Frozen Memories

by Xeir Zith

"It used to be when people spoke about magic we laughed them off, or locked them up, sometimes both, but we never took them seriously. Maybe we should have. But I am getting ahead of myself, let me start at the beginning, with Elsa. The Templars have the upper hand. Who will protect the Heart of the Mountain, it all boils down to them, Elsa & Mark, they have brought us to the end"

5. Seqeunce 2 Memory 2

The Jellicle's Creed

IV

Frozen Memories

Sequence 2

Memory 2: The Icebreaker

12 July 2050

Arendelle Docks

Predawn

Matthew stood on the outlook, far above the Templar den below, he'd just slain the Templar Den commander. Another high ranking soldier. Thankfully he'd managed to do it during the night. Using his natural skills as an Assassin to do the deed. Climbing quickly up to the next level he hung for but a second or three before grabbing the man standing atop the rig. Reaching up quickly he ensnared the man and yanked the poor sod off the rooftop. One of these days. Matthew thought, I'm going to teach Elsa how to do this and put that sword to good proper use.

Elsa had surprised him the day he had arrived when she had summoned the Arendelle Guard to the Rink within the Castle Courtyard. It was not unexpected, but it was something that most never really thought about, Elsa was ready to retake her kingdom and now the Templars knew it. Even if it meant getting her hands dirty. Matthew could see already that the Marketplace and the castle districts along with the recently liberated Docks were thriving more than they had ever been.

He'd just lit the signal fire for the Arendelle Port, it had taken him nearly two weeks to reclaim the docks completely, both the Docks and the Port itself were under Assassin control, and thusly he began renovating shops and stalls. Vendors selling goods he made sure to keep active. And only those he renovated did he get a discount for the Assassins.

He was also at the port for reason due to ships coming and going, standing orders were given that all visitors were to speak with Kai in terms of greetings, along with brief introducing before moving on. If anyone was on the list that Kai held, they were instructed to seek out the man named Matthew at the Castle Ice Rink. Elsa in the l ast two weeks, had spent more time on the Ice rink with Matthew practsing between the two for hours each day until guests were brought up.

But this day was different. Matthew knew it was different because of the flag on a ship that was still a long ways from the docks. Barely seen out on the seas as it headed for Arendelle. But he recognised the flag. Snowfeather was to arrive any moment. And he was still renovating the Port. And yet. He now had the docks and port under his control as the signal fire was lit and he leaped into a haystack down below. He then headed for the docks as the ship drew nearer

Port of Arendelle Fjord

Aboard the Assassin ship Bluesparrow

Dawn

"Land ho!" Went the cry as the fjords of Arendelle were sighted. Snowfeather smiled. They were almost there. Word had been sent, and upon receiving the confirmation of the summons, they then left port at Alexandria in Egypt. Heading to Arendelle as planned. Snowfeather had some contracts that needed completion And in order to do it she brought along some of her retainers and recruits from Alexandria. One of them, known commonly among the Templars as The Scorpion, a man named Mark Wolfe, was onboard as her second in command.

Recently promoted to second rank Assassin of the Cairo Egypt Assassins, and assigned to Snowfeather in Alexandria from his own Den Master Trasuf. Mark was aiming to make a name for himself as an Assassin. He wanted to run his own Den in any city he could pick. But when Snowfeather summoned him to travel to Arendelle with her, the sound of the name itself made him wonder what the city was about.

Mark stood at the prow of the ship well before sunrise, every day the entire voyage, each morning before sunrise, Mark was on the Prow, staring ahead, thinking carefully over past contracts, present contracts, and what the name Arendelle meant in the real world. He'd studied the place carefully the last six weeks. The last two weeks of which were on the ship. At this point he knew the brief history of the kingom. Timelost in a manner of speaking. Its location alone, well north of Oslo Norway. Hidden amid the many fjords the country possessed. Technology had yet to make a solid footprint within the vast Kingdom.

That was where Mark was, on the prow, wondering what the name Arendelle meant, he knew it was both a Kingdom, and a port city. But what he did not know, was who ran it, and why it was still a Kingdom. The only thing he knew however was that the name of it made it sound rather, exotic, if one liked the subzero tempertures in the wintertime. Or the majestic vistas and fjords and lakes the country possessed. Or if one just liked to see Templars sinking to the bottom of the many fjords. Either one.

"Once more on the prow are we ?" Came a soft voice. That of Snowfeather Elisar, the Den Master of the Alexandria Egypt Assassins. Mark did not answer his Mentor, at least, not right away. Snowfeather continued. "Ever since Lansing went to Arendelle two weeks after Blackmane had. You have studied the place. I wonder of why, yet you never speak of it. So on our last day on this ship for time being. I want you to tell me what exactly you have learned on this trip."

Mark knew he could not keep secrets from his Mentor. So he said with his eyes locked on the city port far ahead. "Arendelle, the sound of it alone makes me wonder of its beauty, a Kingdom with a ruling matriarch. Yet, untouched by time or technology. Rumors of magic still at play as well I read often."

"Yes; there is magic here, similar to my own spells, but not entirely the same. You know of Lansing and his skills." Snowfeather said, Almost all the Brotherhood knew of Matthew Michaels powers over ice and snow and cold weather. Making it snow at any point to cool off a blisteringly hot day. "But I wonder why do you stand out here on the prow of the Bluesparrow, each morning when the sun rises ?"

"Because I want to see what is ahead. Why are wegoing to Arendelle, and what it holds for me ?" Mark said.

"For one thing, we were summoned, for another, we need to rebuild the brotherhood here. And for a third, I will let you find out what it holds for you. In the mean time, get your gear together. We will dock soon and I want you to be presentible. I hope you do not mind the cold."

"How can I mind the cold when you keep the air conditioning at minus 5 at the Alexandria Den ?" Mark grumbled. Snowfeather had been setting the thing at minus five or lower lately, possibly to get him ready for his next assignment ? Why Norway ? Arendelle was so far off the beaten path that it made little sense to the man. "Maybe you can answer a question for me Snowfeather." Mark said thoughtfully.

"Speak it then" Snowfeather replied. It was her way of teaching, letting the recruits speak their mind, learn as they speak with her of many topics. In this case, it was rather interesting to see and hear such questions. Because she liked mind games. Battle Chess she called it.

"Why Norway ? What importance is it to our cause ?" Mark asked. It did not really make much sense to him, Norway was out of the way, untouched it seemed, by technology and the passing years. So what importance did it have ?

"Actually that is two questions but I'll answer them both, I'll start with the second question. Norway itself is not important, some areas of it however are indeed quiet important. In this case, Arendelle. The country is still a kingdom, not a republic or similar. But a Kingdom. Before the british empire fell during the American revolution nearly three hundred years ago; they too were a Kingdom. It is ruled by a Queen, one skilled and powerful as well, not just with money or leadership, but with something else."

"Magic." Mark spoke up. Snowfeather turned to him. "You speak of magic, this Queen, possesses magic or a spell book, or maybe is a wizard ?" He said thoughtfully.

Snowfeather smiled, "When you meet her today I will let you figure it out. She is Lansing's student." Snowfeather rarely spoke Matthews real name and referred to him by the name of his den he mastered in Lansing. She turned to leave, but it was Marks voice that stopped her.

"You mean we're to meet with the leadership of Arendelle upon arrival rather than speak with Blackmane ? Why ?" Mark was confused, he was used to first getting to a location, finding the den, speaking with the den leader and then from there taking a path out to safety and hidden spaces to find his targets. So why was he going to meet with the Queen of Arendelle ? It made zero sense to the man, but he went along with it anyhow. He had no idea however just how deep into the snow he was about to get.

"Yes" Snowfeather replied, she turned to leave "Get your gear and meet me at the gangplank when we dock, our first task is to find Lansing and speak with him. I do believe he is watching for us already as it is." With that she left the prow and went to her quarters aboard the Bluesparrow. Leaving Mark to focus on his current objectives. In this case, gather his gear and wait for her at the gangplank upon docking in Arendelle.

With her back to him he knew she could hear him speak, so he spoke in Norse, which he'd learned well before arriving. He spoke to one of the crew, who looked at him as if in shock. But nodded and did as told. Two seconds later and there was a hilarious spluttering as Snowfeather found herself tossed over the side into the icy waters. But then with her spells and skills, she easily dried herself once back aboard. Mark though was busy getting his gear and Snowfeather was not a happy camper. However Mark smiled behind his facemask as a soaking wet Snowfeather slogged past his cabin aboard the Bluesparrow; she never looked his way.

Arendelle Docks

Midmorning

It was about two maybe three hours later when Elsa actually woke up in bed. The last two weeks had been a rush. Matthew was back, Blackmane was busy rebuilding several locations around the city, one of which Elsa actually tried to avoid rebuilding, but Blackmane insisted the reconstruction of the Courtesans' building in the Port District. She had tried to dissuade Blackmane, but the Assassin mentor heard none of it.

Insisting that the Courtesans served as means of getting information when Templar soldiers were around them. Elsa had given in after a day of debating it carefully, and seeing her friends' point. That and making sure that Anna was not to get involved with the Courtesans in any manner. Anna was above that for certain. Esla however had imposed a small tax on the Courtesans in regards to what information they found. They like everyone else had to pay a yearly tax on their building, though the percentage was not set, any information they gathered could also pay the tax once a year.

Elsa donned her battle dress. Matthew had told her, that as his student in the Assassin arts two weeks before. That she needed a new type of dress that was more suited for battle than for ruling a country. So she had created for herself using a suit of armor made for her needs; a battledress of pale silvery blue shot through with a shimmering of sapphire. It turned heads here and there, but not many really noticed it. Which was fine for her.

Well almost nobody noticed it. Gerda was rather against her making and wearing the battle dress as of that morning. "I must say my Queen, you are not going out in that outfit! It does not look proper the way a Queen should dress!" She said Elsa hjad to smile inside, It was the first time Gerda had ever seen the battle dress, much less heard she was making one.

"Relax Gerda, please, I'm Matthew's student again, he's the one that said I am to make a new means for me to dress when I study under his teaching. Relax, please. I will still wear my other dresses when not under Matthew." Elsa said, trying to calm Gerda, the elder maid was stern yes, after all Elsa had grown up with the maid doing everything for her when needed or called upon.

Gerda seemed to relent, then finally nodded "Very well my Queen, What will you need for me to do then ?"

"When it requires repairs, can you repair the cloth ?" There was only so much she could do with ice she shot into the dress she had worn when crowned Queen. "Like you did for my other dress a few weeks ago ?" Her normal dress, the one she had worn mostly since fleeing Arendelle seven years before had required repairs and extensive cleaning since that first attack in the dining room eight weeks before. So Gerda had carefully repaired and cleaned the dress and cape so skillfully that Elsa made sure that Gerda had only the best tailors in the Kingdom at her beck and call.

Gerda smiled then, something she could do for the Queen was indeed wonderful for her. "Of course Elsa, I will repair when needed. Unless you do it yourself. Hopefully replacing the cloth will be easier than the last time." Gerda had admitted there were no dyes that made the beautiful silvery blue cloth that Elsa had created when she made her Ice Palace seven years before. But Gerda had done her best, but even then Elsas normal wear was now a darker shade of sapphire green. But still glittery with ice

Elsa slid into the battle dress; it was similar to Matthews own Assassin outfit design. It was soft, on a whim she shot it through once more with a lighter shade of sapphire. Then it felt right. The steam floated off the cloth and ice she had just used. It was oddly warm that day. She had barely slept the night before due to the strange warmth outside and inside her room. Which caused her to cause a small blizzard at least to cool the room a bit.

Giving Gerda a hug Elsa left the room. It was, she mused, the first time Gerda had ever seen the battle dress to begin with. That made Elsa smile all the more. The last two weeks and Gerda never knew until just then. Heh. It was funny. Elsa went t othe stairs and started down. Nobody took notice of her. She seemed more intent on her training and did as Matthew instructed.

To see differnetly you must think differnetly. Look between the lines and see the true motives rang in her head. It was not Matthews teaching but Blackmanes. She did just that. Focusing her senses she noticed strange outlines around several soldiers of the Arendelle Guard. All of them pale blue, friends ? Elsa blinked and her vision returned to normal. She needed to see Matthew; her sight never did that before.

She headed for the marketplace, Matthew said to meet her there at morning when she got up, he was constantly wandering the Port, the Docks, and the Marketplace districts renovating shops and reopening empty faction buildings. She was still iffy when it came to the Courtesans, but Elsa decided to wait and see if they could prove their worth. She practised mostly how to blend in as people moved about, None really took notice of her as she moved through the Castle and out into the Marketplace district.

She saw Matthew, briefly as he swan dove off a tower at the Port district and headed in that direction. He'd been out all morning and said to meet her at the Port District Den. It made sense to focus on the areas closer to the castle to clear out and reopen sooner than the other districts. The Arko district devided the main part of the city itself from the castle and port by a single long bridge.

Arendelle sat on a total of two, maybe three islands plus the mainland, the castle itself sat on the furthest island from the mainland, connected to it by way of the Bridge that went from the Castle Gates, and the Marketplace District, to the Port and Dock Districts, and then from there to Arko District, which was more of the Arendelle Guards living areas than a district, there was no shops there, but there were plenty of empty faction buildings in the district. It was the primary residental area for the Arendelle Guard.

Each district had towers that poked out at the sky far above. Some of which had signal fire stands within their peaks. One of which Elsa had watched Matthew light not two weeks before when he liberated the Docks from the Templars, and then that morning, or rather, she mused, the night before when he had her help him. He taught her how to look at her surroundings to climb up unhindered and to light the signal fire when he gave the word to do so. Which she had. And it scared her on how to get down. But she had seen him do it at the time.

She had done it all, waited for his word to light the fire after climbing up and lighting the signal fire. Matthew had explained that when the signal fire was lit, it told all Templars within the district to clear out before fighting occurred. However, the only way to light the signal fire was to eliminate the Templar Captain in command of that district. But it was when she was at the top of the tower and had lit the signal fire when she froze in her tracks, it was a long way down. She'd spotted the hay pile, sure, that was easy enough, they were all over the Kingdom. Apparently by tall towers and all stables. She'd seen Matthew do it more than a dozen times. She took a deep breath and pushed off the ledge. Flipping onto her back she had landed perfectly in the haystack

Elsa shook her head to break herself back to the present. The night before was a rush of motion, learning, and experience to earn as Matthew called it, ever since he took her back under his wing, he had not just taught her, but had also begun training her in secret arts that only he and Blackmane really knew about. Of course she had seen him in combat. She smiled, the way he used her sword she'd made of ice was amazingly skilled. Like a dance. She could not get his movements out of her mind.

In fact she was so focused on her memories, on Matthew once more teaching her, that she failed to notice walking through a bilzzard. Well, first off, the cold never bothered her to begin with. That and Matthew was also a bit focused as well trying to renovate a tunnel entry.

"It is about time you woke up." Matthew said from behind her. He'd felt her pass through him. Being the master of ice and snow allowed things to pass through him, including people, completely harmlessly. Which allowed for him to do some fun. For example, taking down the Templar soldiers. However more had filled their ranks in recent days.

Elsa stopped in her tracks. Without turning she smiled, saying. "You're the one that kept me up almost all night. don't you remember. Lighting the fire, clearing out the Port. Beginning renovations." She turned to face him, Matthew had just finished work on a tunnel door. It looked quite nice in fact. At least as far as she was able to tell. "Still renovating ?" Elsa asked.

Matthew stood. "Yes, this time I am repairing some tunnel entries, a few wells in this district were also repaired and replaced in some areas. They needed it I'll be honest with you there." Matthew said, he rattled off a short list of shops he had renovated, three tailors, six art merchants, nine blacksmiths, four doctors and ten faction buildings, after Elsa was still the Queen; and sometimes she needed to be informed, even though she was also a recruit to the Brotherhood to begin with. Finally he said "What kept you ?"

Elsa didn't smile, Instead she sighed and rubbed her neck, "Woke up late, it was well after breakfast when I got up. Ran into Gerda." Elsa then explained how Gerda reacted at first to the battledress. Having never seen it until that morning. "She was pretty insistent that I wear something less revealing. But after I explained that I'm your student again and its required for my studies she relented. I then asked her if she could make repairs to it as time progresses as well. She agreed." Elsa said.

Matthew nodded, he personally liked what Elsa had come up with. Neatly tight fitting cloth covered her legs, torso and arms. Designed after his own outfit pattern he noticed that right away when she first made it two weeks before. She was trying to mimic his own outfit pattern. Ontop of that, reveal a bit more like her dress had. Of course the silvergreen dress needed repairs and cleaning, Gerda was marvalus at such a task. "I think it works out good enough." He said. "though I can image that Gerda was not happy at how you looked to her. After all, she had yet to see you wearing that. I for one will not judge, I will however state that you look every bit an Assassin if I say so myself."

That made Elsa smile. So she then asked "What are you waiting for now ?"

"Our guests are shortly to arrive at the Marketplace district, their ship has just docked. We'll find them there." Matthew replied, then he saw the thoughtful look on Elsa's face. "What is it ?" Elsa then explained her sudden almost black and white vision and the blue outlines around some of the Guards at the Castle. Matthew smiled. "You're learning then it seems. You see, every Assassin has the ability to see beyond normal vision. You possess the ability as well. I think it will soon come natural to you the more you use it."

"But I only remembered that you said to think of things different, to see different. Or some such." Elsa replied. Matthew had to smile, she was still his student, but there was only so much he himself could teach to her.

"You are still learning, and yes, it is one way to see things differently. Come. Let us meet with our new arrivals, there is someone I want you to meet." With that Matthew lead the way through various crowds of people as they moved from the Port to the marketplace. It was time to make some new friends. That, and for Matthew, gain some help in protecting someone important.

Two men however sat at a side table at one of the many outside eating places within the Port District. Both men were watching Matthew, and his new apprentice, rather carefully. Both men were dressed in commonr clothing, yet they were everything but commenors. They continued to observe as Matthew and Elsa left their sight. But they did not get up to follow. Not yet, it was not yet time. They still had work to do before they could follow their targets.

Arendelle Castle Marketplace

Noon

It was nearing noon when the ship finally pulled into port, Mark saw the signal fire far above on a tower with a ledge poking out the side. A viewpoint. It was natural to seek the things out as quickly as possible when visiting a new area. But this was Arendelle, he'd seen the castle as they got into Port, as massive as it was almost all of it was a pale bluish hue in color. Some areas he saw, were completely made of glass, or was it ice ? This part of the world it got deathly cold at night during the winter. In this case however. It was something more to this place than what met the eye on first glance.

"We're here" Snowfeather said as the gangplank was lowered into place. Mark turned to her as she continued speaking, taking some of her gear, as he was, after all, in her retinu to begin with. "Our first task is to speak with Lansing and the Queen. Be on your best manners. This wont be a walk in the park, and the Queen is no pushover either." She told him, Mark nodded. Orders were orders. Snowfeather continued. "Next thing to remember is view points, after we meet the queen and with Lansing, you are to find the nearest viewpoint and get the lay of the land as quickly as you are able. Try and not let anyone see you do it. We're trying to make friends here, not enemies."

"And yet by the look of things, our enemies are here already." Mark pointed towards a tower not far away in another district, Arko he later learned. It was next on Elsa's agenda to clear of Templar Influence.

When Snowfeather caught sight of the tower a hand went to her forehad, Finally she spoke "Alright, new plan, after we meet with the Queen, light that signal fire as quickly as possible without starting a fight in that area whatsoever. Best case scenario we get through without getting noticed at all, worst case scenario, well, there is already blood on our hands as it is." Snowfeather stepped down the gangplank, Mark right behind her. She continued speaking "Take down the Templar Captain or Overseer in the area of that tower, but do so while undetected. It will be the only way to finish this. If the Templars are here than our job just got harder. Come, let us meet with Lansing. No doubt he is waiting for us now." Mark nodded and fell in step behind Snowfeather.

The two of them moved through the throng on the docks and headed after inquiry towards the castle, where the Marketplace District was located. They did not go far however when they came across some ice on the road. Someone had just been through there. Someone with really incredible powers to leave ice on the roadway like that. It looked like a puddle of water. But it was actually ice cold to the touch, and solid as well.

What was interesting was the small convoy of sorts of people. Consisting of Mark, his Den Master, Snowfeather, the elder twin sister of Blackmane, and her retainers and supprt personel. Whom were sent to either remain on the ship, or go to the nearest den. Which was easier said than done. As there were many dead being moved out from a recent combat zone.

Walking in step behind Snowfeather, Mark took in everything around him, from the sights of the buildings, to the sounds and smells. And the most interesting things to see. A snowman chasing a butterfly ran by to his left. Two men were sitting under a large umbrella. Another man was selling really beautiful designed rugs... Wait a second! A snowman chasing a butterfly ? Mark turned his gaze quickly and tapped Snowfeather on the shoulder "Am I seeing things ?"

"Seeing things ?" Snowfeather asked him ? She too had noticed the snowman run past chasing the butterfly. She smiled, "What does your heart tell you ?"

"Nothing, its my mind I am worried about, I have never seen a snowman outside of winter chasing a butterfly." Mark said quietly as the two walked along. They did not have much further to go however as they soon came upon a man and two women not far ahead within the Marketplace District. One of the women Snowfeather saw, was redhaired, yet Snowfeather saw clearly the redhead had a stubborn streak. She could not see the other womans face or hair, due to being behind the woman, but then she knew the Queen was standing before her regarding the look and feel of ice on the womans clothing. Apparently emotions played a strong part between these two.

Snowfeather listened to their conversation carefully. "No Anna, I don't want you getting mixed up with the Courtesans. Its bad enough we have them in the kingdom anyway, but Blackmane insisted, saying that the Templars fall for them all the time and give out secrets. If I want to retake my kingdom, our kingdom, our home, then we have to do this the right way." The woman with her back to Snowfeather said.

"But Elsa! You heard what Miri said when she brought us the information! There's a Templar Tower in Arko. That's the most residental district in the kingdom on any of the islands!" Anna said. She wanted to go herself and clear the area. But Elsa said no.

"No" Elsa said, shaking her head "For one thing it is too dangerous, Yes you came after me when I fled seven years ago, but taking on a Templar is not a good idea. Let Matthew or Blackmane do it. Please." Elsa siad, That seemed to hold her sister over, for the moment when Matthew spoke up.

"I agree with Anna on this one, the Templars currently hold a very important location, the residental district of the Arendelle Guard is within the Arko district, or is it the Arko District itself ?" Seeing Anna mouthing 'it is district itself' he slightly corrected himself. "I will see to it then that one of my own Brotherhood take care of it, if not myself, as I have to protect you both as per my promise to your father." Snowfeather noticed that mere mention of their parents made Anna seemingly look away and nod. Her sister was right. A tear unseen streaked from her eyes.

Snowfeather chose that time to step into view. "It is good to see you again Lansing. I see you have begun cleaning out the Templar trash." She said. "The last time I was here this area needed cleaning, yet none were here to do it."

Matthew smiled at her voice, he turned in greeting and stepped forwards, The two of them hugged briefly. Turning to Elsa and Anna he said, "Snowfeather, allow me to introduce you to Princess Anna, and Queen Elsa." He said.

"Hi" Anna said, giving a quick wave, she looked over Mark, the hooded man reminded her of Matthew, though at the moment Matthew's hood was down for the time being. Snowfeather smiled and nodded in greeting to the two as Elsa removed her own hood from her battledress.

Even in the battle dress, Elsa was barefoot. She sometimes just did not want to wear shoes at all, they pinched her feet at times, even when she had iced them over or made her own pair of shoes to wear. Even in the battledress, which looked to have shoes of some form, Elsa was actually barefoot at the moment. Nevertheless. Elsa's bright sapphire eyes caught Marks vision, and he just stood and stared. Transfixed on her face. Soft skin, beautiful eyes, bright blond hair shot through with crystals of ice and snow. Apparently one in charge as she was apparently the queen.

"Welcome to Arendelle" Elsa said to Snowfeather in greeting as the other woman bowed slightly in greeting to her, "I assume that you know each other or work together ?" She said to Matthew. Matthew nodded. "You look familiar to me. And yet I cannot place you." Elsa said to Snowfeather. "Why is that ?"

"You must mean my sister, Blackmane. She might have mentioned me, no ?" Snowfeather said, at Elsas shake of the head however Snowfeather introduced herself formally, "Snowfeather Elisar at your service your highness. Mentor and Master of the Alexandria Assassins to the far south."

"Yes; I have met Blackmane, "Elsa said with a nod, "It is rather unexpected that sending out the dagger would bring this many to us because of one man that troubled us at the time." Snowfeather glanced to Matthew, he merely mouthed, 'I'll tell you later' She gave him a look that said 'you'd better' Matthew just smiled.

"I will explain it later." Matthew said cutting off the gossip and memory in one shot. That was also helpful to Elsa as it felt oddly chill all of a sudden. "Now then, who is this silent one with you ?" Matthew asked, turning his gaze to Mark. The latter of whom could not take his eyes off Elsa's fair face at all.

At least not until Snowfeather all but slammed a open fist into his stomach to get his attention, mentally breaking off his staring he turned to Matthew and with a nod he merely stood silent as Snowfeather introduced him. "This is Mark Wolfe. Of Cairo Dens assigned to me in Alexandria. When Blackmane sent the summons for us to travel here, I brought him with me. I think he will do nicely here."

Matthew nodded, he liked the idea of more Assassins taking over the recently librated dens. With him and Blackmane at the headquarters den just outside the Marketplace district; they were spread thin as it was already. Even though they just opened up two new dens in the Ports and Docks

When Mark was introduced he at first looked to Matthew then to Princess Anna and her sister, So one of these two were the Queen ? They were sisters, which was the Queen and should he bow ?

Elsa beat him to his unasked question saying simply "It is nice to meet you Master Wolfe. I am Queen Elsa, of Arendelle, and this is my sister, Princess Anna." She said, giving rather more formal introductions. When he started to bow however, Elsa said simply, "Please, there is no need to worry of formalitty here; Not when I am in this garb at least." Well that saved him from one thing, he did not ever break his gaze off her beautiful face. "Matthew."

Elsa turned to Matthew who made to leave the area to visit the newly librated Den within the Port to assign a Den Master to it. And also to recruit and send out contracts. Blackmane was also in need of his advice as well concerning some old friends. He halted when he heard his name called and turned to face her. "Yes your highness ?"

"Get word to Blackmane that I want to speak with her about something. In private. It is quit important as well between the two of us, but I want to speak with Blackmane first concerning something for the Kingdom." Miri was one of the more trusting Courtesans, and had supplied Elsa with really strong information about Prince Hans that morning. Information that Anna wanted to act on.

"As you wish. I will let Blackmane know. My lady." Matthew then bowed, there was no way that Elsa could keep him from doing so because she was Queen, and when she gave orders, he naturally bowed upon taking them. And there was nothing she could do to tell him not to bow as he said it was force of habit and just to let it go. Which made her smile when he mentioned that tune.

All the while Mark never took his eyes off Elsa's face, her eyes mesmerised him completely, her voice sounded like a creekside, gentle yet powerful. As even a peaceful creekside could turn into a raging flash flood at the drop of a hat. He found himself wondering first and formost how old she was, and how she became Queen of such an exansive and Templar laden kingdom. Then he found himself standing on the side of a market staff with Snowfeather speaking to him. But he did not hear Snowfeathers voice, no he heard, at least for a moment longer, Elsas own voice in his ears; at least until Snowfeather slugged him in the stomach.

WHACK. That got his attention as Snowfeather repeated herself. "Are you staring at the Queen ?" She asked.

Mark smiled behind his mask "Well," he said, removing his hood, since they were in the presences of the royals. "They say that honesty is the best policy" That earned him another shot to the stomach, he made a mental note to visit a blacksmith as soon as he was able. Catching his breath he gasped out "I hope mine's paid up."

"Stop staring, its rude and judging by nature of things, causing some unpleasent feelings for our Queen." Snowfeather said, indicating frost spreading from Elsas barefeet. Though to everyone around her it looked as if she wore armored shoes, but it was just a front, she was barefoot and not even Gerda knew, yet. Mark straightened up and regained his breath, Snowfeather spoke up "Begging your pardons your Majesties, I and my fellow here have something impoirtant to attend to, where shall we see you again ?" Snowfeather said, apparently taking charge of the scene.

Anna and Elsa traded looks before Anna spoke up "if we're not here, we're either in the Castle Marketplace or the Castle Ice Rink Courtyard. If not in either place, well, Try not to chase butterflies." She stepped back as a butterfly darted past. Olaf right behind on Svens back.

Mark stared again, but this time at the talking snowman on the most MASSIVE reindeer he had ever seen in his life. A talking snowman chasing a butterfly while riding a reindeer the size of a small car. Ok... That is a new one. What made him stare all the more was how the towns people acted around the snowman. It was confusing.

Elsa just smiled, reached out to her sister and turned her around "Back to the castle with you sis, I'm coming with you. Gerda said something about some guests from Oslo I need to speak with. I want you there with me." Her sapphire eyes then looked towards Snowfeather and very briefly locked with Marks own bown ones. And for the briefest of moments, Mark felt the world fall away around him.

But it was so brief as Elsa broke the connection as she spoke towards Snowfeather. "Anna is right." She said, "You'll find us at the Castle, just speak with Kai or Gerda and give them this" Elsa crafted out of thin air a snowflake of sorts, with it was the Arendelle flag emblazed upon the ice crystal. "They'll instruct you from there."

Snowfeather accepted the crest and bowed, Mark too bowed as the two royals then left the area. "Well" Mark said thoughtfully "That went well"

"Yes" Snowfeather said, examining the Arendelle crest that Elsa had given her. Completely made from nothing but ice, it was cool to the touch yet never to melt, it was a very beautiful thing. "It went better than expected, come, let us find Lansing and Blackmane"

Arendelle Castle Icerink

Midafternoon

It was five minutes to three when Elsa had changed clothing, into her normal Queenly dress, The shimmering silvery blue dress was recently repaired and felt slightly heavy, With a flick of her hands ice flowed and her dress felt proper. And a bit brighter. She went to the mirror and made sure her hair was neat; Forget putting it in a bun She thought, those days were long over. A single braid was all it took. That was all she really needed. And then a brief shot of ice and a few snowflakes were intwined in her braid. Perfect. With that she closed the wardrobe and left her room.

Meeting up with Gerda, who had a few Guards helping her move items, in this case, several boxes and three bolts of heavy silk. "I see you are busy this afternoon Gerda. Will dinner be on time ? We have two more guests with us, or did Matthew not inform ?"

"Master Michaels had informed Kai of our two guests for dinner this evening and saw to it that the chef was also informed. And you have two men wishing to speak with you, they say they are from Oslo and must speak with you as it is rather important and urgent that they speak with you and you alone. Preferably with Master Michaels present or at least one of the Assassins present."

Elsa thought but a moment, briefly remembering deep brown eyes before focusing and nodding, "Both myself and an Assassin will be present with them, After all, Matthew is teaching me, but not as he used to. Not to control my powers, but to use them to retake my Kingdom. So in a way, an Assassin will be present. Thank you Gerda." Elsa turned to leave, then she remembered "Oh, and Gerda, could you try to get hold of that shoemaker ? The last pair of shoes made for me hurt my feet, they pinched rather painfully."

Gerda smiled and nodded "Of course your majesty. I will inform them at once." Gerda knew then that Elsa was barefoot and could easily conjure some shoes from ice if she needed them.

With that Elsa turned on her heel and went to the throne room. Where her guests were waiting. Two people she did not expect to see as she entered. Anna knew the plan, wait two minutes then storm in ready to tackle whoever threatened her to the ground. But seeing who was there. The two men, brothers of Prince Hans, brothers that stood against everything Prince Hans family stood for; were waiting in the throne room.

Rather than allow Anna to enter within two minutes or at the sound of a threat. Elsa cast a snowflake lock on the door as she closed it behind her. She recognised Tuni instantly, mostly by his whistles when she entered, the wolf whistle the man gave off when she turned and locked the door only made her stiffen slightly before turning to look at the two. "Alright, Brun, why are you here ? Does your brother know ?"

"Hans knows nothing of why we're here; as far as our little brother knows, we're somewhere in Sweden hunting with Uncle Mack. Go ahead Tuni, tell her" Brun said, Elsa just looked at Brun, tell me what ? Was written all over her face. Tuni went into a long five minute spell of whistles and motions, and also spitting noises before finally nodding and pointing at Elsa, but all he got in return was a confused raised eyebrow. Looking to Brun for a translation Elsa moved towards the thrones. Taking a seat on the lower steps leading to the twin high backed chairs.

Brun motioned off Tuni, "She don't understand plain english. Elsa! Listen, you're in danger, your lifes hanging by a thread!" Brun said.

"Yeah, so is that dagger." Elsa jerked a thumb at the dagger where it hung over the twin throne chairs. She gave a dirty look to Brun. "What is this about Brun ? Why are you two here ?"

"Its the CIA." Brun said. With Tuni whistling and giving notes of what Brun mostly figured out through his brothers motions and whistles. Brun explained "The CIA tracked where the dagger was sent out of. We hard of it thanks to intercepting our younger brothers messeges. He's got a CIA plant, and he got wind of its arrival and subsequent disappearance. He knows something is going on here, but what is going on has him clueless. He's got no idea whats happening here in Arendelle since seven years ago, he's been working in other cites, mostly traveling to Oslo and Stockholm recently though. And also to Weselton and Taveras. And more recently to Constantinople. Its only a matter of time before he turns his eyes back to Arendelle."

"Matthew told me he had to get it from the CIA, whatever that group was. How they could track it here..." Elsa said.

"Hans had seen the dagger once before, and once told of its design by his plant in the CIA of America he gave information of where it came from. Its only a matter of time now before they show up here, and when they arrive, Hans might as well use their arrival as a means to regain this location. He wants Arendelle for his own ends. Trying to take down you seven years ago would have awarded him with a place ot call not just home, but a base of operations for his fellow Templars. His true motive is unclear. But the Duke however. He is in with him on the plot most likely." Brun explained.

Elsa looked up to the older man, "If your brother or the Duke step one foot within my boundry, I will know it. Best to advise your child of a brother that what he is doing is unwise." Elsa said, she stood up. Tuni whistled something from by the window and ducked away from it, turning to him Brun translated that he saw something he didn't really like and wanted to get away from the window.

It was a long moment before Elsa sighed and nodded. "Thank you Tuni, Brun, for telling me this, I'll inform Matthew. Now, you two must be tired after your journey. From the mountains of Sweden was it not ?" At Bruns nod Elsa went to the door and unlocked it, calling to Kai she ordered a room be made ready for two guests that night. And for the stables to be informed of a early morning pair that were to leave before sunrise. Brun thanked her and Tuni gave her a quick hug before the two followed Kai to their bedroom, both men went right to sleep.

Elsa herself remained in the throne room for a few moments long, her gaze looking to the dagger where it hung over her parents thrones. A single tear streaked down her face as she remembered the story, her mothers face as she told it. She hoped that the tale was true. Even though Matthew was back, and Snowfeather, and Blackmane, who was mentioned in the legend. No, no longer a hope, but knowing. It was true, the entire legend was true. Elsa knew it in her heart.

With that thought, she turned and left the throne room. Giving one more look to her parents thrones; and briefly, briefly she thought she saw her parents greeting guests before her accident with her sister. Elsa went to the door, stepped out, and then gently closed it behind her. Then, turning swiftly, she went back to her bedroom, closed the door, and sat against it, and sobbed. She missed her parents. It was ten years before they had died on that fateful trip.