What does one do when they know they're already dead? Do they still fight it? For those around them do they try to help them knowing it's pointless or help themselves and possibly live to see another day?
And for what? Just to be thrown back as fodder the next.
Animals could do it, for they were mindless beasts driven by instinct to survive and while man shared the same instinct, other intricacies like logic, intelligence, self awareness, morality got in the way of that nature.
This is not how he saw his life going. The young soldier taking a loud shaky breath clutched his sword to his chest. Another death, another friend he had been trained with treated like a ragdoll taken by a teething dog, torn to bloodied pieces, body casted right in front of him from his hiding place beneath debris of a destroyed forest.
The bile rising from his stomach wanted him to keep his hand to himself less he threw up. His comrade took in ragged air...Still alive. He had to have been in unimaginable pain with his twisted limbs and torn flesh, yet he didn't scream. He couldn't scream, he had no throat. He'd die soon, thinking his fellows had met the same fate and he was alone here in the snow waiting for either his crushed lungs to give up, or to bleed out drenching the snow with his crimson life.
An ear piercing, guttural roar drowned out the screams of its victims. Prey.
We're prey.
The young soldier's trembling hand clutched his friend's broken one, staining itself with more blood. He no longer cared about being spotted, the giant monster's carnage had been tormenting his squadron for hours now and it didn't seem like it planned on stopping anytime soon. He could have stayed hidden and hoped for the best or he could comfort whomever he could reach.
The young soldier thought he had cried all the tears his body had left in the first hour but he was proven wrong.
They lied. His leaders, the royal family, and other soldiers. Filling young recruits heads with the idea that if they returned to the Ruskland capital in victory they'd feel a sense of grandeur and pride for fighting for their country. His superiors had said they'd be prepared and trained, molded for anything– the violence, the tragedy of war and brutality of battle.
They lied!
No training could prepare them for this.
After seeing the horrors that the world was capable of, the young soldier knew that if it was his God's plan to send him home after this somehow, by some miracle, no amount of riches, prestige, and praise, even worship would not dull or erase the things he had seen.
He should have followed his instinct, the moment they received orders to fight in a civil war against their brothers who sided with the enemy, the Heretics, didn't seem natural from the beginning. They were the enemy and for what reason! Because they wanted to kill some foreign witch? So what? His friends were dying because of it.
Not just dying, suffering tortures at the claws of a creature he didn't know was capable of existing. It didn't bleed. Didn't tire. Wasn't capable of remorse, it seemed the only thing it was capable of was pure, red hatred. Protected by its green stone armor, shining those golden glowing eyes on any life it spotted snuffing it out.
From the way it treated them, talons gripping one arm and the other holding its twin just to slowly pull them in opposite directions until the sickening pops of bones, and the tearing of sinew and tissue could be heard audibly deafened by the short shrill cries of the sorry soul who themselves suspended in mid air quartered.
His friend had received that treatment halfway, till the beast became bored of this method and sank its giant sharp beak into his muscles testing their give, as if it had a sickened curiosity of how much the human body could endure when afflicted with brutality.
This wasn't even the worst of it, the aspect that the hiding soldier hated most was the rock monster's ethereal beauty that bewitched them when they first laid eyes upon it. It was that very hesitation that cost so many their lives.
The rock monster chattered its beak rapidly, freezing the young soldier in place. Stopping his breathing, and keeping his eyes clenched tight. Without even being aware the abomination had complete control over all his bodily functions.
The silence was somehow even worse, for now he was unknowing of its location, what it was doing or if it was just simply staring down at the rotten log he claimed sanctuary under waiting for him to reveal himself.
He said a prayer under his breath, and cried when it was answered. A large taloned foot stomped in view upon his friend's body, some decimated remains sticking to the bottom of the monster's foot like shit on a shoe, the rest stained his face with fluids and chunks which splattered back. The bird took off to the dark gray sky rising above the clouds leaving the soldier breathing, his heart beating, and yet dead all the same.
The flame in his soul extinguished. He lay there shaking, bladder and bowels now emptied. After seventeen minutes he didn't recognize his own quiet wailing. He wanted so many things; his own death, blindness, what ifs that didn't and couldn't happen, forgiveness from his fallen friends that they were gone and he remained. He knew there was nothing glorious or exultant about this. It was nothing but tragic carnage he got a front viewing of.
He couldn't even tell his friends what they sacrificed their lives for, why he was still breathing and their body parts were meters away from each other. He didn't know why, and he never would.
There would be no tomorrow. How could there be?
The announcer rushed inside the tent quickly saluting the proper respective ranks dwelling inside. Taking his place at the entrance, standing stiff with protocol. His voice not raising above the appropriate level for the setting began to call out.
"Presenting Major General Konstantin Grigory Sokolov of Her illustrious majest-"
"Quiet boy, this is not the time for this." General Konstantin berated, following him inside the tent, he opened his eyes just enough to squint against the biting cold winds outside. The large man was greeted by his subordinate with a bow and salute, frost clung to his bristly beard quickly melting away in the warm tent. Face grim he regarded the other soldiers among them, their expressions apprehensive, not becoming appearances for the strong warriors of the Ruskland military.
He understood their plight, his role demanded he remain aware of the state for all combat posts. They held their own quite well against the madmen who thought it wise to go against the empress, and with the support of many loyalists he was sure they could win…. Well he was sure.
Now the Heretics began planting religious zealots in the cities, seeding poisonous ideals in the ears of citizens breeding doubt of whether they sided with the correct faction.
It weighed upon his heart heavily, friend turning against friend, neighbor now suspiciously whispering about neighbor, Brothers killing brothers.
His once glorious nation was now dividing all because of-
"One woman." The words brought him from lamenting, Konstantin blinked at the shorter man, who stood over the table overlooking a casualties list.
"Come again Colonel Misha." The colonel's bright burning eyes met his, his face pink and flush from the cold.
"One woman has caused all this destruction, and she's not even present." Konstantin sighed, joining him at the table.
He sat down so heavily his weight skidded the chair's legs further into the dirt.
"One woman." He mimicked then remained quiet carefully choosing what to say. He could hear the disapprobation in Misha's voice, niggling his mind. He could not afford any dispensation to occured so high in ranks.
"It may seem foolish to fight this fight, after all the heretics don't want us dead, they want that woman." Konstantin gauged Misha's reaction to his statement.
"With all due respect General, but that woman has cost the lives of many men, my men, our men, good men." Konstantin laughed bitterly at this.
"Wouldn't be the first time men have fought a war for a woman and it won't be the last."
"How am I supposed to keep their morale up if they don't even know who they are fighting for?"
Konstantin eyed him, then helped himself to the chilly vodka upon the table pouring a swig. "Tell them the truth they are fighting for their empress."
"Are they? Or are they fighting for some foreign witch who cannot defend herself? General." Misha hissed then remembering to whom he spoke to with such venom. Konstantin didn't know anymore, how could he explain it? Honesty seemed to be the only viable option to birth understanding.
"She is very much capable of defending herself, the only flaw stopping her is…" he took a long sip rolling the bitter liquid in his mouth.
"She's a good person. I've met her, a good person capable of winning this war single handedly but won't."
Misha remained dubious, hands resting on the table leaning forward. "Why?" His eyes squinted.
Konstantin shrugged. "She doesn't want to hurt anyone." He chuckled as he spoke the words, almost not believing them himself. Of all the people who could have been blessed with the power of a God, the power to create life and bring death was given to a woman who seemed to feel guilty if she accidentally stepped on an ant. The irony always made him chuckle.
"Well she's already hurt many people. Through inaction. Not only do we have Heretics constantly attacking but one of my squads was slaughtered by a monster." Konstantin nodded, he had heard the reports, he needed to speak with the boy who survived the savage attack.
"One soldier came back alive but not unscathed, he won't eat or drink and babbles about green demons tearing people limb from limb. I suspect that when he heals I'll promote him for his bravery."
Waving his hand at the notion Konstantin grimaced with repudiation. "I've seen the report, he doesn't care about that. All he wants is for the nightmares he'll forever be plagued with to end. Keep him on watch, do not allow him access to weapons or anything sharp." He stood after finishing his vodka and headed for the exit, clasping his large dark blue coat shut around his burly shoulders. "As for the bird there is only one person I've seen that even came close to handling it."
"General?"
He turned over his shoulder regarding his Colonel. "The woman. I will go get her, until then remain vigilant. This war will end and we will burn those heretics till not even ash remains. No bones, no blood, no ash."
"One, I said one portrait. I really should have given her a size requirement." Elsa chuckled at Anna's sigh turning to face the wall once again, hands clasped behind her back.
"How much did this cost?" She examined the immaculate detail of the art piece which now nearly took up an entire wall in the gallery.
The way Anna rubbed the bridge of her nose between her fingers told Elsa all she needed to know. Still she couldn't help but love it, seeing Ryu smiling broadly with a giddy glint reaching her eyes. She dressed up for the portrait in a dark blue kimono which complimented her the color of her hair and irises.
She read the name plaque which seemed to be a direct quote from Ryu herself. 'Put my name, and Bruni, my son, call it Ryu and her son Bruni, Arigatō gozaimasu!'
"I'm surprised Ryu even managed to sit still long enough to have it done."
"Oh she didn't-" Anna dug in her dress pocket procuring a photograph. "The artist went off of this." Elsa leaned in hesitantly gripping it.
After staring at it for a few seconds she said. "Can I keep this?" Anna nodded.
"Wait a second?" She began, a grin forming on her lips as she laughed breathlessly having just made a realization Elsa was lost on.
"What?" Elsa studied the portrait again trying to find maybe a mistake the artists made. Anna couldn't stop giggling raising a puckish brow.
"Look at Bruni." Elsa did, and saw nothing out of the ordinary, the Salamander sitting on Ryu's palm which she held affectionately close to her heart smiling just as brightly.
Elsa frowned, rubbing her chin. "And what exactly am I looking for, Miss art appraiser." Anna groaned dramatically, frantically gesturing between Bruni and Ryu.
"Look at them!" Elsa shrugged still perplexed, wishing Anna would get to her point already.
"They're adorable. I'll reimburse you for it." Anna waved her off not caring about that.
"Nevermind that, how can you not notice this or are you purposely ignoring it." Her hands akimbo she stared Elsa down till she finally gave up. "Ryu looks like Bruni!... Alot."
"No she doesn- oh my god…"
"You see!"
As Elsa went slack jaw still staring at the portrait as Anna cackled helplessly trying to catch her breath and failing but she still tried to speak. "They have the same goofy smile, and dumb little faces, and BIG-" Anna widened her eyes with her fingers. "Bulging eyes." Elsa shook her head, still speechless and still trying to deny what was happening and what she saw.
"Oh god, Kai-" Anna excitedly waved for the man to enter the gallery as he nearly passed by the open doors. "Kai, Kai, look!" She pointed to the wall. The master of the house was slightly taken back by what he saw.
"What an… interesting addition." Anna clasped his shoulder leaning in still giggling.
"Doesn't Ryu resemble Bruni?" Taking this into consideration, he almost lost himself and snickered before recovering to his stiffer demeanor.
"My apologies." Kai excused himself, bidding both the girls a good afternoon.
Finding her voice again "Anna are you trying to imply that I am attracted to a salamander?"
"Whaaat, no no no Elsa." Anna hugged her but Elsa could hear the impishness in her manner of speaking. Anna pulled away and muttered under her breath. "I'm just saying you like what you like and you're consistent but I think I know your physical type now."
They linked arms and exited the gallery.
"Which is?"
"Salamanders." This earned Anna a soggy snowball to the head and an indignant humph from Elsa who began walking at a quicker pace. Anna jogged to catch up with her chuckling.
"Kidding. Just you like buggy eyes, and goofy smiles. It suits you. I wouldn't think you'd go for someone who was all dark and mysterious with sharp features anyways."
"Oh no?" Elsa slowed her pace down, softening in demeanor.
"Neh, you like to laugh."
"Anna," Elsa glanced around cautiously ensuring they were alone hushing her voice. "I'm not just with Ryu because she makes me laugh." Although that was a huge bonus as far as Elsa was concerned.
"Not saying you are but come on you have to admit she does look goofy a lot of the time." Elsa hummed thinking of her dragon and agreed silently, while Ryu was graceful, sure footed, very able bodied, she was also sometimes rugged and roguish especially when working at home with her hands or in Northuldra, that had Elsa staring for what was longer than appropriate. Elsa had seen many sides to Ryu physically, her expressions when serious or playful, angry or mischievous and found them all appealing… well except when she made her pupils go in opposite directions that trick always perturbed Elsa.
"Yes she does but she also has moments that I can't help but sketch down in both my journal and memory. Like when she's trying to figure something out and she gets frustrated and tries a new method and it fails and then she pouts adorably- '' Anna looked to Elsa whose voice had grown so whimsical and soft. "Or when she's about to play a trick on Nokk or Ryder and I can see her eyes gleaming with mischief and glee knowing she'll get in trouble but does it anyway. Or when someone tells her not to do something and she disagrees, her eyebrows lower and you can see in her irises a rebellious flame just igniting."
Anna shook her head, closing her eyes, not having the heart to interrupt Elsa's lovesick rant, when she had gone on and on for hours about how much she loved Kristoff many times and Elsa never raised a fuss about it.
"Sometimes I just watch her, when she's discovered something new and the way her eyes expand and her smile gets so big, she just rushes to me because she can't wait to share it. And sometimes she doesn't even notice when I'm staring at her. Watching her sit on a chair or sit on the porch looking at the rain, sighing every now and then, her foot will bounce because I mean even when she's completely at peace she can't sit still, but she always has a small grin and her eyelids are heavy, then she'll fall asleep and look… so beautiful." Elsa closed her own eyes trying to envision the sight. "I know you may not believe it but sometimes she can look like such an angel, so loving, with children, with Bruni, with me." Elsa whispered the last part, wanting to keep the precious secret to herself unaware that Anna studied every micro expression that danced across her features.
Ryu may not have been aware neither was Elsa but Anna knew.
Ryu you have got Elsa whipped terribly.
"You miss her?" Elsa came back from wherever she went to the present hearing Anna's question.
"I uh well I just saw her this morning, so." Elsa said building a false facade of stoic indifference.
"Elsa… go spend time with Ryu. I have some meetings to get to. I'll see you later, okay?"
Anna rolled her eyes when Elsa curtsied. "Of course my queen." She shoved her gently down the hall watching Elsa practically skip, eager to get back to her cottage.
Alone she sighed. "Oh Ryu, you got Elsa down so bad." She thought aloud heading for her council room.
The council watched as Anna fumbled into the throne room trying to shoo away Gerda from fussing about the crooked collar on her single skirted rustic orange dress. She looked regal enough but anyone who met her knew when the time came and age began to show the first sign would appear near her eyes with how much she smiled and played with her staff and family.
Still they couldn't complain at having a young puerile queen when she had led them so valiantly to many achievements and political victories, ad some failures which those who did not favor her rule keep on a dangling string in front of her, Anna remained dauntless whenever her advisors tried to persecute her into a policy that would favor their societal class.
There were both pros and cons to having an open minded queen. A pro- she was fast thinking, much more clever than many gave her credit for. Cons being she was impulsive, shrewd, and a very formidable debating opponent.
At the beginning of her reign she worked hard and sadly against her council to prove herself, pushing back just as hard when they pushed her. Now the group could at least say they had found a stride amongst each other bringing Arendelle to a peaceful prosperity, albeit Anna was more forthcoming with her dislike for the members who still treated her with disdain every chance they had gotten.
"Good afternoon everyone!" They responded to Anna's customary greeting and waited quietly for their late queen to gather her notes and papers in neat piles, she kept them entertained with whistling a light tune. The men rose at attention when Anna finally sat down at the large half circular table folding her hands politely in front of her. Her eyes flowed from man to man. When her signals were not answered Anna picked at her paperwork. "Let's share notes!"
Prompted by her expectant expression the men righted themselves, clearing their throats.
"Shall we begin with the least concerning matters than work our way up to the more distress topics."
"Uh-oh." Anna said, glancing up briefly. "Let's shall. Please Mr. Gustafsson, begin." She graciously offered her palm to the man.
Nodding he coughed the frog from his throat and began reading, after adjusting his glasses. "The preparations for the Harvest festival are well underway, due to the success of the Eastern Isle edible commodities trades we shall not have to worry about meeting the proper quota for the winter stocks in all provinces except Oslo-" Anna nodded listening intently as she wrote down noting the Oslo hiccup.
"They commented positively, the Eastern isles that is, about Arendelle's swift and very dependable consignments as same as the previous two trades we partook of with previous purveying nations." Anna grinned proudly hearing the good tides sent by other nations. So far so good. She only wished the whole meeting today could go this smoothly.
"Onto the uh less favorable-" And there it was. "In regards to public relations- I shall give this matter over to Chaplain Rhys." Anna felt her stomach twist in knots, if the Chaplain was speaking of public opinions, which to Anna just meant gossip, it had to have had such an impact that her people had turned to the church for respite. She cared for her people's worries certainly but she just wished some would come to her directly instead of the church, she had an open door policy for any who wished to schedule an hearing with the queen and her council.
She silently hoped Elsa's name was not brought up in the discussion. Last time it was Anna had raised her voice at the Chaplain to which he patted his bald head with a cloth in fear after speaking of the worries about the conflicting shamanistic beliefs of her tribe. Anna was swift and sharp to remind them that she was just as much a part of their tribe as any who dealt in the forest and there would be nothing but peace tolerated between Arendelle's cadet ruling house and all the tribes residing in her territory.
Chaplain Rhys spoke in his usual quiet and passive tone dancing carefully around his words. "Some of the citizens and members of the church have expressed… worry in regards to the-" Anna lifted her brows at him, balancing her chin upon her clasped fingers.
"D-dragon residing in Arendelle." Anna's tense shoulders lowered, she had been expecting this. It was an easy fix, with time. "These range from your safety, your Majesty. Having taken the dragon as your royal mount um while it has proven to increase the sovereign rule's productivity in outside provinces and overall morale. They fear you may fall off." He rushed the last part out skittishly glancing at Anna who scrunched her face up uncertain, she had no qualms with that, she sometimes feared the same when her and Ryu grew extra reckless.
"Another disruption is of religious regard that the dragon is a… bad omen welcomed by the royal family, of course this is due to the draconic serpents representing evil." While Anna remained silent pontificating his words he took this as a cue to continue. A loud sigh from Mattias made the man hesitate, Anna grinned subtly. She knew what matter Mattias was anxious to get to.
"Furthermore um Lady Elsa's acquaintanceship with the dragon-" The chaplain paused, feeling Anna's eyes become sharp as knives and hot as coals. She waited for him to finish like a lioness in the grass stalking and waiting for the deer to misstep.
"It appears to be erm- well the more religious and pious individuals worry that she… has become possessed by the bad omen and their friendship is-" he read the papers carefully to not misquote this particular word, though Anna knew the reports did not say what he stated previously, he merely filtered them to not trigger Anna's protective wrath. She tolerated zero ill speak of Elsa with fanatical zeal.
"Parasitic." Taking a deep breath Anna compartmentalized all she just heard and combined the solutions into actions instead of telling. Some of the men who mumbled amongst themselves their varying opinions on the subject, silenced only when Anna spoke up.
"To call the Dragon whose name is Ryu Paul Periwinkle, a bad omen is to say that the very action of saving not just Elsa's life but the life of your queen, a bad omen. She has saved the crown numerous of times, traveled to a foreign land and not only saved Elsa's life but also was a crucial part in uncovering the conspiracy against it, and continues to protect this realm to her best ability and will continue to do so. Ryu has affected my family and country far too positively for me to allow such beliefs to sway the favor I beseech upon her. I mean if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be sitting here now listening to some of you complain about her presence." Mattias grinned up at the gobsmacked reactions of the scolded men who could only look down like sad puppies caught chewing on a shoe. She waited for any objections and received none so she continued.
"As for her friendship with Elsa it is completely natural to form a bond with one who has saved your life as many times as they have with each other, is it not? Furthering this point they also both are entities of similar magical forces so their attrac- magnetic… " Anna winced, fearing she said too much, that she let her words run away from her again. "Pull towards one another is also… logical. And both their powers go beyond anyone's comprehension. Be it the citizens, the church, and the crown. Now the next subject."
Mattias hummed pleased with the befuddled faces that lay before him at his queen's words, grateful that he had the inner relationship he did with the crown and the magic linked to it. "The most important development, I believe those reports are in my possession, my queen." Anna softened and motioned for him to continue.
"As we all know Ruskland has requested military support in their civil war against the possible usurper princess Darya Dmitrieva-Mamonova and his accomplice Goerg Scherer of the Archduchy of Ruskland,-" Anna had to grit her teeth and take calculated breaths to keep from growling in rage at the mention of those names.
"As well as a band of defected soldiers the loyalists are calling Heretics, due to their extreme religious aggression. Their goal-" he didn't want to say this part aloud, it disgusted not only him but broke the heart of his queen, he and Anna made eye contact. She appreciated the sympathy he showed in his gaze and urged him to finish with her own.
"To kill Lady Elsa the fifth spirit. This would not only devastate and destroy the royal family but also destroy our home, nation, and the balance that Queen Anna and Lady Elsa risked their lives to restore. I have been sent word that it is imperative that Lady Elsa is being requested to aid in the war." No longer able to withhold herself, Anna audibly groaned, running her hands down her face, up to her hair not caring if it messes with the intricate plaits woven into her locks.
Turning her head a house attendant approached and leaned down lending an ear. Anna whispered her request which the staff quickly left to complete.
Sitting slumped in her chair she waited. She understood why Ruskland had beseeched for Elsa's help, but she couldn't very well ship her sister off to war, even if it was being fought in her name. The very idea of it made her want to empty her stomach of all the food she had eaten for lunch and then some.
Elsa was powerful enough to probably stop the war in an hour tops but that would mean casualties and her sister was much too pure to ever consider doing something that extreme even if it were for the greater good. When pushed to her limits she knew Elsa would protect her family and home first but Anna didn't ever want to put Elsa in that position. Her council members argued amongst themselves on what the right line of action was and unfortunately it seemed the scales were tipping favorably towards packing Elsa off to war.
It felt… wrong. As if others were expecting her to use the spirits–her sister– included as weapons to wield mercilessly. Even if they were justified she could never condone such tyranny, defiling the gifts from nature itself bestowed upon Arendelle and its people.
Anna exhaled heavily, feeling the strong fingered grip of her husband's hands grasping and rubbing her shoulder. He took a seat next to her scooting his chair close enough so that their knees could touch.
His eyes searched hers seeking to know if she was alright. She didn't have an answer yet but his presence made everything better.
"Mattias please, fill me in." So the General went over the notes again and letters sent by the imperial empire Ruskland.
"Well that sounds messy." Mattias chuckled at Kristoff's comment, Anna couldn't find it in herself to laugh.
"I won't ship my sister off to battle like some disposable ice canon." Anna scowled darkly.
"Perhaps we should discuss this with her present and see what she has to say on the matter." The suggestion had Anna shoot upright in her chair. She knew Elsa, she knew the moment she heard the severity of the situation she'd hop on Nokk and gallop to Ruskland not knowing how to help but willing to stop the fighting in the most peaceful way she could…. Well maybe not hop on Nokk, Elsa tried her best to not involve the other spirits in politics thinking it immoral. To her they were not here to give Arendelle an unfair advantage over other nations, their main purpose was to keep the connections between humans and nature alive and strong. So she'd probably take the fastest boat she could find and paddle there if she had to.
"No one is to bring this up with Elsa until I allow them to." Anna's voice made certain the finality of the subject was known, making her subjects aware that if anyone spoke of this with her sister there would be consequences.
Voicing that they understood, the council was dismissed for the day. Mattias, before leaving to make his own preparations for whatever action Anna decided to commit to, squeezed her shoulder in solidarity and comfort receiving a grateful kiss on his hand from Anna.
"So you're not going to tell Elsa." Anna sucked her teeth in frustration at how transparent she was to Kristoff, she hadn't even said anything since they entered her study. Kristoff set to pouring her tea and whiskey and whiskey for himself. They needed it after that taxing meeting.
Anna helplessly waved her arms slumping into her large chair. "What am I going to tell her exactly that thousands are dying in her name? That would destroy her." Kristoff sat upon her desk taking a sip of his drink, handing Anna hers he kissed her cheek.
"Maybe so, it would anyone but don't you think she has a right to know?"
"Well yes but… she just has been so happy lately and it seems everything has been fitting together for her, I just-" Her finger circled the rim of her cup as she frowned down at the liquid contents. She thought of how Elsa practically skipped down the halls after their visit to the gallery like a giddy child on their way to get ice cream. "I just want her happiness and peace to last a little longer. She deserves more than that but if I can prolong it then-" her tired eyes met Kristoff's. "Why shouldn't I?"
Kristoff remained entirely understanding as he knelt down beside her chair resting his hand over hers.
"I know you want to protect her but this isn't going away Anna. She has to find out eventually and if it doesn't come from you I'm afraid the person who does tell her won't spare her feelings. Elsa is a lot stronger emotionally than you think." Anna agreed she knew that much and hated how right Kristoff was. Even if Elsa knew and Lord forbid went to Ruskland Anna was certain she could protect her still and end the abominable campaign against her life.
"So shall I go to Elsa's Castle and rally our troops." Anna grinned thinking of the snowgies outfitted for war.
She playfully slapped Kristoff's arm. "Oh sto-"
"Stop it." Elsa berated at the hand sneakily slinking towards her furiously scribbling pen from under the desk. When it tried a second attempt to steal her pen she gently smacked it away hearing a disappointed 'aw' and the sound of shuffling. Glancing up from under the rim of her reading glasses she caught Ryu sitting on an armchair, leg swinging idly, arms wrapped behind her head. Content to just be with Elsa in silence.
Elsa smiled small, continuing to edit her book enjoying the patter of rain against the window and Ryu's soft sighs that she released every now and then. Initially Elsa thought her propensity to exhale heavily meant something was amiss or bothering her but after some research she learned that it was habit for dragons when relaxed, with their bodies always creating flammable gasses it was natural to breathe it out heavily without igniting it. She had asked Ryu what it felt like but Ryu hadn't even noticed she was doing it and thought hard before answering that the sensation felt good.
So the sound of Ryu releasing her flammable air became a regular ambiance to Elsa whenever she was working and Ryu decided to lounge about in her office either reading or building a new contraption or studying a topic of interest.
She thought about their routine, in the beginning when they fell into it she grew anxious that Ryu would bore of it having lived the exciting life before Arendelle and with how gregarious she was in personality, but Ryu hardly allowed herself to ever be bored and did not rely on others for her entertainment. Even the dull moments were nice and tranquil, something the dragon was not used to that Elsa was happy to introduce to her.
Elsa looked up when the shuffling had ceased to see Ryu had dozed off in a position she affectionately called The dragon loaf.
In any form Ryu showed off her flexibility and would curl her arms and hands underneath her chest while tucking in her back feet and tail under her belly, her neck would recede swaying down slightly when she dozed. Not fully asleep but definitely resting.
Either one or both her eyes remained cracked open and glazed over as she teetered the line between awake and dreaming. Elsa noted down in a journal dedicated to her drage research that in this state the only way to get Ryu's attention was for there to be a change in the outside stimuli, be it a person Ryu didn't recognize walking in, an unfamiliar noise or smell or something Elsa wouldn't have noticed herself had Ryu not brought attention to it. In this state her draconic features would slip out as well, her ear appendages would drop down and her claws and scales would appear.
This was one of those times. The foggy membrane which covered Ryu's partially open eyes slid away from her irises which contracted accordingly adjusting to the light. Ryu turned her head to the window, her ear straightened tuning into a sound she could detect outside.
Elsa waited for Ryu to decide whether it was a threat or friend. Ryu stretched lazily claws retracting and flexing on her cushion and stood up.
Elsa smiled in relief. It was a friend.
She didn't really need to worry about security, what with Nokk and the other spirits always nearby but it was nice having that extra layer in case something or someone slipped by.
"Company?" She asked Ryu who yawned while nodding.
Standing from her desk Elsa left her office and fixed her slumped tight white tunic, blue lounge pants and hair pinning it up in a ponytail before rushing to greet whomever was at the door.
At first she looked around outside before a presence drew her eyes downward.
"Elsa!"
"Bulda?" She questioned before shaking her head and hurriedly inviting the troll inside. "Come in please!" She said eager to get her sister's mother-in-law out of the wet weather.
"Elsa!" Bulda cheered, hugging her leg. Elsa smiled down at her. "Shall I fetch you some water, or maybe tea, a towel?" Bulda shook the water from her moss covered back as best she could.
"A towel would do just fine dear, I'm afraid I've had plenty of water." Elsa nodded and ran upstairs bringing a towel from her closet to Bulda who made herself at home in her living room.
Elsa sat across from her wondering when the appropriate time was to ask what she was doing here in such weather but instead allowed Bulda to lead the conversation as she often did.
"Everyone in the valley loves the letters you send us of Ryu's progress with her emotions and magic. She seems to be fitting in quite well here. Thriving." Bashfully Elsa grinned tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, remembering the contents of letters she sent with Gale about the adventures of Arendelle's dragon.
"They'd make a fun children's book one day I'm sure. I'm just so happy that Ryu has found people who accept her. Dragons can be quite social creatures, just like us trolls, even the solitary ones." Elsa couldn't help but nod, besides herself she'd say Bulda was the most enthusiastic dragon aficionado.
The change in Bulda's demeanor had Elsa on edge when she climbed up onto the couch, much more calm and serious. "Reading your letters it is apparent that Ryu and you have developed a strong kinship for one another." Elsa swallowed harshly picking at imaginary dirt on her pants, crossing her legs and arms as nonchalantly as she could manage bobbing her head along. Had she shared too much, perhaps poured too much emotion into her words when writing of her time with Ryu?
Even with support of her family Elsa was still adjusting with coming forward about the true nature of their relationship. It still hurt, keeping behind closed doors, Elsa by no means needed the whole world to know about how deeply she cared for Ryu but for some reason it hurt. Seeing Anna and Kristoff hold each other in the street, kissing whenever they pleased, not caring who saw.
Why couldn't it be like that for her and Ryu? When every piece fit so perfectly, when they made each other so happy. Why couldn't Elsa be Ryu's on the outside, why couldn't she hold her girlfriend and kiss her head when in front of others. Was it because they were both women? Obviously yes. Was it because Ryu was a dragon? Perhaps.
Elsa saw their relationship as a precious jewel she had to protect valiantly against the world, pure and sweet it was her little heaven so of course her words came out sharper and more dismissive when she spoke.
"Yes we have, she's good company and I try to be the same for her." Bulda did not find any offense in tone. If anyone would understand Elsa knew it would be the trolls who seemed to support any kind of love, but Elsa had no idea how'd they react to their drage lyse having a suitor, was she worthy in their eyes? Elsa hadn't the slightest clue.
"Of course, though forgive me for prying and again this may be me just looking too deeply into things but I can't help but feel as if there is more to it than that." She cringed when Elsa's brows furrowed and the spirit refused to make eye contact with her.
"Elsa if there is please know I only want to help, I can understand how you might feel alone in navigating this. If you're thinking I'd condemn you for having… close relations with her or that I will be angry or Grand Pabbie will be angry and try to do something to interfere-"
"Don't bet on it." Both women jumped, turning, there Ryu leaned against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, arms crossed glaring at Bulda.
She pushed off of the wall stalking around the couches. Unlike Ryu who yawned unashamedly showing off her sharp fangs at Bulda, Elsa covered her own unable to stop herself.
"Yōkoso Baruda." Ryu said, but Elsa recognized that tone, she sat helplessly as Ryu pressed from behind the couch resting her chin on Elsa's head not taking her eyes off Bulda. Elsa could feel the mute vibrations in Ryu's throat, unable to decipher if it was a purr or growl.
She understood now, Ryu had probably come down hearing the last portion of what Bulda said and interpreted Elsa's reaction as negative. Ryu liked Bulda well enough but Elsa would always be a priority to her.
Bulda remained impassive at Ryu's subtle threat displays, placating the dragon. She had seen enough to confirm her suspicions. Ryu, juxtaposed to Elsa, does not care if the nature of their relationship was exposed and had no problem rubbing her head tenderly against Elsa's.
"Thank you Ryu, I was just offering Elsa some advice on how to navigate your relationship." Ryu's slitted eyes widened and her intense stare vanished resembling now a puppy who was curious. "Why don't you have a seat?" Feeling Elsa's tightened muscles uncoil beneath her touch Ryu grinned lopsidedly closing her eyes. She held up her palm.
"Ah I can't I'm afraid, I promised Ryder I'd help him get the herd to Linchen Meadows." At the back door she perked up her shoulders and opened it. "I think the big baby just wants to use me as a personal furnace." Her soft eyes landed on Elsa, her tone a complete opposite from a few seconds ago. "Call me if you need anything Koibito." With a single wink she was gone into the rain.
Elsa practically melted into the couch covering her girlish giggle with an awkward cough. She casted an apologetic look to Bulda. "I'm so sorry about that- she can get-"
"I understand entirely honey. Though I think that answers my question though. Why don't you start from the beginning." Elsa hummed and began the emotionally turbulent tale of how she and Ryu ended up where they were now.
"And honestly I have no idea even how this happened," Elsa stated hopelessly, completely repentant. "It wasn't my intention by any means." She stopped her blabbering hearing Bulda's hearty chuckles.
"Well of course you did. Oh Elsa honey- I'm sorry it's just" Bulda composed herself still finding the whole circumstance humourous. "Why, you been courting Ryu from the very beginning."
"Oh yes but- I beg your pardon."
Bulda nodded giddily. "Mhm!" Elsa was still perplexed by this notion; wooing certainly was not on her mind during her early encounters with Ryu. Bulda sensing her trepidation began a list.
"You presented her with food. Protected her-" she counted on her stubby fingers. "Did you ever sing to her?" Elsa remembered the night of the fires when she mended Ryu's leg.
"Yes but that was just to calm her enough so I could tend to her wounds."
"Did you ever compliment her? Flatter her." Elsa searched her memories.
Not to mention how cute you are didn't help in gauging your age.
"Early on did you ever rub her belly and neck?" Elsa blushed, she was aware of that blunder, her face still heated immensely thinking of how she had been sexually stimulating Ryu since their first month together.
Erusa
Yes?
I like that.
How was she supposed to know! Elsa groaned pathetically feeling a concoction of guilt, shame, and imprudent naivety.
"Did you ever groom her?" Elsa nodded sheepishly, twiddling her fingers as the evidence piled up against her.
"Introducing her to your family-" Bulda continued much to Elsa's mortification.
"Took her to a dragon temple."
Elsa jabbed a finger in Bulda's direction. "You encouraged that!" But she was ignored.
"Given her a name which names are very important to dragons. It's who they are at the core. Don't feel too bad Ryu flirted back just as heavily though I don't think she realized it. Oh! And inviting her into your nest, which she accepted." Bulda's eyebrows wiggled suggestively spreading s dark vermilion upon Elsa's cheeks and neck.
Would you mind resting in my bed while Anna and Kristoff stayed in the guest room?
Would you mind me resting in your bed, Erusa?
I don't mind sharing with you.
Elsa stared at her ceiling. So they were just doomed from the start all because Elsa was ignorant to the intricacies of Drage society. Could she really complain? Elsa shook her head but she sure as hell felt like a hypocrite emphasizing the need for propriety with Ryu yet…
A disturbing development began in Elsa's heart, she carefully wrapped it up in a blanket and hid it in the corner terrified that if she faced it the realization would be true. She wasn't ready to acknowledge the feeling. It scared her terribly.
It was when she felt the touch of a stoney hand touching her cheek that she realized tears had stained her cheeks. She felt completely embarrassed at the undignified display in front of Bulda but the experienced mother only had love in her eyes, not judging Elsa's exposed fragility.
Slowly Elsa's hand touched Bulda's, relishing the comfort it provided.
"It's okay sweetie, I know. I know."
Notes: Arigatō gozaimasu!- Japanese for thank in a polite manner
The dragon loaf is based off of a cat sitting position known as the cat loaf.
Yōkoso Baruda- Japanese for Welcome Bulda
Koibito- Japanese for lover or Sweetheart