(A/N: I made a slight tweak to the first chapter. Rather than treat Kristoff and Anna as though they were already dating secretly and Elsa was already two years into her reign, I switched it to one month after the Great Thaw and Kristoff and Anna aren't really an item yet. They like each other, but their relationship will be explored as a slowburn as Elsa gets to know more about the face she saw in the crowd. Elsa and John will also be treated like a slow burn. You should probably reread the first chapter before proceeding with this chapter.)
CHAPTER TWO: JOHN
The palace staff quickly stepped aside as the Queen ran past them. If her panic attack wasn't so severe, she would overhear the inquiries from her staff, wondering what was wrong and if she was alright? Elsa ran into her chambers and closed the door. As she leaned against the door, she closed her sapphire eyes and took deep breaths to cope with the major panic attack. Pull yourself together, Elsa. Conceal. Don't Feel. Don't let it show.
Her mind was so chaotic that she couldn't focus. Having Anna with her helped, but when she saw the massive crowd of people, she felt it starting to build, but it vanished when she saw HIM again. For the first time in a long time, she felt happy and calm. The fear and anxiety that always accompanied her was nowhere to be found. That is, until Anna and Kai got her attention and she saw the crowd again. All the fear and anxiety she had been feeling since she was a little girl came rushing back. However, it was rendered bearable by the happiness she felt seeing him again.
She had to leave. Her body acted on its own, sensing she was in danger. She didn't acknowledge the sound of her sister, Anna, calling after her. She went to where she felt most safe. She forced herself to focus on the memory of his face in the crowd and gradually, she felt herself calm down. That's it, Elsa.
She then slowly walked to her bed and sat up by the pillows. That couldn't have been him, could it? Her eyes fell on her pillow behind her. She reached underneath it and pulled out her small sketchbook that she had since she was five. She flipped through her many doodles of her family, palace staff, snowflakes, snowmen and that random cat that wouldn't sit still. Henry. Finally, she came to her last drawing ever, which was when she was eight. It was her best attempt at a portrait of a boy her age. Looking at it helped her remember his gentle and kind face. She then thought about the face she saw in the crowd. Is it possible?
Her eyes looked up when Anna's musical knock lightly banged on the other side of the door, then her voice, "Elsa? May I please come in?" Elsa was a little hesitant, trying to compose herself before walking over and opening the door a bit so she could peek out at Anna who looked at her with a tilt of her head, "Are you okay?"
Elsa timidly answered, afraid Anna was upset for her running off, "Yes…No, Anna. I'm not. I'm broken and I can't fix it." Her voice was beginning to break, prompting Anna to enter and hug her sister.
"You did good out there, Elsa. I'm sorry for pushing you. We should have started with something small," Anna apologized softly as she hugged Elsa firmly.
"No. Don't do that. Don't apologize for me. Don't EVER apologize for me," Elsa replied firmly, still embraced to Anna. "Look at me, Anna. I'm the older sibling yet such a pathetic Queen. I can't even face my own people without losing it."
Anna pulled away and caressed her sister's sad face, "You are the strongest person I know, Elsa. Even without magic, you are a force to be reckoned with."
Elsa's face smirked in Anna's hands, "You're just saying that."
"No, I mean it," Anna got closer to put her forehead against her's, "Do you have any idea how much I look up to you? You are this STRONG Queen. The way you handle certain people you meet with. I wish I was more like you. No one takes me seriously. They just see me at this…goofball of a princess."
Elsa leaned in to hug Anna this time, "No. Just be you. Never wish to be anything different than who you are."
Elsa pulled away from Anna with a smile and began walking for her bed. Anna caught up with her, "What happened out there? At first, I thought you were just nervous from the enormous crowd, but I saw your face. You were staring at something in the crowd like you saw a ghost."
Elsa tensed and quickened her step, "I don't know what you mean."
Anna smiled. She forced a loud and fake cough, "Liar!" She cleared her throat, "Wow. Where did that come from?"
Elsa smirked again at Anna's sarcasm. Her smile faded, "I thought I saw someone. Someone I met when I was eight. A boy."
Anna's interest peeked. Wait, what?! A boy?! When was this?! She quickly rushed to Elsa's side, "Really, who?"
"Let it go, Anna. It's been too long. It's impossible for it to be him," Elsa avoided answering the question. She then changed the subject, "After today, do you really believe they'll stop hating me?"
"How could they keep hating you? After seeing you, more people will come to you for help to learn more about you. It's the perfect plan. I'm such a genius," Anna praised herself. "Once they see how warm and caring you really are, they'll learn to trust and accept you."
"You make it sound so easy," Elsa laughed at Anna's ignorance of people.
"Give it a few days. Maybe we can go on a walk together," Anna suggested.
"I'd like that," Elsa smiled.
"I think I'm going to head to my room," Anna got up and kissed her on the forehead before walking out, but she went the opposite direction of her room. "And just where are you going, Sis?" Elsa asked.
"Who me? I told you, my room," Anna said nervously and Elsa saw a blush.
"Or you are trying to sneak out to visit a certain harvester?" Elsa suggested, which only made Anna blush more and stumble in her words. Elsa pointed in the opposite direction. Anna laughed nervously before leaving.
Once alone, Elsa made sure her door was closed and locked. She paused to think to herself before she returned to her sketchbook and draw for the first time in years. She drew two different portraits, one of the boy she knew long ago and the face she saw in the crowd. Her vision and mind were sharp, recalling every detail. Afterwards, she compared the two. The likeness was so similar that Elsa was convinced and her mouth curled at the corner into a smile, "Hello, John."
(FOURTEEN YEARS AGO)
As palace staff frantically prepared the banquet hall for their guests. King Agnarr and Queen Iduna stood at the top of the stairs with smiles. Iduna hung on her husband's arm as they both watched the hall become decorated with winter decorations like wreaths, a Christmas Tree, and long, decorative red ribbons strung on the walls while holding small golden bells. The kitchen staff set up long tables of many treats to share with the guests, such as cookies and chocolate treats, fresh strawberries and heavenly smelling fresh baked breads to dip in melted chocolate, Krumkake dusted with a white powder.
Iduna's maternal eyes were ever watchful on two chaotic little girls running around the hall playing, almost making staff members trip a few times, but the palace staff didn't seem to mind since they didn't lose their warm smiles. "Elsa and Anna! No running!" Iduna called maternally to her beautiful, yet wild daughters.
"Okay, Mama!" the two sisters giggled together. It warmed her heart and made her giggle as well. Elsa went to the window and smiled with excitement, seeing the courtyard slowly being filled with people.
"Not only is this the Winter Solstice, but it is also our Elsa's eighth birthday. She has yet to tell either of us what she wanted," Agnarr reminded Iduna, "Has she spoken with you?"
"She has," Iduna smiled proudly recalling the private conversation she had with Elsa over a month ago.
Agnarr faced Iduna more, "Well? Are you going to tell me?"
"She wanted to do something special for the guests that will be arriving today. A gift she wants to give to them. She won't tell me what she has planned, only that it's a surprise. Only Anna knows since both have been isolated in their locked bedroom for two hours every morning for a month to prepare," Iduna explained.
"Hmm," Agnarr said with an approving smile on his face. Rather than asking for a gift, his Elsa wanted to give a gift to the people instead. It made him smile with pride.
"Oh, Anna," Iduna gasped.
Agnarr followed her gaze and chuckled seeing his five-year-old ginger bunny on her tippy toes, trying to steal a piece of the Krumkake on the table.
Iduna quickly went over and noticed a few palace staff members silently laughing when they noticed the little Princess try to steal a piece. Iduna pick her up, "Not now, Anna."
Anna gave her a pouty lip and whined, "Argh, but it looks so yummy, Mama!"
Iduna saw so much of her early years in Anna that the memories warmed her that she had to stifle a laugh. "No, Anna."
Anna was striving to reach for a piece of the delicious desert. "Just one piece? Please? No one will miss it."
Iduna was struggling to deny her little one this simple request and looked over at Agnarr for strength but he only chuckled. Iduna looked back at Anna to see why and gasped. Anna had her face buried in the towering desert and stuffing as much as she could in her face. "Anna!"
"So good!" Anna squealed with a full mouth. Iduna stepped back with her and sat her down so she could wipe her face.
"Oh, Anna," Iduna smiled.
"Olina was worried about the Krumkake. I'm sure she'll be pleased to know Princess Anna loves it, Your Majesty," a servant from the kitchen laughed.
Iduna laughed back, "Please apologize to Olina for me on behalf of my daughter who lacks the restraint expected of a princess."
Anna managed to escape her mother's arms and run to Elsa with a hand full of the Krumkake and offered her some. Elsa was watching everyone gather in the courtyard with a smile, but turned to her little sister when Anna came up to her and held out her hand. "Have some, Elsa! It's so yummy!"
Elsa looked over at her mother for permission and only received a defeated smile and nod. Elsa smiled and ate some of the Krumkake. She moaned as she tasted the sugary treat.
Iduna returned to Agnarr who was smiling at her failure to stand her ground with Anna. "You try to say no her."
"Already have. She doesn't listen to me either," Agnarr chuckled, "She's going to be a stubborn one. Once she sets her mind to something, nothing or anybody is going to stand in her way."
The King noticed his palace steward, Kai, approach them and bowed formally at the waist. "Your Majesties."
"Have the people began to gather in the courtyard?" Agnarr asked, guessing the reason for Kai's visit.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Shall I give the order for the bell master to retrieve the Yule Bell?" Kai asked.
"Yes, Kai. We'll begin the party," Agnarr instructed and offered his arm to his wife, who took it and walked with him down the stairs.
"Elsa! Anna!" Iduna called to her two angels. She snatched Anna up in her arms to make sure she didn't misbehave herself. The little Princess was always too hyperactive. Elsa walked out in front of her father. As the door to the courtyard opened, the happy Royal Family was greeted with warm and cheerful greetings.
The gates opened and a man entered by horse, bringing the Yule Belle into the courtyard. Elsa watched as it was hoisted up into its place above the entrance of the home and a thick rope was dropped to them. Kai, Gerda, Olina and another servant of the palace stood behind them, watching happily as the family pulled the rope together. Elsa then followed her parents' example, waving her little hand with an innocent yet nervous smile.
"Come on, Elsa," Anna cheered in their mother's arms, "Do the magic! Do the magic!"
A look of horror came across the king and queen's faces as Elsa went forward. She had always been told her magic was a gift. This season, Elsa wanted to share her gift with the people and bring more joy to them as she had Anna. "Are you ready?!"
The people all paid close attention as she threw her hands in the air, sending a small ball of her ice magic into the air where it exploded into a beautiful display of snowflakes. With the wave of her hand, she commanded the snowflakes to form various shapes.
"Elsa! Stop it!" her father snapped, seizing her wrist.
She was immediately timid seeing her father's distraught face. She followed his gaze and saw everyone was looking at her with fear and even backed away from her. There were whispers amongst them.
"Iduna, take them both inside," Agnarr instructed urgently. Kai and Gerda guided Iduna and the daughters back inside.
Elsa ran to the window from earlier and watched as her father pleaded with them and tried to reason with them that there was nothing to fear. People amongst the crowd asked if Elsa was a witch or a sorceress. They also mentioned the Northuldra. Elsa heard her father defend her but saw the people weren't convinced and began guiding their children away to the gates.
"Wait, please! Stay! Don't leave!" she heard her father call for them, but the people didn't want to listen anymore and left him alone in the courtyard. He remained out there as her snowflakes continued to fall on his royal jacket, the medals that hung on it and his auburn hair. He looked up with sad hazel eyes and watched as one of his daughter's snowflakes land in the palm of his hand. His hand clenched into a fist as he sighed.
Agnarr finally went inside silently and noticed the looks everyone was looking at him. Everyone in the palace already knew Elsa's gift. He couldn't protect them from the truth and they all swore to keep her secret.
Elsa read her father's body language and could tell he was sad, so she went over by his side and held his hand briefly. He glanced at her standing by his leg, looking up at him. His eyes became angry as he immediately walked away across the banquet hall and up the stairs.
Elsa fought free from her mother's hand and ran to the base of the stairs, "Papa?!"
Agnarr froze at the top of the stairs, his back still turned to everyone. He looked up and breathed deeply before turning towards Elsa partially. "Elsa, I am VERY disappointed." His tone was firm and frustrated, which made her look down and tremble in the presence of her angry father. "I specifically told you to conceal it, not feel it and never let it show and you DELIBERATELY DISOBEYED ME!"
Iduna came forward with maternal urgency, "Agnarr."
Agnarr acknowledged his wife's pleading face before looking back at Elsa. After a period of silence, "Elsa, look at me."
Elsa struggled to look her father in the eyes.
"Magic brings ONLY fear to this kingdom. You learned this when you were taught about the Northuldra and what happened to your grandfather. Why would you risk your safety…the safety of Anna?!"
"I'm sorry, Papa," Elsa began to cry, "I just wanted my magic to make everyone happy on Christmas." Agnarr's expression softened at her emotional response and was about to say something else.
Elsa ran up the stairs to her room, accidently bumping her father. Anna wriggled out of her mother's arms and ran after her. "Elsa!"
Elsa ran into her room. Anna caught up and peeked into their room to find Elsa crying as she sat against the side of her bed in their shared bedroom. Anna went over and hugged her older sister and Elsa immediately turned into her sister's embrace to hug her back fiercely as she continued to cry.
"It's okay, Elsa," Anna whispered to her crying older sister, "I'm here."
Iduna was right outside the door. She turned away to see Agnarr there with nothing on his face but worry and regret. She went over and entered his arms as she wrapped her's around his lower back. "What are we going to do, Agnarr?"
"All we can do, Iduna," he replied back.
About three weeks later, news of Elsa's magic spread over the entire kingdom like wildfire. King Agnarr and Queen Iduna tried to maintain order as best as they could and even attempted to reach out to certain nobles with children Elsa's age so that Elsa could make friends, hoping that would help Elsa and the kingdom. However, Elsa only clung to Anna for comfort and happiness and refused to go beyond the palace grounds when Iduna encouraged her too. Agnarr didn't accept the idea of her being outside the security of the palace, fearing people would harm his daughter out of fear. As a father, the desire to protect his family by any means necessary burned bright.
When Elsa was in their bedroom, Anna left briefly to sneak some chocolate from the kitchen for Elsa to make her feel better, but froze by her parents' bedroom, overhearing their argument about Elsa. Their mother wanted to take Elsa to meet with people to show them that they didn't have to fear her, but their father was too afraid of the worse that could happen that he wouldn't allow it. Anna left, thinking on what she heard. She understood her father's worry, but what good would it do for Elsa or the kingdom to keep her within the palace walls? Anna leaned more towards what she overheard their mother suggesting and decided to take matters into her own hands.
The early evening, Elsa decided to turn in. Anna agreed as well for her secret reasons. Iduna went into the library with Agnarr to talk about Elsa again, hoping she could get through to him. She watched him sitting in his favorite chair by the fire with his glasses on, which he only wore whenever he read or had to do a lot of paperwork in his office. She slowly approached him and smiled, seeing how focused her husband was on the book. It was a large book about a group of knights that fought monsters and maintained order in a complicated kingdom. Iduna, knowing him as well as she did, knew he was looking for inspiration to guide him through their issue.
Agnarr finally closed the book, noticing his wife, wanting to give her his full attention. "Iduna."
Iduna smiled, "I recall a young boy who used to love fairy tales and would rely on them for advice during hard times."
"Hmm," Agnarr smiled tiredly. "Yes, but he was a boy. Upon coming of the age of eighteen, I chose to put away childish things."
Iduna smiled before she removed the book from his lap and sat down to cuddle against him. He was happy to oblige her as a soft, tired chuckle escaped his mouth before he wrapped his arms around her to hold her close. Iduna loved the feeling of his arms. She didn't want to bring up Elsa again and cause Agnarr to get upset. She held her tongue, but her anxious mind raced for a way to bring it up.
Sensing his wife's distress and the cause of it due to recalling their first argument in over ten years, Agnarr spoke up, "I hope you don't see me as a cruel man, Iduna."
Iduna looked up at him with a smile, "What?"
"Keeping Elsa within the palace walls," Agnarr explained. "I love you and I love our daughters with every fiber of my being. I have to do what I have to do to protect the one thing I can't live without…my family."
Iduna laid her head against his chest and gently rubbed it with her hand as she smiled, "I know, Agnarr. I feel the same way…and I NEVER think you cruel."
"But you don't agree with my decision," Agnarr pointed out, reminding her of their heated fight.
"I hate it when we fight," Iduna muttered, cuddling closer to her husband.
"I hate it to," he replied softly before kissing her head.
"We have to do something to convince others Elsa is good and not to be feared," Iduna finally spoke up, feeling it okay. "I don't want our baby to be afraid and think of herself as a monster or her magic as a curse."
"Agreed," Agnarr replied, "but we don't have much choice. The people are afraid of her and she won't leave the palace walls. Right now, she'll only let Anna near her. I can't imagine what would happen if Elsa shut her out too."
The very thought of Elsa and Anna being separated filled Iduna with dread. However, the mention of Anna sparked an idea in Iduna, making her eyes widen before she quickly sat up on his lap. "That's it! Anna!" She looked at Agnarr who looked at her with confusion.
"We invite people here, starting with children so Elsa can make friends. As long as Anna is there, it'll help Elsa see she's not alone," Iduna explained after quickly standing to her feet and facing Agnarr. "Having Anna near helps Elsa."
Agnarr thought about it, then stood, "Okay." Iduna got excited, but Agnarr finished, "BUT…we start with our closest friends. We'll need their support to convince others."
Iduna instantly hugged him before kissing his lips and rushing off to tell Elsa and Anna. Agnarr chuckled, "I should agree with her more often." He went after her to offer support if Elsa was hesitant, which was understandable. He was too. Iduna entered their bedroom. Agnarr was a few steps behind. He flinched when Iduna called, "Agnarr!"
He quickened his pace but Iduna met him at the door. There was terror on her face. "Elsa! Anna! They're gone! Their cloaks are missing!"
Agnarr's face became serious before he walked off, "Alert the Royal Guard, Iduna!"
"Where are you going?!" Iduna asked.
"To find Elsa and Anna!" he replied urgently before taking off faster for the stables.
Meanwhile, Elsa and Anna were outside, running through town with their cloaks on. Anna was guiding Elsa by the hand, laughing with excitement, "Come on! Come on!"
Elsa was trying to shush Anna so that they wouldn't draw any attention to themselves. Elsa didn't know how Anna convinced her to sneak out with her. Anna was determined to help her make new friends so people wouldn't be scared of her anymore. She said it was still early so there should be children still out for them to meet and play with. Anna wanting to help her warmed Elsa's heart and gave her the courage to go along with what Anna proposed.
However, that didn't stop Elsa from fearing how their father would react if he learned about them sneaking out. "We should head back, Anna. Papa will be very upset."
"Don't be scared, Elsa. We're going to have so much fun playing with other kids. Papa and Mama will be so happy that people aren't scared of you," Anna replied with so much excitement that Ela was forced to go with it. Elsa DID want to make their parents happy.
Agnarr was already riding through the gates. Iduna stood by the stables as the Royal Guard rode out on horses too. The Captain of the Guard, Halden, stopped briefly when the Queen spoke up urgently with her eyes tearing up, "Halden, those are my babies. Please find them and bring them home."
"Yes, Queen Iduna," Halden replied with a bow of his head before riding off. Iduna was left alone in the courtyard, silent praying for the safety and return of her daughters.
Anna stopped when she saw children playing nearby. "Hey!" She removed her hood and Elsa's hood as they got closer. "I'm Anna and this is my sister-"
"It's her," one of the children whispered fearfully.
Anna smiled, seeing they already knew Elsa. "Elsa and I want to be your friends. What are your names?"
As Anna waited for their replies, she was oblivious to the looks the children were giving them, especially Elsa, but Elsa noticed and it filled her with fear and dread. She began to back away with Anna, but the children began to corner them, forcing Elsa to back against the side of a building.
"What makes you think we would ever be friends with a monster like you! Our parents warned us about you! They say you are an evil witch!" a child spat in Elsa's face.
"Yeah, a monster!" another kid on her right said.
"You should've stayed in your palace, WITCH!" the third said to her left. "You're not welcome here."
All these harmful words triggered Anna, making her push them away and yell, "Elsa is not a monster or a witch!"
A rock the size of an adult's fist smashed into her forehead from one of the children. The rock had sharp edges on it and was thrown so hard that it not only knocked out the young princess but left a terrible gash on her forehead.
"Anna!" Elsa cried as she caught her little sister and held her close. She looked up with anger at the other three children. "Leave us alone!"
One of the other bullies, picked up a rock and pelted her with it, "Or what witch?!"
Elsa threw her body over Anna's to shield her as all three kept throwing rocks. Elsa held onto Anna for dear life, tears streaming down her round cheeks as her back endured the stinging flares of each rock. "Please…stop! My sister!" Elsa begged, but the children merely laughed mockingly at the 'monster' begging for mercy and just kept throwing rocks at her. They didn't care about her or Anna, which made Elsa's anger surface. "I said…STOP!" Elsa turned with a wave of her hand and accidently created spikes that threatened to stab them.
The children looked at the spikes, then the monster. "I knew it. Our parents were right. She's a monster!" The children rushed her and ripped her apart from her sister, throwing her onto the ground before they began kicking her all over and hissing hurtful words. Her back. Her side. Her head. Her face. Her limbs. The pain was so much that Elsa begged them to stop, but they wouldn't listen. She looked up at Anna a few feet away, who was unconscious and had a bloody gash on her forehead. Her shaking hurt hand reached out for her little sister's hand. "An-Anna."
One of the children's feet stomped on her hand and ground it under his heel, making Elsa scream in pain. "Take that monster!"
The other two were saying similar things as they kept kicking her. Suddenly, all stopped and Elsa heard another boy's voice, "HEY! YOU LEAVE HER ALONE RIGHT NOW!"
Elsa crawled over to Anna as the other children ran towards the voice. Finally, she looked and watched as the three bullies all fought with a single boy who was flinging his body this way and that to fight them all off. They got in plenty of hits, but he kept fighting back. They all rolled on the dirty ground but he managed to avoid getting pinned and stand back up. After he punched each of them hard in the face, they were discouraged and ran off. Elsa watched as the boy chased them off, panting angrily with his back to her, but he stopped, once he saw they were leaving. She crawled away out of fear when he came over to her. He wondered where the ice spikes came from. "GO AWAY! LEAVE US ALONE!" Elsa screamed and he stopped.
He held up his hands to show he wasn't a threat and he slowly knelt by her and an unconscious Anna. "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Elsa clung to Anna tighter, remaining silent in the presence of the stranger.
He smiled at her. It was a ridiculous smile, Elsa thought. "I'm John. What's your name?"
Elsa was a bit surprised. He doesn't recognize me? She was about to say her name but her guard went up. He doesn't know I'm the magical princess everyone is scared of. Will he hurt me if I tell him? She couldn't take that chance. "I'm…Elizabeth."
"That's a pretty name," John complimented with a smile as he looked at her hiding under her cloak hood. From whatever of her face he could see, he saw she was cute, but then realized how hurt she was. "Let me help you two, Elizabeth," he offered, reaching out his hand. Elsa was about to take it, believing he could be trusted, but she heard the hooves of a horse and the familiar neigh. Papa!
Sure enough, her father arrived and quickly dismounted and rushed to them. "Elsa! Anna!" His eyes widened seeing Anna's state and Elsa's. He then noticed all the rocks near them and the boy who was standing nervously nearby. His anger took over as he threw the boy down on the ground several feet away. Elsa became startled, "Father, wait!"
Agnarr slowly approached the boy, his tone was cold, regal and intimidating, "Those two are my daughters and you had the nerve to hurt them?!"
"It wasn't me-" John tried to explain but Agnarr grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him close.
"Silence!" Agnarr yelled.
Elsa heard more hooves and saw a couple of royal guards arrive. The boy didn't understand why guards were there. His fear only grew. Where they going to punish him because they thought he hurt these two girls? He couldn't speak.
Elsa saw how terrified the boy was and quickly rushed to his side and wrapped her little arms around her father's arm. "Papa, stop!"
Agnarr didn't understand why Elsa was defending the boy who threw rocks at her and Anna but he saw how terrified the boy was and his face softened with mercy. "Get out of my sight." He pushed the boy forward onto the ground. "I SAID GO!"
John ran off. Elsa tried to go after him, but her father grabbed her arm. "John, come back!"
"I'm taking you home and we're going to have a talk," her father said in a calm yet threatening voice. Elsa got free and held Anna in her arms.
"It wasn't him, Papa! He protected me and Anna from those three bullies. Anna was trying to help me make friends after hearing you and Mama arguing," Elsa cried, "Anna got hurt because of me!"
Agnarr's anger disappeared and was replaced with regret and guilt over how he treated that boy. He remained silent as he took Anna in his arms and guided Elsa by the hand to one of the other guards who held her as they rode off.
When news of their return reached Iduna's ears, she ran from the library to the courtyard. As soon as she saw Agnarr dismount his horse with an unconscious Anna, her heart stopped as she ran for them and looked at her forehead wound. "What happened?!"
"Later. Captain, summon the doctor to the Royal Chambers immediately," Agnarr ordered and Captain Halden was off after instructing the others to inform the rest of the royal guard to return to the palace.
The royal palace's personal doctor was quick to answer the king's summons and finished tending to Anna and Elsa, bandaging them before pulling their parents aside, "Elsa appears to just have multiple bruises. Here's some medicine for the pain. She should rest. Ann just needs some rest as well. Keep ice on her head for the swelling. Having such a head injury at such a young age- I want to check on her daily to make sure there's no complications."
"Thank you," Agnarr gave him a nod.
"Yes, thank you," Iduna said.
The doctor smiled before leaving. Iduna faced Agnarr, "Tell me what happened."
Agnarr guided her over to Elsa's side, "Tell your mother what you told me, Elsa."
Elsa's eyes became filled with tears as she recounted what happened. Anna's intentions. The children who hurt them. The boy who defended them. What Elsa said next broke both their hearts. "Please, Mama and Papa. Don't make me leave the palace walls. I want to stay in here with Anna. She wouldn't have gotten hurt if I just told her no."
"Shhh," Iduna teared up and forced a warm smile, comforting her by stroking her daughter's sad face. "It's okay. You're safe in here. I won't force you to go into town. Mama promises." Agnarr held her other hand as Iduna's voice began to break at the end. Iduna then crumbled, climbing into bed with Elsa and holding her baby close as she wept. Elsa cuddled close for comfort and couldn't keep herself from crying as well.
Agnarr left the room and closed the door. Captain Halden reported to his side, "The Royal Guard are gathered. Should I dismiss them for the night, Your Majesty?"
"Yes, Captain," Agnarr replied, but was lost in thought.
"You have something on your mind?" Halden asked.
"I need you to find a boy Elsa's age named John. Dark hair and dark eyes. I found him in the nearby village. Report to me when you discovered his residence," Agnarr instructed, "That'll be all for tonight. Good night, Captain…and thank you for your help."
Halden smiled and gave him a nod before turning to leave.
(END OF FLASHBACK)
Elsa was still in her bed after thinking about that fateful encounter. There was no doubt in her mind that it was him since his face caused those memories to surface now of all times. She laid in her bed staring at the older portrait, feeling a growing desire to see him again. He was the first to be her friend in a very dark time for her. That was very important to her and a fierce desire to preserve and hopefully nurture that connection caused her to shut the sketchbook and rise from her bed and grab a cloak before she planned on finding him without getting the royal Guard or Anna involved. How?
An idea came to her, but for it to work, she would have to do something that terrified her. Leave the palace without anyone knowing, without the security of her guards and her sister. The very thought crippled her with fear. She had never done this before alone. Last time, it was with Anna who got hurt because of her. That guilt caused her to refuse to repeat risking her sister's safety again. She had to find John alone. She laid the cloak down and went to her office where the Kingdom census was located. Every birth in the kingdom, including all the villages, were recorded. Anyone who passed away, would be crossed out.
She went to the bookshelf behind her desk and skimmed the titles. Royal Etiquette. The Royal Guard. Trade Partners & Allies. Kingdom Census. There you are. She noticed that the Crown kept a census every ten years, because their kingdom's history had too many names to hold in one book. So, she looked to the most recent volume which conveniently was started on the day she was born and covered the next ten years. She pulled it out. Where do I start? All I know is his name. There must be several Johns in here. It's not that unique of a name.
Just as she feared. Multiple citizens of Arendelle had the name John. She used her mind to reduce the numbers and narrow. First, she recalled that he was about her age. That reduced a good chunk, but there were still more. She then recalled where she met him. It was in the capitol town nearest to the royal palace, but that didn't guarantee he was a resident here. He could easily be from on of the twelve small villages that made the kingdom of Arendelle. Her assumption was right. The only John was too old to be the one Elsa sought. So, she looked to the twelve villages. Her heart began to race more as she skimmed the list. Suddenly her heart stopped when her finger stopped on one name. John Wolfsbane. She had a face, a full name and finally the name of the village he was last recorded living in. Geiringer.
The first person to protect her and befriend her was so close, yet so far away. Not just by literal distance but because of Elsa's anxiety and fear which began to build. She remembered giving him a false name years ago, but she couldn't help but wonder the burning questions. Would he even remember me…after fourteen years? Did he recognize me at the presentation? No. I had my hood on, concealing my face when we first met.
Her nerves began to work against her, making her decide against seeing him again by filling her already anxious head with excuses. 'You'll never know unless you try, Elsa.' Those were the final words Anna told her years ago to convince her to sneak out to make friends. It was all Elsa needed to be reminded of to find her courage. She inhaled deeply as she made her decision. She was going to go reconnect with her first real friend aside from her loving little sister.
Her mind quickly came up with a plan, but for it to work, Anna would have to believe she was in bed early and wanted to be alone. Evening came and Elsa decided to retire early, which Anna found confusing. Elsa usually stayed up late but woke up early. What also got Anna more concerned was Elsa's request to be alone that night. Anna often slept with her sister since being close helped Elsa be happy and calm.
"You sure?" Anna asked.
Elsa could see the concern in her face and hugged her good night, "I'll be fine. Good night, sis." Elsa closed the door on Anna gently, which she hated doing, but it had to be done for her plan to work without getting her sister involved. In the palace, there were secret escape tunnels. Elsa memorized them all since she was Queen. One of these tunnels just happened to be in the Royal Chambers, which Elsa took after concealing herself in a cloak.
The village she needed to get to was close enough. There was a river that would guide her to the village unseen by anyone. She followed it, staying on the rocks on the river's edge and watching as the stream ran in the direction she was going. According to last minute research, the village was on one of many fjords in Norway, just like the royal palace. The natural scent of the stream and the sound of the soft waters pushing ever forward was calming to her. She was grateful that John didn't live too far away. Otherwise, getting to him in secret would've been much more difficult. She set her eyes forward as she got closer and closer to the village. To him.
John was working on cutting down another old tree. It already laid on its side, cleared of branches. With a shaving tool, he collected the bark for the village herbalist who knew it's medicinal value. Then with a long saw he cut the bare trunk into moveable pieces. Elsa watched from behind a distant tree, recognizing his face when he turned. Finally, the person she sought was in her sights yet her fear and anxiety kept her from getting closer. Her fear and anxiety weren't because she was afraid of him, but because she feared he wouldn't remember her or his views towards her could've changed.
John was moving the chunks of wood into a pile. He would have to retrieve them tomorrow since it was getting late. Tomorrow, he would cut them into chunks small enough for people's fireplaces. He stopped when the wind carried a familiar scent to his nose. Pine trees. Pine trees were common in the land of Norway but this scent had the smell of winter with it. There were only two times he ever smelled that scent when it wasn't winter. The presentation of Queen Elsa and a night long ago that existed only in his memory. He already knew what this meant, but he wasn't surprised by the already known revelation of her true identity, but that she was there.
Elsa quickly hid when he turned in her direction. Was finding him such a good idea? I shouldn't be here. I should go home. She took another peak. He was coming in her direction. He stopped when he saw her and her heart quickened nervously. Her attention focused on him when he signed with his hands, Can I help you?
Elsa remembered him speaking to her before. Why was he using sign language? Luckily, her expensive education included learning multiple languages, especially, sign language. As he got closer, her fear grew. He was kind to her because he didn't know who she was before. What if that changed once he knew her identity. She couldn't risk the perfect memory she had of him, because it was precious to her. She backed away, about to flee. He noticed and signed, It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. Please…don't run away.
Elsa saw the sincerity in his eyes. She willed herself to remain still as he got close enough. "Do you…remember me?"
John smiled, taking Elsa hand gently and with his finger he wrote out her name in the palm of her hand.
Elizabeth. He still doesn't know who I truly am. He can't.
Elsa smiled from under her cloak when she saw his warm smile, but her eyes noticed the scar on his throat. He knelt more so he could look in her eyes. Elsa moved her head so he couldn't see her face entirely. It wasn't the right time yet. She looked at his hands as they signed, peeking slightly from under her hood. Would you like to sit and talk?
Elsa smiled and nodded, "I'd like that."
(A/N: I'm back. Sorry for the wait.)