Sea and Sky

Chapter 14: A Beating Drum

A Note:

Hello, dear readers!

The last two chapters have been kinda heavy. I wanted this one to be a little lighter in nature while still being true to the plot. This chapter was so much fun to write, I really hope you enjoy it. I felt bad for putting so much drama in the last chapter.

On that note, the next few chapters will be heavy ones. I do love the drama. Hah! Please enjoy this one. It'll be a little while before we have another chance to have some downtime for our couple like this again. 😧

While this chapter isn't graphic, there are implied subjects that might make some readers uncomfortable.

I recommend listening to Sanders Bohlke's "The Loved Ones" while reading. I linked it above if you're interested.

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Sea and Sky

Chapter 14: A Beating Drum

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The sting of her burns seemed to worsen with each breath she took. Hand on her chest, Katara slowly filled her lungs with air, blowing deep, steady breaths as she tried to control the pain that crawled over her. Focusing her thoughts on Aang, she sat at the edge of the bed like he'd instructed.

Just half an hour earlier he'd told her to change into her coziest robe and to wait for him. So she did. Patiently, she waited and mentally tallied the seconds that ticked by.

What on Earth was he up to?

Trying her best to distract herself from the pain, she stood from the bed and moved towards the window. Pulling the window closed, she shuddered against the cold that seeped through its cracks. She gave a small laugh, disappointed with how conditioned to the warm weather she'd become. Memories of her days in the South Pole crept into her mind as she pulled the robe tight around her neck as if to keep any warmth to her.

Had living in the warmer climates of the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation really ruined her for the cold weather?

The door slid open on it's track to reveal Aang, pulling her out of her own childhood reverie. With a huge smile on his face, he took one of her hands in his and slowly guided her out of the room. A happy confusion filled her as she followed him, curious as to what the Airbender had to be up to.

As he pulled her into a smaller room off of the hallway, a wave of dry heat hit her face. Heat spread over her, her skin prickling with small bumps as anticipation welled within her.

The sauna.

But it really wasn't just a sauna, but rather a small bath house. Flush at the center of the room lay a large granite basin, tumbles of steaming water flowing from the ceiling. The room was constructed of complimentary materials - smooth stone lining the floors and cedar planks on the walls. Taking a moment to savor every detail, Katara noticed the small bottles of oils and tictures set up next to the basin, beside that a neat stack of linens.

As she opened her mouth to speak, Aang put a finger to lips. "Empty your mind, find a sense of peace here. Tonight, I am but your humble attendant."

Swallowing hard, Katara held back a few tears of happiness. He knew she was a crier, a half-smile forming on his face as he watched her. "And please, no crying tonight. Just relax, I beg of you."

Silently, Katara nodded her head. Heeding his request, Katara kept her mouth shut as she let him do as he pleased. Behind her, Aang moved to wrap his arms around her. As his hands moved over her hips, his fingers found the knotted cord at her waist.