To The Chief of the Southern Water Tribe

To The Tribal Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, and whom it may concern,

It has come to my attention that your allies, the Fire Nation, are currently ravaging through my lands with the intent of desctruction. Owing to the lack of any known offenses towards them from the Earth Kingdom, I am led to believe that it is retribution for the offenses against the Southern Water Tribe, particularly those that were caused by King Lei and/or his agents.

I and my people do not wish for the reckless amounts of violence to continue among our peoples, and I would assume that given the traditional and family-oriented tribal values that your cultures hold in high regard, that your countrymen would not wish to see their daughters and sons sent off to war.

While I am obviously not expecting your armies to cease their attacks on me with no retribution, I am sending this letter to propose an alternate solution as opposed to bloodshed and destruction upon my lands, my troops, and your troops and people as well.
During the 54th Earth King Succession Crisis, Lei was removed from power and his life was brought to an end. His treachery will no longer stain our world with blood.

However, deviating back to my original topic, I would like to offer you a proposition. I understand that I cannot bring back the dead, and I would not expect you or your tribespeople to simply let the Earth Kingdom off the hook. Thus, name your price. I, in the name of the Earth Kingdom, will be more than happy to grant your requests as long as they are in reason.

I would however, like to emphasize the point that I am not Lei, and that my death, be it in battle or by other causes, would mean nothing more than slaying an innocent woman for the crimes of another. I acknowledge that by stepping up to the head of my kingdom means that I inherit having to resolve whatever crimes and problems my predecessor left upon my great nation, but I will not be exterminated for his crimes.

I do not wish to be your enemy, and I do not wish to slay your people, and hope you do not wish to slay mine. All of Lei's agents that were in positions of power or importance have been removed from their posts, and while a few were executed according to the law, most of them were imprisoned. If you wish to see them brought to your justice, I will be honored to arrange such.

I do not know what else to do to emphasize the message that I do not wish to continue the war that Lei has started, but I would also like to politely inform you that I and my countrymen cannot simply back down when war is on our doorstep. Like any respectable country, we will fight in our defense to save the lives of our innocent civilians and their lands, and will stop at nothing to keep our nation safe. However, I understand that there are others in this world that hold a similar level of persistence, which was why I sent you this proposition in the first place. I beseech thee, Tribal Chief, that if the shedding of blood has angered your people, let us end it together before more lives on every side get taken. Let us end the violent relationships that are building between us.

With utmost regard,
=Meili Mitali Zalika, 55th Earth Queen=

To Chief Kanaryu Oshido of the Southern Water Tribe:

I apologize for the pain that my predecessor has caused, and understand that emotional impacts that it must have. I also, unfortunately, cannot bring back the dead, be it your beloved chief for your people to be led by, or King Lei for you to punish. I do hope that you understand that Lei was dangerous enough that he could not be kept alive. Initially we had him imprisoned, but that did not end well, and within a day we realized that the only way to be safe from such a dangerous warmongerer was to execute him, lest he break free of our grasp and continue to wreak untold havoc across our lands and the lands of the other nations.

With that motion aside, I will accept your proposition of peace talks. I am currently En Route to Omashu, and will be honored to meet you there for the negotiations.

With utmost regard,
=Meili Mitali Zalika, 55th Earth Queen=