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Kelsang fiddles with the small scraps of paper in his hands as he navigates the mansion towards the servant's entrance. It's been a relatively calm day—no stray pieces of earth hurtling through the air, thank the spirits—but a current of excitement runs through him nevertheless. He has a surprise for Kyoshi when she returns from her errands; tickets to the traveling circus that's passing through Yokoya for the next few days. He's fairly certain she's never been to a circus, and the thought of sitting in the stands with her as her bright-eyed gaze tracks the performers with awe warms his heart. It's been far too long since they've had the chance to do something fun together, just the two of them.
Kelsang is so distracted by imagining Kyoshi at the circus that he's nearly bowled over when a red blur comes skidding around the corner, coming to a screeching halt in front of him.
"Sifu Kelsang," pants Rangi, obviously out of breath, "apologies, I didn't see you there."
"It's quite alright, Rangi," Kelsang says with a note of confusion in his voice. "Is everything well?"
"Yes!" Rangi says a little too loudly before Kelsang even finishes his sentence. She pauses, collects herself, then draws her chin up and addresses him crisply. "Yes, everything is fine. Just… going to do tasks." Kelsang valiantly fights to keep a fond smile off his face. She reminds him so much of her mother when she holds herself like that. It feels like only a few years ago when Hei-Ran would give him the same composed facade when she was doing something she probably shouldn't. Such occurrences usually ended in explosions, but thankfully, Kelsang didn't think Rangi would be quite so careless with her fire.
Rangi's eyes are darting past Kelsang, begging to be released. "If you need nothing from me, Sifu, I'll be on my way."
"Go ahead, Rangi," Kelsang says. "I was just going to help Kyoshi bring in the supplies from Yokoya." Rangi's eyes widen slightly.
"Oh. Me… as well." Kelsang hums and sets off towards the servant's entrance, Rangi falling into step next to him. Kelsang chooses to stay silent and let Rangi speak if she wishes. She's walking rather stiffly next to him, her eyes fixed straight forward. So maybe not, then. Probably for the best. Rangi has always been tight-lipped except around a select few, and while Kelsang knows she trusts him, he does not think he is one of those few—well, not yet, at least. Perhaps in the future, if things go well.
When they reach the servant's entrance, Rangi stands at attention next to the door, as though she's participating in a military drill. Kelsang informally leans on the wall, attempting to keep any trace of mirth or fondness off his face. Serious is what she needs right now. He knows from experience that poking raw and vulnerable feelings often causes more harm than good.
They don't need to wait for long. Kyoshi comes back shortly, awkwardly shuffling in sideways through the entrance. She's using a carrying pole to lug in two baskets, filled to the brim with food and supplies. She makes it look easy, for what is undoubtedly a very heavy weight. He swears, that girl has the strength and temperament of an ox. Clearly, Kelsang notes with amusement, the fact has not escaped Rangi either, who is desperately trying not to look at Kyoshi's arms and miserably failing.
"Oh, hello Rangi!" Kyoshi says placidly, giving Rangi a sweet smile.
"Kyoshi," greets Rangi, still trying to avert her gaze.
"And Kelsang," continues Kyoshi with a note of caution. "Is there a reason you've both decided to intercept me?"
"No, no reason," says Kelsang casually. "I was just going to check on Pengpeng, and ran into Rangi on the way down. She came to help you carry your goods inside."
Rangi stared at Kelsang with a look of utter betrayal. Kelsang returned it with a cheerful smile. News of the circus could wait, for now.
"Really?" Kyoshi asked, her face softening.
"Uh," said Rangi. Her soldier's composure crumbles as she's beamed with the full force of Kyoshi's undivided attention. Kelsang physically watches her face turn more and more scarlet as the conversation continues.
"Of course," Rangi finally said, looking somewhat like her guts had just been spilled all over the floor. Kyoshi opens her mouth, likely to say something along the lines of thank you but I can handle it myself, but Rangi beats her to the punch and offloads one of the baskets. The other basket nearly goes crashing to the ground as the pole unbalances, and Kyoshi quickly catches it with a stifled yelp.
Rangi winces and goes to apologize, but Kyoshi blurts out, "It's fine! I'm fine. Thanks for helping."
Rangi just closes her mouth with an audible click and nods, straightening up. The two stand there like two ungainly newborn cat-deer, unsure as to who should break the silence first. Kelsang decides perhaps it would be best if he removed himself from the situation, if only to not bask in the aura of teenage awkwardness any longer.
"I'll be on my way," he says, visibly startling the two girls. "I'll see you both later?"
"Yeah, see you—"
"Of course, Sifu Kelsang—"
Kelsang nodded in farewell as he slipped past Kyoshi to head towards the stables. He might as well visit Pengpeng if he was going to be out here, anyways. As he left, he heard the girls continue to talk behind him after another moment of silence.
"Your robes are looking very fine today," Rangi says haltingly.
"These are the same robes I wear every day?" Kyoshi replies confusedly. "But thank you."
Kelsang shakes his head in amusement. Those two are hopeless. He's certain Kyoshi will figure it out eventually—or Rangi will simply snap and blurt it out to her. Perhaps the latter is more likely, considering how wild Rangi's emotions can be. She's a passionate girl, Kelsang thinks, and so fiercely loving and loyal. Just like her mother.
She'll be good for Kyoshi. He makes a mental note to tell her as such when the time is right.
_________________________
Hei-Ran's daughter is an absolute fool for this girl.
No, really. It's nearly painful to watch. She wasn't this bad when she was Rangi's age, was she? …On second thought, maybe she shouldn't answer that question.
It is mildly amusing, that two women who are each quite competent on their own can turn into lovesick teenagers around each other. It's occurred to Hei-Ran that, perhaps, her daughter has never truly gotten the chance to be a lovesick teenager, so this might've been a long time coming.
Thankfully, they both have the good sense to not have aggressive displays of affection where Hei-Ran can see them. There is a point in every parent's life where they simply do not wish to know what their child does with their lover in their free time, and Hei-Ran has objectively reached that point.
Hei-Ran has accompanied the duo to her home island of Sei'naka, where Rangi is recovering from her grievous wound in their fight against Yun. She still shudders when she remembers the feeling of her heart dropping into her stomach when she saw her daughter in the infirmary bed—and the slow, creeping dread of the days after as Rangi fought off a nasty infection. It took all of Atuat's considerable skill to keep Rangi alive.
Aside from the fever, Hei-Ran and Atuat had been Rangi's constant companions—along with, of course, Kyoshi. The Avatar had stayed at her daughter's bedside through the entirety of her sickness, tight as a bowstring with worry. Hei-Ran had to goad the poor girl into eating and sleeping in Rangi's absence.
But, in the end, the fever had broken, the sickness had passed, and Rangi was on her feet again. Still recovering, but alive—in more ways than one. Rangi had lit up as she showed Kyoshi around her home, the familiar air rejuvenating the injured firebender. It did not escape Hei-Ran's notice that Kyoshi had blossomed as well, for once free from the prying eyes of the Four Nations, and her greatest concern being spending time with Rangi.
Recently, the two have begun a habit of bringing each other back small gifts from the market every time one heads there without the other. Everything from simple wood carvings, to little hand-painted murals, to bundles of native flowers.
It's sweet, that someone cares enough about Rangi to bring her thoughtful gifts, and that Rangi cares enough about another to do the same. Hei-Ran has started to notice little things such as these, now that they all have space to breathe. As time passes, Hei-Ran has also started to notice different, deeper changes in the girl she raised.
She's tried her best—though she's well aware that her best is lacking at times—to instill self-respect in Rangi. But she sees flickers in her daughter of the woman she once was. The woman she still is, more often than not. The incessant need for perfection, to demonstrate her worth before someone else decides it for her. She sees that fear in Rangi, sometimes—the fear of being less than—the fear that the moment someone sees you stumble, you will be discarded in their eyes.
It's a shackle she hasn't fully managed to shake off in her many long years. Looking back, she thinks it might be her greatest regret, that she unwittingly carved the same deep cuts into her daughter that were ingrained into her. And it is her greatest relief that someone has begun to heal those cuts in ways that even she couldn't.
She's not sure if Kyoshi herself knows the extent to which she's soothed the wounds that Rangi carries. The Avatar has never once seen her daughter as less than, and in turn, Hei-Ran has noticed a visible relaxation in Rangi in the time that they've known each other. Like a seabird finding a safe place to land after years staying afloat on its own.
Anyone who hadn't known Rangi since birth wouldn't be able to tell the difference, but a mother's eye has a way of picking these things out. A mother's eye can see how Kyoshi has weaseled past her daughter's walls and carved out a permanent place in her soul. In a different world, perhaps this might worry her, seeing how fully Rangi has given herself over to another.
But Hei-Ran has watched Kyoshi through many of her formative years as well. A mother's eye sees how Rangi has burnt her imprint into Kyoshi's heart. The Avatar is utterly devoted to her daughter. They are both fools for each other, and isn't that a rare and precious thing?
It is strange indeed, to watch your child find their world in another person.
Hei-Ran watches the way Kyoshi's presence lights up Rangi from the inside out, and finds she doesn't truly mind if her daughter acts a fool. Kyoshi's good for her. That's all she needs.
_________________________
Kyoshi plunked down into the empty chair next to Atuat in the teahouse, her face a mask of despair. Oh boy. Here we go. Atuat sipped her spiced tea and waited. Eventually, Kyoshi spoke up.
"Rangi's mad at me. I hope I die."
Atuat gave her a soothing pat on the back. "No, you don't, because then Rangi would force her way into the spirit world and drag you back here herself, and then you'd have to deal with a doubly mad Rangi. We wouldn't want that, would we?"
Kyoshi let out a low whine of misery.
"I went off to deal with the Heralds on my own, because I figured she had better things to do and I didn't want to put her in unneccessary danger. And now she's really mad that I didn't tell her or take her with me." The Dawn Heralds, if Atuat recalled correctly, were a scattered network of bandits that had been Kyoshi Island's greatest headache recently. Kyoshi had spent the last few weeks devising ways to root them out and rid the island of them entirely. Clearly, she had been successful, but at the cost of Rangi's ire. Short stick, indeed.
Kyoshi slumps down onto the table, looking terribly forlorn. Atuat could practically see the self-loathing wheels turning in her head as she rehashed what was undoubtedly a very heated argument.
Atuat set her cup down with a solid thunk. These damn kids were taking decades off her life.
"Kyoshi," she said in exasperation. "I am going to say this bluntly."
"Do you ever not?"
Atuat graciously chose to let that slide. "Rangi is your partner. This means you do life together, not prancing off on your own. Talk to her. Treat her as your equal. Compromise. Work with her instead of going around her."
"I work with her. I treat her as my equal," Kyoshi frowned.
"Do you? Because it looks to me like when you're going to do something you know she won't like, you go behind her back instead of having a civil conversation."
Kyoshi didn't reply, her gaze unfocused as the stared at the ground. Others might've assumed the blank look was one of indifference, but Atuat had known Kyoshi for long enough to recognize her thinking face. She chose to stay quiet—from her experience, it was best to let Kyoshi mull things over in her head and come to a conclusion on her own.
After a drawn-out silence, Kyoshi said despairingly, "You're right. Fuck, I'm an idiot. And a terrible partner."
Sensing another impending breakdown, Atuat quickly intervened. "You're not a terrible partner, Kyoshi, you just fucked up. Everyone does that. Just say you're sorry, and follow through with change. It's easy."
"Really?"
"No. But if you care about her, then it's worth it." Atuat groaned and downed the rest of her drink. "I can't believe I'm giving you relationship advice. Spirits, I feel old. You're making me feel old, Kyoshi!"
"My deepest apologies," said Kyoshi with zero sincerity. She wiped her eyes, took a deep breath, and sat up straight, rejuvenated by Atuat's words. "Thank you, Sifu. This was helpful."
"Yep, that's me. Sifu Atuat, master of lovesick women," she grumbled. "You can make it up to me by letting me have a go at those girls you and Rangi have been training. They need to learn to counter a waterbender."
"Don't remind me," said Kyoshi, wincing slightly. "They idolize me too much. Some of them started to mimic my face paint last week, did you know that?"
"Oh good, stealth-trained fighters wearing characteristic face paint. You reinvented daofei on your own island," said Atuat lightheartedly.
"I did not! They're warriors of justice and self-defense!"
"That's what they all say. Now go get your wildfire before she burns someone's eyebrows off."
Kyoshi opens her mouth, closes it and blushes as your wildfire catches up to her, then speedwalks out of the teahouse. Atuat shakes her head in amusement, and raises her hand to ask for another cup of tea. She has no doubt in her mind that those two will be just fine.
She is properly educated on how "just fine" they are a few hours later when she walks into their house without knocking. Her mistake, really—at this point, she should've known better.
Rangi is effortlessly pinned up against the wall by Kyoshi, who currently has her mouth attached to Rangi's neck, oblivious to the world.
Rangi, on the other hand, gave her a deadpan stare. "Do you mind." Her nonchalant statement was slightly undercut by her flushed face and blown pupils.
Kyoshi's head jolted up to see Atuat, her face flashing with horror. The red paint on her lips was smeared beyond saving, and she looked vaguely like she had just eaten a freshly killed animal.
Atuat said nothing and promptly closed the door on a mildly annoyed Rangi and a very distracted Kyoshi. Ah, young love. She just wished they might be a little quieter about it at night. She was saving that particular piece of information to bring up at the perfect time to get maximum embarrassment out of both of them.
Atuat chuckled to herself as she picked her way through the village towards her temporary quarters. Yes, she has faith in their ability to weather any storm, as long as they have each other.
_________________________
Koko thinks her amma is the coolest person in the whole wide world. First off, she's the Avatar. Koko's actually not completely sure what that means, but people say it like it's super cool, so that means Amma is super cool. And, even better, Amma is the tallest person she's ever known, so when she puts Koko on her shoulders Koko can see all the way to the other side of the market, which is definitely the most awesome thing about her. Plus, when she's on Amma's shoulders, she gets to brag that she's taller than Eomma, a defeat that Eomma gracefully accepts every time.
Koko and Eomma are waiting for Amma to get home right now. Amma's been gone for a whole week because she's been busy doing super cool stuff like throwing rocks at bad people. Or at least, that's what Koko's pretty sure she does. Amma said maybe she could go with her when she's an adult, but that's going to take literally forever so Koko has resigned herself to just imagining Amma being cool and beating up bad guys.
Another super cool thing about Amma is that she's never scared of anything and it makes Koko feel like she never has to be scared of anything either. Well—almost anything. Once when Koko and Amma were at the night market, a stranger that was stumbling kind of weird yelled at her loudly and lumbered towards her, and before Koko knew what was happening Amma used her airbending and threw him across the entire market. Then she grabbed Koko a little too tight and walked away really fast. When Koko looked up Amma's mouth was set and she wouldn't look at Koko, and Koko realized she must've done something super bad because Amma looked really mad. Amma handed her to Eomma when they got home and walked upstairs, and Koko started to sniffle because she didn't know what she did wrong but she had clearly upset Amma. When she told Eomma that Amma was angry with her, she fervently shook her head.
No, bao-bao, Eomma had said gently, cradling her. She wasn't angry with you, I promise. She was scared that you would get hurt.
But Amma's the strongest ever! She's never scared or sad or anything like that!
Your amma is very strong, bao-bao, but even she gets scared and sad too. One time, when you were very young, she got upset enough that she stopped wearing her face paint for a few months.
Why'd she stop? Koko had asked, frowning. It's so cool.
You didn't think so back then, Eomma had said with a laugh. Your amma stopped because she wore it in front of you for the first time and you got scared of her and cried. She felt so bad that she stopped wearing the face paint, because she never, ever wanted you to be afraid of her.
I'm not scared of Amma now, Koko had said petulantly.
Well, that's probably thanks to me. I had to convince her to wear it again so you could get used to it. Honestly, I think she was more scared than you were the second time around! Eomma had laughed, playfully jostling Koko's shoulders until she giggled.
But you were very brave, and you didn't cry that time, Eomma had said. Although I think your amma did, just a little bit.
She cried? Koko had said, alarmed. Why?
Eomma had sighed. She was just… very, very sad that you were afraid before. Your amma uses the face paint to make bad people scared of her, but she wants you to always feel safe around her. So she cried a little because she had very big feelings about it. And she's having big feelings now too, because she was scared for you.
Oh, Koko had said, the little gears in her mind turning. …Would it help if I kissed it better, like you do when I'm sad?
Eomma seemed a little surprised, then set Koko down with a chuckle. I'm sure it would help.
And then Koko and Eomma went and found Amma, and Koko did the absolute best job at kissing it better because Amma laughed and hugged her and told her she was very sweet. A few days later, she had left for the trip, and promised Koko to bring her back something cool to say sorry for making her think she was mad at her.
So yeah, Koko's really excited for Amma to get home, and so is Eomma. Yesterday, she saw Eomma carrying a clunky box into her room. When she asked what it was, Eomma said it was a nice gift for Amma when she got home. But when Koko asked if she could see the gift (Koko loves a good gift, after all), Eomma's voice got a little high-pitched and weird and she said no, it was just for Amma to see, and then she asked Koko if she wanted to go get an early dessert and Koko forgot all about it until just now.
She's about to ask Eomma if she can see the gift now when she hears the front door open—Amma's home!—and she excitedly takes off down the hall. She hears Eomma yelp and tell her to slow down, but it's unimportant in the face of getting to see Amma again.
As Koko skids around the corner, she sees her amma in her full armor and face paint, which she is not scared of now, thank you very much.
"Amma!" she shrieks, launching herself at Amma's legs like a miniature bear trap. Amma's tired face lights up the moment she hears Koko yell, and she easily pries Koko off her legs to sweep her into a crushing hug. Koko giggles as her face is smushed against Amma's armor and she feels her pepper kisses on top of her head.
"I missed you so much, munni," Amma cooes as Eomma comes up behind them.
"What, nothing for me?" Eomma jokes as she presses up against Koko's back and leans forward to kiss Amma over Koko's head.
"Ewww," whines Koko. "Stop kissing on top of me!" To her relief, Amma and Eomma separate after giving each other a funny look.
Amma playfully growls and aggressively nuzzles the top of Koko's head, mussing up her hair and pulling a giggle out of her. "Munni, I brought you back something."
Koko gasps and perks up as Amma reaches into her satchel and pulls out a simple, elegant-looking case. Koko eagerly pops the case open to reveal a fresh, beautiful set of paints. She lets out an excited squeal, because finally!
Koko had wanted to try painting for the longest time after she saw a traveling artist painting a pretty mural on a building. A few weeks ago, Eomma had walked in on Koko painting the wall with Amma's face paint, and after a long discussion on why Koko couldn't exercise her artistic ability on the walls, Eomma agreed to get her some real paint and paper so they could paint together.
Koko was going to paint so many cool things now. Maybe she could even paint herself and Eomma and Amma! But first, she had something she needed to do.
"I have a gift for you too," Koko smiles bashfully.
"Oh?" asks Amma, raising an eyebrow. "All for me?"
"Mmhmm." Koko leans in and pecks her amma on the cheek. "I love you. You're the best amma ever."
Amma's face does a complicated thing, and then she's hugging Koko even tighter, and her eyes look a little damp.
Koko frowns. "Amma, are you crying?"
"No," Amma says, like a liar.
"I'm sorry, I didn't want to make you sad."
"No, no, munni, you didn't make me sad. These are happy tears. I'm happy," soothes her amma. She walks further into the house and sits down, depositing Koko in her lap.
"Oh. Okay!" says Koko, worries immediately evaporated.
She turns her attention to admiring her new paints, enthusiastically chattering about what she wanted to paint first. Koko is too distracted by the gift to see Eomma come up behind Amma and hug her, gently kissing her shoulders and neck.
Kyoshi leans back into Rangi, humming contentedly as their daughter babbles excitedly in her lap. Neither of them feel the need to say anything, as they bask in the comfort of a home filled with nothing but love.
_________________________
"This cannot be the first time I've seen you tipsy," Kirima said wonderingly. "We've known each other for decades! Surely we've drank together before?"
"I think it might be," said Kyoshi, slurring her words slightly. "I mean, I can count on one hand the amount of times she's drank with me."
Rangi squinted accusingly at both of them. "A Fire Nation officer is alert at all times. Alcohol disrupts my keen perceptive abilities."
"Ouuhh, big words, Topknot," purred Kirima. "Don't trip on 'em."
Rangi hissed at her. "Shuddup."
"Easy," Wong chuckled loudly. "You two don't need to get into a brawl on your special day."
It was, in fact, a very special day, and Kirima would've been a terrible elder sister if she messed up this particular celebration. After all, there was no greater cause for revelry than two of her sworn sisters getting married! Well, technically, Rangi wasn't a daofei by oath, but putting on their face and doing a job together had pretty much sealed the deal anyways.
Kirima had nearly shed a tear during the ceremony. Which nobody saw, thank you very much. Seriously, though, she doubted anyone would've seen her get misty-eyed since they were all busy bawling their eyes out. Wong had made an obnoxiously loud honk into a handkerchief in the middle of the ceremony.
Maybe the wedding was a little redundant, because anyone who knew Kyoshi and Rangi beyond the most basic level were well aware that the two had been married in all but name for decades. Spirits' sake, they had raised a kid together! Perhaps the reason they had held off so long was a mixture of constant business, no desire to label themselves, and, Kirima considers with an internal wince, perhaps a bit of fear. They were holding the ceremony at the Southern Air Temple, since most nations aside from the Air Nomads had views on such relationships varying from "keep it to yourself" to "death penalty". Admittedly, Kirima was pretty certain they could've walked into the dead center of Ba Sing Se and demanded to have the ceremony there, and people would've shut their mouths and groveled in submission. Kyoshi had cultivated quite a reputation.
Kyoshi and Rangi had never cared too much about what other people thought, but Kirima knows them well enough to see the little hurts every time someone devalued or dismissed their relationship. One day, Kirima thinks, people like them won't have to worry anymore. Maybe it wouldn't be in her lifetime, but she's sure it will happen. Kyoshi's certainly helping the process along by giving her best death stare to anyone that makes a comment, which is highly effective—Kirima would know, she's been on the other end of it a few times.
Now is not the time or place to be consumed by such worries, though. The Air Nomads have been nothing but welcoming, and Kyoshi and Rangi have been sickeningly sweet the whole day. Ugh. It was simultaneously adorable and disgusting how those two made each other melt.
You're so stupid for each other, Kirima had said earlier in way of congratulations. Yeah, Kyoshi had replied dreamily. Rangi had grumbled something under her breath, but pointedly didn't disagree.
To Kirima's great relief, the ceremony had gone off without a hitch. It had been beautiful, and sweet, and heartfelt, and Kyoshi had blubbered her way through the second half of her speech but had finished strong.
Thank the spirits, Rangi hadn't once mentioned the word "honor" during her speech. Kirima thought she might've keeled over on the spot if she had to listen to another firebender go on an honor rant, even if it was her sworn sister. In fact, she thinks she probably would've gotten retribution by seeing how many times she could call an Agni Kai an 'Angi Koi' in front of Rangi before she exploded. Which might've ended up ruining the celebration, so yes, it was indeed for the best that honor hadn't been mentioned.
Not that those two had any honor anyway. She had walked in on them defiling the meditation room the other night. A sacred site of the airbenders, mind you! "Honor" her ass.
Rangi has officially moved past defending her alcohol habits and is now draping herself over Kyoshi like a particularly affectionate blanket. Kyoshi grins stupidly, looking like she is exactly where she wants to be.
Kirima makes an exaggerated gagging sound at the sight to see if she can make Rangi give her dagger eyes again, but Rangi stays serenely attached to Kyoshi. Wow. She's either drank a whole lot or is super in love right now. Probably a mixture of both.
The four of them are tucked away in an unoccupied room having a post-ceremony brotherhood drinking session. It had been ages since it was just the Flying Opera Company, shooting the shit together like the old days. It brings a lovely warmth to Kirima's chest that's more than just the alcohol.
Kirima sighs, leaning her head back against the wall. She's got an incredible tolerance, if she says so herself, so she's just now starting to get a buzz. She lets her eyes drift over Wong, who's jovially laughing at some drunken remark from Kyoshi. Her gaze travels to the empty spot where Lek would be celebrating with them, if he had lived to make it to this day. Then finally to Kyoshi and Rangi, the lovers of the hour, entwined with each other like a love-drunk tangram puzzle.
She was an observant person. It hadn't escaped her notice that Rangi was starting to show the wear and tear of her years. She had even noticed a few gray hairs on Rangi in the past few days—although she would never voice such a thought aloud, seeing as she had a vested interest in keeping her head attached to her shoulders. Regardless, Rangi was observedly aging, and Kyoshi was observedly… not. Sure, maybe she just had perpetual Avatar pretty-face, but Kirima was decidedly certain that Kyoshi looked the exact same as she had ten years ago, and perhaps even the ten years before that.
And of course, she wondered. Avatars past had been capable of great feats of bending and spirituality, far beyond what normal benders could dream of. She wouldn't put it past Kyoshi to do something impossible.
But there was no point in speculating. If Kyoshi had something to tell her, she would do it to Kirima's face. Eventually. When she felt like it. But it would happen.
Thing is, Kirima was exceptionally good at thinking ahead and plotting out future paths. She had to be, in her line of work. And there was the slightest undercurrent of worry in her mind. If Kyoshi set her stubborn self in stone, like an immovable boulder, and let the river of time flow past her—what would happen when that river inevitably washed everyone she loved away? When it washed Rangi away? Spirits, when it washed Koko away?
Could Kyoshi handle that? Could anyone?
…Speculation was pointless. There was only the here and the now, and the glorious memories to be made before the river eventually snuffed all their spirits out.
Kirima watched Kyoshi laugh in the arms of her anchor, and silently worried what might happen if she was set adrift.
_________________________
The Northern Air Temple is practically buzzing with energy. Gorang doesn't think he's ever seen the older monks so high-strung—but to be fair, he's humming with nervous energy too. Avatar Kyoshi is paying a diplomatic visit to the temple for the first time in decades. Since the moment they got the news, the monks who were alive the last time Avatar Kyoshi visited have been frantically trying to recall her preferences and preparing one of the inner rooms for her. It's certainly nothing like the welcome the Avatar would've received from the royals of another nation—the monks live simply and frugally, after all—but Gorang thinks their best is still pretty good.
Aside from the initial slip-up with the rooms, of course. They had prepared a room for two at the behest of the older monks, until they had been informed that the Avatar would be coming alone. When Gorang asked the monks why, they said the Avatar had visited with a companion the last two times she was here, but her companion wasn't coming this time. Secretly, Gorang was a little grateful, because that meant he would only have to worry about one person instead of two.
He's been assigned as one of the boys to attend to Avatar Kyoshi during her time here, and while it's the most daunting responsibility he's had, he's certain he's more than up to the task. Yes, he might be on the younger side, but the elder monks have praised him so highly for his patience and attention to detail, making him a perfect match. Plus, the masters have counseled him and the other boys to pay attention to the Avatar and learn from her, as she's bound to have insights into airbending that not even the masters have discovered. An opportunity to get up-close with the Avatar only happens once in a lifetime, after all.
Thankfully for his nerves, things go very well when Avatar Kyoshi arrives. She cordially greets the elders, has a few cursory discussions with the masters, and then it's Gorang's turn to escort the Avatar to her chambers. Gorang carefully keeps his gaze fixed forward as he leads the Avatar through the temple halls, walking a little quicker than he's used to because of the Avatar's enormous stride. Wow, is she tall. Gorang's a little bigger than the other boys his age, and even he has to crane his head all the way back to look Avatar Kyoshi in the eye—not that he's been doing much of that, because her face paint is kind of intimidating and yeah, he's a little afraid of the giant, stoic Avatar.
They reach the Avatar's chambers shortly, and Gorang ceremonially opens the door to let her in.
"Thank you very much, Gorang," says Avatar Kyoshi, bowing slightly. "You've been very helpful." She directs a gentle smile his way and Gorang feels himself beam with pride. He is the best at his job. He can't wait to tell the other boys that the Avatar thanked him.
"My pleasure, Avatar Kyoshi," Gorang chirps, like he's been instructed to do. "Do you need anything else?"
"No, thank you," replies the Avatar as she enters her chambers. "Have a—" The Avatar suddenly sways on her feet, stumbles, catches herself on the bedpost, then collapses to her knees.
Gorang freezes. The monks didn't prepare him for this. Is this normal? He doesn't know, he's barely twelve and he's never met an Avatar before. Gorang is stock-still in the entryway, and Avatar Kyoshi is still slumped over, and he's actually kind of afraid now but it's his job to attend to the Avatar and he wants to do good at his job so—
"Avatar Kyoshi?" He asks timidly, edging into the room. "Um, are you alright?"
The Avatar doesn't respond for a moment, and Gorang worries that maybe he should go get the monks, but then she finally lifts her head.
"…Apologies, Gorang," she rasps out. Her voice sounds thin and weak. "I didn't mean to scare you. Could you go ask the monks to bring me some food and water?"
Gorang perks up. He knows he can fix one of those things, actually. He quickly ducks out and runs to the water tap just a few doors down and fills a jug, water splashing over the sides slightly as his hands shake. He hisses, willing them to be still, as he dutifully carries the jug and an empty cup back to Avatar Kyoshi. She's fully sitting down now, leaning back against the bedframe exhaustedly. Her eyes soften when she sees Gorang stumble into the room, awkwardly bowing under the weight of the water jug. Gorang carefully fills the cup for her and holds it out proudly.
"Thank you. I appreciate your help very much," says Avatar Kyoshi as she accepts the cup. Despite her tiredness, she has enough energy to shoot him an encouraging smile. Gorang feels the coil in his chest unwind. The Avatar seems to think he's doing fine, so he probably handled this well. Suddenly, he remembers the Avatar's other request.
"Did you want some food too, Avatar Kyoshi?"
"That would be wonderful, Gorang." Avatar Kyoshi frowns slightly. "I'm sorry again if I frightened you. I'm alright. I just… haven't eaten in a while, that's all."
"Haven't eaten?" Gorang says, alarmed. "Did the monks that brought you here not feed you?" The elders would be so mad if they forgot to feed the Avatar.
Avatar Kyoshi ducks her head, and it takes Gorang a moment to realize under the face paint that she's a little embarrassed. "They didn't forget to feed me. I forgot to feed me. I'll be just fine after a meal."
"Oh. Okay," hums Gorang. Then, with all the wisdom of a twelve-year-old: "You probably shouldn't forget to eat. That's bad."
Avatar Kyoshi lets out a sharp, surprised laugh. "You're very right, it is. I'll try to remember while I'm here so that doesn't happen again."
"If you would like, I can remind you, Avatar Kyoshi," says Gorang, eager to be helpful. Avatar Kyoshi gives him a look he's never seen on another person before.
"That's alright, Gorang," she says. Her voice sounds a little tight. "You've already been very helpful. Besides," she lets out an amused huff, "I usually have to be aggressively reminded to eat, anyways." Avatar Kyoshi gives him another weird look.
"Is everything okay, Avatar Kyoshi?" Gorang asks tentatively. She gives him another tired smile.
"You just—you remind me of someone else who had to nag me to eat, that's all."
Gorang doesn't really know what to say to that. "Maybe you could bring them with you next time so they can remind you?"
Avatar Kyoshi's face goes carefully blank and she looks up at the ceiling. "Yeah, maybe."
"…Um, I'm gonna go tell the monks to get you some food. Good night, Avatar Kyoshi. Feel better soon!"
Avatar Kyoshi rapidly blinks a few times, then looks back at him. "Good night, Gorang. Thank you."
Gorang slips out of the room and dashes back towards the main chambers to find the elders. He thinks he did a good job helping Avatar Kyoshi. She looked really sad when he left. He hopes whatever's making her sad will get better. But first—she needs some good food.
_________________________
Jun Liu was doing his evening rounds when he encountered an unexpected guest. Unexpected guest might've been an understatement, actually. The Avatar was the last person he would've thought to meet in a cemetery. After all, what in the world would the Avatar herself be doing on their tiny island?
Without thinking, he stuttered out, "A-Avatar Kyoshi! My deepest apologies, I didn't realize you would be visiting—"
Avatar Kyoshi held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks. "Don't apologize. I never sent any message ahead. You are…?"
"Jun Liu," he quickly replied, deeply bowing. "Groundskeeper for the Sei'naka cemetery. Is there anything I can help you with, Avatar?"
"No. Carry on with your duties. I won't be staying long." Without further explanation, Avatar Kyoshi turned and made her way towards the center of the cemetery. Jun Liu watched her go for a moment, then snapped back into the present and continued his rounds, although he kept the Avatar in his peripheral vision all the while.
The sunset cast pink and golden tones across the gravestones as the sky began to turn a deep red. Jun Liu was nearly done with his rounds when he saw the Avatar kneeling in front of the central grave in the cemetery, which was adorned by a statue of the woman it belonged to. Curious, Jun Liu edged closer. He knew the woman's name, of course—it was carved into the stone—but the statue had been the centerpiece of the cemetery since before his father took over as groundskeeper. His grandfather might've known her story, but it was far too late for Jun Liu to ask him. However, Avatar Kyoshi had walked the mortal world for a long time indeed. Perhaps she would know something. Jun Liu was loathe to interrupt the Avatar herself—but his curiosity was stronger than his apprehension.
"Pardon the interruption, but did you know her, Avatar Kyoshi?"
Avatar Kyoshi's head turned slightly in acknowledgment. "I did," she replied simply.
"If it's not too much trouble, would you mind telling me about her?"
That got Avatar Kyoshi to fully turn around, fixing him with her intense gaze. She studied him for a moment, then asked, "Why?"
Jun Liu raised his chin and straightened his spine under the appraisal of the Avatar. "I am the groundskeeper of the only cemetery on Sei'naka. So was my father, and his father before him, and his father before him. I take special pride in learning the stories of every person laid to rest in my cemetery. I know something about every name on every gravestone here. Except her. I would like to know her story too, if that's alright."
By the expression on her face, Jun Liu got the impression that he might've taken the Avatar off guard. She cleared her throat and turned back to the statue. "Sit with me."
Jun Liu respectfully kneeled facing the plinth, staring up at the imposing statue. He wondered if he should say something, but the Avatar took a deep breath and quickly solved the issue for him.
"She was the daughter of Junsik and the legendary firebender Hei-Ran, companion of Avatar Kuruk…"
Jun Liu kneeled in near-complete stillness as dusk turned into night, absorbing all he could as the Avatar spun a tale of a ferocious firebender, partner, and mother.
He was thrown out of his trance when the Avatar simply finished with: "And then she died."
Her final words rang in the silence of the cemetery as the two of them stared up at the statue of the love of the Avatar's life. Jun Liu offered the same words he had many times before.
"I'm very sorry for your loss, Avatar Kyoshi. I wish I could have known her. She sounded like a remarkable woman."
"She was," says Avatar Kyoshi wonderingly. "I have never told her story before. Then again, nobody recognizes her name anymore. Nobody remembers her. This," she gestures to the statue, "and my memories are all that's left."
In a way, she looks almost identical to the statue across from her—a relic, displaced from her own time. Jun Liu wonders if there's anyone left in the world who knows just Kyoshi, instead of the Avatar.
"The young firebenders come here all the time," says Jun Liu suddenly. "They like to visit the statue and practice their moves, because their parents say that the statue is of a legendary firebender. They feel safe and powerful in front of her. She inspires them."
Jun Liu chances a sideways glance at Kyoshi.
"What you said isn't true, Avatar Kyoshi. I know her now, too."
Kyoshi's face isn't turned toward Jun Liu, but he can see some strong emotion under all the face paint out of the corner of his eye. It's an expression he's intimately familiar with. Jun Liu is no stranger to the many unique forms that grief takes, although Kyoshi wears a look he usually only sees on the very elderly, who have lost all the people that once tied them to their youth. He can't imagine what it must be like to be centuries removed from the people that loved you.
"Thank you for listening," Kyoshi finally says softly. "I liked talking about her."
Jun Liu takes the silent hint and bows to the statue before standing up and walking away.
The sun was fully set by now, and constellations dappled the night sky. It was long past the time he was supposed to leave, but Jun Liu felt strangely energized. He made a mental note to write down what Kyoshi had told him when he returned home—the Sei'naka historians would surely find it worth permanently recording.
As Jun Liu walked away, he heard the faint sound of shifting and grinding stone behind him. He glanced over his shoulder. It was difficult to see in the dark, but it sounded like Kyoshi was earthbending. In any other situation, Jun Liu would've taken extreme offense with someone tampering with a grave—but the Avatar was a special case.
When he returned at sunrise, Kyoshi was gone. There was a new inscription on the statue's plinth, beneath the old engraving of her name.
Rangi of Sei'naka
Remember you are loved.
_________________________
Kyene takes great pride in her duty as a Kyoshi Warrior. It has become part of her identity more than anything else in her life. It's a strange thing, duty. The sensation that you're more than just your own body and soul, that you're one part of a larger whole dedicated to a universal cause. It nearly made her giddy, the first time she donned the signature robes and face paint of a Kyoshi Warrior. For once in her life, she felt like she belonged, and the other girls welcomed her in with open arms.
She's never felt more at peace than when she's running through exercises with her fellow warriors—which, technically, she should be doing right now, but Shova, bless her heart, had granted Kyene the day off with a knowing smile.
Today, she's leaving an offering at the memorial to Koko, the governor of their island after Avatar Kyoshi herself. To this day, many parents name their daughters in honor of the governor who brought decades of peace and prosperity to the island, and cemented their place in the wider world. There's even a Koko who recently joined the Kyoshi Warriors, although Kyene hasn't had the chance to properly meet her yet.
Kyene gently sets down her load: incense, some fresh fruit, and a bundle of orchids, native to Kyoshi Island. With practiced ease, she arranges the fruit at the base of the memorial, lights the incense, and settles into a kneeling position. She whispers a quiet prayer to Koko, and any other spirits that were listening—for continued peace, prosperity for the village, and for the courage to defend her home against the Fire Nation. They already had repelled a few lone platoons, but there were unsettled whispers spreading about incursions into Earth Kingdom territory further north. Strangely enough, some of the Fire Nation soldiers Kyene had faced fought in an weirdly similar way to her Kyoshi Warriors.
Kyene opens her eyes, dispelling any thoughts of Fire Nation attacks. She doesn't want to think about that today. Instead, she offers one final prayer for what she's about to do next. Kyene straightens up and huffs out a nervous breath, brushing off her robes. She leaves the incense and fruit behind, but the orchids stay in her hands—they're not meant for the memorial. Ruyi is waiting for her.
She had met Ruyi shortly after she joined the Kyoshi Warriors, since Ruyi had been recruited only a month before Kyene herself. The two of them had hit it off instantly. They were each other's favorite sparring partners, did the other's face paint in the early days, and were standing alongside one another when they became full-fledged Warriors. Like the dumbass she was, Kyene hadn't considered that maybe Ruyi's teasing compliments were a little more than friendly until Shova had bluntly bashed her over the head with it. Metaphorically, of course, although Kyene did feel like she had been run over by an ostrich-horse in the moment.
Kyene's just glad that all that's come her way from her compatriots is knowing glances and playful jabs. She's aware that other parts of the world are not so accepting—one traveling merchant said something about a new ban in the Fire Nation?—but it would be quite hypocritical for anyone on Kyoshi Island to share a similar view, considering who their founder is. The original Koko implemented equality laws to make sure of that. And of course, the Kyoshi Warriors have a rather vibrant history of entanglements with each other. Kyene's about to add to that, but hey, who is she to argue against continuing tradition?
Kyene glances up at the carved statue of Avatar Kyoshi as she passes through the center of the village. She pauses, and takes a quick bow.
"Wish me luck, Avatar Kyoshi," she whispers. As if she's the patron spirit of wooing girls, Kyene thinks, only half-joking. Everyone here knows the story of Kyoshi and Rangi, if it wasn't already obvious from their mural. It's always given a Kyene a warm feeling to look up at the mural—to see a woman dressed in the same armor and paints as her, who loves like her. Yeah, okay, maybe she wanted to be like Kyoshi in more ways than one. Sue her, clearly her and the Avatar both had a weakness for pretty girls.
Kyene is mindlessly weaving through the village when she notices her. Ruyi's across the street, dressed in a beautiful robe Kyene has definitely never seen her wear before (because she would certainly remember that), bouncing on the balls of her feet and scanning the people passing by.
It's now or never.
Kyene waves to catch Ruyi's attention, and Ruyi's eyes immediately lock onto her. The normally confident girl looks uncommonly nervous, giving Kyene a slightly bashful smile from across the street. Without her permission, Kyene's mouth pulls into an answering dopey grin—she clutches the orchids to her chest like a shield, and closes the distance between them.
_________________________
The Royal Fire Academy for Girls prioritized and espoused the values of a proper Fire Nation lady. One such value was punctuality—which, clearly, hadn't been fully instilled in all the pupils yet.
"I'm here!" Ty Lee yelped as she ducked into the classroom. Sifu Naejing leveled her with a hard glare as she snapped to attention, bowing in apology.
"Ty Lee. How good of you to join us. Sit, so we may continue the lesson."
Ty Lee sheepishly took her seat next to Azula at the front of the classroom. Azula said nothing, but shot her a sideways warning glance. It would not do for the princess' friends to be consistently late to class, even if it was "the most boring class in the entire world," as Ty Lee frequently complained.
Azula didn't entirely disagree—Sifu Naejing was perhaps the least engaging teacher she'd ever suffered through—but history was one of the most important topics for a royal heir, as a point of national pride but also of learning from her predecessors' mistakes.
They had just started learning about the Kyoshi Era, which was going to take them quite a few weeks, considering how long Avatar Kyoshi had lived. Azula wasn't afraid to admit that she was curious how Kyoshi had managed to make herself near-immortal, but those answers were lost to the sands of time, which was… terribly frustrating. Azula hated not knowing things.
"The Fire Nation, in fact, played an invaluable role in all of Avatar Kyoshi's deeds," Sifu Naejing said proudly. "She got as far as she did because of the tutelage and companionship of some of history's greatest firebenders. Avatar Kyoshi was taught firebending by Sifu Hei-Ran, who was the headmistress of this very academy for a period of time. She was also accompanied for many decades by another accomplished firebender—Lieutenant Rangi, a decorated member of the Fire Army." Azula wondered absentmindedly what it would be like to firebend alongside the Avatar. Would the Avatar be a better or worse firebender for being spread out across four elements, instead of specializing in one?
"There's not many records on the nature of Avatar Kyoshi's personal life." Oh. Boring. Azula didn't care to know what the Avatar might've done in her free time.
"Avatar Kyoshi was, surprisingly, unmarried for her very long life, although she did have a daughter. Records suggest that Lieutenant Rangi might've helped to raise Kyoshi's daughter, considering they were very close friends."
"Aww," whispers Ty Lee from Azula's side, "that's sweet. They must've really cared for each other if she helped her raise her kid." Azula let out a noncommittal hum.
"Now, if you'll open your books to the section on Avatar Kyoshi—" says Sifu Naejing, who is promptly drowned out by the sound of rustling pages.
Azula glances down at her book. Below the text on Avatar Kyoshi, there was a recreation of a mural from Kyoshi Island. Avatar Kyoshi and a woman—Fire Nation, by the looks of her clothes—were embracing. It must be Lieutenant Rangi, then, although it was certainly a very… tender embrace. Avatar Kyoshi has her arms around Lieutenant Rangi's midsection, and Rangi has one hand raised to cup the Avatar's face. Azula's fairly certain she's never hugged her friends like that, or seen anyone else hug their friends like that. She's not particularly a hugger, though, so what does she know?
"This was a mural found in Avatar Kyoshi's old home. It's one of the few images we have of her from her time," says Sifu Naejing.
Kyoshi must've cared very much for Lieutenant Rangi to have a mural of them in her home, Azula thinks. If she's being honest, it's a little strange. She can't imagine hanging up a mural of Mai or Ty Lee with herself in the palace.
Azula stares at the copied mural for a little longer. She's never seen an image of Avatar Kyoshi before. She's quite tall compared to Lieutenant Rangi, and very pretty. They both are, actually. Azula realizes Sifu Naejing is talking again and tears her attention away from Kyoshi and Rangi. Someone from the back had asked a question.
"…this was very normal between friends for the Kyoshi Era," continues Sifu Naejing. "The mural is a little… exaggerated, as murals from that time were. Avatar Kyoshi was lucky to have such a capable firebender fighting by her side. Lieutenant Rangi was loyal, like any good soldier, and accompanied Avatar Kyoshi until her death. Does that answer your question, Keiro?"
"Yes, Sifu Naejing."
"Very well. Now, onto other important Fire Nationals of the Kyoshi Era…"
Azula idly slides a finger along her book as Sifu Naejing continues her droning lecture, not flipping the page yet for a reason she can't quite explain. It's a gorgeous mural. The artist that recreated it must've been quite talented.
Azula wonders if she'll ever have a friendship like the one Avatar Kyoshi had with Lieutenant Rangi. Avatar Kyoshi must've been terribly lonely if she never married, though she looks very happy in the mural. Azula doesn't place much import on happiness, but she does recognize the usefulness of having someone you can trust, and it seems like Avatar Kyoshi trusted Lieutenant Rangi very much.
She can't imagine letting one of the boys hug her like that—she can count on one hand the amount of hugs she's gotten from Zuko, the only boy who's ever hugged her, and that's already far too many. Although, she supposes, it's not as bad when Ty Lee gives her one of her infamous jumping hugs. Not that she really wants anyone to hug her like that, but it feels a little nice every now and then. So maybe it's just a Zuko thing.
Azula gazes at the mural of Kyoshi and Rangi for a moment longer, then firmly turns the page, shaking off any thoughts of mushy stuff like hugging. There's no place for friendship in the Royal Court, and certainly no place for friendship like the Avatar and Lieutenant's.
_________________________
To her surprise, Korra discovers the parlor of the Sato estate might actually be the least lavish room in the entire complex. For a space meant for entertaining guests, she would've thought Hiroshi Sato would've preferred to flaunt his wealth or inventions—but no, it has an unexpectedly minimalist design. Plain colors, simple but elegant furniture; the biggest thing of note is the many bookshelves that sprawl across the walls, holding everything from works of classic literature to manuals on automobile manufacturing. Quite a collection.
Mako, Bolin, and Asami have already made themselves comfortable on the couches. The brothers are having some lukewarm argument about an upcoming pro-bending match, and Asami is watching them ping-pong back and forth with mild interest. Her little crew is simply biding their time before they have to go to the arena by crashing at the Sato estate, on Asami's suggestion.
Korra has no interest in sitting down right now. The familiar pre-match buzz has worked its way into her bones, making it impossible to sit still. Instead, she paces around the room, half-listening to the brothers' bickering and half-surveying the parlor. Mako and Bolin make no effort to pull her into the conversation, knowing it's best to let her get some of her energy out—Asami seems to follow their lead, although Korra catches Asami watching her pacing from her periphery a few times.
Korra is absentmindedly running her fingers over the spines of the books when a title catches her eye. She's not usually one for reading, but—it's a Fire Nation textbook on the history of Avatars. Curious, she pulls it off the shelf and starts to flip through the pages. There's a section on each Avatar as far back as recorded history goes.
"Is that one of my old school textbooks?" asks Asami, peering over from the other side of the room. "I thought we got rid of those."
"Uh, yeah, it's a textbook on Avatars," replies Korra without looking up. She's starting to near the back of the book when she pauses on a large section. Avatar Kyoshi. Korra's familiar with this name. She's never directly contacted Avatar Kyoshi before, but she's heard plenty of stories about the ruthless and unusually long-lived Avatar. There's an image of a pretty mural with Avatar Kyoshi and another woman on the first page, right next to a small section on Avatar Kyoshi's personal life. Avatar Kyoshi and Lieutenant Rangi, reads the caption below the mural. Korra skims over the text on her personal life. Never married … had a daughter … close friends with Lieutenant Rangi …
Something unfamiliar twists in her gut as she reads, rising into her throat and spilling out of her mouth.
"That's wrong," Korra spits out, without knowing why.
"Uh, what?" asks Bolin quizzically.
"The textbook—it's not right." Korra herself isn't sure where this is coming from, but her chest feels hot and indignant with the need to correct this. "It says Kyoshi was never married, but she was, to Rangi. The textbook says they were just close friends."
The other three seem taken aback by the sudden outburst, but the hard set of Korra's face discourages any questioning.
"I mean, you're the Avatar. You'd know best, considering she was one of your past lives," concedes Bolin.
Korra still feels a little—bothered, or something, over this. "I want—can we—can we fix this somehow?"
Of all people, Asami steps up next to her.
"My father knows the owner of the company that manufactures the history textbooks," says Asami. "I'll bring it up with him. He'll probably be able to get the error fixed."
"Thanks, Asami," Korra says, and really means it, as she sets the textbook down and looks up towards Asami—
—and for a moment, she's thrown off balance when she meets Asami's attentive green eyes. She's not sure why, but for a split second, she had expected her eyes to be a dark bronze. A shiver of deja vu runs down her spine, then disappears as quick as it came.
"—Korra? Are you alright?" Asami is asking her, concern drawing her brows together.
"Uh, yeah, I'm fine," says Korra. Her heart's doing something weird in her chest that she resolutely chooses to ignore. She speedwalks away from Asami and towards the door. "Let's go. We're gonna miss the match if we don't leave now."
Mako and Bolin shrug and follow Korra out. Asami lingers for a moment, looking down at the textbook. Then she picks it up, tucks it under her arm, and walks after her friends.
_________________________
There's a old mural painted on the walls of the home that once belonged to Avatar Kyoshi. Many times have people tried to destroy the house, or ransack it, or utilize it for their own gain. But over the centuries, the house has stood proud and unspoiled, often because of the timely intervention of the Kyoshi Warriors, who have dedicated themselves to preserving this piece of their history.
The house itself is unremarkable—simple, elegant, and ancient. No one would be able to tell this house belonged to an Avatar without the mural. Of course, there are other signs of life that most wouldn't think to look for—charred areas of the kitchen from accidental firebender burns, the worn path along the wall where a child dragged her sticky hands, the unusually long bed fit for an unusually tall woman.
Nobody knows how Avatar Kyoshi died. One day, she simply disappeared, leaving behind no grave for others to visit. In truth, if anyone wanted to pay their respects to Avatar Kyoshi, they'd best leave offerings on the front porch of this home—because regardless of where Kyoshi's bones lie, the final resting place of her soul is undoubtedly within these four walls.
Across the sea, on the small and unremarkable island of Sei'naka, stands a time-weathered statue of a legendary firebender. Few people make the connection between the name engraved in the plinth and the woman passingly mentioned in Kyoshi Era history books. The few who do have occassionally brought offerings—orchids, wooden carvings of foxes, and once even a golden fan. The vast majority of visitors are uninterested in the woman's name, but the enscription beneath has comforted many a grieving soul. Remember you are loved rings in the minds of all the parents, siblings, friends, and children that visit the Sei'naka cemetery.
A woman wearing Water Tribe clothes visited Kyoshi's home recently, and left a gift of her own: an answering phrase, carefully carved into the wood below the mural.
I know.