Forever At Your Side ch. 4

Hey everyone I'm not dead but I did have to get a laptop and I had to transfer all of my stuff from one computer to another. Things had gotten hectic for me but I'm back so hopefully there won't be such a long break between updates.


To say that I'm shocked to be in charge of a group of people would be an understatement cause I've never been in charge of anything but I like it even though it's a little nerve wrecking. It's a new feeling but I wish that I didn't have to deal with Captain Asshole on this trip but I shouldn't complain. I pick four men out of Marshmallow's company to help mr\e with this problem and I have to say that I'm not impressed because they didn't look like they would last too long out there in the world that I grow up in. I have seen things that I can't unseen that haunt my nightmares to this very day but I didn't bother to learn their names because I'm not going to remember them. We move out as soon as everyone had everything that they needed for this mission but we didn't get passed the gates of the castle when someone calls out my name. I pull on the reigns of the horse that I'm riding on to see Olaf running towards us and I inwardly groan, rubbing my temple. What the hell does he want? I climb off of my horse as he reaches me and I bend down to his level.

"What do you want, kid?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"I wanted to give you something. Hold out your wrist" Olaf said smiling.

"Why?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"Just do it" Olaf replied, rolling his eyes.

I sigh as I hold out my wrist then I feel something being wrapped around it. I looked to see that it's a small brown band with smaller black rubber bands around it and there's a small trinket attached to it in a small of a star. The look at the bracelet for a minute before looking at the young Prince who has a huge grin on his face.

"You like it?" Olaf asked curious.

"What is it?" I asked confused.

"It's a star bracelet, silly. I made it myself even though Gerda helped a little and I wanted to give it to you because I want you to come back safely. I made you one too, Kristoff" Olaf said running over towards Kristoff.

"Thanks Olaf. It's so cool" Kristoff said as Olaf ties it on him.

I touch the star charm gently and I couldn't help but feel… something because no one has ever given me anything before except for… her. It's almost the same as one that she given when I was younger. What does this mean? How could have Olaf known about the necklace that I hide under my shirt? No… no there's no way that he could've known. Not Kristoff knows about that. The Prince walks over towards me before wrapping his arms around my neck.

"You're coming back, right? You have to come back" Olaf said as his grip tightens.

"Yeah. I'm coming back"

"Promise?" Olaf asked looking me in the eyes.

The pure innocence in his eyes compels me to say yes, to reassure him that I'm coming back. I don't know why I am feeling this way when I can barely stand the kid but there's something in his eyes. Maybe because I used to look at the world the way Olaf does now and I don't want to be the one to ruin it for him. I don't want the prince to lose that innocence and wonder because look at how I turned out when my innocence was snuffed out early.

"Yeah I promise. Gotta go" I said ruffling his hair.

I climbed on my horse before riding out of the castle gate with Kristoff and Sven by my side with Marshall and his men at my back. We ride out to the country to find the creature that we're seeking.

I came back to the willow tree every day for two weeks like Evangeline asked me to and I don't know why I'm doing this for. She's showed up every time and we spent a little more time together, getting to know each other and the silver haired girl would leave but not without kissing me on the lips before she would tell me that she would see me the next day. I normally expected her to have me wait here all day and not showed her face but Evangeline would prove me wrong. I climbed on the tree branches before I leaned the bark of the tree as I looked over at the town. I hate this place so much and I wished that I could move out into the country where no one knew me to live in peace. I would only go into the city for food and other stuff. It would be perfect and I wouldn't have to deal with anyone and their judgment especially my father's. I won't have to deal with his abuse and verbal flack.

"Anna? Anna. Anna, come down"

I looked down to see Evangeline standing under the tree. To say that I'm surprised is an understatement because I didn't expect her to show up all. I jumped from my spot in the tree and landed perfectly on my feet only to have my head smacked forth hard.

"Ow what the hell was that for?" I asked glaring at her.

"For being reckless. You could've been severely injured from jumping high up" Evangeline said frowning.

"Why the hell do you care if I injured myself" I asked frowning.

"Because I care about my friends" Evangeline replied.

"You don't even know me so how can you consider me your friend because you don't want to be friends with me" I said shaking my head.

"I think that decision should be up to me and I do want to be friends with you. Here, in a sign of new friendship, I'm giving you this" Evangeline said taking something off around her neck.

It's a necklace with a crescent moon and she places it around my neck. I touch the cool metal around my neck like it's the most precious thing in the world before I looked at the silver haired girl in front of me. Why is she giving this to me? It must cost a lot of money and there's no way that I'll be able to repay her. I can't take it. It has to be important to her.

"I can't take this from you. I can't pay you back for this" I said attempting to remove the necklace.

"I'm not expecting you to repay me and I don't want to. This is a sign of our new found friendship" Evangeline said stopping me.

I looked at this girl with a confused look on my face. Why was she doing all of this? If people find out that she was talking to me then things would be a whole harder for her and I don't want to be the cause for that. Even if we do become friends, it's only to hurt more when we can't be friends anymore and I don't want to feel anymore pain then I already do besides it's not worth it. Before I knew it, a pair of lips were pressed against mine and hands on my shoulders. I didn't know that lip could feel this good but it does and they tasted like fresh strawberries. I whimpered when the feeling was taken away and I open my eyes to see Evangeline smile at me. I felt my cheek being set on fire causing the girl to giggle at me.

"D-Don't laugh at m-me" I said glaring at her.

"I'm sorry Anna but I'm not laughing at you, just your reaction"

I remembered when she's doing all of this and I couldn't help but feel angry. She doesn't like me, she just using me to see if kissing girls will make her like girls. I don't like being used by anyone and I refused to be. I pushed Evangeline away from me and she looked at me confused and slightly hurt but I ignored it.

"You shouldn't be going around kissing random girls just to see if you will like girls or not. It's not fair to use people like that" I said glaring at her.

"Is that what you think that I am doing?" Evangeline asked looking down at the ground.

"What am I supposed to think? You said before that you want to run more test to see if kissing me will make you like girls that way. I can't see you actually liking me to keep doing this" I said frowning.

"What if it was true?" Evangeline asked looking up at me.

"What if what was true?"

"What if it was true that I actually liked you to keep kissing you? What if I told you that I felt something when I kissed you yesterday? What if I told you that I used that 'run more test' as excuse to be closer to you? Would you believe me if I told you that in the beginning?" Evangeline said taking a step closer with every question.

"I would say that you're lying" I replied.

"I am not lying, Anna. I like you… I like you a lot"

"You don't know what you're saying. You're just confused and just saying stuff. Your dad wouldn't want you hanging around me" I said shaking my head.

"I don't care about what my father wants because you're important to me. I don't want to lose what we have because you feel it too" Evangeline said taking my hand in hers.

"No, I don't feel anything. I'm a abomination and abominations don't feel anything" I said the tear form in my eyes.

What the black smith's daughter is saying was true because I do feel something for her but I know that we can't be together. There's no way for us together without us having to leave the town and elope somewhere but I couldn't do that to her because I know that her family is very important to her.

"Anna, look at me. Please look at me" Evangeline pleaded.

I looked up at her to see that she has tears in her eyes as well and she pulled me into a tight hug. I sobbed into her shoulder as the silver haired girl rubs my back soothingly.

"I know that you care about me even though you won't admit it. Please don't pull away from me" Evangeline said kissing the side of my head.

I nodded because I didn't trust my voice at that time but I care about Evangeline even though I wont admit it. I care about her a lot and I don't want to lose her.

I am pulled out of my thoughts when Marshall comes to a stop and I looked around to see that we're standing outside of the farmer's house. I climb off on my horse as the farmer comes out to meet us and leads us to the edge of his property when the beginning of the forest.

"This is where the beast lives. I never come this close to it because I'm too fear of running into it" The farmer said pointing at the entrance of the forest.

"Don't worry, we will slay this beast" Marshall said placing his hand on his shoulder.

"If we don't eaten first" One of the soldiers muttered.

I walked into the forest with the Kristoff flanking my right and Marshall flanking my left. I had the solider scattered behind us just in case the beast gets the drop on us.

"Do you even know what this beast is?"

"Yes, I know what this beast is. It's an ogre" I said rolling my eyes.

"An ogre? Don't t-they eat p-people?" A solider asked nervously.

"Normally but for some reason this one isn't. It's taking livestock" I said frowning.

"Just say that you don't know what it is. There's no way that it's a ogre" Marshall said not impressed.

"Hey! I've more supernatural stuff my entire life than you have your entire career as a solider so you better stop patronizing me, buddy" I said glaring at him.

"Or what? I don't know why the Queen put you in charge when I clearly have more experience than you" Marshall said getting in my face.

"Obviously she knows that I'm more competent than you to handle this" I said frowning.

"Guys" Kristoff said trying to get our attention.

"Competent? Ha! In your dreams" Marshall scoffed.

"Captain" Derek said nudging Marshall.

"In your dreams and my dreams. Everyone knows it including but you're just jealous that I'll make you look like an idiot" I said smirking.

"GUYS!" Kristoff yelled.

"What?!" Marshall and I turning to face him.

We stared in shock as a humanoid looking creature standing in front of us with his greenish, leathery skin, greasy brown hair, and small ears. One sharp tooth is sticking out of his mouth, at least 9 feet tall with big brown eyes. It stares at us for a moment before it swings its long arms at us letting out a loud cry. We manage to jump out of the way of the giant fist coming at us before Kristoff changes into a elephant charges at the ogre's feet . The shape shifter slams hard into its ankle causing it to let out a cry of pain before falling to the ground. The solider pulled out the ropes before tying the creature down as it struggles to get free and we almost have to tied down when the ropes snapped. The ogre gets up before grabbing Derek suddenly before snapping his neck. Dammit, no one was supposed to die on his mission. Marshall glares at the creature heatedly before rushing at it.

"Marshall wait!"

Marshall swings wildly at the ogre's feet as it kicks at the captain, sending him backwards into a nearby tree. Kristoff turns into a boa constrictor before wrapping himself around the creature's legs causing him to tripping back. I jumped into the air as I swing my sword down before embedding into the ogre's chest. I watched at the life leave the animal's eyes. I wish that I could've done this closer then no one would have died and Derek would still be here. His blood is on my hands and I will have to live that guilt for the rest of my life. I pulled my sword out of the ogre before wiping the blood off with my cloth before putting in the sheath. The shape shifter turned to his human form as the soldiers and Marshall mourn over their fallen comrade. The captain turn to me before walking towards us with blank expression on his face. I expected him to blame the loss of his man on me and I wouldn't blame him if he did because it's my fault that Derek is gone. What I wasn't expecting was for him to place a hand on my shoulder before sighing.

"Good work" Marshall said giving me a half smile.

"What?" I asked shocked.

"You were right. You are competent to led this mission and we all knew the dangers of this life. Derek laid down his life to protect the kingdom and is in a better place now" Marshall said turning around.

That was totally unexpected as the guys lift the lifeless body of their fallen comrade out of the forest as the rest of us fall him out of the forest. The farmer was overjoyed to know that his livestock and crops are no longer in danger of being taken or destroyed. He gave a cart to carry the body back to the Arendelle so he could be properly buried. It has been a long day and all I want to do is crawl into bed and sleep the day away.


Elsa's P.O.V.

I do not know why am I worrying over someone that I hardly know but I am worried over Marshall and his company as well but especially Anna. I do not know of much of her skills as a swordswoman but the part of the fight that she have had in the courtyard with my Captain of the Guard but she seems quite skilled. I do not have nothing to worry about but the these feelings are quite confusing for me since I hardly worry over someone's safety that is not my son's… or my late husband. I am standing in my room in front of the portrait of myself holding a few days old Olaf with a smile on my face with Jack's arms around me as he looks at me with his eyes filled with love and adoration. Oh how I miss him since he has passed away due to an incurable disease. I loved him since I was 15 years of age even though our marriage was pre-arranged before we were born by our parents but we managed to fall for each other somehow. I am happy that we were in love when we were married because I did not want to marry someone I did not love but I did not wish to go against the wishes of my parents.

Being raised by the former King and Queen did not leave a lot of time to just be a child with myself being an only child and being the only successor to the throne. Jack always been there for me as a friend, as a lover, as a confidant, and as someone to help me rule my kingdom and when he passed away, I thought that I would never love someone the way that I loved him. I miss him so much and I wish that he was here to help me parent our son but he is not and the job of being both parents fall upon my shoulders. I do not know if I can do this alone but I must for Olaf's sake and I refuse to let him down. I am pulled out of my thoughts by a knock on the door before it was pushed open and I turn to see the young prince poking his head through the cracked door.

"Mommy, can I come in?" Olaf asked curious.

"Of course Olaf and thank you for asking before entering" I said smiling.

"You're welcome" Olaf said walking fully into the room.

"What can I do for? Is something on your mind?"

"I'm wondering when Anna's coming back. I hope that she's okay" Olaf said concerned.

It is quite obvious that son has come to enjoy being in the female mercenary's company as of late and I am curious as why that is because he has only been around her for about a day and a half as hhe does not interact with many people. I sit down on the chair next to the fire place before pulling the young prince into my lap into my body.

"I am sure that she is fine. No need to worry but there is something that I wish to ask of you, Olaf"

"What is it, Mommy?" Olaf asked looking up at me.

"Why are you so concern about Anna? Is it because she rescued you?" I asked curious.

"Well yes but not exactly. She just…. Seem so sad and lonely about something but I don't know what. I want to help her feel better" Olaf said shrugging his shoulders.

"But she is not alone. She has Kristoff" I said frowning slightly.

"I know but it's in her eyes. I can see it and I don't like it" Olaf said shaking his head.

I smile at my young son because he has a good heart and always wants to help someone in need and is willing to show compassionate to others as well and it is what will make him a great kind one day like his Father. I do not understand how Anna could be lonely when she has her companion by her side and I can only assume that Kristoff is her husband or her boyfriend. I can see that the younger woman cares very much about him and he care about her as well so it must mean that they are together in a romantic sense. For some reason that I do not like that idea because the female mercenary is a little rough around the edges and the both of them seem to be quite rugged which is not a bad thing. I just do not think that they would be very compatible in that sense but their partnership works quite well I assume. I never seen them fight together but I can imagine them working flawlessly together.

"That is very noble of you, Olaf and it is commendable" I said kissing the top of his head.

"Thank you Mommy" Olaf said grinning.

There is another knock on the door and someone asking to come in which I allow. It is one of the servants telling me that Marshall and his company has returned, allowing me to sigh in relief. It is nice to know that everyone has returned safe and sound. Hearing this, Olaf jumps off of my lap and races out of the room to the courtyard to find the mercenary. I smile as I walk out of my room towards the courtyard to see Anna and Marshall on their houses but from the looks on their faces as well as the other soldiers, things did not go so well. Some of the solider pulling a cart with something in it and it is covered with a tarp. The mercenary dismounts her house with an impassive look on her face but there are some instances when some trances of sadness seep through but covering it up again.

"What happened?" I asked looking at Marshall.

"The beast has been slain but we lost a man" Marshall said looking down at the ground.

"Who?"

"Derek. He fought valiantly but the monster caught us by surprised and I lost my cool for a moment, blinding me. If it was not for the mercenary then a lot more of us would have been lost" Marshall said looking over his shoulder at Anna.

"If I had reacted sooner then Derek would be alive right now. His blood is on my hands" Anna said glaring at the ground.

"Anna, Derek knew the risks of this life and he was willing to lay down his life to protect the kingdom as well as its people" Marshall replied.

"Whatever" Anna mutters.

"I am glad that the rest of you are well. Derek will have a proper burial and I will see that his family is notified of it" I said sighing sadly.

"What are they're gonna do now that he's gone?" Anna asked curious.

"In Arendelle when a solider dies in battle, the family is given a small grievance of gold and food to last them until someone is able to find a job to support themselves" I explains.

"What if they aren't able to find a job then what?" Anna asked raising an eyebrow.

"I am not sure. Normally they find a job or find some way to support themselves"

"So you don't know what happens if they don't find work" Anna said frowning.

I open my mouth to say something but nothing was coming out because I could not find anything to say. I do not know what happens if someone in the family cannot find work because something is always needing my attention but that is no excuse. I know if they can or cannot find work. I hear Anna mutters something under her breath before walking her horse to the stables and Kristoff whispers something in her ear that I could not hear. She snorts a little before whispering something back and I could not help but feel like I am the subject that they are discussing. Marshall walks up to me with a sad look in his eyes before giving me a sympathetic look.

"Do not worry My Queen, Anna is just upset about what happened. Don't take what she said to heart" Marshall replied.

"I don't know Marshall, I should not take what Anna said to heart. She is right about me not knowing if the families of the fallen find work or not. How can I not take that to heart?" I asked running my hand through my hair.

"You cannot do everything, Your Majesty. You have a lot on your plate with running a kingdom while raising your son on your own. No one can blame you for not paying attention to every single thing that happens. Some things sometimes slip through the cracks" Marshall said trying to be comforting.

I know that he is trying to comfort me but his words are not really helping at the moment. They are have the exact opposite effect and making me feel worse about what I have manage to let slip through the cracks. I have to fix them and make things right now without letting anything else escape my sight. I have to be more vigilant of everything that goes on in my kingdom or else it might turn into a bigger problem and I do not know if I will be able to handle it then. I excused myself to my study to work on something or importance and I do not think that it can wait.


How can she not know if the families find a job to support themselves when the main person who is doing the supporting is no longer around to do it. The small amount of gold and food is only going to last for so long before they have to find other means getting it. What is Derek's family gonna do once all the gold and food disappear? Why am I so concerned? I barely know the guy but… I guess that I feel guilty fro what happened to him. It's my fault that the solider isn't alive anymore and his family is gonna to struggle now because I didn't act faster or sooner. I should've killed the ogre sooner than he would be alive right now, kissing his wife and hugging his kids if he had any. There has to be something that I can do to help them or at least lessen my guilt about all of this. I return the horse that I borrowed with Kristoff by my side, telling me that Derek's death isn't my fault and I can't believe that he would say that. How can he not see that his death is my fault?

"Anna, this isn't your fault" Kristoff said for the fifth time in the last five minutes.

"You and I both know that it's a load of shit. It is my fault and there's nothing that you can say that will change my mind on this but there is something that you and I can do" I said closing the stable behind the horse.

"… And what is that?" Kristoff asked apprehensively.

"Simple, we're gonna give our savings to Derek's family" I replied.

"All of it?" Kristoff asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, all of it" I said with a nod.

"Anna, are you feeling okay? You just said that you want to give all of our money away… to someone in need" Kristoff said feeling my forehead.

"I'm fine but what the Queen said got me thinking. With the small amount of gold, they're given, how long is that gonna last. A week? A month? Who knows but we have enough gold to last for maybe 2 or 3 months between us and we easily earn the money back with odd jobs we do once we leave here"

"I don't know what's scarier, the fact that you're making perfect sense or that I'm agreeing with you. Okay, let's do it" Kristoff said smiling.

"It hurt me that you doubt me but I shall ignore it for now" I said smirking.

"Just like how you ignore everything else that I tell you" Kristoff said rolling his eyes.

"You think after all these years of being together that you would've figure that out by now"

"Oh shut up and lets get this over with"

"Hakuna Matata, my friend hakuna matata" I said laughing.

"You should be taking your advice" Kristoff said shaking his head.

"Maybe but when has that ever worked out for me" I said raising an eyebrow.

"… Point taken"


~Nicole The Dragon Rider signing off

End of ch. 4