Elsa slept well, all things considered. The darkness of her rest was welcome, and it was a calm abyss of recovery until a voice she hadn't heard in quite some time addressed her, its presence last experienced during the evacuation of Arendelle during the spirit's attack.

"You see now? You are different. Beyond all this."

Good morning to you, too…

Elsa turned onto her back, Anna's warmth entangling her with even the girl's frizzy hair almost making its way onto her face.

"With the Wind and Fire Spirit yielding, I await your attempt at my submission."

The Water Spirit.

Elsa could tell. The Earth Spirits simply didn't match the soft, low hum of this voice; the same being that seemed to speak to Elsa in tandem with who the queen now assumed to be Ahtohallan, perhaps.

"You hear Mother's call. She believes you worthy. We disagree. Humans cannot be trusted. Not anymore. They continue to throttle us, weakening our land of tranquility."

What can I do to help you? What angers you so?

The sound of Anna's heavy breathing filled the hut, and Elsa thought perhaps she wouldn't receive a reply…until she did.

"Unnatural lust."

This again…

Elsa felt her anger growing, calming the urge to cool the air around her in frustration.

"Even Mother must fear one who rejects everything she is. Human. Unnatural. Untrustworthy. Weak. How corrupted you've become. The hope Mother had for you is surely but a fading glimmer now. She calls for you because she has no other choice."

Then lead me to her. Let me help you all.

"…Not until you prove yourself worthy."

I don't want to fight you.

"It will hardly be a contest."

Elsa knew the Water Spirit was gone at that point. Such pained resentment. The other spirits simply seemed confused and unsure of her, but the Water Spirit, for whatever reason, even when Ahtohallan was calling and speaking to her during the invasion of Arendelle, has always been especially antagonistic. Ahtohallan – again, presumably – tended to be attempting to figure Elsa out more than anything; probing her with difficult questions and statements meant to push her stance in life.

It was all very confusing, and further reason for Elsa to continue pressing forward as soon as she could so that she might settle all the loose ends her life suddenly had on top of the mystery surrounding her true magical origin.

With that, the queen of Arendelle knew there was no choice but to wake up completely now that her brain was up to its old habit of overanalysing every single little thing.

Elsa leaned over to Anna and kissed her just behind her ear, breathing in the beautiful scent of her sister. It was a reminder of just how much she adored the other girl no matter how "wrong" the spirits felt she was. They spoke of "unnatural" desires? What if, for Elsa, rejecting her love for Anna was the "unnatural" path? Who was to say she had to give up her own joy, once again, for the sake of others' comfort? What did it even matter?

With a subdued huff of irritation, Elsa snuck out of Honeymaren's hut and simultaneously enveloped herself in the light blue gear she felt comfortable adventuring within. Because of the fact the Enchanted Forest truly was a mass of mostly trees, it was difficult to say how early or late in the day it was aside from the slight coolness in the air that Elsa recognized but hardly find any form of discomfort in. She could immediately hear the sounds of the Northuldra working away, building fires and preparing breakfasts. Children were running about happily, Olaf apparently counting down during a game of hide and seek. Elsa smiled at the sight; the harmonious community built amongst nature a breath of fresh air no matter how "trapped" the people were. In a way, they almost seemed freer than Elsa felt at times…

'Three…two…one! Ready or not, here I come – Oh, hi, Elsa.' Olaf waved, and Elsa smiled brightly.

'Good morning, Olaf.' Elsa took a guess, considering it didn't feel quite late enough to be making lunch or anything. 'How long have you been up?'

'Oh, a couple of hours. The sun wasn't even illuminating the world before I was stirred from my slumber by these fun children! Oh…! Speaking of which! I'm so sorry, but I have to fulfill this commitment right now! I'm coming to find you guys!' Olaf dashed out and about the encampment as fast as his stubbly feet seemed able, hidden giggling filling the air.

'Good luck.' Elsa also laughed to herself, approaching a man appearing to be building another fire. He was using what looked to be a technique the queen had only read about that involved building momentum between two sticks, one upon the ground with a slight indentation carefully cut into it, and the other in the shape of a small bow almost.

'Queen Elsa…!' The man stopped what he was doing, more Northuldra appearing to take note of the woman's sudden presence within their routines. He was older, with some grey beginning to show in his otherwise black hair. The man had deep brown eyes, a square jaw, and a small scar creeping up the left side of his face.

'Keep going, if you don't mind.' Elsa encouraged, curious how the technique worked in practise.

'Oh…Sure.' The man did as he was told, building up his momentum again and creating sparks in no time, a tiny fire beginning and fostered with more tiny sticks and what must have been tinder or charcoal. 'It was much easier when the Fire Spirit assisted us. Even I remember such a sight from when I was a boy.'

'I can believe it. But there's something to be said for your capabilities alone as well.' Elsa felt slightly hypocritical, and worried the man would mock her due to her powers, but he simply grinned, nodding in agreement.

'Very true.'

More Northuldra began to gather round from a safe distance, this interaction worth at least a passing notion of intrigue.

'What's your name?'

'Mayek.' The man nodded.

'A lovely name.'

'Thank-you, Queen Elsa.' The man's face reddened a touch. 'It means charismatic, energetic, and focused.'

'My! Quite the expectations placed upon you.'

'I thought so, too.'

'But building a fire is incredibly important in such a situation, isn't it?'

'Yes.' Mayek uttered. 'The Arendellians speak of matches? Those sound useful.'

'They are.' Elsa wouldn't deny it. 'But I somehow prefer your method. If I have time, could you teach me?'

'Teach you, Queen Elsa?' The man was comically taken aback, and Elsa didn't love that she was suddenly becoming a spectacle with even more Northuldra surrounding the tiny perimeter of the conversation.

'Okay, okay! Easy there, Elsa. Mayek is usually a quiet guy that likes to keep to himself and then some foreign beauty comes poking around his business? Down, girl.' Honeymaren broke into the space, patting Mayek on the back sympathetically.

'I was just…enthralled by his work.' Elsa tried.

'You have a good eye! This guy is one of our best. He started all the fires around camp this morning, and helps things move along super smoothly. Fire affinity and all that.' Honeymaren turned to the other Northuldra. 'Okay. Let's move along. We're not ready for the day yet, are we?'

The people of the Enchanted Forest scurried off eventually, leaving Elsa with Mayek and Honeymaren.

'Sorry to disturb you.' Elsa bowed a touch, throwing poor Mayek off even further.

'Not at all, Queen Elsa. The pleasure was mine…'

'Keep it up, big guy.' Honeymaren winked, ushering Elsa away from the centre of the camp and off beyond the final hut of the area, pushing through some bushes until they were upon a mostly faded path save for some obvious use due to the stamped foliage from some form of semi-frequent walks.

'How did you sleep?' Honeymaren asked in a more natural tone, pushing bushes out of Elsa's way as they moved forward.

'Well, surprisingly.'

'And your back?' The girl inquired considerately.

'Improving, thanks to you.' Elsa confessed; grateful the damage wasn't anything permanent.

'I'd like to have another look at it tonight, but I know enough about you now to be pretty certain you won't be holding still that long.'

'The offer is tempting.' Elsa acknowledged. 'However, you're right; I must press forward. I want to fix Arendelle, free your people, and…well, many other things before this journey is considered complete in my mind.'

'So mysterious.' Honeymaren chuckled to herself, stopping short of what appeared to be an upcoming opening of some kind. The young woman turned, the light from the mid-morning illuminating her sharp, handsome features brilliantly. She placed an index finger to her lips playfully, lowering her voice. 'Yelana is beyond here. She has her morning tea and meditates near a tiny pond. She has an affinity for water, believe it or not, and longs to communicate – however limitedly – with the spirit that controls the same element once again.'

'…I see.'

'She wants to talk to you in private, and trusted me to show you to her.'

'Thank-you.'

'It was nothing.' Honeymaren hesitated, nodding to herself before stepping aside. 'I hope we get another chance to talk, Elsa.'

'Me, too.'

'Okay.' The girl smiled cutely. 'I'll head back to camp. Good luck.'

'Take care.' Elsa watched Honeymaren go, and then returned her focus to the slightly obscured piece of the forest. She took a deep breath, and then made her way out of the tiny path, prepping her body and mind as she had countless times when faced with an authority figure that intimidated her in any way or fashion. Yelana was sitting atop her bent legs, one hand placed within the water so that her upper body leaned downward partially. Her eyes stayed closed even with Elsa's sudden presence surely being know, her brow only twitching slightly to show any indication of the woman's disruption.

Elsa simply waited, for she could guess Yelana didn't wish to simply rip from whatever state of mind she found herself. The ice queen could sympathize, after all, for she frequently uttered silent chants to herself in order to properly control her flowing power within – even more so as of late during its escalation in density.

Eventually, the leader of the Northuldra's eyes parted open ever so subtly, and she acknowledged Elsa with the smallest of nods, patting the space beside her. Elsa approached the woman, her presence unlike any she had experienced before, years upon years of wisdom locked away behind her surprisingly beautiful visage no matter how stern she preferred to appear.

Elsa mimicked Yelana's pose, the act rather uncomfortable, but dedicated to the second Elsa saw a part of the woman's lips twitch in what could have been a restrained grin.

'Good morning, Queen Elsa.' Yelana started, her tone softer than the day prior.

'Good morning.'

'Thank-you for taking the time to join me when I know you would much rather continue your journey as hastily as possible.'

'It's fine. Anna prefers to sleep in, and I'd like to grant her that chance, if possible.'

'A considerate gesture.' Yelana finally extracted her hand from the water, rubbing it between her fingers. The lines about her face began to tighten, however, as her expression hardened. 'I spoke with the Water Spirit for the first time in what felt like forever today.'

'Mm.' Elsa's chest flipped. She had no instant reason to panic, but she knew it was foolish to disregard the tips of caution her mind was receiving as well.

'I…do not understand what it is saying explicitly, but I do comprehend that it is particularly wary of your presence as the one to hear Ahtohallan's call.' Yelana met Elsa's eyes, and the queen wouldn't look away, aware she had stepped into some form of test the moment she decided to engage with this impressive woman.

'Yes.' Elsa affirmed, and Yelana's features relaxed in a moment of surprise.

'You're aware?'

'I am.'

'Why do the spirits reject you when they should be overjoyed by your awakening alongside their own?'

'They want me to prove myself before meeting Mother, I imagine.' Elsa truly didn't wish to discuss the depths of the distrust fostered by the spirits, but she was having a sneaking suspicion she may not have a choice at this point. 'She will reveal why this forest is locked away from the world, I can only hope, for her voice – her song – started everything.'

'So you say.' Yelana finally turned away from Elsa, looking beyond the forest they both saw. 'I suppose it makes some sense that the spirits would be protective of their mother.'

'Yes.'

A lengthy pause, but one Elsa didn't particularly mind, since the calmness of the morning and the quiet of the forest soothed the queen's soul. She breathed out slowly, taking in the pure air around her and the tranquility she was being granted in this moment.

'Hm.' Yelana hummed in approval, and Elsa realized the woman was evaluating her again. 'You're more Northuldra than all of those Arendellian soldiers combined.'

'Pardon?' Elsa felt giddy at the compliment for some reason.

'It's mostly a feeling, I admit, but the way you took in the world around you just then…perhaps the World knew what it was doing granting you such a gift.'

'The World…?'

'…Nothing. A discussion for another day, perhaps.'

'Oh.' Elsa wasn't sure how to respond to that. The World? Not Mother Nature or Ahtohallan? She had never read of such an entity in her studies. Various Gods associated with different places of the land, yes, but the World itself? The place all of humanity called home?

'Can you speak clearly with it? The Water Spirit here?' Yelana asked suddenly.

Elsa glanced down at the water, unsure.

'I can try?'

The light that flickered past Yelana's eyes was impossible to miss, urging Elsa to make an earnest attempt. This woman truly missed the relationship she once had with the spirits. Elsa somewhat knew what such longing could feel like. Thus, she dipped her hand into the small pond, as Yelana had, and focussed her mind on the sensations that enveloped her.

"You again?"

Yes. Yelana wishes to speak with you.

"…I'm aware."

Why do you resist her call?

"Humans cannot be trusted."

Yet you are here.

"Don't act as though you understand anything."

'Elsa?' Yelana shook Elsa's contact, the Water Spirit's words ringing in her ears in a deep baritone.

'He's here.' Elsa relayed.

'He…?'

'Yes.'

'Oh.'

"Enough."

Elsa flinched, the Water Spirit's voice turning feminine suddenly. Just like Ahtohallan. Was it possible the spirits projected intonation in whatever manner they felt best suited the circumstance? What was the point?

'What happened?' Yelana pried.

'N-nothing. The Water Spirit's voice just changed.'

'…I see.'

"Tell the woman to lower her hand into the water with yours. Keep contact."

Okay.

'Yelana.' Elsa extended her free hand to the woman, and the leader of the Northuldra seemed to understand easily enough, allowing the queen to bring her into the water again. Immediately, the Water Spirit started speaking, but this time, unlike the way it addressed Elsa, it was almost soothing.

"Yelana."

Yelana's hand twitched within Elsa's, and the ice queen heard a small gasp escape the usually stern woman's throat.

"Stay strong."

The presence of the Water Spirit faded shortly thereafter, and Elsa faced Yelana, the older woman's eyes glimmering with emotion. She sniffed, extracted her hand from Elsa's and the water, and took a moment.

'It's been so long since I heard her voice. It was…so clear, too. You truly are the one we've been waiting for, Queen Elsa. You understand the spirits as though they're speaking our language perfectly, don't you?' Yelana attempted to sound in control, but it was clear to Elsa that the Northuldra woman had precious, deep-rooted memories of the Water Spirit. Although curious, Elsa wasn't foolish enough to try her luck and dig too aggressively.

'I do.'

'Even our most spiritually in-tune members of the Northuldra could only hear faint murmurs at best, the intonation of the indistinguishable sounds our only clues to what the spirits were attempting to communicate…when they felt us worthy…'

'You spoke with the Water Spirit often, then?'

'As a young girl…' Yelana nodded slowly. 'It listened when others wouldn't.'

Elsa waited for more, but then the leader of the Northuldra changed the subject swiftly.

'What is your plan for Arendelle?'

'Pardon?' Elsa almost had whiplash the shift in conversation was so abrupt. Yelana was clearly not one to waste words or time.

'Vexing as he can be, Lieutenant Mattias raised a valid question regarding succession if you truly intend on ruling without a king.'

'I…' Elsa really didn't think now was the time, considering what was at stake, but she humoured Yelana regardless, aware it could be another form of test. 'If need be, I will pass on my legacy through Anna or to a family I trust with the lives of my people.'

'Oh?' A hidden smile almost revealed itself upon Yelana's thin lips. 'You would give up your crown and right to the throne?'

'As I said,' Elsa grew firmer, not wishing to focus on such complexities amongst the others she was being forced to juggle. 'It is all a subject of discussion, for the time being.'

Yelana hummed with amusement, standing now and helping Elsa to her feet as well with a firm and strong grip upon her hand, not letting her go once the younger woman was up.

'I've decided I can respect you, Queen Elsa; certainly more than any of those Arendellian soldiers out there.' Yelana nodded toward the camp with a roll of her eyes.

'The feeling is mutual.' Elsa replied honestly, resisting the urge to giggle.

'I place my life, alongside my people's, in your capable hands.'

'I shoulder that burden with pride.' Elsa's determination was ignited once more. 'To be trapped here for so long…I can only imagine the fear and despair.'

Yelana released Elsa, stepping back and away with her hands clasped behind her, looking up into the sky.

'I have always told our people that Ahtohallan will not abandon us. Even as the years upon years passed us by, we found peace in knowing that Mother provided despite the sins of our people's past…whatever those might be, precisely.'

'Even you don't know?' Elsa assumed as much, but for Yelana not to be aware of such an important detail seemed so strange.

'No matter how much I antagonize Mattias, no; only our chief at the time knows what happened…and he is no longer with us since that terrible fight.' Yelana motioned her hands in what must've been some form of prayer. When she was done, she met Elsa's eyes once more. 'But the dispute was distasteful enough for the spirits to lock themselves away from us, imprisoning all who survived as an attempt to pause whatever vile contempt remained. Mother discarded her children, and this piece of the world slept…until now.'

'Ahtohallan must've been the one who called for me. And when I answered…'

'The spirits did as well.' Yelana nodded. 'I heard nature cry out that day; I have no doubt that voice is the same one calling you. She seeks healing. She wishes to speak to the one worthy of the spirits and Her blessing. You are she, Elsa.' Yelana's brow furrowed. 'No matter what secrets you have, I still believe you capable of seeing this journey's end.'

A chill ran Elsa's spine. So, Yelana suspected something to be awry but clearly Elsa had managed to win the woman over to some degree, avoiding any real prying into her private life. Thank goodness.

'I intend to, yes.'

Yelana grinned, stepping past Elsa and beginning to make her way back to the campsite.

'Very well. Then, after you eat and properly prepare for the day, I will direct you to the Earth Giant's valley, where multiple iterations of the same spirit dwell and where I recommend you travel next to earn a third approval amongst the four elements.'

A wave of excitement fluttered through Elsa's stomach as she followed Yelana along the faint path Honeymaren had showed her, the fact the next step in her journey was so clear giving her leave to take a moment to properly prepare for it.

'That would be appreciated.'

'Just be aware that the Earth Spirit is sometimes as large as a mountain, and taming it, I can only assume, will be just as trying – if not more difficult – than the previous two.'

'That seems to be the going trend.' Elsa was already trying to decipher how best to earn the Earth Spirit's approval properly. Perhaps she would get lucky and simply need to explain herself? Yeah. Sure…

'Which would then leave the Water Spirit as your last hurdle.'

'…Yes.'

'That spirit has always been the most powerful and proud. It carries the weight of the world, and all of its memories as well.'

Elsa thought of Olaf's comment about water, missing the snowman suddenly now that she could focus on other things beyond the next right step.

'True.'

'And its pride will only be agitated further by your command of its power already.'

'Perhaps.' Elsa thought that made sense. Was that why the Water Spirit was so aggressive toward her? Was it why she could hear its voice so clearly and so easily compared to the other spirits? Was its masculine tone an attempt to intimidate Elsa?

The queen didn't have another moment to consider the new questions further, for when she made it to camp, she was almost immediately greeted by Lieutenant Mattias and Honeymaren, both individuals quick to approach Elsa and Yelana.

'There she is!' Mattias beamed from ear to ear, almost seeming to welcome Elsa with a hug his hands were positioned so. 'I had the pleasure of chatting with Princess Anna over dinner yesterday and was hoping to have a moment with her older sister this morning. Can't have Yelana hogging all your attention, right?'

'Not if she's interested in simpler forms of conversation, no.' Yelana shot back with a sly grin.

'Now, now. No need for that. I've been looking forward to this. I got a plate ready for you already, Queen Elsa. May I?' Mattias offered an arm, and Elsa took it after only a moment of hesitation, not wanting to be rude.

'Thank-you, Lieutenant.'

'Should I wake up Anna?' Honeymaren offered.

'Let her sleep. I'd prefer to have her rested up for what is to come.'

'Okay.'

With that, Elsa was escorted to a secluded space beyond the main congregation of individuals prepping and enjoying a rather impressive breakfast, all things considered. Some well-prepared fish, a warm soup, and even a decent cup of tea. The lieutenant must have made prior arrangements to not be disturbed, because as he showed Elsa to her collection of blankets upon the ground, like a picnic, she noticed some of his men station themselves a touch beyond herself and the man.

'There we go.' Mattias grunted, seating himself beside Elsa about two feet from her. He blew on his soup while cutting at his slices of fish. 'How did the chat with Yelana go? She can be a bit intense, huh?'

'As a leader, that is sometimes required.' Elsa defended the woman hastily, but when she saw the way Mattias' eyes widen and his mouth drop open, she tried to soften the blow. 'It inspires confidence, doesn't it?'

'It does…' The man nodded, a different sort of glee overtaking his playful visage. 'Dang. You two are polar opposites, aren't you?'

'You're referring to Anna.' Elsa's heart shuttered in delight at the thought of the girl she somehow missed now.

'Yeah.' The lieutenant thought about it a little longer. 'Yeah. Crazy. You really are his daughter. Prince Agnarr was a good, funny kid, but he also had an intensity about him when he got serious. Coming to this forest, well, something seemed to really tickle his fancy about it, because that boy lit right up when he met the Northuldra and started seeing their relationship with nature.'

'He spoke of this place with both a fondness and deep, deep sadness, if I remember correctly.' Elsa recalled.

'…The way you carry yourself. Talk. Take in everything around you. It's impressive. I told Princess Anna the same thing, but I wish I could've seen the boy rule for even a little bit, you know?'

Elsa grimaced, empathetic to Mattias' wry tone.

'When I free you from this forest, you are more than welcome to take as much time as you need to read any of my father's writings and view the many paintings of his person.'

'Heh.' Mattias bit into his fish after dipping it in his soup. 'When, huh? That's some confidence you have there.'

'With my power, I'll do it.' Elsa promised once more. 'You deserve that much Lieutenant. I'm certain my advisor and captain of the guard would be happy to have you amongst our ranks within the palace as well.'

'Yeah?' Mattias perked up.

'Certainly.' Elsa nodded. 'Sir Leonard and Lord Daryun were handpicked by me, and I trust them both with my life…as my father surely did with you.'

'They know about your secret then, I take it?'

'They did, y – ' Elsa snapped her mouth shut, panic overtaking her as she gathered her posture, regaining the momentum of the conversation she had somehow been caught up in. 'All of Arendelle is aware of my powers.'

'Nah. That ain't what I was talking about.' Mattias snickered. 'Your sister got squeamish about it, too, but I let her off the hook. Wasn't a fair fight. You, on the other hand, can take a good interrogation, I'm guessing.'

Elsa sucked in her lips, drank some more of her soup, and then waited a moment.

'Listen, so long as it doesn't threaten Arendelle or us getting out of here, fine. But I have a feeling it does on both accounts, otherwise, you wouldn't be so tense right now.'

Who on earth was this man? Elsa swallowed, barely managing the act. She steeled her nerves, but her body refused to calm as readily as she wished it would.

'Told Princess Anna the same thing: it was my job for a bunch of years. Sizing people up the second I met them? Yep. My call. Had to protect your daddy.'

'And if I were to approach my father at this moment, what would you do?' Elsa decided to ask. Mattias chuckled deeply, smiling but not as he finished his breakfast with a soft hum of satisfaction.

'Simple. I'd keep my distance, because there's something about you that goes against everything I think I understand, and it's damn freaky.'

'My magic.' Elsa tried once again.

'That…and something else. Not sure what. Not sure I want to know what. But something happened during that suitor thing, right?'

'Yes.' Elsa felt little point in attempting to deny it.

'Yeah. Seems that way.' A lengthy pause, and as was the case with Yelana, Mattias deflated the conversation willingly, to the queen's relief. However, he did so with such gentility that Elsa was suddenly reminded of her father, and an old scar was torn open in the process.

'So, you okay there, Elsa?' Mattias asked so earnestly Elsa visage broke in the smallest way, her lips twitching and her eyes shimmering with an ancient pain she hated revisiting.

'Y-yes.'

'Good.' The lieutenant went on, leaning in and looking up at Elsa with pure and utter kindness. 'Because your old man would be so proud of you I think he'd explode.'

Elsa laughed/sobbed, once more fortifying her demeanor as best as she could.

'I surely hope not.'

'You and Anna. Beautiful, smart, brave, considerate, and strong girls. The both of you. What father wouldn't be proud, huh? I'm not even your daddy and I'm gushing here.'

'I'm not so perfect…' Elsa's neck tightened.

'Didn't say that, did I?' Mattias countered swiftly. 'Nobody's perfect. Be weirder if you were. Everyone's got secrets and things they don't want others to know. So long as it's not hurting anybody – including yourself – I think we're all good.'

He was referring to Arendelle and its citizens again. Elsa and Anna had proven that they could keep their relationship hidden enough to avoid conflicting with everyday life, but now that everyone, save for the sisters, forgot about the forbidden romance to begin with, was there any risk involved whatsoever? Could Elsa confidently put this brave man's heart at ease?

'Once I am done with the Enchanted Forest, I will continue to rule Arendelle to the best of my ability. My personal business remains my own, and that's how it shall stay for the time being.'

Mattias nodded, a grin forming upon his face once more.

'That sounds good to me, I guess.' He placed his bowl and makeshift eating utensils down. 'Oh, and I volunteered to escort you all to the Earth Spirits. Hope that's okay.'

'Really?' Elsa honestly didn't mind the idea.

'Yes. It would be my honour. Don't want to travel in too large a group, but I had a word with Yelana this morning about it. She didn't mention my coming?'

'No…'

'Tch. Stubborn woman. Hates that I got the jump on her, I guess. Her only condition was to bring the brother and sister along, too. Ryder and Honeymaren?'

'Ah. Yes.' Elsa quite liked the idea of being accompanied by Honeymaren in particular. 'That's fine. You all know the forest so well. It makes sense.'

Mattias took Elsa's bowl, plate, and eating utensils, adding them to his pile.

'I'll protect you and your sister, Queen Elsa. I promise.'

'Just don't hurt yourself.' Elsa chuckled.

'Is that an order?'

'It certainly is.'

Both Elsa and Mattias laughed, and the queen grew serious, glancing about the camp before them and noting the shift in activity, the next phase of the day beginning.

'I should wake up Anna now. It's best to start the day sooner rather than later.'

'Makes sense.' Mattias cleared his throat.

'But first,' Elsa held her breath for a moment, but then spoke honestly, her heart hammering at her chest. 'Tell me something about my father I wouldn't know.'

'Oh? Like, secret young, awkward Prince Agnarr stuff?'

'Please.' Elsa tried not to let her painful resentment toward the man override the indisputable love she also felt for him no matter what. He just didn't know. Everyone was ignorant and unsure how to handle Elsa's power…

'Like what?'

'…What was he afraid of growing up?' Elsa decided, fear being a major part of her whole life; even to this day.

'Ah. That one's easy.'

'And…?' Elsa leaned in.

'Spiders.' Mattias laughed, but he must have sensed Elsa's disappointment, for his tone hardened almost shockingly fast. 'And your grandfather.'

'W-what…?' Elsa blinked. She searched Mattias stone-faced expression, but knew already it was a closed topic.

'Maybe another day, Elsa. Not before such an important trip.'

'…Okay.' Elsa was no stranger to difficult subjects, and the fact her next task involved awakening Anna, she found herself easily distracted by the ebb and flow of her anxiety surrounding her own father's presence in her life.

'Thanks.' Mattias gave the queen a soft nudge with his fist. 'Now, let's go get that little sister of yours up, huh? She's wasting the day away!'