Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender copyright Dante Dimartino, Brian Konietzko and Nickelodeon Studios.


Katara looked away, uncomfortable with the conversation. She'd never questioned the tribe's traditions; that's just the ways things were, the way they'd always been.

"The boy will have scars, which will bring him honor and the respect of his countrymen. His sacrifice will provide for his family financially and grant him a title with which to build his own dynasty. It is a great gift you have given him. Never before has a member of the royal family chosen from the lower class. He will be honored among his peers as Lyahiko's chosen."

"And scarred."

Iroh sighed. "Yes, and scarred."