Chapter 20: Ring in the Season
Two days had passed since Arendelle's victory over the Naga Ai in the Forge Lands, since then their forces had nearly secured the region and sent any remaining naga forces retreating northwards. While the outlying towns and villages of the forge lands were clear, it was insisted that most people stay within Hammerhel or at least in the villages within close proximity. As well the gold, silver and other riches that had been accumulated by Lars had nearly all been gathered on wagons to be escorted back to the capital. Princess Anna, Krar and Baldrek largely oversaw the completion of this endeavor, whilst making sure Lars knew how low he'd sunk.
Now Baldrek made his way to Embercrow Keep, he had been summoned by the queen but for what he had not been told. He felt more nervous than he ever had in his life, he was not used to all this...attention, and he'd been receiving a lot of it since he helped win the battle for Hammerhel. He enjoyed it but it was a new experience that he was still getting used to. He was nearing the keep when he looked up and saw Krar leaning against the doors waiting for him. Baldrek smiled and approached the elder man who greeted him with a pat on the shoulder, "Here to see her grace?" he asked.
"Yes sir, I've been summoned."
Krar laughed, "No need to call me 'Sir' Baldrek...especially after today."
Baldrek tilted his head, "What do you mean?"
Krar shook his head, his expression more serious than before, "All I will say is that I know you are worthy of it...I just hope you will feel worthy of it when it is given."
"I..."
"Go on now, don't keep them waiting."
Baldrek nodded hesitantly as Krar opened the doors for him to enter the hall, he could see Queen Elsa and Lord Aldren standing in front of the desk with their backs to him. They appeared to be discussing something so he slowly approached them with his naturally heavy steps to announce his presence. They both turned and smiled at him, he would have looked up to them if they weren't shorter than he...or maybe he was just taller, he knelt before them, "Your grace, my lord."
Queen Elsa nodded, "Baldrek, thank you for coming. Stand and step forward if you would."
He stood and stepped towards them until he was a few feet from them, the queen spoke first, "Your actions at the gate have not gone unnoticed, but I do not believe you have been given proper recognition for them yet."
He lowered his head, "To serve the realm and see its people safe is recognition enough your grace."
She laughed, "And while that is good of you to say, it is not solely for recognition that we called you here. You showed not just bravery and skill during the battle but also selflessness and leadership. Arendelle's army needs a captain to serve under lord Aldren and myself...I would be a fool not to appoint you to that position."
Baldrek's mouth was agape as he was overcome with joy that was stinted by self-doubt, "I…your grace, would not a more experienced warrior such as Krar be more worthy of that position?"
Lord Aldren spoke next, "We have already spoken to Krar and he too agrees that from a new generation of soldiers; you are the ideal choice."
"Gillian, along with the best smiths in Hammerhel labored hard to bring you this." Queen Elsa walked towards a tall rack to her right and pulled off the cloak covering it. He laid eyes on a set of masterfully crafted armor, the armored plates were heavier and thicker than the standard Arendellian issue: layered shoulder pauldrons, a broader chest plate, even the skirting around the thighs was coated in scale mail. The helmet was adorned with two steel horns that started at the sides and curved back slightly at the tops. The primary tinge of the armor was a deep forest green while white sea serpents snaked their way all along the steel portions.
Baldrek never dreamed in his life he would ever lay eyes on something so glorious, the queen put a hand on his arm, "We feel that you are worthy of the station and of this armor."
"And of this." He turned to lord Aldren who stepped towards him holding a two handed warhammer, Baldrek's heart skipped a beat when he recognized the weapon: Aldric Embercrow's hammer. The lord of Hammerhel pushed the weapon towards him, "This is Forreder Banen; 'Traitor's Bane'."
The north man cautiously took the mighty weapon in his hands, "My lord...this is an heirloom of your house..."
Lord Aldren nodded, "It is...one that will not see any use in my hands, therefore I gift it to you so that you might wield it in defense of the realm and its people." Baldrek looked down at the hammer as Aldren continued, "My father once used this weapon to end the Ramdon rebellion before our time. I know that you will bring honor to its legacy with every blow you strike against the enemies of Arendelle."
Baldrek looked up and smiled, "Thank you, my lord."
The Embercrow nodded to him and Queen Elsa cleared her throat and motioned to the armor and the divider next to it. He obeyed, struggling to contain his anticipation and after a few minutes behind the divider he stepped out wearing the armor of a captain, his ax at his side in the belt, holding Traitor's Bane in one hand and his horned helm in the other. Aldren stepped forward to help fasten the claps and buckles so it would hold together.
"A perfect fit." The queen commented as lord Aldren stepped back.
Baldrek nodded and donned the helm over his red, unkempt hair, craning his neck from side to side as he adjusted to its weight. Queen Elsa clasped her hands behind her back, "Now, Captain Baldrek, what is the progress of the wagon train?"
The captain of Arendelle stood at attention, "Almost all of the gold and silver has been loaded onto the wagons and will be ready to move out by this afternoon."
She nodded, "Very good captain, have the convoy ready but wait for my word before having them depart."
"As you command, my queen." he bowed before turning and leaving the hall, his steps even heavier than before from the heft of his new armor and weapon.
OoO
The two elementals watched Baldrek leave the hall and the doors close behind him, alone once again Elsa turned to her Master of War, "I know that he would not have been your first choice..."
"No, but he was not simply chosen...he earned it, you've made a wise decision Elsa."
She sighed, "I just hope I can keep making wise decisions...we still have far to go before this war is over."
"Yes...but you have brought us this far."
"We brought us this far...I would not have gotten very far without you."
He smiled slightly, then turned towards the back of the hall, he walked past the desk towards the iron door that led to his father's office. "I suppose it's about time I was...reacquainted." He rotated the intricate rings until they lined up in a precise manner, opening the doors they both walked inside. The first thing he looked upon was the painting of his parents and sister, he had already seen it once since he had arrived but he made sure to look long and hard at their faces. "It is good to see their faces again, I had nearly forgotten what they looked like...my father never was very good at smiling."
He then turned towards the left side of the room, pressing against one of the bricks that gave in slightly. The bricks opened into a passage that revealed a staircase that lead upwards, Elsa's eyebrow raised, "Your father...was big on hidden passages."
"He had trust issues." he motioned for her to follow him up the staircase. After they ascended the stairs they walked across a hallway lined with several doors.
"Is this the only way to the upper level?" She asked.
"No, but he wanted there to be a secondary path to every part of Embercrow keep in case of...crisis." at the end of the hallway was another set of doors that opened to a balcony that overlooked the courtyard of Hammerhel. They stood and admired the view for the first few seconds, Elsa reached out and grasped his hand, "I know that...what you told me wasn't easy, but it meant a great deal to me that you did."
He gently gripped her hand back, "I wanted you to know."
Before they could continue the discussion further they turned at the sound of rapid footsteps and saw Princess Anna running towards them. She stopped in the doorway, taking a moment to catch her breath, "Woo...secret passage...neat." The young princess was no longer wearing her armor, instead she wore a light blue and white winter dress while her hair was done in a traditional, courtly braid.
Elsa observed her sister's attire and then regarded her own, "Mm...I must endeavor to wear something other than this armor."
Anna smiled with hands on her hips, "That's the truth! Anyway what are you two love birds up to?"
Aldren replied "Discussing matters of state and warfare."
Anna folded her arms and smiled smugly, "Yeah? You need to be holding hands to do that?." she looked down at their hands, they both realized they were still holding hands and quickly let go in embarrassment. Anna shook her head and laughed, then putting her arms around both of them, looking over the balcony with them, "So are you guys excited?"
"For what Anna?" Elsa asked.
Anna sighed, "I guess it's easy to forget at a time like this." the princess signaled with her eyes to the courtyard where the townsfolk were carting in a tall fir tree and a large iron bell. Aldren cocked his head, "What...are they doing?"
Anna sighed and face palmed, "You've gotta be kidding me...Its Christmas!" she smiled, yelling directly at him.
He winced at first as she yelled but then his eyes widened, "Chri-Christmas..."
Elsa gasped and smiled widely, "Today?"
Anna nodded ecstatically, grasping her sister's hands, "Yes! Not even those naga can stop Christmas!"
"OH Anna that's-that's...I need to change!" Elsa exclaimed, she quickly said a farewell to the both of them and rushed to find a place within the keep to change her attire.
Anna laughed, but stopped when she turned back to Aldren who frowned, staring down at the people as they erected the tree. She stepped towards him, putting a hand on his shoulder, "Aldren...what's wrong, aren't you excited?"
"I-it's just...I've never celebrated Christmas before..."
Her mouth stood open and her eyes widened, "Never...Why?"
"My father never allowed it...always said it was silly and unnecessary."
"Something tells me I wouldn't have liked your dad very much..."
Aldren smirked, "He had his quirks..."
The princess smiled, putting both of her hands on his shoulders from behind, "Well I've got good news for you."
"Hmm?"
"You're not your dad. You're Aldren, and Aldren is getting an education today." she gasped, "And its almost noon! The people of Hammerhel will want to see their lord ring the Yule Bell, come on!"
She grabbed his hand and started pulling him down the hall almost faster than he could keep up. "Yule Bell? But I've never-"
"Come now! Your princess commands!" She said smiling as she dragged him down the stairs.
On their way into the hall they ran into Elsa who had just finished creating a dress for herself: it was midnight blue with blue gem patterns dotting the chest and torso while white fur surrounded the collar. It was thicker, almost like armor, around the forearms and shoulders. She'd also created a small holster on her hip for her spear. She looked at them confused as Anna stopped them in front of her, "Whoa Anna! What's going on?"
"Elsa come on! Aldren's gonna ring the Yule Bell!"
Elsa smiled widely, "That's a great idea!" she grabbed his other hand, both sisters dragged an exasperated lord Embercrow towards the doors, "I'll have you both know I'm quite capable of finding my own way!"
His protests fell on deaf ears as reached the doors, slowing down only slightly as they opened and pulled him out into the daylight. A large crowd of people were gathered around the fur tree, among them was Krar, Baldrek, Gillian and Barec. They all appeared to have been waiting for him, Elsa and Anna finally released his hands as they stood just under the archway of Embercrow keep. A rope was suspended in front of him from a large iron bell that had been hung just above the balcony, a series of informative shouts came from the crowd, telling him that it was almost noon. The two sisters smiled and nodded to him, Anna with the most enthusiasm. He hesitantly grasped the rope, shrugging and smiling awkwardly, "Let the holidays begin?" he pulled the rope and loud chime came from the bell, followed by an even louder cheering from the crowd.
He couldn't help but smile at their joy from such a simple action. As they finished cheering, Benches, tables and chairs along with barrels of drink for what was evidently going to be a long, festive night. Anna rushed him and clutched him tightly in a hug as she squealed in happiness, Elsa also smiled as she held his arm and leaned her head against his shoulder. This made him smile even wider...even though he felt his ribs collapsing.
Anna at last released him and opted to hold his arm, "This is already shaping up to be an amazing Christmas...I just wish the boys were here to share it..." she said with sadness in her voice.
He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, "You will have many more Christmas's ahead of you with them beside you, we will see to that."
She smiled up at him hopefully and he gripped his chin thoughtfully, "Though in light of the holiday, perhaps...we won't move the wagons out until tomorrow. Let all within Hammerhel enjoy the celebrations today...with your permission that is, your grace." he said, causing everyone to look to Elsa.
She smiled and nodded, "I think that's a wonderful idea."
Anna grinned and Aldren continued planning, "We'll make sure to keep the guards on rotation throughout the night so everyone has a chance to enjoy the festivities. But those that are on duty will need to be on guard...while we have secured the region, I'd prefer not to take any chances and-"
Elsa pinched his arm, "And once that's all seen to, you'll join us in the celebration...right..." she said with a grin.
He realized it wasn't a question, he bowed his head, "Yes your grace."
The trio watched a moment longer as the crowd prepared the courtyard for a Christmas party that would not soon be forgotten. A night that would take their minds off of the strife and chaos that had commanded their lives for so many weeks...if only for one night...
OoO
Night had fallen over Hammerhel, all logistical matters had been seen to and the party was in full swing. Fires had been lit, stories were told, songs were sung and much mead and wine was drunk. People danced around the Christmas pine while instruments played, others sat at the tables conversing, drinking and laughing. At the present moment Elsa and Anna were seated in two chairs that sat on a wooden platform in the center of the courtyard, just a few feet from the crowd. Trolgon laid down in front of them, his tail flicking calmly back and forth, his wings tucked against his body and his head erect as he watched the people around him. Elsa continually stroked his horns and the frills along the back of his neck, earning a sound akin to a cat purring.
She noticed changes in his coloration as he had grown: the frills along his neck and back leading to his tail along with the webbing of his wings were a faded orange. While a deep red hue dotted the thick scales on his chest in random patterns, as well it stemmed from the middle of his horns to the very tips where the color was most intense. The only conclusion she could come to is that his appearance was effected by the fact that both she and Aldren had created him, that meant in a way she was his mother and Aldren was his father...effectively making him their child...
Her thoughts were interrupted when she observed a humorous scene: Baldrek was arm wrestling three other men at the same time while a slightly drunk Gillian and Barec, along with Krar and a crowd of soldiers cheered him on. Though it appeared her captain was having little, if any difficulty with his opponents as he kept a straight face while taking several swigs from his drinking horn. This was confirmed when he dropped his arm and sent all three over the table and onto the ground earning a rousing cheer from the others around him as he finished off his drink, slamming the horn down on the table and then reaching behind him to headlock Barec and give him a brotherly noogie on the head as he laughed.
She put a hand over her mouth and laughed slightly at the very 'masculine' scene, Anna laughed too, rolling her eyes and sighing, "Men..."
It did her a great deal of good to see her troops enjoying themselves. Elsa then looked to the empty chair at her left side, "Speaking of..."
Anna groaned, leaning her head back, "Six hours, he needs six hours to organize guard rotations and do...whatever he does?"
"Anna, he is most likely working hard to keep us safe..."
"I don't care, he's missing the party!" she gulped down the rest of her wine glass and stood, scratching Trolgon under his chin before turning to leave, "Right, I'm gonna find him."
As she left Elsa smiled, "Don't be too hard on him!"
"No promises!" she retorted, waving a finger.
After departing from the center and searching the outskirts of the crowd for several minutes she eventually found her quarry making his way towards her, "There you are!"
She stomped up to him, even though she was smiling as she punched him in the shoulder, "Where were you?"
He smiled, "I am sorry Anna, I was-"
She held a hand up, "Ah-Ah-Ah, I don't wanna hear it, you're late!"
"Right then, I suppose I should join in." he moved to join the party but was stopped when Anna stepped in front of him, "Whoa...like that?" she said with a questioning smile.
"Like what?"
"Like-" she gestured with her hands to all of him, "This."
"Ah...right." he pulled off his helm and held it at his side, moving to join the party, "Should be going."
But once again he was stopped when she put her hand on his chest, she leaned her forehead against her middle finger, "And I thought I was socially awkward...OK...bottom line; you're not going to the party in that." she pointed to his armor.
He looked down at himself, "Why is my armor not acceptable attire?"
"Because I said so, now go to that grim keep of yours and put yourself in something festive."
"Baldrek is wearing his armor." he countered.
"He's not lord of Hammerhel though, is he."
"But I-"
"No buts. Cause I know some of your dad's old clothes have to fit you."
"Th-"
"Nyah!...Your princess commands." she folded her arms and grinned smugly.
He smiled smugly back, "You know that's not always going to work...princess."
She fluttered her eyes coyly, "Its working now, isn't it?"
He chuckled, and attempted to mess up her hair as he walked past her, "I won't be long, save me a chair."
"Right next to the beautiful blonde with the ice powers right?" She called out as he left.
He smiled, rolling his eyes and shook his head. Anna laughed and made her way back to Elsa but watched Aldren to make sure he made his way to the keep. Once he was inside she took her seat next to Elsa who turned to her, "So where is Aldren?"
Ann leaned back in her chair, "Oh he'll be along."
Her sister nodded and the two remained silent as they waited, Anna watching over her shoulder every so often. When Aldren did arrive, he wore a black boots, pants and a black, long sleeve shirt with an Embercrow stitched over the heart and leather shoulder pads. He had done a 'decent' job of braiding his hair in a warriors fashion...befitting of his ancestors. He carried Black Autumn in its scabbard in his hand. He looked first to Anna, gesturing to himself, asking if she was satisfied.
She sighed, leaning against the arm of her chair and smiled, "I guess it'll do..."
He laughed, "There's no pleasing some people."
He leaned his sword against his chair, taking his seat next to Elsa who smiled brightly at him. She placed a hand on his shoulder, "You look very handsome."
He nodded shyly and patted Trolgon's side, "Thank you, and might I say that you look very...enchanting, your grace."
She smirked flirtatiously at him for his comment, grasping his hand, "I think...just 'Elsa' will do tonight Aldren."
He paused at the look she gave him but managed a smile, "O-Of course...Elsa."
The three sat together and enjoyed the music...until Anna began tapping her foot, then a certain tune stuck in her ear and she knew exactly what she wanted to do next. Standing up she went to one of the musicians carrying a lute and asked to borrow it, they obliged her and she went back to Aldren, holding it out to him, "Do you play?"
"Well...yes, but it's been some time."
"Good, you play and I'll sing." she shoved the lute into his hands.
He looked over the instrument, "I just don't want to disappoint-"
"Well if you can't do it." she teased.
He smirked, flipping the lute around, adjusting the cords to his liking, "What sort of tune would you like me to play?"
She put a finger to her lip, "Go for...upbeat-oh but not too fast paced."
"Very well."
Elsa smiled widely as he began to strum his fingers against the strings and played softly so that she could begin to get a feel for the beat, she was more than a little excited to hear their duo. He started with a slow sweeping melody that eventually evolved into a bouncing folk tune, the rest of the musicians joined in as he played and eventually Anna started to move her feet, bouncing gracefully as she graced the ears of everyone around her with her beautiful voice.
Anna:
There once was a troll held in highest esteem
For his manner was kind and his fungus did gleam
The ballad of old Flemmingrad
Beloved by each troll girl and every troll lad
They gifted him berries and moss cake and stew
He gobbled with zeal as he zealously grew
To such a large old Flemmingrad
He always felt full and for that, he was glad
Anna:
They loved to watch him roll, roll, roll
With laughter, he would roll, roll, roll
As the background music continued Anna pulled Aldren into the ring with her and danced around him, encouraging him to do the same. He gave in and with surprising skill continued to play the lute while pirouetting in sync with her as she continued singing.
Anna:
Then one winter's day, humans crept up so fast
The trolls had to roll through a tight mountain pass
But dear old giant Flemmingrad
He tried to go through, but stuck just a tad
The people were frightened and pulled out a sword
So, Flemmy, he blended right into the fjord
The ballad of old Flemmingrad
He never got out and for that we are sad
"Wedged...but not forgotten..." Anna said almost too seriously with a smile, making Aldren laugh. Elsa smiled, leaning against her arm rest as she watched them dance.
Anna and Aldren:
For Flemmy couldn't roll, roll, roll
Oh, Flemmy, Won't you roll, roll, roll
Aldren slowed the beat of the song along with the rest of the musicians, he and Anna slowed their dance to a slow, fluent walk around each other.
Anna:
Every December we all gather 'round
To pay our respects to a troll so renowned
In remembrance of the friend we had
A jolly old soul we called Flemmingrad
We all dig deep down and we uproot the past
We shove up its nostrils a fist full of grass
In resemblance of the dear old lad
We forged a mold of Flemmingrad
Anna and Aldren:
We shape his likeness, bless his soul
Oh, Flemmy the fungus troll...
The entire crowd around them clapped and cheered wildly for them, Elsa herself gave them a standing ovation and Trolgon blew a stream of sparkling powder over their heads. The pair bowed to her and the crowd, Aldren returned the lute to its owner. The crowds returned to their dancing around the tree and the princess and lord walked back to Elsa. Aldren nodded to Anna, "Quite the performance, princess."
She nudged him, "Not so bad yourself."
Elsa stepped down from her chair, "You were both wonderful."
Aldren turned to Anna, "Where did you learn that song?"
"It's one that Kristoff sang last Christmas..." she said, her smile dropping slightly.
"It's a silly song-but clever and you make it sound beautiful...even the bit about shoving grass up nostrils." he said with humor in his voice.
She laughed, "Gross huh?"
"Very."
Elsa then spoke to Aldren, "Aldren, may I make a request?"
He put his hand behind his back, "Anything Elsa."
She held her hand out to him, "Would you dance with your queen?"
His eyes widened as he was caught off guard by the question, he looked down at her hand. And for a brief moment he did not see hers but the hand of his wife...rather than looking up and seeing her face he closed his eyes and cleared his mind. Opening them again he saw her...he saw Elsa, he saw his present not his past, he saw his pride not his shame, he saw his happiness not his pain. He smiled and delicately took her hand, "It would be my honor."
She nodded and led him to the center where other couples were dancing, she placed his hand on the small of her back and her own on his shoulder and entwined her fingers with his on the opposing hand. They stepped elegantly in time with the music, a series of spins, lifts and dips that were fit for courtly balls.
"You're a fair dancer, Aldren."
"I learned from my mother...wanted me to be prepared in the event I ever met...a pretty girl..."
Elsa grinned, "I'd like to think I'm pretty."
"Well...I think you are."
She looked down at the ground and blushed slightly, "Thank you...you're pretty too, you know-in the way a warrior can be pretty." She jested.
He smirked with an eyebrow raised, "I'll choose to take that as a compliment."
Elsa then decided to mix things up, as he spun her she covered her hand in a glove of ice. When she met him again in embrace he noticed her icy hand against his, she nodded to him and he set his hand ablaze against hers. They continued the routine, fire and ice in a magnificent union that one might think they'd only see in a painting, like art...like a masterpiece.
OoO
Anna grinned, sitting on the ground and leaning against Trolgon's side, scratching his neck, earning an affectionate trill and making his tail thump against the ground happily. Watching them made her miss Kristoff but it also made her happy to see them so close, to see her sister so happy and to feel that she was slowly finding an older brother in Aldren herself. Whatever else happened after today, she would always remember this as one of the happiest days of her life.
OoO
As the song came to an end the elementals slowed their pace, their hands intertwining once more. Looking into each other's eyes, the fire around his hand began to die out and the ice around her hand melted away. As Elsa looked into his eyes she slowly moved her hand from his shoulder up his neck to the side of his face, her thumb brushing against the skin of his cheek and she could feel his arm around her waist bring her slightly closer. She knew what she wanted to do in that moment; something that would change her life forever, show him how much he truly meant to her...all it took was for her to close the distance of a few inches...
But she recalled what he had told her two days ago, she could not expect him to commit himself to her when those wounds were still healing. She read from his eyes that he agreed, he wasn't ready...it was not yet time. They instead walked back to Anna together, sitting down next to her in front of their ice dragon and watching the rest of their companions enjoy Christmas. They need not say anything to each other, they already knew that tomorrow: the war would continue. But tonight they would revel in the company of the people they held in highest regard, those that fought beside them on the battlefield; friends, family...the people they knew would stand by them until the very end...whatever end it might be...
All rights to the song "The Ballad of Flemmingrad" belong to Disney and the creators, song writers of the short "Olaf's Frozen Adventure"
The full version of this song was not used in the short which is a shame because it is surprisingly beautiful. For those of you who want to hear the full version of this song sung by the criminally underused Jonathon Groff, AKA Kristoff, you can find it on the "Olaf's Frozen Adventure" soundtrack wherever you listen to music.
I had a lot of fun writing this chapter as it is the first one that I utilized a song in, though don't expect this to become a regular thing, I'm not a very good song writer and I'll only use songs if they fit the moment.
