Elsa circled her arms around Anna's waist and held on tightly. The ground was now scattered about with heavier rocks, and their horse slowed down to maneuver about them. When the horse reared up a little Elsa closed her eyes and whimpered, such was her fear. In fact, the farther into the land of the trolls they progressed the higher the Queen's anxiety became. To the point of her believing that she was going to fall off their mount at any moment.

Finally, Anna had enough. "What is wrong with you, Elsa? Settle down back there, will you?"

"I can't." Her eyes darted about.

"Well, if you squeeze any tighter I won't be able to breathe." Anna turned her body to face her sister. "It's alright, Elsa. We're close to the troll's home—probably less than fifteen minutes away."

Elsa held on tighter as the pain on top of her head became unbearable. She leaned her head on Anna's shoulder and groaned in her discomfiture. "I'm sorry, but the pain is more than I can take."

"Do you want us to stop and take a rest?"

"Please, can we?"

Anna looked for an appropriate place to stop and saw an outcropping about twenty yards ahead that was surrounded by three large boulders. A large horse chestnut grew beside the boulders, creating a shaded place to stop. As Anna steered the horse closer she felt a shift on her back.

"Elsa?" The Queen's arms loosened around her waist. She was just about to panic when she heard a soft snore behind her. Elsa had fallen asleep. Anna grabbed ahold of the blonde's arms to keep her from falling. "Its okay, only a few more feet—and, there. Wake up sleepy head."

Elsa groaned, and then yawned while she lifted her head. "But I don't want to be awake, Anna. I don't feel the pain when I sleep."

Anna quickly dismounted and held Elsa by her waist as the Queen came down from the horse. The blonde was exhausted, and there were the beginnings of dark circles under her eyes. Alarmed, Anna wrapped her arm around her sister's waist and led her over to the shaded area under the ledge. She placed the blonde against the tree and then retrieved the saddlebag and blanket. After she placed the blanket on the ground she guided Elsa over to the blanket and sat her down. The blonde slumped down until she was on her back; she was asleep within seconds. Anna removed her coat and placed it over her sister's prone form.

Anna sat next to Elsa and used the time to examine the top of Elsa's head, where the wounds were. She gently parted her hair and saw that the bony protuberances appeared to be bigger than they were in the morning, and the wounds themselves were bleeding slightly.

Anna took in a deep breath and closed her eyes, her heart breaking immediately. "Oh, Elsa, what are we going to do?" She laid Elsa's head in her lap and softly stroked her platinum blonde hair, thankful that she was asleep. Anna had to remind herself that her sister was only 22 years old, and was much too young to be going through her current trials, and by default, so was she. The redhead scooted back until her back rested against the chestnut and she closed her eyes.

Anna's eyes snapped open and for a brief moment she did not know where she was. But she felt a weight on her lap and looked to down to find her sister's head on her lap, just where she left it. The Queen was still sleeping. Sometime during her nap she had curled up into a fetal position and appeared to be… sucking her thumb.

The princess couldn't help it, she laughed, hard. "You are too adorable, Elsa. I am never going to let you forget this." She nudged the Queen's shoulder and Elsa whimpered. But it was enough so that said thumb popped out of the blonde's mouth.

Elsa stirred and opened her eyes. "Oh, I needed this rest, thanks, Anna."

"You were sucking your thumb, just like a baby."

The blonde slowly sat up. "What on earth are you talking about? I don't suck my thumb, Anna—that would be undignified."

"Oh, yes, you do—and if you think I'm going to let you forget it you are sorely mistaken."

"I'm sore, alright." Elsa ran her hands through her hair and felt the hard protrusions. "They are bigger, aren't they?"

Anna's smile faded. "Yes. I inspected your head earlier and saw them."

Elsa looked up into Anna's eyes and took her hand. "What happens if the trolls can't heal me?"

"I'm not even entertaining such a thought, Elsa. They have magical powers, and you did tell me Pabbie cured me when I was little."

"But what is happening to me seems to be more than just a magical spell. We are involved in some sort of ancient prophecy—and are playing a part in an unfolding drama."

"Are you saying that you don't think we have a choice but to go along with it? I don't believe in that kind of thinking. I believe we create our own fortunes, and that they can change."

Elsa smiled, and lowered her head. "You don't believe in Fate?"

"Not anymore."

"Did you once?"

"I did, when I thought I was to marry a prince and live happily ever after. But look at what happened with Hans, that cowardly good-for-nothing fu—"

Elsa placed her a finger on Anna's lips. "Please, no negativity. I don't think I can take it right now." She sighed heavily, still a little groggy from her sleep. "I need for you to promise me something, Anna?"

"Anything. Whatever you want and need I will do it." Anna squeezed Elsa's hand a little tighter.

"If the trolls can't help me, and if my body doesn't stop changing, I don't think I'll be able to rule Arendelle for much longer."

Anna's eyes went wide. "What?"

Elsa indicated her body. "Look at me, Anna. I'm turning into—a freak. Soon my hair won't be able to hide whatever these things are. And I can feel those things on back, and then let's not mention…" She grasped her crotch. "…this!"

The princess tore her hand away and stood up. "I can't—I don't want to talk about this now!"

The blonde stood as well and forced her sister to face her. "We have to, Anna! I don't want to abdicate the throne, it's not in me to give up and quit. But I also don't think my subjects will want an aberration ruling them, do you? Look how long it took them to accept my powers; and what is happening to me now is…is…" Elsa let go of her sister's arms. "You'll have to take over, Anna. I can see no other way around this."

A few tears slipped from the princess's eyes. "I wasn't raised to be a Queen, Elsa."

"I can teach you everything that I know. You won't be without any help. Perhaps I should move to the North Mountain and stay there."

"What? No, you can stay at the castle in Arendelle. There is no way I'm going to let you go up there alone!" Anna was adamant.

"Don't you see? Anna, you have to listen to me now, while I still have the ability to think and reason. Arendelle will need a strong leader, someone who loves it just as much as I do, and that person is you. I certainly don't want to leave it in the hands of one our petty nobles. They'll war with each other until a victor is claimed—they'll spoil the land and themselves in the process, and crush the people. I don't trust any of them." Elsa breathed in deeply. "Do you think I want to return to the North Mountain? There is nothing up there but ice and isolation. But at least I wouldn't be able to hurt anyone—hurt you."

Anna was devastated. "You wouldn't hurt me, Elsa."

"I wouldn't on purpose," Elsa stated. She sat back down, weary and drained.

At that moment the wind picked up, blowing and swirling around them. Anna looked up at the sky and saw the beginnings of storm clouds on the eastern horizon. "Oh, no."

The Grand Pabbie paced back and forth on the threshold of his Kingdom and waited for the search parties to return. He had sent out all of his people to search for the Queen, and so far none of them returned with her. He was worried. The signs were clear and unmistakable and he silently cursed himself for not perceiving them earlier. But the stars were veiled, refusing to give up their secrets, and he could no longer read the messages hidden in the runes. Time was slowly but inadvertently catching up to him, and for the first time he felt old.

His arm joints ached and his fire crystals were dim. His eyes were once burning embers of wisdom and knowledge. But that fire had burned out long ago, and what was left, was only a shadow of his former self. But the appointed time would come whether he was ready for it or not.

He stopped pacing and looked to the east; roiling black clouds were on the horizon, and it was time to prepare for the arrival of the Queen.

Elsa slumped on the saddle of the mare, holding on as best she could as Anna walked ahead of the animal, holding its reins. The wind screamed in the east, and the animal became more skittish as the minutes flew by. But Anna was able to keep it from bolting by feeding it one sugary treat after another. They rounded a rather large boulder and caught sight of Pabbie on the border of the Valley of the Living Rock.

Excited, Anna waved at him. "Grand Pabbie, over here!"

The shaman turned towards the voice, and breathed a sigh of relief. He lifted his hand and clenched his fist, indicating for trolls to assist the Queen. Several trolls came forward, some took the reins from Anna and led Elsa away to a safe place. The others led the princess over the Grand Pabbie.

Anna tiredly walked to the older troll and bent down on her knee. "Its good to see you again, Grand Pabbie."

"Please, Princess Anna, I am just Pabbie." He looked over her shoulder to the east. "Will you come with me please."

The shaman led Anna deeper into the forest that stood in the center of the Valley. The horse chestnuts and beech were scattered about the outside ring of the old wood, but at its center lie the oldest coniferous forest in the Kingdom of Arendelle. There was a proliferation of hot springs scattered all around the perimeter of the forest, and hot steam coated the trees and dripped down like rain. The conifers rose high in the sky, and lanterns swung easily between them.

Anna looked up at the growing dark sky and shivered. "Where is Elsa?"

"I am taking you to her now. It will night soon and of what we must speak may not be uttered in darkness." Pabbie passed between two boulders and followed a path through the trees that eventually led, after several long minutes, to an opening to a rather large cave. He stopped at its entrance and pointed inward. "The Queen rests in that dwelling, and so must you Princess. Until tomorrow." The troll didn't wait for a response and immediately left to follow the path deeper into the forest.

Anna stood there for a few moments, startled by the sudden departure of the shaman. "Well…"

She entered into the cave and noticed that the rocky tunnel sloped downward at a small angle and then opened up to a rather large dwelling space, about two stories high. Anna looked around but couldn't find the source of light, as it appeared that the rocky walls were themselves glowing. There was a rather large bed that was built between four stalagmites and Elsa was laying on it. Other than the bed, the cave was devoid of furniture that a human could be comfortable on.

Anna rushed over to the bed to check on Elsa. She moved to the blonde's feet to take off her boots. After she removed the right boot she was caught off guard by the coloring of her sister's foot. She wasn't sure if it was caused by the strange lightening in the cave or if she was really seeing a bluish tint to Elsa's foot. At a closer examination she noticed that the skin on the foot seemed to be thicker, with a scaly appearance to it. She quickly removed the other boot and saw the same thing on the left foot.

Anna threw the boots to the side of the bed and took hold of Elsa's hands. They looked normal to her, but instead of breathing a sigh of relief, she inhaled sharply and looked at her sister's feet again, her suspicion confirmed; Elsa's feet were changing color. She sat back on the bed and fresh tears ran down her cheeks.

"Please don't cry."

The princess looked up and saw that her sister was awake and watching her. "I can't help it."

Elsa sat up and looked at her feet. She dispassionately passed her hands over them, feeling the thickness of the skin and the scale-like appearance. After sighing she looked to Anna, who was still crying. "Will you listen to me now, snowflake?"

Anna threw her arms around Elsa's neck and cried even harder. Elsa had not called her 'snowflake' in years, not since they were young children. "Oh, yes, Elsa."

The blonde wrapped her arms around her sister's waist and pulled her closer. "I will abdicate quietly and you will be queen, Anna."

The princess's body wracked with sobs. "No, no…"

"It is the way of things, is it not, dear sister?" Elsa pulled Anna onto her lap. "One sovereign replacing the other in a dire time of need. I'm sure the nobles will be glad to be rid of me."

Anna's hands fisted and she rested them on Elsa's shoulders. "I can't…I don't want to do it."

Elsa slowly began to rock back and forth, and gently wiped away Anna's tears. "I know you don't want to. But I will be there, remember? I'll lead you through all the steps. You won't be alone, Anna."

Anna's body reacted, imperceptibly, to the motion under her and she squeezed her eyes shut. Elsa was barely moving, but it was enough to stir something in Anna that she never felt before—something that was raw and unyielding—and it forced her mouth open with a loud gasp.

The pant seemed to break the spell between them, and Anna slipped off of Elsa's lap with the tiniest of whimpers. "I can't, Elsa, I'm sorry."

Elsa lowered her eyes and covered up her lap. She wasn't sure at that moment what Anna was saying 'no' to. "You must be Queen if I can't be." Elsa slid over to the side of the bed and picked up her boots. "No more dresses for me."

Anna looked at her over her shoulder. "Why not?"

"Imagine what my feet will look like in heels. I don't want anyone seeing the changes, Anna. Only you."

Anna turned around and faced her sister. Could she really do what Elsa was asking of her? Only this morning she wanted to vomit at the look of the 'wings' coming out of Elsa's back. Would she be able to tolerate the dreadful transformation her sister was going through? Another terrible thought occurred to her—would Elsa also lose her mind? Would this bodily transformation do something to the inner person that was Elsa, to the sister she loved more than life itself? Being a Queen seemed like a simple thing compared to what she would have endure if Elsa slowly withered away.

"I'm hungry."

Anna's turmoil was interrupted by Elsa's simple declaration. She smiled despite herself. "I don't have anything to eat. I didn't bring the saddle bag with me."

Elsa finished putting on her boots. "Let's look about, shall we, and see what we can find." She didn't have to go far, as there was a basket at the cave's entrance. Elsa picked it up and brought back over to the bed. "Someone is taking care of us, I think."

Anna opened the basket and found food in it. "I didn't think the trolls ate any of this." She pulled out a sausage, bread, cheese, and various fruits from the basket. "Look at this, Elsa."

"I see. Do we have a knife to cut that sausage?"

Anna found one, and plates. After cutting off a large slice of meat she gave it to Elsa.

The blonde piled her plate high with food and began to eat like she hadn't had a decent meal in days. "I've never had much of an appetite, but I feel ravenous."

Anna looked up and wondered if this was part of the change that her sister was going through. "Don't worry, Elsa, I'm always hungry."

"I know. I remember mother having to bribe me to eat my supper."

The princess stuffed a hunk of cheese into her mouth. "She did?"

"Almost every night. I think that's how I became addicted to chocolate." Elsa smiled as she ate, almost as if she didn't have a care in the world.

It made Anna a little nervous, wondering if Elsa was already losing her senses. "Are you okay, Elsa?"

The Queen put her plate on her lap. "Considering everything I seem to be in fine spirits tonight."

"Why?" It was a simple question, but carried more meaning behind it.

"Because we are safe here in this cave, under the protection of a shaman. I have a feeling we won't have too many more nights like this, Anna, and I really want to enjoy it. Is there anything to drink in the basket?"

Anna dug through the bottom of the basket and produced a small jug. But it contained only water. "Just water, I'm afraid."

"Well, that's too bad. I'd have rather enjoyed a good cup of ale."

"But you don't like beer, Elsa." Anna snickered at the pout on her sister's face.

"I know. But I'm really in the mood to experience as many things as I can, Anna, before—I can't." Elsa grimaced and clutched at her head. "I'm in pain again."

"Perhaps its time to sleep. I've noticed it helps to get you through the pain."

Elsa looked up. "Do you mind if I sleep?" She put down her plate and took off her boots before crawling under the covers. "Just give me a few minutes."

Anna sighed and watched Elsa as she snored. "Good night, Elsa."

Anna opened her eyes and blinked, and the reality of where she was broke over her. She felt a pressure on her back and realized that Elsa was holding onto her from behind, her arm wrapped around her waist. The blonde's shallow breathing was ghosting over the back of her neck. At that moment Anna felt completely loved, and it was a bittersweet feeling. After a short while, she felt Elsa shift behind her, her hip aligning with her own, and then her sister whimpered softly.

Elsa's need was obvious, yet Anna was dumbfounded on how to help her. A part of her bewilderment was due to her own inexperience in such things. Kristoff had been too much of a gentleman to even broach the subject, and she never asked him to. His kisses were hesitant, tremulous, and more often than not left her bereft, and wanting. The other part of her, long dormant for want of companionship, basked in certain curiosity, and wanted to ask Elsa what she needed, and that frightened her. There was something about her that was different, and it had nothing to do with her physical transformation. Anna fought with own ignorance on how to describe it. The only thing that her mind could think of was how the men at court delighted in when she changed her perfumes. It never failed to arouse their—curiosity, or their ambitions toward her. Yes, it was as if her sister had changed her 'perfume' somehow, and whatever it was that was wafting from her… it was… it was…

Intoxicating.

Anna's head was swimming with the implications of her new knowledge. But she didn't get the chance to think more about it as Elsa stirred behind her, rousing from her sleep.

The Queen opened her eyes and rolled over onto her back. She turned her head and saw Anna beside her. "Is it a good morning?"

"I don't know, yet," Anna breathed, trying to keep her keep her rapid heartbeat under control.

"What do mean by that?"

Anna turned over and was about to say something but then she stopped. There were tiny spots of blood on top of Elsa's hair. She sat up and pulled Elsa with her. "Let me look at your head, okay?"

Elsa nodded and lowered her head. "What is it?"

Anna looked at the clearly visible horns and let out a ragged breath. "They're longer, Elsa. About an inch long now."

"Will my hair cover them?"

"For now, but, I don't know about tomorrow." Anna pulled Elsa's head to her and kissed her on the forehead. "Will you let me see your back?"

Elsa turned away from the princess and lifted the shirt over her head, not bothering to unbutton it. Anna kept her eyes closed for a moment, to prepare herself for what she might see. The slits on the Queen's back were at least five inches long now, and the dark leathery skin that was protruding from them stuck out about two inches. Anna touched one of the 'wings' and it flapped.

Anna jerked her hand away. "Did you do that?"

Elsa lowered her head and sat quiet for a moment. "Yes, I did. Your fingers were—ticklish."

"Can you keep them inside your body? Do they have to come out?"

Elsa focused her attention on her back, and on her new wings. She consciously thought about the wings, and wanted them to retract, but they stayed outside of her body. "No, I can make them move, but I can't put them away."

"Queen Elsa!"

Both Anna and Elsa started at the intrusion, and Elsa hastily put her shirt back on. But before either one of them could say anything Bulda came into view, hopping into the cave with a goofy grin on her face. But when she saw Elsa she stopped, mouth open slightly, and tilted her head. "Dark magic."

Anna and Elsa looked at each other before Elsa stood. "Hello, Bulda. Its nice to see you again."

Whatever fog Bulda had been in dissipated, and she warmly embraced the Queen. "Queen Elsa!" The troll wrapped her stubby arms around Elsa's legs. "My father wonders when he can see you."

Anna spoke up. "Now would be a good time."

Bulda led the Queen and princess out of the cave and into the deeper forest of the Valley. They followed a rocky path towards its center and the farther they walked the denser the wood, until the branches obscured the light from the sun, and the morning was turned night as if my magic.

After awhile Anna took Elsa's hand. "Do you mind, Elsa?"

Elsa offered her sister a reassuring smile. "I don't mind at all. Be brave, my little snowflake."

Anna blushed and walked at her sister's side. "You haven't called me that in years."

"There are many things that I plan on rectifying."

The narrow and dense path finally opened up to a rather large circular clearing in the exact center of the forest. All the trolls were gathered there now, sitting in semi-circular rows around the dell. The Grand Pabbie stood at the center, on a flat spherical stone that was polished a bright white, and in the center of the polished stone stood a massive tree, reaching up beyond all the others. He motioned for the Queen to come over to him the moment he saw her. Anna let go of Elsa's hand and nudged her forward.

"Queen Elsa of Arendelle." The old troll took Elsa's hand in his and closed his eyes. "Welcome to Yggdrasil—the center of the world. Midgard is yours, but Asgard is home to the gods, and you may not dwell there. Here you will find Dagr and Nótt existing in harmony, one with the other, and no opposition between them."

Elsa stood, mouth agape, and absorbed Pabbie's words. "I understand."

"If you mock me Ratatoskr will nip at your heels."

The blonde stood tall. "I will not mock you, Grand Pabbie. Veðrfölnir will see that I do not go back on my word."

Pabbie visibly relaxed, and opened up his arms to the Queen. Elsa allowed the shaman to embrace her. "Greetings, adopted daughter."

Elsa stood back. "We seem to be at an appointed hour, Pabbie. May I call my sister to my side?"

"Of course."

Elsa turned around and held out her hand to Anna who immediately came to her. Elsa smiled reassuringly at Anna and the princess squeezed her hand.

Pabbie let go of Elsa's hand and began a slow walk around the massive center tree. Anna and Elsa followed him. "The universe is in constant kinesis—observe the three great roots of this tree—Sól, Máni, and Jörð—live in harmony, one to the other, always in motion." The troll stopped and turned to those trolls gathered. "Have I spoken a lie?"

A series of calls and yells could be heard coming from the trolls, agreeing with each other that no lies were spoken. The vehemence in their voices startled Anna, and she held onto Elsa's hand a little tighter.

Pabbie held up his hands and his fire crystals glowed a bright yellow. "We have entered into a new dimension where the meetings of the worlds are inevitable. We find ourselves at the end and at the beginning simultaneously." He turned and looked pointedly at the Queen. "You, Queen Elsa, are at the meeting point of what is and what is to be."

Anna let go of Elsa's hand and took a step closer to the old troll. "What does that mean?"

Pabbie pointed to Elsa. "The Queen is the axis mundi, and the nine worlds spiral into her."

Anna frowned. "I think we need for you to be a little less cryptic."

Elsa's eyes went wide at her sister's forwardness, and she shook her head. "No, Anna. Just listen, okay?"

Pabbie eyed Anna for a moment before he turned back to the Queen. "If I may ask, Queen Elsa. Do you exhibit the changes?"

Elsa lowered her head. "Do you mean these?" She parted her hair for the old troll to see.

The Grand Pabbie sighed. "I see. I hoped that you would be spared these alterations."

"Wait, what? You knew this was going to happen to me?" Elsa couldn't keep the anger from her voice. She reached back and grabbed Anna's hand.

"I am sorry for all that your parents didn't teach you. They were tasked with preparing you for the day of Fimbulvetr."

Elsa was livid. "They told me about it every year on the solstice. But beyond that, nothing!"

"Your mother was taught to read the signs and to interpret them for you."

"She was?" Elsa looked to Anna then back to Pabbie. "Why didn't she tell me?"

"There was a stubbornness in her heart." Pabbie looked sad, as if he was reliving a memory.

"No, there wasn't!" Angry, Anna pointed her finger at the old troll. "She was decent and kind!"

"I never said she was otherwise." Pabbie looked to Elsa. "I feel as if I have let you down, Queen Elsa. When you parents died, I should have taken it upon myself to prepare you for the trials to come." The old troll slumped, his shoulders sagging. "Even now there is war on the horizon."

Elsa looked surprised. "Impossible. Arendelle is at peace."

"It is not of Arendelle of which I speak." Pabbie's face hardened. "You have enemies, Queen Elsa. Even now there are plans against you. Old enemies are now friends, and they draw their armies together to strike as one."

Elsa was shocked. Arendelle had diplomats in all the surrounding Kingdoms, and none of them ever complained of unrest. "Will Arendelle fall?"

"That depends."

The blonde's hands drew into fists. "On what?"

"Acceptance."

Elsa could feel the horns growing on her head. She reached up and felt them as they grew to the top of her hairline. In pain, she reached for Anna. "Anna, I need some help."

Anna grabbed Elsa by the waist and prevented her from falling. She turned angry eyes on the shaman. "Look at what's happening to her! Can't you see that she is in pain? Why don't you do anything for her?"

The Grand Pabbie reached over to Elsa and put his hand on her head. His fire crystals glowed stronger and the energy flowed from his crystals to Elsa's head.

Elsa groaned as her head was enfolded in a soft luminescence. The energy swirled around her head until it was engulfed completely. Anna watched as Elsa recovered from her fainting spell. The Queen sighed and shook her head slightly, her plait loosened and her hair fell over her shoulders. After a short while, she straightened with Anna's help.

The Queen looked over to Pabbie, who was leaning heavily on his walking stick. "Are you alright, Grand Pabbie?"

A few trolls wandered over to the shaman and were helping him to stand. Pabbie looked up and his eyes locked with the Queen's. "Do you accept, Elsa?"

Elsa gave Anna a reassuring nod. "What is it that you need me to assent to?"

"The dragon."

At this point I am borrowing some themes from Norse mythology to explain Elsa's transformation. Let me know how I'm doing, please review.