We had finally come into the harbour of the fire nation. I was so nervous; I felt my palms begin to sweat and my feet heat up. I was a mess. I wonder what they would think about me, and how I look now. Would they be pleased? Would they wonder why I didn't pick my nose anymore? Would they think I had caught motion sickness from the way I walked?

After some herbal spiced tea, and the final whistle to signal all was clear it was time to leave the boat. I patted a final goodbye to my favourite silk pillow on the smooth leather couch and said goodbye to Xin, my favourite boatman (or whatever.) He got me through this trip, holding back my hair and all for the frequent throw up sessions. I hate transport.

"Your backs are on their way to the palace mame and your chariot awaits outside." So many things I wish to say are going through my head. "Thankyou captain, the journey was a marvel and I hope I will be able to travel with you again in the future." Oh please.. "Of course Miss Beifong, I would be honoured to have your beauty aboard my ship once again." Oh shut up. So it is a ship? Honour makes me think of Sparky. At that final comment I stepped down the ramp, and landed softly on fire nation soils, it was hot and stiff and just what I needed. Fire nation men came to lift me onto the chariots and bring me to the palace; I could have tunnelled my way there quicker than this though.

Well shit. I had left my shoes on the 'ship' but oh well, I can get some new ones at the market or something, or perhaps I could gamble for some instead. Hmmm…

Thoughts of gambling and being the fire nations most wanted raced through my mind so fast, I had almost forgotten where I was going. The chariot stopped and suddenly everything came to realisation. I unfolded my arms, being prepared for a lift again, because if I wasn't I knew these bulky fire nation types would yank me up by my arm pits which hurt like hell.

They had led me straight into the palace and through the gardens, I wasn't sure if they were trying to show off the palace by bringing me the long way or not. But to be honest I couldn't give a damn, not like I could see it anyway. All that tour earned me was a healthy coating of sticky moss on my feet.

Giant metal doors opened with a steady creek, as I entered to the centre of the room and bowed to my former. "To what does the fire nation owe the pleasure?" I smirked, even though he wouldn't be able to see me past his I'm guessing flames? Seeing as the platform was a lot hotter over there. "I come in acceptance of a long awaited invitation oh great flamed one." "You dare mock the presence of the monarchy." He said not so amused. "No your majesty?" "Then why is a young Earth Kingdom maiden in my midst?" "What the hell?" "Excuse me?!" The room got hotter, I was truly sweating now. "Sparky it's me!" "Toph?!" "Dude, I swear I'm the blind one?"

The flames diseased and Zuko jumped down from his ferior position. "Toph? I don't believe it?" I could hear astonishment in his voice, he was approaching me, and now we were an arm's length away from eachother. "What don't you believe?" Confused. "You look so different. You look so-so… Different" "As apposed too…?" "I'm so thrilled for you to be here. And the Gaang will be so happy to see you too!" He didn't answer my question, but oh well let's not ruin the moment by running our mouth. Zuko grabbed me into a tight hug, and I responded to it. Oh yes I had forgotten, in our special little family he was like my long lost brother. Zuko felt warm and comfortable, something I had been missing for a very long time. "There will be a dinner to celebrate the arrival of you all; it will just be the Gaang. However tomorrow will be the social gathering in which the hierarchy will attend. I have allocated your room and it should be ready for you to go and get ready in right away." I smiled up at him; he was talking so fast you could hear the yearning excitement in his voice. That gooey feeling came up in my stomach, I just loved being around family, and for the past year I had forgotten what it felt like to talk to a real person. "So I am the first one here?" "Well yes, Sokka was meant to be first but got held up so he should be here soon. Suki and Katara too, and Aang should be here just before the dinner but he will be ready as he is coming from a conference." "Wow, it's like his job never ends." "It doesn't." I sighed and he sighed and then we both burst out laughing.

"Ok, Manami!" I swiftly turned but realised I didn't know what I was looking for. Then a small pitter patter of footsteps entered from the outer room. "Firelord." She had a mellow voice, very calm but mellow. "Please take Miss Beifong to her room, make sure she is cleaned dressed and relieved from any travelling stresses, have her bags laid out of her preference, and have her ready for dinner please." "Yes my lord." She walked over to me at a fastened pace, and I didn't want to say anything to offend her but she was too quick so word vomit just came out "I don't need a maid!" Why did you shout you flipping idiot!

"I-I'm sorry, I mean doesn't Manami have other work to do?" Oma... "Actually Manami has been allocated specifically for you." "Because I'm blind?" "No, because she is brilliant and I think you two will get along. Manami is currently a student, and so she won't be in the way too much, but you two are so alike." "Well ok then." I followed the flighty girl out of the room, with no more questions or stupid answers that were not needed.

She opened the room for me, and straight away I could smell spices and herbs all over the room. It was big, almost as big as my room at home. I could tell there were candles everywhere, and loads of fluffy cushions that where more for fun than elegance. "I have already run your bath, and your spices are ready, would you need any help with that Miss Beifong?" I struggled for an answer. I had only ever been bathed by my lady in waiting at home, and when traveling I just sat in water and Earthbent the rest of the crap off. But bathing with spices is difficult, it can go right, or horribly wrong. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for what I said in there to come out that way, I appreciate your kindness towards me after what had just happened. I must seem intolerable now. It's just I'm not used to being away from home that much." Her heart rate stayed the same, and for once I didn't know what the other person in the room was going to say… "It is fine Miss Beifong, the Firelord had told me you would be a bit homesick when you got here. He is very fond of you, and understands you much." "Thankyou for your understanding Manami." She slowly walked to the other end of the room. I'm guessing she replied with a nod or something…

I could hear a lot of muffled voices outside my room, and orders being given, I'm sure some more of the Gaang had arrived. Manami took out my mother's braid carefully, and took apart my hair pin by pin. She reminded me so much of my mother. "I will need help. And I will need to come to terms with the fact that I am blind eventually even though I can't admit it." "Mame?" "Please help me prepare." Manami nodded in response, and helped me into the bath.