My first attempt at a multi-chapter fic. Plus anything 'Dark' themed related too. Please be nice and a little patient for chapters. Thank you.

Gone But Never Forgotten

Stonewall was the capital city to the kingdom south of its closest neighbours and made up completely of islands grouped together. Some were close enough to have stone bridges connecting them while the rest were only a short boat trip apart. Stonewall was the biggest city and the most developed as it also contained the main trading port the kingdom held. A dozen ships would pass through daily with cargo being unloaded and more traded before the wind hit their sails once more.

In the centre of the city was the Royal Castle. Home to the largest family those waters had ever seen. Of course no one was really bothered as there was nearly enough children for each of the islands the kingdom was made of.

"You're all weird!" an outcry from a child.

"No we aren't!" another outcry only from two different sources.

"Your names are weird and it's confusing! Cobus…Felix…Yorick…Barthol….Something!"

Down in the small courtyard on the western side of the castle, where the winter's snow was piled up were three young children dressed warmly for their days activities. One a young girl with strawberry blonde hair was bundled up in fur cloth and a woollen head cover to keep away the cold as she'd been jumping into the snow, if the build-up on her arms were any hints. Two slightly older looking ones were standing a little further away, by appearance alone they were obviously related as they shared common facial features. A boy and a girl whose attire clearly stated they were of higher nobility. Given their location it could easily be said they were royal.

"Anna, we've been over this. You don't have to remember all their names. It's alright" the older girl gently spoke.

"But but but…my papa said I have to be respectful. I can't be if I don't know their names" the young girl, Anna began to sniffle.

"You don't have to. We're your friends you only have to remember our names" the boy spoke confidently as he folded his arms and grinned. His feminine look-a-like only raised a brow.

"Promise?" Anna whipped her face with her gloved hands. The older girl closed the few steps to give the blonde a hug.

"Promise Anna, besides we have the bestest names anyway. Well maybe not Hans…"

"Hey!" Hans yelled in their direction causing the girls to giggle uncontrollably. The lone boy just pouted at his obvious exclusion.

"Thank you Irena, Hans. You guys are the bestest friends ever" Anna hugged the older girl once more before dashing off to the nearest snow pile.

Hans and Irena of the Southern Isles were the youngest of the Royal family and the only twins their bloodline had in many generations. With twelve older brothers taking on all the royal duties they were the most fun-loving and adventurous children in the castle. Their thirteenth birthday came along and a grand celebration was held but the two didn't care for the formalities or any of those snobbish adults. No, they found the one person who by far was the most interesting person there, besides themselves. Anna Bjorgman, the only daughter of Joseph Bjorgman, who was known as an excellent trader and a master of reindeer training. The two were welcomed to the celebration by the King when he heard Joseph would be in the Isles for a while and they had business to discuss.

The children connected instantly. Jokes, games and food built a strong friendship that went further than simple status or titles. Nearly every day the castle staff could find the young nobles deserting their lessons to play outside with their friend, the reindeer girl. Anna told the twins about her life of living all over the place because of her father's career. She told of exotic lands and shimmering seas like stories from her favourite book. She admitted that she missed staying in one place as she never had any real friends before meeting the two. In return Irena told her all about what it was like living in the castle and learning all the 'important stuff' while Hans taught her about sword fighting he himself had just started and the history of their kingdom. The trio of friends were never more excited to hear from the King himself that Joseph had agreed to live in Stonewall for a few years, centring his trade post there. All the twins cared about was that Anna would stay too. They'd never have to part.

"Didn't anyone find something for his hair?" Anna spoke as she concentrated at the task at hand.

"No, but I have pebbles for his front. Find anything Hans?" Irena looked over to her brother who was shifting through the light snowy pathway.

"Not yet. Maybe some twigs?" Irena nodded her head at the thought. The three were building a snowman like they did every day when it was nearly time for Anna to leave for the night. It became a small ritual after the girl proclaimed her love for Snowmen. Anna was putting the final touches to the face of the man she now called Christopher.

"I wish I could've seen Arendelle in winter…" Irena looked up from her work to the teal eyed girl.

"Arendelle? That kingdom across the sea?" Anna nodded.

"Yeah, papa took us there to see the family again but it was summer. I only ever remember going there in summer. I always wanted to see what it would be like all covered in snow" she smiled at the snowman in thought.

"One day Anna, I'll take you there!" Hans proclaimed proudly. He'd collected a handful a short twigs and some longer branches.

"Really?"

"Really…?" both girls replied, one in excitement; the other in doubt. The prince grinned.

"Yeah. When we're older and we can finally leave here we'll go see Arendelle in the snow"

"We'll all go, Irena too yeah?" She swore Anna had to be defying laws of nature to be this adorable. Looking into those eyes Irena felt like she was melting from the inside out.

"Of course Anna, I wouldn't dream of letting you go without me" Anna jumped about in overflowing smiles and hugs all round. She was an endless ball of energy that could bring a smile to everyone's face with only a glance of her signature toothy grin. The Princess ignored her brother's pouting face to return to the unfinished snowman. Soon dusk was upon them and a guard came to escort Anna home. Waving goodbye the three young ones couldn't wait for another day to start. Another day together.

Five glorious winters came and went upon the Southern Isles and as time passed so did change. The city grew with its people and the Royal family grew as well. The previous King had passed on and now the eldest of the lot sat upon the throne as Vikas the First. The royal brothers grew up and into their posts as Lords of the provinces, each taking his awaiting place on an island, ready to serve their King. Hans had grown into a tall handsome young man. Bordering on his second decade he was the image every royal man wished to achieve. Mastered his sword skills, became a wise scholar and voice for his people. He of course could never outshine his sister though.

Irena, the first and only Princess of the kingdom became an image of beauty, sophistication and grace. Much like her brother, she excelled in her studies and even won over a few more neighbouring officials when aid was needed. Hans exclaimed that between them, no one could resist their charms. Irena had to agree.

Those five years had also done well to their childhood friend and now a highly regarded trainer; Anna Bjorgman. She grew into a lovely young woman with a rather curvy body, light tanned skin and freckled face. She grew her hair long and kept it tied away in buns or on rare occasions braids when the time called for it. Anna enjoyed her younger teen years and the freedom her father gave her. In doing so she found her own gifted touch to the animals she grew up alongside and with her father's guidance she learnt the art of trade to become one of the best the southern oceans had ever seen. But with her age did come some wisdom.

Anna saw that as the years past her father looked out to the sea more and more. His longing to return to his old trading life was slowly taking its toll. She knew he had settled down here for her and her growing friendship with the youngest royal siblings but the girl couldn't stop the guilty feeling at knowing she is the cause of her father's anguish. He had given up for her and now it was time to return the favour.

Saying those words to her best friends was the hardest thing Anna ever had to do. Their faces went from confusion to crestfallen then heartbroken when they realised what it would mean between them. Anna was to leave once again with her father to travel across the blue but maybe they would see each other again. At least that is what Anna hoped.

The sailors were placing the last items onto the ship one by one. Orders were given for men to make sure everything as correctly organised, ready to sail and plans checked. Standing at the dock the trio were stuck in a silence none of them knew how to break. It was obvious the two didn't want Anna to leave and Anna didn't want to have to say goodbye, so instead she said nothing at all. Giving them both tight hugs and once last toothy smile she had yet to grow out of, the trader's daughter boarded the ship and didn't look back.

Hans sat in the library reading quietly while his sister sat opposite him doing small embroidery. She had picked up the small hobby after Anna had told her she found the designs so beautiful and articulate but wouldn't dare to try it herself. Irena promised she'd make the girl one someday and she did as a birthday present last summer. The Princess never did manage to drop the talent. The two were used to silence when it was just them alone, it was a comfort in knowing they both were in the same boat regarding their feelings. Unfortunately others didn't see it the same way.

Walking into the room at a swift stride was the King himself. Han's stood to welcome his brother politely but stopped when he saw his brother had a rather sorrow filled expression. Irena noticed it also as she stood beside her chair. Vikas stopped before them looking confused, hurt and very pale.

"Are you alright brother?" Hans couldn't fathom what had his brother so worried.

"It is not I that is unwell Hans…" Vikas had to clear his throat more than twice, trying to build the courage to say what needed to be said.

"Surely it cannot be that bad…can it?" Irena had moved to the Kings side and placed a soothing hand upon his arm.

"I don't know how to say it other than as I have heard it myself. News has just come in on the ship that ported this morning. The King of Arendelle had been dethroned and hasn't been seen in almost three years. Arendelle has been under the rule of another and now it has cut off all ties with us involving all trade agreements. I'm sorry you two but…" Vikas had to stop himself again at the looks his siblings were giving him. A millions thoughts would pass through their minds at this news but he had to give it himself.

"It cannot be possible…a new ruler without us knowing? For three years? But how…?" Hans shook his head not believing it.

"Please…no" Irena collapsed back into her seat.

"I'm sorry, but there has also been no word from Joseph or the ship he sailed on. I don't know what happened to Anna but I do know…"

"What?! Please Vikas! If it's about Anna please tell us!" Hans had never before raised his voice against his brother, never mind his King.

"Their ship would've arrived before we got this news. They are in Arendelle somewhere…and…the new Ruler, they say she has magic. Dark magic. Covered the seas in ice and blocked ships from entering with just a flick of her hand…I'm afraid all of Arendelle and its citizens are at her mercy"

"No…Anna" Hans sounded like a broken echo, repeating the same words over and over and he fell back into his chair. Irena looked between her brother's before closing her eyes and letting the tears fall.

This is a short chapter, not really developed story that came to mind because I'm getting reviews and PM's from people wanting to read multi-chapters. I figured I'd give it a shot. Got a busted foot at the moment, what else can I do but sit around writing stories. *shrug* Updates should be about once a week (or more if lucky).

Let me know what you think. Reviews appreciated greatly.

Midmoon Kitsune