Kristoff struggled to stay on the ladder as the wind swirled around him, threatening to send him plummeting to the ground below. The heavy rain had stopped. But the sprinkles that were being flung around by gusts of wind stung at his cheeks. He grabbed at ladder with left hand and closed the hinges to the shutter with his right.

A gust shifted direction and the mountain man's body was sent reeling away from the ladder. But his grip was tight and he hung on. "Have we done all of them?"

The wind continued to swirl and scream.

Barthold, the stable master, called out from below, attempting to be heard. "Kristoff, what… we can't hear you!" But his voice was carried away into the storm.

Kristoff cupped a hand around his mouth and tried to call again. "What! What did you say?" The stinging rain intensified and he doubted he could stay on the ladder for much longer.

Another man came running up to the small group of men. Crispin, a rather burly under butler, grabbed him by his raincoat before he toppled over. "What is it?"

The smaller man, Didrik, trembled in the cold. "We've got to go! A tree branch crashed into the Queen's bedroom!"

"Kristoff!" Crispin called over his shoulder. "Kristoff, come down!"

Despite the blaring wind the mountain man clearly heard the last word and scrambled down the ladder as fast as he could without tripping. When he reached the bottom he and the other men hoisted the large ladder between them and took off running towards the western side of the castle.

Anna could not stop moving, and was furiously pacing back and forth in her bedroom, wondering at just what exactly had gone on earlier. That thing that was in her sister's bedroom—and Elsa missing—had her on edge, and she just couldn't relax. Good, God, what was that creature?

The princess stopped her pacing at a knock on her door. She jumped at first, and then took in a deep breath. "Yes, who is it?"

Gerda, Head of the Household, poked her head into the bedroom before fully coming into the room. "Hello, princess Anna. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Anna collapsed onto her bed, sitting down rather roughly. "No, no. What news of my sister?"

"That's just it, my Lady, the guards haven't found her as of yet." The older woman tried to keep her voice soothing.

A few tears fell down the princess's cheeks. "They haven't found her! Then they aren't looking hard enough! I want every guard and soldier that is in Arendelle right now looking for the Qu—for Elsa!"

Gerda frowned. "Everyone is out looking for Her Majesty, Princess Anna. I'm sure they will find her soon."

Anna stood and turned away from Gerda, moving to stare out her window. The rain was heavy yet scattered, and the winds were still blowing about furiously. That creature… She wondered silently to herself if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Because whatever she had stumbled across in the Queen's room bore a striking resemblance to Elsa. Anna shivered at that thought. But hadn't Elsa been on edge the entire day, and evening? Anna wasn't exactly sure if Elsa's strange behavior that night had anything to do with her disappearance. But the more she thought about it the more sense it made. And what of her strange comments concerning the storm? Was that part of it, as well—and then that strange creature showed up in Elsa's room, escaping before she could get an undeniable look at it.

The princess pondered all these things in the hope of coming to a conclusion of some sort. But the truth eluded her, carried away in much the same way as dandelions are blown away by the wind.

The Head of the Household cleared her throat and waited for the Princess to say something to break the awkward silence.

Finally Anna turned around, her legs were a bit shaky. "Do you think so?"

"Yes, Princess Anna," Gerda replied. She took a tentative step towards the young woman. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Anna shook her head. "No—wait. Can you stay with me for a while? I really don't feel like being alone right now."

"Yes, my Lady, I can stay as long as you need me."

It was cold, cold was all around it. It shivered uncontrollably as the winds whipped up around it, strong enough to flap its wings. It looked all around, searching for something, anything to take away its pain and chill. For it was in tremendous pain to be so alone and so cold in a vastness of wherever it was. It could not recognize or name the things that were within its view, only that they were wet whenever it accidently touched them.

Wet and cold—that's all it knew about the world around it.

Things slapped against its skin as it moved one leg before the other—feeling with its hands as it preceded one step at a time towards…towards… It lifted its head and sniffed at the air, discerning a multitude of things in that one breath. There was food to be found in this place. It could smell and hear the small living creatures that scuttled away as it came too close to them. They ran away and it knew frustration for the first time.

The human inside struggled to rise to the surface, but was forced down by the creature within—that part of it that was now animal was dominant. It growled low in its throat again and felt that pulsing need to feed. But there was not only hunger, but also a need to shelter and feel warmth.

Instinct took over and it headed in the direction of the nearest warmth, which was not too far from where it was. Feet scraped against the hard earth as it maneuvered around large stones and growing outcroppings of brush. Its toe hit a particularly hard and cold stone and it raised its head and howled in agony. Its head dropped and it whimpered at the pain. It dropped to the ground and lifted the toe to its mouth and began to lick the injured appendage.

When it was satisfied that the pain was gone it moved towards the warmth once again. The rocks got larger and more difficult to move around but when it rounded a corner of thick trees the source of the warmth became apparent. The human sighed as the beast looked on in confusion at the hot springs, not knowing what to do.

Elsa struggled to the surface and forced her legs forward until she fell into the hot water.

The creature howled with delight as the feeling of cold was replaced by the feeling of warmth and it hissed out its pleasure. It used its wings to splash the hot water onto its face and cackled with delight, and at that moment its need for warmth was satisfied. But it was still hungry and it knew it—but not as a human would know things—through cognition, but by sense, and instinct. There were few little creatures about, but they were staying far away from it. A low growl escaped its lips and it moved about on the rocky underwater surface.

At that moment its keen eyes caught sight of something not too far from it. A small animal lounged near the hot spring's edge and was cleaning its fur, oblivious to the threat. The creature flattened its wings and glided over the surface of the water, very careful not to make a sound as it approached its prey. But just as it was about to snatch it the small animal scurried away.

Elsa growled in frustration at the loss of her meal and pounded her fists on the rocky earth. She opened her eyes and saw that she had bloodied her hands in her vexation. Sniffing at the blood re-awoke her hunger, and the strange thing that was poking out between her legs twitched in response. Elsa lowered her hand tentatively and touched the protrusion. It twitched again as she ran her hand over its growing length. The creature growled as the human, struggling to maintain control, could only watch in fascination.

Just as the creature before had learned of frustration for the first time Elsa now knew of the urge to rut. A new hunger rose up in the creature and slammed down the human as far as she could go. Elsa was gone again, replaced by an animal that was both hungry for food and overwhelmed with the need to mate. It scrambled out of the water and shook the water off of its skin. Growling, the creature flapped its dark wings and drove itself into the woods.

King Edvardt got up out of bed, careful to not disturb his wife, and put on his robe, tying it around his waist as he exited the royal bedchamber. Numerous candles throughout the hallway illuminated his way as he strode towards the eastern wing of his castle, where his children were lodged. The old man paused after a few moments to nurse his aching knees, which seemed to be getting worse the older he became. As he passed various guards in the passageways they saluted him, but he ignored them, intent as he was on his destination.

The king reached the eastern wing after about ten minutes and stopped momentarily confused as to which door to knock on. But the confusion passed as quickly as it came and walked to the end of the hall and didn't bother to knock. The door creaked loudly as he burst into the room and strode quickly to the oversized bed.

Edvardt's eyes narrowed. "Get up, now."

The prince didn't move at first, and only snored louder as he rolled over onto his back.

The king leaned over the bed slightly and violently shook the prince's shoulder. "I said get up—now, before I really lose my temper!"

The younger man slowly opened his eyes and turned his head to openly glare at his father. "It's the middle of the night. What do you want now?"

But the king had already turned around and was walking out of the room. "Meet me in my study in five minutes, and don't be late."

Ten minutes later the prince opened the door to his father's study and found the older man sitting at his desk seemingly lost in a letter he was reading. "I'm here now, your Majesty, was is it? Don't dally, old man, spill it out."

The King took off his spectacles and then turned around to warm his hands at the fireplace. "Quit being pathetic, Hans, you're lucky not to be in the prison. Shut up and sit down."

Hans, angry, closed his mouth and for a moment stared at his father, a man that he once idolized, and only now had contempt for. Without speaking, he sat down and faced the old king.

Edvardt picked up the letter he was reading and slipped it over to his youngest. "Read this—it's from Weselton."

Hans snatched up the letter. "What does that old man want?"

"He's dying."

Hans looked up from the letter and his eyes narrowed. "I see." He poured over the letter and his face never once betrayed what emotions he was feeling. "Very interesting, indeed. So the old man is finally telling you the truth. Do you believe him?"

The king smirked at Hans' question. "Of course I do. It seems that our once fair cousin is genuinely asking for our help. What sort of assistance should we grant him, boy?"

Hans bristled at the description. "Why ask me? You don't care what I think and do, never have. Perhaps I should fetch Fingaard for you?"

"None of my other sons can help me with this, only you, I'm afraid."

"Why only me?"

The king brought a fist down on the table. "Because you were there—you saw everything, and you know their weaknesses! Our cousin is dying and I intend to agree to his final plans."

Hans recoiled slightly, and a small amount of self-doubt stole over him. "But I'm not a military officer."

"You've never backed down from a challenge in your life. If you don't want to then go ahead, go and get Fingaard right now and I'll task him."

The last thing Hans wanted to do was give any of his older brothers a chance to shine above him. "When do we sail?"

Edvardt sat back in his chair and nodded approvingly. "You've got four to six months to prepare an army and a navy—I want Arendelle brought to its knees."

Hans could not stop the evil grin that graced his features. "Oh, it will be. There is nothing that would give me more pleasure."

Anna jumped at the sound of the male voices and sat up. She looked over to one of her armchairs to find Gerda sitting in it, apparently asleep. Anna swung her legs over the side of the bed and realized she must have dosed off for a bit. After rubbing at her eyes she left her room and followed the voices, and found herself in her sister's room where three men were boarding up the broken window. They were soaking wet.

Kristoff had lifted up the broken branch and was about to take it away when he saw Anna. He put down the branch and approached her. "Hey, Anna."

Anna noticed his wet clothes. "Have you been out in this rain?"

"The Queen did need volunteers, remember?"

"I didn't think you would be one of them."

The mountain man started to run his calloused hand over her cheek, but then stopped himself, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the others present. "Is it true, that the Queen is missing?"

"Yes, I'm afraid it's true." Anna realized there would be no lying to this man, and with all of Arendelle's guards and soldiers looking for her, it would be pointless anyway.

"What can I do to help?"

Anna leaned against his thick frame. "I don't know, Kristoff. But if you—" She was cut off by the entrance of an officer.

"Princess Anna!"

"Yes, what is it?"

The officer bowed. "One of the canine patrols has apparently picked up…well…"

Anna pushed off Kristoff and stood before the officer. "Yes, come on and tell me."

"May I speak to you privately, Princess?"

Anna glanced at Kristoff before exiting Elsa's bedroom to the hallway. Once there she took the man by his arm and led him further away. "No one can here us now. Do you have news of my sister, the Queen?"

"I think so, Princess Anna, but its very confusing."

The princess tapped her foot in annoyance. "Just—tell me."

"Well, we had the dogs sniff at some of the Queen's dresses to get her scent and then sent them out. Mind you, we used our most reliable canines, the ones that can find things in inclement weather—and they led us to…well, a slaughter."

Anna blanched. "Elsa is dead?"

"No, my Lady, they led us to an animal—a small dear, I think—that had been completely torn apart. At first we thought that perhaps the dogs followed the wrong trail. But when they were given a dress to smell again they led us to a small, run down cottage just outside of the city proper where we found the bodies of what appears to be a transient couple. They were eviscerated, just like the animal."

Anna didn't know how long she stood there, stunned. She cleared her throat before speaking. "Did you—find any trace of the Queen?"

The officer shook his head. "The dogs went completely crazy—her scent must have been all over the place, Princess Anna."

"What of now? Anything else?"

"Only that the dogs eventually led us back into the city. Apart from that, there is still no trace of the Queen."

"What do you think killed the animal and those people?" There was a nagging at the back of Anna's mind. Something was telling her to tread lightly in this matter and not to give too much away.

"We don't know, Princess. Perhaps a huge wolf? I pray that whatever it was spared the Queen."

Anna turned away from the man for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. It didn't make any sense at first. Were the dogs that reliable? Perhaps they were following the wrong scent all along. After a few awkward moments she turned towards the worried face of the man in front of her. "How many men saw… saw the carnage?"

"At least twelve, Your Highness."

"Good. Will you see that they are sworn to secrecy? I don't want any rumors floating around about murderous wolves. The last thing we want is for the people to panic."

"Yes, Your Highness. If I may be of service please don't hesitate to ask for me."

Anna tilted her head. "I don't believe I got your name?"

The man bowed and reached for her hand to kiss it. "Gunnar, Princess Anna—Captain Gunnar."

"Very well, Captain, you may return to your duties."

When he was gone Anna noticed that Kristoff was peering at her from Elsa's door. He didn't look happy. The princess sighed out of frustration. The last thing she needed right now was a jealous Kristoff. She slowly walked towards him as he stepped out into the hall.

"What was that all about?"

Anna brushed some hair behind her ear. "I don't feel like talking right now, Kristoff. I'm going to my room—and no, please don't follow me."

When she reached her room she was thankful that Gerda was gone. She made a mental note to talk to her sometime soon, after she got a little rest. It was important that the castle staff did not in any way gossip or spread rumors about what happened to the Queen.

Anna sat at her vanity and looked at herself in the mirror. What happened to the Queen? It was a strange sentiment in that she didn't even know about what exactly happened to her sister. That creature… was it Elsa? Could her sister have somehow transformed into that hideous monster and was now prowling the countryside looking for victims? The more she thought about it the more absurd it sounded, even to her addled mind.

But Elsa was clearly worried about something. No, not just merely worried.

Anna repeated those phrases over and over again in her mind to try to work them out. She was sure about it; just as sure as she was that that creature was somehow connected to her sister. But, it was preposterous, wasn't it? Anna was sure in her knowledge. But she was also pragmatic. She was keenly aware to keep that information locked within herself for the time being. It would do no good to lay her suspicions on people who were just getting used to the idea of an absolute ruler with ice powers. They would run her and Elsa—if and when they found her—straight out of the Kingdom and never let them return.

Anna groaned and cradled her head in her hands, a bone weariness stealing over her and making her wish for sleep. But even now it would be useless to try, her nerves were still a bit wracked, and she wanted to be awake the moment they did find Elsa. Perhaps she should have let Kristoff accompany her to her room. At least, he would have listened to her ramblings.

Maybe, if I just let my head rest for a moment I will be okay.

Anna curled her arms onto her vanity and rested her head on top of them. She was asleep within seconds.

It has feasted, and now it sat unmolested in the driest warmth it had ever known. It was content for the first time in its existence. Not only was it warm but it was bright as a light from somewhere beyond illuminated the surroundings. Light and warm enveloped it in such a profound way that it buried itself amongst the dry hay and closed its weary eyes—falling into a much needed sleep.

This is sure taking on a life of its own. Please leave a review and let me know what you think.