Maku raises from his bed, rubbing his face with his colder hands. He sits still for a moment as he gains his breath for the day. He shucks off the layers of his bed, the quilts and pelts of fur, standing up with his thick padded shoes. He walks across his room and grabs his heaviest coat, already knowing that today would be a cold one.

Maku dresses in his clothes and does his hair, putting the long black locks up in a bun, pulling out the small braids near his ears. He walks out of his bedroom and past his mother, kissing her on the cheek before stepping out of the small home. Maku shivers for a moment but quickly gets used to it, this is his home and he is quite adapted to the environment.

Life in the Northern Water Tribe is simple yet fruitful. He could never dream of leaving here. He has a large family, many siblings and cousins, and a great community. Each day he wakes up early as the sun begins to rise and assists the daily fishing trips. The tribe is rich with culture, a sense of belonging, and overall community.

Maku walks through the streets, nodding his head as he passes the other Water Tribesmen. He smiles as he watches a grandmother walk her granddaughter to the market. He walks past the temple and to your home to wake you up.

You and Maku have been close friends since childhood, and both of you having water bending abilities meant that you bonded even more. You and Maku were inseparable, practically connected at the hip. Anyone that knew either of you would be confused when one was separated from the other.

Maku walks up to the steps and into your home. He sees your mother in the kitchen and greets her by holding her forearm. He walks past her, past your brothers, and into your bedroom. He groans softly when he sees that you’re still asleep. It’s getting later and at this rate you’ll miss the fishing boat. “Wake up.” Maku grunts, throwing one of the pelts onto your head.