Disney's Frozen: The Crocus and the Crow

by 1534rosa

When Elsa meets a man whose tortured past mirrors her own a newfound desire awakens in her heart as they begin to form a bond. But their union, her family and homeland are imperiled when an ancient evil returns to destroy her and all that she wishes to preserve. Together, they must combine strengths to combat the vengeful darkness rising against Arendelle and the world beyond it.

53. The Viper and the Dragon

Before we begin I have a confession to make; remember when I said this chapter would be the last...I lied.

Turns out everything I wanted to do for this chapter was going to be too long so I had to make a split. So just know

that the next chapter will be the last and that's a promise I won't break.

Chapter 53: The Viper and the Dragon

Elsa's grip on Dragon's Flight tightened as she stepped ahead of the crowd, "I know what it is you fear Amicus" she challenged. "Power like mine nearly defeated you once before and it will do so today."

"Banrigh", he chuckled tersely. "...you have no-idea what 'power' is."

He raised his right hand, slowly it became alight with multicolored flames and from his feet they spread behind him. They all watched in shock as the blaze grew to engulf the entire wall behind the throne. Larger and more wild the flames became, the sound could not be described as anything but a hissing roar, like that of an enraged monster. Three shapes then twisted out from the flames; hideous serpent heads that rose above them and hissed with violent intent. Amicus clenched his fist and the serpents each let loose a torrent of fire, forcing Elsa to raise a barrier of ice between her people and the flames.

Her teeth clenched as the force of the inferno made her slide back slightly, she had to keep her power constant and flowing to prevent the flames from reaching them. She looked over her shoulder to see the terror in the eyes of her family, friends and soldiers...this was her fight, not theirs. She scanned the room for an escape and her eyes fell on the door leading to the west wing of the castle. Using her right hand to keep the fire at bay, her left fired a bolt of ice that shattered the door completely.

"GO!" she shouted to them. "Get OUT!"

Olaf began to protest but despite this Kristoff scooped him up and ran through the doors along with everyone else.

Elsa watched the last of them make their escape, relieved and alone she turned her attention to the three serpents of fire. Drawing back, she thrust her hands forward with a more powerful blast to overpower and diminish the head of each serpent entirely. Exhaling she raised her hands in readiness and let her hard expression return. The magical blaze behind the witch king still raged and Elsa's heart sank when Amicus motioned to the west door. Venereth and another witch knight dissipated into smoke and disappeared through the doorway in pursuit .

"No!" Elsa cried and ran to intercept them but a line flames cut her off, she turned back to Amicus as he began to close the distance between them, "Concern yourself with your own fate!", he snarled.

Amicus had complete mastery over the flames. At his command they snaked through the air above him and then lashed out towards her as several whipping tongues. Elsa met them with her own directed blasts of ice-extinguishing a few while keeping the rest at bay, raising a shield of ice to her side when one nearly struck her. Her back hit the ground when one of the tendrils wrapped around her ankle and started dragging her towards Amicus. Quickly she drew her spear and slashed at the flame with it's icy blade-freeing herself of it's pull. But as she got back to her feet two more tendrils grabbed hold of either end of her weapon, before she could retaliate they lifted her and her weapon slamming her into the ceiling above.

She cried out as her body crashed through the ceiling, landing hard on the floor of the hall above the throne room. Laying on her side now with her eyes clenched shut, she opened them and saw six shadows snake up through the hole her body had made. Despite the pain Elsa swiftly rolled away from the opening back to her feet as the orbs settled into the five remaining knights and their master.

Elsa breathed heavily as she lowered herself into her battle stance, several small spikes of ice slowly raising around her-angled towards her enemies. Amicus stepped forward as flames crept out from the hole behind him and fed into his open palms, "There's nowhere to run this time Elsa...and no one is coming to save you!"

The snow queen sent her own powers forward to meet her enemies in the middle, flames and ice ripping away at each other and the walls and floor around them as their battle raged on.

OoO

Kristoff, Rapunzel and Sol ran ahead as they led the group through the palace to the rear entrance that would put them in the upper city. Mane was carried by two soldiers on a gurney and watched over by Freja in the center of the group while Sven trailed just behind them despite his limp with Olaf on his back. They were halted when two orbs of shadow slammed into the floor several feet ahead of them; Venereth and another witch knight now blocked their way. Kristoff and Sol along with several soldiers readied to defend the people behind them.

The witch knight beside Venereth took a few steps forward with his sword drawn, "You're not going anywhere..."

Suddenly the knight gasped as a gleaming blade pierced outward from his chest plate and his mouth fell open but no sound came out. As he fell to his knees his sword dropped from his hands and the blade retracted from his body, revealing Venereth who shoved the dead nights body to the side. The Arendellians were all dumbstruck by what had just happened, Kristoff looked between the dead knight and Venereth as she stepped out of their way and gestured down the hall, "You better get going."

When they hesitated she lifted her face plate and smiled, "I don't believe you have much time to waste."

Sol ushered Freja to lead the the crowd down one side of the hall while she, Kristoff, Rapunzel and Sven stayed between them and their unlikely savior. With her swords still held forward Sol lowered her gaze, "Why?"

Venereth's smile disappeared as she looked down briefly, "To keep a promise."

She turned to leave but was stopped when a gentle hand grasped her wrist, she snapped back to see Kristoff nod his head to her, "Thank you."

She looked between him and his hand once before pulling her arm back and turning away, "Go. Before I change my mind."

They watched her leave; becoming an orb of shadow once again and fading from their sight. They all looked to the dead knight on the ground a little longer, then Kristoff's face changed from astonishment to resolve. He inhaled deeply and without a backwards glance he walked back down the hall, following Venereth's path.

"Where are you going?" Rapunzel asked.

"To help my family."

"Then I'm coming with you." said Sol, who walked to his side with a smile, "There's no existence where the 'Royal Ice Master' beats me to a fight." He smiled back.

"I'm coming too." Rapunzel said joining them, they looked to her in concern but she only shrugged as she brought her lasso out, "This isn't my first time dealing with dark magic and insurmountable odds you guys-besides; we're in this together...as family."

He nodded to both of them, "Alright then."

"We'll come too!" Olaf cried out enthusiastically from atop Sven's back who grunted in agreement.

Kristoff smiled fondly at them both as he walked to them, "Not this time you guys." he placed a hand on his reindeer's head, "Sven's hurt and I need you to take care of him Olaf."

"But-"

"Hey." he took the snowman's stick hand in his own, "This will all be over soon...and then everything will be OK."

Olaf looked up at him uncertainly, "You promise?"

"I'd never lie to you Olaf." he released his hand and stepped back, "Now go."

Sven turned away with some hesitance but didn't waste time to catch up with the others, Kristoff looked back to the two women, they all nodded to each other and ran to help Elsa, Aldren and Anna in any way they could.

OoO

Aldren ducked underneath Tarn's mace and leaned back from several more strikes as the giant continued swinging viciously at him-any one strike that connected would be the end of him. But Aldren showed no fear; while he was injured, so was his enemy whose attacks were feral, desperate and so Aldren remained calm, cold-serene. They would taunt and prod-force him into fury...and wait for him to make a mistake.

As the general swung down at him, Aldren side stepped the weapon before slashing hard across Tarn's chest-severing the cords that held his ruined helmet, followed by several more strikes across his foe's chest that made him stumble backwards. Tarn was further forced back when several arrows struck his face plate near his eyes-fired by Anna who followed a distance behind her brother. As the naga held his free arm up to guard from the arrows Aldren thrust his sword's guard spike into the arm-piercing the metal.

With a pained growl Tarn ripped his arm away and attempted a wild forehand strike, with his sword in one hand Aldren met the shaft of the mace before it gained full speed while with his free hand he caught his opponent's other arm as it was swung at him. Managing to hold the general in place he glared into the viper mask, "You might have been a proud warrior once! But now you are just a brute hiding behind a suit of stolen steel!"

When Tarn tried to headbutt him Aldren moved his head to the side and with his fist aflame-drove it across Tarn's face before launching a bolt of flame into his chest-forcing him back several steps. The general snarled, "I wield great power you Aesir Fool!"

When the naga thrust at his chest, the elemental spun around the attack and thrust Black Autumn's blade through the head of the mace before ripping it back out. As Tarn drew back for another strike the weapon exploded violently with crackling crimson energy right next to his head, making him snarl in pain as he fell back onto one knee. In spite he threw what was his left at Aldren who batted it away without flinching before holding his sword's tip towards him, "That power has led to your fall here today."

Tarn drew his great sword before roaring and charging, Aldren roared back and did the same. When they met in the middle the naga swung down hard-splitting the ground where his blade struck when the Embercrow dodged to the side and thrust forward. As the general parried the blade down with his free hand Aldren rammed his weight into Tarn's before slashing upwards into his chin, followed by two more hard strikes to the chest that ended with a third across the side of his helm-making him stumble further back. As he turned he was met with more arrows loosed by Anna that continued striking his face plate.

Force to protect his face again with his free hand Tarn swung wildly to keep his enemy back, but his desperate swings were even easier for the elemental to avoid as he continued to stab and slash-each one leaving a visible scar in the armor. With an enraged roar Tarn threw his weapon forward; Aldren leaned out of it's path but watched in dread as it sailed towards his sister. She managed to roll out of it's path as it ripped apart the cobblestone where she had been.

He turned back to Tarn's fist coming at his head, with his sword in both hands Aldren knocked the metal gauntlet off course and thrust downward into the general's forward leg. The naga yowled in pain as the Black Autumn's blade pierced through his thigh, but before Aldren could remove his weapon-Tarn seized him by the neck with his right hand making lose grip on his sword.

From her place on the ground Anna watched their enemy pull the elven sword from his leg and raise it to stab Aldren. Gritting her teeth she abandoned her bow, drew her sword and ran for the general; leaping onto his side and thrusting at his face-the edge of her blade cutting at his exposed chin. The cut made him drop Aldren's sword and hiss angrily as he threw his arm into her side-knocking her to the ground away from them.

Aldren threw his foot hard into Tarn's wounded leg-making him fall back onto one knee, despite this the naga joined his left hand with the other around his neck. As the Embercrow grasped at both the giant's arms he saw Anna pick up Black Autumn in both her hands and charge back into the fight. Turning his focus back to Tarn he brought heat to his right palm and squeezed down-managing to bring the arm away from his throat. Then he set his left arm aflame and brought it crashing down on the naga's opposing arm, now free of the crushing grip he seized Tarn's left arm in both hands; twisting it painfully and punching upward into his elbow-forcing his arm to extend forward ahead of him.

It was then that Anna swung Black Autumn down into the general's arm, the blade meeting the tear in the metal at the upper arm from he and Aldren's previous fight. Tarn screamed in agony as the heated alfar steel cut down through the metal, flesh and metal again, severing his arm from his body. The general fell back on his remaining limb while the other dropped to the ground as he continued to yowl in searing pain. Scrambling back to his feet he attempted one last desperate attack as he screamed, "YOU WILL ALL DIE!"

Together Aldren and Anna grasped the handle of Black Autumn and thrust it forward with a shared war cry. Tarn's own weight carried him into the sword, a choking gasp escaping from the viper mask as it pierced his chest until the tip poked out from his back. After they both released their grip on the sword Aldren drove his palm into the weapon's pommel- pushing the entirety of the blade through his body. With a hiss of air the naga warlord's armored form fell back onto the cobblestone with a deafening crash and moved no more.

Anna looked to her brother as the fiery glow faded from his eyes and he leaned forward on his knees-breathing heavily. She put an arm around his back and placed her other against his chest to help him stand straighter. "Now...that ought to do it!" she said with her signature wit. He looked to her and smiled appreciatively, she smiled back but their moment was cut short when one of the windows of the palace exploded out above them with ice and arcane flames. Shielding themselves from the shards of glass, they looked up at the window in shared dread, Anna shook her head, "Elsa!"

"Let's go!" He removed his weapon from Tarn's body and they ran to the debris blocking the door, with his free hand Aldren set fire to the pile and used the flames to lift the ruin and throw it aside. With their path now clear they ran into the palace to find the person they both loved most.

OoO

Hans had watched Aldren and Anna's battle from afar; waiting for an opportunity to at last finish off the princess of Arendelle. But none had presented itself that wouldn't have ended with him being slaughtered by the Embercrow shortly after...but he was patient. He would continue to watch from the outskirts and wait for his moment.

OoO

Aldren and Anna shoved open the doors of the throne room and were met with a blazing inferno that was consuming the back half of the room. As they ventured further into the destruction they were surprised to see Kristoff, Sol and Rapunzel enter the room from the shattered doors of the west wing. The ice harvester ran to his wife to be, "Anna!"

The two groups met in the middle and Anna wasted no time, "Where's Elsa?"

"She was here fighting Amicus."

"She bought time for everyone else to escape." Sol commented.

"But where is she now?" Rapunzel asked.

Aldren noticed a piece of debris fall past their faces and they followed his gaze upward where they all saw a gaping hole in the ceiling above them. He motioned towards the doors of the east wing and ran to open them, "This way!"

They followed his lead with all haste to a winding staircase that would take them to the upper levels where Elsa and the Witch King did battle now. Aldren gasped, stumbling slightly as they ascended the stairs-gripping his leg in pain.

Anna reached for his arm, "Aldren are you-?"

He shook his head, "I'm fine!" Despite his injuries he pushed himself further to the head of the group, further towards the woman he loved and further towards his fate...

OoO

Venereth's armored boots clacked against the stone of the stairs leading down to the dungeons of the palace, though the path had been unguarded so far she kept her blade drawn. When she had last seen the battle outside it had turned desperate for the humans; it was likely that any remaining soldiers had joined the palace defenders or those protecting the upper city. As she neared the bottom of the stairs a row of several cells came into view and she glided silently now over the floor as she looked within them.

Each one had at least one or two of her own kind imprisoned within including the former captain Dane, but they meant nothing to her. It wasn't until she came to the last one that she saw who she was looking for; Meren, watching out through the bars of his cell's windows to try and get some sort of view on what was happening outside. Without hesitation she brought Elf Killer's blade down through the door's lock, her brother turned in shock to the sound of rending metal.

His jaw dropped when he saw his elder sister throw open the door of the cell, raising her visor she smiled widely at him. He rushed her and they met in tight embrace, pulling back their hands met one each others faces, Meren sighed, "Venereth...I knew you'd come for me."

She chuckled, "Of course. I know you wouldn't break out on your own...are you alright?"

He nodded, "Fine. They certainly never mistreated me."

Her smile faded slightly, "Good." she sheathed her weapon, grasped his hand and led him out of the cell, "Come, we need to get you to safety."

As they passed by the cells the other prisoners had taken notice of them, some with confusion others with resentment, but she paid no mind to any of it. They only stopped when Dane slammed against the doors of his cell, glaring angrily at her, "Wait! You can't leave me here Venereth!"

"Believe me Dane leaving you here is a kindness, you've lost all of Tarn's favor." without another word she pulled her brother along with her up the stairs to leave the dungeons for the main floor of the castle.

They walked through the dark halls of the palace for a few moments more before they were forced to dive forward, avoiding a spear of ice as it pierced the ceiling above them-impaling itself in the floor where they had been standing. When they looked back up to the hole they saw flames brimming out from it's edges.

As they stood Venereth brushed herself off, "Well she's lasted longer than I thought she would, I'll give her that."

Meren looked out towards the window, his eyes growing wide, "Venereth."

She walked over to him and her face dropped along with his, the scene in the courtyard was not the one she had witnessed earlier. General Tarn's body lie unmoving near the palace entrance, his left arm severed from him. The snow queen's ice dragon spewed it's breath over their forces with no weapon the naga wielded capable of harming it.

Her expression turned harder as she turned back to the hole in the ceiling, "I have to go."

Meren looked between his sister and the battle, "Wait Venereth! Maybe-maybe this isn't the right decision. Maybe we should-"

She turned back to him, "What are you saying?"

He hesitated at first, "Maybe we're on the wrong side..."

She grasped his face in her hands, "Don't! Don't say that! After everything we've done to come here now you can't say that! Please brother...trust me."

"I do sister but-..."

"Stay put. I'll come come find you when this is all over." she finished with a smile, releasing him she took off down the hall, "I'll be back soon!"

He watched her become shadow and as the silence set in he spoke aloud in a forlorn whisper, "No...you won't..."

OoO

Elsa slowly raised her hands, palms facing skyward; several spears of ice forming in the air to her sides. Thrusting her palms forward the spears flew down the hall ahead of her, In response Amicus erected a wall of fire that melted the spears as instantaneously as they passed through but he flinched back slightly as one of the spears made it past and shattered against his shoulder.

As the flames dissipated both opponents looked to his shoulder; flecks of ice were caught between the metal plates and Elsa's expression became more determined. As the Witch King looked back to his prey Grima and another witch walked to his side, he brushed the ice away from his shoulder before raising his hand and dropping it. The two knights rushed past their master with blades drawn, Elsa revolved her spear as they drew near.

Grima was first to strike, growling as he lunged forward with his sword's tip, when she parried his weapon downward he slashed at her with his bladed hand. She ducked the wicked blade, whipping her weapon around to the back of his head while kicking the front of his leg out from under him-making him roll past her to the ground.

The second knight stopped before reaching her; opting to loose a crackling stream of dark magic in her direction instead. Her hand rose and her own magic stopped the stream just before it reached her palm, with only minor struggle at first she overpowered the attack-forcing his sorcery back into his own hand. As he reeled Elsa saw Grima rise back to his feet and they were now on either side of her ready to attack. The one in front made a mock lunge and Elsa did not flinch. When Grima attacked from behind she responded, back and forth they attacked her and each time she countered.

As She did battle with the two witches Amicus strode forward with his other three knights in tow, "Your father managed to keep you hidden from me for many years, yet all he did was buy you time! And he did himself no favors at the end..."

Her attackers struck at either end of her spear and pushed against her. Twisting the handle of her weapon she split it in-two, now wielding two short spears. She pushed both knights back, striking the one to her right across the helm then kicking Grima in the chest before he could attack, following with a blast of ice from both hands that sent him crashing through the wall of the hallway. The first knight recovered and swung his blade in both hands at her side, she blocked his weapon with one spear while slicing down on his wrist with the other-making him drop his weapon.

With her foe disarmed she drove both spears upward into his chest, then sending forth a powerful wind-tossing his body down the hall towards Amicus. He didn't react, only stepping over the knight's corpse as he continued towards her. She lowered her gaze, facing down the Witch King with a spear in either hand, "What do you know about my father!?"

"That he spent the last years of his life jumping at shadows he was right to be afraid of!...and that same fear played in his eyes when I watched him sink to the bottom of the Fringed Sea..."

Elsa's expression dropped, her arms lowering slightly as she spoke in morbid realization, "You killed my parents..."

A hollow hiss alerted her that the remaining three witch knights had shifted position several meters down the hall behind her using the shadows. She turned back to Amicus as coils of darkness stretched from his palm; stitching themselves into the shape of a terrible black sword, shades of violet and red enveloping the blade, "Indeed I did. And now I'll finish what I started all those years ago!"

Her teeth bared in a hateful snarl, the ends of her weapon glowed brighter and her eyes narrowed as he drew closer and raised his weapon. Their attention turned when suddenly a witch knight sailed forward, face down on the floor almost to Elsa's feet, with a burning blade pierced through his back. The two remaining witch knights searched the dark for an enemy when one was dropped to his hands and knees by a flaming fist from above. Aldren landed with fury in his eyes and ran forward, snatching his sword from the corpse and sprinting ahead to aid his queen in battle.

Before the still standing knight could try to cut him off a golden rope wrapped around his neck, yanking him backwards. As he wheeled around Rapunzel rushed past the witch, striking him across the faceplate with her steel frying pan-knocking him to his knees. Kristoff then tackled him to the ground, both of his axe blades landing in his chest-finishing him with a hard headbutt to his helm, the ice harvester huffing as he stood.

As the other knight recovered and stood to attack Anna slid past his legs, slashing at his inner thigh-making him stumble forward. He was fully dropped when Sol's elbow struck his jaw, she ended his life by dropping both of her sword's blades through his back into the floor.

While Elsa was distracted Amicus rushed her, snatching her by the neck in his free hand and slamming her against the wall. As he brought his weapon down on her she blocked the black blade with one spear, gritting her teeth as she barely held it back while with the other she didn't hesitate to stab him in the gut with. Her face filled with dread when he failed to react to her strike, continuing to bear down with his weapon, she could feel the heat from the flames start to burn her skin.

He was forced off of her when the edge of Aldren's blade rammed into his side- knocking him back several feet. Elsa joined both ends of her spear together again as she faced down her parent's murderer with her love beside her and the others rushing to join the battle.

Amicus looked between them before pointing his flaming sword at the ceiling above; a stream of flame tearing apart the wood and bringing debris crashing down. Elsa was forced to create a barrier and she strained to hold the mass of burning wood as it bore down on them. The Witch King lunged forward, his sword aimed for Elsa's heart but Aldren's blade met his foe's stopping it from reaching her.

She watched helpless as Aldren held the Witch King back while from behind them Kristoff threw one of his axes forward while Anna loosed an arrow. With his free hand the naga king knocked away the ax and caught the arrow before it reached his face. It was enough of a distraction for Aldren to parry his enemy's weapon down and ram his weight into him before launching a blast of flame into the naga's chest that made him slide back towards the broken window at the opposite end of the hall.

As Aldren growled and rushed forward Elsa's called out to him, "Wait!"

Her cry fell on deaf ears as he neared striking range, Amicus raised his blade only to have it shattered as the Embercrow's smashed down on it. Without hesitation Aldren drove his blade through the Witch King's body with all his weight behind it-tackling them both out of the window.

"NO! Aldren!" Elsa's voice was terror stricken, with a frustrated growl her ice spread to the debris above her barrier and shattered it-freeing her of it's weight. She sprinted for the window with the others following close.

OoO

As they fell Amicus attempted to stab Aldren with what was left of his sword, but his wrist was caught by the younger elemental. Midway to the ground the Witch King kicked Aldren's side-forcing him towards the ground faster. Aldren's body slammed against the ground, rolling several feet away from the impact point-losing hold of Black Autumn while Amicus' armored boots left cracks in the stone as he landed. The Embercrow's body screamed in pain but all he emitted were soft-pained breaths as he shakily pushed himself to his hands and knees.

Amicus slowly stood back to full height, the bottom of his cape alight with flames, his gaze fixed on Aldren the whole time even as he tossed away what was left of his sword. His focus was only drawn away at the sound of an aggressive snarl to his right; Trolgon spotted the naga and ran forward before loosing a stream of fire. Raising his hand the Witch King met the flames with his own pushing the dragon's back into his own mouth. The impact from the fire made Trolgon fall back into the side of the palace, his bulk crushing through the roofing and beams, trapping his body beneath rubble-his tail smashing through the side of the chapel. The dragon hissed and screeched in frustration as he flailed, unable to free himself.

"Trolgon No!" He tried to stand quickly but nearly fell back down, yelping from the pain in his leg.

The Witch King's helm turned back to Aldren as another deadly blade materialized in his hand and with his free hand he grasped the flaming cape from his back and threw it from his shoulders. Aldren pushed himself to his feet and called Black Autumn to him-igniting the blade and bringing it into both hands. As he did the steel and cloth fell away from his right shoulder, revealing his bare skin and the brand upon it.

"You're even more persistent that I ever imagined, but what did you hope to accomplish here Aldren? You can't kill me, you can barely stand."

"And yet...here I stand."

Amicus raised his sword, pointing with it to Aldren's shoulder, "Only to fall now for all to see...Black Drake."

"Don't call me that! He died long ago!"

"Then let the Embercrow follow him to the grave!"

Aldren yelled and charged the Witch King, their blades meeting in a battle that he had no chance of winning.

OoO

Elsa did not hesitate to jump through the broken window-despite the cries of caution from those behind her. Using the wind she slowed her descent down, landing on one knee she stood and saw Aldren in a hopeless duel with the Witch King-barely holding the evil king at bay. Quickly she ran forward to join him but was halted when a shadowy orb landed in front of her; Venereth stood from the smoke, "That's far enough." A second landed to her right; Grima, and a third to her left.

Elsa looked past them fearfully as the man she loved fought for his life and then she looked back to the witch, her expression angered, "Get out of my way Venereth!"

She raised her blade as her fellow knights spread out around the queen, "I can't do that."

Elsa revolved her spear from one hand to the other as she walked forward, narrowing her eyes, "Then I'll go through you!"

They all charged her and she met them with even greater force, swinging her spear upwards into Venereth and the other knight's weapons-knocking them into Grima's. The one handed knight attempted a reckless thrust with his sword, she stepped out of the way and jumped forward-her knee impacting his chest, knocking him back.

She swung her spear in a wide arc above her towards Venereth that kept her and the other knight from attacking, she then sent a powerful gust of wind at them that knocked them both to the ground. Turning back to Grima as he recovered and attacked again, she parried his sword upward, he thrust at her with his bladed hand which she caught with an ice encased hand. Squeezing down she snapped the blade away from his wrist, when he swung with his sword she stabbed the blade into his arm-making him shout in pain, dropping his weapon. Her spear thrust into his gut before pulling out and slashing across his neck, as his body fell to the ground she spun towards the other two.

Together they fired a blast of dark magic at her which she met with a beam of frost that quickly pushed their spell back into them-blasting Venereth away and making the other slide back. The other rushed her and leaped forward with his blade raised but suddenly cried out in pain when a spear of ice rose from the ground that impaled his shoulder, suspending him off the ground. He did not struggle long when the ice dissipated, dropping him to his hands and knees. As he tried to push himself up Elsa walked beside him, plunging her spear tips into his back-pinning him to the ground.

Removing her weapon she walked around Venereth, facing off with her as she stood again, "Stand-aside."

The naga's weapon shifted into a spear that she held defensively, "I...can't."

The snow queen brought her spear into both hands and lowered herself into her fighting stance, "Then you have made your choice!"

Both women charged, their weapons clashing with violent speed. Elsa swung up into her opponent's blade then back down on the shaft when she tried to block-nearly knocking the witch to her knees. She jumped forward, thrusting downward with her spear in both hands but only struck stone when Venereth became shadow and flew above her. Reappearing the naga thrust at her back, Elsa turning in time to block the spear, she had to angle her body when the spear extended into a sword-the blade gleaming across her chest plate.

Elsa shoved her away and ducked underneath the returned blow, swinging her own spear into Venereth's legs-sending her to the ground. The knight countered; kicking Elsa's shins hard-making her fall on her chest. The naga quickly rose to swing down on the queen but before she could; Elsa pushed off from the ground- widening her stance and spinning sideways, slashing up across Venereth's shoulder as she did. The witch screamed and growled in pain, falling back to one knee-her hand grasping the wound.

The queen was now back on her feet, rushing Venereth before she could fully recover. As the naga thrust her weapon forward as a spear Elsa spun clear of it's path and leaped upward past her opponent, swinging down into her face plate. The icy blade shattered the steel on the left side, the force of the blow knocking her to the ground. Elsa revolved her weapon in both hands as she watched her enemy stagger back to her feet. The left side of her face was now exposed for her to see; her blue serpentine eye narrowed from the aching in her skull, strands of her black hair caught in the wind, her fangs bared as she breathed heavily.

Rising to her feet Venereth's spear shifted back to a sword that she took in both hands and she let loose a war cry as she charged desperately. Elsa lowered her gaze and bolted forward to meet her, as they both neared striking range Elsa split her weapon in two-dropping to her knees to slide under Venereth's blade and swinging past her body with both spears. Spinning back to her feet Elsa joined her spear ends together again and faced the knight whose back was to her still.

Venereth fell to her knees, shuddering as she exhaled, her sword dropping from her right hand while her left touched the two icy gashes where the spears had ripped through the armor on her abdomen. Removing her hand she shuddered again at the sight of the blood that pooled in the dips of her armored gloves. She fell forward now reaching for her weapon but a wind made it slide out of her reach. Managing to turn on her left side she looked up to see the snow queen standing over her now, Dragon's Flight shot forward-pressing it's deadly tip to the right side of her helm.

The naga's shaky breaths were a mix of pain and terror as she awaited her end at the queen's hands...then, against her expectations Elsa's eyes softened as she spoke, "Stay down...for your brother's sake."

The spear tip left and the snow queen with it as she ran out from her sight. Left all alone with her pain, Venereth's head hit the ground as her eyes closed-a tear leaving them.

OoO

Aldren held his blade defensively as the Witch King's relentless strikes came again and again-each threatening to knock his weapon from his hands...until he succeeded.

Black Autumn fell from Aldren's hands forcing him to block the next strike with his bracers. The fiery blade collided with his arms, knocking them away from his face. With his only protection removed Amicus struck with the sickle-like claws of his free hand. Slashing down diagonally across Aldren's face, leaving a large gash across the bridge of his nose that ended beneath his left eye.

The slash forced his eyes shut as he cried out. He turned from the strike and was able to open his eyes enough to roll under the black sword's next swing. As The Witch King thrust his blade down at him Aldren fired a concentrated fireball up into Amicus' chest. The projectiles impact caused the naga to fly back several yards into the chapel. His body broke through the wooden doors of the already damaged structure and it collapsed inward on top of him.

Aldren panted rubbing his new wound with his forearm, trying to relieve himself of the biting sting left from the Witch King's claw. He opened his eyes, fixing them on the ruined structure as he called Black Autumn to his grasp. He relaxed slightly when no movement came from the rubble.

"Aldren!"

He turned to Elsa's voice to see her standing a distance behind him, having witnessed what had happened, a small smile on her face as she looked on at him. He returned with his own, thankful to see her alright...

The only warning Aldren received was a flaming piece of wood that flew by his face from behind. He turned swiftly and the sound of metal being pierced split the air. He gasped harshly and it seemed that all other sound went mute until his weapon fell from his hand-the steel echoing against the ground as it landed.

Elsa's eyes were wide-watering, her mouth agape, her face plastered with horror. Having made their way past the debris blocking the palace entrance, Anna and the others all stood with similar expression. Rapunzel's hands covered her mouth-stifling a shriek and shaking her head in disbelief. From different angles they all saw the same thing; the Witch King standing before Aldren with his sword through their friend's heart.

Aldren's breathing was shallow as all he could do was stare at Amicus' pitiless black helm while his hands gripped the blade that he'd been impaled with. The naga king proved his merciless nature further when he lifted his sword up, Aldren's feet leaving the ground as he shuddered- a weak cry of pain as his eyes clenched shut. With one last look Amicus drew back and threw the young man from the end of his weapon several yards towards the center of the courtyard-his body landing roughly against the cobblestone.

Elsa bolted over to him, looking at nothing else-thinking of nothing else. Her spear fell from her hand as she dropped to her knees beside his quivering body. Putting her arms around him she cradled his head and back with one arm while the other held his face. Her voice was panicked and fearful as she spoke to him, "Aldren? Aldren look at me! Look at me!"

His crimson eyes were locked on her face while he did his best to speak between pained wheezes, "Elsa I-...I need to tell you...my-my heart-"

Her hand moved from his face to the wound in his chest, "It's OK-...It's OK-I'll fix this, I will! I-I have to find a way to...fix this..."

He coughed harshly-his body tensing, a line of blood oozing from the corner of his mouth while he struggled to breathe. Her eyes darted frantically between his face and chest; as if searching for some way to stop the inevitable. His hand reached up to grasp her's on his chest as his breaths became shorter and shorter, she looked him in the eye when he uttered weakly "Elsa..."

A lasting exhale drew from his mouth as the crimson flush in his iris' faded and his eyes slowly shut, she shook her head, "No!-No!-No! Aldren! Aldren open your eyes! Aldren open them!" his hand fell from atop hers, she felt his body go limp in her arms, felt his fire fade...felt the life leave him. Tears fell from her eyes as a small sob escaped her mouth, her hand moved back to his face and she shook her head again-slower, trying to will away the truth with her voice that was now a near silent whisper, "Aldren...Open your eyes. Open your eyes...please...Aldren..."

She leaned to press her forehead against his but before she could something hit her hard, throwing her away from his body. Her wits still dulled from grief she was unable to defend herself from the coil of multicolored flames that wrapped around her legs and body, ending in a serpentine head that hissed down at her. She growled as she struggled against it, her head turning back to Aldren only to see his murderer step over his body as one would a felled tree.

He stood over her now, speaking in a mocking tone, "His blood is on your hands banrigh, now you shall be sealed together in death. And all of Arendelle will share your fate!"

He raised his sword to take her life when a golden lasso wrapped around his torso and free arm, yanking him back from her-his sword falling from his hand. He snarled in anger as Kristoff, Sol and Rapunzel with all their strength and anger of their own pulled him as far away from her as they could. As his metal boots scraped against the stone he was assailed from behind by Anna; leaping onto his his back with an enraged scream-plunging her dagger into his neck and shoulder as many times as she could.

OoO

The fiery serpent had vanished with the first strike of Anna's knife, breaking Amicus' concentration. Elsa, now free, crawled back to Aldren's body and rested her right hand on his still form. Her eyes closing as she cried. She wanted only to hold him close, hold him in her arms and feel his warmth again...but there was something she wanted more. Her chest heaved with breaths more jagged and deep, no longer lined with sadness and loss but with immeasurable hatred and rage.

Her eyes opened and she examined the ribbon-like scorch marks encircling her armor where the fire serpent had held her. The armor that love had gifted her, scarred by that...Monster! The blue of her iris began to glow with a brightness it never had before. She sat up taller and lifted her left hand to see the blood on her palms and fingers was quickly being covered by jagged scales of ice that crept from her wrist up her hands to the ends of her fingers. The ice rippled like so many shards of sharp glass-each a miniature glacier that collided with one another. Her fist clenched, the ice crunching between her fingers and spiking out further from her knuckles-stretching the crimson blood beneath through it. Her eyes narrowed as she turned to look over her shoulder-no more fear, no sadness, there was only a singular drive to destroy the thing that had taken what she held dearest. The man she loved was gone-she could not bring him back...but he-would-be-Avenged!

OoO

Bitter tears stung Anna's eyes as she continued stabbing at the Witch King's neck, crying out angrily with every reckless motion from her blade. She drew back further to reach his chest but her wrist was caught in his claws and he threw from his shoulders-her body rolling away and groaning from the impact. He freed his other arm enough to grasp the rope holding him and snatched it hard. Rapunzel was struck in the back of the head by the weight on their end-knocking her into Sol while Kristoff was pulled off his feet.

The ice harvester was quickly back up for another charge but Amicus turned with the lasso still in his hand and when Kristoff came at him he simply whipped the weighted end of the lasso into the man's face. The metal ball struck his cheek and Kristoff spun to the ground unconscious, a large welt where it had hit.

"Kristoff!" Anna rushed to him.

After dropping the rope the naga faced Sol, who drove one of her sword through his stomach and with a shout brought the other blade down on his shoulder-embedding in his armor. Her face dropped when he failed to react, only tilting his head before swiping her arms away from both her weapons and firing a bolt of dark magic from either hand into her chest-sending her away from him. As she hit stone her body writhed in pain from the after effects of the spell.

The Witch King removed both weapons and tossed them aside as he turned back only to have the young princess's sword strike the side of his helm. The next swing she attempted he caught the blade in his hand, violet energy cracking and warping the blade before shattering it. He then seized her by the throat, lifting her off the ground with what remained of her weapon falling from her grip. She grasped his wrist with both hands, her eyes wide with terror as she gasped for air and kicked at his chest to no avail.

"Your striving against me is insignificant." He looked to Kristoff on the ground, fire gathering in his hand as he raised it towards him. "Let your deaths be the same."

Drawing back to release his fire Amicus stopped, his arm dropped and he screamed in pain as a glowing blue spearhead pierced out from his chest-making him drop Anna. Holding her throat and coughing Anna looked up from the ground to see her sister with her spear through Amicus' back-fury in her eyes like she had never seen. With an angry growl she lifted up, using all her strength to throw Amicus from the end of her weapon behind her overhead. He landed several feet from her, managing to land on one knee-stumbling some as he did, he snarled viciously as he stared back at her.

Elsa stood in front of her sister, frost spreading across the ground where she stepped-her expression and voice determined, focused ire. Her eyes flashing brighter with her first words, "NO-MORE! You will take no-more from me!"

He rose to full height, "Your family. Your kingdom. Your life! Everything! No matter how much you struggle against me, no matter how long you resist me I will triumph over you! Your fate is already written!"

She gripped her weapon tightly and her free fist tighter still-the ice on her hands crunched loudly as she lowered her gaze, "There's only one way this ends demon! Either you die! Or we both do!"

With fingers poised like talons she sent forth a swirling cyclone of icy wind straight into her enemy. He was quick to respond with a whipping torrent of flaming serpents-but as the two forces met in the middle the wind caught the flames within it and carried them back into him. He raised his arms to shield himself as the combined wind and flames made him slide back, he swiped his arms to dissipate the flames-only to be pushed further back when Elsa's spear flew through the flames into his chest.

Sliding forward on a path of ice she delivered a powerful spinning kick to his stomach as she ripped her weapon away from him. He turned back, swinging at her laterally with two flaming swords materializing in his hands. She angled her weapon to block the blades, then revolving her weapon quickly as she spun back-knocking one of them from his grasp before hurling the spear at him. This time he swiped his remaining weapon upward into the spear end as it neared-knocking it skyward. Despite this Elsa ran forward, jumping up to catch her weapon mid air in both hands and with a furious cry swung down at Amicus as she landed.

He held his blade to block but the force of her attack brought her spears edge into his shoulder-slicing through the armor. With her right hand she pressed down on the shaft of her spear-sawing deeper into his shoulder. The Witch King growled in effort-pushing up against her weapon and shoving her away before loosing a stream of fire from the end of his sword. She returned with a beam of ice, the two forces meeting in the middle-flinging molten and icy flecks back and forth.

Elsa's eyes narrowed and her magic pushed harder against his-overpowering it until it reached his blade and shattered it. The naga snarled- reeling back briefly before snapping back to face the snow queen who stood firm as they started to circle each other. Her breaths remained heavy with rage as she dragged Dragon's Flight's blade against the ground threateningly-a trail of icy spikes following in it's wake. Amicus threw what was left of his weapon aside, pausing momentarily before his hand shot forward. She raised her weapon to defend but quickly sensed the real attack was coming from behind, pushing off the ground and twisting up through the air the projectile flew under her towards her enemy. When she landed back on her feet what she saw only heightened her fury; Black Autumn in the grasp of the Witch King-her lover's weapon in his murderer's hand! He should not have it! He should not touch it! It did not belong to him! Flames climbed up the length of the gleaming blade and the naga king raised the tip towards her in challenge. She did not hesitate to answer; rage was her voice as she closed the distance and their weapons met with explosive force that reverberated across the entire courtyard and beyond.

It was at this moment, at the climax of their conflict that the battle in the courtyard around them grounded to a halt. Both sides ceased, simply seeking to put as much distance between themselves and the two living natural disasters-burning flames and deadly frost lashing out from each collision of their blades. Anna, Rapunzel, Sol and a now conscious Kristoff quickly took cover near Trolgon who had managed to free one of his wings and draped it over them. Alliance and enemy soldiers alike spread as far back to the walls of the courtyard as possible and waited for the outcome of the battle-to see who would emerge the victor.

Elsa spun back under a sword swing only to have her spear's shaft kicked into her stomach, making her double over and forcing her towards one of the courtyard fountains. She held her spear up to block two heavy downward strikes-the second knocking her to one knee. She rolled out of the path of a third that all but obliterated the fountain behind her instead. Back on her feet Elsa split her weapon, dodging past a backhand slash she ran her left spear through his body as deep as she could. When he stabbed at her face with his claws she ducked past his arm and plunged her other weapon between his ribs.

He roared and shoved her back before launching a bolt of black sorcery into her abdomen, her body tensed as she was brought to one knee from the pain that coursed through her. By the time the spell wore off she was forced to bring her weapons up to block his thrust at her chest. Before she could retaliate he twisted her right weapon away from her grasp with his own, then swiping down at her. Left with only one spear she gripped it with both hands to push back against his weapon. Now he simply parried her remaining weapon out of her hands-cutting/burning the top of her hand in the process before swinging at her neck.

But even then she would not give in; rushing forward she caught his sword arm under her arm, elbowing his chest hard with her other and delivering an icy palm to his jaw-knocking him back a few steps. Shaking off her defense he gripped Aldren's sword in both hands and swung down on her, she caught his arms in either of her hands and pushed against him. With a hiss of malice he pushed down on the blade with his left hand, with her right-still protected by a layer of ice she pushed back up towards him. He continued to bear down on her more and more-the fiery blade drawing closer and closer to her face.

Then Elsa's eyes narrowed, the light in them becoming brighter again...the ice from her hand began to spread onto the blade-extinguishing the flames-replacing them with a bright blue glow that enveloped the blade and guard spikes. Amicus' helm seemed to dart between her angered face and the weapon in his hands as she began to push against him back to her full height; as if she and the weapon in his hands resisted him as one. Her left hand came to grasp the grip beneath his hand, allowing her to turn the weapon around laterally between them-affording her more control.

Their faces now close to one another she drew back and drove the forehead of her helm into his before twisting the noble weapon from his claws and swiping the blade up into his helm's chin. While he reeled back she spun the sword into both hands before thrusting up into his chest with a purposeful shout. Her's and Black Autumn's aim was true; the tip of the Alfar blade pierced through the metal right into Amicus' black heart.

The naga threw his head back in pained scream before thrusting his hands forward, flames collided with the elven sword-knocking it from her hands and making her slide back several feet. The Witch King fell to his knees, looking up he rose back to his feet-every breath a growl as he drew his hands back gathering fire in them...but then found the flames dying out against his will. As he looked to his hands that now shook he saw the ends of claws slowly turning to pure blue ice and spreading down his fingers-he looked down and saw the same ice spreading from the wound in his heart out across the chest plate.

"What...what devilry is this?!" he uttered furious...and afraid.

Before any answer could be sought a pillar of ice shot up into his chest knocking him back, followed by another and another. Elsa continued summoning the pillars as she advanced on him, leaving dents in his armor. When she was finished with that she reached out; erecting a wall of ice behind him and shoved him into it with the wind. Before he could fall forward she rushed him, her knee crushing into his stomach-knocking him back against the wall again. Gripping his face plate she shoved the back of his head into the ice, using her other ice encased hand to deliver several punches to his stomach-then releasing his head she did the same with both hands across his face.

In a desperate move Amicus lunged forward with his claws- oozing black decay. She easily caught his arms at her sides and forced them down, gripping down hard her cold hands bent the metal inward as she looked him in the eye and he groaned in agony. Finally she ripped down across his arms, shredding his metal gauntlets before she drew back with both palms and with a wrathful scream shot a powerful blast of her magic that sent him crashing through the wall of ice-rolling against the ground.

As he shakily tried to rise she tackled him back to the ground making them slide further-delivering a hard punch to the side of his head as they did. When he reached up and grasped her throat she easily twisted his hand off, binding it to the ground with ice while pinning his other arm with her foot. With him now at her complete mercy her rage was no longer controlled; a hateful shout came from her with every blow she struck. She alternated hands between holding his neck and striking down into the side of his helm, she wanted him to suffer-she wanted to feel every painful strike she assailed him with; for her father! For her mother! For Aldren! For Everything!

She drew back for one last powerful hit, all her power came crashing down upon the metal; a shockwave of her power rippled out from the impact. When the icy haze cleared a jagged crack could be seen across the helmet's length-lining up with the slash Aldren had dealt previously. She finally allowed herself to breathe, the glow fading from her eyes, swallowing hard-achy from anguish and anger...she pushed off from his unmoving corpse. Stepping over him she staggered a short distance away and looked up; first to Aldren's body- a shiver running through her as sadness began to return, then to the rest of her family in the courtyard who looked to her with concerned faces.

Then she stopped...she heard movement behind her; metal shifting softly. Her fury was reignited, her teeth baring in a snarl as she turned back to see her enemy roll onto his side while shivering. He was still alive! She looked to Black Autumn on the ground; the closest weapon in sight-with the wind she brought it to her hand. Drawing back she struck Amicus across the chest, sending him back to the ground before raising the weapon above her head to finish him off. But she stayed her blade at the sound of a choking laugh echoing out from his helm, "All that effort, all-all that rage...when you've already struck the killing blow..."

She lowered her sword when he pointed towards the hole in his heart, she could see it; the ice spreading through his chest and hands...she had frozen his heart. With some effort he manged to break the ice around his other hand, allowing himself to rise to his knees-he held his arms out, "Congratulations. Against all expectations, despite my best efforts...you've beaten me. Now...finish-me!"

Her weapon did not move, she only narrowed her eyes. He lowered his head, "Don't tell me...won't strike down an unarmed-"

He was silenced when her blade lifted his chin back to her angered gaze, she leaned forward-speaking in a quiet hiss, "You don't get to hide behind that mask anymore you slithering coward! I will see your eyes when I kill you!"

"Huh..." he pushed the blade away from his face and grasped the sides of his helm, "As you wish..."

His quivering hands struggled to lift the helm from his head, he nearly fell forward as he finally removed it-the black metal bouncing against the ground. Elsa raised Black Autumn in both hands, drawing back to take his head. All she saw at first was black, spiked black hair with streaks of gray running through it...but what she saw next gave her pause-shock even.

As he lifted his head towards her again she took in his features; his skin was pale, but not like the rest of the naga race...pale like death, no scales, no life beneath it. His teeth weren't pointed viper's fangs but the kind of teeth any ordinary man would have. A jagged scar ran diagonally across his angular face from where he was struck by Aldren. And his eyes; no yellow or blue, no black slit running down the middle...they were same crimson iris's that Aldren had in life, just-like- Aldren's. His lifeless lips curled into a snide smile, "Not what you were expecting? Nor were you to me, it would seem..."

He cringed as the ice began to spread faster across his body with his hands completely frozen and cracks forming in them. He exhaled-fog pouring from his mouth, looking down to his chest, "When one goes...to centuries of preparation, one tends to believe they have accounted for everything. And yet this cursed land has done nothing but surprise me...to be felled by you-or something about you-...how...how did it come to this?" he seemed to say more to himself.

"I know how." he looked up to her when she spoke softly but strongly, "When I struck my sister with my powers; it took hours-days nearly before she completely froze. My sister; who risked her life for me, to bring me home...My sister. Who loved me above all. And when Hans' struck down on her with his sword that love made her invincible and that love brought her back to me." He looked down briefly, then back up when she pressed her sword's tip against his chest plate and lowered her gaze, "That's why you're freezing so quickly, why it threatens to shatter you even now...because there is no love in you. There is no-love in you."

She removed her blade and he cringed again; the ice threatening to engulf his entire form, he growled spitefully-looking back to her again with nothing but contempt, "I would laugh at that...if it weren't so irritatingly true at this moment." he sighed in defeat, "But that no longer matters now; I failed to know my enemy...you did not. Well done."

Her only response was her eyes narrowing as she slowly raised Black Autumn into both hands, the ice now having engulfed all but his head. Despite this he smiled at her one last time, "I think perhaps I was wrong about you banrigh...maybe you are a predator after all..." he lowered his head and froze completely.

Silence overtook the courtyard for a brief moment before Elsa screamed loudly, swinging the blade in a perfect strike to his neck, the steel shattering it's entirety like glass. The ice had been weak like the heart of the one whom it froze, vengeance for her and Black Autumn. All that remained of him was the small red gem that had rested in his chest and his black ruined helm...the Witch King had been vanquished.

All around her was silence as every individual looked on in shock; naga soldiers lifted their visors-making sure what they saw was real. Their immortal master had been slain, wiped from existence...by a woman of only twenty two. Venereth from her place on the ground was on the verge of tears; she did not weep for Amicus..but because her brother had been right. Every other human soldier in the courtyard felt some relief...to know that they had finally won. The snow queen herself was like a statue, still frozen in her final blow to her ultimate foe for several moments...before finally, Black Autumn fell from her grasp.

Elsa slowly turned once more to see Kristoff, Sol and Rapunzel gathered around Aldren's body while Anna held his head in her lap. The queen made her way to them with shaky steps, her physical pain coming to bear. She removed her helmet letting it fall from her hands before dropping to her knees beside him. She took his body and head in her arms as she had done before-then she inhaled sharply before tears poured from her eyes. She leaned her forehead against his and her body shook as she wept sorrowfully...

Suddenly her eyes wrenched shut and she screamed loudly; a mournful, despairing sound that filled the courtyard. Her head pulled back as she screamed again up to the sky; a pleading cry to the heavens of unknowable anguish. Her screaming subsided to woeful sobs as she clutched his body close, crying into his cheek-her tears falling against his cold skin. The weight of her dark reality had come to fully bear on her now; the person she was in love with, who she would've spent the rest of her life with was gone...

With help Trolgon was finally freed from the rubble and made his way through the crowd close enough to lean his head down, resting it on the ground beside his mother and trilling sadly as he nudged Aldren's leg with his snout. Anna grasped Elsa's wrist, no longer able to hold back her own crying at the sight of her dead brother in her sister's arms. Behind her Kristoff's own tears began to fall from his eyes while Rapunzel put her hand on his shoulder. Sol gripped her sword's tightly, feeling her cousin's passing just as keenly as the others but refusing to let it show...

OoO

Despite his grievous injuries, Tarn was alive. From his place on the ground-on the outskirts of the crowd he had witnessed his master's defeat and now watched his enemies mourn over their dead hero. With some difficulty he managed to rise to his feet with his remaining limb; his first instinct was to attack the queen now while she was vulnerable and exhausted. But as he stepped forward the flat of a sword against his chest stopped him, he looked down to prince Hans who spoke quietly, "I advise retreat." they both looked back to the queen as he went on, "They won't remain in their misery forever." The island prince signaled his own men in the courtyard and walked away, "Or stay here and die if you wish."

The general was reminded of the dragon guarding the queen, his missing limb, the hole in his chest and leg-their pain coming back to him fully along with fear. Without another thought he made his way towards the gate, pushing his way past anyone in his way.

OoO

Venereth rose to one knee at the sight of Tarn and Hans leaving with what naga and traitor islanders remained in the courtyard. She then looked to the palace and through one of the windows she saw her brother with his palms against the glass. With sad eyes he mouthed a single word to her, "Go..."

She hung her head in defeat-unmoving at first, considering the odds. She was mortally wounded and alone now, she knew the Arendellians would not harm her brother but the same likely could not be said for her. The queen's wrath would likely be visited upon her first-even her mercy had limits. With no other choice she looked to her brother one last time with regret and sadness, before taking to the air and escaping.

OoO

From the corner of her eye Sol had seen the orb of shadow snake into the sky, then her head snapped towards the shattered gate of the courtyard at the sight of the enemy soldiers running for their lives. She bared her teeth and whipped her blades, giving chase-any other alliance soldiers whose hearts remained gripped with anger followed her lead.

Those that remained in the courtyard were all of Arendelle, who's sadness plagued them more than rage and so they began to gather around closer and kneel; bowing their heads and remaining silent. When some time had passed they all stood again, a few made their way towards their crying queen and their slain lord with a cloth gurney. But as they moved to take his body from her she stiffened and swiped her arm out at them, "Don't touch him!" she snapped, her other arm clutching him close possessively-even making Trolgon flinch away from her.

They backed off, their expressions hurt and somewhat afraid at their queens sudden fury towards them. Eventually someone else made their way through the crowd; Gillian with his crossbow in one hand walked forward with a slight limp until he came upon them. He slowly knelt in front of her, resting against the bow and looking into her angry eyes with his own insistent ones, "Your majesty..."

Elsa breathed heavily, still not wanting to let go of Aldren...but she had heard him. She looked down and nodded uneasily allowing them to place him on the gurney. Gillian looked to the soldiers and nodded before standing.

"Inside." was all she said, in a hoarse voice that was barely audible.

They bowed their heads and made their way towards the doors of the palace, all the way Elsa walked alongside them with her hand against Aldren's chest plate while Anna did the same on his other side. Kristoff followed a short distance behind. Trolgon trailed them as far as he could until they had reached the castle where he could not follow, lying down to guard the entrance-curling up tightly with his frills laid back sadly. The courtyard was left with the hollow sound of winter winds as the royal sisters left. Gillian gathered his queen's weapons and helm and sent word to the field of the Witch King's defeat-but to say nothing of Aldren's death. He organized the rest of the soldiers to begin clearing debris and tend to the wounded.

OoO

Rapunzel stood very still, staring at the palace entrance for so long that a thin layer of snowfall had covered the entirety of her hooded cloak. Pascal looked out from the warmth beneath with concern, squeaking quietly to get her attention. She looked down at him with a slight smile that quickly faded. She was drawn out of her thoughts by the sound of horses hoof beats and turned to see her husband and best friend ride in, dismounting quickly and running to her.

She rose her hands to Eugene's chest as he took her in his arms, "Rapunzel are you OK?"

"I'm fine. What's happening out there?"

He smiled, "The naga turned tail and ran as soon as word got to them the head reptile himself bit the dust."

"Karl and my dad are leading the army with General Zyon and lady Sol to run them out of Arendelle and back into the sea." Cassandra added.

Their faces dropped when they saw how sad her's was, Eugene looked her in the eye, "Hey. What's the matter?"

She opened her mouth to speak but no words came so instead she looked over to where Black Autumn lay on the ground. Their eyes followed hers and grew wide at the sight of the sword without it's bearer, he closed his eyes, "Oh no..."

Cassandra walked over to the sword and picked it up before giving Rapunzel a knowing look, the princess then looked to the palace once more. The elder troll's words played in her head, as they had since he had spoken them to her. But did he know this is what would happen and if he did why would he have forbade her from using her powers to help...she no longer cared. Inhaling deeply, her chest out, her eyes hardened with determination as she walked towards the palace doors. Eugene and Cassandra looked between each other before falling in behind her.

As they neared Trolgon lifted his head and Rapunzel smiled, running a hand across his snout as she passed by. He watched intently as they entered, his curious eyes following them the whole way until they left his sight...