Chapter Thirty-Nine
"Some souls are connected by an ancient calling beyond worlds"
…
A week later after Silvanna's and Elsa's tour around Arendelle
Silvanna frowns at the sight of the chief accountant of the Winter Bank of Arendelle bowing in front of her. Dressed still in her night robe she gestures for him to take the proffered seat in front of her study table. The man must have sensed her displeasure for he nervously fidgets in his chair while holding the square bag he is holding in front of him providing a barrier between him and the less-than-impressed Steward of Arendelle.
"Okay master Faust, this better be good else. I am rather enjoying a rather good sleep with a friend. I'll be extremely irritated for you waking me up in this ungodly time of the morning and in my off day nonetheless," says Silvanna growling at the man who sweats bullets at her tone.
"Yes, well uhmm, it is quite an emergency my lady and one that needs your attention personally," he says with a bit of a stutter.
"Something that the board, some of the most intellectual people I know can't handle by themselves?" asks Silvanna raising an eyebrow at the young man who nervously nods at her words.
"Well, fine. Let's get this over with so I can return to bed. What is it then that brings you all disturbed and jittery to me at this hour?" asks the Knightess leaning on the soft chair of his study.
To say that she's less than pleased in fact is an understatement. She's rather pissed. When you're waken up at six in the morning in your off day without warning by your guards telling you that a member of the Winter Bank is requesting an audience; that is more than enough to piss anyone off. It's worse since little Kaldita is awoken by the banging of the door prompting Silvanna to bring the baby with her before she manages to awaken Elsa.
"Uhmm, no offense Lady Silvanna but I am told to tell you this on the highest confidentiality," stutters the young accountant looking nervously at the baby inside her crib beside the study who is munching on her rubber cubes.
Silvanna simply looks at him in a deadpan expression. "Seriously? It's a baby,"
The man has the grace to look abased as he nervously nods. "Sorry, my lady, here's the official report from the Head Accountants and the Bank Manager," he shuffles inside his bag a bit before pulling out stacks of paper which he hands over to Silvanna.
With a small grumble about disturbing bankers, the Knightess takes the papers before reading them. Immediately her eyebrows rise as her mind registers the words. Now she knows why the board sent this to her instead of making a decision as they wont to do. The situation is the first of his kind and are rather unique.
"Are you aware of the contents of this letter?" asks Silvanna looking at the accountant who is pretending and failing to hide his curiosity as he also eyes the piece of paper.
"Uhmm, no ma'am, they just told me to deliver it to you and make sure you read it and get a reply," answers the young man.
"I see," Silvanna blinks as she takes a piece of paper at the side of her study before taking a pen.
She has to admit that the situation indeed is the first of its kind. It pertains of course about the Winter Bank. Apparently one of the larger nations, Lugland borrowed a total sum of eight million Arendellian gold coins in order to sustain a drought in one of his regions. Now eight million gold coins is no easy sum with it nearly able to fund and feed an army for three years straight. The Bank approved his request however due to the size of his nation and its capability to produce taxes to repay off its debt. Now that the drought is over though, the king of Lugland is refusing to pay his debt to the bank and throwing his royal weight around. Apparently his pathetic claim is that the Winter Bank is a service of Arendelle and not Lugland thus giving it no right to demand money from his country. Of course when the bank showed the letter of agreement between Lugland and the bank on his loan, the man vehemently denied the agreement happening and even had the gall to call the bankers thieves for apparently "forging Lugland's royal seal" on a forged agreement.
This is not the first time for the bank to encounter less than pleasant customers who refused to pay their dues, no. There is always after all the occasional warlord, merchant, businessman, sailor or prince who thinks they can get away without paying their dues. Such issues are actually quite simple for the bank to handle. They usually just put bounties on their heads high enough that every bounty hunter, pirate, mercenary and thief would be after their hides. Such a cruel reputation for bad customers of course dissuades loaners from running off. Unfortunately this is the first time that a nation; and a large one at that is refusing to pay. Normally nations who borrow loans pay and with interest due to reputation. It would not be good after all for your allies and numbers to see you as an oathbreaker who goes back on your own words. No one would dare trust you with trade, betrothals, alliances and such for being a backstabbing goat. The King of Luglad in Silvanna's opinion is either arrogant, prideful or simply an idiot at his actions. Still, his mistake needs to be rectified and given a punishment of consequence else the other nations that have loans would never take the bank seriously again.
Unfortunately for this King of Lugland, Silvanna has an idea as to how to deal with his uppity attitude. Unlike her gentler lover, Silvanna can be downright cruel, pragmatic and cold when the occasion calls for it; especially when it is someone double crossing her in her business.
To the Board of Directors
I've received your message about this issue with Lugland. I recommend that you find the next contender to the throne of that country and offer to him our aide of finance. We pay for his army, his supplies, his assassins, everything that he might need to take the throne of that country and kick off its current monarch. In return though make sure that he understands that he must pay the previous loan of the country else he will suffer the same fate as his predecessor. Impress to him that the Winter Bank does not appreciate fools who back out of their own words.
PS: For the record I do not appreciate being awakened at this early eve of the morning.
Signed: Silvanna Highwind, Steward of Arendelle.
"There," Silvanna finished pressing her seal on the letter before rolling it and handing it over to the accountant who bowed before wordlessly marching out.
Silvanna simply sighs as she picks up in her arms a sleeping Kaldita before heading back to the room she shares with Elsa. She's got two hours of napping left and she especially enjoys the sweet scent of the Princess beside her.
…..
"When Silvanna plans something, she never aims for anything low does she?" Anna can't help but comment as she watches atop her horse the now bustling large town of Arendelle.
Suffice to say that Anna is getting bored sitting around the castle doing nothing. Her previous mannerisms as a princess no longer hold any interest to her. Apparently after roughing it out with Alucard and being in a war has brought the inner outdoor of the second princess of Arendelle out. Of course she still talks to Joan at the portrait part of the castle, but never really in length anymore.
It doesn't help that everyone disapproves of her. While some are impressed of her bravery in joining the war, everyone agrees that it is foolishness. Personally Anna doesn't see the point. It's not as if they are protesting that Silvanna is leading at the front no less, so why should they protest her? Still, the disapproving glares are enough and Anna is scared of Silvanna who apparently gave her the most deadened glare as she gives her a five hour lecture about her importance in Arendelle. She almost lost her eardrums then.
She's also kinda feeling sick for some reason and Anna has enough of vomiting at her bucket inside her room. Thus after a lot of internale debate, she decided to go off in this ride to clear her head. Of course as usual Alucard rides with her as her guard and another two unnamed guards she does not know that the former mercenary handpicked.
Now here she is watching the bustling town
Word apparently of the upcoming tourney spreads like wildfire all over Arendelle. People are buzzing all over like bees attracted to honey. The harbour of Arendelle which is insanely large and designed to accommodate nearly four dozen ships for the first time seems lacking with the amount of ships pouring in. Visitors pour in droves and the inns are insanely full to the point that the guards have to set up a small clearing where visitors could pitch their tents or simply their hammocks in order to rest.
The original venue where the tourney will be held is still kept under wraps until the last week when vendors, merchants and the different groups will be allowed to go in order to give them time to prepare. Word through the grapevine in the castle however tells that the tourney would be a large one. Apparently every mason, carpenter and person in the country who knows how to hold a hammer had been recruited and travelled to god only knows where. Word is also told that powerful kingdoms are visiting and that more than anything caused visitors in Arendelle to pour in.
Where the rich guys go, business also follows after all.
Other than the merchants, there are also troubadours and entertainers of every kind. Where people flock of course, they always appear also. There are also warriors and groups of renown popping in from all over the globe. Even Anna who knows little about the outside world recognizes some of them. There is Arthur of Britannia, Anthony of Rome, Jack Sparrow, the renowned pirate, Prince Dastan of the desert kingdom of Persia with his princess, Tamina, there is prince Ali of Ibabwa, Balian of Ibelin from France, Mufasa, the renowned old Lion warrior of the forest regions of Africa and Lapu-lapu from the kingdom beyond the east hailing from a local tribe there.
All of them come for the tourney and to see Silvanna. Anna for the life of her is unable to wrap her head with all it. Arendelle is a small country with little to show in its history other than being a member of the Seven Seas Alliance. It all just changed with the coming of Silvanna turning the country upside down and pulling out its potential. She knows of course that the Knightess is well-known, but this is just becoming borderline ridiculous.
Her thoughts are rudely interrupted though as a sickening feeling overwhelms her making Anna jump off her horse much to the surprise of her escorts and Alucard who urges his horse beside her. Hand going to her mouth, Anna searches to vomit on something and finds nothing. Unwilling to hurl her guts at the pavement in public, Anna grabs the nearest thing she could and pulls it to her mouth and hurls.
She goes on like that for a few seconds before stopping as she wipes a hand on her lips and pulling back some of her braided red hair off her face. She grimaces though at the rather defeated sigh of her friend and mentor who is conveniently missing his right boot near the stirrups of his horse.
"Uhmm, sorry?" Anna nervously grins handing the now ruined boot back to him, bits of vomit still flopping at its sides.
She certainly does not blame Alucard for not looking back at her as she is escorted back at the castle immediately since she is "sick".
….
"I'll be back later okay Silvie?" Elsa smiles gently at Silvanna who simply nods at her in affirmation.
"I'm not going anywhere Elsa, go and enjoy,"
"Are you sure that you're going to be alright with me leaving Kaldita behind?" asks Elsa looking at the gurgling little angel biting her rubber duck toy due to her teething.
"Yes, yes, both of us will be fine and I've got the milk bottle at hand if she gets hungry," says Silvanna adding the second part as Elsa opens her mouth to say exactly that. "Now go and do your thing Elsa, stop being a worry wart," she waves off a hand making Elsa smile one more time before exiting their shared room. Two of the guards immediately flank her following her silently a few meters behind.
A small amount of guilt follows Elsa as she steps out of the hallways of the royal chamber. To say that Silvanna is busy would be the understatement of the century. Apparently not even the Knightess expected something of this magnitude coming for her tourney. Letters are pouring in like rain from every kingdom in this part of the seas and beyond. Apparently everyone and their uncle are interested to the point that representatives, nobles and even kings are coming. Of course Arendelle is already jam packed by the early comers that the late ones are being forced to succour shelter on the nearby villages and towns awaiting the date when the place for the tourney being held is said. Silvanna however does not allow anyone stay at the castle unwilling to let another Debacle repeat happen.
Taxes have never been higher that Lord Spinach and Jonathan have stopped accounting the money and are instead weighing them by bags. Even the Lance Trading of Silvanna have temporarily postponed her mining venture due to the need of workers constructing inns and shelters for the coming visitors and for the "arena". There's also the small fact that said visitors are enamoured by the attractions of Lance Trading and are taking the opportunity to visit them since they are here anyway.
Elsa however does not care about all that for she has something more important to deal with today. She may care for Arendelle but it is because her late father demands it of her and Elsa would not disappoint him. She never wants to become a Crown princess though or a queen; it is just thrust to her. Elsa wants a peaceful life, a silent one where she is normal and not feared; a life with Silvanna. She blushes at the thought of the woman she loves. She is the reason why Elsa is doing what she is doing right now.
Taking the staircase to the servant's quarters, Elsa finally arrives at her destination.
"Stay here please," she says to her guards who wordlessly bowed before stationing themselves at the sides of the hallway. Raising her hand, Elsa gently raps her knuckles at the wooden door in front of her.
"I told you Marianne not to bother me for today is my rest-," the loud voice from inside stops abruptly as the door opens showing the face of a surprised Gerda looking at her.
"Hi Gerda, am I bothering?" asks Elsa, smiling faintly at the family servant and friend who bows at her immediately.
"No, no your highness, my apologies for my loud voice. I didn't know it was you," says the servant.
"No apologies are needed Gerda, it's my fault for not sending word that I'm coming," Elsa replies. "May I come in?"
"Of course, of course, your guards are not coming your highness?" asks the old servant looking at the two men at the side of the hallway.
"No, I wish to discuss something with you in private," says Elsa nervously fidgeting with the edges of her dress making Gerda nod before stepping aside to let her in. Elsa gulps as the door closes behind her. She almost turns back at that. What she plans to ask is not exactly innocent.
"Here take a seat your highness," gestures the servant to a comfortable armchair. "I'll get you some warm milk that I have heating on my stove. Just get me a minute,"
"Thank you Gerda," Elsa gently replies before taking the offered seat. It did not take long for the servant to reappear with a cup of milk at her hands that she hands over to the princess.
Muttering a small "thank you" to the older woman, Elsa takes a sip of the warm brew.
"So what's troubling you your highness," asks the servant sitting in front of her.
"How do you know that something's bothering me?" Elsa questions back with a look of shock at her.
Gerda gives Elsa an amused smile at that. "You have the same small crease on your forehead that our dear Queen Idun had when she's worrying about something. You're more alike to her than you know your highness,"
"Really?" asks Elsa quite pleased by the knowledge that she inherited something nice from her mother.
"Yes," the servant simply nods. "But let's not get off topic and you tell me about what's on your mind your highness. Do you want me to babysit princess Kaldita?"
"No, no. She's fine with Silvanna today," answers Elsa taking a small sip of her milk. "It's something in fact about Silvanna Gerda. Tomorrow is her birthday and I am looking for something special to give her,"
"Tomorrow is Lady Silvanna's birthday?" asks Gerda with a large amount of surprise. "Why haven't we known of this? The castle has not celebrated that the last two years,"
"I know right," chuckles Elsa softly. "I only knew because I browsed General Horst's personal records of Silvanna when she first arrived here at Arendelle,"
"Researching about the one you love, I'm not surprised your highness,"
Elsa nearly drops her cup of milk at that as she looks in surprise and suspicion with a little bit of worry at her servant. "How did you-,"
"As I said before your highness, you are more alike to your mother than you know," smiles Gerda. "Your mother always has that gleam on her eye when she looks at your father. The same gleam that I see in yours when you look at Silvanna,"
"Does the entire castle know about this?" asks Elsa now completely worried. The last thing that she wants is her secret being known to well….everyone. Images of her being strung up by her ankles and looked on with disgust are floating inside her head.
"No, only me," answers Gerda making Elsa sigh inwardly a breath of relief.
"You…you're not disgusted by me loving a woman?" asks Elsa to her oldest companion who is almost like a mother to her. Gerda after all practically watched over her alongside Kai as she grew up.
"Well, the more religious of our folk might protest….. a lot," answers Gerda truthfully making Elsa wince at that. But as for me though your highness, who you love is your business. I'm just glad that you found someone who I believe is worthy of you,"
"Yes, she is," Elsa smiles at that. Silvanna is well loved by practically everyone in Arendelle. "She is perfect in every way,"
"I'm glad at that," answers Gerda. "I want to see you happy your highness; but we have gotten away from the point. You want my help to pick a gift for our Lady Silvanna?" she asks.
"Y-yes," answers Elsa pulling her mind off the gutter. "I don't know what to get her. Giving her something is hard. She practically has everything that a material gift seems to be inconsequential Gerda. She is rich, respected and loved. I had no idea what to get her,"
Gerda is silent for a moment in front of her before looking up with a satisfied gleam in her eye. "Instead of getting her something materialistic Elsa, why don't you spend time with her instead?"
"We do spend time with each other every day Gerda," answers Elsa confused.
"No, no, you got me wrong. I meant why don't you get her to a date instead?" says the servant.
Elsa blushes horribly at that, the image of a candlelight dinner coming to mind as the stories she read about dates coming up. "A-are you sure?" she asks nervously. "I never dated anyone before,"
"Of course I'm sure. That is how me and my late husband got married," exclaims Gerda. "It will be romantic and I just have the perfect place for you to bring her,"
"O-okay then," Elsa blinks confused and surprised at the rather excited grin that Gerda is showing.
"You need to change from your usual attires though your highness if you plan to do it," says Gerda looking at her rather modest dress in disapproval.
"Why? There's nothing wrong with my dresses," Elsa lightly protests at that looking at her attire which covers everything except her upper neck and face.
"If you plan to date her your highness, you need to be a little brave and show more skin for her to appreciate," explains Gerda standing up and taking a small stack of magazines from one of her cupboards before returning to a confused Elsa.
"What's that?" asks Elsa confused as Gerda puts the magazines in front of her.
Gerda simply giggles looking at her excitedly. "Your highness, let me introduce you to the world of fashion. Trust me, you'll love it,"
Elsa gulps and nods as she sits beside Gerda browsing over the magazines. Ten minutes later and the Crown Princess of Arendelle are hooked and this is where Elsa's fascination about clothes would start. It is enough that it also prompts the start of her starting to use her powers in creating and designing new dresses and gowns for herself.
…..
Silvanna yawns as she finishes her quota for today. She is more tired than she has ever been. Thankfully Jonathan Johnson had preceded over judgement for her today thus giving her time to deal with the tourney of Arendelle. This gave time for Silvanna to finish the logistics at least for the establishment of the arena where the tourney is about to be held.
Silvanna loves wonders in her old life and she plans to make this arena a wonder of the world. Money is pouring in droves from her business and the Winter Bank giving Silvanna the funds to hire workers and buy supplies in a steady river up north. In two weeks, Arendelle will surprise the world.
She initially did not plan the tourney to be this grand but with the sudden influx of visitors, she reconsiders instead. This is a golden chance for Arendelle and for the life of her, Silvanna will not miss it. She's grasping it with two hands. Besides being this busy helps Silvanna ward off the nightmares that plague her when her mind's not busy.
She feels something lying down behind her at the bed and Silvanna smiles brightly as she turns to the beautiful but tired face of Elsa in her light purple pyjamas. Unlike her, Elsa doesn't have an abundance of risqué night gowns and thus settles most of the time in her usual comfortable but conservative sleeping apparels.
"How's your day?" asks Silvanna letting her arms hug Elsa's waist before pressing the nineteen year old to her that their heat is sharing. As usual, Elsa leans on her chest, inhaling her scent. The two of them fit so perfectly that it is quite an enigma for Silvanna.
"Tired, Gerda infects me with fashion and makeup design," yawns Elsa in her chest. "Speaking of which Silvie, would you mind that we go out tomorrow evening? I have something to tell you,"
"Tomorrow, of course," answers Silvanna. Tomorrow she's got a lot to do but this is the first time that Elsa voluntarily asks her to go outside the castle that Silvanna is intrigued. It is usually her that entices the Princess to head out. Besides, spending time with Elsa is never a bad thing. She's her anchor, the one that keeps her mind at bay from being overwhelmed by what her "brother" did to her.
"Thank you Silvie, and please wear something nice," murmurs Elsa snuggling into her even more before snoring softly.
Silvanna does not miss that Elsa's hands have wandered to her outer thighs below her night gown. She does not blame her. Her hands after all have wandered to Elsa's generous hips and may have squeezed her rear once or twice, or several times.
….
Author's Note:
Thank you for supporting this story. I write because I love it and I want to give everyone a unique outlook of Frozen instead of the usual basic fics. Don't worry, next chappie will be more fluff before we reach the tourney. There's a surprise there and not the bad type.
For the one who Pm'd me. Yes, I love world building stories. I do hope this one did not disappoint.
