Frozen Beyond [gxg]

Restless - Mature Warning - Sexual Content

People always talked. It was the inevitable truth of the world. As Queen, she didn't hear those whispers as much as she did now. She was hidden behind the crown, and when she took it off, she wasn't expecting what came after.

Elsa just let out a breath. She had been different all of her life and she was okay with that. After the events with the Northuldra and the spirits of the Enchanted Forest, she thought she came to terms with that.

But even the strong felt ostracized when you catch people red-handed. She could tell herself all day it didn't hurt, but that was a lie.

"Are you okay?" Olaf's voice floated beside her.

She glanced down at him; he was looking up at her with wide eyes and a concerned frown. She had been walking around town for a while now, taking the time to see Arendelle and the people that lived within it. Many of the citizens came up to her to greet her, some children asking for little things made of ice, which she happily obliged.

"Oh, yes. I'm fine, Olaf." She told absently.

"You don't sound fine. You sound like you're doing that thing you do when you're sad."

Elsa looked at him out of her peripheral. Olaf has gotten more astute over the past year. "And what's that?"

"Pushing everyone away." He whispered.

Elsa's steps stuttered, and she clenched her fist at her side, taking a seat on the small fountain that sat in the market square.

"I'm not pushing everyone away. I just," she looked out across the town square. Watching as children frittered across and laughter flowed between everyone there. "I feel like it's easier to not be a burden with my emotions so I close myself off until I can sort them." She told honestly for once.

Some toxic traits still needed to be fixed, but old habits die hard.

Olaf struggled to get on the old fountain ledge and Elsa helped him up. Once she situated himself, he swung his legs over the edge casually. "But we want you to burden us with those things."

"I know, Olaf."

He leapt up, walking and bouncing happily along the water fountain and humming a tune. "Oh look, Ah Ha is coming!"

Elsa jerked her head up to see Keahi looking over the crowd. Searching and skimming over everyone until Keahi's gaze caught her own.

When it did, the woman smiled and jogged over to the two.

Elsa glanced away, folding her hands in her lap.

Keahi let out a breath, bowing playfully and producing a small yellow tulip from behind her back.

Just as Elsa went to gingerly take it, Olaf gasped beside her and snatched the flower. "Thanks, Ah Ha you didn't have to!"

Elsa and Keahi shared a look before they both laughed. Keahi stood up straight and adjusted her vest. Her hair was smoothed back, and the few braids that were filled with colorful twine and beads were taken out. Her hair was in a slick ponytail. A green with gold trim vest rested perfectly over a long sleeve white button-up with the sleeves rolled to her elbows. The same green with gold trim color adorned her fresh pair of slacks. "I got dressed up for you!" Keahi announced, jumping back and spreading her arms.

Elsa blinked back surprise and giggled. "Why? I like your hair the way it was, twine and all." Elsa stood and reached over, coiling a black strand of thick hair around her finger before drawing back.

Keahi wrinkled her nose, rubbing the back of her neck. "Well, I don't want people to look at me and judge you...because of me. You know, trying not to look like...a pirate. Are you okay, you know, from earlier?"