The Girl With A Frozen Touch

Chapter Ten: Winter Winds

By: The Firebending Frog

Disclaimer:

I do not own Frozen, it belongs to Disney and Disney animation studios.

It's Strange how quickly the weather can change. I mean one moment I'm basking in the warmth of Summer and the next day a cold wind is bashing my windows open and scaring the living daylights out of me. And trust me it was bad this year.

I can't explain it but the winds that were blowing off the ocean were extremely strong and every single leaf on any tree was gone by now, so yeah I had like a day and a half of enjoyment before all the trees were bare and boring. But that was two weeks ago, now every night was cold and every day was even a bit chilly, so my parents had taken all the precautions. I wasn't allowed to go to the gardens or the wall without a coat, I was to be inside earlier seeing as it got darker earlier, and I was to check in with them every half hour. It was "Fun!". Most of my outdoor time was spent with my face in the wind watching the waves outside the Fjord, I would go back to my mother and she'd usually ask if I felt sick, my response was always no Because the cold had a sharp joy to it, I just couldn't help but smile when it was chilly.

Unlike me however Anna hated anything below the temperature of fire. If I was handed her after walking in from outside she'd scream and squirm until someone took her away from me. If we stood in the entryway while to door was open she'd begin bawling and my mother had no choice but to take her where it was warm. I knew she was a baby and all but sometimes I felt like she was playing it up so she got her way. But despite the chilly winds not a single snowflake had fallen to the ground since Summer had ended much to my disappointment. I couldn't remember much of last year's Winter so I was totally lost on what to expect, plus my boots were nice. Yeah that's why.

Of course no snow didn't stop my fear of Ice creeping into my room, since the Summer's End Festival I hadn't seen hide nor hair of it and I was both relieved and worried, my three year old brain just assumed it had been a chunk of Winter left behind and now it could leave without bothering me ever again. Well that was what I was hoping at least.

As the days grew shorter so did my time seeing daylight, by now I was awake when the sun was just rising and going to bed about an hour after it set, it was somewhat unnerving but I didn't argue, I ran by the clock not by the sun. My dressers and closet were suddenly filled to the brim with heavy coats, long dresses, and think socks that were so comfy and warm I couldn't help but wear them all the time. I wasn't the only one going under a change in attire either, every servant, cook, and animal was outfitted with thick clothing with the royal seal of my father on it. It was kind of weird to see them all matching with the horses, but they didn't seem too happy whenever I pointed this out so I made an effort to correct that. Anna also got a new wardrobe of the tiniest articles of clothing I'd ever seen in my life, her boots were miniature, her coat had small enough arms that not even mice could squeeze through, and none of it was mine. Yeah Anna was bigger than I had been at that age, I didn't know why but it was the case. Maybe Lily had been right about me being small.

While Anna sported a different colour of coat every day I was stuck with a single light blue one that really wasn't that thick but it didn't bother me, my Mother said the thick jackets Anna wore were to keep her from crying and I was supposed to wear uncomfortable thin jackets like she did. Okay those weren't the exact words she used but it was close enough in my mind. However she seemed very concerned with me being outside continuously it seemed almost overprotective but I just ignored it. Not far from the castle was a large part of the garden filled with ancient looking trees that would shelter me from the wind, however the wind sounded like voices calling out and I felt like I was being watched, well that was unless I was near the waterfall. It came from a mountain stream and was always cold even in the hottest Summer days, growing around it was moss that clung to the smooth rocks like a tiny forest on a tiny mountain. Apparently the rocks had fallen once upon a time and the water had started to flow, ever since then this Garden had been well kept and the trees just kept growing taller and thicker.

On occasion I'd see a bird or a small rodent in the branches that were six times my height above the ground, they seemed distant and the small birds would look at me curiously. It was strange how the larger birds fled the moment Winter arrived but these little guys were just at home in the strong winds and leafless branches. Besides that the silver trunks were empty, the vines that hung on the trees closer to the water were all shriveled and had been torn down by gardeners days before the winds arrived, but they assured me they'd make sure more grew for next year. Along with that the branches were bare and looked like clawed hands reaching out for me. But I knew better than to believe they were actual hands, if I fell for everything like that I'd just stay inside all the time and never have fun.

With the wind my dinners quickly grew repetitive, I think we'd eaten stews six days in a row one week before anything actually happened, My father told me it was because supplies were limited until the winds calmed and ships could arrive with breads, Sugars, and other spices. Still it wouldn't hurt to have something different. I doubt we were the only ones affected by the winds either, Apparently several old buildings near the fjord had collapsed or had the roofs loosened, This meant my father was having a lot of meetings with Wood merchants who he's buy timber from, these men were always large, always had grizzly beards, and when they'd eat they had gargantuan appetites. However they'd come into the gates with wagons laden with thick pines that still had the needles on them, the wood smelled wonderful and was kept in one of the castle storerooms until carpenters and other workmen came and collected it. My father told me the buildings that had been damaged had been storehouses so for now I had to deal with it. I really didn't mind.

But after a solid two weeks of nothing but bitter cold winds not even I could remain happy. The trees just stood on the hills bare and threatening looking while the grass slowly faded to a sickly yellow that actually made me feel nauseated, it was that bitter period between the beauty of Autumn and the brightness of Winter that no one liked. And it sucked.

I had spent the last three days in the castle without going outside once, I'm not sure if the adults were annoyed or not because they didn't acknowledge me, there was a lot on my Father's mind and he was rarely in the castle and even when he was he was always in his study looking over books and papers lined with runes and numbers as if he was studying witchcraft. My mother did not want me bothering him so she kept me away from the study at all times. So my only company was her and Anna, and trust me when I say it was anything but fun.

"Elsa! Away from the door." My mother stated without even looking up from her sewing, it was as if she could tell what I was going to do before I even did anything.

"But this is boring." I sighed slumping to the ground.

"Sing your vocals." My mother ordered making me sigh and whack the back of my head against the wall, "Elsa."

I sang out the sounds she had trained me to sing and looked at her triumphantly but she was engrossed in her sewing, And if I tried to leave again I'd just have to keep on singing until my voice gave out.

"Can we do something interesting?" I begged lying flat on the ground.

"Elsa, Princesses do not lye on the ground like starved dogs." She scolded glancing at me.

I turned my head to where Anna was staring at the ceiling in the exact same posture I had been in and I rolled my eyes.

"I saw that." She stated.

"How come you always look when I do that?" I demanded.

"I have eyes Elsa, and they see more than you'd think." She explained before putting her sewing to the side and looking out the window as if waiting for the winds to listen to her like I did.

"Well I'm bored, and if I'm bored that means you're bored." I explained as I jumped into a chair and sat on the edge with my legs swinging in open air, "So why don't we go-"

"Elsa you're not going into the study." She explained.

"Why not?!" I demanded, "I was allowed in there two days ago."

"And then you poured ink all over your father's trade documents." She replied walking over to Anna and picking her up.

"I knocked it over." I protested, "I didn't purposely pour ink on them."

"Elsa, what's done is done." She stated abruptly before walking to the edge of the room where a large cabinet stood, I got off my chair and followed her looking into the cabinet and seeing a fancy wooden box beside all the books, my mother didn't seem to notice it despite the fact it was trimmed with gold and had a checkered top coloured red and white, Despite this it was quite simple but just interesting enough to peak my interest.

I made a grab for it by my mother grabbed my hand with practiced ease.

"You are far too you for a game of strategy Elsa." She explained not taking her eyes off the sewing supplies near her head.

"I just wanted to see what was in it." I replied looking up at her, "And why is a box a game of strategy?"

My mother smiled at me and bent down to look at the box with me.

"It was a gift for your father from my father when we got married, It's called Chess, The game is played by anyone who knows anything about strategic movements. Your father plays it in his free time." She explained while I stared at the box suddenly realizing it was a gift for my father and must be really important if he was keeping it tucked away like that.

"That sounds boring." I stated loudly trying to hide my interest.

"People can sit around just staring at the board for hours without it changing." My mother explained, "My father used to play on this very board with his sailors."

I blinked, she hadn't even explained anything to me, she just agreed with me and said it was fun, how was that possible, boring and fun did not belong in the same sentence. However before I could pry further my mother found whatever she had been looking for and shut the cabinet and my view was cut off and boredom returned.

"May I return to my room?" I asked with a depressed sigh.

"Yes." My mother replied grabbing a bell and ringing it lightly. Within seconds Gerda had appeared and stood in the doorway with her hands clasped behind her back.

"What may I do for you your highness?" She asked with a oddly enthusiastic tone, but then again I rarely saw Gerda since she was almost as invested in Anna as my mother was, almost.

"Please make sure Elsa ends up in her room instead of her father's office." My mother explained as she returned to her boring sewing.

"Indeed your highness, come along Princess." Gerda smiled walking into the hall, I shot a look at Anna who was trying to stuff her entire hand in her mouth and failing before I followed Gerda without looking back.

The Sun was shining brightly on my face as I stared out my window the next morning, The trees stood tall and still without a single hint of airflow save the odd rustling in their branches. It was chilling to see how still everything seemed. The only noise for miles seemed to be the bells on the nearby church signalling the hour. The sight was so marvellous I actually felt like I was underdressed, something I never felt. My hair was in a Topknot with strands falling messily out of it due to the fact I had just rolled out of bed, then I was in a simple nightgown with very little detail. It felt awkward, like I was in the presence of an entire Mess Hall while absent of my parents. A chilling breeze rustled through making me shiver but it disappeared as soon as it came forward rustling the trees away from me.

Wait that couldn't be possible, if the wind was blowing in that direction how could I have felt it? I watched and the breeze picked up again rustling my drapes and still blowing in the opposite direction than it should be. Confused I looked behind me to see only an empty room. I turned and breathed out heavily, to my shock the wind picked up rustling me nightgown and almost blowing the drapes out the window. I looked to my left and right before exhaling with a lot of force. This force caused the wind to pick up inside my room almost bowling me over and pressing the drapes against the doors to my balcony before the doors themselves slammed shut and the wind died sparkling with little snowflakes that melted as I blinked almost making me believe they weren't there. Almost.

"Why don't you just leave me alone. " I sighed looking around for whatever magic was causing this, "Winter is back so you can go home."

My only response was a slight chill running down my spine and suddenly I could breathe without summoning a windstorm full of snowflakes. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't go unnoticed. Lord Alendmac had made me aware of the Witch Hunt and all it's "Glories". I'm sure he'd lead the charge if some magic bit of Winter was following me around like a young child does to their mother... That isn't me of course.

Feeling weirded out and afraid to be alone I walked to my door and exited my room to come face to face with the emptiness of the hallway. Why is it suits of armour look so creepy when shadows are hanging over them? Plus the slits where the knights would see through always held darkness and no light. And with a vivid imagination like mine i'd ocassionally see red dots appear in them and follow me like how a bird watches you and stares at the tiara your mother put in your hair. Not wanting to stick around and loiter outside my parents bedroom this early in the morning I walked down the stairs in my nightgown and slid my hand down the railing letting the cold wood suck the heat from my hands making me feel less groggy. Early moning shadows greeted me with open arms cast by the many objects thrown between the windows and the edges of the shadows.

I yawned quietly as i continued my journey towards the ballroom, i'd gotten over my fear of this place the last time we'd had guests over and now that i knew the magical winter spirit or whatever it was just liked bothering me I no longer had a panic attack whenever i felt a random chill. Admist the swirl of colour and shadows that made me feel like i'd walked into a chaotic vortex rather than the ballroom I sat down and watched as the shadows crept away retreating until nightfall to the small corners under furniture as if they were a beast that plotted its revenge against the hunters that chased it. I knew most people would find this type of activity boring but seeing the shadows being chased away knowing they returned poked my imagination like it was cat surrounded by children who had never seen one before. The other thing that intrigued me was the way that when the light chased a shadow away it burst into colour, these colours came out of nowhere and I Wasn't always expecting them. From the white columns of stone along the sides of the ballroom to the smallest of flowered symbols on the wall, it all came together in an ornate and beautiful symphany of colour and imagry that relaxed my paranoid mind. JUst months earlier i'd been afraid of this place and now it was a salvation from the magic that haunted me.

I couldn't read time so I didn't know how long had passed but when the last of dark had been chased away I stood up and walked out of the ballroom and down one of the many hallways until i found my room again, I proceeded to the window and opened it revealing the small balcony thatoverlooked the courtyard. The town had started stirring and the bells on the chuch rung loudly, it was like no time had passed between when i had been making the wind blow and now. Strange.

I could have sat there for a while staring at the courtyard and watching small animals scurry about but my mother had differant plans.

"Elsa are you awake?" My mother asked through the door before opening it without even waiting for a response.

"I'm awake." I replied grinning widely.

"Elsa you shouldt be at the window this time of year, you'll catch a cold!" My mother exclaimed making me sigh, she didn't seem to realize I liked being cold.

"But the courtyard is just coming to life." I replied which made my mother roll her eyes like she didn't believe me. I also think she believed I didn't notice.

"Elsa, The last thing I need is you getting sick." She explained.

"But kids get sick all the time, what makes me so special?" I asked.

"Because you've never been sick, now to the bathtub." She ordered pointing out the door.

I scowled and walked out of my bedroom keeping the look on my face, at least Gerda didn't complain about me when she was doing chores that was something to look forward to, that and being clean.

One of the weirdest feelings ever is being in direct sunlight while it's freezing cold outside. My mother had stuffed me into a comfortable blue jacket that had black buttons running up the front and one of my longer dresses which had a darker blue hue and reached to just above my ankles so I wouldn't trip. I found myself feeling left out due to not being able to wear anything on my head, so my hair felt chilled whenever I brushed my hands through it. We were in the town square and I sat with my arms crossed next to my mother watching several older children play with completely barkless branches like they were swords, if I picked up anything longer than my fingers my mother would snatch it from me so I felt rather left out. Let alone the fact the girls didn't have to wear anything like I did. But my mother would shoot me a glance every few seconds to make sure I didn't wander off, it was like she thought I actually would, I knew the rules, and rules are in place for a reason. I wasn't stupid.

However I wasn't too sure about the other children and their ability to follow rules, When they'd first seen me they'd pointed and stared in awe like I had just descended from the heavens or something. It was rather odd, the only difference between us was the fact I had to be prim and proper in order to take care of all them someday while they could shove one another into a snow bank without getting yelled at.

I wasn't sure exactly what we were doing in the town and why my parents had brought me with them because the air was much more muggy and not as fresh due to the countless chimneys that were billowing smoke. I much preferred the silence and serenity of the gardens when the birds had all fled south. People made me nervous. I didn't express this but the last time I'd been in town I'd been tethered to my mother by her arm so it was both amazing to be on my own and nerve wracking. But despite the stares and the odd rustle of the wind the town was serene and I found myself eagerly awaiting a glimpse at the many coloured houses and the many colours of coats and signs. But I made sure to always keep an eye on where my mother was standing so I didn't end up lost. Even though the town was so small you could literally see the castle from anywhere if you weren't being a complete idiot.

My Mother seemed especially worried about me for some reason, me, the one who never repeats mistakes due to the fact they'd drilled it into my head. I may not be oldest kid in town but I sure was expected to be more mature than anyone else, and you know what I was okay with that.

"Elsa come along." My mother smiled sweetly as if I didn't know any better than to follow her.

"Ugh." I groaned letting my face fall.

"Stop frowning or people will start rumors." My mother ordered so I returned my face to a neutral expression just to please her. As we walked I began watching my mother's feet and to an extent mine, The area between them was just blank stone so I found it dull and boring. So I breathed out sharply in annoyance and noticed a billow of steam, I could see my breath suddenly. Weird, I hadn't been able to do that before, and by the looks of it no one around me had visible breath.

I breathed slowly and I could feel my heartbeat slow down with it, was that wintery curse or whatever forming an aura of cold around me or something equally freaky. Occasionally I couldn't take it anymore and I'd shoot out a breath of hot air that would remain visible for seconds, I'm pretty sure at least one person noticed but if they did it would be gone before their double take was complete.

"Elsa it's beginning to get a little cold stay close." My mother explained tightening her coat around her shoulders.

That was a terrible idea, me being close to her would only make her colder, stupid Cold spell.

The chill didn't seem to bother anyone but my mother and I was glad Anna was in the arm opposite me so she didn't start bawling because her feet felt chilly. I felt the chill but it was pleasant instead of bothersome, my mother had a different opinion and clearly felt uncomfortable.

"If you're cold we should head back then." I suggested.

"No dear, it's just a chill." She explained holding Anna closely who began cooing at the heat my mother radiated, "I'm just picky."

My mother eventually let go of my hand trusting me to stay close and I walked forward a bit more so I was further from her and closer to my father who had a massive jacket and heavy gloves with bits of metal just visible under the fabric, The gauntlets were clearly built for winter so I don't think he minded getting a little colder. I focused on the clicking of his boots trying to figure out where the metal was in them when suddenly the light grew dimmer and I looked to the sky to see clouds starting to build up under the sun blocking it from view, the storm seemed to have accelerated and just to prove it was here to stay the wind picked up blowing roughly and whisking the clouds over us to they covered the horizon, It took at least fifteen minutes to do so and with a great piercing silence the wind stopped.

And it began to snow.

Anna sat there and when a snowflake landed on her nose she jumped back in shock staring at where her head had been with gigantic eyes widened to the brim with curiosity. Several people nearby stopped and felt the flakes hit their hands before grumbling and continuing onward. Somehow they didn't like the snow. But in complete contrast the children squealed in delight as they pranced around catching them on their clothing and faces only to examine them and point out how every single one was different. As I looked around I noticed a cat sitting comfortably in an open window sill glaring at me as if it was my fault. Well it wasn't so I assumed it could see the bit of Winter hovering around me making my breath visible.

Suddenly without warning I slipped and waved my arms around before regaining my balance, I looked back just in time t see my mother step over a footprint shaped mark of Ice unnoticing. She seemed happier now that the chill had disappeared. But my footprint was clearly outlined there and snow was quickly building up on it and covering it.

"Maybe we should head back before this storm picks up." My mother suggested to my father.

He looked at the merchants who were quickly setting up tarps and moving merchandise indoors and he nodded.

"Okay. Back to the castle we go." He smiled as he quickened his pace with haste.

Once we were inside my father brushed off his shoulders and jacket removing all snowflakes, I was about to imitate him when my mother grabbed my shoulders and did it for me making me scowl intensely. Seconds later I had Anna thrust into my arms and she make a squealing sound before staring at me blankly.

"Elsa, leave your boots at the door please." My mother requested.

"Okay." I replied before placing Anna on the floor and untying the strings that kept my boots tightly on my legs.

Anna just stared at me and began playing with the tiny shoes she was wearing like she was trying to copy me, Monkey See Monkey do I guess.

My mother walked over and started taking off the bundle of clothing that made Anna looked like a stuffed marshmallow of various colours while I removed my coat and handed it to Kai who bowed as he took it. Really he was taking a coat so I saw no big deal in it.

The castle had a warm feel and the scent of wood smoke was evident throughout the castle, The kitchens wafted off the smell of ginger and garlic and the entire castle was warm and welcoming. Evidence of activity was splattered throughout the castle from Gerda cleaning up water marks left by the Cook's boots to the many jackets hung upon the wall in the coatroom, Whenever we saw a castle guard they were adorned with brand new green cloaks and hats that covered the light armour they wore at this time of year. I could tell this was the first time they'd worn them seeing as they kept scratching at the clothes and pulling them away from their skin.

My parents retreated to the library with Anna and I dashed upstairs as quickly as possible, I could meet them later but I had bigger fish to fry. I dashed into my room and ran to the window to gaze at the falling snow only to see cloudy skies. No snow was falling and the wind was nowhere to be seen. I opened the window and climbed out onto the balcony only to stare off into the darkening sky in disappointment, as much as having ice form beneath my feet and walls freeze near freaked me out I was still excited to see the winter months.

I exhaled roughly and suddenly my head felt cold, I looked up and a drift of snow fell right on my face from the roof. I shuddered in fear knowing that it hadn't been cold enough for drifts to form, looks like my cold curse wasn't gone after all. I shook the snow off and marched inside shutting the window as I went. I proceeded down the stairs and entered the library, a warm fire blazed and my parents were talking while Anna nestled on my mother's lap like an animal that had been playing too hard.

"Elsa dear what's wrong?" My father asked.

"Nothing." I sighed sitting down on the floor between them.

"That doesn't sound like nothing." My father replied looking down at me worriedly.

"It stopped snowing." I replied, "I was all excited."

"Oh Elsa, you'll learn as you get older that winter isn't good at all." My mother explained.

"There has to be something good about it." I protested.

"Sorry my dear but nothing grows, we can't harvest, and ships have a hard time reaching Arendelle." My father argued grabbing my by my waist and lifting me up to his lap, it slightly annoyed me that I was small enough to be carried like that.

"Are you sure?" I asked looking up at him with big blue curious eyes, "When you look past the bitter cold and endless colourless void isn't there something? Anything at all?"

My father smiled and shook his head while laughing, "Whatever it is it's so small it pales in comparison to summer and all the glories that brings.

"One day I'll find that something and show it to you." I explained.

"If you can find it I will make sure I see it." He replied before placing me down and sitting back, "Now since you're here why don't you go take your sister and go play?"

To be fair Anna didn't look to excited at the prospect of going somewhere with me either, well that also could have been because she was content with my mother's lap.

"Do I have to?" I protested throwing my arms down and pouting.

"It's about time you learned that you'll be stuck with her forever." My father replied, "Now go play."

My mouth sunk even deeper and my mother handed me Anna who just stared at her in shock as if thinking: Really? With Her?

I proceeded to basically drag my sister out of the library and into the hall leaving my parents next to a warm fireplace and me with a sister who seemed to go limp just to make it hard for me to carry her.

"Brat." I muttered.

"Gah." Anna cooed in response although I doubt she even knew what that meant. It was going to be a long evening.

Well just got back from Collage shopping and ended up writing the last paragraph or two of this and deciding to move on. I need a new subject that'll peak my interest again. plus leaving you guys hanging like I did was not cool. But anyway if you're ever wondering when an update is due check my profile, I have them listed in order of appearance (I usually push out three updates totaling about 30,000 words per month or more, however I owe you guys big time so i'll finish my TDBI arc and then update this again before moving onto TDRTTI again, sounds fair right? Plus TDRTTI is down to the final four, as in Four more chapters, AKA November, December, January, and concluding in February. That means I'm down to two fics which means more updates! YAY! Anyway i'll stop bothering you, I need to still watch a season and a half of Once Upon A Time to get to the Frozen stuff that I guess can be counted as Canon and inspiration. So yeah, hope you enjoyed it, if you have any suggestions or complainst leave a comment or PM me, I always respond if not busy or without WIFI.