The predator stepped across a barkless patch on a fallen log, its breath coming in near-silent puffs. The moon shone above in the sky, casting a light glow to the predator's surroundings and its bared teeth. It walked with an easy stride, its feet hitting the leaves and moss with muffled footsteps.
Crack!
The predator looked down, and saw it had stepped on a stick. Noticing something near the fallen traitorous branch that had announced its presence, it bent down, placing a clawed hand in the dirt, sniffing a cloven hoofprint that was pressed into the soft earth, before standing with a low growl.
It turned, following the track, revealing a game trail. It walked slowly, carefully looking around.
As it came to a clearing, the carnivore looked out and saw a stag grazing on some new shoots near the edge of the forest, the mammal's dark coat nearly concealing it in the moonlight. Nearly.
The predator took a step forward, and the deer raised its head, with a few blades of greenery sticking out of its mouth.
The wind picked up from behind the predator, and the deer's nostrils flared, before dashing off across the field, before disappearing into the trees on the opposite side of the clearing.
The hunter snarled, shaking its head violently, the quills erupting from the back of its head seeming to rattle. It snorted, before turning, striding back down the hill.
Indi rolled over in bed, groaning. He felt a weight lay across his chest. He opened his eyes, which were still heavy with sleep, and saw Elsa's arm had flopped across him when she rolled in her sleep. Indi smiled, and scooted closer to Elsa so that their bodies were right next to each other and lay on his side. He wrapped an arm around the woman's small waist and pulled her close. He glanced over at a gap in the window shades, and saw the sky just starting to brighten.
He placed a gentle kiss on Elsa's cheek. The queen stirred. Her eyes opened slowly, and a slight smile appeared on her face.
"Hello," Elsa said quietly as she reached wrapping her arms around Indi's shoulders.
"I hope I didn't wake you," Indi said in a muted voice.
"You did," Elsa said. "I don't mind being woken like that though."
"I'll keep that in mind," Indi said with a light chuckle. "What do you need me to do today?"
"I want you to stay with me, for a little while," Elsa said. "I don't get up for another hour or so."
"I'd love to," Indi said as he moved his hand to the small of Elsa's back, giving her a slow, gentle rub.
After a few moments of quiet cuddling, Indi spoke.
"Elsa?"
"Yes, Indi?"
"I heard about the rumors."
Elsa's eyes widened. "How did-"
"Queen Primrose came to me about it," Indi said as he sat up in the bed, twisting his head to loosen his stuff neck. He turned to face Elsa, who was slowly sitting up herself. "I have someone looking into it, to find who started these rumors."
"Thank you, Indi," Elsa said. The young knight smiled and gave Elsa's hand a gentle pat.
"I want you to be happy," he said.
"You don't care about these rumors, do you?"
"If they were just about me, no, I wouldn't care," Indi said as he swung his legs out from the sheets. "People are going to talk. However, in this instance, the rumors in question include you. And this bothers you. I don't want that."
Elsa smiled sadly. "Thank you, Indi. We royals don't have such luxuries to ignore what people say about us. Even rumors like these would tarnish my reputation, and, by extension, that of my kingdom."
"Queen Primrose said something along those lines." Indi stood on his toes, stretching his body, his arms craning above his head. "What do you need me to do today?"
"I don't want you to do anything today," Elsa said. "You've done well these past few days." Elsa pursed her lips, clearly thinking. "Actually, I do have something I want you to do." Indi looked into Elsa's eye intently. "I want you to take Sleuther and go exploring. East a bit, and visit one of the towns. I've been meaning to go visit some of the towns in my kingdom, but…"
"You've been otherwise occupied," Indi said.
Elsa laughed, a slight hint of sadness in her voice. "Yes, I suppose that would be an apt description of my situation."
"I'll be sure to do that," Indi said. "But first, breakfast."
"May I join you?"
"Are you feeling better?"
"I'm feeling well enough." Elsa gave Indi a dismissive wave.
Indi thought for a moment. "If you feel up to it." He cleared his throat. "You do realize that I can't exactly say 'no'. It is your kingdom, after all."
Elsa laughed. "Very true."
"I'll go and let you get ready," Indi said as he turned. He bent over and picked up his armor that he had discarded last night. Glancing behind himself, he caught Elsa averting her eyes, her cheeks taking on a light blush. Indi smirked as he picked up his griefers.
As he rose, his armor stacked in a light pile and held against his chest, he turned back to face Elsa. "I'll see you soon."
Elsa nodded, and Indi walked out of the room, closing the door quietly.
He strode down the hall to his own room, where he opened the door. He dropped the leather armor on the floor and flopped onto the bed, rolling into his back.
He breathed out a sigh, closing his eyes. He yawned, his jaw widening.
Shrugging, he rose and removed his shirt and pants. He slowly walked over to the washbasin and poured water from the pitcher into the large bowl. Splashing water onto his face, he took a cloth and submerged the fabric into the bowl.
Twisting the cloth in his hands, he wrung the excess water out back into the basin. As he rubbed the wet cloth over his body, he absentmindedly ran his tongue over the edges of his teeth.
Once he had finished with the cloth, he set it by the basin. He strode over to the wardrobe, and selected a set of black trousers, a deep red shirt.
After sliding his body into the clothing, he stepped into the hallway, and made his way through the castle.
"Finally," Indominus said. "A day to be what we truly are."
"Not quite," Indi said. "We still have some things to do."
"Those are miniscule by comparison. Who's going to stop us if we were to go for a hunt?" The voice seemed to finish it's sentence with the final word slurring into a stuttering growl.
"Fair point, but we have things to do before we do anything like that."
"Of course. I am not unreasonable."
Indi stepped into the dining room, where he saw servants wiping down the long wooden table.
He noticed Marget and strode over.
"Sir Indi," she said, and the other servants rose, bowing their heads slightly. "What can we do for you?"
Indi cleared his throat. "I've come to inform you that Queen Elsa will be joining me for breakfast here in the dining hall."
"Feeling better, is she?" Kai said.
"It seems so," Indi said. "Kai, at an appropriate time, could you send for the Royal family from Corona? I'm sure they'd like to join us as well."
"Of course, Sir Indi."
Indi nodded and turned, before walking off. He strode the short way upstairs, the halls still dim in the early morning light. He approached a window, and looked out. He looked around himself, and, seeing the halls were abandoned, he opened the window quietly. Climbing out, he allowed his claws to slide from his fingertips. Shutting the window quietly, he climbed up the wall and onto the roof.
Crawling along the shingles, he felt a warm breeze pick up.
Indi placed himself on the pinnacle of the castle roof, letting one leg lay down the slope, the other propped up on the top of the angle for balance. Looking over the castle walls, he saw the town coming to life.
He felt rhythmic thuds on the castle roof. Looking over, he saw Sleuther crawling over, using his pincers to grip the top of the roof.
"Hey, Sleuther," Indi said. "We'll be going for a long flight today, bud."
The Triple Stryke rumbled deep in his throat as he settled down near Indi.
Indi rubbed the dragon's head. Sleuther had become quite loyal, if a bit distant at times, likely due to his past. He seemed to despise large crowds, but he liked Elsa well enough.
A bright light pierced his eyes, making him squint. Looking over the fjord, Indi saw the sun had peeked over the horizon, bathing the young man and dragon in its golden light.
He sighed deeply, slowly breathing in the cool, morning air, before exhaling just as slowly.
A deep roar echoed over the town from the forest, and Indi looked towards the noise. From another part of the forest, a loud shrieking roar sounded out. Farther into the forest, a breathy call sounded out, the noise turning to a stutter. Indi climbed up into Sleuther's back, and the dragon glided to the highest tower, before clamping a pincer to the base of the flagpole at the top, Queen Elsa's crest fluttering in the breeze. Sleuther roared out as well, his teeth glinting in the light. Indi sat up on Sleuther's back, and breathed in deeply, before throwing his mouth open, baring his teeth in a mighty roar, joining the caphonomy. He shook his head, his hair flopping across his forehead.
As the roars died out, he patted Sleuther's back, and the dragon released the flagpole, gliding down into the courtyard.
As the dragon touched down onto the cobblestones, Indi slid off the dragon's back, his feet clicking into the ground.
"I'll be back soon, Sleuther," Indi said, as the dragon laid down, gesturing towards the castle doors with his head. Indi smiled and turned, opening the castle doors. He stepped across the threshold, and the doors shut with a creak.
As he walked through the halls, his head twitched, making a small jerk to face slightly to the right. Indi furrowed his brow, before shaking his head.
As he walked, his feet clicked onto the hard floor tiles. As the sun had begun to cast a glow through the windows, the castle had begun to come to life. The servants had started to mill about, beginning their daily duties.
Indi had begun to whistle an upbeat tune as he walked. The tune started slow, then turned into a merry version of a battle song.
As he found his way back into the dining hall, he heard light laughter and talking. As he stepped up to the door, Kai stood at attention.
"Sir Indi," he said with a slight bow.
"Hello, once again, Kai," Indi said.
Kai opened the door, stepped through, and closed it. His voice came through the wood. "Presenting Sir Indi Rex, Knight of Arendelle." The doors opened inward, and Indi stepped through. He nodded once more to Kai, and strode over to the table, sitting in the open seat that was to the right of the vacant chair at the head of the table.
The Royal Family from Corona sat in the three chairs on the opposite side of the table. King Thomas sat directly to the left of the head of the table, and his wife sat to his left. To Queen Primrose's left was Princess Rapunzel.
King Thomas wore a green outfit that was suitable for someone of his status. Queen Primrose wore a blue dress with white-lace trim. Princess Rapunzel wore a light teal dress.
"Your Majesties," Indi said.
"Sir Indi," King Thomas said with a nod of respect.
"Thank you for inviting us to breakfast with you," Queen Primrose said.
"It's my pleasure," Indi said with a smile. He inhaled deeply, before speaking. "Queen Elsa should be here in a bit to join us."
"Excellent," Primrose said.
"Can I ask what you all have planned today?" Indi said.
"We'll be assisting my niece with functions around the kingdom," Queen Primrose said.
"Ah, she told you that she'll be taking over," Indi said. "Very good. I'm sure she'll appreciate the help."
"I'm not sure what I'll do today," Princess Rapunzel said. "You two don't need my help, right?" Her parents shook their heads.
"Hm," Indi said, thinking.
Suddenly, Kai's voice sounded into the room. "Presenting Her Majesty, Queen Elsa of Arendelle."
Indi looked over and saw Queen Elsa walk into the room. She wore a sapphire pendant, which was bordered on each side by a string of pearls, around her neck, and a crown atop her head. Elsa wore a touch of makeup on her face, which was noticeably devoid of any bandages.
Her dress was a bright scarlet, the fabric cascading down her form. The bodice had intricate thread designs, and the neckline had cut down a little bit of Elsa's chest, slightly revealing something that made Indi's cheeks get warm.
Indi rose and stepped behind the chair at the head of the table. Elsa smiled and sat in the chair, and Indi pushed her in, before sitting in his own seat.
"How are you feeling, Queen Elsa?" King Thomas asked.
"Better than I was a few days ago," Elsa said, before signaling over to a servant, who disappeared through a small door.
After a moment of silence, Indi spoke. "As far as what you could do today, Princess, you could accompany me."
Elsa flashed him a look, but Indi paid it no mind.
"What will you be doing?" Rapunzel asked.
"Queen Elsa," Indi said, gesturing towards the aforementioned woman with a nod. "She wanted me to do some exploring today."
"Where will you be going?" Queen Primrose said.
"East?" Indi said, looking to Elsa, who nodded.
"I want him to take a break," Elsa said. "He enjoys flying that dragon of his, and I'd like him to have some practice in diplomacy."
"I don't blame him," King Thomas said, smiling from beneath his mustache. "That ride he took me on last night was amazing."
Indi smiled, and turned to Elsa. "See, my diplomacy is fine." The young queen rolled her eyes.
"So, mother?" Rapunzel said. "Can I go with Sir Indi?"
Primrose quietly thought for a moment. "I suppose."
Indi pulled on the strap, securing the saddle. He gave Sleuther a rub beneath his chin, to which the dragon rumbled, closing his eyes in bliss.
The young knight's black armor shone in the morning sun, the hardened leather freshly polished.
Various soldiers and visitors to the castle who were milling about in the courtyard watched him with mild interest.
He heard the clicking of shoes on the cobblestones behind him. He rose, and saw Princess Rapunzel, accompanied by her family, and Queen Elsa walking towards him.
The princess wore the standard riding clothes that a lady would.
"Ready?" Indi asked as he brushed his white-tipped bangs to the left.
"Yes, I am," Rapunzel said.
Sleuther rumbled deep in his throat, and walked up to Elsa, nuzzling her arm.
"I'm alright, Sleuther," Elsa said, rubbing the dragon's jawline.
Indi whistled into the air, and two small-ish dragons came gliding over the castle walls. The Indominus Furies landed nearby, people making way for the young predators, before striding over.
Indi climbed up onto Sleuther's back, the dragon shifting his weight.
Rapunzel held out her hand, allowing Sleuther to smell it, before moving around to the dragon's flank. Indi reached down, and the pair grabbed each other by their wrists. Indi pulled up the princess, setting her on the saddle behind him.
Indi turned to his queen. "I'll see you later."
Stepping forward, Elsa produced a small cloth sack and held it out. Indi accepted the offering, and the queen set it in his hand. Indi felt it was full of coins.
"In case you need to buy something," Elsa said.
Indi nodded his thanks, and stuffed the sack in his pocket.
Sleuther suddenly shifted his weight forward, nearly sending Indi flying off his back into Elsa. Indi grabbed onto one of the dragon's horns to catch himself, and Elsa stepped forward and took Indi's face in her hands. She pressed her lips to his, before quickly pulling away.
"Stay safe," Elsa said.
Indi straightened himself. "We'll be fine," to which Elsa nodded and stepped back. Indi turned to Princess Rapunzel. "You're gonna wanna hold on." The Princess set her hands on Indi's shoulders. "Sleuther…" The dragon extended his wings upwards. "We should be back for dinner." Elsa nodded. "By the way, you're exceptionally beautiful this morning."
Elsa opened her mouth to respond. "I-"
Indi grinned. "Go, Sleuther!" The dragon thrust his wings downwards with a roar, sending himself and his human passengers shooting into the air.
Elsa looked upwards, shaking her head in mirth as the wind from Sleuther's wings blew her hair and dress. She watched as the Triple Stryke somersaulted in the air before, shooting off towards the rising sun.
She shook her head, before going inside, King Thomas and Queen Primrose following her.
They made their way up to Elsa's office, the occasional servant making way, giving the group of royals a bow or curtsey.
From outside, the distant roar of a tyrannosaur echoed over the kingdom from somewhere in the forests.
Elsa nodded to the soldiers who stood guard outside her office, and they opened the doors. Elsa stepped inside, followed by her aunt and uncle. She made her way around the desk, and sat in the large chair. She looked at the stack of letters. Sighing, she plucked the first one from the top; it was from the Southern Isles. She pursed her lips.
What did they want?
She turned it over, and saw the wax seal bearing the crest of the appropriate royal family.
"What is it, dear?" Primrose said.
"This is from the Southern Isles," Elsa said as she opened the letter, breaking the wax seal. She scanned the letter.
Elsa's voice was quiet. "King Charles has passed away due to a severe illness. This is an invitation to his funeral and his eldest son's coronation." She had only met King Charles of the Southern Isles a few times, and she liked him well enough. His passing would surely cause some tension in various kingdoms. She would give his family any needed support. King Thomas was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. "Do you think you'll go?"
Elsa was silent. "I might. I have no qualms with most of that royal family, just one particular member."
"We might have received a letter as well," Primrose mulled.
Elsa was silent for a moment. "I'll have to talk with Indi about it when he returns."
Indi gripped the saddle, the air blowing in his face, blowing his white-tipped hair. He grinned, his eyes looking down at the treetops rushing past them on their left, the ocean to their right.
"Up, Sleuther!"
The dragon roared and flapped his wings, going higher. Two smaller, white dragons with jagged teeth followed on either side.
Looking behind him, Indi saw Princess Rapunzel hanging on tightly, her arms wrapped around Indi's chest.
"That's good," Indi said, patting Sleuther's flank. "Level out." The dragon obeyed, and stopped his ascent. "Are you okay, princess?" Rapunzel relaxed her arms and moved her hands to set them on Indi's shoulders.
"I'm okay," she said. "I'm just still not used to flying."
"You'll get used to it," Indi said. "We won't let you fall."
Sleuther roared loudly, and Copal and Emerald made a series of barking roars to each other.
"What is it, boy?" Indi said, leaning his head down to that of the dragon. The dragon snarled, and looked down. Indi sat up, turning his head to look back at Princess Rapunzel. "Hold on." He gripped the handles on the saddle. "Show me, Sleuther!" The dragon roared and dove, being followed by the Indominus Furies. Indi leaned forward, making sure neither he nor the princess would fly off the dragon's back.
Indi saw what had caught Sleuther's attention: a small ship, dangerously close to a group of jagged rocks. As Sleuther neared the ship, Indi saw several men point up at them.
"Circle around, Sleuther." The dragon banked into a turn, tilting his body.
As they approached the ship, Indi saw that on board were several men, woman and children, likely multiple families. Noticing the dragons, a woman screamed, pointing at the beast. Several men drew various weapons, while others ushered their families to the opposite side of the ship.
"Greetings!" Indi shouted, raising an open hand. "Do not fear us; we mean you no harm."
Indi guided Sleuther close to the ship, where the dragon hovered, his wingbeats strong and steady.
Some of the men on board the ship tentatively lowered their weapons. "I am Sir Indi Rex, Knight of Arendelle. This is Princess Rapunzel of Corona, and these are my dragons Sleuther, Copal, and Emerald." He gestures to each of the dragons respectively.
"Greetings, Your Highness, My Lord," a man with thinning red hair and a bushy mustache said as he stepped forward. "I'm afraid we need your help."
"How may we be of assistance?" Indi said as he rubbed Sleuther's flank.
A woman who wore a plain blue dress and a white bonnet on her head stepped forward. "It's my son. He fell overboard, and the waves pushed him away from us." The woman clasped her hands in front of her, tears forming in her eyes. "Please, my Lord, Your Highness, I beg you. Help us find him."
Indi set his jaw. "Of course. May we set down?"
The people backed away, making room for the fearsome beast. Sleuther set down on the deck of the ship, his feet touching the boards tentatively. Copal and Emerald glided down, their claws digging into the ship's deck.
"Do you have something with the boy's scent on it?" Indi asked. "A shirt, anything that he touches frequently."
"Go get his hammock," the woman said to two men, who nodded, before opening a trap door and climbed down below the deck of the ship.
"What's his name?" Rapunzel asked. "Where did you last see him?"
"His name is Hegel," the woman in blue said. "He fell overboard to the south, but the ocean could have taken him anywhere by now."
The two men came out of the trapdoor, carrying a large sheet of burlap. Indi dismounted from Sleuther's back, and strode over. He drew the knife from his belt and cut a piece from the hammock. He turned and knelt down in front of Sleuther, holding out the piece of fabric.
"Find 'im, boy," Indi said as he rubbed Sleuther's jaw. Sleuther sniffed the burlap, inhaling the scent. After a moment, he raised his head, sniffing the air. He growled, and shifted his wings. "He's got it." Indi climbed up onto the dragon's back.
Settling down, he turned his head to face the people. "We'll do our best to find your Hegel."
The man with thinning red hair spoke. "Thank you."
"Let's go, Sleuther!" Indi shouted. The dragon roared and sprung from the ship's deck with a powerful flap of his wings.
Queen Elsa strode through the halls, her shoes clicking on the floor. Yeager scuttled along beside her, the fluffy creature making small chirping noises.
She had excused King Thomas and Queen Primrose for the time being. They had been a welcome help that morning, but Elsa needed some time alone. As she entered the hallway to her room, she saw a pair of guards disappear around a corner, though that was not unusual; the hallways that led to and from all the rooms that were occupied and utilized by the Royal family were patrolled regularly.
As Elsa entered her room, she stepped aside, allowing Yeager to enter first.
Everything in the room seemed normal. But she could tell something was simply off. She turned and noticed that, on the small desk that sat against a wall with basic stationery on it: missing from that desk, were the papers detailing dragons that Hiccup Haddock gave her.
She bent over, looking beneath the desk. She scowled at the absence of the manuscripts.
Indi felt his teeth behind his lips sharpen as Sleuther shot over the ocean, the waves nearly touching them. The water beneath them nearly became a blur.
"Not now," Indi muttered, hoping Princess Rapunzel could not hear him.
"Are you okay?" the princess said. "You're really tense."
Indi turned his head. "I'll be fine." Sleuther roared, shooting off to the right. "There he is!"
Sitting in the water, desperately clinging to a large piece of driftwood, was a red-haired boy, maybe about fourteen or fifteen years old. The waves pitched the boy up and down.
Sleuther came to hover just above the boy. Indi placed his feet on the saddle, crouching.
He extended his legs, springing from the saddle, and diving into the water.
As he swam over, the boy extended an arm, and started to slip beneath the water. Indi wrapped an arm around the boy's torso, and held him above the water.
Sleuther extended his trio of intertwined tails, and Indi gripped the offered appendage. The dragon slowly lifted his rider and the small human up.
"Here, take him," Indi said with a grunt as he lowered the boy to Princess Rapunzel. The woman reached up and took the boy beneath his armpits, lowering him down in front of her.
Indi dropped from Sleuther's tail braid, and carefully stepped over the two humans to his spot on the saddle. He tossed his head back, swinging his wet hair back, and brushed his bangs to the left of his brow.
"Are you ok, Hegel?" Indi said as he rubbed Sleuther's flank, and the dragon flew onwards, gently banking into a turn.
"You know who I am?" the boy asked.
"Yes," Rapunzel said. "Your parents are very worried."
Indi nodded and turned to face forward, gripping the handles on the saddle. "Speaking of whom, let's get you back to them. Princess Rapunzel, hold on to him."
"Princess?" the boy said, his eyes widening.
Indi grinned. "Go, Sleuther!" The dragon roared and shot forward.
Elsa strode outside into the courtyard. The fountains sprayed water into the air, the streams breaking into many small drops, which fell back down into the large basins beneath.
Yeager strode along slightly behind her, to her right, his feathers ruffling the smallest amount in the slight breeze.
Elss looked down at the small creature, giving a soft smile. She waved her hand, and a stream of ice magic floated from her fingers, before forming a white crystalline bowl. The bowl hovered near the fountain, collecting the water that fell from the top of the stream. Once she was satisfied, the queen made a motion, and the bowl floated down, landing gently in front of the small dinosaur. Yeager perked up at the offering, and dipped opened his mouth, dipping his jaw into the water. He picked his head up and tipped it back, his jaws slightly opening and closing multiple times as the water slipped back into his throat.
He repeated this action a few more times until he had finished. Elsa waved her hand and the bowl disintegrated into a million tiny snowflakes, which drifted off into the wind.
The queen and her companion walked along, through the gates, and they entered the town.
As she passed by, the citizens milling about in the streets cleared a path for her, bowing respectfully.
As she rounded a corner, Elsa saw Brynn Tyrannus standing between a Jewish family and the butcher Theodore Weldon. Weldon seems to be shouting at the family, while Brynn stood there defensively, a deep frown on her face, her eyes stern.
"I've told you before, as well as your friend," Weldon said loudly, before pointing at the family. "We don't want their kind here!"
"This is not up for debate, Weldon," Brynn said sternly. "I know that will take some getting used to, but get over it."
"I'm quite certain Her Majesty would agree with me," Weldon said. "She would order them out of her kingdom as soon as she laid eyes upon them."
Elsa scowled and walked over. "I most certainly do not agree with you, Mister Weldon."
"Your Majesty," Weldon said, bowing deeply.
Elsa glanced over at the family, who were looking at her with apprehension. She flicked her gaze to Brynn, who gave a quick bow. The queen looked back to the butcher. "How dare you speak for me."
"I meant no disrespect, Your Majesty," Weldon said.
Elsa furrowed her brow. "I'm sure," she said dryly. "I expect all of my people to be courteous towards all newcomers in my kingdom… regardless of what faith they may hold or the color of their skin. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Weldon said.
Elsa motioned with her head. "Move along, Mister Weldon."
Weldon bowed quickly, then walked off. Elsa watched as the butcher walked away, before turning to the Jewish family. "I apologise for his behavior. Mister Weldon does not speak for me, and I'm sure he does not represent the view of most of my people."
The man bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Elsa took a breath. "I believe you met Sir Indi Rex?" The man nodded. "He told me about you."
"He seems like a very nice man," the Jewish man said. "I'm Jacob Friedman."
Elsa smiled. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mister Friedman. I am Queen Elsa of Arendelle. You've already met Brynn Tyrannus." A dinosaur called in the distance. Elsa glanced in the direction of the sound. She quickly identified the sound, and turned to the female guard for confirmation. "Ceratosaurus?"
"I believe so, yes," Brynn said.
Elsa thought for a moment. "I'll need to visit that one later." She turned back to Friedman. "I'm afraid I must move on. I welcome you and your family to Arendelle, Mister Friedman."
"Thank you," Friedman said, tipping his head.
Elsa nodded to Brynn. "Miss Tyrannus."
"Have a good day, Your Majesty," Brynn said.
Elsa looked down at Yeager, who had rubbed up against her leg. The queen whistled lightly and started walking. "Come along, Yeager." The little feathered creature scuttled after her.
Indi had Sleuther hover by the ship. He took the boy by the arm, and lowered him to the outstretched arms of his father. The small crowd stepped back, and Sleuther landed on the deck. Hegel embraced his father.
Indi rubbed Sleuther's flank. "Good boy." The knight faced the people gathered on the deck. "Are you going to Arendelle?"
Hegel's father nodded. "We are."
Indi nodded approvingly. "Might I know your name? You'll likely see me again in the future."
"I am Erndon Perkins," the red-haired man said.
"Well met, Mister Perkins," Indi said. Rapunzel nodded a greeting. "You'll likely see us returning there late this afternoon." Sleuther rumbled, anxious to return to the air. "Alright, boy."
"I bid you both farewell," Perkins said with a light bow. Indi nodded and Sleuther stretched his wings upwards.
"Goodbye!" Rapunzel said cheerfully. "Safe travels!"
Sleuther sprang into the air, thrusting his wings downwards. They shot off to the east, following the coast. After a moment, Sleuther slowed slightly to and easy glide. He flapped his wings occasionally to maintain altitude.
"Well, that was interesting," Indi said, watching as Copal and Emerald glided up next to Sleuther.
"What do you mean?" Rapunzel said.
"Nothing," Indi said, waving dismissively, before clearing his throat. "The town that Elsa wanted me to visit should be coming up here shortly."
Sleuther rounded a mountain ridge that stuck halfway out into the ocean, and sure enough, at the bottom of the mountain was a sizable town.
Elsa stood at the large wooden fence. A red and tan dinosaur with black stripes walked along the fence, looking out at the few people who came to see it. Its feet thumped into the ground with each step. Every time one of its feet hit the ground, its three clawed toes spread out, leaving large, birdlike tracks.
"It's scary," a teenaged boy said, as he wrapped an arm around a girl who stood at his side. Elsa smiled at the show of affection.
The Ceratosaurus sniffed into the air, before releasing a stuttering roar. Watching the animal walk back into the trees, out of view of the humans, Elsa's mind drifted off. These creatures should not exist. Technically, Indi and the other… what Indi referred to collectively as "shifters"... should not exist either. They were all creatures for another time or another place altogether, and now she and her people lived among them. She was in love with one of those beings, which could only lead to-
She felt Yeager rub against her leg, bringing her out of her thoughts. She smiled and knelt down, rubbing the dinosaur's feathery head.
"Come, Yeager." She turned and started to walk down towards the castle, the little dinosaur following behind her.
Indi directed Sleuther down. Below them, the buildings that made up the town were constructed of planks and wooden beams. The roof of each building was covered in wooden shingles. Milling about in the town square were several people. Some carried items in baskets, while others manned their stands, selling food and merchandise.
As Sleuther glided down to the town, people noticed the large shadow above them and began to scramble. The Triple Stryke set down in the square, followed by two white dragons.
Indi dismounted and called out. "It's alright. We mean you no harm." After a moment, some of the people began to emerge timidly. "I am Sir Indi Rex, and this is Princess Rapunzel of Corona. We have come from Arendelle."
An older woman who walked with a slight limp approached him. She supported herself on a sturdy walking stick, the wood polished and lacquered. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Indi. I am Anja. We have heard about your exploits and adventures."
Indi smiled, and Emerald moved her head beneath her alpha's hand. Indi rubbed the scaly head. "Well met, Anja. I must apologize for my dramatic entrance. I understand not many people are accustomed to dragons coming out of the sky."
Anja laughed. "I'm afraid we are not, no."
Rapunzel dismounted and walked over to the elder. "We have come from Arendelle by request of Queen Elsa herself."
"What for?" Anja said, seeming mildly worried. "What have we done to garner her majesty's attention?"
Indi raised a hand, attempting to placate the woman. "She simply wanted us to visit you. She had been meaning to venture out to some of the towns, but she has suddenly become otherwise occupied with unforeseen circumstances. She sent me out, and Princess Rapunzel wished to accompany me."
Anja smiled. "Then come! Let us show you how we welcome esteemed guests!" She turned and led Indi and Rapunzel into a large building.
At the edge of a settlement, sat a small wooden hut. Inside the hut was near dark, save for the light cast by a small blaze that crackled in the fireplace. A woman, shrouded in dark cloth, stood over a cauldron. The liquid inside the black vessel bubbled, steam lifting from the surface.
The woman reached to a small table that sat near her and took a scrap of a plant and tossed it into the simmering liquid. Taking a large wooden spoon and dipping into the liquid, she added a piece of sweet-smelling root to the cauldron's contents. Muttering some words to herself, a knock sounded into the hut. She glanced over at a thin, slightly curved sword that hung by the door.
