Chapter 3: Oldest Friend
Elsa's eyes darted back and forth between Aldren and the hallway ahead of them. She and Kristoff bore most of his weight as trails of blood oozed from his leg and side, leaving ribbons of red in the carpet where they moved. She had been relieved he survived helping her but now she dreaded that he may not live long enough for her to help him. Despite his heavy lids and ragged breaths, he noticed her worried eyes and cracked a faint smile, "Don't look so grim your majesty...it's only blood."
Her concern only grew, "You're delirious."
"Actually...I'm strangely happy."
"You're definitely delirious."
He chuckled weakly, "Now you're just being nasty."
She couldn't help but smile a little. Her focus returned forward when she saw Kai moving down the hall toward them at a hurried pace. Following just behind was Gerda and a brown haired, green eyed man caring a leather satchel over his shoulder, he wore a white shirt and black pants covered by a grey apron.
She called out to the man as they neared, "Gunnar! This man needs immediate aid!"
The physician met them in the middle, looking over Aldren briefly before turning to Gerda, "Bring me a bowl of water." then beckoning towards one of the nearby doors, "This way your majesty, time is of the essence."
Gerda left to fetch water while the rest of them rushed through the door, once at the edge of the bed Gunnar threw the pillows and covers off and directed them. "Kristoff let me have his arm. You and Arvid get his legs."
Together they lifted him onto the bed, setting him down as gently as possible though he still groaned slightly. Anna looked to the physician with obvious panic, "But you can help him, right Gunnar?"
"I will do my best princess." he pulled a pair of spectacles from his apron and rested them on his face before quickly setting out his supplies on the nearby table, "But these wounds are worse than any the guard suffered today, and men have died from lesser injuries."
Kristoff scoffed, "Well thanks for the reassurance."
Gunnar ignored his comment as he looked to the queen and princess, "You don't have to be here for this your majesties-"
"We'll stay Gunnar, just help him!" Elsa stated firmly.
"Yes, my queen," he rolled Aldren on his left side and examined the arrows imbedded in him, "The arrows pierced all the way through...but they're solid metal, barbed too. Dammit, I should've brought the saw!"
Aldren took a deep breath before reaching out and grasping the arrow heads with one hand, his palms gave off an intense heat that melted through the gap between the barbed point and the shaft. As the arrow heads fell to the ground he exhaled shakily while slowly laying back down, "That should help..."
The physician was taken aback for a moment but shook his head before looking to Elsa, "I'll have to remove the arrows now your majesty."
She nodded and moved to kneel in front of Aldren, gasping his hand tightly. He looked up at her and gave another smile which she did her best to return through her dread. Gunnar reached over and firmly grasped the first arrow in his side, "Try not to scream."
Aldren squeezed Elsa's hand tightly and a foul squishing sound was heard as the physician slowly pulled the metal rod from his abdomen. They all expected accompanying screams of anguish but were surprised when he only emitted a small growl of pain through gritted teeth. Blood began to gush from the wound and Gunnar was quick to put heavy cloths to both ends of it, "Kristoff, hold firmly."
The ice master did as instructed and held down on the wound, the physician did the same with the arrow in his leg and Aldren's reaction was similarly subdued, "Princess, if you would."
"Yes, of course." Anna stuttered as she held down on the other wound as well.
Gerda then arrived with the bowel, setting it on the table. Gunner wet his hands in the water and rinsed them of blood. Drying them off he looked to Aldren slightly perplexed, "You handled that well...frankly I'm surprised you're still conscious."
He peered at the physician over his shoulder, "I've suffered worse."
"Somehow I doubt that."
Aldren scoffed lightly, Elsa smiled and shook her head. She then noticed a small pool of blood under his neck, "His neck is bleeding."
"How bad is it?"
Aldren turned his head so she could see the wound and she looked it over briefly, "It's not as bad as the others but it's bleeding quite a bit."
"It's a scratch." Aldren interjected.
Gunnar rolled his eyes and handed a cloth to the queen for her to hold to it and she did so firmly. She found herself tracing her thumb over the corner of his mouth to wipe away the blood there, he sighed peacefully as his eyes started to shut.
"Hey! Open your eyes." she said sternly but not unkind.
He blinked, "Must I? I've had a very exhausting day..."
"The queen commands it."
He chuckled softly, "I'll do my best to obey that order...your majesty."
He made her smile once again. Gunnar then had Kristoff step away and he lifted the cloth, "We've staved off the bleeding for now. We need to remove the armor from around your chest Sir."
"I'm not...a knight...yes."
He began to sit up, aided by Elsa and Kristoff while the physician undid the clasps and buckles of his leather breastplate and pauldrons. Slipping them off Aldren's torso he tossed them to the floor before they laid him back down, the queen's hand supporting his neck. Next Gunnar lifted the corner of Aldren's undershirt to expose the entirety of the injury, he paused for a moment before going to his supplies.
Elsa noticed his hesitance and with the tips of her fingers she drew back his shirt, her eyes widened slightly; in addition to the fresh wound, she saw three distinct scars just in this small area. One a lengthy slash, another a ragged tear while the last looked like claw marks...she wondered how many more he had over the rest of him.
Gunnar cleared his throat and held up a needle and thread of catgut as he looked down to the injured man, "I trust you know this will hurt?"
He nodded slowly, the physician set to work sewing the wounds shut, yet all Aldren did was lightly grunt occasionally throughout. Once the last stitch was in and the thread cut Gunnar wrapped his abdomen and leg in bandages. He stood and walked around the bed to stand by the kneeling queen, "It seems we were able to stop the bleeding in time, as well there appeared to be no damage to any major organs. We've done all we can for now your majesty, he needs to rest." he looked to the cuts on her cheek and arm, "I can look at those if you wish-"
"I'll be fine Gunnar, thank you."
He sighed, pulling out another cloth, "At least take this."
She took the cloth and pressed it to her cheek, wincing slightly from the sting, he glanced back to his patient, "He will live I think, but he'll be bed bound for a few days at least, and likely won't be in fighting shape for some weeks more."
Aldren failed to suppress a terse chuckle, Elsa looked to the physician, "Thank you Gunnar, we're sorry to have woken you."
"I serve at your pleasure my queen." he bowed to her and then to Anna, "Princess." He exited the room, closing the door behind him.
"Your majesty." she looked back to Aldren as he locked eyes with her, "Listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you."
She was somewhat struck by his suddenly hushed but serious tone, but she nodded, "Alright..."
"Having suffered two defeats in one day it is unlikely they will return soon but if they do you must be ready. I don't know how many men you have left, but the upper level should be covered by at least thirty men, a third of them should be archers. The rest should hold the lower levels of the castle, do not have them patrol the courtyard or walls tonight. They must stay tight and make use of close quarters and the narrow halls; deny the enemy the advantage of numbers...it is their only chance to hold them off if they attack again."
Elsa listened intently; the grim reality of the situation further compounded by the severity of his words. Slowly she nodded, before moving to stand between the rest of them, "Arvid, take his armor and wait outside a moment; Kai, Gerda, go with him."
They bowed their heads and left the room, she raised a hand, "Arvid." he stopped and turned, "The sword." she said.
He relinquished Black Autumn to her before leaving the room and she slipped the sword into its sheathe, laying it against the bed. She sat on the edge near him and saw that his eyes were closed, he was asleep. She pulled back the cloth on his neck, the wound had stopped bleeding, but she turned the cloth over anyway and reapplied it. Her hand then traced down his shoulder to his forearm which she grasped lightly, looking down on him with admiration and sadness at the injuries he had endured for her sake in the present as well as those of the past.
She felt her sister's hands on her shoulders who whispered to her, "We should let him sleep Elsa. You need sleep too."
She reached back, holding Anna's hand for a moment before nodding and standing to follow her family out of the room. Last to leave she took one last glance before she shut the door and turned first to Arvid, "I trust you overheard his words to me?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"Then those are my orders to you for now. In addition, I want you to spare two men to guard my sister's room tonight and make sure his armor gets to Gillian."
The princess took the cloth from her sister and wiped the little blood from her arm, "What about you Elsa?"
"I can look after myself for one night Anna."
Arvid stepped closer, "Your majesty I think-"
"Do as I say Arvid!" she snapped in an irritated tone.
He lowered his head, "At once, my queen." and left to carry out her command. Elsa next spoke to Kai and Gerda, perhaps more sternly than she had meant to, "That will be all for tonight."
"Your majesty." They uttered with a quiet bow and quick departure, leaving only Anna and Kristoff.
Anna slightly wide eyed and holding her breath exhaled slowly before putting a hand on Elsa's back, "Ok! It's definitely past your bedtime."
"Yes...I think you're right Anna." She looked to her sister's consort, "Watch after her tonight Kristoff."
He smiled, putting an arm around Anna's shoulders, "You know I will Elsa."
"Good. Because if anything happens to her, I'm coming for you first." she said, only half joking.
He laughed nervously before removing his arm from around Anna and stepping towards Elsa, "I know you probably don't want me leaving the castle tonight...but I want to check on Sven."
Elsa looked over her shoulder to see two guards walking down the hall towards them, she looked back to him, "I'll have one of the guards check on him for you."
He sighed and nodded, "Ok..."
Anna moved to embrace her sister tightly, "Go to bed soon Elsa."
She returned the gesture, "I will, I promise."
When they parted the princess took Kristoff's hand, leading him down the hall to her room.
The pair of guards halted behind Elsa, and she looked over her shoulder to speak, "One of you go to the stables and make sure that Sven is safe and comfortable."
The guard looked confused, "The reindeer your majesty?"
She slowly turned to him, lowering her gaze and looking him in the eye, "Yes. The-reindeer."
The guard quickly bowed his head and moved to obey her while the other went to his post at the princess's door.
Elsa was at last alone and she closed her eyes breathing a deep sigh, at last no one was fawning over her safety or health. This stranger had almost died protecting her and yet all those who served her were more concerned with guards at her door or whether the miniscule cuts to her cheek and arm were treated, it felt ridiculous. Yet she knew inside that these dark thoughts were a byproduct of today's events wearing on her mind. Her eyes opened, and her gaze drew back to the door behind her, she glanced down both ends of the hall before opening the door slightly to peer inside. She saw Aldren lying still on his back, her brow furrowed as she watched him closely until she could see that his chest was in fact rising, that he was breathing...that he was alive.
She then saw that one of his hands was wrapped around the hilt of his sword, even though he was asleep. She smiled slightly and shook her head; she had truly never met his like before in her life and that was besides his ability to create fire. She did not know how she would show him how to control his power, a part of her worried that she had over-promised. She buried that thought away, he had done more for her in a single night than most people could manage in a year, and she knew that she would likely need his help again...so she would do everything within the scope of her abilities to help him conquer his fear.
Closing his door gently she made the way to her own room, the guard assigned to Anna bowing his head as she passed. With the door closed behind her she pressed a finger to her temple, at last allowing herself to drop the queenly demeanor and relax. Walking lazily over to the vanity she leaned her palms against the wood and stared at her reflection in the mirror. First, she did away with her heels and dress, fashioning a simple nightgown in its place. She then examined the cut on her cheek; turning her head to see that the bleeding had stopped but it still shined red even in the dark of her room. She conjured a small handkerchief and, pressing it to her face, she felt the icy fabric soothe the pain.
"Where have you been!"
Elsa jumped and raised an illuminated hand out in the direction of the voice. She breathed a sigh of relief and lowered her arm when she saw it was Olaf standing on her bed with arms folded and perturbed expression on his face. "Olaf! Oh, I thought you'd be with Anna and Kristoff."
He shook his head, "Nuh-uh! Not until you tell me why I haven't seen you all day! We were supposed to go ice skating and you didn't even leave a note for me to-" He stopped, his eyes filling with concern upon catching sight of the cuts on her face and arm, now speaking in a soft voice "You're hurt..."
She smiled and shook her head, "It's nothing Olaf, I'm alright."
"What happened, I mean...is everything ok?"
She looked down and exhaled before coming to sit beside him, patting the surface of the bed, "Sit down. Give me your hand." He did as she said and looking into his eyes, she saw both his child like innocence and also an understanding nature beyond his years. "Olaf, you are one of my oldest friends. You've been there for me since I was a little girl whether you realize it or not. I could hope for few other companions as loving and loyal as you've been...so I'm going to be honest with you."
He nodded, "Ok..."
"We're in trouble Olaf. Someone wants to hurt us, Anna and I…I don't know who they are yet but I'm going to find out and I'm going stop them."
He processed what she said for a moment before looking back to her injuries, "Is that who hurt you today?" she nodded, "But you stopped them?"
"I had help."
"From who?"
"You'll get to meet him tomorrow."
"Him?"
"Tomorrow I said." He groaned in disappointment, she smiled and put her hand on the back of his head, "But I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep us safe Olaf, that is my vow."
He smiled, "I know you will Elsa."
Her eyes closed for a moment as she breathed deeply then lowering her gaze at him, she spoke, "Would you do me a favor Olaf?"
"Yeah, anything."
"Would you stay with me tonight?"
"Of course!"
She smiled and laid back on the bed with him curling up beside her, "Goodnight Elsa."
"Goodnight Olaf, sweet dreams."
"Thanks-I mean I don't actually sleep so I can't actually dream, but I'll pretend if that's ok?" he said with a small laugh.
She chuckled softly, "That's good enough for me."
With that Olaf laid against her with his eyes closed, pretending to sleep. She looked down at him fondly before laying her head back against the pillows and looking out her window to the stars, which seemed a little less bright than they should be...as if the sky itself knew that darker days lay ahead.
OoO
The night had cast its shadow deeply over the lands of Arendelle, nowhere else was this greater felt than in the furthest south near the Nordsoen gulf. No people lived here, and few animals could ever thrive on the land near the sea amidst the rocky crags and graveled shores where cold fog and colder waters stole the land of any warmth it might hold. Two crimson clad soldiers wielding spears walked along the shores through the thin mist, scanning the area they patrolled for any signs of movement amid the rocks.
The soldier at the front looked back to the other who nodded with assurance but before he could turn back again the rear guard's mouth was muffled, restrained by some unseen force. The front guard hissed and raised his spear at the threat. The air near the captive shimmered and Sorvec's hand was revealed above the guard's mouth, with his free hand he held a finger to his mask to signify silence as he smiled deviously underneath. The lead guard gasped, putting his free hand to his chest and bowing his head, "Maighstir Iann! (Blade Master)"
Sorvec laughed quietly before releasing his hold on the other who stepped away and bowed his head too. He looked to the lead guard, "Dhuisg e? (He awake)"
They nodded and all three turned to walk in the direction the soldiers had come from. Sorvec walked in front and the dim light of torches came into view as he neared a camp of his own kind. Once he reached the perimeter he halted when a low rumble was felt beneath his feet, followed shortly by another he looked down and saw the gravel shift and vibrate with each following occurrence. He looked forward again and saw the source of the disturbance as a tall, broad shouldered figure drew nearer to him.
Clad in dark steel that reflected the little light existing here, demonic viper heads stretched outwards from the metal of the shoulders, forearms, chest and above the loin cloth-it's design equal parts splendorous and grotesque. The armor encased the entire body to the point that no flesh on their person was exposed and no weapon could hope to find a weak point, the construction of such quality making all others around it pale by comparison. The only evidence that a being of flesh and blood resided within was the face which yet still was protected by a mighty helm, flanked by two flat ornate crests arching backwards above the head as well as downwards past their jaw.
The skin was the same almost sickly pale complexion as the rest of his kind, patterns stretched around their face and brow at random that at first glance could be mistaken for tattoos but were in fact scales. His eyes were strangest of all, from a distance solid white but upon closer inspection one could just see the outline of their reptilian pupil and iris of unknowable color beneath the milky shield. As he neared, the full depth of his size was made apparent, taller and stronger than any warrior among men could ever hope to reach, likely standing over seven feet even without armor.
Sorvec lowered himself to one knee before reaching up with one hand to remove the mask over his face, revealing similarly pale flesh dotted by scales, ears marked by tall sharp points and long graying hair that was bound back in tight dreads with barbed rings interwoven. His eyes lacked the white exterior of his superiors, instead the yellow irises and slitted pupil were clear to see. He bowed his head, "Warchief."
The warchief replied in a deep, growl of a voice that would frighten the boldest even when he spoke calmly though with slight irritation, "We are to prepare this continent for war. Slay the apostate queen and princess so that our invasion of this country and its surrounding neighbors would go unimpeded by their bloodline's interference and our designs finally realized. Tell me Blademaster...what has waylaid us this time?"
Sorvec stood and held his right arm out to his commander who grasped it lightly and traced his armored fingers over the hand shaped imprint that had been melted into the gauntlet, "What caused this damage?"
"She had help; from another of her kind." The warchief looked back to him as he elaborated, "Like her...and yet not."
"Indeed?" He released Sorvec's arm and motioned for him to follow deeper into the camp, moving past a series of smaller tents and soldiers that stood at attention as they passed, eventually reaching a larger one several times their size and at the center. They entered the tent where no light was lit so little could be perceived in the darkness. Each came to stand on a large circular pad of metal, its center filled in by a dark red crystalline substance that emitted a low light as they knelt.
The red light directed itself upwards ahead of them, as it did a humanoid shape began to form out of the fluttering luminescence. The robed figure that appeared to stand above them was difficult to make out but the one detail that was crystal clear was the masked helm they wore, molded in the image of a terrible fanged serpent, its head encircled-crowned by seven pointed horns.
They bowed their heads and the mask looked between them, speaking in a voice of utter malice and unequaled vice, as if pulled from the shadowy bowels of Hel itself, "Tarn, Sorvec...still you fail to achieve the task I have set forth. Explain."
Tarn nodded to Sorvec who held his arm for their master to observe, "Another there was also, blood of the northern tribe of men...and another Aesir."
"But not like her..."
"No, my king." he next held out his ruined sword, "He was no weakling, a great warrior-beyond even my skill." he cast a smirking glance to the warchief, "Nothing like the fangless wretches she uses to guard herself."
"For another Aesir to appear at the epoch of my intentions on this continent is unprecedented...an act of 'fate'."
Sorvec grimaced and hissed lowly, "Elves!" he spat.
"Perhaps...or perhaps another, more unassuming nuisance native to this land."
Tarn looked to Sorvec's broken blade, "Our steels are not so easily sundered, least not by the works forged by a race so young as humanity."
The mask looked back to the Blademaster, "The weapon this man wielded, how would you describe it?"
Sorvec took a moment to recall, "I had never seen it's like before my king. Its edge was flawless, its surface shined like a deep water's surface." he looked briefly to Tarn, "Only your armor could compare to its quality warchief, not even the alfar could hope to produce a craft of such magnificence. If I didn't know better, I'd dare say it was one of the lost dwarvish blades left behind from the elder days...and yet there was no mistaking the runes it bore. Alfar writing but human words; 'Black Autumn' he named it."
The king's mask shifted to look away from them as he remained silent, Tarn looked to the Blademaster, "How did your confrontation with them end?"
"All my naga are dead. I tried for one last shot at the queen, but the other Aesir's flesh denied me."
"You wounded him?"
"Mortally, for any other man-"
"He is Aesir. He will survive." The warchief looked back to their master, "With our remaining strength here we could still match what remains of their forces sire. I myself would lead-"
"No." they bowed their heads as their king spoke, "Twice now we have been foiled by this new Aesir. And I sense that there are yet other forces beyond our current perception that would aid them against us even now. Blademaster, observe them from a distance, I want to know everything about them."
"Yes, my liege."
Tarn spoke up again, "If I may sire, if we allow them time to recover, we could face even greater resistance than was first anticipated."
"And does this trouble you warchief? To perhaps face the worthy foe you have for so long sought out?"
Tarn smiled, satisfied by the question, "No my king...it does not."
The mask nodded, "Remain at your current post and await my arrival. I will be with you...soon." They bowed their heads once more and the lights flickered and the image of their terrible leader vanished from their sight, the two rose and looked to one another, "By what name will I call this Aesir?"
"'Aldren', I heard."
"And was he truly the warrior you say?"
He nodded and Tarn's pale eyes seemed to light up at this as he smiled wickedly, "I look forward to meeting him…"
OoO
Elsa's eyes fluttered open, then wincing shut as they were struck by sunlight streaming in from her window. After a moment she dared to open them again, seeing that the sun was too high for it to be morning. She looked to the clock in her room and saw that it was midday and with a groggy groan she sat up and rubbed her eyes. On one hand she was frustrated by how long she had overslept; on the other hand she had been exhausted and since no one had woken her it seemed all had remained well in the night.
She looked to her side and saw that Olaf was gone, having likely grown bored sometime in the morning and wandering off as was his nature. She ran her hands over her scalp and inhaled deeply, sitting tall as she craned her neck from side to side. Her focus went to those in the rooms next to her and making sure that they were all safe.
Leaving the surface of her bed she exited her room into the hallway, first making her way to her sister's room. The door was left ajar and neither Anna nor Kristoff were inside. She grew slightly anxious, looking down the hall a servant woman walked towards her, carrying a bundle of sheets and bowed her head when she saw her, "Your majesty, is everything alright?"
"Have you seen Anna or Kristoff this morning?"
"They woke not long before you your majesty and I believe they're down in the dining hall awaiting their breakfast." Elsa breathed a small sigh of relief, the servant tilted her gaze, "Shall I let them know you'll be joining?"
She clasped her hands and smiled, "Yes, please."
The servant bowed her head and continued past her so now Elsa made her way down to Aldren's room. She saw that his door was ajar as well and her pulse quickened, she pushed the door open; no Aldren or his sword, only the recently cleaned surface of the bed. Her gaze snapped back to the servant walking down the hall, "How long has he been gone?"
She turned back to the queen, her face uncertain, "I-I don't know your majesty-"
"No guards were posted on his room?!" She did not wait for the servant to answer and instead began a jog down the hall as she frantically searched every room. With each one she found empty her pace quickened until she was at a full-blown run before she slid to halt at the sound of laughter down the hall. It didn't register at first as she had never heard this person laugh...it was Aldren. Next, she heard Olaf's gleeful tone, that she was all too familiar with, but she did not expect to hear the two together.
Her eyebrow raised in curiosity as she crept her way slowly towards the balcony where the voices were coming from. She peaked around the corner and saw Aldren sitting on the railing with his fingers interlocked, Black Autumn in its scabbard next to him as he looked down at Olaf.
She was now close enough to hear their conversation as Aldren shook his head, "From sneezing? She made all of those like you?"
"Well not exactly like me. There is only one of me." the snowman said proudly with a chuckle.
He smiled, "That much is apparent."
Elsa grinned, putting a hand to her mouth and failing to suppress a small laugh. They both looked up and Aldren stood, bowing his head, "Your majesty, good morning."
She rounded the corner to stand on the balcony with them and nodded in return, "Good morning. I see you've acquainted yourself with Olaf."
He looked to the snowman, "Yes. He's been filling me in on some of your past escapades with your...gift."
She rolled her eyes, "I wouldn't have called that an 'escapade', more of a happy accident. Just like Olaf here."
"Sorry I left Elsa. I didn't want to wake you up and well my curiosity got the best of me." he said with a shrug.
She chuckled, putting a hand on his head, "As it so often does...would you give us a minute Olaf?"
He looked between them before smiling and nodding, "Sure Elsa! I'll go down and see what's for breakfast."
As he waddled away Elsa faced Aldren again and stepped further out on the balcony with her hands behind her back, "He's quite endearing, isn't he?"
"Very...You seem out of breath your majesty." he said noticing her flushed face.
"Well, I was running, I uh...when I saw you weren't in you room, I was afraid that you had-..."
He could see her struggling and moved to close the distance between them, looking her in the eye, "I'm not going to run away in the middle of the night your majesty. That much I promise you."
With a smile she nodded, her eyes then filled with concern, "But shouldn't you be resting? Gunnar believed you wouldn't be walking around for a few days at least."
He smiled, "Your physician did good work last night. But he doesn't know everything about...people like us."
He lifted the corner of his shirt, her eyes widened; the wound dealt from Sorvec's arrow was almost completely healed, he lowered his shirt and she looked back to him, "How?"
"I can't imagine you suffered many grievous injuries growing up here your majesty. But if you had you would have discovered that our wounds heal much faster than those who lack our shared condition."
"Well, I don't like to think of it as a 'condition' as you put it...but I'm glad that you're in good health."
"Thank you. In any event it'll soon be just another scar, your own injury seems to have left less than that."
She reached up to her face to feel for the wound but only felt smooth skin, the cut in her cheek had all but vanished, "That's nice to know..."
She then walked past him to rest her hands on the railing, looking out into the city past the gates of the courtyard where the people who she was meant to keep safe lived, "Perhaps it's fortuitous that you are in able condition once more."
"How so?"
She turned towards him, one hand still gripping the railing as she spoke in a more serious tone, "Because I have a proposal for you."
He folded his arms, "Oh?"
"You were right. The other night when you told me the guard were weak, that Arendelle was vulnerable, yesterday's events made that evident enough. And much as I'd like to believe that I'm capable of keeping the kingdom safe on my own...I now know that isn't true either." she moved to stand directly in front of him, "I promised you I would show you how to control your power. And I intend to honor that promise, whatever it takes...But I also need your help." she brought her hands together, "I want you to take command of the guardsmen; replenish their numbers, oversee their training and mold them into the army they were before my father's rule."
He blinked in surprise at first, before his eyes met the ground and he said nothing. Her anxieties started to flare as she searched for something else to say, "I would also pay you for your services-handsomely. Much more than the usual contracts you would be employed for I imagine."
Still he said nothing, he walked past her towards the railing, resting his palm over his swords pommel as he looked out into the city. "As a child this land was my home. And no matter how far I strayed from it's cool embrace my blood would always be tied to it; it will always be a part of me. The reason I came back your majesty is...well, let's just say a 'friend of mine' told me that if I wanted to find my destiny; I would have to return to my beginnings. And even after their words still I refused the call, I wandered...for years, without direction or purpose, the thought of returning home always in the back of my mind. I suppose I finally gave in to the voice in my head, just in time it would seem...as if it were meant to happen."
He looked back to her, determination in his expression, "I will help you raise your army, your majesty. But they will be pushed harder than they've ever been before-they must be if they are to be ready to face the enemy that threatens their home now. I ask that you leave their training and their discipline entirely in my hands, I will suffer no insubordination nor disobedience from Arvid or any other."
She nodded, "I can accept these terms...and thank you."
He bowed his head, then grabbing Black Autumn he moved to walk past her, "We'll start immediately."
He was halted by her hand on his chest and looked to her as she lowered her gaze, "Tomorrow. You haven't completely healed, and you won't be much use to me if you tear something open."
As you wish."
As he stepped back, she put a hand against her stomach and inhaled, "Are you hungry?"
"I am a tad peckish...starving actually."
She smiled, gesturing into the hallway for them to walk to the dining hall, "Well we didn't really afford ourselves the opportunity to eat last night, did we?"
"It is easy to forget to eat in the wake of life-threatening peril...as it is to forget you're still in your nightgown."
Her eyes widened and she looked down at herself, looking back up she smiled nervously, "Sorry I-...I didn't really think of that when I woke earlier."
He waved his hand and chuckled, "As I said, an easy thing to forget. I can wait for you downstairs while you change-" With a wave of her hands the nightgown was transformed into a dress, like the one she had worn when they first met, along with a pair of heels to match. As she ran her hands through her hair and redid her braid he watched with a wondering grin, "Are all your clothes made of ice?"
"It's one of the advantages of my... gift."
"Including bringing snowmen to life?"
She shrugged, "Like I said, happy accidents." as they started down the stairs, she noticed his brow furrowed in thought, "What?" she asked.
He hesitated to answer at first, "When I was conversing with Olaf, he mentioned at one point you created another like him; to guard you after you fled to the north mountain."
"Ah. Marshmallow yes, he is a bit different than Olaf though."
"Quite. A mighty thing of terrible strength, he served his purpose fairly well too from what I was told."
She cocked her head at him, "What are you getting at Aldren?"
"If it is an army you seek to build, why not simply create one. An army of creatures like this...'Marshmallow', such a force could more than make up for Arendelle's lacking military-at least for a time."
She was quicker to answer than he expected, "You've met Olaf, and you see how childlike he is. That's what they are to me Aldren: children. If I were to do as you say, I'd be creating an entire army who from the moment they were born would be forced into a role they had no say in and know nothing but violence and death...could you do that Aldren? Bring newborns into such terrible and doomed existence."
He shook his head, "No. I could not." he looked forward with hard eyes, "It's no better than slavery."
"Exactly. I know it's probably not the most practical answer..."
"To some? No. But believe me your majesty, I do understand."
She reached over and lightly grasped his arm, "I'm glad to hear that."
He smiled for a moment before his expression turned forlorn, "I just wish I could 'create' anything with my power."
"Have you ever tried?"
He scoffed, "Fire tends to have a life of its own, it refuses to be molded or shaped... so I never tried. I doubt it's a possibility for me."
She smirked, "I guess we'll find out."
As they reached the bottom of the stairs they were met by Kai, "Oh! Your majesty, I was just coming to wake you."
She smiled, "Beat you to it Kai."
He clasped his hands behind his back, "Apologies for letting you sleep in so late-"
She waved her hand, "Don't apologize Kai, it was a merciful thing you did. We were just on our way to join Anna and Kristoff for breakfast-or lunch at this point I suppose."
The overseer looked to Aldren, "I shall see that another plate is readied for you."
Aldren nodded, "Thank you overseer."
He bowed to the queen before turning and heading towards the kitchens as Elsa and Aldren continued towards the dining hall. Rounding the corner, they walked through the doors and saw Anna and Kristoff at their places from the night before. Whatever conversation they were having stopped when they noticed them enter, the princess smiled widely and quickly stood to meet her sister, "Elsa."
The two embraced tightly, "Good morning Anna-I mean...afternoon. I see you two got a head start on us."
They separated and held each other at arm's length. Anna tilted her head cheekily, "Have you ever known me to be able to wait when food is staring me straight in the face?"
Elsa shook her head, "Never. Where's Olaf?"
Anna rolled her eyes, "Wandered off; he came-he saw-he ate all the krumkake. You know, 'Olaf things'." She then looked to Aldren with a surprised smile, "And good afternoon to you!"
He bowed his head, "Princess, good afternoon to you also-"
He gasped when she suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in, "Thank you for saving me and my sister-in the same day too."
He hesitantly patted her back with his free hand, "Well uh...all in a day's work I suppose."
She released him and stepped back for a longer look of curiosity, "You're also looking pretty peppy for a guy who almost died last night."
He lifted the corner of us his shirt for her to see. She blinked several times and looking away she rubbed her eyes furiously before looking back, still flabbergasted, "It's only been a day, right?"
He lowered his shirt, "Afraid so."
Kristoff, who was leaning back in his chair to see was silent at first with his mouth agape, "Can you do that Elsa?"
She smiled and put a hand to her cheek, "Apparently so."
"Well, that's handy", he said leaning forward. "Oh! Good afternoon by the way." he said to Aldren.
Aldren nodded, "Ice master."
Kristoff sighed and rubbed his face, "If you wouldn't mind, just call me Kristoff. 'Ice master' sounds really silly coming out of anyone's mouth."
With a mischievous smile Elsa strolled towards her seat at the head of table as she put a hand to her chest in mock offense, "Kristoff, you wound me! It is a most prestigious title that I bestowed on you myself in recognition of your noble deeds."
He rolled his eyes before smiling back, waving his hands in an exaggerated bow, "And I am eternally grateful to my queen for honoring me with such a goofy and unimaginative pet name."
She flicked her hand at him, a light spray of frost coating his face. The three laughed as he wiped it away. Aldren only grinned and chuckled quietly as he walked to sit at the opposing end of the table. Before he could however, Anna stepped in front of him and grabbed the chair in both hands. The rest of them were silent as the chair scraped loudly against the floor when Anna drug it down the length of the table to the queen's right side. She nodded proudly, looking to him and patting the top of the chair before skipping to her place between Elsa and Kristoff.
Aldren stood in place for a moment before hesitantly making his way to his new seat beside the queen, leaning Black Autumn against table before sitting down. He looked to Elsa out of the corner of his eye and smiled, she smiled back and nodded before giving her sister a scolding look. The princess only shrugged and smiled with feigned innocence while Kristoff awkwardly drank from his cup.
Kai entered the room along with a servant carrying a tray that held a plate of food. While Kai took his place in the room the servant went to Aldren to deliver his food. He thanked them and as they all ate Elsa couldn't help but take note of something: despite how hungry he must have been he remained reserved and dare she say, refined in his manner. He sat tall rather than slouching like Kristoff, he took small bites instead of stuffing the food down like Anna and unlike Olaf he used his utensils.
Some suspicions about him began to build in her thoughts and she decided to prod, "I must say Aldren, you have a very courtly manner about you."
He wiped his mouth with his napkin before looking to her slightly confused, "How do you mean your majesty?"
"You're table manners. For a mercenary traveling abroad for so many years your mannerisms are quite polished...one might even say 'lordly'."
His face remained neutral, but she could see in his eyes that he took notice of her emphasis on the last word. He leaned back in his chair and averted her gaze, "As a boy my parents placed a large emphasis on etiquette, as well as those who raised me in the years after."
Seeking to break the sudden tension between them Kristoff piped up, "You mean the elves?"
Aldren looked to him, "Yes. The elves...I know that must sound hard to believe."
"Not as hard as you think."
Aldren's brow furrowed, "What do you-"
"He was raised by trolls." Anna stated bluntly past a mouthful of food.
He leaned forward, "Trolls? They exist?"
Kristoff leaned back and grinned, "Now who's a skeptic?"
"Well, I've never met one."
"And I've never met an elf. Yet here we are."
Aldren smiled, "Touché."
"It's neat; meeting someone who knows what it's like. Being raised by someone else but still having to end up rubbing elbows with the ugly world-present company excluded of course."
He nodded, "Often times kindness is lacking in the world of men, yet the beings whispered in fables and myth offer us a place among them...and teach us how to be human."
Elsa smiled, "While both may be kind, the alfar clearly have greater respect for protocol and hygiene. Seeing as Kristoff here was never taught how to shower in regular intervals."
Kristoff held his hands up and shrugged, "I showered yesterday."
"Because I forced you to."
The two sisters laughed at the mountain man's embarrassment in front of Aldren, the sound of approaching steps turned their attention to the dining hall's entrance. Arvid approached the table at a hurried pace but slowed when he saw Aldren, "I did not look to see you on your feet so soon."
Aldren nodded, "I suppose I'll have to explain it to everyone eventually-"
Elsa interjected, "That can wait for now Aldren." she focused her attention on Arvid, her expression and voice firmer than before, "I've been wanting to speak with you anyway."
The guard grew uneasy under her suddenly strict gaze, "Your majesty?"
"I was hoping you might explain to me why you failed to post any guards at Aldren's room last night. Leaving my friend here, injured and unprotected in the aftermath of last night's attack seems like an uncharacteristic lapse in your judgment Arvid."
Aldren saw the shame building in the guard's face and attempted to intervene, "Your majesty, I assure you it's-"
With a smile she held up a hand, silencing him before looking back to the guard, "Arvid?"
Arvid walked closer to the table and brought his hands together, "Your majesty, I followed your instruction exactly. But the losses we took yesterday have left our numbers stretched and we were hard pressed to meet them out fully, that's including the men you ordered me to post on the princess's chambers. If I could have spared any men to guard his room your majesty, I would have."
Her sternness fell as she took in his words. She sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple and shaking her head, "I suppose I've bit myself in the tongue, haven't I? You'll have to forgive me Arvid, yesterday's events seem to have taken their toll on me and I'm not as patient as I should be."
He held a hand to his chest, "You needn't apologize to me your majesty."
She leaned forward on her elbows, interlocking her fingers as she looked up, "But I do. I lost sight of the severity of the situation; the men who gave their lives defending ours."
Anna looked down, her expression bereft of its previous joy and laughter. Kristoff reached out and took her hand in response.
Elsa smiled, "That is something I hope to have remedied soon however."
The guard leaned forward, "Your majesty?"
She gestured to the man at her right, "I'm giving Aldren command of the guard. He will oversee your collective training, recruitment efforts and redeployment; we'll need our full strength if we're to combat our enemy the next time it rears its ugly head. From this moment forward you will all follow his training and his instruction to the letter, understood?"
Arvid glanced to Aldren before bowing his head to her, "Yes my queen." he looked to Aldren with his hands behind him, "And what would you have of the guard...Sir?"
As always Arvid kept his tone level and courteous, but Aldren could see that he was far from pleased with this change. Despite this he smiled, "Her majesty has forbade me from taking any direct action in your training today on account of my still healing injuries. In the meantime, I want the rest of the guard informed of this change. As well I want you to draft some fliers that detail a request for recruits to join the royal army and post them throughout the city. We'll send these to the other provinces of Arendelle once our initial recruitment process has begun." He looked to Elsa, "However, judging from his haste to enter the room I believe there was something he was coming to tell you, your majesty."
Arvid cleared his throat, "Y-yes. There is a situation in the dungeons with one of the prisoners."
"There were survivors?" Aldren asked.
Elsa nodded, "Yes. One who came closest to killing me in the throne room and the big one that you saved Anna from." she looked back to the guard, "And which of them is giving you trouble?"
"The big one."
OoO
Elsa and Aldren followed behind Arvid who led the way through the palace dungeons, as they walked the torch lit halls five guards came into view with spears pointed at one of the cell doors. A loud banging accompanied by a growl made the guards flinch slightly and as they neared this occurred again and again. The guards took a moment to bow to their queen as she came to stand by them with Aldren and Arvid. The large warrior still clad in his crimson armor backed up in his cell before charging forward and ramming his full weight into the door, making the guards flinch again.
Arvid gestured to the prisoner as they backed away from the door, "He managed to break out of his chains and has been at this the past hour. I wouldn't have been concerned about it your majesty, except that-"
The hinges of the cell door squeaked and bent slightly when the prisoner charged the door again, Arvid cleared his throat, "He might actually break out."
Aldren drew Black Autumn from its sheath and looked to Elsa, "You want me to kill him?"
She was slightly thrown off by how nonchalantly he asked, she shook her head, "That won't be necessary Aldren."
She looked back to the cell and just as the brute was charging again she sent a stream of her magic through the bars of the door. The magic collided with him and sent him flying; a solid ring of ice formed around his chest, affixing him to the wall with his feet just off the ground and his arms bound to his sides. As he struggled against his new bonds of ice the sound of light laughter could be heard from the opposite end of the cell.
Elsa looked to the guards "Open the cell."
They did as she commanded and three guards led the way, holding their spears towards the brute against the wall. The other two held theirs towards the second prisoner who sat on the wooden bed with his wrists still in chains. The queen looked between the two prisoners as she came to stand in the middle of the cell with Aldren and Arvid a short way behind her.
The brute fixed his gaze on her and growled, "Galla!"
Aldren's eyes narrowed slightly at the word that came from his mouth. Elsa could not understand him but judging from his tone what he said was undoubtably a rude slur. Her face was firm and inexpressive as she folded her arms, "I'd advise against cursing me, considering you tried to kill my sister and yet I chose spare your life...for now."
He only bared his fangs at her in response.
"You'll have to excuse my compatriot, I'm afraid the fear of pain and death is long since lost on him." they looked to the other prisoner who now spoke.
Elsa took a step towards them, her eyes narrowing and her hand clenching to a fist against her chest. The prisoner noticed this and chuckled slightly, "Don't act so hurt, it was nothing personal-"
"It felt personal when you swung your sword at my neck!"
"And yet I choose not to take this personally." he held up his wounded arm, where the armor had been bent inwards. "You were defending yourself, much better than we had expected you to...nor did we expect to encounter two of you." he said looking to Aldren's crimson eyes.
He stood and started to walk forward but was halted when two spears were at his neck along with the tip of Aldren's sword pressed to his chest plate. He held a hand to his chest, "Let's start over then, yes? I am called Meren, and this is Lub. We are your would-be assassins." he gestured to the brute still huffing from his place against the wall.
Elsa unfolded her arms, "Where is it you hail from? I've never met men with names like those."
Aldren lowered his weapon and turned towards Lub, "They are not men." he raised his sword to the edge of the brute's helm, the action elicited no reaction from the prisoner. Using the tip of his blade he flung the steel cap from the prisoner's head, first exposing a pale shaven head.
As he lifted his head the finer details of his appearance were revealed to everyone in the cell; random scale like patterns dotted the heavily scarred skin, while the tops of his ears ended in tall sharp points. His eyes opened to reveal a copper iris with a thin, black vertical pupil at their center. The guards all held repulsed expressions and Elsa's own mouth was slightly agape at the sight of the creature before them. Lub glowered directly at Aldren who lowered his gaze at this new being before him.
Elsa, still taken aback somewhat, looked to Meren, "Remove your helm please."
"Well...since you asked nicely." he reached up with one hand and pulled the steel from his head; unlike the other he had hair that was short and black, his skin largely held the same features but lacked the scars. His eyes were closed at first, when he opened them, they were nearly identical save for the irises which were berry blue. He looked to one of the guards and flung the helmet to their feet before making a mock lunge at them, "Boo!" The guard recoiled for a moment which made Meren laugh.
Elsa looked between the two prisoners as she took mental tally of their features, she turned to Aldren with confusion in her eyes, "Alfar?"
Lub scoffed, Aldren shook his head, "No. Something else, though the language they speak is undeniably similar."
Meren perked up, "Really? Well let's see how good you are." He gestured towards the queen, "Let's say that I dare to utter the words: Tha a' bhean seo na ban salach nach eil iomchaidh a bhith na banrigh air rud sam bith." he raised an eyebrow at him, "What do you say to that?"
Aldren's eyes narrowed, as he walked towards Meren the tip of his sword dragged against the stone, kicking up sparks before he stood above him, "I'd-say: Go mbeidh na chead fhocail eile a labhroidh tu gan usaid a bhaint as do theanga forc. (That the next words you utter will be without the use of your forked tongue)"
Aldren's threatening tone shook Meren slightly but with a grin he pointed at him and chuckled, "Very good." he held his hands up, "I didn't mean it of course, hypothetical example."
Aldren's eyes remained thin, but he turned back to stand behind the queen once more. Elsa thought to ask what words were spoken but decided now was not the time, instead she looked to Meren, "What are you?"
"We are your betters!" they all looked to Lub who spat in a venomous, hateful tone, "We are Naga! We are the end of all that you are!"
Elsa brought her hands together as she stood as close as she dared to Lub, "And what are we to you exactly?"
He craned his head as far forward as possible, "Weakness!"
The word stung her like a hot iron, but she refused to show it, she tilted her head upwards, "From where I stand, you appear to be the weak one."
"You have not met the strongest!"
"And who would that be...the Witch King?"
His pale lips curled into an almost deranged smile, "Yes..."
"And how does he benefit from our deaths?"
"All will submit or die! Only the Naga may rule this world, only our master may be king of all!"
Aldren stepped around to stand beside the queen, "If your master was so powerful, why does he send peons to do his dirty work? All I hear are the ravings of a fanatic, all but enthralled to a selfish tyrant who styles himself a god."
Lub merely laughed before sighing, "You have not seen northman, but-you-will. He is more than you both together, more than a god...he is everything." he looked out at the guardsmen behind them, "You're all going to die!"
Arvid's expression twisted to one of hate as he drew his sword, "I've heard enough!"
Before he could move Elsa turned swiftly towards him with her hand up, he obeyed and sheathed his sword. She looked back to her prisoner for a moment before turning to Aldren with her brow raised, "What do you think I should do with them Aldren?"
"They may yet have useful information."
Lub snarled, "We will tell you nothing!"
Aldren smirked, "We'll see." he walked past Elsa towards Meren, the naga's expression became increasingly frightened as Aldren drew closer and closer. Eventually the prisoner stumbled backwards, his back hitting the wall as the taller Arendellian stood over him.
He turned back to the queen, "We should strip them both of their armor, gather all the naga armaments for study. We need to learn everything we can about them: how they arm themselves, how they fight and how we will fight them." he walked towards Lub, tapping the brute's pauldron with his blade, "His is of particular interest."
Arvid rolled his eyes, "And how do you propose we get it off of him?"
In the time it took the guard to finish his sentence, Aldren struck Lub's jaw with the pommel of his sword, rendering the naga brute unconscious.
"That should help."
Elsa nodded, before waving her hand to dissipate the ice around Lub, dropping his limp body to the floor. She spoke to Arvid, "Have them moved to separate cells and post guards on each of them."
"What if he tries to break out again?"
Aldren sheathed his weapon and looked to Elsa, "Do you still have a forgemaster on the castle grounds?"
She nodded, "We do."
"Have him affix iron spikes to the inside of his next cell door. If he's so fearless then he should have no issue impaling himself to escape...I know it seems crude-"
"But effective." Elsa smiled, "So it will be done." she beckoned to one of the other guards, "Let him know we're coming."
The guard bowed and left to move ahead of them towards the castle forge. As they walked out of the cell and left the dungeons Aldren noticed Elsa's shoulders become less tense, her expression less firm and her stance overall more relaxed. Her eyes closed as she let out a deep sigh, he smiled, "You handled yourself well in there."
She looked to him, returning the smile, "Well I should hope so, as queen that much is expected of me. And in any case, I have you to thank partly, your presence was very effective."
"True. Still, being confronted with your attempted killers and having to remain composed throughout is no easy thing for anyone to do."
"Thank you Aldren...what did that prisoner say about me to you?"
He shook his head, "Nothing I feel would be appropriate to repeat to you, your majesty."
She closed her eyes and haughtily laughed before grinning to him, "It surely cannot be any worse than our own initial interactions."
He grinned back and rolled his eyes, "Do I really come across as that callous to you?"
She smirked, "I think you are an overtly honest individual...mostly."
He glanced to her from the corner of his eyes, his expression dropping slightly from her subtle dig at his secrecy. He moved to change the subject, "To be honest I am surprised and relieved to learn there is still a forgemaster on site."
"Our guards may not wear armor these days, but swords, spears and arrows still require a smith's touch even in times of peace."
"Wise."
"I warn you however, he can be a bit...candid."
"Well, I like him already."
She chuckled, "We'll see about that."
Eventually they left through the palace doors into the courtyard, nestled on the outside perimeter of the palace past the chapel's right was a small building. A hut almost it seemed where the forge sat, a space large enough to spend extended amounts of time in but small enough that it didn't take up much room in the courtyard. Outside its entryway on one side was a large anvil, a hammer resting atop it. At the opposing side was an old, weathered grindstone.
Aldren raised an eyebrow, "Looks as though he hasn't kept all his equipment up to date."
"He hasn't had much reason to until recently."
A loud banging inside the forge, followed by a sharp cry of pain was heard, "Oh! Your majesty, is that you?"
She smiled, restraining a laugh, "Yes, it's me forgemaster."
"Ah! And is our-OW! Ow! -our esteemed guest with you as well?"
"He is."
Aldren looked between her and the forge with some concern, "Is he alright?"
She waved her hand and mouthed silently to him, "He's fine."
An elderly man wearing a dirtied guardsmen uniform backed out of the hut, his face and scalp were covered by silvery hair while his eyes were a faded blue that almost appeared gray in the light. He fumbled slightly with Aldren's armor in his arms as he nearly tripped over himself to get out of the hut.
Finally making it out he walked towards them, "Forgive me your majesty, I just finished servicing his armor and was waiting to-"
The old man froze in place when he laid eyes on Aldren, Elsa's brow furrowed at the sight of his stunned expression. She looked to Aldren and saw that his own face held a similar expression, albeit more subdued. She looked between them as the stare they shared dragged on for some time until eventually Aldren looked to the smith's hands, "My armor."
The forgemaster shook himself from his apparent shock, "Ah, yes...here you are." He closed the distance and handed the breastplate and pauldrons to him. Stepping back the old smith seemed unable to restrain a small smile as he clasped his hands together, "I think you'll find it'll fit much better than it did before."
Aldren cleared his throat, avoiding both of their gazes, "Indeed." he shifted towards Elsa, only granting her the smallest of glances, "I think I'll see how tomorrow's preparations are coming along, your majesty." he bowed his head to her, then nodded to the smith, "Gillian." and swiftly left her presence.
She looked to the old smith whose face seemed to hold some hurt, he noticed her watching him intently and quickly smiled, "Your majesty, was there anything else you required?"
She tilted her head slightly, "Go to the dungeons, you'll be given instructions...then come see me in my study when you are free."
He bowed his head and slowly walked away to follow her command, as she watched him leave, she realized what it was she had seen and heard. She had never told Aldren the forgemaster's name; they knew one another. It was unexpected and yet now she likely had a definitive source for who Aldren was, she would finally be able to fully confirm her suspicions about him. The look they had shared was one of recognition...of history.