十二

[anatural]

[action]
[This is the first time in weeks that Naga has left Korra's side. While Korra goes to meet Arthur, Naga finally takes the opportunity to get out of the City. She's a wild animal, and the tall buildings and busy streets upset her.

You might run into if you're at:

• the forest
• the drowning pool
• the city limits

It's been an interesting few weeks. Best be careful around her.]

Comments

[anatural]

[Naga is not as perceptive of human emotion as a domestic dog would be, but she's spent enough time with Korra to recognize when things are okay and when things are off. She tilts her head curiously at Setsuna and nudges his shoulder gently. It always works with Korra, at least.]

[beyourarmy]

[That nudge breaks the illusion he's been walking in. He had mostly put aside what he had been out here moping over in Naga's presence, but such a simple gesture shatters it.]

Mmm? I guess I'm that transparent, huh?

Can you keep a secret? [Even if she can't understand, or answer, Setsuna still speaks to her this way, a sort of respect. It's exactly how he would speak to another human with Naga's personality.]

[anatural]

[It depends on the secret, actually, but whatever you tell her should be safe. Her ears are alert and listening, even though she doesn't understand.]

[beyourarmy]

It's actually been a crappy month.

I failed someone important to me. Another of my friends got injured. And my lover told me she doesn't love me. Worse things can happen. I know.

But I'm not feeling good about any of that right now. [He's still slightly smiling, though. A desperate sort of smile, clinging to the not so painful parts, or the idea he can overcome.]

[anatural]

[Naga may not understand the words, but she can recognize the smell that suddenly rolls off of him. Misery. Korra has spent a good part of the past month reeking of it herself.

She whines softly and rubs her head against Setsuna's side. She hates that smell.]

[beyourarmy]

[His smile tightens at that, a bit of comfort reaching him, even in this state. He can't help it; Setsuna turns completely to hug her.]

You're really amazing.

I'll be okay! I promise. I won't let any of this keep me down. And I'll find a way to make things right again. And Sara...I'll just have to move on, like I was ready to before. It'll work out.

[anatural]

[Naga wriggles out of the embrace -- there are certain privileges that are only granted to Korra, and hugs are one of them. Her wild instincts dislike the vulnerability.

But when her head is free, she nudges him again with her snout, offering support in her own way.]

[beyourarmy]

[He's impulsive, but he won't try that again. Still, he smiles gently at being nudged, and pulls away.]

Thanks.

Feels wrong not knowing your name. [He continues walking once more. And just up ahead, there's water.]

[anatural]

[Don't worry, Naga doesn't mind. A name is just a collection of sounds to catch her attention.

When she smells water, her steps hasten. She is a thirsty polar bear dog.]

[beyourarmy]

[He grins and speeds up, too. Just so he can throw a hand out and brag.]

Bottomless pool thing! I forget the name of it. Drowning Pool, I think it was. Never could reach the bottom, and I tried! I swam down there for ages.

Always ran out of air, first.