Frozen Beyond [gxg]

Open Sails

It took a day to get the supplies together but finally, Elsa stood in front of the large ship, proudly hoisting the Arendelle flag. Its dark mahogany wood made it attractive while its sleek design made it fast and capable. Hopefully, it would easily blend in since it wasn't one of the biggest ships around. While they traded regularly with the kingdoms overseas, their ships weren't the brawniest or biggest. They were big enough to transport goods fast.

She wore a maroon dress with a cowl that could easily cover her hair which was coiled back securely in her pinned and braided up-due, the one she used to wear around her coronation time. The dress came down to her knees and beneath it, dark green leggings and high knee boots. They held whimsical designs of Arendelle and lacked any baby blue or snow-related designs.

For once, she wanted to blend into the crowds. Not stand out. After everything with Keahi and the curse, she didn't realize how dangerous it was out there. But she wasn't about to present herself to the world and those dangers.

Magic out there was precarious and what her magic could be worth to someone else was even more so.

"I have a handful of soldiers I trust with my life. I know they'll take care of you." Matthias's strong voice boomed behind her.

Elsa shifted and smiled at him as he offered a bow, she nodded her head in response. "Thank you, Matthias. Please, keep a close eye on my sister. I asked Honeymaren and Ryder, along with a few other Northuldra, to come up and help around the castle."

"Your sister could never be in safer hands." His voice was confident and unyielding in its disclaimer and it settled the pit of worry in Elsa's stomach. "But I want you to be careful. It's a perilous world out there. Here in Arendelle, we are blessed with peace and prosperity. Others aren't so lucky. Trust no one and," that full smile spread onto his full lips. "Bring home Keahi. I miss her stirring up trouble in the docks." His shoulders moved as he laughed and laced his arms behind his back.

Elsa frowned. She didn't know the world as Keahi and those from beyond Arendelle knew it. Wait, what trouble did Keahi stir up in the docks? She shook her head, that was unimportant right now.

She just hoped she was ready. Mustering a half-smile, she nodded her head nervously. She was ready to set sail, but she had no idea what to expect.

If she was being honest, boats made her very unsettled. After what happened to her parents, she never thought she'd get on one. She turned around to look up and down the docks; spotting a familiar blonde iceman running her way. Olaf jauntily scrambling behind them.

Kristoff sucked in a breath, leaning on Sven. "We just wanted to come see you off. Are you sure you want to do this?" Kristoff asked, large brows fading forward.

"Yes. If it was Anna, what would you choose?"

He agreed without hesitation, shrugging his oafish shoulders. "Fair point." He opened his arms wide, not going forward until Elsa opened her arms as well and went in for a hug.

She forgot how big Kristoff's shoulders were. For such a large man, he was so sweet and gentle.

She loved him like her own flesh and blood. "Take care of her." She whispered in his ear before pulling back.

"Of course. Don't worry, me, Sven, and Olaf won't let anything happen to Anna or Arendelle while you're away. Bring Ki home."

She would.

Tapping her fingers against her dress, she frowned when she realized Anna wasn't here yet. "Is Anna coming?"

"Oh," Kristoff scratched his chin, thinking. "She's a little upset your leaving and didn't make it out of the room this morning."

Her brows creased forward. "Oh." Was all she managed out, looking away. She fiddled with her fingers, then moved to the bracelet Keahi made for her birthday. She moved it around her wrist. She didn't want to leave without seeing Anna and it broke her heart that she wouldn't.

Olaf ran up and hugged her leg. "Or she's probably sorting through all those marriage proposals for you."

"Wait, what?" Elsa managed out, shocked.

Kristoff laughed, but it faded into an awkward chuckle as he led Olaf away. "Just you know, a string of broken hearts in your wake. Diplomatic marriage requests. You know, uh, boring. Anyway, I—"

"Weird that Keahi's isn't in there, you'd think she'd be the first proposal." Olaf wondered aloud.

Elsa scowled, "You both are going to make her not want to come back to Arendelle."

Kristoff went to say something, but the words died on his lips.

"Pushing off in five minutes!" A soldier yelled from the main deck.

Elsa just heaved out an exhale, turning back towards the boat. "Thank you, Kristoff. I'll be back as soon as I can."

He gave a large, beefy grin and waved. Sven let out a grunt and wagged his tail while Olaf watched with a sad look to his eyes.

She chided herself, she'd be back soon. She shouldn't get so emotional about this.

Walking up the plank into the boat, she headed to the helm and watched as the boat rocked slowly from the fjord into the ocean beyond.

"There is no turning back." She breathlessly whispered to herself just as Arendelle became a speck on the horizon.