Korra ran as fast as she could. Leaping over rocks and hurdling over fallen trees. She grinned with the cool wind rushing on her face. Naga galloped with smiling jaws at her side. Weaving through the trees, the duo made haste due south. They should reach the Capital soon. Korra could already smell the farmlands that should be lining the country side of the Republic. She wasn't too excited to meet with civilization again but with her new druidism power nothing could falter her mood right now. Maybe she would stop by a tavern to celebrate.

Before long, the trees cleared and the duo halted at the edge of the forest. The smell of the ocean waffed to Korra's nose. Her eyes scanned the horizon beholding seagulls soaring passed tall fortresses of wealthy estates. There was a beautiful city hugging the shoreline to greet incoming ships with white sails. Promises of opportunity beckoned anyone who beheld it, including a hunter with a direwolf. Korra turned to her companion with a smile.

"Well… here goes nothing," she said and hopped onto Naga's back. They pressed forward with intent. Galloping pass golden fields of wheat and over the rolling hills. Farmers paused their work to watch them ride pass. Some of them even waved in their direction. Korra gestured back with a smile to their stunned faces. Passing a herd of bellowing sheep, Naga slowed her pace to gander.

'They look tasty…'

Korra laughed. "Those are not for hunting. We will go out tonight for fresh meat." The direwolf huffed and pressed on towards the city. When they finally reached the northern gate, four guardsmen approached in a frenzy. Grasping their spears with alert.

"Halt!" One of them approached with caution. "Who are you?! What business do you have here with that… that!"

Korra raised her hands in peace. "I'm a traveler from the Southern Tundra. Korra of the Wilds. This is Naga, a direwolf. She is very tame, I assure you. I've come to spend coin and find work in your great city."

"That wolf is not permitted to enter the capital!" he growled. "I will not risk the safety of our citizens." Korra slid off Naga's back and scratched lovingly on one other furry ears. The wolf leaned into the touch panting happily.

"See? She's just a big puppy dog!" Korra laughed at a large tongue striking her face. "You want to pet her?"

The guard stilled with hesitation lowering his weapon. He stepped forward with a hand extended. Naga's nose nuzzled into his touch. The man gasped when the wolf leaned forward, licking his head causing his helmet to fall off. Her saliva left a sticky cowlick of skewed brown hair. The other guards chuckled behind him.

"See! She likes you!" Korra pressed on. The man grumbled as he worked to fix his do.

"Fine," he caved. "But there is a domestic animal fee." Korra agreed and dug into her coin purse to pay. She suspected the fee was just a sham but she didn't want to argue. Pick your battles, as they say. When she paid the man, Naga followed behind her into the city streets. The scenery was almost overwhelming as crowds of people hustled about their day. Even though many had stopped to stare at her and Naga, most of them was too preoccupied to bother with it. Cobblestone walkways were packed with busy citizens. Vendor carts were everywhere eager to negotiate with annoying hagglers in order to sell their wares. Stone buildings held more established businesses such as clothing shops, banks and wineries. Each storefront fought for curbside appeal with flower boxes and careful window displays beholding the finest products they had to offer. Korra wanted to wander and look at them all, but the roaring sound of yelling masses was quick to get to her nerves. She needed to find the blacksmith shop, and fast.

"Excuse me, sir!" She called out to a passing man. He made eye contact but quickly ignored her. She growled in frustration and tried again with another passerby. The woman she approached cowarded away in fear. Becoming livid, Korra then decided to ask someone who couldn't run away. She stomped over to a vendor who was selling a variety of delicious looking pastries. The young man shrank at her demanding approach.

"Sato Smith!" She quickly tried to suppress her anger in her voice. "Please! I need to find Sato Smith."

"Th-the Sato Smith is in the Fire District!" he squawked in fear and pointed to the east. "Down that street, turn left at the fountain and it will be on the right across from the horse racing tracks!" Korra slammed a silver coin on the countertop then left in a hurry. Her nose stung with the overwhelming mix of scents the city which frustrated her further.

The fountain the vendor spoke of was something to be admired if Korra was in the mood to stop. She glanced briefly at the statutes of dragons in the middle of the pool as she turned to the left. Finally, she stood at before the blacksmith's forge. It was considerably larger than the other shop in the village. Naga sat patiently outside as the hunter went inside.

This time, someone was at the counter. Korra approached as the shopkeeper greeted.

"How can I help you today?"

"I'm here to see the blacksmith," she announced.

"Which one?"

"Sato," Korra said with a firm nod. The shopkeeper looked perplexed.

"Which one?" He repeated.

"There's more than one?" Korra asked in confusion.

"One's a lord, the other is a lady…"

"The lady," Korra confirmed.

"Lady Asami isn't here right now." Korra arched an eyebrow and purses her lips. Lady Asami… the snobby noble who supposedly punched me? While tapping her boot in distraught she leaned her elbow on the counter.

"Sooo…" Korra started. "This Lady Asami… she's a noble… right?" He nodded. "And she's a blacksmith?" He nodded again. "Mhmmmm…" she clicked her tongue. "She wouldn't happen to be… the blacksmith that opened a new shop recently, would she?"

"Yes, actually…" he confirmed once more to Korra's dismay. "Just returned this morning. She's spending the rest of the day at leisure, I'm afraid. Won't be in until tomorrow."

Korra drummed her fingers on the wood to process this new information. She forced an overly friendly smile and spoke with gritted teeth. "Do you have hunting knives? I'd like to purchase one."

"Right this way, miss!" he escorted her to a knife rack. The knife selection was quite impressive. Some were long and narrow, others thick with sterdiness. Korra's impromptu decision to purchase a knife was simply so she can avoid seeing the noblewoman again. She'd rather keep out of trouble as much as she could. With such a large selection, Korra urged the shopkeeper to leave her presence so she could take the time to decide without being pressured. As she mulled over her choice, the front door of the shop chimed upon opening.

"Ah!" The shopkeeper perked up when a man came in carrying a large crate of wares. Korra turned as the wooden box was placed on the countertop.

"Platinum ingots! Straight outta Zaofu!" Bolin announced shaking the strain from his wrists. "Shipment just got in an hour ago."

"Thank you, Bolin!"

"Bolin?" Korra blinked as she recognized him. The delivery man turned in her direction with an immediate reaction.

"Korra!" He yelled with arms extended bursting with happiness at the sight of her. He lunged and picked her up in a giant bear hug, swinging her around in the air. Throwing her head back, the hunter laughed with an equal amount of joy expressed on her features. As her leather boots found ground again, she sucker punched the green-eyed man in the arm with a smuggish grin.

"I didn't think I'd see you again so soon!"

"Yeah, me neither!" Bolin confessed and tried his best to smooth the wrinkles and dirty from his dark green tunic with his sweaty palms. "Sorry about my appearance, I've been making deliveries all day to Sato businesses."

"How much do they pay you? If you don't mind me asking…"

"Well enough to live on. But I'm mostly just working for room and board. You interested in a job?"

"Not with Sato." Korra sharply rejected earning a chuckle from the burly delivery boy.

"Well, I got some other connections if you are interested. There is more than one estate to work for around here… But Sato pays the best."

"Maybe I'll come find you when my coin starts to dry up," Korra shrugged. "Right now I think I've had enough of the capital for one day. Where are you staying?"

"The Sato Estate…" Bolin's face filled with apology to Korra's immediate groveling. "Mako has to stay there pretty much twenty-four seven for his work and we happen to be bunkmates."

"Your brother? What does he do?"

"He's gotta be dragged around by Lady Asami all day as her personal guard."

"Lucky for him…" the hunter winced in empathy for her friend's brother. Korra would rather jump off a cliff than spend every second of her life around a demanding noble. She can only imagine the horrors Mako has to deal with while tending to a spoiled heiress.

"Well, I got to go and make another delivery. Catch you later?" Korra nodded and waved Bolin off with a smile. She sighed inwardly as she turned back to the knife rack. Not wanting to be there much longer, she picked out a basic hunting knife with an iron handle.

The black stallion whinnied, prancing along with the urging tug of the reigns that guided him. Hooves kicked out with slight deviation but was soothed by Asami's gentle hushing. His black coat glittered in the day's fleeting sunlight over the taught muscles of perfection. He carried her to the end of the stable where a young, brown haired teen awaited at the gate.

"You like him, my lady?"

Asami smiled as she steered the horse backwards, hooves dancing through the motion. "He's perfect," she stated. "Very well done, Kai… does he have a name?"

"Master Tenzin calls him Hokage," he answered. "It means fire shadow."

"Very fitting." Asami hand to keep steering the stallion back to keep him from hopping forward. "He has a lot of energy. I want to see how he handles. Open the gate." Asami huffed when the horse reared, kicking his front hooves up as high as he could reach.

"Of course, my lady," the young man unlatched the iron gate. "Be careful! He's barely broken in." Asami grinned widely unable to hide her excitement. As soon as Kai swung the gate open the stallion took off at full speed. Asami's heart pumped with adrenaline at the impressive gallop Hokage had set. He cut through the wind as a hot knife to butter. The rushing of air against the maiden's face left a light sting with the force. She needed this. A moment of thrill to make shake herself from the pressures of responsibility and restraint. Asami never had felt such freedom at any other time than when she was riding a horse. She rode as far as she dared to the edge of the forest, alone and unprotected. She steered the horse to ride along the edge of the treeline, slowing to a canter. Then she saw it.

The white direwolf stood from afar staring in her direction. She yanked on Hokage's reins forcing him to skid in a halt. Snorting at the sudden action, her steed shook his head to relieve the tenderness the bit had left in his mouth. Asami was frozen in the saddle. Her green eyes wide with discomposure. The white wolf's shiny pupils gleamed with the twilight as the sun as starting to set. Asami could feel her heart starting to race. She watched as the wolf turned away from her gaze padding softly towards a herd of elk grazing in the plains.

She's here… Asami bit her bottom lip. Her eyes scanned the plains looking for Korra but then recoiled. She knew her father would be home shortly to greet her. Asami had only slipped away unnoticed for a brief moment to herself for once. And in doing so she had almost crossed paths with the woman who had been haunting her thoughts. With great reluctance, the maiden steered the horse away. Riding back with less enthusiasm from which she came. She cursed under her breath. She was Lady Asami of the Sato Estate for crying out loud! Would she had done something if she approached her? What would she even say to her?

Kai opened the gate in time as Asami rode in. She halted the stallion and slid off the saddle giving him a gentle stroke on his nose. The stable boy approached to take the reins.

"How did he do?" He asked with a smile.

"He's a fantastic horse," she smiled softly. "He wouldn't happen to be for sale by chance?"

"I don't think so," he said with regret. "Master Tenzin already made arrangements for him as a wedding gift." The pale maiden hummed with disappointment with a look of longing at the black stallion.

"That's a shame…" she frowned. "I would have loved to have him for myself."

"Guess it wasn't met to be, my lady," Kai eased the horse back into his stall, carefully ensuring the latch was secure.

"Thank you for always being so discreet about my visits here," Asami pressed a hand on the young boy's shoulder. "I know how much this job means to you." Kai flashed her a grin in return then gave her a dutiful bow.

"I'm just happy that you are as passionate about horses as I am, my lady!"

"Lady Asami!"

The noblewoman and the stable boy turned to the call. Jinora trotted towards them huffing and puffing. Halting before them, the young lady fought to catch her breath. "I should have known you would be here!" She gasped for air. "Please, don't go running off again!"

"I'm sorry, Jinora," she said sincerely. "I really needed to get away for just a bit. Besides, Kai is very accommodating as always." Jinora's eyes met Kai's gaze, but not without a touch of pink flushing on her face. Slightly fumbling, the young lady curtsied shyly.

"Thank you for looking out for her." The young man bowed back with gentleness. Asami watched how they interacted with each other. Her lady in waiting was stuck in a moment of endless silence as Kai kept holding her gaze. The noblewoman suddenly felt awkward as the silence started to drag on. Asami moved to break it, but a distant howl broke first. Becoming alert, Kai snapped his attention to the direction of the sound.

"How peculiar." Everyone's attention retreated over to Tenzin who had just arrived with two guards following him as usual. The bald man stroke his long beard while his eyes took in the wonderment of the sunset. "I haven't heard wolves in these parts for years."

"It's the direwolf!" Kai announced with concern but excited all the same, he hopped on the railing of the iron fence looking and listening for any sign. "I saw it in front of Sato Smith today when I was finish raking the horse tracks." He turned his gaze to his master. "The size of it was incredible and it was white as snow! And its tame! I saw a riding saddle strapped to its back."

"What?" Ridden with shock, Tenzin stepped forward with urgency. "Kai! Did you see the wolf's owner?!" Asami paid close attention to Tenzin's reaction. It was laced with an underlining sense of familiarity. Curious. Very curious. Asami decided to stay quiet to feel out the nobleman's dire interest.

"No…" Kai answered. "But I heard some guards talking about a dark skinned woman with the wolf. They said she was stomping around the market, screaming at people earlier this afternoon."

"I wonder…" Eyes flickering as he lost himself in his thoughts.

"Do you know this wolf woman, father?" Jinora asked with curiosity getting the best out of her. Asami remained static, simply watching the master worried his hand over his smooth bald head with a sigh.

"I might," his deep voice rumbled but he didn't say anything more about the foreigner. "Jinora, take Lady Asami back to the estate. I have to go."

Asami followed her lady in silence as her thoughts swam in her head. Even without her presence, it seemed that the hunter kept sprouting up in her world. She shouldn't have been surprised when Tenzin took interest in her. He had traveled all over the world preaching diplomatic peace as a monk in his early days so he must have seen the Southern Tundra before. When Asami was a little girl, Tenzin told her stories about his travels but nothing about the south. They were always about brave knights battling dragons in the Fire Nation and mystical sea creatures in the Eastern coast of the Earth Empire. There were even tales about ancient nomadic peoples who became one with the spirits who faded into the caress of celestial vails. But he did not speak about his travels to the tundras. Asami wondered if it was a sensitive subject matter for him.

"Asami," her eyes snapped up realizing that they had reached the foyer of her home. Her father stood before her, smiling warmly with open arms. She grinned and ran up to him, fulling sinking into his warm embrace.

"Father!" She sang happily into his breast inhaling his scent of cherry pipe tobacco. "I missed you!" Asami pulled back with gentleness and received a loving kiss to her brow. His hand caressed the side of her face and looked at her with endearment.

"You have grown more beautiful since the last time I saw you." He earned a warm laugh from his heiress as they broke apart. "Did everything go well?"

"Cal has been a great apprentice," she proclaimed. "It's almost sad to part with such a great member of our team. But I have no doubt he will make the Sato Estate proud."

"Come." With gentle command he lead his daughter to the dining hall by the small of her back.

"There is someone I want you to meet. I've invited a special guest for dinner this evening."

Before Asami could ask, the doors of the dining hall opened. The giant dining table was decorated with the finest china the Sato estate had owned complimented by by golden tapers of candlelight. A small band of bards fiddled gentle music which sang beautifully through the grand interior. Asami's eyes fell over to a handsome man who sat just left of the end of the dining table. He stood up when Hiroshi pressed Asami further into the room.

Asami noticed the man had exquisite clothing. His white jacket was laced in gold over a red, silk tunic that ruffled in the front of his breast. His black slacks were folded neatly into dark brown leather boots adorned with gold laces. The maiden looked about the room and noticed that no one else was dining with them. It was rare that her father would only invite one person. Her heart quickened as she was steered closer to the guest. She's seen him before, but not this close. His eyebrows were thick but elegantly trimmed with a stylish curve over his fiery orange eyes. With a face proudly chiseled in a light tan complexion, he was a specimen of fine royal breeding.

Asami wasn't stupid. She knew the what her father's intent was without even being briefed beforehand. She had been dreading this day for years and now it has finally come. But she wasn't expecting such a fantastic suitor. Swallowing a dry lump in her throat, Asami recovered from her surprise and curtsied low to him.

"Prince Iroh… What a lovely surprise." The calmness in her voice surprised her because she was internally shaken. As she raised her head, the prince stepped closer and took her hand gently. His lips pressed onto her knuckles with softness. She nearly recoiled with the gesture but contained herself as much as she could.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Asami." His voice was raspy and low but it carried with a great calm. "I came to know more about the Sato Estate and the amazing woman who helps to rear it."

"Such flattery, your Highness." Asami couldn't help but blush and moved to take her seat on the opposite side. Her father took his place at the head of the table. Prince to the left and Asami always at his right hand. The servants piled in to serve them with wine as they waited for the meal arrive from the kitchen.

"It's such an honor to have such company with us," Hiroshi said with a knowing smile. Asami nodded in submission, not able to say much of anything at the moment. The prince moved to speak.

"Lady Asami, your father told me about your love of horses," Iroh confessed. "Maybe you can show me the countryside of your lands by horseback."

"I would love to, your Highness." Asami smiled with a blush creeping up on her face. She tried to hide it by sipping her wine from the silver goblet. She cleared her throat. "There is a grove just past the treeline that I used to play in as a child. I hope you will find it as beautiful as I do."

"I trust your judgement." Iroh's eyes never left her face. Asami couldn't help but stare back into them. They reminded her of a gentle candle flame flickering in the dark. Soft and gentle. Simply the polar opposite of the icey blue intensity that... The lady bit her bottom lip and stared down into her lap. She closed her eyes and pushed out a gentle shaky breath she didn't know she was holding. She prayed that she could remain composure for the rest of the meal.

Dinner was quite boring for the lady. She ate in silence while her father and Iroh discussed tactics of war. The prince insisted that above else, creative strategy was the key to winning battles. Hiroshi agreed somewhat but found that the tools of war certainly had an advantage. Barely able to take more of the conversation, Asami rose and excused herself politely. The prince sprang from his seat and gave her a curt bow.

"Thank you for gracing me with your presence this evening, Lady Asami." He straightened giving her a soft gaze.

"Goodnight, your Highness." Asami turned and bowed respectively to her father before leaving the men to converse further. She tried not to seem hurried but as soon as she left the dining room she walked briskly to get away. Emotion started to stab in her chest. She ignored the concerned expression Mako had formed when she passed him in the hallway to her chamber. With shaking hands she pushed the door closed behind her and fell to the floor on her knees. Uncontrollable sobs escaped her mouth as tears finally spilled over her cheeks. Burying her face into her hands, Asami choked at the crippling pain which ballooned deep inside her soul.

A prince. Of all the suitors her father could have picked… it was the heir to the Fire Nation's Throne. Her life of smithing and industrial work will be over. The only shreds of freedom she had will be ripped out of her hands. Crying harder, she crumpled down onto the soft rug in the middle of her bedroom as every ounce of hope drained left her spirit.

The next day, Asami stopped by Sato Smith to talk to her shopkeeper. She learned that Korra had came and left with a new knife purchase instead of leaving the southern obsidian blade to be sharpened. The noblewoman was disappointed at the news. She was planning on sharpening it herself before having to go entertain the fire prince later that morning. At least she can look forward to a calming horseback ride, even if she wouldn't be alone. Mako trailed shortly behind her as she walked in silence.

"Is everything okay?" Mako asked with concern, noticing how quiet the lady has been all morning. He had listened to her crying in her chamber practically all night. It was an event that never had happened before.

"Everything is... fine," she lied and Mako knew it but he wasn't sure if he should try to coax her any further.

"I need to tell you something," he announced, stopping the woman's stride. She turned to him to wait for his proclamation. "Captain Beifong requested that I join the border patrol tonight… there have been a lot of bandit attacks on the farms recently and she needs extra men."

"You wish to be relieved from my service?"

"No!" Mako exclaimed and nervously shifted in his feet. "Just for tonight, would you mind if Bolin takes my place?"

"That'll be fine, Mako," Asami waved him off. "I have other things to worry about than which man stands in front of my chamber door while I sleep."

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked. Mako knew something was clearly wrong with her. She had been more withdrawn and quiet than normal. Usually, the two of them talked a lot about nothing in general. Even if he was just a guard, Asami considered Mako to be a friend of hers. She'd never admit it though. Ladies are not meant to make friends with other men. Mako had always made her feel safe and comfortable to speak her mind freely. She sighed and decided that talking about her situation might help her deal with it in a healthier way.

"My father found a suitor for me…" she said with sadness.

"Really?" Mako was surprised. "Who?"

"Prince Iroh."

"But that's great!" Mako was trying to make her feel better. "You'll be royalty… isn't that a good thing? Most girls would kill to be in your position." His lady recoiled at his words and shook her head.

"I know a lot of people wish they could be royalty or of noble birth… but what they don't realize is the sacrifice of personal freedom that comes along with it." Asami shrank. "I'm a slave, Mako… A slave to the diplomatic forces of powerful men. Peasant women can marry for love or choose to not be married at all. They don't need to heed to the responsibility of rearing heirs…" Asami wrapped her arms around herself to try to keep herself from spilling with emotion.

"You know… I've read that royal women have a shorter life expectancy because of the strain their bodies take from constant childbirth."

"Lady Asami…" Mako's face softened with empathy. "I'm so sorry… I didn't know." Asami drew her bottom lip in between her teeth, trying to keep her depression in check. She turned away and didn't say another word to him. When they reached the stables, Asami was greeted by her father, Tenzin and Prince Iroh. Her suitor wasted no time with kissing her knuckles again with a soft smile.

"Lovely day for riding!" Hiroshi proclaimed at the weather. The gentle gusts of wind carried scattered clouds across the sky. Asami couldn't have agreed more. She walked over to Hokage's stall and greeted him with a tender touch on his snout.

"Can I take this one out, Master Tenzin?" Asami looked over her shoulder with a pleading look. He smiled with a kind expression and nodded.

"Of course," he said. "You are welcome to ride any horse you want." He called Kai over to get a saddle on the black stallion. Asami left briefly to the rider's quarters to change into something more comfortable. She could ride in a dress but she didn't want to have to ride side-saddle. Slipping on white riding pants, black books and a long sleeved maroon tunic Asami braided the long locks of her black hair, sweeping it to the side over her shoulder.

As she rejoined the gentlemen who were already mounted on their steeds, Asami couldn't help but smirk at the surprised look on her suitor's face. Hooking her boot into the foothold, she swung herself over Hokage's back. The prince's mouth almost fell agape with the smoldering look Asami darted his way. If she was going to marry this man, he might as well learn about her uncommon demeanor. She jammed her heels into her steed, leaving the men in a cloud of dust. Kai hadn't even had the chance to open the gate before she drove the horse to jump it.

Hiroshi shot a hearty laugh at the shocked expression which formed in the prince's face. "You better catch up to her before you lose her out there." Iroh suddenly smirked and narrowed with an intense focus.

"Hah!" He rode after Asami on his white bronco through the opened gate and into the rolling hills before them. The two noblemen chuckled together and urged their own brown steeds into a canter, following behind at a considerable distance to give the young ones some privacy. Tenzin hummed out loud.

"Your daughter is truly a remarkable woman, Hiroshi."

"I just hope she doesn't figure that out for herself." He smiled to his friend. "She's got so much of her mother in her. It frightens me."

"I am sure she'll make a fine queen. If she can run your businesses and your estate while you are out. She can do anything."

Hiroshi chuckled. "I have no doubt about that… it's him I'm worried about. Yasuko was a very… demanding woman. I fear that his Highness would die of a heart attack on the wedding night."

Asami glanced behind her shoulder with a smile. The prince was actually keeping up with her. That's impressive. She mused to herself with a snicker as he was drawing nearer. He is a decorated general afterall. Her brow rose when he successfully caught up to her just a moment later, giving her an arrogant smirk as they were head to head. She narrowed her eyes, igniting a spark of competitive spirit. She faced ahead and dug her heels in a little to push Hokage a little harder. She gained the lead again but had to ease up as the tree line came in sight. They slowed to a gentle trot as they entered the forest. Asami lead him through the trees and over a small stream. The land dipped lower into a small grove birthing with wild plum trees. The quiet rustling of the leaves brought a calmness Asami appreciated.

When the lady halted her horse, the prince circled around her and stopped next to her facing the opposite direction so he could converse easily. His eyes scanned the area with admiration. Gentle sunrays parted through the canopy illuminating the delicate wildflowers of assorted colors that littered the ground.

"Beautiful. Just like you said…" he confirmed and turned to her. "I must say, you ride better than most of my men." The lady smiled with bashfulness at the compliment. "Lady Asami… I-"

"Please " She held up a hand commandingly. "Just Asami. I'm sick with all the formalities. I know my father had put you up to this… Can we just pretend that you aren't a prince and I'm not the heiress of the Sato Estate?"

His eyes glimmered with understanding and nodded. "It seems our parents like to pull a lot of strings. Let's start over." He cleared his throat before continuing. "Hello there… nice day isn't it?"

Giggling Asami nodded. "It is, sir. What do you normally do in such nice weather?"

He rubbed his strong chin in thought. "I like to spend my time sailing. This would have been a great day to take to the seas."

"I've never been on a boat." She confessed. "Maybe you'd like to take me out on the waves some time?"

"I would like that."

Asami and Iroh ended up talking for a while. She learned about how he found his calling in the military. He had ended up being a captive to an army of rebels in the southern islands of his country. During that time he talked with the rebel leader and learned that they were once slaves who worked in the mines for the tyrannical lord who owned them. They had worked tirelessly to unchain themselves from a life of bondage. It was then he found the passion to improve people's lives. The leader had released Iroh in good faith and he returned with the strength of the Fire Nation's army against the oppressor.

Iroh was courteous with asking Asami questions about her work. He listened to her with genuine interest about how she shared her father's passion in smithing and designing new machines. She told him about how she was able to design a new milling system that made the farmers life a little easier and how she worked tirelessly to provide work opportunities for the people of the Republic. Asami realized she had a lot in common with Iroh. They both drove to help their people in any way they could.

Perhaps… maybe this wouldn't be so bad afterall…

"Asami…" He reached over to her gently. Warm fingers grazed down the smooth surface of her cheek causing her jade irises gaze into his flickering stare. "Can I kiss you?"

The maiden stiffened for a second and nodded. Her eyes drew shut as he leaned in. The kiss was soft and chaise lasting no more than a few seconds. Asami was the one to pull away first. Even though the prince's kiss didn't spark anything exciting, the noblewoman's chest blossomed with warmth.

Korra laid back in a meadow smiling into the sun basking on her face. Her eyes was closed with content. The temperature today was perfect. With nothing planned today, she took the time to try to nap her stress away. She thought about how lucky she was to have avoided meeting Lady Asami at the blacksmith. Not wanting to get further involved, Korra was set on leaving in a few days to find a different suitable smith to service her blade. But for now she just wanted to take it easy.

Korra took a deep breath when another gentle breeze washed over. Scents of the earth waffed all around with the gentle wind currents. Her eyes opened when a sweet scent smacked at her senses. Spiced honey with fermented cherries, but not quite…. She sat up to catch the aroma more effectively. She looked around meadow in an attempt to identify it but as soon as the breeze died down the sweet smell went with it.

Whatever it was… it smelled good. Really good. It kind if reminded her of a mead she had once in the northern part of the empire. She thought that maybe there was a merchant delivering wine nearby as the result. If there was, Korra was in the mood for a goblet of it. If she was right, she could follow the merchant to its destination for a portion. She tossed her loose brown hair as she rose from her napping spot. Stretching the tension from her limbs with a yawn. She had abandoned her fur cloak and skirt at the campsite for comfortability.

She inhaled and stuck her two fingers between her lips and blew. The whistling sound rose Naga from behind a rock, summoning the wolf over to her. Korra hopped on with a toothy grin and caught another whiff of that sweet delicious smell from earlier. I gotta find out what that is.

She leaped onto the wolf's back blindly steering her around as she followed her nose. Naga had noticed the erratic directing.

'What are you doing?'

"Trying to find something. But the wind is making it hard." Korra mumbled.

'Does it get stronger when the wind is blowing?'

"Yeah…"

'Then go against it.'

"You know you are kind of a smart ass now." Korra complained but followed her friends advice. And it was working. When she finally got a bearing on where the scent was coming from she urged Naga into a run. The smell was getting stronger. Its potency was driving the hunter insane. She was also able to pick up the smell of horses mixed in with it. It has to be a wine cart. They pressed on faster.

Asami was pushing Hokage as fast as she could down the valley. She swelled with pride when the distance between her and Iroh grew. His horse just simply couldn't keep up with her stallion's stamina. She needed the distance to be alone with her thoughts. They were immediately interrupted as a flash of white fur leaped from a thicket of bushes in front of her. Sucking in her breath, Asami pulled back on the reins.

Korra gasped and pulled Naga into a sharp turn to avoid colliding with the horse. The black steed skidded and screamed at the sight of the wolf before him. He bucked and kicked frantically and all Asami could do is try to hold on but she was thrown violently from the saddle. She landed into a pile of bushes, rolling with the impact to lessen the shock of the fall. The horse whinnied in fear before galloping off in the other direction. Korra jumped from Naga's back and rushed over to the crumpled form in the bushes.

"Oh my Spirits, I am so sorry! Are you okay?" Korra crawled over her with worry looking for any obvious injuries. She froze. The sweet smell perfumed heavily into her senses. Her eyes widened at the realization that the scent was coming from the woman before her.

Asami groaned and eased her eyes open. Her blurred vision slowly came to focus and Korra's blue eyes was bearing down into her. Is… is this real? Asami's heart slammed into her chest when she realized how close Korra was to her. The wolf rider slid a hand underneath her head and eased her up to a sitting position. Asami's hand grasped onto the bronze arm which wrapped around her waist as the motion made her head spin.

"Are you hurt?" Korra asked but Asami couldn't find her words. Her eyes drifted down to the curve of her lips. Asami's hand snaked upward, sliding over the strong bicep, shoulder and up the bend of the hunter's neck until it found home in soft chestnut hair. Korra blushed madly at the motion from the stranger in her arms. Asami pulled forward, nearly brushing her red lips against Korra's mouth.

Gasping at what she was doing, Asami tore herself away from her. Her face filled with a deep pink color. She clenched her fists.

"My… My horse! Your stupid wolf scared it off!" She yelled with anger seeping from her aura. But Korra didn't recoil. Her brows furrowed before she turned and remounted the direwolf. Asami was taken back when the hunter offered a hand.

"Are you coming? Or are you just gonna sit there and let him get away?" Korra said to end the silent staring. With a dry swallow, Asami reached for the wolf rider's grasp. Gasping at the electrical pulse from her hand, Korra yanked her from the bushes leading her to straddle to wolf behind her. The maiden's arms wrapped around her waist on instinct to keep from falling back when the direwolf pranced forward. Korra's loose hair was wisping in her face against the pull of the wind. Asami moved her head to the side, finding a shoulder to rest her chin upon. She took a moment, closing her eyes at how Korra muscular form felt against her.

Korra cleared her throat when she felt her hands tighten across her waist. "So… um… What's your name?"

She doesn't remember… that's kind of cute.

Asami didn't want to give her the pleasure of knowing her. If she showed any kindness she feared that the hunter would take an advantage of it. If she could keep her at a distance, she might be able to keep herself from submitting to her lustful urges. As if her body read her mind, Asami fought against the betrayal as her core started to ache. She growled out loud into Korra's ear unintentionally.

"I didn't know I was that forgettable." she spat out her words with poison. "Savage little wolf girl." Asami smirked to herself when she felt Korra stiffen in her arms.

"Fuck…" the hunter breathed out. "Lady Asami?"

"Oh, so you do remember after all?" The lady grinned. She slipped a hand up and into the open collar of the hunter's tunic. "You're gonna pay for what you did to me."

Korra sucked in her breath as she felt the sting. Asami dragged her nails across her collarbone leaving red scratch marks behind.

"Keh…" the hunter gritted her teeth. "Get over it. It was just a kiss."

Just a kiss?

"I don't go throwing myself at anyone like some animal." Asami was livid. As much as she was attracted to this woman she despised the deviance to her status. No one has ever treated her so casually. Korra didn't respond to her. She only countered acted by pushing Naga as fast as she could muster. The ebony stallion came into view in the valley of the Republic.

This beast is something else... The lady was genuinely impressed by the direwolf's agility. Naga used her pointed nose to carve through the atmosphere like a watersnake against the thickness of water. Heavy throaty pants pounded with a steady beat with each contact of giant paws to soft ground. Korra pulled her wolf right beside the runaway horse neck to neck.

"Thanks for the ride, wolf girl." Asami loosened her grasp around Korra's waist and pressed down onto her shoulders instead. Leaning back, the maiden positioned her feet on top of the wolf's saddle and pulled herself up into a stand. Korra was astonished when Asami reached out and grabbed Hokage by the reins then leaped right back onto his saddle where she belonged.

The direwolf slowed to a stop. Korra sat there dumbfounded with gaping lips. Asami had rode off but not without looking back one last time, smirking.

How in the hell did she manage that?

Korra sighed with confusion, rubbing at the claw marks on her chest. Growling with a palm to her face, huffs of frustration escaped her lips to calm her racing heart. Then she felt something was off. She looked down to her belt to find only one hunting knife attached to it. Blue eyes widened in disbelief.

The Southern Obsidian blade was gone.