Double Frozen Delights

by Cyberano

The Arendelle Royal Family was a little different. It composed of two mothers and children who look a bit unusual. As the next generation of Arendelle royals meet their peers, awkward questions are asked and some even more awkward explanations are in order. These stories occur at least 5-10 years after First Times and Forever. (Elsanna) (OCs: children of many Disney characters)

1. Love Letters

Preface

This fic was an attempt at Nanowrimo. However, I'm woefully behind, so I'm just going to write as fast as I can to celebrate Frozen's anniversary on 11/27. Since there's no beta on this, I reserve the right to edit them later. I hope you enjoy the stories!

Chapter 1: Love Letters

"Any signs of enemy ships?" yelled the first mate of the Stormcutter.

"No ships, sir... but..." The lookout peered into his telescope.

"But what?"

"It's probably nothing, sir."

"I'll decide if it's nothing. What do you see?"

"It looks like an iceberg, sir. About a mile or so west."

"An iceberg? Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir."

The first mate climbed the ropes to the platform on the highest mast. "Let me see."

The lookout gave him the telescope and pointed to the west. "Over there, sir."

The first mate scanned the horizon and noticed the unusual iceberg. He yelled out, "Signal all ships! Prepare countermeasures against the Phantom of Arendelle!"

Several sailors quickly replicated the order on small parchments. Each order was strapped to a leg of a pigeon before the bird was released in the direction of a ship.

Another ship noticed the birds being released. "Activity on E5. Birds released. Harpoons and nets are being moved," reported the scout into a sound tube.

The report was received on the bridge by a communications officer and repeated.

"Prepare for dive," commanded Elsa, Queen of Arendelle and Grand Admiral of the Royal fleet.

"Yes, Your Majesty," responded Rear Admiral Lylo, who stood next to her cushioned commander's chair. She paced along the row of communications officers. "Order all divers to retreat and rally at point 3. All hands prepare for dive."

"Status report."

The admiral consulted the podium by the raised dais. "11 ships disabled, 7 ships compromised. 12 ships maneuverable."
"All sections have acknowledged the dive prep," reported a communications officer.

It was time for the Phantom to disappear. A sound tube elongated and positioned itself near Elsa's face. She spoke into it. "Dive."

The scout tower of the Royal Arendelle Ship Edgar slipped under the surface of the ocean. The ship's nose angled down. Elsa watched the level indicators on her ice panel to see how well the crew balanced the ship during its descent. Corrections were made within 20 seconds or less. She smiled with satisfaction.

The RAS Edgar was one of the two submersible carriers left over from the War of the Rings. Its sister ship, the RAS Elgar was docked at the base under one of the islands near Arendelle. Both ice carriers had the capacity to carry 30 ice pods and 2 ice cruisers. Except for the crew and a select few, the ability of the ships were kept a secret. The ships rarely surfaced in full view of the enemy and let its ice pods and cruisers do most of the work. As a result, rumors circulated about its military capabilities and was known to those who feared it as the Phantom of Arendelle. Based on the reports from the Ministry of Investigation, the enemies of the Allied Kingdoms have not figured out that the Phantom was not just one ship, but two.

"Divers reports that E8, E15 and E21 are sinking," said Rear Admiral Lylo.

Using the ice pods, the divers would go under each enemy ship as stealthily as possible and sabotage their rudders. If there was enough time, the divers would puncture the hull with an ice drill and cause the ship to sink. Although more disabled enemy ships would be preferable, the crew was performing well so far. Elsa looked at the main ice pane which was almost as tall as the wall and spanned across half the room. It showed the locations of the ice pods and enemy ships. One ship seemed to be drifting away from the enemy formation. "Who commands E19?"

"Captain Nagus."

"What is your assessment of him?"

"He is..."

Just then, an ice tablet near her left armrest chimed. It displayed uneven letters, "Moma, wat ar yu doin?"

Her waved over the tablet to form letters, "I'm catching sharks." She turned to Admiral Lylo. "Please continue."

"He is a fair tactician, and a veteran of at least seven battles. In most cases, he follows orders, but there have been some..."

The tablet chimed again. "May we hab shakr?"

Elsa wrote back in bigger letters this time. "NO." She cleared her throat. "Please continue."

The corners of Admiral Lylo's mouth tugged up slightly. "In most cases, he follows orders, but there have been some occasions where he appeared to misinterpret orders. One notable case was during the Battle of Hautecourt where he broke formation and escaped before the retreat order was given."

"Which Allied ship is closest to his location?"

Admiral Lylo inspected her map on the podium. "The closest ship is..."

Another chime caught Elsa's attention. It was a tablet on her right armrest. "May we hab seel?"

"Excuse me." Elsa wrote, "No, sweetie." Nodding towards Admiral Lylo, she asked, "What is the closest ship?"

"The Gladstone of Andal."

"Send a scout to the Gladstone with a warning that the Outrigger may retreat." She decided to let Andal deal with Capt. Nagus.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"D7 caught in net! D7 caught in net," yelled a communications officer.

Elsa commanded, "Send two divers to assist. Have a..."

The right tablet chimed again. "May we hab a " A star-like drawing followed the text.

She cleared her throat. "Have a cruiser on standby." She quickly wrote, "Yes."

Several crude hearts appeared under her answer.

Admiral Lylo relayed her orders. "D14 and D3 assist D7. Notify Erin's crew to assemble at docking bay 1."

Elsa's hand swept over another tablet. The words formed, "Anna, honey, I'm in the middle of battle and the twins are writing to me. Please tell them to write later." She tapped the chimes.

"D14 is cutting through the net. Enemy is shooting harpoons."

"Erin is cleared for launch. Provide support for divers," said Admiral Lylo.

Anna's handwriting appeared under her script. "Oops, sorry. I'll tell them right now. Love you."

Elsa sighed. Before she left, their sad little faces made her cave in and she had given them their very own ice tablets. Now, she was paying for her decision.

"How long until the Allied fleet gets here?" Since the Edgar didn't rely on wind and was self propelled, it had arrived at the enemy fleet ahead of the Allied fleet. She didn't want Arendelle to be solving the world's problems by itself.

"The scouts estimate that the Andal fleet will arrive in 20 minutes or less. The Schweetz are about 5 minutes behind Andal. Admiral Amela reports that our fleet is about 5-10 minutes after the Schweetz," replied Admiral Lylo.

Pale lips drew taut. "We'll have to distract them. After all divers have been retrieved, execute Operation Mirage."

Admiral Lylo spoke to the communications officers. "Notify Ida's crew to assemble at docking bay 2. Prepare for Operation Mirage."

"Aye." The officers relayed the orders to their respective sections.

Elsa focused on the Erin. From the seal statue on its wall, she watched the cruiser. The Erin had surfaced and was firing ice balls about the size of a large melon. A ball hit a smaller mast and the mast crashed down on the ship's deck. Ballista were swung towards the cruiser's direction. The cruiser quickly submerged. A shot grazed its side and cracked the wall.

"Have they freed D7?" asked Elsa. The cruiser resurfaced and fired several times before diving again.

"Not yet, but they are close," replied Admiral Lylo.

Elsa tapped her fingers on the armrest. Something about the coordination of the Erin was off. "Send the Ida out, but remain on standby to assist."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The admiral spoke to an officer. "Ida is cleared for launch. Standby for support."

The main ice pane updated the positions of the divers and cruiser. Only D3, D7, D14 and the cruisers were out. Just then, she sensed a muffled crash. She looked into the Erin. A ballista bolt had pierced the side and water gushed in. "Recall Erin for repairs. Have Ida take its place."

"Damage report from C1! They're taking in water!" yelled a communications officer.

Admiral Lylo looked at Elsa with surprise before clearing her throat. "Send retreat to C1. C2 cleared to sortie."

"Aye!"

"You have the bridge, Admiral." Elsa stood up and was about to walk away when her hip bumped the right tablet slightly. Her eyes wandered over the crude hearts on it. She detached the tablets and created a pouch to put them in. With the tablets secured, she walked down from the dais and made her way to docking bay 1.

As soon as she entered the bay, the lieutenant by the control station saluted her and announced, "Grand Admiral present."

"Carry on." Elsa walked over to the station while the crew resumed their work. The lieutenant at the station stepped aside to make room for her. Her eyes followed C1 on the ice panel as it moved toward the Edgar.

"Where is the personnel list for the Erin?" asked Elsa.

The lieutenant handed her a parchment. "Here, Your Majesty."

Elsa scanned the list and noted the service time and experience of Erin's crew. About half its members were new. She made a note to recommend more training for them.

A few minutes later, the Erin arrived and the crew dry docked the cruiser. Erin's crew disembarked. Workmen rushed over to remove the large ballista bolt. After the bolt was removed, Elsa walked over and lifted her hand. The water inside turned into powdered snow and gathered over the gaping hole caused by the ballista. Within a few seconds, the hole was repaired. She focused her magic on the propulsion units and filled them up. Her eyes swept over Erin's crew and alighted upon its captain.

"Prepare for Operation Mirage."

The crew saluted, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

As the crew passed her, she stepped towards Capt. Ginel with her hands clasped behind her back. "I noticed that you have a new crew member, captain."

"Ah, yes. He just graduated from the academy. Top honors," he replied with a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Such promise, indeed. Considering this is his first mission, he did well coordinating with his four other classmates," commented Elsa with a slight emphasis on the word 'four'. She paused for a brief moment before continuing, "However, enthusiasm can't replace experience. Five new crew members won't respond as quickly as experienced ones. I assume that you will be taking this into account in the next operation."

He swallowed visibly. "Of course, Your Majesty."

"Good. I expect success. Bring the Erin back safely. Dismissed."

A swift hand saluted her and the captain hurried to the Erin. Elsa made another note for a review on Capt. Ginel. He didn't even mention the other four new members. Such negligence of not understanding the capabilities of his crew was unbecoming of an officer in charge of new recruits. Elsa left the bay and began to walk back to the bridge. Along the way, she checked the tablets. When she realized what she had done, she berated herself for even looking. After telling Anna to make them stop, there wouldn't be any messages. Still, her fingertips slid over the slim edge of the tablets as if to reassure herself that they were there.

As soon as she reached the bridge, she requested, "Status report."

The admiral saluted and announced, "Grand Admiral on the bridge." She paused for a moment and continued, "All divers have been retrieved. C1 is cleared for launch. C2 is moving into position. The Gladstone has received the message and is intercepting E19. Four more ships have been sunk. Five ships have collided. Rudder repairs are being made. Andal's fleet will arrive in approximately 6 minutes."

"How far is the enemy fleet from Greystock?" Elsa shifted in her seat for a comfortable position while her left hand smoothed the rumpled cloth on the lap of her naval uniform.

Admiral Lylo's face was grim. "The wind has picked up. In less than 6 minutes."

Elsa looked at the main ice pane. "We have to delay their vanguard. What are our options?"

"Direct attack or a diversion. I don't recommend a direct attack. One against twelve isn't very good odds."

"Perhaps, we should do both. If these positions are correct, only four ships are slightly ahead of the fleet. That is only one against four."

"With all due respect, although the odds have improved, they are hardly in our favor."

"It will have to be good enough. Isolate those four ships. Prepare for ramming."

Admiral Lylo stared at her incredulously. She returned her gaze calmly with an expectant smile. The admiral cleared her throat and spoke to the communications officers.

"Signal C2 to commence Operation Mirage once in position. Follow pattern two." She paused and swept her black bangs into her cap. "Retract the scout tower. Prepare saws."

"Aye."

In this operation, one of the cruisers would surface with a fake scout tower until the enemy fleet noticed it. Then, the other cruiser would surface at another location with a fake tower as well. The idea was to cause confusion and force them to break their formation. Meanwhile, the Edgar would move near the vanguard. Elsa hoped that this would buy enough time for the fleet to arrive. If the enemy ships landed more troops on Greystock, Chernaburg would be able to increase their fortifications. "D1, D2, D3, D4 prepare for launch. D1 to E3. D2 to E7. D3 to E9. D4 to E11."

Elsa watched the symbols for the four divers on the main ice pane.

"E5 has changed course and is heading towards C2. C2 is diving," reported an officer.

"Is C1 in position?" asked Admiral Lylo.

"Yes."

"Continue with pattern two."

"Saws are ready."

Elsa watched the divers get into position. Once in place, they would report on the progress of the vanguard and signal when the enemy ships were over them. Meanwhile, the cruisers were under fire. Elsa checked on the crew. Erin's captain was more conservative this time, and refrained from surfacing too close.

"D2's target approaching."

She remembered the words of Duchess Aromatejan, "If you want to be feared, do the attack yourself. If you want Arendelle to be feared, send your army." It was time for the Phantom to keep up its reputation. With a slight gesture, a sound tube elongated towards her and she spoke into it. "Ram on my mark."

"D4's target approaching."

"D1's target approaching."

She watched the ice pane intently.

"D3's target approaching."

"Ram! Full speed ahead!" shouted Elsa into the sound tube.

The muffled sound of rushing water echoed through the bridge and the floor tilted upwards. Elsa sensed the great propulsion units churning quickly. With the semi-transparent ceiling, she could see the silhouettes of four ships. She sent her mind to the Erin and Ida. The Ida had surfaced. From its viewpoint, it seemed like a great wave approached the vanguard. The wave crested over a ship and giant ice shards crashed into its sides like a large ax.

In the bridge, she could hear awful cracking and snapping sounds from above. She pulled her mind from the Ida and glanced up to see the bottom of the ship. Two long gashes cut across its wooden keel and a long beam bounced off the top of Edgar's deck.

The next ship suffered a similar fate. Elsa shouted into the sound tube. "Prepare for dive!"

She waited until they hit the fourth ship. "Dive! Evasive maneuvers!"

The Edgar angled down sharply. Elsa gripped the armrests of her chair. Admiral Lylo leaned against the podium for support while the crew on the bridge steadied themselves against their stations. She heard a muffled crash. Her mind went to the Ida and she saw that the enemy ships were firing into the waters where the last ship was rammed.

"Damage report."

Admiral Lylo relayed her order and gathered responses. "Section 11 was hit by ballista bolts. That section is being evacuated and will be sealed. Section 3 has some cracking. It is is being reinforced. Only two saws are still in usable condition. The rest have been disposed."

That meant that almost all the saws were destroyed. Until she could make more, they wouldn't be able to ram. However, she might be able to make use of the situation. "Have a cruiser fire a message to some nearby ships. The message must state, 'Surrender or be sunk. You have 5 minutes.'"

"But Your Majesty, we need new saws and more time to reinforce the walls."

"We know that, but they don't. Send the message."

"As you command." Admiral Lylo walked to the Ida's communication officer.

Duchess Aromatejan once said to her that a battle was not just a test of strength and skill. It was also a test of will. The message was an empty threat, but the enemy may think that the Phantom would be able to carry it out.

"Admiral, D3 reports underwater activity."

The admiral looked at the pane. "Tell C2 and D3 to investigate, but prepare to retreat as needed."

Elsa sent her mind to the Ida. It dove and joined up with Diver 3. The cruiser moved cautiously towards slim silhouettes in the distance. As they closed in, she was able to make out a man-like shape. A large white clam shell was held above its head. She stood up. "No harm is to come to our visitors. Have the cruiser bring them to the Edgar. Flood docking bay 1. Have a merspeech translator meet me there. You have the bridge, Admiral."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Admiral Lylo relayed her orders. "C2 and D3 switch to escort. Docking bay 1 prep for flooding. Request Master Duwey to appear at Docking bay 1."

While the Edgar was heading out to Greystock, a messenger had been sent to alert King Triton. Nothing alarms merfolk than a warship prowling through the depths of the ocean. Arendelle's messenger warned King Triton about the impending conflict with Chernaburg around Greystock. The messenger had returned to the Edgar without any comment from King Triton. As she waited on a raised platform in docking bay 1, Elsa wondered why the merfolk were coming.

A thick ten foot wall had been raised across half of the bay. Water filled the bay up to wall's top. The door opened and Master Duwey came in. He went up the platform and bowed to her. Elsa nodded to acknowledge his bow. Together, they waited for the merfolk.

A few minutes later, the merfolk arrived. They floated to the top of the flooded area. By the designs on their armbands, Elsa counted half a dozen guards and one emissary. Master Duwey spoke the traditional greeting and the emissary replied formally.

The two conversed for a while then Master Duwey posed a question, "King Triton wishes to know the extent of this war."

"Tell him that it is too early to tell. Greystock was only invaded recently. The Allied Kingdoms will do their best to resolve it as quickly as possible."

The translator gave her response and returned with another question. "He asks if someone will clean up the litter."

The merfolk preferred to avoid landers and tolerated their occasional presence. However, they most certainly objected to lander related things on the ocean floor. The sunken ships would have to be raised. "We will remove the remnants of the war."

The translator provided her reply and the emissary spoke at length. When they were done, Master Duwey stated, "King Triton requests a favor. He wishes for Queen Anna to mediate a meeting with Queen Ariel."

Elsa fought the urge to roll her eyes. This was probably about Princess Melody again. Anna had mediated for them in the past and managed to have everyone part in amicable terms. "Give me a moment to ask her." She pulled out Anna's tablet from the pouch and waved her hand over it to scribe a quick message: King Triton would like you to mediate for him and Queen Ariel. With a quick tap on the chimes, she waited for a reply.

A minute or so later, Anna's script appeared under hers: Sure. When?

With the translator's help, Elsa reached an agreement for the date and place of the meeting. It would be held at the Sea Palace's lower level so that King Triton was comfortable.

"He asks if we require any assistance," said Master Duwey.

Elsa noted how the emissary requested for the mediation first before presenting an offer of assistance. She wondered if that offer would be mentioned if she had refused the mediation. Regardless, she would not refuse an offer of assistance. "It would be helpful if someone could bring men who have been swept away from the main contingent to a place where they could be rescued later. I will create a small ice platform. If those men could be brought there, it would be convenient."

The translator gave her request and spoke the emissary's response. "He says that you are too generous. The enemy will not show you such mercy."

"Then I am glad that I don't have the enemy's morals. The lost men have already been defeated. There is no need to let them drown."

Master Duwey repeated her reply. A high pitched sound issued from the emissary's throat and he smiled. The translator said, "Then he is glad as well. He will ask the dolphin handlers to deal with lost men."

Ever cautious, the merfolk would use the dolphins to bring the men to the platform. The men would be less hostile to the dolphins than merfolk. Having made unlikely friends with the gentle creatures in the past, Elsa nodded with approval. "Thank you."

After the merfolk left, Elsa returned to the bridge. "Status report."

Admiral Lylo saluted her and announced, "Grand Admiral on the bridge." She gestured to the main ice pane. "The messages of surrender were delivered. C2 reported that several officers appear to be arguing On E1. This went on until Andal's vanguard was sighted. About two-thirds of the maneuverable ships are organizing against Andal. The rest of the ships are still rescuing soldiers from the sunk ships."

A crewman was chiseling the names of the sunk ships on the wall. The list stretched from the ceiling to the floor in five columns. Elsa regarded the list grimly. The Phantom had done its part. Andal and the Schweetz can take care of the rest. "Have the Ida leave a scout on Andal's flagship to facilitate communications. Recall all units and move to point 11-27. Rise to twenty below and don't surface."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

When the Edgar reached point 11-27, Elsa looked at the water's surface through the semi-transparent ceiling. She raised her hand towards the surface and imagined a grid of ice on top of it. With the release of her thought, a grid spread out from a central point and spread across the surface. It wouldn't do to make the enemy too comfortable. The grid was enough for them to hold on to. She created a white banner on top and below the grid to signal the merfolk to bring lost men there.

"Move within striking range of the enemy fleet. Stay on standby. I'll be in my office. You have the bridge, Admiral."

Once in her office, Elsa slumped down on the overstuffed cushioned chair and let out a sigh of relief. With the arrival of Andal, Arendelle didn't have to deal with the enemy by itself. She reached over and opened a jar with a honeycomb inside. With an ice knife, she scrapped some honey off the honeycomb and spread it thickly over a wheat cracker. She took a bite and savored the treat. Anna's honey was the best. Even after all these years, amazement filled her being everytime she watched her wife get the honeycomb from the hive in the tree trunk.

After eating several crackers, Elsa poured herself a glass of water and drank to clear her mouth. She opened the pouch and placed the three ice tablets on the table. Who should she write to first?

The taste of honey on her lips made her decision. She wrote, "I was just having some honey and I was thinking of licking it directly from its source." She read what she wrote and wondered if it was too naughty. Feeling a bit daring, her finger tapped the chimes. While waiting eagerly for a reply, she imagined Anna's face when she read the message. Perhaps, those smooth cheeks would turn pink, accentuating her freckles. Would she be embarrassed at her boldness, raising her hand to those strawberry lips to cover it?

Anna's tablet chimed and she read, "I don't think the bees would be happy with someone sticking a tongue in their hive. Besides, you're going to get stung."

Elsa's jaw dropped and she felt a bit disappointed. She was hoping to get an embarrassed or shocked reaction from Anna. She wrote, "You're right. I shouldn't disturb them."

Anna's script appeared. "I can't wait. Do you want to do it in the North Palace or the Sea Palace?" It ended with a heart.

Blue eyes blinked and she re-read the words. Slowly, a sly smile formed on her face. That little trickster did understand what she wrote about. Two can play at this game. "Isn't the hive on a tree? We should do it there."

She laughed when she saw her reply, "Okay. I'll ask the twins if we can borrow their tree house when you get back."

She wrote, "I miss you, my beautiful wife."

A few seconds after she finished writing it, the tablet was cleared very quickly. "Elsa, the twins are nearby. Please be careful."

"I'm sorry. What are they doing?"

"We're under our tree. They're sitting next to me and making flower crowns." Smaller script appeared. "I miss you too, my Queen."

Elsa hugged the tablet to her chest. It was cold and hard, but warmth filled her heart just by having it close by. She wrote, "I'm on a break right now. If they want to write to me, I'm here."

"I'll let them know." A few seconds later, more script appeared. "How are you?"

"I'm a little stressed. We got here before everybody and had to keep Chernaburg occupied."

"Is everyone alright? I hope you weren't forced to do anything drastic."

"So far, we're fine. There wasn't anything major and the Edgar's crew was able to deal with it."

"Thank Sif!"

About a minute later, Lana's tablet chimed. "Moma come bak now?"

She wrote, "Not yet, sweetie. I'll try to come home as soon as possible."

Elaine's tablet chimed next. "Home tomoro?"

"I hope I can come home tonight."

Lana wrote, "Moma like"

Elaine followed up, " flawor?"

Elsa moved Lana's tablet to her left and Elaine's to her right. The twins were finishing each other's sentences again. Thankfully, Lana usually starts it and Elaine finishes. She wrote on Lana's tablet. "Yes."

"We make"

" for yu"

"Moma like"

" yelo?"

Her hand gestured over Elaine's tablet. "Yes."

Anna's tablet chimed. "They're making a crown for you with yellow crocus, so come home soon."

She replied, "I can't wait to wear it. I wish I could be there with you."

"Me too, but with this, you're almost here."

Elsa was about to write a reply when an impression of a hand appeared on the tablet's surface. She pressed her palm against it and felt its shape against her fingers. If she were with Anna right now, they would be holding hands or intertwining fingers. For several seconds, her hand rested against the tablet as she imagined those soft palms cupping hers and warming her cold fingers.

When she had enough, she cleared the tablet and pressed her hand into it. The surface of the tablet softened like dough and molded against her hand. It was only fair that Anna could feel hers too. Just then, she had an idea. Her mind went out to Lilje.

When the tablet returned to its usual smooth surface, she wrote, "How was court today? Any issues?"

"Some lords are a bit stubborn, but it's nothing I can't handle. It also helps that Alis is on my side. Well, most of the time."

A chuckle escaped from her lips. Her first cousin was good with debates and liked to emphasize her point by slapping her black fan on the table. The sound made her opponents flinch. Elsa secretly enjoyed the apprehensive expression on the lord's faces when she did that. "

She wrote, "Thanks for agreeing to mediate."

"It's fine. They're our friends, so we should help them get along. Is Queen Ariel bringing Princess Melody? I haven't seen her in a while."

"I don't know. The emissary didn't say that Princess Melody would be there."

"The twins ask about her sometimes. It would be nice if she came."

"They'll see her at the next Allied Summit."

"When is that?"

"In about two months." Slowly, Lilje crept behind Anna. Twig hands held big leaves. With a quick motion, the leaves covered Anna's eyes. Elsa willed Lilje to speak. "Guess who."

Anna gasped in delight and drew Lilje into a tight hug. Warm lips caressed the snowgirl's cheek and Elsa closed her eyes to relish the sensation.

Her Queen whispered, "Why didn't you think of this in the first place?"

Elsa moved Lilje's twig hand to stroke down Anna's back. As Lilje, she whispered, "I'm sorry. I was a bit stressed."

"Big sister Lilje!"

Lilje turned around. The twins' voices sounded similar, so Elsa had to look to figure out who spoke. Lana had crawled over and Elaine wasn't far behind. Elsa held out Lilje's arms to welcome them for hugs. Lana hugged on the left side while Elaine hugged from the right. She had Lilje kiss their strawberry blonde heads. Lana slung her single braid over her left shoulder while Elaine preferred to have it over her right. Both were wearing dark green dresses with purple vests over it. Their freckled faces looked at her eagerly.

Lana lifted a string of flowers and asked, "Do you want to"

" build a crown?" asked Elaine.

"Come on, let's "

" go and play."

"All right! What do I have to do?" said Elsa.

"Like this, Lilje." Lana picked up an unattached flower and threaded a stem through a flower on the incomplete crown. She twisted the stem and tucked it. "See?"

It was difficult with Lilje's twig hands, and many flower stems were mangled. Still, sitting with her darling twins and making flower crowns was preferable to slicing ships to bits. With the twins around her, it seemed like she was surrounded by little Annas.

"Lilje is so clumsy!" giggled Elaine.

"Elaine, it's not nice to make fun of her, even though she's very awkward," said Anna with a teasing note in her voice as she emphasized the word awkward.

Elsa shot Anna an icy stare. Her Queen simply smiled at her mischievously. She exclaimed, "I'm not that clumsy. You two are just very good at this!"

Lana giggled. "We are, aren't we?" She lifted half a crown and looked at her sister expectantly. "I'm done."

"I'm almost done." Elaine slipped a stem through and twisted it. She brought it by Lana's. Deft fingers joined the two halves.

"We're "

" finished."

Elsa willed Lilje to ask, "May I wear it?"

The twins shook their strawberry blonde heads and replied in chorus, "No. This is for Momma."

Her heart felt a twinge of disappointment. She had forgotten that she was in Lilje. "Oh... I see."

Anna lifted an incomplete crown with alternating blue and white flowers. "You can have this one, Lilje. How about we finish it together?"

"We'll help!" said the twins.

Within minutes, the blue and white crown was completed. Anna gently moved it in front of the twins. She declaimed formally, "Princess Lana of Arendelle, Princess Elaine of Arendelle, you are hereby charged with the duty of presenting this crown to Lady Lilje for her exemplary service."

The twins scooped up the crown carefully with both hands and lifted it over Lilje's head. They spoke in unison, "We, the Princesseses do our duty and presents this crown to Lady Lilje for eh... eh..."

Lana's left eyebrow twitched up. "Eggs aunty?"

"Is am pull ray?" attempted Elaine.

"Exemplary," prompted Anna.

"Exemplary!" repeated the twins. Little hands carefully put the crown on Lilje's head.

Elsa closed her eyes to feel the soft petals on Lilje's forehead. Just then, she felt arms encircling the snowgirl's body. She gasped in surprise since she didn't expect them to hug Lilje. She opened her eyes in time to see the twins plant one kiss each on the snowgirl's cheeks. Off to the side, Anna was giggling softly behind her hand. She could only guess that Lilje's face had a funny expression.

"Hey guys!" Olaf waddled over with a bouquet of flowers.

"Big brother Olaf!" greeted the twins together.

"What are you doing?" asked the snowman.

"We are"

" making crowns."

"Do you want to"

" build a crown?"

From the back of her mind, Elsa heard a muffled knock. She moved Lilje to Anna's side and made her sit. She listened closely. A few seconds later, she heard knocking from her door.

"Your Majesty?" came Admiral Lylo's voice from behind the door.

She whispered to her Queen, "Anna, I think I have to go. I'm going to make Lilje fall asleep now."

Anna kissed the snowgirl's forehead and whispered, "Ok, I'll take care of it. Be safe. I love you."

"I love you." Elsa pulled her mind away and composed herself. "Come in."

Admiral Lylo entered. "Our fleet has arrived and is assisting Andal and Schweetzurland. The Schweetz are preparing to land troops." She presented a crumpled parchment. "General Aromatejan has sent an outline of the deployment for the ground troops."

She accepted the parchment and read the plan. "I accept the plan pending a favorable response from General Sean. Tell him to send a reply to General Aromatejan. Ready the Ida for me in docking bay 2."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Elsa walked over to the cabinet and took out her father's sword, Gramfjall, and belted it to her waist. She did not need it but wore it to symbolize her authority in public. After checking herself in the mirror, she made her way to docking bay 2. The crew saluted on her entry and she boarded the Ida. She seated herself on the captain's chair while the Ida's captain stood next to her. As soon as they were cleared for launch, the Ida was guided to the RAS Emla, the flagship. The cruiser surfaced by its side. Elsa made a small ice platform and ramp. She boarded the Emla.

Admiral Amela saluted her. "Grand Admiral on deck."

"At ease. What's our status?"

"The enemy ships have been defeated. We had a few casualties, but within expectations. Andal is gathering the prisoners. General Aromatejan has sent word that we may land troops as soon as we are ready. We are."

"Proceed."

The fleet sailed to the a wide stretch of beach. Elsa created temporary docks so that the troops didn't have to use rowboats or jump into the water. Soon, the beach was full of soldiers from Andal, Schweetzurland and Arendelle.

A knight on a black horse rode to the front of the army. By the pennant and gray armor, Elsa recognized Duchess Aromatejan of Schweetzurland, Chief General of the Allied Army.

Light blue eyes swept across the troops under a long unruly lock of blonde hair that obscured the left half of her face. Her rough voice carried across the beach. "Now, listen up, because I'm only going to say this once. We are Greystock's only hope. Our mission, drive out the Chernaburg vermin. You've got your orders." She drew her long sword from her back with one smooth movement and pointed it towards the city. "It's time to make your mamas proud!"

The Allied Army cheered with weapons raised to the sky. General Sean began leading the Arendelle troops to their position near the city. Elsa began to walk back to the Emla on the ice dock when she heard the sound of pounding hooves behind her.

"Queen Elsa!" called Aromatejan.

Elsa waited for Aromatejan to reach her.

The Schweetz reigned in her horse. "Thanks for delaying the enemy. I hope you didn't have too many casualties."

"Our vanguard had no casualties but the main fleet had some."

Surprise formed on Aromatejan's face. "None? Really?"

"None on the vanguard. We were lucky."

"That's great! I hope we'll be lucky as you. You did your part. Now, it's our turn. Just sit back and chill." Her horse turned around and then she stopped it. "I'm sorry. That was a figure of speech. No pun intended."

"No offense taken. Good luck!"

With a salute, Aromatejan rode away. Elsa walked back to the Emla and requested a small meal. Since arriving at Greystock, she didn't have any appetite. Now, her stomach was complaining. As she ate, she watched the city from the porthole in her cabin. Smoke rose from various places and there was a faint echo of clashing steel. Her eyes searched the west side of the city. General Sean was supposed to secure that area. From a distance, she saw the Arendelle banner behind the city wall. With several deep breaths, she resisted the urge to send a puppet out to see how the troops were doing. She trusted that General Sean would take care of it.

When she was done eating, she transferred to the Ida and ordered the crew to return to the Edgar. Once there, she commanded for salvage operations to commence. The Edgar went to each sunken ship to raise it. Elsa created an ice shield around each ship and forced the water out. An ice tube connected docking bay 1 to the ship and workmen salvaged what they could from it. When all salvageable items were removed, Elsa created an ice platform around it and pushed the ship to the surface. A nearby Arendelle ship would tow it to the beach.

Even after all sunken ships were raised, the battle for the city was still going on. Elsa sighed. She wouldn't go home tonight as she had hoped. Even after the city was freed, the Allied Kingdoms had to meet to discuss what to do with the prisoners and plunder. She had dinner with Edgar's officers and prepared for bed.

Her bed in her quarters was smaller than the one at home. Most of all, it was missing her Queen. Elsa opened her cabinet and slipped on Anna's green nightgown. It was a poor replacement for Anna, but with it she could smell her wife's scent and feel her arms around her. She laid down on the bed and took out Anna's tablet from the pouch. She wrote,

"The stars are beautiful tonight, But not as beautiful my wife."

After reading it twice, she tapped the chimes and waited for a reply.

About half a minute later, Anna's script appeared under it. "All right, what are you trying to hide this time?"

Elsa chuckled. "Nothing. I just wanted you to know how beautiful you are."

"Come home soon, so I can dump all these hugs and kisses that have been piling up."

She laughed. "I'm sorry. They're still fighting for the city so I won't be coming home today."

Anna's script appeared. "Is everyone all right?"

"Minor casualties so far. General Sean is leading our troops. Aromatejan is coordinating the armies."

"Thank goodness! I hope it ends soon. Did Vanilappi come?"

The duchess was very overprotective of her niece, even after she was crowned queen. "No. I doubt Aromatejan will let her be anywhere near a battlefield."

"Never mind. I was just wondering."

"I expect that they'll retake the city by tomorrow morning. So if you want to see her, how about we visit her next weekend?"

"That'll be great! The twins love her carts."

"I'll let Aromatejan know. What are you doing right now?"

"I'm just reading about magic."

"Because of us?"

"Yes. Magic shows up in the Arendelle line every so often."

"Did you find anything interesting?"

"Not yet. Most of the books talk about rituals and spells."

"Let me know if you find anything interesting."

"Of course."

"Are the twins asleep?"

"I put them to bed over an hour ago."

"If I was home, I'd whisk you away and ravish you." She drew a heart at the end.

"I could fly on the carpet right now and ravish you." The script ended with a big smiling face.

Elsa giggled. "No need. I should be home tomorrow." The clock on her bedside table chimed ten. "I'm sorry. I'll need to get up early and be ready for anything."

"There's no need to be sorry. Sweet dreams. I love you, Elsa. Good night." An impression of lips formed next to Anna's writing.

Elsa brought the tablet to her face and fit the impression over her lips. Closing her eyes, she could almost feel those strawberry lips against hers. "I love you, Anna. Good night."

After putting the tablet aside and dousing the lights, she pulled the covers over her and closed her eyes. She was about to drift off to sleep when she heard the chimes. However, it wasn't from Anna's tablet. She lit a nearby lamp and pulled the twins' tablets from the pouch.

Lana wrote, "Moma, we camp".

She looked at the clock. It was past their bedtime and they should go to sleep. Her hand waved over the tablet. "Lana, Elaine, please go to sleep."

Elaine's tablet chimed. "Moma not queen, so we play."

A pale eyebrow quirked up. Is Elaine implying that since she's not at the castle, they don't have to obey her? Just as her hand reached for Anna's tablet, Lana's tablet chimed.

"Pliss play camp."

Elsa sent her mind to the owl statue in their bedroom. The twins had draped their blanket over the headboard. A soft light shone underneath the makeshift tent. A sigh escaped her lips. "All right, but just for a little bit." Drawings of happy faces appeared under her script. "What do we do in camp?"

When she didn't get a quick response, she checked on them from the owl statue.

"...ask Kai about camping?"

"Silly, Lana! He'd tell Mama that we're not asleep."

"How about big brother Olaf? Let's ask him about camping."

"Ok! Let's go find him!" Their shadows moved toward the side of the bed.

Elsa quickly hit the chimes to get their attention. It would not do to have her little darlings wandering around and trying to find Olaf. She didn't know where they got the idea of camping, but she could only guess that they heard it from somewhere. They reminded her of Anna, who had a tendency to jump into things without planning ahead. She wrote, "How about a campfire story?"

A big YES appeared on Lana's tablet.

"Lana, put your tablet next to Elaine together like this. Tell me when you're done." She added a drawing of the tablets side by side.

"Done," wrote Lana.

She thought for a moment and decided on a story related to camping. She wrote, "After you're done reading, hit the chimes and I'll continue the story."

"Ok," wrote Lana.

Elsa created illustrations on Lana's tablet and wrote on Elaine's. "Once upon a time, there lived a bear of very little brain named Mr. Sanders. One day, his neighbor, a small piglet, invited him to visit his friend on the other side of the woods. Together, they traveled to his friend's house. His friend was a sad little donkey who only had a small wooden shelter for his house, so Mr. Sanders and the piglet built a tent made of branches and leaves and made a campfire."

As she told the story, the chime to continue became less frequent. After waiting for several minutes, she checked on them and noticed no movement under the blanket. Her mind touched Lilje's and she willed the snowgirl to go to their room.

Lilje peeked under the blanket. Her twins were sleeping by the tablets. The snowgirl moved the lantern and tablets to the bedside table. Thin twig hands yanked on the covers and tucked them in. She patted their heads gently before returning Lilje to the snow house that she shared with Olaf.

Elsa relaxed against her pillows. She had to admit that talking to her twins eased the loneliness from her heart. Their sleeping faces filled her mind as sleep claimed her.

At breakfast, she received the report that the city was reclaimed. After she was done eating, she went to the Greystock castle to meet about the war.

King Zartan welcomed her with gratitude overflowing on his face. "Queen Elsa, I can't thank you enough for delaying the enemy ships from reaching shore."

"You are welcome. As a member of the Allied Kingdoms, we do our best to help each other."

"And I am grateful for it. Come, please. The others are waiting."

She followed him to a meeting room. Duchess Aromatejan was accompanied by her two generals. They represented Schweetzurland. Prince Toplu and his men represented Andal. She took a seat next to General Sean and Admiral Amela.

The meeting lasted most of the day with an hour break for lunch. By late afternoon, they had covered all the topics. A scribe presented Elsa a copy of the agreements.

"Once again, Greystock thanks you for your assistance. We wish for continued good relations with all Allied Kingdoms," said King Zartan.

Everyone shook hands and wished each other well. The representatives were escorted to their ships by a Greystock honor guard. Arendelle's elite soldiers from the Blizzard Battalion surrounded Elsa, General Sean and Admiral Amela. They had arrived at the docks when the honor guard turned on the soldiers.

Elsa stomped on the ground. Swirls of snow surrounded the honor guard. One guard lunged at her with his sword.

"Die, witch!"

Her left sleeve transformed into her ice armor. A gloved hand caught the sword which froze and shattered. Elsa opened her hand and let the shards fall. Meanwhile, frost formed on the rest of the honor guard and sailors from the Emla rushed to their side with weapons drawn.

General Sean drew his sword and pointed it at the guard. "I was wondering where you were, Zerekan. I thought you ran away like Nagus."

Zerekan, general of the Chernaburg forces glared at him. His broken sword dropped to the ground and his arm moved slowly. Fear and surprise formed on his face. His dark eyes darted between her and the frost covered guards who were also moving slowly. The sound of chattering teeth filled the air. "Why? Why don't you use your magic? You're so strong, you could've ended this war!"

Elsa looked at him with pity as the armor on her left arm reformed to her naval uniform. "Strength isn't everything. There is also compassion, friendship and most of all, love."

"Love?" He spoke the word with such revulsion as if it burned his tongue. "Love is nothing but a fool's delusion. I can show you true power." Slowly and with great effort, he knelt before her with one knee. "Let me serve you, and you will rule the world!"

"The world doesn't need me to rule it. Besides, I don't have time for that. I have to bring home some starfish." Elsa turned around and boarded the RAS Emla. Meanwhile, Greystock soldiers chained Zerekan and his men before leading them away.

As the Emla left port, her nearby allies shouted and waved their farewells while she waved back with well-trained regal dignity. The Emla headed towards the rendezvous point with the Ida. "Just a little longer," she thought. "Then I'll be home." She imagined their smiling faces and outstretched hands. She would kneel down and try to gather them into her arms which could no longer bear their weight. It felt like that it wasn't long ago when they were babies and she could carry them so easily in her arms. Her thoughts relived the past as the Emla sailed towards the Ida.

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To be continued in Chapter 2: Inheritance