Hi all! I just wanted to start off this chapter by saying how much I appreciate all of the fans that have stuck with me over the years with this story. All of the reviews/follows/favorites really push me to post more chapters for this so I appreciate all of you so much! Now onto the next chapter! P.S. let me know your thoughts on length/content and if you would like to see me continue this story past the Northern Water Tribe? Thanks all!

It was a quiet morning. He was out on his balcony. There was a light breezing blowing in from the South. He was taking this opportunity to meditate. I can't believe it's already been a month since I came here. Aang mused. He had learned so much since his less than stellar arrival. Master Pacu nearly threw him out of the Northern Water Tribe himself but the Chief finally wore him down enough to allow him to learn.

It had been a challenging first day to say the least but Aang had persevered and had begun progressing quickly in terms of developing his Waterbending skills. It was as much of an art as it was a way of life. Understanding not only the power of Waterbending but the ability of it to heal so many reminded him of Airbending so much.

So this is why Airbending and Waterbending go together so well. Aang mused to himself. It made sense. Firebending and even Earthbending had always posed many challenges to Aang along his journey thus far. He could by no means say he had mastered any element at this point, but he had definitely gotten the basics down…. But Waterbending was something totally different. It was so… pure. He could stay in the Northern Water Tribe for a lifetime and not come close to unlocking all of the secrets around mastering the element. Master Pacu had told him himself that he had gained a strong foundation and understanding of the art. He believed with proper time and patience, Aang could become a Waterbending Master.

This was high praise coming from a man who had wanted nothing to do with him a month ago. Though Aang still frustrated him from time to time with his antics, he had begun to tolerate them… Even use them to his advantage while teaching Aang which was something both unexpected but wholly appreciated by Aang. It had allowed him to learn so much quicker.

After a few weeks of training, Aang was brought into the Northern Water Tribe warriors to take part in patrolling, drilling, and other training exercises. It was such an honor for Aang to be allowed in and accepted by the warriors of the tribe. It had also been very beneficial on his path to Mastering the art through appreciating all facets of Water Tribe culture. He had been placed in a small group of warriors. This group was unusual as it contained both men and women warriors which was a first of the Tribe which Aang was proud to be a part of.

There was Zada who was the oldest of the group. He was reserved and skilled in hand to hand combat. Willing to listen and offer advice whenever asked.

Nulen was an act first and think later type of person. He was fearless in his own respect which often led to careless mistakes but he always pulled through regardless of the training exercise.

Masiro was the glue that held the group together. She was thoughtful, kind, caring, but willing to kick your butt if you decided to do something boneheaded which Aang had come to do often in front of her.

Bakkor was the youngest of the group and newest member of the team besides Aang. He had just started to learn Waterbending as well but what he lacked in Waterbending skill, he quickly balanced with his knowledge of the terrain and ability to strategize on the fly.

Yianna was the final member to round out the group. She was adept at healing and specialized in defensive Waterbending. She held the back line and was the support person in the unit.

Each person on the team had their own strengths and weaknesses but in the end balanced each other out well. The unit he was in had no current leader since the prior leader Hahn was transferred to another unit. From what the team had told him, Hahn was not a strong leader, rather he was arrogant and attempted to gain favor with the chief for reasons Aang was beginning to understand. Yue… Aang shook his head at these musing, regardless of what the team thought of him, he was put in charge of an infiltration unit.

Though Aang had made strides in his learning and had enjoyed staying at the Northern Water Tribe… Toph on the other hand… had not been enjoying her time in the North. Immediately after she arrived she realized that the Northern Water Tribe was mostly made up of… well ice. Aang shook his head a little and sighed.

Toph demanded to be brought to whatever area with dirt that was readily or not so readily available to her. Turns out it was the Northern Water Tribe's most sacred places which sadly meant no bending for her. Though she wouldn't complain too much, at least she could see clearly what was around her.

She had grown used to making her way through the palace and the city without much help. With time and practice she was able to see through the ice almost as well as she could on solid ground. Key word was almost. She still had her moments where she would bump into a wall or knock over a vase in the hallway, but she would keep at it until she had perfected her vision, even on ice. Aang smiled at this. She's such a strong bender but she's an even stronger person.

Aang snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a knock on his door. Must be time for my session in the healer's tent. Aang had been spending increasing amounts of time in the healer's tent recently. It was such as worthwhile skill to learn, master, and grow. He felt honored to be allowed to learn a sacred skill so few men were allowed to even learn.

Besides that, since the accident when he had first been learning to Firebend, he felt the need to pick up as much skill in healing as he could to prevent such accidents from occurring ever again. Being a healer took a great amount of control which Aang felt could translate well when he went to Master elements like Firebending.

With this thought he got up and walked to the door to see who was knocking.

Hope you enjoyed! Please follow and review! Let me know who you think is at the door and why! P.S. I know some people don't like original characters but I figured I would add a few to flesh out some of the scenes to come when the Fire Nation arrives!