Sepia

Skyhold, Frostback Mountains -Asami, Age 24

You walk along the battlements, hurriedly making your way towards the tavern located in the courtyard. You startle at the sight of a figure sitting in the small opening of the battlement, leaving their legs to dangle off the side of the castle. "The ground is a long way down, try not to dally there for too long, the winds are picking up." You call out to the cloaked figure. 

"I'll not fall, Magister Sato." The voice betrays its owner. Korra. 

"Please. Just Asami." You say tiredly as you sit in the opening next Korra.

Korra turns to you, and now that you're closer and with the help of the moon you can see her face. The moonlight reflected in her eyes pulls at you, like an unanswered question. 

"That is your title is it not?"

"It is. But I'm not a magister here."

"You're a magister everywhere you go. You don't just stop being one because you're not in Tevinter anymore. Your clothes, your walk, your attitude paint you as such." Korra smiles sadly as she says this.

You swallow, your throat thick. "You're right. I was clocked the moment I stepped through Skyhold's gates." You look off at the peaks of the Frostbacks, the light from the moon shining off them. The air bites through your coat and tunic, you shiver as you say, "I wish it was different. That... I was different. But I was born and this is what I am."

"Born into privilege?"

"Is there any other way?" You ask biting your lip.

"I suppose not. We are born what we are, where we are..." Korra trails off, distracted. 

"Korra... what are you doing out here?"

"Just thinking. Hoping the Maker has a plan. Hoping that I'm not the only one who's noticed it, that I haven't stared at it too long. Hoping that it's not only cruel but kind."

"I didn't know you were religious."

"I wasn't always. Things change." With a wistful smile, Korra continues, "My friend Opal would love it here. She would love what we were doing, mages and templars working side by side. This is her dream."

"She died at the Conclave." Korra quiets again. Your chest constricts for a girl you do not know. For Opal. For... Zara.

"What kind of friend?"

Korra inhales at this, "A kind of friend.” Korra pauses for a moment. “She was the first thing I thought of when I woke up, the last thing I thought of before I went to sleep, and the only thing I thought of in between." Korra grabs your hand, "I miss her. But she was never mine to miss."

You tilt your head to the side, confused.

"A story for another time." Korra says staring up at the moon still holding your hand. "Beautiful, never fails to remind me how small I am."

You chuckle, "Yes. Can be a bit blinding in its own way though."

"Why stare at anything that doesn't blind you?"

You say nothing, you're fairly certain your brain has short circuited at Korra's words. Luckily you don't have to say anything, the cold wind howls at you and seeps through your layers and down to your bones. You shiver violently. "How have you been out here so long? It's freezing cold, Korra." You say through chattering teeth. 

Korra laughs, "I'm from Fereldan. We love especially harsh winters and our dogs in equal measure." 

Giggling at Korra's words, "I can only imagine."

"I imagine it's nothing like Minrathous. You've two seasons! Hot and hotter." Korra says, a hint of laugh in her voice.

You smile as her eyes meet yours, "Indeed." You see her swallow at this and then smile weakly at you. Oh. You stare down into your lap, twiddling your thumbs, nervous energy coursing through your once calm body.

You exhale through your nose as you say, "Korra. Would you like to go back to my room?" Korra's eyes widen considerably and then she begins choking uncontrollably. You pat her on the back until she's regained a measure of control. Korra scoots herself out of the battlement, coming to a stand. She's dusting herself off as you stand up to meet her. Korra pulls her hood back, rubbing the back of her neck she says, "We uh -- we hardly know each other Magister Sato."

"I thought you weren't going to call me that anymore." 

Korra bites at her bottom lip, "I never agreed to that."

The insolence. "God."

"So--" Korra starts.

"I like you."

"Oh."

You deflate. Korra notices. "No! I... no. I do... like you. But I can't go back to your room. I'm... I'm not ready for that. Maker... I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you right now. I thought for sure you would never..."

"Asami, I... I’ve never done that before. I need to get know you better and I can't promise that's all I'll need. I can't promise that I'll ever feel ready for that, but I can promise that I'm willing to try." Korra looks up, trying to steal a glance at you but she can't beat you at your own game. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say, Asami?"

You meet her eyes, "I do. I apologize for my forwardness. Social customs are quite different in Tevinter. I don't want you to feel like you have to change for me, I would never want that."

Korra smiles at this, "As if you could make me."

You smile back, taking her hand in yours, "May I kiss you?"

Korra looks at ground, bashfully she says, "I... yeah."

You grab her by her cloak and pull her towards you. You watch as Korra licks her lips in anticipation. You lean down till you're a mere inch from her lips, and wait. You feel Korra let out a breath as she closes the remaining distance between you, meeting her lips with yours. She kisses you as if she has the power to steal your voice. As if you would not let her.