The implications of the food that lay in front her were heavy and of deep consequences that Elsa found it to be just a challenge in prodding it gingerly with her fork to show some interest.
There were no traces of any meat in the dishes placed closest to her and on the plate. Two paths formed in her mind as to the meaning of this. It was no secret that meat did not agree with her and wasn't too outlandish for that information to reach the Ruskland kitchens, a noble would state this fact to his party in conversation as if he had audience regularly with Elsa or if they dined often enough for them to be in on the know. Or it was to trap her into a corner that lacked no means of escape or excuse to not eat the poison laced food, but this was unlikely. It would be too traceable of a crime.
There was too much stimuli in the intimate dinning room, triggering all of one's senses at once if they could not find a means to turn them off and enjoy one experience at a time. The classical preludes played beautifully from the quartet in the background, the shinning surfaces showcasing wealth, the staff shuffling in the background silently to and fro like shadows on a frequented street known for its active night life, the many scents wafting up from the table, to the conversation which overtook the music at times.
It made Elsa envy Anna and Kristoff who were not comfortable but still seemed able to function and fair better than she could. She blinked for longer than usual, everytime willing her powers to sooth down its hum.
The meeting with the queen had been anything except orthodox. She was a stout old woman with a dull expression answering every utterance made to her as she sat on her pedestal. That face remained the same, until Anna entered with Kristoff and Elsa at her sides. The queen's moss green eyes roamed over them, looking past their backs and around expectantly.
Grunting she leaned back in her cushioned chair not hiding the frown which created even more wrinkles upon her weathered face. She didn't address them first as the crier began introductions.
"Presenting-"
"Shut up!" The Empress ordered. "I know who they are and they know who I am."
Leaning over an attendant leant his ear to her. There was no need for the proximity since her voice was loud enough that even Anna could hear it from where she stood.
"I thought I extended invitation to the little snowman Edgar."
Elsa rescued the man who shot up his brows in a quiet panic at a blunder which probably wasn't even his fault. "Your majesty Olaf will be taking his dinner in my Chambers tonight, we did not think it possible for him to sit still long enough for our dinner, he is umm quite... Exuberant."
The empress turned in her chair pursing her lips. The way she spoke made Elsa feel as if she were an adolescent but she determined that must have come with her age.
"Who told you he would have to keep perfect behavior or his exuberance down in order to attend dinner? From Ophelia's description of him it was the reason for his invite." Well that explained it. Having had already glanced around when they first entered the room seeing exotic contortionist and dancers performing intricate maneuvers upon giant golden ringlets dangling above the ground, they had barely received any attention for the displays. Olaf was to cure the Empress' boredom of her own court.
The Empress' expression was now indiscernible, squinting eyes and tightly puckered mouth. "Tell me Lady Elsa, is he safe under proper security?"
The alarm bells rang off inside, Olaf was indeed safe under the watchful eye of Ryu whom Elsa knew would uncover her disguise to protect him, so the only concerning aspect of the question was that of its nature.
"He is." Anna interjected with no further elaboration, she too must have felt the same consternation as Elsa.
"Excellent. He is a treasure no doubt. Rare. A living snowman. Who had ever seen such a thing but a small nation of people. If you do require help in keeping him safe and sound do not hesitate to ask for more guards to secure his person-" Elsa's brows scrunched watching the Empress reach out having a sizeable jewel placed in her palm. Looking at it as if it was just a hunk of coal.
"Do you like it?" She held it out for them to see.
Kristoff was not impressed but still kept his manners. "It's very beautiful, and expensive I'm sure."
The empress scoffed at his answer. " You don't believe it is beautiful, you believe others think it's beautiful. I know you're type. Practical yet wise in taste- you don't even know what type of stone this is." she continued her examination of the stone.
"Alexandrite-" Elsa stated stepping a bit closer to her sister and brother. "A rare gem that is said to change colors. Emerald by day, ruby by night."
Alexandrovna was not impressed by neither the Jewel nor its accurate description. All present jumped when she threw it upon the ground harshly, not breaking it but definitely lowering the current value.
"What's a treasure worth if it's not alive? What are you to do with it? Stare at it, impress others with it? What good is it to me? Who do I need to impress?" They watched at one of the most powerful woman in the world sit bitterly and lament on. "I'd- I'd say that there jewel is worth a million times less than your precious... Olaf was it?"
Anna opened and closed her mouth in confusion. Was this woman about to try and buy Olaf?
"Arendelle is full of treasures such as him and yet I'm the lucky one..."
Elsa stepped closer daring to study the downcast eyes of Alexandrovna Dmitrieva-Mamonova, there were so many emotions that one would not suspected to be found in a woman of her age and stature.
Contentment, passion, restlessness, bitterness, loneliness.
A dangerous mixture as far as Elsa was concerned if handled illy.
That was why she needed to shut down the sensory noise which filled the room trying to distract her from the dinner conversation. It had been nothing more than the Empress asking Anna and Kristoff to tell their love story.
Kristoff let Anna handle the details and excitement while he handled the facts. Elsa had heard the story over a thousand times but it still always made her smile fondly.
The empress laughed stuffing another pastry in her mouth. "You truly did tug him off of a cliff as a giant threw a tree at you? "
Anna nodded enthusiastically.
"Absolutely outrageous. I have had so many royal couples and pairings ask for my blessing to the match and regale their "riveting" stories of how they saw each other across a room and fell in love or someone's father wanted a merger on a deal to make it more legitimate," a roll of her eyes gave the answer of how often this occurrence was.
"Yes it wasn't instant for us-" Kristoff began. "I did not want to help her at all-" Anna giggled at the bluntness of his voice, as did Elsa. "I thought she was crazy I was only in for the sled at first, and then I got to know her and I was goner. Even when I was determined to leave her behind to a perfect prince..." His eyes shimmered when he stared at his wife. "I couldn't."
Elsa was finally pacified enough at the story and sound of her siblings voices to take a bite of her food right when attentions were turned on her. "And what of you Lady Elsa?" She choked on a roll recovering as gracefully as possible.
"Oh no, sorry there are no epic love tales for me nor do I think there will be."
"Really? No knights in shinning-" the empress turned to Kristoff briefly. " Leather, to sweep you off your feet. No daring storms of castle rescues fighting off fantastical beast?"
Elsa grinned shaking her head. "I'm afraid not. I'm very simple person-" at this Anna and Kristoff sputtered over their wines looking very dubious at this, Elsa ignored them. "-so if love ever does come my way it most likely will be the kind to bore you."
The empress observed her closely. " My dear girl, I hope you aren't planning settling-"
"Oh no, no, no-"
"Cause to settle on love means a lifetime of regret."It sounded as if she was speaking from experience. "Besides your beauty affords you the ability to not have to do such a thing. You deserve more than just some handsome man who thinks he is entitled to you cause he's handsome and brave, when your own accomplishments and power supercedes his own." Anna agreed vehemently to this spreading a blush on her sister's cheeks.
"Now on from sentimentality and to more pressing matters." Oh boy.
"Arendelle is an ancient relic still alive as if it never left the days of old. A land frozen in time-" Anna and Elsa exchanged glances.
"A prize really overlooked as being nothing more than a seafaring nation that likes little festivals and fish... But that time has passed- others are beginning to notice you. Some will be kind and some deceitful, some will be both. Your only Ally, Corona. Another simple place filled with magic. Birds of feather no doubt."
Anna spoke up her gleeful voice replaced with one hard and cutting. "We scare other nations, so we're currently showing them they have nothing to fear, hence why we're here."
"Then your doing a terrible job at it-" the older woman shook her head in disappointment. "I do not fear you personally but if this is how you present yourselves to others they will either think you fools who are incapable of defending yourselves or a threat and one that needs to be wiped out quickly."
"And which one are you?" She smiled at Kristoff's question fondly.
"The same one I've always been; The smartest person in the world . We both have what the other wants."
Anna doubted this highly. "Which is? "
"You have a land full of beautiful treasures, ones I wish to experience and behold and be apart of the preservation of, and I have the means to preserve and protect it." Elsa's head shot up in response to the conversation's direction.
"You wish to fill our home with Soldiers and weapons controlled by you." It was a foolish offer when put that way but the croon empress shook her head.
"I wish to be allied with you, the world is changing- advancing much quicker than Arendelle. Soon others will take it be it for the magic or so they can rest easy at night knowing their world won't freeze over. I however know that removing magic from the source is foolish, be it a lamp in a cave, or a spell from a witch that turns your mother into a bear, or perhaps the heart of a goddess, once benevolent turned malevolent."
Elsa had read these stories as well and agreed entirely. If the Empress wanted Arendelle she could have easily taken it, maybe not have won but cause serious damage and causalities, she wanted to drink from the river instead of building a dam that would overflow and flood everything.
"Could you protect Arendelle from say... I don't know- a nation like Japan?" Anna stared harshly at her sister silently asking what she was up to. The Empress chuckled at her like she was fool. "Japan is of no threat, they have their own problems and are far too landlocked away from you, traveling by sea to a naval nation is just stupidity at its highest degree, but if they were to try anything they'd have to go through Ruskland."
Anna continued on keeping her eyes locked with Elsa's. "And if nations were to see our alliance as an even bigger threat enticing them to attack even more? " She was waved off.
"Germany, England, Finland could gather and still be wiped besides many of Europe are allied with my crown to threaten you would be to threaten me, and to threaten me would be to threaten more than half of Europe."
Elsa took a shuttering breath staring down. Half of Europe. Half of Europe as an ally to Arendelle. She could help Empress Alexandrovna Dmitrieva-Mamonova, and in return the Enchanted forest could be left be, her home would be safe, her people...Ryu.
She'd have most of Europe possibly backing her in the protection of the Drage lys. She could introduce the dragon to the Empress once a
fidelity was formed. She promised to protect Ryu and truly believed she could but if there were others out there such as Julien who wielded sorcery that could harm the magic of Arendelle...
"You've presented us with alot to think over and discuss." Kristoff's voice knocked Elsa back down to Earth. Anna was still keeping an eye on her as they bade farewell after more casual conversation of tea tomorrow and the activities they would have to look forward to during their stay.
Anna felt as if her head would explode from the dinner they just had, ushering Kristoff who was explaining what had happened to Honeymaren, and Elsa into their Chambers.
"Elsa-"
"Anna I think we should lean with a favorable consideration of the Empress' preposition." It was sudden and abrupt, and shocked her friends and family.
"Elsa-" Anna began holding up her hands. "We still haven't figured out if the Empress is the one who wants you dead-" Elsa hugged herself and began pacing.
"I don't believe it was her, if she wanted me dead she has the power to ensure that it would happen. She's not like Georg or Julien, she's... She hates her life and she wants more and believes that Arendelle is the key to a happier road that has more meaning than... " She threw an arm towards the display case of collective eggs and gems and fine china.
"And you came up with this all on your own from the what- five hours we met her?" Elsa nodded.
Rubbing his beard Kristoff sighed and conceded his own thoughts on the matter. "I agree with Elsa." Anna whipped her head to him so fast it should have cracked.
"What?" She couldn't keep the small bit of betrayal from her voice. "So we should just make allies with an empire! Without even considering the negatives this could bring, without even consulting the council?" For her to bring the council into this, a group she considered to be stuffy old farts that were stuck in the past, meant Anna was truly not in favor of the idea at all.
"Anna's right-" Replied Honeymaren. "What if the Empress tries to impose her ideals on us or plants militia in Arendelle's capital or even the enchanted forest? What if this is all a plan to get us under her thumb like she did with the other countries of Europe?"
"Honeymaren, we're stronger than that, we could protect the enchanted forest from her or anyone who wished to cause it harm but we can't block out the reason that there could be many people who do and we may need help." Whipping her head from side to side Anna stopped when something that had itched at her brain during dinner surfaced once more to the forefront of her mind.
"You're doing this to protect Ryu- because you think it can protect Ryu..."
Elsa sighed closing her eyes at the true accusation, it wasn't the only reason she was in favor of this. "It could aid in that as well yes-"
"Oh my god Elsa! Do you not realize the gravity of this situation? Are you really blind to it because you want to protect your dragon!"
"She has a name-" Elsa responded quietly, it was somewhat insulting that Anna would think she was merely doing this for a short sighted interest and didn't consider the extensions or possible outcomes.
"And you're in on this?" Anna poked Kristoff's chest.
"Look, we can't stay hidden from the world forever, no matter how much we'd like to. And Elsa- Elsa is going to protect Ryu and so are the trolls with their lives... And the people who are hunting her who do not care, their ruthless . If we can get some help against them then we won't have to take those risks."
Anna studied Elsa who refused to look at her during the duration of her scrutiny, uttering a small whisper.
"You promised."
Finally she looked at her. "I'm not breaking that promise, I never will." Rushing over she let Anna grab her holding on just as tight.
"We have to go about this carefully Elsa."
"We will we still have alot to investigate here-" Elsa pulled away and ran gentle thumbs over her cheeks. "If you were listening I said consider it favorably, not decided ya peanut." Anna grinned up at her resting their foreheads against each other.
"Together?"
"Always."
"Olaf I told you, I'm not your friend here." Elsa paused with her hand on the handle decidedly slipping into the room as quietly as she could.
"Well yeah but no one is around. Plus how am I going to get stories to you if we can't talk?" She heard a sigh, most likely from Ryu. They were in the tea room and from how faint their voices sounded seated upon the sun couch looking out the window.
"Olaf you have to understand-"
"No you have to understand!" Elsa's brows rose, she had never heard Olaf speak so assertively before to anyone, it was odd and kind of terrifying enough to shut Ryu up.
"You're not the only one on this mission Ryu, I know you said you have a part to play but so do I and that part was given to me by you- and I... I can't do it alone, I need Anna, Kristoff, Honeymaren and Elsa... I need you..." A pang of guilt resounded like a gong within Elsa's chest for underestimating how seriously Olaf took their mission, how he felt about it. Ryu had explained he wasn't just a stowaway or tag along. He was integral and needed.
She was right. Elsa now knew that without him, her Olaf- despite being made from snow was spring incarnate- she'd go insane in a place like this. She needed him and from the sound of it Ryu needed him as well if at least to talk some sense into her stubborn skull.
"I guess being in this role again it took me to a very dark place inside me."
"Yea but you have friends now and you don't have to go there alone anymore."
Ryu trusted her word to a certain degree but Olaf's council was indispensable to the dragon, even if she disagreed with it, she hung on his every word.
"There has to be compromise and it can't only be in favor to you. Compromises make healthy relationships. You can't have one without it." Peaking from the corner Elsa could see Ryu's pupils dilate as she leaned in closer to him.
"Really?" He grinned and chortled. "Of course, even if it's for the good of others, their feelings matter. Did you know that someone can die of a broken heart?" Ryu's head shook slowly.
"I had no idea."
"It may seem silly but if you love someone, you should not just keep them safe but also happy, it'll make you warm and cozy inside but you may not need help with that, Miss Furnace." A twig finger poked Ryu's chest, she scooted closer to him and just as Elsa was about to make her presence known Ryu spoke up again.
"Olaf?"
"Yes?"
"I- I think I love you."
"Aww well I can't say the same right now but I like you alot."
"It doesn't bother you?"
"I always welcome love, it feels great and I can't wait till I love you too. I bet it feels as exciting as being loved by dragon."
To not intrude Elsa slipped into the bedroom and purposely slammed the bathroom door closed and open again .
As she predicted both Olaf and Ryu had made their way to the bedroom when she emerged.
"How was dinner?" She scooped up Olaf up and sat on the edge of the bed as Ryu retrieved the things she'd need to ready for bed.
"It was interesting, the Empress missed you, so you'll be coming with us to tomorrow." This excited him as well as Ryu but she kept herself a bit more composed.
"You know Ryu you don't have to be Astrid when it's just us. It'll make communication a bit more difficult don't you think?" When she said this Ryu's hands stilled as she straightened from hoovering in the wardrobe. Half turning her eyes fluttered to Olaf's who had his brow quirked then back to Elsa who kept up a innocent facade.
Inhaling deeply she mouthed a word that Elsa could barely make out.
Compromise.
"You're right I guess I was being a little dramatic earlier." She ended with a chuckle.
"Well I wouldn't call a trauma response being dramatic." Elsa nodded along with Olaf's remark setting him down.
"Here why don't you help me brush my hair." She sat at the vanity and eyeing Ryu in the mirror just in time to catch her rolling her eyes.
"I thought you just said I didn't have to be a lady in waiting in private." Ryu didn't have a clue as to why she was arguing, she needed something to do with her hands otherwise she'd go crazy and Elsa knew that.
"You don't, so I'll ask if you would like to." Relenting the dragon approached and began the task gently removing the pin and brushing out the curls.
"Oh so I'm only Astrid when it's convenient for you huh?" Elsa was quick with her riposte. "Being my lady in waiting means everything you do is for my convenience."
Elsa went over the dinner and the Empress' proposal and if Ryu's expression was evidence to anything it was that she did not trust it.
"This all seems pretty coincidental, which I was taught to not trust." There was a reason behind everything even if said reason was never discovered or could be explained.
"I don't believe she's behind the attacks Ryu."
"Elsa that is a big coincidence which is an even bigger problem." Similar to Elsa, Ryu definitely would not have minded having more allies to the cause of keeping herself and Elsa alive but the very thought of trusting someone who could have ordered Elsa to be killed in the first place...
"Maybe the queen needed a problem so she could give a solution like the book I read about how to create an immoral business and how they succeed. They're called solution salesmen I think." Olaf tapped his chin, a usual habit he had when thinking.
His conclusion wasn't lost to Elsa or Ryu. They exchanged thoughts through staring at the other's reflection in the mirror. If they were to safely consider the deal then the villain behind Julien and all his little friends would need to be uncovered and brought to justice discretely.
"You're the David Hume of Arendelle Olaf, you know that right?" Elsa commented softly. He regarded her with a smile. " I don't know who that is."
Ryu placed her hand on his head shuffling around the snow. "He gets it from you-" picking him up in her arms. "Alright time for bed... For both of you."
Elsa twisted on her bench watching as Ryu put Olaf on the large bed, practically tossing him. "Is my lovely Lady in waiting telling me when I should rest?" She jested joining them on the edge as Ryu sat up on her knees and jutted a finger in her direction. "Your totally awesome, amazing, gorgeous, lady in waiting, is ordering you to rest." It was pleasant that this distressing gambit of theirs was now something they could joke about. A comfort really, if Elsa could keep Ryu in good spirits about it then she could keep her from closing in on herself and fracturing again.
"It is now officially! My responsibility to take care of you." Elsa giggled while the dragon tucked her in next to Olaf. Her lips down casted when Ryu turned off the lamps and went to the window seat. Sitting up she tilted her head feeling foolish for expecting the dragon to actually sleep in a place such as this, hoping that she'd be a light enough sleeper if she was to detect if Ryu decided to explore or investigate in the night on her own.
"Ryu?" She looked at her holding Elsa's book of fauna open to a bookmark. "Oyasumi Ryu chan."
"Oyasumi Erusa chan."
Not being one to beat around the bush of conversation the Empress, dipping a spoon of sugar into her porcelain asked. "So have you given further thought to my offer, queen Anna?"
Anna froze mid-sip, eyes flitting from both Kristoff to Elsa at the round table. Lady Ophelia must have been informed about it as well but her opinion of the subject was unreadable. She was poised and proper as usual sipping her tea quietly letting the empress control the conversation unless intel on a particular subject was needed.
"We still need time to consider it, I hope you understand that an alliance of the nature that you're prepositioning to Arendelle is well-" Anna shrugged as she thought of the right word.
"Paramount." Ophelia provided. The empress regarded the both of them. She'd give them time but akin to Anna, she was a woman of action. An attitude dangerous for a young monarch to have, a lethal one if the ruler was experienced and weathered in the world of politics to others.
"Ophelia I do hope you haven't been whispering paranoia into the hearts of our guests."
"Paranoia is the foolish fears of an imbecile plagued by impossible outcomes, caution is wisdom of someone who only trusts in what is possible." Her stare roamed across the guests briefly landing upon Ryu who was standing at Elsa's left leisure. "I am not frightened of being attacked by a lion within my own study, but if I were to be alone at night on the savannah is a subject entirely different."
"Hello there everybody!" The tension was sliced in half by Olaf's cheerful greeting as he meandered upon the terrace from the gardens neighboring them.
The Empress clapped with a chirper laugh, boisterously speaking. "Hello master Olaf, I hope you are enjoying your stay here." Olaf beamed at her climbing upon Anna's lap. "It's a big place but I don't think I could ever live here, it would be like living in a big mirror."
This caused laughter to rouse the table and in the entrance hall turning heads to see two almost identical figures with gender being the only difference to determine they were not clones.
"Oh my god is that a snowman!" A chirper voice yelled. Anna was taken aback by the young woman crowding her to get a good look at Olaf. By her well made gown sporting the Dmitrieva-Mamonova crest it could be deduced that she had to be a member of the Royal family, her decorum or moreso lack thereof was the persona of someone who knew the rules but held themselves above it without care.
She knelt down eyes glowing with wonder at him sending a friendly smile to Anna. "Hello there," she spoke as one would to a child. "I'm Darya."
"Hi I'm Olaf."
"Please excuse Darya-" the male version stated stealing a grape from the empress' plate. She smacked at his hand making him chuckle. "She tends to forget her company and herself when excited."
"As do you." Lady Ophelia scowled. He squinted playfully at her taking a seat besides Elsa. She already knew his type and braced herself for what was to come.
"Well that's why we have you, to remember for us less we forget our identities entirely." He turned to Elsa. "My name is David or was it dale-" he rubbed his light facial hair in thought. "Something with a D, like Darya, my father loves alliteration."
"Perhaps it was Daniel." Darya chimed sitting beside Ophelia and the Empress.
Rolling her eyes Ophelia addressed Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff. "Please excuse them they went without air for three minutes after birth. This is Prince Demetrius and Princess Darya."
Demetrius snapped his fingers and grinned at Elsa leaning in. "That was it! That's my name." She winced a smile back. "Nice to make your acquaintance Prince Demetrius." She knew his character already. He was handsome, dark haired, charming, and thought of himself as witty; with a juvenile boyish air.
His sister constituted herself in the same manner. With her mouse like features that were pretty, delicate, with a bubbly persona that rivaled Anna's lacking the maturity her sister had developed over the years.
"I take it was a very important matter you two were attending to that explains your lack of audience at last night's dinner."
Darya pouted serving herself the food which was most likely cold. "It's less of an oversight on our behalf then it's the simple fact that we weren't invited."
The Empress' silence confirmed this to be fact, Elsa could understand. Given the sophomoric nature of the two and the gravity of topics discussed at dinner the two forces just wouldn't mix.
"And where is Polina?" Alexandrovna asked Darya who shrugged. Demetrius scoffed. "Probably with Alexei commiting deeds I dare not say due to given company."
Conversation buzzed more fluidly with the twins leading the charge.
Elsa gradually fell silent save for the polite responses she offered to Demetrius, luckily he read her signals and turned his attentions to Kristoff speaking of more masculine topics he probably did not get from his family.
Olaf had told a joke which had even the empress laughing and Ophelia subtly grinning. With the others distracted Elsa stole a glance to Ryu.
It was remarkable the amount restraint she held in the situation. Still as a statue, eyes constantly casted to the floor. Elsa knew that she was soaking up every bit of information her eyes were not allowed to partake in, compensating with hearing and smell instead.
Elsa had to admit it was nice having a second pair of ears to capture any subtleties she may have missed. It was surprising that the empress had four children, three girls and one son, she did not mention her children once but Elsa had seen in passing portraits of three in the halls and rooms, the fourth child must have been a mystery that she'd ask about it when it was appropriate in case it was an ill topic.
"By God have you all been given a tour of the palace yet?" Kristoff shook his head.
"The tour is scheduled at noon today, and will be hosted by me." Ophelia was waved off by the prince who rose from the table.
"Nonsense we can give them one right now-"
"If they're schedule allows." His sister joined in looking to her mother for permission.
"Very well, I will not join you I am quite content right here. Ophelia?" The lady stiffened knowing what was to come next from her Empress. Dread filled her whole aura of being.
"You will superintend the tour." Ophelia inhaled an entire lungs full of air and stood slowly folding her hands.
"Very well. Do come along, we shall begin in the Northern corridors and make our way from there." Darya and Demetrius booed at the punctilious instructions and shot winks to their guests.
Throughout the tours Honeymaren had joined the group introducing herself or moreso allowing Lady Ophelia to introduce her.
Demetrius tackled breaking through Elsa's glacial demeanour while Darya and Anna chatted away, sneaking touches as they passed by with some of decor much to Ophelia tribulation yet she held fast and began rushing them out the rooms with the most expensive and extensive history.
"Here we have a portrait of Emperor Igor's first hunt in 1788 in the Kamchatka-Kurile taiga peninsula in its complete accuracy." It was of classical design in dark water colors of a group of men and hunting hounds chasing a herd of boars over fields of gold.
Complete accuracy huh? Ryu doubted it, the painting was made in favor of the hunting party casting them all in valiant poses and the boars with ugly faces and tusks. It was a group of males which wasn't plausible by any means. If anything it would have been a group of sows with their young and maybe one male, unless it was during mating season, but it wasn't. The painting showcased summer weather and mating season was during the fall and winter months for boars.
The painter must have been very skilled and fast to capture such an event.
Ryu smiled at the joke and look to Elsa who was listening intently to Ophelia's lecture, wanting nothing more than to whisper the jape to her.
Demetrius took to her side and whispered his own jest earning not quite a laugh nor a scoff. It must have been humorous enough to catch her off guard.
For some reason this hurt. Sharply. Inside seeing them continue to converse. Sighing Ryu turned away. To the world this was right. She had lived it before throughout her life.
She remembered the same pain when she was taken to galleries with the Mikoto household. How she wanted to tell jokes and make fun of the art with Susanoo but it was forbidden especially in public and just like them she'd keep her jokes about the art and artist to herself to enjoy alone.
Olaf wasn't very fond of it and decided to veer off from the tour and take a closer look at whatever was in the adjoining room.
"Olaf?" Ryu whispered trailing after him. She found the snowman atop a chair looking down into a vase, his voice echoed from within.
"I never understood keeping a vase if you're not going to put anything in it."
"Olaf we shouldn't stray away no?" She chastised joining him to lift him away but his bowtie with the crocus pin in the center caught upon the rim and fell into the deep dark hold of the vase.
"It ate my pin!" He cried, setting him down Ryu pet his head.
"Don't fuss and fret-" Ryu placated. "I'll get it." The vase was smelly like a hallowed out ram's horn. Much too deep for her arm to reach the bottom. If she maneuvered in just the right way she could get her shoulder and head through to reach.
"Got it!" She could hear Olaf's cheers from within but the celebration proved premature when she began to pull out but couldn't.
"Kuso jigoku." She spat between her teeth. After many attempts to squeeze and wiggle free she realized the only way would be to dislocate her shoulder or break the vase both were not options she hadn't wished to explore.
"Looks like Urn in trouble there."
Laughter echoed in the vase walls before she cleared her throat. "Olaf go get Elsa please."
"On it!" He saluted running out the room just to return. "Don't move okay?"
Ryu pulled herself upright making the vase sink further down along her ribs, instead of a reply of sarcasm she kept her mouth shut and nodded the vase.
"...I didn't...I mean, I wasn't..." Anna tried to explain, while Darya wiped her eyes as Ophelia's twitched.
"Your majesty please understand that every piece of art was curated back before you or even I were born and deserve the utmost respect despite what Princess Darya and prince Demetrius may think."
"Sisters." At first Elsa had thought the murmur from the prince was for her own sibling but from the way he coyly eyed Ophelia...
Oh... Well that explained some things.
Speaking of touching things she scanned around for Olaf panicking briefly before she felt a pat at her hip.
There he stood tapping his twigs together sheepishly. Kneeling down she gave him her ear.
"Um Ryu and I kinda need you in the other room... She's kinda... Come with me."
Elsa's anxiety returned as she followed Olaf to the room.
"How?" She began at the sight that met her. Ryu was taking advantage of her flexibility by using her feet to try and pry herself from the ceramic hydria bohemian prison.
Rushing over she sat her up. "Ryu how did this happen? Are you alright?"
Ryu chuckled, her voice muffled. "Oh hey. I'm alright, I guess you could say I get really into art."
Elsa snickered and examined the rim tightly holding Ryu's right torso. "I'll say. Goodness, just hold still."
They tried pulling, they tried twisting, and prying, but to no avail. "Elsa can you use your magic?" She had thought of that already but how could ice and snow possibly help the situation? To test the give she could get between Ryu's neck and the rim Elsa's finger prodded along. Pressing down she felt Ryu's beaded scales flexing beneath her touch.
"Ryu soften your scales dear." The whispered instructions were followed as best to the dragon's ability, Elsa could understand. She was stressed and in an embarrassing position that was not of her own volition.
"We haven't even been here for a day." Elsa grinned painfully over her shoulder at Honeymaren. She knelt down tapping the vase.
"Hello?" Ryu answered. More anxiety creeped into Elsa's consciousness with the sound of footsteps and faint voices of their tour group nearing.
"What are we going do?" She harshly whispered to Olaf and Honeymaren.
"I'll distract them." Olaf was being gravely dramatic about his pseudo sacrifice running out the room.
"Oh hi Olaf, where's Elsa?"
"Well that'll buy us... Six minutes." Honeymaren droned. "Maybe we can just stuff her somewhere."
"I doubt that'll work." The others may not notice but Lady Ophelia definitely would note the vase's absence. Looking to the table and back at Elsa an idea shot like lightening into Honeymaren, she nodded to Elsa to follow along. "I've got an idea! Look natural."
"In this room we hold many private functions such as auctions and charity events towards the church. In honor of that they commissioned a vase from the famous Joseph-Théodore Deck whic-"
Honeymaren mocked studying the vase closely next to Elsa who for a better lack of words did not follow her friends instructions at all and if she was trying to this only further concreted the notion of her being a terrible actor.
Anna's eyes squinted with worry as Kristoff's did the same but with suspicion seeing Elsa there hand upon her hip leaning against a table, face plastered with a toothy fake smile.
"Umm?" Anna began.
"Oh you decided to move ahead in the tour-" Lady Ophelia deadpanned regarding the vase centerpiece. "And touch the Mavericks Saint Cruiseo." Oh, that name sounded important.
Honeymaren laughed rubbing the back of her hair. "Oh-oh-oh yess see um we were just captured by its-" she waved Elsa over to her side. "beauty-"
Lady Ophelia curtly replied. "It's upside down." They both looked back as if checking to see if she correct.
"Yes it is-" Elsa agreed.
"You see in our culture-"
"Yes Northuldran."
"Yep! We are-"
"Believe-"
"Believe! We believe that it is bad luck to... Have a vase with nothing in it right side up-"
Elsa held up a finger to emphasize her words then pointed to the left of them. "Whilst being right of a southern hemisphere centric window."
"What?" Kristoff crossed his arms boring his eyes into his friends.
Honeymaren nodded pursing her lips. "Yes it is a very bad omen and we just couldn't help ourselves."
Demetrius and Darya seemed very intrigued by this idea. "Oh we didn't mean to disrespect your culture I wish we would have known. Ophelia!"
Not wanting to be one with an oversight Lady Ophelia called to a passing servant. "Please for sake of our guests so they will not touch anything else put all the cases in Palace that are..." She checked the positioning. "Right of a southern hemisphere centric window upside down." The servant opened and closed his mouth but did not question the strange request and left.
Satisfied she turned back to Elsa and Honeymaren. "Shall we move on?"
"Ahh we have to stay with it for about-"
"Twenty minutes."
"To cleanse ourselves of the... Bad luck."
Anna was completely thrown and approached Elsa whispering to her ignoring Olaf tugging at her arm to leave. "Don't worry, it'll be fine we'll catch up with you guys." she assured her knowing she'd have alot of explaining to do later.
As they left Kristoff put his fingers to his eyes turning them back on The woman who waved in sync.
"I think I know a way I can get her out." Elsa listened intently. " Can I get up now?" Ryu asked from kneeling behind the stand.
"Ryu, Honeymaren said she can get you out."
Ryu gasped and perked up waddling over. "Really?"
Honeymaren had her hands akimbo nodding. "Yep! Just have to dislocate your arm."
"Oh okay." She and Elsa said together then paused.
"Wait what?"
"What!"
"Come on I can put it back into place when we're done okay?" Elsa did not like this idea but did they really have any other options?
"Ryu you can hold my hand as she does it."
"Actually Elsa I'm gonna need you to pack some snow in the rim to lubricate her so she slips out easier." They set to work, Honeymaren testing the pull of the best angle to yank at while Elsa packed the rim with the softest snow she could muster.
Ryu sputtered as some leaked through hitting her face and mouth. "What is this? Why eh! Erusa what are you doing?"
"I'm lubricating you, it'll help." Once finished they set the vase right side up and balanced Ryu. Elsa froze it to the ground to prevent movement of any kind.
"Alright, ready?" Honeymaren gripped her shoulder and side, planting her feet on the handles.
"No, go ahead."
"On three. One. Two. Three!" Elsa yanked at Honeymaren's hips when she leant back to the left pulling Ryu out with a sickening pop.
They landed in a mess of rumpled dresses, clothes, and entangled limbs.
Ryu lay prone, in her right hand was Olaf's bowtie. "I've had worse." She moaned closing her eyes when she sat on her rump. Elsa immediately began checking her limp shoulder.
Honeymaren chuckled, dusting herself off. "Now worst part is over, let's get this back into place shall we." Dragon bones were a bit more fluid and flexible than a humans and the joints were differently placed.
A particular high pitch Yelp and growl had Elsa covering Ryu's mouth using her other hand to gently caress her cheek.
"Done!" She proclaimed stepping back as if Ryu would turn feral and project her aggression towards her, placing the vase back in place.
Instead she slumped over defeated mumbling. "Thanks guys."
Elsa helped her to her feet fussing over her shoulder. "I'll ice it later." Elsa offered as they exited the room none of them intended on ever returning to.
"There's a tiny crack but since no one ever touches it they won't notice. That's still coming out of your salary." She side eyed Ryu winking.
Ryu fell back, sniffing the air inquisitively, then frowned at what she picked up. "You coming?"
Taking one last whiff she answered quietly. "Yesu."
Ryu was taking the news that she would not be able to attend the party that was being hosted tonight very well. A little too well.
"I will bring you back something special though, I promise." She received only a half hearted response, coming from the bathroom Ryu was lounged near the window gazing out into the night observing the grey clouds looming closer. Her expression solemn and far too serious. Elsa could tell it wasn't due to her lack of invitation however.
Ryu jumped not even noticing when Elsa approached, startled by the gentle squeeze of her shoulder, she craned her neck up to see Elsa's eyes brimming with concern.
"Hey, are you alright?" Her hand rubbed a cooling sensation along her sore shoulder drawing out a hum. "That feels nice. Thanks." Ryu was definitely in another world, in a delayed reaction she did a once over of Elsa's wardrobe.
"Red?" Elsa smiled down at herself. It was an odd color of choice, she had never really wore such bold and saturated colors as these. "Prince Demetrius said to wear something daring and flashy as par with tonight's party theme."
Ryu nodded turning back to the window. "You look nice." Elsa frowned sitting beside her, she wanted to say more but had no inclination of what those words would be. "Thank you..." Before pulling away she sighed and pressed her face into Ryu's neck nuzzling her. It was reciprocated dryly.
Her fingers lingered when she stood on Ryu's shoulder hesitant to pull away and go to the door. She casted one last glance to the brooding dragon.
What is going on with her?
The question remained as a fog in Elsa's brain, even with all the colors, sights, sounds, and people eagerly vying for her attention greeting her as she entered the party.
Ryu was doing well, her goal held little consequences and reaped large rewards if it was successful. Her attire was black, just like her hair and would allow her to melt into the shadows, to be in plain sight but not seen. She already had an excuse reeved up in case she was caught. Ryu scowled at the notion. She would not be caught.
Casually leaving Elsa's chambers she wouldn't draw attention as long as she kept in mind while in the guest wing, passing guards and servants, she belonged here.
She was confident she could balance the regality of being a lady in waiting, a proper lady, and still pale perfectly when catching the eye of a guard or any male that skulked about in the halls. She was small and feminine enough to not be considered suspicious or a threat. Especially with the knowing of the foreign royal family's visit.
There was one male though that she would have to avoid at all costs.
He was here. Ryu was sure of it, now was as good time as any with Elsa and everyone else distracted by the party.
Exiting the guests wing Ryu subtly sniffed the air picking up so many smells it almost made her dizzy.
She followed the trail where it began to grow stronger and stronger ignoring the foul taste it left in her nostrils and sullied memories it roused in her mind. It was an awful mix of cigars, ink, and something similar to rotting tree bark, as if there was something dying inside him that oozed from his pores.
His noxious gas led her to the eastern wing of the palace. It was darker and devoid almost entirely of life, a little too cliche for Ryu. She'd have no choice but to take to the stone sills outside. The windows weren't easy to pry open, even with her superior strength.
Outside her back hugged the stonewall shimming to the side. She heard the clicking of someone deciding to close her way back in enticing an eye roll. Whatever, it wasn't as if she were locked out completely she could find another opening. As the saying went windows were just doors for the brave.
Being outside did have the disadvantage of not being able to follow the scent trail, so Ryu would have to improvise checking careful along the rooftop and other ledges for any sign of Georg. She wondered if he was attending the celebration tonight or if the saint was too holy for such debauchery she knew the Ruskland court was capable of.
What if he ran into Anna or Elsa? Shaking away the what ifs to focus on the here and now, Ryu braced herself to climbed up. The height was formidable to one afraid of falling, luckily Ryu knew how to navigate buildings. She leaped across an impasse tucking and rolling and was met with an instant regret from the pain the throbbed in her shoulder.
A passing guard was looking straight at her but she knew he would only see a black shadow hunched like the gargoyles which decorated the stone arches along the roof.
She check window after window, highrise after highrise till she used her legs to hang upside down, not feeling up to jumping downward in case this one turned out to be stale too.
"Kanzen." Fangs splitting into a triumphant smile when the horrid smell slipped between the sill and window cracks, leading into a dark study. Her pupils dilated to their fullest taking in every detail that they could absorbed.
Flipping upright she brute forced her way in through the locked window, the momentum sending her in a brief roll on the magenta carpet. She sprang upright and began her search for anything, anything that could incriminate the man and prove his involvement with Julien.
Her claws made easy work of the lockbox she found within the desk popping it open to find a journal. Patience was not a key player, with the the way she turned page after in the middle of book but none of it made any sense it was just his life written in perfect print in an language she had a slim grasp of. She'd keep sifting through it until she found- her eyes moved quickly across the pages and stomach clenched tighter with each word she read.
"Anata wa byōki no rokudenashi..."
Finally some fresh air that wasn't polluted with the smell of cigars, sweet, perfumes, and alcohol. Honeymaren slumped over the garden railing pricking her cuticles.
"May we speak in private Miss Natrura?" She screamed at the even tone preparing to strike whoever invaded her personal space and time but relaxed her battle stance when She saw Ryu standing somewhat similar to Lady Ophelia. It was so bizarre seeing her like this.
"Uh sure? Why'd you have to sneak up on me like that?" She complained as they went back inside in search of an empty room, very few people could. "It was not my intention to frighten you." Entering a dark and dreary study Ryu shut the doors behind them and relaxed her posture.
"I found out who is behind the assassin attempts." She said evenly.
Honeymaren however could not keep calm and grabbed Ryu's arm pulling her further into the room.
"How? I mean who?" She sputtered.
"Georg Scherer." Her blood began to boil, she knew it! She knew it! Knew that man was a rat!
"How did you find it?"
"I read his journal. Turns out he's a witch hunter who took to the church and came here but before then he..." Ryu paused turning pale as she recalled what she had read.
"He did unspeakable things to people who he believed were apart of the occult. Just recently before coming here he... "
"He did what?" Honeymaren probed unsure if she wanted to actually know or not.
"I'd rather not say right now but that explains so much. "
"If he's been dealing with magic for a long time then it only makes sense he'd know its weaknesses." Ryu's hand subconsciously hovered over her stomach with a grim look.
Honeymaren shared the same expression, that same monster had been left alone with Elsa many times, that same monster had been in her homeland, among her people.
"We have to tell the others. Did you find out if the crown was involved at all?" Ryu shook her head.
"It only recounted his life story before coming here, but I mean they have to be involved somehow why else would he come to Arendelle under their orders." Honeymaren wanted to be objective to the matter as Elsa had been but found entertaining the ideas and hopes insufferably naive.
"We'll tell them tomorrow night."
"Why wait!"
"Because tomorrow no one will have the time, the empress and her children has filled up all of our schedules. So we'll meet up for dinner just between us and make it seem like we'll discussing her proposal- which I guess in hindsight we will be. Elsa and Anna seem a bit distracted tonight anyways so it'll be for the best, I just have this feeling we should wait."
Ryu examined her own feet. She didn't want to in the slightest and instead wanted to rush to Elsa and spew everything she had learned. One thing stopped her and that was she trusted Honeymaren and wanted Honeymaren to trust her as well so she'd keep this between them for now. She didn't understand the hesitation but she'd go along with it.
She met her stare and nodded reluctantly. Honeymaren grunted and headed for the door. "I'm going to go back they'll be wondering where I am, want me to walk you to your room first?"
Ryu shook her head. "No I'm going to walk around a bit more and try to listen out for any whispers, if Elsa gets back before me just tell her I went for a walk. Tell her not to worry."
"What about Georg?"
Ryu shooed her out of the room. "I'll be able to spot him way before he'll spot me."
It was an extraordinary sight seeing Elsa in red and black, the colors just emboldened her light hair and eyes, like an angel disguising itself in hell.
Anna attached to her side wrapping their arms together as they navigated the party. She too felt out of place wearing yellow but the twins did say bright colors and the party proved if they had worn anything dull they'd be incongruous. "Why do you have to look gorgeous in every color you wear?" The anger and envy behind her clenched tooth murmur, complimentary and teasing, were met with a similar coyness from Elsa who leaned in to whisper. "I was going to ask you the exact same question." Anna shrugged scanning the fashionable crowd in their smocks that she'd only consider wearing at a costume party in Arendelle, her searched ended landing on the banquet tables of sweets, one sweet that was specifically coveted-
"I reckon you have battle plan for how we're to get over there unscathed." Elsa must have either been following her line of vision or had the same idea.
"I'm thinking, I'm thinking." She hummed surveying guests to guests and which could provide the shortest conversation and safe passage to the tables and which were most likely to apprehend them in an hour long soliloquy sharing their life story.
With a jerk of her head Elsa led her sights to a stout man, holding the line of chatting women of the court and off to left hunger wolfish men already eying her and her sister.
"Lord Cliesse, a man of little to say and the disposition of porcupine-" Elsa was impressed, raising her brows whilst avoiding eye contact with the other gentlemen, if she could even call them that with their lascivious stares. "You've been studying?"
Anna shook her head. "No Darya told me about him twenty minutes ago."
Elsa took inventory. "Alright so we say hello to him, then make our way to the ladies over there, chat with them then excuse ourselves to the table and oh dear."
"What?"
She sighed heavily. "The food table is the perfect place to ask for a dance or make conversation..." That was the last thing she wanted right now, what with so many issues plaguing her thoughts, her temper was short tonight.
"I'm not worried, I'm married." Anna's blaise answer had Elsa shooting her a beleaguered look. "I'm not."
Anna's grip tightened on her arm. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
Elsa choked on a laugh. "My hero." Operation retrieve the sweets without being absconded by any matrimonial hungry predators or their...mothers. Anna shuddered at the very thought of it. They felt the eyes of many following their steps as they made their way over to Lord Cliesse who proved true to Darya's intel was a man only interested in his flask and speaking of those he wished to form deals with, they made short work of him exuding his social prowess, he excused himself rather shortly after introductions leaving them to join the flock of court birds.
Elsa let Anna handle their gossip and questions answering them with enough flair that the women were completely entranced, no man dare try to breech the perimeter they created around the sisters following them to the banquet table.
Remaining cordial and pleasant was an easy tasks, the conversations happening around them were actually dare Elsa say entertaining, listening to them regale how useless or stupid their husbands and suitors were. How simple it was to ensnare them in marriage by playing the virtuous damsel who would bat her eyes at just the right time and laugh at the perfect pitch at jokes that weren't even funny.
It brought on the realization to Elsa how facile it would be to get a husband, she could even probably get one tonight, but also with that came to light how challenging it would be if she were to pursue her true love story, one that was real and meaningful. To her that seemed fair. Nothing worthwhile came to the effortless.
Anna grinned watching Elsa look completely content and adorable to gracefully eat, watch the acrobatic and exotic performances, and listen to them talk. She was almost jealous, almost if she wasn't a social butterfly herself. She knew even if she wasn't she'd all do the same for her.
A crowd gathered to spectate Olaf deciding to join the contortionists with disassembling his parts with ease to match their expertise. It made the onlookers laugh and Olaf smile wide when he was applauded even by the Empress.
When Kristoff approached the circle the women actively blocked him from reaching Anna and Elsa with impatient head tilts at the interruption."Need something Master Kristoff?" The leader of the flock asked. He held up a finger folding his lips together. "Umm my wife?" He shut up quickly seeing Anna behind their backs making rapid gestures for him to not intervene and whisk her away, surely dispersing the group and leaving Elsa with no shield from the possible suitors making rounds and circling the group of hens like foxes, ever on the search for a way in.
"I'll just go... Find Honeymaren check on her." Nodding quickly he left.
They kept their gazes on his back then returned back to Anna. "Your husband is so..." One lady began.
"Big." Her friend assisted, Elsa paused mid bite glancing sideways at all of them without moving.
Anna's grin grew lecherous, wiggling her brows at them. "He is." They cackled in an uproar except Elsa looking like a pathetic swan among hens who desired nothing more than to stuff her beak with food and dive her head underwater and remain there for the entirety of the evening.
Anna shoulder bumped her smirking. "Nothing comes for free." Elsa nodded waving her off in favor of sipping some champagne she distractedly thought to be water. Her eyes widened examining the glass of bubbly fluid, it was delicious!
The ladies retired to a sitting room later on in the evening, Anna hadn't remembered the last time she had this much fun talking to strangers of this caliber but did ensure to memorize all of their names and get their information so she could invite them to Arendelle's next large holiday or festival.
Even Elsa seemed to be enjoying herself, though that could have been due to her being a bit drunk, which Anna determined when she started rocking a small bit to the music closing her eyes and humming, she made an ice baggie not caring who saw and began packing away some deserts for later. Anna looked around, cringing, she'd need to get her sister out of here before someone took advantage.
"My legs are jelly." She complained. One of her new friends agreed with a frowning nod. "I was a fool for wearing heels." Rest echoed the notion.
"I know a place we can sit. It'll be quiet and I get someone to bring us food and drinks!" A young blonde stated.
"Lead the way, Cosette!" Anna grabbed Elsa who was perplexed as to where she was being dragged to but didn't argue. She couldn't help the smug formation taking over her lips as she took away the prize of the evening and disappointed trail of expressions that followed them out.
She tapped Kristoff's shoulder after finding him huddled in a corner with Honeymaren, both looking bored and miserable. He'd been warding away any men seeking a night or conversation with her sticking them together like glue. Anna hated dashing his hopes when he caught her eye probably expecting her to tell them it was time to retire but she wasn't quite done yet. "Keep an eye on Olaf I'm going with these lovely ladies to another room."
"We already are." Honeymaren said. She wanted to join the foreign festivities or at least have a conducive conversation with someone but the women were hard to talk to and the men all seemed more interested in her than discussing the societal differences in a culture exchange. It kind of made her miss Tobias. Yes his attentions were still unwanted but he at least respected that and would still talk about the most interesting of topics that could at least led to some action of the betterment for her people and his.
"You are really pretty." Cosette giggled in surprise and gave Elsa her warmest smile. "Thank you so much you're so sweet, you know I've heard so many things about you and not at all like any of them, well except you are a bit mysterious."
Anna chuckled, she'd let Elsa have her much needed fun, she herself felt relaxed as well this group was nice and funny although a bit crass. She liked them.
"Elsa and Olaf are the sweetest people in all of Arendelle." Elsa had a permanent grin on her face leaning her head on Anna's shoulder. She grabbed her hand rubbing circles along the back of it. "Stop it." Elsa's cheeks reddened from embarrassment at her sister's praises.
"Do you all wanna see a magic... Thing." Oh boy what was Elsa.
The group gasped clapping their hands. "We were waiting for you to ask!"
"What are all of your favorite aminals- animals?"
They went silent for a minute thinking over the question.
"Uuh- Rabbits, they're the cutest things."
"Cats. I have three."
"Horses."
"Pigs, they look funny."
"Dogs, loyal beasts. My wet nurse was a dog."
Elsa looked up at Anna who tapped her nose. "You know already."
"Yes I do." She said proudly sitting up and rubbing her hands.
"Okay." Gasps filled the room, some of servants paused before leaving to see the magical figurines come to into existence. Once complete Elsa left them on the table. "Ta-da."
The boldest of the group picked up her dog half expecting it to freeze her hand and tested the surface of the ice.
"Every winter festival Elsa makes toys for the children. They'll never melt even in the summer." Anna boasted as they all looked over her work.
"Thank you so much Elsa."
"Yes thank you, you're such a dear."
After their gratitude Elsa bashfully waved her hand. "It was nothing." She took her place back to leaning on Anna growing drowsy. The atmosphere changed for the better, after the little gift exchange, they became much more forthright with information and gossip even personal problems seeing the genuine affection and authenticity between the sisters.
"So Ruskland it seems like a busy place, you just get visitors and imports from all over, huh?" Anna took a swig of vodka.
"Yes we do, someone is always ordering something or someone coming from distant lands to trade especially recently."
Perfect.
Anna remained nonchalant. "Really, Arendelle hardly gets imports from far away. Where do they come from?"
The women exchanged looks then began speaking in a more hushed tone. "Well its no secret that the empress has exotic tastes we all do, but I do believe it is rubbing off on the church. There's a possibility they could be using the finance from the crown to satisfy it."
They groaned and tutted. Anna goaded them on further with indignity. "And they have the nerve to say that we women don't need a scarf from France and tell husbands not to overindulge you."
"Precisely what I'm saying just three months ago I tried ordering a new dress from Italy, and you know what my husband told me?"
Anna rose her brows in question. "I don't need it. Yet we give money to church for them to receive imports from Places like, Germany, the Americas and the Eastern isles."
"The Americas?" Anna had the mental prowess to cover up her shock and falling nerves with a laugh that came out sounding more like disbelief.
"I know! The Americas what do they have that we don't? The south and the North. Ridiculous."
"Absolutely absurd." Anna closed her eyes. So this evening hadn't been a waste after all. A dupers grin teased her lips. "And they have the nerve to call us wasteful, but alas the church is run by men and you know how they are."
Entering the room Anna set Elsa on the bed as she turned her head to and fro. "Where's Ryu?" She asked taking the the water glass from Anna.
"I'm not too sure, maybe she went to the kitchens to get some food." Elsa held up the ice baggie pouting. "But I brought her macaroons."
A very disheveled Honeymaren bursted through the doors collecting herself in heaving breaths. "You alright?" Anna asked in concern.
"Yea I'm fine, I was just uh taking a walk with Ryu and she was uh just stretching her legs." She scratched the nape of her neck.
"I should go find her, what if-"
"She'll be fine Elsa-" Honeymaren assuaged. "She has this Lady in waiting role on lock, I just came by to check on you."
"I'm alright. Just- Anna I'm sorry, I was not intending to get tipsy tonight, I should have-" Anna instantly was sitting next to her rubbing her arms.
"Hey, hey it's completely fine Elsa, you had fun, I had fun. And hey you actually helped me alot." Elsa's face remained incredulous to this, if anything Anna was her hero tonight.
She laid against her happy to receive the head rubs that followed. "Thank you." Anna smiled and kissed her head.
Ryu felt like fool, not for her of being caught by Honeymaren who was much more understanding and lenient than she would have ever admitted previously, but for the fact that turning a corner she collided with someone who gripped her shoulders to either siege or steady her she wouldn't wait to find out.
Free from their grasps, a handsome face greeted, one that possessed a deep smooth voice sounding seven years her senior at least.
"Woah there miss, what's with the hurry? Last I checked there was no fire." He spoke in Ruskish with a thick accent. Ryu sighed in relief as she took inventory of his red, gold, and black uniform.
Ryu righted herself as a proper lady should. "I was simply out stretching my legs, I'll be returning to my mistress now. Good evening."after the initial surprise of her knowing his tongue faded he tried impeded her quick escape, by mirroring her steps which she predicted going the opposite direction and off on her way.
Matching her quick strides with her was easy for the guard to keep pace with. "May I help you?"
"Not in entirely but my mother would sooner see me hung than to allow a pretty maiden such as yourself roam these halls filled with drunks alone." She rolled her eyes.
"I assure you I can handle myself quite well." She replied simply. He chuckled at at this but it wasn't in mockery.
"I can believe that."
"Why is that?"
"Because I could see the look of a fighter reflected in your eyes, before you realized I was guard, you didn't see me as a threat-" he squinted his eyes at her. "Just merely an annoyance."
Ryu kept her gaze ahead as they walked the halls towards the guest's wings. Was she really that transparent or was he very astute? She supposed that knowing someone's non verbal intentions came with the duty of his line of work. She deflected the unease she felt at being so easily read by a stranger. "The fact that you are following me confirms that I still do, sir."
His laughter fully echoed through the large open area alerting some other passerbys. "I'm not following you, I'm walking with you, there's a difference."
"Yet both irritate me all the same."
"You mentioned a mistress earlier, may I ask who she might be?"
"E- Lady Elsa of Arendelle." His eyes expanded.
"Well then now it is no longer a deed of good merit, I must return you to her in good health and safety."
Ryu wouldn't argue, he could provide as a buffer in case anyone tried to stop her- "How does one come to be the lady in waiting for Miss Arendelle? I hear she's quite reclusive and- forgive my saying so- difficult in temperament." -If only he'd do so in silence.
"If anything I'm the more difficult one between the two of us, Elsa is merely doing me a charity."
"Still serving royalty or Noble is not an easy feat. It's like their a different species or breed of human altogether." She offered a half smile as he spoke. Yes humans all shared many qualities and instincts despite class and their regional distances yet were still all so extremely unique. It was dizzying to even try and keep track of.
"Yes well humans are unlike any animal I've ever come across." The wording caught the guard's attention, so he looked down at her. "Animals?" Oops, Ryu cringed at her slip up.
"Humans must be the worst animals to ever exist at least from what I've seen." His line of sight took hers to spot a man cornering a woman of court pathetically trying to win her attentions.
"Well animals kill, abandon their young, or and are prone to violence yet, you can't blame them they do it for survival. Hu-we humans do it simply cause we're bored or didn't like the way someone looked at us." She hated grouping herself in with them yet felt comforted by the idea that in this moment she wasn't a monstrous dragon. If humans were this horrible and deemed dragons monsters, she couldn't fathom how deplorable her species truly were. As if Satan himself was wincing and scoffing at one's actions in disbelief that they could be capable of such atrocities.
"You have an interesting take on the matter Miss..."
"Astrid... Astrid of Harmon."
"Miss Astrid of Harmon." He repeated, commiting the name to his memory. "The way you carry yourself is unlike any Lady I've ever met. My name is Petyr, Petyr Goulse." It was meant to be a compliment but to Ryu it felt as if someone had ripped her disguise off and yelled to a crowd her true identity.
"Thank you Mr. Goulse." She replied stiffly.
As they arrived at Elsa's door she turned to the guard to take his leave but before she could voice a goodbye the door clicked open revealing Elsa in a house robe. Her face softened fondly at Ryu then immediately hardened when she noticed Petyr.
"Is something wrong?" Ryu pursed her lips at the worry etched in Elsa's voice, knowing how this must have looked. Her being escorted back to their room in the company of a Palace guard.
He bowed deeply. "Lady Elsa, nothing is amiss I assure you. I was merely escorting Miss Astrid back from her walk to your rooms to ensure her safety." His smile was disarmingly attractive. His whole face and body were and Ryu decided after studying his features while he talked that she liked his dark brown eyes and hair, along with the light stubble creeping up his cheeks.
When she turned to Elsa her face changed but demeanor stayed the same this time the aggression was targeted at Ryu leaving her completely confused. What had she done in the last twelve seconds since Elsa opened the door?
"Thank you very much for keeping her safe-" It was Ryu's turn to scowl, he hadn't kept her safe from anything! He only provided conversation on the walk back.
He took his leave with another bow and bid Elsa farewell turning back a few steps away. "Goodnight... Miss Astrid." Ryu couldn't resist returning his grin but the spell that kept their locked was interrupted by Elsa lacing their fingers together and gently pulling her into the room.
Locking the door she faced Ryu and put her finger to her mouth shushing. There on the bed lay a snoring Olaf who slept with a smile on his face dreaming of the eventful night he had with the Empress' and the performers.
Elsa led them into the tea room shutting the door. Spinning around, her white night dress whipped about with the force when she removed the robe draping on the chair all while keeping her eyes locked on Ryu with an intensity she was not accustomed to seeing from Elsa.
Is Elsa readying to fight me?
The spirit cocked her head and gave her a rather assessing glance, as if she had been reading Ryu's whereabouts on a piece of paper attached to her forehead. Ryu had seen that look before Elsa was concocting an idea of sorts. Deciding Ryu found the experience and silence somewhat unnerving.
Finally Elsa decided to break the tense silence. "I wish I could have brought you to the party-" she said finally tearing her eyes away from Ryu in favor of retrieving a bag that lay on a small round table. "You would have enjoyed, so many colors and people and music and food..." Elsa sighed as if it were some great tragedy that Ryu did not attend. "Nevertheless I brought you a surprise." Ryu sat on the couch when Elsa motioned for her to do so. Her muscles melted into the soft fabric.
Elsa sat down beside her maybe too close allowing their thighs to touch. she was moving especially bold tonight with her movements and behavior, with her fingers rasping across Ryu's back.
"Now-" she started turning so Ryu could not see what she had in bag. "I'm sure you've never had these before. So for your surprise..." Facing her again this time with her hands hidden behind her back, smile wide and excited. "Close your eyes and open your mouth."
Ryu blinked at her a few times before she complied somewhat nervous but also very curious as to what Elsa was up to. Something flakey and sweet touched her bottom teeth and tongue when she heard Elsa whisper. "Bite."
Elsa was correct, she hadn't had something like this before. It had to have been a dessert of some kind. The outside crusty but inside was a delicious smooth and creamy goo that tasted of raspberry.
"What is that?" Ryu asked keeping her eyes closed. "A macaroon. They come all different flavors and I got you one of each." Elsa sounded quite proud of herself pushing more of the treat into Ryu's mouth. As she ate Elsa rubbed her shoulder tenderly working in a chill to soothe the inflamed sinew. Ryu melted into her embrace leaning in closer as she fed her more macaroons.
"Is that better?" Elsa mumbled getting a nod and heavy exhale in reply. Ryu's body was like a magnetic to Elsa's attaching itself to her as best she could entranced by the cold respite of the physical ventures endured that day.
Getting into the message Elsa began using both hands one caressing Ryu's face experimentally and the other scratching the nape of her neck.
Soon a groan drowned out by purrs rose out of her throat when she rolled her head to the side.
"What were you up to?" Elsa asked gently.
"I was..." She almost told her almost broke the pact she made with Honeymaren a few hours ago and that startled her into coming back from the blissful paradise Elsa's fingers created. The feeling of wanting to be at her mercy completely vulnerable.
"I was just taking a walk, being in this room was driving me insane." There wasn't a lie, and Elsa would know that.
"You're tired aren't you?" Elsa knew the answer to that question. Ryu hadn't been able to sleep during the day and night her body still fought her to stay awake. The patter of a heavy July rain pattered against the window and roof.
Before she could protest Elsa scooped her up in her arms. "I want to watch the rain." Ryu tried worming her way out of Elsa's grip but her sluggish attempts meant nothing.
Elsa had sat them on the window bed, Ryu resting against her curled up legs. She too wanted to watch as well. Her silken dress felt better than the sheets of the bed. Elsa misplaced her hair staining her hands in the black dye slightly.
"You want to tell me what you were really up to Tenshi no akachan." The words had Ryu's body tighten and eyes shoot open looking up into Elsa's face as she watched her watch the rain, for that was all that could do.
Did Elsa know what that meant?
If so Ryu found it to be entirely unfitting, if anything it was more better suited to be directed at Elsa than herself.
They were still having lessons in Japanese and Kenji, Elsa's pronunciation was impressive and she was quick to grasp things like syllables and writing. When Elsa looked down at her with those impossibly deep azure eyes Ryu couldn't look away. Elsa had trapped her, she was immobilized and felt her sanity slipping away through the cracks of her wall Elsa's gaze and touch had created.
It was this moment Ryu was convinced that living couldn't get any better and she wondered why Elsa gave up heaven so they could be together.
"I was snooping around, I think I found something useful but I'm not too sure. I was going to explain it tomorrow night to you and the others, see if we can make sense of this." She added a finality to her tone in hopes that Elsa would accept that answer.
She felt Elsa lean down and squeeze her firmly. "No more secrets okay?"
When Elsa relinquished her spell from Ryu to face the window again, Ryu buried her red face into Elsa's stomach nodding.
Elsa whispered into her ears as she drifted off which would repeat itself in her dreams the entire night.
"Watashi no tenshi no akachan."
Notes:
Kuso jigoku- fucking hell
Kanzen- perfect
Anata wa byōki no rokudenashi - you sick bastard
Tenshi no akachan- angel baby
Watashi no tenshi no akachan- my angel baby