Title: Permafrost
By: garlic
Disclaimer: Frozen and affiliated property of Frozen.
Summary: Three years have passed, and Anna has shut herself in the castle. But life goes on - the kingdom and it's people move forward, and Anna must join them if she is to become Queen.
AN: And here we go! Patient readers, I adore you. Saints all. Edit: Whoops, fixed a few typos. I hope I got them all.
The Princess' eighteenth birthday was a quiet affair. A small ball was held in the castle ballroom, with a select few dignitaries and noble families attending. The princess herself made only a brief appearance, stiffly thanking the guests for their presence and presents before taking her leave.
And although this sort of behavior had become the norm in the past three years - this self-imposed isolation of the last royal heir - it proved the final straw to the Council of Arendelle.
"This cannot go on!"
The head councilor stood, fists braced atop the heavy oak table that dominated the center of the council chambers.
Ragna sighed. "Jørgen is right. We have allowed the Princess her seclusion, but it is clear - continuing as we are will only result in further weakening our ties with our allies. Trade is already beginning to suffer."
The old veteran Sigurd nodded gravely. "And civil unrest becomes ever more vocal. In the passing of the King, Queen, and Crown Princess the people have been patient and sympathetic, but rumors grow of a puppet ruler - vulnerable to influence. There are those who would take advantage, stoke flames into coup."
A low murmur of alarm rippled among the council.
"But what can be done? Her coronation is in three years!" A flurry of suggestions and protests flew about at that outburst as the council butt heads.
Jørgen, Ragna, and Sigurd exchanged a look, giving each other approving nods. With a resounding clap, Jørgen brought his hands together, silencing the room.
"Her Highness has been keeping up with her studies - her tutors have all reported favorably, even though her attitude has been somewhat...lacking."
The entire council winced at this, well aware of the surly disposition their once-cheery princess now sported.
"The biggest issue before us is her public image. She has detached herself from her people - and where there is no image of her to draw from minds will fill in whatever they deem apt, whether by imagination or rumor."
As the council members digested this, Ragna stepped in. "So first we must repair this rift. Fortunately, now that the Princess is of age, it is tradition that she is formally introduced as a viable monarch. Normally, this is done in foreign courts, but for now we can make it a domestic touring of the kingdom."
A buzz of understanding began to circulate as the room caught on to the proposal.
Sigurd cleared his throat. "We will have Princess Anna visit key cities and as well as a few of the smaller villages - it is important she appeal to the kingdom in its entirety. She will meet with Noble Houses as well as acquaint herself with the working trade classes. If she can pull this off, it will reassure the people that this is not a headless monarchy."
The council nodded in agreement. Would this be enough to turn the tide of resentment from the Royal House? Would they be able to ensure the Princess' safety on this long journey? Would it be enough, or too little too late? And could this, perhaps, finally break the shell the princess had built around herself? So many things hinged on the success of this plan, but the council would heed the advice of its three most trusted advisors.
Princess Anna would go to the people.
"Why?"
Anna stood before her advisors, hands fisted and trembling at her side. Sigurd, Ragna, and Jørgen stared back at her gravely.
Jørgen held steady eye contact, trying to import the severity of the situation. "Your Highness, with all due respect, the public does not know you. You are a vague idea to your own people, and that does not engender faith nor confidence."
"Should things continue down this path, we risk chances of deposal - at worst the dissolution of the monarchy altogether," Ragna chimed in.
"A monarch rules at the will of the people - if you do not do right by them, they will turn on you."
Anna's eyes widened in surprise at Sigurd's bluntness. Ragna sighed. "Princess Anna, we are a Regent Council, a placeholder for until you are of age. But if you are to take the throne the people must believe in you."
Sigurd stepped forward, reaching down to take Anna's hand is his. His wizened face softened, and Anna was surprised to note the faint scars that lined his cheek and temple. How had she not noticed them before?
Grey eyes gazed beseechingly into stubborn teal. "Princess, they must think you care."
At that Anna felt something inside her clench. A long suppressed memory of begging at a closed white door, decorated in angled patterns of blue. "Don't you even care about me anymore?"
Anna closed her eyes on the tears that gathered, preventing them from falling. The advisors stared at her still form, pitying, but stern. She assented, nodding once, before turning on her heel and striding from the room.
The doors slammed shut behind her, and the trio let out a breath of relief.
"Well, that went smoother than expected."
"Are you ready, your Highness?"
Anna turned, expression stoic. "I suppose I am."
Kai considered the princess closely. He and Gerda had grown increasingly concerned as the years passed following the loss of her parents and her sister, watching helplessly as she withdrew into herself, losing all vibrancy and wandering the halls like a shade.
They had tried their best to combat the vicious nature of rumor and gossip that reared its head while Anna mourned, zealously guarding the princess the best they could. But it seemed that the muttering had grown into a very real problem, one they could no longer shield her from.
But Anna was not so sheltered as her makeshift guardians believed.
She knew the council had its reservations - she's heard the whisperings of worry and discontent that trickled from the city streets to the castle halls. Saw the furtive glances the maids and servants stole when she passed.
"Where is the princess? What use is a ghost ruler?" How ironic, she thought darkly, that such an eerie nickname was given to the only royal member actually alive. And now here she was, about to go out haunting her own kingdom.
Anna grit her teeth and squared her jaw, and walked out of the castle for the first time in years.
A young girl dashed through the main thoroughfare of Forsyn, dark locks trailing behind her in an ebony stream, a bouquet of pale purple Crocuses clutched in her hand.
"Kari! Slow down!" Matilde sighed, propping her hands on plump hips as the figure ignored her, quickly fading in cloud of dust and kicked up skirts. Ågot chuckled, leaning over the counter.
"You know where she's off too in such a hurry."
Matilde shook her head in exasperation. "Yes, yes, more offerings to the goddess. Really, all I'm asking is she contain herself a bit - it's a wonder she hasn't fallen flat on her face."
Ågot guffawed. "You mean today."
The other woman groaned. "What a klutz. And where is Baldur? They're usually inseparable."
"He's about twelve years now, isn't he? About time to start up an apprenticeship. He showed an interest in blacksmithing, if I recall."
"Now if only Kari would take a liking to something more productive like him."
Ågot smiled, rising up from behind the counter to greet a customer as he perused the selection of baked goods. "She's still only a child - let her keep her girlish delights a bit longer."
"Perhaps. Still though...she better not get so close as last time. The frostbite nearly took a finger!"
In the years since the discovery of their Ice Goddess, a rough road had been cleared to the small rocky cove where she slept outside of the tiny village. Kari jogged along the uneven path, humming a merry tune and cheerily swinging one arm, the other hugging the bouquet to her chest. Every step closer to the cove saw a drop in temperature and off to the side the ocean waves ebbed against the stony shore, cold and glittering with shards of ice and frost. Rime edged the opening of the cave, deceptively soft looking, and as Kari approached her breath began to crystallize in the air. But that did nothing to dim the smile that lit her face, or dampen the enthusiasm in her eyes.
Briefly she stopped to light one of the lamps left at the entrance, holding it aloft in her free hand to illuminate the way and with sure steps walked forward into darkness.
"Skadi? Goddess?" Kari's childish voice echoed in the cavern, bouncing hollowly off the walls.
The warm light of the lantern colored the cool blue of the cave to a wavering aqua, and Kari picked her way carefully on the slick floor, skirting around the rising spires of stalagmites to where the cave's inner light shone brightest.
A carpet of gifts surrounded the icy coffin - a myriad of flowers and woven goods and even a few forged weapons. The flowers closest to the floating goddess were a miracle in themselves - the first batch of offerings made three years ago, completely frozen over in the same timeless manner as Skadi herself. Kari cleared out the wilting batches at the outer edges, taking care not to get too close. It was hard lesson the villagers had learned upon attempting to inspect the woman; anything that strayed too near immediately began to ice over, organic tissue quickly succumbing to the beginning stages of frostbite. And any unfortunate soul who tried to actually touch her? A grave robber paid the penalty of his greed with the loss of his entire arm when he daringly rubbed the ice shard while attempting to make off with the offerings. It was quite the surprise when the thief ran into the village bawling and terrified, crying for help, limb black and blue and hanging uselessly at his side.
Skadi was powerful and vengeful even in her repose.
And so the villagers, awed by such supernatural power, resolved to treat their new guest with the respect she deserved. Kari appointed herself caretaker, and as she was the one who discovered the goddess, everyone agreed it was fitting.
"Today was the first day of the spring planting," Kari spoke, laying the new bunch of flowers at the edge of the offering pile. "The ground's still a bit hard and cold-" at this the girl looked up with a sheepish smile, as if to reassure Skadi that she wasn't laying blame at her. "-but everyone just put in a little more effort to break up the soil."
Kari reached out to the side, dragging a small ornate stool to sit in front of the goddess, drawing her stole tighter around her shoulders and setting the lamp gently on the floor. She puffed rosy cheeks, blowing warm air into her hands.
"There's some big shindig going on in the Capital, like it's such a big deal we even heard about it all the way out here."
Skadi, as usual, stayed silent and still. Kari continued regardless, convinced her words were being heard.
"They say that the Princess herself is going on a huge tour of the Kingdom!" Excitement started to bleed into her tone, youth and exuberance pitching her voice high and fast.
"I wonder what she's like? She's probably super pretty, and elegant, and awesome." Light brown eyes gazed dreamily at the goddess. "I bet she's like you."
Kari sighed, studying delicate features she had long since memorized. "I wonder if she's lonely," the girl murmured. "I'm sure you already know, but she lost her whole family three years ago. She must be lonely. Who wouldn't be?"
Wind whistled through the cave as if in concurrence. "I wish I could see her. I'd wanna introduce her to you." Kari let out a mournful sigh. "But there's no way she'll come all the way out here."
Skadi's sorrowful expression seemed to agree.
Anna shut the door firmly on the sounds of cheer and revelry blaring out from the ground level of the inn. With a weary sigh she leaned her forehead against the thick oak, the muffled beat of music still pulsing through the wood. She let out another tired groan, wrenching herself around and dragging her feet across the room before unceremoniously flopping face first on the bed.
Ugh.
The Royal Procession was currently at Skåret Stein, finishing up their three-day tour of the city. They had arrived to much fanfare and excitement, citizens lining the streets to catch a glimpse of their elusive Princess and immediately made their way to one of the city's main courtyards where they were greeted jubilantly by the mayor. From there it was a whirlwind ride around the city with the mayor effusively pointing out the various landmarks and points of interest. Anna fought to maintain the attentive smile on her face, though the man's incessant droning praise of his city was grating on her nerves. Then a night at a popular local tavern to taste some of the home-brewed ale - that turned out to be a big hit with the bar regulars - finished off the evening. The second day found her being fawned over by the various heads of noble houses that resulted in a raging headache and sorely tested patience.
Anna was quickly discovering visiting with the affluent "nobles" was by far the most trying thing about this ridiculous trip - just a bunch of snobby elitists desperately scrambling to curry royal favor. They simpered and flattered her to her face, then mocked and maligned once her back was turned. Anna seethed at the gall of them all - as if she were deaf and unaware of their true natures.
So it was to her great surprise that the princess actually looked forward to the "common" leg of her citywide tours. The working people seemed to be the true geniuses of the kingdom. It was the innovative inventions made by necessity and limited resources dreamt up by the laymen in the industry that intrigued her - stirring up awe and delight. It unfurled in her chest like a sail opening to the winds of change, a flutter of light that Anna had not felt in over a decade.
It was exhilarating, and a bit frightening.
Anna sighed into her pillow, turning her head and wrinkling her nose when she inhaled a giant whiff of musk.
"Ugh."
Tomorrow was another day. They would say good-bye to this city nestled by the mountain and follow the roads until they hit a city nestled by the forest. Three more days of parades and blurred faces and painting on her false mask of smiles before they left once again to another city and another and another...
Anna wasn't sure how such a transient schedule managed to become so rote, and even that peek of unburied emotions wasn't enough to lift the shadow from her eyes, or the listless drag in her step.
Why am I even trying?
The spring months passed as Anna traversed the kingdom, flowers flourished bright and fragrant as the dreary pale of winter gave way to lively blooms of color and warmth. The citizens of Arendelle welcomed their princess with the cheer befitting the season, and word was quickly spread of their "Spring Princess" - a joyous rebirth of the monarchy from its long hibernation.
Missives from the council praised her good work, writing of the outpouring of positive responses from her people as public approval soared.
Anna just wanted to go home.
But the tour persisted, and the Royal Company made it's way to the far edges of the nation. Travel had become more treacherous the further they moved away from the large bustling trade ports of the protected coasts and the active cities of industry inland. Out this far only scant stretches of farmland met the eye; the roads were often rough and broken and the guardsman were constantly on edge, alert eyes scanning the plain open fields with nervous tension, hands tight around the shafts of their weapons.
The carriage jostled and shook, wheels bumping heavily over rocks and potholes in the rugged country road. Anna groaned as they hit a particularly deep rut, nearly bumped out of her seat. This last leg of the trip was proving to be particularly long and grueling, the distance between stops growing lengthier. The princess crossed her arms, leaning back and blowing a breath at some errant copper bangs. And it was so boring. She wasn't even afforded the pleasure of a view; the carriage windows remained firmly shut and covered in an effort to secure more protection from the unguardable expanses of land and the threat of bandits.
Anna threw a glance at the other woman in the car. Dagmar (her ironically named maid) sat unperturbed, the bumpy ride doing nothing to interrupt the click-clack of knitting needles. She contemplated trying to engage her (or at least get some sort of rise out of her), but knew from previous attempts it was futile. The young castle maid had been trained by Gerda well, and had learned not to rise to Anna's bait, no matter how innocuously the princess phrased it.
Teal eyes slipped shut in tired resignation. Kanten was their final stop, the largest metropolis this far from the Capital. A couple more weeks, Anna's weary mind assured her. A couple more weeks and she would be back in Arendelle, returned to that numb existence where the bright, effusive faces of the kingdom's hopefuls couldn't strike a dagger of pain and loss and envy deep in her heart, scratching at her already beaten soul.
A ghost princess, they had called her. What irony, when it was the royal who was the one who felt constantly haunted.
A sharp rap startled Anna from her slumber and she jerked up with a snort, surprised she had managed to fall asleep considering their tumultuous passage. A soft sound that sounded suspiciously like a snicker had her head swinging around to glare at Dagmar, but the maid merely looked back at her innocently, needles still clicking away. Anna scowled, and was about to let loose some snide remark when she was interrupted by the deep voice of Captain Einar.
"Princess Anna, we are approaching Kanten. The scouts have reported a clear path. Would you like to open the windows?"
Anna practically jumped to the side of the carriage. "Yes! Please!"
With a creak the wooden panels swung open, bringing in the bright afternoon sun and a much-needed breeze. The air was fresh in the way only the rural regions managed, with the faintest tinge of the sea, the thin band of dark blue just within sight on the horizon. Anna breathed in deep, happy to escape the stuffy stillness of the cabin, and resolved to get the captain a raise or bonus of some sort.
Anna was basking in her newfound freedom when the clack of knitting ceased. Dagmar cleared her throat, and the redhead bit back a sigh, falling back into her seat and turning to her companion with a huff.
The maid smiled apologetically. The princess could be a difficult charge, but Dagmar was only a decade older, and she remembered well the vivaciousness of a young copper-headed imp tearing about the castle, sliding down the halls and knocking over suits of armor. Gerda had in fact chosen her to be part of her Highness' personal entourage because of the affection and sympathy she felt towards the girl, certain that the people most suited to handle the princess were the ones who witnessed first hand what Anna had gone through.
She pulled out a small book, flipping it open and laying an expectant gaze towards her Princess.
Anna gave a careless wave of her hand, well used to the quizzing routine by now. "Go ahead. Fire away."
Dagmar nodded, and again cleared her throat delicately. "Kanten. Total population?"
"Around sixteen thousand."
"Mayor?"
"Trygve, son of the previous mayor, Ulf."
"Main export?"
"Seafood. Fish mostly. As well as a fairly strong shipbuilding industry. Supposedly impressive for such a small city."
Dagmar felt a small bubble of pride at Anna's quick responses. Say what you will of her attitude, the princess harbored a keen mind behind that sullen demeanor.
They continued on in this manner as they rolled up to the city's gates.
Oh god, what is that smell? Anna inwardly cringed, fighting to keep her face from scrunching up in distaste. Mayor Trygve gallantly offered his hand to assist her out of the carriage, which she reluctantly took at the warning glare from her maid. Anna stepped to the ground, hastily snatching her hand back with what she hoped was a graceful nod.
"So these are the fisheries?" Anna queried, and tried not to breathe too deep. Large foreboding warehouses dominated the rocky shore. Buildings they were heading towards, much to her alarm. Her feet slowed, hoping the group would come to a stop and they could just...admire the view from outside. If it smells this strongly out here, what'll be like in there?
Unfortunately Mayor Trygve took her hesitance as shyness. "Oh, no need to fear, Princess Anna!" He draped her hand in the crook of his elbow, giving what he thought was a reassuring pat on the back of her hand. "The workers are all on their best behavior today, and cannot wait to see you!"
Anna nearly kicked the mayor in the shin at his familiarity. Her hackles rose, and even the guards stiffened at the action, eyes lasering in on the pair, specifically to where they touched. That at last caught Trygve's attention, and with a loud gulp he hastily dropped Anna's arm, sliding a judicious step away. His throat bobbed nervously. "Well! Um, right this way, Your Highness!"
They entered the factory and Anna was surprised to note that they were already on the top floor, atop a thin walkway overlooking the warehouse floor below them. The building was actually built into the side of the hill, large bay doors opened across from her to show glimpses of the docks just outside.
She was not surprised to note that it was indeed much more stinky inside.
"What…exactly are you making here?"
Trygve turned to Anna with a wide grin. "Why, Lutefisk, Your Highness!"
"Lutefisk?" Well, that was...gross.
Trygve nodded jovially, either missing the slight note of distaste or gracefully ignoring it. "A specialty of sorts from our little town. We catch the fish, process and package it for sale all right here." With a grand sweep of his arm the mayor gestured across the warehouse floor. A handful of workers waved cheerfully up at them at the motion. Anna waved back, trying her best not to breathe through her nose. Her smile faltered when the group began their descent from the walkway to the ground level. Every step downward revealed a new waft of pungent aromas, clogging in her throat and making her eyes water. A glance to her side showed her guards struggling to keep up their own stoic facades, which at least assured her that it all wasn't in her head.
"And here is one of the 'pickling' vats where we treat the fish in a water and lye bath!"
With a flourish Trygve flipped open a giant metal bin. The Royal Entourage recoiled as a new miasma of objectionable odors spilled out, and the guard closest gave in with a wheezing cough, hand clamped over his nose. The mayor looked over in surprise, and quickly closed the vat.
"My apologies, Highness! I sometimes forget how strong the smell can get in here. Unfortunate side effect of being a local – we get so used to the odor. Let us move on to the docks outside, yes?"
Anna nodded, flashing her first truly grateful smile of the day. "Yes, please. This process is fascinating, but it does seem to require a certain…fortitude."
Trygve gave a booming laugh and proceeded to lead them out of the warehouse, and Anna felt a rush of relief at not only the fresh air, but also the indication that the mayor had taken no slight to their queasiness.
The docks were an impressive sight, stretching far down the coast. Various fishing boats scattered the shoreline. Teal eyes gazed distantly at the sea, and Anna could feel the twinge of sorrow and anger in her chest. The one saving grace of this "kingdom tour" was the fact that they at least traveled over land – had they wanted her to get on a boat she wasn't sure they would have been able to get her out of the castle at all, threat of rebellion be damned. She chewed her lower lip pensively. The ocean seemed so calm, ebbing gently against the piers with steady, soothing hushes. Her hand clenched. It really wasn't fair, that something so beautiful was so terrible as well.
Captain Einar surreptitiously observed Anna, noting the far off gaze and tight jaw. Trygve blathered on obliviously beside them, and Einar subtly led him and the rest of the group off to the side, giving the princess her space. Luckily a few vague questions on the vagaries of business by the sea had the mayor sufficiently distracted, and Einar kept them a far enough distance to still keep an eye on his charge while allowing her privacy.
Anna was still sourly contemplating the shifting blue hues of the sea when rough laughter caught her attention. Off to the side a small group of older sailors sat, weathered from the seas and age. One man stood out apart from them, a young boy really, probably a new apprentice. Wonder and naivety practically vibrated from the lad as he stared rapt at whatever fantastic sea tale his mentors wove for him.
Anna edged closer, curiosity piquing as the men gestured, voices raising and lowering, passing the story between them and keeping their young apprentice captivated.
"...But she was not happy in the sun and the sand and the seas, with the gulls crying loudly overhead. So she and Njord parted ways, and Skadi returned to her cold, desolate home of Thrymheim, where she continued her wintery reign."
The apprentice leaned forward eagerly. "So that's it? She just left her husband and went home?"
One old sailor chuckled deeply. "Aye. Content she was to ski through Thrymheim, our goddess of snow and hunt, but for the encroaching boldness of man. For you see, as we grew our cities and towns up into her mountains, forgetting to pay homage to her territory and hunting-nay, killing her animals for sport, her anger grew. Have you not noticed it lad?"
The boy shook his head furiously, light brown hair puffing out with each swipe of his head.
"Ah, perhaps you're a bit too young in years. But 'round two decades ago the winters began to last just a mite bit longer, grew just a degree colder, and sleet and storms whipped around the high northern mountaintops with ne'er fore seen fury."
Anna frowned at this. She was also born too young to know if winters had indeed been shorter and less harsh, but she did recall several instances of the older castle servants complaining of the bitter winters, worse than ever before. She inched a bit closer, caught up in the wondrous mysterious myth despite herself.
The sailor's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, raspy and ominous. "But all this was merely a prelude - a warning from the goddess. For now she's sent an emissary born of the wind and snow and imbued with a fragment of her very own soul, shot down from Thrymheim in an arrow of untouchable, unmelting ice."
The boy was practically vibrating with excitement, but contained his voice in an astonished hush. "So she's here? In Arendelle?"
"Aye again, boy. The goddess Skadi, reborn of mortal form, lies sleeping in her icy coffin until the time comes for her to awake, and like she demanded of the Gods of Asgard, take her recompense from those who would dare intrude upon her domain."
"So where in Arendelle is she?"
"Gah!" With a start the sailors jerked back in surprise, eyes swiveling to where Anna had crouched beside them, head cocked inquisitively to one side. They stared agape at the princess, expressions caught between horrified and amazed.
"Your Highness!" A mad scramble ensued as the men rushed to adopt a more proper posture, arranging themselves in a clumsy line, heads tilted down in respect. Anna watched in amusement as one of the older sailors raised a gnarled fist and cuffed the back of the young apprentice's head when the lad failed to lower his gaze, continuing to ogle the redhead. He grimaced, rubbing his neck sheepishly. Anna stifled the urge to roll her eyes (be nice, the whole point of this trip was to be nice) and tossed a small smile the boy's way. He blushed a deep red to the roots of his hair, casting his gaze bashfully to the floor under his unruly mop of hair.
Anna shifted her attention back the wizened mariner who had finished the tale of Skadi. "Please, no need for ceremony. I'm just another spellbound member of your audience, after all," she grinned, flashing a wink. Charming. She could totally be charming. "So how did this myth get started? This is the first I've heard of it, and I've been to a lot of places recently."
The sailor twitched. "Many pardons, Your Highness, but it's just a fanciful story - out here in the boondocks, we got to keep ourselves entertained somehow, y'know?"
The princess narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"But I thought you said you saw her yourself!" Protested the boy, head swinging up in disbelief. The old man cut a glare his way, digging a harsh elbow into his apprentice's side.
"Hush," he growled low, "the Princess doesn't need to worry herself with the wonderings of old sea dogs like us." He cast an apologetic look Anna's way.
"Terribly sorry, Your Grace, but it's just a play of fantasy; the truth is probably a mite bit more gruesome than is proper fer a lady such as yourself."
Anna studied the sailor, teal eyes taking in the nervous tics. Wrinkled hands worried at a worn cap, tired eyes darting to and fro, unwilling to make eye contact. Fantasy my ass. He's hiding something. And as the first truly interesting subject she'd come across all month, she was determined to learn more. Besides, a snow goddess? Anna felt an unusual tug at her consciousness - a niggling at the back of her mind that buzzed and itched and ached. Like a forgotten idea that refused to surface no matter how she tugged at that nebulous, distant emptiness.
"But you don't believe it's a fallacy. You think the myth is real. That this woman in ice really is some incarnation of Skadi."
The man remained silent. His companions moved restlessly, the young boy whipping his head back and forth between the sailor and the princess with wide eyes.
Anna sighed. Well, let's drop the 'niceties' for a bit then. She let her stare harden, straightening her spine and squaring her shoulders, chin rising imperiously. The men automatically stiffened, responding to the unspoken authority now being wielded by the royal.
"You've seen this 'Skadi.'" Anna's stern tone brooked no argument - this was a statement of fact. "Tell me where."
The seaman closed his eyes, giving a resigned nod. "Forsyn, Your Highness. A small village about quarter day's ride along the coast."
Anna gave a triumphant nod. "Very good. Thank you." With a spin she was striding towards Captain Einar, who broke off mid-conversation with the mayor to regard her curiously.
"Captain! We are heading to Forsyn! Hop to it!"
Jaws dropped all around as the princess issued her command without even slowing her gait, heading around the warehouse and straight to the royal carriage.
Einar and Trygve exchanged bewildered looks. "Wait, what?"
Dagmar looked up from her knitting in surprise as Anna threw herself into the carriage, rocking the cabin slightly in her vigor. "Highness! Done already?"
"Yup. And now we're off to a new town."
The maid stared agog at her charge, thrown by her sudden...enthusiasm. "Wait, a new town?! Your Highness, we still have another day yet!"
Aqua eyes rolled. "Don't fuss about it, we can always stop by again on the way back."
"On the way back from what?"
A sly grin crossed pink lips. Dagmar wasn't sure whether to be happy or alarmed at the sudden display of liveliness from her usually dispirited princess.
"From a myth."
Despite all protestations, the princess would not be denied, and so with much apologizing and assurances of returning to complete the Kanten city tour the Royal Procession was off, setting a fast gait north. Luckily the roads along the coast were quite well preserved, and they made quick time, arriving to their destination just before sundown.
Forsyn was indeed a small village, if the ragtag collection of buildings could be called that. The main road was lined with gawking townspeople, wide-eyed and befuddled at the royal procession. Astonished gazes beheld the prancing horses, gilt carriage, silver armor and the weapons of the soldiers gleaming in the setting sun. A sight certainly never before seen in this remote, sleepy hamlet.
Einar halted them at the first town square they came across (quite possibly the only one, he mused) and swiftly dismounted. With squared shoulders he strode up to the closest person who dared to hold their ground.
"Where is your city's mayor, good sir?" He boomed, voice echoing over the plaza. The young boy in front of him, barely six summers old, gaped back wordlessly, wooden toy sword clattering to the floor.
"Oh for God's sake!" With a violent rustle Anna kicked open the door to the carriage, batting away her maid's restraining hands and ignoring her high-pitched protests. The villagers continued to gape as the princess (is that really the princess?) hopped down, fluffed out her skirt with a rustle, and marched over to the Captain and his hapless victim. "At least try asking an adult before terrifying the children."
At that a woman from the crowd hurried forward, distress etched across her features. Quickly she slid to a stop besides the boy, grabbing him close to her and bending them forward into a hasty bow.
"Your Highness! Forgive him! He just doesn't know any better!"
Anna sighed as the woman's actions prompted the rest of the villagers to follow suit, heads bowing in nervous respect. Great, crowd control now. Ignoring Einar's disapproving frown, Anna stepped forward, bending to grasp the woman's arms and standing her back up. "Please, don't worry. I've taken no offense. In fact, it was kind of rude of me to just show up in your town with no warning."
The woman stared in awe. The boy still had his eyes glued to Einar, wide eyes on the captain's accouterment of armor and arms.
Anna cleared her throat. "So um…your mayor?"
"Ah! Of course! But…" the woman trailed off, gaze dropping.
"But…?" Anna prodded gently.
"Well, we don't really have a mayor."
Anna and Einar's mouths dropped open. The woman actually looked a bit sheepish at their disbelief.
"Forsyn is so small, we don't really have need for much official office. Aside from a rotating treasurer, we all just chip in to help each other get things done around here."
"Well, that's…something," Anna managed. Small villages really do things differently, huh? "But if it works, I guess that's what matters, huh?"
The boy finally acknowledged Anna with a skeptical stare. "Are you really the Princess?"
"Gunnar!" The woman cried horrified. With a series of profuse bows she was back to apologizing, though Anna was more amused by the boy's bluntness than anything else. It was a bit refreshing. With a chuckle she waved her off.
"It's fine, really. But maybe you can help us out. We've heard a bit of a rumor back in Kanten, and came to check it out."
The woman stilled, glancing up at the princess in trepidation.
"A little myth that the goddess Skadi has been reincarnated and is here in Forsyn."
Anna's eyes narrowed as the woman shifted uneasily. What was it about this myth that had everybody so tightlipped?
"Oh, you're here to see Skadi? She's in a cave that way."
Anna blinked in surprise as the young boy nonchalantly pointed a finger further up the coast. Both the woman and Einar groaned at this.
"Well…okay. Thanks." Anna turned to Einar. "I guess we go that way then."
The captain raised his hands in protest. "Now just a minute, Your Highness. Dusk is already upon us, perhaps we should delay the trip until morning?"
Anna crossed her arms, raising an imperious eyebrow. Einar met her gaze dead on. They glared at each other in an impasse when a nervous cough interrupted. They turned their scowls on the poor interloper, who shrunk back at their expressions.
"Um, perhaps it would be best to wait for tomorrow. The road is loose with gravel, and without proper light descending into the cove can be treacherous."
Anna frowned, arms dropping, but listened. The woman continued, encouraged by the princess' attentiveness. "And we can have a guide ready for you as well. Kari, the girl who discovered the goddess, makes frequent trips to the cove, and would no doubt be thrilled to be the one to show Your Highness the way."
The feeling of impatience refused to abate, but Anna reluctantly conceded. Why was she so eager to uncover this fantastical tale? What was it about the idea of a snow goddess that appealed so strongly to her?
"All right. I guess we'll just stay the night and go visit this 'Skadi' tomorrow," Anna sighed. "So…where are we gonna stay?"
The woman sprang up, all hesitation forgotten in her excitement. "Oh, may I make a recommendation? The Hoof & Fin is our best establishment. And, er…" she glanced at the collection of soldiers and attendants and horses. "…It's the only place big enough to, uh, accommodate your whole party."
Einar sketched a quick bow. "Many thanks, my lady. If I could ask one more favor, could you point the way?"
With a blush the woman straightened her dress, reaching out to drag the young boy to her side when he inched closer to the captain, eyes intent on the shiny pommel of his sword. "I'll—we'll be glad to show you the way, it's not too far from here."
Both Anna and Einar had the same thought. As if anywhere in this village could ever be considered "far" from anywhere else in the village. Both also had enough grace to not let that sentiment show in their expressions.
"That'd be great, thanks!" Anna chirped.
Einar tossed a reproachful glare at the princess, who rolled her eyes in response. "Yes, you have been very kind. We truly appreciate your help." He turned back to Anna. "So Princess, if you could return to your carriage we'll be off."
Teal eyes rolled again. "Oh why bother? We're close by to the inn, right? There's still plenty of light, the air's not too chilly, and I could stand to stretch my legs a bit." Anna leaned in close, dropping her voice to whisper. "And besides, I'm supposed to be cultivating my public image – I don't think the appearance of a spoiled girl who can't go a few blocks without the aid of a gilt carriage will have a very positive impact on these 'do-it-yourself' folks, do you?"
The captain grit his teeth, but reluctantly nodded. "Very well. Men!" With a clank the guards swiftly flanked the princess and their newfound guides in a protective phalanx, much to the little boy's delight. "Now, ma'am, which way?"
The woman ogled the ring of soldiers. "Uh…this way." She weakly eked out, motioning timidly towards the main road. With a rattle the procession was on their way again, leaving behind a crowd of astonished villagers.
"Wait, so that really was the Princess?"
"I reckon somebody ought to inform the hunters to bring in their best game."
"And the farmers their freshest produce."
The villagers all exchanged glances. "A visit from a princess calls for a feast, after all."
A beat of silence, and then the square erupted in a festive cheer.
"A FEAST!"
Anna craned her neck to peer backwards as loud shouts trumpeted behind them. "What was that all about?"
Captain Einar sighed. The night was about to get boisterous indeed.
Kari stared up at the princess in astonishment.
Earlier that morning a rather intimidating group of elders, soldiers, and gossiping neighbors had burst into her small house, scaring the wits out of her mother. A barrage of questions had been lobbied her way the moment she entered the room in a cacophony of voices.
From excited utterances from nosy housewives ("Oh dear! Isn't this all so thrilling! Kari, why aren't you dressed yet? You've got to look your best today!") to the concerned queries of the village elders ("Young Kari, are you up to such a task?") and the rather hostile interrogation from a towering armed warrior ("You there! Your name! What is your relation to this 'Skadi?' What are the dangers? Have you any affiliation to any persons aligned against the Crown?"), Kari was utterly flabbergasted.
When things had finally calmed down (largely due to the swoon Kari's mother succumbed to) it was hastily explained that Princess Anna was in town asking to see their mythical goddess, and Kari was to guide her to the cove.
Kari almost fainted herself at that news.
But then she was swept up in a wave of activity, busy hands rapidly getting her ready; scrubbing her face, tugging out the tangles in her hair, dressing her up in the best her meager closet had to offer. A quick bite of breakfast and the entourage was off, carting her down the road to deposit her at the village's sole inn.
And so little Kari, barely ten years old, found herself stood before the Princess of Arendelle.
She stared agog for a full minute before remembering her manners, clumsily bending in an awkward curtsy. A soft chuckle trickled down from above and Kari reddened in embarrassment. She stared steadfastly at her toes, hands trembling at the hem of her skirt. Her eyes squeezed shut. I'm so stupid, I can't believe I just stared at her like that!
A shadow fell across her head and she winced, fully expecting a harsh reprimand for her behavior. Instead a soft swoosh of air ruffled her bangs as a dark green skirt appeared in her vision. Hesitantly Kari dragged her gaze up, stepping back with a squeak as she came face to face with the princess, who had crouched down in front of her. The princess' face was open and kind, the barest hint of a smile curving soft lips. But her eyes, her eyes were entrancing. A beautiful meld of greens and blues, brightened in the morning sun to a gleaming oceanic teal. It reminded Kari of the wavering glow of Skadi's cave, of the heavenly dancing ribbons in the northern skies.
"So your name is Kari, right? I'm told you're going to be our leader on today's little expedition." Anna kept her tone light, Dagmar's chiding voice to be gentle ringing in her ears. The girl was cute though, all squirmy nervousness and shy blushes.
"Yes, Your Highness," Kari hushed out. The princess was every bit the woman she imagined her to be – fair and beautiful and unbelievably, here. She perked up a bit at that – the princess was here! A hope she had only dared to voice aloud to Skadi, who had apparently seen fit to grant that wish. Excitement began to bubble up, overriding shyness. She started to bounce lightly on her feet. "I can take you to her, no problem!"
Anna arched a brow and grinned as the girl's enthusiasm rocketed, her zeal infectious. "Well let's go then!" With a sweep of her dress Anna was astride her horse (a concession cajoled from Captain Einar the night before). She extended her hand down to the wide-eyed girl, who gaped at the invitation.
"C'mon, up and at 'em." She encouraged, wriggling her fingers. Kari shot a hesitant glance towards the captain, and at his nod timidly reached to grasp Anna's outstretched hand. A strong pull had her suddenly in the air, gasping in surprise as she landed side-saddle in front of the princess. The horse gave a snort and pranced a few steps at the added weight, tossing his mane. Kari huddled against Anna, arms clutching hard to her sleeve, heart thudding in her chest.
Anna gently wrangled Kari's vice grip from her clothes to hold more securely to her arm, settling her more comfortably. She gave a wide smile to the girl in her arms, normally grumpy demeanor mollified by being allowed to ride horseback – one of the few past times that still gave her any pleasure.
"Point the way, miss."
With a giddy grin Kari turned slightly, pointing her arm over the horse's head. "That way, Your Highness!" Anna dug in her heels and they were off, Einar's shout of protest following as the guards scrambled to catch up.
They trotted leisurely down the road (Anna had finally slowed as Einar galloped abreast of them, red-faced and frustrated) listening to Kari as she animatedly shared the tale of Skadi's discovery. Anna nodded distractedly, barely hearing the words as she let her gaze roam. The shore was rocky, jagged stones mixed with broken bits of ice. Despite the sun rising steadily in the clear sky, the sharp chill of the morning failed to abate – no, if anything the air grew colder, releasing clouds of white at every exhale. The anticipation in Anna's gut churned with every step they took, a buzz of restless energy stilled only by the tight grip she kept on the reins.
An excited wiggle brought her attention around. "Over there! That's the cave!"
The group peered forward collectively as they crested a small hill. Below them rested the cove, cragged and rough. Kari tugged at Anna's sleeve.
"We have to go on foot from here," a small hand gestured to the thin trail winding it's way down to the cave. "It'd be too dangerous for the horses."
Einar looked over the terrain with a critical eye, grunting in agreement. "Your Highness, let me check the land—" He was interrupted by a jangle as Anna dismounted, swiftly carrying Kari down after her.
"Your Highness!" The captain scrambled down from his own mount as the girls started picking their way down the trail, the - princess having tossed her reins at the closest guard. A slight hubbub erupted as the group struggled to organize themselves, guards and townspeople alike jockeying to pass off their horses to rush after the girls.
At the commotion Anna paused, sighing and pinching the bridge of her nose in irritation. She pivoted, glaring at her captain as he jogged towards her.
"Einar! Get that under control will you?" Anna gave an aggravated wave at the rabble. "Not everyone's going to fit in there, so just tell them to stay put or something."
Einar groaned, but a glance at Kari showed her nodding in agreement, so he turned around with a huff. "Okay everybody, calm down!" He pointed out a few select soldiers and villagers. "You four, with us. The rest of you look after the horses." There was much groaning, but the selected individuals quickly joined them on the path as the rest of the party set about tending to the horses.
Satisfied Anna turned back to Kari. "So let's go meet 'Skadi.'"
Kari nodded furiously, boldly grasping at Anna's hand and leading her towards the cave. As they drew closer, limbs began to shiver as a blanket of cold settled heavy and damp upon the group. Wide eyes took in the frost that lined the mouth of the cave, and even the captain gulped in trepidation as they paused before the entrance. Both Anna and Einar took ahold of a lamp at Kari's instruction, lighting the small flame before venturing in.
It was dark and dank, the lanterns casting an anemic pool of light only a few scant feet ahead. But a few meters more and Anna and her guards sucked in a surprised breath – a faint blue glow shined faintly back at them. Einar shifted uneasily next to the princess, hand straying to the hilt of his sword. What sorcery could light the dark deep of a cave so?
Anna could feel the thrum of her heart beat faster and faster, no longer able to distinguish her shivers from cold or anticipation. That eerie aura, the wintry chill. A cold breeze whispered against her skin, burning and soothing all at once. The buzz at the base of her skull throbbed persistently, and she was suddenly very grateful of Kari's hand in hers, leading her firmly and steadily forward.
The glow brightened with every step they took, until finally they stopped at a low wall. Kari turned to the princess then, voice hushed with reverence. "Skadi is just around this corner."
Anna nodded, eyes glued to the wavering aura. Einar stepped forward, hand wrapped firmly about the hilt of his sword, intent on scouting ahead but a hand at his arm stopped him short. Teal eyes gazed solemnly at him, and he found himself falling back at his princess' unspoken command.
Anna took a fortifying breath, still unsure why she was so feeling so apprehensive. But something inside her tugged her towards that light, ached and yearned for whatever lay there. Her feet moved of their own volition, carrying her around that last barrier into the chamber beyond, and the world fell away as she was enveloped in that eldritch glow.
Vaguely she could hear the gasps of the guards as they followed behind her, but all she could register was that ethereal form before her. Cries of alarm sounded out behind her as she walked forward, brittle petals crunching underfoot, transfixed upon the figure encased in ice.
Einar gaped at the sight of the woman frozen in time. The chill in the air was sharp and cutting, and with mounting horror he realized that it was getting colder with every step Anna took. The villagers behind him pleaded desperately for the princess to stop, and his heart dropped to his stomach when they called out that touching Skadi would freeze her limbs black. Panic welling, Einar surged forward only to discover he couldn't move. Wild eyes darted to the ground where frost had begun to creep up, crawling across the cavern floor in a grasping wave. The cold descended like an arctic blast, locking muscles in place and helpless, Einar could only watch as Princess Anna reached out to touch the frozen goddess.
Anna's breath hitched as she gazed upon that beautiful, familiar face. She whimpered from the back of her throat, eyes burning hot as tears gathered. The ice was glassy and unmarred, and Anna could see clear through it as she rested a trembling hand on the cold surface. Her mind screamed in disbelief, in pain and anger and sorrow and relief; three years her family had been taken so cruelly from her, three years of grief and utter loneliness, and here, out in the middle of godforsaken nowhere, was her sister.
A sob broke free, and with a cry Anna collapsed against the icy coffin. Elsa! Elsa, Elsa, Elsa!
With a mournful wail a gust of wind whipped through the cave, sending flecks of frost and snow spiraling into the air. The guards and villagers cried out in surprise, arms automatically raised to protect their faces from the sudden flurry.
When the wind died down they gaped in astonishment. All the ice in the cave had dispersed, save the large shard in the center. Princess Anna lay pressed against it, body wracked with heaving sobs.
Einar stood dumbfounded at the scene, scarcely able to believe his eyes. A breath, a murmur, a prayer escaped his lips in a fog of white. "Princess Elsa."