Asami took another deep breath and stopped at Korra's door. You can do this, she thought. Korra invited you to the tourney. There is no reason you cannot ask her to attend the Earth Queen's reception with you. Friends often go together to events. Right? Before she could change her mind she knocked. The seconds ticked by without a response.
"Korra? Are you there?" Tentatively Asami pushed the door open. The room was empty. Asami frowned. Where could she be? It was late afternoon; she knew all of Korra's lessons were done for the day. She walked back through the castle as she tried to determine where Korra could have gone. When she thought about it, there was really only one option. Asami smiled and walked out to the castle grounds. Some of the people recognized her and she waved to them, but didn't stop to chat. She needed to do this before she lost her nerve.
She walked to the barn and paused only to pet Naga, before she climbed up in the hayloft. In the far corner Korra was hunched over a book, her tongue stuck out in concentration as she carefully moved her quill. For a moment Asami hesitated. She is too adorable for her own good.
"There you are," Asami said softly. Clearly startled, Korra jolted upright. She calmed when she spotted Asami.
Korra pressed a hand to her heart. "You scared me."
"I didn't mean to." She sat down next to her. "What are you doing up here anyway?"
Korra made a face. "It's all Kai's fault!" She sighed and related the story of her lessons. Asami listened quietly. She loved moments like this, when the two of them could be alone and simply be themselves, unrestrained by court protocol or 'propriety.' Though Korra has never held much of a regard for propriety.
"...and so now I have to copy the entire book before tomorrow!" Korra rubbed her brow. "It's going to be awful, and I'll disappoint my father, again."
"I'm sure your calligraphy isn't that terrible."
Korra snorted. "Here, see for yourself." She passed the book over to Asami. She opened it and bit her lip to stifle the laugh that threatened.
"It's not..." Asami's words died out when Korra shot her a glare. "Fine, it is terrible. Why didn't you just tell Tenzin what happened?"
Korra shook her head. "I don't want to do that to Kai. Tenzin already dislikes him, and Kai and Jinora get so few chances to be around each other already. I mean, Kai cannot even ask Jinora to the ball tomorrow without affronting someone's sense of dignity."
The ball. Asami cleared her throat. "Actually, that's why I was looking for you." Don't make this seem odd Asami, just be casual about it. "I wanted to ask you something."
Korra took back her book and studied her writing. "What is it?"
Asami sighed. She wanted to reach out and shut the book. For once, just once, she wished she held all of Korra's attention. "I thought that...well, I'm not going with anyone to the ball tomorrow, and if you also did not have anyone to go with...that is, I thought we could go together...to um, keep the Earth Kingdom diplomats away."
Korra cocked her head to the side and seemed to consider the question. "I think that would be great."
Asami's heart beat faster. "Really?"
Korra laughed. "Of course. I'm sure you're a much better dancer than the Earth Kingdom prince, and better to look at," she added in a soft tone. Asami could have sworn she saw color rise in Korra's cheeks, but she could have easily imagined it. Still, her mind clung to Korra's words.
Dancing? Dancing with Korra? Ancestors help me. "I ā I think I'd like that very much," Asami said.
Once again, Korra laughed. She put aside the book this time and glanced up at Asami. "Well, you are the one who asked, so I'd hope that you would."
Asami felt her face grow hot. "Oh, of course. Silly me." She relaxed against the wall of the hayloft. "So, would you like me to meet you at the castle, or..."
"I could come get you," Korra said. She fussed with her book rather than meet Asami's gaze. "It would be nice to escape the castle for a few moments. It's...odd to be surrounded by the other nobility." Asami did not reply. She waited, recognizing that Korra had more to say. "They greet me as slayer, as if that is my title."
Asami nodded. "But you don't want it to be," she said.
"Who wants to be known as a butcher?" Their gazes met. Korra's brow had knit together, furrowed with worry.
"But you're not a butcher." Asami reached out and touched her arm. "You were a soldier. You fought for your life."
"Sometimes I wake up at night and I can still feel the blood. I still hear the battle." Korra did not pull away from her touch. Asami let her grip linger.
"The battle has passed. You're here, Korra. You're in the hayloft with me." Sometimes, she felt selfish for hoping Korra would return her feelings. She acted as though nothing was wrong, but Asami saw the struggle beneath the surface. Drawing more of an emotional demand from Korra would only make that struggle harder, and yet she could not stay away. The need panged in her chest, clawing and keening like some beast, and she weakly obeyed it.
Korra smiled at her and she realized she still held the knight's arm. She let go. "I don't find myself lost in nightmares when in good company."
Asami returned the smile. "Then I am happy to be of service," she said. With a sigh, she stood and brushed the hay from her clothes. "I should return to the forge before father notices I'm gone."
"I'll pick you up from your home tomorrow?" Korra asked.
Asami nodded. "I look forward to that dance, Knight-Commander."
Korra offered her a lopsided grin. "As do I, my lady."
Korra resisted the urge to pull at the collar of her doublet. Her father glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.
"You look fine," he said.
"Thank you for not making me wear a dress."
Tonraq smirked. "I know better than to make you wear something you're more likely to trip in. Besides." He cast her a sideways glance. "I'm guessing you want to look your best for a certain someone."
Korra groaned and straightened her collar. "Yes. It's easier to look professional for the Earth Queen this way."
Her father let out a sigh. "Of course, the Earth Queen."
Korra almost asked him if something was wrong, but Senna interjected. "Korra, do you have the histories copied for her?"
She turned and grabbed the book. "Not well, but yes."
Tonraq took it from her and flipped through the pages. "I don't understand. Tenzin said your calligraphy was flawless." He closed the book and handed it back to her. "Has something been distracting you?" he asked with a grin.
Senna elbowed her husband. "Oh, leave her be." She turned to her daughter with a smile. "You did a fine job, my dear. I'm sure the Earth Queen will accept the gift graciously."
"You think so?" Korra asked, catching her reflection in the mirror. She smoothed a hand through her hair.
"I know so," said Senna. She walked over to Korra and adjusted her clothes for her. "Now grab the book. The Earth Queen should not be kept waiting." The three of them walked to the reception chamber together. On the way, Kai bumped into them. Korra grabbed him by the arm.
"My squire," she said, shooting him a glare. "Where were you off to?"
Kai smiled and tried to worm out of Korra's grip. "I was going to meet you for practice ā oh, is the Queen's reception now?" he corrected when Korra's grip tightened. "I suppose I shall accompany you, Knight-Commander."
"Good," Korra growled. "Someone will need to offer to re-copy the histories for the Earth Queen when she declares mine illegible."
"Oh, but of course." Kai fell in line with them, straightening his uniform as they approached the door. As they walked into the room, a herald announced their arrival. Korra spotted the Earth Queen almost immediately. The woman stood between a flank of guards, her billowing gown decorated with countless gems and glittering metals. Korra swallowed. Somehow, she doubted the Earth Queen would be impressed with a poorly copied edition of her kingdom's histories.
"Your Majesty," said Tonraq, leading the way up to her. They stopped short and bowed, Korra having to nudge Kai when he did not immediately follow their lead. "You honor us with a visit." They all straightened.
"I do indeed," answered the Earth Queen.
While the monarchs exchanged pleasantries, Korra remained silent. Talking, especially with nobility, had never been her strong suit.
"And this is my daughter Korra." Tonraq gestured behind him.
Korra bowed again. "Your Majesty."
"Your daughter's choice of attire is most...unusual."
"She is Knight-Commander of the finest troops in the land," Tonraq said.
"Yes, well, a princess should be dressed in finery. It is so unseemly to wield a sword. I trust it is not your only talent?"
Korra fought to keep her face neutral when she heard the word princess. "I have prepared a copy of our kingdom's history for you as a gift, Your Majesty. I hope it is to your liking." Korra handed the book over to the Earth Queen. She sneered and flipped open the cover.
"Oh my, this is...why this is..."
Korra braced herself for the thinly veiled insult. "I still have a long way to go, but I did try my best."
"This is perfect. Perhaps I should make my nephew study harder with the sword if it would improve his calligraphy to attain this level of mastery."
Korra blinked, confused. "You are most kind."
Tonraq glanced from the Queen to Korra. The Queen held open one of the pages to show Tonraq. "Your daughter gilded it as well?"
Korra caught sight of the perfectly inscribed text and knew immediately it was not her work. She was at a loss for words. "Iā" Kai lightly kicked her shin and gave her a meaningful look. "I, um, thought you would appreciate it," Korra managed.
"I certainly do," she said, still staring at the book. "This will make for marvelous reading. Such legible craftsmanship."
Quickly, Korra mouthed, "Thank you," to Kai, who only grinned and offered a shrug.
"My daughter," Tonraq said, turning to Korra. "Seeing that you have done your duty, why not finish preparations for tonight's event? The Earth Queen has business to tend to before the festivities may begin."
It was her father's way of excusing her from what she hated most: negotiations. She nodded, trying not to look too eager. "Thank you, father. My squire and I still have much to do in preparation." Together, Korra and Kai made their exit. Only once they were back in the hallway did Korra turn to Kai and hug him tightly. "You are the best squire!" she said.
Kai chuckled, but still pried himself from her grip. "Surely you did not think I'd let you suffer the Earth Queen's wrath alone?" He pulled Korra's original copy from his coat. "At first I was just going to switch it and make a clean getaway, but you had to drag me along, didn't you?" He smirked as he turned the book over. "Do you think it would make good kindling?" he asked.
Korra nodded. "Do what you like with it. I just can't believe you wrote out the whole histories for me."
A shy grin crossed Kai's face. "What you did for Jinora and I was nice," he said. "I wanted to return the favor." They stood there in the hallway for a few moments, awkwardly staring past one another. "Well, I suppose you have something better to do than stand here." Kai stepped aside. "Knight-Commander." He saluted.
With a start, Korra realized she needed to still fetch the carriage. "Squire." She saluted back before taking a few steps down the hall. She spared one last glance back at Kai before running from the hall and out into the courtyard. She breathed a little easier once outside in the cool evening air. She always hated pomp and formality. But now her heart raced. She glanced around for the stables, forgetting their location for a moment. "Carriage," she muttered. "You need to get a carriage."
Fortunately, years of traversing the castle grounds meant that her feet remembered where she was going, even if she did not. She greeted the stable hand with a wave and looked over the small carriage. It was perfect. It was just big enough for two people, and ornate enough to be nice without seeming extravagant. The stable hand had just finished harnessing Naga to the carriage. Korra stroked her horse's side and smiled. The coachman tipped his hat to Korra and she climbed into the back. The ride to the Asami's house wasn't a long one, but Korra felt strangely nervous.
"It's just Asami, get ahold of yourself," she muttered as the carriage made its way along the main path. At last they arrived at Asami's home. Korra practically bounded up the stairs. She knocked on the door and waited. A moment later, a servant answered.
"Miss Sato will be out, momentarily," he informed her.
Korra nodded, her pulse pounding as she stepped inside the home. It's just Asami, she repeated to herself. Still, her heartbeat rushed as if in the middle of battle. She glanced around for a mirror, for some reflective surface. She wanted to make sure her hair looked all right. Wanted to make sure her uniform was straight. She did not want Asami to think she considered these balls a trifle, not when Asami seemed so excited to go with her. The young blacksmith rarely showed excitement over something beyond her own inventions. Korra wanted to capture that flicker of joy she had seen in the hayloft yesterday, the smile that had graced Asami's lips at the mention of dancing.
"Korra?"
She glanced up at the sound of her name. Asami stood at the entrance to the foyer, a flowing red dress hanging off her shoulders and hugging her body, the fabric pooling over her waist and trailing to the floor. Korra's heartbeat caught in her throat at the sight. Her gaze lingered on the pale, smooth skin of Asami's shoulders, then followed the curve of her neck up to a flushed face. Asami met her gaze, green eyes wide.
Korra took a hesitant step forward. "Good evening, my lady," she said as she bowed and extended her hand.
Asami smiled and walked to her, slipping a silk-gloved hand into Korra's grip. "Good evening," she replied with a small curtsey.
Korra nodded toward the doorway. "Your carriage awaits," she said.
Asami's eyes lit up. "We're taking a carriage?" she asked.
A laugh escaped Korra's lips as they walked outside. "Of course. Did you think I'd make us walk? Or ride Naga?"
Asami chuckled as they approached the carriage. "The thought did occur to me."
Korra stepped ahead and opened the carriage door, allowing Asami to step in first. She caught the scent of fresh flowers as Asami walked by. She offered her hand again, allowing Asami to press down on her arm as she stepped up into the carriage. Korra's pulse quickened. "I possess manners." She followed Asami into the carriage. Once the door was shut, the coachman took off.
"Thank you for this," Asami said softly.
"Don't thank me yet, you haven't danced with me. I hope your toes can manage."
Asami laughed. "I think my toes will be just fine." Asami's gaze trailed over her. "I have to say, I almost didn't recognize you in uniform."
"You look..." She faltered, searching for the right word. "Lovely."
Asami blushed again. "You're too kind."
"No," Korra said. She looked away, staring at nothing. "I don't think I notice it enough, honestly."
"Korra." She felt Asami's hand on her arm. "Why would you think that?"
She smiled weakly. "The whole castle appears to think I'm going to drive you off, or that I consider myself too noble for your company." Korra sighed and folded her hands, unsure of what else to do with them.
"That's ridiculous." Asami's grip tightened. "Korra, I know you don't think that way."
"So what do I do to make the whole castle think otherwise? The nobles? The attendants? Even my squire." It was the only reason Korra could find for their insistent probing over every single thing she did with Asami.
"Nobody could think that of you."
"So what is it, then?" Korra asked, glancing at Asami. She felt Asami's hand leave her arm.
"Oh, I..." Her blush had returned, crawling higher. "It's nothing, Korra. I'm sure it's nothing."
Korra almost asked Asami for more on the subject, but the carriage came to a lurching halt suddenly. She steadied herself and opened the door. Peeking outside, she recognized the castle entrance. "It appears we are here," she said, turning back to Asami with a smile. She held out her hand and helped Asami down from the carriage. Asami threaded her hand through Korra's arm and they walked up the castle entrance together.
A/N: I know we said the ball would be this chapter, but you'll have to wait until next week to see them at the ball, but there was a ton of cuteness here, yes? Enjoy, everyone.
As a reminder, Sy and I stream on twitch via the channel Luraline every Friday at 5 pm pacific time. Join us to see us play video games like Tomb Raider, Legend of Korra, and Dragon age. Last time, I killed two dragons!
