Chapter 2: Someone Like Me
Alone in the fjord the long-ship strained towards the ports of home with a crew of ice harvesters busy at the oars, speeding her approach. As the men rowed they sung together;
Born of cold and winter air and mountain rain combining
This icy force both foul and fair has frozen heart worth mining
So cut through the heart cold and clear
Strike for love and strike for fear
See the beauty sharp and sheer
Split the ice apart and break the frozen heart
Kristoff was among them and sang happily, along with Sven who sat within the bow of the boat bobbing his head to the music. Olaf squeezed himself tightly between Kristoff and another man and pretended to help them row. The ice master looked knowingly to the man beside him; Baldrek was a full head taller with broad shoulders, fiery red hair covering everything above his collarbone and cerulean blue eyes. He gave no response to Kristoff and continued to stare forward, seemingly uninterested.
Kristoff nudged him lightly but he returned only a brief smile and continued to abstain from joining in the song. His face read that he had heard this song one too many times. The ice master shrugged and continued singing with the rest of his crew as the song's tempo increased.
Stronger than one
Stronger than ten
Stronger than a hundred men
Born of cold and winter air and mountain rain combining
This icy force both foul and fair has frozen heart worth mining
So cut through the heart cold and clear
Strike for love and strike for fear
There's beauty and there's danger here
Split the ice apart, beware the frozen heart
They all cheered at the end of their song and Olaf eagerly clapped his hands together, "Let's hear another one can't we?"
Baldrek glanced down at the snowman, "I think we could do without singing for a few minutes, or at least until I'm off this boat."
Kristoff chuckled and petted Sven's head, "Yeah, we're almost home anyway." he leaned down to Olaf, "Next time we'll make him sing." Everyone else laughed while Baldrek only rolled his eyes and grumbled.
Eventually they reached the ports of the city and once anchored the crew began unloading their gear from the bow. Kristoff lifted Olaf onto the dock before he Sven and Baldrek climbed out with the rest of the crew. Once off the docks and out onto the streets the harvesters said their farewells and dispersed to go to their homes. Kristoff waved to the last of them, "Alright guys take care, see you soon."
He then turned to the giant ginger who stared off into the city and crowds of people moving within, looking bored as ever. "Cheer up Baldrek, in a couple of weeks we'll be on to our next job." Kristoff said in an encouraging tone.
"Mm...back at it again."
He walked over to his friend, "Alright, what's wrong?"
He looked between the city and Kristoff briefly before resting his ice axe over his shoulder and turning to him, "Do you ever think you'll do something besides harvest ice all your life?"
"Not really no."
Baldrek frowned and Kristoff's expression shifted to understanding, "Oh...What would you do?"
He shook his head, "I don't know, something-something where I matter...where I really make a difference."
Kristoff frowned and folded his arms, "What, ice harvesters don't matter? We don't make a difference?"
"You know what I mean."
"No I'm not actually sure I do."
"Well then what's the point in talking about it!?" Baldrek growled.
His irritated tone made Olaf and Sven flinch and glance at each other concerned. Kristoff raised his hands, "Alright alright, we don't have to talk about it."
Baldrek sighed and turned away, "Sorry..."
"It's Ok, I get it. Well-I mean I don't get it, but I get it...you get it?"
He laughed lightly, "Sure." he turned back to them and smiled, "So. Planning to ask the princess the big question? Only reason I can think you're in such a stupidly good mood."
Olaf looked to Kristoff and gasped, "You're gonna ask Anna to marry-"
A hand clamped over his mouth, "Preferably not for all of Arendelle to hear!" Kristoff chastised.
"Sorry." Olaf's muffled voice replied.
He stood and looked between them, his voice slightly lower than before, "But yes. After this next trip I'm gonna make my move."
"Picked out a ring?"
He nodded, "Oh you have to see it you guys-it's perfect! It's real gold of course and the jewel-"
He was stopped when Baldrek's hand grasped his shoulder, "Don't get to ahead of yourself there, first she has to say yes and the queen has to give her blessing."
His face dropped slightly at that last part and he cleared his throat, "Right-of course yeah, you're right... She will though, I'm sure of it."
"Ice master Kristoff!"
They all turned to see six castle guards moving down the street towards them, Baldrek chuckled and nudged his friend, "Looks like you might be in bigger trouble than I thought."
Olaf looked up, "Maybe she found out about all that missing cake from the kitchen?"
Kristoff shushed him as the guards neared and stood before him, "Kristoff, we've been instructed to escort the three of you to the palace."
He nodded, "Ok uh...Arvid right? Well as soon as we're finished here I'll be right along-"
"I'm afraid her majesty insists it cannot wait."
He paused, "Her command then?" Kristoff asked. The guard nodded. "Well that can't be good."
Baldrek patted him on the shoulder, "I'll think of you often and fondly when I see your head atop the palace wall."
Kristoff gave him a sarcastic laugh before gesturing to Olaf and Sven, "C'mon guys."
The three made their way towards the palace with the five guards forming a circle around them as they walked. Arvid lingered behind them for a moment, casting a glance at Baldrek and narrowing his eyes before turning heel to follow the others. Baldrek furrowed his brow at the uppity guard before turning toward the city.
OoO
Kristoff stood before the royal sisters in Elsa's study while Arvid stood at the door, the ice master's face was grim as he took in their initial words about what had happened. "Attacked?" he looked between them, "Are you hurt?"
"We're fine Kristoff." Anna took his hand in hers.
Elsa folded her arms and sighed, "But over a dozen of our guards were either killed or badly injured in the fighting."
"In Arendelle!?" He looked down and breathed in uneasily, "That doesn't make any sense, I mean who would do this?"
"I can't say yet. They bore no standard that I could recognize, my first thought was mercenaries."
He thought for a moment before looking up, "Do we think that he..." he didn't dare breathe life into it.
"Hans?" she said for him. She considered the idea but shook her head after a moment, "Much as I'd like to pin this on him, he doesn't wield the kind of power to stage something like this."
He walked forward to embrace them, "I'm just glad you're both alright."
They returned his hug, glad to all be together again. When they separated he put his hands on his hips, "What about this other guy you mentioned, this 'Aldren'?"
"Yes, Anna's mysterious red-eyed savior." Elsa said in a suspicious tone.
Anna bumped her with her hip, "At least you acknowledge it this time."
Arvid cleared his throat from his place at the door, "He was the most skilled swordsman I've ever seen...I do not think the guard alone would have triumphed without him being there."
Kristoff looked back to Elsa with a raised eyebrow, "Sounds like you really owe this guy."
Anna smirked at her, "Yeah..."
Elsa rolled her eyes, "For goodness sake you two! It's not as if I've imprisoned him in the dungeon."
"No. You just imprisoned him in a really comfy room instead-" Anna said with a raised brow.
"I'm going to make sure he can be trusted before I release him and besides...there's something else about him, he's hiding something and I want to know what it is."
"Well there's gotta be a way to find out, right? Maybe convince him to come clean about it?" Kristoff suggested.
Anna grinned as she made her hands into claws, acting out her villain impression, "Oh I'm sure my sister's thought of all sorts of inventive torture methods for extracting information-OW!"
She jumped sideways, rubbing her side and watched her sister withdraw her hand with her own smirk, "Perhaps I'll try pinching, since it seems to work well enough on you."
Anna stuck her tongue out and Elsa chuckled before bringing her hands together and pacing the room. They watched her continue like this for a minute or so until she stopped and turned suddenly towards the guard, "Arvid, if Kai is well enough have him inform the kitchen staff that dinner for four is to be prepared tonight, chef's choice. And let our 'guest' know that I've invited him to join us...of course when I say 'invite', I mean he has to."
"Yes your majesty." he bowed his head and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Anna folded her arms, "Dinner, really? Huh...didn't see that coming."
Elsa smiled as she placed one hand on her sister's shoulder and the other against her own chest, "Dear sister of mine, as queen I have access to more than one type of magic-and tonight at dinner...you'll get to watch me work it."
"Oh this ought to be good."
"Yes, I think it will be." Elsa said confidently
She brought her hands back together before pointing with both of them to her ice master, "Kristoff. Please make sure you bathe and change before dinner tonight, you stink of reindeer."
As she turned to the door he quickly smelled himself, failing to be discreet and making the princess snicker. Just before the queen reached for the handle she turned back to them with a grin, "Speaking of food; I was told by the kitchen staff that a large number of pastries have gone missing a few weeks past...would either of you happen to know anything about that?"
They both shook their heads and gave halfway convincing shrugs, "No."
She narrowed her eyes, "Mhm..." turning the handle she left the room too.
Once she was gone Anna seized her man's face in her hands and pressed her lips to his, he was surprised but responded just as eagerly. Breaking the kiss Anna rested her head against him, "Oh I missed you."
He held her close and kissed her head, "I missed you too." pulling back he looked her in the eye, "I know you said you weren't hurt, but are you Ok? I just-I can't imagine how terrifying that was."
She shook her head, "No more terrifying than slowly freezing to death on the fjord was, it just would've been faster." she looked down, "Being defenseless like that was terrifying-and I don't ever want to feel like that again... it wasn't the scariest thing though. When we were attacked I-...I stabbed a man."
"One of the one's trying to kill you right?"
She sighed, "Obviously."
"Right...and he died?"
She nodded, "I just-...I was so scared! It was just reaction, I didn't realize what I did until-"
He lifted her face up to his, "You were protecting yourself Anna, no one can blame you for that."
"I know I just...I just-"
She grumbled and slammed her fists lightly against his chest, having failed to find the words in this moment. She looked into his eyes, a pleading look in hers, "Will you stay here tonight? At the palace I mean-with me."
He smiled and rubbed his thumb against her cheek before pulling her in close again, "Course, course I will Anna and If you need time, I'm here now. I'm-right-here."
She closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest, savoring his smell, she knew her sister hated it but she adored it. She'd enjoy their time together while she could...but she had to admit that she was getting hungry.
OoO
Aldren sat on a couch in an inner room of the castle, it was wise of the guards to choose a room with no window. He leaned forward with his hands together while his crimson eyes remained fixed on the door. He couldn't blame the queen for her suspicion, it didn't make him any less peeved than he was at present. Still, he had to admit that it was a strange coincidence that on the same day he returned to Arendelle a group of assassins would try to kill it's queen. And who were they? Not mercenaries, he had seen most.
They didn't fight like men who wanted to spend gold after the fight, they fought with zeal and fury...they fought for a cause. What that was he could not say though it almost certainly had something to do with her powers. Even more unsettling was that they were not human, he had not seen much past their armor but the oversized fangs and pale skin that would be considered unhealthy on a human said more than enough. He had met many strange creatures across different lands on two continents, but he had never seen the likes of their race before.
But now his thoughts returned to the queen, what he was confronted with now was something he could never have predicted. He could not deny that her powers were of great interest to him and how she was set apart from most others in how they would use that power. It would be very easy for any person with such magic at their disposal to become a cruel tyrant and ruthless killer...he knew all too well. Yet from the moment she first spoke to him he could see that she was different than most leaders he had met or heard of in his life, different than most people for that matter. There was grace, poise, humility and a loving nature about her towards all those around her, especially the princess.
This along with the level of control she exhibited over her power was ultimately what added a whole other element of interest in her; Who was she? What was her story? And was it possible...could she help-
The handle of the door turned and as the door opened he sat up, his hands separated in a neutral position. The castle overseer walked in and stood before him, his left eye was swollen, he had several stitches where cuts marked his skin around it and a piece of cloth was stuffed up the nostril on the same side. Despite this he nodded with his hands behind his back, "Good evening Sir, the queen has asked for your presence."
He folded his arms, "She wants to interrogate me some more does she?"
"She wishes you to join her for dinner."
He blinked, "Dinner?" the overseer gestured for him to follow and Aldren slowly stood, "The surprises never end."
While the overseer led him out of the room he was flanked on either side with a guard, recognizing one the queen called Arvid. He looked back to the overseer, "Your eye, how did that happen?"
"The princess was in danger, I pushed her away and put myself between her and the assailant...not that it did any good." he finished solemnly.
"You bought her time to get across the room, it was nobly done."
He looked up at Aldren, surprised by the reply he gave an unsure smile, "I thank you for the kind words Sir."
He nodded, "Such devotion should be commended...but please don't call me sir, I'm not a knight."
"As you wish. This way." he gestured to a set of double doors before opening them fully and leading the way into the dining hall.
He was blinded momentarily by the light emanating from the ceiling, looking up he saw an elaborate chandelier of pure ice reflecting yellow light that illuminated the room. Shifting his gaze downward he saw a dark wooden table that stretched nearly the entire room; at the other end across from where he stood sat the queen who smiled pleasantly at his arrival. She had foregone her teal dress from before for a violet one that held more intricate patterning along the arms and chest, a diamond shaped space was left in the icy fabric along her abdomen, revealing her pale skin just above her navel while a small crocus sat in her platinum locks just above her left ear. A choice of dress that was without doubt both beautiful and alluring, as well as distracting...a tactic.
To her left sat the princess, wearing a dress with similar colors as the one she had worn earlier but that left her freckled shoulders and arms exposed while her auburn hair was bound entirely in a complex braid atop her head. She smiled toothily and waved to him while beside her sat a blonde haired man in a simple blue shirt, overlaid by a black vest with a red sash around his waist. He smiled and waved also, but less enthusiastically.
Across the table was a wide assortment of food aside from the main dishes that were at every seat including his directly across from the queen's at the other end. The queen gestured to his chair, "Please, sit."
Cautiously he approached the table while Kai pulled out his chair, he nodded to the overseer who walked away from the table and stood in view of all. As he slowly sat the two guards stood at either side of his chair a short distance away, he then noticed his sword leaned against the edge of the table on the queen's right side; a hostage while she questioned him. She looked to the man at the princess's left side, "Please let me introduce Kristoff Bjorgman, the royal Ice Master and consort to my sister."
The man smiled nervously, "Hi, it's uh-nice to meet you. I heard a bit about you and what you did today."
"All good things I hope." He looked back to the queen and bowed his head, "Thank you for the invitation to dinner, your Majesty."
She nodded, "It seemed a fitting reward for the man who saved my sister's life."
A servant approached Aldren with a decanter of wine, before they could pour he held a hand over his cup, "I don't partake."
She laughed lightly, "Please Aldren, if I wanted to kill you I wouldn't use poison to do it."
"It's not that I think you would your majesty, but as a warrior I prefer to have my mind unimpeded by spirits, even in moments of lax. Water will be fine."
"Very well." she motioned to another who brought a pitcher of water instead.
The princess then leaned forward to speak, "I wanted to thank you personally for this afternoon. I wouldn't be sitting here with my family today if it wasn't for you...you were very brave."
He smiled, "No braver than your overseer who threw himself between you and danger, princess." he nodded to Kai who smiled slightly. He then leaned back in his chair and shrugged, "Though perhaps there would have been no need for him to do so if the castle guard were more capable at their job."
Arvid tensed and turned sharply towards him, his hands balling into fists. Aldren smiled smugly as he looked up at the guards obvious anger and raised a finger towards him, "Be very careful now..."
The queen raised her hand, "Arvid."
The guard exhaled roughly and stood back again though the anger remained in his face, Aldren's eyes shifted back to Elsa as he leaned forward, resting a hand on the table, "But clearly they performed to the best of their ability, they fought bravely this afternoon, not well...but bravely. Though I don't believe you had me brought here to give critique on your guardsmen abilities, nor to make amiable conversation either."
She interlocked her fingers and sat taller, "No. I want to know what connection you might have to the assassins who tried to kill me and my sister today."
"None. That I am aware of."
"You understand how hard I'm finding that to believe at first glance. The same day you, an Arendellian native, after years away from your homeland returns, a small army of mercenaries attack us-"
"Not mercenaries."
She blinked and turned her head, "How do you know?"
He looked down, "Mercenaries fight only as hard as they must to complete their contract, gold is of little use to a man if he winds up dead before he can spend it. These fought with commitment...your death was everything to them in that moment."
"And you deduced this from expertise...or because you're associated?"
"Even still after all that's happened you would think me involved?"
"You could be part of a larger ruse, to leave us complacent and exposed."
He rolled his eyes, "Now you are just reaching."
"If you pose a threat to me, my family and my kingdom it is my duty to stop you from bringing harm-"
"And do you think you could?!" His angered, nearly threatening tone made Anna and Kristoff flinch. He stood and leaned his palms against the table, lowering his gaze at her, "You've seen what I can do. You know what I'm capable of. Do you think your guards could cut me down? Do you think you could stop me with your magic in the time it'd take me to reach you across this table?!"
The guards on either side of him drew blades, Anna grasped her sister's arm tightly while Kristoff's hands tightened into fists as he leaned forward tensely. But Elsa only held Aldren's gaze, her expression as firm and uncompromising as his, crimson and icy blue boring into one another. After a drawn out silence he inhaled deeply, "I told you; I am not an assassin. And while you are far from helpless, I would never lower myself to shed my kinsman's blood, lowborn or high -ever! For any price."
Slowly he sat back down in his chair and looked away from her, the guards sheathed their swords but kept their grips around the handles while Anna and Kristoff only somewhat relaxed. Elsa's expression softened slightly, "I'm sorry I made you feel disrespected. But I had to be sure."
He looked back to her, surprised by her response, having fully expected to be punished for his outburst. He nodded halfheartedly in response, his gaze shifting down to the food he showed no interest in. She looked to his sword beside her, "Tell me about this weapon." he raised an eyebrow at her question, she reached out and pinched the leather around the handle as she looked it over, "I don't know much about swords but it doesn't take an expert to see that this sword is special, it's obviously very important to you. What's it's story?"
He shook his head, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me." She smiled, putting a hand against her chest, "You are talking to the woman who can shoot ice from her fingertips."
He couldn't stop himself from smiling back and chuckling quietly, "That is true enough." he took a sip of his water before clearing his throat and gesturing to the sword, "May I?"
After a brief moment of thought she nodded, raising from his seat he slowly made his way towards her right side with the two guards following behind him. As he drew closer the tension in her sister and the ice master started to grow again, her smile faded when he grasped the handle firmly and looked her in the eye. A moment later he lifted it up and held the scabbard in both hands, offering her the hilt. It was her turn to look surprised, she stood and looked between him and the weapon before hesitantly her fingers wrapped around the leather grip. While she pulled back he helped by pulling the scabbard away from the blade. As the steel was laid bare once more, it left behind a sharp ringing that pierced the air and made the princess noticeably uncomfortable as she winced and put a finger to her ear.
Elsa gazed upon the gleaming, flawless blade in awe as she held it ahead of herself. It was unmarked, despite having seen first hand proof that it was tested in battle-steel against steel, "Not a scratch on it...It's lighter than I realized."
He smiled and nodded, moving to stand over her shoulder he traced his free hand along the blade's shining, almost reflective surface, "Long before any of us in this room were born, when the world was young; the dwarves of Nidavellir came to our realm of Midgard. From them the greatest treasures ever known were forged into existence, for their skill as smiths and artifices was without equal in all the realms. Among these great works were magical weapons such as this one, weapons not meant for their own kind but for heroes who would protect them and Midgard from those who would seek to do them harm. This is one of only three known to still be wielded."
Her eyes remained locked on the sword, not noticing how close he was to her now, she looked to the runes upon the blade, "What did they call it?"
"Whatever name they gave it was lost to the ages along with great teachings of the dwarves when they left Midgard long ago...or so the story goes."
She grinned slightly, turning and holding the weapon away from him with a glint of playful curiosity in her eyes, "And how did you come to possess such a mighty and ancient weapon Aldren?"
He smiled and turned from her, walking a short distance away, "It was given to me when it's previous owner... passed away. He called it by another name and when my time came to wield it I gave it a new one...'Black Autumn'."
He held his hand up and the sword flew from her grasp into his, taking everyone by surprise again. He rested the blade over his shoulder and as he turned back the guard's swords were at his neck and gut but he ignored them anyway, "The sword is bonded to me, it will always come to me when I call on it and until my death it will know no other master."
He slowly sheathed the weapon in it's scabbard, Elsa bid the guards to stand down despite the wonder still in her face. He walked over to place the sword where it had rested before against the table's edge and stood back, still smiling to her.
"About the runes..." everyone turned to the princess, "I just...I've seen Arendellian runes before but I've never seen any like those."
He seemed hesitant to give an answer at first, "It is the language of the Alfar."
Kristoff perked up in curiosity, "Alfar? You mean like elves? Pointed ears...that sort of Alfar?" Aldren nodded and the ice master ran a hand through his own hair, "Wow...neat."
They expected him to elaborate further but he remained silent on the matter and turned to walk away. He was stopped in his tracks when he heard Elsa's voice again, "As neither of us seem particularly interested in the food...Perhaps you would like to take a tour with me through the castle grounds instead."
He turned and looked at her perplexed for a moment before shrugging, "I am in no position to refuse."
"Good." she said, smiling as she picked up Black Autumn and crossed the distance between them to offer the sword with both hands, "You can keep me safe while we walk, as you did my sister."
Cautiously he reached forward and grasped the scabbard, waiting for her hands to leave it before he nodded and fastened it back to his waist. Arvid looked to the queen, "Your majesty I-"
She held up her hand, "I'll be fine Arvid, stay here."
He and the other guard reluctantly backed off, "Yes my queen."
She then motioned to the side doors of the hall for Aldren to follow her, he did so though he still seemed uneasy. As they made their way out it was clear that Anna and Kristoff wanted to say something but she silenced them with a reassuring look. Kai opened the doors for them and bowed his head as she walked out of the room with Aldren at her side.
After Kai closed the doors behind them Arvid quickly approached the table, "With respect princess I don't believe her majesty should be alone with that man."
Kai then approached the table, speaking sternly, "The queen's orders were for you to remain here, so here is where you will stay. Do not forget yourself Arvid and do not attempt to go through the princess over her majesties head."
"The queen's safety is my priority overseer! And if he poses a threat to her it's our job to make sure she's kept safe! I should think you of all people would-"
"OK! OK!" they were silenced by the princess who raised her hands, "Inside voices, both of you! Please." They bowed their heads and she sighed, looking to the guards, "Look...I don't like it much more than you guys do but I'd like to think my sister knows what she's doing and besides, he saved my life and I don't see any reason he'd want to hurt my sister. So, Kai is right; you and the guard are staying put Arvid."
He sighed quietly, "Yes princess."
She sat back in her chair and rolled her eyes, "Besides, she'd freeze me to the floor for a week if she found out I sent someone to spy on her. If anything she's more likely to hurt him than the other way around."
"I like him." they all turned to Kristoff, surprised as he went on, "He kinda reminds me of myself, you know; broody, stoic, mysterious...rough around the edges."
"That part you definitely have in common." she said with a teasing grin.
Arvid couldn't help but chuckle, Kristoff folded his arms, "What's so funny, Arvid?"
He shook his head but continued to smile, "Nothing at all, Kristoff."
As they were talking Kai heard what he thought were footsteps followed by a slight creaking, he looked to the doors that the queen and Aldren had walked through and saw that they were slightly ajar. He could have sworn he'd made sure it had been shut completely, he walked over to them and pressed them together, the following click assuring him they were closed this time. Still, it was unusual...but more than likely they simply needed repaired, he paid no mind to it.
OoO
Elsa and Aldren walked at a slow pace down the halls of the castle in silence for a short time after leaving the dining hall. The windows were open but now that the sun had set the only light came from the candles lining the walls and the stars of the night's sky, his voice was first to break the silence as he looked to her, "If I may ask, where is it we are walking to?"
"The gardens, I find it's a nice place for acquiring solitude or for having conversation."
"Clever gambit your majesty, but a risky one."
She continued to look forward and smile, "And what might that be?"
"You want to see what I'll do now that you've given me my weapon back and placed yourself in a vulnerable position without the protection of your guards. If I wanted to kill you as you suspected earlier this would be the perfect opportunity to do so."
"I'm confident in my ability to protect myself if such an attempt were made."
He glanced towards her with narrowed eyes, "Overconfidence, is a dangerous foil to bear your majesty...it would be easier than you think."
She glanced back, still smiling, "And yet you haven't. Nor have you attempted to flee the castle now that you have your prized possession back in hand."
He looked away, "No..."
"Why is that?"
When he did not respond, she turned to him, "I'd make a pact with you for tonight Aldren; I will speak only truth to you and in return you will speak only truth to me. Does that sound fair?"
He nodded, "It does."
"Then I'll go first. I think that the reason you haven't left is because there's something keeping you here, something you saw...something you saw me do."
"Or perhaps I wanted to see first hand just how far the standards of the guardsmen have fallen, not that the sad display I witnessed in the throne room this afternoon wasn't proof enough. I saw it clear enough."
She was somewhat offended on behalf of her guards, "And what is it you saw exactly?"
He stopped and turned towards her, "Weakness." she furrowed her brow, he rested his right palm atop his sword's pommel, "The only reason any of those men lived to see the rest of today was because of us, had I not shown up today I'm not even sure you or the princess would be alive either." He looked to a nearby painting of her father; the dead king with his family, "I was only a boy, but I remember how your father had begun to reform Arendelle's military into a small glorified police force, trading out our steel for cloth and linen."
Slightly angered now she returned, "My father wanted to keep the peace, he wanted to avoid war just as I do-"
"Avoid it?" he laughed ruefully before leaning in, "I thought we were speaking truth. The assassins that attacked you today were only the first, they will attack again-next time with greater force and your sad excuse for a castle guard will be helpless to stop them! Because of your father, Arendelle's fangs of yore are dulled, it's defenders toothless in the face of a very real threat...mark me well your majesty; you are already at war."
She held his gaze for a moment before turning away and continuing forward with him following a moment later, they were nearly to the garden when she replied, "Even if that is true, why does it concern you so?"
"Why should I want to see young men die when they could be made not to?"
"Fine...I'll also admit to why I kept you here, besides the fact that you willfully withheld the fact you were carrying weapons underneath your cloak."
He sighed, "And for that I apologize."
She nodded, "But also because of something I saw you do; I saw how your eyes...smoldered. I could smell the burnt flesh from that monster you battled with. I know there is something more to you even if you won't admit it."
He grimaced and his pace quickened as he strode out of the castle into the garden. She raised her voice: "I know what it's like to feel alone!"
He stopped in place before turning back to her sharply, "Do you? Do you really know? Your majesty, I didn't grow up in a castle, I didn't even get to grow up in my own homeland or with my own people because of what I-..." his own words seemed to bite him in the mouth as he looked away from her again and groaned at himself.
Her expression softened, she sighed and closed the distance between them again, "I'm sorry for being so forward. It's just-...I've wanted for so long to find someone like me, to meet someone who knows...who knows what this is like." she held her hands up and three trails of glowing blue frost danced gracefully from her palms and swirled through the air around them.
"You still sound so sure; so sure that I am like you."
"I know the look in someone eyes who's ashamed of what they've done, I know that kind of guilt and sorrow probably better than anyone you've ever met. It shines clearer to me than the stars in the sky tonight."
He watched the frost she'd created that glided through the air around them with a sad smile, "But you can create such beautiful things with your power; gentle, good things..." His eyes met hers again with a frown, "What I have...it's not the same, I don't have the same choice that you do. It's dangerous, it-...it can cause much greater damage, so much pain."
She walked a little closer, "I know what that's like too." He listened intently as she explained, "It's been over two years now, but I had spent nearly my whole life hiding my powers away, trying to suppress them. And when they were revealed...I ran away, and the devastation I left in my wake would have killed everyone." she gestured around her, "All the lands of Arendelle were covered in a winter that would've lasted forever."
There was growing fascination in his eyes as he listened to her story, "How did you stop it?"
She smiled, some pride in her expression as she spoke, "My sister. She saved me...she saved everyone. Her selfless affection and self sacrifice were the key to me learning to control my power...and taking away the hurt. 'Love-will-thaw.'"
His gaze turned to the ground between them as his voice became very quiet now, "I had that once...but I lost that part of myself many years ago..."
He felt a sudden coolness on his arm and looked to see her hand against his skin, she in turn was surprised at how warm he was but she kept her attention on him, looking up into his eyes as she was directly in front of him now, "We agreed to speak truth to one another, and I don't believe that's true."
He shook his head, "Why are you saying this? Why would you want to help me?"
She smiled and the trails of frost in the air moved to form a single ring that encircled them both, "Because you are like me and I want you to know that you don't have to feel alone anymore. Because I won't just stand aside and watch you punish yourself for no other crime than being what you are. If I overcame my-...my overwhelming fear and self hate, then I believe that you can too." She reached down to his hand, lifting it up between them with his palm faced upwards, "You just need someone to show you how. Show me now. Show me what you can do with your power and I'll prove to you that you don't have to be afraid anymore."
He looked down at her hand around his, he curled his fingers into a fist and sighed before looking back to her and smiling slightly, "You know, you aren't at all what I was expecting your majesty."
She raised an eyebrow, "And what were you expecting?"
He shrugged, "Given some of the rumors I heard before landing here...I honestly thought you'd be a cold hearted-." She gave him a scolding look but her smile remained, he looked between his hand and her once more, "I jest...But you are very kind. I'll show you, but you should know that-LOOK OUT!"
She gasped when he suddenly grabbed her and pulled her to the ground, shielding her body with his as the sound of a whizzing projectile was followed by metal piercing through wood. They both looked up from the ground in shock to see a pointed rod of solid metal sunk into the flesh of a nearby tree.
Quickly Aldren was to his feet, pulling her behind him and drawing his weapon, he had only seen the figure for a brief moment and now they had vanished. Elsa put her back to Aldren's as they frantically searched in both directions, hearing the sound of running feet she loosed a blast in the direction it came from but only froze a bush. A clicking metallic sound could be heard and she only just managed to bring up a shield of ice, the same kind of projectile imbedded itself in the barrier mere inches from her face, she dissipated the shield, dropping the metal spike to the ground but remained at the ready.
The sound was heard again but this time Aldren angled his sword and the spike ricocheted off his blade through the air into the grass. Bringing his blade into both hands ahead of himself he narrowed his eyes and waited for the next attack while Elsa held both her hands out on her side, charged with her magic for either attack or defense.
"I see why you two gave my warriors such trouble." The voice spoke in a foreign accent unfamiliar to them, their tone was cold and uncaring, sending chills down her spine. They searched around them but were still unable to determine the source. Then they both turned at the sound a low warbling, both seeing a slight shimmer in the air, it peeled away in ripples and revealed the figure Aldren had spotted before.
The same crimson steel protected their body though more elaborate and angular, strange runes and iconography were strewn in random patterns across the metal's surface. Across their breastplate was a bandolier that held several of the metal spikes and an assortment of other blades and weaponry. At their left side two swords were sheathed, their bottom edges straight and sharp while the opposing edges were lined by hooked teeth. But the feature that drew their attention the most was the mask seemingly composed entirely of bone that hid their face; the top half concealed their eyes while the bottom became thinner as it reached the chin, covering the center of their mouth but leaving the corners exposed so that their fanged grin could be seen.
They both lowered their gazes towards their attacker and Elsa stepped forward to stand beside Aldren with her hands still aimed at the assassin, "Who are you?" she demanded.
"Oh of course! My manners..." he gave a mocking bow before slowly raising his left arm towards them, the metal around his gauntlet shifting and raising to reveal a row of metal spikes, "'Sorvec' I am called. But you may call me...death."
One of the metal arrows shot forward from the gauntlet, Aldren deflected the missile away and Elsa was quick to fire a bolt of ice, but the assassin dodged the projectile and disappeared as he had before. They stood back to back once more and awaited the next attack, Elsa felt fear and anger building in equal measure, "Why are you hunting us!? Who do you work for!?"
"Does it really matter?" the voice answered but they still could not pinpoint his location, "all that matters is that my master wishes for you to be extinguished."
It was then that over two dozen more of the enemy emerged from hiding in the shadows and foliage to surround them. Elsa's hands glowed brighter while Aldren's grip around his sword tightened, the leader appeared again and pointed both arms forward, "Marbh! (Kill)"
The assassins roared and charged forward in unison, Elsa fired her magic into the ground, creating a thin sheet of ice around her and Aldren that caused several of their enemies to slip and the rest to be slowed in their approach. Her action had broken up their advance and denied them the advantage of overwhelming them all at once. Now the two fought back to back; the queen raising spikes and juts of ice to deal with their attackers at range while Aldren combated those that drew close, quickly dispatching them before they could group up.
This went on for several moments and it seemed they would be victorious again without incident, but the metallic clicking rung in Aldren's ears again, forcing him to turn and block the arrow. Sorvec was quickly upon him, kneeing him hard in the chest, sending him sliding across the ice outside of the ring. Elsa quickly turned to strike down the assassin but he leaped backward, spinning over her magic and cloaking himself again. Before she could run to her ally's aid the remaining enemies were closing the distance, thinking quickly she ran out onto the surface of her ring of ice, unaffected by it. As an added measure she erected several floating shields of ice that rotated around her, this added with the slick surface they would have to traverse to reach her would give her an advantage over them as she prepared to defend herself.
Aldren quickly rose to his feet and saw that the queen's situation, he made to run to her aid but was suddenly struck across the face. When he looked up he saw nothing-his foe practically invisible, another blow came to his stomach, his knee and then his face again-knocking him back to the ground. Scrambling to his feet, he searched frantically at first before narrowing his eyes and listening; he heard the feet and then he saw the shimmer. He ducked under the attack, rising up and punching hard across what he perceived to be their head.
Aldren raised his weapon in both hands and while Sorvec stumbled back, his invisibility flickered. Now fully revealed, the assassin rubbed his jaw and looked back to him with a sneering grin; "Very good."
He reached to his side and drew one of the cruel looking swords before hissing and running forward, Aldren met him in the middle as they clashed blades. This 'Blademaster' prowess was greater than any other foe he'd faced in the throne room. It was flashy and overconfident, but his arsenal and method made him difficult to predict.
Aldren deflected the strikes to his left and right before countering with his own, his opponent ducked under the swing and the dwarvish blade all but destroyed the middle section of a large tree near them. The assassin blocked the next strike and then aimed his gauntlet and loosed an arrow at Aldren's throat; who only just managed to lean out of it's path, the projectile leaving a bleeding cut on the side of his neck.
This was distraction enough for the assassin to parry Aldren's blade downward and deliver two hard kicks to his chest that knocked him into the tree. As his back impacted against the ruined trunk he lost his grip on Black Autumn and the tree emitted a low creak as it fell toward him." He turned and raised his hands to stop the tree, gritting his teeth and using all his strength to do so. Metal could be heard piercing flesh as he cried out in pain, looking down he saw one of the metal arrows piercing through his right thigh. The injury weakened his stance enough that he fell backwards and the tree with him, now flat on his back he was only barely able to keep the tree's weight from crushing his chest.
Elsa threw one of her shields into the legs of a charging foe, knocking him flat on the ice, then using the wind she slid his body across the surface into the legs of several others. Looking back to Aldren her eyes widened in dread as she watched the lead assassin stand over him as he lied helpless beneath the tree's weight. She raised her hands to help but was blindsided by one of the other attackers, she had managed to fire a bolt that knocked their weapon away but could not follow up when they rammed one of her shields with their shoulder. Their weight threw the icy barrier into her, impacting her arm and head, making her slide off the ice onto the grass.
Shakily she rose to one knee, holding a hand to her face, she winced as a stinging cut was left across her left cheek and arm. Before she could get to her feet both of her arms were seized by two of the assassins, forcing cloth wraps over her hands to suppress her powers. She struggled against them, attempting to kick at one of them to no avail as they held her arms tighter forcing her to her knees. The rest of the enemies simply stood nearby her and waited.
Aldren could see all this from underneath the tree, "No!" he uttered weakly as he was unable to free himself to help her. He looked up to see Sorvec standing over him and smiling, he looked to where the queen was before kneeling down to speak to Aldren, "You have a good view from down there...enjoy the show."
The leader stood and slowly walked towards the queen while Aldren tried in vain to push the tree off of himself, his strength alone was not enough. He stopped struggling for a moment and closed his eyes, breathing deeply for several seconds. When his eyes opened again they smoldered as they had in the throne room, his palms glowed orange and hot leaving sears against the trunk. He gripped down on the tree atop him, crushing and melting through the bark and then slowly the flesh.
Elsa could see the lead assassin coming for her and tried to stand but was forced back down when her arm was twisted painfully. Once he was directly in front of her he whipped his sword threateningly before stabbing the tip into the grass beside himself, then releasing his hold of it. The top of his right gauntlet opened and revealed a jagged blade that slid out from the metal, reaching down past his knee once at full length. He then reached for the top of her head with his left hand, grabbing hold of her hair tightly, eliciting pain from her expression and forcing her to look directly at him. He drew his bladed arm back, raising it overhead, aiming for the bridge between her neck and skull, "Now I: Sorvec, Blademaster of the Naga Ai, will claim your head for the glory of the Witch King!"
Terror gripped her; just as he was about to take her life a ball of flame slammed into his side and sent him flying through the crowd around them. Elsa and the assassins looked to the direction of the fire, shocked to see Aldren standing with his blazing blade in hand. The tree that had previously been crushing him now lay sawed in half, the wounds bristling with fiery cinders the same color as his eyes and weapon.
Sorvec shook his head and stumbled to his feet, he glared with a mixture of shock and anger at Aldren who stepped out into the clearing and held his blade out in challenge. The rest of the assassins started to move forward but Sorvec raised his hand and they held their position. His wrist blade retracted as one of his subordinates brought him his sword whilst he drew the other from it's sheath. Aldren lowered his gaze as Sorvec hissed and charged forward, the two combatants clashing blades again more fiercely than before.
Elsa was caught up in shock along with her enemies but then realized her captors were distracted and the hold on one arm was very loose. With all her strength she ripped her arm from their grasp, throwing the cloth from her hand in the process before angling her hand to loose ice directly at them, encasing their head as they fell backwards. The other she struck in the chest with her magic, knocking him to the ground before standing over him and grimacing. Before he could try to plead or retaliate she swiped her hand, the wind sending him flying into the castle wall, his body frozen to the surface he impacted. She lowered her gaze, eyes narrowed towards the remaining attackers who hesitated to attack her, fearful as rage now shone brighter in her icy eyes.
Aldren clashed blades with Sorvec violently until he swung down hard and cut through his right weapon completely, he swung again-baring down on the assassin's remaining weapon. Sorvec threw a punch at Aldren's side with his right hand but his forearm was caught in the pyromancer's grip but then the wrist blade sprung forth, the tip piercing through leather and into Aldren's abdomen making him gasp. He growled in pain as Sorvec tried to push the blade deeper, but then Aldren's face formed a determined snarl as he pushed the assassin's arm back. When the blade was no longer piercing him he gripped down hard on Sorvec's arm, heat and flames starting to melt through his armor.
It was the assassins turn to groan in pain but before Aldren could burn through his limb he kicked him hard in the chest, freeing himself from the Arendellian. Aldren gave chase but before he could get close again Sorvec leaped back and threw an object downwards at his feet. It exploded in a cloud of noxious fumes that enveloped the area where Sorvec had stood, making Aldren cough and forcing him to shield his face and eyes. He outstretch his weapon and sent a stream of flames forward that burned away the cloud, as the murk cleared he just barely made out Sorvec as he ran alongside the garden wall and cloaked himself again, he narrowed his eyes before running in persuit.
From the castle entrance Anna, Kristoff and Kai ran into the entryway along with Arvid and several guards, all taking pause as they looked on in amazement at the queen doing battle with the attackers. Arvid's expression became firm and he signaled for the rest of the guards to follow with swords drawn, "Come on!"
"Elsa!" Anna almost ran out with them but was held back by Kristoff and Kai, "Let me go!"
"Anna no! Let them do their job!"
With the queen on one side of them and the guards flanking from the other, the assassins had no hope of recovering and would soon be defeated. In his pursuit of the Blademaster, Aldren fired a bolt of fire from the end of his sword that impacted the wall just ahead of the assassin's path, forcing him to stop as some of the flames clung to him, causing his camouflage to fail and revealing him. Aldren rammed his weight into Sorvec, slamming him into the wall before swinging down at him. The blade left a burning gash through the stone where Sorvec ducked the strike and then swiped at Aldren's gut with his wrist blade, making him jump back.
When the pyromancer struck again Sorvec rolled backwards before clinging to the wall and quickly clambering up it's surface to the top. Now with height he had line of sight on the queen as she battled with his warriors alongside her guards. He aimed, preparing to fire directly at her while she was distracted.
Aldren's eyes widened in fear and he ran towards Elsa and two arrows flew from the assassin's gauntlet-one after the other. Elsa turned in time to see Aldren leap in front of her, batting the first arrow away with his sword and taking the other through the abdomen before falling motionless to the ground near her.
"Aldren!" she ran to him and dropped to her knees beside him.
From the edge of the fighting Kristoff witnessed what happened and saw the lead assassin preparing to fire again. He looked to a discarded spear on the ground and left Anna's side, quickly taking it up and with a grunt he hurled it at the enemy. Sorvec was forced to acknowledge the attack and leaped out of the way.
Elsa's gaze snapped back to Sorvec and with fury in her eyes she fired a concentrated blast of ice from both hands that exploded the wall beneath his feet and sent him flying back towards the fjord. Standing she pointed in the direction he had stood, "After him!"
Arvid and two other guards climbed up the wall where it had been destroyed, once they reached the top they aimed with their spears as they searched for any sign of the assassin, but all that remained was the smallest of ripples in the surface of the fjord. Arvid sighed and looked back to Elsa, "He's gone your majesty."
She breathed heavily in anger for a moment before turning back to Aldren and kneeling beside him again, her ire replaced with concern, "Aldren?" she asked, fearful that he had given his life to save hers.
She placed a hand on his chest while she cradled his head with the other, his eyes opened and he coughed harshly before smiling weakly, "Not how I was hoping to show you...but I think you see now?" She exhaled in relief and smiled back as the others gathered around and Anna knelt beside her sister. She gasped at the sight of his injuries, "Oh gosh! Are you Ok?"
"...I've been better." his eyes shifted to the flames that had been left behind by his battle with Sorvec and suddenly those same eyes came alight with absolute fear as he coughed while frantically trying to sit up, "You...you have to stop it before it-...before it spreads!"
Elsa looked to the flames then to her sister, "Anna."
"I got him." she took his head from her and held him while Elsa rose and conjured directed gusts of icy wind that smothered the flames dotting the garden grounds and vegetation. Now only smoke and ash remained where the fire had been, she returned to her wounded protector and knelt beside him.
He looked away from her shamefully, "I'm sorry..."
She smiled, putting a hand to his cheek and gently turning his face to her, "I'm just glad you're alright, my friend."
"That's two we owe you now." Anna added.
Aldren smiled back before his eyes closed and he winced in pain, his hand shooting to his right side where the arrow stuck out from his armor. Elsa looked over the extensive injuries he'd received, putting a hand on his leg where the other arrow protruded from him.
"We need to get you inside, Kristoff get his other arm." she and the ice master helped him to his feet, putting an arm over each of their shoulders. Arvid and another guard moved to take him but Elsa quickly dissuaded them, "We have him. Wake the physician!" she commanded. Kai bowed and quickly moved ahead of them while Arvid retrieved Black Autumn from the ground and followed along with Anna.
Just as they were about to reach the entrance they stopped and Elsa turned back to look at the garden, Aldren and the rest of their gazes followed. Just moments earlier this place had been peaceful and beautiful but now the bodies of slain enemies and discarded weapons lie across the ground while the foliage had nearly all either been frozen through or burnt to cinders. The two sisters looked between one another with a shared realization; whatever was destined to happen to Arendelle now, whatever these battles may come to be known in the future...this was the end for life as they knew it.