𝔸𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟: ℤ𝕦𝕜𝕠 𝕩 𝕆𝕔

Chapter 14- The Waterbending Master

Aeyenna's eyes fluttered open, feeling a mix of exhaustion. Beside her, Hiroshi lay peacefully, and a small smile crossed her lips as she recalled their earlier activities.

Glancing towards the window, Aeyenna noticed that it was still daytime. Even though they likely only slept a few hours, Aeyenna didn't want to spend the whole day in bed; she was eager to attend waterbending training.

Aeyenna kissed Hiroshi's forehead, gazing at him once more, before gently unwrapping herself from his embrace.

Hearing his groan, Aeyenna hesitated, then gently slid the pillow from beneath her and placed it near Hiroshi. She covered him with all the blankets to warm him up a bit, knowing how cold he gets.

Slowly, she slid out of bed, placing her hands on the sides, trying to stand. However, as she did, her legs immediately gave out, and she wobbled to the ground.

Aeyenna covered her mouth, holding back the urge to scream in pain and wake up Hiroshi. Lifting her head from the ground, she checked on Hiroshi, who was still sound asleep.

Feeling uncomfortable and undressed, she crawled away and headed to the shower to freshen up, realizing she couldn't go out looking like a mess.

While showering, Aeyenna noticed her bruised legs and neck displayed with hickey's. Although they didn't hurt much, she knew she'd need to heal them later.

After the shower, Aeyenna dressed in comfortable clothes, concealing the bruises on her neck with a beautiful scarf. She kissed Hiroshi once more before leaving the igloo.

Exiting, she encountered Katara at the entrance. Hoping her sister wouldn't notice anything different, Aeyenna tried to keep her composure.

"Hey, Katara," Aeyenna greeted quickly. "Sorry for missing the first day of training. I've been a bit tired, and—"

"Women aren't allowed to learn waterbending in this tribe!" Katara immediately exclaimed. "Cute scarf by the way."

Aeyenna widened her eyes in shock. "What do you mean women aren't allowed? And thanks."

Katara embraced her older sister in a hug. "Master Pakku refused to teach me; he said it's forbidden for women to learn waterbending in this tribe," she cried. "We traveled all this way for nothing... but at least Aang has the opportunity to learn waterbending."

Aeyenna expressed her surprise. "Surely, there must be women in this tribe who can waterbend, aren't there?"

Katara dried her tears. "They use their waterbending for healing; they're taught by a woman named Yagoda."

"How about we go there and learn some healing?" Aeyenna proposed. "It could be a good distraction, yeah?"

Katara sadly nodded as the sisters sought directions to the hut. They were guided to an igloo where they found an elderly woman, a practice dummy, and young girls surrounding her.

"Uhhh... Hi. Are you Yagoda?" Katara asked, her tone tinged with sadness.

"Are you here for the healing lesson?" The woman responded with a bright smile.

Katara glanced at all the young girls, her tone filled with disappointment. "I guess I am."

Yagoda glanced at Aeyenna. "You as well?" Aeyenna nodded, and Yagoda continued to smile. "Welcome... welcome!"

One of the young girls grabbed Aeyenna's hand and eagerly pulled her to the ground. "I want you to sit with me."

Yagoda chuckled warmly. "Of course, dear. Now, let's begin our healing lesson. Healing is a crucial skill, especially in these challenging times. Waterbending has immense potential for aiding and comforting others."