She looked rather dashing if Ryu said so herself... And she did. After giving one last twist in the mirror, turning, hands akimbo she looked to Bruni perched on a chest. "Well what ya think?" Tilting his head, eyes squinted in appraisal he licked his eyeball.
Snapping her fingers Ryu nodded in silent agreement and scooted him off the chest containing spare clothes and cloths. "Ah-ha!" She lifted a black garment and set to work manipulating it to take shape of her desire. Sure this excursion's purposes were very perilous in nature but that didn't mean it also couldn't be fun.
The last provisions and luggage were loaded onto the Royal full rigged ship Fredriksværn Jernbre, the pride and joy of the Royal non combative naval Fleet of Arendelle. The ship was a namesake for Elsa and Anna's Great-great grandfather Fredrick Árnadalr. The large vessel brandished green wood with gold gilding along the sides. The prow's nautical figurehead was a beautifully carved Eagle.
Elsa had only traveled upon it thrice, the first trip to the kingdom of Corona was one of frequent snow storms of anxiety from sea travel both Anna and Elsa possessed, the last ones went by much smoother with the help of Nokk aid's. Elsa had finally conquered her fear of oceans, the bitter wounds had turned to dull scars. Fear would not rule her life any longer.
The ship's Captain, a long weathered navel officer and well respected in Arendelle's navy, had earned every single medal his green and black pressed uniform adorned.
"Ah Lady Elsa, I must say it is an honor to be accompanying you, please if you need anything-" his large calloused hands gestured to the entirety of the ship. "Do not hesitate to ask." Elsa knew the proper thing to do was to offer her hand to his if he so asked it and she would have possessing nothing but high regard for him and his services. Her esteem for him increased ten fold when he made no request instead allowing her to walk beside him along the dock.
"A small bird told me that we will be having an... Unexpected guest joining us- she was very eager this morning to board-" his goading tone made Elsa withhold a wince knowing exactly who he was referring to.
"Yes that is correct, Captain Saunes but rest assured she will be on her best behavior and prove to be no detriment to your crew or Fredriksværn Jernbre and I will take full responsibility for all her actions." This must have satisfied him enough to turn his attention to Anna and Kristoff bowing deeply paying the Royal couple the proper reverence.
Anna of course was the most casual of the group in greeting with a beaming smile. "Hello Captain Saunes-" her attentions immediately taken by the ship and its crew who moved with such precision and fluidity of cogs in a clock, she whistled in veneration.
Kristoff too nodded holding his large knapsack carrying everything he'd need over his shoulder. "It's big." The simple statement earned a nudge from Anna. "She's more than big she's - she's-"
"Big." Honeymaren finished for her jogging up the dock to join them except her tone fluctuated at the sight, she had never seen a ship like this before in her life let alone travel upon one. Her eyes bounced from the large beautiful sails rolled up doned in purple and green with the golden crocus taking center fold.
Elsa and the captain shared a chuckle at her gawking.
"So where is Ryu?"
The question broke Elsa from her observations of Honeymaren's reaction to a frown. She turned to the captain. "Didn't you say she was already on board?"
His eyes looked past her shoulder with an unreadable expression.
"I wouldn't quite say 'On board' any longer." This perplexed Elsa further as she tilted her head at him.
"What do you mean by th-" before she could finish her question she felt a force grip her waist tightly speeding up into air. Her scream stopped short when she realized she was swept up in the arm of Ryu with the other gripping a long rope attached to who knew what swinging them away from the deck as her friends and captain stared at where she once stood before she was snatched off her feet.
Time slowing seemed impossible till then for Elsa, as she stared up at her dragon clad in a billowy blouse barely laced at her clavicle covered by a black leather vest- Where did she steal those clothes from!- looking nothing short of the swashbuckler pirates Anna would read to Elsa enthusiastically at bedtime when they were children.
Her hair slit back from the forces of the wind as she twisted left to angle the velocity at which they traveled, for the first time Elsa noticed how lithe and strong the Dragon's human body was. When they landed on a deck without any haphazard crashes Elsa released her fingers from clinging to the dragon's best with a deep flush, Ryu's hand hadn't removed itself from the small of her back until she was certain Elsa was planted firmly on her legs.
Ryu smiled brightly still hanging onto the rope.
"I see you um-" Elsa waved to her outfit's boots and brown riding trousers. She definitely stole those. "Are excited for this aren't you?" She ended in a breathless giggle.
"Are ya kidding this is the first time I've ever been on a ship and not shackled!" That was something Elsa would definitely inquire about later. "I deem myself-" Ryu's hand placed theatrically upon her chest before reaching in her pockets pulling out two makeshift eye patches. She spoke in her best rendition of a stereotypical pirate accent. "Paul Periwinkle the blind eerr pirate." With both eye patches in place she outstretched her arms to stumble forward.
Shaking her head Elsa looked between the stumbling dragon and her friends, gripping Ryu's shoulders she held her in place with a sheepish shrug. "It's Blind Paul Periwinkle the pirate?"
Instead of the expected irritation at her antics Captain Saunes bellowed a laugh. "We usually lock pirates up in the brig."
Honeymaren shook her head grasping Ryu's shoulders. "Oh that won't be necessary unless she decides to set fire to anything."
Finally Kristoff asked the question they all had been pondering. "Why are you wearing two eye patches?"
"Because arg! I be blinded by my parrot who betrayed me and stole me treasure-" lifting one of the patches she narrowed her eye at him speaking in her usual voice as if it was obvious. "I mean- I- it's in the name."
Anna folded her arms. "Book idea, called it."
Ryu nuzzled Elsa. "Come on Elsa be a pirate with me!" Elsa glanced down at her own very un-pirate attire of a blue blouse and white tights, her light cyan heeled boots.
"Um-" she began awkwardly waiting for the group to disperse but the only one to leave to delegate the crew was the captain.
"Yea Elsa let's hear your best pirate voice." Anna devilishly goaded crossing her arms with a shit eating grin.
Elsa felt like they were playing a game of charades except this time in public. She hugged herself and leant forward slightly. "I uh- I can't do impressions especially Gaelic or accents I uuhh-" taking one look at Ryu's pleading eyes growing in width was a mistake and entirely unfair.
"Uh Argh should we-" What do pirates say? "What'da ya say should we take them out back?" Even Elsa had to break down in laughter at how she sounded, it probably couldn't even be considered an accent, more akin to a shady salesperson luring in a victim while drunk.
All the same it made Ryu happy, and Anna cry with how hard she was laughing, Honeymaren was chuckling so hard the wheezes stayed locked in her throat.
"You be a funny lass, so I shall make thee me first mate."
"Well thank you." Elsa bowed her head graciously.
"But don't you have to be captain to have a first mate?" Kristoff asked as they were led to the cabins.
"Don't you have to be captain to be a first mate?" He whispered again to Anna who shrugged apathetically and trailed behind as Elsa looked over her shoulder and nodded taking care that Ryu didn't notice the silent message sent between them.
"Uh oh I forgot something up on the deck!" Anna declared urgently halfway on the steps. "Honeymaren, Kristoff can you guys help me with it? Kinda heavy."
"Oh uh. Sure!" They followed her back up.
Perfect, Ryu seemed more so excited at the aspect of sea travel then curious as to what was going on. Her demeanor ebullient as she practically skipped beside Elsa down the ships short hall.
"Well-" Elsa began standing in front of a wooden door, she grabbed the knob turning it. "This will be our home for the next two weeks and then another two weeks."
The cabin wasn't as extravagant as the one Anna and Kristoff would be occupying but luxury wasn't really a priority for Elsa. A nice desk with a lovely window above a sunbed, perfect for gazing out at the sunset over the ocean's horizon. A book shelf probably unused for quite some time, a door which led to a washroom..and a sizeable bed. Ryu seemed pleased though if she wanted to stretch as a dragon she'd have to do so above on deck, and even Olaf was content sitting on the edge of the bed.
Wait a second-
Elsa did a double take. "Olaf!" She shut the door quickly. The snowman waved at her kicking his small stubby legs.
"Hi Elsa! I didn't know we'd be bunk mates. The room is a little a cramp though for three people so Ryu may have to sleep in there." He pointed to the washroom but Ryu shrugged. 'I don't mind."
Elsa rubbed her temples and began pacing. She wasn't going mad was she? Cause she distinctly remembered explaining albeit in a painful goodbye that the snowman and other spirits would have to stay behind. Sure they were welcomed and loved in Arendelle but if the assassination attempts were due to her magic that very well could make them targets as well.
Nokk took the news the hardest but was far more understanding of the situation than Olaf which was very evident by the fact that he was right here in front of her ready for an adventure.
She knelt in front of Olaf cradling his small sticks. Her voice comforting yet remorseful. "Olaf, this is a very dangerous mission we're on I explained to you this morning that while I would love for you to come it's too dangerous and I couldn't bare anything happening to you."
Olaf bowed his head in shame mumbling apologies.
Ryu watched, leaning on the desk with a somber expression. She almost regretted their exchange that morning after her heart to heart with Nokk.
It was difficult waking so early but the fear of being left behind spurred Ryu to awaken. She still didn't beat Elsa to being an early riser. When she opened the door to her bedroom her sheets were neatly tucked and room devoid of her presence so was the house.
Out the front door she found the spirits gathered around in what appeared like a solemn discussion. Elsa too was quiet when she noticed her and took shakey inhales before mounting Nokk.
"Are you ready?" Her scratchy voice trembled.
"As I'll ever be." Ryu replied quietly changing forms quickly. Elsa set the horse into a trott but Ryu lingered behind. Bruni was utterly depressed and didn't even acknowledge the dragon who approached him. Was Elsa really leaving him behind?
If she was Ryu knew it was only out of anxiety probably for the little guy's safety. She regarded him very closely and nudged his side. The salamander still did not respond climbing up into the rafters of Elsa's roof.
Ryu's nomadic lifestyle had hardened her heart to good-byes all of them being permanent through her travels. She had met benevolent creatures of all shapes and sizes, stayed with them for varying periods. Some tried to kill her at first yet still endeared themselves to her and some were crucial aspects as to why she lived to this day. Still even with this short period they would be away it hurt and she wasn't sure if she was synthesizing with Elsa's emotions at being separated for so long with those that she considered-no- those that were her family or what. To some bizarre reasoning she felt herself feeling more for Elsa with recondite emotions than she did herself and could not concur the truth behind it.
Perhaps it was simple: she hated seeing the woman in any form of trepidation.
Perhaps that's why when Olaf cried icy tears sharing them with Elsa's she waited for the woman to leave the courtyard and corresponded him when she was out of sight.
Directly influencing him to disobey Elsa was not difficult with the reasoning that there was much more to the snowman than many in his life believed. Deep down Ryu could sense a unique intelligence and wisdom in his jejune manner of going about things, Elsa knew this, Ryu had seen both her and Anna take his council without question and have success yet their fear of his safety sometimes superceded that.
This quest they were on was both diplomatic and delicate and Ryu was recondite in all of those aspects as far as she knew. Perhaps the snowman could provide insight to things that were lost to others who overcomplicated matters. Afterall he was a combination of the love Elsa and Anna shared for one another and both were naturally perspicacious in different ways.
"Olaf Elsa needs us, for different eh reason yesu but she needs us." Those words were enough to convince him to stowaway on board. Even if he was just for moral support Ryu sensed that he was needed and she just like with Elsa would protect him.
The vow became solidified when Nokk tugged at her sleeve before boarding the ship. They locked eyes and for once Ryu understood the stallion. Her eyes bore into his with determination that burned within her chest.
"I will protect her, with all that I am. No matter what Elsa will return to you safely." She'd have to add it to her many promises she made in her life, some broken some still in the process of being kept but Nokk believed her, she could tell he accepted and passed on his hopes to her and Ryu would freeze over hell before she broke trust they had developed in the quick intense exchange.
How could Elsa send Olaf back when he needed her, and she needed him? They had already been through hell and high water together. Despite the debate within herself it was never to be undone or resolved. The shift beneath their feet signaled the ships departure from the docks. What was done was done. Sighing tiredly she stood and faced Ryu with a confusion of what emotion to feel.
Ryu met her stance that made their height difference vanish.
"You will never say goodbye to any them."
Elsa squared her shoulders and kept their stares locked enabling Ryu's ability to deny or look away, her muscles froze her body in place. Elsa's eyes were beautiful- sweet- yes but they possessed an ability of becoming dark, dangerous.
"We. All of us will never say goodbye."
Ryu nodded understanding, yielding.
As the crew busied themselves with setting the sails Queen Anna once again made an appearance as she entered the lower brig which smelt of burnt wood, gun powder, rats, and other things she wouldn't rather mention or think of. Despite being part of the Royal convoy the brig was rarely used on this ship until now.
"Comfy?" Honeymaren jested feeling as much satisfaction as Anna and Kristoff did seeing Julien shackled and gagged. The man remained eerily calm as expected it took quite a lot of goading and mental fatigue to get him going. He stubbornly refused to relieve his joints and body upon the wooden cot provided.
Anna took surveillance of the heavy military guard and patrol he was placed under. It wasn't so much the lack of protection for her traveling party but to keep a certain curious dragon out. She had already felt it risky to have Elsa in on the plan of bringing him back to Ruskland but Anna trusted Elsa despite Elsa's seeming lack of trust in her as of recent months but as queen she'd lead an example for her subjects, and even her older sister at times.
She shared a small smile with Honeymaren, both women knew their rivalry for Elsa's affections at first may have been serious but now was a playful jest between them, as maturity set in, silliness of many matters took root as well. Besides Honeymaren was as formidable as a Valkyrie with just her staff and spear alone.
Returning to the upper deck the trio could see Ryu already getting more than comfortable with life at sea. The girl was all over the place climbing masts, using very tolerant sailors' and seamans' shoulders as jump boost to get to higher place or as a platform.
At first Anna thought herself irate to dragon's antics but seeing the fledgling's wonderment and somewhat submissive- absolute incredulousness to her surroundings and those she shared it with Anna found herself begining to grin in observation of her. She was still fearful of humans and obviously testing the boundaries of her freedom at sea. There was an innocent mischief in her actions and mannerisms that Anna recognized in both herself and Elsa. The behavior of an older individual who never had the chance to be a child during their years of youth.
Even now at twenty-six Elsa would hide in trees dumping snowy tricks on the queen. Anna of course would rebuttal with her own antics and pranks. They played games and teased each in ways that many would deem immature for their age, but they couldn't bring themselves to care... Well except Elsa who still sometimes among certain audiences played the prim and proper mature sibling but Anna knew the truth that she was just as much of an awkward goofball as herself.
Anna left Kristoff and Honeymaren to talk amongst themselves to join Ryu who was leaning severely far over the edge of the ship's railing looking at the waters with familiarity and fidgeting from the way her scales twitched and shivered rocking back and forth on her heels, she hardly even noticed Anna resting her elbows on the wood gazing at the waters sloshing lazily against the hull.
She overheard Olaf? And Kristoff.
"How did you even get on the ship, Sven wasn't allowed to come- did Elsa sneak you on?"
"Actually it was Ryu."
"Of course it was."
Anna shook her head, she'd deal with that whole situation later but now...
"You know..." Anna began nonchalantly fiddling with her fingers. "Everyone aboard knows that you're dragon and when we arrive to Ruskland you won't be able to be you're true self-" she glanced at Ryu who stopped moving but still did not look at her. "I don't know- maybe it's best to get all of that...'dragon energy' out for the two weeks we're sailing so you won't be so-so antsy."
Ryu still seemed dubious of the woman's intentions, so she kept looking to the water and back at Anna so quickly in a way that made Anna truly question how old was she.
Closing her eyes to sigh was a mistake since she didn't have the awareness to prep herself for the loud splash of salty bitter seawater which burned her eyes and puckered her mouth. She groaned almost giving up on ever predicting what Ryu would do next. She definitely knew now that even without it being intentional Ryu was determined to torture her in some way or form. But when the burning was rubbed away Anna found herself transfixed on the submerged configuration of the grey dragon maneuvering under the water's surface swiftly on varying motions.
There was a sense of unabashed freedom and wildness Anna wished for herself. To move freely in life inhibited. Yes she had learned responsibility and how to control the compulsive nature that still roared within her. That same control kept her from leaping into the waters and joining Ryu in her gallant frolic.
"Captain! Reporting that our passenger has flung overboard and a large creature is in pursuit." Captain Saunes looked to the worried Elsa who rushed to the side of ship and sighed with relief. Taking her reaction to heart he patted the young and nervous sailor on the shoulder and assured him they'd be seeing a lot of that on their voyage.
Elsa smiled at the captain and followed Ryu's fast swimming along the deck apologizing to anyone she'd bump into. Taking out her notebook she scribbled that when a swift evasive action was required the dragon's trident tail flukes and legs would tuck against the sides of her body for her to slither and move forward by means of lateral wavelike motions of the tail- like a crocodile- and for more broader and long range motions she'd spread her flukes out flat and moved in an up-and-down motion to accelerate similar to a whale. It was exhilarating seeing Ryu use different motions of animals Elsa had both read and seen in an aquatic environment.
The minutes felt like seconds and the hour felt like minutes. Elsa was utterly bewitched. Sometimes Ryu would completely vanish underneath the depths which worried Elsa in case she'd be left behind but she was quickly assured when she'd seen a swarm of fish scurry to the surface to be flung into the air and seemingly played with by Ryu's tail and snout, above water they'd be burned, by purple pink flames just to be chewed and swallowed.
Poor fish
These behaviors that Ryu repeated; diving, swimming, and entertaining the ships occupants with complicated acrobatics of breaching and flipping, soon were joined by a pod of dolphins who took the opportunity of the hunt deciding that Ryu proved to be more symbiotic than predatory. This made Elsa feel guilty as much as she felt elated. Ryu's communication with the dolphins seemed fluent, sometimes they'd butt heads but altogether the brief relationship formed benefited both. More and more dolphins appeared realizing that the strange creature following the boat meant food for their young and kin and was less of a threat. Their cries and flips awed all present in appreciation.
Elsa though, enjoying the show as much as anyone else present, was saddened by the what if pessimism that swarmed her brain. Had she been keeping Ryu from miraculous events such as these? Dragons, as Grand Pabbie told her, were a perfect equilibrium of nature to exist in peace and bring light, with symbiotic understanding in keeping balance and kinship with all living creatures. How far had humans' selfish destructive tendencies go to destroy such a egalitarianism and torture those left behind? For the first time ever Elsa felt a disdain towards humans she had never experienced before. It startled her so much she recoiled physically from seemingly nothing finally returning from her thoughts to the present show at hand.
After four hours Ryu courteously returned to the ship and recoiled as if her nature and instincts were a blight upon those present but instead of rebuke she received praises upon her acrobatics and skill.
Some sailors even jested to bring her along on fishing trips and more royal expeditions if not for her benefit but to simply be an enjoyable sight to see.
She tried to hide her timid appreciation in a rigorous shake. Water flung from her scales not phasing the well seasoned men. Her scales rattled in a way that further pulled Elsa in though Ryu could not see the appreciation as simply an acceptable response, she refused the possibility, keeping her guard up to not frighten anyone. It made Elsa's curiosity grow.
Taking a few steps upon the deck she looked around, head low but no one seemed to exploit her acquiescent manners. This was odd and she craned her neck to look for any transgressors yet found none.
For the first time since she arrived in Arendelle Ryu felt truly spent, sprawling on the deck in a corner. Her limbs splayed out on her side, as she panted. "Oh you're bleeding." And that was how Elsa found her looking perfect as usual in her icy garb and heels sounding like music as they clicked on the wood. Ryu watched the spirit waltz over as if her presence meant nothing, as she didn't know the effect she had on others. The nerve of her! in her blue tight blouse, little white cape and form fitting white trousers. Hair tied in a perfectly messy ponytail. Seriously how could someone so natural look as if they were crafted purposely to allure the unexpected into a trap of heaven yet hone so much authority in a caring and giving manner?
Ryu had known two aspects in life. One domineering in force and power and one yielding submissively without choice. Yet Elsa was both. How could that be? Her regal nature beguiled those to follow in assurance of safety, security, promising to care and guide yet soft and submissive to not force one; to instead protect and shield from the harshness of the world.
She was utterly inveigling in her soft and firm touches. Ryu couldn't help but be clay molded into whatever Elsa wished her to be. It was a terrifying as conformity that settled in Ryu's body. To be told what to do- no not told- but bewitched, promising nothing but pleasant things ahead if she listened.
Elsa's expression of awe quickly changed to that one she had when she found an injured animal or plant, honestly Ryu felt both insulted and flattered.
She knelt in front of her tutting at Ryu grasping her muzzle, rubbing circles into it with her thumbs."Your nose." She coos remorsefully and flicked her wrist, summoning an ice cloth to gently dab and wipe away the blood. Ryu's eyes shut allowing Elsa to rake her own over all the features of the dragon. She grinned noticing that even in this form Ryu had a light dusting of freckles which were fainter due to her coloration. Pretty soon the blood was long gone but still Elsa wiped and pressed, focusing intently on the feel and give of Ryu's face and head.
There was no more bleeding coming from her nostrils, and thus no more reason for Elsa to keep tending to her but-
I need to examine where the injury came from in the first place! And maybe check her for more,Yes!
Placing the cloth down she brushed Ryu's soaked mane from her eyes which opened looking up at Elsa with more trust than she had ever seen from her.
Elsa's heart bashed against her ribs, pulsing audibly in her ears. She felt an excitement thrumming through her at what she was about to suggest.
"Those dolphins maybe banged you up, so let's go to my cabin and I can check- and get you all dry before you catch something." It was silly, obviously Ryu was resilient enough to not have to worry about growing ill from dampness, afterall she spent a good portion of her life at sea but-
Better safe than sorry.
Nodding Elsa stood up and half turned till she realized Ryu had already began morphing. Gasping she worked quickly to time and dress the girl in a thin gown. Ryu didn't care or was prudish about nudity but Elsa would not allow her to go stark naked around deck for the sailors to gawk at.
They were a respectable crew, but everyone had their limits of piety.
Ushering her away she gave Anna a notice of her plans but was in such a hurry she didn't catch the chary way Anna rose a brow at her retreating form.
Entering the cabin Elsa shoulders slacked at Olaf's serendipitous absence but hadn't the slightest notion of why. Shaking the thought away she washed her hands and returned with a towel to find Ryu sitting with her legs crossed on the bed.
She looked sleepy and yawned. Ryu must have been fatigued from how she still left small bits of her draconic features exposed, her ears weren't traded for the appendages which drooped down and more scales covered her skin than usual.
Hesitation kept Elsa from climbing onto the bed for a few moments till she was gently rubbing and kneading the towel over Ryu. The only thing to be heard was her loud purr resonating in her chest.
The air was warm and lanterns created the perfect atmosphere for the pair's tête-à-tête as Elsa tenderly encouraged Ryu to lay back against the pillows murmuring. "Let me take a look at you." The dragon was obliging and this only made Elsa giddy and scoot closer.
"I want to make sure you're alright." Ryu nodded and dazedly watched as Elsa's hands hovered above her arm, signaling permission.
Elsa's fingers slid up and down her bicep tracing the scales, commiting how they felt to her memory. Her hands trembled as they traveled up to the shoulders. She was so warm.
Her scales soft and somewhat pliable.
When her eyes closed Elsa became more bolden with her perusal. A greed was born inside her, a compulsion to know Ryu inside and out. Ideas circling in her mind for future endeavors they'd pursue, knowledge they'd discovered together.
Finally.
The exploration made Elsa lose herself, she hadn't noticed how close her face was or how repetitive her caresses were.
Ryu looked to be on the cusp of sleep, her contentment assuaged Elsa's arguments within that this was wrong, that she was taking advantage and her ulterior motives were not of pure intent.
When Elsa reached her belly running fingertips roused the dragon, her eyes opening. Elsa's head snapped up and her probing hands slowed.
"Does this hurt?" She whispered slowly removing herself. Ryu shook her head and grabbed her wrist pulling it back to stomach, the cave in was less prominent and bruising was completely gone. The only tell of her previous injury was the lack of scales.
"It feels nice-"she said in a hoarse voice. Her breathing quickened when Elsa continued and a noise that wasn't like her purrs uttered passed her parted lips. It was whining and needy.
Elsa glanced at Ryu's eyes which were blown out, she had never seen them that way before and it was startling, especially when she sat up easing closer in proximity.
"Erusa-" her breath wisped across Elsa's mouth.
"Yes?" They both looked down at Ryu's hands coaxing Elsa to proceed.
"I like that." Elsa would have never guessed with how Ryu hid her soft underbelly from everyone going as far as to hiss at offenders who tried to defile that boundary.
And now- with her head resting against Elsa's shoulder, body leaning into her chest and hands guiding her wrist in different motions- now Elsa felt honored to have the privileged exclusivity.
Elsa had never witnessed Ryu so relaxed adding to the list of firsts for them. The only part of her not at complete ease were her hands which clung to Elsa's shirt as if to prevent escape. Elsa giggled silently at this, as if there would be any reason to escape. She promised to care for her Drage lyse and that's exactly what she'd plan on doing.
Her dormant hand tickled along Ryu's spine and shoulders until she reached her nape giving the little fluffed up scales her signature scratch.
This pleased Ryu even more, so she reciprocated Elsa's message, petting her torso and neck.
She's so sweet and needy.
Reason was gone, logic nowhere to be heard inside Ryu's mind, whatever it was Elsa was doing to her she prayed it didn't end. She couldn't explain it, didn't understand what was happening all she could do was react in ways that should have been embarrassing but that didn't matter right now.
Never had she felt so cherished, so cared for. As if she mattered, Elsa handled her as one would handle a delicate old tome, whose paper and seams would fall apart at the slightest carelessness.
Her pressing body forced Elsa to lean more into the pillows with a chuckle. Was Elsa mocking her? Maybe, she didn't care, her only concern was touch and smell, specifically Elsa's touch and her amazing scent. Normally overwhelming sweet but now intoxicated Ryu like whiskey warming her stomach and her nose a magnet attaching itself to Elsa's neck.
The woman stiffened in her arms but did not cease her ministrations. "Ryu?" Her tone inquisitive and also confused. She was answered with Ryu's tongue, lathering the exposed shoulder. Elsa tasted of berries, and seasalt, ready- for what Ryu had no clue. It was pleasant nonetheless.
This has to stop
Elsa could barely hear the still inner voice above her shuddering breaths, rolling her head to the side, it was the opposite of what she should have done enticing Ryu to behave like this.
It wasn't wrong, and was not selfish.
This had to be the way of dragons, how they treated those they cared for and Elsa just so happened to enjoy it. This was their language and Elsa would speak said language and allow Ryu bask in her instincts. She wasn't like the others and those who raised the dragon. Ryu could be herself entirely with Elsa without rebuke or shame.
In over indulgence she pressed face to Ryu's hair inhaling while her dragon licked up her neck ending each swipe with a soft nip.
What were they doing? Elsa battled against the notion, if somehow this was wrong, that nagging intuition that she was taking advantage still tried to worm its way in but was snuffed out by the warmth gathering in her lower abdomen. For a rare time in her life she felt hot all over and her skin flushed pleasantly.
She had cuddled Ryu many times before, and they were friends, friends would cuddle. Dragons would cuddle their friends. She wasn't even touching her anywhere that was less then appropriate, Ryu enjoyed it and so did she.
Elsa's eyes shut when the dragon's tongue was replaced with teeth, tenderly nipping at her jawline. Grand Pabbie had explained this behavior before, it was a form of grooming.
Why was she doing it now though?
Elsa's eyes opened at the question. It was platonic of course, she didn't know how grooming could not be.
They continued like this with the occasional whine or pule from Ryu when Elsa would stop, all signs of drowsiness gone. Eventually she allowed Elsa's hands rest, took to curling around her tightly and grooming her wherever possible while Elsa would pet her at random now falling asleep herself, the only thing keeping her awake was the tingle she felt shiver up her toes and spine when Ryu's hot tongue dragged across her skin cold skin.
The peace was shot down by the thunderous knocking scaring Elsa senseless, she jerked upright. Ryu dug in her claws to her side growling dangerously.
That was definitely an overreaction, especially since the person on the side of the door was a very concerned Anna.
Her eyes raked across Elsa's flushed form and disheveled hair to Ryu who was glaring dangerously at her.
"Is something wrong?" Elsa asked, only to be looked at like she was crazy.
"Uh I should be the one asking you that?" Elsa's head titled.
"What are talking about?" Anna pointed to the window.
How did Elsa not notice it was snowing... In July!
Anna grasped her hand frowning. "I was worried that maybe... You were sick or something?" They both knew what type of sick Anna was referring to.
"No I'm fine I was actually falling asleep- is it bad?" Elsa asked cringing.
"No just a light snow fall, were ya dreaming?"
"Not yet, hmm odd.." A musing Elsa glanced at Ryu while tapping her chin, the dragon still did not look blithe, borderline wrathful if Anna were to guess. Turning to Anna she smiled. "I'll be up to fix it in a minute."
Anna casted one last dubious look at Ryu before retreating
Shutting the door Elsa pressed her forehead to it breathing heavy. "Erusa?" Ryu's call was utterly pathetic and it plucked at Elsa's heartstrings.
She sat at the edge of the bed. Trying to lighten the mood she bopped Ryu's nose. "I'm going to go fix the surprise snowfall. You rest up okay? I'll even bring you back something sweet." Ryu was not appeased. Rising up she fixed her gown and stormed out of the room slamming the door so hard it rattled the walls leaving Elsa perplexed and a little hurt.
"What had gotten into her?" She asked aloud.
On the upper deck Honeymaren also looked thrown off jogging up to Elsa. "Thanks for the snow was getting pretty humid- What's up with Ryu?" Everyone seemed to appreciate it as well stretching in the cool weather, some of the men were busy laughing at Olaf telling surprisingly well and morbid jokes.
Elsa looked around. "Why where is she? " It seemed all anyone had was questions and no answers.
Honeymaren's hands flung upward."She just became a grumpy dragon and flew off, before though I asked her where she was going and she told me to tell you, don't bother waiting up for her, she'll be back later. And poof! She was gone."
Elsa replayed all of what transpired in the past hour while absent mindedly ridding the skies of cold air and snowflakes.
She examined Ryu, Ryu enjoyed it, they cuddled, Ryu groomed her almost to sleep then Anna came. Was she really getting huffy enough at the interruption that she'd storm off?
Usually Elsa would just let her simmer and try to talk it out later if it were anyone else but Ryu- while being impulsive was exceptionally rational and level headed- so this was very much out of character for her.
There was nothing Elsa could do now but convene with her family and wait for her to come back.
This was a terrible idea. Flying over the vast ocean was reminiscent of living on the run in the past. Hunted down like prey. The moon reflected off the dark waters beneath casted in a quick shadow of Ryu's body.
Baka, Baka, Baka!
Ryu berated herself, the frustration she felt when Anna knocked for a completely innocent reason did not deserve the aggression Ryu directed at her, nor did Honeymaren or Elsa deserve such treatment either, and now to make matters worse Ryu's anger chose herself to be its next target. She'd swear she was a glutton for punishment.
She was having such an amazing experience with Elsa discovering new things about herself and then of course she ruined it. But why?
The lack of emotional control frightened her, the neediness and longing frightened her. Sure she always had a pull towards Elsa, she was her best friend but when the spirit did what she did it- it triggered something and what that was Ryu had no answer for.
How would she explain this to Elsa and the others when she got back? Best thing to do was to just apologize and blame crankiness from lack of sleep and hope- pray even to whatever God existed- that Elsa wouldn't see past the redirection with her accurate intuition.
