"The green flame of healing is said to be nothing but a fool's dream. However, while there is no proof of its existence, there is little proof to say that it is not real. The legend is as old as the four nations. And it is a known fact that any legend, myth or fact, is born of some small truth. So remember, my dearest granddaughter, while many powerful people may not believe, it is a fool who does not hope."

All my life my grandfather told me of the legend of the flame of healing; and I believed him. He told me that the flame would appear in a time of great need and that one would be chosen with its care; one of pure heart and mind, who only thought of sharing kindness with the world and its entire people. However, it has been ninety years since the start of the Great War, our world's most dire time, and still the flame has not shown itself. I remember the other street rats in the fire nation capital bulling and teasing me for my hope in this one legend; I who was born into a family line of some of the greatest fire benders in history, I who could not fire bend. But for all their cruel jokes and beatings I still did what I could to make sure they had food and shelter. Till one day when I made the mistake of running into noble and spilling his money.

"Gah! Why you little brat! Trying to steal my money are you, thief!"

I was grabbed by my hair and yanked back as I tried to run.

"Ow!"

"We'll see what the Fire Lord has to say about your crimes!"

I remember looking to the shop keeper for help, he knew me well and that I would never steal, but he just turned away. Is their no one in this world but me that cares for others? And with that I was dragged to the palace. I did not struggle or fight. How could I? It would only make things worse.

When I was presented before the Fire Lord I trembled for the first time in my life. I was sentenced to life in prison. Even tears could not penetrate through the shock to express my sorrow. As the guards led me out of the Fire Lord's chamber we passed the young prince and his mother. Our gazes met and one tear escaped my eye. I heard him ask the Queen

"Mother, who is that girl? Where are the guards taking her?"

She replied.

"Why, I do not know Zuko. Guards halt!"

They halted, and me as well. The young price stared at me as I gazed at the floor. What should I do Grandfather? My dream of the green flame… I'm about to…

"What is this girl's crime? What has she done to deserve such treatment?"

One of the guards answered.

"She was brought before the Fire Lord by General Zhao for stealing his money. Her sentence as directed by the Fire Lord is life imprisonment."

The Queen looked at me through the guards, but I could not meet her eyes. I continued to stare at the floor.

"What is your name little one?"

"Xiao Ling, my Lady."

"Xiao Ling, is what they say true. Did you steal money from another?"

"No, my Lady."

"Tell me what happened."

I shifted my feet uncomfortably.

"It's true I ran into the General and spilled his money, but I was fleeing pursuers of a most vicious nature. I had no intention of running into him, spilling his money, or stealing it."

"Did you explain this to anyone else?"

"Well, I- I tried my Lady, b- but I was told to keep silent."

"I see. Guards, release her. I am taking her into my custody."

My head shot up in surprise. The young prince smiled at his mother.

"But my Lady, the Fire Lord's orders were-"

"If the Fire Lord wishes to pursue this matter he can speak with me."

"Yes, my Lady."

The guards left me where I stood. I was shaking.

"Zuko, will you help me escort this young lady to my quarters."

"Of course mother."

Zuko smiled at me, and I managed a small one in return, but I didn't belong here. I didn't deserve this kindness. Why are they helping me? I'm just a street urchin. I looked up at the Lady Mother as we walked along to her chambers. The prince walked silently beside me, a little bounce in his step. Grandfather, what should I do? Soon we reached her chambers and she sent some maids to prepare me a bath and find me clothes. At this I could stay silent no longer.

"Please my Lady, do not bother. I am not worthy of such kindness and I do not wish to taint your home."

Zuko looked at me as shocked as his mother. But her look quickly and softly changed into a smile. I turned my face away, for I could not gaze into those eyes. Those eyes so filled with love and kindness. They put me to shame. She knelt and put her hand upon my shoulder.

"What is it you would have me do little one? I will not abandon an innocent girl to the clutches of death."

"If you are really determined to make me stay, then please let me work here as a servant. Anything else I am unworthy of."

She smiled at me and replied.

"Very well, but you will find that even our servants take baths."

I looked up and nodded.

"Zuko, when she is dressed and ready I will send for you and you can show her around the palace while I have a place prepared for her in the servant's quarters. Till then, go play with your sister in the garden."

"Aw Mom, do I have to play with Azula?"

"Mae is with her."

"That's even worse! They'll tease me!"

"Zuko."

Zuko sighed.

"Ok."

After Zuko left I bathed and was dressed in fine clothing. It made me blush.

"My Lady, I thought I was to be a servant?"

She giggled.

"Those are servant's clothes, Xiao Ling."

I blushed even more.

"Oh."

The Lady Mother sent for Zuko, but when he arrived he was drenched in water.

"Zuko, what on earth happened to you?"

"Azula and her friends played a mean trick. The lit and apple on fire on top of Mae's head and of course I dove to save her and we ended up in the fountain."

I giggled.

"It's not funny."

I laughed.

"Oh, I'm sorry my Prince, while I am well aware that what they did to you was not funny….you really should look at yourself."

He blushed when I called him prince, but then went to a mirror to view himself and begun laughing with me. The Lady Mother smiled.

"There now, it's good to see you smile Xiao Ling; and good to see the two of you getting along. Come now Zuko show her around the palace and I will see to her bed."

"Yes, mother. Come on Xiao Ling."

I followed as he walked out the door. Grandfather, did you do all this?