Ryu liked to think of herself as a pragmatic, logic driven person, she wasn't by any means, but it was still a conviction she held onto. The emotions of others seemed so arbitrary and the majority of times unnecessarily dramatized. No problem couldn't be fixed without the right action involved. Hungry? Forage for food. Tired? Sleep. Someone annoying you? Chase them off. Bored? Find out what you liked to do and do it. It was these sensibilities that kept her alive for so long and it was these same sensibilities that failed her most when it came to Elsa.

Everything surrounding the woman was a complicated maze with walls that would crumble if she tried to push through them, and oh how she wanted to push past the barriers. So many emotions she wasn't aware of existing within surfaced, sometimes all at once leaving her mute and incapacitated. As if hit with a tranquilizer that made her feel everything and also nothing all at once. Especially when she looked at her. Prior to the other night's what could she call it? Prior to that night's incident Ryu had been captivated by Elsa's physical features but more so had been attracted to her mind and soul. They were beautiful and impossibly perfect when combined, now…

A forlorn sigh escaped her nostrils when Ryu laid her head down on crossed paws gazing from the roof into the courtyard.

Now she had experienced the bodily sensations Elsa's physicality had created, the euphoria she didn't know was possible to feel from a touch here or there. She didn't know what she had been missing when it came to sensuality. Ryu had decided that it was a completely unfair trifecta. She was now a slave to Elsa's mind, soul, and body and that was a terrifying reality. The chains Elsa unknowingly shackled to her existence couldn't have been real could they? They felt real.

The very idea of one individual having so much power over her spread a shudder throughout her whole frame.

Ryu had tried to gauge Elsa's stance on what was happening between them but Elsa being the enigma that she was had retreated back into herself, a turtle tucking all her limbs and head into their shell which had Ryu tiptoeing on the thinnest of ice for days trying to coax Elsa out with any means she could muster in that boggled brain of hers.

She could appreciate Elsa's maturity to not avoid her or the subject entirely but staying so close in reach was even more torturous. And she was so gracious about it cause of course she was, it was Elsa!

"Erusa, please can we just talk about it?" Looking up from work she had been doing as a favor to Anna Elsa's eyes would fill with pity and understanding upon seeing how fraught Ryu was allowing one hand to slowly pull the shaggy bangs out of her frowning face. A blush consuming Ryu's cheeks at how puerile and restive she sounded. Elsa was busy piecing Arendelle's political positioning right now…

And all she could do was winge about a kiss. 'What is wrong with me?' Ryu thought cringing. Elsa's grin slowly became a frown noticing the distress she was causing.

"Oh sweet darling…" Oh sweet fuck. There it was again, that short circuiting from just the sound of Elsa's dulcet tone. "We'll discuss it as soon as we get home, I promise."

Here she was sitting like a kicked puppy.

"I promise Anna I won't do anything too strenuous, if my condition changes for the worst even just slightly I'll send Gale to you immediately." Ryu's head whipped up so fast her neck snapped.

There she was! It amazed her just how fascinating she found this woman. Every twitch, every gesture, every small nuance was a small book of wonders.

Even with her limp she held herself with regality. "I'll be checking on you in three days alright." Elsa nodded with her eyes closed listening to Anna's ranting worries.

Everyone else Ryu had seen around the world paled in comparison to her. The lip upturn always teasing her lips, her intensely colored eyes that still contained a calm nature, the dainty cheekbones, framed with that amazing head of platinum hair cascading over her shoulders. Her cornflower blue dress' simplicity only drew more attention to her natural features. There was no dampening the strikingly disarming features. Her face had no makeup, she was so much more pretty without it in Ryu's opinion.

A pebble bouncing off of Ryu's snout broke the stupor she was captured in. "Paul! Elsa's ready to go home, I thought you'd be eager to see Ryder and the earth giants."

What is wrong with me?

Jumping down she joined them, noticeably her avidity was lacking and it stood out like a dragon in a castle among her friends. Sven nudged underneath her chin in a loving shove. Ryu jolted, she hadn't even seen him. His demeanor towards her had softened immensely since she had brought Kristoff back to him, he still had a little reservation being a prey animal it was his nature.

She offered a small half smile and joined Nokk's side, finding the anticipation oozing off of his frozen form sickening. She wanted answers but not if Elsa's plan was to let her down tenderly, why else would she be so hesitant to say what was going on in her mind? It couldn't be anything positive.

With assistance Elsa sat upon Nokk holding his ice reigns tightly but he didn't complain. Torn in two, pinning to be home again to see her tribe and her cottage yet… her stomach twisted with dread with the inevitable conversation she'd have with Ryu. She had been praying non-stop playing the scene in her mind on a loop. The withdrawals Elsa had been experiencing didn't help at all either from the intoxicating drug Ryu.

She could sense the dragon's irritability to speak with her about it; there were numerous possible outcomes; the one that plagued her most was linked to Ryu's solemn behavior. If the dragon reciprocated surely she wouldn't have a storm cloud hanging over her wherever she went. She was less inclined to joke around even when gouged on by Anna, she wasn't sleeping or eating well, and would sulk by windows or outside avoiding the gardens. She had tried to hide it but Elsa could discern from that cute little pout decorating her expressions she was upset. Guilt flooded Elsa subconsciously for thinking how attractive a brooding and moody Ryu could be.

That's messed up. What is wrong with me?

Elsa couldn't provide an answer. All she had an answer for was did Ryu's amativeness increase tenfold since that night in the gardens? And for Elsa the answer to that was Yes YES YES! She couldn't stop thinking of those angel eyes which swirled with so much potential of a future where they were both together and happy. Elsa couldn't resist but to indulge in that possibility as well, it was maddening! So many feelings all conflicting with one another.

There was a plethora of potential. She'd give Ryu everything and anything she wished for, any yearning the girl had Elsa would fulfill and then some. If she wanted time to stop Elsa would go to the ends of the earth testing out every type of magic to complete the task.

Elsa brought herself back down to earth. She was getting a little ahead of herself- but how could she not get giddy from the prospects! That is until she spotted Ryu laying on the roof watching her with a fervent glare leaving Elsa with a vulnerability from having her soul cross examined.

She needed to get them home.

After the goodbyes she sent Nokk into a gallop out of the courtyard hearing Anna and Kristoff yell at her to slow down; they were drowned out by the chants replaying in her mind.

Ryu don't break my heart again.

It played as she watched the earth giants handle Ryu like a cat holding her and petting along her body.

Elsa wanted to join them up there in the heavens, it was very dangerous though. She wouldn't be able to till she healed a bit more. They took the news well however, relieved that she had returned to them safely sticking around her wanting the close proximity.

Elsa took a deep breath as Nokk's hooves thundered over the grassy plains, Gale and Bruni joined the trek luring Ryu downward from the heavens roaring gleefully. No matter whether Elsa looked to her right or left there was a friend present riding along with her in their own unique manner. Once again the blessing bestowed upon her caught up. The magic of her home is alive all around. She had felt her own magic humming for days after being laid dormant for so long, today it was damn near bursting forth with her own emotions. She was worried that perhaps the gash in her side was akin to a barrel full of water that leaked from its cracks never to refill again, currently she understood that whatever awful magic the princess and her cult wielded didn't rid her of magic it simply sedated it temporarily. If she herself had known about it years ago… or even her parents. Elsa shuddered at the thought of the person she'd be this day.

Tears misted the corners of her eyes seeing her humble little cottage still in one piece, just as she left it. Nokk slowed to a trot as they drew closer. Ryu pranced… rather bounced along behind them frolicking with Bruni and Gale in the grass.

As Elsa opened the door she looked around still not completely believing that she had made it home. The smells and trickling sounds of the lake behind her house were to be heard. Kicking off her flats she needn't look towards the door to hear her friends come barreling in still occupied by Tom foolery. Looking down she noticed tiny little mud paw prints which could only belong to…

"Oh Bruni, breaking house rules while I'm away I see." She chortled until she heard the morphing sounds of Ryu. That could mean only one thing.

Elsa didn't trust herself to look at the naked woman without embarrassing herself.

"Proud of ya son." Ryu praised seeing the muddy prints. She must have sensed the tense fog clouding Elsa's joy at being home so she jutted a thumb towards the stairs. "I'll uh go get dressed." She chuckled descending the steps. Elsa listened out for the door to close leaning on the counter. Gale blew into her face drawing her eyes up.

"What am I even going to say to her?" Her inquiry was answered with an acrobatic sanguine flip.

"I was afraid you'd say that." She groaned sitting on the couch carefully letting her head lay back to close her eyes. Depending on how the talk went Elsa went over her plans for the evening, reminding herself she'd need to vehemently thank Ryder and Yelena for taking care of her home.

After a few minutes Elsa sensed a weight above her head and cracked open her eyes. Upside down Ryu was gazing at her with a tilted head from the back of the couch. Elsa smiled.

"Hi."

Ryu nodded her head. "Mhm."

Well she supposed there was no time like the present. Taking a moment to calm her buzzing nerves Elsa patted the cushion beside her. Ryu flipped over the couch and flopped over in the seat.

Clearing her throat, Elsa clamped her mouth shut when Ryu spoke up rather abruptly. "Alright Erusa I can't take this anymore, I need you to tell me if what happened in the gardens is something you regret." Oh so they were getting right into it then. Elsa could appreciate the straightforward approach no matter how much it intimidated her, so much so she faltered. "I- you are referring to the… kiss?" This only wore down Ryu's patience, judging by the stone scowl and heavy silence.

Elsa had to look away as difficult as it was and spoke in a hushed voice. "I… didn't regret it." It felt like someone had removed a drenched comforter off of the atmosphere. It couldn't have been due to Elsa; she was still wound up tight. She began pondering if all dragons had the immense influence of the emotional conditions of those around them as Ryu did. It was almost distracting enough to draw Elsa's attention away from the dragon playing with her fingers, her knees supporting her elbows. She looked so… so…

Witnessing her demeanor softened significantly brought Elsa's mind to the Greek statues she had seen at an exhibit visiting Arendelle. Her dark tan and freckles alluding to her life lived in the sun, the billowy blouse hanging off her shoulders concealing her torso, her raspy, breathy chirp of laughter that left Elsa marooned at its sea.

She finally turned her head to Elsa with a lopsided grin eclipsing any other interests that could capture her attention.

"You are the most confusing person in the world." Taken aback Elsa met her gaze challenging this statement. "Wha-how- me?" Ryu nodded simply.

"Well do you regret the kiss?"

"How could I Erusa? Have you ever kissed or seen yourself?"

Elsa blushed from her cheeks to her neck. "No and yes I have, that is entirely negligible to the discussion young lady!" Ryu shared a knowing glance with Bruni who was seated upon the back cushion between them. The serious and dreaded discussion had somehow transformed into a debate. Elsa couldn't help but hide the agitation that she had been self inflicting, all the worry and fear for naught when she could have spent those energies in other pleasant fantasies while still feeling tormented by the idea that her attraction hid slip by unnoticed as Ryu continued. She crossed her arms staring forward with a sour expression.

"Besides, how could you ask me that when you were acting the way you were?"

She replied curtly. "What do you mean?"

Ryu flung her arms up. "Avoiding the topic, hiding yourself."

"I only did that cause I was thinking about how to present the topic to you, I haven't been able to stop thinking about that night-" Elsa said dreamily. "Then I started thinking and was afraid you were feeling contrite with how temperamental you were behaving." Ryu closed her eyes.

"I was moody because I thought you hated what happened between us."

They sat there in silence hating themselves knowing that if they continued this it would only invite emotional pain, just not expecting it so soon. Still Elsa thought, she must invite the heartache knowing it is better to have loved once than to never experience the euphoria at all.

What unsettled Elsa, though, wasn't the intricacies needed to navigate the complexities of relationships. It was the simplicity and how over a very simple concept of jitters she felt for the first time, how they unraveled any sense of logic she thought she possessed. If she had seen this issue from an outsider's perspective she would have deemed both herself and Ryu foolish and actually did deem them as such. Even from the beginning they had been tiptoeing around each other already trying and failing to win the other's favor.

Here on this couch the gut wrenching anxiety, the fanning and stoking of flames, the enthralling promise of so much ecstasy from such a small interlude of what was to come just merely a fingertip away, second guessing every push and pull she made, the stumbling like newborn deer it was sickening but also so… so… rapturous!

Elsa's eyes clenched and then opened, she looked down noticing the ice block that fused her hand with the couch. Ryu didn't seem bothered, in fact she appeared glad at the small resurgence of power Elsa displayed. After ridding the magic away they sat in silence.

"Erusa, are we idiots?" That was the icing on the cake, Elsa broke down into a hearty laugh she hadn't felt in her stomach in a long time, Ryu side eyed her not understanding the humor but continued on. Her head snapped to Ryu hissing in an odd tone that came out creakier than what she intended. "No!" It was Ryu's turn to giggle.

"I think we might be idiots no?" After some time when the humor died down Ryu couldn't help her curiosity piquing.

"Soooo are we going to do it again?" Elsa turned her head to her still resting it against the cushion.

"Yes-" Elsa started carefully, her body drifting towards Ryu, a subconscious invitation. "But we need to exercise some semblance of propriety." Ryu looked disgusted, she didn't know the nature of that word yet but it sounded stiff and boring.

Elsa grabbed her hands pulling them closer together while rubbing her thumbs up and down the pebbled scales. "We should take this slow, there's no rush, it's not like our time together is limited."

"That sounds boring." Elsa chuckled, connecting their foreheads. "We should savor every last second and build this up together." Even through the obstructed view of their proximity conjoining Ryu's eyes together into one it was still a gorgeous sight to behold.

"Why didn't you say so?" There it was again that sweet air Elsa had missed inhaling since the night of the "incident". Ryu's attempt to kiss her was halted by a finger pressing against her lips stopping the advance. "There are rules." She groaned upon hearing that instead planting gentle pecks along Elsa's fingers nearly drawing out a moan. They both had learned that Elsa's fingers were incredibly sensitive. Excellent leveraging news for Ryu, detrimental for Elsa.

"Go on then." Ryu prompted as if her assault wasn't as distracting as someone wearing red at a funeral. Elsa relinquished ownership of that hand to Ryu's lips.

If this is what they had to look forward to, Elsa could kick herself over not having acted sooner. What was she going to say? Oh right, the rules.

Opening her eyes she weakly attempted to take her hand back but Ryu must have taken this as a summons to lather her scorching tongue along the exposed part of Elsa's neck. "Must you make everything for me difficult?" Elsa's words were such a juxtaposition to the hand she put behind Ryu's head pulling her tighter against her shoulder.

Ryu chuckled against her skin. "When have I ever made it easy?"

"Good point. Fair enough first rule, we must keep discretion from everyone until we figure whatever is going on between us, okay?" Elsa gripped Ryu's cheeks gently, bringing up her face to her own imploring expression. She needed her to share the understanding of the severity one misstep could cost them, all they could possibly lose. They'd have to go about this carefully especially with their lives in peril already, it'd be adding kindling to a house fire.

"I know Elsa, I know." Ryu husked, her purr gave Elsa some source of confidence that everything would be fine. Suddenly the perception that they had an audience hit Elsa opening her eyes. Bruni was covering his face peeking from behind his tiny digits, Gale sharing the excitement, whirlwinds a batch of summer flowers around them in a frenzy. Finally Elsa's focus landed on Nokk, he was eyeing Ryu dangerously. The new couple shared a glance before Ryu stood walking over to him full of surety.

Elsa bit her lip, silently hoping that he'd approve of their coupling.

"I made you a promise that I'd bring her home, now I make a new one; I vow that whenever Elsa wishes to be happy, whenever she requires something no matter how big or small, I will dedicate every breath to fulfilling that wish. Every single color I find is hers. She'll never be lonely as long as I'm alive. No scholar or author be they human or dragon, beginning from birth to their death will be able to fill any book with how wonderful I intend on making her feel… and if I'm ever the source for any kind of pain for her I want you to cut me down-" He looked over the dragon's shoulders to see Elsa vigorously shaking her head at the last sentence.

"If she were to ask me for the world somehow I'd give it to her, I'd sell my soul and not harbor a single regret."

Bruni impishly laughed at Elsa swooning over the declaration holding every word to herself as well. It was over dramatic and a bit much for the seriousness of their budding relationship but Ryu was perfectly imperfect that way to her.

The water spirit regarded them when Elsa came over and held Ryu's fingers in her own. He gave her a specific look.

Are you sure you want this one?

Elsa looked at Ryu's determined face, turning back to Nokk she nodded grinning ear to ear. After a few seconds which felt like an eternity the horse snorted and bowed his head before turning with the final say having not spoken a single word.

They turned to each other elated and embraced tightly with Elsa burying her nose into Ryu's hair. Their whole relationship relied on maybe but it had been worth it so far.

The moment was interrupted by Ryu's growling belly. Elsa giggled and murmured. "Want to help me make supper?"

Ryu pulls away. "We don't have any food." The remark had Elsa eyeing the garden outside.

After the initial introduction to the kitchen and Ryu settled down from her excitement high she proved herself to be a very well adjusted cooking companion. Elsa found herself completely thrown at the idea suspecting that she would be more inclined to hunt than wash vegetables and keep everything neat and tidy. Going back and forth to discard the potato peels she snuck a kiss to Elsa's shoulder.

Elsa had to take a moment to compose herself, this was more than anything she hoped for, Ryu was everything she wished for but didn't think she'd find. And if she had to wait this long for her… well it was worth it.

Until I want more.

The degradation was silenced as Elsa turned to a ruckus gasping when she saw Ryu juggling two large knives. That was a strict violation to the kitchen safety regulations.

"What are you doing?" She had to keep her distance at the risk of being stabbed again.

"Cutting the potatoes!" She turned, slicing them swiftly, bouncing to whatever tune was playing in her head.

Elsa came up behind her, pacifying the frenzy that was her hands calmly. Despite the near heart attack she just experienced Elsa couldn't erase the smile. "Please don't." She demonstrated a slower technique that should have been efficient enough for Ryu.

It wasn't.

Elsa jumped when Ryu slashed the other potato up even faster than before cautiously confiscating the knives from her. "Okay that's it, you're off cutting duty, go butter the dish and get the oven started-" she pointed a finger at her. "Do not set the house on fire."

Elsa felt her soul leave her body for the third time that night at the outrageously loud bang coming from behind her. Spinning around, Ryu had one hand on her chest and the other on her bent knees laughing so hard no sound came from her mouth.

"I didn't know it would close like that!" She wheezed, it must have frightened her as well, leaving Elsa scoffing.

"Erusa Psst." Elsa turned to see Ryu red faced looking like she was about to burst.

"Mhm?" The giggles kept her from speaking until she finally got control of herself. She presented a cut stick of butter to Elsa's face.

"You're my butter half." Elsa dropped the knife squealing into her hands which covered her face, the shaking of her stomach made her side hurt, a bittersweet feeling. She'd never survive.

Oh Gecko, what am I going to do with you?

Their fill had been eaten leaving them on Elsa's study floor. Ryu nearly dozed off listening to Elsa recite the lovely words resting her head against her lap with her fingers combing through her hair lazily.

"A slender, lovely, graceful girl,

Just budding into supple line,

And you scare her and make her shy.

Laid her down in a thousand flowers,

And put my soft wool cloak around her.

I slid my arm under her neck

To still the fear in her eyes,

For she was trembling like a fawn,

I caressed the beauty of all her body

And the desire of love wringed my heart

Like a huge cloud cloaked my eyes

And stole the sweetest breath from my chest."

After soaking in what was just read Ryu cracked open an eye. "Read it again."

"No." Elsa shook her head, turning the page. "Did you write that?"

Elsa pffted. "I wish, it was written by Archilochos, the oldest lyric poet in Europe, from the island of Paros, written in 690 BC or around that time." Ryu kept gazing up at her as she read, she didn't even notice.

"Hmm! I think you'll like these.

Your kiss is laced with birdlime,

And your eyes, Timarion, with fire.

Look at me, and I burn,

Touch me and I am caught.

My image is stamped on your molten heart...

Your beauty is engraved on my soul.

I know only one utterly beautiful thing,

My ravenous eye knows only one thing: ...That is at Mysikos.

To everything else, I am blind.

I would like to be the wind,

So that as you walked along the seashore..

You could bare your breasts and let me caress you with my breath." Elsa was wrong. Ryu didn't like them, she loved them, until this night she wasn't aware of the depth and meticulous thought humans dedicated to love. It was confusing that a species capable of the atrocities she had witnessed could create such beautiful imagery and sentiment. As Elsa read on not just poems but of the monumental splendor of arts she would display on the pages Ryu concluded she wouldn't mind living in ancient Greece so long as Elsa was there. Looking at the statues and back to Elsa she could spot the similarities. The proportion, poise, and the idealized perfection of the human body were all qualities Elsa claimed. As if statues have souls and she herself was one reincarnated. It was so illogical but Ryu was convinced of the fallaciousness.

She sat up on her knees, eyes brimming with wonder. "I think I'd do very well in ancient Greece." Elsa closed the book, raising a brow at her. "Is that so?" Ryu nodded eagerly and began her theory.

"You read that they prized brilliant minds and well- not to say mine is any special but I have a lot of ideas for inventions." Elsa considered herself intrigued, Ryu had never mentioned this before, truth be told she never spoke of this with anyone. "Like?"

"Like?" Ryu repeated to which Elsa nodded. "Well uh- portable ovens for starters." It seemed ridiculous saying it out loud but Elsa held no ridicule on her face, Ryu still felt a little self conscious so she shifted the spotlight onto Elsa.

"You'd be a gem there too." This did trigger her derision but Ryu remained steadfast. "You would, you're so smart in so many things, art, sciences, math, history. You could be a scholar." The list of praises warmed her cheeks, she stubbornly shook her head fighting against Ryu's impassioned envisionment.

"You could have been my mentor." Ryu says this as if this would tempt her. It did but Elsa wasn't convinced it was for the right reasons. "Yea! Seeing as you already teach me things now." Elsa waved her off in hypocrisy with her mind already imagining them in an idealized version of Greece. The hot nights, sitting by the sea just outside of the andron they called home, Elsa reading, writing, with Ryu's electric soul setting her ablaze with new ideas and philosophies. She could picture them so clearly, Ryu playing with her like a child in wheat fields by day, drowning out the cicadas with whatever music they created together on various instruments, Ryu soothing her aching soul by night into the morning, tangled limbs among the sheets…

Whoa, that is a thought t o explore later without Ryu nuzzling my neck.

"Speaking of academics-" Elsa's voice cracked. "I've been practicing my Kanji, Katakana, and hiragana." It worked. Ryu's attention was now redirected, she jumped up racing to retrieve a pen and paper so Elsa could display her new adroitness.

She began carefully tracing the lines which would spell her name and Ryu's as well as a few other easy words she memorized.

"Aww." This made Elsa feel self conscious until Ryu tried her best to look disappointed. "Why's your handwriting better than mine?"

"Oh hush it is not."

"It is too, I couldn't have this one thing I could teach you. Nope you had to go ahead and be the best." Elsa's chest drummed at the humorous praise given. Despite Ryu's good impression at sadness Elsa could see the pride her eyes contained.

"You still have a lot more to teach me, you've been slacking senpai." Elsa quipped. Ryu humphed placing her hands up on her hips.

"Mōshiwakearimasenga, darekaga watashi o betsu no kuni ni hikizurikomanakereba narimasendeshita." Smirking devilishly Elsa leaned over.

"Sore wa iiwake ni naranai so no ue, anata wa kitakatta." Ryu dramatically groaned and began crying falsely. "You gotta stop!" Elsa giggled and rapidly bestowed a series of pecks on her lips.

Ryu groaned, readily succumbing. "Don't stop." She whispered against Elsa's mouth. She needn't worry Elsa would never stop.

"I continued practicing on my own because it was the only way I felt connected to you."

Ryu grinned, nudging her nose against Elsa's chin. "Well I'm here now and you can slow down a bit, or else I'll be taking lessons from you eh."

"You could teach me ninjitsu." Elsa offered.

"Hmm maybe when you don't have a hole in your side-" she held up an advisory finger. "be warned I've seen what a quick learner you are and won't go easy on you like I did Anna." Elsa squinted her eyes at this.

"You tossed her in a pond."

"Hai! Although you're a little old to learn it completely." Elsa slowly turned from her writing, face devoid of expression. "You're calling me old?"

Ryu shrugged. "Eh, I've seen older." Earning herself a snowball to the face. Bruni appeared from seemingly nowhere to tongue quickly at the feast decorating Ryu's mug.

Mōshiwakearimasenga, darekaga watashi o betsu no kuni ni hikizurikomanakereba narimasendeshita - I'm sorry, but someone had to drag me to another country.

Sore wa iiwake ni naranai so no ue, anata wa kitakatta- That's no excuse, you wanted to come

Andon is a Grecian house.