Early the next morning, Iroh and Chiara left their quarters to meet with Master Pakku, the waterbending instructor while the two warriors followed behind them.

"Master Pakku," greeted Iroh as he and Chiara bowed to him. "I am Iroh and this is Lady Chiara..."

"Yes, I know who you are," he said curtly.

"We've been sent to you to request waterbending training for Chiara."

"Do you know nothing of our customs?" Pakku asked in a condescending tone.

"I'm afraid I do not," said Iroh calmly.

"Then let me enlighten you. It is forbidden for women to learn waterbending."

"I don't believe I ever heard of men-only waterbenders," said Iroh.

"Women waterbenders learn to heal from Yagoda," said Pakku.

"But what about Avatar Kyoshi and Avatar Yangchen?" asked Chiara.

"It's different for the Avatar," said Pakku.

"Thank you for enlightening us, Master Pakku," said Iroh pleasantly. "Where do we find Yagoda?"

"She's in the healing hut."

They bowed and started walking to the healing hut followed by the warriors. They entered to see an elderly woman preparing for her class.

"Are you Lady Yagoda?" asked Iroh.

"I am. You must be General Iroh of the Fire Nation."

Iroh smiled. "I see the news travels fast here."

"And this is the young waterbender?" asked Yagoda.

"This is Lady Chiara," introduced Iroh.

"Master Yagoda," said Chiara as she bowed to her.

"Clearly you've shown signs of waterbending if you came all this way to be trained."

"Yes, Master Yagoda," answered Chiara.

"Have you had any formal training?"

"I have not."

"Have you ever healed any wounds?"

"Yes," she answered softly. There was a sadness in her voice that Yagoda did not catch, but Iroh knew she was reminded of the victim of the lightning strike.

"Since you've had no formal training, we'll start with the basics."

Chiara nodded her head. "I understand."

"I am quite curious," started Iroh, "Chiara has shown some skill in healing others, but she is unable to heal her own wounds."

Yagoda stared at her thoughtfully before finally speaking. "Let me see your hands," she said to Chiara.

She held them out, and Yagoda took them in her own and studied them.

"I have heard of this before. It's very rare. I've only known one healer who could not heal herself."

"What does it mean?" asked Chiara wondering if she was just weaker than other waterbenders.

"I believe it means you were born to serve."

"Born to serve?" asked Iroh with a strong emphasis on 'serve.' Despite his recent humbling journey, the royal blood in his veins struggled with this.

"Like a mother serves her family," said Chiara.

"Yes, exactly," said Yagoda with a hint of excitement in her voice. "You understand."

Iroh's struggle disappeared and was replaced with amazement at Chiara's point of view and even more so at her wisdom.

"You recognize your destiny already," said Yagoda. "It is for you to take care of others."

Memories filled Iroh's mind: images of Chiara always helping and serving in his household, her coming to him after Lu Ten's death to take care of him and comfort him, her willingness to help others during their journey through the Earth Kingdom.

"And you've known of only one other healer like this?" asked Iroh.

"Yes. She was the greatest healer in all the Northern Water Tribe. She was my master, Kurra. At one time, before the war people from all the Nations traveled here seeking her touch."

Young girls began entering the hut.

"Come," said Yagoda to Chiara. "We will begin lessons."

Chiara bowed to Iroh who then left as both warriors followed him.

After leaving Chiara with Yagoda to learn healing techniques, Iroh returned to Pakku.

"Master Pakku, if I may have a word with you," he said. He looked at his warrior escorts. "Privately."

Pakku considered him for a moment, and then he nodded to the two warriors who left the room.

"I see you enjoy Pai Sho," said Iroh eyeing the table.

"I do."

"I have a proposition for you." He pulled out a white lotus tile.

That afternoon, Chiara returned to their quarters. She knew Iroh was there as the two warriors were standing outside their quarters, and when she approached the door she bowed to them.

"May I get you warriors anything to drink or eat?" she asked them.

They looked at each other surprised by her offer, but they were also a bit suspicious.

"No," they said.

She bowed her head respectfully and then entered the room.

"How was your training session today?" Iroh asked her as he worked in the kitchen area.

"It was very basic, but still very interesting. It'll help with the techniques."

"I always said basics are very important. And healing is a gift that will be quite useful...it's been quite useful," he said remembering their journey through the Earth Kingdom and the few people they encountered that she was able to help by her skill. "Even Jeong Jeong admitted to preferring your gift over his own...and I can't say I wouldn't mind having such a gift myself," he added softly.

"If becoming an expert healer's the only thing I'll learn here, it'll be worth it," she said as she was hanging up her coat.

Though she was inwardly disappointed that she would not learn how to defend or fight, she appreciated that the trip would not be a complete waste.

"Tomorrow, you'll begin waterbending training with Master Pakku," said Iroh casually.

"What?" she asked shocked as she walked over to him. "How? I thought it's forbidden."

"We discussed the necessity of your training over a friendly game of Pai Sho."

"That's incredible. You're amazing."

"I told you Pai Sho is more than just a game."

"I figured that out in Omashu."

He was laughing as he walked by her. "You will still continue your healing training. You'll train every other day with Pakku."

She nodded now inwardly excited that she would be learning everything she could about waterbending.

"What is that?" he asked of the small package she had in her hand.

"Fish for Raptor."

She unwrapped it and held the small fish over him in his cage. He nipped at it with his beak, and then he grabbed it from her and began eating.

"After a week of this diet, you're not going to want to leave Prince Zuko," she said to the hawk.

"It's quite a coincidence," said Iroh as he placed their food on the table. "That's exactly what we're having."

"You're going to be as good as Tai soon," she said as they sat down.

"Oh, how I miss Tai's cooking." He looked at her. "Not that you're a bad cook," he said. "Earth Kingdom food just isn't the same as it is at home."

"I agree," she said.

They began eating.

"I offered some food to your escorts outside, but they refused," she said.

"My escorts," he said dryly.

"Apparently, I'm not that much of a threat."

Iroh laughed. "If they knew how well you fight with your sword, they would have two more escorts just for you," he said in a low voice.

She smiled.

"It doesn't seem much different than having Imperial Firebenders following you everywhere," she said.

This made Iroh laugh again as he thought about it. "Now I have Imperial Waterbenders. Destiny is a funny thing."

The following day, Chiara began her studies with Master Pakku. Often during training, he was harsher with her than he was with his male students as he was not happy about training her, but she patiently endured any humiliation or extra tasks he set her to without complaint.

Several days after their arrival, Chief Arnook decided to have a feast as rumors about their guests had been spreading through the Tribe. When Iroh and Chiara entered the hall, Chief Arnook greeted them.

"General Iroh, Lady Chiara," he said. "This is my daughter Princess Yue."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Yue," said Iroh as he bowed.

"Princess Yue, I'm honored," said Chiara as she bowed to her.

She bowed to them and then they sat down, Yue and Chiara sitting next to each other.

"I've been told that you're a waterbender," Yue said to Chiara.

"Yes, Princess," said Chiara.

"Call me Yue. Aren't you a princess too?"

"No."

"But I heard that your father was chief of his tribe. You're practically a princess."

This made Chiara smile because she was reminded of how Zuko used to tease her about being a princess one day when Iroh would become Fire Lord.

"So you grew up in the Fire Nation?" asked Yue.

"I did."

"What was that like?"

"It's much warmer," said Chiara.

"You don't like the cold?"

"Actually I enjoy it, but after living so long in the Fire Nation, I had to acclimate to the lower temperatures here."

"My father said you plan on returning to the Fire Nation. Why don't you want to remain here?"

"The General is like a father to me. Wherever he is is home," answered Chiara. "Besides, my best friend lives in the Fire Nation. We only have a few years left to...to be together."

"Why only a few years?" asked Yue.

"He's the Crown Prince now. He'll have to take a wife one day."

"He's not to free to choose his own?" she asked.

"He is, but she must be from the Fire Nation," said Chiara sadly.

"I understand how difficult that is. When I'm sixteen my father will arrange a marriage for me."

"The General sometimes speaks of finding me a worthy husband, but then he seems upset by it and drops the subject."

"I wish my father would drop the subject," whispered Yue.

They both giggled.

As soon as Chiara had time, she wrote a letter to Zuko.

Dear Prince Zuko, as always, I hope this letter finds you well. We made it safely to our next stop. I'm not sure for how long we'll be here, but it may be a while.

I'm happy to hear that Master Piandao and Fat are doing well, but it's a shame your training time with him has been cut to only two days. It's good though that you'll be spending more time learning your new duties around the palace. Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to train, and your uncle prefers Pai Sho over swords, so you may find me a bit out of practice when we return.

Your uncle's been adjusting very well to the changes in our journey. Every place we've visited has been so different, and this current one is unlike any we've visited so far. I'm very proud of him and how well he's adapted (sometimes he even cooks—and not just tea!). I hope to see you soon. Your humble and loyal subject, Chiara.

By the end of her first week of training, it became clear to Pakku that she was a prodigy as she quickly became proficient in her skills. Many times, Iroh joined them during training, and just as Chiara practiced firebending moves, he practiced the movements of waterbending. Every other day she studied healing, and in their down time, she and Iroh enjoyed exploring the ice fortress. Chiara also got to know some of the other kids her age and spent some time with Princess Yue. Surak also insisted she spend time with him and his family hoping that she might decide to remain with them. And after the first month, Chief Arnook finally removed their escorts as it seemed clear to everyone that they were not spies.

One day after they finished training, Iroh and Chiara sat in their quarters talking over dinner.

"I believe I have discovered a technique for redirecting lightning," he said.

She looked at him. "Really?"

"Guiding the flow through my body, through my stomach and away from the heart, I can guide it in a different direction."

"That's incredible."

"I just hope I never have to use it."

"It would be just as helpful as healing a lightning strike," she said sadly.

"You cannot continue to carry that guilt, Chiara. It wasn't your fault."

"I still wish I could've helped him."

"You won't be able to help everyone."

"I know," she said softly.

"What about you," he said. "Did you learn anything new today?"

"We were practicing water massages," she answered. "Would you like to see what it's like?"

"Oh, I never refuse a massage."

She laughed and then stood up sliding his plate and cup to the other side of the table.

"Lean forward," she said. "You can rest your arms on the table."

He did as she told him, and then she drew up some water and moved it around over his back until it began to glow. Iroh felt like he was melting and his head slowly came to rest on his forearms.

"Oh, Chiara...that...that feels wonderful." Every muscle in his back felt relaxed and free from aches he did not even realize had been there. "This is better than any massage I've ever received," he said nearly slurring his words. "I'm firing all the masseurs at the palace back home."

She laughed at his words. She continued the massage until he was nearly asleep, and when she stopped she sat down across from him again.

"That technique alone was worth the trip," he said as he reluctantly sat up. She slid his plate back in front of him. "All the Nations really are meant to complement one another; they each have their own gifts to share." He looked at her. "And that water massage has just become one of my favorites of Water Tribe contribution."

She laughed.

A few months into their stay, they were sitting at the table playing Pai Sho after dinner.

"Chiara, would you like to stay with Surak and his family for a week?"

"Are you trying to distract me?" she asked.

"Is it working?" he said smiling.

She was thinking about which of two tiles to set down. "Yes."

She finally placed one of them on the board.

"Aside from the successful distraction," he said as he saw her tile, "it is a legitimate question."

She looked up at him suspiciously. "Why?"

He set down a tile.

"I would like to spend some time in the Spirit Oasis," he said softly. "And I don't want you to be here alone...especially as we no longer have our Imperial Waterbenders to protect us," he smirked.

She was silent as she thought about his intentions. "I don't mind staying with them," she said as she took her turn.

He smiled appreciative of her understanding, and then he placed down his winning tile.

As time went on, Chiara continued writing Zuko telling him what she could without giving away her location. She enjoyed receiving his letters in return and saved every one of them. One evening she was writing to him.

Dear Prince Zuko, I'm always happy to hear from you, but I'm sorry to hear that you're not learning what you expected to after all this time. I'm sure your uncle will be willing to help you when we return. He's a great teacher, as you already know, and more than experienced for that task.

This past week I stayed with some friends while he went on a journey on his own. I had hoped he would find what he was looking for, but unfortunately he told me he didn't. Although, I do believe he's found more peace than he realizes.

I'm not sure how much longer we'll be here, but I'm learning a lot of new things, but I still miss our lessons together, and I especially miss sparring with you too. I've been able to spar with some locals here, and I've even learned to use their unique weapons, but nothing beats training with you with our swords. I can't wait to see you.

Your humble and loyal subject, Chiara

About six months into her training, Iroh and Chiara were in their room one evening keeping warm by the fire after dinner.

"I believe it is time to return to the Fire Nation," said Iroh softly.

"When do we leave?"

"I was thinking next week."

Though Chiara enjoyed spending time with the Water Tribe and learning more about waterbending, she missed the Fire Nation as it was the only home she remembered, and she missed Zuko. She knew, however, it would be different. Lu Ten was gone, and Zuko no longer lived next door and was now the crown prince, but she was still ready to be home again.

"You're doing quite well in your training," said Iroh. "Master Pakku has been quite impressed with your skills. And there are also a few young men who have expressed interest in marriage," he added softly.

She looked at him. "What?"

"A few men have asked for your hand."

"I-I don't want to get married."

"Of course not yet," laughed Iroh. "You have a few more years, but it's never too early to consider a husband for the future, and it may be wise to choose one from the Water Nation."

She felt sad and conflicted as she knew she be interested in the Water tribesmen, but she found she was not.

"If you choose to stay here among your people, your family, I will not force you to return with me," he said.

"You're my family; I want to stay with you," she said.

"If you go back, you will not be able to waterbend anymore."

"I know I'm not a child of the Fire Nation, and I'd probably be killed if anyone found out I'm an outsider, but...but the Fire Nation is home to me. Wherever you are is home to me."

Iroh's heart melted, and he took her in his arms and held her. "You are a gift, Chiara. One I do not deserve," he said as he thought about his past. "I could not have asked for a better daughter, but forcing you to stop waterbending is forcing you to deny your nature."

"I wouldn't be denying my nature; I'd be practicing self-control. I've done that most of my life."

He smiled, amazed by her wisdom and devotion.

"Besides," she started as he released her from his embrace, "you let me practice on Ember Island when we were alone."

"Then if you ever feel the need to express your nature, we will take a trip to Ember Island."

"It won't be the same though," she said sadly as she still missed Lu Ten.

"No, it won't," he said softly. "But we will manage."