"Something there that wasn't there before."

Elsa thinks to herself. The Queen can pinpoint the factors that make Onyx's presence so different compared to the last few weeks she has traveled with him. For one, he's talkative, and not in a way that truly brings him out of his usual demeanor, but he is talking, engaging, and even with his all too sullen expressions, he seems to be enjoying himself, or at the very least, he isn't so transparent with his agitation. Heaven knows that Onyx is very expressive without his helmet on. The other thing that continues to paint him in a different light is the constant introductions of people that holds him to a degree that isn't as glum as he carries himself to be. It first started with Senna, then Saadia, Cayra, and now Kharjo. True, while Onyx was never short of enemies and people obviously dislike him, the people that seem to on his good side, these people illuminate the side of him that is likable. Kharjo's reaction to him as they talk is nothing short of a paradigm shift, and it is definitely something that Elsa can appreciate. And of course, she hasn't forgotten the images she saw when he was healing her.

That child. That woman. The warm feeling that is possible for someone like Ony to feel and express. It is in these moments that Elsa is reminded that perhaps even she is capable of forgetting the lesson of being judged just because she was born different-born with powers.

"Come, Queen Elsa!" and then, of course, there is Kharjo, whom Elsa is not completely sure how she should judge him. "This one will not allow the Dragonborn's new quest to be left behind! Come! Ride with us!"

He is obnoxious. A bit too blunt and assuming. Elsa can't help but feel her frost powers react to the comment that is still echoing in her mind about offering herself to Onyx as a means of paying him for his efforts. She has pushed aside most of the culture shock that giant bipedal cats are interacting with her like they're human, but Kharjo's blatant jarring assumptions is something that she is still trying to cope with. And it's not just his assumption either. Cayra, Saadia, and even Senna all hinted at the idea that she is sleeping with Onyx. If they are assuming these things, who else is?

"Kharjo, will you be so kind to stop labeling her as a 'new quest'?"

"Thank you, Onyx," Elsa chimes in, "I would highly appreciate it if I am not considered as some kind of mark on a map."

Kharjo's chuckle does not help Elsa's hesitation to ride close to him. But considering that Onyx and Arvakarak are riding close to the Khajiit, Elsa can't exactly decline the offer. Onyx is the only person that Elsa really feels safe around. Nudging Frost, Elsa catches up to the two easily enough. Of course, she made every effort to ensure that she Onyx is between Kharjo and herself.

"So, Dragonborn-"

"Refrain from your usual choice of words, Kharjo."

"This one was not going to offend," Kharjo's words might have been believable had it been for the fact that he already crossed some offensive lines, "I was merely curious about this Arendelle of Elsa's and why in Secunda would it be such a difficult place to reach for you, Onyx."

Onyx takes a moment to glance at Elsa almost as if he is asking permission to answer, or perhaps he was waiting for Elsa to. Regardless, Elsa nods her head, giving the Dragonborn the go to respond. "Arendelle is a place that cannot be reached by horse, ship, or even by the use of dragon wings."

"Of course. News mentioned of a foreign ship that came from the Sea of Ghosts. And you had an inkling that a Daedric Prince would be generous enough to extend a hand?"

"No, Kharjo," Onyx responds immediately, "a Deadric Prince put his hand in this scheme. The Cult of Miraak seems to be involved as well."

Onyx and Kharjo pause for a few moments. Elsa has started to learn how to distinguish emotions when it comes to beast folks like Khajiit and she can easily see that even Kharjo reacts rather gravely when it comes to this Cult of Miraak. Sooner than later, Onyx has to explain more about who this Miraak is and what his role was-is in regards to his life. She can deduce that he is a rival of some sort and the way he reacts to the mention of his name, Miraak must be a force to be reckoned with. A daunting thought considering just how formidable Onyx can be.

"Why in the Twin Moons would you seek an audience with Boethiah? Mora seems to be the logical Prince you should be seeking."

"The quest to gain an audience with any Prince is not something I like choosing from anymore."

"This one agrees, but Mora has more connection with Miraak. And he is the Prince of Knowledge."

Once again Elsa catches Onyx's reaction. He stares ahead with a sullen look on his face before responding. "I have more connection with Boethiah," he states as if putting his defense up, "as strange as this sounds, Boethiah's realm is far more welcoming towards me than Mora's."

"Twin Moons help you!"

"I barely escaped Mora's realm, in case you forgot."

"How could this one forget," Kharjo shakes his head disapprovingly towards a memory that Elsa is curious to know about, "Serana and I barely pulled you out of your own Oblivion realm."

Elsa hung onto every word, piecing things together as best as she can to get a picture. While it made some sense, everything is still a puzzle with a handful of missing pieces. Enough to get an idea, but not enough to get the whole picture. But some words seem to have faces and memories involved. Some names have a distinct silhouette; a strange phenomenon that Elsa can only assume is connected to Onyx connecting with her when he was healing her. But the name Serana… the name feels warm when it came out of Kharjo's mouth.

"Serana?" Elsa's inner thoughts became a vocal one. The tone of her voice was loud enough that even the other riders that are accompanying them must have heard her, though Onyx and Kharjo's reaction is the only thing that Elsa can focus on. Suffice to say, it's awkward and she can't help but feel that she crossed a taboo.

"An old friend of mine," Onyx answers with a false bravado as if trying to act like the mention of the name did not hit a nerve. Deep within, Elsa couldn't be any more thankful that he is not wearing that awful helmet of his. Picking out his emotions is so easy, and somehow, it gives Elsa some sort of relief that he can be sensitive despite how tense the moment is.

"I see," Elsa responds back, trying to gloss over the awkward moment.

"So! Did you get the answer you needed from Boethiah?" luckily, Kharjo steers the conversation towards a more productive route.

"Daedras hardly ever give a straightforward answer, so, unfortunately, no."

"Might I add, Onyx, that it was a terrible idea," Elsa includes her opinion before Kharjo responds, "I may not know as much of this world as I should, but given the things I have learned about these Daedric Princes, I knew that it was a fool's errand."

Kharjo stares at Elsa for a moment and back at Onyx before letting out a subdued chuckle, or at least it seemed like a chuckle. Again, another moment when Elsa is trying to get used to the fact that cats can stand on two legs like a man.

"So say it already," Onyx responds, trying to ignore Kharjo's reaction.

"Say what?"

A small grin forms on Onyx's lips which slightly shows his fangs. "Say 'I told you so'. Just spare me the lecture Elisif would give me when it comes to brash decisions."

"Two women, Queens, no less, giving the legendary hero lectures?" Elsa responds with her own sarcastic tone. "It must be a sign, Dragonborn."

"Kharjo enjoys your new company, Onyx. Seems you found a good match for your usual humble and vocal self, Dragonborn!" Kharjo barely got his words out since he was too busy trying not to laugh. Elsa herself can't help but let out a giggle at the Khajiit's jesting. Onyx, on the other hand, isn't as amused and lets it be known.

"Yes, let us all find the idea of it as comedic as possible."

Onyx directed his lack of amusement towards Kharjo, which, of course, does nothing more than gives the Khajiit more incentive to continue. And as Elsa predicted, the rebuttal of sarcasm doesn't stop there. Onyx, being as hard headed and not willing to back down from a fight, whether it be words or with weapons, instigates it even more. Deciding to slow Frost's pace, Elsa observes the scene, and once again she is treated with another side of Onyx that he seems to reserve only for a small circle of people. He seems more relaxed and the fact that his helmet is not on his face through the duration of their travel, clearly points out the fact that his defense is down, at least in the sense of his emotions; she is still more than aware that he is capable of drawing that red blade of his any moment when needs be. She has seen enough of that side of him that seeing this: the open, relatable, and approachable version of him… a side of him that seems so exclusive, this she enjoys. With the fragment of memories she received and Onyx's mention of Selvus in the College, Elsa can more than decipher that the Dragonborn didn't exactly have the best upbringing. Most likely worse than hers considering that he was raised to kill. But in Onyx's case, even the coldest murderer can have the warmest heart if surrounded by the right people. Elsa smiles at the thought and continues to observe the two as they continue to interact in the most entertaining way. This is something she can definitely get used to.


Throughout the journey, Elsa was offered to rest in one of the wagons multiple times. She declined politely every time since she wanted to stay awake for multiple reasons. One of the said reasons, of course, is keeping herself prepared in case another unwelcomed scenario decided to present itself. Also, she is not quite fond of what or who might be pestering her in her sleep; dreams and nightmares are blurred on the same lines and memories of her past are tainted by the inner voice of hers. Elsa would rather endure the fatigue of traveling the long hours rather than listen to what her corrupted mind has to say this time around. Besides, for Elsa, the journey has a lot to offer. Skyrim is a place that is hard to appreciate when one was abducted and brought in this snowy land. She misses Arendelle-she misses her people, her family, and of course, Anna. Homesick is not the only thing weighing her down, with most of Elsa's time so far was spent learning to survive within the harsh conditions of Skyrim, it hasn't exactly been a walk in the courtyard. But during this journey, Elsa is able to put some of her guards down and allow her eyes to absorb what the foreign land has to offer. The wilderness, though harsh and obviously hostile, it holds a captivating beauty that any hardened explorer can appreciate. While Elsa hardly considers herself as someone who is an expert on being outdoors and adventuring, she can at least say that there were more than enough days when she preferred being outside the castle walls… away from her responsibilities as Queen. She had spent a good portion of her life indoors so she can justify wandering outside as a means to rectify for time lost. Of course, she would sneak off with Anna, which made things more enjoyable-two young women enjoying each other's company, sisters making up for lost grounds. Of course, Elsa also took every opportunity to enjoy the beauty of her own land outside the comfort of her castle walls. While Anna sought more enhancement from Elsa's magic, Elsa found some things just as beautiful without her artistic touch. Skyrim isn't exactly laid out like Arendelle. While much of the shock value had died down whenever Elsa spots a creature that she isn't familiar with, the land still poses a myriad of fascination and curiosity. It is beautiful, that much Elsa can conclude. Nature has its own way of decorating the tundra-the hints of magic emanating from trees, insects that glow as bright as a star even during daylight, and the patchwork of green life that contrasts the archaic structures that stands as monuments or worn down places for sanctuary. But of course the moment High Hrothgar was in sight, Elsa's appreciation for beauty dissipate.

"Do the Blades still hold sanctuary at Fort Greymoor?" everyone's attention, including Elsa's, is now focused on Onyx.

"Yes, we do, Dragonborn," a young man responds quickly.

"We, still hold sanctuary there, Onyx," Kharjo adds with an elaboration to the word 'we', "you are a Blade as much as this one is."

"Right. The Ebony Blades," of course it's more history that Elsa cannot help but be curious about. "Fort Greymoor then will be our next stop. A fine resting place for the lot of us."

"Dragonborn, should we ride on ahead and notify them of your arrival?"

Elsa pays close attention to the young man armored like the rest of the warriors traveling with her. His posture, the fluctuation of his voice, and then the obvious glint in his eyes points out his reverence for Onyx. Elsa can definitely point out respect in that kind almost immediately.

"Oh by the Twin Moon's sake, Demef! Have you forgotten that Onyx is not the kind to appreciate royal treatment!"

"My apologies, Dragonborn… Kharjo."

"No offense taken," Onyx responds, quickly cutting off Kharjo from talking first, "just ready yourself for battle."

Realizing that he had overstayed his welcome, the young warrior named Demef nudges his horse away and rides off to join the other Blades. It is at this moment that Elsa decides to express her observation.

"This group have a sincere loyalty towards you, Onyx."

Kharjo is the first to respond with a slight change in his posture. He shakes his shoulder slightly as if aggravated by something crawling on his skin(fur). Then he makes a sound that Elsa can't quite tell if it's snorting or clearing his throat. Trying to pay him no mind, Elsa keeps her eyes on Onyx as she tries to recognize some kind of reaction to her words.

"I suppose. Though I hardly can muster a reason as to why they decided to dedicate their entire ideals and aesthetics after me."

Now the phrase 'Ebony Blades' makes more sense. The more Elsa glances at the armor that the warriors are wearing, the more Elsa can definitely see the resemblance. Sure their armor is more uninformed to show their unity, but the designs took on enough details to resemble Onyx's aesthetics. Of course, this does nothing but give Elsa more of a reason to realize just how much more respect Onyx holds-and this group does not come off as bandits or thugs; the outcome of their encounter in Boethiah's shrine would most likely have ended differently if they were criminals.

"This one can answer that, Dragonborn," even Kharjo, a Khajiit who rubs Elsa the wrong way with his crude comments, comes off as an individual with a moral compass that seems tolerable. "But even Kharjo knows that you're not one to talk about long-winded events from your past."

"I'd wish you would reconsider, Onyx," Elsa chimes in, "it would be nice to hear what lead to you inspiring these brave men and women to follow your lead."

As soon as Elsa finished that statement, she notices Kharjo discreetly signaling her to say no more. From the looks of it, Kharjo has been trying to stop Elsa from poking at that subject, but by the time she noticed it, it was too late. Shaking his head at her in response, Elsa turns her attention away from the Khajiit knowing full well that she might have opened a delicate subject. Turning towards the ebony-clad Dragonborn, Elsa prepares herself for one of Onyx's harsh and sarcastic response.

"It started with the dragons' return, the prophecy revolving around me, and a woman named Delphine," Onyx responds calmly; too calmly that Elsa glances at Kharjo for a moment. The Khajiit merely shows a hint of astonishment towards the Dragonborn's response but shrugs his shoulder and gestures his head towards Onyx, signaling Elsa to continue listening. "Of course I can't talk about Delphine without talking about the Thalmor, Daedric Princes, murder, bloodshed, and betrayal. Still care to find out how the Blades ended up where they are now, Elsa?"

"A part of me started realizing that bloodshed and murder is part of who you are and accepted it," Elsa pauses and clears her throat, "a small part of me, mind you. I suppose my only question is: are you willing to tell me?"

With a chuckle, Kharjo reaches out and pats Onyx on the shoulder. Giving Elsa a nod, the Khajiit rides away from the two to mingle with the other Blades. Elsa couldn't tell if Kharjo was grinning or not, which if he was, he once again rubs Elsa the wrong way. Though that is hardly something she should be focusing on right now.

"At the given moment, I don't mind," Onyx finally responds as soon as Kharjo is completely out of their vicinity.

"Then, yes, I care to find out the story behind you and the Ebony Blades."

Elsa reiterated the term 'Ebony Blades' with a playful tone. She wasn't trying to tease him, she was more or less trying to capitalize on the fact that this is another proof that he isn't as abhorring as he makes himself to be. And then he smiles; not the condescending or confident grin, but a real genuine smile. Elsa could hardly believe herself. Trying her best not to make a big deal out of it so that the moment isn't ruined, she smiles back and prepares to listen.


"At this rate, the Southern Isles is no longer demanding an answer," Kai is obviously trying to keep his voice down-most likely to keep panic from reaching a new level. "This is starting to become a declaration of war."

Those words would obviously raise hysteria; for Kristoff, they certainly are having that effect. "King Christian knows that his kingdom can't sustain a full-fledged war."

"The Southern Isles certainly cannot, but he may get the support he needs from the other Kingdoms that are not too fond of Arendelle."

Kristoff was hoping that Gerda would have some kind of rebuttal-some kind of logical response that would topple over Kai's statement. However, she does not respond. She merely lets out a sigh of frustration, which, of course, does nothing to soothe Kristoff's mind. But despite the looming idea of war coming to Arendelle, the thing that tears Kristoff apart the most is seeing Anna utterly destroyed by Elsa's disappearance. Anna is a young woman with a soft and somewhat clumsy exterior, but deep inside is a strong, persevering, and loving spirit. Just from Kristoff's observations and the memories the Princess shared with him proves just how strong Anna is. She endures, and as long as in the end she is surrounded by the people she loves, as long as in the end, Elsa is there, Anna would continue to do so. But in this situation, there is a frightening veil of uncertainty. Where Elsa's whereabouts and her condition are shrouded in the mystery that follows the supposed peaceful meeting with King Christian; a meeting that supposedly, the King of the Southern Isles did not arrange. Cautiously walking up to Anna's closed door (something that Kristoff found himself facing far more often than he would like), Kristoff gently knocks on the door.

"Anna?" the silence once again is the only thing that answers him. "Anna, I'm coming in."

Kristoff has forced himself to be a little more demanding when it comes to Anna. While he was never really affected by her royalty in the past, knowing that he gained a special place in Anna's heart lowered his sarcastic attitude towards her a bit. As Elsa has pointed out more than once that while he may not be the prince charming that Anna had dreamed of, he certainly became the romantic partner that she needed. He's good for her, as she is for him. With a crisis like this, the Princess of Arendelle definitely needs him. The unfortunate thing is, Kristoff is at a loss of how he can further support her since every day that passed without any sign of Elsa means that Anna's well-being worsens. It pains him that he has to resort to being stern and forward especially when Anna is at her weakest.

"Anna, food is ready," as he said those words, Kristoff walks by another untouched tray full of food, "let's get you downstairs so that you can get some food and fresh air."

"I'm not hungry."

Finding the Princess in the same area, sulking, and barely responding, it breaks Kristoff's heart. He never knew he could feel so much pity… he never knew that he was going to feel this way about anyone. He should comfort her, lay by her, and try to find words to tell her that everything was going to be alright. But doing so would only mean that he would be lying. Not to mention that tending to her in that way would do more harm than good. Kristoff knows that he has to be stern. Nothing else worked so far.

"Elsa wouldn't want you acting like this. She'd want you to stay healthy and keep going," Kristoff had considered using Elsa's name numerous times before, however, he knows just how discomfort that would cause. But as he mentally confirmed, nothing else worked to push Anna out of the mood she has been in. To Kristoff's disdain, seems this tactic didn't work either.

"This feels different," as Kristoff was about to walk away, Anna's voice causes him to stop.

"Anna?"

"When I spent all those years trying to get through to her, I didn't know for sure if she was there on the other side," Anna had spent the majority of her days alone and barely spoke. This moment, with her words seemingly pouring out, this is a sign so Kristoff decides to take heed of it. "I didn't know if she was listening to my words or responding to the things I slid under her door. But there was always that feeling inside of me. Something that was telling me that hope was there."

"Anna, I… I think Elsa is still out there. We'll find her and-"

"Something's different about this time, Kristoff. I can't feel that hope… Olaf's gone...I can't … feel Elsa there..." the last words causes Anna to break down in tears. Without hesitation, Kristoff comforts her by pulling the Princess into his arms. "Kristoff… I'm… scared…"

To continue to comfort her in a cliched manner would only make matters worse. Kristoff knows that the situation is bleak and he doesn't have any answers that can take away the haunting uncertainty of this situation. The only thing he can do is continue to hold Anna in his arms and hope that they would get some answers soon. Kristoff can only hope that someone has an answer. And in that moment, an epiphany hits him.

"Anna? I think it's time to see Grand Pabbie," it takes a few moments until Anna is able to control her sobbing. When she does, she looks up with heavy eyes, curiosity piqued with Kristoff's words.

"Wait… what?"

"If there's anyone that can give us something to work with, it's them."