CHAPTER 57: One with air, one with heart
"It is not our darkness that scares us the most - it is our light."
Back at the Eastern Air Temple, Aang sat alone in the center of the magnificent Sanctuary Hall, the expansive, serene space bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun.
His legs were crossed in the lotus position, his posture straight and relaxed.
The air around him was infused with a delicate, soothing scent of incense, its gentle wisps of smoke curling upwards like ethereal tendrils, filling the hall with a sense of tranquility and reverence.
The soft, melodic sound of wind chimes drifted through the hall, their delicate tones dancing on the breeze that occasionally stirred the air through the tall open windows. Each chime seemed to resonate with a different note, creating a peaceful symphony that echoed the natural harmony of the world.
The gentle music mingled with the intoxicating fragrance of the frankincense incense, rich, warm and with a hint of spice, twirling lazily in the air.
Aang had chosen this specific incense as it was known for its ability to purify the air and uplift the spirit.
He recalled that many years ago, it had been used to symbolize the interconnectedness of all beings and bless everyone with peace and divine protection, which he thought fitting for his ritual with Nii.
He noticed his thoughts wandering briefly to the ceremony that awaited him, and he exhaled a deep, slow breath.
A flutter of nervous excitement stirred in his chest as thoughts of Nii danced through his mind like playful air currents.
Her laughter, her warmth, her ancient wisdom, the way her eyes sparkled with love and life.
He could not help but to smile to himself at the thought of her.
This ritual was not just a declaration of his love for her, but a promise.
A promise from him to honor the love they shared.
A promise to honor Nii as the sacred woman she was.
Aang opened his eyes momentarily to glance around at the preparations for the ritual - the colorful prayer flags lazily waving in the breeze from the windows, the small flames dancing over the many candles, the flowers and leaves spread out over the smooth surface of the ancient stone floor, the bowl of water sat at the center of the room like a vessel of tranquil beauty that seemed to shimmer with an inner light.
The preparations were complete, thanks in large part to the unexpected and very enthusiastic help of some of the Air Acolytes, who had eagerly added as much of their own touches to the ceremony as Aang would allow.
Although he had originally envisioned a simple, intimate ritual just for the two of them, the acolytes' additions had transformed it into something a bit more elaborate yet still harmonious with his vision.
He hoped that Nii would appreciate it and not think that it was too much.
Aang had no experience with rituals like these.
He let his gaze fall to his hands in his lap.
These hands had mastered all four elements, yet they almost trembled at the thought of holding hers in a sacred space like this.
He recalled the teachings of the monks, the lessons of detachment and inner peace. He imagined monk Gyatso's warm, understanding smile and the wisdom in his eyes, and Aang felt a longing burn within him.
He had no experience with love rituals, no guide on how to express the depths of his heart like this. The monks had taught him so much, but in this, he felt completely new.
As far as he knew, this would be the first time ever in history that an Air Nomad like himself, and that anyone really, did a ritual in an Air temple for the sacred communion of two people in love.
But it felt so right to him.
As if every part of his being was attuned to seeing this through.
To declare his love and loyalty for Nii in this sacred space, to cherish and honor their spiritual, energetic and emotional connectedness, and their physical union too, that they had already shared with each other.
He sighed, a soft, almost imperceptible sound swallowed by the temple's vastness.
As he sat there, Aang also recalled the stories of the past Avatars, many of whom had families and loved ones.
He thought about Roku's love for Ta Min and Kyoshi's fierce loyalty for her friends. His own love for monk Gyatso, and his mentor's love for him.
Perhaps, he mused, love was a different kind of balance.
One that required as much care and attention as the balance of the elements.
Aang knew that he would have to learn, step by step, just as he had learned bending the elements one by one. And his heart beamed with joy as he reveled in the idea that Nii would be there with him to help him along the way.
As he sat there, Aang's breathing slowly started returning to its slow and steady pace, each inhale and exhale a deliberate act of centering himself in the present moment.
In the current stillness of the Sanctuary Hall, the young monk felt deeply connected to his past, his present and the future he was about to embrace.
This moment of solitude was a precious pause, a chance to reflect on the journey that had brought him here and the love that had blossomed along the way.
He felt the presence of his ancestors, their wisdom and guidance a silent but powerful force that steadied his spirit.
He felt the blood that pumped lively through his veins, the air that danced around him and traveled through his lungs, granting him with the strength of an ever present magical life force.
He felt his heart.
With each beat, a surge of emotion flooded through him, a symphony of love that resonated deep within his soul. It was as if his heart had become a fire, burning and pulsing strongly with the intensity of his love for himself, for Nii and for their path ahead, illuminated with radiant warmth.
He thought back to the countless battles he had faced, the enemies that he had conquered, and the challenges he had overcome.
None of them seemed to compare to the significance that this day held for him at this very moment.
This was a different kind of journey - one that required him to open his heart fully and completely.
The golden light around him gradually dimmed as the sun outside dipped lower on the sky, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch and reach out like gentle, reassuring hands.
In this moment of profound stillness, Aang found clarity and calm.
He was ready.
And as if on cue, Aang's keen senses picked up the faintest whisper of a sound, barely audible over the tranquil ambiance of the Sanctuary Hall.
It was the subtle scrape of a foot gliding across the smooth stone floor, a sound so delicate it might have been lost to anyone less attuned to their surroundings.
Turning his head, Aang's eyes met those of Kana, one of the elder acolytes, standing by the entrance with a gentle smile on her lips, while her eyes held a tender warmth, reminiscent of a mother's love.
"Avatar Aang," she whispered in a voice as calm as a breeze through the leaves.
Her eyes seemed to convey a sense of pride and care that felt like a comforting embrace to Aang, as if she did not merely see him as the Avatar, but as any cherished child of hers, worthy of guidance, love and protection.
He smiled at her.
"Kana," he breathed with gratitude on his lips.
She bowed deeply, conveying once again her respect for him.
"Are you ready?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with warmth and emotion, causing Aang to exhale deeply.
In that simple question, a depth of understanding passed between them.
It was not just about Aang's physical readiness but a readiness of his heart and spirit, a readiness to recognize and embrace the depth of what he and Nii were about to do.
Aang nodded silently at her with a serene smile on his lips, before he used a burst of air to gracefully rise to his feet in a swift movement, causing the light fabrics of his robe to respond with a dramatic flair.
He was wearing a traditional Air Nomad ceremonial robe, colored in warm shades of orange and yellow, and as he rose from his lotus position on the floor, the hem of his robe lifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of his bare feet, before it settled back down, rippling like a flag in a gentle breeze.
Aang also wore a red ceremonial sash, hand made by one of the skilled acolytes. It had been embroidered with different intricate symbols of the elements, and he smoothed it out gently, as he watched Kana disappear from the entrance to the Sanctuary Hall.
He closed his eyes as the weight of the moment settled over him, a blend of anticipation, love and a touch of anxiety swirling through his entire being.
This was it.
In a few moments, Nii would come through that entrance, and they would declare their love for each other in this ritual, a testament to their relationship, their union.
In the quiet hall, every sound seemed magnified.
Aang's heightened senses, attuned to the subtlest changes in the air, picked up the distant echo of light footsteps approaching the entrance.
His heart quickened, each beat resonating with the excitement that coursed through him.
And then, he heard it - a soft, steady breath, unmistakably Nii's.
Aang gulped down as the sound sent a warm rush of emotion through him, like a gentle gust of wind stirring the embers of his inner fire.
A smile tugged at the corners of Aang's lips, a serene expression of pure happiness and love, and he could do nothing else but open his eyes to see her standing there, framed by the ancient archway, her presence like a vision of grace and beauty that instantly took his breath away.
The soft golden light of the Sanctuary Hall seemed to brighten as he let his eyes drink in this vision of her, standing there like a goddess of another world.
Nii wore a dress inspired by Air Nomad styles, its flowing fabric cascading elegantly around her, in harmonious shades of yellow and orange. Around her shoulders was a red shawl, embroidered with the same intricate symbols as his sash.
For a moment, Aang felt as if time itself had stopped.
His heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of awe and admiration, each beat a testament to the depth of his love for her.
Nii looked more beautiful than he had ever seen anyone, a radiant embodiment of the serenity and strength that defined her spirit.
Her eyes, sparkling with excitement and affection, met his, creating an unspoken connection that bridged the distance between them, and he sighed out deeply, letting go of a breath that he did not know he had been holding.
Aang felt his eyes well up with tears as he gazed at this ethereal being in front of him, while emotions surged within him, a powerful blend of love, joy and gratitude.
The nervousness he had felt moments before melted away.
Seeing Nii standing there, ready to join him in this sacred ritual, made everything else seem insignificant.
Aang's smile deepened, his eyes shining with unshed tears of happiness.
He extended his hand towards her, welcoming her to join him in the center of the hall.
The soft, golden light of the Sanctuary Hall bathed his outstretched hand, his open palm an invitation, a promise, and a declaration of his unwavering love and commitment.
The air was alive, humming with the quiet resonance of wind chimes.
As Nii started walking slowly towards him, her eyes never left his.
The connection between them was tangible, a silent conversation of shared memories, dreams and the deep bond that had brought them to this sacred moment.
The candles around them flickered gently, casting a warm, golden glow on her path.
Each of her steps felt like an eternity, and yet they passed in the blink of an eye.
The fabric of her robes rustled softly, like whispers of blessings from the past Air Nomad nuns who had once walked these walls.
Just before Nii finally reached him, Aang felt like his heart might explode.
She paused for a brief moment, just in front of him, as if she was taking in the sight of him just standing there with his hand extended for her to take.
With a deep breath, Nii lifted her own hand and placed it gently in his.
Aang exhaled deeply from the contact between them, and he closed his eyes briefly, allowing himself to fully absorb the sensation, as he felt their fingers intertwining naturally, fitting together like two halves of a whole, before an almost electric energy surged through him, palpable and profound.
It was as if the very air around them came alive, charged with the intensity and sacredness of the moment, crackling and pulsing with new vitality in the ancient hall of the temple.
A gentle warmth spread from their joined hands, radiating up his arm and settling in his chest, while the energy in the room was alive, swirling around them in a sort of protective embrace, affirming the sanctity of their ritual and the depth of their commitment.
Aang could feel the echoes of past ceremonies, the blessing of his Air Nomad ancestors, and the timeless wisdom of the temple infusing the moment with profound significance.
It was as if the entire history of the Air Nomads was bearing witness to their union.
As he opened his eyes, Aang looked into Nii's gaze, finding his own emotions reflected back at him through eyes that were shimmering with tears.
Aang moved with a calm, deliberate grace, a small, serene smile playing on his lips as he, with a slight nod of his head, indicated for her to sit down with him.
Nii returned his smile, before she gracefully lowered herself to the floor, the fabric of her ceremonial robes flowing around her like a soft, colorful cloud.
She settled into a comfortable lotus position, her hands resting lightly on her knees, her gaze never wavering from Aang's.
Taking a deep breath, Aang mirrored her actions, sitting down in front of her with the same fluid grace just so their knees were touching.
And for a moment, they just sat there together, looking into each other's eyes.
After a short while, Aang took the lead by closing his eyes.
He started focusing on his breathing.
Deeply in.
Deeply out.
He sensed Nii starting to breathe too, and within seconds, their breathing synchronized.
Each inhale and exhale became a shared rhythm between them, a harmonious dance of breath that started binding their energies together, and Aang felt a warm, tingling sensation spread from his chest, flowing through his limbs and reaching out towards Nii.
He could hear her breath trembling slightly, as their energies merged, and they both exhaled deeply together, as the connection between them deepened into something even more intimate and powerful.
Nii's energy felt like a deep, primal heartbeat, pulsing with the rhythms of nature, resonating with the cycles of the moon, the ebb and flow of tides, and the whispering winds of ancient forests.
Yet, it also felt fluid and ethereal, invigorating, and as he breathed with her with his eyes closed, Aang started to note rich golden colors and sensations behind his eyelids that shimmered and shifted, as if her energy was that of a shapeshifter's that danced lively, like a yin around its yang.
Warm, mysterious, intuitive, magical, alive.
The rest of the world seemed to fade into the background, and Aang felt like he and Nii were no longer two separate beings breathing together, but a single entity, that their energies intertwined in a delicate balance, their souls dancing together in the quiet beauty of the Sanctuary Hall.
So he slowly readied himself for the next part of their ritual.
After clearing his throat, Aang slowly began chanting ancient words of the Air Nomads, his voice soft and rhythmic, as the mantra vibrated through the air inside the Sanctuary Hall for the first time in many years.
"Air we breathe, pure and free,
Spirit soar, let it be.
With each breath, our journeys start,
One with air, one with heart.
Unity in breath and soul,
Breath and life, together whole."
The mantra flowed effortlessly from his lips, as if he had just chanted it yesterday, and it echoed over and over through the sacred hall of the Eastern Air Temple, carrying the essence of Aang's feelings of love and connection with Nii.
So when Nii finally joined him and her voice blended with his, creating a harmonious duet that echoed through the hall, Aang felt his heart swell in his chest and heard his voice crack slightly with emotion, as they chanted together, their energies perfectly synchronized, their hearts beating together as one.
He did not know for how long they stayed like that, chanting together.
But at some point, he felt his lips simply close together, and as the last echoes of their chant faded into the serene stillness of the sacred hall, he slowly opened his eyes to gaze at this woman in front of him who had captured his heart.
The golden hues of the fading sunlight danced across her features, casting a warm glow upon her delicate face as she opened her eyes too, her dark pools of wisdom and mystery meeting his with a gentle intensity, while her soft lips curved ever so slightly into a cute smile.
Aang felt a surge of emotion welling up within him as their eyes locked, a sense of pure joy that bubbled up from deep within him, spreading like wildfire through every fiber of his being.
To him it felt as if the very air around them was infused with a radiant energy that tickled his soul, igniting a sensation of happiness so intense, he felt like bursting into laughter.
It felt like a thrill, a liquid fluttering sensation in his stomach that started dancing along his spine, sending shivers of delight cascading up throughout his body.
Aang felt the corners of his lips twitching upwards, a grin threatening to break free, as the energy between them continued to build, swirling through and around them, teasing and tickling his senses.
His heart felt light and buoyant, as if it might lift him off the ground and carry him away on a cloud of pure bliss.
He took a deep breath to steady himself as he rode the wave of bliss that shot forth from the base of his spine and all the way to his crown at the top of his skull.
In front of him, Nii looked on with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with intensity and love.
Aang reached out to her, his hand outstretched in a silent invitation, but instead of clasping her hand in his, he gently guided her hand towards his chest, placing it over his heart.
He felt the weight of her hand resting against his chest, a comforting presence that filled him with a sense of belonging and unity, and with a gentle movement, Aang extended his own hand to rest it on her chest.
His fingers came to rest over her heart, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her breath, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat, the delicate warmth of her skin against his.
Together, they sat in perfect symmetry, joined by their hearts, their souls entwined in a silent exchange of love and understanding.
"Nii…" Aang breathed softly with a tender smile grazing his lips. "From the very moment our paths met, I felt a connection with you that seems to transcend time and space. The first time I laid my eyes upon you was in the Spirit World, and I think one of the first things I told you was that you looked like a spirit."
He paused for a brief moment as the image of her back in the Spirit World traveled through his mind.
Nii smiled sweetly at him with a slight tilt of her head, causing his smile to widen.
"And to be honest," he said with a short chuckle. "Right now, as I look at you here in front of me, you kinda still do."
Nii chuckled heartwarmingly with him, her deep chocolate eyes twinkling.
Aang's chuckle softened back into a smile.
"I mean, nothing about meeting you have felt ordinary," he continued. "I met you first in spirit, when I found myself completely lost in the darkest corners of my soul, and you helped me through… Somehow, you reached me there, even when I could not reach myself, and you showed me a way through."
His voice grew softer, filled with emotion.
"The second time I met you was in the physical world," he smiled, while he noticed his own reflection staring back at him in her dark, shimmering eyes, the distinctive blue arrow tattoo on his forehead prominent.
Aang's mind drifted back to that day, vividly recalling the scene where he woke up to Nii grounding his body with a massage, the memory of her hands on his skin still intense.
"Your hands…" he breathed, and he closed his eyes for a brief moment, gulping down as he felt his body responding energetically to the memory with waves of warmth. "I think that's when I started to sense of the power of our connection."
He heard Nii exhaling slowly, and Aang opened his eyes again to see a single tear escape one of her eyes, trailing over her skin beautifully.
"You offered me a simple, yet profound gift," he said as he titlted his head at her. "The gift of touch. Of pure, uninhibited presence with my body, of being truly seen and cared for."
He paused for a moment as his heart started aching at the edges.
As if the love he felt in that moment was almost too much.
"I know it sounds cliché," he continued with a nervous chuckle, before he straightened his back a little to steady himself. "But it was more than just a physical sensation. It was as if, through your touch, you awakened parts of me that I'd somehow forgotten existed. Parts that I'd… that I had numbed."
His eyes glistened as he took a deep breath.
"And I think that this is the true essence of what I'm trying to say here… You make me feel alive, Nii. As if I truly belong. As if I'm just… loved. As if I'm… whole."
Aang felt his heart swell with immense appreciation, gratitude and love, sensations so powerful that even if he wanted to hold back his tears, he would never succeed.
As one tear slipped down his cheek, it was quickly followed by another, and he could do nothing but let the tears flow freely, his heart laid completely bare to the soul that sat in front of him.
"I feel so honored," he managed to say between sobs that he could not control. "To share my journey with you. To be present here with you, right now, in this moment. To celebrate our sacred union of love."
And while tears were streaming down his face, Aang felt something stirring deep inside of him, as if a sense of fierce determination and life force rose from the pits of his stomach and filled him with an empowering strength. As the sensation reached his heart, he was filled with an unshakeable resolve, the overwhelming emotions of gratitude and love crystalizing into a clear, unwavering certainty within his heart.
"In this sacred Sanctuary Hall of the Eastern nuns," Aang spoke in a voice full of conviction, as he looked into her eyes. "I ask the spirits to bless our connection. I ask all beating hearts to greet it with respect. I ask all my guides to bless our journey, and I ask my ancestors…"
Aang heard his voice suddenly trail off from the enormity of his request and the need to honor their memory even as he was stepping onto a path they never walked.
He took a deep breath.
"I ask my ancestors to bless our union."
Aang closed his eyes briefly, feeling his heart flow with a liquid warmth, and as he turned back to Nii, his eyes were still filled with tears but also with resolve.
"Nii… I promise to cherish you as the being you are to the best of my abilities. And I promise to love you with all my heart on every step on this path together, no matter where it leads."
Aang felt his heart skip a beat before he uttered one last sentence:
"Nii… Will you share your path with me?"