CHAPTER 58: Rituals
"People often strive to master the art of saying NO, but true transformation begins when we embrace the power of saying YES."
With one hand over Aang's heart, Nii reached out the other to gently wipe away the tears from his cheeks.
Her touch was tender, just like her heart, filled with love and compassion.
She felt the gravity of his words, the depth of his plea to his ancestors, and it touched her deeply.
"Aang," she whispered softly at him in a voice that trembled with emotion, as she saw the vulnerability in his eyes, the raw emotion that reflected the magnitude of what he had just asked. "Your words, your love and your courage touches me deeply. There's nothing I want more than to share my path with you."
As she sat there with him in the ancient Sanctuary Hall of the Eastern Air Temple, she could feel the presence of both his and her ancestors around them, their spirits a silent audience to this sacred moment between them.
"With all my heart, Aang, I say yes," Nii breathed at him in a voice filled with sincerity. "Yes to sharing my journey with you, and yes to honoring the love that we've found in each other. Together, we'll create a life that respects the past but is uniquely ours."
As the words left her lips, she could see the transformation in Aang's eyes - the flicker of realization, followed by the dawning joy that lit up his entire face, the widening of his eyes glistening with a blend of tears and happiness, and the radiant smile that broke through his tears.
Nii felt his fingers over her heart twitch slightly, while his gaze on her held an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.
She understood the bond that had been forged between them now in the presence of the spirits, the elements, and their ancestors, and it seemed as if the air itself started shimmering with a sacred light, the approval of the ancient spirits manifesting in the warm embrace of the physical world.
And as she sat there, gazing into the beautiful gray eyes of this magnificent being in front of her, Nii felt their silent blessing, like a collective sigh of acceptance and love that filled the air.
She smiled.
"You know," Nii continued after exhaling a deep breath. "Someone once told me that it's not our darkness that scares us… That our deepest fear isn't that we're inadequate and small, but that we're powerful beyond measure. That it's our light and not our darkness that most frightens us."
She paused for a brief moment, as she saw Aang lifting his eyebrows slightly in a flicker, while his lower lip quivered.
"We ask ourselves…" she smiled, while caressing his cheek softly with her thumb. "Who am I to be wise, powerful, beautiful and connected? Who am I to be loved?"
Nii felt her energy wrap itself around the beautiful man in front of her like a warm blanket, as his straightened posture faltered a little from her words, tears still streaming down his face.
Her heart beamed with love, as she said: "When in reality, who are we not to be?"
Aang chuckled through his tears, causing her to smile warmly, and she felt her own tears wetting her cheeks, as she pulled the hand that had caressed his face to her own heart.
"Aang, you are a beautiful child of this world. Not only of the sky, but of the earth, the moon, the sun and of spirit as well. Thank you for completely turning my life upside down, for shining a light on a destiny I never knew I was meant for. I thank you for your love, your wisdom, your darkness and your light."
As she paused, she allowed herself to fully embrace the sacred stillness of the holy space around them, the atmosphere charged with a timeless energy, as if the universe itself held its breath, watching as their sacred union unfolded.
And in that moment, Nii felt her heart align with the wishes of the universe, a sensation so powerful it took her breath away.
It was as if a door within her own heart had been swung open, revealing a path to the alignment with her soul, illuminated by the light of destiny.
Her breath caught as the sensation deepened, a warm, glowing energy spreading from her heart and radiating throughout her entire being. It was a feeling of profound meaningfulness, as if every step she had taken in her life had led her to this precise moment.
Nii closed her eyes briefly, allowing herself to fully embrace this newfound alignment.
She felt the gentle, yet firm, guidance of unseen forces, the loving whispers of the spirits and of their ancestors, affirming her path.
She took a deep breath, feeling the energy flow through her, a vibrant pulse that resonated with every beat of her heart.
Opening her eyes again, she gazed at Aang in front of her with a newfound intensity.
She could see his aura shining brightly around him, so present, like a white celestial shimmer that almost made her head dizzy.
"May our love be a force that transcends time and tradition. My heart is yours, Aang, aligned with the universe and guided by the spirits. And with these words, while all the spirits are listening, I promise to honor your light, even in the darkest of times. And I promise to cherish you and love you for as long as our journeys allow it."
And as the final words left her lips, Nii knew that in this sacred space, they had become one, their hearts and souls intertwined like yin and yang.
The atmosphere bellowed with emotion - love, gratitude and joy twirling like small tornadoes around them, and Nii felt a rush of warmth and lightness within her, a sensation that bubbled up from her heart, and she could do nothing else but let it spill out of her…
In the form of laughter.
The laughter that escaped her lips was filled with pure joy, coming from the deepest part of her soul, and her eyes, still wet with tears, sparkled as she looked at Aang, seeing her own happiness mirrored in his eyes.
Aang also did not seem to be able to contain the powerful waves of emotion coursing through him, and he erupted into laughter too.
Together, their laughter rang through the sacred Sanctuary Hall, a beautiful symphony of happiness and relief. They laughed with the sheer joy of the moment, cathartic, their spirits soaring high.
And when their laughter naturally subsided, Nii and Aang found themselves leaning into each other, their foreheads touching gently, tears of joy still streaming down their faces.
Their breaths quickly became synchronized again, like small joyous gasps, a testament to the unity they had found.
As their foreheads touched, the connection was more than physical.
To Nii, it symbolized the union of their third eyes, a purple and ethereal bond that bridged their spiritual selves.
She felt a palpable energy flowing between them, a silent exchange of thoughts, dreams and visions. Their closed eyes reflected their inward focus, where their individual insights and dreams blended into a shared vision of the future.
In this sacred moment, Nii and Aang were not just two beings in love but two spirits intertwined, their paths converging into one.
Time seemed to stand still as they remained in this intimate pose for quite some time, absorbing the serenity and the significance of the moment.
Eventually, after a while, their eyes fluttered open, and the couple slowly pulled apart, their foreheads parting reluctantly.
Nii's heart swelled with love as she gazed at Aang, her partner, her friend, her love.
But then, she noticed a change in Aang's expression.
His eyes suddenly glinted with a playful, yet intense light.
It kind of looked like something that promised adventure and mischief.
His lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile, and the air around them flowed with a new kind of energy that seemed to twirl happily, mingling with the fragrance of incense.
Aang extended his hand at her.
"I want you to come with me," he said, his voice low, his eyes smoldering at her.
Nii felt a thrilling shiver run down her spine from the intensity of his gaze.
She thought that the ritual had ended, so his outstretched hand and request surprised her a little.
She raised a playful eyebrow at him, before she took his hand, literally embarking on a journey into the unknown with him.
Nii felt his warm hand envelop hers, a familiar yet thrilling sensation.
Aang rose gracefully into their air, pulling her gently to her feet.
As they began to walk, he led her by her hand with a quiet confidence, his steps light, sure and measured, while a subtle, yet knowing smile on the corners of his lips.
Nii followed him, her trust in him absolute, her heart beating a little faster with each step.
At first, she did not think much of their direction, too absorbed in the warmth of his touch and the tranquil beauty and serenity of the moment to notice where he was leading her.
As they ventured outside, the setting sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the tranquil surroundings of one of the meditation gardens.
As they walked along one of the many paths, the soft crunch of gravel under their feet was the only sound, accompanied occasionally by the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.
The outside air was filled with the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, and the last rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long, dappled shadows on the ground.
The path meandered through the garden, leading them past serene ponds where lotus flowers floated gracefully on the surface, their petals catching the light in a display of delicate hues.
The setting sun painted the sky in a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples, its descent a reminder of the day's end and the promise of night.
As they passed certain trees and figurines in the garden, a sense of recognition did, however, start to stir within Nii.
And she heard herself gasp out in a short breath that sounded like a surprised chuckle, when the realization dawned.
A wide smile spread on Nii's lips.
Memories flooded back, vivid and tender, from what seemed like very long ago.
Their night together at the pond.
She recalled the moonlight shimmering on the water, the soft rustle of leaves, and the way her heart had raced as she had bathed naked under Aang's watchful gaze.
She remembered his reaction, the way his eyes had darkened with desire, his energy stirring wildly as if something deep within him had been set ablaze.
Nii glanced at Aang, seeing the knowing curl playing on his lips, and she realized that he remembered it all too.
Her pulse quickened, while a blush crept up her cheeks, and she squeezed his hand, feeling a thrill of anticipation run through her, as they continued walking.
As they neared the pond, the familiar sight of the clear, reflective water came into view.
The secluded spot looked just as magical as it did that night, if not more so tonight, with the pond as a serene mirror that captured the sky's vibrant transformation, displaying a mesmerizing blend of colors.
At the edges of the pond, where the water met the shore, the reflection of the sky was a deep, rich orange, fading into shades of gold that danced on the gentle ripples.
Lotus flowers in bloom floated on the surface of the pond, their petals almost glowing as they caught the last light of the day.
The water, so clear and calm, seemed magical as they soon reached the edge of the pond together, and Nii turned to Aang.
The fire of that night still burned brightly between them, and she felt a delightful flutter in her stomach as her eyes met his, curiosity and excitement rushing through her body.
"I'd like to invite you to something…" Aang purred at her, causing another shiver to run down her spine before a short sigh escaped her lips as she recalled that those were the same words that she had said to him their last time here.
"Tonight's not a full moon," he breathed, raising his eyebrows slightly at her. "It's a new moon."
Nii widened her eyes a little in surprise, as it dawned on her.
He was right.
Today was the day of the new moon.
A sacred time.
The start of a new cycle.
A new chapter of their lives.
In the west, where the last vestiges of the daylight thinned, the sky glowed with a warm, golden hue, gradually fading into deeper shades of indigo.
And as if on cue, just above this radiant band of color, the thin new moon had made its delicate appearance, a barely-there crescent of silver light that hung low in the sky.
Its presence was almost ghostly, yet it held a quiet power, a promise of new beginnings.
Nii suddenly felt Aang's hand gently slipping away from hers.
She watched as he stepped closer to the water, his movements slow and deliberate, a serene confidence in every gesture.
"This time I want to bathe with you, Nii, as a symbol…" Aang said in a voice filled with determination and affection, his eyes smoldering at her with a dark intensity. "A symbol of renewal and of the flow of love and energy between us."
Nii felt her heart skip a beat, and she sucked in a short breath of surprise while her heart started beating faster in her chest, as she saw him beginning to undo the ties of his ceremonial robes.
She bit her lower lip.
Aang's fingers moved gracefully as he undressed himself in front of her, and Nii felt warmth pooling in both her heart and the pits of her stomach with each piece of clothing he removed, revealing himself more and more to her in his most natural state.
Now fully undressed, he turned to look at her again, his gray eyes reflecting the dim light of the silver moon with a soft, inviting glow.
His beauty was breathtaking as he stood there, naked, in front of her.
As the last moments of dusk lingered in the air, a soft, ethereal glow seemed to envelop Aang's body, casting him in a radiant light that danced across his skin like a delicate veil.
He stood tall and serene, the faint traces of sunlight bathing him in a warm, golden hue, illuminating every contour of his body, his essence intertwined with the beauty of their natural surroundings.
Although his energy beamed with purity and innocence, there was a playful, almost mischievous smile on his lips.
Nii felt a surge of emotion, a blend of love, anticipation and a sense of adventure.
She began to undress herself too in deliberate and unhurried movements.
She peeled away the layers of clothing covering her body, letting them fall to the ground in a silent cascade, until she too stood before Aang in her most natural state.
The last golden rays of the setting sun, mingling with the silver light of the ever more prominent new moon kissed her skin, casting delicate shadows and highlights, and she felt a sense of liberation wash over her when her eyes found his.
"I will bathe with you, Aang," she murmured, her voice a whisper carried by the gentle breeze of the evening.
She took a step closer to him, closing the distance between them until their bodies were almost touching.
The warmth of his presence enveloped her, while the air around them suddenly felt charged with a sense of electricity.
With a gentle smile, Aang reached out his hand at her, and their fingers soon intertwined, sending a warm flutter through Nii's chest.
There was a silent understanding between them as they stood together at the edge of the pond, before they slowly started to enter the water, the surface rippling gently.
Together, they moved slowly and deliberately through the clear water, their movements synchronized as if they were dancing to a silent melody only they could hear.
The water felt like smooth silk on her skin, as the warmth of the summer sun, which had bathed the pond earlier in the day, still lingered in the water.
And when they soon stood in front of each other in the water, both of their hands were clasped together in a silent vow of unity and love.
As if guided by an invisible force, they moved together in perfect harmony. With a shared breath, they both submerged themselves fully into the warm embrace of the water at the same time.
The water enveloped them, wrapping them in its gentle embrace as they disappeared beneath the surface.
And for a moment, time stood still.
There was only the caress of the water against their skin, and the only sounds that mattered were the ones that emanated from within, the quiet pulse of their hearts beating as one.
Then, just as suddenly as they submerged, they resurfaced, breaking through the surface of the water, as if erupting passionately into their lives as a couple.
Their eyes soon met again, their gazes filled with a potent blend of love and desire.
Without hesitation, Nii closed the distance between them, their naked bodies coming together in a tender hug.
Now, there was no barrier between them, no layers of inhibitions - only the raw, unfiltered expression of their love.
Nii felt the warmth from Aang's skin envelop her just like the water below her navel, and soon, their lips met in a passionate and heated kiss that ignited a fire within them both.
It was a kiss that spoke of devotion and desire, a kiss that sealed their bond and commitment to each other, and Nii felt a liquid warmth of love and desire pool deep in her belly as Aang's arms tightened around her, as if he wanted to pull her even closer to him.
Nii ran her fingers over the smooth skin of his back, before she felt his tongue gently graze her lower lip, so she parted her lips slightly, allowing him inside of her.
His tongue danced deliciously against her own.
A deep sigh escaped her, as she reached her hands up along his back to rest them on his shoulders, before she slowly lifted herself upwards, while she raised her legs up to gracefully swing them around his waist.
Aang responded with a low hum, the passionate dance of their tongues intensifying slightly, before he moved his hands down to her buttcheeks, gently holding her body as close to him as possible.
The vibrations of his voice seemed to dance across Nii's skin, igniting a tingling sensation that spread from her fingertips to her toes, while the feeling of his hands on her butt cheeks was exquisite, a strong yet delicate balance of pleasure and intimacy.
Nii soon felt his hardening barely grazing one of her cheeks, and she felt herself pull slightly away from their kiss to let a deep sigh of longing escape her lips and travel into the sacred stillness of the night as warm, thick flames of lust licked her insides, causing goosebumps to spread over her skin.
She felt their energies dancing like the flames of a wildfire, melting together, like majestic dragons dancing in hot air.
Aang let a breathy soft groan escape his lips, and it traveled into her ear deliciously, entering her softly, stirring the fire within her, and she pulled herself closer to him again.
The sensation of their wet skin gliding smoothly against each other beneath the surface of the water was hot and silky, sparking an electric tingle in the energy between them.
"I love you, Nii," Aang whispered into her ear, and he moved one of his hands from her butt to her back, just over her heart chakra, and he gently pulled her closer, her bare chest pressing against his.
Nii closed her eyes and traced her fingers a path down his back, and with a soft caress, she slid one hand around his neck, while she cradled the back of his head with the other, feeling her inner fire of desire burn with a fierce intensity, causing her to grind her hips against him.
The movement was slow and deliberate, her skin soft and smooth against his strength and masculinity.
"I love you," she sighed deeply, her voice almost like a whimper, and she felt his gentle hands travel over her body to her hips.
Nii was surprised when she felt Aang push her gently away from him, their bodies reluctantly parting ways just for a short while.
She tilted her head at him in curiosity.
She saw the heated passion shining from his eyes, before he turned his head to the edge of the pond, where they had left their ceremonial robes.
Nii followed his gaze, and she noticed an object to the left of their piles of clothes that she had not noticed earlier.
She narrowed her eyes at the object before realizing that it was a lantern, and a smile curled her lips.
He did not need to say more.
They started making their way back to the shore.
As they emerged from the tranquil, warm embrace of the pond, the water cascaded down their bodies in shimmering rivulets, leaving their skin glistening in the faint moonlight.
There was suddenly a sense of serenity mingling in the energy between them as they stepped onto the shore, the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets providing a soothing backdrop to their graceful movements.
With each step they took, droplets of water clinged to their skin, catching the light like scattered jewels.
The sensation of the cool night air against her damp skin sent a shiver down Nii's spine, a pleasant and thrilling contrast to the warmth she felt in the water.
Aang bended the water off their bodies with a soft flick of his hand, and they soon dressed themselves again in silence.
As they made their way towards the lantern, their footsteps were light and purposeful, their hearts and inner fire burning brightly with love and desire.
With practiced hands, Aang lifted the lantern and silently urged her to hold it with him.
Nii felt her heartbeat like a deep, passionate drum in her chest as she stretched her arms to take hold of the delicate paper lantern too.
Aang looked deeply into her eyes for a short moment before he lit the lantern with a small movement of his finger, the flame flickering to life with a soft hiss.
The warm glow of the flame cast a soft, golden light over his face, illuminating his features in a gentle halo of warmth.
Together, Nii and Aang watched as the lantern began to gently rise into the night sky, silently, as the paper caught the wind and it floated gracefully upwards.
The air was filled with a sense of wonder and awe as they followed its ascent, their eyes drawn to the heavens above.
Aang stepped closer to Nii, before he swooped his arm around her waist, pulling them together in a close embrace.
The sky above them was now a deep shade of purple, the darkness only punctuated by a soft shimmering glow of stars starting to appear on the canvas, the silver light of the new moon even more ethereal looking against the background.
As they stood there together, their eyes locked on the single lantern they just released, they were suddenly both surprised by a breathtaking sight.
From various points around the temple grounds, several small lanterns began to emerge, rising gracefully into the air like ethereal spirits ascending to the heavens.
Nii sighed out deeply into the night air.
As the lanterns ascended into the sky, they created a mesmerizing display of beauty, their gentle movements reminiscent of a delicate dance in the night sky.
Nii and Aang stood there as if enchanted, their hearts filled with wonder and awe as they watched the lanterns rise higher and higher, their beauty a testament to the love and unity that surrounded them.
"Did you ask them too?" Nii wondered out loudly.
"No," Aang chuckled in a gasp of surprise.
It was a moment of pure enchantment, a reminder of the power of love to illuminate even the darkest of nights.
In the silence that followed, they shared a knowing smile, their hearts overflowing with gratitude for the unexpected act of beauty and love from some of the acolytes, they were left standing in the soft glow of the last lanterns that were soon disappearing from view.
As they stood there in the soft silver light of the new moon, Nii noticed a mysterious glint appearing in Aang's eyes.
His gaze was intense yet gentle, drawing her in like a magnet, hinting at something profound and unknown.
The corners of his mouth had also curved into a subtle, enigmatic smile, so his expression was one of both tenderness and intrigue, adding to the aura of mystery that suddenly surrounded him.
A sense of secrecy and mystique enveloped him.
Nii felt her breath catch as she searched his eyes, trying to read the depths of the secrets they held. There was a spark of something indescribable in his gaze, a hint of magic and adventure that she knew she could not resist.
And when he spoke, his voice was low and resonant, imbued with a sense of wonder and promise that made her heart race, as he said: "There's one last place I want to take you tonight. Will you come with me?"
THANK YOU FOR READING - a question: Where do you think, Aang will take her? :-)