They arrive at the edge of the camp, when the emissary introduces himself, "Greetings, my name is Tadashi. I come from the Fire Nation under orders from Fire Lord Izumi. I seek to meet with the Avatar."
How did the Fire Nation know the Avatar is here?! Senna thinks to herself, those goons must have spies everywhere. If this man traveled all the way from the Fire Nation, they must know for certainty that Korra is here. There is no use in denying now. "How do you know the Avatar is in this swamp?!" Senna asks. "The Fire Lord has known for quite a while," Senna interrupts him "Since when?!" Tadashi answers "That I don't know." "And how?!" She asks. "I don't know, Ma'am."
Senna readies her position, and Hoz places a hand over his knife. "I am not here to fight. I'm under direct orders to come here and deliver a message to the Avatar herself." Senna scoffs, "You will do no such thing." The emissary asks, "And who am I speaking to?"
Hoz glances over at Senna, if she attacks, he will too. Senna's eyes are narrowing at Tadashi, she is silent for a moment, "I am Senna, mother of the Avatar. You can speak to me instead." Tadashi bows slightly, showing respect. "Very well, Senna." He takes out a sealed parchment and hands it over to her.
Senna breaks the seal and unrolls the letter. In it, the Fire Lord extends an invitation to the Avatar to come to the Fire Nation Royal Palace and meet her personally. The message outlines her desire to help the Avatar learn firebending, that she will provide a master for her and will oversee her firebending training personally. There is also a promise of hospitality during Korra's stay in the Fire Nation, and a safe passage during her travel under Tadashi's own protection.
Senna finishes reading and looks up at Tadashi. "This is quite the gesture. It even mentions you by name." Tadashi does not know the contents of the letter, only to deliver it and see to it that no scuffles are to be had. "Are you a firebender?" Senna asks. "I am not, Ma'am. I teach the way of the sword and the ancient art of chi control."
"Excuse us, please." Senna knows this is genuine. It is signed by the Fire Lord herself, and the Fire Nation has long been in good standing with the rest of the world ever since the war ended. This is a great opportunity, she thinks, but she also can't let her daughter leave home. The world is cruel and unforgiving, and Unalaq is out there. Senna walks away with Hoz, "What did the letter say?" Hoz asks.
"It's an…" No, she can't tell him. She doesn't want it to get out. She wants the emissary to go back to where he came from and leave them alone. Korra can't leave. This is too dangerous. "So?" Hoz asks again. "It's none of your business!" She replies. "Should I tell 'em to leave?!" He asks her. "Uh… no, don't." she says to him and walks away.
Almost an hour later, men and women begin to emerge from their woven huts to start the day. Some are tending to their fishing nets and ensuring their tools and weapons are in good condition, while others are checking on the growth of crops. A few men head to nearby lakes to gather food and fresh water, and a few women tend to the fire, preparing breakfast from stored provisions. The camp begins to come alive with activity as everyone begins their chores. Tadashi walks closer to the camp and observes. Everyone notices, but Hoz assures them he's welcomed. All the children start observing him, their bright eyes taking every detail with a mix of wonder and caution. Some are looking at him from behind their mothers, while others are taking closer steps. Everyone is whispering amongst themselves, sharing speculation and giggles, fascinated by the visitor's unusual appearance. He was Fire Nation pale with jet-black hair tied back in a tight topknot, a traditional Fire Nation style that signifies rank and status. He wore a meticulously tailored uniform made with deep red fabric that contrasted starkly with the muted greens and browns of the swamp. The uniform is adorned with black and gold accents and fitted with broad shoulders and a high collar that gave him an air of regality, and his trousers were similarly well-fitted and tucked neatly into knee-high black boots. Gold embroidery depicting the Fire Nation symbol decorated his chest.
Korra woke up to her mother sitting on her bed located next to hers. "Good morning, Mom." Senna doesn't respond. She observes the letter in her mother's hands. "What is this?" She asks. Senna doesn't respond. She's been sitting there ever since she walked away from Hoz, thinking what to do. "Mom?" Korra speaks softly again.
"It's a… hmmm..." Senna wants to burn this letter and be done with it, never to speak of it to anyone. "What is going on?!" Korra asks. As Senna gives her no answer, she prepares to leave and wears her sleeveless green top and puts on her dark green, loose-fitting, cropped pants that are wide at the bottom, reaching just below the knee. She puts on her slip-on shoes and walks to the exit. "Stop." Senna says. "What is going on with you today?!" Korra asks. "I don't want you to leave the hut today." Korra frowns, "Why not? What's so important that I need to stay here?!"
Senna's gaze hardens, and her voice takes on a commanding tone. "Do as I say." This isn't the first time they've argued, and Senna's attitude was always mother knows best, but she rarely hid anything from her daughter. They sleep with two beds situated next to each other, and they always tell each other about their day before going to sleep. Senna leaves the hut with the letter in her hand, and Korra stays behind.
Shortly after, Zia walks in, "Did you see the man outside?" She asks Korra. "What man? Ugh what is going on today!" Korra says in frustration. "This is strange. Judging by his clothes, he looks from the Fire Nation." Zia says.
"WHAT…?!" Korra runs outside and looks at the visitor, looking like he's being tormented by Vek. "So you're from the Fire Nation, eh…" Vek says to him, "what is it like nowadays? You still raiding villages? You here to raid our village? You here to steal our crop?" Tadashi is perplexed, "Uhhh….." He's trying to keep it cool and formal. These people don't mingle much with the outside world, he can tell by their reactions to him. He expected this. He was given a lot of instructions directly from the Fire Lord before leaving. He was told that the Avatar has been living in the Foggy Swamp for most of her life, and that she is about 15 years old and is probably a good waterbender. He was given a detailed overview of the Foggy Swamp tribe as to not be alarmed. He was given specific directions to the tribe's location and did not ask how they got this information. He simply obeyed those commands and heeded every instruction. He traveled for two weeks. First by a ferry from the Fire Nation Capital to Shu Jing's port in the Fire Nation, then he took a ship from there to Gaoling in the Earth Kingdom and traveled by foot to reach the Foggy Swamp from there.
Tadashi senses a new face staring at him from a small distance. He looks over and sees Korra. She looks different from the rest of them, he thinks. They all look Earth Kingdom, but she looks strikingly Water Tribe. Her eyes are a bright, piercing blue, and her hair is dark brown styled in two thick, symmetrical ponytails that hang down her shoulders, secured by beads, and her skin has a warm, tan complexion. She begins to approach him, but Senna intercepts her. "Get back inside. Now!" Senna says sternly.
Korra stops in her tracks, her curiosity battling within her. "Who is…" Senna grabs her arm and walks inside the hut. "Who is this man? Is he here for me? Is this why you wanted me to stay inside?! Tell me!" Korra asks.
"He arrived before sunrise." Senna finally starts speaking. "And this letter in your hand, it's from him, right?" "Yes." "Mom... what does it say?"
Senna takes a huge sigh, "It's from the Fire Lord, she wants you to go with him to the Fire Nation capital to meet with her."