(A/N: I've been waiting to write this story for a LONG time, but life and other story recommendations got in the way. This was originally supposed to be an Agduna story, but when I presented the choice of Agduna or an Elsa x OC ship to Frozen Wolf Heart 22, our beloved magical queen was chosen for this story. I'll do a different Agduna story in time called The Black Knight, so stay tuned Agduna shippers. This story, Silent Knight was inspired by three different stories that I would like to thank for the creative inspiration and highly recommend you check out. These amazing authors deserve some love. A Queen's Knight by Frozen Wolf Heart 22. In the Heart of a Snowflake by RinWyn. The Queen and the commoner by TackyEye. Please leave your reviews and let me know what you think. I honestly love reading everyone's thoughts as they progress through my stories. Also, I had to correct something in this chapter so it'll be slightly different.)
CHAPTER ONE: THE DAY ARENDELLE STOOD STILL
Out in the vast seas of God's good Earth, there exists a kingdom that sits on a large fjord said to be carved by the magical Resolute Sword of Arendelle's mythical demigod hero, Aren. A small kingdom, yet mighty in heart and spirit, because it is a kingdom of plenty that stands for the good of the many. At first glance you may not think much of this small kingdom's humble and simple appearance, but rest assured that this kingdom rival kingdoms twice its size, because it possesses something the world deems unnatural to the world of Men and was long believed to be a thing of myth. Magic. Magic so beautiful, yet cold and very terrifying to those who behold it.
The winter sky was a dark blue after the sun had set beyond the horizon and night painted itself across the vast expanse. Snowflakes drifted from the heavens, falling through the darkness. Each snowflake, unique in design from all others, twirled in the air like a graceful ballerina, completely at the mercy of the cold winds that guided its descent to the white landscape below. However, a strange wind blew and altered its God ordained resting place, guiding it through the small, humble kingdom. People who beheld the snowfall used to look upon it with awe and wonder as if it were something beautiful, yet now only fear. Snowfall only reminded them of who ruled over them. The rogue snowflake continued to make its way through the streets, weaving past stands and people. It had a place to be.
The people of Arendelle were a simple folk, who were easily fearful and superstitious of things they didn't understand. There was a day that the people of Arendelle remember well, once a day of celebration, but now only what they felt was…oppression, and it was in a way. Whenever the Winter Solstice came upon Arendelle, it was a day of celebrating the coming winter season. King Agnarr and Queen Iduna would open the gates and all would gather in the royal palace courtyard for festivities and in the banquet hall, delectable treats waited for them, but the tradition the people looked forward to the most above all…the ringing of the Yule Bell. Ah, yes, the ringing of the Yule Bell. If only you could hear it. The loud, heavenly chimes of the silver, decorative bell seemed to echo forever throughout the entire kingdom, enchanting the people who heard it with peace and goodwill toward their fellow men. It was THAT time of the year. However, little did the people know how that would change for the worst. All because the eldest daughter, eight-year-old Princess Elsa, did not want to hide her magic anymore.
This frightening magic is alone wielded by the newly crowned Queen of Arendelle, the firstborn of the late King Agnarr and Queen Iduna, Elsa. No one else in the world possesses power like her's. The very name meant 'consecrated to God', 'God's promise', 'oath to God' and 'joyful.' Such a strange name to give such a Queen is what some believed because Queen Elsa is a mysterious ruler who remains within her royal palace, behind the closed gates, detached and isolated from her people. Those who have humbly come before her on their knees return to their friends and families, often claiming her to be very cold, intimidating, regal as she sat behind a wall of ice on her throne, projecting a shadow on them. One who was religious and has experienced a summons with Queen Elsa of Arendelle would likely describe her as a righteous and fearful angelic being, given to the kingdom by God to rule over them with righteous fury and justice or as demonic tormentor who threatens their dreams with her magic. A terrifying experience, indeed, if it were true. That is if any of them were to look upon her with their own eyes. Yet, none ever had since that terrifying day of the Winter Solstice many years ago, when the current, regal Queen of Arendelle was but an eight-year-old girl. Her age however didn't stop them from persecuting her for wielding magic, believing her to be an avenger of the Northuldra to punish them for King Runeard's sin.
The snowflake that followed an invisible and mysterious force flew up to the balcony of the Royal Chambers where a figure stood. The figure was a beautiful woman, dressed in a form fitting blue dress decorated with diamond shapes of various sizes that followed the contour of her perfectly feminine form yet left her slim neck and flawless shoulders exposed. Her shoulders were framed by a white fluffy material that crowned her busts and traveled around to her back. There, hanging from her upper back, was a see-through cape decorated with snowflakes. Finally, the snowflake landed in her gentle, open palm where it didn't melt because unlike everyone else, she was cold to the touch. Her intense, bright blue eyes closely studied the snowflake, knowing instantly it was a natural and not one of her own. However, that didn't keep her from admiring the natural beauty it possessed. A sudden gust of wind blew the snowflake away from her outstretched hand, her saddened eyes watched it leave, causing her to notice the clouds that loomed over her.
Dark, ominous winter clouds filled the skies of Arendelle. They were the same clouds as that terrible day. As if a reminder of that painful day. She could feel the fear inside building as she closed her sapphire eyes, tightening her jaw and firmly clenching the railing of her balcony so firmly that her hands shook. Tears were threatening to escape her eyes, but a stray tear ran down her smooth, pale cheek. It froze before it could slide too far and with anger, she willed it to drift off into the wind. Conceal. Don't Feel. Don't let it show. It has been two years since she began her reign. She took a glance at her kingdom, the only place she could ever call home. Everything looked so peaceful. Only if you stay within these walls where you can't frighten…or harm anyone. She closed her eyes as tight as she could, bearing the triggering thought as she kept her emotions buried as much as possible.
When she opened her eyes, she noticed it was beginning to snow unnaturally, caused by her emotions, and she quickly focused and made it cease. The sound of Anna's laughter in the distance seized her cold attention. Finally, her blue eyes locked onto the stables where Anna stood next to the same harvester that Elsa remembered from the Great Thaw TWO month ago. Kristoff. Elsa's eyes widened when she saw Anna move some red hair behind her ear. Anna was courting someone behind her back? Elsa wondered why Anna never told her about this new man in her life. They have been together all their lives and shared everything, except now, which made Elsa's heart ache slightly as she watched Anna skip happily back inside with the happiest, warmest, most ridiculous grin on her face.
Elsa had always seen herself as her little sister's keeper. She would be her confident when she was stressed or hurting. She would take care of her in sickness and in health. She would lay with Anna whenever she had nightmares. Maybe my sister doesn't need me anymore.
Elsa's eyes studied the stables where the man had entered and not came out of. This led to her getting lost in deep thought, but she returned to reality when a musical knock came to her door.
Knock, Knock, Knock-Knock, Knock
The ache in her heart faded and a slight smile came to Elsa's lips, "Come in, Anna." Perhaps, Anna is going to tell me now about that man and couldn't before because it wasn't serious enough.
Elsa heard the door open and immediately the atmosphere in the room changed as Anna happily greeted her, "Hey, Elsa!" Elsa smiled more as Anna quickly crossed the room to join her side.
"How was your walk?" Elsa inquired, cleverly awaiting Anna's news about her new and mysterious suitor.
"Walk? Oh! It was great," Anna smiled and rambled on about the fictional walk she never had. The detail she desperately came up with sounded like something out of a book of poetry written about the beauty of winter.
Elsa had to stifle a giggle, "Anna, please stop." Elsa held up a hand to halt her sister from embarrassing herself any further. "Are you really going to do this? It's me, remember?" Elsa's eyes fell upon the scar on Anna's forehead that had turned white over the years. Her smile faded away into sadness as she gentle ran her finger over it, feeling guilty of how Anna got that scar years ago.
"Do what, Elsa? I don't know what you're-" Anna played dumb, which almost made Elsa want to laugh more.
Elsa instantly turned towards Anna and got in her face, silencing the redhead. Elsa smiled slightly, "How long did you think you could keep it a secret?"
It suddenly dawned on Anna where they were standing and where the stables were. Her freckled face became a deep shade of red. She looked back up at Elsa's face which smiled more and raised an eyebrow. "I want to know all about him, Anna."
Anna was caught off guard by Elsa's uncharacteristic warmness and interest. "You- You do?" Anna's voice was shaky, weary of Elsa.
It made sense now to Elsa. Anna was keeping him a secret because she thought she wouldn't approve and she was right. No one was good enough for her little sister. If she had her way, she would lock Anna in her room, for her own protection, where no man could ever dishonor her. However, love is something Elsa could never deny Anna. Her beautiful, perfect sister deserved love and every good thing in the world. Elsa held her sister's hands in her own. "Yes, sis. Are you happy? Does Kristoff treat you well?" If she is, that's all that matters.
Anna's guard was dropped and her face lit up, "YES."
Elsa's expression was warm, "Tell me everything."
"First off, it's not what you think. I enjoy his company and I like him a lot," Anna quickly explained, "We're just friends!"
Elsa noticed the blush on Anna's face and smiled. She's taking things slowly than with Prince Hans. I'm proud of you, sis. "Very well," she smiled at Anna as she turned to keep looking at the kingdom and placed her hand on Anna's, "Perhaps soon you can introduce him to your older sister."
Anna smiled nervously, "Y-yeah. Sure."
Braelyn, the only daughter of a struggling farming family, is sent to present their plea on their behalf. She shook because she heard the stories, what the Queen could do with the wave of her hand. Each step she took from her small farm towards the royal palace brought her more and more dread. I can't do this! She forced herself to take one more step after the other, often faced with an overwhelming desire to flee back home. She couldn't, because her parents were busy tending to the sick animals as best as they could.
When one request an audience with the Queen, one must first send a letter to the royal palace describing their need in detail. When the Queen finds a solution or rejects their request, a summons is sent to the civilian. It wasn't the way King Agnarr and Queen Iduna handled the needs of the people, but as soon as Princess Elsa was crowned, she boldly made changes to fit her wishes on how to handle the needs of her kingdom.
Braelyn presented her summons to the tall guards at the gate and she was allowed inside the royal courtyard. She froze when she beheld the majestic statue of the kingdom's demigod hero, Aren. Everyone who lived in Arendelle knew the myth. She looked at how heroic the bronze statue was. Aren had the strong and chiseled body of a Greek god and held the Resolute Sword above his head with one hand and offering his hand to her as if inviting her to battle. She tore her eyes away and entered the palace behind the guard escorting her. She was halted outside the Great Hall by the palace steward, Kai, and she presented her summons. "Wait here, child. I will inform the Queen you have arrived," he instructed gently with the manner of a devoted servant or butler. Kai turned away to enter the Great Hall but stopped when Braelyn grabbed the hem of his royal jacket. "Wait. Are they true? The stories. Is the Queen as cold and terrifying as they say?"
Kai's expression softened as he looked down at the young teenager's frightened face. He smiled warmly and assured her, "Only to those who deserve it, my dear. You don't have to be afraid."
Braelyn forced a smile and nodded to humor the adult. He's only telling you this to help to feel better. She's so terrifying that even he is afraid to say otherwise. Kai disappeared behind the door.
Kai entered the cold Great Hall and approached the icy throne. Ice concealed her, but he could see her shadowy regal posture through the ice barrier as she sat on the throne. There were another shadow donning two pig tails. He smiled, knowing it was Princess Anna, who acted as a mediator between her sister and the people. It looked like they were talking about something exciting, judging from Anna's frantic body motion. Elsa's silhouette began shaking slightly, indicating she was perhaps laughing. Only Anna could bring out that side of her sister. He came to a halt and cleared his throat to announce his presence. Anna poked her head out from behind the ice wall and her warm face lit up, "Oh, hey, Kai."
He felt better having the Princess here. She made standing in the Queen's presence more bearable. He knew what he said to the poor child, but to be honest, he too was intimidated by his queen. Elsa inherited all the regal and reserved nature of their father and Anna got all of their mother's warm, loving and merciful traits. "The family who were struggling with sick livestock sent their only daughter, Braelyn. Her parents sent her in their place since things took a turn for the worse on their farm. May I send her in, Your Majesty?"
"Sure, Kai! Send her in!" Anna said happily, but immediately turned to Elsa's silhouette. "Sorry, Elsa."
"Send her in," Elsa commanded behind her ice wall, repeating Anna's reply, but with a regal tone. Kai bowed formally and returned outside the hall. Anna quickly took her place at the right hand of Elsa but on the opposite side of the icy wall as her older sister. Braelyn shook as she approached the throne and stopped half way, too scared to come any closer. Her parents taught her how to address the Queen and she recited the lines but her voice was shaky. "Than-Thank you for yo-your time, Y-Your Majesty."
Princess Anna gave her a friendly smile, but it didn't help. Braelyn was starting to shake worse. Anna looked up at Elsa who could see everything just fine unlike everyone else. Braelyn shook more as she heard the ice disappearing from the throne and the regal sound of icy heels echoed on the floor as they approached her. Braelyn succumbed to the overwhelming urge to fall to her knees and keep her head bowed. The figure stopped and knelt in front of Braelyn, gently raising her head by the chin. Braelyn was speechless when she looked upon the Queen. Not one civilian has ever laid eyes on the Queen before and she was the first. Her mouth was open as she took in every beautiful detail of Queen Elsa. Her skin was fair and perfect, smooth without blemish besides the very light dusting of freckles. Her hair was in a French braid that hung over her shoulder. Her eyes, a beautiful azure blue that seized Braelyn's complete attention and wouldn't release her. Her pink lips curled into a small warm smile, "Tell your parents they can rest. I found the source of your livestock's sickness and will send my Royal Physician with the medicine for the animals and a list detailing the steps your parents can take to prevent this in the future. Everything will be okay."
"My parents won't lose the farm?" Braelyn asked with excitement in her voice as Princess Anna joined them.
"Nope. Your family will be running that farm for years to come," Princess Anna assured her.
Braelyn was so relieved she began to cry, "Thank you. My parents will be so happy." Queen Elsa and Princess Anna both stood as they watched Braelyn suddenly take off with the good news. Anna was smiling, but didn't realize Elsa was already heading back to the throne. Anna was caught off guard and rushed to catch up. "You really made her day."
Elsa turned her head slight but didn't look at Anna as her words caught her attention. "You really think so?"
Anna came around front and took her sister's hands. "Yes, Elsa! Didn't you see how she reacted when you came face to face with her and gave her the good news? She had to get back home to tell her parents. You never faced a civilian face to face before. She'll be sharing stories of this day for years."
Elsa looked down to think. Anna's voice interrupted her train of thought, "You took a big step today, Elsa, and I'm proud of you." Elsa smiled nervously, pulling away to return to her throne.
Kai entered again, "Your Majesty, Captain Halden of the Royal Guard request an audience with you."
Elsa sat in the throne with a regal poise, "Send him in." She held her chin high as her father always did and instructed. The head of the Royal Guard entered and gave a bow of his head.
"Hey, Cap! How's the recruiting coming?" Anna asked cheerfully. The captain's face became slightly disappointed. "Oh," Anna said awkwardly. "Gee, this is awkward."
Halden looked up at Elsa who was now concerned, "I must request you rethink your decision to expand the Royal Guard. Arendelle is at peace. No nation dares to attack a kingdom that's ruled by a Queen with magic. Is it really necessary?"
Elsa thought for a brief moment before standing and walking to him. "I understand your confusion, Captain, but a man once told me that 'A wise ruler must never seek out war, but must be prepared for it.' Do you know who that man was?"
The captain was silent. Elsa answered, "My father." His face was then sad. He had served since Agnarr was a boy and was actually chosen by the young prince shortly after the incident that claimed the life of King Runeard.
"Perhaps, Your Majesty, a law targeted towards young adults could help replenish-" Halden began to suggest but Elsa was quick to shut him down. "NO."
"Your Majesty-" He tried to speak up as she walked away.
"I will not force my people into Arendelle's military. The choice to serve must be theirs," Elsa turned back and replied in a firm tone to let the captain know the conversation was already over and that the discussion of drafting a certain age group was never going to be discussed ever again.
"As you wish, Queen Elsa. The Royal Guard's numbers are strong and we are proud. No harm is coming to the Crown or Arendelle," Captain Halden said proudly. However, Elsa could feel the same concern he felt.
"We don't need to be too concerned with the Royal Guard's expansion," the Queen said as she returned to her throne, "If anyone threatens my people, I'll make them regret it. I…will protect Arendelle." She said that with such a regal tone and poise as she sat like a Queen on her throne.
"I bet the people will be happy to hear that," Anna smiled. She saw Elsa use her magic like that before. She was truly a force of nature, like a raging storm lying dormant for someone to come along and provoke it.
"Don't be so sure, Princess Anna," Halden replied, earning an inquisitive look from both royals. "Your Majesty…if I may. There are rumors spreading all over the kingdom. I had the unfortunate privilege of hearing their whispers."
Elsa's face softened and became sad, "They're still afraid of me. After all this time, they still see me as…as a monster."
"You're not a monster, Elsa!" Anna spoke up after joining her elder sister's side and taking her hand.
"Your sister speaks the truth, Queen Elsa. Your secret has been entrusted to us within these walls by your parents when you were born. We who serve you, know who you really are. However, I must request mercy and grace for your people. Arendelle had been deeply shaken by the Northuldra years ago when it lost its ruler, King Runeard. It'll take time for them to heal from that and accept their Queen possesses magic," Halden assured her.
"How?" Elsa asked Halden and turned her sad eyes to Anna. She desperately wanted a solution that would ease the fear she brought upon her own subjects.
Anna thought on this, then a brilliant idea came to her, "I KNOW! SHOW YOURSELF!"
Elsa looked at her confused so Anna explained, "The last time the people have ever seen you was years ago. You isolated yourself within these walls and erect a wall of ice whenever people come before your throne. Remember how Braelyn reacted when you came to her. Do the same for the rest of the people. Present yourself to the kingdom. Give your people a chance to see you the way we see you, Elsa."
Halden was inclined to agree with Princess Anna, but Elsa was very hesitant and fearful. "Anna, I don't-"
"It'll be perfect, Elsa!" Anna exclaimed with pure excitement.
Elsa was moved by her little sister's joyful display and thought briefly before smiling at her, "What would I do without you? Okay, Anna."
Anna shot up and squealed with immense excitement, "YES!" Before Elsa could calm Anna, her little sister ran over to Halden, "Halden and I will set up everything. Let's go, Captain! We got work to do!"
Halden was jerked by the arm out of the throne room by the Princess, leaving Elsa alone on the throne to look up and sigh. Is it really that easy? Could the people ever learn to love me as they have you, Father and Mother?
Just west of the Royal Palace, there was a small village, Geiringer. It was a simple village that sat in the valley in between two mountains with a view of a small fjord that snaked through the land from the sea. It consisted of farmers, fishermen, herbalists, and musicians. It was this village that produced one of the greatest lines of soldiers in Arendelle's history: The Line of Wolfsbane.
As people prepared for an annual winter festival, village was a chaotic mess as people moved tables, food, barrels of meade, game and food stands. Since Arendelle stopped holding the Yule Bell festival at the royal palace for years, other villages began to create their own holiday traditions to raise everyone's spirits and morale. Out of the entire village, not a single soul was working, except one.
A beautiful, little girl named Sarah ran for her family barn, looking for the one person that wasn't helping out in the streets. She ran for the barn where she knew he would be. The large door opened, letting in a small gust of cold, winter air. "There you are!"
John Wolfsbane, a twenty-two-year-old young man with dark hair and eyes. In the barn where he slept, his dark hair and bare upper torso glistened with sweat as he stacked the bales of hay. It may have been cold outside, but the barn was well insulated to take care of the livestock inside. Chickens and a few horses. The manual labor he did was good for his soul and body and was the price for taking shelter there. He turned, upon hearing Sara and smiled seeing her relieved to be in a warm space. "It's so cold. Why are you working? The festival is going to start, Big Brother."
They weren't related by blood, but Sara and John possessed a close relationship and she came to call him 'Big Brother.' He didn't mind one bit. Unable to speak the way she could, he signed with his hands, Just finishing up with the horses' stables. Would you like to take the basket and collect the eggs from the chicken coop?
Sarah's nine-year-old face lit up. It was her favorite thing to do and loved it when John let her help. Her older sister, Kyra, was very strict since their parents died and didn't take to her bothering John while he worked to help out the farm. Sara wasn't a dummy. She knew the real reason Kyra was so tense around John and it made her smile. She grabbed the basket and ran for the chicken coop while John finished feeding the three horses and cleaning their stables. Her blonde ponytail swinging in the air. She screamed when several chickens burst from the coop when she opened it, causing a chaotic mess of clucking and feathers everywhere. "Oh, no! Not again! Big Brother!"
John dropped his pitchfork that he was using to scoop loose hey and ran over. He got her attention as she jumped from all the chickens attacking. He urgently signed, You collect the eggs. I'll get the chickens put back up. Ready?
His smile at the end made her smile, "Ready." She quickly, but gently placed each egg in the basket before helping John capture each of the chickens. It was impossible since the chickens were so fast and easily dodged her hands. She laughed, "Come here, Chicken."
Kyra was walking to the barn, looking for her little sister. If she was anywhere, it would be the barn. Approaching the barn was causing her to slow her pace and her heart to quicken. Her eyes widened when she heard Sarah laughing inside. Of course, she is! Kyra barged in seeing chickens everywhere and Sarah chasing them. Kyra froze when she noticed John. The sweaty, ripped sight of him made her breathing become slightly heavy and shaky as he stood there with a chicken on his head, another on his shoulder and another in one of his arms.
"Sarah, the festival is going to start soon. Go to our stand, now," Kyra ordered firmly.
"But I'm helping Big Brother," Sarah whined, but dropped her head when Kyra gave her a look. Sarah left.
Kyra looked back at John. Her heart quickened again, realizing they were finally alone which caused thoughts to run through her mind. She quickly suppressed her urges and said, "Put the chicken away, please."
He nodded and headed over to the chicken coop, which made her smile. She was happy he couldn't speak normally like anybody else. In her eyes, men should just be quiet and do what they are told. This made her smile smugly. She turned to leave, but John's hand grabbed her's, causing her smugness to instantly crumble. She turned back to him and he handed her the basket of eggs and smiled. "Uh, thank you," she stammered with a blush on her cheeks. She pulled her hand away from his and added, "Oh, and John? You really smell. Be sure to clean up before you join our stand. I don't want your repugnant smell driving away our neighbors."
Again, he nodded before she left. I'm such a dang coward, Kyra chided herself and it made her angrier. He bathed before changing into fresh clothes and joining Kyra and Sarah at the stand where they sold sugary, baked goods. There were games the village people participated in like racing, arm wrestling, snowball fights, snowman building contests and an eating contest. The fun and festivities were put on hold when a royal messenger arrived on horseback and nailed an announcement from the Crown. Everyone came over to investigate.
It was from Princess Anna. It was a summons to the presentation of Queen Elsa, their mysterious ruler who ruled from within the palace walls and never made a public appearance. She had a closed ceremony for her coronation and didn't even attend the funeral of her parents. The mere mention of their queen made hearts drop with fear and whispers.
"She's actually going to make a public appearance? This is bad."
"The Queen never issues decrees. It's always from Princess Anna. Everyone likes her, so we shouldn't be scared, right?"
"No one knows what Queen Elsa looks like. I'd like to go and see her for myself."
"I heard Braelyn from that cattle farm just outside Arendelle saw the face of the Queen herself. She told her parents who told their friends. They say she's very beautiful."
John listened to these whispers as he read the decree, once he got close enough with Kyra and Sarah. He felt a strange warmth fill his chest and a pulling on his heart. He felt compelled to go.
"Can we go, Kyra?" Sarah asked by her older sister's side. She seemed very excited to go as well.
"Absolutely not. We got more important things to do than go see a witch. She has magic, so I don't want you anywhere near her. Understand?" Kyra was quick to reply. She like many was afraid of magic. The incident with the Northuldra years not only rattled the kingdom to its core, but would be a haunting topic for the generations that followed.
Her tone dampened Sarah's spirits, but not John's. Kyra noticed John staring at the decree nailed on the post with great intent. She got his attention, "John. You can't be serious about going!"
John signed to her, Why not? You shouldn't judge someone you've never met. Instead of listening to people's gossip, you should come and see what she's like for yourself.
Kyra was shocked by this and she replied back, "She's a witch! What's there to see?! Ask any of the elders who were there when King Runeard was killed and that day when the Crown last celebrated the ringing of the Yule Bell. She hurt someone, John."
Were you there?! John signed angerly, Did you actually witness this with your own eyes?!
Kya was stumped. "N-no?"
John's expression softened, Then why are you attacking someone you never met? Kyra. Sarah. Come with me.
Kyra never saw John this upset before in all the time they knew each other. Especially towards her. Everyone was watching their fight. Since John could only use sign language, they became used to his form of communication. His questions caused all of them to think.
It took three days for the masses to all gather. In that time, the palace staff prepared for the presentation of Queen Elsa. A wooden stage was created for Elsa and Anna to stand on. Every second Elsa waited brought greater dread. Her sister stood by her side.
"I can't do it, Anna," Elsa confessed and turned to retreat into her room, but Anna blocked her path and grabbed her shoulders.
"Yes, you can, Elsa," Anna encouraged her. I will be right there with you. Just smile and wave to them. Show them you are a warm and friendly person."
Elsa just stared at Anna in fear, which instant rose inside of her when she heard Kai announce on the stage. "People of Arendelle! I give you Queen Elsa and Princess Anna!"
The fear. The anxiety almost consumed her in that very second, making her retreat from the door that led to the courtyard, "I- I can't! I'm sorry, Anna!"
Anna took her hands gently, "Yes, you can. Just keep your eyes on me, Elsa." Anna walked backwards, smiling warmly at Elsa as she led her out by her hands.
The people outside were beginning to wonder if anything was going to happen, but their hearts froze with anticipation as the palace door opened and two beautiful figures appeared on stage, captivating their hearts.
Princess Anna then got out of the way and stood by her sister's side. Anna faced the people with a smile. Elsa tried her best to emulate her sister's smile and waved as well. No one could speak or return her smile and wave. All they could do was just stand still in awe and wonder at the Queen who stood before them.
John was no exception. He came out of curiosity because there was something familiar about her, like he met her in a past life. He took in every detail of her. The beauty of the goddess that seized his heart. Her piercing, regal sapphire eyes nearly slain him as their eyes met and couldn't tear away from the other. His heart raced as the world seemed to slow down all around them. The winter breeze carried her sent to him. Something inside him latched onto the scent as if it was extremely important. It was like pine trees. A severe case of nostalgia overcame him and his eyes widened slightly.
Elsa began to feel uncomfortable with everyone just staring at her. She couldn't read their faces. Where they too afraid to be in her presence? She began to tense up, which Anna noticed, but she became still when a face in the crowd seized her attention. After staring too long, Kai cleared his throat and Anna got closer, "Elsa? What's wrong?"
Elsa felt something in her heart that she hadn't felt since she was eight years old, on one cold, winter night years ago. It gently held her heart and a subtle heaviness was placed on it. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling, so Elsa tried to hold onto it, not daring to look away. Tears began to fill her eyes. She suddenly looked at Anna who looked concerned. She quickly looked at the crowd once more before running back inside.
"Elsa, wait!" Anna called after her as she pursued her back inside.
Elsa's smiled slightly as she ran and wiped away her tears. It's YOU!
(A/N: Next chapter, Elsa secretly seeks out this face from her past. Anna, being the worried sister, she is will do an investigation of her sister's strange uncharacteristic behavior.)