Queen Elsa…?

The water was cold and frigid, almost too much to bear, and caused its massive body to spasm and writhe about. Frightened, the creature wanted to scream, and its body twisted towards the surface as if on instinct. But it did not complete its desperate writhing towards the air above, and it opened its eyes. It resisted the water for only a few moments longer, before opening its gills to allow in much needed oxygen.

Jörmungandr…!

Elsa fought with the serpent to hang onto a small shred of sanity, as Jörmungandr's first instincts were to find something to kill; and the soldiers that had fallen into the cold water along with her were perfect prey for the creature. But she was able to thwart the dragon—his desire to kill and maim—and she forced her presence to the forefront of the creature's mind.

…Do you hear me…?

The leviathan turned its massive head towards the sound, and Elsa's thoughts zoomed in on the source, the single bolt of lightning that was hovering over the fjord. There was a presence in that bolt that wasn't human, and the creature felt its pull. Elsa watched in fascination as her body twisted like a crocodile and began to move forward, in the direction of the electrical energy.

…Who are you…?

…Jörmungandr? I must speak with the Midgard serpent…

…I am here…I am Jörmungandr…

Anna's scream startled Leif, and the small boy began to cry as she carefully laid him down on the soft cushions in the carriage. Once he was settled she whirled to Duneyrr, who was gaping at the fallen body of his brother. "Duneyrr? I need for you to watch Leif—now!"

The stag turned his head in the princess' direction. "What of Dáinn?"

The princess glanced over to the fallen stag and noticed he was still breathing. "He's alive—I'm entrusting you to make sure nothing happens to my son." With those words Anna leapt out of the carriage and ran over to where Admiral Crispin and General Urban were directing the sailors and soldiers to fish their comrades out of the freezing water. Some of those who were retrieved were dead, and Anna had no desire to look upon their faces as they were laid on the pier for identification. She reached the Admiral first and grasped his arm. "Admiral, what of Elsa? Where is the serpent?"

Crispin winched at the princess' strong grip. "I can see it—I think. Something is moving just below the surface over there."

Anna looked in the direction that the Admiral was pointing and strained to see what he was referring to. It took her a few seconds to distinguish between the waves the fjord was subject to and the ones that were being created by the moving creature. She squinted and noticed that Elsa was heading in the direction of the lightening that was hovering over the water. "Oh, no."

Urban hurriedly stepped up to the princess' other side. "What? What is it?"

"The serpent—I mean, Elsa—is headed towards the lightening! Couldn't it kill her?"

…It is Thor, Jörmungandr, and I must speak with you…

The serpent stopped moving, less than fifty yards from the source of that voice, and began to swim in a circle, as if confused. Elsa could feel the pull of the dragon even more, as the god was speaking directly to him, and not to her.

…Thor—why are you here and what do you want? Have we not settled our business with each other…

…Go away, Queen of Arendelle. I must speak with Jörmungandr…

The serpent snarled, its tail thrashing about in the frigid waters. Elsa receded for only a moment, but it was enough time for Thor to reach out with his mind and capture the creature. Jörmungandr, startled, thrashed about even more and dived deeper, his reptilian instincts driving him away from the divine being.

…I need assurances from you, Midgard Serpent…

Jörmungandr, feeling emptiness within, shot forward and grabbed a rather large fish, filling his need for sustenance. But the divine presence wouldn't leave him, and he felt as well as heard the god's statement.

…What do you want from me…

…A promise—that you will not seek to take my life…

Elsa violently struggled with the serpent, wanting to communicate with Thor directly, but Jörmungandr would not allow it, and his strong presence caused her to slink away. The serpent was lured into anger, having not the wherewithal to think rationally like Queen Elsa, and did not want to grant Thor's request.

…I am Jörmungandr…

…Do you promise not to kill me…

The leviathan twisted his body pugnaciously, and swam towards the surface of the water, breaking it with a thunderous force that shook the nearby ships harbored there. When it collapsed back into the fjord the waves it created were strong enough to toss around a few of those ships.

Elsa knew Jörmungandr was resisting and so she fought the dragon to be the one in control, and she melded seamlessly with the beast, releasing all of the dragon's ire.

…You have my word…

…Queen Elsa? I must—…

…I am Jörmungandr…

The waves crashed into the pier like a mighty blow, and those who were nearest to its edge were either doused with the frigid water or had the sense to back away from it and stay dry. Urban grabbed Anna's hand and dragged her away from the side of pier to keep her safe and dry. But Crispin did not move fast enough, and was soon drenched along with many his officers and sailors.

Anna looked beyond the pier to see that the carriage had been moved away from the danger by the stags, and that assured her Leif was all right. After a quick second glance at the carriage she stood up and wiped dirt off of her skirts, her eyes wandering to the bolt of lightening that continued to hover over the water. "General, do you think—"

A rather loud cracking sound coming from the direction of the lightening cut off her query abruptly. It flashed as bright as the sun for only a second, then snapped out of existence, releasing a charge of static electricity. Anna screamed, and then noticed her sister's body at the end of the pier. "Elsa!"

Anna sat in front of the parlor fireplace, cup of hot tea in hand, and stared into the burning flames. She brought the cup to her lips and took a tentative sip, not wanting to burn her tongue with the hot liquid. As she set the cup down on the table in front of her there was a quick knock at the door. "Come in."

Gerda appeared in front of her, carrying fresh towels. "How are you, Your Highness?"

Anna glanced at the crib where Leif was sleeping. "We're doing our best not to worry."

"So the Queen hasn't woken, yet?"

The princess stood and went to Elsa's bedroom door. She peered inside before turning to Gerda. "No, she's been through a lot and needs her rest. Here, I'll take those." After taking the towels she bid Gerda a good day and went back to her place by the fire. Her thoughts, however, were soon interrupted by a groaning sound coming from the bedroom. "Elsa?"

The Queen slowly opened her eyes, getting her bearings after having been asleep for many hours. At first she didn't know where she was or how she got there. But her memories slowly started returning to her, so she sat up and rubbed her eyes, and then looked around for the source of that voice. "Anna?"

Anna appeared at the bedroom door and didn't wait for an invitation to come inside. She was at Elsa's bed in an instance, and took her sister's hands in her own. "You've been asleep for so long and everyone has been worried, me included."

Elsa blinked several times. "How long?"

"Three days, Elsa."

"Oh, good Lord, really?" The Queen got up and didn't bother to cover up her nakedness before she disappeared into her bathroom. "Give me a minute, will you, Anna?"

The princess sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear. "Yeah, sure."

Elsa appeared a few minutes later, looking forlorn and miserable, and immediately started looking for her housecoat. "Anna, have you seen—" Her question stopped abruptly when she felt her sister's arms encircle her waist from behind. "What are you doing?"

Anna sighed again and rested her cheek on Elsa's back. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Elsa stiffened somewhat under the princess' touch. "I don't know what to say, Snowflake. There is much I cannot remember. I don't even remember transforming in the first place."

"That bolt of lightening hovering over the fjord—do you know what that was?"

The Queen turned to face her sister. "I seem to remember Thor's presence, but it is more of an impression rather than a solid memory." She snaked her arms around Anna's waist. "I think he wanted something from me."

"But didn't you already make a pact with him, both of you promising not to kill the other?" Anna rested her head under Elsa's chin, and gently began to caress her back. "I will admit to you something, Elsa. This time I was extremely frightened when you changed into Jörmungandr and went into the water. I thought you were going to drown."

Elsa kissed the top of Anna's head. "I wish I could remember." She smiled at the feel of Anna's warm hands on her back. "Hmmm, that feels good, Snowflake."

Anna lifted her head and locked eyes with Elsa. "Well, I was hoping it would." Just as she lifted her head in the hopes for a kiss Leif began to cry. "Good timing, don't you think?"

The Queen lifted her head and laughed, something she hadn't done in a long time. "I'll go get him." As she began to turn to go Anna hesitated in releasing her. "What is it?"

"I meant what I said, Elsa. I really thought you were going to die this time." Anna let go of the Queen and attempted to turn away but Elsa wouldn't let her. "Please, let me go," she whispered.

Elsa frowned as Anna slowly left for the parlor and Leif. After waiting for several minutes for Anna to return with Leif, she soon realized the princess wasn't coming back into their bedroom. She put on her trousers and went to see what her family was doing.

Anna held the small boy as he fed and absentmindedly stirred her now cool cup of tea. "I'm sorry, Elsa. I don't mean to be mad at you, yet I am. It just seems to me that each transformation puts you in more danger than the last one. What happens when the Ragnarök is upon us and you perish? What of Leif and our unborn child?"

"Remember my pact with Thor, Anna? We promised not to kill each other." Elsa looked about the room for a tray of food, but didn't find any. "I'm hungry…"

Anna lowered her head. "Why does it seem like you are avoiding the issue?"

The Queen stopped her pacing and sighed deeply, wishing away an impending headache. "I'm not avoiding anything, Anna. For me, the matter is settled. I have the assurance of a god to count on and that is more than enough for me."

The princess looked up again as Leif started fussing. "You forget I've been to Yggdrasil, as well. There are magical creatures all about that tree, and under the three roots. What if one of them wants to see Jörmungandr dead, like that insulting squirrel for one. He's not exactly the serpent's biggest supporter."

Elsa was silent and regarded the princess for a long time before speaking. "It is foretold that I'm destined to confront Thor during the Ragnarök—I'm not aware of anything else."

Anna lifted Leif from her breast and carefully lowered him to pat his small back. He burped after a short while. "I think we need to find out exactly what is going to happen, don't you think? Perhaps we ought to travel to the Valley of the Living Rock, and search for more answers."

Elsa nodded. "Of course, Anna—absolutely. I'll do anything to make this time more bearable for you." She knelt in front of the princess' chair and gently took her son. "Looks like he's still sleepy." After placing Leif back in his crib she went to her parlor door and called for a servant, then quickly realized she was shirtless. She called to Anna while walking into her bedroom. "Snowflake, will you arrange for a meal to be brought here?"

"Sure, go on and get dressed."

Anna glanced over at Elsa as she picked at her pinnekjøtt, not as hungry as her sister. "When do you think we can leave for the Valley?"

Elsa put her plate down on the table near the fireplace and leaned heavily on its mantle. "I… I'm having my doubts, Anna."

Surprised, Anna stood and moved to the Queen's side. "Why? What are you thinking?"

"Well, I'm the Queen—it was one thing to be gone while the Ragnarök was nigh on the horizon—but, its here, Anna. My people need me here in the city, don't you think?"

Anna took a step backwards, at first stunned at Elsa's reticence. But she hesitated before responding, thinking about Elsa's dilemma. "I guess that's true, isn't it? What if something bad should happen when you were away?"

The Queen sighed before turning to Anna, her emotions easily perceived by the look on her face. "I could not bear to send you there alone, without me."

"I don't think I would want to go without you, Elsa. You are my rock, so to speak, and I need you with me." Anna glanced at her not yet swollen stomach. "The baby needs you, too—and Leif, we all do."

Elsa started to speak, but soon found no capacity for words. She offered Anna a small smile before making her way over to her. There was no need for superfluous words; none were necessary. She gathered the princess into her arms and held on tightly. And at that moment their hearts pledged to the other without reservation or impediment, for the love they shared was perfect in its nature and intent.

Anna snuggled into Elsa's body. "Please, my love, make love to me."

Elsa's breath hitched as her body reacted to Anna's words. Without speaking she lifted the smaller woman into her embrace and slowly walked them into the bedroom.

Elsa sat up and glanced down at a sleeping Anna before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Over at the other side of the room Leif was making little baby noises, so she decided to go and pick him up. "Hello, my boy."

The baby squealed when Elsa smiled at him, and he flailed his little arms and legs.

The Queen reached into the crib and caressed his small cheek, and then ran her fingers through his blonde hair. "I love you, my son." She glanced at Anna again. "We're both lucky—no, blessed—to have that young woman in our lives."

"Are you, now?"

Elsa picked up Leif and brought him to the bed. "I thought you were asleep."

"I was." Anna scooted back on the mattress and leaned back on the headboard. "Here, he must be hungry."

"Let me change him first." Elsa put the baby on the bed and retrieved a clean cloth. "I think someone needs a bath again. What do you say, princess? Shall we bathe before tonight's meeting?"

Anna leaned forward and stretched her sore muscles. "You were—magnificent, Elsa." She wiggled her toes and winked at the blonde. When Elsa handed her their son she snickered at the Queen's rosy blush. "You're too easy to tease, do you know that?"

"Go ahead, princess, have a good laugh at my expense." Elsa leaned over and whispered in Anna's ear. "Just wait until later—I'll have you screaming my name." As she attempted to capture Anna's lips in a searing kiss a knock on her parlor door startled her. "Cover up, Anna. I'll be right back."

Anna adjusted Leif so he could feed and then waited for Elsa's return.

Elsa opened her door to find Master Kai and a servant standing there, a food cart between them. The Master of the Castle indicated the cart. "Some light refreshment, Your Majesty, as you prepare for your afternoon's activities."

The Queen nodded and let the servant roll the cart into her parlor. When he was gone she beckoned Kai into the large receiving room. Then she strolled over to the cart and lifted the lid off the large tray. She found various meats and cheeses plus some different kinds of breads. There was also a large pot of tea on the cart.

Anna came into the parlor and noticed the cart of food. She wasn't hungry. "Elsa, will you be okay with Leif for awhile? There is something I have to do—something I've been putting off that I need to do."

Elsa turned to her when Kai and the servant were gone. "You want to travel somewhere without protection? At least take the stags with you."

"No, that's not what I mean. I'm not leaving the castle at all; I just need to visit the librarian, Beatrice. I'll be back before the meeting starts."

Elsa went into the bedroom and retrieved Leif. She lifted his little hand to wave goodbye to the Princess. "Take all the time you need."

Anna paused at the door that opened up to the Royal Library and leaned her head closer, listening for anyone inside. It appeared she was not to be disappointed. There seemed to be more than one person inside. She opened the door to find Beatrice sitting at the huge map table, looking through what appeared to be several journals. Two children, a boy and a girl, were busy working the shelves, cataloging books of several kinds.

The Princess smiled at the scene. "It has been a long while, hasn't it, Beatrice?"

The Librarian's head snapped up. "Princess Anna?" She immediately put down her quill pen and rushed over to the Royal. "My god, I thought you were never going to return to check on my progress." She threw decorum away and hugged Anna fiercely.

Anna returned the hug with equal fervor. "I'm sorry to make you work so hard, Beatrice." She let go of the older woman and indicated the two children. "Who are they?"

"My niece and nephew. When their parents died two months ago I took them in. With all that is happening around town these days I thought they'd be safer here with me."

The Princess looked at the different piles of books on the map table. "Are you making any sense of it at all?"

Beatrice indicated for Anna to sit on the chair opposite of hers. "Well, I've been trying to classify documents, journals and books by their subject matter, not on who authored them, all except for the King and Queen, my Princess. That huge stack on the other side of the desk is your father's books and letters; they were of no help to me concerning the prophecies." She glanced at a few journals in front of her. "But these particular journals, bound in red, are part of your late mother's diary."

Anna's eyes widened. "How can you be sure?"

"Even though there aren't any signatures in them I am positive they belong to the Queen. The writing is the same cursive throughout, and the wording of the work itself—you know, similar phrases and turns of speech—all belong to the late Queen."

"You've done a masterful job here, Beatrice." Anna took one of the journals and skimmed through it. "I'd recognize her writing anywhere."

The Librarian sat back in her chair and carefully watched Anna's responses to the content of the journal. "Does anything strike you, Princess?"

Anna frowned slightly before closing the journal. "She seemed distressed by something, but doesn't quite mention what it is."

"Exactly, Princess Anna. The one you just looked at is dated ten days before that fateful journey. I've read that entire journal, and she doesn't mention what is troubling her heart. I have a feeling she made another journal like this one before she sailed away with your father."

The Princess turned thoughtful eyes toward the Librarian. "How many of these small journals have you read?"

"Perhaps about eighteen, Your Highness."

"And you didn't come away with anything?"

"I never said that, Your Highness. The late Queen seemed to be worried that you and Elsa were destined to question the other's legitimacy."

"What?"

"And she also feared a possible civil war in Arendelle itself."

Anna was stunned at this news, as none of it made any sense to her. "Why would mother think Elsa and I would become enemies? And to go to war with each other! That is utter and sheer madness, Beatrice. What could have troubled her mind so that these fantasies could actually cause her to worry?"

The Librarian didn't reply right away, hoping that Anna could make a few connections. When she didn't, she spoke up. "Did your mother favor you two—one over the other?"

Anna lowered her head into hands, a great feeling of anxiety washing over her.
"There is something, just on the periphery of my mindfulness. I don't seem to remember anything unusual, but…"

Beatrice leaned over the desk. "What? What is it, Your Highness?"

"Something I think I overhead when I was a child. Elsa was upset to, but—wait—what did she say? What did she say?" Anna placed her hands on the table, her body tensing. "Why can't I remember?"

"Does it feel as if it was something too horrible to remember?"

Anna opened her mouth, as if to speak, then closed it. "I don't know," she whispered.

"Don't worry, Your Highness, as soon as we find that last journal…"

Anna leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. "I've never felt so useless in my life. Perhaps I ought to talk to Elsa about this."

"I know the baby—Prince Leif—takes a lot of your time, Anna. And Elsa is busy ruling… why not let me do most of the work. I've already got two excellent helpers." Beatrice reached for Anna's hand, but withdrew immediately when she realized she might be doing something not allowed to Royalty.

Anna saw the look on Beatrice's face and immediately took her hand. "I'm not really all that formal, Beatrice. That's Elsa's job. Don't be afraid of touching me if you have to. Together, I think we can figure this out, as long as we have some inkling of what we are looking for."

The Librarian relaxed a bit. "Would you like to hear my hypothesis, Your Highness?"

"Yes, by all means."

"First of all, even though I have found and read a large part of your mother's journal, I still haven't found what lies at the heart of her troubles. She was anxious and nervous, that much is obvious, and she didn't feel comfortable enough to put it in her diaries so far. Secondly, she considered the matter so serious that she feared a possible civil war.

"I have a feeling that the situation is precisely that serious, Your Highness, and it frightens me because I know a real war is coming, to all of us."

Anna leaned over the table and looked Beatrice directly in the eyes. "Whatever we find out, whatever we discover—by no means tell Queen Elsa. She already is overburdened as it is. Are we clear on this?"

"But what if it involves Her Majesty as well as you, Princess Anna? She would have a right to know."

"Her right to know is directly proportional to her right not to go insane. I plan on making sure my sister avoids that outcome. Whatever you find, come to me first."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Anna got up and stretched her aching joints, which revealed a lump in her belly.

Beatrice eyes widened, and she stared hard at the Princess's stomach. "Are you pregnant again, Princess Anna?"

Anna tilted her head and wondered if she could trust Beatrice with the truth of her pregnancy. She was about to speak when the castle alarm began to blare. Leif….

She rushed out of the room as fast as she could.