Standing on ceremony was something Korra knew how to do. Even with what just fell into her lap, she could manage. Something she’d even see in her do so in her future, and that was addressing the entire Southern Water Tribe.

Stepping into the audience chamber, Korra went to where she always stood when she was here; with Eshai. Putting her fist in her palm, she extended her arms forward and bowed.

“Emperor Evandau.” They had met briefly on the network when organizing teams when Asti was sick and of course more recently on the day of Eshai’s death. Still, those weren’t formal introductions. “Avatar Korra.”

Strapped to her waist is the sheathed jian, her Christmas gift for Eshai, and Korra untied it to hold it out with both hands. The jade on the scabbard is in the shape of a dragon, what drew her eye to it at first. The Emperor had a fondness for them, as did Korra, including both Temeraire and Iskierka. The enchantment on it to keep the sword the sword from ever dulling was there for any sensitive to magic to feel.

“This is for the Emperor.” This was true in both cases of Evandau and Eshai, meant for one and now the other. Korra kept her tone level and even. She’d done her mourning and even named their turtle after the late Emperor, and she had other things now that were vying her attention in the back of her mind.