Jellicle's Creed

Frozen Memories

Seqeunce 5

Memory 3: When It Comes to Money part 1

19 December 2051

Arendelle Castle

Castle Icerink Courtyard

Midnight

It was time for the fireworks. Ah yes, every year they did fireworks at midnight. But this year it was going to be more... sparkly, Elsa had gone among the partygoers and the people really were enjoying themselves, Oddly the Duke and his men were too, even after the two bodyguards had their egos bruised by Snowfeather, the Duke however enjoyed the show quite a bit. Going so far as to place a bet that his men would drop like sacks of weat to a woman three times less their weight. Which of course they had moments later.

Georgina found Mark, but not Diana, "So how'd it go ?" She kept an eye on Elsa as the queen went from family to family, and group to group, thanking them for joining her at the castle for the first night of the party, the party lasted a week, seven days exactly. It was basically also the new years party

Mark gestured to the gun in his belt. "Oh, just fine, really. We had a lovely bonfire and there was free marshmallows for everyone." He said calmly, not attracting any unncessessary attention to himself. Not that attention wasn't given to him, what with his strange, glowing armor. "We'll need to arm our agents with guns starting next month. I'm going to get the go-ahead from Snowfeather tonight; then talk to an old friend of mine in the CIA." he explained softly.

"The Templars cannot have the upper hand on us like they did when Snowfeather sent me to liberate one of the districts in Cairo when I was a lad." he said. "You can ask her about those details... I made it out without a scratch; but she... she had some run ins with them herself." He said calmly.

He then gave Georgina a curt bow. "Now if you'll excuse me, unless you would like to dance, I will go and stuff my face full of food." He said, giving her a smile. Mark was apt to dance with anyone at this point; he'd had a good day. After all, his brand-new armor was complete and fully functional, the people were happy, he'd liberated another district, and even recruited someone at the same time! Hell, Mark would dance with the Duke himself if he didn't want to tear his throat out!

"Is that why the armor" Georgina asked calmly, it was not every day when Mark wore stuff like ithat/i He then explained to her of what happened the last time the Templars had guns. Georgina remembered the only time when Templars didn't have access to even so much as gunpowder itself!

Georgina stared at Mark, Mark danced ? Didn't Snowfeather say he didn't ? Then again it was Snowfeather that landed in the fjord on Marks first day home to begin with. The one thing that Georgnia did not notice however was the book hidden in Marks armor. Today was a good day, so to speak. Mark seemed happier. Elsa too. Marshmellows and a bonfire ? Georgina took in the newly aquired pistol, well shit. Was her first thought.

Finally as she was actually about to ask if Mark did in fact cared to dance, Elsa beat her to the punch as she arrived back with them "Ah there you two are, just in time too, Kai just informed me that the soldiers at the fireworks station are just about ready to set them off" Elsa looked to Mark, she had debated on putting her hair back into a braid but decided against it, letting it just be loose for once. her eyes seemed to shine as if backlit by the many torches and lights in the courtyard. Nearby the band began a merry tune "Mark, I..." Elsa seemed almost shy to ask him if he wanted to dance as her question died on her lips.

It seemed at that moment that the question was to be his to ask her!

Mark turned to Elsa as she approached, giving her a small bow. As she began her question to him, he raised his eyebrows, but then smiled, lowering his hood, giving her one of just a few really good looks at his face in the light. Fair and defined, his high cheekbones added depth and grace to his visage, and his brown eyes flashed bronze. He removed the pistol from his belt and handed it to Geogina. Mark's trimmed beard seemed... less imposing in the light of the courtyard, his features softer, more... gentle and relaxed. The last time anyone had seen him with such a gentle expression was when Snowfeather caught him crushing on a girl back in Cairo, when he was only 15 years old. Under Snowfeather's counsel, he returned to his training, and lost interest in the girl, however they remained good friends. Now, however? Snowfeather wouldn't be there to stop Mark. He was much too old now. There would only be so much he'd listen to from her.

"Would you like to dance, your highness?" he asked, holding out his hand in offering as the Orchestra began to get ready for a new song, the conductor giving out the signal for a good dance-song for two reasons. Reason one: It was time for the dancing to begin, and two: He caught sight of the Queen herself being asked to dance! How could he not play the best song the Orchestra knew?

Elsa couldn't blush, she was too overjoyed really, the last time anyone really did ask if she wanted to dance was the Duke, that was at her coronation, and everyone knew what a disaster that was to begin with. She smiled, she took his hand. As they stepped onto the ice rink, which was instantly on her feet touching the ice just slilghty thicker, thick enough in fact for dancing without anyone slipping on the ice as the conductor started the music. The best possible dance music he could think of.

Elsa was a bit nervous, she had taken dancing lessons growing up, but that was it. So when the music started all she could think about was being in Marks arms, This was similar she found herself thinking, to the time when Mark carried her and put her in her own bed at the time. Seven months before! Icicles she was nervous, no idea how to start the dancing but the music felt so perfect for the occasion.

Mark knew many things that others didn't know he knew; Dancing was one of them. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Elena briefly, a smile on her face. He blinked and she was gone. As the music started, his armor began to glow dimly as he led Elsa through the steps with ease and grace, his hand on her hip, helping to gently guide her in the right direction so she did not step on his toes, nor mess up the steps.

"I must say, my Queen, you are the best Dancing partner I've had to date." He said calmly, turning his head to look her in the eyes as he spoke.

With Mark guiding their movements she soon got into the proper step, and with Mark and the music perfectly in tune and others joining them rather quickly smiled thoughtfully, "I must admit, I... had lessons growing up, but eight years ago I... kind of stopped learning" Oh she felt safe, perfectly safe in Marks arms. Moving in step she asked softly, "Is your armor supposed to do that ?" Or was it the light playing tricks on her eyes ? It didn't matter, they were dancing

Standing off to the side Georgina watched everything, Snowfeather had taken her leave, no doubt to gorge herself in the dining room, Blackmane was also spotted briefly, the multicolored robes of the Mentor from Alexandria watched everything carefully. Georgina thought had to stare, Mark could dance ? She was still staring when 'Diana' stepped up next to her, Georgina voiced her question softly "Mark can dance ?" As she asked the question she watched as Mark spun Elsa and the Queen leaned back smoothly, gently, nothing like how the duke, the self procliamed "peacock with the head of a monkey" type of really bad dancer had danced with Anna eight years before!

"Yes... he can dance. Our mother made us practice with eachother before...well, y'know." Marion answered as she watched the two. As the song came upon a crescendo, Mark's armor glowed brighter and he twirled Elsa gently.

Mark nodded in response to her question. "Yes... I'm making it do so." He said, his eyes glowing dimly as he only stared into hers. He could get lost in those eyes of hers, but he had to focus on the music for the cues to spin and twirl and lean and the like. Mark relished in the fact that he had Elsa so close...in his arms. He felt...oddly complete with her here. The song began to slow down and the armor dimmed as they continued.

"It is beautiful" Elsa replied softly as they danced. As the music reached the crecendo and then started to slow as they danced she kept with him in pace and step. As if she had memorised the movements, and just needed to remember them. But Mark, being that close to him, holding his hand, dancing with him. She felt oddly at peace. As the music began to slow ever the more so did their movements. He spun her once more and then he, and all the other guys really on the 'dance floor' all bowed to their partner, and the ladies all curitsed in response. Elsa matching ever move as she had remembered

As the music slowed Georgina smiled, "Snowfeather once mentioned to me that Mark asked her, why him, why Arendelle, she told me that she told Mark, that was for him to find out. What do you think ?" She asked softly to Marion. knowing her mentors sister's true name made things easier for her. In a way "What if, the reason of why him, why here, is her ?" Georgina had no idea of the family tree, and that each generation had protected the Royal Family ever since Flowerfist the Fair and Second Wolfe, she smiled however as the song slowly ended, as the dancing partners bowed and curistied each other the onlookers clapped. It was about time to see the Queen dance!

"Let's see the Queen Dance with her partner alone!" Someone cried out. Clapping and cheering egged them on, and the crowd around them parted to give them the floor. Mark blinked a few times and looked to the Conductor, who gave him the thumbs up. Mark then looked to Elsa. "Want to go another round, my Queen?" He asked softly, offering her a bow as his armor began to glow brightly again, eliciting gasps of awe and admiration from the crowd.

"I think we'll find out with this next dance." Marion said calmly. "We'll know as it ends." She added softly before crossing her arms and being quiet.

Elsa felt herself blush slightly, but thankfully it was not noticed execept by Mark alone. She cast her glance towards the conductor, a smile on her face. But when someone said alone, just the two of them, it had to be a special song, A song... with a proper beat, not a waltz or foxtrot, but more... active ? More how she felt right then really. She nodded, taking Marks hand as he bowed to her. "Yes." she said simply, yes, another round indeed.

Georgina watched, and heard as the conductor got the music back into gear, the music felt... weird, oddly the type of music Georgina found herself sometimes humming when fighting down groups of templars in the kingdom. It felt oddly right for the occasion. Nice, upbeat, smooth, yet ingrovating. An energetic type of music for a ball of a sort. As she watched Elsa and Mark get back onto the ice dance floor, alone, she heard the murmurs of awe as Marks armor glittered brightly along its edges in bronze. The Assassin nodded "Yes" she said softly as the music started and the two started dancing, "We will know... before it ends."

Mark merely closed his eyes, letting the music guide his body and arms, quickly spinning and moving with Elsa in his arms. Even the occasional lift was in order it seemed, his strong arms completing each with no difficulty at all. As the music continued, his armor glowed brighter and brighter, and Mark's movements with Elsa became more and more fluid.

More and more... close. Intimate.

The song reached a crescendo and Mark sped up, making sure Elsa could do the same as they waltzed across the courtyard to and fro with ease and grace.

Elsa felt the music go through her, a lot like how Matthew's blizzards directed her movements, she tried to remember exactly how matthew 'danced' and for a brief heartbeat thought to mimic his movements, but all those thoughts disappeared as the music pulled her, and also Marks hands, she saw his eyes were closed as they danced, they moved so perfectly, in time with each other as if they were fighting off Templars, yet, they were simply dancing. But the music was perfect. As the music sped up, Marks armor got brighter as their movements got more and more fluid and smooth.

It was getting hard in fact, for the observers to watch as the conductor set the pace so perfectly, the orcrestra in perfect tune kept a steady active pace, and yet, as the music went on, it neared midnight ever so closely as the Queen and her Assassin danced so perfectly in time to both each other, and the music. Georgina watched, as did Snowfeather, the latter of whom, with a plateful and mouthful of food, stared slackjawed, as Elsa and Mark danced. Well, she was slackjawed until Blackmane closed her mouth "Chew it before opening your mouth sis" Blackmane hissed softly to her twin.

The only thought however on Snowfeather's mind was, why was Mark dancing with Elsa ?

Why indeed? Why would a cold-blooded killer be dancing with the queen of Arendelle? Why would one of the last of a dying family be dancing with the one whose family his used to protect? Why, why, why? Mark's heart-beat became faster as the song reached its climax, and he began to twirl Elsa rapidly, opening his eyes as he did so. The Music reached its height, and so did the glowing of his armor, the bronze color blazing brightly like an LED light bulb on full blast.

When the Music stopped suddenly, so did the dance, and so did the glowing of Mark's armor as he caught Elsa, stopping everything for a split second; their lips were inches apart.

And now, it was Mark who was hesitating...

Everything stopped, for a brief moment everyone thought Mark had dropped Elsa to the ice, but no, they were inches apart. Elsa could feel that Mark was unsure of what to do. Gently she lifted her left hand to his cheek. His back was to the conductor as she ran her fingers through Marks beard her gaze went towards the conductor briefly who nodded, and started a slow yet moving tune as Elsa said to Mark softly. "Is something wrong ?"

Very briefly just off the ice, as if floating, Elena appeared, and just as quickly she disappeared.

Then the music stopped again; Elena's presence screamed at the back of Mark's mind, but he couldn't discern the words. He was too lost in the moment. His lips parted slowly. Everything was silent. "Elsa... I... " He gulped hard. He knew what he wanted to do...but did Elsa want it as well? Would she comply? Would she be shocked?

Slowly he moved forward, their lips merely an inch apart as Mark began to hesitate again; seemingly unable to bring himself to do it. Again Elena appeared, this time just behind Mark, floating around the two unseen by all but Mark. The urge grew stronger, yet again Mark was too lost to do anything.

Elsa stared at Mark, his brown eyes pretty much sucking her in, she was focused on him, and him alone. "Yes ?" Their lips were an inch apart, Ok, what now ? Was she scared, no, nervous maybe, shocked, possibly, did she want it... well that was the ultimate question, when she was without Mark she felt alone, for seven months he was away, working on their necklaces.

Thinking of those same necklaces something then happened that nither of them expected. A sudden and loud and clearly heard by those in the icerink courtyard, a clear as a bell CLICK as their necklaces locked together. A brief golden line passed by Mark. a soft chirp of laughter as well from Elena. How else could he properly protect the Heart of the Mountain ?

Mark's eyes fluttered as the click pulsed throught the courtyard, bringing him back to reality as he finally closed that distance. One inch, becoming nothing as Mark's lips met Elsa's gently, his eyes closing once again as he embraced her in a way more intimate than he ever thought he'd achieve with anyone, let alone her.

Marion smiled. The answer as to why Mark was here was finally answered, and it was clear to everyone present. Even Ulnaus, who was notorious for ruining moments, was silent, not even preening his feathers. The massive bird simply stared

Then it began: The slow clap.

When Marks lips touched hers all worries and cares disappeared, Yes, she wanted to kiss him for as long as she remembered. But, in private ? Wait no, heck with it. the gentle kiss was close to becoming a full on making out had the conductor not started up the music once more to a merry tune as the people in the courtyard, even the duke and his men, started to clap.

It was the clapping that got her attention. She felt a blush start to burn her cheeks, but Mark was kissing her and she was kissing him, she was in his arms dangitall! She did not care at that point who saw her with him. but for a brief moment she wished in her heart that her mother was there as she returned the kiss, all worries gone.

Snowfeather smiled and stood next to Georgina, who also smiled, Marion, who was grinning like a total goof under her hood, they knew then the exact reason Mark was in Arendelle.

He was home

"Well what would be the odds of that" Snowfeather mused softly as Mark set Elsa back on her feet from the kiss and she hugged him amid the cheering crowd "Mark, a cold-blooded killer, having in his arms, the Queen of the kingdom he was born within, what would be the odds ?"

Mark eventually broke the kiss, panting as he blushed hard; only Elsa close enough to see it. "S-sorry... I... just... Had to." he said softly, embarrassed. Their necklaces were still connected.

Marion giggled at her Brother's awkwardness. Hell, if she'd done that to someone of such a high social standing, she'd act the same way! "It seems... that the Wolfe's have finally returned to their true den..." she whispered before slinking off to write a letter to their mother stating that they were safe and sound. And that they were finally home.

Elsa shook her head as Mark spoke her hands going to his face, stuttering as he was so embarrassed at what he just did, "Its OK, its alright, I understand, I..." She herself faltered as she realised just as he did, their necklaces were connected, holding them close, but why ? It didn't matter, Elsa looked almost longingly into Marks eyes, softly she said "Can... you meet me, in my room, after the fireworks ?"

As she said the word fireworks, the clock in the kingdom struck midnight, the fireworks were to begin! She was to say a few words wasn't she ? Oh icicles what to do then ? Their necklaces were connected, hell she was still in Marks arms holding his face It was then Elsa felt the briefest of wind as their necklaces parted, hers coming gently to rest directly above the neckline of her dress.

Mark's hands gently went up to her arms, and he gently held the eye contact with her before nodding. "As you wish, Elsa..." he said before looking down, instead of up at the fireworks. The necklaces... how? How were they connected? He knew they were supposed to do that; he's the one who made the bloody things, but... how? He didn't do it...

After an awkward second he cleared his throat and undid the connection between the necklaces before lifting his head to watch the fireworks with Elsa, his hand sliding down her arm to hold her own hand gently, fingers entwined with hers.

Nobody noticed as 'Diana' snuck away to some important business execept for one person, Georgina. She knew the truth. Turning to Snowfeather the dark haired beauty spoke softly, yet heard clearly through the fireworks exploding far above. "I take my leave for the night, I shall begin recruiting at first light. We have some important work to do concerning messenger men I assume ?" She had no idea of what Elsa was doing concerning Weselton.

Elsa watched the fireworks, thankful for once that it was Anna that gave the announcement at the time, maybe Anna could speak more at events ? It didn't matter, what mattered was that Elsa had kissed Mark, it was unexpected, but even then, she relished the feeling, Mark, her friend her teacher, and she had no idea of the rumors floating around the kingdom of the two of them. Well, it was pretty much confirmed anyhow that Elsa had pretty much claimed Mark, or was it the other way around ? Either way, many single ladies in the kingdom were left with a one sided love.

But that did not matter. Not now, not ever. At that moment, with her fingers entwined with Marks own Elsa watched the fireworks. Yes, tonight was going to be fun, Already, somehow, she felt that she was going to find exactly what she was looking for. But, somehow she felt as if she already had found what she was looking for. A brief thought had entered her mind, did she seek love ? Well, she wasn't sure anymore. For all she knew, deep down in her heart, her mother would be proud. But it was a sudden brief flash off the courtyard where she thought she saw her mother that made her wonder if her mother even was alive to begin with, that she was simply captured.

Should she look for her mother ?

Arendelle Castle

Elsa's private library

A few moments later

It didn't take long for Diana to be noticed as missing, and nothing was unseen from Blackmane, she was the keeper of many secrets, and knew how to find others secrets. But she never pried for them, merely deduced, or surmised, or was told expleictily to keep a secret. If asked to keep a secret, Blackmane could keep said secret until her death. Which was good because she was on her second or third of nine lives. then again a cat could live very long indeed. The library door was open and a fire burned brightly within it as Blackmane quietly stepped into the room. Seeing that none was there, yet, aside from a servant stacking some wood near the fireplace.

Blackmane smiled to herself as she remembered this room, the first time in six generations since she had been inside of it. The last time she was there Queen Marissa had made the Assassin's offical members of Arendelle. the unseen protectors whereas the Wolfe Manor was their base at the time. Blackmane recalled her orders then, Marissa had made a story for her firstborn son, Blackmane had watched over the queen and her husband for a year as requested, as needed actually at the time. After all at the time she was Swordsworn to Marissa to protect her for twelve years.

But it was watching Marissa, and her husband, Joseph, nurture and bear a child, a boy. Marissa knew the law as did her husband, the boy, naturally Blackmane mused, grew up like his brothers, and joined the Arendelle army. had families, or in one case was stillborn before the Crown Princess, Jennifer II was born. It was then that Blackmane rememrbered her first true clash with the Wolfe Clan of Arendelle

Ellowyn Wolfe, the direct decendant of Second Wolfe, and then current head of the clan but not by choice. Blackmane was never in the know as she remembered it all before her like a home movie. More and more memories coming to play so to speak. She was shaken out of her memories by the arrival of someone, a hooded woman, the new recruit, Diana. Blackmane remained unseen. using the firelight, her natural robes colors of many different dark shades of grey, green, blue and red; as well as the shadows in the room to remain unseen.

Diana paused for a second as she stood in the doorway, making sure she'd not been followed before closing the door and lowering her hood gently, running her fingers through her bangs to move them from her eyes. She let out a small, short breath and took from her inner coat pocket a diary of sorts, and a pen. She sat at the table Mark frequented on his trips to this Library and opened to a fresh page, which she ever so gently tore from the book before beginning to write.

Dear Mama...

I apologize for the infrequency of these letters again, but Mark and Georgina keep pushing me to do more contracts. It's Queen Elsa's birthday Party this whole week...and, well, you'll never guess. Mark kissed her! She kissed him back, even! It finally feels like the Wolfe's are home again.

She sighed and giggled sofly, knowing just how her mother would react to reading this: Absolutely freak out, then insist upon having Mark and Elsa come over to England for a reunion, Marriage, etc. Knowing that her and Mark's mother would immediately insist upon having her only son marry anyone, let alone the Queen of Arendelle, even after they've only shared one kiss, was just over the top, but...it was their mother alright.

She picked up her pen and tapped her chin, thinking of what to write next.

Blackmane never moved from her spot, standing still as a statue, yet watching everything carefully as Marion wrote a letter, but to whom ? Blackmane could keep a secret but she did not want to startle the young Recruit and give the poor woman a heart attack, so instead she used her own magics and knocked on the door lightly, throwing her voice at the same time asking if she could enter when she was already in there before stepping into view behind Marion.

Softly speaking Blackmane simply said "I remember you..." Though Snowfeather knew more. Blackmane got the gist of it, occasional letters to Mark, who was in their care at the time. More then just occasional, biweekly letters, always ingraved with a M on the envelope. No return address, nothing. She stepped around the table, Allowing Diana to take in the dark multicolored robed woman in. Yes, Blackmane remembered a girl, fleeing Arendelle with Idun's help. But... the only way to be sure...

Diana hardly reacted to the knock on the door, grunting softly. She then looked to Blackmane, eyes with a minorly confused look to them as she realized that it was Blackmane, not Snowfeather. Oops... caught her with her hood down. "Don't... Don't tell Mark..." She said softly. "He might kill someone if he found out I was here." she said.

The Handwriting on the letter would look similar to that which was sent to Mark all the time while he was in Cairo with Snowfeather and Blackmane, just neater and cleaner. Her face resembled Mark's, resembled her mother's almost perfectly. Charity Wolfe; a beautiful maiden of noble standing and liniage, had given birth to what seemed like a long lost twin of herself, just the eyes and hair color of her brother and Father.

Blackmane smiled, lowering her own hood she herself Snowfeathers younger yet sometimes much less boneheaded twin sister. It wasn't easy to tell the two apart, if at all. And yet. well, it was easy to get mistaken, the only thing that really set the two apart were the fact that they wore their hoods in different shades. Whereas Snowfeather predominiately wore white or silver or similar light colors, Blackmane was almost constantly in dark multicolors. "You can rest assured, that your secret is safe with me." She said

She stepped towards the table, and as if from its own will a chair slid out and Blackmane sat down. Giving a soft look to Marion she said softly "Earlier this year your brother was... distrought about something concerning a names list. I wont go into detail as only Snowfeather told me who was on it, both of my nieces. Her daughters. Along with you, and him." She sighed, Serena and her twin sister Serenity were Snowfeathers twin girls. High ranked assassins in the order yet, targets of a strong templar plot.

"Your brother, from what I hear, left the den at the time, in such strength the building rattled quite a bit. But later that evening, he seemed... calmer" Blackmane's bright grey eyes seemed to sparkle, "I assume it was your doing in some way ?"

She shook her head at the question. "I hadn't arrived until a few days ago, actually. When he and Elsa liberated Malo District." she said calmly. "He... I think he's been good at calming down rather quickly. He mentioned that Snowfeather came by and talked to him... maybe she had something to do with his calming down so quickly." She said softly, looking off to the side.

"Perhaps, she did have more skill with that." Blackmane smiled remembering Marks first week in Cairo, he wouldn't let go of Snowfeather at all, the poor boy was, at the time, a complete wreck, couldn't even be left alone after what happened to his parents and sister in Arendelle. And he never knew, still didn't and wouldn't know, that his sister and mother were both alive and well. Of course living and working in a whorehouse was not exactly how one could expect 'alive and well' to work out.

It wasn't going to be easy, keeping a secret like this, the only question was, how long was she to keep it ? So Blackmane asked, somewhat bluntly at that. "Who else knows that you are here ?" Blackmane had no idea that only Georgina knew, or how the Princess knew to begin with for that matter.

Marion thought for a while, before shrugging. "Besides Georgina, no one knows I'm here, except my Mother, of course." She said calmly. "Georgina only knows... well... she measured me for the coat... and um ...knew I was lying about my name..." she said calmly, hand going to her neck where the measuring-tape had been wrapped around to "measure" her neck while Georgina made 'Small talk' with the new recruit.

She then sighed. "If you can manage to keep the secret until I'm ready to confess to Mark, that'd be great... He mustn't know I'm here yet." She repeated.

"Your secret is safe with me" Blackmane said with a smile. Georgina was rather blunt when it came to small talk, a dark eyebrow raised slightly at the mere thought of Georgina choking somebody. "Well... wasn't expecting that one" Blackmane mused thoughtfully, she'd have to talk to the Princess of China at some point. "Either way Mark nor my own sister will know of your secret whatsoever until you decide when to tell any of them yourself, it is your secret, and therefore your duty to pick the right time and place to tell it. I wont do that for you." She smiled and relaxed "Besides, If your brother were to find out you were alive, but somewhere. which I am sure he that does know that you are alive, because of... the letters ? Nevertheless, he does not know that you are in fact here, in Arendelle."

She went thoughtfully quiet then for a long moment. Finally she said. "Come dawn there aere a few things I will need your help with, you'll have to tell Georgina the Mentor requested your help, its... somewhat personal to us both." She meant the buiral vaults and the royal cemetary. That and a letter had arrived that day shortly before the party of a shipment arriving for supplies before moving inland towards Sweden

Finally Blackmane asked. "What name are you using to get around ? Surely not your true name; if that got out, no telling what could occur should Mark, or... them would react or do, or try."

Diana nodded to the request. "I would be honored, Mentor." she said, smiling. she chuckled as she was asked what her fake name was. "I am going by Diana." she said calmly. "If Mark found out, he'd probably strangle the Duke where he stood in excitement and anger for not being told. If ithey/i found out... it'd be... that all over again." she shuddered, more easilly accepting the memory than her older brother did.

Blackmane's attention focused on Marion carefully when the girl shuddered at a memory. "It would be what over again ?" Apparently Blackmane was not exactly in the know concerning first why Mark lived with them in Egypt, and why Marion was going under a fake name and living in England with the Icewraith, of course Tiri had yet to shatter, or eat a roman candle, yet.

"With all due respect... ask your twin." Marion stated bluntly, looking away as she said it, shuddering again as she stood, turning away and walking to a nearby window. It was still painful for her, but unlike her brother, she did not supress it. But...unlike her brother, she didn't have the drive to be the best, either; to prevent another atrocity like that happening to anyone but his enemies.

Each had their way of coping. Mark used it as fuel for his rage against the Templars while simultaniously repressing it, while Marion let it come up from time to time as a sort of therapy, so that she could get over the event easier. After all... watching your entire clan get slaughtered inside of a day minus your immediate family takes a toll; especially on young children.

Blackmane noddeed at the answer. "Fair enough. I wont ask ever again, either to you you or to her, or to him." Meaning her brother Mark. She watched as the fireworks exploded far above, lighting the fjords in two directions before soon slowing. It was nearing the end of the first party. "Would you like me to send this on its way ?" She meant the letter to Marions mother. Blackmane herself had a letter she too wanted to send, but to Tiri, the brothel was ready for its new 'owner' "I have a letter that goes to the same place, but to a different person there."

"I... I need to finish the letter first. Can you give me a few minutes? I'll meet you somewhere." Marion said softly, turning and sitting back down in the chair. She yawned and kept writing as the fireworks boomed off in the distance.

"Very well, when you are ready to send this on its way, I will be at my den in the marketplace district" Blackmane said, she stood from the table, as she passed Marion she patted the young Wolfe on the shoulder, "Get some rest, you need it, I will see you in the morning." She said softly, quietly opening the door and stepping out into the hall closing it behind her, she never saw Elsa and Mark down the hall at the foot of the stairs.

Arendelle Castle

Elsa's bedroom

A moment later

It took but a few moments as the grand fanale went off after a good ten or so minutes. Elsa pretty much all but dragged Mark with her, of course she had to bid goodnight to many families in the courtyard as they started to filter out. the dancing was amazing, she'd never forget it, if ever. But what was more, infact better was the fact that there was something else on her mind at the time. Something of why she wanted Mark with her in her room, just the two of them, alone.

It was simple really. She wanted to show Mark something important.

But she did not know just how important what she was about to show her dear friend, and possibly her huband in the future... wait Elsa why are you thinking like that girl ? You just kissed him... yeah but I've known him more then a year to want to marry after a first meeting Elsa mentally debated with herself. Sure she had known Mark for well over a year, if more. But she did just kiss the guy that night, well, he kissed her but still. why was she suddenly thinking of marriage ? With a quick shake of her head she pretty much dragged Mark to her bedroom door and looked both ways before opening it and pulling him inside and closing the door behind them. None of the staff knew what she was doing, nor why Mark was with her, but they asked no questions.

Mark was still in a half-daze from the kiss, and from being dragged through the castle so quickly. After a second he shook his head to wake himself from the daze and he looked to Elsa. It was only then that the impact of what he'd done hit him, and he coughed hard. He'd just kissed the Queen! Oh man... what was he thinking? Sure she kissed him back but... seriously? Kissing the Queen? Oh man...

Mark coughed a few more times. "Give... give me a minute." He said between coughing fits. He shook his head and held his jaw.

"I... I'm sorry... back there, I don't know what came over me... I just..." He was fumbling with his words, something he rarely, if ever did at all. His cheeks blazed red, and the glowing lines were erratic on his armor, showing distress and confusion.

Elsa very nearly dragged Mark dead into her door frame itself. But thankfully she managed to keep him in one piece and not damage eithetr him or the castle, heaven knew what would happen with that armor at full strength! But it didn't matter, she nodded when he asked for a moment and went over to her bedside table. Opening it she pulled out her journal and opened it, going back to Mark as she went through the pages, Where was it ? Aha! Found it! Elsa thought coming to a page she had drawn a few months before. Why she was thinking of it now of all days she couldn't explain, but, she had to tell someone about it!

She hled the journal to Mark She smiled, "Its alright, I understand, I... it... felt oddly right. You know, like, maybe it's to be or something ?" Hey, she was Queen, she knew Mark a year or so now, so... yeah she could marry him... soonish ? Stopit stupid, dont think of marrige yet! She took a deep breath and held the page open for him to see "Do you recognise anyone in these ?" She asked as she handed the journal to him.

The page showed three different scenes. The first of a egg of some form, so perfectly drawn as if it was from memory or something else entirely. encased in ice and kept hidden for ages it seemed, showing no signs of age yet, crystal clear was Elsa's drawing. The scond scene was of a young girl similar to Elsa herself, only underfed and very scared, kept in a prison cell. The third and final scene showed a older woman caring for the young girl.

Mark blinked as she smiled at him, quieting himself down easilly enough as he smiled and nodded. "Y-Yea... I think I know what you mean." he said. No you don't, you fool. I dunno...maybe you do? Does this mean...nah He blinked and looked to the journal, taking it, his finger brushing against hers briefly as he took it from her and looked at the drawings she wanted to show him.

His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at the pictures. Something was... odd about the young girl. He blinked a few times, and as he did, something was... off about his eyes. They seemed more, preadtory. In the sense that they made Ulnaus seem like a Puppy. His pupils had changed. Becoming repilian slits for a second while his eyes blazed bronze. He then blinked and it was gone; the glow, the pupils, everything about his eyes aside from their usual deepness.

"This... woman in the last picture... she looks surprisingly like your mother." He said calmly. Something screamed for him to look deeper at the image of the young girl, a sudden inner rage that was quickly fading-no... falling back asleep.

He tapped on the third picture. "Don't you think? She's got the same general... everything, really, from what I've seen in the paintings."

Elsa nodded "I thought that too, But Momma died ten years ago, over ten years ago." Elsa crossed her arms, rubbing and seemingly favoring her right arm and elbow, though Mark by that point knew why exactly. Or so he might have known, Elsa never told anyone aside from Anna about where she got the scars on her hand and arm. Mark only saw so much. "Why would I draw her, so perfectly, as if I just saw her, in my journal ?" It confused Elsa to no end, there was something strangely confusing about the child too. "There's something about this, but what it is I dont know. Something about this... thing in ice, this child, and maybe my Mother too."

She went to her bed and sat down on it, letting out a deep breath "Its all so confusing" She said "I drew that seven months ago, all three of those pictures. I dreamed about them. Oddly, it felt so real. Its weird. scary even really. It was as if I was there, everything felt so real it... its like my mother is still alive, tending to a child somewhere in a cell. And then before seeing her and the child I'm seeing a egglike thing encased in ice! What does it mean ?"

Then she remembered the first journal, the one Snowfeather refused to read when she first arrived. Digging the thing out of her bedside stand she opened it, there was a blank page in the front of it. It showed a map, maybe.

Maybe everything could make sense in the morning ?

20 December 2051

Arendelle Castle

Castle Dining Room

About seven hours later

The night soon passed, and the first full day of festivies was to begin as soon as breakfast was over. Residents and citizens were already starting to gather in the couryard for the morning start to the weeklong party. Morning however found Elsa wide awake in the dining room, a map of Arendelle spread on the table, a good sized mug of hot cocoa with lavender was within her reach at all times as Kai stood nearby with a pot of the foul smelling drink. Kai of course was trying to tell Elsa something, but she was intent on finding something that her mother had left for her to find in a set pattern. Her own journal she let Mark have that night to study the pictures in it, those three she showed him, why did she draw them ? What importence were they to either of them ? Why those three pictures ? It didn't matter.

"Did you say something Kai ?" Elsa asked looking over the map of the kingdom carefully.

"Yes, a messenger arrived, asking for you. From a country far from here, they require supplies, and also leave to transport some items through the kingdom." Kai replied.

"What kind of items ?" Elsa asked

"I was not told." Kai replied "When I asked, the answer I was given was that it was need to know information. And until the messenger spoke to you, I was not to know."

"Where is the messenger now ?" Elsa asked

"The two assassins have him with them now" Kai replied, meaning either the Twins, Snowfeather and Blackmane, which was not a possiblty because Blackmane was sound asleep in the kitchen at that moment, Elsa could see the multicolored robe hung up where the chef normally hung his own coat. The other two possiblities were Georgina and Diana. Which oddly was the correct assumption. For the most part. "In your study, I recall Mark saying he'd meet you in the library as well."

"Thankyou Kai, I will go find Mark first, delay the messenger for me a bit." Kai nodded and set the pictre of hot cocoa on the table as Elsa took her mug of hot chocolate with her and went to her mothers bedroom, looking both ways before entering and closing the door behind her and then entering her mothers hidden library.

She saw Mark in there already, pouring over books once anew. "Find anything new ?" She asked him softly, offering her hot cocoa to him to have a sip.

Mark shook his head, and sighed, leaning back as he closed the book. "Nothing. Nothing referring to an egg covered in ice anywhere. But it seems so familiar... doesn't it?" he said, looking to Elsa. For a second his eyes had that predatory glare to them before he blinked and the returned to normal again. He'd gotten a decent amount of sleep, and looked well rested; hence his bed-head, which he realized was indeed existent and quickly he used the claws of his gauntlet to comb his hair down.

He sighed. "What can I do for you, Elsa?" he asked; obviously she was here for more than info on what he'd studied for the past five hours straight.

"It does, it... its like I've seen before somewhere. like... I hid it myself or something. Its weird." She sighed a soft smile on her face. "There's a messenger from a country, Kai says the man has a strange accent. He wont tell Kai anything either, Georgina and Diana are with him now in the study downstairs. I was wondering if you'd like to be along for this meeting ? Something tells me I will need all the advice I can get, its not the Dukes man though. Its someone else." Elsa explained. A messenger with a strange accent, could only mean Britian or similar such countries.

"I also looked more over the map. There's really nothing in the Wolfe district the Templars might want, its empty, maybe a patrol or two trying to keep back something" She explained what she had found through her mothers journal, "I think I know where to look for the first ... statue" She said then.

But first thing was first, before even treating the guests to the weeklong party, she had to treat with a messenger from somewhere.

Finally she asked seeing his bedhead, Her own hair unbraided and somewhat messy. "Did you sleep well ?" She sure did, all she could think about was him, their dancing, their kiss. the entire kingdom happy that she seemingly had found someone who she could love.

Mark nodded. "I see. Well then, let's see what our guest wants, shall we?" He offered, gesturing to the door before leading the way himself; figuring he knew where he was being held while they waited for Elsa. "I did sleep well, thanks. You look well rested as well, Elsa. Pray tell me why?" he asked calmly, looking to Elsa as he rounded a corner.

As he held the door open for her and they stepped into her mothers bedroom she paused quickly and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. It wasn't a slap per sei, yet it could be felt as one. "Do I really have to answer that ?" She asked, somewhat coyly yet it made sense. She really just dreamed about him. Oddly her mother and the child her mother cared for too. But it wasn't important, she had to focus on the then and there. Memories could wait a little bit. She had a job to do.

Entering the hallway from her mothers bedroom she looked again both ways, a habit really, nobody truly came up there except the castle staff, and in recent events, one could not be too careful. "From what Kai told me" Elsa said as she locked the door behind them with a snowflake lock. "the man sounds like Diana, where is she from exactly to have such an accent ?"

The messenger was in fact a representative of a powerful shipping company based in London. The task in question at that time was lodging, and leave to transport certain items of extreme value through the kingdom to get to Oslo, and then from there to Stockholm Sweden. Both sides of things was tricky, but getting through Arendelle was only step one.

But then again, when it came to money, things got funny very quickly.

Mark's cheeks burned red for a few seconds after she pecked his cheek. "I...I guess not, Elsa." He said calmly. "If he sounds like Diana then he is from England or Therabouts." He said calmly. "I'll be able to better tell once I've heard him, or Diana can tell us." He said calmly.

Mark had already contacted his old friend in the CIA about needing weapons for the Assassin's here in Arendelle, and secretely he hoped that this was it. He wasn't sure though, and summoned his armor just in case.

Elsa smiled, seeing his cheecks go beet red for a few seconds. "It was because of last night actually, us, dancing, showing you the pictures in my journal. When you left to go to bed, I went right to sleep." She hadn't even bothered to change either! Just zonked out, after all it was well past midnight at the time. As they walked the halls to the grand centeral huge staircase she explained how she felt. It was all because of him. For once it her life she felt safer then even in his arms.

"Yes, perhaps Diana can help or tell us exactly where he hails." As they arrived at the study door a guard opened it and announced their arrival, There were three people inside the study, one of them a man, in fact the only one who was male, was standing by the fireplace, which was brightly lit. The other two, both women, were standing not far away. One of them had her hood down, The other did not. Then again all new recruits had their hoods up the first six ranks to begin with. But with Georgina now in charge of the Roughwater District Den she had advanced up the ranks fairly quickly.

But the male in the room, the only man, both carefully watched yet well respected, was clearly an Englishman of some form. Judging by his stature alone he was used to such things yet also quite aloof himself.

Mark looked the Englishman up and down quickly as he turned around to look upon the Queen and her escort. "Greetings. What business do you have in Arendelle?" Mark asked calmly; he just needed to get the man to speak; he'd know by voice tone alone if he had ill intentions for the Kingdom of Arendelle. Mark didn't bother raising his hood, but his eyes glowed as he used his Eagle Vision to search the man visually without moving. His armor glowed slightly and his mouth was crook'd down at the corners, a small intimidation tactic he picked up whilst in the CIA.

The Englishman smiled. Seeing Mark with Elsa of all people, he'd heard of him, and of her, because of one in that room with them at that moment. "Samuel Green, London Assassini." He said in greeting, holding out his hand to shake with Mark, revealing his own hidden blades on his arm. "I was sent by the Company to request permision to transport several important items from London to Stockholm. Naturally on the route Arendelle was listed. I was selected because of the enemy influence in this area."

Georgina watched the man, Green, carefully, her own eagle vision working clearly as the man spoke, he appeared in sky blue to her, an ally. Yes, there was no denying that. Unless he was a triple agent, when things just got a little haywire, which thankfully, for the moment, he was not such a thing. Green continued speaking, turning his gaze towards Elsa "I trust I can have your permission Madam ?"

Elsa wanted to give permission, yet, something nagged at her. "What exactly will be crossing my borders and transported through my home ?" She asked, not exactly blunt or mean, just plain curious.

Green must have been expecting such thing as he replied, "A few cases of Gold Bullion, plus some artefacts unknown to the Company. One of the artefacts is the Shroud of Eden. I was told it'd be needed here." He cast his glance towards Mark as he spoke, but it was not him who sent it, it was in fact Blackmane who sent that notice.

Mark was hesitant until he saw the blades under the man's wrists. He shook his hand firmly. "Mark Wolfe, Arendelle Assassin. London,.. didn't expect the England Assassin's to grace us with a London member, but your presence is welcome." He said with a rather admirable tone to his voice. He froze as he heard about the Shroud of Eden. Blinking a few times he looked to Elsa, then back to Samuel.

"Did... did your advisor tell you why it would be needed here?" He asked, confused.

"No" Green replied, "I was only told it would be needed here, but not for what, only to bring the Shroud here; She would not tell me why, only of who to give it to" She, Green said, ishe/i That got Elsa's undevided attention, who was this, She he referred to ? His gaze however locked on Elsa, which made her slightly nervous, when Mark looked at her she just shrugged, the hell was a Shroud of Eden ?

So Elsa then asked "Who is... she ?"

"My den master, and mentor of the London Assassin branches" Green replied he stepped over to the table that held a chest upon it. Speaking as he unlocked it. "I was told explictly to take the Shroud, and ensure it was given to the Queen of Arendelle. I ... assume that is you Madam ?" He said looking to Elsa

"Yes, I am the Queen of Arendelle, I am Elsa." Elsa replied after giving a careful thought over how to reply. "Why ?"