A/N:
Good Evening, Dear Readers!
I've been raised from the dead. Before the new year I'd chosen to leave this platform in favor of Wattpad. While I still publish over there, I'm going to be updating both sites together. Some readers prefer the ease and versitilty of the mobile app, while others like to read from their desktop or laptop on FF.
My previous decision was hasty at best, but I will be using both websites going forward.
As for this story, this is my reboot of my previous story "The Sacrifice". I consider that story to be a really badly written first draft and I'm rewriting from the ground up on both platforms. If you join me here, welcome! I'd be happy to see you on the other site as well.
If you have any questions about the story or anything, please don't hesitate to reach out.
If you'd like to read "The Sacrifice", please feel free to do so soon. I will be deleting that story within the next few weeks and permanently archiving it.
Flameo, hotman!
Iset Black
Sea and Sky
Chapter 1: At Day's End
Earth Kingdom City of Gaoling
Bai-Sha Compound, Dining Hall
Hands folded neatly in her lap and eyes downcast, the girl listened intently as those around her spoke. Across the room, she watched out of the corner of her eye as her father paced, his booted footfalls echoing hollowly against the richly decorated walls of the chamber.
"It must be tonight, or we will miss our chance to present Rana at court. She must be made known to the Avatar."
Rana listened intently as her father continued to pace about the dining hall. As if to distract herself from his plotting, Rana moved to take a sip from the golden chalice in front of her. The richly spiced liquid warmed her as she swallowed deeply.
"Why is it so important the girl is presented to the Avatar? We owe neither him or any of the Kingdoms allegiance." Kuyu's wife argued as she cast a sideways glance, her sharp green eyes assessing Rana harshly. The woman sat upright in her chair as she took small, measured bites of her food.
Kuyu was silent as he moved towards a gilded bird cage. Before speaking, he unhinged the latch of the small cage door before drawing a small song bird onto his outstretched hand. Delicately, he withdrew the small animal from it's cage. Upon its release from its gilded prison, the bird began to chirp happily, performing a sweet tune for its audience.
Rana and Samina watched intently as Kuyu ran a finger delicately over the bird's head, as if to show affection. For a few moments, they watched as the song bird continued it's cheerful tune. A smile lined Kuyu's bearded face as he presented the bird to the women at the table.
"You see how happy the bird is at being freed? We too, with the Avatar's help, shall enjoy the same freedom..." Kuyu drifted off as he approached the women, his hand still outstretched with the bird. As he approached Rana's side, he looped one arm around her shoulders and dropped the bird into her waiting hands.
"And Rana will be at the Avatar's side, as his wife."
Rana's breath caught in her chest as the delicate claws of the bird dug into her palms. The bird continued to chirp as she drew it upwards to her cheek and nuzzled it softy. Ever weary, Rana was scared for the small bird.
"If we fail to act swiftly, we will be snuffed out as quickly as this small bird." Kuyu's voice resonated around Rana. Before she could draw a breath, her father crushed the small bird as it sat upon her outstretched palms. The room was suddenly silent except for the deep exhale that left Rana's lungs.
Ember Island Imperial Palace
Aang's Quarters
Splashes of pink and orange lined the horizon as the sun peaked, casting warm golden light through the reeded slats of his bedroom. Excitedly, Aang threw back his bed covers and lept from the bed. Today was the day. The day he'd been waiting for, has anticipated with all of his being.
Quickly, he hastily pulled on his leather boots and fastened the ties. Suddenly self-conscious, he skidded to halt as he took in his appearance in the mirror across the room. He hadn't bothered to change from his clothes from the day before, his tunic wrinkled and rumpled, signs he'd slept in the same garments.
Taking a moment, he squared his shoulders and summoned his staff with a quick burst of air. With the staff planted firmly in his left hand, stood tall and confident as he took in his appearance. While today was his coming of age, he didn't feel different at all. Maybe a little taller, maybe a little bulkier and leaner. Physically, he didn't feel any different from today than the day before.
But something seemed to buzz in the air around him. Physically, he was the same. His spirit sang as he thought of what the day was to hold. The festivities to celebrate the peace of the nations and his own coming of age, his own march on wards into manhood.
The preparations for the day's festival and evening's banquet had gone on for months. Zuko, ever the gracious host, took on the duty of putting the celebrations together on his family's Ember Island estate.
Most of all, Aang was excited for what the future would hold for himself girlfriend, Katara. The thought of Katara sent his heart racing and made his heart pound. Forever at his side, she was the person he trusted most in the world. The person he'd dedicated himself to, the person he vowed to protect above all others. For him, she was his link to the physical world, the very thing that kept him rooted to the Earth.
Tonight was the night he'd ask for her hand, to celebrate their union as man and wife to be. Searching the tucks and folds on his tunic, Aang withdrew a silky ribbon. Attached to the cerulean ribbon was a heavy carved pendant of jade, embossed with the symbols of his people and hers - the ocean waves of the Water Tribes with the gusts of wind of the Air Nomads. Their union was the bonding of two people, two cultures, two different parts of the world.
Aang drew a deep breath as he ran his fingers over the pendant one last time before tucking it securely back into his tunic. "Alright, I got this... for her, doing this for her..." He muttered to himself as he motioned for Momo to join him. The lemur let out a high screech as he perched upon Aang's shoulders.
Drawing the ornate doors of his chambers open, Aang strode confidently down the hall as he shook all fears and nerves from his mind. Organized chaos swarmed around Aang as he was immediately engulfed in people moving about the halls, moving furniture and cleaning furiously.
One group of serving ladies furiously dusted and moved the large furniture that lined the halls, another group of men hoisted large platters of food and drink about. A wide grin spread across Aang's lips as he took in the energy around him. Anticipation and excitement filled him as he watched the commotion.
"Aang! Good morning!" A deep voice boomed over the chaos of the serving staff. Aang spun on his feet and was met with Sokka's smiling face.
Aang outstretched his arms in greeting, Sokka returning the hearty handshake. "Sokka, good morning!"
Sokka draped and arm over Aang's shoulders as the pair dodged serving ladies and wove through the crowd before coming to the Fire Lord's meeting hall.
"So, tonight is the night. I don't envy you man." Sokka laughed as he slapped Aang's back. While he was happy for the Avatar and his little sister, the thought of being trapped in marriage at such a young age sent tingles of fear over him.
Aang grimaced slightly as he recovered from Sokka's enthusiastic show of affection. "I'm ready, I'm sure she is too. We've waited so long and have been through so much to get here..."
Shaking his head slightly, Sokka disregarded Aang's words and stopped short for a moment. "Ready? Zuko's been waiting for us." Aang nodded his head as he pushed open the doors to the Fire Lord's chambers.
Ember Island Imperial Palace
Women's Quarters
Toph sneezed as she took a step out of the room and waved her hand in front of her face as if to diffuse the fragrances that overwhelmed her senses. "Jeez Sugar Queen, do you think that's enough perfume?"
Katara winced as she looked over her shoulder towards the Earth Bender. She would have mouthed "I'm sorry", except that her companion couldn't see her silent pleas for forgiveness. At the moment, Katara had no control of her body and was subjected to the whims of the dressing women.
The dressing women moved about Katara's lithe form with precision and grace as the tightened laces and tightly secured her long locks atop her head. A sigh left Katara's lips as she continued to stay as still as possible, as difficult as it seemed with the pushing and pulling of the women that surrounded her.
For what seemed an eternity, Katara held her gaze at the ceiling as the women smeared creams into her skin and tugged at her hair. It was a surreal feeling to have this much attention on her, even for such a large celebration.
Toph tapped her sandal-clad foot impatiently as she leaned against the doorway, her patience wearing thin. "How much longer? The banquet is about to start. I'm starving!"
As if on Toph's petulant command, the dressing women released their hold on Katara and backed away slowly. Eyes still focused on the ornately carved ceiling above, Katara was brought back into reality as Toph cleared her throat. "Sounds like the crazy ladies are done Katara. Are you ready?"
Katara drew her gaze down to the floor length mirror in front of her, her breath leaving her chest as she took her appearance in. While she had been expecting to be dressed from head to toe in the conservative red robes of the Fire Nation, she wore the opposite. Perched upon silver wedged sandals, layers of gauzy, diaphanous blue and silver silk contoured to every inch of her body. A gem encrusted cord held the form-fitting garment in place, perched just above her the dip of her hipbone.
Breathlessly, she turned on her sandals as she watched the silks swirl around her body, each blue fading into a dull silver as if they were a watercolor painting. Toph rolled her eyes as she listened to Katara's pulse quicken. "I'm sure you're beautiful Sugar Queen, the clock is ticking. Let's go!"
Before Toph's words could register, Katara ran her fingers over the bejeweled collar that completed her ensemble. Just under her collar bone sat the loveliest piece of jewelry she'd ever seen. Hundreds of tiny blue crystals and sapphires glittered against the fire light of the wall sconces.
Distracted, Katara continued to gaze at her outfit in the mirror as she smoothed her plaited locks of hair over her shoulder. It was beautiful, overwhelming, and all consuming. She felt as if she might collapse inwards on herself underneath the weight of the glamour and noble clothing. "This is all very beautiful, but... I can't wear this. Can I please change back into my own clothes?"
At hearing Katara's words, Toph grabbed her friend by the arm and drug her from the room. "I waited for two hours, we're going! I'm starving and they're waiting on us!"
Struggling against the weight of the layers of silk and tall wedged sandals, Katara stumbled behind Toph. "Toph, slow down, please."
Toph disregarded Katara's words as she continued to drag her towards the grand dining hall. "It's just for a few hours and then you can do back to your old clothes. Let's just get this over with already. I'm sure Aang is dying to see you."
The thought that Aang might be on the opposite side of the doors in front of them gave Katara some peace. "Okay, let's go."
Before the words left Katara's mouth, the large doors to the banquet swept open and she was englufed by crowds of people. Removing herself from Toph's grasp, Katara snaked her way through the crowds and found a spot next to a table of food and orante chalices filled with different liquids.
She drew her gaze over the rows of food and drink, unsure of where to start. Without a second thought, Katara plucked one of the crystal chalices up and emptied it's contents into her mouth. The golden liquid flowed easily over her tongue as she emptied the chalice with a single swallow. Within seconds she felt slightly woozy and warm as she limbs relaxed and her mood mellowed. She felt herself weaken slightly as she swayed on her sandals, colliding with a noblewoman a she moved.
The woman Katara bumped into let out a small shriek as her goblet hit the ground. "I'm so sorry!" Katara stuttered as she moved quickly to help the woman clean up. The woman sighed before offering a comforting smile.
"These parties make me nervous too." The woman offered Katara a sympathetic smile as she patted her shoulder. Katara returned the smile, embarrassed and unsure of how to continue. The woman was young, shorter in stature and thin. The image of a small bird came to mind as she took the noblewoman in. With wide hazel eyes, glossy auburn hair, and willowy limbs, the woman reminded Katara of a small bird lost from it's nest.
Katara offered a meek smile as she bowed before drawing back into the crowd. "I'm so sorry, I'm just looking for someone-" Before she could finish her sentence, a strong pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders and drew her close.
"I missed you." At hearing the words, Katara melted into the embrace that surrounded her. Closing her eyes and drawing a deep breath, Katara drew her arms around the Avatar. For a moment they stayed within each other's embrace, unwilling to let go.
As she withdrew, Katara looked up and smiled. "Aang." His name left her lips like a purr as she nestled her head into his chest and held him closed.
Aang placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before drawing her towards a quiet corner of the large hall. While the celebration continued around them, the pair giggled silently as they placed small kisses on each other's lips. "You look so... beautiful..." Aang's words where breathy whispers as his hands wandered over the contours of her body.
From across the throngs of people and large crowds, Aang had seen her the moment she and Toph had entered the room. The image of her moving about in her form-fitting and slightly gauzy silks had made him stop short in his tracks. While she was beautiful in everything she wore, she now looked like a celestial goddess come to Earth.
Katara let out a small sigh as she felt his lips on her neck, leaving a hot trail of kisses as he moved. Licking her lips, Katara gathered her thoughts and all the strength she could muster as she pushed at him. "We can't be seen like this..."
Aang resisted for a moment as he moved his attention from her neck to the base of her right ear, his breath blew across her skin as he spoke. "Okay, but I can't resist you... you're a goddess." Katara shivered at feeling his warm breath against her neck. Taking every once of energy and willpower she had, she pushed him away from her.
A sweet smile lined her face as she moved to place a small kiss on his lips. "We have the after party, Aang. And all night after that..."
Longing and desire coursed through his veins as he gazed down at her. "I love you, Katara."Katara drew her eyes downwards and grabbed his hand. Moving it upwards in her grasp, she placed another small kiss on his knuckles before going on tip toe to kiss his forehead. "I love you, too."
Aang smiled sweetly as he drew her into another tight hug. As the couple embraced, Zuko's voice boomed over the crowds of people. "Honored citizens of all kingdoms, thank you for joining us tonight."
With a sudden burst of both anxiety, excitement, and shock, Aang pulled away from her and turned to face the Fire Lord's dais. He listened for a moment as Zuko continued. "Tonight, we celebrate not only peace of our nations, but the coming of age of our Avatar. Aang, please join us!"
A sudden burst of excitement and fear blossomed in Aang's chest as he maneuvered his way through the crowd, deftly demonstrating his airbending abilities as he sailed overhead of the people. The crowd erupted in excited applause as Aang moved to stand next to Zuko, a wide smile of his face.
Zuko smiled at the Avatar and took a step behind him, allowing him space to address the crowd. A smile spread across the Avatar's face as he regarded the large gathering of people. Taking a moment to compose himself, the Avatar began to speak.
"Thank you for joining us tonight. Without all of you, this peace would not have been possible." Aang began, his voice booming across the now silent crowd.
At this point, Katara made her way towards the dais and was standing off to the side of the crowd, a smile plastering her face as she watched Aang address the people. Before he continued, his eyes met hers. She hid a faint smile, her cheeks taking on a pink hue.
Seeing him in this light, addressing such a large group of people never got old for her. At first, it had been daunting. Of course they had been in the public eye since he had been released from his icy prison. But this... the public events and large dinners was another thing these events, she was used to being greeted and introduced as his date. Of course, their relationship was public. But the public treated it as nothing more than a casual affair. She was the girlfriend of the Avatar, no matter how much her war contributions had affected the final outcome of the battle with Ozai.
She was a waterbending genius in her own right, a master of her craft. No matter how much campaigning, still she was seen as nothing more than a companion. A female companion at that. Katara cringed internally at her own thoughts and focused on Aang and his speech."Today, I stand before you as not only the Avatar, but by my peoples' definition - as a Man." The crowd was silent as he continued.
"The eighteenth year of an Airbending nomad marks a special event. In the eyes of my people, the eighteenth year was special, it was the year a boy became a man."
The crowd, still ever-silent, watched as Aang rummaged within his orange and red cloaks. Finally finding was he was searching for, Aang revealed what looked to be a silken strip of cloth with a pendant attached.
Katara's breath hitched in her chest as she regarded the men on the dais, her cerulean eyes widening.
"Today, I ask my partner - my partner in war, in peace, my Sifu in waterbending, my soul source of inspiration in this life..."
The crowd began to whisper excitedly as Aang continued.
"To join me, as my wife." Aang held the silken peace towards the crowd, the turquoise pendant glimmering against the firelight of the sconces around them.
With his words, the crowd was silent for but a moment. As his words registered over the people, the crowd erupted with such a joy that it rattled the room around them.
Gently, the crowd pushed the stunned waterbender towards the stage. Still in shock, she took a gentle step toward the dais. Her blue eyes locked with his amber ones. Still in shock over his declarations, Katara froze for but just a second.
Without another word, the crowd boomed it's approval. Out of the woodwork of the dais, her brother and friends descended upon them with shouts of approval.
Aang pulled Katara towards him and brought her in for a kiss. With a hesitation she couldn't quite register, Katara craned her face away from his. With this, his lips met her cheek.
A stunned shock rolled over the Avatar, yet he retained his composure in front of the placed a hand on her shoulder and beamed a smile at the couple. Suki, Sokka, and Toph brought both Katara and Aang in for a hug.
After a few joyous moments, the crowd began to go back to it's festivities and their group of friends dissipated as well.
A look of concern overcame Aang's face as he regarded Katara. "Is there something wrong? Was the pendant wrong?" He asked as he took one of her hands in his.