AN: Damn, its been YEARS! Hope y'all didn't give up on me yet ;)
2020 has been, a rough year to say the least.
It started with my wife having a stroke in February and it didnt stop there.
All I will say now is, that its been a long road to recovery, and while she's not back at a full 100%, she's getting there.
For now, enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think and I hope it was worth the wait.
As much as I enjoy writing smut, I decided that this chapter would be different.
Consider this my Christmas gift to you all, my readers, who have been with me since day 1 and are still here.
Hours had passed since both women had retreated to Korra's quarters. They awoke to the voice of a servant, who had called out for them at their locked door. Dinner would be served and both women rose up with a loud groan. Still recovering from their intense love making several hours prior.
It took them much longer than usual to get dressed. Mainly because Asami was constantly distracted by Korra's naked form. The two ended up making out more than once or twice. Clothes that they put on didn't stay on and ended back on the floor.
Finally, almost an hour later, they arrived at the dining halls. Tonraq was sitting at the head of the table with Senna on his right. Axis sat right next to Senna with Yasuko by her side. The Master wiggled her eyebrows when she saw that both Korra and Asami walked in a funny manner.
Heat rushed to Korra's cheeks, much like Asami's when they noticed Axis looking into their direction. "They… couldn't have heard us… please, tell me they didn't hear us while we…" Asami whispered, her words only intended for her wife. Korra wasn't sure and didn't dare to look anyone in the eye as they walked towards the table. Surely they hadn't been that loud, had they..?
"Truthfully… I'm not sure… people walk through the halls all the time but..-" She swallowed hard and stopped mid sentence. Sometimes it was better to remain silent.
"Spirits…" Asami's cheeks heated up too and her eyes locked with Axis' who's grin told her more than enough. The Heiress tried to avoid any eye contact till she reached the table. Korra being the gentlewoman she is, pulled back a seat and let Asami sit down first before she settled next to her father on the left. "Good evening…" Asami's voice was hardly above a whisper and she searched for Korra's hand under the table. Interlacing their fingers when they found each other.
The grin on Tonraq's face matched Axis' and he wiggled his eyebrows at the Master, clearing his throat before he started speaking. "So… Korra… Asami…" He began and Korra feared the worst. "I take it you two worked up quite an… appetite?"
Korra rolled her eyes while Axis' and Tonraq's laughter filled the dining hall. Asami wished she would be swallowed whole and covered her face with her free hand. A failed attempt to hide from her mother's eyes when their eyes locked. Yasuko just smiled warmly at her daughter and Asami swore she saw her wink.
Senna's voice eventually broke through the laughter. "I'm sorry dear, my husband isn't always this…" She paused while the laughter still continued, but lessened in volume. "Nevermind, he's always like this. So I hope you know what you're getting into when it comes family wise dear."
Tonraq just smiled and looked at his wife, love and devotion in his eyes. "That's why you married me, sweetheart." He said with a deep voice and gesture the servants to get dinner started. They all disappeared through a door only to have them reappear moments later. Each holding a tray that was placed neatly onto the table. "We will celebrate the return of Korra and Axis. And honor our guests with a meal worthy of their presence."
Both Yasuko and Asami looked amazed at such an enormous banquet. "This… this is too much, surely…?" Yasuko said almost in shock.
Senna smiled. "You should see these three eat…" She said and clearly meant her husband, daughter and Axis. "But fear not, nothing goes to waste. Whatever will be left, will be shared with our people. They can take as much as they want back to their families."
Yasuko smiled at the Chief's wife and nodded. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend."
"No need to apologize. Now eat. Drink. Be happy." And that's exactly what they all did. Each held their cup and raised their hand in the air. Toasting.
Senna surely had not exaggerated the truth about the appetite of her husband, daughter and her friend. Their favorite dish seemed to be the arctic hen. Fortunately for them, the cook had prepared tonight's dinner with their appetite in mind. The hours passing by much faster than anyone wanted.
After dinner, there was music and everybody present started to dance. Tonraq enjoyed a dance with his daughter in law. Telling the young woman about Korra's youth and in what trouble she and Axis used to get into. Korra looked into their direction each time she heard Asami's infectious laughter, worried at what story her father had told her this time.
While Asami danced with Tonraq, Korra danced with the older Sato. Who in exchange told her stories about Asami and how she loved to sneak out at night. Asami had given many of her guards a run for their money as they searched for her inside the house. Little did they know, Asami loved to watch the stars and Yasuko found her on the roof more than once.
Many hours of dancing and storytelling later, it was time for bed. Each couple retreated back to their quarters and Korra in particular had more trouble than usual to walk. Having had a drink or three to many, she wasn't as stable on her feet as she'd like to think. Holding onto her wife, who made sure she wouldn't fall flat on her face, both giggled as they walked through the halls. Passing door after door until they reached the one that would lead into theirs.
Korra smiled happily at her wife who, in return, felt the greatest urge to kiss the Avatar. She grinned sheepishly, leaning heavily against the door. Without thinking, pale hands moved over Korra's hips and over her back, feeling the firm muscles underneath the fabric of her clothing. Pressing her body against Korra's, ruby lips found her tan neck and kissed the soft skin. Asami felt her wife shudder from the gentle gesture and strong arms wrapped around her frame.
They stood there for an eternity, or so it felt like. Asami eventually pulled back enough to lock eyes with her wife. One hand now resting on Korra's jaw, fingers brushing over soft skin. "I love you…" She whispered, her voice betraying how she felt. Nervous, excited, happy, sadness. All in one body, she felt like she was going to burst. "I love you so much, Korra." Tears blurred her vision when she wrapped her arms around Korra's neck, holding her close.
Korra returned the embrace, her head resting on Asami's shoulder. "I love you too, Asami… more than anything…" She pecked her wife's neck tenderly while they just stood there. "Let's go inside, it's been a long day." She whispered and felt Asami nod in agreement.
"Mhn… it has, indeed." She said and opened the door, Korra, still leaning against said door lost her footing and nearly fell on her behind. Both women laughed and headed towards the bed once the door was closed.
Each woman helped the other get ready, knowing Korra, she'd probably get her head stuck in her shirt the state she was in. Her wife let out a girlish little giggle when Asami accidentally scratched her nails over Korra's exposed ribs. Something that was completely out of character for her, but Asami loved nonetheless.
Once dressed in the appropriate clothes, the two settled in bed. Asami cuddled close to her wife who held her protectively in her strong arms. She listened to how Korra's breathing slowed down as she fell asleep.
Asami let her head rest on Korra's chest and let the heartbeat be her lullaby to a dreamless sleep.
The next days were filled exploring and not just the palace either. Although the palace was one of her favorite places to be, Asami enjoyed walking around the city too. Meeting Korra's people and now her people too, since she was married to the Avatar, Asami was treated with the same respect as the master of all four elements. On the very first full day in the South, both Asami and her mother had received appropriate clothing, which made exploring a lot more comfortable.
Even though Asami loved books and treasured the grand library located inside the palace, especially the fireplaces that seemed to be lit constantly. She felt herself drawn to the smithy she had seen on the day of her arrival.
In the days that followed, she would often sneak out at sunrise while the Avatar was still enjoying much needed sleep. After all, according to Korra, "mornings are evil..!" and should be skipped as many times as possible.
Asami loved mornings, having the entire day ahead of you and to be able to get so much done. The weather however, was a completely different part of her morning. Back in her home city, the days started off cool but as the sun would rise higher and higher, the temperature would increase.
Down here in the South, mornings started off extremely cold and during the day, the cold lessened only slightly as the day progressed.
The only other thing that was hard to deal with was the language barrier. The people who worked at the smithy were welcoming to Asami but didn't understand what she was trying to tell them.
During one of her early mornings, she spotted Axis on her way out. She was meditating in the garden, legs crossed, eyes closed and hands resting on her lap. Asami stepped closer, a gentle smile on her lips while a plan unfolded in her head. Before she could get close enough however, two spirits appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path.
It was two wolf spirits that looked identical, except for their color. One was a dark purple while the other almost radiated a light blue. The purple one narrowed its eyes at Asami, looking suspicious. The blue one took a few steps closer, sniffing the air, its ears forward. She knew she should be terrified, scared out of her mind but she wasn't. She found herself kneeling down on the cold ground.
Spirits… she swallowed hard when she saw the blue one come closer. Its nose still sniffing the air and Asami offered her hand to the big spirit who then eagerly pressed its nose against the pale palm. It was... a strange feeling, her hand started tingling in a pleasant way and Asami let out a sigh in relief. Which was short lived when the purple wolf now took its first few steps forward. She knew it was a risk and that, whatever she was going to do, could have ended badly. Still, she stretched her free hand out to the purple wolf, offering the palm of her hand like she had done before.
Purple tilted its head slightly at the gesture, as if not sure what to do. For a second, Asami held her breath and closed her eyes. She flinched at first when her open hand came into contact with something soft. When she looked up, she couldn't believe them at first. Purple had put its head on her open hand and there were light blue sparkles showing where the spirit and her skin came in contact. Purple had its ears backwards in a more submissive position and Asami couldn't help but pet the creature. Who let out a soft whining sound at Asami's gentle gesture, she smiled genuinely in return.
Blue wanted to get in on some petting too since it gently nuzzled against Asami's other hand. The woman laughed when she found herself petting two big spirits who were fighting for her attention.
"Seems they like you." A voice said and Asami flinched, letting out a sigh of relief when she saw Axis standing there. Smug grin and all. Her crossed arms unfolded when she reached a hand towards the pale beauty. "Didn't expect to see you out here." She said and pulled the woman back on her feet, much to the disapproval of Blue and Purple. Axis rolled her eyes at them. "Don't mind them, they look scary but they're just two big babies." She joked and patted both spirits on their heads.
"Apparently so." Asami said and chuckled. Her hand gently patting the back of the purple spirit. "I'm surprised to see you here, Axis. I didn't think you were a morning person, much like Miss Avatar." Both laughed.
"I do sleep in sometimes but not every day, unlike Miss 'mornings are evil' that you married." They laughed again. "I do wonder what you're doing up though, I mean, no offense but you're not good with the cold and yet here you are. Outside, at the break of dawn. During the coldest part of the day."
"I like to sneak outside and head into the city. Especially the smithy, I always wanted to become one but… well… being the only daughter of a wealthy family comes with some expectations." Asami said, sorrow in her own voice as she hugged herself. Purple gently nudged its head against Asami's hip.
"Well… you're a married woman now, and married for love if I may say so." Axis said, trying to cheer up her friend. A small smile spread on Asami's ruby lips.
"All right… you're right." She said and punched Axis' arm. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. So, what about those smiths, as far as I know there's nothing special about them. Just weapons and armor."
"Well, no offense of course… but… the armor and weapons, they could be better. Much better." She said hesitantly.
"Oh… I see." Axis rubbed her chin in thought. "Well, yeah if you compare the quality to the city guards where you're from." She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head slightly. "So you're trying to make something?" She asked but Asami shook her head.
"I lack the strength to do it, but when I tried to explain it to the blacksmith, they didn't understand me." She admitted and rubbed the back of her neck. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't just intrude on..-" She was stopped mid sentence by Axis.
"Nothing wrong with improving something, no? So why not ask Korra for help?" She asked and started walking to the palace gates, offering Asami her arm.
"I wanted to surprise her." Asami explained and hooked her arm through Axis' offered one. "Thanks, I'm still not used to all this snow." She laughed as they made their way deeper into the city. "So, I'm wondering if you could help me? I'll explain it to you, then you show and explain it to the smith?"
Axis nodded. "Sure, I can do that."
After a short walk, they arrived at the smith that Asami had been visiting the last few days. The men and women working there genuinely happy to see her again, bowing their heads politely to the wife of the Avatar. She looked over her shoulder to see where Blue and Purple were, but both spirits were now gone. She had no time to dwell over them for now, focusing on the task at hand.
This time, communication went a lot smoother with Axis present. The Master did as she had promised, explaining to the workers what Asami had been trying to tell them. They all had reacted in excitement and were all ears when Asami started speaking, Axis translating with the same excitement.
The master smith took Asami's hands in his own, bringing his head down to their hands in thanks and explaining in his native tongue why he was so thrilled to have her here.
"He's saying that most people who live here came from the North and not many had any training whatsoever." Axis explained while the man kept talking.
Some hours later, both Axis and Asami headed back to the palace, the workers at the smith waving them goodbye. Asami took it upon herself to learn at least the basics of their language.
The Master and Asami came back every morning for the next three days. Working alongside the very people that lived there for most their lives. While the natives learned from Asami, she learned their language from them.
It took them about four visits in total before the first sword was finished. Four mornings where Asami and Axis met in the palace garden. Purple and Blue would always appear when the heiress came close to Axis and the two spirits always vanished upon entering the city.
It also happened when she spent the afternoons with Korra. Inside or outside the palace. The first time that happened had caught Korra off guard, however, she learned to deal with it the days after. She had kissed Asami while the two of them were in the garden once. Right before the kiss was broken and she opened her eyes, Korra saw the two spirits sitting behind Asami.
Korra watched Asami gently stroke the two massive heads of either wolf. Unsure which was more shocking, Asami actually doing just that or the Spirits allowing it. In all the years she had known Axis and her Spirit Wolves, Axis had been one of the handful of people who could touch either of them. Korra and her family being the exception to that rule.
Both Asami and Axis had worked closely with the blacksmiths who now presented their newly forged weapon. The sword itself was two inches wide and thirty inches long. Thanks to the way it had been made, it could easily be held with one hand instead of two. The leatherbound handle felt comfortable in Axis' hand when she was chosen to test it for the first time.
It was a success, passing each test and even managed to shatter the sword of a guard that Axis sparred with, to test out the weapon's endurance. Once the test was over, the weapon was put in its scabbard and given to Asami. She accepted the weapon, feeling pride and gratitude swell in her heart. These people, even though Asami was a stranger, had been welcoming from the start and willing to listen to what she had to say. Something that had never happened before, when she lived with her parents.
Every time she had tried to talk to her father about any sort of business, he had always waved her suggestions away.
These people, no...her people, weren't just willing to listen but also follow up on her suggestions and ideas.
Some tears slid down her pale cheeks while they walked back to the palace, the weapon still clutched to her chest. "Are you all right..?" Axis asked, her voice full of worry.
Asami let out a choked chuckle. "Yes… I'm all right. More than all right, really." She assured the voodoo master and hooked her arm with Axis'. "I just never, no one ever really listened to me like they have, you know." She explained, the snow cracked under their footwear.
"Ahhh.. yeah, we might be called savages by pretty much every nation, including the northern tribe. But we're the most open minded nation you'll ever find. Except perhaps the air nation, they're open minded as well."
Asami nodded at Axis' words. "Yes, I never heard much talk about the Southern tribe, but when I did, it wasn't anything positive." She let out a deep sigh, the cracking snow under her boots being the only sound for a few moments.
"So, you wanna go show Tonraq your new shiny toy?" Axis asked, breaking Asami out of her train of thought. They had stopped in front of the palace entrance.
"Mhn..? What? Oh! Yes! Or…" She looked nervous. "You think.. I mean… maybe I shouldn't." Asami pondered out loud.
"You and the smiths worked hard for that sword. The least you can do is show Tonraq what you did. He's gonna love it. Something new and shiny he can use instead of his old weapon that is close to breaking." She chuckled and gently pulled Asami along, entering the palace.
"Mhn… they did all the work. I just told them what I know."
"Talking is exhausting too, especially listening." Axis snickered and Asami playfully rolled her eyes.
The two headed to the main hall where they found Yasuko and Senna settled on a big couch close to the fire. They looked surprised to see both Asami and Axis.
"Hey, where is the Chief?" Axis asked, her attention towards Senna who just chuckled.
"Out with Korra in the garden. Training, or at least that's what they said they were doing." This time Axis rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a smirk.
"I guess throwing snowballs at each other can count as training." She said and all four women laughed. "Thanks, see you in a bit." She said and turned to Yasuko, winking at the older Sato.
"Seems my mother is enjoying the South more than I had thought she would." Asami said and paused for a moment, looking sideways up at Axis. "I wonder how come…?" Axis just smirked and the two continued to walk till they reached the garden doors which the guards opened for them.
When they stepped outside, Asami managed to duck just in time to avoid being hit by a massive snowball. Axis on the other hand wasn't as lucky, the sheer force enough to throw her a few feet backwards. Asami gasped and moved closer to the Master. "Spirits, Axis! Are you alright?" She asked full of worry. "Are you hurt?"
Axis shook her head to get rid of the snow. "Blegh… yeah, I'm fine." She said, spitting out some snow. "Only thing hurting is my pride." She said with a grin on her face and getting back on her feet after she dusted off all of the white powder. "I'll get those two later." She promised.
Tonraq's voice boomed through the garden followed by Korra's laughter. "Axis! So good of you to join us!" He laughed, forming another massive snowball with his bending.
"Hold up! I'm not alone!" Axis yelled back, both her hands in the air as she came walking down the icy stairs.
Tonraq stopped and put his hands on his hips, surprised to see the Heiress. "Hello Asami, good to see you." He said with a warm smile. "Sorry for almost hitting you." He laughed sheepishly.
Asami shook her head and returned his smile. "No worries." Her smile only grew when she saw Korra running towards her. "Korra!" She yelped when the Avatar hugged her. "Oof.. honey, careful." She laughed, her cheeks reddened when Korra kissed her.
"Sorry, heh. I missed you today." Korra said, reluctantly letting go of her wife. Her eyes fell on the sword that Asami carried. "What's this?" She asked curiously.
Asami looked down at the scabbard, she nearly forgot it was there. "I, well…" She cleared her throat, a faint pink of embarrassment showed on her cheeks this time. Her eyes fell on Tonraq who had by now joined them. "I went into the city to visit the smithy I'd seen when we arrived." She continued and both Tonraq and Korra listened intently while Asami explained what she had done the last few days. In the end, she held out the weapon towards Tonraq who took it with a small but polite bow.
He took the sword out of it's scabbard and let out a barely hearable gasp when his eyes fell on the weapon. "By the Spirits…" He said, shock and admiration clear on his face as he touched the blade with his free hand. The metal was smooth and perfectly crafted. "It's beautiful." He said, his voice full of awe. Once he was able to tear his eyes away from the beautiful weapon, he looked at Korra and Axis. "I want to test it, can I test it? Let's test it!"
All three women let out a soft chuckle when they saw Tonraq step a few feet away. "Bend some ice at me." He said with more excitement than anyone had seen, both waterbenders took their stance.
"Think fast!" Axis yelled and bent a piece of ice first, followed closely by several more sent by Korra. Tonraq used the sword to either deflect or completely shatter the chunks.
"More! Faster!" He growled, the warrior in him taking the upperhand. Both Korra and Axis couldn't do anything but oblige. They made it rain, sending more and more chunks of ice towards the chief who took each and every one of them without hesitation or doubt. The weapon now an extension of himself. The session only ended when Tonraq used the blunt part of his sword to land both girls on their asses.
Tonraq was panting, his pupils blown from the adrenaline rush. He raised the sword in the air with a loud roar, needing a moment to calm his racing heart. "This is incredible!" He said excitedly and turned to Asami who stood there, a mixture of shock and admiration on her face. "I haven't felt like this in years! Always depending on my bending to get me out of every situation." He said, his voice somewhat calmer.
"I'm glad you like the sword, Tonraq." Asami said, a faint blush on her cheeks from the positive feedback.
"Liking it doesn't even come close to what I'm feeling, Asami." He said and put the sword back in its scabbard, reaching down a hand to both Korra and Axis. Pulling them back on their feet at the same time in one smooth motion. "I want to thank you, for what you've done." He said and when Asami was about to protest, he raised his hand. "You deserve the praise, you made this possible with the knowledge you possess." He smiled proudly down at the young woman.
"I… I didn't make it… I just…" She stuttered but Tonraq's hand on her shoulder stopped her mid sentence.
"It was you who gave them the knowledge, Asami. Without that, this." And he raised the weapon up slightly before he continued. "Wouldn't be possible." He watched Asami who had no idea what to do with all the praise she was given. "I came to a decision." He started, taking a deep breath and released it as he spoke. "I'm making you the official overseer for my army, that they all get the better weapons and armor that the smiths will create, with your help."
AN: Anyone who is interested is more then welcome to join me on my discord channel /zSaPbHUk