So sorry for the long wait! I've had quite a bit going on recently.
So I made this chapter eeeexxxtra long!
Hope it makes up for the wait! ENJOY! _
A Foreign Exchange
Chapter 3:Marked
A young girl remains deathly still. Her limbs firmly embedded into place like ancient tree roots huddled up at the bars of her prison cell. Knees pulled tightly against her chest, arms cradling her head as if to protect her from the world around her. Frequent sniffles and painful sobs escape the girl's protective shell, while tears flow freely down her sodden cheeks.
I'll never leave this dark prison, I keep seeing all these scary things. Haunting screams and splashes of crimson blood stains my mind. Replaying over and over again, but the visions always end with the same frightening gnarled grin. Blood-spattered and fearsome, reminding me of death itself. Snarling at me condescendingly as if it knows something I do not. "No no no no NO NO! What are these things!? I don't understand...someone anyone...please I don't want to be alone. ." The girl whispers woefully.
As if in answer to the girl's prayers, a slender hand extends into the cell resting on top of the girl's head, gently pushing back the crazy tangles of red. Immediately, the red head flinches away from the contact, thinking it's another guard arriving to punish her. A soft concerned voice breaks the eerie silence. The voice is obviously familiar to the girl, because almost at once the red haired girl's head shoots up in anticipation. Her cheeks glistening with previously shed tears.
"What's wrong?" The elegantly dressed blonde asks while cupping the redhead's face catching the escaping tears with the pad of her thumb. The girl leans her head into the blonde's touch finding a small comfort in the simple gesture. "Anna please don't cry...I'm here for you." The girl states.
Anna continues to stare silently at the other woman through the bars, trying to catch her icy gaze. But she avoids Anna's marine green eyes with a copious amount of effort. Not being able to stand the thought of the blonde being unable to look at her, she tugs at the hand cupping her face, bringing the slender appendage to her lips. At this gesture the blonde's eyes snap open and tries pulling her hand away but Anna's grip is strong, making her efforts to remove the hand from Anna's grasp futile. She has no intention of letting her go. She knows eventually her behavior will earn her the much needed attention of the girl's icy gaze.
"Elsa, please look at me. I want to see those eyes of yours…" She pauses letting her words hang in the air around them. " The ones I fell in love with." Anna finishes.
With this statement, Anna finally earns Elsa's gaze. The two stare intensely at the other. Words that haven't been spoken hang between the two. Suddenly, there's a loud clang from the entrance of the dungeon. Both girls know that there isn't much time left before a guard will come storming in to usher Elsa away. It's much too late in the night for visitors even if it is the princess.
Elsa flashes Anna a sad smile " Anna I lo-"
Anna bolts up from the bed taking in multiple shuddering breaths. Trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. Pushing back her mane of auburn hair off her face, feeling a few resilient wet strands plastered to her face. Cold beads of sweat continue to trickle down Anna's flushed skin. The indescribable feeling of searing pain overcomes Anna again. She clutches at the damp material covering her chest, feeling scared and unsure. She's felt nothing like this before in her life.
"Fuck...what's wrong with me." Anna shutters through clenched teeth.
Anna attempts to lift her other hand, but is troubled when she finds it wrapped in an iron grip. It is then that Anna finally notices the pale blonde at her bedside whose slender hand is wrapped around her own. At seeing the sleeping blonde Anna can't help but smile.
Who is this mysterious blonde woman? Why did I dream about you?...Why can't I stop thinking about you?! And how the hell did I end up here...and who the hell changed my clothes!? Did I change them then went to sleep?...Why the heck can't I remember anything?
Anna rubs at one of her temples with her one free hand. She tugs again on her right but gives up realizing the icy blonde has no intention of letting her go. She turns her attention to the bedside table, resting elegantly on the dark wood is a small crystal crown. Anna looks back and forth between the woman and the crown, and very hesitantly to not wake the woman Anna reaches out and gently touches the crown. After her fingers touch the crown for a moment, she retracts the hand quickly from the frigid object. A look of realization hits Anna.
It's ice...I remember that...Being in the throne room with this woman, wait not just any woman, royalty! At least I remember something...I'm not sure why but I don't want to wake her up. What did she say her name was? E something...Ella? No maybe Ellen? No No that's not it maybe Elana? Dammit why can't I remember this one damn thing, is that really too much to ask!? Oh my god, come on Anna use some of that brain power we have!
Anna again looks down at the blonde, watching her shoulders rise and fall. Anna giggles when a strand of hair begins tickling the woman's nose. The woman's nose twitches for a moment and Anna fears she might wake up. Absentmindedly Anna leans forward and brushes the stray strand of the her face finding an odd familiarity in the action.
"Elsa" Anna says abruptly.
The blonde unconsciously let's out a soft sigh. Anna's fingers remain locked in Elsa's hair while she stares at her intently with an endless amount of thoughts running through her mind.
Her hair is the softest I've ever felt it's like silk threading through my fingers. I could keep doing this forever... How has this woman singlehandedly changed my world in just a few hours? Wait. Now that I think about it, how long have I been asleep…?
Anna stops her ministrations when she notices Elsa's mildly elongated ears. She stares at them for a few moments, trying to decide if it'd be alright to touch them. Figuring she doesn't have much to lose, she gently runs her fingers over the pale flesh inquisitively. Elsa's ear starts twitching frantically in an irritated manner. Anna let's out a small giggle.
Oh her ears...How odd, the way they keep twitching all cute and frantic reminds me of a dog! I wonder if they're like super sensitive? Wait, maybe she has like super human hearing!? That would be so cool like you could eavesdrop on people to hunt down criminals or catch the most recent gossip. Not that I'm much for gossip but it would still be cool... Hmmm should I wake her up? For some reason I feel like she doesn't sleep very often, plus she's kind of cute when she's asleep like this kind of reminds me of a sleepy kitty.
Anna votes against waking up the blonde, thinking it'd be a too much of a shame to rouse her up. Anna decides to instead take the time to observe the rest of her surroundings. The room she's in is simply the most elegant place she has ever seen. The walls are made of alabaster white stone that run into a high arched ceiling. There's only one door in the room and it's black lacquered, gleaming slightly with the efficacious amount of candle light in the room.
There's quite a lot of candles lit in the room, it must be night time. Looking out an arched window I see the most magnificent starry sky I've ever seen. It's as if I'm in Van Gogh's Starry Night painting. Goodness it's the prettiest thing I've ever seen.
Anna continues to stare out the window, not noticing a certain blonde starting to fuss in her sleep. Eventually, Anna refocuses her attention to the room around her which is a difficult task for her with her overactive mind. The room is very abstract and strictly colored. It appears to Anna that almost everything in the room is black and white, with some splashes of color such as a purple cloak hanging on a black leather chair in front of a marble fireplace. The fireplace itself is gigantic, with large intricate designs carved into it. The designs swirl together, a certain radial symmetry in it. Anna can make out beautiful snowflakes, a crown, and what appears to be dragons.
What odd things to carve together on the fireplace, they have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Or do they? Well, the snowflakes make sense because of Elsa's magic, and well obviously the crown because she's like the queen...but what's up with the dragons? Psssh maybe she keeps them for pets or something, of course dogs would be too mainstream.
Anna lets out a small sigh before plopping back down on the bed. Her arm spread out making a whop noise when it hits the surrounding plush pillows. Anna feels a slight tightening grip on her hand and looks back over to Elsa. Anna stares at her longingly, watching the woman's eyebrows pinch together and her face scrunch up.
I wonder what she's dreaming about… What if she's dreaming about me? Like I dreamed about her...
Anna's hand flies up at the suggestion so she can lay her arm over her eyes. Blocking her vision of Elsa, Anna's face bears a slightly flushed look.
How presumptuous Anna. There's no way someone like her would be dreaming about someone like me. Totally basic and normal. Well at least I use to be..
Anna slightly moves her arm, creating a small space to peer out at Elsa. She stares at her for only a moment before closing the gap and shutting her eyes. Too unsure of herself to look at the sleeping woman.
Uhg what the hell have you gotten yourself into Anna...crazy forest, talking animals, cute albino boy..Oh I wonder where Olaf is? He certainly disappeared on me, plus he honestly didn't give me a good heads up about his gorgeous sister...I remember meeting her in the throne room and ice shattering, then lots running but I have no idea what we said to each other? Why is that... that's so odd. I can't shake this odd feeling that something important happened before I lost consciousness...damn what the hell was it?
Anna's lips slightly tingle at her mental rambling, but she doesn't take any heed to to it. She shuffles around in the bed trying to get into a more comfortable position, but stops abruptly as another wave of pain in her chest washes over her. Anna shoots into a sitting position, hand firmly clutching at her chest.
What the hell is going on!? What is this pain…
Very hesitantly Anna pulls the dull green fabric away from her flesh, and peers down her chest. She can't quite see anything, so she fumbles over the string keeping the shirt closed, trying to get the strings as loose as possible. After a couple minutes of struggling she removes the material from her chest. Exposing an ample amount of her breasts, but she's too caught up on the design marked in between her breasts to be modest.
"What in the hell is that! That definitely wasn't there before...the only tattoo I have is a celtic knot band on my bicep!" Anna shouts.
But there it is plain as day. Okay calm down Anna, this isn't as bad as when I got drunk at that college party and woke up in Kristoff's bed. Nothing will ever be as terrifying as that...I had to throw away those clothes. So just take a few breathes. It could be a much worse tattoo, I've always had a thing for snowflakes…
Anna again peers down at her previously unmarked flesh, the white tattoo is quite large. The center of the snowflake is perfectly in between her breasts, while three lines branch off two over her breasts and one in the middle on her clavicle, then another set of lines symmetrically below her breasts. It's about 4 by 4 inches in size, the bright white snowflake is a beautiful contrast against her sun kissed skin. Slowly, Anna runs her finger down the length of the new tattoo, searching to feel the angry lines but is shocked to find the skin completely smooth.
"You've got to be kidding me...When was the last time I drank?" Anna say's bewildered.
Suddenly, someone clears their throat next to Anna. She immediately burns bright red. Very hesitantly as if scared of a beast she turns in the direction of the noise. She's met with a pair of big ice blue eyes that seem to be shocked yet slightly pleased at Anna's current state.
"What's wrong? Is it too hot in here?" Elsa pauses as if to test the temperature. "I can cool the room down if it would please you?" Elsa asks seriously.
Anna continues to stare at the girl, but words completely escape her mind. She reaches for any type of conversation topics but it's as if she's a football player who keeps fumbling the ball.
Jesus she really is the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen...I don't even know what to say. What could I possibly say that won't sound stupid to a queen? Uh..hi, I'm Anna and you are? Oh god, just don't open your mouth. Pretend that the recent events have shocked your system so significantly that you're now a mute!
Anna finally looks away in flushed embarrassment, focusing her gaze on the strings of her shirt. It's then that she remembers that a considerable amount of her flesh is being bared to the Queen. Rushedly, Anna grabs the string to tie her shirt into a more modest wear, but she fumbles nervously under the Queen's eyes. Exasperated with her attempts, she lets out a sigh. Elsa's hands enter the fray of tangled string, causing Anna's hands to immediately drop to her sides to let her fix them. Elsa's hand hovers over the tattoo on Anna's chest. Very gently, a long nail trails over the white mark causing a shiver to ripple through Anna's body. Hesitantly Anna places her hands on top of Elsa's stopping the Queen's ministrations.
"I dreamed about you...El- I mean your majesty…" Anna says.
Elsa looks back up at Anna with an almost impish grin. Anna's heart begins thumping louder in her chest from the woman's suggestive look.
Stupid Stupid STUPID! Out of all the things I could of said it just had to be I dreamed of you! How the hell is that supposed to sound? Is there even a way to say it normally? Like of hey how's your day going? Oh good, well fantastic! Well what about me? Well I dreamed about you! Ahhhhh me and my big dumb mouth. I should've stuck with the mute idea.
"Was it a good dream?" Elsa asks waking Anna from her internal debate.
Anna finally gives Elsa her undivided attention. Anna can see her own marine eyes reflected in Elsa's crystal pools. It's then that the events from the previous day come back to Anna, her eyes wander down to Elsa's plush pink lips remembering the kiss between the two girls.
I...We kissed! Why did she kiss me? Maybe it was like just on a whim? I think I passed out right after that. I probably short circuited from feeling those gorgeous lips! Shit, come on Anna this isn't the time, but still what type of person kisses someone they just met? I could of been a psycho murder for all she knew! Well now that I think about it she mentioned something about me forgetting...but what is it I've forgotten?
Is it possible we've met before? Anna shakes her head, ridding herself of the ridiculous thought.
No that's impossible, there's no way it could be possible. Could it?
Anna removes her hand's from over the top of Elsa's, taking the hint Elsa continues relacing the shirt strings.
"So it's safe to assume it was not a pleasant dream?" Elsa says uncertainty.
Anna very slowly, almost teasingly touches her fingertips to her lips.
"Honestly, I'm not sure yet. It certainly wasn't horrible." Anna replies with a blush.
"I see. Well I suppose I can work with that. Tell me Anna what do you remember?"
Elsa finally finishes lacing up the shirt and retreats back into her leather chair. Her icy gaze never leaves Anna. She looks as if there's something on the tip of her tongue that she desperately wants to say, but is stubbornly refusing to.
"Well, I remember waking up in the Enchanted- Mystic forest or what not, uhm then meeting Olaf- uh Prince Olaf. Sorry." Elsa nods her head for Anna to continue. "Well, he showed me around the castle a bit, we were looking for you actually. Then when he left you sort of appeared in the throne room, oh I'm really sorry about running away, that's so rude but honestly this is all a little overwhelming for me. I was experiencing some weird aches and pains...Like this new tattoo!" Anna points to her chest. "Do you have any idea how that got there, or how I ended up here?" Anna finishes rushedly.
"You seemed to of been sent here, by the Gods it appears...Well it's good news you remember most of the other day's events as for-"
"Wait the other day's ? How long have I been asleep?!" Anna shouts.
"Well, a night and a day I suppose. You had me quite worried. The physician could not tell me why you wouldn't wake. I believe he said all I could do was wait, that the recent events had exhausted your fragile mortal state." Elsa says.
"You a- a uhm didn't stay here the entire time did you? Your Maj-." This time Elsa cuts Anna off.
"Please, when were alone like this call me Elsa."
"Uh are you sure? I don't want to offend you-"
"You'd harm me more by being so formal with me Anna." Elsa states.
There's a moment of dead air between the two girls, both unsure of what to say. The air is filled thick, with unwanted tension and worry.
She's kind of hard to talk to, but I mean she still hasn't answered any of my questions! I need to know how to get back home, that's what matters most. What if I'm stuck here forever in this fantasy world! No, no come on Anna think positive you got here some how so there must be a way back. And Elsa's exactly the person who would know.
"Why am I here, why would Gods send for me...Elsa please tell me... is there a way for me to return home?" Anna asks sorrowfully.
Elsa remains silent, making Anna suddenly feel queasy. She can't believe that there isn't a way for her to return, it's simply preposterous. Anna's hands begin to tremble, not being able to stop her jittering hands she grips onto the surrounding blankets. Trying to at least hide her unease, but Elsa notices in the blink of an eye. She quickly reaches over and grabs onto Anna's hands. Elsa tugs on her shaking limbs,forcing Anna to let the sheets go but Anna still refuses to look up at the queen. She's already accepted the fact she will never return home, but yet she doesn't want to believe it.
"There is a way, but even my magic isn't strong enough to open the portal between our worlds. We'll have to wait until the winter solstice when my magic is at it's strongest." Elsa says rubbing tight circles on Anna's palms.
Anna can't fight the tears that come, she's so relieved that she can actually return home. She continues to quietly sob, her shoulders shudder up and down in time with her silent cries. Elsa squints her eyes at the girl, a clearly displeased look graces her face.
"Listen Anna, I know all of this is a lot to take in, but there is a reason you're here. I need your help." Elsa says breaking the silence.
After a few more sniffles Anna clears her throat to speak. "What could I possibly do to help you?" She sniffles.
"Well more than you know…Listen every few centuries when a member of the royal family comes of age a mortal with ancient roots is brought here to become a kavajer." Elsa pauses looking to see how Anna is faring with the information. She takes a deep steadying breath before continuing. "A kavajer is one of the greatest honors in my kingdom, it's a union in a way. It's very sacred, and also very important in our culture. And well, the point of telling you this is because you are my kavajer." Elsa states.
Anna stares dumbfounded at the Queen.
She must be mistaken there's no way in hell I'm this woman's kavala- kavajer or whatever! This must be some mistake, she must have me confused with someone else. Yes that's it because this is impossible!
"Not to offend you or anything, but you definitely have the wrong girl! I'm just a normal college girl there's nothing special about me!" Anna stutters out.
Elsa scoffs, "You're quite mistaken Anna. You can't feel it yet because our bond isn't complete, but I know without a doubt that you are mine." Elsa says almost offended.
"Well, what makes you so sure? This bond isn't complete...but if it's there...there must be some way to prove it?!" Anna asks defiantly.
"For starters you're from Norway, which is where our culture was built. Your family has lived there for generations dating back to the oldest kingdom's royalty. Secondly, I felt you as soon as you arrived that's why I made sure Olaf was out and about. Thirdly," Elsa pauses. Letting go of Anna's hands so she can move to the strings of Anna's shirt. She places her cold slender fingers on Anna's chest pulling the fabric enough to where the snowflake tattoo is bared. "For your proof, you bear my mark. I've Marked you, there's no denying that. If you were not my kavajer this mark would not be here." Elsa says smirking down at Anna.
Slowly, she trails her hand from Anna's chest up to her face. Her long nails gently scrape the skin of Anna's neck, causing the girl to shiver. She forces Anna's head to look at her chest. Anna blushes madly as her vision is being directed toward the blonde's plentiful breasts that are slightly exposed from her nightgown.
"Mm mm mmm up here Anna," Elsa says pointing to the clasp on her cloak. "This snowflake is my signature as ruler of my kingdom. A mark that you now bear on your skin. So again, yes. I am sure you are my kavajer."
Anna has no inkling of what to say, words escape her like leaves in the breeze. She stares at the clasp of Elsa's cloak, then down at the tattoo on her chest.
They're exactly the same...holy shit what am I supposed to do now? I- she said something about needing my help...does that have something to do with why I've been marked? She said marked! As if I'm her mate or something! Not that I would really- NO Nope this is not the time Anna.
"I uh uhm what would you or- what do you want from me?" Anna says quietly.
"A kavajer works as a catalyst, so through our bond you would stabilize my magic when I choose to use it. It works as a stabilizer and an amplifier, generally." Elsa replies.
Elsa sits back down in her chair, removing herself from Anna, leaving her to miss the touch, the sense of calm it brought upon her.
"My magic is uncontrollably strong, my magic overpowers even the highest elders in my kingdom who have lived for centuries. Honing their skills. There's a delicate ritual I must perform, and without my kavajer's, your help it won't be possible. If I can not complete this task then my kingdom will-" As Elsa began talking rushedly Anna stops her.
"I'll do it, you don't have to convince me or anything like that. Whatever you need I'll do, I can't promise anything but I'll try my best to be your Kavajer." Anna replies, hoping her answer calms the woman.
"You must promise me something in return, that when the time comes you'll help me return home?" Anna asks.
Elsa stares at Anna for a long moment, contemplation clear on her face. Anna hopes she'll understand, her life isn't here she must return home.
"Of course, I accept this term. But, you must fulfill every duty of a royal kavaljer. Is that agreeable Anna?" Elsa counters.
"Of course whatever is needed, as long as I can return home."
"This is quite sufficient, I'll have my royal scholar come to you in the morning. He can teach you what you'll need to know, and answer whatever questions you may have." Elsa replies.
"Okay...uh sounds good." Anna replies awkwardly.
I hope he's not super scary, that's the last thing I need. This is my best bet to get home, what other choice do I have then to help her out? I can't shake the feeling that there's something she's keeping from me...why did I dream about her...the odd thing is it didn't feel like a dream it honestly felt like a...distant memory.
"Elsa I-"
"So will you accept my pledge? We must seal our bond." Elsa counters.
"Uhm right now? There's no blood ritual or satanic symbols or anything?" Anna says half joking.
"Nothing of the sort, we can wait until you're not bedridden if you'd prefer?" Elsa asks.
"Yeah I'd prefer to wait. If you don't mind?"
"I do not, I want you to be clear headed before you accept my pledge." Elsa moves closer to Anna. "This means very much to me, may I show you my appreciation?" Elsa asks with a gleam in her eye.
"That's not necessary, I mean we need each other's help right?"
"This is true, I've been waiting for an immensely long amount of time for you to come to me."
Anna watches on as Elsa stands and unclasps her white fur cloak, but it slips through her fingertips. Unexpectedly Anna reaches out and catches it before it can hit the ground, she rubs at the thick furred cloak amazed at it's pure white color. Anna being too focused on the cloak, didn't notice how Elsa had closed the distance between them until she felt a hand land upon her own.
"Anna…" Elsa whispers.
She's so close I can count the freckles on her face, I'd say there's about 10 maybe 11. Why is she just staring at me like this? Oh god I probably look like a sweaty lion, if lions could sweat.
Anna moves to brush a strand of hair off her face but Elsa beats her to it. Elsa's fingers stay in the depths of Anna's hair gently scraping against her scalp. When she begins closing the distance between them, Anna's eyes involuntarily flutter shut. Elsa remains so close Anna can feel her frosty breath dance across her skin. Suddenly a loud chime echoes throughout the castle, causing Anna to jump. Elsa chuckles quietly at Anna's jumpy behavior, Anna opens her eyes as Elsa presses a chilly kiss to her cheek.
"Uhm what-" Anna utters.
But stops when Elsa brushes her fingers over her nightgown and a shimmering effect runs over her body. When Anna opens her eyes again Elsa's nightgown is replaced with a navy blue embroidered high collar dress.
"I have some things to prepare before the morn, rest awhile I shall send a servant in the morning so you may join me for breakfast."
Elsa say's while clasping her cloak back on. The snow white fur gleaming yellow hues from the trembling candle light. Elsa turn around to look back at Anna to find her still sitting up in the bed.
"You should sleep Anna, breakfast will be served quite early in the morning." Elsa replies turning away from Anna again.
Anna lays down, not wanting to argue with the needing rest part. She feels as if she just ran a 5k marathon, Anna flops down on the sheets tilting her head up enough to see Elsa's back. A though just now occurring to Anna.
"This wouldn't happen to be your-"
"My bedroom, yes it is." Elsa replies with an amused tone.
"Oh, oh okay well shouldn't I sleep somewhere less scandalous..." Anna replies completely embarrassed.
"Scandalous? You are quite amusing Anna. No, you belong here, all kavaljer share a living space with there partner. It would be dangerous to keep you apart from me." Elsa replies quietly.
"Dangerous?"
"Do not fret you are perfectly safe. We shall talk more in the morn." Was Elsa's authoritative reply.
Hearing the authority in Elsa's voice, Anna decided it would be better to ask questions in the morning. She certainly didn't want to upset this Queen of winter. Anna turns over in the bed deciding to heed the Queen's advice and get some much needed sleep. It's so quiet in the room Anna can hear the small steps Elsa makes to the door, and the groan of the door opening. Elsa halts in the open doorway a teasing smile growing on her face.
"Sweet dreams Anna, dream of me." Elsa whispers.
Anna shoves her scarlet face under the sheets. As the Queen chuckles and exits the bedroom.
I can't believe she said that, oh my of why did I tell her that. Well looks like sleep won't come easy tonight...
Well I know it was loooong, but I hope everyone enjoyed it!
Like usual all comments, questions and concerns are welcome!
Oh I'm also working on some sketches of this, so if anyone's interested let me know!
Till next time!