Sorry for the late update this week everyone. I was up north (top of the island), so there is no cell reception nor computer connection so I was officially 'Off grid' for the weekend. But the chapters are still coming along well. Also to anyone who got the reindeer name meaning – Cookies for all. I chose it because it was a common nickname between the two in many of my Fav Frozen fanfictions I re-read.
WARNING – This chapter is going over the line with the rating - blood/death sorta stuff + swearing from here on. You have been warned. (Though personally I don't think it's that bad)
Beware the Black Ice
After a near freezing night aboard his ship, Hans was starting to hate this kingdom now more than ever. The dinner was delicious but the added company of the Queen made every mouthful sour and he couldn't stand to be in her presence longer than he needed. Being near thrown from the castle afterwards came with a heavy sigh and the siblings returned to their ship. He had a feeling that witch made the snow heavier that night just to spite him but he wasn't going to stand for it. Dressed for the new day in warmer clothing he found within his quarters, the Prince once again stood at the bow of his ship watching.
"I don't see why you are so upset? Isn't this what you wanted?" Irena stood by the stairs calmly. Like her brother she had braved through the night and worn much more suitable clothing for the odd climate. "Anna is alive. Like you always believed and here you are sulking away because some 'Queen' has her locked away in her castle. Be careful, this will end up like one of our family fairy-tales" Hans didn't laugh at her humor.
"I would be more than happy to just that but I have had my first 'warning'. By association I am certain it came from that 'Queen'" Irena was surprised.
"A 'warning'? About what exactly?"
"To stay away from Anna. That giant of a man 'Kristopher' or whatever his name is put his rough grubby hands all over me too" Hans passed his sister as he made his way down to the lower deck then the plank to the docks. Irena followed close behind him.
"And you are not going to listen to that warning are you?" Irena stopped at the ships railing to look down at her brother who just touched the port decking. He turned to look back into mirror coloured eyes.
"I will never give up on Anna. She means everything to me Irena and I won't let those peasant farmers corrupt her any longer. Give me two days, I will have her back on that ship with us by then" he didn't wait around for his sister to answer him. Eyes followed him as he left the docks to join the growing crowds.
"For your sake brother, I hope you won't be too badly broken"
Hans found himself outside the castle gates, this time waiting. He'd rather not test the looks the guards are giving him but he knew he couldn't waste any of the time he had on this frozen wasteland. He had to be rational and think of a way to meet with Anna without that oaf interfering or that bitch finding out right away. Hans then heard a sound, turning his head he saw workers out on the snow field. Of course, the stables! Anna was a trainer; she would be with those animals all day nearly every day. He couldn't take the route he knew down to the building but he'd find another way. Tracing the landscape he saw another path, a road that went right to the stable entrance. Hans took that instead.
The stables were quiet while Anna worked as most of her herd were out on the fields for their morning race. Even Eirlys was outside but only after the fuss she gave in her stall when Anna went to release her; the trainer punished her quickly to make sure it wouldn't become a habit with the winter animal. Clearing out and restocking the stalls were a slow task but one she absolutely had to do, a mind-set created after years under her father's watchful eye. The stable-boys always urged her to let them handle it as it was part of their job but every time she ordered them to do something else. It became nearly a game of whose will was stronger with Anna's winning streak at an all-time high. The teal eyed young woman didn't care if everyone saw her as some highly important lady because of Elsa, she was a trainer, she was here to work and that is exactly what she would do. Anna clenched her fist tightly as she stared off out the window. These were her pride and joy! No one can stop her! Of course the interrupting cough did make her jump and turn around so quickly she almost lost her balance. Hans gave a small grin.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. You just seemed in a far off land somewhere I thought…" he started before Anna shook her head.
"It's alright. I probably needed it really. I mean this work wont so itself so…" she scratched her head out of slight embarrassment. The Prince nodded as he watched her return to shovelling hay about the stall.
"I was hoping Anna that we could spend some more time together. It has been so long since you left that I wanted to catch up in a way…" Hans was careful about how he went about asking the plaguing question of her time. He didn't want anyone unexpected to get wind of this.
"Oh? You mean you missed the trouble we used to get into as children?" she grinned "I remember that time we put earth worms into Damian's boots before his riding trek. Or that time when we went across the ice and well…"
"You fell in? That was amusing. Your father was really worried about you after that. But I wasn't meaning like that per say Anna. I just wish to spend some more time with you. In any way" Hans spoke softly as he tried to catch her eyes with his. She did return to the look for a few seconds before turning away in thought.
"Well I have to manage my herd today, they need to work on some commands but…you can come along if you like. I mean you used to all the time with Irena. Like really, did you guys avoid your lessons to watch me and my father run the herd in circles for hours or something? Cause that was really…" Anna stopped to look around confused. "Where is Irena? Did you lose her again? I swear Hans sometimes you forget that people can't keep up with those long legs of yours. Maybe she's lost in the square…No Anna the square is right in front of the castle; of course she wouldn't be lost there. But what if she wondered off into town then she could've really got lost. I think we should start with the market and head south…yeah most likely find her then"
"Anna! Calm down. Irena was still on the ship when I left. She didn't follow me here alright? There is nothing to worry about" Hans chuckled at her minor worrying vomit of words. The teal eyed woman blushed slightly before putting her tools away near the entrance of the stable.
"Well I'll have to show her another time. The field is this way. I'm sure the boys have run them enough for now"
Despite the only partially cloudy sky a light drizzle of snow covered the grounds where the reindeer were resting after their exercise. Three young men were arranging an assortment of gear on the fence to be used for the days training. Anna was with them organising her own gear while humming a tune repeatedly playing in her head. Hans watched with a small smile as she worked, he was standing patiently on the other side of the fence to watch whatever it was Anna convinced him to stay for, but the sight of her had him forget why he was even there. The trainer's partner made herself known rather rudely by the Prince's standards by nearly bumping her over causing Anna to giggle.
"That thing sticks out more than that toupee on Weasel-town's head" Hans mumbled as Eirlys excluded herself from the other rusty brown deer to let Anna place leather belts and a saddle over her torso. Hans had to blink a few times to believe he was actually seeing Anna mount up onto the large reindeer all by herself. She chuckled at his expression.
"Eirlys is stronger than she looks. She can easily take my weight after pulling the three of us around yesterday" She pulled herself up close to where Hans was standing to talk with him easily. "Best one I've trained since being here. Was a stubborn one too but I beat through that didn't I girl?" the strawberry blonde patted the thick neck earning a gruff snort in reply.
"I can tell, she responds to you only it seems" Hans was a little edgy round the beast; he didn't like the look of those eyes.
"Yip. She was a gift when I first arrived. Grand-Pappie said she was my 'Welcome to Arendelle' present though I was a little confused until I saw her. Such soft fur"
"The name is appropriate too. I think you picked well with that one" Hans smiled which she returned.
"Oh I didn't name her. Elsa did" His smile was gone.
"What?" Anna just nodded as she patted the fur once again.
"She was a gift from Elsa. That's why I was a little confused when I arrived. Kristoff said I had to see the Queen and then we talked and I got appointed the 'Royal Trainer' along with my father. He's retired now, relaxing at home most days. Eirlys was to be my reindeer and we go riding together all the time with Kristoff and Sven; sometimes even Elsa comes along too. But she prefers the sleigh. Don't tell her I said that" she giggled to herself while Hans kept his face rather emotionless.
"You seem to spend a lot of time with 'Kristopher'…and her Majesty" he tried to keep his tone as neutral despite the growing anger.
"Oh didn't I tell you? He's my cousin! And it's Kristoff! He hates it when people get his name wrong. He's been working for Elsa for a while now. Right when she first came to Arendelle I think. Hmmm never really asked him about that" she got momentarily distracted as one of the hands waved in her direction.
"Cousin…he works in the castle now. I thought all your family were traders?"
"Oh we all are. Just at the beginning when Elsa changed everything it was easier with someone like Kristoff who understood the people's troubles. I mean what's the point of changing the trade when you don't understand the traders?"
"What are you talking about Anna? 'Elsa' took over the King of Arendelle and placed herself on the throne. That is treason" Hans kept his voice low but urgent, trying to get across to the younger woman.
"You don't understand! Elsa only did that to stop him from destroying the kingdom. He was selling the resources off too cheaply and soon the townsfolk wouldn't make enough money to live. She didn't want to be Queen, honest. The people accepted her of that when she gave them the greenhouses for their food and stopped the miners from getting killed by wolves when they went to the mountain. That King would've let his people starve Hans, he didn't care for them like Elsa does" Anna was frowning at him before turning her mount away and joining the others in leading the herd elsewhere. Hans just looked perplexed.
"She over took a kingdom to save its economy? I don't believe it. There is no way that tyrant turned Arendelle into a wasteland just because of a few bad trades. She's hiding something, I swear Anna I'll get you to see it soon" the Prince punched the wooden fence in frustration while forgiving his friend for her ignorance. His eye was taken from the lovely mounted woman to watch a small scuffle happening at the corner of the stables. The distance between them made it hard for Hans to fully make out what was going on but by the size and appearance of the men trying to handle a large angry deer who was putting up a hell of a fight.
"Bloody beast won't listen to anyone! Stupid thing!" the ruff men were with some difficulty tugging on the ropes bound to the aggressive male reindeer. A bald man grunted as he lead the group onwards away from the training fields and into an out of the way barn that looked rather rundown and abandoned. The animal was resisting with everything it had.
"The boy probably knows what's coming" they chuckled darkly after finally managing to tie the ropes to sturdy support beams. Hot puffs of air were steaming from the reindeer's nose as he shook his head madly trying to break free. A pair of green eyes watched the scene through a crack in the wood near the far corner. Hans was crouching low against the wall and was hoping his position wouldn't be seen by the men, given their attention on the animal was opposite to where he was, it wasn't likely. The bald one spoke again.
"You hear the orders for this one? It nearly ran through that trainer girl. Got loose the other day, guess the palace will have another wall ornament soon" they chuckled again while they watched the reindeer continue to struggle.
"Calling this the slaughter house was appropriate, how many of these beasts have we dealt with now? I've lost count"
"Who cares? Queen's orders" a dark haired bearded man replied. "If they can't be trained, they get eaten or in his case; décor. Still his coat is good enough to use" he pulled out a long knife from his boot, sharp with a rugged edge. The others followed his example with the bald man grabbing a huge axe resting against a wall. Before they could make a move toward the animal a strong icy wind opened the barn doors widely.
"If I had known my barn was in use I would've come back another time. Oh, the deer; good" a sarcastic voice lead all eyes to where the Snow Queen herself stood in the entrance. The men were on their knees quickly with their heads bowed to the floor, weapons forgotten. The man always by her side huffed at the sight of the restrained animal. Kristoff merely folded his arms.
"I ordered you to handle it at first light" Hans could hear the anger behind that tone; he wouldn't admit it even got him a little spooked.
"We couldn't, the girl was in the stables before dawn" the bald man replied. Elsa simply looked at him for a moment.
"Stand, you are forgiven this time. I wouldn't want my Anna to see anything…she shouldn't. But you are in my way" her voice went cold and her eyes dark. "And I have no time for this" the woman raised a hand slowly to point her fingers to the panting animal. The men quickly moved themselves away just in time. No sooner had she curled her ice covered fingers inwards when a thin sheet of ice swung up from the ground and executed the animal like a giant axe before shattering into snowflakes. Blood spray covered the walls, pillars and men with the still beating heart as the body flinched and collapsed on the floor. With a heavy thump and rattle of its antlers, the head landed easily a few feet from its body; large brown eyes staring lifelessly at the ceiling.
"Another clean kill. Very good your Majesty" Kristoff spoke evenly as he watched his men start dragging the still bleeding decapitated carcass out the doors. Elsa ignored the working males to step to the rear of the building ignoring the fact her dress was soaking up the pool of blood at her feet. Hans gasped quietly and ducked out of sight, covering his mouth to not make a sound of disgust at what he had just seen.
"I like having trophies high on my wall. The objects have to remain in one piece to do that but then again, uninvited guests do have that particular pleasure, do they…?" The prince froze.
'Had she seen him there? Was he too going to be butchered? No she wouldn't risk that. He was a Prince! He had the power of a kingdom behind him'. Gritting his teeth, Hans was about to retort through the wall when he saw that Elsa wasn't facing him at all. She was looking up to the ceiling. Angling himself slightly to try and see what she was looking at, he found his sight blocked by a wooden beam.
"They've been there since last night? Hmm, seem rather pale looking to me. You think they will talk?" Kristoff was also looking to the ceiling. Elsa smirked.
"Oh I'm sure they will…" Hans remained confused as to what the two were talking about when the sounds of ice cracking alerted him that the Queen was doing something. A few moments passed before two bodies fell in a heap at the woman's feet motionless. Adjusting himself once more, Hans realized they were two pale looking men, dressed in rags bound at their wrists withchains of ice. Stepping aside to allow her guard to hoist the prisoners to their knees, Elsa traced her nails in thought.
"I gave you warning. I gave you time. I even gave you the one chance to give up. But you and your fellow ingrates didn't listen to the wisdom I humbly bestowed upon you and now here you are. Bound together on your knees, do you see now that I always win?" the man on her left raised his scowling face before spitting at the Queen's feet.
"You gave nothing! You take it away! You murderer! Tyrant! Bitch…!" Kristoff cut off his rant with a swift blow to the jaw which sent him to the blood stained floor. Clenching his hand once before setting the man back to his previous position, the blonde guard stood aside.
"Shall we try this once again? You were attempting to recruit my citizens to your worthless cause and steal resources from our holdings. Let's cut with the lies, I rather return to the castle than be here with you" Elsa rubbed the side of her head in irritation.
"We will tell you nothing! You can't brainwash us with your pathetic notions like you did those people! We are true warriors of Arendelle! We will avenge our King!" he shouted at her uncaring about the looming form of the man next to him.
"Your King is dead. Your cause is lost and yet you still find some strength to yell at your Queen. I must applaud you for that insanity of yours. I was going to show your men mercy…"
"We weren't trying to steal anything we swear!" the other man pleaded while he kept his sight stuck to the floor before him.
"Shut up Jac! You idio…!" gurgling sounds were all that came from his mouth after the queen flicked her wrist, eyes still on the other terrified man. Hesitantly Jac lifted his gaze to his comrade to see a long slim icicle protruding through the man's jaw and out his head. Horrified he screamed as his friend fell forward dead without so much as a twitch.
"Please! I'll do anything! Don't kill me!" moving his dull grey eyes between the dead man and Elsa Jac tried to scurry away only to be kicked in the side by Kristoff.
"Tell me what your plans are and your friend will be the only blood shed here today" The Queen smirked at the sight of the rebel shivering both from the cold temperature and the fear she instilled in him.
"We were told to gather informants! Anyone who was willing to help us in the city! That's all I was told, I swear!"
"Very well. Come Kristoff" the blonde gave one last kick before following his monarch to the exit. The coward crawled further from the corpse to hit the back wall. Hans moved away from his spot to stay hidden as the man landed himself just beside his peeping hole unknowingly. Both men's eyes snapped to the woman when she turned around once again.
"I almost forgot. Kristoff, collect the head. I must have that mounted by dusk" Turning her gaze to Jac one last time "And one more thing. I need a new statue for my garden" she giggled excitedly before sending a gust of wind to the far corner. With a force the ice stuck itself to the living victim and expanded over every inch and crevice. Hans watched in horror as the man was slowly consumed by the transparent crystal, becoming a human statue. "I did say I would not spill blood. So you'll just have to freeze to death instead" still giggling, Elsa strode away with her blood-stained attire catching the icy wind in her wake.
Thanks for your patience everyone. I tried to get this chapter done quickly so please forgive any mistakes (Don't have a Beta so yeah...). The next one should hopefully be back to my previous schedule on Saturdays (Fridays for most of the world) and continued until this story is finished. Also I'm not one to normally write about death and blood so if you think anything is going too far let me know and I'll change the rating and give more warnings.
Reviews are welcome!