AN: So maybe it's not as big as previous chapters. Not everything has to be absolutely gigantic and effusively verbose. I've been reading some relatively large one-shots though, the best among them Searlait's 'Sweet Joy Befall Thee'. Just go and read it.

And to all those who take the time to read, follow, favourite, or review: Keep doing what you're doing. You're the reason this story has come so far, and the reason my writing has improved so much these past months; so thank you, really, from the bottom of my heart.

Anna rose slowly, not bothering to dust the snow off her half-naked body. She wasn't just being lazy; it felt amazing against her savaged back. When they'd given her all those lashes, they hadn't held back. It burned, but the snow—the chill of the snow felt sooo good. Anna allowed herself a little shiver, some of the powder falling from her back and shoulders, a few flakes sticking to her hair. She looked at Elsa, the darkness behind her sister's eyes. She'd thought they were past this—and then she remembered her own reaction to killing a man. Maybe even two men, because she'd stabbed Mikkel hard enough to break the dagger. She let out a quiet breath, turning to look back down the hall at the icy statue in front of her cell.

It was Sten. The one who'd been all hands, and had tried to touch her—there. In her weakened state she wasn't sure how long she could have resisted him. With the commotion she'd heard, even knowing Elsa was nearby, she was sure that her tormentor was going to do more than just touch her. She was incredibly grateful for what Elsa had done to save her, but it looked like her sister was rather less happy about what had happened. That train of thought stopped abruptly when someone wearing the armour of a Palace Guard began descending the steps into the dungeon.

The sword fell with a noisy clatter, bouncing down the steps. The helmet was thrown aside, and Anna got a good look at the face underneath. She barreled into Kristoff just as he reached the bottom step. Hitting someone at full speed was not normally considered the most romantic of ways to enter a kiss. Especially not when the object of her affection cracked his head against the wall behind them trying to arrest some of her momentum. It didn't matter that he tasted of sweat and salt and reindeer, or that his armour was cold and hard, pressing painfully into her stomach. Because for that moment, he belonged to her, and she was going to make sure he knew it.

Kristoff gently pushed the young princess away, trying to take in everything. "I guess I really am a knight in shining armour—I rescued the Princess, and I got her kiss."

Anna laughed, throwing her arm around her boyfriend's shoulders. "Come on, let's get out of here." She heard Elsa's breathless gasp behind her. "Hey Elsa, we're going home."

"What… what did they do to you?" Elsa's voice was barely above a whisper, breathless with shock and anger. "Did they do this to—because of me?"

"No, Elsa, it's not your fault. They… punished me. Lashes, for trying to escape. I think they were always trying to hurt you though. Everything they did. Not just to hurt me, but to hurt you too. They kept calling you the witch-queen. It's like they wanted you to totally lose it, go wild with your powers. But I warned them… I warned them what would happen if you got angry, but they just wouldn't listen and now you saved me and I love you and I just really, really want to go home. Oh, and I wet my pants."

"What?" Elsa tilted her head sideways, and Anna laughed, realizing her words had come out in the wrong order. Again.

"I mean not now, I'm potty trained. But when they punished me—they left me outside all night. All night. It rained, and I was really, really desperate and it was so embarrassing and please don't laugh because it was terrible, but I didn't have a choice; but hey, at least my leg was warm."

"So they tortured you," Elsa's voice was colder than the ice covering the walls. "And you still can't take this thing seriously?"

Anna moved back to her sister, kneeling in front of her so they were eye to eye. It was time for a little bit of truth—and it was okay if Kristoff saw it, because she was sure he'd be seeing a lot more of them in the future anyway. Anna took a deep breath, looking her sister directly in her bright, blue eyes. Eyes filled with fear for her and concern for her sister. Elsa was afraid of what she was going to say, but Anna knew the words had to be spoken. She wouldn't let her sister hide all that pain anymore—but that meant she, too, had to be honest about her suffering. But she'd never had a problem with honesty, just with getting the words out right.

"I'm sorry Elsa, but if I took it seriously right now, I might break. I–I might; it doesn't mean I will. But I don't want to put you through that right now. Not when you've just rescued me. Not when we can go home and be safe. I'd really like to go home and be safe now, Elsa; is that okay with you?" and Anna gave her sister a weak smile, not bothering to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. Tears of shame, tears of joy, tears of relief. All those things and more. "I've had to be strong for you—for us—for so long now, Elsa. I need you to be strong for me this time. Just… for me. Just for a little while."

Anna's smile cracked when Elsa looked back at her, hurt flashing across her face. She didn't understand—why was Elsa hurt when it wasn't her that had had to be strong for so long? Or maybe that was exactly it, she hadn't been strong, and now she was afraid she couldn't be. But Elsa had been strong, she'd been strong for thirteen years, and Anna was beginning to understand that even though being shut out had hurt, maybe shutting her out had hurt more. Just one more thing to add to the list of things she wanted to ask Elsa.

It had been three days, and all she really wanted to do was go home. Take a bath. And sleep for a week—because these men had been evil masterminds, forcing her to wake up at dawn every day. Even in her own head she couldn't take things seriously. She smiled at the thought of how nothing really seemed to have changed between them. Well, aside from the fact Elsa had kissed her this time. It had been a good kiss too, like her sister had really, really meant it. Maybe she did, Anna realized with a slight start—maybe she still does want me in that way… and I don't think I'd deny her that wish either. No more secrets. But then I like Kristoff that way too, so if I—if we? I mean, does it even count? What am I even…

"I need a drink."

"What?" Elsa looked her sister in the eye, the hurt long gone, trying to figure out what was going on behind those beautiful turquoise orbs. Anna merely smiled back at her.

"I'm thirsty, I can't think straight right now—I mean, even less straight than usual so I thought maybe a drink of something would help. Oh, hey, thanks Kristoff. Where were you keeping that?"

Taking a long drink from the flask, Anna watched as Kristoff's cheeks started to colour. She'd seen exactly where he'd pulled the flask from out of the corner of her eye, so it made no sense for him to be blushing. And then he was taking the coat off one of the soldiers that had just come down the stairs, rifle at the ready. The soldier relaxed, shucking off his coat and turning the same shade of red as Kristoff. Anna didn't understand what the problem was until Kristoff draped the coat over her shoulders, gently helping her to get her arm through the sleeve and button the front of the coat. That was it… aside from the trousers she was essentially naked—although the bandage did good job of hiding her breasts, she was still making people uncomfortable by being comfortable in her own skin. She laughed, shaking some of the snow from her hair.

"Okay, now I'm dressed, can we please go home?" when nobody moved she shouldered past Kristoff and began to pad barefoot up the stairs. "What's everyone waiting for?"

The soldier stepped in front of Anna, rifle held at the ready, escorting her to the door. Kristoff scrambled to collect his sword and helmet, sliding the long blade back into the scabbard hanging at his hip. Elsa took a deep breath before moving, but she didn't head for the stairs. Anna paused, watching her roll down the hall, towards the frozen statue of Sten. She couldn't hear what her sister said, but she could see the way she brushed the back of her fingers against the statue's cheek. She could see the way Elsa's eyes filled with tears as she turned away from the statue, one hand gently gripping something beneath her dress before she moved back towards the stairs.

Hank slowly forced himself into a sitting position. The physician told him he had been very lucky—the bullet had gone clean through the meat of his side, missing anything vital. Just. He didn't feel very lucky. It was his job to take a bullet for the Queen, but it still hurt like hell. At least Elsa was safe; and that was his first question to his new visitor. While he might not have worked directly for the man anymore, he still owed him some respect—even with what he'd said to Elsa the previous day.

"No, Lieutenant Eriksson, Queen Elsa has not returned yet."

"You have no idea when she might return, Marshal Gerhardt?"

"She planned to make the raid at dawn. I would assume she did so. I do not know how long it would take to storm the location in which the Royal Princess is being held, but I do not expect it to have taken overly long. It is the return journey I would worry about, three hours, traversing the border forest. Possibly longer, depending on what paths they are forced to take."

"Marshal… what of the men that made the attempt on Queen Elsa's life?"

"The would be assassin will live—for however long the Queen determines upon her return. Five of the others will also be spending a rather long time in the castle's dungeons."

"The sixth man?"

"Is mostly likely suffering a chill that would make Queen Elsa's magic seem positively benign. Dante was very specific about what—or moreover, who—the ninth circle of hell was reserved for."

"Who killed him?" at this, Hank watched the Marshal turn pensive for a moment before replying solemnly.

"Arendelle," Gerhardt wore a cold smile. "It seems the townspeople were most displeased with the attempt on the Queen's life. I think he got off too easily."

Hank had no reply for that. Nor did he expect the Marshal's next words.

"We found Larsson. He's been working for Weselton for a long time. Justicar Kristoffersen should be compiling the evidence against him as we speak; not that we're going to need much, he tried to stab miss Ostberg-Lang—reports say she was rather unimpressed with his actions. We still have a lot of work to do—we have to find out just who else Larsson was working with, and we need to send Weselton a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of treachery."

Hank recalled the events of the previous day, on the docks, the ice covering the fjord. Surely Weselton hadn't tried to reach the harbour again?

"I think we should use their fleet to send that example," the Marshal spoke firmly. "They've anchored beyond the ice, but they've made no further move towards the town or the harbour. Queen Elsa didn't really leave them much choice in the matter. We kept a close watch in case they tried to send out a landing party, or deliver messengers past the cliffs, but so far, nothing. Unfortunately, with the harbour frozen there's not a lot we can do in reply. We are at an impasse; and I am unwilling to act without orders from the Queen."

"Marshal Gerhardt, did you only visit to update me on the strategic situation we find ourselves in?" Hank was finding it difficult to mask his impatience. It was useful information to know, it just had no direct bearing on him or his skills. It was almost like Gerhardt was simply trying to make conversation using the one thing they would both understand.

"No, lieutenant Eriksson, that is not my only purpose in being here today. I came to thank you for saving the Queen's life. I also have something that belongs to you—I cleaned the traitorous blood off it myself and made sure it was polished to match," Marshal Gerhardt lifted Hank's sword, holding it carefully in both hands, presenting to him the same way he had first received it. Hank took the blade carefully, wincing as he was forced to turn slightly and extend his arm. He slid the blade back into the scabbard, then laid them both on the long table beside his bed. Then he shook Gerhardt's hand.

"Thank you."

"It truly is a fine blade, but the balance is a little off for a man of my stature," Hank almost smiled as the Marshal patted his belly. Almost. Being behind a desk, combined with the good meals that came with being an officer in charge of an entire army, Gerhardt had lost some of the fitness of his youth. He was still a capable soldier in a pinch, and Hank respected that, but it was the Marshal's mind that was his real weapon.

"I'm glad you got some use out of it; I was rather incapacitated at the time."

"You took a bullet for her majesty. I have a feeling that was what had been asked of you, and you did not hesitate. I would not have marked you out as such a protector myself, lieutenant, but it would appear you are regardless. All of Arendelle owes you a debt of gratitude; as do I. The debt will be repaid in full for your actions, never doubt that."

Gerhardt rose, turning to leave. Hank spoke softly. "I never asked for any of this."

"You were chosen," the Marshal bowed, and left, leaving Hank wondering exactly what he had meant.

Home. They were finally home. All three of them. Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff. Sven was panting lightly as Kristoff unhitched the sled. Anna had been uncharacteristically quiet on the journey home, but from the half smile on her lips and the steady rhythm of her breathing Elsa knew she was soundly asleep. A minor miracle really, given how rough the ride had been through parts of the border forest. But all that was behind them now. Now… now they had the future to look forward to; perhaps an uncertain future, but Elsa would willingly explore it with her sister. She would be strong for Anna—even if it hurt. She knew, deep in her heart, knew, that Anna could never shut her out. It wasn't that her sister didn't want to talk about what had happened—she simply didn't want to talk about it now. Elsa didn't blame her.

Kai stood at the castle gates, Gerda off to one side. Kristoff carefully led Sven past them, towards the stables. Elsa watched him go, gently nudging her sister. That got no response. Harder. Still nothing. She resorted to an elbow in the ribs, forgetting the giant bruise she had seen there earlier in the day. Anna woke up with a pained gasp, clutching her side. She stared daggers at her sister.

"Elsa, was that really necessar—oh. We're home. We're really home," Anna stood, half dragging Elsa up with her. It took most of Elsa's skill not to fall out of the sled as her sister essentially ran for the castle gates. Yes, she decided after a moment, still the same old Anna. What did I ever do to deserve a person this amazing in my life?

"Your highness, such a relief to see you upon your safe return," Kai spoke formally, his tone masking the relief he felt. Anna darted forward and threw her arm around the ever reliable servant's shoulders. He returned the hug gingerly as the red head in his arms gasped when his hands touched her back. "My apologies, Princess Anna; are you hurt?"

"I—yes. A lot, actually, Kai. Really, they…" Anna trailed off, her eyes growing distant until Elsa was able to take her hand.

"Anna, you don't have to say anything. You don't owe anyone an explanation. You don't have to pret—you don't have to be strong for us," Elsa gently stroked her sister's back, trying to be tender and reassuring, trying to avoid the scars hidden beneath the jacket she was wearing—a jacket that virtually touched her knees. Acting as Anna's older sister, Elsa put as much of her own strength and courage as she could into her next words. "You don't have to be strong for us, because we're ready to be strong for you. We'll be strong for you until you can be strong again—no matter how long it takes."

Anna gently pushed Kai away, dropping Elsa's hand before she turned to face her sister in full.

"I don't care what it costs, I'll be there for you. Just like you were always there for me. Even when I didn't have the courage to reach out for you, you were there. I'm going to show you just how much you mean to me. And if you think I'm wrong, then, well"—Elsa stuck her tongue out at her sister in a most un-queenly gesture— "you're a dummy."

Anna fell to her knees, tears welling up in her eyes. Elsa could almost see everything crashing down around her sister, all her nightmares made real, all her suffering that had to be acknowledged before it could be soothed. Elsa pushed her chair a little closer, and tried to lift her younger sister from the ground.

"You, of all people, should know there's no reason to grovel at the Queen's feet."

Anna laughed, her tears gently sliding down her cheeks. But it was a happy laugh—and the most beautiful sound Elsa could ever recall hearing. So as Anna stood once more, her legs only a little shaky, Elsa placed an arm around her sister's waist and gently guided her towards the castle.

"Let's get you a bath; you smell like a pigsty."

"No I don't!" Anna was as indignant as ever. She lifted her arm and gave it an experimental sniff through the jacket. And as her nose wrinkled in disgust, Elsa knew her sister was going to be alright. No matter what happened, as long as they had each other everything would turn out okay. She smiled. They could even be the last two people on Earth, but as long as they were together, it would have been okay. Just being with Anna was enough—and in that moment, Elsa realized she really did love her sister, in every possible way. It was impossible not to; Anna was just… Anna. That was all she was, and also all she would ever need to be. Elsa sighed, and smiled, quietly closing the castle doors behind them.

AN: It's not over. Only this arc. Time left to tie up a few loose ends as we move ever onward.