Book 4: Harmony; The Air Benders Return

Jelly

Katara yawned, yesterday was the best day of her life. She placed her hand to her neck. There it was, her engagement necklace. Last night, Katara and Aang announced their engagement to their friends. Suki, Ian, Min, and even Azula congratulated them but Sokka tackled Aang to the ground trying to kill that sly monk. Ian had to separate them, in the process getting hit and bitten by Sokka. Katara pushed herself off her pillow, Min asked her to help around while the Air Nomads prepared for the Fall Festival. 

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“Good morning Azula.”

Azula jumped, she was so sleepy that she didn’t even notice Ian sliding into a chair next to her.

“Morning.” she mumbled.

Ian looked concerned.

“Azula, what’s wrong, you look like you haven’t slept all night?”

She was about to lie when she remembered something,

“Azula, not everyone is like Ozai.”

Clenching her jaw, Azula contemplated at the memory. Ian stared at her, his eyes filled with surprise and anguish. 

“Is something wrong? I know we barely know each other but if you need anything, I’ll be more then happy to help.”

“I’m… I’m…” she couldn’t bring herself to lie, her darn mouth wouldn’t let her. 

“It’s okay, you don’t have to say anything,” Ian looked away, “I just sensed…thought,” he corrected himself, “ that you weren’t well.”

Azula poked her food. Breakfast was simply black tea and berries, all eaten by hand. If you were still hungry, you could get a slice a bread with butter. The berries and tea was delicious but she wasn’t in a mood for eating. The nightmares from the night before still plagued her. Azula smushed a red berry with her finger.

“I can’t sleep.” she croaked out.

Ian turned,

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

“I can’t sleep at night.” repeated Azula.

Ian’s eyes widened, 

“Do you have an idea why?”

“Nightmares.”

“Oh…” 

As Ian tapped his chin, she noticed how pronounced his jaw line was. 

“Well, what you have is a form of insomnia, Min has it too. Her mind is so full and busy, she cannot calm down. You are afraid to sleep because of nightmares, perhaps I can get you some of her medicine that makes her sleepy, it probably won’t help the nightmares but at least you will get a few more hours?” 

Nodding her head, she popped a blueberry into her mouth. For some reason, Azula felt lighter and happier now that she shared her inner sufferings and accepted help. 

“So,” Suki purred, “how is our new fiancé doing?” 

Everyone in the table watched Katara dance in, she looked like she was walking on cloud nine.  Aang came in shortly after, he had the biggest grin Azula has ever seen. They sat next to each other, both blushing deeply. 

“Wait a minute,” Sokka studied the young couple, “why are you two awkward with each other?”

“It’s not what you think!” Katara snapped.

“Okay, okay, I was just inspecting our new special couple, I wasn’t judging anyone.”  Aang snorted.

“Yeah right.” Katara mumbled.