The air howled while sucked into the void of the catacombs when the stone wall was braced open. Korra could have sworn she would have been swallowed inside if she hadn't been clinging onto the edges of the doorway . As an archer, her place should be in the back of the formation but she wasn't used to being on a team. She was gearing up to run in head first but before she could take the first steps into the tomb, Mako ceased her by the shoulder.
"Let's do this carefully, we don't know what exactly is in there," he said flicking a flame in the palm of his right hand then progressed into the dark cavern. "I'll go first to light the way."
"Who made him in charge?" Korra mumbled to Bolin as they followed behind.
Bolin shrugged, making his newly made steel armor shoulder pads clink a little. "Mako is a natural leader so don't take offense."
"Whatever," Korra huffed as she smacked a fist into palm "As long as I can smash some skulls in. I haven't killed anything in a while and I got a lot of pent up rage!"
"Lady Asami putting you through the ringer still?" Bolin asked while skimming closer to his southerner friend as they passed a skeleton on the ground.
"You have no idea," Korra grumbled out, reaching back to retrieve her bow. There was nothing too suspicious looking about the catacombs so far. Pockets of open graves line the narrow pathway littered with offerings near the linen wrapped bodies. Putrid smells of decomposition thick as a murky swamp. Korra's nose had no advantage here which made her a little nervous.
"Shh!" Mako hushed his two companions, drawing his sword as they stumbled upon an opening. Groaning of the undead echoed in the cavernous tomb. Figures teetered and stumbled around the darkness aimlessly looking for flesh to feed upon. Once were men of honor, sacrificing their lives for the glory of their king and country. Now their skin was milky pale barely clinging into reanimated rotting flesh. Maniacal eyes sunk deep in the hollows of the sockets, searching in the dark.
The party paused as Mako motioned his archer to wrap an arrow tip with a strip of burial cloth. Pointing to the oil chandelier above the walking dead, Mako lit the end of Korra's nocked arrow. She let it loose, rendering the chandelier aflame. Quickly nocking another, Korra drew back pausing with a second to aim and let a second one loose. It collided with the rusty chain of the fixture sending it smashing to the ground causing the flaming oil to splatter upon nearby zombies.
A whoosh and groaning screams later, the moving corpses near the oil splatter flailed around like headless chickens. Smashing into each other causing a matchstick effect. They were taking too long to collapse so the party took advantage of their distraction running in with weapons ready for battle. Bolin squealed like a floozy with every swing of his mighty axe. Mako, however, was cool under the fire. Slicing heads off when a zombie got too close to him.
As the battle wore on, Korra became extremely frustrated when her simple arrows seemed to do nothing to harm the enemies. Each arrow she had let loose would just get lost in flesh and flame. She already had wasted a quarter of her quiver. Without wanting to spend anymore, Korra slung her bow back to unsheath her prized hunting knife and go after the non-burning undead in the area. A growling cry escaped her throat with a lunge to a zombie's jugular. The resistance of the flesh was barely felt when his head rendered nearly to decapitation, hanging by a single vertebra.
The hunter was amazed. She had yet to use her knife since Asami had returned it to her. And now it was sharper than it has ever been. No blacksmith had ever accomplished such a feet. With a new breath of excitement Korra tumbled downwards to dodge a swinging arm from behind her. Grinning as she sliced the ankles off her attacker. He slammed into the ground moaning and crawling towards her with hunger. His tombstone teeth snapped down for the last time as the black blade thrusted into his skull. Korra laughed out with joy when she pried her weapon free.
"Ahhhhh!" Bolin hollered while fleeing from a flaming zombie who was hot on his trail. Flipping her blade up to clutch the metal with her fingers, Korra threw it across the room. Glittering with spinning flight, the obsidian tip pierced into the pursuing corpse's temple immediately hurdling the body to complete death. Swinging around with surprise Bolin shouted his thanks to his rescuer.
"Bolin!" Mako shouted from a corner as four remaining flaming undead overwhelmed him. Fire was no longer ceasing the crazed hunger of his attackers. His brother barreled to a nearby sarcophagus gripping the bottom with both hands and lifted. The stone coffin eased to the air as if it was made of hey. With careful precision, Bolin tossed it. A rolling clumber later, the remaining enemies were crushed under the stone coffin.
"Woohoo!" Korra cried with triumph before running over to her last kill. She had to pull on her blade's hilt with a lot a force in order to free it from the zombie head. Swiping the brain matter off, Korra finally took a second to inspect the work Asami had done. "How about that…" Korra grinned as she sheathed it before regrouping.
"So…" she looked around at three pathway options. "Which way is Lord Sokka's tomb?"
"The elite sector on the south side," Mako announced. "Be on guard. Ghost wraiths of his housecarls should be patrolling around to protect his resting place."
"Can we kill ghosts?" Korra asked while rubbing her chin. "Cause… zombies have bodies to actually attack…"
"Ghosts are phantoms of a person's aura," Mako explained. "We can't really kill them but they will disappear to recover for a time. Magical attacks are really the only thing we can do to scare them back into the spiritual realm. Since magic is an extension of one's aura it is the most effective against them."
"Fighting spirit with spirit," the archer confirmed her understanding. Korra's link to Raava should help her in this situation. She turned over to Bolin. "Are you a magic user, Bolin?"
"A little bit," Bolin confessed. "Earth magic is a bit more physical than fire. I can use my aura to lift, burrow, smash and use my fists to wipe the earth from underneath my enemies. I'm not as good as Beifong though…" He turned to his brother with a playful glare. "I'm hoping that Mako can get me into training with her one day."
"She's got a lot on her plate right now," Mako said. "Let's keep moving." The party pressed onwards deeper into the darkness of the catacombs.
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Asami was woken up by a hard knock on her chamber door. Without having the chance to grant permission to enter, her father let himself in. Groaning with sleepiness, Asami sat up to meet him. Her makeup smeared across her face and her hair was a frizzy mess.
"Asami!" Hiroshi shouted with disapproval. "It's nearly six! Prince Iroh has been looking for you. Why are you in bed?"
"I fell ill…" She croaked and flopped back into her mattress turning the covers back over herself and away from her father's presence. She was not in the mood to care about her suitor right now. But Hiroshi wasn't having any of it. He stomped over to her and tore the comforter off her body. She whined in protest.
"The prince needs your company… Now." His command was less than gentle. His daughter whined in protest and rolled to face him with a pouting lip, keeping her eyes shut closed.
"Daddy, I really don't feel good, please." She begged like a child.
"Prince Iroh has to leave," Hiroshi told her. "He's setting sail in an hour due to a military issue. I don't care if you are ill. Get cleaned up and go see him off."
"He bores me." Asami rolled her eyes with a groan. "Seriously, Father. I don't want to."
"You will," Hiroshi spat with anger and yanked her out of the bed by her arm. With a free hand he fisted the back of her knotty hair forcing her to look him in the eyes. She hissed in pain through her teeth followed by a whimper. "Do I need to remind you of your place... again?"
Swallowing with emotion, Asami eased her eyes shut. "N-no!" She choked back a sob unable to hold his stern glare. "I'll do it… Please… not that." He released her from his crushing grip throwing her body back onto the bed.
"Better," he said. "Hurry up." He pressed to the door and paused to add one more thing. "And wear something red… It's your color." Asami let out a shuddered breath as she was left alone again. She quickly changed into a red gown, simple but elegant on her slender curves hoping it would satisfy her father. The manor was bustling with activity with the usual evening preparations. Servants hustled around lightning candles and lanterns. Head chefs argued with the butlers about china and silver for dinner. Making her way to the foyer, Asami was greeted by her suitor with a kiss to her knuckles.
"Dear prince." Asami's voice was shaky as she fought to sound delighted to see him. "I hear you are leaving?"
"Unfortunately, I must." Iroh straightened his posture, steering his gaze to the ground. "I enjoyed your company very much… Will you see me off at the front gate?"
"Let us go then." Asami slid her arm around his and joined him outside through the courtyard. The prince stopped halfway to the gate to turn to her.
"Asami…" He cleared his throat taking her hands into his. "I know we have not had a lot of time to know each other but from what I have learned… you are a remarkable woman."
Asami started to blush and darted her eyes away. "Y-you don't need to give me such flattery…" She knew what was coming next. "Just ask me already."
Iroh sank down to a knee, presenting a fire diamond ring. "Asami," His eyes gazed up to her. "I've come to admire your determination and spirit of noble duty for the good of the Republic. It was no wonder that my mother wishes for such a noblewoman to take her place as queen. And I couldn't agree more… I ask for your hand in marriage to rule the Fire Nation by my side, not with an iron hand but with a hopeful heart towards peace and order."
"You have my hand, Prince Iroh," she whispered. "I offer my service to you and your great nation." The ring slipped gently onto Asami's left ring finger, finalizing the betrothal. As the prince rose, Asami tentatively wrapped her arms around his neck as their lips connected softly.
As they parted, Asami asked, "Will you be coming back here?"
"I can try, but I'm afraid my duties might delay us from seeing each other again until the ceremony. Mother has arranged for us to be married on midsummer's day at the Fire Temple on Ember Island."
"Arranged?" Prince Iroh noted the look of confusion on his bride-to-be's face. "Even without knowing my answer before hand? I thought you wanted to know me first."
"It was nice meeting you before our wedding," the prince smiled. "My mother and your father had already had a betrothal meeting to discuss your dowry. However, your father insisted that I court you to give you a chance to choose for yourself."
Choose? Now Asami was completely confused. She actually had a choice here? And by her father's saying no less. That wasn't like him at all. Asami never had a choice when it came to his demands. Sure, he gave her a relative amount of freedom more than what was common for noble daughters but that was her reward for her obedience and ambition to drive the Sato Estate forward with impeccable growth. While he handled most of the political work to ensure patronages, Asami handled the entire industry of his line of businesses. All the finances, business deals, she even designed and built more than half of Sato mills, war machines, armor and weapons. She certainly earned what little freedom she had but she knew he wouldn't ever let her choose when it came to her hand in marriage. Lord Hiroshi was greedy when it came to her. There must have been some other reason on why he would say such a thing.
"My prince," Asami bowed her head. "I am a woman who must make important and careful decisions for the sake of my father's estate. Our marriage is a matter of business and political ambition for both of our families. It would be foolish to choose differently."
"Lord Hiroshi must have wanted to show my mother that you are an incredibly intelligent woman… I hope that one day we can grow to love each other."
"I…" Asami broke out of the prince's embrace, stepping slowly back. "I wish for that as well… but even if I can't offer you my heart… I will give you everything else." With that, the prince bowed low to her in respect.
"I am honored, Lady Asami." He straightened. Asami noted a look in his eyes, something that contained a sense of longing reverting to a basin of emptiness. "Farewell."
"Farewell…"
As she watched him leave, Asami let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Now that the betrothal has been finalized,
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The air was filled with a silent calm as the party pressed forward into the tomb. Korra recognized tribal offerings and scripts from her homeland, noting that they must be getting close to Lord Sokka's tomb. With the brothers spilling out nervous energy, the hunter was surprised that she wasn't sharing in their strife. Raava's light was warming deep within her gut, fluttering and keeping her nerves in check. For that, Korra was grateful. It's good to have at least one party member with a good emotional foundation just in case things turned for the worse.
As they made their descent, two ghostly blue figures crossed their path at the end of the corridor. Mako's hand brought life to his fire immediately as Bolin sharply inhaled with alert. Before Mako had the chance to throw a fireball, Korra held him back by the shoulder.
"Wait," she breathed and stepped in front of the party. She could feel the spiritual pressure in her bones telling her it was nonthreatening. The light within her gut was pulsing, urging her to continue to the drifting souls. "Stay here." She commanded her companions. "They won't attack unless we do first… I think I can convince them to let me in."
"No," Mako protested. "We need to stay together."
"Trust me on this, Mako," Korra turned. "I'm a fellow tribesman. Raava is telling me I should approach them alone. It will be alright." Without waiting for Mako to make a comeback, the hunter pressed forward alone, cautiously. At the end of the corridor, Korra could see a stone door with the sigil of the Southern Tundra carved proudly. A simple circle with wavy lines filling the void at the bottom, symbolizing the rolling waves of the southern ocean.
"Halt!" One of the two ghost guards alerted, they both blocked the door drawing their ghostswords at the intruder. "You are invading the resting place of Lord Sokka! Turn back now or die!"
"I am Korra of the Southern Tundra," she announced placing her bow up against the wall and raising her hands in submission. "I am here to ensure the safety of the Blade of Lunas. Has anyone else came here recently?"
"Yes," said the one who spoke before. His whole body was glowing with a blue light, transparent but radiating with a strong aura. "He was not worthy to enter…" His hollow eyes dragged across her figure. "If you are who you say you are, show us the mark."
Korra nodded and started to unlace the leather bracer on her left forearm, as she removed it she bared her arm towards him displaying the circular sigil tattoo, matching the same one on the door. The only difference her mark had was an additional smaller circle above it. Both of the ghostly guards gasped in surprise and immediately fell to their knees with their heads lowered.
"Please, forgive us, your Highness!" The only audible soul begged for mercy. "We did not know!"
"Shh!" Korra hushed the guard, looking behind her to make sure her companions were out of earshot. She wasn't certain if Mako or Bolin had heard but it was too late now if they did or not. Sighing, she turned back to the tomb protectors and spoke quietly. "My companions do not know who I am. I'd like to keep it that way… Am I permitted to enter the tomb of Lord Sokka?"
"Of course, but only you." The ghosts erected and drifted out to the side to make way for her. After lacing the bracer back on her arm, Korra pushed open the heavy stone door, billows of dust broke free spilling around the entrance. Waving the clouds of debris from her line of sight, the hunter was surprised at how modest the burial chamber was. Narrow but long, the walls shimmered with mosaic glass tiling etching images of Sokka's greatest battles. In the back of the room, laid the coffin that housed the body illuminated by the moon's light that spilled from a small opening in the ceiling.
As Korra approached the coffin, her knee sunk to the ground before it. Blue eyes fell closed as her right hand formed a fist only to be clasped by her right palm. Bowing her head with respect. This was the honorable salute of the tribal warriors of the south.
"Lord Sokka," she prayed. "I'm honored to meet you."
"Princess…"
Korra gasped as her head shot up. There stood the soul of Lord Sokka on the other side of the coffin. His eyes were full of kindness upon his angular face. His hairstyle had remained the same even in the afterlife, a short ponytail with shaved sides. Korra couldn't believe her eyes. After all these years, Lord Sokka's soul had came to her in the physical realm.
"You have come for the blade," he said knowingly. "The blade that ended the life of my love, Yue."
"Yes," Korra bowed her head once more before him. "It is in danger. A vampire wishes to use it in a ritual to transform him into a daywalker."
"He has made many attempts to enter my tomb," Sokka extended his hand. "My housecarls had kept this place sacred but I know his power is growing stronger by the night. It would have only been a matter of time before he could brake in and take it. It is a good thing that you came when you did."
"I am glad that I made it in time." Korra rose to her feet. "May I take it?"
"You may, but know this, Princess," Sokka smiled. "The only reason why I would let you take it is because you and I are very similar in the ways of love… I can tell by your spirit. You wish for the love of someone who cannot be yours."
"Ah!" Korra blushed madly and turned her gaze away from him. "I… I don't know what you are talking about."
"There is no need to lie," Sokka assured. "I know it's complicated. Forbidden romances always are. Take the blade and keep it safe."A soft rumble vibrated under Korra's feet as the top of the stone coffin slid open on it's own. Lord Sokka's skeleton laid inside holding a white silver dagger that shimmered as brightly as the moon's light. The hunter stared down at it in a moment's pause.
"Lord Sokka…" she swallowed. "How… how could you bare to know that Yue was betrothed to someone else? What is the point in indulging a relationship with her knowing that it could never last?"
Lord Sokka smiled warmly at her before answering. "Even though we could have never truly be together, it was worth the risk knowing that I was the one to love her. Arranged marriages are out of political necessity but love is bounded by nature. She would have never had that opportunity if I resisted my true feelings. And that was enough for me."
Korra stood there to absorb all of Sokka's words to heart. Her breast filled with a painful pressure as she thought about Asami. Did she really deserve love? The noblewoman was bitter and malicious to say the least, however Korra could tell that it was just a mask that she wore. She wanted to know the true Asami under it. She was prepared to fight tooth and nail to do so. Everyone deserves the opportunity to know love, even Lady Asami Sato.
"I understand," Korra nodded and carefully removed the Blade of Lunas from Sokka's bone hands. "Thank you, Lord Sokka." She bowed to him one last time, making her leave to rejoin her companions in a quiet serenity.
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It was now nightfall. The tonic Jinora had given Asami had reduced the intensity of the Verticodia's side effects, making her feel normal once again. She could feel the familiar warmth pulsing between her legs, indicating that all the effects of the potion was lessened. She was somewhat confident of her own self control, but it was Korra's behavior that she was worried about. If she so happens to try anything, Asami wasn't sure if she had the strength to deny her.
The heiress went to visit the kitchen after dinner to retrieve a parcel of raw beef from the chef. Making her way quietly outside, the noblewoman rounded around the manor to the kennel were guard dogs made their home. Asami approached the larged enclosure where Naga was staying in. The dire wolf perked up from her bed of hay, padding over to the iron door to meet her.
"Hey," Asami greeted the wolf as she unwrapped the meat from brown paper, offering it to the white beast through the bars. Naga's soft bite pulled the meat from her palm with gratitude, quickly swallowing the bloody morsel in one go. Asami unlatched the door and entered the enclosure without an ounce of fear of the large wolf. Naga didn't seem to mind either, laying down on her designated bed only for the noblewoman to take a seat next to her. Asami sighed and extended her left hand out fully sporting the glory of her sparkling engagement ring.
"Will you look at that?" she noted to the wolf with a sigh. "That right there… Is one big fucking spectacle… So it's official now. I'm getting married in the summer. I wanted to make sure that you were the first to know, because you can't congratulate me. I don't want any of that." Asami leaned her head against the wall, staring up at the ceiling.
"You know… I don't mind being queen. In fact, I'm actually delighted about it. It's the marriage part that I'm not so keen on… but it comes with the job." She turned her head over to Naga who was staring at her with quiet observation. "I like her, you know." Naga tilted her head to the side.
"Your owner…" She explained. "I like her a lot. Way more than I should. She's absolutely breathtaking… I find her amusing and she's got this… way about her that makes me crazy. Not to mention she's absolutely gorgeous…" As if the wolf understood, happy pants escaped her jaws making the noblewoman laugh lightly. "I'm sorry that I have you locked up here, it's probably not what you prefer… I just can't bare to let her go… not yet. But I will, I promise. You'll be frolocking in the forest before you know it." Suddenly, Naga's mouth shut, black eyes staring in the silence.
"Don't look at me like that!" Asami huffed. "What do you expect me to do? Run away with the two of you? No, I can't live like that… I need stability and a way to work. Becoming a royal through marriage is my best shot at doing something of worth in this world of men."
Naga barked, startling the noblewoman in her place. The dire wolf rose to her feet and continued to yip at her while wagging her tail. Furrowing her brow, Asami flayed her hands out. "What? I don't have anymore." But that didn't silence the wolf. Naga yowled into a whimpering grumble, following with a snort.
"Lady Asami?" Korra was standing there at the kennel gate, awestruck to see her employer alone with her dire wolf. "What are you doing here?" Fumbling to her feet, Asami blushed as she exited the wolf's enclosure. She wasn't expecting to see Korra's return so soon.
"I… was just making my acquaintance with her mangy beast here," Asami briskly walked towards her housecarl only to stop a good distance away. "How did it go?"
"We found the Blade of Lunas." the hunter announced. "Mako delivered it to your father but he left to report back to Beifong. Should I ask Bolin to stand in front of your chambers tonight?"
"No." Asami answered. "I'd feel much safer if you filled in for him…"
"If you'd want…" Korra muttered nervously. "I can stand inside… to make you feel safer, of course." For one fleeting second, Korra watched Asami's mask melt away, spring ivy eyes darkened a few shades, red lips parted with wanting, but it disappeared as fast as it came. Sucking her bottom lip in, Asami glowered at her.
"You have only been my housecarl for a day!" She exclaimed, unable to hide the nervousness in her voice. "You have yet to earn such privileges." The lady pursed her lips as Korra started to sprout a smirk.
"So maybe someday?" Korra grinned, head tilting ever so slightly to the side. "Soon?"
Asami hummed in her throat and couldn't help but smile at Korra's eagerness. Swaying her shoulders for a brief moment before responding. "Only if you behave yourself… I can't have a wild savage attacking me in my chambers."
"My, my… Lady Asami," Korra started to gain some confidence at Asami's subtle flirting, stepping forward. "Why do I get the feeling that is exactly what you want me to do?"
"Your feelings are misleading you, Wolfgirl…" Asami groaned as she stepped back, only to find herself pressed up against a wall. Korra placed her hands on the brick, looming over her as the grin on her face spread even bigger. "S-stop it!"
"You want me to, admit it." Korra growled. "That's why you kissed me. That's why you are keeping me here. There is no use denying it now."
Asami moved, latching her hand over Korra's arm and pinned her face against the wall. Korra hissed as her arm was twisted against her back. Asami's lips found her sensitive ear, making her moan out in pleasure. Control, it was a must for the noblewoman. She couldn't let this wildling have any of it. The status hierarchy wasn't going to be enough, so Asami needed to use the only thing that will work. Spirits, help her for what she is about to do.
"If you think I will submit to you that easily, you are sorely mistaken," Asami growled, pressing her hips hard against the hunter's rump. "I'm not yours… but you… you are mine. If you continue to push me like this, there will be punishment." Slipping her free hand around the hunter's waist, Asam dug into the waistband of her trousers. A harsh gasp escaped from Korra's mouth when she felt the tips of the noblewoman's fingers burrow into the folds of her sex. "If you behave…" Red lips sucked in the lobe of her ear. "I'll reward you…"
"Fuck…" Korra moaned bucking her hips feverishly against Asami's exploring fingers. "Yes, please… Asami." She was surprised on how desperate she sounded. Korra was so fixated on trying to dominate the noblewoman that her guard was left completely open. She didn't think Asami would react like this, taking control over her.
"Lady Asami," she corrected her with a moan, biting at her neck as she pressed ever so gently on Korra's clit. "Are you going to behave?"
"YES!" Korra whimpered, surrendering to the sensations completely. "I'll behave, Lady Asami… Please." Asami groaned, trusting her hips into Korra's perfectly plump ass one last time before retracting, making her victim whine in protest at the sudden loss.
"Good girl," Asami praised, leaving Korra's crumbled form against the wall. "You will stand in front of my chambers, tonight. Don't even think about trying to break in."
Korra couldn't believe that Asami had taken the upper hand once again. Picking herself up, her hands crumbled into fists of frustration as her body burned with desire. Asami was teasing her, torturing her and for what? But instead of feeling anger, Korra was curious more than anything. She will behave… for now. Only to see what else would be in store for her. It was hard to admit to herself that Asami's dominance was extremely attractive, despite the fact Korra wanted to tear into her with a vengeance. She will get that opportunity, she told herself. One day, Asami will let her guard down like a grazing doe. And Korra was a patient hunter. With time and caution, prey always falls into the claws of perseverance. When that time comes, Korra will take her when she begs for it.
"Coming?" Asami asked over her shoulder, summoning her housecarl immediately.
Not yet, Korra thought suggestively with a smirk as she joined her lady's side. She brushed her knuckles over the pale woman's hand only to be swatted away in an instant. The two of them kept exchanging side glances, smirks ghosting on both of their lips. It was all too soon for Korra when they reached Asami's chambers. Jinora was waiting for the lady in question to prepare her for bed. As the two ladies disappeared behind the chamber door, Korra sighed as she stood at her post.
Well, this is going to be a long night.
After a few minutes, Korra's ears perked up at the conversation going on inside.
"Wow," Jinora said. "Congratulations, Lady Asami. Do you think the Fire Queen will let you pick out your dress?"
"Hopefully." Korra could hear the gloom in Asami's voice. "I'd like to wear my mother's dress at the ceremony."
"You would look beautiful either way," Jinora assured. "Do you know when?"
"Midsummer's day… I just hope my father can run the estate without me. I'd hate to see him get overwhelmed."
"I'm sure he will manage just fine," Jinora chuckled. "There, all done. Do you need anything else from me?"
"Make sure my housecarl is fed," Asami added. "She needs her energy for tomorrow."
"Yes, my lady."
Korra straightened her back, facing forward as Jinora emerged from the chambers. The young woman smiled at her.
"Have you eaten?" she asked her. As if Korra's stomach had a mind of its own, a deep growling echoed loudly through the hallway.
"Uuumm," Korra blushed as she placed her hand over her gut.
"I'll bring you something from the kitchen," she laughed with a curtsy, then left Korra alone as she sent off on her task. Letting out a sigh, Korra was left alone in her thoughts about the conversation she just heard. Asami is betrothed, promised to someone else. Not just anyone else but the throne of the Fire Nation Kingdom. She'll be a queen one day. Asami was certainly perfect for such a role. Headstrong and smart, cunning and tactful. Korra wondered if she could ever measure up if she is successful in overthrowing her uncle. Her father can rule again, but he will grow older and will need his only heir to take over. Now that Korra had tasted what true freedom was, she wasn't certain if she could bare to take on such a responsibility.
No, I need to fulfill my duty to my people… Just like her.
Korra's heart suddenly started to squeeze in her chest. She understood that Asami's burden was greater than her own, she didn't have a choice. Korra, however, had more free will since she was already a royal. Korra would have the luxury to choose not to marry and claim a worthy successor later. But Asami… in Asami's culture… she was doomed to produce heirs for the Fire Nation, whether she wants to or not. If Asami rejected her duties and refused to marry the Fire Prince her entire reputation would be defaced along with the Sato Estate.
Korra thought about what Lord Sokka had told her earlier that night. She badly wanted to be Asami's lover. To hold her, kiss her and free her from the chains that bind her if only for a short while. If Korra could manage to do that, if she could get Asami to open up to her willingly, she would be okay with parting ways with her in the end.
After eating the meal that Jinora had brought her, Korra was unable to stand still for very long as boredom started to seep in quickly. Wondering if Asami had already fallen asleep, curiosity drove her to press an ear up to the chamber door. She could hear steady breathing among the crackling of the hearth fire in the room. Grasping a hand on the doorknob, Korra found it locked to her disappointment but she wasn't really surprised when she attempted to turn it. She silently grumbled and rolled her neck, pressing her forehead against the door. Asami's scent was thickening in the hallway by the minute and it was driving her mad with desire.
Soft padding of leather boots echoed down the hallway, Korra's ears twitched in alert and she moved quickly to stand where she was supposed to be, puffing out her chest as a soldier staring straight ahead. Lord Hiroshi. He walked nonchalantly with his hands folded behind his back with a prideful bounce. The guard stationed at his daughter's door didn't attempt to make eye contact as he passed by. Korra was about to sigh out in relief, until the estate owner halted and turned on his heels, staring at her.
"Hmmm, Korra. Am I right?" He asked while stepping closer, examining her through his round spectacles.
"Yes, my Lord," Korra answered, trying to avoid eye contact as much as possible as beating sweet started to form on her brow.
"Mako told me that you fought well in the Hall of the Dead. And you were able to retrieve the Blade of Lunas on your own. That's quite impressive," he observed.
"Thank you, my Lord."
"And he also said that the guardians of Lord Sokka's tomb just simply let you in without a fuss… Tell me, what exactly did you do to accomplish that?"
"I am from the same tribe as Lord Sokka," she said. "My people have a deep respect and trust for our fellow brethren. All I did was reason with them."
"Interesting," Hiroshi nodded in understanding. "I must say, I was worried that my daughter had let a tribal savage in my house. As a housecarl, no less. But after tonight I realize that I may have been too quick to judge. I now see what my daughter sees in you. You have potential."
"You flatter me, Lord Hiroshi," Korra muttered.
"I'm a simple man of observation," He said clearing his throat. "But I still have my doubts on your… domestication. If you so happen to step out of line or cause any harm to my Asami. I will be quick to have your head mounted on my study's wall. Do I make myself clear?"
"Of course, my Lord," Korra gave him a curt nod. He hummed lowly in his throat then simple continued traveling down the hall without saying another word to her. She glared a angry stare at his figure until he disappeared around a turn in the corridor. Something about that man didn't sit too well with her. It was understandable that he was simply protecting his only child, but his energy, his aura was unsettling. She could compare it like a snake in the grass, slithering in the shadows, weaving some kind of dark web of ill intent. Whatever he was up to, Korra suspected it wasn't good.
Her thoughts didn't stay on the lord for much longer. She rolled back over to Asami's door groaning at how the lady's natural musk seemed to keep calling her. Korra noticed the sound of Asami's breathing started to change in pace. Becoming more and more strained, tightening with heaviness until a soft moan birthed into the air. Korra's blue eyes snapped open wide at the beautiful sound.
She's… Oh my Spirits… Doesn't she know I can hear her?!
"Korra…"
Dammit!
Korra tore herself away from the door and started to panic. Asami said her name. Her name. She's never heard it from her lips before and it was the most beautiful thing she ever heard. Korra could even feel her aura fluttering with pleasure and calling out to her as a flame to a moth.
"Please…" said in a hush whisper that was anything but loud in the sensitivity of the druid's ears. Korra couldn't take it anymore, she had to make this stop before she smashed her way in. Her fist slammed on the door with one single motion.
Silence. One moment of silence slipped by until Korra heard the rustling of Asami's bedding. The blood pumping organ in the hunter's chest slammed violently when Asami's voice rang out right on the other side of the door.
"What do you want?" Asami asked with annoyance.
"I can hear you!" Korra whined as she pressed up against the door once again. "Sensitive ears… remember?"
"I remember." Korra could practically feel Asami smirking on the other side of the door. "What's your point?"
"Let me in, please…" Korra begged but she was met with nothing but silence. "Lady Asami?"
"I told you," Asami groaned. "You have to earn it with good behavior. You're just going to have to be patient."
Korra growled in frustration. "How can I be patient when you are doing that! I'm not made of steel!"
"Korra." Asami was pressing her back against the wood on the other side when her hand continued to tend to the pulsing ache between her legs, fingers coating with the wetness of her thick arousal. "Please…"
"Spirits…" Korra breathed and couldn't help but slide a hand into her own waistband, finding herself completely drenched. Moaning uncontrollably, her fingers were quick to seek relief against her swollen clitoris. "Asami… One day, you are going to beg me to fuck you. And I promise you, I won't hold back."
"Keep mumbled," Asami mumbled in between moans as she let herself succumb to her sinful cravings, stroking her stiff bud, building the tight coil that twisted at the base of her spine. Her free hand squeezing her breast, rolling the stiff pink nipple between her fingers. She could be satisfied with this. Teasing Korra brought an exhilarating thrill she just now discovered.
"Open the door," Korra panted as she worked herself towards orgasm. "All you have to do is open the fucking door."
"No," Asami's breath hitched, feeling her climax starting to summit. She didn't want to give Korra the satisfaction of hearing her cry out. When the wave crashed upon her, her teeth gritted as a quiet, long whimper escaped her throat. Despite the effort, Korra could feel her aura surge in bliss around her triggering an orgasm right away in response to Asami's. A strangled moan of momentary bliss escaped from her throat until the flood of pleasure gradually subsided draining all the strength from her trembling legs.
Both women slid down the wooden barrier between them in unison, fighting to regain the air to their lungs.
"Stubborn imperial," Korra called out between breaths.
"Savage beast," Asami snot back with a satisfied sigh, grinning to herself. Korra laughed out loud at the insult and was even more amused when she heard Asami join her with a fit of giggles.
Asami slumped forward shaking with laughter until she couldn't breathe. Letting out a long exhale before speaking again, leaning her head back against the door. "Goodnight, Korra."
"Sleep well… Lady Asami."
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The rest of the night went on uneventful. When Jinora arrived at daybreak to wake the lady of the house, Korra was celebrating inwardly knowing that her boredom will soon be put to rest. When Asami emerged from her chambers, Korra's heart quickened when those spring ivy eyes gazed at her.
"Good morning." Asami rang cheerfully.
"Good morning, Lady Asami," Korra mumbled with a faint blush on her cheeks, dragging her blue eyes down the lady's figure. She was wearing a maroon dress today with black lacing and the black ink tendrils of her hair was contained by a simple braid that cascaded over her right shoulder.
"You must be tired," she observed the dark circles underneath her housecarl's eyes. "Take the day off. You earned it. I want you to meet me at the shop tomorrow morning at nine."
"Yes, my Lady," Korra bowed her head politely. "Thank you."
When they parted, Korra was quick to get to bed and sleep for a few hours. She woke mid afternoon and contemplated on what to do with her free time. She figured that she should visit the monastery today to see if she can start training Meelo in archery. It was something to do, and it earned her extra coin to pay down her debt faster. Somehow, Korra didn't feel as motivated to do that as intensely before. She was surprised at herself on how her feelings had changed so rapidly about her situation. Now she had a different goal in mind.
Tenzin was just as happy to see her again when she arrived. They shared friendly embraces and talked about old times. She had informed him about the retrieval of the Blade of Lunas to his relief. Even if Amon did return, he had no chance of performing his ritual at the next blood moon.
"We should find out where he's hiding," Korra suggested. "Someone like him shouldn't have all that power. He is still a great threat to the safety of the city's people."
"I can't agree with you more," Tenzin nodded as he rubbed his triangular beard. "I will discuss this with the council about what measures we should take to hunt him down and put an end to this horror."
"I can find him," Korra announced. "Naga and I can track anything in those woods. He must be hiding in a cavern somewhere away from the day's light."
"I don't want you going running to danger, Korra," he frowned. "You may be a strong warrior but you are still the daughter of Tonraq. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I let you go alone. I will talk to Lin about organizing a team."
"It needs to be a small battalion. A large army can be detected too easily. I can form a team of my own. Mako and Bolin had proved themselves worthy for a mission like this. I think we can manage with just the three of us as a scouting team and will report back on the situation when we find out where he is. I don't plan on running into an army of ghouls with just two other men."
"You still should have permission from the council and the support of Beifong's forces if something goes wrong."
"I'll agree to that," Korra nodded as she folded her arms. "But if they reject the mission I'm still going to do it. I can't let Amon get away with feasting on innocent people and creatures. Besides, even if the Blade of Lunas is safe for now, what if he finds out where it is? If he does…"
"The Sato Estate would be in great danger," Tenzin finished her line of thought. "I'll meet with Lord Hiroshi about relocating Lady Asami and Jinora to a safe place until this situation is handled. If he attacks the Sato Estate on the blood moon, he won't have to go far to find a virgin woman." He paused with caution. "What about you, Korra? You've been a free woman for a few years now… I don't mean to ask such a personal question."
"That…" Korra blushed. "Won't be a problem."
...Hopefully.
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.
Asami was working diligently in her shop, humming to herself as she adjusted the set of armor she was eager to complete for her housecarl. She built it to be light so Korra could move easily underneath the tiny platinum shinglings. The design was simple. A pull over tank with a matching armored skirt, bracers and shinguards. She didn't bother with plated shoulder pads since Korra would need the full flexibility of her arms to draw her bow. The leather lining can be tightened by the laced seams which cut down the sides underneath the armpits. The armor would come off quickly with a gentle pull of the leather laces.
Satisfied with her adjustments according to Korra's measurements, Asami left the set on the armor mannequin to work on something else. The phoenix feathers and earth dragon scales she had purchased at the witchshop recently were neatly organized on her workbench. Picking up a scale, the blacksmith noble gauged on how thick it was between her fingers before placing it in a small holding vice. Rummaging through a drawer, an iron file was produced to put to work on the scale. Working the shape to be a bit more triangular, and a bit more symmetrical. Once the scale was formed to a desirable shape, Asami placed it aside and picked up another to get the same result. All twenty dragon scales has to be the same shape, size and weight.
"Wait!" Mako shouted from outside her workshop. "You can't just-" Asami paused at a loud crash booming from around the corner. Raising from her her bench, Asami reached over and grabbed at a sword on the weapon rack nearby full on alert by the intrusion she heard. Her eyes narrowed as she squared her feet to prepare for what was coming. A pair of boots clinked noisily towards the entrance of her workspace until the intruder appeared behind the corner.
"Kuvira!" Asami was surprised to see the Earth Empire's elite general standing in her workshop. Dressed fully in a green military uniform, the woman in question entered unannounced. Her black hair was braided back to fully show the strong features of her olive complexion. A little dark beauty mark sat just below her right eye. Asami's blade was lowered as the general's smirk grew on her lips. "What honor do I have to be blessed by your presence?"
"Lady Sato," Kuvira presented her with a long, sturdy parcel wrapped in leather. "When I heard you were looking for this… I couldn't help my curiosity on what the hell you need it for. So I decided to deliver it myself."
Gasping with excitement, Asami replaced her weapon and moved over to take the package from her clutches. "You shouldn't have!" Asami grinned and tried to pull the parcel out of the general's grasp but Kuvira refused to let it go.
"You're right, I shouldn't have," she said burrowing a stare into Asami's eyes teasingly.
"Give it!" Asami grumbled with a laugh.
"Not until you tell me what you are planning… is there something I should know about the powers of the Banyan Grove tree?"
"Not at all," Asami fibbed. "I… wanted a branch to be carved into a decor piece for Master Tenzin's birthday."
Kurvira hummed in suspicion before letting the lady take it from her hands. "You are a terrible liar." Asami ignored her and brought the package over to her carpenter's table, unwrapping two large solid branches from the leather bindings to inspect it for any damages. They were perfect specimens according to her request.
"Thank you for humoring me anyways," Asami turned to her. "Surely you didn't come all this way from Zaofu just to deliver this. What business do you have here in the capital?"
"Escorting Lady Opal to the monastery," the general announced. "It has been discovered she has the gift of wind."
"You don't say!" Asami was certainly taken back. Wind elementals were extremely rare, the only ones known to existence was Tenzin and his children. "That's incredible… Will you be staying here while she takes on her training?"
"Not for much longer," Kuvira said. "I have my duties to Zaofu. I'll be leaving in a few days."
"Come to the estate for dinner tonight," Asami offered. "As much as I would love to keep you here to catch up… I have a lot of work to do today."
"It would be a pleasure, Lady Asami," Kuvira smiled and bowed low. She pivoted and left Asami alone to her work.
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.
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Korra spent the remaining afternoon training Meelo in the art of archery. He was a fast learner and followed Korra's directions and advice on how to keep his arm steady when releasing arrows. He had some difficulty adjusting his aim with the direction of the wind, whining whenever his arrow missed a target. But with time and practice, his trainer assured him that he will get it eventually. When the sun started to sink low in the sky, Korra said her goodbyes and guided Naga to the ferry to return to the Sato Estate. She wanted to spend some time with Bolin before having to turn in. With the day's pay, she thought about asking him if he wanted to go to a tavern with her later. She really needed to have some fun before having to return to her housecarl duties the next day.
She dropped off Naga at the kennel and cantered into the manor through the back entrance. Checking the servant's common room, Korra didn't see Bolin there so she turned out into the main hall to see if he was in the kitchen. The chef's should be preparing the Sato's meal about now and Bolin was usually around to pick at the scraps. His hunger was insatiable, which made him predictable.
"Can you believe that Asami had appointed a housecarl?" Hiroshi rang through the hallway.
"You don't say…" the guest chimed. "I didn't think she was the housecarl type, she's always adamant on displaying her own strength with minimal security. How is it that she felt the need for one?"
"She doesn't need one," Hiroshi grumbled. "I'm just as perplex as you. But the savage has proven to be useful to her regardless."
"Savage? What does he mean… by savage?"
"She's a southerner and been wandering around the wilds for who knows how long," Asami explained. "Wild and uncivilized but she is quite capable nonetheless."
Korra passed the doorway to the dining hall and stopped to see who Asami was talking to.
"There she is," Asami announce and waved her housecarl over. "Come here, Housecarl. Meet our guest."
Kuvira's wine glass slipped from her fingers, shattering into tiny little shards onto the marble floor.
"YOU!" Kuvira shouted with anger.
Korra booked it, running as fast as she could down the hallway. The general sprang after her with equal determination. Before Korra reached the foyer of the manor, her pursuer extended her aura, grabbing onto the floor and pulled the marble upwards into a wall. Korra smacked into the obstacle with a front and fell back onto the floor. She rolled up to her feet, stumbling to gain her barings and panicked as Kuvira was closing in on her.
Korra swung a fist, using her aura to tear a chunk of marble from Kuvira's wall, throwing it in her direction. In a split second, Kuvira bent backwards evading the attack, giving Korra the chance to flip over the wall and escape out the front door.
"Kuvira!" Asami called out running after the general. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"Not now, Asami!" Kuvira growled. "I'll explain later!" Her green eyes darkened with malice before bolting after the escapee. Asami furrowed her brow, forming her hands into fists before running up the stairs. She burrowed into her chambers, retrieving her magic gauntlet from her bedside table drawer then her saber from the wardrobe. She didn't have time to change her clothes. Flying back down the stairs and out the foyer of her home.
"Asami!" Her father yelled after her. "Where do you think you are going?!" But she ignored him, not caring what consequences she would face later.
She's mine. Whatever Kuvira wants with Korra. She's going to have to fight me for her.
When she made it outside, the Korra and Kuvira was nowhere to be found. She ran to the kennel, swinging open Naga's cage with a slam, startling the white beast to from her slumber.
"I need your help."