Anna remembers her first kiss being from a stable boy named Kristoff. She'd been thirteen and always curious after hearing stories of their more wild flings from the women in the caravan.
They had stopped in a small mountain town to wait out a snowstorm that blocked the roads.
The young man kissed her the second night they were there. It was wet and sloppy, hands awkwardly grasping at her. He smelled much like the stables they were in, but with a strong overtone of reindeer. It tickled unpleasantly at her senses and it felt, wrong somehow.
But in this moment with Elsa's cool body pressed against her own, the smell of winter and pine invading every nerve and fiber of her being, it was all finally right. All the pieces falling into place.
She slid her hands up from the lapels of Elsa's jacket, tangling her fingers in blonde hair as a cold hand gripped tightly on her hip. A jolt of electricity shot through her spine as teeth grazed her bottom lip and Anna couldn't help the whimper crawling its way up her throat when hips ground into her own.
There was a steady thrum coursing just under her skin, a molten heat wiggling at the back of Anna's mind. She could feel the grip she has on the flame slipping, the heat surging through her limbs and cinders sparking over her shoulders.
With a gasp she pulled away from Elsa's lips and hid her face in the blondes shoulder.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that." Elsa whispers as she tucked a loose strand of red hair behind Anna's ear, trailing a fingertip along the edge. "It was terribly rude of me…"
"No, you don't...you don't have to apologize for that," Anna stuttered, her heart thundering in her chest. "I'm just, not the most experienced?" She slid her hands back to the front of Elsa's jacket, gripping at the fabric tightly. "In a lot of things it seems, but really, I didn't mind that at all." There's a press of lips against the side of her head, next to her ear as a quiet laugh ghosts across her senses.
Anna couldn't help the giggle escaping her, a different kind of warmth spreading through her gut.
"Slow would be good, just till I can feel like I'm not going to implode because you're this amazing kisser. Wait, what?" Anna couldn't stop the blush as she realized what she rambled out.
With a laugh, Elsa gently pulled Anna away from the banister and lead her to the window seat. With a tug the curtains opened to let in the dappled afternoon sun, Anna averted her eyes against the glare. It was then she noticed the tray of sandwiches and tea.
"Oh! When did Gerda bring these in?" Perching on the window seat, Anna picked up one of the dainty sandwiches from the tray. Biting off a mouthful she groaned at the flavors bursting on her tongue. "Holy wow this is the most amazing thing ever!"
With a grin Elsa sat across from Anna, watching the young girl devour the food. She let her gaze trail over the girls features, wondering how many constellations she could make out with the freckles that dusted over that delicate nose. Or how those plump lips would feel wrapped around...
Shaking her head Elsa could feel her cheeks burning. Now wasn't quite the time to be picturing Anna in her bed, red hair splayed out against the sheets, flushed skin and heaving chest.
"-Elsa?"
"Sorry what?" The blonde jumped slightly, realizing she distracted herself too much and had been caught red handed. With wide eyes she faced Anna, her hands fidgeting in her lap as she tried to recall anything the redhead had said.
Leaning forward Anna smiled widely at Elsa, taking in the sight of the Snow Queen embarrassed and caught unaware. Her heart had fluttered in her chest when she realized that Elsa had been staring intently at her, those arctic blue darkening to a shade resembling the depths of the ocean and filled with so many emotions. Anna easily spotted the hunger, but there was still a gentleness and warmth around the edges diffusing the predatory gaze that filled her mind and body with safety.
"I asked if there was any place that I could practice? Just because I'm not performing doesn't mean I can't stay in shape." She would've laughed at the way Elsa's eyes lost focus for a split second if she wasn't curious what thought had dragged her away.
Nibbling on the last of her sandwich Anna stood wiping her hands against the dress, wondering if she still had her wardrobe. Dresses were fine for special occasions, but she was too used to wearing clothing that didn't catch her legs or that was less prone to catching fire. Plus there was less chance for her to get caught in the fabric and fall flat on her face.
A small cough caught her attention and peering over her shoulder she saw that Elsa had stood as well, holding out her arm for Anna to take.
"I do have just the place where you can do just that. Though I don't think it's quite ready yet." Elsa's voice had taken on a husky quality that had warmth pulsing through Anna's veins. "So while we wait a few days for the grounds to be ready, I do have a smaller ballroom that you could use till then."
Looping her arm through Elsa's, Anna half dragged them down the stairs.
"That's great! But first, I need to change. The dress is lovely but I'd rather be wearing leather." A choked sputter was the only response to reach her ears.
Anna's laughing could be heard echoing down the expansive hallways. She wondered how else she could get that lovely shade of red to appear on the Snow Queen's pale cheeks.
Bending down Anna held her ankles for a moment before placing her hands flat on the ground in front of her feet. Wiggling her hips slightly, she let her weight settle all on her hands and slowly lifted her body into a handstand. Keeping her breathing steady she let her legs fall to the side in an easy split, holding that pose for a few seconds before bringing them back up above her.
Humming a quiet tune, Anna curved her spine and dropped her feet above her head. Looking out the corner of her eye to the lone chair by the tall windows of the small ballroom, delicate beams of light created a halo effect around the stoic figure of Elsa.
After they had left the library Anna had decided that the blonde queen needed a taste of her own medicine. Changing into her training gear was a slight hassle because the support binding usually took another pair of hands but she managed as well as she could. She had opted for her umber colored breeches that only reached midway down her calves, leaving her feet completely bare. Rushing back into the hallway she conveniently forgot to do up some of the buttons on her white blouse, only really noticing it as she tying her hair up into a messy bun.
The blush on Elsa's cheek had appeared again and this time reached her ears. Anna tried to look sheepish.
Now as she watched the blonde sit cross legged in the simple wooden chair, her face was as impassive except for the slight biting of her bottom lip and the intensity of those eyes scorching a path over her body.
With practiced ease Anna patted the top of her head with her feet before planting them firmly onto the floor and letting her upper body swing upwards back into a standing position.
"You don't live with a bunch of acrobats without picking up a few things along the way, even if they didn't quite use me in their act." Spinning on her heel she gauged the distance in the room. With a nod to herself Anna paused, resting one foot behind the other.
"I don't see why not, you do have the...talent for it." Elsa's voice echoed around her, bouncing off the cavernous walls.
Striding forward Anna took a few short steps and launched herself into a cartwheel, one, then another. Twisting her body, she pushed from the cartwheel to a backflip. Focusing she let her momentum carry the movement, counting off silently how many flips she's completed. After the fifth one she pushed off the ground harder and tucked her knees against her chest to spin at the apex of the jump. Stretching back out her feet slammed hard onto the ground, she was bent over her knees before standing up straight. Arms spread wide Anna smiled at Elsa, she felt this bubble of pride well up in her chest and she was inordinately pleased with herself.
"Oh you should have seen me when I was younger!" Anna slowly made her way towards the windows. "I could barely walk without tripping over my own feet, let alone do a simple tumble. It was even worse when I started trying flips."
Standing in the sunlight for a moment she soaked in the warmth, letting it flow through her skin. Holding out her hand Anna let that feeling blossom and flare out into a tiny wisp of flame. It rose from her palm and floated away, towards the center of the room.
"I was always going back to Bulda with bumps, scrapes, and sometimes broken bones. One time I was trying a backflip and I fell over the contortionist to run head first into the center pole," shrugging her shoulders sheepishly, Anna followed the wisp. "I had to apologize to the crew for knocking down the entire tent."
Humming a new three beat tune to herself, Anna moved slowly around the now stationary wisp, letting her feet fall into waltz like rhythm. Reaching out to the small flame she caressed the heat with her fingers. Raising her hand up above her head slim tendrils of the wisp extend and lazily follow it up towards the ceiling, pulsating brightly to the beat Anna continues to hum. With no set routine Anna let her feet guide her around the circle and immersed herself in the thrum of heat coursing through her heart.
Cupping her hands together and bringing them to her lips Anna blew against her palms. Sparks flew into existence, sputtering and growing into a twisting spire of flames. Keeping her gaze on the very top of the flame, she pirouetted slowly. The spire spun just as she did curling ever higher above her until it nearly reached the ceiling. With a grin Anna flung her arms upward and clapped her hand together sharply.
At the loud crack the top of the spire expanded quickly and exploded into a shower of light and sparks while a large form flew from the center of the explosion. A melodic cry echoed from the form as it transformed into the shape of a fiery bird; a phoenix. Anna paused in her dance, watching in wonderment as the phoenix gracefully dipped and swooped through the air.
"That's amazing Anna," a cool hand slid against her own and gripped it gently. Peering out the corner of her eye, Anna smiled at Elsa who was watching the creation soar in a lazy circle above them. It was still making a dulcet tone, low and soothing. She squeezed Elsa's hand enjoying the chill against her skin, it was still curious why her powers flared and had her body thrumming whenever she was close to Elsa. Perhaps it was because they had opposing elements, maybe something deeper but she wouldn't question it too much.
She watched on with curiosity as Elsa raised her other hand and flicked her wrist, a flurry of snowflakes swirled upwards. They coalesced into a delicate looking swan that glided next to Anna's phoenix. Swiftly the pair flew around the room leaving trails of cinders and snowflakes in their wake. Watching as they playfully spun and twirled, Anna leaned against Elsa's shoulder laughing at the antics of the birds. They looked as if they were dancing through the air and the redhead couldn't help the thought that crossed her mind. With a smile on her lips Anna stood up on her toes next to the blondes ear.
"Would you care to dance Elsa?"
Stepping away a few paces Anna held out her hand for the Snow Queen, watching ice blue eyes blink in confusion at her.
"I...well," Elsa wrung her hands together nervously. "I've never really...danced before."
"Really?" Anna tilted her head slightly peering at the fidgeting blonde. "You seem like you'd be a natural."
She walked back up to her and with a gentle grip she took Elsa's right hand, placing it on her waist while placing her own left hand on the taller girls shoulder. Entangling their free hands Anna held them out nearly at shoulder height. Up above the pair, the icy swan had followed suit with the phoenix in creating another melody, slightly quicker but following the same beat.
"We'll start out with something simple and nothing is simpler then a box step," Elsa nodded minutely, flexing her fingers at Anna's waist. "It follows a three beat, like one-two-three, one-two-three. Now all I want you to do is step forward with your left foot, that's one," a tentative step forward while Anna moved her right backwards. "Then take your right and move it to the side, that's two," another tentative step that she copied. "Now bring your feet together and that's half way done." Standing at rest Anna squeezed Elsa's shoulder giving her a small smile.
"So that's the top step, now the bottom is much the same just the foot you start with is your right. Alright now step back," Elsa did so with a less hesitation. "Left food to the side and finally set your right back next to it."
"Well that seems simple enough." Elsa peered at her feet, contemplating the steps in her head.
"It is, even more so when you set the steps to music," Anna lifted her gaze to their creations who had begun to 'sing' their music with more volume. "If you listen, you can hear the beat slow and steady then gradually picking up before resuming its original pace."
Lifting her hand from Elsa's shoulder Anna gently touched her cool cheek with the back of her hand, quirking her lips into a small smile as pink blossomed over the pale skin.
"Can you hear it Elsa?" A small nod was her only reply so Anna placed her hand back onto Elsa's shoulder. "Then let's begin."
Quietly she murmured the steps, gently pulling the taller girl into moving.
Forward, side, close.
Back, side, close.
Forward, side, close.
Back, side, close
Anna was pleased. Elsa was moving with more ease and less hesitation with each repetition. A satisfied grin was pulling at pale lips and Anna could feel a fluttering in her chest at the sight. It was thrilling to see the beautiful blonde confident and relaxed as she ever so carefully took the lead away from Anna.
Slowly they moved from their small circle and into a large looping path around the ballroom, gliding across the smooth wooden floor. Each step was perfectly synced as they spun and twirled to the melody echoing around the pair. Even their breathing was evenly matched and Anna wondered, if perhaps, this was all a dream. A wonderful dream that would end in flash and she'd wake to find herself back in of the caravans she shared with her family, hiding away a part of her that she took such joy in.
And having that terrifying realization she would be alone once more.
But the hand at her waist felt too real as it slid around to rest against the small of her back, pulling her closer to the blonde. Their feet halted from strong and sure steps to a quiet shuffle. Anna leaned against Elsa, resting her head on the covered shoulder. Cool breath wafted over her face and she sighed contently, enjoying the feel of Elsa gently swaying.
A thunderous knocking rang through the ballroom, startling Anna. Only the firm grip Elsa had on her kept the redhead from jumping out of her skin. But the scare caused her to lose her control and the fiery phoenix burst into a cascade of sparks and cinders, disappearing before they hit floor. The swan disintegrated into a flurry of snowflakes, mixing with the remnants of the flames. Anna felt a twinge of disappointment at the 'death' of these beautiful creations, but she knew they weren't gone for good and smiled at the thought of conjuring it again.
The doors to the ballroom opened up and a large imposing man stood under the doorway, hands tucked behind his back as he bowed.
"Your Majesty, I have some urgent news."
"Yes, what is it Nikolay?" Elsa had pulled away slightly to turn and face the man. Anna curiously watched their interaction, wondering what was so important.
"The patrols found him and are on their way back to the castle."
In a split second Anna saw the gentle smile turn to a grim line, bordering on a scowl, while warm blue eyes chilled and hardened to icy chips. She watched as Elsa walked away from her, pale hands clenching tightly at her sides and in a flash her clothing transformed into the form fitting ice dress Anna first saw her in. It was then she realized, this wasn't Elsa, her Elsa.
This was the Snow Queen, cold and dangerous.
She had never seen her this angry and a sliver of fear shot through her heart.
"When they arrive bring him to the throne room. Where is Kai." It was such an odd thing, to hear such a sharp and chilling tone from Elsa. Even her stance, which was usually relaxed with a touch of arrogance, was rigid and unyielding. Seconds after her question, a middle-aged man appeared in the doorway, as if he knew Elsa would call for him. A quick bow from the servant answered her question as the Snow Queen issued another command.
"Kai, take Anna to her room-"
"What?!"
"Make sure she stays there until this...meeting is completed."
Anna sputtered as she watched the tail end of Elsa's dress disappear around the doorway, Nikolay following closely behind her. A light touch at her elbow had Anna jumping ever so slightly, head turning to stare down at the shorter man. He had an apologetic look on his face as he held her elbow and led her towards the door.
"If you would Miss, please follow me." Anna dropped her weight onto her feet and dug in her heels.
"Not till I know what's going on." He heaved a great sigh, his shoulder drooping and Anna felt a twinge of guilt.
"Her Majesty, she found...the traitor in our midst and dealt with him accordingly," Kai paused and looked to be mulling something over. "Now, they're bringing in the one who ratted you out," he stood up straighter, looking Anna straight in the eyes and she saw the worry etched into his face plain as day. "I have known Elsa since she was born and I was there that horrible day everything changed. Please Miss Anna, you have to stop her from what I know is about to happen." An insistent tug on her elbow stalled any questions as they now stood by the doorway with Kai peering out into the corridor.
"I can't lead you to the throne room, but here, take this path all the way down until it splits into two, take the right hallway. There's a door with the Arendelle seal over top a light blue snowflake, it's the servants entrance into the throne room." Releasing her elbow Kai gave her one more worried look before stepping back into the ballroom, his hand on the doorknob.
"It seems that you've gotten away from me, oh dear." and the heavy doors closed with a slam.
Anna raced down the corridor, bare feet making a muted thumping on the carpet and hearing her breathing echo heavily in her ears. Her mind was whirling as she thought over what Kai had said. What was Elsa going to do? What had Elsa already done? Who was she going to face in the throne room? A familiar face? Two?
Skidding to a halt at the end of corridor Anna teetered on the tips of her toes, precariously balancing to keep herself from falling onto the suit of armor. Muttering quietly she poked the metal chest and squealed as both it's arms fell to the ground with a clatter. Snatching the metal pieces off the ground, wincing at the grating noise, she tried to reattach the arms back into their place. Failing miserably at that she stuck them haphazardly into the open sockets.
Shaking her head Anna took off sprinting down the hallway on her right. She kept her eyes peeled for any doors she may pass. Anna was about to give up as fifteen doors were passed and none were the ones she was looking for.
But there, down a dozen feet or so, a flash of light blue, purple, and green caught Anna's eyes.
She slowed to a halt in front of the door, the crest of Arendelle with Elsa's delicate snowflake symbol below it, and without a second thought she turned the handle and pushed open the door. Rushing inside she followed the narrow pathway and turned around a large pillar.
Only to come crashing to a standstill as the sight and sound of what was happening by the throne, fully reached Anna.
A figure was knelt on the floor, sharp and jagged ice encasing hands and feet. A long thin spike of ice was slowly growing upward from the floor right underneath their bowed head. And Elsa...
Elsa was circling them like a lioness stalked it's prey, waiting for the right time to lunge in for the kill and end the pitiful existence they called life. As her face came into view for Anna, she saw the anger in the set of her lips and flaring dangerously in her blue eyes. Elsa's arms were held loosely at her sides, but her hands were covered in ice making her fingertips look more like claws and they twitched ever so slightly as she paced around her prisoner.
Anna shook her head to free herself from her unwanted shock and she strained to hear what Elsa was whispering to whoever this person was. She didn't know who they were but she did know that nothing good was going to happen, her gut was twisting in worry over what Kai had said earlier.
"Traitor in our midst and dealt with him accordingly."
"Please Miss Anna, you have to stop her from what I know is about to happen."
As if in slow motion Elsa had paused in front of the figure who had started to shake and pull at the bonds, in response to whatever she was saying to them. Both her hands were raising about her head, the ice covering them thickened and more jagged. Pale lips pulled into a snarl, muscles taut with tension.
Anna's eyes widened as she realized what was about to happen.
Elsa...Elsa...Elsa...
It was the only concrete thought running through her head as her body flung itself from the pillar she was leaning against. The distance felt too much, Anna's legs were burning, her lungs gasping for more air. But she pushed on, needing to reach her, to stop her.
An eternity passed by for Anna and before she could blink, her body was colliding with Elsa's back, slim arms wrapping tightly around her waist. She buried her face against a cool neck and blonde hair, still muttering the only word that could come to mind.
"Elsa…"
She felt the tension drain from Elsa, felt the anger slip away like water on your skin. All she was left with was a pair of hands sliding over hers, gripping them tightly, no ice left covering them. And the cool press of lips against her forehead, her own name being whispered back.
AN: Firstly, thanks so much to owarwoody for beta'ing this vast mess and pointing out the issues, you are a life saver.
Secondly, I really have no good excuse for why this is so late beyond the fact that I rewrote this about 3 times and was generally stuck with the dreaded writers block. So I did a few prompts and they did help immensly, but I was plodding along at this. Also I don't know how much longer this will continue on, little ideas and snippets keep popping up and add themselves to this. Might likely depend on how long the chapters get which honestly have no rhyme or reason for length (because they just keep getting longer and ARGH)
Thirdly and most important, thank you ALL for reviewing, for the favorites, the follows and even just reading. It makes me insanely happy and brings a smile to my face, that there are people who are enjoying this silly little idea for a story. So thank you again, each and every one of you.
If anyone else gets worried that I'm not posting for this story or just want to yell at me to hurry up (lol), I can usually be found on Tumblr under blackoutfactory, muttering about other ideas and stories that I want to work on.