A/N: I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I'll do it here regardless. I'm trying to make this fic more from Tenzin's POV, with some of Lin's sprinkled throughout. I just feel that there aren't a whole lot of Linzin fics from his side, so that's why I'm going to stick mainly with that. I understand that for some parts that will be hard, so that's why it may switch. Fair warning. Enjoy this lovely part of the story, I had a lot of fun writing it!
Chapter 4: Two Souls, Bound Together for Eternity
Katara managed to pull off a beautiful fall wedding. With the help of Tenzin, Lin and many acolytes, she managed to create all of the little odds and ends she deemed necessary for the wedding. Night and day, they all worked making centerpieces, stringing together lanterns, arranging the tables in the courtyard near the meditation pavillion, baking small fruit pies with all different flavors, and many other tasks.
The night before the ceremony, Katara and Tenzin were walking around the reception area making sure everything was in its place. The tables were arranged in a polka dot like pattern with ample room to move in between, even with people sitting at them. Each one was draped with a deep scarlet tablecloth and had a unique bonsai tree sitting in the center. Tomorrow, right before the ceremony, someone will walk around to each one and sprinkle stephanotis flowers around the little planted trees. Lanterns of pure white were strung from the trees and near by roofs, twinkling like tiny stars, creating a whole new galaxy right in the backyard that he grew up in.
"Mother," he spoke, pulling Katara's attention away from trying to perfectly center one of the bonsais on the table, "I can't thank you enough for all you have done. This all looks perfect."
Katara gushed, "I know! I am so happy for you Tez. I wanted to make everything as lovely as possible, even with the crazy change of plans."
"I understand. Thank you for all you've done," he told her gratefully.
She walked over to her youngest son, embracing him, "It's not everyday your baby boy gets married," she remarked, tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Please don't cry mom," he tried pleading with her.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, wiping at her eyes, "It's just that over these last few days images of you and of Lin have been playing through my mind's eye. I watched the two of you grow up together and now it seems almost surreal that the two of you will be bonded deeply for eternity."
Tenzin smiled at his mother, "It does seem a bit surreal," he agreed.
"I know she'll make you happy, Tez, and that's all I've ever wanted for you, to be happy," Katara remarked, still trying to hold back her tears.
"I'd be happier if you didn't cry right now," he quipped.
"Oh hush," she scolded, "Let's get going. It's late. You have a big day tomorrow."
"Yes, mother," he complied, leading her back to the family living quarters.
Once inside his room, alone, he laid back in bed. He sighed heavily. I'm going to be Lin's husband tomorrow. And in a few months, I'll be a father. Life is changing so very fast. His thoughts were flooding his mind, making it hard for him to sleep. This is all I've ever wanted. He sighed again, rolling over on his side and forcing himself to get a little rest. After all, tomorrow was going to be a very long day.
...
The sun's rays gently warmed Tenzin's face as he sat, still as a statue, on the edge of the cliff. A soft breeze caressed his body as he breathed evenly, trying to get in a few minutes of meditation before his father whisked him away to prepare for the ceremony. Finding a quiet spot where he could be alone and concentrate was hard to do for times like these. The island was reaching over capacity. Sokka and Toph convinced many of the preplanned guests to come to the island earlier than expected. Fire Lord Zuko and his family managed to make it, much to Toph's dismay, her parents also cleared their schedule to make it to their granddaughter's wedding. Su Yin, Kya, and Bumi were all contacted as well, and managed to find their way back home for the joyous occasion. Boatloads of Water Tribe members also arrived at the island along with bison full of important Air Acolytes. The island now more closely reflected the diversity of Republic City. Tenzin's mind was starting to fill with all the thoughts from the night before. I'm getting married today: to Lin, the love of my life, the mother of my unborn child. I could not be any happier than I am right now. Tenzin was lost in trying to imagine what Lin would look like later today. He was confident that she would be the most radiant being he'd ever met. His mind began to wander to what they'd be doing that evening when a hand gently squeezed his shoulder.
"Tez?" Aang whispered, "Come on buddy. Your mom says you have to start getting ready."
Tenzin took in a deep breath and stood up, turning to face his father. He smiled at the older airbender. Aang beamed back at him.
"I don't know if I've ever been so ready to do something in my whole life," Tenzin confessed. Aang continued to smile as the two walked side by side back up to the main house.
"That's a good sign," Aang told his son, "I felt the same way on my wedding day. As Avatar and the last airbender, I've had to make a lot of complicated decisions, but if there's one I've ever been sure of, it's making your mother my wife and creating our wonderful family with her."
"I just hope Lin and I can be half as amazing as you and mom turned out to be," Tenzin told his dad sheepishly.
"Tez," Aang stopped, turning to his son, placing his hand on his shoulder, "You and Lin are your own people. Don't ever feel like you have to live up to the legends that have been created about us. You and Lin have exceeded everyone's expectations. I could never be more proud of anything I've ever done. You and your siblings are my pride and joy." The older airbender pulled his prodigy into a tight embrace.
"I love you, dad," Tenzin said into his father's shoulder.
"I love you too, Tenzin," Aang managed, trying to hold back tears. They ended the embrace and Aang tried to wipe the tears out of his eyes, smiling at his son.
"Come on," he urged forward, "Let's get you married." The two airbenders continued their path back to the house.
…
Aang and Tenzin stood in front of their friends and family, waiting for everyone to get settled so the ceremony could begin. Tenzin wore auburn pants and a shirt of bright gold. A sash of tawny orange was tied around his hips. He wore dark brown books line with wolf skin, a gift from his Water Tribe relatives. He had a mantle draped over his shoulders in a shade similar to his pants. Over his breast he wore a small pin of a winged boar, the insignia of his wife's family. Aang was wearing a traditional monk's robe of saffron with crimson swirls embroidered along the trim, a sash of similar color was around his waist. He donned the wooden necklace with the symbols of the four nations, with the symbol for the Earth Kingdom centered on his chest. The colors of the masters' traditional clothes matched the surrounding foliage that had been changing color for some time now.
Tenzin was starting to get anxious. He and his father had been standing up there, waiting, for what seemed like an eternity. He wanted to see his beautiful bride and he wanted to see her now. As was custom, he was not allowed to see her for the last few days. She had been taken to her mother's estate near the edge of the city, near the mountain range. They snuck her onto the island last night and she was able to get ready for the day in the women's dormitory on the island. Tenzin started to tap his foot absentmindedly, growing slightly impatient. He heard his father chuckle behind him. The younger master turned to face his father slightly.
"Relax," Aang whispered, "It'll be over before you know it." Tenzin nodded in response, took a deep breath and relaxed his posture.
Just then the small quartet of musicians began to play a soft tune. The guests rose out of the their seats. As the music began to swell, Lin appeared from behind the bushes and trees on the side of the path with Sokka at her side.
Sokka was wearing traditional Water Tribe formal wear: clean cut, dark pants with boots similar to Tenzin's. He had a light, cobalt jacket with a moon emblazoned on his chest. His face was clean and the sides of his graying warrior's wolf tail hair were also clean shaven. At his hip was a whale bone club, and slung over one shoulder, hidden underneath his formal coat, was his trusty boomerang, the outline of which was just barely visible, since the coat was very well fitted to the large, muscular back. He clutched Lin's hand which rested in the crook of his elbow.
Tenzin's eyes slowly grazed over Lin, inspecting her, soaking as many details as possible into his mind's eye so he could remember this image forever. On her feet were delicate slippers of dark olive with ornate pistachio colored trim. Her dress of avocado was loose and flowy, almost spirit-esque. A small strand of beads and jewels was sewn into the dress underneath her bosom, accentuating it. The dress flowed all the way down to around her ankles. Her shoulders were bare, since the dress was strapless. A shawl of green that was the color of her shoes was draped behind her back, hooked around her forearms. Her jet black hair flowed down past her shoulders in little tousles. On both sides of her head were small gold combs with a bright lotus flower crafted on to them. Around her throat, she wore the beautiful onyx engagement necklace he had helped to craft for her. As she and Sokka slowly made their way down the aisle, a slight breeze picked up, making her skirts and hair sway and the shawl billow behind her. Tenzin did not believe the sight before him. He could've sworn that he had crossed into the Spirit World, and before him was a spirit incarnate. She had an ethereal glow that made her seem otherworldly.
A smile danced on her lips as she watched her soon-to-be husband began to gape openly at her. She looked stunning, and she knew it, her confidence making her beauty blossom. Finally, Sokka and Lin reached the two airbenders. Sokka cleared his throat, snapping Tenzin out of his reverie.
"I, Sokka, Master Swordsman of the Southern Water Tribe, give Lin Beifong, daughter of Toph Beifong of the esteemed Beifong family of Gaoling, to Tenzin, Master Airbender, son of Avatar Aang and Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe to be bonded eternally," Sokka declared.
"Thank you, Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe," Aang declared, bowing deeply to the people before him, a smile forming on both old man's lips. Sokka took Lin's hands and placed it in the one Aang had proffered as he raised out of the bow. In his other hand, Aang grabbed his son's and held it.
He announced, "Today, we are gathered here to witness the bonding of two lives, two souls, and all that is entailed with these two beings." He pulled the lovers' hands closer to one another and made them intertwine their fingers. Aang kept his hands around theirs.
He continued, "It gives me great joy to officiate the ceremony that will bond my youngest son, Tenzin, to my lovely pseudo-daughter, Lin. But before we may proceed, I must ask, does anyone present have any reason to object to the bonding of these two souls?"
Aang paused for a moment and scanned the crowd, seeing many shaking heads. He smiled and went on, "That's what I thought. Let's move on then." He released his hold on the lovers' hands and turned to his right, an acolyte appearing with a pillow. On top of the pillow lay a multicolored sash. He took the bright scarf off of the pillow and gestured for Tenzin and Lin to slide their hands up each other's arms, so that they looked like they were greeting each other in the Water Tribe manner. Aang began to wrap the sash around their arms, tying a knot on the top.
As he did this he spoke, "The tying of this sash symbolizes the tying together of two souls, bound for eternity, in this life and any beyond. May the knot of your love never fray or unravel." Aang stepped back and beamed, tears beginning to swell. He glanced between the two lovers. Lin's lips were curved in a smile, so similar to her mother's trademark smirk. Tears were also forming in her eyes, a blush creeping up her face. He glanced over at his son, who was staring deeply into his new wife's eyes, a tear sliding down his flushed cheek. He took a moment to gaze over the crowd. He spotted his wife silently sobbing, her brother's arm around her shoulder, tears sliding down his cheeks. Toph's head was bent so it was hard to tell what she was feeling, but he noticed her hand move up to quickly swipe away tears she did not want anyone to see.
Tenzin's heart was so full. He had dreamt of this moment, as silly as it sounds, for quite some time now. He could not have pictured a more perfect ceremony. Lin was absolutely stunning, the child in her belly not even showing. He had never felt so close to someone in all of his life. He was now bound, heart, soul, and being to the stunning Lin Beifong. Nothing in this world, or the next could possibly make me happier, he thought to himself.
Aang cleared his throat, bringing everyone's focus back to the ceremony. "And now," he began, moving to quickly remove the sash, freeing the lovers' arms, "We will solidify this union with the tea ceremony. He turned to an acolyte who had the tray with a small pot and one large cup waiting for them. Lin stepped forward and poured the tea in the cup. She took it and let Tenzin grab the other side of the cup. Aang took the sash and quickly tied it around their arms again.
"With the drinking of this tea, these two lives and their families will be forever joined," Aang proclaimed, nodding towards the couple to commence the tiny sips. Once the tea had touched the couples lips, Aang removed the sash. Tenzin released the cup to Lin's grasp. She turned to Aang, bowed, and offered the cup to him. Aang smiled at her, happily accepting the cup. He too, simply let the tea touch his lips before handing it back to her. Tenzin took hold of Lin's free arm and placed it in the crook of his elbow. He lead her down to where their mothers were waiting. Lin offered the cup to the two women who in turn took small sips of the tea. Once Lin had the cup back, her and Tenzin rejoined Aang on the small platform. The acolyte reappeared at Aang's side and took the cup back from Lin. Tenzin kept hold of Lin's one hand in his and she turned towards him, allowing him to take her other hand in his.
Aang, still beaming, announced, "After all this time, I am elated to announce that Lin Beifong and my son, Master Tenzin, are united in matrimony. Tenzin, please kiss your bride." Tenzin stepped forward, releasing Lin's one hand and placed his on her cheek. He mumbled a quick, "I love you," before leaning forward and chastely placed his lips on his wife's. Lin tipped her head slightly, rising up on her tip toes to deepen the kiss. He gently pulled back and peered down his nose, taking in the glow of her face. Coming back to reality, the newlyweds could hear the applause and occasional wolf whistle from the crowd gathered before them. Tenzin took his new wife by the hand and lead her towards the people gathered, ready to introduce Lin as his wife to their friends and family.
After a majority of those present offered the newlyweds their congratulations, Katara and the acolytes ushered everyone to the reception area. A few pictures were taken of the new bride and groom along with some of their family members. At this point, the sun was beginning to set, the sky now matching the colors and the brilliance of Tenzin's attire.
The family and the couple headed over to the reception as well. The quartet was now joined by a singer, the band was doing a jazzy number to get the festivities started. Tenzin and Lin took a seat at a table and were allowed to eat. Neither of them were very hungry, instead they chose to sit quietly, basking in each other's love, savoring this joyous occasion. After the guests finished with the main course, toasts were offered in honor of the couple. The couples' family members took turns wishing them a long, prosperous, and fruitful relationship. Tears were shed and laughs busted out of some.
The evening was slowly turning into night, the sky beginning to darken, and the stars beginning to twinkle. The lanterns were light, creating that same otherworldly galaxy that Tenzin had seen earlier. He loved Lin with all his heart. He knew this was right and he was so happy that they had moved the wedding up. Deep down, he knew that he did not need a ceremony to validate his love for Lin, but he was overjoyed that they were able to be official in the eyes of the law and the spirits.
The band began to play a sweet love song, a song that Tenzin had heard a few times before. "Well, Arrow Head," Lin began, turning to face her husband, "Let's get this over with." Tenzin took her hand and let her lead him to the dance floor. He faced his wife, resting a hand on her hip, and taking her other one in his. They began to sway to the beat, blushing from the attention they were getting from their wedding guests. Neither one particularly enjoyed being the center of attention, but this was tradition and they knew they would not be able to refuse to do this with Katara around.
"All in all, today was not so bad," Lin spoke her thoughts quietly.
"No, not really," Tenzin agreed, smiling down at his new wife.
"In fact, I'm enjoying myself a bit," Lin admitted sheepishly.
Tenzin chuckled, "Oh really now?"
She swatted his shoulder. "You better keep that between you and me. If anyone finds out about it-" Her threat was interrupted as Tenzin pulled her towards him and passionately kissed her. She melted into his frame, savoring his taste. Their blushes began to deepen as they heard someone, presumably Bumi, shout "Get a room!" Other people began to "Oh" and "Ah," admiring the young couple's love and devotion for one another. The song decrescendoed to an end and they pulled away from one another, bowing their heads. They were about to leave the dance floor when Toph and Sokka and Aang and Katara and a mob of some of the guests encircled them on the dance floor. A swinging song began to play and Toph reached the couple first.
"Pardon me, Lin, but your ol' mom would like to see if Twinkletoes Jr. can live up to his name," Toph remarked, grabbing Tenzin by the arm and yanking him into a dance.
"Just bring him back in one piece!" Lin called after her mother.
Sokka then stepped in front of Lin and bowed to her asking, "May I have this dance?"
She bowed back and mocked in a high pitch, extra girly tone, "Why yes, you may!" Sokka grabbed Lin by the waist and spun her around a few times, doing some quick hand jives and silly kicks. Lin laughed at her surrogate father, he had always known how to be silly at the most appropriate of times. She knew she could always count on him to put a smile on her face. Sokka took Lin back into his arms and simply swayed to the beat. She craned her neck around him, trying to spot her mother dancing with Tenzin. He was spinning her round and round, trying to keep up with the beat. He definitely was light on his feet.
Tenzin was whirling Toph around, trying to show his mother in law how "the kids" danced in this day and age.
As he spun her back into his arms, Toph stated flatly, "I know what's going on." Tenzin's expression became puzzled. What in the great spirits' names could she be talking about. He tried to rack his brain for all the possible scenarios that could fit this woman's statement while he methodically danced with her.
"What do you mean?" he questioned when she was closer again. This time, he made her stay close to him so they could finish this conversation.
"You know what I mean," she sassed.
"I can assure you I have no idea what you're talking about," Tenzin insisted.
"Oh really? Then why don't you answer me this: Why did you and Lin suddenly change your minds about the date of your marriage?"
"You know very well that Lin and I just simply did not want to wait. We love each other very much-"
"Save it!" she interrupted, "You really must be an airhead, if you forgot that I am Toph Beifong, Master Earthbender, Creator and Master of Metalbending, and the Blind Bandit- winner of Earth Rumble more times than anybody, ever."
"Yes. You are all of those things and many more," Tenzin said, trying to put the pieces of this riddle together.
"Then you are aware that I am also a human lie detector?" she threw in, helping Tenzin skip a few steps in his mental solution.
"Oh," he managed to gasp, "Aunt Toph, please…" he began to reason with her.
"Stop," she commanded, "Lin and I already talked about this. I am sworn to secrecy. I just thought that you might wanna know what I know."
"Thank you for understanding," Tenzin told her appreciatively.
"Look, Lin is my baby girl and she always will be. If you break her heart in anyway, you will not only have to answer to her, but you will also have to answer to me, and probably Sokka," she paused, letting her threat sink into the airbender's head. She continued, "The same thing goes for my grandchild. I respect you, Tenzin. That's a hard thing to earn from someone like me. You would not want to lose that respect either. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Aunt Toph," he replied mechanically.
"Good boy," she remarked, reaching up to pat his cheek. The song had finally ended and Tenzin went to bow to Toph, begging his leave to return to his new wife. She bowed back and allowed him to leave her, leaving him with one last thing, "Call me mom now, Master Arrowhead. You've earned it now."
…
The wedding festivities continued late into the night. Tenzin and Lin had managed to slip away and were on the edge of the cliff where Tenzin had been this morning. They were sitting right on the edge, feet dangling over the edge. Tenzin leaned back, his palms flat against the smooth dirt. Lin leaned into his shoulder, pulling her shawl tightly around her. The autumn night had turned crisp, the stars seeming almost like snowflakes in the distance. The dull murmur of the reception lulled the couple to a relaxed state. The lanterns in behind them twinkled as bright as the stars. In this moment, Tenzin felt like he was on his own little planet that only he and Lin inhabited, in a galaxy far away, that was surrounded by the tiny paper lanterns.
"I love you," Tenzin sighed, gazing up at the moon.
"I love you too," Lin replied, nuzzling Tenzin's chest.
"Are you ready?" he asked her, looking down at the top of her head.
"Ready for what?" she inquired.
"Doing this every night for the rest of your life. Being with me, and no one else. Letting me hold you until the sun's rays begin to peek through our bedroom's curtains. Starting and raising our little family. Everything. Us. Our marriage," Tenzin lovingly listed all of the things he could possible think of that could potentially be an answer to her question.
Lin smiled, looked up at her new husband and replied by pulling him in for a deep kiss. She pulled away slightly, eyes still closed, and breathed the one answer Tenzin was hoping she'd give, "Yes: to all of that and more."
A/N: Yay! Happy Wedding! Happy Couple! Happy ending! lol jk! This is just the beginning! Didn't that wedding just make you feel all mushy and amazing on the inside? So this is my headcannon Linzin wedding. Beautiful, ne pas? If I write any other AU type things where Tenzin and Lin get married and Pemzin never happens, then I'm pretty sure I want this to be the wedding. I tried to incorporate oriental elements of wedding ceremonies to their wedding because, well let's be real, the ATLA universe is not Caucasian. It is very much Asian and I think more people should treat it as such, so that's why things happened the way they did in this story. Also, I'd like to say that the flowers and trees and pretty much everything has some sort of symbolism to it, so if you want to do some research, then you'll understand why some things were the way they were. Anyway: if you ever have any questions or want to make a comment or say anything at all to me, please feel free to send me a PM or comment on this or whatever suits you. Until next time, lovelies!