Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In a world separated by wind and trees, the rules of life change with the climate.

To the North, where the snow covered the mountains like powdered sugar, and winters forged strength into the bones of its people just as blacksmiths do to blades, men and women were as equals. Their survival outweighed the need to follow tradition. Both genders took part in hunting, housework, and the raising of children. They fought and died alongside each other, defending their home from beasts and invaders. The one thing that differentiated the two was the whispers of rare tales, in which women were said to bond with wolves. Foreigners claimed that they were only myths, but the people of the north knew the truth behind the legends. Of the women who moved as shadows through the snowdrifts with fangs at their side.

While in the South, tradition wasn’t pushed aside due to the climate. The sun warmed the land allowing the kingdom to thrive, building castles that were ruled by men. Politics flowed like the wine that warmed their blood, and tradition was upheld with an iron fist. Women were born to bring honor to their families with quiet obedience, through marriage and bearing heirs. At times, a clever woman could gain power through her husband, cause, as the saying goes, the man may be the head, but the woman controls the neck. Any power she obtains is never in her name but her husband’s. And if a woman decides to speak out and resist against their ways of life? She was seen as an inconvenience that needed to be corrected.

Between the two nations, the vast forest of Ravaa separated them. It lay unclaimed, untouched by any nation, no one dared draw borders. It was sacred land. Ravaa was known as one of the most powerful witches ever known. She had faced off against a dark sorcerer known as Vatuu. The battle raged on across the land, he had convinced humanity to wipe out all magical creatures. But Ravaa wouldn’t allow it. So with the help of other witches and warlocks, they brought to life the sacred forest. That worked as a sanctuary for all creatures, big and small. Anyone wishing to do them harm would face the rage of nature. In the end, Ravaa defeated Vatuu with the help of Wan, Yangchen, Kuruk, Kyoshi, and Roku, five brave warriors from all the land. Their names have gone down in history.

Each nation after that battle was separated, either by vast forests or the ocean. Traversing across either alone was dangerous, especially for women. But there was one type of soul that passed through the lands unharmed. The healers, whether man or woman, peasant or noble, carried no alliance but to life itself. They were welcomed and respected by all. No one dared cross them, not because they could cure what swords and words could not, but because it would be unwise to wrong the person who held your life in their hands.

It’s in this world where Lin Beifong didn’t agree with the way of life in the Southern Kingdom. Her life had been carved out and planned from the moment of her birth. Who she was to wed, how many heirs she was to produce, even how she would present herself in the royal court as the wife of the king’s spiritual counselor.

But Lin wanted nothing to do with that life. She enjoyed working with her hands, either in the fields or carving small sculptures out of wood.

Her mother allowed it until she reached the age when it was time to meet her betrothed.

Counselor Tenzin at their first meeting had thought her hands to be too rough and her voice too firm. He’d recommended a lotion that did miracles in turning rough skin to silky smooth.

Lin had given him a piece of her mind on his recommendation and many other matters of tradition she disagreed with. Tenzin, displeased with this, had informed Toph that if her daughter did not learn the ways of being an obedient woman, the marriage would be off.

That sparked a fight between the three beifong women. Toph and Suyin tried to convince Lin that she had to conform to the folds of tradition, but she wouldn’t listen. In anger, Su grabbed one of her sister’s carving tools and threw it in her direction, not with the intent to hurt her but to indicate that such things were not part of a woman’s reality. But Su’s aim was off, and she ended up hitting and scaring Lin on her right cheek.

The betrayal Lin felt was unfathomable, especially when her mother asked if she was happy now, since surely the counselor wouldn’t want her marred face as his wife.

She the shed they had cornered her in and went to her room, locking herself in, refusing to hear her sister’s excuses for apologies, as she collected all her belongings. By nightfall, she had fled the city, with only what she could carry on her back, disguised as a man. No one ever questioned the coming and going of men.

Lin sought out solitude, freedom. A place where she could carve more than wood, but a life of her own.   

And for a time, she travelled, searching for a place to call her own. Far from the southern kingdom, closer to the east coast in Ravaa forest, she did. Her only company, the trees, the occasional magical creature who’d give her a curious look before moving along, and the rhythm of her tools against stone and wood.

Until one day, a warlock in a fancy red waistcoat moved in across the worn-down path.

Chapter Text

Lin Beifong lived alone in the middle of the forest, only her and the sounds of nature, and she liked it that way.  

She’d moved out there a few years ago after a brutal fight with her mother and sister. In the heat of the moment, Su had grabbed one of Lin’s chisels and, in a fit of rage, thrown it at her. She hadn’t meant for it to hit her, but it had. The blade's edge sliced deep into Lin’s cheek, leaving behind a scar that never fully faded.

After that, she packed her bag, leaving everything behind, and disappeared off the face of the map.   

She’d found a run-down cabin off a forgotten trail. It was quite remote and blissfully devoid of people, exactly what she was looking for. The place was falling apart at the seams, but Lin didn’t mind. She had a knack for building and sculpting. A talent she’d worked hard on shaping over the years, since she never had a father around the house growing up, the labor had fallen to her as the oldest. 

The first few months passed in silence, spent rebuilding the cabin, one beam, one stone, one carved detail at a time. The sound of the forest was her only comfort. Once the structure stood solid, she started making furniture. Chairs, tables, shelves, even a bed frame, she had carved from an old oak tree. Every piece in her home was handcrafted, detailed to her liking, and built to last. z 

The only things Lin didn’t know how to make were linens and pottery, so every few weeks, she’d travel to a nearby town to buy or trade her sculptures for them, along with any other supplies she might have needed.  It was a good, quiet life. 

For a couple of years, her life was steady. Predictable. Just how she liked it. 
 
Until one morning, it wasn’t. 

After a loud bang that shattered the silence, followed by a dust cloud of smoke, a cottage appeared out of thin air. 

Lin, at the time of the deafening sound, was enjoying her breakfast and shot to her feet, causing her tea to spill onto her, soaking her shirt and scalding her skin. Swearing under her breath, she stopmed to the window, as she pulled her shirt away from her skin. 

And there it was. 

A white limestone cottage stood across the dirt trail, where nothing had been the day before. One of its walls was precariously leaning slightly to the left, with a red door and stained glass windows etched with odd runes on them. Ivy crawled up its walls, as if it were trying to make it look woodsy. It failed greatly, sticking out like a sore thumb.

Lin, after changing out of her tea-soaked shirt, stepped outside, leaning against her doorframe, scowl sharp and jaw tight as she glared at her new over energetic, strange neighbor. She watched as the man in a sparkling red waistcoat danced around his home, adding extra details with a flick of his hand. He sang off-key while he twirled around, his voice grated against her nerves, making her realise he was going to be the cause of many future migraines. 

When his eyes caught sight of Lin, his face lit up. Before closing the distance between them. 

“Hello, goth girl,” he called, waving.

Causing Lin’s brow to raise, unimpressed. 

“I’m Bumi! Your new neighbor and friendly warlock.” 

‘Fantastic,’ Lin thought, sarcastically. ‘Of course, the universe has decided to interfere with my carefully cultivated solitude by adding sparkle toes over here into the mix.’

 She then glanced down at herself, taking in the dark clothing and metal accents on her outfit. Understanding his assumption and deciding it wasn’t the worst he could have come up with. 

“Lin,” she replied curtly, nodding her head in greeting, hoping this interaction would end soon.

A dazzling smile spread across Bumi’s face as he clapped his hands together. “Strong name. With that scar and scowl, I bet you can hex a man just by looking at him.” 

Lin crossed her arms as she let out a huff, “I build furniture and carve sculptures. If you’re looking for magic, look in the mirror.” 

Bumi let out a deep laugh, “You’re hilarious, I like you already.”

Lin rolled her eyes, not dignifying him with a response. She simply took a step back and slammed the door shut in his face. 

From the other side, the warlock stood unfazed, his voice cheerful as he called out.  “I’ll bring cookies by later!”

Lin’s eyes narrowed at the door. 

She turned, walked into her kitchen and grabbed one of her sturdier oak chairs. Brought it back to the door and wedged it under the door handle with practiced ease. 

Just incase her new neighbor didn’t understand what a closed door in the face meant. 

Chapter Text

Lin mostly ignored his over-cheery energy. Sure, he got on her nerves, but she couldn’t deny that he was a kind warlock. Whenever she was low on something, she needed but didn’t feel like going into town for it, it was as if he knew and would make it appear on her doorstep. Saving her the trip. Not that she’d ever outright thank him, of course. Though she did build a fence around his property to keep wildlife out, and possibly him in, after he had complained about the deer eating his plants.

The thing that truly annoyed her, however, was how every traveler who came looking for the warlock would knock on her door, assuming she was the witch.

Just because her house was made of stone and timber, and looked a little on the darker, rustier side of things, didn’t mean she was the magic wielder. Lin would open her door, let out a deep sigh, before delivering the same practiced line:

“No, I’m not the witch. He lives over there.”

She’d then point across the path to where Bumi stood on his porch in his ridiculous sparkling red waistcoat, waving excitedly at them.

This would happen at least 46 times a month, not that she was counting.

Every time, Lin would roll her eyes with her characteristic scowl etched on her face and shoo the clueless travelers off her porch like stray dogs.

One time, though, a self-important traveler named Tarlok refused to leave her property, insisting he would only accept help from her. After multiple polite attempts to make him leave, Lin stormed into her house. In which case, he made the mistake of deciding to let himself in, only to be met with the end of a broom to the head. It had been the first thing she managed to grab. 

She then proceeded to chase him out of her house, yelling and cursing the whole way, until he was a good distance from her property.

Bumi, watching from his porch, howled with laughter and offered absolutely zero help.

When the carpenter noticed him, she flipped him off without missing a beat.

The warlock shook his head, still chuckling. Never having thought he'd witness his stoic neighbor lose her cool.

When he noticed the traveler trying to circle his way back, he snapped his fingers. Made the broom in her hands transform into an ax. The gleam of satisfaction that shone in her eyes was instant.

She then locked her gaze on Tarlok, like a dragon, spotting its prey, and sprinted after him with renewed enthusiasm and determination.

Bumi let a smirk spread across his face as he leaned back and conjured a bowl of popcorn into his hands to enjoy the show.

It wasn’t until a few months later that Lin had the honor of interacting with Bumi’s first magical misfire.

While sitting at her kitchen table, enjoying lunch, she heard a door slam that was closely followed by yelling.

She leaned her chair back and peeked out the window, only to see a dog breathing fire as it sprinted towards her yard. With a red-faced traveler and Bumi chasing after it.

Lin’s brows almost shot off her face as she stared on, speechless, before grabbing the first thing she could find and bolting outside. She caught the creature’s attention with the wooden statue in her hand, as she moved it around, stopping it before it could get too close to her house. She ended up playing fetch with the flaming menace, keeping it distracted and herself as unharmed as possible, while Bumi figured out a way to reverse the spell.

Later on, when the traveler had left, displeased with his guard dog no longer being able to breathe fire. Bumi came over with cookies he had conjured to apologize and thank a slightly charred Lin for her assistance.

At the sight of him, Lin let out a long breath, wholly exasperated, as she glared at him.

“What the flameo was that?!”

Bumi rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly with his free hand as he tried to explain. “Well, he asked for a dog that could breathe fire. I may have…forgotten to add parameters around the spell.”

Lin rubbed her temples before dragging her hand down her face. “I thought you were an experienced warlock?”

He shrugged. “I gave him what he asked for. Magic is funny that way. If you’re not specific, you could end up with anything,” he snapped his fingers before pointing down the road towards the flitting forms. “Like a nonstop fire-breathing dog.” He teased with a grin spread across his face.

Her eye twitched. As she realised that this wouldn’t be a one-time incident. The thought of having to deal with situations like this all the time was starting to cause a headache to assault her senses. With a low growl, she told him he owed her for her sculpture before slamming the door in his face.

Bumi, used to her standoffish attitude, merely shrugged, then left the plate of cookies on her porch. Before turning and heading back to his cottage as he contemplated how he was going to make it up to her. 

Later on in the day, when he looked over towards her home, he noticed with a pleased smile that the plate of cookies had disappeared from in front of her door.

Over the next year, Lin found herself having to deal with Bumi’s magical mishaps.

But slowly, even though she would deny it, they became something like friends.

Even though Lin was still very much annoyed by his presence most of the time, she tolerated him.

At least when he wasn’t causing things to blow up and endangering the forest, he was a decent neighbor who liked to pull pranks on her. Which she found less than thrilling, whenever he would turn her axe into a flute because he broke his old one and was too bored to buy a new one.

Still, he brought a bit of color into her life.

Even though she very much preferred it in grayscale.

Chapter Text

The melodic songs of the robins drifted through Lin’s open kitchen window as she sipped her first cup of coffee of the day. Not too long ago, she’d finished chopping up a few logs for the fireplace and was now taking a break before starting on a new sculpture, a commission some lord had ordered to gift to his wife.

She rolled her eyes at the familiar telltale sound of that forsaken woodpecker that had made it its life mission to bore as many holes into one of her support beams as possible. And yet it’s annoying rhythmic tapping, didn’t rival the endless knocking she received from Bumi’s clients over the last year. She’d grown fond of the little menace, but knew she’d have to figure out a way to scare it off before it destroyed a part of her cottage.

She was debating whether she should sculpt a few stone owls around the beams to scare off the small bird or – spirits help her– ask for Bumi’s help. After a moment’s contemplation, that was rudely interrupted by the sound of a knock coming from her door. She scuffed as she placed her cup down, standing up, realising she’d have to make at least five sculptures before she’d ever leave the fate of her home in that glitter bomb disaster of a warlock’s hands.

When another knock sounded from her front door, she groaned in annoyance, cursing Bumi’s name in her head as she made her way towards it.

Only to swing it open and find deep, stormy sea blue eyes staring back at her.

The woman in front of her was a few inches taller than her, with dark tan skin. She wore a layered silver blue dress, beneath a navy cloak, with a well-worn leather bag slung over her shoulder. Her long, dark brown hair tumbled over her shoulders like a waterfall.

Lin blinked, taken aback.

The woman’s smile was hesitant but warm, disarming Lin so that she nearly forgot to scowl.

“Hi, I’m here to find love?” The woman said sheepishly, with a light blush spreading across her cheeks.

Lin exhaled, as her brain kicked into motion, slightly disappointed that the beautiful woman wasn’t here to see her, for her level of craftsmanship (of course), but the sparkling idiot across the way.

“You’re looking for the warlock,” the carpenter said, already tired of having to repeat this familiar script. At this point, she was tempted to put up a sign in her front yard, just to save her the trouble.  “He’s over there. He doesn’t do love potions, cause consent matters, but he might cast something to make you feel prettier. Though it usually doesn’t do anything other than boost your confidence… Not that you need it.” She muttered the last sentence.

The woman blinked, the blush that had been reseeding came back full force as she rocked back and forth on her feet. And, for once, Lin didn’t hate it, but found the trait rather endearing.

“Um…yeah, I know,” the woman said, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “He’s my brother. I just talked to him. He’s the one who sent me over here.”

Lin froze. Her brow rose in disbelief.

The woman smiled charmingly, “I’m Kya.”

There was a moment of silence. One in which Lin felt like a rug had been pulled out from under her.

The quiet was broken by the sound of a flute playing across the path.

Lin peeked over Kya’s shoulder, towards the music.

There stood Bumi on his porch, holding his favorite flute in his hand, while grinning like the chaos God he probably worshipped. When he noticed his neighbors staring, he waved before sending a double thumbs up, which was closely accompanied by a wink.

Lin blinked, glancing between the siblings.

Bumi moved, situating himself on a chair with a cup of tea. One, he materialized into his hands out of thin air, watching them as if he had just tuned into his favorite secular play.

Kya, on the other hand, shifted nervously, sending Lin fleeting looks as she tugged at her bag strap.

After a moment, Lin thought back to all the times the warlock had tried to meddle in her life, only to receive a door to the face when he failed.

This time, though, she couldn't deny that the beautiful woman in front of her was piquing her interest. She contemplated taking the chance and hoped this wouldn’t turn out to be another one of Bumi’s failures.

With one last thought of what the heck, she looked up and locked her moss green eyes with Kya's.

“Lin,” she said, noticing the way the other woman perked up at the revelation of her name. A little uncertain on how to proceed, she added while rubbing the back of her neck. “Would you like to come in for some tea?”

Kya’s smile was radiant. “I’d love that,” she said, stepping inside after the other woman opened the door further to let her in.

Bumi, seeing this, hollered his approval from across the way.

Only for Lin to flip him off before closing her door with a sigh.

She decided that for now, she’d enjoy tea with a beautiful woman and possibly get to know her. 

Later on, she could yell at Bumi for trying to meddle in her life again.

Maybe.

Depends on how tea goes.

Chapter Text

When Lin woke the next morning, the chill in the air raised goosebumps along her bare skin. She forced herself out of her warm, comfy bed and tugged on a pair of pants and a loose shirt. Before exiting the room, she sent one last longing look behind her, to the rumpled sheets and the warmth still lingering there.

She moved quietly through the house, heading into the living room to start the fireplace. But a quick glance told her there wouldn’t be enough logs to last them through the day.

Lin made her way to the door and, after slipping on her boots, stepped outside.

Once she stepped out onto her porch, the crisp morning air assaulted her senses, sharp and clean with the scent of pine and damp earth. She silently cursed herself for not having grabbed her cloak on the way out, as her breath curled like wisps around her face. She looked around, taking in the mist that hovered low over the ground, weaving through the trees like ghosts. The first rays of sunlight pierced through the canopy, casting warm golden streaks across the mossy earth.

Lin stood still for a moment, shoulders rising slowly, drawing in the cool, earthy stillness. Enjoying her favorite time of the day. When the world was still waking up and the only sounds she could hear were the wind softly rustling through the leaves, the occasional birdsong, and the distant snore from her neighbors’ open window.

A few moments later, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

She lined a log up on the chopping block before Lin rolled her shoulder, clenched her jaw, and lifted the axe above her head. With a smooth, powerful, practiced swing, she brought it down with a satisfying,

Thwack.

She repeated the motions, falling into a rhythm until a light sheen of sweat coated her skin. The early morning temperature no longer affected her. 

When she went to line up the tenth log on the block, she heard the tell-tale sound of drama approaching.

Lin let out a deep sigh as she stepped back.

“Good morning, Linny !” Came Bumi’s sing-song voice, being far too cheerful for this time of day.

Lin froze, grip tightening on the axe handle. “That’s not my name.” She growled.

He waved a hand dismissively, grinning, “Oh come on, it’s a lovely name, I think it suits you. Or do you prefer… Linora?” He said, leaning down, placing his hands on the edge of the block to catch her eyes.

Lin ignored him, not bothering to look at him. She just raised the axe before bringing it down.

Thwack

The blade sank clean through the log, right in front of his face, splitting it in half.

Bumi froze, eyes wide, as he felt the whisper of wind hit his face. A couple of strands of hair floated down to the grass, which had been gently sheared from his bangs.

Lin raised a brow as she grabbed the axe’s shoulder and yanked it free from the block.

“Do you think it’s wise to piss off a woman holding an axe, warlock?” She asked flatly.

He gulped as he stood, straightening his waistcoat, before running a hand through his hair. Trying to compose himself.

“That’s… an excellent point, goth girl,” he said hesitantly.

Lin let out a huff as she set the axe down. Before kneeling to gather logs into her arms.

After a few moments, she could see through her peripheral vision that Bumi was still standing there. She sent him a dirty look.

“What do you want?”

“Oh, nothing much,” he said innocently, playing with his beard. “I was just wondering if you’ve seen my sister. She didn’t come home last night?”

Lin froze only for a moment, her hand hesitating mid-reach over the bark before she forced herself to grasp the log and lift it into her arms.

“Haven’t seen her.” She said, standing up, taking her axe in hand. Wanting to end this conversation as soon as possible.

Bumi hummed thoughtfully as he rubbed his chin, not believing her one bit. But knew not to push her unless he wanted to lose a few body parts.

At the sound of the door opening behind him, a smirk of triumph spread across his face when he saw the look of dread flicker across Lin’s face.

The warlock turned around to find his sister barefoot, leaning against the wooden door frame as she rubbed sleep from her eyes.

“Morning,” Kya called out, her voice husky and warm, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips.

Her hair was softly mussed, and combined with the sunlight shining in her eyes, she was a sight for sore eyes.

Lin’s chest tightened. Her spine went rigid as she watched Kya tug the collar of her black poet shirt, which looked better on her than it ever did herself, up toward her face, trying to shield herself from the cool breeze. The movement lifted the hem slightly, revealing a brief glimpse at the curve of her tan, smooth stomach that caught the soft morning light. The action was done carelessly, not meant to provoke.

But it landed like a stone in Lin’s gut. As she remembered tracing the same path of skin with her fingers and lips only hours earlier.

Bumi’s smile stretched ear to ear as he watched the dazed look take over his usual carefully guarded neighbor’s face.

With a snap of his fingers, the axe in Lin’s hand transformed into a bouquet of glowing moonflowers.

Lin barely had time to register what happened before Bumi vanished in a puff of smoke, only to reappear safely on his porch across the street. Sitting comfortably in his chair, looking a little too pleased with himself.

She blinked in confusion as she took a moment to register the weight change in her hand. When she looked down at the bouquet, which Kya had mentioned offhandedly yesterday were her favorite, she felt anger overcome her. She growled as she took a menacing step in his direction.

“First a flute, and now FLOWERS!” She shouted. “You owe me two axes so I can cut off both your hands!”

Bumi squeaked, taking cover behind one of his hanging plants.

“Coward!” She yelled, deciding to chase him down and beat him to death with the flowers, making him regret ever learning teleportation.

But stopped when she felt a warm hand land gently on her shoulder.

She turned only to be met with stormy blue eyes filled with quiet mirth.

“Are those for me?” Kya asked innocently, biting back a grin as she pointed to the handful of glowing blooms.

Lin muttered something unintelligible, shooting one last venomous glare towards the warlock, before nodding and thrusting the bouquet forward.

The smile that spread across Kya’s face was radiant as she accepted the flowers.

“Thank you, Lin,” she said gently.

Before Lin could process what was happening, Kya leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss onto her scarred cheek. Blood rushed to her cheeks, causing a flush to spread up to the tips of her ears.

Then, of course, Bumi’s voice rang out ruining the moment, “GET IT LIN!”

Without thinking, Lin quickly turned and, with her free hand, grabbed and threw one of the logs in her arms in his direction. Bumi nearly tripped over himself trying to take cover.

The log landed in front of his porch with a heavy thud.

Kya raised a brow, clearly impressed with the strength shown.

Before Lin could throw anything else, Kya grasped her wrist gently, gaining her attention. 

“Hey,” she said, her voice warm like honey. “How about I help you with the firewood? Then, after breakfast, you can show me around the forest. Maybe we can find a few herbs?”

Lin hesitated. Most people weren’t fans of exploring nature, and the bugs were a big turn-off. But this woman in front of her kept surprising her at every turn. From making her laugh during lunch, to forgetting about her responsibilities for the day, and even opening her house for Kya to sleep on her couch. However, she did end up sharing her bed at the end of the night.

After a second of contemplation, Lim gave a small nod.

Kya smiled as she reached over and took a few of the logs from Lin’s arms, lightening the load, before turning and walking back toward the cottage.

Lin followed after her, but not without turning and flipping Bumi the bird.

The affronted look on his face as he clutched his chest made it completely worth it.

Chapter Text

The late afternoon sun shone through the canopy as Kya walked the well-worn path among the trees. Her mid-calf leather-worn boots crunched softly against the dirt, while the faint clinking sound of glass and metal could be heard coming from her sagging herbal bag. That was jam-packed with medical tools and vials of all sorts of salves and herbs she’d restocked on at the last village she had passed through.

The soft swishing of her dull blue cloak accompanied the quiet, aching pulse of her heart, that drew her like a tether to the two cottages in the clearing up ahead.

When they came into view, each nestled opposite the other like old friends mid-conversation, a smile tugged at her lips.

On the left stood Lin’s sturdy cabin, built of stone and weather-worn lumber, with ivy crawling up the sides. While on the right was Bumi’s off-kilter cottage, that screamed with life, bright flowers lined the front, and along the sides was a blooming vegetable garden that was surrounded by a fence clearly meant to keep him in, more than the plants.

Not that it worked much, she thought as she saw her brother burst out of his front door, jump over the fence, and run towards her like a firework.

“KYA!”

She barely had time to brace herself before he appeared in front of her, scooping her up into a bone-crushing hug and spinning her around. She laughed, her hood falling back as the wind rushed past her face.

“Bumi! Can’t. Breathe!” she choked out, slapping his back.

He abruptly dropped her and leapt back, hands raised.

“Wait! – you’re not sick, are you? You didn’t catch anything, right? Because, I swear, Kya, if I get sick again and sneeze bees into Lin’s direc–“

The healer shook her head as she giggled, trying to steady herself. “No, Bumi, no need to worry. I’ve got a clean bill of health. Promise.”

Bumi exhaled dramatically, wiping imaginary sweat from his forehead, before throwing his arm around her shoulders. “Thank the spirits! I like having some nose control left.”

They shared a laugh as they walked toward the cottages.

He ruffled her hair affectionately. “Did you have to be gone for three weeks?”

“The village needed help.” Kya shrugged. “Turns out they had a bad case of ergot poisoning, and it took a while to detox their food stores.”

He winced in sympathy. “Oof. Well, I’m glad you got that all settled, cause you have been dearly missed.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yes. Especially from your very broody, moody girlfriend. She’s managed to keep herself busy, but boy oh boy… don’t bring up oak shingles. Or hammers.”

“What? Why?” she asked, confused.

“Unless you want one tossed at your head? Don’t ask.” He said, rubbing the back of his head as if remembering what it felt like to be hit by one of those objects.

He steered them away from Lin’s front door and around the side instead, and at the questioning look he received from his sister, he just grinned, pushing her forward. “You’ll see.”

When they rounded the corner, Kya stopped short in her tracks.

There, tucked behind Lin’s cottage, stood a small, newly constructed structure. The walls were made of stacked and notched oak logs, and the shingled roof was partially covered in moss. There was a medium-sized wooden-framed window that caught the afternoon light, along with a heavy wooden door that bore a half-carved sigil on it.

It was… a clinic.

Her eyebrows shot up as she asked, shocked. “What is–?”

“Hey, Goth Goblin!” Bumi called out toward the building, cupping his hands around his mouth. “You have a visitor!”

A crash was heard inside, which was closely followed by a string of creative curses.

Kya had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the words coming out of her girlfriend’s mouth.

Moments later, Lin emerged, covered in sawdust, her shirt rumpled and streaked with clay, a smudge of dirt across her cheek. Her face conveyed her frustration with her jaw set like stone, that is, until her eyes landed on Kya.

In an instant, her stone-like features melted into a disbelieving smile.

“Kya,” she breathed, crossing the space between them in five quick strides before pulling her into a tight hug. “You’re back,” she whispered softly.

Kya sank into Lin’s warm, strong arms, taking in her familiar earthy scent. Before pulling back just enough to teasingly say, “You smell like you wrestled a tree and lost.”

Lin grimaced, pulling away, then rubbing the back of her neck. “Yeah, no, if I did, I would have won. But I’ve been, uh… building something.”

Kya’s eyes flickered back to the small building. “I can see that. What is it?”

Lin dragged her hand down from her neck, looking oddly shy. “Well… you mentioned once, kinda offhandedly, that you were getting tired of traveling so much to treat patients for minor injuries. So I thought it might be nice to have a space where they could come to you.”

She raised her arm, gesturing to the structure. “So… I built you a clinic. I still need to add the clay and moss for insulation, but other than that, I wasn't exactly sure what you’ll all need. So… I was wondering if we could figure it out. Together.” She finished off awkwardly.

Kya was speechless as she stared on, her heart feeling as if it was about to burst out of her chest.

“You… you built this for me?”

Lin shifted her weight, jaw twitching nervously. “Yeah. Now I know you’ll still have to travel sometimes, but… I just wanted to give you a place to come back to. A home base.”

Kya reached out, placing both hands on Lin’s face as tears welled up in her eyes. Her thumb brushed the smudge of dirt on her unscarred cheek, making more of a mess than anything, but at that moment, she didn’t care.

“You, incredible, ridiculous woman, " she said before surging forward and kissing her girlfriend deeply. A kiss that relayed a hundred unspoken things—thank you, I missed you, I love you.

When they reluctantly broke apart, due to their need for oxygen, the healer whispered, “I will still have to keep traveling, though, at times, for big cases.”

“I know, and like I said, I’m okay with that,” Lin said softly, brushing a strand of hair back from Kya’s face, before resting her forehead against hers. “But now you’ll have a reason to come back.”

“That reason being me, right?” Bumi asked teasingly, butting into their tender moment.

Kya snorted, having forgotten he was still there, and turned to him. “Of course, Bumi.”

A grin spread across his face as he fist-pumped the air like a kid who just received a bag of candy.

“Come on,” Lin said, chuckling despite herself at the warlock’s antics. “You wanna see your clinic?”

“Absolutely,” Kya said, a beaming smile taking over her face.

Lin brushed their hands together, then gently intertwined their fingers as they walked side by side toward the door.

Inside, sunlight spilled through the window onto the stone floor, illuminating the dust in the air and wood shavings scattered across the ground. There was a half-built cabinet leaning up against one of the bare walls, like an unfinished thought, and tools spread around the room.

The space may be empty, for now, but Kya could already imagine the potential it could hold. A couple of beds could fit on the right, while on the left, the walls would be lined with shelves full of herbs, books, and medicine. A few worktables spaced throughout the room, and at the far end, the hearth, which was already installed, with its iron hook for suspending pots to simmer remedies.

Kya stood quietly, overwhelmed by the emotions welling in her chest. She stared around the space, and then glanced towards Lin, who’d let go of her hand to walk further into the room to excitedly explain her ideas.

The words she spoke, Kya couldn’t hear them. All she could do was stare at the woman she loved, who was covered in dirt, dust, and clay, as she realised one thing for certain.

This wasn’t just a clinic Lin had built.

It was a future.

For both of them.

Chapter Text

It had been nearly an hour, but just to be sure the coast was clear, Kya peeked out of the bedroom window for any signs of Lin’s retreating form. When she was certain there were none, she made her way through the house and out the front door.

Across the clearing, her eyes fell upon the crooked cottage, its chimney puffing out sporadic smoke tinged faintly blue and purple. She sighs, knowing her brother was experimenting with his magic again. It was only a matter of time before something went wrong.

She crossed the distance between their homes, only having to stop once to tug her dress free from the grasp of Bumi’s overly friendly plants. Stepping onto the porch, she knocked on his door, which was scorched at the bottom and covered in arcane symbols.

When he didn’t reply after the second knock, she called out to him, glancing over her shoulder, knowing she was on borrowed time before Lin came back.

“Bumi? You alive in there?”

A dull bang was heard from inside, followed by a creak as the door swung open. A cloud of soot and smoke drifted out.

Bumi stood in the doorway, pushing up his goggles onto his forehead, soot covered his face, and the tip of her beard was slightly singed.

“Ha! Barely. But what’s life without a few explosions?” He gave her a questioning look. “Where’s the missus? Did she send you over here to scold me about the last explosion, or…”

“No, not this time.” She gave him a pointed look before cutting to the point. “She’s out looking for the right stone to carve into a statue.”

He waited, crossing his arms, getting comfortable against the doorframe, watching her fidget. Knowing by the slight rocking on her heel, she was nervous and had more to say.

After a deep breath, Kya looked him in the eyes.

“I need your help. I want to take Lin stargazing. Somewhere quiet, where she won’t think about cart joints or how the wood grain affects her sculptures. Do you know a place?”

A slow, lopsided smirk spread across his face.

“Well, well. I never thought I’d see the day you’d be coming to me for romantic advice. Why, my dear sister, I’m honored.” He said, bowing his head, just enough to get on her nerves.

She rolled her eyes at his dramatics, shoving his shoulder, throwing him slightly off balance.

“Don’t be a jerk. Do you know a place or not?”

Bumi chuckled as he righted himself. “I do. There’s a perfect spot, deep in the forest, on the northeast ridge. A glade with the clearest view of the night sky and the top of the trees. I’ll take care of everything. I’ll even leave you markers to follow so you don’t get lost. Trust me.”

Kya took a step back, squinting at his overjoyed from. “That phrase has never once led to anything good.”

He slapped his chest in fake outrage. “You wound me! How could my own sister not trust me?!”

She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “You almost set my face on fire last time I trusted you. Remember? The night you tried to make flaming figures jump out of the campfire to freak out Tenzin, but instead, the whole thing exploded?”

He huffed indignantly. “I was fifteen! Like Dad always said, magic is unpredictable! And anyway, you have two eyebrows again, so I don't see why you're complaining.”

“Not helping your case, Bum,” she muttered, pinching the bridge of her brow, already regretting asking for his help.

When she lowered her hand, Kya could see him pouting and his wide-eyed look of mock innocence. She stared him for a beat longer, contemplating, before sighing.

“Fine. But keep it simple, please. No flame shows. No glowing trees. And by Ravaa, don’t open any portals to the Spirit world.”

Bumi crossed his arms, muttering under his breath. “That was one time…”

Kya stepped forward, placing her hands on his shoulders, and pleaded with him.

“Just– stars, Bumi. Please. Only stars.”

He grasped her hands, lowering them gently as he grinned. A bit of soot fell from his beard. 

“You’ll have stars, I promise. Maybe a floating lantern or two. Tasteful magic.” He said, playing with his beard as he got lost in thought.

Kya shook her head, knowing it would be a losing battle to continue, and started to back away. “No floating lanterns!”

Bumi shouted after her retreating form, a teasing grin on his face.

“I make no promises! But I’ll try not to ignite anyone’s hair this time!”

Kya, having turned to head back to the cottage to start on lunch, simply raised her middle finger in the air.

“Try very hard!” She yelled over her shoulder.

Bumi stood in his doorway, watching as she disappeared back into the house she shared with Lin, still smiling. He ignited a faint spark in his palm. Letting it grow, then pulse in time with his heartbeat, before letting it fizzle out.

He spoke quietly to himself as he turned back into his cottage, planning on how to set it all up.

“Stars, sister. You’ll have stars and more… with a little help from an old friend.”

Chapter Text

Crickets and leaves rustling in a soft breeze were all that could be heard in the forest, along with the steady footfalls of two sets of feet. With the first rays of moonlight that filtered through the canopy, lighting their way.

Kya’s soft fingers were intertwined with Lin’s calloused ones, as she led them through the brush, following the small insignias of stick figures her brother had carved into the trees. Her strides were purposeful, but she couldn’t hide the slight bounce from excitement in her steps.

Lin’s gruff voice broke the silence as she asked.

“Where exactly are we going? It’s dark, and you didn’t let me bring my axe. This doesn’t feel safe.”

Kya laughed softly as she turned to look over her shoulder at her grumpy girlfriend.

“Just a little further. And you don’t need it, I promise.”

“Until some weirdo jumps out wanting to kill us– then you’ll wish I’d brought it,” Lin muttered under her breath, causing Kya to roll her eyes affectionately.

After a few moments of silence, Lin was hit with a thought that made her stop dead in her tracks and look suspiciously at the healer.

“This isn’t another one of your tricks to make me haul herbs for you down this mountain, is it? I don’t mind, but at least tell me so I can prepare myself mentally.”

Kya giggled before responding, “No, not this time, but it’s good to know you’re a willing participant for the future.”

Lin snapped her fingers and pointed an accusatory finger at her girlfriend. “So last time at the ravine was a setup!”

Kya shrugged, “I don’t know what you mean, Love, all I know is that you managed to find Blue Cohosh and that’s rare.”

Lin huffed at the other woman’s act of fake innocence, but a small smile tugged at the edge of her lips as she followed her over a small rise.

The underbrush started to thin as they reached a thick curtain of hanging vines.

Kya paused, turning to face Lin, her eyes sparkling even in the dark.

“Close your eyes.”

“Kya,” Lin said flatly.

“Just… trust me,” Kya pleaded, jutting out her bottom lip in a pout.

Lin, not being able to resist that look, let out a breath before humoring her and lowering her eyelids.

Kya waved her hand in front of her girlfriend’s face, making sure she wasn’t peeking. Just to be sure, she made a funny face, which would usually cause her carpenter’s strong facade to crack. But when nothing happened, she turned, pushing the vines aside.

She led Lin into the glade, and after letting the vines fall back into place behind them, she stood behind her girlfriend before whispering in her ear.

“Open your eyes.”

When she did, a glade bathed in moonlight, overlooking a cliff that dropped into an endless sea of forest, appeared before her. Stars littered the night sky, while fireflies danced among the blades of grass, like couples at a ball.

In the grass, laid out far from the edge, was a thick woolen blanket with a basket atop it. A lantern filled with fireflies was placed next to the basket, lighting the area with a soft glow.

At the sight, Lin’s breath caught.

“By the spirits…” She whispered, taken aback by the view.

She took an unconscious step forward in wonder, taking in the beauty in front of her.

“Do you like it?” Kya asked nervously, wringing her fingers, as she waited for her girlfriend’s response.

Lin turned her gaze to the woman behind her. She was bathed in moonlight, with fireflies floating around her, their glow reflecting like starlight in her stormy blue eyes, making her seem ethereal.

She was the most beautiful thing Lin had ever seen, and she couldn’t hold herself back. She closed the distance between them, grasping the back of Kya’s neck and pulling her into a deep soul-stealing kiss.

Kya gasped slightly against the carpenter’s lips before letting herself melt into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around her waist, pulling her against herself, enjoying the feeling of Lin’s strong body against hers.

When they pulled apart, Kya laughed softly.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” she spoke breathlessly in the space between them. 

Grins spread across both of their faces as they stared at each other. Feeling as if in that moment they could reach up towards the sky and rearrange the stars.

Kya grasped Lin’s hand again before pulling her further into the glade and over to the picnic basket.

“I made us a few snacks, but Bumi’s the one who teleported the basket here. Hopefully, he didn’t add any weird potions to it this time.” She said cheekily as she skipped over to the blanket.

Lin shook her head, chuckling softly, as she watched her girlfriend drop to her knees and lift the lid. Only to reveal the contents inside: cheese, grapes, crusty bread, a couple of misshapen sweet tarts, and a bottle of berry wine. 

She kneeled next to her, glancing around, taking in the view as Kya rummaged in the basket. When she looked back at her, she was holding a tart up to her with an expectant look.

Lin rolled her eyes playfully before leaning forward and taking a bite. Mumbling that it was delicious, a smile spread across the healer’s face as she watched Kya finish the other half. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, soaking up the beauty and sounds of nature.

Kya stood abruptly, making Lin look at her outstretched hand in confusion.

With her eyes twinkling in mischief, she asked, “Dance with me?”

Lin chuckled and took her hand, letting herself be pulled up, “To what music?”

Kya shrugged, then started to hum a melody she remembered from a pub she had visited once. It was low and whistful, slowly gaining rhythm into a dreamy, gentle flow. 

Lin sent her a look as if she were questioning her sanity, before sighing and stepping closer to her humming girlfriend.

“You’re lucky I love you.”

“I’m very lucky you love me.” She replied cheekily, before picking up where she left off.

Kya pulled her into a slow dance.

They clumsily and joyfully spun around barefoot in the soft grass. Fireflies flew around them as the glade came alive with gentle movement, soft humming, and moonlight.

Their laughter filled the air as they spun out of tune until they grew too dizzy to stand. Resulting in them collapsing onto the blanket in a heap, giggling like teenagers.

Lin spoke through a breathless laugh, “I haven’t felt this ridiculous in years.”

Kya acted offended, trying to bite back a laugh,  “Ridiculous? I don’t know about you, but I am grace itself.”

Turning over and raising herself onto her elbow, Lin gazed down at the healer who was failing to keep a straight face. She raised her other hand, lightly tracing her fingers over Kya’s cheek, before leaning down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips.

When she pulled back, Kya opened her eyes slowly, blinking dreamily.

“What was that for?” she asked quietly.

Lin smiled softly. ”No reason. Just… you being you.“

Blood rushed to the healer’s cheeks, warming them in the cool night air. She lightly shoved Lin on the shoulder.

“You sap.”

She chuckled, “No one would believe you if you told them.”

Kya simply hummed in response as she waited for Lin to lie back down, so she could lay her head on her chest. The quiet wrapped around them, the soft breeze cooling their skin, and the steady beat of Lin’s heart was like a lullaby to Kya.

“That one there,” the healer said while raising her hand, pointing to the night sky, “is the Little Dipper. And that cluster there is the Maiden’s Lantern. And that–“

“–Looks like a goat.” Lin interrupted. 

Kya snickered as she lightly slapped the carpenter’s chest. “It’s the Jester’s Hat.”

“It’s definitely a goat,” she deadpanned, not believing for a second that the cluster of stars was some sort of hat.

They debated for a while longer on what stars were what before falling into a comfortable silence. They broke into the snacks, enjoying the berry wine straight from the bottle since Kya forgot to pack cups. Starlight washed over them as they lost themselves in conversation, enjoying the warmth between them and the simple joy of being together.

Chapter Text

The fireflies floated around through the silver moonlight, casting a soft, golden glow across their faces.

Crouched behind a wide, moss-covered tree and peeking through the vines was Bumi. A soft smile spread across his face as he observed Kya gently tug on Lin’s hand, pulling her into a slow, imperfect dance. Their laughter echoed through the glade, unrestrained and full of joy, as they spun around in the grass.

Bumi let out a soft chuckle at their carefree behavior. Pride welled in his chest at the easy smiles on both women’s faces. He knew how hard both of them worked and how much they deserved a night to simply be themselves.

He raised his hand and patted himself on the back with mock ceremony. “You did good, old fool.”

With one last look towards the happy couple, he pushed himself up from the ground, brushing off the dirt from his trousers– when he heard it.

Hoofbeats.

Heavy. Measured. Coming closer to him in a rhythm no ordinary beast could make.

He straightened, grasping onto the edges of his vest, leaning back casually against the tree, already grinning. He knew who was coming. There was only one beast in this realm who could shake the earth like that, yet at the same time seem as if it was walking on mist.   

From between thick trees emerged a great white stag, its antlers casting long shadows in the moonlight that slipped through the canopy. Atop the magnificent creature, draped in flowing silver robes that were layered with deep crimson, sat Izumi, Queen of the Elves. Her presence shimmered with ancient elegance and power.

Pulling gently on the reins, she brought the stag to a stop a few feet away from him. Her gaze settled on Bumi, calm and assessing. 

“You summoned me?” she asked, her voice rich and velvety with a touch of authority.

With a smirk on his face, Bumi pushed off the tree, “Fashionably late, as ever.” he stopped beside her, gently placing his hands onto her waist, and helped her down from the saddle.

She moved with the ease of centuries, her boots landing on the earth with a grace born from a lifetime of running through ancient forests. With playfull self-righteousness, she placed her hands on his shoulders and gave a mock huff. “A queen is never late. The world simply arrives too early.”

He grinned, his hands lingering on her waist. “That may be so… but let me have this one.”

She hummed, amused, and softly said. “You always do.”

She raised her hand, running her fingers through his beard, which had grown longer since the last time she’d seen him. Before gently tugging his head down and pulling him into a kiss. For a moment, the forest seemed to fall quiet, holding its breath.

When they parted, Bumi leaned his forehead against hers, wrapping his arms around her.

She curled her arms around his neck, enjoying each other’s embrace, listening to the distant laughter coming from the clearing, and the sounds of nature.

Izumi leaned back slightly, her gaze flickering toward the glade. “And how fair the lovebirds?”

Bumi let out a hushed laugh, his eyes gleaming as he released his grip around her. “See for yourself?”

He took her hand,  brushing his thumb over her rings as he led her to the edge of the clearing. He looked back at her one last time before gently pushing aside the vines just enough for them to peek through.

Through the foliage, they watched as Kya and Lin spun around freely without a care in the world, before tripping and collapsing onto the blanket in a heap of tangled limbs and laughter. The stars above and the quiet forest were their only witnesses.

Izumi stepped closer, leaning her head against his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her.

Bumi carefully placed a kiss on the top of her head, mindful of her silver crown, and whispered against her hair. “Thank you.”

At her curious glance, he smiled and said, “For helping me with this. The fireflies. The little enchantments. Convincing your astronomers to give up their lookout point for the night.”

“Any time, Bumi. You know that,” she replied warmly. Then, with a light chuckle, “Besides, they could use a break. The constant star gazing has them coming up with the most absurd theories.”

They shared a laugh, shaking their heads, smiling at each other. After a moment, Izumi’s tone shifted, more earnest.

“But I would like to meet this sister–in-law of mine someday. And the woman who lured you out of our home into the woods like some siren from an old tale.”

Bumi sighed with a half smile, “I’ll organize it. Eventually.”

He pushed back a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. “I’m sorry for how I left. But the spirits… they were loud, Izumi. They were insistent I needed to protect her. And when I realized she was Kya’s soul mate…“ He shook his head softly, cupping her cheek. “I couldn’t turn away. Even if it meant walking away from you.”

She closed her eyes, smiling sadly, and leaned into his hand. “I know,” she whispered as he ran his thumb over her brow. “The spirits have always guided you where you needed most.”

Izumi laid her hand over his heart, her fingers curling along the edge of his waistcoat. “But I miss you. And so does our son.”

At the mention of their boy, the warlock’s face lit up, brighter than any star.

“Iroh! How is the little firecracker?”

“Not so little anymore,” she replied fondly. “He’s nearly up to my shoulder in height now– and endlessly curious. He’s been pestering the general with questions about what it takes to be a commander. Says he wants his own platoon one day. To defend the forest,” she said with a soft smile, as she remembered the times the general would come to her office to hide from her son, claiming he had meetings he couldn’t miss, only for him to jump out the window and run. 

Bumi beamed, full of pride. “That’s my boy.”

He took a step back, offering his arm to her. Once her hand was tucked safely into his elbow, together, they began their stroll beneath the canopy. The forest came alive around them. Crickets sand. Leaves rustled in the underbrush as curious animals approached to take a peek.

Izumi smiled, knowing her presence usually attracted the wildlife. With a wave of her hand,

soft blue wisps of light drifted through the trees–guides from deep within the forest, curious and playful little things. They floated ahead of them, lighting their path.

He hummed, sending her a sly smirk, “I see you learned a new trick.”

She lifted a brow, fighting back a smirk of her own. “Occasionally, it proves useful to be married to a warlock.”

He grinned, nudging her shoulder playfully, proud that his little lessons in magic he’d taught her over the years came in handy. She feigned offense, adjusting her crown with deliberate elegance as they continued their walk, stepping over roots and fallen logs. 

They talked for hours about Iroh, old legends, forgotten spells, the cultural differences, and half-remembered songs. About love and the ways to keep it alight, even from afar.

While sharing stories, they hadn’t been able to convey over letters, the sky began to pale, and the birds stirred in the trees, they made their way back. By the time the first traces of lavender stretched across the horizon, mist had begun to rise.  Izumi mounted the stag once more.

Once situated, she leaned down and brushed her fingers across his cheek.

“Until the stars call us together again.”

“I’ll be listening.” He replied, eyes heavy but heart full.

He murmured a levitation spell under his breath to raise him just high enough to give his wife a long, slow, lingering kiss. A goodbye, but never a final one.

When they pulled apart, their heart longed to stay together but knew it wasn’t their time. The spirits had a plan, and both trusted in their guidance. After all, the spirits had brought them together once. They would do it again or suffer the wrath of an angry queen and warlock.

Bumi stood, watching her vanish into the forest, her silver robes trailing behind her like moonlight melting into mist. He tilted his head toward the sky, taking in the soft colors of dawn. 

Behind him in the glade slept his sister, curled up beside her soulmate. The stars began to fade, and he knew it wouldn’t be long before they woke, groggy and complaining about sore backs but not regretful of the night spent under the night sky.

He smiled to himself and murmured to the forest, “Yeah… I did good.”

Before turning and starting the trek back to his crooked little cottage. He figured it would be a smart move to have a pot of coffee brewing by the time the others returned. Someone would need it, either to help wake them up or to simply warm them.

He followed the blue wisps that were dancing ahead of him, leading him home, while they slowly faded as sunlight pierced through the canopy. His body ached with every step he took, yet his soul was light.

After all, spending a night with his beloved had been more than enough.

Chapter Text

Slumping against a tree at the edge of the clearing, Lin clutched her leg, flinching at the pain radiating from the wound hidden beneath her cloak. The deep gash on her thigh throbbed with every step, it was as if fire was licking up her side. It was growing harder to mask the limp in her stride.

Smoke curled up from the chimneys of the houses ahead, indicating the occupants were home. Lin gritted her teeth, forcing her legs to move forward as gravel crunched under her boots. She had managed to make it out of the village and through the woods undetected, and she damn well was going to reach the healing hut without Kya seeing her and before she collapsed.

As she limped along the edge of the clearing, using the trees for support, an all too familiar voice cut through the air.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in!” Her annoying neighbor called out from his garden, a smirk tugging at his lips as he wiped his hands on a rag.

Lin turned toward him, shooting him a glare as she gestured for him to ‘shut up’ before her girlfriend heard him and came out to investigate. Yet she miscalculated, because the moment she faced him, the sun shone on her just right.

The warlock’s brows furrowed, his smirk fading away as he took in her irregularly slouched posture. His gaze trailed down her form, pausing at the hand clutching her thigh, lingering on the tear in her brown trousers. But that wasn’t what set off warning bells in his mind. It was the blood pulsing out from under her palm. 

The rag slipped from between his fingers, hitting the ground without a second thought.

“Ugh, Kya!” He yelled, his voice tinged with panic. “We got a bleeder!”

Lin groaned, dropping her head in defeat. The last person she wanted to know about this was Kya. She didn’t want to worry her about this, it was just a scratch.

The front door opened, and Kya emerged with a curious tilt of her head. “What did you do now?”

Bumi pointed to the edge of the woods.

Her gaze landed on a dishiveled Lin. Her expression brightened at the sight of her, yet when her eyes caught the blood seeping from between Lin’s fingers, she didn’t hesitate.

She sprinted toward her, the hem of her skirt fluttering in the wind as strands of hair came loose from her low bun. Her features were etched with concern.

“Kya, I’m fine.” Lin rasped as she grew near, trying to reassure her, but the hoarseness in her voice betrayed the lie.

The healer scuffed, “Sure you are,” she muttered, slipping an arm around the carpenter’s waist. “Come on.”

“I said I’m fin–“

“Oh, hush.” Kya snapped, but there was no bite in her tone, just worry. “You’re bleeding through your trousers, Lin.”

Before she could open her mouth and protest again, Bumi had jogged over and looped her arm over his shoulder. Together, the siblings half-carried, half-dragged her toward the healing hut behind the cottage.

Lin hated every second of it. She hated being carried, the feeling of weakness that overtook her, but any energy she had to fight them off vanished with the last of her adrenaline.

Bumi kicked the door open, receiving an annoyed glare from his sister at the boot print left behind.

She led them through the door, guiding them towards the right, where they gently eased Lin onto the exam table. Causing her to groan as she settled against it.

“Bumi.” Kya said over her shoulder while reaching for the pitcher of water, “Thank you. Now, out.”

“But I-“

“Out.”

He huffed before leaving dramatically, throwing his arms up in the air and muttering under his breath about being underappreciated in times of crisis.

The healer rolled her eyes as she pulled the curtain closed for privacy. When she turned, she found her partner trying to sit up.

“Lie down.” She said, while pressing gently on her shoulder. “Don’t make me have to strap you to the table.”

Lin grunted but eased herself back, wincing at the pull on her wound. She turned her head, watching Kya cut away the fabric of her trousers. She grimaced at the fact that her favorite pants were now nothing other than blood-soaked scraps of linen.

Kya, noticing her facial expression, simpky patted her hip, “I’ll buy you a new pair. These were getting ratty anyway,” she said, earning a soft, amused huff from the other woman as she examined the wound.

Her eyes narrowed at the depth of the gash. It wasn’t deep enough to be life-threatening, but just enough to clearly hurt like the dickens.

She reached behind her, grabbed a bottle of wine, and set it next to Lin’s knee. Then she proceeded to unwrap the makeshift tourniquet. Once done, she braced her one hand on her partner’s hip and grabbed the bottle.

“Wanna tell me how this happened?”

The carpenter looked at her and then the wine bottle, recognizing it as a way to distract her. Instead of answering, she clenched her jaw and nodded her head before gripping the edge of the table.

The healer sighed before pouring the wine onto the wound. The body below her tensed, lifting slightly off the table, causing blood to escape the wound from the movement. Kya put down the bottle and grabbed linens to apply pressure over the gash. Giving her partner an expectant look as they wait for the bleeding to abate. 

Lin didn’t answer right away. She inhaled, trying to calm herself and ease the tension from her body.

“I saw her.”

Kya’s eyes widened as her hands stilled, “Suyin?”

Lin nodded once, turning her head, her gaze landing on the shelves lining the wall. “She was in the village. Walking with her husband, I think. She looked…” her breath hitched as Kya wiped at the wound. “…sad. Haunted almost.”

Kya didn’t say anything, not wanting to pressure her. She reached for the poppy seeds to make tea, which would help alleviate the pain. Although before she could, a steaming cup appeared next to the jar. Sending a silent thanks to her brother, she turned with it in her hand and helped her girlfriend drink it.

Once done, she started to gather the supplies she’d need to suture the wound shut as Lin continued.

“I was across the square when I saw her. At first, I froze, but then I noticed a man trailing behind her with a blade hidden in his sleeve.” She paused, a thoughtful look on her face. ”Even after everything, I couldn’t let her get hurt. I walked over and pushed her out of the way when he struck, and got hit me in the leg instead. The guards caught on and took him away.”

Kya’s hands froze above the table as she was about to place her supplies down. “Did she recognize you?”

“No,” Lin stated, her voice quiet. “She tried to help me get up. Reached out her hand, but I… shoved her away. Then stalked off.”

“Why?” Kya asked softly as she removed the linen.

Lin let out a heavy sigh before responding. “I may have wanted to protect her, but I wasn’t ready to see her.”

Kya nodded, giving her calf a reassuring squeeze. After all, she knew the feeling, she had similar struggles with her own younger brother.

The silence settled between them. The healer knew that her girlfriend was feeling exposed and didn’t know what to do in this situation. She’d usually go split firewood until she’d work off her emotions, but in this case, she was trapped on the table. Nowhere to go as Kya threaded the needle.

Once she was done, she grabbed a thick, folded cloth from the bowl. She took a few steps over and stood by Lin’s head. With her free hand, she brushed the damp cloth across the carpenter’s forehead.

“Alright, no more sad topics,” Kya said softly.

Lin offered her a faint smile, “Thank you, Love.”

The healer smiled before leaning down and kissing her forehead. “But I’m going to need to distract you for this next part.”

The carpenter scoffed lightly. “Go ahead. Just not one of Bumi’s crazy elf stories.”

Kya chuckled. “No. I’ll tell you about Korra.”

Lin arched a brow. “Your niece?”

Kya hummed softly, her face softening into a kind of warmth the other woman didn’t see often in this world. One that was full of pride and deeply tender.

“Bite down on this,” she said, holding out a rolled-up cloth.

“Is it clean?” the other woman asked, eyeing it warily after grabbing the healer’s wrist.

The pointed glare she received from her girlfriend shut her up. She let her place the rag between her teeth without further complaint. 

The healer sat down, taking the needle in her hand, and began the first stitch. “She’s a storm, that one. Managed to get stuck out in a blizzard as a kid and bonded with a white wolf pup. Named her Naga. Now she rides her through the tundra like a mythical warrior out of legend.”

Lin tilted her head, interested in what was being shared despite the pain. She’d flinch every time she felt the needle puncture her skin, but didn’t pull away.

Kya would send her apologetic looks but kept going nonetheless. “Apparently, a little while back, she got engaged,” the healer added, unable to keep the smile out of her voice. “Remember that letter I got?” At her girlfriend’s nod, she continued. “Well, it was about the engineer she managed to snag from the east. Her name is Asami Sato. She had gone up north with her father on business, met Korra, and… well, never left. Now, Hiroshi jokes about how he lost a daughter to the snow,” she said, finishing up with the last suture.

Lin reached up and removed the rag from her mouth once the stitching was done. “Does Hiroshi know about the engagement?”

A huff escaped Kya’s lips as she applied bandages. “From my understanding, no. He thinks his daughter stayed up there to help with construction. He’s going to be in for a rude awakening next time he visits.”

They both shared a laugh, imagining the man’s face when he finds out, as the healer finished bandaging the carpenter’s leg.

When she was done, Lin swung her legs over the side of the table and sighed. “I always thought the legends of the northern warrior women were just bedtime stories.”

“They’re real,” Kya said as she cleaned up. “Just rare. Korra is a living legend.” Pride shining in her eyes.

Lin followed her movements, knowing she’d get banished to the floor if she tried to get up on her own. “Sounds like a story someone should sculpt,” she murmured.

Kya looked over her shoulder, taking in the slightly drowsy look in her partner’s eyes, and smiled. “Maybe someone will,” she said softly, putting the last things she had used away on the shelf. She helped Lin into the house, deciding to postpone the blood cleanup or, better yet, make Bumi do it.

Later that night, long after Kya had gone to bed and the house had gone still. Lin sat up, leaning against the headboard, with a sketchbook in her lap. Her fingertips were covered in charcoal as she drew a rough outline of a woman with wild hair, bow drawn tight mid hunt, with a monstrous yet regal beast beside her.

She knew for now all she could do was sketch, after that’s all her Kya would allow.

But Lin’s hands itched with inspiration. She needed to sculpt and couldn’t wait to walk or hobble over to her workshop to do just that.

Although she’d wait a few days, if only to avoid Kya’s wrath.

Maybe.