bolincredible | IC INBOX • EACHDRAIDH

[ she's not expecting bolin to answer this early, but leaving a message never hurt anyone.

even though there's a 110% chance he's going to hear it from mako, korra... wants to make sure she can deliver the message herself, too. ]

Hey... Bolin, I just wanna let you know that I'm gonna be [ ...??? in enemy territory?? ] ... out of town for a little while. Could you watch Naga for me?

[ Because he always thought he was safe from voluntary early-morning anything from Korra. Just goes to show what happens when a guy assumes. ]

Yeah, of course. Naga-watching is pretty much second nature for me. [ Like he'd even have to think about it. He's been missing his regular dosages of animal companionship, anyway. ] Is everything okay? Not that I'm worried, because you're a handling-yourself master who can handle... yourself. Just, you know.

[ And a pause.

...

Crap, he can't think of another word for "worried" on the spot. Crap crap crap. Why didn't he plan for this? Oh, right. Because he's him. ]

Uhhhh. Haha, wow, you know what, I guess worried was kind of. Kind of what I was going for after all. A little bit.

[ Like are you going to get amnesia and disappear again or is this like a friendly trip to the nearest cool meditation mountain....... ]

[ yeah, the fact that there was any message at all from korra at said insane morning hour is a definite tip-off that there's something not right going on in the world of avataria. which is a word i just made up right now and totally exists because i said so.

and when korra finally speaks up on her end she seems a little winded, and there's the definite sound of twigs snapping beneath her feet. ]

Everything's fine! Nothing to worry about— [ except??? there's the rustling of more leaves and korra's cursing and dropping the locket back around her neck.

is she firebending?

yeah she's firebending.

that's definitely the sound of concussive fire hitting the body of something large, and now korra's actually growling. ]

Tui, they just don't know when to give up, do they!?

[ she might... have forgotten about bolin on the line. ]

[ He'd know the sounds of concussive firebending and Korra being frustrated anywhere!

This is a dilemma. On the one hand, there are clearly some intense things happening here. Things that might merit some nail-biting. And he's not sure if this is a sign that he should be answering right away because she thought this was the most time she would get, or if she just has really bad timing and he should wait. If he could read minds, this would be so much easier.

On the other hand, firebending and engaging in huge general fights are kind of Korra's element. Her fifth element. Plus, this means she didn't completely fall off the face of the planet in a few hours. Getting an answer is way better than getting nothing at all, and Bolin's always pretty inclined to look on the bright side. There's another obligatory pause, during which he probably frets over his locket like a twelve year old, or has a one-sided conversation with Naga by making faces at her or something. ]

Probably not? [ Is she even listening, was she talking to him??? How does he know, he just likes talking. ] You sound kinda busy over there, Korra. Just for the record, you're totally free to hold off on the commiserating until you're done beating down your immediate dangers.

[ it's six of one, half dozen of the other, bolin. this is pretty much all the down time that korra's gotten since she and bilbo have been thrown out into the wilds of the unseelie's territory, and at the very least she wants to make sure that bolin and mako aren't out of their minds with worry.

though, with the way this is going... that's probably not at all going to happen. spirits, this was a bad idea. par for the course, she figures.

but a look of surprise crosses her face when she hears bolin's voice again, and she quickly scrambles for the locket, lifting it up. ]

Don't worry, I got 'em. They're gone now.

[ but for how long, korra. ]

Right, right, gave 'em the old Water Tribe one-two punch! [ He assumes. Or perhaps more accurately, he hopes. Whatevs. ] You okay? Pretty short notice for a trip out to fight territory.

[ Urgent Avatar War Business? Possibly. ]

[ haha... hahaha.... spirits, how is she going to explain this, UM.... ]

... Well I kinda didn't... plan? on coming out here.

Ohhh. [ HE GETS IT, KORRA. He... he's confused. All the time. 95% of his waking hours since getting here, he is confused. The other 5% has been, surprisingly, mostly worry. He's more than used to being confused, of course. Being actively worried about something in such a capacity that he knows what he is and why he is, is not quite his usual cup of tea.

(Bright side: she didn't think on it and then deliberately decide not to ask her earthbending bro who would have totally gone along while she ran into mortal peril. And maybe it's selfish to feel a little better about that distinction, but it still kinda helps.

Dark side: she didn't get to think on it at all. Korra sometimes does that anyway, but it's usually more of a choice.) TRYING TO SOUND REASSURING OVER HERE. ]

--kay. [ He clears his throat like a cool guy. ] Okay! I'm gonna come right out and say that's not good. Unless you suddenly decided to elope, but I don't really think... [ That your whirlwind wedding would involve so much running, growling, and firebending?????

...

Okay, so he's 6% worried. ]

[ ... ]

Bolin, what?

[ argh, no— ]

Nevermind, that's not important. [ she rubs at her head for a second, sighing. ] There's something weird going on at the castles... How well did you sleep last night?

[ He was just checking. She's been here for a month or something, right? Things happen. Even long-running wars and strange new worlds can't stop love, okay!! Ask every old person who ever told a legend. It's kind of a huge deal.

He has no idea what he would have done with the information if she did actually elope, though... it just sort of escaped his brain and ran from his mouth before he could really pick up on it. Like most of what he says. But no harm done! They live to see another day, probably. ]

Uhhhh, I slept, I guess. It's a nice place. [ Needs a few more hat racks, obviously. ] There was sort of a creepy otherworldly moaning going on? But that also could have been a dream.

[ He's trying not to label those right out of the gate after the "i dreamed an evil bloodbender kidnapped Korra oh wait" incident. ]

[ that's not her kind of legend!!! no matter what bryke says, i swear to go—no wait we're off topic.

it's that "living" part that's more "probably" than "guaranteed" right now. korra intends on hanging on by the skin of her teeth each day she's out here. she's hoping, really really hoping (somewhat in vain), that it's not for long. maybe she and bilbo got lucky and they were dropped off just outside the mountain range along caer glaem's property. that would be an easy (and kinda fun, in her expert snow-traversing experience) way to get back to the castle. ]

It wasn't a dream. [ yyyyeah, no time wasted in confirming that for bolin. ] Don't go searching for it, just stay in your room at night. I don't know what this thing's capable of, but considering where I am, I don't want to take any chances.

Edited 2014-06-14 02:08 (UTC)

... okay. [ He doesn't like anything about this, wow. Except for not chasing down creepy spiritual sounds, which is kind of less horrifying than it used to be even then. ]

But are you sure we couldn't just try to ask whatever it is to... do the opposite of whatever it... does? [ Like being quiet and summoning people from the vast reaches of nowhere, or... whatever... the opposite of what it does is.... ] Or me and Mako could just head out and meet you halfway once you know which way you need to go! It's not like we've got a bunch of stuff we'd have to reschedule. We could see some nature, bring some supplies... not even almost a problem. It would be totally problem-free.

[ baggin all the loyal waifus, korra, damn. ]

[ that... actually makes her laugh a little (albeit tiredly), especially after dealing with the headache that is a pushy mako thinking he knows best. thankfully, korra's already covered this with him, so she knows better what to say to keep people in line. ]

No, it would be better if you didn't. [ she still replies a little snappishly though. whups. ] I have to be able to concentrate on what I'm doing out here, so I can't be worried about what you guys get into on your way to find me. I need you guys to stay safe at the castle.

[ Have another pause, because damn it, it's logic. Not just that, it's the kind of logic he's most accustomed to complying with: slightly snappy and coming from someone with a very full plate of Serious Survival Concerns. The kind that builds up those old, familiar "I need you to stay safe" boundaries, which. Well, which is fair enough. She's Korra, and she's kind of the Avatar and everything, so these are her boundaries to establish boundaries in.

And maybe he doesn't like that, and maybe that kind of logic has been pulling at him like a second skin that's almost too tight lately, but neither of those things change the facts. He's not a great liar, even to himself, and the truth is, there's kind of... nothing that they can do to actually help her. Bolin's not the smartest dude around, but he knows this tune. If running into the unknown wilds will help get Korra out of the unknown wilds faster at any point, she'll ask them to do it. Like, probably not as soon as Asami would ask, but way sooner than Mako would probably ask? There's a scale in there. Just like there's a silver lining stuck in here... uh, somewhere.

He trusts that. ]

Well hey, I'm your go-to safekeeping guy! Seventeen years and counting. Great with animals, as talented as he is dependable, the mighty hero of the South! [ Yes that is the sound of a bicep being patted, he's so manly and totally a thousand percent serious right now hdu imply otherwise.

(Guess who's putting all his eggs in the "Korra will clearly handle Mako's handling" basket and making zero plans in the event that she didn't. This guy right here.) ]

[ bolin knows better than almost anyone else (save mako) that korra would be the first to tell them if she needed help in any way that they could offer. the problem is that korra, at this red-hot second, doesn't see any option they could take. hunting down the spirit to teleport them somewhere is completely out of the question because the possibility remains that the creature could send them somewhere entirely different, like the mountains, another forest or worse—directly into the "enemy" castle. korra's not convinced that everyone in the unseelie court is inherently evil after her conversation with gale, but she doesn't trust the monarchs. if they like kidnapping people for their own goals then who knows what else their capable of.

but the monarchs are the least of her concerns, especially when it comes to mako, bolin and a magical mystery tour out to find her. she knows they're talented benders, but she also knows they're... to put it lightly, untrained. they've gotten better in the many months since she first met them, but after unfairly pitting them against unalaq, korra doesn't want to take any more chances with their lives. the creatures out here in the unseelie land are incredibly dangerous, even with naga on their side.

plus there's one.

huge.

reason that korra's not bothering to tell either of them.

azula, the former princess of the fire nation is currently housed within caer scima, and now that aang's gone from this world, korra's taken it upon her shoulders to deal with the princess. ....she just wasn't planning on the possibility of dealing with azula so soon.

unfortunately, bolin's nuktuk reference goes right over her head, too concerned about keeping them safe to bother recalling the fact that bolin's now a major movers star. ]

... Thanks, Bolin. [ if she sounds a little distracted it's because she is: trying to focus on centering herself so she doesn't overexert her chi, keeping an eye on her surroundings to keep her and her friend safe; she takes in a slow breath, exhaling a small spark of fire. ] There's a river a few miles outside of Caer Glaem, you can let Naga fish there.

I will. [ She's so much better at fishing than him anyway. Maybe he'll pick up some tricks if he watches her, that could be fun. Nature activities. Sure. Get pumped. He loves earth, it'll be fine. ]

Just remember we're here if you need us. [ And that you owe him a hug when you get back tbqh. ]

[ sweet summer child, bolin... ]

Heh, how could I forget? You two are my best back-up. I'd be lost without you guys.

[ AND IS, KINDA LITERALLY. HA HA HAAA.... oh god she's so screwed isn't she. ]

[ ha ha hahaha yeah probably. but she won't hear it from this guy. ]

We do our best. And I know Pabu's usually the real crutch of Team Avatar, so I'm trying to take the extra steps to make up for him.

[ this isn't a video but

he totally winked lbr we know who we're dealing with here ]

[ wow, THANKS for the vote of confidence. ]

You probably won't have to do that for long. [ looks like korra can drop some good news! ] With any luck, the woman who runs this place can bring Pabu here.

[ bolin has every confidence! but i don't it's crazy out there. ]

Wait, really? Do they recruit fire ferrets for wars these days? [ NOT SURE IF THAT'S GOOD OR BAD. ]

Nnnnnot exactly, but you can ask Queen Solais to bring Pabu here. [ beat ] Or the fairies will ask you... [ hm. :|a ] Heh, honestly I can't really remember, since I got Naga brought here so long ago.

[ plus there are other pressing matters at hand ]

O...kay. No, no, that's still a big help! Huh. I guess I just kind of assumed Naga. Got here with you or something. That's usually how she likes to do things. [ Like Korra nobly rode her into a mystical fairy portal, on purpose. Or accidentally. And there really are more pressing matters at hand probably. ] I'll keep it in mind next time I'm talking to fairies or the Queen or whoever.

[ warrior woman korra riding naga into ~~battle~~ a fairy ring with a shield made of earth and a sword made of fire, trailing currents of air behind her and splashing water with every pawfall of naga's loping stride.

sounds perfectly korra, tbh. ]

... You should, if you get the chance. [ she says, after a moment. ] I talked to the Queen a couple months ago, and she's... reasonable.

[ meaning she a.) answered korra's question without manipulating her or trying to change the subject; b.) gave korra options, which was important; and c.) told her she was free to go from the court at any time. korra's not sure if she can trust the rulers just yet, but she at least knows they're much nicer than any other authority figure she's dealt with so far. ]

Well, I do like reasonable leaders of nations. [ The President was kind of a humongous fall-through and everything. All those movers and a daring sleeveless rescue, practically wasted. ]

[ yeah fuck that guy. ]

Just a suggestion.

[ more like an order from your avatar i mean no wait that's not right.

suggestion. yes. that's what it is. ]

... Anyway, I should... get going. I think I've let down my guard long enough.

[ but at least the boogins were nice enough to let her have this conversation! ]

--yeah. Right, yeah, that's probably a good idea! Since, you know, I like you not being surprise attacked even more than I like reasonable world leaders. [ did u mean "ambushed" bolin does it even matter

CLEARING HIS THROAT. ] And you're probably a pretty big fan of that, too, so.

[ So. So!

So even he knows that he just doesn't want to hang up because he still doesn't like this "Korra trying to survive alone" business, basically. If she's on the locket talking then obviously that magically forms a barrier against all the stuff that wants to eat her?? But that's pretty dumb. This is where people are generally supposed to offer sagely advice and best wishes and stuff anyway, right?

Only he's drawing a huge blank there, because he's not sagely and she's Korra, so she's gonna be fine. Obviously. Coolest, toughest, buffest, most all-around nature-capable and one-of-a-kind Avatar in the world who is most likely out of the three of them to be able to get through this monster infested forest type situation. No big deal. Nobody's worried at all. Nope. ]

So, I'll see you soon!

[ There's no doubt it's reluctant, but the sentiment's still warm.

Let Mako handle the practical sagely advice. He's way more likely to know what he's talking about.

NAILED IT. ]

[ knock knock! better go get that doo— ah nevermind, mako's not gonna wait. please don't be jerking off, bolin. mako doesn't care how bad your morning wood is, this is more important. (and if you make a crack about him and blue balls he's going to shave your eyebrows in your sleep, bro.) ]

Hey, Bo...

[ ugh mom you never wait for the okay this is why you know so much about my morning wood!!! And please don't shave the eyebrows, they're my legacy :'|

But nah, he's still about 1/4 asleep, digging around under the bed for his shoes, and moderately confused by everything that has happened since he woke up. Whoop. And maybe worried. And like, Naga probably needs to go out for a walk. Or to eat a small mammal or... something. That's usually sort of a thing she does. There really are more important things happening today. That said, he immediately scrambles back into the open for brotherhood's sake. ]

Hey, Mako. [ And there's some very genuine pep in there because YEAH, YOU'RE NOT IN A MAGICAL COMA AND THE EXCITEMENT STILL HASN'T WORN OFF, GOOD JOB BEING AWAKE. And good job not being mysteriously transported into monster territory? Yeah. He also tacks on (pointlessly but w/e): ] Come on in, I guess.

[ the cats skitter in soon after mako does, slipping in before he finishes closing the door properly. dinner immediately goes to say hello to bolin's ankles, while scraps sticks closer to mako... cat preferences, who understands them? ]

I just got a call from Korra.

[ and he knows you did too... ]

Yeah. Me too. [ Guess he was right to trust that Korra would handle the handling of Mako's longstanding desire to... handle. At least there's that much going for them.

Mostly it's going for him personally, because he wasn't sure how he'd even do that.

Bolin reaches down to give Dinner some attention, because priorities or something. Animals are generally pretty great when you might be down, no matter who they like best, even when they're terribly named and nowhere near Pabu's level. Plus, he totally just found his shoes under his pillow. Should have known that under the bed was a false lead. What was he thinking? ]

Looks like I'm pulling Naga detail for her for a while. [ While she's out struggling in the wilderness. Without them. Whatever. ] You know, got experience on my side and... stuff.

[ Womp. ]

[ hopefully it goes better than mako's last nagasitting session, where she got mean at all of the werewolves when they got within ten feet of mako.

scraps mrows from her position at mako's ankles, standing on her back legs and kneading the top of his boot with her claws. ]

I know. She told me we could stay in her rooms, since they're bigger and all.

[ this of course, was discovered AFTER they had a small argument and korra got into a confrontation with some beastie and told him she didnt want him (or them) coming to find her. ]

[ Mako and Korra arguing about something? Get out of town. :I ]

Oh, really? [ So what you're saying is now it's a glorified sleepover, but without the person who... is in charge of the property... Bolin gives Dinner one last distracted pat before making quick work of this shoe-putting-on business. ] Well, that'll probably be a huge help! Familiar smells and stuff. Animals really get behind that.

[ Orrrr it will make things even worse because Korra will not be there. Could go either way. ]

[ mako nods, and scraps gives a particularly loud mrow, prompting him to lean down and scratch under her chin. ]

Yeah. You're gonna have to make sure she doesn't try to eat Scraps and Dinner, though. I can't get them to stay out of my room or stop following me.

Aw. It just means they like you, bro. [ Huh. ] Wow, and even after you gave them terrible names that make it sound like we're gonna eat them! That's a real animal friendship for you.

[ GENUINELY IMPRESSED. So impressed that he's gonna try to pick up this cat to silently commiserate with it. Cats are really weird, but if they're Mako's thing now, maybe it's a complementary weirdness. And they're still pretty adorable.

Yes.

He will keep them safe from the jaws of the mighty beast. ]

[ u sure about that bro ]

[ he has a lot of HOPE OKAY

and he wasn't there when naga first met pabu he doesn't know ]

[ licks chops ]

[ NAGA IF YOU EAT ONE OR BOTH OF THEM YOU BETTER BE PREPARED TO METICULOUSLY STAGE THEIR MOVE TO A HAPPY MAGICAL FARM ]

[ bolin, you're taking her hunting.

i guess you'd better avert your virgin eyes when she actually gets her prey. ]

[ u shouldn't talk about korra like that--

but nah idk he'll just have to suck it up ]

[ dinner lets him, legs all akimbo as she stretches out in the way catcordions do. (mako scoops up scrap under her belly instead, and she scrabbles her way up his chest to sit on his shoulder, the way pabu does for bolin, though she's... a bit larger than pabu.) ]

I'd be lying if I said the idea didn't cross my mind the first night they showed up.

[ MAKO. PLEASE. ]

Edited 2014-06-20 03:29 (UTC)

[ Aww, what a good cat. What good multiple cats! Mako, meanwhile, is the worst, holy crap, THE SAVAGE. ]

Hey! [ Bolin is almost offended??? But he also kind of immediately loses steam because hey, the cats have not been eaten. Unless there was formerly a Breakfast and Lunch, but he hasn't even considered that. He's also not entirely sure where he'd go with the offense anyway. He knows his brother. Mako would totally eat one of these if all the other food became a non-option. So he follows up by lowering his eyebrows and squinting off to the side for a hot second because what does he even do with this, and okay, he's got this. Dinner is relinquished to the bed so he can point at his brosef properly. ]

No. [ BAD MAKO. BAD. ] I mean, you wouldn't eat Pabu, would you?

[ would you ]

[ mako is the picture of street orphan innocence here, you know, the kind of innocence that says "yes i may have stolen your bread but you didn't see it and therefore have no proof" somewhere in that vacant expression.

he takes his time. pauses to nick scraps under the chin again, adjust his shoes by tapping the toe of one boot on the floor, doesn't look at bolin. ]

I mean, at this point, Pabu's pretty much family...

[ mAKO? THAT'S NOT A NO... it also isnt a yes and dont you dare put time based modifiers in your answer either sir...

(and mako, your sense of humor is terrible enough that joking around to hide your worry could make things worse, real quick.) ]

[ And dramatically clutching his chest like a total nerd. ]

It's like I don't even know you anymore. [ and he thought that parking ticket thing forever ago was bad. IS THIS WHAT SEPARATE APARTMENTS DID TO US? ]

[ wow, that was perfectly hammy, bro, maybe you should be in showbiz. but man, bolin was just what he needed here, and mako can't help but crack a grin instead, and mussfluff up bolin's hair.

he missed you, bro. ]

Maybe you shouldn't feed him so much junk food. Fat makes meat more tender.

[ mako. stop. ]

[ Alas. His greatest weak spot has been compromised. He can't just stand for this! A man's got to have his principles. And Bolin has them. He has sooo many principles. And righteous fury. Zero pouting.

But nah, he just kind of stares Mako down while he pushes it back into its proper place. What a rude guy. The rudest guy of all the rude guys! Don't make him drastically........ throw a pillow. ]

Pabu had a hard life before we got to the arena! I'm just... letting him enjoy the finer things. Orrrr I was. And I will be. [ He raises a hand palm-down and sweeps his fingers from side to side, to better illustrate that present circumstances are clearly a stumbling block on the road to indulging tiny furry family members. ] Once we get done winning wars for fairies or whatever.

[ mako's smile, already not very bright to begin with, dulls at the edges. he still hasn't gotten a clear answer on what happens if they win from anyone yet, if they actually can go home or, something altogether different. he knows what happens if you lose.

or die. or whatever. ]

Alright, whatever you say... [ a tiny pause as scraps nuzzles the side of face. ] Korra wants me to change their names anyway.

[ Well, he briefly touched on the potential death aspect in his thoughts on his first couple of nights in the castle. And it turned out he, uh. Really doesn't like contemplating it. Especially if his brother's all still and comatose. So he made himself stop thinking about it, and everything turned out great.

Yep, it was definitely the end of that. ]

Oh, good. I think we've all learned an important lesson about naming animals when you're hungry or think you're going to be hungry. [ Clearly oxygen deprivation is the superior method, get with the times??? ]

Guess I'll have to think of something else...

[ right now, he's leaning towards... "asshole" because of dinner's propensity for knocking things over in his room for fun and batting him in the face while he sleeps, and "cat" because scraps was the original cat, after all. amd she's less of a jerk. ]

Well, yeah. Can't just leave 'em nameless. Naga might think that means it's okay to make them disappear? I'm never totally sure how she's thinking.

[ he holds up one hand, and starts counting off on his fingers... musing quietly out loud for bolin's sake and entertainment. ]

Probably something like: food; Korra; more food; scaring Tahno; food... [ he's out of fingers now... so he tugs the door back open, and waits for bolin to get his ass out into the hall. like a mom ushering children to soccer practice. ]

[ Ugggggh fine, mom, he's going, wow. ]

She's totally more complex than that! She's... track me down, break three people out of prison, take down a bunch of mechatanks, let people paint her for movers that she acts in, hasn't eaten Pabu complex! [ YEAH. He loves that animal. ] Anyway, you forgot the part where she slobbers all over you! It's like you don't know her at all.

[ mako has not forgotten his wake up present from naga, bolin. ]

I'm ignoring the slobber on purpose.

The slobber's pretty crucial, bro. Gives you a real full picture. [ but nah not really. ]

As crucial as your pomade?

[ w o w mako

what a rude

wow ]

As crucial as your pomade, maybe. [ Which is obviously more crucial than his. RAZOR SHARP WIT. ]

bo stop trying to steal silverware while you're out there, there'll be plenty here when you get back.

[ mako how'd u kno are you psychic ]

[ first, a loooong pause. ]

what?

easy on the sticky fingers, bro

but i didnt steal anything!

i mean i guess theres a guard who thinks im after his daughters dowry??? not really sure whats happening there

but it doesnt mean im stealing stuff out here!

[ ANOTHER PAUSE also i'm done now i swear ]

that im aware of.

korra didn't catch you trying to lift spoons?

i dont think so but i guess i could ask her

[ he understands what's happening at least three times less than he usually does rn. like

has he been stealing silverware???? is he just not noticing? is he sleepwalking? ]

no, don't bother. i'm gonna take a shot in the dark here and say you're not aware if you're engaged to a pregnant chick either?

ill be honest

i was kind of hoping korra wouldnt have time to mention orla

[ disappointed parental figure radio silence. ]

Edited 2014-08-12 21:25 (UTC)

i just want to establish its totally not an actual engagement and her dad understands and im not trying to steal her dowry okay

and im sorry if i knew why this keeps happening to me id stop whatever im doing that makes it keep happening an dim going to handle it

but i mean she is CRAZY pregnant right now

i just want to make sure she doesnt go into labor when i handle it you know??

[ oh. that's good. ish. more radio silence, tho. ]

[ oh no

what if its his like.... fourth worst fear come true. ]

youre not even mad are you

youre DISAPPOINTED

um, yeah, sure, whatever. good news. i just won 10 gold pieces.

oh thats nice. did you win it without leaving bed?

no. but i only tore three stitches. don't tell korra.

hey no worries!! i mean you cant tell anyone anything when youre just gonna stay behind and start a new life with your fire ferret so.

[ idk where they are or why korra has to text bolin but hey maybe they got separated in the township or maybe korra just likes texting bolin while he sits across the room. ]

Bolin.

[ doesn't even matter, he's on board for it either way. ]

oh hey korra

So guess who decided to show up.

okay i mean i dont know if decided is usually the right word but who? [ bro u just talked to him who else could she even mean ]

Oh, you know, no one important, just that crazy bloodbender who kidnapped me.

[ BOLIN PLS ]

[ paaaaause. ]

is it safe to assume you just mean tarrlok? because i did notice hes kind of. here. yeah.

Unless I was kidnapped by someone else, yeah, I mean Tarrlok.

well

no no youre right thats fair. as long as were on the same page here. are we doing something about him or seeing where it goes?

I don't think there's a lot we CAN do except keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't try and hurt anyone else.

well hey were regular eyekeeping masters by now. you know we can give our friends the heads up to be careful with him and everything.

I've already warned Elsa about him, so if he gives her any trouble I can knock his stupid ponytails off.

[ a moment's pause before she tacks on: ]

He doesn't have his bending.

Edited 2014-08-13 14:03 (UTC)

[ Good, that's kind of a game plan. He likes that. ]

oh

thats too bad for him. might save us from some potential creepy bloodbending but. [ But. Bending is kind of a huge part of a person and particularly useful in a fight in this world, and he wouldn't wish a permanent loss on anyone?? But.

Yeah.

Wow he really hates complicated moral situations this is why being nuktuk was so great. ]

[ ... there's a thought clawing at the back of her mind that she doesn't want to bring to light, trying to push it back into darkness — but she more than anyone else in the krew knows the pain of having her bending forcibly ripped out. as much as she doesn't want to put words or admit to feeling this way... a part of korra feels bad for tarrlok. ]

Yeah, I know.

okay. figured you would. [ i mean between you and mako we basically have all our knowing-bases covered. ]

[ And doing like the subject line says, because since he figures this is like the ideal time to go for broke on something that's been bugging him for a while, doing it vocally could... stand to be a thing... ]

But, uh, hey, you know, speaking of knowing stuff. And all. [ I AM A CASUAL MAN. ] Like what a crazy coincidence that that would- that that's something we're getting onto here, right? Because I kinda wanted to talk about that!

[ CASUAL ]

[ oh, korra gets that voice message, but no more than thirty seconds later does she appear behind bolin, all but literally dropping in on him. ]

You did? [ ... ] What's going on?

[

no

NOT AS PLANNED..... ]

[ But hey, okay, he is a changeable dude. Sure.

Pabu just goes ahead and makes the trip back into his shirt. ]

Oh, well, hey, guess you're. Guess you're right around here, huh? That's great! Just, uh. Just makes it easier. You know, you and me, the old- face-to-face conversation. [ He clears his throat very heroically. ] Just wanted to open with a general... hey, thanks for the heads up. About Tarrlok. I mean, even though I already talked to him and everything, I appreciate it! Super thoughtful of you.

[ what is it with these brothers and being really ratsquirrel-y? ]

... Okaaay. [ beat ] Bolin, you know I'd tell you about stuff like this, right?

[ but what korra actually means is "anything i feel you need to know," meaning anything she deigns is necessary to tell both bolin and mako. ]

Edited 2014-08-13 15:36 (UTC)

[ well idk about mako but bolin just finds his validation in being a people-pleaser and usually doesn't have to handle his own problems of this nature so. ratsquirrel.

also he's probably kind of pulling a face at that. not like a mocking face. like a mildly disappointed face. ]

...yeahhhh, that was kind of what I was leading into there. Actually. Because I think the thing is that. Maybe... you don't? Or not that you don't, or even that you wouldn't, but that you... also just sort of haven't. Strictly speaking.

[ hey guess who doesn't like the way this line of conversation is going?

if you guessed korra you're right. ]

Bolin, just get to the point.

[ she says, arms crossed, eyebrow quirked, mouth drawn in a thin line. it's a sudden change from the relaxed position she held not two seconds before. korra's immediately getting defensive, ready to fight for her position and any choices she made in the past instead of actually listening. in the distance, naga comes padding up behind korra, looking a little harried for chasing around the lawkamercymes and letting the children play on her. ]

[ Uuuuuugh, but he hates getting to the point.

Mako would totally get to the point right now. He's a huge point-getter-to-er. And so's Kaldur. But he guesses Kaldur also kind of has faith in his ability to maybe become a fellow point-getter-to-er?? I repeat

uuuuuuugh ]

Okay, so, you know how you ended up out in the middle of enemy territory a while back? And, uh. Also ran into your past life's super crazy enemy?

I'm not going to forget that any time soon.

[ which is to say, "yes."

and now korra really doesn't like the way this is going. ]

Okay, okay, good to know. [ Pabu's fuckin out of this, though, he's going to exit the shirt fortress and scram for the nearest Naga. Bolin takes a steady breath and actually kind of already feels less terrified now that it's too late to stop the momentum.

You can't wonder if you'll be able to move a really big rock after you pushed it downhill, right? ]

See, the thing is, you're really great, you know? And I get that you're really great! You can handle yourself better than anybody I know. [ Which is true enough to merit half a smile while he says it. And then he kind of deflates because he's basically a sad balloon. ] But I guess I don't... get why you wouldn't tell me about ending up there, or running into your crazy enemy, exactly. Or, you know. Why you wouldn't tell Mako and me.

[ aaaand there it goes: the point. korra's first instinct is to tell bolin to let it go and just move on because that was in the past and she really doesn't like talking about what happened. her eyes track pabu as the ferret makes a bolt for naga's head, like it's going to distract everyone from the conversation at hand — and when it doesn't magically go away, korra lets out a huff. ]

Because I didn't think I had to.

[ her arms tighten in their cross on her chest. the temptation to say "mako would have told you" is strong, but she's not that kind of girl. she takes responsibility for her actions; she doesn't pass the buck. ]

There was no reason to get the both of you worked up about it.

[ If he were having this conversation with Mako, this is around when he'd just say "okay" and make his retreat. If he got this far at all in that hypothetical conversation, anyway. Of course, that might just come down to the fact that Mako's been saying that stuff for more than ten years now. No point getting you worked up, it was just easier for me to handle it myself. It gets frustrating, but it's Mako, and Mako's usually right anyway, and he doesn't know how he'd even bring this... for-your-own-good, kid-gloves thing up with him.

Coming from Korra, it just kind of... makes him sad. ]

But we're your friends. [ Which he always figured was as good a reason as any. ] Anything happening to you is worth getting worked up about, isn't it? I mean, I know we're pretty, but it's not like we're delicate.

[ that was it.

the worst and flattest mood-lightener in the world. ]

[ ... looks like she's not going to be able to get out of explaining this one, so how's she even going to put this to words? a little clumsily at first, because while korra has evolved into a fairly eloquent public speaker, in conversations like this she has to put words to how she's feeling and thinking instead of just acting on it. and it's still tough, trying to tell people instead of simply being how she feels. ]

When I told Mako about it, he practically dropped everything to try and make his way over to me, and I didn't want that. There was no use getting both you and Mako involved and in danger, not when we were so far away and I wasn't going to sit there waiting for you.

[ her voice has started to ~~eskalate~~ escalate in volume so korra takes a step back, not wanting to lose her temper but also not wanting to go through this whole conversation again. ]

... I had to keep you two safe. I couldn't concentrate on keeping myself and Bilbo out of trouble if I was constantly worrying about where you were and if you were okay.

Why couldn't you tell me that? [ Keeping people safe is a thing of hers. He gets that, too, he does. Either he really really does, or he's great at telling himself he does. It gets the job done either way. ]

I guess I just. I don't understand. And don't get me wrong, because it's not like Mako ever thought he should mention it either? But. You just kinda have to say the word if you're in big trouble, and I'd do whatever you told me helped you the most. I'm not... [ I'm not a kid? I'm not stupid? Only he knows better than that. That's not how Korra thinks. Bolin holds his hands out from his sides, sort of an open shrug. ]

I don't know. I mean, I'm not mad. I know I'm not the first guy anyone should probably go to with a secret or a math problem or something. I just wish you didn't think you needed to keep me safe from knowing stuff, either. [ Both of you. ] We wanna keep you safe, too, you know?

[ this thread is a hot mess of eloquence wow ]

Edited (that was not the icon i wanted EVERYTHING IS RUINED) 2014-08-13 19:07 (UTC)

[ and now those walls start to come down, the hyper-defensiveness gradually melting away because bolin's big wide eyes and what korra perceives as a hurt tone actually succeed in making her feel bad. which probably wasn't the desired intention but korra knows that bolin's right, and that all of this would have been a better way to go about it. her hands relax at her chest; her posture soon follows with a sag of her shoulders. ]

... I was kind of pressed for time, Bolin. [ and she hates admitting this because it's actually admitting just how dire the situation was at the time even though she liked pretending that she could handle it. ] I'd been thrown across the world with a friend of mine but no food and no supplies. We spent a day walking in the wrong direction before we ran into Azula.

[ and it stings, even now, saying her name, and korra feels her stomach lurch. ]

[ Oh no, making her feel bad is the opposite of what he wanted. Not that he's... sure exactly what he did want to come out of this, he guesses. It's a really new territory. This falls really far onto the side of Negative Stuff, and he's normally fine not to be over here, because it's not like he really has much to complain about.

But he's not Hannah Montana. No one can just constantly have the best of both worlds. ]

Yeah. Yeah, sorry. You're right. [ He saw the general damage, when Appa made it back to the castle. It obviously wasn't an easy trip out for the scenery. Anyone would've been hard-pressed to find time for running commentary. And they found out after the fact, at least, which is... still something. (And he's not going to ask if she'd have mentioned it at all if they hadn't been to the Royal Audience, because he thinks he'd probably not want to know that answer.) Bolin rubs the back of his neck. ] If there's a next time something like that happens, maybe... maybe just call a rain check and tell me later?

[ Because he's pretty easy. The when doesn't really matter as much as there being a when. ]

I was going to tell you.

[ the words are honest because korra doesn't know how to lie except by leaving details out. she tries her best not to do that because she doesn't like being manipulative or twisting things to fit her needs. she'd rather present everything up front unless it's to protect the people she cares about. ]

I didn't have time. [ buuut she had time to tell mako, at least. and maybe part of her had hoped that mako would tell bolin so that she wouldn't have while at the same time thinking it was best bolin didn't know. she can't quite remember every little detail back that far — everything is kind of a blur. ] When we got back, when we were out of danger, I was going to tell you.

[ So you know how I said he's pretty easy? Yeah, he's actually kind of super easy. The worst part's over with, if you ask him: that being the part where he mentioned the thing at all and Korra seemed like she might get mad.

If Korra's saying it, he'll believe her. So that's the other thing he was kind of worried about already answered. ]

Royal audience kinda knocked the wind out of your sails there, huh?

[ at that, she nods. in retrospect it was probably a good thing that she was able to talk to solais, mako and bolin all at the same time because not only did it relieve her of the burden of keeping things from the both of them, but it also cleared her mind for the rest of the trip home.

silence blankets between them for a moment, and korra takes a breath in — ]

Did Mako tell you Aang was here?

--no, he did not. A lady on the network mentioned it once, though! Yeah, I was gonna ask you guys if he was around, but then things got all crazy, annnnnd, you know. I forgot.

[ SHRUG. No seriously, he completely forgot about it until now. Presidential hero, ladies and gentlemen. ]

How about we go find a noodle place to save from those creepy shadow dudes and you can tell me what he's like in person?

[ ...! oh. well, she was going to go on to explain why she felt like she had to handle azula on her own (because aang left, and thus the avatar duties fell to her), but... ]

I'd like that. [ and she offers bolin a lopsided smile, stretching her arms out in front of her to pop her back. ] —Hey, Bolin?

[ Oh did I say really really easy when I meant like bordering-unnaturally easy...... Korra will tell him the thing in the future and he still can't read people well enough to realize she she was leading into something there.

Life is nice. And Mako raised him to follow up serious conversations with food. (Plus even if they can't score free heroic noodles, he's probably got enough money from Pabu's tricks to buy them. Speaking of, he goes ahead and leans down with his arm out to summon the nearest fire ferret.) ]

Yeah?

[ yeah, she'll tell him the thing while they're eating their lunch.

for now though, she waits until bolin stands up before wrapping her arms around his shoulders and drawing him into a hug, placing a light kiss on his cheek. ]

Thanks. [ annnnd there's that lopsided smile again, and korra takes in a slow breath from the base of her lungs. ] I didn't realize how much it bothered me to keep that in, and now .... it's weird, but it feels like a weight's been lifted.

[ korra, what did tenzin tell u with regards to talking about stuff.

don't bottle it up. ]

So... yeah. Thanks.

[ aaawwwwwWWWWWWWWWWWW ]

[ BRING IT IN HERE FOR THE HUG, AVATAR, EXCELLENT CHOICE IN THANK YOUS. ]

Hey, don't even worry about it! [ You're not mad, he's not mad, he didn't have to be carried out of a noodle bar by John or Kaldur because he ruined a friendship. This day is now only mildly disappointing. ] Why do you think I'm always saying stuff, huh? Works wonders!

[ because you don't fuckin know any better. ]

[ OH WOAH okay we're seriously hugging now, and korra laughs as she casually lifts bolin off his feet so they can head back toward the main road and find a place to eat.

just don't mind that mischievous smirk of hers. ]

Mako's always saying it's because you don't have a filter.

[ Legend of Korra's arms damn. ]

Yeah, I've heard that a few times. [ He's heard it so much, probably. ] But Mako's kind of like a giant walking filter? So I like to imagine he's either jealous or he approves and it just gets lost in translation before it hits me.

[ bolin's got a front row ticket to the gunshow. at least until korra puts him down on the road, absently kicking her foot at one of the large-ish pebbles beneath them. ]

It could be both?

Could be. You know me, though. Hate to make him feel insecure about this stuff when he's got his own merits. [ Like landing two relationships where both parties actually wanted to be in the relationship! Being tall. Understanding taxes. Having impulse control.

Little stuff. ]

Aw, that's so nice of you.

[ she bends down to pick up one of those pebbles, feeling it out with her fingertips since she can't use her chi, a devilish look coming over her. she lets bolin get some yards away from her before— ]

Hey, Bolin? Think fast!

[ aaaand chucks the pebble at his head ]

[ think...... fast......?

korra pls

he's getting hit with a rock tbh

but he totally catches it after it's done hitting him!! ]

How are you always so good at aiming?

[ LAUGHS. sorry, bolin, she's not even trying to be polite about that. ]

Years and years of training.

[ WOW KORRA HOW RUDE. ]

Well it's definitely paying off, I'll give you that.

[ and with a ruffle of bolin's hair, korra challenges him into a race to the nearest market for some food.

1 2 3 GO ]

[ it's not a new phenomenon, korra needing to calm her shit down, but right now she's like a ravenous tigerdillo and were her bending not sealed off by the blood granite surrounding her it's obvious that smoke and flame would be billowing from her nostrils right now.

but even without her bending, korra is a force to be reckoned with, and after she's given her dinner ample time to digest she finds her way to bolin's suite, pounding on the door. ]

Bolin! Bolin, get up!

I'm here, hang on! [ Ah, the dulcet tones of the furious Korra.

He guesses it's not the most surprising turn of the evening. Bolin opens the door in good time and is probably kinda hoping no one died in the past couple of hours or something. Been a wacky night like that. ]

Okay, I'm- right, what's wrong?

Nothing.

[ and after reaching forward and grabbing bolin by the shoulder of his shirt, korra turns on the ball of her foot and starts to storm down the corridor. ]

But you're coming with me.

[ Does anyone know where they're going WILL ANYONE LOOK FOR HIS BODY-- eh okay it'll be fine. Probably. Hopefully. ]

Uhh. Sure? [ He's gonna do it. He's gonna try. ] What for?

[ it's too soon to relax because: ]

I need to blow off some steam.

[ words enough to strike fear into the hearts of any of korra's companions. ]

... oh. [ OH... ] Yeah, okay. You got it. Steam-blowing.

[ Mako.

Remember me.

I mean most of my legacy is left with Pabu but remember me. ]

[ and so korra drags bolin out to the open-air courtyard, releasing him and getting into proper boxing formation. fists raised — one to attack and one to defend — and waits for bolin to do the same before she attacks. ]

[ The arms are up, and he's already bouncing on his feet a little to keep it loose. Yeah, okay, he can handle this! It's handled. Yeah. Another day, another friendly exercise between friends. ]

Did seem kind of like you were on the tense side earlier, I guess.

[ aaAAAAND GO! korra punches forward with a fist, aiming for the outside of bolin's arm so that she doesn't hurt him too badly in their "friendly" spar. ]

What was your first clue? [ she spins around, aiming a high kick at bo's shoulder. ]

Oh, uh- [ Bolin, the amazing talking punching bag! So lifelike! So breathable!

He goes ahead and falls immediately onto the defensive, more focused on absorbing blows with his forearms and trying to avoid contact than on landing any of his own. Helps to let a little of the steam run itself at first, sometimes. Timing and patience are very important on a quest not to get totally beat up. ]

The thing where you almost launched yourself over a table?

[ and hey, on the upside, korra's a healer oh wait no that's right she can't access her bending, guess you're gonna have to let those bruises heal on their own.

immediately korra's features harden, and after a one-two punch combo she leaps back a few strides, breathing deep to oxygenate herself. ]

You know who that was, right? [ and bolting forward again, though still controlled, coming in to slide and knock bolin's feet out from under him if she's capable. ] I'm not a rhinobull, you know, I don't get mad at the first sign of red.

Edited 2014-08-16 03:36 (UTC)

I know, I know! And, you know. I just kind of assumed "someone evil". [ He hops back from the slide, but still catches the tail end of that sweep and stumbles. ]

But it wasn't exactly good timing. [ To ask about it, per request, or to tackle someone across a table, he means. ]

Edited 2014-08-16 20:21 (UTC)

[ there's a bristling along korra's spine again and, momentarily forgetting that bolin is a friend and not a target, korra slides into her training and immediately takes advantage of bolin's stumble. ]

I'm so sick— [ and she punctuates her words with another sweep of her leg to knock bolin down onto his back ] — of waiting for the right time!

[ and if she's successful in knocking poor bo over, she'll hold herself over him, hands on her hips. ]

That's the person who almost killed Mako!

[ he's totally going down here tbh. trying to talk through life problems and do a thing you perhaps don't necessarily have your heart in will do a lot for openings. worst impromptu sparring partner right now i'm sorry. ]

Wait, that was- What? [ WELL SHIT.

Just the person who almost killed his brother, eating her dinner and making casual conversation with people at the table. Calm and collected, while people kept Korra from trying to break her face.

No big deal. ]

[ actually that makes bolin the best impromptu sparring partner right now because when he goes down, korra actually feels like she's accomplished something. though really, when she comes down from her adrenaline high she'll feel bad for taking advantage of bolin like that. ]

Yeah, you heard me! [ but her voice trembles and she looks like she could set something on fire, which makes it good that her bending is nerfed here.

otherwise she'd burn every tree to the ground. ] Just sitting there with that smug face and acting like nothing was wrong!

[ and she feels helpless, so, so helpless because she can't do anything to make things even between herself and grell. she knows almost nothing about the reaper other than the fact that she has a crazy powerful weapon and — there's nothing she can do. korra's never been one for cold-blooded revenge, but a dark part of her feels that she'd be okay being the one to claim grell's shard.

she can't say that, though. she can't put words to that dark part of her because she doesn't want to shed light in the shadows. that part needs to stay under wraps because korra doesn't want to slide down that slippery slope.

protection is her motivation. protection, not murder.

but as she stands there, going over and over this in her head, she feels her hands start to shake, closing her eyes tightly as she fights back tears, hating this feeling. this is almost as bad as facing down amon and knowing there's no way she can defend or attack against someone with a psychic connection to his bloodbending. the breath she draws into her trembles and she has to take a step back. ]

I was so scared... [ her voice is quiet, matching how tiny she feels in this great big war. ] I thought—... I was too late.

[ Okay, all that considered, he can't really hold the launching thing against her, per se. Not that he was to begin with, but this... brings a new light to the situation. An understanding.

It was hard for him to reconcile so intimately with the idea of how easy it is, to get separated from your family and not have everyone make it back-- and it's so easy, and that knowledge is old but familiar enough for him to push aside and keep moving after a certain point. Old necessities. And Mako did make it back, even if only barely. It's the lesson without the payment. This time they're just lucky.

For Korra, though- Korra the Avatar, Korra the life preserver, who kind of showed up one day and kept everything that was about to sink afloat- it must have been torture. Even before having to sit through dinner like that. He still thinks it's probably better that she didn't get there, but. He can understand. And understanding is usually a good foot forward. Bolin lets out a long breath that isn't quite a sigh, and spares himself a second to be glad that they sort of have a talking arrangement.

Better watch out, teammate, because once he pushes himself back to his feet he's trying to go in for the hug, for better or worse. ]

[ and korra rocks back on her heels from the impact of bolin's body against hers, and it takes her a few moments of feeling their hearts beating together before she wraps her arms around bo's torso and hides her face against his shoulder. because it was torture, knowing there was nothing she could do at that moment and knowing if she even ever did try to do something about it she might fall down into that pit and never recover.

silently, her shoulders start to tremble, and she tightens her hold on her friend.

it's so scary, knowing where they are and what they're expected to do, knowing that at any moment she could lose her mind to her emotions — get angry, get that need to react and not listen to the part of her head that says no, no, no, you're better than this. it's scary watching your best friend get almost torn apart with a weapon you don't understand. it's utterly horrifying knowing that his family is here and likely to suffer a similar fate if she can't keep an eye on him. and she has to. she promised.

as hot tears press to her cheeks, korra feels the shift of mako's scarf around her neck, suddenly becoming itchy and distracting, and it's probably the only thing keeping her from breaking down right now. ]

I don't wanna be Kyoshi. [ it slips out in between quiet sobs as her fingers grip bolin's shirt more tightly, feeling her hands shake with the effort. of course when she was learning about the past avatars she admired kyoshi for being a beacon of female strength, someone korra could relate to — but she always wanted to continue on aang's legacy, to bring balance and peace even through her own means, and she never saw killing people as a means to that end. ] I could have killed her and whenever I see her face, I want to.

[ and there it goes. light, like her tears, comes pouring forth onto that darkest part of her as she finds she can't deny it any longer. she's not even sure if bolin will understand; all she knows is that bolin's never judged her in the past. it's why she clings to him so tightly now as her sobs slowly build in volume as she struggles to speak. ]

But I can't— I don't—... I'm the Avatar, [ she says finally through another sob, ] shouldn't I be fighting against that?

I don't know. I'm sorry. [ He wishes there were a way to say some kind of magic words that would make everything better. Maybe if he keeps having to wish for it enough as time goes by here, eventually something will make it happen. Opportunities sure haven't been in short supply. What good is it doing him not to turn his back on people when they're down if he can't even help them in the first place?

Bolin swallows against a lump in his throat and shuts his eyes. He can understand what she's saying, he can understand the reasons (because out of everyone, when it comes to Mako, Korra has to be the closest person to understanding what he's feeling: and in that vein, he must be closest to understanding her end of things), even if he can't really understand what it's like to feel that way at the same time.

It's hard to imagine wanting someone dead. Harder to imagine wanting to do it personally. But he's never been good at that kind of thing anyway, even when he's probably needed to be. ]

But I think-- [ He tightens his grip in turn, because life would be so much easier if loving people enough made their problems go away, and because he's tired of the way this place keeps hurting them. ]

I think there isn't anything wrong with being scared right now. [ All three of them are scared right now, or he's pretty sure that's the case. Frankly, if it's wrong, he doesn't want to be right. ] And I think if knowing you want to do it hurts this much... you kind of know that you really don't want to want to. And that's- that's a good thing, right?

[ new message for you, bolin! ]

hey, routine check in. [ THAT'S RIGHT, COP TALK... SORTA ] be careful bro.

Edited 2014-08-23 05:48 (UTC)

[ just before they leave for the station, mako has important shit to do — whatever you're doing bro, mako's interrupting, doll sitting on his shoulder. ]

Hey, Bo?

[ It's cool, bro, he's just getting shit together to chuck onto the bison. At this rate, Appa's gonna turn into his best friend in the universe from sheer bonding time. ]

What's up?

[ well at least you're... kinda doing something useful. ]

Since we're going to the Station and there's gonna be a bunch of new people there, I came up with a way for Rìzhào to learn who she can listen to for sure, and nobody else.

[ he doesn't want her stolen, and mako believes in contingency plans. ]

You wanna go first?

[ wow he does useful things s...ometimes...

nah he's mostly just really getting used to this traveling gig. ]

Ooh! Yes, totally! [ makO MAKO DO THE THING TELL HER TO LISTEN TO UNCLE BOLIN AND ALSO ASK IF SHE LOVES ME YET MAKO ] What do I do?

[ bolin if you can consistently pack for yourself sufficiently, mako will be so happy. it will be the best mothers day gift you could ever give him. ]

Hold her.

[ he unwraps his little noodle lizard and holds her out in his palms for bolin to take. ]

The book I have says it's best to use a distinguishing action that she won't normally see when I tell her you're family — so she can separate you from casual acquaintances.

[ but mako you'll let anyone kiss you, is that really that unique??? ]

[ Not far off tbh. He's more than happy to take that noodle lizard off Mako's hands, gently cradling her in his own and giving her a friendly smile. What an unfairly cute little lady. Jeez.

She's going to be so spoiled. ]

I do like being more than your casual acquaintance, yeah. Who knew those books would be so well-informed?

I know, right? Anyway —

[ mako takes a little breath and leans in, hooking one arm over bolin's shoulders so rizhao can look at him while he talks. he's careful to make eye contact, to wait for the spark of understanding as he talks. ]

Ri, you know Bolin, yeah? He's my brother, so he's pretty much your uncle. He's family, and he's safe.

[ and, then, mako leans in and gives bolin a kiss on the cheek. doll chitters happily, knowing this means bolin's a special nap spot now, and sits up a little bit to try and kiss him too... though all she really does is brush her nose against bolin's chin. ]

[ That totally counts as a dragon kiss are you kidding. But it does mean Bolin's gonna go in for the nose bump, so. Better be prepared for a lifetime of official spoiling. ]

Uncle Bolin does have a nice ring to it, dragon-wise. [ Man what an affection jackpot, though. Free sidehug and random kissing??? What a bro day. ] Look at you, huh, miss smartest dragon in the world? Getting your stuff all figured out!

[ he leans on bolin's shoulder, watching his two favorite babies get all schmoopy and uncle niecey and whatever with a totally not fond expression what are you talking about. ]

Don't teach her circus tricks, or I might disown you.

[ that might have been a joke. a really really terrible joke. i mean, judging by his face it's probably a joke. a really terrible joke. ]

[ mAKO YOU NERD OH MY GOD ]

No, no, don't be silly. [ v. understanding shoulder-pat. ] It's only a circus trick if you perform it as a circus act. Until then, they're all just skills.

Edited (ive been awake since 4:30 dont u judge me) 2014-10-10 20:24 (UTC)

Let me clarify, then — don't go busking with Rizhao.

Right. Read you loud and clear, Mako! All fun and no profit. Which is probably the best plan, since. A lot of people seem to have a real problem with dragons here. [ Don't think there are limits to the shits he'd flip over Rizhao though bro. There would be no solitary shits left to flip. ]

Yeah — which leads to my next point. We're not going to try to hide her, but... don't make a big deal showing her off, either, alright? The less undue attention, the better.

Okay. Won't be a problem! [ He may be terrible at keeping his mouth shut, but when it's a matter of "keep your mouth shut mostly" or "someone potentially tries to kill a baby dragon," even he knows what call to make. ] Whatever keeps her safer, right?

Harry says the contracts that were out on you and John are over. Alyosha is dead and traded her husband's shard for your lives. Reynard the fox is out to collect shards and we need to be careful. Can you make sure Mako and Korra know and keep everyone safe? Please.

[ It's... a fair while before Bolin replies. Which probably has to do with the way he got up to "Alyosha is dead" and shut off his locket for a while. He doesn't want to read the rest. He regrets reading what he did, frankly. If he doesn't read it, he doesn't have to know.

He's pretty selfish like that, he guesses.

But get there Bolin does, eventually. Because it would probably be rude not to give an affirmative. And because now that he knows, he feels like he needs to know the rest anyway. (He didn't even know someone had contracts out on him and John.) ]

yeah thanks

[ ur a bro hermione ]

I'm sorry.

i guess that makes two of us. i mean as far as this goes the more the merrier though. hope your friends okay

Take care of yourself. Okay?

yeah. you too.

[ To all good sudden hiatuses into the woods there must come an end, and that end came upon Bolin today. Or technically at some point yesterday, when he realized that being out in the middle of nowhere sort of tapped itself out on helping him feel any better. Maybe it was mostly having John around that helped after all, and traveling alone is still terrible.

Not that Pabu wasn't helping, but it's the spirit of the thing. He still feels at least a little better for going, so he'll count it for some kind of a win.

And..... yeah, okay, heading out like that without passing the message on first was probably super irresponsible and a bad choice or something. If he thinks about it. Not the smartest move. Anyway he's just going to be trudging back into Korra's rooms and kicking his shoes off like a responsible adult person. Yo. ]

Hey, anyone home?

Edited (shhhsshshshhhhh) 2014-10-05 20:19 (UTC)

[ the only answer is a sudden barreling forward one one (1) avatar upon hearing bolin's voice, and seconds later she crashes into him, strong arms wrapping around his shoulders in a tight hug. ]

Don't ever do that again, Bolin. [ despite the scolding nature of her words, korra's tone speaks more of concern and fright than actual anger. a vague note was enough to assuage any worry she might have had about bolin straight-up disappearing from the world, but knowing that he was off... somewhere, likely alone, able to fend for himself but probably not really survive... it preyed on her mind.

she always wants to make sure her friends are okay. their well-being will always fit itself at the forefront of her mind. ]

[ mako hangs back in the doorway, his expression pulled down into concern and worry as he gives bolin a look over. but just because a worried brother is showing restraint in his concern, and his eyebrows say as much, doesn't mean the baby dragon will. she's had to put up with the last good 48 hours or so of mako's worry being a constant undertone in all of her interactions, and its been stressful for the poor thing.

rizhao is hot on korra's heels when bolin makes his announcement, her tiny claws hooking into his clothes as she climbs up to sit on his shoulder and alternate between scolding him and rubbing her face in his hair for comfort. (once he makes eye contact, he'll get some nice second hand brotherly distress from her too.) ]

Edited 2014-10-09 02:44 (UTC)

[ Oh. Whoops. He returns Korra's hug without any pause, grip just about as tight as her own, and when Doll climbs up to his shoulder, Bolin reflexively moves back so he can stroke her head. Good dragon. Best dragon. One of very few people who are allowed to mess with the duckbutt hair. Pabu winds his way up through Bolin's shirt and makes a beeline for Mako in the meantime, taking the route that best allows him to wind his way around Korra's ankles. And maybe stopping to give Rizhao a quick sniff for manners' sake first. ]

Noted. Definitely won't. [ Times about a hundred. He gives Rizhao a look, which morphs into a mild wince, which morphs again into shooting a glance at Mako, which morphs into another wince. Subtle warfare indeed. Buuut he deserves it. ] Sorry about that, by the way. I wasn't really thinking about if you guys would be worried when I was packing? Actually kind of planned on getting back yesterday, too, but time really got away from me there. And John was around for the first day, if that helps at all? Not sure if that helps.

[ Bolin tries smiling like guys who get back from fun impromptu camping trips are likely supposed to do, which falls flatter than he'd like even though he's definitely glad to be back in family company again. Could be because he just realized he never actually thought about how he'd go about this part of the conversation while he was in the woods, though. Who doesn't like winging it.

He swallows. ]

So... so hey! Uh. Got some news. [ spoilers it's all bad ~~and also 1am so yo throw me towards anything that makes no sense~~ ]

[ ah, but as worried as korra was about bolin's disappearance, she understands the need to separate one's self from everything else when Stuff Happens — and she can only assume that Stuff did indeed Happen. squeezing bolin for one last moment, she steps back and grabs the earthbender by the shoulder of his shirt, tugging him forward so that he can sit down with them on the edge of the bed. ]

... I'm guessing it's not good news, if that face of yours is any indication.

[ especially considering how lame this tag is going to be:

they're all pulled in by the gravity of bolin's expression HAHA i made a gravity pun, and mako takes the time to lift rizhao from bolin's shoulder before he sinks down next to both of them, one foot tugged up and tucked over his knee as he listens too. ]

Oh, I thought I was doing okay on the face front. [ Man, Korra. Shattering hopes like that. Bolin thought he looked really neutral and mature for a second there, gosh.

Okay, not really. But he smiles a little. He also lets himself be herded as easily as he ever has, leaning forward to brace his elbows on his knees once he's sitting. ]

I don't know, though. Someone somewhere might think some of it's good. Not, uh. Not me personally, but. Anyway, just kinda bear with me a little. There are a few things to go over, but I didn't really think about... what order they should go in. [ Ugh. If he doesn't cry through the whole thing, he's calling this a victory of conversation. And when in doubt, straightforward and simple is the way to go. ] Uhhh. For starters, someone apparently put out contracts on me and John? You know, at- at some point. So that was pretty surprising to hear about.

[ And rude as hell tbh. ]

Did you get hit in the head with a rock?

And did you keep your helmet on?

thats an oddly specific question. like did YOU get in the head? just to clarify.

What? Of course not!

[ she won't say "because i'm actually smart" because a.) that's not true, bolin's pretty damn smart when he wants to be; and b.) that's really mean!! ]

I heard you got stuck in a cave-in, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.

oh that! no that was days ago im pretty sure im okay. i did get my helmet knocked off in there but compared to the stuff toza used to throw at me it was nothing. john got it worse. actually i think i just feel better in general after all this

[ he hasn't thought about dead npcs in like twenty hours. ]

i guess i did technically get shot in the foot later though if that counts. mostly in the boot

Edited (u dare defy me touchscreen) 2014-10-17 17:45 (UTC)

[ u show that touchscreen who's boss ]

... Do I even want to know?

it was an accident and she was very sorry about it.

At least tell me you made her feel even more sorry.

i think that wouldve just freaked her out more though

Well, if she shot you in the foot...

Are you okay?

it hasnt fallen off. the boot really did get most of it so it was like

REALLY SCARY FOR A SECOND?

... Nice boots. Were they Toza's or a different pair?

theyre tozas! the armor came with shinguards but i was kinda bootless so i borrowed them. talk about a good luck charm huh?

Yeah, I'll say. Who knew a boon like that could actually come in handy?

well the sentimental value alone is worth it really

but then it turned out to pretty much just be a cut

... Really.

yeah? i mean as far as i know and its my foot and stuff so ive got a pretty good vantage point

Silly me, I was thinking you needed stitches or something.

korra please i am an experienced young adult man

i would have tried to call you or mako if i needed stitches

Good to know.

[ infuckingcredible ]

Next time I should take my kit out with me just in case anyone needs to be stitched up.

that might be a good plan. my plan is to avoid ever needing stitches for the rest of my life if i can but its still a good idea.

go find hermione and hold her hand, concussion face

[ this is all your fault, she can't take you anywhere. ]

[ HIS FAULT? who's the one who doubted his older brothering abilities here? ]

[ well maybe if you stopped LOSING PEOPLE.... ]

[ he is not the one that made that "losing" assumption, dear... ]

[ you're the one who said they had to find them??????? you have to lose something in order to find something, dearie ]

[ NO? they're wandering around in caves!! HOW IS ANYTHING BUT GETTING FROM POINT A TO UNDETERMIENED POINT BE anything but finDING, SWEETCHEEKS ]

Edited 2014-10-17 07:59 (UTC)

[ WANDERING AROUND IN CAVES

AWAY FROM YOU

ERGO: LOST. ]

[ so, do you lose a bathroom every time you need to go find one? ]

[ needing to find the bathroom implies you're already lost and/or making your way through an unfamiliar building and yes, need to FIND a dedicated spot in the layout of the area. you do not need to "find" a bathroom in your own home. ]

[ OKOK fine but you're making this out to be a lot bigger emergency than it actually is. it's not like he got kidnapped and we had to find him. we just had to figure out his location in the cave. ]

[ firstly, no.

secondly: so you cede that you Lost them. ]

WHERE IS ALL THIS COMING FROM WHO SAID I HAD A CONCUSSION??

korra and john

[ nnnot exactly ]

Edited 2014-10-19 14:50 (UTC)

seriously, find hermione and make sure you two get back to caer glaem together

yeah yeah ill find her and well say the thing. but im pretty positive im not concussed. [ mostly because she will remember it. lbh bolin's probably forgotten. ]

maybe we have to have a talk about this thing where people tell youstuff about me and you believe it bro

ok, i'll work on that if you work on the whole "not getting into stupid situations" thing. fair?

yeah sure! guess neither of us can make any promises though.

wow

[ The moment Bolin wakes up, a fairy will deliver a small box containing a few homemade bags of tea and a handwritten note: ]

❤Bolin❤
I'm still really sorry about your foot, even if you're over it. I've taken the liberty of getting tea for you. I tried to make sure it really captures your personality! I hope you like it.
♬Kelsi Nielson

P.S. I'm still really really sorry☻

[ before zuko properly dons the blue spirit mask and teleports back to where he had been along the road near redgate, he decides to give bolin a call. the last few hours have been incredibly rushed and overwhelming to the point where zuko wonders if all the loose ends have been tied. has bolin been told to expect zuko? has he been told to bend a tent and wait for him to appear in flame so they can hold hands and subsequently each other when coming face to face with redgate? ]

[ ring, ring, earthfucker. ]

[ Well, Bolin's got nothing but walking going on right now. He guesses he could have put his armor back on and put a fairy ring closer to the blood granite limit and everything, but then it just seems wrong to have a ton of fairy rings splashed all over the place on the same road... a few hours is a few hours. Hopefully it doesn't make a bad difference in the end.

So he picks up pretty fast. ]

Hello?

Bolin! [ zuko sounds happy, for once. it's relief, so palpable he might as well be the newest reliefbender. but knowing nothing has changed for his friend since he last spoke to kaldur is good. the weight that's been settling itself upon zuko's shoulders disperses as if he'd bended it himself. ]

[ and then the awkwardness returns to leech the relief from its place. ]

Uh. It's Zuko. Where are you?

Hey, Zuko! [ Don't you spoil him with your joy. Because he's matching it, pretty much. He's matching it so much he's not even calling him Lord Zuko, and it's nigh impossible to leech these kinds of things out of his system once they're in motion. ]

I'm on the road out to Redgate. You know, the big... Western one. Gonna pop in and see what they need, try to figure out what's going on. You're heading that way too, right?

[ spirits, he's so relieved bolin's still walking. spirits bless slow earthbenders who don't think to use their bending to skate along dirt paths. ]

Yeah. I was, and then I wasn't. [ that sounds confusing, even to the most confusing person in the history of confusing people. let him try that again. ]

I was on my way until Kaldur sent out a message about what happened. [ bolin will hear the rustling of paper as zuko unfolds his map. ] I got far enough to be close to the Encircling Mountains. If you're no further than that, I can meet you there right now.

[ He just doesn't know how to do that... maybe someday, but. He's lame and mostly learned pro-bending style stuff. Plus lava. Which is not ideal for skating.

If we're being honest, though, he'd totally not think to use that trick. ]

Uhhhh. [ Casually getting his map out. Traveling is a little easier when you can fairy ring or bison everywhere, huh. ] Sure, that sounds like a plan! Little bit of teamwork regrouping never hurt.

Are you alone?

[ if he says yes, well. zuko's going to have to pass a law where all nice benders cannot be alone but require a fan club to trail after them at all times. but he needs to know so he can decide whether he wishes to teleport with his blue spirit mask right in front of bolin or somewhere off the road and walk without it to his friend and any company that may be present. thinking ahead, sokka and uncle would be proud. ]

Yep. Kind of operating a solo Champion journey right now, I guess. Since, uh. Redgate kinda has this history with dragons. And with Korra. [ So it put Mako and Korra a little out of safe running. That's a whole complicated mess, anyway. ]

Well, you know, unless you wanna count the bird that just flew over my head, but I don't really think he's invested in the same trip I am.

[ oh, yeah. the dragon that had died while zuko had lived under a rock. he vaguely remembers that conversation he'd had with a man a few months ago. but, still, the history of redgate currently remains unknown to the fire lord who had undergone lessons about the other three nations when he'd been younger and had reached level 89 on the how to disappoint father game. it'd be a little embarrassing if zuko had had time to take to the library and study the locations on the map. ]

How do you know?

[ sokka logic is the best. ]

...

I guess I don't? [ Zuko this is the guy who once looked into an empty apartment through the window and thought a guy might legitimately be invisible in there. And he is only getting prettier rn. ] I mean, there was that thing with the blue feathers a while back and all. I've never had a bird decide to follow me around other than around then.

[ my b. ]

[ considering the nature of reynard, zuko's a little more paranoid than usual. the guy poofs into thin air, can disorient everyone while they're attacking him, and use magic when apparently no magic can be used? him using a bird as a tactical strategy is not out of the realm of possibility. ]

Is it loitering?

Not really. Just kinda doin' his bird thing. Flying, perching. Probably looking for something to eat. [ Birds, man. They're mystical as shit.

He will probably try to feed it. ]

[ after this thread ]

She's alive. Don't say her name, but you know who I mean. She's alive, Bolin.

[ There's a significant pause before Bolin's reply rolls in. Either because he's taking a minute to be super relieved that John also knows this information, or because it's new information and he has to find a chair really quick, but the result's pretty much the same and all anyway. ]

im not gonna lie john this is a real first for me. [ people dying kind of tends to be a permanent deal. But more or less immediately after that text goes through, he's sending another: ]

is she okay
have you heard from her

yeah, me too

she's- well. she could be better. but i saw her. she wants a hug from you, one of the rib-crackers.

[ shE WANTS A HUG FROM HIM. John is gonna make him cry. Because he is 5'10, really buff, rib-cracking capable weenie. ]

could be better is still way better than couldnt be worse right? i think thats a start!

and i can save her one. i mean its not like i ever run out.

[ NO BOLIN DON'T CRY alyosha cried on him it hurt :c ]

you've got that right

when this- bullshit with the asshole who stabbed her is over, i know where we can visit her.

thats great!

glad youre surviving that so far by the way its good to know.

thanks, i'm pretty glad i'm surviving too

got a giant cat-thing

giant cat-thing sounds promising! whered you find it?

[ was it out in the ocean... that would be so sad. ]

she was a boon. still working on a name, but

[ He'll send a picture, only she's not wearing the armor in this one and is resting her head on her paws. ]

whoa

and i thought naga was intimidating the first time i met her. [ this is a whole new level. ]

apparently she's a saber-fanged cave lion

she and naga are going to be trouble, i just know it

well sure but very vicious trouble that wont eat you. sometimes thats all you can ask for. i mean just look at mako.

what, you think mako would eat people if he was a wild animal?

well yeah. he could probably eat people now if he wanted. but he doesnt. small victories are a huge deal john.

i'm definitely comforted that mako doesn't eat people

that makes two of us. he just has trouble having fun instead. so naga and cat thing can make some trouble together but at least we know they wont turn on us and try to destroy the world and everything we love.

or if they do we'll be so surprised that it'll be kind of impressive

bo what minor injuries have you sustained recently?

[ totally innocent question, amirite? ]

[ super innocent. so innocent that bolin is totally not at all mildly worried or suspicious. so after a brief pause: ]

why

[ is it a trick question are you going to yell at me ]

just curious

you're not in trouble

probably

okay see you throw in the probably and i feel a lot less comforted. you need to start interrogating people again its sloppy.

lets see

i guess a squirrel bit my shin the other day? just a squirrel not a ratsquirrel. which makes a huge difference in how clean it is it turns out

bo if i were interrogating you, you should be a hell of a lot less comfortable.

but that's good enough. where are you?

EXACTLY.

im in the stables. why? did you need me to bring you a horse or a sandwich or something? because im not okay with feeding rizhao a horse.

probably also handcuffed to the table and with chief looming over you.

no you're fine. just come back to the room when you're done — you can see my new boon.

ill pass. beifong not looming over me is great. i think we have a great distance understanding right now.

got it. if its something super cool and showoffy make sure its twice as showoffy when i get there

[ now he's excited. even though that was the weirdest conversation opener since the time he was sick and mako asked him about the last time he peed or something equally dumb like that that i can't think of. ]

[ and when the fearless wonder shows up, mako's there, like usual. with rizhao sprawled over him, like usual. and a book, like usual. it's a new book, though. which isn't actually all that weird because he does manage to go through books quickly, all things considered. ]

[ Well isn't this a usual sight when Bolin comes jogging in. Mako reading, Rizhao being a blanket. Nothing destroyed or on fire.

Man, what a disappointment. ]

Hey! Okay so you mentioned getting to see your new boon. And it seemed like that was something to get pretty excited about? [ Because he knows you. You don't just ever so casually start up a suspicious conversation that segues into seeing a new boon.

Mako must be excited about it. Deep down. The spark of life in his eyes. ]

[ he puts the book aside and lifts rizhao and deposits her on the bed to cuddle up with the cats and the dogs. ]

It's pretty neat, yeah. You know how I've been learning stuff from the healers at the infirmary? [ you know, what plants will knock people out if they ingest them, what the best mild hallucinogenics are, stuff like that and useful things like how to stitch up injuries or set broken bones. ]

[ This is promising enough that he perks right the heck up in interest. ]

Yeah, sure! Learn something good? Did you get apprenticed to some legendary healer we've never heard of who lives across the world? [ You crazy kid. ]

Nah, nothing that crazy. Just show me your near fatal squirrel bite, bro.

Bro, if anything a squirrel ever does to me is actually near fatal... [ Actually, thinking about that. The one that bit him was kind of a mean one. Maybe it's not as impossible as it seems. ]

Well, mostly just consider me really impressed. I won't hold it against him.

[ Join us next month when he's nearly gored by one of those Monty Python rabbits. In the meantime, he'll roll his sock down or his pant leg up or whatever, my cold meds don't allow me to think about the intricacies of these boys and their clothes in the drabwurld. ]

... If you die from a squirrel bite I am going to be so pissed with you. Anyway...

[ mako pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath, like he's about to firebend — and exhales a bloom of pale blue fire into his hand. a breath of life gone azula, only, instead of the cold blue light of a hot flame, this seems... warm. faintly iridescent instead of bright, and with a substance that regular fire doesn't hold. ]

Yeah, but I kind of run that risk no matter what I'm doing. [ He doesn't pursue pissing Mako off, but one has to learn to live with it being a possibility.

And it's been a long time since Mako had something new to show him with his firebending, but for all that time, it's about exactly as cool as Bolin remembers it being. Mako, please. Contain your coolness factor. ]

Wait, since when did you go blue? [ and what does it have to do with healing, he guesses, but most importantly, since when did you go blue. IF HE COULD SHOVE MAKO OUT OF THE WAY OF HIS OWN FIREBENDING TO GET A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FIREBENDING, MAN. ]

Since this morning — and it's not just "going blue", bro, it's completely different, look:

[ AND WITHOUT ANOTHER WORD HE PUTS THAT HANDFUL OF BLUE FIRE ON BOLIN'S LEG.

mako the abusive brother, has finally snapped. under all the severe mental strain of dealing with the fact that he has the weapon that orphaned them under his own skin, he wants to share that pain.

just kidding!

it actually feels really nice — not hot, just warm, and maybe a little ticklish as mako's chi interacts with bo's encouraging the skin to knit itself back together, without even a sign of the fact that bolin almost got killed by a rodent earlier. ]

[ Stands there, probably thinking of the weather or some dumb shit while his brother is busy applying fire to his leg.

The "afraid of Mako burning him" train never even made a stop at this station, sir, we can't refund your ticket fee without external influences like smiledogs, magic, or disorienting injuries. He'll also let the completely different comment slide right on by, because tbh between the two of them, Mako's kinda the fire expert. A blue flame is a blue flame as far as he can figure, up until the point where it doesn't orphan him of his leg skin or whatever.

But damn, consider his interested piqued. ]

Whoa, check you out! [ WOW HE CAN TAKE HIS LEG BACK AND PUT THAT HORRIBLE SQUIRREL-RELATED TRAUMA BEHIND HIM NOW...... another distant terror to awaken in the night about. ] Mister "fire is life" over here, huh? Yeah, you know, that makes a lot of things about asking me to come up here make a lot more sense looking back.

[ fire is life is right, bo! mako grins, bolin's enthusiasm being contagious as it is and lifts his hand as the blue fire dies, leaving unscarred but nasty hairy teenage boy legs behind. no more squirrel rabies risks or whatever!!! he burned out any infection too. ]

Just don't think it's an excuse to get bit more, Bo — I can't do much with it yet.

Ohh, no, no, trust me, the last thing I'm looking to do is get a squirrel mad again. [ Like, the whole approach a few days back was to accomplish the opposite of that. For all that it worked out. But hey, thanks for the leg, he's taking it back now. Hair and all. ]

That's still some seriously cool stuff, though! Don't mind Mako, everyone, he can just patch people up with magical blue fire. [ Prooood. ] You're totally excited, aren't you?

I'd be more excited if I could cure annoying with it....

[ shoves his hand in ur face ]

That really stings, Mako. Right in the heart. [ gently pats him on the face-smushing hand. ] I mean, it isn't even how you pronounce charm, but I don't know why you'd wanna cure it so much anyway.

Want to go to a party with me? You can bring Pabu.

Sure, sounds like fun! I know Pabu loves a good shindig. [ Bolin "agrees without asking followup questions every time" Earthbender. ] People have been pretty big on throwing parties the last couple of months here, huh?

I guess it's better than beating the shit out of each other, [ John points out, laughing slightly. ]

Think we could borrow Appa to get there? It's down in the Greenwood, held by the elves.

Uhh. Well, okay, never heard of the Greenwood, not sure what an elf is exactly. Just for the record. [ Please be sure to tell him if he's supposed to bow or shake hands with people before getting there. He will probably not go in formalwear. ] But I don't think Appa's got anything to do? I'll ask Korra.

It's the woods south of Caer Glaem, Bolin. [ jesus christ ] Intensely pretty people with pointy ears.

Sounds good.

[ John won't be going in formal wear either. ] Pack for- at least a couple days.

Oh! Okay, yeah, back on track. Pretty people, couple of days, heading south. Haha, I... I should really start thinking about paying more attention to the maps. [ The boon on his armor kind of warrants more traveling so he can do more fast traveling in the future, and that requires a certain level of map competence. Probably. It can't all be pre-planned quest journeys and "Station/Redgate or bust" while he's in this world.

He thinks Mako will be pretty glad to have a named area and general direction to start searching in if he thinks it's been too long without a check-in, though. ] Lemme find Korra and I'll get back to you on our sky bison situation in a couple of minutes.

Maybe, yeah. [ You're going to get lost in a fairy ring for the timeskip, aren't you Bolin? ]

Sounds good. If not, we'll figure something out.

[ The fairy ring would be pretty hilarious ngl. He might just canon update or wander around sadly depending on how kidnapped-by-dragon-cults Mako is tho.

Also give him like three minutes to hunt down Korra at most buddy. ]

Okay, we're good to go for Appa as long as I get him back before the end of the month. [ Guess Korra's got some plans coming up. She does so like to get involved with things. ] Which I figure won't be a real problem?

[ Well he can wander around with John, who has now made horrible decisions of his own, so... that's like being at home right?? ]

Not at all. I might stay a little longer, but I can get back on my own.

You positive? If all else fails, I'm sure Pabu wouldn't mind giving you a lift. He's always had a soft spot for people who spoil him. And it's waaay too late to try to act like you don't. [ And much like his owner, he's found a veritable wealth of that since he got to the game. ]

Yeah. I've got Buttercup, and I can teleport around in Glaschu. It's not a problem.

[ He is going to give Pabu some more scritches, though. Shhh >> ] I can spoil who I want.

Hey, no one said you can't! I encourage it. [ Gosh, John. Gosh. ] Pabu's a real natural with the grizzled soldier types. And the brooding cop types. And the giant polar bear dog types. And kids. And stadium-sized crowds. He's used to a certain lifestyle.

[ He prods purely out of love. ]

So he's a natural with... everyone?

Yeah, pretty much. I'm not lax about raising upstanding young fire ferrets, John. It's not who I am. And it's just not in his blood.

[ Trying not to laugh- ]

No, I figured as much.

[ Delivered in a fine letter the morning of Yule, alongside a sprig of holly ]

Dear Bolin,

I informed John Grimm that he had full authority to disclose that I'm indeed alive; I hope you can forgive that I'm confirming it through a letter. But I dearly desire that you know what an impact you had upon me in the short time of acquaintance. You're a stalwart, good-hearted young man, and you'd be shocked to know how few of those there are in the world. I have been proud to know you, and prouder still to have the opportunity to name you a champion of my city.

Would you be at all interested in going on a winter roadtrip, heading out on the 4th? Just for a short few days. I’ve invited yourself, Harry Potter, John Grimm, and my daughter. It feels strange to write that last, but... the drabwurld is nothing but strange. I'll save elaborations for when I've the opportunity to see you again with my own two eyes.

No business. That’s an order. Just goofing off. Camp cooking. Snowball fights. All the best parts of camping and hopefully none of the worst.

I figured it’d be a worthy Yule present for all of us.

With love, and only the best of wishes,
Alyosha Hazan

[ ... John will slip Bolin a few things: a set of dog tags with his name (in Drabbish, English, and Chinese characters) and a smaller matching set for Pabu; a folding flint striker/knife; and a small bag of treats for Pabu.

[ Much like a few others, Hermione has asked the faeries to help her with delivering her presents. On the early morning of the 26th a small vial of potion will be left, a chain around it, with a small note; Just in case I'm not there. Bolin will also find a small bag with a charm upon it, with a note explaining it, and some treats for his budding zoo c: ]

[ on the evening of the twenty-third, bolin and pabu will find two steaming cups of lavender tea outside their door with a twig left on the saucer of the smaller one. one cup is slightly bigger than the other, as zuko didn't think pabu had the same big appetite as bolin may have. with a pair of black motorcycle gloves only for bolin, as the tea may be a little too hot, zuko's left a small red scarf for pabu to wrap around his neck. ]

[ on christmas even, bolin will find a stone turned to gold with snake marks embedded into it, a copy of charlie and the chocolate factory by roald dahl with notes from luke written all over the pages, and a bottle of jack daniels in a cane basket outside his door. there'll be a note taped to the bottle: Thanks, man. he's been a friend when he never owed him luke that much. ]

[ Much like her other friends, the box that Hermione sends has a charmed cloak, a charmed bag and set of potions to offer protection.

Bolin also receives Hermione's broomstick, one that will let him fly (she had it from Ron and she isn't going to touch it, better to give it to someone that will use it!), a set of christmas crackers as well as a small dragon, made just for him. It actually flies! ]

Hey, Bolin. You know how I completely admire your Earthbending and think it's absolutely incredible...

Oh I never forget praise. What's up?

I might need someone to help me build a road?

[ DECISIVE AND IMMEDIATE: ]

As long as the road's not made of metal, I can help you out! I've never actually gotten to do roadwork before. Could be fun! [ He's really been upping his construction game since he first arrived. ]

Bolin, that's fantastic! Thank you so much, you really don't know what this means to me. I'll send you another message as soon as we're ready?

[ the most furious toddler ever is calling your compass, bolin ]

Uncle Bo, where are you!? You keep missing dinner! And breakfasts! I need to show you something, it's important.

[ >:'c!!!! ]

IC INBOX • EACHDRAIDH

voice; 6/14, early morning.

voice; on a saner morning hour wow

voice; a ... short while later, because lol unseelie creatures.

voice; actual best conversation timing skills

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voice; it could only be better if one of them was also in a movie theater

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voice; i literally applauded it's perfect

voice; I'M SO GLAD. 1/2

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