Chapter Text
Many would say Lin Beifong should count herself lucky. Afterall , her grandfather found a loophole that allowed her to inherit his estate instead of her closest male relative, which was some distant cousin who lived in the Fire Nation who would attempt to kick her , her mother and her sister out the minute he came. Lao Beifong was generally considered a traditional man so it came as a surprise to the House of Lords when he established his first granddaughter as his heir. He had been teaching Lin how to take care of the estate since she was ten and never hid his intentions from her though he never lived long enough to tell Lin of the full stipulations. At sixteen Lin became the Duchess of Gaoling and found out exactly what the deal was. She needed to have an heir by her thirtieth birthday or she would have to forfeit her inheritance to that same cousin.
Between getting used to running the estate, taking care of her family and finishing her education, Lin did not have much time to worry about that issue. There was a time she fancied herself in love but that turned out to be anything but so she put her full focus on the estate and her sisters upbringing. Then, when she got the hang of things she found herself more interested in enjoying the freedoms her title afforded her. Turns out meeting someone interested in her as Lin was next to impossible. Everyone wanted to get their hands on the estate so she decided if she did not meet someone before she turned twenty six she would resort to a new tactic. While her new plan wasn’t foolproof, she had to give it a try to keep her family safe.
After several mornings of failed interviews with prospective matches, Lin finds herself frustrated. She decides to take a break from her search for a week, heading back to her original routine. First things first, she goes out for an early morning climb just outside Republic City. What is meant to be a calm morning quickly becomes eventful when a sky bison flies above. Thinking she is in danger, the man on the bison jumps down hoping to find a way to help however Lin is uninterested in dealing with anyone this early in the morning and continues on her way home.
…
As the only airbending child of the former last airbender, Tenzin was always expected to repopulate the Air Nation. Well, he assigned that task to himself more than he was pressured to do so by his father. Truthfully, he and his father never got around to having those conversations. When his father died ten years ago, Tenzin decided that it would be his duty. His only stipulation was that he would wait until his family were settled. His mother had already decided she wanted to spend time between wherever the three of them were so he wasn’t worried about her care. His sister had done well to make a life for herself in the Southern Water Tribe a few years after their father died. That only left his brother. Tenzin has been thankful for the fact that Bumi was in no rush to settle down until this season. It bought him more time to figure out his plan. He still thought at twenty five he was too young to be worrying about children despite popular belief. He wanted to put off but not abandon his duty just a little longer.
Tenzin was a man who could spend the rest of his days at an air temple. Preferably the Southern Air Temple. If not a temple, he still wouldn’t choose to visit the Repub. The food was bland, the people stuck up and the events boring. The only reason he made the trip was to support his brother on his search for love. After twelve years in the army Bumi decided he would like to settle down and have a family. To find something like their parents had. While their parents had met in a different manner, visiting during the season would make it easier to meet people.
Tenzin figures the trip will be uneventful aside from hopefully his brother’s wedding. He is able to maintain that thought for about thirty minutes into his morning flight. That is until he sees a woman running beneath him before jumping over the side of the cliff. He watches her earthbend down the mountain side before seemingly evading him though he remembers a shortcut in the forest his uncle told him about years ago. When he catches up to her he is finally able to get her to stop.
“Miss it is not safe to be out here,” Tenzin frowns at the woman.
“For who?” she shoots back, stunning jade eyes making themselves seen.
“For a woman,” Tenzin counters.
“I think I will be quite alright,” the woman removes the hood from her head, revealing the most beautiful women Tenzin has ever seen.
“Uh,” Tenzin struggles to find his words, struck by the woman in front of him.
“Lost your words?” Lin challenges.
“I was trying to figure out how to nicely tell you you are going the wrong way,” Tenzin gathers his composure.
“I think not Master Tenzin. I grew up here unlike you,” she rolls her eyes, continuing along the way.
“I’m sure,” Tenzin counters, “you seem to know me but I don’t know you.”
“Not everyone can be as notorious as the only airbender,” she turns around, ready to head home, “anywho, I must be going.”
“I didn’t even get your name,” he calls after her.
“Until next time,” she tosses over her shoulder before she disappears into the ground.
…
Lin heard stories of the avatar and his wife, some old acquaintances of her parents from their youth, with their youngest featuring in scandal sheets from time to time. Some said he was scouring the globe searching for a wife to mother his airbenders. Others say he was just indulging himself. A few went as far as to suggest he was planning to have as many children as possible. All in all, Lin did not have a very high opinion of the man who seemed irresponsible to say the least.
‘ I can’t believe they forgot handsome’ the traitorous portion of her brain adds. She tries to ignore that part of her mind as it reminds her that a few years ago she would be interested in him and getting to know what goes on in that mind. Not even a few years ago if she were being honest, maybe a few weeks ago before she had to get serious about this husband thing.
“How are you late for breakfast in your own home?” Izumi frowns as Lin enters the dining room.
“You know for a visiting princess you spend a lot more time here than you do at the palace,” Lin rolls her eyes.
“Aunty Zuzu understands I must be here to support you,” Izumi counters.
“How kind,” Lin takes a bite of toast as a footman takes her coat.
“Lin is going to need all the help in finding a husband. None of them are up to the duchess’ requirements so far,” Su shakes her head.
“The first major ball of the season is tonight. The Queen will have a better idea of who is worth my time by halfway through then,” Lin figures.
“How romantic,” Su rolls her eyes.
“Well Linny, we will be here for you in your endeavour to find your Duke,” Izumi smiles.
“Wait, does this mean that I can finally interrogate your suitors?” Su asks hopefully.
“I guess,” Lin shrugs.
“That was easy,” Su frowns at her sister.
“Well the last time I was seriously contemplating marriage you were fourteen and the questions you would ask didn’t fit,” Lin points out.
…
Tenzin takes the long way back to his Aunt Suki’s hoping to clear his head of the woman from this morning. He soon finds out that it won’t work and gives in to thoughts of the jade eyed beauty. As much as he hates the pretension of the Repub, he hopes to see her again at the ball tonight. Spirits knew if he were ever looking for a wife she would have to be at the top of his list, there was something about their short conversation that left him wanting more. Maybe they could spend time together while he was in the city but first he would have to get her name.
“Enjoy your flight?” Suki asks, frightening Tenzin in the process.
“Aunty! You’re up early,” Tenzin looks around in surprise.
“I always am Tenny,” Suki smiles.
“Oh. I did enjoy my flight,” Tenzin answers the first question.
“One morning when there is time I will show you to your uncle’s favourite spot in the city,” Suki promises.
“I would like that,” Tenzin smiles at the mention of his late uncle, “how are my cousins?”
“Yuri and Hakoda really wanted to be here but Yuri’s husband is unwell and you know Hakoda’s wife is expecting,” Suki shares.
“Didn’t they just have a daughter?” Tenzin tries to remember.
“Oh no. Aiko is all of three now,” Suki clarifies.
“Three? Wow time flies,” Tenzin considers the last time he saw his cousin’s family.
“It does,” Suki smiles, “there isn’t much planned today but my ball is tonight so please do not lose track of time.”
“Of course aunty,” Tenzin nods before heading to the gardens for a meditation session. His day goes by in a blur as he looks forward to the ball in hopes of meeting the woman from this morning. He gets ready early, deciding on his favourite robe for such an event.
“Fixing up to meet someone special?” Bumi asks when he sees his brother putting extra effort into getting ready for the ball.
“Nah, just thought you and mom would appreciate it if didn’t look like I just rolled out of bed,” Tenzin half-lies
“Whatever you say Tenny,” Bumi smirks knowingly.
…
“Let the drama begin,” Lin sighs as they approach the conservatory doors
“Tonight is going to be fun,” Suyin assures Lin, “right mom.”
“Yeah yeah,” Toph huffs, “ I hate these things because I can barely see.”
“You didn’t have to come mom,” Lin sighs.
“And what? Leave you to the wolves?” Toph asks, frowning.
“I can handle them,” Lin insists, not wanting her mother to be uncomfortable.
“She’s just antsy because this is the season the Duchess intends to find a husband,” Su says the last part loudly, drawing the attention of most of the eligible men and scheming mamas in the process.
“Suyi,” Lin sighs.
“Sorry Lin,” Suyin squeaks.
“May I have this dance?” a gentleman that looks vaguely familiar offer’s Lin his hand.
“You may,” Lin nods, deciding she has nothing to lose.
“Captain Bumi of the United Forces, your grace,” Bumi bows slightly.
“Did your research huh?” Lin quirks an eyebrow.
“Didn’t have to. You were the topic of everyone’s conversation the minute you entered the room,” Bumi explains with a smile before offering her his arm.
Tenzin’s attention is taken from his mother’s story when some commotion occurs near the entrance. A crowd of gentlemen are circling a woman who he can’t see clearly. He is shocked when he sees his brother lead her to the dance floor. All he can do is stare at her as they dance and when the set is finished, he watches as she is swept up by another suitor as his brother is pulled in by an eager debutante.
“Lin Beifong, the Duchess of Gaoling,” Suki follows his line of sight , “she took over the duchy at sixteen and has been running it without major incident ever since. She plans to marry this season and is definitely someone your brother should consider. The Beifongs are good people, Toph and I still have lunch at least once a week and your mother is joining us this week.”
“Bumi should consider her because she’s a duchess?” Tenzin tries to seem disinterested as he redirects the conversation to Lin.
“Because she has a good head on her shoulders, is definitely the most eligible woman this year and I think she would suit your brother well,” Suki clarifies.
“I see,” Tenzin nods, still watching as Lin is ineptly led by her partner. Of course the woman who stole his attention was a duchess who would expect more than just a few encounters. That simply wouldn’t do. Not when he has no plans to marry, duchess or not. Not when being in love with her would complicate matters. Still, he can’t help but watch her move around the dance floor and follow her outside in hopes of a conversation. He loses sight of her so he takes the opportunity to sit on a bench and gather his thoughts. When he finally zones in, he hears a familiar voice.
“When I find someone who checks the boxes,” Lin decides.
“Are you sure sister?” Suyin asks.
“Yes,” Lin insists, “not everyone has or wants the luxury of love.”
“You could,” Izumi counters.
“Let us be practical,” Lin shakes her head, “I just need a man who is suitable, well read, agreeable, even tempered. Preferably a military man so he won’t be tied to the estate. Two children and he is free to do what he wants once he is discrete. Oh and definitely at least 27/28. I don’t have time for someone still finding himself or whatever it is young men do before they settle down.”
“Come on Lin, you can’t be serious,” Su sighs.
“The Beifongs need an heir and I do not need love,” Lin declares.
“Come on Lin,” Izumi rolls her eyes.
“Look Iz, I’m willing to actually accept your aunt’s help this time,” Lin sighs, “I need to get married this year.”
“Lin….,” Izumi trails off.
“Married. Heir. Move on,” Lin says with finality. Tenzin does his best to ignore the disappointment that sets in and what that could mean. His disappointment is replaced by annoyance. This was the kind of mindset that many society women had and they would take advantage of his brother if not stopped. Bumi always saw the best in people. He tries to leave without being seen but manages to trip over a pail, drawing the Duchess’ attention.
“You,” Lin tilts her head, definitely intrigued.
“You,” Tenzin grits.
“Still waiting for the introduction?” Lin asks.
“Seems I now know more than my fair share about you your grace,” Tenzin scowls.
“Is that so?” she challenges, “and what do you know?”
“You are like any of these society women who view marriage as a means to an end. Most likely to please people you don’t even like,” Tenzin declares.
“Is that so? And you, a known philanderer, are in a position to judge me for my choices? Travelling the world giving these women hope only to dash them when you eventually marry one of those girls from your temple?” Lin shoots back.
“The difference between you and me is that I am clear about where I stand before engaging with anyone. And contrary to popular belief, I haven’t decided on a wife nor do I necessarily plan to marry,” Tenzin clarifies before realising, “why am I telling you this? Just stay away from my brother.”
“He can be the judge of that,” Lin rolls her eyes before looking for her sister, “good night Master Tenzin.”
“Ten, mom is ready to go,” Bumi approaches his brother.
“Okay, sure,” Tenzin nods.
“Were you just talking to the Duchess,” Bumi asks curiously.
“More like disagreeing,” Tenzin grumbles.
“About? She was very nice when we danced earlier,” Bumi smiles.
“Bumi I don’t think she is suitable for you,” Tenzin huffs.
“Look Tenzin, it was just a dance,” Bumi sighs as they approach their mother.
“She isn’t looking for a love match,” he explains.
“I’m getting to know her for now. It's not a declaration of intent,” Bumi assures him before looping his arm through his mother’s to regale her about his night.
“How was your dance with the duchess?” Katara asks.
“Mother, I would like to get to know her better. It's early days but I am definitely intrigued,” Bumi decides. In that moment Tenzin is glad he is walking ahead so his brother can’t see the discomfort on his face.