Water. Earth. Fire. Air. The four nations lived together in harmony. Then, just months ago, the Fire Nation launched devastating attacks on each of the other nations during the Great Comet's passing. They landed on the western shores of the Earth Kingdom, seemingly picking up where they had left off during the late Avatar Roku's life. The Air Avatar was nowhere to be seen, and the Air Nomads have disappeared, too. Rumour has it that the Fire Nation managed to destroy the air temples and massacre all their inhabitants in a single night. Many have fled the warzones, banding together to form caravans for safety in numbers as they seek greener -- and unburnt -- pastures. It is during this great eastward migration that this story of loss, love, and sanctuary takes place.

The afternoon sun filters through the thick canopy overhead as you sit atop your trusty ostrich-horse companion, moving along the wide path with a large group of travelers, all heading the same direction. You've been traveling overland for weeks now, beginning from the far western point of the continent and just now approaching the south end of the East Lake. It's been an arduous journey, but the safety of Ba Sing Se is now within reach.

A sizeable settlement sits in a large clearing within the forest, signaling your arrival at your final stop: Yatir Town. An elderly man, the leader of the caravan, makes a loud announcement as he disembarks from his cart. "Listen up, everyone! We're going to stay here for the night. Eat, rest, and get ready. Tomorrow morning, we head north through the mountain pass and board the ferry to Ba Sing Se. Remember, tomorrow morning! We won't wait for stragglers."

As you water your ostrich horse at a nearby stream, you take note of the near-empty saddlebags and decide to head into town to purchase some supplies for the 3-day ferry ride. You follow the sounds of commerce and eventually come upon a bazaar in the main road, large and lively. Manning many of the stalls are folk clad head to toe in dusty linens -- people of the Si Wong tribes, known collectively as sandbenders by outsiders -- peddling essential goods. No surprise to see them here, the Si Wong Desert begins just an hours' walk from here. You scan the scene and spy a fruit stall, obscured almost completely by fellow hungry travelers. Amidst the bustling activity, your gaze gravitates to the fruit seller: a slender, shapely lady with a sweet face, adorned in clean desert linens loosely draped over her head and body. Your presence draws her attention, and she momentarily meets your gaze, snapping out of her reverie as you draw nearer. She diligently closes fruit sales with the crowd at a practiced pace just in time for your arrival. It's just the two of you now.

The lady grabs a strange-looking pink fruit and makes her pitch. "Hello, traveler! If you're looking for juicy fruit for the ferry ride, I recommend this dragonfruit. It's rare to have these in season, so it's a good chance to try it if you haven't yet." Delicately, she brushes a lock of black hair behind her ear, unveiling more of her sun-kissed complexion. Her eyes, a soft lilac hue, are alight with anticipation.

A genuine smile lights up her face as she takes the fruit from you and inspects it with a critical eye. "Oh, this is just perfect!" She exclaims before deftly slicing through its tough skin with an ornate dagger strapped to her hip. The flesh inside is revealed in glistening pink wedges. "Just wait until you try this... It's out of this world."

You can only smile at her enthusiasm as you take the half of the dragonfruit she offers and clasp your hands together. "Thank you." You bite into it, savoring the fruity sweetness that explodes on your tongue. It's unlike anything you've ever tasted before, a wonderful burst of flavor that leaves you craving more. The juices trickle down your chin and throat as you swallow. "It's delicious," you tell her honestly, already reaching for another piece despite the full feeling in your stomach.

"I knew you'd like it!" she exclaims with glee. "My name is Fayrouz. You haven't been to Yatir Town before, have you? I can show you around if you like." She leans closer, her lips parted as if to share a secret. "I know all the best places for bathing in oases and streams when we get through the mountains tomorrow. It's just what every traveler needs after a long journey!"

You hesitate for a moment before replying, caught off guard by her offer of companionship. You aren't one to turn down help or friendship, but something about Fayrouz makes you feel cautious. Perhaps it's the fact that she's so obviously beautiful, or maybe it's just the wild and free spirit that seems to flow from her like a desert wind... Whatever it is, there's no denying that spending time with her would be enjoyable.

Her smile widens at your invitation, and she bites her lower lip in anticipation. "That does sound lovely," she says slowly, eyes gleaming with mischief. "But aren't you supposed to be getting supplies for the journey?" She asks innocently, glancing towards the bazaar around them.

There's an unspoken challenge in her words, a tease about how easily you could refuse duty in favor of spending time with her. You realize now that she isn't just interested in being friendly; she enjoys playing games and testing boundaries. It adds another layer of intrigue to your growing infatuation with her.

Her cheeks flush with delight as she nods enthusiastically. "Very well, lead the way." She falls into step beside you, her movements graceful and fluid despite the bulky linens draped around her slender form. "What sort of supplies were you looking for?"

As you reach the bank of a small but inviting stream, you lead Fayrouz through the tall grass until you find a secluded spot sheltered by a stand of trees. The water is cool and clear, flowing over smooth stones and around moss-covered roots. You glance at her out of the corner of your eye, noticing how she sways her hips slightly as she moves, making the linen wrap around her body shift and twist enticingly.

"Here we are," you say, gesturing to the water's edge. "Shall we?" Before she can reply, you unbutton your shirt and begin to remove it, revealing a lean, toned torso. You undo the rest of your clothing quickly but efficiently, standing naked before her as you wait for her reaction.

Her gaze meets yours, unfazed by your nudity. In fact, there's an answering heat in her expression that makes your heart race. Slowly, she begins to untie the sash that holds the linens together at her waist, letting them fall away to reveal a smooth, brown body not unlike yours save for the soft fullness of her breasts and hips. Naked now except for a pair of loose linen trousers, she steps closer and extends a hand to help you into the water.

"I think we should," she says with a sultry smile.

The water is cool against your skin as you step in, causing goosebumps to rise along your flesh. Fayrouz follows suit, and together you splash and play like children let loose from their parent's watchful gaze. She's surprisingly strong and nimble despite her soft curves, showing off impressive moves that make the water churn around her as she dips and dives beneath the

As the last rays of sunlight paint the sky with hues of orange and pink, you and Fayrouz find yourselves on the sandy shore of the lake, basking in their warmth after a long day of swimming and laughing. She nestles close to you, her head resting lightly against your shoulder, and you can feel the steady rhythm of her breath against your neck. It's as if time itself has slowed down, granting you this moment together, uninterrupted and perfect.

You gaze out over the water with Fayrouz, taking in the beauty that surrounds you. The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore is the only sound you hear, save for the occasional whisper of her breath or a contented sigh from deep within her chest. Her skin feels like silk beneath your fingertips as you thread your hands through her damp hair, massaging her scalp in soothing circles.

Her response is instant and visceral; she moans softly into the crook of your neck, arching her back to press against you more firmly. The sensation of her naked skin pressed against yours is electrifying, causing a heat to build low in your belly that spreads outward until it encompasses every inch of you. You're grateful for the soft linen trousers she wears, as they offer some modicum of protection from the growing ache in your groin.

The sun dips lower on the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of purple and blue before finally vanishing below it. The warmth it leaves behind lingers for a few moments more, bathing you both in its golden light before fading into the coolness of the night. Looking down at Fayrouz, you can see her features clearly now;

Her features alight with pleasure as she parts her lips eagerly to accept your kiss. Her tongue darts out to meet yours in a slow dance of desire that leaves you both gasping for breath. She moans into the kiss, arching against you once more and pressing her naked body even closer. The feel of her curves molding themselves to your length is almost too much to bear; with every move she makes, it feels as if she's taking you deeper inside herself.

Her hands roam freely over your back, digging into your flesh and clawing at your skin in a gentle, possessive gesture that only serves to heighten the sensations coursing through your body. With each passing moment, the heat between you grows hotter, more intense; it's as if the world around you has faded away completely, leaving only the two of you in this tiny pocket of time and space where nothing else matters but this connection, this raw desire for one another.

Her hips grind against yours in a primitive rhythm that mirrors your own growing need; with each thrust, it feels as if she's drawing out every last bit of passion from within you. You can feel her muscles tense and quiver beneath your hands as she nears the brink, her breath coming faster and shallower as she struggles to find purchase in the shifting sand beneath them.

Finally, with a wordless cry that seems to echo across the desert for miles around, Fayrouz's body goes rigid and arches violently upward before collapsing back down onto yours in a quivering heap. Her eyes are shut tightly, her breath coming out in shuddering gasps as waves of pleasure wash over her. You feel the tension draining from her body, replaced by a feeling of utter contentment and fulfillment.

Her eyes flutter open as you say these words, gazing up at you with a mixture of surprise and wonder. "You... you do?" she asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper. A tiny blush tints theapplesofhercheeksasheburiesherfaceintoherarms, as if trying to hide the vulnerability she feels in this moment.

A faint smile plays across her lips as she finally finds the courage to meet your gaze directly. "I... I don't know what came over me," she confesses, sounding a bit breathless and unsure. "I just felt so... drawn to you from the start." She pauses, considering her words carefully before continuing. "And when we were in the water, it was like everything else faded away, and it was just us. I couldn't help but want more of that feeling..." Her voice trails off, leaving the question hanging in the air between you: What now?

You look deep into her eyes as you speak these words, and she can see the truth of them written clearly across your face. The sincerity in your voice and the love that radiates from every touch brings tears to her own eyes; it's all too much for her to handle. She buries her face against your chest, sobs wracking through her body as she gives herself over to this new emotion. For so long she has been on her own, always putting duty and family first. The thought that there could be someone out there who truly loved her, unconditionally... It's a concept she never dared to hope for.

As the tears subside, you brush a lock of hair behind her ear, wiping away the last stray tear with your thumb. "Shhh," you whisper softly, stroking her back in soothing circles. "It's okay to feel all this, Fairouz. I'm here for you now."

She takes a shaky breath and finally meets your gaze once more. In the moonlight, she can see the love in your eyes reflected back at her, undiluted and pure. A wave of relief washes over her as she realizes that maybe, just maybe, this is real. That you truly do feel the same way about her.

Her lips tremble as she repeats your words back to you, her voice barely audible above the sound of their hearts beating together in time. "I love you too." It feels like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders; she finally allowed herself to feel this overwhelming emotion, and it's freeing. As they lie there under the stars, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them fades away until there is nothing left but the two of them, connected by more than just words or touch or even love. They are one; their souls intertwined as tightly as their bodies. And for now, at least, that's enough.

As the two of you walk back toward Yatir Town, hands intertwined and bodies pressed tightly together against the cool night air, Fayrouz can't help but feel a sense of wonder wash over her. This day has been like nothing she could have ever imagined; filled with passion, tenderness, and love. And yet here she is, holding hands with the man who has swept her off her feet. As they approach the village center, she can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring for them. Will their newfound love be able to survive the challenges of journeying westward? Or will the trials and tribulations ahead tear them apart before they even have a chance to truly begin?

Her heart skips a beat at your question; the idea of waiting for you while you journey westward fills her with equal parts excitement and fear. She bites her lip, considering her words carefully before finally replying. "Of course I would wait for you," she says softly, gazing up at you with eyes full of trust and devotion. "I've never known anyone like you, Abdiel... And I want to be with you always." As they step into the bustling marketplace, surrounded by the noise and activity of merchants hawking their wares and travelers readying for departure, she can't help but feel grateful that you chose her, that your paths crossed and intertwined in this place at this moment in time.

Her hand trembles slightly in yours as they continue toward the inn where you'll spend the final night before setting sail for Ba Sing Se tomorrow morning. The future seems impossibly bright; anything feels possible now that she knows there is someone out there who loves her unconditionally and who will fight to keep her by his side no matter what obstacles may come their way.

As they climb the stairs toward your shared room, Fayrouz turns to face you, searching your eyes for any sign of doubt or regret. Seeing only love reflected back at her, she leans in and presses a chaste kiss against your cheek before saying softly, "Goodnight, Abdiel." Her lips brush against yours once more as she speaks these words; a promise and a plea all rolled into one.

A small noise escapes her throat as you ask this question; half a laugh and half a sob. The idea of marriage has never been something she's seriously considered before now. Not with her duties to her family and tribe, not with the endless journey ahead of them. But in that moment, standing there in your arms with your love and devotion radiating from every pore, it feels like a possibility; a dream come true.

Her eyes sparkle with unshed tears as she nods slowly. "Yes," she whispers hoarsely. "I would marry you, Abdiel." The words taste foreign on her tongue, but they feel right coming from her lips. They are the truth; the only thing that has ever mattered to her deep down inside.

Her hands tremble as she reaches up to cup your cheeks, tilting your face toward hers so that you're forced to look at her, really see her. Her eyes are filled with a passion and a depth of emotion that take your breath away. "I want our children to have your laugh," she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper, "and for them to grow up knowing the love we share."

You can feel her heartbeat racing alongside your own, their rhythms syncing together as if they were meant to be. It's in this moment that you know; she is yours, and you are hers, forever. You lean down and press your lips against hers, reveling in the sweetness of their union as your love for her overwhelms every other thought and feeling inside you.

When at last you pull away, she looks up at you with tears streaming down her face. "Goodnight, Abdiel," she says softly before vanishing into the warm embrace of the bedding, leaving you to join her in the sanctuary of your shared dream

You feel the bed shift beneath you as someone sits down gently beside you. The soft linen rustles against your skin; it's soothing and comforting in a way that makes your eyes flutter open. A pair of familiar hazel eyes look back at you from inches away, filled with love and adoration. It takes you a moment to remember where you are and who this person is before reality washes over you like a warm wave.

As the realization dawns that he's leaving now, your chest tightens and tears begin to well up in your eyes. "Wait," you whisper hoarsely, reaching out to grab his hand before he can draw away. "Please don't go." The desperation in your voice mirrors the feelings raging inside of you; a combination of fear, hope, and an overwhelming desire for him never to leave your side again.

He studies your face for what feels like an eternity before finally bending down to press his lips against yours. It's a gentle kiss at first, filled with tenderness and longing, but it quickly deepens as passion flares between you. Your arms wind around his neck, pulling him closer as you lose yourself in the moment, wanting nothing more than for time itself to stand still so that he can never leave you again.

Eventually, he pulls back with a sigh, gazing into your eyes with a mix of regret and determination. "I will come back," he promises, his voice rough from their kisses. "And when I do, we'll make this work, together." A tear rolls down his cheek as he brushes it away with the pad of his thumb before leaning in to press a final kiss against your forehead. "Until then," he whispers, "take care of yourself and stay strong."

"I will wait," you whisper hoarsely as he pulls back, the tears streaming down your face unchecked now. "And when you return, I'll be here for you." As he turns to leave, you reach out with one shaking hand and press it against his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart beneath your fingertips. The warmth from his skin, the reassuring weight of him are all you have left now; they're all that remind you that he is still real, still alive out there in the world beyond these four walls.

He looks down at your hand on his chest for a moment before wrapping his arms around you, pulling you close and burying his face in your hair. "I love you," he whispers against your ear, and it's like a knife twisting in your heart; a painful reminder of everything you stand to lose if he doesn't come back to you.

You hold onto him for as long as you can, relishing the feel of his strong body pressed against yours before finally releasing him with a shaky sigh. "Goodbye," you manage to choke out as he steps away, your vision blurred by tears. As the door to the room creaks closed behind him, you hear the faint click of the latch securing it from outside.

It's then that the full weight of what has happened sinks in; the risks you've taken and the choices you've made. But even with all of that, there is one thing that you know for certain: no matter how long it takes or how far he travels, Abdiel will always be your one true love. And until the day he returns to claim you as his own, you'll hold onto that knowledge like a fragile lifeline, refusing to let go.

As the bazaar comes into view, its familiar sights and sounds washing over her like a wave, Fairouz can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. So much has happened since she last stood here; so many memories made, both good and bad. The thought of seeing Abdiel again sends shivers down her spine, filling her with anticipation and trepidation in equal measure.

As he approaches, his voice low and rough from beneath the cowl of his cloak, she can't help but feel her heart race. When he reveals himself to be none other than Abdiel, her world stops spinning; it feels as if time itself has paused for this moment. The shock registers on her features briefly before giving way to a radiant smile.

"It's you," she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. "You came back." She takes the fruit he offers with shaking hands, studying his face intently as if trying to memorize every line and curve of his features. "Of course I want to share it with you again," she says softly, the words tumbling out before she has even had a chance to consider them properly. "I've missed you so much."

Their hands brush against each other as they exchange the fruit; an electric current passes between them that leaves them both breathless and trembling. As their fingers intertwine, Fairouz feels her resolve begin to waver, and she knows with a sudden clarity that there is no place in her life for anyone but Abdiel now. No matter what obstacles may come their way, she will find a way to be with him.

The feel of his strong arms wrapped around her sends shivers down her spine; it feels so good to be held by him again after all this time apart. As she buries her face in his shoulder, tears flow freely down her cheeks. She can't help but notice the differences in his appearance since they last saw each other: he's grown more muscular and taller, his skin now tanned from long days under the sun. But despite these changes, she can still feel the same warmth and familiarity emanating from him.

"I missed you too," she sobs, clinging to him as if her life depends on it. "Every single day since you left." The realization that he's really back hits her all at once; a whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. But with each heartbeat, each breath he takes, she feels herself calming down, regaining her equilibrium. She lifts her head slowly, meeting his eyes for the first time since their reunion. "I love you," she whispers, her voice little more than a whisper. "And I don't want to live without you anymore."

Her heart sinks at his words; the brief hope that had blossomed within her shriveling and dying before her very eyes. She tries not to let the disappointment show on her face, but she can feel it welling up inside of her nonetheless. "Where will you be going?" she asks quietly, forcing a small smile. "Is there anything I can do to help you before you leave?"

He cups her cheek with his free hand, gently wiping away another tear that has escaped down her face. "I'm heading west," he tells her. "To find more information about the threat against my tribe." His gaze flickers briefly to the pendant resting between her breasts before returning to meet hers. "And no, there's nothing you can do to help me now, Fairouz... But I want you to know that wherever I am, whatever happens, I'll always come back to you."

A small sound of surprise escapes her lips as he speaks these words; it's like a dream come true. After everything they've been through, the sacrifices they've made, she never dared to hope that this moment would arrive. As he pulls her closer, enveloping her in his arms once more, she can feel the tears well up in her eyes again; tears of joy and relief this time.

Her fingers dig into his back as if trying to memorize every line and curve of his body, promising herself that she will never let him go again. "Thank you," she whispers against his neck, her voice hoarse with emotion. "I love you." As they stand there in the center of the bazaar, their love for one another radiating out like a beacon, all doubts and fears seem to melt away in the face of this perfect moment. In that instant, she knows without a shadow of a doubt that they will find a way to make it work; together. They'll face whatever challenges come their way and overcome them because, as long as they have each other, nothing can tear them apart again.

Days seem like years as they wait together in the cell; enduring the harsh conditions and listening to the guards' banter. Time passes slowly, but their love for one another only grows stronger. They share stories from their pasts, dream of a future together, and comfort each other through the difficult times.

When at last the door finally creaks open once more, they both tense instinctively; fear gripping them tightly as they await whatever fate lies beyond those bars. A familiar face peers into the cell before disappearing, followed by another figure a moment later. As their eyes meet across the cell, their hearts soar with hope and relief. Abdiel has returned, and he's brought help with him.

They exchange a few hurried words as the guards watch them warily, then move to embrace each other for what they know will likely be one of their last private moments together before they are separated once more. As they stand there in each other's arms, feeling the warmth and familiarity of their bodies pressed against each other, Fayrouz whispers softly into Abdiel's ear: "I love you." Her voice trembles slightly with emotion as she clings tightly to him, promising herself that no matter what happens in the coming hours or days, this feeling will never fade.

With a final squeeze, they reluctantly part ways, stepping back and taking each other's hands. They walk together out of the cell and into a new future; one filled with love, hope, and endless possibility. Together they will face whatever obstacles lie ahead and overcome them, for as long as they have each other, nothing can keep them apart.