Day 5: Fic - Avatar the Last Airbender (Katara)

[alchemicink]

As a waterbender, Katara strikes me as a character who's in tune with nature and has a deep appreciation for it

Title: Return to the flow
Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender
Rating: G
Link: here on ao3 or you can read the full fic under the cut:

Katara stands at the edge of the Swamp, taking in the sight of the tree branches stretched out as far as she can see. It's the first time she's been back here since she and Aang and Sokka passed through during the war.

It doesn't look any different than before.

Katara is the one who's changed in the time since. As she begins walking through, she can more easily sense the water all around her. Not just the muddy pools between the trees, but the water flowing through the plants themselves.

Being surrounded by an abundance of water reminds her of home, even if the temperatures here are warmer and the water isn't frozen.

There remains a certain eeriness to the Swamp. The tree canopy blocks out most of the light above, and mist lurks around most corners. But Katara finds it more comforting this time. There's a certain familiarity to it. Like being embraced by the echo of old memories.

The trek through is quieter and more peaceful than she expects. No visions but plenty of thoughts to keep her company. Once she reaches the other side, it won't be long before she meets back up with Aang and the others, and they'll continue their work to restore balance to the world after the devastation left behind by the war.

But, for now, she simply enjoys her walk through the Swamp, following the ceaseless flow of the water.

Comments

[cmk418]

Beautiful story. I particularly liked this line- There's a certain familiarity to it. Like being embraced by the echo of old memories.

Thank you for sharing this with us!

[alchemicink]

Thank you! I rewrote that particular line a few times before I finally got it to feel right. I'm glad you enjoyed the fic 🥰

[lokifan]

she can more easily sense the water all around her. Not just the muddy pools between the trees, but the water flowing through the plants themselves.

<3 I love this idea.

[alchemicink]

I thought it made sense with her growth throughout the series 🥰 Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[apachefirecat]

I love the concept of her being aware of the actual water in even the trees! I admit I've not seen very many episodes of this show yet, so it may be an actual thing in the fandom, but I HAVE read/watched a number of things with other Water Elementals and the likes and never across this concept before! I wonder why? Would definitely like to see this aspect further explored!

[alchemicink]

No spoilers here but it is something that's touched on a bit in the later part of the series, and so I decided to reference it in the fic. I think it's such a cool concept too!