The horse drawn carriage rolled at a steady pace down the road. Six horsemen in dark grey uniforms rode in a formation around the vehicle to maintain defense. Mako and Bolin rode closely behind them. The road to the capital usually takes a day and a half on horse. They had only been traveling for a few hours before Bolin started to complain.
"Man, my legs are numb already," the burly young man announced trying to shift himself more comfortably in the saddle. "Do you think we can stop to rest any time soon?"
"No, stop your bellyaching. We aren't stopping until we reach the city," Mako scolded his younger sibling. "You could have stayed back there if you wanted."
"Well I was planning to but I met this incredible girl! And I'm pretty sure she wants to meet up at the Capital soon."
"You're not talking about the foreigner… are you? You shouldn't get involved with her…"
Bolin gasped at his brother's words. "But Mako! She's actually pretty incredible. I bet you'd like her too if you made an effort to talk to her. She's fun and really well mannered for a tribe girl. Not to mention she's quite easy on the eyes." The younger brother drifted off in a dreamy state for a second. "There's something special about that woman… I mean have you met anyone that could stump the formidable Lady Asami?"
Mako was stunned at that question. He tried to recall any other situation where Asami's emotions were on full display like they had been night before but failed. Asami never displayed any emotion to anyone, let alone rage. She was always cool and collected, unreadable. "I don't think I have…" he voiced out his thoughts.
"See?" Bolin smirked with a raised eyebrow. "Seriously though… are we gonna stop for lunch at least?" Mako rolled his eyes and ignored his brother's question. He looked onward toward his lady's chariot. Even though Asami was a high noblewoman, he was always impressed by her multitude of talents. She served her father well, aiding his industries at the forge and in the high courts. With a life dedicated to invention and evolving politics Asami had always maintained a mask of nobility and restraint until now. Mako was strangely curious to see how his lady would react to the wandering foreigner should she ever dare appear again.
Asami stared out of the side-carriage window watching the thicket of forest scroll by. Her eyes were unfocused and sunken with dark circles. She fingered her bottom lip over and over again in reflection. Her mind had kept her up all night, replaying the memory of the wild woman's mouth. Her taste, her smell and the way that her tongue invaded her mouth with such determination. The feeling was left unshaken. Her stomach twisted with anxiety… with desire.
Her thighs couldn't stop rubbing together. When her mind fell deeper into the memory of Korra's grin her core expanded with need. How could this happen? How could such a savage, dirty mongrel ignite such a deep longing? Never in her life had anyone affected her in such a way so intensely. Her logical mind kept short-circuiting when trying to piece the reasoning together.
"Lady Asami?"
The noblewoman snapped her gaze to the young woman who sat opposing to her.
"Are you feeling alright? You haven't said anything since we left." She said with concern written in her brown, soft eyes. Asami realized she was still petting her bottom lip and sharply drew her hand away from the touch. Ladies are not supposed to touch themselves openly.
"Forgive me, Jinora… I did not sleep well."
"You did not touch your breakfast this morning either." Jinora observed her carefully. "And your cheeks are flushed with pink… Are you feeling sick?"
Yes. Asami felt sick with something… but not with a physical ailment. Jinora was always perceptive when it comes to the wellness of everyone around her. She was exceptionally mature at her age of sixteen. She had been Asami's lady in waiting for just over a year now.
"Jinora… may I ask you a personal question?"
"Of course, my lady," she nodded.
"Have you ever…" Asami paused to choose her words carefully. "...lusted after someone you shouldn't?"
Jinora was surprised at the inquiry. She bashfully drew her gaze down to her lap.
"Yes, my lady…" She admitted with a blush. "One of my father's stable boys…"
"How do you deal with it?" Asami implored harshly. "I mean… knowing that you can't possibly lie with your stable boy?"
Jinora smiled and paused with thought before answering. "Very unsuccessfully, I'm afraid… what I do in my chambers is my business alone."
"Jinora!" Asami gasped at her confession. "Why that is simply… lecherous!" Her lady in waiting giggled in her palm and averted her eyes away.
"If I didn't… I'd be doomed to fall prey to temptation," She shrugged. "My father would certainly throw a fit."
"Better your father than mine," she grumbled with venom lining her throat. After a moment of silence, the young girl spoke again.
"Does Mako know you like him?" Jinora smirked.
"You are more obtuse than I thought if you could suspect that he was the object of my desires." Asami jetted as her gaze wandered back to the window with a smile.
"Suppose not, but it was the best guess I could muster. At least tell me what he's like… I do love forbidden romances."
Asami sighed with aloofness. She barely just met Korra and knew very little about her. She didn't even want the pleasure of knowing her. All Asami wanted to know is how someone like her came to possess that beautiful weapon. But to answer Jinora's question her mind could only come up with two traits positively perceived.
"Aromatic and beastly."
Korra tore a bite into a crusty roll of bread. They had taken a short break by a large stream for food and water. Unwrapped from her harness, Naga was free to wade in the cool currents and currently bounced playfully at an elusive trout. They chose to travel within the protection of the shadows rather than roads. It was the hunter's preference in order to avoid other travelers. She sighed in bliss as her feet dipped into the brisk flowing waters. Looking about her surroundings, Korra took note of landmarks in the area. She had never been to this part if the forest before. The trees grew tall. Trunks as thick as haybarrels, ancient roots burrowed deep with great thirst. The air was so thick with a spiritual tranquility that Korra could feel it in her bones.
A moaning whisper breezed through the air.
Naga heard it, too. Her triangle head snapped to attention. Black eyes dilated darker. Nose sniffing with vigor. Korra felt a shiver coiling through her body, and stilled in silent attention. The direwolf bolted out of the river and into the thicket of trees with great urgency. Korra followed immediately calling after her as she scooped up her bow and quiver. She ignored the painful stabs of rocks and twigs against her bare feet. Her legs pumped, straining her muscles to the limit, her lungs fought for oxygen.
She ran into a clearing and stopped. Fog blanketed the grown with an eerie calmness brought on by the thick shade of the canopy above. Panting, the hunter called out.
"Naaagaaa!" she cried in a strangled yell, desperate to find her companion. A distant howl sounded to the east, Korra treaded to its origin. The mist thinned and the white beast appeared stagnant before her. Her owner whispered her name but she did not move. Snowy fur stood on end, teeth bared into a snarl. Arrow notched and ready, Korra stayed behind her inching into the unknown before them. They had stumbled upon an archway, its stones crumbling with hunter could not see past it in the thick fog.
Steeling her nerves Korra pressed on, Naga trailing carefully at her side. A shadowy figure blurred passed, triggering the archer to draw back on her bow. String taut in her fingertips, she waited for another sign of movement but it did not come.
A hallowed moan shrieked as the fog suddenly lifted. Korra beheld a grand structure and was encouraged to lower her weapon cautiously. Pillars of stone drew her forward to approach a two story high door. Its wood intricately carved with images of animals surrounding a goddess. Her palms were outreached welcoming the creatures with friendship haloed in beams of light. The details had faded over hundreds of years but Korra could still identify the animals. Bear. Wolf. Eagle. Badger. Cat. Ferret. And many others. Runes of old inscribed a language she couldn't read but she did recognize.
This was an ancient druid temple.
They were known as a peaceful congregation who worshiped nature. It was rumored they possessed spiritual power gifted to them by the animals they befriended. This particular sect must have worshiped a goddess of some kind. Driven by curiosity, Korra quivered her arrow and slung her bow on her back before pushing onto the wood. It opened with protest, hinges screaming from eons of neglect.
Korra coughed when a plume of dust rushed into her face. Her eyes widened in wonder. Wooden pillars littered the hall, carved with skilled hands. Each pillar bore an animal spirit with honor. Ivy blanketed the ground, thickening where rays of sunlight touched from holes of the vaulted ceiling. Crumbling stone benches faced an altar. Korra was motivated to approach it, her head filling with a beckoning whisper.
Korra… Korra… Wanderer from the South…
Blue eyes twinkled with bewilderment before a small basin of glowing water. Swirling strands of white spiritual power called to her. Korra wetted her lips, suddenly parched. Her hands moved to bring the vessel of liquid to her lips and drink.
Wait.
Korra obeyed the voice and lowered the basin back to its altar. Naga was whimpering with concern in a corner. The voice grew louder in her head.
Darkness has claimed this sacred place… In the shadows, you will find me.
A dark growl rumbled behind. Korra turned.
Red glowing eyes, dripping jaws bared at her. Its form mangled, enveloped in black shadow. It wasn't a wolf nor a bear. Whatever it was, the hair waved in thick tendrils with dark power. Korra didn't have time to think. A tendril from its back shot toward her head. She dodged to the floor - But barely. The extension collided into the stone wall behind and quickly retreated. It stabbed at her again before she had time to react.
Naga's jaws caught the tendril before it could strike into her chest. The wail of pain sounded like a thousand screams. The shadow beast flailed and whipped the wolf forcefully into a pillar. Naga yelped. The sound snapped Korra into a blinding rage. Leaping to her feet, bow in hand. Her draw was a blur. Her shot was clear but it didn't hit. The arrow passed through the beast as if it was air. Again and again she shot with perfect aim. Each arrow missed, striking through the shadow's body but not inflicting injury. The shadow was upon her companion. The white wolf had rolled onto her back, snarling at the gnashing jaws. She thrashed against the beasts muzzle. Korra could hear hear yelps if pain mixed in with the shadow's growls.
How is she hurting it? Korra needed to do something. Plunging forward with a battle cry, her fists wrapped around the large tendrils of the beast's tail. Her muscled form pulled with all its might, dragging the beast off Naga with gritted teeth. With great effort, the hunter threw the beast against the side wall if the temple. Clouds if dust hid her opponent as the stone wall collapsed.
Korra's fists clenched as she neared the pile of rumble. A rope of shadow burster free among the rocks, wrapping around a pillar. Then another and another. Until the beast pulled itself out if the wreckage. Eyes glowing with the color of fire, throat rumbling with menace. Jaws flew open and it screamed in anger. Korra caught a glimpse of light spewing from the back of its mouth.
In the shadows you will find me.
That's it. That's her goal. A shadow whip lashed down, she twisted her body to avoid it. More blows came, becoming more frantic with each swing. The hunter evaded them all with impressive agility. Her body moved like a drifting leaf spinning and flowing with the push of the wind. Naga surged onto the shadow with while its focus was on the human. Her teeth clenched down onto its nape, ripping at the aspirated flesh. Watching it recoil with another angry shriek, Korra took advantage of the situation. She advanced upon the beast. It panicked at the sight of her determination and plunged another tendril. She seized it in midstrike with a crushing grip. Her free hand surged forward into the beast's gasping chops.
Blue, intense pupils faced the fear that filled in it's glowing irises. Her searching fingers wrapped around a sphere of energy from the back of its throat. The beast snapped it's jaws down onto her right arm. The hunter cried in pain as the trap of daggers stabbed into her flesh. Naga released the beast's neck, only to maul at its face in attempt to free her. Korra refused release her grip on the sphere of power despite the crushing fangs on her limb. She could feel the orb vibrate warmly in her grasp. The warmth traveled up her arm. Her eyes widened in surprise as her flesh started to glow. The light expanded, prying the jaws open.
She roared out and ripped the light orb free. The temple walls tremored against the deafening howl expelled from the shadow. Gusts of power rushed out of the front enterance, pushing Korra and Naga to the ground. At last, the beast's form evaporated into the air with a wavering hissing sound of it's death.
Blue eyes struggled to focus on the ceiling above. Her grip on the orb fell open. It levitated and floated to her line of vision. Korra attempted to shield her wincing eyes from the radiant luminescence. The beacon expanded, filling the entire temple with brilliant whiteness.
Korra of the South.
"Who are you?" the hunter rasped out.
I am Raava, the Goddess of Light. Protector of this land and all the creatures within it.
"Raava…" Korra sighed with reference.
I've been watching over you and Naga ever since you came to live here. You have a special connection to the wilds. Embracing the bounty of nature without the desire to claim it, you live as a creature of the forest. Humans have lost touch with nature, leaving my embrace and slipping into the growing dark. You were able to release me from my bonds in shadow without the tools of war, but by fangs and fists! Rise, Korra! I bestow to you a new title.
Korra pushed herself off the floor still awestruck of what was happening. Her spirit trembled as the Goddess of Light urged to embrace her.
Korra of the Wilds. Slayer of Shadow! I grant to you a power of the Druid, if you so wish. You will be bound to me forever and will wield the gift of the Beast of Light.
"Beast of Light? What is that?"
You will be able to harness my power in times of need. Smell, hear and see like a true beast of nature. Sense the morality of auras, communicate with the spirits. Drink from the basin, my champion! Drink and show man the power of the Beast!
Raava's light drew Korra forward to the altar. The hunter carefully picked the vessel up, hesitating for only a moment. Her lips drew in the glowing liquid with a powerful thirst. Korra could feel the power rushing down her throat filling her insides with warmth. When the last drop was spent and the basin returned, her entire being was swallowed into Raava's luster.
Korra woke up to the sound of birds clattering in the trees. She sat up, right arm pulsing with ache. She groaned, grasping gently at the puncture holes that had already began to heal somehow. She found Naga laying across from her, watching in a collective calm. She sighed.
"Well that was something…" Korra said.
'It sure was.'
Korra's eyes widened in surprise. Naga's voice was clear in her head. "I… I can talk to you?"
'At least you can understand me now.'
Korra laughed in astonishment and rushed over to hug the direwolf. "This is amazing! I can hear you in my head! Raava really is a Goddess!" Naga panted happily and nuzzled into the woman's embrace. Korra's forehead pressed against hers with a wide grin.
'We should get going. The sun will be setting soon.' Korra nodded in agreement and rose to collect her bow from the forest floor. She hopped onto Naga's bareback with her smile never leaving her face.
"Let's go get our things from the stream," Korra said closing her eyes. She could hear it. The rushing of water from afar. At this distance she knew she wouldn't have been able to detect the sound before the battle with the shadow. Naga carried her back to their belongings. After boots and harness was strapped back onto their wearers, Korra bound her injuries with a strip of cloth. While riding through the forest, Korra inhaled deeply through her nose.
Scents of the forest flooded her receptors. Squirrels in the trees, sweet berries and sporing mushrooms. She could smell them all and detect the direction of their origin. She smiled as the promises of Raava were testified as truth. She now possessed the powers of the ancient Druids. It warmed her soul further as the connection with the earth was now intensified.
"Thank you," She whispered to the wind.
When the sun had set, Korra set up camp for the night near a large boulder. It would serve as a protection against the cooling winds of impending autumn. The fire crackled among the song of crickets in the night. It was music to Korra's new ears. Suckling on a piece of dried venison, Korra unwrapped her arm to tend to the wounds with an herbal salve. The shadow beast's bite marks were nearly closed up already but the pain seared as she applied the medicine. With a fresh bandage, Korra was reminded about her other injury. She rubbed a glob of salve on the bruise of her cheek. The motion triggered a memory. Her mouth fell agape, dropping the piece of meat to the ground, forgotten.
Aromas of spiced mulled wine, honey and a hint of charcoal flooded her brain. A soft whimpering moan erupting into her mouth with a sweet and intoxicating flavor. The desperate pushing of a tongue urged her to taste more. But then… Korra sighed as her memory failed to deliver details of what had happened the night before. She blamed it on the ale but knew she must have made some sort of a mistake.
'You okay?'
"...Yeah." Korra lied back against her direwolf. "I just don't remember what happened last night."
'A man dragged you out of the tavern.' Naga told her. 'That's all I know.' Korra sighed again and decided to stop thinking about it. She closed her eyes to let the night bring her into a restful sleep.
Lord Hiroshi stood from the grand table, bowing his head to the councilmen before him. His hair was dark gray with a peppering beard to match. His deep, red pupils were shimmered with wisdom and strength.
"Thank you for your time, gentlemen," his voice soothed in sincerity. "I am afraid I must take my leave. Queen Izumi requests my presence." The other men in the room bowed their heads to pardon him. He left with his guard tailing closely behind. He crossed the grand hall to another meeting room. Servants bowed respectively and opened the heavy ornate doors.
The queen did not rise from her seat when he entered. Her higher status did not require her to. But her son, Prince Iroh, rose to greet him. He was young, handsome and wore a fire nation's army uniform. A red tunic with metals of honor dangleing from the fabric. He wore golden shoulder plates etched with finery.
"Lord Hiroshi," the prince bowed his head in respect. Hiroshi approached and bowed lower.
"Queen Izumi. Prince Iroh. It is a pleasure to see you again," he greeted and rose. The queen smiled softly, dipping her head. Her hair was braided with gold ribbons that matched the emrobery on her crimson dress.
"Please," she gesterd softly. "Sit." Hiroshi obeyed and sat at the table, followed by the prince.
"Thank you for coming all the way from the Fire Nation to see me," the lord spoke with the best politeness he could muster. "What do I owe the pleasure?"
"You must have been surprised to hear that I wanted to meet with you personally," the queen announced. Hiroshi nervously nodded. He's never spoken directly to the queen before but had dealt with her councilmen and military generals on a regular basis. "I have to thank you for all the hard work you have done in cooperating with our military forces. Your inventions have enforced the defenses of my estate. I have never felt safer knowing it was a result of your genius."
"You give me too much credit, your Highness," he humbled. "But I could not do it alone without my highly skilled workers."
"And your daughter," Izumi added. "Which is the reason for my visit to the Earth Empire, today."
"Asami?" Hiroshi questioned. "But of course! My daughter has worked tirelessly to make sure every unit is flawless before boarding the ships to your country."
"A fine young woman. She is coming on her twentieth year, correct?" Izumi asked and Hiroshi confirmed with a nod. "And it has come to my attention that she has yet to take a husband?"
Hiroshi's eyes widened at the realization for the reason of the Fire Queen's visit. His gaze drifted to Prince Iroh who was sitting straight in his seat, cool and unmoving. "Y-yes… She is unmarried."
"Noblewomen usually take a husband at a much younger age…" the queen stated. "Is there a reason why she has not taken up a husband?"
"Asami has dedicated herself to my estate. Leaving little time for courting," He stated. "I have not been approached by a worthy suitor." His words spoke the truth. He was the richest man in the Western Prefecture of the Earth Empire. Hundreds of suitors from other estates have approached him for his daughter's hand in marriage but they could not offer much in return. Asami was his most prized possession; he was stubborn to part from her.
"Surely a well decorated general and heir to the Fire Nation's throne is deemed to be worthy for your daughter..." The queen glanced to her son with a sharp eye. Prince Iroh stiffened and rose from his seat once more. He turned to Hiroshi and bowed at a ninety degree angle.
"Lord Hiroshi, I wish to take your daughter's hand in marriage," he confessed. "We offer the deed to Dragonstone Mine and one hundred acres of land to use at your disposal. I believe Lady Asami would serve my nation well as its queen and the mother of my heirs."
Hiroshi was shocked. Dragonstone Mine contained the richest deposits of minerals and jewels known to the world. To decline such an offer would be preposterous. Asami was invaluable to him but to refuse this offer would crush his reputation. He had no choice. He rose and bowed just as low to the prince.
"I am humbled by your offer, Prince Iroh," He straightened. "It would be a great honor accept your offer for my daughter's hand. However…" he paused. "I know it is not tradition, but I request that you offer your proposal to my daughter personally. I have given her as much freedom as I could to ensure her happiness. You have my blessing, but if she does not want to be your queen, I must honor her choice."
Prince Iroh's shapely brow rose in surprise at his answer and turned to his mother. The queen rose from her seat simply taken back by Lord Hiroshi's answer. Hiroshi watched as she stood in thoughtful silence.
"Lord Hiroshi…" she started. "You are the most surprising man I've come to know." She smiled and extended her palms out. "The love you have shown for your daughter is most endearing. My son will court your daughter and ask for her hand. It is an honor to know that not all men put a price on the women in their world."
Hiroshi bowed once again. "Asami is priceless, your Highness. Thank you for your understanding and patience. I trust my daughter will make the right choice."
Hiroshi took his leave, trying not to seem hurried. His boots clicked with purpose on the marbled floor of the Grand Hall of Republic Capital's courthouse. Asami will accept the prince's offer. He will make sure of it. Showing humility for Asami's happiness had been a rouse to impress the queen of the Fire Nation. Before long, his daughter will be betrothed to a prince and he will have world's richest at his disposal. His lip curled upwards at the thought.
"Ah, Lord Hiroshi!" a finely robed man appeared at the foyer. His head was cleanly shaven and oiled to give it the extra shine. His friendly grin was accumdated with a groomed grey beard. Hiroshi extended his arms out with a welcoming smile.
"Tenzin!" He exclaimed and embraced his fellow councilman. "Good to see you outside the boardroom! How's Pema and the children?"
"Very well, thank you!" Tenzin's kind grey eyes glowed with familiarity. "Meelo has is just starting his training in the archery."
"Fantastic!" Hiroshi padded his friend's back with a laugh. "He is a determined young man! I see a general in your future."
"You are too kind," Tenzin waved. "Speaking of children… I just received a message from Jinora. Her and Asami are already on their way back to the Republic. Lady Asami has proven to be a great master for her apprentice to learn so quickly."
"That's wonderful news!" he proclaimed. "This day is full of good news, my friend! I was just left from my meeting with the Fire Nation's Queen. Prince Iroh wishes for the hand of my daughter."
"You don't say!" Tenzin's bushy eyebrows raised. "Lady Asami betrothed to the throne of the Fire Nation. Congratulations are in order! Let us feast tonight!"
"Of course, my friend! But let us keep this between us," Hiroshi suggested. "The prince wishes to court my daughter first. She does not know yet."
"My lips are sealed." Tenzin smiled and the two noblemen scantered out of the courthouse with raised spirits.