What is happening? Am I updating? Well yes I am once again, this time in a new universe I never thought I would write for, but I fell in love with Frozen and How to Train Your Dragon. Then I started thinking about how both Hiccup and Elsa are so rich and special characters that actually have a lot in common. I really think they would be an amazing couple, and here I am!
This story is nearly finished so I will try to update twice a week, so for all of you out there, know this will be completed. Now this is a story about falling in love so it will be a little different from what I have written before, now go on with it and read.
1.
A deep sigh filled the otherwise silent room as the young woman put her head in her hands and closed her eyes while trying to fight back the headache that had haunted her since the morning.
Her blond hair, which fell in a thick braid down her back, was an unusually pale blond. In fact, if it hadn't been for the few strands of gold that were visible as they reflected the sunlight shining in from the huge window behind her, it would've been white. Even her skin was unusually pale, only the slight pink on her cheeks giving it some colour.
Looking down at the papers on the desk before her, her ice blue eyes showed how tired and worried she truly was. For Elsa, Queen of Ardendelle, mostly known as the Snow Queen, had quite the problem that she needed to solve or her people would not live happily through the coming winter.
Rising from her chair, she walked over to the window and looked out over the fjord and her kingdom. Down by the docks, ships were sailing out or coming into harbour while the traders were seen down at the market. In the courtyard Anna, Kristoff, Olof and many of the servants were helping each other to set up the decorations for the Midsummer celebrations.
However, helping might not be word used when it came to Olof. The little snowman Elsa had accidently brought to life was mostly running around with the reindeer Sven in a tow, both seemingly overjoyed with just watching what all the humans were doing.
Suddenly the duo accidently ran into Marley, one of the maids, so she landed in a big hoop of flowers and Elsa couldn't help to chuckle at the scene. It was especially funny to see the stunned look on the maid's face, Marely even unable to scold the pair.
Then suddenly, as if sensing they were watched, Anna looked up towards the window where Elsa stood. Seeing her sister, Anna waved to Elsa with a huge smile on her face while Elsa waved back and sent her a small smile on her own.
Watching Anna return to her own work, Elsa felt her smile die and her headache made itself known again. She didn't want to return to the endless amount of paperwork, she wanted to join in with Anna and the others. But her duties to her people had to go first. She was the Queen, games and personal enjoyment had to be secondary.
Sure there were kings and queens who allowed their kingdoms to be ruled by their councillors, but that was not the kind of leader Elsa wanted to be. She owed more to her people, she owed to show them that she cared.
Looking down at the papers on the desk and seeing the numbers, she sighed once more.
A year ago, after the "incident" as Anna liked to call it, Elsa had found great satisfaction in breaking all trade with Wesseltown. Her advisers had agreed on her decision and it had given her some sort of revenge on the little angry Duke who had so quickly in tried to kill her when her powers broke free.
However, Arendelle had lost one of their most important trading partners and finding another who could deliver the same goods to her kingdom needed had been difficult. It was not that new trading relations hadn't been made, for they had. It was even relationships both Elsa and her advisors were very pleased with, but Arendelle was still lacking when it came to cotton and stock, the numbers still dwindling each month.
Her people yet knew nothing, but when winter started to creep in over the land they would start to notice as the prizes would go up. The only problem was that there was no one left who could deliver more goods and no one knew about any other country that could deliver what they needed. And even if there were, that possible partner would have to want the goods Arendelle could offer in return.
To say that Elsa was facing a real problem was an understatement and she was staring to see no other solution than to swallow her pride and contact Weasealtown again. It would cost her a lot, they would demand a much higher prize now than before, but she really couldn't see any other solution.
A sudden knock on the door that led into her study suddenly broke through the silence, bringing her out of her thoughts.
"Come in." She called out, a young squire walking in hesitantly with Kristoff in tow.
"The Icemaster of Arendalle wishes to speak with you, your majesty." The young boy said, looking nervously at the floor.
"Thank you, Robin." Elsa replied, the young boy giving her a deep bow before he fled through the door with a deep red colour now all over his face.
"Poor kid, so helplessly in love." Kristoff said, Elsa only raising an eyebrow while looking at him with a stern face in response. However, the amusement in her eyes gave away her actual mirth.
"If you simply came here to comment on poor Robin's sudden redness when he is in the same room as me you should know I don't have the time to amuse you Kristoff." She told him, sitting down in her chair once more and gesturing for him to sit down in the chair opposite of her.
"Just wanted to make sure you were aware of what was causing it. I don't want you to worry about his health and ask the poor lad about it. The horror." Kristoff responded with a smile as he sat down.
"Well, considering that could have been traumatizing for him indeed, perhaps you did do a good deed. Though I have to admit I already had my own suspicions. But we should not linger on that. Now what brought you here? Did you simply need a small brake?" Elsa asked with a small smile.
"Maybe to some point, Anna is looking forward to this more than you can even imagine." Kristoff replied, looking a little weary which caused Elsa to chuckle.
"Trust me, I can imagine." She replied.
"Well, considering she is your sister maybe you can. But the main reason I'm here is because Anna told me about your problem finding a trading partner." Kristoff told her, Elsa's face turning unreadable.
"Did she?" Elsa asked calmly and just like that, it was his Queen sitting before him, not the young woman he had gotten to know over the last year. It had taken a long time before Kristoff had realized how big a wall Elsa showed to rest of the world. Few ever saw her as anything else than the Queen of Arendelle, but after a few months she had started to relax around him a little and allowed the façade to fall.
Knowing how few that really knew her true colours, Kristoff felt extremely privileged she had chosen to accept him. The person behind the extremely powerful and secure Queen, was someone who was still a little insecure from all the years she had lived in solitude. But she was also a very warm and caring person. She was the voice of reason, always a step ahead of everyone else.
And where his beloved Anna was full of excitement and quick thinking, Elsa was calm and endlessly rational.
These traits stayed with her when she entered her role as Queen, after all the people adored her for her kindness and the fact they could feel how much she truly cared for them, but she still changed in so many ways.
The young woman who liked to sit back and simply watch the conversation when they were alone would suddenly become the most powerful presence in the room. She didn't even have to demand attention, everyone listened to her when she spoke. No one questioned the fact she had the final word and everyone deeply respected her.
The warmth and easiness that were more prominent when she was just with him and Anna became much harder to see. She turned regale and impossible to read. In fact, each time he saw the transformation he found it a little chilling seeing how she became the embodiment of power and confidence. She would remain compassionate, but she never allowed her feelings to rule. She would listen to all who wanted to speak, but never allow anyone to overrule her.
Her persona and powers had earned her the name "The Snow Queen" among the people and in the surrounding countries. He knew Elsa was well aware of the name and had come to accept it, for it was truly fitting.
Knowing Elsa was now not just Anna's sister, Kristoff sat up straighter in his chair, feeling how he became a little nervous under her piercing eyes.
"She did, your majesty. Anna hoped I might be able to help and I think I might have a solution." He answered her, Elsa's only response a small nod that told him to continue.
"When I was living in the mountains with the trolls I rarely came down to the city. However, when I did it was to trade with the traders down in the harbor. Once every year I made sure to be here to meet a man named Johann who only comes once each year. His goods have always been of the finest quality."
Here Kristoff hesitated for a moment, wondering if it would be wise to tell the last part. But really he had no choice, Elsa would find out anyway. So taking a breath he then added;
"Viking quality."
At his words, Elsa's eyes widened a little, the only sign that she hadn't expected that piece of information for her face stayed emotionless. To be honest, Kristoff doubted he even would have noticed the small change if he hadn't known her so well.
"You mean to tell me that we have had Vikings within our land and you have never reported this to anyone?" Elsa asked him, her voice completely calm.
"I know what you are implying Queen Elsa." Kristoff began, hoping he would be able to explain himself. "Trader Johann has never done anything other than trading a few good here and then leave. He usually only stays for two days and during he hardly leaves his ship. He comes from far up north where his normal trading route is between the Viking Islands. He only comes here once every summer and this is as far south as he goes."
"Perhaps, but we know very little of our neighbours in the north Kristoff. We know the Viking clans have long been, if not at war, close to war. They are stubborn and their pride means too much, they would gladly conquer another kingdom to reach glory." Elsa told him, Kristoff seeing the slight disapproval in her eyes.
"It's true, but Johann has been trading with Arendelle for 15 years. If he had any ulterior motives, wouldn't he have shown them already?" He asked, Elsa unable to argue even if she wanted to.
"So, you mean we should start to trade with this Master Johann?"
At her added title to the Viking, Kristoff smiled a little but he didn't comment.
"Not really, he wouldn't be able to deliver the amount of goods we need. But two years ago he told me about a huge shift that had happened amongst the clans. He didn't go into detail, but he said that most of the Viking clans were starting to settle. One in particular was apparently open for finding new trading partners."
"Since you are telling me this now I assume you've been in contact this Master Johan not too long ago then, making sure this is still the situation?"
"Today in fact." Kristoff answered with a small smile as he saw the slightly surprised look on Elsa's face. "He came into harbour last night and he'll will stay for another two days before travelling back up north. I asked if he still thought a trading contract could be interesting for the clan he spoke of that time, and while he couldn't promise anything, he thought there is still a very good possibility."
For a moment all Elsa did was looking at him with a thoughtful expression, Kristoff feeling slightly uneasy under her gaze, before a new determination fell over her face.
"I wish to speak with him. Could you bring me to him?" Elsa asked, staring to rise from her chair only to stop when she saw the sheepish look in Kristoff's face. "You have already brought him here haven't you?" She added with a small smile.
"Maybe." He answered.
"And what made you so certain I would comply?"
"Come on Elsa, I've been trading ice my entire life! If I couldn't convince you, I'd seen it as a failure. Besides, manly instincts." He added with a laugh.
"You do know I can tell Anna you said that?" Elsa answered, chuckling when the goofy grin on Kristoff's face fell a little. "Very well, we'll see what I chose to tell her after this meeting. Bring this man inside." She told him, turning to look out of the window as Kristoff went to fetch this Trader Johann.
Outside she could see Anna and Olof were now decorating the Midsummer pole together with flowers, Olof sneezing when he smelled one of them a little too happily. The force caused his nose to fall off and Anna laughed as she put it back, earning a hug from the small snowman in thanks.
Hearing her door open once more, Elsa felt a deep longing tug in her chest and in her heart. How she wanted to join them; to share a moment when she could just be with her sister and be just Elsa.
"My Queen, I wish to introduce Trader Johann of the Northern waters." She heard Kristoff say behind her.
Taking a deep breath and pushing her emotions down for the moment, hoping she would be able to join Anna as soon as this meeting was over, Elsa turned around with a polite smile on her face.
The man before her was in his mid-forties she and of a slightly smaller frame than imagined the common Viking to be. However, he shared their unruly hair and she could see that he was a man used living on the sea. His cloths were a blue tunic and a pair of trousers which were partly hidden by a few pieces of leather armour on his arms and shoulders.
He was also staring at her with wide eyes and an open mouth that made her slightly question his sanity. Still, she had to see if he could bring her any useful information.
"Master Johann, a pleasure to meet you! Please sit down and I will call for some refreshments." She told him, shaking his hand which was week in her hold. "My Ice Master tells me you bring the most valued treasures each time you come here and I am very eager to hear about your vast knowledge of the North." She therefore added.
Just like she had expected, the man before her took in her praise like a sponge. Still he was a little hesitant to sit down, but with a small nudge from Kristoff the man was soon seated before her and telling them both all she wanted to know.
Kristoff was still in Elsa's study, sitting in the same chair as he had most of the day, watching Elsa and Anna discussing what had happened during the afternoon. The sun was close to setting outside the window, telling them all how late it truly was. After all, the sun didn't nearly set at all during the summer and midsummer was the time when it shone the longest.
The meeting with Trader Johann had gone very well. The Viking had become completely fascinated with the Snow Queen, but his information had aroused some questions which the sisters didn't agree on.
"This is ridiculous!" Anna said, throwing her hands in the air as she stared at Elsa who was simply looking back at her with a determined expression.
"It is the way it is." Elsa answered with a calm voice.
"But this is the solution to all of our problems! Trader Johann is willing not only to give us the information we need, but also to guide us to this clan! The only thing we have to do is send someone to represent Arendelle. None of those mighty men on your council knows anything about Viking culture or their language, but I do! So why can't I go?" Anna asked with frustration.
"Because if something happens to you then who would take care of the kingdom if something were to happen to me?" Elsa replied.
"Nothing is going to happen Elsa, I'll be fine and all of our problems will be solved." Anna said with conviction, Elsa only shaking her head.
"We don't know that Anna. There is no guarantee that this Viking Chief is even seeking trade with the goods we can offer."
"But if we don't go we will never know! The council listens to you! You have to tell them to let me go!" Anna replied heatedly.
At her words Elsa felt how the world around her disappeared for a moment, bringing her back in time to a dark cell down in the cellars of the castle. Outside the window, the world had been covered in the ice and snow she had summoned over her own kingdom.
She herself had spoken those exact words to a man who had wanted nothing more than destroy both her and Anna. But when Elsa had spoken those words to Hans, she had wanted nothing more than to run away and leave everything behind. That way she could never lose control and hurt anyone ever again, while also setting her people free with her absence.
Now her sister also spoke them for what Anna thought was the best for the kingdom, but it was still for a different reason. Anna wasn't trying to hide or run away, she was ready to risk everything for a chance.
And once again Elsa felt weak compared to her younger sister.
"Elsa…"
At Anna's voice, Elsa looked at her sister's worried expression, suddenly noticing that temperature in the room had fallen slightly as a result of her dark thoughts. Taking a small breath, Elsa pushed down the quilt and dark emotions before opening her arms, Anna immediately stepping into them.
Subconsciously Elsa noted that Kristoff rose and left the room.
"I am afraid Anna, that is why I do not wish to go against the council even though I know it would be right thing." Elsa told her sister honestly.
"Why are you afraid?" Anna asked as they broke their embrace, Elsa placing her hand on her sister's cheek and stroking back a few strands of hair that had broken free from her braids.
"I am afraid that you will not come home, that I will lose you. Just like we lost mama and papa on the sea." She said quietly.
At Elsa's confession, Anna felt how her heart go out to her sister and she could fully understand her fear. Still, she also felt relief knowing that it was not her Elsa doubted.
Anna could also understand that the council was afraid what would happen with the royal line if she died since Elsa had made it very clear had no intention to marry at all. Elsa didn't want a family or anyone to get to close. In a way it made Anna sad, but she didn't want to question Elsa's decision.
However, she also knew that the council were very sceptical that she could handle any political situation after how she had been unable to control herself after Elsa's coronation and had started arguing with her sister in the middle of the ballroom. To them, she was only the carefree younger sister who had big dreams and didn't know how to contain herself. That she had proven herself and been more courageous than any of them by going after Elsa seemed to have been quickly forgotten.
"Elsa…" Anna began to say what she was thinking, but Elsa held up a hand asking for her to wait.
"Anna you know I trust you and no matter what anyone says, I know you would be as good, if not a better ruler than I am…."
"No one can be a better ruler than you." Anna quickly said, Elsa giving her a small smile.
"Thank you, but you must also know I cannot lose you Anna. I could not bear it. However, you are right and I know that if I send you we will have the best chance for this to work. I know that if you go no one could have done more. Besides, someone fearless once taught me that you cannot let your fears control you."
At the proud look in Elsa's eyes, Anna felt how a great warmth spread within as tears formed in her eyes. Anna knew Elsa could never understand how much her approval meant to her younger sister.
"I will speak to the council, but only one condition." Elsa told her, Anna only able to nod as an answer.
"I want you to take Kristoff and Olof with you." Elsa said.
"What?"
"Kristoff loves you more than anyone, well anyone except me, and Olof will live for as long as I do. He will protect you in any way that he can. Both of them will." Elsa said, the worry still clear in her eyes.
"I think those are conditions I can easily accept. Besides I'll rather enjoy having Kristoff with me. But perhaps Olof should stay on the ship once we reach shore? Otherwise everyone will want to cuddle with the snowman."
"I more think it'll be Olof who wants to cuddle them." Elsa replied, both sisters laughed at the image that appeared. "Now go tell Kristoff you're traveling to the high north and I will go and speak to the council." Elsa told Anna, seeing how a huge excited smile spread over her sister's face.
"Sure thing, he'll love this! Just wait till I tell him! Thank you Elsa!" Anna squealed, giving her a kiss on the cheek before rushing out of the room to look for the man she loved.
And so Elsa held her word and talked to the council, who once more learned the hard way that she was their Queen and that they had to trust her judgment.
Four days later, Elsa waved goodbye to her sister, Kristoff and Olof and as she stood looking after them, she realized that this was the first time she and Anna would be separated since they had started to rebuild their relationship.
Seeing her sister leave, Elsa knowing all the risks ahead of her, she walked up into the mountains feeling a desperate need for some sort of comfort. Reaching the home of the trolls, they all greeted her with so much joy and talked about such trivial things that she felt how she could think about something different except her worries.
For a moment, she could both smile and relax. And as she sat there, surrounded by those who had never cared the slightest about her powers, the oldest stone troll rolled and sat down next her.
At his presence she was once again filled with her worry for Anna, already longing for the day her sister would return, and she had to fight back a lone tear that wanted to escape.
"What will I do if they don't come back?" She whispered to old Grand Pabbi and he gave her a gentle pat on the arm.
"You cannot fear the future Elsa. If they don't come back to us, you'll have to find the strength to live on, but I truly think they will come back to us dear. I know they will." He told her, Elsa giving him a small smile and hoping he was right.
After all, she didn't know anything more about Chief Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III than Master Johan had told her, and Elsa had her doubts about trusting a Viking.
So we have met Elsa! next our favorite dragon rider is coming up! Leave a comment, remember reviews make updates come faster!
Until next time!
/Lysistrate
