CHAPTER FOURTEEN: EDEN'S FRIENDS

Ayla guided Raven into the living room and sat her on the couch before kneeling in front of her and wiped away the dirt from her arms and face, not tearing her eyes from Raven's teared up face. Raven noticed her mother looking at her with strong concern and quickly looked away as another tear threatened to leave her eyes. I have to tell her.

Ayla laid down the rag and took her daughter's shaking, scratched hands in her's and softly said, "Raven."

Raven look at her mother and Ayla wiped away her tears before continuing, "I need to tell you something. Elsa made me swear not to tell anyone when she told me, but I can't keep it from you anymore." Raven gave her more attention, interested even more.

"All that I ask is that you remember is that I kept this from you to protect you, because I love you. Please tell me you understand," Ayla begged with an anxious tone and Raven replied softly, "I understand."

"Years ago, your father did something to protect me, because it's your father's loyal nature. However, your father was associated with very bad people that tried to hurt Queen Elsa and her family. Somehow this knowledge was leaked to the public and your father felt he had to leave for our own good. This all happened when I discovered I was pregnant with you. He didn't abandon us and he hasn't stopped loving us."

Raven began to tear up again and Ayla quickly embraced her daughter and held her in her motherly arms as Raven sobbed into her shirt.

Elsa and Kristoff were seated in the Library, each in a nice chair in front of the fireplace and reading a book. More like Elsa was actually reading and Kristoff was just there to hold Elsa's free hand and hold his book as he stared at it intensely. Elsa noticed how serious his face was as he read, "What are you reading?"

"Haven't a clue," he casually replied, not removing his eyes from the pages. Elsa laughed lightly when she looked at the cover and saw he was holding it upside down. "Here, maybe this will help." She flipped the book for him. "I can read, it's a miracle," Kristoff joked, "What the heck! What am I reading? I'm going to pick something else."

Elsa just repositioned her glasses, smiling and shaking her head as she watched Kristoff stand up and walk over to the shelf. "Elsa?"

"Yeah?"

"Where's that dirty poetry book? The one I found and discovered you have been secretly reading years ago," Kristoff asked.

"I keep that in our room. Joseph and Eden don't need to be learning about that particular topic from a book. Better they learn it from us," Elsa explained. "I'm just happy you gave Joseph the talk before we agreed to him and Heidi spending time together."

"Uh…" Kristoff said, starting to sweat.

"Kristoff? You DID give Joseph the talk, right?" Elsa prodded with a more regal tone.

"Uh…I love you," Kristoff smiled innocently and replied randomly, hoping to ease her frustration.

Elsa shot up out of the chair and began marching out but Kristoff ran up to her and grabbed her arm, "I was going to talk to him, but he seemed more interested in training with the soldiers than girls. I was waiting for him to come to me with questions so we could ease into the Talk. You don't just drop that lecture on your teenage son."

"Watch me," Elsa replied and turned only to see Joseph entering. "Joseph, we need to talk."

"Yeah. I was just coming to find you, Mother. Father. I need your counsel on something very important," Joseph requested and Kristoff whispered in her ear, "See?"

"Okay, let's talk," Elsa said. She and Kristoff sat back down in their chairs while Joseph stood before them.

"I don't know where to start," he thought out loud.

"Is it about Heidi?" Kristoff asked.

Joseph instantly looked at him and thought for a second and nodded, "Yeah, I guess. Heidi was there when it happened."

"When WHAT happened?!" Elsa demanded, sitting in her regal pose and raising her voice.

"Elsa, take it easy. Let's hear him out," Kristoff whispered to her.

"Heidi and I were out walking back from the cave she found and saw a group of older kids attacking a dark hair girl," Joseph explained, "Heidi and I drove them off, but the girl who was attacked was very shaken. As Prince, I should be using my power to fix things. Bullying has become a real issue in Arendelle for younger children and that needs to change. How do I go about it?"

Kristoff and Elsa were looking at him with surprise. This wasn't the conversation they were expecting and were equally surprised that Joseph was coming to them for advice about a royal matter. More and more he was trying to actually act like a prince.

"You said a dark hair girl?" Kristoff asked and said to Elsa, "Sounds like Raven, Ayla's daughter. Anna said Raven likes to watch Joseph and the soldiers train in the gardens. She's been secretly practicing how to fight behind the bushes."

"Really?" Elsa asked. Raven was usually very shy and distant. She's got her father's blood in her and that meant it was essential a father figure be in her life during this time. I have to summon Elias. It's time he stopped hiding from them.

"Yeah. Anna tried to invite her, but she got scared and took off," Kristoff finished and Elsa smiled when an idea came to her. Two birds, one stone.

"You have an idea, Elsa?" Kristoff asked, seeing his wife's pleased expression.

"Yes, I believe I do. I'm going to stop by Ayla's,"

Joseph spoke up, "No. I just needed your counsel. I didn't come here so you could fix this for me. I may be your son, but I'm still the Prince of Arendelle. It has to be me that fixes this."

Elsa was silent and stared at Joseph. "Very well. What did you have in mind then Joseph? If you don't want your father and I to be involved, how do you wish to proceed?"

Joseph thought, "I want to attend regular classes like Heidi and Raven."

Kristoff and Elsa gave each other a look. Elsa looked back at Joseph, "Very well, but your meetings with your tutors must continue. If you are to take our place as the ruler of Arendelle when you come of age, you need to be ready. Do I make myself clear?"

Joseph's face lit up and he quickly hugged his mother for the first time in many years. This caught Elsa off guard and she seized the moment and hugged him back with a smile, enjoying her son's embrace. He tried to pull away, but her hold tightened. "Uh…Mother? You can let go now."

Elsa pulled him closer and giggled, "Don't tell your mother what to do."

Kristoff decided he was going to join the hug too and hugged them both from behind Joseph so he couldn't get away. Joseph suddenly got uncomfortable and wiggled out, "Okay, that's it. I'm out of here. Need space here, people."

The two watched him leave their embrace and the room. Kristoff looked over at Elsa who looked like she was missing she was missing Joseph's hug already. "I remember days when he wasn't so opposed to hugging."

Kristoff chuckled, "Don't take it personally, Elsa. That's what teenagers do. Boys in particular. Just be grateful we still have Eden. She can't get enough of hugs."

"Where is she?" Elsa asked.

"I'll go check the stables. She likes visiting Sven and the horses. You check her room. She also likes isolation," Kristoff shared.

Isolation. Right. It amazed and terrified Elsa how much Eden reminded her of herself at that age. She walked for Eden's room while Kristoff headed for the stables. Kristoff smiled when he heard Eden laughing and talking. He peeked in the stables and saw Sven's stall door open and he glanced inside.

"Really? You met Papa when you both were chased by wolves?" Eden asked and Sven nodded.

Kristoff spoke up, "I don't remember sharing that story."

Eden backed away from Sven and had tremendous guilt on her face before she looked away, "Yes you did, Papa. We fell asleep on the couch after you shared the story." Eden was shaking and avoiding his eyes as if he caught her in something but he just shrugged it off, "Your mother is looking for you. I think she wants to talk to you about you skipping your studies and not attending social gatherings."

Eden instantly looked at him and he nodded, "Yep, we know. The tutor and nobles ratted you out. Let's go." Kristoff picked her up and carried her inside. He could feel her shaking in his arms. Where do you even go when you disappear like that?

Elsa came downstairs from Eden's room to the stables to see if Kristoff found her. She stopped when she saw Kristoff carrying Eden back inside and smiled. Eden cautiously approached her mother and avoided her eyes, which Elsa noticed. Elsa began, "Eden-"

Eden began to cry, "I'm sorry, Mama. I'm sorry. Please…don't be angry."

Elsa hugged her, "Sweety, I'm not upset. I was just wandering where you were."

Eden wiped her eyes, "You're not mad about me skipping studies and meeting with the noble children?"

"Not exactly. We are going to have a talk about that, but not today," Elsa hugged her gently.

"I…have been hanging out with my friends," Eden felt compelled to explain herself.

"Friends? I think I want to meet these friends of yours," Elsa pulled away and smiled, "If you were already socializing with others, I wouldn't have set up meetings with those noble children. You were having difficulty and I was just trying to help you get used to being around others. I didn't want your childhood to be lonely and closed off…like mine was. Tell me. Who exactly are these friends of yours? I'm very curious now."

Eden became very hesitant and struggled to explain the truth to her parents. How could they understand? The thought of them learning her secret terrified her too much. "I…"

A revelation came to Kristoff. I NEVER told her how I met Sven. I'm sure of it. "Eden, are your friends - ?"

Eden shot him a panicked look, "Please, don't!"

Both Elsa and Kristoff looked at her with shock by her outburst. Eden immediately regretted raising her voice and rushed out of the palace. "Eden!" Elsa called, but Eden just ran away faster.

Anna and Aesir heard the commotion and rushed downstairs. "What's going on?!"

"Eden just- I don't know what has gotten into her," Elsa explained. "She took off."

"Don't worry, Elsa. We'll help you find her," Anna said and the three went. Kristoff was already going after her.

Kristoff, being a mountain man, knew how to track a trail and knew his children's well. He followed Eden into the forest surrounding their kingdom and peaked around a tree to see her on a boulder crying, "Please come out. I don't know what to do."

What Kristoff saw next was amazing and breathtaking. He quietly left to find the others. Elsa rushed to him when he found them. "Where is she, Kristoff? Where's Eden?"

Kristoff smiled and took her hand. He held a finger to his mouth and whispered, "Don't make any noise. Quietly follow me."

Elsa, Anna and Aesir looked at him with confusion as he led them to where Eden was and he gestured they peak around the tree. All of their eyes widened when they saw Eden sitting on a boulder happy and surrounded by many different animals. Squirrels. Rabbits. Reindeer. Wolves.

Eden giggled, "You always know how to make me laugh, Lyca." She affectionately hugged a a wolf around the head the wolf cuddled with her.

Elsa shout Kristoff a look and Kristoff answered her quiet question. "She's like you, Elsa."

Elsa began to tear up. My baby…is like me? Kristoff was about to step forward, but Elsa stopped him, "No. There's a reason she kept this from us. I don't want my daughter to be afraid of hiding this from us. Let's leave her be."

"Your daughter can communicate with Animals, Elsa. She's magical. We should step out now and show her it's okay," Anna argued.

Elsa walked away ignoring Anna. Since Eden has been keeping this a secret from her, it meant she wasn't welcomed in her daughter's secret world. Elsa chose to respect that and not disturb Eden socializing with her friends.

Anna was about to yell, but Aesir quieted her and guided her away and Kristoff took one last look at his daughter. He wasn't sure how he felt about there being wolves around his daughter, but they seemed friendly with her. So, he left as well, trusting she would be okay.

Hours later, Eden passed through the halls. She stopped in front of her parents' room. They looked like they were talking. Probably about her behavior earlier. She knocked and they both instantly softened in their faces. Eden entered and hugged them both goodnight. "Good night, Mama, Good night, Papa." When Eden hugged her mother, Elsa whispered softly in her ear, "I love you, Eden. I'll be here when you are ready to tell me." Elsa could feel Eden instantly tense up in her gentle maternal embrace before pulling away and asked innocently, "Tell you what?"

Eden tried to hide her fear but Elsa could still read the subtle hints in her face and just smiled, "Nothing. Sleep well, my beautiful angel." Eden seemed to calm slightly as her eyes widened slightly when her mother stroked her cheek affectionately with her hand.

Eden turned to leave but returned to her mother's arms, "Can I ask you something, Mama?"

Elsa became very excited inside, thinking Eden was going to finally tell her and replied, "Yes. Ask me anything."

"Why did you name me Eden? Papa said it was your idea," Eden said.

Elsa wasn't sure what she felt. Shock by Eden's question? Disappointment that it wasn't the question she was hoping to hear? Maybe it was all of it. Elsa shot Kristoff a look who was just smiling mischievously. Elsa's eyes returned to Eden's and she kissed her forehead, "We'll save that for another time. It's late. You should head to bed. Okay?"

Eden gave her mother a pouty look that melted her heart. "Bed, young lady," Elsa giggled and playfully poked her daughter's nose like a button. Eden smiled lightly and walked out, closing the door behind her.

Kristoff's eyes were glued on the door as Eden left, "Give her time. She'll come around." When he turned his eyes back to Elsa, he was instantly pulled into bed by Elsa and Elsa quickly climbed on top of him, holding his face by the chiseled chin, forcing him to look into her cold, intense eyes. "You listen and you listen well. I don't care what games you play. I am NOT having that conversation with our daughter. Do. You. Understand?"

Kristoff smiled before quickly flipping places with her. "Whatever you say, Feisty Pants," He whispered before kissing her lips.

Next morning, children of different ages left their homes after rising early to eat breakfast and get ready for school. As one of Queen Elsa's many improvements to Arendelle, the once humble small school house ran by Mr. and Mrs. Olsen was built up to accommodate the increase of children in Arendelle's growing population. Since Mr. & Mrs. Olsen had long since retired during Elsa's first year of ruling, the replacement, Miss Evelyn, took over.

The young teacher was honored to be personally chosen by Queen Elsa herself and immediately jumped on the opportunity when it was offered years ago when the Queen needed tutors for the young Prince. She could recall teaching the three-year-old in the Royal Garden and meeting his royal bodyguard, Aesir. Queen Elsa and Princess Anna both graced her with their presence that day while they sat on the nearby bench. She may have found Aesir charming and handsome but knew better than to mess with a taken man, secretly catching the disapproving look Anna had when Aesir formally kissed her hand. Months after that, she met a handsome man who suited her better. He was tall, handsome, had dark hair, jacked with muscles from his job as an ice harvester. She was going to meet with him for their date after class and was looking forward to it.

She loved children and had a passion for teaching and knowledge. As she walked to the now larger school house, she could see children pouring into the building. Prior to this morning, she had a brief talk with the Queen who informed her of her son's interest in attending her classes. She was unsure why the eldest Prince wished to do so since the royals got their private lessons within the palace, but she did not question the instructions given to her.

Heidi saw Raven sitting in a nearby chair in the back. Raven was obviously too shy to answer any of the teacher's questions and was trying to hide behind the larger kids in front. Smart girl. She and I are going to get along perfectly. "Hey, I remember you. You're Raven, right? I'm Heidi."

Raven's face lit up when she saw the girl who helped her the other day. She was older than her by a few years, had scarlet red hair and bright green eyes. Her face also had freckles on it. "I remember you. You and the Prince saved me yesterday."

"The one and only," Heidi laughed, "May I sit here with you?"

Raven eagerly nodded, perfectly comfortable with sitting next to Heidi. "Thank you…for what you did."

Heidi smiled, "What are friends for? How are you feeling?"

Friends? Raven didn't see anything wrong with being Heidi's friend and didn't reject her friendship. "I'm fine. Thank you for asking."

"Good morning, class," Miss Evelyn greeted after walking down to the front and facing the students.

"Good morning, Miss Evelyn," the class greeted.

"We have a new student who will be joining us temporarily. Please welcome, PRINCE JOSEPH," Miss Evelyn introduced and Prince Joseph entered and stood by the door. The other students were surprised and excited, all clapping and cheering.

Heidi was shocked, completely caught off guard. "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING."

Joseph looked at Heidi and gave her a wink and Heidi looked away, shaking her head and smiling.

"Okay, class, settle down. Prince Joseph, please choose your seat and we'll get started," Miss Evelyn instructed and the Prince sat next to Raven and Heidi. Raven was in between them and suddenly acting strangely.

Heidi leaned forward and demanded, "What are you doing here? When did this happen?"

"Last night. I discussed it with my parents and they approved," Joseph explained, gesturing to Raven with his eyes. Heidi instantly understood and nodded. She took a glance at Raven. Raven was obviously very shy around Prince Joseph, but secretly harbored interest since she saw her sneak a glance at him and was playing with her long black hair and fidgeting with her fingers nervously. Heidi smiled. Oh, this is going to be fun.

After class was over and the students were leaving for lunch break, Raven seemed eager to leave and tried to rush past Joseph but caused him to almost fall back in his seat with her against him. She pushed away from him and said frantically, "I'm- I'm sorry."

Joseph smiled, "No need to apologize. Please. Ladies first." He stood up so he could give her space so she could leave before him. He saw the smile on Heidi's face, "What?"

"No, I think I'm going to keep that to myself for now so I can enjoy the show," Heidi teased.

Joseph was confused and asked again, "What?"

Raven was going to go home to grab some fruit to eat but stopped when she saw the same bullies from yesterday, all huddled in a group and eyeing her. Heidi caught up with her and suggested, "Prince Joseph and I were going to go eat at this place in the Market Square. Why don't you join us? Prince Joseph said it's on his tab."

"Yes, please," Raven immediately accepted, stepping closer to them for safety. Her voice was shaky and afraid. Both Joseph and Heidi noticed the group of boys and escorted Raven past them.

"See you later…Raven," one of the bullies threatened as they walked by and Joseph instantly punched him, startling the others. Nearby students witnessed the commotion.

Joseph stood protectively between Raven and the five boys. Heidi held Raven close and had a fist ready. Joseph spoke loud and clear, "Raven is with us. She's under our protection. You mess with her; you mess with me and Heidi. Now get up so we can finish what we started yesterday."

The bullies all left with scowls and Raven began to tear up. Heidi gave her a hug. "It's okay. They're gone. Come on. Let's pig out. Remember, Joseph's buying." Joseph smiled and he locked his eyes with Raven when she glanced at him. She blushed and quickly looked away. They left the school to enjoy some good food at Joseph's favorite place: the Meat Shack, that was near the Market Square. As soon as they entered, the wife greeted loudly, "Well, look whose here! BETTER GET A MOVE ON, BROTHER! THE CARNIVORE IS BACK!"

Raven looked around, not familiar with this place, so Joseph explained, "They serve meat here. Jack is a butcher and his sister; Jill cooks and serves. They serve all kinds of meat here. Poultry. Beef. Pork. Fish. Venison. Crustacean."

"Don't forget snake," Heidi reminded him and Raven looked at them both with shock. Heidi said to her, "Don't try that. No matter what Jack or Jill say, it does not taste like chicken."

Jill greeted her new customers, "What can I get for you, children?"

"Beef steak," Joseph said.

"I'll have some pork," Heidi replied.

Raven had to think for a second, "Chicken please."

All three sat at the counter. There were three seats left and Heidi chose her's quickly so Raven would have to sit next to Joseph. Raven was startled at first but eventually sat down next to him.

"There are sure a lot of students at school," Joseph spoke up.

"Welcome to PUBLIC school, rich boy," Heidi teased. "I bet there's groups of friends in that school. Which group are you in Raven?"

"I…don't have any friends," Raven muttered, looking down at her hands on the counter.

Joseph and Heidi shot eat other looks and nodded with smiles. Joseph placed a hand on Raven's shoulder and smiled, "You do now." Heidi touched her other shoulder, "That's right. For now on, we're friends."

Raven smiled, feeling warm and happy inside.

"We need a cool name for our group. I bet the other groups of students at school have names," Joseph said.

"How about…THE HOLY TRINITY. Nope that's already taken. Dang it," Heidi suggested, going along with Joseph's ignorant question.

"JosepHeidiRaven?" Raven joined the conversation, suggesting something.

Joseph and Heidi were silent briefly before replying in unison, "Nah!"

"THE BIG THREE," Raven suggested the alternative and Joseph and Heidi both smiled as if really pleased.

"The Big Three it is then," Joseph laughed, raising his glass.

"To the Big Three," Heidi said, raising her glass and all three gently clanked their glasses of water together.

After enjoying their meals finishing classes, Joseph and Heidi escorted Raven home. Heidi and Joseph walked behind her. "I think someone likes you," Heidi teased with a whisper.

"Really? Who?" Joseph asked, completely oblivious.

Heidi stared at him like he was stupid and gestured to Raven, who was ahead.

"Raven?" Joseph asked, obviously surprised.

"Can you blame her? A girl who has no friends gets saved twice from bullies by the great Prince of Arendelle. The way she's been acting when she's close to you- It's painfully obvious she has a thing for you now."

Joseph stopped, "But I thought we…"

Heidi looked at him. She and Joseph had been close friends since they were three. Recently, she began to develop feelings for him, but masked it with her jabs at his masculinity, unsure if he felt the same way. However, when she heard him attempt to bring up THEM, that shattered any doubt. I'm sorry, Joseph, but I think Raven needs you more than I do. Thanks for at least being my friend. "We what?" she asked, playing dumb.

Joseph sighed, "Nothing."

"If you doubt what I said about Raven, invite her to training tomorrow," Heidi encouraged. "Go on, and use some of that Princely charm I know you have."

Joseph looked at Raven but was lost what to do, but managed to say, "Raven?"

Raven turned and looked at him, "Yes, Your Majesty?" She felt nervous, looking him in the eyes.

Joseph was suddenly at a lost for words, "I…uh-" Heidi rolled her eyes and pushed him forward into Raven.

Joseph instinctively held Raven in his arms when he gently crashed into her. He pulled away when he saw her face red from how close he was to her. "I enjoyed spending time with you today. Would you…like to come to training tomorrow?"

"Okay," Raven said, holding her books close to her chest while moving a stand of hair out of her face.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Joseph smiled sheepishly while nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah," Raven nodded with a smile before walking into her home and keeping her eyes focused on his as she closed the door. Joseph began walking home.

Heidi came to his side, "Perfect. Now, you can impress her with your training tomorrow. Chicks dig that."

"Really?" Joseph asked.

"Trust me. She'll be putty in your hands," Heidi smiled.

"I overheard my father say Anna told him that she found Raven secretly watching and practicing the moves we were doing," Joseph recalled.

"So now you know she's interested in combat like you. You can use that tomorrow," Heidi encouraged. "Just try not to make yourself look like a fool." Heidi kissed him on the cheek. She shouldn't have but she couldn't resist. If friends were all she and Joseph were going to be, she had to get it out of her system before she changed her mind.

"I'll try," Joseph smiled, toughing the spot on his cheek where she kissed him. "You should come tomorrow too. Aesir and the guys will be expecting you as well."

"I'll definitely be there," Heidi smiled before leaving to return home.

Prince Joseph saw a woman picking up art supplies that she dropped and quickly rushed over to help her. "Here. Let me help you."

"Thank you, young man," the woman replied and she smiled when she looked up at him. "Prince Joseph! What a surprise! It's me, Ayla. I'm a friend of your parents."

Joseph instantly remembered, "Oh, hi. I remember you. When I was very little- The nice lady in the park! You also painted our family portrait when Eden was three."

Ayla giggled, "I'm surprised you still remember me. It has been several years." She remembered what Aesir said yesterday and her smile faded, "What you and Heidi did for Raven yesterday. Thank you. What they did to my baby-"

"That's not going to happen again. I recently joined the school to start changing that. Heidi and I had the privilege of spending time with Raven today. She's perfect- I mean-! She really nice! She's a nice person!"

Ayla giggled, "I think I get the picture."

"I invited Raven to training tomorrow. Anna discovered her secretly watching while the soldiers trained combat. I thought she would be interested in seeing it better up close. I'm sorry for not coming to you first," Joseph confessed and formally bowed at the waist, waiting for Ayla to deny Raven from attending.

"There's not need to apologize. I had no idea my little baby was interested in such things. I see now that there is a lot of her father in her. I worry when she leaves the house when the weather is nice. I wonder where she goes. I'm just glad she's near your family. I'll be visiting with your mother tomorrow so I could bring her over with me. Elsa said she had something important she wanted to show me," Ayla said.

"Maybe mother has a surprise," Joseph suggested.

"Perhaps," Ayla giggled, "What time should we come over? I can tend to my business with Elsa and Raven can hang out with you and the others. I wouldn't want to bore her with my work."

"10 in the morning would be good," Joseph answered.

"See you then, Prince Joseph," Ayla smiled and bowed her head before walking to her home. She's been secretly watching them train to fight? Why hasn't she told me? She entered to see Raven casually sitting on the couch eating a piece of fruit. "So…how was your day?"

"It was…nice," Raven smiled before taking another bite of the apple.

Ayla smiled, "Make any friends?"

Raven blushed and forced a nod while chewing.

"I hear Prince Joseph has invited you to the palace. Queen Elsa has summoned me for something. We'll leave at 10 in the morning so be sure to be ready. Okay?" Ayla instructed.

"Okay, Mama," Raven replied before taking another bite.

Raven gradually became more nervous the next morning as she and her mother walked to the Royal Palace. She peeked through the bushes of the Royal Garden but never set foot on palace grounds before. They stopped inside when Princess Anna noticed Ayla and greeted her and Raven. "Elsa is in the middle of a meeting and instructed me to tell you to wait for her where the others are training."

"Okay," Ayla said, confused, but followed Anna has they walked out to the training ground that shared the Royal Garden's space. Guards had two different shifts. Those that were off duty were required to train. Those that were on duty were currently patrolling the streets of Arendelle, the outskirts of Arendelle, and the Royal Palace.

Heidi greeted Raven when she saw her, "Hey, Raven. Come over here. You're missing it." Raven quickly went over and sat besides Heidi. Prince Joseph was currently doing calisthenics with the guards, who were all shirtless and sweaty. Even King Kristoff was in on it. When the guards finished their sets, the King and Prince kept doing pushups in a private competition. "I say the Prince wins," a guard said.

Another retorted, "Oh, please! The King will always win."

A boy baring a striking resemblance to Aesir but had blue eyes sat on Kristoff's back, laughing as Kristoff lowered and shot straight up as he did push-ups.

"Be careful, Biyn," Anna called.

"I know, Mama!" Biyn laughed.

Joseph was reaching his limit; each additional push up was straining. The guards cheered for him. "Come on, Prince Joseph! One more! You got this!" Finally, he fell to the ground in exhaustion and panted. Kristoff played with his son's hair, "That's my boy."

Joseph gave his father a smile and the guards helped him up on his feet and gave him pats on the back. He dried himself off and put his unbuttoned top back on before he saw Heidi and Raven and went to join them. "How many does that make this time?" Heidi asked.

"A hundred push-ups," Joseph answered, "I'm definitely going to be sore tomorrow."

"Pfft. Only a hundred? PLEASE," Heidi laughed.

"Wow, that's a lot," Raven said, staring at Joseph.

"Not really," Heidi mocked, "I could totally do more than that."

"REALLY?" Joseph smiled.

"REALLY," Heidi replied, her eyes briefly widening as she nodded.

"You and me. Training contests from now on," Joseph challenged her, calling her bluff.

"You're on!" Heidi smiled, "You should join us too, Raven. A few months of consistent training and those boys will think twice about picking on you ever again."

"Really?" Raven asked. She thought for a few seconds before smiling, "Okay, count me in."

Everyone stood at attention as Elsa entered from the Royal Gardens and a figure in a black cloak. Ayla froze and her heart began to beat hard as the cloaked figure came to a halt by her side. "Your training is paying off," Elsa spoke to everyone, giving Kristoff, who was still shirtless, a smile. "I have spoken with Aesir and Halden. They agreed that training needed a change to further sharpen your skills as the defenders of Arendelle. I introduce to you your new trainer, Elias."

Ayla's heart stopped and a longing ache filled her heart when Elias removed his hood and showed his face. Apart from a few grey hairs in his hair, time had little affect on him.

The guards groaned and Elsa gave them a regal look. Joseph stepped closer to his mother, "Is that really necessary, mother? I can personally vouch for the skills of these guards. I trained with them since I was 12, and I have yet to learn half of what they know. I assure you that there is no enemy that can best the Guards of Arendelle."

The guards behind Joseph all smiled as a sense of respect and admiration for the young Prince's praise. They all cheered behind him in agreement.

"Is that so?" Elias spoke, removing his cloak and revealing his lost arm. "You speak highly of those who serve you, Prince Joseph, but I'll be the judge of their skills as soldiers. With your permission, my Queen?"

Queen Elsa nodded and joined Kristoff's side.

The more Raven stared at Elias from behind a couple of adults, one her mother, the more she knew. A sense of familiarity overwhelmed her as if she knew this stranger all her life. An old memory surfaced. She was lying in bed as an infant with her mother. Her mother was deep asleep but she was gently woken by a gentle affectionate touch and saw a man with black hair and grey eyes sitting beside them. He picked her up and held her carefully in his last arm and she reached up and touched his face with her little hands. In that moment, his eyes watered and he placed her back near her mother and disappeared, causing her to start crying.

She began to tear up as she looked up at her mother who was looking at her with teary eyes too. Raven whispered, "Is that-?"

Her mother smiled and nodded and Raven tried to instantly run out to him but Ayla held her still and shook her head. "Not yet."

"I will stand down from the training position if one of you can land a single punch on my face," Elias offered.

"No offense, Mr. Elias," Prince Joseph spoke up, "but how hard can that be considering you are down an arm?" The soldiers oooed.

Elias smiled evilly, "Is that a challenge, Your Majesty?"

Prince Joseph's face hardened as he stepped forward, answering the challenge. Joseph threw a punch, but Elias reacted by just smacking his hand aside like he was an annoying fly. The next punch Elias got into a holding position, swept the prince's feet out from under him and used the prince's own weight against him, slamming him hard on the ground. All the soldiers there groaned. Elias planted his boot on the prince's chest. "Yield, boy…or I'll make you yield."

Joseph struck his leg hard with a fist, freeing himself and unleashing a flurry of accurate punches but Elias moved his head slightly to avoid each one. Elias ended the fight by pulling him into his knee and struck the prince in the stomach with his knee. Elias whispered to him, "You did well, but rage and muscles do not win battles." He looked up at the others. "I just struck your prince and humiliated him. Who among you will restore his honor?"

"I will," Aesir said leaving Anna's side, ignoring her disapproval, "I am inclined to agree with Queen Elsa, that there is always room to learn, especially when it comes to combat, but you mess with my little bud and there's an issue. Why don't you try fighting someone your own size?"

The soldiers all cheered and Elias smiled. Realizing he had a more serious and intelligent foe, he waited while Aesir helped Joseph to the side. "Don't get offended, Your Majesty. Train hard and assume there is always someone better than you." Joseph nodded and Aesir rejoined Elias on the field.

Aesir threw the first punch but Elias caught his hand and twisted it at an awkward angle, forcing Aesir to kneel before kicking the side of his head with a sweep of his leg and sending him flying back into the crowd of soldiers. Anna rushed over, "Stay down. It's okay if you don't always win. Don't turn this into a macho match."

"I can't help it, Anna. He made it personal when he hit Joseph," Aesir replied, looking into Anna's eyes with a fire in his eyes. He was about to push her aside to fight again but Ayla stepped forward, "I believe it's my turn."

Elsa smiled seeing Elias's face soften when he saw her. Ayla didn't need to throw a punch, because she already won.

Elias began to walk away. He wasn't going to fight his wife.

"What's wrong, my love? Am I too woman for you?" Ayla called him out and the soldiers all oooed, knowing things were going to get interesting.

Elias turned to her and smiled before removing his top, barring his scarred and ripped body, which had an affect on Ayla's focus as he confidently stepped closer to her. She regained her focus and tried to draw close to his lips with her's before trying to sneak a punch in his face. He quickly caught it and forced it being her back with his one hand which he used to pull her close and taste her lips. "I missed you so much," Ayla whispered, trying to catch her breath. They were about to kiss again, but Elsa cleared her throat.

"I think it is painfully obvious additional combat training from Elias is required. I have spoken," Elsa stepped forward and spoke. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement and dared not to speak against her orders.

Raven stepped forward and her grey eyes locked with her father's. He knelt in front of her to look her eye level. She touched his face with her hands, causing him to close his eyes and lose himself to the touch of his daughter's hands. He looked into her watery eyes and said, "Papa?"

"Daughter," he replied softly and she crashed into him, hugging him fiercely with no signs of letting him go. He cautiously wrapped his arm around her and slowly held her firmly. He looked up at his wife, her mother and teared up before Ayla joined the hug.

Elsa smiled when Ayla looked at her mid hug and gave her a grateful nod.

(A/N: Dang it. Another long chapter. XD)