Avatar: Legend of Korra - Book 5: Skyrim

by Stormhawk fan SHhype

The soft snowfall was what awoke Korra, she stared up at the pine trees overhead, as laden with snow, as the clouds above them. She sat up, staring around her, in the distance, she could see mountain ranges and a city she didn't recognise. She tried to remember what had happened but the last thing she remembered was Asami's voice, calling out her name, as they had been pulled apart

6. Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I own nothing, this story exsists purely because I want it to

IMPORTANT, READ FIRST

Hello all welcome back, so before we begin, I want to address the issue I've been having with my other stories. I'm gonna be honest, I just haven't been motivated to pick them up again, at ALL. I'll make an attempt, but before I've even got a few minutes in, I'm putting it back down again, I just can't seem to get in a writing groove for either Awaken, or The Storm and the Hawk, and its ticking me off to no end.

THIS on the other hand, has been a dream to write, so, yea, your getting another update of this... sorry to all those waiting on the other two... I' am actually considering going back to the drawing board with Storm and the Hawk. I like the idea and concept, but I didn't plan it out nearly enough before I started writing. As for Awaken... I've been having some, creative differences with a couple of my readers with regards to Kallen... and its made me... less than enthusiastic to pick it up again.

Meanwhile this story, continues to pick up both followers and favs, and while it still has only one review less than my first story, Choices, this story tops all of my previous ones in follows, at a whopping 43. So yea, motivation is high with this one.

But, enough of me griping, let's get to reviews.

RedShirt1453: Glad to see your liking the story my friend, and although its super late, a happy new year to you too ; )

Th3DarkAngel: Hmm, now there's an idea, I'll keep this one in mind, in case I need some extra stuff for a future chapter, will say I hadn't planned on it, but now that you've mentioned it, I like it ; )

Okay, now to the part I'm dreading, cause I just know this is going to get me some flack. You guys know that M rating I put on this story, yea, well this chapter has EARNED it. I've tried to keep graphic detail to a minimum, but nevertheless, its still easy to tell what's happening, and I can see some people being offended by it... so just to be safe, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED, if you don't like it, don't read it.

Honestly, I didn't know how I was going to handle the whole confrontation at Orphan Rock, cause of how much of a PAIN Hagraven's are at the start of the game, as well as Korra is no where NEAR strong enough yet to take one head on... so in the end, I just decided to wing it (no pun intended). I'm actually really pleased with how this one turned out, and while I feel I did toe the line a little too much, in my defence, Korra's approach to the situation, highlights her intelligence and cunning I like to think, and her ability to think her way out of a situation, rather than just punch.

And for all you Skyrim fans out there, before you ask, YES I wanted to do this one early, for a few reasons, reason 1, it gave me an excuse to have Korra get some answers (albeit with more questions afterwards), reason 2, the restored tree will be a common set piece for later scenes moving forwards, and reason 3... I couldn't resist, it was just too good and opportunity (smiles evilly), you'll see what I'm talking about when you get to that scene.

Now, with that all out the way... ON WITH THE SHOW!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Dear Readers all, SHhype Productions proudly presents... Avatar: Legend of Korra - Book 5: Skyrim... Enjoy.

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Avatar: The Legend of Korra

Book 5: Skyrim

Chapter 6: Hero of Legend

The heat from the forge rolled over Korra as she held the long shaft of steel steady, while Adrianne Avenicci – Proventus Avenicci's daughter – used her hammer and other tools to shape the end. Once they had a decent cone shape, that fit perfectly onto their false shaft, Korra moved the bar to an upright piece of metal, placing the point where they wanted to cut the shaft, over the top edge. Adrianne then proceeded to bring her hammer down, while Korra carefully and slowly turned the shaft, until the cone they'd made came away. Next came another quick dip in the forge for the cone, before placing it into a mould – two large blocks of metal, with the shape they wanted etched on the inside – Korra inserted the false shaft, into the cone's socket, before Adrianne began hammering on the top of the mould. After nearly a couple dozen blows, Adrianne had Korra remove the now completed arrowhead with a set of tongs, and then dip it into a nearby bucket.

Once she'd done that, she placed it with a pile of others that sat on a nearby table, ready to be fitted to their shafts. "Fine work," Adrianne said, "Keep that up and you'll be forging your own equipment in no time."

"Thanks," Korra replied as she wiped the sweat from her brow and drank greedily from her waterskin. "How long will it take you to finish them?"

"Need to get some fletching for them first, always best to do that before attaching the arrowheads," Adrianne began, "But I' am expecting a shipment of supplies soon, so should only take a day or so, at the least, two at most."

As Adrianne had spoken, she gestured to the pile of steel arrowheads on the nearby table. Next to them were a collection of wooden shafts, as long as Korra's forearm. Korra nodded gratefully, the battle with the Dragon had left her with only a few arrows remaining – most had been destroyed by the fire blast the Dragon had fired at them – so she had needed to get some more. Proventus had suggested she visit his daughter, but when Korra had arrived, Adrianne explained that her entire store of arrows, had been purchased by a courier from Solitude for the Imperial Legion.

Seeing the disappointed look on Korra's face however, Adrianne had offered to make some more, if Korra helped her fill in some other outstanding orders. So, for the last few days, Korra had been learning her way around a forge, and helping Adrianne run her business. It had gotten her no end of strange looks from the townsfolk thanks to the events of a few days ago.

Korra still vividly remembered her return to Dragon's Reach.

[

Two days earlier

Korra had been escorted back to Dragon's Reach by the Whiterun Guards, with a mob of people behind her clamouring with questions. As they had reached the top of the stairs, a line of guards had halted them after letting Korra and the guards with her through. "Head inside and go straight to the Jarl, he'll want to speak to you," the guard had said, before turning and re-joining his comrades.

Korra was terribly confused. The moment the thundering sound from the massive mountain to the east had died down, people had begun shouting. Most of it had been unintelligible, but Korra had picked out two words, one she was already familiar with, 'Dragonborn'… and another she was not, 'Greybeard'. Considering no one at the gates had answered her questions, Korra figured that speaking with the Jarl was the only way she'd get answers.

She entered Dragon's Reach yet again, heading straight towards the throne. As she did, she noticed that servants were running to and fro about the entire place, they looked slightly panicked. Proventus Avenicci was waiting for her, "Good, your back, Jarl Balgruuf has been waiting for you."

Korra didn't reply as Proventus gestured for her to follow him towards the throne. As they approached, Korra overheard Balgruuf speaking with a tall man in hide armour, wielding a large great sword. The man had similar features to Balgruuf, and Korra suspected they were family. "You heard the summons, same as I Hrongar… what else could it mean?" Balgruuf's head turned to face Korra as she and Proventus arrived, "The Greybeards."

The man named Hrongar then spoke, "We were just talking about you, my brother needs a word."

Before Korra could get a word out, Balgruuf stood and took Korra by the shoulders, examining her, "Seems that armour served you well after all," he said smiling.

Korra nodded, "Yea, really came in handy, thanks."

Balgruuf nodded, then his face became serious, "So… what happened? We know it was really a Dragon, the gate guards said they could see you fighting it from the walls… but I want to hear your perspective."

Korra nodded as the Jarl released her shoulders and took a step back, "The watchtower was destroyed, two of the three remaining guards were killed, and shortly after we arrived, the Dragon came back to finish the job. As you said, a battle ensued, but we managed to kill it, before it could take any more lives."

A huge smile split Balgruuf's face, "I knew I could rely on Irileth," he said proudly, then he focused back on Korra again, "But there must be more to it than that?"

Korra nodded, "I struck the final blow to the Dragon, and as I did, it yelled out this word… Dovahkiin, I think." Korra noted Balgruuf and Hrongar tense up, while Proventus raised a curious eyebrow, "After it was dead, it… caught fire, scales, hide and muscle all began burning away, leaving only the bones behind. As that happened, this multicoloured light began pouring off its body and swirling around me, and I absorbed, some kind of power from it."

Balgruuf's expression became incredulous, but also humbled, "So it's true, the Greybeards really were summoning you then!?"

Korra was getting kind of tired of hearing that word, and not knowing what it meant. "Okay can someone please explain that… who are these Greybeards? Why are they summoning me? And what does it have to do with me slaying a Dragon!?"

Balgruuf nodded, and gestured to a nearby servant, who quickly grabbed one of the great hall's chairs and brought it up, placing it near to the Jarl's throne. Suddenly the Jarl turned back from his throne to face Korra, "You know, I don't think I ever actually caught your name?"

With a start, Korra realised he was right, she hadn't ever introduced herself to him, "My name's Korra."

Balgruuf extended his arm, and Korra clasped it, "It's an honour to meet you Korra," he said, before gesturing to the chair, "Please have a seat, this will take some explaining, especially given that you're not a Nord, so you're not aware of our customs, traditions or history." Korra did as she was bade, while Balgruuf took his own seat, before beginning, "The Greybeards are masters of The Way of the Voice, which is the ability to focus your vital essence, into a Thu'um or Shout." Korra remembered the words of the guards at the watchtower, after she had spoken the word she'd found in Bleakfalls Barrow. "They live in seclusion, high on the slopes of the Throat of the world," Balgruuf continued.

"Throat of the World?" Korra asked.

"The tall mountain where the thundering sound came from," Hrongar explained, with an accompanying nod from Balgruuf.

"As to why they're summoning you, that is because you are Dragonborn, someone uniquely gifted in the Voice, and they can teach you how to use your gift," Balgruuf finished.

"That thundering sound we all heard upon your return to Whiterun, that was the voice of the Greybeards, summoning you to High Hrothgar," he explained.

Korra sat back, a little stunned, "Okay, I think I'm starting to get it… but why is this such a big deal, the moment that sound had died away, it was like the whole city suddenly went crazy!?"

Hrongar chuckled, "That's because this kind of thing hasn't happened in well… centuries, at least. Not since Tiber Septim himself was summoned when he was still Talos of Atmora."

I'm going to have to start making a list of things I don't know about this world, because who the hell is Tiber Septim!? Korra thought to herself as Proventus came into the conversation.

"Hrongar please, what does any of this Nord nonsense have to do with our friend here?" Korra noticed Hrongar bristle at Proventus' words. "Capable as she may be, what signs are there of her being this, what? Dragonborn?"

"Nord nonsense!" Hrongar growled, "Why you puffed-up, ignorant… these are our sacred Traditions that go back to the founding of the first Empire!"

Proventus flinched back from Hrongar's words, and Korra wondered if the riled-up Nord was about to punch the Imperial. Balgruuf however defused the situation, "Hrongar, don't be so hard on Avenicci."

Proventus took the opening gratefully, giving a slight bow as he spoke, "I meant no disrespect of course." That seemed to calm Hrongar down, though he was still glaring at the man, "It's just… well what do these Greybeards want with her?" he turned to Korra as he spoke.

"That's the Greybeards' business… not ours." Balgruuf responded, to which Proventus nodded in acquiescence. Balgruuf then turned back to Korra, who was deep in thought before he caught her eye, and she focused on him again. "Whatever happened when you killed that Dragon, it… awakened something in you, and the Greybeards heard it… if they believe you're Dragonborn, who are we to argue."

Korra sat in silence for several moments, before taking a deep breath, "What do I do then?"

Here Balgruuf smiled, a warm fatherly smile, "Well, you'll want to head up to High Hrothgar, as soon as time permits, there's no refusing a summons from the Greybeards, it's a tremendous honour."

An honour eh… I've had enough of those in my life… I just want to go home, and I doubt a bunch of monks can help me do that… though maybe this power holds the key… and if it does, then the Greybeards are the best way to find out.

Suddenly, Balgruuf stood, snapping Korra out of her thoughts, "First though, I insist you stay for the small feast we'll be holding tomorrow, in honour of your victory over the Dragon, and the service you've done for Whiterun."

Korra felt her stomach churn, events back home had shown her where hero worship had gotten her, she had no desire to re-tread that path. "It wasn't just me fighting the Dragon," she protested.

Here Hrongar chuckled, "Irileth and the other guards who participated will all be honoured as well, but as the one who landed the killing blow, you'll be the guest of honour."

Balgruuf nodded, "Indeed, and as you're also the first Dragonborn in centuries, the people will want a chance to celebrate your coming… historically, when Skyrim has been host to a Dragonborn, good times always follow."

"Such a hope is needed now more than ever," Proventus agreed, "With the Civil War and now these Dragons, the people need hope that good times are on the horizon."

Korra could find no fault in their words, so finally relented. She was given a room at Dragon's Reach that night and arrived to find that someone had already prepared her a bath and a fresh change of clothes. She went to bed that night clean and warm, but restless, the things she had learned during the day swirling round and round in her mind. Eventually though, exhaustion from the day's events, and the soft warm bed, pulled her down into sleep.

She awoke the next day to a group of servants entering her room, to clear the bathtub away, along with bringing her breakfast. After she was done with breakfast, the servants returned to help her get dressed into an intricately woven dress, coloured in soft greens and browns, before escorting her to the main hall. There she was met with a gathering of all the inhabitants of Dragon's reach, who proceeded to form a procession outside, and down the steps to the temple below. There the priestess of Kynareth gave thanks for the victory over the Dragon, and Korra's arrival, before the entire city, who were gathered around the pavilion with the dead tree in the centre.

As the sermon went on, Korra noticed Aela and Farkas off to one side, with a bunch of other tough looking adventurous types, standing on the steps that led up to Jorrvaskr. These she guessed, were the Companions. Standing near to Aela and Farkas, was a heavily built man, wearing the same wolf styled armour that Farkas did. This man had a full head of white hair and matching beard.

Kodlak Whitemane?

After the sermon, the festivities began, with the entire city being invited up to Dragon's Reach. Korra had to admit, the feast definitely seemed to be doing the people a world of good. Things hadn't looked too bad to Korra upon her arrival, but even she had been able to detect the weariness eating away at everyone, the rigors of a war none of them had ever wanted or asked for. Now though, it was like it had been lifted away, the people forgot their worries as they celebrated the victory over the great beast, and gave praise to the one who'd slain it.

Despite her reservations about the whole hero worship thing, Korra nevertheless found herself indulging the citizens of Whiterun. She had just finished entertaining some kids, when she heard a familiar feminine voice.

"We leave you to yourself for like what… a day… half that? And you go and become a huge sensation around here?"

Korra smiled as she turned to face Aela and Farkas, she shrugged, "What can I say, it's a gift." She then turned to look back at the festivities, "If I'm being honest though, I'd have preferred to avoid this… hero worship tends to go to my head, and that causes me to make mistakes… bad ones."

Farkas clapped her on the shoulder, "Well so long as you keep that attitude to ground yourself, I think you'll be fine."

Aela smiled and nodded, "Agreed… and in the meantime, Whiterun needed this… it's been a while since anyone here had anything to celebrate."

Korra chuckled, "I gathered that."

They spent a good deal of time after that asking Korra about her fight with the Dragon. They were surprised by her use of magic, and Korra detected some animosity there, but they were careful not to let it show. Overall, however, they were impressed with the way she handled herself, and were honoured they'd gotten to meet her. They were interrupted by Balgruuf, calling out for Korra, and taking her to one side to talk in private.

Balgruuf led her out to the great balcony at the back of the palace, with a couple guards ever attendant nearby. As they reached the end of the balcony, staring out across the tundra to the north, Balgruuf spoke. "I envy you, you know," Korra gave him a quizzical look, "To climb the 7,000 steps again…" as he spoke, his gaze turned eastward, where you could just make out the Sacred Mountain, and understanding filled Korra. "I made the pilgrimage once… High Hrothgar is a very peaceful place, very… detached from the troubles of this world."

Korra gave a wry smile as she leaned backwards against the balcony's stone wall, "Surprised the Greybeards even noticed me, disconnections like that can be dangerous."

Balgruuf nodded, "Aye, I have often wondered if they even know what is happening down here… they've never seemed to care before." He then shook his head of the thoughts invading it, "No matter, you need to go there, and learn what the Greybeards can teach you."

Korra nodded in response, before Proventus interrupted them, "My Jarl, we're ready."

Korra looked between the two of them confused, but Balgruuf simply smiled, "Excellent, let's re-join the festivities shall we."

With that they returned to the Great Hall, where everyone was gathered before the throne. Korra also noticed that Irileth was standing off to one side of it, along with the guards who'd helped them fight the Dragon. Sitting in front of them, was the Dragon's skull. Korra was directed to stand next to Irileth, who whispered to her as she arrived, "Congratulations are in order it seems."

Korra glanced at her, "What for?" she whispered back.

"You'll see."

Jarl Balgruuf then stepped up so he was in front of his throne, with the whole city gathered before him. "Today," he called out, as silence descended over the hall, "We celebrate brave heroes, who risked their lives to protect our city from a beast of legend!" He gestured towards where Korra, Irileth and the guards were standing, "These men and women, went fearlessly into battle, against a monster from ancient times, and not only succeeded in defeating it, but did so with no casualties whatsoever!"

A cheer erupted throughout the hall, before Balgruuf raised his arms once more for silence. "All of them, have earned the following accolades," as Balgruuf spoke, several servants came forward and began presenting Korra, Irileth and the guards with large bags of coin. "Each receives today, 1,000 gold pieces, as well as the honour of being named Heroes of the Hold!"

Another cheer erupted, and several of the guards behind Korra raised their arms in salute, to which the cheer doubled, before the Jarl once again called for silence. "Yes, they are all heroes this day, but one among them stands higher than the rest," he now turned to the group, "Korra, step forward if you please."

Korra glanced at Irileth, who simply gave her an encouraging smile and nod. Taking a breath, Korra approached the Jarl. "Korra," the Jarl began, placing his right hand on her shoulder, while the crowd of people to his left held their breath, "You have done a great deed for me and my city, you have been named Dragonborn by the Greybeards." Korra stared at him quizzically as he went on, wondering where this was leading, "By my right as Jarl, I name you… a Thane of Whiterun."

Korra's eyes widened, from her talks with Gerdur and her family, Korra was already aware of the social hierarchy in Skyrim. The High King, elected from among the Jarls by the Moot, was the ultimate authority in Skyrim, second only to the Emperor of Cyrodiil himself. The Jarls came next, and each ruled a hold in Skyrim. Below them, were the Thanes, essentially, Skyrim's nobility.

Balgruuf smiled at the utterly flabbergasted look on Korra's face, "It's the greatest honour that's within my power to give," he continued, before half turning to those gathered behind him. As he did, a woman with chestnut hair, wearing steel armour stepped forward, "I assign you Lydia as a personal Housecarl," he declared. Meanwhile Proventus came up and presented an exquisitely crafted war bow, fashioned from the finest yew, the Heraldry of Whiterun carved on each side, along with a box that no doubt contained the strings. "And this weapon from my personal armoury, which shall serve as your badge of office."

He took the bow from Proventus and presented it to Korra. Korra was struck dumb, not quite able to believe this was all happening. She'd barely been here a week and was already being named a noble of this land, and was apparently a hero out of this land's tales and legends, whose sole purpose, was to slay Dragons.

She had half a mind to refuse, but as she gazed around the hall, seeing all the hopeful and excited faces waiting for her response, she knew she had to accept. Just before she did, she caught Balgruuf's eye, and saw the slight twinkle of victory in them.

That sly bastard… this is all a power play; he wants the first Dragonborn in centuries to be tied to Whiterun in some way.

Regardless of Balgruuf's methods, she couldn't fault his reasoning. Whiterun was currently neutral in the Civil War, and no doubt both sides were putting pressure on Balgruuf to join one side or the other, as it would likely tip the scales. By doing this though, Balgruuf was making it clear Whiterun would remain neutral, as well as the power it wielded, with a Dragonborn by their side. If Korra accepted, news would reach both the Imperials and Stormcloaks, and might make them more wary of Whiterun. At minimum, they'd see it as neutral ground, enforced by the presence of a Dragonborn, at most, they'd think Whiterun was about to form a third party in the Civil War. Either way, Whiterun's safety would be that much more secure if she accepted.

Rolling her eyes at him, Korra took the bow and box, as the crowd cheered, and Korra held the bow aloft in response, doubling the cheer. As it died down, Balgruuf spoke again, "We are honoured to have you as Thane of our city, Dragonborn Korra."

[

Korra was shaken from her thoughts by Adrianne's voice, "Hmm, what?" Korra asked.

"I said, do you want me to take a look at your armour as well?" Adrianne repeated with a fond smile, "I heard you were dodging danger by a hair's breadth, wouldn't want it giving out on you in the middle of a fight, because there was some damage you missed."

Understanding filled Korra, and she nodded, "Sure, it's at my house at the moment but I can bring it in tomorrow morning if that's okay?"

"That'll be fine," Adrianne replied smiling.

Korra returned the smile, "So, uh…. How much do I owe you?"

Adrianne shook her head, "No charge, my Thane."

Korra felt her stomach flip, Spirits I'm going to have to get used to that. "I don't want any charity Adrianne, Thane or not, it isn't right that I get special treatment because of my rank."

Adrianne snorted, "Got nothing to do with special treatment." At Korra's confused look, Adrianne continued, gesturing to the other side of the forge, where a week's worth of orders lay completed. "You helped me get all that done, would have taken me twice as long otherwise," the blacksmith said smiling, "As far as I'm concerned, you've more than earned a quiver of steel arrows and some maintenance work on your equipment."

Korra felt her cheeks flush, and it had nothing to do with the heat from the forge. She shrugged, "I just like helping out, that's all."

"And for that attitude alone, Skyrim, and indeed Whiterun are truly blessed," Adrianne responded, "Kynareth surely smiles on us now that you're here…." She trailed off as her gaze rose towards the direction of Dragon's Reach and Kynareth's temple, "Now if only the Gildergreen would bloom again, Whiterun would be blessed beyond measure should that miracle occur."

Now Korra was curious, she'd heard people speak reverently and with deep sorrow about the dead tree next to the temple but had no idea why. "What's so special about this tree?"

Adrianne sighed, "It's apparently a gift from the Goddess, given as a cutting from its mother tree, the Eldergleam. It has stood in Whiterun since long before my family moved here… but one day, it was struck by lightning and was severely burned… it never recovered."

"Is there a way to restore it?" Korra asked, seeing how much this story pained Adrianne.

Adrianne shook her head, "If there is, I don't know it… I heard from Hulda in the Bannered Mare, that the priestess Danica Pure-Spring is looking for a way to heal it, but she hasn't had much luck so far."

The priestess, the one who performed the sermon on the day of the feast?

After arranging a time to meet the next morning, Korra took the short walk from the smithy, back to her new home. As a new Thane, Jarl Balgruuf had insisted that Korra take the house, stating that it would look unseemly for a person of her position not to have property in the city. Korra had finally relented, but only under the condition that she owed the Hold 5,000 gold pieces once she had them – the price of the house – the place currently wasn't furnished, and really only held two beds – one for Korra one for Lydia – a table, some storage containers, and a fire pit for cooking.

As Korra entered, she thought despondently to herself, I need to start making some money. I won't be able to go very far, to search for a way home without the coin to support me.

That said, Korra wasn't doing badly on coin, she'd sold the Dragon scales and bones at the local apothecary, who'd shown great interest in them. She was probably already about halfway there to paying her debt, but it would still take a while.

I could always go hunting for another Dragon?

Korra quickly shook that thought away. Even if she was some kind of mythical Dragon slayer, she wasn't about to go around killing sentient creatures. And it definitely was sentient, it spoke, it showed intelligence, and… fear…

Korra remembered the look in its eye right before she'd struck, the beast had been terrified.

She was shaken from her thoughts by Lydia, "Did everything go well my Thane?"

Korra sighed, "You can call me by my name you know Lydia, I won't get mad."

Lydia chuckled, "You might be okay with it, but others may not, it's not… proper etiquette."

Korra shook her head, smiling, then decided to answer the question, "Yes, everything went well, I should have my arrows by tomorrow at the earliest, the day after at the latest. I'm also going back tomorrow so Adrianne can take a look at my other equipment."

Lydia nodded in understanding, "Will there be anything else you require my Thane?"

Korra shook her head, "Not today Lydia," she replied, "I'm just going to take a bath and sleep for the rest of the day."

Lydia nodded and bowed her head, "Understood my Thane, if you should need me, you'll know where to find me."

Korra nodded, before grabbing her bathing things, and heading back out, her destination, the nearby river to wash.

[

The next day found Korra up in Dragons Reach, looking over the Dragon Stone with Farengar. "I'm not sure what to tell you Dragonborn, but other than detailing the land of Skyrim, along with a number of marked burial sites, there's nothing really very special about this stone."

Korra sighed, "Okay Farengar, thanks anyway."

"Oh, before you leave," the Court Wizard called. Korra turned back, "I heard from Irileth that you used magic against the Dragon, and I would be remiss to not help out a fellow mage." Farengar pulled out a stack of books from one of his shelves, and sat them on the desk between them, Korra instantly recognised them as spell books, as well as one on magical theory.

"Farengar, I couldn't, I mean, these must cost a small fortune," Korra replied.

Farengar waved his hand, "Ah I was done with them anyway, they're just going to gather dust here, and it's a pain having to keep them maintained when I'm not using them, besides, this way, my bookshelves have room for new tomes."

Korra looked through the stack, there was a basic ward spell, and two spells from the school of magic known as Alteration, called Oakflesh and Candlelight. From what she'd learned already, Alteration was probably the closest this world would get to Earth Bending – there were some major differences, but none of the other schools even came close – while Restoration – the school that wards and healing spells belonged to – was the closest to Water Bending. Add in the destruction spells she already knew, and Korra could almost fool herself into thinking she had her old abilities back.

Just need to learn them from scratch, she grumbled to herself.

"Thanks Farengar, this is great, I needed something to do while waiting for my arrows anyway, a bit of study time might do me some good," Korra stated, smiling.

Farengar smiled back, "Spoken like a true academic, and its no trouble at all Dragonborn, after all, you're going to need all the help you can get in these uncertain times." Korra nodded, picked up the books, and was on her way out when Farengar spoke again, "Oh, incidentally, while I don't teach, Danica Pure Spring down at the temple does, Restoration school I believe."

Korra blinked, wait, someone who knows magic, here, and is willing and able to teach!?

"Thanks Farengar, I'll keep that in mind, see ya," Korra called as she left, heading for the main doors.

[

A short while later, Korra was seated on a bench beneath the dead Gildergreen. It's a shame, this tree would have been magnificent in full bloom, Korra thought, glancing up at the tree sadly.

"It's a shame isn't it," came a voice off to the side.

Korra looked over and saw a woman in an orange single piece robe, tending to the flowers around the tree's base.

Danica Pure Spring I believe.

Korra nodded, "Yea, would have been wonderful to see this beauty in full bloom."

The priestess nodded sadly, "I know what you mean," she replied, laying a hand on the bleached bark of the tree. "Oh, where's my head, Danica Pure Spring, priestess of Kynareth, and head of her temple here in Whiterun," she said, extending her hand.

Korra put her book down, and accepted the hand, "Thane Korra, of Whiterun."

Danica smiled, "Quite, I recognised you from the celebration."

Korra's cheeks flushed, before she cleared her throat, "I was hoping to catch you actually," she began. Danica raised an eyebrow as Korra continued, holding up one of her new spell books as she did, "I heard you teach Restoration magic, I could do with a few pointers."

Danica's face fell, "Ah well, normally I would you see, but right now I have my hands full, between tending to the injured who come to the temple for aid, as well as maintaining the temple itself, I have little time for much else."

Korra's shoulders sagged at the news, "Oh I see," then she nodded at the tree behind her, "Is that why you haven't been able to do anything about this either?"

Danica nodded, "Yes, and as part of my duties for maintaining the temple, that means its also part of the problem." Danica indicated if she could sit, and Korra obliged. After sitting, Danica continued, "I've been looking for a way to restore the tree, though it's been difficult… I did recently discover that sap from the parent tree could revive its child, but knowing that, and getting the sap are two completely different things."

"Parent tree?" Korra asked.

Danica nodded, "Eldergleam, it resides in a grove to the east, in the volcanic tundra, but no one has been able to approach the Eldergleam in centuries, they say her roots block all passage to her trunk."

"There has to be a way?" Korra persisted, why am I so passionate about this, I mean, I know this tree is special to these people, but it is still just a tree?

"Well…" Danica looked away awkwardly, "There is a way." The priestess looked like she was debating whether to tell Korra, eventually, she decided to go for it. "There's a knife, Nettlebane, said to have been made by the Hagravens to sacrifice Spriggans. The ancient legends say it's the only weapon Eldergleam would lift her roots for."

That perturbed Korra somewhat, "The tree would really do that? For a knife?"

"Out of fear, more than respect," Danica added, which sent a chill down Korra's spine.

She took a breath, "Okay, where is this Nettlebane?"

Danica now looked at Korra shocked, "You're not going after it are you!?"

Korra stood as she responded, "If getting it will allow me to get the sap, which will restore the Gildergreen, then yes." Korra glanced up at the dead tree, "Everyone here seems to revere this tree, and it will help moral to see it restored."

"Well yes, but the Hagravens will surely kill you!" Danica protested, "I can't in good conscience send you to your death Thane Korra."

Korra gave her a cocky smile, "I've faced worse than a few old birds, just tell me where to go, and I'll get this knife for you."

[

"Remind me why we're here again Lydia?" Korra growled as they lay under some bushes, looking out towards a rock, with just under half a dozen witches and one ghastly looking creature that resembled a horrific cross of a woman and a vulture, with wizened limbs, grey ragged feathers, clawed feet and hands, and a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. All the while a steady rain drummed down on them.

"Because you've got a big heart and a reckless attitude my Thane," Lydia replied next to her.

Korra sighed. After a day's walk to reach the general area, and camping for the night, they'd approached Orphan Rock, above the ruins of Helgen, in the early hours of the morning. After scoping out the situation, and hearing what Lydia knew about Hagravens, Korra had decided to attempt a run on the coven. Only for both of them to nearly get blown to kingdom come, by the fireballs the Hagraven had fired at them. since then, they'd both hidden in the undergrowth until the coven had given up the chase.

"Least it's just the one Hagraven," Korra grumbled, "And they seem more interested in protecting their campsite, than chasing us."

"Agreed," Lydia replied.

Korra was fuming, she'd been hoping for an easy smash and grab, but had severely underestimated their opponent. She looked around for an alternative, "There's got to be something," she mused.

Suddenly Lydia nudged her, "My Thane."

Korra glanced over, and saw Lydia pointing off to the other side of the small valley. There, perched high on the valley wall, was a large boulder, held up only by a pile of loose shale underneath. Korra examined the ground between the boulder and Orphan rock. "Lydia, you think you can get up there?"

"I think so my Thane, if I lose my armour, I'd make too much noise otherwise," she replied.

Korra nodded, "Okay, head back to camp, leave your armour there, then make your way to that rock, make sure none of them see you going up there."

"And what will you do my Thane?" Lydia asked.

"I'm going to do a count on their numbers, then see if I can't take a couple out quietly," Korra explained, "Then, once you're in position, I'll lure as many of them as I can below the boulder."

Lydia nodded, and went to prepare, while Korra turned back to examine Orphan Rock. Her eyes were drawn to the makeshift altar, next to the Hagraven's nest. Splayed over it, was the corpse of what looked like a humanoid tree, Lydia had called it a Spriggan, a spirit of nature, though no one quite knew who the Spriggans served, as they had both been seen to protect sites sacred to Kynareth, while also respecting the children of the Deadric Prince Hircine. Regardless, their natural enemies were the Hagravens, who despised nature, and sought nothing but its destruction.

Knowing that, Korra had little qualms about putting an end to this coven. As she prepared to make a move, she heard one of the witches give a shout. Korra quickly adjusted position to get a better look, only for her blood to turn to ice at what she saw. A young Stormcloak soldier, barely 17 years old, was being dragged by one of the witches towards Orphan Rock. The witch in question was one of the younger ones, and by the fact that the young soldier had been deprived of his britches, it was clear how she had separated him from his comrades.

The other witches began to holler and cheer, goading and taunting the boy as he was dragged across the log, to where the Hagraven sat waiting. Korra watched the scene from the side-lines, her heart in her throat, I've got to do something.

She glanced back towards her and Lydia's camp, and saw that Lydia had realised what was going on and was hurrying to ditch her armour.

She won't be ready in time; I must stall them somehow.

Korra grit her teeth, as she stood up, and called out, her hands raised, "Heh, over here!"

The witches and the Hagraven whirled around, and looked like they might attack again, until Korra raised her hands, "You have a minute to talk?"

The Hagraven clicked her teeth, as she glanced from Korra to the boy, then turned back to Korra. "Approach, young one," the creature called in a raspy voice, that sounded like nails down a chalkboard.

Korra approached the Rock, picking her way carefully over the log, until she was stood before the Hagraven, the young Stormcloak held off to one side by the witch who'd captured him. The Hagraven then spoke again, "Well, what is it you want, speak quickly child!?"

Korra looked the Hagraven in the eye, mustering all the confidence she had, "I'd like to learn that spell you threw at us," Korra conjured some magic in each hand, to show her ability. "I'm in need of a teacher, and so far, you're the strongest magic user I've seen since coming to Skyrim."

The Hagraven gained an interested look, and began stalking around Korra, examining her from all angles. "Did you and your friend not come here to kill me?" she asked, her teeth clacking against one another as she spoke, not unlike the beak of a bird.

"Initially yes," Korra responded, "We'd heard kids were disappearing in these woods, so we came to investigate, thinking we could score a huge bounty if we put a stop to it… didn't count on a majestic creature such as yourself who could put most other mages in Skyrim to shame."

The Hagraven's lips twitched in a smile, "And where is your friend?"

"Dead," Korra responded, after a brief pause, "She took a glancing hit from the last fireball, died of her injuries about ten minutes ago, I left her back at our camp." Korra nodded in the direction of her and Lydia's camp, hopping Lydia was watching, and would get the revised plan.

The Hagraven turned to one of the other witches, "Go, check the camp, make sure the other one is dead."

The witch nodded and left, one down, three to go.

The Hagraven now turned back to Korra, "So my dear, you wish to learn magic from me?"

"That's right," Korra responded.

"And why should I teach you, what do you have to offer that my current apprentices do not?" she now turned to the remaining three witches, "Each brings with them a different skill that is of use to my coven, makes us strong." she indicated the young Breton witch who held the Stormcloak, "Ursline here, knows potions and alchemy, her elixirs give us an edge when we need it most," she moved to the next witch in line, an old Dunmer, "Avonela can commune with spirits of the dead, granting us their power." She approached the final witch, a middle-aged Nord, "And while Hedir here has no specific magical talent, she knows the land, knows the people, and acts as a much-needed source of supplies."

The Hagraven now turned back to Korra, "So tell me my dear, what can you offer us?"

Korra noted the tenseness in the other three witches, they were ready to spring into action if given the order.

Time for the trump card.

"Just this," Korra turned her head skywards, took a deep breath, and called up her Thu'um "FUS!"

Though she hadn't directed the shout at any of them, the suddenness with which she'd uttered it, caused all of them to take a step back. As luck would have it, this caused Hedir, the Nord witch, to slip and tumble off the edge of the Rock, and down to the spikes below. She uttered a short scream, before it was cut off. Everyone gathered at the edge to look down, seeing her impaled on the spikes, her eyes staring sightlessly at the sky.

All eyes turned to Korra, "Heh, that's not my fault, I didn't fire it at her!" she protested.

"Regardless," growled Avonela, "We just lost a sister, a sister who was particularly important to us," as she spoke, she drew a knife and advanced on Korra.

"Wait!" Korra cried, throwing her hands out in front of her, "Did I mention I'm also a Thane of Whiterun?"

The Hagraven shot out its hand to stop Avonela, "A Thane, you say?" Korra nodded, trying to make herself appear desperate. The Hagraven began appraising her anew, "A Thane, with the ability to Shout… and an Imperial no less, meaning you didn't learn that skill as part of Nordic tradition." The Hagraven grasped one of Korra's arms in her taloned hands, "Yes, I can feel the power thrumming through you… you, are, Dragonborn."

The other two witches and the Stormcloak all gasped in shock, before the Hagraven began cackling, "Oh sisters, if only you could see me now, a Thane, AND a Dragonborn, all in one, as part of MY Coven!"

The other two witches stared at the Hagraven incredulously, "Mother you cannot be serious!" Avonela cried.

"After what just happened to Hedir!?" Ursline added.

"It is a sad loss, but if the ancestors decreed that Hedir should be replaced with a new sister, then who are we to argue," the Hagraven replied. She then turned as the fourth witch came back, "Well?"

"Its just as she said mother," the fourth witch replied, "The Nord swordswomen is dead, succumbed to the burns you dealt her."

The Hagraven nodded, and turned back to Korra, as she did, the fourth witch glanced up at her from underneath the black hood she was wearing, showing Lydia beneath. Korra inwardly smiled, and with Hedir gone, that's just two left and the Hagraven.

"What was your name girl?" the Hagraven asked, breaking Korra from her thoughts.

"It's Korra."

The Hagraven smiled a toothy smile, "Well, the ancestors smile on you this day Korra," she declared, "For with Ursline's new… acquisition," her gaze turned to the young Stormcloak, who cowered beneath her gaze, "We can initiate you right away."

Korra had been afraid of that, but she didn't panic just yet, "Sounds great… what exactly do I have to do?"

The Hagraven looked about to reply, when Ursline butted in, "Mother wait, this is my prey, surely she must catch her own!?" the Breton witch protested, clinging to the Stormcloak boy, who looked thoroughly terrified.

The Hagraven waved her hand, "As recompense, after Korra is initiated, she will capture a sacrifice for you Ursline."

Korra and Ursline exchanged looks. Up close, Korra could tell she was young, really young, like probably younger than herself, she was quite possibly the same age as the boy she'd captured. Finally, Ursline relented, "Very well mother."

"Good, prepare him for the ceremony then," the Hagraven declared.

Ursline nodded and began forcefully ridding the young Stormcloak of his clothes. Korra felt a pit form in her stomach as she watched, before the Hagraven got her attention, "You as well Korra, you must disrobe for the ceremony."

Korra blanched, "Wait, what!?"

The Hagraven continued to smile, "When we bind ourselves to the Coven, we must take in the essence and strength of a man, to fortify our minds, bodies and souls." As she spoke, she retrieved a potion from a nearby chest, while Ursline and Avonela, forced the poor Stormcloak boy, down onto the now cleared altar. "The best way to do that, is to extract the essence manually, and once you feel it filling up your core, drive your blade through their flesh, so that their soul is captured as well, then I shall proceed to cut out the heart, for us all to feast on."

As Avonela and Ursline held the boy down, she fed him the potion, which, after a few moments, caused his body to go limp, and his limp manhood, to conversely rise, till it was standing erect. Korra felt sick, she could tell the boy was still conscious, the drug he'd been given was simply keeping him from moving, while also acting as an aphrodisiac.

Korra had no trouble faking the uncomfortable look she gave the situation, "I've… never…" she trailed off.

The Hagraven, actually gave her an understanding look, "That is alright my dear, now is the perfect time for you to experience such pleasures… better to be the one in control, than have some brute, pin you to the ground and rut you like you were some animal." As the Hagraven spoke, she handed Korra a knife, "Now, disrobe, and perform the ceremony… don't worry, you can take as much time as you need, we are patient."

Korra glanced out the corner of her eye at Lydia, who gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head, if they were going to strike, it needed to be at the right opportunity.

Damn it, what crazy shit have I gotten myself into, Korra grumbled to herself as she disrobed. Still, if we play this right, it will mean saving this boy's life… so it's worth it.

Once Korra had discarded her last article of clothing, she picked up the knife she'd been given, and mounted the altar. She saw the boy's eyes widen as she straddled him, then begin to wander over her naked form. Korra brought her pelvis down to rest against his, so her sex was now rubbing against his member, before leaning down so she could whisper in his ear.

"Stay calm, my friend and I are going to get you out of here," she began, as she started rubbing herself against him.

The boy let out a breathy moan at the sensation, and Korra had a hard time, pushing down the pleasurable tingles herself, "Y-your fri-e-nd?" he whispered back, barely keeping his voice to a minimum so the witches would be none the wiser.

"That's right," Korra responded, feeling herself moisten as the charade continued, "Now, I want you to act like I just took you inside me… we're going to play to their expectations, and once their guard is down, we'll strike… think you can play along?"

The boy just nodded in response, then uttered a louder gasp as Korra tilted her hips, making it look as if they'd begun in earnest, Korra even gave the grimace of a girl who'd just had her hymen broken. In reality, she was still just rubbing against him, but with her body covering his, the Hagraven and her two remaining followers had no way of knowing that and began to egg her on.

"That's the stuff Korra, claim that rod, know what if feels like to be a woman, wild and free," Avonela crowed.

"Indeed," the Hagraven added, "You feel his strength don't you Korra, pulsing inside you?"

"Yes!" Korra gasped, doing her best to sound convincing, while maintaining her concentration.

"Use your inner walls to squeeze him Korra," Ursline encouraged, "Milk him for every drop of his essence."

Korra knew she couldn't keep this up, they had to make an opening, "Act like your about to climax," she hissed to the boy.

He complied, gasping and groaning, "I'm close!" he shouted.

As he did, a gleam appeared in the Hagraven's eyes, and she approached the altar, drawing fourth another dagger, with a curving blade.

Nettlebane!

Korra glanced at Lydia, who nodded, and stepped up to Avonela. Without warning, Lydia brought her blade that she'd hidden under the borrowed witch's cloak and ran Avonela through. The Dunmer gave an explosive gasp, which drew the attention of both Ursline and the Hagraven.

Seizing the moment, Korra leapt from the altar, at the Hagraven, driving her own knife into the creature's neck, again and again, in a desperate frenzy to kill it. The Hagraven screeched, and began to flap and claw at Korra, dropping Nettlebane in the process.

Lydia tackled Ursline to the ground, and the two grappled, neither able to gain an advantage on the other, until Lydia smacked Ursline's head against the leg of the nearby table, causing her to go limp. By the slight rise and fall of the girl's chest though, Lydia knew she was still alive, just out cold.

Korra was holding on for dear life, her back and arms already bleeding from the vicious claw marks the Hagraven had left. Suddenly, the Stormcloak boy, rolled off the altar, pick up the discarded Nettlebane, and drove it under the Hagraven's chin, as Korra held the creature still. The moment the blade pierced the skin, the Hagraven's flailing stopped, before the creature slumped to its knees, then the ground.

Korra fell off the creature's back panting for breath, then glanced over at the Stormcloak boy, who was similarly panting. "Thanks for the assist," Korra said, out of breath.

"Thanks for the rescue," the boy replied smiling.

"Ahem," they both looked over to see Lydia, tying up the remaining member of the coven, "Unless you two plan to walk back to Riverwood looking like that, I suggest you get dressed."

The two of them started, as their faces flushed to full force and both quickly began gathering up their clothes. "Let's… never speak of this again… to anyone," Korra stated.

"Agreed," the young Stormcloak replied, as Lydia just chuckled.

[

Korra was sat in one of the side rooms of the Sleeping Giant Inn, when Ursline woke up. Outside, the Innkeeper was treating the young Stormcloak boy's injuries, as well as giving him a potion to relieve the effects of the drug he was force fed.

Korra turned to Ursline as she woke, "Welcome back."

Ursline's head snapped round to glare at Korra, "You!" she hissed, immediately beginning to struggle against her bonds, "Damn it, I'll kill you for what you've done!"

Korra sighed, she'd been expecting this reaction, "You'd better get some rest, we'll be departing for Whiterun in the morning, where we'll be handing you over to the Jarl's men."

Ursline's struggles ceased instantly, her face paling, "You can't!" she cried desperately.

Korra glanced out the door, to see the people of Riverwood welcoming the young boy, plying him with drink, asking him for news about the Civil War. "Actually, I can, and I should," she began, "I learned from that boy, that my made-up story about what you and your coven were doing, was closer to the truth than I imagined." Korra turned back to look at Ursline, "Just how many people has your coven sacrificed, like you were going to sacrifice that boy, had I not intervened?"

Ursline looked away, shame flashing briefly on her face, when she turned back, the shame was gone, replaced once more with fury. "They all deserved it!" she spat.

Korra raised a brow, "How exactly does someone deserve to be raped and murdered as part of some insane initiation ceremony?"

The look that crossed Ursline's face as she next spoke, sent shivers down Korra's spine, "By killing an innocent merchant family, kidnapping their thirteen-year-old daughter, and using her as a toy for their own amusement!"

Tears tracked down Ursline's cheeks as she spoke, and understanding washed over Korra like a wave, "I'm sorry."

Ursline made a dismissive noise and looked away again, "Spare me your pity!" a few moments passed before she spoke again, "The Coven saved me, and helped me hunt down all those responsible… they were my new family," she turned back to Korra, "AND YOU KILLED THEM!"

Korra knew this was going to be an uphill battle, but she pushed forward anyway, "You should know, not all men are like that," she began. Once again, Ursline gave a dismissive grunt and looked away, "That boy isn't like that," Korra stated, nodding outside.

Out the corner of her eye, Korra saw Ursline glance out the door as well, she snorted, "Yea right, all men are the same… I came on to him, and he was immediately all over me."

"What did he actually do?" Korra asked, but before Ursline could reply, Korra spoke again, "Did he pin you down, did he molest you, touch you somewhere you might not necessarily want to be touched under normal circumstances?" As Korra spoke, she saw Ursline's face morph into disbelief, and Korra knew she was right, and pressed on, "Or did he hold you, protectively, wrap his arms around you, as if he were shielding you with his body, was he insistent, or was he patient, willing to let you set the pace?"

Ursline began to tremble, but she did not speak, so Korra continued, "He was most concerned about you during the journey here… kept asking if you were okay."

"So!" Ursline snapped, but as Korra glanced back at the girl, she could see that her angry expression didn't match the look in her eyes, which were brimming with tears. "I don't care whether or not he was concerned about me, I want nothing to DO with him!"

Ursline turned over completely now, refusing to take part in this conversation anymore, "There's another thing I'd like you to think about." She received no response from Ursline, but she hadn't expected to, "Would you put your father on the same level as those bandits, as you seem to do to every other man?" Korra detected a small gasp come from the bed, "Think about it, and before we get to Whiterun, decide what it is you truly want out of your life." With that, Korra left, and as she closed the door, she heard the faint sound of the girl sobbing into her pillow.

[

The next day brought them to Whiterun. Korra had sent a courier who had stopped by in Riverwood, on ahead with a message to the Jarl, detailing the situation. They'd parted with the young Stormcloak at the crossroads, who'd bid them all farewell, he'd even given Ursline a flower he'd plucked from the roadside before leaving, tucking it behind her ear. Korra had told him that if he was headed to Windhelm, to tell Ralof of Riverwood that she'd sent him. The boy had nodded, and with that, had set off east. While Korra, Lydia and Ursline turned west, towards Whiterun.

As they approached the gates, Ursline turned to Korra, placing her bound hands on Korra's arm, "Please, just let me go, I won't come after you I swear, I'll disappear, go back to Highrock, you'll never hear from me again!" she pleaded.

Korra shook her head, "Sorry, can't do that, for starters, I have no reason to believe you'd keep your word, and secondly, even if you did keep your word… a sixteen-year-old girl wandering across Skyrim alone… you could end up right back where you started, and I refuse to let that happen."

Ursline blinked in surprise, but that soon evaporated, as the gates opened, revealing the Jarl and his men marching out to greet them. "Thane Korra, welcome back, I take it this is the criminal you spoke of?" Balgruuf asked.

Ursline, having no other option, clung to Korra desperately, "That's right," Korra stated, extracting her arm as Lydia grasped the girl by the shoulders, "She's all yours."

Balgruuf nodded and waved his men forwards. As the guards approached, Ursline turned to Korra, "No wait, please, I'm sorry, please have mercy!" Korra ignored her as she proceeded inside the gate, with Lydia following, as the guards took hold of Ursline. The moment they did, she went hysterical, "NO, PLEASE THANE KORRA, MERCY, MERCY I BEG YOU!" Korra continued to ignore her. "I'LL CHANGE, I WILL, PLEASE JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE, I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE THAT DISGUSTING CREATURE AT ORPHAN ROCK, PLEASE, I BEG YOU!"

Finally, Korra stopped and looked round, catching first Balgruuf's eye, then turning to Ursline. "And why exactly should I believe you?"

The tears were running hot down Ursline's cheeks as she strained against the guard holding her, "What was done to me and my family, was horrible… but it doesn't mean what I or the coven did was justified, I understand that now… please, give me another chance… I don't want to die." Her final words came out as a sob as she collapsed to her knees.

Korra glanced to Balgruuf, "You're the Jarl, what do you think?"

Balgruuf took his time, mulling it over, "Well, under normal circumstances, the punishment for murder and witchcraft is death." Ursline whimpered at that declaration, "However," here Ursline looked up, her eyes filled with hope, as Balgruuf turned to her, "My Hold's border patrols did find a Breton man and woman, dead on the road, next to a ransacked cart, roughly three years ago. The man had red hair, same as this girl, and the woman was a brunette, my men's report also claimed there was evidence of a third person, but they never found a body… was that your family girl?"

Ursline's lip began to tremble, and she had to force the next words out, "W-were they f-found near R-Rorickstead?" Balgruuf nodded, and the girl began to wail, as she collapsed fully to the ground, the guard who'd held her, now standing protectively over her.

Balgruuf sighed, "Well, that settles it," he gestured to the guard to sit Ursline back up. Once she was upright again, and looking Balgruuf in the eye, he spoke, "Ursline, was it?" the girl nodded, "What you've done cannot be forgotten, and the law states you pay your debt to society." Korra noted Ursline swallow the lump in her throat at this declaration. "However," Balgruuf continued, "Thane Korra, has asked me – in light of how you ended up with the Coven – to be lenient." Ursline looked over to where Korra stood, shock written across her features, "As such, you'll perform service for one of the shopkeepers here in Whiterun, I do believe Arcadia has been looking for someone to help run her Alchemy shop, and Thane Korra tells me you have talent in that field." Ursline's eyes widened as Balgruuf continued, "You'll be confined to the city for a time, and kept under close watch, by the city guard… but should you prove yourself a trustworthy and productive member of society, I as Jarl of Whiterun, shall consider your debt to society paid… do you have any objections?"

The tears began anew as Ursline shook her head, "No my Jarl, thank you, thank you so much."

Balgruuf simply smiled as the guard helped Ursline to her feet, "It isn't I who you should be thanking girl," he stated as he gestured to Korra.

Ursline now turned to Korra as the guards marched her passed, "Yes, thank you, Thane Korra, I'll not waste this chance, I promise," she said with a watery smile.

Korra nodded and smiled back, "I'm glad to hear it, and who knows, maybe Alen Hahrensvesson, will come visit you, and you two can pick up where you left off." It took Ursline a moment to realise who Korra was talking about, but once she did, her face lit up in a spectacular blush, as the guards marched her inside and up to the marketplace.

Once they were gone, Korra turned back to Balgruuf and his remaining guards, "That bit about her family, was that true?"

Balgruuf nodded sadly, "Yes, and had it been in easier, more trusting times, I'd have organised a search with the Jarl of Markarth… from the reports, the bodies were fresh, so the patrol must have just missed them… if we'd searched…." Balgruuf trailed off shamefully.

"You couldn't have known what would happen," Korra placated.

"I still should have done something, rather than just file it away as yet another group of innocents claimed by the recent chaos," Balgruuf replied, before shaking his head. "Nothing to be done about it now, at least its resolved, and you took care of a dangerous group of fanatics in the process."

Korra shrugged, before hoisting her pack higher, "Just another day at the office."

Balgruuf let out a booming laugh, "I haven't heard that expression before, but I do understand it… anyway, good job Korra, Whiterun is lucky to have you as its Thane."

Korra nodded, bid Balgruuf farewell, and began making her way into the city, and towards the temple. Now to get the Eldergleam's location from Danica and go get that sap.

[

"Your sure this is the place?" Korra asked as they approached a cave deep in the volcanic tundra of Eastmarch.

Maurice, an Imperial pilgrim they'd picked up after returning to Kynareth's Temple in Whiterun nodded, "I'm positive."

Korra gave a sigh of relief. Danica had only known that the Eldergleam was located somewhere in the volcanic tundra, but not a precise location. It had therefore been a stroke of luck, that Maurice had been there, as he claimed to have seen the entrance to the Sanctuary in a dream Kynareth had given him, so that he could guide a servant of Kynareth to the Eldergleam. Maurice believed that Korra, was that person, as he'd met no one else on his travels that came close. So they'd set out together, heading east, the same direction, Ralof had gone, when Korra first came to Whiterun.

After a two-day trek through a steeply cut river valley, and across the volcanic tundra, they'd arrived.

"Okay, let's get this over with," Korra declared, as she began to pick her way into the cave entrance, entering a tunnel at the back, which led deeper in. Korra used one of her new spells, candlelight, so they could see where they were going, and after several minutes, they emerged from the tunnel, into a massive underground cave.

A cave, teeming with life.

Water cascaded from points all around the cave, the mist from the falling water, filling the cave, and keeping the air moist and cool. Plants, of all kinds from across Skyrim, filled the place, but it was by no means, overgrown. In fact, Korra was put in mind of the Sato Family Mansion's garden, back in Republic City.

Korra whistled, "Okay, I'll admit it… this place is pretty beautiful."

"It's amazing," Maurice breathed, "Oh to actually stand here, to be in one of the Goddess' most sacred sites on Nirn… its beyond words."

Korra couldn't argue with him, in fact, this place looked like it would be a great place to meditate. Suddenly, a voice caught their attention, "Hello there traveller, come to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this sanctuary as I have?"

They turned to see a Nord man approaching them, as they crossed a footbridge over the main river, that flowed through the cave. Maurice answered him, "Oh yes, this place is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined."

"That it is," the Nord man agreed smiling.

Korra left them to chat, as her gaze rose to the back of the cave. There, on an elevated part of the cave, sat the Eldergleam, the tree was large to be sure, but Korra had seen bigger in the swamp back home. Does remind me of that tree though… guess every world has at least one.

She and Lydia continued, soon coming to where another pilgrim, a woman this time, sitting on the grass before the Eldergleam, admiring the tree. From here, Korra could also see the roots that blocked passage to the Eldergleam's trunk, looks like I have no choice but to use this blasted dagger.

"Hello," the voice of the other pilgrim cut across her thoughts, "Come to Eldergleam to pray, or just looking for a place to rest, all are welcome here."

Korra smiled, "Actually, I was hoping to get up there," she stated, pointing up towards the Eldergleam.

The woman seemed surprised, then glanced up at the tree sadly, "Well, as you can see, there is no way up, the roots of the Eldergleam run deep, and none have approached her trunk in centuries."

"There has to be a way, maybe I can appeal to Kynareth or something, its really important I get up there," Korra tried.

The woman shook her head sadly, "I'm afraid, if there is a way, I don't know of one, that wouldn't anger the Goddess, or Eldergleam." Korra grit her teeth at that news, "I did however hear of a knife that Eldergleam would lift her roots for, but out of fear, not respect."

"I know," Korra responded, "And I'd have preferred not to use it."

At her words, the woman gasped, as Korra drew Nettlebane, and began advancing up the path towards the tree. The female pilgrim stood and began shouting to Korra, "Wait you can't!" she cried.

"I need sap to repair the Gildergreen in Whiterun," Korra responded, as she brought Nettlebane down on the first root. Instantly, the root lifted out of the way, allowing Korra to pass.

"No, I'm begging you, don't harm the tree!" the female pilgrim begged.

"My Thane, is this such a good idea?" Lydia asked.

"No," Korra responded, as she slashed at another root, "But it isn't like we've got much choice."

As they passed the second root however, gnarled hands of bark suddenly burst from the earthen wall to their right, grabbing a hold of Lydia, and pulling her against the earth. Korra reacted instantly, summoning flames to her hand and holding them out.

"Let her go!" she demanded, then blinked in shock, as a face made of tree bark, appeared from the earth beside Lydia.

"No," it hissed, "You cut and claw at our roots, you threaten us with flame… you shall both die here."

"Wait, stop!" Korra glanced behind her, to see Maurice running up the path, holding his hands out placatingly. At the same time, Korra noticed smaller creatures, similar to the one holding Lydia, emerge from either the earth or plants around the sanctuary.

This isn't good.

"Tree spirit, please let this woman go, and they both shall leave, yes?" Maurice turned to Korra at the end.

"Not till I get what we came for," Korra responded, then turned to the Spriggan, "All I want is a small amount of sap to restore the Gildergreen in Whiterun, let me have that, and we'll leave, you'll never see us again."

"NEVER!" the Spriggan hissed, the word repeated around the sanctuary, "You shall not defile the Eldergleam!"

The spriggan's limbs tightened over Lydia, who uttered a muffled sound of pain. Maurice turned to Korra shocked, "I had no idea you were a woman of violence, had I known, I never would have led you here!"

Korra was getting tired of this, but fighting their way out wasn't an option, so she took a deep breath to calm herself. "Look, personally, I'd have preferred not to use this," she brandished the knife for emphasis. "I wasn't even planning on using it to take the sap," Maurice's expression faltered. "I come from a place where we revere and respect nature, and I can feel the spiritual energy this place has, as crazy as it sounds, I just wanted to talk with the Eldergleam first, maybe reach an understanding… but first, I have to get up there!"

Even the Spriggan now looked thoughtful, but it did not relinquish its grip on Lydia. Then Maurice spoke, "I think I have a better way, Thane Korra," he began, "But it will first require everyone to put their weapons away."

Korra and the Spriggan exchanged a look, before Korra shrugged, and proceeded to bury Nettlebane into the earth next to the Spriggan. "There, take it, so it can't harm anyone or anything again," she declared, while extinguishing her flames.

The Spriggan looked from her to the buried knife, then back to her. Then it released Lydia, and tiny root tendrils drew the knife into the earthen wall, where it disappeared. "You may approach Eldergleam, you and only you, the rest return to the sanctuary floor," the Spriggan declared, while indicating Korra. At the same time, the remaining roots lifted, and the Spriggans below, melted back into the walls and foliage of the sanctuary.

"You okay?" Korra asked Lydia, who nodded.

"Let's not do that again," Lydia stated, to which Korra chuckled, before handing her to Maurice.

"Take her back down please, and look after her," Maurice nodded, putting one of Lydia's arms over his shoulders. "Oh, and Maurice," Korra called, "What was this idea of yours?"

Maurice simply smiled, "Oh I think the Eldergleam has this one in hand, just tell her what it is you want, and why you came, and be respectful."

Korra nodded, and after taking a deep breath, proceeded up the path. At the top, the Spriggan who'd held Lydia, was waiting, along with all the others Korra had seen around the sanctuary. The lead Spriggan, pointed a gnarled hand towards the tree, "Approach, and kneel before our sacred mother."

Korra nodded, and approached the tree, kneeling before it, with the Spriggans gathered around her. Korra took a deep breath and looked up at the tree. She'd talked a big game before, but now that she was here, she felt a little awkward, no time for second guessing now.

Korra proceeded to begin meditating, calling upon her old Avatar training, to open herself, and her senses to the world around her. She honestly didn't expect anything to happen, but to her surprise, something did, she heard a sound, like tiny bells. She began looking around for the source, eventually her search caused her to look up into the canopy. The moment she did, Korra felt like she was getting pulled upwards, as a bright white light blinded her.

When her vision cleared, she found herself sitting on a giant leaf, surrounded by what appeared to be… furniture, what the heck, where am I?

"Ah, you made it, good, please have a seat Korra, we've much to discuss."

Korra's head whipped round, to see a woman, dressed in a flowing white robe, with soft green accents, her hair a lustrous blond, flowed down her back, almost all the way to her feet, and was decorated with flowers of all kinds.

"Who are you?" Korra asked, confused.

The woman smiled, "I have many names, as is my want as a Goddess… but you would know me, as Kynareth."

Korra's eyes widened, "Wait, SERIOUSLY!?" Kynareth merely nodded in response. "Well, this is great, you can get me home, right?" Korra started, "I mean you are a Goddess after all."

Here Kynareth's face fell, "I'm afraid not Korra," at those words, Korra went to protest, but Kynareth held up her hand, "The matter is complex, and I'm afraid we don't have the time for me to explain everything… technically, I'm in breach of the rules even speaking to you."

Korra felt her stomach plummet at the words, and her shoulders sagged, "I don't understand."

"I know, and I know this is unfair, leaving you in the dark, but time is short, and you must be made to understand," Kynareth stated, as she bade Korra sit. Korra did so, and Kynareth began, "First of all, I want you to know, your friends are safe, and I've been keeping tabs on them since you came here… should anything come up, I will let you know."

Korra nodded, relieved that everyone back home was safe.

"Secondly, I came to tell you that you must make your way to High Hrothgar, as soon as you can."

Korra looked up here, "Why… I mean I know I'm Dragonborn here, but…"

Kynareth interrupted Korra midway, "It is important to the survival of our world, the reason we did not send you home in the first place… our world is dying, Korra."

Korra felt a chill run up her spine at that, "Well, I'm sorry about that… but this isn't my world… what's more, couldn't you do something about it!?"

"We are, through you," at Korra's confused look, Kynareth explained, "We Aedra are forbidden from interfering directly in the mortal realm, so instead we act through hero's and champions… the Dragonborn, is our greatest champion, and a gift granted only to a few."

Korra stared at her incredulously, then stood, "I didn't ask to get sent here you know!" she shouted. "I just want to get home I have people who need me there! People who are important to me!" as she spoke, tears tracked down her cheeks.

Kynareth nodded sadly, "I know, and I'm sorry, but we have been searching for someone to act in our name for decades now… with no worthy candidate in sight… then you get tossed into our laps, and we see an opportunity, we could not afford to miss, and I'm ashamed to say, we took it."

Korra was dumbfounded, and began to pace, "Does it have something to do with that Black Dragon, is that it, do you want me to kill it!?"

Kynareth sighed, "That Dragon is a symptom, not a cause, a sort of immune response by Nirn… but if it is allowed to run its course, Nirn will die, and there is no guarantee that it will destroy the cause of Nirn's sickness." She now looked Korra in the eye, "So yes, we need you to stop that Black Dragon, before that happens, and then deal with the true source of Nirn's sickness… before it's too late."

Korra ran a hand through her hair frustratedly, "Okay, and if I do manage to do, that… then you'll send me home?" Kynareth nodded, "Okay then, what is it?"

"I'm afraid that discussion will have to wait for another time, as we are all out, and I must now send you back to Nirn," as Kynareth spoke, she gestured above them, where Korra could see storm clouds gathering.

Korra gave a start, "Wait, where is Raava… for that matter, I still need what I came here for!?"

Kynareth smiled, "Your Spirit Self is fine for now, safe, in our realm… as for what you came here for, you'll find it waiting for you, when you… wake up."

Korra's vision was once again whitewashed, before going completely black. As she came to, she could feel someone shaking her should, and calling her name.

"Korra, Korra wake up!"

Korra blinked blearily, looking up into Lydia's worried face, behind her were Maurice and the two pilgrims. "Korra, your alright," Lydia exclaimed, relieved.

"And it seems the Eldergleam has granted you a gift," Maurice added, nodding to a spot just in front of Korra. Korra glanced down, to see a cutting of the Eldergleam, sitting in front of her, ready to be planted. "That's our lady Kynareth for you… none of Danica's slavish maintenance, but the pure, unadulterated cycle of life, death and renewal."

Korra realised it was just the five of them, in front of the Eldergleam, the Spriggans were gone. Cycle of life huh? That would essentially make her Mother Nature, Korra mused.

She then stood, and picked up the sapling, before turning to Maurice, "Thanks, for talking me down back there… if you hadn't been here…" Korra trailed off shamefully.

Maurice shook his head, "No Dragonborn, it is I who should be thanking you… you've helped me reach the place I have always dreamed of, and now you shall take a piece of this sanctuary and bring Kynareth's gift to all of Skyrim… my dream was right after all."

Korra smiled at that, before turning to Lydia, "Come on, it's a long walk back to Whiterun, I'd like to get started, before we lose daylight."

Lydia nodded in turn, and they said their goodbyes to the pilgrims, before leaving the cave, and making their way back to Whiterun.

[

The people of Whiterun were all working together to remove the Gildergreen from where it had stood, next to the Temple of Kynareth, for centuries. It was hard, back breaking work, especially since they first had to remove the trellises that ringed the tree, so they wouldn't be destroyed. Finally, though, the work was done, and Korra helped Danica plant the new sapling in the tree's place. Already, on the journey back, the little sapling had nearly doubled in size, but Danica stated that was likely a parting gift from the Goddess, the young tree, was now large enough, and strong enough, to stand tall and proud in Whiterun, for many years to come.

The day afterwards, found Korra, meditating beneath the new sapling, which was where Lydia found her. "Arrows just came in from Adrianne my Thane, and I have all the supplies we'll need for our journey to Ivarstead," she stated.

Korra nodded, and stood up from her meditation, glancing back at the young Gildergreen.

I didn't expect to get any answers going into this little side quest… but I did… and now… I have even more questions. She sighed as she began following Lydia back to Breezehome, for now, I'm just going to have to trust Kynareth, and follow her instructions… looks like my next stop… is High Hrothgar.

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And that's a wrap for today folks, please let me know what you think in your reviews, I look forward to reading them, once again, constructive criticism is welcome.

Until next time ; )