Authors note: I apologize for any and all delays, life got in the way unfortunately. Any way thank you for all of the reviews. Now for your pleasure, here is a new chapter, thank you for reading and please review when done.

There were little things that made Hans worried, he had been through a lot, learned how to keep his composure and a cool head. But not this time, this was the second time he felt his world had fallen apart.

Packing what was in the guest house, his and his fathers things Hans found an abandoned cottage in the woods outside of Arendelle. Made it his own before running around and looking for his father.

He asked around, made a sketch and showed it around, but then he noticed something odd... At first people were eager to help him when he told them his plight, but as soon as he mentioned how his father had no hands the change was obvious.

It was like a flipped switch, they went from eager to help to avoiding him and making excuses not to help. Even odder when they refused a small reward Hans had.

After a month or so Hans was growing more and more desperate as he could not find his father for the life of him. He was so tempted to write letters to Varian, Aisha and Heidi, to beg them for help, but did not dare to as he did not want to bother them.

Arriving to the cottage Hans dragged himself inside and collapsed on the floor, physically and mentally exhausted he curled up in a ball, sobbing. He felt low, like a failure, like he did all those years ago.

Crisp and thick, with a little bit of candle wax smell was the letter Hans was holding. His hands shook a bit, his breath was quick, his stomach churned as he opened up the envelope and looked inside only for his hand to drop.

It was hopeless. He had been trying to leave Arendelle since ending his courtship months ago but no matter what he did he was not allowed to leave. Yes the people said one excuse or another, but Hans was not stupid, he knew that Elsa had ordered them to keep them from allowing him to leave.

In his desperation he reached out to Eugene in hopes he would allow him to travel to Corona and from where anywhere only for Eugene to refuse as well. He said it was "not convenient" that "yes he knew Hans was angry or upset but he could not let hurt blind him, to stay as it was clear that Elsa loved him".

Hans was not stupid, he recognized the handwriting and it was most certainly without a doubt not Eugenes.

The Eugene he knew would never write the e's and a's in such a flowery manner. Also the ink was wrong, Eugene always used black in, yet this letter was written in blue ink and last but not least the Signature was not right as it was too cursive and Eugene never signed his name in a cursive manner.

Ripping and throwing away the letter Hans was willing to bet his own life that Elsa told Rapunzel what happened and she had been the one to pick through Eugenes mail and send him this pretending to be Eugene.

Sitting on the ground Hans buried his head into hands. What was he going to do? He was completely out of options.

He tried everything he even resorted to begging for his brothers for help. The mere asking then for help showed just how desperate he was as he never would due to the fact that he did not have the best relationship with them. But it too proved fruitless as they all called him insane for wanting to leave when in their words not his "You want to leave now?! Are you insane?! You have Elsa eating out of the palm of your hand! This is perfect as you can ask of her whatever you want and have her do anything for you! Why would you waste this golden opportunity!?" Or "Are you insane! She is completely bowing at your feet! You will have to be a fool not to use this! Why not use this chance?!"

Those words disgusted Hans, Elsa is a person, not a means to an end! He does not want riches, power or anything all he wants is...

Hans stopped and frowned "What do I want?".

As he though back he realized, he had been so busy trying to become what Elsa and everybody wanted, doing what she wanted, going where she wanted...

That he forgot...

What did he wanted to do? And... who was he now?

This made Hans frown even more as he realized he did not know anymore, in trying to do the impossible, to gain forgiveness, redemption, love and approval he had truly lost himself.

He did know that he wanted to have somebody who would be by his side, through thick and thin, love him as he would do the same to her. But that was it, that was all he knew... all his other wants, needs and ambitions were gone leaving him with nothing but doubt over everything and even himself.

Not that that was a bad thing as he was not proud of who he had been before and what he did. But who he was now?

There had to be more to him now than just that ex traitor prince, he was not that person anymore, he had worth, he was somebody... but... who was a good question...

"I guess I have to find out... somehow... but not here" though Hans as he continued to ponder.

Curling up Hans sighted and picked himself up, forced himself to stand up and composed himself. No! He will not break down like that again! He had come too far! Learned too much! Grew too much to go back to that!

"I will not give up! I have gone through too much for that! This will not break me! I will find my father!" Hans though to himself as he walked over and sat down on the ground.

Taking out some bread he ate it, as he did he though. After taking another bite Hans eyes lit up as he remember "The wolves! Why did I not think about that!?" though Hans as he got up and left the cottage in a hurry.

"They are dying" though Anna sadly as she looked over the garden. The flowers withered, the leaves of the trees fell even the very ground lost its green.

It was as if when John left, so did the life he breathed into the place.

With a sad face she turned to Kristoff and showed him a carrot she had pulled, it was withered and had the color of ash.

Kristoff shook his head and said "This is wrong Anna",

"Kristoff, it had to be done, you know why" said Anna softly as she walked over and took his hand "He has to pay for what he did... what he did to him... to you".

Kristoff would have squeezed her hand in comfort if he had been able, but of course he could not. Not after what happened.

Flashback:

Working in the mountains since he was a child Kristoff was an excellent tracker. Using all his know how and skills it took for him no time till he found Hans.

The red head was tired, his back against a tree, pale and sweaty, his face looked dry, it was clear that he had not eaten or had a drink of water in sometime.

As soon as Hans spotted Kristoff he looked ready to run again, but Kristoff stopped him.

"Please, I am not going to send you back to Arendelle" Kristoff quickly said, this stopped Hans, he looked skeptical at the blond, but did not move.

"Hans... hear me out... I have food and some water... I just want one thing" said Kristoff as he slowly approached Hans, hands up to show he meant no harm.

Again the red head did not move as Kristoff finished "Why? Why do you want to leave?". This seemed to enrage Hans as he finally spoke in an angry yet wheezy voice "Why should I tell you?! Nobody listens to me! Or gives me a chance to speak or take the time to hear me out" he then coughed and wheezed, his throat was parched.

Carefully Kristoff took out a canteen from his bag, opened and held it out as he said "I know... and... I am sorry... but I will take the time to listen to you now".

Hans was skeptical but accepted the canteen, taking a deep and log drink Hans breathes a bit before saying "Alright..."

Sitting down by the roots of the tree Hans spoke, telling his side of the story. As he did Kristoffs eyes widen, try as he might, he could not ignore it. What Hans said was very close to what he was going through.

The emotional neglect, not being listened to or taken into consideration, always giving the all in the relationship.

It was not that far off from what he is going through.

He loves Anna, he loves her so much, but at times he felt like he was intruding, that he was a stranger looking outside in. He understands Anna loves her sister Elsa, but at times he worries that it's too much and that if Anna had to choose she would choose Elsa above anybody, even including any children he and Anna will have.

It's so much so that Kristoff has hold off on having kids with Anna. He did try to talk to Anna about this, but it's like it went in one ear and out the other.

As time goes on Kristoff begins to wonder if it was a mistake to marry Anna. He loves her, but does she love him the same way?

Looking at Hans Kristoff wished that he had had more time to spend with him. They would have been the closest friends as he could see a bit of a kindred spirit in him, but it was too late. What was done was done, it saddens Kristoff to know he had played a huge part in it by not speaking out more often, but he could do this.

Getting up Kristoff handed Hans some food and water before saying "Go".

Hans looked surprised at that, Kristoff nodded and continued "I will distract and disorient the search parties, will give you a good head start" Then pointed "Go down that way, soon you will find a tree with twisted limbs, from there you go left and over in a day or so you will be free"

For a moment Kristoff saw Hans smile, it was the first time he ever saw him do that as he said "Thank you" before Hans got up and ran down the direction Kristoff pointed.

The blond watched as Hans left, as he did he hesitated, he was very tempted to run after Hans and let them both leave together for he was sure that once Hans was gone he would be the next target in Agnaars list.

Then... as if fate Kristoff remembered something, he had tried to forget it, but this event triggered that memory.

Once he had asked Anna if she loved him, she said yes, her smile melted him but the pit in his stomach never left as he had heard rumors about how it was as if Elsa and Anna were together. So he asked who do you love more, me or Elsa. It was unfair to ask, but he had to know, he would have accepted any answer even her calling him stupid, but what she said forever stuck to him.

"I love you both the same"

That answer hit Kristoff like a ton of bricks, how can you love your sister the same as you love your husband? That made no sense to Kristoff as bile and sick rose from his stomach. She changed the subject after that but this forever stuck with him.

Looking at his hand he sighted, Hans was right... enough was enough.

"Hans! Wait!" Yelled Kristoff as he ran after him, hoping to catch up.

He ran as he knew where Hans was going but he had to catch up to him before he got to the tree, if he did not catch up before then then Hans would go anywhere and Kristoff would not be able to find him.

Suddenly a scream rang through the forest, it made Kristoff blood run cold. Hurrying up Kristoff moved pass trees and bushes before stopping when he saw a horrible sight.

Hans lay on the ground, his face bloody and vapor coming from it filling the area with the smell of decay, gore and blood.

Before Hans stood Agnaar, a loud gasp escaped Kristoff, it was a horrible mistake as Agnaar turned to face him.

Terrified Kristoff turned and ran away, as he ran he heard Agnaar screaming as he chased him.

Running, terror disoriented Kristoff, looking behind he saw Agnaar chasing him, dagger in hand. Soon Kristoff felt the ground give away.

In his haste he had not watched where he was going and fell down a large cliff. This would have resulted in his death... but be it luck or a curse he landed on a tree growing on the side of the cliff, his back cracked, there was pain before he felt cold then a strange numbness followed before he blacked out.

As much as he agreed, he could not, too much pain had come. Revenge was not the way, "Anna, we have to tell John the truth",

"Kristoff if we do then John will go after Elsa" said Anna.

"I know... but this is wrong, so wrong" said Kristoff sadly then added "If we want a future... we have to end this cycle"

A light rustle was heard. Hans moved branches and such as he looked around the area of the forest, behind him he dragged a young dead deer he found near a creek, probably drowned.

Suddenly he felt a presence, a familiar one.

Turning around he found himself face to face with the wolf.

There was silence between them, Hans said nothing, he was not going to, he was going to let the wolf talk first.

"It is strange, usually you drop off the meat and lee, is there a reason for the change?" asked the wolf,

"Yes, I have Lord wolf" said Hans politely then added "I ask, if it's possible, would you aid me? It's a matter of life and death" this surprised and worried the wolf as he asked concerned "How may I help?",

"My Father is missing, I know I should not worry, but my father has no hands and is blind, if I do not find him I fear he will be hurt or dead if he is not found" explained Hans, this concerned the wolf even more as he agreed that Hans had a valid reason to worry.

"When was the last time you saw him?" asked the wolf,

"Weeks ago, I left him in the care of a friend and when I got back he is gone" answered Hans, the wolf scoffed at that "That friend was no friend to allow this to happen".

Hans did not answer, he was angry at Anna but being angry would not solve anything.

"Well then I will help, wait here and I shall see what me and my pups can find" said the wolf as he turned and left, running off into the forest.

Once alone Hans to take a sight of relief, glad for the help, turning he walked to the side and made a small fire. There was nothing much to do but wait.

Hours passed, the sun set surrounding Hans with darkness, the only source of light he had was the fire which he fed wood to keep the light up.

Watching the flames Hans mind wandered back to the past. As it did he though of her...

She was beautiful, not on the outside, on the outside she was very plain looking with her brown hair and eyes. No, her true beauty came from the inside, inside she was the most beautiful person Hans had ever met, even more beautiful than Elsa if he was being honest.

It had been months since Joseph and his daughter Jane joined their little group. They were a welcome breath of fresh air.

Despite Janes frailty she proved to be a great observer and researcher, many times spotting things that neither one of them did till she pointed them out while Joseph was a good metal worker who really showed pride in his work.

As a thank you he crafted them many beautiful weapons or pieces.

For Varian he crafted a necklace for when he made the philosopher stone so he could have a place to keep it close to him. For Aisha he made a cloth, but this was no ordinary cloth even if it looked like it, but it was a shield which she used to deflect most weapon and shield herself from stabbing. It would not bring her damage but she would feel the pressure when the weapons hit her.

For Heidi he made a magnificent awl pike and last but not least he made the dagger for Hans. He still has it to this day.

After sometime passed Hans began to notice, little things about Jane. Whenever he and the group returned she was always the first to greet him first with words but that evolved to hugs and then hugs and a chaste kiss on his cheek when she got the chance.

Then she would talk to him a lot, visit him, sometime bring treats and such.

It was then that Hans realized that she may have developed a small crush on him. Out of respect he sat her down and spoke to her, completely honest and open he told her of her past.

He braved himself waiting for hate to come but what she said surprised him.

"It does not matter who you were before, it's who you are now whats most important" she said.

Hearing that truly touched Hans as he had told Varian, Heidi and Aisha his past, but their reactions varied between mistrust and wariness for a bit before they found that he was trustworthy.

So Janes words of acceptance, it almost brought Hans to tears.

This all culminated in what would happen later on. It started in a pub in London Hans decided to take a rest in after a mission. As he took a sip of ale he was surprised to see Joseph walking over.

Remembering his conversation with Jane Hans imagined himself being shot to death or being chopped to bits or struck with a hammer as Joseph was the iron smith and it showed as he was broad shoulder and full of muscle despite his old age, could easily break Hans in half if he wanted to.

Sitting down Joseph asked for a drink which the bartender gave him. Taking it Joseph nodded and began to enjoy his drink in silence while Hans drank his ale in an effort to hide his fear.

After a while Joseph placed his drink down and said "So, you know my daughter Jane?",

"Yes, she is my friend" said Hans calmly as he set the mug down, despite this he was panicking on the inside as every single worst possible scenario went through his mind as he knew how far a father will go to protect his daughter from whatever he sees as a threat or danger.

"Ah, I see" he said before taking another sip of his drink and asking "Have you considered... marrying?", this startled Hans making him loose his composure for a second before saying "I uh, I have not given much though about that, I ended a rather bad relationship and to be honest I doubt I will ever consider to marry".

"Oh... so you would not consider?" asked Joseph, Hans shook his head no as he was now completely confused, what did Joseph wanted?

Nodding Joseph said "As you know my daughter Jane, she is my princess, she is the only thing I have left since my wife passed away and since then I promised I would do whatever to make her happy" with that he stood up.

Hans began to fear for his life as he was sure Joseph was ready to attack him. Looking around discretely Hans spotted the bar stool next to him... maybe he could use that to defend himself or smash his beer mug against Josephs head if needed.

As Joseph stood up he reached into his pocket making Hans jump to grab the stool in fear that the father brought a gun only to look in surprise when saw... it was not a gun, but a small leather bag.

Hans looked even more confused when Joseph opened the bag and spilled some silver and gold coins into his hand a s showed it to him.

"Consider this your dowry" Joseph said as he put the coins back, tied the bag and pushed it over to Hans.

"Dowry sir?" asked Hans baffled,

"John, your a good man and I feel awful for asking this... but would you consider marrying my daughter?" He asked,

"I am sorry, there must be a mistake" said Hans shocked, Jane was barely 14 years old, what parent would want to marry their daughter off to the likes of him?!

"No mistakes, she speaks nothing but you day in and day out, she truly loves you" said Joseph.

Hans bit his lip, he truly could not understand what Jane saw in him. He told her of his past, he had no money or anything to offer and still she loves him... why?

"Sir, she could change her mind soon, she is only 14 years old" said Hans softly.

Joseph looked down and shook his head "I am afraid that will not happen... as you know she probably will not live long to change her mind about it, all she wants is to marry before she dies and I ask if you, in one knee, please accept this" he said going down on his knee.

Hans stared as he was put on the spot, in one hand he wanted to refuse, yes he loved Jane but not that, not like Elsa but... how could he deny her her wish when she had been so kind.

Pushing the sack back Hans said "No need for this, i will do it, no strings attached" taking the money back he looked surprised then said "Thank you John! You have no idea how happy you made me! And my daughter! We will work on the wedding at once!"

He left very merrily, Hans smiled a little, happy to be able to help in someway.

Thump! He heard, looking up he found the wolf had come back.

"I looked and could not find" he said, Hans was disappointed but before he could say anything the wolf continued "So I asked my sons and the looked, my youngest found your father".

"He did!?" said Hans happily but that did not lasted when he noticed the Grimm look on the wolf's face.

"Where is he?" asked Hans hesitates, did they find him dead? Please God no! Let it not be!

"He is in the castle, the one in the coast, Arendelle is it?" He said then continued "I fear he may be in big trouble".

Hans agreed, but wondered why was he in Arendelle castle? Why would Elsa have him?

It had been another day for Queen Elsa, nothing too special as she went about her day. Many documents to sign, meetings, openings and appearances. She was glad when the day was almost over.

Sitting down on her throne she sat and listened to people who requested audience with her. As people left and came in, she looked at Ulrick who looked over the list and said "The next is a John Winters".

Elsa eyes widen as she recognized that name, it was Anna's new worker. It was hard not to recognize him as Anna spoke a lot about him, a lot of good things too along with mentions of how handsome he was. Curious she moved her hand, signaling to let John in as she though "Let's see if that's true".

Nodding the servants opened the door and allowed John inside.

Elsas eyes widen, he was an unusual fellow, but he was what she would reluctantly call handsome even if his looks were not particularly instyle right now, his long blond hair reached about his shoulders and was the same color of either a hand full of coins or a field of summer wheat, his eyes a silvery blue gray that seemed to show a kind of wisdom nobody his age should posses, he was dressed modestly, the clothes were second hand but well cared for, not a patch or dirt to be seen.

Leaning into her hand Elsa discreetly tried to get a better look at John only to narrow her eyes. There was something familiar about him, but what?

Approaching her John stopped and bow down before her. Waiting for her to talk.

"Rise please" said Elsa imperiously, he did so, "Why have you come here?" asked Elsa softly,

"Your majesty, I hope you are having a good day, I wish I could say more but I am here on serious matters" began John "My father, he has been missing and I fear that you may have him".

Elsa hummed and though before asking "How does your father look like?",

"He is blind, about this tall" John gestures the height "Has a a cane attached to a stump where his hands should be as he has no hands".

Upon hearing that Elsa grew pale and asked "Pardon? Blind? With no hands?"

John nodded to that. Her expression darkened and said "I need to tell you something... I don't know what that man said, but he is a bad man, a criminal",

"Pardon?!" said John,

"Look you are a good man, I will pay you, but leave the old man to his fate" said Elsa,

"No, I can't" said John horrified,

"Yes you can... let me tell you who he is" said Elsa.

The cold seeped into Agnaars skin as he lay on the ground, curled up in an effort to keep warm in the ice cold cellar.

Loud clanks were heard making Agnaar lift his head a little as he "looked" at the door. He whimpered and curled up even more into a tight ball, not from the cold wetness of the room, but of the fear as he knew what was to come would not be good.

So it came as a surprise when through the door he heard a familiar voice.

"Hans?" He though as he could not believe his ears, yes Hans had been more than compassionate, showing mercy and care to him who was a burden. But even now that he very much likely knew who he was, his past as he was sure Elsa would not have kept the secret of his actions, Hans still showed the same compassion and even mercy when he had not done the same to him.

"Father!" Called Hans as he ran over to him, picked him up into a hug. At that moment all Agnaar could do was cry like a baby while whimpering "I am sorry" over and over as he buried himself unto Hans chest "Please forgive me".

Even as Agnaar apologized profusely for all the wrong he had inflicted on the younger man, Hans was past that, having had forgiven him since he learned the truth. "It's alright, I'll get you out of here," he promised, still holding him tight in his embrace. He winced, noticing the blue tinge on Agnaar's lips. "You're so cold," he said, shrugging off his coat to wrap it around Agnaar. "Are you hurt?"

Now, Hans's coat wasn't particularly thick, but the sincerity behind gesture was so pure that warmed Agnaar even more than the finest fur cloak.

After bundling Agnaar up Hans got up and turned to Elsa before saying "Let him go", it was very bold of him to make such demands, any demands to be honest, as Elsa is a queen while he a commoner, he had no power to challenge her and others who have paid the price. But what surprised her was the fact that he wanted to let this man go even after knowing the truth.

"No" answered Elsa coldly as she glared at Agnaar.

"I know what he did, but he has payed the price already" said Hans then gestured "Look at him, could you be so cruel to let him die?",

"It's his own fault" growled Elsa,

"Then punish me then" said Hans startling Agnaar.

"No! No please! He does not mean that" said Ahmad quickly as he moved. Elsa snapped her fingers and trapped Agnaar in a done of ice.

"Hey!" yelled Hans as he tried to get Agnaar out but Elsa said "Alright... I will let him go... only if you do something".

Hans turned and looked at Elsa seriously, she began "Have you heard of my three trials?".

To be continued...

Authors note: The trials will come, how will Hans get out of this one? Will Elsa learn the truth soon? We shall see.

So please stay tuned for the next chapter, please remember to review when done.