Edmund woke as the first light of day seeped through the window. He yawned and stretched, but shivered as soon as the cold air touched his naked skin. He thought that afterliving in Arendelle all these years, he would have gotten used to the merciless winter. He stood and donned some clothing. He noticed Thiana was no longer in bed as he tied the sash around his robe. She was hardly ever, born as an early riser. By now, she would be in the kitchen, flitting here and there helping their servants preparing breakfast. Always the busybody.
Edmund exited his chamber and went to the dining room, which like the rest of the house, was not extravagant. In the center sat a long table that could fit twelve people, underneath was an embroidered forest green carpet. The walls were part stone part oak. There were sconces with candles attached to the walls, but they were unlit as the sun provided enough light passing through from the large paneled window. There was a tapestry by the door depicting a vessel on a calm sea.
Dorothy was already there, sitting patiently. She had brought her blanket and a pink bunny plushy with her. She was still wearing her sleeping gown. She used her blanket as a makeshift mantle as she sat huddling on her seat, snuggling her plushy. Her hair was tied into two cute pigtails. She was still a bit drowsy, but she instantly beamed when she noticed Edmund's entry.
"Good morning, Papa," she said.
"Morning, lil' ankle biter." Edmund approached her and bent down to kiss her forehead. "Cold morning?"
"Mmhmm." Dorothy nodded, hugging her blanket closer.
"Want to cancel the outing until spring comes?"
"No!" Dorothy sprang to her feet, hands on hips. Her blanket fell down behind her.
Edmund chuckled. "Alright, don't bite me. Come here." Edmund picked her up and put her down on his lap. Hugging her from behind, he asked, "Warmer?"
"Yes." She giggled.
"Look at you, so warm and cuddly with your daughter. I want some Bunny love too." Jack appeared out of nowhere. He leaned sideways against the doorframe, – one hand was holding his staff, the other tucked inside his pocket – grinning widely as he witnessed the scene that transpired before him. Edmund flustered like a thief caught red-handed. He wanted to escape from the awkward position, but Dorothy had clung to him and stared at Jack with curiosity mingled with wariness.
"How long have you been standing there?" Edmund asked, trying and failing to hide the embarrassment and panic in his voice. He noticed Dorothy's grip on his robe had tightened.
"Long enough. May I?" Still smirking, he pointed at the chair across from Edmund, who grumbled his approval. As soon as Jack sat, all his attention on Edmund disappeared and he focused solely on the little girl on Edmund's lap. "Hello there. What's your name?"
Dorothy looked at Edmund, only after receiving his encouraging nod did she answer. "Dorothy."
"Hey Dorothy, I'm Jack. What's his name?" Jack pointed at the plushy Dorothy was hugging.
"Mr. Bunny."
"Is Mr. Bunny joining you for breakfast?"
"Yes."
"What does Mr. Bunny like to eat?"
"Monsters. Like the ones under my bed."
"Oh, Mr. Bunny is one fierce rabbit, eh? I wouldn't want to mess with him. Did Daddy give him to you?"
"Yes, he did. Daddy says Mr. Bunny will protect me in my sleep and monsters will stay away from me when he's around."
"I can see he has succeeded thus far."
Dorothy nodded and snuggled her plushy closer. "Mr. Bunny is strong."
Edmund watched dumbfounded as their exchange went on. Dorothy was usually shy around strangers, and for her to be having a conversation with one was surprising for him. Somehow, Jack managed to entice his daughter to talk further and eliciting giggles from her. It was quite a heartwarming sight to see.
"So what are you doing today, Dorothy?" Jack asked.
"Mama is giving me a lesson this morning, but in the afternoon we're going to play outside of town!"
"That sounds fun! With your friends?"
"No, just Papa and Mama and maybe Mary." Dorothy looked down sullenly. "I don't have friends."
Jack's smile wavered as the fact was revealed to him. He glanced at Edmund who looked away. He understood in an instant and brought his gaze back to Dorothy. "Can I join you, Dorothy?"
Dorothy was stunned. "You want to join us?"
"Only if you want me to."
She turned to Edmund. "Can Jack join us, Papa?"
Rejection was at the tip of his tongue, but since he was being bombarded with eyes full of expectation from his daughter and Jack (but in his case, he was definitely teasing), Edmund relented. "Sure, why not." He shot Jack a cursory glance, wondering what he was planning.
"Great! Where exactly are you going?"
"The field outside of the North Gate. You're really coming along?" Edmund enquired.
"Of course! I can't refuse an invitation, especially coming from such a cute lady." Jack winked at Dorothy, whom broke into a sheepish smile. "I'll see you this afternoon, then." Jack stood up and prepared to take his leave.
"You're going now?" Dorothy asked. There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I am, but I'll meet you at the field later. I promise."
Thiana appeared before he could take a step outside of the dining room, holding a basket of bread. Behind her were five servants; one was carrying a tray of cheese, while the second was carrying a basket of apples. The third brought plates, bowls and silverware with her. The fourth was wearing kitchen gloves while carrying a small pot, and judging from the smell, it was a hearty breakfast chicken soup. The last one brought two jugs – one was mulled wine and the other was watered-down mulled wine – on one hand and a tray of cups on the other.
"You're not staying for breakfast?" Thiana asked Jack.
"I've intruded at an improper time. I've asked for advice. I've slept under your roof. I rather not impose on you much more than that."
"Nonsense! Nobody leaves my house hungry. Sit!" Thiana ordered and from the finality in her tone, Jack thought it would be wiser to comply.
Edmund lift up Dorothy from his lap and set her down next to him. The servants began preparing the table as Thiana took the seat beside Jack, who soon began chatting with Dorothy again. Their conversation drifted from her bunny plushy to a fantasy world of witch, her flying monkeys, a tin man, a scarecrow and a lion. Watching Dorothy opening up to a stranger surprised Thiana at first, but she quickly overcame her shock and watched with open gladness. Only when the last drop of soup was drained and the last chunk of bread was savored did Thiana let Jack take his leave.
"Thank you so much for your hospitality." Jack said as he stood. "I hope I didn't overstay my welcome."
"Not at all." Thiana brushed him off and stood after him. "Do come and visit us again. Dorothy seems to take a liking into you."
"Mama…" Dorothy whined and blushed, hugging her plushy.
"I've taken a liking into her too." Jack said as he winked, making Dorothy flush even redder.
"Out of my house before you seduce every woman in my household!" Edmund growled.
"Right, off with me before the big Bunny bites. Thank you so much Lady Aster, and you too, Edmund."
"Please, call me Thiana."
"Of course, Thiana. I shall take my leave, then."
Edmund stood and together with Thiana they saw him to the door. Once they reached the front door, Jack turned around. He kissed Thiana's hand and bowed to Edmund. "I'll see you this afternoon. Oh, and, Bunny, you should bring your family to the ball. It's your chance to show off your beautiful wife and daughter."
"I'll think about it." Edmund nodded. Jack smiled and left.
"Edmund, didn't we promise Dorothy that we're going out this afternoon?" Thiana asked when Jack was no longer within earshot.
"Yes, we did."
"Yet Jack's coming to visit this afternoon?"
"No, he's coming with us this afternoon."
Thiana stared gaping before her smile grew. "Then I'll better start preparing our provision."
...
Afternoon came sooner than expected. Dorothy was already jumping at the tip of her toes unable to contain her excitement. She kept bothering Thiana in the kitchen, urging her to finish her preparation soon. Mary, her nurse, tried to distract Dorothy's attention, but the little girl was having none of it.
"It's all right, Mary. Why don't you take a rest for today?" Thiana said.
"Yes, my lady." Mary curtsied and left, leaving the mother and daughter alone.
"Mama, please hurry up. Jack's probably waiting for us," Dorothy whimpered for the third time.
"I'll do it faster if you keep still, darling. Why don't you prepare yourself? Have you chewed on your mints?"
"Yes, I have! Mama, look at what I'm wearing." Dorothy spun to let Thiana examine her. She was wearing a white blouse under a sky blue overall skirt, covered by a light pink wool cloak in addition to similarly colored mittens. Her hair was in the same pigtails like in the morning."Do you think Jack will like it?"
"Of course sweetheart, you're adorable. Why is it important for Jack to like it?"
"No reason," she said, but her cheeks had considerably reddened and she made a dash out of the kitchen.
Thiana giggled watching her daughter's antics. Edmund entered the kitchen; his eyes followed Dorothy's little back as he made his way inside. "I'm starting to regret my decision. If my daughter is going to fall in love with the first man she sees, I'll reconsider letting her go out and play."
"Oh, cut her some slack, Edmund. She's just seven."
"That's exactly the point! She's just seven. My baby girl is growing up too fast. I feel like crying." Thiana slapped his bottom playfully. Edmund's eyes glinted deviously as the blow landed. "Ah, so that's how you want to play, eh? Maybe we should push forward the plan for Dorothy number two?" He pulled her into his arms and began trailing kisses down her neck.
"Not now, Edmund! Dorothy might come again!" Thiana whispered, slapping and pounding her husband's broad back in the process.
"Again, I am denied of my pleasure. When will you let your defenses down, dear wife?" Edmund let her go and settled for a kiss on the forehead.
"When you start learning about proper time and place. Now help me, and I'll double your pleasure tonight, dear husband." Thiana winked, making his smirk grew.
"Woman, you don't know how much I love you."
Edmund's help made Thiana's job easier and soon their picnic basket was laden with food, flasks of hot chocolate and warm mead. Thiana had changed into suitable clothing for the weather; a violet dress under a feathered mantle. The hair on the side of her face was braided and tied together, forming a circlet. Edmund opted for a black shirt and a pair of brown breeches, green vest and an identically colored coat.
Dorothy had waited by the door, her 'Mr. Bunny' (whom Edmund was sure would soon be renamed Sir Bunnyjack) unforgotten. Their groom had saddled their horses – a dapple-grey stallion named Firstbud and a chestnut mare named Baby Tooth – and they were just outside waiting for them. Dorothy rode with Edmund on Firstbud and Thiana followed beside them on Baby Tooth.
Edmund led them through the main street, which was another surprise for Thiana. Usually, they would take the road less traveled to avoid prying eyes. With a tilt of her head, Thiana gestured her question, which Edmund replied with a shrug. Suppressing a tear of joy threatening to spill, Thiana nudged her mare beside Edmund and locked her hand with his. Edmund shared a smile with Thiana as they rode together to their destination. Dorothy was oblivious to the whole exchange, keeping her eyes peeled at the wonder of the city.
They went around the castle, passing several people acquainted to Edmund who greeted them as they passed. Some threw obvious curious glances at Thiana and Dorothy. Ignoring them, they pressed on. They traveled the distance to the North Gate and soon found themselves out on the field. Dorothy squealed in excitement when her sight fell on the white fluffy snow piling on the ground as far as her eyes can see. Edmund nimbly dismounted and helped her down, and as soon as her feet touched the ground, she bolted and dove face first to the snow, rolling and giggling.
"You'll be drenched in no time if you do that," Thiana warned, but Dorothy was no longer listening. She was already running around with full energy. Thiana shook her head. "Kids will be kids."
"Why don't you go after her before she hurt herself? I'll take care of the horses." Edmund helped Thiana to dismount, and took the picnic basket and Baby Tooth's reins.
Thiana followed Dorothy, walking at a slow pace. She breathed in the fresh winter air and took her time appreciating the view. Unlike Edmund who much preferred spring, Thiana loved all seasons without bias, believing each has its own beauty. Take that moment for example. Even the leafless branches of the trees around them, peppered with frost and snow along their lengths were mesmerizing. The pure white hue of the snow, gleaming and almost blinding was a sight to see.
Her reverie broke when she heard a thudding sound. Whipping her head, Thiana found Dorothy flat on the ground. She had tripped on a root hidden by the snow. Giggling, Thiana approached her and helped her up, brushing snow off her clothes. "Are you all right, sweetheart?"
"I'm fine." Her nose was slightly red, but otherwise she bore no physical injury. "Mama, he's not coming is he?"
"Hmm?"
"Jack," Dorothy looked down, "he's not here."
Thiana opened her mouth to speak, but could not find anything to say that did not sound like a lie or an excuse. She fully understood now how much Dorothy looked forward to play with her newfound friend.
"Who said I'm not coming?" and there he was, standing just behind them, huge grin plastered on his face. He was wearing a white long sleeved shirt, brown vest and brown breeches, his staff ever present with him.
"Jack!" Dorothy squealed and jumped at him, hugging his legs.
"Well, someone misses me." Jack chortled. "Quite the tumble you took there. Are you okay?"
"I am now." Dorothy beamed openly.
"Good. Speaking of which, I have a surprise for you. Are you ready?"
Jack stepped away and revealed his secret. Eight children were running toward them. They were none other than Jamie, Sophie, Pippa, Claude, Caleb, Monty, Cupcake and Emily Jane. Dorothy's initial reaction was of course to cling to Thiana, nervous of the sudden crowd. The children – either pre-warned by Jack or noticing her anxiousness – stopped short before Dorothy and approached her gently.
Jamie stepped forward, offering a handshake. "Hey, I'm Jamie. You must be Dorothy." Dorothy nodded, but made no move to shake Jamie's hand. "You don't have to be afraid of us, you know. We won't bite."
His remark earned him a slap on the back of his head courtesy of Emily Jane. "That's no way of introducing yourself." She curtsied before Dorothy (which was returned by Dorothy, albeit awkwardly). "Hello, my name is Emily Jane, but you can call me Emma. We are friends of Jack's. We are sorry for intruding on your time, but would you mind us joining you?"
"You want to play with me?" Dorothy asked uncertainly.
"Only if you allow us to, otherwise, we will take our leave."
"Don't go!" Dorothy blurted out before quickly covering her mouth. Timidly, she said, "Do you want to build a snowman?"
"Of course." Emily offered her hand, and this time Dorothy took it. The two of them went off followed by the other children. Thiana and Jack could hear the faint voice of Emily introducing the other kids.
"Jack…" Thiana placed her hands on her lips. Not finding a word to say, she leapt to her feet and hugged him. "Thank you."
Jack was surprised at first, but returned the embrace a second later. "You're welcome."
She peeled away soon after, blushing belatedly after realizing her audacity. "I'm sorry. I'm just…overjoyed. Dorothy never has friends before."
"No child should grow up without one."
"What's this?" Edmund entered the scene. His hands were full with the picnic basket in one and Dorothy's forgotten plushy in the other. "I blink once and my wife is committing adultery?"
"It's not that, Edmund." Thiana pointed in Dorothy and the other kids' direction. Edmund stared in disbelief and Thiana answered his unspoken question. "They're Dorothy's new friends. Jack brought them here."
"You did?"
Jack shrugged. "Just extending an invitation, the more the merrier, right? Worry not, they don't care one bit whose child she is." Edmund looked at him with eyes full of appreciation. He did not utter a word of thank you, but Jack got the message loud and clear. "Why don't you two go ahead and enjoy your alone time? I'll do the babysitting."
"Are you sure?" Thiana queried. "Won't you need a hand?"
"My lady, if there's a thing I can do right, it is playing with children. Don't worry about me." As soon as Jack finished his sentence, a snowball struck his back followed by Jamie shouting over for him to come. "Duty calls." He bowed and sauntered off before breaking into a run.
"Give me a moment, love," Edmund said. He handed over Dorothy's plushy to Thiana and put down the picnic basket. "I'll be right back."
Edmund caught up to Jack and gesture for him to follow him. They went a few yards to the side away from everybody's earshot.
"What is it?" Jack asked, looking slightly impatient and giddy at his feet.
Edmund scratched the back of his neck before saying, "I know what you're doing, mate, and I just want you to know I appreciate it."
"Aww, Bunny is showing me some love." Edmund's contorted face made Jack chuckled. "Don't worry. I know. You couldn't show it anymore clearer."
"Really," Edmund sighed. Showing his gratitude was not his biggest forte, "if there's anything I could do to repay you, just say it."
"You've done enough. This is the least I could do for everything you did for me."
"No, this is more than I can hope for. Dorothy never looked happier."
"Trust me when I say this, Bunny," Jack planted his staff deep on the ground and leaned on it, "one day you'll look back and say you rather not thank me."
Edmund heard the sadness in his voice. Cocking his head, he asked. "Is there something you want to talk about?"
"Wish there was, Bunny. I wish there was." Before Edmund could inquire further, Jack had walked away shouting something about 'snow bunny' toward the children.
This update is long overdue... I know and it's because of the same old reason (busy beta, have to find someone else). So, a friend and fellow writer kindly helps me out and looked over this chapter for me. For reasons, I shall not name names.
I hope none of you have abandoned this fic although I understand if some have (T.T). There's not much else I can say other than I already have the next chapter and half of the next and next ready to be proofread. Hopefully, while not promising anything, I'll be able to update this coming week. Thank you for those who's still reading and those who have decided to go.
Review Replies:
Miki Fubuki: We'll find more about Elsa and Jack in the coming update, and I assure you it is...infuriating?
heartonfire: Long live nocturnal people indeed. As I said above, more on Jack and Elsa in the coming chapter. Thank you for rereading it, glad this story stays in someone's heart.
PhoenixWolfGirl: women's intuition is real lol. Bunny is my second favorite char in RotG so I'm rather biased about him having a good story.
MariaPaula: Thank you for stopping by. My writing style is rather unstable tho (You'll see in the coming chapter).
WhaleCum420 (on chapter 2): Still unknown, thus far he shows no sign of having it.
blacklotus101: understandable, I have your inclination on clicking links as well. Sorry for the late update. More Jelsa is promised in the next chapter.
NightshadeLily: and you saw how Jack not only help the Asters seniors but the junior as well. This is only the appetizer though, more Jelsa in the next chapter.
IceCrystal: I'm sorry it's not sooner than I wished. They'll make a great old-married kind of couple.
Fenrir Wylde Razgriz: well I know I'm annoying in the slow update department, which totally unintended. I can't imagine living without internet so I'm happy for you that you have it again.
ZERO-xxx (on chapter 3): aww, you don't owe me anything. Just you reading is enough for me. Thank you for your kind words though, it means a lot