teach at Chief Sokka's esteemed School of Philosophy. Kahuna Minnuk invites you to a preliminary orientation. Please make plans to attend."

She looked up, confused. "I never signed up."

"I signed you up."

"What?"

"You're welcome."

"But I haven't even been interviewed-"

"Not necessary."

She read over the scroll again, frowning. "I don't understand. Is Minnuk quitting? And why did you recommend me of all people?"

"I just felt like it," he said nonchalantly.

"Be serious, Sokka."

"Fine." He leaned against the ledge. "Minnuk is planning to retire in two months to handle some issues in his village. He was looking for someone to hire before he left. He was complaining that his candidates cared more about the money than the actual teaching. I thought since his candidates aren't half as smart as you are, you'd be perfect for the job."

"This is a mistake," she said, uncertain. "I can't do this."

"Sure you can. All you do is talk about spirits all day long. This position was made for you."

She sighed. "What were you even trying to accomplish by this?"

"It's something you need, Yue," he said. "First off, the recognition. Tremendous. I can see it now: Sifu Yue, the first female professor in the Northern Water Tribe's prestigious School of Philosophy. You'll easily make history."

"Recognition is not-"

"-important, you say, but think about what a good influence you'll be on the students. You have the experience. And explaining things- that's something you're really good at. You'll teach accurately."

"That's-"

"Extensive salary, three days a week, work hours are from sunrise to noon… no stress at all."

"But-"

"This is something you'll excel in," he encouraged, searching her swirling pools of blue. "It'll help boost your self esteem."

She gave him a long, pitiful look. "Have you forgotten what happened these past few days?"

"That has nothing to do with this," he dismissed.

"No...this position will be a constant reminder for me," she professed, briefly gazing at the dark sky.

"Well you know what? I have every right to get you that position. I'm your husband, and I know what's best for you." He took extreme pride in the fact but was sincere nevertheless, lowering his voice. "Sometimes, you have to look for things where you lose them. I discovered that with you, actually."

And he meant it. He lost her once in the Spirit Oasis and never wanted to go back, but he was glad when he did. That moment when Yue got her life back...he would never forget it. It fixed him in a way he didn't imagine.

"It's a good feeling, Yue. When you find what you lose."

She briefly pondered his statement. "Good feelings and self-repair aren't my concerns right now; there are other things for me to worry about. I have certain priorities."

"I can help you with those priorities of yours," he said profoundly. "There's no rule saying you have to do it alone."

She paused, her heart fluttering. "I just need a favor from you."

"Anything you want."

"Can you... take me to the prison tomorrow? I want to see the man who attacked you the night of the eclipse."

Dead silence. She kept her attention on a passing gondola, afraid to see how he would react.

"Why?"

"It's not about revenge or anything," she added passively. Like that helped.

"I know." His voice was soft and anxious. "But why? That criminal is locked up for life. He's not going to hurt me."

"This isn't about you," she lied. Well, it wasn't a total lie. He was the main reason why she wanted to do this, but he wasn't the only reason. "I want to see if... he's the same man who killed my father."

Her father's death, despite being a major scar in her life, didn't spark vengeance. She came to terms with his loss that night when she broke down in Sokka's arms. Rather, she only wanted to see if the prisoner was the main culprit behind everything. If the face of the locked-up prisoner and the face of the enemy matched, she would have nothing to freak out about as he would really be locked up and out of public reach.

And if he's not the one? her conscience asked.

Then my mission will be to help track him down.

"Chances are, he is the same man. There's no point for you to visit."

"How do you know? You weren't there when the assassination took place."

"I might not know everything, but I can give you all the details you need about the prisoner," he offered as an alternative. "Just match a name with a name."

"He had a lot of undercover names, constantly changing," she said. "That's why I need to see for myself."

He frowned deeply. It was scary to think of the extent these rebellions were affecting her. "I won't let you."

"I can take it, Sokka."

"But I can't, okay? It's too painful."

"I need this," she urged. "If I want to move on and be happy, I need closure."

Closure. She had him tied up with that word.

"And besides...you'll be there with me to protect me," she added skillfully. "Why are you still hesitating?"

Man, she's good at this. "You wouldn't want to see him," he said scornfully. "He's not really in a good condition right now."

"At the worst, he's probably bleeding all over because a certain someone beat him up."

"Call it disciplining, if you will," he countered defensively.

"You keep forgetting I was the Moon Spirit once. Blood and gore are not going to scare me away."

"I hate when I can't convince you," he mumbled.

"Please, Sokka?"

Her eyes pulled him into their turbulent seas. There was no way he could say no to them. He sighed, gesturing to the scroll. "If you're up for this."

"Deal."


"Why are we here?"

"Don't say you expected us to escort you to that dungeon of a room," Katara rolled her eyes at her brother. "You two are starting a new life together; a new, comfortable room would be a good place to start."

"Yeah, you're welcome," Aang chuckled.

Yue was apprehensive. Their room. Hers and Sokka's. What she didn't know was that he was equally nervous, but he masked it with his distracted daze. Both could feel the other's hand heating up; even the sash that held them together grew warm.

"Well don't just stand here, you lovebirds," Aang teased.

Katara pushed them inside gently and tugged the door to a close behind them. And within moments, Sokka and Yue were alone. Alone alone. Their eyes were glued to their new, huge room.

It had the layout of a generic palatial room with the exception of it being extremely lavish and lacking separate chambers. Rather, the room wound its way rhythmically, churning into a deeper end that contained the bed. Ice lanterns seemed to be thematic for the day, Sokka noted. Of course, hopeless romantics like his sister and the Avatar would know. He trailed his gaze over the many ice lanterns- each set a foot apart- which lined the spacious floor along the icy walls. There was a fairly large window, too, blocked off by a loosely hanging curtain. In contrast to the outside world, the atmosphere was warm, but to the couple, this warmth was equivalent to the heat of a thousand suns.

"W-woah…" he squeaked. And he said it frequent because silence could be dangerous. The fact that everything held a sensual touch to it wasn't helping, either.

"We can...untie the sash now," Yue said.

"Huh? Oh, right." Their free hands reached for the cloth and worked in unison to untie each knot. They took their time, though, for the sake of holding the other's hand a bit longer. Each moment their hands brushed, they jolted from nervousness. It was ironic; just one night ago, she had drenched his tunic with her sorrow, feeling no nervousness. Just a few hours ago, he had been smothering her cheeks with his haste kisses, bold as ever. Now, it was a different story. Eventually, the last knot slipped, and their palms brushed apart reluctantly. Yue slowly unwound the ceremonial cloak from her shoulders and hung it on a protruding icicle on the wall.

"You should go change." He paused, his blank expression flushed with embarrassment in response to her intense blush. "I meant...it's hot in here. Your robes are probably hot 'cause I know mine are and we're wearing pretty much the same thing. I'm not used to this heat and stuff in the North and I'm not implying anything but I just want you to be comfortable and-"

"I know what you mean," she interrupted his rambling. Her chest pounded. Perspiration dripped over her temples.

"Are you nervous?" His face seemed to radiate in a golden-bronze hue from the dance of the light.

"N-no." Real convincing.

"If you are, don't be." Because I am, and someone has to play it cool. He ambled over to the bed, his fingers brushing against the winter jasmine petals that adorned the furry sheets. He didn't dare take a seat.

She wasn't sure how to react. She wasn't sure how he was reacting. Clearly his nervousness meant something...and at the same time, he tried to sound casual. She took a deep breath and headed for washroom that was blocked off to the far side of the room. She hastily closed the door and splashed cool water on her face, leaving only her marriage marking intact. She looked into the icy mirror at her reflection upon drying her face, simply standing there for a long moment.

There's a door in the way. He can't see you, her conscience raced.

She sighed, hesitantly unclipping her winding drape and removing the white sash from her waist.

Would he…?

Of course he would. He's a man, not a saint.

She let her silk robe slip next. I won't protest.

You definitely shouldn't. He has the right. How much longer will he be a celibate?

She took her suffocatingly tight overcoat off last, left with her long, thin dress and light overlay tunic. Despite still covered up, she was much more self conscious than before.

It will be a difficult night if you're like this.

She gulped, quietly stepping out. To her surprise, she didn't see him, but she definitely heard him through his snores.

He can't be asleep already.

She also noticed that one of the two pillows from the bed was missing. She stepped out further, and to the left side of the bed, she saw him sprawled out over the floor in his silk pants and tunic. His robes and black sash were tossed to one side in a messy manner. The lanterns on his side of the room were blown out.

"Sokka?"

He snored louder, but he sent her the message clearly: take the bed.

She smiled at him adoringly, shaking her head. Her nervousness disappeared. Overcome with warmth, she knelt next to him and gently untied his warrior's wolf tail, letting his hair fall loose. Cold air wafted craftily through the window; she reached for the fur sheet on the bed, and after shaking the jasmine petals off, draped it over him.

"I'll give you all the time you need."

Her fingers lightly brushed his hair back. "Sweet dreams, Chief."

She stood up and reached for the rumpled blue lotus in her hair, casting it on the table next to the blue sash. Her fingers unraveled her braid and combed the wilted flowers out of her hair. Upon replacing her sapphire earrings with a more simple pair, she reached for the thinner bedsheet and draped it on the floor to the far right side of the bed, lying down. He may have offered her the bed, but that didn't mean she was going to take the comfort and let him suffer on the floor.

In the darkest moment of the night, however, Yue could have sworn she heard a lonely tune drifting through the night.

Hand in hand, let's say our vows,

My sweet Water Tribe girl.

You and me

As La and Tui.

This is now our world.

Heart in heart, let's promise now,

My sweet Water Tribe girl,

That you are mine-

So dear, so fine-

And I am yours, oh girl.