The bright dawn light pierced the darkness of Daiyu's shadowed tent. The light was again shut out as the girl's mother dropped the flap behind her. Daiyu's eyes were squeezed shut, but her mind was awake.

"Daiyu?" her mother called softly, kneeling beside the bedroll, "wake up. If have something to tell you".

She couldn't contain it anymore, Daiyu rolled over to face her mother, her stomach burned with the acid of curiosity. Crimson eyes stabbed through the shadow demanding answers.

"Daiyu, your father and I have decided."

The girl almost said 'you mean Master Hou', but she knew better than to reveal the fact she had been eavesdropping last night. Apparently the words exchanged last night weren't a dream at all.

"You are going to the Fire Nation capital," the mother instructed her daughter proudly, "as an ambassador for our Clan".

Daiyu said nothing, barely daring to believe the words that she already knew were true.

"You will leave as soon as you are ready," she got up to leave. "And you will be taking Master Hou's apprentice, Ru, will be coming with you".

That's right, Daiyu thought to herself, I remember now.

She rolled carelessly out of bed and onto the brightly rugged floor. She grinned, almost in dibelief. The Fire Nation. She'd only dreamed of chances like this to travel from the confines of Clan life. She knew she'd have to make the most of it.

She stepped out of the tent, her head held high. Her well-made robes were hemmed and patterned in gold and crimson, they brought out the unnatural hue of her eyes. Perfect for being noticed. She gazed over to her mother and father standing together, conversing with Master Hou, her mother's smile was radiant and her father stood silent and proud. A few meters away a huge, reptilian beast was resting. It long, gray head was crowned with emerald feathers, it was a dragon without wings, Daiyu was certain. She had never seen a creature like it. There was also a boy, Ru. He leant on the animal's flank, his messy black hair obscuring his face. Typical.

Daiyu always ensured her appearance would be one to inspire reverence, they were travelling to the Fire Nation! If anything, his hair should have at least been neat. She quickly resigned to the fact it was a 'boy thing'. She hauled her provisions over her shoulder and made for her parents.

They all turned to face her as she approached. Daiyu grinned, she knew she was leaving immediately. Her mother's smile lit up her face. It faltered a little as tears welled in her eyes she rushed forward to embrace her daughter. Daiyu hugged her back, biting her lip. Her mother released and brushed the tears away furiously.

Daiyu's father was more subdued, his head held up. One great hand was placed on her shoulder, in the other a blade was presented to her. She looked up at her eyes wide. She grasped the sword tightly and clutched it to her chest. The curved shape of the Niuweidao blade would give her some comfort during her journey. Her father's hand brush her cheek affectionately.

Master Huo spoke, "it is the beginning of your own adventure, Daiyu. Go now," his tone was serious as he inclined his head towards the boy and the beast, "and, child..."

Daiyu turned to face the ancient man.

"Look after Ru," there was a twinkle in his eye.

Daiyu smiled and walked up to the boy. Ru could see her feet from beneath his messy bangs and continued to pretend he was asleep.

"Lets get moving," she told him, "I know you're awake".

He ignored her. The dragard he was resting on shifted its head to look at the newcomer. It's golden eyes searched Daiyu for any signs of threat, finding none a long forked tongue appeared and tasted the air. Daiyu stared at the odd creature, it looked friendly enough. She sighed and placed one foot it the stirrup, the beast angled it's head to get a better view of the girl. She struggled a little when getting into a comfortable position on the saddle but when she did, she held the reins tightly.

"Ya!" she called to the dragard, its tongue flickered again as it rose. Ru cried out as he tumbled to the earth. Daiyu grinned maliciously.

"That's what you get".

Ru's eyes narrowed. This arrogant girl was going to be a pain, and he wasn't going to let her get away with it, not if he could help it. Ru snarled as he effortlessly hoisted himself in to the beast that now stood a head higher than him.

It was going to be a long trip.