"An ash I know there stands,

Yggdrasil is its name,

a tall tree, showered

with shining loam.

From there come the dews

that drop in the valleys.

It stands forever green over

Urðr's well."

The great white tree at the center of the world hummed in anticipation, for Midgard's great serpent, Jörmungandr, was near. Yggdrasil shook imperceptibly, and the insulting messenger squirrel, Ratatoskr, ran from its branches to its three roots, delivering messages to and fro, in an attempt to appease the many creatures excited by the arrival of the wyrm.

The stag, Dáinn, who was sleeping at Yggdrasil's base, awoke and summoned it's kin with a great roaring howl. Dvalinn leapt from the surrounding forest, and greeted his kin by shaking his antlers. "What news, o hart? Why doth Yggdrasil shake in anticipation?"

Dáinn reared up on his hind legs, hooves clawing at the air. "Jörmungandr returns—has passed through the cleansing fire, and still lives."

The great red deer bit at Yggdrasil's lower branches. "We must inform the shaman at once. Ratatoskr!"

The insulting squirrel appeared from the three roots and glared at the stags. "I owe you nothing, Dvalinn, not even one message!"

"Not even for Jörmungandr's return? What will the great serpent do upon hearing the news of your refusal?"

Ratatoskr relented, and hissed at the stags. "I will not risk the wrath of Midgard's great wyrm. But heed my words; this is the last time I will deliver for you, unworthy hart."

"Call Duneyrr, and Duraþrór!" Dáinn shouted at Dvalinn. "Announce the good news all along the three roots—to the Æsir, the frost jötnar, and among the Niflheim—to the ends of the world. To all the realms and the creatures therein!"

The wagon plodded along the hidden paths through the Valley of the Living Rock, guided by Elsa's unwavering sense of direction. At the moment Midgard's great serpent was sprawled along the floor of the wagon, feeling completely spent and exhausted from her exertions. Anna sat at the bench and held the horse's reins, occasionally glancing back at Elsa, who was shivering slightly, even though the weather in the Valley was rather pleasant, unlike the cold in Arendelle.

Elsa groaned rather loudly when one of the wagon's wheels hit a small bump, and Anna turned sharply towards her. "Elsa, are you still in pain?"

"A little bit, Anna." Elsa attempted to sit up but her sister was at her side in an instant, and stopped her. She looked at her quizzically. "Yes?"

"You need to stop moving and get more rest, Elsa. We aren't even in the deep forest, yet." Anna reached over Elsa and grabbed another blanket and put it over her prone form. "You've lost blood, Elsa, and I'm pretty sure that's not a good thing."

Elsa rolled onto her back and then winced at the discomfort, so she moved back onto her side. "It's my back that hurts, Anna. You know, where the wings were."

"That is where you lost a lot of blood. It's a strange thing, don't you think—your wings and horns coming off just like that."

Elsa glanced at her sister. "Well, when you put it that way, yes it is. But I have this feeling that they will be coming back." Elsa pulled the blanket up to her chin. "I'm still hungry, Anna—and I'm not comfortable." She sat up and leaned against the side of the wagon. "Can we eat something, please?"

"You don't need my permission, Elsa." Anna lifted the lid off a basket and looked inside. "Let's see what we have here."

Elsa wrapped the blanket around herself and watched as Anna pulled food out of the basket and delicately placed it before her. "It looks like soldier's rations."

Anna looked up and smiled. "Some of it is. But I had the cooks make some delicacies just for us." She placed a large piece of chocolate cake in front of Elsa. "This is just for you."

Elsa's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Of course."

Elsa took the fork Anna gave her and picked up the plate. "What are you going to eat?"

"Never mind me. I want you to have all your strength—I have a feeling you are going to need it."

Elsa was about to respond when her body stiffened. Yggdrasil was pulling at her subconscious, and she felt its magic percolate to her deepest recesses. It wasn't only Yggdrasil, but the tug of the dragon, Jörmungandr. Her head wounds began to itch, and the healing slits on her back began to twitch. She tossed the fork aside and put down the cake. "It's calling to me, Anna."

"What is?" Anna ate a handful of dried cranberries.

"Everything that is part of my destiny—being Jörmungandr, and the calling of the white tree." Elsa rubbed the top of her head. "My kin are waiting for me; I can feel their anticipation."

Anna just sat where she was, dumbfounded on what to do or what to say, until the silence became uncomfortable. "I am lost on how to help you with this burden, Elsa."

"Don't be," Elsa said. "This is for me alone to bear, and I don't want you worrying; it might affect the baby."

Anna absentmindedly rubbed at her protruding stomach, and frowned. "I don't want my baby born in wartime."

Elsa looked up and pinned Anna with a sharp look. "I will do everything in my power to make sure you and the baby are safe, Anna. This is the one promise I know I can make." She saw how Anna shrank back a bit and her features softened. "I'm sorry for being so abrupt, Anna. Come here."

Anna put down her plate of food and moved over to the blonde. "I know you didn't mean to be so harsh. I think you're more worried than I am." She closed the distance between them and allowed Elsa to hold her. After a few minutes, she sighed deeply and let her body relax. "Thank you."

Elsa smiled down at Anna. "For what?"

"For loving me as I know you do—and for taking care of me, too."

"I'm afraid I've been woefully inadequate in those regards." Elsa held onto Anna tighter, and pulled the younger woman into a fierce hug.

Anna turned her head. "How so?"

"Just look at the position you and I are in. Having to come here to the Valley again, seeking answers, instead of taking care of business back in Arendelle."

Anna stiffened in Elsa's arms, and wrestled with the knowledge of the dead Countess, realizing that Elsa needed to know now. "Elsa, about Arendelle…"

Elsa could feel Anna's anxiety. "What's wrong, Anna?"

Anna disengaged herself from Elsa's embrace and sat up, turning around so that she faced her. "I need to tell you something, Elsa. I should have told you this back at your ice palace, but I was afraid, and didn't know how to."

A warning flashed in the back to Elsa's mind, and she sat up. "What has happened?"

"Elsa, the Countess is dead."

Whatever Elsa was preparing for, it certainly wasn't this. The news struck her like a subtle blow. "Aida is dead? How?"

Anna was taken aback by the blonde's obvious distress. "It was an accident, Elsa. It certainly wasn't anyone's fault."

Elsa's heart sank as she realized Anna's vagueness. "An accident? What aren't you telling me, Anna?"

The princess lowered her head and didn't answer right away. But her inner voice was screaming at her to tell the truth. "The attic room didn't hold you, Elsa. Remember, we found you in your Ice Palace."

"I figured out that much, Anna." Elsa's eyes widened and her hand reflexively went to her mouth; her shoulders slumped. "Oh, my god, I killed her, didn't I?"

"You didn't mean to do it, Elsa!"

The Queen scrambled to her feet, but then her knees gave out and she fell to the blankets. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier, Anna? Oh, my god… you let me…we made love, Anna! And you let this news remain unspoken? How could you?" Elsa was beside herself in grief and self-recrimination. She shakily got to her feet and attempted to leave the wagon.

Anna grabbed hold of the blonde's arm. "Elsa, please wait…"

Elsa jerked away from Anna's hold. "I don't want you near me right now!"

"I'm not letting you go anywhere, Elsa! Look, I'm sorry for not telling you right away. I didn't know how to do it, and we were still in the presence of the soldiers!" Anna took a step toward Elsa but the Queen backed away. "You were weak and vulnerable…"

…And I'm not now?" Elsa sighed heavily, and leaned against the side of the wagon. After a long while she was finally able to look up. "I need a little time to myself. Take the wagon to Yggdrasil; the horses know the way." She scooted to the back of the wagon to gather a few provisions, then left without saying another word.

Elsa slung the pack over her shoulder and walked along the ancient path, her senses knowing the way to the giant white tree. She had forgotten to put on her boots, but the hard scales on the bottom of her feet made it possible for her to walk without too much discomfort—at least, physically. Her heart was another matter as she was feeling a tremendous amount of heartache at the moment. Part of her misery was her self-mortification at the Countess's death, and that she caused it, although she had yet to find out how—and she was still quite angry with her sister for keeping the news from her.

She plodded along, her head drooping.

The attic room didn't hold you, Elsa. She groaned at the memory of Anna's words; and this was her fault, as well. She had designed the fortifications for keeping the north attic secure, and her plans had failed somehow. Where did I go wrong? I made sure everything was in place, and inspected the progress myself, along with Master Steingard. Her design left nothing to chance, so its failure caused a deep fissure within, and her soul was, once again, rent in two. You lashed out at Anna again, knowing how dependent she is being pregnant—and with your child!

Elsa remembered her own words and promises to keep Anna safe and protected, and she was hardly living up to her own declarations at this point. So, she was a failure at this, as well. She had failed to keep Anna safe, and in doing so, had caused the death of another.

She stopped and reached into the pack to retrieve a flask of water and drank its entire contents. Elsa put away the flask and noticed that the sounds of the wild had ceased. The song of birds was gone, and the cricket could no longer be heard. Elsa looked all around her surroundings; the only sound was the slight rustling of the wind through leaves and branches. Her mouth opened slightly as she reached out with her dragon senses to grasp at what was affecting the land.

Jörmungandr…Jörmungandr…Jörmungandr…

"Yes?" Elsa whispered, and then her eyes snapped open. There, in the distance, was an enormous stag, standing in the middle of the ancient path, and watching her. She stood tall and had the sudden wish to have her wings back, to give herself presence. Her eyes locked with the stag's, and she felt, as well as heard, it call to her.

"You dally when war is at hand, Jörmungandr!"

Elsa blinked, an irrational anger overwhelming her. "I'm not loitering, I'm on my way to Ygg—" Her words were cut off by the sudden appearance of the animal right in front of her.

"You abandon your mate in her time of need!" Dáinn reared up clacked his hooves together.

A dusting of frost escaped Elsa's hands. "What? No, I…I…" She backed up when the creature's massive head came down level with her own.

"I am Dáinn, o mighty Jörmungandr—a humble servant who does not wish to incur your wrath."

"Uh huh." Elsa wasn't convinced that this creature meant her no harm. "Then why the accusations?"

"It is my duty—and the duty of my kin—to see that the prophecies are fulfilled. Did you not think your actions would be scrutinized, or watched?"

Elsa blanched, hoping that not all of what she did was observed. "How can you see the things that I do?"

"How can Yggdrasil exist on this world and yet reach into many, Jörmungandr? Your question is meaningless to us."

Elsa blinked, and then stepped up closer to the stag. "Is Anna alright?"

"She falters on the boundary of the deeper forest, afraid to enter without you—afraid of Yggdrasil and her own misgivings."

"Misgivings?" Elsa's eyes went wide. "Can you take me to her, please?"

The stag bent down so that Elsa could get on its back, then he bounded towards the deep forest that enshrouded Yggdrasil.

Anna stopped the wagon at a noticeable boundary in the forest; where the horse chestnuts and beech trees gave way to the impossibly tall and dense conifers. The horses were skittish, as well, and swayed slightly as they stood at the threshold. Anna sat back on the bench and absentmindedly rubbed at her swollen belly. Even though she was a novice at being pregnant, a certain inner voice was telling her that her belly ought not to be protruding as much as it was considering everything. She wished Elsa was with her, and her mind toyed with all sorts of unpleasant thoughts, all threatening to cause her worry.

It felt like hours since she last saw her sister, and even though she new she was quite safe in the Valley, her fears threatened to undo her. It was far too quiet, as if there was a lingering in the air that was stifling all sound. Even the swaying of the trees was somehow muted, and the bubbling springs gurgled without resonance. She was on the verge of panic when she saw something in the distance, galloping toward her at an alarming rate of speed. She turned her body towards the vision, something inside of her telling her that there was no danger on the horizon.

Anna stood up and watched as an enormous deer bounded towards her, and on its back was…

"Elsa?" Anna winced as a sharp pain stabbed at her belly, and she fell to her knees beside the bench.

Elsa saw this in the distance and pressed the stag to go faster. They were at the scene within minutes, and Elsa jumped off the animal's back and ran towards the wagon. "Anna!" She knelt by Anna's side and threw an arm around her.

The princess looked up. "Elsa, I'm in pain."

The blonde wheeled towards the stag. "Find the shaman, now, Dáinn!"

As the animal took off towards the center of the forest Elsa helped Anna into the back of the wagon and laid her down on the soft blankets. "I'm so sorry, Anna, I should never have left you as I did. My own foolishness is without measure." She pulled a blanket up and around her sister. "What can I do?"

Anna visibly relaxed, even though she was still in pain. "I'm sorry, too, Elsa. I should have told you about the Countess sooner."

Elsa smoothed down Anna's bangs. "Shh… none of that right now, Anna. What is happening to you, do you know?"

"Look at my stomach, Elsa. Should it be so swollen like this? I've never had a baby before, but this doesn't look normal."

Elsa sat back on her heels. "I don't know, either, Anna." She cursed Pabbie, again, for leaving too soon, before he could give answers.

Anna was just about to say something when they both heard a noise outside the wagon. Elsa got up to investigate. There were now four giant stags outside, along with the shaman, Hølje. The blonde climbed over the bench to help the young troll inside the wagon. She was about to follow him inside when he lifted up is hand in a signal to stop.

"Let me see to the Princess, Queen Elsa. I will be out shortly."

Elsa sat on the bench and shifted nervously under the watchful gaze of the huge deer. She silently wondered if they could read her thoughts, and she got the distinct impression that they were just as curious about her as she was about them. Finally, the one known as Dáinn took a few tentative steps towards her, and lowered his head so that he could converse with her privately.

"The weight of the world is not easy to bear."

Elsa looked into his deep russet stare. "I don't know about the world, Dáinn, but Princess Anna…" Her voice trailed off as the other stags now moved forward to be near to her.

Duraþrór lowered is head, his antlers touching the wooden bench. "Jörmungandr, how may we be of assistance? We all have taken vows to protect the one that is bound to you. This we will do to the forfeiture of our own existence."

The other stags nodded in agreement and Duneyrr, along with Dvalinn, moved so that they were standing in at the back of wagon, to keep watch.

Silence descended as the stags took their positions at the four corners of the wagon. After a short while Hølje emerged from the inside and sat down next to Elsa on the bench.

The shaman sighed and cleared his throat. "There is no need to grieve your heart, Jörmungandr, the young woman will be fine."

Elsa turned around to face the troll. "But what of her pain—and her belly is too swollen for it to be normal."

"Her pain was caused by the immediacy of her pregnancy. You are in the Valley of the Living Rock, enshrouded in magic and wonders. The enchantment that permeates this land has caused the princess's pregnancy to—accelerate."

Elsa stared at the shaman, her mouth hanging open slightly. "What exactly does that mean for her?"

"If the princess so choses to stay at Yggdrasil, she will give birth to her child in less than a fortnight."

Elsa's eyes widened. "A fortnight—my god. What if she decides to leave?"

"Then her pregnancy proceeds normally, and she will give birth in about six months."

The blonde blew out a ragged breath, completely stunned by this revelation. "Let me be alone with her, so that we may talk about this."

The young shaman climbed down from the wagon and moved to stand with Dáinn. "Remember, Jörmungandr, the decision must be hers. Even you many not interfere in this matter."

Elsa barely acknowledged Hølje's words as she went inside the wagon. She found Anna sitting up on the pile of blankets, waiting for her. The blonde sat next to Anna and took her hands into her own. "Did Hølje tell you?"

Anna looked up into Elsa's eyes. "Yes, he did, Elsa—and I'm scared. I don't know what to do; I'm so overwhelmed by it all. A part of me thinks that having the baby sooner rather than later is the best decision. What I mean is—I would be safe here in the Valley. But then I think about the problems that would arise if we returned to Arendelle with a baby. What do we say, and do? What if the people rise up against you?"

Elsa nodded. "This is not an easy decision. Anna, I cannot stay that long here at Yggdrasil. I must return to Arendelle as soon as I find my own answers. There is the problem with Captain Gunnar that needs my immediate attention. The Council of the Nobility needs to be made aware of the changes happening to me because of the Prophecies—not to mention the upcoming war. After we inquire of Yggdrasil I return to Arendelle."

After a few long moments Anna finally nodded. "If I decide to stay in the Valley I will give birth without your presence?" There was a certain look of defeat in her eyes.

Elsa saw that look and cringed on the inside, though her look remained neutral. "I am so sorry to be the harbinger of ill news—once again." She dropped Anna's hands and turned away from her. "I'm such a worthless…" The slap on her shoulder startled her, and when she turned back, she faced an angry Anna.

"Stop it, Elsa. I'm so weary of you belittling yourself at every moment. I think you are doing the best you can with everything that is going on." Anna settled back onto the blankets. "I don't think I'd have the courage or fortitude to do it."

"But, Anna…"

Anna lifted her finger and pointed at her sister. "No, stop it now. I will not stand for it one minute longer."

Elsa marveled at Anna's faith in her. "I love you, snowflake."

Anna smiled at that admission, knowing how keenly true it was. "I know, Elsa."

The Queen turned back to face Anna and scooted closer to her. She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "If there is one thing that I do want—it is for us to face all these challenges together." She offered the younger woman a lop-sided grin. "Sorry, but Hølje says I can't influence your decisions."

"I think its entirely too late for that, don't you think?"

Elsa ran her hand over Anna's swollen belly. "Yes, it is." She reached down and slowly pushed up Anna's blouse, so that her stomach was revealed. With an infinite tenderness she peppered gentle kisses all along the exposed flesh, her lips meant to mollify, and not inflame.

But Anna squirmed under Elsa's touch, and soon grabbed at Elsa's head and brought it up, so that their gazes locked. "Elsa…"

The blonde swallowed hard, but had the sense to control herself. "Anna, the shaman is outside, and so are—"

"Send them away."

It wasn't a query, but neither was it a strict command, and Elsa responded to it immediately. "Alright." She crawled to the wagon entrance and peered outside. "Master Hølje?" The shaman was nowhere to be seen, and the stags had moved away from the wagon, to give Elsa and Anna some privacy. She swallowed again and crawled over to Anna, her breathing slightly labored. "He's not…"

"Come here."

Elsa's eyes went wide at the look on Anna's face, so full of lust and want for her. The blood coursing through her body inflamed, and her senses heightened. Like always, it amazed, and brought on a fierce sense of possessiveness. Her flesh began to harden at the sight, and she closed the distance between them, grabbing blindly at the clasp to her pants. She slid along Anna's body and pushed her roughly on her back. "You want me."

Anna groaned as their lips collided, and Elsa's hands roamed all over her still clothed body. She would have Elsa again, and that was just fine with her, as she began to believe in the equitableness of their relationship; and soon Elsa was inside her, filling her and stretching her and loving her with everything that she was.

Their lovemaking was rough and gentle, sublime and incredible, all encompassing, and yet, restricted within a few precious moments; and when both reached fulfillment, they lay together, arms entangled, panting, and well satiated.

Anna lowered her legs from around Elsa's hips, her eyes closed, and spine still tingling. "Oh, my, Elsa…"

Elsa attempted to withdraw, but Anna held her in place. "I don't want to hurt you, Anna, or the baby."

"But you feel so good inside of me, you always do." Anna shivered again as a satisfying warmth settled into her limbs. "I don't think I'll ever get enough of this."

Elsa groaned when her flesh refused to soften, and she bore down on the princess below her. "Oh, Anna…"

Anna responded by spreading her legs farther apart, welcoming Elsa's rough thrusting.

Yggdrasil's humming intensified, its smaller branches thrashing about as Jörmungandr coupled within its influence; and the many creatures that lived on the heavenly tree grew agitated and darted about nervously, not quite knowing why the mighty tree was swaying with great concentration.

Kristoff, who had constructed a small dwelling, with the help of the trolls, next to the mighty white tree, emerged from it and gaped at the sight. He noticed Hølje off in the distance, riding of the back of one of stags, on his way towards him and waited. Once the troll was near the mountain man called out to him. "Master Hølje, there is something wrong with Yggdrasil!"

Dvalinn bent on his forelimbs so that the shaman could ease off him. "The great white tree is merely acknowledging…"

"…the nearness of Jörmungandr, Kristoff." The shaman fixed the stag with a pointed glance, indicating for him to stop talking.

Kristoff nodded, even though he got the impression that Hølje was holding back something. "Is Anna with her?"

"The princess travels with Queen Elsa, yes, Kristoff."

The mountain man smiled to himself before looking off towards the horizon. "It will be so nice to see her again."

Hølje looked away and frowned. As much as he loved and admired Pabbie, he could not fathom the old troll's reasons for departing this world when he did. He needed his guidance, as he could not figure out how to prepare Kristoff for Anna's arrival, and her pregnancy. He was about to say something when Dvalinn reared up and clicked his hooves together.

"Jörmungandr!"

It was not difficult to see the wagon in the distance, approaching the central tree at a leisurely pace. The remaining trolls emerged from the recesses of the dark forest, and arranged themselves on the flat circular stone around the base of Yggdrasil. They began an almost inaudible chant that surprised and confused Kristoff, as he never mastered the troll's secret language.

"What are they saying, Hølje?"

The shaman hesitated, as he knew the meaning behind the words, and he cringed on the inside. "They are reciting an ancient rite of passage, as when a young one reaches maturity." Hølje glanced at Kristoff, hoping that these words were enough to appease the soon-to-be warrior. They weren't.

Kristoff looked at the young shaman, expectantly. "I don't understand, Master Hølje." He glanced up again at the approaching wagon, and fiddled with the sword at his side. "There is a lot I don't understand."

"When Queen Elsa and Princess Anna arrive your questions will be answered."

Kristoff spared the troll a brief glimpse before fixing his gaze on the wagon again.

Anna held the reins tighter as the horses began to fidget the closer they came to Yggdrasil. She turned her head briefly and noticed that Elsa was still sprawled on the blankets on the wagon floor; she hadn't moved since their earlier lovemaking. "Elsa!"

The blonde raised her head slightly, and finally reached down to clasp her pants. "Yeah?"

Anna frowned. "Why are you still lying down? We're almost there, so get up!"

Elsa was shaking slightly, as the cry of the dragon was unrelenting. "The call of Jörmungandr is pressing down upon me, Anna. I don't think that I can hold onto myself too much longer." She rose up on her knees and felt a great aching pain from the healing slits on her back, where her wings once were; and the pain radiated from there to hit all areas of her body. "Anna…please…"

The princess whirled around and saw the great distress her sister was in. She dropped the reins and climbed into the back of the wagon. "What is happening to you, Elsa? We are close to Yggdrasil—shouldn't you be feeling better?"

Elsa leaned into Anna. "Please hold me."

Anna wrapped her arms around Elsa without hesitation, and it seemed to make her feel a bit better. "There, you see…"

But Elsa's head rolled toward the top of the wagon and a great roar emanated from her throat. When Anna tried to hold her tighter Elsa wrenched herself free from the embrace and tried to back away from her—her rational mind and the instincts of the dragon at war with each other.

Anna saw the very visible changes happening to the blonde and had to hold back a looming sense of fear. A part of her knew that Elsa would never hurt her, but the dragon was unpredictable, and had committed murder. Anna scooted away from the predatory look in the blonde's eyes as she ripped the shirt off of her.

Elsa momentarily fell to her hands and knees, and her body contorted. "No…no!" She tore off the remnants of her shirt and cried out as the slits opened on her back and new wings began to appear; and they grew at a much-accelerated rate, emerging from her body inches at a time. Anna looked on in horror as the black things, covered in blood and mucus, spread out beyond Elsa's back to reach the sides of the cloth covering of the wagon. But instead of stopping at that point, they stretched even farther, ripping the covering as they grew. Elsa's body writhed on the floor of the wagon, her wings stretching even more and tearing at the wagon.

Anna screamed and the horses reared up in fright, and then they took off at a tremendous rate of speed. She clutched at the bench, holding on desperately, not wanting to die.

Elsa stopped her writhing and looked up slowly, a peculiar look on her face—almost too passive for the predicament they were in. "Stop." Her voice was unusually deep and rough, and held an authority that could not be questioned or denied.

The horses slowly stopped their escape, and after a short while stopped altogether, although they still whinnied at the dragon's command. Anna continued to hold onto the bench tightly, even though the wagon was stopped, and stared at her sister, as if she was looking at a stranger.

Elsa retracted her wings so that she could stand, and when she did there was a fire in her eyes, a look so deep and penetrating that Anna had to look away. "Anna."

The princess pressed herself closer to the bench and looked out. Kristoff was running in their direction. She turned her head and hesitantly looked at…Jörmungandr? "Yes?"

Elsa looked at her quizzically, almost as if she was looking at for the first time. "There is no reason to fear me." Her voice was still deep and penetrative, with a seductive lure laced within it.

But Anna couldn't relax. "Whom am I speaking to?"

"I am Jörmungandr—and yet I am still Elsa, snowflake."

Anna's head whirled around sharply at the use of her nickname, and the tears fell. "Is that really you, Elsa?"

"I am—more than just Elsa, Anna." She stood to her full height and reached up to touch the growing horns on her head. Small rivulets of blood rolled down her neck as they grew beyond her hair.

Anna stared in amazement, and the fear that was in her heart abated somewhat. "I know you won't hurt me?"

Elsa's—Jörmungandr's—eyes widened. "You carry my child, Anna. How could I ever bring you harm?"

Anna's tears fell freely now, and she rushed into the dragon's arms. "I…I don't know what to call you…"

"For you I am always Elsa, snowflake." Jörmungandr stiffened, and low growl deep in its throat. "Someone approaches."

"Anna!"

Anna whirled around just as Kristoff jumped up to the wagon's bench. "Kristoff, wait!"

The dragon extended its wings as far as they could go while still in the wagon, and held onto its mate with a fierce protectiveness. "Tell the man to go away."

"Please let me go—so that I can talk to him. Is that okay, Elsa?"

The dragon relented, albeit reluctantly, and let Anna go with a growl. She turned towards the wagon's entrance and stopped the mountain man from entering. "Kristoff, please, can you give us some time?"

"These horses could have killed you, Anna, and you expect me to believe you are alright!" Kristoff tried to push past Anna, but a dark shadow at her back stopped him quickly. "What in the world…"

Jörmungandr roared and tore at the wagon's cloth covering. It easily ripped the areas that its wings had tore and burst from the seams. It extended its new wings as far as they would go and hovered about ten feet off of the ground. Anna cried out and Kristoff drew his sword, although he hardly knew what to do with it, as the creature that floated in front him resembled Elsa, the Queen. Anna scrambled outside the wagon and pushed the mountain man's sword down and away from the dragon.

"Stop it, Kristoff, or else you'll die!"

The man looked at…Elsa, and her flapping wings behind her, and marveled at the sight. He knew about the dragon, from his research with Hølje, and knew that the Queen was destined to fulfill this prophecy. But seeing it firsthand—nothing in his studies prepared him for this. It was the Queen yet it was not. It was naked from the waist up, and the figure looked female, but there was a noticeable bulge in her pants that confused him.

Kristoff backed off and whirled towards Anna, and then he seemed to notice her for the first time and saw her stomach, which was distended as if she was with child. "Anna, what is going on here? Are you…pregnant?"

"Kristoff, please listen to me…" Anna took a step towards the blonde man.

Jörmungandr fumed, and flapped its wings even harder, sending it in Anna's direction.

"Anna!"

Elsa stopped just a few feet away from Anna and slowly descended until she was on her feet. She openly glared at the blonde man, and a part of her wanted to do him harm. But she fought with Jörmungandr to maintain some semblance of herself, and momentarily held the upper hand. "Kristoff?"

But the moment was over quickly, and the dragon surfaced.

The blonde man looked warily at the Queen. "You're still Queen Elsa, right?"

Jörmungandr stared at Kristoff as if he was an insignificant insect. "I am—and so much more." Its expression softened when it gazed at Anna. "Anna…"

Kristoff watched as the Queen stepped up behind the smaller woman and wrapped a protective arm around her waist. But the gesture failed to soothe him. In fact, it caused him to feel very uncomfortable.

Anna noticed the strained expression on Kristoff's face, and her heart went out immediately to him, as she realized that Elsa had been right: Kristoff was still in love with her. But she understood that at this moment there could be no secrets between them. "You asked me if I'm pregnant?"

"Yes, I did."

"Yes, Kristoff, I am."

His expression changed from one of bewilderment to sorrow very quickly. "I don't understand, Anna—I mean, how?" He threw his sword down on the ground. "Were you with someone when we were together?"

Anna felt Elsa growl behind her and she stiffened. "Can we please talk about it later, Kristoff. We really need to get to Yggdrasil, right away."

The mountain man looked between Anna and Elsa and knew there was a lot more that wasn't being said, but acquiesced anyway. "Alright."

Again, Elsa fought with Jörmungandr for control, and struggled to rise to the surface. "Anna…please, help me." She staggered backwards, and would have fallen if Kristoff had not moved over to help her stand up. "Thank you, Kristoff. Now…" She closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again some of the fire was gone, but not all of it. After she retracted her wings, she turned to her sister. "Anna, come with me."

Anna followed Elsa as she walked toward the great white tree, and wasn't surprised when the four stags suddenly appeared to guide them, even though Yggdrasil was within their sight. Elsa wanted answers, and she was determined this time to get them, no matter the cost.

As always, let me know what you think.