CHAPTER 9:
REMEMBER THE PATH
So another small chapter but like the last one, this was needed to set up a few things. Also, I'd like to dedicate this chapter to 'TheWildeFiles'. He was my first reviewer and his encouraging words really help boast my spirits, thanks, friend. Happy reading.
{Elsa's POV}
It was hard to believe how much time had passed since I first met Frederick. Who would've thought that a random stranger in my bedroom would end up becoming my mentor. 5 years had passed since that day and I was now 13 years old.
We had been training outside in the mountains for the past few years and words could not describe how I felt every time I went outside. The cool air, the soft ground, the freedom; every time Frederick showed up, I felt ecstatic as I knew that I was about to have my time of peace and it was made all the better with his presence. Frederick completely understood how I felt and I was so grateful that I had him as a mentor, a friend even though he never really acted like one. There would be days when I would be in a world of self pity and loathing and I could never get out of it, not by myself at least but he would always be there to help me stand up and face whatever problem I had. If there was any reason as to why I still couldn't control my powers, it was because of my own fear and doubts; Frederick was never at fault.
Frederick was an enigma, a person standing midst the darkness waiting to come out into the light. He only ever talked about himself once and he had told me what he was but what surprised me was that, it was done to him as a form of punishment. What could he have done to warrant such a fate? He isn't the type of person to hurt someone or do anything so heinous that could justify such a life.
We were at the mountains, a place that I could now call a second home, and Frederick was pacing back and forth. The first thing people would notice was that Frederick left no foot print in the snow due to the fact that he didn't actually have a physical form but, as he's told me, he can physically touch items if he wishes to but he can't use those items to harm a living being. Makes sense since specters could easily grow insane due to the isolation and there would be nothing to stop them from hurting others for their own amusement. I still didn't know how or why I was the only one who could see Frederick; maybe it was fate, an act of God or some other unknown power but whatever the case, I didn't care.
Frederick then stop pacing and looked around. He coughed a few times. What it must be like to be him. To be in so much pain all the time, yet he's able to keep himself so composed and regal, he has a quiet dignity that just makes him so much more... alluring. He looks at me and beckons me to follow him. I comply. We walk side by side. I finally speak up,"Where are we going?"
"I wanted you to familiarize yourself with this place. We're gonna do some exploring.", he said in a monotone voice, his expression unchanging but his eyes held a glint of mischief.
We wandered around the area for several minutes in silence, often broken by his coughing. The mountain side was beautiful. The gleaming moon light, the cool gentle breeze and best of all, the snow. It was a sight to behold and, honestly, quite romantic. We eventually reached a chasm and I thought we would be turning back but Frederick had other plans. He grabbed my hand and I felt a slight tingling sensation and we were now on the other side of the chasm. I looked back, still amazed by some of the amazing things he was able to do. We continued walking and as we did, the kingdom grew nearer. My eyes set upon the castle and I couldn't help but think of Anna. It must be so hard for her to live in such a large castle by herself, no one to talk to or play with. I sighed. It was for the best, if she stayed away she would be safe. Once again we stopped and this time it was due to the fact that the fjord was in our way.
I look at Frederick and, as expected, he grabbed my hand and we were now on the other side of the fjord, in the kingdom. It was late and there were only a few guards on patrol at the moment. I was expecting him to teleport us back into my room but instead he turns to me and asks,"Do you know how to get here from inside the castle?" It was an odd question and I couldn't contemplate any reason for him to ask me this. "I don't know. Anna and I used to play out here when we were younger but I don't exactly remember the way.", I explained, my voice dimming with each word. He turned back to the castle and walked forward. "Follow me.", he instructed and I did as he asked.
We walked into the courtyard where their were only a few guards patrolling. We waited until they left and we resumed our 'break in'. We opened the door that led to the ball room. It was dark and empty, as always. He led me to a side door where a spiral staircase that led to the different floors of the castle was located. We climbed up and eventually reached the floor where my room was at. He walked forward while I tip toed behind him. He may not be able to make a lot of noise but I can. We eventually reached my room and I quickly got inside. My heart was racing, my breathing quick, I had never done something like this before. What if somebody had seen me? My parents would be furious. "You think you can remember that?" I turned around. Why was this so important? "Yeah, I'll remember it but why do I have to?"
He simply shrugged and said,"Could come in handy."
He could be really annoying somethings, especially when he decides to speak in a cryptic fashion but I'm sure he has his reasons. "Same time tomorrow.", I simply said and in a flash, he disappeared from my sight. I looked at the place where he stood and couldn't help but feel a bit lonely. I felt so alive when he was around and when he wasn't, it was hard to describe how it felt. Loneliness wasn't enough to describe it. I quickly changed my clothes and I lied down on my bed.
I can't wait till he comes back.
So, it seems that Elsa has begun to develop feelings for Frederick. How will he respond to those feelings? Tune in next time, same fanfic, same fan.