Chapter 6: Familiar Faces
Ariel sat on the shores of the fjord bundled in her cloak. Tempest grazed nearby, feeding on the bunch grasses that grew along the shade of the pines. Lara's pack lay beside her, the one knife she found secure in her lap in case she needed it. She had little doubt where the other one was.
The campsite granted her a wondrous nighttime view of Arendelle. The entire town was brimming with light, the sounds of song and celebration reaching out over the water to her. The ships looked like toys, the people small ants walking cobblestone trails. The lighthouse continued its endless cycles, shining forth a beacon of safe haven for any ships that might see it.
Beautiful as it was, it brought a longing ache to Ariel's heart. The sight reminded her of Seahaven, or what it once was. A free, merry and bright kingdom, inhabited by decent and honest people whose only wish was to live out their days in content. Now it was surely a skeletal shadow, overrun with slavery and ruin, filled with misery and bitter survival. Remora's weapons and bloodlust saw to it with horrifying swiftness and ferocity.
Memories of home did little to appease her restlessness. Sunset was hours ago, the last traces of daylight long gone over the horizon. Lara and Melody were supposed to return before then. She had no way of knowing if anything happened to them, and no way to find out.
In a way no news was worse than bad news. If she knew they were captured at least she knew what to do next. She hated to believe it, but the truth was not kind. Ariel was more valuable than Lara or Melody, because only she could free the Solar King. She was the one who had to make it, not them.
Ariel sighed, flipping a stone over with her fins. She missed having legs. This quest they were on would be so much easier if she did. As she was now she could be little more than a rider for Tempest. Sure she could cook meals and sing to lighten the mood, or offer what she hoped was a wise or encouraging word when it was needed. But other than that she felt like dead weight. She was completely dependent on Lara and Melody for her protection, and even in the water she could do little more than flee from danger. She could not hope to fight back against their enemy. Not with abominations like Riptide, Remora, and whatever that "Master" was as their foe. It made her feel so helpless, like that moment the sun slipped below the horizon just before she could kiss Eric.
She rubbed her neck. No, that was not helplessness, because Eric had been there, and gone after her. But back then, as the Master held her off the ground by her throat, her husband and sisters restrained by that masked witch's mechanical men as the iron ships continued bombarding the town and palace—that was helplessness.
She looked at the water, seeing her reflection in the calm undulating surface. It was hard to believe she was a thirty-seven year old woman trapped in the body of a sixteen-year old mermaid. She shivered as she remembered the feeling of that dark curse ripping away the trident's magic that made her human, tortuously stitching her legs back into fins. The pain had been unbelievable.
"Come on, you two," she whispered. "Please come back safe."
A speck of light arced out of the town, rising high into the sky before exploding in a peony of green light. Two more specks shot up, adding golden yellow and royal purple to the night. They flashed, burning brightly before going out. Moments later a trio of dull pops reached Ariel, the sounds thrown out of synch with their source by the distance.
Ariel perked immediately. Fireworks! They were having fireworks for the coronation! She loved fireworks! If she could get closer…no, she was supposed to stay here and wait. But it could not hurt to get a better look. Could it? And maybe she could find Lara and Melody. Maybe they were still looking, which would mean they would be down at the docks.
Another trio of rockets went up, exploding with white flashing light reflecting off the waters of the fjord.
That did it. She just had to get closer. Putting Lara's knife back she tossed the bag and cloak away from the water and slipped in, disappearing with the faintest of ripples.
From atop the tree the raven watched Ariel go. He did not need light to see her. To his eyes the warmth of her heart stood out from the cold water like the sun against the infinite blue sky.
He would have liked to talk with her. To assure her Lara and Melody were very much safe. That they were on the right track, while Maelstrom had none to follow. That the Hive Queen kept her bargain, now eagerly waiting for Lara to come through on her end. That Kodama was holding back the darkness, keeping the Master's minions from advancing through his forests. That Arista and her newborn were traveling with Seahaven's survivors to Sängril even now, seeking the safety of the vampiric countess and her obedient undead. That her family was scattered across Maelstrom's budding empire of darkness, her father and husband kept obediently comatose, but all very much alive.
But he had to keep his silence. At least for the time being. This task had to be done by their strength and will, not his meddling. The Mirror on the Wall gave them what they needed to find him. Now he had to believe these three would defy the odds as they always had.
He ruffled his charcoal feathers, sending sparks into the air. Though haste was of the essence, and providing tonight's events followed the path it calculated, their delay here would be worthwhile. All it took was a quick bit of magic on his part to steer Anna in the right direction, or wrong depending on the perspective. It only required a small thought on his part to hide the street that would take her home. Anna walked right by without notice, not even realizing she missed it before when she went tearing back to the castle with Lara and Melody in tow. And as for the recently wedded pair from the kingdom of the Golden Flower, fortune and providence seemed to find a way to get them mixed up in and safely out of events without any outside help. They would manage on their own.
Perhaps he was unkind in putting Anna through that manhandling, and unjustified in manipulating the lives of others to his aims. But what everyone could gain from it was invaluable—another source of hope.
With the vile enemy that was lurking beyond their borders, they needed as much hope and strength as they could find.
The light left his body, crumbling into charcoal dust and ash for the wind to carry away.
Lara was beginning to wonder if the majority of mankind's suffering and despicable specimens was concentrated in the east with only trace amounts scattered to the rest of the world, because the longer she was in Arendelle, the more it seemed to be true.
The royal ball was in full swing. People were dancing to the band, the audience adding a clap whenever the music called for it. If not dancing they were mingling about in social spirits, sipping champagne and fine wines while snacking on the hors d'oeuvres. The atmosphere was excited yet subdued in a way only nobles seemed able to pull off. Outside the lights of the town were lit to their brightest, the citizens of Arendelle celebrating the occasion in whatever jovial manner they saw fit.
Lara darted to the side, narrowly avoiding spilling her tray as a woman bent over to pick up her dropped earring. Someone then trod on the edge of her dress, almost tripping Lara over before she caught herself, saving her dignity and a rather expensive set of champagne glasses.
"Stupid dress!" she muttered, jerking the skirt out from under the man's heel. "Couldn't they shorten it up an inch more?"
She was starting to miss the choir robes. At least they were roomy.
The coronation went off without a hitch. She and Melody bathed, dressed, ran through the hymns twice, and joined with the rest of the choir before Elsa came through the chapel doors. As suspicious as the singers were of the late additions, their skepticism ended when they started singing. It was hard to argue against voices like theirs.
Lara had not known what to expect. She had never seen a coronation. She imagined it as a drawn out ceremony overstuffed with pomp and extravagance that dragged painfully on as "important" people droned about traditions and royalty and other stuff in dead languages that made her fall asleep. Apparently Arendelle did not follow that stereotype, because the whole thing took half an hour at best. Elsa came in. They sang. The archbishop said some words. They sang again as Elsa held the…whatever those ball and scepter things were, though for some reason she did not seem happy about it. The soon-to-be queen tensed up like an crossbow as the archbishop said something in some northern sounding language, after which Elsa just about threw the…she really needed to learn what those things were called. Anyway, she just about threw them back onto the cushion, the choir sang one more time and then it was over. After that they were whisked off by Gerda to get changed and help with the final preparations.
Snap-snap!
"Miss, over here! Chop-chop!"
Which, unfortunately, meant Lara and Melody were now fulfilling the other half of Elsa's deal—catering for the party. And Lara liked catering even less than the dress.
She scowled, resisting the urge to "chop-chop" the head of the man behind her as he snapped his fingers at her again. Most of the people here were nobles and royalty from far and wide, and the majority of them showed the same polite and festive courtesy towards her. Lots of smiles and pleases and thank yous. A few even asked questions about her piercings, not put off but genuinely interested at how such "jewelry" was made and placed.
But, as with any kingdom, there were always the pompous condescending jerks mixed in with the rest just in case she started thinking everyone born into western nobility was courteous.
"Excuse me? I'm waiting."
Lara closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before she put on her best "happy barmaid" face and turned to him. "Yes sir. What can I do for you, sir?"
Her stomach flipped. Did she really just say that out loud? And in that voice?
"You can listen when someone is speaking to you, for starters," said the large bald baron as he looked down his nose at her. "And take yourself to the doctor when you have the chance. I daresay you've had an accident, what with all that shrapnel in your lip!"
Lara hid her clenched free hand behind her back as the baron and the small group around him chortled. She forced herself to laugh with them, trying to think of something other than ripping the over-polished medals off his jacket and pinning them to his forehead. See how he handled shrapnel in his face.
"Good one, sir," she said, keeping her tone as pleasant as possible. "I'll certainly see to it."
"Good girl. Now, I'd like a frosted glass of the thirty-five Sparrow's Feather, seven and half-eights filled with a quarter drop of Agrabah Blue and stirred counter-clockwise for nineteen seconds while glancing at an unopened bottle that is three degrees warmer—that's Fahrenheit, not Celsius mind you—and bring it to me exactly forty-two seconds after. And carry it with your left hand, not the right."
Lara blinked at the man, not sure if she was more flabbergasted at the details of his request or that he was dead serious when he said it.
"Of…course, sir," she said, bowing ever so slightly at the waist. "I'll get right on it."
"See to it that you do. Off you go then." He turned away, giving a shooing motion with his hand.
Lara quickly pulled a face and stuck her tongue out at his back before setting off for the wine table, weaving through the shifting sea of bodies as she mumbled to herself.
"Seriously? Three degrees? Forty-two seconds? How freakin' specific can you people get with your wines? Just pick a bottle and drink it!"
Lara scooted around a pair of gossiping duchesses to see Melody at the wine table, agonizing over the concoction in front of her. There were four opened bottles of highly prized wine around her, probably the ingredients.
"Uh…was it clockwise while standing on my left foot?" she asked herself. "Or was it stand on my left foot and then swirl…oh, I knew I should've written it down!"
"And I thought the wine recipes couldn't get any weirder," said Lara, setting her tray down beside Melody. "I swear they're doing this just to screw with us. What's this one?"
"I think I'll damage my brain if I try to remember it again," said Melody, stirring the mixture with both feet on the ground.
"I feel your pain." Lara sifted through the bottles, quickly finding the baron's preferred poisons. "If someone's got a recipe stranger than this one I'll eat my boots. Fahrenheit, not Celsius mind you! Glance at an unopened bottle until my head gets so big I need a yak fleece to cover my shiny bald spot! Toodle-pip, off you go! Wot-wot!"
Melody covered her mouth to keep from laughing at Lara's mimicry. "Shhh! That's *pffft* rude! If someone hears you—!"
"Relax! He's clear on the other side of the room," said Lara, jerking her head in the man's direction as she poured the two wines into the glass, generously guesstimating the amounts. "I don't get these people and their wine. It all tastes like spoiled grape juice to me."
"It's…complicated," said Melody, who was now crossing her eyes while swirling the wine in one hand while holding an empty glass in the other.
Lara arched a brow. "Please tell me you're joking."
"I wish. He's right over there, so…yeah."
"Alice! Penny!"
Both women turned around to find Anna working her way towards them, ducking under a waiter's tray of some type of salmon snack.
"I've been looking for you!" said Anna, smiling as though they had not seen each other for years. "Great job with the…Penny, what are you doing?"
"Wine mixing," said Melody. She could longer hold her eyes crossed and let them return to normal. "I think."
"Either that or we got suckered into 'drive the wait-staff crazy' night," added Lara.
"Oh…anyway, great job with the choir! You both sounded amazing! Even better than in my room!"
"Wait." Lara picked up a glass rod and started mixing the wine clockwise, looking at Anna as she did. "You could hear us?"
"Oh yeah! Everyone did!"
Lara gulped. "Every…one?"
Anna nodded. "Yup—everyone!"
"What did they say?" asked Melody.
"Only that it was the best singing ever! You should have seen Edna! She had another meltdown during the ceremony! Haven't seen her since though…she didn't take the news you're leaving tomorrow well."
Lara's cheeks blushed as red as the wine.
"They heard you! They heard you!" teased Melody, smirking mischievously at her friend as she poked her in the side.
"Shut up!" Lara turned back to the wine, not sure how long she had been stirring for. She grabbed it and headed back into the crowd. "And I'm still gonna put bugs in—!"
Lara's threat of a nocturnal arthropod assault was interrupted at the sight of a familiar face on the dance floor.
"In what?" asked Anna. "You're still…Alice?"
Lara did not hear her. Her eyes were fixed on the man, following him as he danced with a short-haired brunette. His face was away from her now, but she could have sworn…
The duo turned back to her, confirming that the Pit had just frozen over.
A ways back…
Lara walked back to the palace through the streets of Seahaven, her visit to the orphanage done. The hem of her faded black pants just skimmed above the ground. She had foregone a shirt that day, wrapping her breasts securely with bright red cloth to leave her skin free to soak up the sun's warming light.
There was not much sun left to soak up now. Sunset was going to happen soon, and she needed to get back to the palace before that. As much slack as Ariel and Eric cut her, it did not grant her infinite leniency. She did not want another stint with the laundry women as punishment for being obscenely late. Those old bats gossiped about the most mundane things. The last time she got stuck with them she seriously considered shoving her head in the suds bucket just to block them out. It only got worse when the subject of marriage came up with her as the "lucky lady!" Hence why she allowed herself plenty of time to walk back this evening.
She rounded a corner and almost collided with a man. She narrowly avoided by squeezing herself between him and the building, her chest brushing against his arm.
"Sorry!" she called as she moved away. "My bad!"
"No problem," he called back.
Lara went another three steps before she realized something was off. Something did not feel right. She stopped, looking herself over. Knives, check. Sword on back, check. Goggles, check. Pendant…
She felt frantically around her neck. Her pendant was missing!
"No, no, no!" She whipped around, scanning wildly over the ground. "Please no! Please tell me I left it back at the—!"
"Hellooooo gorgeous."
Apparently the thief had not counted on Lara's sensitive hearing when he muttered to himself. But Lara did hear him, and she immediately picked him out of the people walking the streets in a heartbeat.
It was hard not to when he was dangling her pendant in front of his face.
"Hey! You!" she barked, pointing right at him.
The thief flinched, spinning around to face her. He had a handsome face with dark brown eyes and a trace of stubble on his chin. There was something vaguely familiar about him.
Then he turned and ran.
"Stop!" Lara dashed around the corner to see him take off through the crowds, expertly winding his way through them. She stopped, not following him in. There was no way she could hunt him down in that tangle without bowling people over, but she was not giving up that easily. Not with her pendant at stake.
She ran for a stack of barrels. She leapt onto them, crouching down before launching herself straight up. The barrels cracked as she went clear past the rooftop, landing on the red tiles three stories up. From her vantage point she scanned over the crowd, eyes darting from head to head for any sign of the thief.
A surprised cry drew her attention to a lone figure running through the crowds. There he was! He was heading towards a side alley, her pendant clutched in his hand.
Lara took off after him, the chimneys and tiles whipping by in a blur. She leapt over an alley to the next building, eyes fixed on the thief's location. She ran across one more building, coming to a stop at the edge of the alley as the thief turned into it.
She looked down, seeing her thief running for the adjoining street. She leapt off, flipping herself around so she landed facing him. Right in his path.
The thief's boots skidded over the cobblestones as he stopped hard. "Gah! What the—?!"
Before he could finish Lara sprung like a tiger, tackling him around the middle. The two went rolling over, stopping with Lara straddling his waist and holding both his wrists over his head. She immediately noticed he was not holding her pendant. He must have stashed it on him somewhere.
"Do you just rob every woman you bump into?" she asked, glaring daggers at him. "Or is that your way of asking for a butt kicking?"
The thief was actually quick to recover his wits. "Oh heavens no, my lady! I don't have to rob! I have plenty of money! I just leave it in other people's pockets till I need it. Sometimes around their necks."
Lara blinked. Did he just admit to stealing from her? Talk about shameless.
Grudgingly, she also admitted he was skilled. In the east she learned to spot pickpockets fast and from afar. There was always some tell that gave them away. Watching her too closely, not watching enough, or the most common one, when they tried to get something off her. Yet not only did she not pick up this man's intentions, he literally managed to lift her pendant from right under her nose. It did not matter she realized almost immediately that it was gone. The fact she did not see it coming till after he finished his move meant she was either going rusty…or this man was that capable.
Noticing that he seemed more affronted by being caught in the act rather than afraid of being turned in, she decided it was the latter and leaned over him, bringing their faces closer. "And I don't punch thieves. I just touch their faces with my knuckles really fast. It's a bad habit of mine."
To his credit, the thief only grew slightly more concerned. "Come on, can't I be on my way? I've got places to be!"
"Yeah, like the dungeon!"
"What, are you some sort of angry, wandering vigilante? Erm, by which I of course mean a stunningly beautiful…heavily armed…fashionably clad…peace…keeper?" he amended hopefully.
Lara kept her expression neutral. As she studied his admittedly handsome yet somehow irritating face, he did seem somewhat familiar now that she could get a closer look. She saw him somewhere before, but the face was…off. Something about his features was not adding up.
The thief frowned. He seemed to dislike being ignored even more than being sat on. "Also, do forgive my rudeness, but why exactly do you even have a sword? I know the contents of a lady's purse are one of life's great mysteries, but I would at least like to know how you'd manage to wield a blade like that with such slender…arms…"
He trailed off as a new thought dawned on him. He shook his head briskly and squinted at her.
Lara leaned back slightly, unnerved by his suddenly intense look. "Uh…what?"
"Wait, wait…I know you."
"I'm pretty sure you don't."
"Yes…it's coming to me. That angelic face…those shimmering brow—er…gold? Gold! Eyes! Oh, darling, it is you! Thank the High Heavens! I swear to you, I was coming back for you. I simply had to acquire the funds necessary to give you the comfortable life you deserve, my little princess!" He offered her a beseeching, slightly terrified grin.
Lara rolled her eyes, searching for patience. This man was either extremely clever, incredibly overconfident, or just an outright idiot. She was leaning for somewhere in the middle of all three, slightly towards the latter. "Look, pal, drop the act. We've never met and I've got no idea who you are, so—."
"A-ha! There's our problem!" The thief's expression seamlessly shifted from worried to a seductive grin and raised eyebrow, which Lara had no doubt made many girls swoon head over heels for him. He had the looks for it.
Unfortunately for him, she was not most girls.
"How's it going?" he asked, as if there was nothing wrong with the image of him being pinned to the ground with her on top of him. "The name's Flynn Ryder. Did you know I have a soft spot for brunettes? And gold eyes?"
Something clicked in Lara's memory. She knew that name.
"Not that I don't enjoy letting the girl be on top, but I've got this rock pressing into my shoulder. So how about we change posi—ow!"
Lara transferred his wrists to one hand and grabbed his nose, twisting his head slightly to the side.
"Uh…okay," said Ryder nasally. "If you're into that I can..."
With his nose blocked out it all came back to Lara. No wonder she could not place where she saw his face. His nose looked nothing like any of the posters. According to the wanted posters and the attached pages—yes, pages—Flynn Ryder was the most successful thief in the Alliance kingdoms and beyond. He made a reputation for himself stealing things that were supposedly impossible to nab. Nothing expensive was beyond his reach, and the prizes he took were usually from royal treasuries and private collections.
There were numerous rewards for his capture, many of the people offering them having been humiliated by the thief's antics. No shortage of wealthy persons suffered losses to their pride and fortunes at his hands. The largest standing reward by far and away was from King Willard of Strihaven, whom he stole a blue sapphire necklace from—and, if you believed the rumors, the heart of his last wife as well. The Fox King and his guards apparently barged in on Ryder escaping out the window of his wife's private room, her cheeks blushed redder than a ripe strawberry and giggling like a schoolgirl. Needless to say, Ryder escaped with the jewels and her affections, and three months later Willard's wife left to go after him. Willard was infuriated beyond words, and offered an earldom to whoever captured the legendary outlaw.
That gave Lara pause. From what she remembered, Strihaven left the Alliance after Willard's son William died protecting Melody. He caused quite a row when he came back to fetch his son's body only to find there was none. Apparently it did not survive Morgana's necromantic spell. The kingdom only just re-entered the Alliance, so tensions between Strihaven and Seahaven were still thick enough to swim in. Offering Ryder as a token to Willard could be a tremendous step towards mending their relationship. At the very least he might—.
"Ahem."
Lara snapped out of her musings at Ryder's cough. He was looking at her as though he had seen the gears turning in her head. "Look, this has been fun and all, but please don't make me hurt you. My mother taught me to never hit little girls and I'd hate to—."
Pow!
"Yeow!"
"I am not a little girl!" snapped Lara, her hair bristling as she pressed one hand into his chest, the other pulled back for another punch. "And my mom never said anything about hitting boys, so don't think I won't pop you again!"
"Well, I never had a mother," said Ryder, clutching his now throbbing nose as his eyes watered. "I think that may be at the root of my troubles—I simply wasn't breastfed. Had plenty of practice though. If I had a copper for every time I found myself lying beneath a strange woman…losing…air…"
Ryder suddenly found it difficult to breathe as Lara pushed down on his ribcage. It was like having an elephant on his chest. He grabbed her arm and tried to shift it off, but he could not make her budge. What was with this freakish strength? Her arm felt like an anchor!
"You're going…to crush me…to death?!" he gasped out.
"No. Just till you're unconscious."
"For…what?"
"Carrying your thieving hide to prison. You'll wake up with a headache. And your legitimate possessions."
"Just…the legitimate ones? Well, it wouldn't be…the first time…I've woken up…naked…in a strange…room."
Lara let up on his chest, giving Ryder a chance to breathe. "Way too much information!"
Despite almost passing out Ryder was quick to recover his wit. "Look, I didn't want to do this, but you've left me no choice...here comes the Smolder."
Ryder squeezed his eyes shut, as if mentally bracing for something. Lara stiffened. What was this "Smolder" he was about to use? Was it some sort of spell? Or secret fighting technique? Either way, she did not want him using it on her. She reached for a knife, intent on discouraging him with it.
And then he looked back up at her with the sweetest eyes and most adorable pout in his lips, enough to make any girl faint. Which is odd, because all it did to her was make her more confused and irritated with him.
She narrowed her eyes. "Whaaaaaaat are you doing?"
Ryder batted his yes at her. "Smoldering…which should have you smoldering away soon. Aaaaany second now."
"That's not a smolder." Lara drew her sword, holding it out to the side. "Claymore…"
At once the blade turned red hot. The air around it shimmered and distorted from the heat it gave off, the red metal becoming luminous orange before flames burst over it. The heat washed over them like a midday summer sun, forcing Ryder to blink as his eyes dried out.
Lara smirked. "This is a smolder."
Ryder's face went white with fright as his smolder was broken for the very first time. "What the blazes!?"
Lara brought the blade closer to Ryder, who was now trying to press himself into the cobbles. "Whoa! Whoa! Not the face! Seriously, not the face!"
Lara kept the flaming sword pointed at his face as she rifled through his vest. She found her pendant in his chest pocket.
"This is mine," she said, clutching it tight in her hand.
Ryder's eyes kept darting between hers and the blazing sword she was holding. "Your sword's on fire!"
"Yup."
"And that's on fire!"
"You already said that."
"I said your sword's on fire!"
"How's that any—?"
"Not that!" Ryder nodded at something behind her. "That!"
Oh no! Had she accidentally lit something when she made the claymore light? She looked back, expecting to see flames licking at the alley walls and smoke billowing to the sky.
But there was nothing. There was no fire to be seen except the one from the claymore, or even smoke in the air. Everything was…
Lara suddenly realized what happened. He did not. No way. He did not just pull that cheap trick on her!
She spun back to find herself sitting on no one. Ryder was running back the way he came. He did pull that cheap trick on her! Not only that, she fell for it! She actually fell for it! Of all the…!
"Hey! Get back here!" she shouted.
Ryder glanced back at her as she stabbed her sword into the street and reached for her knife. If she threw it right she could hit the back of his head with the butt. He would be out cold at worst, or at least stunned.
But as her fingers wrapped around the handle she hesitated, remembering something he said.
"Well, I never had a mother."
For a split second time stood still for her. She saw the look in Rider's eye. Not the roguish thief or the charismatic lady-killer. There was something else beneath it. Something she recognized from the east hiding under all that bravado and charm.
Ryder had the eyes of a street orphan. Maybe not his whole life, but long enough. That desperate starving look born from stealing just to eat, fighting each day to survive. Living day-to-day wondering where the next meal was coming from. Or if the guards would suddenly appear around the next corner, the terror at knowing what they did to thieves. In that moment Lara saw Ryder as yet another abandoned boy who turned to a life of kleptomania because there was nothing else for him. He was one of the rare few that lived long enough and became good enough to survive by it. It was all he knew. Just like her and fighting.
And furthermore, if he was such an able thief that he could steal such valuable targets, where were all his ill-gotten fortunes going? It certainly was not into his clothes. He was not dressed in rags by any means, but she could see tears and rips repaired by hand, and dirt muting the colors. With his skills and his list of thefts he ought to be living like a king—or at least, like Richard did before she pulverized him. Ryder looked anything but royal. He looked…poor.
Which led to a few possibilities. He blew his wealth as fast as he got it. He was constantly getting stolen from himself. He was stockpiling it for later. Or he did not always keep his prizes to himself. Much like she recently did with a chest of gold coins.
She let go of the knife.
"Sorry to leave so soon!" called back Ryder. "But I've got things to take and places to be!"
With that he slipped into the crowds and disappeared.
Lara rose to her feet, extinguishing the claymore with a swing before sheathing it. She opened her hand, seeing the disguised fire pendant lying in her palm. She tied it back around her neck, feeling its familiar warmth against her chest. She got back what was hers. That was what mattered. Let someone else catch Ryder—or, at least try to. The knowledge that she could was enough for her.
The town bells began sounding out the hour, echoing through the streets and alleys of Seahaven. The failing light of sunset was quickly fading as night approached. Which meant…sundown!
"Oh crap!" Lara ran at the alley wall and jumped, planting her feet before pushing off. She jump-climbed her way up before front flipping onto the rooftop and looked west to the ocean. The sun was barely half a hemisphere sitting above the horizon. If she did not get back to the palace soon…
"You better hope I make it back in time, Ryder!" she shouted as she took off over the roofs as fast as she could. "Because if I get stuck with laundry I'm gonna hang you out to…wow, that's my worst pun yet!"
She ran to the edge of the roof and leapt, soaring over the street to land on top of the building across as she raced back to the palace.
"Alice? Hellooooo?"
Lara blinked, registering Anna's finger waving in front of her face. A finger with some sort of pink gunk on it. She almost jerked back from her most reviled color when her nose caught a whiff. It was something really sweet. Was that frosting?
"Anybody home?" asked Anna, starting to get a little worried. "Hey, what's wrong with—eek!"
Anna let loose a small squeal when Lara lunged and took her whole finger in her mouth. Her tongue quickly licked off the sugary confection, making Anna jerk her hand back.
"L—Alice!" exclaimed Melody, shocked by her behavior.
Lara licked her lips and smacked them. "What?"
"You don't go biting other people's fingers! Especially not princess' fingers!"
"I didn't bite her," said Lara. "I licked her."
"That's not any better!"
"I thought you hated pink!" said Anna, wiping her finger on her dress. "Ew! Slimy!"
"I hate pink dresses. Pink frosting is another matter!"
Lara looked back to the dance floor as Melody got a napkin for Anna. No doubt about it. That was Flynn Ryder out there. But not the Ryder she remembered. He was dressed up in fancy clothes now, his hair neatly trimmed and face clean save that tuft of hair on his chin. Not the poor-looking charmer thief she cornered in that alley all those months ago. He looked more like a prince. And a husband if the matching rings on his and that brunette's fingers was any indication. It looked like the thief had his own heart stolen away, no doubt by the woman he was with.
She thought about having some fun with him. She could sneak up to the edge of the dance floor so they passed in front of her. Or she could wait till the dance was over and walk right up to them, tap him on the shoulder and ask to cut in. She could already imagine the shock on his face at seeing her, the pierced-face woman with the burning sword leagues away from where they first met, now inches from him.
Except this was not Seahaven. This was Arendelle, and she was not a passerby anymore. She was a refugee, no kingdom to go back to and no claymore to wield. It, like the trident and the Alliance, was obliterated, and she and her companions would share the same fate if they did not keep a low profile. This was not the time or place for mischief and surprises. Not when they were already taking a risk just serving at this party. Surprising/terrifying Flynn Ryder would have to wait for another time. Like when an army of monsters and machines led by a deranged bloodthirsty lightning sorceress, a titanic sea serpent, a sea witch and their shadowy master was not hunting them.
Melody followed her eyes out to the dance floor. "Alice? Did you see something?"
"No." Lara shook her head. "It's nothing. Just my imagination."
Anna arched a suspicious eyebrow at her. "You sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure."
The princess narrowed her eyes slightly, but let her suspicions go with a shrug. "Whatever you say."
Suddenly the band's music changed, abandoning the upbeat tuba-heavy chorus for a dramatic burst from the horns. Kai exited the crowd to stand atop the dais at the back of the room, all eyes turning to him.
"What's going on?" asked Lara.
Kai coughed into his hand, clearing his throat. "Now announcing…!"
Anna jolted as though she had been shocked. "Oh no! Elsa's here!"
"That's a bad thing?" asked Melody.
"No, it's not! Bad that she's here, not her being bad! I mean, it's not bad that she's here and she's not bad, but—!"
"Her royal highness…!"
Anna abandoned her bungled explanation and hitched up her dress, running through the crowd for the dais. "Sorry, gotta go! Talk to you later!"
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle!"
The side doors opened. In walked Elsa, dressed in the same cape and dress as from the coronation. The only change was the crown seated atop her head, nestled in the crevice of her braid. The entire room bowed to Elsa as she took the dais and turned to them. She returned their gesture with a slight but dignified nod of thanks and acknowledgement, a faint but noticeable smile on her lips.
Noticing Lara was still upright, however, made one of her brows arch in confusion and mild…irritation? Or was that curiosity Lara saw?
"Bow," hissed Melody.
Grumbling and grudgingly Lara bowed down, although she kept her eyes on Elsa. The queen nodded to her, a silent thanks for making the effort. Maybe it was Lara's imagination, but Elsa's smile seemed a little bigger than before.
For someone who had not been queen for more than a few hours, Lara had to admit Elsa looked every bit the part. She possessed a rare grace and stature. Each stride she took and move she made was with purpose and dignity. She held her head with distinction absent of arrogance, looking out over the room with an even gaze. Not condescending or authoritative, but observational and pensive. Her gloved hands were folded in front of her, left lightly resting over right. If Lara had to pick a word to sum her up it would be regal.
Kai gestured off to the left. "Princess Anna of Arendelle!"
Anna came running up to the dais, stopping just short of it. She hurriedly smoothed her dress out, giving a nervous little laugh as she waved to the guests. A few waved back. Apparently she was supposed to be closer because Kai gestured for her to go by her sister.
"Oh! Here?" she asked as the butler politely pushed her along. "Are you sure, cause I don't think I'm supposed to—!"
Kai gripped her shoulders firmly, as though telling her to stay exactly in that spot.
"Oh! Okay…" She glanced down at Elsa's feet, taking a step away at noticing how close they were. She looked nervous, as though afraid a nasty static shock awaited if she came too close to her sister.
The guests rose and applauded, the band bringing their fanfare to a close. Not sure what to do Lara clapped along with them, not sure why they needed to in the first place.
"Uh, Alice?" said Melody.
Lara turned around to her. "What's up?"
Melody gestured to two identical glasses of red wine on the table. "Which one was yours?"
"…Ah, crud."
Elsa smiled as the party resumed, the band shifting to light background music. So far everything was going well. The guests were fed and happy. The staff was on point, seeing to it that their needs were met. The townsfolk were out celebrating if the noises drifting in from outside was a clue. Even her powers were behaving, for once remaining quiet without her force of will.
She glanced at Anna from the corner of her eye. Her sister looked very uncomfortable standing beside her. It was understandable. Today was the closest they had physically been in months. Her reaction in Anna's bedroom had not helped either. Elsa had only done so out of concern for Anna's safety, but Anna did not know that. From her perspective it must have appeared that Elsa was abhorred by their contact.
The seconds dragged onward as they stood there, neither sister saying a word to the other. Elsa decided she ought to say something to Anna. Anything. She just wanted to talk to her, even if it was just this one night. To let her know she did not find her revolting or worthy of spite. Anna could never be any of those to Elsa.
"Hi," Elsa said quietly
Anna jumped, turning to her. "Hi…hi me?"
Elsa nodded.
"Oh! Um…hi?" Anna looked away bashfully, hands fidgeting in front of her.
Elsa bit her lip gently. Not the greatest of starts, but at least it was a start. "You look beautiful."
"I do?" said Anna. "I mean, thank you! You look beautifuller! I mean, not fuller but more…more beautiful!"
Elsa smiled. Same Anna, stumbling over her words just like her own feet. "Thank you."
Anna gave her a small smile, lightly biting her lower lip as she looked away.
"So…this is what a party looks like," said Elsa, surveying the throngs of guests before them. Given her powers and lack of control over them she abstained from attending such social events while growing up. The castle did not provide her with opportunity either, as Agdar and Idun forbade any balls or parties both for her and any guest's safety. Now, to stand here and witness it herself, she could not help being fascinated by the energy of it all.
"It's warmer than I thought!" said Anna.
Elsa gave a short nod in agreement. It was slightly warm with so many people in one place. She was about to speak when she caught a whiff of something. She breathed in, immediately focused on the warm robust scent. "And what is that amazing smell?"
Elsa and Anna breathed deep, inhaling the wondrous scent. The recognition was immediate. There was only one thing that could smell so delightful, so wonderful, and so exquisite all at once.
"Chocolate!" they exclaimed together. The two immediately fell into a fit of giggles at the excited expressions on each other's faces. Elsa returned Anna's smile. In that one moment the years seemed to fall away, the bond between queen and princess restored to its strength in their youth.
"Hey, Elsa?"
"Yes, Anna?"
"Thanks again for…you know."
Elsa was not sure what her sister was talking about until she nodded towards the wine table. A familiar pierced brunette and her raven-haired sister were talking as they prepared new wine mixtures for their guests.
"You really should thank Kai," said Elsa. "It was his suggestion."
"Yeah, but you still kept Alice out of the dungeon. Thanks to you they'll be able to make their ship tomorrow." Anna looked at the floor. "And…I'm sorry."
Elsa's smile faded. "Sorry? For what?"
"For causing you trouble with Weaseltown and all that. If I'd just taken a different road back this never would have—."
"Anna, what happened today is not your fault," interjected Elsa. "You did nothing wrong, and to be honest, neither did Alice. I'm glad she intervened, because if she didn't you could have been hurt. The only people at fault are those men. No one else."
"But what about the Duke and that big trade treaty thing?"
"You let me worry about that. I can handle the Duke...hopefully."
"Your Majesty."
Elsa looked away from her sister to Kai, the butler stepping aside to reveal the man standing behind him.
Her powers instantly broke their peace as her anger prickled. The man was flimsy in his build, likely no taller than her shoulder on level ground and without heels. His nose was excessively long and pointed, reminding Elsa of a story about a puppet brought to life. His eyes were magnified by his circular glasses, making the blue color piercingly clear. His silver hair was brushed back over his head, matching the color of his thick mustache. His coat was dark navy, complementing his gray pants and black boots. He also looked incredibly nervous, forehead sheen with perspiration as he pulled at the collar of his coat with gloved hands. His shoulders were slightly hunched and face angled almost imperceptibly to the floor, like a dog caught nicking food from a table.
Kai gestured to the man as he bowed. "May I present the—."
"I know who he is," interrupted Elsa sharply, the tinge of anger in her otherwise even tone making clear her recognition and sentiments towards the man. "Anna, could you get me a glass of water?"
Anna cocked her head, not picking up on the subtext or her sister's sudden change in mood. "Huh?"
"Now, please," said Elsa, a bit harsher than she intended to.
Anna flinched, now picking up that Elsa did not want her present, although not the reason. "Uh…okay. I'll just…go get that, then." She bowed to the man and excused herself.
Elsa waited till Anna was in the crowd before she looked at the man again. Her powers were pushing on her, spurned by the anger she was suppressing. She thought she would have better control of herself when she confronted this man, but apparently she underestimated just how much today's events flustered her. She was even minutely tempted to let her powers have a go at him.
"I assume you know why I sent my sister away, Duke?" she said coldly as she descended the dais.
The Duke of Weselton winced as though Elsa's words physically struck him. "Unfortunately I do, your majesty. Your sergeant informed me of the details following the ceremony. Before we exchange words any further, allow me to say a few myself."
"What is it you wish to say?" she asked as she came to a stop in front of him. He really was shorter than she was. A lot shorter.
"First, on behalf of Weselton, I offer my most sincere apologies for what happened to the princess. I assure you, I find the behavior of my men no less abhorrent and inexcusable, as your majesty surely must. They are already looking at severe consequences even if I were to disregard what occurred with her highness."
Elsa narrowed her eyes slightly. "Would you care to elaborate?"
"Your majesty, my men were not supposed to be on land in the first place," said the Duke. "They were under orders to stay on the ship until my guard captains returned from escorting me. On top of that, they deliberately intoxicated themselves in public. They have brought shame not only upon themselves and their rank, but their country as well. If you had not thrown them in your dungeons I would have them put in my ship's brig for the remainder of our travels."
"Am I right in assuming the two men escorting you are the aforementioned captains?" asked Elsa, glancing at the uniformed men standing off to the side near Kai.
"You would be, your majesty. While I can vouch for their honor, I make no excuse for the others. I assure you they will be disciplined to the utmost extent of the law when we return to Weselton."
"They will be disciplined here, your grace," said Elsa flatly. "They committed their crimes on Arendelle soil, so it is in Arendelle they will be tried and sentenced. You may have your men back once their trials are concluded, at which time I will allow their return to Weselton to carry out their punishments."
"Ah…I see." Elsa could tell the Duke liked that about as much as he liked her having an edge over him, but he kept himself civil. "I do hope this will not end our negotiations regarding the trade agreement. The action of thirteen drunkards surely deserves condemnation, but not a cessation of all relations between our nations?"
Elsa brought her hands behind her back, hiding their clenching and unclenching from the Duke. So he was playing politics already. She needed to divert this conversation elsewhere. She was too flustered and distracted to risk engaging with this man. Short and mousy the Duke might be in this moment, but his reputation still preceded him. She needed to be at her best if she was to attempt negotiations with him. Besides, if she were to believe the rumors, the Duke was not in his usual position of power at this moment. A thief supposedly made off with an extremely valuable set of his jewels a while back, dealing a blow to his pride and stature he was still recovering from. Securing a trade partnership with Arendelle would be a major step towards restoring his image, and his guards' actions threatened to ruin the opportunity.
"Though I will not overlook this event," said Elsa. "I will make efforts to not let it stain our business."
A visible wave of tension sloughed off the Duke, as though he were shedding a heavy coat. "My gratitude is boundless, your majesty."
"Let's save this discussion for another time," said Elsa. "This is hardly the occasion or place for such talk."
The Duke relaxed further, sensing the threat of botched trade talks had been averted. "Quite right! This is a party after all! As an expression of good will, would your majesty grant me the honor of your first official dance as queen?"
The Duke snapped his heels together, extending a hand out to her as he bowed low at the hips. The act caused his "hair" to peel off the top of his head, revealing he needed a better adhesive for his toupee and a very prominent and shiny bald spot.
Elsa had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Had she really been anxious about dealing with this man? He might be one of the shrewdest nobles in the north, but it was hard to take him seriously when his hair was flopping about before her like a sheet on a clothesline.
She coughed to keep herself from laughing as the Duke righted himself, his hair flipping back onto his head. "Thank you, your grace, but I must decline. I don't make a habit of dancing."
"Oh…a shame," said the Duke, frowning slightly.
"Elsa!"
Elsa turned to see Anna approaching, dangerously close to sloshing the glass of water in her hand all over the floor. An idea came to her. Surely not one Anna would appreciate, but it would allow her to avoid dancing with the Duke without appearing rude.
"But my sister would be happy to," said Elsa, accepting the glass from her sister. "Wouldn't you, Anna?"
"Of course I would!" said Anna. "Wait, happy to do what?"
"Dance with the Duke, of course."
Anna's eyes widened. "Do what with who?"
The Duke looked nervous again. "Are you sure, your highness? Given the, uh, circumstances…""
"Consider it an expression of good will," said Elsa.
It was as though she flipped a switch. The Duke pepped up instantly, his meager chest puffing out as he straightened. "Well in that case!"
"Wait a minute!" said Anna. "I don't know who—whoa!"
Before Anna could utter her protest the Duke hooked his arm in hers and pulled her towards the dance floor.
"Sorry," said Elsa, smiling sheepishly at her.
Well, it could be worse…
"You're those guys' boss!?" exclaimed Anna.
The Duke missed a step in his ridiculous dancing and stumbled, but quickly recovered his wits. "Yes, your majesty. That would be me."
As peeved as Anna was that Elsa pawned her off to the leader of the men who accosted her, she found herself too stunned by the underwhelming figure that was the Duke of Weselton to be furious at him. Given the nature of his guards, she imagined him as a hulking giant of a man with the intimidating presence of a broadsword, or a skulking goblin who cackled and rubbed his hands together as he plotted dastardly schemes. Not this dwarfish imp prancing around her like a rooster with his toupee bobbing about on his head, although stepping on her foot had not made a great first impression either. It was painfully embarrassing to watch him flail and flop about, so much so Anna was starting to feel sorry for him.
"As I said to your sister just now, I'm deeply sorry for what happened to you," he said, oblivious to the stares he was attracting. "Regarding that, I heard a most curious rumor."
"What rumor?" asked Anna.
"Apparently there's talk about the individual who aided you. They say it was a woman."
Anna missed a step in their dance. How did the Duke learn that? Elsa ordered the guards involved with the arrest to remain silent about the identity of Anna's rescuers, wanting to avoid starting whispers among the visiting nobles. Had someone outside the castle spread the news? Or did the Duke acquire that info through other channels?
"You wouldn't be able to confirm that for me, would you?" asked the Duke. "After all, your highness was there when it happened."
"Just rumors!" said Anna quickly. "The only woman involved was me. I mean, I've never met any woman that could fight against thirteen men. Or your men."
"Ah, I thought as much," said the Duke. "Simply too fantastical to be true."
Anna glanced out the corner of her eye as the Duke passed behind her, seeing Lara bring a glass of wine to a rather large and very bald baron. What a shock it would be to him to know that not only was it in fact a woman who trounced his guards, but that very woman was within throwing distance! It was likely to his benefit Lara did not recognize him either. She did not strike Anna as someone who could reign in her temper when it flared.
The Duke continued his "dance" around Anna for a few rotations before he spoke again. "So nice to have the gates open again. I remember coming here when your father was king. An admirable man, to be sure, and your mother an equally lovely woman."
"Yeah…they were," said Anna.
The Duke noticed the drop in her mood. "My condolences to you and her majesty. Speaking of the gates, may I ask you something?"
"Uh, sure," said Anna.
"You wouldn't happen to know the reason they were shut in the first place, would you?" The Duke leaned inappropriately close to her, one eye scrutinizing her as she leaned away. "Hmm, your majesty?"
"No!" blurted Anna, ready to push him back if he came any closer.
"Really?" The Duke removed his face to a more polite distance. "No one ever told you why?"
"I'm as much in the dark about it as you were. Father and mother never gave a reason. They only said it was to keep us safe."
"Hmm, I see. Well, hang on!"
Anna gave a startled yelp when the Duke seized her hand and waist and bent her over backwards, earning several pops from the seams in her bodice protesting the abrupt move. Or was that her spine?
She found herself looking at Elsa upside down. Her sister giggled, covering her mouth to keep Anna from seeing her smile. Anna squinted and smiled cheekily at her, letting her know she was going to get payback for this one day.
"They don't call me the little dipper for nothing!" said the Duke before he jerked her upright and spun her around. "Like a chicken with the face of a monkey, I fly!"
Oh, she was so going to get payback for this.
Elsa watched as the Duke continued his bizarre contortions of a dance around Anna, suddenly very glad she refused his dance. She was going to owe Anna dearly for this.
She surveyed the other dancers, watching them twirl and glide across the ballroom, and then glanced at her gloved hands. It as not that she was against dancing. She always wanted to learn how. She admired how free and graceful people looked as they twirled and stepped in time to the music. She was just too afraid to try it. Dancing met contact with another person, and that was dangerous. If she lapsed her focus she could seriously hurt someone.
She clenched her hands for a moment then released them. Yet another aspect of a normal life her powers robbed her of.
The music ended and everyone applauded. Elsa saw Anna making her way back to the dais, fake-panting as she approached.
"Well, he was sprightly!" said Elsa as Anna came beside her.
"Yeah, especially for a man in heels!" said Anna as she adjusted one of her shoes.
Elsa laughed. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Actually, I've never been better!" said Anna, her face brightening. "This is so nice! I wish it could be like this all the time!"
Elsa smiled. Seeing Anna's smile made her want to smile as well. She could see how much Anna was enjoying just talking to her after so long. "Me too."
A shimmer of light reflected off the white streak in Anna's hair, drawing Elsa's eyes to it. The smile fell from her face as she was confronted once again with that reminder of the past. A past she was forced to know alone.
Elsa feared-no, knew this would happen. Today Anna got a taste of life outside the gates, and already she wanted more. But how could she not? Anna had no reason to fear people, no secret to keep. To her the world was everything beyond the castle walls. Arendelle was a dot on a vast open map for her to roam. But for Elsa the castle was her world, its walls the edge of her map. The most she could see of what lay beyond was the view the castle afforded. But without control she could never risk the venture. When Anna got frightened or startled the worst she would do is shriek loudly. When Elsa did she would freeze entire walls. She wanted this life too. To be able to talk and dance and just be with people. So long as she had her powers, though, it would be beyond her reach.
She looked away from Anna. "But it can't."
"Well, why not?" asked Anna, reaching for Elsa's arm. "I mean, we could—!"
Fear sparked in Elsa as she saw Anna's hand approach. It could only take a second for her to freeze that hand solid.
"It just can't!" interrupted Elsa, reflexively jerking away from Anna. She clenched her eyes shut, breathing deep as she tried to keep herself calm.
She heard Anna step back. "…Excuse me for a minute."
Elsa could feel the hurt radiating off Anna, hearing it in her steps as she walked into the crowd. She opened her eyes and glanced at Anna as she walked away. She sighed sadly, shoulders drooping as her head hung. Things had been going well for once, and now she brought it all crashing down. It seemed all she ever did was hurt Anna.
"Your majesty."
Elsa looked back, seeing Kai gesture to a short haired brunette woman in a pink dress, her arm interlaced with that of a rather dashing young man. She straightened herself up, putting on the mask of a dignified queen to hide her emotional pain.
"May I present Princess Rapunzel and Prince Eugene of Corona."
Anna held herself as she slipped between the guests. She should have known this would happen. Every time it seemed Elsa would open up to her she suddenly slammed the doors in her face for no reason. Just when she felt that maybe, just maybe this time Elsa would let her in she became distant again. And to make it worse, for a moment she had. For a brief minute Elsa let them be sisters again. Now the walls were back up, separating them even when they were standing beside each other.
What happened to them? They used to be so close to one another. They were all but inseparable as children. Now, though…now she could barely get more than a few minutes out of Elsa in a week. It was a miracle they talked so much today already, much less touched.
If she just could figure out why. Why did Elsa always push her away? Why did she hide herself from everyone? Anna wracked her memory and mind for countless hours over their thirteen years together yet apart, trying to find some inkling of the reason for their distance. But nothing ever came of it. Nor was Elsa ever receptive to her attempts at reconciliation.
She sniffled as her eyes started to water. Why did it have to hurt so—?
A man beside Anna suddenly bowed, bumping his backside into her. She went stumbling sideways, tripping over herself until her foot caught her skirt and she tripped for real.
"Whoa!"
A hand shot out and grabbed hers, saving her from what would have been a painful and rather public fall.
"Glad I caught you!"
That voice! She looked up to see none other than Prince Hans holding her hand, a glass of champagne in the other. He was dressed in a dashing white and gold trimmed jacket and flashing that oh-so-charming smile at her.
"Hans!" she exclaimed, both surprised and delighted at running into him again.
Hans quickly set his champagne on the tray of a passing servant and pulled Anna upright. Before she could say another word he took her hand in his, the other coming to rest on her side as the band started a new set.
Anna decided to go with it as Hans began leading her across the ballroom. She could use something to cheer her up anyway. Hopefully Hans was a much better dancer than the Duke, though Anna could not imagine how anyone could do worse.
Maybe this night would not be so bad after all.
Lara set her tray down at the wine table, letting out a whooshing breath as she leaned against it. This was getting tiring even for her. The mental effort of remembering all of these blasted wine concoctions was taking a toll on her energy, and she had way more to spare than the typical human. Learning spells was easier than this. At this rate she was going to need a pad of paper.
Her stomach growled, sending a reverberation through her. She pressed a hand to it, urging it to quiet down. Truth be told she was famished. Life in Seahaven had softened her appetite, what with consistent meals every day and enough to fully satisfy her hunger. Life on the run was not so generous. It was a balancing act between what she needed to keep going and what she could carry or hunt. The meal she and Melody were fed before the party started might be enough to carry Melody over, but it was barely a snack for her.
"Psssst! Alice!"
Lara turned around to see Melody behind one of the curtains at the edge of the room, hurriedly beckoning her over. Lara cautiously made her way over, using the crowd for cover.
"What are you doing over here?" asked Lara as she joined her "sister."
"Taking a break," said Melody, indicating the slices of bread in one hand and the whole loaf in the other, which she offered to Lara. "Want some?"
"Definitely!" Lara took the loaf and bit into it, savoring the warm fluffy dough before swallowing. "How're you holding up?"
"I'm okay. You?"
"About the same. My brain's gonna need a rest after tonight."
Melody nodded. "Both of us. Hopefully we'll get a chance once we set sail."
Lara took another bite of her bread. "Hopefully."
Lara heard a giggle and glanced back at the room. Anna was dancing on the floor with some young man with rather distinct and well-groomed sideburns. Elsa was up at the dais talking to Ryder and his bride, who seemed rather excited about meeting the queen for some reason.
"Hey, Mel?" whispered Lara. "Mind if I ask you something?"
"About what?" asked Melody.
"It's Anna and Elsa. You said they've been holed up in here for thirteen years, right?"
"That's what Kristoff said," answered Melody.
Lara cocked her head at the name. "Kristoff?"
"Oh, he's an ice harvester I bumped into at the docks," said Melody as she took a bite of her own bread. "His reindeer ate the list you gave me."
"His…reindeer?" asked Lara, her head cocking even further.
"I'll tell you about it later. Anyway, he said no one's really sure what happened. One day the castle was open and the next the king ordered the gates shut. They let a lot of the staff go as well. Even when the king and queen died at sea they stayed shut."
"Okay, then go with me on this," said Lara, eating another mouthful before continuing. "Imagine someone locked you up for thirteen years."
Melody stiffened, her eyes taking on a somber gaze. "I don't have to. I was locked up for twelve."
Lara winced, realizing the slip. "Sorry, I didn't—."
Melody shook her head. "No, it's fine. I know you didn't mean it. Go on."
"Okay, so imagine the people who locked you up are suddenly gone. Now you're in charge. What's the first thing you'd want to do?"
"I'd want to go out." Melody's brow furrowed slightly. "What are getting at?"
"It's Elsa." Lara glanced at the queen, still in conversation with the thief and his assumed bride. "She might've been crowned today, but she's basically been queen for three years now. She could've opened those gates whenever she wanted but she didn't. Why would she keep herself and Anna locked in? If it was me I'd be out those gates before the latch was undone."
Melody was about to answer but paused. She held her chin in her hand, giving the question seriously thought. "…Maybe they weren't locked in at all."
Now it was Lara's brow that furrowed. "Huh?"
"I'm just remembering when my parents had the sea wall built. I thought it was to keep me in, but they did it to keep Morgana out. What if that's what's going on?"
Lara saw where Melody was going with her theory. "You mean, instead of keeping them in here, their parents were trying to keep someone else out?"
"Maybe. It's just…" Melody chewed her lip lightly, mulling over her words. "Even when the sea wall was up, we didn't shut out everyone else. And it wasn't like I couldn't go into the town either. But for Anna and Elsa to be caged in here for so long…it just makes more sense, you know?"
Lara glanced back to the room. "I think we better go back. Looks like that Gerda woman noticed we're missing."
"I'll go," said Melody. "You come back when you've finished eating."
"Thanks. I'll be done in a bit." Lara moved behind the pillar as Melody went back to the room, intercepting Gerda on the way.
Lara quietly slipped out an open door to the balcony, secluding herself behind a column to eat. She leaned on the railing, looking out over the garden to the waters beyond, the cliffs silhouetted against the moonlight.
Not locked in, but everyone else locked out. Somehow that made more sense to Lara than it should.
A/N: At long last, another chapter! So happy to be back writing this story again! I'm a bit rusty on the writing, but nothing that can be brushed off!
Disclaimer: I do not own "Frozen" or "The Little Mermaid" or "Tangled" or any of Disney's characters or intellectual property. Everything else, however, is mine =)
