Early the next morning, Iroh and Chiara left their quarters to meet with Master Pakku, the waterbending instructor. The two warriors who were assigned to them took them to the master's quarters. When they entered, Pakku stood up to meet his guests. Chiara thought he looked quite the opposite of Iroh. His tall, thin build contrasted with the general's shorter, and now heavier, frame. His pale blue eyes were crowned by white eyebrows that matched his white hair, and she wondered if they ever relaxed from the piercing glare he was giving them.
Iroh paid no attention to the harsh, icy look the man gave him.
"Master Pakku," he greeted him merrily as he and Chiara bowed to him.
Chiara wanted to giggle at Iroh's cheerfulness. She was sure he filled his greeting with far more cheer than he usually would just to offset the irascibility of their host.
"I am Iroh and this is Lady Chiara..."
"Yes, I know who you are," Pakku interrupted curtly.
Iroh's pleasant disposition never wavered amid Pakku's animosity. "We've been sent to you to request waterbending training for Chiara."
"Do you know nothing of our customs?" the master asked in a condescending tone.
"I'm afraid I do not," said Iroh calmly.
"Then let me enlighten you. It is forbidden for women to learn waterbending."
"I don't believe I ever heard of men-only waterbenders," said Iroh.
"Women waterbenders learn to heal from Yagoda," said Pakku.
"But what about Avatar Kyoshi and Avatar Yangchen?" asked Chiara.
He turned his pale blue eyes to her. "Are you the Avatar?" he asked rudely.
"Not that I'm aware of, sir," she answered simply.
Iroh held back a chuckle at her answer. "Thank you for enlightening us, Master Pakku," he said politely. "Where do we find Master Yagoda?"
"Yagoda is in the healing hut."
They bowed again and walked with the warriors to the healing hut where they entered to see an elderly woman preparing for her class.
"Are you Master Yagoda?" asked Iroh.
"I am. You must be General Iroh of the Fire Nation," she said, her voice lacking any of the hostility of Pakku.
Iroh smiled. "I see the news travels fast here."
"And this is the young waterbender?" she asked stepping closer to study her.
"This is Lady Chiara," introduced Iroh.
"Master Yagoda," said Chiara as she bowed to her. She was relieved to find that Yagoda was far more welcoming than Pakku.
"Clearly you've shown signs of waterbending if you came all this way to be trained."
"Yes, Master Yagoda," answered Chiara.
"Have you had any formal training?"
"I have not."
"Have you ever healed any wounds?"
"Yes," she answered softly. There was a sadness in her voice that Yagoda did not catch, but Iroh knew she was reminded of the victim of the lightning strike.
"Since you've had no formal training, we'll start with the basics."
Chiara nodded her head. "I understand."
"I am quite curious," started Iroh, "Chiara has shown some skill in healing others, but she is unable to heal her own wounds."
Yagoda considered her thoughtfully before finally speaking. "Let me see your hands," she said to her.
Chiara held them out, and Yagoda took them in her own, her crystal blue eyes studying them closely.
"I have heard of this before. It's very rare. I've only known one healer who could not heal herself."
"What does it mean?" asked Chiara wondering if she was just weaker than other waterbenders.
"I believe it means you were born to serve."
"Born to serve?" asked Iroh with a strong emphasis on 'serve.' Despite his recent humbling journey, the royal blood in his veins struggled with this.
"Like a mother serves her family," said Chiara.
"Yes, exactly," smiled Yagoda with a hint of excitement in her voice. "You understand."
Iroh's struggle disappeared and was replaced with amazement at Chiara's point of view and even more so at her wisdom.
"You recognize your destiny already," said the older woman. "It is for you to take care of others."
Memories filled Iroh's mind: images of Chiara always helping and serving in his household, her coming to him after Lu Ten's death to take care of him and comfort him, her willingness to help others during their journey through the Earth Kingdom.
"And you've known of only one other healer like this?" he asked.
"Yes. She was the greatest healer in all the Northern Water Tribe. She was my master, Kurra. At one time, before the war people from all the Nations traveled here seeking her touch."
Young girls began entering the hut.
"Come," said Yagoda to Chiara. "We will begin lessons."
Chiara bowed to Iroh who then left as both warriors followed him.
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After leaving Chiara with Yagoda to learn healing techniques, Iroh returned to Pakku's quarters. The waterbender looked up, the annoyed expression on his face making it clear that the guest was not welcome.
"I believe I directed you to Yagoda. Unless you are in need of a waterbending instuctor?" he asked rudely.
Iroh simply smiled and chuckled. "Learning the movements of waterbending might do me good." He rubbed his belly. "Especially if it helps me slim down."
The master was clearly not amused. "It seems to me you would have better luck with that by keeping your mouth closed."
Pakku had not expected the loud laughter that came from the general.
"Lady Chiara has been telling me that quite often lately," said Iroh still chuckling, "though far more politely than I deserve."
The Water Tribesman just glared at him. "Why are you here?" he asked bluntly.
Once Iroh let out the last of his chuckles, his expression became more thoughtful. "Master Pakku," he addressed him in a more serious and polite tone, "if I may have a word with you." He looked at his warrior escorts. "Privately."
Pakku considered him for a moment and then gave a terse nod to the two warriors who left the room.
"I see you enjoy Pai Sho," said Iroh eyeing the board.
Pakku raised an eyebrow.
"I have a proposition for you." He pulled out a white lotus tile.
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That afternoon, Chiara returned to their quarters. She knew Iroh was inside since the two warriors were standing outside the door, and when she approached she bowed to them.
"May I get you warriors anything to drink or eat?" she asked.
They looked at each other surprised by her offer, but they were also a bit suspicious.
"No," they said.
She bowed her head respectfully and then entered the room.
"Welcome home, Lady Chiara," said Iroh as he worked in the tiny kitchen area. "How was your training session today?"
"It was very basic, but still very interesting. And it's already improved what I can do."
"I've always said basics are very important. And healing is a gift that will be quite useful...it's been quite useful," he said remembering their journey through the Earth Kingdom and the few people they encountered that she was able to help by her skill. "Even Jeong Jeong admitted to preferring your gift over his own...and I can't say I wouldn't mind having such a gift myself," he added softly.
"If becoming an expert healer's the only thing I'll learn here, it'll be worth it," she said as she was hanging up her coat.
Though she was inwardly disappointed that she would not learn how to defend or fight, she appreciated that the trip would not be a complete waste.
"Tomorrow, you'll begin waterbending training with Master Pakku," said Iroh casually.
"What?" she asked shocked as she walked over to him. "How? I thought it's forbidden."
"We discussed the necessity of your training over a friendly game of Pai Sho."
"That's incredible. You're amazing."
"I told you Pai Sho is more than just a game."
"I figured that out in Omashu," she smiled.
He was chuckling as he walked by her. "You will still continue your healing training. You'll train every other day with Pakku."
She nodded now inwardly excited that she would be learning everything she could about waterbending.
"What is that?" he asked of the small package she had in her hand.
"Fish for Raptor."
She unwrapped it and held the small fish over him in his cage. He nipped at it with his beak and then grabbed it from her pulling it into his cage. Holding the fish down with his talons he tore off small pieces of its flesh.
"After a week of this diet, you're not going to want to leave Prince Zuko," she said to the hawk.
"It's quite a coincidence," said Iroh as he placed their food on the table. "That's exactly what we're having."
"You're going to be as good as Tai soon," she said as they sat down.
"Oh, how I miss Tai's cooking," he said dreamily. He looked at her. "Not that you're a bad cook," he said. "Earth Kingdom food just wasn't the same as it is at home."
"I agree," she said.
They took a bite of their dinner.
"Nor is Water Tribe food," he whispered.
She softly laughed and nodded.
"I offered some food to your escorts outside, but they refused," she said.
"My escorts," he said dryly.
"Apparently, I'm not that much of a threat."
Iroh laughed. "If they knew how well you fight with your sword, they would have two more escorts just for you," he said in a low voice.
She smiled.
"It doesn't seem much different than having Imperial Firebenders following you everywhere," she said.
"Now I have Imperial Waterbenders," he laughed. "Destiny is a funny thing."
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The following day, Chiara began her studies with Master Pakku. Often during training he was harsher with her than he was with his male students as he was not happy about training her, but she patiently endured any humiliation or extra tasks he set her to without complaint.
Several days after their arrival, Chief Arnook decided to have a feast as rumors about their guests had been spreading through the Tribe. When Iroh and Chiara entered the hall, Chief Arnook greeted them.
"General Iroh, Lady Chiara," he said. "This is my daughter Princess Yue."
They were both astonished to see the princess's snow white hair. Iroh immediately bowed to her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Yue," he said.
Chiara followed his lead. "Princess Yue, I'm honored."
The princess nodded her head to them before they all knelt around the table, Yue and Chiara sitting next to each other. Yue was curious about their new guests. She had never known anyone close to her age from outside the North Pole.
"I've been told that you're a waterbender," she said to Chiara.
"Yes, Princess," she said. "Are you as well?"
"No," she answered. "But please call me Yue. Aren't you a princess too?"
"No."
"But I heard that your father was chief of his tribe. Doesn't that make you a princess?"
This made Chiara smile. She was reminded of how Zuko used to tease her about having to call her princess one day when Iroh would become Fire Lord.
"I guess it does," she answered. "But he died when I was young, and I only just found out he was the chief. In the Fire Nation they address me as Lady Chiara."
"So you grew up in the Fire Nation?" asked Yue.
"I did."
"What was that like?"
"There's no ice," smiled Chiara. "The General's manor is made of stone, and he has the most beautiful garden with flowers of all colors and fruit trees."
Yue was smiling at her description, and it reminded her of a place hidden in the city.
"There are all kinds of birds and insects that fly around," continued Chiara. "And it's also much warmer there."
"You don't like the cold?" asked the princess.
"Actually I enjoy it, but after living so long in the Fire Nation, I had to acclimate to the lower temperatures here."
"My father said you plan on returning to the Fire Nation. Why don't you want to remain here?"
"The General is like a father to me. Wherever he is is home," answered Chiara. "Besides, my best friend lives in the Fire Nation. We only have a few years left to...to be together."
"Why only a few years?" asked Yue.
"He's the Crown Prince now. He'll have to take a wife one day."
"He's not to free to choose his own?" she asked.
"He is, but she must be from the Fire Nation," said Chiara sadly.
"I understand how difficult that is," said Yue looking down. "When I'm sixteen my father will arrange a marriage for me."
"The General sometimes speaks of finding me a worthy husband," Chiara said softly, "but then he seems upset by it and drops the subject."
Yue leaned close to her. "I wish my father would drop the subject," she whispered.
They both giggled.
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As soon as Chiara had time, she wrote a letter to Zuko.
Dear Prince Zuko, as always, I hope this letter finds you well. We made it safely to our next stop. I'm not sure for how long we'll be here, but it may be a while.
I'm happy to hear that Master Piandao and Fat are doing well, but it's a shame your training time with him has been cut to only two days. It's good though that you'll be spending more time learning your new duties around the palace. Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to train, and your uncle prefers Pai Sho over swords, so you may find me a bit out of practice when we return.
Your uncle's been adjusting very well to the changes in our journey. Every place we've visited has been so different, and this current one is unlike any we've visited so far. I'm very proud of him and how well he's adapted (sometimes he even cooks—and not just tea!). I hope to see you soon. Your humble and loyal subject, Chiara.
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By the end of her first week of training, it became clear to Pakku that she was a prodigy as she quickly became proficient in her skills. Many times, Iroh joined them during training, and just as Chiara practiced firebending moves, he practiced the movements of waterbending. Every other day she studied healing, and in their down time, she and Iroh enjoyed exploring Agna Qel'a. Chiara also met other kids her age, and she spent a lot of her free time with Princess Yue who enjoyed asking her questions about the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. Surak also insisted she spend time with him and his family with the hope that she might decide to remain with them. And after the first month, Chief Arnook finally removed their escorts as it seemed clear to everyone that they were not spies.
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One day after they finished training, Iroh and Chiara sat in their quarters talking over dinner.
"I believe I have discovered a technique for redirecting lightning," he said.
She looked up at him. "Really?"
"Guiding the flow through my body, through my stomach and away from the heart, I can guide it in a different direction."
Her eyes were wide. "That's incredible."
"I just hope I never have to use it."
Her eyes fell back to her plate. "It would be just as helpful as healing a lightning strike," she said sadly.
He could tell by the change in the tone of her voice that she was thinking about Nisha's husband. "You cannot continue to carry that guilt, Chiara. It wasn't your fault."
She poked the food on her plate with her chopsticks unable to eat any more. "I still wish I could've helped him."
"You won't be able to help everyone."
"I know," she said softly.
"What about you," he said desiring to take her mind off the tragedy. "Did you learn anything new today?"
"We were practicing water massages," she answered. She looked up at him. "Would you like to see what it's like?"
His smile grew at the offer. "Oh, I never refuse a massage."
She giggled softly and then stood up sliding his plate and cup to the other side of the table.
"Lean forward," she said. "You can rest your arms on the table."
He followed her instructions. She drew up water and moved it around over his back while it glowed. Iroh felt like he was melting and his head slowly came to rest on his forearms.
"Oh, Chiara...that...that feels wonderful." Every muscle in his back felt relaxed and free from aches he did not even realize had been there. "This is better than any massage I've ever received," he said nearly slurring his words. "I'm firing all the masseurs at the palace back home."
She was laughing at his words. She continued the massage until he was nearly asleep, and when she stopped she sat down across from him again.
"That technique alone was worth the trip," he said as he reluctantly sat up. She slid his plate back in front of him. "All the Nations really are meant to complement one another; they each have their own gifts to share." He looked at her. "And that water massage has just become one of my favorites of Water Tribe contribution."
She smiled.
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A few months into their stay, they were sitting at the table playing Pai Sho after dinner.
"Chiara, would you like to stay with Surak and his family for a week?"
"Are you trying to distract me?" she asked as she tried to concentrate on her next move.
"Is it working?" he said with a devious smile.
She was thinking about which of two tiles to set down. "Yes."
She finally placed one of them on the board.
"Aside from the successful distraction," he said when he saw her tile, "it is a legitimate question."
She looked up at him suspiciously. "Why?"
He set down a tile.
"I would like to spend some time in the Spirit Oasis," he said softly. "And I don't want you to be here alone...especially as we no longer have our Imperial Waterbenders to protect us," he smirked.
She was silent as she thought about his intentions. "I don't mind staying with them," she said as she took her turn.
He smiled appreciative of her understanding, and then he placed down his winning tile.
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Chiara continued writing Zuko regularly, telling him what she could without giving away her location. She enjoyed receiving his letters in return and saved every one of them. The week after spending time with Surak and his family, she took the time to write him again.
Dear Prince Zuko, I'm always happy to hear from you, but I'm sorry to hear that you're not learning what you expected to after all this time. I'm sure your uncle will be willing to help you when we return. He's a great teacher, as you already know, and more than experienced for that task.
This past week I stayed with some friends while he went on a journey on his own. I had hoped he would find what he was looking for, but unfortunately he told me he didn't. Although, I do believe he's found more peace than he realizes.
I'm not sure how much longer we'll be here, but I'm learning a lot of new things, but I still miss our lessons together, and I especially miss sparring with you too. I've been able to spar with some locals here, and I've even learned to use their unique weapons, but nothing beats training with you with our swords. I can't wait to see you.
Your humble and loyal subject, Chiara
-------------------------------------------
It was nearly six months into her training when Iroh and Chiara were in their room one evening keeping warm by the fire after dinner.
"I believe it is time to return to the Fire Nation," said Iroh softly.
"When do we leave?"
"I was thinking next week."
Though Chiara enjoyed spending time with the Water Tribe and learning more about waterbending, she missed the Fire Nation as it was the only home she remembered, and she missed Zuko. She knew, however, it would be different. Lu Ten was gone, and Zuko no longer lived next door and was now the crown prince, but she was still ready to be home again.
"You're doing quite well in your training," said Iroh. "Master Pakku has been quite impressed with your skills. And there are also a few young men who have expressed interest in marriage," he added softly.
Her eyes immediately met his. "What?"
"A few men have asked for your hand." It was not a subject he liked discussing with her. He had discovered years earlier that it was easier for him to speak of marriage arrangements for Lu Ten than for Chiara, and he wondered if this was common to all fathers of daughters.
"I-I don't want to get married."
"Of course not yet," chuckled Iroh. "You have a few more years, but it's never too early to consider a husband for the future, and it may be wise to choose one from the Water Tribe."
She felt sad and conflicted because she knew she should be interested in the Water tribesmen, but she found she was not.
"If you choose to stay here among your people...your family...I will not force you to return with me," he said. He had to force himself to say his words without betraying his sorrow over thoughts of leaving the North Pole alone without her company and returning to a house empty of children.
"You're my family," she said. "I want to stay with you."
He wanted to hug her for her choice, and as much as it pained him to keep pointing out the advantages of her remaining with the Tribe, he knew he had to be sure that she made the right decision. "If you go back, you will not be able to waterbend anymore."
She silently contemplated his warning.
"I know I'm not a child of the Fire Nation, and I'd probably be killed if anyone found out I'm an outsider, but...but the Fire Nation is home to me. Wherever you are is home to me."
Iroh's heart melted and tears filled his eyes as he took her in his arms and held her.
"You are a gift, Chiara. One I do not deserve," he said as he thought about his past. "I could not have asked for a better daughter..." He released her from his embrace to look in her sea green eyes as he gently caressed her head. "...but forcing you to stop waterbending is forcing you to deny your nature."
"I wouldn't be denying my nature; I'd be practicing self-control. I've done that most of my life."
He was filled with amazement at her wisdom and devotion, and his eyes softened with his smile.
"Besides," she started, "you let me practice on Ember Island when we were alone."
He let out a soft chuckle. "Then if you ever feel the need to express your nature, we will take a trip to Ember Island."
"It won't be the same though," she said sadly as she still missed Lu Ten.
"No, it won't," he said softly. "But we will manage."