Chapter Three – Perception

Unlike Jinora, Bolin had been able to fall asleep rather soundly, confident in the newly found knowledge that on some level, his feelings were reciprocated by Jinora. As Bolin gradually stirred from his slumber, he brought the thick cream covers up closer to his face to shield the blinding light of the morning from stinging his eyes. After securely placing the covers over his head, he cracked one groggy eye open to observe the time. His vision was foggy from having just woken up, but after a few seconds passed, his eye yielded to his demand and clearly focused on the small clock next to him.

Nine a.m.

Fantastic! I'm up early!

Giving a wide yawn, Bolin stretched out his limbs comfortably and raised his arms to lie folded behind his head. Reminiscing, he couldn't help but let a huge smile emerge on his face. Bolin almost couldn't believe that what had happened last night was real. It was almost too good to be true. He took a moment to properly reflect on the feelings he had last night and on the connection he had made with Jinora. The sensation of holding her in his arms and her reciprocating was one the most intimate and phenomenal thing he had ever experienced. Even though he had only held her, the feeling was completely magnetic, thoroughly intoxicating and addictive. He couldn't help wanting more of her. Everything about the young woman was completely irresistible to a fault. That was the problem. Sitting up from his lying position in bed he put his elbows on his knees and held his face heavily in his rough hands, feeling the slight emergence of stubble moving underneath his fingertips. This sensation alone reminded him bitterly of his age.

Getting up, he quietly made his way towards the small tarnished mirror hanging on the wall to observe his features. There had been some major improvements in his appearance now in comparison to what he had looked like as a teenager. His broad face had lost the youthful puppy fat that filled his cheeks in his teenage years. Its departure was replaced by his strong jaw line and well defined features. His thick black hair was still unkempt with tousled curls, but now was kept slightly shorter than he used to have it. In his teens, Bolin could only manage to grow pathetic, feeble patches of wispy facial hair. Bolin was now able to grow a full face of uniform stubble. Even though he now could grow a beard, he kept his face mostly clean shaven. Overall his face had only undergone some minor changes from ageing. The one thing that remained consistent throughout the years were his eyes. They still possessed the same gleam of boisterous youth. They had been enhanced by a dash of intelligence gained by age, giving his large green eyes a handsome glimmer. Something that had massively changed was his height. He had grown at least six inches and now stood almost as high as Tenzin.

Taking all of his physical and mental comparisons on board and attributing his life experience, he knew that even though his feelings for Jinora were strong; their union would have to wait a while longer. Even though she was much more intelligent and mature than him, her age made his feelings for her appear just a little bit wrong. The realisation pained him terribly. If Bolin could wait it out until her seventeenth birthday in a few months, there may be a chance that his feelings towards her would be accepted by their friends and her family. For now, he was willing to play the waiting game.

Bolin suddenly wondered if Jinora's test would be held in the yin and yang training area visible from the balcony. He swiftly walked over and looked outwards to the beautiful mural. No-one was out there. Knowing better than to try and find her, he kept her on his mind and walked down to the kitchens for an 'early' breakfast.


Jinora had quickly and calmly made her way up the many stairs to the elevated area behind the air temple. She internally asked the spirits and her grandfather Aang for their wisdom and blessings. When she had finally made it to the top of the stairs, she observed eight traditionally dressed air acolytes sitting directly across from her entry. They were seated on a slightly raised platform in a straight line so that she could see them all simultaneously. She could only recognise two of the members. One of them she knew was the senior air acolyte from Air Temple Island named Chimon, whom she had discussed many a historical text with. The rest of the weathered looking members appeared to be the senior air acolytes from the four other air temples. The eighth member of the panel wore the vibrant blue arrows of a formally recognised master air bender. Her father and Airbending master, Tenzin.

When Jinora stopped in front of the seated members of the panel, she bowed deeply and with great respect. It was known that even though the senior Air Acolytes could not air bend by themselves, they dedicated their lives to studying the forms, stances and traditions of air bending extensively in an effort to preserve the rare skill. Jinora had the utmost amount of respect for these scholars and their dedication to knowledge.

After Jinora straightened up from her bow, one of the members in the middle of the group sitting next to Tenzin addressed Jinora respectfully.

"Welcome to your last exam young air bender," The wise old man enthused with a deep, creaky voice.

"Today, you will be asked to demonstrate your bending ability throughout all thirty six tiers of mastery," The old man continued informatively. "As you know, the tiers are split into six different categories for the bending segment of the exam. These are: Stances, Control, Offense, Defence, Movement and Specialist techniques."

"In the meditation segment of your exam you must demonstrate spiritual endurance and fortitude. If you should break from your meditative state at any time within the twenty four hours, you will not pass the exam. Have you got any questions?" The old man finished off eagerly. Jinora shook her head politely to indicate that she had understood everything that he had said.

"Alright then, let the exam begin"


AN: I thought that the bending exam deserved its own chapter. Sorry to make you wait. I promise it will be in soon. I really hope you are enjoying this story as much as I am enjoying writing it.

Please review and let me know what you think. I really appreciate the feedback.

Hazelehm.