First, special thank you to Greenfairy25 and icemaxprime for their great reviews. It's those reviews that keep me motivated to post faster so please keep them coming. Anyways, here is the next chapter. Enjoy!
Elsa was sitting in front of her mirror, finishing her evening routine after another long day, a frown on her face. Anna was definitely up to something. Elsa no longer had any doubts. Another few days had passed and Anna had kept a cheshire grin on her face for that entire time. She was constantly talking to either the servants or sneaking back from seeing the trolls and Elsa was beyond suspicious of her sister. It was not like Elsa's suspicion was baseless, as Anna had already been responsible for a number of flamboyant pranks, parties or surprises in the past. She just hoped she realized that with the state of the kingdom now really was not the time for another one of her "ideas". But every time Elsa had attempted to get Anna to tell her what was going on, she had feigned ignorance and pushed her to get back to training with Raiden. Or basically doing anything with Raiden really. Raiden…
Raiden and Elsa had continued to practice and train but there was now something between them that Elsa had trouble putting into words. She was certain that he was still spending his nights outside of her door, but when morning came and she would check, he would be gone. When she had asked Raiden about it, he had been evasive, but she was certain he had been there. While outwardly nothing seemed to have changed, Elsa could not help but notice the times she would catch him staring at her or she would blush when he would do the same. She just wished she knew how to…how to – reach someone.
A sudden knocking on her door drew Elsa out of her thoughts and before she could even respond Anna came rushing into the room.
"Elsa, thank goodness I found you!" Anna said, either very excited or very out of breath, it was hard to tell with her sometimes.
"Anna what is it? What's wrong?" Elsa rushed over and immediately thought of all the horrible things that might have happened.
"Some dignitaries showed up and are expecting to see you. They just got off the boat and demanded to meet with you right away. They said they hadn't eaten so I told Kai to put them in the formal dining room and ran to find you." Upon hearing this Elsa immediately changed gears and began to quickly remove the outfit she had been training in and reform her preferred ice blue gown and iced heels. She was internally berating herself for having not been ready for these dignitaries arrival. She had just been so busy these last few weeks.
"Alright, thank you Anna. Quick, get back down there and entertain them until I get there." Elsa was now back in front of her mirror analyzing her dress.
"OK, will do. Princess Anna on duty. Just - ummm...they were really dressed up to see you, so - you know - just do what you do." Anna made a hasty exit, talking quickly as she made it out the door. It did not even occur to Elsa to question what Anna had told her or her odd behavior, she felt so overwhelmed at being unprepared for the arrival of dignitaries from - from...damn I do not even know where they are from! Steeling herself for what would likely be a very awkward meeting, and making sure her makeup and hair were presentable, Elsa quickly made her way to the formal dining room. Taking a minute to calm herself and make sure she was presentable, Elsa pushed open the doors and entered the room.
I need to get a handle on myself. Raiden was outside pacing, something he had taken to doing when the grandeur of the castle needed to be replaced by the spaciousness of the courtyard. Remember why I am here. Remember what's at stake. Elsa needs my help. Elsa...He knew that something had changed between himself and Elsa. He had tried to keep everything between them professional but she had grown on him. He had caught himself simply staring at her when he should have been instructing her. He kept thinking of excuses to spend more time with her when he knew he should have been focused on preparing the rest of the castle for what was to come. But there he was, every night after he was sure Elsa had fallen asleep, sitting outside her door, being sure to keep her nightmares away. Not that his dreams had been much better of late - they're just dreams. Leave it be.
"Raiden! Was looking everywhere for you." Raiden looked up and saw Kristoff barreling down the palace steps. His face was beet read but Raiden assumed that was from all the running.
"Kristoff what's wrong? Is everything alright? Where's Elsa?" Raiden fired off the questions and paused at the look Kristoff gave him at the last one. "Just tell me - "
"Whoa whoa! Calm down, everything is fine." Kristoff raised his hands at the look Raiden had been giving him. "Elsa sent me to come find you. Some dignataries just arrived and Elsa is going to be meeting with them in the formal dining room." Kristoff explained.
"So?" Raiden eyed Kristoff suspiciously. Raiden knew that Kristoff was in good shape so why was he sweating so much from what could not have been much of a search.
"So? Right, so - ummm...Oh! Right, so these dignitaries are from south of here and Elsa was concerned that with their close allegiances to the Southern Isles it may be wise to have you there in case anything were to happen." Raiden did not quite follow what Raiden was supposed to do that the royal guard could not but the thought of Elsa being in danger was enough for Raiden to start walking up the stairs two at a time.
"Wait! Look - so these royal meetings have a certain look to them. I think Anna left you something in your room. Might be wise to check that out first." Kristoff dashed off to what looked like where the trolls were residing, as Raiden was left stalled on the stairs trying to process Kristoff telling him to go change his clothes. Change my clothes? This whole thing seemed very odd but with a shake of his head Raiden made a right at the entrance of the castle and quickly walked to his room.
I look ridiculous. When Raiden had saw what was laying on his bed he almost burst out laughing until he had realized that it was indeed for him. Raiden had put on the black boots (weren't too uncomfortable). And the black pants with the ice blue stripe down the leg (I mean they were okay). But when he slipped on the white shirt, sporting no collar simply a slight rise around the neck, he did not have the strength to look in the mirror. He grabbed the jacket and making sure his hair was in a tight knot near the top of his head made his way down the stairs back to the dining room. As he was just reaching the door he saw Anna rushing around the corner dressed in a more formal green gown to the green dress that she usually wore.
"Oh Raiden! Perfect timing. Wow don't you look handsome." Anna was running her hands over Raiden's outfit, making sure everything looked perfect. She frowned when she noticed he had chosen not to wear the neck-scarf but admitted the open button and simple black and white look suited him.
"Is all of this really necessary just to meet some dignitaries?" Raiden almost sounded like he was pleading.
"Hmmm? Dignitaries? OH right! Yup, definitely necessary. Now get in there and just remember to be yourself." Raiden gave her a puzzled look as she pushed him through the door. Taking in the room, Raiden saw a table set for two and the only light coming from the moon outside and the flame of the fireplace. Standing next to the fireplace Raiden saw Elsa and she was - stunning, Raiden thought to himself. Between the moonlight and the fire glinting off of her, Elsa seemed to be a living icicle, cold yet beautiful. But the look on her face was pure fire.
"I kneeeew it. I am going to murder Anna." Raiden's confusion soon disappeared when he realized what Elsa had already figured out. There were no dignitaries. Just Elsa, himself and a table set for two.
Oh that clever little bi -
**AHHHEM** "Dinner will be served." Elsa and Raiden turned to see Kristoff dressed in a white apron and doing his best to keep a straight face. Elsa looked ready to storm off but she looked at Raiden and could not help noticing how the rugged Raiden suddenly looked so...noble (if not a touch self-consious at realizing he had been duped into dressing up just for Elsa). It's just dinner...Sharing a shrug of why not? with Raiden, the two of them sat down at the small table. Trolls suddenly streamed in and set the table, lighting two candles. Oh god, the "love experts" Elsa internally rolled her eyes at what she knew was in store.
Things started awkwardly, neither one knowing what exactly to say. But as the night went on, as the food was tasted and the wine was shared, the two soon were alternating between deep, ranging conversations and laughing at each others stories. Elsa could see Anna poking her head through the door every few minutes but did her best to ignore her smug smile. She was just enjoying Raiden's company.
"Raiden, do you think you could tell me a little bit more about - your family?" Elsa had answered Raiden's questions about her parents, about the love she had had for her mother, for the deep respect she had for her father. About her struggles to overcome her resentment towards both of them and her eventual acceptance that they had loved her and did what they thought was best for her. Raiden had seemed enraptured by everything Elsa said and Elsa was surprised by the amount she was sharing about herself. She felt the need for Raiden to share as well. She wanted, needed, to know more about him.
"My family?" Elsa could see the worry that washed over Raiden's face. The pain. Before she could think more about it she reached out and placed her hand over his. Elsa could feel Raiden almost recoil but smiled when he instead turned and gripped her hand in his. Meeting her gaze, Raiden took a deep breath, "My mother died when I was very young. But I remember - I remember her smile. She was always smiling. Always happy. And I was told that she was very beautiful. But I just remember that smile. How it always made me feel safe."
"She must have been truly special." Elsa said quietly, thinking of her own mother. "What about your father? He was the leader of your village, right?" Elsa felt Raiden's grip on her hand tighten and he quickly released her and stood up, standing by the fire. Elsa quietly walked over to stand by him. She was going to tell him that it was alright to not talk about it. But caught herself when Raiden started again.
"My father was a proud man. He was proud of me, proud of our village, proud of our history. Everyone looked to him and he was always there with an answer. He was there to protect us. To provide for me and the village. He - He always did what he thought was for the best. What he thought would protect us. I try to remind myself of that." Raiden could hear the break in his voice and again slipped her hand into his. He turned at her touch, "Come on, I want to show you something." Elsa kept her hand in Raiden's and quietly the two left the dining room, slipped out the front door to the main courtyard, and Elsa took Raiden through the hidden passage that led out of the castle and to the fjord. The late autumn air was brisk and the moon caused everything to be washed in a pale light. Raiden was again struck by Elsa's beauty.
"This is where I always go when I need some time to myself. To just clear my head. Just me and the fjord. No one else knows about it." Raiden saw the smile and serenity on Elsa's face. The spot was obviously someplace very special to her.
"I am honored that you would show me this place. You're right, it's beautiful." Elsa turned at the last word and saw that Raiden had been looking at her when he spoke, she averted her eyes and blushed.
"Come on..." Elsa again took Raiden's hand and stepping onto the fjord, created an ice rink on the shore.
"What? Don't tell me you don't know how to ice skate?" Elsa called teasingly.
"I come from north of the North Mountain. I think I can show you a thing or two on the ice." Soon Elsa and Raiden were gliding and spinning on the ice, their laughter filling the night sky. Trying to match Elsa's grace, Raiden attempted a spin but began to stumble. Chuckling, Elsa deftly inserted herself into his stumbling to provide balance. Elsa was now very much in Raiden's embrace and the two simply looked at each other, neither one sure of their next step.
"Do you hear something?" Raiden was looking around and Elsa soon also heard a low hum coming from the castle. "Come one." Raiden now taking Elsa's hand, the two headed back inside. Following the sound, the two soon found themselves in one of the ballrooms. Standing to one side, Elsa saw were the trolls and upon seeing Elsa and Raiden walk in, the humming grew louder and became a song. Elsa realized that the song was for them and what they were supposed to do.
"I - I think we're supposed to dance." Raiden said looking at Elsa with red creeping on his.
"I dont dance..." Elsa said automatically, then regretted it immediately at the look on Raiden's face. The trolls simply kept humming the song louder. A look of inspiration lit up Raiden's face.
"But we can dance on ice can't we? Just pretend it's skating." Before Elsa could protest Raiden took her hand and soon the two were standing in the middle of the ballroom. As Elsa was about to explain how she just couldnt dance, she saw the look Raiden was giving her. One filled with such care and keeping her eyes on his, the two began to slowly dance. At the same time, the trolls began to sing...
What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright
[Pre-Chorus:]
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
Elsa and Raiden began to dance with more confidence, twirling and spinning in the moon lit ballroom.
[Chorus:]
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh
[Verse 2:]
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you
[Pre-Chorus:]
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
[Chorus:]
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh
[Bridge:]
Give me all of you
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard
[Chorus:]
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
Raiden spins Elsa one last time and the two end with Elsa in Raiden's arms, closer than the two have ever been before. Staring into each others eyes as the song ends, Raiden leans in and Elsa and Raiden share a simple, passionate kiss.
I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh
Elsa slowly opened her eyes as she and Raiden separated. She could still feel the heat of his lips on hers. Elsa retained her close embrace of Raiden, feeling his warmth, just wanting this feeling to never end.
"Elsa...Elsa there's something I need to tell you." Elsa looked up and was surprised to see the look of trepidation on Raiden's face. She could tell he was struggling with something
'Raiden what is it? Please, let me in." Elsa said quietly putting her hand on Raiden's cheek.
"Elsa there's so much I want to tell you. I just do not know where to start."
"Raiden it's alright. Just tell me. I want you to - "
"Elsa, I - it wasn't me that saved Kristoff." Raiden burst out. He kept Elsa in his embrace but created some space so that he could see her reaction.
"Raiden what are you - you..." Elsa's face slowly turned to the window, a look of terror coming over her. For as she had been looking at Raiden, a red hue had covered his face. Turning, she saw that a red light had spread from the windows. The moon...the moon was red. "Oh no..."
Rushing over to the window, Elsa had to withhold a scream as Raiden gripped Elsa as they saw the source of the blood red moon - Arendelle was on fire.
This chapter took me some time to craft and to get all the scenes from my head to the page. But please feel free to PM me suggestions as I think I may be needing to come back to this chapter in the future to make it juuuuuuust right. Still really proud of it. As always, REVIEWS!
