A Chance Encounter

by R-dude

Hiccup is lost. Elsa is looking for something. A chance encounter between them has far-reaching consequences.

8. Elsa 4

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer.

Notes: Plenty of notes again. Let's get to it.

a) Stop asking me if I have abandoned this. I have not. None of my active stories are abandoned. If I were to abandon something, I would post a note notifying the readers as such before taking the story down altogether. So no, long waits between updates don't mean that this is forgotten or scrapped. In fact, any update within less than six months is considered fast, in certain circles. Beware the stories that update every few days, for they tend to either be terrible, or burn out quickly and end up, sooner or later, abandoned. An exception to this rule are stories that are already completed, and the author decided to just be a review-whore about it and post the story in segments every few days. That's cool.

b) Having said that, almost two months between updates is much different than my previous update waits for this story, so some confusion is expected. To compensate you, my dear readers, this chapter touches 25k words (without the A/Ns). Remember how I keep mentioning that I have no way of estimating wordcounts accurately and end up splitting the chapters? I still failed at estimating the count, but decided not to split the chapter in two or maybe even three parts, as I normally would have done. Just so you guys can see what I usually have to deal with.

c) I noticed a distinct lack of sacrificed cats to the Lady Sorrows. This is unacceptable. Her fabulous red hair will reach through your screen and strangle you if you do not sacrifice your cats, heathens.

(Disclaimer: No, her hair will not reach through your screen to strangle you. It is, however, fabulous)

d) I have noticed quite the high amount of anonymous reviewers. I can't reply to you guys, but know that I read and appreciate your reviews. Thank you.

e) No, I have yet to see HTTYD2. For the purposes of this story, HTTYD2 is not considered canon. My apologies, but I had already mapped out this story completely before the second movie came out, thus cannot alter its course now. If this ruins the deal for someone, I hope you find something more to your tastes.

f)It was brought to my attention that I know nothing about archery and that it showed on the previous chapter. To any and all archery enthusiasts who may have read the previous chapter and cringed, my sincere apologies.

g) I want to hear you guys OHSNAP!

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A Chance Encounter, Chapter 8
~E~

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For the first time in a long while, Elsa woke slowly. Unlike most mornings, the worries of the nation did not immediately line up to assault her as she lay sunken into her pillows, blearily prying open her eyes. She savored it for a moment, perfectly comfortable and thinking of nothing more than the unpleasant drafty walk to the bathroom. Finally, she released a massive yawn that was quite unbecoming of a queen and rolled out of bed to stumble towards the bathroom. The cold water woke her, even as the sun peeked its way over the mountains. After she dried herself, her ladies in waiting fitted her into a stylish purple dress and gently guided her to a chair to work on her hair.

She leant back into the chair, relaxing into the rituals that started her every day.

She frowned darkly when she remembered the state she had been in the morning of the attack. Almost murdered or not, to be seen by subjects and guests running around in a hastily put-on dress, her hair a sight, was not becoming of a normal gentlewoman, never mind a queen. It made her look weak, unprepared, an object to be protected rather than a powerful sorceress to be respected. The fact that she had been seen by the resident Viking had been simply icing on the proverbial cake.

Well, there was no use fretting over it now. All she could do was make sure that she was perfectly groomed from now on, so that not even the memory would remain.

Before she knew it, it was time for breakfast. She was almost surprised that it wasn't necessary for her to get up earlier to work. Maybe things were getting calmer.

She walked to breakfast alone. Despite her worries, she found that she was in a strangely buoyant mood, a smile on her face and a spring in her step. She supposed that there was nothing like someone trying to kill you to make you appreciate the mornings.

Entering their semi-private breakfast room, she found it already occupied. Seated next to each other were her sister and Chief Haddock, and opposite them were her Head Courtier and her Minister of Finance. Ernie stood unobtrusively in a corner, his usual neutral expression shifting to a welcoming smile as she walked in. Everyone rose as she entered and offered her morning greetings.

She seated herself and breakfast resumed in earnest. Anna was firing questions at the Viking Chief as rapidly as even her strained sense of propriety allowed, to which the young man did his best to answer. Elsa left them to it, opting to engage in small-talk with her two Council Members.

Soon she was done, and rose to leave when everyone was almost finished. Her two council members followed as she said goodbye to Anna and Chief Haddock. Anna had apparently convinced the Chief to let her give him a more personal tour of all her favorite places in the castle, Ernie would trail discreetly behind them, for propriety' sake.

She wished the Chief a good day, but could spare no more time on him, as the day's work was upon her. She started her rounds of the castle after briefly discussing with the council members, visiting nearly every part of it to personally check that everything was flowing smoothly after the recent troubles. It was important to be seen as in control and not cowered by the recent attempt on her life. She got engaged in this and that, solving matters that popped up on occasion, but mostly fielding concerned questions and providing reassurance to the people who managed her castle and her kingdom.

After her rounds she settled down in her office and began the more boring part of her day: paperwork first, private audiences second. Arendelle, despite its small size, had a lot of matters of finance and disputes of all kinds and sizes that tradition dictated she resolve personally. It was there that she accepted guests that did not choose to approach her in Court, as well.

Before she knew it, it was noon and she looking up from another report and wondering where several hours went.

There was a polite knock on her study door, and the voice of a guard, announced her Commander General. Shad Mertok was dressed as immaculately as ever in his crisp military suit. He entered, walked up to her desk and bowed at the waist.

"My Queen."

"At ease, General." She said, putting down her pen, "I usually go weeks without seeing you, but I'm getting so many visits from you these days. Reminds of that time when I was fourteen. You had to sleep in the room adjacent to mine for weeks at a time so that you'd be nearby when I was troubled."

A tiny smile cracked the general's professional façade. "Aye, my Queen, I remember. Your powers did not take to puberty well and your parents, god rest their souls, were away. I had to do something, seeing as you were driving our poor staff mad."

She smiled fondly at the memory, "Even now you have the power to calm me down with naught but a few words. One day you'll have to tell me how. I wish I had your power over others."

"You need no power, my Queen. Your people love you. Besides, what is an old dog without his tricks? Take those away from me, and I'll be totally obsolete."

"Never while I'm Queen, General."

"Heh. We all get old eventually, my Queen." Mertok replied mirthfully, his many wrinkles rearranging into a rare smile.

"As good as this reminiscing has been, I assume you didn't come here just for that."

The smile disappeared and he nodded, the stern expression returning to his face.

"Indeed. There has been news."

Elsa sobered up as well. That could only mean one thing.

"You found the mole?"

He seemed to hesitate for a second "Potentially."

"That's pretty fast, even for you."

"We had a lucky break. He was discovered sneaking some information into the Grandlandian entourage that was leaving yesterday."

Elsa frowned. "The Grandlandians were in on this? And you let them go?"

"There was no evidence as to their association with the perpetrators or the mole. They could have been simply used as a carrier. Holding them without basis could have had catastrophic consequences."

"I see. What did you learn?"

"He was a guard, serving for two years now. The background he supplied to obtain the position appears to be false. He had some minor access to the patrol schedules."

"Was it him, then? Is the case closed?"

Mertok frowned, "I would like to reassure you that this is over my Queen, but the one behind this attack is likely still out there. In my professional opinion, this man is a pawn, caught through blind luck. He has only superficial knowledge of the patrol schedules needed to make it to your chamber unseen."

"So what? We caught an underling?"

"A simplification, perhaps, but essentially true. This attack was meticulously planned; whoever coordinated it did so with incredible diligence, patience and attention to detail. Somebody spent a lot of time and a lot of money to get those men into your bedchamber." The general said, rubbing his beard.

"This man could theoretically have manufactured such a route, but success would require a lot of luck and guesswork. Whoever the mastermind behind the attack was, it seems unlikely they would have left such things to chance."

"You almost sound like you admire whoever it is."

He frowned. "I respect the strengths of my allies and enemies alike. To do otherwise would be foolish."

She took his point graciously. "If there are others we must get him to tell us."

"He's not speaking."

"How hard are you trying to convince him?"

The General looked at her gravely, "How hard should I be trying?"

Elsa didn't reply immediately, she understood the implications of his question. There was a well-stocked dungeon under her castle for such occasions, built by her ancestors in more tumultuous times. Before now she had never had the necessity or the wish to use its more persuasive charms.

"Hard enough for results, but no actual wounds, and definitely nothing permanent," She paused thoughtfully "throw him in the Red Room for an hour or two, a closer look at the more imaginative instruments in there may put him in a more talkative mood."

Mertok nodded, mouth set in a grim line. Elsa knew that he enjoyed his duty even less than she did hers, but he had served many years for her father even before she was born. He had followed her father's ascension to the throne as he himself rose in the military ranks, being a few years older than the Ellesmyre heir. One did not rise to control a kingdom's military by shying away from the uglier aspects of the military and of war.

"I will see to it personally, my Queen."

She almost dismissed the half-formed thoughts knocking on the back of her mind; General Shad's dedication to this investigation was commendable and characteristic of his formidable and meticulous nature… But it also meant that all the information reported to her came directly through him. He was the best, dedicated, reliable, and with a reputation above reproach. But in the back of her mind that childhood part of her, honed by loneliness and control, sat up and made a small note.

"Anything else of importance?"

"Well … there is one thing."

"Out with it, General."

"It has to do with Chief Haddock."

Elsa sighed, rubbing her eyes. Why did that man always seem to cause her headaches?

"Of course it has. What is it this time? Do you have some new reservations about our resident Viking?"

"Not at the moment, no."

"Then what is this about?"

"It has to do with his display with the dragon. It was most impressive."

"Indeed." She prompted, waiting to see where he was going with this.

The General hesitated, appearing to choose his next words…diplomatically. "The problem is, we are not the only ones who know. You can be certain that rumors of the dragon will spread like wildfire to all the neighboring kingdoms within the week, and even further within the month."

"I assumed that had already happened, what with his very public entrance into the city."

"Considering that everyone thinks dragons are extinct, I would imagine initial reports were met with some skepticism, my Queen. But the Chief's evening 'exercise' is very public, soon those reports are going to start to be taken seriously. You can be certain that Chief Haddock and his pet dragon will garner a lot of interest among our neighbors."

Elsa's brow furrowed.

"I can see how that would be something to keep in mind, but there is nothing immediate that we can do, is there?"

The General didn't respond immediately, as if gathering his thoughts.

"It would be in our best interests … to get Chief Haddock as close to Arendelle as we can. The existence of dragons was bad enough, but his display in the courtyard nicely demonstrated the fact that they can apparently be tamed and weaponized. A game changer for any army, it will not be overlooked by anyone."

"So now you believe him, do you?"

"I never doubted his ability to tame a dragon. In this instance that is more valuable than the legitimacy of his status as chief of some far away island tribe."

"That is a fair point, so what is it you propose?"

"He seems to trust you. It would be prudent to inquire about the nature of dragon taming, and dragons themselves."

Elsa frowned "You want him to … teach us how to ride dragons?"

"That would be an ideal scenario, but any information is better than the fat load of nothing we're sitting on right now."

"Why is this relevant? There are no dragons in Arendelle or anywhere nearby."

"That we know of." Mertok noted. "Perhaps there are and we don't know enough to find them. Perhaps there are lands where they are as numerous as mice or mosquitoes. Regardless, any military with dragons incorporated would be unstoppable. I'd rather that be us and our allies than our enemies."

"For all we know, Toothless is the only dragon remaining."

"That seems rather farfetched, I think. Did the Chief say that?"

Elsa frowned again, trying to remember his exact words.

"He said Toothless is the only one he's ever seen when I asked him if there are more dragons. He called it a …" What was it? Oh, yes, "a Night Fury. I did not push him further, for I assumed that Night Fury was simply a cultural name for a dragon, as it does fit the form of the beasts. It is possible he was stepping around the truth, or that Night Furies are the only tamable dragons, or that they are so rare that he has truly only seen one dragon… "

"We do not know enough to assume anything, at this point. This is why it is imperative that we learn more. Night Fury could be a classification."

"I see." And Elsa did see. The implications were many, and far-reaching. She'd have to think harder on this.

"I will keep your words in mind, General."

Mertok nodded curtly, but was silent.

"If that is all you have to report?"

"It is."

"Good. Keep me updated." She rose, settling the remaining paper work on her desk, she walked towards the door.

"Where are you going, my Queen?"

"Taking a break. I've had enough of this until court hours."

The General nodded his head and waited as Elsa took the lead, exiting the office. They said their goodbyes outside the door and parted ways.

Elsa sighed, trying to rid her mind of unpleasant memories and intrusive thoughts. Light entered through the windows, gentle and soft. It was a great day outside. In the distance, Elsa could see the Northern Mountain, covered in snow. That sudden, momentary glint could, with some imagination, have come from her castle of ice, still intact and patiently waiting for its Queen. On frantic days like this she missed its promise of perfect solitude and absolute freedom with a fierce longing. The cold, fractal beauty of its long halls, and those few heady days when it had felt like her blossoming powers could fix all of her problems. She placed a hand on the warm stone of her castle's window ledge. Her place was here, but deep within the recesses of her mind, she was glad that that place was still there. It stood as a reminder that if she wanted, she could go, leave; nobody could stop her. It helped on the days where all the responsibilities piled up and she felt like bolting. Knowing that one could, if she so wished, run away, infinitely helped combat the urge to do exactly that.

Her moody ruminating thoroughly over with, she set off to a stroll around the castle. Even though she'd literally spent her entire life here, she still loved the ancient Ellesmyrian seat of power. Roaming its halls still fascinated and calmed her, particularly since she had avoided doing that for so many years, hiding away in her room.

High as she was in her tower, it took a while for her to reach the lower floors. She was in no hurry, greeting passing servants or guests with a smile and a kind word. The only visiting royal may have been the Viking chief, but the castle had numerous visitors at all times, from foreign dignitaries to merchants to aristocratic families to artists, and a slew of other people with whom Arendelle shared interests.

Speaking of Chief Haddock, she suddenly wondered if he'd escaped her sister's clutches or if he was still being dragged around her castle. She loved her sister dearly and would do anything for her, but she had borne the brunt of her enthusiasm enough times to know that it should be received in small doses. Right now, Chief Haddock seemed to be received much more attention than someone with little prior experience with the Princess should rightly be subjected to.

Finally reaching the lower floors, she decided to go outside. The castle's gardens were breathtakingly lovely this time of year. Once, they had been the personal domain of her mother, who had spent a good part of her time on the gardens, taking personal care of everything. While she couldn't afford to spend as much time here, she'd made sure they received the best care on a daily basis.

The gardens were beautiful today as well. They covered a sizable chunk of the castle grounds and were surprisingly large for being walled around. The cobbled paths, the ancient trees and flamboyant flowers always lifted her spirits and brought a smile to her face.

A black, alien shape drew her attention; a little way off the path was a wide glen, bathed in sunlight. Lounging amongst the grass and the wildflowers, she spotted the dark form of the Dragon, Toothless.

The dragon was lying without his harness on the soft grass, legs curled under him like a cat and wings folded along his sides. His tail was swishing slowly from side to side, mirroring the slow sway of his head. He was holding what looked like a small branch with his teeth.

Almost unconsciously, she started heading towards him. If the dragon was here, so was Chief Haddock. She would not ask him about dragons, not yet, for the topic should be approached under the right conditions if she was to persuade him to give her such tactically advantageous knowledge. But perhaps the right opportunity would present itself, soon.

As she slowly approached, she saw that the dragon had in front of him a long, wooden tray-like contraption that was filled with some kind of dirt or sand. The dragon was using the branch held in his jaws to form shapes in the dirt.

When she was but a few meters away from him, the dragon's head turned ever so slightly and one giant green eye zeroed in on her. She was unable to help herself and she froze like the prey she suddenly acutely felt like. It looked at her for a second and its nostrils flared once, but then it returned to whatever it is it was doing, not sparing her a second glance. She shook off the momentary fear; feeling rather annoyed with herself, and considered it safe to approach again.

She looked this way and that, trying to spot him, and walked around the dragon, mindful of its swishing tail. There, she saw the Chief. He was lying down on the grass, the notebook open but set downwards on his chest, the quill dangling loosely from his mouth like a forgotten pipe. His hands were behind his head and he seemed to be napping, as his eyes were closed. She didn't see Ernie anywhere, but that didn't mean anything at the moment.

She walked, slowly as she could so as not to startle him, until she stood only a meter away from his resting head.

"Chief Hiccup?"

"Hmmm?" His eyes slowly opened and he squinted up at her, somewhat blinded by the glare of the sun. He recognized her, but made no effort to move. "Oh, hello there, Queen Elsa."

"Greetings." She returned. "I see you're enjoying a nap after having escaped my dear sister's clutches."

"Nap? No, just resting my eyes for a bit. And A-, Princess Anna is not so bad. She is excitable, yes, but you cannot help but marvel before her unshakable cheer. It is ... quite refreshing."

Well, that was a pretty good way of describing her sister. Not that Elsa had missed the way he corrected himself when speaking of Anna. Were they on first name basis, already? Typical Anna.

"I see. Then what is it you're doing?"

"Well, Toothless and I are drawing." As he said this, he rose to a sitting position and turned the open notebook open pages-upwards. She couldn't see what it was from her position without indiscreetly craning her neck.

"Drawing?"

"Indeed." Then he turned his head to look at his dragon companion. "We're drawing, aren't we bud?"

The dragon warbled excitably around his stick, and Elsa finally took the time to look at the tray of what she now recognized as wet sand. The dragon had drawn lines this way and that. They formed no discernable shape, but it didn't seem to phase the dragon as he continued to drag his wooden stick through the sand.

"Does it actually mean something?"

"What does?"

"The shapes he's making. Are they a representation of a hunting route, maybe? Perhaps the twisting paths of a great cave?"

Looking back at the Chief, she saw him look at her with an expression she'd seen on his face once before.

"Or, perhaps … not?" She said, somewhat embarrassed.

"Toothless doesn't have the attention span or the motor controls on his jaw to make representative illustrations such as hunting routes, nor does he have a set path that he follows every day. Dragons don't think like humans. Not to mention, they don't understand the concept of abstract visual representations that is needed for art or written language." The Chief said, "But he likes to join in."

Elsa nodded in understanding "It is strange," she said "He is so obviously intelligent, far beyond that of any regular beast, and yet the structure of his mind is so very alien to our own."

Hiccup nodded gravely "I have spent more time with Toothless that any single person over the last few years, I know him better than I know any other living soul. And yet sometimes events remind me that even I do not fully understand how his mind truly works."

Chief Hiccup rose to his feet and walked up to the dragon's head, looking down on his friend's creation. Toothless saw him and looked up at him, then down at the sand, then up again, and then back down, obviously waiting for a comment and, judging by the widening of the dragon's grinning mouth, expecting a positive one.

"It's great bud, really good, keep going!" Elsa noted with amusement that he hadn't even attempted to venture a guess as to what 'it' was. It seemed to be enough for the dragon, however, because he returned to swishing his stick with enthusiasm.

"He likes to mimic what I'm doing. Even did it the first time we met. He likes to receive praise even more."

"And what is it you're drawing, Chief Hiccup?"

The Viking brought the open notebook up to his chest protectively and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Oh this? Nothing of importance."

Was that embarrassment she caught in his tone? It must have been something juicy.

"I'd like to see it, nonetheless."

"It's not finished. I'll show you when it's done, but I'd like to finish it first if, that's okay. Here, look at this, instead."

He turned a page and offered her the notebook. She took it in her hands gingerly, throwing a wary look at the dragon as she did so; aware of what had happened the last time she'd taken it. If he noticed, the reptile didn't seem to care.

For a second, she was tempted to just turn the page, ignoring the Chief's wishes, but that would have been completely rude and unbecoming of her. Instead, she focused on the drawing in front of her. It was made with charcoal again, surprisingly, and depicted Toothless, splayed on his back under the shade of one of the prettier trees in the Gardens. She recognized it by its shape, and thought it a shame that the Chief could not have added the light pink color of its leaves. Still, it was a beautiful composition. The view of the dragon splayed out playfully, limbs this way and that like an overgrown cat, was surprisingly gentle and cute for such a dangerous creature.

"It is a very beautiful sketch." She noted.

"Thanks. I do what I can." He accepted back the notebook from her hands and closed it. "By the way, I started work on your map today."

Elsa peered at him curiously. "Oh?"

"Indeed. I have bad news though."

"Do tell."

"I've drawn maps before, but never one this big or this extensive. I'm afraid I had quite underestimated the effort required. It will take twice as long as I had anticipated, at least."

Elsa waved a hand dismissively. "That is quite alright. You have all the time you need."

The Chief tipped his head at her. "My thanks."

"There is no need for such."

"Just accept them, would you?" He said, a hint of playfulness in his voice. A small smile graced Elsa's lips.

"If you insist."

The Chief snorted in good humor, which drew another small smile from Elsa. Then,she folded her skirts and sat down on the cool grass. Hiccup looked slightly thrown at her break in palace etiquette, and then smiled and flopped down nearby. She idly picked a few wildflowers, and cast around for another topic.

"I heard you had a discussion with my Head Supervisor."

"Madam Gertrude? Yes I did, a very pleasant woman."

"Truly?" She did not mean for the surprise in her tone, for she knew Gertrude to be a good woman and a efficient supervisor, but her formal ways tended to leave a cold impression on strangers. The Chief looked at her sideways, as if not understanding her tone.

"Yes. We had a very pleasant discussion about the castle, her duties and the various residents. She invited me for tea in a few days."

"Madam Gertrude is a good person. I am glad you got a chance to get to know her."

The Chief nodded. "She also told me a bit about the feast that I missed. The way she spoke of it made me regret not attending."

"She does have a way with words. She was not exaggerating, however. Thankfully, you'll have your chance tomorrow, and any time after that."

"And I am looking forward to it."

"I will arrange something suitable made for you to wear on the opening dance, in case you were worried about it."

Chief Hiccup's brow furrowed comically. "Wait, opening dance?"

Elsa blinked in confusion. "Well, yes. As the only other royal in attendance, custom dictates we open the dance."

"You want me to dance? With you?" He asked, disbelief in his voice. Elsa was getting more confused. What was the matter?

"It is customary." She repeated, thrown a little. She considered that maybe he had reservations due to his prosthetic, but dismissed the thought immediately. There were no signs that the otherwise crippling injury had any effect on the Viking. His walking was and his stances were perfectly normal, and one would not know he even had a prosthetic if he'd chosen to cover it. So it couldn't be that.

"But-" he began almost frantically as his left hand raked through his messy hair "you're the Queen. Couldn't you change it to have someone else open the dance? Or dance with someone else?"

Elsa frowned, not sure if she should be insulted or not. Did he find the prospect of dancing with her so distasteful? Her smile slipped off her face. Despite herself, she recognized what she was feeling as traces of hurt. Though it was probably to her pride, she reminded herself. She was after all a young unmarried Queen; there were few men who would reject such an offer.

"If the idea displeases you, I will arrange for a different partner for you."

Her tone must have been colder than she had meant it to be, or he must have seen something in her expression, because he immediately started speaking again.

"It's not that I don't want to dance with you. Really, it's not. I just … I've never been much of a dancer. I have no idea how the dances around here go, and ever since I got this," he pointed at his prosthetic "any sort of graceful movement has gotten worse than my already terrible aptitude for it."

Elsa frowned again, but was mollified. He was worried not about dancing with her, but about not knowing the steps. The thought relieved her, though she was not sure why. She inwardly frowned at herself. That feeling would need to be isolated and examined.

She kept her frown, though for different reasons. She did lie earlier, and he himself had been right. She was the Queen, and could change the banquet in however many ways she saw fit. Such a small change wouldn't even draw more than a few raised eyebrows and maybe a few comments.

But still, she didn't want to do that. Seeing the usually unflappable Chief uncomfortable and getting to dance with him was too good an opportunity to pass up.

"The steps will be easy." She said at last. "I will arrange for two sessions, one tonight and one tomorrow, to teach them to you. They should be easy to pick up. I will limit the repertoire."

He raised an eyebrow. "And you're sure two sessions will be enough for me to learn to dance like your people do? As I have said, I'm not the most graceful of people."

Elsa frowned, not understanding what he was saying. Was it false modesty? Was he fishing for compliments? He didn't seem like the type.

"You do battle more gracefully than most people walk, Chief Hiccup. I saw that firsthand when you beat me."

His brow furrowed. "I really don't think that counts, Queen Elsa."

Elsa scowled. "There is no need to rub your victory over me in, Chief Hiccup. I would think that you have nothing else to prove."

He seemed taken aback by her tone, which she couldn't help but scoff at. What did he expect, after making light of their very nearly deadly battle?

"That's not what I meant at all. Gods, you're as temperamental as—" He stopped mid-speech, and then grimaced, as if he'd tasted something sour.

"As who?" She prompted. His scowl vanished and his eyes refocused on her.

"Never mind that. My point was that battles are different from social gatherings. And also, there's another thing that's been bothering me."

"And that is?"

"Why did I beat you?"

Her scowl returned. "I would think that little explanation is needed on that matter. You were there, after all."

He didn't seem bothered by her tone this time. His gaze was downward, as if not really paying any attention. He was obviously deep in thought.

"I know. I've been thinking about our fight a lot. And knowing what I do now, I do not understand why I won."

"You were better. Faster. Smarter." It stung a little to say these things, but they were true, and she would not deny them.

He shook his head. "Faster I can accept. But I am not smarter than you, and definitely not better." Elsa would not disagree with him, because at this point they'd be arguing in circles. "From what I have seen of your powers, me and Toothless should not have come anywhere near you."

"I would like to think I know more about my powers than you do, Chief Hiccup."

"Of course, I don't deny that. Out of curiosity, can you tell me the limit of how much you can make? How fast you can make it? The shapes, the uses, you've tried it all and tested it all? You've scouted out all offensive capabilities?"

Elsa shook her head. He'd asked a lot of questions, none of which she particularly wanted to answer to.

Chief Hiccup waited out her silence. When it became apparent that no answer was forthcoming, he frowned and opened his mouth to say something.

A scratching sound from behind them distracted him, and he turned his head back to his companion.

"No, Toothless! Don't do that!" he admonished. Elsa turned her head as well, and saw that the dragon was using one of his claws to dig out a decent sized rock that had been planted in the grass near them. On hearing Hiccup's shout, he let it drop and backpedaled away from it, ears pressed flat to his head like a cat caught with its paws in the birdcage.

"Bad dragon! No ruining Queen Elsa's gardens."

Toothless grunted a soft assent and went back to his sand pit with a snort. He glared at the dragon for a few seconds, before returning to look at her. He regarded her for a few seconds, and she weathered his inspection with her chin held high and a raised eyebrow.

"Do you actively avoid using your powers offensively?"

Elsa pondered her answer as they sat there on the cool grass.

"There are situations where it is unavoidable. When I am attacked and my guards are not enough, for example."

His brow was furrowed in thought. It was almost endearing.

"But do you practice with it? Test your limits? See how much you can do?"

"Not since … a long time ago. There is no need for it."

"No need, you say …" The way he trailed off annoyed her, as if he disagreed but merely humored her.

"You disagree?"

"As you pointed out, I did beat you quite soundly."

"And you said that you weren't trying to boast."

Chief Hiccup's fists clenched, and he let out a frustrated growl that sent a jolt down her spine. "No one can give you self-worth, Elsa. You complain about the disparity in our combat effectiveness, yet you do not actively pursue it in your own time. You are afraid of your powers, yet you rely on them for your own security and that of your country. That kind of double standard can and will be your downfall, given half a chance."

Elsa felt hot fury rise through her. The nerve of this man, this guest in her home, he dared to assume… she stilled, taking a heavy breath as she calmed herself. "Is that a threat?" She asked with narrowed eyes, only to see him shake his head.

"It's not a threat. I've seen it happen. No matter who you are or what you can do, if you leave openings there is always someone out there that can and will exploit them."

She almost asked him if he spoke from personal experience. Almost. "I'm not afraid of my powers."

He looked her straight in the eye. "Aren't you?"

She bit back the indignant no that tried to leap from her mouth. The obvious answer was no. She'd stopped fearing and hiding her powers years ago. Arendelle had accepted her, her sister had accepted her. No, she'd never lost her sister's acceptance in the first place, it just took her a while to realize it. There was no need anymore for fear. She opened her mouth to say all this to Hiccup.

A flash of red in her memories stopped her, and she closed her mouth. In her mind's eye she watched as red colored, flawless ice spawned and devoured everything in its path; forests, fields, mountains, cities, people. She shivered, despite herself.

"I'm not afraid of my magic in itself." She said eventually. "But Hiccup, you have to understand, to use it in combat is a risk. A terrible risk. If I lose control … there's no telling what will happen."

Hiccup opened his mouth to answer but she held up a hand to stop him.

"There is another reason. This power I have, have had since childhood, it is great and terrible and beautiful. When I first just let it out, it felt like it could solve all of my problems, free me from all my responsibilities." She paused, gathering her thoughts, "But magic cannot solve my problems, it cannot run my kingdom, and it always has consequences. The hardest part of being able to flash freeze anything and anyone that annoys or threatens you, is learning how not to. Reaching for magic is the easy, and usually the worst solution to most of the problems I face day to day. My sorcery must be only used when it is necessary, because there is nobody who could stop what I could become if I let it control me instead of the other way around. Not even you."

She trailed off quietly, not looking at him. She did not really expect him to mock her, but even so, opening like this to him was not something she'd expected to do. Frankly, her reasoning was not entirely sound. Her reputation and that of her powers had been keeping Arendelle safe and mostly free of bandits for years. Now a Viking Chief knew one of her glaring weaknesses. Would he take advantage of it, down the line? Only time would tell.

She risked a glance at his face, feeling more vulnerable than she had in a long while. Contrary to his earlier frustration, he wore an expression of understanding and determination.

"I understand your reasoning, and I sympathize. It would be easy to use Toothless in a in a similar fashion, intimidation, control, burning stuff you don't agree with. When you have an unfair advantage on your subjects and on neighboring countries, you can go down that road without even realizing it. But there is a difference between that and understanding your own power. That's where practice comes in. Control is granted by skill and knowledge, by knowing your limits and expanding on them. You have an amazing gift, Elsa. You are unique in this world. It is a shame to not explore it to its fullest."

A gift? She blinked, trying to process his words. Well, it would make sense that someone as pragmatic as him would view it as a gift. But he hadn't had to grow up with it. With the fear of it. The fear of hurting her loved ones, of ruling while maintaining a lie. No, she could use many words for it, but gift was not one of them.

Still, it was a nice sentiment by someone who meant well, even if he didn't understand.

She shook her head. "You assume a lot about me."

He nodded. "I do, and maybe I'm just rambling here, but I truly do not see what you have to gain by limiting your offensive capabilities. Nobody said that you should go around freezing innocent people, but you should be able to take care of the first idiot who attacks you with a dragon."

Elsa smiled at his humor, shaking her head at his antics. In actually she was feeling very uncomfortable. He didn't really understand her, but he wasn't entirely wrong either. His words had echoed several of her thoughts, over the years. But she'd never thought of it quite in such a pragmatic fashion.

"And when an idiot with a dragon attacks me, you'll be the first to know so you can set them straight."

"You've given me a lot to think about, for now. Can we go back to your supposed lack of dancing skills?"

He took her attempt to change subject in stride, grimacing dramatically and flopping back on the grass. "Must we?"

"Quite. I'll have someone by your quarters a little after sundown. Will that be acceptable?"

"Yes, yes. We'll be back from our flight by then. It will begin earlier than yesterday, because I want to attend court tonight. Ernie can take me there."

"Hmm. Court will eat away at your dancing lesson time, though."

"Can you tell the teacher to come later? I slept a lot, so I won't get tired very early. If it's a problem for him I can pay him extra or if he can't manage at all then I suppose I'll have to leave Court early."

"She will be agreeable with whatever time you wish. And what do you mean by pay? I said I would arrange it, didn't I? The woman will be on a retainer already, so there will be no need to pay."

"I don't have a problem with paying."

She looked at him sternly "Do not be stubborn, Hiccup. You're a guest here, and don't think I don't realize you're doing this for me."

"I'm not doing this just for you, but you have my thanks nevertheless, Queen Elsa." She jolted at the use of her title. Only now did she realize that they'd used each other's first name with no titles and quite a bit of familiarity several times during the course of this conversation. Some color rose to her cheeks, but she cleared her throat to push it down. The two of them stood up, brushing grass from their clothes. Elsa grimaced, imagining the grass stains on her dress.

"I'll be looking forward to tomorrow, then."

"As will I, though I should probably get back to Toothless now."

"And I to my work." Which was true. It had been an interesting and mostly enjoyable break, but it had taken longer than it should have and she had to get busy again.

"I'll be seeing you, then."

She nodded at him and he inclined his head respectfully, before turning on his heel and walking back towards the black dragon. Elsa watched him go until he vanished behind a bush, at which point she continued her way towards the interior of the castle, replaying their conversation in her head again and again.

Upon reaching her office, she had pinpointed several things that she wished she hadn't said, or had said differently. She didn't feel particularly worried about it though. She had made the decision to trust Chief Hiccup, for now at least. A wry smile crept onto her face. That man had barely known her for a week, but he managed to puzzle her at every encounter.

She shook her head, and with it shook away thoughts of the Viking, for there was work to be done. She resigned herself to completing her remaining paperwork before lunchtime.

Feeling particularly hungry and not content to wait until the usual lunch time, she decided to have an early lunch. No one made a big deal about this particular meal, in any case. It was not unusual for her to eat alone, or with only Anna for company. Most days, that was how she preferred it.

She called for food to be brought up to her office, and sent a guard to bring Naya Avarice to her. Avarice was part of Arendelle's Dancer Guild, an organization dedicated to the arts of the body and its movements. As one of the Guild's top representatives and closer to the Chief's age than most other similarly qualified people, she was the best chance the Chief had of not actually making a fool of himself tomorrow.

Elsa did not believe that the Chief would actually make a fool of himself. Despite his occasional bouts of clumsiness and despite his prosthetic, she had witnessed the fluidity of his movements when he was consciously trying to stay on his feet, and she really would change the dance order to have the opener be something simple. At the same time, she didn't want him to give off the impression that he was barely hanging on, seeing as the ballroom would be full of all sorts of important people at the time. On the other hand, seeing his face go red in embarrassment would be worth it … maybe.

Decisions, decisions.

She was drawn out of her musings by the guards announcing the arrival of her lunch. Two servants entered as she made space in her desk for the two trays they carried. She thanked them and they bowed, before leaving her to eat in peace. She set to doing just that, habit making her maintain the same grace and poise she used during formal dinners attended by dozens of people.

Her lunch was disturbed by another knock on her door, more tentative than the previous, professional rap.

"Come in." She allowed after clearing her mouth with a napkin. The door was opened by one of her guards, who announced the entrance of Lady Avarice of the Dancer Guild. Naya was a young woman, the same age as Elsa herself, but had spent the majority of her life dancing, or learning how to. She was not so much pretty as she was stunning, with large hazel eyes and a cascade of light blond hair caught in a low ponytail that reached the curve of her back. Her lithe body wrapped in an elaborate dancer's dress of flowing blue fabric that crossed across the bodice and opened at the sides. She was a shade taller than Elsa. Giving her a critical look, Elsa decided that the dancer would be just a bit shorter than the Viking Chief, but still within his immediate field of vision. Perfect, really.

She'd met Naya all of twice before, in person, but she boasted at least cursory knowledge of the majority of her subjects that worked in or around the palace.

"My Queen, you summoned me." Naya said with perfect politeness, then she performed a textbook curtsey, every elaborate step of it adorned with grace.

"Indeed I did, Miss Avarice."

"Please call me Naya, my Queen."

"As you wish. I have a task for you, if you are not terribly busy tonight and tomorrow."

Naya tilted her head and looked at her Queen with curious eyes.

"I am ready for whatever task you have for me, your majesty."

"Magnificent. As you know, we'll be holding a party tomorrow. I believe you are invited, as well."

"I am." Naya confirmed. As a high ranking member of the Dancer Guild, she was not only invited, but also highly sought after as an escort. Everyone wanted a partner that could make them look good by simply being there, and make them look great on the ballroom floor. Last Elsa had heard, the Prince from Corona had convinced her to go with him. Or had they known each other beforehand? She did not remember, and it did not really matter.

"There is a guest, a very important guest." Elsa explained. "That needs a crash course on ballroom dancing. It is imperative that he can at least follow the steps until tomorrow evening."

Naya frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. "I will of course do my best, but it is not easy to learn the steps and perform them naturally after only two sessions of practice."

"I don't think this particular student will give you any trouble."

"Who is he, if I may ask?"

"Of course you may. It is necessary for him to know, because he will be opening the dance with me, tomorrow."

Naya blinked in confusion for a second, before she made the connection. Her eyes widened as she lost her cool façade, and her mouth formed an 'O' of surprise before she spoke.

"You do not mean—"

"Chief Haddock of the Vikings? Yes I do."

Elsa watched curiously as the professional dancer's cheeks were flushed with color. Naya smiled brightly and brought a hand to her lips, as if to stifle sudden laughter.

"You know of him, I assume?" Elsa prodded, drawing an enthusiastic nod.

"Yes your majesty. I have … seen him around the castle." Again her cheeks turned red, the pretty pink shade threatening to encompass her entire face. Elsa frowned. She was not unaware of what the other woman's problem was. The Viking chief, with his fur clothes, ruggedly scarred appearance and metallic foot, with his confident gait and his generous smiles had caused quite the uproar in Arendelle's community of single ladies, making gossip mongers work overtime to meet the demand. Elsa had watched with some amusement as Hiccup wandered through all of it, seemingly entirely oblivious of his effect on the women of her kingdom.

She frowned inwardly. Perhaps calling for one as young and beautiful as Naya had been a mistake.

Well, no way to back out of this now without gravely insulting the dancer. She pushed her sudden doubts away from her mind.

"I see." She said, allowing a frown to cover her face as she looked sternly at the other woman. "Then I assign this task to you, and expect completely professional conduct. Is that clear?"

Naya's eyes snapped to her and, if possible, she grew even redder, her keen wit not missing the implication. She stammered a reply.

"Ah, of course, your majesty. Strictly professional."

Elsa sat back, satisfied but still not losing her strict look. Perhaps she should be softer on the other woman, but if Naya went to the Chief and in any way expressed her attraction to him, the Viking could potentially think that Elsa had sent her for that exact reason. The conclusions one could draw from this were not ones Elsa wanted to be drawn.

"Chief Haddock wishes to attend Court tonight. Can you have a few hours with him after Court is adjourned?"

She bowed her head, finally returning to her normal coloration at the turn of their conversation to less embarrassing topics. "Certainly."

"Give him twenty minutes to relax, then find him at his quarters. Will you require an open room to practice in?"

Naya thought of it for a second, before shaking her head. "For a complete beginner, the quarters should be wide enough. I will teach him the steps first and give him some basic tips on rhythm and reading the tempo of the dance."

"The Chief's assigned aide will, of course, be present." She did not want the scandal that would arise over her sending a dancer to be alone with a foreign royal in his apartnments.

"Of course."

"I'll leave it to your capable hands, then. You should also arrange another session with him tomorrow. Maybe even two, if he feels up to it and you feel he needs it."

"We shall see, your majesty."

"That will be all Miss Avarice, thank you."

"My Queen." With another elegant curtsey, the dancer turned on her heel and exited her office.

Elsa's frown did not leave with her as she watched her retreat, but the reason behind it had changed. Naya was her age. In another life, perhaps the two would have grown up together, been friends. But when in meetings like this, the difference between Elsa and her peers became painfully obvious to her.

When Naya Avarice saw Chief Hiccup, she saw his ruggedly handsome appearance, his impressive scars, the confidence with which he carried himself and the sincere smiles that were always on his face. None of this was false, granted. Elsa would not deny all that, for she had noticed them herself. But these things were not what she truly saw when looking at him.

When Elsa looked at Chief Hiccup, she saw a representative and leader of a Viking tribe that could potentially bring misfortune to her beloved kingdom. She saw a man who, while appearing sincere, dripped mystery and unanswered questions whenever he opened his mouth. She could match any of his smiles for a frown or a contemplative furrow of his eyebrows and still have plenty to spare.

But most of all, she saw a featureless metal helmet, the gleaming tip of a deadly arrow, and felt the searing heat of dragonfire on her skin. Even now, the thought made her shiver at the potential horrors of dragon-backed warfare.

Perhaps Naya Avarice had the better end of the deal.

Looking down at her food, delicious as it was, she suddenly didn't feel all that hungry. She forced herself to eat some more before setting it aside.

There was actually little for her to do before the scheduled time for Court to be held, so she half-heartedly finished a few more papers before giving up, preferring to read them more carefully later than hastily sign something that she otherwise wouldn't.

That done, she rose again and exited her office. She set off on a wondering route around the castle; maybe she would locate her sister or one of her few friends in one of the corridors. Idly, she summoned a bit of frost that snaked around her hands and zig-zagged between her fingers.

She busied herself with talking to this or that person, both guests and locals, until she heard a loud animalistic cry, followed by the beat of strong, leathery wings that sent the air gushing about them. She turned her head to a window that opened at the Courtyard, just in time to see a black blur rocket upwards. The Chief's loud laughter reverberated among the castle's walls and reached even her ears.

The laughter stirred something inside her, and a quick look to the people around her showed the same faraway look. The Viking's hearty laughter and his ability to simply fly away, it spoke of the true meaning of freedom. A concept man has hunted for thousands of years but never managed to grasp.

The sky had always been the limit. Something humans could look at birds and be envious about. And here was a man that conquered even that.

She shook him out of her thoughts. She'd been given the chance to fly on the dragon, and had refused it. Her reasoning still stood. The sky was an unreachable dream for a reason. Her powers could bring her as high as she wanted, but she still would not do it willingly. Her place was here.

Eventually, she found Anna and Kristoff, just returning from lunch of their own. The three of them spent the time together until it was time for Elsa to get to Court. Kristoff had entered their little two-person family so seamlessly that Elsa could not believe it at first. The blond man had a gentle heart that could fit the whole world, and Elsa could see plain as day that he loved her sister with every single inch of it.

Sometimes, in the lonely refuge of her dark bedchamber, before sleep took her, Elsa envied her sister. To her, that kind of selfless love was but a distant dream, one that she gave up on more and more as she aged and the demands of her kingdom continued to pile on. Despite her resistance, she knew that she would eventually get married, whether she loved her match or not.

She said goodbye to her sister and Kristoff as they headed outside and she headed to her quarters to change her attire.

Her handmaidens assisted her in donning one of her more Queenly gowns, a flowing green piece that would not wrinkle in a bad way when she sat on the throne. Her hair was pulled up into an elaborate braid, and the royal circlet pinned firmly to her head.

Like always, she headed towards the Throne Room, followed by her handmaidens and a few members of her inner council that joined her on the way. The Throne Room was already full; the Queen was always the last to arrive.

Though she did not turn her head, Elsa did see the Chief, sitting in a chair on the row furthest on the back of the left hand side. She had to fight a visible reaction when she saw the dragon Toothless curled up on the empty space behind him, watching the proceedings with half-closed eyes. The people around the room were trying to be discreet with their looks towards the great serpentine creature, with varying degrees of success.

When he caught her eye, the Chief gave a respectful nod of his head. He had a hand on his chin, rubbing it idly.

Viking and dragon noted, Elsa proceeded to her throne and sat, announcing the beginning of tonight's Court session. For the next several hours, people of all castes and professions came before her to plead their cases. From foreign diplomats with treaties to peasants with complains about wild dogs, she heard all of their pleas or offers, asked her questions, and offered her judgment. There was also the occasional noble or foreign royal that was simply passing by Arendelle, and visited her Court in the politically correct way of saying 'hi there'.

Through it all, she would occasionally have a small reprieve and catch glimpses of the Viking chief, noting the look of interest and concentration as he watched the proceedings. The dragon behind him had fallen asleep, eyes closed and snoring softly, but he watched everything that went on in the Throne Room. Good for him; paying attention was important for a leader. Courtiers around the room still shot the sleeping dragon wary glances, Elsa noted with amusement.

Soon enough, Court was over for the day, and Elsa had dismissed the last case. As was customary everybody rose after she did and waited until she and her handmaidens had exited the Throne Room. She did not pause, walking away in search of Anna. She found her and together they headed for dinner in their private dining room.

As a rule, she did not work after dinner. The time was spent chatting with her sister about this and that, or simply being in the same room without saying anything while Elsa read a book and Anna silently fumed at her inability to draw—not for lack of trying, Elsa noted. She covertly watched her sister's efforts with amusement.

Not long after, it was time for both of them to retire and so they did, after saying goodnight. On the way to her personal section of the castle, Ernie appeared around a corner and fell into step next to her. In a monotone, the young servant delivered his report, and was done by the time they had reached her door. She thanked him for his services cordially and bid him goodnight, to which he bowed and turned to leave. Elsa entered her quarters feeling drained after a full day. She washed quickly, pulled on a fresh nightgown, and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Despite being tired when she fell asleep, her slumber was not dreamless. She slept fitfully and woke up panting and drenched in sweat. She could have sworn that she could feel the searing heat on her hands. When she looked though, all she saw was snow, called whilst dreaming and covering her arms and torso in an attempt to douse fire that wasn't there. Snow was also swirling around the room, mirroring her own frantic state.

She calmed herself after a few seconds of harsh breathing and the snow abated, before vanishing entirely. Soon, her room had returned to normal. She slumped back on her pillow with a groan of dissatisfaction, trying to ignore the uncomfortable way her nightgown stuck to her sweat slick back.

Looking to the left, she saw that sunlight was streaming in through her balcony door. Dawn had arrived and passed. With another groan, she forced herself to a sitting position and dreaded the state her hair must be in.

A family trait, her mother had said, winking at her while she brushed gently at her hair, many years ago. Anna and their mother had shared the same terrible case of morning hair. That knowledge did not make her feel better, however.

She rang for her handmaidens, before rolling ungracefully out of bed and towards the bathroom; when they arrived they twittered around her irritatingly as they made her presentable for the public.

To her pleasant surprise, no one joined her and her sister on the breakfast table. She did not dislike the company, but it always felt more relaxed when it was just the two of them. Anna asked her if she knew where Chief Hiccup was, but Elsa replied negatively. He'd obviously made other breakfast arrangements, and that was just as well. He'd been extended an indefinite invitation, but was by no means obliged to accept it every day. She grasped this chance to spend time with her sister, whose exuberance, while still present, was at least lessened so close to her awakening.

After breakfast, it was back to work for her. Her rounds over the castle yielded nothing new, but it was her time in the office that was full of surprises.

Perhaps, in hindsight, she should have expected it.

Every single member of her inner council, with the unsurprising exception of Madam Gertrude, had entered her office at some point and indirectly or directly asked her somehow gain the secrets of dragon taming from the Viking chief. Each cited similar yet slightly different reasons, depending on their position, but all agreed the state of Arendelle could not afford to not dip a finger in this proverbial honeypot, lest someone else does and the advantage is lost.

She couldn't exactly fault them, as she could see logic behind their arguments. There were no known dragons in Arendelle or the surrounding countries and kingdoms, but then again they'd believed them to be extinct. Who knew what else they were missing? It was better that their preparation be unnecessarily rather than inadequate.

On the other hand, this whole business reeked of infidelity. She did not want to attempt to manipulate the Chief in order to gain his secrets. It felt too underhanded for her tastes. The mere thought of it reminded her too much of how Hans had manipulated her own condition to try to elevate himself in a position of power.

But even feeling like this, the situation was one that she could not willfully ignore. Events had spiraled in ways that she could not have foreseen, when she originally invited the Chief to come here. Would she do the same, given the chance, knowing what she does now? She could not say.

Then there was her meeting with her Commander General. Mertok had visited her again today, at her own request this time, to update her on the status of their prisoner. She was disappointed, however, because the elder man had told her that while they'd began to get some answers, because of the mild—comparatively—methods that they were using it was too early to take any words of his for the truth.

He had also stressed, once again, the need for more information on the dragons. A being of such power would always draw attention, and he informed her that foreign dignitaries would start making their moves, and soon.

The day had passed quickly, and before she knew it, preparations had begun for the gathering. She knew that Madam Gertrude's people were hard at work preparing the Ballroom and the Dining Hall. There was little she could do to help there. She did have a role to play, with the decorations, but that would come after the main preparations were done.

So she busied herself with other things, such as the guest lists, the seating arrangements, the fine tuning of the pieces the orchestra would be expected to perform, and the likes. When she was informed that the rooms were ready, she followed the servant to the Dining Hall first. It was an impressive room, cavernous and extremely long. So was the hardwood table that spanned the entire length of the room, groaning under the weight of the silverware and plates, but no actual food as of yet.

Once there, she raised her hands and her magic sprang up eagerly, snow forming around her shimmering trails creeping up the walls and ceiling to slowly solidify in magnificent sculptures of angels, fairies and humans and animals. The sculptures were small, but numerous, and aside from those, the walls themselves were covered with sheen of ice, which gave the room a bluish glow, reminiscent of her palace of ice atop the Northern Mountain. The ice did not emit much of a chill, and made for both impressive decoration and a pointed demonstration of her power.

The Dining Room done, she proceeded to the Ballroom, where she did the same, keeping the décor less sizable this time, more elegant and discreet. Though she generally only added shapes and swirls along with the sheen of ice, four five meter tall statues stood at each corner of the huge ballroom.

There was no way any of the guests would forget exactly whose guests they were.

Satisfied with her handiwork, she left, heading back towards her quarters to begin preparations. The process of getting ready on nights like this took several hours. Her ladies in waiting, all women that she knew very well but didn't socialize with very much, helped bathe her with soaps and scented oils, something she really could not avoid at formal occasions. They laced her in a rich deep blue dress, and spent what seemed like an eternity dressing her hair with elaborate braids and sapphire pins, cooing over the rich fabrics and shiny jewels. When finally they followed her to the Dining Hall, she was already half tempted to cancel the whole thing and go to bed.

As customary, everybody was present before her, but standing. The huge table was already groaning under the weight of the food, but the true courses would be served after everyone had sat down and she had called for the dinner to begin.

She saw people of Arendelle and foreigners alike. Noblemen, merchants, aristocrats, artists, dignitaries and ambassadors, the room lacked for no one of importance. Everyone was dressed beautifully, though some did so with more taste than others. Gaudy chains, rings, elegant hats and elaborate dresses, fashions local and foreign were all in evidence around the table.

Her seat at the head of the table was placed at the other end of the table than the door, so that she had to walk its entire length to reach it. On the way, people bowed to her murmuring respectful nothings as she passed. She tipped her head to each and generously offered her smile, until she had reached the end of the table. She saw her sister, who smiled brightly at her, and offered her a smile in return. Anna was really glowing tonight; she was wearing a stunning red dress with a ruby the size of a hen's egg sitting on her chest. Only after her gaze slid off of Anna did she notice him.

The Chief, as the only other ruler in attendance, was seated to her right. The table was big enough that several seats could be placed at the head of the table, but at this time it only held three. He was standing like everyone else, but did he not bow. Instead, he tipped his head in a show of respect and offered his hand to her.

Someone has brushed up on their manners, Elsa thought as she gave him her gloveless hand. He grasped it lightly and brought her knuckles to brush against his lips in the Arendellian fashion, Naya Avarice had evidently worked hard.

It was a far cry from the rough way he'd pulled her to her feet, days ago. Was it only a few days ago? It felt like much longer.

"Queen Elsa." He greeted her.

"Chief Hiccup." She took the opportunity to run her eyes over him, inspecting the choices no doubt selected by Ernie, or someone in charge of Chief Hiccup's wardrobe. It was a deep blue colored, complementing her dress and covered him completely from neck to feet, though no one could call it anything close to a dress. It was a robe, tight-fitting and with elegant black shapes knit in the material that, with some imagination, could be considered draconian in nature. Specially made, perhaps. Ernie had not mentioned an order of such, but maybe he had not deemed it of importance.

He was perfectly groomed, having gotten rid of the stubble that he had acquired over the last few days, and his hair was impressive as it always had been, if a bit longer than the men of Arendelle wore theirs.

"You look particularly dashing this evening, Chief Hiccup." She complimented him. He grinned for a split second before he pushed the smile down, but Elsa caught the flash of mischief in his eyes before they looked to the side, taking note of the dozens of eyes watching them, before settling back on her again. Whatever it was he had meant to say as a witty retort, he appeared to have swallowed it.

"You are too kind. I would say the same, but it would be inadequate. Back in Berk, we write songs about beauty such as yours."

A pretty blush founds its way to her cheeks, and she brought a hand to her mouth as a small giggle threatening to come out.

"You flatter me."

Chief Hiccup pulled her chair back for her and she graciously accepted, thanking him with a smile as she sat. The other guests followed suit.

Scores of servants appeared from hidden doors, carryings trays with more starters and some light drinks.

Before anyone started eating, Elsa rose and softly clicked her spoon on a crystalline goblet, drawing the attention of everyone, as they were waiting for it.

"Thank you all for coming today to my small gathering." She said, receiving some polite clapping, to which she tipped her head. "Please, enjoy the food our staff was kind enough to prepare. Try the wine, I can tell you it's a lovely year. Mingle with those around you, for we have some truly prestigious people gathered here today."

This drew slightly louder applause. Everyone loved to have their ego stroked. Elsa smiled, then turned slightly so that her body faced the Chief, was seated and looking at her, collected and calm. She allowed a servant to half-fill her goblet with wine before continuing.

"I would especially like to welcome Chief Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, who could not join us last time. It's an honor to have you here, Chief Haddock." As she said this, she raised her goblet in a toast and a forest of goblets followed hers as they spoke his name in unison.

The Viking raised his own glass. "It's an honor to be here, Queen Elsa." After the appropriate amount of polite murmuring, the guests started on the socializing and the food.

Small talk started mushrooming along the vast table, and soon everyone on the table was talking with someone, while servants came and went, carrying trays with various dishes and drinks on them to wet their throats and tease their bellies. Elsa made small talk with Anna and the Chief, talking about meaningless things for the most part.

"And how is Toothless?"

"Asleep, most probably. Bothering Ernie, if not. He agreed to stay with him."

"That was kind of him."

"It was, even though it would be him dealing with whatever problems Toothless caused in his boredom."

"Your presence would not have been required in such a case?"

"Toothless trusts Ernie enough to follow his instructions, if he deems them reasonable."

Elsa did not have anything to say to that. She had no reason to doubt his word, yet at the same time could not imagine the fearsome dragon obeying anyone else. She decided not to dwell on the dragon any longer, and try to enjoy the evening as much as she could.

"Do you feel prepared for the next part, then?" She asked him at some point.

"The dancing, you mean?"

"Naturally."

He smiled. "You'd be surprised. Whether that surprise will be of the pleasant variety, only time will tell."

"I trust your sessions with Naya Avarice went well?"

He smiled again, and his eyes sparked with mischief once again. She could recognize the look, she saw it in Anna's eyes often enough.

"As a matter of fact, it did. She was very professional. In all honesty, I don't think I've ever seen someone act more professionally in my life."

Elsa fought to repress the smile that threatened to appear on her lips, instead feigning a stern expression.

"She told you to say that, didn't she?"

His grin betrayed him. "I regret nothing."

Elsa allowed herself a brief laugh at his unrepentant attitude. "We didn't see you at breakfast." She noted.

He nodded. "I was invited by Naya to breakfast, to get to know each other in a less professional environment. Her words."

"Naya huh." She said, emphasizing the use of her first name, drawing a raised eyebrow from the Viking.

"Indeed. You see, some people don't mind being called by, and calling other people by, their first names."

She ignored the less than subtle dig. "I see. Well, I hope her efforts were fruitful."

"As do I."

A devious smile found its way to her lips, as she leaned just a little closer to the chief, resting her chin lightly on her hand and blinking innocently up at him.

"Well I hope you came well prepared. Your sessions with Miss Avarice in a controlled environment do not give nearly the same atmosphere as a filled ballroom, with everyone watching. Naya was just the appetizer."

Perhaps he found her stance or words provocative or uncomfortable, because he shifted in his seat, though he tried not to show it. Elsa's smile widened imperceptibly.

"I suppose that you play the part of the main course in this analogy?" He asked, a hint of irony on his voice. He may have tried to regain some control with sarcasm, but Elsa did not buy it. A teasing smile was the only answer she gave him.

Just in time, too, because right then servants appeared again, this time carrying the main course on their trays. Fresh salads and plates full of delicious and expertly cooked dishes were brought in front of everyone, starting with the Queen. As was proper, she waited until everyone was served before picking up her utensils and taking the first bite.

Anna, exuberant as she was, ate with all the grace and elegance as befitting someone who was raised as a princess. The Chief, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling to imitate the poise and the slow, methodical eating of everyone around him. Nevertheless, she believed she was the only one close enough to notice his discomfort as his efforts were, for the most part, effective.

She slowly wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, though she knew it was spotless, before catching the chief's eye and very deliberately rubbing a spot on the right side of her chin. Getting the hint, the chief flushed a little in embarrassment as he wiped at the same spot, clearing it of a bit of sauce that had slipped there. He gave her a thankful nod and returned to his food.

The eating slowed down and the conversations picked up again, as the elite of Arendelle and several foreigners discussed matters that they deemed important. Politics, trade agreements, prices, commissions, alliances and betrayals, all were discussed in the low tones of the dozens of conversations that sprang up along the table. So, too, did Elsa discuss with her sister and occasionally the Chief who, despite his discomfort at the new environment and the many people staring at him as if expecting him to grow wings and start setting things on fire any second now, was making notable effort to not withdraw into himself.

The time passed in good spirits, and soon the main course was withdrawn and the desserts were brought out. Equally impressive creations of fruits, chocolate, variety of creams and everything else the mind could think of. Elsa took no small amount of satisfaction at the way the Chief could not quite hold back his wonder at the variety and, as he told her, the taste. He described it as 'divine, for surely such food is fit for the gods'. Though not knowledgeable on his religion, there was no way to misinterpret this particular compliment.

Very soon the dinner was done, the guests stayed a while longer, too full for vigorous movement right then, Elsa decided to let the feast settle a little before calling for the dancing to begin. But finally the doors opened, and everyone took this as their cue to rise and orderly exit the Dining Hall. Elsa's side of the table, where the higher ranking people sat, left last, Anna shot her a bright smile before locking hands with the Commander General and practically dragging him out, talking animatedly to the much older man. Elsa rose, as did the Chief.

He offered her his hand with a soft smile, which she accepted. It was customary for everyone to get settled in the Ballroom before the Queen arrived. They walked slowly, with only a few handmaidens and guards around them, towards the Ballroom, as the Chief lowly recounted his reaction when Ernie showed him the cavernous space. Elsa smiled, and promised him that what he had seen and what he was about to see, well, they were two different things.

It felt strangely comforting to drape her hand around his arm. She had been in this situation with other royals before, both as Queen and as Princess. It always felt as simply a formality, simply something that royalty did. It felt … different, this time. Many things about tonight seemed different.

She threw a side-glance at the Chief as they walked, and found his eyes locked on hers, his mouth upturned in a half-smile, the mischievous glint still lingering there. Busted, she looked ahead again, the red tinge reappearing in cheeks. If asked, she would blame the wine.

The arrived at the entrance to the Ballroom, and waited to be announced. She caught the Chief's eyebrow twitch, and thought he must be fighting to repress an eye-roll or a sarcastic comment. From what she'd gathered, Vikings tribes were not big on formalities for formality's sake. Still, he kept his thoughts to himself.

She watched him carefully, though discreetly, and noted the widening of his eyes and parting of his lips with great relish, once the Ballroom came into view. He did not freeze, but his eyes darted with childlike glee, taking in everything at once. From the crowds of people, to the stage with the full orchestra that had been set yesterday, to the ice decorated walls and the statues, the Chief's sharp eyes missed nothing.

"Very impressive. I can see your personal touch in the decorations." He noted as Elsa led him inside the room. The guests had been separated into two groups, forming a path for the Queen and the Chief to go through. If there had been more royalty present then they, too, would have entered at the same time and gone through the same path. As it was though, the two of them had the full attention of the dozens of guests as they walked closed to the stage, at the center of the dance floor where the space was cleared. Everyone knew where to stand and where not to, when to move or when to wait.

"Thank you." She replied. She saw, on the crowd of the people around them her small council, her sister, and several ambassadors. A wide circle had been cleared for them at the center of the room, near the stage. There she stopped, turning directly to the Chief and flashing him a smile.

He looked pale, but determined. He gently held her hand, while placing the other on her waist, as the music began. He held her perhaps a little further away than he should, but his form was otherwise okay. The music started off slow, as did the dance itself. The Chief's eyes were split between looking at his feet, probably to avoid stepping on her, and her face. On the other hand, Elsa had no such fear, and never took her eyes off of his own. This was harder in practice than in theory, as the Chief was quite a bit taller than her. He looked ready to start sweating, or have an anxiety attack.

"Relax," she whispered, "you're doing great."

And he was. While technically he was leading, he was performing the basic steps and merely following Elsa's cues. An experienced dancer herself, Elsa subtly led him through the piece, and over the next minute or so the Chief seemed to relax. He was a decent dancer, for having started only yesterday, but he was excellent at following her prompts and hints. It didn't appear that she was leading him, and he didn't make a fool of himself, so that was a win in Elsa's book.

Apparently the Chief himself agreed, for as he grew less nervous he relaxed from his rigid posture, and finally started thinking of things other than how to avoid tripping or making any overly clumsy moves. He seemed to forget that the whole room was looking at them, too, because he focused on her and Elsa could see the flush of excitement on his face as he looked down on her. He was starting to enjoy this.

With some surprise, she realized that she could not hear the soft click sound of his prosthetic as it made contact with the marble floor. A brief look downwards did not solve her curiosity, but the Chief noted her look and guessed what she was thinking.

"Custom made pads. Work perfectly." Elsa was impressed, and told him as much.

Before long, they were joined by many others couples. As the music played on and they were no longer the center of attention, the Chief relaxed even more, to the point of smiling at her as they danced slowly. Elsa returned the smile.

"You'll be glad to know that my surprise was of the positive variety."

"I am glad, come to think of it."

"As I said, you're doing fine."

"You're the one doing fine, I'm just trying to do what you're doing."

"And you're doing a great job of that."

He shook his head ruefully, not rising to the bait.

"You're very good at this." He noted. "I can tell, even though you're limiting yourself to my own ability."

"I'm no professional dancer, but my profession does require dancing."

"I can't say I envy you."

"It's not as bad as you make it sound, you know. We're having a good time, are we not?"

He threw a brilliant smile her way. So caught by surprise was she, that she almost missed the next step.

"Yes, we are. I suppose I'll have to take your word for it."

"Having said that, not all occasions provide company such as yourself."

He laughed and shook his head. Close as they were, his hair nearly touched her.

"You're just saying that, though I appreciate the sentiment."

"It's rude to assume."

He looked at her with a curious expression, as if trying to figure something out.

"I don't presume to know you, but you seem much more cheerful tonight than you usually are."

She smiled. "Are you implying something regarding my disposition?"

He didn't rise to the bait, again. "You know what I mean."

She did. She took her eyes off him for a bit, to look around at the people dancing merrily, talking to each other and laughing together.

"How can I not be happy?" She said. "In the midst of all this?" It was the truth. The happiness of her people always brought a smile to her face. To see such concrete proof and to be the cause of it … few things could compare.

The Chief took a few seconds to follow her gaze and inspect their surroundings, no doubt trying to see what she was seeing.

"Surely you understand." She said, for Hiccup Haddock seemed like the kind of leader to take joy from the joy of his subjects.

"Yes." He said after a few seconds. "I understand. It truly is a great feeling to love and be loved by the people you're responsible for, and to know that you are doing right by them."

He couldn't have nailed it any better if he'd shot one of his arrows at it.

"It wasn't always this way." She said before she could stop herself. Immediately she wished she could take the words back, cursing her need to feel an otherwise perfectly comfortable silence. He looked at her again, the smile slipping off his face.

"Master Bjorgman mentioned it, I think. He told me some of what happened four years ago, after your coronation."

"I apologize, it is not conversation fit for dancing."

He looked down at her steadily as they span in slow circles "Do not feel the need to limit yourself or your words in my presence, if something is bothering you."

She shook her head. "It's not that. I've dealt with those issues a long time ago. I should not have brought up something like that right now, however."

"Your people love you." The Chief said simply. She smiled again.

"I know, but thank you."

The first piece finished with a few final, soft notes, and they stopped their slow spinning, along with everyone else. The let go of her hand and waist and took a step away. As one, everyone turned and clapped politely for the orchestra. The second one would start shortly.

"I didn't do too badly for a beginner, did I?" He asked with a smile. A far cry from his earlier nervous countenance.

"No," she replied "you didn't. But it's not over yet."

Rather than a smile or a witty comment, he did this weird thing where he bit the right half of his lower lip.

"My apologies Queen Elsa, but I have promised my second dance of the evening to my teacher."

Even as he said this, Elsa saw one of the couples closest to them approach. They were none other than Naya Avarice and Prince Eugene. An irrational wave of irritation overtook her, and she frowned. She had not expected that the Chief would dance with anyone else. Not that he didn't have the right to, of course, only that she didn't see him as simply dancing with people he did not know. Then again, how well did she know him to make such assumptions? And even so, he'd obviously reached friendly terms with his teacher, despite meeting her only yesterday.

She paused a, slightly set smile on her face.

"Of course."

Perhaps he noticed something in her tone or her expression, because he frowned lightly before replying.

"The rest of the evening I'll be at your disposal."

She nodded cordially at his words, then turned towards the approaching brown-haired man. Prince Eugene, forgoing the usual princeling grooming habits, had chosen to leave a stylish, short beard along his jaw bone, along with a short mustache.

When he reached her, he bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty." He greeted.

"Prince Eugene, always a pleasure." As she said this, she saw on her peripheral the Chief greet Naya with a bright smile and laugh at something she said, before he took her hand and got in position to begin dancing to the tune of the starting piece. Naya must have said something to him, because he laughed again.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she gave her hand to the prince and allowed him to lead her through the first steps.

"And how has your lady wife been? I have missed her since her visit."

"Prettier every time I see her."

"I'm sure the fact that she's carrying your baby helps."

He raised an eyebrow at her. Elsa was glad to not have to look up at him to notice that.

"News travel fast, I see."

"I have my ways."

"But yes, it is true. I'm going to be the worst father that has ever existed, but I'm gonna be a father anyway."

"I'm sure you'll be great."

"I'm sure I'll be given no choice but to be."

She smiled. Eugene's casual sense of humor always made her smile. He had made quite the scandal when he was announced as betrothed to the princess of Corona, as he was but a mere citizen before that, with rumors that his profession had been on the wrong end of the law, but Elsa never much minded. She liked him. He was a positive person with a highly sarcastic sense of humor.

"I wish the best of health for your wife and child."

He smiled brightly at that, and his eyes were faraway, no doubt imagining the princess of Corona there in front of him. It was so sweet as to be almost nauseating.

"Thank you. I will pass your words to her."

"And how have you been finding your evening?"

"Pretty good, I say. Not as fun as last time, but then again I came alone this time."

"I see you found a suitable person to cover you lack of dancing skills."

He snickered at that.

"Naya took pity on me and saved me the embarrassment."

" I apologize for Chief Haddock for taking her away from you, then."

Eugene looked sideways, at the merrily dancing couple of the northman and the professional dancer, who were talking animatedly even as they danced, before turning his gaze to her.

"I do not mind. I'd say I got the better end of the deal, actually."

Elsa smiled, releasing his shoulder for a second to lightly swat him with the freed hand.

"You flatterer."

"Seriously. Naya is my friend, but if I were him I wouldn't let you go all evening."

"You are a married man, you know."

"I do know, which is why I used the words 'if I were him'."

"You exaggerate."

He raised an eyebrow at her. For a former criminal, he sure took care of his facial hair.

"I've seen the way he looks at you."

Elsa frowned, catching the Chief in her peripheral and turning her eyes to look at him for a second. He was concentrating on his partner without looking away.

"And what way is that?"

Eugene regarded her for a few seconds without saying anything, as they slowly danced to the music of the orchestra. The easy steps that she had arranged had made certain that conversation would not be hindered.

"You don't see it, do you?"

See … what, exactly? "Chief Haddock has been perfectly professional and polite for the duration of his stay here."

Eugene shook his head in an exaggerated fashion, and sighed dramatically.

"I'm not above swatting you again." She warned him.

"I'm not ruining this for you kids. You figure it out. By god, I think it'd be a good idea to take all royals and throw them on the streets for a few years."

Elsa could not repress a snort at the absurd notion.

"And that would help, how exactly?"

"It might make you understand people better, for one."

Elsa shook her head, still chuckling.

"Thanks, but no thanks." She would usually not let anyone talk to her like that, but Eugene's directness and good nature was refreshing.

"Yeah? Well, good luck with him, then." There was no doubt as to who he was.

"There is no luck needed where there is no goal to be achieved."

He snorted. "Sure, let's go with that."

They danced for the rest of the song, chatting idly about this or that. Elsa laughed at Eugene's jokes, and he pretended to listen to her when she gave him advice.

When the music lulled and the next one started picking up, Elsa looked for the Chief but saw him still handheld with the professional dancer, not looking like he was about to let go anytime soon. Resolving not to let it get to her, she mentally shrugged and went looking for another partner, waving to Eugene as he left the dancing area to join the people sitting at the edges of the room with drinks.

Smiling, she allowed the General to lead her into a dance. He'd forgone his usual green military suit for a darker green, flashier military suit specifically designed for such occasions. Elsa could not remember the last time she'd seen him in civilian clothes.

Having lived in the castle for most of his life, and certainly all of hers, Mertok was a surprisingly good dancer, though they both preferred a more casual and slow pace. They had pleasant conversation for the duration of the piece, with one notable exception.

"Be careful how you act around Chief Haddock."

She'd frowned at that. "What do you mean?"

"Only that you are the center of attention, and you seem to have forgotten that."

"I have done no such thing."

"Just giving you some advice, my Queen."

Excluding that nonsensical exchange, their time had been pleasant. After that piece had ended, too, she'd been approached by the Viking, who looked flustered. He bowed his head after coming to a stop in front of her.

"Apologies, Naya had detected a mistake in my pace and decided another dance was needed to correct it."

Elsa threw him a doubtful look, but did not comment on that. The music had picked up again, so he allowed the Chief to take her in his hands.

"This one is a little faster. Can you keep up?"

"I should. I recognize this." He said, exuding more confidence than she'd seen from him all evening.

The music was a little faster than the first two pieces, and it showed. The Chief made a few more mistakes here and there, and came dangerously close to stepping on her one time, but otherwise he performed fine. By the end Elsa had forgotten that she was annoyed with him and was smiling as brightly as her sister, who had decided to ignore the music and dance furiously with Kristoff, who looked hapless but enjoying himself nonetheless. He'd joined them after dinner, not being able to make it in time for the feast itself. He looked a little uncomfortable in his white suit, but seemed to get over it quickly.

The Chief's earlier urge to hold her at a distance seemed to have evaporated as well, as he had no trouble holding her close to him, in accordance with the faster turns and steps. Elsa could feel his warm breath on her face, curiously recognizing mint. His hands were calloused and rough, not at all the soft and tender flesh that she knew all nobles had, but he held her gently nonetheless.

The freckles on his face were almost indistinguishable from the rest of his skin by the time they were done, as he had a healthy flush on his face that she was sure was mirrored in her own. He was smiling widely, as was she. The music ended, and they, as well as everyone else, clapped politely for the musicians.

"If it please you, can we go get a drink?" The Chief said, no doubt wanting a reprieve and eyeing the tables where servants were passing around drinks.

"Very well." She could do with something to wet her throat, which was feeling particularly dry.

He offered her his hand again, which she took, and they walked to the tables, the people separating respectfully to let them pass. The Chief accepted two goblets and thanked the servant girl that gave them, before offering one to her. They toasted and drank, Elsa closing her eyes as she savored the drink, releasing a contented sigh as she held the goblet in both hands.

Elsa knew that she should get back out there. At times like these, she was supposed to mingle, to go around and talk to as many people as she could, being pleasant and respectful and letting the people get to know their Queen and the foreigners who they were dealing with. That is what had done every other time for years.

Seeing the Viking's half-smile as his eyes focused on her, she decided that she would not do that, this time. She'd invited him as her escort, and he had come solely for her benefit. It would be rude to ditch him now, not to mention hypocritical after the way she'd gotten worked up over him giving two dances to someone else.

They found a pair of seats to sit on while they emptied their glasses, and Elsa found that conversation with the Chief flowed easily. He had a wicked sense of humor, and he had the political savvy—required of any good leader—to follow what she told him in regards to her kingdom.

In turn, he told her a bit about his friends. He spent several minutes describing one fellow in particular who, from what Elsa gathered, was big, had an inclination towards numbers and had a hard time at social interactions. He told her about the big man's arranged wedding and the struggles he faced due to his sometimes overbearing wife. He had been there when the man had finally had enough and exploded, somehow earning the respect of his wife in the process. Now, he told her, he was waiting anxiously for his second kid to pop out.

Elsa would never for a second buy that his name was 'Fishlegs'. Sure, it kind of made sense that a tribe that named their heir 'Hiccup' would name the other kids even more terrible names, but he had to be pulling her leg on this one, right?

When she told him this, the Chief burst in a fit of loud laughter that drew startled looks from the people around them. Elsa looked at him in confusion, until he calmed down enough and informed her that his first cousin was actually named 'Snotlout'.

What could Elsa say to that?

They cut their discussion for another round of dancing. After three cups, the Chief was feeling much more adventurous and tried his hand at a faster piece. Elsa, feeling slightly buzzed, herself, happily went along with it, though she had the presence of mind to correct his form and tell him a specific step now and then. Even with the impromptu training session, the Viking soaked up all she could teach him like a sponge, and put them to good use immediately. Elsa could not remember the last time she had this much fun dancing. Or, for that matter, the last time she had fun dancing, at all. To her, dancing on such occasions was part of her job description, not something she did because she chose to and enjoyed.

The Chief's occasional mistakes were only cause for laughter between them, as the tall man was obviously used to his clumsiness and took it in stride. Elsa herself snickered, but corrected him whenever she could. When they stopped again, four music pieces later, both were sweating lightly and had flushes of exertion on their faces. They returned to their previous table to cool off and have another drink.

This time, Elsa told him anecdotes of her time growing up, fondly recounting memories of her parents to him. Rather than pity her, as many had, he was interested and asked her questions about them. As an orphan himself, he could relate. She also told him some of her sister's attempts to reach out to her, often with humorous and/or disastrous results.

They also took some time going to other tables, the Chief following her around and being introduced to some important people. It wasn't the same as her going around and talking to as many people as she could, but it was the next best thing as she got to stay with the Chief and he got to meet several of the people that wanted to talk to him before they returned to their table.

Two drinks and an hour later, people were beginning to file out, the night's activities coming to a gentle close. Elsa was feeling particularly light, and did not feel the need to question her weirdly happy mood.

Anna and Kristoff found them at their table, about ready to take off. Her sister took one look at her face, probably noting the redness of her cheeks, and her smiling face, and declared without hesitation: "You're drunk."

Elsa frowned. "Queens do not get drunk." She chided, shaking a finger at her sister. "Only slightly inebriated."

Anna looked from her to the Chief. To Elsa's consternation, the Chief seemed to take the alcohol much easier than she did, though he, too, sported a red tinge on his cheeks. He was smiling.

"Are you trying to get my sister drunk, Chief Hiccup?" Anna asked. Rather than get insulted, the Chief took it in good humor, as it was intended.

"Indeed. It is part of my evil plan, you see."

"I'm afraid I'll have to end your dastardly plot, then, by taking this young, innocent maiden away from your clutches."

"Curses!" The Chief said dramatically, shaking a fist at Anna. "Foiled again. Oh well, there's always next time."

They both rose to the sound of Anna's exuberant laughter. Giving alcohol to Anna was a bad idea and all the servants knew this, yet somehow she had managed to get her hands on some. Perhaps she'd bribed one of the servers?

Despite her sister's words, she was not drunk, and the world was not spinning around her. She had to only barely concentrate to make sure her steps were as even and balanced as they always were. The four of them left the room in quiet conversation, until Anna and Kristoff bid them goodnight and headed in a different direction.

She and the Chief walked in companionable silence, with Elsa still having her arm looped around his. The night was not yet over and until it were, he was her escort.

She followed him until the door to his quarters, at which point they both stopped and turned to look at each other.

Still riding the euphoric feeling of the alcohol and the great evening, Elsa had no trouble speaking first, a smile on her face.

"I had a great time tonight, Chief Hiccup."

"As did I. Thank you for inviting me."

"Thank you for coming."

He smiled back at her, and she took this as her cue to release his hand and take a step backwards. He, in turn, put his hand on the door handle, as if to open it, but he hesitated. Hand still at the door, he turned and looked at her again.

"If I can ask for one last thing?"

Down, girl, she chided herself as her imagination could not help but immediately jump to conclusions. She must have drunk more than she'd thought. Shaking her head once to clear it, she replied evenly. "Go on."

"Call me Hiccup, at least for tonight?"

She smiled brightly, and even her alcohol-fueled imagination was satisfied with this outcome. "Goodnight, Hiccup."

With that said, she turned and walked slowly away, but not before catching the faint, "Goodnight, Elsa" coming from the Viking.

She all but floated to her bedchambers, her mind swirling with thoughts and feelings but focused on nothing in particular, excitement nearly oozing out of her.

She undressed by herself and washed, before putting on her nightgown. As she lay on her bed, it took a while for her hyper mood to pass and for sleep to overtake her. Until it did, she kept replaying the evening in her mind's eye again and again, and dreading the teasing she would receive from Anna about it.

The next thing she knew, she was fluttering her eyes open and sun was streaking in through the balcony door. She rose mechanically, rubbing her face and running a hand through her hair.

Slowly, memories of last night trickled in through the haze of drowsiness. As they did, so did a brilliant smile grow on her face. She rose rapidly, heading to the bathroom to wash the sleep completely off of her as she replayed the events in her head. She took her time, meticulously tending to her hair as she considered. She decided to forgo her usual braid and instructed her handmaidens to tie it up in a tight bun, just below the top of her head.

After her morning rituals were over and she had been clothed, she headed over to the breakfast room. Being earlier than usual, she didn't see anyone there. She sat down as servants prepared her table, content to wait.

Soon, the door opened, allowing her sister entrance. Elsa was, of course, glad to see her, but the gigantic smile on her sister's face that threatened to split her face in two made her slightly wary.

Anna immediately launched herself at the seat next to her sister. Not content with that, she latched onto Elsa's hand, almost hugging it.

"What happened last night?" She gushed.

"I believe you were there." Elsa replied neutrally.

"Don't give me that! You actually had fun! And you drank! You never drink more than a glass. And you never stay with the same person all evening!"

"You use the word never quite strongly."

"You know what I mean. So, how was he? Did you have as much as fun as you appeared to?"

Elsa gave a mysterious smile that she knew would drive her sister mad and did not reply, instead reaching with her free hand to pour herself some coffee.

"Elsa~" her sister whined, drawing out the word in the way one would expect young children to. Elsa took her time, taking a sip of her coffee, before turning to look at her sister and slowly letting a smile appear on her face.

"It was amazing." She declared, and it was all Anna needed to hear. Her sister squealed, quite loudly at that, and wrapped her arms around Elsa, threatening to imbalance both them and her coffee, which she thankfully managed to save.

"Tell me everything!" Her sister commanded. Elsa was only happy to oblige. She would normally be more careful when talking about her evening with a foreigner, especially because of her status as an unmarried Queen, but with her sister there was no need for such reservations. Besides, nothing had been done that would even look suspicious, she'd been extra careful about that.

She was thankful that, once again, nobody joined them for breakfast, because it gave her the opportunity to describe all the went on last evening to her sister from her own perspective.

Of course, Anna had been merciless, teasing her for all she was worth, but Elsa had years of practice in shrugging off such things from her, so she wasn't bothered, as well as knowing that her sister had no basis on which to tease her. After Anna's curiosity had been suitably sated, the conversation moved on to the banquet itself, and then to more general topics.

After breakfast and saying goodbye to her sister, she began her daily rounds of the castle, taking care of any problems or simply making sure that there weren't any. Her time in the office was similarly uneventful, with only a few people requiring private audiences and those cases not being things that needed too much thought.

She had lunch normally with Anna, and Kristoff joined them this time. In the last few years, Kristoff had bought a place to live in the city, wanting to be close to Anna whenever he could but disliking the idea of freeloading at the castle. Noble of him, though unnecessarily so.

Conversation with Kristoff always seemed to just sort of happen, even though he, himself, was awkward and even shy as a person. He'd gotten used to her, with time, but some it would never truly leave him, Elsa believed.

After lunch, she thought it prudent to take some time for herself before Court began. Hence, she headed towards the Gardens. She did not lie to herself and say that she did not go specifically there hoping to meet the Chief.

Indeed, she spotted the dragon's lumbering shape and headed towards it. Toothless was, by all appearances, napping, and the Chief was sitting on the grass next to him, his back propped against a rock formation and had a wide parchment open and set on his lap. He didn't spot her immediately, but as she came close he must have heard her, for he looked up. His eyes widened imperceptibly upon taking her in, but he offered no further reaction besides a casual smile.

"Queen Elsa," he greeted her, "good day."

"Isn't it just?" She agreed, coming to a stop in front of him. He returned his gaze to the parchment, fiddling with the quill on his hand. Elsa spotted an inkpot … tied to a leather wrist-brace on his hand? What a quirky contraption.

Without looking up, he patted the spot next to him on the grass. She blinked once, but took it in stride, folding her dress under her and sitting lightly. Hopefully they wouldn't stain this time.

She looked at the parchment that was to be her map, and blinked in confusion. The masses of lines and notes made no sense to her, and upon inquiry, she was informed that it was but the groundwork for the actual map.

She stayed with the chief for a couple of hours, keeping light conversation. They talked about the previous evening, exchanging equally positive impressions. After that, Elsa asked him some more about Berk. He took some time to think of his answer, before going into detail and expanding on what he had already told her, days previous. Situated as it was on a mountainous island, Berk's main trade was ore and lumber, as the forests were as plentiful as the rocks and the minerals. Besides the actual materials, they used those to make top-tier weapons, armor and gear. They would trade such for livestock and finer things which the Vikings did not have the know-how or time to make.

Elsa took this in carefully, as she had been meaning to ask him about Berk's trade interests for some time. That knowledge, coupled with the map the Chief was making even now, would potentially give life to her plan to start a trade route between their provinces.

They rose when the Chief declared it time to fly. He folded the parchment several times and kicked Toothless awake, only to receive a shove by dragon tail for his rudeness. Elsa accompanied the both of them to their quarters and waited outside as they prepared. Seeing the Chief in his native gear was still strange, as she was growing much more used to seeing him in the tunics provided for him. His leather armor and metallic helmet sparked unpleasant memories and thoughts that she otherwise would not have. She must have looked ridiculous, glaring at his helmet like that, for he shuffled and held it on his right side, so that she could not see it.

She accompanied them to the Courtyard, and waved at the Chief when he did the same, right before rocketing off practically vertically. It wasn't the first time she'd seen them do it, but it still shocked her to see the duo in action. His joyous laughter once again echoed through the castle as they circled around it, going higher and higher before veering off and heading towards the mountains, soon getting lost in the clouds.

Her smile slowly vanished as the black shape did the same, in the distance. She waved at some of her subjects that had gathered to see the, now daily, show of the Chief taking off, and went inside the castle.

In a few hours, Court was set to begin. Once again when she entered she saw the Chief, sitting in the same chair, as far back as he could, with Toothless behind him. The dragon wasn't sleeping this time but he might as well have been for all the attention he gave to his environment. It was apparent, even to Elsa, that the great serpent was bored.

The session went normally, even as everyone tried to ignore the dragon in the room. Elsa did not give the Chief much mind, as she was trying to concentrate on her job.

After Court, Anna found her and all but dragged her to spend time together. Elsa did not offer any sort of resistance, though she would not allow herself to be dragged through the hallways. The rest of the evening was spent with Anna getting them into trouble with the servants, and Elsa getting them out of it. While she might have put up an indignant front, running around the halls on her Queenly dress with her sister at her side was not so bad, even if it left her breathless at the end and agonizing over the state of her hair.

At the end of it, the both of them had to suffer a stern lecture from Madam Gertrude about terrorizing her staff. Even Elsa hung her head in shame at the dressing down. She may have been the Queen, but especially because of that fact, Gertrude had said, she was expected to conduct herself with more maturity and not cause trouble, and to rein in Anna when she decided to do so.

After the half hour lecture, Elsa was glaring daggers at Anna, who had difficulty controlling a fit of giggles.

As she was walking back to her bedchambers, tired and ready to sleep, Ernie fell into step besides her. With a nod, she allowed him to start.

He did so, giving his report on the Viking's activities of the day, at least the ones he had been present for. Considering he was there for most of it, there weren't many gaps left, and even for those, he had eyes and ears in the form of the rest of the servants.

When he was done and she nodded at him, he did not simply bow and go on his way. He cleared his throat again, clearly indicating that he had more to say, though his report was finished.

She stopped, and turned to look at him, arching an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Is there something else?" She asked.

"There … is." He said, obviously hesitating, as if unsure of himself. That was unusual of the young man.

"Go on then. Say it."

"I have … a request, my Queen."

She raised her eyebrows. Ernie never asked for things. He wasn't the type. So what could it possibly be?

"I will hear of it, then."

"I would like to … be relieved of my duty."

"Relieved of you duty?"

"Yes, your majesty. I no longer wish to give reports on the Chief's activities. I have delivered my report for today, as is my duty, but I would like to be replaced, effective immediately."

Elsa was flabbergasted. Ernie had never been one to shirk his duty, and this had not been the first time he'd been assigned to dubious guest.

"What brought this on?"

He took a few seconds to collect his thoughts, before replying. His hands had not left their usual position, clasped behind his back, but his brow was furrowed, it was obvious that he was troubled.

"I dislike the idea of abandoning my post but … I can no longer in good conscience continue. Hiccup has become … a friend, in the few days that we have known each other. A friend, not a duty."

"I see." And Elsa did see the distinction. His stance was admirable, and certainly understandable. "You should know, however, that should you be replaced, you will be reassigned, and will probably not have enough time to spend with your new friend."

"I am … aware, my Queen."

"Yes still you choose to stop?"

"Yes. I can not justify to myself to spy on a friend. I would rather lose my time with said friend than keep on as I have."

"I see."

"Will I see my request granted, then?"

"No."

"No?" Ernie repeated, losing his near perfect control of his emotions and letting surprise and frustration color his voice.

"No, you will not be replaced."

"I … see." He said. He frowned, but bowed his head. "Then I will do as my Queen commands."

"No you don't see. I wasn't finished." Elsa cut him off. "You will not be replaced, but you can stop giving me detailed reports."

"Truly?"

She nodded. "Yes. You can keep your post as his guide, and nothing beyond that. That said, I expect to be informed if something important takes place, or you come to seriously suspect something. Is that clear?"

"Perfectly, my Queen. Many thanks."

"None needed, Ernie." And in hindsight, the fact alone that it was the Chief who had given Ernie his new name should been a sign of what was to come. "Now, is there anything further?"

"Nothing, your majesty."

"Dismissed."

This time he did bow smartly, before turning on his heel and walking away, a little faster than normal. Elsa watched him go with a fond smile, before shaking her head and proceeding to her quarters.

When she woke up the next morning, she had the distinct feeling that she had just had a very pleasant dream, though she could not remember it. She had a small smile on her face as she rose, rather than the usual disgruntled expression. Even the state of her hair did not set her in a mood as it usually did. Whatever the dream had been, it must have been good.

Breakfast that day was a big affair, as the entire inner council and the Viking chief himself had decided to attend. As they all had standing invitations, it was not unexpected, though it was rare that everyone gathered together. They could not discuss delicate matters with her sister and the chief present, but there were still a lot to be discussed, which left her sister and the chief to make idle chatter amongst themselves.

When she got to work in her office, the only notable thing that occurred was one more visit from her Commander General. Once again, she had invited him.

"You have sent for me, your majesty?"

"I have." She said, not taking her eyes off of several pieces of paper on her desk. "Did you order these made?" She finally asked, turning the papers around and pushing them towards him. He took them in hand and inspected them, before setting them down again.

"I did." He replied without hesitation.

Elsa took some time to consider her next words. "Do you really … think them necessary?"

"Not necessarily so, no. So long as the possibility exists, however, we cannot take chances."

"Can never be too prepared, is that right?"

"Never, indeed."

"I saw the first samples that you installed. He undoubtedly did, as well."

"Good. This lowers the chances that they will become necessary."

Elsa had to give him that. "Where are these being crafted?" She asked, tapping the papers on the desk.

"In a facility a few kilometers from here. Discreetly."

"Good. Keep it so. I will not stop this, but do not overdo it."

"As you command."

"Any news from our guest, down below?"

"We … may have gotten something out of him."

"Go on, then."

"A name."

"Of who? A contact?"

"The leader, supposedly."

Elsa's eyebrows rose. "It seems unlikely that he knows the true mastermind behind this."

"Yes, but he could know who he was working for by name, at least."

"Let's hear it, then."

"Ioch."

"Ioch? That's it?"

"That's all he said." He replied, nodding.

"Well, it's not much to go on, is it? I didn't even know Ioch was an actual name. Do try to get more out of him, would you?"

"As you command, my Queen."

With that said, Elsa dismissed him and the General bowed, before leaving.

After half an hour of trying to focus on paperwork and failing she gave it up as a lost cause and rose to exit her office, choosing instead to go on a walk.

Several floors below, she heard a commotion of loud noises, mostly metallic in nature, and several raised voices. Hurrying over, she poked her head in the door of what she knew was one of several armory rooms within the castle.

What she saw made her burst in a fit of unladylike giggles that, thankfully, nobody noticed.

Among a pile of fallen pikes lay Chief Hiccup, sprawled on his back and half-covered by the contents of several weapon racks. By some miracle, he was unharmed, as Ernie and the quartermaster attempted to extricate him from his predicament.

The Chief groaned, before drawling: "Don't mind me, I'm comfortable right here."

Elsa decided to enter the fray, fully stepping into the room and barely containing her mirth. "You do seem rather at ease, Chief Hiccup."

His head snapped towards her and his eyes widened, until he relaxed again and dropped his head on the floor with a defeated sigh.

"Great." He said sarcastically. "Now all that's left is for Toothless to see me like this and I will be ready to die of shame."

Elsa ignored the whining Viking, instead moving closer to Ernie, who was carefully lifting a nasty-looking pike.

"What happened?" She asked him.

"Hiccup … tripped?"

"No need to preserve my dignity. Go ahead and tell her I tripped over my own feet, thank you very much."

"How did this happen?" She asked, ignoring the Viking.

Since Chief Hiccup stubbornly refused to answer, Ernie took over.

"The Chief was rather enthusiastic over the chance to inspect a crossbow up close, and was not paying attention. He bumped into the rack, bringing the whole thing over."

She frowned. "Aren't those usually bolted?"

Instead of a reply, Ernie just shrugged noncommittally. Elsa shook her head. The Chief really had a gift.

After the Viking had been safely helped to his feet, he dusted himself off and tried to hide his face that was red with embarrassment, but Elsa not only noticed, but found it incredibly funny.

He brooded over her chuckling, but agreed to accompany her on a walk. Ernie respectfully left them at it, deciding to go make sure Toothless was not up to too much trouble, down in the kitchens.

Elsa lead the Chief on a small tour of the highest parts of the castle. The tallest towers, the parapets and the walls, showing him the highest view that she got to see, from the ground. Rather than be impressed at the view, the Chief gushed over the architecture of the castle, and fired off questions at her as fast as propriety allowed.

When it became apparent that Elsa had no idea what he was even talking about, never mind the ability to answer him, he started mumbling to himself and scribbling down notes on his leatherbound book while inspecting the stone walls and various decorations. Elsa let him indulge, and gently guided him to the places where she knew the architecture was particularly beautiful. At his request, they visited the Clocktower, and Elsa once again bore witness to the Chief gushing over the engineering of the thing, as well as its sheer size and taking endless notes.

Before either of them knew it, was lunch time. The Chief graciously accepted her invitation to lunch, as polite as he always had been.

Lunch had been an interesting experience, as he was still excited over their previous activities, and thus matched her sister word for word. Elsa watched them discuss and bicker with a fond smile, nibbling at her food. After a while, the Chief turned his attention to her and spoke in a much more collected and slow manner, one she was more than glad to match. His ability to adapt to his partners was worthy of praise, surely.

Court today was scheduled to start earlier, so the Chief told her that he would not fly today. She accepted this with a nod, as it wasn't really a question or anything that needed input from her.

They separated after lunch, and Elsa spent the few hours remaining until Court in limbo, busying herself around her apartments but not really doing anything. In the end, she decided to try to read a book instead of harassing her handmaidens.

She got dressed and ready for Court, before walking there with her entourage. Like the last few times, she found the Chief in his usual spot, with the dragon once again asleep behind him. The giant reptile still commanded the attention of the entire room, but the stares were less frightened now than they were curious, evaluating.

Today's session was particularly boring, lacking any interesting or important cases. As it were, it ended even earlier than it was scheduled to, and everyone left the room looking as bored as she felt, even though the kingdom's politics took place inside this room by these people.

The Chief slipped out of the room quite swiftly, which was surprising considering the massive dragon he had to drag with him. Still, he managed it.

She had dinner with Anna and Kristoff again, and let them talk without paying much attention to them. She played with her food, staring at it but not really looking, lost in her thoughts and her boredom.

A shove woke her from the reverie, and she turned to glare at her sister "What did you do that for?"

"You were completely spaced out." Anna said with a snort. "I called your name three times. What were you thinking about?"

Well, that was embarrassing. She'd completely zoned out, it seemed. She ignored the last question. "Sorry about that." She said, before turning back to her food.

"You know," Anna started, feigning nonchalance so badly that it made Elsa want to wince, "I'm pretty sure I heard the Chief say he was going to go back to the Clocktower."

Elsa raised an eyebrow. "And why did you feel the need to tell me that?"

"Oh, nothing." Anna said, not looking at her as she picked at her food. "Just felt like sharing."

Elsa repressed the urge to roll her eyes. Her sister was as transparent as she was hopelessly optimistic.

"Your efforts are appreciated, but entirely unnecessary."

"I'm just saying, I haven't seen you actually relate to anyone besides me in … well, I don't remember. You're friendly with everyone, but you don't really have friends, do you?"

Elsa did not particularly want to talk about this. Her isolated upbringing and workload as Queen did not allow her the luxury of stable friendships. Anna, bless her heart, was not Queen, and thus could not hope to understand her. As Princess, she reaped all the benefits of royalty with little to no responsibilities to counterbalance it.

"Where are you going with this?"

"Nowhere, nowhere. This just seems like a good opportunity. I mean, how many people will you find about your age in a similar position to yours?"

"You'll find that the royal community does not lack for young princes and princesses."

Anna raised an eyebrow as she looked at her with skepticism. "Right, right, because that's totally the same." She said, her tone positively dripping with sarcasm. Elsa cursed her weak argument, for it gave credence to her sister's own. "I'm not interfering, as promised. Do whatever you want."

And therein lay her sister's truly devious nature. Rather than outright telling her to go and trying to convince her, she provided her with a location and just enough reasoning so that Elsa would convince herself to go.

Truly, Anna would be a frightening political force if she ever set her mind to it.

Worst of all, it had worked. Elsa excused herself, having had enough to eat, and headed outside. She pretended to not see her sister give her a very unladylike thumbs-up, silently vowing revenge.

Activity at the castle was slowing down as the night was upon them, and she walked slowly up the staircases on her way to the Clocktower.

Upon arrival, she looked around, hoping to spot the Chief. She did so a couple of minutes later, leaning against a balcony railing and taking in the view of the day's last light.

"Magnificent, isn't it?" She called as she approached. The Chief seized up, his hand immediately flying to his waist before he froze and collected himself, obviously having been startled. He straightened and turned to her, giving her a smile, before turning back towards the view.

She walked forward and leaned on the railing, next to him.

"It is." He agreed.

They both waited in silence until the sun was completely gone, before they started talking. She asked him about his interest in engineering, he asked her about her taste in literature and the arts. Conversation flowed easily, and they relocated to one of the stone benches on the wide balcony. Servants had already passed and lit up the torches, so even though the sun was gone, there was light.

An hour had easily passed, and Elsa wondered at the ease with witch she discussed with the foreigner. He'd taken out the notebook at some point and was faintly drawing lines here and there as they discussed, obviously an accomplished multitasker.

"I heard a rumor." He told her at some point.

"Oh? What kind?"

"About you, actually."

"Do go on."

"They say you can sing. Quite impressively so, in fact."

Elsa groaned, holding her head in her hands.

"Who told you that?"

She could feel his smirk, even if she couldn't see it.

"I'm afraid I've been sworn to secrecy."

"It was Anna, wasn't it?"

"I cannot say. So, is it true?"

"I'm going to kill her when I get the chance."

"Focus, Queen Elsa. Is the rumor true?"

She straightened again, smoothing the wrinkles on her dress. "I suppose so. I quite enjoyed singing as a young girl, though I have fallen out of practice in recent years."

He gave her that half-smile again, before suddenly saying "Sing for me."

She blinked once, twice, processing the request. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Sing something."

"What kind of demand is that?"

He grinned. "A crazy one?"

"At the very least."

"Oh come on. When was the last time you did something crazy?"

Elsa was not impressed, and did not dignify that with a response, instead levelling a flat look his way.

He shook his head, chuckling. "It is not even a demand. I just wish to hear you singing. You do have a lovely voice. I want to judge the rumors for myself, though I do not really doubt that they are true."

Elsa was feeling strangely flattered. No one had actually asked her to sing since the death of her parents except Anna, and that was when she was trying to bring her out of her isolation. At the same time, she grew irritated. Did he have no tact, putting her on stage like that?

"As I said, I have been out of practice for a while."

"If you fear my judgment, do not. I am certain you will be terrific, but even if not, you suffered through a night of dancing with me. I'm sure this won't be harder than that."

Elsa smiled slightly, nearly persuaded.

"I would ask for a similar favor in return, if I were to do it."

The Chief raised an eyebrow. "Trust me, singing has never been one of my strong suits."

"You are an accomplished artist in your own right, are you not? I would expect a drawing from you, in return for a song."

He smiled again. It was weird how his face looked incredibly kind, but his jagged scar always gave him a bit of a dangerous glint.

"Then it's a good thing that I'm already working on something for you."

"Truly?"

"Indeed. So, let's hear it then."

"What, you mean right now?"

"No time like the present." He replied.

She did not argue further. It made little difference if it were now or tomorrow. On second thought, now worked better for her, as they were alone and thus only the Chief would witness her embarrassment.

She rose steadily, taking a few steps forward on the balcony and turning to look out at the view of the moonlit fjord. The Viking did not move, waiting silently.

She breathed deeply for a few seconds, steadying her breathing and relaxing, releasing her anxiety to the ether and bringing the melody to the forefront of her mind. She opened her mouth, and the words flowed out, as if she were sixteen again and going over songs in the privacy of her room.

This particular song spoke of the deadly beauty of winter, and likened it to love of all kinds. Dangerous, but beautiful and with a unique charm that left everybody breathless and touched everyone, at least once in their lives.

Halfway through, she almost forgot that she was not alone, and truly got into the melody, rising in volume.

After she had ended, she eased her breathing again, closing her eyes. It felt good to sing again after so long. Liberating, in a sense.

She turned back towards her guest, and was rather pleased to see the appreciative look on his face. The Chief clapped slowly as she approached, and she laughed and did a fake bow, as if to an audience.

"That was magnificent." He said, and even she could tell that his voice was strained.

"You exaggerate, but thank you. It felt good to sing again."

"It truly was beautiful. You should definitely sing more often."

"Perhaps." She allowed, smiling. "What about that drawing, then?"

"It's almost finished. It should be done by tomorrow."

"Great."

They spent another hour on the balcony, discussing mostly about Elsa's childhood and experiences on the castle, before they noticed that the time was growing late.

They left the Clocktower, heading down towards the Chief's own apartments at Elsa's insistence to escort him there.

Their discussion came to an end outside the Chief's door. Elsa looked at the tall man, and his casual smile brought forth one of her own.

"Thank you for the company, Queen Elsa."

"Likewise, Chief Hiccup. I will see you tomorrow."

He nodded, opening the door and slipping inside. Elsa stood outside the door for a few seconds, fighting down the unnatural urge to squeal like a fourteen year old.

Shaking her head with a fond smile, she turned and started walking away. As she did so, she heard the Chief's voice echo from inside his quarters.

"What are you doing here?"

His yell sounded frantic and surprised, so Elsa did not hesitate to turn around and march right back to the door.

"Chief Hiccup?" She asked. When she received no response, five seconds later, she clicked the knob open and entered the apartments, scanning the low-lit rooms for the Chief and flexing her arm, ready to unleash her magic in case of trouble.

She saw the Chief standing next to the opened balcony doors, outside of which the dragon Toothless lay awake. The Chief stood straight, looked incredibly flustered and held both hands behind his back.

"Is everything okay, Chief Hiccup?" She asked carefully, as she stepped further into the room, still scanning the corners for any sort of danger.

"Err … yeah, everything is fine so …"

He did not say anything else as he noticed the incredible widening of her eyes and slackening of her jaw. There, poking over the Chief's shoulder, was a green head of what could only be a tiny, miniature dragon.

She released an unconscious shriek as she quickly backpedaled. Her panic was mirrored in the tiny dragon as it squealed and tried to bunch itself closer to the Chief, ending up in a tiny ball held on the Chief's arms, only its head protruding as it hissed at her.

Elsa heard the hissing and saw the tiny dragon's mouth open, and did not hesitate to raise her hand draw her magic to form snow around it, ready to propel it at the tiny terror.

"Wait, stop!" The Chief's frantic yell was the only thing that stopped her from flash-freezing the beast, and she stopped all movement, turning her eyes on him, instead.

"It's okay," he said "he's not gonna hurt you. You just scared him."

"Him?" She repeated incredulously. The thing was too small to be like Toothless, but it must have been a dragon. It had similar build and bore leathery wings. "Who is him?"

The Chief's face darkened, his expression morphing into an ugly scowl that accentuated his scar as he all but snarled: "You could choose better instances than this to remind me of her."

"Who is- what are you even talking about?" She asked him, tone shriller than she would have liked.

He shook his head, as if to clear it of a particularly sour thought, and his dark expression vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. "It doesn't matter." She heard him mumble.

"Hiccup, what is that?" She asked, still half-ready to freeze the thing.

"I guess there's no use in it anymore. This is Frot, a Terrible Terror. We use them as messengers, sometimes. He found me."

"A dragon?" She asked, just to make certain. He nodded slowly, and it was all the reply she needed.

Rage bubbled inside her. She'd trusted him, she'd defended him, and he'd played her from the start. By god, Shad was right. The General had been right from the very beginning.

"You lied to me." She said, but ice positively sparked from her clenched fists. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the black dragon's muscles tense, watching her every move.

This prompted her to try to regain her calm, as to attack the Chief now was a terrible idea for many reasons, not the least of which being the dragon ready to pounce on her and the Chief's status as her guest.

"I never lied." He said, making her efforts not to attack him all the harder.

"How can you say that? I asked you. I asked you directly if you knew of more dragons, and you said no!"

"I never said that." The Chief countered. "I said that Toothless is the only Night Fury I had ever seen, which is true."

She growled. "No! You don't get to excuse yourself so easily. I asked you a direct question and you deliberately duped me by using a distinction you knew I couldn't pick up on. Lying by omission is still lying!"

"Why is this even so important?"

"Why? You ask why? Can't you see that this changes everything? When did you expect to tell me? Never?"

He ignored her last few questions. "How does this change anything?"

She followed his example, and ignored his question, bringing a hand up to fist at her hair. "And you said you use some of them as messengers? How many dragons, Hiccup? Hmm?"

He did not reply, and his silence was as damning as any response.

"How many?" She insisted.

"Plenty." Came his whispered reply, his eyes downcast.

She said nothing else, only growling in anger again as she turned on her heel and strode out of the room, ignoring the Chief's sudden cry of "Elsa!" and closing the door behind her.

He did not follow her outside, and her furious pace brought her to her own apartments before she knew it. The vase at her nightstand quickly found itself in pieces all over the room, courtesy of a blast of ice from her hand.

Tantrum thrown, she struggled to bring herself to calm down. She managed it, and worked to control her breathing as she undressed. She decided that it was too early and the revelation too fresh for her to think of it carefully right now.

She laid on her bed, twisting and turning in an effort to fall asleep, which didn't come for at least some time.

In her dreams, she was attacked by many beasts of Toothless' size or bigger. They all had his form, but were of various colors. She worked desperately to freeze them before they got to her, but even if she frozen them by the dozens, they were too many and soon she was surrounded, jaws stretching open all around her and ready to snap shut and—

She woke with a start, feeling the sweat from her nightmare rolling off of her brow and making her nightgown cling to her body. She calmed herself and went about her morning routine.

Morning brought with it a new sense of clarity and distance from last night's revelation, and she was able to look past the sting of the Chief's lies to look at the bigger picture. She was quiet and speculative throughout breakfast, to which the Viking did not dare show his face.

Anna noticed her somber mood and tried to ask her what was wrong, but Elsa gave her noncommittal answers and went back to thinking, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Later, when she was in her office, the door was knocked and one of her guards announced that the Viking Chief was asking permission to see her. She allowed it with a curt nod, and the guard bowed, before stepping aside and allowing the Viking entry. He wore a blue tunic today, a rather simple one.

He looked troubled, but collected. Good. There was no room in this for hysterics like hers from last night, or desperate mumbling like his own.

The door closed behind him, but he still did not move any closer.

"Come inside," She urged him coolly, "take a seat."

He did so, walking slowly and sitting down on the chair in front of her desk. Still, he said nothing.

"I apologize for storming off last night." She began, though her look was as cold as the ice she could so easily summon. "It was juvenile and immature, and we are not teenagers."

He nodded absently, knowing that this was not even close to the true purpose of their meeting.

"Will you listen to what I have to say?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically low.

She nodded. "I will."

Even so, he did not speak. Elsa waited, but the Chief seemed lost in his thoughts, or maybe unsure how to begin.

Well, she would help him.

"You lied to me." She echoed her words again, though this time she was calm as she said it. He flinched as if struck, but did not deny it.

"Yes." He said. Still, he did not elaborate.

"Why?" She asked.

He took some time to think, but Elsa said no more. He would reply, or he would leave.

"Why shouldn't I have? What did I owe you, when we first met? What reason did I have to trust you with that information?"

All good points, Elsa had to agree. When she'd asked him that, it hadn't even been a day since they'd been in a deadly battle, one that her own soldiers had initiated. It was a good excuse, and would have worked for anyone else, but not him.

She narrowed her eyes. "Is that it?"

He opened his mouth to say something but closed it again. Elsa gave him his time.

"I do not divulge the fact if I can help it. It wasn't you, personally. It is my policy."

She could accept this, as well. People with responsibility always had to make tough calls. She did, too. Still, she had an advantage and she'd be damned before she let it go so easily.

"So you're telling me that you lied to me because of policy?"

His eyes narrowed and he raised his head to look at her.

"They're dragons, Queen Elsa. Look me in the eye and tell me you would not have done the same, in my position."

Unlike him, she would not lie, so she did not say that. Instead, she shook her head.

"But that's the thing, Chief Hiccup. I'm not in your position. You are, and you are the one who lied."

"That is true." He allowed. "Should I start packing my belongings, then?"

She frowned. Was that what he thought? That she was sending him away?

"You are a guest here. Your status as such has not changed."

His brow furrowed in confusion.

"But .. why not?"

In truth, Elsa could not, in good conscience, send him away because of this. The original reason why he had to be here still stood, and the fact of the matter was that she understood why he'd lied. It stung a lot on a personal level because she really had come to trust him, but as a Queen, she could understand and even support his logic. No, she could not hold this against him and not call herself a hypocrite.

"Just … answer me something, would you?"

He nodded. "If I can?"

"Why?" She asked. "This policy of secrecy, why?"

His eyes darkened, and he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"It wasn't always this way." He said. "I used to not care who knew about the dragons. In fact, I welcomed them, trying to teach people what I knew and to make them understand."

Elsa sensed a huge 'but' coming. She did not speak.

"You ask me why I lie? Why I do not tell everyone I meet the truth about dragons?" He asked her, and she nodded.

"Because the last time I did so, my stupidity sparked a terrible war."

Elsa's breath hitched on her chest. "Your father?"

He nodded, still frowning darkly. "Among many other good people, my father perished on that war. I have since learned to keep my trap shut."

"I … I see."

And really, what could she say to that? Her indignation felt shallow in the wake of this revelation. She did not dismiss it, but neither did she condemn the Chief for his choice.

"You said the tiny dragon was a messenger, correct?" She asked, instead. He nodded.

"Yes. It took him a while to follow my trail through the blizzards, but he managed it."

"Is it from Berk?"

"It is. I suppose that since I am not leaving, I should talk with you about the contents of the letter."

"Go on."

"It is from one of my officers from back home. She has made known her desire to find and visit me, though stressing that it should be her to come to me and not the other way around. I would seek your permission to send her directions that will lead her here."

Elsa took some time to think about this. "Will she come with a dragon?"

"Yes, she will."

"And this does not bother you? Then the knowledge that you work so hard to hide will become common."

He frowned. "That is true, but it is not as bad as I originally thought. I don't see how that knowledge could hurt, exactly, in this part of the world. Things have changed since … the war. History would not repeat itself so easily."

"Can't hurt, you say …is that because there are no dragons here?"

"I'm … not so sure about that."

"What do you mean?"

"I have seen … some weird signs, in the mountains."

"Of dragon presence?"

"Perhaps. It's nothing to be sure of, but it merits further investigation. Regardless, there is little way the kingdoms here could use what little I have shown against us."

"If you're sure." She allowed. "When will she arrive?"

"If I send the message today, in about eight days, give or take a couple."

"Alright. Do so, then."

"Will that be all?"

"It will."

He hesitated before speaking again. "So … are we … are we good?"

She looked him in the eye for a few seconds, before nodding slowly. The Chief rose, inclined his head, and turned to leave. He threw her one last glance over his shoulder before the door closed.

Elsa slumped back on her chair. Were they good? She did not know. On one hand, she could follow and understand the Chief's reasoning for lying to her. On the other hand, no matter the reasons, it still left the fact that he had lied to her. Elsa was not in a position to take deceiving her to her face lying down. She was Queen, and she had responsibilities to her kingdom and her people. They came first, and they would always come first.

With a sudden clarity, she realized that same was true for Chief Hiccup. He did not mean to offend her, but to him his people would always come first. If it meant lying to her face, he would do it. If she judged by her own standards, then there would be little that the Chief would not do if he deemed them necessary for the good of his tribe.

She cursed herself. She had silently mocked Ernie for befriending Hiccup and failing his duty, but she had not realized that she had done the exact same thing. Like him, she had been blinded by who Hiccup was as a person—gracious, kind, funny, confident, polite—and forgot that the important thing was what he was. And what he was, was Chief of the Vikings of Berk. He had responsibility only to his people, not to her or Ernie or anyone else.

Because she enjoyed his company in the last few days she had come to trust the man, forgetting the status of either of them in the process.

A dangerous mistake in more ways than one.

~E~

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h) Notice me, reviewer-senpai ...