So I actually finished this the day before yesterday, but yesterday I was sick as a dog and since I'm better ish today I decided to edit and post this.
Enjoy.
On with the show.
Chapter 5: the champions (part 2)
"Ugh, l shoulda brought a different dress." Anna spun around in front of the large full length mirror, none to pleased with her choice in formal wear for the evening. The "opening ceremonies," and presentation of the champions was in an hour, and they were required to dress elegantly. Thankfully Elsa had convinced Anna to pack some of her fancier dresses, being queen and used to these types of events, Elsa was always prepared to put her best foot forward. Luckily she convinced Anna and Kristoff to do the same.
The dress was long and elegant, with a green top fading into a beige bottom. Her shoulders and clavicle were exposed allowing her to wear a necklace of a crocus, the flower of her kingdom. It had long bell sleeves with a strap that travelled around her waist and met upwards just underneath her breasts. And of course no dress of hers would be complete without glitter along the trims.
"You look wonderful." Kristoff stood beside her, trying his best to fix the tie Anna had picked out for him to wear.
"You always say that." She shooed his hands away and started to fix his tie.
"And each time I'm always right. You look stunning."
Melting at his words she grabbed him by the collar of his tunic and pulled him into a kiss. Unfortunately, before they could get too far into their passion the door to their state room flew open. Both of them cursed beneath their breath as the queen stepped inside.
Elsa looked between the two as they separated from each other. "Am I interrupting something?"
Anna's annoyed frown said "yes", but her mouth said, "No. You're not." As Kristoff went back to tying his tie, Anna turned to her sister. "So. Any news?"
For a moment, Elsa looked guilty for interrupting them again, but shook it off. "Nothing." She breathed, "We haven't heard anything from anyone." Elsa was moments away from a full on panic attack. "I mean the instant bottle message Dirgelaff gave to us was supposed to go right to them, what if they didn't get it? What if someone else got it instead? What if they can't come!?"
Anna quickly grabbed her by the arms. "Elsa It's okay. We have until the end of the night. For all we know they'll just show up before then."
Elsa shook her head. "I don't know where we are and I don't know how far Kuarlong is from here. It could be thousands of miles away and they won't get here in time." She began pacing, "I left Olaf at the falconry in case a message comes in."
Anna motioned with her hands to try and settle her sister. "Elsa you need to calm down. It's starting to snow."
Elsa looked up at the small flurry above her head. She flicked her wrist and the snow vanished, but she was still on edge. "What are we supposed to do?"
"What we have to do." The sisters looked back at Kristoff. "If we don't find a champion, then I'll do it."
Elsa and Anna exchanged a quiet communication between them before both giving a hesitant nod to the other. Anna looked back at her boyfriend with warning in her eyes. "ONLY as a last resort. Understand?"
Kristoff put up his hands. "No problem."
"Good." Anna turned back to Elsa, looking her up and down and seeing she was still in her pale blue travel outfit. "You need to get changed so we can party."
Elsa rolled her eyes, but relented. They did have to get moving after all.
The state room was large enough to house three king size beds, a walk in closet, that could have been another room in an of itself, two full length mirrors, their own washroom filled with candles, ointments, lotions, soaps, and fragrances with an above ground tub, two large desks and dressers for each of them. Essentially all the comforts of home and more.
One thing that was a bit bizarre, but Bernard was able to explain, was that the room was also housing a collection of a different variety of dolls, and antique candelabras. Since he was Dirgelaff was a collector he also placed some of his collections in a few of the rooms. They just happen to get the rooms with the dolls, but the amenities were gorgeous so they overlooked that.
Elsa stepped into the closet and began changing into a floor length mermaid style dress that was blue top that faded into ice blue. Like Anna's dress it had long flowing sleeves with the shoulders and clavicle bare, but instead of a necklace, Elsa had a strap going over her shoulders and meeting in the center of her breasts. The dress was complete with lace along the trim of the sleeves, the top of the dress and the bottom with metal belts that dangled from her hip.
Once she had finished getting ready she met Anna and Kristoff at the doors, but she had a request for Kristoff.
"Would you be my escort, for both of us?" Both of them seemed confused. "Trust me after a few of these parties, You'll understand why I'd rather think Anna and I are sharing you."
Both of them "oh'd" in understanding. "Say no more." He extended both arms for the royals to take and once they had hooked their hands around his arms, he led them out of the room to the ballroom.
—:0:—
To say the ballroom was breathtaking would have been an understatement. From the rafters hung a variety of different flags, some they recognized and some they didn't, even their own dangled proudly amongst them. Royals and citizens from their various flags filled the ballroom, mingling one with another while the "Bernards" wandered the floor with trays of food and drink and when one glass or orderve was taken, two more took its place. Along the walls, golden statues stood proudly above a small plaque with their name, their kingdom, and what the wish was upon their victory.
The Arendellions stood atop the duel staircase, looking down at the sea of people with hesitation.
"Whoa. This is bigger than your coronation Elsa." Anna commented.
Elsa let out a long exhale. "Let's just stick together and get this night over with." They moved forward, coming to the top of the stairs and to one of the Bernards.
With a stoic expression he turned to face them, then looking back into the ballroom announced with a voice like thunder, "Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, and Kristoff of Arendelle!"
The ballroom went silent, all heads now turning in their direction. The few dignitaries they recognized smiled and waved, while those they didn't know began whispering in hushed tones. They managed to catch a glimpse of Hans, mingling with men and women they didn't recognize, who began whispering to those he was with. No doubt trying to harden everyone against them.
After a moment the crowd went back to their pleasantries allowing them to descend the stairs and merge with the crowd.
"I don't know about you guys, but I am hungry." Anna pulled on Kristoff's arm, who in turn pulled Elsa along as they headed to the large rectangle table, filled with food. While Elsa was also feeling hungry, she was too busy scanning the room, she wasn't sure what she was looking for, but she knew what she didn't want to find. Every time she came to one of these events, it was only a matter of time before her relationship status was discovered, then there would be no end to the potential suitors asking for her hand. She shuddered at the thought, her nerves causing her to reach for a bottle of champagne and drink half of it right there.
"Geez Elsa take it easy." Anna cautioned. Her and Kristoff had already loaded plates with food and were now scanning the crowd.
"You know how these things go. They're practically meat markets for," she lowered her voice, "single women of royalty."
"Yeah. Gold digging men that's what they are." Kristoff said between bites.
Anna looked at him coyly. "And what are you exactly?"
Mouth full he managed a smile. "Im wove wiff you."
She patted his cheek. "Good answer."
Elsa was only partially paying attention. While she was also looking for individuals to avoid, she was trying to find out who the other competitors were. Looking up at the flags, there were about fifteen to twenty that had red tassels on the bottom, one of which was Arendelles. Elsa deduced that the red tassels were the ones that were competing, as one was also on the flag of the southern isles.
Scanning the room again she had locked eyes with a familiar, seemingly friendly face that was slowly approaching her. Hans's assistant, Landon.
He met her with a dazzling smile, while his eyes looked her up and down. "My, my, don't you look ravishing."
Blood rushed to her cheeks as she giggled. No one had ever complimented her in such a way. How was she supposed to respond? "Thank you. You look dashing yourself."
He gave a thanks with a bow of his head before they drifted to the side where Anna was now aware of his presence. "And who is this lovely young thing?"
Anna was too busy staring dumbfoundedly with her mouth hanging open to respond, so Elsa did it for her. "This is my sister. Princess Anna, or Arendlle."
"Princess Anna? Lovely to meet you." As he had done with Elsa, Landon reached for Anna's hand and lifted it to his lips. "Your beauty rivals that of your sisters." And placed a small kiss on the back of her hand.
As Elsa had expected, Anna just stood there with a blank look on her face, but it wasn't until his lips met the back of her hand that she spoke. Or at least made a noise.
"HA HA HA HA HA (snort)!" Wow this is bad. She never ugly laughs.
Landon didn't seem put off by it at all, instead his gaze drifted to Kristoff. "And I'm assuming this rugged drink of water is with you?"
"YES!" Anna all but screamed, "this is my boyfriend," she gestured to him, but for some reason was struggling with words. "My boyfriend...uh… um—"
"—Kristoff."
"—Kristoff! Yes, yes, my boyfriend Kristoff."
"Wonderful," Landon smirked as they shook hands, "ah. Solid grip. All the better to keep this little spitfire close I'm sure?"
For some reason even Kristoff was struggling with his words. "Y-yes. Gotta keep her close. Heh."
With a now uncomfortable silence Landon decided to take his leave. "Enjoy the rest of the festivities."
Once he was far enough away Anna grabbed her sister by the arm and pulled her close. "Oh Elsa he is YUMMY. He looks like he popped out of one of mother's romance books. Tall, dark, mysterious, and gods he's gorgeous."
"Yeah he's so gorgeous, you forgot my name."
Anna quickly backpedaled. "Oh honey no! It's not like that, I just get so flustered around—"
"Undeniably gorgeous men?"
She paused a beat, "Well yeah, but—Wait!" He turned on his heel and was walking away, with Anna right behind him.
Elsa meanwhile kept her eyes at Landons back. Seeing as how he was working with Hans, she couldn't completely trust him, but he might be useful. She hurried after him, just as he was about to make conversation with some other foreign dignitaries, and put a hand in his shoulder to get his attention.
"Landon, If you have a minute, there is something you can help me with."
He raised a brow, but smiled brightly. "Well whatever it is I'm sure the answer is yes."
She chuckled nervously. He excused himself to speak privately with Elsa. She held the crook of his arm once he had offered it to her and the began to wander the ballroom.
"I was wondering if you have any insight into the other competitors?"
He laughed. "Trying to assess the champions? Seeing if yours has a fighting chance?"
Once again she let out a nervous laugh. "Something like that. Just trying to see what our champion is in for." The later it got, the more likely it would be Kristoff.
He "hmm'd" and started looking around the ballroom. "To be honest I wouldn't say you have too much to worry about." He motioned with his head to a group of large, red bearded men. "Those oafs are Viking folk from the north. Impressive in size but lacking in brains." Elsa swallowed. One of those men could easily snap Kristoff in half and not even break a sweat. Landon continued by motioning to another group of people. All handsome faced, with luscious blonde hair and twinkling blue eyes. "Knights and all that may be dying out, but some still linger. Still more show and less go."
He continued scanning and then his head stopped. "Ah, now there's one lad you may need to concern yourself with." She followed his line of sight to a tall, chiseled man dressed in loose fitting black clothes with flowing black hair and piercing crystal blue eyes. "That young man is from America, but lately has been fighting alongside the warriors in the east."
"The east?" She repeated. "You mean The orient?"
"Correct. Liberating local villages, assisting in taking down warlords. You know simple tasks for someone of his notoriety. They have come to call him, the Raptor of the West."
Her eyes widened. "Why do they call him that?"
"When he was needed in battle, he would swoop in almost undetected and would turn the tide of battle with a few swipes of his blade. Like a bird of prey, if you will."
She looked back at the Raptor. If Kristoff made it a minute against him, it would be a miracle.
"And if you look to the left, you'll see our champion." She followed his direction and her heart nearly stopped. She knew their champion was a dragon knight, but didn't know it would be a young woman. Her slim, but athletic figure was clothed in a long sleeveless dress, spaghetti strapped dress that was the color of milk, but faded into a light violet at the base of the dress. She was slightly scared, from battle no doubt, but that didn't detract from her beauty, with a pale complexion and hair as white as snow tied back in a ponytail.
Even though she appeared bored with the men that surrounded her, she didn't appear dangerous, but you couldn't be so sure with Dragon Knights. Taking a closer look Elsa noticed, on her left hand, a violet colored gauntlet with a brilliant ruby gem on the back of the hand.
"She is something isn't she, but don't let her appearance fool you. If she lives up to her reputation she will certainly be a force to be reckoned with." Elsa hadn't realized it, but she had finished her glass of champagne and was now merely sucking on the glass. "Oh dear. Here let me refill that for you." He took her glass but before she could protest he had disappeared into the crowd.
She clasped her hands together, just now realizing that she was alone in a sea of people and couldn't find Kristoff or Anna anywhere.
"Oh no. I need to find—"
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle." Too late. She put on her best fake smile and turned to greet the older gentleman that had approached her with his hand extended. "Ashante."
French. As per their customs she took the tips of his fingers and curtsied. "How do you do?"
"Ackerman. Noblemen of the French empire." He rasped. He was definitely as old as he sounded with no hair, white mustache, a crooked back, and a cane, and yet he was still a bit taller than Elsa. "It's a pleasure to meet the snow queen."
He seems harmless enough. "The pleasure is all mine."
"It sure is," he grinned a crooked smile that made her cringe. Spoke too soon. Before she realized it, his free hand snaked around her bare shoulders sending a shiver down her back as if a thousand spiders just started crawling on her skin, and he began to guide her towards the staircase. "Why don't we get more acquainted? I'll have one of those Bernard men bring up a bottle of champagne to my room for us to enjoy—ouch!"
On instinct, Elsa's icy magic spread over his arm, coating it in enough ice to not seriously hurt him, but enough that he felt it's sting. She scurried backwards like a frightened chipmunk. "Apologies. I—I didn't mean to—". Her face twisted in confusion when she noticed he was smiling again. That same crooked smile that was no beginning to terrify her.
"Oh it's no worries." He said I'm a gravelly manner. "I like them a little feisty."
He stalked towards her like a hunting dog cornering a fox, but Elsa wasn't going to give him another chance to touch her. "Please," she begged, "I must ask that you leave me alone." She raised the palm of her hand, ready to blast him back to the ice age, when he was stopped by a hand grasping his arm.
"How dare you—" Ackerman sputtered his words when he noticed the dark stranger holding him back.
"Hello mister Ackerman," Landon grinned, "I do believe she asked you to leave her be."
Ackerman snarled. "Now you see here! I will not be told—" Landon suddenly pulled him close so that he was now whispering into his ear. Elsa couldn't hear what Landon was saying, but Ackermans eyes kept growing wider and wider with fear the longer her spoke. When Landon was finished, Ackerman stepped back, his mouth moving but no words leaving and terror in his eyes. "How-how did…?" He looked back at Elsa, then Landon, then hurriedly limped away, looking over his shoulder every so often.
Landon turned back to her with a grin on his face and offered a glass of champagne to Elsa. "On behalf of my sex, I apologize for his appalling behavior."
She hesitantly took the glass from him, but kept her eyes on his own. "What did you say to him?"
He waited a beat as if choosing his words carefully. "I just let him know that I am aware of his, for lack of a better word, vice. Or, His sin."
She examined his features, as if just now seeing him for the first time. Yes he was handsome, and yes he was charming, but there was something about him, something that made her queasy and sent an unnatural chill down her spine.
Making a quick decision she handed her glass back to him. "Please escort me back to my sister."
He took the glass back and extended his arm not at all put off for her desire to leave his company.
"I understand why you don't trust me. Sort of guilty by association sort of thing." He leaned closer to her. "But I would recommend rethinking that, I'm fairly certain I'm one of your only friends here."
"Elsa, there you are!" Anna and Kristoff hurried through the crowd to meet her.
"There she is." He handed Elsa back to her sister. "Enjoy the party." With a smile he turned on his heel and vanished.
"What was that about?" Anna asked.
Elsa shook her head. "I'm not sure."
—:0:—
"Welcome one, welcome all! I, Dirgelaff, welcome you all into my halls!"
The Arendellions collectively felt their stomachs drop. It was time.
"As a child I adored games of chance, puzzles and every kind of sport. And each time I would play, I would win with very little effort. Over the years of intense competition I began to grow bored, with the ease of my victories and my endless awards. It was in my Middle Ages I decided to change up my fun, so I thought why not give others a chance at the awards that I've won? So welcome to the competition that I have created, so why don't we get to the part that we have so patiently waited. A champion you have chosen for the chance at the prize, for a wish that I'll grant where the limit is the sky!"
The hall erupted into applause, as each and every one of them hungry for the chance to gain their hearts desire. Elsa wondered how many of them were there for selfish reasons and who was there to help someone else.
Dirgelaff stepped aside and motioned to Bernard to take center stage. "If I may direct your attention to the flags above you. As you may have deduced these represent all that are in attendance this evening, however the flags with the red markers indicate those who have come with champions to complete. By my count that would be twenty champions. Once I call on you, please present your champions!"
As champions began to be announced, the Arendellions huddled around each other.
"Okay, we have no choice. Kristoff we need you as our champion."
Kristoff stood straight with his chest out and shoulders back, but no matter how strong, or proud he tried to stand he couldn't stop his knees from shaking. "I won't let you down. I promise." The sisters exchanged worried glances with each other. They trusted Kristoff, they loved Kristoff, but nothing would stop the pits forming in their stomachs with worry. Worry that only increased with each frightening champion introduced.
Finally they came to prince Hans.
He stood proudly before the ballroom, casting an arrogant stare at the small band of Arendellians, before proclaiming, "I present my champion, I Woman hailing from the island of Bapharong, one of the three kingdoms of the dragon knights." The crowd "oh'd" In wonder as the women Elsa remembered stood before them. "Presenting Arabella of Bapharong!"
The gem on her the gauntlet of her left hand glowed a violet pink, encasing her in its glow changing her into a dragon of the same color. She showed off her new form with battle roar meant to intimidate her competition, and for some, it worked.
"Thank you prince Hans!" Bernard motioned for the prince to excuse himself. "Now we will hear from Queen Elsa of Arendelle!"
Her heart momentarily stopped, and yet was pounding so hard she couldn't hear the applause sounding from around her. She looked back at her sister and the love of her life. Was she really going to pit her friend against these trained warriors? Trained killers?!
What choice did she have?
She composed herself, standing tall as a representative of her kingdom and set about to announce her champion.
A sudden crash sounded from above them, followed by a bang in the center of the ballroom. The dragon had slammed his fist into the ground, cracking the marble and getting everyone's attention. Elsa would know that dragon anywhere, with his onyx colored scales and teal blue belly and necklace dangling from his neck. But there was something different about him. Thick pieces of armor sat on his shoulders and forearms connected by leather straps crossing his chest and waist.
The doors to the ballroom flew open, and the small snowman ran to them shouting. "Elsa! Anna! Kristoff! Drake made it!"
The crowd began murmuring in confusion, even Bernard and Dirgelaff seemed puzzled by the events. Elsa and Anna ran to the dragon now noticing his passenger sliding down his tail off of his back.
"Sorry we're late," said Cynthia adjusting her hat.
He slapped her with his tail before changing back into the young man they knew.
"I'm sorry," Bernard got their attention. "But what is the meaning of this?"
Drake stood tall and spoke loudly. "I am Drake Daniels, son of Corwin Daniels, Dragon master of Kuarlong, and I will be representing Arendelle in your competition!"
There was more confused murmuring that was broken up by Dirgelaff's excited clapping.
"Oh happy day! Oh what fun! Two Dragon Knights instead of just one!" That seemed to be enough to satisfy everyone who soon began to cheer and hollar.
Drake turned towards the royals and was quickly met with a pair of arms around his neck and hysterical, screeching sobbing.
"Thank you! Thank you so much for showing up! Thank you, thank you!"
"No problem Kristoff, but you can let go of me now."
Anna and Elsa stood back with Cynthia, "We are so glad you made it."
Cynthia rolled her eyes. "No worries, but we actually got here five minutes ago. Mister man just wanted to make an entrance. Oh yeah, and that speech he just made? He was practicing that the whole way here."
"No I didn't!"
