This Feeling - Fiera's POV
-
I think I'm beginning to like this place.
The world, as I am seeing it right now, is absolutely incredible. So many new smells, feelings, sounds, and… there's something else too. I think I can feel it now, better than I did with the woman who gave me to the Avatar. In fact, this is the first time that I've ever felt is so strongly. It melts out of the smiles she gives me, the fire benders laugh as he bounces me on his knee, the earth bender's smile as he tickles my tummy. It seeps from all three of the smaller people, who I know are much closer to my age than any of the others. The first – Jinora, I think – reads from one of her many books. When I grab at the pages to try and see what is on them myself, all I can make out are weird letters that I cannot decipher. Funny, since it was such a beautiful story. I had thought that maybe there would be pictures for something as pretty as that.
The second, Ikki, is probably my favorite by far out of all three. She talks to me as if I am really listening, as if I can actually understand the big words she's using. She tells me that Korra likes Mako and that Mako likes Korra and then tries to explain something about another woman named Asami that I have yet to meet. Everything she says is laced with mischief and wide grins, as if she thinks the whole thing is quite funny and laughable. I only laugh because she is the funny one.
Meelo is an absolute terror. Still, I must admit that this strange feeling also comes from him at times too. Not when he's poking me with his stick or trying to bury me in a sandcastle, but those quieter times when he sits down and pats me on the head, waggling a finger and telling me to stay put, saying I might get hurt if I keep wondering around everywhere. I see him check up on me sometimes at night when Pema is getting dinner on the table and Tenzin is working on his Council duties. He'll look at me when he thinks I'm asleep and pat my head again, telling me I'm a good baby and that he hopes his mother's next child will be like me.
I have deducted that Tenzin and Pema are very nice people. Though I believe the former was a little reluctant at first, he soon warmed up to me. Once, when the others weren't looking, he smiled and made a funny face in my direction, then gruffly went back to doing the rest of his work. Pema is always around, bustling through the kitchen, sweeping out the Air Temple, telling Korra how to hold me and change me and feed me. She acts as though she's my second mother, yet makes it very clear that I am not all her responsibility. She wants the Avatar to learn how to care for me herself, how to deal with things when they happen.
The animals are lovely and fun and rambunctious. Even if I tried my hardest, I would never be able to choose favorites between Naga and Pabu. I wondered outside once when no one was paying attention, and Naga stood by until Korra could find me, acting as though it was his duty to keep me safe for his master. Pabu is always with Bolin, but he occasionally stays with me sometimes and hops about, landing on my head and my lap and licking my face with fondness.
What is this… this feeling… that I have? It isn't hunger or thirst – of which I know very well – nor is it sadness or pain or even happiness. The latter is close, but it still isn't quite right. Happiness is momentary and doesn't make my heart swell like this almost all the time, no matter the circumstance. What is it then? What is this feeling…?
That night when Korra stays by my side and sings me the song, the tune plays back in my head over and over again. I remember the words and keep them close to my heart, memorizing them and thinking over them until I am sure that they will be branded inside my mind forever. I am content now, because I know what this feeling is. I know why it makes me want to stay with this makeshift family forever and keep them all close to me.
This feeling… is love.