She was an exile at birth, and she knew it. Eons ago her family, along with many others, were cast out on the orders of the Fire Lord. They were deserters, traitors to the Fire Nation. Dishonored and rejected they left, carrying feelings of bitter remorse. They who had dared to stand against the Fire Lord, they who gave their lives for what they believed to be right. For this, they paid. They were ripped from their homes, their lives slashed away and they were dumped on the mainland,. Travelling for days they reached mainland and established the main camp. It was fresh beginning and new chance at life. For generations they lived here living hidden from the rest of the world, thriving. They became known as the Clan of the Spirit Dragon. It was said that the ancient Dragon Spirit Xiaoli, left with the Clan as they were banished, and every so often a female child was born bearing the hidden mark in the shape of the White Dragon flower. Such children where only born in times of peace that were created by the Avatar, in the year of the Dragon (84 ASC).

They news was out. The War had ended. Finally after one hundred years of war the Avatar had returned and peace washed over the land.

But she was angry, furious in fact. She questioned again and again. Why couldn't she go to Ba Sing Se? There was no reason, apart from controlling adults dictating her life to her, word by word. Daiyu had pestered them day in and day out, their answer: a all resounding 'no'.

"No, you are too young,"

"I'm sixteen that's old enough. The Avatar was twelve, almost thirteen!"

"You are not the Avatar!" Her mother almost yelled at her, "you are a Firebender. There are many in this world who would gladly be rid of any Firebenders"

"We are lost citizens of the Fire Nation!" she yelled back furiously throwing her arms up, "as much as you want to stay here, living a sheltered life, I don't. You can't choose my life for me!"

"We will choose what we think is best for you," her mother's final words were almost inaudible, "and what's best for the Clan".

Sighing, she exited the tent, pushing aside the red curtain that was the door she stepped into the open air. She glided over to a nearby pool. Gazing steadily she watched the girl reflected in the undisturbed water. Unnatural crimson eyes stared back, framed by a pale face. The girl was wearing traditional Clan clothing in white and gold, tinged with blood red, her ebony hair was drawn back into and elaborate design of rings and plaits. Daiyu slashed at the water with her hand, devastating the face of the water-girl.

"I will go to Ba Sing Se, they'd better watch out," she whispered confidently to herself. Half snarling she turned away and walked determinedly to her own tent.

She awoke. It was the middle of the night and Daiyu had suddenly woken up. The darkness crept in hugging her close. She threw off the bed sheets and strode over to the washing basin opposite her bed, disturbing the floor mat as she did. Aestia heard something. It was only faint. Her parents were talking, but there was another voice. Master Firebender and Council Elder of the Clan, Hou. Daiyu listened intently to the apparently important conversation.

"Her destiny cannot be avoided forever," the old and wise words of Hou spoke true.

"I know, but it's so hard. I just don't want her to be hurt," the voice of her mother.

"She is our daughter. Taught in the way of the Niuweidao twin blades and Firebending, she can defend herself and her honor," her father's voice was serious, but tinged with a longing sadness, "it is time for her to go."

"It is settled then, in the morning she shall be sent to the Fire Nation Capital as a representative for the Clan."

"Alone?"

"No, I shall send with her my apprentice, Ru. He will ensure they don't find themselves in too much trouble."

"This family thanks you sincerely, Master Hou, for all you have done," her father spoke again.

"Linger on it no further, I am doing what I think is right," Hou paused, "I will be going now."

Daiyu sat upright. What had she just heard? Perhaps she was dreaming, her eyes were still wide with shock. Yes, it was all a dream, and when she woke up, it would all go away. Stumbling over to her bed she collapsed tiredly on top. Her eyes flickered shut. Tomorrow would bring much-needed answers.