Disclaimer/claimer: Disney owns Frozen and all its characters. I do not own any Disney characters associated with this story. However, all characters not associated with Disney in this story are of my, BurnsX3, creation, and are therefore mine. All ideas associated with the Order of the Elements, the basis of this story, are of my creation, and are therefore mine. Anyone using these ideas exclusively without my permission and/or claiming the Elemental idea for their own and/or not crediting me for my original story idea will be reported to the staff of fanfiction . net, fictionpress . com, or any website that the uncredited story is on, and the story will be shut down. With that said, enjoy this chapter!
The setting was informally formal; the five star hotel they were meeting in, designed for conducting business, equipped with conference rooms, also had a cafe. That is where they decided to have their meeting; there was no need for excessive rigidity. Both were relaxed, a cup of tea in the hand of the Swede, a cup of black coffee in the hand of the Russian. There was some polite small talk, to start things off. And then, the question came up.
"So, my friend, tell me," Lady Doroteya Kovalski asked, her strong Russian accent evident in her Latin, "What is so important that you have us here today?" Tonna noticed that the Lady Aqua Dulci Regem had dropped formalities. She leaned back in her seat, easing up.
"I have a new inductee," she told Doroteya. The Russian's face lit up, a smile stretching across her wrinkled visage.
"That is fantastic dear. Do you need the paperwork?" she asked Tonna. She nodded.
"There is something else, too, Doroteya. This inductee, she's not down in the records of the Order." The elderly lady's brow furrowed. Tonna took a deep breath, and then:
"She is the daughter of Agðar Isånd, Elsa." She internally winced when she saw way that Doroteya's arms stilled, how her eyes focused directly on them, how her eyes changed, and how her back stiffened.
"You mean, the son of Øyndr Isånd…? That child, whom we have not heard from for over twenty one years, who broke his Oath? That child, who managed to -"
"Yes. She is nothing like him, Doroteya. She is passionate, driven, and truly loyal to the Line. And… I would like to make her my Dame," Tonna said. She awaited a heated response, of fervent rejection, only to be met in silence.
Doroteya observed the younger Lady. Her old self was beginning to age, but she was still evidently youthful. She knew how passionate Tonna was, and that she was a great judge of character. But, this Elsa that she spoke of, how devoted she seemed to be, it made her question how bad a person Agðar truly was. He had done such an awful thing, but produced such a child?
The matter to be pressed, though, was how in the name of Horatius this was going to work. Since Agðar was, essentially, excommunicated for good from the Order after the incident with his father, all his offspring were by extension excommunicated as well. Unless Lord de l'Eau and Lady Ratulemen were to accept her in, get her records and such, there was no way in Nebula Regnum that Elsa would become Tonna's Dame. Especially with her inexperience in the world of the Order…
"Doroteya, my friend, I understand if you do not want this to happen. Agðar did a terrible thing, and if you would not like her to come to such a position because of the astronomically small possibility she could be tainted by her father's past actions - which, might I add, happened before she was even one year of age - then so be it," Tonna said. She took a sip of her tea, sweet and calming, while discreetly scrutinizing the Lady Kovalski. She knew how experienced Doroteya was in the world, and that if she did not get the papers she needed from her, Elsa would never be able to fully be of the Aqua Magus. The thought sent a pang to her heart; her little fox had worked so hard to get to the point she was at now, and for all that to crumble in this decision would make both her pupil and herself crushed.
She was indefinitely nervous, though her calm facade would never expose such a feeling.
Doroteya took a sip of her coffee, her eyes shifting over to the window momentarily. She knew this was risky. She knew that the entire Line knew about what had happened. But how could she defy someone who had given their life to training for the Order? What a cruel thing to do.
"Fine, Tonna," Doroteya began, noticing how the Lady's eyes widened, "I'll give you the papers. But that's the extent of what I can do; you'll have to go Lord de L'Eau and Lady Ratulemen if you want her to be in officially." Tonna sighed, both out of relief and disappointment.
"Thank you, my Lady. Your help has pushed us toward greatness, I can feel it."
She felt her pocket vibrate, and picked it up.
"Hello, Tonna Ek?... What?... Amira Jabari… Very well. I will take my leave at once."
Two and a Half Hours Earlier
The hot shower water fell over ivory shoulders, gliding down a strong back and shapely derrière, and finally running along smooth, toned legs. Soft hands pressed against the surface of the white hotel tile, the coolness of the porcelain contrasting deliciously with the heat of the water and steam. A sigh filled the bathroom, of contentment and anxiety.
I think I need to take some medication.
Elsa treasured her moments in the shower: they gave her time to think, but also time to have no thoughts at all. She was done all her washing, and was now just standing there, allowing the water to relax her to the best of its ability. The only thing currently occupying her thoughts was a certain redhead. The thought of Anna made her simultaneously smile and have immense butterflies in her stomach. She had never been on a date prior to this; being secluded to Svalbard had its definite downfalls, and having minimal contact with people other than Tonna and her other pupils was for sure one of them. She loved Tonna, but had a desire to talk to someone other than her mentor once in awhile.
She turned off the shower and began to get ready. Anna had told her that this was a casual date, but she had to at least somewhat dress to impress. She rummaged through her drawers and pulled out a crisp white button down blouse with cobalt jeans, and her black knee high boots to top it off. She put on her signature purple eyeshadow, some mascara, and a dash of eyeliner. Light red lipstick came next, and a hint of blush at her cheeks to accentuate her bone structure. She stepped back and looked at herself.
Shoot, my hair! She took a brush to the thick platinum blonde tresses and debated putting her hair up in a bun.
Oh, why not. She put her hair in a French braid, leading to an intricate bun upon which a blue ribbon was incorporated. She straightened out her bangs and looked at herself once more in the mirror, now fully satisfied with her appearance. A small smile met her lips.
And then, her phone went off.
Out front, can't wait to see you :)
Anna sent the text, her heart pounding. She decided to let her copper hair down earlier, after making sure she had tamed it enough to be presented to her gorgeous date. Her date. The thought sent warmth running through her body, and for some reason she couldn't explain, the idea of spending an evening with Elsa made her entirely too happy. She couldn't push down the sigh pressing at her throat, so she decided to let it go. Her back hit the driver's seat and she ran a hand through her hair, her nerves making her hands shake. She realized that the car was beginning to get heated and while she normally wouldn't mind such heat, she knew that Elsa probably would. She rolled down the window and then -
By the Gods, she looks beautiful.
Elsa came out front, a small purse in hand, looking so damned good it drove Anna crazy. She made sure that Elsa didn't notice, but her eyes raked over the blonde's curved form, all the right parts accentuated, leaving her heart to beat mercilessly against her ribcage. She felt her cheeks light up, and forced herself to calm down before Elsa entered the car.
Holy Cael, she looks downright gorgeous.
The butterflies in Elsa's stomach increased ninefold once she saw Anna. She was wearing a green and white flannel top with a black t-shirt underneath, accompanied by a pair of denim skinny jeans. And her hair… Down, the flaming red mane was thick and rich, looking incredibly soft. Elsa's fingers twitched with the want of running her hands through that hair. And the nervous smile that she was given upon entering made her heart soar, as well as relieved her; she wasn't the only one nervous.
"Hi," Elsa said, strapping on her seatbelt. Anna jumped slightly, being pulled out of her trance.
"Hi-hi me?" she asked. Anna, are you fucking kidding? Obviously hi you. There's nobody else en car. She groaned internally. However, Elsa's small giggle and head nod made her heart flutter, and she continued forward.
"Oh, uhm… hi?"
I really should tell Kristoff to dig me a grave. I'm dying.
There was a beat, and then,
"You look beautiful," Elsa's quiet voice came. There was a pretty blush coating her cheeks, and Anna herself felt heat lick her face. She gave a slight laugh.
"Thank you; you look beautifuller! I mean, not fuller, you don't look fuller, but more, more beautiful-" Anna was cut off by Elsa's wonderful chuckle.
"Thank you." For a moment, they just looked at each other, taking in the sight of the other. Elsa really realized how gorgeous Anna's eyes were, how her small button nose made her somehow even more adorable than she already was, how her smile was tentative but sure.
"We should get going," Anna said. Elsa nodded.
The car ride to the Festival was filled with laughter, questions to get to know each other, and some background radio music. When momentary silences filled the car, save for the radio, glances were thrown out of the corner of their eyes to take in more of the other.
I really want to know the story behind that scar.
They arrived, and it was glorious. Jam packed to the max, music floating everywhere, it was Elsa's paradise.
And my, how Anna treasured the way Elsa's face lit up upon entering, a childlike glint crossing her eyes, running around to every exhibit to try and find more cool instruments. She would run over to the guitar, the harp, the ice organ, the flute; there was such a boundless array of music, and it sent both their moods soaring. Finally, they worked their way over to the man with the cello.
Elsa didn't fail to notice how Anna's eyes lit up when she saw the cello. The instrument bore some semblance of importance in her life.
The man behind the cello, a handsome man with a chiseled jaw and smooth brown hair, was playing a duet with a woman with long, golden blonde hair, a bluebird on her shoulder, singing to the tune
"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
Yet I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream," she sang. Her lovely voice filled the air, and the man behind the cello smiled wide.
"But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once
The way you did once upon a dream." The cello harmonized with her voice during the part, creating a beautiful effect.
"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do." The man took a deep breath.
"You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream," he sang. The song ended, and both Anna and Elsa clapped, incredibly impressed with the display.
"That was wonderful," Anna exclaimed. The man placed the cello gently against his chair and smiled, wrapping his arm around the beautiful blonde woman who sang.
"Thank you," he replied, "My name is Phillip. This is my wife, Aurora, the most beautiful lady in all the world." The lady named Aurora chuckled, leaning up to kiss Phillip's cheek. He smiled broadly.
She's beautiful, alright, but I don't know if she's more beautiful than her…
Elsa stole a glance at Anna again, who walked toward the couple.
"Excuse me, Phillip, but could I have the honor of playing this instrument? It's so well crafted, and I myself play. It would be magical to play on it," she asked him. He nodded.
"Of course! Play as much as you like," he replied. He and Aurora walked off to view the saxophone quartet.
Anna sat down at the cello and played a few notes to get used to the feeling. It was an odd sensation, but not wholly unwelcome; it cooled her blazing touch.
"Hm. How interesting," she mumbled to herself.
"Hey, since you play, could you play some chord progressions for me?" Elsa asked. Anna was taken aback, but obliged all the same.
"Alright; key of C: I, V, IV, I, V…" Elsa told her the simple chord progression for the song. Anna began to play the root and the third of each chord, creating a lovely harmony. And then, her heart almost came to a complete stop -
Elsa started singing. And by the Gods of Earth, her voice was damned wonderful.
"Please remember me, happily
By the rosebush laughing
With bruises on my chin, the time when
We counted every black car passing… " she sang. Anna's body filled with warmth, watching her beautiful date sing, eyes closed in concentration, smile coming across her face every so often. Her voice was smooth as honey, a mezzo-soprano, and every time her voice went to a high note, Anna's heart fluttered.
The song ended, and Elsa's eyes opened. Anna looked at her in a starstruck manner,
causing the blonde to blush prettily. She smiled timidly.
"Was that-was that good?" She asked. Anna nodded fervently, grinning wide. Elsa felt relieved; she hadn't sung for someone in so long, it felt good to finally get it out. Iron and Wine were amongst her favorite artists, and the Trapeze Singer seemed to be a good option to sing on the fine night.
The rest of the evening was spent walking around and admiring the small shows being
put on by the various artists, enjoying each other's company, and most of all, devouring chocolate. Anna had learned that Elsa's favorite delicacy, to her dismay, was dark chocolate. Milk chocolate had always been her favorite: the sweet taste, the melting of the amazing texture on her tongue, everything about it made her crave it 24/7.
"It's so bitter," she exclaimed to Elsa, still trying to understand how she could like such a candy could be pleasing to the taste buds. Elsa laughed, and countered.
"But milk chocolate is so sweet!" Both ladies laughed.
I'm beginning to really love that smile.
Soon enough, though, they were riding back in the car, the conversation light and happy,
recapping their favorite parts of the night. However, the undercurrent of distress at being separated in a few minutes was not missed by either of the women. The conversation eventually tapered by the time they got back to Elsa's hotel.
Anna pulled into the parking lot and insisted on opening the car door for Elsa. The blonde blushed lightly, smiling, and allowed the redhead to open the door for her. They walked up to the door in comfortable silence. Elsa's hand twitched with the want, no, the need, to hold Anna's hand, but she restrained herself, not wanting to ruin the moment. Finally, the impending mahogany door stood in front of them.
Anna turned to Elsa, the wonderful woman she had gotten to know over the course of a few hours. She noticed how Elsa stood a few inches taller than her; for some reason, the thought made her blush. The light above the door illuminated Elsa's face, and she saw the near invisible freckles dusting her face. Her heart raced with…
Anticipation?
Elsa felt the same.
"I-I think I should go. I promise, I'll see you again. Thank you for tonight; it was easily one of the best times of my life," Elsa said. Though she hid it well, Elsa was an expert in body language; she noticed the way that Anna's head moved a millimeter downward, how she ran her fingers through her hair momentarily, how her eyes broke away from her own.
She's disappointed.
"Okay. Thank you for going on the date with me, Elsa. It was amazing," Anna replied. Elsa could barely stand the forlorn way Anna's face moved.
So she decided to stop it.
She leaned in and kissed Anna's cheek, causing both of their faces to flush a deep red. Anna's face broke out in an a thousand-watt smile, quelling all of Elsa's past worries.
"Bye," Elsa said with a small wave.
"Bye." Elsa entered the hotel, heart pounding, smile never daring to leave her face.
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Tonna looked up when Elsa entered the hotel room. Her eyes were distant, her lips curled up in a smile, and face flushed. She knew that look.
"So it went well, huh?" She asked, continuing to pack up their bags. Elsa snapped out of her daze, zeroing in on the suitcases she was filling with their traveling items.
"Incredibly," she replied. A beat, and then, "What are you doing? We aren't supposed to be leaving for another two days."
"We need to leave immediately, Elsa," Tonna replied, "It's time for your first meeting of the Order of the Elements."
A/N: Hey guys. I apologize for the late update, but better late than never. By the way, a big milestone has just been hit: we broke 1,000 views on this fic! Seeing that actually made me lightheaded. I never even thought this would get 500 views... Thank you.
حسنا ، انظر يا رفاق الأسبوع المقبل . ~ Burns