Closing her eyes Thyra exhaled deeply before inhaling again, feeling the cold air biting at her chest as she meditated before a candle, trying to focus on her inner energy. The fortune teller had told her that great power lay within her, a power yet to be unleashed. Could she really have meant air bending?
No matter how deeply Thyra fell into meditation, she could never unlock the final door. Cosmic energy. There was hardly any left since the sprits were gone from this world, mostly, which made it difficult for Thyra to truly unlock who she was.
With a soft sigh she opened her eyes, letting her figure slump as she looked at the ground with disappointment. Nothing. Again. Perhaps that lady really just was crazy and didn't have a clue what she was talking about. Thyra was still deep in thought when Sokka raced into their quarters, shouting at the top of his lungs. "Thyra! Come quick! The Fire Nation is here!"
Instantly she was on her feet and following Sokka outside, frowning at the black ash that fell from the sky thicker than snow. "What is this?" She asked, holding out a hand to look at it contemplatively. Princess Yue stood close by but Sokka had already grabbed her hand and was pulling her towards the citadel where others were beginning to gather.
She raced ahead of them, sliding inside then searched for Aang and Katara. They were already sitting with their backs to a wall, listening intently so Thyra grabbed Sokka and dragged him over, pushing him down to sit beside his sister before taking a seat of their own. Once everyone was settled, Chief Arnook began to speak.
"The day we have feared for so long has arrived. The Fire Nation is on our doorstep. It is with great sadness I call my family here before me, knowing well that some of these faces are about to vanish from our tribe. But they will never vanish from our hearts. Now, as we approach the battle for our existence," slowly he raised his arms up to the sky before calling out. "I call upon the great spirits! Spirit of the Ocean! Spirit of the Moon! Be with us!" Thyra felt a gentle tug on her spirit and a small smile touched her lips. The spirits were with them. "I'm going to need volunteers for a dangerous mission."
"Count me in." Sokka called out as he rose, startling his sister.
"Sokka!"
"Don't be a fool, Sokka, you're allowing your heart to rule your head." The young teenager brushed everyone off as other men also stood, glancing to one another. Thyra tried to pull Sokka back to his seat, leaning across Aang but he stepped out of her reach.
"Be warned, many of you may not return. Come and receive my mark if you receive this task." A small group of men walked to their chief, including Sokka and accepted the mark he bestowed upon them with bowed heads. Thyra caught the distraught look on the princess's face as a tear slid down her face.
As everyone else departed, Thyra approached the princess and bowed her head. "Princess Yue, may I speak with you?" She nodded her head solemnly, too chocked up to speak. Thyra led her outside to a quiet balcony that looked down on the reflective river, glistening under the moonlight. "It's about Sokka." Instantly the girl broke down, tears flowing as she pressed her hands to her face and leaned against Thyra, who embraced her tentatively. "You must tell him how you feel."
"I cannot. I have…a duty. To my father, to my people…"
"You also have a duty to yourself. You are the princess, Yue, you have as much right to consider the future of this tribe as you are its future. What strategic value does your match with that useless boy have anyway? I can see none."
"His family are high ranked nobles and they are rich. They will help support the tribe in the future in case of an economic crisis." She sniffed, drying her eyes. "So I must marry him."
"You are to be the leader of the future. How can you expect to show your clan the way if you don't show them your ideals, your thoughts and opinion and change? The southern water tribe are struggling to survive, their numbers are dwindling. I think if a deal can be made between you and your sister tribe, then this will bring better advancement to both your tribes. Unity." Yue slowly lifted her head, thinking over Thyra's words. "You're an intelligent woman, Yue, I think you need to follow your own path. Your father will understand and the Avatar will support you."
Without a single word, Yue threw her arms around Thyra and hugged her tightly, sobbing with relief. "I'm so glad you've spoken to me. I see clearly now. I cannot marry Han." She peeled down her coat to look at her engagement necklace.
"If I were you, I'd do this." Thyra reached out and pulled the necklace off, snapping the ribbon then pressed it into Yue's hand. "Maybe not now, wait until after the battle to tell your father. The victory will bring great elation and you will be more likely heard." Smiling broadly Yue hugged Thyra again before hurrying away.
Satisfied, the girl turned to look up at the moon, sighing as she relaxed with a smile. A battle was before them, the deep breath was being drawn, all they could do now was wait.