Disclaimer*
I DO NOT OWN RISE OF THE GUARDIANS OR FROZEN.
I only own Adon, Orion, Lira, Cecilie, Aquilo, Eira, Rune, Dylan, Harry, Maximus and Gregory. Anything you don't recognize from the movies is mine :)
The ship groaned against the wild winds that pushed the worn wooden sides of the mighty boat quiver against Elsa's back. Her fingers were tightly knotted with Tooth's as the final hours of their journey came upon them. A week aboard a ship had done nothing for Elsa's bubbling nerves about approaching the Ignus, except make them worse. Ships and open water had terrified her for a long time - the latter, not so much, but enough to make her reluctant to swimming frequently. Tooth faired worse than her, constantly mumbling against the rolling seasickness that she was a "creature of air". The poor fairy's eyes were dull and ringed with red, as she stared straight ahead at the wall of Elsa's quarters. Occasionally, footsteps would creak above them, and Jack would pop his head in to check on the two. Other than that, the two girls were left alone to fend for themselves during the riling, stormy nights that the ship often endured. During the first night, as Elsa and Jack had laid next to one another, the first storm had rolled in. Elsa had cried and shook so hard, Jack had said she was afraid he'd be the first person to ever drown on a boat. It didn't help that she had feverishly grabbed onto him, grasping his hands, shoulders and arms, leaving little half-moons of nail marks that everyone smirked over the next morning. Even though Jack and Elsa constantly insisted that, no, it definitely not was what they all thought it was, (even though Elsa wished it was exactly what they though it was) nobody seemed to believe them. Thank the gods, this would be the last night aboard the damn boat, if traveling had gone according to plan.
"Els." Toothiana bit out into the darkness.
"Hm?" The tired blonde responded, her white nightgown almost blending in with the bedsheets below the girls.
"So, you never told me. Why are you so afraid of ships? Water? You don't get seasick, or anyth-" The boat lurched, cutting Toothiana off, and Elsa let out a soft squeal, digging her nails into the other girl's skin. Toothiana half gasped, half gagged, as she slapped Elsa's hand away.
"Ow." She groaned, clutching her now bleeding arm to her upset stomach.
"It's not that I'm afraid." Elsa stopped herself. "Well, I am, but I also just don't like ships." Her head hung lower as the words continued out of her mouth, barely above a whisper. "My parents died on my way to a cousin's wedding in Corona. It shocked the family, tore a riff in relations. We somewhat blamed them for the incident, but it wasn't their fault." She looked up, staring at nothing as Tooth wound her fingers through Elsa's, trying to comfort her.
"It was nobody's fault." She whispered, more to herself than to Tooth. In all honesty, she truly blamed herself for the deaths. If she had somehow stopped them, perhaps gone with them, saved them -
But she hadn't. And that was four years ago, at this point. And she needed to get a grip on reality.
"Oh, wow, I'm sorry Elsa, I had no idea. I mean, I knew the King and Queen had passed, obviously, but I hadn't realized it had been like that. You must be so scared."
"Thank you, and yes, I'm terrified." She chuckled darkly. Toothiana said nothing, but gripped her hand tighter. The sudden crash of the door flying open caused both of their heads to snap up.
"Land ho." Said the pale figure that leaned against the doorframe with his shoulder. Elsa felt her heart twist in on itself as she locked eyes with Jack Frost, who sent her a wicked smirk. "You ladies should really try and get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow."
Tooth squeezed Elsa's hand, sending her a wink as she stood to go. Elsa rolled her eyes, but let a smile creep across her pale face. Jack stepped aside to let her pass, watching her go in silence. When she was finally out of sight, he gingerly closed the door behind him. Then, he turned and bounded over to the bed, leaping on top of it like a small child, and flopping next to Elsa. The bed squeaked and groaned dangerously as Elsa laughed.
"Whats gotten into you?" She giggled as he pulled her towards him. He only smirked, pressing a lingering kiss to her hairline. He wound his arms tighter around her, pulling her in and pressing his face into her hair. "Seriously, Jack?" She laughed into his chest.
"A man can't hug a woman he loves?" He mumbled next to her ear, and Elsa smiled. The words shot euphoria straight to the tip of her smallest toe, and she nuzzled into him.
"You've been acting strange lately." She said. He was silent for a moment.
"How so?"
"Well, for starters, jumping into bed like a child." She giggled. "Then, there was the incident right before we left, and at dinner the other night."
"Both of which were completely justified." He stated.
"Does attempting to contact a man via meditation, head stands, incense and clashing symbols sound justifiable to you?"
"It was worth a shot." He reasoned.
"Or trying to mind control poor Tooth into dumping her plate onto Dylan's head?"
"Okay, that was funny."
"You made her slip on a patch of ice."
"Like I said," he chuckled, "hilarious."
"Alright Frost." Elsa sighed good-naturedly. "Whatever you say."
"Whatever I say." He repeated, his voice softer. They were silent, just listening to the waves that were getting less violent as they hit the side of the ship, rocking it gently. Jack's finger traced small patterns on the back of Elsa's dress, and she could feel herself slipping into the bonds of sleep. She inhaled him deeply, and felt calmed by the scent. Tucking herself closer, she settled into him.
"Elsa, remember that I love you." He whispered.
"Of course. Remember the same of me." She replied sleepily. She kissed Jack's cheek, turning over, and wiggling back into his grasp. He pulled her close, listening as her breathing got slower and deeper with each passing moment. He stayed up long afterwards, stroking her ice blonde hair absentmindedly, his thoughts haunted by scenes and nightmares of battles and bloody screams.
~X~
Elsa woke with a shuddering gasp as the boat suddenly rocked sharply. Jack, too, stirred from his slumber, grasping onto Elsa as she squirmed in confusion.
"J-Jack, what-"
"It's alright, the ship is just coming into port now. We'll be in Glacia in twenty minutes." He said soothingly, stroking her arms gently. Her pupils slid back down to their normal size, and she dipped her head back into his chest, breathing out slowly.
"Oh. Alright, then." She giggled a bit at herself. "Might want to get dressed in something a bit classier than this." She mused, partly to herself, partly to Jack. He nodded, sitting up, stretching his arms, and swinging out of bed.
By the time they both had changed and made it above deck, all of the other passengers aboard the ship had gathered. Tooth sleepily leaned into Bunny, who stood next to Sam and Dylan, almost uncomfortably. Adon and Orion stood next to one another, absentmindedly talking. Queen Cecilie and King Aquilo were circled by a group of guards, who kept them separated from their two children. One of Eira's hands was twisted into Dylan's, the other was lifted up to her small mouth as she sucked her thumb. The ragtag team made their way down the gangplank, and into the awaiting coaches that were to take them to the palace. As Elsa began to make her way down the gangplank, her eyes immediately shot to the awaiting carriages, and she felt her mouth sag in shock. Atop each car was a woman or man clothed entirely in the purest of whites, their white-blonde hair pulled back into sharp, simple buns or braids. In their hands were the reins for the snow-horses that snorted and stomped their hooves on the cold earth. The carriages they drew were beautifully carved ice, and so fragile looking it seemed they would melt or snap with just a simple touch. And yet, when Elsa ran her fingers over the handle, the door swung open silently and without fracture. She stepped inside, terrified the cart would buckle and shatter under her, Jack, Adon and Orion's weight, but no such thing occurred. Even when the coach was jerked forwards by the antsy horses, it simply absorbed the shock.
"Like it?" Orion asked Elsa, watching as her gaze drifted outside to the trees wrapped in ice and frost. She nodded wordlessly, pressing her slender fingers up against the glass. Jack remained neutral, casually glancing out the window from time to time.
"Orion, this place is spellbinding." She whispered, clutching fistfuls of her dress to keep herself from getting too excited.
"Well, wait until you see the valley." He chuckled and Adon wrapped her fingers in his.
"What's the valley?" Elsa asked.
"All of the homes, businesses, venues, and the Lake of Glacia. It's rather massive. The castle stands at the head of the valley, while the Lake sits at the foot. The Lake closes off almost completely at the very bottom, save for an extremely narrow stream emptying itself into the ocean. A river from the Lake carves through all of the kingdom, and minor tributaries branch off and head into the woods that we're going through now. Behind the castle is the Inner-Wall, while beyond that is the training camp for the Army. Finally, the Outer-Wall runs all the way from the sea and back to it, in a sort of semi circle. Although, it's more of a massive semi oval. The woods we're in now make their way up quite a few mountains, which, if you'll look there," He pointed towards the tops of the tree's, where minuscule, but sharp points could be seen poking out of the frozen leaves. "you can see rather clearly."
"Wow." She breathed as the cart tugged itself along. Sure enough, a few minutes later, the trees began to thin out, until they suddenly opened up completely to reveal a monstrous, sunny valley. A huge, frozen lake glimmered in the morning sunlight, it's glistening white shores leading up to a few rows of ramshackle beach huts. As the rows and rows of homes and venues gradually neared the palace, the homes became nicer and grander. Elsa could see that, while there was hundreds upon thousands of houses and homes, they all remained nicely spaced, save for a poor looking area that hung near the far side of the lake. The cart turned, and that's when the castle was revealed to Elsa. It, too, just like the Valley, was massive, gleaming, and white. Atop it's grey shingles were several flags emblazoned with Glacia's crest. At the frontmost spire, though, Elsa could see a single, tiny black flag. It whipped in the cold wind, barely visible unless you squinted.
As they finally began to turn onto the road that led towards the palace, Elsa watched as a few townsfolk emerged from their homes, apprehending the carriages with curious gazes, some glimpsing the King-to-be and shrugging, returning to their business. Others lingered, following the carts, until a massive crowd seemed to glide along with the carriages as they made their way towards the main gates. Elsa took that time to take in the pale pinks, greens, and blues of the dresses that seemed to waver and disappear among the pale skin and blonde hair. Occasional spots of black dotted the crowd, along with deeper, earthier colors, such as forest greens and twilight blues. Never, though, did she spot an ounce of red, orange, or yellow. Carefully, she pulled off the red bracelet she had unthinkingly put on this morning, and dropped it inside the cleavage of her dress. Orion and Adon laughed, while Jack just smirked, taking Elsa's hand in his own and pressing his lips to it. She closed her eyes and leaned her head atop his shoulder.
"And we're home." The carriage had come to a halt. Elsa's eyes flew open, and she turned to survey the massive crowds surrounding the carriages.
"Let's go, dear." Jack was practically pulling her out of the carriage, and Elsa made her way out, stepping onto the blue carpet that trailed up the palace steps and between two vast, birch wood doors. She was quickly joined by the rest of the groups that had traveled in other carriages, along with several servants carrying bags and trunks of clothes and other necessities.
"...up to their rooms." Orion finished to one of the servants. The girl was swathed in a plain, light blue dress, her hair pulled back into a braided bun. She nodded wordlessly, and waved Jack, Elsa, Bunny, Sam, Tooth, Adon and Dylan over. Orion swiped Eira up into his arms, before casting a look towards his parents.
"If you would." She said softly, to the point where Elsa thought she heard her incorrectly. The girl began to rapidly make her way up the palace steps, and Elsa turned her back on the mumbling, curious crowd, and stepped over the threshold and into the Palace of Glacia. The moment she did, Elsa was so shocked, she felt her gait slow. Everything in the palace was made from either white marble or ice. Snow fell from the vaulted, sky-blue ceiling in an lazy, infinite spiral, and dusted the groups heads. Before her was a sprawling staircase of ice, whose handrails curved at the bottom into perfect spirals. The stairs were covered in royal blue fabric that stretched from the bottom of the steps, under their feet, and to the open doorway. Portraits of leaders past hung to on the walls to either side of them. While most were similar in features, such as blue eyes and bleach blonde hair, some had hair that was more of a strawberry blonde, or even brown. Some had brown, and even green eyes.
One of the younger queens had one startlingly blue eye and one that was honey brown in hue. The girl's mouth was curved up in a laughing grin, her eyes crinkled in the corners, one of her hands lifted, caught for eternity attempting to cover her smile. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders and onto the baby blue gown she wore. Elsa noticed that it one of the only portraits that's subject wasn't sitting ramrod straight covered in several layers of uncomfortable looking traditional garb. She made a mental note to ask Orion about the painting later.
"Elsa, come on." Jack's hand was once again pulling her, and she tore her eyes from the painting, though found herself thinking of it as they made their way up the steps.
"For Lady Belladonna, a room adjacent to Crown Prince Orion's." Adon blushed as servant open up the door and ushered her, plus another server with bags of clothes Elsa and Anna had lent her, into the room with the ornately carved wood. And as they made their way down the blindingly bright halls of the palace, Elsa began to see that all of the doors were ornately carved, but they each had fantastic, unique depictions.
"For Lady Tes-"
"Tooth's fine." Tooth interrupted quickly.
"Ah, alright then, Tooth. For Lady 'Tooth', a room with a balcony. For, 'easy take-off', as the Crown Prince Orion put it." The servant cast a glance warily at Tooth's back as she headed into the room. They didn't hesitate for long, and were quickly off and heading down the hall. They turned, and the servant stopped abruptly. Elsa almost crashed into her back.
"For Sirs William and Samuel, rooms adjacent from one another." She flicked her wrists nonchalantly, and the doors, which mirrored each other to perfection, flung open, to reveal two more bedrooms. The men disappeared inside, and the servant continued down the hall, to a large doorway that stood all by it's lonesome.
"And, for Queen Elsa, and King Jack, I give you the "Honored Guests" quarters." She produced a large key, and unlocked the door, throwing it open to reveal a gorgeous room, with a ceiling two stories high that was painted with snowcapped mountains and wild blizzards. The curtains were made of lace snowflakes, and billowed gently in the cold air that was flowing in. Draped across the bed was the softest looking navy blue cover Elsa had ever seen. A large white dresser stood next to a frosted, full length mirror set in birch wood. A marble boudoir was nestled into the corner, it's surface draped with beauty supplies. Elsa and Jack walked farther into the room, and Elsa saw a white door that likely led into a bathroom. She turned towards the servant.
"Thank you. May I ask your name?"
"Thistle, your Grace."
"Thistle, do let Orion know that we're settling in, and that we should call a meeting after supper." Elsa eyes trailed to the travel trunks that were being laid on the floor at the foot of the bed.
"Of course, your Grace. Will there be anything else?"
"No, Thistle. You're dismissed." Thistle nodded and backed out of the room, followed by the rest of the servants. Elsa looked over at Jack, who was out on the marble balcony, snow landing in his hair. She strolled over, and rested her elbows on the balcony so their shoulders touched. Neither spoke for a moment.
"Always cold, always snowing - the weather is positively fantastic." She mused.
"It makes your wonder what Ignus is like." He responded.
"It's beautiful here. And our view is amazing." She ignored his response, and stared out at the mountains and at the snowcapped homes.
He turned his head slightly, and watched as snowflakes settled on Elsa's rosy cheeks and eyelashes. A few already dusted her hair. Her eyes were sparkling with the wonder of a child as she looked over the land, drinking in all of the sights as if it were a cold glass of water on a hot day.
"It really is." He said finally, his gaze never wavering from her profile. He watched as her head dipped and her eyes flew over the crowds that gathered in the courtyards below.
"Look." She breathed. "Jack, look. They're waving."
He turned his head, finally. So they were. Jack lifted a pale hand in response, and the crowds clapped and cheered, girls giggling and blushing, a fair few swooning. Elsa quickly yanked his hand down.
"What?" He laughed, "Might as well not disappoint them. You try it." He waved his other hand at them, and the crowds went a little crazy, jumping up and down in excitement. Elsa rolled her eyes.
"Jack-"
"Just try, for me. Please?" He cast her a look, pouting his bottom lip and staring up at her from underneath his lashes.
"You're ridiculous." She huffed, but turned and extended a hand. In an instant, the crowds went wild, screaming and cheering, snow whirling from the sky and cold wind whipping at her hair. She pulled her hand back and grabbed Jack, jerking the two of them inside quickly and slamming the door. He doubled over, shaking.
"Jack? Jack, whats wrong?" She asked when she had finally gotten her breath back. He looked up at her, his eyes clouded with tears, and let out a loud guffaw as he toppled over.
"You-" He managed to choke out between laughs. "You overreacted... So much!" He spat, his face going red.
"Kind of like you are now?" She crossed her arms in annoyance.
"Oh..." He sighed, "Whew." One finger went up and dashed a tear away. Elsa looked down upon him in disdain.
"Oh, come on, Els, don't be so serious." He stood up, and wrapped his arms around her. She didn't move, and kept her arms folded awkwardly against his chest. "I'm sorry." He said, dipping down a bit to rest his chin atop her head. His hands came to her waist, as if to let Elsa slip her hands behind him. She felt his hand travel up her sides, and then, suddenly, he squeezed. She snorted and jerked away. Jack raised an eyebrow at her, an evil smirk crawling over his face.
"No. Jack, no!" She said, as he came towards her, arms outstretched.
"So, the great, all-powerful, terrifying Snow Queen is..." He trailed off, his smirk growing so large on his face it looked as if his skin would split. "Ticklish?"
"I-I am not!" She protested, crawling up and over the bed quickly, so the large piece of furniture put some distance between them. "You just... Caught me off guard, is all!"
"Sure." Jack laughed.
"Jack, please, no!" Elsa shrieked as he lunged across the bed. Three raps suddenly sounded at the door, and Jack froze as he landed.
"Your highnesses." Came a familiar voice from behind the door. "Crown Prince Orion wishes to speak with you. It's urgent."
~X~
Orion sat at the head of the table, his face grim, his eyes looking much older than a 16-year-old's should ever look. All around the circular table, whispers were exchanged, until his voice rang out.
"I'm assuming you know what this means." Behind him on the wall sat charts and maps of the globe, which had routes and X's drawn all over them. On the table before them sat the book, along with the previous four years of Glaciem war history.
Elsa looked around the table. Dylan sat on her left, followed by Tooth, William, and Sam. On her right was Jack, and a few unfamiliar, but regal looking, people.
"War." He sighed, standing up and leaning his hands on the table. "It means war. We must find my sister, and destroy... Or at least tame the child. Before it's too late."
He pulled a scroll from a sheath hanging behind his chair. "I've gathered you here, because you are my most trusted allies in this time. If we are to declare war on the Ignus, Glacia's army will need not only support, but new members. Due to recent events, we have discovered that the Ignus have kept up with their mind powers, while we have not. I understand that it will take a few months time to prepare for this war, but if nobody assists us, we will all perish. This child is destined to be the world's downfall, and I will not have the world ceasing to exist under my watch. Do I have any volunteers for assistance?" He looked around the table. Instantly, Elsa's hand flew up.
"I offer Arendelle's best men, as well as my own assistance to you, Prince Orion -"
"Actually," Orion interrupted quietly, "It's King Orion. My mother and father have resigned their duties temporarily."
"I too, offer the Northern Kingdom's army and my assistance, King Orion." Jack offered.
"Riverdale's army is under your control, King Orion." Dylan said.
All around the table, offers were being made, and Orion accepted all of them, gladly.
"I would like to thank you all for your kingdom's assistance. Glacia is indebted to each and every one of you."
"Yes, now, I have a request." Tooth stood up, and Orion gestured towards her.
"Of course."
"Would it kill someone to light a damn fire in this place?"
~X~
Elsa and Orion strolled through the front hall together. They talked idly about war preparations, about battle tactics and mind powers.
"Elsa, could I ask of you something?"
"Depends on what it is." Elsa laughed.
"I think..." Orion flexed and tightened his fingers nervously. "I think I'm going to ask Adon to marry me."
Elsa was silent for a moment, as they walked along. She looked at him.
"Are you in love?"
He stopped for a moment. "If being in love means that, every time I see her, my heart drops to my stomach. If it means that every day I spend with her, I grow closer and closer towards her. If it means that every hour we spend together, I enjoy her company more and more. If it means that every minute we are in each other's presence, I only grow curiouser and curiouser about her. If being in love means that every second I spend with her, I know that I would die for her, then yes, I am in love. I was in love second we sat on that rooftop together. I love her. I really do, Elsa, I really do."
"You're young." Elsa said as they walked on. "Young love is wild. At least, that's what every one of my books have told me - as well as Anna's fling with Hans."
"I wanted to wait until she turned sixteen to ask her to marry me. If I am to be King, the only one I would ever wish to rule by my side would be her. She is so wise, and so kind."
"When is her sixteenth birthday?"
"Two weeks time."
"Well, that gives you plenty of time to make your decision. If you are so in love, then I would say yes, you should. But if you even doubt yourself, for a moment, I would give it time."
He nodded, and the two were, once again, silent. They crossed into the front hall, and Elsa let her gaze flicker over the portraits.
'Something here... I needed to remember something her. But what?' She let her gaze fly along until her eyes caught on the portrait of the girl.
"Orion, who's that? The girl?" Elsa gestured towards the portrait. A wry smile split across Orion's lips.
"Elsa, every one of these portraits features either the royal ruling family, or ruler of the time. All the way back to the beginning." He pointed down a hall, where Elsa could see the paintings lining the walls and continuing to make their way down. "Notice, my mother and father's portrait." He pointed, and sure enough, an image of two very stiff looking rulers was up next to the girl's portrait. "These portraits are all supposed to be rulers." He approached the portrait of the girl. "My sister was the oldest. She was supposed to be a ruler."
Elsa's eyes locked with the portrait, and the blue and gold eyes of North seemed to burn into her very soul.
OH MY GOD IM SORRY THAT TOOK FOREVER. I have a slew of excuses, but I'll just go with the fact that I've been so uninspired lately. Being back in the states just drains me. I'm gonna go write another chapter of my other story now. That I haven't updated in a month. Longer than that. I don't even know.
CHECK OUT MY TUMBLR. I made it, and it's super cute (haha no.), and the links on my profile. My ask box is broken though, if somebody wants to help me fix that :)
As always, thanks sosoososososos much for reading, and if you really like my story, you should favorite it! Or, leave a review if there was something I needed to work on / fix. Until next chapter, lovelies! (God it feels good writing that again)