Sorry if I posted this chapter a little later than the first one was, this week was a bit overwhelming for me. Replaying the mass effect series, buying and reading The World of Ice and Fire after months of waiting, getting a cold and sore throat, and finally removing both of my upper Wisdom teeth, yeah I sort of got sidetracked.

If the writing and story is not up to par, then I apologize. Don't worry about me not continuing this story, it just takes a while for me to write since this whole thing is new to me.

Again, reviews and constructive criticism are appreciated. Thank you and enjoy reading!


It was half-past ten in the evening by the time Elsa found herself heading towards her bedroom, feeling drained.

Court was more or less uneventful that day. Other than hearing petitions and requests from both the common people and noblemen living in the city, there were the usual dignitaries, ambassadors and royal visitors that came to announce their presence to the queen. There was also a case settling between a farmer and a local lord on land ownership of a portion near the outer borders of Arendelle, but other than that nothing drastic happened.

After that procession, Elsa confined herself to her personal study for the remaining hours of the day, hoping to finally deal with the proposal letters as well as the business documents from various kingdoms.

If she were to be honest to herself, Elsa found that dealing with trade, foreign business, and estate matters are a lot less tiresome than responding to marriage proposal. Some would find humor in the fact that dealing with the logistics of her kingdom is a lot easier than replying to letter regarding politics.

In the end, she finished with politely declining the proposals of much smaller kingdoms while still keeping the letters from influential and powerful ones on hold. It was for the best, she thought wearily. She reduced her already abundant bag of suitors while at the same time appeasing her council in regards to her options.

Depriving herself of such thoughts by shaking her head, Elsa entered her bedroom.

The room remained the same even after she ascended as queen; slightly smaller than the one she shared with Anna when they were kids, the room occupies a double bed next to a simple fireplace with logs stacked beside it. Purple and white seem to dominate much of the room's features including its walls and carpets. Several chairs and a table are placed in various corners of the room, as well as a dresser and wardrobe. There was a door leading up to the bathroom and another that opens to the view of the balcony. Moonlight slid through a large triangular window, providing faint shimmers of light that illuminated the darkness.

Elsa entertained the thought of just simply dropping onto her bed face first, hoping to find a swift end to this strenuous day, but then rejected the notion. It would only serve to put more strain on her neck, as well as give unnecessary back pain. The bed head that she will be receiving the following morning is just the tip of the iceberg to start off a new day.

She proceeded to strip her dress and grabbed a long-sleeved nightgown from her wardrobe. After slipping into more suitable clothing, she unceremoniously dropped onto her bed, sighing in blissful content as her body embraced the softness of the mattress. Lying down on her bed, Elsa absently recalled on not seeing Anna much today. She remembered inquiring Gerda about it after court, with the head servant reassuring her that she last saw the princess heading for the village with Kristoff and Olaf.

With the last vestiges of her mind falling to drowsiness, Elsa covered herself with blankets as she closed her eyes and welcomed the realm of sleep.

000

The morning rays of the sun has not yet risen past the fields of the plains when Elsa was roused from her peaceful repose.

Though not necessarily by choice, that is.

The door leading to her room gave a slight creak as it was carefully being opened. A pair of turquoise blue eyes revealed itself in the darkness, surveying the room with a practiced eye. Seeing the sleeping figure of the queen sprawled along the bed, the intruder closed the door silently and tiptoed towards its target.

Normally, Elsa was a light sleeper. Years of fear of her powers made her alert for any sign that might occur that she was being intruded. Added to the fact there was one incident sometime after the Great Thaw where an assassination attempt was made on her life when the queen was enjoying a night of reading in her chambers. But due to yesterday's toll of complications, her usual discipline was rather quenched, letting the feel of warmth from the bed and her body's need for rest consume her.

As the person crouched before the bed, it took in the appearance of the queen. Wisps of hair raised in every direction, soft yet still audible snoring, a slight drool coming from the side of her mouth; it was not the picture of grace and perfection that one would visualize in a royal monarch. The figure covered a hand to its mouth to stifle a giggle.

Mornings were definitely not in favor of the Arendelle sisters.

"Psst, Elsa." Anna whispered.

Elsa didn't reply.

"Hey Elsa, Elsa. Elsaaa," prolonging her name while beginning to poke at her side.

She gave a slight grumble, muffled by the pillow. "Anna, go back to sleep."

Not easily deterred, the princess continued. "But I'm bored. I can't sleep and the sky is finally awake! Come on, we have time to play before the servants wake up. Please Elsa?

"Do you want to build a snowman?"

Elsa remained quiet for a moment, and Anna was sure that she fell back to sleep when she replied in a sleepy but flat voice, "No."

After several more attempts of pestering without success, Anna pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. She contemplated on just returning later at a better time but then she gets an idea. Giving a rather exaggerated sigh, Anna lies down on the bed with her hands behind her head. "Such a shame, I didn't see much of my sister yesterday. She's always doing her best, trying to serve the kingdom and being a great big sister."

Elsa opened one bleary eye, glancing at her sister in a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement.

With both eyes closed, Anna didn't notice Elsa's look and proceeded on with her rambling. "I want to spend some quality time with my big sister before she goes all work mode and puts on her Elsa the Queen face."

Said queen knotted her eyebrows together. 'Elsa the Queen' face? she wondered bemusedly.

Anna nodded as if hearing Elsa's inner thoughts. "Oh yes, you should see it. Her face becomes very serious and when she talks," she gives a mock-shudder, "it's like she can command the entire room to do whatever she wants. But I prefer just her Elsa face, because it reminds me of my sweet, loving, big sister."

Elsa can't help but smile at Anna adoringly at that, her eyes welling up a bit. Some would complain that she was being too sentimental at the compliment that was given to her, but coming from her sister it mattered much to Elsa. Especially since she initially believed that Anna would hate her when they met again after years of isolation from each other. But no, Anna defended the queen when others began to accuse her of witchcraft; she risked her own safety to personally find her sister; and gave her own life when Elsa was about to get killed by Prince Hans.

Lost in her thoughts, Elsa almost didn't notice Anna leaving her bed. "Well, I guess I should just go back to my room seeing as my sister is still too tired from her duties yesterday." she said, deliberately slowing her steps to the door. "Maybe I could play on my own. It is still too early, nobody in the castle is awake yet, almost the perfect time to spend quality moments with no disturbance from others." she finished casually.

Before she could fully open the door, Anna felt a small gust of wind behind her. As she turned to look, a figure brushed past her and exited through the door. Anna gave a slight yelp as her legs stumbled a bit, clutching on the door handle for hold. Looking below her, she saw a line of ice covering the floor she's standing on leading towards outside the door.

Elsa was standing outside; hair slightly tousled, arms crossed over her chest, raising a brow towards her sister. "Well?" she asked simply.

But Anna just stared at her with a surprised expression on her face. Elsa continued, "Last one to the gardens is going to have to explain to Kai and Gerda about the noise later in breakfast." Her face completely serious yet her eyes were glinting with mischief.

Without another word, she swept a hand towards the hallway to her right, creating a sheet of ice on the floor before running. Still raising her hand, she began to slide along the ice, keeping the flow of frost consistent as to be able to navigate herself for the incoming corridors and stairs.

As Elsa took a turn at the end of the hallway, Anna finally shook her dazed expression. "Elsa! That's so not fair!" she yelled as she took off after her sister. Trying to catch up to her. "Cheater!" she complained.

But both sisters' laughter subdued any ill thoughts that an observer might presume regarding the situation. Their resounding giggles echoed throughout the castle walls.

000

"I definitely won in that last battle."

"Alright Anna, I'll give you that. You surprised me with using Olaf as a distraction—"

"Yes!" said princess pumped her fist in the air.

"—but you're still going to be explaining to Gerda about the commotion in the castle and our 'early morning stroll' in the gardens." Elsa finished with a smirk on her face.

After an hour and a half of running around the castle halls, using a ballroom to host a well-rounded snowball fight, to finally ending up lying down in the gardens to watch the sun rise. With the added bit of snow, of course, and also the inclusion of a talking, warm-hugging snowman.

Anna groaned, covering her face with her hands while dropping her body onto the snow. She knew Kai would let her off easily, the good-natured man often sees her as if she were his own niece. Gerda, however, is a bit stricter even though she's normally as amiable as Kai. She would lecture Anna on how a princess should act like when not in the face of the public, and also plans to give her lessons regarding the known politics.

Elsa laughed softly at her sister's dramatic response, "Oh come on, it isn't that bad."

"Easy for you to say. You're the queen! You'll have an excuse for not being scolded." she grumbled.

"That's not to say that she won't at least give me a hearing of her own in private, you know. Queen or not, we're both going to be having a talk with her after this."

They were both lying down as they watched Olaf chase a butterfly in the flower gardens, giving a chuckle when the snowman tripped but happily continued on chasing the colorful insect.

"Well, I guess you're right." she admitted with a begrudging smile. Suddenly she beamed again. "Oh! Elsa, you should see this view that Kristoff and I found yesterday! It was sometime near sunset I think, near a cliff in the North Mountain. It looked beautiful!" Anna recalled with a contended sigh.

Elsa smiled at her sister, glad that Anna is enjoying the free reign of exploring around the town and castle with no worries. She tried to ignore that small part of her mind that wished to share the same experience, with no burdens whatsoever. Arguing with her inner self that it seemed unfair that her sister gets to have fun while she has to work on running the full state of a kingdom.

She shook these thoughts abruptly, feeling ashamed of herself for even considering it. Anna definitely deserves the freedom and happiness that she has right now. Elsa can't complain about being the heir to the throne, it was bestowed upon her by her parents and she would fulfill her duty. She would sacrifice her well-being if it meant keeping her sister safe and untroubled, she loved her that much.

"—and we got these chocolates from the shop that was said to be imported from—Elsa? Are you alright?"

Anna's voice startled her. She looked up and saw the redhead's concerned look on her. Elsa realized that Anna had been rambling for some minutes, as she was accustomed to, but paused as she realized that her sister wasn't joining much in the conversation.

"What? No, no I'm fine, Anna," she smiled at her, keeping her inner dispute at bay. "Now what were saying about imported chocolates?" she inquired smoothly.

But Anna still looked at her with a concerned gaze, albeit a bit dubiously, as if knowing that her sister isn't being entirely truthful to her. She saw the brief conflict on her face before covering it up. "Elsa, you know you can talk to me about anything right?" she said softly. And she won't judge her about it, even if she didn't entirely understand the predicament. Like Elsa, she loves her sister. Anna never gave up on her, even when things seemed bleak, she still believed that her sister could make things right. She's her best friend. Anna would help her in any way she can.

It's nothing, Elsa wanted to say but hesitated when she saw that face. Her own softened a bit, as it always does when she was with Anna. She didn't like lying to her sister, she pretty much spent eight years hiding from her and it seemed unfair to do so again. She also knows that she can't conceal all her thoughts to herself, seeing as how well that ended for her last time. But she also didn't want Anna involved in something minor, at least minor to her that is, so she compromised.

"Well...it's nothing much. I guess I've never really had much time for myself ever since becoming queen, not that I'm complaining," Elsa quickly added, not wanting to sound deprived. "I enjoy these moments we have with each other, and with Kristoff as well but... some small part me wants to explore on my own, wishing that I was never a queen so I can see the sights for myself." She sighed wistfully.

It wasn't technically lying. With most of her time being focused on the state of the kingdom and its foreign affairs, as well spending time with her family, Elsa never really had much time for herself. Sometimes feeling stressed out on all her duties to the kingdom. Oh, there were those nights when she is able to read a couple of books or two from the library, but she could never really finish them. Family. Duty. Honor. She got that phrase from a fantasy novel that she once read, and silently agreed with it. Personal matters aside, your family must come first, followed by your responsibilities. Honor is subjective, so it varies how people see it. Many leaders and heroes of old set aside their personal matters for the greater good, so it seemed reasonable to Elsa that she should follow in their footsteps.

She knew that she should be content with herself; technically speaking, despite the rough beginnings, her life as ruler and a person is going rather well. There were other kingdoms where the common people hated their king, secretly planning revolts and assassinations to undermine their authority. Arendelle? Even though the people were initially fearful of her ice powers, they slowly adjusted to it and even admired it in wonder-like awe that Anna usually does. If she were born in a peasant family or to uncaring parents, she would have been casted out or executed for witchcraft. Anna and her parents? Even though the way they showed their care didn't really end up well, her mother and father did everything they could to help Elsa control her powers. Anna of course, loved her in her own bubbly, sisterly manner.

But some miniscule part of her mind couldn't help but just wonder. Whispering to her contented self that what would it be like to explore the known world herself. She had been an introvert most of her life, only gathering tales and wonders from story-telling and the books that she'd read. Never really finding it out for herself.

"But I wouldn't have it any other way," Elsa smiled. Despite the journey she had gone through, it helped shape up the woman who she was today. And she wouldn't have changed it for the world. Besides, dabbling into one's fate can be pretty dangerous. "So there's no need to worry, Anna. It's just me being my selfish self at times even though I don't need it." she reassured her sister.

"Hmm..." Anna replied thoughtfully. She was a bit surprised at Elsa's confession. Her sister was always so calm, reserved, experienced in the ways of grace and etiquette, good at hiding her emotions, which was why she was fit to be queen. It was only from behind the curtains where she reveals her true self to Anna, doubtful at times, fearful of her decisions, showing insecurity. She was grateful that Elsa didn't shut her out. Now knowing the crux of her sister's problems, she is more determined to help.

"That's it!" she loudly exclaimed, startling Elsa. "There's this carnival I heard from some guy down in the docks, he said that it's a traveling somewhere down in the southern kingdoms, staying in towns to host festivals and such for the people. It's perfect!"

"Now, now, Anna, like I said, there's no need for—" Elsa tried to tell her seemingly excited sister that it's alright, but she wasn't listening.

"Yeah! It'll be great and stuff! Think of the food, the people you'll meet, the foreign chocolates!" Anna's mouth practically watered at the thought.

"But we already have the—"

"And who knows? You might even finally get to find your one and only, huh, Elsa?" Anna nudged her sister, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

Elsa blushed, her cheeks bathed in a light pink that looked quite a sight on her normally pale skin. Her mind went back to her letters the previous night. She shook her reddened face away, not entirely interested in the prospect of romance at the moment.

"It's quite alright, Anna," she composed herself, desperate to change topic. "But, like I said, you and the kingdom come first. Besides, hanging out with you is enough for me. And some carnival isn't going to change that."

"Are you sure, Elsa?" Anna asked uncertainly, her butterfly moving thoughts wavering slightly. "But—"

"No buts," Elsa declared, standing up. "Now let's head down for breakfast, I'm sure the chefs have something special for you." she said, smiling down at her sister.

"Fine," Anna rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. "But we're still going to talk about this later."

She laughed. "Alright, you win this, we'll talk about this later.

"Right after your meeting with Gerda of course."

Anna gave a groan. "You had to remind me about that, did you," she said, giving the elder sibling a deadpan expression.

Elsa laughed at her sister's expense. With one sweep of a hand, the entire garden was melted from its ice and snow commodities. The sisters then entered the castle, exchanging various topics and sharing a giggle once in a while.

But Anna didn't forget about their conversation as they sauntered their way towards the dining room, her mind already formulating a plan that would help benefit her sister.

000

"Nope, I'm not going through with it," Hiccup insisted, covering his ears as he headed for the door. "No, I will not lay down my position as chief for this."

The occupants of the room gave a collective sigh as Gobber, with a speed that was quite feat for his age and size, crossed steps to block the door before Hiccup could grab the handle.

"Just give it some consideration, lad."

"I am giving it some considering, only my answer to that is no." Hiccup replied stubbornly.

It was nearly midday, the chief was on his way to look for his daughter when Eret called him, saying that Valka and Gobber had something to discuss with him. He was a bit sweaty under the heat of the sun at high noon so he didn't mind the brief shelter, and he is always open to speak with his family at anytime.

After today, he might have to change that line of thought.

"Alright," Hiccup finally gave in. "Care to explain again why I need the vacation? I'm perfectly fine! And besides, there's a lot to do as chief that needs to be done by me." He argued, waving his arms and gesturing to himself."

"Hiccup, it's been a long time since you've had an entire break for yourself. When was the last time you ever went to visit another island or village that doesn't involve a new dragon or meeting with the tribe's chief for discussions?" Valka asked.

"Aye, lad, you don't go off exploring the edge of the world like ye normally used to."

"Well, there was that time when—No, okay, but how about that one time where Thug invited me and Cami to—well that actually ended up being a discussion for a new dragon rider's group, but—" he hesitated, realizing they were right that it has been a while since he last took a break for his own without any worries, but he's obstinate enough to admit it entirely to his friends.

"It's part of being a chief, that's all. Like dad once said, 'A chief's first duty is to his people' and I think I've gotten hang of it, sort of." Hiccup admitted. Thinking and speaking about his father didn't hurt as much as it did in the early days, where his dreams were even invaded by Stoick's manner of death.

"That's right," Gobber nodded. "But even Stoick took off his duties every once in a while. I remember that one time during Snoggletog where he and I did bobsledding across the northern mountains."

"But that doesn't mean—wait, you and dad did bobsledding?" Hiccup asked incredulously.

"Ha-ha! Damn right we did! He almost won by this inch," Gobber pinched his right forefinger and thumb closely together, showing little space. "but I got the upper hand when he hit Mrs. Zack's laundry rack." He guffawed, as if remembering that day. "You should've seen her face! Almost threatened to brain us with 'er axe! Ahh, those were the days."

"But how did you find other Bobs to be able to do the sledding?"

"Well, that's quite simple, we just asked—"

"As interesting as your Winter games sound like, I think we're moving past the original topic," Eret interceded, earning a grateful nod from Valka.

"Right. Now as we said before, your reasons are valid, son. Berk does need you, and you've helped us in any way possible for the past five years. And now, it's time for us to return our thanks, by giving you a break."

"It'll be good for you too, chief. To be able to explore the world again and meet travelers like when you met us." Eret suggested.

"And besides," Gobber decided to bring up their trump card, knowing that Hiccup would have to listen to this. "I heard little Nora's birthday is comin' up in a few days, am I right?" he nudged Hiccup playfully, giving Valka and Eret a subtle wink.

"Well... that's all true," Hiccup admitted slowly.

"So why not let her on a field trip for her birthday?" Valka urged. "She's never really seen anything past Berk, and it'll be quite the experience for her and to you as well."

They knew they were getting to Hiccup, he was slightly contemplating a bit more to what they have said, agreeing that maybe a little vacation might do him good, but mentioning his daughter definitely brought in the deal closer.

"And if you're worried about who'll be keeping the village running while you're gone, there's no need to panic, we got it all covered." Gobber reassured confidently.

Hiccup raised a brow at that, looking to his mother for explanation.

"He means that we'll be running the village in your stead," she elaborated. "Snotlout will be acting chief and Gobber and I will be there to advise him and take care of the dragon business as well as visits from other tribes."

Generally, back then, the inhabitants of Berk would shudder at the thought of Snotlout running the village. There were times before when Hiccup was sick and unavailable, or when Astrid and Valka were too busy to intercede that Snotlout would take the helm of Berk. Their fear was not exaggerated... well, not by much. Least to say, the storms that Snotlout led them through while he was helmsman of Berk made the people's welcome of Hiccup more wholeheartedly than usual.

Hiccup would normally be apprehensive of his cousin taking watch over as chief, but he knew him well, and observed that adulthood had changed him in more ways than one. Marriage and fatherhood lessened his once near narcissistic arrogance and ego. Brenna was her name. Originally she had been offered to Hiccup as part of a treaty with a much skeptical tribe who were still distrustful of the rising 'Dragon Chief' as they dubbed him. Hiccup, of course, refused, seeing as he already had a wife, but introduced the Viking maiden to his second-in-command.

While he is still too overconfident for Viking standards, it was more toned down as he became a lot smarter than he once was. Taking over the spot that Spitelout once did for Stoick, though providing his own opinion from time to time. And with the added help of Valka and Gobber, Hiccup was certain that the village would be in good hands.

With the last of his excuses and worries gone, Hiccup finally relented. "Oh alright, I'll think about it some more, but, um, yeah I might agree to it." he mumbled with a sigh. "Sorry, if I came in a bit too bull-headed at first." he apologized sheepishly.

Gobber and Eret laughed while Valka smiled, inwardly relieved that they finally got through him. "It's alright son, I wouldn't blame your decision of not wanting to relax, but you need it, Hiccup. It's for your own good."

"Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right." he conceded with a smile.

"But, one last thing," Hiccup pointed out with a frown. "Where would we be going? I mean, I don't mind bringing Nora to some of the other villages, but most of them will probably look like Berk, and I'm pretty sure she's too young to admire a great view when she sees one."

"Don't worry about that, chief, I've got it all covered," it was Eret who replied. "I've got just the place for a family vacation, all the while keeping it exciting of course." he assured with a grin.

Finally satisfied with all the proceedings, Hiccup once again headed for the door, Gobber sidestepping to let him through. "If you don't mind me asking," he asked, hand halfway on opening the door. "Can you at least tell me where we're going? I understand if it's a surprise, but I can't help myself on doing a bit of research regarding the place we're headed to." He couldn't stop his curiosity from getting the better of him

Realizing that all eyes were on him, Eret gave a shrug. "Sure, why not?" he said. "It's not in the archipelago if that's what you're thinking. I have to recheck my sea charts just to be certain, but it's a place somewhere far south from Berk." He thought for a bit, then nodded as if sure. "It's somewhere southeast from Berk's location. I'm not entirely sure about the name but I think it's named after a weasel or some ferret." Eret shook his head in bafflement. "Why these southron kingdoms keep naming their strongholds after animals is a mystery to me."


I wonder where they're heading to.

Just so you guys know, I'm basing this Berk's location to that of Faroe Islands. After a bit of research regarding the geography, I'm going to pinpoint the Barbaric Archipelago a little bit farther north than the original location of Faroe Islands, at least in my story that is. I did it to try and put something as close as I can to historical accuracy in here. If anyone has suggestions to offer on where to pinpoint the location of Arendelle and its neighboring kingdoms, I would gratefully appreciate the help.