Quillbending

Disclaimer: I do not own any of “Avatar: The Last Air Bender's” characters, fandom, etc. This story is for entertainment purposes only and not for profit.

QUILLBENDING

Pairing: Pakku/Kanna
Word Count:
Rating: K

Reunion

The woman stood alone on the icy shore to welcome them. The chilly breeze tugged restlessly at the gray braids that curled over her weathered cheeks, and her blue eyes narrowed as a proud figure, his hair now white with age, descended the lowered plank and stopped to study her for a long, silent moment.

“I see you have done well for yourself, Kanna.” His voice was heavy with sarcasm, his eyes hard and glittering, though his heart ached at the very sight of her. He had dreamed of this meeting, and wondered why it was he could not say anything else now that it had come.

“I have, haven’t I, Pakku?” Her voice was dry, her eyes---as beautiful as ever he remembered---faintly amused. She looked up at him, and said bluntly, “You’ve grown old, Pakku.”

“So have you, Kanna,” he retorted, offended and showing it in the way his expression thinned into a tight-lipped scowl.

“You’re still as stuffy as always, I see,” Kanna noted tartly.

“And I see you’re still as stubborn as an old rhino.” He folded his arms across his chest with a glare.

“Your hair is white now. And thinning.”

“You’ve gotten shorter, Kanna.”

“So I have. Age does that, you know.” Her eyes glinted at him, crinkling up at the corners in amusement.

“Ha! You’re still as sharp-tongued as ever, I see.” His laugh was genuine, as was his admiration. It had never died, though his heart had, all those many years ago.

“It’s good to see you again, Pakku. I’d forgotten how---stimulating---you can be.” Kanna’s blue eyes turned soft, as did her smile.

“And stuffy. Don’t forget stuffy.” There was a warm glint in his eye as they turned their steps toward the distant village huddled among the snowy valleys below.

“Huh. You wouldn’t let me,” Kanna retorted with dry humor. She paused, and looked up at him, her eyes studying his earnestly. “The children---they are well?”

“They are. You would be proud of them, Kanna,” he said gently, remembering the granddaughter who looked so much like her.

“I am, Pakku, I am.” The old woman said smartly, walking ahead of him to wave at the emerging people of the Southern Water Tribe. Pakku watched her, his smile sardonic as he thought idly to himself that it was good he had come.