Here is the first chapter to my new story!

This story switches point of view randomly, so a single line break indicates a switch in point of view, I shall also write down which characters point of view it is at first, so you won't get confused!(:

The female main character in this story is named Soma, so you know who I am referring to when i say "Soma's point of view"

Enjoy(:

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender

Savages

Chapter One

Strangers Are Like Friends

"Uncle, this land has had no civilized inhabitants for over 50 years. It would be a perfect place for the avatar to find refuge," I said as I stood on the deck of my ship, gazing at the approaching piece of land.

"Prince Zuko, I do not find it wise to call the ancient tribe uncivilized. It has been said that they are favored by the spirits," Iroh calmly replied, standing next to his nephew.

"They are all savages in my eyes…" I mumbled under my breath.

Iroh closed his wisened eyes and sighed.

"Not speaking is the flower, Zuko. Try a friendly approach to gain information about the avatar. And remember, these are wise people. Never underestimate them."

Zuko's Point of View

The sun beat hard on my neck as I trekked through the thick of the forest; Cutting every branch in my path with a slice of my broadswords. It had been a day since I left the ship in search of the avatar on foot, and by myself. The woods were vast and mysterious, filled with so many different varieties of plants, some I had never seen before. Flowers so delicate, even the slightest shutter of wind, and all the petals would fall. Some flowers were so vibrant; they almost seemed to be glowing. My body had wanted to stop and lay down for a short while, but my heart would not let me. The fire within me burned so fiercely.

Soma's Point of View

Watching him from the trees…this stranger…

His skin was white as snow, with the exception of a scar stretched across the left side of his face. So exotic looking. So handsome. I crept along a thick branch of a tree that supported my light weight. I longed to get a closer view of this outsider. He was moving fast. Very determined. What was he searching for out here? There were no special treasures out in this forest. Spiritual insight perhaps? The scowl on his face said otherwise. He was quickly escaping from my view, and deeper into the forest.

Something inside urged me to follow him. I found a close branch that looked sturdy enough to hold me, and I lunged for it. This was not a difficult task, for I have been climbing the trees of this forest since I could walk. I steadied myself on my new perch, and continued silently jumping from branch to branch, tree to tree, to keep up with the strange man. He was hacking away at incoming foliage so ferociously that he could not hear me above him.

As he stopped to catch his breath, I leaned forward a little, and as I did so, the branch made a slight creaking noise. The man turned his head sharply in my direction. I ducked behind a bundle of leaves in the tree. My heart pounding hard within my chest. Did he see me?

"Who's there?" his husky voice demanded.

I remained still in the tree, not moving a muscle. I then heard the man continue his way through the forest, the crunching of twigs and leaves beneath his feet giving it away. I let out a sigh of relief, and slowly looked out from the leaves.

Zuko

Someone was following me, I could feel it. I continued through the forest once again. Another creak came from above and behind me. I did not turn around; I merely kept on walking, waiting for my chance to reveal my follower. After three paces, I turned around abruptly, and looked upwards towards the canopies of trees, habitually already in a fighting stance.

And there she was; my follower.

Her copper skin shined amongst the green leaves. She had flowing black hair that hung to her waist. A dazed expression was drawn on her face. Her features were striking; unlike any woman I had ever seen before. I could even see her grey eyes from where I stood on the ground. Just gazing into them put my whole soul at ease. She must be a part of the ancient tribe.

I hadn't even noticed that I had relaxed from my fighting stance, my broadswords resting in my hands at my sides. She did not spell danger in any way shape or form.

How could something so beautiful…be considered a savage?

"In the city fields
Contemplating cherry-trees...
Strangers are like friends"

-Issa