A/N- Hey guys! So super long chapter update...this chapter was originally going to be two separate chapters but I changed my mind at the last minute and combined them together. (That may result in a little awkwardness...but oh well! I hope you guys approve!) I also wanted to update on my last free day for awhile! As I said I am starting school (tomorrow! augh!) so I am unsure when I will be busy and when I will be free anymore. (Luckily this entire story is already written)
Well, *hands everyone some tissues* I didn't mean to make you guys cry! Oh god I killed you then I made you cry..here have some elsanna cupcakes..they are filled with angst though...
OKAY ANYWAYS! Thanks for the beautiful reviews as usual guys, some of you made ME cry (*cough* Helvetios is so cute and awesome thank you! *cough*) alright, enough chit chat! -TP
The day after it all Anna rose early with the sun, untypical of her. The ship was well stocked for their journey and the girl's packs had been set up for hours now, much to Anna's dismay. She was in a foul mood, unable to sleep after the incident with Elsa. Especially since the next day she would be making the last big trip towards letting the girl go forever, to her new kingdom and life as well as her husband. Elsa's words hung in her mind heavily, "You can't save me.." a constant reminder of what she already knew. What fate had already decided for them.
Although her heart was heavy, she dressed quickly, hooking her dagger to her belt when she finished. Anna checked around the room once or twice for any spare items. Seeing she had left nothing behind she left the room, turning as she debated whether or not to retrieve Elsa. A maid walked from the room, cleaning it and Anna could see the woman had already left for the morning. Of course.
"I take it the talk didn't go as well as you planned." Esmeralda stated as she saw Anna walking down the hall, giving her and her husband a sad look as she joined them. "Elsa is already at the ship...I figured letting her go early to get used to the ship would be best." Esmeralda concluded, letting Anna know about the whereabouts of the Princess. Anna wanted to know, but said fact that she was already avoiding her was almost too hard to bare. Still she nodded her head and she drew a smile, fake as ever.
"You said it was best that I try..and I did..." Anna trailed off, looking down at the ground. "But I'm glad I did...and I have your encouragement to thank for helping me come to terms with everything." Anna stated, earning a confused look from the couple as they looked between each other and then Anna.
"To terms...?" Phoebus asked and Esmeralda looked as if she were going to speak but Anna held her hand up, shaking her head.
"I would like to ask a favor of you...if you would please accept it..." Anna started to say, feeling the urge to cry suddenly as she fought herself not to. The two nodded slowly, unsure what the promise was. Neither of the royals wanting to agree with their words that they would. The Knight took a deep breath in and confessed, "I am returning home to Arendelle Camp, I ask that you take Elsa to see her new husband, for me...I can no longer protect her."
Esmeralda was the first to react, her eyes growing wide, but her husband was the first to speak. His voice laced with anger. "Anna you cannot leave her, she needs you..." Phoebus demanded, his eyes baring into the girl as she shook her head.
"She isn't safe with me guys and I can't do it..." Anna breathed out, her voice shaking as she held tightly onto her pack. "Like you said yourself Esmeralda, I either need to completely be open with her or let her go..I've just decided that I can't do that...not while her heart is torn for our situation." Anna trailed off, "I could hardly protect her before now anyways.."
"That's complete crap Anna!" Esmeralda barked, startling both her husband and Anna. "You know damn well that Elsa only made it this far because you helped her and she helped you, damn it you guys helped each other!" Esmeralda jabbed a finger into Anna's shoulder, her voice never losing it's angered tone. "And now you're just going to leave because you hit a small bump in the road, that isn't the Anna I know and it certainly isn't the Anna that Miss Elsa knows either!"
"Esmeralda I tried being open with her..in fact I feel both of us spilled our guts yesterday and all that happened was.." Anna trailed off, a lot had happened, and Anna hadn't even confessed half of what Elsa had. "She and I are not going to happen..I can't watch her marry someone she doesn't love..I can't watch her marry someone that..."
"Isn't you." Phoebus intervened, noting Anna's voice was cracking.
She nodded, "I can't do it..I'm not strong enough.."
Esmeralda slapped a hand down on the girl's shoulder, lifting her chin to lock eyes with the girl. "Anna..yes you are..you guys are bigger than this, and if you leave now...you are only proving to yourself the very thing you've been questioning all along." Esmeralda stated, "You are Miss Elsa's Knight...but if you leave her now you will only be the Princess of Lianna..". Esmeralda's words hurt, a lot, and she didn't stop there."You shouldn't leave...now that the situation has gotten rough, you will indeed break her Anna...she is fragile."
Anna sighed, closing her eyes tightly. She knew she had to stay with Elsa, she knew she couldn't leave her now. That a mile outside of Nuriah would only result in her turning around and rushing back. Her feelings for Elsa were strong, solid, but she struggled with the situation and the promise that Elsa wasn't going to allow them together again.
"Anna..just go, finish the mission if anything for your title." Phoebus encouraged.
"That's right, complete the mission..take her to her Prince, if you find you cannot handle it anymore once you're over in the Southern Kingdoms, send for me and I promise on my life that I will come for you...both of us." Esmeralda promised, sincerely. "Even if tomorrow we experience a frozen storm like Adlai, I will break through the ice and swim to you if I have to..just promise me you won't leave her now.." Esmeralda furthered her point, "She needs you.."
Then Anna thought about her title, her new life, everything that she had promised with completing this job. Letting Elsa go was allowing the Princess the freedom to be what she wanted to be, but letting the job go was giving up everything Anna had wanted for years. Esmeralda and Phoebus were right, she needed to do it for herself regardless of the pain it would cause her going through it. Nodding her head, she looked up at the two. "Fine, I won't leave...but I expect you to keep your side of the deal..." Anna practically warned, the two royals nodding their head. They were all smiles then and Anna wanted to shake it off their faces, the two having such faith in them. Having faith that Elsa would change her mind. Anna had faith as well but after last night she felt like her faith in the two had been broken, beaten and was barely alive today. But it was alive.
"Have faith Anna..." Phoebus smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. Anna smiled wearily at him, happy the two were encouraging her so but still feeling rather down from the night before. Anna may still have a chance to win with Elsa, but after everything was said and done the odds seemed against her. "I have faith in both of you..." Phoebus added; his words sincere. "If it's meant to happen, it will happen, even Elsa can't fight against true love."
But Elsa was stubborn, just as Anna was, and if she had her mind set to it she would try and fight against her feelings. She would fight against her feelings, Anna's feelings and even the universe just to prove that she wasn't supposed to be with Anna. Making Phoebus' statement in itself a mock to them. But she couldn't fight with him or anyone for that matter anymore, she was tired of fighting, tired of lying and just wanted to get everything over and done with it. Even if it meant tearing her heart out in the process.
"Thank you...both of you." Anna said sadly, the two royals knowing exactly how she felt. They knew she wasn't going to believe them, believe in herself or Elsa at that moment. But they both still had faith, faith in them and faith in their situation.
"Come on..." Esmeralda said, forcing the girl into a tight hug as they turned to leave. "I know you probably won't believe me but I'm sure Elsa is waiting for you on the ship, like it or not I'm sure she wants to see you!" She teased, watching as Anna rolled her eyes. Praying that her words were true
The ship was much bigger than Anna had ever expected, the color as well was rather deceiving as the typical red kingdom displayed a ship so black that she wondered if Esmeralda had a secret life as a pirate. The skull flag didn't help her story as Anna begged the question, earning a loud laugh from the girl.
"Have you never heard of clever disguise?" She teased, "Nobody messes with my crew, especially not if we look like pirates.". To Anna she would think that painting the ship black and dressing it up as a pirate ship would cause unwanted attention, perhaps kingdoms who had a bad vibe from pirates. But that was just Anna and for a girl who didn't know anything about the sea, she didn't bother fighting her about it. "Now here's the deal, I already told Elsa this but the sea is very dangerous...my men are fully capable of handling things such as pirates, enemy ships, storms, mermaids..by the way here are your plugs if we pass any siren areas." Esmeralda stated, handing off a pair of brown pieces of what looked to be corks to Anna. The guardian stared at them for some time, curiously as she tried to go over all the dangers Esmeralda had mentioned. The last two sticking out the most to her.
"Wait..mermaids don't exist?" Anna laughed, silencing as the girl turned to face her harshly.
"Bite your tongue Anna of Lianna.."
"Of Arendelle Camp, and I'm sorry but I have only met mermaids in the deepest parts of a story book,"
"And in the deepest of the oceans.."
"Seriously Esmeralda..?"
"Very." She spat, almost angrily as the two walked onto the dock. "Mermaids are evil little creatures; they will pull you into the water with their charm and drowned you while the rest go after your crew!" Esmeralda said dramatically while Anna simply raised an eyebrow at her. "Typically they don't go after women, but in your case I'm sure I have to worry." She teased and Anna shook her head.
"Just because I am attracted to women doesn't mean I will be personally more likely to be attacked by a mermaid than you or Elsa.." Anna countered back, the mentioning of the girls name stilling her for a moment. Her mind tracing back to the kiss they had shared and the way Elsa cried for them yesterday brought her down, her eyes casting upon the dock. Esmeralda quickly brought her out of the bad mood she was sitting herself back in, continuing the conversation.
"Regardless there are sirens and other creatures of the sea that I want you to keep your eyes open for." The woman warned.
They were arriving closer to the ship then and Anna saw as men ran back and forth, dressed in uniform, putting in the last of the supplies. One man was walking towards both the girls at an alarming speed, a sword in his hand, sheathed as well as a piece of rolled up paper. "Speaking of keeping your eyes open...I also would like you to be well protected, here is your sword..." Esmeralda stated as the man passed it to her and she in return passed it to Anna. Anna stared at the sword for some time; it was beautiful and blue just like her dagger and Anna nearly couldn't accept it. "I know you have your dagger but out here in the ocean you'll need something a little more." She added as Anna took the sword and began hooking it on next to her dagger, the two placed beautifully together.
"Thank you..." Anna smiled and the girl waved a hand at her.
"My pleasure!" she said with a wave of her hand, "Now I particularly would go for the head of a mermaid if you do chance see one...and as for a sea monster I..". Anna blocked her out then, unable to take the woman seriously with the myths she was telling her about the ocean. None she had never seen for herself, nor heard other people discuss as a daily occurrence.
They boarded the ship not long after that, Esmeralda wanted to make sure to show Anna all the ropes of the ship. Literally. Anna looked all about the ship with such wonder and amazement at every detail she believed her head would grow dizzy, especially as Esmeralda talked on and on. "I don't expect you to know everything..but I do expect you to have a basic knowledge." Esmeralda said, folding her arms proudly.
By the time they discussed most of the ship and the woman explained about the wheel, showing how the ship turned and how to control it with the wind, it was nearly time to go. Anna's eyes scanned the entire ship for Elsa, unable to find her until she looked at the very front of the ship where the woman stood proudly. Her back was turned from her and Anna nearly bit down on her lip as she fought the urge to go to her, wanting nothing more than to be standing with her as she glanced out to sea.
Esmeralda poked the girl softly in the cheek, breaking her of her trance. "Why are you holding back..?" She nearly begged as Anna rolled her eyes.
"You know why Esmeralda." Anna sighed, leaning her hands forward as she stared at the girl. The Princess unaware that the two were discussing if her.
"I know things will be awkward at first...probably really awkward, but you two will need to get over it..or move forward with it!" Esmeralda smiled, landing a hand on the girls shoulder. "Go talk to her, you're both miserable...and she needs you." she added, Anna couldn't help but note how much she needs her too.
Nodding, she tried to find her courage. She knew that avoiding Elsa wouldn't work after awhile, especially after they set sail. The two were going to be stuck on a ship for a long time; the only way of avoiding the other would be death or swimming back on their own. Neither option seeming better than the other. Anna nodded her head once more and started to go towards the girl, Esmeralda cheering her on. "Good…good, cause you know you two will be sharing a room and I don't need to hear you arguing or anything else for that matter for the next few months." Esmeralda quickly spat out, turning away as Anna cocked her head up at her.
"Wait what?" Anna called, the girls mumbling unheard over the noise of the ship.
But Esmeralda was gone, off walking somewhere towards her men and discussing with them about the importance of cleaning or something of the sort. Anna shrugged her shoulders and proceeded down the ship, each step growing heavier the closer she became to Elsa. The girl was very intrigued by the sea as she approached behind her, barely noticing Anna's presence even as she walked up next to her. She stayed there for awhile, watching Elsa watch the sea. Her posture and the way she presented herself made her look powerful, unable to be broken, the charade that Anna had known was completely untrue. Elsa knew she would be coming to speak with her, already trying to hide her feelings. The guardian even wondered if she had noticed her already but was choosing to ignore her still, even as Anna spoke.
"How did you sleep?" Anna asked; the question so typical for a start to a conversation. But for Anna it was at least a start.
Elsa kept her eyes on the ocean and for a moment Anna wondered if the girl was going to speak, but then she was sighing and a smile spread across her face as she heard the girls voice.
"Terrible, of course I'm sure you didn't either?" She asked. Anna nodded and Elsa had to turn her head towards Anna to see her reply, causing Her Knight to gasp as she looked upon her features. She had been crying and her eyes were glossy, a little puffy from past tears. Elsa seemed to notice Anna's staring and turned again, ashamed to see her in such a miserable state. "Are you ready to leave solid land?" Elsa asked, moving the conversation forward.
Anna shook her head no. "I'm actually quite nervous...but honestly I think I'll grow into the idea of being on the sea.." Anna laughed, feeling the tension slowly release. "Of course I'm really excited to meet a mermaid; apparently Esmeralda has it in her mind that we will see one." She teased, delighting in seeing Elsa's surprised look as she once again turned to her. "Of course I honestly think we'd have better luck finding buried treasure than a mermaid.." Anna stated, her mind trailing back to one of Elsa's stories she had chanced to look at while she was out. The story being about a particular mermaid who fell in love with a human. If memory served her right, the story actually ended quite tragically.
"I wouldn't mind meeting a mermaid, as long as she was kind.." Elsa said, her mind seemed to wander to something in that moment. Anna wondered if she was thinking about the story as well. "But any story I've read about them...it hasn't ended well." She sighed while Anna nodded her head.
They went silent, the both of them staring out into the ocean awkwardly as they waited for the other to speak. Anna was going to take the plunge and speak first, knowing she had a lot she wanted to say, but Elsa managed to beat her to it.
"I'm surprised..." Elsa said, a weak smile fell on her face.
"Surprised..?" her Knight asked, leaning on the ships edge.
Elsa nodded, "I thought you would leave this morning..after yesterday.."
"I was going to.." Anna admitted, "But some friends changed my mind...". The words seemed to startle Elsa, shaking her as she glanced back at Esmeralda. Knowing very well who Anna was convinced by. Anna wondered what she was thinking then, what she was feeling as well. If she was sad Anna was going to leave, if she was angered by her actions or if she was content with the idea. Knowing that if Anna left now, the overall battle between them and their feelings would have ended. "I'm glad they did..it would have been a mistake..a huge one to add to my list.." Anna laughed, although she hardly thought it was funny.
"You make mistakes..?" Elsa teased, mocking in a way, watching intently as Anna nodded.
"Yeah...I've made a lot of them Elsa.." she started to say, breathing in slowly. "Especially concerning you, I kind of wish I had friends like Esmeralda around to talk some sense into me back when we first started off..maybe I wouldn't have messed up so often and gotten you hurt." she expressed, her mind falling on Henrik. "I know I would have regretted leaving for a lot of reasons..so I am glad they convinced me to stay so I wouldn't have made a bad mistake again.."
"Things happen for a reason I suppose.." Elsa stated, "And as far as I am concerned, I made a lot of mistakes then too...we both have..Anna"
"None like mine.." Anna said, her eyes catching Elsa's. "Elsa..you have no idea what kind of terrible person I've been to you..and yesterday I finally.." she trailed off, knowing she shouldn't have brought up yesterday. "I just want to be honest with you from now on.." Anna admitted, hands gripping the side of the ship. "I want to tell you everything...like you told me..."
Elsa remained quiet for just a second, turning herself around and leaning into the edge. "Anna I..." she started to say, her eyes conflicted.
"Elsa I have a lot of things I need to get out to you..that I never got to say yesterday.." Anna interrupted, "Things that happened..things that I've done and feelings I need to explain to you.". She swallowed, her skin feeling clammy. "Elsa..back at the beginning of our journey.."
It was Elsa's turn to interrupt, "I can't, Anna..."
Anna paused, confused. "You can't...?" She asked.
Elsa shook her head, "I don't want to know Anna..I don't want to know about what you've done and what kind of person you've been." Elsa explained, "I understand your feelings, I understand what you feel about me and how you think by explaining all these things you've done will somehow help us have an understanding of each other...but I just can't...not anymore, not after we leave this ship."
"But Elsa..you don't understand" Anna tried to explain, her voice weak.
"I do Anna, I really do... I know your my Knight, my guardian and that you live in Arendelle camp..and that you are my friend who wants the very best for me...I don't want to know anything about your feelings Anna or even recognize my feelings for you anymore..." Elsa stated, although her heart wasn't in it. "I just can't anymore Anna..please accept that I cannot allow what happened yesterday to continue..for now we are friends understood..comrades if anything in this adventure."
Anna opened her mouth then shut it, unsure how she could convince her to change her mind. Here they were going to her new husband, to her new life, how was Anna going to convince her otherwise? "But.." she started to say, stopping herself. She was pushing, against a brick wall, getting absolutely no where. "Okay.." Anna said, braving her best smile. "I understand Elsa..", her eyes were glossing over as Elsa sent her a smile back. The fake friendship they were now using to cover their feelings was toxic, very much so. But Elsa wanted this and in her position, Anna had no way of getting around it. Not till Elsa allowed it, if she ever did.
A horn blew loudly and caused each of them to jump. Turning they saw the men preparing to set out, working on the sails and getting ready to pull the anchor rope. Down below Anna saw Phoebus and Esmeralda exchange a small kiss, hugging each other tightly after. The connection caused Anna to sigh loudly, wishing she could engage in such wonderful acts with Elsa then. Although the two weren't saying goodbye to one another, she missed the lips she had felt yesterday terribly and the distance between them was so terribly longing that she wanted to melt inside herself. Disappearing from the world and all the feelings she had in them.
Esmeralda whispered something to her husband and the two kissed once more before she returned to the ship, the doors were locked and the ramp was knocked down. The Queen yelled out something then and the men began to pull on the ropes, lifting the anchor.
A deep sigh escaped Elsa then and Anna turned to see her face looking worse than ever, the signs of her disapproval were strong as she cracked a weak smile. "We're on our way now.." She laughed bitterly and Anna wondered if it would be too late to jump off the ship, back to Arendelle camp.
"Alright crew, it's time for a formal meet and greet!" Esmeralda called out, her hands clasping together as her crew immediately turned to her, offering all their attention on the Queen as she spoke. Elsa was next to her as well as Anna, the two women staring awkwardly out at the crowd as they stared back. The ship had been riding through the waters for most of the morning, keeping the crew busy as they made sure the vessel was in tip top condition. But as the land behind them started to sink and the sun shone brightly, its sky clear of clouds or any other signs of rain, the men started to relax and Esmeralda thought now was the best time to introduce everyone.
"Men I would like to introduce you to my dearest friend, the strongest woman I have ever known...Anna of.." She paused, seeming to catch herself just before she spoke, "Anna of Arendelle Camp.". Her hand came to Anna's back and pushed her a bit forward as the crew clapped, whistled and bowed at the girl, earning a blush from Anna as she waved back. "And this is our fair and most precious cargo, the beautiful Elsa of Adlai.." Esmeralda continued, bringing the girl forward as the men stared at her lovingly. The clapping, bowing and whistled continued and Elsa bowed her head in respect. "I expect my men to behave around my girls, understood?" she finished her speech off and the men agreed, although Anna saw some of the men whispering to each other and their faces filled with a wicked smile. She made sure to remember those men's faces in particular.
Esmeralda turned and faced the women, smiling boldly at them. "As for you..." she said, pointing to Elsa, "I have something for you.".
Elsa smiled shyly as Esmeralda walked over to the side of the ship. Barrels lined the side, tied nicely together in a row filled with a variety of weapons and cargo that Anna only guessed was beneficial for a possible attack on the ship. Esmeralda searched through one of the barrels and then pulled something out, concealing it behind her back as she turned around. Anna cocked an eyebrow at the girl, trying to figure out what she was doing, while Esmeralda took a few slow steps towards them both.
"I gave Anna one earlier..but you should be armed as well, so I had my men find a suitable sword for you Elsa." Esmeralda stated, pulling out a long sword and offering it to Elsa. The
Princess jumped, startled by the gift and looked it up and down in amazement. The sword had a belt attached to it, brown, and the sword itself was green and reminded Anna of summer. Elsa slowly brought her gloved hand forward, wrapping her fingers around it and taking it from the Pirate Queen. Although she seemed surprised by the gift, she was very willing to receive it. "I know Anna has done a fine job protecting you on your journey, but it's more for a safety measurement that anything." Esmeralda added, her smile falling as she turned to see Anna start to snicker.
A tone of mocking in her laugh.
Elsa turned as well, both giving her a confused look as Anna immediately silenced her amusement in the matter. "It's just...why even bother, Elsa you hardly know what a good sword looks like let alone fighting with it?" Anna teased; a grumpy look rising from the Princess as well as a shocked looked from the Queen.
"Excuse me?" Elsa said her hand gripping tightly to the hilt.
"Anna shut up..." Esmeralda warned, drawing a hand across her neck. The motion looked like she was drawing a sword across her neck, the Queen sticking out her tongue dramatically as if she had been killed. She knew what would be awaiting the poor girl if she continued, especially with the look Elsa was giving her.
"No, please do go on Anna?" Elsa asked, her hands folding before her, "Are you saying I don't know my hand at sword fighting?".
The question floored Anna and soon she found herself in a complete mess, trying to find her way out of the words she said while also trying to erase them from the girls mind. Elsa however was not letting up, her eyebrow rising higher as Anna tried to speak.
"It's just...I have never seen you...I mean I'm sure you'd do fine in a sword fight?" Anna laughed, swallowing as she saw the girl look down at the sword. An idea went off inside her head and the next thing she knew Elsa was drawing the blade and walking towards the center of the ship, "Elsa you can't be serious..." Anna groaned, watching the girl as she aimed her sword at the girl. She was gaining the attention of the men around her, all who snickered as they watched the two fight, clearly amused.
Elsa's lips curved into a small smile, "Very serious...duel with me and I will show you just how skilled I am in these endeavors." Elsa challenged and it was Esmeralda's turn to snicker. Anna looked around her, watching the men and the situation play out, while a blush fell to her cheeks. She didn't want to fight with Elsa, nor hurt her, or see her hurt herself. The tension between them was rising over as is with the kiss, the fight and the discussion this morning. If they needed anything, it certainly wasn't a sword fight. But if it was a fight that she wanted, then who was she to deny her this?
"Fine.." Anna stated, drawing her blade.
Esmeralda stepped back as Anna took a step forward, bringing her sword down and touching the very tip of Elsa's sword. The blades clanged and Anna caught Elsa's eyes, powerful with intent. "There is no way she's hidden this trait about her..through everything, she's going to end up making a fool out of herself.." Anna thought, deciding if she wanted to throw the game they were playing or not. Sure she would look ridiculous losing to a spoiled Princess, but for the sake of arguing and for Elsa's pride, she'd do anything for the girl. But before she could make a final decision, Elsa was coming forward and Anna practically stumbled back as the girl swung her sword sharply at the girl. Anna caught the blade with hers, eyes widening.
"Dammit Elsa that could have...!"
"Language Anna." Elsa teased; she fucking teased, and pushed back on her sword. Anna stumbled but brought her sword up just in time as the girl tried hitting her to the right.
The sparing continued like this, Elsa charging at Anna, foolishly running at her while Anna deflected. Just like the Knight thought, she was inexperienced and Anna could see every move she was making. Anna mindlessly continued her countering, allowing the girl to feel like she was actually earning a real fight before she decided to end the entire thing. She planned to wait for just the right moment where the girl would rush forward and she would dodge, tripping her in the process. Then she would knock her sword, hard, and it would stumble out of her hand. The plan seemed all well in her mind and Anna smirked as she waited for the perfect time, while more and more people watched the girl's sparing match in awe. Including the Queen, who seemed deeply amused with it.
Trying to urge the girl more, Anna let out a small laugh. "Oh Elsa, I didn't know you..." Anna started to say as their swords caught, but then Elsa's movements changed and instead of pushing Anna back and then lashing out again, Anna ducked low as Elsa brought the blade into full swing. As she ducked, the move catching Anna off guard, Elsa brought her foot up and kicked the girl in the stomach. "Oof..." Anna coughed out and fell back, her sword falling next to her as she stumbled. The girl went to reach for it but stopped as she felt the tip of the sword brushed against her cheek, claiming Elsa the victor.
The men clapped happily and Elsa pulled her blade back, smirking, "I won."
"You tired me out..." Anna claimed, rising with the sword back in her hand, hand gripping her stomach.
"I used careful strategy and took you by surprise; perhaps you shouldn't assume your opponent before you battle them?" Elsa countered, making Anna's cheeks burn red. The men didn't help her pride as they continued to praise Elsa, the girl standing proudly before the apparent warrior. "Would you like to try again?" Elsa asked, Anna nodding her head immediately. This time there was no waiting, no playing around, and Anna nearly screamed in frustration as Elsa perfectly dodged her opening attack, slamming the hilt of her sword down on Anna's shoulder. The move was hurtful and Anna stumbled forward as she caught her feet on Elsa's foot, purposefully laid out. The next thing she knew Elsa was pointing the sword right at her again, she won not only once but twice now.
"Again?" Elsa smiled.
"Yes.." Anna groaned.
This continued again and again, each time being no different. Elsa would smirk at the girl in a very prideful and almost seductive way, the two would duel, she would win and repeat. Anna was practically coated in sweat by the time they had reached ten, or maybe eleven, duals. She was determined to win one by the end of this day, the end of the trip even, and her stubbornness was apparent to everyone as she refused to end the dueling till then.
"Gracious Anna, here I thought you were protecting Elsa...seems I was wrong?" Esmeralda called, her words fueling the anger Anna felt, "Maybe it is Elsa who is protecting you?". She was teasing and so was Elsa, truthfully Anna knew they were only trying to play with her. But after everything that had happened, especially between her and Elsa, it felt more like they were purposefully trying to hurt her feelings.
On the fifteenth dual Anna stopped and caught her breath, the sparring becoming too much for her. Elsa seemed to notice this and stalled in her attacks, waiting for the girl to recover. "I'll count that as her fifteenth win then.." Esmeralda called, seeing that if Elsa did indeed attack then it would have been so. The men whooped and laughed, sending Anna's brain into overdrive.
"Shut up seriously!" her mind raged, trying to figure out a flaw in Elsa's swordsmanship. The girl had done the same thing over and over again to Anna. Somehow she avoided her attack, knocked her back by kicking her or hitting her, than drew the blade towards her. Each time Anna fell back, each time Elsa used her left hand to hit and her right foot to kick. Each and every time this happened and yet Anna couldn't get ahead in time. "But maybe I don't need to get ahead of her...maybe I need to attack while I'm down..." Anna thought as realization coming over her. She had her plan and this time she was going to execute it. She raised her sword, showing she was ready to fight again and Elsa's smile returned to the girl as she saw Anna smirk back. The strategy was played again and Anna was deflecting every hit she slammed down on her.
"She's tiring me out again..she's going to.." Anna thought, smiling in victory as she saw the girl suddenly change positions and swing the sword fully. Anna ducked and the men around her let out a long groan, annoyed that Anna had made the same mistake. But this time Anna dropped her sword completely as she saw Elsa raise her leg up to kick the girl, her hands shooting forward and wrapping tightly onto the girl's leg. Using the force of the kick along with her arm strength to pull her down. Elsa's face went from surprise to horror as she felt herself tumble back, falling flat on her back. Anna wasted no time and drew her dagger, straddling the girl and placing the weapon right over her face. Elsa flinched and placed her hands between the blade and her face, revealing to everyone there that Anna had won.
Cheers wailed out and Anna withdrew her blade, sighing happily as she finally beat the girl. Fourteen to one, but she still at least got one.
"Apparently I need to learn a thing or two from you.." Anna said, looking down at the girl as she slowly removed her hands and looked up at her. Elsa smiled and for a simple moment, Anna allowed herself to simply stare at the girl lovingly underneath her. Elsa doing the same as blue eyes met green. But then the magic faded and Anna realized she was still holding the girl down, their bodies hugging each other in the most perfect ways. Elsa's hands were on the girls hips, pressing firmly while Anna's was resting on both sides of her head. A bright blush tore between them and they were up immediately, fixing their clothing as Esmeralda came up to pull them into a group hug.
"You two are amazing, simply amazing!" Esmeralda laughed, "Of course you are even more amazing than I thought...Miss Elsa."
"I'm really not.." Elsa choked out, her blush having a difficult time releasing from the girl's face as Anna continued to be pressed next to her and this woman. "I just know a few good sword tricks from my Father.." she admitted, Esmeralda finally releasing them and allowing the girl to grab her sword.
"No she's right, you're amazing at sword fighting...better than I at least, and.." Anna trailed off as she sheathed her weapons, staring into Elsa's eyes. "I was wrong to assume any less from you.." she smiled as Elsa looked on through wide eyes.
Elsa's hands came before her and the two girls watched as she fiddled with them shyly, offering a small thank you under her breath before excusing herself. Anna watched her as she went, feeling her heart soar once again as the girl disappeared beneath the cabins. The memory of the girl was still forming on her skin, the feelings of her hands and on her hips as she sat in the girl's lap, their skin pressing against each other.
Esmeralda punched the girl suddenly, ripping the girl from her imagination. Anna turned to see the girl smiling ear to ear, "God damn that was the sexiest fighting I have ever seen." she breathed and ducked as Anna tried to swing at her. "I'm serious...Gods you two will be together before we even have a day's journey out!" she sang as she went back to commanding her crew, leaving Anna alone with her thoughts.
She didn't need to hear how much it looked like Elsa and Anna wanted to be with each other, she as well as Elsa knew this well before they dueled that day. Elsa could claim that they were going to be friends until she was blue in the face, stating her fake love for the Prince she had never met. But the feelings that had already arrived, displaying at the Nuriah party and here on the sparing match, were already proving her wrong. They were going to be together, somehow, eventually. It was only a matter of time. On this two month journey across the ocean, they had nothing but that.
A/N- Okay I wanted to clarify some things with the sword fight, I wrote the sword fight as some 'relief' to the sad stuff but I also wrote it to really point out Elsa's personality and things that Anna still doesn't know about her, (cough powers included cough) and to show Anna's mind thought. I like writing this Anna because I like seeing her learn from things. Anna over assumed the situation, she failed and she tried again. I think I really liked the sword fight because it gave a little 'view' of what I see their personalities as. Anna-unrelenting, Elsa-surprising. Alright I'm done talking, sending my love guys!