The leaves blew away, leaving the trees that dropped them stripped bare, unable to support the snow falls as their evergreen cousins. Winter had come, fast and swift in the night. Quick to cover every inch of the land in its white blankets as if being caught by any living being would stop it.
It wasn't anything anyone who lived in a seasonal land hadn't seen before, Ryu had certainly seen the transformation seasons had over the earth that were much more dramatic than this, for the first time however, as she stood on a hill feeling the cold beneath her paws over looking the expanse of change, she couldn't help but feel nostalgic for summer and even autumn as short as it was. Quick to begin and even quicker to end. She missed the warm sun replaced by clouds which dropped more cold onto the inhabitants of the land, missed the green grass and sultry velvet humidity of the summer nights where only the restless remained awake. The sunflowers, and heathers that outreached far beyond the naked eye could see, where seated among them she'd occasionally pass kind strangers upon a worn woven blanket, some dressed in flower crowns and laughing.
There were splotches of color everywhere in Arendelle during the summer and autumn. A sense of laziness, a lack of urgency, and when they felt up to it, adventures to be had. Maybe it wasn't the time of year that fueled the pangs of nostalgia and longing, perhaps it was those she shared it with. She had just met these lands in the middle of summer, fell in love in the early autumn, and finally felt somewhat like she belonged. Then winter had to happen and with those changes the warm fuzzy feelings of comradery were buried deeply beneath the snow. Responsibility reared its ugly head, as always throughout her life death lingered in the black and gray clouds on horizon.
She had always associated winter with hardship and survival, that's what she always had seen it bring and offer to both animals and humans. The only endearment it had on her was Elsa and Olaf, but they weren't like the icicles and snow, they stayed when the air became warmer and the lakes melted into beautiful twinkling pools.
She shook her head, puffing out a breath of steam that came with every exhale she made in climates like this. She hadn't the time to reminisce of such whimsical prospects, no one did, she couldn't help it though, the sense that her stay here in Arendelle was limited made her cling harder to the time she spent here. With the news brought from Ruskland winter had once again proved itself to be a time of tribulations and trials.
A chilly wind bit into her scales, displacing her mane which had in Ryu's opinion grown far too long, and was now trying to go down her spine up to her shoulder blades.
After standing to take flight, Ryu casted one more glance at the expanse of land surrounded by wood, it was eerie. As if not a living thing was present amongst the white, except the sky which showed off by illuminating the entire forest with its multiple colors, stars, and galaxies constantly moving unaware of what was transpiring beneath them.
In Arendelle the sky was always awake it seemed. Ryu wished she never grew tired like that.
Maybe Elsa and Anna could teach her how to appreciate winter just as they did unknowingly during the warmer times.
Everyone was a river, constantly moving within the rapids beneath the frozen surface of stoic anxieties of what was to come. All had a part to play and all roles mattered, but not all were allied together in understanding what was to be done about the foreign threats trying to knock at their nation's door.
Anna and Kristoff held the front lines of the campaigning opinions to keep Elsa in Arendelle and away from danger.
"The Heretics have a means of their own which specifically have been shown capable of killing magic and you're suggesting that I send the most important person in Arendelle- the person who we know has the most concentrated-" some who didn't understand the importance of the bridge between nature and man would have argued that the one whose brow bore the crown was the most important person in Arendelle.
Mattias voiced his own defeated wisdom daring to interrupt his monarch. "To send either side of the bridge could mean detriment for all of us."
Piling on his alluding Ophelia gracefully cleared her throat and spoke up as well. "I'm confident with enough militia support from Arendelle and our allies we can easily overwhelm the Heretics to defeat. However the only impediment getting in the way of such attempts is the Yokai plaguing our lands. Perhaps neither Queen Anna or Lady Elsa have to leave Arendelle if we were permitted to-"
Tiny fractals of frost began crystalizing the wooden surface of Elsa's armrest at Lady Ophelia's interrupted inquiry by Konstantin's gruff voice.
"-to take the dragon with us-" She was grateful that Anna didn't appear very keen to grant the request, remaining silent, keeping her eyes fixed on the papers before her though she wasn't reading.
"Set her upon the bird and even if she cannot defeat it, that may give us enough time to collect ourselves and make an attack."
"General Konstantin, Lady Ophelia please-" Kristoff beat Elsa to the opportunity to outright refuse the suggestion. Elsa would have been insulted having his eyes flicker to her than to who he addressed quickly, she remained aware of how much Kristoff knew her, how much trepidation it caused Elsa to hear the idea of sending Ryu into a foreign warzone alone to face a creature she barely escaped during their first encounter just to bide the loyalist time.
"Ryu is a fledgling-"
"But still a dragon-"
"Still a dragon yes but in order for her to hope to come out of such an encounter alive she'd require a grip– however firm–on her magic which we've told you despite our efforts we've only seen small glimpses of."
Now it was Anna's turn to speak up, Elsa pitied her, she had been dealing with this mess since September and did what any monarch would have done to keep the whispers of war as quiet as possible.
Even with feeling some animosity that said secret was kept from her as well she sympathized with Anna's plights, guilty that while she and Ryu had been galavanting around in the forest with the spirits and their tribe only focusing on repairing the dragon's magical tether, Anna and Kristoff had been up with foreign generals, dignitaries, and her council stressing about the war and casualties.
They had swapped heated discussions about what part Elsa would play in conflict and just as any would suspect she had been forbidden from acting to what Anna thought to be too rash, sailing off to Ruskland to help.
Elsa absolutely not. How terrible do you think nature's magic would feel if we used her very gift as a weapon in warfare?
We can't just let them continue to die Anna. I can't just let them die. People are losing their lives because of me!
Exactly Elsa and I refuse to lose you.
She knew it hurt Anna to know of the state of Ruskland but she couldn't help but think it was different for her.
Elsa's heart bled for those who died in her name when she didn't even know theirs.
Konstantin obviously did not share the same affections for a creature he thought a myth but a few months ago. Ophelia rested her palm on his arm to soothe his frustration taking the reigns of their argument. It was odd to see her behave in such a familiar manner with someone who many would assume was her subordinate.
After watching them during their visit Elsa could safely deduce that they had known each other for a long time and held a deep respect for the other, with the general being more extroverted than the Lady they both operated and thought on the same levels.
"Please we beseech you Queen Anna and all of your counterparts to understand that men are dying in horrific- brutal ways, they are sacrificing their lives for someone they have not even met yet purely because it is the right thing to do. They do not comprehend nor are aware of your desire to protect your family. I understand this however, I too have a family to protect that I was forced to leave on our countryside estates, scattered, frightened, wondering if today will be the day the heretics barge down their doors and take them prisoner or worse." Elsa looked away picturing her own family in that situation- no- she'd never let that happen.
"If your dragon can tip the scales of the revolt in our favor it would not only be saving thousands of Ruskland's people, but your own people as well."
"If the dragon is truly a friend of the crown as you have said Queen Anna-" it was the musings of one council member which brought the room back to arguing whether the dragon's life was worth two nations.
The only parties remaining silent were Elsa and Tobias. It was usual for him to not speak until he had something substantial to say that could move the conversation forward. For Elsa there was a nauseating sense of disquietude taking over her mind.
"Ryu is the last of her kind! If we lose her then we lose dragons forever!"
"Is that really of consequence- we hadn't even known dragon's existed till this passing summer?" Elsa's head whipped so quickly in the direction of the voice if the room was quiet they would have heard it. Harnessing as much self control as she could to not panic and allow her magic to lash out in defense of Ryu.
"Of course it is of great consequence. Not to mention if Ryu goes then there goes Elsa and of course there goes Anna and myself. It's like a trail of ants." Kristoff stated, growing agitated. The sisters would have disputed this had it not been true and proven to happen time and time again.
"Surely the fifth spirit despite her nonseculiar position would heed the words of her sister and Queen."
All eyes turned to the quiet Elsa creating an uncomfortable itch beneath her collar.
Anna intervened, turning the attention back to herself. "I won't force Elsa to choose between going with Ryu or obeying my word. For one she's my sister-" No one doubted that. "And two we may have different responsibilities but I see us as equals in regards to many things including authority, but even with that said again I will not allow any of you to use my sister as a weapon of war. I will permit her to lend aid when I hear a direct, cohesive plan of action that preferably won't put my family at risk. Elsa is not going to Ruskland." They knew better and those from a foreign court were learning. No one would dare challenge the queen further especially when it came to her family.
Proving his bravery Mr. Gustafsson presented the point as consciously as he could. "Your Majesty, Lady Elsa, I agree entirely with the points and concerns you have… however-"
Here it comes. Elsa winced inwardly preparing for what he was about to say.
"I know Queen Anna is a good person at heart and an excellent leader-" It could have been taken as brown nosing but the man's history had shown he truly did admire Anna. He turned his head to Elsa. "And you Lady Elsa, the fifth spirit guiding us in what is true and right- I ask only one thing; will we take responsibility for being the cause of such tragedies. I'm not blaming you by any means but the reason for this conflict, be it the Yokai monster and the heretics, is due to them wanting you dead. We must stop them from hurting others."
The silence began choking Elsa forcing her to clear her throat to project her voice evenly. "I do not intend on ignoring the responsibilities arising in Ruskland. Do not mistake my hesitation to leap head first into a conflict without a strategy for turning a blind eye to the suffering of others." The words came out sharper than intended but forced open mouths to clamp shut. As Elsa calmed, so did the temperature become less frigid.
"I've heard many of you speaking of waste; the waste of those brave soldiers' lives lost in conflict, waste of time and resources-" Her eyes slowly panned over the room to each individual, as she clasped her hands together, resembling the same posture she often took as queen. "What I do see as a loss and waste is taking the very last bit of pure light personified and throwing them at the maw of the Yokai in hopes that it could accomplish what?" Her hands upturned signaling her growing vexation at the notion. "Distract the creature for a few minutes to grant you the ability to kill more of your fellow misguided countrymen then for it to turn on you once again…" Elsa resisted huffing at the talk of violence she had to endure for the last few hours. She understood it was somewhat necessary but there had to be another way.
Deep down inside she knew there was another way to fix this that didn't end in bloodshed.
She stood straighter seeing the rebellious sparking flames in the eyes of the council. Anna remained quiet allowing her sister to take control of the room which grew cold enough for one to see their breath.
"I will seek counsel from those that actually have some wisdom in the subject. Until then our queen has given her judgment on the matter. I will remain here in Arendelle with the Drage Lyse until we formulate a conducive plan." It was rare when Elsa allowed her irritation to speak for her, it was only allowed to rear its head when the emotion was of sagacity.
She waited, poised, to shut down any rebuttals- none came- as she scanned each face present all avoiding eye contact.
It seemed even with abdication of the throne the nature of a monarch still dwelt within Elsa.
Turning she left the room not concerned with the knowledge that the meeting wasn't adjourned, she had her own work and planning to do.
Finally Elsa could breath in deep, each exhale, unlike the breaths from others, especially Ryu, hers remained invisible in the cold, crisp air.
Drained by the high emotional tension Elsa was thoroughly inundated by it all. She leaned against the doors, listening to the castle groan against the occasional harsh wind. In the distance she could hear the bustling of her people going about their day in spite of the gray clouds blocking out the sun.
Over the ambiances these noises created she overheard something else of interest that slid her lids open.
It was laughter and a particular grumble she recognized almost immediately. Following the sound to the left of the main entrance led Elsa to Kristoff's barn attached to the royal stables. Peaking in, she spotted Sven first, laying in a bed of hay munching on a bucket of oats a man had just set down for him. Judging by his uniform he was a soldier of lower ranking.
She could hear Olaf somewhere in there musing something about finding another bucket for water.
Sven leaned against Ryu, sitting in her curled up dragon loaf manner, all limbs tucked beneath and tail wrapped around her body, she wasn't half asleep however instead alert and listening to the loud prattling of two children, busy poking and fiddling with whatever Ryu allowed.
Elsa recollected the soldier having seen his face around a handful of times, the children she was sure she had seen but couldn't pinpoint a specific time.
"I don't even know why anyone would try to mess with us." Her eyes set on the brooding boy seated upon Ryu's forearm, the patterns in the dirt he drew with a stick were of no particular shape. "We have nature and Miss Elsa and even a dragon now!"
The man chuckled, petting Sven's head. "Yes I'm sure that's probably why." At first Elsa felt consternation at the possible idea that she and the other spirits had invited this aggression from other nations upon Arendelle. "But it'll be fine." He assured the children.
"Promise?" He gripped the little girl's hands and smiled warmly. Before he could answer the young gregarious boy stood wielding his stick like a sword.
"Of course it'll be fine. He has Miss Elsa and a dragon on his side. They'll kill whoever decides to mess with him and the other soldiers!" Elsa gulped audibly, placing a hand on her chest. All present except the little girl appeared aware of the grave consequences of war.
Her voice trembled when she spoke up. "Kill? As in make them dead?" Whom Elsa assumed to be her sibling nodded with a gleeful smile apathetic to his sister's disturbance at this.
"Uhuh that's what happens when soldiers go to fight they kill each other."
"Bu-But never you Cole… right?" Elsa watched Cole sit for a moment, obviously contemplating whether he should spare the girl of the truth. Even if he were fresh into the service, every soldier knew that no one was ever guaranteed a one way trip from conflict.
He half smiled and set her down ruffling her hair. "Never me." The promise constricted around Elsa's heart like a viper. How she wished that her otherness would stop hurting people even if it was indirectly.
"Besides, Eric's right in some way-" Standing he went to the large workshop table and began unwrapping something Elsa couldn't discern from this angle. His attention turned, smiling as Ryu's head lifted and nostrils flared to sniff at the large raw steak he held with a cloth.
"Rumor has it that you and I will be facing this war side by side so-" he approached slowly while Ryu stood bellowing with a closed mouth. He probably didn't have the assurance of knowing her body language as Elsa did. She could easily tell her dragon was feeling conflicted, at ease, yet still cautious all at once, taking a single step off of the hay bed.
Cole spoke slowly, keeping his voice hushed to not trigger any unwanted behavior, occasionally flickering his eyes towards the children giving nods in a sangfroid manner.
"Well if I learned one thing about Arendelle's army-" he knelt to set the steak down in front of Ryu. Glancing up at her he grinned. "We like to keep our comrades well fed."
Elsa knew that Cole and the children were not in any danger but Ryu was still a creature of her own and somewhat unpredictable. Her patience seemed to know no end with children while her tolerance went but so far in regards to adults. She held the man's eyes with her for a few seconds gauging his intentions.
Elsa could hear Ryu's chuffs from scenting the meat wondering how this interaction would go. The cacophony of deep rumbles and groans she made weren't aggressive but did have an air of concernment.
Opening her mouth she blew flames to the steak until it was cooked, baffling the man and the children, sending them back a few steps. Sitting on her haunches she stared him down then back at the steal a few times until he could read her message clear.
"Right, what is a good chef that won't taste his own cooking?" With this said he tested the temperature of the meat and tore off a piece gesturing it to Ryu with one final word. "But you cooked it technically."
Watching him chew it, Ryu mewled.
"I want to taste it!"
Colt's hand quickly raised, catching the boy by the collar before he could lunge at the meat.
Just as Elsa suspected not being one to share her food often Ryu snatched up the steak making Elsa frown with how ferociously she minced it with her fangs, gulping the pieces down her gullet, licking her muzzle thoroughly.
Has Ryu eaten? Surely not if she was willing to test the food of a stranger.
"I found another bucket!" Olaf cheered, waving the wooden piece around like a victory flag. He helped Cole bring water for both Sven and Ryu who slurped persistently as if trying to finish before the other could get more.
"Hooray for Olaf!" The little girl cheered.
"Hooray for me."
Elsa pulled away from sneaking her head in to press her back against the barn door.
While yes she knew that Ryu was capable of catering to her own needs without her, usually taking to hunting if the necessity arose- seeing the trio and Olaf care for her made Elsa theorize that perhaps between Ryu covering down for her in the forest, helping with any winter tasks she could while Elsa spent a majority of her time in Arendelle to contribute to the preparations– thus taking a load off of Anna and Kristoff, and then flying back to Arendelle to freight Anna to and fro on top of adding her own insight that could help with efforts, Ryu must have been neglecting herself.
It wasn't as alarming, as the others had been as well, especially Anna. The past week and a half had just been her and Elsa fussing over the other and when they had nothing to fuss about they turned their sights on Kristoff, and when he had been taken care would then set their attentions as a collective to keep Olaf's spirits high, though even he knew of the dire situation they found themselves in and doubled his efforts in cheering everyone up.
Thus was always their family's dynamic and it had Elsa wondering- she peaked back in to see Ryu clutching another steak between her claws- where did Ryu fit into it?
They had seen each other mostly in passing with Ryu's pension to work all hours of the night, nap in the morning and be gone by early noon and Elsa's time taken up by meetings and paperwork once again, even with all the hands that were on deck there was always something that needed attention.
It made Elsa miss the summer and fall. Winter was usually her time of respite ensuring the migration paths were correct and safe, and everyone had enough food and supplies to last till the time of plenty returned.
At least now she didn't have to worry about supplies back in Northuldra, when she received a letter from Yelena that morning.
Elsa I hope this letter finds you in good health, and not overworked and fatigued. Please remind Anna and Kristoff as well that as leaders they are of no use to Arendelle driven to exhaustion.
This message is to inform you that with the surplus demand in food due to the extra work assignments bestowed upon our people, bequests of you and Honeymaren to search for the precious metals and weld them to usefulness is no longer an issue. Ryu stayed for a few nights time and installed the blueprints for automatic fishing systems amongst the frozen lakes.
Do not worry about overfishing. We have worked together to specifically target a species that will not be affected negatively by this as they breed all year round.
Again take care of yourself and do not worry for us. I will be visiting in three days for an update on our current position and ensure that those foolish councilmen are not entrenching their Idiocracy.
Yelena.
Elsa smiled, allowing her head to rest on the wooden door, recalling the letter, a part of her eager to see the invention Ryu commissioned into the lakes, feeling quite proud of her little innovator.
A shift in the wind made Elsa open her eyes and turn her head.
"Hello." She smiled softly at Ryu's piercing gaze and crooning.
Pushing off of the door as Ryu exited the barn Elsa took the chance to check her over for any signs of bad health gracing her with a random press here and there. Her warmth nearly overtook the cold air surrounding them.
The only symptom Elsa could detect was a foggy sign of lack in sleep to Ryu's eyes which she was certain reflected in her own as well along with a tinge of guilt at the neglect she had put Ryu through.
"Now where did that big lizard get off to?" Colt, followed by the two children and Olaf gasped for separate reasons when they spotted Elsa feeling along Ryu's muzzle.
She opened her arms to the running Olaf, cradling him in her arms. "Elsa! These are Ryu and Sven's and my friends- have you met them before?"
She chuckled at his exuberance, yes the only one not tired around here was indeed Olaf.
"I don't think I have."
"This is Colt, he's a soldier, and his little sister Idi and brother Eric-" he whispered behind his hand into her ear. "Eric is younger than Colt." Elsa hummed, interested in almost everything Olaf had to say even if she could have come to that conclusion on her own.
"Your uh my lady." The man was the most nervous of the group, unaware that he had already found his way to Elsa's good side, earning a warm smile and kind eyes from her.
"Mr…. -" Elsa prompted him to fill in the blank, unsure if his surname was Colt, most likely not since it was the name his younger siblings called him.
He went upright from saluting her. "Skaffe at your service my lady." After a once over Elsa only saw a kind and honest soldier upon his features. He was shorter than her but held himself in dignity with a small bit of diffident.
"But please if it suits you best my lady to address me as Colt then please by all means."
He was taken aback by her sanguine attitude towards him, doing his best attempts to keep his family at bay from rushing up to her to tug on her light gray tights.
"Can we have toys again?" Elsa winced when the question was met by a smack on the head from Idi. "Mama says that's only on the holidays!" Ryu's throat vibrated in a hum as she watched the children bounce around them.
Colt grinned his own apologetic wince, fixing his cap back onto his head. "Head home now you two and bid Lady Elsa goodbye." With much hesitation they listened, only the little boy returned to hug Ryu's leg beckoning her to lower her head so he could whisper in her ear. She straightened slowly gazing down at the boy until finally she released him with a chuff. He grinned at her giddy and ran after his sister.
They waved at Olaf heading for the castle gates. "I'll see you two tomorrow!" Olaf yelled when Elsa set him down. Ryu looked on after them, momentarily distracting Elsa with how somber she seemed all of the sudden.
"My lady before I depart for my duties… "
Elsa couldn't guess what had made the man so anxious, if alive his cap would have screamed for mercy to be freed of the vice grip as its assailant stared down at the snow.
"Forgive me if this is forward but… may I have your blessing." Elsa blinked in surprise at this when he approached.
She was at a loss for words, glancing for some aid from either Olaf or Ryu. They only looked curious.
"I-i-" it was difficult to be a disappointment to the man who looked so hopeful but Elsa couldn't bring herself to disrespect his beliefs or character with lies.
Her volume lowered when she spoke. "I'm afraid I'm not religious." His reaction while remaining respectful was still persistent.
"Still the Lord has bestowed upon you gifts that go beyond anyone's comprehension, abilities of nature. To control elements, walk among them, and to create life itself." They both glanced down at Olaf who looked up at them.
"I'm not the only one. Elsa had made more of us-" pensively he gestured to her as if she were his actual kin made of snow and ice or he was born of flesh and bone. "Even with just a sneeze."
Colt nodded knowing of Olaf's smaller counterparts. The sound was of Ryu shifting to check if Olaf was in fact made of sinew and muscle and her exhales blanketing him in a cloud of mist.
His stick arm whipped about to clear away the fog coughing. "I've heard from Mattias that smoking is an awful habit, Ryu, and I can see why your breath smells like bloody meat." They held silent eye contact until Ryu puffed another cloud of smoke around Olaf who chuckled and hugged her muzzle.
Finally returning her attention to him Elsa nodded almost stepping back when Colt eagerly knelt in the snow apathetic to how it would soak through the knee of his trousers.
With his head bowed Elsa took one final glance at her palms and held them above his bowed head.
Closing her eyes she made her intentions as clear and pure as she could mentally manage and just like the soldier awaited to see what would happen next.
She felt the small crystals pour from her fingers slowly.
She heard Ryu coo and lift a paw along with Olaf chuckling- they must have been playing with any stray wisps- finally after a minute she stopped, feeling within that what she had done was enough.
Colt stood, fingers instantly going to the intricate snowflake brooch pinned to his uniform's coat, his fingers delicately brushing it in awe and satisfaction.
"Thank you so much Lady Elsa. I know as long as I wear this, someone- be it God or- nature herself… or you will protect me." She smiled at him nodding, ignoring the nagging itch at being compared to such entities feeling entirely unworthy of the man's reverence- Elsa only hoped that he was right.
Turning from the man after smiling at his faith Elsa chuckled seeing Ryu's mane frosted over stiff.
Olaf rubbed his chin examining her carefully. "I'd say that's a huge improvement." Ryu growled playful, shaking her frame rigorously.
"I'm sorry Gecko-" Elsa grasped her muzzle gently, bringing it closer to her face. If a stranger were to see them they'd think her insane for putting herself in such a vulnerable position with the dangerous beast. "You know how much my magic loves you." It felt odd to say and would have been awkward if Ryu had not overlooked it warbling affectionately.
With a flick of her wrist the frost was gone and Ryu could shake the rest off. Elsa wished she could have said it was time to go home, after all Ryu had been standing calmly as if she'd been expecting it- the small fond grin teasing her lips- even seeing her in this form had Elsa's heart thudding loudly in her ribcage, but they had work to do. She'd lend energy to think how handsome her dragon was later.
"I know it's weird how she just stares but you'll get used to it." She couldn't stop her eyes from rolling at Olaf's whispered remark to Ryu.
"I must console with Ahtohollan- but I was thinking we may visit the valley of rock later if you aren't too tired." Ryu chuffed at the suggestion, already turning to the exit of the courtyard.
There was no suggestion needed, Olaf understood the invitation as Ryu hoisted him betwixt her shoulder blades. He had his own business in Northuldra, apparently some children had caught gossip about Elsa and Ryu possibly leaving for war and we're nearly depressed from it all. He had to cheer them up.
"Fly safely." It was a useless reminder, Ryu only flew recklessly when egged on by Anna who proved the most capable of handling the rough treatment out of all their friends.
Elsa watched carefully all of the micro expressions of pre-flight wondering if all dragons all had the same habits; tail straightening, flukes flattening out, a small butt wiggle, head tilting up, then a gust of wind from Ryu's large wings beating down taking her into the sky aided by leaping legs.
And with that done she was sweeping away slowly disappearing into gray sky with Olaf's squeals heard in the distance.
For some reason Elsa was already dreading the answer she'd receive from Ahtohollan trying to instead focus on the echoing clops of Nokk's hooves across the ice of the dark sea.
There was no reason to feel such anxiety when the scape she was granted was so serene, empty, vaste. All Elsa had to do was remind herself of this and she'd be fine.
It was always both delightfully tranquil –awe inspiring and nerve wracking visiting the very ethereal entity that led her astray so many years ago, calling to her like a herder to their lost herd, and Elsa had followed as such. Answering the beautiful siren calls.
Leaping from Nokk's back onto the shore Elsa bowed her head to him which the horse copied bounding away, disappearing into the waves leaving just the leviathan and Elsa alone.
As far as Elsa was concerned only she could access the deep secrets kept within the river's memories it guarded so diligently. A part of her incredibly honored another daunted by being what now some called the seer of the north.
Not only had it felt like a monumental disrespect to invite another here it was also dangerous with the ever changing paths it took to access the answers one sought.
The memory collection had only reacted to Elsa's magic proven by previous tests, the other spirits refused to come too near with Nokk coming the closest only serving as the sentinel of the far north, no ship had ever ventured towards this place.
Elsa took a deep breath, the swirling storm inside her stomach and chest easing into a dull hum. Her magic reacted eager knowing what was to come. A pavlovian response whenever she stepped foot near the glacier. There were still so many questions she had about Ahtohollan, questions she had asked before yet never received an answer for. Elsa could only assume Ahtohollan only answered what she was truly required to know.
As she walked within and touched the sheer blue wall Elsa felt like kicking herself for not coming sooner. Out there in the world full of problems and tribulations, and here- she rested her forehead upon the ice closing her eyes- here she could find a solution and take comfort in the spirit of her mother.
There was always a danger of going too far down, and Elsa was certain what her fate would be if that occured, wasn't very keen on it happening again, still she could usually tell and would dampen her curiosity and thirst for knowledge. This duty felt different than when she was queen though she used to miss that part of her life as well. This suited her, as daunting as it was having access to possibly the richest and most accurate reservoir of knowledge in the world.
Elsa had to remain wise with how she conducted herself in Ahtohollan, in the early years the influx of information was difficult to keep track of but was a project which helped Elsa take care of her people, the forest and the other spirits. She was trusted with this duty, an honor she never took lightly or would use for personal gain.
The notion brought on a pause to Elsa.
Was it personal gain that gave her the need for Ahtohollan's council now?
Staring at the ground Elsa concentrated on this question.
It was quiet, save for the occasional creak and low thrumming reverberating off of the glacial walls. Elsa made mental notes of what she was here to ask; How am I to keep Ryu and myself safe from the threats that await us in Ruskland?
How am I supposed to protect the spirits, and magic of the forest?
Narrowing down the inquiry to that gave Elsa enough peace to continue forward. There would be no exploitative inquiries from her and even if she was foolish enough to do such a thing she doubted Ahtohollan would greet her then.
She began humming a tune she heard Ryu play idoly on her flute. It was supposedly the first thing she had ever heard whilst inside her egg, then the world went quiet, dark, and very very cold.
Beginning her trek Elsa chose no direction in particular, still humming the melody now more out loud for Ahtohollan than to herself. The way her voice echoed throughout the space reminded Elsa that she was alone. Truly alone.
A small light managed to shine itself behind the wall of ice catching Elsa's attention. She approached slowly, still continuing the song which didn't have an ending, only two sets of nine notes.
Elsa hovered her hand above the wall.
When contact was made an explosion of lights, purple, violet, blues, and whites spasmed in patterns across the ice. Accompanied by a voice she recognized, absorbed the song and sang it out. If it had occurred outside then the volume of the sound would have easily overcame Elsa cursing her with a headache but here it was her guide.
The lights and song moved swiftly down the corridor.
A tingling Elsa was no foreigner to tickled just under the surface of her skin, as the elemental instincts began to take hold.
Elsa's legs pumped to keep up, shifting her focus from harmonizing to providing her body with enough air for whatever athletic feat Ahtohollan would test her with. She never complained, knowing the archives she was about access were beyond precious. A smile tugged at her lips which parted from her laborious pants, jovial that song had been answered. Despite her heart never holding any doubt that she'd be ignored it still was always astounding when one called and the other answered.
Seeing the mass empty space that awaited her, Elsa's brows furrowed, she coyly smirked readying her power. For anyone else the road would have stopped here but for Elsa it was just another opportunity to show Ahtohollan what else she had learned in her travels.
The momentum gave Elsa's leap a running start, in the air as her hand whipped forward so did a rope which attached itself to the icy cavern ceiling, garnering enough speed to surpass the guiding spectrum.
A sheepish 'Oh' interrupted Elsa's victorious laughter when she realized she had swung too far forward. Not one to be too defeated, Elsa's torso curved upward while her lower body worked on some course correction.
Releasing the rope she landed gracefully on a ledge continuing to instead jog after the call.
At the end of sliding twists and turns Elsa halted before entering the room raising her arms above her head to steady her thundering heart.
Once calm she was able to continue the chase into the blinding white valley having to shield her eyes from the stark contrast in lighting. The mesmerizing living statues had come to life before her re-enacting events that had occured some months ago, yesterday and years prior, both spectacular in accuracy and somewhat eerie all the same.
So began the search among the otherworldly specters. A certain memory had Elsa lingering. There was the battered hungry Ryu limping into the forest looking over her shoulder in case Mattias and his soldiers had somehow followed her into the drage den. She guzzled water and sat licking around the arrow head embedded in her leg.
Elsa tilted her head grasping her chin. This must have been a few days before she came across her. That moment was living a few feet away from this one, creating a nostalgic warmth from seeing Ryu be so fearful and untrusting and comparing that to what they were today.
Elsa could see and hear herself faintly with the Queen Disa of Sankerhus. It felt like so long ago.
The answer couldn't be in those memories could it.
"I don't think so." Elsa whispered to herself, gripping her chin. She still valued the lessons she and her family learned from them though, along with the other adventures they had throughout the years.
So she followed along the snowy shapes, sometimes spending too much time on certain scenes.
"You know I never thought I'd be the one marrying before you." Anna chuckled as Gerda, Olina and Elsa bustled about behind her ensuring every detail of her wedding dress was perfect. The statement made Elsa freeze in her tracks, raising a dubious but well natured brow at Anna.
"You can't be serious."
Anna shrugged. "You're the older one." It made Elsa smile, she was smiling for a thousand reasons that day, so much so it made her cheeks hurt.
Elsa knew what happened next; in came Kristoff making Olina and Gerda shriek in horror, confusing the man tremendously.
"You mustn't see the bride before the wedding!" He resisted them pushing him out the door protesting.
"I know what she looks like-" his mouth gaped open at the sight of his soon to be wife and eyes filled with love. Even distracted by the beautiful Anna his body weight was still too much for the tiny women to overcome.
Elsa clasped her hands together looking between her sister and future brother, wondering how she had gotten so lucky. When the moment's wonder wore off she waved Kristoff away finally, turning her attention back to Anna and soon tears followed that wouldn't be the last that were shed that day.
That same grin spread across Elsa's lips as she moved on. She'd always remember that day and all the chaos it brought even without seeing it come alive.
Then she stopped mid step when she heard it. "I hope you kept the receipt. You're still holding back… "
"But- Not because I'm afraid, We still have to go slow- that- I truly want. I also want this to be about you, all about you. I want you to not just know how I see you but feel it-"
A vicious blush overtook Elsa's face and neckline, daring to turn around, there she was cupping Ryu's breasts. Elsa felt her chest drop and clench. She knew Ahtohollan was all knowing and probably held no biases towards sensitive information like this but she still felt embarrassed at being so blatantly reminded of this.
The answer certainly wasn't in… no.
"Definitely not.'' Elsa told herself, sneaking one last peak at Ryu's form then scolding herself.
She needed to press on.
Losing track of time Elsa let out a quiet plea. "Oh mother, please give me something."
The beginning of Runeard's betrayal to the Northuldra people ensued, which still infuriated Elsa to the point of nearly destroying his likeness but perhaps this was it. Or the beginning of the crumb trail which would lead her to the right direction.
Elsa looked away recalling the rest of what happened, the battle took place, her mother saved her father, and her grandfather had doomed their tribe and soldiers to years of conflict. Angered, the spirits sealed the Enchanted Forest from the rest of the world, thus isolating the magic within from any potential threats.
Isolation wasn't exactly an option for them and one Elsa wished to avoid.
It started low, almost a whisper of a sound that Elsa thought at first she was imagining. Ryu's song, the first nine notes, grew louder and louder.
The idea teased Elsa's brain, making her wonder how far back could she truly go without drowning. What were the limitations?
So she hummed the tune back to the source, following it slowly ever careful to not misstep, dodging the other apparitions.
Elsa was sure she bumped into a building but it was no structure by any means.
Here stood before her, at least thirty meters high what couldn't be mistaken as none other than a dragon, she could not tell the colorings due to the Colossus being made of snow but could safely assume the dangerous horns on its brawny head had to have been the same length as she. Three rows of membranes connecting thorn like growths traveled their long thick neck, joining at the base of the tail.
The membranes on their wings were a different shade of white, the crest and claws were bright. The dragon was what Elsa could only describe as magnificent and splendidly lethal. A bringer of death in any city if they wished it.
After a few moments of being awestruck she reminded herself that these were memories and the dragon's massive jaws would not snap at her and end her life if she rose to their level.
Up on the pillar she created Elsa could now see up close the detailing of scales which dwarfed her hands, scares which showed battles won and lost. The massive head turned, putting Elsa in direct contact with their eye.
Those eyes…
The pupil– a different shape than Ryu's, a slitted sharp hybrid of a cross and an arrow, even while being made of snow Elsa could see the rich molten color of the iris.
More dragons appeared behind them, some differently shaped and smaller, some standing on two legs instead of four. The noises they made almost engulfed Elsa if she hadn't been so captivated. They were similar in basic anatomy but that was where they ended. Each had their own markings, set of crests, tails having a separate number of flukes or none at all.
The other behemoth across from them which appeared next must have been an eastern dragon having the telling signs of a serpent-like body, ninety six meters in length, and long tendril whiskers. Among the large antlers atop their head flowed a beautiful plush mane going all the way to the tip of their tail, voluptuous enough to have made most women jealous.
Their beautiful body coiled around a great pillar. If Elsa was ignorant enough she could have easily found herself fearing the Western dragons and worshiping their elusive more empyrean counterparts.
Their location was to be determined but one factor was set in stone for Elsa–
Ryu is still the most beautiful dragon.
Even if she lacked- due to age or genetics- the elaborate, and exquisite designs, immense size, and flashy bits of her ancestors. She was still the most breathtaking, with her own set of rich purples, pastel pinks, hazy grays, dusty blue hues, and pearlescent shimmers.
It was a biased opinion and unnecessarily petty but the thought still crossed Elsa's mind.
When they spoke to one another Elsa could barely make out the words of the baritone voices that shook her very core and sent a chill down her spine. Their language, archaic and wild, consisted of a series of deliberately placed but equally terrifying hisses, shrieks, and growls.
Ahtohollan must have thought a certain part imperative for Elsa to understand because slowly their jumbled trills and roars became words.
"Why bring such blasphemy to my temple brother? We are the protectors of balance and that alone. We shan't dishonor the words of our elders. Nor shall we aid ye in this pursuit of violence."
The Western growled a calamitous sound but his partner remained unfazed by the display. "Thou shalt sit on a pedestal welcoming gifts of bounty, gleeful to not take in action as they hath done to thine kin, besmirching me, hiding beneath the words of ones who can barely be considered mortal. And when we are all dead in the west, whose mountains shall they climb to plunder, whose temples shall be pillage, who shall they hunt down, whose eggs shall be crushed beneath their boot, who shall man blame for the lack of balance then hm? For whatever misfortune befalls our world?"
"Thee shall flirt with war against the very creatures that cater to our young, gaze upon us in reverence and humility-"
"It is to thee they show reverence! What do we receive? The sharp edges of a sword made of obsidian, others may refuse in false guilt to fight back believing it is wrong but I have rallied those who shan't give in to such cowardice. When word of this reaches these lands what offerings shall ye be lavished with; I'll tell ye; the tip of jade."
Elsa gulped, trying to grasp at what she was witnessing her searching eyes scanned around the serpent noticing now that he was also not alone, others quite like himself were present in the background all varying in size but sharing the same elongated forms and wolf-like heads decorated with fur. These were the ones worshiped by the humans in the east.
"Thine contempt for man is disgraceful." The eastern dragon berated, casting their gaze down their long muzzle at the westerner, who bristled, their scales hissed much like Ryu's but much more menacing, sounding like a deep pit of a thousand snakes.
"And thy faith in man is an embarrassment! Shalt thou be so vainglorious, gullible, too foolish and selfish to ignore the cries of younglings slain, shall thou condemn a blooming life that has not yet the chance to commit sin to suffer its punishment?" So the killings had already begun in the west, Elsa could gather that much, and perhaps this dragon made a journey to ask their cousins for help? Were humans really that much of a threat to them? And from what she had heard things were going splendidly for the eastern dragons, what was the turning point that eviscerated their existence?
"And what of those that believe in a higher power, in doing well, shall thee murder them along with the wicked?" What the fiery dragon said next birthed a sorrow in Elsa's heart.
"When it comes to man the wicked and righteous are all the same, their religious alignment means nothing if not for their own gain. They do not know true faith. Their god is their own ego, vulnerable and falsified. A disgrace. A god instructing them to massacre us in our sleep. And Thee follow the words of elders who ignore the cries of their children."
"Elders? As in dragon elders, they never participated in the wars? They must have been against fighting." Elsa theorized realizing she'd have to ask Grand Pabbie.
The eastern dragon grew remorseful pitying the one before them. "Thou have lost faith in the light? For our purpose? Have ye taken a god then that hath given thee a new one?"
"My god is no god at all. But my own instincts, and I watch as my God's prophecy comes to fruition. Man will never be satisfied until they and their children and their children's children fuck and tear this world asunder. Till there is nothing left. I see the stubbornness in thine eyes,"
Elsa could see it too despite the figure being so high up she could see they were just as cemented in their ideals as they were to the pillar their body claimed as a perch.
"I know this coming war is to be lost. Their numbers overwhelm those willing to fight. I do not ask that ye aid us so we may live fore I know thou shalt join us in death. Because nothing is greater than man's lust for destruction."
Turning away the dragon stretched their massive wingspan and took off fading away from the council of gathered drage.
Watching them leave Elsa was caught off guard by a small coo and whimper, facing the sound the sight that greeted her was much more shocking than the gigantic leviathan beings she had just witnessed.
Looking down had Elsa realize how sore her neck became from craning upward for so long, but that wasn't important. What did matter was the tiny little young one sucking on their own tail rocking back and forth.
To Elsa she was more adorable than any baby beaver she had ever seen, which in her opinion was saying something significant. The longer she studied the more that part of her brain itched with recognition.
She knew those eyes, despite how large they were, really this baby was about seventy percent all pupils, and she knew that prance even if they were now on stubby little legs.
"Ryu?" She called while knowing the memory would not acknowledge her presence. The tiny little fang jutted from her muzzle, and a small tuft of hair sat atop her head.
The hatchling yawned, allowing trills and growls to escape. Her back legs spread out when she sat on her rear, short tail that wouldn't have any use for balance wagging behind her.
Elsa giggled watching the baby Ryu jump away from a moth, sniffing at it curiously while her head rested on her front paws and rear end pointed to the sky.
She snarled what she was probably hoping to be an intimidating growl and chomped at the moth missing horribly. Just as all children did Ryu made it into a game already practicing to hone in on her non-existent hunting prowess.
Smiling softly Elsa followed the baby through a forest landscape she couldn't recognize.
After a minute Elsa was tugged away from the sweet scene noticing how her breath was now visible in pale smoke. Elsa felt the abrasive sharp bite of a chill in warning. She dejectedly watched Ryu venture further and further away. Elsa did her best to not feel some agitation at The Mother, even if she couldn't after years accurately estimate what the exact rules of the river were.
Like a petulant child she turned back rubbing the brittle cold from her arms mumbling under her breath. "I'm allowed to see something that occurred probably thousands of years ago but twenty no that's pushing it… "
After some self reflection she understood now that Ahtohollan was keeping her from breaking a boundary she and Ryu established. She wouldn't, no matter how tempting, pry into Ryu's past without permission.
At the exit of the caverns Elsa ran her hand down the ice affectionately. "Thank you mother." With a kiss goodbye she found Nokk looking at her expectantly. She took a mental inventory of all she had seen and began drawing connections.
It was violence and hatred that had forced the spirit's hand in keeping the enchanted forest under the mist. It was violence of man that drew the western dragons to plead for help from their eastern cousins who refused, and Elsa supposed that the elder dragons of both sides had not participated in the fighting. But why? If they or the eastern dragons helped would that have changed the outcome for their mass extinction or would it all just have ended in death.
"Ryu was going to be used as a weapon of destruction and… now she's been dragged into this silly conflict unwillingly." Perhaps the best action was to not act. Maybe that's what Ahtohollan was warning her of. The Western dragons acted and apparently that sullied their reputation among humans, they'd always be remembered less favorably than dragons in the east.
Peace.
That must have been the answer, Ryu was a creature of light and peace, and as the fifth spirit, seer of the north and protector of the Drage Lyse it was Elsa's responsibility to ensure Ryu and she herself would not be used for political conflicts. It could potentially tip the natural scales of some kind or worse.
The pessimistic nature that lived in the deeper regions of Elsa's mind plagued her with thoughts that there was a chance she was thinking far too black and white and her conclusions lacked the proper and appropriate nuances.
If peace was the only option then Elsa was certain she could end this war without killing, without bloodshed, without violence.
She was going to Ruskland and most likely so was Ryu, it was inevitable, but that did not mean they'd go there and partake in fighting but they'd surely end it.
Elsa at first saw Ryu sitting above the trolls perched with her paws crossed on a rock as the youngest trolls found her dangling tail more interesting than Grand Pabbie's lecture which had already begun collecting an audience.
"It may be easy for us to forget the actual insurmountable power that light magic is capable of, but let us not forget that even a being thousands of years old well versed in such properties, have not even reached the pinnacle of potential."
Elsa stayed back decidedly to not interrupt the lesson, waving to the few trolls who noticed her presence.
"Like you?" The naive question was seen in good humor drawing a chuckle from the asker's peers and Grand Pabbie himself.
"Yes, like me. While it is strong and perhaps the source for all living things, do not let that deceive you into thinking it is not fragile in nature and relies on a delicate balance." The images swirling colorfully above his head ranged from deer leaping the field, to the stars, and mirages of humans evolving from throwing spears and dwelling in caves to building large cities and creating cultures in an impressive display.
Ryu smelt her first, nostrils flaring, and jutted her head up from the troll under her. Ryu's bellows attracted all eyes to her then to the direction she stared pointedly at.
Elsa couldn't help but half grin at her blown cover. She'd never be able to have an inconspicuous entrance with Ryu present who was currently refusing to give up her seat to greet Elsa.
"Ah greetings Elsa, I've been expecting you." Like the red sea the trolls parted for Elsa to close the distance between herself and the elevated rock Grand Pabbie stood upon.
"Yes, I'm afraid my visit is due to urgent matters, Grand Pabbie." She stated grimly, hearing Ryu huff from above, standing slowly but not jumping down until Grand Pabbie spoke again.
"Indeed, we are in urgent times I'm afraid, Ryu has taken the liberty to explain some of the components of what you are facing." He waved his hand to the crowds surrounding them in dismissal.
"Shall we speak privately?" Elsa nodded to his gesturing hand following his lead to a more secluded area with Ryu trailing behind them. During the walk she couldn't help herself from glancing back at the dragon comparing her to the ancient ones she encountered earlier.
Once alone he turned to the pair clutching his staff to support his weight. "You seek my opinion on the subject of the war raging and the rogue Yokai no? Wondering what part you shall play?" All Elsa could do was nod once sitting next to him in the grass.
They allowed him to think soundly before speaking when he began with a sigh
"Why don't you tell me what you witnessed in Ahtohollan please." So Elsa regaled the memories she combed through and the ones that seemed most significant to their situation. She wondered if leaving out the part of seeing Ryu as a hatchling would be wise but kept quiet on the topic.
"And the only memories I could connect to the present is the killing of the Northuldran chief and the meeting between the dragons. The westerners seemed ready to defend themselves but the easterners and apparently the elders as well did not partake in it. Is that true Grand Pabbie?"
She hated the pain the question seemed to have brought the old troll as traveled back in time within his mind exhaling deeply. "It would seem so the last remaining dragons of the west fled to the east as Bulda has told you before and we are not certain what led to their demise there but the battles and cullings here were… nothing short of monstrous." It was as Elsa feared, the trolls had no answers for what events took place in the east but this information did grant her a tiny piece to the puzzle. She stared at Ryu taking inventory of all her little features.
She had no horns, or sharp crest, only those large appendages on her head which Elsa now found adorable, wings, and fur. She was well adept in the art of fire and lived in water the majority of her life. Her conception must have been a result of the immigration of dragons fleeing for their lives east. It made Elsa wonder what her parents looked like and what exactly was her lineage. Was the union a forbidden love story, or was it a desperate attempt to preserve a species? If there were dragons alive today would they welcome her or shun her?
"The heretics grand Pabbie, Kristoff already explained the strange magic they wield which seems to cancel out my own and that of the other spirits. I… fighting them seems foolish even more so without involving Ryu–'' the dragon snarled jolting forward at the suggestion, even Elsa's calming hand upon her chest did not soften her scales. She kept her teeth bared and throat growling. Elsa silently questioned what the dragon was saying, it sounded like a lighter version of the language she heard the dragons of old speak though she didn't have a translator now.
"I'm afraid there is no one answer. There are many ancient magics that men are bound to stumble upon around the world and though I wish I was able…I cannot know the true nature of them all. To me what Ahtohollan has shown you interprets as a choice, a choice many in your positions have had to make. Elsa, Ryu? Your paths aren't as contrasting as we may have thought."
The couple glanced at one another briefly.
"There are many paths to take but some paths require you to take one or the other. While your paths may be similar they may also not be the same." Elsa readied herself for the rebuttal that if Ryu was to be sent to Ruskland she'd be going as well with no exceptions. Grand Pabbie's concepts however seemed to be going beyond the conception of human grievances.
"Ryu as I have explained before dragons are creatures of light, light while beautiful can be very dangerous especially to the young soul who wields it." With the forbearance of warning being so reminiscent of the one Elsa's parents received the night she struck Anna of the head a dreadful consternation bit at Elsa's heart.
Ryu's ears folded back prompting Elsa to pet her flank slowly and take a sparse glance at Ryu whose demeanor and face remained concentrated, absorbing every single word like a sponge placed in a pool.
"Many will seek you out, to use your power for their own purposes, a magic meant strictly for tending to the balances of your surroundings. You must evade their influences and coercion for not just your own sake but the sake of others, sometimes by any means necessary to keep this balance."
Elsa knew Ryu had always possessed an existential crisis to her own existence, however she wished her purpose wasn't so… profound and forbearing. Elsa wanted her to know she mattered to her and all their family and friends even without being a part of a grand scheme.
"Elsa you stumbling upon Ryu is perhaps the most fortunate accident to befall us, with her focusing on using the light to maintain order this will require a neutral stance in most things– including morality for the greater good." The last two words had Ryu tensing up, it was no secret she had been raised like lamb to be sacrificed for what she originally thought was the greater good.
Elsa didn't exactly know where Grand Pabbie was going with this, it took a heavy paw resting on her lap for her to realize she had been spreading frost across Ryu's scales. With a quick apology she focused on the conversation once more.
"Ryu has very strong morals. Besides, dragons are creatures of purity and light."
"Yes and it is that very reason that the notion of outer influence corrupting such power is horrific and catastrophic. I'm sure you'll be able to understand eventually Elsa, being a balance keeper yourself in a way. A bridge to keep man connected with nature. You are no stranger to being unusual."
His playful tone allowed the group some room to breathe in the overwrought atmosphere. "Can't say that I am, no-"
"You have been blessed with the gifts from nature herself, you are the seer of the north and fifth spirit, and now keeper of the last personification of a never ending growth of light. There is a reason you have been chosen."
Elsa could only accept that her life would be a never ending coronation of heavy titles which eluded to very preeminent responsibilities. She didn't know why she was chosen for many things in her life, all she could do was repay the honor with the utmost sense of justice, diligence, and respect she was capable of.
"Your decisions are monumental in regards to the fate of magic itself. You must aid each other, when one is forced to make a decision for the greater good, the other must keep morality's worth in question. So what do you choose?"
Ryu stared at Elsa for guidance with a reverent sincere trust in anything she'd decide. Elsa could only accept it and follow what she knew to be virtuous, guiding Ryu in the path of not necessarily right but good.
"I chose to not repeat the same mistakes as those in the past, I chose to not seek revenge towards those who gave us scars but instead heal them." Grand Pabbie nodded, seeming quite pleased with this.
Elsa stood up readying to leave. "Thank you so much Grand Pabbie for your wisdom, it's helped incredibly."
"You're very welcome Elsa, please do not hesitate to ask for aid and I will do so with all of my earnestness." Elsa bowed to him. Ryu bade him goodbye as well blowing mist in his face which he welcomed.
They watched Elsa head into the treeline, Ryu stopped her pursuit when she heard Grand pabbie's soft call. She leaned her neck down to his level listening to his hushed voice.
"Elsa is meant to preserve and protect. Please join the initiative of those close to her and keep her safe." Ryu nodded her head accepting his request before jogging after Elsa tucking in her wings tighter as they walked side by side in silence.
Collapsed on her bed Elsa's ears tuned out all other noise except for a brief shuffling she could detect from the cushioned bench. Just as she expected, cracking one eye open, she spotted Ryu sitting there– face resting on elbows propped up on the window sill watching through the frost coated glass either nothing in particular or snowflakes gently falling.
Now laying on her side Elsa studied Ryu, since winter began and the war efforts took forefront of everyone's minds she noticed a melancholy longing in the dragoness for the days of summer and fall to return. It couldn't have been due to the cold, or dreary weather, so it must have been the memories they created together that was the source of Ryu's pining.
With her finger Elsa began tracing in the air. Stenciled images of Ryu's favorite things took form on the glass catching her attention. Cinnamon snail rolls, the spicy pumpkin soup Elsa made in passing fall, Bruni, Anna atop her back as they flew over Arendelle. The last picture took the longest to make, forcing Elsa to come closer and join her at the large triangular window, a lovely picture of them sitting underneath the large Rowan tree growing outside her cottage yard.
Elsa's attempts to lift Ryu's spirits were rewarded with a soft purr and grin.
Elsa's mind felt overwhelmed and full, loud, as if a nest of vespids had taken residency there and wouldn't leave until she was stung by every single one.
Leaning back against the adjacent wall, with her legs stretched and arms open, Ryu stared at her silently.
Taking the silent invitation had Elsa crawling over to lay against Ryu's warm chest, the physical sensation of her arms enveloping Elsa temporarily muted the buzzing of whispered ideas and what ifs pounding at her temples.
Absent-mindedly Elsa left the window alone and turned Ryu's scales into a sketch board.
"Just so I'm prepared, what exactly are we telling them tomorrow?" Elsa knew she was looking too deep into the question, yet couldn't help the feeling of affection towards Ryu because of it. Her unbridled support of whatever path Elsa thought best for them made her feel confident enough to present what would possibly bedlam and berating in the otherwise restless court.
"Tomorrow we're going to tell them that while we won't take part in their war we will end it, and stop the Yokai from terrorizing anyone else with the same method of peace." Absorbing the bits of information had Ryu nodding, they'd iron out the details later but right now it was more of a plan than anyone else had come up with in weeks, and had one aspect that all the others lacked; Elsa's refusal to ignore the suffering of others especially when she and Ryu were the indirect causes.
"Okay, good." After some time when Elsa felt herself dozing off she noticed something that would have easily slipped past many's detection. Ryu's demeanor was not the one she had when the dragon was ready to settle in for a rest. It was a miniscule difference that was difficult to describe but Elsa could tell by lying against her. From the feel of her muscles not tense but definitely not readying to go without use for a while, to her alerted eyes, and the air she carried around herself, an aura Elsa concluded that gave off some type of signals to those who took the time to understand what the dragon was intending to do next and influence those around her.
It made it difficult for Elsa to fall asleep entirely. "Ryu… " she began softly, answered by a quiet hum.
"You should rest Gecko-" Ryu groaned and looked out into the dark night, grim face lit by only the candle light to her right and the dim glows of the castle and city.
"I have to check on Northuldra." She said, matching Elsa's volume.
"I already did-" Elsa sat up stretching her tired bones, she knew if she felt fatigued as everyone else did then Ryu must have been running on reserves of energy or coming close to it.
"You should rest before the meeting tomorrow and eat as well-" standing she went to the door cracking it open, before asking a staff member walking by for plates to be brought, she gave Ryu a stern look. "Besides the meat Mr. Skaffe was kind enough to offer- when was the last time you ate?" Ryu opened her mouth pausing as Elsa made her request, she gave a thank you and closed the door.
"I-" Just like a querulous child Ryu crossed her arms and pouted. "When was the last time you ate?" Elsa met the challenge by sitting on the bed with haughtiness. "I had lunch with Anna and Kristoff this afternoon." Ryu growled defeatedly, though Elsa couldn't take credit that her own lack of neglect towards herself was all due to her family, she could at the very least use it in this verbal sparring Ryu had tried to initiate.
"I have had the misfortune to learn that I can go three weeks without rest Erusa, and at least three months without food." Despite Ryu's blasé attitude towards her discoveries of how little she could survive off of, Elsa could only remember that adorable dragonling she saw earlier, picturing the sweet creature going without hurt her heart terribly.
Ryu stood and took the hand Elsa held out to her allowing herself to be pulled onto the bed. Her voice became less taunting and more doting.
She rubbed a thumb over the hand she still kept in her grasp giving it a kiss before replying. "And I can survive a dagger wound to the side, does that mean I should make getting stabbed a habit?" Again Ryu could not refute her logic and gave up laying across the bed dramatically. Smiling at the theatrics Elsa patted Ryu's bent knee in silence until a knock on the door alerted them that dinner had arrived.
Elsa grinned to herself when she heard the audible sniffs from the bed and set the plates down on a table she instructed Ryu to set up accompanied by two chairs.
As they ate in silence a thought had kept Ryu from guzzling her food. The feeling of something mushy hitting the center of her forehead made Elsa sigh and look up, her half irritated smirk vanished when she saw how Ryu kept her eyes worriedly trained on the faint grains of the table.
"Erusa, there's… something I should apologize for that I said to Anna in the temple." Well she hadn't been expecting that but kept quiet and gestured with her hand for Ryu to continue.
"I basically told Anna that she was silly for… being so worried about feeling alone." Anna had already relayed this to Elsa, every single shot the two girls took at each other Elsa knew so she was not able to conclude why Ryu was resurrecting what was already reconciled bad blood.
"She was right, I am a hypocrite cause now I'm completely terrified of being lonely, which is odd because I've spent the majority of my life alone no, and I was so ready to say goodbye to all of you that I didn't want to let you in or to feel so deeply for you. But now that I haven't been it's so scary to think of that happening again."
The hand she placed on Ryu's did arouse some sense of comfort but did not assuage the dragoness entirely. "Ryu, being alone and being lonely are two different things. I've felt lonely while being surrounded by people and it was no fault of theirs mind you, and I've felt at peace while being alone, and sometimes need that to myself. People react differently to loneliness, those who are afraid of being cast out and rejected try to keep others at an arm's length, loneliness is easier to deal with emotionally when it feels like a choice rather than something forced on you and others cling tightly to those around them and avoid being alone as much as possible."
Elsa knew she had been the former in her earlier years and that Ryu though not as extreme had shared that same trait. It was a middle ground that they could meet on and it was comforting, Kristoff as well shared similar views with his preference of animal companionship to people.
"Look at me-" when Ryu's eyes met Elsa's she could feel the tenseness in her coiled muscles melt away like ice in summer.
"You won't ever be lonely again. Not with me around okay?" Ryu nodded slowly, still scrunching her shoulders.
She sounded so speculative when she spoke. "But what if our paths go in different far away directions?" Ah so that's what brought this on. Elsa understood now that just as she was, Ryu had been mulling over in her mind about what they learned today about themselves.
"Well we can pick the paths that intertwine and go side by side with each other, and even if those are different it doesn't mean we have to separate."
"Really?" Ryu's head tilted forward as Elsa nodded while she cut into her cabbage.
"Mhm. It'd be like if-" thinking of a good example while she chewed. One popped into her head, lightening her eyes and posture. "If you became an inventor and I became an architect."
Ryu could smile at this accepting the answer to be true and consolating.
They remained in a compatible silence until the empty dishes were put aside in favor of laying in bed.
As Elsa began to settle down finally she heard from behind a hilt in Ryu's breath followed by a whisper.
"Erusa?"
"Mhm"
"If you were a fruit, which would you be?" Oh boy. Sighing heavily Elsa closed her tired eyes.
"I don't know Ryu."
"I think you'd be a plum." She could have left it at that but curiosity got the better of Elsa making her respond.
"Why?"
"Because they're sweet and sexy and have a nice color and shape." Elsa couldn't help but giggle at this. After a while she was yanked back from the precipice of sleep again.
"Erusa?" Ryu didn't require an answer to continue on much to Elsa's dismay who thought that if she pretended to sleep Ryu would let her be. This was far from the case.
"I know what vegetable you'd be if you were one?"
"Which one Ryu?" She slurred drowsily, knowing the farce was up.
"A sweet potato."
"Because you think I'm sweet?"
"No… because they're my favorite." Ryu said in a matter of fact tone.
Elsa's eyes opened staring into the dark space. Quickly she turned over and caught Ryu by surprise when she connected their lips in a sweet kiss.
Raising a single hand to caress Ryu's face had the kiss deepening.
Elsa wasn't opposed to the way their lips and tongues grazed together, it was when she felt Ryu's enthusiastic vigor return and the sharp pricks of claws gently scraping against her stomach that she knew she had to put a stop to things before Ryu became too amatory.
Pulling away as always wasn't a deterrent for Ryu who took to licking and kissing her neck which failed to arouse Elsa as she intended.
"Gecko?"
"Hmm?" Elsa tilted Ryu's face to her eye level and held a look of pity. "I'm sorry but I'm far too tired." Elsa had been expecting disappointment, especially with the errands and meetings they had been attending which kept them from exploring any type of intimacy but Ryu just laid back with an 'Oh' and began purring when she nuzzled Elsa's cheek.
Small pleasant tingles spread from Elsa's crown down her spine caused by Ryu settling for tracing her fingers and fangs upon any exposed skin she could find on Elsa who wished that it was a common practice for humans to groom each other as dragons did for comfort and bonding.
Her lack in scales had enticed Ryu's more gentle touch, even when she had gotten carried away checking Elsa's ears and hair for anything that needed removal.
When she was satisfied with her work and stopped, Elsa found herself already missing the gentle caresses that tickled inside her head and relaxed her into a stupor, even the hot breath she felt against her skin from Ryu's close inspection.
Elsa turned over and began the same treatment she felt Ryu give to her though she was not as adept at knowing what exactly she was looking for, the behavior wasn't instinctual for her as it was for Ryu but she could hear from the resounding purr that her efforts were still greatly appreciated even with the lack of expertise.
Only they existed in that moment, sharing an ancient bonding experience that no one else alive would ever have.
What really piqued Elsa's curiosity was the short but still noticeable line of hair going down Ryu's nape much further than before. Elsa pricked at her memories to consider if maybe she had missed it but knowing Ryu as intimately as she did she could concur that was highly unlikely.
Was it a sign of maturing, or was it seasonal? Ryu's mane definitely was growing thicker since the weather had cooled, now Elsa had a target of what to look for, searching Ryu's body for any other changes but found none.
She'd have to ask later about it, if this had happened before then it was perhaps Ryu's body's defense against the cold and if not then definitely was a sign of growth.
It reminded her of the grown eastern dragons she saw in Ahtohollan, their beautiful flowing mane had streamed all the way down their serpentine bodies to the tip of their tails.
While odd to some, Elsa found the feature to be quite handsome and couldn't think of a single issue if that was the case for Ryu. If anything she'd look more majestic and distinguished with a lovely, glittering strip of her lovely mane curving down her spine.
As her mind wandered and eyes and hands roamed over Ryu's draconic features; from her ear like appendages laying sagged on her head, to her little fang jutting out from her lip, to the tail which stopped brushing against Elsa's leg a while ago, Elsa found herself becoming more attracted to Ryu's natural form. Maybe it was the emotional ties it held, maybe because this was Ryu and Elsa just simply lov-
Elsa shook her head, whatever it was–this shift she was beginning to feel– she just hoped it helped in making Ryu happier and opened her eyes to the beauty that she possessed.
Grinning, she captured the burrowing dragon and cuddled close to her, enjoying the stark warmth and small vibrations of her draconic trills.
That night Elsa dreamed of a small Ryu leaping in a field of purple heathers chasing any flying insect that dared to cross her snout.
It felt more akin to trial than a meeting of equals.
Ryu would not let the grim and capricious faces of the old and stuffy men Anna for some reason took advice from daunt her away from standing strong behind Elsa. In her opinion there was only a select few who deserved to be in the inner circle of the sensitive information that was about to be relayed; this included Yelena who must have just arrived this morning, Anna and Kristoff of course, Mattias, and maybe Tobias. She still didn't know him but he seemed trusted by her friends.
Yelena didn't care so much for court decorum, accepting Ryu's enthusiastic greeting with a flair of her own characteristic stoicism. It was a nice distraction from the scrutinizing faces of the diplomats. They shouldn't have recognized her and for the most part didn't but Ryu could see behind their eyes an itch of hyper-familiarity.
Deliberately she kept her posture much more enobled than the simpering maid she played the part of a few months ago.
"So lady Elsa-" both Ryu and Elsa already didn't like the tone of the man who decided to speak up first. "Did you receive the proper enlightenment from your sources on how we are to utilize your powers and the dragon in the battles against the heretics?"
She casted a look to everyone's faces, all waiting for a response with different apprehensive reasons.
"Hai-ahem I mean yes… we don't -" and so the uproar began. Anna took the moment, as loud and obnoxious as the volume of voices surrounded were, to let go of the breath she had been holding. It was evident that she, Kristoff and Yelena were all greatly relieved by the news.
The sound of her throat clearing silenced the pack of barking hounds like a sharp whistle from their master.
"Elsa please continue." Elsa smiled at her and nodded.
"Yes Ryu and I will not be fighting in the war but we will end it." Some men scoffed at this idea except for Konstantin who seemed intrigued just as much as Lady Ophelia was by the notion. " And how do you plan on such a feat Lady Elsa?"
Elsa met his courtesy with her own. Looking back to her Ryu took the cue to back away and transform, startling the foreign dignitaries with the stark contrast her bodies had with one another, her immense size, brutal canines and scaly hide and wings all tucked behind the unfazed Elsa, twitching muscles and guttural growls and all.
"Ryu is a dragon so I will be aiding her in pacifying the Yokai's wrathful spirit as is her birthright, this will thus give me leverage and hopefully appeal to the better nature of the Heretics who also according to reports are being plagued by them."
As Ophelia sat hiding her awe behind a placid fixed expression Konstantin not taking his eyes off of Ryu scratched his beard. Elsa could easily tell he was gauging the battle potential Ryu's claws, fangs and muscle possessed.
"A solid plan but I'm afraid I can't predict how well it will be supported by the Ruskland army, we've lost many men to the beast and most likely they will want it destroyed."
Elsa shook her head, Ryu's chest pressed against her back keeping it straight, acting as a foundation for her strong indifference to this.
"Although support to a cause that will in the end benefit everyone be welcomed graciously it is not needed, though I do hope those within the Ruskland military can be intelligent enough to put their thirst for vengeance aside to aid us in ending bloodshed." It was now that Ophelia spoke.
"I'm sure with a solid formation of action that can be proven to yield results will appease and thus inspire our captains, specialists, and soldiers to see reason."
"I absolutely love the plan- though I do have one issue-" Elsa regarded her sister.
"The last time we saw them the Yokai wasn't exactly in a listening mood…"
As if they shared one mind Kristoff finished Anna's trail of thought. "So to say, if there is a way we can ensure your safety and Ryu's then I guess we can pack our bags and take this show on the road… again." Elsa smiled, understanding their concerns she woke up pondering the same idea.
She pulled away from Ryu's hot chest and began pacing about in thought. "Perhaps a barrier of some kind strong enough to keep the Yokai at bay but still accessible to us would suffice…" Ryu sat down and moved her neck about to watch Elsa's mind work, her mind wandered to the contraptions she had witnessed in her travels, be it traveling shows and pits housing dangerous creatures or the husbandry that took place behind the curtains which allowed handlers to work on the animals.
"My queen, I can have our battle strategist work with Lady Elsa and Miss Ryu to formulate a cohesive plan of action based on these morales immediately." Anna beaming at Mattias gave her blessing for such orders to be sent out.
"All opposing?" Her gaze flitted from one person to the next, none spoke their grievances though they could be seen on some of the councilmen's faces
"Oh one last thing;" hearing her sister out Anna hesitated adjourning the meeting. Elsa stopped her pacing and fixed the lapels on her jacket.
"General Konstantin, Lady Ophelia I would very much appreciate it if I could have a moment to share with you… alone."
Gruffly the general stood helping his Lady to her feet as well.
"Very well Lady Elsa, of what matter?"
Elsa's face remained stern as she opened the door for Ryu to trot out, speaking exigently.
"Discretion."