𝔽𝕒𝕣𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣 : 𝕀𝕣𝕠𝕙 𝕀𝕀 𝕩 𝕆𝕔

Chapter 48- After All These Years

Over the past three years, my life in the Fire Nation palace has been both rewarding and challenging. Living in the Fire Nation as Iroh fiancée, I found myself adjusting to the customs and traditions of the Fire Nation quite quickly.

While I wholeheartedly embraced my new role in the Fire Nation, my heart often yearned for my home in the Air Temple in Republic City, where I grew up.

Iroh, being a dedicated general in the Fire Nation's military, was often away due to his responsibilities. His commitment to his duty made it difficult for him to spend as much time with me as we both desired. Despite our love for each other, the physical distance between us caused moments of sadness and longing for Iroh and myself.

During Iroh's absences, I immersed myself in learning more about the Fire Nation's culture, history, and bending techniques. I strived between my Air Nomad heritage and my life in the Fire Nation, earning the respect and admiration of the Fire Nation for my efforts to foster understanding and harmony.

One day, while contemplating my life and my longing for home, I made a decision. I realized that I needed to reconnect with my roots and find solace in the city I grew up in. Despite my responsibilities in the Fire Nation and my engagement to Iroh, I knew that visiting Republic City was essential for my emotional well-being.

I communicated my feelings to Iroh, who understood my need to return back home. He admired my strength and resilience, and though he was sad to see me leave, he supported my decision. He assured me that our love would endure the distance and that he would eagerly await my return.

Upon my arrival in Republic City, reuniting with my family was both heartwarming and bittersweet. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness witnessing how much Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo had grown during my time away. It weighed on my heart to realize that Rohan, the youngest, barely knew me anymore, and I regretted missing out on watching my younger siblings grow up.

The realization that they didn't have a consistent role model to look up to during my absence saddened me deeply. However, spending just a few weeks with them felt remarkably natural, as if I had never left.

In the midst of the chaos, I found an inner strength I never knew I possessed. Juggling my responsibilities in Republic City alongside my feelings for Iroh, I saw just how resilient I could be. This transformative journey not only deepened my bond with my airbending heritage but also deepened the profound love I have for Iroh.

Although, I know I will eventually return to the Fire Nation, the current stage of life for both Iroh and me simply doesn't align. My love for him remains the same, and we are still together, but circumstances have placed our paths apart for now. The fact that he's far away due to his military service makes things even more complicated, and it's been on my mind a lot. But despite the challenges, I hold our bond close to my heart.

We still talk and love each other deeply; this isn't a breakup. We just need time to figure out what we want in life. As we navigate this phase, we stay connected, hoping that our paths will come together again, stronger than ever.

As a few months went by in Republic City, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic about the days when I was part of a team. Adventures with Korra, Bolin, Asami, and Mako felt like distant memories now. Our bond was once unbreakable, but life's demands had taken us on separate paths, gradually pulling us apart.

My heart was burdened with concern as I came to the realization that it had been a while since I last heard from Korra. Given the distance between us, I couldn't be sure if she even knew that I was back in Republic City. I understood the gravity of her injuries, which had kept her in the South Pole for an extended period.