Worn out from her breathtaking day, Elsa returned to her bedroom. With the lights dimmed and the atmosphere tranquil, she began preparing herself for bed, tying up her hair and setting up her bed.
Unbeknownst to the royal goddess, watchful eyes stared into her bedroom's window from a distance.
Sitting atop one of the castle's high rooftops, the little thief, returned, watched Elsa with fascination. Her blue eyes glimmered with interest and astonishment in Arendelle's ruler, but for what lies within.
She was Spirit. The mistress of wind and air. Free spirited and wild, her abilities allowed her to create unbelievable forces of wind, capable of toppling every tree in a massive forest, create whirlwinds and tornados varying in size. Most notably, it grants her the gifts of flight and incredible speed, which would explain her success in constantly swindling Arendelle.
Every so often, Spirit would tire of the food of her hidden home and secretly seek out a village or kingdom to plunder, all the while keeping her abilities a secret, if possible.
Tonight, however, she had no interest in robbing Arendelle, once again, but instead to learn more about their mysterious, snow-inclined ruler, who's been on young Spirit's mind since their encounter.
"So she's the one you were telling me about." a voice suddenly called out, slightly shaking the little thief as she made a quick turn around, smiling sheepishly.
She was greeted by a young man. He was tall, rather scrawny, with short, black hair and a bright appearance, both physically and as far as attire goes; dressed in yellow and gold. He was Lavish. A master of light. And after hearing Spirit had run off to Arendelle, he decided, being an older sibling of sorts to the mischievous girl, he'd follow behind and make sure she stayed out of trouble.
"Yeah, yeah. She's the one... Elsa." A beaming Spirit replied, unable to take her eyes off the Snow Queen. "I've never seen a gifted live amongst humans... She's so brave."
"So what's her gift, depression?"
"Shut up, alright?" Spirit spat. "She has the power of ice and snow. Oh, I've heard so much about her. They say, somewhere in the mountains, there's an entire palace made of ice, supposedly created by Elsa, herself. It's so bizarre. How can she live amongst humans? I mean, isn't that dangerous?"
"I don't know, judging by the castle, the crown, and the oversized bed, I'd say she's pretty safe, but that's just a guess."
Spirit said nothing for a while, merely observing Elsa intensely as the queen laid herself down and prepared for a night of slumber. Biting her lower lip, Spirit couldn't fight her urges.
"I wanna meet her."
"H-Huh?!" blathered Lavish, taken aback.
"I wanna meet her. C'mon, Lavish, we've got to!"
"Hey, hey, I'm all for breaking rules here and there, but if Axel finds out, we're roasted. Literally."
"He won't find out! Just a quick little meet-and-greet, then we'll go home, I promise!"
The lanky master of light exhaled as he pondered on a response. Rubbing the back of his head, his apprehensions quickly diminishing as he made a decision. "What are we waiting for?"
And with that, Spirit flew down to Elsa's bedroom balcony, using her wind to drag Lavish alongside her. The landing upon the platform, however, was far from smooth.
THUD
Elsa quickly awakened, her upper half jumping up from the covers and looking around fearfully. The room was dark, the only light being supplied by the shimmering moon from the glass, balcony door.
"Anna...?" The Snow Queen called out faintly, her eyes gazing over every inch of the room. As she began leaving her bed, a faint creak was heard out on the balcony. Throwing her fears out the window, the queen bucked up and made way for whomever the intruder may be, out on the balcony. With a harsh expression, she thrust open the glass doors to find her thief, standing at the edge.
"You?" Elsa spoke, beyond shocked to find she's returned.
Spirit slowly approached the Snow Queen, a warm smile on her face and a welcoming aura surrounding her. She placed her hands on her chest as she examined her majesty carefully, able to point out the indications of her abilities. From the hair, to the crystal eyes, to the pale skin. She truly was the mistress of ice and snow.
"Oh my gosh!" She cheered in excitable whispers. "It's really you!"
Elsa stared down at the girl, completely bewildered by her words and demeanor. Her look of fierceness and power faded away to innocent and confused, and her hands clamped together as she tried to figure things out.
And just then, Lavish arrived on the scene, immediately approaching Elsa without fear, and examining her with great focus. Personal space was unknown to this gifted man, his nose merely inches away from Elsa's as he took a closer look into her icy eyes, his back hunched and his eyes squinted.
"Yeah. She's definitely a gifted." Lavish finally spoke, rubbing his chin, his eyes still focused on Elsa. "Gorgeous, too."
"Ignore him." Spirit chuckled as she gently shoved Lavish to the side. "It's so great to finally meet you! You know, formally."
Elsa merely blinked, out of puzzlement and frustration. And it showed in her tone. "What's going on?! Wh-Who are you?"
"Oh! I'm sorry." the girl gave a sloppy curtesy, her grin wide and her eyes bright. "I'm Spirit. Mistress of Wind and Air, your majesty."
The Snow Queen lightly shook her head as she furrowed a brow. "I-I don't understand."
Spirit thought for a moment, looking at the ground, and briefly to the sky, searching for a breeze and soon finding there were none.
With a deep breath and a light exhale, she gave Elsa a smile and softly spoke. "Watch."
With those words, Spirit lifted her arms, conjuring gentle breezes throughout the air. Howls filled the sound waves as wind blew through her majesty's hair. It was incredible.
Elsa gazed around; astonished, before her gaze landed back on the young girl.
"See? I'm the Mistress of Wind and Air. I can control the gentlest of breezes, to the deadliest cyclones. I'm just like you... I'm gifted."
Elsa could hardly speak. The girl before her had magic. Just like that fire man. It wasn't just him. It was the little thief, as well. How could it be?
"You... You have magic?" Elsa asked, almost shakily. "But how?"
"I was born with it. We all were."
A smile slowly crept on Elsa's face. "All?"
"Well... Yeah. I'm not the only one. See, that's Lavish." Spirit explained as she directed Elsa's attention over to her bright companion. "And he's-"
"The Master of Light." The mischievous man continued, giving a bow. "See, we come from a place where gifted people like Spirit, myself, and even you, live together. It's great!"
"Gifted people? You mean, people with magical powers? L-Like you, and, um, Spirit, and that man... The one with the fire!"
Spirit happily nodded.
This is it! After all these years, I've finally found people just like me. And they're everything I imagined. Welcoming, sweet, they're amazing. It's almost too amazing to be true.
So many questions. But where do I begin?
"Please, come inside." Elsa suggested, walking over to the bedroom entrance with the cutest smile, her excitement flourishing. "I have so much to ask you."
Spirit and Lavish looked to each other as they sat on the balcony railing, as if they were thinking the same thing, and looking to one another for mutual confirmation. It wasn't long before their attention was reverted back to Elsa.
"We'd love to tell you everything you want to know. But a hands-on experience would be a little easier." said Spirit.
Elsa blinked. "Hands-on...? What do you mean?"
"I mean, we want you to come with us! To our home!" Spirit beamed. "You can meet the others, see everyone's powers, and be part of our family! It'd be amazing!"
"R-Really? You want me to come with you? Oh, this is incredible! Thank you so much! I've always wanted to-"
With a sudden pause, Elsa fell silent. Her bright aura of excitement quickly faded away as her eyes met the ground, heaving a saddened heart. Spirit and Lavish took notice of this, and concerned covered their faces. "What's wrong?" Spirit asked.
"I can't go..." Elsa softly answered.
"Can't go?" asked Lavish as hopped off the balcony rail. "Why not?"
"I can't leave my kingdom. Not again. I have a family to take care of, subjects. If I left, I'd be as selfish a ruler as any tyrant."
The Queen sighed, and a weak smile blossomed across her lips as she looked to her two new acquaintances, who's faces were still covered with disappointment. "But thank you. Both of you. You've finally proven all I've ever wanted to know. What I've always dreamed of. This meeting was everything I've ever hoped for, and then some. How can I ever repay you?"
Spirit looked down to her feet, twiddling her fingers out of apprehension. "I mean... You can come with us..."
"Spirit..." The Snow Queen sadly sighed.
"Elsa, you don't have to stay! Just visit! There's so much I want to show you, and I know it'd make you happy! Please..."
An uncertain Elsa looked at her two peers, back at her bedroom, and to her peers again.
This is literally what I've always wanted. For years. To find people who share my lifestyle, share my gift. I won't be gone forever. And the night's still young. I should be able to manage a safe return before sunrise, if I handle this right.
Would it really hurt to visit...?