Varrick's wedding was not something Lin was thrilled with attending. Nevermind that she was forced to attend because it was being held on air temple island, the only part of the city still intact after the battle with Kuvira. Su and her family were staying with them on the island meaning Lin had not had a moment of peace since right after the battle. Somehow she was not angry or irritated by that, maybe it was just the fact that everyone in her family was alive and healthy. The battle was hard fought and hard one but in the end Korra had won it for them. They had all come out of it only a little worse for wear by some miracle. After a few days to heal and mop up the remaining equalist. Now it was time to celebrate and rebuild the city, but for now she would be happy just to celebrate.
"Hey," Tenzin said, coming up to her as she leaned against a post on the porch. Lin felt his eyes roam her body. Su had forced her into a modest dress and out of her armor for the evening.
"You just going to look?" She asked raising an eyebrow at him
"Don't tempt me." He laughed lightly. "Come on, it's time." He led her down to where the party was set up. She sat down next to Su and next to Tenzin who took Rohan from Jinora on his other side. It was an elaborate and pompous affair befitting Varrick's personality she supposed. Bolin drew out the ceremony far longer than Lin felt was necessary but it was… almost nice she guessed. The kids somehow made it through the entire ceremony without wiggling around too much. She enjoyed sitting with her sister and her kids and Tenzin and his kids after. It felt like the families were always meant to be. Her and Su chatted easily as the kids all entertained themselves. Bataar had taken over bouncing Rohan on his knee after Raiko pulled Tenzin away to talk politics. She watched as Ikki danced with Huan sort of and Meelo, Wei and Wing took turns throwing food in the air and catching it in their mouths. Until that devolved into Wing throwing a pastry to Meelo and it hitting Bolin instead. Who, surprised, spilled his wine on Opal, who then joined Bolin in chasing both her brothers and Meelo around. Jinora was dancing with Kai, something Su was trying to get a rise out of Lin about.
"You think they're gonna sneak off?" Su asked in a mocking gossip tone. "I mean just think about what you and Tenzin did at that age." She added in a scandalous tone.
"Su shut up." Lin rolled her eyes. "Isn't your kid the one sleeping with Bolin."
"Hey they're adults not 15." Su shot back.
"Bataar, how much has Su told you about her time growing up in Republic city?" Lin asked in a way too polite voice.
"Not much now that you mention it." fighting a grin looking between the sisters.
Su glared at her. "Come on honey, let dance." She said practically dragging him away from her older sister's laughs as Rohan was shoved into her lap.
Lin took Rohan who looked like he was about to nod off back up to the house and put him to bed. Lin looked back out over the party below from the steps of the house. She didn't really feel like going back down there. The kids were having their fun and she rather not deal with 95% of the other party goers. She sneaks around the outskirts of the party and heads down the path to the beach. She walks along the beach for a little ways looking out over Republic City. The new spirit portal shines brighter than the moon now illuminating the sky and casting a second light on to the sea. She hoped it also meant a second life for the city. She stops to sit on a large rock facing the bay. The last 3 years had been long so long, it felt like a different lifetime to Lin. Three and half years ago she had not spoken one word beyond the necessary to Tenzin, now they had been living together for the better part of the last 3 years. Korra, Tenzin, Su and each of their families are a part of her life that she couldn't imagine ever being without. Three and half years ago both her and Tenzin were losing a battle for the heart and soul of their city. First against the Triads, then the equalist and finally Kuvira. She hoped now the city and it's people could finally move forward towards a much better future of living together in peace and harmony with the spirits and each other.
"Hey" She says as she feels the footstep draw near.
"Hey I don't know why I was surprised to find you snuck off." Tenzin said sitting next to her on her rock.
"Never been much for parties." Lin shrugs, turning back to the water.
"Me neither." He agrees, nudging her with his shoulder. "It is beautiful isn't it." He says after a beat. "I don't think our parents, anyone, could have imagined it, but it is beautiful."
She knows he is talking about more than just the spirit portal, harmonic convergence, the return of the air nation and everything else. But she just settles for "Yes, yes it is." They sit together for a while simply enjoying each others company and the new peace. "Your father would be so proud of you." She offers, she knows Aang's legacy haunts him nearly everyday. Avatar Aang memorial island is just off to the north of air temple island, and Tenzin is everyday quiet literally in his father's shadow.
"I know." he said.
"Good start acting like it then. You taught Korra better than anyone could have." Lin told him sincerely. "Your dad never brought back the air nation, and he could never have imagined the spirits living amongst us. You play a pivotal role in both now. He would have been so proud." He reaches over and brings her into his side, kissing her temple. She could feel his lip move against her head, silently thanking her.
"Thank you by the way." He says after a few long moments.
Lin tears her eyes away from the bay to turn to him. "For what?" She asks.
"Saving us. Being here, with me and with the kids, hell with Korra. It means the world to us you know." Tenzin said, smiling down at her.
"Won't be anywhere else in the world airhead." She tells him returning the smile.