25th of Autumn, Half Solar, 50th year of Homura

It has been three days that I've been here in the South Pole in Fort Shu Wei.

It is very cold.

There is a lot of ice.

Everywhere.

It is the months of all-night sun, so we are protected during this time. The army is trying to finish the settlement now before the months of non-ending night.

The encampment is a fortress, somewhat bustling, but most of the people who've been here for a while only wish to be back home, though they serve our country well and with bravery.

I have not yet seen any Watertribe people.

I hear a lot a stories about how they'll come in a couple days to trade, though some are still suspicious of them for some reason.

There are some children here. Mostly daughters and sons of Firenation military officials sent to join their parents in the campaign.

Most come from prestigious families or legendary bloodlines, and some of the children (some who are even a bit younger than me) even take up advanced training in the camp.

I could have joined in the training with the other children at my age here. But my training level is so slow...I had to delay it. Though father is still kind and patient with me, helping with basic sets everyday as much as he can..even if he is busy.

I'm not that much sad these days, I try to keep my thoughts occupied with walking, training and writing, I even try to play some flute. Though some of my own insecurities have not seemed to change..

One girl here named Ribari, who is about my age; hails from the central Firenation. She hails neither from a prestigious family or lineage. Her skills are rough at most, self taught, BUT she has so much determination and makes so much use of what she has, and trains so hard whenever she can. I've never even seen such wit and quickness from anyone that I've seen, not even from Peng-peng or the others back home.

What I like about her the most is that she never takes herself too seriously, she always tells the most funny jokes, and keeps her vision of how things are, real. She is friendly with me, and I enjoy walking and talking with her on the grounds.

She says I have such talent in sustaining flame and playing the flute.

Her fluteplaying is also something to be quite admired.

I like her a lot.

...I admit I am a bit jealous and wish I was more like her.

But I cannot.

For I am myself. Nothing more.

And right now that doesn't seem to mean much to anyone else, not even to me.