Chapter 24
Kuvira and Bataar spent the next two weeks on their honeymoon. They had traveled to the coast to enjoy the beach and some quiet time together before they returned to Republic City. Bataar told her about the Great Uniter riots around the Earth Kingdom. "You don't really think that everyone was happy that I surrendered, do you?" Kuivra asked. "I know you had a lot of supporters. It has only been six months since the end of the war. Just give people time to accept it." Bataar stated. "I hope you're right. I would hate for this to get out of hand especially after everything that has happened." Kuvira stated. Bataar knew she was referring to her new lava and platinum bending skills. If she was still gaining support, even if it was unwanted, she could be viewed as a threat. If these people were fanatics, they may try to kidnap her. They had decided that it was best to keep Kuvira's lava and platinum bending skills a secret for now. Lin, Korra Asami and Wu were the only ones who knew about her new bending abilities. She could only wonder what the rest of the world leaders would think about her after everyone found out what she was capable of. That wasn't a day she was looking forward to, but one that was inevitable. It wouldn't be easy keeping this a secret indefinitely. "We will deal with that when we get back to Republic City. For now, let's just enjoy our honeymoon. I've had enough of the beach for now. Let's go spend the rest of the day in bed." Kuvira smirked and Bataar ran in after her.
A couple days later they decided to go for a hike. They had heard there were some caves that with beautiful crystal caverns nearby and Kuvira wanted to go exploring. "How much further are these caves?" Bataar asked. "I don't think they are that far from here. I can feel a cavern under us. It is just a matter of finding the entrance. I can feel the minerals in the caves, and I can't wait to see them. If they look as beautiful as I think they feel, it will be a sight to behold." Kuvira responded. "What kinds of crystals are they?" Bataar asked, knowing how excited Kuvira always got over something so simple. She always was very easy to please. She never wore a lot of jewelry, only her engagement ring and now wedding ring. "I'm not telling…you wil just have to be surprised." Kuvira teased. She knew Bataar hated when she did this. He didn't like surprises and she loved teasing him.
"Over here. I found the entrance." Kuvira announced. "Finally," Bataar said. The entrance was hidden behond some tall tree. It was so well hidden that only an earthbender would be able to find it without explicit directions. "Be careful the entrance is steep and I am not altering it." Kuvira told him. Bataar just nodded. They walked into the cave and slowy made their way down the steep path. They were going underground. Bataar imagined that Kuvira must feel right at home under here, but he felt a little nervous which was only to be expected since he couldn't earthbend. As Kuvira led Bataar into a huge cavern, he was amazed at how beautiful all the crystals were. There was different shade of blud and green crystal hanging like cones from the top of the cavern and collections of dark green crystals around the sides. I think Korra would like some of those up there. She was pointing to the blue crystals because Korra was from the Southern Water Tribe and always wore blue. "Can we bring some of this back?" Bataar asked. "I don't see why not, as long as we don't take too much." Kuvira started, "just tell me what you want and I will get it for you." Bataar watched as Kuvira eyed the crystals and started taking small bits of the best she could find. He wanted to take some green crystals back for his sister, aunt and mother. He didn't know if he should ask Kuvira or get it himself, but decided to ask her. "I wanted to take enough back for Opal, Aunt Lin and my mother." Bataar stated, while looking at her to see if there was a change. There was none…her demeanor didn't change when he mentioned his mother, which was new. Maybe there is still a chance the two of them could repair their relationship one day. It was a hope he clinged to as he watching his mother be so miserable was heartbreaking, but she had also hurt Kuvira beyond imagining. "OK…just tell me which colors you want and I will get the best ones I can find." Kuvira looked backed smiling at her husband. Suyin was Bataar's mother and she would just have to accept that she was a part of his life, but that didn't mean she had to deal with Suyin. She loved her husband more than enough to do something as simple as this. "I wanted some deep green ones if you can find them. I think that Opal would like some blue ones as well. See what you can find…. you have very good taste, even if you don't like to wear them." Bataar commented. He watched as Kuvira made fast work of the best crystals from the cavern. He was amazed at how beautiful they were close-up. The depth of color in each specimen was filled with different shades of green and blue. When she was finished, and had the crystals packed away in their packs, they continued to explore the cavern. She was able to find another way out on the opposite side of the cavern closer to the bottom of the mountain they had been climbing.
As they made their way into the sunlight once more, they stopped by a stream they passed on their way to the cavern. The stream was a perfect place to sit and have a picnic. They had brought steamed dumplings with them, which was Kuvira's favorite food. He never knew anyone who loved dumplings quite as much as she did. They enjoiyed their lunch and wade in the stream before making their way back to their cabin.