Falling For You ✰༄ ѕσkkα

Water || Apart

Bato leads us down a dirt footpath through the woods, chatting with Katara and Sokka about people and places unknown to me. I curiously listen, although my mind wanders when the details get a bit too complicated. Our journey is illuminated by the soft moonlight which casts gentle shadows. I skim my fingertips over a few low hanging branches, the bark and leaves tickling my skin.
I faintly hear the collective murmur of voices in the distance as the path becomes solidified due to higher use. Dirt turns to smooth stones, the outline of a high wall and peaked roofs cut through the dark sky. A faint floral scent slowly increases the closer we get. Sweet smelling flowers mixed with medicinal herbs reminds me of my home, comforting me from the slight uneasiness of following behind someone I didn't know. Even though Katara and Sokka trust Bato I can't help but worry.

"After I was wounded, your father carried me to this abbey. The sisters have cared for me ever since," Bato tells us while approaching a group of three women. "Superior, these are Kota's children. They've been traveling with the Avatar. I found them by my boat."
Two of the women are much older in age while one appears to be younger. They are dressed in clean robes with Superior wearing a more complex headdress compared to the others. She smiles and bows towards us.
"Young Avatar, it gives me great joy to be in your presence. Welcome to our abbey."
"Thank you, it's truly an honor to be here," Aang and I lightly bow back. "If there's anything—"
"What smells so good Bato?" Sokka interrupts, gesturing over to the big terracotta pots.
"The sisters craft ointments and perfumes."
"Perfumes? Maybe we could dump some on Appa, cause he stinks so much. Am I right?" Sokka jokes, earning no response except for the unamused stares he gains from Katara and Bato. A small smile did sneak its way onto my face at his attempt.
"You have your father's wit," Bato dryly states.

Bato leads us to one of the rooms towards the back. He slides the door open to reveal items resembling what I had seen at the Southern Water Tribe. A carpet of beautifully maintained animal pelts line areas of the floor, a square firepit embedded in the center of the room providing both warmth and light. Four cushions surround the pit, guarding a black pot hanging from a thick bar with dark chains suspending from the ceiling. A tent has cleverly been pitched along the back wall. A few skins are hung up, a club identical to the one we found is mounted next to a pair of spears.

"It's just like home!" Katara exclaims.
"Everything's here, even the pelts!"
The siblings instantly relax, their body language reflecting their comfort.
Momo is cradled against Aang's chest as he nervously looks around. He's a been jittery ever since we started walking with Bato, although it's hard for me to know why. He's never had any issues with meeting new people before.
"Yeah. Nothing's cozier than a bunch of dead animal skins."
I give Aang a short warning look to stop his rude behavior.

The lifestyle of the Airbenders promotes non-violence. Not once did I ever see any kind of materials fostered from an animal. I can understand why this may make him uncomfortable, but it's important to be respectful of other's lifestyles. I mean, they come from a place with much colder weather than what we are used to, furs are necessary for warmth and safety.
Momo leaps onto the floor, swatting at a bear skin in curiosity, getting frightened and crawling onto my shoulders. I gently scratch him under his chin.

I trail in further after the pair of siblings, watching over Katara's shoulder as she lifts off the cover on the pot. A thick stew is gently bubbling and swirling inside, a scent of seafood wafting in the air. Bato brings over some bowls, Katara identifying the meal as stewed sea prunes. Sokka comments on how his dad used to love this meal. The three of them seat themselves around the fire, and I join them.
The stew warms my palms. I bring the mixture up to my mouth, taking a small sip. I find Sokka to be watching me slightly, gauging my reaction to a traditional Southern Water Tribe meal. I smile, enjoying the hearty taste and heat spreading through my body. Aang  scrunched up his nose at the smell, secretly placing the bowl down behind me. I heard the light lapping of Momo drinking, knowing he's the one eating instead of Aang. A small sigh passes from my lips.