Nokk galloped swiftly through the forest, his icy main flowing behind him as he weaved between trees. Elsa held his reins tightly, her hand coming up to wipe beads of sweat from her brow. The usual joy she exudes while riding the noble spirit is replaced with a serious expression. It would have been easier to navigate on the road, but Viona insisted this way is faster.

"Urm miss Elsa, would it be possible for us to take a break for a moment?" Elsa's face scrunched up. She glanced back at Viona who doesn't look so good. Her face is a deep pink and leaves are sticking out from her hair in different directions. Elsa tried to keep her tone even. "Every second we waste draws Ryder closer to death!"

She felt Viona tremble before speaking. "I understand, but I really need to relieve myself..."

Elsa let out a sigh. They have been on the road for some time. She jerked back on Nokk's reins, bringing him to a halt. The water spirit made a confused noise, arching a brow at her. Elsa chuckled, rubbing his back. "We're going to rest for a minute."

She slid off and watched Viona take off running into the trees. Elsa's eye's narrowed. She's still not sure what to make of this girl. There is no ill will coming from her, but she could be masking it in some way. It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to deceive her. She would just need to keep her guard up. Elsa walked over to a tree stump and sat down. Nokk moved over to her side, folding in his front and rear legs to lay down. He let out a huff. Elsa tilted her head sadly towards him. She reached over and stroked his mane. "Sorry to have you out here so long, you'll be back in the sea soon."

Elsa opened her satchel, smiling when she spotted her favorite flat bread. She quietly thanked her wife before taking a few bites. Foot steps could be heard coming towards her. Elsa glanced over to Viona as she sits a safe distance away from her. The other woman pulls out a book and begins to pray. Elsa blinked slowly watching her, her eye's scanning over the book. An uncomfortable feeling settled in her stomach, but She remains quiet, not wanting to interrupt her.

Viona notices Elsa's discomfort and chews her lip. She curls her fingers around the worn corners of the book before speaking. "I was stronger in my faith before all this." She looks up at her.

"I think the maker is testing me."

Elsa's expression is unreadable. She leans over stroking Nokk's mane.

"Have you faith in anything?" Viona asked watching her.

Elsa paused for a long moment. Even when she ruled Arendelle, she never cared much for religion. Now, her beliefs are very similar to her people, with a few personal alterations. "I have faith in my family." Elsa responded confidently.

Viona sighed. "I see. Things of the world."

Elsa's brow twitched in annoyance. She cleared her throat. "Why did your people come here? Judging by your garb, you are from the Southern Isles correct?"

Viona opened her mouth shocked. She leaned back, resting a hand on her chest. "W – We just wanted to practice our religion in peace, but the king would not have it. There was a revolt. We failed. The king was going to have our heads if we didn't -"

Viona froze mid sentence frowning. "You think I'm hiding something?"

Elsa narrowed her eyes at her. "Is Hans with you?"

"The former prince?" Viona scoffed. "Heavens no. No one knows what happened to that disgrace."

Elsa nodded placing her bread back into her satchel. She's not believing that for a second. Especially not after what Anna told her. She stood up. "Let's get going, we're losing daylight."

"Hold on a second!" Viona demanded. "I'm not hiding anything! I swear to you!"

Elsa held back a groan. "We shall see."

Honeymaren kept her breathing steady, trying her best not only to calm herself, but her little one. No matter what she tried he just would not stop crying. This has been going on for some time now. It wasn't just his angry wails worrying her, but the vines around her body he keeps forming. Honeymaren pulled off a new set annoyed. "Dion, please."

His little feet kicked angrily, and vines grew into place again with a green sparkle. Honeymaren's friend watched near by in amusement. "Does he always do that?" Zinnia asked.

"No," Honeymaren remarked defeated. "Somethings really bothering him..." She looked towards the healing tent. No one has entered or exited for hours. The last time she tried Yelena scolded her that it was too dangerous, but standing around waiting to know the status on her only sibling is wearing on her nerves. She made up her mind and attempted to walk towards the tent. Honeymaren released a yelp, stumbling slightly as her feet are held in place by roots. She let out a long sigh.

"That's odd," Remarked Zinnia. "The hunting parties are back early."

Honeymaren followed Sky's gaze in disbelief. The group passed them holding empty nets and wearing somber expressions. Lagoon walked over with a frown. "No catches all day. We'll just have to make do with the harvest."

Honeymaren held Dion close looking off into the distance. "Please be okay."

When Elsa dismounted Nokk she barely concealed a grimace. Her thighs were sore, her head pulsing with another headache worse then the day before. She closed her eyes tightly taking a deep breath. Viona watched her worriedly. "Are you going to be alright Miss Elsa?"

Elsa inhaled deeply before standing up straight. "I'm fine. I just need a moment." She took in her surroundings impressed. For people who have only been here for a short while, they seem quite capable. Their homes are decently sized and appear to be designed by a skilled architect. To her surprise, the few people around are completely ignoring them. She rubbed her brow. "Where shall we start Viona?"

"Um well," Viona interlocked her hands behind her back. "I thought you would be able to sense something?"

Elsa blinked. That was a good point, but she didn't sense anything. Both women looked back startled when Nokk started pounding the ground with his hooves. "Woah! Nokk! Calm down!" Elsa yelled trying her best to settle him. She reached up grabbing his reins. He locked eye's with her, shaking his head back and forth. Elsa stroked his head in understanding. "It's okay. I won't make you go any further." He hesitated for a moment before running away from them. An odd feeling spread out through Elsa's body. Her eye's scanned around quickly for what could have spooked Nokk. They landed on a strange dark rock not far from them.

"What is this?" Elsa asked approaching the smooth rock carefully.

"Oh that? It's just one of the volcanic rocks our leader Henry likes to collect," Viona answered.

Elsa released her magic then, shattering the rock into pieces. She stared at her palm, feeling slightly better now. She turned to Viona scowling. "Any reason why your leader is trying to weaken me?"

Viona shook her head looking pained. "I swear to you I don't know anything! You have to believe me!"

Elsa sighed. Even if Viona is telling the truth, it doesn't change the fact her magic is sending off huge warning signs for this location. If she doesn't find the source for this disturbance now, it will only grow stronger. She motioned with her hand for Viona to lead the way. Elsa kept a close eye on her as they walked through the settlement. More volcanic rocks came into view and Elsa made sure to destroy each one. Her thoughts started to race. For the past for weeks she's been feeling mildly ill. Henry must have been hiding these rocks around the forest.

Elsa stopped walking. Her ability to sense aura's returning. Her eye's grew wide. Viona looked back at her confused. "What is it Miss Elsa?"

Elsa scowled. Her magic swirling around her. "Hans."

A/N: I own nothing and ty for reading 3