"What do you mean you don't know anything?" Kristoff fumed. He had gotten up early to try and get the information they needed from the trolls before Elsa started her wintry blockade. Despite what she had said about the vambrace, he really didn't want to chance going out in a blizzard. But that didn't matter now, because his plan 'B' had just failed.
"I'm sorry, dear boy," Gran Pabbie said, rubbing his mossy eyebrows, "Curses are peculiar things, and can only be broken when certain conditions are met."
Kristoff sighed. "What conditions?"
The eldest troll shook his head solemnly. "Alas, I do not know. The only thing we have to go by is the prophecy that was given to me as I erased the princess' memories. Perhaps that might hold some answers for you."
Kristoff ruffled a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. This conversation was getting him nowhere. "Well, thanks anyway…" he said absently, beginning to walk away, "I'm just going to…go think about what to do, I guess."
Argh! This was a total waste of time! He thought with irritation, C'mon Kristoff, Anna and Elsa are counting on you! He knew he had to help them, but how?
When he arrived back at Arendelle castle, he noticed the royal guards rallying a search party. He hoped that Elsa was ready for them with the blizzard in place.
"Enjoying your morning, Clayton?" a smug voice questioned.
Kristoff turned around and grimaced. "I was until just now, Prince Hans." He hissed through gritted teeth. "And the name is Kristoff." He grumbled the last part under his breath.
Hans chuckled jovially, ignoring Kristoff's obvious venom. "Well, surprise, surprise. It looks like you are capable of being trained to address me correctly after all. Color me impressed."
Kristoff huffed, folding his arms over his chest defiantly. "What do you want?"
Hans smirked and brushed an invisible piece of lint off his shoulder. "I was simply observing the search party as they made their preparations…and enjoying this beautifully sunny day, of course."
Kristoff raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And why aren't you helping the search party? I thought you were going to play the hero."
Hans leaned back against a nearby pillar. "Right you are, Keaton. But I was thinking on a more…grand scale. 'Savior of the Kingdom' has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
Kristoff shrugged, ignoring the fact that Hans had gotten his name wrong yet again. The prince continued his explanation. "You see, I need to wait until the King and Queen are at their wits' end, desperate for someone, anyone to save their daughter. To wait until they are willing to pay any price…you see how my plan works now?"
Kristoff had to hold back from punching the little freak. He took a page out of Elsa's book, and breathed in slowly to calm himself. "So answer me this, prince: what will you do if the search party gets to Anna first?" he thought it was a clever question, one that would make that pompous prince squirm.
Hans simply laughed. "Oh please, do you think me unintelligent? I already know that you and that wretched ice witch are working together, and yet here you are, right as rain, while a group of soldiers is preparing to siege that icy hovel where the blonde cretin lives. Can you tell me why that is?"
Kristoff clenched his jaw but said nothing. Hans smirked and continued. "I know that the search party won't be able to do much 'searching' today, I knew it the moment I saw you standing here grinning like you've got a dirty little secret. But don't worry…this works perfectly for my plan." He said smugly, "I'm sure whatever little blockade you have setup will last for a while…plenty of time for the King and Queen to get desperate."
Kristoff opened his mouth, ready to yell obscenities at the wicked man, when he was cut off by Hans.
"Thank you for your assistance, Kreyston," Hans said with a winning smile, "You are a really good listener, let's hope that you remain that way."
As the prince walked away, Kristoff glared at his back. "It's Kristoff." He grumbled, eyes narrowing with irritation. If I can't help those two by finding information, he thought with newfound determination, I can help by making sure that creep doesn't get his way!
Elsa had also awoken early that morning, but not in a way that was at all pleasant. Her lean frame shook and beads of cold sweat formed on her skin. She lay in bed for a few moments, taking slow breaths as she fixed her gaze on the ceiling. I haven't had that nightmare in a long time…
She sighed and sat up, summoning her icy cloak, and stalked over to her balcony. The sun had just barely peaked over the horizon and the sky was still quite dim.
Elsa took a slow breath, tapping into the magical energies deep within herself and channeling it through the rest of her being. She could see the energy crackle and swirl around her in tiny glowing fractals. Elsa allowed it to build and build until she could literally feel the weight of her own power bearing down on her body. Then she released it outward, toward the base of the mountain.
The result was instant. A howling blizzard ravaged the passage to the North Mountain, prohibiting anyone from Arendelle coming through. Well, save Kristoff.
Elsa slumped against the railing, her body felt shaky and weak. She was a little out of practice, it seemed. Three years of not using her powers and then suddenly summoning a blizzard that will last for days had taken its toll on her.
She righted herself and observed her handiwork. A pleased smile rose to her lips as she watched the relentless tempest of snow and ice. I don't think I'll be getting any unwanted visitors anytime soon.
When Anna had awoken, the morning sun was streaming in through the windows, glimmering in the frozen fractals of the ice around her. I got to hand it to Elsa, this palace is absolutely beautiful. Speaking of Elsa, Anna had dreamt of her that night. It was a dream of them ice skating together, only they were younger, and Anna was more clumsy. If what Elsa said last night is true, then maybe that wasn't a dream at all…Anna thought, her mind trying to put pieces together, maybe it was a memory.
But if that was true, then maybe her other dreams were memories too. Like that one dream where she and Elsa ki-
"No way…" Anna put a stop to that train of thought, "I mean…that's impossible…right?"
She did say we were close…
Anna quickly made her way to the dining room. Elsa was waiting for her at the head of the table, her eyes pouring over the pages of a book in her hand. The blonde seemed a little tired, her posture more slouched than usual.
"Good morning, Elsa" Anna greeted, taking a seat next to her, "Did you sleep okay?"
Deep blue eyes looked up from the engrossing text. "Good morning to you as well, Anna," Elsa smiled, "Sleep was unkind to me last night, I'm afraid. I hope you fared better?"
Anna nodded enthusiastically. "I dreamt that you and I were ice skating and having fun," the redhead paused, "But we were both younger in my dream, so maybe…do you think that it could've been a memory?"
Elsa looked unreadable as she set her book down and took a thoughtful sip of tea. "I suppose so," she said after a moment, "Have you had any other dreams like that?"
Anna blushed, remembering her dream kiss with Elsa. She cleared her throat awkwardly. "U-uh, no. No, I haven't." she lied.
A hint of disappointment shone in the blonde's eyes, before she looked away. "Listen, Anna, I need to go somewhere for the day," Elsa stated evenly, "Do you think you will be alright here by yourself? How fast does your health normally regress?"
This caught Anna's attention. Where did Elsa need to go? "Why can't I go with you?"
Elsa sighed heavily. "I just need to go somewhere that could have information on breaking your curse. I'd take you with me if I could, but the path there is very dangerous and I don't want you getting hurt."
Now Anna was worried. "If it's so dangerous, then I'm definitely going with you. I won't let you face peril all alone, Elsa."
This seemed to surprise the blonde, a conflicted look passing over her delicate features. Several moments passed before either woman spoke.
"Very well," Elsa finally conceded, "But you must listen to every word I say, alright?"
Anna nodded vigorously. "Your wish is my command!"
"So, where are we going?" Anna asked as they were leaving, "Is it far from here?"
Elsa smirked. "We've barely left, and you're already asking how much longer we have to go?"
Anna pouted. "You're teasing me."
She watched the blonde's smirk grow wider. "Perhaps I am. But to answer your question, it isn't very far. It should only take about two hours by foot."
Anna felt her feet ache already. "Two hours?" she whined, "Can't we just have Marshmallow carry us there, or something?"
Elsa shook her head, an amused grin on her face. "I need him to stay here in case Kristoff returns with information."
Anna raised a curious eyebrow. "Kristoff's helping you?" she asked, trying to fight off the biting jealousy in her gut.
Elsa nodded, oblivious to Anna's accusing tone. "He is probably searching Arendelle's archives as we speak. I was going to wait until we heard from him, but I don't know how long my blockade will last, or if he'll even be able to find anything of use…"
Anna stopped walking. "Blockade?" then it clicked, "They're coming for me, aren't they? The search party."
Elsa turned to face her, eyes sincere. "Yes, and we need to break your curse as soon as possible."
They started walking again, step after step through the crunchy white snow. They were heading north, as far as Anna could tell. Her mind was more preoccupied with the new information she'd received.
"Hey Elsa?"
"Yes, Anna?"
"After the curse is broken…what will happen next?"
Elsa said nothing for a few moments. "You would be free to return home then, I suppose."
Anna tried to ignore the stab of disappointment at the blonde's answer. Did she really want Anna to leave? "What about you, Elsa?" she asked.
Would her kingdom persecute her? No, Anna refused to let that happen.
"I would return to where I belong." Elsa answered quietly, not looking back at her.
Anna quickened her pace to walk beside her. "Won't you be lonely up there all by yourself?"
She watched the pain flicker in the blonde's eyes. "Do not worry about me. I will be fine."
Silence settled over them after that. Anna noticed that the incline was getting steeper as they walked along. Her feet were starting to get sore, and she wondered if Elsa actually planned on going over the North Mountain. The idea both excited Anna and exhausted her. She was curious as to what lay on the northern side of the mountain. Her feet were seriously starting to ache, though.
"Are you sure you can't just summon up some ice horses or something?" Anna asked tiredly.
Elsa stopped walking and looked at her. "I don't know if I have the magical energy to do that right now, creating living beings takes a lot of magic and this morning's blizzard drained a large portion of my powers. We can rest now though, if you like?"
Anna did not need anymore convincing, falling back into a snow drift and sighing in contentment. Elsa giggled and sat down next to her.
"You never told me where we are going." Anna pointed out with a silly grin.
Elsa sighed, returning the smile. "It's not much further now. We just need to go through the northern ice chasm."
Anna sat up. "An ice chasm? Are we going to the other side of the North Mountain?"
Elsa nodded. "Yes, our destination lies just beyond."
Anna groaned and fell back into the snow. "My feet are killing me."
"Your feet are sore?" She heard Elsa's concerned tone. "May I see them?"
Anna stared at the waiting blonde like she was crazy, but obediently placed her feet in Elsa's lap anyway.
The blonde's deep blue eyes never left hers as she carefully undid the laces on the boots and slid them off Anna's feet. "E-Elsa, w-what are you doing?"
Elsa said nothing, moving her hands up and gently pressing her thumbs into the arches of Anna's feet, rubbing soothing circles there. The redhead bit her lips to contain a moan. God, that feels good…I can't believe she's massaging my feet!
"Mmm, E-Elsa…" Anna moaned as the blonde hit a sensitive spot, "Right there…"
"D-Does that feel good?" the blonde asked, her voice shaky.
Anna nodded, her fingers curling into fists. "I-It feels amazing, Elsa…"
When Elsa used a bit of her powers to cool and sooth her muscles, Anna nearly lost it. The entire time their eyes never left each other. It was as if they were both stuck in a trance, unable to look away from the other, yet not wanting to stop even if they could.
"…Is that better?" Elsa's tone was more breathy than usual. Her eyes were darker too.
Anna had to clear her throat to get her vocal chords to function properly. "Y-yes…so much better…" she breathed.
Elsa flushed darkly, quickly putting Anna's boots back on her feet and standing up. "W-Well…Perhaps we should get going now?"
Anna nodded, feeling her own face get hot remembering what they just did and how…intimate it felt. "R-Right. Lead the way."
It wasn't long before they reached a long narrow divide near the mountain summit. It looked dark and foreboding, almost like an icy tunnel with no visible light at the end.
Elsa stopped them at the entrance and gripped Anna's shoulders, turning the shorter girl to face her. It was then that Anna noticed the blonde's expression.
Her eyes were dark, haunted, and filled with fear and anxiety. Her eyebrows were set in a determined line and her lower lip trembled slightly. She looked terrified.
"Listen to me, Anna, because this is the dangerous part I was talking about," Elsa spoke quietly, as if she was afraid of acknowledging her own words. "I need you to take my arm, close your eyes, and stay close to me. And no matter what happens, don't open your eyes."
Anna was confused. If it was dangerous, why should she close her eyes? "Elsa, I don't see how this is-"
"Please, Anna," Elsa pleaded, her eyes desperate, "Just trust me."
Anna bit her lip nervously. "Okay."
She looped her arm through Elsa's and the blonde pulled her close so that Anna was flush against her side. The redhead blushed. Elsa's body was soft and molded perfectly to her own…
"Now close your eyes," Elsa murmured next her ear. Anna obeyed immediately.
"Anna, you must promise me that you won't open your eyes until I say so."
"Okay, I won't" Anna said.
"I'm serious, Anna." Elsa's tone was severe, worried, "No matter what happens, no matter what you may hear or feel, you mustn't open them."
Now Anna was beginning to feel a bit uneasy. What was Elsa so afraid of? "I promise."
Elsa gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry Anna, I've got you. You're safe."
And Anna believed her.
The ice chasm was deathly silent as Elsa guided her through the first few steps. Then Anna heard faint noises; slithering, scratching, hissing. Shivers went down her spine and she felt Elsa tighten her hold ever so slightly.
Then all hell broke loose.
Howls and shrieks and any other ungodly sound imaginable echoed in her ears. She felt blisteringly cold gusts whip all around her; felt shards of ice graze her cheeks, and the ground shake beneath her feet. She felt so scared, but she didn't dare open her eyes.
"Almost there," Elsa whispered, reminding her that she was safe.
More hissing and screeching assaulted her ears. Elsa winced and trembled against her, and Anna felt something warm soak her shoulder.
"Elsa, what's-"
"Don't!" Elsa hissed, "Don't open your eyes."
They continued walking through the chaos until all fell silent again, and Anna felt comforting warmth on her face. Sunlight.
Elsa pulled away. "You can open your eyes now." She breathed.
Anna opened her eyes to see Elsa a few feet away gripping her left shoulder, red seeping through her pale fingers.
"My god, Elsa, you're hurt!" Anna rushed over to her and tried to get a better look at the wound. "Hang on, I can use my shirt to wrap it. How deep is it?"
Elsa backed away, a hand held up in a calming gesture. "I will live, Anna. Please do not worry." She proceeded to cover the wound with ice, effectively freezing it closed. "See?"
Anna was still worried. She had never been so scared for someone else's wellbeing before. "What happened back there?" she finally asked.
Elsa sighed heavily. "That is a story for another time. Luckily, the chasm is no longer dangerous now, so on our way back we should be fine."
Anna nodded slowly, wondering what had just occurred. Those sounds would haunt her nightmares. She couldn't even imagine how they were going to affect Elsa.
"Anyways," Elsa said, a smile touching her lips, "You'll be happy to know that we've arrived at our destination."
Anna followed Elsa's gaze and immediately had her breath stolen away. She was looking out over an entire city made of ice. The buildings sparkled in the sun, the frozen structures shimmering like exotic jewels. A castle of ice towered over everything in the city's center. "It's beautiful…"Anna breathed, unable to find proper words to describe it.
"Thank you," Elsa said sadly, "This is where I was born."
Anna looked at the blonde, noticing the longing on her face.
Elsa turned and offered Anna a small smile. "Welcome Anna, to the Kingdom of Erigisen."
This is officially the longest chapter so far. And, Hmm...I wonder why the Kingdom of Erigisen sounds so familiar...almost like it was mentioned in chapter 8 or something...weird, lol. So, what do you all think?