It was an unusual slow day for the inhabitants of Blackstone Isle. The weather gods seemed to have granted them a respite from the difficult conditions that were the norm at this time of the year. The weather boon had meant that the workers had been able to finish their maintenance tasks quicker and sooner. Another thing that seemed to contribute to the improved efficiency of the crew in their daily duties was the addition of an earthbender among their ranks. Many details that normally would require the old fashioned elbow grease were now completed quicker and today they found themselves with the atypical scenario of having a bit of spare time for themselves to enjoy. Once she was informed of the situation, Kuvira decided the additional time could be used for some needed meditating. The last days she had felt a certain restlessness had lodged inside her and the reason remained elusive so far.
She had recently discovered another of Varrick's luxuries inside the building where her quarters were located. It was a small indoor garden with a fountain in its center. Its tall glass ceiling allowed sunlight to filter inside. Its austere esthetic of sand, small rocks and green grass evoked a profound sense of nostalgia on the Earth Kingdom native. It felt like a small piece of home amidst the immensity of the vast sea, the snow and the tundra that surrounded her now. She chose a quiet corner where she now sat in the cross-legged position practicing the breathing exercises Korra had taught her, focusing her energy until she could sense her own spirit. As she began concentrating, a stray thought brought a subtle smile to her lips as her mind took her back to the last time they had meditated together.
"You've been making a lot of progress lately. I'm proud to see that you've been applying yourself in my absence" Korra said, sitting down and joining the former commander in the spiritual exercise.
"Thank you. I have to admit that it's easier to meditate here. I think the contact with nature and the open expanse have something to do with it."
"That and the fact that the prison stirred negative emotions within with the difficult things you've experienced there and the resentment and anger others had for you. This place is a clean slate for you and your spirit can sense it."
"I see…have you been there lately?" Kuvira asked.
"Where?"
"To the Spirit World through the Republic City portal."
"I have. Unfortunately, there's always foolish people who think the Spirit World is like a walk in the park and have snuck in. It has been a real headache for Tenzin and me and we've even had to make a rescue or two, but some people haven't made it back and probably never won't." Korra's features sobered momentarily.
"That's terrible!"
"It is. Why were you asking?" the Avatar asked genuinely intrigued. Kuvira seldom asked specifics about the portals or the Spirit World.
"I think it has to do with the meditations but since I've been practicing, I've been remembering more and more of the time I spent there. It wasn't much but it felt like nothing else I've known since then, and I must admit staring face to face to the spirits gave me a big scare. I thought I wasn't going to make it out of there."
Korra smiled. "I'm glad you've mentioned it. I'll let you in on a little secret. When I noticed that the spirits were more curious than threatened by you, I took it as a sign of sorts."
"Of what?"
"That you weren't in essence evil so there was still a chance for you to come around. That's why I decided to approach you in the hopes that I could help you. And I'm glad I did even if many doubted it was a good idea."
It was Kuvira's turn to smile. "I was one of those who doubted but I am grateful you did. I wouldn't have been able to achieve any of this without you."
"I wouldn't have been able to do anything if you didn't want it. I was there for you like so many have been for me before. Hopefully, one day you will be able to return and see more of it, of the Spirit World. You're partially responsible for that portal after all."
This moment had allowed her to allow a cautious hope back in, to think the future still held possibilities instead of a dead end. The warm glow that hope ignited inside her helped dispel some of the restlessness away. The clarity of mind brought by soothing of the spirit was allowing her to understand the origin of the uneasiness that had slipped in recently. Another memory arrived bringing the answer. It was a conversation she knew she needed to have with the Avatar even if she had the certainty that it would wound her own heart.
They were at the top of the old lighthouse overlooking the harbor. The lighthouse was no longer operational but the structure still allowed for some breathtaking views of the sea, not to mention the added bonus of privacy. Korra's time at the "snowy island" was almost up as the ship that was supposed to return her to her homeland was expected to arrive with the sunrise. The thought hung heavy in the air as the couple observed the ebb and flow of the waves in silence. Kuvira was leaning against a wooden guard rail, the sea breeze caressing her face and pushing her hair back. Korra was behind her, her strong arms circling the dark haired woman's waist.
"I'm glad we can have these moments," the Avatar commented as she placed a quick peck over her cheek.
Kuvira seemed lost in thought. "Korra…I need you to promise me something."
"So serious all of a sudden" the Avatar commented sensing the more subdued tone of her voice. "What do you want me to promise?"
Kuvira turned around making a short pause to delight in Korra's kind expression, the calm in the innocent eyes that seemed to soothe her anguish and doubt.
The metalbender inhaled deeply. "I want you to remember that even if I'm currently bound to this island, you are not. I won't stand on the way to your happiness if it's out there and you should be free to pursue it. The only thing I ask of you is to be honest about it when the moment comes. If our arrangement causes inconveniences for you, promise me you'll tell me."
Korra stood in silence for a moment. She replied by bringing her former enemy close to her in an embrace.
"Kuvira, you're such a mood killer. I'm perfectly happy with our arrangement…"
"Korra, I'm serious. Just promise me, okay?"
Korra sighed loudly, slightly exasperated. "Fine, I promise. Happy?" The former captain nodded and brushed her lips against Korra's forehead.
"I think we should head back," she added as the wind picked up in speed. "It's getting chilly here."
"I know!" the Avatar replied shivering at a sudden gust hitting straight to her face. "But I think I have the solution for that," she added in an impish tone and a wink while staring at her companion.
That night they fought the cold and the impending farewell seeking solace in each other's arms. Their lovemaking reflected the anxiety of the separation that awaited them once again, tenderness and burning desire manifested in two people who wished morning never arrived. Fatigue finally overcame unbridled need and as an exhausted Korra lay profoundly asleep nuzzled against her lover's warm body, Kuvira sought to fight in vain the silent tears that escaped her eyes. In the heat of passion she'd faced a truth that both astounded and terrified her. She'd fallen in love with Korra. And she dreaded the inevitable day she would have to set her free.
Kuvira let out a long exhale as she lifted her arms over her head and extended her legs. Today's session had been quite productive she concluded, sensing that her anxiety had relented somewhat. She was and still was quite aware her request to Korra had taken her aback but it was something it needed to be voiced even if it was unpleasant and painful. She didn't want to harbor unrealistic illusions of what their "awkwardness" would lead to even with the admission of her feelings. No matter what would happen in the future, nobody could take away what she had been able to live these days even if they held a future promise of heartbreak.
Moments later, the former captain was heading towards the station when she saw Sammi, the station's radio operator with Jin, the captain of the island's garrison approaching her.
"There you are. We've just received a broadcast…we're getting visitors."
"But we were resupplied two weeks ago and we didn't have any stops scheduled after that. Do you know who's coming?"
"Nope, just that the Chief himself will be coming so probably someone important or maybe even Varrick with a new secret project."
Their conversation was cut short by the sudden arrival of a brown haired blue clad figure.
"Korra?"
The Avatar made a pass on her glider and landed beside them. She seemed to be already aware of the topic of their conversation.
"Have they told you?" the short haired woman asked.
"About the visitors? Just about now. Do you know what's going on?"
"I do." She addressed the radio operator. "Could you excuse us for a moment? Avatar business."
"Of course!" exclaimed both men saluting and almost comically turning around and running straight to the station to spread the news of the upcoming impromptu visits. Once they were gone, Korra led Kuvira to the opposite side, walking with a brisk pace towards Kuvira's quarters. They'd just barely made it past the door to her room when all of a sudden, the short haired woman simply approached the metalbender and gave her a breathtaking kiss that swept her off her feet. When they separated, the former captain was staring at her dumbfounded, mouth agape and wide eyed.
"Two things," Korra said pointing a finger straight at Kuvira's face. "One: I hope this gets through that thick skull of yours. I am very happy and I'm fine with what we have. You may not believe it but this is not just some rebound relationship or anything like that. This is important to me and you are important to me. I really want to make this work. Please don't try to push me away because it really hurts. I know this situation is frustrating but if you think I'll give up so easily just because it's hard, you don't know me well."
The former Great Uniter was still at her wits end, her brain still processing what Korra just said. The happiness she felt in that precise moment couldn't be described with words. Just when she had steeled herself to the inevitable possibility of losing her, Korra claimed her back. Her eyes began to moisten.
"I'm such an idiot."
"Yes you are. You're still doing things impulsively" the Avatar regarded her tenderly now. "I understand your reasons so that's why I want to come clean before you get more funny ideas. I won't give up but only if you wish to continue this."
"I do…I'm so sorry Korra" Kuvira replied embracing Korra tightly, a sense of relief washing over her.
"Now that we've cleared this out, the second thing is what brings me here. I wanted to let you know beforehand that the visitors are for you. Well, the visitor."
"You mean Chief Tonraq?" the metalbender asked. She couldn't imagine the reasons Tonraq would have to see her out of the blue. Korra's response elicited an ever more flabbergasted reaction out of Kuvira, as the scenario she dreaded was about to play out much sooner than expected.
"Not my dad. Suyin is coming and she wants to see you."
