Chronicles of Kairo

A Sorrowful Feast

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra, or any of the related characters. The Avatar universe is created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and owned by Nickelodeon. This fanfiction is intended for entertainment only.

Book 1: Dark

Chapter 7: A Sorrowful Feast

Chiefs from both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes and their children sat at a long table, with Hoaq and Master Sadin among the distinguished guests. Varran, the chief of the Northern Water Tribe, exuded an air of authority as he conversed with his Southern counterpart, Chief Taluru.

Gyila, Kairo, and Mona joined the feast, their plates filled with traditional Water Tribe delicacies. Gyila tried to eat the meat-free options on his plate as much as possible. However, their focus wasn't on the food but on the looming discussion with Chief Varran.

The grand hall of the Southern Water Tribe's palace was adorned with flickering lanterns, casting a warm glow on the gathering. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and tension as the tribes gathered under the icy palace. Varran, the chief of the Northern Water Tribe, stood at the head of the table, ready to deliver his opening speech. His voice carried authority as he addressed the room, attempting to establish his dominance over the assembly, including the Southern Water Tribe Chief Taluru.

"Esteemed guests, chiefs, and honored people of the Southern Water Tribe," Varran began, "I am grateful for the warm welcome we have received. Today marks a historic moment as we stand on the cusp of uniting our tribes, forging a bond that will strengthen our people and bring prosperity to both the North and the South."

The crowd listened attentively, a mix of curious expressions on their faces. Varran continued with his vision of unity, emphasizing the shared heritage and the benefits it would bring. However, hidden beneath the diplomatic words, there was a hint of ambition that did not go unnoticed by the trio, Kairo, Gyila, and Mona. Mona glanced towards Hoaq, who was struggling to keep his frustration to himself in response to Chief Varran's speech.

As Varran concluded his speech, an entertainment performance was set to start. A traditional rite of passage for young women of the Northern Water Tribe, the belly-dancing ritual, was about to unfold. The young women, dressed in revealing and dashing clothes despite the harsh temperatures, aimed to showcase their grace and readiness for marriage. The woman was beautiful and danced gracefully to the traditional music with drums and stringed instruments accompanying her despite the cold air inside the icy palace. Mona observed the men of the Southern Water Tribe watching the woman dancing with awe. Gyila correctly thought, after being informed by Mona that this was a Northern Water Tribe tradition, that Chief Varran was trying to trick the men of the Southern Pole with the captivating woman's dancing.

After the performance, followed by minutes of cheering and clapping, the atmosphere shifted as slow, traditional Water Tribe music started to play. Gyila, displaying his gentlemanly manners, approached Mona, offering his hand for a dance. Mona hesitated for a moment, glancing at Hoaq, who observed them with intense eyes.

Gyila's voice was soft as he said, "May I have this dance, Mona?" She nodded with a soft smile, accepting his invitation and taking his hand, and they gracefully moved to the rhythm of the music. As they started to dance in harmony, Gyila couldn't ignore the fiery gaze Hoaq directed their way.

While they started their dance, Gyila and Mona found a quiet moment of silence. Gyila's voice carried a sincerity that mirrored the new emotions he had begun to develop for the young waterbender. "It's strange, isn't it? How we've known each other for such a short time, yet it feels as if we are... connected."