Hello my friends! This is a quick drabble from Pema's pov while Jinora was stuck in The Spirit World, and what must have been going through her head. Enjoy!
Pema grinned, watching Oogi land in the flower-filled meadow outside the temple. They're back. The thought filled her with anticipation, hoping that Jinora had managed to help Korra close the portals. She clutched the bundle of flowers she'd been picking, excited to hear all about The Spirit World from her daughter. Until she noticed. Tenzin, Kya, Bumi; stone-faced and silent. Her happiness flickered, and doubt crept in. "Where's Jinora?" Pema asked, practically pleading for everything to be alright. Tenzin bent down and picked up Jinora; cold and limp. "No!" Pema cried, hands numb, flowers floating to the ground. She ran forward and took Jinora in her arms, tears coating the back of her throat. My little girl. Jinora. Her eyes snapped to Tenzin's. "How could this happen?!"
Pema didn't leave her side. How could she? Kya ran healing water over Jinora's thin, listless form, and Pema couldn't help but think about how fragile she was; alone in The Spirit World. No books could have prepared Jinora for what might be in there.
During the night, while Kya slept, Pema held her daughter's hand, and whispered stories. Old Air Nomad legends Jinora had heard since she was an infant. She held Jinora's old stuffed sky bison, and push the hair off her daughter's face.
When Tenzin and the others left for the South Pole, Pema worried even more. She was out of reach.
-several days later-
Korra seemed to be beaten, and all was about to be lost. Then there was a light, highlighted against the midnight blue of the sky. Ikki called out. "Mommy, it's Jinora! She's...beautiful." Pema's heart soared.
"What? Let me see! Be careful sweetie!" Pema was relieved. Her daughter, safe. Jinora was alright.