"Welcome to you, Ambassadors of The Cross. And welcome to your companions," Uktei commenced, his voice echoing back from the length of the room. Dressed in his dull green and deep brown robes, Uktei appeared even regal, though still his appearance was only half the age his eyes betrayed.
"Let us celebrate that the end of global civil war is near and we can finally join together all at once in this most ancient place. Please allow me the honor of introductions."
The Ambassadors took their seats to signify compliance. Uktei addressed them.
"To my left sits Sokei Abadash of the Fire Nation, gifted in fire, skilled in earth. Before me is Melsa Mothican of the Air Nomads, blessed of air, skilled in fire. To my right is Anika Drundle of the Tribe of Water, gifted in water, skilled in air. You are my honored guests and I am Uktei Jaedri of this Earth Kingdom and I am blessed of earth and skilled in water. May our fathers bless us and our grandfathers watch over us. So say we all."
"So say we all" the Ambassadors amened.
"Now that we all have faces to match the heroic deeds of our unified rebellion, please, share each of you how your wars progress. Sokei, will you honor us with word from the Fire Nation?" Uktei invited.
"Gladly." Sokei rose from his ornate stone chair to address The Cross. "The battles bode well. Our forces have overthrown Tompei and Katharsia in a single month! And with far less casualties than expected. The word has begun to reach from the mouths of the people to the ears of the oppressive pig-dogs and they are bending like flames in the wind. Our plans to overtake the capital are nearing realization. We expect to unite the nation by year's end."
Sokei's confidence in his people and his own power was plain. As he retook his seat he caught Anika's half-empty gaze across the massive rectangular granite table.
"Very well! Very well indeed." Uktei replied, professing the satisfaction of them all. "Let us hear next how the Air Nomads fare. Melsa, if you would please."
"Certainly. Our fortune has perhaps exceeded that of Sokei and his warriors. We were able to... er... strategically negotiate with the Endeavors. Let's just say it would have been difficult for them to hold their grudge without any food to fuel their anger."
Melsa's playfulness had always been a mystery to Uktei, knowing she had lost her family to the wars. He pushed the reporting forward.
"Splendid. And how goes the battle for the Water Tribe Anika?"
Anika rose and stood stiff as she replied.
"We have lost some good men of late. The border waters are proving harder to convince than even the stubborn North Rekettha. She gave easily to our demands once we had her father. But these border folk are set so far in the old ways they will fight to the last child. May the living waters wash the souls of the dead on their way to the spirit world." Anika paused, calming herself. "With patience and steady force, we will overcome the remaining forces. Enough of my sadness. Uktei. Please tell us you can cheer us back up."
Uktei rose and smiled graciously as Anika took her seat.
"Well, indeed I hope to. In fact, that is the very reason I was able to summon you all here. After 18 years, the High Raven Rothgar Halowmen, has finally yielded!" Uktei's deep voice boomed his enthusiasm. "The Endeavors still stand, but without Rothgar to come to their aid, their end is sure!"
The others gave shouts of cheer.
"This is incredible news!" Sokei shouted in his excitement. "I just knew good news was coming. I felt it rumbling as soon as I set foot on Earth Kingdom soil. Tell us Uktei, that we are soon to plot the end of The Three."
"Indeed it is so." Uktei grinned.
"Praise be to the gods" cheered Melsa.
Even Anika seemed lightened by this news. They set to work planning the battle to finish their war on the Endeavors.