Frozen Beyond [gxg]

Almost Home

A familiar island loomed in the distance and Elsa fiddled with Pips hair and put the honey gold locks into a braid similar to the one she herself usually wore but it was split into two smaller braids. A clap of thunder overhead had her jumping and Pips blinked and looked back at her as she freely swung her legs back and forth over the railing, hugging the blue bear tight.

They had to stop back at Keahi's island, the Chasm Islet, to take care of the injured. This was the last port before Arendelle, which was another day's sail. The injured couldn't wait that long. They had three on their own ship and multiple on others.

Elsa cut her eyes to the side when heavy and fast boots clicked against the deck as Hans came over to her. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, shoulders stiff as he looked to the island.

Elsa did her best to ignore him. She really didn't want to have a conversation with him. But she knew from his awkward fiddling he would start a conversation.

"Is what happened last night something we should be preparing for when we get to Arendelle?" He finally asked.

Elsa shifted to look up at him dismissively, "That was probably the easiest thing we will come in contact with. I feel a heaviness in the world now. It wasn't here before. It's dark. And it's cold."

"Well... I'll fight with honor." He gave a slight bow at his hip.

She turned back to Pips, finishing the braid. "Was that the same honor you had when you tried to take Arendelle?" She asked calmly.

Hans' face flushed and he looked tongue-tied. After an awkward minute, he cleared his throat and leaned to look over at Pips. "Cute kid. What's your name?" He asked.

Pips pursed her lips and smacked him with the blue teddy bear.

Cackling came from behind them, and Elsa turned to see Keahi marching up to the trio with a smirk. "Way to go, Pips." Keahi said aloud but also signed with one hand as she came up to them.

Elsa glanced down at Pips, "What did she tell you to do?" She asked, she was getting a lot better and took every opportunity to have Keahi teach her.

"I told her it's okay to hit bullies," Keahi told with a scowl, looking at Hans and crossing her arms over her chest while she watched him.

"And boys." Pips quickly added.

Elsa shot a look at Keahi. "You can't tell her to do that." She whispered hastily.

Keahi grinned and shrugged her shoulders.

Hans scoffed, looking at the three confused. "It's like you had an entire conversation I missed. What are you doing with your hands?"

"Pips is deaf," Elsa told in a clipped voice, picking up Pips and putting her back on the deck where she ran to Olaf.

"Ah." Hans mused, rubbing his jaw.

"Why is he on my ship?" Anna called.

Hans visibly stiffened and turned to an angry marching Anna. "It's actually —"

"I wouldn't finish that, pretty boy. You don't want to mess with a pregnant woman." Keahi whispered.

Hans clamped his mouth shut.

Elsa hid her smile and looped her arm with Keahi as they watched a storming Anna come over to them.

"I apologize," Hans started carefully, trying to pick his words, "I was just trying to get a count on your injured." He swiftly added as Anna came up to him and glowered.

She looked him up and down and sighed, most of the annoyance and anger expelling from her as she rubbed her temples. "Okay, I'm sorry." She admitted.

Hans took the time to scamper away.

Elsa tilted her head as she watched him head off deck and turned to Anna with a giggle. "Are you feeling okay?"

"I feel like punching something." Anna practically growled.

"Well, all right I'll just go uh, this way," Keahi pointed as she tiptoed away from the sisters.

Elsa scowled and caught Keahi by the sleeve before turning her attention back to Anna. "We're only docking long enough to gather supplies for the injured to hold them over until we get to Arendelle. Maybe stay on the ship?" Elsa eased, wincing and hoping Anna would heed the advice.

Anna crossed her arms and looked back toward the sea in the direction of Arendelle. The closer they got, the choppier the water got and the darker the sky swirled. Anna chewed her lip and just nodded. "I want this to be as quick as possible. Make sure everyone is patched and comfortable for the last leg to Arendelle."

Keahi saluted, "Ay ay, your Majesty!"

Anna scowled and gave Keahi a pat on the head like a puppy before walking away.

And if Keahi had a tail, it would be wagging.

Elsa rolled her eyes as the ships sailed into the worse for wear docks. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Keahi took her hand with excitement. She gave Keahi a questioning look.

"Can I steal you away for a little while?"

Elsa knew she shouldn't say yes. Couldn't say yes. She needed to help and stay here with Anna, Pips, and Olaf. She needed to help tend to the wounded.

But, oh. She couldn't say no. The hopeful look and dashing, almost childish grin on Keahi's lips just had a swarm of butterflies erupt in her stomach and all thought fly from her head.

She wanted to give her everything. The thought had a hand flying to her heart as it stuttered awkwardly.

"So... is that a yes?" Keahi edged, arching a brow at her and giving her a chaste kiss to the lips that pulled her from her thoughts.

She blinked, coming back to Earth and reality. "I...okay." She sighed out.

"Great!"

And as soon as the ship docked and the planks hit the pier, Keahi grabbed her by the hand and whisked her away so rapidly, she nearly stumbled as they ran.