She donned on a simple white dress made of light, flowing fabric appropriate for the early summer. Her wavy black hair cascaded a little past her shoulders, with stray curls framing her radiant face. A wreath of sunflowers and asters lay in front of her, to be put on her head right before she walks down the aisle.

"You're quiet," Toph said. She was busy putting her hair up into a bun.

Lin rose and led her mother to the chair. "Let me help you with that, Chief."

Her mother's hair gleamed dully in the cool dimness of the room as Lin brushed it, leaving her to wonder how, even though it was peppered here and there with grey, her mother managed to keep her hair as beautiful as ever.

"I remember when you were a kid and I used to brush your hair," Toph told her. "I always knew when to stop –"

"You stopped when I screamed in pain," Lin chuckled. "I swear you brushed my scalp raw one time, Mom."

"I haven't always done the right things, Lin. I encountered a lot of troubles along the way, but I learned a lot. Your father and I – we never married, and it must be weird for you to hear me giving you advice," Toph mumbled. "Geez – I c-can't even talk properly!"

Lin put the hairbrush down and held her mother's shoulder. "Hey – it's okay. You don't have to say anything. I know you suck at emotional stuff – I do, too."

"I don't think I ever told you how special you are to me, Lin. You're my first baby – hell, I think you'll always be my snotty baby! And while you were growing up, I found myself wondering who would possibly be special enough for you – like, who's gonna be the one? Love has knocked me down once and I learned the hard way that not every man who says he loves you will mean it, and I don't want you to experience the same thing."

"When you were fourteen and you danced with Tenzin on your birthday, I felt your heart beat wildly for the first time – and I told myself, 'Hey, this is it'. I wanted to tear you apart from him and tell you that boys only meant trouble, but I also felt how happy you were – how happy he was. So I thought, maybe Tenzin was the one – turns out he is, and nothing could make me happier than knowing you're marrying him."

"I can't be with you all the time once you marry him, Lin, and all I can offer you is advice. I know this is weird, but you gotta say 'I love you' often. Sometimes work might tire you out, but never turn him down for making love. Be playful – spice things up."

"Thank him often for the things he does for you. If he takes you out, even for vegetarian food – ugh – you have to thank him. Show gratitude for any gift he gives you – let him know how much you appreciate his efforts."

"Try to be kind and sweet –"

"What? I can't be –"

Toph shushed her. "I said try to be kind and sweet. I didn't ask you to change yourself instantaneously, meathead. I know Tenzin is patient, most of all with you – but never cut him down in front of people, especially your children. If you snark and sass your officers at work, don't do it to your husband. Let him have his moments of male pride – they love that – even when you think he's wrong."

"Think the best of him. Keep note of all his best moments – believe me, you will draw on those moments when life gets hard. It will pull you through rough patches, kid."

"I know you're a born leader – you're a Beifong, that's what we're born to be – but this time, allow Tenzin to do his job. Let him lead, provide and protect the family in the best way he knows how. I know he'll do his job well. Be honest with him – right now, it seems easy, but there will come times when even breathing in the same room with him becomes hard. Be honest, even if he doesn't like hearing the truth."

Lin swept Toph's hair from her temples and into a perfect orb atop her head.

"Stand by him when he disciplines the kids – this I know you will do. Uphold his rules and leadership of the family. Never disagree with him in front of the twins – remember, as a couple you two are supposed to be united."

"I'll try my best, Mom."

"You can come and tell me anything you want," Toph told her. "I'm your mother and I love you very, very much. But as long as your husband is doing his job, I will try not to kick his butt. Tenzin is a good man. Treat him like one and he will act like one. He will lay the moon and stars at your feet for your pleasure. And you will be in his heart forever."

Lin laughed. "Wow – I never thought you had a flair for the dramatic."

"I heard it on the radio last week," Toph grinned while her daughter hugged her tight. Placing a hand on her daughter's, she continued, "I love you very much and I am proud of the woman you have grown up to be. I can't wait to see how you write the rest of your life story, Lin."

"I love you too, Mom. Thanks for everything."

A/N: Okay - so this one's a bit short, but I promise to make it up to you guys with a wedding next Monday! Enjoy reading! :)