As soon as the doors opened a rather sharp flashback overtook Elsa. Completely unexpected and wholly unwanted. Against her will, her back straightened and her hands nearly snapped down at her sides leaving Honeymaren to turn towards her with great concern having suddenly found her hands empty.
"Her Ladyship, Elsa, Protector of the Enchanted Forest and Queen in waiting of Arendelle!" The exceptionally long title, and the sight of Anna smiling so gracefully in front of the pair of thrones immediately brought Elsa back down to earth, a sharp gasp the only thing to signify she'd left at all. Her head turned just enough to reach back and reclaim the hand she had so rudely released.
"Her Ladyship, Cheiftess Honeymaren of the Northuldra!"
Elsa's shoulders continued to relax as Honeymaren came to walk beside her. Her eyes turning out into the crowd, many of whom she recognized from her own coronation. Though she had attended Anna's coronation it hadn't been done with as much fanfare. An abdication was not as important as a Queen coming of age, though the people of their Kingdom celebrated, there was no ball or any other royalty in attendance.
"You okay?" Honeymaren knew that they weren't supposed to speak when they walked through but she couldn't much care for useless rules. While she did respect where Elsa came from she cared much more for the woman herself than her customs at present.
"Mm." Elsa offered a weak smile before pulling them to a stop before Anna and Kristoff, she inclined her head slightly while Honeymaren gave a full curtsy as she'd been instructed.
"You okay, sis?" Anna too had noticed the brief reindeer in the headlights look and it had taken everything in her power not to run to greet her. If Honeymaren hadn't been there for her, she might as well have.
"Just memories." Elsa took a deep breath and a more genuine smile formed on her features. She pulled both herself and Honeymaren to the side as Kai came forward to pronounce that the ball had officially begun.
Honeymaren did her best to pull Elsa to a less crowded space, though the atmosphere in and around was starting to get warmer. She couldn't help but be worried that perhaps something else was bothering the older woman.
"Are you sure there's nothing else?"
"The last time we were at a ball as large as this, I turned summer into an eternal winter." Elsa worried her hands, the phantom feeling of gloves making her pull at her fingertips. Hadn't she been through this already? That was nearly four years ago now. Why did it all suddenly come back? She knew who she was, what she could do. She knew what she wanted, whom she wanted. Why still did the fear that had dictated her life creep forward at the most inopportune times? Was she not allowed to be happy? What if she made a mistake? What if her fragile house of cards came tumbling down?
"Oh…" Honeymaren moved them closer towards one of the large windows, "But you're no where near the same woman you used to be." Her fingers tucked that rebellious lock of hair behind Elsa's ear, "I know you know this, just focus on your love for Anna. What this day means for her."
"I know…" Elsa tried to smile but it came out more like a grimace, "I know this as much as you do…" Her hand came up to her heart as she tried to push down the feeling, "I want this…I want this for her, for us…"
"Then let it go." Honeymaren cupped the sides of her cheeks, bringing her down towards herself to press their foreheads together in a moment of solitude, of safety.
Elsa's eye closed at the contact, her breathing going deep as she calmed her frittered heart. This wasn't the world she lived in four years ago. So much had changed. She had changed. She had fought a thousand man army beside her sister, defeated a man who had sought to rid the world of magic, she'd found love. She'd found her place. She knew this and more. She just had to believe it. She had to accept it as apart of who she was.
The moment between them ebbed and flowed like the waves along the castle walls. The tension completely releasing as Elsa just allowed herself to be who she was. To not allow her rigorous upbringing and the memories to which the castle held to bring her down. To assert that she was the master of her own fate, that she knelt before no man. That she was the protector and guardian of all the spirits. One half of the Bridge between their worlds.
"Better?"
"Completely." Elsa's affirmation brought the light back into her eyes and she pulled herself away to properly take in the room around her. A soft smell wafting gently under her nose to which she inhaled deeply, "Chocolate."
"Let's go get some." Honeymaren pressed a kiss to the back of Elsa's fingers.
oOo
"Thank you, thank you." Anna graciously accepted the compliments from the King and Queen of Zaria, "Your travel was good?"
"Splendid, a wonderful retreat. I hear you've faced a battle on your own. I am so sorry our forces were unable to reach you in time." King Zennik spoke kindly, his aged face showing his wisdom and strength.
"Not alone, the Northuldran came to our aid." Anna couldn't help but subconsciously rub the back of her healed head, "It was alright, I mean we're doing just fine. Thank goodness I have a sister who lives close."
"Quite right," King Zennik turned his eyes out easily spotting the woman in reference, "How is she? We were so surprised to hear that she'd abdicated. Though I can see it worked out well for the pair of you."
"She's doing very well." Anna beamed and sighed lovingly, "We all are. Again, thank you for coming. I know we will enjoy your gifts."
The King and Queen nodded their head and allowed her to excuse herself. Anna could feel herself growing more and more relaxed. When she spotted Kristoff tugging at his collar behind one of the tapestries she giggled softly and caught his eye making him straighten up and stop fiddling. A joyful chuckle shook her head and she turned towards the thrones. Mother and Father's. The aged wood brilliantly polished and gleaming.
She let her fingers trace over the stained patterns, each King and Queen before her had added to the story hidden beneath the varnish. Her lips curled when she saw the beautiful snowflake that Elsa had left beside their mother's unique symbol. A symbol she now recognized as coming from Northuldra. She lovingly traced them both before her eyes picked put a motion to her side and she turned to give Kristoff a warm smile.
"Can you last longer than an hour?"
"Only for you." Kristoff chuckled leaning down to give her another kiss, one full of promise and love. He was just as determined as Elsa, if not more so, to make this night one that Anna would never forget.
"Mm, such a good man." Anna reached up to ruffle her hand through his slicked back hair, "Come on, let's at least have one dance before we disappear."
"By Queen's orders!" He happily took her hand in his. He'd been practicing with Kai in secret so as not to look like a complete fool. Though he didn't much care for the spotlight, nor all the random people coming up to congratulate him on his succession. He would endure anything if it meant having Anna safe in his arms.
Anna, still giggling, pulled them both to the center of the floor where others had moved aside to give them room. Each one turning to show their respects for the King and Queen's first dance. As the music started, Anna's world turned into a true fairy tale. A night filled with magic and wonder.
"I can't believe this is finally happening." Anna's words were soft, meant for only Kristoff. The world around them fading out into his deep brown eyes.
"Me either. I never want this to end." Kristoff was doing his best to keep pace, thankfully, despite Anna's apparent lack of grace on flat surfaces she was actually a rather accomplished dancer. Subtlety taking the lead for him when he'd miss a step.
"I know…it's just so perfect." Anna let her head fall down onto his chest as the music slowed. Her eyes catching sight of Elsa and Honeymaren coming to the floor to join them. Though Honeymaren was at an obvious disadvantage. Elsa's grace was unparalleled and together they made for a very enchanting display. The Princes in attendance were certainly enjoying it.
When Anna caught Elsa's eye she held out her hand in front of her throwing up her fingers as though she were throwing a ball of snow and glanced at the ceiling. Her sister shook her head slightly but rose her hand to acquiesce. A bright blue light shot up from her palm and exploded out most brilliantly against the ceiling sending a floating cloud of snowflakes that caught in the candles like fireworks before disappearing completely. The guests were more than impressed by the display and the smile on Anna's face was enough to chase away any doubts inside Elsa's heart.
As the music came to an end, Elsa suddenly found herself much to hot and excused herself to go outside to get some fresh air. Honeymaren took it in kind and made her way towards one of the tables laden with food where she found Olaf stuffing his face with bits he'd stolen from the ice cream cake.
Anna similarly found herself in need of cooling down and made her way to sit on the throne at the back of the room. Leaving Kristoff who had spotted Ryder trying to sneak in with Elana to go and keep the pair from being removed from the party. She was sure her heart would burst straight from her chest if the night got any better. Though just as she allowed that thought to settle in her stomach, her brow furrowed at the man worming his way through the crowd and straight towards her.
"Your majesty." The man who spoke bowed low, not royalty but rather the chairman of the railway company that had been lobbying for rights to Arendelle land to complete it's tracks to the north.
"Mr. Urskog–Høland." Anna did her best to sound polite, though truthfully she just wanted the small weasel eyed man to find someone else to talk to about his beloved railway. This was her wedding day. She hardly wanted to think about her duties as Queen. She just wanted to relax and enjoy the day.
Elsa and she had been discussing the possibilities and where best to put a joining railway line if it were truly necessarily but neither woman had been able to come up with an appropriate route that went around the Valley of the Dead. They had promised to come together and work it out at a later date, though Anna had no intentions of making it a top priority.
Slowly Anna allowed herself to take her place on the throne, gracefully folding her arms in her lap and crossing her ankles, "Are you enjoying the party?"
"Oh, quite much so. Quite so. You're our fabulous warrior Queen! What's not to celebrate?" The man straightened himself up though it was clear on his face that he had more than flattery on his agenda, "I dare say those savages to the north proved to be quite helpful. I wouldn't have imagined such a delayed culture would have been so capable in battle."
Anna bristled, "Those savages are part of who I am and an ally to this kingdom. You will show them respect both in and outside of my presence." Completely disgusted Anna pushed herself to her feet and turned away before she let her tongue run completely out of her head. Her body nearly vibrating with her restraint as she wanted nothing more to punch him straight out of her castle and into the fjord.
"Anna?" Kristoff had sensed his wife's anger as she breezed past. Hurriedly putting down his flute as he made to find out what could be wrong.
"I just need a moment." Anna pressed gently against his chest, not to keep him away but to allow herself another moment of silence to reflect on all the many things within her power that could be done to completely ruin the man who had put her in such a state.
"Okay…" Trying not to pout he let her leave, though he did keep track of her as she made towards the balcony doors. A heavy sigh lowering his shoulders.
Anna was sure she could have torn the doors completely off the hinges had she a mind to. Thankfully, she managed to reign in her anger enough to only allow them to slam with a shudder. A heavy growl left her throat before she threw up her hands in exasperation. Was one man really going to ruin her night? Was she really going to let this be the memory she held when she thought of her wedding? Absolutely not.
"Anna?"
Elsa's soft voice caused her to turn, the flowerpot she had in her grasp slowly lowering down gently back upon it's stand, "Elsa?"
Clearly bemused by the sight of her sister's hissy fit Elsa came just a bit closer, the flush in her cheeks shining against her pale skin, "Everything okay?"
"Just, you know. Politics." Anna gently pat the top of the flowers in the pot before letting out a relaxing breath, "So you look like you're enjoying yourself."
"It has been a wonderful evening, yes." Elsa curled in her bottom lip as she tried to keep the flush on her cheeks from growing further.
"Yeah? Then why are you out here instead of in there?" Anna's eyes widened with flared anger, "One of those weasels said something didn't they? Oh, so help me-"
"No Anna," Elsa humored, "It's not that."
"So…Is it about you and Honeymaren?" Anna could feel her anger twisting into excitement. She had wanted to ask Elsa what had happened after they'd gone to bed but she'd been so busy with the days events that she hadn't truly had a chance. Though Anna could recognize a forlorn lover look when she saw one. Heaven knows she had nearly mastered the art herself.
"Yes," Elsa grimaced at her own inability to express herself, "I'm just not sure where I go from here." Elsa sighed heavily her eyes turning down towards the stone of the railing, a most adorably hopeless pout puckering her lips.
"Well I could help you." Anna came close, her arm wrapping around her lower back as she leaned under her sister's chin to catch her eye.
"Anna I don't think-"
"Come on, we're sisters. You don't have to hide anything from me. I could-" Anna could feel the door between them trying to close and her grip tightened just a little.
"Anna, much as I appreciate the gesture—and I do truly—I think I want to figure this out in my own you know? I want my first time to be special..." Elsa relaxed to her hold, not wanting to push her sister away but having found herself in a situation that did nothing to quell the heat in her stomach.
Elsa hadn't been the only one to spend her early-years making self discoveries. Anna had found plenty of time to explore some of her own likes and dislikes. Unabashedly, she'd even pictured herself with Elsa, over top of her. Making her sigh her name. Bringing her pleasure that she'd been denied for far too long. It hadn't been a wholly unfulfilling fantasy but she had learned that she found a deeper pleasure picturing Kristoff doing just the same in reverse. Not that she didn't love her sister, or that she'd have any issue helping her discover what her sister wanted. She was more than content to concede to her wishes. Though that little devil would most certainly visit her in her dreams.
"I understand. I want my first time with Kristoff to be special too." Anna took Elsa's hands in her own bringing them up to her lips to press a chaste kiss along the knuckles, "Still, if there's anything you ever need. I'm here for you."
"Thank you." Elsa squeezed their hands tight just letting the moment ebb before she turned them back towards the ballroom, "I suppose we should return?"
Anna chuckled softly swinging their hands lightly, "If we must."
As they stepped back into the warmth and life of the party Anna felt suddenly struck by a much better idea, " You know what?"
"Hmm?" Elsa was already searching the crowd for her new found lover, her voice distant and distracted.
"I think I'd rather go ice skating." Anna's chirping tone gathered her sister's attention and she pulled the hand in her possession up to her chest, "Please, it's my wedding day?"
Elsa could hardly deny her sister anything, least of all on a day that was meant to be solely for her, "I think I can accommodate."
"Great! Find Honeymaren and meet me in the portrait hall!" Anna pressed a quick kiss of excitement against Elsa's slightly flushed cheek before she nearly skipped her way into the crowd to find Kristoff.
An endearing look followed her movement before Elsa brought herself back into focus. Moving much more calmly than her sister, she expertly navigated the small clusters of people. It wasn't long before she spotted Honeymaren most certainly enjoying herself with the Queen of Corona.
"How many years?"
"It truly felt like my whole life but then you know. Doesn't everything when you're young?" Rapunzel turned her head as Elsa came close, distant allies and even further cousins it felt nice that someone could possibly understand just a little of what she'd gone through. While she'd been unawares when she'd first visited the kingdom during the coronation, she had tried to reach out in the aftermath. They'd become infrequent pen pals and light acquaintances as life just truly held different paths for them. Still, a kindred spirit was always a welcome one.
"Princess Rapunzel," Elsa inclined her head politely.
"Queen Elsa," Rapunzel returned the gesture in kind, "I take it you're here to leave me without someone to gossip with?"
"If you wouldn't mind." Elsa offered out her arm to Honeymaren.
"Not at all," Rapunzel glanced quickly between the two, her heart beaming for what she saw, "By the way, I love your dress. "
"Thank you." Elsa shyly ducked her head from the compliment and turned them away.
Honeymaren meanwhile couldn't stop the spreading grin on her face. It was so fascinating to watch Elsa interact with people, not that she didn't in the village but this was an entirely different environment all together. It was like stepping back in time, or seeing something that could have been. While she had no desire to let the blond go, it was absolutely enjoyable for her to see just how much just being beside her helped Elsa relax and just be herself.
"So where are we going?"
"My sister has decided that she'd like to go ice skating on her wedding day and I have decided that you should get your first lesson." Elsa turned them down the proper hallway, her eyes shining brighter when the arm looped in hers took her fingers.
It was just so nice to feel. To not worry about what could or shouldn't be. The four years had been one giant step after another. One giant leap into the unknown. Like she'd shattered into a million pieces, all glittering and shining in their own rights. She had had her moments of triumph, her moments of failure. Desperately scrambling to find any two pieces that fit together. It would be hard, it would take time but she knew one thing. The one thing that mattered most. She didn't have to do it alone.