The Legend of the Ichor

In the days of the first benders, when the spirits gave their blessings and allowed people to work the elements around them, another separate gift was given to one bloodline.

They called themselves the Ichor, bound not by sword nor greed, but by an ancient promise to protect those worthy, in repayment for their gift.

When the first Firelord took the throne desiring to bring all his people together and guide them to prosperity, the Ichor stepped forward, swearing to guard him and his kin from harm, protectors of both ruler and realm. Their gift was silent, mysterious—a shield forged by flame yet never burned by it.

Over time, the purity of their purposes—Ichor and lord alike—grew muddied and dark. The Firelords grew hungry, and the Ichor's gift grew sparse, their purposes clouded by ambition and pride.

When Firelord Sozin turned his gaze upon the Airbenders, the Ichor stood at his side, bound by duty warped with personal desire.

And so the fire dimmed. No child born to the Ichor bore the gift, year after year. The bloodline faded, their purpose and glory slipping from memory, their power lost to time as punishment for forgotten oaths.

Generations passed, and the Ichor became a myth—a tale told to children of those who walked unscathed through flame, defender to those most important.

Until, from silence, a child was born. A spark reunited.

And they called him Ara, the last hope of the Ichor.