Borra Week Day 2 topic: X Marks the Spot
Summary: Bolin and Korra receive a map from Bumi and discover where it leads
"This is ridiculous, Korra," Bolin huffed from behind her. "I don't think this map leads to anything." Korra snapped the map open again and peered closely at the red X in the corner. "X Marks the Spot" was the only writing to be found on the page.
This had seemed like a good idea two hours earlier. Bolin and Korra had been lazing around the gardens on Air Temple Island when Bumi found them. "You kids look like you need something to do." Before they could respond he continued. "You're in luck because it just so happens I found this old map I hid here when I was a kid. I promise the treasure's worth it," He'd said with a twinkle in his eye. Korra's face had lit up when Bumi handed her the map. It wasn't long before she'd grabbed Bolin by the hand and they were off.
"Bumi made this," Korra insisted in response to Bolin's whining. "It has to lead somewhere." Bolin was sure they had traipsed the entirety of Air Temple Island and so far they hadn't found a thing. When they'd started out, he'd been all for the adventure – anything to spend some extra time with his girlfriend. Now, though, he was hot, tired and sweaty. The late afternoon sun beat down on his back and all he wanted to do was sit down underneath a shade tree and drink a nice, tall glass of something wet. Pabu's furry tail snaking around his neck like a scarf wasn't helping matters any.
"Fine, but can we at least finish looking after supper? I'm starved! And it will be cooler then…" He added hopefully.
"But Bo, we're so close!" Korra stopped under a nearby tree and grabbed his hand, weaving her fingers with his. "Look." She held the map out with her other hand and Bolin grabbed the opposite end. It did look like the dirt path they'd been walking on was close to the bold X marked on the map.
"Well, okay." Bolin had never been able to resist her when she looked at him with those wide blue eyes and softly pouting lips. Besides, even if it was disgustingly hot, he was still curious to see what exactly a young Bumi had deemed important enough to draw a map to.
"Come on, then!" Korra was eager to keep moving. They continued to walk down the path hand in hand until Korra stopped with a jolt, almost yanking Bolin's arm out of its socket.
"Hey!" Bolin ruefully rubbed his shoulder. "What's the big deal?"
"I think the path on the map turns here…" Korra said, peering into the dense undergrowth of the forest to the left of the path.
"Are you sure? Lemme see that." Bolin snatched the map from her hands before she could protest. "Hey, looks like you're right," he pondered, missing the indignant glare she shot at him. "But where does the path go?" From what he could see there didn't seem to be any breaks in the thick foliage.
The forested half of Air Temple Island was somewhat uncharted. Aang had enjoyed the tranquility of the forest and insisted that this portion of the island remain undisturbed.
Korra was the first to step off the path. She carefully parted the branches and stepped into the forest with Bolin close on her heels. At least it was cooler in there. They found to their surprise that there was a very faint path carved into the forest floor. Following it wasn't easy because in some places it was faded almost to nothing. It was clear that the path hadn't actually been used for quite some time.
"This is so cool!" Bolin spouted, his tiredness and sweat forgotten.
"Told you so!" Korra said smugly. "Aren't you glad we didn't turn around back there?" She asked with a squeeze of his hand.
"I suppose," He said as the corners of his mouth quirked into a smile. They followed the path for a few more minutes until they came upon a thick wall of foliage at the abrupt end of the trail. "Now what?" It seemed to Bolin that they had reached a dead end.
"I think we're here." Korra surveyed the map one last time, pointing to the X. "That sharp curve we just went around looks just like this one. Whatever it is, it must be through these vines here." With that she shoved her way through, pushing the vines out of the way. For a few moments they were encased on either side by vines before emerging into what may have been the most beautiful thing either had ever seen.
Bumi's map had led them to an oasis with a still pool fed by a gurgling stream that fell into it in a small waterfall. Flaming orange and red fire-lilies grew in clusters surrounding the pond and frog-fish croaked from lily-pads.
"Look at this place," Korra said in an awed whisper, drawing closer to Bolin as she took in the view. He put his arm around her as he looked about in amazement. Pabu leapt from Bolin's shoulder and darted around the unfamiliar place, sniffing everything he could reach.
"It's beautiful!" He too whispered without even thinking about it. "No wonder Bumi drew a map. I'd hate myself if I found this place and then forgot where it was."
"Me too," Korra agreed absently, inching closer to the water. Koi-carp darted beneath the surface. The couple watched entranced for a few moments before Korra broke the silence. "This place is perfect, Bo. For picnics, for relaxing-"
"For romantic dates," Bolin was quick to add with a sly grin.
"That too," Korra returned the grin, planting a quick peck on Bolin's lips. "I'm sure glad Bumi gave us that map this morning."