Hey everyone bet you thought you'd seen the last of me! I cannot believe it has been two weeks. I know this chapter took forever but I had a lot to do. After chapter 1 I realized that I had no plot so I spent a couple days figuring that out and on top of that, this chapter was longer so there's that too. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy! Hopefully I will be churning these bad boys out more frequently, but we will see. We shall see...
Chapter 2: We Are Not Alone
"I should probably tell you this- and it is rather embarrassing- but I have no idea where the Royal Banquet Hall is." Elsa confessed. The pair was taking their time, wandering through the lush greenery and savoring the fragrant air. It wasn't until they came upon the heavy oak doors covered in tendrils of ivy that Elsa broke the silence with her confession.
Anna smiled at that, tugging on the blonde's arm, "Well you are in luck then. I happen to know exactly where it is."
She had met this woman mere minutes ago, and yet- in the most cliche sense- Anna felt she had known her all her life. Of course, the young princess knew nothing about her except her name and lineage, but she could not shake the feeling that they had met before. The princess could not fathom why she felt such intense affection for someone she had just met. Anna wanted to know more. She needed to know more.
"So if you are not here to… what are you here for?" Anna asked. Elsa creased her brow, unsure of how to answer that question. What was she here for? In all honesty, she didn't know. Kristoff had asked her to come, sure, but she could have easily told him no. In fact, this was the first time she had not turned her brother down and Elsa still couldn't figure out why. Anna glanced up at the blonde who was deep in thought. She mistook her silence for distress.
"Oh no! I didn't mean it like that! I just… well… if your brother is here for business and such, are just here to… galavant?"
Elsa laughed and shook her head, "Believe it or not my brother said that exact same thing to me. I am not really sure why I am here but I suppose 'galavant' would be a suitable explanation. Parties, however, are not my most treasured form of socializing."
"Maybe I will be the one to change that. I for one love parties, I'm sure I could get you to love them too. Perhaps you should spend the night with me. I promise to make it memorable." Anna finished with more than a hint of immodesty.
Elsa was flustered to say the least and had to fight off the blush that was blooming on her cheeks. Feelings that Elsa had not felt for a long time were surfacing. So long, in fact, that she didn't know what to do with them.
"I would be a fool not to take you up on that." Elsa replied with a dazzling smile.
By the time they made it to the banquet hall people were already finding their seats. Elsa admired the grand the room in awe. No expense was spared. The polished chandelier hung over the masses of royalty and gleamed with a vigor like none other. There were a dozen hand-crafted long wood tables that were carefully laid out across the floors and scores of princes, princesses, and other members of nobility celebrated among them. Raised upon a large dais sat the King and Queen of Arendelle, as well as a few honored guests. Elsa noticed her brother sitting up there with the King, no doubt discussing business.
"Princess Anna, there you are!" A slim man with dark hair and a clean shaven face appeared before them. Erik. Elsa was starting to hate the man.
"Your parents were starting to get worried that you had run off. They asked me to find you and bring you to your seat." The slender man offered his arm. Elsa bit back a scowl. He just doesn't know when to quit, does he, Elsa thought. She could only imagine the rage the princess was holding back. How she kept a pleasant smile and a winning attitude in the wake of this non-stop nightmare, Elsa would never know.
"Well you found me," the princess retorted, trying to hide her irritation. She turned to Elsa. "Will you join me at my table?"
The blonde opened her mouth to speak but before any words got out, Erik answered for her, rather hurriedly.
"Unfortunately there are no more seats available at our table. The King and Queen invite only the very best to dine exclusively with them."
And I suppose you think you are 'the very best', Elsa thought with malice. It was all she could do not to say the words out loud. She was so tired of the arrogance that filled the room, she thought she would choke on their hubris. Everyone here acted like they were better than everyone else. Her knuckles cracked loudly as her hands formed fists. She could feel frost forming on the insides of her gloves. With each passing moment, her need to start a fight with someone escalated tenfold. She could hear her heart pounding in her head making her dizzy.
Anna grabbed her arm, rubbing her thumb back and forth over the creases of the fabric.
"Elsa, are you ok?"
It was enough to snap her out of it, "Yes. I'm fine. I'll see you after the banquet." She made a move to leave but the princess tightened the grip on her arm.
"Elsa are you sure-"
"Just go." Elsa cut her off. Anna released the blonde, taken aback. The hurt Elsa saw in Anna's eyes cut her deep. She wanted to apologize right then and there, but the alarming amount of frost spreading across her gloves took priority. Elsa practically ran out of the expansive room making her way into the vacant hall.
"What is wrong with me?" she whispered to no one in particular. Control yourself. Elsa tried to calm her breathing, watching the ice fade from her hands. She didn't understand how this could have happened. It had been years since her last incident. It just all happened too fast. I never should have-
"I thought dinner was taking place inside the banquet hall. Perhaps I'm mistaken."
Elsa visibly jumped and whipped her head around, startled by the voice. It was the brunette from the throne room. She was wearing the same scarlett dress as before, which showed off more skin than Elsa dared to observe. A soft laugh escaped the brunette's full, red lips.
"Startle easily, do you?"
"Only when I am being stalked by a stranger."
"You think I'm stalking you?"
"What else would you call it?"
"Call it what you want, I am not a stalker."
"Then what are you doing here?"
The brunette gave her a striking smile, flashing her brilliant teeth, "I wanted to speak with you. I have been waiting a long time to meet you," she closed the distance between them, "My name is Clara. You and I are one in the same."
Elsa's initial panic gave way to confusion. What was she talking about?
"What are you talking about?"
Clara took the blonde's hand in hers and removed the glove. Elsa snatched her hand back, "What the hell do you think-"
"Calm down. Look, this is going to be hard for you to hear and I doubt you will believe me at first, but I know about your- for lack of a better word- your condition, your powers." Clara spoke softly, doing her best not to alarm the taller girl. To no avail.
Elsa's eyes widened in horror as adrenaline flooded her system. She couldn't even entertain the idea of trying to lie her way out of it since ice started crawling up her arms, weaving into the fabric of her coat. A few guests were still loitering in the halls, taking their time as they headed towards the banquet hall, and one glance from any of them would lead to either a terrifying escape or a bitter death. The brunette pressed her body to Elsa's, helping to hide some of the obvious frost that was inching up her form, and wedged a firm hand in between the blonde's shoulder blades, forcing her to the nearest door in the hallway.
"I thought I told you to calm down," Clara muttered under her breath shoving Elsa into the closet as gently as she could, which wasn't very gentle at all. Haste was her priority, not comfort, and she was certain Elsa was on the same page. The closet was small and compact, forcing Elsa and Clara chest to chest as she closed the door behind her, leaving them in the dark.
"I'm trying," Elsa said through clenched teeth. She closed her eyes and slowed her breathing. She tried to focus on her hands drawing the power back in, pulling the frost back into her fingertips. After a few moments, Elsa heard the brunette speak.
"Good. Now we can talk."
"Don't you think it would be more comfortable if we talked literally anywhere else?" Elsa reached for the door behind the brunette, a very cold arm brushing against her side. Clara shuddered and shoved Elsa back against the wall by the lapels.
"Hey!"
"I know for a fact you can't promise me you won't lose it again with what I'm about to tell you, so no. I think this is the most comfortable place for us at the moment," Clara purred into the taller girl's ear. The blonde shivered at the hot breath on her neck.
"Now listen; I have gifts too," she said. Elsa had a million questions. She opened her mouth to voice one of them, but a finger to her lips stopped her.
"No questions until I'm finished. My powers are unlike yours if you were wondering. I have the gift of foresight. I have visions that show me the future-well, usually. The future is always changing, but I tend to get it right most of the time. That is how I knew you would be here, although I am still trying to figure out why. Given what I have seen, you are a fuse to a bomb waiting to be set off in a crowd," she looked up at Elsa, a questioning look on her face, "Why are you here?"
This was the second time she had been asked that today and she still didn't have an answer. In truth, she still didn't know why she came. She could have easily turned down Kristoff like every other time he had asked her, but something had drawn her here. Elsa still could not explain nor understand the feeling, but she felt like some unknown force pulled her there.
"I don't know. I guess, something drew me here-"
"Oh good, I thought I was the only one."
"W-What are you saying?"
"I felt the same. Someone or something is here, drawing us to it. I bet my life it has something to do with our godblood."
"Excuse me?"
"Godblood. Do you not- do you not know about the origins of your- our gifts?" Clara asked incredulous. The dumbfounded look on Elsa's face was all the answer she needed. The brunette understood that throwing all this seemingly new information in her face was a lot to handle, especially for someone who appeared to be ill-equipped to even get through an evening with other people.
"I know all of this is a lot to take, so… how about we get back to the banquet hall before others notice our absence. I promise we will talk later. I can explain everything- almost everything."
There was nothing for Elsa to do but agree, "Fine, but can I at least have my glove back?" Clara hid an amusing smile and obliged. She turned and opened the door, stepping out and pulling Elsa with her.
"Do you think anyone noticed we were gone?" the blonde whispered after they entered the banquet hall. The pair took their seats. Food was already served and the tables were laden with delicacies. Enormous platters of roasted pig, potatoes, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and desserts filled the tables.
"I doubt it. People are too busy either lusting after the princess or admiring the food they are devouring. We're fine."
They were not fine. Indeed, someone did notice. It was a very jealous redhead that noticed. Elsa had turned cold in a matter of seconds after being so sweet the entire evening, leaving the hall in a hurry. Anna did not understand. Was it something she said, or something she did? Was it Erik? Maybe she came on too strong. Whatever the reason, it was lost on Anna and was irrelevant now, for she had new questions brewing in her mind. Who was the brown-haired woman? Why were Elsa and her together?
Anna nudged the large man sitting next to her with her arm, "Kristoff, do you know that woman sitting by your sister? Did she come to Arendelle with you?" Anna asked, trying to sound casual. The large man looked up from the gigantic pile of food on his plate and located his sister. Elsa and the woman were sitting close to one another, whispering like young lovers feverishly planning the next time they can slip away and see each other. Kristoff smiled to himself.
"Apologies, but no. I have no idea who she is," he said, downing another swig of beer, "but I am grateful my sister finally found someone."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, just look at them. They look like Romeo and Juliet stealing kisses in the dead of night."
Anna did not want to think about that, she was far too upset already. Luck was on her side though, and she was almost relieved when her parents called for everyone to gather in the throne room for the ball. Almost. She promised Erik the first dance and he would not let her forget it.
"Princess Anna, may I escort you to your first dance?" Erik asked, offering his arm once again. Anna had no choice but to accept. She risked a final glance back at Elsa, who was helping the mysterious woman out of her seat, and their eyes met. Butterflies erupted in her stomach before the princess abruptly looked away. They turned the corner and moments later were standing in the throne room. Erik led her to the middle of the marble floor and wrapped a thin arm around her waist, resting his hand on her lower back. A bit too low for Anna's taste. A dozen or so couples joined them on the floor and her father announced for the dancing to ensue. Anna heard the music start up and her feet carried her through the movements. She counted the seconds until the song would end and she could escape.
The princess watched the surrounding crowds as Erik led her in the dance. He was talking to her, telling her about his travels and some other things Anna couldn't care to hear. She nodded occasionally with earnest, just enough to make her appear like she was paying attention. As much as she detested the man before her, it would do no good to purposely lash out. After all, these men that came to win her hand were no mere peasants. They had money, armies, power. Those three things combined with the arrogance and intelligence of an adolescent boy made for a dangerous enemy that Arendelle did not need.
Erik dipped Anna unexpectedly. She tightened her grip on the man in surprise and Erik gave her a smirk. Anna pretended not to notice. The dance must be over, she thought. Before Erik could get out a word, the princess spoke, "Thank you Erik for the dance," and disappeared into a crowd of suitors, all asking for the next dance.
Meanwhile, Elsa was leaning up against one of the many white pillars in the room, holding a glass of wine and watching the scene. She felt horrible. In the span of just a few hours, everything had gone wrong. She insulted the heir of Arendelle with her rash behavior, almost lost control in front of some nobles, and met a mysterious woman who told her quite a few incomprehensible things about her world, which completely uprooted her. She wasn't even sure if she believed any of it.
"Are you actually going to drink that wine in your hand?" Clara asked, snapping Elsa out of her thoughts. The blonde gazed over at the woman standing next to her and shook her head.
"No, I don't drink." she said, offering it to Clara. The shorter woman took the glass, but shot Elsa a bewildered look. The blonde shrugged her shoulders.
"Drinking makes me erratic and loosens my grip on uh, my powers."
"Then why did you have a glass in your hand?"
"It is something for my hands to focus on," Elsa said matter of factly.
"Hmm. You want to know something else your hands could focus on? The princess." Elsa would have choked on the wine if she had had any. Elsa's mind wandered into obscene territory. She pictured her cold hands running up Anna's thighs, making the princess shiver with delight and- Elsa shook her head.
"What are you talking about?"
"No need to play coy with me, I saw you escort her to the banquet. I know you have a thing for her, and her you. The princess needs saving from the hoard of suitors about to consume her. I suggest you do it." Clara said, pushing Elsa towards the crowd. The blonde resisted.
"Oh no, that is not a good idea. I am the last person she wants to see right now, trust me."
"What did you do?"
"Nothing good."
"Perfect. Now is the time to apologize," Clara replied with a mischievous grin, giving Elsa one final shove. She fell through the crowd of suitors and stumbled into Anna, her face nearly finding a home in the princess's breasts before Elsa found her footing. Elsa understood quickly that there was no way out of this one. Acting as if nothing embarrassing took place mere seconds ago, she straightened her suit coat and vest, holding out a gloved hand. With the small amount of nerve she could muster, Elsa spoke, "May I dance with you?"
The swarm of men surrounding the two of them started to protest before Anna even got a chance to respond. Elsa turned and shot them a glare so sharp, it could cut stone. The swaths of young men shut up immediately and soon dissipated.
"So, what do you say?" Elsa asked again. Elsa was unable to read the look on Anna's face and for a moment, she worried that she would be turned down or even yelled at for her earlier provocation in the banquet hall. Elsa was about to apologize for the millionth time that day when Anna finally gave her answer.
"Yes," she said, "on one condition; you tell me what is going on."
Elsa nodded her head avidly, "Sure, whatever you want."
"I like the sound of that," Anna grinned. Elsa placed a gentle hand on the small of Anna's back and she jumped. Elsa quickly withdrew her hand afraid she had just frosted Arendelle's heir, but upon inspection, her gloves were clean.
"Sorry my hands are always cold. If that's a problem I can-"
"Your hands are fine, I just was not expecting it. It is summer after all. Is that why you wear the gloves? Because your hands are always cold?"
"Something like that."
The song began and the music moved them. Should I just start talking or let her start? Maybe if I say nothing, she won't ask me, one part of Elsa thought desperately. Another more prominent part of her told her to grow up and face her fears. She listened.
"I owe you an apology. I should have never lost my temper and left you in the arms of Erik."
"Apology accepted. But you still haven't told me why." Anna said. She looked up into Elsa's dark blue eyes, searching for the answer. Elsa pursed her lips. What could she say? The truth was not an option.
"I struggle with my...temper." Elsa cringed. It was a half truth, and a half truth is better than an all out lie. She could keep track of a half truth. It was the best Elsa could do.
"Look, Erik may be dumb as a block of ice, but I am not. I can see how much you detest him, even if he can't, so when he interrupted us and… He pissed me off. I was having a great time with you and I think- I-I mean it seemed like you were having a good time too. I mean, you were, right?" The blonde finished dumbly. Anna smiled a sweet, sweet smile at the tall blonde that made Elsa's heart flutter.
"Yes, I was. In fact I still am," Anna replied. Elsa couldn't help but give the princess a crooked smile.
Soon after, the dance ended but there was no hoard of suitors to greet them. Just a single man with bronze hair accompanied with large sideburns.
"Elsa, a pleasure to finally meet you," he said smoothly, bowing.
"I am sorry, do I know you?" Elsa asked. This man is all kinds of odd.
"No, you don't. I am Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. I could not help but notice that beautiful sword at your hip. Have you ever even swung a sword?" Hans asked accusingly with a smirk. Elsa could not figure his angle. Why did he care?
What is he trying to do? Elsa thought. Is he really trying to start a fight with me right now? If that was the case, Elsa was ready. She could take him on. At this point she was itching for a fight, but she was never one to hit first.
"I have. The question is, why do you care?"
"The games start tomorrow, as you know, for the princess's birthday festivities. I came to challenge you to single combat."
