Notes: Hope you enjoy, let me know thoughts, likes, dislikes anything of the like. We're entering the more emotional and slice of life aspects of the story.


It was challenging to believe that one small decision made by a few had led Anna to this point in her life.

An arrangement she wouldn't trade for anything. The sensations were too exhilarating, almost nothing in the world could compare. "Would'a say huh? Wanna take the scenic route?" Swiveling her head back Ryu warbled excitedly flapping her wings to propel them faster towards the north straight for the Svarte fjell, the mountain ranges no longer an obstacle for the duo.

Anna leaned her torso forward and hiked herself up on Ryu's flanks, gripping her head appendages as the dragon tilted her nose lower, gaining speed from the descent.

With her work done in Gjøvik she was in no hurry to head back to the castle just to be absconded by dignitaries and ledgers that needed a second opinion when she could be here in the sky soaring above her domain bathed in orange, red, and brown.

Really in her opinion every monarch had not truly experienced the conveniences of governing an entire nation until they had a dragon friend.

It wasn't as if they were playing hooky, she did have important work to do in Gjøvik, with the civil war lurking at their doorstep in Ruskland Ryu's aid in transporting her for the past month and a half had been greatly appreciated even with all the ups and downs said help had brought. Both novices were ignorant of the repercussions a human could face riding a dragon; falling off of the dragon for one when the two found themselves out of sync, blisters sweltering on Anna's thighs and hands, to the muscle cramping and lack of endurance, and the one Anna despised the most– wind cuts.

Anna hadn't even known it was possible but discovered such a thing existed. She shuddered thinking of how her red eyes watered and stung, how sensitive her skin had been for days. There were solutions for all those problems that came gradually the more they practiced.


"Anna, how can I put this lightly?" Ryu clasped her hands underneath her chin, narrowing her eyes. Groaning Anna adjusted her head wear, she knew what was coming, if Ryu's choked cackle when she first laid eyes on her was anything to go by.

"You look like the biggest Aho I have ever seen and I've seen a lot." Anna glared at the pompous dragon. She didn't know what it meant exactly but knew the implications of it.

"You know what Periwinkle, is your hair getting messed up to the point of looking like a rat took residence in it, or your eyes and face getting sliced up?" Ryu casted her eyes upward briefly in thought.

"Precisely, humans weren't meant to be up there otherwise god would have given us wings." Perched up on the window Ryu crouched on the sill looking back.

"So you're saying we're sinning everytime we fly together?" Anna waved away the notion. "As soon as he creates something faster than horseback then I'll repent." Taking her goggles between her fingers she pulled them over her eyes smiling broadly. "Okay, showtime." Ryu stared at her till she couldn't hold it in anymore wrapping her arm around her torso cackling hysterically.

"Oh you know what–get out of here you repugnant reptile!" With a rough shove to the forehead from Anna's fingers Ryu fell backwards out the window. Anna stepped up and walked out after her.


Anna could say farewell to the days of guessing the dragon's next move, wondering if she'd take her suggestive directional tug, she could feel it in her body, the way her sinew would clench and where– which muscle would lean which way, all telling signs of what was going to happen next. Ryu had ceased guessing as well, almost knowing instinctively what Anna wanted, enabling them to glide fluidly across the landscape at impeccable speeds.

Anna could never deny how amazing it felt to be so in tune with another without any words needing to be spoken between them, mistakes and misgivings pardoned…

A thunderous crackle sounded behind them, Anna turned in time to witness a rock pillar had collapsed from the abuse their passing momentum exuded upon it, the ricocheted led to a collapse of the walls surrounding them.

She rubbed Ryu's flank. "Playtime's over Periwinkle, let's get out of here."

The urgency of the obstacles before them dragged Anna away from the memory to focus on the now and feel. The first ridge of the mountain flew by them, Anna tucked in tight to keep in line with Ryu's barrel roll avoiding the next rocky structure twisting her body to curve upwards underneath the crack they flew through.

Not all misgivings– the occasion Ryu decided she was hungry with fish being on the menu plummeting herself and Anna into the freezing water Anna would not let go.

Ever.

The mass expanse of the fjord had given them the vantage point to spot– "Elsa!" But she couldn't hear them from their height. Roar gurgled exuberantly and let out a deep roar which Anna felt vibrate her entire frame.

Elsa definitely heard that, momentarily she and Nokk glanced around concerned till she pinpointed the source beamed a dazzling smile at the sight of her girls above waving them down.

It wasn't necessary but Nokk slowed his galloping, Anna could hear his echoing clops off of the ice path Elsa created upon the water as Ryu flew lower leveling them out.

"What are you two up to?" The joy resounded in her melodious voice. Anna leaned her elbows upon Ryu's head after pulling her goggles up.

"Oh you know, trying to get some errands done and staying alive since Ryu flies like a maniac– OUCH!" Elsa winced at the reddening spot Ryu's ear created, striking Anna's cheek.

She didn't retaliate too much knowing very well that she instigated a lot of their most dangerous stunts and ventures.

"Make sure you both are safe up there, some of the things Gale and the earth giants have reported they've seen you doing sounds very reckless, I know Ryu you feel indestructible but a fall from that height could seriously injure you." Then an after thought dawned on Elsa's face to continue her tirade. "And stop crashing into glaciers and boulders, three have toppled over into the sea just this week, the water distribution almost flooded Lichen Meadows. Nokk and I have been pulled from work this way and that just to make sure it didn't get out of hand, do you know how many I've had to replace to suffice the animals that rely on them–" Nokk neighed agitated in their direction, his expression matching Elsa's in an uncanny fashion.

Both dragon and Rider nodded along exchanging unamused glances. Anna was the only of the two to seem penitent.

"Sorry Els, we'll be more careful I promise. Just those glaciers come outta nowhere, Right Ryu?" She answered in a chirp.

"Alright, alright-" Elsa held up her hand accepting the repentance and waved them closer. "I have to go to the Svarte fjell to check on a small settlement, turns out they've been spotting some polar bears interested in their reindeer herds. Hopefully they don't get an acquired taste for them and venture here."

"We just came from there actually, nearly got crushed by this cavern colla–" Anna's chuckles fled when her attention turned to Elsa's stoic face just daring her to finish that sentence. She knew better than to do that.

"I mean uh we just flew right by and um yea saw some pretty birds, we definitely were not in any mortal peril. I mean we got enough of that as is why would Ryu and I deliberately put ourselves in danger on purpose– that would be completely reckless and we would never ever do that. I'm the queen I have to lead by example and of course I wouldn't hire Ryu as my royal mount just to put her or allow her to race towards anything dangerous I mean Elsa come on!" The dragon was wondering if Anna would run out of air, when it impressively seemed like she wouldn't, she jerked her head barking at her.

"Right we have to go, I'll see you later?" Elsa softened, unable to hold any ill feelings towards her two reckless goofballs and leaned over gifting both their cheeks with a loving peck.

As Ryu took them upward they could hear Elsa still giving them a piece of her mind as they headed for Arendelle. "I better not find any unwarranted destruction there… and put on your goggles, the wind debris will cut your eyes again!"


It would take much more time than four months or so for the citizens of Arendelle to acclimate to the sight of their queen casually soaring above the city atop a gray beast, the underside of its wings tricking them sometimes into thinking they were looking at pieces of the night sky escaping the nocturne hours.

If some were asked, their queen's maneuvers had grown far too cavalier and were anxiously anticipating till she injured herself, be it from hanging off the side of Ryu holding on with only one hand, or not holding on at all reading papers that were kept in a vice grip less they fly away.

The children would chase them from the ground below waving eagerly clapping when Anna waved back.

The castle staff had been quicker in accommodating the pair, always clearing out the courtyard giving Ryu an unnecessary amount of space to land even when she'd perch near a window to save time getting Anna directly to her office.

When they both were inside either Kelsey, Kai or Gerda would appear from seemingly nowhere to clasp a cloak around the naked Ryu's shoulders.

"Good afternoon Kai." Anna greeted looking up from the parchments which claimed so much of her attention as she made her way to her desk. "Good afternoon your majesty, Ryu."

Ryu stretched out on the couch lazily listening to the pair go on and on about the financial services and activities for some harvest festival of the like.

Life in the castle had become more and more sanguineous, now certain staff smiled at the sight of her even if her presence at times could be exasperating when she broke or accidentally bumped into something.

There was only one person in the entire castle she respected- borderline feared- crossing.

Gerda.

Somehow the older woman made Ryu feel chastised, anxious, and cared for all at the same time especially if she or Anna returned injured in the slightest, Gerda always knew. Ryu could have sworn she smelt the tiniest trickle of blood like the sharks that made growing up absolute torment.

"Of course we have to include the autumn potato eating contest. It's a tried and true favorite."

Kai rubbed his chin with an implicative smile. "You don't suppose it would be the gambling aspect of such events would you, my queen?" The blushing tint taking over Anna's cheeks told Ryu that she herself had been guilty of such deeds as gambling.

"Ahem-" Righting herself with a cough Anna folded her hands on the desk. "This season hasn't exactly been the easiest Kai, if such indulgent pleasures as gambling and so forth bring some respite then who are we to deny them." Kai kept his wiry expression, bowing his head graciously.

"Well said my queen." He turned to take his leave when he must have remembered something and faced Anna again. "Should I stall your one 'o' clock? Or are you ready to take their audience?"

Ryu was yanked from the soft sway of sleep bolting upright on the couch. "What time is it?" Kai glanced at the clock in the corner. "Three minutes past One."

Anna frowned. "What's got you so busy tail-" then the recollection dawned upon her, she smiled softly. "Oh. Right, Yelena."

She watched Ryu clumsily open the window in haste. "She's gonna kill me!" Both Anna and Kai laughed at her distress.

"Tell her not to kill you too much, we need you back here at least half alive Thursday." Kai recalled as Anna nodded in agreement.

"And I won't have you missing the Harvest Festival, you still haven't tasted Arendelle's famous pumpkin cider. Oh and we're going with Kristoff and Olaf tomorrow to Elsa's for lunch, remember!"

Ryu grunted in acknowledgement and shed her cloak jumping out the window.


As fond as she had grown of Arendelle, and the other cities and villages there was something special about the enchanted forest and Northuldra that spread a serene energy within the dragon. She glided purposely low to spread some golden and yellow leaves about. Perhaps it was the other spirits inhabiting this place, maybe it was the promise of seeing Elsa.

Those were all probable possibilities but Ryu knew there was more to it than that which surprised her. It was also the people. Elsa's tribe, the fondness growing in her heart warmed it hotter than any flame she could ever hope to blow. Their way of life was beautiful in Ryu's eyes, the loyalty and comradery, happy to give to one another, proud of who they were, the bond between all members which depths no one could explain except with one word; love.

There was always more than enough for everyone.

"There she is!"

The moment she landed the children as if they had special radars tracking her every move ran to the dragon jumping on any surface they could get a hold of. When there was no more room upon her back and shoulders some smaller little ones took to sitting on her tail which swayed back and forth.

The chatter of constant questions of where she had been, why'd she stay away so long, and if she could stay the night hummed in Ryu's ears, despite this she could still hear the sympathetic laughs of adults who caught sight of them.

Their parents had stopped interfering when Ryu proved more than capable of tolerating and enduring the rough and importunate treatment.

Ryu too doubted whether she could handle it but for some reason her quick temper slowed considerably bringing out a forbearance she had never felt for anyone beyond their age group.

A small torso flopped over her eyes in play, chuffing lowly, she jutted her large head flipping the boy back down her neck, continuing to search for Yelena and the other elders.

They must have been in the forest st usual place they had been meeting for Ryu's training, the distance was a safety precaution Ryu would respect, no one not even Elsa knew the nature of her magic yet. Carefully Ryu took off in a thrillingly paced gallop to the joy of her little passengers ensuring no one fell off.

Skidding to a halt a few tiny heads bumped against the dragon's, falling off when her rear tipped towards the ground.

She found her smaller body trapped beneath the squirming children. "Hai everyone, this is where you get off now."

"Awww." They allowed her to stand. "Can we stay and watch your magic come out?" Nine asked avidly, handing over some clothes she snagged for her.

"Mm I'm afraid not, could be dangerous-" As Ryu dressed Nina hugged her leg tightly looking up with eyes full of nothing but admiration and affection. "We know you're not dangerous." Grinning, Ryu knelt down and touched the children tenderly, "I am very dangerous." She wouldn't hide the truth from them, being a creature of instinct, fire, and strength. Still knowing that Nina placed her small hand over Ryu's tepid chest.

"You wouldn't hurt us."

The young girl's confidence in this statement had ignited Ryu's own credence in her ability to ignore those urges for the sake of those around her. Nina squealed when the dragon made eye contact with her and said; "I would never hurt you or anyone here Nina." Ryu's head retracted along with the rest of the children at the girl's shrill "Eee!"

Unsure of how to respond, Ryu patted her back standing. "Get them home safe Nina." The girl nodded at that and commanded the group of children in the same manner Ryu had heard Honeymaren command the young adults in.

It wasn't necessarily a lack of trust in their abilities that had her asking Gale to keep an eye on them but the amount of bear sightings she had heard from Elsa and the other scouts recently.


Entering the circle of meditating adults a greeting was not given to her, not even an acknowledgement of her presence. It started out as a hunch and then turned into a hope that her absence would not be noticed which grew louder and louder when she sat and crossed her legs readying herself.

Despite having a skepticism that these lessons were useful, Ryu couldn't deny the tranquility she felt, and how grounded she became with the forest. It was as if it was its own person.

She had issues and if she gave all of them to the forest they wouldn't necessarily solve them but view them and understand, giving its own. They were as deep as the wood's first root, yet still seeing that the forest did not drive her away.


"Yes master." The young Dragon bowed down, forehead touching the floor, blinking harshly to not suffer the tears that stung her eyes.

"A dragon's magic cannot be controlled- but that will not deter me from trying– it is a dangerous element existing deep within you and I will not tolerate your lack of discipline putting my son, our heir in danger- along with everyone else in the palace."


Those same tears she kept in for years returned wanting to be released.

"Release Ryu, you are still holding back, your body is relaxed but your mind is still zealous." Ryu followed her lead and took a deep breath, sagging her shoulders. It was difficult, by now Yelena had already accepted the dragon's inability to sit still and at best permitting her tapping fingers and bouncing leg.

"I'm trying, bit difficult to relax like this." She said through gritted teeth. Yelena did not react to the harsh tone. "In this body you focus on separating yourself in two, keeping one side hidden entirely. Try combining the equal halves of yourself into a whole accepting everything that you are."

Ryu scoffed at this with a dry chuckle. "So accept being a monster."

"And that is exactly why you will not reach your full potential." It was so jarring, learning the exact opposite mentalities that had been beaten out of her so long ago, it was proven to be true. She was a hazard to those around her and the constant fear of messing up or being cast out always lingered in the shadows of Ryu's mind.

"There are dangers out there Ryu, ones who would wish harm upon not only yourself but those who you care for. Those who threaten this very forest. We have many terrible problems lurking near Ryu, and one of them is you-" Ryu winced. "How badly we need you and how you refuse to rise to the occasion, too fearful of being judged." Yelena grinned slightly when she heard a growl shaking the dragon's chest. "If you wish to protect this place-"

"I do!"

"Calm down- you have issues." Yelena stated plainly. " And must reach your full potential and trust yourself. If you will not do it for you, do it for others."

So Ryu turned her thoughts to the ones she had cared so deeply for.

She thought of Bruni, sprinting through the forest chasing after the salamander who always found a way to evade her, he was her adorable little fella in appearance yet held a fierce power in his tiny form that Ryu respected. She hummed contently thinking of how the rock giants would pet her or how she'd lay up on them for a nap even if she wasn't tired just to calm one down, they did tend to be quite gruff yet have always been gentle and kind. Gale being so freeing to be around beautiful and kind.

Nokk was the most difficult to grow affection for, the guardian of Ahtohallan sensed something inside of the dragon and did not trust it at first, Ryu could not deny the justification for his trepidations; they were justified and Nokk was fair and noble in every regard.

"Now think of this land, the people who dwell here, your friends, what would you be willing to do for them?"

Ryu nodded, Elsa and Anna were as always her first thoughts, she'd do anything for those girls and could confidently confirm this, as well as those who surrounded them. Was it love? Did she love these people, not just Anna and Elsa but Kristoff, Honeymaren, Ryder, Nina and the other Northuldrans. Could she call this gripping constriction that bordered anxiety, vexation, the complications, the warmth and absolute joy when she made them happy, heard them laugh or yell at her for a deed of mischief, love?

Ryu admittedly liked who she was becoming when around them, a feeling she hadn't ever known, somehow those in her life had begun to bring out her better self.

She was stupid for denying it. Maybe she was wrong for trying to fight it. The tears finally escaped, trickling down her cheeks. Instead of grief she thought they'd bring Ryu couldn't stop the bubble of laughter breaking from her throat.

As she chuckled Ryu remained unaware that Yelena and the others had long since opened their eyes watching the dragon's chest bloom in an array of colors, her scales which blossomed all over weren't tensed or bristled, the appendages poking from her head do not swivel searching for a threat.

"I- I love her. I love-" Ryu breathed out amazed that she was even capable of such a pure emotion. The bliss was worth it, the pain, it was all worth it and so much more.

When her eyes opened the glow faded. Glancing around the forest Ryu stood hastily on shaky legs, hand placed over her thundering heart still grasping this concept. "I love!" Her amazement made some elders chuckle having never seen someone so perplexed by this capability.

"You show great improvement. Do you feel more connected with yourself? " Yelena stood gracefully gripping her staff. Ryu beamed at her nodding.

"Hai!" Unable to help herself, Ryu shrugged with a mirthful glint in her eyes. "Even though to be honest I'd rather be fucking doing anything else." The statement earned a swift smack to the back of her head.

The motion was so quick wincing she hadn't seen Yelena's staff even move. "Go now, there is much to be done with the harvest upon us."

"Hm." Ryu nodded once, trading legs for wings; she left the group in a trail of dust and leaves taking to the sky.


"See the problem now?"

"No… " It was the wrong answer that had Elsa rubbing the bridge of her nose. Her arm flung about the kitchen.

"All the cupboards are open." As Ryu stood cupping her chin she still was trying to figure out the issue. Seemed fine with her at least they could skip a step and get to what they wanted quicker, but Elsa disagreed with this ideal entirely. Even exasperated and pouting she was beautiful with her huffy steps towards one of the cupboards.

"Go in, get what you need and close them." Elsa couldn't even believe she had to explain this. "It looks like a ghost lives here- not to mention you could hurt yourself, you don't look where you walk and what if you walked eye first into the corner? How hard is it to just close the cabinet doo-" That was when Ryu's eyes slowly trailed away from Elsa and noticed Bruni stomping his tiny paws on Nokk's back creating puffs of steam.

She didn't know how long she had been staring but knew she was in deep shit when the octave in Elsa's tone went up.

Fuck, that meant she asked a question.

Sure enough her expectant face met Ryu's dumbfounded expression. Unsure if this was the right thing to do, Ryu nodded slowly.

"Perfect, hopefully that helps you get in the habit." Ryu grinned when Elsa rewarded her with a peck on her forehead going to retrieve something. Ryu wasn't curious enough to stick around and find out what the something was wanting to join Bruni in Nokk's torment.


"Gecko what did I say?" Elsa's irration had Ryu turning from the counter discarding their supplies upon it.

"I left a note, for you ya know." Elsa gestured to the paper that had been hanging on the center cupboard for a week. Ryu's brows furrowed as she reread it. She was gobsmacked.

"I thought that was either an ominous warning or some fetish thing!" Elsa ripped it off looking over the paper, checking the back and front then displayed it.

"What about this makes you think that? It says 'Close…" Elsa forced her mind into the mental gymnastics it took for Ryu to arrive at that conclusion, when she reached the conclusions her lips worked overtime to keep the smile that wanted to appear.

"Erusa-" Ryu simpered, holding out her arms to wrap them around her waist. Shaking her head Elsa pressed a finger into Ryu's chest fruitlessly thwarting her advances.

"No, no, no, I don't find you cute or charming right now." She huffed then another realization took root. "And that means you weren't even listening to me when I said I'd put that there to help you remember." Ryu was not deterred from nuzzling her head into Elsa's neck, purring and giggling the more she was weakly pushed away.

"You make me crazy." Elsa admitted finally giving up gripping Ryu's cheeks, the dragon had her right where she wanted her.

"Erusa you mean so much to me, sooooo much!" Ryu proclaimed rubbing their foreheads together. Elsa couldn't stand it anymore, knowing she was being played a fool but it afforded her some kisses so giving into Ryu's sucking up wasn't a total loss.

Keeping their lips connected Elsa lifted her onto the counter maneuvering between her legs. The sound of a creak had her cracking open a single eye catching Ryu opening up a cupboard next to them.

"Stop it." She demanded closing it. Ryu giggled and repeated the action with her toes laughing harder when Elsa squeezed the nape of her neck shutting the cupboard with her leg. She rubbed Ryu's nose with her own mumbling. "We have to start dinner for the family-" pulling away Ryu cringed when Elsa's voice became haughty. "Because if I recall properly we had to cancel last week's due to-" she mocked trying to remember snapping her fingers as she retrieved the pots and pans. "Oh yes! Because someone decided it would be an ingenious idea to make a catapult with Ryder for pumpkins to transport them quicker. That was it."

"I really should be showing you this recipe before it gets too late." Ryu rushed out coughing into her hand.


"Add till taste." Turning her head to the right due to the tapping on her shoulder tricked Elsa to look away as Ryu flung in some seasoning to the pot she had been stirring. Her words and offense conflicted with her giggle.

"No! We have to follow the recipe, stop tossing things in." She tried to elbow Ryu away.

"Hey, who has seen it being made? Who was there?" Ryu challenged, which Elsa met by gesturing to the book perched on an ice book rack.

"And who has the actual recipe right in front of them?" Keeping eye contact allowed Ryu to chuck a garlic clove into the pot creating a messy splash.

Elsa grasped the giggling woman's hands tight whispering harshly. "Stop it."

"I want it to taste good!" Ryu complained. To an onlooker her additions were random but Ryu had smelt the dish. Elsa proved to be an excellent cook in some regards but her flavor palette in Ryu's opinion was rather light and she was a fan of procedure when it came to cuisine. Every spice and ingredient had its place and reason.

"It will taste very good if you stop tossing in-" Elsa turned away to shield the food from her sneeze. "Garlic."

"It should be spicy."

"How spicy are we talking?" Elsa asked double checking the size and width of the mushrooms she chopped.

"Spicy enough that it feels like the food is fighting back." She wasn't convinced, Ryu's suggestion seemed so risky especially for a dish like kimchi gyoza nabe. She could appreciate how much she learned of Japanese cuisine and planned to learn more, she had initially hoped Ryu would be an expert in the subject but her learnings only went as far as her memory could recall her spy missions as a child, looking on pinning for the delicious foods the Mikoto chefs prepared.

"I can make yours like that." Ryu shook her head. "I want everyone to taste it like that."

Elsa sighed before they stood in silence listening to the bubble of the pot. Ryu raised her fist and threw in red pepper flakes.

"Add till taste."

"Stop it."

Elsa put Ryu on the task of mixing the sauce for their dumplings, she only gave her attention when she took notice of Ryu's chosen method.

"You don't have to use your fingers as a mixing spoon, we have utensils for that." She stated, Ryu grunted in reply.

"Are your hands clean?"

"Hai."

"Did you wash them?"

"Yea..." Pinned beneath Elsa's hooded eyes Ryu sniffled ducking her head low laughing.

"... Couple hours ago. Here taste this."

"Ryu-"

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding, now taste."

Reluctantly Elsa suckled the sauce off of Ryu's fingertip. She didn't want to grin as broadly as she did but she had to admit, egged on by the dragon's knowing smugness, it was delicious. Ryu's very sensitive olfactory senses did give her an edge when it came to pairing flavors.

"Okay, okay-" she threw up her hands before wrapping them around Ryu's waist.

"It's really good."


Ryu had only followed Elsa upstairs to keep her company unaware that Elsa had picked out an outfit for her as well.

"Well I wouldn't expect you to stay in your stained shirt with guests coming." Ryu glanced down at her white- and now due to sauce and seasonings- red shirt.

"We're not having guests, we're having an Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff." Standing from her vanity Elsa embraced Ryu gently swaying them, her hands caressed her in all the right ways that brought on the rumbling purrs. "I picked out a dress especially for you."

"Pink?" Ryu tilted her head, it was soft and flowing, and despite being a different color from Elsa's gray lavender gown they complimented each other.

"You'd look wonderful in it, I know you don't have a favorite color but-" she held it up towards Ryu ushering her to the mirror. She waited with hopeful eyes as Ryu considered it.

She nodded, not finding any reason to not let Elsa have her way. Elsa cheered softly as she aided Ryu in putting on the gown. It was softer than how it looked, which was very soft. Ryu didn't know much about fabrics but knew it had to have been expensive from the feel and design alone.

She began feeling very out of place in such attire picking at the skirt of it, Elsa seemed happy with the choice, examining her closely with a constant grin and eyes reflecting appreciation. Looking in the mirror Ryu could barely recognize herself from a year ago. She was becoming a healthier weight and complexion, now adorned in beautiful clothes and being affectionately touched.

So entrapped in her own mind she hadn't noticed that Elsa took advantage of navigating her to sit at her vanity to comb her hair's slight curls into a coiffed bun held by a matching bow.

"You look so pretty." She whispered, hugging Ryu's torso, resting her chin on her shoulders, studying their reflection.

Rare as it was, Ryu blushed bashfully, glancing away. "Really?" She whispered in disbelief.

"Hai." Elsa replied confidently, kissing her cheek. Spinning suddenly, Ryu hugged Elsa tightly, fingers digging into her gown.

To relieve her back of hunching in the awkward position Elsa joined her on the bench resting her head atop Ryu's.

Elsa assuredly supported Ryu's sagging body, the dragon was so apprehensive in what she was looking at when her eyes regarded herself, but Elsa- rubbing small circles into her back- had utter faith in what she saw, in who she found for herself, to Elsa she found a girl beautiful and sweet. After a few moments with her face buried into Elsa's shoulder Ryu peered at her speaking in a demure voice which made Elsa titter.

"Really?"

"Darling you look perfect."


"Are you sure this is the right Sake?" Holding up the bottle Anna squinted at it for the hundredth time as if the lettering would translate itself for her.

After leaving a loud knock on the door Kristoff grunted. "It's the one Elsa said."

"Yes but how do you know?"

"Weren't you the one who ordered it?"

"Actually Anna put me in charge of ordering it, and it is not the one Elsa asked for." Olaf stated proudly.

"What!" The royals said in unison, snapping their necks down at Olaf. "I found a better one, on the vendor's recommendation. Oh and I got this one cause I mean look at it. It's so cute! Plus he said this one is particularly strong. Not sure how though it doesn't have any limbs" He procured a pastel pink bottle, decorated in flowers from his torso studying it.

"Olaf you are responsible for anything that happens tonight alcohol related." The snowman frowned.

"That's completely unfair since we have both Anna and Ryu." Anna huffed, placing her hands akimbo on her hips.

"Hey! I take-"

"Ryu stop dancing on the table, we talked about this!" Elsa's distressed voice could be heard from behind the door, raising Kristoff's brows. "Get down before you hurt yourself!"

A very red faced and ruffled Elsa answered the door taking a calming breath. "Hello everyone." The sounds of rapid footsteps came before a blur of Ryu ran by and picked up Olaf taking him and the bottle of sake into the house.

They heard a brief rush of words.

"Ohisashiburi! genki desu ka?"

"Umm, what?" Elsa looked after her trying to interpret but the jumble of sounds set her for a loop. "I don't know but the last part was asking how you are?" She sounded as unsure as she looked letting Anna and Kristoff in.


"You know Anna's ability to change color so drastically always amazes me." The table glanced at Anna par Olaf's enthusiastic comment and frowned except Ryu- too busy slurping down her bowl.

"Anna are you alright?" Olaf asked as Kristoff rubbed her back. Anna breathing through her mouth nodded, whipping her yellow sleeve across her running nose.

Elsa understood her plight with her own eyes and nose watering, if she didn't know any better she would have accused Ryu of putting hot coals in their dinner.

The accused chortled heartily, taking a break from eating, shaking Anna's shoulders frolicsome. "I'm so glad to be sharing this with you."

Anna dauntlessly took another bite, airing out her tongue, staring at Ryu, she shook her head. "I've never been here before."

"Where?" Olaf inquired, still occupied with trying to master chopsticks between his three fingers.

"Hell. Maybe water will help." Anna chugged her glass then gasped. "Nope made it worse!"

Elsa retreated back into her mind trying to harness a hidden strength she was sure was in there somewhere to finish the food wishing she had known it would be this spicy before she made her bowl, informed by Ryu that it was rude to leave food uneaten.

"Anna, if it's too much, why are you still eating it?" Kristoff said, oddly, he didn't seem fazed by the meal already finishing before Ryu herself. The only sign he wasn't accustomed to it was the extra sips of water he took.

"Because-" Anna croaked out. "It's good, really good." Rolling her head back wincing, she gripped Elsa's wrist resting on the table. "We'll get through this together." But Elsa shook her head moving away.

"Not now, I have to focus." Taking a deep inhale her hands pressed together like prayer. If she lost her concentration now she'd unravel like Anna was.

"Ryu, if I had known your sauce was this intense, I wouldn't have let you add it. Wait, how much did you put in?" To her horror Ryu shrugged sheepishly.

"Add till taste?" Elsa resembled a dragon with the huge puff of cold mist escaping her parted lips. She'd handle that situation later, right now-

Picking back up her chopsticks, Olaf and Kristoff watched on in amusement as the three girls ate.

One savoring and relishing in every bite, yet eating quickly and expertly to not waste a single drop.

Anna, crimson faced and unable to breath through her nose was in torment and bliss with every bite. "I'm not afraid of you." She threatened to her bowl.

A hiccup dragged everyone's eyes to Elsa who was holding a hand over her mouth. "Oh no it's start-" another hiccup. "Started." All she had to do was finish, logically speaking the faster she ate the quicker she could get through the spice peak and then relief.

With each spasm came another cloud of misty fog. Shaking his head, Kristoff retrieved a jug of milk from the kitchen.

"If you two are so bent out of shape about finishing, at least have some of this."

Elsa moaned behind her closed lips in a way she'd blush about another time, relief after the first sip was too palliating to not be vocal about.

"When you're done you place your chop-" Another hiccup. "On the side of your bowl." She felt pride at not just her new found etiquette but also the fact that the very challenging rice cakes were gone, done wreaking havoc on her tongue and now on their way to do god knew what to her insides.

"Done!" Anna cheered high fiving her sister and hugging Olaf.

"Nice work! But I'm sure you would have been pardoned for not finishing" Kristoff catered to her wiping any escaping fluids from her face.

"The food challenged me and I was not about to back down."

"Want a spicy kiss?" Elsa raised her brow and leaned forward staring down Ryu. "Depends, do you want a milky one?" The riposte had warded off the dragon's bluff.

"Tushy."

Elsa wheezed shaking her shoulders. "It's touché." Ryu just frowned nonchalantly.

"Eh, tomato– tomato soup."

"That's not it either. Oh here Anna I'll get that." Elsa offered to quickly take the bottle of sake from Anna's grip to pour it for her.

Anna made an odd face, her sister seemed persistent enough to want to pour everyone's drinks except her own, relinquishing the task to Ryu.

"Okay I'll bite, why can't we pour our own cups?"

"Well it's just proper manners to pour the drinks of others." Elsa stated, following her example Kristoff, Olaf, and Anna waited until every glass was filled then lifted theirs with Ryu.

"Kanpai!" Her cheer was answered with equal enthusiasm. Elsa had wondered why Ryu requested a miniature ice glass, before she could ask she was answered seeing Ryu dab a small bit for Bruni when he came to investigate what the noise was.

Although she had her fair share of sake it wasn't the drink that kept a constant grin on her face. Seeing Ryu so jovial and astonished as if she couldn't fathom she could be here sitting after a meal partaking in fun conversation and drinking with her friends. Elsa knew Ryu's knowledge of her homeland's traditions came from her spying as an outsider and not from experience.

She could also detect the envy in Ryu's voice and eyes whenever she spoke of the things she had seen.

"Whoa Elsa I don't think I've ever seen you drink so much willingly." Kristoff's voice brought her back, noticing Ryu pouring her a fourth glass. "Oh. I mean-" Wilting, she answered truthfully. "I like Sake." Kristoff chuckled at this. She at least liked this type. It was floral and light, and there was little alluding to the fact that it contained alcohol at all, an easy drink for her sensitive stomach.

"And while I do appreciate etiquette traditions I can't stand it when people take them too seriously." Kristoff nodded, recalling the harrowing classes Gerda and Kai put him through before marrying Anna.

"So long as someone isn't being grotesque and rude, live and let eat." Elsa added creating snowflakes for Bruni to munch on.

"Hai! Wait, who were we arguing against?" Anna flicked Ryu's nose.

"No one, we're just having a conversation. You just want to be a fiend don't you?"

There was no point in denying it, Ryu almost seemed proud of her inclination to provocation. "Ahhhh you got me!" Her gruff voice brought a chuckle from Anna.

Elsa thanked Kristoff and Olaf for helping her clear away the dishes, affectionately touching Kristoff's cheek and Olaf's head while they listened to the girls continue talking. The easy way they disregarded the amicable nature of the conversation to word joust each other was confusing but became a normal aspect of all their interactions.

"We don't disagree all the time!"

"Yes we do."

"No we don't, we get along great."

"We get along just fine but we argue alot."

"No," Pointing an accusing finger at Ryu, Anna poured her another cup of Sake, handing the bottle over for Ryu to do the same. "Some of those arguments don't count, know why?" Ryu pondered the reason for a few moments and when she couldn't fathom the answer she leaned towards Anna expectantly with a calm smirk. "Why?"

"Because even when you do agree with me, you pretend you don't just to fight with me or get a rise out of me."

"No I don't." Licking her lips was all Ryu could do to withhold the duping delight she was experiencing.

"Yes you d- wait a second." Anna's squinting gaze from behind the lid of her glass had done Ryu in. She gave up the ruse giggling heartily.


"Bam! Pow! Hyaaa!" Kristoff looked up from his work of drying the dishes Elsa washed, thrice now waiting for her to react to the foolery going on right behind her.

No matter how close Ryu's shadow punches, Jabs, and kicks got to her person, not a hint of worry was reflected in her demeanor leading him to believe this was a daily occurrence.

"it is." Elsa replied to the statement he unconsciously made aloud.

"Are you ever worried she may accidentally hit you?" Elsa turned humming and still Ryu followed her across the kitchen pretending to beat her up. "Mm no."

The only time Ryu did touch Elsa was to deliver a cheeky bite to her shoulder and again Elsa must have had experienced this before because she knew exactly how to thwart such an attack.

A slice of bread she calmly flipped over her shoulder, slapping Ryu right on the forehead.

Olaf took the slice, staring at it as if he just discovered excalibur. "A dragon's weakness; a slice of bread." Testing the theory he slapped Ryu's leg with it.

Hissing she retreated behind Kristoff but Olaf needed more trials for science and thus began chasing her in circles with it.

"Here Elsa-" Kristoff offered. "We'll finish cleaning up here. You go spend time with Anna."

"Thank you Kristoff."


"I've been trying to teach her how to read music in exchange for the combat lessons but I don't know, it just seems to break her mind when she looks at a sheet." Anna hummed at this, picking up her glass taking a long sip. She needed to remind herself to thank Ryu for bringing the wonderful sweet blessing that was Sake to Arendelle.

"How have the combat lessons been?"Elsa scratched the back of her neck in recollection.


"Are you sure this is an actual means of defense Ryu?" Elsa perked up a brow dubious of the dragon's method already, unsure if she was just going easy on her or playing a joke, she could have sworn she had seen mother's perform this same maneuver with their babies.

Beneath her Ryu shook her head bending her legs to bounce Elsa while supporting her weight with the bottom of her feet planted at her hips. Elsa's fingers interlocked tighter with Ryu's when she began moving.

"Ooh fun." Elsa commented in between sweet snickers. "Okay what's the next step?"

Now Ryu looked downright skeptical to state or perform what Elsa asked. She moved her head in decline at the request.

"What, why not show me? What happens next?"

Ryu's brows met her hairline. "Are you sure?"

"Yes..." Elsa gave a single pause reconsidering the reasons for her sparring partner's reluctance. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Next I flip you onto your back over my head."

They stared at each other for a few moments until Elsa's frown turned into a beguiling grin kicking her legs in the air. "Y'know I quite like it up here-" Ryu couldn't take it, everything Elsa did sent her higher than the moon. Her twinkling eyes, and adorable little shy laughs.

"Can I do you?"

"Mm."

Switching positions Elsa grunted hoisting Ryu up with her legs. Her toes dug into her stomach. "Tickle tickle." Mirthfully growling Ryu admonished her.

"Come on Erusa, flip me!" Elsa grimaced worriedly.

"I don't want to hurt you." That seemed rather counter productive to what they were doing, Ryu had already prepared herself for this hurdle, focusing on more defensive teachings then offensive.

"You won't."

"Are you sure?"

"Mhm." Straining her neck Elsa double checked behind them for any obstructions or rocks that could have been on the garden ground.

"Okay, three, two, one!" Ryu braced for impact but instead of it hitting her back she fell off to the side along with Elsa's foot still firmly pressed to her stomach.

"Ouch!" Elsa curled up into a ball clutching her right thigh, instantly Ryu was at her side resting her elbows on Elsa's arms.

"Why didn't you use your right foot too?" Ryu deadpanned.

"Cause the left didn't tell them they were leaving yet." Elsa rasped out.

"Shame, alright back to it!" She slapped Elsa's thigh with an audible clap and rolled off of her.

"I'm sore." Ryu wasn't fazed by the complaints. It wasn't anything she wasn't expecting to hear.

"You'll get used to it." Still Elsa lay like a defeated ragdoll in the grass.

"... I'm hungry." Ryu groaned, running a palm over her face.

"You usually don't snack during sparring but I can get you somethi-What the-" Quietly the impish Elsa produced a small bag of nuts from her white gi's pocket. "Were you hiding nuts in your pocket the whole time?" Elsa's guilty expression told her yes.

"You're not supposed to have anything on you, Erusa."

Elsa popped a nut in her mouth and hoisted her nose up in haughtiness. "You didn't say that." Ryu growled, this would be more difficult than she thought.

"Alright, are you ready?" In spite of Elsa replying yes from behind, her fingers were slow and far too gentle gripping Ryu's ghi.

"Stop grabbing me all creepy and weird like that?" She frowned, adjusting Elsa's grasp. She lurched forward when Elsa planted a sweet peck behind her ear.

"Don't kiss me when we're fighting!" She barked, Elsa rested her chin on Ryu's shoulder.

"I thought you liked my kisses." Elsa mumbled pouting.

"I do but kissing an opponent is not a good way to win." Elsa squeezed her like a teddy bear, Ryu could hear the smile in her tone.

"What if I can beat them with kindness instead of violence?" As Elsa pet her hair delicately Ryu whimpered in frustration falling over to the ground, closing her eyes.

She heard Elsa cheer above her holding up a triumphant fist.

"Yay! I won!"


"Payback is sweet isn't it?" Elsa smirked, nodding along with Anna. She hadn't felt an ounce of guilt for messing with Ryu during sparring after all the times Ryu would goof around and play tricks on her when it was her turn to be the mentor.

"You know Elsa, Ryu isn't exactly what I would be expecting for you."

"What do you mean?" Anna thought for a moment, unsure of what she actually meant herself.

"I just always suspected you'd go for someone I don't know sophisticated I guess."

"Ryu's sophisticated." Elsa said, trying more so to convince herself of that than Anna.

"Ah damn it." Kristoff's curse interrupted Anna, turning both sister's eyes behind the couch. They peered into the kitchen to see Kristoff give up furiously scrubbing a stain out of the sauce pan.

"Ryu?" The dragon popped up from behind the counter. "Hai!"

"Tongue." Ryu let hers roll out of her mouth for Kristoff to rub the plate on removing the stain. "Olaf dry." The snowman saluted, drying the plate and putting it away.

Anna and Elsa cringed and gagged, glancing at each other.

"… okay but Kristoff initiated it." Elsa pointed out feeling rather self conscious.

"Fair. We have so much on the line… " Anna didn't need to state anything about the storm constantly looming over their family and country. Elsa felt it as well, how large a gray the clouds were, lightning and thunder sounding in the distance.

"We do. We always have and we always make it through." Anna appreciated her optimism and faith, what else could one have when war was knocking to see if anyone was home.

"My first war as queen and it's not even going to happen on our soil."

Elsa snorted sourly. "Do you want it to and you say that like it's standard to have a war during your reign. I'm hoping this is the first and last."

"Me too- but in a good way." She quickly added realizing the other conclusion one could draw from that.

"I'll be with you every step." Elsa scooted closer, clasping their hands together.

"I know." Anna smiled small, turning to watch the fireflies invade Elsa's garden.


Olaf first noticed the girls quiet albeit troubled aura as they sat hand and hand in silence watching the night.

Tugging at Kristoff's pants the man looked down and nodded for the snowman to waddle up to them.

"Elsa, would you play the piano for us to dance to?" Snapping from her thoughts Elsa blinked at him, registering what he requested.

"This is a party, aren't parties supposed to have music?" Elsa made a noise between a moan and whimper, realizing the amount of work it would take to clear away some furniture for her to create a piano.

"And sake." Ryu boisterously poured everyone a healthy serving.

"Why not have Anna play?" Elsa asked but Anna and Kristoff were already way ahead of her moving the table. "I'll play if you do, we all can." That seemed fair.

"Ryu?" The dragon didn't turn to her, closely examining her glass, avoiding eye contact. "Go get your flute dear."

It made Ryu nervous, she never played in front of others.

Elsa's hold grounded her back to reality when she lifted Ryu's fingers to her lips kissing them. "It'll be fine I promise."


Elsa's amazing feats were marveled at by her family as she set to work creating an intricate masterpiece and to no one's surprise but amazement full functioning ice piano.

Sitting on the bench she tested each key ensuring that it was well in tune, the ice's transparency made any adjustments an easy fix Elsa. Despite the effort it took to make, it seemed worth it with how enraptured Ryu was with the instrument's inner workings. Her eyes carefully raked over every miniscule detail and mechanism.

It was a hedonistic feeling born into Elsa's chest sired by Ryu's absolute wonder at her. She wouldn't consider herself boastful though she did take pride in all her creative ventures but something inside tonight be it the alcohol or Ryu's dilated pupils made her want to give her best only dared by the persistent urge to remain humble.

"So what shall I play?" She asked massaging her fingers in warmup.

"Oh! Oh!" Anna raised her hand excitedly. "Play um that one song Flight of the hummingbird." Elsa rolled her eyes at the suggestion that was generally a showboating tune. Ryu's confusion told her she had never heard of such a song so with a shrug turning into a roll of her shoulders Elsa began.

Her fingers moved at a lightning pace throwing her dragon off, she examined the keyboard closer which Elsa's fingers danced across, she remained completely unfazed by the endeavor as she finished.

"What the fuck?" Ryu said instead of clapping like the others. Her smile grew broader as she hopped onto the piano touching a key.

"How'd you do that?" Elsa chuckled at her bafflement. "That poor hummingbird, why was he so anxious?" She hadn't the slightest idea but now that she thought about it the bird did sound troubled.

"Arendelle's dance Number five." Kristoff requested next which Olaf agreed upon, it was his favorite to dance to. Soon the room filled with the sweet and lively music.

Ryu was torn between joining Kristoff, Anna and Olaf in their merriments and watching Elsa's fingers create magical sounds at speeds she didn't know a human hand could move at.

"Oh you all should know this one." The tunes of the Für Elise began pouring from the piano but there was something different Anna noticed immediately approaching Elsa with a knowing expression.

Her sister changed the notes and composition to much more complicated riffs. As if the song wasn't difficult enough. The intensity thrilled Ryu's ears. Noticing Anna's judgy leering raised brow at her Elsa cheekily winked. "Added my own little twists."

"Why don't you play the song you composed last year?" Kristoff suggested, Elsa shook her head.

"That would be showing off."

"Right cause you haven't been doing that at all." Anna's sardonic coy remark went over everyone's head except Elsa who blushed but Anna nudged her back. "Go on Elsa, show Ryu what those fingers of yours can do." While Elsa did not appreciate her suggestive tone, Ryu's begging had gotten her to cave in.

"I didn't even know you were a composer."

"I'm not."

The beat was repetitive in the beginning, at a much slower tempo than Elsa's other songs until she hit the accelerando just slow once more.

It seemed Elsa was determined after all the effort it took in crafting, to use the whole damn piano. Every single key.

It was dark somewhat, serious, but held undertones of being giocoso. Sometimes simple until it crescendo into a very complicated bar. Both light and heavy at times, reminding Ryu of Elsa, who by nature had the ability to be a very simple gentle creature, while also being serious and at times rather dramatic and complex.

Of course Elsa would write something like this, it was her in the form of music.


"Alright Ryu, your turn." Anna stated denoting the end of her and Kristoff's duet with the lute and violin.

Ryu blinked out of her trance looking away. "Wait-" She held up her hand feeling incredibly insecure. "I don't know how to read music like you all do."

It was one of her many excuses she had, she didn't understand why her heart rate spiked at the idea of whittling away after everyone's remarkable adroitness in music.

It only reminded her that it wouldn't be enough. It never was enough, all she could give would never amount to even an appropriate measure.

Ryu always took pride in her mind, it's quickness and ability to spot things not many others could. It's what kept her alive but she always wondered that if she was so smart why was she still so afraid of such trivial things.


Each piece of the bamboo flute made a distinct noise that she could pinpoint from hearing the minstrels play for her masters.

Her small fingers caressed the holes of the flute intuitively examining them. Looking around once more to make sure she was truly alone the young dragon blew experimental winc into the mouthpiece creating a noise, nearly dropping it. Ryu wasn't certain why but she was shocked when it actually worked for her.

So used to accidentally blowing smoke or fire that producing something else from her breath had the dragon bedazzled.

Her little sounds were ugly and out of rhythm but she didn't care sitting there on the floor in her secret hide away, rocking trying to figure out the right consistency, her clumsy fingers clambered over the holes missing key moments and her breathing was uneven.

Ryu had planned on returning the flute but couldn't bring herself to do it. Though stolen this was something that was hers or she could pretend it was if only for a little while.

As the seasons changed so did the expertise the young dragon had over the instrument. After the day she stole the flute Ryu had taken to watching and paying close attention to the house musicians studying how they moved and played, applying the same technique to her own self taught lessons.

The more she played, the more reckless Ryu became.

She must been too loud one day to be caught by a lady in waiting who reported such activity to her Mistress.

As usual when her Master was away his wife took liberties and charge over the dragon, mostly her punishments and lessons.

Before them sat the offending tool that gave away Ryu to her crimes. Its reflection just an ugly reminder of what she had done, and no matter what angle she kept her gaze at it showed her shame in every polished surface.

Izanami eyed it before her dark pupils slid up to Ryu's bowed head. "So, this is how you've been spending our family's time?"

Ryu knew what she meant, the dragon did not have her own time, her time belonged to the family everything she did was at their expense.

"Well…" Izanami exposed her leg, crossing it across the other gracefully. "Let's hear it then." Ryu remained prostrated waiting for clarification. "Let's hear if your little endeavors have been worth it. Pick it up. Play."

She did not find Ryu's hesitation appealing and nodded to the guards standing adjacent behind her.

Ryu whimpered when she felt the bulky collar latch around her throat sealing shut. Its familiar weight took her to her knees.

Knowing better than to make her Mistress ask anything of her a second time she picked up the flute and began to play.

With each inhale Ryu felt the collar tightening, every time she exhaled the more air she let out the less she was allowed to take in.

"I did not instruct you to stop. Louder, I can barely hear you." Izanami stated, looking down at the trembling creature before her, her tone sounded as if she truly was interested in listening to Ryu's music.

Ryu's notes stuttered with the tight collar making her gasp greedily unable to suck in enough air to encourage her lungs which now spasmed from the deprivation.

"Music is a beautiful art of passion. Passion in a dragon is such a dangerous gambit to trifle with." Izanami warned over Ryu's noisy wheezing, sounding similar to the inus left in the summer heat. "As you struggle to find air I want you to mull over how potential victims would feel, choked, by your music, by your abilities growing out of control from your passions, snuffing the light out of them." Ryu barked in pain, dropping the flute from shaking hands, she fell to the side panting in quick successions. Finally the collar stopped squeezing, so long as she kept her breathing quick and even.

Through blurry darkness she could see her mistress' slippers approach from her seat. "Remember, your recklessness could be the end of this household. You may be the key to our salvation but I know you also possess the power to be our damnation." A hot hand touched Ryu's cheek stroking soothing circles.

"Breath just like that and all will be alright."


"So you play by ear, that's still impressive." Anna encouraged handing Ryu her flute. Elsa, more sympathetic, caressed her cheek kindly. "Only if you want to Ryu." Ryu stared at her then down at her instrument. It was such a comfort, knowing she could back down without repercussions if she so wanted to. Elsa wouldn't force her to play, or get mad.

If hearing her music genuinely made her happy then Ryu would oblige no matter how terrifying the idea was.


It started quietly, as Ryu pursed her lips blowing into the flute dragon's tail mouthpiece. Instead of fire and destruction out came a peaceful melody, simple and graceful like a bird's song.

Elsa's favorite sounds produced by the flute were when it began to forte, and bravados were provoked by Ryu's fingers. Peaking an eye open to gauge the reactions she received Ryu became more bold with her pitched diving head first into a more triumphant cadences, was exactly what Elsa expected to hear from her dragon, she couldn't deny the starting melody was beautiful, but this, what she was hearing was Ryu.

Wild, fast, intense, carefree, capriccio, sometimes sounding like the call of an animal. Gale gusted into the living room possibly from overhearing the wind noise Ryu was making swirling around the girl.

Ryu played louder, smiling now at the spirit which danced to the tune, making a complete mess of anything not tied down.

Elsa grabbed Bruni in her palms so he would be pulled away as the other shielded their faces.

"We can make a band!" Olaf bounced up, shaking Kristoff's shoulder. "Elsa on the piano, Anna the violin, you have your lute, Ryu has her stick and I'll sing!"


The music of Olaf's orchestrated band rang on well past midnight. Only Anna and Ryu remained fumbling over their instruments without Ryu being able to read sheets and notes, Anna had to lead her sometimes resulting in an off rhythm combination until they found their strides with the other.

At last they tired themselves out and sat close on the couch. Either tired or too drunk to stand by themselves. "We are so sympatico you and I." Anna slurred, pinching Ryu's cheek.

"Same thoughts. Same ideas, scary sometimes." Ryu nuzzled underneath Anna's chin, opening her eyes when she heard a small giggling voice from behind the couch. Turning they spotted Elsa peaking at them.

"I'm jealous…" She whined.

"Of which one?" Kristoff asked, pouring one last drink for himself before settling down.

Elsa thought for a moment, shifting her eyes between Anna and Ryu. "Both."

"Awww Elsa come sit-" Anna cooed, patting the space between them. Elsa climbed over the couch- she was definitely drunk- and squeezed in between the two girls, squealing when they mushed her cheeks with a kiss.

"Happy?" Kristoff asked cradling Olaf, rocking his arms gently, to put him to sleep.

Clutching her hands together Elsa's shoulders lifted to her vermilion cheeks.

"Very."


"Would you like to touch me?" Ryu's sharp hearing barely detected the question. Looking down at Elsa laying down beside her, the sight of Elsa's flushed cheeks from drink, twinkling eyes that put the stars to shame, loose hair draped around her laying in the moon beams casting into their bedroom had Ryu obsessed.

With her like this, Ryu wondered why Elsa gave up heaven just to be down here with her. "You don't seem quite like yourself tonight Erusa. We probably shouldn't." Shifting from propping her elbows on her knees Ryu laid on her side tucking a rouge strand behind Elsa's ear Ryu's fingers trailed down to trace her pout.

"You don't want to?" How could Elsa ask that, of course Ryu would love to but it was no longer remaining an enjoyable thought after their few attempts either ending with Elsa in tears locked up for hours in her office just to come out and apologize for something she obviously couldn't control.

"It's not that, I'd like to touch you the way you touch me." She rubbed her hand over Elsa's smooth skin in feather-like touches.

"But it isn't something you enjoy."

"Yes but what if tonight's the night I can handle it? I feel like I can."

As tempting as it was, a terrible guilt sloshed in Ryu's stomach, making a pain worse than Kristoff's moss soup. She already felt like an assailant without even committing the deed.

"The day you truly desire me to touch you that way I will-"

"You have needs too."

"Yes but… those wants and desires… they just don't really seem important anymore as you being happy. That's what I want the most, if I had to pit them against each other. You are more than enough for me, all of you." Elsa opened her mouth but instead of words Ryu could feel Elsa's torso lurching and aimed the women over the side of the bed emptying the contents of her stomach out in a messy pile.

Ryu cooed rubbing Elsa's back holding her hair back, waiting until she finished while she babbled out a slew of apologies. "Shh don't fret over that Erusa, I'll clean it later."

Ryu brought Elsa back into her chest cradling her cold body ignoring the smells of spices and sake and stomach bile invading her nostrils.

"That's so great." Elsa slurred. "It's just I know you want to put my needs before your own, just don't put them instead of your own okay? Just lie to me and say you love me… please." She fell asleep before Ryu could answer.

Instead she kissed Elsa's forehead and held her with shaking hands.

There was the precipice Ryu was waiting to fall over. Her reason for anything that could make sense. A reason for her to not be selfish for once, a reason to put someone else ahead of herself. A purpose that went beyond just surviving and it filled her with so much hope yet left her hopeless.

A chance to maybe not fix but stone for all she had broken. She'd spend every hour of all her days keeping Elsa safe.

If she'd have to do everything all over again and travel the world, face all of its hardships. She'd swim in every ocean and sea, climb every mountain, and face all of the world's hardships just to be with Elsa…

Carefully she entangled their limbs tearfully watching her purpose dream telling her nothing but truths. Truths she knew deep in her heart. No turning back now

"Aishitemasu- I love you so much Erusa. I love, I can love and I love you."


Notes: Ohisashiburi! genki desu ka - Japanese for Long time no see, how are you I'm fine.

Aho- Japanese, informal and generally friendly way of calling a friend an idiot.

Gi- consists of a jacket and pants, made of sturdy cotton or cotton blend material, worn in martial arts

kimchi gyoza nabe- A hot pot gyoza dumplings with rice, nabe, hot stew and vegetables.

Flight of the hummingbird- A fictional rendition of flight of the bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Elsa's composed song is inspired by Vivaldi's Winter (Four seasons)

Inu- Japanese for dog, there six Japanese dog breeds (Useless fact I own an Akita inu myself)

Aishitemasu- I love you.