It was five minutes before the ceremony was set to begin.
Feeling her newly shaved head, Jinora looked into the mirror apprehensively. She knew that everyone would say she is beautiful and praise her soon-to-be added tattoo, but right now, as she faced her own reflection, she felt like the self-conscious 11 year-old girl she was. Truth be told, she loved her hair as she prided herself in being able to keep it so neat despite the constantly blasts of wind from her training or her siblings. But as she shaved her brown locks slowly and carefully off her head, she knew it also meant all she was leaving behind.
Being seen as a master Airbender was everything that Jinora dreamed of since she first was aware of her bending prowess. Her eagerness to read and discover the history of her people and her family was driven by the hope that she could one day be added to the line of masters that her father and grandfather joined long ago. The arrows represented the movement of spiritual energy that ran through an Airbender's veins, their commitment to run free like the wind, and always moving like the currents. In a little while, they were to mean all of that and more to her, but she was still scared.
How was she supposed to lead others? She had experience with Korra and teaching the new Airbenders, but what would happen when faced with others in the world? Being the first master since her father, and the first female master in over 200 years, meant that her role in the world would change like she hadn't expected. With Korra out of commission and the Red Lotus threat minimizing, she would have to join her father in expanding the Air Nation's role in society. She knew what becoming a master meant, but she didn't know if she was ready to become the Airbending master the world needed just yet.
Her thoughts were disturbed when her mother knocked softly on the door of the bathroom before she opening it, giving Jinora a small smile.
She stepped in to join Jinora and observed her quietly.
"I've never seen your head so clean, even when you were a baby. You came out with small patches of hair all over your head. It's good, I like it." Pema said reassuringly, moving forward to hug her oldest daughter.
Jinora again felt like a little girl as she rushed forward and tightly clutched her mother for comfort. Pema softly shushed and ran her hand over her daughter's head before kissing it firmly.
"I am so proud of you. I remember when you first started blowing bibs and blankets in my face. Your father was so excited to see the beginning of the next generation of Airbenders and to see you grow and develop. I just wanted you to blow them in another direction. Now look at you, ready to professionally blow blankets in people's faces!"
Jinora laughed at her mother's comments softly before looking up and showing the fear she had been trying to hide since they had decided she was ready for the arrows.
"You'll do great, I promise. The world doesn't know what coming with such a powerful force like you. Everyone here will always be here for you." Pema added, as if she could read her face and hear her thoughts exactly. Her mother was always a comforting figure, but she wondered if she would be the same when she was officially recognized as a master.
"It's time, isn't it?" She asked quietly, watching her mother's proud smile change into a more reserved one.
Pema nodded her head and took Jinora's hand as she led her to the tattoo room where her life would change forever.
Very short, I know. I'll probably add more once the transcript for the episode pops up, but for now this will have to do because I can't watch the episode again without having a heart attack. I don't know when I'll update any other stories as I start my senior year soon, but I'll try write when I have time. Thank you very much and have a nice morning, day, or night!