Authors note: I want to thank you all for reviewing and reading the last chapter. Hearing your opinions means a lot and they also help if I need to edit or make something better.
I apologize for the disappointment, I had this story planned, guess it was not good enough. But no worries! I took your opinions and hopefully the new changes will be great!...Hopefully, if not then your all open to tell me as constructive criticism is always welcomed.
Also a little shout out to Dreamsandimaginations for passing the dissertation and the tests, I send much congratulations and wishes of good luck for the future. :)
Any way I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave a review when done, opinions are most welcomed.
Work, something we do almost all of our lives once we become selfsufficient enough.
But luckily after work comes a leasurely time, a time to enjoy many games or pass times, which in the palace of Arendelle there were plenty of them.
Moving Hans concentrated on the ball before hitting it.
"Nice... I think? I am not familiar with it" said Anna as Hans had gotten her and Kristoff to agree to try a game which he called "English Billiard" which was recently sent to them as a gift from Queen Victoria.
"Its fair, though my brother Albert is better at this than me" said Hans moving to allow Anna to take a shot.
"Who is Albert?" asked Anna as she moved and aimed,
"You would not believe me if I told you..." he said then added "The Duke and council don't",
"Try us" said Kristoff crossing his arms,
"What he said" said Anna, Hans sighted and breathed before saying "Queen Victorias Husband".
Hearing that made Anna miss the ball in shock before turning and saying "What? That Albert?! He is your brother?'",
"No! I mean, their my siblings but not by blood, but him and Victoria have been my friends since we were young" explained Hans,
"Okay not that I do not believe you but, isn't it a little..." began Kristoff hesitating as he remembered that Hans could do to him what he did to that poor tree.
"Unbelivable?, I know, but its the truth" said Hans as he began to reach into the pockets of his cloak rummaging through them before pulling out a small booklet and opening.
"Here... this was a gift they gave me" said Hans as he rummage through the pages to reveal dozens upon dozens of letters before setteling on a picture...
A picture which was moving!
Both Kristoff and Anna stared in aw as the picture showed Hans, Albert and Victoria in a study, they seemed to be discussing something as they sat on the rug with tea, cakes and some other things.
"What is this?" asked Anna amazed,
"Moving pictogram, their all the rage in the underground kingdom" said Hans.
"How long do you know them?" asked Kristoff,
"Since we were kids, we bonded over... our past which I rather not discuss" said Hans closing the book.
"Why?" pressed Anna,
"I just rather not, please" said Hans.
"So... okay, I am going to regret asking but... Victoria... how exactly do you know her?" asked Anna.
Hans looked away a little flustered and said "She... I... well... she is my ex",
"Wait ex? You mean?" asked Kristoff,
"Yes" said Hans as he face palmed,
"How?!" yelled Anna,
"We bonded over our past... she figured out I was not exactly a bird and we started a relationship... it was a big mistake" said Hans,
"How so? You could have been the consort to the queen of England" said Kristoff curious,
"She was clingy, controlling... basically a stick of dynamite whenever she wanted to be... but most importantly I was not her fated husband, it was Albert, so I played matchmaker with them..., another huge mistake because ever since they got married they have been trying to pair me up with every single princess or family member they know" said Hans,
"How far did you two take it?!" Anna blurted out,
"Anna!" Said Kristoff shocked,
"What? As sister to Elsa I have the right to know" said Anna.
Hans could not help but chuckle at that. He wished he had a sister or sibbling like Anna. Sadly he did not.
So shaking his head he said "We went out, kissed once, that was it",
"You sware on it?" said Anna,
"Why would I lie?" asked Hans,
"Making sure, for remember your promise" said Anna,
"Trust me, I will not forget" said Hans then looking up at the clock he said "I have to go... Kristoff will meet you around 7 pm at your cabin",
"I hear you" said Kristoff as Hand turned to his firebird form then flew away.
"What are you two doing at 7 pm?" asked Anna,
"Rescue mission" said Kristoff before explaining.
Light clinks were heard in one of the studies.
Taking a break Elsa and the Firebird drank some hot chocolate, there were cookies and sandwiches but the Firebird did not touch the cookies.
"The chocolate is good this time" said Elsa then added "New recipe?"
"Yes, its one I picked up on my travels to France" said Firebird "its pure chocolate with very little cream",
"No wonder its so smooth" said Elsa as she set her cup down, then looking at her the Firebird laughed.
"What?" asked Elsa,
"Chocolate mustage" snorted the firebird as he reached and held up a silver butter knife.
Using it as a mirror Elsa quickly grabbed a napkin to both whipe and cover her mouth to keep herself from laughing.
"Don't do that, laugh, your laugh is beautiful" said the Firebird,
"No no, its not funny" said Elsa fighting to not laugh,
"Why?" Asked the Firebird then frowned "Is it the duke?",
"What about him?" asked Elsa,
"Is he the one who you say those things?! About you? The magic?" said The firebird.
Elsa said nothing as she raised her cup, sighting the firebird placed a wing consolingly on her hand and said "Ignore them, their wrong about everything, especially about you" leaning over he pressed his forehead against hers "You deserve better, those men do not have the best interest for you, they put you down because their afraid of you, don't hide... show them who is the queen and you will have them at your feet and the world at your hand",
"You make it sound so easy" said Elsa running a hand gently through his feathers,
"All it takes is confidence... believe in yourself Elsa..." said the firebird as he moved away.
Looking he sighted and said "I am sorry, I have to go... but I will be back as soon as possible",
"Where are you going?" asked Elsa,
"A surprise" said the firebird poking her nose before leaving.
Shaking her head at him she said "You and your secrets..."
Flying the Firebird made it to Kristoffs home which was near the hidden valley of the trolls, he could see some trolls in the back yard but they left as soon as they spotted him.
Seems his threat worked a little bit too well.
Landing on the porch of the cottage firebird immolated himself, turning to his human form before walking over and knocked on the door.
After a few knocks Kristoff opened the door,
"Kristoff?!" yelled Hans in shock upon looking at the ice harvester, he was black and blue all over, covered in bruises, his eyes were swollen and nose broken, his arm looked like it had been mangled.
"Hey..." Kristoff said trying to pretend that nothing had happened.
"What happened?! Who did this to you?!" demanded Hans as he slowly grew angry as he had a small idea of who could it be.
"It's nothing just a scratch, just a-" Kristoffs voice trailed off as he collapsed.
Acting quick Hans caught kristoffs falling form.
Slowly and with great difficulty Hans dragged Kristoff into the cabin.
The cabin was not that big, it was built like a traditional Viking home with everything happening in one room.
Placing the harvester on a cot Hans remedially went to work, he could heal kristoff but first he had to take care of the broken bones and move them back into place, but that would be painful so he had to make a sedative first.
Making a fire Hans quickly used a pot and began to reach into the pocket of his coat bring out herbs and other things and utensils such as a pedestal and mortar, using that he grounded the herbs and roots into mush before tossing them into the fire letting them boil, as he added items the mixture turned green then yellow before foaming and turning as clear as water.
Scooping some up into a discarded cup Hans walked over to Kristoff, holding the mixture and tilting his head Hans forced the liquid down Kristoffs throat.
The ice harvester gagged and sputtered at the foul taste of the liquid going down his throat before Hans set it aside.
The liquid would take a couple of minutes before it took effect so Hans began to clean the areas of the bruises to make sure that there was no infection.
Once clean Hans sighted as he took kristoffs arm, with one forced movement he moved the bone back in place, Kristoff yelled as he did but did not wake, when done Hans summoned a golden flame which he pressed unto Krisroffs chest.
The flame deeper into his body and spreader, as it did the wounds which had been inflicted upon him slowly vanished.
About 10 minutes or so passed before the healing had been completed and Kristoff lay there sleeping peacefully, his body showing no signs of the torture that had been inflicted upon him.
Hans smiled as he was pleased with the healing as he knew Kristoff would be fine, but the same could not be said for the council.
He had had it with them and their frankly very obsolete customs and if they did this...which he was sure they did...then he would make sure they will pay for this.
Nobody harmed a friend of the firebird and lived to tell the tale unchanged.
Sitting down at her vanity Elsa sighted as today had been a vey long and exhausting day.
Undoing her bun and letting her hair loose she sighted and ran a brush through her hair, letting memories.
It seemed as if it was only yesterday when things were all a mess. Corruption was running amok, but now... things were different.
In a way the firebird had been a godsend. But that raised questions...
How can a bird know politics? Rules? It was so strange... unlesss
"Nooo... its not possible" though Elsa shaking her head "you have been reading way too many fairytales"
Night had arrived and Kristoffs cottage was brightly lit. Sitting down Hans was busy with some tools Kristoff had.
Because Kristoff was still asleep he entertained himself by fixing the broken tools the harvester has around the house...which were a lot...the man seemed to go through a lot of it.
As he had finished with the last pick axe Hans saw Kristoff slowly wake up.
He groaned as he sat up while Hans walked over and asked " Feeling better?",
"Yes..." said Kristoff rubbing his forehead, his voice trailing off as he looked at himself, shocked that he not only felt no pain, but that his wounds were healed, it was as if nothing had happened.
"Kristoff...who did that to you?" asked Hans,
Kristoff sighted and said "I don't know, I was busy trying to get extra jobs...to get a ring for Anna... finally I was able to pay off the ring and when I got it out... I walked home... I was ambushed by 5 men in black and they beat me up... when i came back too I was on the ground and the ring was gone".
Hans looked hoping to find that kristoff knew and lied to him about who did it, but he was genuine.
Nodding Hans said "It's okay, whoever did this will pay",
"You won't kill them right?" said Kristoff,
"No, but I will make sure they will pay for what they did" said Hans then added "For now...I need your help",
"And I need a ring" said Kristoff sarcastically before sighting and said "Sorry...I am just angry that all that work was for nothing",
"No it's not" said Hans "Please if you will accompany me to a friend I promise I will give you another ring so you can give it to Anna".
Kristoff looked, he felt guilty for the way he told Hans after he had been a friend, helped him and healed him.
"You don't need to give me another ring, I will help you regardless" said Kristoff,
"I want to, you worked hard and it's not fair that all that work you did was for nothing, I will not allow it" said Hans.
Kristoff nodded his thanks, he said nothing as he doubted that he could find the right words, he was never that good with people, frankly he preferred reindeer company over human, true that changed with Anna, but he still felt a little ackward.
"Let's get Sven ready" said Kristoff as he got up.
Morning had arrived and it signaled another busy day in town as people went about their day either cleaning shops or selling their ways. Peeking from the carriage Anna watched people go, closing the curtains she turned to say something to say but then she frowned she remembered that Kristoff was not there.
Yes she knew that he was with the Firebird, but could not hell but worried about him as she had noticed he had been taking extra work and doing odd jobs lately.
Why? She had a good idea and it was sad, she did not need jewels or money to be happy. Quite frankly she would be happy living the life of a pheasant in a cabin with Kristoff, but sadly because she was a princess others though that she needed live the life of such and have a husband who could provide it.
"Kristoff my love...I need not jewels or money to make me happy...all I want and need is you" though Anna as she got up and looked out the window hoping and praying that wherever he was...that he was okay.
"We are here" she heard the coachman say as they stopped in front of a small little shop.
It was somewhat nondescript, there was nothing that made it stand out as it looked like any other regular home, but it was the home of the people which will give Anna the answers she had sought.
"Here is to hope" though Anna as she got out of the coach and knocked on the door.
"A minute!" they heard somebody yell.
Soon the door opened and an old very very short man, about the same size of Duke Weselton, but much burly and strong opened.
"Ya?" he said sounding grumpy as he rubbed a cloth over his face, doing nothing to clean up the soot and cinders that covered his face,
"Uhhh...I am here to... inquire about this watch?" said Anna trying hard not to stare as she took out and held out the watch.
Taking out glasses he looked over it, for a moment he looked confused then shocked before saying "Come inside".
Nodding she walked inside with a guard and shut the door behind them, the inside of the house was messing, a workplace mostly as tools were scattered around along with materials and all other things needed to work on gold and other metals.
Walking pass them they arrived to a huge fireplace/furnace were a man was busy working on something, this one was much much taller and lankier. Walking over the man who allowed Anna in began to talk to the other in Danish, as they talked she noticed how they spoke very hurried and fast that Anna could not tell what they were saying.
After a while they turned and asked "Where did you get this?",
"I... found it... why?" asked Anna confused "Do you know it?",
"Of course, its one of my works" said the lankier man then added bitterly "It was commissioned by the King Stephen of the southern isles for his children, a waste of fine work if I do say so myself",
"Work? Children?" asked Anna confused,
"Yes many years ago, that man was a tyrant, he never payed for the work I did for him" he said bitterly then added to answer the other question "He had 13th sons",
"Good I am getting somewhere" though Anna then asked "Would you know which one of the sons this watch belongs to?",
"Yes... each one was made of a different metal per son...then covered by a gold" said The man as he left and came back with some tools.
"We should know..." he muttered as he began to peel the gold off a bit then examine the metal underneath once he did he muttered "It can't be... it should not be possible",
"Sir?" asked Anna confused,
"The saying on the lid we were hoping it was a coincidence... but the metal... there is no denying it..." said the man "The watch belongs to-"
Soft splashes were heard as Kristoff and Hans rowed a boat in a mysterious lake surrounded by fog.
Was kristoff scared? Yes he was scared, terrified even, but for some reasons even though he was scared he felt safe as he had Hans with him.
Looking at himself he was surprised to find no injury, couple that with the fact that the mere mention of the word firebird sent his troll family to hiding gave the impression that he was a lot more powerful than he though and that made him wonder, were there others like him?
"Firebird" said Kristoff,
"Yes?" said Hans as he scanned around the lake as if looking for something or somebody.
"Remember when I took you to visit my family?" asked Kristoff,
"How can I forget? And no, I would not hurt them, yes I did threatened them but it was because they needed to know how serious the problem they caused was" said Hans,
"It's not that" said Kristoff,
"Oh, what is?" asked Hans curious,
"Can you tell me more about the norms and such that you told me about that time" said Kristoff.
"I see..." he said then paused as he though then asked "Where to begin...it all started many years ago...probably towards the beginning of time...but however the origen our job is the same...we help worthy ones achieve their destiny and maintain the balance of the world...",
"Sounds like a hard job" said Kristoff,
"It is...it's both a blessing and a curse" said Hans,
"How so?" asked Kristoff,
"Sometimes, no matter how much we want to...we cannot change certain fates...for if we do then disaster will strike as the balance would be destroyed" said Hans he sighted "Seeing a future disaster yet sometimes not being able to do anything about it can be quite depressing",
"I am sorry to hear that" said Kristoff,
"It's okay, it's a burden I have learned to deal with" said Hans
"Are there more of you?" asked Kristoff,
"No...there can only be one firebird at a time in existence... yes there has been other firebird before me... but in order for a new one to exist the old one must die" said Hans but then added "As for fate weavers there are others...13 counting myself...I am the youngest" he chuckled at that finding it a bit ironic.
"Your the youngest?" asked Kristoff,
"Yes...I am only 24 years old...other fate weavers are as old as 500 years old" said Hans,
"Wow that is very old" said Kristoff surprised,
"Yes but they hardly look like it, my friend Sylvia she is 200 years old and she looks like she is not even out of her early twenties" said Hans,
"Wow now that is-" Kristoffs voice trailed off, color draining from his face, eyes widening in fright.
"What?" said Hans not noticing that behind him was a huge sea serpent monster.
The monster breathed then opened its mouth as if to swallow them when.
"Don't even try Selma" said Hans making the monster huff as it knew it's plan to scare him did not work.
Turning Hans said "Don't huff at me! You know better than to scare away guest and friends",
The monster rolled its eyes before putting and growling, communicating.
"Uhhh firebird...your talking to ahh uhhh uhhh" stammered Kristoff at the monster called Selma, it was intimidating and so huge it could swallow them whole if it wanted to.
"Her name is Selma, she is the guardian of this lake" said Hans "Selma this is Kristoff, he is a friend".
Selma leaned towards Kristoff who grew even more nervous before saying "hello?" he began to gagg as she licked him as a form of greeting, covering him with slobber.
"Selma we need a small favor to ask" said Hans.
To be continued...
Authors note: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, please leave a review to tell me what you think and stay tuned for the next one.