the lions roar and young men soar, the flames all scorch the circus floor

[unrestraint]

The prospect of meeting someone new has Naga practically leaping around on the sidewalk where Korra waits, smirking at the sight of her polar bear dog bounding in circles. Even though her progress in her own training hasn't been as fast as Korra likes, she's made enough progress to be relaxed in her off hours, letting herself indulge in date nights now and again, and in spending plenty of time with friends. If home was nonstop training, then she thinks that Darrow has actually been pretty great in helping her find a balance. She doesn't want to let up on her progress in the slightest.

But she also wants to keep the progress going.

"Hey, hey, calm down," she tells Naga teasingly. "This is exactly why I didn't bring you on the first time, okay? I don't want you jumping and slobbering all over Billy immediately when you see him. He's a friend, but he's never met a polar bear dog before."

Korra pauses, narrowing her eyes in thought and consideration before shaking her head. Actually, even back home, outside of the South Pole, not many people had met polar bear dogs.

"Actually, just — he's not Bolin, okay? Not an earthbender who can keep standing even when you throw yourself at him," Korra adds, stepping forward to ruffle the space behind Naga's ears with a grin. "Just be gentle. I already know you'll be nice."

Naga barks, as though in understanding.