A massive dam, half-finished, stretched across the jagged gorge, an ambitious structure meant to unite the waterways of Water Tribe and the nearby Earth Kingdom. It was supposed to symbolize collaboration, mutual effort. Instead, it had become a slow-burning battleground of egos and political tension.

Work had stalled for days. The Earth Kingdom engineers were stretched thin, freezing under conditions they weren’t prepared for, while the Water Tribe’s laborers, disciplined but aloof, remained distant and indifferent. Rumors had already begun to spread, whispers that Rhoan was intentionally pulling back. Whether it was strategy or pride, no one could tell.

You arrived alone. The Avatar had warned you not to take the bait, to stay calm if Rhoan tried to provoke. You’d promised to try. But the moment you saw him standing casually on the dam’s central ridge, arms crossed, watching the workers struggle, your resolve began to fray. Rhoan turned slightly as you approached, the faintest flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Didn’t expect you to come in person,” he said “But then again, this project is your pet cause, isn’t it?”

You ignored the jab and pointed toward the labor site, where Earth workers hauled stone and ice with little assistance "We’d give your people a chance to prove themselves before we stepped in. You know, build character" Your brow furrowed. “You’re worried about the dam” he said, his voice smooth but laced with condescension. “I’m more worried about your tendency to obey every word the Avatar whispers. Let me guess, he told you not to let me get under your skin?”

You didn’t respond, and he grinned.

“That’s adorable” Your posture shifted, shoulders tightening, a ripple of power building behind restraint. But still didn’t lash out. Not yet. “Still holding back?” he continued, stepping just into your space. “He must have really gotten to you"

You turned to walk away, jaw clenched. That was when he said it.

“Cowardice looks strange on you.”