Elsa's nimble fingers ran over the detailed edges of the riser, appreciating the fine craftsmanship that went into the making of it. She lifted the weapon, noting the extended length of its limbs and delicate coiling of the recurve. It was not as heavy as her old bow, and seemed to almost float in her grip. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she aimed, the arrow relaxing solidly in the rest. All sound seemed to dissipate the longer she held, the taut string not quite cutting into her soft flesh. She felt her muscles strain to the point where she could hold it no longer. The bodkin impacted at the center of the target, again, splitting her previous arrow.

The Queen lowered her bow, and smiled in satisfaction. It felt good to be out of the castle, and practicing at her favourite pastime, archery. The hobby fit her perfectly, sharpening her mind and concentration the way nothing else ever could. Her newfound strength made it even more enjoyable, and she relished that she could do this alone, without the interference of the royal guard. She reached up to her head and undid her plait, letting her platinum tresses fall loosely around her shoulders.

Elsa walked over to her picnic basket under a nearby tree and retrieved a ham sandwich, along with a pickle, and took them with her as she walked through the woodlands around her private cottage. The cottage was only few miles from Arendelle's northern border, and served as a secluded getaway for Arendelle's royal family for many years. To called it a cottage was a bit of a misnomer, however, as it better resembled a country estate, complete with grounds and a small stable that housed two horses.

After a good hour walk the Queen returned to her place by the beech tree and picked up her bow again, intent on splitting one arrow after another, and getting a thorough workout. She knew she was shirking her responsibilities, and her nobles were at the Castle awaiting for her return—and there was Anna, who was most likely beside herself with worry, and she was certain worry was not a good thing for the baby. Even after realizing that, she was still not able to bring herself to return to the Castle, and all the work awaiting her there.

Jörmungandr's keen hearing picked up on the sound of footfalls in the distance—one obviously human, and the others, most likely the four stags. They had not left Anna alone since the Captain's death. Frustrated, Elsa threw her bow down and rummaged through the picnic basket, and pulled out a bottle of wine. She drank an entire glass in just a few swallows, and filled the glass some more. The bow felt good in her hand again, and the bodkin once more hit its target perfectly.

But the closer the footfalls came, the higher her aggravation became, and the next arrow missed the target altogether. Anna and the deer emerged from the tree line, and only Anna came forward from there.

Anna observed the target, and the bow in Elsa's hand. "Is it helping?"

The Queen closed her eyes, relishing the insistent rays of the sun as they beat down upon her. "Yes, it helps me concentrate." She leaned her bow against a tree and reached down to grasp her glass, taking a large gulp of the sweet wine. "This helps me, as well."

Anna nodded, then pulled her shawl tighter around her. It was more than a week since she revealed to Elsa the appearance of the dragon, and the Queen had yet to talk about it, choosing instead to fill her days with activities such as this. She looked at the picnic basket near the base of the tree and felt her heart sink a bit. Elsa had not invited her to this outing, and she got the impression that she was intruding upon a private moment. "Elsa…"

But Elsa had turned away, taking another drink of her wine. "Anna, please, I don't want to be bothered."

"Since when am I a bother?" Anna's heart broke. "Look at me, please."

"Anna, please."

"Elsa, I carry your child." Anna wanted, needed to be recognized.

Elsa shivered slightly, a noticeable crack in the wall she had surrounded herself with. "I know." Her palms were itching to take up her new bow, break it, and freeze its shattered remains. "How could I ever forget?"

"You won't look at me, you won't touch me, you're treating me like an outsider."

Elsa cringed, and turned her face up to the sky again. "How can I touch you with these hands, Anna? Look what they've—I've—done."

Anna tucked her hair behind her ear. "I know what your hands are capable of, Elsa. I love how they tenderly stroke my stomach, to soothe the baby." She moved so that she was standing directly behind Elsa. "Your hands bring me the most exquisite pleasure."

"But these hands have also killed."

Anna was prepared for that statement. "You are not at fault, Elsa—it was the dragon."

Elsa winced, her shame felt keenly within. "Gunnar didn't deserve to die, no matter what he saw. The dragon—he's tearing me to pieces." She lifted her glass again, but after a moment, decided against drinking more.

Anna could feel the anguish pouring off of Elsa, it washed over her, leaving her just as bereft. "I don't know how to help you, Elsa."

"Then we are both at a loss."

"But I will not abandon you to your suffering—even if you push me away. I will bear it with you because I love you."

Elsa sighed deeply, frustrated that fate seemed to be working against her, just when she had made peace with the presence of Jörmungandr; and now she was hurting Anna, something that she vowed never to do again. "How can you say that?"

"I can say it because it's true. Good god, Elsa, you are so hard on yourself, and for no good reason!"

"But I killed an innocent man, Anna—and this was not the first time. When I first transformed as Jörmungandr—"

"You had no control over what happened to you then, just as now. We didn't even know about the prophecies, yet."

The Queen shook her head. "No, I can't hear this."

"You will hear me, Elsa, because right now you don't have a choice." Anna's tone softened when Elsa winced. "We need you—the baby and me. I can't do this alone, and to tell you the truth, I don't want to. If you feel the need for forgiveness, then the only person who can really give that to you is you. Can't you see this, Elsa?"

Elsa closed her eyes; Anna's gentle assault was working, and her heart ached some more. She turned her head, and gazed upon Anna, her eyes begging and pleading. "Can you forgive me?"

Anna tentatively reached out, and grasped one of Elsa's hands in her own. "Of course I do." She gently tugged on Elsa's hand until the Queen turned to face her. "Please let me in, I can't bear be alienated from you any longer."

Elsa relinquished her guilt; her self-loathing assuaged by Anna's love, and held open her arms. Anna flew into her sister's arms and held on as tightly as she could, vowing to herself to never let Elsa suffer that way ever again. For the longest time words were unnecessary as they held each other close, both making silent vows to the other. Hearts were unburdened, and the long process of mending was begun.

Anna spoke first. "I guess you're stuck with me."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Elsa's hands wandered all over Anna's back, absorbing her goodness. "I've missed you."

"Me, too."

Elsa took Anna's hands into her own. "How is the baby?"

"I think she's sleeping right now—content that her parents are going to be just fine."

The blonde smiled, and reached up to cup the princess' cheek. "You called our baby a 'she.' How do you know this?"

"Women's intuition?" Anna smirked, and placed her hand over Elsa's, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Elsa lost herself in those teal depths, her heart aching again, but this time with a different emotion. "I… love you."

The princess pressed her body fully into the blonde's, eliciting a soft moan from her. "I've missed your touch—everything, I've missed everything."

Elsa's hands wandered over Anna's stomach, and drifted downward, her fingers weaving inside the fabric of Anna's clothes, and teasing her bare skin. "It must be a hectic mess back at the castle."

"Wouldn't you rather—talk about something else?" Anna wrapped her arms around Elsa's neck, and drew her in even closer. "Want to make love?" The question was no more than a whisper.

But Elsa only smiled in return, her hands finding their way to Anna's face, and caressed her. "My mind is elsewhere, my sweet princess. I don't think it would be very good."

Anna couldn't help but pout. "Why can't I be the judge of that?" Her hand trailed down Elsa's shirt, and lowered further to the buttons of her pants.

The smile left the blonde's face as Anna began to rub her slowly, and her flesh responded immediately. But Elsa quickly placed her hand over the princess' and halted her movements. "Please, Anna… I… I can't."

Anna's eyes widened, and she looked deeply in the Queen's eyes, observing her uneasiness. "What is the matter, Elsa? Did I do something wrong?"

Elsa paused, wondering herself the reasons behind her own reticence. But the truth of the matter was that her time spent away from everything and everyone had allowed her new perspectives, about everything—including her intimacy with Anna. Her smile seemed to quell any fears the princess was experiencing, however, so she wrapped her arms around her. "You have done nothing wrong, Anna—my love. I'm just in a different mood right now, and I need to address a few issues."

The answer seemed to satisfy Anna, as she shook her head in agreement. "Okay."

Elsa blew out a cleansing breath. "Thank you for understanding, Anna." Her hand rested on Anna's belly, and she couldn't help but smile. This was one thing she was sure of, without doubt, this baby was hers—and this surety was scintillating, almost to the point of giddiness.

Anna watched the changing emotions on Elsa's face and she radiated with pride. "You like the idea of being a parent, don't you?"

"I always knew that I would have to bear an heir to the Kingdom one day. But I never imagined this is how it would be. So, yes, this is very thrilling for me."

Anna lowered her head, her smile never wavering. "You're going to be a father, Elsa."

The Queen's head snapped up at that remark, completely taken aback, and she blushed a deep red. Inside, she felt Jörmungandr stir and flex his muscles, his possessiveness seeping to the surface. "Ah… In a sense I guess that's true." The beast growled, and pulled Anna closer. "Mine."

The princess saw the change in Elsa immediately, and knew from experience that this was the dragon that was speaking. "Come on, Elsa, let's clean up and get ready to go back to the city." Her eyes locked with Elsa's as she disengaged from her embrace. She stepped away from her began to clean up Elsa's picnic.

Elsa blinked several times and came back to herself. She picked up her bow and quiver and followed Anna into the cottage.

Prince Hans stood at the bow to his personal ship and observed as the seaman on the docks below secured it in port. It took several men to pull in the hawser as it was extremely heavy, and the procedure was obviously going to take awhile. The prince turned slightly and watched as Roman casually made conversation with a few deckhands, acting as if there was absolutely nothing wrong or out of the ordinary. Hans knew better.

The death of his prisoner troubled him, as it seemed to happen just before he was scheduled to interrogate the man; and he did not believe for one minute that any of the guards were responsible for knifing the man to death. They had no motivation for such an act, unless they were hoping for some sort of bribe, or other monetary promise from the man. The more he thought about it, the less likely that scenario seemed. The guards had no reason to kill Ingarth. But if not them, then who? Who on board this ship had a motivation to kill his prisoner, and why?

Hans turned his attention back to the docks and lost himself in thought. If money wasn't the reason, then what? What other reason could there be for killing the spy. Was he killed because he was an important person back in Arendelle, or was he killed because he knew something? What did the spy know about the upcoming war with Arendelle that no one else knew? He reasoned this must be the real reason why the man from Arendelle was dead. He knew something about the war that was not common knowledge, and rather than let it slip while being interrogated, he was presumptively assassinated because of it.

The more Hans thought about it, the more uncomfortable he became. Everyone in the Southern Isles was aware of the upcoming war, although there were only a few of knew the real reasons behind it. But those reasons weren't so secretive that they warranted the death of a spy. Anyone could inquire as to why the Southern Isles was warring with Arendelle. All one had to do was to ask, and they would be enlightened. Even the sailors on his ship were aware of the reasons. Maybe it wasn't a question of knowledge. Perhaps it was a question of who knew such knowledge.

Hans blinked and stood a little taller, his posture stiffening at this new thought. Was he thinking about this the wrong way? Perhaps he wasn't looking for something that the spy knew, but whom he knew? Hans turned from the bow and slowly walked the deck of his personal ship, silently glancing at the sailors as he passed them. Someone on board his ship was not who they seemed, and he vowed vehemently to himself to find out whom it was.

"I must say, it is awfully good to see you again, Master Kristoff."

The mountain man finished brushing down Sven and threw the brush into a nearby bucket. "I didn't expect to find myself back Arendelle." He picked up a pitchfork and started shoveling hay into the reindeer's bin. "It's nice to see you, too, Master Kai."

"So, you didn't fancy going to the Americas?"

Kristoff tossed the pitchfork aside and wiped at his brow. "No, that's not the reason." He stared at Kai for a few moments, trying to assess what the man knew. "Master Kai, what do you know about… Fimbulvetr?"

Kai raised his hands and looked about the entrance to the stables. "Please, not so loud, okay Kristoff?" He gestured for the mountain man to follow him. "Come, let us go for a cup of coffee."

Together, Kai and Kristoff walked out of the Arendelle stables and headed south along the busy streets toward the marketplace district of the city.

After awhile, Kristoff finally spoke. "What do you know about Fimbulvetr, Master Kai?"

"I know it is one of the ancient prophecies." Kai pulled up the lapels of his coat, as the winds started picking up. He noticed the storm clouds on the horizon and wondered if they ought to be indoors. "Or do you mean something else?"

Kristoff's intuition was telling him he could be completely honest with the Master of the Castle. "I have a feeling you already know."

"Yes, I do. So this is why you returned to Arendelle? To see that the prophecies are fulfilled?"

Kristoff glanced at the smaller man. "Well, not exactly. I came back for Anna."

Kai frowned a bit. "What do you mean?"

The mountain hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "There is a war coming, I know this. I'm here to make sure Anna is safe from it, in all ways possible." In his mind, he carefully went over everything Hølje told him.

Kai nodded, there didn't seem anything out of place in Kristoff's statement. "A commendable pursuit indeed, Master Kristoff. But don't you think the Queen capable of handling that?"

"I'm sure she is." Kristoff glanced at Kai again. "As I said, I'll make sure of it."

They stopped at Kai's favourite pastry shop, and the Master of the Castle held open the door so Kristoff could enter before him, thinking nothing of the mountain man's words, or his true intentions.

Hours later, Elsa quietly entered her suite in the Castle and threw her knapsack on a nearby chair, and then went immediately to her liquor cabinet and poured herself a glass of brandy. She noticed the embers in her fireplace and went over to it and put more wood inside, stoking it until she had a nice blaze. After tossing her officer's jacket aside, she unbuttoned her shirt so that it hung loosely around her shoulders and then plopped herself down on her favourite chair, facing the fireplace.

She had managed to avoid most of her nobles as she made her way to her rooms, and had to forbid the remaining few into following her to the second floor residences. Only castle staff was allowed to this floor, and she charged two guards into keeping a watch at the bottom of the great spiral staircase just to make sure. She sighed and closed her eyes. At some point today her nobles were entitled to her attention, even though she had no wish to do so—and then there was Anna, again. If there was anyone right now who deserved her kindness it was her sister. She had been gone from her for more than a week, creating a distance between them, ill deserved as it was, that was completely unintentional. Even though she relished the time spent alone, she had not meant to be gone as long as she was. This was a time of war, and every precaution had to be taken to prevent harm from coming to Anna, and their unborn baby.

Elsa smiled at that last thought, and deep inside, Jörmungandr smirked in satisfaction. She cleared her throat and brought the glass to her lips again, taking a deep swallow.

The mild knock on her door startled her, and she jumped slightly. "Who is it?"

"Anna."

Her sister's timid response wasn't lost on her, and she closed her eyes once more. "Come in, Anna." She didn't bother to get up, nor did she make an effort to button up her shirt. Her door opened and closed quietly, and she heard the shuffling of feet coming in her direction. "Anna, I thought we agreed—" Her words died in her throat when Anna stood before her, clad only in a skimpy bathrobe.

Anna knew what they agreed to, but she wasn't having any of it right now. She needed Elsa inside her right now, so much was her want. She untied the robe and let it fall off of her shoulders. "I want you, Elsa. Right now, just like this. Oh, you can't leave me for a week and expect me not need you inside my body…"

Elsa looked up and squirmed in her chair. She opened her mouth to say something but her words failed her, and she swallowed several times. "Ah…"

Anna pounced, and was on Elsa's lap in an instant. Her modesty was completely thrown to the wayside as she quickly unclasped Elsa's trousers, and reached inside. She needn't have worried if the blonde was ready or not, because she was. After licking her lips she lowered herself fully onto Elsa's lap, and groaned at the penetration.

The blonde threw her head back and gasped deeply at the feeling of Anna's slick warmth, unprepared as she was for this swift seduction. When Anna began to bounce on her lap all rational thought fled and she growled deep in her throat. She easily stood up and wrapped Anna's legs around her waist as she stumbled over to a nearby table. After lowering the princess onto her back she pulled her hips to the edge of the table and began to thrust deeply inside her, causing the table to creak rhythmically.

Elsa opened her eyes and let out a deep breath, all her energy drained. She slowly turned her head and saw that Anna was quietly sleeping beside her. At some point they found themselves on Elsa's bed, limbs entangled, and their lust unabated. Lifting her head, she peaked outside her window and noticed that the sun had fallen below the horizon, and it was near twilight. Groaning, she carefully slid her arm from under Anna's neck and sat up, swinging her legs over the side of her bed. But she had no will to get up, and plopped back down, arm thrown over her eyes.

"Elsa?" Anna rolled onto her side and opened her eyes, ready to offer the blonde a sweet smile, but Elsa looked like she was grimacing. "What is it?"

The Queen didn't respond for the longest time, her words failing her as she tried to process what had just happened. "I'm sorry, Anna, I really don't mean to appear so glum."

Anna sat up and truly looked at the Queen, trying to gauge her mood. She crossed her legs and covered herself with a blanket.. "You look so unhappy."

"I do?" Elsa leaned on her side, her hand reaching up to caress Anna's cheek. "I'm not unhappy, per se, Anna. I just did not expect this so soon, and was not prepared."

But Anna failed to pick up on the true meaning behind Elsa's words. "I was extremely forward, wasn't I?"

"Yes, you were." Elsa didn't mean for the words to come out harshly, but they did.

The princess' feelings were hurt, and she scooted away from her sister. "I'm sorry, Elsa."

Elsa cursed herself for her insensitivity, realizing Anna was blameless in this. "Oh, snowflake, please don't recoil from me, I'm the one who's being obtuse." She groaned while sitting up, her muscles well spent. "I ought to have talked with you before we parted earlier."

"Talk about what?"

"I had a lot of time to think over this past week, and I've realized a few things—some of them concerning us." Elsa took Anna's hands in hers. "I really want us to know each other better, snowflake, and want our relationship to be more than just this. Please don't misunderstand what I'm truly saying, Anna. I'm not rejecting you, not by any means. Our intimacies mean the world to me—and I love how we express our passion. I was wondering, well, you'd have to agree to it. But I was wondering…"

Now, Anna was curious. "What were you wondering?"

Elsa blushed. "Well, I was thinking we could, perhaps, go on a real date."

An easy smile slowly appeared on Anna's face. "For real?"

The blonde coughed into her hand. "Yes, Anna. I've had time to think that perhaps we ought to have a proper courtship to—well, you know, do things in an appropriate order." Elsa cringed at sounding so formal.

Anna lowered her head and continued to smile, despite herself. "A real courtship—one with flowers, and presents—you want to court me?"

Elsa lifted Anna's hands and kissed her knuckles, one at a time. "You mean this much to me, Anna. You deserve so much more than this, but I don't know what else to do." A lone tear escaped, and she didn't wipe it away. "I was thinking that we could begin tonight. Have dinner in the city, at your favourite restaurant. After that—"

There was a rather loud knocking on her bedroom door, causing both of them to jump. Elsa quickly stood and put on her housedress, while Anna covered herself with a blanket again.

"Yes, who is—" The door smashed open, and Elsa didn't see the fist as it slammed into her jaw, sending her sprawling onto her carpeted floor, unconscious.

Kristoff hurried into the room, his eyes quickly taking in everything that he saw, including Anna's current state of undress, and the smell of sex. So, everything Hølje told him was true. Everything. His jaw tightened, and he had to resist the urge to throttle Elsa where she lay. "Anna, get up, now!"

Anna's eyes were wide, and she almost screamed as she suddenly got to her feet. "What did you do?" She tried to get to her sister, but the mountain man stopped her by grabbing her arm. "Let go of me!"

Kristoff managed to reach into his pocket while struggling with the princess, and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with a bluish liquid. He uncorked it and forced Anna to drink its contents, who tried to spit it out. Before long, Anna, too, was unconscious. "This is for the best, Anna, trust me."

After covering Anna with a blanket, he carried her into her bedroom and dressed her as best as he could in her traveling clothes. Since he was a trusted man, no one in the castle or the stables questioned him when he said he was taking a sleepy princess out for a short ride as soon as she woke up. All were fooled except for the stags, who after returning from feeding in the forests, flew into a wild frenzy below Anna's window. But Kristoff was already a full hour ahead of them.

The clouds rolled into Arendelle slowly, bringing with them a bitter storm.

It seems as if ffnet is finally cooperating, so the next chapters will be longer. As always, let me know what you think, okay?