Jellicle's Creed
Frozen Memories
Seqeunce 5
Memory 2: Elsa's Birthday Bash part 1
19 December 2051
Arendelle
Malo District
Early evening
It was tense to say in the least, Locked sword to sword with a man twice her weight easily, The Templar Captain, a man named Valios, had a dark smile on his face. Oh he'd get promoted for this for sure! Take down the Queen herself in Malos district, perfect! Sword to sword the larger man kept his hilt pointed at her chest, but with the movement of them both Elsa's necklace hung directly in the path of the hollow crossguard. Elsa was so focused on Valios face and trying to keep her feet to notice much of anything else if at all. She had no idea what she was in for.
Mark quickly drew his sword and withdrew from his coat the glock he'd retrieved from the Templar, flipping the safety off as he held it in his left hand and held his sword in his right, ready to parry anything that came towards him while the group of Arendelle Guards formed up behind him. His eyes blazed bronze fiercely as Ulnaus landed on his shoulder and carefully put his hood up before flying off.
This was one hell of a stand-off.
The Templar captain smiled a wicked smile, shouting a fast order to his men he started to push Elsa backwards on her ice. just enough so his men could get around him, Glancing quickly to her left Elsa was tempted to summon more ice, but it was hard enough to focus and remain in one spot with the weight of the huge templar captain trying to take her down on his own. Well two could play at this game. She started to push back.
Valios hands gripped his sword hilt tightly, one of them pressing on the flat of his blade to push on Elsa with as much weight as he was able to summon, which was really just himself, the other hand shifted his grip, moving slightly, Elsa heard a soft click and felt it through her sword as well. At the very last second she broke contact with the massive sword, A shot rang out, masked by the music all around as Valios fired the hidden pistol, there were three shots, one was lost. The man swore and chased after Elsa as she danced just out of his sight to his left.
Mark heard the click, and turned towards the captain, aiming the glock and shooting the first Templar he saw right in the head before charging forward; the Arendelle guards also charging forward to join in the newly started fray. Mark slashed the hamstrings of one Templar, and spun around, slamming a round-house kick at full power into the base of the man's neck, separating his brainstem from the rest of his body and killing him instantly before turning around, a sword blow glancing off of his gauntlet as he pointed the glock into another Templar's throat, a wild smirk on his face.
"Peek-a-boo!" Mark said rather darkly, causing a frightened whimper to be heard before Mark pulled the trigger again, blowing the man's neck clean out and splattering the Templar behind him, who upchucked as well while the bullet passed into his shoulder; causing his upchuck to be mixed with a scream, making it all the more painful as it came out. Mark stabbed his heart and then took off again towards the captain; he had to stop him before he harmed Elsa.
"Protect your home. Protect your family. Protect the Heart of the Mountain." Rang again in his mind; his boots glowing as his eyes blazed bronze brighter than normal, his movements becoming faster and lighter as he did so.
Valios chased after Elsa, hearing the sounds of battle behind him drowned out by the sounds of the music in the district, heck, a bomb could go off and nobody'd care in Malo District! He sliced through a barricade of ice that Elsa threw in his path, stalking forwards after her as she easily ducked through an open window, sadly Valios busted the door clean off his hinges, another shot rang out. And again he missed, shattering a lamp instead as Elsa kicked out from the side sending him sprawling to the ground before heading for the door.
Flicking around quickly she brought up her sword to block his next strike, only it proved just a bit too painful as a sharp crack was heard and her necklace hit her dead over her heart with a hard CRACK, she felt winded, reeling backwards against a pillar with a sudden pained cry, as the third and final shot recociched cleanly off her necklace her ice forming a fast shield off her hands to protect herself as Valios came on to her as she was leaning against a pillar. She ducked at the last second, Valios sword smashed into the marble.
Clutching at her chest Elsa hamstrung Valios but it wasn't enough to stop the massive man as his sword came down towards her as she toppled backwards onto all fours, her own sword dispelling, she caught the foot of another soldier, using the mans own weight against him she threw the Templar at his own captain as she scrambled backwards. Heart pounding.
The Templar that Elsa threw into Valios' way was cut clean in half as the massive man continued foward, raising his sword for another attack. That promotion was mere feet away! Click.
"Do it...I dare ya." Mark's voice was just barely a growl as he held the glock to Valios' head. "Even you can't take this shot. Not from this close." Mark's voice was deadly, and his own blade was already half-way through the huge man's wrists, all he'd need to do is twitch a half inch more and off come his hands.
"Mark, get down!" Diana suddenly called out, tackling the man to the ground as another shot rang out; this one from a Templar Gunner up on a rooftop nearby. Mark's blade was left in Valios' wrists, and the bullet that was intended for him smashed the ground next to Elsa's ear, bouncing in the other direction.
Valios halted his movement first when pain hit his hands and seeing the strange blade at his wrists, he dared not move. The click of the gun however he half smiled. Oh this was rich. This was very rich. "Nobody can, but dont make that think you aren't able to survive it either." Valios retorted gruffly. He was about to say more when the other woman shouted something and tackled the Assassin off his feet. Another shot rang out. Damnit, both missed! A shot like that could have even ended the queen! Elsa screamed as she turned away, Ice forming instantly as Diana screamed for Mark to get down as a bullet hit the pavement directly to her left, stone and brick exploding in a shower of rock and sparks
With a flick of his hands Valios lifted the sword to his mouth and yanked it out, blood pouring from his hands he picked his sword up again and ran for Elsa, sword raised, only to come to a sickening halt as Elsa's ice blade slammed home dead into his heart, ice spreading on his skin and within his body as he sank to his knees then toppled, Elsa's sword shattering as she dispelled it, right ontop of Elsa spread eagle, bleeding freely all over her.
Elsa grumbled something along the lines of "Dragoncrap I need a bath before the celebration tonight, now! Mark get this thing off me!" Elsa put both hands on Valios and tried to roll him off her, but he was too heavy and her feet were going to sleep already.
Mark shook his head and looked to Diana, blinking. "Thank you..." He said calmly as he stood, helping her to her feet before turning to Elsa as Ulnaus dealt with the gunner; tearing out his eyes and throat with his beak and talons while the Arendelle Guards forced the remaining Templars onto their knees to be arrested and later executed in the gallows.
With a grunt Mark pushed Valios off of Elsa, offering her a gauntleted hand. "I dunno; blood kind of looks good on you, if you don't mind my sayin' so." He said, smiling. "Gives you a... deadly type of look I don't see often enough in anyone." he said, shrugging. "But if you insist upon a bath, Ulnaus will gladly give you a lift to the Castle while I take Diana here to Roughwater, Georgina can get her cleaned up and recruited proper." He said calmly as Ulnaus landed next to them, the massive bird clicking his beak a few times, Mark snapped his fingers and squawked, pointing to the castle. Ulnaus nodded and waited for Elsa to climb aboard his back, wings spread out wide.
Elsa took Marks hand and with his help got back to her feet, briefly leaning on his as the blood spread on her dress, making it slightly darker in red but still ice bluish green to it. "I at least want to get it out of my hair thank you very much." One of her soldiers stepped forwards, In his hands was a large stack of orders. Each one had either her, or Mark, or Anna, or Snowfeather or any of the Recruits of the last seven months on them as wanted posters. Well crud.
Elsa nodded "Burn it all, dispose of the bodies here, wait until sunset, full dark in fact, to properly bury." Even though the Templars were originally Arendelle soldiers, they'd be treated as such. The soldiers nodded and got to work cleaning up the courtyard.
Elsa was about to say something when a loud screeching caught their attention, they all looked up at the rooftop, low as they were in this district to begin with there were birds, a few hawks, and a few sparrows flying around a small tower, the Templar Den was liberated with the death of Valios. But, one man got free, able to escape and report the fact that Elsa took down a very capable Templar soldier. Elsa looked at the low tower, and her face controred into a thoughtful look, "Great, firerope. Mark, can you light the signal fire ?" With Valios dead, the district was theirs!
Mar nodded and bowed calmly to Elsa. "It'll be lit before Ulnaus gets you home." He said calmly. "In that case, why don't you take Diana with you? I'm sure she'd like to meet Snowfeather or Blackmane, not Geogina." He said, making a gesture to suggest that Georgina's been drinking that day before smiling.
"Are you sure?" Diana asked.
"Yes, you'll be fine. Ulnaus can carry five of that guy; and he weighs at least a good ... 250lbs, easy." He said. Diana nodded and climbed onto Ulnaus's back, waiting for Elsa now. As this happened Mark took off into the night, vanishing from view without too much, if any noise, going across rooftops and cables and beams like they were nothing at all. Soon he reached the tower, climbed it, and, as promised, lit it before diving into the hay cart below.
Elsa nodded and climbed onto Ulnaus back, as the great Eagle took flight Elsa watched behind as a light orange smokey flare into being behind them in the darkness of the Malo District, it was a short flight later when they came to a calm good soft landing at the Castle oddly right at Elsas window to be exact. the massive balcony quite clean. Well this was unexpected. Gently hopping off Ulnaus she spoke "Here we are, Oddly at my bedroom balconey door." She had no idea why Ulnaus took them directly there, maybe it was because Blackmane was right there waiting for them ? Or was it the fact that there were guests already filtering in through the castle gates ?
"Its about time you showed up, Kai is going crazy getting things ready and Anna is looking for you." Blackmane said stepping into view of the two women, she took in Diana's rather filthy appearance "Let me guess, new recruit ?"
"Yes, Mark and I were doing a freerunning course in Malo, that signal fire not far from here," Elsa pointed in the direction where a faint fire could just barely be seen. "Mark stayed behind to light it. I need a bath before I see everyone downstairs though. This is Diana, can you help her get cleaned up for tonight ?" Elsa said, Blackmane nodded.
"Isn't Georgina the trainer for Arendelle ?" She asked however.
"Yes but Mark she she went on a drinking binge recently" Elsa replied to that Blackmane merely raised a dark eyebrow. Georgina drunk... oh dear. What had the Princess gotten herself into this time to drive her to drink ?
As Elsa and Diana got off of his back, Ulnaus took off again, heading for Mark. Within minutes Mark had returned, sliding off the Bird's back and nodding to Blackmane and everyone else. "Blackmane, so good to see you again." he said, smiling softly as he walked right through them towards his own room, where he would in turn get himself ready. He seemed rather giddy; his eyes blazed with a fire of passion and happiness. Something got him exited, but what was it?
Everyone would have to wait, he didn't say but a few words of greeting to everyone he passed by on his way to his quarters to put on his best Assassin Coat; he always travelled with at least three. This one in particular was mosly Black with deep, rich Forest Green details along the trim, and stripes swirling down the sleeves, paying homage to the great Italian Mentor of old. He closed his eyes and all of his armor digitized away; leaving him with just the coat and a standard pair of boots on along with the belt of his coat, of course, and the hood down. He tied back his hair with a ribbon Elsa gave him a while back, and trimmed his beard lightly after washing his face.
He was ready to party~!
A few minutes later
Arendelle Castle
Elsa's private bathroom
Elsa let herself into the bathroom, Marei as she had noticed, had drawn her bath, mostly through Snowfeather or someone else. Elsa figured it best not to worry about who informed Marei and just got in. Her ice shattering her dress as she sat in the tub and just soaked for a few moments, relaxing, She did not want Anna to wait for too long though. Blackmane had said Anna wanted to see her about something. Elsa smiled thinking of what it could be. It must be the painting now in the throne room, Elsa thought. Anna wasn't present when the painting was first presented then subseqeuntly hung in the throne room instead of the Protrait Hall.
Marei knocked on the door "Milady, I brought your towels as requested." Marei entered, finding Elsa in the tub, blood staining her beautiful hair, "Goodness your highness, what happened ? Are you alright ?" When Marei entered Elsa had one foot out of the tub and was scrubbing it of dirt and dried Templar blood
"Yes" Elsa replied raking a brush through her hair after some shampoo had been scrubbed through her locks. "I am alright, A little sore but I will be fine."
"But, my Queen there is blood in your hair ? Are you sure you are alright ?" The headmaid said
"I am, Marei, Let Anna know I will meet up with her in the throne room. Oh and see to Diana, she's in need of a bath too" Elsa said
"Ah yes, the new lady you brought home, well, the Assassini from Roughwater has picked her up. She said she'd see you at the celebration this evening. If you hurry you can meet up with Master Wolfe as well" Marei said with a small bow before Elsa nodded for her to take her leave. As the door to the bathroom closed, Elsa relaxed with a sigh of relief. Whew, she had thought Marei was going to go balistic on seeing her condition. But no, much more reserved then her mother apparently.
Ten minutes later and Elsa stepped from the tub, her now slightly darker red dress glittering upon her body as her ice swirled about the room. She tried to make the dress more icelike, yet it just stayed that red hue. She'd need to look into this soon. Drying off with a towel her dress reformed on her body and she stepped, once more barefoot, from the bathroom into the hall.
Arendelle Castle
Throne Room
A few minutes later
Anna stood alone in the throne room of the castle, Staring at a painting that was not hanging on that wall before. But it was not just any normal painting of why it had grabbed her undevided attention, it was who was in it that had grabbed her attention. She was in it, As was Elsa, and their parents, and what was more, Elsa had her ice dress on in this painting. So how in the world was that possible ? When they were growing up they rarely if at all saw each other, and Elsa always wore dark colors too, her hands covered by gloves, and yet, in this picture, Anna could not help but see the life in her parents eyes.
Where did the painting come from ?
The doors to the throne room then opened and through them walked Mark, redoing the ribbon that held back his hair for the third time since it just never fit correctly. Currently he was muttering to himself about that very thing, and when he finally managed to make it work, he looked up, spotting Anna. "Ah! Anna!" He said, pleasantly surprised. Walking up to her he gave her a small bow in greeting and smiled. "What brings you to the throne room?" He asks, voice echoing slightly in the large, empty hall.
Anna turned briefly seeing Mark enter, a smile on her face "Oh, hello Mark," She said it was not easy getting him not to bow, because he always did it anyhow. She couldn't imagine how Elsa got through it all. It was bad enough to break Kai of the habit alone! She turned back to the painting, "This painting, where did it come from ?" She asked, her parents had died ten years or so before at sea, so how did a painting so realistic, so... lifelike, with her and Elsa as they were now, with their parents ? It truly did not make sense to the Princess one bit. Their parents, seemingly alive and well within the painting, and it looked quite new.
Mark looked to the painting, putting his hands behind his back as he admired it. "It came from one of Elsa's dreams." He said calmly. "It was a long story; I won't bore you with too many details, but, in short, she dreamed that picture up, and with some technological trickery, we managed to give it to the Royal Painter to be painted for her birthday." he explained calmly, smiling.
He then took in a deep breath and looked around the throne room. "So, how are things, Anna? Anything exciting happen lately?" he asked her calmly, looking to her with his deep brown eyes.
Well that was a lot to take in. "Elsa... dreamed this painting ?" Anna asked, it was indeed a lot to take in. She took a breath and let it out as Mark explained how they were able to get the image to the Royal Painter, who had finished it that morning and presented it to Elsa at the noon meal. "But it's so lifelike! How could Elsa have dreamned up something so beautiful, so vivid, so... real ?" Try and she might Anna couldn't figure it out. So she took Marks word for it, the painting was so expertly done that it felt as if she just posed for it. But had she ?
"Another signal fire was lit, in one of the southern districts. Malo I think it was ?" Anna never really was up to date with the terms and liberated Districts, it was hard enough keeping her sister on proper duty as Queen as well as an Assassin. it wasn't easy, but it was working out alright for the most part, though recently Elsa had been returning dirtier and bloodier. "About twenty minutes ago actually." She gave Mark a sidelong glance "That was you wasn't it ?"
Mark looked around absent mindedly; cautiously approaching the thrones and inspecting Blackmane's hidden blade where it hung. Upon hearing Anna talking of Malo District, he turned, hands still behind his back before he held up his hands as if surrendering to someone at gun or swordpoint. "Caught me red handed, Anna." He said with a laugh. He felt... oddly comfortable standing next to the thrones, but he shook his head softly and stepped down; it wasn't his place to be up there.
"But yes, that was me. Another district liberated of the oppression of the Templars, right in the middle of a festival, too!" he said. "Provided the perfect cover for me to climb the tower without interruption." he added.
"Was Elsa with you ? I couldn't find her at all today" Oh boy, that was the ultimate question. Thankfully Elsa was already headed for the Throne Room as it was, so Mark and Anna still had a few moments more together briefly before Elsa was to arrive. "Georgina said something of a new recruit or some such she was waiting to have arrive. I take it when you liberated the district you also found the recruit too ?" More like outright nearly ran the templars in question down.
But that left a new question, how to tell Anna he was teaching Elsa how to properly free-run
"Yes she was with me. Taught her to free run; well...more like forced her with a very dangerous game of tag." Mark said, shrugging. "How I did it well..." his fingers wandered to the necklace around his neck. "I took her half of her newest birthday present back." he only chuckled. "She caught me, of course; always was quicker and lighter on her feet."
He then shruged and stretched out his arms. He'd need to present the glock to Blackmane and Snowfeather both later; ask them what they're to do next now that the Templars are employing guns into their tactics. For now, however, he wanted to relax with some fun, but until that time came, he once again found himself admiring the painting of Elsa and her family; well...mostly admiring Elsa, but expertly covering it up by making his eyes dart all along the painting while he stood rather quietly.
Anna raised an eyebrow "Well,... I guess that is alright, I mean, Matthew started teaching her how to do that, but not as much as one of your more ... better trained recruits" Anna replied giving her sisters teacher a confused look she looked closer at the necklace, "Wait, what ? Her half ? You mean she has one like this ?" She had no idea whatsoever what Mark and Kristoff had been up to the last several months, and it was not for another year when she found out what Kristoff was up to.
She started to put the pieces together, well, piece actually, but it made sense, Elsa always went after something taken from her, and many times it didn't turn out well, hence why Marei was so dirt crazy "Elsa has one and you... took it and it was a birthday gift, Oh she'd want it back for sure!" Though she had gotten it back So Anna said then "I figured she was with you when some of the soldeirs took off for that district, mostly because they saw the two of you running on the rooftops, her chasing you. Tell me she's not hurt" Anna said sternly giving Mark a look.
Mark only chuckled as Anna pieced it all together, but as she gave him a look he visibly flinched and held up his hands again. "Whoa, easy there. She's fine. Last I saw she was only covered in the blood of a massive Templar Captain without a scratch on her own body, except maybe the wear and tear on her body that comes with free running like she did when she's not used to it." He said quickly, trying to calm Anna down before she knocked him clear across the room.
Anna raised an eyebrow and stepped back from Mark after examining his half of the necklace, for a long moment she said nothing finally nodded "Alright, I'll take your word on that, but if she has more then what you say, you answer to me, got it ?" It was at that moment when Elsa entered
"Who answers to who ?" She asked out of the blue, for a brief moment she did not recognise Mark right away. "Anna, you wanted to see me Marei said I'd find you here. oh... Mark is that you ?" It was hard to recognise him with out his hood, or even armor for that matter.
Mark nodded to Anna. "Oh yes, perfectly clear, Anna." He said calmly. He then turned and nodded as Elsa entered the room and inquired as to his identity. "Yes, it is me." He said. "I figured I'd wear something nice for you." He said calmly, a playful tinge entering his voice as he smiled. He checked the time on the grandfather clock at one end of the room and bowed softly to the two. "Forgive me; I must leave; Ulnaus doesn't like to feed himself, after all." He said, bowing once more before turning on his heel and leaving the two sisters alone for a little while.
"He is welcome to the guy that landed on me" Elsa called after Mark, she was sure she heard a snicker from him too as he headed off, oh my this was good. She turned back to Anna, who simply hugged her, "Anna ? Is something wrong ?"
"No, well, maybe" Anna replied, she nodded towards the paintiing, "Mark said you dreamed that, its so lifelike, like it happened."
"Its a long story, but yes, I did dream it, somehow. Mark and I were able to get it. I asked the Painter a month ago to begin work on it, but, I dont think he was able to do so much in so short a time. This must have taken him months to work on"
"Either way, Elsa, its beautiful, somehow you dreamed Momma and Papa perfectly! And us too as adults! You in your ice dress, and me as, well, me!" It was clear that Anna was very happy of the new painting, it was, in a word, beautiful, for long moments the two sisters hugged in the throne room, and briefly as Elsa gazed on the painting she wondered, what if her parents could see them now.
Arendelle
Roughwater District
Georgina's Manor/Assassin Den
"About time you showed up, I got her notice, been watching for you since" Georgina said unlocking the door and stepping into the manor, the den was set up like any major manor home in the kingdom. "What kept you ?" She held the door open for Diana to enter before letting it close. "Do the others suspect anything ?" A rapidfire list of questions, yet nothing 'Diana' couldn't handle
She merely shook her head in response to the questions. "The only thing that kept me was Mark thinking you were drunk." Diana took a whiff and smiled. "A fine wine, but not enough to get you drunk." she said, looking Georgina up and down and doing the calculation in her head while also looking at the half-drunken bottle on the table not too far away.
"No one suspects anything, of course; none of them have seen me in years. For all any but Mark and Snow know, I'm dead." She said solemnly, but with an air of confidence as well.
"Good," Georgina replied with a nod, yes actually she had been drinking. It was hard not to. It was the first year without Set for the birthday celebration week for Elsa that evening. And Georgina wasn't taking it very well if at all. "Yes, I was drinking. I lost him nearly a year ago now. Maybe just over, either way, this is the first Celebration without him." Set was only a infant when Georgina had first met the Wolfe clan to begin with nearly a decade or so ago, and she remembered that Marion took a instant liking to the baby boy.
It was then a rather putrid scent raided her senses, "Good lord! Diana, What the fuck did you swim in ? Nevermind, The bathroom is first door up the stairs on your right, get yourself cleaned up you'll find a fresh coat on the shelf inside, we have a party to attend, Elsa made it clear that we're to be present. Her guards are stretched quite thin lately and most of the recruits and Novices are chasing Weselton messengers." Georgina waved off Marion, goodness she reeked!
She only smiled when told that she reeked. "Templars will do that to you in dark alley ways y'know." she said calmly, an amused giggle escaping her throat as she went up the stairs to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. From there she took off her ragged, dirty clothes, letting them fall to the ground before stepping into the tub and turning on the shower faucet, letting the warm water cascade down her body and clean the dirt off of her light, and fair skin and out of her her light brown hair, while the soap ensured that she smelled like a proper human being instead of like trash and dirt.
Once done with that she turned off the water, and sighed softly as she stood alone in the bath. She didn't want to trick everyone like this. Marion Wolfe, sister of Mark Wolfe; one of the last surviving of the once great and powerful Wolfe clan. She had to hide, using the fake name, Diana in order to stay safe, and to keep her own brother's heart from breaking.
After drying herself off she wrapped the towel around her body while she searched for a fresh coat; after finding one in her size, she put it on, along with a shirt, pants, and necessary undergarments as well. Once that was all taken care of she looked at herself in the mirror; she put the hood up and smiled, she felt...safe, under the shadows of that hood. And she looked like she had worn it her whole life; perfectly natural fit. Smiling she lowered the hood and walked downstairs to rejoin Georgina.
Georgina had gotten herself ready, mostly cleaned up, a clean coat with a light wine colored hood, The Arendelle crest adorning the back of it with the open petals of the Crocus flower on her shoulderblades, the hood was down. She stood in front of a mirror, a silver comb in hand as she raked it through her hair carefully. Even with Set peacefully at rest in the other room, his ashes kept in a white urn on her mantlepiece. She tried to focus on the present, Set gave his life to protect their home, only to lose it, and Elsa to return it. It was a hard memory to bear, but as she left the room she cast a glance at the mantle briefly, resting her eyes on the urn before closing and locking the door behind her
It was a long walk back to the castle, so they had to be ready for anything. As she stepped from her private chambers she saw Ma..No Diana stepping down the stairs, "Are you ready ?" Georgina rarely had her hood up unless she was liberating districts, in which case the hood easily went up and shit went down. But lately, she was mostly dealing out contracts.
Marion...Diana nodded at the question, smiling and keeping her hood up. "I think it's best I keep my hood up, but yes, I am ready." she said calmly, opening the door to the manor and holding it open for Georgina. "You're not going to drink too much more, are you?" She asked softly. Keeping her hood up would be the best way to ensure the safety of her identity, even if her real name got out; which she highly doubted would happen. If no one could see her face, none would be able to put it to the name, and she couldn't become a target for the Templars again.
"I agree, hood up, eyes on the crowd, Elsa will be safe, as will your brother. As far as I am aware, only I, your mother, and Tiri know you are here, take this" She held out a hidden blade "You're going to need this at some point, And when you use it, dont let the enemy see you until your blade is in his neck." Georgina said, she smiled at the qwuestion of drinking, Casting a brief glance towards her door that lead to her private chanmbers she smiled "No, I think I have drunk enough for one day. Come on, We've a party to attend!"
At that same moment
Arendelle Port District
"Back here again" grumbled a balding short man, his chest like walways adorned with medals "remind me again why we came back here ?" the Duke of Weselton hated this place, ever since they cut off trade and him trying to kill Elsa through his bodyguards, trade got cut off, and his country hated him for it. But now, this might be their chance to renew trade, and hopefully work things out, and maybe go home with Elsa's head. Maybe. Then again that might not work given how much of the kingdom the Templars had lost in their private war with the Assassins there
A young man walked close behind the medal-adorned old man, his expression stern and unforgiving, his military uniform and stature unmatched and sharp, and his eyes holding little color to them; mostly blackness. "I believe, Duke, you came here because of trade, if I'm not mistaken." He said calmly, looking down at the old man without turning his head. "My own Masters have sent me here merely to observe, but if a deal can be made, they will permit one." He added calmly. His uniform was black with red details along the trim. He wore no metals, but had the rank of General sewn upon his sleeves in a rich Blood Red.
He merely smiled and continued to walk towards the palace.
"Now how did you know that ?! Dont answer that!" Well it was true, they were there to try and reestablish trade mostly because his own leaders said to do it or else. So... Giving the dark suited man a hard look the Duke pointed a finger at him and in a agravated tone he said "You Easterners are strange folk! I dont know why IU even allowed my ship to carry you and your... retinue here to begin with. What are you even here for other then seeing things ?" the Duke didn't know it, but this Easterner was in fact one of Arendelle's worst enemies from the ancient past.
But yes, the Duke was there to reestablish trade, and while the large group walked along, the soldiers of Arendelle were seen in groups of six, and in some cases ten or even twelve patrolling the many streets of the kingdom carefully. In the Port, the Duke noticed that the place was much much cleaner and much more lively then the last time he was there, which even with the cursed winter in the middle of summer it was actually livelier then that!
As the group walked along the streets towards the Castle Courtyard to begin the celebration for the week, they were joined by all sorts of people going to have fun as well at the castle and across the kingdom. Among those many people were two women easily blended perfectly in with the crowed as they passed the Duke, and also his fellows. they were never noticed as they ducked into an alley, the main street went a ways further before turning at the bridge. Swiftly the pair took to the rooftops and were at the Castle Gates for their first assignment.
A few minutes later
Arendelle Castle Icerink Courtyard
Courtyard Gates
Mark turned his head as he turned to look at the pair of women behind him whilst feeding a beautiful array of birds. "You two are late..." He said calmly. He snapped his fingers and the birds all flew off inconspicuously. "Your assignment is to make sure everyone entering has their invitation; if they do not...Improvise." He smiled calmly. "I will not have Elsa's safety be jeopardized by some rich fools and their personal agendas; watch everything at once with all of your senses; let everything in and absorb it all." He said, eyes flashing bronze as he said it with a smirk. "Now then; if you require my aide, send Ulnaus over; he'll be sitting on a nearby perch all evening."
With that he gave a bow and turned, entering the Castle to make sure Elsa was ready.
"Blame my drinking" Was all Georgina said, that morning was a hard one. then again most mornings were. "We also had to get our new recruit cleaned up as well." Good Ulnaus could handle pretty much anybody in a fight. With a nod she took up a post at the gate, each person was checked for their invitation, Oh this was going to be good! Their worst enemies walking right through their gates, with an invite of course. Elsa had it done at Snowfeathers insisting. 'Invite our worst enemies, treat them to a proper and good celebration for a week, and let me handle it sahould something go wrong,' Snowfeather had said.
So far so good. The Dukes party came to the gate, his aid handing over eight invitations to Diana as Georgina barred their path briefly until each name was read and the man or woman spotted and allowed in, until they came to the man in black and red, who had his own invitation. After briefly halting the man to see the invitation, Georgina let him pass into the courtyard.
Arendel Castle Throneroom
A moment or so later
Elsa stood alone in the throne room, Anna still had to get ready for the celebration, but that night in the Grand Ballroom was the main event as Snowfeather called it. Elsa started pacing, lost in thought. Icicles, I hope Snowfeather knows what she is doing, its starting to worry me greatly. I trust her as I trust Mark, but this is confusing, why invite... him ? His men tried to kill me! Apparently it wasn't easy to let certain things go. But she tried to keep herself calm. But it wasn't working.
The door to the throne room opened, and Mark entered, closing the doors behind him. "Protect her. Protect the Heart of the Mountain." he shook his head; that voice blaring in his mind yet again before he smiled and turned to face Elsa. "I expected to find you here, Elsa." He said calmly, deep, soothing voice resonating in the room pleasantly.
He approached her and smiled as he stopped, sunlight from the sun pouring in through a window and onto him. "I have one more surprise to show you before the party begins." He said, slowly raising his hood. "You remember my gauntlet?" He asked calmly.
When Mark spoke Elsa stopped her pacing, her bright eyes frought with worry over fear. And also confusion. "Yes, Anna is getting ready, she said she'd meet us at the balconey when I start things off in a few minutes." Elsa sighed, she wasn't sure if she wanted to even go out in public. For one thing she was more worried of her dress and appearance, sure she could go and put on her coronation gown, but no, she wanted more freedom of movement, besides, her ice dress was lighter too.
At his question she nodded, "Yes, I remember it. You rarely take it off, and yet... when you do, it seems to simply... fade away, like my ice when I dispell it." She said, ahh, yes, now she was calmer like she had hoped to be. Mark's presense is what helped that no doubt. All her nervousness had all but completely faded. But when Mark put up his hood warning bells went off briefly. She gave him a confused look then, almost worried that trouble was soon to come.
Mark smiled from beneath his hood. "Relax, nothing bad will happen, I assure you." He said calmly as he lowered his hands from his hood now that it was fully up. "Anyway; my gauntlet, I've discovered, is an heirloom of the Wolfe Clan; only the head of the house can wear it. However... I decided that it wasn't enough. Any clan that was as powerful as the Wolfe's aught to have a full set of armor." He said, smirking as his eyes began to blaze a beautiful shade of bronze from beneath his hood.
"So I went ahead and made the rest of it."
Soon his whole body was covered in a magnificent Deep Bronze; which digitized from his hands and feet up; forming two gauntlet's identical to each other, two brand new pairs of boots and grieves. Soon the belt was replaced as well, the pauldrons, chest, and back pieces all digitizing bit by bit into view in a gorgeous flurry of bronze flakes. The Duradaeden shone bright like painted glass, and seemed to be lined with Mark's own magical power, running up and down the metal very much how the gold lines ran across the area Mark had met Elena in, only they were Bronze instead of Gold, and were stationary. Upon his back a beautifully crafted sword handle came into view; the cross-guard having the Wolfe family crest upon it, and the end of the hilt having the Arendelle Assassin crest upon it.
The Wolfe crest was as follows: An Anvil, with a crossed Hammer and Tongs much like how pirate ships had A skull and cross-bones. Behind the Anvil and crossed tooles was a large, ornate W, standing for Wolfe. The blade, also made from Duradaeden, was held within a beautifully crafted sheath of the same crystal-like metal, with intricate carvings and writings on it to add to the beauty. The Blade was also lighter, sharper, and stronger than any other blade currently known to man.
And all of it, had been made by one man: Mark Wolfe.
He gave a slow spin to allow Elsa to examine him fully in his armor, which made no sound as the joints ran along eachother, or as the boots hit the ground, Mark had made certain that the finest materials went into the boots, while somehow managing to weave the iDuradaeden/i around the feet, ankles, and lower legs. When it was all done, Mark took a small bow, and stood before Elsa in the sunlight in his new suit of fully functional armor.
"What do you think, Elsa?" He asked, smiling beneath his hood.
Her eyes went wide as she watched the armor, glasslike and beautiful, literally grow on Marks body, it was armor, there was no missing it. No missing it at all. And each and every line was perfect, as if it was like the painting that Elsa received that morning before lunch! She stepped around Mark carefully as she span in a slow circle, taking it all in. Every line, every crack, everything. "You... made this..." She said softly, of course he had to have made it, no blacksmith in the Kingdom could! She was sure of it!
"It is beautiful" She said at long last, after taking in his beautiful sword of the same glasslike glitery material. "How ? How did you make this ?" Then she remembered something seeing the crest similar to the flag Matthew had unfurled when he liberated the Port district on his first day back in the Kingdom. "Wait, you mentioned after lunch you wanted to ask me something, was this it ? Was this what you wanted me... to see ?" Or was it something else ? She was in awe at the beauty and slience of the armor, she kept herself from reaching out to touch it. No that wasn't a good plan. The gauntlet was enough.
He nodded to her question of he made it. "I did." he answered softly; his voice, though deep and powerful, barely above a whisper. "I did it with a little help from... well... your ancesters. Our, ancesters, actually." He said. "Y'see... I wanted to ask you about your family's private library; see if I could use it..." he asked. He then went on to explain that the Wolfe Clan had been the protectors of the Royal family for almost as long as the Kingdom of Arendelle had stood, and that Whitehall District used to be the Wolfe District; and that the den used to be their manor; where they forged magnificent things with special, magical forges that could make use of any metal, no matter how difficult.
"It was in those forges I slaved away for seven months, making this set of armor... and our necklaces, from the same material." he said. "I won't bore you with the details of how... but just know that those seven months were the busiest of my life." he said softly.
"Aside from the question of using your family's private library... I have one more request. I would like the Whitehall... no... Wolfe manor restored fully to its former glory." He bowed his head humbly as he made the request. White hall was still quite the mess; and having his family's Manor look like it did after Templar occupation for so long made his blood boil to no end; which wasn't healthy for anyone. Especially Templars.
The clock chimed with the hour and Mark turned. "It is time to welcome your guests... My Queen." he said with a knowing, playful smile as he bowed to her and gestured towrads the direction of the balcony. "I'll be right behind you if anything happens." He added.
Her parents private library, not even Elsa knew where the key to that was! And with her parents gone she supposed she was the only one who could even get in there to begin with. She knew her father had secrets, but it was her mother who had more. Her mother, Idun, had been trained most of her life as an Assassin and kept a very secret library hidden away somewhere in the castle. Elsa nodded "yes, you may have access to it. But there's one problem. I dont know where the key is, Or if there even is one. I never could find it, nor if there was a trigger to find the path either. We may have to ask Kai what he knows though." She said
It was his request however that knocked off her balance so to speak "Wolfe Manor ?" What on earth was he talking about ? When he explained how his family had protected hers for aeons she started putting pieces together, not knowing what it all meant, but he wanted it brought back to what it had been in the past, She nodded "Yes, Consider it done first thing after the end of the weeks festivities you can take all the men you need to rebuild and clean up the Manor" She said, she was queen, and Mark was her friend, her... bodyguard so to speak. Therefore, his request was more of a need for the kingdom as a whole really. And Elsa basically gave him the green light.
The clocktower went off. Now or never, she took a deep breath. Now was the zero hour as Blackmane had called it, if the Templars were going to try anything, it'd be during that week at some point. Elsa put on a smile, it was time to put on a show, so to speak, she turned to Mark, "I'd prefer it if you were at my side instead of behind, I want the kingdom to see that their Protectors have returned." She said softly, A smile playing upon her lips as she said almost as an order "Gauntlet only... I dont want to tip off the Enemy that we have what they dont just yet."
Mark smiled and bowed. "Thank you, Elsa. Thank you so much." he said at the granting of each of his requests. "I wouldn't worry about the library; my own family has quite the extensive library to keep me busy until you find a key." He said. At her request of only his gauntlet, he smiled and nodded. "As you wish." With that the rest of the armor and sword vanished in very much the same way it materized: Digitizing away like it were made of flakes of Bronze light.
"Now then. Let us go." He said, nodding as his eyes glowed bronze; Eagle Vision working already. "If there are any enemies, I'll spot them, my Eagle Vision will mark them and I'll be able to let Snowfeather and Blackmane know who they are so that the rest of the order knows as well to stay on guard." He said. Currently the entire Assassin Order of Arendelle that wasn't on contract was somewhere within the castle or surrounding districts. Within minutes any enemy or attempt on anyone's life would be halted, surrounded, and taken care of. Most of the recruits were told to stand as guards in plain sight; the menacing hoods enough to keep most enemies from trying anything. Those who have been members of the order for at least three months or longer were in the crowd, intermingling with everyone and gathering intel constantly. Ulnaus also sat on a nearby perch at all times; the massive bird looming ominously particularly over the Duke and his party.
Other than that, most security was normal; and everything was proceeding as planned.
Elsa nodded "That's the thing, I dont know if there is even a key, can it at least wait until the week is over ?" She meant the search for her mothers private library, Elsa had found one of her mothers journals again that morning, or rather, Kai had when he brought a new stack of books into the library that morning after breakfast. Once told of where it was found Elsa had gone briefly to that location, the turret where she and Anna had watched Matthew liberate the Port district a year before, After searching the Turret carefully Elsa had returned to the dining room for lunch, and ended up having a wonderful birthday gift presented two days early. "I promise you I will let you into my mothers private library, She never left her study when I'd find it empty growing up." She said
She stepped up next to Mark, to his left. "Are you ready ?" She asked, Though she was meaning something else entirely "Could you escort me to the balconey Master Wolfe ?" She said, a smile once more upon her lips. Her eyes bright; no longer did she worry or fear, no, she was ready now. Anna was going to meet up with them during the ball that night, the main party was in the icerink courtyard in mere moments to an hour when Snowfeather was to challenge those of the visiting groups, including the Dukes men. Snowfeather and Blackmane had set it all up. They truly wanted to test the Templars and see their skill without weapons. though knowing the Duke, some of his men would indeed play quite dirty
But Snowfeather was expecting that.
Mark nodded. "Yes, I'm ready; and I'll gladly escort you, my Queen." he said, offering her his arm. Once hooked he smiled and turned his head forward, walking her to the balcony, opening the door for her and unhooking his arm from hers as he went atop the balcony first, the fanfare causing all of the guests to look up to the balcony.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for attending this weeks festivities, from all of us here in Arendelle. Now then, your Hostess for the week, Queen Elsa of Arendelle!" He gestured to the beautiful woman just behind him, giving her the cue to make her appearance, and give her speech to start off the weeks festivities.
Elsa could not help but smile as Mark escorted her to the balconey, everyone was out there, crammed into the icerink courtyard for the start of the weeklong celebration. She didn't see any of the Templars, until she spotted the Duke and his retinue. But she did not see Prince Hans anywhere, so she supposed that in itself was a good thing if that. She was thankful when he spoke, thanking everyone for joining them for the celebration that week. Then he introduced her, and the applause was thunderous, though she could see clearly that the Duke was not happy in the least bit. But that did not matter, she was there to welcome everyone to the party!
She stepped forwards raising her arms, letting the crowd cheer, a few even wishing her a happy birthday two days early. Oh joy, that was going to be a real fun day for sure! Elsa smiled again as Mark stood by her side as she lowered her arms. "Thank you, citizens of Arendelle, children and parents alike, welcome. From the bottom of my heart, Welcome one and all to the Winter Celebration!" The crowd assembled cheered again as Elsa motioned for quiet. "Tonight marks the start of this weeks festivities. On your inivitation there is a list of times and locations for the various events we have planned this year. One of those events begins after dinner tonight. Everyone is welcome to observe or even take part. Just speak with one of the Hooded men or women near the training ring In the center of the ice rink courtyard for further information" A few more informative bits were also spoken. Almost all of them related to civilty.
Finally came the finale of her short yet to the point speech. Elsa did not want to keep them waiting. She raised her arms, as she did so snow began to fall lightly as she said aloud "Let the festival begin!" Explosions of snow and ice in the air went off like fireworks in summer as the seasonal horn sounded, the assembled crowd cheered as the music began in a upbeat tune as Elsa stepped back into the shadows of the balconey next to Mark and her sister.
"They loved it, I hope I did not overdo it." Try as she might she never was good at speeches to begin with, her father always did them
"They always do. You never go long winded like Papa did, even then, its worth it." Anna said
"Papa was always the one giving the speeches, never Mother" Elsa said, turning to Anna as they went back inside she said softly while reaching for Mark's hand "Can you make sure everything goes well, if anything goes wrong, speak to Snowfeather or Blackmane, either one, I remember seeing Blackmane at the door downstairs and Snowfeather in the courtyard, Mark and I have something important we need to do." She gave her sister a look, one that said 'no not that kind important' Besides, she herself said not to marry a guy she just met. And she didn't really know Mark that well. "It concerns Mother's library"
"If anyone asks, you're busy, got it. Have fun." Anna said with a soft smile to her sister and pointed look towards Mark
"Thanks!" A quick hug to Anna and Elsa grabbed Mark by the arm and all but dragged him upstairs to her parents bedroom, after looking both directions down the hall she opened the door and let Mark inside first before going in behind him, closing the door and sealing it with a snowflake lock.
A few minutes later
Arendelle Castle
Queen Idun's bedroom
Elsa moved to the second door next to the bed and away from the bathroom, "Mother had a library here, I hid the Piece inside." She said, the Piece of Eden that belonged to her mother, found by her sister in the Temple at Blackrock. Moving up to the door she waved her hand over it, briefly a snowflake sparkled into exsistence and then shattered, its task done for the moment as the snowflake lock was shattered. She opened the door a second later and went inside. Shelves lined three walls, with a fireplace on the left wall of white marble. and there was a desk, the Piece of Eden in on a small stand of her ice.
"Only Pabbie and I knew it was here, Nobody else knew, not even Anna. he said it was for her safety" Elsa explained, the Piece of Eden sat harmless, dormant, on its stand.
Mark was still somewhat reeling from the look that Anna shot him; trying to figure out what it meant before the Piece of Eden caught his eye. He stepped forward slowly. He'd never seen one up close it looked...very familiar. Slowly he looked to his left arm; the gauntlet, actually, then back to the Piece. They looked remarkably similar in terms of color and texture.
With more questions he reached forward with the gauntleted hand, grabbing the Piece of Eden and lifting it, moving his palm upwards to look at it. Then something else caught his eye: Glowing- No, pulsing light running up and down the gauntlet like veins, and then the Piece of Eden, glowing brightly, almost as if it were communicating with Mark's gauntlet.
Mark turned to look at Elsa, gesturing to the glow and the lines running up and down his arm. "You're seeing this too, right?" He asked her.
Elsa of course had busied herself lighting up the fire in the fireplace to get some more light into the library, there were no windows in that private room. Which confused her, there was a room she knew in her heart that had a window facing south towards the kingdom, overlooking the city and all the districts. Finally getting the fire lit she turned and stared. "What ar..." e you doing ? died on her lips as she went quiet, watching the strange glow start on the Gauntlet then pass to the metal orb. Was it supposed to do that ? When Anna held it she said it showed her maps and other stuff.
She stepped up to Mark, gently reaching upwards she took hold of the POE in her left hand, the glow briefly intisitified before fading. Briefly, very briefly the room was awash in brilliant golden light before fading, leaving only the firelight. Elsa blinked to get rid of the afterimage of the sudden brightness as she felt the Piece start to vibrate in her hand "What just happened ?"
As she held the Piece pale lines of blue formed under her hand to the floor, soon quickly spreading around the room and over their heads. A blue grid ? But why ? She watched confused as Arendelle itself faded into view on the desk and all across the room, filling it with a lifelike almost true scale model of the kingdom.
Mark looked around as the grid appeared, and as Arendelle faded into view as it was doing, he blinked a few times. "Is... This is... This is Arendelle..." he said. He looked around the map, eyes scanning for something. "But... what am I supposed to be seeing?" something blinked and his eyes followed. Whitehall? He walked over to the blinking light; he could see sWhitehall/s Wolfe Manor, and the light was right next to it.
He knelt down and reached for it, trying to gauge how much distance the light was from the Manor. As his finger touched the highlighted part of the Manor, the map zoomed in on that area, walls, floors and roofs shifted and refocused, showing the rooftops and the streets, a marker of a sort flickered into view on a rooftop it looked to be.
"Is that... " Elsa started to ask seeing the manor and part of it... blinking ?
Mark blinked and stood up quickly as the map zoomed in; startled by the sudden movments of the map before kneeling down again. "Wolfe Manor... yea... But..." he looked at the blinking light. "Despite my time in the District, I've not seen this building; er... at least... never thought anything of it." He said calmly. He then stood and turned to face Elsa.
Before Elsa could reply the map refocused and moved the zoomed in section up to waist level rather then so close to the floor as a voice spoke up. "Elsa..." Elsa's eyes went wide as she whipped around, a golden lined image of her mother stood in the room with them both.