Disclaimer: I own nothing, this story exsists purely because I want it to
Whew, this one took a while, but at long last, it is done, and just in time too, as I'll be away from my computer for the next week or so.
So, we're moving the story along today, as the title would suggest, its time to go see the Greybeards, but I'll leave you guys to read about that, first up though, reviews.
Guest, May 2nd: really wish I knew your name buddy, you keep posting this same review every chapter, and I just wish I had more to go on... mind if I call you Wow from now on?
RedShirt1453: I do like to keep things interesting, glad to see you approve, I do intend on having Korra and Lydia become friends, some of which you'll see here, as for Ursline, we also have a scene that covers that in today's chapter. finally... I was wanting to fold in some between the lines stuff with regards to the Stormcloak Ursline kidnapped, but I couldn't find a good way to do it, for now, just know that Ursline spent some time luring him away from his campsite, and had to put up a façade to do it.
Cheeseman: Interesting... I feel like you'd be able to make some good fics on that particular subject, but I intend on keeping Korra faithful to Asami and vice versa... but heh, the reunion is a long way off, so who knows what will happen in the interim, we've got a long way to go folks, so buckle up.
With that done, let's get this show back on the road.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Dear Readers all, welcome back to...
Avatar: The Legend of Korra
Book 5: Skyrim
Chapter 7: The Throat of the World
Jinora carefully set the devices they'd been sent, around the tablet, with the main one directly in front of it. All the devices were experimental, their purpose to pick up various forms of energy so they could be measured. So far, they only knew for certain that this worked with radio waves and electricity, but Jinora felt confident, that if the tablet were releasing some kind of energy, they could pick it up, and measure it, and if they could do that, then maybe they might be able to figure out a way to create a portal, like the one Korra was pulled through, and pull her back. It was a long shot at best, but it was currently their only lead.
Kai was assisting her in getting the equipment set up, while Wan Shi Tong was examining the devices with interest, "Fascinating, to be able to measure the energy of an object or being, such a thing has never been conceived of by Spirits."
"Still think everything Humans create is garbage?" Jinora needled, a smile plastered across her face, while Kai had to resist the urge to laugh out loud.
Wan Shi Tong predictably bristled at that, before taking a few calming breaths, "You're never going to let me forget that, aren't you?"
"Nope," Jinora replied happily, then received a nudge from Kai. She looked up and saw him nodding off in the other direction. Jinora turned, and immediately swore under her breath, as she watched Asami stride into the room. "Finish setting up, we need to be ready… who knows when Korra is going to find another of the words on the tablet," she said to Kai, who nodded, and carried on where Jinora left off.
Jinora then turned to Asami, "Heh Asami, surprised to see you back, I thought you were getting back to running your company?"
Asami gave her a distant look, "I was, then I found out Tenzin pretty much bought an entire lab's worth of equipment from Future Industries, and shipped them off to here… what's going on?"
Jinora sighed, her father had warned her Asami would likely find out, so she'd prepared, "Look, I don't want you getting your hopes up, that's why I asked my dad to not tell you." Asami raised a brow at her, "We think the tablet is giving off some form of energy, particularly when Korra finds one of the words carved on the surface, on her side… if we could measure that energy, we might – and I stress the might here – be able to find a way to communicate with Korra… perhaps even bring her back."
Asami's eyes predictably lit up at those words, "Really, I should help then, I should be here in case this works and- "
Jinora cut across her, "Asami I know your anxious and you want Korra back, but this is still just a theory, we have no idea if it's even going to work… please, for all our sakes, go home, get some rest, and try to get back to normal." Asami looked about to protest, but Jinora beat her to the punch, "I promise, on my honour as an Air Nomad, if anything comes of this, I will personally let you know."
Asami deflated at Jinora's words, her arms wrapping around herself, "I've been trying," she said, the words forced through gritted teeth, "I've been trying to just… get on with my life… but every time I close my eyes… I see her face, as she's dragged away from me, and I just…" Asami trailed off as she collapsed to her knees. Jinora knelt next to her, wrapping an arm around the woman who she saw as an older sister.
As Asami quietly shed her grief, Yara entered the room, and made a beeline for Wan Shi Tong. "Yara… what are you doing here?"
"We need to talk," the Leopard Spirit said, then glanced at Asami, Jinora and Kai, "Alone."
All three of the humans in the room looked up at that, "What's that supposed to mean?" Kai asked, suspicions raised.
Yara turned to regard the young man, "There has been a development, but we are unsure yet whether or not it connects to Korra, and if so, how." She then turned back to Wan Shi Tong, "Regardless, the others are concerned about how readily you accepted working with these Humans, despite your… prejudice."
Wan Shi Tong stood impassive at that, before finally speaking, "Have you ever witnessed a Human express True Love, Yara?" the Leopard Spirit did not respond, so Wan Shi Tong continued, "It is a fascinating thing… both beautiful and terrible, and wrought from the heart, the very soul. I have lived a long time, and in all my eons, I have witnessed it perhaps a half-dozen times… each time, I' am reminded, of why I decided to share my knowledge with Humans in the first place."
Asami, Jinora and Kai all stared at the Knowledge Spirit, stunned, not knowing what to say.
"I'll admit, I'll likely shed no tears over the demise of a Human, or their race, should that come about… after all the times they have abused my knowledge and trust, both directly and indirectly, I have little to no empathy or sympathy left for, Humans." The great owl now turned his head towards the three of them, "But there are times… when I remember why I shared with them, my greatest treasures… and why I keep coming back."
He now turned back to Yara, drawing himself to his full height as he did, "So whatever it is you have to say, Yara, you might as well say it here… because I will simply tell them anyway."
Yara heaved a sigh, her tail flicking back and forth, before speaking, "Multiple Spirits have gone missing."
"WHAT!?" Jinora, Kai and Asami cried, while Wan Shi Tong's eyes narrowed.
Yara nodded, "We don't know when they went missing, but a great gathering just took place, and not everyone showed up… when messengers were dispatched to find those who didn't show, they found the dwellings of those Spirits… empty."
Wan Shi Tong's eyes narrowed further, "You suspect the being that took Korra?"
"It's at the top of the list yes." Yara replied, "But until we know for sure, we can't rule anything out… have you heard anything?"
Wan Shi Tong shook his head, "Been too busy with this little project of ours."
"Wait!" Jinora called, "Who is missing exactly, anyone we know?"
"There are at least a dozen who are missing," Yara stated, "But among those, there are only two you would know by name." The Leopard Spirit now looked directly at Jinora, "The Black and White Forest Spirit – my cousin – Hei Bai, was one."
"Who?" Asami and Kai asked simultaneously.
"A Spirit my grandfather Aang encountered on his travels from the Southern Water Tribe, up to the Northern," Jinora supplied, to looks of comprehension from the other two, "And the other?" Jinora pushed, fear coiling in her gut, as several answers began forming in her mind.
"Koh, the Face Stealer."
The four words set a chill in the room, and no one spoke for what seemed an eternity.
Wan Shi Tong broke the silence, "That is most interesting… I do not picture Koh falling victim to the same creatures who took Korra… though if he encountered the thing that actually dragged her through… that might be more plausible."
Yara nodded, "So long as it has a face, and can show emotion, Koh has the advantage… but a faceless and/or emotionless enemy, and he loses that advantage."
Jinora was pacing, "We can't rule anything out at this stage, we know virtually nothing."
"Agreed," Kai responded, "We shouldn't go jumping to conclusions."
Yara gave an approximation of a smile, on her feline face, "The other Spirits agree with you… and I would like to apologise for my earlier behaviour… it has been many eons since Spirits interacted closely with any Humans, and this has made us naturally suspicious of you, given our history."
Jinora smiled, waving her hand dismissively "No need to apologise, we understand," beside her, Kai nodded.
Asami meanwhile was stood near to the tablet, a million thoughts running through her head. Like everyone who had entered the Avatar's circle, she knew of Koh. Tenzin had been adamant that Korra learn about the Spirits, and his sister Kya, had suggested that Asami, Mako, Bolin and eventually Opal do the same. The idea of Koh and Korra being in the same world together, sent chills up Asami's spine, and only made her more anxious about Korra's safety.
Suddenly, a sound drew her gaze to the nearby tablet, "Asami."
Asami took a tentative step towards the tablet, "Korra?"
The others instantly halted their conversation and turned towards her, "Asami, what is it?" Jinora asked.
Asami glanced at them, "I thought I heard someone say my name… and I thought it came from the tablet."
"Asami."
The voice spoke again, louder this time, the others now hearing it as well, quickly gathering around it and Asami. Asami for her part was staring intently at the tablet, but none of the words glowed. Feeling awkward, she replied, "Hello?"
"Follow."
As the word was spoken, a bright light, emerged from the tablet, and shot into the air, and out through a high window. Asami, Jinora, Kai, Wan Shi Tong and Yara all stared at where it had gone to, before Wan Shi Tong spoke, "Climb aboard Asami," he said, while unfurling his wings. Asami saw Kai and Jinora prep their flight suits as well, as she leapt on the Great Owl's back.
"I will remain, in case of more activity from the Tablet," Yara stated, to nods from all, then they were off, following the light out of the library, and into the sky.
]|[
"Can I ask you something my Thane?" Lydia said, as they sat next to their campfire. They'd stopped near a stream on a small mountain path that led directly up from the volcanic tundra, to Ivarstead.
"Only if you call me by my name when we're alone like this," Korra replied, "Seriously, I get in town, but out here… there's no one around Lydia, come on, loosen up."
Lydia frowned, not understanding her Thane's strange expression, but complied regardless, "Korra, then, may I ask you something?" Korra nodded in response, as she finished stowing away her gear for the night. "Why did you spare Ursline?" Korra blinked in response to that question, not expecting it, and before she could form an answer, Lydia had continued, "I mean, you have no grounds to expect her to actually follow through on her reformation… she could just pull the wool over our eyes, wait till our guard is down, then slip away, never to be seen again. Then you'd have to worry about getting an arrow in the back, or worse, every time you leave Whiterun."
Korra took a breath, sitting back against the log she was propped up against. "There are several reasons," she began, "First and foremost, is that exact attitude doesn't discourage criminals, and is more likely to cause a repeat offenders down the line."
Lydia sat forward, "But had she been executed, as the law stated…" she began, but Korra cut her off.
"Then how long until the next Ursline?"
It was Lydia's turn to blink, "I don't follow, Korra."
Korra sighed, and mentally debated her next move, "Back where I come from, I'm a… Protector, not just a keeper of the peace, like any regular guardsmen, but a Guardian of it… keeping the peace, and preserving the balance between Humans and Spirits is my entire reason for being." Lydia stared at Korra in awe, "And I wasn't the first, nor will I be the last… and the Protector before me, a man named Aang, believed that the convicted should be given a chance to redeem themselves, so they might lead a better life afterwards." Korra sighed here as she remembered Tenzin telling her this story, "Sadly he was never fully successful, he passed away before he could complete his policy, and the city he'd helped build didn't want to push it too hard, cause, politics."
Korra's gaze now turned skywards, "But his son, Tenzin, one of my teachers, he preserved his father's thoughts and ideas, and hopes to one day implement them properly himself." Korra brought her gaze back to Lydia, "And when I was sitting in that room, with Ursline unconscious, all I could think of, was that lesson… about how harsh punishments, only make those who have the mentality and desire to change, sink deeper and deeper into the quagmire of crime."
"So, you decided to follow your teacher's lesson?" Lydia asked.
Korra nodded, "That was part of it… another was her circumstances, which I learned after she awoke."
"That doesn't excuse what she did!" Lydia countered.
Korra shook her head, "No," she said calmly, "It doesn't… but it does lend context to her actions." Korra now looked Lydia dead in the eye, "Put yourself in her shoes for a moment, your 13, and your parents have just been slaughtered by bandits, while dragging you off. After you reach their campsite, they tear off your clothes and begin violating you, potentially more than one man at a time, robbing you of your virtue and innocence." As Korra spoke, she saw Lydia's face pale further and further, "And it doesn't just stop, you become their toy, their plaything, to use whenever they wish, you worry daily if one of them has gotten you pregnant." Lydia's complexion was now almost white, "And then, out of nowhere, after this has continued for Divines know how long… a Hagraven and her coven stumble across the campsite, and seeing the condition you're in, decide to rescue you, to take you under their wing… safety… security… family… at long last."
Korra finally broke her gaze with Lydia, who was now staring sightlessly ahead, "What would you be willing to do, to keep that sense of security, safety, and family… what crimes would you be willing to commit, to keep the nightmare you'd been rescued from at bay, forever."
"I… I u-understand… blessed Divines, I never… I never thought…" Lydia could hardly get the words out.
Korra shifted her position, and put a hand on Lydia's shoulder, giving her a comforting smile, "You know that teacher I mentioned, Tenzin?" Lydia nodded, "He always told me, 'Korra… think before you act'… took me a while to get the message on that one, but when I did, I was able to understand a whole lot more, and it stopped me from repeating a lot of mistakes… eventually," Korra delivered the last part with a wry smile.
Lydia returned it, "Not the best student, were we?"
Korra rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed, "To be fair, me and Tenzin were both stubborn in the extreme… we were always butting heads in the early days… took me some time to appreciate the lessons he was trying to teach me." That got both of them laughing lightly, and once it died down, Korra's look turned reminiscent, "He never gave up on me though… not once… he was always there for me, in many ways, he was like a second dad to me."
Lydia smiled, "He sounds like a good man."
Korra returned the smile, "He is… and I intend to honour his teachings here… which, along with everything else, and how it so easily could have been either of us, in Ursline's place… I chose to spare her." Korra now sat back again, gazing at the stars as they began to come out, "As to whether or not she's genuine… we'll be able to determine that over the next few months… but I have a feeling, she's going to jump at this second chance, if for no other reason, than that she was never offered one to begin with."
]|[
The next day, Lydia and Korra continued up the path, steadily rising higher. Many animals lived along the path, including a family of wolves. Lydia naturally drew her sword, but Korra stepped between them, merely staring the wolves down. Eventually, the large male turned away, and melted back into the trees, his family following suit.
"What?... how?" Lydia spluttered, used to being attacked by the animals no matter where she went.
"Sometimes, a confrontation isn't about food… just a misunderstanding," Korra stated. At Lydia's look of confusion, Korra smiled, "They don't attack cause their aggressive or evil, they're just trying to live their lives out here, just like the rest of us… try showing some consideration next time, show them you aren't a threat, but you're also not to be trifled with… you might be surprised."
Lydia was still confused, but she had little time to process, as Korra pressed on up the path.
By day's end, they'd reached Ivarstead, and headed straight to the Inn. Upon arriving, they paid for a room, and a hot meal, sitting at a nearby table to eat. As they began to eat, a voice caught Korra's attention.
"Not heading up the 7000 steps today Kimmlek?" one of the men at the next table asked.
"I'm not ready to make the climb to High Hrothgar, Gwilin… not to mention the weather has made the path unsafe," the man named Kimmlek replied.
Korra turned her head to them, curious, Lydia followed suit.
"Aren't the Greybeards expecting a shipment of supplies?" Gwilin asked.
Greybeards?
Korra glanced at Lydia, who nodded as Korra turned in her seat towards the two men.
"Honestly… I'm not sure, I've yet to actually meet them, since I'm not allowed inside the Monastery… perhaps one day," Kimmlek replied, before noticing Korra out the corner of his eye, "Can we help you?"
"Sorry," Korra began, "But I couldn't help but overhear you talking about High Hrothgar… I was wondering if you could tell me about it."
Kimmlek gave a chuckle, "You're heading up there? That's a first… didn't think you Imperials cared much for Nordic culture and Traditions."
Korra gave a wry smile, "I'm not like other Imperials."
"You can say that again," Lydia stated, as she drained her mug of ale, "You're looking at the woman who slew the Dragon that attacked Whiterun."
Both men's eyes bugged out at that, as Korra's cheeks burned, before getting control of herself, "Thank you Lydia," Lydia winked at her, while signalling for another mug of ale.
"You slew a Dragon!?" Kimmlek asked, his face a picture of amazement. Around the Inn, similar looks were emerging from the other patrons.
Korra sighed, "Yes I did, my name's Korra, Thane of Whiterun."
Instantly, the other patrons were crowding her table, piling her with questions about the Dragon. Kimmlek finally broke them up, "Heh, heh, enough of that, give the woman some room to breathe."
Korra gave him a thankful look as everyone backed off, Kimmlek then turned to her, "Does that mean… you're the…" he trailed off as Korra looked around the room at everyone, and the hopeful faces they all wore.
"Yes," she answered, to gasps of amazement and joy, "I'm the one the Greybeards called for."
The Inn filled with chatter at her words, before being broken by Kimmlek, "When we heard that thundering shout, we knew something big was happening, but to actually meet a Dragonborn of legend… it's an honour." Kimmlek bowed his head to her, as did many of the other patrons.
Lydia chuckled at the uncomfortable look Korra developed as a result, "Please there's no need for that," Korra insisted. It took her nearly ten minutes to sate the villagers' curiosities, but once she had, she turned to Kimmlek. "So, High Hrothgar," she ventured.
"Right," Kimmlek began, "You'll be heading up there… what would you like to know?"
"Mainly the climb," Korra replied, "I want to know what I'm in for."
Kimmlek nodded, "Right of course," he adjusted himself in his seat before beginning, "Well, you'll usually get a wolf pack or a stray making their home on the mountain, that's all I've ever had to deal with… though I have heard that some larger and more dangerous animals have been seen on the path from time to time."
"What kind of animals?" Korra asked.
"Spiders mainly," Kimmlek responded, "Though one hunter said he saw a troll once, but I've never seen any tracks or evidence that would support that."
Lydia hissed, "Troll?... this high up, that'd be a Frost Troll, those things are nasty."
"How so?" Korra asked, turning to her Housecarl.
Lydia put down her recently refilled mug of ale, "For starters, their bigger, stronger, and more aggressive than their standard counterparts, that you find at lower altitudes. Their fur is also white, so in any area laden with snow, their near impossible to spot."
Kimmlek shrugged, "She isn't wrong, but like I said before, I've never seen any evidence for them… the main thing you have to contend with is your footing, and the weather… in these conditions the steps can be treacherous."
Korra looked the man over, he was an aging Nord, clearly in his 50's, with his hair shaved close to his head, and a beard, where the end was tied neatly with a small cord. Though he appeared fit and strong, Korra could pick out various tells, which revealed he was no where near as spry as he'd once been. "And you make the climb… regularly?"
Kimmlek chuckled, "Yes I do… someone needs to take the Greybeards their supplies."
"What kind of supplies?" Korra asked.
"Food mostly, you know, dried fish and salted meats, the kind of stuff that keeps fresh for a long time, since the Greybeards don't get out much… if you catch my meaning," Kimmlek explained.
Korra nodded, "That makes sense… but what do you get out of this?"
Here Kimmlek grew uncomfortable, hand coming to rub the back of his head, "Well… its sought of an understanding between us." Korra raised a brow, "I don't know, it just wouldn't feel right charging them for a bit of persevered food."
"Doesn't seem right you risking your life to bring it to them either," Korra responded.
Kimmlek grew sombre at that, "Yes well… my legs aren't what they used to be… and all those steps takes its toll."
The man turned away, his face in deep contemplation, Korra studied him for a few moments, then caught Lydia's eye. She sighed and gave a 'Go on… knock yourself out' look, before returning to her ale.
Korra then turned back to the man, "I could take those supplies with me."
Kimmlek gave a start, and glanced back towards Korra, "Really?"
Korra nodded, "Really… I'm heading up there anyway, might as well, the Greybeards get their supplies, and your saved the climb."
Kimmlek gave her a happy smile, "You are most kind my friend… the supplies are currently at my house…"
Korra held up a hand, cutting him off, "I'm not going up till the morning, first light."
Kimmlek nodded, "Yes of course, that makes sense… I'll meet you on the bridge just passed the lumber mill then, tomorrow morning."
Korra raised her mug towards him, "Sounds like a plan."
Kimmlek reciprocated, and they clinked mugs together, "That it does Thane Korra."
Kimmlek left shortly afterwards, once he was gone, Lydia spoke, "You just can't help yourself, can you."
"Whatever do you mean?" Korra asked, with an innocent look.
Lydia now full on laughed, and gestured around the Inn, "Helping people, wherever you go." Korra's cheeks flushed at her words, "And yet," Lydia continued.
Korra glanced at the other woman, quizzically, "And yet?"
Lydia smiled, "And yet… you never seek any recognition for the things you do." Korra gave a start at Lydia's words, which only caused the Housecarl's smile to broaden, "Why, if I hadn't told everyone how it was you who'd slain the Dragon attacking Whiterun, they probably would never have known."
Korra gave a chagrined smile, "Yea well… I was an arrogant little know it all… back when I first took up my duties… bit me in the butt more times than I care to admit… now…" Korra sat back, thinking on those days. Challenging Amon, how stupid it had been to put herself in such a vulnerable situation… trusting Unalaq, simply because he was her uncle, and showed a knowledge and skill she'd never encountered before… underestimating Zaheer, believing herself untouchable, because she was the Avatar.
"Let's say I've learned my lesson, and I try not to let such things go to my head anymore," Korra completed.
Lydia raised her mug to Korra, "You've been humbled… and learned from it, I respect that, admire it even, because you've clearly emerged stronger as a result."
Korra chuckled, "I'll drink to that," she replied, before they clinked their mugs together.
]|[
After what felt like hours of flying, Wan Shi Tong finally came into land on a bleak, rocky plateau, Kai and Jinora landing beside him while Asami slid off his back, before racing to the edge of the plateau. Just above her, she could see the light they'd been following, glowing brightly.
"Where are we?" Kai asked.
"Yea, I don't think I've ever seen this part of the Spirit World," Jinora added.
Wan Shi Tong folded his wings behind himself as he looked around, "We're on the very periphery of the Spirit World, where few Spirits come to." His large eyes scanned their surroundings, "We should not linger… strange entities dwell in these places, entities that even the Spirits fear."
Kai and Jinora shared a look, then joined Asami. The young woman was still staring off at the glowing light, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
"Asami?" Jinora tried, but she did not seem to respond.
After several moments, Asami spoke, but not to Jinora, "Okay, we followed, now what do you want?" she called, up to the light.
Nothing happened for several heartbeats, then, suddenly, the light glowed brightly, forcing all of them to cover their eyes. Once the light had dimmed enough for them to see again, they realised the light was gone, in its place, on the edge of the plateau, standing next to Asami, was a woman, wearing a white robe with soft green accents, her blond hair flowing like water down her back nearly all the way to her feet, and decorated with flowers.
"Hello Asami, a pleasure to finally meet you," the woman's gaze then turned to the others, "All of you."
Wan Shi Tong spread his wings wide, his neck stretching out slightly, as he took a fighting stance, "Who are you?"
The woman brought a hand to her chest, "Please, I mean you no harm, my name is Kynareth, and I have come here to speak with you… about Korra."
All of them started, and Asami went right up to Kynareth, hands clasped in front of her, "What about Korra, do you know where she is, can you bring her back?"
Kynareth brought her gaze back to the pleading Asami, her face, remorseful, "I'm sorry, but while I know where she is, I cannot bring her back."
Asami's face crumpled, and Jinora and Kai raced to her, to comfort her. As they did, Kynareth waved her hands, and a small garden suddenly sprouted from the desolate ground around them, with some of the plants forming chairs and a table to sit at. "Please, have a seat, and I shall explain as best I can," Kynareth stated.
Wan Shi Tong returned to his normal posture as he exchanged a glance with his three human charges, then they all nodded, and joined Kynareth at the table.
]|[
Korra stared up at the path, standing at its foot, her gaze locked on the mountain peak. "Just how far up is the Monastery?" she asked.
"About two thirds the way up the mountain," Kimmlek replied, "Not quite the peak, but might as well be."
Glad I got an early start, Korra thought to herself as she felt the first of the sun's rays on her back, as it cleared the horizon.
"You sure you don't want me to accompany you, my Thane?" Lydia asked.
Korra shook her head, "I've lived in religious places before, they typically are pretty sparse on living space, I don't want you roughing it up on the mountain slopes while I'm inside learning from these monks." Lydia looked like she wanted to argue, but Korra beat her to the punch, "And the climb is probably gonna take all day, and I don't want you climbing back down the mountain in the dark."
Lydia heaved a sigh, eyes closed, "As you wish, my Thane." When she next opened her eyes, it was to see Korra holding a bag of coins out to her.
"Here, for living expenses while you're waiting for me," Korra said with a smile.
Lydia stared at the coins dumbfounded, "My Thane I couldn't possibly…"
"I insist," Korra cut her off. A few moments passed, before Lydia bowed her head and accepted the coins. Korra smiled, "Stay safe, and try not to get into too much trouble while I'm gone."
Lydia nodded and thumped a fist to her chest, "I will await your return… Korra," she said with a smile, which Korra returned.
Korra then turned to Kimmlek, who handed her the bag of supplies, before setting off up the path, and beginning the climb, of 7000 steps.
]|[
Several hours later, found Korra nearly a third of the way up, staring out across Skyrim. The view was, in a word, breath-taking. Even only halfway up, Korra was higher than most of the mountains she could see. The path had started on the eastern slopes but had slowly brought her around onto first the southern, and then the western side, and from what Kimmlek had told her, the Monastery should be on the northern side of the mountain. Taking another swig from her water skin, she continued on, glad that she had packed some extra furs for the trip, as even with the rising sun, the temperature was still below freezing.
The journey so far had been a quiet one, she'd met a couple other people on the climb, a local hunter and a pilgrim, but that was it as far as people went. As for the wildlife, where did she even start, the mountain was teeming with it. Multiple times, families of rabbits had crossed her path, along with a few mountain goats, she'd run across a small group of giant spiders too, but a dose of her flames spell had sent them scrambling for the crags they'd crawled out of, and they hadn't bothered her again. While she'd been eating lunch, she'd been approached by a wolf pack. At first, she'd tensed, but then saw the cubs and relaxed.
She'd long ago learned that cubs spent their time in the den, when the pack went out hunting, so if the cubs were about, the pack was simply relaxing and socialising with each other. So, she'd simply sat, observing, the alpha of the pack had given her a wary look when they arrived, but once he'd determined she was not a threat, had relaxed like her. Korra for her part, quickly finished her lunch, before quietly packing up, she'd bowed to the pack before leaving, and even noticed the alpha dip his head a little in response.
Korra smiled fondly as she remembered the cubs playing in the snow, she was broken from her thoughts however by a sound nearby. She whirled around, flames igniting in one hand, sparks in the other, "Who's there!?"
She peered into the trees in front of her, they were thinning out up here, as she'd nearly reached the treeline, even so, she could see nothing, no movement. She began to relax, turning off her spells as she turned back to the path, when she heard a voice, mere feet behind her.
"You have sharp ears, young one."
Korra whirled, her eyes landing on perhaps the strangest creature she'd seen since arriving in Skyrim. Whatever it was, it was humanoid, but there the similarities stopped, because the creature looked like a bipedal cat, its body covered in fur, feline ears, eyes and teeth, even a tail that was twitching and swishing behind it.
The creature chuckled, "But not sharp enough… had Khajiit been an enemy, you would be dead,"
"Who are you!?" Korra demanded, summoning her flames once more.
The creature's whiskers twitched, as its nose sniffed the air, "Hmm… a mage, and a strong one at that, much untapped potential."
Korra frowned, the creature wasn't even looking at the flames in her hand, in fact, it didn't seem to even be looking directly at her.
"You can extinguish those flames young one," the creature said, "Khajiit is not here to fight," as it spoke, it turned away from Korra, and strode back towards the trees.
Curious, Korra followed, and soon found herself in a clearing, protected by the trees, with a small cave at the back, cut into the mountain side. The creature had set up camp in the clearing, with a small lean-to covering the entrance to the cave, facing the prevalent direction of the wind. Korra then examined the creature itself. It wore virtually nothing, expect a loincloth around its midsection, though its fur had grown thickly on its back, shoulders and legs. Said fur was a deep brown in colour and patterned with lighter stripes running through it. Looking around the campsite, Korra could tell he'd been up here a while, there was evidence he'd been hunting the rabbits and goats that lived on the mountain and harvesting berries.
"You follow Khajiit?" the creature suddenly asked, though once again, he was not looking at Korra, a fact she found strangely familiar, but couldn't place where.
"You started it," Korra shot back, "Why'd you sneak up on me?"
The creature chuckled as he stoked the fire in the centre of the camp, "Khajiit heard you on the path, and was curious, it has been many moons since someone other than old Kimmlek made the climb to High Hrothgar."
Korra crossed her arms, "That doesn't explain why you snuck up on me."
Another chuckle, as the creature looked up, but not at Korra, "Khajiit wanted to warn you, but you heard Khajiit before Khajiit made its approach, and reacted… rather drastically."
Korra felt her cheeks burn, realising she'd nearly attacked an innocent person, "Sorry about that, I wasn't expecting to see anyone else this far up." The creature waved it off, "What did you want to warn me about?"
The creature used his stick to point towards the path they'd just come from, "A foul beast has recently made its home just a little ways up the path," he stated. "There is no way around it, you must challenge it, or turn back."
Korra swore, and came to kneel next to the creature in front of the fire, "What kind of beast?"
The creature before Korra shook its head, "Khajiit does not know."
Here Korra frowned, "Wait, then how do you know about it?"
The creature continued to poke the fire, "Khajiit has only heard and smelled it, when Khajiit tried to climb the path, to get to Khajiit's favourite training spot."
Heard and smelled? Korra frowned, not understanding how this person could not know what the beast was if they'd been close enough to hear and smell it. Then the creature's head turned slightly in her direction, and Korra had to bite back a gasp. The creature's eyes were grey, and sightless, still there, but not focused on anything. Suddenly, she realised why his habit of not looking directly at her was familiar.
"Your blind?"
The creature now looked directly at her for the first time, guided by the proximity of her voice, "Khajiit is impressed, few figure it out so quickly."
Korra sat back, "I once met someone who'd been born blind, but they possessed a power that allowed them to sense the world around them… wasn't quite as good at seeing with your own eyes, she could only ever discern shapes, but it was good enough, and she became one of the most powerful mages to exist in the land where I'm from."
The creature laughed heartily, "Khajiit would have liked to meet her, Khajiit thinks we would have many stories to share."
Korra smiled here too, "You don't seem particularly impaired either."
The creature nodded, "It was hard for Khajiit at first, Khajiit was once great warrior, with a large family and Clan, respected by many."
"What happened?" Korra asked.
"The Thalmor came," the creature replied, causing a chill to run up Korra's spine, as the memory of the golden skinned woman and her two guards in Helgen, came back to her. "They demanded Khajiit, and Clan submit to them, but we refused," as the creature spoke, he tossed the stick he'd been holding into the fire and seemed to be staring into the flames. "They later returned, with many warriors… Khajiit fought… Khajiit lost… and for defying them, the Thalmor cast a spell that robbed Khajiit of his eyes."
Korra's hands clenched as she listened to the cat's tale.
"They forced Khajiit to listen as his Clanmates were slaughtered, or chained… as Khajiit's family was separated, and tormented… finally, they left Khajiit to die in the desert."
Korra examined the cat again, with a second look, she could see there was some grey to his fur, particularly around his chin and face, "How long ago was this?"
The cat's unseeing gaze moved to the sky above, "It has been many moons… Khajiit was still young, as was Khajiit's mate… Khajiit still misses her."
He doesn't even know how long it's been, only that it was a long time, Korra gritted her teeth, she'd already heard some bad things about the Thalmor in Whiterun, but she'd never imagined something like this, time to get off this subject.
"You keep referring to yourself as Khajiit… is that your name or…?" Korra began.
The cat chuckled once more, "No, it is not Khajiit's name, Khajiit is what this one is."
Not his name, but his race, and he speaks in the third person.
"Well, what is your name?" Korra tried.
The cat's gaze came back to the fire, "Khajiit does not remember… it has been so long since Khajiit heard its name out loud… so this one simply goes by Khajiit now."
The two of them sat in silence for some time, then Korra turned her attention back to the path, "What can you tell me about this beast?"
"It is large, loud and smelly, even in a blizzard you will smell its foul odour long before you see it," Khajiit began, "It is also faster than it seems, Khajiit had difficulty getting away from it."
Here Korra turned back to him, "How did you get away from it?"
Khajiit gave her a smile, "As you said, Khajiit is not as impaired as Khajiit looks… when the Thalmor first took Khajiit's sight, it was hard, but Khajiit soon learned to rely on other senses." He placed one finger on his nose, "With its nose, Khajiit learned to distinguish prey from predator, friend from foe." He next indicated his ears, "Khajiit's ears let him discern distance, aided by whiskers, which let Khajiit discern size and direction," he stroked his whiskers as he finished.
Understanding washed over Korra, "That's how… you fell back on your other senses and have been relying on them."
Khajiit nodded, "Exactly young one, and it is thanks to them, that Khajiit learned how to be a warrior once more." He turned back to the fire again, "You recall the Thalmor who tore Khajiit's family and Clan apart, after they took his sight?" Korra nodded, a strange feeling coiling in her gut, as she feared where this was headed. "After Khajiit learned to fight without his eyes, Khajiit began to track them down, one by one… it had been many moons since any of them had seen Khajiit… they did not recognise him, and Khajiit played the part of a blind old cat, helpless as a new-born kitten." The old cat's sightless eyes stared into the flames, as if he could see the events playing out in them. "One by one, Khajiit took his revenge… though it was bittersweet… for one of Khajiit's cubs saw him," the old cat turned remorseful, "Cub was too young, when they were taken, to remember Khajiit, and had been raised by the Thalmor that took them… Khajiit recognised cub's scent, but cub saw Khajiit as only a murderer."
"You don't have to say anymore," Korra said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
The cat shook his head, "No, Khajiit must, for you to understand." Korra gave him a quizzical look here – not that he could see it – "Khajiit ran, and ran far… first to the east, then to the north, always away from Elsweyr… eventually, Khajiit collapsed in the mountains, and Khajiit expected to die." Once more his gaze rose to the sky above, "But then Khajiit heard a voice, and it called Khajiit onward… Khajiit soon learned it was the voice of the Moon, and it was calling him here."
"What, why?" Korra asked, surprised.
The cat now turned to Korra once more, his sightless eyes locking with her cyan ones, "She told Khajiit that one day, a young warrior from a world beyond this one, would need Khajiit's help." Korra's eyes widened, but before she could respond, the cat continued, "Khajiit asked her how he would recognise this warrior, when Khajiit could not see… she replied that Khajiit would not need his eyes… for where others would see a harmless, senile old cat… this young warrior would listen to Khajiit's tale and offer sympathy."
Korra was dumbfounded, something, or someone had known she would come to Skyrim, and had led this old Khajiit here to wait for her.
Kynareth, it must be.
"And now, here you are, listening to Khajiit's tale, no judgement or ridicule, only sympathy for an old Khajiit, who has done terrible things," he completed, his tail curling around himself as his shoulders began to shake.
Korra was unsure what to do and thought back to her lessons with Tenzin. Finally, she turned back to the old Khajiit, "Those Thalmor, hurt you… took everything from you," the Khajiit nodded, "Then I understand." The Khajiit stopped shaking, and though his head did not move from its bowed position, his ears did twitch in her direction, "I don't agree that what you did was right… revenge is never the answer." This received a dull nod from the Khajiit, "But I understand why you did it… in your place… I don't know what I'd have done… but if you've been sent here to help me, as a means of repentance, then help me."
Finally, the Khajiit rose from its bowed posture, "What would you ask of Khajiit?"
"I need to get up to the Monastery, which means I need to get past that beast… will you help me?" Korra asked.
The Khajiit did not respond for some time, before finally nodding, "If this is what the Moon summoned Khajiit here for, then Khajiit will see it done."
Korra nodded, and stood once more, "Come on then, let's go take care of this beast."
They strode back to the path, once back on it, they looked up the long flight of stairs carved into the slope ahead of them. Korra couldn't see the top that clearly, and that alone set her gut churning with unease. She glanced sideways at the Khajiit, "You ready?"
Khajiit gave her a smile, "Khajiit has waited to test himself in battle for many moons." As he spoke, Korra noticed he'd brought some strips of cloth from his camp and was winding them around his hands. When he was done, he began flexing his claws, "Hmm, a little dull, Khajiit has not used them in some time."
"Will that be a problem?" Korra asked, the Khajiit shook his head, "Alright then." With that, they began climbing upwards.
]|[
Asami sat in numb shock, still trying to process what they'd just been told, both Kai and Jinora were sitting with her, doing their best to comfort her, while Wan Shi Tong was in deep discussion with Kynareth and some other Spirits he'd summoned to their location. Finally, the discussion was done, and they turned back to the three waiting humans.
"I give you my word, I will watch over Korra, and ensure she comes to no harm, no matter the rules I need to break," Kynareth stated.
"Thank you," Jinora replied, "Any help you can give her would be greatly appreciated."
Kynareth nodded, before turning to Asami, "I may get the chance to speak to Korra again… is there any message you would like me to give to her?"
Asami finally seemed to snap out of her trance, looking up at Kynareth for the first time in ages, she then brought her hand to the necklace she wore. "Much of what I wish to say, I must say myself… so for now, please tell her I miss her, and I'm waiting for her," she finally replied.
Kynareth nodded, then turned to Wan Shi Tong, "The Tablet will allow you to observe and even speak with Korra whenever she discovers a Word Wall, but it will not allow you to open a portal, nor do I recommend attempting to open one yourselves, as you'll likely only make the situation worse by doing so."
Wan Shi Tong nodded, "We understand… we do not like it, but we understand, just know that I will be speaking before a gathered council of Spirits when we are done here… not all of them will accept what you have said here, as readily as I have."
Kynareth nodded in return, "Understandable… I will take my leave now, I've been gone for long enough, and Akatosh will be growing suspicious."
Wan Shi Tong bowed this time in response, as did Kai and Jinora, Asami remained seated however, as Kynareth turned to the drop off, before a bright light flared from her, by the time it had faded, she had vanished.
Wan Shi Tong turned to his charges, "Come, I will return you to your airship, it is time you returned home."
Kai and Jinora turned to Asami, who simply sat unresponsive, before finally nodding, and climbing once more on Wan Shi Tong's back. As they took back into the skies of the Spirit World, Asami finally allowed the tears she'd been holding back to flow… Korra was gone and wasn't coming home anytime soon.
]|[
Of all the damn creatures that populated Skyrim, the beast blocking their path just had to be a Frost Troll.
Korra and Khajiit had reached the top of the stairs, to find themselves staring at a path that wound between two high walls of rock, creating a steep ravine. A quick look at the ledge to the left, revealed that it went nowhere, and the right was just a wall of rock, so they had no choice but forward. After just five minutes, a foul stench had hit them both, the stench of rot, forcing them to cover their mouths and noses. Then a roar, emanating from above them, causing them both to look up, and see a massive white shape, standing on a lip of rock, overhanging the path. It then jumped into their midst, and Korra took note of the massive seven-foot bulk, covered in white fur, with enormous arms, that bulged with muscle, and ended in huge sickle claws. The head contained a large maw, filled with massive teeth, sharp, but also strong, perfect for tearing flesh, and crushing bone, above them were three eyes, that seemed to contain a red glow, that made the creature seem almost demonic.
The Troll swung its massive arms at them, using a combination of both its own power and momentum to try and slash them with its claws. Both of them dodged aside in time and split into separate directions. Korra abandoned her pack behind her, before drawing her spear, and casting her new spell Oakflesh. As she prepared, Khajiit drew the Troll's attention, striking with a kick to the beast's lower back. The Troll snarled and whirled around, claws slashing through the air. Despite Khajiit's blindness though, he dodged the claws as if he was precognitive.
Of course, his whiskers can sense vibrations in the air, meaning he knows when and how it will strike, to a point… but there's no way he can do any real damage.
Korra's thoughts were given credence as Khajiit attempted to claw at the beast himself, but all he ended up doing was causing light scratches that barely drew blood. Before the Troll could retaliate, Korra unleashed her flames spell, hitting the thing squarely in the back. The Troll roared in pain, whirling towards Korra, and giving Khajiit time to back off.
"Keep it in one spot, I've got an idea!" Korra yelled over the high wind, which had picked up.
Khajiit had no trouble hearing her though, and nodded, before darting back in, and attacking the Troll's legs. Korra marvelled at his skill. Khajiit possessed no weapon, but he didn't need one, his entire body was a weapon. His thick fur hid what Korra could only assume were respectable muscles of his own, and what he lacked in power and strength, compared to the Troll, he made up for in speed and agility. Old though Khajiit was, the Troll simply couldn't keep up with him.
Korra chose her moment to strike, waiting until the Troll was no longer looking in her direction, before darting in, and striking it in the side with her spear.
The Troll howled in pain, and slashed at Korra, who had to disengage, yanking her spear out as she did.
The Troll then did something surprising, rather than chase, it backed off, one hand holding its side where it had been stabbed.
"Do not let it recover!" Khajiit yelled.
"Why not?" Korra responded.
"It is trying to heal!"
Korra turned back to look at the Troll, and sure enough, she could already see the wound on its side beginning to close, damn it.
"Get its attention, I need a clear shot of its head!" Korra yelled.
Khajiit nodded, and darted forward once more, trying to get the Troll to engage him. To Korra's surprise however, apart from a casual swipe, to keep Khajiit away, it ignored him, and instead, began to charge Korra.
Gritting her teeth, Korra stuck out her hand, unleashing another gout of flames at it. It responded by raising one arm, taking the brunt of the flames on it, while raising the other to strike.
The strike never landed however, as Khajiit leapt onto its back, claws digging into the beast's neck. The Troll came to a stumbling stop, as Korra hurriedly moved out the way, once it had killed its momentum, the Troll began trying to dislodge Khajiit, its claws desperately trying to reach him, some even catching and raking along Khajiit's back.
Oh no you don't!
Korra brought her flames to her spear's tip, willing the magic to wrap itself around the weapon. Once it had, she charged forward, a yell on her lips. Both Khajiit and the Troll looked towards her at the noise, and just as she thrust her spear forwards, Khajiit leapt off the Troll's back, while the Troll attempted to stop her attack. It was too late however, and Korra's spear found its mark, in the beast's maw, piercing through its head, and out the back of its skull.
For a moment, the Troll simply stood in rigor mortis, before its arms fell to its sides, and its legs collapsed. Korra withdrew her spear at the last second as the beast fell, extinguishing the flames on the tip, by thrusting the point into the snow.
She then turned to Khajiit, who had also collapsed, his own blood also staining the snow. She raced to him, "Turn over, let me see," she ordered. Khajiit turned onto his stomach, revealing his back to her. Several large cuts had been opened on Khajiit's shoulders, running diagonally from his lower back, up to his shoulders. Korra swore, grabbing snow by the handful, and placing it over the wounds, Khajiit hissed in response.
"Sorry, but we need to clean these, and this is the only water we can spare right now," she told him, to which he only nodded.
Once his wounds were covered, she ran to her pack, and withdrew her supplies of bandages, before running back. By now the snow had begun to melt, and Korra used it to begin cleaning the wounds out, to ensure they wouldn't become infected. Once that was done, she began bandaging, making sure to tie them as tightly as she could. Khajiit simply lay face first in the snow as she worked, supporting his upper body on his arms to keep himself raised.
Finally, she was done, "There… that should hold, but we need to get you some proper medical attention." Korra's mind raced, there was no way they could go back down the mountain, the sun was already nearing the horizon, and she wanted to get Khajiit to safety as soon as possible.
"The Monastery," Khajiit croaked from below her.
"What?"
Khajiit pointed up the path ahead, "The Monastery, is not far now, should make it, before sundown."
Korra's gaze rose to the path ahead, the Monastery, of course, the Greybeards will know basic medicine, and surely, they wouldn't turn away someone in need.
She packed up her things, hoisting her pack on her shoulder and retrieving her spear, before getting Khajiit to his feet, "Can you walk?"
"If Khajiit must," he responded.
"Good, one foot in front of the other, just follow my lead," Korra ordered, before setting off up the path, half supporting, half carrying Khajiit with her.
]|[
Arngeir sat in meditation in the great hall of High Hrothgar, when a sudden banging came from the Monastery door. Few came up to High Hrothgar, fewer still sought entry to the Monastery itself. Curious, he rose from his meditation, and approached the door, as more banging came from it. Whoever was here, had a sense of urgency, Arngeir quickened his pace, and noted that his fellow Greybeards had begun trickling into the hall to see what the fuss was about.
Arngeir arrived and opened the door, to find a young Imperial girl, wearing light steel armour, over mages robes, a spear strapped to her back, and carrying an injured Khajiit. "Please you have to help us, he's been injured!" the girl cried.
Arngeir was slightly taken aback, but responded diplomatically, "I'm sorry my dear, but this Monastery is only for those seeking enlightenment on the Way of the Voice."
A look of fury crossed the girl's features, her blue eyes seeming to light with an inner fire, "What, come on, he's injured, at least help him, he doesn't have to stay!"
Arngeir shook his head, "I'm sorry my dear, but this is a place of sacred worship to the Goddess Kynareth and…"
The girl cut him off, "Look, you old farts summoned me, and I'm telling you, HELP HIM!"
Arngeir's eyes widened at her words, and behind him, he could sense the other Greybeards shock, "You, are Dragonborn?"
The girl gave an exasperated sigh, "Yes, now will you please help him!"
Arngeir glanced at the Khajiit in her arms, then turned to his fellow Greybeards. They all nodded. He turned back to her, "Very well, bring him inside, quickly."
The girl nodded in relief, as Arngeir stepped aside for her to enter, and closed the door to the Monastery behind her.
And that's a wrap for tonight folks, hope you all enjoyed, please remember to leave a review, as always constructive criticism is welcome, and I shall see you all in the next one.
; )