The Council
So lots happening in this chapter. New characters Galore! But i'll let you discover that for yourselves!
Enjoy!
Elsa sat along the edge of the town looking out at the Fjord, watching as the world passed her by.
She had always found it a peaceful place. Usually her safe haven, a place where she could temporarily forget her worries and just take in the calm. The soft soothing waves and the hustle and bustle of life around her, a welcoming distraction from her thoughts. Her interest in those moments focused solely on the day to day lives of her subjects.
She could often be found in the same spot, ridding herself of the stress that came with being Queen, and it helped with controlling her powers, almost like meditation, it was a way of creating a calmer link with them.
The local children playing around her would often ask to let it snow or build an ice rink, of which she would happily comply, loving the sing song laughter and squeals of delight she would receive in return. The love from her people was apparent in their faces as they smiled and greeted her with adoration, sometimes even cheering and clapping, congratulating her on the fantastic job she was displaying as Queen. It was hard to believe that only two years prior, the people had feared her, and they had a right to, she even feared herself. No one thought her fit to be Queen. Just proves what a little love, time and patience can do.
Today though, her old self was trying make an appearance and her once peaceful, stress relieving spot, was not doing its job. Fear was creeping its way into her mind as she watched her people, with not the usual calm happiness she would normally feel. She wished she could tell them what could be coming. Although some rumours of a disagreement with Weselton had already been circling, no one knew of the rumour Elsa had been privy to. Arendelle would have been chaotic, had they known.
Today was the day she had called upon the council to reveal the information she had learnt, seeing as Kristoff hadn't returned to neither deny nor confirm the rumours from the scout report.
She knew if the claims of war were true, she was prepared to build a hundred foot wall around her kingdom to protect her people. But she had to consult upon her council before deciding on any course of action. Besides it was better to be prepared, even if nothing came of the rumours, which was highly unlikely.
Ever since Kai had informed her of the news, Kristoff had left for Weselton, the Thaw annual holiday had been and gone and much had been quiet in Arendelle, but that did not help the young Queens nerves. She had been a wreck – Anna's words not hers – and it was growing increasingly difficult to keep her powers in check, unless Anna was around. She had even resorted to putting her gloves back on to help conceal the constant sparks of magic her hands were releasing.
Anna on the other hand had been her usual bubbly self, even in the absence of Kristoff. Although Elsa was sure this was more of a show for her sake, to help keep her powers under control.
It had been a little over a month since Kristoff had left, and he was planned to return three days earlier. The niggling feeling Elsa had was often correct, as she thought something had happened to her soon to be brother in law. She just hoped this time she was wrong,
Anna had said everything would be fine after he was a day late, but again she was pretty sure Anna was just as terrified as she was. Especially as the princess had been keeping herself pretty busy. Elsa hadn't seen her since that conversation. But much like her former self, Elsa had ignored the off feeling and continued on with life as normal, or so she kept telling herself.
"Your Majesty, good day." The Captain of her Royal guards greeted, pulling her from her ponderings. "I do apologise for disturbing you, but the council has now gathered and are ready."
"Thank-you Captain." She bowed her head lightly in return, showing the man the respect he deserved. And Elsa thought he deserved a lot after his years in service to Arendelle and the countless lives he had saved.
"You're welcome, your Majesty." Sensing that the queen might want to be on her own he turned to leave.
"Captain would you mind escorting me to the council room?" Elsa asked the retreating captain, before he disappeared from sight.
His brown eyes and smile were both warm as he turned back to his Queen. "Of course Your Majesty, it would be my honour, he bowed his head out of respect. "Although please, call me Auron. Captain just makes me sound so old" He laughed lightly at the formality that he was still not used to.
"As does 'Your Majesty' to me." Elsa chuckled.
As they walked back towards the palace, Elsa started a light conversation with the man, trying to divert her thoughts from that of war.
"How is the family Auron?" She asked politely.
Her isolation of thirteen years had originally made it difficult to do small talk, although Anna had been a good teacher in the art over the past two years. And she truly was interested in her people.
"All three of the girls are doing very well. The twins Arya and Lana will be four soon, and Grace has just turned seven. They are growing up so quick." He reminisced. "Grace will be in the fall ball show. She is very excited" He smiled lovingly as he talked of his daughters. "Belle is also doing well. She is getting big, and the baby sure is a kicker. I think that means it's a boy, at least I do hope it is a boy. I am feeling a bit outnumbered." He laughed as he thought back to all his daughters and wife ganging up on him.
Elsa laughed along with him. "What will you do if it is a girl?" she questioned teasingly.
He sighed in mock defeat "I will get my white flag ready." He chuckled.
"Have you any names?" Elsa queried.
"Yes." He nodded in excitement. "Arya is determined that we name the baby Freya, which I think is very pretty, although she has insisted she be called Freya even if she is a he." The captain rolled his eyes at his youngest daughter's antics.
Elsa giggled. "That is a lovely name for a girl. Have you a boy's name chosen?"
His lips then turned up into another loving smile as he prepared to reveal his chosen name for a boy. "I would like to name my boy after the person who once gave me a chance in life, I wouldn't be where I am without him." He paused teasingly, knowing the Queen had now become eager to hear the name.
"Captain Auron Fitzelberg, it is not wise to keep your queen waiting" She mock warned.
Auron laughed lightly. "I am sorry my queen. Adgar. I would like to name my son Adgar" He stated, beaming a kind, adoring smile at the young queen.
Elsa stopped in her tracks wide eyed and mouth slightly agape, a look not usually befitting of a queen. But in this moment, she really did not care for such formalities.
Her mind flitted back as she recalled a story her father had told her often, of a boy that had stolen loaves of bread from the bakery, whilst the King himself was present. He had been chased throughout the streets of Arendelle, not relenting in his escape, even after the King and his guards had given chase. Although the King was a lenient one, stealing was not well regarded in the Kingdom and as crime rates in Arendelle were very low, theft often lead to more severe punishment sentencing.
When the boy however had finally stopped, the King witnessed that the food was not for him, but for two young Orphaned children, who were starving and sick. They were not related to the thief, he had just taken them under his wing and protected them, as he too was an orphan.
Noting the unselfish act the young teenager had displayed – even if illegal – the King was so impressed and touched by the young boys devotion and protectiveness, he decided to let the boy off punishment, but instead offered him the opportunity to train and study to become one of his Royal Guards, which traditionally only consisted of Noble men or distinguished officers. Royal Guards were only for those chosen, a select few.
They were the personal guards to the Royal family, and trusted with the most important missions. Historically they had lead Arendelle to many victories and they were regarded as the most elite of soldiers and the honourable men.
The boy accepted, and he was taken in as a ward of another soldier of the Royal Guard. The two orphans were also found homes, as the king promised to give them all a better life, not wanting any unhappy souls within his Kingdom.
By the time the boy had turned eighteen the King had high hopes for him and he was promptly accepted with in the Royal Guards, being the youngest member in their history. He had quickly grown through the ranks. Their ranks working differently than that of the Arendelle military. He was continuously impressing all his peers, he was never judged on his background, and through his new life he found an honourable and respected, happy life.
Every time her father had told her the tale of the thief, it was forever progressing, a new part to the story each time, but one of the last times the King had retold the events, before his death, the boy had became a most trusted servant.
Elsa couldn't help but admire the young boy from the stories. Or the man from now. That may have been what swayed her decision into making him her Captain of the Royal Guards last year.
And now said Captain was wanting to name his son after the man that changed his life for the better. Her father. Former King Adgar of Arendelle.
Tears pricked at the corners of the young Queens eyes as she thought of what a touching sentiment it was from her Captain.
Smiling at the memory, she turned back to Auron with a wide smile. "I know my father would have been very honoured" she said as she continued her walk back to the palace.
"I am glad to hear. He was a great man and King, as you are a Queen." Auron stated honestly.
"Well thank you for saying. But I think I have many years to go before I can be compared to my father. He truly was a great man. I am lucky to have had him as a father."
Auron nodded. "You know age does not define ones Greatness. After two years on the throne I can already tell Arendelle will flourish under your rule." He smiled sincerely "And I don't just say that because you made me Captain." He added jokingly.
Elsa smiled appreciatively at him as they passed through the great doors of the palace. "Thank-you Auron. As always your kind words have succeeded in cheering me up." She admitted, knowing that Auron was perceptive and could tell when his Queen was distressed. He had – at least for now – taken her mind off the Weselton rumours which she appreciated, as she did not expect the next few hours of meetings to go too well.
"You're very welcome." Auron bowed as he opened the council room doors revealing the long row of council members around the heavy oak table.
Finding their respective places, all chatter with in the room ceased the minute Elsa had been seated.
Her posture and voice became that more rigid and authoritative as she sat down. A stark contrast from her friendly conversation with Auron mere moments ago.
"Gentleman. Thank you for joining me today in this impromptu meeting" She started.
"First off, I would like to apologise that I did not bring this to the council's attention sooner, however I was awaiting confirmation from a reliable source. Confirmation I am still yet to receive, which I believe is an answer in itself."
A few heads nodded in return, as everyone waited to hear what news their queen required such confirmation for.
"I received a rather surprising, but ominous report a month ago from one of our scouts in Weselton. According to this report there have been some disturbing rumours that Arendelle conspired to kill Prince Alaric of the Southern Isles, before he reached our shores."
There were murmurs of outrage and grunts of disbelief around the room. This being completely new information to them.
"Gentleman, please" Elsa interrupted trying to silence their mumblings before continuing. "I know this information is new to you, but please bear with me as I relay the report. There will be time for questions and discussions after."
Elsa waited as her council apologised and quieted down before retelling the report she had heard from Kai. "Although we know this alleged conspiracy is false, at least in regards to Arendelle being involved, the report also heavily suggested that the Southern Isles have fallen victim to believing such accusations, as the King of Weselton and the King of The Southern Isles have agreed upon an alliance, not in a trading capacity, but in matters pertaining to conflict." Elsa swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, afraid once more of the events that could unfold.
There were gasps, many faces showing that of confusion and a few of anger.
One man pounded his fist loudly against the heavy oak in front of him in outrage. "How dare they insinuate such things?" He spoke, his voice deep and thundering throughout the council hall.
"It's preposterous" Another pitched in.
"This has Pietrich written all over it! That conniving Duke" a new voice yelled.
Elsa stood up in an attempt to calm her council members, but to no avail, as with each passing second the room only grew louder.
Never had she dealt with such an irate and disorganised council before. Usually each taking their turn to voice opinions, the occasional disagreement erupting, but nothing a small debate could not fix, and they were usually civil and friendly.
The closest these meetings had been to Anarchy – as this was all Elsa could describe this particular gathering – had been a few months after Elsa's coronation, when an accidental fire caused by one of the farmers children had destroyed a good portion of the crops ready to harvest that fall. Crops that were to feed them throughout the long winter period. That had been the first real dilemma the new queen had faced, which tested all her skills to resolve. Her strength and authority had also really been tested in that particular meeting. it had been a big learning curve for her, although it had retained its "most disliked meeting" status – as Anna referenced it – for almost two years. That was until now of course.
Calming them down seemed impossible. Without the use of Magic anyway. Using her powers in this moment would only make things worse. Although she had once used her powers in a council meeting to freeze her Treasurer to his seat when he was getting too rowdy during a taxation discussion. That had been amusing, but using them on this occasion would only add fuel to the fire of an already out of control inferno. These men were not in the mood for amusing, they were out for answers, and some even after the blood of those who started these rumours, though most had an idea of where the false allegations hailed from.
Elsa hadn't realised, but the temperature in the room had dropped a good few degrees. It wasn't until snowflakes began to fall that some of the other members even began to notice either. Although the rowdiness had still not calmed down.
It had been a good thirty minutes of discussions, or more for a better word, arguments, of which the queen felt helpless but to just watch, until someone had enough of the disorganised meeting and took charge.
"Quiet!" The voice yelled, loudly and with an air of 'don't mess with me'
All heads turned in the direction of the voice looking for the source calling for their attention.
Elsa's head snapped up searching also for the person behind the commanding voice.
All eyes were staring at their Captain of the Royal Guards. He was now standing, purposefully walking toward his queen, making sure their eyes followed him.
"We are not going to solve anything, with the way you are all carrying on" He stated. "The queen has relayed some very distressing news, yes, but the way we have reacted has, in my opinion, been very rude and unhelpful." Auron looked pointedly at each member in disappointment, as some averted their gaze, ashamed. The queen however could not take her eyes off the Captain, amazed at how he could control a room with just a few words.
Yes the queen was very confident in her rule, which commanded respect, but she was still young and learning. What Auron had been able to accomplish was not because of his status, but because of how he acted.
"What I suggest is we talk rationally around the table, as we would normally do and come up with solutions, or ideas. Not make the situation worse. Of course if Your Majesty agrees?" He asked Elsa respectfully.
"Yes Captain. I agree." She Nodded. "If there are questions, or you have any thoughts, you are welcome to voice these. However if we could please do this one at a time, and discuss amongst ourselves, I believe we will have more of a chance at figuring this all out." She took in a deep breath, glad that they had finally quietened down. "I would like all your council, not just individual opinions."
There were murmurs of agreement around the table as each member looked to the other, silently asking who should start. Most eyes fell on Auron who was now at the head of table stood beside his queen protectively.
"Captain Fritzelberg, what is your assessment of the matter." Elsa asked curiously.
All eyes again were on the Captain waiting for his response.
"My first thought was to send someone to confirm if the rumours are true. However if I remember correctly you mentioned you have already done this and there has still been no word?" The Captain started.
Elsa nodded in confirmation to his question.
"Then I suggest we prepare for the worst. If you were expecting your scout to have returned by now, something may be happening. Of course something may not, but is it worth taking a risk with the whole of Arendelle? May I ask who it is you sent? And how long ago they left?" Auron turned to Elsa curiously.
Elsa tried to push down her worry as she spoke. "Kristoff Bjorgman volunteered to go. He stated that no one would question an ice man selling Ice, which we thought a perfect cover. He left the day we received word of the rumours, about a month ago."
Auron looked sadly at Elsa, being one of the few within the room to know of Kristoff's connection to the Queen and princess.
"A wise decision Your majesty." Captain Auron nodded. "If these rumours are true, Weselton would be prepared for royal scouts to be spying in their walls and feeding information back. And as much training as our scouts receive to blend in, it can still be easy to spot one if you are looking, especially Weselton who's lockdown measures are second to none. They are very well known for their fort like city, the guards being almost impossible to pass." The captain shook his head ridding himself of his jealous thoughts of their guard. "As I was saying. Sending Mr Bjorgman was the best decision, as most would not recognise him, he would not have an air of military about him and he would definitely seem too obvious to be considered a spy." Auron smiled reassuringly at Elsa, knowing that her mind would be worried sick about Kristoff. He was a little worried himself, now knowing who was sent, but he knew his friend well.
"Yet he still has not returned" Elsa stated matter of fact. Her face solemn.
"No. A month is quite a time to not hear anything, but it doesn't necessarily mean he is in any trouble, it might be that what we fear about the rumours are true and he wishes to find out more of their plans."
"Weselton would be flaunting it in our face if they thought they had found one of ours snooping in their walls, your Majesty" The General of the Royal Calvary stated. "They would love to discredit us, and spying on a peaceful Nation."He made a disapproving sound in the back of his throat. "which currently they still are, is a good way to start turning civil relationships sour."
Another man voiced his agreement. "The General is right, if Mr Bjorgman has been captured we would know about it. They would most likely be ransoming him to us. And unless he has been imprisoned for some entirely different reason other than spying, I think it is safe to say he is ok."
Elsa looked down at her hands. It was good to hear that Weselton probably hadn't caught him spying, but she knew all too well that it was entirely plausible that he had got himself in trouble some other way. Circling back to the fact he could be spending his time in a cell. She only hoped her thought was incorrect and that the Captain was right in his thinking that Kristoff had stayed behind to find more information.
"So in the meantime what are everyone's thoughts" Elsa asked, looking round at her fellow council members.
There were a lot of questions, that most could not be answered. A couple of suggestions about moving some forces, or send a representative to Weselton, although that was mostly met with disapproving looks.
The talks went on for a few hours before finally an older man put his hand up in request to speak. He had been silent most of the meeting, so the queen was intrigued to hear his opinion. "Yes Sir Francis"
The old man looked round the table wearily, as if contemplating whether to voice his idea. Before nodding resolutely to himself. "Your Majesty I know this may sound strange, but may I suggest we do nothing"
A few of the council member's mouths fell open at his statement, and there was one snort of laughter from the Policing Director, of which the queen silenced with one cold stare.
"Do nothing, Sir Francis? Please elaborate." Elsa asked curiously.
"There is nothing to elaborate on My Queen. We carry on as if we have no knowledge."
"Sir Francis, you do know that we could be putting Arendelle in trouble here if we do not prepare." Auron stated, bemused by his elders train of thought.
"We are already prepared. If we go to war we have a strong force that many would not go up against. We also have a Queen that could make our nation a fortress by building a wall around it, should we need to."
Elsa nodded as she thought back to her earlier ponderings on that subject.
"You see, I have been sitting here silently listening to all the ideas that were being thrown around and each of you suggest we act upon a rumour that may not be true. What you are forgetting is that if we act upon any of these ideas, or make it obvious that we are preparing, this will only alert our enemy, if we even have one, which I think we will soon. To our allies, it will seem as if we have thrown the first stone, if you will. This often loses allies and gains the enemy another." Sir Francis looked around at the stunned faces of his brethren.
"So just to clarify. We do nothing. We wait it out?" the General asked.
"Correct. At least until they make the first move. Think of it as a game of Chess. Always be four steps ahead."
"I agree with Sir Francis. He makes a good point." Captain Auron pitched in. "If all this is true and not just speculation, we can't look like we are the first to start this fight. That's what they would want from us. Weselton are conniving like that, but they won't wait forever for us to make a move. Especially if they have in fact allied themselves with The Southern Isles. Their King is looking for blood and he will not wait out Weselton's little games." Auron stated.
"I second. Are we all in agreement with this plan?" Elsa asked around the table.
There was a mixture of head nods and a few "Ayes"
"Then the final point on today's agenda is what do we tell the citizens?"
"We tell them that rumours are just that, rumours." Taron the Policing Director stated. "We do not want to un-necessarily worry the people."
Elsa nodded. She did not want to keep her people in the dark but at the same time, it was all still speculation.
Although they hadn't really achieved much in the meeting, Elsa had found that it had been a help to her nerves and Arendelle, as at least her council members were now aware of the situation should anything happen.
"Indeed. Well thank-you gentlemen for your invaluable council. As you can appreciate this was a sensitive discussion, so as always please keep the information to the confines of this room. Good day to you all. Meeting adjourned." Elsa wrapped up the meeting, bidding farewell to the council members as they left and giving Sir Francis her many thanks for is thoughts.
Before Captain Auron could leave though she called him back.
"Captain, please wait behind. I would like to ask something of you."
"Of course Your Majesty" Auron turned back to his Queen, sitting down in the chair she gestured towards.
"This is about my sister, Princess Anna."
"How can I help your Majesty?"
Elsa looked to the table sadly. "Could you please explain what has happened here today to her? I would do it myself, but I believe she has been avoiding me, which I wouldn't blame of her. Her fiancé hasn't returned and it's my fault he is gone."
Auron's eyebrow raised quizzically, confused at the queens request. "I would not say it is your fault. Kristoff offered to go. I know him pretty well, it's not easy to change his mind once made up." He said knowingly. "Though I can explain to Princess Anna if you wish Your Majesty. But I am confused as to why you think Princess Anna has been ignoring you?"
"I have not seen the Princess in a few days. She has kept herself busy when Kristoff didn't return. Although she might be trying to get me back for hiding on her during the holidays added as a silent afterthought. Anna is usually always present during the council meetings Even though she thinks of them as boring." The Queen shook her head chuckling slightly as she thought back to a particular meeting where Anna had drifted off to sleep and had been snoring whilst the High Court Judge talked legal jargon on a trading rights proposal. It wasn't that Anna had to attend, she just attended to help Elsa out more than anything.
Auron nodded and smiled "Her snoring was certainly missed throughout the meeting today."
"Yes, it was." Elsa laughed lightly. "So can you help me?"
"Of course Your Majesty. I will go and find her now."
"Thank you Auron." Elsa smiled at him one last time before bidding farewell and heading toward the library, deciding a good book would maybe help her unwind.
Sitting herself comfortably on one of the couches, she calmed slightly after reflecting on the meeting she had with the council. Although still worried about Kristoff and the possibility of war, talking through with the council had greatly helped her nerves. Knowing Kristoff was most likely not captured because of spying was at least a bit of weight off her shoulders.
She felt with that in mind that she was feeling a little less anxious, and let herself relax and it hadn't taken long before Elsa began to drift off whilst reading her book. The last few weeks of sleep deprivation finally catching up with her.
It had only felt like minutes when she was suddenly woken by the loud banging on the library door, although the kink in her neck told her otherwise.
"Yes?" Elsa groaned opening the door, still half asleep.
Captain Auron stood there wide eyed and rattled, as he tripped over his words. "I… Your Majesty… Apologies."
"Auron what is it?"
He looked down to the floor and took a deep breath, preparing himself for his next words. "Princess Anna is not in Arendelle."
He paused, waiting for a reaction from his Queen, though she stayed neutral as she waited for him to finish.
"The Princess is missing!"
Ok I am so sorry I left it on another cliff hanger!
I have the next two chapters pretty much ready to post, and I had a lot of fun writing them so I will try and get them ASAP. I am quite excited to get them up!
Anyway until next time
Shadow runner out. :)