The Real Painted Lady Ch 1

• Chapter One

During the time of Avatar Yangchen, a legend was born. Princess Haikko of the Southern Watertribe. But at the time of her birth she was very sick and didn't cry. Her parents tried everything to save her but nothing worked. They prayed to the ancient spirits to save their daughter's life.

A very old spirit answered their pleas. "Seek the Spirit Oasis in the Northern Water Tribe. The moon and ocean spirits will spare you're child's life".

Haikko's mother, Kaila looked relived, "Thank you wise spirit. We will set off at once." She turned to her husband, Chief Sauk  "We've been separated from the Northern Tribe for more than 200 years. It is fate that we finally settle this grudge against each other."

"I welcome peace with the Northern Tribe. But I doubt they want our friendship." he sighed a deep sigh. "We will do whatever it takes. Haikko must live. I will assemble a fleet, in case we run into trouble."

A cold chill entered the room when the old spirit spoke. "You cannot enter northern waters with a fleet. You would all die much to soon. And what fun is in that for me?" A plethora creepy-crawly legs twitched as the large centipede encircled the couple.

The woman cringed. "w-w-What should we do spirit?"

"I Could Steal You're Face Right Now!" Koh flung himself towards her. Stopping right in front of her nose. "..But I much rather help you. " He snaked around the baby's crib. "However, you must do something for me in return."

"I would do anything to save my daughters life. Even give my own." Kaila said with a stone-face.

"I will give you a life for a life. I will even allow the two of you to keep yours." Slithered the ancient beast.

Haikko's parents accepted the spirits aid. Koh gave them with a scroll that was a treaty of peace. It was mystical and ensured everlasting peace between the tribes.

"All past grievances between north and south have been forgotten. You're new sister tribe will welcome you with open arms." The spirit faded into the shadows.

They arrived at the Northern Watertribe Gates and were ushered in by a cheering crowd. The Watertribes were united and they celebrated. No one could recall the reason for the 200 year separation.

Haikko was placed in the Spirit Oasis water at high tide during the new moon. Her eyes turn deep blue, her hair changed from light brown to  black . She began to cry. Haikko's life was a gift from the Ocean Spirit, La.

Both parents decided to rejoin their sister tribe every year on the anniversary of Haikko's salvation. Eventually it became a tribal tradition. The sister tribes still meet on the first new moon of each year. The celebration became known as "The New Moon Ceremony".

On Haikko's 16th birthday she traveled to the north with her parents. During the trip her father announced that Haikko was betrothed to marry Prince Rukhi of the Northern Watertribe. She knew the Prince well. They grew up together and had never got along.

Days later when she arrived her life was over. The whole tribe seemed to be preparing for the wedding. 'They must of known long before I did' she thought.

Prince Rukhi was impressed by Haikko's beauty, but found her to be combative and strong willed. Not exactly the features he looked for in a wife. Haikko looked at Rukhi with animosity. She didn't want to be forced into an arranged marriage with that spoiled chief-in-training. The night before the "New Moon Ceremony" Haikku confronted her parents.

"Mother, Father, please don't make me marry him. We don't love each other."  her head hung down as she continued. "I can't go through with this."

Her father quickly replied. "You shame us if you don't. This marriage is important to both of our tribes."

"You must fulfill your duty as the princess." Her mother spoke softly as she wiped a tear away. "In time you will learn to love him."

"I don't want to 'learn' to love him! I want real love." Haikko spoke fiercely.

His voice elevated above hers."You will marry that boy tomorrow, and That's Final!"

Later that night she laid awake in her sleeping chamber. It felt more like a prison chamber. She was torn between her heart and her head. Although, Haikko's heart was convincing her brain more and more. She sat up in bed and resolved to run away. Traveling around the world would be a great adventure. Quietly, the girl snuck outside the walls and set sail in the lead ship by herself.

After a week of drifting in open waters, Haikko began to curse herself. She had trouble managing the large ship alone. The supplies she had brought with her were running low and the nights were very cold. She wished the currents would take her some place warm. As she slept the ocean carried her to a new destination. The Fire Nation.