Quiet. That was the only sound that Elsa could hear, a quiet that proclaimed peace and happiness to all outside the walls of the castle. It was a pity it could not be said about the inhabitants that lived within the walls. It was quiet there as well, but a different sort. A silence. Outside was punctuated by the calling of birds, the laughter of children, and the polite greetings of the working folk. It was undisruptive, and still cheery. Inside it was absolutely silent. And she knew very well why.

She had requested it that way. The slightest noise could set her off, and the servants were quickly coming to fear her as they once did. Though this time it was not her icy powers they feared, but the reality of the depression into which she was plunging, and the insanity that seemed to be following in the wake of happiness and peace.

Elsa sat upon her bed, staring straight ahead of her, unblinking, and unmoving. Her hair was rumpled, and her face pale, and her mind, despite the outward inactivity of her body, was running a mile a minute, thoughts that threatened to drive her into crazed oblivion.

I can't. I have to remember what things used to be like, and return to that. Simple. Simple. No, what am I thinking, I can't – no. The way things used to be is not good enough. Neither for me, or for everyone else. Isolation. Loneliness. Fear of being different, being thought a freak. They would smile, they would laugh, call me eccentric, unique. They were kind about it, and I'd laugh too. But all I want to be is normal. I know it's a lie. I don't want to be normal. Who would. I secretly rejoice in my powers, don't I. I have seen what they can do, but I am afraid that I cannot regulate myself, both in that realm, and in this one. I cannot control the power of my mind, it has such potential, I know it does, but I let it run away with me like a bobsled on an icy slope, and I am destroying myself with inactivity. I should do something. Anything. But then I would be faking. Only pretending, feeling like an actor, as I have all my life. But I'm good.

Who am I? Who am I really? I know. I like to think I can be three things, that I can be a smart, gracious queen, that I can use my intellect and poise to an advantage here, or that I can be a calm, quiet, ordinary person. I have tried it, and it works well, it is easy. Ordinary people are so much simpler than what I am. I can get a headache from the simplicity of it. And then there is the power that I felt, the freedom, the rage rising inside me like the boiling of a furnace, overflowing and turning into sheer majesty around me, alone, with no one to hurt, no one to see. Any of those three people I could be. But none of them are me, I am finding. I am this person, this shell, sitting here, with an empty head and heart, rattling around with tiny particles of fancy and intellect, but I'm not capable of taking any action to prove it.

I am mad. I am absolutely raving mad. I don't know what hour it is. Or how long it's been since I've eaten. I sometimes wonder what it is like to be normal. I wouldn't know. I long to be invisible, so that I can stare without being rude, so that I can observe, and learn. I feel like an infant and a genius at the same time. My thoughts, my life are presented in my head as complete paragraphs, as a well-drawn plan, and yet I cannot even focus on what I was trying to do in this room before I sat down. I have such great power, and yet know nothing. I feel –

"Elsa?" A voice broke in to her raging thoughts as it had so many times before. "Elsa? Are you in there?"

"Yes," she replied in a low voice, drooping her head still further toward her chest, and willing the brightness of the window before her to go away. She squeezed her eyes shut and veined pink and orange was the only thing she could see as the door creaked on its hinges, and footsteps entered the room. Elsa could hear when the hard soled shoes crossed the wooden floor and reached the rug, and she felt herself shrink even further within herself.

Anna rounded the foot of the unmade bed and knelt before her sister, her wide eyes looking up into Elsa's face.

"Are you alright?"

Elsa made no reply, simply lifting her head, and allowing her vacant gaze to wander the room, lighting on anything, everything, but Anna's face.

"Elsa?"

"Hm..." Her throat vibrated, and she grimaced. "I – I don't want to do anything today," she managed, laying back on the bed and turning so that she faced away from Anna, tugging the sheet up over her legs. "I feel..."

"How do you feel?" She could imagine Anna's face right now, it was likely pleading, her brow corrugated with concern, her mouth slightly parted as she waited for the words to signify that her sister had heard, that she understood.

"Crazy."

"Elsa, you're not crazy," Anna began in a gentle voice, as Elsa sat up suddenly.

"Prove it." Her eyes were murky, her face pale, her hair tangled and falling in her face, around her shoulders. Anna lifted a hand and began to finger the blonde mats, but Elsa flinched.

"What are you doing?" Her eyes met her sister's.

"I was going to brush your hair," Anna said steadily.

"Don't," Elsa muttered. "I'll do it."

"You said that yesterday."

Elsa made no reply, but neither did she protest when Anna rose, retrieving a comb from the nearby dressing table, and beginning to gently work the tangles from Elsa's hair.

"Anna?"

"Hm?" Anna knew this was coming. Elsa's voice was small, childish.

"Anna, I keep... I keep going back. And I said I wouldn't."

"Yeah." Anna knew there was nothing else she could say. Elsa had told her this before, but she did not want to stop her. Not when she finally was going to open up again.

"The other night, I was just laying here, and then... it was like I was back on the mountain again. But... but it was..." She shook her head, and Anna retracted the comb. "I am worried. I am worried that it will start again."
"Elsa, it never stopped. You just learned to control it, that's all."

It was sometimes difficult to remember that Elsa was the elder of the two. Sometimes Anna felt like she really did take care of her older sister. Especially when she was in such a fragile mental state. It was exhausting, actually. Fortunately, Anna was not one who gave up easily.

"It's so intense... and so often. I... I can't help but be frightened."

"Should we – tell someone? Maybe there's someone who –"

"No!" Elsa spun to look at her sister, a strange light in her eyes. "No, don't tell anyone. I – don't want them knowing the truth."

"What truth?" Anna brushed a stray curl behind Elsa's ear and took her hand. "What?"

"That I'm insane," Elsa whispered.

Anna just hugged her close as the sound of her quiet crying replaced the silence of the room.

Kristoff was waiting for her when she left Elsa lying in a somewhat composed heap upon the tidied bed, her hair quickly braided in one loose plait, and her thin shift replaced with a simple dress. His round eyes sought hers as she clicked the door shut behind her and shook her head silently.

"She's not coming out?"

Anna grabbed his hand and towed him further down the hall so that their voices would not be heard through the door. She took a deep breath.

"She's not coming out."
"Anna, this is the fifth day that she hasn't even emerged from her room! This is crazy! I mean, if she keeps this up, we'll have to –"

"We won't have to do anything," Anna said firmly. "We'll keep loving her, keep caring for her until she grows stronger."

Kristoff scratched the back of his head. "You really think she –"

Anna nodded. "Yeah. I do." There was a long silence before she linked her arm through his and they began to stroll down the hall. Kristoff laughed and let her lead the way, asking, "Got any plans?"

Anna ignored him. "How is Arendelle?"

"As far as I can tell, thawed, and functioning normally. Except the square, of course, it continues as a perpetual rink. You know, I was thinking we could open it up and..." he trailed off as he could see that Anna was clearly not listening to his rambling.

"Hello? You even listening?" He exhaled through his lips, and dropped her arm. "Why do I even bother?"

"I've got an idea..." Anna said suddenly, scampering across to a tall window, and leaning out, sniffing the air like a dog. "Why don't we go to the prison?"

"The prison?" Kristoff scowled. "Are you going nuts too? Why would we –"

"Be nice," she hissed, elbowing him in the ribs as a servant scurried by, eying the two.

"Uh – Hilda?" Anna called, and the maid turned, dropping a curtsey. "What are you doing?"

"Taking this plate to Her Majesty," Hilda began, but Anna shook her head.

"No. She told me that she doesn't want to be disturbed."

"But she must –"

"Give something to me in an hour or so, and I'll take it to her."

"Very good, your highness," a perturbed Hilda returned, and reversed her steps out of the corridor. Anna sighed.

"I don't want anyone to know how serious this really is." After a sober pause, her eyes lit up again. "The prison!"

"Wait, wait wait. Why the prison? You got a friend there?"

"I don't know, you might," Anna retorted, opening the door to her room and disappearing within. Kristoff waited outside until she emerged, pulling the ends of her braids from the neck of the garment and tipping her chin in the air. "Fasten me."

"Helpless..." Kristoff muttered, fumbling with the clasp and finally hooking the cloak together beneath her chin.

"Princess," she reminded, and then urged him, "Come on! I want to talk to Hans as soon as possible."

"Hans!" Krisoff put on the brakes, skidding them to a stop. "You want to go to the prison to see Hans?"

"Yeah. Fortunately for us we don't have to go all the way to the Southern Isles. I hear he's still cooling it here."

"You don't still like him, do you?" Kristoff asked dubiously. "Because if that's the case –"

"No, but I've got an idea. I think he can help us." Anna grinned and heaved open the great door, letting in a whoosh of crisp autumn air and a few leaves. It groaned shut behind them as they descended the steps.

"Help? With what? Taking over the kingdom?" Kristoff vociferated, hurrying to keep up with her. "What in the world..."

"Listen to me," Anna stopped short and Kristoff nearly bumped into her. Her eyes were wide, her voice serious. "If you go on repeating everything I say loud enough for all the city to hear I'll have to send you back! This is all secret! All of it!"

"Hey, I'm only trying to –"

"Be a good ice master or whatever, and come with me." She patted him on the chest, and started off again, before whirling and exclaiming, "We need to get him released. So start thinking of how to do that."

"What?" Kristoff stood rooted to the spot for a long moment before running to catch up to the retreating princess. "Are you insane?"

"Maybe," she called. "Maybe it's contagious. Hold your breath if you want."

The marketplace backed up the the square which was currently occupied by Elsa's ice rink. Though not a market day, the stalls remained standing, empty, some at rakish angles. Along the outer wall that formed the back of the royal stables, several closet-like cells were placed, in clear view of the market, providing ample opportunity for moralization to young children. Two were vacant, but the one on the corner, next to the stall that still reeked of last week's fish, had an occupant, a slumped, dark-haired figure. Anna produced a large pair of keys from beneath her cloak and allowed them to clank together ostentatiously as they approached.

The prisoner looked up, his hair deflated, his face overgrown with uneven stubble. His eyes drooped and his clothing was torn and shabby, unrecognizable from its former glory. But he stood in hope as the princess and Kristoff drew nearer.

"Anna?" Hans gripped the bars with both hands and pressed his face to them as she stood there, a smug look on her face. "What are you doing here? What are –" He broke off, his eyes glued to the keys.

"Not letting you out," Kristoff said, his voice firm. "Not yet, at least."

"We need to talk," Anna put in, casting a glance back over her shoulder to Kristoff. "So we may let you out for that."

"What? No. He can talk through the bars." Kristoff crossed his arms.

Hans shook his head. "I thought you'd forgotten about me."

Anna snorted. "I would if I could."

He looked a little hurt, but seemed to be trying not to let it show. Kristoff took all his expressions in with a prejudiced eye.

"But, unfortunately, we need your help," Anna added.

Hans regarded her suspiciously. "You need my help?"

She nodded.

Kristoff muttered, "Make this quick, I'm going to stand at the entrance to the market and see that no one disturbs you. Call if you need me." And with that, he set off, his sturdy stride carrying him across the open market and to the gap between the buildings' angles whence they came.

Anna took a deep breath. "Listen, this is going to sound strange, but –"

"First of all, let me say something." Hans took a step back from the bars and sat on the chill stone floor, crossing his legs and watching as Anna did the same from outside the cell, settling her skirt about her feet. "There is no reason why you should trust me. So why are you wasting your time?"

Anna narrowed her eyes. "I had my faith in humanity severely tested. So no, I don't believe you're really sorry. But I need you to pretend to be, so that we can save Elsa." She could have bitten her tongue out the moment she said it. She hadn't intended to be so free. Not at first.

"Elsa needs help?" Hans leaned forward. "How?"

"We'll get to that later," Anna said shortly. "But for now – are you going to do it?"

Hans gave an ingratiating smile. "I do not yet know what I am being asked to do, princess."

"Exactly what you're told."

"And what will I get in return?"

"Good treatment."

"I have good treatment." He gestured to his accommodations, which were cramped and weather-beaten at most. "They even feed me. Twice a day."

"Better, then. And maybe even a guarantee of safe passage home, depending on how good you are."

Hans stood. "Well." Anna followed his example. "In those terms, I think I could find it in me to be very good."

"Right." Anna selected one of the keys and inserted it into the lock, turning it with some effort, and letting the door screech open. Kristoff, from his post across the square, turned and began to make his way back toward them.

"The blond oaf is still around?" Hans said in a quiet voice, stepping forth from his cell, and stretching his arms.

"Yeah, the blond oaf is still around," Anna said loudly, so loud the Kristoff would be sure to hear. He reached them even quicker than she expected.

"Hands behind your back," he commanded, and Hans raised his eyebrows.

"I don't have to listen to you. I take my orders from –"

"Oh, for heaven's sakes, just do as he says," Anna said irritably. Under her breath, she muttered, "And I haven't even told him what he's supposed to do yet." Lifting her voice again, she said, "Hans," purposefully leaving off his title, "-you are to follow me. Be silent, speak to no one. Oh – and hide your face." She took off her cloak and handed it to him.

With some hesitation, Hans swathed his face in the magenta fabric, and followed after the pair through the streets of Arendelle, his gait stooped and unrecognizable, his head wrapped in a very good imitation of a street-vendor woman.

Anna led them to a side door of the castle and they slipped through with the aid of another of her keys, and they made their way hastily up the stairs and toward the wing which housed the guest chambers.

"Am I to stay here?" Hans whispered loudly, as Anna pushed open a door at the end of a long corridor and gave him a little shove inside. Kristoff secured the door behind them, and Anna yanked the cloak off of Hans's head.

"Yeah. And you can only do as you're told, remember. Or... or –" she trailed off helplessly, looking at Kristoff.

"I've got a reindeer. And he's mean. You don't want to meet him when he's mad," Kristoff threatened.

Hans stood, looking around him. "This is the same room that –"

"Yes, I know. The same room you stayed in before the coronation. Your clothing's still in the wardrobe." Anna gestured.

Hans eagerly crossed the room and opened the double doors, taking in with joy the sight of his former finery. "First, I will have a bath, and then I think I'll –"

"We'll leave you alone for one hour. One hour." Anna put on her most imperious face. "And then we're coming back, so get that bath finished by then- that's something nobody wants to see. I'll bring dinner, and we'll talk. Alright?"

"Am I coming back with you?" Kristoff said in a low voice as Hans agreed.

"You better. I don't think I could handle him on my own."

Kristoff never did figure out of she was teasing or not.

Exactly an hour later there was a rap on the door. Hans stood from his seat by the fire where he had been perusing a book and called, "Come in."

"Thank you," Anna said primly, opening the door and ushering in Hilda with two trays, and Kristoff with a third. Hilda looked in consternation at Hans sitting there in a dark coat, shaven and decent looking at last.

"P-prince..." she stammered, clattering down the tray.

"Hilda, remember what we talked about," Anna said to her with a steady look, and with a gesture of silence, Hilda dropped a curtsy and scurried out, slamming the door behind her.

"Well. Here we are." Anna took a seat on the chaise opposite the fire, and Kristoff drew up the footstool to sit on. Hans took a deep whiff of whatever it was steaming under the trays.

"Smells good."

"It is," Kristoff said, his tone guarded. "You had better appreciate how nice the princess is being to you after what you did."

"Oh, I do." Han's eyes were wide. "I know I'm a miserable wretch and don't deserve good treatment."

"I wish I could believe you," Kristoff said, his eyes narrowed. He removed the lid from one of the trays and put the plate in his lap, taking a steaming mouthful of the fish with his fork. Anna followed suit, gesturing for Hans to take his tray.

Hans ate eagerly, but with evidence of the good breeding that was deep within him. Anna nibbled at her supper, but seemed lost in thought. At last she spoke.

"This is going to sound really crazy, but it's the only thing I can think of."

Kristoff had already polished his plate and could give his attention to the fruit which formed their dessert, and to Anna's words. She stole a grape from his bowl, and popped it into her mouth, swallowing quickly and saying:

"So, Elsa. She is falling into depression. Deep, deep depression."

"Don't we all?" muttered Hans.

"This is different. She was isolated as a child, living completely alone. I didn't know why then, but now I understand it was because of her abilities. She feared hurting people with them, and was told that she was dangerous. It's a self-inflicted lie."

"Wait a minute." Krisoff propped his chin on his fist. "She is dangerous, we all saw this."

"But she can control it now. Love. Remember?" Anna rolled her eyes.

Hans was listening closely, nodding at occasional intervals.

"So, this depression of which you speak." His hazel eyes were wide. "Is it – dangerous?"

"Dangerous to her. It's absolutely overtaking her. And everyone else, if you know what I mean. Who knows what a relapse like this could do."

Kristoff sat up straighter. "Describe what she's going through, Anna."

The princess took a deep breath. "She doesn't leave her room. She is afraid of the smallest noises, and she hates the bright light. She tells me..." Anna furrowed her brow. "She tells me she does not feel like she exists. She didn't have the same life with other people that most people had. She's just completely withdrawing, because she doesn't know what else to do, and I –"

"Is she–" Hans hesitated. "...insane?"

"No!" Anna exclaimed, her eyes widening. "No, she's not. She thinks she is, but she is just incredibly smart. She knows she's different and thinks it must be bad."

"But she can't function," Kristoff said in a low voice. "She is only getting worse. She has flashbacks of what happened, and they are crippling her."

"So, I thought, if love saved her the first time, then love can save her again," Anna concluded.

Hans shook his head. "I don't understand."

Kristoff exhaled loudly. "She realized that the key to controlling her powers was allowing herself to feel, instead of ignoring it and not letting her feelings show. But... when you admit your feelings, sometimes it hurts. So she stopped again."

"I think..." Anna's voice was quiet. "If you could just try to convince her of her sanity, she would come back from wherever it is she has gone."

"Wait." Hans stood, his back to them as he faced the large fireplace. "Why can't you do this?"

"She won't believe me. And... I take care of so many things for her. I think maybe she should take this from someone else."

"Me?" Hans laughed loudly. "You've got to be joking. I tried to kill her."

"Maybe you can get some response out of her, even if it's only anger," Anna protested. "Anything but this apathy, this daze that she has retreated into..."

"You want me to convince Elsa that she's not insane." He blinked.

Anna nodded. Kristoff was looking at his plate.

"How?" He threw his hands in the air. "Just like that?"

"I don't know!" Anna exclaimed. "That's why I thought I'd put someone new on it, I'm out of ideas."

"And it had to be me."

"Well, it couldn't be me," Kristoff put in. "I'm scared half to death that she really is crazy. I wouldn't know how to act around a crazy person."

Anna glared at him. "So, Hans – are you on?"

Hans hesitated for a long moment. "Yes," he said at last, not meeting her eyes. "But I don't know just how I am going to do this..."

"Great." Anna slapped her hands to her knees and stood, Kristoff following her example. "There's no time limit. I'm going to let her know that you're here."

And they left, just like that, the empty trays alone proclaiming that Hans had company at all. He shook his head, and ran his hands through his hair. This was going to be difficult. He would rather lead an army of troops into battle then try to talk to Elsa. She hated him. He hated her. Pretending to like Anna had been difficult enough. He was a soldier, not a romantic. The military was almost the only option left to him as the thirteenth in line to the throne of the Southern Isles and he had done almost nothing else since the age of fifteen. He was beginning to wonder if everyone in this kingdom might not be just a little crazy.