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Another week passed, filled with worry and doubt from the tribe.

But Amarante made it. From the look-out on the mountain side she saw all of the swamp...every tree, the gap where the village resided, and the plains from where she'd begun. She also saw Boa, looking proudly at her friend at the look-out.

"Look out there," she said, glancing to the swamp. "When you see something like that as a whole, there is sincerity and beauty. Today you have completed the Water Hike. You've truly integrated yourself as an adult, not only with the tribe, but with the entire forest."

She handed her something from behind her back. It was the swamp peony, only it was no longer merely a bud. It had bloomed in the time Amarante had hiked, it's petals overflowing on the stem and a thick, heavy fragrance floating through the air.

Boa gave Amarante her toothy grin. "Congrats' Ama! You're a Guardian!"

"Darn tootin'!" Boa whooped. "But fer now we'll skivvy on home for the celebratin'. We'll have swamp ski races, swamp gumbo-"

She went on and on as she led the boat back to the village. She was excited to have her friend pass the trials, but mostly was just relieved to have her friend back safe and sound.

The celebrations were half-way through when the delegation arrived.

A young boy, in the soft, warm colors of the Air Nomads, came flying down from a young bison, obviously nervous about flying into such swampy ground. Quan, the rider, landed gently on an empty space near the village. Boa came down with greetings, although her insides churned. She knew this song and dance.

"Evenin' Quan. Ma doin' awright?"

"Very well Boa." Quan smiled gently. He didn't want to rush things. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting something."

"A lil' actually," Boa admitted, before slinging an arm around Amarante, "This here's Ama, she's just passed the Water Hike!"

"A pleasure to meet you," he bowed gracefully, "I am pleased to hear you passed your rite of passage. But Boa," Quan pressed, "Princess Tayu would still like to talk with you, if you're available. She's in Omashu for a week to discuss hiring benders for emergency lock-downs...I'm afraid old King Bumi is still touchy about his city being invaded. It'd be most helpful for you to come...as the Avatar."

Naturally he played this card. As Boa, a Unionist, she could refuse, but as the Avatar, she had a duty. She shrugged complacently.

"Okie dokie then, if it's jus' a talk." she hopped onto the back saddle. "Wanna hop along there Ama? I don' mind you tourin' Omashu while I'm there."

The flight to Omashu passed quickly...it was only a short ways south of the swamp's borders. Boa fidgeted uncomfortably, she terribly enjoyed Quan and Tayu's company, but they constantly argued with her on properly learning all the elements, rather than just sticking with her own.

The guards paid no mind to the bison flying to the palace, they had become common ever since the small colony of them had been discovered below the Western Air Temple. The young bison landed, and they were all led to the terrance where Princess Tayu sat drinking tea with several advisors.

"Thank you for coming," she greeted politely, waving away the advisors. "I'm glad you could find the time away from your...err....charming residence."

"Not at all Missy Tayu." Boa agreed with a toothy grin. "If you wanna go explore some Ama, don' be a stranger."

Cheng quickly approached Omashu with his two best fighters behind him, Longshot and Duke.

Longshot:

Duke:

Both Came from the southern Water tribe hoping to find a better existence, Duke is Longshots brother.

When we came into the city a man approached us carrying a jian.
"Give me your money, I'm with The Roque." he said.
"Go away, I don't care who your with, the last person to try to mug us wound up in a morgue." i told him.
The warning was of no use and the bandit swung. Longshot drew his throwing knives, while Duke was readying his club. I sent them a hand signal to stand down, signifying i would handle this.
The bandit swung again and i dodged. My arm swung around and i punched the bandit square in the jaw. His sword dropped. I kneed him in the stomach, then with two swift left and right movements i broke his neck.
"Weird, I actually thought i had a good fight there." i smirked.