| "We protest this decision. You must at least give us the chance to formulate a response. Let us entertain you tonight as honored guests. We can talk of bargains in the morning." |
| — Chaisee's father to the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation ambassadors. |
"Depths" is the first chapter of The Legacy of Yangchen.
Overview[]
While recalling her childhood in a small island in the Mo Ce Sea, Chaisee opens a mysterious letter.
Synopsis[]
During her childhood, Chaisee lived in a small island in the Mo Ce Sea, where she and her fellow villagers dove for prized cucumber sponges, which were carefully killed and dried to be later sold on open markets for a high price, as these creatures were used by nobles to soften their skin. As Chaisee grew older, she began to manage the village's books. She also took over from her father the negotiations with haulers who came to collect the sponges, pearls, and dried shellfish meat.
One day, a ship bearing both Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom flags arrived to the island, carrying junior ambassadors from the two nations. They read a proclamation to the villagers which decreed that they would no longer be allowed to produce certain goods of the sea. According to an agreement between the Earth King and the Fire Lord, the exclusive rights had been granted to a merchant from a faraway city.
Chaisee's father protested against this decision, but decided to treat the officials as honored guests and give them a feast so they could discuss business the next morning. Chaisee stayed away from the party and merely observed from the distance, which allowed to see how one of the sailors picked up a torch and flung it into the largest hut, which they used to dry the cucumber sponges. The fire spread through the village huts, setting half of them ablaze before the screaming started. The ambassadors escaped in their longboats as the villagers attempted to fight the fire.
The tragedy worked as a lesson for Chaisee in the future: "Working yourself to the brink of oblivion was pointless if you couldn't defend the life you made." She kept this in mind as she began to seek work on islands closer to the official Fire Nation archipelago. She made her name in trade, mastering the codes of business spoken in every country while accumulating leverage over her partners and rivals alike.
In the present, Chaisee is working at her office as the Zongdu of Jonduri. Her newest attendant is about to give her an announcement when Chaisee's baby wakes up. Frustrated, the Zongdu laments the fact that she has just gotten him to sleep. The attendant apologizes and lets her know she has a letter, and Chaisee orders her to leave it and get out. She opens the letter as she rocks the crib and reads it, recognizing the handwriting that contains hidden signals that let her know the writer's identity. She folds the letter, looks at it again, and smiles.[1]
Production notes[]
Character revelations[]
- Chaisee has given birth to her son.
Trivia[]
- A preview of this chapter was released by Polygon on June 4, 2023.[2]
References[]
- ↑ Yee, F. C. (author). (July 18, 2023). Chapter One, "Depths". The Legacy of Yangchen. Amulet Books.
- ↑ Avatar: The Last Airbender's latest story arc closes with a fresh look at a powerful villain. Polygon (June 4, 2023). Retrieved on June 4, 2023.