A heavy yawn escaped Ryu's maw. She heard her bones crack from the prolonged stasis her nap had put them in while she stretched like a cat, coiling in on herself. Her eyelids were heavy with sleep, which she blinked away. She sometime wondered if Bruni was on to something with the way he would lick his pupils clean of debris.
Her slow travels around the woods had brought her to a field where wild flowers claimed almost every inch of ground.
This land was a joy to reside in. The air was cool and crisp from the winds that blew in down from the snow covered mountains. It bristled Ryu's mane which she shook out.
Some animals fled after sniffing curiously in her direction fleeing when they sensed the predatory aura she held. But it wasn't the rabbits or elk that were her query but instead the fish splashing and traveling along the clear shimmering stream.
Swimming had become exceptionally easy since her leg had been tended to by her spirit friend. Elsa. The spirit had shown her so many wonders while also being a wonder herself.
Elsa had displayed a kindness Ryu didn't know was possible in humans. She treated her as an equal with respect and a kind of reverence she had never experienced before with the species. Her touch always tender and asking instead of harsh and presuming.
Her extremely cool fingers were a pleasant contrast to the Ryu's heated body.
She was a mystery, that was certain, one that promised a pleasant end result once solved.
Ryu had been sniffing curiously at a bush while Elsa had been seated delicately balancing upon a rock writing something down in her notebook.
A cricket jumped out of the bush, as if confessing it was the cause of noise, upon the dragon's nose who leapt back winging in terror.
Elsa flinched, dropping her notebook placing a hand upon her chest at the sudden intrusion to their symbiotic silence they had been sharing for the past hour.
Ryu leaped away from the cricket hiding behind Elsa looking worriedly over her shoulder.
When seeing what had caused the response Elsa looked to the cricket then back at the dragon before hiding her giggles behind her hand.
The humour of the situation had claimed her eventually, she snorted in laughter lightly exclaiming at the noise that came from her throat.
Ryu began her own chortles at the sound nudging Elsa's elbow with her snout.
Elsa eventually abandoned her mock offense and began chuckling once more. They both were fools for different reasons.
Her smile and giggle when Ryu did something silly always lightened the dragon's mood.
Even her sister, Anna was it? Had a bold sanguineous manner about her. Her sweet bubbly demeanor was appreciated. Perhaps abenignity attracted abenignity, there was the ever present fear of pain that still gnawed at the dragon's heart.
She hated flinching away from gentle touch, it somehow felt as if the opportunity was being taken advantage of to the showed affection.
Elsa too had a dark pain seeded in her eyes which were warm like her heart others probably presumed to be cold as the ice which she reigned over.
The idea of such a woman being hurt was distressing to say the least. All she had done was care for others reflecting their emotions in comradery that very few had the ability to show.
She had seen the spirit watch over the forest and its inhabitants as a mother in a way. Taking in everyone's perspectives equally no matter how minuscule they may have seemed.
Ryu stared at her own eyes reflected in the stream. Ryu. She now had finally a name to put to her face. It was a privilege given to her by Elsa. A gift she had not been given upon birth.
The spirit had been nervous to share it, but Ryu thought it was perfect. It was what she was. A dragon. A creature capable of mass destruction and power.
Meant to be destroyed less you cause the end of humanity and all things good.
The words echoed in her mind. The haunting image of the one who raised her appeared in the water. Her gaze averted as if hoping that looking away would cause the face to vanish.
Her simple innocence was tainted by a sin she had not yet committed but was destined to. It was her birth right.
Ryu didn't want it. She had no desire to kill or wreck havoc, the world was so beautiful, but it was what she was meant to do.
It was taught to her the only solution would be her death, but she didn't want to die either. It was a crossroad she had been stuck at her whole life. Either eventually destroy or be destroyed for the greater good.
It seemed a selfish choice she had taken, the choice to live was her great guilt that would follow her from one end of the earth to the other.
The cool water bubbled around her snout, as air was breathed below the surface. She held still, posture tightened, her jaws ready to snap closed at the first brush of any touch.
Patience wasn't her strong suit but a necessary bore if she wanted to eat. Elsa had been still adamant about feeding her, which Ryu was grateful feeling undeserving of such kindness, but Elsa wasn't around today.
A sudden snap echoed muffled by the water. Ripples waved through it as the still surface was disturbed by the struggle of the fish now trapped between fangs.
It was charred by flames upon the bank then devoured. Ryu sat and began licking the scales upon her chest.
A loud scream obstructed the serene peace. Ryu stood, she looked around the forest before taking off in the direction of the noise.
Why? She at first thought she had no idea but deep down knew.
It was what Elsa would have done.
A persistent urge had driven Elsa to awake thirty minutes before dawn for the past few mornings, she found herself awake at night more and more.
During the very diligent reports of the morning, whether they had been about the amounts of game, their behavior, about the attacker.
Elsa could only note certain specifics, devoting the rest of her idle brain power to the dragon whenever she was talking to the Northuldra people.
One report caught her attention though.
Nina, a little girl had been missing since the morning. She was last heard of when she went to pick wildflowers in the fields.
Elsa's mind ran through all the possible and mostly dangerous scenarios the child could have gotten into.
As if sensing her distress Gale blew through her hair.
"Gale begin searching the surrounding area, Bruni you search the canyon. Nokk?" The horse splashed upon the shore and awaited his partner's instruction as the other spirits rushed to follow Elsa's orders.
Elsa's powers spread across the Horse's surface, she mounted him taking off in the direction Nina's family had reported. She'd tell the rock trolls to cover ground the other spirits couldn't. Their vantage points being a valuable asset in the search.
Ryu climbed the rock which overlooked majority of the field where the scream resonated from. The only noise to be heard were her heavy breaths for a moment when movement caught her attention to a fallen tree trunk.
There a child was pressed upon its bark in hopes to shield herself from five grey wolves closing in growling.
Easy prey for them.
The dragon roared alerting the predators of her presence. They turned to her at first confused then expressions morphed with a brewing confidence towards the new contender for the meal. They had numbers.
The child began hyperventilating at the new threat as it climbed down the ridge towards the trunk. She had no other options. After witnessing the speeds at which the beast was capable of she'd have no hope in running.
The dragon approached slowly going before the tree trunk keeping a trained eye upon the wolves. She stood on her hind legs and roared, it echoed throughout the valley and forest, saliva flung from her teeth. Spreading her wings she flapped them creating powerful gusts of air.
They grew hesitant at her size and began moving to her left and right flanks. Snarling they clashed into her hips trying to overwhelm the intruder.
Their bites were unable to pierce her hardened scales.
Ryu slapped their backs, claws extending, attacking at the same time was fruitless. She proved capable of thwarting the nips and herding behaviors sticking close to the girl.
They pulled back pacing testily calculating the risks versus the worth of the situation. She false charged the animals when they drew too close.
They ran a few a feet away before trotting back. They continued testing one another's limits both sides not wanting to cause devastating harm in the stand off.
Hurting them was to be avoided, they were after all trying to survive as all other life was led to do but the little girl deserved that right as well. Glares were shot in her direction before one of the wolves made their decision to leave the scene before critical injuries were made.
One by one they followed their pack back into the trees occasionally looking back.
Huffing steam into the air the dragon turned to the girl with coos vibrating her throat.
The child lay paralyzed as the dragon drew in closer slowly. She prayed it would be quick.
Ryu sat on her haunches tilting her head. Opening one eye the girl regarded her. Huh, the dragon didn't look as threatening with her tilted head and flapping ears.
"Are you nice?" The small voice asked almost whispering. The dragon glanced back, she mewled softly lowering to the ground crawling upon her stomach towards the girl. She was so small, and flighty. She looked as if given the opportunity she'd bolt into the forest just to be overtaken by animals once more.
They both studied one another carefully. "Y-you're friendly?" She asked once more, taking a deep breath, she held out a shaky hand in front of her this time being the one to step closer.
When the distance was bridged her little hand rested between Ryu's nostrils avoiding her jaw.
She hummed lightly looking into her rescuer's eyes. They were so pretty, he was so cute. She felt as if she was going to vomit but in a good way.
The slight wince the dragon gave endeared the girl more to her.
She gasped upon feeling the hot scales while the dragon closed her eyes nudging into the touch more.
The child giggled and began rubbing her head, a second hand joined the other less shaky, less hesitant. Their height differences despite the dragon laying on her stomach was awkward.
The girl was spooked however when Ryu sat up on her hind legs and reached out a paw. A surprisingly gentle pet was placed upon her head ruffling her hair.
A great relief took over the girl. Her life she thought would have ended so easily, she thanked her gods for the luck that her supposed demise instead ended up being her saviour.
She felt less fear at being lost in woods having been found.
"My name is Nina." She informed. "I don't really know my way home from here." The dragon thought for a moment. She recalled where a surplus of humans were but that was in Arendelle a place she'd rather avoid.
No she wouldn't go back there. Perhaps the child could stay with her for now. At least she would be safe in her company.
Nina squeaked when she was scooped up by a large paw which helped her scramble up to the dragon's back. She straddled her not minding the slight ridges that dug into her backside. Her hand gave testing squeezes to the fur which blanketed the dragon's neck and head.
She had some experience having ridden reindeer before and knew they could be guided by slight tugs. The dragon ignored the child's navigational pulls to her hair and headed back to the field, there she could get them to her den.
Elsa rode Nokk frantically, her anxiety had only grown with each passing hour Nina was missing. She had been both grateful and disheartened that there was no signs of the girl anywhere, hoping with all the hope she had that she wouldn't find any traces of blood or Nina's clothing.
A howl sang in the air at least four miles away. Elsa's cheeks billowed with the excess air they blew out.
They were running out of time. Nokk followed the noise. The wolves were prowling the woods spreading out to cover more ground, their barks could be heard filling the the forest.
Elsa promised herself she'd find Nina before they did. She had to. Gale rushed through her face and hair in a way she always did in emergencies.
"Did you find her?" Elsa asked quickly.
She wouldn't waste a single second.
Gale twirled and flew off ensuring that Elsa remained on her tail.
Elsa recognized the way they went as Nokk galloped through the ravine. His icy hooves bounced noise off the rocky walls.
At some point Elsa could feel his intense disinterest to continue on but the horse swallowed it down and trotted into the brush.
"No, you don't eat the flowers, you wear them." Elsa scrambled off of Nokk following the voice.
All the tightness in her chest had fled instantly upon entering the clearing.
Nina admonished the dragon again for trying to take a bite of her carefully crafted flower crown whilst seated upon her forearm. Her brown hair was braided with wild flowers of various colors. She tried to place a crown upon Ryu's head when she reached for it again playfully. This erupted giggles from Nina.
"You're silly." Ryu turned her soft eyes from the child to Elsa who still stood watching them. Something about the way her white dress clung to her body and blue leggings hugged her calves drew in Ryu's gaze over her clothes which sometimes glistened when they caught the sun.
Nina noticing her friend's attention was split looked behind her back. Her cheeks split in a grin. "Hello miss Elsa!" She greeted not moving. "Wanna make crowns with us?" It was if she had completely forgotten she had been missing for hours.
The tempting offer was dismissed with a raised hand and head shake. Elsa would cause no more panic to the girl's father by joining them.
Once near she bent down. "You're father is missing you terribly Nina." Her hand could not resist sliding along Ryu as she spoke.
The dragon closed her eyes soaking in the gentle cold caress. "Oh I know." Nina's head bowed sadly. "I was picking flowers and then I got lost and then these wolves chased me for a hundred miles then my new friend came and saved me from like twenty wolves!" She bounced as she spoke from her arm perch. "He was so brave and strong..." her clasped hands met her cheeks as she rocked from side to side, she spoke in a lowered tone looking at the ground as a blush overwhelmed her face. "...and handsome, and he's my hero." She gasped for air after the rambling and rested her head against Ryu's chest, nuzzling the scales.
Elsa chuckled at the wide shocked eyes the dragon casted downward at Nina and back to Elsa a couple of times.
"Yes Ryu is a hero, she saved me as well."
The girl turned to the spirit mouth agape. "He's a girl?" Elsa nodded.
Returning to her previous position Nina shrugged. "That's okay, I don't mind." She giggled. Ryu quirked her face, expression dubious.Why had that mattered?
Elsa shook her head somehow she understood Nina's current and seemingly growing infatuation with her friend. Ryu has a little admirer.
"Well I have to take you home now everyone is worried sick." Nina became disappointed fiddling with her fingers.
After spending hours with the dragon she now didn't want to return home just yet, but she also felt bad after causing so much worry to her papa.
"Can Ryu come with me?" She mumbled. Elsa looked at the dragon waiting for her to answer. She appeared completely beguiled by the child, but just Elsa couldn't, she too could not resist her large begging green eyes and pouting lips.
Grumbling to herself the dragon rose sliding the girl off her leg. Message quite clear. She'd come too.
Nina cheered bouncing up her leg trying to gain height in order for her to climb upon Ryu's back.
"Alright then let's get going before it gets dark." There were still wolves out there, somewhere. Elsa hoped they would be detered by Ryu's presence as well as her own being the shy creatures that they were.
Nina did not allow the journey to the Northuldra camp be made in silence as she reaccounted the adventures she had that afternoon.
"She had gotten me some berries, and then she showed me how to make a rainbow with water, she's really clever. I didn't even know anyone like her existed. Did you see her fur? It's so pretty and really soft."
Elsa saw how tired the dragon was probably completely run down by the girl she had taken charge of, but knew she was just as charmed of her as she was. Nina had a remarkable resemblance to Anna when she was younger.
"We're gonna have to go flying sometime. Maybe during the night so I can see the stars, I think papa would let me so long as I didn't fall off or anything."
Evidence of the camp came in audibly as the sound of other people danced in the air and reindeer circled about grazing peacefully. It was here that Ryu stopped. Elsa glanced up at her then to the camp.
She wasn't quite ready to meet so many people with such extreme emotions as worry but soon, soon she'd meet her neighbors.
Elsa urged Nina to slide off of Ryu which was awwed solemnly. "But I want her to meet papa." Tears welled in her eyes remaining unshed.
Elsa knelt down, sliding her hands up and down Nina's shoulders. Ryu's anxieties began to show in her lowered ears and tense stance. Her tail stopped its swaying and held out straight.
"Ryu is a little afraid of people still but when she's not I'm sure she would love to visit you all the time." Wait she would? A questioning warble was ignored by the spirit. "You'll see her again." Elsa promised as Nina hugged Ryu's forearm burying her face in her scales.
"You mean she only likes me now?" Her voice became hopeful as she shyly peaked at Elsa.
Elsa opened her mouth remaining silent scrunching her face. "Well that wasn't exactly what I mean-"
"Okay! I understand! She's just a little scared is all." Scales quivered against Nina's petting, her neck craned up to look into Ryu's face. "I'll see you soon I promise." She ran towards the village but turned around immediately to jump up and plant a peck on Ryu's cheek.
The dragon's head receded back into her neck doubling her chin, eyes wide. Elsa snorted quietly. "I'll explain everything to her father. Thank you." She whispered the last part as if it was a secret kept just between the two of them.
Ryu watched as they walked away. Her ears twitched, a small grin moved her jaws. She sat down wrapping her tail around her paws for a while. One leg reached over the opposing one as she moved to walk back to her den.
She looked back one more time wanting to follow but fear pulled her in retreat back to her den where she was promised safety and unfortunately solitude.
Elsa averted her eyes waiting for the queen who was currently embracing her husband to finally tell her why she had summoned her here in her study.
Finally garnering her attention Anna hugged her and kissed her with lips which had just been locked with her husband. Elsa blew away the green envy which tried to wisp into her heart with a deep exhale as she took a seat next to Anna.
"Sooooo how ya been?" She already didn't like this. Anna had very specific tones that predicted almost everything she was about to say or do. This particular tone was foretelling that a uncomfortable conversation was about to take place.
"I've been alright, busy. How are you?" Anna shrugged already impatient with the small talk. "Can't complain."
Elsa nodded her eyes moved to side glance at the redhead who began preparing her notebook and pen. "I was curious..." Anna began turning her stare to Elsa leaning her elbow against the side arm of the chair.
"About?" Elsa prompted. Anna thought for a minute on how exactly she was going to present her secret project, it'd be difficult that much was certain, with Elsa's reservations and lack of acknowledgement about the topic.
"Well I was talking to Kristoff and we were discussing what we found attractive about one another, and then we debated about what your type would be?" Anna had hoped Kristoff could serve a buffer and draw attention away from her meddeling.
Elsa rose a delicate eyebrow. "My type of what?"
"Your type of partner what you would find attractive about someone...your attracted to." Anna thanked the maid for bringing in the cups of tea.
Elsa frowned. "Well I mean- what- why?"
Anna gulped down the hot liquid much harder than intended, Elsa winced, it had to have been hot having been just poured.
"Just wondering we never talked about it before and as your sister I'd like to know." Not an entire lie just simply lacking some truths.
Elsa took Anna's teacup before she would injure herself further and cooled it with her breath returning it.
She considered Anna's topic of choice. What qualities did she find attractive in a prospective mate? She hadn't really the time to consider those things. She had considered what it would feel like to have a partner but never actually thought about who that very partner would be or be like.
"I actually don't know..." Her hands rubbed themselves up and down her arms.
"I can help you with that!" Anna said a bit too eagerly. "Have you ever been attracted to anyone you've met already?"
After a few moments Elsa shrugged hopelessly.
"Oookay. Let me make it more simple. What kind of person would you find attractive, what would they look like?"
Another little shrug drew a grunt from Anna as she looked down at the blank paper.
"Anna why are we-"
"Forget about looks." Anna informed taking charge of the conversation once more before Elsa could shut it down. "What qualities personality wise would you like in a partner?"
Elsa was now growing frustrated as her mind offered no solace in an answer.
Sensing this Anna gave one last effort to simplify things in a level Elsa could formulate a response to.
"What qualities would you like in a friend? Like Honeymaren what do you like about her or Ryder, hell even Nokk? Olaf?"
Elsa's demeanor lightened as a few words filled her head. "I like that Honeymaren is honest and speaks her mind, Olaf is very pleasant to be around, Nokk is strong and protective." Elsa's stare drew to the paper which Anna wrote the word Honesty.
She wanted to question this but Anna once again spoke up. "What else, what would make the perfect person for you to share your time with?"
"Someone who's kind, and sweet." She was encouraged by the pleased nods offered by Anna who mumbled the words appreciatively.
"Someone who is... Gentle and smart. Brave. Loyal." Caught up in thought Elsa stood, growing more bold at Anna's expectancy. "Someone who is outgoing." This must have surprised her sister who peered up at her from her writing. "Really?" Anna asked as if giving Elsa a chance to change her mind.
Elsa nodded smiling. "A sense of humor," although not a priority Elsa enjoyed laughing and someone who could make her laugh was a huge positive.
"But that's not a requirement."
"Not a requirement." Anna wrote the small note next to the word as Elsa continued. "Someone who is-"
"Wait." She shook the pen for more ink.
"Oh sorry." After being gestured to continue Elsa hummed drumming her fingers against her arm. "creative would be nice."
"Enjoys learning, reading, and unbiased, warm."
When she heard Anna mumble. "Enjoys books, good convictions, learning, and Alive." She worriedly sat next to her.
"No no, I mean warm as in demeanor."
"Oooh okay."
"But I would like them to be alive. Yes that's good." She whispered. Anna pointed towards her writing, Alive.
"Anything else?" Now Elsa was again lost in thought.
"How about able to laugh at themselves?" Elsa's eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. After twelve seconds of staring she tapped the paper.
"Write-write that down please." Anna snapped out of her own thoughts and logged the trait.
"Optimistic, and affectionate. I guess I would just want someone like yo-" Elsa stopped herself, Anna's head snapped up almost painfully. Her voice was soft.
"What was that?"
Elsa shook her head cheeks glowing red. Anna half smiled understandingly. "Don't be embarrassed judge free zone in here." She waved to their space. "What were you going to say?"
Elsa bent her head, lips clasping over the other before she said quietly. "S-someone who is...someone... Like you..." Anna rested her head upon her elder sister's shoulder.
She giggled looking up at Elsa. "I'm married Elsa." She teased easing the tension in Elsa's shoulders.
"Well then maybe someone like Kristoff."
"I have him preoccupied these days." Anna quipped flipping the page. "Now physically, what would you like? Maybe someone tall, with a beard or-" Anna paused when a disgusted expression took over Elsa's face, scrunching her small nose.
"Okay so short, naked face annd-" she droned. Elsa shrugged for a third time.
The sisters had moved to the couch now eating dinner. Elsa enjoyed having something to do with her hands, as she answered the questions. Anna had enticed her into some vodka quoting. 'In goes the liquor and out comes the truth, now swallow this."
Now more relaxed Elsa chuckled as Anna read the number of new marriage request for Elsa's hand.
"Oh no wasn't he the one who tripped over himself to try and get to me before I left?" Elsa said between giggles.
Anna recollected nodding. "Mhm and spilt wine all over himself. I thought from a distance he put on a ginger toupee from how red his head was."
"Well...write back to him and say maybe." At this Anna collapsed on her side in laughter. "I'll be sure too. Humour was on your list."
After a while of chuckles they settled into the silence now holding one another. "Do you really think their out there?" Anna turned her face into Elsa's chest answering.
"I know they are, but it won't do us any good just sitting here twiddling our thumbs. We have to find them."
"How?"
"Dates!" Anna threw her arms up excitedly. Elsa however did not share her enthusiasm. "I don't know Anna I'm terribly busy, where would I find the time for-"
"Come on Els, it's not like you have to marry the first dude you go out with but exploring this would be good for you and think about how happy you'll be when you find Mr. Right."
Elsa stared down at the carpet. Mr. Right huh?
She was beat she couldn't think of anymore reasons to refuse and the subject did seem to put Anna in a joyous mood. "Alright." She gasped for air when Anna put her in choking hug squeezing tightly.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! And we'll be extra careful, between the two of us appraising them you'll find the perfect love."
A knock caught them off guard.
Mattias entered holding some papers he placed on Anna's desk.
"Hello your majesty, hello Elsa." She tipped her head to him still smiling. He was about to speak when he stopped taking in the bottle of vodka which sat on the end table and pointed at it.
"You're not allowed to have that during the week." His demeanor changed entirely as his arms became akimbo.
The two girls' shoulders drew up to their guilty flushed ears.
"I'm allowed on special occasions!" Anna voiced, crossing her arms indignantly. "What's the occasion if I may ask?" He challenged. Anna balked slightly searching her mind desperate. "Um Elsa?" Even if it had been said confidently Mattias still disapproved.
"Well it seems as though the celebration has already been had so I will be confiscating this now." He smiled coyly taking the bottle.
"Yes please." Elsa quipped. Anna glared at her treacherous sister.
"But-"
"I'd get to bed if I were the two of you. Wouldn't want another fiasco with the armed knight decorations like last time." Elsa face palmed herself as all the shame and embarrassment of the incident came rushing affront in her thoughts. A drunken evening of her being shoved into one of the knight suits by Anna, creating bruises she questioned the next day.
"I'm not tired." Anna practically whined laying across the couch armrest dramatically.
"Trust me you will be, you have a meeting with some of the planning committee first thing in the morning about the upcoming ball and summit." Elsa considered his words, Anna hadn't told her about that. She suddenly felt silly for using precious time to talk of love and romance.
She rose from the couch, taking a moment to recover from the head rush she experienced. "I'll get her to bed Mattias." She promised dragging Anna to her feet.
"Well I'll be available if you need anything. Goodnight you two." He bowed with a smile and left the office holding the door open for the pair.
"He's too strict with my bed time. I'm gonna have to talk Halima about that." Elsa balked with laughter as Anna dramatically threw herself onto her bed. Whenever the spirit visited the two would either fall asleep in Anna's study together, to Gerda's disliking, or Anna would stay in Elsa's room.
"You know he means well." She disappeared behind the screening to dress for bed while Anna followed her example getting stuck in her nightgown.
Elsa tsked at her and came to the rescue yanking it down.
Anna settled in her lap content as a cat in the sun, tucked beneath her arm. Elsa stared out the balcony window sighing. "You really think they're out there?" She was convinced that if just one more time of getting assurance she'd actually believe it.
"Of course they are." Anna replied sleepily. "Just think they're staring at the same stars you are."
"What if they're inside?" Elsa's voice awoke her.
"That's why windows exist Els."
The spirit grinned, while her sister snored and thrashed to her right, she kept her eyes on the sky taking in the twinkling lights elated that somewhere out there her one and only was seeing the same lights she was.
Ryu blinked harshly to stop Bruni from tongue punching her eyeball. The salamander croaked climbing up her head which was tilted upward.
The stars seemed to have places to go tonight as they shot across the sky leaving trails of light. The moon had not been out giving the center stage to constellations...