Ethereal {Lin Beifong x Reader}

xvii. Recovery

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Grief was a long process but recovery was an even longer one. I was determined, everyday I fought harder. I wanted to continue my life, and I wanted to do it with Lin. I had to do this first, I had slipped into months of depression. My usually tan skin began to pale as the days went on, and my cheeks were sunken in due to dehydration. Lin tried her hardest to keep water down me, but that was hard when I threw up almost every night. 

Eventually my skin returned to its natural color, and cheeks filled out. I spent most of my days outside, even starting a garden. I didn't cry as much anymore. Lin was at my side through all of my grief and recovery, she'd even tried to refuse going to work with her mother. I begged her to continue her dreams and she did just that. 

I was finally back to my old self, and sometimes my smile would stretch ear to ear. I visited my grandfather some time later, just to give him a hug. He was also doing better, his pale blue eyes had returned to their deep color. He had buried two daughters within twenty years, but his legacy was not over. He had two happy and healthy granddaughters, one that would rule the Fire Nation, and the other that was kind and free. He appreciated that about us, knowing how much our mother hated the chains of royalty. She showed us what it was like to be free. 

When I returned home, Lin was stood at the dock waiting for me. As soon as my feet landed on the hard wood, I ran to her. My legs carried me across the long wooden planks, I ran directly into her arms. Promptly pressing a kiss on her lips. 

I was happy now, free of the Fire Nation, free of royalty. I was free to be whoever I wanted, I was free to be Y/N.

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