[One year later]
It had been a year since Gale arrived at the Northern Tribe. Instead of enjoying the beauty of the tribe, most of his time was dedicated to the spiritual world.
His time in the physical world was minimal, limited to basic physiological needs.
Upon returning to the physical world, Gale noticed the passage of time by the incense that had now completely burned out.
"I presume three days have passed," Gale said casually as he got up. "Wan Shi Tong is truly a fascinating spirit."
During these three days, Gale chose to get closer to the spirit Wan Shi Tong, known as the one who knows ten thousand things. This granted him the privilege of accessing all the knowledge in the spirit's library.
As he got up and opened the door, Gale sensed the presence of Desna and Eska, a routine occurrence. They were tasked with alerting Gale when his presence was required.
"Gale," Desna called dryly.
"My dear." Eska said with a respectful tone.
Facing this scene, Gale cut to the chase.
"My wife and her twin brother. What do you want?" he casually inquired as he walked down the hallway.
Passing by the twins, his question was promptly answered.
"Our father orders your presence," the twins said simultaneously.
Gale waved his hand in agreement; after all, that was their purpose, simply to notify him.
Finally, upon reaching the palace room, which resembled more of a throne, he paid his respects to Unalaq.
"Did you call me, master?" Gale said, bowing.
Unalaq smiled satisfactorily.
"No need to bow, Gale. We are family now," Unalaq said with an ironic tone.
Gale understood the message; a year ago, Unalaq had proposed the idea of marrying Eska to him. More control over his disciple, submission, and the possibility of a bloodbender lineage. Who wouldn't want that? A pawn should not have power over the king.
Gale chuckled internally; he didn't mind marrying Eska. It didn't bind him to Unalaq; on the contrary, it provided him with more power.
Upon hearing Unalaq's proposal, Gale pretended surprise and immediately accepted. The next day, Eska already wore a necklace specially crafted by Gale. Sure, at the time, she displayed a look of disgust, but the necklace was truly magnificent.
"I would like to inform you that we will attend the Southern Festival tomorrow, Gale. I would like you to come with us; we will also visit my brother's family. I presume Avatar Korra will be present," Unalaq said, his words carrying hidden meanings.
Gale understood that he had no choice but to agree.
"I would love to attend the festival; no day brings me more joy than this one. I look forward to tomorrow," Gale said with a solemn voice.
As he prepared to return to his room, an important matter came to mind.
"By the way, is there any news about me taking the position of the Northern representative on the Republic Council?" Gale casually inquired.
Unalaq glanced at Gale, who was now facing away from him. He knew this kid was planning something, but he was unsuccessful in figuring out what. Maybe he shouldn't have raised a fox's cub; after all, they would eventually devour their owners.
"Tarrlok will not resign from the position. After all, you are not naturally from the North. A foreigner," Unalaq continued. "See, it's not me who thinks that way; it's the people of the North."
Gale's expression, briefly revealing a glimpse of anger, quickly returned to his usual serenity.
"Very well, thank you, Master," Gale said, opening the door and heading to his room.
As he walked through the corridors, his attention was drawn to the twin brothers walking in perfect synchrony. As they passed by each other, both sides ignored each other.
Both parties were aware that marriage and family ties were just a façade for the public.
Upon entering his room, the scent of incense mixed with the sea breeze enveloped Gale's nostrils. Heading to his lotus position in the center of the room, he prepared to enter the spiritual world.
Diving into meditation, this was his most delicate moment. He would have to resort to bloodbending to slow down his bloodstream, as he still couldn't access the spiritual world without simulating a near-death state.
Closing his eyes and opening them again, a scenery he hadn't contemplated for a long time unfolded before his vision.
"Xai Bau's Grove."
Xai Bau's Grove lay before him, in the depths of the Spirit World. A densely populated canyon of trees stretched, with grass covering the entire forest and countless stones scattered around. A stream of red water flowed through the mountainous forest, while the sky displayed a yellow-orange hue.
After revisiting various memories in the Tree of Time, he finally rediscovered this place, where an aura of immense tranquility manifested. It was the meeting point of the Red Lotus members in the Spirit World.
Soon, a voice echoed in the forest behind Gale.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Gale," the voice conveyed a nostalgic feeling.
Turning to face the source of the voice, a smile illuminated Gale's face.
"Zaheer, my old friend. How long has it been?" Gale expressed as he approached the man and gave him a warm embrace.