They rushed into camp like they owned the place, fifty warrior's armed from head to toe, the armor some of them wore, gleaming in the sun, their mounts, some reindeer or small horses, some huge steeds, fierce-looking and intimidating, trampled the snow, mixing it with the dirt below, making it look like disgusting brown white mush. Fara lead them in, sitting tall on Ventisk, her imposing-looking reindeer and with her scared face and dark gaze, she looked almost dangerous.
'She probably is dangerous, just not for you.' Elsa thought, understanding immediately why she had been chosen to lead their 'guests' into camp.
Out of nowhere, Lakris landed in front of the group, only the slight rustling of the leaves above her gave away where she had been coming from, adjusting her bow and quiver over her shoulder before calmly walking up to Yelena and Maren to give a quick report, before climbing up the closes tree, vanishing from sight again. Some of the mounts had spooked slightly at Lakris' sudden appearance, their riders calming them with reassuring pats on their necks and sides before letting their eyes wander to the trees surrounding them, probably trying to make out if there were more warriors hiding up in there, bow and arrow aimed down at them.
'Maren is right. Yelena is a sly fox!' Elsa thought, as she marveled at the simple trick, for now, the guests could not be sure how many warriors were up there, waiting for Yelena's command, a brilliant way of showing your force without shoving it in their faces, threatening them openly.
Eight of their guests in the front row dismounted, four among them walking with emphasized easiness, obviously trying to show no fear or concern and Elsa, did not need anyone to tell her that this were the leaders of the other tribes.
She remembered what Yelena had told her about the other tribes and tried to distinguish which one was which.
The Ittan among them were easy, for the two men were huge and wore metal armor that looked skillfully crafted like the ones in Arendelle. The older one of the two, in particular, looked like a mountainside on legs, nearly twice as tall than any of the men around him, and at least three times as wide. With his muscle packed, scarred arms and broad back he looked threatening, but Elsa could see something in his grizzled face, even though most of it was hidden among a proud, strawberry-blond beard. Something that went beyond the strict expression he showed now.
The young man at his side had not reached the enormous dimensions of the other but was on the best way to. Both looked very similar so Elsa mussed he was the son of the older one, or at least a very close relative.
The beautifully decorated bow of the tall, muscular women, with dark skin, pricing, almost black eyes and long white hair, told Elsa that this was the leader of the Lansa. It was remarkable how fit she still was for she looked like she was in her sixties, at the very least! She wore grey and white clothes, that made her look like an old but still strong wolf, waiting for the right moment to strike.
The woman next to her looked like an exact replica of the older one, only that her hair was still yet black.
'Probably her daughter.'
Suddenly a long-eared owl and a gyrfalcon shot from the sky, easily landing on the antlers of the reindeers that belonged to the woman, who could only be a little older than Elsa herself, and a young man who had dismounted the beasts a few moments ago, reveling them to be of the Nord.
'The Nord have tamed owls and hawks and with their help became masterful hunters.'
Elsa could hear the echo of Yelena's voice in her head as she looked at them.
The woman had brown hair and skin, her eyes blue like the sky above them, clad in clothes that shared the color of her eyes, just like the rest of her tribe was. She was small but lean, her whole being almost screaming authority, and like Yelena, she kept her face very neutral, so no one may see her true feelings, Elsa guessed.
The young man, with light skin and brown hair, was the only one that seemed relaxed, yet Elsa noticed that his hand laid at the handle of a long knife that hung at his belt, deceiving the impression he was trying to give.
'That only leaves…'
The Etelar leader was of normal size and stature, and it was remarkable how unremarkable he looked, as he stood there in his simple black tunic, smiling. It was the weirdest thing and never had Elsa seen such a face, that gave you nothing to hold on to, no feature that stood out, nothing in his grey eyes that gave away what he was thinking, only pleasant friendliness, which felt like a mask that hide the truth from the world. He glanced discreetly around, only stopping for the slightest moment at Elsa and Anna, taking in their joined hands and for the briefest second, Elsa's and his eyes met, a shiver running down her spine and by the way Anna held her hand tighter she knew her sister felt it too.
'Relax Elsa, you can't judge people like this just because he reminds you of…..just be vigilant!'
His companion was a different matter though.
The woman was about the same height and age as Maren, her yet black hair was woven into two practical braids, her storm grey eyes looked hard and unforgiving, a born fighter if Elsa ever saw one. Her eyes roamed around too, but much less discreet until there found Rue. Her arms, that she had crossed over her chest, unfolded, her eyes widened at the sight of the old, blind women, remained glued to her with an odd expression in them.
But before Elsa could think more about it Yelena spoke: "Welcome to the Enchanted Forest! What an honor to greet you as guests again. Please, allow me to…"
"Ah let us skip this nonsense and come straight to the point shall we!" the leader of the Lansa spoke, her rough voice cutting through the cold air.
"Vil, that was uncalled for!" the mountain of a men spoke, his beard moving were his mouth was, his blue eyes pricing the hotheaded woman sternly.
He turned back to Yelena, addressing her more friendly: " Yelena Lethia, you may not remember me anymore for I was just a little lad as the forest fell, but I remember you well and it is good to see that you are still around and strong as ever. I am…"
"Alykas Fjell, how could I forget you? The smartest boy in all the north and the lands beyond that."
There was something friendly gleaming in the huge man's eyes, but before he could speak again the leader named Vil interrupted them rudely again.
"Cut the crap, Alykas! You want to see something uncalled for!? Then look at this!"
The tall woman pointed at Elsa and Anna, and the snow queen held on even tighter to Anna's hand, stepping forward a little, without even noticing to protect her little sister. At the same moment, she felt Iloh and at her side again, and from the corner of her eyes, she saw Flippan moving closer to Anna's side, feeling Krsitoff's strong presence at her back. Above them there was the slightest rustling in the trees like a warrior up there had shifted his or her weight to be able to move quicker, if swift action was called for.
But Vil seemed not to notice or she simply did not care, as she marched closer to Elsa, speaking loudly, her words clearly intended to hurt.
"The witch standing at attendance for us, accompanied by the queen of the Arendelle, granddaughters of the scum that killed Johtjaja and build the dam that not just nearly destroyed the Enchanted Forest but our territories too!"
Before Elsa could do much more than wonder where this Vil had her information, Yelena intertwined, her voice not unfriendly but loud and clear, causing the tall woman to stop in her tracks.
"Their mother was Northuldra. Therefore they are people of the sun and have every right to be here!"
"Oh, please forgive me! A half-blood witch and halve-blood traitor queen, that makes everything better of course."
Vil's voice was dripping with sarcasm, as she came closer yet again, and Elsa felt the urge to lash out, protect her sister and stop this woman to speak like this about her, in her anger barely realizing that she had been insulted too.
Vil took one more step towards Anna and her and like this was the sign all had been waiting for, many things happened at once. Iloh stepped in front of Elsa and Anna, pushing them back a little, shielding them with her body gripping Elsa's free hand to prevent the spirit from using her magic, speaking fearlessly to the much taller woman.
"This is close enough!"
Flippan mirrored Iloh, gesturing Anna to stay close while Elsa felt how Kristoff laid a calming hand on the shoulder of each sister.
The other Northuldra around them seemed to move as one, all stepping a little closer, making sure there were not standing alone.
To top it all off, Lakris and three other warriors dropped out of the trees, landing deftly on their feet, bow and arrow ready in a second, all aiming at Vil.
"Step back!"
Lakris's voice, normally so friendly, was deep almost threatening, as she fixated the Lansa-leader.
Vil's warriors tensed visibly but she gave them a sign to not do anything.
Even though Elsa did not want to; she must admit that this woman was fearless! She only raised her eyebrows, looking at Elsa, taunting her like she was not in mortal dangerou at all!
"What is it, witch? Not strong enough to face me alone?"
She hit her chest with her fists, a loud and clear 'come at me if you are brave enough' but Elsa did not fall for it, the promise she gave Maren still fresh in her mind. A disparaging smile came to Vil's lips, and like proven a point or something like that she turned before her eyes fell on something behind Elsa.
"Hahah, really Yelena? What happened to your craftsmanship? Look at this ugly thing!"
Elsa turned her eyes to where Vil was pointing, feeling many around her do the same, finding Olaf with an appalled expression on his face. The proud chief obvious thought that he was some kind of statue.
"That is not a very nice thing to say!" he spoke so everyone could hear him, stepping forward before Elsa could stop him, his little stick hands on his middle, looking like a stern mother, scolding her child.
The effect was enormous!
Instantly Vil jumped back, bellowing 'Witchcraft!', her face full of horror, the gathered fighters drew their weapons at the same time while their leaders and their chosen successors tensed visibly. All except one. The small woman, leader of the Nord, looked at Olaf with great interest, blinking one, two times and then laughed. Laughed wholeheartedly, making her look even younger. The warriors lowered the weapons they had just drawn, looking slightly dumbfounded.
"Really Vil?! Witchcraft? Look at him, he is adorable."
"Adorable? Are you out of your mind? It's walking, talking snow! It's an abomination!"
The small woman rolled her eyes, before bending down in front of Olaf, smiling, asking him in a kind voice: " With whom do I have the pleasure if may ask?"
Olaf, always the perfect little gentlemen, made a perfect curtesy, which would have made any past queen and king of Arendelle proud, before answering: "I am Olaf, and I like warm hugs."
He had spoken like he was a highly honored duke, that announced his divine presence, not that he liked something so normal as a hug, and behind her, she could hear some of the tribe snigger at his antics and had Yelena the faintest hint of a smile on her face?
"Who doesn't?" the leader of the Nord spoke, still smiling, clearly fond of this little snowman.
She stood up, raised her right hand to her heart, bowing her head in a way that reminded Elsa of the greeting the Northuldra warriors had for each other.
"I am Lato Graugle. It is an honor to meet you, Olaf, giver of warm hugs and friendly greetings."
With one last smile for the snowman and another curious look for Elsa, Lato turned around, facing Yelena before repeating the greeting she had giving Olaf.
"And greetings to you, Yelena Lethia."
Lato accepted Yelena's bow before laughing lightly again, looking at the leader of the Etelar, the only one who had yet to usher a single word. "
I must say Taitava, your understanding of 'evil sorcery' is a little….off. I doubt that a witch would make something adorable."
She smiled again at Olaf, while he shyly kicked the dirt, giggling at the compliment.
"We have only been here for a few minutes, Lato."
His voice was like silk rolling off his tongue, deep and resonating in the most pleasant way.
"And would a witch not choose something that looks harmless to lure you in?"
His eyes found Elsa again, holding her gaze longer this time, a clear challenge, and Elsa tried not to blink, standing her ground again like she did with Vil.
"I highly doubt it! I have pretty good nose when it comes to people, and this woman is no witch."
Lato spoke confidently, her warriors put back their weapons, like the word of their leader was a simple fact, but none of the other chiefs seemed to agree. Silences hang over them, and Elsa felt many doubtful eyes on her.
"We will see. But where are my manners? I am Taitava Sint, leader of the Etelar. Please accept my humble greetings, Yelena Lethia of the Northuldra."
A short bow and without even waiting for an answer he continued.
"As pleasant as it is to talk about your newest…additions to your tribe, that is not why we are here."
'Oh really? Gale, Lakris and Fara tell a different story!'
Elsa thought and glanced at Yelena and Maren. If they had similar thoughts, they did not show it, their faces a mask of friendly attention that revealed nothing of their true thoughts.
"34 years ago you made a bad decision that affected us all, brought new problems and dangers to us, so we came to see if you are still strong enough to protect the forest and the spirits that live here, we demand the old trial of you, accept the challenge of the Proving, like tradition demands it."
Elsa did not understand anything! What was 'the Proving'? Old trials? She had no clue what this meant and that angered her a little. The past months she had less and less of these little hiccups where she had no clue what everyone was talking about. Normal when you were not raised in the forest, but by the great effect, Taitava's words had, it was probably something bad.
Iloh next to Elsa drew her breath in sharply, whispered conversations spread like a fire among her fellow Northuldra, the warriors among the crowd let their hands unconsciously wander to knives on belts, or grabbed the bow or staff tighter, their knuckles turning white, Fara, in particular, looked absolutely murderous.
But as Elsa looked to Maren and Yelena, both calm looking, yet Elsa could feel the surprise radiating from the two women. It was a mere look they shared, the snow queen knew that the two women had not expected this outcome and a dreadful feeling griped at Elsa's heart as Maren gave her leader the slightest nod.
'What are you doing Maren?!'
But before Elsa could do more than push her panic down, Yelena answered, her voice loud and all the commotion in the crowd stopped at once.
"We accept your challenge. But I am past my prime; therefore I choose my successor, Honymaren Nattura, to face the trials on my behalf."
Elsa's head started to spin, her fear for Maren jumped back into the forefront again.
'Trap! A Trap, Maren! Don't!'
The woman she loved was going to face some stupid probably dangerous ordeal, and by the looks on everyone's faces…..suddenly she had trouble breathing.
The firm grip of Anna's hand grounded her again, and combined silent comfort Iloh gave her and the calming presence of Flippan and Kristoff close by she managed to hold it all in until their guests were lead off to the gohati's that had been built for them, many Northuldra following to tend to their needs and probably keep an eye on them too.
As Ryder passed her to tend to the reindeer and horses of the other tribes, Elsa found her fear mirrored in them, he too desperately trying to keep calm. Issun was at his side, discretely giving his hand a soft squeeze the young herder thankfully accepted, before concentrating on his work.
The leaders and their successors followed Yelena and Maren, reaching Yelena's goahti, the taller ones among them bending down low to make it through the door. Maren was the last to go in, looking around like she searched for something, then her eyes found Elsa's and her brave warrior actually tried to smile for her, put her at ease, making her heart swell with love, so strong that she too tried to smile, helping Maren by not losing it completely before she knew what exactly was going on.
'But by Ahtohallan, If it is too dangerous I will use my magic and show them the witch they have been looking for! Promise or no promise.'
Mere seconds ago her surroundings had been so full, so many people everywhere, now it was only Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, Iloh, Flippan and herself standing there, for everyone else had rushed off to tend to their duties. There was an eerie silence for a few moments in which Elsa could only hear the rapid beating of her heart.
Then….
"Well…that could have gone better!" Never in her life had Elsa agreed so wholeheartedly with anything her sister had said. But at least her fear was gone, replaced by the strong need to help Maren.
"Iloh, tell me all you know about the Proving."
The Huldred nearly squealed, squealed, with joy! Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought it would work out so well! The Proving!?
'Perfect! Oh, white spirit, Elsa, or whatever they call you….you are in for a treat!'
It was only sad that she most certainly would not be able to collect this Honeymaren after all, and for a moment she felt a little robbed of her toy. But then she thought of the fun that was waiting and shrugged the potential loss of.
'Ah well, I will find something else to play with.'
Pleased with herself she joined the darkness, vanishing without a trace.