Katara,
I don't think that there's anything wrong with running away to see the world, but I want deniability so I'm not going to tell you to do it.
I . . . would write out the story of the Painted Lady to you, but it'll be easier to tell in person. It's just half a year, after all! I'm glad I made it into one of your stories, and I'm sure the kids aren't tired of them at all! I've never heard anyone else as good with words as you are.
It's an interesting thing, love. And I agree with you, if I was Master Pakku I never would have let your grandmother go. At least they're together now, that's what matters. I've been thinking about romantic love a lot because my father said that he loved my mother but he used to hurt her and have other women and just . . . I don't think that's love. I think love is dedication and sticking with someone through the end of the day. I think your grandmother did it late, but at least she did it. I feel bad for my mom now, she deserves real love but nobody is going to remarry the ex-Prince's wife.
Remember what I told you about Azula? And how she was mean and all that . . . well, she is mean, I don't think that'll ever change, but she sent me a letter a few days ago telling me that she loves me and that she's sorry. What you said reminded me of that because I have to write her back and I know that no matter what I feel, I'll have to tell her that I forgive her. But I do think that I can forgive her because at the end of the day I love her. She's just Zula, and she's never hurted me purely because she wanted to, like really hurt me. That was my father and I can't hold her responsible for what she did with him breathing over us. In a lesser way it's like your grandmother running away from an arranged marriage and love. Azula couldn't help it.
I think I'm going to forgive her. And she's lost her bending, too — I shouldn't be telling you this but you won't tell anyone. That just proves it further, that she's just a victim. Azula has always been a prodigy and much better than I have been at bending. She was taught by my father that her skill made her worthy. Some part of me wishes that I could help her right now, even more. I'll be back about four months before you come. Hopefully she'll be fine by the time you come back. Maybe you could be friends as well (not better than me, of course!). Her current friends, Mai and Ty Lee, are nobles, but they probably remind her of the past. Ty Lee is unusually peppy and Mai is just a ball of doom.
Omashu was incredibly boring, more trade stuff, but we went to Kyoshi Island and now we're about to meet Avatar Aang. Kyoshi Island was great! We met the warriors and the oldest are about your age. They're incredibly strong non-warriors and just have great combative ability in general. I sparred with one of the leaders, Suki, and then we had a brief conversation. She says that they're going to come through to the South to recruit younger in a few months. I think you'll be here, and a little too old to join, but you can spread the word through all the other smaller girls.
I'll let you know how the meeting with the Avatar goes, though it'll probably still be boring trade stuff. So much trade! And this is my responsibility after Lu Ten ascends the throne . . . yikes. But I'm planning my future out right now, considering I'll have to resume my duties when I turn eighteen. I think it'll be a surprise. I'll let you know when you come :)
— Zuko