Elsa paced back and forth outside a ceremonial tent leaving a trail of ice behind her. Bruni scurried out from his hiding spot and happily hopped on the ice, sliding back and forth on his belly grinning. Elsa paused and smiled down at the little amphibian. "At least someone is having fun."
Bruni glanced up at her nodding his head quickly. She sighed running her fingers through her hair. Her wife went into labor a few hours ago. Honeymaren had explained to her in Northuldra culture the midwives take care of everything. This is not something she is comfortable with. Elsa had tried to stay with her for as long as possible, but Yelena gently guided her out, firmly stating she is only stressing out the mother.
Elsa squeezed the staff in her hand tightly. She hadn't meant to come off so overbearing. She just wanted to make sure Honeymaren is comfortable. Elsa's hand shot up and caught Bruni as he jumped towards her. She smiled faintly as he rolled in her hand. He stopped and tilted his head at her. Elsa shrugged. "Sorry little guy, I'm going to be a mother soon and..." A strange feeling came over her as her words sunk in. "I'm going to be a mother," She said again in a whisper. This is really happening. A new young life that will depend on her for guidance. What if she fails? What if she can't protect him?
Elsa started to feel light headed. She felt Bruni crawl up to her neck, poking her before she blacked out.
Elsa rolled over to her side coughing as water crashed down over her. She glared up at Ryder. He set the bucket in his hand aside. "Whew, I was starting to get worried. What happened?" Elsa continued coughing and wiping her face. She thanked Silverwind as he helped her to her feet. She crossed her arms blushing. "I was just overwhelmed."
Ryder put his hands on his hips nodding. "Yeah I bet. I've seen other men pass out waiting. Well you're not a man, but you get what I mean." He looked over to the tent wearing a somber expression. "I wonder how shes doing in there."
"Fine," Elsa said sighing. She grabbed her staff. "Their aura's are strong." Ryder arched a brow. "Aura? Is that some kind of spirit thing?"
"Yes. Everyone has one and they are all distinctive."
They both watched in awe as a beautiful grape vine grew around the tent. The vegetation near them pulsed, sending out a rippling green hue. Ryder hummed amazed leaning over to Elsa. "Woah, I'm going to be an uncle to a God."
Elsa smiled, tapping him with her staff. "We're not Gods Ryder. We just have magic."
"Surrre."
She rolled her eyes at him before pausing. Elsa looked over to him with a large grin before running towards a road near the village. Ryder followed after her confused. When he reached her location he understood immediately. Two beautiful horse drawn carriages can be seen riding towards them. The purple, green, and gold of Arendelle's flag flowing brilliantly above both. They came to a halt not far from the village. Elsa spotted Gerda and other familiar Arendelle staff exit the second carriage.
They seemed tired, but stood at attention waiting for further guidance. Berven walked around to the front of the first carriage. He opened the door bowing. Anna stepped out wearing a traveling version of her usual Queenly attire. She thanked Berven after he helped her down. Anna cleared her throat, speaking in a clear commanding tone as she went over Northuldra customs. She released them and they dispersed immediately. Some started unpacking, while others set up camp.
Elsa walked over feeling pride swell within her. To think she once worried how her sister would adapt to being Queen. They locked eyes and Elsa's heart skipped. For a split second it felt like her mother was looking at her. Anna smiled slowly tilting her head. "Don't tell me I came all this way and you're not happy to see me?"
Elsa shook her head. She tried her best to keep her emotions in check. "You wear the crown well."
Anna blushed. She walked over hugging her tightly. Elsa can sense something is different about her. She decided to keep this information to herself. As Anna greeted and hugged Ryder, Kristoff appeared holding a grumpy looking Agnarr. He gave a thumbs up. "Emergency Diaper change successful!" He stepped to the side swiftly allowing Olaf to run past him. "Elsa! I wanna hold the baby!"
Elsa giggled. She leaned down embracing him. "He's not here yet."
Anna's face scrunched up. "Wait what? Why are you not with her?" Elsa fidgeted with her staff. "I was. They kicked me out..."
"To be fair," Ryder added. "Father's usually aren't present when babies are born in our culture."
Anna chuckled at his choice of words. Elsa nudged him with her staff embarrassed. He shrugged. "What?"
"Okay, what did I miss?" Kristoff asked as he approached them. Elsa moved over to him and kissed his cheek. "Just these two picking on me." She lifted Agnarr into her arms and bombarded his cheek with kisses. He giggled, his feet bouncing happily. Elsa waved her hand and formed him a small ice pony. Agnarr beamed at the creation, sticking it into his mouth.
Kristoff whistled impressed when he noticed Silverwind. "Well hello gorgeous!" Sven groaned displeased and shoved him frowning. Kristoff shrugged with a smile. "What? You're still my best buddy." The group laughed. Ryder couldn't resist leaning back on Silverwind with a smug grin. "Yep, he's one of a kind. Wanna take him for a spin?"
Kristoff grinned broadly. He froze for a moment. Then turned towards Anna pouting like a hurt puppy. She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Just be careful you two." Kristoff and Ryder highfived. They ran off together with a disgruntled Sven following behind. Anna chuckled. "Those two and their reindeer obsession." She looked over to Olaf. "Hey, can you watch Agnarr for a moment? I want to speak with Elsa in private."
Olaf grinned broadly, his hands outstretched. "Sure thing Anna! Babysitting duties have commenced! I won't let you down!"
Elsa frowned. She doesn't like the idea of Olaf watching an infant. She looked over to Anna perplexed. She just blinked at her wearing a serious expression. "What? He watches him all the time." Elsa nodded slowly. She leaned down and rested Agnarr against him. Olaf chuckled as Agnarr grabbed his nose. He pulled it away, shaking the large carrot. "Can you say Olaf yet Aggy?"
"Oola!"
Elsa's heart warmed watching them interact. Anna intertwined their arms and guided her along a small lake near by. A peaceful silence settled between them. Elsa looked over to her curious. "What did you want to talk about?" Anna stopped walking and watched the water. "I'm going to be meeting with the King and Queen of the Southern Isles next week."
Elsa's brow's shot up. "Oh? They can't be seeking a trade deal, their land is rich in resources."
"Actually, They've been recovering from a civil war. What's worrying is King Franz informed me Hans is missing. I wasn't aware he tried to kill him last year."
Elsa is taken aback. She scowled. "Why didn't they lock him up? To think that monster is on the loose! This is unbelievable." Anna rested her hand over hers. "They did lock him up. When they returned to his cell it was empty. No signs of a struggle. The guards didn't even see anything."
Elsa held her chin in deep thought. "You don't think he somehow has magic now do you?" Anna frowned. "You have to be born with magic right? You can't just acquire it."
Elsa never considered if learning magic was possible. Northuldra are able to interact with magic because they are in harmony with nature, but that is vastly different from casting spells. The more she thought about it, it didn't seem too outlandish. "I-I'm not sure," Elsa said sighing. She would need to visit Ahtohallan for answers.
Anna groaned quietly. "We're just going to have to keep our guard up then. If I spot anything suspicious in the kingdom, I will inform you immediately."
Elsa nodded. She looked into the lake, quietly praying this nonsense with Hans doesn't morph into something serious. Anna cleared her throat. "Oh and there's something else..."
Elsa smiled knowingly. "You're pregnant."
Anna threw her hands up annoyed. "Oh come on! I wanted to surprise you! Can't you turn the spirit thing off sometimes?" Elsa covered her mouth laughing. She stopped when she noticed Anna looking past her at something. She followed her gaze and spotted Yelena watching them stoically. Elsa felt her heart speed up. She couldn't resist running over. She bit her lip waiting patiently for her to say something, anything.
Yelena's eye's softened. A small smile spread over her features. "Nature has blessed Honeymaren with a healthy baby."
Elsa exhaled slowly feeling relief wash over her. Both women jumped startled when Anna squealed loudly. She shook Elsa's shoulders back and forth with joy. "Anna! Knock it off," Elsa said blushing. Yelena cleared her throat and she stopped immediately. She turned away, motioning towards Elsa. "You may enter, but only you for now. I will come back for the others."
Anna let out a pout, but nodded in understanding. She hugged Elsa, kissing her cheek. "Congratulations new mommy, see you in a bit okay?" She tried to pull away, but Elsa held onto her. Anna looked at her worriedly. "Elsa?"
"I'm scared," Elsa whispered quietly into her shoulder. Anna squeezed her tightly, rocking her. "Oh Elsa, You're going to be a good mom. You may mess up sometimes, but that just comes with being a parent. Just take it a day at a time."
Elsa sniffled when they pulled apart. "Thank you."
Anna wiped away her tears with her thumb. "Anytime, if you ever have questions just ask me. I'm practically a professional at this now."
Elsa chuckled. "Says the one letting a snowman watch her baby."
Anna blushed embarrassed. "Hey! I - I should go check on them..."
Elsa smiled watching her run away. She took a deep breath and walked towards Yelena. "Sorry, I'm ready."
Elsa is grateful the walk to the ceremonial tent is a decent length. She needed the extra time to compose herself. As they approached the entrance singing could be heard. Elsa recognized the song instantly. It is the same one Honeymaren sang for Anna. Her heart fluttered hearing her wife's beautiful voice. Yelena opened the door and Elsa gasped.
There are three women inside with Honeymaren. Two at her side and one cleaning her legs. Deep green grass is all around them with various flowers in bloom. Honeymaren is laying nude on a thick bed roll. Her body has random vines wrapping around her with white flowers. She clutched the new born close to her chest, cradling the back of his head. Her thumb running gently through his light brown hair. Elsa could feel tears in her eyes as she took in the beautiful site.
One of the women at her wife's side scooted over and motioned for her to take her place. Elsa carefully walked to her side. She removed her white shawl and draped it over them. Honeymaren smiled up at her tiredly. She shifted over, leaning into Elsa. "He's perfect."
Elsa inhaled sharply, tears falling from her eyes. She looked over her son and noticed a few strands of platinum blonde in his hair. She rested the back of her hand on his cheek, his eye's peeked open revealing two beautiful blue orbs. "What are you going to name him winter?" One of the women near by asked.
"Dion." The little one turned his head, blinking up at her. Honeymaren watched amazed. She found the name a bit strange, but she said it again to herself and smiled. "Hmm, our little Dion." Elsa sighed content. This is more than she could have ever dreamed of. It all felt too perfect. She forced herself to push away any negative thoughts and just enjoy this moment with her family.
Yelena allowed people in to view the child. The first Northuldra to be blessed with magic is a pretty big deal. Anna walked in and gawked at their surroundings. "Woah, serious garden going on in here." She moved over to Honeymaren and placed a kiss on her forehead. She rested her hand on Dion's back. "Awww, he's so cute!"
Kristoff entered next holding Agnarr. He blushed seeing Honeymaren half naked. "Urm, I feel like I'm not supposed to be in here."
Anna rolled her eyes. "Really Kristoff? There have been other men in here before you, stop ruining the moment." He shrugged apologizing. Anna walked over and lifted Agnarr out of his arms. She brought him over to Honeymaren, leaning him over Dion. "This is your cousin sweetheart." Agnarr looked at the new born curiously. He tapped his head softly.
Elsa smiled watching the cute interaction. Her smile faded when she saw Ryder. He is standing in the doorway, wearing an extremely somber expression. When their eyes met, he looked away. He shook his head and stepped back outside. Elsa stood up, only to be stopped by Yelena. "I will speak with him." Elsa sat back down and Honeymaren looked over to her sadly. "Was that Ryder? He doesn't want to see his nephew?..."
Elsa wrapped her arm around her as she speculated what is wrong with him. "He just needs some time darling." Honeymaren didn't seem convinced. She closed her eyes, kissing the top of Dions head. Elsa exchanged a look with Anna. She shook her head, not wanting to address what just happened. There will be plenty of time for that later.
Silverwind's hooves beat down on the ground below him roughly. His icy hooves leaving a trail of snow in the dirt. Ryder rode on top of him breathing heavily, his rear and arms hurting from how long they have been traveling. It's only been a few hours, but he can feel fatigue setting in. He maneuvered the frozen reindeer into a clearing and dismounted him roughly.
He slumped down hanging his head. "Your time will come," Ryder said bitterly. Yelena's words ringing again and again in his mind. Silverwind walked in front of him and sat down similar to a dog. He nudged him with his head and Ryder couldn't resist laughing. "You're overreacting!" Ryder said for Silverwind who nodded his head.
Ryder groaned before standing up. He grabbed his belt looking down before continuing. "Silver, everyone I've grown up with has paired up, accept me. It was just Honeymaren and I for so long. Then Elsa showed up and everything changed..." He thought back to the first time Honeymaren asked if he would stay back so she could have some alone time with Elsa. He smiled and said it was no big deal, but he knew it was only the beginning. He closed his eyes tightly. "I wish it didn't hur-"
Ryder froze when he heard the sound of a woman crying. He looked over to Silverwind perplexed. "You hear that too right?"
He followed the sound of the crying to a young dark haired woman not too far from him. He watched her mesmerized by her beauty. Ryder shook his head mentally slapping himself. "Hey, are you okay?" the woman stopped crying and jumped back startled. Her eyes shot between him and Silverwind. "Oh my goodness, is that reindeer made of ice!?"
"Yep, pretty cool right?"
Silverwind pranced over to her and bowed low. The woman rested her hand on her chest and laughed quietly. "Yes, I suppose so." she visibly relaxed and Ryder smiled. "So, why were you crying a few seconds ago."
She looked away. "I-I'm still mourning my father. He passed away recently. I don't know why I'm telling a stranger this." Ryder walked over and rested his hand on Silverwind's back. "Sorry for your loss. I know the pain. Both of my parents are dead. My name's Ryder by the way."
She smiled looking him over. "Well, it's nice to meet you Ryder. I'm Viona." Ryder tilted his head curiously. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened to him?"
"He was stabbed sixteen times in the chest."
Ryder's eye's bugged out. "Oh, I think I'll be going now." Viona ran over to him blocking his path. "Wait, please! It's not what you think. We are peaceful people. There have just been strange things happening at our settlement as of late. If you saw with your own eye's you would understand." Ryder rubbed the back of his neck unsure. Silverwind tugged at his clothes, trying to move him far away from this place.
Viona moved some of her hair behind her ear shyly. "I am alone now. I would feel much safer with someone as strong as yourself protecting me." Ryder looked down blushing. Silverwind rolled his eye's. It took him only a moment to make up his mind. "Alright then, lead the way!" Viona clasped her hands together happily. Silverwind shot Ryder a disapproving look. He poked him playfully.
"Oh come on, we'll stay for a day. What's the worse that could happen"
A/N: There will be more Elsa/Honeymaren smut in later chapters, the ideas are flowing. Ty for the reviews. Hate it? Love it? Let me know :D 3
