Elsa's gripped tighter on Kristoff's tunic. "I'll ask again what are you doing here, human?"
Anna dropped her crossbow. "Wait Elsa, he's harmless," she implored.
Icy blue eyes glowed with frigid rage. The air around them became colder, frost formed on the grass, a chilling wind whipped through Elsa's wild locks. The beast was slowly taking over her mind slipping into animistic haze. "He smells like the rest of them," she growled, clouds of icy mist ghosting over Kristoff's face. "The men that seek me out for the thrill of the hunt. The ones, who desire to chop my head off to hang above their fireplace making me death some sort of prize in their sick contest."
"Elsa, please let Kristoff go," she pleaded one more. "he's just a big ice loving dork and my friend."
The name resonated deep within the confounds of Elsa's mind. Looking at the man's face there was something oddly familiar about him. Her anger faded and her grip loosened around his tunic. "Troll boy?" she asked, calling him by the nickname she gave him.
"Y-Yeah, Elsa, it's me."
The wintry chill died down as Elsa lowered Kristoff back to his feet. "Sorry, Kristoff, didn't recognize you by your looks or smell." Picking up his fallen hat, Elsa dusted it off, and placed back on his head.
"Don't worry about it. It's good to see you again."
Anna looked at both of them disbelief clouding her features, "Wait a second, you two know each other?"
Elsa nodded, "After a few hunters had managed to chase me to the edge of a snowy cliff up on the North Mountain, I took the plunge landing safely on the soft snow below. I needed a place to lay low for a while and knew the humans never ventured to the Valley of the Trolls, so they graciously welcomed me with open arms. There I met this small blond kid and his scrawly mutt, who loved my icy creations, and liked to slide down my tail while I was sleeping."
Kristoff rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, actually, that's why became so fond of ice. Seeing how much beauty and mystery there was to behold such a wonder of nature. I felt drawn to it."
"Are you sure you're talking about ice there, pal?" Elsa asked with a suggestive wink.
"Yes, I can't think of anyone who might be interested in a mischievous, overbearing, seductive dragon."
A light shade of pink coated Anna's cheeks, knowing that jest was meant for her. She glanced over avoiding Elsa's gaze. Smiling seeing that Olaf and Sven hadn't been affected by what had transpired between their owners. Anna looked back at Kristoff noticing he hadn't brought any of his ice harvesting gear. Upon realizing this, Anna found his presence here rather strange. "Kristoff, why are you? I thought you were leaving for the fjord soon?"
"Before Elsa here scared me, I came looking for you, Anna. There was a dragon attack last night on the town. There was something strange about it 'cause people were panicking when there was nothing happening. I managed to get out before anything happened, and had Sven track you down."
She stood there for a stood frozen upon hearing his responses. I should go, but . . .
Anna gave Elsa a sidelong glance. Eyes pleading to head back, she was enjoying the Dragon Queen's company, but at the end of the day they were still technically enemies and it sounded like her village needed her. Elsa frowned sensing the huntresses desire and hesitation to leave. "Go ahead, they might need you. I'm not forcing you to stay with me. Just remember, I'm always here if you need or wish to come back." I can't protect you when you're worrying about your own kind. I know the feeling all too well.
Anna nodded, she heard the sorrow in the dragon's voice, but she tried to hide it. Crossbow in hand, Anna bit her bottom lip, leaning forward, she placed a kiss upon Elsa's cold cheek. "I will be back, I promise."
"Don't think I won't hold you to it either. If I have to I can also kidnap you like the fierce dragon I am," she chuckled.
Kristoff stood there kind of shocked by the endearing exchanged the two shared and the affectionate way they looked into each other's eyes. A small, knowing smile curved his lips. He was no love expect like his friends and family, but he knew, exactly, what was going between the Dragon Queen and the young huntress. Anna started to walk past him making her way towards the thicket. "I see you change your mind about how you feel about dragons," he said coyly.
She lightly punched him in the arm. "Shut up," she hissed. He chuckled at his flustered friend.
Olaf whimpered bowing his head. Anna paused, bent down and petted him, "I won't be gone long, boy."
He nudged her hand with his nose.
Anna headed for the woods and her village. She glanced back and gave a pair a wave until she came back. I will come back to this place and to Elsa, she promised herself.
At the bottom of the hill, Anna looked up, seeing the familiar wooden gate, but as she ascended the hill she noticed a large hole in the wooden gate. She raced up the hill finding no guards, but people running around carrying various items to fix the wreckage. Walking about ducking under wood planks, dodging horse and mule driven carriage, she heard a man grumble, "Damn Dragon Queen causing havoc."
Upon hearing this Anna became puzzled about a few things. The first, why people were fixing roofs that weren't broken. A second man, she heard them complain about ice, but further inspection there was no ice on anything. "What happened here and what's wrong with everyone?" she whispered.
She wandered down the street towards the castle, hoping Duke might be able to give her some answers. The huntress began to feel a bit uneasy as if there were daggers being bore into her back. All work had ceased and all eyes of the villages were on her.
Whispers reached her ears. "I bet her father is rolling in his grave right now."
". . . fraternizing with that damn dragon bitch probably."
"She shouldn't be a huntress, she should be. . ."
Crimson coated her cheeks feeling ashamed hearing the hateful things people she had known most of life say about her. Arriving at the castle gates, she paused, noticing that for the first time ever the gates were closed and heavily guarded. Trying to get past a pair of guards blocked her path with their lances. "Halt huntress, state your business," one growled.
"I need to see Duke it's rather urgent."
"That may be, but after last nights attack, we aren't going to take any chances." He eyed the white streak in her hair. "Besides, how do we know you can be trusted, dragon bait? he hissed.
Frustrated with how she was being treated, Anna opened her mouth to retort, when a horse whinnied and a man barked, "Let my cohort pass, she is no threat to any of you. The Dragon Queen is the real issue."
The guards nodded and reluctantly moved aside. Ser Varrick rode ahead towards the barracks. As Anna passed, they eyed her uncomfortably. "We're watching you, so don't try anything funny," the one on the right warned.
"Wouldn't dream it," she mumbled.
Following the huntsman, he never turned to face her, but inquired, "What in Odin's name is going on with this town on this morn?"
"I don't really know, but it sounded like a dragon attacked last night. Yet, I don't see any damage, apart from the fence."
"I noticed that when we arrived after discovering nothing was happening in the north. So, people are running around fixing what isn't broken?"
"Exactly, ser." Anna found really strange that he was conversing with longer than normal.
"Then it seems a dragon did attack the village last night."
It wasn't Elsa, though. It couldn't have been. This, I'm sure of. She hasn't given me a reason not to trust her. She's a mischievous stinker, but she hasn't done anything wrong to anyone. Getting closer to the barracks doubt crossed her mind. How can you be so sure, though? Elsa has lived centuries longer than you. You have no idea how many people she could have slaughtered in the past.
Varrick's voice interrupted her plaguing thoughts. "I'm going to say something that most might deem me crazy for uttering, but I don't think your dragon is responsible for the strange behavior of these citizens. There is another dragon just as dangerous I hear. His name is Hans, he is known as the Dragon of shadows and illusions. He is able to spread doubt and falsehood wherever he travels. Why he might be here? I can't say, but I hope for Arendelle's safely him and the Dragon Queen never become allies. It would spell the destruction of this town."
Elsa would never become associated with him, especially if it's the dragon she wants me to have nothing to do with.
Varrick pulled on the reins stopping his horse in front of the barracks. "I suppose you'll be seeing our commander to convince him of the dragon's innocence."
Anna began to play with her loose hair."No, not all, El-she's our enemy."
The knight laughed, it was rough as if he hadn't done it in forever. "Anna, even I know how false that statement is coming from you. Despite your desire to be a huntress hell bent on slaying the Dragon Queen, I like most know the truth that your heart is both too pure and already in her icy claws. Well, whatever your intent truly is with Duke, I'll say this, I hope the next time we see each other, you won't be on the wrong end of my sword." Whipping the reins, he entered the barracks leaving Anna to ponder his dark warning.
She knew deep in her heart what had said the knight was indeed true. Why she kept lying to herself anymore, she had no idea. Perhaps she hoped by telling herself the lie that she wanted to kill Elsa, then maybe she wouldn't grow attached to the dragon when they met again.
Shaking her head, Anna headed off for Duke's house. She rose her hand and knocked. A few seconds later the door opened causing her to come face-to-face with the large nose of the man. "I told you men to leave me-" he paused, meeting teal eyes and vibrant red hair. Oh, she's here sooner than expected. "Please, my dear girl come in. I actually have a few things to discuss with you."
Feeling suddenly weary, Anna walked into the man's cabin. The atmosphere felt different than the last time, darker, ominous. Further down the hall, Anna had the feeling something or someone was watching her. It sent a chill down her spine, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up in the anticipation for might lurk around the corner. She thought for a second she heard breathing in her ear, and when she looked over to see what was there only to see shadows, she could have sworn they had moved. Laughing nervously to herself, she sighed, "It's nothing Anna, you're just feeling a bit on edge after learning that someone is playing tricks trying to frame Elsa."
Entering the study, Duke called, "Take a seat won't you. Can I offer you a cup of tea?" he asked unusually cheerful.
Taking a seat facing the dragon's head once more, Anna averted her gaze, unable to help, but imagine it as Elsa's for a split second. "Of course," she answered quickly.
He poured some tea into both cups. "Cream? Sugar?" he offered, holding a sugar cube.
Anna reached out for the saucer and sugar, "I can handle it myself."
He smiled slyly, "Oh, I know you can. I didn't send you out to the woods to refresh the map for nothing." Taking a long sip of his tea, he asked, "How is that going by the way?"
Anna lost her grip on the cups handle causing it to the drop to the saucer with a clack. She had completely forgotten about the map over the last couple of days. "F-Fine," she lied.
"Good, good. While on your excursion have you seen anything or anyone interesting?"
"No, nothing but trees."
"I see." Sipping his tea once more, he asked behind the rim, "Then, why have you returned if you have nothing to report?"
Anna choked on the drink she had just taken. "I heard the village had been attacked by a dragon last night, and I-"
Setting the China aside, Duke sat back in the chair, the fire casting a dark shadow over his face. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? I'm sure by now, you have figured out that I didn't send you into those woods for an iridescent map. I have no doubts that you have indeed found the Dragon Queen and have probably gotten friendly with her. Am I right?"
The young huntress swallowed hard knowing she had been caught. In her head, she began to think up a lie, or and excuse. Something to protect Elsa. "I have no-"
"Don't bother with your petty lies, Anna, I know better. As your superior I demand you answer me with the truth."
Anna weighed her options. She didn't want to say anything knowing what will happen if she revealed the whereabouts of Elsa's cave. She wondered for a second, why she couldn't be heartless and just let the damn sexy, sassy dragon be hunted down like a wild animal. She shook her head, knowing it might cost her everything and what little respect she had, but she wasn't about to let the only who showed general concern for her to die. "No, I won't tell you if I may or may not have seen the Dragon Queen."
It seems that male dragon was right. "Your loyalty to this dangerous dragon, who you know nothing about is infallible, then? So, much so that you give up any hope of remaining safe behind this gate and in a community of people, who provide the common folk and your safety?"
Anna didn't answer.
"Then allow me to propose a deal to you if you will. I have grown tired of sending my men out to hunt dragons. I believe it is time to move on, for the people's sake. They live in fear each and every day of a mighty dragon coming to attack just like last night. However, there is a problem: the Dragon Queen. The native ones won't move on without their queen's consent. Now, I know just like the rest of the town that you have a bond with the beast. That means you are and have probably been closer to the creature than anyone else. So, here is what I'm proposing, you have until the next full moon, one month to be exact to either kill the dragon with her head as proof, or somehow convince her to leave this land forever. How you manage to do accomplish the latter? I don't care."
Anna was unsure how to respond. Her thoughts became rampant. She was being used in order to get rid of Elsa. "This is insane," she yelled. "Why is forcing a legendary creature out of their homes so important to you?"
"To put it simply, in order for us to move on to a brighter future and survive, we must get rid of things that both hold us back and threaten to eliminate us."
Outraged Anna got up from her seat, at the door, she said smugly, "Thanks for the tea, ser, but I'm afraid I have somewhere else to be now."
"Anna, one last thing. Think of this as a test of your loyalty. If you fail to sway the dragon, she will wind up being killed and it will be your fault. However, if you decide to slay her, then you've betrayed the beast and what little trust she might have gained in you. Either way, if you ever decide to come here don't expect anything else except for disdain and scorn. The townsfolk are fickle and you know this. The white in your hair is proof of this."
"Well then, as you say this is my burden to bear, and whatever I choose I know it will be the right decision, even if it's to your dissatisfaction." Anna left slamming the door behind her.
Duke glanced over to the corner, where Hans stood in the shadows. Stepping out he clapped slow and sarcastically. "Excellent, I believe the naive girl bought the story."
"Do you think she will go for such a thing? Anna's actions can be rather unpredictable."
Hans shrugged, fixing his gloves. "Honestly, it doesn't matter to me what she picks, though I have a feeling she'll try to convince Elsa to leave or dare I say try to protect her. That would be laughable. Either way when I know Elsa is truly vulnerable I'll kill her myself and take her place. You can do whatever you see fit to the girl."
"When exactly will the real plan unfold, then?"
"A month as we agreed upon. That will give you time to train your men, though I doubt we won't need it a little bit protect wouldn't hurt. Especially, if Anna tries to play knight and make a feeble attempt to save the bitch. 'Cause a dragon will do anything to protect the things they treasure most, even risk their own life in the process." He paused a memory flickered past his eyes. "For a dragon's greed is one of our true downfalls."
Walking down the street, Anna kicked a pebble absentmindedly, her thoughts buzzing repeating every taunting word Duke had said. Convince or kill Elsa, continued to echo in her ear. Pausing at the end of the street, she noticed the town was back to normal some people scratching their heads wondering what was going on, but still one thing hadn't changed. They were still blaming the Dragon Queen. "I wish someone would finally slay that beast," a man muttered.
Bowing her head, Anna left the village once again to head back to Elsa's cave still wondering how she was to inform Elsa about the possible impending doom coming her way. A glimmer of a smile curved her lips. "She'll probably laugh it off as some petty threat, or she'll divulge into some epic speech saying how she is the all Powerful Dragon Queen, and no tiny human can defeat me, my little lamb."
Arriving at the thicket, Anna found it easier to traverse than the times before. Sooner than she realized, she exited seeing Elsa's cave. Kristoff and Sven had already left. Olaf was low in the grass prowling something in the tall weeds. She found Elsa sitting on a rock a scroll in her hands. Anna tilted her head, noting the way the sun shone off the woman's hair. The radiant glow behind the dragon was like an aura only reserved for a goddess. She looked like she was in element, regal like the queen she is, but with a calming presence that Anna had experienced many years ago. Elsa may be a ferocious beast that breathed ice, but Anna knew she couldn't bring herself to ever kill the Dragon Queen. Despite the years she spent training to do just that. The lies she told herself to convince herself that Elsa had to die. In Anna's mind murder was not an option. I can't do it. I'm going to have either sway her to leave, or protect her. Ugh, she's really got me wrapped around her damn claw, and I bet she knows it too.
Leaving the shadows of the thicket, Anna headed towards the cave. Olaf stopped mid-pounce upon seeing the redhead. Sitting on his haunches, tail wagging, Anna ran her hand over his head as she passed. A light wind blew through Elsa's hair, sensing something wrong in the air, she glanced up from her scroll meeting Anna's gaze. A wave of elation washed over her, she did come back like she promised. Standing up the dragon offered her a smile, figuring she would wait until later to pounce the huntress and hug her. She frowned, though upon noticing a hint of sorrow in her teal eyes, Elsa began, "Anna, is something the matter?"
"Yes, we need to talk."
A/N: Yay, finished chapter 7. Working on updating more stories since yesterday my vacation finally started. Another reason why I got around to working on this fic.
