Lin couldn't sit still. Anxiety had filled her veins days ago, and still, after days of no eating or sleeping, she couldn't sit still. She should have tired out by now, but her anxiety was her worst enemy. If she sat down, she'd bounce her leg, fiddle with her fingers, pull on her shirt, tap her fist against her leg, anything to keep herself moving. Even if she stood up, she'd find herself pacing around in circles.

She was sitting at a small, wooden, watertribe table, mind was racing and leg bouncing when the door to the study room opened. Lin froze and her heart skipped a beat. She heard the cheery Katara greet her with her name. She took a quick breath and forced a smile before turning around to help the elderly woman to her seat, "Oh please, Lin! You don't have to help me! I'm not that old yet!" Katara waved.

Lin simply replied, "It's the least I can do after all the years you've looked after me," and sat down in the seat across from Katara, the woman who was already like a second mom to her.

"So? Why did you come all the way from Republic City to see me? I know how you hate the cold. If you needed to talk to me, you could of just called," the older woman chuckled.

Lin suddenly felt like she was drowning in anxiety, mouth open to say something but words couldn't form.

Katara's eyebrows furrowed with worry as she reached across the table to place a hand over Lin's clenched fist, "Lin? What's wrong? Has something serious happened?"

Lin almost laughed at herself, letting a smile show through, "No, no! Nothing bad has happened, everyone and everything is going well!" Lin smiled, relaxing a little "Very well actually."

"Then what brings you here?" Katara smiled, relieved by Lin's words, "Not that I don't enjoy the occasional visits I get from you, I do wish you'd visit more."

Lin smiled, hands starting to get clammy again, "Well, I may be able to do that for you," Lin paused and cleared her throat slightly, "I came to ask you for your daughter's hand in marriage. I love her, all of her, and I want to spend the rest of our lives together. Would you give us your blessing?" Lin rushed out as a blush spread across her face, she was more than embarrassed but she felt it necessary to ask.

Katara smile simply widened with joy, as she pulled both of Lin's hands within her own, "You've had it ever since you were born. You may not be my child, but I watched you grow your whole life. You have always been like family, it was only time before you truly became part of this family. You make my Kya so happy, I couldn't never disapprove of your marriage."

Lin leapt across the table to hug the woman, she couldn't thank her enough before finally sitting back down, "Do you think she will say yes?"

Katara chuckled, "Of course she will say yes! I've seen the way she looks at you, she's so much more in love witj you than I think you believe. Have you bought a ring yet? I know that's the new thing in Republic City!"

Lin shook her head, "I wanted to ask you first, but I think I know which one I'm going to get her."

"What's it look like? Describe it to me! Oh please plan the wedding for the fall! You know that's Kya's favorite season and Air Temple Island is beautiful then! Think of how romantic!" Katara smiled and Lin could have sworn that that was what kept this woman going, no matter how old and wise the elder was, she was still a young girl at heart.

"It's a white gold band and it has diamond that is two toned, blue and grey, and it just seems perfect," Lin smiles, "and I was already planning on that but I have to see what Kya wants."

"Oh Lin! I'm so excited for you two! Please send me all the info about the wedding and maybe a photo of you two and one of the ring?" Katara stood up, smiling never fading, "Would you like to stay for dinner? I'm about to start cooking."

"Oh I couldn't!" Lin stood up, following Katara out of the room, "I don't want to intrude."

"The day you intrude in my home is the day I'm dead and this isn't my home anymore," Katara chuckled, "Please, stay, it'll give me some time to catch up with you."

"Ok, you got me, I'll stay for dinner, but dinner only! No trying to trick me into using the guest room again," Lin laughed, all anxiety gone and replaced with happiness.