"Staring out the window won't make time go by quicker." The queen of Arendelle glanced to the left prompted by her husband's good natured quip in regards to her current position. Anna's breath fogged the glass temporarily before resting her forehead against it with a dull thud. Arendelle's atmosphere was what could be described as warm, which may have been due to Juli sun which had just descended behind the mountains.
Fireflies floated along the city avoiding capture from children while adults mingled talking to passerbys they recognized and shopped. Lanterns' rays of light sent a orange haze casted over cobblestone and faces. Despite herself Anna wanted to enjoy the Homely setting which like a picture was quaintly painted in real time before her, if only she could muster away this damn anticipatory feeling that felt as if time couldn't move fast enough. Her nerves relaxed somewhat while Kristoff's hand firmly grasped her shoulder, his long fingers adeptly massaged some tension away, while his other hand rested on Anna's opposite arm giving small circles drawn with his thumb. It was an invitation for Anna to rest her head just below the crook of his chin. She sighed in the position for what felt like the hundredth time in the past few hours. "I wonder what's keeping her." Kristoff shrugged displacing Anna's head momentarily. "Probably being a spirit." His sarcasm conspicuous as it was did not get a rise out of Anna like he intended to in order to distract her. "Still, I mean it's always something you know? Either she's having to reroute migration routes for animals, or she's accosting poachers, or stopping a herd of reindeer from stampeding off a cliff from being spooked by said poachers!" She threw up her hands nearly smacking Kristoff in the chin before breaking away from the embrace sitting on the couch. Her legs crossed one another bouncing. "She does have times to relax and take it easy but when things get busy they get hectic." Kristoff said joining her on the couch. "And that was just last week." At first Anna had assumed two years ago when she ascended to throne and her sister ascended to her. . . nonsecular position that the overly stressed woman would be able to live and frolic with the other spirits pursuing whatever venture she so pleased. While yes she did do those things, Elsa was still Elsa, altruistic and courageous. She lended a hand wherever said hand was needed fiercely protecting the forest and all of its inhabitants no matter how big or small.
Anna grinned in recollection at last year when Elsa spent the summer helping a duckling find his flock. It was comedic seeing the spirit bend down while holding the small animal gently in her cupped hands presenting him to numerous wild hens asking: "Is this her?. . . No? Okay, don't worry we'll find her." Oh how happy Elsa was when the little duck nearly leapt from her arms and swam out onto the pond quacking loudly at a adult hen who guided it to fall in line with his siblings. Her smile was gigantic when she turned to Anna who found the expression utterly contagious. Even Kristoff began chuckling at the end of the story Anna brought up. He ran his fingers through his already disheveled hair. "She spent. . . The entire summer-" a giggle bubbled from his throat. "-interviewing ducks!" The irony was not lost on Anna. Elsa went from writing tax legislations and charters to interrogating possible parental water fowl. She leaned against him still laughing silently. That was her Elsa and she wouldn't have her any other way.
A shrill scream followed by bellows of fear had Kristoff and Anna upon there feet instantly. They only looked at each for a second before rushing to the window to see people running, some grabbing their children and families ducking into buildings. "What the hel?" Anna breathed. A large object fell in front of them causing her to jump back and yelp. Looking down they saw that it was a piece of the castle's roof laying splintered on the courtyard below. "Go find Olaf and Sven get them inside." She ordered Kristoff who looked hesitant at leaving her. "You stay inside as well." He ordered back with a pointed finger before kissing her head and rushing out the room leaving the door ajar.
A large shadow hulking over the roof footsteps sounded as if a giant cat had made it its perch. Returning to the window Anna's pupils blew out when a fast glistening blur consisting of different hues of blues, greys and light purple spread out its wobbly wings and glided downward to an adjacent roof of a shop. Anna watched in terrific horror at the beast which scraped and destroyed tiles trying to gain balance. Its body was held up by four strong legs, going down to paws which possessed lethal talons. The long tail ended in a Trident like fluke. A flow of cyan fur darker than its skin trailed from the shoulder blades to a shaggier mane which grow slightly over the eyes between to ear appendages. Below the shoulder blades where the fur ended a curved spin began going down its tail in slightly indented ridges. And the eyes, those eyes. Anna's heart raced at the expression of the creature who seemed to be now staring back at her. Its pupils were slits, intelligent, and angry. It growled crouching, poised like a lynx.
Archers took aim and shot at it but their arrows simply bounced off the surprisingly armored creatures body, it didn't look to be so hard yet the iron could not pierce its hide. It roared at them, high pitched and guttural with fangs being put on display. They were terribly sharp and dripped with salvia as its lips retracted back to expose more of the weapons. Anna pressed her hands against the window when its chest lit ominously sapphire traveling up to its neck. Mouth closed and as it inhaled deeply Anna screeched "Move!" The men must have had the same thought since it was impossible for them to hear her and retreated as it spewed hot looking blue and pink flames which seemed to escape its nostrils as well. The flames spread out below the building it resided on. It wasn't aiming at them? Anna didn't take time to calculate the creature's misfire and ran down the hall, the entire castle was in a frenzy. Once at the stairs Anna bumped against a chest sending her to the ground ungracefully. "Your majesty? Are you alright?" Mattias Panted helping Anna to her feet quickly surveying her for injury then looked down at the commotion of men rushing outside. "Oh yes I'm fine, I'm fine. What-" Anna began, hands raising to her head not quite touching it before halting, words seemed impossible to form for both of them at the moment.
Anna moved to head outside when Mattias ignored protocol and impeded her physically. She looked up at him daringly but he met her gaze with kind worry. Concern was an understatement for the man. "Your majesty, I couldn't possibly let you go out there with that-" as if punctuating his sentence another roar followed by bellowing of men traveled to them. While he was distracted Anna took the sword from his sheath, hiding a wince. The sword was heavier than expected
She hurt her shoulder brandishing the weapon so caviler. "My husband is out there Mattias, and so are my people I refuse to hide here while they're in danger." She resolutely held the sword in two hands with a determined scowl. Sighing he had seen that look before. What was more dangerous, rock trolls or a mysterious monster that controlled the fire of Hel itself.
"Your Majesty," a soldier bowed to Anna, he hid his surprise quite well at the sight of his queen but Anna still caught it she chose not to take offense. He then turned to the his military superior. "General Mattias, the creature has moved to the north side of the city." He reported, his chest showed that his breaths were haggard and fatigued, as soot clung to his once neat uniform and face.
"Should we evacuate?" Anna asked. Mattias looked around at the destruction. "I don't know yet, it doesn't seem able to completely demolish buildings. Any causalities?" The soldier shook his head drawing a relieved sigh from Anna. Yet wasn't that odd? She kept her thoughts to herself just willing to be grateful of the oddity. Her eyes glanced back searching for any sign of Kristoff, Olaf and Sven. "Just a few injured but I don't think we'll have to amputate this time sir." Mattias chuckled shortly at the soldier's ability to wisecrack in a situation like this while Anna gave a small grin.
"I have to go find Kristoff, on the way I'll start guiding people to the castle for refuge." Anna declared. Her general nodded in her direction. "We'll spread the word to those residing on the north side, and hopefully either drive the monster out or slay it." Anna frowned. She didn't like the word monster even if it wasn't in reference to Elsa. Still she grunted in confirmation and ran eastward toward the castle yelling instructions in the streets to meet her there for shelter.
Mattias and the soldier winced at how she was swinging the sword around in during her sprint.
"You aren't supposed to be here you know!" Nokk neighed wildly as if in agreement with Elsa. She raised her hand blocking the alternative path the animals tried to take. Halting on their hindquarters they quickly diverted to the correct way. They growled and yipped as Elsa rode behind them brow set downard. At first it was quite confusing for them being chased by a prey animal but Nokk was not and never had been anyone's prey.
Her eyes scanned ahead for any cracks or nooks a wolf could slip thr- "Oh for crying out loud!" She exclaimed as one did exactly that. She leaned down caressing Nokk's neck. "Keep them in the right direction, don't hesitate to give them a little bath if they give you trouble." He grunted glancing back at her slowing down only slightly so she could hop off and chase the wayward wolf. To keep up Elsa created a slip stream of ice to glide on into a small ravine. The wolf whined at the inconvenience of the dead end being nothing more but a sheer wall of rocks. "I told you not to come this way." The calm voice earned a growl but the spirit remained resolute. His haunches raised and ears lowered. Sensing his tightening stance and impeding charge, an ice pillar was erected just in time which Elsa stood upon. The animal looked confused at first then to Elsa's surprise looked up and tried jumping at her snapping his jaw audibly. Elsa smiled shaking her head. She wondered if he was this much trouble for his family. Despite his fruitless efforts to bite her he banged his head at the base only stepping away to paw at his ears.. She frowned looking down. "Stop that." She berates. "You'll hurt yourself." Jumping down the pillar lowered while Elsa began slowly stepping to left. The wolf copied her, their gazes on each other never wavering. She continued the dance until his back was to the way they came from. "Go on you, back to your pack." She commanded softly yet held firm. He barked saliva flinging from his jaws. Elsa smiled at his stubbornness. More bull than wolf.
A fast spritz of fire alit along the ground and stopped by Elsa's side. "Hey big guy." Bruni didn't greet her back and charged the wolf with his back alit in pink and purple flames screeching a supposed war cry. The wolf yelped at the heat and sprinted back to the pack but they'd trail him just to be sure. "You coulda got here earlier you know?" Animals did tend to fear fire more than ice.
Bruni squeaks climbing up her dark blue pants leg to her neck. Elsa chuckled casting some ice over her shoulder extinguishing Bruni's lingering flames. He started to complain so she doused his mouth with snowflakes before taking off in an easy jog after the pack.
The rain brought on a extra giddy canter to Nokk's steps while Bruni slept behind her hair like a curtain. Her body was sore from the days exertion and Nokk's bounce didn't placate it by any means but he was having fun and she wouldn't ruin it. Elsa cracked open one eye to see even his head was swinging to some imaginary beat. Moments like this were rare for the usually stoic steed, who only played with her and Bruni. He's probably just humoring us if anything.
Picking up the pace so she could make it to Arendelle before the sun completely set would only be possible if she took the shortcut by sea.
Entering Northuldra, Honeymaren waved at Elsa as she trotted by. "Elsa you better hurry Anna sent a second letter this time, so someone's in trouble." she waved the sealed parchment allowing Gale to carry it over to Elsa who playfully winced and thanked them both, stating she would read it once she reported her success to Yelena. As she made her way through the village she saw the others taking refuge in their huts and shelters as the rain became heavier.
Going inside of Yelena's tent the woman was looking over a map on the wall marking what looked to be the canyon Elsa herded the wolves through. "Hello Elsa, how was it?" She asked calmly.
Elsa was careful to freeze the water she was soaked in and flung it outside to not damage the soft carpet. "Well we trailed them all the way back to the path which would lead them to the base of the north mountain and to the north woods, but I don't doubt that they'll be back. Unmarked territory with prey animals would be far too tempting for them to resists." Still Elsa didn't worry about the wolves or other animals that wandered in to the enchanted forest, since slowly but surely they would be reintroduced to ecosystem by Elsa and the other spirits when the time was right, and as well when the Northuldrans were properly educated about the different species.
"Yes well, hopefully animals are all that wander in." Yelena thought solemnly as she finished marking the path with a circle from where the wolves entered and left the territory. "You're probably eager to get to your sister so I won't keep you. Thank you Elsa."
Elsa smiled warmly. "All in a day's work." Outside underneath a tree she opened Anna's letter which Bruni sniffed curiously. "How mad do you think she'll be this time?" She asked Gale who was swirling rather oddly in her hair. The wind didn't feel playful as it usually was, more stressed and strained if anything. Humming Elsa looked down and began reading. The more she read the quicker her breath became before she stopped altogether dropping the letter into the wet grass.
Ryder yelped jumping into his sister's arms as Elsa rode Nokk dangerously fast past them. They looked after her quizzical at the sudden and abrupt behavior. Glancing at each other neither had an answer.
Anna heard cheers erupt as Elsa galloped into the castle courtyard worry furrowing her brow. She leapt down from Nokk who neighed and began counting on the cobblestone. She was enveloped in a tight hug but it was welcomed as the comforting chill and scent of her sister wafted her senses. She exhaled heavily. "Are you okay?" Elsa said into her hair. She nodded not wanting to break the embrace. Elsa pulled away slightly scanning around. "Is Olaf alright, what of Kristoff and Sven?"
"All fine." Anna confirmed. "Kristoff is helping Matthias calm everyone. And Olaf is calming Sven."
"Elsa!" Elsa smiled as the snowman grabbed her legs. "I stand corrected." Anna said. Elsa knelt and hugged him until his attention was turned to Nokk. "And Puddles!" he squeezed Nokk's leg who slowly lifted it from his grasp. "You know I feel like we don't ever hangout."
"Whoa." Elsa took in the damages caused by the supposed creature. Roofs were destroyed with debris laying here and there, the rain turned out to be very serendipitous indeed having drowned the flames. "What happened?"
Anna grabbed her hand and began leading her inside. "You're going to want to sit down for this one."
Elsa shook her head. "I don't think that's going to be true." If anything she was sure the details of the attack would cause her to stand of all things but she let Anna lead her to what used to be her study. It was less organized and evidence of Anna making herself quite comfortable over the years was evident. From the books out of alphabetical order to a plate that surprisingly was left with one scone which had a bite in it. Elsa pointed to it as Anna basically plopped down with a huff. "Was that yours?" She asked crafting a chair to sit beside Anna who nodded. Elsa delicately took it and began eating. She waited patiently for Anna to begin. She retold the events that happened a few hours earlier. Elsa remained hooked on every word leaning closer. "How did they escape?"
"Come on men! Don't let it escape your sights!" Arrows knocked against crossbows and bows aimed at the beast as it skidded rather clumsily from rooftop to rooftop. Until it ran out of space to jump It turned and the familiar glow rose up in it's chest. Mattias cupped his mouth to amplify his voice. "Take cover!' he ordered. The men yelled ducking into alleys as others who didn't have a choice dove into the water. Mattias gritted his teeth as heat blazed near the gutter he hunkered down in. Satisfied that pursuit was now impossible due to the flames it jumped from the roof and ran as best it could along the bridge. Mattias watched as it limped into the treeline.
Elsa grabbed Anna's shoulders and pulled her close. This was all her fault she concluded, if she could have been on time she could have maybe hel- "Stop it." A soft voice pulled her back to see Anna eyeing her gently yet forthcoming with her displeasure. Elsa sighed, it wasn't often as before she'd fall into self deprecation but during extremely specific situations such as these the old habit wormed its way back to mind in order to attempt and replant itself growing weeds of doubt and guilt. "I'll find them Anna." Elsa promised looking forward. "Elsa we don't even know what it is-"
"But we have a description. I can track them down and drive them away. If fire is their main weapon then I'm the best defense we have against them." Anna sighed then reached up and flicked her forehead. Elsa's neck retracted back then she glanced to the side at her. "Anna, I'm not just meant to protect the enchanted forest but Arendelle as we-"
"That wasn't for our previous discussion which isn't over by the way, but cause you were late to game night." Elsa made an oh face then gave an apologetic smile. "I'll try to avoid that."
"What kept you anyways?"
"I was herding a pack of wolves." Anna sat up then frowned. Her mouth opened then closed several times putting her hands in her lap. "What?" she finally asked turning her head.
Elsa chuckled and then explained her and the spirits conservation efforts to reintroduce the Enchanted forest into a stable ecosystem. She left out Yelena's worries of humans finding it and exploiting it angering the spirits once again. Elsa then would remind her that she too was a spirit and would not only protect the forest but educate potential visitors of it's importance, how crucial it was to keep the bond between man and nature alive and strong.
That night however Elsa kept diligent watch over Arendelle, as she sat perched up on her bed as Anna snored secured snuggly into her side. She gazed out the window. She would begin tracking the creature tomorrow morning, this was a thorn in her plans of staying in Arendelle for a few days but she had to protect her people, her family. She just hoped whoever was out there was in a listening mood.