𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕

𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔

Chapter Fifty three

Elora

Marriage is a bond like no other, a sacred connection that stretches across time and circumstance. In a world of billions, the odds of finding that one person destined to walk beside you are quite rare. Yet, when it happens, it feels as though it was always meant to be.

"I thought I told you to get your own," I said, narrowing my eyes at Sokka as he nonchalantly stuffed another bite of mochi into his mouth.

"I'm okay with just drinking my tea," he mumbled through a full mouth, his words barely coherent. The casual way he ignored my pointed look only fueled my exasperation.

"Yeah, well, you always say that, and then you end up eating all of my dessert," I retorted, trying to maintain a stern expression.

Sokka looked me straight in the eye, his face a picture of feigned innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he replied, his voice completely serious despite the fact that the empty plate in front of us told a different story.

My attempt at a stern face cracked, and I dissolved into laughter, the sound bubbling up uncontrollably. Reaching over, I gently wiped a stray crumb from his cheek, shaking my head at how effortlessly he could turn a simple moment into something so lighthearted and fun.

"Seriously, you two?!" Katara's voice cut through our laughter, startling both of us. We turned to find her standing there, arms crossed, looking every bit the irritated sister.

"Everyone's been looking for you! There's so much to get done, and you're sneaking off like teenagers. Get up!" she demanded, her tone brooking no argument.

That's right—we were supposed to be overseeing the final preparations for our big day, making sure everything was perfect. But the weight of it all had driven us to seek out a quiet moment, just the two of us, away from the chaos.

Sokka and I exchanged guilty glances, the kind that communicated a shared understanding without words. With sheepish smiles, we began to climb down from the roof where we'd been hiding, our brief escape now over.

"We only have a few hours before guests arrive! And there's still so much to get done—come on, hurry up!" Katara's voice cut through the crisp morning air of Air Temple Island, laced with urgency.

Around us, the island buzzed with activity as everyone prepared for the big day. Decorations were being hung with care, vibrant banners fluttered in the breeze, and the scent of freshly baked goods wafted through the air. Southern tribe members and air acolytes were busy setting up tables, arranging flowers, and ensuring every detail was perfect. The usually tranquil island was alive with energy, as friends and family bustled about, their excitement palpable.

The gentle breeze ruffled our hair as Sokka and I exchanged a quick, amused glance, knowing full well we were pushing it. But the urgency in Katara's tone left no room for argument. We bolted after her, weaving through the flurry of activity, careful not to disturb the meticulous preparations underway.

"Why do I feel like I'm in a race against time?" Sokka quipped as he matched my pace, a half-grin tugging at his lips despite the situation.

"Because you are!" Katara shot back without looking over her shoulder. "And trust me, you don't want to be late for this."

✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾

"Emi, be nice to Appa," I called out with a laugh, watching as my mischievous bison, Emi, tried to sneak another melon from Appa's pile, despite having her own stack right in front of her. Appa, ever patient, didn't seem to mind the little thief diving into his share, his large, gentle eyes conveying nothing but calm acceptance.