Dearest Kyona,
just before the beginning of the tournament, I meditated for the guidance of my former incarnations so that I may put my best forward. Avatar Aang is the proudest father and he wishes that I convey the message. He says that without your guidance the order would be aimless and of no aid to the avatar.
Now to the matter at hand. Much to my surprise, I was selected to participate in the Ultimate Bending Tournament whereby I was one of the finalist. Your niece, Mo, was however not selected despite her prowess in bending, much to my surprise. I didn't intend to stand out in terms of my fire bending but I guess my inability to blend in and be mediocre is dismal. The tournament brought scrutiny on my apparent past and that was a great deal of stress. Especially since my alleged backstory involves meeting Mo, Shalini and Jasmine in a ferry terminal, there was additional pressure to maintain my cover. I am safely able to say that I have not been made out by the commoners but I cannot say for certain as to what the upper echelons think.
This message would probably reach you after the Champion's Banquet. As for now, I am named the champion in a shocking defeat for the King's Favourite, Aarla s water bender. I beat her in less than a minute, which makes me suspect that there is more to the king's choice than he is letting on. Apparently, according to the Kyoshi warrioirs(in Ba Sing. Se, they provide security for the King and his family), Aarla was nominated by the Crown Prince Aaron on the King's request. Although it was hushed up, Aarla was training with the Prince in the months leading up to the competition which makes this friendship very mysterious. I suspect that the girl is pretending to be the ally of the Avatar, which makes me suspect there is a lack of integrity in her dealings. She is from the Southern water tribe and we lack the contacts to fully investigate her past.
The King was discreet about his dislike in me winning the tournament but it showed when I made small talk with him during the prize presentation ceremony. Aarla was invited for a special high tea with the King. All this makes me uncomfortable. If what I say is proven to be right, our safety in Ba Sing Se may be in jeopardy. Princess Joslin came in a close third. However, it seemed that she was distracted throughout the tournament. I don't know what is on my cousin's mind but I hope she learns to focus soon or there may be a steep penalty to pay.
Ba Sing Se is not free of rumours of a fire nation invasion. As of now figh ting along the borders has intensified which thus brings me to the topic of our first few assignments. We were tasks with transporting food and water to Earthbender troops on the outskirts of the city. We didn't leave the city by the front gate but through the labyrinths constructed by King Hondura which were faster and safer. The labyrinth is unique as only the combined power of the water, fire and earth element as manipulated by the bender allows passage. We were unable to pass through the doors that required an air bender but they nonetheless brought us close enough to the border to deliver the supplies.
Perhaps a topic closer to home; it's time you get updated on our progress in the Northern water tribe as of Ba Sing Se is fighting the fire nation soon there is danger that will find the remote sanctuary. My thoughts and well wished go with you, Kyona, and I wish you all the best in all your undertakings. You are solely in charge of the lotus while I am away and may wisdom guide your actions.
Yours Sincerely,
Kara
