Author's Note: Longer chapter this time. Hope you find it worth the wait. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Do not own Frozen.

Chapter 21: Around the Campfire

The sounds of merry festive-making, singing, music, and pulsing drum beats reached her ears. Aromas of a roasted pig, grilled veggies, and boiled potatoes perfumed the air. For when news arrived of their special guests, the people in the settlement bustled about to welcome Elsa and her group. Pushing his way through the crowd, Logan slowly led Elsa in a tour around the settlement and introduced her to the people before guiding her to the seat of honor for their outdoor banquet. Though their preparation humble compared to King Frederik's elaborate dinner courses, a prevailing sense of harmony and mirth encompassed the atmosphere.

After their communal meal, Elsa now poised elegantly on her seat as a plump man's baritone vocals bellowed out marking the continuation of their festivities under the shimmering stars. A warm smile inched up as she watched the men and women dance around the campfire to the infectious beats of drums and frantic strums of fiddles and lutes accompanying the baritone singer. Suddenly a tap on her shoulder caused Elsa to glance up to find Logan's sparkling green eyes staring intently at her. With a small bow and a wide-grin on his face, Logan plopped down on the spot next to her and asked, "How are you enjoying your night so far, Elsa?"

Irked at first Elsa raised her right brow at the audacity of Logan's informal address before dismissing it. After all they were no longer in Arendelle and she held no ruling power here other than her title. In fact the one truly holding the power here was Logan as the leader of this settlement deep in the woods. So putting on her collected mask Elsa then coolly answered, "Wonderful. I must say that you all have built a terrific settlement with a strong sense of community. It must have been difficult existing on the outskirts of Wesselton. Besides why stay close to Wesselton when you are all free to begin life elsewhere and not worry about the Duke?"

Logan smirked in reply, "Thank you. Coming from you that compliment means something. But as for your question well… We simply cannot leave. Our fathers worked these lands and their fathers before them… passed down from generation to generation. We know no other home. So when the Duke's exploits threatened to steal away our lands from us two years ago, we just had to rebel against his tyranny. This settlement is only temporary. We will take our lands back one day… but for now, we try our best to live out her in the woods. The settlement is pretty much self-sufficient and anything we lack, as you know, we supplement by robbing from the Duke's trading caravan."

Wolfish grin plastered on his face, Logan excitedly proclaimed, "Actually we need to thank you for your indirect contribution to the rebellion. When you imposed the embargo on Wesselton about six months ago, we can sense the Duke's once absolutely impenetrable hold weakening. We know that he is becoming desperate. It is only a matter of time till we reclaim our lands. So now that you are here. We can properly thank you... I suppose you could say our meeting was fated to be." Inwardly Elsa rolled her eyes at bandit's aura of cocky confidence, but nonetheless acknowledged that his exuding charm and unyielding self-assurance shaped Logan into the perfect leader for this settlement of outlaws.

After a moment, Elsa observed a mischievous glint in Logan's green eyes as he softly stated, "Don't turn around but there is someone keenly watching us… shift your gaze a bit and see for yourself… slowly and carefully now to avoid his suspicion." True enough when she glanced over her shoulder, Elsa discovered Prince Ali sitting quietly on the other side with his guards and staring intensely at her. This surprised her as she expected to find Ali joining in the festivities, banging on a drum, or singing along with the baritone singer. As the prince never failed to make a friend or two along the way throughout their entire journey, witnessing him distant and sullen appeared completely out of character for Ali.

While Elsa attempted to make sense of Ali's strange behavior, Logan amused merely chuckled, "I'm surprised that you have not notice the prince's glances until now. The moment I led you to our settlement, the prince has been sulking in the background. His eyes never leaves you except for the few occasions when he sends some dirty glances my way. He obviously does not approve of your decision to come here yet places you in such a high regard that he reluctantly and respectfully abides by your wishes. Clearly the man cares for you more than he would like to admit. Tell me, Elsa. Is there something between you two? I would not want to induce the jealous wrath of a Persian prince."

Reeling back in shocking revelation, Elsa pondered the bandit's perceptive words before sighing in reply, "No… he has never given me cause to think he feels… the way you seem to suggest… though there were times when he would express his concern for me… but I simply dismissed it, thinking the prince overly polite and considerate… like a noble gentleman… Besides his character is friendly by nature so I did not think he treats me any differently from anybody else… other than when the situation demands proper conduct…"

Shaking his head Logan interrupted, "That's the problem with you nobles, especially someone like Prince Ali who constantly hides behind his mask of courtesy and etiquette. At heart of it all, you pretentious royals… not saying you are one, Elsa, but in general… are the same as the rest of us. You lie, cheat, love, cry, get hurt, and feel as we all do. And Prince Ali over there is no exception… Take another look, Elsa. But this time examine his eyes closely… An important thing I learned throughout these years as a bandit is that anyone… no matter how eloquent in both words and mannerism… they can never hide their true intentions behind their eyes."

Following Logan's advice Elsa looked past the raging bonfire and ring of dancers. She shockingly found that, although amidst a heated discussion with his guards, the prince's stern gaze had never wandered far from their general direction. His facial expression remained stoic but the blazing glimmer in his eyes betrayed his hidden displeasure and seething jealousy. When she scrutinized further, Elsa discerned hints of frustration, wariness, despondency, concern, guilt, uncertainty, and reluctant acceptance. A jarring dissonance of emotions that bewildered her yet tugged at her heartstrings especially now as she watched a distraught Prince Ali stalked off into the woods alone after some fervid exchange of words between his guards.

When Elsa stood up to follow after Ali, a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Frowning Logan rationalized, "Let him be. A stubborn hard-headed man like him needs to come to terms with his emotion on his own especially when it concerns the matters of the heart. Believe me. Men have a harder time admitting their feelings so openly than women. We are stubborn fools… I was the same way with my deceased wife… may she rest in peace… When we first met…" Slowly Elsa sat back down as Logan carried on with his story. Although she tried her best to politely listen, Elsa's mind would wander off to the perturb Prince Ali. Concerned she occasionally caught herself anxiously staring across the campfire and deep into the woods where Ali ventured off out of sight.

As Ali plopped down on the outskirts of the ring of dancers circling the bonfire, a melancholy sigh escaped his lips. He knew he was being unreasonable but he could not help himself. There was something about Logan Stern that grated his nerves; a disconcerting apprehension that would not let him be. But without proper evidence to affirm this strange feeling, Ali reluctantly conceded to Elsa's decision. And so from the moment the bandit led their group into the settlement, he remained on high alert as his eyes fixated between Elsa and Logan especially now as the two conversed on the other side of the campfire.

Preoccupied with his thoughts, Ali nearly missed Faddei and Zuberi sitting down and flanking him on both sides, Faddei on his left and Zuberi on his right. Meanwhile Ali watched at the corner of his eyes Takeshi moving behind him. Though unlike his two other guards who appeared relax, the samurai stood up behind him slightly tense. When his eyes contacted Takeshi's, Ali clearly discerned a flash of worrisome anxiety in the samurai's eyes. He had known Takeshi long enough to understand that he too sensed this unsettling feeling in the air.

Then Zuberi's playful teasing voice brought Ali out of his contemplation, "My prince, it seems you have some competition for the queen's attention. Now what do you intend to do about it?"

Mentally rolling his eyes at Zuberi's poor attempt of provoking a reaction from him, Ali shrugged in response, "Nothing… Queen Elsa is free to associate with whom she wishes… Besides why would this concern me?"

Smirking Zuberi rebuked, "Your transfixed gaze on the two indicate otherwise… Jealousy does not suit you well, Prince Ali… even less so is your despondent attitude. Knowing you, I expected you to push forward dauntlessly and to profess your overwhelming affections for the queen by now."

Refusing to give Zuberi the satisfaction, Ali remained stoic and replied in a deadpan voice, "You know very well why I cannot do that." Then the prince crossed his arms and wearily sighed, "What I can give her is sparse at best and even if I am free to express my affections for her… As I am now… She deserves so much more. Should I ever lose control or decide to toss caution aside and blaze ahead as you suggest… Even for a moment of bliss… There will be nothing but heartache and pain for us in the end. I refuse to subject her to such anguish. So I would rather suffer alone in silence…"

At this point Faddei suddenly interjected, "Anyways its better off this way. Less troublesome. Not only will his confession jeopardize our mission, but their eventually split at the end of this journey will be less painful for the prince to handle." Grimly the Russian guard added, "Love is dulling your mental and physical faculties, Prince Ali. It has effectively rendered you from a mighty warrior prince to a self-doubting worrier fretting over the queen. Where is the self-assured prince whom I have come to respect?! The man who deftly and skillfully completes the task before him with deadly focus. I say forget about this non-sense about love and just concentrate on getting back to Persia as soon as possible to rid us of the drought."

Reeling back at Faddei's words Zuberi huffed, "Better off! How can you possible know his confession will endanger the mission?! If anything, Queen Elsa would be more sympathetic for our cause. Plus I believe Prince Ali deserves some happiness and love in his life especially after all he suffered through recently." Defiant eyes piercing Prince Ali, Zuberi declared, "Though your time together may be fleeting, isn't that more reason for you take action and enjoy whatever time you have left together?! You cannot know for certain how it will end. Plus I do not think you give Queen Elsa the credit she is due. She is a strong and resilient queen. Someway, somehow this will all work out in the end. Just tell her."

Sullen Ali asserted, "Do you truly believe that, Zuberi? Especially after what happened five years ago… The vows I made that day… I have duties and obligations to uphold… And I will continue to do so for the rest of my life in repentance for my sin… the fatal and unforgivable mistake I made that day still haunts me... It must be paid one way or another. A poor tainted soul like mine has no right to love, much less someone as noble as Queen Elsa… yet against all odds I find myself falling deeply… so deep that I am afraid of the darkness that surround me. I am afraid of what will befall me if I let my guard down. But most of all I am afraid of what she will think of me if she ever learns the true face behind this cheerful mask… a haunted sinner doomed to burn from the start."

After a moment of crippling tense silence, Faddei softly stated, "Strange… How can someone like you, Prince Ali, who forgives others so easily cannot seem to forgive himself?" Time ticked on by as the gravity of Faddei's words sunk in. Though the prince had countless times asked himself that very same question again and again over the past five years, the Russian guard's seemingly innocent inquiry still slashed deep emotionally for Ali. And when a concerned Zuberi also began questioning him, the prince suddenly felt his heart constrict as blurry images of the past flooded his mind. The throbbing of his head grew in intensity and he felt his temper stewing as their bombard of questions overwhelmed him.

Emotionally charged Ali immediately stood up and deadly whispered, "Enough, you two. I don't expect you to understand but at least respect my wishes. The both of you should know just difficult it is to move forward with the shadows of your past lurking behind you. Never once giving you a moment of peace. For when you find yourself somewhat content, it rears its ugly head to you. Now as for the matter regarding Queen Elsa, leave it be. I will deal with it the best way I see fit."

With that said, Ali started to storm off into the woods but then stopped when he sensed someone following him. Turning around Ali found himself face to face with Takeshi. Sharply Ali curtly demanded, "What is it, Takeshi?! Do you have something to say?"

Unfazed by the prince's agitated tone, the samurai politely bowed and replied, "No, I only wish to accompany you, my lord. Do not worry. I will keep my distance. Allow me to do my duty of protecting you."

Taking a few shallow breaths to settle his nerves, Ali then quietly questioned, "How did you do it, Takeshi?"

Confused the samurai responded, "What do you mean…"

But Ali quickly interrupted, "I may have been young, Takeshi, but I was not blind. For some time I have known about your feelings for my mother. It was no secret as I can clearly see it reflect in your eyes. You looked at her the way I gaze at Elsa now. So tell me…" Eyes desperately imploring the samurai, Ali again asked, "How did you do it? How did you choose between love and duty?"

Standing up straight in attention Takeshi solemnly proclaimed, "Yes. I did love your mother… more than any bodyguard properly should. But I kept silent as she was leagues above my class." Then Takeshi unsheathed his sword and held it up as it glimmered under the moonlight, "With this katana… the very same one passed on to me from Captain Mitsuguri… I vowed to protect Princess Mizuki with my life and to serve her to the best of my abilities. This was how I showed my devotion and expressed my love for your mother. It may not seem much… but for me it was enough." Returning his katana back in its scabbard, the samurai continued, "Remaining by her side was my way of reconciling my duty as her guard and my feelings for her. I know this is not a feasible option for you, Prince Ali. But you have a strong heart. I am sure you will find a way to reconcile both your oaths and your love for Queen Elsa."

Smiling Prince Ali thanked Takeshi, "What will I do without you, Takeshi? You seem to know what to say to ease my worries. Thank you. But now that I have cooled off a bit. Would you please give me some time alone? I need to think things over." When the samurai hesitated, the prince assured, "Do not worry. I will not take long. If I come across any trouble, I am sure Felix will alert you. In the meantime, keep an eye on things here for me." Without waiting for a reply, Prince Ali wandered off deep into the woods. Face etched with deep worry Takeshi helplessly watched the prince walk away out of sight before rejoining Faddei and Zuberi around the campfire.

Soon Prince Ali emerged through into a clearing. He found himself on the shores of a lake bathed in the moon's eerie glow. As he strolled on the lake shore, Prince Ali occasionally picked up a pebble or two and then skipped it across the water. He tossed the pebble with such force as if silently hoping to cast aside his worries and guilt as far as possible along with it. But no matter how powerful his throw, the pebble eventually would sink. So Ali collapsed on the ground, quietly sitting and staring across the lake and the incandescent moon up above. After some time of silent admiration, the prince's ears picked up on the sounds of fluttering wings. Prince Ali remained still as Felix instantly closed the distance between them and perched on his shoulders.

Absentmindedly Ali gently stroked the falcon who nuzzled his head against the prince's hair in appreciation. His thoughts then drifted off as he contemplated about what his guards had said earlier. He realized that his hesitation to act on his feelings for Elsa boiled down to his inability to come in terms with his past, choosing instead to bury his emotions down and to mask the dull pain with a false carefree bravado. Countless times he attempted to take a step forward but failed miserable. Ever since that night five years ago, he had been floating on with life listlessly while keeping others at bay with a beaming grin. He thought his act convincing as he repeatedly fooled his family, his guards, and even himself.

No doubt he would have remained stagnant for the rest of his life but then along came Queen Elsa. When her cerulean blue eyes met his, immediately her gaze captivated him in place and swiftly pierced his heart. Somehow she managed to strike past his barriers that night in the parlor, leaving him powerless as his dammed up emotions violently rushed out. From then on for the first time in ages, he genuinely smiled and laughed, relishing each precious moment with her. Elsa brought him back to life and he would forever love her for it. She coaxed out such unfathomable intense passionate feelings that ignited the spark of life in him that dimmed over the years to near extinction.

But with each passing day as they inched closer to Persia, the memories of his past persistently resurfaced to haunt him. Ali realized that sooner or later Elsa would find out about everything he had been hiding from her. And he would have to openly expose his shame. Sighing Prince Ali glanced over at Felix and inquired, "Felix, what should I do? I feel completely conflicted… On one hand I need to tell Elsa the truth, the whole truth about me, which includes expressing my feelings for her and revealing my painful past. She deserves to know but… On the other hand, this would force me to break my vows. And as you know I am not one to take my oaths lightly." The falcon screeched and stared at Ali blankly. Though to someone else this meant nothing, but the prince understood the falcon as clear as if his own guards were conversing with him. Nearly inseparable from the time he was growing up, Ali and Felix shared an unfathomable bond that transverse all languages.

Rubbing the temples of his head from frustration, Ali then stated, "I suppose you are right. Either option sounds horrible. Plus even if I reveal everything to Elsa, there is no guarantee that she will forgive me and remain sympathetic to continue journeying with us back to Persia…. So I guess I need to decide which consequences I can live with…" After a moment of silence spent in eerie deep meditation, Prince Ali solemnly asked, "Felix… Do you think she will forgive me? What would she say?" The prince waited anxiously for some kind of response, but the falcon remained quiet. Closing his eyes, Ali then allowed the memory to wash over him.

Her image popped up in his mind in all of her youthful radiance. She, cradled in his arms, reached up to caress his face. As she wiped his tears away, she weakly smiled at him before shutting her eyes. Crying hysterically Ali begged, "No, please… I'm sorry. I did not mean to hurt you. Please I'm begging you… It cannot end this way… Please… I promise not to love another… just please open your eyes…" But his desperate pleas remained unheeded by the slumped figure in his arms. Tears streamed down his cheeks uncontrollably. The gnawing feelings of guilt slowly devoured his heart and soul.

So distraught by this accident Ali failed to notice the whirlwind of chaos around him. The entire Persian court busted through the door and gasped at the horrific scene before them. When her father roughly pulled her away from him and kicked him to the ground face down, Ali finally woke up from his sorrowful daze as her father's sword slashed at his back. The pain from this would forever scar him physically, mentally, and emotionally. A permanent reminder of his grievous sin. Her father then cried out vehemently, "You monster! Stay away from her!" He raised his arms to attack again but his father quickly intercepted it. The rest of the night flashed by in a blur for Ali. Amidst all of the fighting that erupted that night, the only thing Ali remembered was her limp figure being carried away.

Suddenly a shearing sharp pain on his head shook him out of memory. Felix pecked at his master when he observed a hollow gaze reflecting in the prince's eyes and a tear rolling down his face. Grinning weakly at the falcon, Ali expressed his gratitude with a pat on the bird's head. But afterwards Ali unconsciously reached around his back and rubbed the faded scar. Five years and the memory still left such a powerful impression on him. Clearly he was not ready to tell Elsa about this. Sighing the prince stood up which startled Felix causing him to spread his wings and to take flight. Prince Ali watched Felix soar through the air and disappear into the night.

Then Ali turned around to head back to camp. But two voices stopped him in his tracks. Swiftly the prince hid behind a tree and carefully peered to discover three shadowy figures, one of which trailed a few paces behind the two. Frowning Ali instantly recognized Elsa's melodic voice conversing with the snide-sounding Logan. Upon closer inspection, Ali realized that the third figure appeared to be the other Arendelle guard, Vincent. While remaining in the shadow and keeping a keen eye on them especially on Elsa and Logan, Prince Ali stealthily and cautiously followed the three deep into woods. That same unnerving feeling from earlier resurfaced within the pit of his stomach.

AN: Hope you liked the chapter and find it worth the wait. I don't you about you guys, but I really like my current pace. Bi-weekly updates is a bit a while to wait for but I feel that it gives me the time to really flesh out the chapter and revise it to my liking. I feel that this chapter is a good example of that. This one was quite emotionally-driven. Anyways let me know what you think and leave me a review. Like I said before I would love to hear from you and reading reviews motivates me. Until next time :)