Chapter 9

Telling Tales

Elsa pov

Since Jack has been here it's like the castle is alive. His cheerful manner brought joy to us all when we should be worried over what happened to us. He showed us his snow powers to our great surprise. I knew he said that he was a winter spirit and that he had a lot to do with what happened in town, but it was a shock none the less. He even made a copy of Olaf with his snow.

Jack said that I had to believe first in order to see him. I did not know why I believed in him beforehand. When I asked Jacob about this he said that they read a book on myths and legends from the palace library when I was young. They believed that reading from it might deter me from using my powers. They read to me about many mischievous beings. It might have been what spawned my belief.

I entered our library and shifted through the books finding several books on myths and legends. I searched and searched but I only found two books that could tell me something about winter spirits. I took them to a nearby chair and table to read. The first book I opened talked about someone called Old Man Winter someone who was also a winter spirit, nothing about Jack though. The next one was about a Norse legend about Jokul Frosti another winter spirit. Maybe when they tried to hide him from us they got rid of the book that contained him.

"Hey Elsa"

With my thoughts interrupted I looked around expecting to see Jack, only to see no one.

"I'm up here."

I slowly looked up to see…JACK! I quickly rose out of my chair, breathing quickly looking up at him. While he smiled confidently at me, I asked in disbelief "You can fly?"

"Yeah I've always been able to do that" Jack said as he came back onto the ground. Looking at the books on the table he said "So why are looking up winter spirits? Trying to find out something about me?"

"Well even though we had lunch together and told us many of your stories you hardly said much about yourself."

"So you decided to look at books rather than ask me?"

"Yes well I was afraid you weren't going to tell me"

Jack appeared to be processing this information and came to a conclusion. "Alright Elsa let's make a deal."

"A deal?"

He nodded "I will answer some of your questions but you need to do something for me first. A snowball fight!"

I blinked "A snowball fight?"

He confirmed "Yep I already got Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf in on it. They're in the throne room. They sent me to get you."

"No Jack, I can't. I'm the queen; I have to act like a proper lady."

"Would you look like a lady if I carried you bridal style through the halls against your will?"

"You wouldn't dare"

"Try me"

I looked at him. He just very well might to do that. I thought for a moment. It wouldn't hurt to have a small little fight and he would answer my questions. "You'll answer my questions if I do this?" He nodded in agreement. "Alright let's get this over with" I said as I walked through the doors. While I walked through the halls Jack flew through them, giving some of the servants a bit of a fright. We entered the throne room which was turned into a winter wonder land, thanks to Jack most likely. I turned to see the three of them making snow angels. They gave Jack the same look I gave him when he was flying. Guess I wasn't the only one who didn't know.

Anna asked "How?"

"I've always been able to fly" He answered

"Actually I was going to ask, how did you get Elsa to agree to this?"

I answered "We made a deal". I conjured up a snow ball in my hand. "Alright let's make this quick"

Olaf said "That's not the attitude for a snow ball fight"

Jack agreed "Your right Olaf. Don't worry I can fix that."

I turned to face Jack only to get a face full of snow. As I wiped the snow from my face I saw a blue light sparkling in front of my face. The next thing I know all I felt was joy. I started laughing for no reason. The others looked at me strangely. Kristoff asked "Uh, Jack. What did you do to her?" The only answer he got to that question was a snowball in the face for each of them, which made me laugh even louder. Then in retaliation we started throwing snowballs at him. Then we fired at each other and before I knew it we were having a snow ball fight.

Jacob pov

I was straightening up one of the lounges putting everything back in place. It felt good to be back in the palace. Even when I left the castle to find Jack, I longed to be back in the castle. Not just for the girls but for my work. I had many jobs before working my way to become a servant in the castle but once I got here I knew I wanted to be nowhere else. Many people never found the job that they truly wanted but I did. I loved my work. Every day it gave me reason to get up. I was particularly grateful for the King and Queen for giving me a chance.

I always wondered why they felt the way they did about Jack; we owed him a great deal thanks to him. When Elsa was scared of her powers as a child he would be there to reassure her. He was there when we couldn't be. Sure they liked him but they had problems with him, especially when they had a snowball fight. He did something but I can't remember. I sighed, even though I said my memories were returning it wasn't completely true. I needed a stimulus to get the memory back. Like looking at Jack's face caused me to remember his name.

My thoughts were interrupted by screams coming through the halls. Then I saw Olaf run past the door screaming. I blinked and wondered why he would do that. Then I saw Kristoff run past, again screaming. Alright what's going on? Finally Anna ran past the room screaming "It was just an innocent snow ball fight. Why did it escalate?" Escalate? What did that mean? Then I heard from the hall a great rumbling from the hallway. Then I saw a large snowball roll past the door. I looked out the hallway and saw the snow ball continue down the hall. Suddenly a memory returned to me. I left the room and made my way to the throne room.

I mumbled "Dammit, Jack. Not again."

Jack pov

When Jacob came into the throne room Elsa and I had large snowballs over our heads. He made me go chase down the rogue snowball down the halls. Then we had to clean up the throne room. We all sat together in a lounge after our little snowball fight. Then we all had some hot chocolate for us to warm up. Well mine got cold; I have to remember not to hold it for so long.

Elsa said "That was fun. Thanks for talking me into it Jack"

I smiled at her "No problem"

"Alright Jack; time to hold up your end of the deal. First question, what exactly did you do to me in the throne room?" she asked

I answered "I imbued a little joy into you with my magic, simple as that." By the looks of things that created more questions than answers but she let it drop. "Why can't I find I reference to you in our library"

"Well for one I'm not native to here and two you did find references to me."

"What do you mean I found an Old man winter and a Jokul Frosti. Well I guess that last one could be you"

"I'm known by many names. Father Frost, Old Man Winter and Jokul Frosti.

Anna asked "Then where are you from?"

"I'm from the west." He shrugged.

Anna questioned "Wait you mean west like Sweden or west like England?"

"I'm from the Americas"

They all blinked at me. Looks like I caught them off guard with that one. "You live far Jack" Olaf stated. I felt a twinge of pain with that one. Being a nomad has its perks, but having a home to go to was something I was envious about. Well I have the pond but it's not exactly cozy.

"Don't you miss being there?" Elsa asked.

"Not really, I can fly there within a day. It's not a problem."

"It takes a long time to get there by boat though"

"Yeah flying is a lot faster"

"Jack one of your names was Old Man winter, how old are you?" Anna asked.

"How old do you think I am?" I asked.

"Um, maybe like 18" she stated

I chuckled "Not even close. I'm around 170 years old." They all gawked at me with that one. I guess they never met a really old man before. Kristoff said "No way"

"Yes way. I've been alive for a long time."

"But that makes no sense. Shouldn't be older than this?"

I shrugged "I was born this way and I guess I'll be like this for the rest of my life. I'm pretty much immortal."

Olaf asked "So how'd you first meet?"

To answer the question I told them about the day we first met up in the mountains.

…..

"Whoa" Kristoff said

"Wow that sounds like a wonderful moment" Olaf said

"Are you kidding? Her first reaction to seeing me was to cry. You have no idea how depressing that is. I mean am I really that bad looking."

Anna responded "True but what are the chances that two people with similar powers ever meeting?"

Kristoff stated "You bring up a good point but what about the blizzard what are the chances of that suddenly appearing out of nowhere?" They all agreed that it was strange and then in realization they all turned to me. I stated "I uh might have had something to do with that. I am a winter spirit after all; it's my job to make snow."

Olaf asked "So what happened after that"

"Well….."

*Flashback

I flew through the skies over the mountains happy over the winter wonderland that was Arendelle. The children were up and about enjoying the snow day I gave them. I made sure to freeze the doors and windows to the school so they were sure to get a day off. Thinking of children I wondered how was Elsa doing. After I pulled my little disappearing act on them (blinding them temporary and flying off), I followed them to the edge of town to make sure they got back alright. The kid and the father could see me. I couldn't pass up another meeting.

Thinking of that I flew into town and watched the people go about their daily lives. Making sure the kids had fun and played a prank or two on the adults. While I did that I looked around town. I peered into the houses and shops to try to find them again. Of course no one in town could see me so it wasn't a problem. By midafternoon I looked everywhere and I decided she wasn't anywhere in town.

Then I looked over to the castles walls and up to the castle. She couldn't be in there could she? Well the father did look well to do. It wouldn't hurt, besides what are they going to do throw me out? They won't even know I was there. I flew over the castle halls and zipped in through a window. I looked through many of the halls and rooms only to find nothing. Considering the size of the place I should have seen at least a servant or a guard. Maybe they have more work to do outside since it snowed. I came across a hall that had many paintings, seems like they're the previous rulers. Then I found one that had the father, Elsa, and the one I am assuming to be her mother. Looks like I'm in the right place.

"Who are you?!"

I turned around to see…the queen? I quickly glanced at the painting it was her alright and she looked angry. Wait a minute. "You can see me?"

She said as she moved closer to a suit of armor nearby "I can see you just fine. I've never seen you here before. Let me guess you're here to steal from us while the guards are away."

"What, no! I'm looking for Elsa." I stated

She growled "So you're here to take away my daughter!" She picked up the ax the armor was holding. "Well you can't have her!" She charged me with ax in hand. I dodged; I couldn't defend myself since she's with child. If I do something she might get hurt or lose the child. So all I could do was try not to get hurt. It was definitely a bad idea to tell a mother you were looking for her kid. One thing I learned in my travels. Never EVER get in between mother and her cub. I learned that one from a hunter and a bear.

I jumped into the air to get away from her. She looked too angry to be surprised. She then lifted the ax above her head to throw it, and someone came out of nowhere. The person got it away from her. I released a sigh of relief, it was the father.

"No dear! He's the one from yesterday." She stopped for a moment and looked at me differently. Well it was better than before.

He turned to me "It's ok you can come down now"

"Axe first" I returned

He looked at the axe and returned it to its place. I felt safe enough to return to the ground. I heard "Jack!" Elsa came out from behind her father and ran up to me. She grabbed my leg again and looked up to me. Well, she didn't look like she was going to cry. That has to be an improvement. Her mother seemed to have calmed down a bit because of her too.

"So how'd you find out?" I asked.

He answered "Elsa and me came across shouting. What on earth possessed you to attack him?"

"I didn't recognize him from anyone in the town. So I figured he was a criminal that got past the closed gates. Then he mentioned looking for Elsa and well I was quick to judge." She answered.

He turned to me "Elsa?"

"Yeah, I wanted to be sure you two were alright from yesterday." I stated

One of the male servants walked up to us from another hall, guess there are some around. "Your majesties, I'm glad I found the three of you." Before they could say anything I held my finger up to my lips so they wouldn't say anything. While the servant was reading over the papers in his hands to them, I waved my hand in front of his face. Seeing the confusion in their faces due to his lack of reaction I decided to have a bit of fun. I took in a deep breath and yelled right in his ear "HEY YOU!"

They were visibly startled by that. Of course the servant didn't notice them and didn't hear me. When the servant looked up to them I did one last thing. I walked up behind him and shoved my torso through him. They jumped at that and the queen made a startled sound.

"Is there something wrong? Was it something I said?" the servant asked.

She stuttered "No! I just remembered something I have to do later"

"Very well, there are some guild leaders here to speak with you as well."

"We'll be there in a minute Kai" the king said.

He walked through me and left through a hall. I turned to them smiling, the queen gave a sour look with her hand over her heart "Don't do that, I nearly had a heart attack."

I shrugged "Sorry I couldn't resist. It's what happens when people can't perceive me."

"Strange, never heard about something like that." The king said. He turned to Elsa "Elsa, we going to have to go deal with some business. We'll play later."

"What, but tea party!"

"I'm sorry Elsa."

Elsa became visibly upset and ice formed under her feet causing her parents to back away in fear. He said "Elsa, stop it!" She cried a little "I don't know how" The ice spread even more inching up the walls. Making her even more scared and upset. I crouched down before her "Elsa look at me." She turned to me "Magic can be controlled by many things. Yours seem to be controlled by your emotions. You've eaten ice cream before, right?" She nodded. "You know how ice cream melts and if you leave it for too long you get a bowl full of liquid."

"Yeah. I love it when it melts a little, makes it softer. It's even better with melted chocolate on top." She said calmer than before.

"Well ice is a lot like that, it melts when it gets warm. Right now you're emotionally cold. Think of things that make you happy, things that you love." She closed her eyes and focused on her thoughts. The ice then melted away. Her parents stared wide eyed around them not believing what they were seeing. "We've tried to get Elsa to do that for ages." The king whispered.

The servant called from down the hall "Your majesties they will not wait for long."

"We're coming." The king said. "Dear you go on ahead. I'll get Elsa to her room" She nodded. When she left, he scooped up Elsa, "Jack would you mind coming with me?"

"I have time" I answered. We walked to Elsa's room and he set her down on her bed. "Would you mind looking after Elsa for a little while?"

I raised my eyebrow "You would ask this of a complete stranger?"

"Not usually, but Elsa was with you for a long time in the mountains. When she came back to me she was unharmed. Besides you don't seem like someone who would hurt her. Just look after her for a bit, I'll be right back." He left us and we just stared at each other. She then ran over to a small table and held up a small tea pot. "Tea Party?" I smiled at her and joined her. For the rest of the afternoon we played together having fun with her toys or having fun in the snow. The sun had set I read a book to her. I just finished when they got back. The opened the door and the queen said "Elsa come along, supper is ready." Elsa then ran up to her and she picked her up. The king asked "Would you like to join us Jack?"

"Thanks but the servants can't see me. They would find it a little strange to have an extra spot at the table when no one is there. Besides I should get going. I have my own things to do." Elsa was saddened which the queen noticed. "It would be ok Jack if you came by again tomorrow. No axes this time."

I smiled "Sure I got time. I'll come by tomorrow." I walked to the window and opened it. "See you all tomorrow" Elsa waved her hand "Bye Jack." I then jumped through the window and flew off.

*Flashback end

Anna pov

We all stared at Jack as he finished his story. I can't believe it. He helped Elsa with her powers in their second meeting. I wondered what else happened in our past. "Cool what else happens?" Olaf questioned.

He answered "I'll tell you guys some more later."

Elsa said "Jack why could the servant feel you or hear you? You said if people didn't believe in you they couldn't see you"

He answered "Yeah when people don't believe in me it's like I don't even exist. Well since I am a ghost I just go through people."

Olaf asked "What about walls?"

"No I can't go through objects. I learned that the hard way when I was flying."

Standing up I asked "You know what I could go for?"

Jack said "Ice cream with melted chocolate on top?"

"How'd you…"

"I did mention it Anna. Plus I know you guys a little more than you think."

Olaf said "I like ice cream too but I love it when the cooks flavor snow with some syrup. Maybe they have some in the kitchen." Olaf walked out of the room and I looked at Jack. He had a stumped look on his face. "What is it Jack?" I asked.

"I'm trying to determine if a talking snow man eating flavored snow is cannibalism or not" he said.

Hans pov

All I could feel was cold for the longest time until I knew darkness. How long I was in darkness I don't know but when I came to I was in my room on board the ship that we came to Arendelle on. I turned in my bed to see Elkas sitting in a chair before me. "What are you doing here Elkas?"

He answered "I was paid by Nolan to treat you and Seraphina"

"I figured Seth would try to stop that."

He huffed "He thinks that what punishment is coming your way will satisfy him for this"

I cringed. When I was brought before my father (a private meeting I might add) he originally began stating all that I did wrong and then the conversation turned around to praise. He said I shown ambition, just what he needed for his plans. Plans to conquer not only Arendelle but the other kingdoms as well, bringing about a new empire that will last an eternity. He smiled all the way through, I never saw him smile at me. Let alone find me of worth.

Then he asked me how they came to know of me, how I was found out. I reluctantly informed him that I may have told Anna myself. His mood immediately soured and then the beating started. He cursed my foolishness for my monologue. Saying that if I had said nothing I would have been an ally of the royalty of Arendelle. A position that would allow me to gather Intel and gain their trust. Then in time, remove them without suspicion.

Elkas interrupted my thoughts "Although I was able to save your life, it was not without a cost." He held out a mirror to me. I took it and looked at myself. My hair….it was completely white.

"Although I was able to leave you mentally intact this seems like an after effect of her magic. I doubt you'll be able to get rid of it. You might be able to dye it though."

"Why did I not see you or Seth's forces when we were in Arendelle?"

He huffed "I am not at liberty to say such things"

Knowing what he meant I withdrew a small bag of gold from my coat and threw it at him. After he caught it, he pocketed it. "Seth did not want me to help you; he had a different goal in mind"

"What goal?" He held his hand out and I gave him more gold. "He had heard rumors of a book that held knowledge of certain magical elements in the palace library, such as information on trolls."

"Did you find it?" I asked

"Yes and using my arts I made a copy of it."

"I'd like a copy as well, payment upon delivery of course." He nodded in agreement.

"What kind of goal is he after?"

He scoffed "He plans to gain your fathers favor. After all, since he banished Gradin the position for the throne is open. By all rights the throne should be his, but your father wishes for you to have it instead. As for his forces they were driven out by what they believed to be the Snow Queen. I have the feeling that even if the plans to capture them succeeded he would have had a plan to come out on top."

"It wasn't her that drove them out." I thought about what had happened during that fight. She was powerless until the arm band was broken. "Elkas I want you to answer some questions" Before he made any movements I gave him a large bag of gold anticipating it.

"1) why did the arm band break so easily in battle?"

"Any idiot could do that, but it would require a person that either had knowledge on the devices workings or someone that had a power on par or greater than the one trapped by it to overload the item"

I nodded "2) There was a second magic user fighting for Arendelle. He was invisible; can you make suspects from that?"

"I don't know every magic user that is alive. As for being invisible any person who knew how could do it. If you want to know how powerful that person could be I would need a sample of their magic just to give you an estimate of what they are capable of."

"That I can help you with" Nolan said as he entered the room. He handed one of the soldiers frozen over swords for him to inspect. He closed his eyes and places his hands on the sword that was on his lap. A green mist emanated from his hands enveloping the sword. In his concentration he mumbled something. He suddenly rose up, dropping the sword on the ground and backed up into a corner in freight. Whatever he saw made him afraid.

"What is it? What did you see?"

He took in a deep breathe "The person that attacked was not a sorcerer. He wasn't human either."

"What do you mean not human?"

"A spirit, an entity of great power. Even magic users look up to them. This one is at least as powerful as Seraphina or Elsa. The worse thing is his power is growing."

"Growing?

"Spirits rely on the belief people have for them. The more believers they have the stronger they become. This spirits sudden growth in power is surreal though. Besides the power growth, I could find out only one other thing. If you try to kill the Snow Queen again, you won't live to tell the tale. He'll pursue you to the end of your days."

There will be more about Elsa's and Jack past in future chapters. I am happy to announce that I figured out more chapters for the fan fiction so there won't be a problem with updating anytime soon. Next up for the story, some visiting royalty.

From the Southern Isles.

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