Again this chapter rewritten Hope you all enjoy it and As always

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Chapter 4: The Queen

Marek watched in the shadows as the princess spoke with Prince Nicolas. The young prince was in a sense helpful especially with putting lord Lucien in his place but she found it rather convenient as Princess Anna had stated once that he came to Arrendalle as it was once again being brought into a troubling time.

The young Princess had dismissed her for the night but Marek knew better and so watched quietly. Nicolas was charming and there was something about him that seemed…familiar. What it was or why remained unknown to her, but she would find out why. Her instincts said to be cautious and so she would be, something was at play here and she was going to find out what and just who the players were. For now though she would watch and be patient…the enemy would show themselves sooner or later..

Everything happened so fast one moment they were faced with a feral enemy, the next Elsa was riding with Lyra to get away, currently she was trying to keep the other blonde from falling from the horse as they rode. But being shot in the shoulder and the arrow still lodged there wasn't helping Lyra in the slightest, the jostling of the horse made the pain worse if the grunts from the other woman were anything to go by.

"Lyra I need to take that out, keeping it in while riding will cause more damage to your arm."

"We don't have time for that. Walter and the others are doing what they can to hold off those things. We can't stop now."

"Your Majesty!" Both turned to find Holden the Queen's guard riding toward them free of his bonds and a sword in hand. "Queen Elsa! We must hurry now that these scoundrals are facing those things we can leave back to Arendelle."

Lyra laughed despite her pain, "Well aren't you a crafty one."

"My Queen please we must hurry."

Shaking her head Elsa straightened Lyra as best she could continuing to ride towards the river El had ordered them to.

"Queen Elsa!-"

"I can't leave them to face such creatures Holden." With a snort Lyra retorted, "I seem to remember you telling me there was nothing I could possibly understand being taken so far from home." Though it true Elsa chuckled at the words, when first coming to learn of what happened and that she was taken of course she was angry…angry and vulnerable for her captures didn't leave things to chance. No they bound her wrists with special cuffs to keep the majority of her magic at bay.

~"Queen Elsa I must say that this behavior is unacceptable"

"Well considering that you and your merry band of thieves kidnapped and plan on killing me I find my behavior to be perfectly acceptable." The platinum blonde snapped as she turned toward the other woman with an icy glare.

"I understand you're upset-"

Elsa stormed forward to stand toe-to-toe with Lyra, body tall and rigid, her voice cold, "Understand….how can you possibly understand being taken far away from home to be held by killers and bandits not knowing if you'd be able to rest for a second let alone wake up for a new day!. How can you possibly understand that the only family you have left is worried sick about your whereabouts never knowing that the moment this kidnapping charade is over that, it will be your last!. My sister is the only family I have left and I hers! And now you want to rip me away from her forever!" Elsa could feel the building of her magic as it fought to be released instead of repressed again. Slowly backed the other blonded toward the tent entrance angrily continuing her words,"For 13 years I protected my sister sacrificing any hope she had of us being as we were when we were children! For 13 years I kept my distance until only this past year! And now you and your..your heathens are taking away the second chance I thought I'd never have with her!" The crackling of ice was heard and both looked down to see that the bracelets the Queen wore to keep her magic at bay had frozen over. It seemed in her rage even these silver bracelets could not deny the might in her power.

However when her gaze looked to Lyra again Elsa found that she did not cower in fear…the woman didn't even take a step back. No…instead what she saw made her heart ache for the other woman as well as feel guilty, Lyra had a continuous stream of tears as her pale green eyes were shadowed with pain, regret, disgust, hurt and so much more. But what Elsa could not find in them was fear….fear of what she could do to her right now with just the flick of her wrist..fear of the monster she could be if pushed.

Lyra lifted her chin high and with out another word turned and walked out of the tent. The Queen could hear several others asking if she was alright but no answer came from Lyra as far as she heard. Rather confused and shocked the other woman hadn't even tried to at least apprehend her Elsa made to leave and quickly. Her destination to leave this place altogether….of course fate as it seemed would not have allowed such an easy escape as she came face to face with a pair of piercing silver eyes and their odd two tone purple burst. El stood blocking her exit and immediately the young Queen stepped away from her kidnapper with a glare, she was not as defenseless as when they first met now.

"Move and let me pass. I will no longer be your captive" she hissed.

El as the woman was called only glared back at her face hardened and angry, "You think you know pain.." She said lowly, "You think you know sorrow…" The dark haired woman paused looking the Queen up and down, "You know nothing. And for you to assume to think you know anything of Lyra-"

"I know that I was brought here against my will and that you and your motley crew intend to kill me!"

"You don't know a god damn thing!" El growled fiercely,"You think us a bunch of roughens only out for ourselves! We do what's needed in order to survive you know nothing your Majesty.." The last word was spat with so much disgust Elsa had to wonder if this woman had a great dislike for royals regardless of who they are or that maybe she herself had been personally wronged by one."You only assume that you know by the first glance but you don't see! Go ahead and go I won't stop you by the time our employer decides to do something you'll be dead or worse!. You wouldn't last one day out here this far from your kingdom….with no gold to pay for anything, but by how beautiful you are I doubt gold is the last thing these brigands as you like to say will want from you."~

The memory brought a bout of guilt with it, now knowing that Lyra wasn't so different form herself and yet was all the same. Coming to learn that because of power hungry men she was forced to do things she herself never thought herself capable of but continued to do so. A sensitive subject still unknown to the Queen but one she would not push to know.

"Ajmal!" Walter's booming voice was heard far across the lage field echoing and carrying across the hills. Turning Elsa saw that both Walter and Ajmal were cornered separated from the rest who had stayed to hold off these creatures.

"Walter! You Idiot! Get out of there!" Lyra yelled out and Elsa's mind raced back to that day she had first began to see them as more then just her kidnappers and realize they are just as human as she

~Ajmal walked into the tent moments later, a large box in his hands. The man halted as he watched the young Queen curiously she looked a bit dumbfounded,"Is everything alright your grace?" He asked softly taking in the sight of the confused Queen as well as noticing the frozen cuffs around her wrists, and the ring of ice beginning to form around her feet.

"Perhaps then a distraction will help ease your mind? May I ask your assistance in helping me restock and organize our supplies?"

Blinking in surprise Elsa looked to Ajmal quietly,"Come your Majesty I'm sure you have your questions I will do what I can to answer them.." Deciding she needed a way to calm herself a distraction from the confusing confrontations that just happened the young Queen followed the man out toward the large wagon ignoring the stares and whispers as she walked by.

Ajmal put the large box on the ground and Elsa could see the many variations of spices and blends along with vegetables and meats wrapped in paper."Why don't you start with putting the seasonings away.."

The Queen nodded absentmindedly as she thought how odd this situation was. She and her guard had literally been picked from the road, only to wake days later to find herself held captive to the oddest kidnappers. And even after spending weeks isolated and under watch they lived just as normally as any other person could live…treating her still as royalty but also what she longed to be seen as a person…especially Lyra.

Lyra did her best to try and cheer her up and what did she go and do no doubt hurt her feelings…more then that from the look in the other woman's eyes Elsa knew she had hit home and had said something that brought up a personal issue the kind woman was still dealing with…'way to go Elsa….the best thing you know how to do is hurt people…'

But the Queen couldn't leave it at that she had to apologize for making the other blonde cry…Lyra had been nothing but kind to her even if she was an accomplice to this whole thing. With a sigh Elsa put down the jar in her hands,"It would be wise to give her some time to clear her head…I do not think you had meant to strike so close to her heart." The man said softly and Elsa turned her gaze to Ajmal as he continued to empty the large box."What do you mean?"

A sad smile crossed his features as he continued to talk in a soft tone,"It is not my place to say…but maybe when our Lyra is ready you may ask her yourself…but I think apologizing is a good start."

This caused the queen to give a small smile back…her first in weeks.

When they had finished restocking and going over count Ajmal had made small talk with the Queen and Elsa was surprised he did not push or ask about gold or treasure…riches or the like of that instead he asked of how she had been doing after what happened last year during her coronation. It surprised her to see that he was actually quite curious of her powers and in so somewhat began studying her abilities most of the day. It was not until hearing the sound of crunching of newly autumn leaves coming their way did either know how late it actually was…coming to find that it was around the same time Lyra began making supper.

Upon seeing the other blonde walk over to the other side of the wagon did Elsa sort of lose concentration on what she had been doing and ended up freezing dear Ajmal's feet. After all the man was quite charming. "Oh sorry! I didn't…it was an accident!"

He laughed waving her off,"It is alright….I know you've been waiting out your chance all day to apologize. Besides I needed a new pair of boots in the first place."

Elsa waved her hand and the blocks of ice that were the mans feet were no more."Really go…" he shooed her off as she giggled lightly bringing a hand to hover over her mouth delicately. She gave a nod of appreciation and made her way to where Lyra stood picking out ingredients. Pausing only several feet away as she watched Lyra silently move about. With a calming breath the Queen of Arendalle cleared her throat,"Lyra." She said softly and the one called turned to look at her briefly,"Oh your majesty…I would have thought you left…as you intended to."

The platinum blonde cringed a little in the inside hearing the slite harshness in the kind woman's tone.."I would have but…"

"But?"

"But I…I wanted..I..I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't think that my words would hurt you like they did…my words were said in anger and hurt as well as fear for my own well being. I want to apologize for having said something that was obviously just as personal to you as it is to me."

Lyra gave a sad smile as she shook her head,"True as it is your words struck a few cords that are quite personal…but I can not blame you to act as you did…it is only natural for you to do so. This whole experience I have no doubt is more confusing more then anything considering how we've acted towards you….but I give you my word your majesty I have known these bandits as you like to call them for a few years and they are more trust worthy then any I have come to know in my life. We do not wish to harm you or your guard but we'll do what we must. Just don't think that they won't try to see to it that everyone makes it out alright."

"What do you mean?" Elsa asked more so intrigued by the other woman's statement. There was definitely more to this whole scenario then she originally thought, why involve someone like Lyra? The woman could make an honest living for herself despite the company she kept…still just who was her kidnappers employer and what exactly were they getting out of this as well as to why?.

Lyra meant to speak again when another voice cut in, this one much more stern and commanding though it wasn't harsh,"No more Lyra…it wouldn't do any good to form attachments…." Both women turned to find El firewood bundled in her arms.

The young Queen took notice of how El's shirt was stained with sweat as was her neck and brow. The woman had forgone her outerwear and rolled up her sleeves to the elbow but still wore her gloves. The shorter pieces of hair that fell from the top her face from sweat and Elsa wondered why the woman had only a single lock of bright grey, actually in this light it looked almost white, she could tell from the flex in the woman's forearms that El is strong…

Watching the mercenary walk over to her friend Elsa could see those eyes taking in her appearance, and for the briefest of moments she was a bit self conscious in the plain dress she wore. However she nearly giggled when El realized she was caught staring, huffed as she walked away a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks.

"Don't mind El. She may seem grumpy and mean at first…but she's more then she makes her self out to be in front of you."

"I get the feeling she just doesn't like me very much. Not after the day I woke to be honest." Had Elsa not been staring out in the direction El had left she would have seen the amused look the dirty blonde gave."Just give it time…after all you're stuck with us unless you've decided to leave again?"

"I think it would be wise to stay here and bide my time."

"Wise indeed" the other blonde hummed,"Try to stay positive your majesty things are more then they seem and we all have our reasons for doing what we do."

"How is it you all came to be as you are? I mean as a group?" Lyra giggled as she motioned for the Queen to follow, box of ingredients in hand, "That is a story best left to Walter and Bear, those 2 love telling that one Ajmal too at times."

"May I ask your story?"

"That is a bit long and I do believe would prevent us from feeding our ravenous companions."

"I'm sorry I don't mean to pry, I only wish to know a little more about you seeing as we'll probably spending sometime together…it wouldn't hurt would it?" Shaking her head the older woman laughed as she looked up to glance at the Queen, Elsa could see a sparkle in her eyes,"Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell you of where I come from. Here cut those for me please?"

The Queen took the knife as well as the zucchini handed to her and let Lyra demonstrated how she should cut it quickly before going back to her own vegetable,"Well…" The other woman began,"I come from a small place.."

By the time dinner was ready Elsa had learned more about Lyra and the two were found giggling over silliness by the three men who all co-lead their group of brigands.

"Somethin smells good love, I hope you made lots Bear and I are starving today."

"You dear Walter are always starving, and sometimes it's not for food."

"Woman you know me too well" his comment followed by loud laughter as he walked over to the two blondes finishing up in their task."Well now, I see you're in better spirits today your majesty" the mountain of a man said bowing as he stopped in front of them.

Elsa nodded smiling as she gave a small curtesy back."Well now what's say we feed everyone?" Lyra suggested as she handed the young queen a tray with the biscuits they had made earlier, though it had taken Elsa two try's to bake them correctly, especially over an open fire.

It didn't take long as the rather large group of mercenaries filed into a line served a plate of Lyra and Elsa's cooking. Before she knew it Walter, Bear, and Ajmal were the last to be served (Aside from themselves) and Elsa was a bit surprised when she and Lyra had served themselves and moved to sit by one of the many fires; Ajmal, Walter and Bear stood by waiting for the women to take their seats, surprisingly those who had been around them stood and sat again when they were finally seated.. 'thieves, bandits or not these people have manners'…she thought and she grew a bit curious as to where each of them came from and how they all ended up here of course as she scanned the camp area around her, Elsa noticed that El was no where in sight.

"Where's-"

"She went to blow off some steam." Walter answered,"El can have quite the temper at times though I don't know what triggered it today." At this Elsa lowered her head just a bit feeling the guilt she had rise from hurting Lyra with her words. Sensing this the other blonde went to squeeze her hand reassuringly letting the younger blonde know that what happened earlier was forgiven.

"Don't be daft Wal'ter, Ye know how she is when she is." Elsa furrowed her brow at that confused by the statement, what did that even mean?

"Try not to think too hard on that. It's best just to go with it when Bear speaks in the odd riddles that he does at times." Elsa giggled at the comment and nodded.~

Mind brought back to the present stopped the horse and turned them so that she was facing the battle. "What are you doing? We need to cross the river!" Lyra urged though Elsa could hear the hesitance from seeing the battle in full view. Quickly the Queen dismounted careful as she pulled Lyra down with her. (Or as careful as she could be, after all the other woman sort of put up a struggle.) making sure she was sitting up she apologized, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry fo-" Lyra's question cut off by a yelp and scream of pain when the platinum blonde pushed the arrow completely through, snapped the tail of the shaft and then proceeded with pulling the rest out through the exit wound she created.

Elsa fought a grin as Lyra cursed but was surprised when the other woman slapped her, she paused staring at the dirty blonde wondering if this was just her reaction or if she really was upset that she stopped to help her.

There was a moment barely a beat before a grin shone proudly on Lyra's face and Elsa let go of the breath she was holding though she could feel the sting of the slap on her cheek she kept from touching it.

"Sorry, its just a thing we've done when one not our own helps us."

"I'm a little hesitant to ask what it means now or what you do to those that cross you." Elsa replied taking Lyra's dagger and cutting several strips from her dress to tie around her arm. Reading and studying several things all those years came in handy but there was more she could do if only these cuffs were off.

"Just think of it as an initiation." Lyra teased.

"We must hurry, your Majesty. I don't think they can hold those things off any longer." Holden cut in standing guard.

Elsa held up her wrists silently asking for them to be free of the magical repressing binds only to turn and look over to the battle when she heard Walter yelling for Ajmal again, and for a moment everything slowed and yet so many things happened at once. Walter killed the creature he fought before rushing over to a wounded Ajmal, a loud roar rumbled through the air nearly shaking the earth and blue eyes glanced over to El who tossed back several of those things, and began changing before her very eyes.

El grew taller with each step, body shifting and morphing bulging with muscle. What more surprising, as El's clothes ripped from her sudden growing spurt, black fur grew rapidly covering her skin, face morphing as if growing a muzzle. Seconds later where a woman stalked toward her friends a large black wolf creature stood on two legs hands now clawed, sharp and ready to kill. Hackles pulled back in warning showing sharp teeth. Elsa watched stunned as El made it to Walter and Ajmal in time to fend off the small group that cornered them. Many of the smaller creatures retreated back from where they were coming from, this seemed to turn the tide of battle encouraging the men to fight back even harder.

But what Elsa saw and nobody else did was another wave of these things ready to flank from the opposite side. With the band split as they are everyone fighting wasn't going to survive this second wave. "Lyra take these off."

"Elsa-"

"If you don't they could all die!" The Queen pointed off to the right, "Look there are more of those things, theres no telling how many hiding waiting to charge. Take these damned things off so I can help!" Both Holden and Lyra blinked in surprise mostly because they didn think that Elsa (let alone being a Queen) would use such language.

"Lyra!"

Pulling the key from her bosom Lyra freed the Queen of her restraints, then she and Holden watched gobsmacked as the Platnium blonde strode calmly toward the raging fight, the air growing colder with each step and icy particals began swirling in the air, the ground freezing over.

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