Rohan,

I know you have a long journey in front of you as you travel to the Eastern Air Temple. This is an important mark of passage: turning fifteen was the typical age when airbenders undertook this pilgrimage into adulthood. I am so proud of you, my son.

But there are dangers, for which you should be cautious.

While the Earth States have succeeded the Earth Empire, and Kuvira is locked away, the Fire Nation and the United Republic are in the middle of a Cold War. It is for this reason, and the Air Nation repatriating refugees in the Earth States, that airbenders have not undergone missions to the Fire Nation in the past eleven years. Spies and agents on both sides are everywhere. They may compromise this spiritual journey that you must take.

I have searched for this conflict’s origins. People have their own ideas. I think it began when President Raiko constructed Sky Castle Bravo — and signed the Whaletail Treaty with the Earth States, which gave the United Republic all Earth Empire territory to the west of the River Beinan, the river that joins the Northernmost Ocean with Full Moon Bay. Others say it began when Fire Minister Zhoza announced the construction of his own nation’s sky castle as a counter. Others blame Fire Lord Izumi for devolving too much of her power to a new Fire Parliament.

I have tried my best to get President Bolin to deactivate Sky Castle Bravo, but he has declined. He insists that in the wake of Unalaq’s attack, Kuvira’s Colossus, and the waves of refugees that followed her downfall, that Sky Castle Bravo is essential to ensuring peace and security. When I last spoke with him, he alluded to the Fire Nation developing a new technology; I pressed him for more details, but to no avail.

And more troubling yet, Avatar Korra says that the new spirit portal has moved from its spot in the Spirit World, and now resides near the Tree of Time. No one knows what this means. She has gone off in search for answers. I have heard nothing further.

These are disconcerting times. But be brave. You must go forward into adulthood and the days yet before you, my son. I will meet you in due time, when you arrive at the Eastern Air Temple.

Love,

Dad

P.S. I’ve included a copy of “The Lives of the Airbenders” Please read this on your travels and take good care of it.

P.P.S. It’s an historical artifact.