"Over there is a good place to make camp and get some sleep." Korra pointed towards her left at a spot ahead of them. The ice dipped lower to form a shallow gully in the otherwise flat plain. "It'll help keep us out of the wind."

'Oh thank god.'

For as long as she could remember Asami had always prided herself on being fit. Judo, working out in the gym, swimming in the pool. Going on hikes had probably been her favorite form of exercise, but none of said hikes had been anywhere near what she had gone through today. Ten hours. Ten hours of air that felt as if it was going to turn her lungs into blocks of ice with each breath. Hours of her muscles growing fatigued and her feet aching with every laborious step on the frozen ground. That didn't even account for the wind's propensity for changing direction and whipping against her face or the fact they were going up an incline. Asami pushed forward, her muscles finding a newfound source of energy at the prospect of finally being able to rest.

Korra stopped in the center of the gully and swung her hands from her waist to above her head. Walls of ice rose up around the group and curved inwards to form a domed roof with a small hole at the very center. The ice was clouded enough to obscure the outside, yet still allowed plenty of light through so they could see clearly.

Asami loosened the straps on her pack and set it down on the ground. She crouched next to the pack and undid the ties holding a tight blue cylinder in place. Asami unrolled the sleeping bag before sitting down on it. Next on the agenda was retrieving a rectangular metal jar and unscrewing the lid. Inside was an assortment of dried pieces of jerky. She pulled one out and began to nibble at the edge. It was colder than anything she had eaten before this day, but the lack of water kept it from freezing at least. Her gaze wandered to the explorers she had hired and Asami's mouth snapped shut.

Ansen and his men had sat themselves on their sleeping bags like she had which was no surprise to her. The ground was solid ice, after all. The big difference was they had pulled out several metal items. A stubby metal cylinder screwed into a pipe attached to a metal box with two raised circles on top of it. Sitting on those circles was a pair of plates covered in cheese and cuts of dried meat larger than the one in her hand. As she watched they started to set up a second identical grill.

'I thought I was prepared for this. Food that won't freeze. Sleeping bag, extra clothes. First aid kit in case something happens to Korra. I was wrong. These guys are way ahead of me on the curve. Their outfits remind me of Korra's, they brought weapons to protect themselves. They have not one, but two gas grills for crying out loud! And here I thought I was being smart by bringing food that I knew wouldn't freeze...'

"Would you like us to heat that up for you, Miss Sato?"

Asami snapped out of her reverie to see Herrg holding a plate out in her direction. "Really? That would be wonderful." She exclaimed while retrieving her container of jerky. Asami set the piece in her hand and three others onto the plate before turning towards Korra. "Do you want to heat something up, Korra?"

"Yeah, sure. Give me a second." Korra answered before retrieving the jerky that Asami had packed for her. Once she had added her share to the plate she glanced at the grill. "I don't suppose you guys can heat up water with that thing, can you?"

"If you have a metal cup then we can." Herrg said as he pointed towards a shiny mug sitting near his sleeping bag. Asami glanced towards the other men to see identical mugs, each with a name engraved into the handle.

'They went that far? I suppose it makes sense to avoid sharing cups in the event one of them gets sick or something. Starting to see why the Geographical Society only gave me one name. Guess I know who to hire for a mission like this in the future. Assuming I ever go-'

Her thoughts were interrupted by metal clattering together and Asami started. She looked towards the noise to see Korra placing her, and Asami's, canteens on the burner next to six mugs. Korra looked down at the dial then up at Herrg. "I've never used one of these before. What's the right setting?"

"The second line if you don't mind. We only need to heat it up to about fifteen degrees or so. Set the other one to four. It'll take longer for the jerky to heat up." Herrg explained as he sat on his sleeping bag.

Korra twisted the dials to the given settings before sitting on the ice, her knees out in front of her. "So what's the deal with you guys? You're really well prepared for this. Almost too well prepared." Korra added, almost as an afterthought.

Ansen chuckled dryly. "I suppose I can't blame you for thinking that. The truth is that we have wanted to mount an expedition like this for quite some time. The south pole is the last blank area on the world map. There are likely some islands still undiscovered out there, but none of those are likely to be significant finds. I don't want to insult your people since this is your home or seem condescending, but mapping the south pole is the last great challenge for explorers such as ourselves. It's always been out of reach due to the war, but the war is over. I still didn't think we'd be able to make it here, but thanks to Miss Sato's patronage this dream of ours has become a reality." Ansen gestured towards Herrg who began handing the mugs and canteens to their respective owners. He raised his cup higher. "To Miss Sato."

The toast was echoed by the other men and everyone lifted their drinks and taken a sip. Everyone except Korra. Her cup remained still in her hands and she waited until Ansen had lowered his cup before speaking. "So you said you were soldiers. Who exactly did you fight for?"

The hairs on the back of Asami's neck rose and suddenly the room felt even colder than it already had been. Korra's voice was a little too calm and the fact they were sitting atop a layer of ice while inside of an igloo made from the same material firmly impressed itself upon Asami. Her tone wasn't lost on the others either. They exchanged sidelong glances with each other and the eyes of more than one darted toward the spears lying at their feet. 'Oh crap. Six of them and two of us though Korra might be a match for them all on her own...'

"Okay, let's not get carr-" Asami began to say as she stood up, hoping to intervene before things got any worse.

"No, no. I know what she's asking." Ansen said in an even voice as he cut her off. "She has a right to know since she's leading us to her village. Did any of us fight for the Fire Nation? I wish I could say no, but the truth is that I was a very different person in my youth. I was a fervent supporter of the war and I believed whole-heartedly in the proclamations that Azula issued. As soon as I was old enough I volunteered for the army. After a year I had been promoted and was in charge of my own squad. My father was a hunter and trapper and he often took me along with him on trips into the wilderness. The skills I learned from him made me ideal to act as a scout, but I was ambushed while tracking an enemy army. My squad had all heard tales of how the Earth Kingdom treated its prisoners so we were ready to fight to the death rather than be imprisoned and tortured. Neither of those things happened, however, obviously. As prisoners we were treated with honor, though not respect, and ordered to rebuild that which had been destroyed by the Fire Nation. As the years passed I slowly learned that all the things I had believed, the things I had been told were lies. Eventually I was set free, but I still felt shame at the things I had done so I traveled to a place where no one would recognize me and I joined the Earth Kingdom's army. Fate must have a sense of irony because I found myself in the same role. Things went well, but eventually I was spotted by someone who recognized me. One of the men who had taken me prisoner." Ansen glanced towards Slin as he said that. "I was afraid he would expose me, but he gave me the chance to prove myself and I think the fact he's here now is proof I did."

'Well that's one heck of a tale. Question is whether or not Korra believes him.'

"And how am I supposed to know this is all true?" Korra demanded. "You could be making the whole thing up. Slin being here doesn't prove anything. He could just be some guy you hired."

Ansen shook his head as he rolled up one of his sleeves and held a wrist up. Along it ink had been etched into his skin in the shape of an arrow with a rather large and rounded head. Once it would have been a dark black, but over time the ink had faded. Asami leaned forward as she eyed it before it dawned on Asami what she was seeing. "That could be it, Korra." Ansen said with a slight grin on his face. "But if I was going to lie to you, then why I would admit to once fighting for the Fire Nation? There are any number of more convenient tales I could spin. There is also this. " He wiggled his arm slightly. "I had the Fire Nation's sigil tattooed on my wrist while fighting for them. I came to regret that decision so I had it covered up before joining the Earth Kingdom's army." He quickly rolled the sleeve back into place, no doubt because of the cold. "And for whatever it may be worth, I never took up arms against your people."

"You would have if you had been sent south instead of east." Korra pointed out, appearing unconvinced by that particular statement.

"That may be true, but the time where I would have fought your people has long since passed and my statement remains true. I don't ask you to ignore the terrible mistakes of my past, but I hope that you give me the chance to atone for them. It's also part of why I agreed to help Miss Sato because I know her mission help people who suffered because of the Fire Nation's war."

A tense stillness remained in the air after Ansen had finished speaking. Nobody moved and nobody spoke. Even the wind outside had ceased to blow, as if it was somehow afraid of contributing to an incident. The igloo was so quiet that surely everyone around Asami had to be able to hear the hammering of her heart. Finally Korra stirred and she looked towards the grills. "I'm not sure if I believe you or not, but I'll think about what you've said. My people may not be so trusting, though. Let's eat, then go to sleep. We have a lot more walking to do tomorrow."

'Trusting? That's what she calls trusting? Maybe coming back here has made her go into warrior mode or something? Who needs to worry about polar bear dogs when we were one wrong answer away from killing each other.'

Despite what she had said, none of the men moved from where they were sitting until Korra had retrieved the plate and mugs belonging to her and Asami. She turned around and walked back over to her sleeping bag and set them down. Korra waved one arm into the air and a wall of ice rose to the ceiling, cutting them off from Ansen and company. She flicked her fingers a small hole opened up in their portion of the ceiling while Korra sat down. "How are you feeling, Asami? You looked pretty tired the last hour. Are your feet okay?"

'I... uh... wow, that's a quick change in directions not to mention she literally put a wall up.'

Asami undid the laces on her boot before pulling it off to reveal a sock whose top was somewhat damp, but the foot thankfully dry. She peeled the sock off and stretched her ankle to the side to get a better look at her sole. Several raised patches of loose skin, some red in hue and others yellow, stood out in stark relief to the rest of her foot. She grimaced at the sight. "Didn't think I'd have that many. Guess I underestimated how hard the ice would be."

"Put on another pairs of socks. It should help cushion your soles." Korra suggested as she waved her fingers at the ice, converting some of it to water which she balled up in her palm. "Brace yourself. This'll be cold at first."

Asami flinched as the icy liquid engulfed the her toes and she let out a soft hiss, but kept her foot in place. Korra's hand shifted lower and light glimmered in the sphere as she continued. Asami had seen people being healed before. Once it had been Bolin, the other time it had been a rival driver at the race. She had expected the light to appear, but not the heat that came with it. Asami might be in the coldest place in the world, but the chill leeching into her bones vanished and in its place the warmth of a summers day radiated into her. She stared at Korra with in astonishment as the waterbender lowered the foot and gestured at the other. "Does healing always feel like that? Why does it feel like that?"

Korra shrugged slightly as she started to undo Asami's laces since Asami wasn't doing it herself. "Pretty much. It'd be more intense if the injury was bigger but I only had to redirect your energy a little for this."

'A little? I wonder what a lot would feel like... but honestly I hope I never have to find out.'

"So what now?" Asami asked as Korra tended to her other foot. "I know working with Ansen might be tough for you, but all the food and supplies are on his ship... unless you decide to take them by force."

Korra set her foot down and held her hands up as she shrugged. "I don't know yet. I need to think about it first. Let's eat."

Asami suppressed a sigh as she pulled her shoes back on then grabbed some of the jerky and began to chew. "Well, whatever you decide, I'll support you." The rest of their meal was a quiet one and Asami soon had her head on her sleeping bag's pillow. Korra right next to her. She closed her eyes and all was black.

"Asami, get up."

A boot nudged her in the side and Asami blearily opened her eyes as she turned her head towards it. "What?" She sleepily murmured.

"Get up. It's time to go."

"Huh?" Asami glanced around to see the interior wall had vanished. Ansen and his company were standing around, their equipment all packed up. As was Korra's. Everyone but her. Asami's face turned a beet red and she grabbed her boots. "Sorry about that, everyone. I'll just be a bit." Once she had donned her boots she whispered quickly to Korra. "Um, I have to use the bathroom. Can you put that wall back up so I can have some privacy?"

It was something she had done once before, but it was still no less unpleasant this time either. After she had finished Korra waved one hand and a doorway appeared in the wall. Once everyone had exited she waved her hand again and the dome dissolved into liquid, leaving no trace of their presence save a rapidly freezing puddle. Korra turned towards Ansen. "I owe the six of you an apology for how I behaved yesterday."

Ansen waved dismissively. "No, you don't. My men and I understand where you're coming from. We recognize that look in your eyes. Anyone who has fought in battle would and we all know who you fought against. The war may be over, but it will take time for you to put certain emotions behind you just like it took us time to do the same. I won't ask you to forgive the fact I once fought for Azula, but I will ask that you give me a chance to prove I'm not that person anymore." He shifted his spear to his other shoulder and held his hand out to Korra. Asami froze in the middle of retrieving more jerky from her container and her eyes flicked towards Korra. Korra stared down at the hand for several seconds before raising her head and looking Ansen square in the eyes.

She stepped forward and grasped his wrist. "I think I can do that."

For a moment it almost seemed like Ansen was about to smile, but he merely nodded and let go of her hand. "Well then. Let's get moving shall we? I'll take point today." He turned away and started to trudge forward without waiting for an answer.

Asami shoved the jerky into her mouth and screwed the lid of her jar back on before tying it back into place on her pack. She slung it onto her shoulders and hurried forward to join Korra at the rear of the line. "Is that what I think it was, Korra?"

Korra grimaced as she started to walk and she opened her mouth before closing it and shaking her head. "I don't know really. I've spent my whole my life hating the Fire Nation and that isn't going away just because of one man. I have to start somewhere though and knowing that at least one of their soldiers is capable of changing... It's good enough for now." She shook her head again and glanced sideways at Asami. "Let me know if your feet start hurting again today. I got rid of the blisters on your feet, but they could still come back."

"I'll do that." Asami agreed. 'Not very subtle there, Korra, but you usually aren't. I still get the message though. Talk about something else.'

Asami frowned as dark specks appeared in the distance on an otherwise white horizon. "What's that?" She pointed towards them.

Korra frowned and placed a hand above her eyes as she peered in the direction Asami was pointing. "Not sure. Too dark to be polar bear dogs. Could be wolves." Korra grabbed Asami by the shoulder and pushed her forwards until she was in the middle of the line again. "Don't stop moving, but keep your spears ready. Could be a pack of wolves ahead of us."

'Are there any animals here that don't want to kill us?'

The specks steadily grew larger as they approached the party and the spears came off the shoulders as Ansen and company formed a half circle around Asami like they had the previous day. Korra strode forward ahead of them for a moment before turning around with a grin on her face. "Spears down, we're fine."

Ansen and his men exchanged looks, but the spears returned to rest on shoulders once again. Asami craned her head to the side to look past a shoulder at what was approaching. It took her several seconds before the specks resolved clearly enough for her to recognize the silhouette. Four legged beasts with a rider sitting between two humps. The Southern Water Tribe had found them and that meant one very important fact.

No more walking.