Red Moon, Blue Fire

Unexpected Encounters in the North

To say that Katara was annoyed would be an understatement. It had been two weeks since she, along with the Avatar and her brother had arrived at the North Pole in search of a Master water bender. Their arrival was interesting to say the least. The Northern Water Tribe, was a sprawling mass of interconnected villages and small cities of intricate structures crafted from hardened snow and ice. At the center of the sprawling metropolis, was the capital city of Agna Qel'a. Being the capital city, Agna Qel'a was abundant in all things that were lacking in the small villages of the Southern Water Tribe. There were multiple hospitals, one of which was designated for training healers, all of which were women, to the chagrin of Katara. Water Benders were trained here as well, mainly in combat and building. The capital was also home to Chief Arnook, current chief of the Northern Water Tribe. He was slightly older than Hakoda, father of Katara and her brother Sokka. Arnook had one daughter, around the age of seventeen, standing out with her white hair, a sign from her being blessed by the spirit of the moon.

But the crown jewel of the beautiful capital could easily be the hidden Spirit Oasis, only learned about by Katara due to her travelling with Avatar Aang. It was a beautiful open valley, warm, with the only grass found at either of the two poles. But none of these things could be cause for the young water bender of the Southern Water Tribe to be upset. She learned quickly that she would not be able to learn water bending, as tradition deemed it for the men only. This was punctuated by the fact that the water bending master, Pakku, refused to acknowledge Katara. Even after she had instigated a fight with him, which is why she now found herself silently fuming on the stairs leading to the Hall of Chieftains.

Hearing shuffling beside her, she found herself joined by Princess Yue, daughter of Chief Arnook. Yue was the picture of elegance, everything Katara had imagined a princess would ever be. And she was beautiful, with a round face, full lips and kind eyes the color of azure, strikingly accented by her white hair.

"Hello Katara," Yue smiled politely as she sat next to the other girl, "Still upset?"

"Of course I am!" Katarra grumbled, crossing her arms.

"Hmm. I could possibly help you. It would be, an interesting way to learn of course. But it could get Pakku on your good side."

"What?? How? Please, please I'll do anything!" Katara turned, bright eyed with excitement.

Yue laughed softly, "Just borrow Appa and meet me back here at midnight."

The older girl rose, and began to walk away slowly before looking back over her shoulder, "Oh and Katara? Please tell Sokka that I'm not interested."

Feeling new resolve, the young water bender weaved her way through the city to find her brother. This proved to be a slightly difficult task. Sokka was very sporadic, every time they arrived in a new place or came across new people not actively trying to kill them. He felt the need to gain as much knowledge as possible. Katara found this as endearing as she found it annoying. After what seemed like hours, she finally found him in the library. Walking toward him, she leaned over and whispered, "Sokka."

As expected she got no response. Huffing in annoyance she tried again, "Sokka."

"Sokka."

"Sokka."

"Idiot older brother."

"Sokka."

Seeing as how her brother's name left her in the same position as she started, Katara opted for a new tactic, "Sokka, I just had a very interesting conversation with the princess."

Immediately her brother spun around, grasping Katara's hands in his own. His eyes were shining as he smiled at Katara, "Dear sweet baby sister, please tell me what she said! Was it my charm? My manly manliness?"