Chapter Three

Gentle Glow

The temple of the Western air civilization may have appeared grand with its massive pagoda-like structures hanging below the cliff side. Along with its countless chambers of rooms and scriptures of the long forgotten culture that seemed almost enchanting, perhaps even parable to some.

However, that wasn't the case for the waterbender as she frowned lightly at the small room before her. In spite of the temple's grandeur structure, Katara's new bedroom seemed somewhat second-rated with her expectations which now seem almost pointless.

With a low snort, Katara then came to the conclusion that the nomads lacked the luxury of comfort in their religious traditions. With that in mind, Katara remembered the term Aang would express very interminably to her about the monk's way.

Oh, what was it again? Katara thought as she meshed together something about detaching oneself from earthly possessions.

The waterbender never understood the reason of Aang's obligation of following such an odd tradition.

To toss away one's belongings for gaining spiritual enlightenment was pure suicide for a tribal person.

Katara's people use every single thing in order to survive. From the meat and bones of a whale to the frozen timber washed on shore. Not one thing went to waste in the cold tundra of the Southern lands.

Regardless, Katara didn't bother to think any further on the cultural differences her and Aang had. She still cared for her bald-headed friend and left it at that.

Turning her attention to the right, Katara noticed the bed. The sleeping unit was basically a rectangular stoned platform carved out against the side of the wall with small fibrous remains of a thin futon mattress that have long decayed in the last century.

Katara supposed it was to be expected of the old ruins of the temple. This is the first time in over a century that any human has ever returned to the sacred sanctuary.

Still, the water tribeswoman remembered wonderful tales of the graceful nuns being particularly illustrious for their fine silk sheets and robes. How she wished she had the chance to feel those handmade cloths'.

Sighing out with slight annoyance, Katara placed her rolled up sleeping bag and other belongings on the end of the bed.

Katara then made a quick make-shift bed out of the seal tiger fur pelt into a lumpy nest of cloth for her to sleep in.

Hopefully, this will be good enough until she continues to adjust to the uncomfortable bed.

Climbing into her blanket, Katara groaned as she struggled to get comfy as she covered her face in the fur pelt and clinged to the bedding's warmth. Closing her eyes, the waterbender tried to sleep as the hollowing winds flowed through the stone hallways and a cool atmosphere slowly collected in her room.

In the pitch of night, a faint light appeared in the temple courtyard with two figures huddled close to the bright orange flames.

"Thanks for warming up my feet, Sparky." A grateful voice said as the sight of a pair of bare feet rested near the glowing blaze of the camp fire. The view then focused on the toes as they wiggled systematically while the scene drifted up towards the smiling scene of a pleased earthbender.

Earlier that day, Toph asked Zuko for some needed assistance before dusk settling in. She knew her bedroom arrangements were harsh for her petite body to adjust. So she figured a nice time by the fire will help her sleep better as the night rolled on.

Of course, Toph knew she was probably just taking advantage of the teen boy's guilt that consumed him for injuring her feet. But, whatever…The blind earthbender thought to herself. It was nice to boss someone around again.

Seen sitting on a fallen pillar with his elbows on his knees and head forward, Zuko hummed a mumble of understanding towards the girl as he felt basically happy about sharing some company so late in the evening.

The scene then backed up on full view of the site as it zoomed in on Zuko's face. His calm expression gazed at the burning flames with a hint of sadness.

The fierce blue-eyed woman's words still stung deeply at his ego and self-worth as Zuko continued to think about the waterbender.

Toph then came into view as she closed her eyes with a smirk...

"Wanna talk?" the girl spoke out fully aware of the troubled firebender.

Zuko turned his gaze to the girl and then gripped his palm lightly.

"I assume you already know what it is." Zuko said softly as he then huffed out a sigh.

"Heh, it's pretty obvious." Toph said as she tilted her head back, enjoying the warmth on her feet.

"Hm…" Zuko mumbled as he lowered his head.

Toph then opened her sightless eyes as they narrowed before she spoke.

"She can be sort of difficult to get along with at first. I know I had trouble with her too in the beginning." Toph admitted as her smile dimmed.

"I was harsh on everyone and did things my way. You can call it being spoiled or too independent. But the truth is, it was all I've ever known. Everything was handed to me on a silver platter yet I could never do the things I really wanted to do. After joining Aang and the others, I felt free for the first time and I guess I took advantage of that." Toph confessed as Zuko listened to the blind earthbender.

"As for Katara, she was just doing what she knew best and that was helping people. She'd help those she cares about, even if that person never asked for it." Toph said as Zuko's eyes slightly widened.

Toph's words sounded very familiar to the prince like something his uncle once said.

Brushing the similar quotations aside, Zuko listened to the girl's words again.

Yes, the waterbender indeed was the type of person to step in and offer a charitable act.

He remembered her kind words to him so many times during their encounters as enemies.

Closing his eyes slowly, Zuko felt a heavy burden in chest as he nodded his head and decided what to say back to the girl. His thoughts on Katara were very conflicting and confusing. Exhaling lightly, Zuko lifted his head and looked at Toph with a soft expression. As their conversation continued the scene then focused onward into the dark corners of the temple chambers.

The view of a small room came into sight as a low groan escaped a frustrated girl's lips. Katara sat up from her bed and toss her arms aside. She couldn't sleep and was starting to feel a little hungry.

Stepping out of her covers, Katara grabbed her thick blue coat and placed her boots on pacing out her bedroom.

Steadily, the waterbender made her way down the dim hall and out to an open veranda. Halfway down the side of the passage she heard two voices in the distance.

Curious, the waterbender decided to see who was up so late in the middle of the night.

As Katara walked closer, a small glimpse of an orange glow reflected along the stone ruins and the voices became more distinct. It was Toph and Zuko.

'What are they doing up?' Katara thought as she leaned in behind a boulder and eavesdropped on the two bender's conversation.

"Yes, she is indeed a very kind person. She has offered me something that seemed almost too good to be true. It was something that I knew would have changed my life forever. But then things happened and I made the wrong decision. I realized that now." Zuko said as he then lowered his head.

Toph leaned back against the stone as she frowned slightly, "What was wrong about it?" Toph asked.

Zuko closed his eyes, "It was what I thought I wanted, but in the end. It wasn't what my heart really wanted." Zuko said with a brief pause, "I know the right decision now and that's to train the Avatar and stop the Fire Lord." Zuko said as he lifted his head with pride.

"Well, good luck training that wimpy twinkle-toes. He still has his baby teeth." Toph mocked as she laughed out loud.

Katara pulled back and traced her fingers over her heart. Her mind troubled with the words she overheard from the young prince.

'Is he really all that bad?' the young woman thought as she looked up at the stone ceiling with vines draping along its cracks and the night sky in the distance.

Sorry everyone it took so long…Evil writer's block consumed my mind…I might re-read it later. Anyways, I hope you liked this chapter! Please review for faster updates!