A New Era

Flying

2 weeks passed, Aang and Katara celebrated her 18th birthday and Sokka went back with Suki, Zuko back to the Fire Nation, and Toph back to her academy. Aang was currently meditating in the bonsai garden, breathing in and out as incense burned in front of him. He enjoyed meditating, it brought him peace and helped him sort things out in his head. Appa was off in his stable close by eating his oats and hay as Momo was picking and eating berries as he flew from bush to bush. Aang was so content in his life right now. He has gone through so much sorrow but now he is living in a restored Air Temple after the war with his now fiancée, Katara. Soon Katara herself came over with a scroll as a messenger falcon was flying in the distance.

"Aang?" Katara called out still looking at the scroll, soon discovering that Aang was currently meditating. Aang crushed the incense and got up and walked towards Katara.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were meditating." She said as Aang gave her a quick kiss.

"It's fine sweetie, what's up?" He asked. Katara handed him the scroll which he proceeded to open.

"I'm invited to a ball in the Fire Nation hosted by Lord Zuko. It's his uncle's birthday and even our friends are invited. It's tomorrow." He said. Katara shrugged.

"We have nothing else planned. It would be fun, what do you think?" She said as Aang pulled her closer.

"Let's get packing!" He exclaimed as Katara kissed him on the cheek. Katara went to her room to pack her clothes as Aang went to his room to pack as well. Katara made some snacks including a few of egg custard tarts, Aang's favorite. Aang was outside throwing the riding satchel onto Appa and tying the reins on his horns. Katara came outside with their bags and a knapsack full of food and some money they had. It was a 12 hour trip and it was currently 7 in the morning, so they needed to leave soon. As Aang helped Katara with the bags, Momo flew over and landed in the riding satchel and curled up in a few blankets. Katara hopped on and Aang followed.

"We got everything?" Aang asked. Katara checked everything and looked around. She gave a thumbs up.

"Yep! We are good to go!" She said. Aang hopped on Appa's head and patted his furry head.

"Yip yip!" Aang said as Appa groaned and clapped his big furry tail, sending them in the air. Katara and Aang missed being high up in the air, feeling the breeze blow by as the were flying in the air. They have been staying at the air temple for 5 months, they didn't really go on as many adventures as they used to. They soon couldn't even see the air temple anymore, it was blocked by clouds due to them being so high up in the air. After a few minutes, Katara scooted up closer to Aang. Aang pulled her closer as Katara rested her head on his shoulder.

"Aang. I have been thinking." Katara said as she held Aang's hand as his other hand held the rope.

"About what sweetie?" He said. Katara sighed as fiddled with a lock of her hair.

"Are you... allowed to marry me?" Katara asked looking into Aang's grey eyes. He raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" He asked. Katara looked into the clouds. The sun was rising higher and higher, peaking above the clouds as the rays of sunlight were starting to reach them.

"I mean, you were raised to be a monk and monks don't really, marry. Also, I'm a water bender and-" she was cut off by Aang kissing her, cupping his hand behind her head as he pressed his lips against hers, slowly separating as he pulled her closer.

"Katara, I was raised to be a monk but things have changed. I am the last airbender and it is my responsibility to make sure my culture lives on. With that being said, I also managed to fall in love with the girl who saved me from an iceberg, and with her I will happily spend the rest of my life with and do my best to restore my nation." He said looking into the horizon in front of him. Katara smiled.

"Who knows, maybe we will have little air benders running around too." Katara said. Aang blushed and sighed.

"Katara I have to admit something." He said looking to Katara. Katara lightly squeezed Aang's hand.

"As being raised a monk, I expected a life of peace, simplicity, and... chastity. I am now marrying the most amazing girl in the world but, I never really learned about... that stuff. I'm afraid on our wedding night, I won't know what I'm doing. I mean- I know the basics but, that's about it." He said gripping the rope harder. Katara kissed his cheek.

"That's so sweet Aang. Trust me, I will be no better. But we can always figure it out together." She said snuggling up to him. Aang blushed.

"Makes the wait much more worthwhile. And besides, we can still cuddle and kiss." Katara said as she attacked Aang's face with kisses. Aang chuckled as he held Katara close.

"I can't wait until our wedding." He said as he looked off into the clouds. They both sighed.

"Speaking of, when do we want to have the wedding?" Aang asked. Katara fiddled with her necklace.

"I was hoping if in 2 months it would be okay. I always wanted to get married in the summer, it will still be mid summer by then." Aang nodded and kissed Katara's head.

"Sounds great. And, we can have it in the southern water tribe." He said. Katara smiled and hugged him tightly.

"That would be the best! I'm so excited!" She said. Aang's stomach started to growl, probably because he forgot to eat breakfast. Katara grabbed the knapsack and pulled out an egg custard tart.

"I know you too well." She giggled. Aang hugged her once more before biting into the tart.

"You're the best sweetie." He said as he continued to eat. Katara nudged him in the shoulder.

"I know. How long before we get there?" She asked. Aang grabbed the map from inside his waistband and scanned it for a few seconds.

"If we keep heading straight and then turn right at the mountains for awhile, we should get there in 11 hours." Katara groaned as she fell back. Aang chuckled and laid back.

"Hey, Appa is getting older. He can't fly as fast as he used to." He said patting his back. Katara grabbed a fruit cake from the knapsack and propped herself up against the pillows. It was going to be a long trip.