Sorry it took me so long to put this chapter out but it was very important to me and the story, I put a lot of time and effort to making sure this came out right and I hope you all agree with me in saying this is one of the best chapters of the story so far.

Also big thanks to those who left title suggestions but anyway, please enjoy.

Chapter 31: The Crocus and the Crow

The sun had risen above the northern kingdom of Arendelle, though soon it may set on it...forever.

A round table had been moved to the center of the room and standing with her back to her throne was Elsa in full battle dress. To her left stood Aldren, around the table next to him was lord Mane, lady Sol and Gillian. To her right was Anna with Kristoff, Baldrek, Barec and overseers Kai and Freja. Away from the table lay Sven with Olaf sitting atop his back, while at the center of the table was a map of Althgarr. Only Elsa and Aldren knew the true purpose in gathering here but the others waited anxiously as they expected that it was nothing good.

Elsa inhaled, suppressing a shudder as she exhaled, looking up at the expectant faces around the table, "You all know why you have been summoned here," she said. "The fate of Arendelle has been undecided until now...lord Aldren and I have agreed on what is best for our people...that..." The words caught in her throat.

Aldren noticed this, grasping her shoulder and giving her a reassuring glance. He then looked out to the others, lending his steadier voice. "The Naga Ai defeated us at Ashla's Pike, the vast legions of the Witch King may already be moving against the capital. We have neither the defenses...nor the numbers to combat them, even her grace and I's combined powers would make little difference. We have only one choice; to ensure the survival of our people...Arendelle, must be evacuated."

Eyes widened, jaws were agape, heads lowered and soft gasps escaped from mouths. Sol shook her head at him in utter disbelief, "Exodus? You can't mean it...we-our ancestors held the north since the King of Winter first settled it! We have held it for five-hundred-years! Not once in those centuries has any enemy ever forced us to yield ground."

"Our people spilled each other's blood not two decades ago to bring peace to the land! And now you expect us to roll over for this 'Witch King' and dishonor all the fallen Arendellians before us!" Freja shouted.

Kai turned towards her calmly, "Tell me overseer Freja, what honor would there be in the citizens of Arendelle becoming sheep for the slaughter, because we were too proud to do what was necessary?"

The elder woman growled in frustration, snapping towards Baldrek and Barec, "You two! Your soldiers, what do you have to say about this?"

Barec remained silent, his arms folded as he stared down at the table with hard eyes. Baldrek sighed, leaning against the table, "I was at the Pike, alongside their majesties and lord Aldren...I saw their army and I saw what they are willing to do. If we truly care about our people, about each other...we will let Arendelle go."

"But...this is our home." All eyes turned to Olaf who walked over from the reindeer, looking up at them with pleading eyes, "What is a family...without a home?"

Anna turned towards the snowman and knelt before him, grasping his hand in both of hers, thinking on what to say for a moment before smiling, "It is still a family Olaf. No matter where we are, as long as we're together, nothing will ever change that." The snowman smiled back up at her, Elsa, Kristoff and Aldren were surprised at how well Anna seemed to be taking this news.

"So that's it then?" Their eyes returned to Freja as Anna stood back up, the elder woman's tone grew harder, "You'll just hand over our birthright to the enemy? And YOU!" Her furious eyes set on Aldren, "You who have only been with us for the span of a few months! To think that you believe you have any right to weigh on what is best for us!"

"Mind your tongue Overseer!" The old woman was caught off guard by Barec to her left, he leaned against the table towards her and grimaced, "He's given as much as anyone who fought this war, he was prepared to give even more at the Pike! I owe him my life; we all do in one way or another."

Freja sneered at the sergeant who held his gaze. Aldren sighed and held up his hand, "Barec, that's enough." The young archer relaxed back to his neutral stance while Freja did so, slower.

Mane had been gnawing on his own finger for some time and finally decided to speak, "I...am inclined to agree with my sister and the Overseer."

Anna raised an eyebrow at Aldren's cousin, "And why's that?"

Mane addressed the whole group, "Consider what we know: The Witch King allowed us the false hope that we could match his forces, his entire battle plan was dedicated to getting our hopes up and then demolishing them. Now consider what we don't know: why he really wants Arendelle, if what I gleamed from your report with the Naga prisoner is any indication; there is more to this than territory and positioning...He wants us to run." he held a finger to Arendelle on the map, "If we abandon Arendelle, we may be abandoning whatever it is that the he wants for him to claim."

Aldren nodded understandingly, "We have no doubts that Amicus has a greater objective in mind than simply conquering land. But the fact stands that we have no means of defending Arendelle city or the people if we are attacked. And in any case; we are the only ones at present who have any knowledge of the Naga Ai and their greater plan, if we take that knowledge to the grave then we will be putting the entire world at risk."

"So you'd make refugees of us?" Sol asked with sorrow in her voice. "What is to become of our people outside of our homeland?"

The Master of War pointed towards the map, "We'd have to travel along the southern shore of the continent towards Zaria and Corona, we may be able to seek refuge with either kingdom."

Kristoff folded his arms, "And if they refuse us?"

"We'll find a way."

"Until the naga fleet catches us and tears us apart on the open sea!" Freja interjected.

"At least we'd have a chance." Gillian retorted, "What would be the difference between dying out there and dying here?"

"We would die standing our ground!" Sol shouted.

Freja turned back to Aldren, "Your own lieutenant Krar understood that, if he were here, he wouldn't agree to any of this-"

A fist slammed down on the table that silenced the overseer, everyone turned to Aldren whose eyes smoldered as he raised a finger towards her, "Don't..." he warned in a cold, low tone, "Don't-you-dare! I knew Krar better than anyone at this table, he would have done what was best for Arendelle and its people. And don't presume to lecture me about WAR! It's not about honor! It's not about PRIDE! It's about survival! This decision is made for the good of all Arendellians to ensure that our fire does not go out in the world."

Sol's expression became bitter, "Sounds to me like the only one who has made any decision is you!"

The entire council exploded into various arguments and deliberations, all except Elsa who pressed a finger to her temple and closed her eyes. She turned away from the table, the rest of the group was so consumed by their bickering that they were oblivious to her absence as she walked towards the throne, trying to drown out their fighting. She folded her arms and looked up at her father's seat, the chorus of anger and distress began to fade out into mere mumbles in her mind as she began to feel a sudden sense of resolve. She decided something that might seem rash to many, perhaps even akin to madness for a few...but it was her decision and she was now set in it.

Her words came without prompt from her mind, she said them with her heart, "Lord Mane is right."

Their argument was halted all at once as they all turned to her in shock and confusion, Mane especially who was the first to speak, "About...what, your grace?"

She turned back towards the table, speaking calmly, "We don't know the Witch King's full reasons for invading Arendelle and while that fact remains unknown, we cannot allow him to get his hands on whatever it is that he wants."

"Have you heard nothing that I've said?" Aldren asked, truly concerned as he stepped towards her, "This-This isn't a fight we can win. If we try to face them head on, it will be over within seconds!"

"We won't face them head on."

He cocked his head disbelievingly, "A siege? We don't have a wall, we don't have fortifications, we don't have an army capable of facing them!" He yelled, gesturing behind him.

She breathed in deeply, looking down at the floor as she considered his words, "Yes...that is something we will have to fix."

Without another words she quickly strode past the entire group and out of the throne room, everyone else quickly followed, unsure of what exactly she had in mind. Her brisk pace did not halt as she pushed past the doors of the palace and out of the palace courtyard, not turning an eye to any of the confused citizens and soldiers she passed, her eyes were fixed solely on the vast expanse beyond the city's borders. They could not see it, but she could, in her mind's eye she looked left to right and saw her vision.

The snow crunched softly beneath her boots as she ventured further and further from the city, she was deaf to Aldren and Anna's cries of caution as they sped up to catch her. Eventually she halted her stride, she didn't bother to look back because she knew that she was exactly where she needed to be. She looked down at the ground just ahead of her, she breathed deeply before using her foot to trace a path through the white... and draw her line in the snow.

She lifted that same foot and brought it crashing down on the line she had drawn, wind whipped and snapped around her causing the group behind her to squint and cover their faces. A thick sheet of translucent ice extended outward several meters from her foot, then to either side at incredible speed until it connected with the sheer cliff face behind the city on one side and linked with the fjord wall on the other.

She then took several steps back, the others watched her intently but didn't dare speak a word. She then slowly raised her hands from her sides, her palms facing upward, fingers curled in purpose and focus. As she did this, a great rumbling could be heard throughout the expanse in front of her, thick, angular pillars of ice began to rise up from the sheet. Everyone watched in utter awe and disbelief as the unnumbered columns of ice rose higher and higher from the ground, People and guards throughout the entire the city could now see the queen's towering creation rise into the air.

Elsa furthered her concentration and the pillars began to narrow and join, taking form as she saw it in her thoughts. The wall took a single solid shape while sections within and above hollowed out; stairs, battlements, watchtowers and a tunnel ahead of her where a portcullis could be built. As Elsa's hands were nearly above her head and with a final closing of her fists, the wall settled and a final thunderous echo reverberated throughout the land. The massive structure had to be over seventy feet high and now stretched for miles.

Her council behind her watched as the ice dragon Trolgon flew along the side of the titanic construct...it made him look small. Aldren gasped quietly, which was not something he did often...if ever.

Elsa closed her eyes and breathed out through her nose, she should feel tired and yet instead she felt a great swell of energy course through her and powerful surety in her actions. "This is-not over." She turned and walked back towards her followers, she was no longer at a loss for words, her eyes were hard and her voice lined with vigor, "If the Witch King wants our home so badly, he can come and try to take it! I promised my people that we would reclaim our homeland and in the name of all those who gave their lives I will keep that promise!"

Aldren stepped towards her, speaking softly, "Elsa...I want to believe that, but even with this wall...we still don't have the numbers to resist them, let alone beat them."

Her lips curved into a small smile, "We will." she looked to Kai and Freja, "Overseers, send word to the neighboring kingdoms and tell them of our situation, make certain they understand it's severity and that we will be sending emissaries to discuss temporary military alliance." Both Overseers bowed, Freja smiling before shooting a quick spiteful grin to Aldren before they left.

She then commanded Gillian and her commanders, "Gillian, this wall will need to be fitted with a portcullis as well as other defenses and fortifications. Captain, sergeant, have men gather to garrison the wall and let them know; the war is not over." All three nodded and left with smiles on their faces to fulfill their respective duties they'd been given.

She was now left with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, Sven, Sol and Mane who all shared the smiles of hope and revived zeal. All except Aldren who still had uncertainty and fear in his eyes, she allowed her demeanor to soften as she stepped closer to him, "I know you fear for everyone, it might even be safer to leave Arendelle. But this is the path I have chosen for us...will you follow me down it?"

He nodded "Always. If you say this is the way then I will stand with you...until the end." He smiled to solidify his words.

She smiled back and moved to grasp his hand but was interrupted by another voice, "So will I." She turned towards Sol who stepped forward, followed by Mane, "As I said; I've never been much of a fighter but whatever role I can serve, I will."

Elsa nodded to them, then turning towards her family to her left. Kristoff folded his arms, "You don't have to ask us Elsa."

Anna held her sister's hand, "We were in this together from the beginning and we still are now."

"Like Aldren said: 'Always'." Olaf stated from below.

Elsa's heart was warmed, she had the full support of her closest peers and family, in this moment she felt nearly invincible. But she reminded herself that their position was still precarious, though the heart of Arendelle had been stirred, they still needed to win...defeat would mean death for all.

"I'll see to it that our troops begin setting up camps near the wall, in the meantime; what's say we explore your newest creation in greater detail?" Aldren said, gesturing towards the wall.

Kristoff chuckled and put his hands on his hips, marveling at Elsa's work, "I don't have any objections; that-that is a lot of ice."

Elsa turned back towards the wall, spying Trolgon roaring as he circled above the construct, "I think that's a grand idea."

Before that however, she noticed the open tunnel where the portcullis would eventually be placed, until then she created a set of thick double doors that closed shut. The only way in to Arendelle city was now sealed off, the people of the north would now feel and be more secure...at least for now.

OoO

The veil of a winter night had returned once again too, though this one seemed less dark than the last. Tents now populated the space between the snow queen's barrier of ice and the border of the city, staggered by small fires. A large number of troops garrisoned and patrolled the wall while Gillian's workers had begun construction of scorpions and other siege defenses, the great width of the wall allowed for these to be placed easily. Her majesty, lord Aldren, lord and lady Starlon along with their military staff had all diligently overseen the completion of these tasks as they prepared for the next step in Arendelle's defense.

But as the night went on, the normally visible lord Embercrow had disappeared from the public eye. Elsa had wanted to search for him but there was no time at the present. However, a certain auburn haired princess who was not preoccupied and was on her way now to Aldren's quarters, to make good on a promise and deliver a much needed apology.

She walked quietly through the halls of the castle, rehearsing over and over again what exactly she was going to say out loud the whole way...with mixed results. As she passed by a window she saw that outside the entrance to the castle port, the Arendelle fleet was positioned to guard the open water. Though it was reassuring to be guarded from all sides, she could not help but feel somewhat claustrophobic as a result.

She looked up from her fluster and saw that she had arrived, she leveled her hands and breathed deeply, "OK-OK, here we go." she tentatively raised a hand and with her signature knock, announced her presence, "Aldren, it's me, your sis-...it's Anna. Can I talk to you?"

No sound came from behind the door, she could not help but feel a painful sting in her heart, not unlike the many times she had knocked on her sister's door throughout her lonely childhood. It nearly brought her to tears as she looked down at the floor and shuddered, "I know I... probably deserve the silent treatment. But please...don't shut me out, all I want to do is tell you that I'm sorry."

Still no answer from within, now she was starting to get angry, her face formed a frown as she impulsively seized the handle and threw the door open, "I just want to say I'm sssss-!...sorry?"

Her anger was quickly replaced by confusion and self-berating as she realized she had been talking to no one. The room in fact looked completely untouched, save for two details; first she noticed her helm setting on the desk opposite from the bed. She walked over to the desk and held her it in both hands, he must have picked it up after-...after she threw it at him...this was not helping her guilt.

The second thing she noticed is that the window of his room had been left completely open, snow peppering the carpet just inside the room. She made her way to the window and looked out only to see guardsmen making their rounds along the inner castle wall and around the chapel. But only a fool would assume that his window being open was mere coincidence, so as more than likely Aldren had done, she climbed out of the window, still holding the helm in one hand and made her way down to the cobblestone below.

Once she had the ground beneath her feet she spotted a soldier passing by along the wall, "Excuse me!" He leaned over to see who it was, "Have you seen Aldren?"

He nodded, "Yes your majesty, he was heading towards the gardens." he said pointing towards the rear of the castle grounds.

"Thanks!" she waved before jogging towards her next destination, she entered the still crumbled ruins of the gardens, now blanketed in snow. She searched left and right but still did not see him, she was starting to become more concerned. Then as she looked down she noticed a single set of fading footprints in the snow; they were slow, deliberate, casual steps that were in no particular hurry. A small realization dawned on her I that moment: before she trained with Aldren she didn't know how to climb very well and she certainly didn't know how to track, she was very thankful to have these skills now.

The tracks ended at the garden's wall and she looked up to see several claw like gashes in the stone leading to the top, evidence of General Tarn's hasty escape after the clash with Elsa and Aldren. She could only guess that Aldren had climbed over the wall...for some reason, so using the gaps in the stone, she scaled to the top. Once she reached the top, she hoisted the upper half of her body over and took a second to catch her breath.

She looked up and was relieved to see Aldren on both knees in the snow facing the water, she wasted no time getting over the wall while also falling halfway down and landing on her butt in the snow. She blinked a couple times "Ow..."

Her arrival certainly hadn't been subtle but Aldren either hadn't taken notice or was choosing not to react...giving it some thought, she decided it was the latter. She promptly rose to her feet, brushing the snow off her dress, recovered her helm from the ground and walked over to Aldren's side. As she cautiously leaned around to his face she saw that his eyes were closed and his hands rested on his legs while Black Autumn laid on the ground beside him.

She hesitated to speak at first, considering how to start, she then smiled and put her helm on her head. She opened her mouth to talk but was beat to it.

"I see you found your helm." he said with eyes still closed.

She couldn't help but laugh a little, knocking on the helm with her knuckle, "Yeah, thanks for holding onto it for me." He nodded, she frowned and rubbed her arm, "And... sorry for throwing it at you."

"You are forgiven."

She knelt next to him and removed her helm, setting it down. "But what I really want to apologize for is...the way I acted back on the ship; yelling at you, the things I said...and ...punching you in the face..." She murmured. "I'm not angry with you anymore but...I understand if you're angry with me."

Finally, he opened his eyes, looking towards her with a neutral expression. His crimson eyes made him, at times intimidating, but they held only love as he smiled at her, "Anna, I was...sad and hurt by your words and actions. But never angry." he held his hand out to her.

She smiled back brightly, a great swell of relief as they gripped each other's hand. His smile faded slightly, "But there is something else that's bothering you, isn't there?"

She frowned and looked towards the ground, not able to really begin her sentence. He softly squeezed her hand, "I am sorry for what I have said Anna...but I cannot say that it is not my truth."

She breathed out shakily before standing, her hand slipping out of his as she walked towards the water, hugging herself, "I... I don't..."

"Understand?"

"No I-...I understand why, I just-" She whipped around towards him, anguish in her eyes as she exploded, "I can't accept it! For heaven's sake Aldren, you're talking about your life! No one is ready for you to just die! I-...we...we can't bury anymore family...we can't accept it." She lowered her head into her hands, feeling ashamed for letting her emotions get away from her and screaming again.

"Then don't accept it." she looked up in surprise, tears burning the rims of her eyes as he stood, speaking softly, "Don't accept it, don't be ready for it, be saddened, be angry...hate it if you must." He grasped her hand in both of his, speaking his next words in a whisper, "But please...don't hate me for it. I do not fear death...I fear what you would think of me if I did die, how you would remember me...if you would-"

She lunged forward, catching him in her near bone crushing embrace, "NO!" he gasped quietly at the volume in her voice, she leaned back, a hand on either side of his neck as she looked into his eyes, speaking in a whisper, "No...I'd remember that I love you, we all would...you are my brother Aldren Embercrow and you always will be."

She closed her eyes and leaned her forhead against his, forcing him to bend down slightly to her level. He exhaled shakily as he closed his eyes before grasping her forearms, his thumbs rubbing against her sleeves, "You don't know how happy that makes me Anna."

She chuckled quietly, "I think I have some idea."

He pulled her back into a hug to which she happily returned, the two stayed in the embrace for some time before they both went wide eyed as they felt something very cold around both their legs. Without looking, Anna reached down and felt a lump of snow with small twigs attached to it, simultaneously they both looked down to see Olaf with his arms around both their legs. He looked up at them with a wide smile, "What a coincidence; I like warm hugs too!"

The three separated and Anna smiled down at the snow, rolling her eyes, "Yes Olaf, you've said...many times."

He laughed, "Well I wouldn't want you to forget."

Aldren chuckled and raised his eyebrow, "You move quieter than one would think."

"Well it helps when you're made of snow."

"That...is a valid point."

Before the discussion of Olaf's unique anatomy could continue, the equally unique sound of Elsa's magic could be heard from the other side of the wall. A set of icy stairs erected over and descended down the wall, following them over and down was Elsa in her blue/teal dress that had been slightly altered; the shoulders and forearms had been shaped into padded armor with her transparent/patterned cape flowing behind her. Kristoff and Sven followed close behind, dressed in formal winter attire with his ragged sash tied around his waist.

Elsa looked at Olaf with confusion as they reached the bottom of the stairs, "How did you beat us to them Olaf?"

"I followed the scent of warm hugs..." No one knew how exactly to respond to that sentence, then Olaf smiled, "That's a joke."

Everyone laughed, surprised by Olaf who usually never joked about anything. Kristoff looked to Aldren, "Did she beg forgiveness?" he asked sarcastically.

Aldren smiled at the princess and put a hand on her back, "There was nothing to forgive."

Anna smiled back and bumped him with her hip playfully, Elsa smiled at the two of them, "It's good to see you two getting along again. But I think I speak for all of us in that we are wondering...why are you out here by yourself?"

Aldren looked off to the distance for a moment before answering, "Contemplating on many things, but foremost on how to...explain something to you all." he said looking back at her.

Her smile faded slightly as her eyes filled with slight concern, she walked towards him and grasped his hand, "Explain what?"

He turned to the snowman, "Olaf, may I have a few minutes alone with the others?"

"Why? What are you going to talk about? Is it serious? Should I count to sixty or a hundred and eighty or three hundred?"

As Olaf rambled on, Sven rolled his eyes and grabbed the snowman in his mouth, by his carrot nose in and carried him back over the ice stairs as he began counting. Kristoff moved to follow them but was stopped when Aldren spoke to him, "I expect that Anna has told you some of my history?"

The ice master turned and looked down slowly rubbing the back of his neck, "Yeah-I didn't ask for too many details but...she didn't spare any." he said with a heavy heart.

"Then stay, if you would...you should hear this too." he offered.

Kristoff nodded and took his place back in the circle, they all looked to Aldren with curiosity and anticipation for whatever he was about to tell them. He looked at Elsa one last time before he began unclasping his right vambrace and shoulder guard, "You all should know this part of my story."

They all looked at each other, slightly worried as he slipped off the vambrace and rolled up his sleeve until his shoulder was exposed. It was then that all of their eyes widened and Elsa gasped at the sight of the brand against his skin; an Alfar rune that Elsa read as:'Bhrath'...Betrayer. The edges were ragged and uneven scars, as though it had been carved into his flesh rather than burned on.

Elsa moved closer to him, her face wrought with sadness and anger as she gently ran a hand over his damaged skin while the fingers on her opposing hand were poised like claws as if she might still get her hands on whoever would have harmed him. She shook with building anger, "Who...did this to you!" she uttered shakily, her voice cold and low.

He gently grasped her wrathful hand, she looked away from the brand and back into his face, he locked eyes with her and spoke clearly so they all would hear him, "I did."

The anger in her face quickly vanished and was replaced with confusion and more sadness as she gripped his hand back almost impossibly tight, some ice building around it. Anna's hand covered her mouth in a shocked gasped while her other hand quickly gripped Kristoff's shoulder for support. The ice harvester shook his head in utter bewilderment, "W-...Why?"

Aldren looked to Anna, "Before the Riverview assault; you asked me what I meant about becoming the terrible thing that war made me..." he slipped away from Elsa as he walked towards the water's edge, looking out into the fjord as he spoke, "After...my wife was taken from me, I retreated within myself. I didn't speak or interact with anyone for weeks and if I did, it was only to give orders as I carried out further raids against the empire. Despite my master and I's previous efforts to destabilize their military the empire's assaults grew in ferocity, if anything they were only emboldened since our attack three years prior. As the war dragged on I grew tired of the Cosaint council's inaction and endless debates that made it impossible for the queen to make any real decisions. I had great respect for queen Anaria-I still do, but I would not allow this to go on any longer and at the next meeting of the council... I made my statement."

He turned back towards them and held his hand out to Black Autumn that flew from the snow into his right hand, he then stabbed the sword's tip into the ground in front of him, gripping the handle firmly as he continued, "It was there that I struck down my oath as one of the Cosaint, I vowed to break the empire's hold on Eldoron, to rip the Flagrum keep from it's very roots and to slay the one who loosed the shard that killed my beloved Lilaria and Analia...Prince Edesious." His eyes narrowed as he said the name in a scornful hiss, making Kristoff flinch slightly.

"I exiled myself from the great city, Volengier and Elbereth, along with a few other members who sided with me left Anoroth and would not return until we had completed our mission. The ruins of western Eldoron within the twisted Dread Wood became our stronghold and from there we began our secret war against Caldaria. As for me, I adopted a new moniker with which to lead my new army, one that would be known by friend and foe alike as a symbol to respect and fear...I was known then as the Black Drake. The armies of my closest followers were with us but soon after many others rallied to our cause; wood elves, kin to my fallen wife, ogres and even humans who rebelled against the empire. All who wished to see the Caldarian occupation crumble marched forth under my banner and over the next two years my forces burned through the empire's strongholds and resources, accomplishing more than the council had in over a century of conflict, nearly pushing the empire out entirely."

He breathed out heavily, old angers and sadness could be seen igniting in his soul behind his crimson lenses. Elsa could see this better than anyone and placed a hand on his shoulder, granting him a sympathetic smile to show that he would not be rushed.

He smiled back briefly before going on "Until the prince launched a final mad assault, not upon us...but Anoroth. Though honor demanded that we would not set foot inside the great city until we had defeated Edesious, we could not leave our brethren at the mercy of the desperate imperials. I joined my host with queen Anaria's and together we led the defense of Anoroth against the full imperial bulwark on Eradis. And at long last...I met Edesious on the field in single combat and laid low my nemesis... claiming my vengeance..." he slowly twisted his sword as the glowing blade bit deeper into the earth beneath the snow which began to evaporate against the heated steel.

"Soon after victory was ours and we launched a counter attack against the Flagrum keep, what was left of the broken imperial army offered little resistance and as our cry of triumph rung throughout the realm, I tried to stoke my fervor with the knowledge that I had avenged my wife and daughter...but all I felt was...emptiness" The glow from Black Autumn faded, his hand left the handle as he spoke this last word with no small amount of grief.

"A void, like I had done nothing at all and slowly it dawned on me; I had not killed Edesious with my wife and daughter in mind, nor did I think of anyone else when I waged war...It was only me. I was hateful...I was cruel and ruthless in my deeds...I dishonored my mentor's teachings, my father's memory...and the purity of my beloved daughter." A singled tear leaked from his eye as he shuddered, looking towards the ground, "I... Betrayed my family...and myself." He reached up to his shoulder impulsively to grip it but stopped when he felt Elsa's hand, instead he traced his fingers along the edges of the brand, "And so when I was at my lowest, a moment of weakness; I carved this rune into my flesh so I would never forget the shame, that at the time...I rightly deserved."

Kristoff and Anna's face was completely mortified but she still found the courage to swallow and ask softly, "And... what happened after?"

He looked up, hesitating at the sight of her expression, "The war ended and I left Anoroth; disbanded my army, abandoned my armor and all possessions save for Black Autumn and Dragon's Flight. I sailed across the Fringed sea to the coast of Althgarr, I wondered from Corona to Zaria...until I found my way back home once more." he said with a small smile and amount of pride, but his face returned to a frown soon after.

Elsa walked around to face him, for a brief moment she saw sheer terror in her eyes as if she might cast him out of her kingdom. She quickly silenced that when she moved her hand from his shoulder to his face, "Aldren, this mark does not make you who you are now. We didn't know the Black Drake...we know the Embercrow who gave us all that he is in defense of his homeland and his family. Whatever else you may have been...you will always belong with us." She finished with a fond smile.

He smiled back placed his hand atop hers, "Thank you, Elsa. You, all of you showed me that over these past months, that I could still belong somewhere...I'm not going anywhere my queen." He rolled down his sleeve to cover the brand again. "Unless the day should come that I am no longer welcome here."

"That day will never come." she stated firmly before she wrapped her arms around his chest leaned her head against his shoulder. He in turn wrapped his arms around her back and rested his head against hers.

Anna's previously horrified expression was gone, she smiled before rushing forward and clutching her sister and brother. Aldren's smile widened and his other arm reached around her waist and pulled her closer. Kristoff smiled and folded his arms, abstaining from the group hug...but the element of choice was removed when he was shoved awkwardly from behind. He looked behind to see Sven smirking and Olaf running up to join the group embrace. Anna and Elsa both smiled at Kristoff who rolled his eyes and relented as they put an arm around his waist, pulling him closer as Olaf ran up and stretched his stick arms as wide as he could around the entire group, "I counted to three hundred."

Aldren blinked for a few moments before he abruptly laughed aloud, so much that he nearly snorted, earning a mischievous snicker from the two sisters. As they all separated, Aldren knelt before the snow man, "Olaf...never stop being you."

"Why would I do that?"

Aldren smiled and poked his carrot nose waggishly, "Exactly."

Aldren stood back up, next to Elsa and Olaf smiled looking between the two of them, "Are you two going to kiss now?"

Kristoff covered his mouth, failing to stifle his laugh while Elsa went flush, smiling slightly and glancing at Aldren but not wanting to look directly at him. Aldren put a hand on his hip and rubbed the back of his neck, "Oh my...Well-uh, I..."

Anna winced from the suddenness of Olaf's question, running over to the snowman and taking his hand to lead him away, "O-K! Olaf, I think maybe we should give them some alone time, yeah?"

"Oh, OK...But are they gonna kiss?" he whispered as they ascended the stairs.

Anna grinned, glancing over her shoulder one last time at the pair, "Yes." she whispered back, not so subtly. Sven and Kristoff followed suite with the ice harvester winking at Aldren before following the others.

"Well he certainly...speaks his mind." Aldren said, turning towards her shyly.

Elsa nodded, still smiling as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "No, Olaf doesn't really keep things to himself...not that, that's a bad thing."

They both looked at each other finally, caught in blank stares as they started to drift together. Aldren's hesitation could be seen as he stopped midway but Elsa didn't, she continued to move closer as her hands rested on his chest, the loving look in her eyes making him shake internally. But she stopped and waited for him to close the distance, he opened his mouth, hesitating to speak, "Elsa...I... -"

"Kiss."

They both were startled by the voice, only to look and see Olaf on the top of the ice stairs with an expectant look on his face "Just kiss her." He then spoke to someone over his shoulder, "Why isn't he kissing her? Do you think he knows how to kiss?"

Anna ran up the stairs and scooped up Olaf, "Olaf! Now come on, you gotta give them some privacy." she said as she carried him back down the stairs, shooting an apologetic look to the two elementals as she did.

Now alone again, there moment having been dampened slightly, Elsa decided that perhaps she was coming onto him a little strong. She backed off slightly, then looking up at the sky and smiling, "Look, the sky is awake."

"Pardon?" he looked up too and gasped quietly at the sight of the green/blue auroras that whipped silently across the ceiling of stars, "Oh...the northern lights." he smiled toothily, "Now that's something I never thought I would see again..."

She watched him fondly as he took in the sight, removing her hands from his chest and grasping his hand to lead him towards the water. He raised an eyebrow but quickly caught on as she set a foot against the water's surface which froze a little more with each step she took, retrieving black autumn before they left the shore. A large portion of the fjord where they were froze over, providing a path and an area of privacy for them to be together, "It really is a lovely night, isn't it?"

"Yes...but not nearly as lovely as you..." She blushed and smiled at him, his eyes widened and stammered as he tried to speak, "N-not that-I mean...I-my...ugh..." he pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned.

She loved seeing him this way; his normally militant and stern demeanor was diminished when it was just the two of them. The way he tripped over his words, the flustered look on his face when he said something truly honest...she intended to take full advantage of it tonight. Without warning she smiled widely and grasped both his hands, pulling him towards the center of the icy platform. His eyes widened in slight panic as she skated along the ice, dragging him with her as she laughed in glee. She spun them around several times before coming to a slow stop in the center, he regained his balance enough while managing not to fall, though he had to keep close to her to maintain it. She didn't mind one bit that his body was so close to hers, she smiled, admiring his ability to learn quickly, "You certainly got the hang of that fast."

He smiled back nervously, occasionally glancing back at his feet and slipping slightly, "Well, I'm fairly adept at keeping balance-in most situations...unlike this one." he murmured.

She laughed, grabbing the sides of his belt and pulled him flush against her, "Well don't worry...I won't let you fall."

He smiled widely, his affections still making it difficult to look her in the eye...but he forced himself to anyway. His face dropped slightly as he wondered in thought, Elsa frowned slightly, "What's wrong?"

"I... I want to tell you something...something I think perhaps is long overdue."

Before he went on, he removed his helm and held it in both hands revealing his long braided, black hair, along with the entirety of his face for her to view at last. His tan skin made it difficult for some to tell, but it was easy for her to see that he was blushing as he cleared his throat, "Back at Riverview, when I went into the burning house to get that girl...I felt something I'd been denying for some time. And that something is what helped me save that child, it filled me, fueled me in a way that my anger never could. It was...the way I feel about you...I've only ever felt that way one other time in my life. What Krar said was true; I have wanted to die for many years...until now."

Elsa could not hide her growing smile, tears of joy brimming at the edges of her crystal blue eyes as he continued to tell her what she had hoping to hear for months, "For you Elsa, for all the family that I have made here in Arendelle, but most of all for you...I would live. It's taken me far longer than it should have for me to realize and even longer to admit it...But I love you; the caring and understanding, beautiful and strong person that believed in me, even if I didn't believe in myself...and I think that has been the case since-"

"Since you swore your oath to me." he looked at her in surprise, she laughed, not out of humor but from the near overwhelming surge of joyful feelings. "Me too...I fell in love with the selfless and wise, dutiful and kind man that knelt before me, who risked everything for a silly girl like me who didn't know the first thing about sword play or warfare. He believed in me...and I will always believe in him."

He looked down at the ice below them and sighed, "I just...I still wonder if I deserve that belief."

He was caught completely off guard when he felt her palm strike his cheek, he lost hold of his helm and looked at her in utter shock. She, with a lightly irritated look on her face, grabbed his chin and pulled him close, "I don't care about the Black Drake, I don't care about the wayward mercenary! I care about you; I love you...The person you are deserves far more than what he has been given."

Without another word she grabbed both sides of his face, closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. He exclaimed slightly from her forcefulness, muffled by her mouth against his but after a brief moment his own eyes closed and his lips softened against hers, both of their heads tilting slightly. His arms moved to envelope her waist as he submitted, shortly after he moved one hand to touch the bare skin of her upper back. His gentle, warm touch made her shiver happily and sigh softly, one hand rested against his chest while the other reached behind his head for a fistful of his black locks to further deepen the kiss.

Eventually they broke the embrace opening their eyes, both of them breathless as they shuddered from their rushing emotions. She leaned her head against his chest while he rested his on top of her head, both of them catching their breath. They both looked down at the platform of ice, noticing something had changed; the previously teal blue surface now had brilliant streaks of bright red and faded orange in the mix that ebbed and flowed at random...not unlike Trolgon. Aldren then looked at the ring on his right hand and saw that over time, a similar transformation had taken place.

He looked away from the ring and back to Elsa who was still mesmerized with the 'platform, he watched her for a moment; taking in every lovely feature about her while she was unaware. He smiled widely and surprised her by wrapping his arms around her legs, lifting her into the air and spinning her in his arms. She shrieked in surprise at first, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly but her shock wore off and quick and they both laughed in pure joy and happiness...more happiness than Aldren had felt in a long time.

The spin came to a slow stop and their laughter slowly subsided, still high in his arms Elsa looked down, her platinum braid rested on his shoulder near his beaming face that she simply admired for a few moments. Her face dropped, questioning and uncertain as her crystalline blue orbs locked with his crimson ones, she touched the side of his face with one hand, "Aldren...Am I yours?"

He smiled genuinely, lowering her slightly, his arms still beneath her as he held her at eye level, "You already know the answer, my queen."

She smiled back, then gently grasping both sides of his face and staring him down like a mighty dragon with her hard won prey, "Then you-are-mine..." she said with some ferocity before she kissed him again, this time with more passion and multiple times as she caressed his cheek with one hand while she grasped the back of his neck with the other. He happily reciprocated each gesture with similar vigor as he set her down and moved his hands back to there original position to pull her close, and though he knew it wasn't possible; he could have stayed here with her forever...and she too wanted the very same.

OoO

On this very same night, to the northwest of the Troll's pine near the slopes of the North Mountain in an ancient place known as the Valley of the Living Rock; vents of steam hissed occasionally amongst the moss covered stone and sparse trees and the trolls of the north enjoyed their isolation from the chaos of the human realm. The elder troll shaman Steinfar, known by some as Grand pabbie sat upon his flat stone and watched his people as they prepared to rest for the night; the young who resisted the call of sleep, their parents who convinced them otherwise and the old who welcomed it. Though he was thankful that thus far their home had remained untouched by the war, he knew that the Naga Ai were close and that in one way or another, they would have to contend with them.

That time had come sooner than he would have hoped, a shadow pulled at his mind...a dark whisper...He rose from his seat and walked towards the crowd of his people while speaking calmly to his daughter and son-in-law, "Bulda, Cliff bring the young ones away from here."

The husband and wife obeyed and brought the shaman's message to the parents and their children who began to clear the area, he raised his voice so that the others could hear him, "Everyone go, and do not come out until I give the word."

His tone was very serious, they did not question him and the majority of the population vacated the immediate area. A few larger sturdier trolls stayed behind, two flanking their leader while the others covered the sides, they bore no weapons since being made of stone meant that they were the weapons. Steinfar breathed deeply as the dark whisper drew near, from the sky above a pillar of black smoke slammed into the middle of the clearing a few yards ahead of him. The kneeling figure within rose to his feet as the mist cleared; the black armor, frilled viper helm and tyranite gem within the chest plate was known all too well to him...the Witch King had come to the valley.

Now at his full height the naga king's helm slowly scanned from left to right, the trolls tensing under his menacing gaze, as if the world around them became a little darker wherever he looked. He then focused solely on Steinfar, steadily walking up to the old one, his metal boots pounding loudly against the stone from each meticulous step that sent waves of dread and anxiety through all of them. The shaman kept his expression neutral and unassuming as his 'guest' drew near. The stone trolls were naturally shorter in stature than other races but the naga ruler seemed to emphasize this even more so with his high-handed poise.

There was an uneasy silence before the Witch King's baleful voice choked the air, "Grand Pabbie...that is what they call you now isn't it?" he said in a mocking tone.

Steinfar only gave a small smile and curt nod, "King Amicus...what can I say; I got old."

Amicus nodded, "Indeed..." he turned away from the elder and paced in a circle in the center of the clearing with his hands clasped behind his back, "Though I see your people have prospered despite the spread of humanity on this continent...and your involvement in their affairs."

"Stone will endure all manner of storm for eons...but unlike stone, we do not simply sit idle when the storm passes over."

"Nearly five hundred years and the only thing to have changed about you is the height of your face; still speaking in cryptic mysticism and riddles to this day."

"Hmm...What do you want Amicus?"

The Witch King halted his pace not far from where he stood before as he turned to face the elder, "It has come to my attention; that you spoke with lord Aldren Embercrow after their battle with my forces at Hammerhel."

"I did."

Amicus' tone became even less pleasant, "Remember what happened the last time you interfered old one, you lost an Aesir then as well..."

Steinfar stepped forward, past his guard, remaining reserved in his stance and speech, "I was merely reaching out to a soul in pain; only to enlighten him of an essential key to living a happier life...it would be against my character to ignore a wound I may help mend."

"True...though if I stood in your place; I would prioritize your people's welfare above that of the humans. I have thus far left your corner of Arendelle untouched, if you wish for it to remain so...I would consider well where you stand in this conflict."

The Troll shaman grinned, "So... the Witch King came for a prophecy then?"

"I have no use for your vagaries! What I 'came for' is to assure your apathy for the remainder of this war, until I have the snow queen's heart in my hand." He took a few steps towards the troll, "You should know Steinfar; that my respect for you is the only reason I have not wiped out your entire enclave."

The shaman frowned slightly, "How gracious of you." he smiled again, "But you should know that I will only ever undertake action I feel is best for my people and our place in this land."

The Witch King's armored hand rested against the surface of a nearby, large 'unliving' rock. "And you should remember what befell those who have crossed me, stone may endure many storms..." His metal claws dragged along the stone's surface, the shrill noise of steel cutting rock as sparks leaped from the deep gashes he left and a black decay that began to disintegrate the entire rock into nothing but slag as he finished, "But all things crumble before darkness...even stone." The other troll's terrified looks conveyed that the message had been made clear to them.

He turned and began to walk towards the center of the clearing but was stopped by the troll's voice one last time who, much to his vexation, seemed unfazed by his threat. "There is more to the young Embercrow than he lets on in first meeting...perhaps, you should endeavor to learn more about this young man before you judge him with all the others...your highness."

Amicus glanced over his shoulder one last time, "Rest assured Stone Father...I will." before embracing the Shadow Flight and ascending into the night sky.

Everyone around him breathed, taking in fresh air now that the Witch King's polluting presence had vanished. Steinfar allowed himself to drop his mask of calm and let loose a shuddering breath, looking to what was left of the destroyed rock, black rot sizzling from the withering pebbles...and feared for the future.

His daughter came alongside to look on the dreadful sight, "You told me stories about him...but I don't think anything could have prepared us for how foul he is in person."

"I never expected it to." he said solemnly.

"What...do we do now?"

He turned towards her and smiled, "For now? Nothing, we will simply wait...and listen." He gave his daughter's hand a gentle squeeze before walking past her in the direction he came from...he needed to rest.

FINALLY! They kissed! *Phew*

Are you all happy now?

Also I'd like to mention that while this is by no means the end of the story, I would say that this is the end of the first half. Basically this whole story is enssentially going to be two books side by side, so the next few chapters may feel somewhat subdued tonely compared to this chapter.

As always don't forget to follow, fav and review and I will see you in the next chapter! Bye Bye! :)