She was up before the sun had risen. The sky was a pale blue, just barely preparing for the day to come. Gerda had offered to join her, of course, but Elsa needed a moment alone. She wanted time alone. She desired to be with nature and her thoughts without distraction. Some trolls had stirred as the queen quietly made her way to an overhang of earth, her legs dangling off the side and a few feet off the ground. The cool summer wind brushed her hair, and the queen tried to smile, yet it wouldn't come naturally.

The night before had posed some dangerous questions; questions that prevented the queen from getting a sound sleep. Images of her suitors, Gerda and, of course, Anna were the source of her anxiety, and Elsa could only toss and turn over and over, hating the idea of keeping her maid awake, but always optimistic that a new position for rest would be the solution.

Elsa still didn't have an answer. She still couldn't commit to any one course. Gerda had given her a very cruel but necessary awakening. Truthfully, Elsa found her maid physically attractive enough; she knew this. But even with such knowledge, she couldn't fathom the thought of actually making love to the younger girl while Anna remained so prominently on her mind. Gerda's point was well made. If Elsa couldn't even do that with someone she nearly longed for on a pure level of lust, then it would be torture with one of her suitors, especially considering they were all men. She would be betraying Anna. Even if her love for her younger sister would never be reciprocated, Elsa felt shame for giving in to Gerda's touch. How would she feel if a man took her? If he made love to her fully and completely? The thought was mortifying. She was loyal to Anna and Anna only. How foolish she was, but the queen couldn't help her feelings and, as always, they were infinitely more powerful than anything she could fathom.

Elsa sighed, running her fingers through her loose hair and allowing it to fall about her face and tangle within the breeze. Her eyes were in an eternal haze of mist, and her cheeks felt overly flushed. She was tired, but sleep seemed so impossible. It was almost like she had a hangover, although she only experienced such a thing once in her life. Elsa's mind was a blur of possibilities; most of which she knew would never come to pass. Would she ever be capable of moving past this love for Anna?

'Oh, hey there, little lady.' Anna made her presence known with only a hint of apprehension in her voice.

Elsa's lips finally cracked, and she turned her vision down to find her sister, her hair a disaster but her overall presentation exceedingly gorgeous to the queen. Of course. Her timing was horrible and perfect.

'You dare speak to me in such a way?' Elsa grinned. This complete and utter joy? It couldn't be matched. Curse? Elsa realized how desperate she had become to muffle this emotion ruling her.

Anna hopped up to where her sibling relaxed, sitting close and letting her bare legs flop beside Elsa's.

'I dare. You gonna do something about it?'

Elsa closed her eyes and shook her head, nudging Anna with her shoulder and knowing the answer was so very close now. This notion of peace and tranquility; of love and sincere devotion, she only felt it for her little sister. It was so twisted, yet so right at the same time. Elsa was in agony, and admittedly, she still struggled, but Anna added clarity and purpose to her life. It wasn't a fact she could ignore or dismiss easily anymore.

'I could do many things about it, yes.' Elsa teased back.

'Oh? Now I'm curious.'

'You want to become a snowman?'

'Might be kinda neat.'

'And cold.'

'Well, yeah. But for a second…neat.'

'You'd survive for longer than a second.'

'Yeah?'

'It depends what temperature I set you at.'

'Ah! Of course. How could I not think of that?'

'You would make a cute snowman, at the very least.'

'Um…cute snow-woman. Jeez, Elsa; don't be sexist.'

'Pardon me?'

'I'm not a man, am I?'

'N-no…' Elsa stuttered, her heart not capable of processing what that statement meant. An heir would no longer be a problem, but would she still be attracted to Anna if she were a man? It was hard to say, considering just how much she adored Anna. Elsa certainly preferred the curves and soft touches of a woman. She absolutely desired the fairer sex above any other option. Yet, Anna as a whole was everything the queen wanted. Perhaps, if she were a man, she would be the sole exception; similarly to the fact her being Elsa's sister didn't seem to effect the woman's yearning.

'So,' Anna hunched her arms and gave her sister a mischievous look. 'What was yesterday all about? Was it the headache talking, or is there something I need to know?'

Elsa flinched. She knew she wouldn't get away with it. She knew it but she was still hoping somehow.

'Stress. I…did not act kindly to you. I'm sorry. I was taking out my frustrations on the only person I could.'

'Your little sister? Yeah, yeah. I get it.'

'Yes. My little sister. The same little sister who knows me inside and out and could even tell that I was upset. I can only be completely honest with you, Anna.'

Anna bit at her lower lip and side-glanced Elsa.

'What about Gerda?'

'G-Gerda?'

'You must talk to her. She's your head maid. It's basically her job to make sure you're okay mentally and to help you out with the more private stuff.'

'Well…I suppose that is true.'

'Ah. Hahah! Makes sense. I mean, I guess I can't always be there, right?'

The queen almost wished Anna hid this side of herself from Elsa in addition to everyone else. It was brutal to see, primarily when Elsa suspected she was the cause of such anguish.

'She is not my sister, however.' Elsa responded quickly. 'I did not grow up with her. She can only know me to a very certain extent; just as…Kristoff knows you, correct?' A cruel move, but a necessary one.

Anna puffed her cheeks and blew out air forcefully, making a faint sound as she did so.

'I guess that's a fair comparison.'

'Although I do not love Gerda, so, it remains a faint parallel at best.'

'True.' Anna said distantly. 'I mean, she's a girl and all. That'd be weird.'

Elsa's head throbbed, a heated pulse wave coursing through her veins in an instance of frustration.

'You're somewhat fixated on "girls" and "boys" in relationships, aren't you?'

'Huh? Um, obviously! I-I mean, it would be strange, wouldn't it? It wouldn't be right if you had some kind of girl crush on your maid. Hahah! Jeez, Elsa. Why are you so uppity all of a sudden?'

'Because,' Elsa bit at her tongue and thought of Arthur and Rynn, the brave king explaining the purpose of his sword and the happiness he had found. She couldn't live like this anymore. Baby steps, at the very least. Baby steps. A step in the direction Elsa wanted to go. 'I…happen not to find it terribly strange or wrong, necessarily.'

Silence. The morning was deathly quiet save for the small gusts of wind passing through the forest around the valley and some trolls snoring rather loudly. Nonetheless, Elsa's ears filled with ringing, and she watched as Anna's face become unreadable, her eyes wide and mouth hanging open. Whatever came next, it would shift everything.

'Elsa…are you…?'

Surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, Anna easily read into Elsa's rhetoric.

'I am not.' Elsa refused so sharply that Anna's lips clamped shut. Baby steps. Baby steps. Not quite yet. She still needed to gauge properly. 'But I do not condemn those who are. If one is fortunate enough to find love, no matter what its form, who am I to judge them? I am a queen, certainly, but my concerns rest with political unrest and economic stabilization for my people, not who is finding happiness with who behind closed doors.'

Elsa could feel the heat rising into her cheeks, but if she was going to pursue anything with Anna, she needed to make her views known…somewhat. How Anna reacted to this was pivotal. Elsa's heart beat within her rapidly, her faith in her sister tested unexpectedly.

'Wow.' Anna sighed happily. 'I…I didn't expect you to think like that, to be honest.' The younger sister's legs swung more rapidly over the small drop.

'Oh?'

'Yep. You've always been a little rigid with rules and stuff, right? I mean, you didn't have much of a choice being the next queen and all. But…you've changed, haven't you? I'm not sure when, and maybe it started with the coronation, but you've…' Anna diverted her eyes, a bashfulness coming over her. 'You've become more incredible to me than ever before.'

Elsa tried not to make her joy at the comment show too outwardly. She was struggling more and more as her affection rekindled upon the natural connection she felt with her younger sister. She truly felt like her other half. This conversation exemplified just how easily the two girls could talk and connect. Elsa loved it. Elsa loved this feeling of such deep and intimate trust. Where else could she ever obtain such a bond? Years and years of closeness. Yes, a blemish in their relationship occurred when Elsa was forced to hide herself and felt obligated to protect Anna by keeping her distance, but the amount of time Anna and Elsa had spent together couldn't be matched, regardless.

'You inspired me to change. You still do.' Elsa admitted quietly. 'Your way of living is one I always look upon in awe. I want to be more like you. I want to be as loving, kind, and approachable as you. I don't mean to repeat myself, Anna, but you're the incredible one.'

'Heh. I just kinda bumble around; you know that.' The girl waved the compliments off, as per usual.

'But you do it in the most appealing way possible.' Elsa wasn't sure if it was the appropriate thing to say, but she wanted to compliment Anna, and if her sister found it somewhat flirtatious, so be it. Small steps.

Another break. Elsa couldn't look. She didn't want to see how Anna reacted to her comment. She still didn't have her own answer.

'I'm okay with it too, you know?' Anna spoke up, her voice smaller than usual, but still sure. 'Love is too precious to put a cage around. I've always thought that. I just…Kristoff sorta suggested I was crazy when I mentioned it one time, so I guess I was a little nervous about saying it again to you. I was trying to convince myself that he was right. I didn't know. I thought maybe I was a little nuts.'

Elsa was filled with emotion in that moment. The thought of anyone belittling Anna's loving opinion on such matters enraged her. Although her head sparked with discomfort, an aura of power subconsciously encircled the queen without her even knowing it. Only when Anna touched Elsa's hand that rested painfully close to hers did the queen ease herself out of the irritation.

'Hey! It's fine; really. Kristoff is a wonderful, caring guy. He's a little simple sometimes, and that's part of why I like him, so I should've expected as much. No biggie! Down, girl!'

'Hm. Did he even ask for you to elaborate on your thoughts on the matter?' Elsa muttered angrily.

'It wasn't a discussion for him. It's just a matter of fact, and that's okay. It's not as if he hates people like that; he just thinks they're confused or…something. It doesn't bother me.'

'It should.' Elsa answered quickly. 'It's a difference in values, and it speaks volumes for his intellectual capabilities. Kristoff has proven himself a good man, I'll give him that, but as marriage material, this new piece of information concerns me.'

'Well, we're not talking marriage just yet, so, no worries there.' Anna tried to laugh as she spoke, but Elsa could tell that her little sister was a touch annoyed. That was fine. Elsa's defences were up. She was unselfishly looking out for Anna…wasn't she?

'The trolls seem to think otherwise.'

'They thought that before Kristoff and I were even dating. They don't really get the whole way us humans do the courting thing. Waste of time, in their opinion. Trust me; it isn't happening any time soon. Definitely not…'

'Still, I think you should breach the subject with him again. It's important.'

'Maybe…' Anna evaded, and Elsa decided she would leave it at that for now. 'Anyway, how about that noggin'? I could feel your magic amping up for a second there. Are you feeling okay again?'

'Honestly? There is still some pressure in my head. My magic feels unstable, and it concerns me.' Elsa turned to Anna and almost snickered, the girl's rat nest of morning hair more evident now that Elsa's emotions had calmed some. 'But what causes me more anxiety is this thing on your head.'

Anna laughed.

'Again? Jeez! It keeps attacking me at night!'

'Allow me.' Elsa pushed a small amount of moistness into her fingers, noting the spark of effort it normally didn't take, and combed Anna's hair affectionately, feeling the other girl's somewhat thicker locks and loving the way the auburn looked within her grasp. The streak of platinum gave the queen pause, as always, but she tried not to make it obvious. She should've known it was futile.

'I love it. You know that.' Anna hummed, her eyes closed and a goofy smile on her face.

'I-I know…' Elsa lied.

'It's a part of you with me always. I really, really love it.'

It almost killed you. Elsa thought bitterly, but she kept it to herself, knowing how Anna would react to such a negative way of seeing the collection of hair. She continued to shape Anna's gorgeous mane with a gentility unlike any other, and in time, Elsa simply allowed her fingers to stroke at her sister's scalp and provide some pleasure that way.

'Mm.' Anna buzzed, the sound forcing an immediate tinge of longing within Elsa. 'Has anyone ever told you that your touch is kinda amazing?'

'Not really…'

'Well, it is. If one of your suitors ends up winning your heart, he might have to compete with me to get moments like these.'

Elsa blinked, swallowing uncomfortably.

'There would never be a competition. You would take priority every time.'

A beat.

'Heheh. I can live with that.' Anna shrugged.

Elsa meant for that to be a little flirtatious as well, but Anna didn't really react. It was true that Elsa wasn't exactly sure how to be incredibly forward when it came to such matters, but she was hoping for more to work with. Perhaps it was for the better. She didn't know what she wanted quite yet anyway. It was good that she was so very clumsy in this regard.

'Speaking of which…' Anna went on, humming still under Elsa's head massage. 'What do you say to delaying the ball just a tiny bit more.'

Elsa didn't care to hold the ball at all at this point, so, she was quick to be receptive to whatever Anna proposed.

'I'm sure another day wouldn't be offensive to anyone but Leonard, surely. Guests started arriving from many kingdoms yesterday, so the quarterly budget may be impacted, but I am quite frugal, in general, thus, it shouldn't be a problem.'

'I love it when you talk all queenly.' Anna nuzzled in closer to Elsa, and that same queen felt her cheeks burning, thankful she wasn't easily visible to her younger sister. She began pulling Anna's hair into a ponytail, eyeing the beautiful red-toned strands as her sister continued. 'Anyway, I was thinking you and I should personally take care of some of the preparations. Help make a few of the desserts. Pick out the decorations. Create an ice sculpture or two for a nice display. You know, add a unique touch to it all and show the suitors and other kingdoms just how involved you are with everything and the people.'

Elsa's chest practically collapsed, her sister's thoughtfulness and even political navigation surprisingly delightful.

'You are suggesting…we take a day or two to work on the ball together?'

'Yeah! I'm sure I can soften ol' Leonard up to the idea. Leave it to me!'

'What brought this on all of a sudden?' Elsa loved the idea, but it was a curious proposal, and the timing seemed odd.

'I just…' Anna's tone softened. 'I just want some more time together before you pick someone. Is that bad?'

Elsa sighed, choking the urge to embrace Anna tightly and promise her she would always be the only one she could love with all her heart. Instead, she finished Anna's hair and changed where she was seated a bit.

'There.' Elsa moved her hand to the side of Anna's face and held it there, looking down slightly at her sister's glowing eyes. 'Perfect.'

'I doubt it, but you definitely helped so I don't freak any of the guards out.'

'Don't be silly. And I would like nothing more than to have some days dedicated to spending time with you, Anna. It is as good as done.'

Elsa knew it was her cue to remove the touch she relished in, and she absolutely meant to, but she couldn't. The sensation of Anna's beaming cheek within her palm and this close proximity, it was too alluring. Anna must've sensed it too, for her expression of teasing relaxation faltered, and her body shifted, as if suggesting she was about to react in some way.

'My queen?' A stout, powerful voice in the form of Arvid's sounded, and both sisters flinched away from one another simultaneously. Within another couple of seconds, the large man appeared, his armour crackling with every step. 'Ah! Here you are. Gerda kept claiming you were not over yonder. She was oddly insistent about me not checking, but here you be. We are about to break our fast before heading out. Would you like to join us?'

'Of course.' Elsa sighed, finding Anna's eyes once more and leaving it at that. It was for the best. It was for the best. It was for the best. If she kept telling herself this, perhaps Elsa's decision would provide a path for itself.

Returning to the forest trail was a welcome sight for Elsa. Although the caravan creaked and wobbled, and the group was down only one horse, impressively, forcing Percival to give up his noble steed to Arvid due to weight issues for the caravan's maximum capacity, it was still good to be up and moving again. Elsa valued the simple choices lately. She valued having a destination planned out before her. For now, it was about returning to Arendelle's palace and finding the mirror, or Devil, or both while planning a ball…with her sister.

"I'll do my darn best to help you all out." Bulda had said when it was decided that she would be accompanying Elsa and her group back to the palace. Next to Grand Pabbie, she was the most sensitive when it came to the happenings of magic and its presence within the world. It was the most logical call, although her weight alone, surprisingly, made for a fairly slow ride. Elsa didn't have the heart to tell the enthusiastic troll to simply roll through the forest and meet her at Arendelle, so, the journey would be a long one even if all went well. At least Bulda was happy, peering out the back of the carriage with glee.

'I'm looking forward to a shower.' Anna mentioned eventually, tugging at her shirt in disgust.

'I am as well. The morning's schedule didn't really allow us time for that.' The older sister agreed.

'You all shoulda just went on there with Gerda. She was washin' her skirt and wetting her hair in the spring we all use before breakfast. Coulda had yourselves a fine ol' pool party.' Bulda grunted almost angrily.

'True.' Elsa nodded, but she had enjoyed the privacy with her sister in that time, and she wouldn't have given that up for the world. It affirmed and mystified more than a little.

'I-it was a little cool, but refreshing.' Gerda added. She looked somewhat adorable with her damp hair and fresh face curled up in the back of the caravan, kitty-cornered next to Elsa, space forcing a close-quarter situation.

'I'm impressed this caravan held up through the surprise attack by those golem guys. Whoever made this thing should get a raise, Elsa. Seriously! Kinda glad you didn't lose your sword here!' Anna tapped at the blade, and Elsa had to affirm her comments with a sound of approval.

'You're absolutely right. A lesser man's work could have made the situation much more fatal. I'll have Leonard look into it.'

'A-are you still holding the ball despite Devil's potential presence, my queen?'

'A ball? Can I come? I've never been to a ball before! Er…what is a ball? Is it…a big round thing or what? That doesn't sound right.' Bulda scratched her head.

'It's a dance thingy, Bulda. It's to help Elsa decide on which suitor she should marry, remember?' Anna laughed.

'Ah! Right!'

'I think I will be delaying the ball by a day or two, but no more.' Elsa winked to Anna. 'Devil will likely know that, upon our return, we are aware of his existence. I would like Bulda to attend the ball, indefinitely, to hopefully confirm or deny Devil's presence among the suitors, attendants, or even the guards from other kingdoms. Ideally, before the ball even occurs, I would like time to investigate within Arendelle as well, with Bulda's assistance.'

'That I can do, Queen Elsa. This big sniffer isn't just for looks, although Cliff just loves it, I'll have you all know.'

'It is pretty impressive.' Anna smiled widely and leaned in to the smaller troll, showing off just how easily she connected with anyone around her without bias or prejudice. She was so beautiful.

'Hopefully we arrive back at Arendelle with enough time to find Devil and prepare for the event, then…' Gerda said distantly. She was always a little reserved in public, but Elsa certainly noticed more distance between the maid and everyone around her since the trip began.

'We know what to look out for now. It shouldn't be a problem.' Elsa assured her little group. 'Nils is scouting ahead as best as he can, while Percival, Jostein, and Arvid are keeping keen eyes on our immediate area. If we should encounter the golems, a plan of action has apparently been made by Percival and his men. There is little to be concerned with.'

'W-what of your magic, my queen?' Gerda inquired, finally staring at Elsa directly, as if searching for the true answer in the woman's eyes rather than what her words relayed. It was frightening to be observed so competently.

'I can use most spells if necessary, although I would rather not rely on them considering my mind's condition.'

'What!? Grand Pabbie didn't heal you right? Shoulda told me! I would have set the record straight!' Bulda sounded genuinely aghast.

'H-he said that damage to the brain or head is difficult to fully heal with magic, especially for someone who also can use such power. He said to give it time and to not overextend yourself, my queen.'

Elsa sighed. So, Gerda had gone that far out of concern for her wellbeing. While Elsa was busy trying to poorly make amends and flirt with her sister, Gerda was ensuring she was physically well enough for the dangers ahead. This young girl deserved some form of reward at the soonest opportunity for excelling in her duties with every chance she had.

'You boys gonna earn your keep today? You get the chance to impress my sister, and she's still looking for a king!' Anna was clearly joking, and her words did get a chuckle out of Jostein and even Percival, but Elsa still gave Anna a look of warning…which the younger girl shrugged off with ease and a gloriously beaming smile.

'We are almost at the entrance to the forest, my queen.' Jostein's voice was jarring, and Elsa snapped up, rubbing her eyes. She didn't remember falling asleep. She didn't remember falling asleep in Anna's lap. She wiped her eyes and mouth, worried that in her vulnerable state she had appeared unseemly.

'Rise and shine, Beautiful.' Anna teased, but Elsa wished she meant the word in a slightly different way despite it still making her heart leap.

'I am so sorry. How rude of me.'

'Rude? You're tired. Nothin' wrong with that.' Bulda assured the queen. 'You got a lot on your plate. Best rest up now, because it sounds like these next few days are gonna to be a wee bit eventful.'

'W-we were all resting a little at one point.' Gerda spoke up to make her lady feel a little better.

'I think I bopped your head with mine once? I'm surprised you didn't wake up. Heheh!' Anna allowed her shoulder to press against her sister's, and Elsa found herself tensing at the lovely connection.

'I suppose I was rather fatigued. Tents do not treat me well, it seems.'

'You're such a princess.' Anna laughed.

'Or a queen.' Gerda also giggled.

'I cannot deny that.' Elsa looked about, a form of unease settling into her chest. 'There was no sign of the golems?'

'Apparently not.' Bulda chuckled. 'Guess we got lucky, huh?'

However, as if on cue, Nils' voice could be heard screaming at the top of his lungs toward the caravan. All the girls within the back of the transport tried to poke their heads out, but a commotion arose all at once, with Percival shutting the blinds and the sounds of steel grinding against a sheath echoing within the forest that soon began to rumble as if a miniature earthquake was occurring.

'Stay in the carriage and do not move!' Percival hollered, the urgency in his voice belying any semblance of the arrogant calm he usually retained with ease.

'They're chasing him, sir.' Arvid grunted, his enormous weapon tapping on his shoulder, so it sounded.

'T-they're way faster than we thought.' Jostein stammered.

'And there's two more on top of it all.'

'Take the horses and run! Run! Run! Run!' Nils screeched, and the earth's trembling elevated to a near catastrophic level, the caravan threatening to topple over and the horses screeching in panic.

'This isn't safe anymore! We gotta get out!' Anna glanced about, already moving to the back of the vehicle. She had an uncanny way of dealing with danger. A bizarre hold of focus found her in everything she did, and the usually gung-ho, go lucky Anna became mechanical in enacting survival instincts…even if she was somewhat rash at times.

'Anna's right! Come on, ladies!' Bulda grabbed at Gerda while Anna took Elsa's hand.

'Agreed. Let's go.' Elsa was soon on the quivering earth, the sheer weight of the squad of golems making it seem as though the very ground would split open under their strain. It was hard to stand, let alone run, but the four girls stumbled as best they could, unsure if retreating deeper into the forest would provide any form of coverage from the incoming threat. It was like trying to run in a nightmare; nothing seemed to work properly, and movements were sluggish at best.

'Arvid!' Percival hollered, and the beast of a man met with one of the golems, the sound of his mace crushing a chunk of the magical creature incredible, the largest of Elsa's guards screaming as if he too were a monster.

Arrows flew from Nils' crossbow, but they proved hardly effective, as Jostein also quickly discovered.

'Go, my queen!' Percival commanded before charging himself into the fray, the earth only shaking briefly when the golems made any form of quick shift in their positioning. Percival's blade shone in the morning light, and his skill was displayed as he managed to slice a piece of another golem's side out. However, it was as if the greatest fighter within Elsa's ranks was using a chiseling tool. It would take hundreds of strikes to do any real damage, and the stamina required for such aggression was astronomical.

'They can't win…!' Anna gasped, clearly as aware as Elsa of the dire odds.

Jostein and Nils also had their swords drawn now, but their swings lacked the precision and strength of their superior officer, and it wasn't long until Jostein, clearly the least capable in battle, was hit by one of the four golems, his armour easily crumbling at his side and a blood-curdling grunt escaping his tightened jaw as he toppled over and over upon the ground.

'Arvid…!' Percival was giving instruction, holding his own but unable to stop the other two golems from wandering, closing in on the guards and encircling them in what would become a massacre in seconds.

'I can only do so much!' Arvid howled, crushing another sector of his opponent. The golems didn't react to any notion of pain, it seemed, and thus, even with a fifth of its body hacked and smashed apart, Arvid's golem remained a threat.

Elsa knew Percival was commanding Arvid to move to the other guards' aid, Nils attempting to protect Jostein and only just hardly managing that, but Arvid was right: he was only one man, and the odds were against them all. The horses had long fled, Percival's being the only one that required a hard slap from the captain before it reluctantly joined its cowardly brethren. The guards were on their own.

'W-we should listen to Percival. They are performing their duty.' Gerda said quietly.

'No! Then we're basically leaving them to die!' Anna countered, her voice full of emotion.

'I-if Elsa is hurt, t-then their sacrifice w-will mean n-nothing!'

Elsa could tell Gerda hated what she was saying. Her nervous tick was out of control, but her loyalty to Elsa overrode everything in the maids' mind.

'You can't use your magic, Queen Elsa?' Bulda inquired, strangely distant from the situation.

'I won't be able to produce anything that can deal with such beings. It's too soon. If I push myself like yesterday, I could…I may lose my powers altogether.' Elsa felt it. Her magic was weak, as if a physical sprain circulated her whole body. If she broke past the restraints put in place to protect her, she couldn't imagine the consequences. Yet, at the same time, she was with Anna: she couldn't fathom leaving her men to die so heartlessly. She was the queen, and this was just one of many difficult decisions, but her heart wouldn't let her become a true queen of ice.

'Curses…!' Percival growled, his left arm hanging at his side as he repositioned himself. He was injured, and his comrades looked no better. The earth continued to shake as the golems went for the kill, their emotionless movement eerie in its silent descent. The guards must have assumed Elsa and her group had escaped, for the queen saw a terrifying visage of acceptance in Percival's expression. He had fulfilled his role. It was the least he could do. Arvid, Nils, and even Jostein had varying degrees of the same reprieve. They were clearly frightened on various levels, but there was a sense of relief as well. It made Elsa's stomach drop.

'I won't let them die! I won't!'

Anna evidently saw the same thing Elsa did for, before anyone could say anything, the girl burst from the forest's coverage and charged into the caravan.

'Anna…!' Elsa's throat collapsed, and images of her sister being crushed by the golems gave her immediate nausea.

'P-Princess Anna!'

'Anna! Don't be a fool, child!' Bulda added as well.

Elsa was already on her feet, but Gerda held her at the waist, grappling her tightly.

'N-no…! No, my queen! Please don't! I-i-if you go, t-then…!'

'Release me, Gerda! My sister is in danger!'

'T-t-they'll kill you!' Gerda sobbed.

'If I lose Anna I'm as good as dead!' Elsa shrieked back.

Anna emerged from the front of the caravan with Arthur's sword in both hands. She dragged it behind her miserably and screamed at the top of her lungs, her voice cracking and raspy in desperation.

'Come and get me, you stupid rocks! Can you keep up? Let's go!' She threw the blade as best she could, but it hardly went three feet before plopping to the ground. Unfortunately for Anna, despite her apparent plan to draw the golems away from the guards and make a run for it, only one of the golems charged immediately, its earthshaking stomps unbalancing Anna.

'You fool!' Percival shouted. 'Arvid! Go to her!'

'I-I can't…!'

Anna's eyes stretched open, and she instinctively lifted her arms up in defense before she felt a wall slam into her and crush her into the ground, tossing her body about as if it were a rag doll.

Elsa wasn't one to raise her voice. She wasn't one to let her emotions completely overtake her outward actions anymore. She felt everything so very strongly, of that there was no doubt whatsoever, but she had been trained to conduct herself professionally and as a queen always would. Conceal. Don't feel.

However…

'Noooooooooooo…!'

Elsa's scream reached a new octave for the queen, and Gerda was forced off her, frost forming on the maid's arms as Elsa dashed out of the forest, ice exploding from every step she took. In another second, the golem that had struck Anna was elevated nearly one hundred feet into the air, punctured by an enormous glacier blade that looked like the claw of a monstrous behemoth.

Elsa breathed out mist heavily, as if steam fuming from a dragon's mouth, and brought her extended hand down, proceeding dangerously toward the other three golems, eruptions of icicles continuing to form with every step she took, a freezing aura of untapped power encircling her body and only extending its pulsating mass as time passed, the very forest itself turning blue and spreading.

There was silence, and the golems, not knowing logical thinking beyond crushing that which they had been encoded to deal with, charged at the queen of Arendelle. Elsa stopped, her eyes full of glowing, neon blue malice, and simply waved both her hands out from her center, a blast of magic, like a tsunami, sweeping up the golems and transfixing them in place with hundreds of glacier blades not unlike the largest one reserved to deal a crushing defeat to the golem who had dared lay a hand on the ice queen's little sister.