Hello! I am back once again with another chapter and I hope you all enjoy the return of our beloved queen!
To Akerskm; I only ask because I feel we could have some interesting discussions that wouldn't be hindered by the long waits between these chapters.
As always I hope you enjoy! :)
Chapter 41: Unpleasant and Pleasant Reunions
Only two days had passed since the Southern Isles army arrived and despite Aldren and Karl's previous quarrel the island prince was, for the most part, compliant. And while Aldren wasn't aiming to please him in any way, he didn't make it his mission to make things worse. Something preoccupied his attention and it was Hans. Elsa and Anna's description of their past experience would indicate he was anything but the quiet and reserved soldier he now presented. With that in mind, he made certain that the youngest of Reidrich's sons was always watched by trusted eyes.
Barec had left with a scouting party of handpicked individuals from both Zaria and Arendelle, Zyon had wished to lead the scouts but Aldren insisted that the Zarian general remain in the capital. With Queen Elsa likely to return any day Aldren wished to keep the command structure intact for her arrival. And today was the day; around midday, the sun shining brighter than it normally would in winter, a fleet of Coronan ships was spotted approaching.
In anticipation of the queen, prince Karl had arrived at the docks near the war camp with his two knights and a sizable entourage to receive her first. Seeing as all the Coronan ships were holding course and no other ship flew the Arendellian standard he felt it was safe to assume she would be arriving on one of them. Aldren had not informed the prince on his queen's mode of transportation, nor would he, instead he did ask general Zyon, lady Sol and captain Baldrek to accompany him to the palace.
Looking out from his position on the dock the prince had to admit, he expected more resistance to his first offer of aiding the Coronan forces when they arrived, he had expected lord Aldren to guess his underlying motivations. Whatever the Embercrow's reasons for allowing Karl to take on the responsibility alone he didn't mind at the moment, this way he could make an impression on queen Elsa without outside bias from the princess or the Master of War.
Soon enough the first wave of Coronan vessels docked and the soldiers of the 'Kingdom of the Eversun' marched down into the camp with halberds pointed skyward. Karl watched the bronze tinted battle lines pass by for several minutes until he spotted three individuals on horseback riding in the midst of the formations. The first rider atop a black horse was a tall man with dark brown hair, matching eyes and a handlebar mustache across his top lip. His broad chest was concealed by a gold Coronan chest plate and a red horsehair plume ran the length of his helm's crest. He wore dark pants with knee high black boots and white gloves that covered up to his forearms past which one could see the sleeves of his high collared red undershirt, while at his side a curved cavalry sword sat in it's sheathe.
Riding at his left, atop a muscular light brown horse with a braided black mane and tail was a slender woman with pale skin, hazel eyes and short black hair. She wore armor similar to the lead rider but instead of gold it was a dark iron color. The helm was more heavily built, covering the sides of her face while the crest bore no plume but instead was sharpened like a blade with a point at the end. The rest of her armor was similarly bulky with heavier armor around the thighs, shins, forearms and shoulders. A dark handled longsword rested in it's sheathe on her back while a Coronan gladius sat in her saddle along with a pair of daggers.
Both of their expressions were firm and militant, the faces of soldiers...which was in stark contrast to the smiling individual to their right. A lithe man of average height with short dark hair, light brown eyes, a trimmed goatee and an obviously perky attitude. He wore a long-sleeved teal leather tunic, a single steel shoulder plate baring the Coronan sigil on the right shoulder, black gloves and boots. The only weapon he carried was a single sword in the scabbard on his back; a bronze cross-guard and rounded pommel could be seen from over his right shoulder while the handle, which was wrapped in dark leather was protected by a thin hand guard.
"Another 'warrior woman'..." Sir Brandon sneered at the sight of the pale woman.
But of course the one thing Karl couldn't help but notice is that queen Elsa was not among them, for now he assumed that she might arrive further down the line. For now he smiled respectfully as the Coronan commanders broke off from their army to meet them.
He addressed the lead rider first, "Whom do I have the honor of addressing?"
"I am captain Andris, I lead this force and represent Corona's military stake in this conflict, prince Karl."
Karl nodded, "I see you are familiar with me."
"Your...accomplishments are well known across Althgarr, your majesty." he then gestured to the woman on his left, "This is lady Cassandra; my second in command and...my daughter."
A small horned owl descended from the sky and landed on her shoulder, "Your highness." the woman said bowing her head.
The prince nodded back, Andris then looked to the man at his right, "And this is-"
"Eugene Fitzherbert." the young man said, riding closer a charming smile on his face and leaning slightly forward, "Formerly Flynn Rider; master thief-you'd probably heard of me, but now I am prince consort to princess Rapunzel of Corona. How you doing?" he said. Eugene grinned and extended his hand, making the captain sigh quietly while Cassandra closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose to keep her composure.
Karl was not entirely sure how to respond so he simply nodded and took his hand, giving it a shake, "I see then...prince Eugene."
Andris decided to change the subject, "I have to say I'm somewhat surprised that you were the one to receive us your majesty."
"The Master of War, lord Embercrow allowed me this honor while he rode to the palace for...reasons he did not disclose to me."
"Probably to greet queen Elsa when she touches down." Eugene commented.
Karl blinked in confusion, "I saw no ship flying Arendelle's standard, I assumed she would be arriving with you."
Before anyone else could speak a piercing shriek ripped through the air that caused the southern Isle steeds to buck and bray in panic for several moments before their riders could reign them in. Once Karl had settled his own horse Eugene leaned back and pointed skyward, "Ah, that would be her now."
All their attention was drawn to the sky and what Karl and his subordinates saw they could not fully grasp; the icy, multicolored winged reptile soaring overhead, loosing another powerful roar as it's shadow passed over them. The wind from it's wings forced Karl to squint but his mouth remained agape, his father's standard brought to life in front of him was the first thing that ran through his mind.
The Coronans were completely unshaken by what had just flown overhead in the direction of the palace, Andris spoke to the other two, "You two go on ahead, I'll remain with his majesty and get our troops settled in here."
Eugene smiled to the captain's daughter, "C'mon Cass, let's go meet the rest of the family."
"Just try and keep that mouth of yours in check pretty boy."
While they rode for the palace, Andris followed along with the marching Coronans, assuming Karl would follow suite. The island prince was still processing what his eyes had beheld and though he was still in shock, a realization dawned on him; queen Elsa was riding that dragon and had bypassed the war camp, meaning he would not be the first to meet her."
His shock faded and his eyes narrowed, realizing that lord Aldren had, as the expression goes 'duped him', "Well played Embercrow...well played." he admitted only to himself.
OoO
As Trolgon's unmistakable shape passed over the army camp every northern soldier cheered at the return of their queen, the same reaction could be heard from the citizens of Arendelle as the dragon shifted course over the city. Soon his shadow circled around the palace courtyard; there Aldren, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, Sol, Baldrek, Zyon, Aurora and the rest of the castle staff stood awaiting the beast to touchdown. Eventually the dragon descended, his wings flapping hard as his back legs and tail shifted forward to grasp the cobblestone below. Once his feet set down his wings folded and he rested his weight on them as he shrieked, announcing their arrival.
Once his head lowered, three passengers could be seen riding in the saddle on his back; at the front sat queen Elsa, erect in battle dress, behind her was Olaf while at the back was princess Rapunzel of Corona to everyone's great surprise. Trolgon rested his body against the ground as Aldren, Anna and Kristoff approached first, while Anna and Kristoff helped Elsa down from the saddle, lord Embercrow walked around to Trolgon's head. He ran his hand along the underside of the beast's neck and jaw, Trolgon's eyes closed and he trilled happily from his father's touch, once Aldren came eye to eye with his creation he leaned his forehead against the dragon's and closed his own eyes, "Welcome home Trolgon." he whispered.
The two sisters grasped each other tightly once the elder's feet touched the ground, "Oh Elsa, it feels like a lifetime since we saw each other."
"One might even say 'forever'." Elsa chimed in.
The two sisters separated still holding one another at arms length, lost in their happy reunion when Kristoff cleared his throat and waved. Elsa took notice and rolled her eyes, "Yes, yes I missed you too Kristoff and of course you too Sven." she said, giving the reindeer a scratch under his chin.
"I missed everybody!" a higher pitched voice cried out from above as Olaf flung himself onto Sven's back. The reindeer was startled at first but soon began hopping happily at the sight of his friend, Olaf giggled as he patted Sven's head until he was scooped up by Kristoff, "So Olaf, did you enjoy Corona?"
"Of course I did! Sun, flowers and warm breezes!"
The ice harvester chuckled, "You do love the sunshine and flowers."
"But it's not home, there's no place like home, home is where the heart is after all."
"Look out below!" another voice cried and the royal sisters barely managed to catch their cousin as she came down, following Olaf's example. "Ooh! Thanks for the save you guys."
Elsa shook her head and laughed, "Anna this is princess Rapunzel...our cousin."
Once they set her down the princess immediately took Anna's hands, "It is so good to finally meet! Elsa's told me so much about you!"
Anna was a little stunned but smiled back, "Well it's good to meet you too Rapunzel, I wasn't expecting to see you here...but I'm happy!"
Impulse gave way and the two princesses hugged each other, laughing in excitement and joy. Once they had finished Anna looked down at Rapunzel's feet and raised an eyebrow, "Oh you-...aren't wearing any shoes..."
The Coronan princess glanced down at her feet and winced in embarrassment, "Oh, that. Ha-ha-kinda regretting that now that I feel how cold it is here." she said with a nervous laugh, hopping back and forth on her feet.
Elsa chuckled and shook her head with arms folded, "I did try to warn you."
Elsa then turned her attention to the man petting the dragon. Aldren had been watching their interactions with a fond smile as he held Trolgon's snout in his hands, softly trailing a hand up and down the dragon's muzzle. As she walked towards him with affection in her eyes he stepped around Trolgon to meet her near the dragon's neck, she interlocked her fingers with his and gave his hand a gentle squeeze as they both turned to Rapunzel, "Rapunzel" said Elsa, "this is Aldren of house Embercrow; my most valued general and...someone very important to me."
Rapunzel nodded, "Oh...I guess my family just keeps getting bigger everyday!" she said happily, then she glanced to Aldren's eyes and then to Trolgon's realizing that they were the same color, she started to connect the dots in her mind, "Wait so you-that means he-you can...!" she said pointing to Aldren excitedly.
Elsa nodded to Aldren who, with some reluctance held a hand forward, a small flame igniting in his palm. Rapunzel held her hands to her mouth in a quiet gasp a she stepped a little closer, when he thought she might be getting too close he withdrew his hand and closed his fist around the flame, smothering it.
"He can do a lot more than that your majesty, especially when he's angry." Sol commented.
"I prefer to not be angry." he said, shooting her a scolding look. He then looked back to Rapunzel and smiled, bowing his head, "It is a pleasure to meet you, your majesty."
Rapunzel's eyes started to tear up, though those around her weren't sure why they didn't question, she smiled and nodded, "The pleasure's mine." she said, before moving suddenly forward and grabbing him in a hug. He was surprised by the gesture but placed a hand on her back and chuckled quietly, as she stepped away she wiped the tears from her eyes and laughed shamefully, "I'm sorry, I-"
"There is no need to apologize." he said with a hand out.
The princess smiled appreciatively, "Thank you and...oh! Speaking of reptiles, this is-" she looked to her right shoulder and then the left in search of her small friend, "This is...um, Pascal?" she asked, spinning in a full circle as she searched.
Aldren suddenly felt a small ping on the top of his helm followed by a squeaking noise, he reached up and gently grasped whatever had landed on him. Opening his palm flat he saw a small chameleon shake it's head in dizziness before looking up in embarrassment. He smiled and held him out to Rapunzel, "Pascal, I presume."
The chameleon crawled onto Rapunzel's hand and she held him to her cheek as he nuzzled against her skin happily, "My best friend." he then crawled close to the collar of her coat for warmth.
"I'm honored." Aldren said with a genuine smile. He then looked to Elsa, "Now, your graces, I would do you the honor of presenting General Zyon of Zaria." as he gestured to his old friend who was approaching the group with his faithful sand claw Aurora at his side.
He bowed first to Rapunzel, "Princess." he said. She nodded back but instantly became more interested with Aurora whom she knelt to greet. While Rapunzel was distracted he then bowed to Elsa, "Your grace. Their majesties Stebor and Renalia wish you well. Zaria's army stands with you, we are ready to fight for the sake of all people's."
Aldren was almost stunned by Zyon's suddenly more reserved nature, but he guessed it might have something to do with the forty foot ice dragon that was also looking in his direction. Elsa nodded her head, "And because of that we are forever indebted to you, on behalf of all Arendelle, I thank you general." He nodded back and smiled.
"Did we find out not wearing shoes was a bad idea?" a male voice asked that was directed towards the Coronan princess.
They turned to see Eugene and Cassandra ride into the courtyard, Rapunzel smiled as they neared. Rapunzel went to Eugene's side as he dismounted and they put an arm around one another and Elsa gestured to Eugene, "Aldren, this is Eugene Fitzherbert; Rapunzel's husband."
Aldren bowed his head, "Prince Eugene."
Eugene smiled and held a hand out to him, this handshake turned out to be more pleasant than the last one he'd taken. As they shook the prince consort chuckled, "I gotta say; I never get tired of people calling me that." When they released Rapunzel shot her husband a smirk, he shrugged, "But it's not necessary."
"As you wish." replied Aldren.
Eugene then looked to the woman on his right, "And this is lady Cassandra; second in command of Corona's army." he said with a bit of added flair for drama.
The darkly armored woman smiled first to Eugene, seeming appreciative that he introduced her with her preferred title. She bowed to Elsa, "Queen Elsa." then to Aldren, "Lord Aldren."
Aldren smiled, he recognized a warrior when he saw one, he held an arm out to her to regard her as such, "Lady Cassandra." she was surprised at first but eagerly locked arms with him as he spoke again, "And who would be the first in command?"
"My father; captain Andris. He remained with prince Karl to help settle our army into your war camp."
"We shall have to acquaint ourselves with him later on" Aldren said.
Elsa put a hand on her hip, shifting her weight to one side and grinning, "How did you manage to convince prince Karl to help with that, I'd think such a task would be 'beneath him'."
"He seemed to think you'd be arriving by boat and was determined to make sure he was first to receive you."
"I see...and I don't suppose you mentioned to him I'd be arriving by an 'alternate mode of transportation' did you?"
"Must have slipped my mind..."
Elsa laughed and he couldn't help but follow suite, it was then that Anna cleared her throat, catching their attention, "While we're on that subject...there's something we need to tell you." she said rubbing the back of her neck.
Besides their Coronan guests, everyone else shared a similar melancholy expression, even Aldren. Elsa looked between them all with concern in her face, "Something's happened..."
Before anyone could answer Trolgon suddenly made a sharp, rough sound akin to a bark as he raised his head in the direction of the gates. Everyone turned to see prince Karl ride in with a escort of islander footmen, Sir Brandon at one side...and Hans on the other.
"Well...this is awkward." Eugene commented.
"Their timing is impeccable isn't it..." Kristoff remarked sarcastically with arms folded.
Elsa's expression didn't change but her grip on Aldren's hand tightened enough that it started to hurt him, her other fist clenching tightly at her side, "Explanation-please..." she said in a flat tone through almost gritted teeth, her eyes fixed solely on the youngest islander prince.
Anna walked up to her sister's side, "I'm sorry Elsa, if there was any way to avoid it believe me I would have; Reidrich's condition for helping was for Hans to come with his brother to-and I quote 'reconcile for his past sin and repair the breach between our two nations'." she emphasized by making air quotes with her fingers.
Elsa exhaled sharply, the anger in her expression bled through more as her eyes narrowed, she was silent for several seconds before she spoke again, "Anna, Olaf, stay here with Kristoff. General Zyon, lady Sol, lady Cassandra, Captain Baldrek come with lord Aldren and I."
She released his hand and moved to meet their southern isle guests in the middle. Aldren stayed at her side while the others she had called for followed close; Sol and Zyon on Aldren's left with Baldrek and Cassandra on Elsa's right. A small host of Arendellian soldiers followed behind them as well, while they were still out of range Aldren spoke to her in a quiet voice, "Elsa none of us like this situation anymore than you do but we can-not afford to lose their support-"
"I'm just going to talk to them Aldren please, trust me." she said looking to him with a small smile.
He nodded, "Always."
As they neared the point of convergence, prince Karl and his entourage could not help but focus their attention on the ice dragon narrowing it's gaze at them from afar. They did their best to not to flinch or hesitate.
"Makes the one on your chest seem kinda small, doesn't it." Sol couldn't help but tease Sir Brandon as they all came to a stop before each other, the knight said nothing but glowered at her momentarily.
The current situation felt less like allies meeting one another in peace...and more like two armies facing each other down. Prince Hans had positioned himself further back to his older brother's left, Prince Karl shifted his gaze from the dragon to Elsa and nodded to her with a polite smile, "Queen Elsa."
"Prince Karl..." she said with blank, almost bored expression.
A Brief silence followed. "We looked for you at the war camp, I was under the impression you would be arriving...by boat." he said briefly glancing in Aldren's direction with a look of irritation, lord Embercrow met the prince's gaze until he was forced to look back at Elsa.
She smiled (sort of), "I wanted to get a good view of the army I am to lead. You do me great honor prince Karl; the host you've brought with you is quite impressive."
He nodded, "Your grace."
She folded her arms, "Tell me it's composition."
He smiled, "Three thousand islander footmen along with two thousand heavy horse."
"And...your brother's?" she said, tilting her head.
Karl's smiled faded slightly, "Two thousand infantry and one thousand cavalry..."
She nodded, looking towards the ground, "I see..." she started to walk towards Karl's left, "I am grateful to you Karl for the aid you brought with you...but I find myself in need of explanation..." Aldren and the others followed close behind her, practically inches from the islander's as Elsa neared her quarry. Hans didn't move from his spot but it was clear he was uncomfortable under the piercing daggers that were her eyes, she stood just before him, pointing to him, "As to why... you are here."
Karl took a step in their direction, "Our father...wished to see Hans repay his misdeed by helping to protect your kingdom from the invader."
She didn't take her eyes off of the younger brother, "How very diplomatic. Tell me; what assurance do you offer that no...'accidents' will befall my sister or I?"
Hans held his hands up slowly, "I don't suppose our word would suffice?"
"I'd prefer your head." she stated, never looking away
He sighed and spoke carefully, "I.. respectfully remind your majesty, should any harm befall me; your alliance with my father, tenuous as it may be...would be over. Satisfying as it might be to have your Master of War remove my head here and now, it would bring a swift end to any hope you have of defending your country and of course...your sister." he said with the smallest of smiles.
Those last words turned out to be the biggest mistake he'd make today. Immediately the young prince cried out in pain, dropping to one knee and grasping his boot. Confused, those around him looked down to see a small shard of ice, thin as glass, had pierced through the bottom of his foot and was sticking out the top almost past his ankle. Sir Brandon's impulse to defend Hans was halted when Karl grasped his arm and shook his head, stopping him from drawing his sword. Aldren along with the rest of Elsa's guard had hands on their own weapons, warning off the islanders from any idea of interfering.
The snow queen looked down with pitiless eyes at the prince, listening to his pained breaths and watching him grip his foot as he struggled in vain to find someway to relieve the pain. She slowly knelt in front of him, her expression was no longer controlled, the hatred could be seen plainly in her fierce azure eyes.
He risked looking up at her, his teeth gritted as he groaned in pain, she looked him dead in the eye as she spoke in a whisper, "You touch my sister, you go near her, you so much as look at her in a way that I find displeasing and more than 'harm' will befall you, Hans... I'll have to 'stage a little accident' for you involving a certain dragon should you force me to." His attention was drawn to Trolgon in the background who hissed on cue, his frills bristling loudly, fangs bared for the kill at his mother's command.
The prince looked back to Elsa as she continued, "If you value your life-which I know you do; you'll do as I say, when I say it, exactly as I say it...do you understand me Hans!?" He nodded quickly, looking back at his foot, anything to free himself at this point. Unsatisfied she tapped her fingernail against the tip of the shard in his foot with each of her last words, earning a pained whimper from him each time, "Do-I-make-myself-clear?"
He looked up at her slowly, replying through clenched teeth, "Crystal..."
She smiled humorlessly, "Good." Standing, she let him suffer a moment longer before she turned away, the shard dissipating and the prince falling back still holding his injured foot.
Elsa returned to her original spot next to Aldren and turned back to the older brother with her hands behind her back, "We will all reconvene here in the courtyard in an hour to establish our war council." Karl didn't smile but only nodded slowly. Then she turned to lady Cassandra, "Please inform your father of this when you see him."
Cassandra bowed, "Yes your grace."
She then looked to Sol, "Until then lady Starlon, if you would represent lord Aldren and myself; I need to speak with my Master of War in private."
Sol nodded, "My queen."
She regarded Karl and the other islanders one last time, "My lords...welcome to Arendelle."
Without another word she turned heel towards the palace with Aldren following while the others walked past Karl and his escorts to leave the courtyard. Elsa stopped in front of Rapunzel and Eugene, the prince consort scratched the back of his neck, "That was...intense."
Elsa sighed, allowing her previously vexed expression to fade, "I'm sorry you had to see that."
Rapunzel nodded, "It was certainly harsh...but given your history I'd say it was warranted."
"Oh it was more than warranted." Anna said, hands on her hips, clearly satisfied with her sisters actions.
Elsa nodded, then looked to Aldren whose arms were folded and his brow raised, she grinned slightly, "What?"
He tilted his head, "'Just going to talk'?"
She shrugged, he sighed but didn't say anymore, she turned to Anna and Kristoff, "If I could speak with the both of you for a moment as well?"
They nodded and moved to follow Elsa and Aldren, Olaf waddled alongside them smiling along with Sven, the queen looked back to her cousin, "I'll see you both in an hour...Trolgon can give you a lift if you'd like." with that she and her closest family ascended the palace stairs.
Rapunzel smiled giddily and looked to Eugene, who held up both index fingers, "Now wait a minute." Not wanting him to talk her out of it she grasped his hand and pulled him towards the Dragon eagerly, Eugene looking not so eager.
Olaf looked up to Anna, "Why did Hans fall to his knee?"
Anna thought for a moment then shrugged, "I think he might've stepped on something." she said with a smile as she ushered him along.
OoO
Karl watched the queen enter the palace. He then looked to the ice dragon at the sound of it's hiss as it circled around to their left. The beast snarled and snapped in their direction one last time, making them all flinch except for Karl, before taking into the sky with princess Rapunzel and Eugene on it's back. As the wind from it's wings settled the eldest prince let out a sigh he had been holding in. He then looked down to his brother who still held his wounded foot, walking over he held a hand down for him.
Hans shrugged away from his brother pridefully and Karl's expression became nearly infuriated as he swiftly grasped Hans' collar and roughly lifted him to his feet forcing him to stand. He pulled his brother close, locking with his pained, slightly fearful eyes and spoke in a low, angry tone, "Remember why we are here brother, Don't let your history with these women compromise the mission!"
"You mean father's mission..."
He had to fight the urge to strike him for his impudence, "My-mission is to see that all realms are kept safe from this new threat...Keep your distance, keep your childish pride in check!...and let me do the talking." he released his brother, almost shoving him away, Hans nearly falling as he did. He looked to two footmen, "Get him to a physician, see that he has that foot looked at."
While the islander soldiers grasped Hans' arms to bring him to his horse Sir Brandon walked to Karl's side, looking in the direction of the palace, "She's every bit as unbearably stubborn as the rest of her people."
"So it would seem!" Karl replied with no small amount of annoyance before sharply turning to mount his horse and lead his escort out of the courtyard and back to the war camp.
OoO
Hans struggled to ride properly with his injured foot and stewed in his anger every bit of the way. His hate for the two sisters only grew after today's events, but he knew there was no way for him to harm the queen, he could only hope that Amicus would make sure she suffered before she died...
OoO
In Elsa's office she sat on the edge of her desk, now relieved from the burden of her armor, instead dressed in blue; a sort of body suit of her own design that covered all but her head, shoulders and hands. An angular, patterned jacket with a crocus engraving on each shoulder as well as knee high, heeled boots. The jacket stretched down past her knees with two small, stylized capes flowing from it. To her left stood Aldren while Anna and Kristoff sat on a couch to her right, Olaf and Sven had been asked to busy themselves elsewhere while they talked. They had discussed their individual experiences in Zaria, Corona and the Southern Isles respectively and the number of troops they had brought with them.
Elsa reached to her right and grasped a tea plate and cup, filled with hot chocolate that Gerda had prepared for her in advance. "Mane hasn't returned from Chatho yet?" she asked before taking a sip.
Aldren shook his head, "No..."
"How is Sol handling that?" she said before setting the plate down again.
"She's always been tough to read...but I can tell it bothers her more with each passing day. As always her coping mechanism is to take it out on someone else."
"Yeah, mainly me." Kristoff said with humor in his voice. "But now she's taken to pestering Karl's knight commander whenever she can."
Elsa chuckled, "Well I certainly won't stop her; seems like an utterly unpleasant man from what you've told me." she said looking to Aldren and then Anna.
"As unpleasant as they come sis." Anna said leaning back.
Aldren folded his arms, "Despite how long Mane has been gone I have faith that he will return to us soon."
"Make sure you let Sol hear that from you." Elsa added.
"I will."
She then looked over to Kristoff with a grin as she picked up her cup again, "And how did our training go then, ice master?"
He folded his arms, "Oh you know, the usual; getting knocked on my butt, getting knocked on butt some more-Oh! And did I mention...getting knocked on my-"
"Your butt-yes, I get the general concept." she said laughing slightly before she took another sip of her drink.
Aldren himself chuckled, "After training with you for the brief time it is clear you have a long way to go...but you have also come far" he added. "Seeing as princess Anna has no official military duties to preoccupy her, she will have to take over the duties of 'knocking you on your butt'." he said gesturing to his surrogate sister with a smile.
Anna tussled her man's hair with a smirk, "That's been my job from the start."
Kristoff sighed, "It never ends."
Elsa smiled, taking another drink before she looked to Aldren briefly and then back to the others as she stood, "Would you two mind if Aldren and I had a moment alone?"
Anna smiled and shook her head, "Not at all." she stood and walked to her sister.
They held each other tightly before Elsa reached up to her sisters face, "And Anna...I'm proud of you; you handled the Isles incredibly well, even if your approach was a bit...risky."
Anna shrugged, "Had to show em whose boss, but thank you Elsa." she then walked over to Aldren, "And thank you both for sending Baldrek with me, he was a big help-bigger than he knows."
"We will be sure to thank the captain personally." He said with a smile as she embraced him next.
As Anna stepped back Kristoff walked up to hug Elsa, "Keep each other busy." she said as they parted.
"Always." he replied.
The ice harvester then walked over to Aldren who held his hand out, Kristoff smiled, "I think we're past that now Aldren." he held his arms out. Aldren was a little surprised but stepped into the brotherly embrace, patting each other on the back before parting shortly after. Once the two men nodded to one another, Anna took Kristoff's hand to lead him out of the room, closing the door behind them.
Now alone Elsa sat back on the edge of her desk with a sigh, she looked to Aldren and patted the surface next to her with a smile. He smiled back, removing his helm from his head and setting it on the desk behind them before slowly sitting next to her, he folded his arms and exhaled, "Five thousand troops...only the islanders brought a force larger-and that's because they like to show off. You must have made a hel of a case to their majesties in Corona."
She leaned back on her palms, "Not as much as you might think...I honestly wasn't sure what to say at first."
"Well if today's display on your part was any indication, it's clear that Olaf handled negotiations." he said while raising his brow in teasing expression.
She tried to look annoyed but could only smile as she punched him in the shoulder to which he simply chuckled. Shaking her head she thought for a moment, "So five thousand from Corona, eight thousand from the southern Isles and twenty five hundred from Zaria...what is the yield of our own numbers?"
"Recruitment efforts have gone well despite Sol's abrasive training methods during my absence. We've mustered somewhere close to five thousand, of course that's including smiths, medics, couriers and volunteers. And the soldiers...of those that are battle ready I'd say around thirty five hundred."
She nodded as she took the numbers in, briefly reminded by the sting of their defeat at Ashla's pike before she tilted her head, "That's nearly twenty thousand men...that's twice what Amicus has."
"That we estimate." he reminded, "We'll have to wait for lieutenant Barec and the scouting party to return before we can truly gauge the opposition we'll be facing."
"Yes, but-...remember what I said; about a siege." She stood and turned to him, "With these numbers we could take the fight to them and this time we'd win!"
He didn't show the same enthusiasm she did but he did seem to consider this as he looked down at the floor. "Perhaps..."
She walked closer, "And should Mane return with an army from the east it would only bolster our numbers more."
"We should discuss it with the other commanders before we make a final decision. If this to be the course we choose, we must be very cautious; Amicus has proven himself nothing if not cunning and calculated, numbers alone do not guarantee us victory." He then looked her in the eye, "Our eagerness is what cost us last time...we make that mistake again and this time we will lose for good."
She met his gaze and nodded, "I know Aldren...but every day we delay the people still imprisoned by the naga will waste away and those they left behind will lose heart...and if we lose heart; we are lost."
He smiled and sighed quietly, "You're not wrong...you may very well be right. And where you lead...I will follow, my queen...my love."
She loved hearing those words from his lips, after a brief moment she walked forward, cupped his face in her hands and closed her eyes as she pressed her lips to his. He responded more fervently than she had expected but she more than welcomed his eagerness against her own. Eventually they broke this kiss both exhaling as they parted, leaning their foreheads together with eyes still shut. When they opened again and azure locked with crimson, Aldren whispered softly "I missed you."
She laughed slightly, running her fingers against his cheek, "I can tell..."
They looked on one another with fond smiles for another brief moment before Elsa's expression dropped slightly, her eyes trailing off for a mere second before she looked back to him, "Aldren, after the meeting with the war council, tonight...would you stay with me?" she asked hopefully.
He was taken aback by the question initially, while he was honestly delighted by the idea he worried about how it might be perceived by others...but then the more he thought about it, he didn't really care. He smiled and nodded before giving an affectionate peck on the cheek, "Of course I would."
She smiled back widely, Aldren then started to stand, "Now, we should probably head back to the courtyard; I suspect our hour is nearly up."
Before he could rise she gently pushed his chest, making him sit back on the desk as she moved closer to him again, "Not-just-yet, we still have a few moments...and I intend to make the most of them." she said with a grin before kissing him, he chuckled against her lips and surrendered to the moment once again. A minute, an hour, a day, however long he got to spend with her...each moment was a memory worth treasuring...
Oh My GOD! Everything about that was SO satisfying!
So a bit of a darker moment for Elsa but I think the past history and circumstances justify themselves, plus it shows him that she's not ruled by her fear or grief anymore, that she's not the same person whose head he tried to remove last time.
Also if it wasn't clear earlier; Andris is not the canon name of the Coronan captain of the royal guard but since he doesn't have one in canon I thought I'd give him one.
I also thought it would it would be prudent to give Cassandra her own style of armor since gold or bronze doesn't really suit her personality.
Now that most everyone has returned from their respective missions things are really going to start picking up and I am unfathomably excited!
Oh and one last thing I wanted to run by you guys and this might sound crazy at first but what if Aldren was voice by...Patrick Wilson. Listen to him sing before you judge.
I can't wait to hear what you all thought of this most recent chapter. Don't forget to follow, favorite and review and as always I will see you in the next chapter, BYE BYE! :)
