Disclaimer: I own nothing, this story exists purely because I want it to

(Stormhawk fan SHhype comes running in from stage right, out of breath)

Whoooo, this one took a while... (takes a moment to catch breath)

HELLO EVERYONE, yes I' am alive and staying healthy and I hope you all are too. As you've guessed we are BACK with another update to Korra's adventure in Skyrim. So first things first, be sure you put aside a good slot of time to read this one, maybe grab yourself a drink, something to eat, cause this one is a LONG one. I didn't even mean for it to come out this long, it just sorta did, there were several things I wanted to have happen this chapter, and cutting them out would have made things difficult moving forward... so yea, ANOTHER 15,000 word chapter. I don't intend to have them be this long moving forward so I'm going to try to limit myself to just 10,000 words per chapter, let's hope I can stick to it.

With that out the way, let's get to reviews.

Guest: Apparently not my friend, but it'll be a while till we get to the Thalmor A** kicking, so please be patient, it shall be rewarded.

Kopol: (Rubs back of head sheepishly) Yea okay, I may have gone a little overboard last chapter on that, BUT, in my defence, the whole Helgen bit is a very integral part of the story, and I did try to spice things up a bit with some of my own additions. I'm going to try and use as little of the game script as I can moving forward, again, sticking ONLY to bits that are vital to story progression, but I will say that since Korra is basically the chosen for Dragon Born, following the story is kind of a must, but I'll do my best to twist things around and give it a unique edge that keeps it interesting.

OMAC001 + Guest: Okay, first up, I'd like to apologise because... I was a big dumb DOOFAS! I completely forgot that I had always intended to give Korra a spear, as, you know, Water Tribe, kinda fit the motif. So yea I messed up big time, so I'm sorry about that guys, still, thank you very much for your input, I took BOTH of your reviews into consideration when writing this chapter. As for the spear, I did mention it at the very beginning of the first chapter, in the prologue, when the dark haired, gold eyed figure (yes I know you Skyrim fans know who it is sssshhh!) was examining the slightly altered drawing of Alduin's Wall... and Korra will find said spear this chapter.

Speaking of, I've dropped a couple of little titbits you guys will enjoy picking apart for secrets and clues, and YES, there will be more of these moving forward. Finally I just want to say, I've not been in a relationship before, so I have no experience in that regard, however I have seen very well written relationships in various forms of fiction, so I'm basing my knowledge off of those... I say this because well... stuff, is happening with Asami this chapter... heavy stuff. Please let me know how I did, and what, if anything needs improvement in this area, after all, that's what reviews are for... now... ON WITH THE SHOW!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Dear Readers all... welcome back to...

P.s. I'm trying out a new spacing technique for the scene changes which I've seen another writer use, please let me know what you guys think, is it easier to read, etc, thanks ; )

P.p.s Advanced warning to all readers, there are scenes in this chapter containing mature themes including attempted sexual assault (don't worry Korra's fine), as well as some gore. If you do not wish to view this things please return to your previous page.

Avatar: The Legend of Korra

Book 5: Skyrim

Chapter 3: A Strange New World: Part 2 – Bleakfalls Barrow

"What do you mean the Avatar is missing!?" President Raiko exclaimed.

"A creature… something we've never seen before, ambushed Korra and her friends while they were helping a nearby settlement in the mountains," Tenzin explained. "It managed to separate Korra from the others, before dragging her through the portal it had come through."

"Was this portal somehow related to the Spirits?" Zuko asked, having come to Republic city on behalf of his daughter, to ascertain the details of the situation.

Tenzin shook his head, "The local Spirits have already looked into that for us, and so far as they can tell… this creature was in no way connected to the spirit world… it may in fact have been from an entirely different world altogether."

The room and all the dignitaries that were gathered, stared at him in shock. "What does this mean Tenzin… will there be another Avatar?" Desna asked, his sister sitting next to him.

"No," Tenzin replied, "At least not yet… Korra didn't die, so her Avatar spirit hasn't been reborn into the next nation in the cycle." Tenzin paused as he took a breath, "And as tragic as her death might have been… that honestly may have been easier… we don't even know what her current condition is… or if Raava can even get back here should something happen to Korra… meaning…"

"That this could break the Avatar cycle," Zuko finished, intimately aware of the consequences of that.

"Exactly," Tenzin said, nodding, "As such, we need more information… so I'll be departing to the spirit world with the rest of Team Avatar… our destination… Wan Shi Tong's Spirit library."

The various dignitaries exchanged looks, "What good will that do?" Raiko asked.

"Wan Shi Tong might have information we can use to bring Korra back, at the very least, it's a place to start, because right now…" Tenzin trailed off, not wanting to give voice to the words in his head.

"Right now, we have no Avatar," Eska completed, "Which means we have no defence, should the creature that took her decide to come back… or if any other spirit or person decides to take advantage of this situation."

Tenzin nodded, sombrely, "We need Korra back, the sooner the better, any lead we can chase down must become our highest priority."

]|[

The axe came down with a thunk, biting into the stump, and cleaving the short log neatly in half.

Korra shook off the still lingering memory of the execution at Helgen, as she picked up the two halves of the log and placed them on a nearby pile.

Maybe working at the lumber mill was a bad idea.

She stood up straight, dressed in an outfit similar to Gerdur's – it was actually one of Gerdur's spares – and looked around. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, birds were singing, and yet, Korra took no joy from any of it, not when Asami's face still hung in her mind's eye.

Five days now, five days since I came to Riverwood, and I still haven't found a way back.

Korra was becoming more than a little irritated with the situation, but there was little to be done. The people of Riverwood had no experience or use for magic, it was a simple village where the people lived simple, ordinary lives. Korra had not been idle for the last five days though. She had taken Gerdur's offer of a job at the lumber mill, more for the physical exertion than the coin, the exercise helped Korra take her mind off her current predicament. Her spare time was spent training with Ralof behind Hod and Gerdur's house. The man had insisted that if Korra was to set off into the rest of Skyrim, then she needed to become proficient with a blade, or any weapon for that matter. Korra had protested, but when Gerdur had reluctantly backed her brother up, she had relented. Korra now had a basic grasp of both a bow and a short blade, though she still preferred using her unarmed combat skills, though without her bending, those skills weren't nearly as effective.

Stretching the kinks out of her back, she gathered up the split logs and began bundling them up. With that done, she placed the bundle with the growing pile of bundles next to the table where Gerdur handled the logistics of the whole operation, she then turned towards the mill where Hod and Ralof were.

"Hod, I'm done with these, gonna take a break!" she called up to them.

Hod poked his head around the massive logs that sat on one side of the mill, his eyes widened at seeing the large pile of bundles Korra had amassed. "Fair enough lass, good job, we're going to get through half a dozen more of these then break for lunch, your welcome to join us," he called back.

Korra nodded, as she made her way over to the table, picking up the spell book Frieda had given her back in Helgen Keep. Korra had put off reading it for a couple of days, she'd always preferred a practical approach to learning, so she had decided to jump straight in and just practice her magic. Needless to say, there had been… accidents, no one hurt thank goodness, but afterwards everyone – even Korra – had agreed she should probably read up on how to use magic first before doing it. So, over the last few days, it had become a common sight to see Korra laying in the grass at the head of the island, nose buried in the magic book, or practicing what she learned from it, and today was no exception. Today, Korra intended to finally try out the Sparks spell that the book was actually about.

She sat in the grass to start with and turned to the page she'd marked. As she began to read, her mind was taken back to a recent memory with Asami. Her girlfriend had just purchased a new novel. Korra had never understood Asami's fascination with them, and said as much, at which point, Asami had plucked one of her many novels off a nearby shelf and pushed it into Korra's hands, saying that she should give it a try. Korra did so and found herself still reading the book Asami had given her several hours later, when Asami told her that dinner was ready. Korra had been so stunned by how much time had gone by, as well as how much of the book she'd already read – she got about three quarters of the way through – when Asami interrupted her. Asami had given Korra a good needling about the whole thing, laughing when Korra's face had lit up in a spectacular blush, but had made it up afterwards by opening up a whole new experience to Korra with the many books she had available.

Korra gave a soft sigh as the memory played through her mind, then shook herself and focused on the book in front of her, carefully reading through the ins and outs of casting the spell. Once she felt she was ready, she placed the book on the nearby tree stump, and then stood, facing away from the village. She took a deep breath, before bringing her hands up. Her last two days of study had revealed to her, that magic lived deep inside those with the ability, and that to use it, one called upon this energy, and allowed it to rise to the surface. Then it was simply a matter of willpower, envisioning what you wanted that energy to do, and how you wanted it to behave. After her first few attempts, Korra had likened it to her first few months after she got Naga when the polar bear dog was just a pup. It had been Korra's responsibility to train Naga, if she let the pup have too much freedom, then Naga had possessed a tendency to wreck everything in sight, too little and the pup became withdrawn and meek, Korra had needed to get the balance just right.

It was the same with magic, too much power, and it was liable to blow up in her face, too little and it wouldn't come, or would be so weak it could barely do what it was intended for. So, as she stood and called up the energy from within, she was careful to only give it so much, but didn't try to suppress it, but let it flow naturally. As she felt the magic reach her hands, she envisioned sparks of electricity crackling around her hands, much the same as when she bent lightning. To her joy, the sparks ignited, flickering around her hands. It was an odd feeling, the primal part of her mind said that the sparks should be hurting her, but instead, all Korra felt was a strange tingling sensation. She marvelled at her own hands for a couple minutes, before stretching her arms in front of her, and willing the sparks to leap from them.

On que, the sparks leapt forward, crackling in the air in front of her, Korra could tell instinctively that they weren't very powerful, certainly not to the same degree as her lightning bending had been, but it was a start. She pulled her hands back as she cut the flow, and the sparks returned to her hand, before dying completely. Korra took a deep breath, going through the meditation techniques Tenzin had taught her. New world or not, Korra had already learned that it had many similarities with her own, so she had put her old training to good use, keeping herself calm and centred. Rushing off recklessly was liable to get her killed, so she would just take things one step at a time.

That was how Ralof and Hod found her, sitting cross-legged on the stump meditating, it wasn't the first time they'd seen her do this, but they still found the behaviour odd, which wasn't surprising, they had nothing really to compare it to. So Korra quickly ended her meditation session and joined them for lunch. As they ate, Ralof regaled them with war stories from his service with the Stormcloaks, Korra suspected that the tales were embellished, but appreciated them, nonetheless. After lunch Hod and Ralof headed back to the mill, while Korra made her way back to Hod and Gerdur's house.

"I'm back," Korra called as she walked in the door.

"Ah Korra, just in time," Gerdur replied as she came around the corner to where her and Hod's bed was, a basket of laundry under one arm. "Think you can take the other one and give me a hand," she asked indicating the second basket, "Job will get done twice as fast that way."

Korra nodded, "Sure, could use the wash anyway."

With that, Laundry baskets under arm, and a change of clothes slung over shoulder, they made their way from the house back to the river, and the women's bathing area specifically, a small sheltered section of riverbank, where the water flowed calm and slow, and was protected on either side by tall brush. They made idle chatter while they worked, Korra had actually really grown to like Gerdur. While the Imperial Captain from Helgen had sounded similar to Lin, Gerdur actually reminded Korra of Lin, or well, the Lin Korra imagined if she'd settled down and had a family. The memory of Republic City's chief of police caused a small ache in Korra's chest, as it called other memories to the surface, and she felt a solitary tear run down her cheek.

"Korra, are you okay?" Gerdur suddenly asked.

Korra quickly wiped the tear away, "Yea, I'm fine… just old memories, that's all."

Gerdur gave her a sympathetic look, Korra hadn't told them much about where she came from – mostly since that they either wouldn't believe her or understand her – but she'd told them as much as she thought she could. As a result, Gerdur had drawn her own conclusions as to how Korra had ended up in Skyrim, and had promised Korra all the support she needed to get back on her feet, so she could find her way home again, something which Korra was immensely grateful for.

After they'd finished with the laundry, they both took a quick bath themselves, before gathering up their things and returning to the house. They were just passing the trader when Gerdur stopped, "Oh I almost forgot, I need some things from the trader," she said, fishing out a list and a small bag of coin.

"I can grab them," Korra offered.

"Would you," Gerdur said in relief, to which Korra just nodded, just then Frodnar ran past them with his dog. "Frodnar, can you take Korra's basket please," Frodnar stopped, clearly put out that his game had been interrupted, but didn't argue, and quickly came back.

"Thanks, Frodnar," Korra said as she handed him her basket.

"No problem," he replied, as Gerdur handed Korra the list and money, before leading the way back to the house.

Korra chuckled, then turned to the trader and went inside.

She was greeted instantly by an argument.

"Well one of us has to do something!?"

Korra pulled up short as she took in the sight of the Valerius siblings standing either side of the counter, glaring at each other.

"I said NO, no theatrics, NO thief chasing!" Lucan shot back.

"Well what are you going to do about this, let's hear it?" Camilla replied testily.

"We are DONE talking about this!" Lucan declared, before noticing Korra standing in the doorway, "Oh a customer… sorry you had to hear that," he replied dejectedly while glaring at his sister who stalked away.

Korra approached the counter warily, glancing between the siblings, before Lucan caught her attention, "I don't know what you heard, but the Riverwood Trader is still open for business, feel free to shop."

At his words, Korra was reminded of why she was here, "Oh right, Gerdur gave me a list of things she needs," Korra said, placing the list onto the counter along with the bag of coin.

"Ah, that must be her weekly purchase, yes, I have it right here," Lucan declared, as he turned and pulled a small package from a shelf behind him, before placing it on the counter. "There we go, everything should be accounted for," Lucan said, picking up the list, "Spices, herbs – both culinary and medicinal – some bandages, new sowing thread, and three sweet rolls."

Korra smiled, "Great, thanks," she said, gathering up the package as Lucan took the bag of coin. Korra was just about to head out, when another object on the shelves caught her eye. "Is that a magic book?"

Lucan followed her gaze, "Why yes, it is, Frostbite I believe."

"How much?" Korra asked.

Lucan mulled it over, "Well while it is a novice level spell, books like these are still a rarity out here, so I'd say, 250 gold pieces."

Korra quickly pulled out her own coin pouch, and checked how much she had, she was short by about 70 coins, "Will 180 do?"

Lucan again, mulled it over, on the one hand he'd be selling the book for less than it's worth, on the other hand, Korra was probably the only person in the village who was interested in buying it, then an idea came to him. "Perhaps, but I'd need you to run an errand for me first," he said.

"Errand?"

"Yes, you see, we did have a bit of a, break in," Lucan explained awkwardly, "Still got plenty to sell, robbers were only after one thing." At Korra's raised eyebrow he elaborated, "An ornament, solid gold in the shape of dragon's claw."

Korra caught on quickly, "You want me to get it back for you?"

"Would you," he replied, elated, "If you do, the book's yours for half price, and I'll even throw in some extras for any further adventuring you may find yourself on."

Korra mulled it over for a bit, on the one hand, it seemed rather a chore for a basic spell, but at the same time, she did need to learn as much as she could. And to top it off, she couldn't simply let the thieves who broke into the trader get away with it… not when she could do something about it. The memory of that night in the restaurant with Asami came back, and it hardened Korra's resolve. Right path or not, this felt like a sign of something, and she was going to follow it.

"Mr Valerius, you got yourself a deal," she said, smiling.

Lucan returned the smile, "Excellent… now if you're going to catch those thieves…" he began, but was cut off as his sister Camilla interjected into the conversation.

"So, this is your plan Lucan?"

"Yes, now you don't have to go," Lucan replied imperiously.

Camilla merely smirked at him, "Oh really, well I think your new helper here could use a guide."

Korra had to hold back a snort of laughter at Lucan's incredulous look, "By the Eight… FINE, but only to the edge of town!"

"I need to grab some things anyway," Korra replied, before turning to Camilla, "Give me ten minutes and I'll meet you outside the forge."

Camilla nodded, as Korra left her to argue with her brother, and quickly took Gerdur's package back to the house.

]|[

The airship moved towards the Spirit portal that now sat at the centre of Republic City. Normally, the airships steered well clear of it, but this was not a normal occurrence. Team Avatar stood on the bridge of the ship, all staring towards the portal.

"This isn't… ya know, going to tear the ship in half or anything… is it?" Bolin asked awkwardly.

"If it does, we probably won't have time to worry about it," Mako replied, not helping his brother's complexion any.

"The Spirits promised us safe passage, we should be fine," Tenzin explained, "And if what Jinora has told us about the Library is true, we'll need the appropriate transportation."

With that, the airship began to enter the portal.

]|[

"You're doing what!?" Gerdur asked.

"Heading after a bunch of thieves who stole Lucan's golden claw," Korra answered.

Gerdur gave her a serious look, "Are you sure that's a good idea, I mean, you don't know what you'll run into… you'd risk your life all for an ornament?"

Korra stopped, looking up from the backpack she'd acquired during her last few days here, which was now filled with various essentials she'd need. "I know it seems reckless," she started.

"Understatement," Gerdur quipped.

Korra rolled her eyes, "But I can't explain it… it's like something is pushing me to follow this… besides, I never let thieves get away with their actions back home, and I intend to stick to that track record."

Gerdur sighed, "There's no talking you out of this, is there?" Korra shook her head as she finished packing her things, slinging the bag over one shoulder, and adjusting the hood of her mages robes – Gerdur had helped her refit them for Korra's frame, and they had also added a fur lining to the hood and arms.

"Not really, no," Korra replied.

Gerdur nodded, then went over to a chest, from which she pulled a hunting bow, a quiver of about twenty iron arrows, and a short iron sword. She turned to Korra with the items, "Then at least take these," she stated.

Korra eyed the weapons, feeling her stomach churn at the mere sight of them, yes, she knew how to use them now, but that didn't mean she wanted to. "Gerdur…" Korra began before the older woman cut her off.

"I'm not taking no for an answer," she declared, "Those bandits won't hesitate to kill you if they get the chance… not to mention the mountain will be home to wolves and other wild animals, and don't get me started on the Draugr."

Korra looked at her quizzically, "Draugr?"

"Undead guardians of places like Bleakfalls Barrow," Gerdur explained, "Relentless, merciless, and, probably immune to that fancy hand to hand combat you love so much."

Korra blinked, "It's called Chi Bending… and so long as the target has muscles and a brain, it will be effected by it."

Gerdur shook her head, "Not the Draugr, their basically corpses Korra… you can't expect them to follow the same rules."

Korra hesitated, before heaving a sigh, and reaching out for the weapons, "Alright fine, if it makes you happy, I'll take them… just don't expect them to be used."

Gerdur simply smiled as she helped Korra strap the sword to her belt, and then the quiver over her shoulder. "So long as you have more options available to you for defending yourself, that's all that matters," Gerdur replied.

Korra nodded and smiled, before hugging the older woman, "Thank you, for everything."

Gerdur smiled and hugged Korra back, "Your welcome Korra, just promise me you'll come back safely."

As they broke the hug, Korra gave the woman a lopsided smile, "Count on it."

With that, she headed out, waving back to Gerdur as she headed down towards the river. Gerdur waved back, until Korra rounded the corner of the Trader, and was lost from sight.

Camilla was waiting for Korra outside the trader, giving her a broad smile at the sight of Korra all geared up. "So, we need to cross the river to get to Bleakfalls Barrow," Camilla began as Korra reached her, "We can see it from here though, the old ruin up on the mountain, you can see it over the buildings."

Korra followed where she pointed, once again gazing upon the massive ruin perched up on the mountain that overlooked the village. "Right, let's get going then," Korra replied, and they both began walking up the road to the north, and out of the village.

Camilla made some idle chatter about the bandits, and how crazy they were to hide in the ruins, as well as a remark about her brother, and him finding the claw. Korra was only half listening, her attention was more focused on adjusting to the weight of the sword and bow she was now carrying, as well as running through the spells she currently knew. In no time at all they reached the bridge at the northern end of the village.

"Well here we are, this bridge leads out of the village, and the trail up the mountain will take you all the way to Bleakfalls Barrow," Camilla declared.

Korra nodded "Right, thanks."

As Korra double checked she had everything, she heard Camilla give another comment about returning to her brother. Korra simply gave a nod as the woman left, then glanced back at her as she passed into the village again, "Real chatter box that one," Korra remarked, before hoisting her pack higher, and set off across the bridge.

]|[

Team Avatar gazed in wonder as they soared through the skies of the Spirit World, watching as spirits and other creatures, danced through the air around them. "Okay Jinora, where to?" Kai asked as he steered the airship.

Jinora moved to the front of the airship, and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The others watched as her Airbender tattoos glowed briefly, before she opened her eyes, and looked out to the right of the ship, towards what looked like mountains in the distance, covered in massive trees. "There, the Library is in the centre of that formation," she declared.

Kai gave a nod, and began turning the airship in its direction.

As they came about, a streak of light, flew in through one of the windows, phasing through it, before Yara appeared on the deck. "I wish you luck in you mission," she began, drawing nods from all of them.

"Thank you Yara, we'll do our best," Tenzin replied.

Yara returned the nods, "Just be warned, Wan Shi Tong knows your coming… do not expect a warm welcome."

"Don't worry, we can handle ourselves," Mako stated, with a murmur of agreement from the others.

Yara nodded again, before leaving the way she came, while the airship, continued on its way, to Wan Shi Tong's Library.

]|[

Korra pulled her hood down tighter around her as the chill wind bit at her cheeks. She'd been surprised at how much colder it was just a little way further up the mountain. Down in the valley where Riverwood was located, the weather had felt like early spring, crisp yes, but the sun shone warmly enough that it could be ignored. Up here though, the wind had picked up, and now it felt closer to winter. Korra made a mental note to make her outfit more suited to colder environments later. She glanced back down into the valley, and saw the village laid out before her, like toy houses, she'd already climbed a long way. She'd had a close call with a wolf earlier, but a decent smack to the animal's nose had sent it packing with its tail quite literally between its legs. As she continued up the mountain trail, she spotted a tower off in the distance, squinting, she could also make out movement next to it.

I can't have caught up to them already, right?

Korra approached cautiously, but boldly, not making an effort to hide, she didn't really have the right colouration for stealth anyway, her light brown and orange clothing would be easily picked out against the white of the snowy landscape. She had almost reached the tower, when one of the bandits standing guard outside, spotted her, standing up straight from where he'd been leaning against a tree, and picking up a large iron warhammer. Korra also noticed another bandit who had been patrolling the bridge, that led to the tower, unsling a bow, and notch and arrow to it.

"Turn back stranger, you're not welcome here," the first bandit declared in a gruff gravelly voice. Korra noticed that his skin was green in hue, and he had two fangs jutting up from his lower jaw. His head was bald apart from a top knot that sat on the crown of his head, pointing skywards.

An Orc, Korra mused, having heard about them from Ralof.

Korra help her hands up to show she was not a threat, "Easy now, I'm not here to fight, I just came to retrieve Lucan's golden claw, do you guys have it?"

The Orc gave a snort, "Nah, we don't, but even if we did, we wouldn't be giving it back after we stole it… now, GET LOST!"

The archer drew his bow to full length, Korra noted he was a Wood Elf like Faendal from Riverwood, "You heard Durbborz, Imperial," he called out, "Turn around now, or I put one between your eyes!"

Korra took a breath, knowing she wasn't getting through without a fight, she unslung her pack and tossed it to one side where it would be safe. "You don't want to do this guys… just tell me where the claw is and I'll be on my way," she stated, calm and clear, as she adopted a ready stance.

It wasn't lost on either of them that Korra had yet to draw a weapon, even though they could plainly see the sword belted at her side and the bow slung across her back. They exchanged a look, they'd been adventuring across Skyrim for long enough to know that when someone didn't draw a weapon for a fight, it meant they primarily used magic. They exchanged a nod, before turning back to face Korra, who was eyeing them both carefully.

Then, letting rip a mighty roar, Durbborz charged forward, swinging his warhammer up and around so that he could bring it smashing down in a powerful strike. In the same moment, the Wood Elf fired his first shot. Korra anticipated both moves, she jinked to one side to avoid the arrow, before counter charging against Durbborz.

The Orc had clearly not been expecting that, and tried to pull back to defend himself, but his momentum and the weight of his hammer pulled him forward straight to where Korra wanted him. Unlike the Captain back at Helgen, the Orc wore only fur armour, and it didn't even protect everywhere, making it easy for Korra to hit the pressure points in his arms and legs.

Durbborz went down like a sack of bricks.

"What in Oblivion!?" the Wood Elf exclaimed, midway through drawing another arrow. He had little time to dwell on his comrade's condition however, as Korra quickly closed the distance, jabbing him painfully in his right shoulder, causing that arm to hang limp, and his grip on his bow to fail. The weapon dropped to the bridge, before clattering off and down to the mountain side below. the now disarmed archer swore, quickly drawing a short blade and taking a swipe at Korra, who was forced to step back quickly to avoid getting gutted, then suddenly, the Wood Elf smirked.

Korra frowned, before she felt a shadow cross over her, she quickly ducked, feeling the wind from a pair of massive muscled arms as they swept over her, a second longer and she'd have been pinned by Durbborz. She kicked one leg out behind her, catching the Orc in the shin, he gave a grunt of pain, but remained standing. Korra now realised how dangerous her current situation was, Durbborz had not stayed down nearly as long as Korra had expected him to, and now she was trapped on the bridge between the two of them. she was forced to draw her short sword to block another swing from the Wood Elf, the moment he backed off, Durbborz swung again with his fists, looking to either grab, or punch her off the bridge.

Thinking fast, Korra made a choice, she kicked out again behind her, this time aiming high, and catching Durbborz in the chin, staggering him for a few moments. It was enough, she then turned and barrelled straight towards the Wood Elf. The moment he saw her coming, he quickly backed up himself, all the while yelling over his shoulder. With a cold feeling of dread, Korra realised there must be others in the tower. Her objective was achieved though, she reached the tower, and after exchanging a few parries and thrusts with the Wood Elf, slammed her knee into his chest, winding him and causing him to collide with the tower wall. He fell to the ground with a thud, and lay still.

Korra had no time to revel in her victory though, as she heard another roar behind her. Glancing over her shoulder she saw Durbborz rushing her again. With the Orc being twice her size, she didn't fancy facing him in close quarters, so instead she took off up the stairs to her right. Durbborz ignored his compatriot and charged after Korra. They soon reached the first level of the tower, an open space that was enclosed on all sides by the tower walls, but lacked a roof, various containers were scattered about as well as three bedrolls. Korra turned as she heard Durbborz' arrival, sheathing her blade and raising her hands, as fire ignited around them.

Durbborz smirked as he advanced in, "Should have opened with that girly," he growled.

"Agreed," declared another voice, causing Korra to glance up quickly, seeing another Orc standing on the floor above them. This one was wearing some proper iron armour, but Korra could still see gaps she could exploit. "Having trouble brother?" the second Orc asked as he drew a long blade, and hefted up an iron shield.

Durbborz shrugged, "Little minx is a nimble one I'll give her that," he then gave the second Orc a serious look, "Be careful Brakil, she's got some fancy moves that will make your limbs give out on you for a time, only lasts a few seconds though."

Brakil nodded, "Noted."

"It's supposed to last several minutes at least," Korra shot back, trying to sound confident, but inwardly panicking. One Orc she could have dealt with, two was a bit much, and it was clear they were far more resilient than the average human, or Durbborz would have stayed down longer, which meant she couldn't rely on her Chi Bending.

Durbborz gave a chuckle as he rotated his neck and shoulders, "Really, guess that just proves your average Orc is made of stronger stuff than the milk drinkers your used to fighting."

Korra glared back at him, "You're forcing me to use this," she declared, holding one flaming hand up, "If we continue this fight, you will end up dead." The two Orcs glanced at one another before Korra continued, "But, if you tell me where the Golden Claw is, I'll leave, and we all get to walk away from this fight."

The two Orcs exchanged a look, before both began laughing, "Can you believe this girl," Brakil guffawed.

"She tried the same thing outside with me and Montelas," Durbborz cackled slapping his knee.

Korra's glare intensified at their mocking, "I mean it, just tell me what I want to know, and no one has to die!" doing her level best to keep the desperation out of her voice.

The two Orcs finally got control of their laughter, before Brakil looked Korra up and down critically, "How old do you reckon she is brother?"

Durbborz shrugged, "Can't be any older than 23, but I'd say no younger than 19."

Brakil nodded, "And she's quite the pretty little thing too," he remarked, a hunger entering his eyes as they continued to examine every inch of Korra, before he put his sword away. "Tell you what sweetheart," he began, "I'll tell you what you want to know," he reached for his belt as he continued, "But first, you have to service me and my brother here." As he finished, he opened the top of his leggings, pulling out his manhood, which was already semi-hard as he leered at her, "After all, it's been a while since either of us got to bed a young woman as lovely as you."

Korra felt several things in that moment, embarrassment at such a vulgar display, revulsion at what he was suggesting, and anger. Her face contorted into a visage of fury, as she struck one of her hands forward, unleashing a gout of fire towards them both. They quickly jumped out of the way of the attack, "Go to hell, pervert!"

"Pervert? that's a new one," Brakil remarked, as he put his junk away, before speaking to Durbborz, "Don't kill this one, we can have some fun with her first, and she'll also make a fine gift for the boss once he gets back from the barrow."

Durbborz nodded as the two began to separate, so they would be coming at her from two different directions. Korra blasted a stream of fire at each of them in desperation, "Stay back!"

Durbborz chuckled, as he dodged his stream, "Don't worry girly, we just wanna have a little fun with you," he's eyes leering over her form as he spoke.

"That's right," Brakil agreed, blocking his with his shield, something Ralof had warned her about, "So just calm down sweetheart, and this will all be over quickly."

"Oh, I'm sure we could find a way to drag it out brother," Durbborz smiled, which Brakil returned.

Korra was now panicking, eyes darting around the room, looking for a way out, while backing away from the Orc brothers, trying to maintain distance, with a gout of fire every now and then for good measure.

"You're gonna run out of Magicka eventually girl," Brakil stated, "Just give it up already."

Korra grit her teeth, knowing he was right, she took one last glance around her, and then did a double take on the wall behind her, it looked heavily worn. An idea formed in her head, it was dangerous, but it was her only chance. She turned back to the brothers, "Last chance, let me walk, or this gets ugly."

Brakil smirked, "The only place this is going, is a very pleasurable evening," he stated, before lunging forward.

Korra quickly shut off her flames, and ducked underneath his grab, before giving him a jab in each shoulder. He gave a grunt of pain, and his eyes widened as both his arms hung limp from his shoulders. Korra quickly peeled away from him, getting behind him. Durbborz, who'd been expecting the move was after her in a heartbeat, but he didn't have a shield. Korra brought up her hand closest to the charging Orc, and lightning ignited in her hand. Durbborz' eyes bulged at the sight, and he slammed on the brakes, trying desperately to get out of the way. Korra smirked at him, and aimed at his left side, the sparks from her hand raking along him. Durbborz gave a snarl of pain and moved instinctively away from the spell… and right into his brother, who'd only just gotten the feeling back into his arms. The two collided and collapsed straight into the wall Korra had been standing in front of moments ago. The wall crumpled under their combined weight, and they fell through, she heard them both shout, before there was a solid thud from below as they hit the bridge. The vibration caused by them landing on the bridge, knocked one of the large stones that had made up the wall loose, and with its support stones now all but gone, it too fell through the hole after the brothers.

Korra heard a scream from below, that was swiftly cut off by a second, wetter, thud. She approached the edge, and looked down, and had to immediately force back the bile. Brakil had crushed his brother between his armour and the bridge edge, breaking Durbborz' spine, while the stone had finished Brakil, falling directly on his head… both were very dead. As Korra examined the scene, she spotted movement directly below her, she looked down to see Montelas looking up at her, before his gaze moved to the two brothers, his arm still hanging limp. His gaze moved back up to Korra, real fear now in his eyes, as he took off at a run, vaulting over the fallen brothers, and running further up the trail.

Korra heard Ralof's voice in her head, telling her to shoot the man before he warned the bandits up ahead, but she just couldn't do it. Killing someone actively trying to kill or – in the brother's case – rape her, was one thing. Killing someone in cold blood, was quite another, and she swore to herself there and then, she would never cross that line. Taking a breath, she gathered herself as Tenzin had taught her, before turning back into the tower and heading back down, she'd delayed for long enough.

]|[

"Boss, boss!" Narash turned towards the voice calling him, as did his men who were gathered around him. His eyebrow raised in surprise at seeing Montelas running up the trail, one arm hanging limp at his side, though he didn't look injured.

"What is it Montelas," Narash growled, annoyed at the interruption.

"We were attacked, a young mage girl, moved like a Dremora, she floored Durbborz before coming after me," he indicated his arm.

Several of Narash's men began to laugh at the absurdity of Montelas' claim, but Narash himself scrutinised him. "Where are Durbborz and Brakil?" his words silenced his men's mirth, and the terrified look on Montelas' face made them tense.

"Dead… she knocked them both through one of the tower's walls, Durbborz was crushed by Brakil against the bridge, and Brakil was killed by falling masonry."

A wave of muttering spread through the other bandits at the news, Durbborz and Brakil were two of their strongest, it was inconceivable that they had lost. Narash's hard tone snapped them back to the present, "Where is she now!?"

"She was still in the tower when I left, but from how she spoke to us, I think she's coming here, she's after the Claw," Montelas replied, pointing back the way he came.

Narash's face contorted in rage, his fist clenching, "Burdrum, stay here with three others, and wait for Arvel and the others… the rest of you, come with me, that includes you Montelas!"

His men didn't argue, as the Nord he'd chosen to stay and guard the entrance to the barrow, gathered three others, and readied themselves. The rest, picked up their weapons and followed their leader.

]|[

Korra peered from behind the rock she was hidden behind, glad that she'd had the foresight to wait for Montelas to return. She'd been careful to erase her tracks so it would take a while for them to figure out where she'd gone, hopefully it would be enough time for her to get into the barrow and recover the claw. As she watched the bandits march by, her eyes were drawn to the leader.

Another Orc, she mentally grumbled, then with a start, noticed that his face held remarkably similar features to the two she'd left dead at the tower. Brothers then, all three of them, she mused, it had not escaped her notice that Brakil had looked older than Durbborz, and that this Orc appeared older than Brakil. The third Orc was also wearing better quality armour, steel unless she very much missed her guess, thick, with few weak points or exposed areas, he'd be a tough one for sure, and Korra was glad she'd managed to avoid that particular fight.

Once they'd rounded the corner and headed for the tower, she slipped out from behind her rock, and made haste for the barrow. It wouldn't take them long to figure out her ruse, and it was unlikely they'd left the entrance to the barrow unguarded, so speed was now of the essence. Fortunately, thanks to Montelas, she no longer had to fight the entire group.

]|[

Narash glared down at the two bodies, the bodies of his younger brothers. It was just as Montelas had said… with the exception that the girl he'd spoken about was no where to be seen, and they hadn't run into anyone along the trail. He turned to Montelas, "So, where is she!?"

Montelas was busy working the feeling back into his arm, "I don't know," he said, "The last place I saw her was up there," he declared, pointing at the new hole in the tower wall.

Narash examined it as well, then looked back down at his brothers, he noticed that Durbborz had scorch marks along his left side, marks that could only have been made by magic. Montelas is telling the truth then… but where is she?

Suddenly, a shout carried to them on the wind, and Narash's head snapped round to the direction they'd come. Clever girl, "Back to the barrow, QUICKLY!" Narash roared, taking off up the trail, back towards the barrow, his men hot on his heels. It was a decent run back to the barrow, the march had taken about fifteen minutes, the run took about half that time, but it was still too late. By the time they got there, Burdrum and one other was dead, and the other two were curled on the ground groaning in pain, their muscles completely unresponsive. Narash picked one of them up by his fur vest, "Where!"

The man couldn't do so much as raise a finger, so he merely directed his eyes towards the door of the barrow. Narash dropped him, and made for the now open door, he stepped inside to find the two he'd placed to watch the entrance were also laid out like the others outside. He stood at the top of the stairs leading deeper into the barrow. There wasn't a chance in Oblivion that he was leading his men into that death trap just to chase after one girl, but at the same time, that girl had killed his brothers, and humiliated his men, he had to make her pay.

She can't stay down there forever, he thought, a malicious smile slowly creeping across his face. He turned to the men who'd followed him in, "Gather the wounded and get them back to the tower, see to it their on their feet again as soon as possible, everyone else, get the girl's description from those who saw her, and spread out around the mountain, the moment you see her, signal the others… we're gonna make her PAY!"

]|[

Korra rested her hands on her knees, panting. It had been touch and go for a moment there, but she'd made it, and the bandits didn't appear to be following her, though Korra had no doubt they'd be waiting for her to come back out the way she went in.

Fat chance of that… there's gotta be another exit to this place… but let's cross that bridge when we come to it.

Taking a breath, Korra continued on. The barrow was musty, and a foul stench hung in the air, the stench of things long dead, she just hoped they stayed that way, as the memory of what Gerdur had told her about the Draugr came back. She'd been walking for some time when she spotted movement. She ducked behind a corner, and peered round. Another bandit was standing at the entrance to another room, the first since leaving the main entrance, he appeared to be examining the room and muttering to himself.

"Tricky little Dunmer, how in Oblivion did he get through this?" the bandit walked forward towards a gate, that looked well and truly locked tight. Then he stopped, and Korra saw a lever sticking out of the ground as she crept closer. "Ah, this must open it, just gotta…" the bandit took hold of the lever with both hands and pulled.

A clanking noise began filling the room, but the gate remained closed, as Korra looked around wildly, then she saw the small holes in the walls, and where they were pointing. "Look out!" Korra yelled.

The Bandit whirled around to her, blade halfway out of its sheath, but he got no further, as a flurry of small darts suddenly hit his back. The bandit gave a grunt of pain, as his eyes crossed, before he fell forwards, dead. From his back, protruded dozens of small darts, and as Korra examined them, she detected the sickly scent of poison. Korra gave the room another examination, Camilla had mentioned traps as they'd been leaving the village, this must be what she meant.

I'll have to tread carefully… but I still need to get through this door.

Currently, Korra could see no other way through however, then her eyes landed on three pillars on the left side of the room. They were shaped to resemble three sided pyramids, and on each side was carved an animal, a whale, a hawk, and a snake. Curious, Korra looked around again, and it didn't take her long to find more of the carvings above the gate. Three stone heads, with yawning mouths, and inside those mouths, were plaques containing the same carvings. In this case, a snake and whale, but there was one missing, the leftmost head broken off. Didn't take long to find it though, as it sat not far from the gate where it had fallen, and thankfully, the carving was still whole enough to make out, another snake.

"Simple enough," Korra muttered, and approached the pillars, turning each so that the outward facing matched the ones above the gate. With some trepidation she returned to the lever, being careful to avoid the dead bandit. Korra took a deep breath, and quickly pulled the lever, finding it surprisingly more difficult than she expected, no doubt part of the tomb's security measures, if the order of the pillars was wrong, then the resistance the lever provided gave the defences more time to kill the intruder. A small flare of doubt ignited in Korra's stomach, as she prepared to feel the sting of the darts, but they never came, instead she heard a heavy clanking behind her, and turned her head to see the gate was open.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Korra moved on, entering another room, with a set of wooden spiral stairs leading down. Korra ignited a flame in her hand to light her way as she descended, she got a brief scare at the bottom, as three large rats ran right passed her, and straight up the stairs. Confused as to why they hadn't attacked her, especially given they had looked large enough to do some serious damage to a human, Korra peered ahead. The stench of death was stronger down here, and at the end of the passage, she could make out something white coating one of the walls on the left.

Korra proceeded cautiously, as she did, she heard a voice calling out, "Is that you Haknir, Bjorn, Solien!?"

Ah, that must be Arvel, the guy those bandits at the entrance were talking about, and also the guy who has the claw.

Korra quickly rounded the corner, only to stop dead in her tracks, the door to the next room was blocked by thick spider webbing. On the other side she could hear Arvel begging for help, what's more, she'd come too far to turn back now, not to mention turning back would mean having to face the bandits waiting for her. Uttering a quick curse, Korra blasted the webbing with a gout of flames, they quickly caught and burned, filling the air with an acrid stench. Korra waited until the way was completely clear, before stepping through.

The moment she did, Arvel began losing it, and it wasn't hard to see why, as a massive spider descended from a hole in the ceiling. Korra summoned flames into her other hand as it settled onto the floor, between her and Arvel, it also didn't escape her notice that it didn't settle quite fully onto three of its legs.

Wounded eh, Korra mused, must be my lucky day.

Wounded or not, the spider still made a lunge for her, Korra dodged to one side, feeling the creature's fangs miss her by a hair's breadth, as she bathed it in flames. The spider screeched thrashing its legs out at Korra futilely, for Korra's part, she moved slowly and calmly, any time the spider made to lunge, she gave it another dose of fire. Once she had the spider between her and the door she'd come through, she began advancing, with short bursts of flame, slowly pushing the spider backwards. Once it had passed through the door, it moved to curl up in the corridor beyond.

Korra gave a nod of satisfaction, before turning around towards Arvel, she hadn't gone more than three steps though when said Elf gave a cry, "Look out!"

Korra whirled, hand reaching for her sword, as she turned back around, the spider's maw coming straight for her face. Korra managed to block the fangs with a well-placed elbow, though wasn't able to stop it baring her to the ground as the spider futilely tried to bite at her, it's drool dripping onto her out of its mouth. "Screw this!" Korra yelled and drove her sword straight into its mouth. The spider tensed, rigor mortis running across its body, before it finally slumped to the ground, pinning Korra's legs.

Uttering a noise of disgust, Korra wormed her legs out from under the creature, before giving it a satisfying, vindictive kick to the face. "If I never see one of these things again it will be too soon," Korra grumbled as she swiped off the drool and ichor.

"Huh, you and me both sweetheart," Arvel said from behind her, "Thanks for the save by the way."

Korra chuckled, "Don't mention it… really," she replied while walking up to him, "Cause now your going to give me the Golden Claw, so I can return it to Lucan."

Arvel's eyes widened at her words, before they returned to normal, "Right yes, the Claw, I have it, I know how it all fits together."

Korra raised an eyebrow, "How what fits together?"

"The Claw, the markings, the door in the hall of stories, I know how it all works," the Dunmer blathered, "Help me down and I'll show you."

Korra studied the man's body language and could see he was ready to run the moment she cut him down, and had no intention of sharing anything. She pulled out her blade and brought it up to him, "Alright look, I really couldn't care less whether or not you walk away from this, I have no intention of turning you in so long as you give me the Claw."

Realising the jig was up, he gave her a critical stare, "And why exactly should I trust you?"

"Two reasons," Korra answered, "Right now, I'm the only chance you have at freedom, I could cut you down, but I don't have to cut you loose, meaning I can leave you here webbed up for some other monster to find, and still retrieve the Claw from you," she gestured behind to the dead spider, "I'm sure you don't want that, do you?"

Arvel's dark face suddenly paled, "Second reason, those bandits that were guarding the entrance are still waiting up there," Korra added, "Meaning the only way out without getting ambushed by them is forward." Korra let that sink in for a moment, "Now if you wanna head back up to them that's fine, but I don't think they'd be very appreciative of the guy who ran off on them, with the treasure they stole."

Arvel's face paled further, to the point that Korra was now worried for him, as he realised his predicament. Finally, he seemed to get control of himself and his colour returned to normal, "Alright, you win, I won't run."

Korra smiled, "Good, see what can be accomplished when your cooperative."

With that, she began slicing into the webbing, it was tough going, but within a few minutes Arvel was free, and brushing the last of the stuff off. Just as he finished, Korra held out her hand. Arvel hesitated, and Korra saw a flash of defiance in his eyes, so decided to add one final push, "You know, running into here was what got you into this mess in the first place," she stated, "Do you really want to risk that a second time?" she finished with a gesture down the tunnel ahead of them.

Arvel glanced in the tunnel's direction, then back at the dead spider, before sighing and producing the Golden Claw from a pouch at his side and holding it out to her. Korra took the Claw, and placed it in her own pouch, "What now?" Arvel asked.

"Only way out is forward," Korra repeated, "So let's keep moving," she stated, as she proceeded further in, with Arvel following behind her.

]|[

The trip to Wan Shi Tong's library had taken longer than anticipated, but, finally, they arrived, and brought the airship into land on a stand of rock, connected to the Library via a bridge of vines. Team Avatar picked their way over it carefully, with Kai and Jinora using their flight suits to keep watch on either side, if anyone fell, they'd swoop in to catch them. Finally, they arrived on the other side, and entered the Library.

It was, in a word, magnificent, rows upon rows of bookshelves, filled with books, scrolls and texts from all over the world, from every age. "It's just like father described it," Tenzin breathed.

The others took his word for it but didn't have much time to dwell on the structure, as the heavy beat of wings alerted them to danger. Wan Shi Tong, massive, with black feathers, and white face, landed directly in front of them, rearing to his full height, wings outstretched. "Your father you say, then you must be Aang's son, how fortuitous… for me," the Spirit declared, and made to lunge.

Before he completed the move, Jinora had stepped to the front of the group, and glared up at the Knowledge Spirit, "Remember me?"

Wan Shi Tong pulled up short, and stared at her, "Yes I do little one, and I believe I told you last time that Humans are no longer permitted in my Library."

"I remember," Jinora replied, "I also remember you tricking me into staying so you could bring Unalaq here to capture me." Wan Shi Tong flinched, and Jinora noticed a mark on the underside of his neck, where some of his feathers seemed misplaced. "Seems you remember that too, and it seems you didn't get away from that betrayal unscathed."

A look of anger crossed the owl's face, "I may do however I please inside my Library, do not presume you know anything about Spirit politics!"

"True," Jinora answered, "But I doubt the other Spirits looked very kindly on you for bringing harm to an innocent."

Wan Shi Tong's look of anger intensified at her words, but he folded his wings away, "What is it you want!?" he demanded.

Jinora turned to her father at this point, "We require your help, oh great Spirit of Knowledge," Tenzin said, giving a small bow as he spoke, the others mimicking him.

"My help!?" the owl exclaimed before he began laughing, he dragged it out for some time, before bringing his beak in close to Tenzin. "And what makes you think I would ever help you?" he asked, "After everything humanity has done to abuse my knowledge… of what your own father and his friends did by betraying my trust… why would I ever help you!?"

"Because if you don't our entire world could be in danger," Mako declared.

"Oh?"

Mako took a step forward, "Even you have to know what's happened, with Korra missing…" but that was as far as he got before Wan Shi Tong cut him off.

"I' am fully aware of what's happened human," he surveyed them all, "And quite frankly I don't care… so the Avatar is missing… good riddance I say."

"How can you not care!?" exclaimed Opal, "Without the Avatar, there's no telling what might happen."

"What if the thing that took Korra comes back," Tenzin argued, "Only she was able to come close to besting it, if it comes back…" now it was Tenzin's turn to be interrupted.

"The world got along fine for Millennia before the Avatar, and it can do so again," Wan Shi Tong declared, "Now, for the last time… GET OUT!" he punctuated his final statement, by flaring his wings wide again, causing all of them – except Asami – to take an involuntary step back.

"Please Wan Shi Tong," Tenzin pleaded, "There must be something we can do, a deal that can be struck."

"You mortals possess nothing I could ever want, and I have been magnanimous enough with you!" the owl snapped back.

"Forget it guys," everyone whirled towards Asami as she spoke for the first time.

"Asami, what?" Bolin cried, "You can't be serious.

Asami levelled a critical stare at him, "The old Buzzard isn't going to help us no matter what we say or do, this is a waste of our time," she declared.

"Finally," Wan Shi Tong appraised, "A human with some common sense."

Asami gave him a glare, "Before we go, answer me this." Wan Shi Tong tilted his head slightly, "Are you responsible for what happened to Korra… did you bring the creature that took her to our world?"

Wan Shi Tong chuckled, "No, but I wish I had thought of it, even if I had though, I likely would never have been able to employ it myself, the other Spirits have kept far too close an eye on me since the Unalaq incident." He folded his wings back again, and gave her an approximation of a smug grin, "Even so, I shall be praising whichever Spirit was responsible, from this day onward, for they have done a great thing for our world." With that he began to laugh again as Asami spun on her heel and marched out.

The others raced to catch up with her, "Asami," Mako exclaimed, "You can't be giving up?"

"Of course not!" Asami snapped back, "But he clearly isn't going to help us," she growled, glancing back at the still cackling Spirit, "At least, not with us begging he isn't." with that she left them behind as she marched back to the airship, a dark visage of anger and fury forming on her beautiful face, one way or another, Wan Shi Tong was going to help them, Asami would see to it personally.

]|[

Bringing Arvel along had been a smart decision, as they'd progressed deeper into the ruins, they'd encountered more and more hazards. Traps, pitfalls, but worst was the Draugr. Korra would never have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, walking corpses. She'd assumed everyone had been pulling her leg till then, till she'd seen their cold ice blue eyes herself, the way they shambled forward, intent on driving their ancient blades and axes through her skull. Arvel wasn't much of a fighter, but he was good with a knife, so they had adapted a strategy. Korra would stagger the Draugr with her Chi Bending, then Arvel would finish them off with a precise blow, quick, efficient and effective. Whenever the Draugr countered this strategy in some fashion, Korra would resort to her magic, though she used it sparingly. The combination of the fight to get into the ruins, along with all the dangers they'd faced so far, meant she could feel her reserves running low… not that she was going to tell Arvel that.

Finally, after what felt like hours, they reached the door, Arvel had been ranting on about. "This is it," he crowed, "This is the hall of Stories."

Korra looked around at the walls as they made their way in towards the large circular door at the end. The walls were indeed carved with murals that seemed to make up individual stories, but Korra couldn't even begin to discern what each was saying. Suddenly, one of the murals made her double take. It was only a few feet from the door, with two torch scones on either side, making it difficult to miss, but it was what was inscribed on the mural which had caught Korra's attention. It showed a young woman, being pulled into a portal, with several other figures, two male, two female, reaching out for her.

What in Raava's name.

To anyone else, the mural would have meant nothing, to Korra, it was instantly familiar, even the way the characters were drawn were eerily similar.

"What's that?" Arvel asked, seeing Korra distracted.

Korra shook herself and turned away from the mural, "Nothing, let's just get this over with."

Arvel gave her a glance, then looked back at the mural, before shrugging and turning towards the door himself. "Okay, so we need the Claw for this next part," he declared as he began examining the door.

Korra withdrew it from the pouch she'd been keeping it in, "Okay, now what?", Arvel gestured for her to hand it over. "Yea, nice try, but no," Korra retorted.

Arvel gave her a sly look, "Your sharp I'll give you that," at Korra's raised eyebrow he pressed on, "All I know is that when you have the Claw, the key to open this door lies in the palm of your hand… so…" he turned towards the door, indicating the central point, where a disc with four indents sat, indents that lined up precisely with the points of the claw.

Can't be that simple… can it? Korra mused to herself as she approached, holding out the claw to slot it into the indents. Arvel stood to one side, in eager anticipation, but suddenly, Korra pulled back.

"What now!?" he moaned.

"It's too easy," Korra replied, her gaze moving around the room critically.

Arvel sighed, "Look sweetheart, after what we've just had to go through, don't you want some easy!?"

Korra glanced sideways at him, "One, don't call me sweetheart," Arvel rolled his eyes, "Two, take a look around the door."

Arvel did just that, "What, I don't see anything…" he trailed off as small holes surrounding the door caught his vision.

"Just like the gate with the three pillars," Korra stated, as Arvel took a nervous step back, "Meaning if we get this wrong, we won't have time to regret our mistake."

"Fair point," Arvel replied, "But then what? What else could be needed to open the door?"

Korra gave the door a closer examination, peering at the strange symbols marked on it, as she passed a hand over one of the symbols, she felt the surface underneath give a little, like it was moving on rollers. Her breath hitched, "It's a puzzle!" she cried, "Just like the other gate, get the symbols in the right order and the door will open."

"But what order?" Arvel questioned, I don't see anything around here that matches the symbols on the door?"

The key lies in the palm of your hand…. Korra turned the words over and over in her head, turning the Claw in her hands as she did so, while constantly staring at the door, as if it would give up its secrets to her. Palm of your hand… Korra rested the Claw on her palm, so that the toes of the Claw slotted between her fingers, in that moment, as she stared at it, she noticed something. The Claw was smooth, on every surface, except one, the one now resting in her palm… The side that would be the palm for the Claw!

Quickly, she turned the Claw over and gave a crow of triumph, Arvel turned to her, "What, what is it!?"

"Turn the top ring so that the bear is the symbol showing," Korra exclaimed.

"What!?"

"Just do it!"

Arvel took a step back hands raised, "Alright, alright, I'm doing it." He proceeded to turn the top ring until the bear was displayed, "Now what?"

"The moth, middle ring," Korra answered, Arvel completed that one, "And Owl for the inner ring."

Once Arvel was done, he stood back, as Korra moved forward with the Claw, he suddenly grabbed her free arm, "What if your wrong?"

She gave him a serious look, "Then run like hell."

He returned her a grim nod, as she stepped up to the door, and took a deep breath. Bracing for the worst, she slotted the Claw into the door, and turned. The sound of clanks and clunks echoed throughout the room for at least a minute, then suddenly, all three rings changed to all depict the owl, before the door began sliding down into the floor.

"Mara's mercy," Arvel breathed.

"No kidding," Korra agreed.

The door slid downwards completely, until the top of the door, formed a new section of floor, connecting the hallway they were standing in, with the one beyond. Korra saw that the corridor went up a flight of stairs before opening out into what appeared to be a large cave. She took a step forward, as she did, a sound caught her ear, it was the sound of metal sliding from a sheath. Quickly she pushed herself off her back foot, and whirled around in the same movement, just as Arvel attempted to slice the back of her neck with the knife he'd drawn, as it was, the blade just nicked her cheek, and the tiny wound suddenly began to burn.

Poison, cowardly bastard.

Korra quickly backed away from Arvel, putting some distance between them, as Arvel, knowing the jig was now up, squared off on her. His confidence surprised her momentarily, until she remembered the poison. The little cut on her cheek wouldn't do much, but if he caused a more serious wound, he'd have no need to finish her off, the poison would see to that.

Arvel smirked at her as she realised this, "I wonder what kind of reward Narash would give me if I were to bring him your head?" he mused, "Considering you had to dupe him to get in here, I'd say he be very pleased to know I finished you off, certainly enough to forgive me for running off with the Claw."

Korra gritted her teeth, before stepping back and allowing Arvel to pass, "You want the treasure Arvel… fine it's yours, I just want to find a way out of this place and take the Claw back to Lucan."

Arvel snorted, "Yea, nice try, you really think I'm falling for that?"

"I'm serious, whatever was buried in here I have no interest in it whatsoever… as for this Narash guy, I don't intend to run into those bandits again, so just tell him you killed me and left me to die down here."

Arvel seemed to think this over, "He's going to want proof," he said finally.

Korra swore internally at that, then an idea came to her, "Pass me your other knife." Arvel gave her a condescending look. "I have a sword, a bow and can use magic," Korra stated exasperatedly, "Pass me your other knife."

Arvel considered it, before relenting, drawing his other knife and tossed it her way. Korra caught it expertly by the handle, and brought it up to her hair, proceeding to cut a lock off, before holding it and the knife out to him. "And what does that prove?" Arvel asked giving her a wary stare.

"Narash's men saw me, they know what I look like, which means they know my hair colour, and since you and I are the only ones down here…"

Arvel caught on, and lowered his stance, before shaking his head and chuckling, "You sure know how to negotiate, I'll give you that," he stated, sheathing his poisoned knife and taking back his other one and the lock of Korra's hair. "If you ever make it down to the Imperial City, look me up when you get there… I'll be living the high life of course," he said as he pocketed her hair.

"Of course," Korra replied, as she stood aside to allow him to pass.

Arvel gave her another wary glance, before walking slowly passed, keeping an eye on her the whole way. Only once he had passed her, did he take off into the cave. Only once he had gone, did Korra relax and pull out her water flask, and quickly washed out the cut on her cheek. It wasn't that deep and was barely bleeding, it would probably be sore and inflamed for the next few days as her body fought off the poison but there wasn't much she could do about it, other than clean the wound as thoroughly as possible and keep any more dirt or grime out of it. The good news was it was unlikely that the poison would enter her bloodstream from such a shallow wound, but she should still get a medical professional to look it over the first chance she got.

With that done she proceeded into the cave herself.

And had her breath taken away. The cave was massive, faintly reminding Korra of the Pro-Bending arena back in Republic city. The top of the cave stretched a couple dozen metres above their heads, while openings in the rock, allowed the last rays of sunlight to pour in, illuminating the entire place. Separating the two halves of the cave, the one Korra was in, and the one ahead, was a stream that entered in from one side and went out the other through the walls. Across the stream, was a raised area, that had what looked like a coffin sitting at its highest point, as well as a large curved wall, with strange carvings inscribed on it, as well as a carving of a dragon's head. Arvel was excitedly examining the wall, crowing about how he was right all along. Korra shook her head and began looking for a way out, she saw that the pathway leading round to the left after the bridge she'd just crossed, led to a flight of stairs and a rock wall, with what looked like a lever sitting next to it.

A way out, perfect.

]|[

Wan Shi Tong was organizing the books in his histories of the Earth Kingdom section, when a noise reached his incredibly acute ears, it was unlike any noise he'd ever heard before. He glanced around, trying to decipher where it was coming from, when suddenly, the bookshelf next to him exploded, as a large flying metal monstrosity came hurtling at him. Wan Shi Tong had just enough time for his eyes to widen, before the thing slammed into him full force and bore him through several more bookshelves, before they finally slammed against one of the Libraries outer walls, stopping them dead.

From around the corner, came Tenzin, Mako, Bolin, Opal, Kai and Jinora, with several of Wan Shi Tong's helpers following. "Asami, what are you doing, you have to stop!" Tenzin cried, as the Hummingbird/Mecha Tank hybrid got to its feet, squaring off against the Knowledge Spirit.

"Not until he gives Korra back!" Asami yelled, charging again.

She crashed into Wan Shi Tong, and bore him again to the ground, "You dare attack a Spirit, you will pay dearly for your insolence!"

"Give Korra back to me, right now!" Asami screamed, heedless of the Spirit's words.

The fist of Asami's mech, collided with Wan Shi Tong's face, sending him sprawling once more. "I told you, I had nothing to do with the Avatar's disappearance!"

"But you know a way to bring her back don't you!" Asami roared, her eyes wide, her hair wild, "And your going to tell me, RIGHT NOW!"

She tackled Wan Shi Tong into another set of bookshelves, toppling them over, and sending their contents flying. "Asami stop this is insane!" Bolin cried.

"I don't think she's listening anymore bro," Mako replied.

"We have to stop this, before it get's too far out of hand," Opal stated.

"Agreed but-" Tenzin was cut off as the two came crashing back from the other direction as spirit and machine grappled.

Wan Shi Tong reared to his full height, neck extending out, "You cannot win human, submit now, and I might just let you live!"

Asami gave a growl, as she got her mech back on its feet, before taking another swing at the spirit. Wan Shi Tong avoided the blow, before cleaving the mechanical arm off at the shoulder with his beak. The move earned him a metal fist to the stomach from Asami's other arm, now winded, Asami bore him to the ground again, slamming her remaining fist into his face repeatedly. "You, will, give, her, back, to, me!" she screeched, each word delivered with every blow.

"Asami stop!" Tenzin pleaded, along with the rest of her friends, before Wan Shi Tong's voice rang out throughout the building silencing them.

"ENOUGH!"

Wan Shi Tong's wings slammed into Asami's mech, sending her flying backwards and into one of the libraries pillars. The collision, sheared the mechs legs from its torso, which continued passed the pillar, till it fetched up at the entrance to another room, filled with artefacts, where it lay still.

Tenzin quickly turned to Wan Shi Tong, getting between him and the destroyed mech, "Please great Spirit we beg your forgiveness, we will leave, immediately, just please do not hurt her, she is not in her right mind," he begged.

Wan Shi Tong gave him a long stare, before he finally spoke, "If you think I can forgive this human, then you are a fool, now, stand aside." As he spoke, he swept one of his wings across them, pushing them all out of his path to the destroyed mech, and began advancing.

Asami groaned in pain as she unclipped her harness, and crawled out of the wreckage, behind her she could hear the others yelling at her to run, but what was the point, Korra was gone, she'd lost everything that mattered to her. She lifted the necklace Korra had made for her, which was now around her neck, staring at the lovingly crafted centrepiece, as tears began to blur her vision. She felt a shadow cross over her.

"Korra," she whispered, "I'm sorry."

]|[

Korra stopped, a tingle racing up her spine.

That was… no, it couldn't be.

She looked around the cave again, she was about halfway up the stairs that led out. Once again, the only person there besides her was Arvel. Tentatively, hopefully, she whispered back, "Asami?"

Asami's head snapped up as she heard her name, it had barely been there, like a whisper on the breeze, but she knew she'd heard it, and she knew whose voice it had been. She got to her feet, heedless of the still looming Spirit behind her, "Korra!" she cried, "Korra I'm here, where are you!?"

The others watched her like she was crazy, even Wan Shi Tong had stopped to stare.

This time Korra was certain, she had definitely heard Asami's voice calling out to her, but where. She rushed back down the stairs, into the main area of the chamber. Arvel noticed her approach and watched her warily. "Asami, Asami I'm here!" Korra cried out, her voice echoing around the cave, "Asami!"

Asami took off at a sprint into the room she was at the entrance of, the others – Wan Shi Tong included – raced after her. They had heard it this time, Korra's voice, faint and distant, but distinctly Korra. As they all ran into the room, Asami called out again, "Korra! KORRA!"

Asami's voice was growing clearer, Korra followed it, heading towards the wall, as she approached it, she faintly heard Arvel ask her what she was doing, but her focus was elsewhere. As she got nearer, she saw one of the strange words carved into the surface begin to glow, and there seemed to be some form of energy, flowing from it towards her. "Asami!" she cried again as she rushed up to the inscribed word, pressing her hands to the stone surface either side of it.

"Asami!"

The girl in question snapped her head round in the direction of the voice, her gaze falling on a large stone tablet inscribed with strange words – they looked almost like they'd been gouged into the rock's surface by claws – she rushed over, seeing one of the words was glowing. "Korra! Korra I'm here!"

"Korra! Korra I'm here!" Asami answered, and suddenly, Korra could see her, just on the other side of the word.

"Asami!" Korra cried, trying with all her might to push through, even calling up some of her magic in the hopes that would help. No matter how hard she tried however, it was no good, she was still stuck in that cave. "Asami I can't get through," Korra cried desperately.

Asami looked around for something, anything that could help, but there was nothing. She turned back to the tablet, and saw the glow beginning to leave the word through which she could see Korra's face. "Korra, Korra no stay with me, don't leave me please!"

Korra had also noticed that the glow on her side was fading. No, let me through damm it, I have to get back, let me through!

It was no good, they could see and hear each other only. With a sigh of frustration, Korra gave up trying to push through, and instead focused on Asami's rapidly fading image. "Asami, listen to me, I'm going to find a way back, I promise, I will find a way back, no matter how long it takes, I promise you Asami!" just as she finished, the glow faded completely, and Asami's face disappeared, and Korra heard no more, "I promise," Korra continued, as her eyes filled with tears and she slid to the ground.

Asami felt her own tears tracking down her cheeks as the glow faded, and Korra's words went with it, she had heard enough though, and she slid to the floor herself as her sobs overwhelmed her. Tenzin glanced at Wan Shi Tong who was now standing passively to one side, simply staring at Asami, the great owl's expression unreadable, but he didn't stop Tenzin as the monk sidled forward to reach Asami, the others following behind, wrapping their friend in their arms.

]|[

Korra didn't know how long she sat like that, but it was Arvel's voice that broke her out of it. "What in Oblivion do you think you're doing!?"

Korra glanced up at him, wiping her eyes as she did so, "If you didn't notice, trying to get back to my friends." She stood up, dusting herself off, suddenly, she heard a sound behind her, a sort of crack.

Arvel clearly missed it though, because he was still facing her and berating her, "What you just did, was take what I came in here for, the power the Nords buried here!"

Korra slowly turned back around, and her eyes widened, "Arvel…" she tried.

"You said I could take whatever I wanted from this tomb, said you had no interest in it… well," he drew his poisoned knife again, "You're not making a fool of me twice!"

"ARVEL!" Korra yelled, pointing behind him.

Arvel frowned, and turned, just in time for his face to meet the business end of the Draugr Overlord's longsword. His head snapped back around, a huge gash opening up his face and causing one half of his lower jaw to hang loose, as he collapsed back to the ground, very dead.

Korra drew her short sword, and summoned some flames in her free hand, the Draugr meanwhile took the time to lop off Arvel's head with its blade, to ensure the dark elf was dead. It then looked back up at Korra, chuckling in that guttural way all its kind did. Korra grit her teeth, this Draugr appeared stronger than the others they'd faced, and now she was facing it alone, not only that, but it had her backed up against the word wall behind her.

"This day just keeps getting better and better," Korra grumbled, before lunging forward, unleashing a gout of fire at the creature as she charged. It met her fire with a stream of ice, the two colliding in mid-air, causing steam to fill the room. Korra used the reduced visibility to sneak in under the creature's guard and take a slash at its legs. The Overlord stumbled, but didn't fall, and swung its longsword at her in retaliation. Korra barely managed to parry the blow, and after she did, she saw the thing's fist heading straight for her. She was knocked backwards and sent sprawling, her sword falling from her grip and sliding away from her, off the edge of the platform and into the stream below.

Korra quickly got back to her feet, and drew her bow, she'd be using more magic, but her reserves were almost depleted, and she wasn't sure she could kill this thing with what she had left. Running was of course an option, but she didn't know how long it would take to open the secret exit at the top of the stairs, and she didn't want to have to go all the way back through the barrow, especially with Narash and his goons waiting. So instead she notched and arrow to her bow, pulled back as far as she could, and let fly.

Her aim left something to be desired. The arrow sailed passed the Overlord's shoulder as it rushed towards her. Korra quickly leapt from the top of the ledge she was standing on and to the path below, rolling through the landing and drawing another arrow as she did. In one fluid move she was back on her feet and let fly again. This time, her aim was true, and she took the creature in the shoulder. It jerked, and stared at the arrow now imbedded there, before slowly turning its ice blue gaze on Korra.

"Oh shit!" Korra exclaimed, as the Overlord jumped after her.

Korra scrambled out of the way, heading back towards the stairs, run it was then, she'd got what she came for anyway. She took the stairs two at a time, quickly reaching the top, and pulling the lever out of its housing. Once more the sound of gears clanking echoed through the room, and Korra watched as the wall section in front of her began to retract into the floor, slowly, too slowly. She whirled back around, seeing the Overlord almost upon her. Thinking fast, she ditched her bow, and summoned lightning into both hands, and struck the Overlord with everything she had left.

She got lucky and clipped the Overlord's sword hand in the initial strike, which caused the muscles in its arm to involuntarily spasm and drop the blade. There however her luck ended, as just a second after that, her magic ran dry.

"No, no, no, not now!" she cried.

A guttural growl emanated from in front of her, and she looked up to see the Overlord glaring at her. Then a thunk to her right told her the door was fully open. She sprinted for the exit, but the Overlord caught her off guard, moving faster than she thought it capable of, it grabbed her by her hood and hauled her back, before tossing her off the ledge to the platform with the wall below. Once more, luck was on her side, as she crashed down on top of a chest that had been resting beside the coffin the Overlord had come from. Her colliding with it, cracked the old and rotting chest open, as well as broke her fall, though something sharp caught her shoulder, which flared in pain as she cried out.

The Overlord leapt down to the ground below just in front of her and retrieved his blade, before beginning his advance on her. Groaning Korra looked around for something, anything she could use, as she did, a flash of red caught her eye. It was blood, her blood, on the blade tip of a spear, made of the same materials as the sword the Overlord was wielding, as well as a long carved wooden haft. She looked again to the advancing Overlord, who was almost upon her. She had nothing else, her sword was gone, she'd lost her bow, and her magic was dry. As the Draugr Overlord raised his longsword overhead, ready to strike down and end her life, she snatched up the spear, rushed forward and drove the blade tip into its chest.

The Overlord let out a guttural gasp, looking down at where the spear was impaled through it, then looked back up at Korra. "That has to kill you," she hissed, as she watched the blue light fade from its eyes, before it fell backwards, off the spear, and to the ground, its sword falling from its limp grasp to land with a clatter that rang throughout the cave. Korra stood there panting for several moments, just waiting, listening for any sounds of danger, when none appeared, she collapsed to her knees, exhausted.

]|[

No one had spoken in the Library for some time, all of them just absorbing what had just happened. Finally, though, Jinora broke it, "She's alive… we know that much at least now, she's alive and trying to find a way back."

"Indeed human," intoned Wan Shi Tong.

Team Avatar turned towards where he was standing, but he was ignoring them for the moment, instead directing his focus towards one of his helpers. "Get the mess in the history section cleaned up and find me all the tomes you can on that tablet," he ordered. The little fox, this one bearing a streak of silver down its back from head to tail, nodded, and began yipping at its fellows, who immediately dispersed, then Wan Shi Tong turned back to them, and began to approach. Once he was before them, he held out a wing to Asami, "May I?"

Asami stared at him confused for a moment, then followed his gaze to her necklace. She glanced back up at him warily, before finally seeming to make a decision and took it off.

"Asami what…" Mako started, but Asami interrupted him.

"If this helps get Korra back, I'll gladly give him what he asks for," she stated, before dropping the necklace onto the owl's outstretched wing.

"Hmm, remarkable craftsmanship," he mused, before glancing up at them, "Korra made this herself?"

"That's right, she spent weeks getting it right, and days finding all the materials she needed, as I understand it, she was missing the fire Ruby, and went out into the city to find one the day she intended to give it to Asami," Tenzin replied.

"So that's what she was doing in that part of town," Mako muttered to himself.

The others ignored him, as Opal spoke up, "What's special about it, if it allowed Korra and Asami to speak to one another?"

Wan Shi Tong handed the necklace back "Nothing whatsoever." They all stared at him gobsmacked, "Physically, its just a piece of jewellery," he explained, "It has no more significance than the clothes you wear."

"Then why…" Kai began, but the Spirit cut him off.

"Emotionally on the other hand," his gaze now fell on Asami, and for the first time since meeting him, Asami felt like she wasn't being condescended. "Korra poured all of the love she bears for Asami into it… she may not have even been aware of it, but she did. As such, it now carries a piece of her, and that piece and Korra, are connected."

All their eyes widened at his words. "Does that mean you can bring Korra back?" Tenzin asked hopefully.

"Of that, I do not know," Wan Shi Tong stated, "Which is why I intend to begin researching that." As he finished, he nodded to the tablet they were all standing next to.

"What is it?" Asami asked.

"Not a clue, that's why it's in my storeroom where I keep anything I haven't researched or catalogued yet," he answered. "My assistants found it just three weeks ago, half buried in sand on a beach not far from Republic City."

"Fascinating," Jinora breathed as she examined it as well, "The words look ancient and are like nothing in historical records."

"Precisely, little one," Wan Shi Tong agreed, "I had intended to leave it till later, but now that we know it is connected to Korra's disappearance, we will have to move the schedule up." Several foxes arrived bearing various scrolls which they presented to Wan Shi Tong, after receiving them, the owl turned back, "You are welcome to assist me in discovering its secrets if you wish."

Jinora's eyes became as wide as dinner plates, as she began bouncing up and down on the spot, "Oh yes, yes, yes, please!"

Wan Shi Tong chuckled as Bolin stepped forward, "Wait, you're not mad anymore about all…" he trailed off as he gestured to the destruction outside.

"Mad… I'm utterly furious!" Bolin flinched back, and the others tensed, before Wan Shi Tong sighed, "However… I will concede that Asami's actions were born of her desperation to reunite with Korra." His gaze now fell on Asami, "It has been many millennia since I have seen true love expressed between humans… even though you knew you could not win… even though you knew the consequences, you kept fighting, kept doing anything and everything you could to rescue the one you love… that, I cannot deny."

Asami gave him a hopeful look, "And that means what exactly?"

"It means human, that I' am willing to help you find Korra, and bring her back," his words were met with rising hope from the entire group, "And I shall even forgive you for destroying half my Library… though for the latter, that is on the condition, that you help fix it."

The members of Team Avatar all looked at one another, and the same unspoken agreement passed between them, if it's for Korra, so be it. They turned back to Wan Shi Tong, and as one, bowed low, as Tenzin spoke, "It would be our honour, Wan Shi Tong."

]|[

Korra finished binding her injury, pulling the bandage tight with her teeth, there wasn't much she could do about her mage robes here, she'd just have to wait till she got back to Riverwood to repair it. She then glanced down at the spear which was still lying beside her. She'd cleaned the mixture of her blood and that of the Draugr's off it already, leaving the weapon gleaming in the rapidly fading light. Must be nearly sunset outside, Korra mused.

She still didn't like the idea of carrying a weapon, but the spear had saved her life, and it was something she was far more comfortable with. When she'd been little, her dad Tonraq, had taken her out hunting and fishing, when they'd been able, and spears had been their tool of choice for that. At the very least, it might be good to take it with me, even if I don't intend to use it, I can get it valued at the trader or even at the blacksmith.

Decision made, she picked up the spear and stood up. As she did, something in the wreckage of the chest caught her eye. She walked over, and used the butt of the spear to shift the rotten pieces of wood aside, to reveal… a tablet, with the same carving of a dragon's head as on the wall, below that though, was a carving of Skyrim, with various locations marked across its surface. Curious, she picked it up, the map didn't look accurate to today, but it was still an interesting oddity, maybe there was someone out there interested in something like this. She pulled her pack off, and carefully slid the tablet inside, then with her pack secure once more, she hoisted it back up, and started for the stairs.

As she climbed her way out of the tomb, and back into the fading light of sunset, she took a deep breath of the fresh Skyrim air. Just another day in this strange new world I guess… bandits, creepy dungeons, giant spiders, undead, and a wall inscribed with words that let me speak to Asami… she shook her head at the craziness of it all. Someone out there certainly has a sick sense of humour throwing me into this mess… guess there's nothing for it but to tackle this head on and hope for the best.

As Korra made her way down the mountain side and back to the lake, she determined that she would find more of those 'Word Walls'. If one had allowed her to speak to Asami, then maybe one held the key, to getting home. Once she reached the lake's edge, she began trekking along the bank, heading back towards Riverwood, unaware, of the eyes watching her from the mountain.

And that's a wrap for tonight folks, hope you all enjoyed, again please let me know what you thought in your reviews, as always constructive criticism is welcome.

For those of you wondering about Narash... yea we'll be seeing him again real soon.

And as for Wan Shi Tong, honestly I did sympathise with the guy in ATLA, guy provides knowledge for the whole of the human race and we humans abuse it, and of course Zhao (rotten bastard that he is) just has to go and burn an entire section of the Library. So I felt it was time to mend some fences... after breaking a few more of course, cause we just gotta pay the arrogant owl back for what he did to Jinora... but with that done... LET THE BONDING PROCESS BEGIN!

Again, hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you next time, laters ; )