I know I said not to get used to weekly updates, but this chapter kinda wrote itself. I've noticed I've been getting a lot of anon reviews. I enjoy a bit of correspondence and banter with my reviewers, but since I can't reply to anons, I'll be making some comments at the end.
The sun rose over a tense and quiet castle. What few servants there were kept their noses to the ground as they went about their daily work. The soldiers fidgeted with their weapons. And the queen stood by at her window, watching a sleigh bearing two people disappear into the trees. Turning around, Elsa looked at the men assembled before her. Captain Orik, Kai, Gustav, and several other members of her cabinet stood around her desk, waiting their orders.
"Has the dragon made any movements during the night?" Elsa asked.
"No your highness. Aside from numerous shrieks, it made no attempt to leave the room." Orik replied.
"Madam, I've removed as much of the staff as I could," Kai began. "I've stressed how important it is to keep quiet, but you know how gossip is."
"I understand."
"What, what do you propose we do?" Gustav was running a handkerchief through his hands. He, and the other members of the cabinet were looking incredibly worried.
"My men are ready to attack." Orik banged the butt of his spear against the floor. "We wait at your command."
Elsa took a deep breath. "I understand Orik. And while I do not question the bravery of you and your men, I will not have unnecessary blood spilt this day."
"Unnecessary," her Minister of the Interior sputtered. "You cannot be serious! This beast is a menace. It will kill us all!"
"If it would, why hasn't it?" Kai's calm voice cut off the man's ratings.
"The dragon had several chances last night to cause Arendelle serious harm," Elsa looked her advisor in the eye. "It had my sister at its mercy, breathed fire at Kristoff, and attacked Captain Orik. Yet each one of them were left with only minor injuries."
"This is quite strange," Orik's shoulders relaxed. "Now that I've thought about it, when we cornered it in the room, it only lashed out when my men drew close to the bed." Elsa maintained a façade of neutrality, but was glad someone was seeing the bigger picture.
"Dragons are the subject of many epics. But this one hasn't acted like them at all." Kai agreed.
"This is why I believe we can remedy this situation with fewer, if any, casualties."
"But, but, but." The minister began stuttering.
"Your highness, if I may." One of Orik's soldiers, a short but well built man named Peter stepped forward. "I was in the room last night when we confronted the beast. It reminded me of when I was a lad and went hunting with my father."
"Oh what does that have anything to do with this?!" Elsa was slowly beginning to lose patience with her minister of the interior.
"We tracked a bear back to her den," Peter continued, ignoring the pompous politician. "Inside, we found three cubs. Though it didn't breath fire, the way the dragon lashed out at us reminded me of that bear."
"A dragon protecting a boy?" Gustav asked. "If this whole thing wasn't happening before my eyes, I'd say you've been on the bottle."
"Queen Elsa, didn't you say the dragon had a saddle on?" Kai was always a stickler for details.
"If this is all true, then maybe there's more to him and the dragon than we thought." Orik's eyes began shining as an idea began forming. "If we can draw the dragon out of the castle, then we would be able to deal with it easier."
"And bring it out into the city?" Gustav asked.
"What of the courtyard," Peter suggested. "With her majesty's powers, we can contain the beast and do with it what we will."
Elsa nodded slightly. "This boy appears out of nowhere, and a dragon follows a day after. I agree with the captain, he must be the key to controlling this beast."
"Has anyone looked at him?" Peter piped in. An uneasy silence fell over the room. As far as Elsa knew, no one had actually checked on him since the doctor initially examined him.
"What if he died?" Gustav asked.
"We would have the wrath of a dragon brought down upon us!"
"ENOUGH" Elsa slammed her foot down, bringing two ice pillars up next to her chair. "This fear mongering will get us nowhere. We have a strategy. All we need is to execute it."
"How," Orik asked. "We know nothing about our foe."
"I spent most of the night reviewing some texts in your father's personal collection." Kai stepped forward. "There was little to be found, save for some fairy tales from the highlands. All in all, they say the same thing; flying reptiles of formidable size and strength, able to breathe fire down upon their foes. Man-eaters, hoarders; a most perilous breed indeed."
The cogs in Elsa's mind began turning. "Hmm," she closed her eyes and stroked her chin, not unlike how her father would muse over the most difficult of puzzles. "We need to find a way to get the boy out from underneath the dragon and out of that room. But it has to be carnivorous, and we can't risk setting off its ire." "It probably knows our scents," Orik added. "Even if we were to catch it sleeping, it would know we were there." "So we need a distraction."
As Elsa opened her eyes, the sound of a familiar, nasally laughter caught her ears. The cogs suddenly all slot into place as she pushed past her advisors and opened the door to her study. There, in the hallway, she discovered not only the source of the laughter, but the distraction she was looking for. Orik and Kai followed her out into the hallway. "Your highness?" Kai asked. "I don't think that's going to work." Orik added.
()()()
The ice pillar that separated the dragon's room from the rest of the castle began melting. It slowly receded into the floor without leaving a trace of water to stain the rug. From behind it came a creature unseen by most of the world. Though short, it defied all logic with its very existence. It had no skeleton to speak of, yet walked like a man. It had no skin, yet its semi-liquid body retained its semi-malleable shape. In its short arms, it held a metal tray littered with the charred flesh of the dead, in an attempt to appease the beast within. Its empty eyes met those of the dragon as it lifted its tray and spoke.
"Hi there, Elsa wanted to know if you were hungry."
Olaf's friendly greeting did little to placate the dragon. The black creature quickly rose from its place on the bed. It reared back on its hind legs and whipped its tail around, striking Olaf in the torso. Instead of bowling him over, the central mound of snow was knocked out from underneath him while his arms, still attached to the tray he was holding, fell straight down to the floor.
"Oh look, I've gone all to pieces."
The dragon's brow relaxed as it watched the living snowman waddle to the corner where his torso had been flung. "You know you kinda get used to things like that," he confessed, trying to grab his snow-body with his mouth. "Though I still don't know why the dogs like my arms so much." Wedging his massive front tooth into his torso, he stuck it to his waist and rolled his head down onto his neck. "Though Elsa says I can pull myself together a lot faster than some of her maids." He aimed a goofy smile at the dragon. "I don't think you have that problem though."
With his body now back where it belonged, he waddled over to where his arms had fallen off. "Now, let's try this again." He shoved one shoulder down to where his twig-arm lay. "Hi, I'm Olaf. And I like warm hugs." With his now-attached hand, he stuck his other arm back into his shoulder. The dragon was now curious. It slowly crawled down off the bed to better examine this creature. "Ah, I knew you were friendly." Olaf exclaimed as he bounced toward the dragon, completely devoid of fear. "I mean, Anna said you were big and scary, but Elsa just said you were hungry."
The dragon turned its face from Olaf to the silver tray he carried. "Yeah, so we have some roast chicken, some pork," he began listing off the assortment of meats that he had been supplied with. "I know Alfonse put some sausage on there but let me tell you, I don't know what he put in them. You know what I'm saying?" Olaf tried waggling his eyebrows, though the effect was lost on the dragon, who had never even heard of a sausage, let alone knew what one normally put in them.
Olaf watched as it sniffed a piece of fish. A strange garble which sounded like the purr of a cat bellowed from its throat as he seized it in his teeth. Lifting its head back, it swallowed it whole. "Oh, well it looks like we made some progress here." He laughed as the beast began sniffing at some of the other meats on the tray. The snowman left it to its meal as he investigated the creature. "Wow, this is some nice craftsmanship." He ran a twiggy hand over the leather strapping around its neck as if he could feel the leather to gauge its quality. "And just look at all these pouches. Wow. I bet you could carry a lot of carrots in these."
Curiosity getting the better of him, Olaf began rummaging through one of the pouches on the saddle. Inside, he found a leather-bound book, along with a sheaf of paper held together with a length of cord. "Wow, these must be really interesting," he commented, thumbing through the papers. "Well, if I could read I mean." They were covered in a series of strange runes that looked similar to the ones he saw in Elsa's study. He then came across a paper devoid of runes.
It was a charcoal-sketched picture. In it, a large, flat stone was laid out against some wooden floorboards. And on top of it, lay the very same dragon that stood next to him. However, rather than looking ferocious and intimidating, the picture reminded Olaf of Sven. Well, if Sven had wings he could wrap himself with, and if his tail was long enough to touch his snout. And the dragon having antlers would look kinda silly too. But the relaxed face, the big wet eyes, and even his tongue flopped out reminded Olaf of the big reindeer that followed Kristoff around.
A low hum over his shoulder caught Olaf's attention. The dragon's wide snout was looking at the sketch. Olaf could hear the soft purrs coming from his throat. "This is you, isn't it?" He asked, waving around the drawing. He could hardly believe it, but the dragon nodded. Olaf couldn't help but gasp. "Someone drew this for you, didn't they?" The dragon nuzzled the drawing. "Someone loves you, don't they?" It turned to face the bed and nuzzled the boy lying on it.
"Oh, I know this must be really hard for you," Olaf reached up and rubbed the dragon's shoulder. "I mean, love means putting someone else before you. Like riding a smelly pack animal across a frozen fjord in the middle of a raging blizzard. Or shutting yourself away from family for years to protect them. Or." Olaf looked at how the dragon's eyes never left the prone figure on the bed. "Or running into a strange castle filled with killing things to find someone."
If he had tear ducts, he would be crying. He reached around to the dragon's face and wrapped both arms around it. "It's ok. Everything's going to be fine." He scratched the top of the dragon's head with his carrot nose. "Elsa knows you're not here to turn everyone into a mushy red people-chowder. And Kristoff said he was going to ask the trolls for something to help your friend." He let go of the dragon's head and looked right into its big round eyes.
"Love will thaw. I promise."
For once, since its arrival in the castle, the dragon seemed to understand. It nodded to the snowman. Devoid of any hostility, it jumped back up onto the bed and curled itself around the boy. Olaf nodded back and picked up the tray, book, and papers from the floor. "I'll see you around, ok?" He waddled out of the room, his trademark grin plastered on his face. However, that grin was wiped clean as soon as he saw who was waiting for him outside.
Elsa, Captain Orik, and two dozen guards were standing outside, waiting for their cue. Armed with spears, crossbows, muskets, and with Elsa holding an ice sword and shield, they were obviously prepared to drag the boy and dragon out of the room with whatever force was necessary. The only thing they had been waiting for was the right opportunity.
An opportunity that was to be provided by Olaf.
One of the guards smacked his free hand to his forehead.
"Oh. I messed up, didn't I?"
()()()
There was a distinct nip in the air as the two of them drew closer to the tree line. Having left the paved streets of Arendelle, Sven had been able to run much faster to make up for lost time. While the skis on the sleigh weren't as smooth as they were over snow, they were still better than wagon wheels. Anna sat next to Kristoff in the front, a blanket tucked in around her to ward off the cold. She listened as the wind whistled past her ears. Normally this would have brought a smile to her face, spending time with one of the two people she most cared about in the whole world. However, something in her stomach didn't feel right.
"So, I packed those sandwiches you liked," Kristoff told her. "I mean, I know this isn't supposed to be a picnic, but knowing Grand Pabbie, we'll be up here for lunch."
"That's good." She replied. As much as she loved Alfonse's food, she didn't think it would sit well inside her. Part of her knew this was important; her family had been seeking the counsel of the trolls since Arendelle was founded. Not to mention they had told her the secret to thawing not only her heart, but that of her sister's as well. But still, another part of her felt that she shouldn't be up here, but back down in the city. She was more than just a spare; a backup in case Elsa croaked. She could do something.
Right?
Anna thought back to the night before. The way the dragon's eyes had seemed to look right into her soul. The way it's mouth opened to the most amount of teeth she'd ever seen. How all she did was scream to be rescued as she lay helpless on the ground. The way her skin felt as the nimbus of ice played its way across her body. The unshakable chill that could not be chased away or suppressed. The malice that shone in his eyes as he sneered at her helpless form.
"Anna?" One hand off the reins, Kristoff laid his other hand on her shoulder. His eyes were different than the ones that looked back at her that cold afternoon. They were only for her, and only showed the concern and love that he held for her. She felt a lump in her throat at the thought of divulging what was really wrong. It was bad enough that she couldn't help her sister. What would he think of her if she couldn't help herself.
"I'm just, worried."
"About Elsa?"
"About a lot of things." She played with her braid, something she did when she was nervous. "Elsa, the dragon, the castle, everyone, you."
"Me?"
"Yes you." She turned to Kristoff. "What were you thinking? That dragon could have killed you. Elsa was there with you. Why didn't you let her handle it."
"Because." Anna saw a telltale blush spread across Kristoff's cheeks.
"Because?"
"Yes. Because."
"You know it's improper grammar to use 'because' to begin a sentence."
"Yes, well I didn't have grammar lessons, so I didn't know."
"But you know now." She crossed her arms over her chest. "So why."
"Because," he raised a hand and scratched the back of his head. He buried his chin in his shirt collar and muttered something.
"I didn't hear you."
"Because I couldn't help you the last time." Anna tilted her head in confusion.
"Last time? I've only been attacked by a dragon once."
"No. The last time I nearly lost you." She couldn't help but gasp.
"Hans?" She asked.
"I saw him out on the fjord with that sword. I couldn't do anything for you, for Elsa. I just stood there like an idiot. Then you went and punched him off the boat and he got arrested."
"Yeah but," Anna was short for words. "You still ran all the way back to Arendelle with me. And you brought me to the trolls. And you, you did a lot for me." Kristoff's shoulder's sagged.
"Still, that doesn't mean I couldn't protect you from that creep."
"Kristoff." She wished she could say more to alleviate his sorrow. The only thing she could think about was the itching bandage on her ankle. While it didn't impair her walking much, it was still a reminder of what happened last night.
Realizing that at least one of them needed to feel better about themselves, Anna reached over and wrapped her arms around his chest.
"Kristoff, I don't care what happens. I will never forget what you did do for me." She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I love you." He caressed her cheek with his free hand.
"I love you too feistypants." He leaned into a deeper kiss, his hand still at her cheek. She wanted to climb into his lap, wrap the blanket around the two of them, and forget all about dragons, freezing, bad dreams, and a certain prince who shall continue to go unnamed.
However they had a job to do, one that Anna knew was drawing closer. The moss-covered rocks and steam vents were starting to look familiar. Part of her dreaded having another run-in with the trolls, considering what happened last time. But Kristoff seemed adamant that they'd behave themselves this time. She personally hoped so.
Finally, Sven came to a stop. Kristoff got out and unhitched him from the harness, letting him gallop off into the clearing. He walked around and offered Anna a hand out of the sleigh. As she moved to accept it, she banged her ankle against the running board. Her whole body flinched in pain.
"Anna, are you alright?" He drew closer.
"Yeah, it's just my foot."
"Can you stand?" She thought for a moment, recalling how upset he was that he couldn't help her in her time of need. Deciding to cater to his feelings, as well as indulge herself a bit, she extended her arms.
"Could, could you carry me, please?"
A look of confusion passed over his face before Kristoff's mouth broke out into that stupid grin he wore sometimes. He leaned over and wrapped her up in her blanket before hefting her in his arms, like she was weightless. Anna sighed in contentment, leaning her head against his broad shoulder. She didn't need to look up to know that he was looking at her. It felt good, resting in his arms. It was as if nothing could touch her while he held her. Part of her, deep down, remembered her papa carrying her back to bed after staying outside Elsa's door all day. There was nothing that could disturb her. She was at peace.
The rocks around them began rolling toward them. Kristoff stopped in the center of the clearing as the rocks unfolded into the shapes of his adopted troll family. While they all looked the same to her, she could still spot some familiar faces here and there. It was the first time she'd visited since the Summer of Frost, and she still felt a bit awkward.
"Hey everybody." Anna poked a hand out from underneath her blankets, waving to the trolls. Not a sound came from them, until Bulda pushed her way to the front of the crowd.
And opened her big mouth.
"They got married without us."
Review Responses:
Impressed: I wish you had an account so we could correspond properly. It's incredibly satisfying to know some people see so much detail in my stories to leave such an in-depth review. I'm never good at writing action, so I'm glad you liked it. It's the little things in a story, like reactions to characters and background info that I think really make up the meat and potatoes of it. Not to mention it's great for setting up later plot points and twists. And as far as Kai goes, him and Gerda are in a LOT of Frozen fics. I'm just continuing the cycle.
Pianist707: Crossovers are a personal favorite of mine. Especially when the characters meld together properly. Hell almost all of my stories are crossovers one way or another. You can never have one tone for a story, let alone one chapter. It stagnates things. I try to have levity, compassion, romance, and suspense as often as I can, and as often as it calls for. Also I hope you 'like' my sisterly bonding and queenly duties rambling.
Zype: Flattered, but I don't think I count as a 'sister'.
The great fan. Well I'm glad to impress
I hope you all like where I'm going. I know HTTYD and Frozen have major followings, especially among artists. I'm not trying to 'formally' commission anything, but if anyone makes some good art, I'll post it as the avatar for this fic.