"Those colors flatter you quite nicely Queen Anna." Anna's smile was tight quickly vanishing when sat in the chair Kristoff pulled out for her, at the head of the table.

To the naked eye it was a diplomatic dinner hosted by the queen to strengthen and appease Ruskland's ambassador, and it was for the most part. A situation as delicate and paramount for Arendelle received only the best the staff and kitchen had to offer.

Extravagant roasted meats and vegetables glazed to absolute perfection, highest quality of vodka, the flavor of the borsht was telling that the chef had probably pulled his hair out trying to perfect the taste on such short notice. Anna would definitely give the man paid leave for pulling together such a feast.

For now she had to reign in her focus on the true nature of tonight. This was a game of chess in a way, Anna was blessed with a natural adroitness at the game surpassing any who played against her. This game would have much higher stakes for the loser than giving up their desert or gloating rights.

"Quite the lovely spread your majesties, your kitchen staff's abilities is definitely something to marvel at." Georg Scherer said taking a sip of his water. First move.

"Yes Johan is an excellent cook, he helped me realize that there are more flavors than salty, sweet, and bitter?" Kristoff replied simply. Anna forced herself to not directly stare at Georg Scherer, wanting to appear as casual as possible.

Elsa was so much more adept at that then she. Always knowing where to look and for how long. What facial expression was appropriate and how to hold herself. The conversation of Arendelle's culinary attributes drifted away with shortening replies. Anna began eating her borsht seeming impressed with its tastes.

Tobias flashed his eyes from the queen under the pretense of searching the room for an attendant's attention, requesting a shot of vodka to be poured for him. The flicker of brief discomfiture was adjusted accordingly he would have served his own but had an image to upkeep. Second move.

Georg Scherer removed his attentions from Kristoff to Tobias with a serene, curious smile. "Lord Peterssen, your father, Tobias Peterssen I, served as regent before former Queen Elsa's reign correct?" Anna stared at the man. It took all of her willfulness for this ploy to work to restrain herself from voicing her affronted protests at the pitiless question. Georg Scherer truly did not have any forethought on the feelings of others. She would have to pack those away for a later time and push forward the sympathy she felt for Tobias.

If he was affected by the reminder of his father's passing he was a master at hiding it. His face turning to Scherer remaining nonchalant. He kept the cup of alcohol he had been nursing on in his hand, taking a sip before answering. "That is correct. He was, I was just a boy really, only now do I realize the true reasons he had been so busy, the utter priority it needed." Georg Scherer didn't even offer condolences!

What an absolute cunt. Okay so that was a strong word, but what else could she call someone so callous towards someone they barely knew? Anna was dragged from her glowering at the touch of Kristoff's hand underneath the table gripping hers. Her thumb rubbed over his knuckles rhythmically. He looked her over and she him, nodding.

Georg nodded. "Ah so you have quite large shoes to fill as they say don't you? A daunting task indeed." This reply made Anna wonder just what was the man's goal with this conversation, was he merely just trying implant a seed of doubt in Tobias just for the hell of it? His plays were as unpleasant as she expected.

She had no worries though if it would take hold however, Tobias may have been quiet, appearing passive to some, his mind had conviction. He took his time to answer, eyes glittering over the contents of the table. "Yes well, to me everything has its time and era before forward thinking sets it aside for another. Rulers, laws, people, services, beliefs, even religion. We are ever changing." Third move.

Anna did a swift scan of Georg Scherer's face, noting the subtle falling of his expression. She turned back to Kristoff. He lifted her hand and began going over useless observations disguising his flirting. "I hope there doesn't come a time when I must fulfill my father's shoes and expectations, for his role was brought on by tragical necessity." Goerg Scherer grunted, taking a break from conversation to eat. Anna prepared herself for when he would speak again. He was certainly thinking of what his next move would be.

"What do you think his opinion of you would be now?" It was unspoken. The rumors of Tobias' rakish lifestyle of occasionally entertaining women discreetly, drink, and travels did not align with the piousness pulpit orator, and they certainly were not exotically taboo enough to intrigue a religious controversialist. Sometimes there was no seedy or secretive reason for enjoying such activities beside that they felt good.

Tobias grinned, glancing upward as if recalling a fond memory. "I think he'd probably join me on my escapades, we Peterssen's tend to enjoy life to its fullest." Georg Scherer exhaled heavily through his nose as if he were disappointed that he couldn't make Tobias ashamed of his harmless lifestyle. Fourth move.

"Queen Anna," Anna blinked towards him under, mocking that she hadn't been listening and watching but instead was engrossed with Kristoff, even occasionally giggling. "You're usually so not disassociative, sometimes even leading the dinner conversation?"

"My apologies Mr. Scherer," the words tasted like a stale milk and vinegar. "I merely have been so busy as of late that Kristoff and I barely get any time for ourselves." For effect she batted her lashes lovingly at Kristoff. That had been the easiest ruse to pull off. She and Kristoff hadn't been able to give one another the attention they both longed for with the investigation going on. Even though they had seen each other every morning they woke up and every night when they would kiss each other goodnight and cuddle together, she missed him so much and could see how much he missed her reflected in his beautiful, safe brown eyes.

"It is quite rare to see two monarchs in love." He was ignored by all except Tobias who watched Anna and Kristoff get captured by the other's gaze.

"Yes it is." He replied warmly. Anna pulled away first blushing, inside her stomach churned at the idea of exposing something so precious to Georg Scherer. Back to the game.

"Mr. Scherer have you ever been in love?" Georg taken aback by the bluntly asked question straightened in his chair. Kristoff looked to Anna pondering. She was going off script most likely due to impatience and irritation. Fifth move. "Yes I have, though not conventionally." At this Anna tilted her head, folding her lips in. "Was it with a man?" Sixth move.

Kristoff and Tobias sputtered on their drinks. Georg Scherer balked, his face flushing red but not by embarrassment nor prudence. Anna kept her eyes on his, leaning forward with interest, gauging what emotion he was feeling at the moment. "No your majesty, and I must say that is a rather insulting inquiry-"

"Why? Nothing to be ashamed of-"

Kristoff and Tobias jolted when Georg Scherer's hand impacted the table loudly, while Anna locked away the smile that wished to grow on her lips.

"IT IS! AND THE VERY INSINUATION- That I, a man of God am a repobate! Why it is great dishonor to me as a man, my empress who appointed me and my beliefs!" A thick silence consumed the room making it a challenge to not get up and walk away. Checkmate.

Kristoff wanted desperately to pull Anna to him but she seemed to be none the better, once again proving her resilient prowess. Swishing the wine in her glass watching the liquid swirl. She tipped the lid to Georg Scherer impishly.

"My apologies sir, that was not my intention to allude to you possibly having an attraction to men-"

"No please, I must apologize to you, your majesty." Georg definitely did not want her to finish that sentence. "I tend to be... Zealous in demeanour when it comes to my values being questioned. I beseech for forgiveness Queen Anna, King Kristoff. That was uncalled for and highly inappropriate. I know there is no excuse for my actions." He truly did appear repented, it was very interesting to see other emotion from this person who enjoyed making others uncomfortable with his snarky apathy.

"Well-" Kristoff began, his fingers drummed on the table top. "It is uhh- we all have different opinions and sometimes we'll butt heads but as long as we don't tear each other's antlers off, a bit of passion is okay." Tobias raised his glass to that.

"That's right-" Anna agreed raising from her chair enthusiastically. "I forgive you Mr. Scherer and thank you for the apologizing. An action that is not common among men of your demeanour." She knew she was pushing it, reciting his words back at him, but he stayed true to his word and kept calm.

"Well I'm not your average man of faith." He might as well have whispered it with his gravelly voice doing him no favors with volume.

"Indeed. You. Are. Not. And! To prove that there is no ill will, I invite you to our parlor for after dinner drinks and desserts. A Queen's personal invite." Anna turned her bright smile to the head attendant who returned it with his own and bowed before exiting the room. She hated throwing around her title to get what she wanted, despised it actually, but Georg Scherer was not only a remorseless shrew of a man but also a traditionalist and it would be considered a breech of tradition to refuse a seemingly generous invite from the queen.

"I look forward to it your majesty." He stood as well to bow. "Please excuse me a moment before I join you." He went towards the doors of the dinning room, turning around. "King Kristoff thank you for having me and for being so for being so magnanimous." Kristoff wrapped his arm around Anna's waist and waved. "No problem."

"Lord Peterssen a pleasure to make your acquaintance." "Wish I could say likewise."

Tobias muttered under his breath, speaking louder when he rose and nodded. "Yes, tonight has been... Riveting never a boring a moment."

"Queen Anna exuberant conversation as always expected." When his eyes befall Anna her first instinct was to shudder at not only his gaze but the way her name sounded coming past his lips, Anna remained stubbornly jovial in stance and waved as he exited.

The group groaned falling back to their seats in a heap finally enjoying a moment respite. It was as if the room was constricted by a large snake whose grip only grew tighter and tighter by the second till it finally slithered away. "

I know you warned me but somehow I still felt unprepared." Tobias mused to no one in particular.

Anna rested her head on Kristoff's chest closing her eyes when he began to stroke her hair in the way he knew she loved.


When the gained privacy Anna squeaked being scooped up in Kristoff's arms. "You have never stopped amazing me with everything that you do." Anna couldn't really say anything to that having used up her mental energy in the dinner game, so she kissed this time deepening it. It was exploratory as if they had never kissed before. Both trying to memorize and map the other's features. Anna's hands roamed slowly over his hair, neck, shoulders, until they reached his chest. She felt Kristoff squeeze her frame to his, moaning contently from the embrace. She loved it when he did that, as if he didn't want let her go and no one of any feat of strength would be able to pry her from his grip. He always mixed the perfect blend of gentle romance with primal intimacy.

Pulling away, they were both left breathless. "I think we deserve a break later." She whispered against his lips. "What kind of break?" Toying with the hair on the back of his head which she knew drove him crazy with desire she replied coyly.

"The kind that would make Georg Scherer most likely choke on his values." Kristoff grimaced and Anna giggled kissing the corner of his mouth. A stubble tickled her lips and she gave herself a reminder to tell him not to shave this time curious to see him in a beard again. "Please don't bring him up during said break."

Now it was Anna's turn to frown in disgust at the thought. "I'd rather think of Grand Pabbie than that guy." Setting her down Kristoff rested his head on top of hers shrugging.

"Or we could think of neither, also an option... A preferable one. Let's get this over with, I want us in our room by-" he took a quick check of the clock.

"Ten tops."

Anna beamed up at him with her radiant grin, he had seen it more than a thousand times but still could not figure out how anyone could be so summery, beautiful, charming, smart, bold- he could go for days with the list. Despite all the magic he had seen and experienced she was the most extraordinary rarity in all the world. And when he smiled down at her Anna was reminded of the lesson he had taught her, she didn't love him just as a prince charming or knight in shining armor. She loved him because Kristoff was Kristoff, her husband, support, best friend and family. Someone who obsessed over love and all it came with Anna was still unprepared for the feeling of purity and strength it entailed...

"It's a date."


Elsa was awake but still remained in her bed with her eyes very reluctant to open and greet the pink and red hues of the sun's imminent return. She ordinarily awoke an hour after dawn but she had a fitful sleep in thanks to her lower back flaring up in pain and no position was comfortable for very long.

This would not be ideal by any means when her day assuredly entailed lots of physical activity. It was an old injury she obtained in Ahtohallan, she hadn't even noticed it until a few days later when it began to ache with each bend and twist. It lasted for about six weeks give or take but returned after Arendelle's annual ski event during the winter solstice celebrations.

Elsa's body had grown accustomed to the exertion she regularly exuded upon it so there had to have been a plausible deviation to explain it but Elsa couldn't think of a single- oh yeah.

Ryu tried to be accommodating in their flight she knew that much but riding a dragon had proven to be much more strenuous than riding Nokk who still posed a challenge than the average horse with his wild nature that could never be tamed.

Today was much too important to spend trying to rest and recover, Elsa decided she would just have to grin and bare it. At least she had time to relax. Judging by the sun she'd be able to lay in bed for thirty more minutes before she'd get up and make breakfast. Going back to sleep was not an option so Elsa entertained herself with her magic crafting snowflakes of varying shapes and designs until Bruni awoke and she gave him chase with his favorite treats.

Groaning Elsa sat up slowly, she swung her legs over the edge and scooted. Standing was the hardest challenge and as much as she wanted to lift her arms and reach in the air the ache disagreed. After throwing on a sky blue housecoat to cover her matching Nightgown, she offered her hand for Bruni to perch on.

She endured fifteen minutes of standing in the kitchen scrambling eggs and placing it upon slices of toast. With Grand Pabbie, Bulda, and Olaf exploring the forest this morning with the rock giants it gave Elsa a moment of quiet to herself in her home. Bruni leapt out the window to probably go find the others.

She'd take Ryu's plate up- Elsa looked to the creaking of the stairs surprised to see Ryu trudging down, hair disheveled, in a billowy white blouse and pants tied in the front by laces. She rubbed her eyes aggressively, only one of her pupils were dilated. Elsa watched with fascination as they adjusted to the light rays of the early sun reflecting off of some of the structural ice of the small dinning room and kitchen. "Good morning." Elsa greeted in a scratchy voice from a dry morning throat. She glanced at the small round table somewhat disappointed she hadn't set it properly unaware that Ryu would be awake before ten.

"Ohayƍ." Ryu grumbled, Elsa was tempted to ask the meaning of what she just said but inferred it most likely meant good morning. "I made you breakfast." She stated placing a short glasses of a dark reddish juice next to their plates.

Elsa eyed Ryu as she smelt the glass, her eyes grew in surprise and recognition, and then dipped her tongue in it working the flavor throughout her mouth. She waited for her opinion of it. She looked as if she were trying to figure out on her own what it was before her eyes flicked up to Elsa.

"Lingonberry." Elsa answered calmly taking a bite of her eggs.

"It's uhh- sour." Elsa nodded taking a sip of her own. Ryu then dipped her finger into the juice looking closely. There were probably alot of things in Arendelle Ryu had yet to taste, see, experience. If she was this thorough with everything new she came across it'd probably take them years just to visit and explore the valley of living rocks alone.

Elsa sighed contently turning her view to the bay window they sat adjacent to, watching the flowers of her garden sway gently to the early breeze. It was a welcomed moment of peace since the summit.


As Ryu ate she kept her stare fixated on Elsa who seemed most appreciative of the simple view they had. It was perplexing how others couldn't see it. It made Ryu even less remorseful for killing those men remembering the harm they wished to wrought upon Elsa.

Julien's terrible words echoed in her mind. "Elsa is an injustice against nature." It was the most ludicrous oxymoron Ryu had ever heard. Elsa was a direct gift from nature itself, Honeymaren had told her and she could see it for herself.

The peace she brought everywhere she went. She was incarnate winter's snow untouched by footprints, reflecting off the morning light. The biting nip of the air. Yet also her demeanour reminisced the warm relief of a hot beverage. And her scent... It was a bit overwhelming at first in small spaces, there was raspberries, dark chocolate, the smell of the forest that was always orbiting her, fragrances that were surface level.

Humans had a scent that came from within, Ryu learned, that were unique to each individual. She was beginning to figure out Elsa's, when she was sweaty from either riding Nokk or running in the forest she smelt of salt, seawater, moss, and dirt. If she wasn't sweaty then her odor reflected her magic, and the foods she ate, specifically the lingonberry.

It was a constant reminder that Elsa despite being a spirit was very human.


The small thud of something mushy struck Elsa's temple, she turned from the window to look down at the table spotting a piece of egg.

With an eyebrow quirked up she turned her attention to Ryu and deadpanned. "Did you just throw an egg at my face?" Ryu's raspy giggle proved her culpability.

"I think you can answer that one for yourself."

"And I think you'll find that the better and more polite solution would be to just call my name."

With that said Elsa looked back down to finish off her meal. "Erusa?"

"Hmm?" Looking up proved to be a foolish thing to do, when Elsa did another piece of egg smacked her in the forehead.

"Okay I think that concludes our breakfast this morning." She stated trying to hold in her chuckles. Ryu quickly finished her plate entirely including the pieces of egg on the table. Standing Elsa couldn't hide her small wince. Ryu hurriedly took the plates from her rushing them to the sink.

"What is wrong? Are you hurting?" She searched Elsa's form for any visible injuries and found none.

"It's nothing, just an old back injury that flares up from time to time. I'll be fine." Elsa assurance didn't convince Ryu though whose brows still furrowed as she followed Elsa into the kitchen.

Ryu's hand gently hovered over her back. "Can I touch?" She asked. Elsa nodded keeping focus on cleaning their dishes. She was being gentle, far too gentle than what was necessary.

"Where does it hurt?" Elsa heard her mumble from behind. Reaching behind she guided Ryu's hand to the aggrieved area. "I could help?"

Elsa began to shake her head thinking she was referring to the dishes when she realized she meant her back. Did dragons have healing capabilities with their magic?

"How?"

"Come on, I will show ya!" Ryu grabbed her wrist pulling her into the living room. She gestured to the carpet. "Lie down on your uh belly." Elsa hesitated for a moment before complying removing her housecoat, she grunted from the strain but with help she was lying prone on the floor. She turned her head to the side to see Ryu on her knees matching the angle of her head with her own.

"Comfy?" She winced. "Mm no. Can you pass me a pillow from the couch?" Ryu did as requested. With some support on for her head Elsa tried to relax closing her eyes.

"Don't worry I am a profession-nen-nal and will get you all fixed up." Ryu quipped smacking Elsa's rear lightly. She yelped, her cheeks burned red so she buried them into the pillow. Best not to bring attention to it in the risk of things becoming awkward.

"Erusa?"

"Hmm?"

"Your butt is so jiggle, it jiggles." Elsa heard her blitheness in her voice when she began rocking Elsa from side to side.

"That's fascinating Ryu, I-"

"Fa-ass-inating." Elsa blinked rapidly then lifted her head once more. Her face remained impassive.

"Right well-it's... Not my butt that is in pain Ryu."

"Oh right it's your bac-"

"It's my back yeah." She heard Ryu clap and rub her hands together. She placed them both on Elsa's shoulder just rubbing downward lightly. The thin material of the nightgown she wore did not hide the intense warmth of Ryu's palms. Though it wasn't exactly the mythical idea she had when Ryu offered to help, she couldn't color herself disappointed.

It was soothing, like warm compresses gliding across her back increasing in pressure as they gained confidence. Elsa wondered if her extreme difference in temperature was uncomfortable to touch.

"You are very tense, Erusa." Ryu stated quietly. "You do not have to worry about anything else right now, just think about how it feels and breath." Ryu's words reminded Elsa that she had stopped breathing regularly. Ryu audibly inhaled and exhaled to which Elsa followed along with.

"You know... You don't have to do this."

"I know." Elsa could hear Ryu's smile in her voice when she straddled her calves keeping her weight off of Elsa's body. Her fingers dug in and moved with circular friction along the sides of Elsa's spine down to her hips.

"Ryu?"

"Yesu?"

"Thank you."

Elsa wasn't sure how she felt about the massage, she had never received one before. She could tell Ryu was trying to figure out the balance between firm and gentle. When she reached her problem area Elsa's hiss made Ryu retreat briefly before returning.

"I know, I'm sorry." She mumbled with pity. "How did this happen?"

"In Ahtohallan, there was ledge and I thought there would be water at the bottom and there wasn't so I had to land in the safest way I could."

They both remained quiet for a little while until Ryu spoke up again.

"How far a fall?" Elsa tried to calculate, how far did she fall? And could only come up with a rough estimate of the height.

Ryu dryly chuckled shaking her head. "You are crazy."

Elsa grinned, at the time it felt like the only option she had. Twenty minutes passed, Elsa had nearly went back to sleep when Ryu stood.

"How do you feel now?" She questioned. Elsa sat up crossing her legs and began stretching, the pain was not completely gone but it certainly was better than this morning. She looked up gratefully at Ryu. "I think I'll be able to ride Nokk without killing over." Ryu gave a thumbs up nodding.

"Good." Elsa loved when she said the word, knowing she meant good but coming from Ryu it sounded like 'Gud.'

"Speaking of we should probably get ready to go meet the others in Northuldra." Standing Elsa scratched the scales on Ryu's shoulder and neck in passing heading upstairs.

Bruni climbed up her shoulder, she regarded him with a sad smile, the idea of meeting a group of people left a knot in her stomach that almost made her want to vomit. "You'll protect me today won't you?" Bruni nodded, licking her pupil. Ryu scrunched the eye shit rubbing it with the knuckle of her finger.


Honeymaren waved over Elsa, Nokk, and Ryu who had Bruni sitting on her muzzle to the large fallen log she and the trolls with Olaf had been resting at. She crossed her arms drumming her fingers on her bicep when they approached. "We expected you guys earlier."

Elsa grinned apologetically. "I'm sorry, my back decided to begin hurting again this morning."

She circled around Elsa rubbing her shoulders. "Oh jeez when are you planning on getting a new one?" Elsa smirked and shrugged.

"As soon as I find one I like." She opened her arms to Olaf who hugged her legs. "Hello Ryu." Grand Pabbie rested his hand on her cheek when she leant down to him and Bulda who laughed joyously when Ryu blew thick smoke into her face.

"Aww what a lovely greeting." Grand Pabbie said.

"That's a greeting?" Elsa asked looking around at the dispersing smoke.

"Oh yes! It's a very friendly way of saying they're happy to see you." Elsa watched Bulda pet Ryu's leg thinking back. She wondered how many things Ryu did that she did not notice or understand.

Olaf bounded up to Ryu's lowered face and blew air into it. She chuffed at him nudging his head. He grabbed his midsection twisting it in place and spoke up in a delegating tone. "Alright time to set up for the party, Ryu we may need an extra hand to help out today since Elsa's back is so old and brittle."

At this Elsa's stood with her arms akimbo, somewhat offended. "Olaf, my back is not brittle, it's just...sore."

"We should probably announce that you're finally here. Just to get everyone prepped."

"I'll do it!" And before anyone could protest Olaf set off for the village yelling. "The dragon is coming! The dragon is here!" His friends winced at the wording not being exactly what they were looking for.

"Oh Walnuts." Elsa groaned turning back. "Help me catch him?" Chuckling Grand Pabbie and Bulda rolled after him with Elsa and the other spirits.

Honeymaren began jogging when she slowed noticing that said dragon was hesitating looking intensely at the log. "Hey." She called softly going back. "You coming?"

Ryu didn't answer instead using her paw to displace some dirt. "I get it, you're probably nervous huh?" Sitting down with her legs crossed. "Well, I'm not going to promise that everything will turn out perfectly, my village can get rowdy and be loud and... Other things." She scratched the nape of her neck self-consciously. "But I wouldn't be lying if I said they're great people who have seen alot of weird things even more strange than you. They may be a bit apprehensive but the kids are way scarier than you'll ever be." Honeymaren chuckled thinking of the little monsters that wrecked havoc. "And I know you don't know me as well but you know Elsa, and she hasn't introduced you to anyone horrible yet has she?" Ryu glanced at her from the side and shook her head. "So trust her. Come on it's now or never- well not never probably later but it's best to get it over with." She bumped Ryu with her shoulder and stood up and headed for home with Ryu trailing behind.

The voices of the village hushed when Honeymaren entered the clearing with the dragon behind. Elsa looked around at the varying reactions to her presence. She wanted so desperately to rush over to Ryu and comfort her. She looked absolutely terrified, ears folded backwards and wings and tail tucked in tightly.

When she tried to step up Grand Pabbie drew his staff in front of her. "She must learn to handle her fears on her own I'm afraid." Elsa knew he was right, she couldn't always be the one to break the ice between Ryu and a stranger. She had seen how socially skilled the girl was once she grew comfortable.

Ryu's eyes found hers looking expectantly. If Elsa wasn't going to come to her then Ryu would go to Elsa. "Ryu!" The cry startled Ryu when she was attacked by a small child sprinting over wrapping her small arms around her neck. "I knew you'd come visit me again! Papa this is Ryu my hero!" Elsa giggled at the dumbstruck expression on Ryu's face. Nina's father came to his daughter's calls and bowed his head to Ryu, he wasn't a large man, a bit stout with kind brown eyes. "I'm glad I finally have a chance to thank you Ryu." Nina's face held only awe and admiration. She dragged Ryu over to a small group of children who at first were a bit frightened to approach. "She's nice see." Nina demonstrated pecking Ryu's flank. Ryu laid down tucking her limbs which gave a particularly bold kid the opportunity to climb on her back, his prize being her ears which flickered as he touched them. "Don't crowd her! I'll show you how to do it!" Nina growled throwing her arms backwards leaning against Ryu's chest.

Elsa couldn't very well rescue Ryu now, being surrounded by children herself as well. Elsa knelt down as a child climbed onto her knee to play with her hair. "Miss Elsa can you spend the night here?" Elsa over acted in thinking tapping her chin, thrilling the little ones with her theatrics. "Well I hadn't planned on it but since you asked, yes." She bopped the little girl's nose. The children begged her to make it snow for them. "Alright, alright let's do it over here so as to not get in way- hey Nunenuk no pushing."

"Oh they are goners." Honeymaren said leaning against Ryder. "At least they'll keep them distracted so we can get some work done." He replied watching as the children switched back and forth from exploring Ryu to playing in Elsa's small snow fall with Olaf and Bruni.

The village had grown accustomed to Ryu's presence alot quicker than what Elsa expected. She did her best to keep Ryu in her peripherals but that was difficult when everyone wanted her attention especially the adolescents.

Bulda and Grand Pabbie answered alot to Yelena and other elders who were either concerned or curious about the strange creature inhabiting the forest now. It definitely aided in dissipating the tension.

Ryu stood when she lost sight of Elsa looking around anxiously. "I'm riding a dragon!" The boy on her back exclaimed. She trotted trying to pick up Elsa's scent in the air coming across a man struggling to push a wagon with a oven like contraption on the bed. Setting her rump on the ground slid the boy off to his disappointment, the grief short lived when he ran off after his peers.

The man yelped when the wagon he shoved with his shoulders moved forward sending him to the ground. He peered around from the back, Ryu had the front clenched between her jaws walking backward. "Oh right there that's perfect!" He exclaimed when they made it to the table. "Thank you." Ryu panicked when his hand came towards her too quickly she hissed backing up until she was startled by the table hitting her thigh.

A large basin of some type of alcohol spilled to the ground knocked off by Ryu's tail. Her tendrils flattened when others came over to help with the mess.

"Oh you're fine, don't get all sulky we have plenty for the party tomorrow." Honeymaren said clapping Ryu's flank. Ryder leaned in whispering. "If you ask me everyone here could do with a little less."

"Ryu!" A little voice rang through the village, Ryu's eyes widened as she leapt away from the thundering tiny footsteps coming towards. It wasn't as bad as she was expecting par Honeymaren's description of them, but she had already been poked in the eyes twice.

Finally! She found Elsa conversing with three older women and a man laughing at something she just said as they sat around a fire pit. She was much more relaxed and informal than in Arendelle speaking a different tongue than the native Nordic language in Arendelle.

More inclined to touch and being touched. Either a hug, arm pat or a shoulder squeeze of someone passing by. In fact that had been a regular behavior of everyone present with one another. Ryu felt her scales soften somewhat as she watched the forest people from a distance.

Some stared at her as well, it wasn't as unnerving as before they were curious glances, holding fascination rather than fear.

The afternoon sun tried its best to breakthrough the birch trees and blossoming plants. Sounds of nature and of the Northundrans crafting a gentle synchronous humdrum.


Having sensed the stare Elsa turned and smiled showing teeth when she spied Ryu sitting on her haunches by a tree. She waved her over to the circle. Ryu delayed but eventually trotted over.

"Here she is." Elsa said in Northuldran to the group. "Will she get any bigger?" One of the elders asked. Elsa shrugged regarding her. Grand Pabbie had said she was a fledgling, and still had two more age groups to go.

"Oh yes! She has a long way to go. Growing for dragons is quite a strenuous and tiresome task. The younger and smaller the dragon the more they are likely to be aggressive in defense."

They all listened intently to Grand Pabbie's musings. One of the elders lifted a hand to Ryu's snout for her to retract her head hissing deeply. He wasn't offended the slightest, laughing heartily. Elsa sucked in a breath sharply in worry. "I won't harm you." He promised not moving to touch her again.

Ryu probably had no idea what he just said so Elsa translated. Ryu's tense shoulders sagged somewhat, happy to have the attention off her.

"So Elsa any word on the monsters who broke into your home?" Elsa sighed, straightening up.

"Unfortunately it's not good news. It seems they came from a powerful nation Arendelle is in correspondence with. On the bright side we can probably settle this matter cordially."

They contemplated this with hums and nods. Elsa was glad that they didn't push to know what nation had sent the assassins.

Said nation would be visiting tomorrow. Northuldrans were slow to trust and somewhat slower to forgive when one of their own were threatened and would not welcome Georg Scherer if they all knew with open arms even if he wasn't involved.

An elder woman grunted crossing her arms. "I'd hardly call an attempt on your life a 'matter' Elsa. And they tried to burn us out!" Elsa placed a hand on her arm giving an affable smile.

Ryu mewled when she felt something sucking on her lower belly or at least trying to. Rising a small white reindeer calf kept nuzzling at her paws. Elsa giggled scooping up the small animal in her arms cooing at it. Its eyes were foggy and slightly pink.

"Misty no suckling on Ryu, she doesn't have any milk for you-" Elsa side eyed her with a smirk. The baby bemoaned latching onto Elsa's inner wrist. "This is Misty she tries to suckle from anyone who has a heartbeat. Let's go get you fed little one." Elsa rose slowly with the baby and began walking off. Turning back to Ryu her head jerked in the direction she was heading to. "Come on! You haven't met everyone just yet."


"Is she hungry?" Ryder asked atop Emil leaning on her antlers.

"Oh she's starving. Always is."

As if agreeing the baby cried out.

He was surrounded by reindeer grazing peacefully, that is until they caught scent and sight of Ryu beginning to bellow and scramble away in disorder. Including Emil who sent Ryder lurching forward, clutching her antlers desperately. Elsa groaned, nestling the calf in the crook of her right arm lifting her left. "Step back okay?" Ryu complied.

Elsa spun around elegantly creating a corral of ice enclosing the animals in so they wouldn't go stampeding out into the field and village. She stretched backward.

Ryder handed her a satchel with a nozzle. Elsa held up the bag which the calf grasped frenzied, bobbing her head quickly. The herd still kept trotting around perturbed. "Alright everyone settle down-" Ryu was almost convinced to turn and go back to the village. "Oh don't go anywhere Ryu, they have to get used to you somehow. And you little one breathe!" Elsa pulled the nozzle out of the calf's mouth with some difficulty. "

Well this is the herd Ryu, sorry they're a bit skittish." Ryder introduced grandly gesturing to the reindeer numbered at about fifty or so. Ryu peaked through the fencing. It was understandable to all present. Reindeer were prey animals and Ryu definitely had the aura of a predator, but the animals trusted their caretakers nonetheless.

Honeymaren strode over from the village looking over fencing. She had Erin at her side who was much more bold in regard to Ryu, almost completely apathetic to her really. "They got spooked huh?" She asked her brother hopping the fence with one arm.

"Yes but they'll get used to her... Eventually." Misty was set down when the satchel was emptied in record time and walked until her head hit the fencing. She slid it along until her nose poked against Ryu's. She couldn't see her but she definitely could smell her.

"Well at least Misty likes you." Honeymaren mused.

"Well I better get back and help with the decorations." Elsa said flicking her wrist creating a path in the fence for her to walk through.

"Oh so you're going to help and not sit on your butt chatting?" Honeymaren teased holding a reindeer's hoof.

"Hahaha-" Elsa mocked at Honeymaren teasing while she held a reindeer's hoof, Elsa draping a leg and arm over the fence said in a contrary manner. "I was actually having a very serious conversation."

"Well excuse me I had no idea the importance of how baby beavers are the cutest animal you've ever seen are a very pressing matter." Elsa's face blanched.

Oh she heard that part.

"I think they're calling me back actually." She held her hand up to ear nodding. They definitely weren't.

"Do you two want me to keep this up?"

"Nah they're fine, gonna have to get less nervous if we're going to be inviting bears, and wolves, and a dragon." Honeymaren waved her hand to Ryu.

Nodding Elsa lifted the fence and turned back with Ryu in tow.


They were preparing for a party but the preparation felt like a party in itself. Ryu had even garnered some praise for helping some people as a living step ladder to reach the trees and hang lanterns, while Elsa used her magic for more intricate designs along the branches. As they worked through the day it waned off into the night meaning the sweet smells of roasted meats and vegetables filtered through the air.

Multiple fires lit and huddled around where conversation was traded.

Elsa was caught sprinkling tiny snowflakes on Ryder's head, whenever he would turn back to her she quickly pretended to be listening Yelana resting her chin on a closed fist. "Elsa I know it's you!"

"Huh?" She questioned seeming confused. "What's me?"

"You keep putting-" he touched his damp head.

"Snow in my hair." Elsa remained calm and confused. "I don't know what your talking about." She all but mumbled. "Probably raining."

He pursed his lips at her. "Oh right, right, it's raining just and only on me?"

She shrugged. "I don't know, I'm not a water Spirit ask the water Spirit."

"Wha-"

"No, no, Ryder I think you're confused. I am not a water Spirit, I am the fifth spirit I control winter. I make things cold not wet." Honeymaren hummed loudly and deliberately at this coughing.

"What?"

"I don't know, I used to be the most eligible bachelorette in the tribe and then you came and now-" Honeymaren smirked devilishly. "I think the ladies would beg to differ about you making things wet." Elsa's face against the fire light looked even redder than what it probably was as she hid it in her hands. Ryu wasn't sure what the statement meant but it certainly made Elsa bashful and smell nervous.

Honeymaren handed her a cup which she took and sniffed pulling it away.

"No." Elsa tried to hand it back to her friend but she refused.

"Elsa we are having splendid fire conversations, drink it." Honeymaren mocked in the accent they spoke in Arendelle.

Elsa frowned and cradled the cup in her hand. "Why is everyone always trying to get me drunk?"

"Cause you're hilarious when drunk." A young man piped up from across the fire pit.

"That's not true." Elsa mumbled through a pout. Ryu laughed drawing in everyone's eyes at the strange sound when Elsa choked on a sip of the drink. Elsa shook her head coughing. "She's laughing at me don't give her attention." She rasped.

"Eat this." Ryu glanced down to see Nina holding a piece of flatbread. It smelt as if at had butter on it and some kind of berry similar to the juice Elsa gave her this morning but not quite the same.

"Take it." She insisted pushing it closer to Ryu who stared and then glanced around for some assistance.

"She's not going to leave you be till you take it." Ryder spoke as if he had experience with the situation.

"It's rieska." Nina confirmed. Gently Ryu used her lips to take the flatbread when she swallowed she nuzzled Nina's neck sending her into a fit of giggles.

"I too have something for you to try Ryu." Honeymaren said holding a cup that was dwarfed by the dragon's large muzzle.

Ryu swallowed the burning liquid before huffing her alcoholic smelling breath in Honeymaren's face. She mimicked her chuckling.

"I take it that means you like." Honeymaren leaned against Ryu enjoying her warmth, when a child bounded up and plopped themselves on Elsa's lap. Like birds more and more children flocked to her. "Tell us a story please!" They all bounced agreeing with the one who spoke up. Elsa smiling placed her cup away from them and exhaled heavily already exhausted. "Mm why don't you tell me a story?" She suggested, the children thought on this for a while but one by one they began shaking their heads. "Tell us the story about um- about um Ahtohallan!"

"I wish I could go there.". One boy lamented.

"Well Ahtohallan is less of where and more of a whom." They gasped at the wonderful, playful intrigue Elsa's mask of mystery invoked. "Mhm and she's looking out for every single one of you. That's why Gale, Bruni, the rock giants, Nokk, and I are all here to protect you and keep you safe... Ahtohallan is our mother in a way, she birthed the magic that inhabits here and even Arendelle." The slight quiver in Elsa's voice drew Ryu's eye to her as she continued on telling the origins and nature of the glacier.

Her smooth voice drew out a yawn in some of the youngsters and even Ryder. After the story the children were put to bed by their parents, the last to go was Nina who clutched at Ryu's chest and had to be pried off by her father's strong hands.

They sat and talked until the fires died down and more people began to retire. "Alright-" Elsa yawned stretching when she stood up very wobbly on her legs. "Alright come on Ryu let's go."

Honeymaren smirked mirthful at Ryu who merely raised where her brow would have been. She was drunk, but Ryu couldn't judge her for it when she too stood she found herself unstable and had to take a few steps to regain balance. Elsa rested her arm around Ryu for support as they walked- stumbled really away. Ryu had not been drunk in a very long time and although it made her more reactive to sounds and sights, she liked felt as if she were thinking everything and nothing.

Elsa hummed a happy tune trying to lean against Ryu but also lead at the same time, her lovely voice through a drawled in slur was still lovely all the same. "If I were to dance for you... I'd dance like no one's watching... If I were to sing to you... I'd sing like no one's listening... If I were to love you, my love would have no end- for you are my friend."

When Elsa pulled at Ryu's neck they found themselves in front of a goahti. "Well this is it!" Elsa proclaimed too loud than what was appropriate. "My home away from home. I have blankets and books and...blankets...pillows...and things to read and some chocolate stored in there but don't tell anyone if the little ones knew they'd ransack me." It was nice and much suited Elsa with its blue linens and coverings stenciled with the same Selbu patterns as her fireplace. If there was one thing Elsa was it was consistent. She liked what she liked and kept those things and aspects with her wherever she went.

"Okay come on in!" She said excitedly scrambling in the front flap. When Ryu did not immediately follow due to being unsure she'd fit a hand slowly came past the flaps and a finger beckoned her in.

Crouching low the dragon slipped a few times while taking care to not bump or ruin anything. To her it felt more like a nest, and she was honoured by the invitation even if Elsa was a bit tipsy.

Elsa grabbed her neck again and pulled until the dragon could fit inside and landed her chest upon her stomach with a large oof. Soon after the spirit laughed her wheezy laugh. "See you fit just fine- it's fine perfect, okay! Good job team." Elsa cheered sitting up when Ryu regained her footing.

"You have a good day?" Ryu thought about changing to her more talkative body but the insecurity of being that vulnerable in a new place when she could have the choice to not be was too great. She was exhausted and a bit overwhelmed too. She huffed lowly.

Elsa titled her head crossing her knees. "Yes it was pretty tiring huh?" Ryu sat in front of the entrance and curled her limbs in closing her eyes until she heard the sweetest voice she'd ever know whisper.

"I'm so proud of you."

When her eyes open Elsa's smile confirmed that she only spoke the truth. Elsa looked as she were about cry but her grin conflicted this. Ryu had heard others be told this before but never herself.

"You were so brave, and gentle and I-" Ryu made a confused noise, she had definitely not been, hissing at three people and causing five fires to the decorations, but maybe Elsa's standard for her was that low. No. She wouldn't let that spoil it, this moment she didn't know she had been waiting for all her life and didn't even know was possible.

"Northuldra is my home as much as Arendelle and my house on the hill. I'm really happy I got to show it to you cause well you're my friend. I hope to some day be your friend." Elsa was so eloquent when she was nervous, Ryu had noticed, sounding like a queen speaking among subjects she didn't know how to please, specifically slow and clear as if every word was carefully considered.

Grinning a small bit Ryu crouch and crawled towards the spirit who busied herself setting out pillows and blankets and blew smoke into her face warm and somewhat moist from spittle. Elsa closed her eyes and coughed then blew a contrasting cold smokey breeze to Ryu.

It was thrilling being understood, to be spoke in a language she wasn't adept in but knew deep down inside.

"What'd you say we light this place up huh?" Ryu could have reminded Elsa the lighting qualities of her magic, and also the fact that her eyes perfected seeing in darkness but her energy was strong from her crepuscular tendencies and way Elsa's face already seemed to be so enthusiastic with the idea she couldn't resist.

So they ran, straight to the meadow, the path lit by Bruni who found them joining the sprint and Gale blowing through their hair vigorously. It was thrilling, they stumbled and scared the nocturnal forest life half to death with the they bursted from the bushes. Elsa would definitely regret this in the morning, from her back to the bruises and scrapes that decorated her knees but for she didn't care.

When they cascaded through the bushes like the waters of a wild bursted dam the fireflies scattered decorating the northern lights like a billion stars.

"Haha get em!" Elsa growled pointing towards their tiny prisoners. All the same they were gentle rolling and chasing each other through the tall grass rather than the original quarry. When they finally settled painting laboriously the fireflies slowly fluttered and landed on Ryu's scales who resisted the urge to itch as they crawled about.

Elsa gasped and hovered her finger above one which flew away. "I have read that fireflies enjoy warmth and humid temperatures. Are they cold?" Elsa asked with a concern of a mother who was watching her children shiver. She turned her frown into a smile and backed her hand away.

"Well they have you now." Ryu gurgled displacing some but they drew right back into her chest. Ryu inhaled deeply. Elsa smelt salty, exilerhated yet calming, balsamic, and spicy. She smelt of the forest and blood, of the dirt beneath her fingernails from scrambling to stand up from the ground. Someone who meandered up the north mountains and came back with scars that told their story.

Her smile was small, hopeful, telling of how she was feeling just as much as her scent was.

The familiarity they shared reminded Ryu of ancient books, ones read by many and known by all, the green pines, the alcohol they drank tonight that lulled them into silliness and would give them headaches in the morning to laugh about and regret.

Elsa smelt of all the things they did that day.

Something that Ryu had never known in her entire life of wandering the earth.

Elsa smelt like a friend.

Elsa smelt and looked like home.