"I'm not one to complain but can't Appa fly any higher?" Sokka asked petulantly, staring with a blank expression down at the water. Thyra punched him in the arm without even opening her eyes.
"I have an idea, why don't we all get on your back and you can fly us to the North Pole?" Aang snapped at Sokka who leaped up.
"I'd love to! Climb on everyone!" He wiggled around whilst gesturing to his back. "Sokka's ready for take off!" Thyra cracked open an eyelid to see Momo jumping onto Sokka's back at his invitation. Katara, ever the peace maker, lifted her hands to cool things down.
"Look, we're all just a little tired and cranky because we've been flying for two days straight."
"And for what? We can't even find the Northern Water Tribe. There's nothing up here." Thyra sighed with a roll of her eyes and began to speak but stopped when she heard a massive groan and crack splitting her eardrums. A towering block of ice shifting towards them, causing everyone to scream as Aang pulled Appa to the right but the sudden manoeuvre nearly threw everyone out of the saddle. Thyra gripped onto the edge with one hand and Katara with the other as Sokka yelled wildly at the top of his lungs.
Suddenly another tower of ice burst from the water but with no time to move, it hit Appa on his underside and he spiralled down into the water, hitting it with a massive wave. "Appa!" Thyra gasped, trembling slightly from the shock. "Are you okay?" He groaned in reply.
Everyone looked over his side then stared at the small wooden skiffs, ornately carved and manned by men in water tribe garb. "They're waterbenders! We found the Water Tribe!" Katara called breathlessly.
"Are they friendly?" Thyra asked sceptically, already in a defensive stance as the ice surrounded Appa, pinning him down. After a moment the waterbenders released Appa who growled then slapped his tail onto the water, spraying it everywhere but the waterbenders merely redirected the water over them. The boats all moved into formation around Appa who only calmed down when Aang spoke softly and soothingly to him. One of the waterbenders signalled for them to follow. "Alight Appa, easy now." Aang nodded then began to guide Appa forwards. After a length of time endlessly snaking and weaving around a tundra of ice, a spectacular view fell into place.
"There it is!" Aang called excitedly, pointing forwards to the massive ice wall and turrets.
"The Northern Water Tribe..." Katara whispered in awe, excitement filling her features.
"We're finally here." Sokka sighed with relief. The waterbenders began to move in unison, opening the ice wall so that a circular opening appeared for Appa to swim through. It led directly into a box section where more waterbenders spilt columns down the sides in front and behind them until the water was level.
"I can't believe how many waterbenders live up here!" Katara exclaimed as Appa moved forwards, following a raft that led them through the waterways.
"We'll find a master to teach us, no problem." Aang said in agreement. Thyra had to admit that although cold, this place was beautiful. Its cold sharp serenity gave everything a mysterious air, where the whiteness was all you could see save for the lapping crystalline water beneath.
After two more walls the group faced the ice citadel, with a large waterfall tumbling down behind. Thyra was already beginning to feel the cold thanks to her thin garb of air acolyte clothes. She did her best to hide her shiver as she got down from Appa and instantly began to check his underside where he was hit by the ice. "You're a little bruised, buddy. You must be exhausted." Thyra murmured softly as she rubbed his fur.
Two women came forwards wordlessly and Thyra watched as they waterbent together. A large ball of water rose up from the ground and they worked it onto Appa's bruising, the bubble beginning to glow and as it did, Appa sighed contently and rolled onto his back as Thyra stroked his face. "That better?" She murmured, scratching between his eyes and he nudged her gently. "Thank you." The two women bowed slightly to her then stepped away, returning to the group of people who were eagerly watching Aang as he introduced himself to the Chief.
Thyra walked forwards to join them, Appa followed her lead but stopped when something warm was placed around her shoulders. Thyra blinked, jumping in slight surprise then looked around. A handsome guy around her age winked then stepped away, leaving her with the coat which instantly brought her warmth. Thyra nodded her head to him then pushed her arms into the sleeves, pulling it tightly closed around her for warmth.
"I am Arnook, Chief of the Northern Water Tribe." The Chief bowed his head in respect. "I welcome you."
"We are grateful for your hospitality." Thyra spoke with a low bow of respect, clasping her hands together. "May I introduce Avatar Aang and his companions, Sokka and Katara from the Southern Water Tribe." Each bowed their heads in turn with bright smiles. "And I am Thyra, the Avatar's sister." There was a little murmur at this new information but Thyra ignored it until they were done.
"You will join us for a feast tonight." Chief Arnook decided. "For now, you must all rest. You must be tired from your travels."
"You have no idea." Sokka muttered under his breath. Thyra allowed the others to be shown to their room but she made sure Appa was well looked after. He was given a warm stall with plenty of hay. Thyra leaned back against him, sitting on one of his legs as she closed her eyes. "Good boy." She murmured as he curled around her, giving her even more warmth than the coat.