A/N: Sorry for the delayed update. I had a bad case of writer's block; the idea was there but I could get neither the inspiration nor the motivation to put it into words for days. Finally managed to finish this chapter, however.
Happy reading!
They were brothers. Bound by blood, yet not in bond. It was an alien sensation to Hans, to seek out a kin on his own volition, having shunned them for almost the entirety of his existence.
Even more so, it was the brother he never knew. Knew of his existence, yes, but of his story?
Standing before the door now, he was about to, Hans knew.
Finally.
It was a daunting task to reach this place. For more than a month he'd been sidetracked with trivialities. Campaigns, sorties against the Alliance. All to keep his façade of being on his enemies' side. It disgusted him so, all the atrocities he committed against the innocent, all to keep his secrets. Yet for him it was necessary.
Not for the greater good of stopping a mad nation from destroying everything on its path, no.
For him, it was far more personal. Those who took his wife, his unborn child from him would pay, he swore.
And thus he steeled, campaigns through campaigns. And from one investigation to another, until finally it brought him here.
Stefan.
Breathing deeply, he swung the door open.
It was a natural marvel he'd so rarely seen in his life. One would never have guessed there was an outdoor garden of this scale and beauty inside a fortress. It was reminiscent of Elsa's very own castle garden, which he'd marveled in before.
Yet he had neither the time nor the interest to take in the breath of nature surrounding him or bask in its essence. All that mattered to him was this brother of his seemed a sentimental man; and Hans would use it to weasel his way into him.
Looking around, one would wonder how they would find one man inside a place this grand. Yet Hans didn't have to look long; the man he was looking for was there at the center of it all. He was seated before a tea table, staring wistfully at the breath of nature before him.
"Stefan," Hans approached and greeted him. He'd used his real name on purpose, as he had positioned himself as a brother, instead of a fellow soldier.
No response.
"Nice day, isn't it? And nice view. One wonders what they'd give up for this kind of bliss," Hans continued, trying to appeal to his brother's emotional side. "It wasn't easy to find you, you know."
"Magister Jeigan," Stefan said coolly, without looking up. "Why are you here?"
"It's Hans, brother," Hans insisted. "Why, you ask. I just finished the campaign to retake Broceliande. In a rare moment of reprieve such as this, would it be strange to seek to spend some quality time with my own flesh and blood?"
"We're not brothers," Stefan scoffed. "Our father disowned me, hadn't you heard?"
"Then you got the better end of the deal than I did," Hans countered. "Hadn't you ever heard how our father treated me? I'd say being disowned would be a better proposition."
"Is that why you've come?" asked Stefan, his gray pupils baring into Hans' emerald ones. His auburn hair and beard, the exact same hue as Hans' seemed to blaze in the wind. "To have a pity contest with me?"
"If that's what you'd like, brother," shrugged Hans. "I'd take anything I can get."
"And what purpose would it serve? If you're here to find out about the Magister Ghish-"
"I'm not interested in such things," Hans lied airily. "Like I said, I'm here to chat with you, as brothers."
"Is that so? Then why'd I heard rumors of someone trying to pry into the secrets of Magister Ghish's condition and whereabouts?"
"Why indeed. I know of no such tales; it is not my position to say" shrugged Hans. "All I'm concerned about, for the past six months I've been here, I've never been able to sit next to you like this. We're brothers. Isn't that strange?"
"We're soldiers of Nordgard," said Stefan firmly. "We should be where our duty calls."
"All work and no play makes us dull boys, brother. If it would please you, how about a game of chess next time? Or cards? I must warn you though, I'm rather good at those."
"A pointless pastime," Stefan nodded sarcastically. "I'll pass."
"Well, it beats staring at flowers all day, doesn't it?" Hans shrugged. Stefan shot him a momentary look that might have been of anger, surprising him. "Or perhaps you can suggest something more… productive?"
The older brother kept mum, prompting a sigh from the younger one.
"Tell me, Stefan, is it true?"
"What is?"
"Did our brothers kill your wife?"
Stefan stood up so abruptly and with such a force that knocked his chair over, surprising even Hans. Wordlessly, the Magister Zelgabaarth donned his helmet and walked away, leaving the seemingly dumbstruck Hans alone.
Once the older brother was out of sight, however, the corners of Hans' mouth twisted into a smirk. That last question and the reaction that entails were all the confirmation he needed.
He had won today's game.
Anna's legs felt stiff. Beneath all the regalia she was wearing, she was starting to sweat buckets. Even the early wintry breeze did little to soothe the stuffy air inside the throne room.
And her anxiety for her incoming guests didn't help matters anyway.
"The King and Queen of Corona have arrived!" came the announcement, finally, to her relief. Any longer and she wouldn't be able to maintain this stiff posture.
From the edge of the hall came the King and Queen of Corona. Her very own Uncle Tomas and Aunt Rosa. Battered from the journey as they must be, they still maintained their regal poise and dignity as the monarchs of Corona.
Behind them trailed Rapunzel and Eugene, who although looked a little less poised than the elder couple, still walked tall as royalty.
Anna would have liked nothing more than to run and hug them, yet protocols had to be followed.
Protocols, protocols. Something that Elsa would always nag on her, Anna chuckled inwardly.
"Well met, Princess Regent Anna," the King addressed her, bowing. "We are grateful for your assistance in sheltering us during these grave times."
"Well met, King Tomas," Anna curtsied, mirroring her uncle's formal address. "It is our pleasure to have been of help to you."
As Corona was still occupied by Nordgard, the royal family had come to Arendelle for political asylum. Nothing would make Anna happier, if truth be told, but Elsa warned her that there would be factions in Arendelle court which would not greet the idea of having to deal with political refugees with such open arms. Especially during this time of strife and turmoil. Nevertheless, the argument for accepting the Royal Family of Corona seemed to have won out based on blood relations of the royals and the pacts of the Alliance… at least for now.
"I am sure you must be fatigued from your journey," Anna continued. "Please allow Kai to show you to your chambers."
The royal butler smiled and nodded at the Princess of Arendelle and the King of Corona.
"Thank you, Your Highness," bowed the King again. "We would take your gracious offer and excuse ourselves, then."
The royal entourage excused themselves, each paying their respect to the Princess Regent. In turn, Anna gave Rapunzel and Eugene a swift wink, wordlessly promising to meet up with them once the formalities were over.
"You did WHAT!?"
"Ssh! Eugene!"
"…Oh! Sorry!"
The Prince of Corona almost choked himself on his biscuit; Anna'd just told them the whole story about Elsa's survival and how she ended up on the wrong side of the Enchanted Forest.
… The 'wrong' part was debatable, of course, but Anna didn't tell them that.
The trio were having tea inside Elsa's secret garden, away from prying eyes and ears.
"So… Elsa is all fine then? That's a relief," Rapunzel said, affectionately holding Anna's hand. Anna nodded and smiled back at her.
"Sorry, but.. this is just crazy," Eugene ruffled his hair. "You're telling me not only Elsa is safe, but now she's trapped in some magical land with no way out? And the only way she can get out is to solve an ancient conspiracy?"
"Eugene!" scolded Rapunzel.
"That's okay, Punzie," Anna shook her head and turned to Eugene. "Yes, and in addition to you two, only Kristoff and Olaf know about this. Not one else in Arendelle knows this, and I'd like to keep it that way. Please."
"Don't worry Anna. We'll be sure to keep it between ourselves," said Rapunzel, squeezing the Princess Regent's hands. "Is there anything else we can do for you to help?"
Anna shook her head. "I appreciate the sentiment, Punzie, but not right now. Besides, you two can still use a little more rest after that voyage. I'm sure it hasn't been easy for you either."
"It hasn't," Rapunzel nodded. "But we had help along the way. The Loyalist spies in Corona, as well as The Southern Isles had arranged everything for our escape, and our journey was rather smooth, if dangerous. I assume Father had already set this backup plan long ago, even before Nordgard invaded us."
Rapunzel breathed deeply before continuing.
"But the greatest help we had came, ironically, from a Nordgardian. The day the throne fell, this… man, clad in full armor and a masked helmet, came to our rescue. Just as the Nordgardian soldiers present were about to execute all of us. Father said he was a Magister, one of the highest ranked soldiers in the Nordgardian army. I wonder why he did that.. letting us go…"
Magister? Could it be… Hans?
"Anna? Do you know something about it?" asked Eugene. Perceptive as ever, he did not miss the change in Anna's behavior the moment she heard Rapunzel's story.
"… Oh! N-no, I don't have any idea…" Anna shook her head profusely. Eugene and Rapunzel exchanged looks, and Anna knew they weren't convinced, but was relieved that they didn't pursue the matter.
"If you say so," Eugene shrugged. "But what are you going to do now? With Elsa still gone and this war…"
"Hold the fort, I guess," Anna said wistfully. "Until the day the war is over… and my sister is back here, safe and sound."
…I did spend a lot of my power to open that gateway between you and your sister the last time, you know? complained the Spirit. Do you have any idea how hard it was to get through all the magical interference within the fog and establish a nexus that allowed you two to talk? Not to mention-
"Thank you, Gale," Elsa smiled sweetly.
… Ugh. Snorted the Spirit, defeated. It couldn't retaliate; not when a pregnant woman sincerely thanked her like that.
Having learned a few psychological tricks from Hans truly proved invaluable sometimes. Elsa chuckled at the notion that some of her husband's sleights were especially effective in gaining favours and leverages from elemental Spirits.
On the other hand, Gale was an invaluable help – not only its presence now had eased the villagers' lives greatly, it also helped Elsa immensely. If only the mischievous Spirit wasn't so obnoxious at times, it'd be a perfect partner for this trip, Elsa thought.
Speaking of which, are you really sure about this trip?
… Like such, a question that was asked for god knows how many times already.
"Well, you've always been Ahtohallan this and Ahtohallan that, so I figured, why not take the chance to look now?"
Especially since her body would still allow such trips. Elsa'd entered her sixth month of pregnancy, and as days passed she could feel her body becoming slower and heavier. Even when she was riding atop a reindeer (courtesy of Ryder), she still felt uncomfortable with all the rocking and bumping, whereas the swaying would never have bothered her three months ago.
And to make matters worse, her magic was diminishing.
The cold wouldn't come as easily to her as before, and Elsa was perplexed as to the reason why.
I don't know, Elsa, answered Gale when Elsa asked the Spirit about it. Elsa could picture the Spirit shaking its head if it were human. I think it may be something with your body. Or more specifically, the baby inside you. Your body might be trying to conserve whatever power is inside your body for the baby. Then again, I'm not fully sure. We Spirits never have to deal with this problem, after all. Oh, the joy of not having a living body!
Elsa rolled her eyes at the Wind Spirit's self-gratification. Well, not that she cared much, anyway - she'd gladly give up anything for the sake of her child; her powers, even her life. She just had to admit she found it rather troublesome, however, to be losing it at this point of time.
But still, you know, your sister said not to push yourself-
"And I'm not. I'm simply going to take a look," Elsa said airily.
The young queen knew that from the way the Wind Spirit spoke, it was hiding something. Gale was all over about her going to Ahtohallan when suddenly it seemed to change its mind and try to dissuade her from continuing? Something didn't add up here.
They rode on (Gale was floating… whatever) and on until they finally got out of the woods… and arrived at the barren part of the hills.
The sky was dark and the air cold. The soil was dry and unliving. Whatever few vegetations that grew upon it were withering. It was such a contrast from the vibrant greeneries they had just passed through mere moments ago.
Even Gale had become eerily quiet now.
So, we're here, came the Wind Spirit's voice, uncharacteristically heavy and serious, with none of the playfulness it had just minutes ago.
"Gale?"
Brace yourself, Elsa. What you're about to see… is not pleasant.
The young queen did not have to ask her question; the answer laid bare before her.
"It can't be…"
There it was, the Nordstjernen. The former flagship of Arendelle. And the ship last boarded by her father and mother.
Washed ashore and wrecked. Ghastly and dilapidated, with no sign of life around it.
Elsa didn't even notice she'd dismounted; indeed, she failed to notice any of her surroundings. Not the weight of her stomach. And not even her breath that was getting ragged by the second. Only the ship in front of her mattered as she ran and ran towards it.
How could it be here? How could they be here?
A mixture of hope and fear engulfed her as she continued to run across the hill. The cavity that was punched through the belly of the ship, probably due to the impact of the landing, was large enough for her to jump inside without hindrance.
And whatever hope she had left inside of her was quashed.
It was a complete desolation, devoid of life. Cool winter light crept through the crevices of the ship, yet it did little to brighten the interior.
Elsa…
"Why is this ship here?" Elsa whispered. Not to Gale, nor anyone, but more to herself. She frantically rummaged through the ship's interior, trying desperately to find any sign of her parents.
"It must have swept away from the Dark Sea…" the young queen breathed heavily. "But why? How? Even I couldn't get through the mist. Unless…"
No. It wasn't us, Elsa. The ship was empty when it crashed here.
"No… no! It can't-"
I'm sorry…
Her eyes were stinging; tears threatened to gush out of their corners. It was the flash of an idea that quelled her tears from falling.
"Every Arendellian ship has a waterproof compartment."
Drawing deep from her memories of her nautical lessons, Elsa located a small cabinet beneath the corner of the wall. She gave it a nudge and it opened with a click, revealing a steel tube the size of her arm from behind it. Holding her breath, she opened its side and drew a parchment from the inside.
With anxious heart, she unraveled the parchment and saw before her an arrangement of alien symbols.
But what caught her attention was the handwriting at the topmost left corner.
"Mama's handwriting," she breathed.
The river found, but lost.
Magic's source. Elsa's source?
As her curiosity heightened, something fell from behind the parchment. It was… another parchment.
No, it was a map. A map of the Northwest Regions, with a route drawn on it. From Arendelle to…
Ahtohallan.
"Gale?" Elsa breathed, her voice trembling.
Yes, Elsa? came the Wind Spirit's voice, still devoid of its characteristic humor and glee.
"Can you please tell me… what happened to my father and mother?"
Well I…
"Please."
Very well. Concentrate, Elsa. Feel the power that remains in you. When the elements collide, the truth shall be revealed, like it did before.
Elsa did not need elaboration – instinctively, she closed her eyes drew deep from the cold within her. Droplets of water started to float and gather around her, and when she opened her eyes, they formed a swarm, and slowly a figure of ice.
Elsa's tears finally fell as the truth before her was laid bare: there stood the icy figure of her parents, embracing each other as the frozen waves swallowed them.
"Papa… mama…" she sobbed, sinking to her knees.
It was because of her.
They died for her.
The Wind Spirit floated around in silence; only the echoes of Elsa's crying filled the corners of the derelict ship.
It was strange.
She would have blamed herself for it, for causing her parents to meet their demise.
She would have cursed herself for being their bane.
Yet the warmth that came from her belly told her otherwise.
That it was not her fault.
Any parent would lay down their life for their child, as she herself could now understand that feeling too. The baby inside her belly wasn't even yet born, yet there was nothing she wouldn't do for him... or her.
And the feeling that she could feel now… was gratitude. Gratitude that pulled her out from the bottom of despair.
Her parents efforts wouldn't be for naught – she would continue where they left and see it through to the end.
"Gale," she said, her voice steady. She brushed herself up and wiped off her tears. "Take me to Ahtohallan."
Well… That's a little…
"Fine then, I'll go by myself."
Wait, that's not what I mean-
BOOM
A deafening crash and the whole ship was shook, nearly knocking Elsa off balance.
"What was that!?"
This is bad… I didn't tell him we're coming. We have to get out of here, quick!
"He!? What on earth-"
Get out of here, Elsa, NOW!
Wasting no time, Elsa quickly dashed for the cavity from where she came in. Once she'd made her way out, she saw before her a tidal wave so colossal that it blotted out the sky.
Hurry up Elsa and run! urged Gale.
Yet the Snow Queen did not flinch. Diminished as her powers were, she still managed to summon the cold onto her fingertips, and braced herself for what's coming.
Elsa, what are you doing!?
"I have to stop it! Otherwise, everything on the fjord will be swept away! The Northuldra… everyone!"
There you go with your suicidal tendencies again! It's not me this time, Elsa! He won't stop until-
"Then who!? It's useless to bluff, Gale! I'm not walking away! Not until you call this off and tell me why exactly you want to keep me from Ahtohallan, despite pushing me so much earlier!"
A raspy sound, not unlike a heavy sigh, filled the air. Then the Wind Spirit's voice echoed far and wide, reaching into the distance.
Stand down, Nokk! The girl is too smart – we can't bluff her!
At the Wind Spirit's call, the wave immediately retracted itself back into the so swiftly it was unnatural. And surreal. Even at the zenith of her powers, Elsa wasn't sure if she could manage such a feat.
In the place where the colossal wave of water stood was a dancing geyser. A small pillar of water that twisted and turned, slowly and gracefully, until it settled on the form of a horse.
Well, what are you waiting for? came the Wind Spirit's voice. Let's go and greet our friend Nokk there.
At Gale's invitation, Elsa slowly approached the watery horse-like figure. It reminded her fleetingly of Diamant, her beloved mare back home, with its long and lush mane and lithe frame.
Elsa, meet Nokk. The Water Spirit. Nokk, meet Elsa. Ah, but you already did.
"Hello there-"
"Elsa."
The Water Spirit's voice startled her. It was deep and rich masculine voice that came precisely from the horse, much unlike Gale's voice which floated and seemed to spew from every different angle.
"Queen of Arendelle. Daughter of Agnarr and Iduna." Addressed the Water Spirit, to which Elsa nodded. "Sylph brought you here."
Hey, I told you not to use that Name! It's Gale now-
"Why."
Why? Well, Queenie here insists she wants to go to Ahtohallan!
"Go to Ahtohallan," the Water Spirit repeated with its silky voice.
"Yes," Elsa nodded. "Can you please help me?"
Elsa was hopeful. If only she could get the Water Spirit to help her too…
"Go to Ahtohallan, you die. You. And your baby."
A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed that? A few reviews and feedbacks, anything you'd like to see, perhaps? They wouldn't hurt; they give me inspirations I needed to continue the story, I kid you not. Maybe even clear a writer's block or two. :P