Second day of Solstice

Fire Lord Taishi 25

Year of the Sun

Dear Shinji,

I should probably inform you that it is offical. Lady Kari of the house of Azu is engaged to Lord Jin Li.

It was announced last night at the ball. I have not yet spoken to Kari but I'm more aware than anything of my situation. Kari will go to live with Jin Li sooner or later and Chen will no doubt go adventuring which leaves me as sole keeper of all our land, estastes and towns for I doubt Father will care. Shinji I might as well tell you for you have probably all ready worked it out...Father is trying his hardest to arrange a marriage between Prince Sozin and myself since I come of marrying age on the 20rh of next month. I do not wish to marry him Shinji but if it is not Prince Sozin it will be someone else...I have already argued with Father...I bear the mark to prove it so I've came to a decision.

Shinji, Mielia Bei Fong has invited us to her estate in the Earth Kingdom. It is a chance for us to get away from this Nation and away from Fathers clutches. I have not yet asked for his permission but understand I am going with or without it.

Shinji I want you to come with me. You are always left out of everything but for once I am asking you..begging you to come with me.

Love always,

Your sister Maeko x

25th of June

Dear Maeko,

What do you mean bear the marks? Did her hurt you? If so I swear I will fry him! Kari deserves her brain fried out for marrying him!

Maeko I'm going to come with you...you need someone to protect you after all. Maeko.

I'm in on it. I've ordered a carriage already...I should arrive on the 7th of next month.

See you,

Shinji.

29th of June

Dear Shinji,

I have Fathers consent although I am suspicious. He gave me leave too willingly Shinji but I shall go with you nonetheless. The arrangements are all in order. We leave on the 10th of next month but sadly we will be on the same ship as Princess Mayleen. Trust me she's the vainest person you will ever meet...she puts Kari to shame.

Speaking of Kari, I spoke to her the other day...well she did most of the speaking. A bunch of rubbish about honour and duty! She does not love him but for the sake of her good name and appearence she will marry him! It's pathetic!

Chen Len is departing the palace soon. The Fire Lord has granted him a positition as an ambassador for the Fire Nation. He leaves with Princess Mei Xing on the 7th of next month. I will miss him but I am sure he will enjoy his time in the Northern Water Tribe.

Love always,

Maeko x

7th of July

Fire Lord Taishi 25

Year of the Sun

5 hours after noon

Today is a sad day for me. I had to bid goodbye to Mei Xing.

I shall miss her for she has been a great comfort to me in the weeks following the solstice. She promises to write and invites me freely to go to the Winter Solstice celebrations in the Northern Water Tribe as her guest. It still pains me to say goodbye and to see her leave in her carriage with the rest of her tribe. Mielia also seemed very upset too although she would not admit so.

I also had to say goodbye to Chen. He didn't say his opinion on Kari's wedding but I can tell he did not like it although he remained very polite towards Jin Li who I have to tolerate through every meal now.

Prince Sozin and I have spoken. I could not avoid him forever but our meeting was actually quite accidental. I was training...trying to work on my Lightening technique but sadly this requires peace of mind and soul which is something I do not have for obvious reasons.

Nevertheless I worked through the stances quite ignorant that I was being watched until I whirled around and saw him leaning against a post smiling in amusement. Honestly just because he thinks he's the best firebender in the world!

He came up to me and tried to correct my stances like I was some pathetic two year old! I nearly lost my temper with him...I told him to go away and for the life of me that seemed to amuse him even more!

I stormed off with steam coming from my ears. I haven't seen head nor tail of him since.

At least tomorrow Shinji comes. I have misssed the little toerag. I am actually getting quite excited about this voyage but lately I've been getting these terrible dreams just like the one I got a while ago...however this time there is no Kari to comfort me.

It is her choice to marry. It's not like she's a traitior.

But still how come I feel so betrayed?