Fear, the Enemy
-M. Lauren
CHAPTER FOUR
The temperature had dropped with the setting sun. It's final rays disappearing behind the Northern Mountain. A gentle snow had begun to fall from the clouds overhead, but the pending winter did not matter. Irene ran, watching smoke billow over the tops of the quaint shops and stalls lining the cobblestone path. Her heart pounded in her ears, echoing in her terror. Villagers crowded around the stables making it difficult for her to pass through. She raised her hands and squeezed herself forcefully through the horde.
"Vera!" She yelled over the chaos. Seeing her distress, the people divided allowing her to pass through. Once at the edge of the barn her mouth dropped open in alarm. The roof had collapsed in and set ablaze. Collections of men were working buckets up from the fjord in an effort to put it out. "Vera!" Her call came again. The swarm of inhabitants dispersed as Queen Elsa and Princess Anna came to her side, the same look of horror alive over their soft features.
"There!" Anna pointed frantically toward the disheveled side baring. A soot-covered gentleman was lifting Vera from the debris.
"She's alright." He promised as he hurried over towards the Queen. "She's okay." He set a very frightened looking Vera on her feet. Tears fell from her eyes as she collapsed into her aunt's waiting arms.
"I didn't mean to!" She cried into Irene's shirt, dampening the white cotton with her regret.
"Shh," She encouraged, running gentle fingers through the five year olds long blonde hair.
"Where's Kristoff?" Anna inquired with unease. She looked to her sister as her cheeks void of color.
"We'll find him." Elsa promised as she leapt over the wreckage and into what was left of the burning building. As she squeezed into the doorway she saw the entire back of the building had been torn away, shredded to pieces by the collapsed roof. The hay continued to burn near her feet, igniting the remaining lumber. She ignored the resistance in her injured arm as ice blasted from her fingertips and covered the bits of scorched wood. The patrons' with their buckets' stepped away as the fire was frozen to none. She relaxed her hands onto her knees as she reined in her emotions. The air in the barn was still thick with smoke. She crawled over the rubbish as best she could in search for her friend.
"He's here!" Called Sir Talbot. Elsa carefully circled what was left of the interior wall to find Kristoff pinned under the collapsed roof. "He's stuck under the board." Douglas explained.
Elsa wasted no time. She lifted the boards with her powers, hoisting them up and onto the hill with a gust of frigid wind. Kristoff groaned as his lungs released. "I'm okay," He croaked.
Anna hurried to his side, falling to her knees as she enveloped his head into a hug. "You're okay!" She smiled, peppering his face with kisses.
"Sven?" He whispered. Anna stilled her assault and looked down into his eyes.
"I-" As if on cue Sven rounded the bordering stall and licked his tongue across Anna's cheek.
"Buddy!" Kristoff smiled. "There you are."
"We need to get him to a medic." Elsa turned to her advisor. "I need a transport."
The villagers and Sir Douglas worked to lift Kristoff from his position and onto the slab of the old barn door that had broken away in the collapse. "I'm fine!" Kristoff encouraged. "I don't need any help." He tried to lift himself from his laid position, but Anna protested against his chest with her hand.
"You're going." She followed the crew of men as they carried Kristoff down the cobblestone path and towards the home of the town medic.
Elsa spun, eyeing the wreckage, thankful the horses had been gated in the near by pasture for the afternoon. Three of the end stalls remained intact, but it's structured was compromised by the weight of the fallen boards. She sighed, everyone was okay. She released the breathe shed been holding as she ran a hand through the winglets of hair that had torn from her braid. "What should we do, your majesty." The man who had carried Vera out of the fire came to stand at her side.
She looked up at the darkening sky. The snow was coming down harder now. With a frown she cursed her inability to stall natural weather patterns. Elsa offered the man a small smile as she turned to face him. "Salvage what you can before dark." She placed a grateful hand on his shoulder. "And don't go for long if this storm persists. There's always tomorrow."
"Of course, your majesty." He waved an arm at a team of men standing behind him in waiting. They set forth in assessing the damage before getting to work.
Queen Elsa crept back over the broken boards on wobbling knees. Fingering the rubble with timid hands, she slowly returned to where Irene and Vera had once been. In their place was a scorched child's shoe. It lay abandoned against the snow-dusted stones like a rag doll torn from a toddler. She bent at her waist and grasped the leather fabric into her palm. As she stood, she searched high over the onlookers for the missing female travelers. "Where did the girl go?" Elsa asked Alba, the grocer's wife, who was standing off to the side of the fence. She pointed beyond the shops and back towards the clearing where Elsa had first found them.
Without much thought, Elsa took off at a run. She dashed between the stalls and crunched her heels into the fallen snow as she made her way down the hill. She hurried rapidly towards the mouth of the great forest. Irene was carrying Vera against her chest just beyond the tree line. "Wait!" Elsa called, hastening her sprint. The woman continued to move away from the town. "Irene!" She yelled again. The brunette stilled, coming to a halt between two trees. She kept her back to the queen as she neared. Elsa slowed to a stop at her side, her lungs rising and falling in quickened gasps. "Where are you going?" She breathed.
Irene sighed and turned to face the woman beside her. She looked at Vera before lowering her to the ground. The girl bobbled back and forth over her barefoot, looking pained. Elsa offered the girl a small smiled before handing her the shoe. With delicate fingers she returned the leather sole to her foot, wincing as the fabric came in contact with her toes. Elsa frowned and bent down to examine Vera's skin. She pulled back the tongue and revealed a dark purple burn across the hilt of her foot. With a gentle caress, Elsa pressed her palm to the embellishment, cooling it with her touch. Vera grinned as the women stood. "Thank you." She whispered sadly.
The elegant blonde turned to observe Irene. The woman's olive complexion was tightened with anxiety. They meet eyes briefly before Irene tensed and looked down to her niece. "We really should be going." She explained, placing a hand on Vera's shoulder.
"You know that really isn't necessary." Elsa encouraged polietly. "Accidents happen and everyone's going to be okay." Neither girl responded, they kept their gaze casted towards the ground. "There are other places to stay in Arendelle too, if that's what you're worried about. I can help you make other arrangements."
"Thank you, your majesty, but that won't be necessary." Irene stiffened her back, raising her chin in respect.
"Please," The woman creased her blue eyes into a squinted concern. "Call me Elsa."
Irene nodded, tightening her hold on Vera's arm. "Very well, Elsa. We thank you for your hospitality, but it's no longer required."
"But-" Vera moaned apprehensively as she looked up at the older woman. "But we've come all this way to be here. Surely we can't just go back now."
A small sigh escaped Irene's lips as she frowned her forehead into further defeat. "We will figure something else out, Vera, I promise."
The small blonde looked up to the queen with pleading eyes. Elsa reached out and touched the girls chin with her finger. "I can assure you it's no bother to have you here in Arendelle. Everyone is welcome here for as long as they need." Irene went to protest and Elsa raised her hand to stop her. "We have plenty of room to accommodate you in the guest hall at the castle, if even for just a night." She cocked her head in worry. "Perhaps leaving at dusk is not the best idea. Why don't you stay there and you can continue your journey tomorrow if you feel that's what is best."
"Your Majesty-" The Queen frowned. "I'm sorry, Elsa.." She turned to hide her reddening cheeks. "We've been nothing, but trouble since we've arrived here." Irene explained. "You were attacked by wolves and my niece set fire to your stables. Do you really want us in your home?"
A small turn of Elsa's lips worked to ease the woman's apprehension. "Nothing has happened that can't be over come." The queen ensured. "We'd be happy to have you stay with us."
"Perhaps it would be better if we-"
"Enough." Elsa interrupted. "I won't hear another word about it. You will both stay at the castle tonight."
It was just after dusk when Anna entered the foyer with Kristoff at her side. He limped angrily across the white stone tile, cursing under his breath. The red head rolled her eyes playfully at him as she held open the door to the hall. "I'm not an invalid." He mumbled.
"I know you're not, but you're hurt so you get special treatment." Her eyes twinkled as he passed through the opening.
"Is that so?" He chuckled. "Does that mean you're going to convince Greta to make her famous lamb stew for me?" His face showed with eager elation.
"Perhaps." She swirled in her dress, directing him to the lounge. "That is, if you follow the doctors orders and rest like he told you to."
Kristoff chuffed, folding his arms together against his chest in protest. "It's just a bruise."
"I don't care." She sang gleefully. "You're going to set up right here." She instructed, placing her hands against the pink cushions of the sofa. He growled as he dropped to his rear and brought his injured leg up onto the platform.
"Are you happy now?" He teased mercifully.
"Ecstatic." She grinned and hurried over to the fireplace. The cell was already at a dull roar. She quickly added a bit of twig and vine from the basket to the right of the mantle into the flames, watching as they raced back to life.
"Don't you think I've had enough fire for one day?" The large blonde male flashed her a cheeky smirk as she turned to face him.
"That's enough from you." Anna lowered her eyes into a glare. "I am going to go find Elsa and see if she can work some magic on that knee of yours."
Kristoff groaned. "You don't need to bother your sister with my injuries."
She stalled his objections with a humorous click of her tongue, and left before he could say another word.
The sound of hushed laughter and the aroma of chocolate greeted Anna from the doors to the dining room. She tipped her nose, floating over her feet as she followed the delicious scent beyond the hall and into the kitchen. As she rounded the pantry her eyes fell onto an unlikely duo. The young blonde, Vera, sat on top on the counter, a large bowl of melted chocolate perched on her lap. Elsa stood beside her, swirling a bit of Greta's homemade biscuit in the dark sweet liquid.
"It always tastes better if the biscuit is thoroughly coated." She held it out for Vera who accepted it graciously in between her cotton gloved fingers. The girl brought the treat up to her lips and munched politely behind her hand.
"Mmm!" Vera's eyes lit up as the chocolate filtered over her taste buds in delight. "This is incredible!" She giggled and swallowed the rest of the biscuit whole.
"Well, well, well." Anna teased as she made her self-known to the two girls devouring sweets. "What do we have here?"
Elsa smiled at her younger sister before winking at Vera. "I told you her chocolate senses would be tingling. She always seems to know when Greta's made something delightful."
"It's a gift!" Anna crooned as she snatched a bit of the biscuit from off of the plate and swiped it in the brown goo. She dropped it into her mouth and grinned in content. Vera watched as Anna relaxed into her shoulders. "That's exactly what I needed."
Vera laughed again before hesitantly reaching for another cookie. Elsa pushed the plate closer to her before turning to her sister. "Vera, don't ruin your appetite." She instructed. "Greta has a pot of stew on for dinner." She backed towards the door. "I'm going to talk to my sister and I will be right back." Vera nodded as she greedily ate another biscuit, paying little mind to the two women leaving the room.
Anna waited to speak until the door closed softly behind them. "So what's going on in there?" She whispered knowingly.
"Well," Elsa placed her hands together and straightened her back. "Seeing how the stables burnt down, they couldn't very well stay there." She explained. "So, I've invited them to stay in the guest hall for the evening."
Anna pursed her lips and nodded. "That's very uncharacteristic of you, sister."
Elsa shrugged. "I've had a day." She ran a hand through her now loose locks before sighing. "How is Kristoff?"
Anna bashfully waved a hand towards her sister. "He's going to be fine." She assured her. "But he could use a bit of," She wiggled her fingers teasingly at Elsa. "-when you've got a moment. He's resting in the lounge."
"Of course." The queen nodded and stepped towards the hall.
"Wait!" Anna stalled her in a hushed tone. She pulled anxiously at her dress before raising her eyes to meet her sister's. "Forgive me for saying, but, do you think this is a good idea?"
"Healing Kristoff or having the girls stay with us for a night?" Elsa crossed her arms in playful displeasure.
"The later." Anna whispered cautiously.
"Now who is the wary one?" Elsa teased and ribbed her sister with an elbow. "Something tells me these are good people. Call it a gut feeling." She raised her shoulders in consideration. "Besides, I think they were in more trouble where they've come from than with us here."
"I hope you're right." She sighed. "Irene had come to me looking for work when the fire happened and by the way she ran off after her, it's not like I could believe they planned this."
"I had to force them to come and stay here with us as is." Elsa explained. "Irene was worried they'd caused too many problems and I found her heading back towards the west forest. I don't think they're looking for anything but somewhere new to start a life."
Anna shrugged. "I know it's just one night, I just can't help but feel there's something they're not telling us."
"This time tomorrow they'll probably be back headed for the next nearest village. I think Irene's had enough of Arendelle."
"Where is she anyway?" Anna's eyes floated around the room.
"Greta insisted on running a bath for the girls." Her hands rose to her hips. "I imagine she'll be done shortly and then I'm going to send up Vera to do the same." She turned back towards the kitchen door. "Would you mind keeping her company while I go assist Kristoff?"
Anna shook her head. "Go, I'll be right here." Elsa offered her a small nod before crossing the hall. Anna whipped her palms against he length of her skirt before reentering the kitchen. Vera smiled, from her seated position and placed the bowl at her side. "How did you enjoy that?" The princess asked, finding a few cookies left on the plate.
Vera smiled. "It was delicious."
"I'm glad to hear it." Anna whispered and ran her finger around the rim of the bowl, licking off the excess chocolate. Her eyes drifted shut in satisfaction and the five year old giggled at the women's antics. "So, Vera." She hummed as she opened her eyes.
"So, Anna." The blonde sung in response.
"What happened in the barn?" She averted her glance nonchalantly as she swiped another taste of chocolate. Vera's eyes widened in response and her breathing increased. "No, no," Anna panicked. She placed a warm hand against Vera's knee and massaged it gently. "I'm not upset." She assured her. "I just wanted to know what happened."
Vera nodded, racking in one deep breath before opening her eyes. "I left the lantern burning from the night before. I forgot to put it out like Irene had told me too." She sighed, keeping her eyes fixated on the floor. "Kristoff asked me to help with the hay, but I was too short to reach the loft. I climbed up on a crate, but fell and knocked over the lantern." She explained sadly. "Then the hay lit on fire and that's all I remember before the man came to rescue me."
"That sounds scary." Anna frowned in concern and lifted the girl's chin to face her. "But you're alright now."
"But Kristoff got hurt." A tear fell to the girl's cheek. "I never meant to hurt anyone."
"Kristoff's fine!" She assured, batting a silly hand in her direction. "He's over in the other room if you'd like to see for yourself."
"He is?" She beamed quickly before worry returned to her face. "Is he angry with me?"
"Of course not." Anna promised. "But why don't you let him tell you that for himself." She hesitantly reached a hand out to the girl to help her down from the counter. Vera pondered it silently before turning away. The five year old slid off the counter on her stomach and planted her feet on the floor.
Anna led her into the hall and into the new room. Vera had a feeling that one could get very lost around here or at least have hundreds of hiding locations for a great game of hide and seek. When they entered the lounge Kristoff was drawing the leg of his pants down to cover up his bruised knee. Sadness returned to Vera's face when she saw the wound and she turned quickly to leave the way she came. Her head collided with Anna's stomach, who gasped at the contact.
"Hey!" Kristoff called her. "It's okay. I'm glad to see you actually."
Anna spun the girl by her shoulders to face the blonde man in the chair. "You are?" She questioned.
"Sure I am." He chuffed casually. "I wasn't sure if my little helper was okay."
"I'm fine." Vera whispered. "But you got hurt."
"Bah," He winked playfully at the child. "Don't worry about me. I'm tough."
"Unless it's warm out." Anna giggled and folded her arms. "He's a big baby in the summer time."
Kristoff rolled his eyes at his girl friend as Vera sighed. "I'm sorry about the fire, Kristoff. I didn't mean for anything to happen to you."
"It's alright, you were just trying to help." He shrugged and looked to Anna who flashed him a grin of approval. Vera remained unaffected though. She kept her eyes low and her clothed hands wrung together.
"Hey." Elsa murmured softly. "Let me check on that burn." She slowly floated over in front of Vera and dropped to her knees. The girl balanced and slid off the shoe, holding onto the woman's shoulder as she examined her foot. "That's odd." She frowned looking up at the girl. "Your burn is gone."
"It is?" She questioned and pulled away from Elsa to see for herself. "Maybe it was your magic?" Vera quickly slipped back on her shoe and shrugged.
"Maybe." Elsa smiled. "I'm still learning about my powers everyday."
"Hopefully they work on bruises and sprains as well as they do on burns." Anna teased.
"I'll be back to myself in no time." Kristoff grinned.
A subtle knock on the door broke them from their conversations. Timidly, Irene entered, her cheeks darkening as the adults stared in her direction. She was wearing clothes left by Greta in her guest bedroom. The dark blue skirt flared out and ended just above her ankles. The hem of the fabric was covered in small red flowers and a sash of matching bright ribbon. Tucked into the skirt was a pleaded white cotton shirt. The collar bore up her neck and ended just under her jaw. Her dark, towel dried hair was down in loose curly ringlets, dampening the pads of her shoulders. Elsa felt she had over looked most of Irene's beauty up until this point. Her olive skin was now free from dirt and blemishes. It shinned with raw radiance. Her cheeks were hollow and pronounced, rising up into her delicate brown eyes.
"You should hurry and bathe before the water gets too cold." Irene nudged Vera towards the door. "Greta left out some clothes for you to borrow; make sure you thank her when you see her. She's waiting for you at the top of the stairs."
"I will." The petite blonde bowed her head and left the room.
Irene raised her chin respectfully towards the adults left in the room. "Thank you for letting us stay. I fear it had been quite some time since either of us has had a proper cleaning." She giggled behind her hand. "It really brings back some of your dignity when you get to throw a little soap in your hair."
"Think nothing of it." Elsa encouraged. "We're happy to have you here."
Irene clenched her hands together at her side; guilt setting is as her eyes settled on Kristoff looking pained. "I'm sorry for what's happened to you." Her voice wavered politely. "I hope it was nothing too serious."
The blond man shook his head. "Just some swelling and a few scratches." He explained. "I'll live to see another day."
"That's great to hear." Irene smiled at him.
"I should fetch you some water." Anna stiffened as she remembered the doctor's instructions to keep him hydrated. "I'll be right back."
"Yes, we should let you rest." Elsa smiled and tapped his shoulder. "We're glad you're alright."
Kristoff blushed at the unusual sentiment coming from the ever-poised queen. "Thank you for…lending me a hand." He teased.
"Anytime." She winked and stepped away from him toward Irene.
The brunette woman ran her hands over the think fabric of the new skirt and rocked on her bare feet. "And Kristoff, I'm really glad you're okay."
He waved them away with his hand and relaxed into the chair. "Takes a lot more than that to put me down." He ensured.
Elsa offered him one more solitary smirk before leading Irene back out into the great hall. She was immediately conscious of the obvious awkwardness Irene was feeling. She was biting her lip in careful consideration as she played with the red cord that hung around her waist. "I'm glad we had something that fit you." Elsa noted pointing at the borrowed garbs. "But then again I suppose you and I are relatively the same size." And it was true. Both Irene and Elsa we're tall and slender in stature, though Elsa had a certain fed fullness to her cheeks and midsection where Irene seemed to show years of dietary neglect.
"Forgive me for asking," Irene whispered. "But how old are you? Surely you look too young to be a queen."
Elsa offered her a small toothless grin before leading her towards the back of the hall. "I can assure you I am old enough, even if I may not look it." She laughed. "I was gifted the throne six months ago. I am twenty-one." She explained. "How old are you?"
"I've just reached twenty-two this past fall." Irene sighed. "I couldn't imagine carrying the weight of a whole kingdom at my age," She paused her eyes widening at her ill-thought statement. "No offense."
"None taken." Elsa giggled. "I guess when you've been bred for it since day one, the burden goes over looked."
"Really?" Irene hummed. "I guess I just thought it could get overwhelming at times."
The blonde shrugged. "It has good days and bad days just like any one else." She came to stand at the back of the hall in front of a large set of glass doors. Hesitantly she pushed them open and stepped out onto a small balcony over looking the kingdom. The sun had fully set now and the large full moon stood in its place. It's reflection twinkled over the fjords and lit up the village below. The windows of homes and shops were lit with candles and a few stragglers remained drinking on the street. "I think I over look the bad because this is the only view I've ever known." She spoke as she came to rest her hands on the railing. "I imagine the view would be less spectacular if it was void of the village."
Irene nodded and stepped in beside her. "I agree." She looked down at the snow dusted square. The storm that wagged just an hour prior had stilled. The sky was clear and the stars were alive. The green waves of the Aurora Borealis danced over the mountains. The brunette watched in awe. "It's refreshing to hear a royal talk so highly of their kingdom. Things were quite different where I've come from."
"And where are you from?" Elsa questioned, playing nonchalant as she kept her eyes fixated on the view.
"Apta, your highness."
"What did I say about the formalities?" She joked, flashing her a quick side-glance.
"I'm sorry." Irene laughed with ease making Elsa's stomach flutter in response. "Old habits die hard I guess."
"That is true." She nodded in agreement. "So how is life different in Apta? Does the royal family does not respect their people?"
Irene bit her lip and shied her glance back up to the sky. "It's just what I've heard, is all."
Elsa did not pressure her for more information. She simply enjoyed the moment staring down at Arendelle until Irene shivered and brought her hands up to cover her bare arms. "Forgive me." Elsa blushed. "Sometimes I forget other's are not as resilient to the cold as I am." She stepped back into the hall, closing the doors behind them. Irene released her hold on her self and smiled appreciatively. "I'm sorry to leave you on your own in a strange place," The queen released a sigh. "But now that things have calmed down I have something's that need to be taken care of."
Irene had already forgotten about the yelling that had taken place in this same hall just a short two hours before. She nodded apologetically. "Of course. I should check on my niece anyway."
Elsa smiled. "Go where you like; I just ask that you refrain from entering the west wing." She clarified. "That's our quarters."
"Yes, Elsa." She bowed and lowered her head as the woman drifted away from her. Irene raised her eyes to watch her go. She walked with such elegance; surely it was the years of training. But maybe it was also the magic, or her unconventional style. Irene felt there was much more to her than just blessed royalty. As Elsa left her view, Irene sighed and turned to find Vera.
No sooner than ten minutes after she'd eaten her hot bowl of stew, Vera had fallen asleep atop the down feather comforter of the guest bed. She had been provided one of the girl's old nightgowns, but had failed to make the transition. Irene questioned waking her, but decided against it. Dinner had been served to them at the small table in their suite. Greta brought up a tray of bread and tea and the best lamb stew Irene had ever had. She'd continued to pick well after her niece had fallen asleep. The dishes were now sat stacked and void of any remnants of food.
With respect for their hospitality Irene lifted the tray and began the walk back down to the main living area. She felt it was only fair to pick up after themselves while they were visiting. Surely Greta would appreciate the help of cleaning dishes after she'd just gone through all this trouble to cook for them. On the way towards the stairs she passed by the closed doors of the west wing. She paused momentarily to admire the great oak structures with their curious carvings before hurrying out of sight.
Just beyond those doors, in Elsa's own private study, sat Anna and the queen pouring over old parchment. Anna was sprawled out on the floor thumbing over trade deals and treaties dating back to the late 1700s while Elsa sat composed at her desk filtering through assorted notes. Sir Talbot had left a short while ago to return to his family. He'd mentioned to Anna on his way out that her sister might be in need of assistance.
"What if there was nothing important in those documents?" Anna whispered hopefully. "And now all Prince Junior has is a bit of rubbish about faulty trade deals."
Elsa shook her head. "They wouldn't have taken it if there wasn't something in there that they saw as an advantage."
"What a bunch of creeps." Anna spat. "They come all this way to ask you for things, with nothing to give in return and then steal your stuff."
"I know what happened, Anna." Elsa glared. "I was there." She ran an anxious hand through her hair. "I just wished I'd remembered to check for them before they'd left Arendelle."
Mindlessly she flipped through the documents, looking for anything to do with Aalborb, but unfortunately she was coming up dry. She'd removed every book and every file from her father's bureau and strewn them about her room. As rage filled her body, she stood from her seat and began to pace. Elsa eased herself with calming breaths and collapsed her forehead against the cool glass of the window. When she turned Anna had stood and was staring back at her. She offered her sister a small smile before stepping towards the desk.
"We will figure it out." Anna encouraged.
Elsa nodded and stepped back into her seat. "You're right. I need to let myself relax. I could be skipping over something important." With delicate hands, she pulled one of the files from out of the stack. As if out of spite, the pile over balanced and fell to the floor with a thud. Elsa groaned and bent over the arm of the chair to retrieve the fallen papers. Out from one of the folders slid a small, old, brown leather notebook. Ignoring the mess, Elsa took it in her grasp considerately. She flipped mindlessly to the center page before something tugged on her memory. A breathless gasp left her mouth as she stared down at the book resting in her hands.
Anna hurried to her side to see what she had uncovered. Little squiggles with countries and waterways had been drawn into the notebook making the princess's head spin. "What?" Anna questioned, fingering the lines delicately. "Aalborb isn't on there."
"I know." Elsa agreed. "But it was on the maps that were on the back of that parchment they stole today."
"They stole maps?" Anna tapped her chin. "But surely they know their way around the isles."
"No Anna." Elsa shook her head. "Those maps had the trade roots father had set up with Arendelle."
"So?" She questioned again, scratching her forehead in confusion.
"I'm not sure what they can do with them, but they're a starving country. It can't hurt to know where all the supplies are going."
"You think they'll try and pirate them?" The red head came to sit at the edge of the desk and looked down at her sister. Her face was unreadable.
"I think it's better to assume they will. That way we will be prepared." Elsa sighed and pushed the book away from her.
Anna frowned and went to stand. The fabric of her dress had froze to the wooden surface. "Um Elsa, a little help here?"
Elsa's cheeks reddened in embarrassment. "Oh, I'm sorry." She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath before letting go of her anger.
She opened her eyes and smiled at Anna who still looked concerned. "Um, I'm still stuck."
Her blue eyes dashed around the room. Frost was dancing across the ceiling. The window had glossed over with chill and the floor under her feet had turned into a slippery rink of ice. Elsa shot back out of her chair and into the corner of the room that was still unaffected. She looked down at her shaking hands in fear. "Anna, I don't think this is me."
Oh no, a cliff hanger after cliff hanger? Who would do such a thing? This guy. Like I'd said during last release, I am full of anticipation this time around. Cheers to all my friends who took the time to review and to all those reading and upping my story stats, you guys are the best. I'm actually shocked how much attention this story is getting. Hopefully I won't disappoint.
Until next time,
-M. Lauren
