Avatar The Last Airbender: Water and Fire [ON HOLD]

Chapter 26 - The Northern Water Tribe

The Northern Water Tribe

Royalty in Disguise

The cold climate struck me relentlessly, and I shivered to no end. I tried warming myself through firebending, but soon realized that it was costing me more energy than it would to let myself get a chill. I surrendered to the cold as Appa came to a soft landing. He was tired, and the rest of us needed to stretch our limbs. I followed Aang as we made our way towards the palace. We passed through streets and houses made entirely of ice; I was amazed at how organised and peaceful the city looked. As we walked, swarms of people trailed behind us, shouting and cheering in welcome.

Soon we were at the palace gates and the masses of people farewelled us, before returning to their duties. Inside, the palace was just as majestic. We strolled through a series of passages before entering the main hall. Chief Arnook sat in his throne with an expectant expression on his face. Aang and I greeted him respectfully, and he gestured for me to approach him. “Yes, Chief Arnook?” I asked, as I stood in front of him. “I’m very glad to finally have met you; you look more of a leader than I imagined,” he stated with an impressed smile. I smiled bashfully, “Thank you, though I don’t think I am as great as I seem,” I said looking down.

“Well, I believe that in time you will be as great a leader as I am now. You wouldn’t repeat my mistakes,” he said, standing up. I was slightly confused at his statement, “What do you mean?” I asked wearily. He sighed, turning away from me, so that I could only perceive his back. “It was me who turned your family away from the Northern Water Tribe. You were only five-years-old; I doubt you can remember anything. Your parents ran away with you, and they came here for salvation, but I forced them away instead of granting them safety. As a result, they’ve met their deaths in the Earth Kingdom. I doubt you will forgive me for such a selfish act,” he said in a guilty tone.

The hall was eerily silent. My mouth opened, but I was mute. All my efforts to find inner peace had paid off – I was slightly shocked at remembering this past event, but remained calm and open-minded. I took a deep breath, “It is passed; they’ve died and there’s nothing we can do about it. There is no point in regretting our past actions, for we can gain nothing positive from it. I forgive you – you were only acting for the safety of your own people,” I tried to persuade him. He swivelled to face me again, and he gazed deep into my eyes.

“You are truly wise; especially for one at your age. I am certain you will become a great leader. Thank you, Mi Li; you’ve given me peace of mind. But my past actions cannot be reasoned with – you may not have been residents of the Northern Water Tribe, but you were innocent people all the same. It was unfair to leave you to the mercy of the Fire Nation when it was clear that we could have offered aid,” he said solemnly. I thought of how I could relieve the tension.

“Well, what is done cannot be changed – at least you’ve learned from your mistake,” I said encouragingly. He smiled with hope, “Yes, but my gain has cost you your parents’ lives,” he said. I nodded, “Yes, but without their sacrifice, things wouldn’t be the way they are. I believe it was meant to happen,” I stated confidently. He looked at me determinedly, and nodded. “You’re right. I am ashamed to begin your arrival this way. Let me introduce my wife and my nephew-in-law. I think they are in the dining hall. Follow me,” he said, pushing aside an ice door with us trailing behind.

“This is Saska my wife,” he said gesturing towards a pretty woman with a small but feminine figure. She came to stand next to him, as he wrapped his arm around her waist. She smiled warmly at me, “Welcome, Mi Li. We have heard much about you; I’m glad you’re finally here with us,” she said with a gentle voice. I smiled graciously, “I’m glad to finally meet you too,” I said, bowing my head slightly. Then Chief Arnook gestured to a young man standing a few metres from us. “And this here is Toshiro, my nephew-in-law. He’d be the one to succeed me if you choose not to accept my offer,” he said in a weary tone.