Chapter 3: Going Places

They must have been a couple hundred meters above the water. Korra peered over the side of the basket and shuddered at the thought of falling. Despite her probably being able to survive the fall, the fact that they were being suspended by nothing but air made her feel a little nervous.

Mako breathed more fire into the balloon. They rose a little higher. It was his suggestion that they make the balloon. He knew Korra wasn't going to use the flax sailcloth for her tent. This way, at least the water tribe children's gift would be put to good use.

Earlier that day Korra had intended to travel using Tenzin's kite, but the cold winds nipped at any exposed skin. Frost clung to her fur coat and forced her to return to the farewell crowd. Bolin was the first to greet her, and told her that a telegram came while she was about to head out. In a recent election at Republic City, Korra had been nominated for Councilman Tarlock's position... and she had won by a landslide.

Korra's face changed from disappointment to frustration. She didn't say anything and sat cross-legged on the snow for a bit. Anxiously, Bolin waited for Korra's response, but to fill in the silence he suggested, "We... could offer Pabu to be your representative?"

She perked up. "Thats brilliant!"

And this time it was Bolin's turn to look worried. "But Korra, I was just kidding. Fire Ferrets make terrible decisions!"

Korra laughed. "No, silly. You will be my representative!"

And this time Bolin looked even more worried. "ME? I think Pabu was a better choice..."

Korra got up and put both hands on his shoulders. "Please, do this for me, Bolin. I'll make it up to you when I return to Republic City, but right now there are some things I have to check out and it requires my immediate attention."

Bolin had been staring at his feet, but when Korra touched his shoulder he flinched a little and looked back into her eyes. And she smiled-a very pretty smile. Oh, by Kyoshi's grave! Girls always get what they want.

"Alright, fine. I'll do it, for you, Korra. But promise to send me a message as soon as you can. I dunno how long I'll last with," He paused and looked around, "...Adults!"

Korra reassured him that he would do fine and promised him to give him an address whenever she could. She knew she had to get the updates somehow, but Korra was unsure how long she would be staying in one place.

"Hey, Korra!" Korra and Bolin both stopped talking and looked. Mako was dragging something pretty large from her tent. She hadn't even noticed he left the group. And that was when Mako told them his idea.

"You want to do what?" Bolin was incredulous.

Mako calmly replied, "Like I said, we're going to make a hot air balloon." He started to unfold the decorated sailcloth Korra had been given.

"And who is We?" Korra asked.

"You won't be able to firebend it all day y'know," he said. "I'm coming with you and we'll take turns."

Korra was hesitant, but Mako was right. It was probably safer to travel with someone. She really hoped that Mako wasn't going to take this the wrong way, though.

She sighed and gave in. She looked at Bolin and he shrugged. Bolin clapped his brother on the back, and headed back into his guest tent.

So the two would-be travellers set off to find rope and materials for the balloon. It took more than half the day, so that by the time they were inflating the balloon, most of the village were inside preparing their dinner. It was probably a good thing too. Korra was having trouble keeping a steady flame while Mako held the balloon open. Firebending against an opponent is easy. All she had to do was blast them as hard as she could until they got burned or gave up. Lighting a balloon requires much more finesse than she was used to.

Eventually, the balloon started to rise and the two hopped in. The sun was already setting, and the smoke from each tent was rising as each Southern Tribe Family prodded their fires to keep them warm throughout the night. Korra was on her knees peering over the edge with only her eyes showing. It was as if she thought that if even her nose was outside the basket, the entire balloon would topple over. The homes were getting smaller and smaller until she could see the entire tribe in view without having to move her head. Mako stopped heating the balloon and stood at the edge next to her. It was then that Korra realized how small the basket was.

Korra couldn't lie down. Mako offered to let her sleep first, and she had gladly taken the opportunity. But she couldn't find a comfortable spot. She ended up curling into a ball, and taking up half the basket.

She woke up to a gentle shake on her arm. Mako handed her the compass, took off his boots, and propped his legs over the basket. He was asleep on his back before Korra had even figured out how he had been steering the balloon. They were headed North and a couple degrees East. Korra checked her map. They should be over the forsaken lands of the Air Temples by mid-day tomorrow at their current speed.

Korra began creating a small air current behind the balloon. When she was comfortable at that pace, she increased the the currents until her hair was streaming along with the winds. It was tiring work, but she welcomed the opportunity to practice her airbending.

Now, they should be there at the Air Temple before first light.

Bolin went back inside his tent and carefully unfolded the telegram. Korra's position included the councilman's chambers and all sorts of city benefits. He wasn't sure if the city would even accept Korra's proposal, but as long as he is representing Korra, and that he had the letter she had written him, he should be allowed to take her place...

Bolin headed out to the Southern Water Tribe's port to check on the next available boat. The port consisted of a single wooden dock extending about 20 meters to the water. There were several wooden canoes, but nothing that would make it across the South and Mo Ce Sea ...efficiently. The next available cargo ship wasn't due until the end of next week.

His shoulder's drooped and he slumped against the icy wall lining the village.

How am I going to get back to Republic City now? He knocked a small icicle hanging from the edge onto the ground and it shattered into little fragments on the ground. He crushed the smallest one under his foot, and he started to leave when a large shadow of a sky bison casted over him.

Oogi! Im sure Tenzin can give me a lift with his sky bison!

Bolin hurried back to where Tenzin's guest tent was to ask for a ride.