Zhi's Letters Home

[zhi]

This letter was addressed and sent off from a now deserted Fire Nation Encampment southwest of Ba Sing Se; its contents have been edited to protect the secrets of the Fire Nation forces in the region.


Dear Mother, Father, Zhen,

I received your last letter before we set out from Quae; I'm pleased to hear you're all doing well. Combining the letters seems to work well, having to wait for Zhen's letter then yours and then responding to them both separately was rather confusing at times. It can be difficult since they've had us on the move often. I've had letters chase me from town to town if you know what I mean.

Mother, Father, how went the little reunion with our cousins and aunt? I hope they are well, I'm so proud to be out here, carrying on uncle's legacy, I hope they know that.

How did that stew turn out, mother? The exports from the colonies are up this month, no? At least that's what I have read. They have quite the assortment of vegetables, spices and the like here in the Earth Kingdom. It is truly a beautiful land, quite different from the Fire Nation, but beautiful nonetheless.

We recently moved north out of Quae Village to one of the largest encampments I've ever seen here, it was quite a sight. You'll never believe who I got to meet either, the Princess of the Fire Nation herself! I was sent by a Sergeant to deliver a message to her, I was so nervous. I do hope I didn't let her down any, though. She's a stunning sight to see and I was right there, at her feet!

We're only a day away from setting out farther north; toward Ba Sing Se. Apparently our Navy has established a deep water harbor along the coast of a lake west of the City. I assume we're headed there to meet up with reinforcements off the ships. I'm looking forward to getting there; it means we're one step closer to the Earth King's precious city. With that new supply port, it should be far easier to send and receive letters as well.

I'm so proud to be here, serving my country, there's nothing that can stop us from attaining victory. We've got the will and determination and the Princess leading us and then there's talk of a secret weapon that's being prepared at the harbor too. Do either of you know anything about it?

Zhen, I'm sorry I left you to the second half, you'll get the first bit in my next letter, I promise. How are your studies at the academy progressing? I wish I could watch you practice your bending as before. I'm sure you're still surprising your instructors! Did you manage to master that stance that was giving you trouble?

I hope the academy is treating you well, I've met a few fellows out here with sisters and girlfriends who attended it; they say it can be rough. I know we're not exactly nobility, but your skills must surely have earned you respect.

Remember when I said I would find you something nice here in the Earth Kingdom? I think I know what it will be, I just have to get my hands on one and then I'll ship it home to you right away. Can't tell you what it is though, but I'm certain you'll like it.

As I told mom and dad, we're getting very close to Ba Sing Se; I just hope I can find something fitting to bring back for uncle's shrine. We'll punch through that wall, I know it, it's only a matter of time.

Well, write me back as soon as you can, I'll be looking forward to hearing from you all! I'm doing just fine, staying safe and the like. Try not to worry about me; I've got good friends watching my back out here.

Love you all,
Zhi