'Stay down, Elsa. The fire's out. We just need to be still until the Earth Spirits continue on their way.' Honeymaren whispered, hand pressing firmly on Elsa's stomach.

'But…'

'If you think you're in any shape to "tame" another spirit right now you have another thing coming. I'm just saving Anna the energy, because she'd be telling you the same thing.'

Elsa scowled into the darkness, and the rumbling escalated, growing closer with every "step" intensifying.

'If they invade the camp…' The queen didn't finish her thought, Honeymaren cutting her off.

'We'll run. You can't finish this quest of yours if you totally drain yourself in back to back confrontations, silly. Remember: us Northuldra, and even those goofy guards, are counting on you now as well.'

This gave Elsa pause, and the rumbling felt as though it was moving in another direction suddenly. Whatever had piqued the rock giant's attention no longer held it, and Honeymaren let out a deep sigh of relief, the trembling earth calming with every subsequent step of the unseen "threat".

'Thank Ahtohallan.' Honeymaren mumbled to herself. She lifted her hand from Elsa's stomach, her shape coming more into focus as Elsa's eyes adjusted to the lack of lighting.

'Is that overly common?' Elsa asked, and the other young woman shook her head.

'Not even a little bit. They hardly move at all, let alone at night.'

'I see…'

'But with you doing your thing in these parts suddenly…I guess it's time to start expecting the unexpected, right?'

'It seems that way, doesn't it?'

'Elsa…?' Anna's voice spoke out in a harsh whisper, and the older sister's heart gave a small leap of excitement.

'I-I'm in here. Yes.'

'You okay?' Anna continued, peeking into the small hut, from what Elsa could see, some dim moonlight making its way through the trees enough to see her tiny form.

'I'm doing well, yes.'

In Anna's hands was the Fire Spirit, and she realized the little salamander was actually providing a small amount of illumination as well. To see the little creature take to Anna so earnestly wasn't completely a surprise, considering what they had been through together.

'Can I come in?' She went on to ask.

'Oh, sure! There's plenty of space.'

Anna did just that, pulling the curtain to the space tight back over the doorway. The Fire Spirit made funny little clicking noises with its tongue, crawling up and onto Anna's shoulder as she crouched down next to Elsa.

'Whoa…! Am I interrupting something?' Anna's tone was playful as she noticed Elsa's lack of clothing, but Elsa could immediately tell there were hints of ever so subtle annoyance in it only the older sister could identify.

'No, Anna.' Elsa answered clearly.

'It's a deep tissue massage. But we're just about done.' Honeymaren shuffled away from Elsa, allowing her to manifest her blue outfit from the beginning of the journey, a freshly equipped version of the clothes always refreshing to wear, like a new blanket of snow upon an open field. The queen sat up, moving amongst the piles of blankets that contributed to the comfort of her stay.

'Hm. Cozy in here, huh?' Anna settled, sitting cross-legged like everyone else now.

'Yeah.' Honeymaren turned her attention to Elsa herself. 'You should probably rest for the remainder of the evening if everything is okay out there.'

'Yep. The Earth Spirits are gone for now. Thank goodness they seem like lazy guys. Yelana said they were probably disturbed by all the ruckus Bruni made.' Anna explained.

'Bruni?' Elsa blinked.

As if to answer, the fire salamander crawled out and away from Anna, only to jump into Elsa's hands and cuddle into her palms. Steam rose from where he lay, the contrasting temperatures evident.

'Uh-huh! Cute name, right? I think he likes it!'

'He's quite hot…' Elsa realized, looking up at Anna with rising curiosity.

'I guess he's a bit warm. Fire Spirit and all.' Anna shrugged.

'No, but…' Elsa stopped herself, something holding her back. Mounting evidence. Strange. Not the time to address it with Honeymaren present, but certainly more information to file away for the right moment. 'Never mind.'

'Hm?' Anna tipped her head.

'So, how are you feeling, Anna? This journey must be taking a toll on you, too, right?' Honeymaren asked kindly.

'Meh. I'm getting by. I'm not having to fight the four great spirits and whatnot, so I can't complain.'

'True, but you're Elsa's primary source of support, right?'

'Heh. You betcha!'

'Then why don't I offer my services to you as well? Might be a nice way to settle after the excitement of the day.'

'Oh, no…! I'm okay. Really. You've done more than enough for my big sister.'

'Anna.' Elsa encouraged, knowing how difficult it was for the younger girl to accept kindness on any level. She was more than willing to do just about anything to make others' lives better, but struggled accepting anyone's kindness at the expense of their own comfort.

'It would honestly be my pleasure. Elsa speaks very highly of you, and my people are sort of relying on you both to help us out, so, it's the least I can do.'

Anna glanced to Elsa, the small light coming from Bruni illuminating her pretty (albeit tired) features brilliantly.

'…Okay. Let me just tell Kristoff what's happening. I think he wants to know if he should set up camp for us or not.'

'You both can sleep here. This hut is usually shared by my brother and I, but I'm guessing Ryder is going to want to hang out with Kristoff for a bit longer. Maybe even have a buddy-buddy sleepover or something equally ridiculous.' Honeymaren giggled.

'Where would you sleep though?' Elsa was sincerely concerned.

'Oh, don't even worry about me. There are plenty of options.'

'Well, alrighty, then. Give me a quick sec. I'll be right back! Wait here, okay, Bruni?' Anna bounced out of the hut, leaving Elsa with just Honeymaren again. There was only a brief pause, enthusiasm barely contained in Honeymaren's tone as she lowered her voice to speak with Elsa further.

'She's too cute.' She appraised, making Elsa swell with pride.

'I struggle to even think about denying it.'

'Such positive energy, too! She practically oozes joy and light. Not that hard to figure why…' Honeymaren calmed herself, seeming confused as she finished her thought hesitantly. 'I-I mean, based on what I know about your past, it sort of makes sense how you can't stop yourself from wanting to be with her in such a unique way.'

Elsa adjusted her position upon the blankets, a knot forming in her throat.

'Yes…' Was all she could think to say.

'Sorry. I'm sure you don't love talking about it.'

'I trust you, Honeymaren.' Elsa reiterated. 'But our relationship brings nothing but discomfort to those around us. You don't need to force yourself.'

'I'm not!' The woman tried, but the apprehension laced in her words was undeniable. Elsa was far too sensitive to such a minor change in one's ability to speak.

'Even I recognize how strange it is. The spirits have every right to be confused and fearful of me…'

Bruni yawned, a high-pitched squeak leaving his mouth as he began curling up into a ball within Elsa's hands. She proceeded to feed him some snowflakes, which the reptilian seemed quite pleased to consume.

'They just need to get to know you.' Honeymaren insisted. 'Like me. Like anyone.'

Elsa reflected on the words, knowing they were partially true, but not completely. Daryun knew Elsa intimately well, and her feelings for Anna still made him struggle. Even Leonard couldn't hide the look of doubt that managed to cross his visage here and there. Yes, both men were beyond loyal to Elsa, regardless, but like a loving parent, there was disappointment and tentative commitment to the longevity of the queen's affections for her own sister.

"Surely she will find the right man eventually. Queen Elsa is merely seeking comfort and shelter in the arms of the one consistent source of warmth and affection in her life…"

Elsa would happily bet her castle's fortune such thoughts were not foreign to many who feigned acceptance of her uncanny relationship with her little sister. The ice queen valued such individuals in her life, nonetheless, but only Anna truly understood the scope of their love. And it was sometimes very, very lonely to think about it like that…

The fact every single person in Arendelle, including Gerda eventually, readily dismissed Elsa and Anna's relationship with but the smallest of nudge was further proof of just how "unnatural" the love that existed between two sisters was.

'It certainly helps, I'll confess that much.' Elsa eventually answered.

'…Okay. I see you're uncomfortable, and I totally get it, so, I'll drop the subject.'

'Thank-you. I'd rather focus on my task at hand rather than a fight I have no hope of winning in this lifetime. I appreciate your desire to try and understand, but I comprehend the complexity of what I have told you as well, and I do not expect the knowledge to rest easily in your mind.'

Honeymaren huffed, a refreshing stubborn streak about her peeking through.

'We'll see about that.' She muttered.

'Okay! I'm back!' Anna snuck inside the hut once more, crawling next to Elsa. The older sister could feel her body naturally relax now that she was beside her sister again, and she honestly just wanted to hold her into the night at this point.

'Welcome back.' Elsa leaned in slightly so her shoulder touched her sister's.

'Thanks! So, Yelana says you're more than welcome to stay with the Northuldra people tonight, Elsa. Mattias sort of wanted a chance to chat with you, but he understands you've been through a lot, and says he'd like to have a sec tomorrow, if you're willing.'

'Sure…' Elsa wasn't certain why the idea of talking privately with the man gave her anxiety. Anna continued.

'You were totally right, Honeymaren! The second I told Kristoff we didn't need his help with setting up camp, Ryder jumped right in and asked if he wanted to hang out for the night. Those two bonded fast! I guess it's the whole reindeer thing, huh?'

'Oh, yeah.' Honeymaren groaned. 'Ryder finally has someone that understands half of the things he says about his herd of reindeers? Yep. Those guys will be fine. Figured. I try to humour my brother, but it's a bit much sometimes. Don't worry though, he's totally harmless. Kristoff will be just fine.'

'I bet. Kristoff is a little gruff on the outside sometimes, but he's a total sweetheart. They'll be fine.'

'Hm?' Honeymaren seemed to pick up on something, and Elsa wondered if she was that in-tune with the "energy" of someone, or whatever it was. 'You close with him, Anna?'

'Huh?' Anna laughed nervously. 'I mean, sure. We've been through a lot. All of us.'

Honeymaren squinted in the dim light before shrugging and turning to face the entrance.

'Alrighty. Anyway, I'm not looking, so, take those clothes off. Guarantees a much better massage. Use some of the blankets and such to cover whatever you don't want me seeing.'

'G-got it.' Anna tried to sound brave, but Elsa knew better, and somewhat revelled in the notion that she was so aware of her sister's little social weaknesses when she put on such an incredible front in the face of anyone she met. Anna was a beautiful girl, really, but she had trouble believing that no matter how often Elsa attempted to convince her otherwise. Thus, the idea of being exposed physically to anyone intimidated her, apparently. It didn't make sense to the older sister. She was slightly curvier than Elsa, sure, because of her incredible appetite, but even that difference was minor, perhaps only adding to her shapely hips and, more appealingly to Elsa, her cute butt.

Anna discarded her clothes as hastily as she could, her darker skin illuminated by Bruni's snoring presence in Elsa's hands. The queen swallowed with some effort, diverting her gaze in fear of reserved desires manifesting anew.

In another moment, Anna lay upon her stomach, and Elsa helped drape their mother's shawl over her torturously tempting bottom, notifying Honeymaren that her little sister was ready.

'If you don't mind.' Elsa added politely.

'Not at all!' The Northuldra girl crawled on her knees to Anna, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders gently. 'Like I said, it's the least I can do for the two of you if you're both trying so hard to liberate the forest. I'm forcing myself not to get too excited, but I have to admit that the idea of getting out of this place finally, after living here all my life, is really incredible. Yelana tells me there's so much more to the world than I can possibly imagine, and her stories paired with some of the Arendellians' descriptions sound too unreal.'

'Oh, we'll totally give you a big tour of Arendelle once we're out of here first thing, Honeymaren!' Anna offered. 'Right, Elsa?'

'Absolutely.' Elsa couldn't agree more.

'That would be amazing! Thank-you!' Honeymaren began stroking Anna's bare back, the sight reminding Elsa of the somewhat bizarre set of circumstances that led to her and Anna engaging in a rather suggestive sequence of events with Rynn and Arthuria present in an attempt to help fix Elsa's erratic magic at the time. It was a strangely embarrassing memory that both shamed and elated Elsa's mental state – much like the current scene before her.

Honeymaren's massage was skillful, Elsa knew, and the older sister heard Anna's muffled moans even with the younger of the girls stuffing her face into the pillow below her head in an effort to hide the satisfying releases the Northuldra woman allowed as she worked. This, of course, triggered Elsa's more imaginative side, and she had to stay her mind, fearing her allowance of it to navigate inappropriate fields might result in uncanny actions.

Therefore, instead of observing too closely the way Honeymaren giggled at Anna's inability to control her groans, moans, and sighs of both pleasure and pain, Elsa reverted her focus to the task at hand; taming the remaining spirits.

'How big are the Earth Spirits?' Elsa shifted the discussion, proud of herself for doing so. She kept her eyes on Bruni, not able to watch the way Honeymaren's fingers dug into Anna's soft skin without picturing the act progressing into a much more sexual moment between the sisters.

'Oh, they vary.' Honeymaren answered kindly. 'But most are about the size of a moderate-sized mountain, I'd say. We've counted up to three moving together at once, but the valley further north, where a bunch of them generally nap, houses around four or five at times.'

'Yikes…' Anna sucked in a quick breath of air, releasing soon thereafter once Honeymaren relaxed her grip. 'Jeez! You're strong!'

'Lots of manual labour.' Honeymaren revealed.

'Hm.' Elsa thought about how best to gain the Earth Spirit's approval – especially when it seemed to be split among so many copies of itself. 'That is a large individual to converse with…'

'They don't talk.' Honeymaren made Anna squeak as she seemingly found a knot in her right shoulder blade. 'Does this one sleep in weird positions?'

'Yes.' Elsa laughed.

'I can tell. Your one side is super messy. Wow.'

'Sorry?' Anna grunted again.

'No. I'm sorry.' Honeymaren apologized, and Anna practically jumped, biting into the pillow below her and gasping. 'Low pain tolerance, huh? Elsa was not nearly as noisy.'

'We handle discomfort very differently…' Elsa added dryly, not allowing that particular chain of memories to weigh her down.

'Anyway, I'm not sure how you're supposed to "tame" the Earth Spirit. Not confident a hug is going to work this time.'

'You sure?' Anna huffed.

Elsa thought about the upcoming confrontation with fatigue, realizing she was in no real position to consider her options with a clear mind considering just how excessively tired and sore she was from the day's collective excursion. It wasn't like her to dismiss something so important quite so swiftly, but she was also aware that pushing forward too quickly could be a detrimental mistake as well.

'I suggest having a chat with Yelana, if you have a chance, Elsa. She knows a lot about the spirits, and she might be able to give you some good advice before you set out again tomorrow.' Honeymaren suggested kindly.

'That sounds like a good idea. Thank-you.' Elsa smiled, petting Bruni subconsciously. Yelana was slightly intimidating, but Elsa also felt an undeniable pull toward the woman, as if their innate closeness to nature brought them together on some level. Either way, now Elsa needed as much sleep as possible. Handling Mattias and Yelana within the span of a few hours might prove mentally taxing, after all, come the morning.

'Oh, no problem. She's usually up super early in the mornings, so, if you also happen to be an early bird, feel free to find her on her morning walk. She says she likes to speak with nature before she starts her day.' Honeymaren laughed wryly. 'It's funny; we're "trapped" in the Enchanted Forest, but she still finds time to be grateful to the spirits for everything we use from them to survive.'

'I see.' Elsa acknowledged.

'Ouch…!' Anna shouted suddenly, and Honeymaren shifted her focus once more.

'Almost done here, little lady. Couple more pinches.'

'You mean a couple more beatings!'

'Are you okay, Anna? You keep squinting?' Elsa asked her sister, the two young women close under many blankets provided by the Northuldra. The night was a little cool, from what Elsa could tell, but even with hardly any clothes on beneath the covers, the girls were kept warm by one another's bodies, and this wasn't even mentioning Bruni's snoring, naturally heated presence near Anna's head atop her pillow. Honeymaren had left almost ten minutes ago now, the sisters cuddled in close, as they often preferred at night.

'Oh, yeah. Just dandy. That girl is crazy good at the whole massage thing, huh?'

'Indeed. My back feels exponentially better, and a good night's rest should be all I need to be prepared for continuing our journey tomorrow.'

Anna's hands moved up Elsa's bare leg, tracing over her hips and bringing their bodies even closer until their chests pressed tight against one another.

'You're still okay with bringing me along?'

'Of course, Anna. We made a promise. This is a task we shall tackle together as much as possible.' Elsa was surprised by the question, for she was certain they had reached a convincing conclusion to the subject matter.

'I know…I know what we said but…'

'But what? What concerns you, Anna?'

'I…' The younger sister giggled nervously, shaking her head. 'I don't know. I guess I'm just losing it or something.'

'How so?' Elsa pried, for Anna was clearly rather concerned to have mentioned anything in the first place.

There was no reply, which made Elsa push her forehead against Anna's, nuzzling her affectionately.

'Anna?'

'You feel…far away again. Like before you told me about your powers.'

'What?' Elsa was sincerely confused. 'How? Look at us. Think on this journey. We've been so close the entire time and – ' The older sister stopped herself, reflecting on what she and Anna had discussed in the past about how to handle one another in such situations. 'I apologize.' She muttered.

'Oh, it's fine. I know I'm being silly. Maybe it's the whole you being the only one really able to deal with the spirits and hear the voice or whatever. I don't know. I just feel like…I'm sort of tagging along. I can't do much but support you, and it's frustrating.'

Elsa bit at her lower lip. Was there a point in telling Anna about her suspicions? Would it just confuse her? Scare her? Give her false hope and despair if nothing came of the possible hints pointing at a frightening concept Elsa wasn't sure how to interpret?

Not yet.

Yes. That felt like the correct course of action. There was enough to deal with for now.

Elsa took Anna's hands into her own, clasping them tightly between the two sisters and kissing the top of her fingers lovingly.

'But such unparalleled support is precisely what I need, Anna. Knowing you are safe by my side, and that you have my back in everything I do, provides me with all the power I could possibly ask for.'

'I get that.' Anna kissed Elsa's hands back, tracing her touch about them with attentivity.

'Yet…?' Elsa questioned.

Anna sighed, obviously still struggling.

'I haven't seen your eyes light up the way they did when you first saw the Northuldra camp in a long time.'

Elsa hated that she couldn't deny Anna's words immediately. She wasn't prepared for this conversation; especially when she herself hadn't had time to digest what she was feeling in relation to this other way of life.

'I doubt it compares to my expression every instance I see you, Anna.'

'W-well, okay. True. Same. But when's the last time you felt like that waking up and getting ready to queen all day?'

'A job is not always enjoyable. That's life.'

'But am I being crazy, or is part of you still looking for maybe another path for your life? Something more than just being queen of Arendelle?'

'Anna…' Elsa sighed, hugging her sister beneath the covers. 'Please. Not this again. My life belongs with you, come what may.'

'At what cost though? I want you to be happy, Elsa. Completely happy with every facet of your day. I have that now. Right now. I love my bakery, my home in Arendelle, and my relationship with you. I love helping you rule Arendelle. Yes, our lives are a bit complicated because of some decisions we've made, but otherwise, I've never been happier.' Anna took a breath, her voice coming out in a tiny sound. 'Can you say the same?'

Elsa grimaced. She didn't want to lie. But she didn't want this discussion now either. Again, she wasn't prepared.

'…Primarily, yes.' Elsa uttered, and she thought she heard Anna gasp.

'Mostly? But not quite completely?'

'Please, Anna. We said we'd discuss such things later. We need to free the Enchanted Forest first, understand? I'm happy. I am. How could I not be when I have love I didn't think possible? So long as you're in my life, I truly can't ask for more.'

'But I want you to have more if it's what you want.'

'Even if I told you to be queen instead?' Elsa snapped finally, the thought fluttering through her brain on more than a few occasions in the past. During her darkest moments, such as the second after being told her parents were gone and Elsa, as the older sister, would ascend the throne.

'…Yes.' Anna whimpered, her fingers digging into Elsa's sides. 'You can't just sacrifice everything for me.'

'I'm not.'

'You are!'

'I'm not! You're being dramatic!'

'M-maybe…!'

A twig snapped in the distance, and the royal sisters calmed themselves, both taking a moment to gather their senses.

'We need to sleep, Anna.' Elsa levelled her voice. 'I…appreciate your concern, and I respect your desire to help me, but my mind is not occupied by such things at the moment. My sole focus is taming the spirits, saving the forest and all within it, following the call of the north, and…perhaps learning more about my powers. That's it.'

Anna nodded, sniffling slightly. Elsa hated the mere idea of hurting her feelings even a little bit.

'Right. That's fair.'

Elsa moved her hands to hold her sister's face, allowing their lips to graze each other's.

'I adore you, Anna of Arendelle. I do. Your heart simply wants to give happiness to others no matter the cost, and it's truly an awe-inspiring notion.'

'You're not that different, Elsa. I'm just…louder about it.'

Elsa considered herself much more selfish than Anna, but she knew there was little point in contesting her sister here.

'Perhaps.' Elsa kissed Anna now, her young sibling's mouth lingering in the motion.

'Mm.' She hummed happily.

'I promise we will figure out a compromise for my current stress in regards to being queen day in and out once this immediate adventure reaches its conclusion, okay? Just as we will also determine the best procedure for your own wishes.'

Anna gave Elsa's form another squeeze, the obvious joy from Elsa mentioning the idea of building a family together tickling her giddy.

'Deal. Sorry for being a nag.'

Elsa kissed Anna again, this time teasing her with a hint of tongue. She felt her sister's body tighten, and it was inherently seductive.

'You're not nagging if you are simply expressing apprehensions, Anna. I want our relationship to be transparent. No more secrets…' Elsa caught herself, her mind flickering through moments that caused her to question Anna's "lack" of magical power whatsoever.

N-not yet…

'Okay. Thanks, Elsa. Really.'

'Always, Anna, my love. Forever and ever…'

'Forever and ever…'

With that, it wasn't long before Anna was snoring soundly, her head nestled between Elsa's and her shoulder. The queen, however, remained sleep-deprived, her mind filling with a barrage of voices – some familiar, some frightfully ethereal. Somewhere in the montage of noise, Elsa latched onto the one that she felt she needed to converse with the most, its once masculine tone fading into her memories as the more prominent feminine intonation occupied her presence.

"Two of my children bow to you. Only two more remain."

Earth and Water.

"They will not be so easily quelled…"

I shall try regardless.

"A fitting reply from the one seeking answers that will change everything you know."

So long as Anna is with me, I fear nothing.

"And if you must travel alone?"

…Then I do so for her continued safety.

"Then proceed to show me your resolve, Elsa."