A/N: Huge, huge thank you to everyone's that's been incredibly patient with me in getting this out. Not much more to say.
To tell you the truth, I had envisioned this a little differently originally. Then I decided to slow the main story down for some more intense smut (in the next chapter, this one is pure build-up and for the most part is squeaky-clean). That's part of what motivated me to write again.
I'll get the next one done soon, I promise. WAY more excited about that. I hope you will be as well.
Chapter 10: Keeping Up Appearances
In the end, the huntress potion only lasted for a few hours. To Elsa though, the magic never quite went away. Her perspective was forever changed, it seemed. On reflection, there was slightly more to it than one night of enchanted passion. There was something instinctive, something slowly nurtured over the past weeks. The belief not only to do anything she tried, but to act for her own sake.
Gone was the time where Elsa looked upon any given individual and saw the ways they could be a threat; how they could make her life worse with a few simple words. That wasn't to say her caution vanished and she had started taking the offense. She was no longer the hunted, yet at the same time, not the hunter either. Striking that balance; finding the middle would prove essential moving forward.
Such was the case today. Contrary to the conclusion Elsa reached earlier, there was in fact a limit to how much paperwork Anna needed to process. Which wasn't to say the work was all done. The crops and lumber gathered and stored now needed to be inspected and transported; something Anna defied the mounting chills in the air to personally oversee. Her stake in ensuring the supplies made it smoothly to her home and the borders of the province was very much personal, the freedom from the confines of her estate before the winter snow crept southwards certainly didn't hurt.
So far, Elsa held her own keeping official affairs running smoothly in the wake of Anna's absence. Elsa's trust in Anna had been vindicated almost every step of the way; it was only fair that Elsa act in kind. So far, the odd dozen or so people tasked with maintaining the Arendight home accepted her sudden promotion, or at the very least were willing to stay out of her way. That suited her just fine, as she only needed the occasional meal to keep the work flowing steadily. The most pressing task being the imminent arrival of the tax office from the capital of Merlando, expecting their due. Several deceptively durable metal carts stood by since the end of the summer, and now came the time to load them with coin, provisions and other such gifts to be presented to the royal treasury. Personally, Elsa found them to be far more flashy than a simple wooden wagon. Perhaps that was the point; no one would dare risk drawing the wrong kind of ire by attempting any kind of robbery. Once the inspectors were satisfied, it wouldn't really be her issue any longer.
Officially, public audiences were suspended pending Lady Anna's return. This alone wasn't good enough for a fair few people with problems that apparently couldn't be resolved by any officials lower down. As is often the case, this forced a compromise. Elsa's desire to be the same woman of the people Lady Anna needed to be kept in check by the work still ahead of her. The current solution was to ration her attention to the most urgent problems, at least for the day. After which people really ought to know their Lady could not see to them for the time being.
The last problem worthy of her attention was a land dispute between two farmers. By all accounts, the plaintiff was correct in the fact that he owned the last the other farmer was using. Only he also requested reimbursement for the entire time.
"Here. Mister Reid is clearly the owner of the land in question, and I will allow him to levy a charge for a use from the time he filed the claim until the area is vacated. If that comes into dispute, an inspector can be called upon to resolve the dispute. If this resolution is unsatisfactory, another claim must be filed," Elsa explained, handing the orders off to an attendant. Was it dirty to throw a wall of bureaucracy between her and the populace? It was only a fraction of the paperwork she'd forced herself through. If they weren't satisfied with the compromise that badly, it was something they would need to commit to.
Without anyone else around or any pressing tasks, Elsa could finally lean back in the ornate chair. Breathe. Anna insisted that if Elsa do official work in her stead, it only made sense that Elsa use the office of Arendight. Because of course she would. The deep green fabric melted away both the physical and mental stress in a way only something so expensive and lovingly crafted could.
In the quiet, thoughts inevitably wandered back to her. Anna. Her lady. Still technically her owner. Not that she acted like that in any meaningful way now. Which begged the question: what was her endgame? She found it difficult to conceive the idea that Anna lacked any kind of plan, or at the very least a goal, and yet-
Knock knock knock. Someone at the door.
"My lady, I have important news. It appears that the the officials from the tax office have arrived early."
"What," Elsa muttered. This was not the plan. Surely the tax office would be just as aware of that, if not more so. Did they intend to show up early? Were they trying to catch the Arendight Estate out? Was Anna involved in some kind of financial-.
There was no real reason to doubt Anna, at least in her role as Lady of the Land. So why couldn't Elsa stop shivering? No doubt the immense pressure from nowhere. Sure, she could dismiss them until the following day, but she got the impression that these weren't the kind of people abundant with patience. She would have to face them. Alone. When they weren't even ready.
With one last longing look out of the window, Elsa slowly raised herself from the comfort of her seat. The longer she waited, the worse this would become. Anna was still counting on her. That was all that really mattered.
As she arrived in the entrance hall to greet the man- no, woman appearing to represent the tax office seemed to be set on defying Elsa's expectations. No gaudy, expensive outfit; rather, a plain brown tunic. No glossy, well trimmed hair. Just a simple, slightly messy hazel bun. Only the leather-bound book and small pair of spectacles clued Elsa in to her profession.
"What is the meaning of this? The taxes were meant to be ready upon our arrival. Did you not remember?" It seemed the attitude sealed it. "No doubt that is why you have appeared before me, and not Lady Arendight."
Deep breath. "You arrived ahead of schedule," Elsa explained. How fortunate was it she could conceal her still shivering hands. "Do not blame us for not sticking to a plan you misinformed us of."
The young official stalled for the briefest of moments, adjusting her glasses. "Well, you should have been prepared by now. Why is the money not loaded and ready to move out?" Not quite done with the demands, it seemed.
Elsa needed not only her newfound courage, but her wits as well. "You see- we deemed that an unnecessary risk. To leave such a sum of gold where it can easily be wheeled away by anyone? Surely even you can see the danger in that." Elsa found the makings of a glare now facing her. "We can begin the loading immediately. If you would like, you're free to inspect the process. We'll have quarters arranged for you stay."
Silence. Both of them seemed to be thinking at the same speed. Finally, an answer.
"Very well, I will see to that. I expect nothing short of the best of accomodation. Additionally, Lady Anna must sign off the payment in person."
"She will able to provide everything you need upon her return tomorrow. I personally guarantee you will not need to deviate from your original plan."
Silence. Was Elsa to take that as acceptance?
Urgh. Dull.
Dull, dull, dull.
That was the truth about these trips Anna would never say, yet heard that unwelcome whisper deep down every so often. The coming winter seemed more like a welcome break for many of her citizens than a logistical ordeal. Food and lumber filled every container they needed to. Reports of crime appeared to take yet another small dip. Smooth sailing all around, right down to the fishing in the great lake, about to end to the frozen-over waters.
The last times, there was always something. Even during her training trips, people always wanted something. To at least have her ear without the long trip to her estate. To know that the house of Arendight was there, when the need was great enough. Was that the only reason these trips would be needed in the future? Anna shook her head, giving herself a small laugh. No, this was just a good year. A good, peaceful year. Those should be things to be celebrated.
There were other things to be getting on with.
As she was roused early on the final morning of her courtesy call tour to discover. Any and all thoughts of her precious lost sleep evaporated when she heard the words 'tax collector' and 'early' (not necessarily in that order). Much as it pained her to up and leave her entourage behind, this needed her attention.
The waypoint at at home was still good to go. There was more than enough power for this distance. Perhaps the caution wasn't such a bad idea after all. With enough space around here and a small press, Anna was warped home in less than half a blink of an eye. Her path lead straight to her office, through a succession of worryingly unconcerned staffers. No point in wasting any time. Opening her office-
Two people. Elsa was the obvious one. Not so obvious, was- from the tax office? Far younger and less gruff than all the grumpy, wizened loudmouths she was more accustomed to.
"You've returned! You've returned," Elsa finally managed. "Here." There were a series of neat documents laid out on the desk.
"These need my attention?"
"Yes," the tax woman offered. "Just sign here." Anna scribbled her illegible mess called calligraphy on the line. "Here." Again. "And here." That made three.
Anna lifted herself back up. "Very good. What else do you require?"
"No, that's all," the tax woman explained, gathering up the papers. "Good day to both of you."
"My regards to the director," Elsa cut in just before the woman would leave.
That caused an uncertain pause. "Yes." Anna swore there was just a hint of bluster. "I'll be on my way." With a nod of approval from Elsa, the woman clicked the door shut.
Anna could only stand there. Unsure of quite what to make of all that. "That- that's all, Elsa?"
"Apologies. Those documents could only be signed and authorised by you. We couldn't send your money away without your approval." If Elsa still expected some kind of backlash, she no longer showed it.
Anna blinked. Shook her head. Deep breath. "Elsa, every time the tax collectors arrive, it's madness. They think we're all out to get them. They won't leave a single coin unturned. You're telling me they arrived a day early and now they're just leaving without a fuss? How?"
Elsa returned the sigh, pushing the chair back to level with Anna. "They're not monsters, my lady. They have a very important job to do, and a world of additional problems if they do anything even a little bit wrong. They're really not that bad if you take the time to listen. Maybe help them with their problems."
This proved almost too much to process. Most visits from the collectors either ended in you conceding to all demands or preparing for war. Elsa seemed as though she was ready to bring them back for a social call the next could be no doubt.
Elsa was most definitely ready.
Was Elsa ready?
Yet another recurring question that echoed throughout the following days. In this case, Elsa welcomed each utterance. Instead of plaguing her with doubts, it only gave more ideas. More thoughts in her mind. Thoughts of what to do in this little high-stakes game Anna proposed to her on the evening of her return.A challenge. Almost nothing to win. A lot to lose.
To the meek, servile Elsa maybe a month her junior, total lunacy. To the new Elsa of the here and now? A thrill. The kind she appeared to be acquiring a taste for. At first, her mind felt an incomprehensible blur. Every time the the question came up, there was that much more clarity.
Elsa wasn't surviving any more. She was living. Living, for some reason still not fully clear to her, on the edge. She could live comfortably in the estate her whole life, there was little doubt about that.
Yet here she was, hundreds, if not thousands of miles from the one place she'd come to call home. Teleportation had very little in the way of side effects on the body, but the reality of what just took place still spooked her. Anna, she imagined, was much more used to such a thing.
As best as she could tell, the two of them had arrived in the lion's den. More specifically, the very heart of the nation. The royal castle, standing just above the capital city. Currently, they stood in a teleportation waypoint in the basement. No one else would be warping into the room, not as long as they were present. How long until someone came in to ask they leave? They couldn't waste a moment.
Elsa pulled the glass vial from the complex dress she donned for the evening. A luscious garment of Anna's. Not something she merely would wear. Rather, one she did wear. There were several points of chafing she could feel. That would be about to change. Besides, this was absolutely essential for this plan to work.
Here we go. Stopper off. One swig. Never any real taste to these potions. Guess it was important that there was no trouble going down. For the next few seconds, skin and flesh apparently shifted. The body didn't quite know how to react to such a thing, so just buzzed slightly.
"How do I look?" Elsa asked as the sensations calmed. The voice was spot on. A good start.
Anna quickly nodded. "Perfect. The spitting image." There wasn't a mirror in the room. The mirror image that was now her Lady would have to suffice. "Remember what we agreed to. If you feel too uncomfortable, or you think anyone is suspicious-"
"Cloak room. Don't worry." Made enough sense, given her own role in this plan. Anna opened up the cloak she was wearing. Her incognito cloak. On its own, it wouldn't be enough for the plan. At least, what Elsa knew of it. With a quick flip of the cloak inside-out, a second feature became apparent, as Anna herself blended in with the dark walls and vanished completely.
"Good luck," Anna finally bid, her last words for quite some time. For all intents and purposes, Elsa was on her own; nothing but the magical guise of her Lady to protect her. If it was found out that Lady Anna von Arendight had a double take her place, well- she'd be looked down on.
"Lady von Arendight!" the doorman said, sporting a warm smile that Anna assured was genuine. "So good of you to come.
"Thank you." If it were anyone besides Anna she was filling in for, her cover might have been blown then and there. Just remember what you learned. What you practised. "I trust I'm not too late."
The doorman shook his head, trying just a little too hard in Elsa's mind. "Not at all. There's still plenty of food, drink and merriment to be had. Please, do enjoy yourself."
Without further ado, one of the grand doors was pushed open, leaving Elsa free to enter the ballroom. Careful steps, here. If she couldn't handle herself in noble clothes, that would be a fast road to failure. The thought of a unique danger only now occurred to Elsa: she wasn't just anyone impersonated Anna; she was an Arcturian impersonating Anna.
The war was still technically happening.
Bizarrely, Elsa felt invigorated. All the more determined to see this through. Anna had faith in her. Surely, she considered this risk as well. Her best option for the time being was forward.
Forward where, though? Rare was the time Elsa possessed this much in the way of options: One alcove hosted a table of refreshments, while the other side held a number of people engaged in what seemed to be casual conversation. Between them, of course, stood the dance floor; a few brave souls able to partner up and spin together without the aid of a few drinks. Beyond that, Elsa could make out a grand throne seating a middle-aged man slightly more modest looking than she expected of a king. Slightly. Above that, a trio of tall glass windows stood. It almost looked like there was a hint of snow beyond. The altitude, perhaps? The bite of winter couldn't have gripped the land this early.
Her first thought was to give the man a wide berth until absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, one of the other servants attending the event made that almost immediate. Even if she didn't need to like, Anna knew better than directly defy his majesty. Then, so too did Elsa.
"Lady Arendight, a pleasure." Anna was correct, this would be a lot of the same re-used pleasantries with each new person. Save the intense glare that came from the light reflecting from the man's many jewels, the King wasn't quite the imposing figure Elsa imagined from a distance.
"Your majesty." Elsa gave a kneel. Four seconds. Simple enough. "The pleasure is mine."
"Please, enjoy yourself," he offered. That was it? Didn't a Lady of a province deserve a hint more conversation. "Before the winter takes hold."
Clearly her cue to move on. Oh. That was right. The king was the kind of man who much preferred to speak than be spoken to. That left three options. Currently, Elsa wasn't nearly drunk or fleet enough to consider stepping onto the dance floor. Taking in too much wine this early would make maintain the mask that much more difficult, at least until the other attendants were similarly inebriated. Not carrying any kind of refreshment would likely come off as equally strange if the number of goblets in hands was anything to go by. Time to take a middle ground.
Two sips into the first round of elderberry wine would suffice for the moment. Elsa was far from a connoisseur of fine wines, with only the reassurance that Anna was hardly any different on the subject. Just be honest about how it tasted. So far- fruity? Sweet? Maybe avoid that subject as much as possible.
Damnit, she was supposed to be having a good time. Things were relaxed so far. If there weren't, they might have bothered to check for a magical disguise. Who to talk to? Surely if she milled around the gathered people long enough, one would-
"Anna. Anna!" A voice got Elsa's attention. Behind her. A girl with distinct red hair. Ariel? Must have been. "Come here, you!" Definitely her.
Elsa reciprocated the hug just in time. "So good to see you! How are the seas?"
"Great. Plentiful and calm as ever. Awfully cold this time of year, but you knew that already." A gentle laugh from her. "What about the lands?"
Elsa nodded, returning the warm smile. "Better than ever. In fact, the people seem to require even less help than usual. It's a bit- disappointing, really."
"Oh come on, Anna. That just means you're doing a great job." Did it, though? By the sounds of things, everything seemed fine before Anna even showed up.
Elsa glared at the polished stone floor for the smallest moment. "I suppose. I'm just worried- what if my people don't need me anymore?"
The following laugh made Elsa flinch. Judging by the dozen or so turned heads, she wasn't the only one. "A world without Anna von Arendight is like a whale without any water."
Damnit. Now they were talking about sea life? Elsa most definitely wasn't ready for this. "I see," was the best Elsa could do, especially considering she managed to silence the 'I think' that was about to come after.
"Even if they don't need you, I'm sure they're glad they have a chance to speak to you. That you care enough to hear them out." Ariel looked to the doors out of the ballroom. "I promised father I would be back by now. It was wonderful to speak to you."
Just like that, Elsa was on her own again. That wasn't what Anna rehearsed with her, yet that was the sentiment she felt all the same. Did Ariel have any history with Anna? Pleasantries that went far beyond warm words? A question best left for her to wonder.
More on her mind was her own place in Anna's life. For someone powerful and wealthy as her, need had always been out of the question. So there was no end of gratitude Elsa could express that Anna chose to share happiness, rather than simply take it. In the end, despair became warmth, and fear? Excitement.
Only the latter began to dry up over the last month. Things were busier, certainly. That should have meant more of the kind of recreation that brought the two of them together to begin with. After her time as The Huntress, Elsa wanted to see what else was possible. Perhaps see Anna take the reins back. That was so clearly-
"Arendight." That one word uttered made Elsa's stomach turn. A turn to the left confirmed why.
HIM.
That awful, awful man that harried her on the day of the celebration at the estate. She wouldn't be forgetting that any time soon.
Decking a man in the face was out of character for Anna, wasn't it?
"Please." He raised a pair of open hands cautiously. "I only wanted to apologise for our previous meeting."
Previous meeting. Oh, no. The man's contempt for Elsa most certainly hadn't faded in the slightest. This was something Elsa was completely in the dark on. "Excuse me?" That was about as non-hostile as she could manage.
He seemed to force a smile Elsa never wanted to see again. "Yes, it seems I came across as more intolerant than was appropriate. I wouldn't wish to upset your prosperous little province."
Of course you only care about the consequences, you pompous, pile of- "Not at all. I can understand your- well, apprehensions. No doubt you lost a lot of men in the war."
Elsa caught a surprisingly somber look from him. "Well, at least you understand why I might find it upsetting that you feel it acceptable to harbour the ones who are still technically our enemies."
"I see." She looked away. Her anger still hadn't yet boiled over. "I would appreciate it if you directed your grievances to myself, and not my staff."
"Well, I don't know if-"
Elsa pushed past. "You'll have to excuse me." She took an almost violent swig of her wine goblet.
Empty. When did that happen?
That needed fixing. Immediately.
"Psst. Anna. Hey, Anna!"
Finally. Being stuck in the dark with nothing to do for how many hours grew old quickly, her idea or not. Wait, was Elsa- "Are you drunk?"
"A bit? Maybe?" Anna's doppelganger laughed a bit. "I'm fine, don't worry. How else was I gonna, you know? Go into a cloakroom and look for myself?"
Not a terribly bad point, considering all the wine the real Anna could smell. It seemed her cover held out. Somehow. "Come on. Let's get you- us home. We have plenty of power for the jump back."
"T-thanks. This was really, really great. Mostly." Elsa reached a hand out to Anna's face. "You're, you're looking so nice tonight, you know that?"
"We're going home, Elsa. Now!" Anna ordered. Every second they continued this game grew riskier than the last.
Elsa gave an only slightly wobbly nod. "You know how take charge. Let's go, mas- lady. Lady."
Just a couple of halls back to the waypoint. Hopefully, no one would notice the invisible hand keeping Anna's other self from running into any walls or floors.