Valar Morghulis

by Texan Red Rose

To help her brother reclaim their family's throne, Anna marries the Jesh Khaleesi, a fearsome Dothraki warlord. (Not that she had much choice, really, until she does.) [Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire AU][Elsanna, no incest]

1. To Be a Khal

Disclaimer: Don't own Frozen or Game of Thrones at all. Also, I have taken some liberties with the ASoIaF/GoT universe(s?) as well as ice magic. Also also, smut ahead. Ye be warned.

---

From the moment she was born, she had only one purpose to serve.

No, that wasn't true. Originally, she had a future filled with the promise of possibilities. Born a Princess with an older brother to take the throne, she could've done many things with her life. Maybe not the things that truly appealed to her- like becoming a knight or riding off to find a dragon, reclaim some form of glory for her family and country, no, she couldn't have tried doing that. Yet, she could've found things to do: ride horses, maybe archery, maybe sword play, maybe how to dance.

But when the army of the Usurper came to claw at the castle walls, when they turned allies against each other and sacked the royal city, all those possibilities turned to ash.

Since that day, she was given only one path to walk, only one purpose for her existence: help her brother reclaim the throne.

Hans… he was charming with people, handsome, his hands always busy smoothing his clothes regardless if they were fine silk or dirty rags. He carried himself as a Prince should, talked like a Prince should, smiled and laughed and all those things that would have girls swooning all over the known world. To any who would meet him, he was the lucky Prince who survived a tragic fate and would one day see his glory reclaimed.

To her, he was a monster. And as much as she hated herself for thinking that, she hated him even more.

"Dry your eyes, dear sister." He sneered, fixing his tunic once more before turning away from the full length mirror. They stood- as they often did- in the small antechamber to their joined rooms. Unlike most times, though, they were waiting for the arrival of a powerful ally for Hans and… Anna's new master. "I wouldn't want the Khaleesi to think I'm offering her a broken, pathetic slip of a girl, even though that's exactly what I'm doing." He puffed out a laugh, rolling his eyes. "Savages. A blight on civilized society, perhaps, but I will ride them like the animals they are to regain my throne." He looked at her sidelong, a smile on his lips. "You should be proud of yourself. For once in your life, you'll actually serve a purpose, Anna."

Anna said nothing, eyes trained on the ground as she sat on one of the chairs in the room, wringing her hands in her lap. What he interpreted as nerves was actually his little sister reigning in her anger. There was some part of her that was scared, yes- terrified at the prospect of being used like a cow to barter at market, terrified that once she was sold, what remained of her spirit would be broken and trampled into nothingness. As much as she wanted to be strong and face the Khaleesi without that fear and disgust and resentment shining in her eyes and face, she couldn't muster it. When they were younger, Anna could pretend she'd grown up in this grand house, that Master Kai and Miss Gerda were her father and mother, and that she could wear her heart on her sleeve without a care.

In hindsight, her childhood games might be the death of her.

It took Hans years to arrange this… deal using Master Kai's numerous connections and his innate powers of persuasion. He would give the Jesh Khaleesi, leader of the largest horde to ever roam the Dothraki Sea, his sister Anna as a bride and, in exchange, the powerful warlord would take her vast host across the sea and reclaim his throne. The Dothraki were known for being brutal warriors, unparalleled on horseback, proficient with sword and bow, relentless in their pursuit. What they lacked in armor and tactics, they made up for in blood thirsty rage.

Master Kai warned Hans he would need more than the khalasar to retake his throne. Hans merely said it was the best his worthless sister would fetch.

"Stand up, wench!" Hans hissed as the heavy tromp of boots and the clinking of metal on metal grew louder down the hallway. "Do put on a show for your soon-to-be wife."

Anna rose to her feet, fighting the tremors wracking her body the whole way. Now there was a real fear setting in, one she tried her hardest to pretend wasn't there. She wasn't sure which weighed heavier on her mind: being given to some savage beast of a woman or the chance she might be rejected.

As soon as she acknowledged the latter as a possibility, her tremors calmed tremendously; across the sea, in the kingdom her bloodline conquered and claimed as their own centuries ago, a war waged that was tearing the kingdom apart due to the Usurper's incompetence. She didn't want to reclaim the throne for Hans' sake, no. She wanted to end that war and bring peace back to a people who had suffered just as long as she had. For them, she would play along with Hans' stupid games, even if only as a pawn.

No matter how much it made her sick.

Finally, the thudding of footfalls ceased and the door to the antechamber was opened, Master Kai stepping through wearing his most polite grin. As the Dothraki entered, she could see why the normally jovial man had to force his smile.

Each bore a weapon, heavily battered from use: a bow, a sword, a clawed whip. Each was a full head and some taller than Hans, and she barely reached his nose. Their skin was bronzed from the sun, black paint tracing intricate markings across their chests and arms, and they wore hide breeches and vests. Black hair hung from their heads and beards, an inky mess that matched their keen black eyes as they swept the room for any signs of danger, dotted with tiny, tinkling bells of varying colors.

Then the Khaleesi entered.

If the Dothraki warriors were imposing for their physical stature, the Khaleesi was imposing by sheer force of will. Her skin was slightly darker than Anna's but absolutely pale in comparison to her warriors, her hair so light it could almost pass for white, and her eyes were a crystal clear blue that pierced whatever- or whoever- they landed on. She was barely a head taller than Anna and wore vestments that matched those of her warriors… except they were this strange blue that was paler than the sky, like no animal hide Anna had ever seen or heard tales of, the breeches tight and the vest open down the center to reveal the gentle swell of her breasts. She bore the markings too, but in white paint that accented her lighter skin and hair, and had more bells woven through her thick braid than all three of her companions combined.

If her warriors were an inky abyss, she was a blinding light, but their eyes… despite the color, all of them had the same, intense, penetrating gaze.

Anna had never before faced such calm beauty before. She wondered what she looked like to the warlord: a frail wisp of a girl, with red hair like dragon fire tied in childish twin braids, eyes green as a jade stone, and freckles along her too white skin, wearing borrowed silk that hugged her diminutive form. She must look like a child before the woman despite being of age.

That probably didn't bode well for her.

She swallowed thickly, bowing her head. "Jesh Khaleesi."

Anna winced as she caught the slight movement Hans made with his hands; she'd forgotten how to greet the warlord, only remembering the woman's title.

Great first impression.

The Khaleesi took a step closer, prompting Anna to lift her eyes and meet those piercing blue orbs. The woman was searching for something though Anna couldn't begin to imagine what. Whatever it was, whether she found it or not, the Khaleesi merely grunted and turned.

She began issuing orders to the warriors, the words flowing from her mouth like water from a vase. As one of the warriors replied, Anna got the distinct impression that, while the Dothraki tongue wasn't her mother language, she was far more proficient than Anna could ever hope to be. The reply was rough and coarse, much like she'd expect of a people who lived and died fighting.

As the warrior who spoke left, Hans turned towards Master Kai. "What did she say? Will she take her?"

"Milord, if I may?" A man Anna had never seen before stepped forward; she hadn't even noticed when he'd entered the room. He wasn't Dothraki, his blond hair and brown eyes almost as telling as the kingdom armor he wore. "The Khaleesi has ordered for the khalasar to begin preparations for the ceremony. She wishes to be wed tomorrow."

"Tell the savage there is no wedding if she fails to make her oath to me!" Hans' words sounded sweet as honey falling from his lips despite the venom lurking just beneath them. The Khaleesi, apparently, couldn't understand Common, but anyone could understand tone.

The knight nodded warily before addressing the Khaleesi. The woman nodded, eyes lingering on Anna a moment before turning to face Hans and offering her hand. Hans eagerly shook it, a wide smile on his face and completely oblivious to the concern flashing across the knight's. The woman spoke again, her voice even, and the knight nodded.

"She says it's a deal; she takes your sister as her bride and she will give you your seat of power in return."

"Excellent." Hans breathed, hope for the future shining in his eyes. He offered his sister a smirk. "Be proud, wench. You've actually proved useful."

Anna didn't know which was stronger: her relief or her disgust.

---

Hans would often tell her the story of how their house fell. How the men stormed in, painting the walls with the blood of the loyal, how the screech of metal and the death cries of men made a symphony of horror. She wondered if the nightmares she had from time to time were her own memories breaking through the surface or her imagination lending life to the story. She tended to have a pretty active imagination as a child.

Either way, they terrified her. Hans said her fear made her weak, made Hans ashamed to call her his blood, for they were descendants of the dragon riders of old. Bathed in the flames of their mounts, their line was impervious to fire and fear and those things that struck deep into the souls of lesser men. She made the mistake once of pointing out how he was afraid too, afraid of never sitting the throne, afraid of being as worthless as he always told her she was.

That was the day she learned to fear her brother, to some extent.

Today was the day she wondered what fear even meant.

Dothraki weddings were long and violent affairs, to be sure. The knight made a grim joke of the affair being too dull until the bodies began piling up. Hans laughed; Anna didn't.

She sat beside the impassive Jesh Khaleesi and tried her best not to fidget too much. Tried not to hum along with the tunes of the drums at the beginning. Tried not to move with the music as the dancers twirled around the fires. Tried not to faint as blood rushed to her cheeks when some of the men began having sex with the dancers, right there by the bonfire, taking them as if they were all animals. Tried not to lose the sparse contents of her stomach as blood spilled to the sand and the knight's supposed joke from earlier turned into prophecy.

Ser Kristoff explained that it was all part of the tradition, like that made it completely understandable, though he tended to shy away from watching any of it himself without being too obvious about it.

She averted her gaze as Hans got up and stalked closer to the festivities.

Anna flinched when the Khaleesi's voice pierced the thrum of drums, the chorus of voices, and the dull roar of so many people so close together under the night sky. Everything stopped, all eyes turning to her as she stood. She waited until Anna stood as well, following the woman as she approached the biggest bonfire. Everyone backed away a respectable distance as servants scrambled to and fro, assembling the next part of the night.

Anna's body was taut, tight as a drawn bowstring, but she did her best to follow the other woman's lead with some degree of grace.

Her first step, she tripped on her own wedding robe, stumbling until she regained her balance on the next step, a furious blush heating her face. Hans was glaring at her; Ser Kristoff was grinning; the Khaleesi either didn't notice or didn't care.

Anna decided to take that as a good sign. The ceremony wasn't complete, so there was still room for error on her part. She couldn't remember what came next, her mind too focused on the final event: the bedding. The sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon. Soon, it would disappear, night would fall, she would give herself to the Khaleesi, and they would be wed. No turning back at that point; she just had to make it there.

The ends justified the means.

It still made her sick though.

"It's time for the presentation of the gifts." Kristoff whispered as he passed, a reassuring smile on his lips.

Anna fought to keep her composure; Master Kai had told her there were things she needed to do- specific things of cultural significance to the Dothraki- but she couldn't remember them. Not for the life of her.

She really wished her memory wouldn't vacate her when she actually needed it.

The first to approach her and the Khaleesi were the three Dothraki warriors from the day before, each bearing a new version of the weapon they wielded. A whip, a sword, and a bow were offered to her and she accepted them with a mumbled thanks.

At their looks of surprise, she realized she'd done something wrong. As they looked to the warlord beside her, she realized there were consequences for her really bad memory.

But a firm word from the blonde halted whatever retribution might've been waiting for her in its tracks, curious glances met with a single nod. Apparently satisfied, the three took their leave while whispers ran rampant through the assembled khalasar and guests.

The next to approach was Master Kai with a single ornate egg on a pillow.

"They say it's the last dragon egg, abandoned when its mother was slain," Master Kai said, handing the pillow to Anna. "It may just be an artist's rendering but I'm afraid it is the only thing of worth I have to offer as a wedding gift, Your Highness."

Anna smiled for the first time in what felt like forever. "I appreciate it, Master Kai, and all you have done for me."

Next was Kristoff, on bended knee with his sword planted in the dirt. "I'm afraid all I can offer you is my sword, Princess Anna. I swear my allegiance to your blood, as a knight."

Anna nodded, aware he was most likely swearing his allegiance to her brother, who would be king once the throne was reclaimed. "Rise, Ser Kristoff."

There were others, many others, and the pile of gifts grew. Expensive silks, glittering jewelry, and ornate dresses, and they just kept coming, until they finally stopped and the Khaleesi stepped forward, beckoning Kristoff over. To what end she wasn't sure, until she started speaking softly while Kristoff translated.

"She says the Dothraki revere the horse above all else," Kristoff said. "The Khal, who leads the khalasar, must ride the best mount, as a sign of status, just like the Khaleesi. To not ride is to lose all honor, all pride." He looked at her. "Can you ride?"

"No," Anna softly replied, ducking her head in shame as her hands tightened into fists in anger. She'd wanted to ride, of course, but those were nothing more than daydreams of a child. She'd never actually had the chance to learn.

She was surprised when the Khaleesi reached forward and gently lifted her head, firmly holding her chin until they were looking into each other's eyes. Her voice was still soft, a contrast to her intense gaze.

"Then he will be your teacher. You may name him whatever you desire, for he is yours and yours alone." Kristoff translated, though his words could never match the gentleness with which they were actually said, despite the harsh tongue used.

Stepping aside, the Khaleesi beckoned across the bonfire, and the crowd parted as the most magnificent creature Anna had ever seen cantered closer, slowing to a walk before stopping a few feet away from her. His coat was pure white, blinding as the sun began to set and catching the orange glow of the sun and bonfire in his mane. His hooves were of the same blue as the Khaleesi's garb but it was his eyes that entranced Anna most. They were the softest color of lilac Anna had ever seen and she was drawn towards the stallion by the comfort she saw in them.

Slowly, she raised a hand, placing it on his head, between his eyes, just feeling: his breathing, his tiny motions, the tensing and relaxing of muscle as he blinked. He was hers, the first horse she'd ever touched and the first thing she'd ever owned.

"Star," she said, whispering the word reverently. The stallion snorted, pressing his head firmer against her hand. It was an acceptable name, she guessed. "His name is Star." She turned, noting the approving smile on Kristoff's face and the slightly surprised but genuinely happy smile on the Khaleesi's. "He is magnificent. Thank you."

The Khaleesi strode forward, putting a hand on Star's shoulder and raising her voice for all to hear. "Sheirak!"

Their audience began whispering again, but excitedly as opposed to confused or wary. When Anna's confusion showed, the Khaleesi touched her arm reassuringly, a small smile on her lips, but it was Kristoff who provided an answer.

"Sheirak means star, Anna," he said, once again beside the two. "To the Dothraki, the stars of the night sky are a herd of fiery horses, galloping across the celestial plain and carrying the most valiant of the dead warriors into their next battle. The khalasar considers this name a good omen."

Anna smiled, sighing in relief as she pet Star. Before she could really understand it, though, the Khaleesi was picking her up and tossing her- that woman was stronger than Anna imagined by looking at her- onto the horse's back.

Slightly apprehensive, Anna tangled her fingers in Star's mane, legs clamping firmly onto the horse's sides. Her eyes sought the Khaleesi's in question, who was smiling softly at her and motioning for her to move. Unsure of what else to do, Anna turned to look where she might coax Star to go where there weren't any people she could hurt when she inevitably failed.

Not that she believed it when Hans said she couldn't do anything right; she was just pretty… cognizant of her lack of coordination at times… and her inexperience.

Star, however, took the motion as an order, and carefully wheeled around to begin at a soft trot, weaving between people while Anna merely hung on. She noticed people were actively moving out of her way now, clearing a path for her as Star continued, but she wanted this little demonstration over with sooner rather than later. Turning back towards the bonfire, Anna licked her lips and leaned forward.

Yes, that was it, Star was cantering now, and while she couldn't really say much for her technique, she wasn't being thrown off. That had to be a good sign.

She pulled up beside the Dothraki warlord and the knight, sitting back to bring Star to a halt.

The Khaleesi was smiling in approval as Kristoff nodded. "Not bad, Your Highness."

"Thanks." Anna blushed slightly, making to dismount the horse when a hand against her calf stopped her. The Khaleesi motioned for her own horse to be brought forth as Anna realized, with a sinking in her stomach, that the sky was dark. The sun had already set and Star was the last of her wedding gifts.

It was time for the bedding.

Another hand was laid on her opposite calf and Anna looked, finding Hans standing beside her with a smile. To anyone else, he looked kind and happy for his 'beloved' sister.

Not to Anna.

"Make sure you please the bitch, dearest sister. Because if she's not satisfied by her purchase." He leaned in closer. "You are of more use to me dead."

Anna turned her gaze straight ahead, willing the boiling rage within her to settle. This was difficult enough for her to stomach; she didn't need him making things worse by threatening her about it. One day, she would lose her tenuous grip on her anger and punch him.

One day; not today.

Instead, she pretended her brother has said nothing more than words of encouragement as the stallion trailed after the Khaleesi's mount, the two winding their way into the grassy plain beyond the Dothraki camp.

It didn't take long for the Khaleesi to find a spot she liked, stopping on the sloping side of a gentle hill that faced the open sea, the city port glimmering brightly in the distance. The other woman dismounted her horse, patting its side before directing it further down the hill. Anna hadn't noticed before but the Khaleesi's horse was slightly smaller and had the same coloring as Star.

Perhaps the two were related.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself and beat the anger down until it was just a memory, Anna swung one leg over the horse's rear, immediately realizing her mistake when she dropped to the ground. Well, she nearly hit the ground; her feet did, but before she could fully stumble to the grass, two arms were wrapped around her, holding her up until she could regain her feet.

As Star walked away to join the other horse, Anna's shoulders began to tremble as a barrage of emotions blasted through her. This powerful woman, to whom she was promised, was behind her, arms wrapped around her, ready to claim her, like an animal if her fellow Dothraki were any indication. She didn't feel afraid or nervous like most brides would feel before their bedding, at least not on a conscious level.

She felt anger.

She was angry at the Usurper for making this a possibility in the first place, at Hans for making it a reality, disgusted at herself for justifying this, for wanting this in order to help the smallfolk she'd probably never meet, shame for how vulnerable she felt out in this plain with nothing to shield her, and somewhere, underneath all that… she was afraid.

She wasn't supposed to feel fear. But there it was, gnawing at her, with what was about to happen. Afraid this would be the moment whatever remained of her spirit, whatever stubborn streak she could lay claim to, would be crushed under the boots and hooves of the Dothraki warlord.

She closed her eyes and swallowed.

"I'm scared." She'd never said the words before, not aloud. She wasn't meant to ever feel fear; her royal blood supposedly wouldn't allow it. If Hans had heard her, he would be furious, call her weak. Somehow, though, admitting the fear alleviated some of the pressure she felt weighing on her shoulders, tugging at her gut, as if the words themselves let some of her terror seep into the air around her.

"You needn't be." Anna's eyes snapped open, breath catching in her throat as the Khaleesi gently turned her around, those piercing blue eyes as intent as ever, but with a gleam of gentle concern. In the early night, the woman was even more stunning than during the day.

"You speak Common," she said, the words barely above a whisper. Anna was shocked and felt alarm creeping its way into her head as she remembered all the things Hans had said within earshot of the powerful warlord, of her own muttered comments- mostly, asides to amuse herself, though not all were flattering- during the wedding. He couldn't have known, just as she, that the Khaleesi understood them.

"I speak Common, yes, as well as Dothraki and Valyrian, both the Old Valyrian and the bastardized tongue they speak in the Free Cities. Honestly, I prefer Old Valyrian." The Khaleesi smiled gently, taking Anna's hands in hers. Her hands were slightly rough, calluses developed from the handle of her sword and the string of her bow, from reigns and rope, from a life lived on horseback. Anna wondered what her own hands felt like to the warrior holding them. "You needn't be afraid of me. I have no intention of hurting you."

"It always hurts the first time," Anna replied without thinking, repeating the words she'd heard from the women who worked under Master Kai, words she'd heard from Miss Gerda herself as a warning.

The Khaleesi frowned and Anna stiffened as she realized what she'd said. With a heavy sigh, the warlord turned away, releasing Anna's hands in favor of waving one in front of her. To Anna's shock, a small patch of blue appeared before her eyes from nowhere, the same blue as the Khaleesi's clothes, and the woman settled down on the patch, looking up at the stars above with her hands linked behind her head.

Anna waited for an order, an invitation, something to indicate what she should do next. After a few minutes with nothing but the horses' soft movements as the only sound, the Khaleesi spoke.

"In two or three hours, we will return to camp. Everyone will either be too drunk to notice us or too busy attending to their own needs to care. Take what gifts you can- the weapons, the silks, the jewelry- and ride to the port. There will be a shop with a lit lantern in the front window, near the tavern. He'll pay half-value, but he doesn't ask questions. Sell him everything you take with you, including Star, and in the morning, you can buy passage on the first boat leaving." The Khaleesi sighed again. "I will be forced to make an appearance to my bloodriders by midday, or else they will come looking for me. At that point, your absence may be noted, so I suggest you find a boat by then at the latest."

"And go where? To do what?" Anna took a few tentative steps towards the woman. "I… I can't go out on my own. I have nothing- no skills, no… knowledge." This couldn't fall apart now. Not when she was so close to accomplishing the one thing she could to help her people. "I'm stupid, I'm useless, I'm clumsy, I'm-"

"I don't believe any of that."

The redhead mentally cursed herself. She hadn't meant to resort to repeating Hans' words. She really needed to break her habit of saying the first thing to come to mind. "Look, I have no use other than returning my family to our seat of power." Anna stated firmly, her frustration mounting as it became harder and harder to keep her anger in check.

"Do you believe your brother will make a good king?"

That broke it.

"Of course not," she replied without thinking, surprised the words actually left her mouth. Apprehension chewed at the back of her mind but her anger was stronger, and it finally found an outlet. "He doesn't care about the people; he blames them for not overthrowing the Usurper and returning us to our home."

"And you don't?" The Khaleesi turned her head slightly, looking up at her from her reclined position.

Anna groaned. "The smallfolk don't care who sits the throne! All they care about is keeping food on the table for their families and ale in their bellies to help through troubled times- and rightfully so! Politics are for nobles who have nothing better to fret over." She clenched her fists. "That's part of his problem though- he's spiteful and shortsighted; he wants to put people to the sword for not defending the crown but all that'll do is foster more enmity among the nobles! The smallfolk won't see it as justice; they'll see it as tyranny."

The other woman laughed. "You are very astute for someone as stupid as you claim to be." The Khaleesi sat up, looking at Anna over her shoulder. "If your brother is unfit to rule, why must you help him?"

Anna bit her lip. She'd asked herself that question numerous times and there was only one answer she could ever come up with: "What choice do I have?"

The Khaleesi nodded slowly, eyes trailing along the shoreline before returning to Anna. "We must pass time one way or another. May I tell you a story?"

Anna blinked but nodded, coming closer as the woman waved a hand, the patch of blue expanding enough for Anna to settle down next to her. She joined the warlord, both watching the sky above, Anna's hands resting on her stomach over the thin wedding robes. Whatever she was lying on, it was cool, enough of a contrast to the warm summer air that she shivered a few times before her body heat seemed to sink into it, warming her spot just enough.

"Over ten years ago, there was a little girl. The Dothraki would call her a Lamb Girl, for her parents were but simple herders of sheep, who knew nothing of horses or war or fighting. She loved her parents very much but they feared for her, for she was maegi- a witch. They loved her too, of course, but they forced her to keep her powers hidden, said it would bring unwanted attention, and they were peaceful people… but, in the end, it was not the girl's magic that brought misfortune upon them." The Khaleesi sighed. "Her mother was beautiful you see- so beautiful that she caught the eye of a scheming Magister. The Magister was a craven man who relied on others to attain what he desired. He hired men to take the girl's mother and they were vicious, relentless beasts. But they found the girl first."

The Khaleesi's words were even and smooth, as Anna expected, but there was just enough hiding beneath her tone to hint at lingering sadness and bitterness.

"She fled and hid as they slaughtered her flock, unable to use her magic for fear of upsetting her parents and knowing no other way to defend herself. When she felt the men were gone she went in search of her parents, but her mother was gone, her father dead, and her house was still burning. The Lamb Girl lost everything that day. But she knew who was responsible and she possessed power they did not know about or understand, and she wanted her mother back."

Anna looked over at the woman, noting the anger churning in her eyes.

"She used her magic to summon a monstrous horse of snow and ice, chasing after the men who took her mother. She followed them to the edge of the sea and, from the shore, she could see the Magister's estate on a small island. But the girl knew nothing of combat or what she could do to save her mother, so she waited, practicing her craft and praying to any god listening to send her help."

"What happened?"

"Someone heard her prayer." The Khaleesi blinked at the sky before turning to look at Anna. "She was not alone on the shore. The Magister was a greedy man and he wanted all he thought was beautiful. He glimpsed another beautiful woman and had her taken as well, for he believed none could attack him on his island estate. He was partially right. The other woman he took was promised as a bride to a Khal, who drove his khalasar to the sea but couldn't cross it. The Dothraki have a nearly unshakable fear of the sea, of any water their horses will not drink, but he refused to return to the plains, demanding to fight the Magister. Dothraki are not necessarily territorial, for they roam the Dothraki Sea without recognition of boundaries, but they do not steal nor do they abide thieves. Of course, their scouts found the girl- they called her maegi, and sought to destroy her, but her horse of snow and ice stayed them. Their mounts did not balk at the unnatural creature."

"The Dothraki revere the horse above all else." Anna repeated the words and the Khaleesi nodded.

"A slave was brought forth to translate and the girl made a deal with the Khal: she would make the poison water solid, allow the horses to cross that he might defeat the craven milk men, and he could have whatever he wanted from the castle except the girl's mother. That was her only condition. The Khal agreed sealed the deal with a handshake." The Khaleesi smiled bitterly. "The little girl honored her word. She froze the churning sea and layered it with snow that the horses crossed. The ice weakened the stone walls and the wooden doors as the Khal and his warriors, plus the little girl on her own steed, charged forth. The Magister never stood a chance. Cowards rarely do."

Silence stretched between them before Anna quietly broke it. "That's not the end of the story… is it?"

"No." The Khaleesi returned her gaze skyward. "When the Magister and his men were slain, the Khal and his warriors began reaping their rewards. He took his bride and his bloodriders were given the girl's mother as a gift from the Khal. To the Dothraki, promises are made in blood or not at all, especially when dealing with outsiders, a child and a girl besides. The girl… was furious." The Khaleesi swallowed, drawing a shaky breath. "In her rage, she killed the Khal. The bloodriders, who are sworn to avenge their Khal if he dies in battle, killed her mother and tried to kill her, but they failed and joined their Khal in a bloody heap. Then, she grieved." The Khaleesi blinked furiously, as if fighting back tears. "She grieved for her mother and her father. She grieved for her former life."

Anna turned her gaze away, looking to the stars and waiting for the story to continue. She pretended to hear nothing aside from the horses in the distance.

When the story began again, the Khaleesi's voice sounded as strong as before, if a little quieter. "When she was done with her sorrow, she led the remainder of the warriors back across the poison water, to their camp. There, she was faced with a choice: she could return to her people, find someone to take her in, and be the Lamb Girl hiding her magic from the world, or she could take a chance and fight for a place where her gift would not be reviled. She asked to join the khalasar as a warrior, seeing as she had her own horse and took the former Khal's sword as her own. One of the kos left to form his own khalasar when she made her request but the other two, wary of her power over snow and ice and horses, determined they should take her to see the dosh khaleen- widowed khaleesi who become seers and reside in the Dothraki city, Vaes Dothrak."

"What did they tell you?"

"That I was Yalli ki Mai ki Krazaaj- the Child of the Mother of Mountains. The dosh khaleen believe I have the spirit of the Mother within me, that my magic is an expression of the great power bestowed upon me by the Great Stallion. I am no longer maegi to the Dothraki; I am azhasavva- a blessing. From my blood shall be born the greatest Khal the world will ever see, the Stallion who Mounts the World." The Khaleesi laughed lightly. "Personally, I think they're just blind old bats with nothing better to do than make up stories. Still, with their blessing and reverence, I was named Jesh Khaleesi, and the two kos who brought me to Vaes Dothrak- Chafka and Eyelke, the ones who hold the arakh and bow respectively- became my bloodriders."

"What about the one with the whip? What's his name?"

"Vorsaka- he was the son of another Khal who was slain by the Khal I killed. There were rumors the duel was questionable, so Vorsaka went to avenge his father. When he learned that I slayed the Khal he sought, he swore his life to me and became my third bloodrider."

Anna sat up on her elbows, curiosity written across her features. "Why tell me all this?"

"Partly because no one outside my khalasar knows the story and I have an affinity for breaking traditions." She laughed. "Or maybe because… I've never told anyone before. I've wanted to, yes, but… I've never had anyone to listen."

With a small smile, Anna reached over and lightly touched the Khaleesi's arm, receiving a smile in return before the woman continued.

"But it's mainly because I understand the choice you face: on one hand, you could strike out on your own, make choices for yourself, defy what was thrust upon you, and on the other, you could do exactly what you've always believed you must." The Khaleesi raised her hand, blue and white light swirling around her palm and fingers, entrancing Anna. "I was told my magic was wrong- an abomination, to be hidden away." She closed her fist around the wisps of light. "That's why I couldn't go back to tending a herd. I was tired of hiding something that was part of me. Now, it is the right by which I choose for myself what I will do, where I will go. It is my power and my strength and it gives my khalasar hope."

With a smile, Anna looked to the stars above. "You know- well, actually, you probably don't, because you're not from the Seven Kingdoms and all, and-" She cut herself off and gave a small chuckle. She was no fool; the Khaleesi's story was meant to waste time and to break the tension between them, and it worked beautifully, to the point she apparently could ramble in front of the woman without immediately dying of embarrassment. "Anyway… according to legends, I'm a descendant of the dragon masters. I'm not supposed to feel fear or be burned by fire- that's why we're called the Firemanes. I'm supposed to be a dragon in human form, fierce and powerful, a great warrior." Her gaze fell to her lap. "My brother, though, says I have none of the old blood in me, that I'm a disgrace. Every time he does, I think to myself… who is the one who's actually doing something, sacrificing something, to win back our home? I was prepared to give myself- all of myself- to another for a chance to stop the war. What has he done? What does he plan to do? Nothing but expect others to give him what he believes he deserves." She sighed, turning towards the Khaleesi with a soft smile. "But you don't plan on ever crossing the sea, do you?"

"I hadn't planned on it." The Khaleesi grimaced. "Your brother does not listen to wise counsel and refuses to learn the traditions of others. For the Dothraki, all things of importance in a person's life take place under the open sky. To call me into a room in a city and haggle like I'm some merchant." She scoffed, shaking her head. "No. My promise to him was not valid and I have no intention of ever giving him a crown. Besides, I abolished the practice of slavery within my khalasar years ago. A person cannot be bought, sold, or traded. We have servants, yes, but not slaves; they stay with us because we feed them, clothe them, house them, and they all render a service in return. Therefore, he couldn't give me his sister in exchange for anything." The Khaleesi shifted uncomfortably, turning her head to look away from Anna. "Which is also why I offer you the chance to escape. I intended to merely refuse his offer and relish the look upon his face, for I am not to be summoned like some errand boy, but…" The irritation building in her voice faded, her face smoothing out suddenly. "Then I came face-to-face with the woman he wished to give me- this beautiful woman, who wore her heart on her sleeve and held fire in her eyes, standing before me like one facing the gallows, ready to embrace that fate. And I saw a chance for something good to come out of it all." Blue eyes focused on her once more. "The fire of the dragon… I could see it in your eyes when we met and every moment since. You desire freedom. I seek to give it to you." She sighed and turned away again. "Yet, the ceremony was done with sincerity. If you remain with the khalasar, you will be considered my wife. I wish-"

"I'm actually okay with that."

"-that I-" The Khaleesi sat up and turned to Anna, searching to see if she'd heard correctly. "I-I'm sorry, I must… be confused."

Anna giggled. "No, I mean it." She faced the shocked woman with a sincere smile. "You've shown me more kindness in the day I've known you than anyone else in my entire life, save for Master Kai and Miss Gerda. Why would I throw that away so quickly?" Anna tilted her head back, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky. "Kindness… is hard to find in this world." Anna said, biting her lip. "Did… did you mean what you said? That you could see the fire of the dragon inside me?"

"I see it right now, plain as day," the Khaleesi replied with a soft smile, reaching out to trail her fingertips along Anna's arm. "I can feel it when I touch you. I am Jesh Khaleesi, remember?" At Anna's confused expression, she continued. "Jesh means ice- my title, literally, is Ice Queen. I can see the fire burning in your eyes, feel it when I touch your skin." She tilted her head slightly. "You think I speak to everyone so freely? I have built walls, tall and strong, as a Khaleesi must, but they are made of the same ice as my magic. Just by meeting you, they have melted. You are zhavorsa- dragon."

"Zhavorsa." Anna tried the word, finding the pronunciation difficult. It took repeating it several times- listening intently as the Khaleesi broke it into syllables- before she got it right. "Will you teach me Dothraki?"

"I'll teach you whatever you wish to learn, uh..." The Khaleesi coughed, a slight blush coming to her cheeks. "This is a little embarrassing… I don't believe anyone ever told me your name."

She laughed at the Khaleesi's embarrassment. "Anna. My name is Anna."

"Oh, that's so… strange," the Khaleesi said, shaking her head. "After hearing so many Dothraki names, to hear another is… weird. But lovely. My name is Elsa."

"And you're saying my name is strange?" Anna laughed as Elsa shrugged.

"It's a little strange hearing it myself." The Khaleesi- Elsa admitted with a bit more honest shock than she'd intended, if her blush was anything to go by. "In my defense, no one calls me Elsa. They all call me by my title, just as no Dothraki will call you Anna besides me."

"What will they call me?"

"Khal." Elsa ran a hand through her hair. "When you accepted the weapons my bloodriders gave you, I had to think quick to keep them from thinking you were being disrespectful. Recognizing you as Khal gives you the right to the weapons… but it comes at a price." She looked at Anna with a smirk. "You must become a strong warrior, Anna. The Khal is supposed to be the greatest warrior in the khalasar. You will need to kill men and win your own bells. You will need to learn to ride as a warrior. If you don't, someone will try to kill you, to take your place." Her lips drew into a tight frown. "Not that I'd let them, of course."

Anna nodded, her gaze drifting to the sea. Across the water, a war still waged. "Elsa…" She waited a moment but didn't look at the other woman, not yet. "My kingdom still needs a ruler, one more concerned with the people than with petty grudges and old debts. I'm not asking you to help my brother claim the throne… but I can't stand by while my people die." She turned her head, meeting the Khaleesi's gaze. "Is there anything I can offer you in exchange for your help?"

Elsa regarded her for a moment before flicking her wrist, a decorative but deadly sharp knife made entirely of ice appearing in her left hand. Opening her right, she drew the blade across, bright red blood welling in its shallow wake. As she finished, she offered the knife, handle first, to Anna, allowing the blood to collect in her cupped palm.

"Make this blood oath with me, Anna Firemane, zhavorsa anni. I, Elsa, Jesh Khlaeesi, pledge to you and you alone that I will take my khalasar across the poison water to the land of your father, that I will wage war upon the enemies you deem fit to consider, and that I will win back your throne." She lowered her eyes as Anna took the knife. "All I ask in return is… your companionship… only until the throne is yours."

Anna looked at the blade made of ice and opened her right hand. She was right handed, so cutting with her left was a bit awkward, but she managed to draw the blade across, her own bright red blood springing forth from the cut. Looking up, she saw the hint of fear hiding just behind Elsa's eyes. In that moment, a few questions crossed her mind. What did she have to be afraid of? Why did it strike her now? Had any in the khalasar ever seen their Jesh Khaleesi so… vulnerable? The last one sparked understanding in Anna and she offered her bloody hand as she spoke.

"I, Princess Anna of the Seven Kingdoms, accept your terms, Elsa, Jesh Khaleesi of the Dothraki." The two grasped hands, Anna suppressing a shiver as the Khaleesi's much cooler blood mixed with her own. "I'm your wife now, Elsa; I would've been your companion regardless."

The blonde shrugged, her voice soft. "It was the only thing I could think of… the only thing I want."

Anna smiled, her left hand cupping the other woman's cheek as she leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to the other's lips. It was Anna's first kiss and it was soft, gentle…

Loving.

She pulled back and Elsa placed another kiss- just as gentle- on her forehead, smiling as her left hand joined her right holding Anna's. Cold, chilling air encircled her hand, and something wet that wasn't blood swept across her palm, but when the Khaleesi released her hand, Anna found only the cut remained, with the exception of lingering, dried streaks of blood trapped in the grooves of her hand. It wasn't bleeding anymore and slightly numb, probably thanks to whatever magic Elsa used.

"We can head back whenever you want." Elsa smiled. "No one will notice if we sneak back a little early."

"Isn't there something we're supposed to do first?" Anna raised a brow, lips curling into a smirk as the Khaleesi's eyes grew wide, obviously a bit flustered.

She regained her composure quickly though. "We don't have to, if you don't-"

"I'm the one bringing it up." Anna pointed out with a chuckle. "Besides, doesn't… that come with the companion package?"

"No." Elsa scowled, shaking her head. "My terms… I merely ask for someone to… talk to, as a friend. Even with the blessings of the dosh khaleen and the strength of my magic, I must be careful what I do and say. If I am perceived as weak, there are consequences. I… don't have many opportunities to make friends." She shook her head again. "You've already destroyed my walls, zhavorsa, with your very presence. I feel like I can… relax around you. You're a great listener."

Anna snorted, reaching out to take Elsa's uninjured hand in hers. "Are you saying you are completely adverse to the idea?"

"Of course not," Elsa replied a little too quickly, a slight blush staining her cheeks. "What I mean is, I- Hold on." She cleared her throat, meeting Anna's gaze. She took a moment to gather herself before speaking, all the while her eyes shone brilliantly with the sincerity of her words. "Anna, I do… want you, yes, I do. You're a beautiful woman, you have a kind heart, you are loyal, and you are brave. Yes, I very much want to… couple with you but I refuse to coerce you into reciprocating that or subjecting yourself to it on my account." The warlord let out a breathy chuckle. "I have embraced the Dothraki as my own people in many ways but this… in this, I'm still the Lamb Girl. I will not force you."

"Then you're giving me a choice and I choose you." Anna pressed her lips to Elsa's captive hand. "Call me sentimental, but I'd like to give myself to someone who cares about me… and I believe you do."

Elsa smiled and nodded. "I do."

"Then it'll be perfect," Anna replied. "Have you, uh… have you-?"

"No, but I'm something of a… visual learner," Elsa said, wincing slightly.

Anna's brows furrowed in confusion before smoothing out as she remembered the scene around the bonfire. Right, that was normal for the Dothraki. That would probably make things easier.

She glanced up at the stars twinkling overhead as she reflected on everything that was said. Anna couldn't remember the last time she was deemed an active participant of something important. Hans always relegated her to a role or a decoration- present but never expected to contribute to a conversation- and Master Kai and Miss Gerda never attempted to burden her with anything, least of all responsibility. But now she was Khal- King, to rule the khalasar beside the beautiful, kind blonde. There were expectations for her, ones that she could try for without fear of failure. Elsa would protect her… but she could learn to protect Elsa too.

Where before the wedding she had seen only an existence mired by her role as a bargaining chip, now she had opportunities spread before her; she could learn to fight, to ride, to govern, to speak other languages. For the first time in forever- if ever- Anna was given a choice- not just a choice, many choices.

But that wasn't all.

This was no fairytale like the ones she entertained herself with when Hans' words dug too deep as a child; she did not love Elsa. Truly, she'd never considered another woman as a romantic option before her brother came up with this scheme, and then it seemed out of reach. Love was not in Anna's future but it could find purchase in her dreams, and she believed herself content with that. Now, here was this gorgeous woman who could be cold as the ice she created or soft as snow, and this woman cared about her, had taken up her cause, asking nothing for herself except a friend.

So… perhaps it was a bit out of reciprocation that she wanted this to happen, to establish this connection between them. To give back to someone who almost gave up so much for her. While she might not understand the inner workings of Dothraki society, she'd heard enough about them- and about rulers in general- to understand that having a wife… run off wasn't exactly something one could recover from easily. The Khaleesi fought very hard to remain in her position, had overcome great adversity to get there, and could've potentially thrown it all away for what? Anna's freedom?

Elsa could take any she desired, man or woman, whenever she so chose if what Anna understood and saw of Dothraki culture was any indication. Yet, here they were. The Khaleesi was asking, not taking. She wasn't one of many for the warlord; she would be the first.

That… sounded too much like the love she'd only ever dreamed about to walk away from, to turn her back on.

Without another word, Anna reached to remove the wedding robe but Elsa's hands caught her wrist, her hold firm but gentle.

"Please… let me," Elsa said in a reverential whisper, eyes meeting Anna's. She merely nodded, allowing her Khaleesi to close the distance between them, lips pressing together. This kiss was more insistent than the first but Anna didn't mind; it lit something deep within her, something she never had the nerve to pursue before. When they separated, Elsa brushed their noses together, and Anna stared into the depths of her eyes. "If you become uncomfortable, let me know. I will stop."

Anna giggled, tapping another kiss to the other woman's lips. "The widely feared Jesh Khaleesi is a big softie at heart, isn't she?"

"Only for her zhavorsa."

Elsa drew herself up on her knees, gently pressing against Anna's shoulders until she was laying on her back, the blonde looming over her. She shivered again, the icy patch cool against her skin, but at this point even the night air was too cool as her body began burning with an unfamiliar heat. Elsa's fingertips lightly grazed her calves, trailing down gently to slip off her simple shoes and they were tossed away- which was a little odd, seeing as she didn't want to return to the khalasar barefoot, even if she wasn't walking back. Her attention was diverted away from her lack of footwear, though, as the blonde began working her way up, light touches exploring the redhead's flesh, nonsensical paths being traced across her skin.

Anna did her best not to squirm, though she did laugh a few times when a particularly ticklish spot was found by questing fingers just behind her knee, prompting a warm smile from Elsa.

"You're beautiful, Anna." The words were a breathy exhalation, raising goose bumps as they drifted across her skin.

"You're gorgeous," she replied, meeting the other woman's gaze as the blonde moved up her body, one hand slipping beneath her wedding robe. The touch was still gentle but insistent, tugging the cloth open and tracing along her stomach.

Anna could see in those blue orbs how the woman's patience was losing to her desire, eye becoming darker as her touch moved higher, tracing the tender underside of her breast. Elsa shifted her weight, freeing her other hand to explore with its twin, palming Anna's breasts. Though the touch was as soft and exploratory still, she could feel the callouses along the other woman's palms as she squeezed the tender flesh, fingers stroking over the skin, thumbs sweeping over quickly stiffening buds. The ministrations brought a moan from deep within Anna's chest, surprising both of them as it filled the night air.

"Zhavorsa anni." Elsa leaned in, wrapping her lips over one hardened nipple and flicking it with her tongue. The action brought another moan forth and Anna tangled one hand in blonde strands, encouraging her to continue.

"Elsa!" Anna gasped, tilting her head back as her nerves were set aflame, back arching as the blonde alternated between flicking her tongue and sucking before switching to her other breast and paying it the same attention. She never realized how sensitive her nipples were, never bothered with exploring her own body as thoroughly as Elsa was doing now, but the sensation was amazing, calling to a primal need deep in her belly. "Ka- Khaleesi."

The blonde groaned in response, rolling one swollen bud with her thumb and forefinger as her teeth barely scraped the other, prompting another moan at the rough treatment. Anna raked her fingernails against Elsa's scalp, pulling her tighter against her chest and thoroughly mussing her hair in the process. Elsa neither cared nor seemed to notice, her attention focused solely on peppering Anna's chest with kisses and nips, returning to her nipples only when the surrounding flesh was covered in tiny marks and trails of saliva.

Anna was enraptured at the devotion being paid to her chest, idly wondering what sparked the blonde's fascination with that section of her anatomy, if Elsa's own breasts were as tender and responsive to such ministrations. The idea of returning the favor, of running her hands along the other woman's skin and learning her just as thoroughly, stoked the fire burning within her, heightening her arousal. Her hips rolled, seeking for some form of friction as yet another moan burst through her lips. She needed something more but had little idea what it was or how to ask for it from the warlord hovering over her, just that she wanted Elsa to experience the delight coursing through her at that moment.

Apparently, the motion was all the signal Elsa needed. With notable reluctance she pulled away, but not before latching onto the top of one breast, biting hard enough to leave a lasting mark and soothing the wound with her tongue. Anna bit her lip, whimpering as the blonde receded from atop her, hands pushing the robe from her shoulders.

The robe fell open completely as Elsa coaxed her into sitting up, slipping the garment from around her before throwing it away from them entirely. Again, she thought it odd but did not question the Khaleesi, especially not when she was prompted to roll onto her stomach. Every guiding touch was restrained, firmly positioning her as Elsa wanted and fueled by an urgency spurned on by the arousal Anna could see turning those piercing blue eyes dark as the night sky.

A hand on her hip pulled her to her knees while the other was laid on her back, keeping Anna on her elbows. She remembered, vaguely, that this was the norm for the Dothraki, as animalistic as it seemed, but there was one piece missing. Or so she thought.

"Stay like this," Elsa said, her voice rough with want, her hands leaving Anna's skin completely for the first time since they began.

Anna groaned and shivered as the wind gently caressed her heated skin. She felt exposed- had anticipated such given what she'd seen at the wedding- but she obeyed regardless, waiting for the blonde's touch to return. Patience wasn't one of her strong points, though, and when she felt the distinct, icy chill of Elsa's magic brushing the aching heat between her legs, she couldn't resist. She glanced over her shoulder, jaw dropping slightly at the sight that met her gaze.

Elsa had discarded her vest, revealing a myriad of pale scars that littered her torso and breasts a bit heavier than Anna's. Her gaze, however, was directed lower, to the apex of the blonde's thighs where her breeches had been pulled away to reveal soft blonde curls and, just below that…

"After their premonition, I met with the dosh khaleen," Elsa said, having noticed Anna's stare, her attention focused on bending her magic to her will. "I had to prove myself capable of both bearing the Stallion and siring him. Otherwise, I would've been given to the strongest Khal." One hand fell limp at her side, the other wrapping around the finished product of her magic: a phallus made of ice that stemmed from within the confines of her breeches. Stroking her fingers over it, Elsa inspected her work as she continued speaking. "I used my magic to create this. It satisfied the dosh khaleen's conditions." She looked up, meeting Anna's gaze with a shy smile that barely hid her hunger. "May I?"

Anna bit her lip and nodded, facing forward again and bracing herself for the cold invasion into her core. "You may."

She expected the penetration to follow swiftly now that permission was given but Elsa surprised her, shuffling forward splaying her hands across her lower back. The blonde's touch traced up her spine, settling on her shoulders and gripping them firmly. The motion brought their hips closer, the tip of the ice shaft brushing the inside of her thigh.

"Zhavorsa anni, if you'd rather-"

"Khaleesi." Anna reached up, grabbing one of her hands and squeezing gently. "I'm sure."

Elsa hesitated a moment before planting a soft kiss to the base of her neck, pressing against her back as her arms wrapped around Anna's body. Anna gasped, arching up against the toned body above her as one hand filled itself with her breast and the other traced lower, down her stomach to comb through copper curls. Supporting their combined weight on her knees and elbows, Anna whimpered as the blonde began exploring her core with two fingers, brushing lightly over her clitoris to delve into her slick folds, coating themselves in wetness before returning to stroke the bundle of nerves. Elsa's mouth was busy pressing kisses against her shoulder, nipping at her neck, her tongue darting out to trace the shell of her ear before repeating the process.

It was driving Anna wild.

Her fingers first tried to dig into the sheet of ice beneath her as Elsa touched her but curled into fists when she couldn't find purchase. She quietly gasped and groaned with each stroke through her folds and squeeze of her breast. When the blonde shifted closer, pressing her hips flush against Anna's, she could feel the ice shaft pressing against her skin and moaned at the contact, muscles she'd never imagined having suddenly contracting as anticipation coursed through her. A single fingertip dipped into her entrance, testing her, and she pushed back against the tentative penetration eagerly.

"Elsa, please." She was beginning to pant, less from exertion on her part and more from the tumultuous sensations coursing through her body, nerves from head to toe responding to the ministrations of the Khaleesi.

The breathless plea worked and Anna had to choke back a groan of disappointment as Elsa receded, moving one hand to Anna's hip while the other, presumably, took hold of the shaft and guided it. Anna gasped at the cool touch of the tip to her slick folds, her hips jumping subconsciously, torn between pulling closer to the intrusion and pulling away. Elsa's hand kept her steady though, squeezing gently as the shaft split the lips of her vulva and pressed firmly against her entrance.

It was cold, at first, but the ice was adjusting to her heat just as swiftly as before, and she couldn't pretend like the temperature difference wasn't at least a little arousing on its own. As it slipped inside, pressed against her inner walls, filled her, Anna could just barely make out Elsa muttering something to herself in a language that wasn't Common or Dothraki, the syllables rolling together smoothly in a reverential tone.

Anna groaned as her attention was pulled back to the movement of the shaft as it pushed deeper. It wasn't painful, not yet, but as Elsa's other hand came to her hip, she readied herself for the worst. Rather than slamming into her, the blonde began rocking her hips while keeping Anna's steady, pushing the shaft deeper before each retreat. Discomfort slowly gave way to the growing need for more, deeper, harder- a primal desire she could barely articulate aside from whimpering as she tried to match Elsa's rhythm. Even pushing against the Khaleesi's superior strength was adding to her arousal, the helplessness that would've irritated her in any other situation taking on new meaning as the first shooting pains emanated from somewhere deep within her. She registered them in the back of her mind but paid them little attention as Elsa rocked her hips a bit faster, keeping the thrusts shallow.

Frustrated, Anna pushed back, hard, and was surprised when Elsa didn't try to stop her, pressing herself forward until their hips her flush. The pain she anticipated was there, like a drop of blood in water- distinguishable for only a moment before dissipating into nothingness. Their hips stilled, flush against one another, Elsa's grip firm once more as her body adjusted.

"Anna?"

"I'm fine." Anna smiled over her shoulder as Elsa leaned against her, accepting the kiss pressed against the corner of her mouth. "Nice trick."

"I'm a well-read savage," the blonde replied, shifting her hips slightly. Anna would've laughed under different circumstances; instead she groaned, shuddering as her inner muscles worked of their own volition and clamped down on the shaft buried within her, pulsing around it. "How do you feel?"

Anna whimpered as Elsa continued her small motions, feeling herself stretch to accommodate the shaft, the extension of the blonde's body that was buried so deeply within her own. "Amazing."

Elsa pressed another kiss just beneath her ear, filling her hands with Anna's breasts once more.

"But I guess it can get better." Anna muttered, her head falling forward slightly as a moan was ripped from her throat, Elsa pinching both nipples and sending another spark of arousal through her body.

As the blonde receded, Anna held her breath, excitement coursing through her as her hips were grasped once more. The shaft withdrew from within her slowly until it almost left her completely. She felt the loss acutely but refrained from embarrassing herself too much; she trusted the Khaleesi to return, to fill her, and she was right. Elsa pushed back in until their hips were flush, too slow to be satisfying but faster than the first time.

She understood the blonde was trying to be gentle, purposefully restraining herself, but she didn't care at that moment. Her body quickly adapted to the intrusion, welcomed it, and she needed more. Luckily, she had an idea on how to coax Elsa into being a bit rougher. "Khaleesi anni, please!"

Anna grinned in triumph at the animalistic growl that answered her just before she got exactly what she wanted. Elsa thrust into her roughly, barely giving pause before doing it again, setting a deliciously quick pace that drew moans from Anna's lips effortlessly.

Deep in her belly, Anna could feel some sort of pressure building with each thrust, fueled by the quiet grunts and groans falling from Elsa's lips. Then Elsa released her hips, leaning forward to plant a hand firmly on the ground while the other found its way between her legs, one finger pressing against her clit.

"Elsa!" Anna shut her eyes against the spike of pleasure, jaw falling slack as she was free to push back against the thrusts drilling deep into her core. She was reaching her breaking point; she could feel it approaching as Elsa started thrusting faster.

It was hard for her to keep up. It felt like the breath was being driven out of her lungs.

But she didn't want it to stop.

Elsa's lips, teeth, and tongue were suddenly assaulting the base of her neck and it was all she could do not to collapse to the ground. She could feel each growl and groan as it rumbled through the blonde's chest, pressed tightly against her back, and into her skin as Elsa paid close attention to the spot she'd chosen. She nipped and bit, not hard enough to draw blood and soothing the wounds instantly with a cool tongue.

Then, a moment of synchronicity; the Khaleesi bit her neck, pressed harder against her clit, and thrust deep inside her, all at once. Anna could take the onslaught of sensation no more and cried out as she was thrown rather bodily over the edge.

Her inner walls clamped down on the shaft still moving within her, albeit at a much kinder pace, every other muscle in her body working against each other as the waves of her first orgasm washed over her, leaving little besides pleasant, warm tingling in their wake. Her muscles twitched, particularly her inner walls still pulsing around the shaft that slid in and out of her.

Elsa was still moving, still seeking her own release, and though she was sensitive from her own peak, Anna couldn't begrudge her finding such a pleasant end. She whimpered, softly, trying to will her body into assisting the blonde, meeting her thrusts once more, but her energy was spent with her climax.

Then, whatever resolve the blonde had seemed to break as she started thrusting more insistently, both hands on Anna's hips as she focused solely on reaching her end.

Gathering up her wits, Anna did the only thing she could think of: she spoke, voice rough from panting. "Yes, Khaleesi anni. Elsa anni."

Elsa cursed in the tongue Ana couldn't identify and roughly pulled out, leaving her groaning at the loss.

And promptly shrieking in surprise, her entire body shivering as she suddenly felt freezing cold along her back, almost directly on her spine. "What was that? Did you just dump snow on me?"

The reply that answered her as she rolled onto her side in an effort to get whatever it was off her back was a jumbled mess, too many languages meshed together for her to pick any one word out. After taking a moment to collect herself, Elsa finally answered. "I-I told you; I had to prove I could… sire a child, if need be." Anna directed her gaze to the blonde, who had her arms folded over her stomach while still on her knees, blushing furiously as she looked anywhere but at Anna. "It didn't occur to me… I'm sorry, I should've warned you, I just didn't- I wasn't thinking clearly."

Anna nodded dumbly, unsure what else to do, and wiped a hand across the affected area. While the initial shock had worn off- with it, the temperature of the 'snow' barely registered- there was still a substance across her back. As she brought her hand up to inspect the milky substance, she watched Elsa from the corner of her eye.

"It's okay. It just caught me off guard." It smelled a bit odd, she thought, but not bad, and she hesitantly licked at her palm, allowing the taste to wash over her tongue. Her eyebrows rose slightly; it tasted better than it smelled, not that she was too keen on making a meal of it. But it was something she could get used to, she decided, and set about cleaning the rest from her hand. She didn't miss the way Elsa relaxed at her words or lowered onto her rear as she cleaned her hand, shock evident on her face. "Next time, some warning, please?"

"Next time." Elsa repeated, keeping her voice carefully neutral. Anna could hear it, how the blonde was trying not to sound too hopeful. She moved closer, coaxing Anna back onto her stomach so she could clean the mess from her back. There was the briefest sting of fresh cold before it was all gone. "You needn't feel obligated, Anna."

"I don't. I enjoyed myself rather thoroughly." She threw a cheeky grin over her shoulder before it smoothed out into a sincere expression. "Thank you."

Elsa laughed, crawling over to lie beside her, conjuring a pillow of snow for her head as she lay facing Anna. Determining it safe to do so, she turned to face the blonde, lifting her head onto the pillow as well. "Don't thank me. I'm glad we could... share that experience with each other."

Silence descended and Anna could feel herself grow tired, the stress of the day melting away and taking with it the last of her strength. However, while her body was quite content to cease functioning, her mind was still wide awake, and questions sprung to her tongue without a second thought.

"While we were… um, well, you were speaking, but it didn't sound like Common or Dothraki. What was it?"

"Valyrian." Elsa's brows furrowed. "The proper dialect. I'm surprised you didn't recognize it."

"I never learned." She smiled sadly. "My brother said learning was not my… prerogative, especially not anything that would allow me to express an opinion."

Elsa pursed her lips slightly. "The more I learn of your brother, the more tempted I am to kill him when we get back."

Anna giggled at the clear distaste on the Khaleesi's face and in her voice. "Please don't; as much grief he's caused me over the years, he's the only family I have left." The blonde regarded her a moment before agreeing, although reluctantly. "Was Valyrian your first language?"

"Somewhat." Elsa hesitantly reached out, wrapping an arm around Anna's waist and pulling her closer. She didn't resist, scooting over until a particularly deep breath from both of them would bring their skin together. "My mother said we were descendants of a noble house in Old Valyria, and that it was custom to pass on our proper tongue to the next generation. She even taught my father, who would read us stories before bed that he transcribed himself. I… keep myself in practice, to remember them and where I came from."

"That's sweet." Anna smiled, biting her lip a moment before asking her next question. She worried about how the other woman would react but felt she had to confirm her suspicions. "What does anni mean?"

Elsa's face fell immediately but she was quick to correct herself, though sadness danced in her eyes. "It's Dothraki. It… means possession, literally 'my' or 'of mine'."

She sighed in relief. "Good. That's what I thought."

Hope shined in those icy depths. "Then… you meant it?"

Anna lifted her hand, caressing the blonde's jaw with her fingertips. "Elsa anni, yes, I did."

Elsa surged forward, capturing Anna's lips in a rough kiss and toppling her onto her back. It felt natural, her thighs wrapping around Elsa's hips, hands moving along the blonde's back as she loomed over her. Their lips moved against each other and Anna could feel the hunger building once more, especially as a hand closed over her breast and the shaft brushed against the back of her thigh.

Anna tore her mouth away, gasping for breath as Elsa shifted her focus, lips and tongue pressing against her from the base of her neck to the shell of her ear. She tilted her head to grant more access to those questing lips, a moan escaping as Elsa began sweeping the pad of her thumb around her swollen areola. "You… want to… again?"

The Khaleesi stilled her motions, groaning against Anna's neck before drawing back slightly, breath ghosting over her ear. "Have you never looked in a mirror?"

"On occasion."

"Then how can you blame me?" The blonde sighed and drew back until their gazes met. "I'm sorry-"

"Don't be." Anna smiled, pressing a tentative, chaste kiss to the Khaleesi's lips. "I'm flattered, truly, but also… surprised."

"If you could see in yourself what I do…" Elsa pressed their foreheads together. "You wouldn't be." The blonde tapped another soft kiss to her lips before shifting, lying beside her once more. She summoned snow to prop herself up as one hand slid behind Anna's head, fingers tangling in her hair. The other tracing lightly over her stomach, the touch gentle and reassuring. "Please, close your eyes. Just listen... and feel." The redhead nodded, allowing her minds to focus only on the words being whispered into her ear and the fingers unhurriedly mapping out her body, the cool chill of ice lingering in their wake. "I see a beauty that surpasses the physical realm. It's your soul, burning bright as dragon fire." Her breath ghosted across Anna's skin, the hand tangled in her hair coaxing her to tilt one way, allowing the blonde to lightly nibble at her earlobe. "I see the strength to lead an army, a kingdom. It's your heart, beating like a steady drum." A kiss below her ear, fingers sweeping along the underside of her breasts, their thighs touching as Anna unconsciously shifts; Anna's world is reduced to remarkable sensations and words spoken with such sincerity, it hurts. "I see ferocity the likes of which this world has yet to see. It's your eyes, shining like the break of dawn." They should arouse her, the gentle caresses and sweet words, but as Elsa is mindful to keep clear of the places that would have her moaning, Anna feels only a deep sense of peace falling over her, head lolling to the side. "I see wisdom beyond your years. It's your voice, which calls for sense in a senseless world." Elsa's voice becomes softer and Anna would strain to hear it if the words weren't set so lovingly against her lips. "You are beauty and strength and ferocity and wisdom. You are a dragon reborn." There's cold water suddenly, but not so cold that she bothered to look as it trickled between her legs. It takes her a moment to realize Elsa's gently washing her from their coupling, carefully rinsing away the sweat and fluids that had started drying on her skin. "Zhavorsa anni, I may be the first to see you hatch, but all the world shall watch you fly."

She couldn't help it; she giggled, though the sound was tinged with weariness, even to her ears. "See me hatch?"

"You certainly aren't the woman presented to me yesterday, Zhavorsa," the Khaleesi replied, a certain amount of bite to the word that reminded Anna of what she felt in that moment, laying eyes on the woman who would be her bride for the first time. "You've discarded your shell."

"It was never mine to begin with." Anna sighed, scooting closer to the blonde and nuzzling into her embrace. "But I'm glad to be rid of it."

They were silent for a time, with only the wind and stars above to keep them company. Eventually, Anna wondered aloud if Ser Kristoff was telling the truth regarding the Dothraki's belief regarding the stars and Elsa began the very long process of reciting battles long past, pointing out clusters as she told each story. Thankfully, she stopped before the redhead could reach information overload, allowing them to fall into comfortable silence once more.

"We should go back." Elsa murmured, breath tickling her ear and sending a shiver down her spine.

Anna was perfectly content to fall asleep there in the field- away from the camp, just her and Elsa- but roused herself regardless with a gentle sigh. She looked around, searching for the wedding robe to drape around her body once more.

Beside her, Elsa got to her feet and stretched her arms above her head, leaning slightly to each side. As Anna finally located the garment in question and started to reach for it, the blonde stopped her stretching to put a hand on her shoulder, a tender smile curling her lips.

"Am I not allowed to dress?" Anna asked teasingly, accepting the hand offered to help her to her feet.

Elsa didn't answer immediately, instead guiding her into turning around and enveloping her in a hug, arms loosely looped around her trim waist. "Not in those rags."

Anna leaned her head back as the blonde's hands began wandering over her skin once more, gentle touches accompanied by the faint chill of her powers. Like before, the patterns traced along her flesh didn't set off a spark in her groin; they brought her comfort and a sense of peace. It took a moment to will her head forward, see what the Khaleesi was doing as her movements continued, and the sight entranced her.

Slowly and carefully, Elsa was tracing along her hips and thighs as the cool blue of her ice magic worked its way lower, forming a pair of pants much like those the Khaleesi wore herself. They weren't hide at all; rather, another manifestation of the blonde's powers. Elsa's ice was wrapping around Anna, forming boots that reached calf high and breeches that hung low on her hips, exposing her belly. From what she could tell, still pressing her back against the other woman's front, the style of the ice garments were very similar, though there would likely be a thousand tiny nuances she would never notice. Elsa didn't seem like the type of person to copy the same trick if she could help it.

Once the breeches were finished, Elsa's hands drifted higher, tracing along her rib cage up to her shoulders, accompanied by the occasional press of lips to the nape of her neck.

"Only the finest for my Zhavorsa." Elsa whispered into Anna's ear as ice began forming a vest, fitting to the contours of Anna's body.

At least, she thought a vest was forming, but rather than taking on the typical fashion worn by the Dothraki and even Elsa, Anna felt the ice form a single strap across the back of her neck where the blonde's lips were moments before, leaving her shoulder blades exposed as ice wrapped below her breasts and across them. It was strange, just as when the crotch formed on her breeches; there was no instant chill causing her nipples to pebble or her core to ache, as if the blonde was consciously trying not to push her still sensitive body too hard.

Her new ice raiment finished, Anna sighed as Elsa's hands rested on her hips, the two standing for a moment and enjoying the proximity of the other. With the barest of hesitations, Anna reached up and slid her fingers into silky blonde strands, directing the other woman's lips to meet her own over her shoulder in a gentle kiss. She could feel the passion still burning brightly in the other woman though it was held in check and chuckled gently when she was pulled firmer against the Khaleesi's body.

"I don't know much of the Dothraki, but the tales never painted them as the affectionate sort," Anna said, leaning back against Elsa. "Unless that's just you."

"It's just me," Elsa replied with a snort, nuzzling into the crook of her neck as she was hugged a bit tighter. "My people are the physical sort, yes, but not overly affectionate. At least, affection is not displayed through gestures recognized by the Free Cities or the Seven Kingdoms; ours is not a gentle life, so we are not a gentle people."

"Good." Anna turned her head, planting a soft kiss against Elsa's temple. "I like just you."

Elsa laughed, squeezing tighter momentarily before reluctantly releasing Anna from her hold, turning towards where the horses were grazing. Anna watched her a moment before starting after her, feeling the strange, magic material slide against her skin with every step. It was almost like Elsa never let her go, the chill of her touch blending so perfectly with the wind and contrasting so mildly with her own body heat, it was almost negligible.

Almost.

"Elsa," Anna said, waiting until those blue eyes were on her before speaking. It felt like such a silly question but something she felt she had to ask regardless. "These ice clothes won't melt, right?"

"No." The blonde scowled slightly before shaking her head. "They will never melt, not so long as I live." She stepped closer, taking one of Anna's hands in hers. "They respond only to my touch, and yours. Any other who dares lay a finger on you, all you must do is think it so and the offender will find his hand frozen solid."

"And a very angry Khaleesi hunting for his head." Anna laughed as Elsa looked away, as if confirming her remark. She squeezed the hand in hers gently, a small smirk on her face. "So, when do I get the bells? And the paint?"

"The bells are earned through battle," Elsa replied softly, brushing a few strands of fiery hair behind Anna's ear. "The war paint… when and if you decide to wear it, I will show you how. Each warrior picks his own design; you will need to prove yourself a warrior before you can be marked as such."

"Fair enough." Anna turned as Star approached, pressing his nose into her side. Elsa released her hand and helped her onto Star's back, instructing her on how to mount a steed and demonstrating with all the grace and fluidity of one born in the saddle. "You make it look so easy. Will I ever be that good?"

Elsa stared at her a long moment, as if weighing her response. She nudged her horse, drawing up as close as she could get to Anna and reaching out to take both of her hands in her own. "I swear this to you this night, for I believe it with all my heart and I will not rest until you believe it, too." The blonde's eyes shone brightly, lips curling into an adoring smile as she squeezed Anna's hands. "Zhavorsa, you will be magnificent."

Anna returned the smile as she felt something deep in her chest suddenly bloom to life. It was small, a ball of warmth that settled just to the left of the center of her chest, but it burned a little brighter when she squeezed Elsa's hands in thanks. Perhaps they were still strangers in some respects but Elsa, the fierce Jesh Khaleesi, believed in her in a way she'd forgotten was possible, in a way she'd convinced herself wasn't possible. As they set back towards camp, with the blonde leading, Anna watched her back and quietly fed the hope taking root in her chest.

For all the ice present in her life now, Anna Firemane, Princess of the Seven Kingdoms and wife of a Dothraki warlord, had never felt warmer.

---

Author's Note: Fun fact, this is actually the second Elsanna fic I ever wrote. Just never posted it for obvious reasons (smut... yeah, this is literally the best I got; I tried; don't kill me; and I swear I didn't intend for it to happen, it just kinda... did). Also, shows you what kind of twisted individual I am when 'functional ice penis' somehow is followed by 'produces snow ejaculate' and I don't even care if it makes sense because the idea was too funny and I'm a horrible person. There are, like, three other little skeletons of scenes I have somewhat penned out that follow this, but they are nowhere close to completion. Seeing as I think this works fairly well as a one-shot, I'm completing it for now. Oh, and... yeah, I really haven't seen much of the show (Game of Thrones) except for an episode or two here and there. Read all the books, though.