Hey guys, so I was thinking about how Jinora visits the Spirit World, and has probably met Iroh. Then all the rest just kinda… appeared. Anyways, enjoy!
Jinora had a tea set. Four cups and saucers, small and round, storm-gray and light. She was six when her small, delicate hands unwrapped the cold cups. Six-year olds did not receive tea sets, but slender, serious Jinora was the exception. She had a fondness for liquid, whether it be the tea she made; fingers gentle and mind precise in all that she did, or the ink that flowed through her pens, dark and thick. Pema watched from behind a pillar as her daughter poured tea for the two of them.
Jinora is ten when she buys a teapot. She saves her yuans in a pot that also houses a bamboo plant named Lin. Jinora likes to name things, but rarely tells anyone which name she has selected. Pema takes her into Republic City, and Jinora wanders in and out of tea shops for two hours until she finally selects a pot made of metal; the latest design, complete with a whistler. Later that night, Pema watches as Jinora slips back into her room with the kettle in hand.
Jinora drinks while she reads, sipping tea in a quiet corner of the temple's little library. She steadies her cup as Ikki and Meelo rush down the halls on air scooters. Pema leads Jinora to bed, having fallen asleep at her desk over a sheet of parchment. A teacup is half-empty and cold the next morning when Jinora wakes.
Pema cradles the cups. Jinora is listless, spirit fading as the days go on. Pema worries Jinora will never sip tea again, but sets a fresh cup by her side every few hours, just in case.
Jinora is startled at the discovery in her room on the airship, taking them on the search for new airbenders. A crack, small pieces scattered across the clean robes and books she has packed. She knew it was a mistake to let Meelo carry her suitcase. It's late, and she tiptoes through the halls to Korra's room. Peeking inside, Jinora finds Korra sprawled on her bed, snoring slightly. Asleep, and unable to help mend a small, priceless teacup. Jinora glances at the light coming from under Bolin's door, knowing if she truly wants her cup fixed now, she'll have to ask him. She knocks twice, quick and quiet, and Bolin opens the door. She stutters. She's sorry to disturb him this late, but if he had a moment could he please… he scoops up the shards and fits them back together perfectly. No cracks. He smiles and tells her it's no trouble. She thanks him.
They find Kai. Jinora is bashful but intrigued, and after one of their lessons invites him to have tea. Jinora enjoys herself.
Jinora, three years later, is in the Spirit World. Iroh is right, you really can taste the light in every cup. She wins Pai Sho, and Iroh smiles.
