Chapter 2
First impressions.
Elsa currently sighed at the situation she was in. So far everything was under control, her gloves kept her powers hidden and the ball was going without a hitch. What bothered her was seeing her sister leave in tears.
"Why must she be so impulsive? I know she means well but Anna, you make this hard for me." These words ran through Elsa's mind leaving her 'absent' from the party. Some guest have made their approach to talk of trade and Elsa's plans for the kingdom but all Elsa would do is answer with short speeches. Many people watched her from the corner of her eye and saw how she kept her distance from everyone else. She was even asked to dance by the handsome prince Hans but declined his offer.
Her distance from others did not go unnoticed but many shrugged it off as nerves. This is her first day as Queen so naturally she would have nerves. Though that is what the guest were thinking, in truth Elsa kept her distance to protect them.
She feared that her powers could hurt others, which is something she wants to avoid.
Elsa looked throughout the entire room and found no trace of Anna. She began to worry, her sister was always an act first type of girl. Never has she stopped to just think about the situation. That young man was also in her head, she saw Anna wave to him during her coronation and just a few minutes ago Anna spoke to him before walking away. After that Elsa got a good look at the man. He was a Viking that much was obvious from his clothes, though he was leaner that Elsa had expected for a Viking. He was odd, everyone here were talking and dancing among each other but the Viking kept his distance and just rested upon a nearby wall with some chocolate. Elsa had to admit that he was handsome but all she had to compare him to was all the old men attending the ball and a creepy prince that asked her to dance. Elsa stared at him earlier while he was talking to the duke. When he was done talking with the old man the Viking had caught her stare. It was then Elsa was unsure of what to do next so she just continued staring unknowingly putting on a harsh look on her face.
The Viking ended up leaving his spot after finishing his chocolate without so much as a gesture to Elsa. Truth be told she was a bit offended but that feeling soon passed and now she was bored and worrying over her sister.
Elsa looked around for a nearby guard, she then spotted one and called out to him. The guard came to her side and asked "You summoned me, my Queen?" Elsa still had to get use to that.
"Can you please put on a search for my sister, she left the room and I have begun to worry about her." The solider nodded and bowed to the queen before leaving to order the other guards. Three more soon left and began a search, Elsa stood there in the ball for ten minutes talking, conversing and keeping her distance. Finally one of the guards returned.
"My Queen we have found your sister, she is currently out on the balcony conversing with Chief Hiccup."
"Chief Hiccup?"
"He is from the island of Berk, your majesty. An island known to inhabit Vikings." Upon hearing the her sister was with the Viking she saw before Elsa began to panic just a small bit. She's heard stories of these people from her mother when they were young. The thought that one of them being alone with Anna made Elsa even more nervous. In fact, the temperature began to drop in the room only to the point that those wearing light clothing noticed a difference.
"Is my sister okay?" Elsa asked quietly, not wanting to start a scene in front of her quest.
"She is fine your Majesty, we did not interrupt them for all we heard was laughter. They seemed to be having a good time…would you like me to call upon your sister and ask her to come here?"
Elsa paused and gave some thought before nodding to guard. "Please do and…take a few men with you in case the Viking causes trouble but do so quietly I want things to be discreet." The guard nodded and left with the same three men who searched for the Anna. The four men left quickly, having a fake conversation of tasty food to fool any guest who may be putting their nose were it doesn't belong.
Elsa now waited for sister and prayed that nothing goes wrong…
.
.
.
"So that's why your name is Hiccup? Because your family didn't want you to be taken by trolls." Anna said before laughing with Hiccup. She has to admit the sadness given to her by her sister was gone. Talking to Hiccup had brought her spirits up, he was just so fun to talk to that Anna could hardly contain herself.
"Yes, yes spare me the laughter. This is actually a pretty good name, you should hear some of the other names back at Berk."
"Hey Hiccup…what's it like at Berk?" Hiccup paused from Anna's question, all of her questions so far were just silly ones but this one had a bit of seriousness to it. The reason Hiccup felt like that was because Anna was staring at the sky as she asked that question.
"Well Anna back at Berk it snows nine months a year, and hails the other three." Any chance of Anna having a vivid thought of Hiccup's home was crushed by that sentence.
"What else…We got Ice annnnd we got Snow…and…we got more ice." Yup, Anna was defiantly crushed from hearing that.
"Well Hiccup why are you saying that with such a smile? Do you like it all that ice and snow?"
Hiccup smiled from Anna's question leaving the young woman confused beyond her mind. She liked seeing snow during the winter but too much of it can be a bad thing.
"No Anna, the reason I'm smiling is because we have one thing that makes Berk different from any other place. See other places have horses, or sheep…but Berk we have something different, something amazing."
"What is it?! What is it?!"Anna's curiosity has been peaked, the way Hiccup said these words made her eyes become wide with interest. She stepped closer to Hiccup and listened to every word he said, eager to find out what Hiccup was talking about.
"At Berk we have Dr-"
"Princess Anna!"
Hiccup and Anna's conversation soon ended upon the interruption of the knight and the three men that stood behind him. Anna looked to Hiccup and then to the guards wondering why they were here in the first place.
"Yes, what's going on?" Anna asked the captain who stood in front.
"Your sister is asking for you, she has gotten worried and gave us the task of finding you so that you can speak with her." Anna's worries soon went away upon hearing that her sister was calling for her. Perhaps her words had gotten through to her after all? Whatever the case Anna's smile was in contrast with Hiccups small scowl. Hiccup knew better, if this was a simple errand then why task four knights to do it? Was it because they suspected trouble? Still Hiccup stayed quiet and did not voice his opinion.
"My sister, asked for me?" Anna asked with a smile. "Yes I'll be right there, um I'm sorry Hiccup but can we continue this conversation another time?" Hiccup wanted to say no, for he planned to leave tomorrow morning but refusing the princess request in front of her knights may not be the smartest move. "It would be my pleasure Anna." After hearing that the Princess left the balcony and made her way to the ballroom with her knights following her in tow. Hiccup watched them leave but did not follow suit, the balcony was peaceful and the view was beautiful. So he decide to stay here just for a few minutes longer.
Hiccup looked at his feet, or more precisely his left leg. Hiccup began to remember how his father had asked that he modify his prosthetic leg so that it could be covered so that it could be worn under his boot. Hiccup sighed, he knew why his father asked him to the last thing you want to show to other kingdoms is that their leader is a cripple. Still Hiccup did not like hiding this part about him, to him it felt like he was lying to everyone he saw. Hiccup dismissed that last thought after realizing that after today he won't see anyone of these people again.
Hiccup leaned on the balcony enjoying the peace and quiet that came with it.
It was going fine, until Hiccup heard the sound of a bird cawing very loudly. Hiccup looked up and saw a raven flying above him in circles. It kept cawing causing Hiccup to place his hand over his left ear. The cawing then stopped and the raven flew and landed on the balcony, right next to Hiccup. Hiccup began to get chills from this bird, it stared at him and began walking closer to him. "Shoo, Shoo." Hiccup said to the raven but to no effect.
The raven just stood there watching Hiccup with its creepy eyes. The Raven then gave one last loud caw at Hiccup before flying off into the sky.
Hiccup watched it fly off and wondered what in the world just happened. He retired from the balcony, Perhaps Hiccup had a bit too much chocolate.
.
.
.
Anna entered the ballroom once again only this time with a smile on her face. She eagerly searched for sister finding her in the same place she was before she left. Anna left the guards around and began skipping her way to her older sister with a huge smile on her face. Elsa could see her sister skipping towards her and gave a sigh of relief. Elsa was worried that something had happened to her, after all who would trust a Viking? Their stories alone were enough to give adults a nightmare.
"Anna are you okay? Did he try to do anything to you?" Elsa asked her younger sister while examining her body for any scratches or bruises.
"I'm fine, Elsa who are you talking about?" Anna asked with giggles. Elsa's search tickled Anna causing the younger sister to produce small sounds of laughter.
"The Viking."
The giggling then stopped after Elsa said those words.
"Viking? You mean Hiccup?"
"You know his name? Anna, you remember the stories that mother told us, they are nothing but a barbaric group of people that attack other people for fun." Elsa spoke quietly not wanting to attract the attention of the guests. Oh Elsa would give anything right now if they would all just leave.
"I haven't forgotten but Elsa, this isn't like what we hear in the stories. He's different, he's kind, and really funny."
"Anna, he is a Viking."
"You're judging him to quickly Elsa. I've talked to him and…you should talk to him to!" A smile appeared on Anna's face only to be contradicted by Elsa frown.
"Anna, what would that do?" Her sister asked with her eyebrows raised in question.
"It will prove you wrong of all the awful things you're saying about him. Please Elsa can't you do it for me."
Anna grabbed her sister's hands with a soft grip and gave her a puppy dog look for extra convincing. Elsa immediately pulled her hand away once Anna had grabbed it, making the younger sister frown upon such action.
"Sorry Anna, it just…your hands are really cold." Elsa then began blowing on her hands with warm breath and gave a shiver. Anna placed her hand on her cheek and truth be told they didn't feel too cold to her. Elsa saw her sister trying to see if her hands were really cold, not wanting her to ask any more questions Elsa changed the subject.
"Okay Anna, lets meet this Hiccup and see what he is really like." Elsa's attempt to change the subject, and it worked for Anna now had a happy smile on her face, a smile that spread to her older sisters lips.
"Trust me Elsa you're going to like him."
"We'll see Anna, We'll see."
.
.
.
Hiccup walk trough the spacious hallways, making his way back to the ballroom. He took his time, he was in no rush. He walked slowly looking at the vast amount of decoration in these hallways. A floor made of fine wood that will last for years. Chandeliers hanging above him shining brightly, and to top it off stained glass window that were decorated in the color purple. Hiccup gave a small laugh, he knows purple is the royal color but do these people need to put so much of it?
His train of though was broken when he passed a large painting that he ignored earlier when he was searching for Anna.
It was a painting of a family. There was a handsome man with with a pencil thin mustache. His hair was blonde and he had green eyes like hiccup though Hiccups eyes were a much darker green. His clothing was of royalty telling Hiccup that this man must be of some importance. The man had a smile on his face and he had his arm around a woman who bared an extreme resemblance to Anna and Elsa. Only this woman had brown hair and was much older than the two young woman. In her arms was a small child who had the same hair color as Anna. Finally there was a young child with blond hair looking up at the Child that the woman was holding.
Realization had now struck Hiccup. He remembered what Anna had told him. These two people were the former King and Queen of Arendelle, or as others might say Elsa and Anna's parents.
"Hiccup!"
Hiccups train of thought was broken upon hearing that familiar voice. It was Anna who had her sister walking right beside her.
"Hiccup what are you doing why aren't you at..."
Anna did not finish her sentence, she saw what Hiccup was staring at. A painting of her mother and father who she misses dearly. Elsa her self was a bit taken back from seeing her mother and father. It's been three years but the pain was still there for both her and Anna.
"I see you've met our parents Chief Hiccup." Hiccup swallowed hard after hearing Elsa speak. Her voice was cold and Hiccup could not blame her. Hiccup assumed that they must have a lot of question.
"My apologies Queen Elsa. When walking back I saw this painting and I let my curiosity get the better of me." Hiccup apologized for his action and he even bowed his head in shame. An act that surprised both Elsa and Anna. You don't see many people of royal standing apologize, and it's even more rare for them to bow.
Anna in a look of worry turned attention to her older sister. She was hoping that she would not be upset, Anna had wanted both of them to get along. As she looked to her sister she saw no traces of anger of distress.
"What are you apologizing for Chief Hiccup, you have done nothing wrong."
Now Hiccup jerked his head back up in surprise, he was certain that the Queen would have been angry or at least offended with what Hiccup was doing.
"Well I mean...I thought that you would find what I'm doing offensive."
Hiccup spoke with a nervous tone, earning a small giggle from Anna who couldn't help but think how cute he looked.
"You were just observing a painting of my mother and father, I see nothing wrong with that."
As Elsa finished speaking she turned her attention towards the painting, it was obvious that she was in deep thought. Anna walked next to her sister and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Hiccup smiled at this, he was happy to see that these two sister's care for each other.
"...I know you have probably heard this a thousand times but...I'm sorry for what happen to your mother and father. No child should experience a pain like that."
Elsa and Anna turned to Hiccup and saw that his face held compassion and sorrow. Unbeknownst to them Hiccup grew up without a mother, He never knew what happened to her. Did she die or did she forgo the responsibility of a mother and leave him with his father? All he has of her is the stories from his father.
"Thank you Hiccup, That means a lot to me." Anna spoke with a smile, the somber expression seems to be leaving her face.
"Your condolences are appreciated, Chief Hiccup." Elsa said while putting on a small smile on her face. She looked to Anna and began thinking an what she said earlier about him. Perhaps she was right, maybe he was not like how the vikings were described in the book.
The room became silent afterwords, neither person saying a single thing. Hiccup did not like this, it made him uncomfortable. Suddenly an idea popped in his head, an idea that he hoped would cheer the two sisters up. He cleared his throat and prepared for the most silliest antics since he tried to fool Astrid when she found his hidden training spot.
Hiccup spoke in them most fake infatuated rich boy tone he could muster, he puffed out his chest and crossed his arms. "I must say this a fine looking castle."
Elsa stared at the young viking, wondering just in the world this man was doing. She could have sworn that he was acting sad just a few moments ago. Anna on the other hand watched with amused interest. Whatever Hiccup was trying to do she knew it was going to be good, but then again why let him have all the fun. Anna stepped in the fray and began to speak in a fake tone that put Hiccup's to shame.
"I am glad that you find it so interesting Chief Hiccup, our castle was forged from the finest of materials such as stones from Atlantis."
"Alas my castle is only forged from the tears of unicorns, such shame."
Elsa did not know what was worse, watching the Chief of the supposedly barbaric race putting on this strange and amusing charade or the fact that her sister is playing along.
"If possible may I please have a tour of the castle, I find it very interesting and wish to see more!" Hiccup spoke again, not wavering in his act. It was actually very amusing, Anna herself was trying not to break out in laughter and so kept on playing her own little roll. Elsa herself look at Hiccup with a peculiar look on her face, she began wondering what was wrong with this man.
"Of Course Chief Hiccup, I princess of Arendelle would be more than happy to give you a tour...on one condition." Once Anna had finished speaking both Hiccup and Elsa noticed that she had dropped her fake tone and began speaking normally. Something that made Elsa a bit worried.
"And What, Princess are these conditions?" Elsa could not tell what was worse, the viking and his weird tone of talking or the fact that his sister actually found it amusing.
"You must treat me to a dance at the ballroom."
Hiccup almost lost his balance on his covered up prosthetic leg, did the princess of Arendelle just ask him out to a dance? Did they plan this? Judging by the look on the Queen's face and seeing how she was just as surprised Hiccup, that means no. Anna herself still had the same smile on her face and was feeling proud of herself. She just put the man she liked in a predicament where he has no choice but to say yes. Anna was no expert in international affairs but refusing a offer to dance when its the princess asking could lead to bad results.
"I...I would be honored to share a dance with you Princess Anna." Hiccup said with a small amount of fear in his tone.
"Well then drop that silly tone and lets go out and dance before the nights over, Hiccup!" Anna grabbed Hiccup by his arm and began running with Hiccup, who had no choice but to follow in tow to the ballroom so that they could have one last dance before the party ended. Elsa had no chance to voice her opinion, the moment she opened her mouth to say something he sister had already made her way down the staircase. Elsa sighed but took notice of the vikings attempt to cheer up both her and her sister. Perhaps Anna was right, either way Elsa made a mental note to keep on eye on Hiccup just in case.
Elsa was about to leave the empty hallway until she heard a peculiar sound. It was the sound of a window being opened. Elsa found this strange, since when can stained glass windows open? What was even more strange was that at the opened window, there was a black feathered raven staring right at Elsa. This is not a raven's habit, Elsa knew that there habitat lies along north america. So then what is it doing here in a completely different location? More importantly, why is it staring a Elsa?
Elsa made her way to the window and was about to close it but the moment she place her hand on the purple glass. The raven went in a frenzy and began flying around Elsa cawing and pecking at her head. Elsa began failing her arms in the air in attempt to swat the bird and stop its act. Finally the Raven gave one last caw before flying out through the window and leaving a distressed Elsa alone and very irritated.
.
.
.
Elsa finally made her way to the ballroom and upon entering she was welcomed by one of her guards who alerted her that her younger sister was currently sharing a dance with the chief of vikings. Elsa looked past the guard and saw that not only were they dancing but they were attracting some attention. Many of the older guests around them have stopped dancing and began to watch the young pair. Elsa scanned their faces, some of them mostly women had the look of content. Elsa even swore that she heard someone make mention of how cute they looked together. However some of the other faces showed resentment or jealousy, Elsa recognized some of those faces.
Half of the people who showed resentment towards Hiccup and Anna came to Elsa earlier in talk of marriage proposals, trade and sometimes both. Elsa had declined all of those offers and decide to save that conversation for another time.
For now Elsa watched the two dance and began pondering in her thoughts. She knew her younger sister all to well and knew that she had fallen for the young man dancing with her. Elsa did not approve of this for she was not one to believe in love at first sight. What brought her comfort was the Viking's face. Hiccup faces showed no signs of romance or anything of the sort. One could tell by looking that he was merely enjoying a night with a good friend.
Elsa then began to ponder on Hiccup, so far the man seems friendly. No signs of what you would expect from a regular viking, still Elsa felt the need to keep an eye on him for one can never be to careful. Elsa watched the two dance and saw the bright smile on her sister's face. If brought her comfort to see her sister again, and even more so to see her enjoying the evening.
The song had ended. Only one more song would be played and then the party would come to and end. Elsa sighed in sadness for she was unable to have even one dance with anyone. She knew why, it was for their safety Elsa did not wish to bring harm upon others. Still she shouldn't help but feel envious of her sister.
"Queen Elsa." The sound of her name broke Elsa out of her train of thought, she saw Hiccup was standing in front of her with his hand extended towards her.
"May I have this dance?"
Elsa look at Hiccup and wondered what compelled the man to come and ask her for a dance. She looked to her sister Anna, who was encouraging her to take his hand. Elsa looked at Hiccup who had a soft smile on his face. The man was nervous but he did well to hide it. Elsa began wondering if this a good idea, what if he felt her cold hands and found it to be suspicious? She could not risk that, she must keep it a secret no matter what...still Elsa wished to have at least one dance. Hiccup did not seem like such a bad guy and just what harm could one dance possibly bring?
"Yes...yes you may." Elsa slowly reached out and grabbed Hiccup's hand. Hiccup then lead her to the center of the ballroom and grabbed her hand with his. Elsa became a bit nervous, this her first time dancing with man that was not her father. What didn't help was that guest were watching her completely, especially the men who she had turned down when they asked her to dance. Elsa ignored all the stares, how could she pay them any attention when she was to busy having fun with this dance. Elsa could tell that the man was no expert at dancing but that just made this all the more enjoyable. With Hiccup being taller than her Elsa looked up to see Hiccup's face. Maybe it was the atmosphere, or perhaps Hiccup was just under the right light but when Elsa looked up to see Hiccup only one thought entered her mind.
"He is quite handsome..."Elsa cheeks went a bit red when this thought entered his head, she looked away for a brief moment and dismissed that thought. Hiccup paid no notice of the Queen's red cheeks, he was to busy trying to make sure he doesn't mess up while dancing. Having a prosthetic leg can make dancing quite the challenge.
Anna herself was watching with a smile on her face. She was the one who asked Hiccup if he could ask her sister to a dance since she hasn't had a single dance with anyone. She was afraid that despite getting to know Hiccup, Elsa would still refuse to dance but those fears were washed away when she saw Elsa take his hand. She was happy that her new friend and sister were getting along.
The last song had ended and the dancing between the Chief and Queen had stopped.
That marked the end of the party and a sign that all guest must now return home.
.
.
.
The guest had now started to leave they said there goodbye's to the queen and princess of Arendelle. Elsa and Anna thanked them for coming, the only one that they didn't thank was the prince from the southern isle's who kept on talking and talking to Elsa and Anna. Elsa herself was becoming annoyed with this man while Anna was just looking for Hiccup who has yet to say goodbye.
Once the man had stopped talking and left Elsa turned her attention to Anna who seemed a bit upset.
"Anna, whats wrong?" Elsa asked and got her answer when she looked in the same direction as her sister and saw that Hiccup was talking to a young woman with short brown hair, she was currently wearing a pink dress that made her stand out. Neither Elsa nor Anna could hear what the two were talking about but they could see that Hiccup was enjoying the conversation with the young woman, something that irritated Anna to no end. Elsa herself couldn't help but giggle at how silly her younger sister could be, she was going to say something but decide that this was too fun to interrupt.
"My she's quite pretty isn't she Anna?"
"She's too short."
"So? what if Chief Hiccup has a thing for short girls?"
Anna looked at Elsa who had put on a teasing smile on her face. Anna crossed her arms in frustration as she heard laughter coming from Hiccup.
"I think they make a cute couple don't you?" Elsa asked as sweetly as she could earning a annoyed look from her sister. Finally the two had stopped talking and waved each other goodbye. Hiccup was now the last guest in the empty ballroom, he made his way towards the royal sisters and was a bit confused as to why Anna was sporting a face of irritation.
"Are you okay Anna?"
"Just fine Hiccup...Just Fine"Anna muttered that last part leaving Hiccup confused. Elsa herself was suppressing her laughter, Seeing Anna act anything but her age was always amusing.
"Cheif Hiccup, On behalf of Arendelle we thank you for coming to our party." Hiccup bowed to both the Queen and the princess and gave that adorable smile that Anna had come to love.
"Thank you for inviting me, it was fun meeting both of you." Hiccup meant those words, meeting these two girls was the most fun he's had in a while. He hopes that their kingdom will do well and that no harm would fall on them.
Hiccup was ready to make his leave before he felt an arm grab him with a soft grip. It was Anna who look like she was holding in a question. "Wait Hiccup don't you remember? WE still oh you that tour of the castle!"
Hiccup looked surprised, he did not expect the Princess and Queen to live up to their word. Especially with the Day already over and the moon shining brightly above their heads. Anna turned and gave a pleading look to her older sister who had her doubts. Still This man if not anything is very humorous and their sure to get a couple of laughs around him.
"She is right Chief Hiccup, will you not stay for just a few more hours?" Elsa asked politely to the Chief who was currently pondering his choices. Hiccup knew that this may be his only chance to get a private tour of the castle and far be it from him for look a gift horse in the mouth.
"I would like that very much." His answer brought a smile to Anna's face and a pleasant nod from Elsa. With those two leading the way Hiccup followed in tow and wondered what this castle has to offer.
To be continued...
Holy Crap! I got way more review than i hoped when I published this story. I'm really happy that you guys liked it or at least find it interesting.
I only have one question for you guys...the BOLD. I use bold to make character speeches stand out more so that their easier to tell apart from just narration but if you guys don't like please tell so i no not to do it in the next chapter.
So uh that's it for this chapter, thanks for reading hope you enjoyed!