Authors notes: My vision for this completely changed as I meditated on how this night would go. My purpose is to paint a picture of the emotion of a wedding night not the raw sex. I hope this will move you just as much. Let me know in the comments what you think of this first attempt. Inspiration music: Kissed by a Rose, Seal. -The evenstar.

The Avatar carried his bride to their bed, softly laid her down and kissed her lightly. He never took his eyes off of hers. He still couldn't believe this day had finally come for them. They had waited so long for this level of connection, of intimacy. There was nothing more appealing to him than this woman who reassuringly smiled up at him. Nothing. Then why can't I stop my hands from shaking? He mentally admonished himself. As if he hadn't faced tougher trials.

Katara sat up and leaned into her new husband, she placed her hand to his soft cheek and looked into his grey eyes. There, inches away from him she could smell his distinct scent, like fresh fallen leaves on a cool autumn day. He smelled of air itself, and there, deep in the airbender's eyes she saw the need for a moment to regroup.

"I could use a minute to freshen up Aang, if you want to take a minute too?"

He mentally thanked her and stole away for a quick meditation in the side the room. The night was cool but he felt warm. He took his rich sash and robe off exposing his torso and arms as he sat down. He closed his eyes and bid his nerves to calm.

Katara stole a glance at him, found him totally in concentration, and disrobed down to her bindings. She had expected him to need some time to adjust when they arrived here. It was only natural for someone so connected to their emotions to meet such a step with trepidation. Not that she was totally worry free herself. What if he wasn't pleased by her? Or if she made a mistake?

It wasn't long before Aang stood and Katara busily brushed her hair back before their eyes met. Aang having missed the removal of her outer most layers of clothing had to take a second to take in her absolute beauty. He had never seen her in this state of undress. He marveled at her feminine curves and slight build. Her strong arms and shinning hair. He took in the minute details of her, his wife. He approached her, arms outstretched and she reached back for him. He touched her hair and her cheek, the crease under her full lips. His hands explored and discovered every part of her, down her shoulders to her hands, around her back and to her sides, and back up again with the same reverence.

Katara's heart filled as he touched her. She watched as his eyes explored her. She took in his expression of wonder, so inquisitive, so very...Aang. Meanwhile she marvelled at his exposed upper body, the way his airbending tattoos curved around his biceps and down his arms, he wasn't bulky, rather thin, but defined. She took in his scars and every mark on his body. She let herself revel in the feel of his touch. Everywhere his fingers scanned lit a fire of sensation. His slow deliberate movements consumed her and her mouth let slip a soft moan of longing as her eyes closed to better feel the sensations. Aang inclined his head and claimed those lips as his own. Picking up the trail his fingers had left with his mouth. Togethrr , with growing intensity and longing they removed the rest of the others clothing exploring these newly exposed areas as well.

Aang placed his hand under her chin and raised her head up near his own. Resting his forehead on hers he sighed happily, "I love you so much Katara."

"I love you too, Aang. You can't even imagine how much."

With the whistling wind outside to mask their first night together, and a sudden burst of courage, Aang picked up his bride and took her to bed.

They were still tangled together as the sun made it's ascent above the horizon the next day. Warm and comfortable under the heavy blankets Aang awoke first. He smelled the sweet scent of her hair, long past the perfection that were the braids that Suki so painstakingly wove into her hair for their wedding day. His thumb absentmindedly stroked the smooth skin of her shoulders, his other arm behind his head. He happily reveled in the events of the night before. With the open communication they both shared they were able to please each other, at least in his estimation. He bent his head awkwardly to steal a glance at her sleeping form. A small smile lingered on her face and her breathing was slow and even. Yes he was certain that she was also satisfied. He laid his head back down and waited for his beloved to didn't take too long before she too was stirring. She could feel a dull pain radiating from between her thighs. Nothing abnormal she was sure, simply the private mark of a new wife. Otherwise she felt positively blissful, it had been a perfect night.

She pulled herself up to see her new husband's eyes and kissed his smiling lips. "Aang I-"

But she was cut short by a loud rap at the door, "Avatar Aang?" An unfamiliar voice asked, "sir? are you there? It's of the upmost importance."

Aang groaned, but was never one to neglect his duties as avatar. "Give us a minute", he called.

"Sounds serious," said Katara as she pulled on her normal blue dress and tossed Aang his air nomad robes.

"I know. I'm sorry Katara, I wish we had more time," he replied as he lightly kissed her forehead. He looked at her longingly as his head almost comically turned from her to yet another urgent knock on the door.

"Go- Aang I know what I signed up for. I'll catch up with you in a minute."

"Okay- Coming! I love you Katara," he said as he hurried out the door.

"Love you too sweetie." And for the first time of many she watched him go.

Stay tuned for the conflict, I can't wait to delve into this world! And I don't know about you but I miss the rest of the Gaang.