Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.
A/N: In response to a reviewer (Overly Critical), I have absolutely no idea which century the Frozen universe took place in. But for the sake of this particular story, let's just assume the ships are significantly advance in technology and horn = blow horn. Lastly, the part about Olaf consuming alcohol is a little reminder to the younger readers. But yes, you are quite right. Nobody cares.
Happy April Fool's.
"Took you long enough." Kristoff called out. The broad blond was leaning against the rails, watching intently as Elsa ascended the stairs to the quarterdeck.
"You look like crap." Elsa noted the dark rings beneath his eyes and the visible slump in his posture as the man met her at the top of the stairs.
"I feel like crap." Kristoff glanced back searching for the redhead. "Where's feisty pants?"
Elsa quirked an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes at the man. "You should know. You were supposed to keep an eye on her."
The larger man blanched, putting up both arms in defense. "I figured she'd be you! Was she?"
Elsa remained silent, letting the man panicked for a little longer at losing the princess. "She's in the captain's cabin." The blonde divulged with a chuckle when the man began tugging on his unruly blond locks in frustration.
"And you couldn't say that earlier?" Kristoff shot her an infuriated glare.
Elsa shrugged. "It was funny watching you stew."
"Wait a minute." The taller blond scrutinised her through eyes narrowed in suspicion. "It was funny?" He repeated, raising both hands and curling two fingers to indicate air quotations. "Since when does Elsa Frost understand humour? Who are you and what have you done to the real Elsa?" He jumped back, mockingly raising his arms in defense.
"Come on. We've got work to do." Elsa muttered self-consciously, abruptly changing the subject.
"Wow, look at you. Socially competent and all. I'm real proud of you, Els. Clearly we all have little feisty pants to thank for your miraculous transformation." Kristoff smirked, elbowing the blushing blonde in the rib.
"Shut up or I'll bury you in snow right here and right now." Her threat only served to send the blond knight bellowing in laughter as he followed her into the quarterdeck.
Pointedly ignoring the still chortling man, Elsa addressed Oaken who had turned to cast them a curious glance at their noisy entrance.
"Captain." Elsa nodded curtly in greeting at the much taller man, keeping a good distance away so she would not have to crane her neck too much to make eye contact. "How long till we dock?"
"'Bout an hour, two at most. The lads on land weren't expecting our hasty return. Spotted them scurrying about." Oaken responded jovially, inclining his head in the direction of the spyglass on the console before returning his attention to manning the steer.
"Sorry about that. It was necessary that we hurried back. Take note of any damages done to the ship and I'll see to the repairs myself."
"I trust everything is in order now that we are almost home?" Oaken asked kindly, catching the worrisome expression on the blonde's face.
"I hope so. I'll be heading to shore first. Dock by the harbour as soon as you can, Captain." Elsa instructed before turning to face Kristoff who had sobered up at the authoritativeness in her tone. "Escort the Princess back to the castle. Be discreet. Have Olaf organise her belongings and send them to the castle."
Elsa took two steps out of the quarterdeck before backtracking. "On second thought, I'll take Anna with me. Drop anchor in the fjord instead and standby." Without waiting for acknowledgement from either man, the blonde let the cabin door slid shut behind her retreating form. At least Arendelle wasn't under siege or ablaze. That was one load of her mind.
xxx
"This. Is. Amazing." Anna yelled over the howling of the wind. Her arms were wrapped around Elsa's slim waist as they sat astride another of the blonde's summoned griffin. Teal eyes stared around in amazement at the opaque cloud cover around her ankles and Anna tentatively reached out to touch a particularly fluffy one overhead; squealing with delight as her hand passed right through the white billows and came away damp with water droplets.
"Elsa! I just touch a cloud!" She shouted excitedly, causing a smile to stretch over the blonde's face at the redhead's exuberance.
"I wish we could do this all the time." Anna sighed happily as she snuggled into the older woman's back. With her twin braids whipping out behind her, the chilly wind in her face and wrapped around Elsa's cool body, Anna could not be happier. Everything was right in the world and she would gladly stay like this forever.
Having taken off from the main deck of the Wandering Oaken, they had climbed into a steep ascent to hide in the clouds. The rush of adrenaline was exhilarating and Anna found herself laughing almost manically at the thrill. They had levelled off from the incline all too soon and at Elsa's urging, the griffin made towards the Arendelle.
"We're almost home." Elsa announced a few minutes later. The blonde was surprisingly relax, her shoulders not hunched up to her ears as they usually do and her eyes shone with a carefreeness brought about by the heady sensation of flight.
"Home. I like the sound of that." Anna hummed in bliss, pressing herself closer against the blonde; the vibrations in her throat reverberating through both women's bodies. With her ear against Elsa's back, she could hear the steady beat of the blonde's heart marking the seconds.
"Hang on." Elsa called back, her voice going up an octave as the griffin dived down. Behind her, Anna shrieked as they descended in a tight spiral, shooting out from the cloud cover and heading towards the open castle courtyard at alarming speed.
Anna squeezed her eyes shut as the stone ground came up to meet them, convinced they were about to crash straight into it. At the last second, the griffin jerked itself upwards, wings fully extended and inertia kicked in, flattening Anna's body fully against the blonde's. Elsa, for her part had successfully managed to ignore the feel of the redhead's bosom pressed against her up till that point. A rosy tint spread across her cheeks as she was made aware of the princess's very feminine curves. She was also acutely aware of how the redhead's arms, wrapped around her midsection were pressing upwards against her own chest.
The griffin's claws clicked against the stone as it landed gracefully; folding its wings, it lowered its weight, dropping down onto its haunches. Scampering off quickly, Elsa averted her eyes as she helped Anna off the creature; noting through her peripheral vision that the redhead was blushing a deep crimson that she was probably mirroring.
The sun had just risen, casting rays of warm orange light that reflected off the clouds. The courtyard was still shrouded in darkness, the height of the battlements shielding the area from the natural light. Elsa released a breath that she hadn't realised she was holding, relieved that the castle grounds were remarkably serene. Her suspicions were false and she took a little comfort in that fact.
Despite the early hour, Kai hurried out to greet them; immaculately dressed as always.
"Princess Anna, Grand Marshal." He greeted with a bow, giving the redhead a deeper bow out of respect of her status. Straightening up, he swiftly took a step back when the ice griffin eyed him curiously.
Noting the discomfort in the head butler at the ice creature, Elsa smiled apologetically. "Don't worry. I doubt anyone saw us. We made sure to use the clouds as cover." She affectionately rubbed the creature's beak, eliciting a contented squawk as the griffin peered sleepily through half-lidded eyes.
"It would be wise to keep it that way." Kai cautioned kindly.
Elsa nodded stiffly. "I understand. I'll dispel it immediately." Her jaw flexed tersely. She felt like a child again; constantly told that her creations must be concealed, that normal folk will not appreciate seeing such…things. The word 'monster' was always carefully left out, replaced by neutral terms but its implications were always evident.
Sensing how the blonde seemingly withdrew into herself, Anna interrupted. "I think he's beautiful. Can I touch him? Wait, is it even a he?"
Elsa blinked in surprise, astounded at just how accepting the redhead was. "I'd guess so. I didn't have a specific gender in mind. We could probably ascertain its gender based on its anatomy, but I don't think he or she would be happy with that." Elsa chuckled awkwardly.
Anna shrugged. "I think you are a boy." She cooed to the griffin that had shifted its gaze to her. Tentatively reaching out, she let out a little squeal when the creature nuzzled its head against her palm. "I like you too." Feeling more daring, she leaned forward to give the creature a light kiss on its head. "Thank you for bringing us home safely."
Elsa watched in open adoration at the interaction; completely blown away at just how pure and good of heart the redhead was. She sorely regretted missing out on so many years of the younger woman's life, but at least she had now to make up for lost time. Standing in the courtyard with the morning sun still making its ascent, Elsa made a mental vow to do everything in her power to protect the redhead; to shield her from the harshness of the world and to preserve that innocent smile.
It wasn't until the butler cleared his throat much later that Elsa and Anna were reminded of his presence. "I'll send word to the King of your return. Will you be joining the royal family for breakfast, Grand Marshal?"
"I'm afraid I have urgent military matters to discuss with the King and they cannot wait any longer. Could you inform the King that I seek an audience?"
"Why can't we do it over breakfast?" Anna piped up, her stomach rumbling in agreement and the redhead flushed with embarrassment.
"A wise suggestion, Your Highness. Are you agreeable to these arrangements, Grand Marshal?" Kai nodded in approval, smiling at the redhead.
Elsa hesitated, her resolve disappearing immediately at the pout Anna sent her way. There was simply no denying the redhead was there. "Yes. I'll leave it in your capable hands. I will require Anna – Her Highness to be present as well."
"Certainly. If you'll excuse me." Kai bowed before retreating through the opened castle doors.
"We should head inside too." Elsa held out her arm for the redhead who promptly whined at having to part with the griffin. "He really likes you." The blonde commented when the creature dutifully followed them to the stone steps.
"Can we keep him?" Anna turned to the taller woman with hopeful eyes.
Elsa mulled over the idea; images of the stableboys being ripped grotesquely into shreds coming to mind. Grimacing at the mental image, she smiled apologetically at the younger woman by her side. "Maybe next time." She promised vaguely, her words instantly lifting the redhead's spirits.
"Can I have snow cats and ice leopards too?" Anna's eyes shone with excitement at the prospect of an entire garden filled with snow creatures.
"Greedy aren't you?" Elsa chuckled lightly as they strolled into the castle, arm in arm.
"Oh, and mammoths! Can you imagine an ice mammoth? But what will they eat?" The redhead was shifting her weight from foot to foot, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Snow, I reckon." Elsa watched in amusement, contented to just let the redhead carry on with her fantasies.
"We could have a zoo with ice animals! And Arendelle will be known across the lands as the kingdom of ice! And people from all over will come to visit; the streets will be filled and everyone will just be here to see your creations!" Anna gushed as she dragged Elsa aimlessly down the ornate hallway.
"I don't think your father would be too happy with that." Elsa laughed.
"I'm sure I can convince him. Don't underestimate my charming nature." Anna puffed up her cheeks in mock indignation.
"Oh, not at all. I know firsthand just how charismatic you really are." And Elsa certainly did. All the princess had to do was pout and the world would melt into a puddle at her feet. Or at least Elsa will.
"Before I forget, here." Elsa raised her free hand up to the redhead's eye level, holding out a miniature ice griffin that fitted in her palm.
"Is that?" Anna's eyes widened in astonishment as she watched the minute griffin stretched out its wings. She glanced over her shoulder, searching for the regular sized griffin that she was absolutely certain had followed them at least up the steps and through the castle door.
"Yes. I shrank him. This way, it shouldn't be too much of a problem for you to keep him hidden." Elsa explained as Anna placed her palm next to the blonde's, allowing the little creature to cross over onto the redhead's hand.
"Such wonders should never be hidden." Anna murmured, lifting the griffin onto her shoulder.
Beside her, Elsa only smiled sadly. "If only the rest of the world feels the same way."
xxx
"What you speak of is worrisome indeed." The King mulled thoughtfully, his brows furrowed as he scrutinised the intricate replica of Weaselton that Elsa had conjured from ice on the table before him.
They were in one of the smaller private dining chambers with the windows shut and the double doors securely locked from the inside. Paintings of the previous kings with their aristocratic features stared unseeingly down at the long, polished dining table that occupied the centre of the room. The current King sat in a broad, high-backed chair with gold plated armrests on the furthest end while the redheaded princess slouched in her seat on his right.
"Not that I doubt your capabilities, but you are absolutely certain?" The King asked, meeting the icy eyes of the blonde seated on his left.
Elsa had just finished reiterating the events of the past twenty-four hours, even recreating a replica of the Weaselton duchy as visual representation of her observations. She had then listed out the inconsistencies and her conclusions as to the outcome of last night's mission; carefully making her suspicions known without drawing baseless assumptions.
"Yes. I believe my deductions are shared by…others." Elsa glanced over at Anna who was leaning across the table, having stolen the blonde's croissant off her plate.
The redhead grinned guilty at having been caught, slowly lowering herself back into her seat, the stolen pastry still in her hands.
The King turned to his daughter expectantly.
"I'm sorry, Pappa. Where were we?" Anna smiled weakly, having spaced out at the draggy conversation.
"Would you care to share your thoughts?" The King prompted, fighting to contain his exasperation at his daughter's short attention span.
"Uh – right. Yes, what Elsa said. It was all very suspicious. Almost like they were expecting us. Like the whole thing was staged." Anna stammered through a mouthful of the buttery pastry.
The King nodded as he considered her words, decidedly ignoring his daughter's uncouth mannerisms and severe lack of dining etiquette.
"Very well. I'll leave you to decide on a course of action. You have full rein of the army and its resources. Act in my stead and do as you see fit, Grand Marshal. I trust that you will not breathe a word of this to anyone outside of this chamber. Clearly, the walls have ears and until we know who in our midst might have betrayed us, trust no one." The King leaned back; the wrinkles on his rugged features appeared to have deepened with the heavy note the conversation had taken and it was barely mid-morning.
Elsa snapped to her feet, raising her right fist over her heart in salute. "Yes, Your Majesty." Her voice had taken on the empty tone of a soldier imbued after years of taking orders, her eyes fixated straight ahead, her chin held high as she stood at full attention.
"No need to stand on ceremony with me, Elsa. Have a seat." The King smiled wryly, gesturing for the blonde to reclaim her chair.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Elsa murmured gratefully as she sank down on to the soft cushions, catching Anna's amused gaze in the process.
Propping an elbow on the table and resting her cheek against her closed fist, Anna's teal eyes flicked from her father to Elsa, taking in their stiff postures as they delicately took sips of their coffees in tense silence.
"Will you two stop behaving like strangers? I get the whole military hierarchy thing but Pappa, you practically raised Elsa! Can't we just be one big dysfunctional family together, like before?" Anna flourished her half eaten croissant dramatically, flakes of the savoury pastry flying everywhere.
The King and his Grand Marshal shared wearily glances with each other that Anna promptly caught. Pointing her croissant at each of them in turn, she exclaimed. "There! Much better. What'd you do without me, huh? I'm the glue in this family!" She declared smugly, earning an affectionate smile from her father.
"Yes, you are." Elsa smiled warmly at the redhead; a real smile that lit up her eyes as Anna noted.
The trio enjoyed a few moments of comfortable silence, the tension visibly lifted as they ate their breakfast of eggs and bacon. It wasn't until their plates were cleared and Elsa had dispelled the ice model on the table that the silence was broken.
"I noticed you seem to have no need of those gloves." The King commented, inclining his chin to indicate the blonde's bare hands.
Elsa glanced down at her hands. "I have better control now." She admitted quietly.
"I take it that the both of you have worked out your differences?"
"I suppose so." Elsa chanced a glance at the redhead perched on the sill of an opened window, attempting to feed her new pet ice griffin with some breadcrumbs.
The King nodded to himself. "That's reassuring to hear. The both of you will be working closely together."
Returning her gaze to the older man, Elsa tilted her head in curiosity, waiting for him to continue.
"How did Anna fare during this trip?"
"Remarkably well. Anna – Her Highness," Elsa corrected herself. "– was very perceptive. Despite her lack of experience on the field, she has demonstrated astute observation skills and easily commandeered the respect of the men."
The King leaned forward, a serious expression on his face as he regarded the blonde. "Would you recommend her for an officer position within the ranks?"
Elsa frowned, uncertain as to how she should respond. "Permission to speak freely?" The King nodded his consent and Elsa inhaled deeply. "As skilled as the Princess is, would it not be wiser for her to remain in the safety of the castle? War…changes people. It warps the minds of the innocent, makes them jaded. No one should have to go through that, let alone Anna." Elsa held her breath; convinced she had overstepped her boundaries by questioning the monarch.
"It is precisely for her safety that I am suggesting this. The most dangerous place is often the safest; hiding in plain sight, do they not all require some degree of risk? You, Elsa is Arendelle's greatest offense and defense. My only child and heir to my throne, is safest wherever you are. Not because of your gifts or obligation to serve the crown, but due to your unwavering desire to protect her." The King reached across the table, grasping Elsa's forearm and holding her with a steady gaze. "There is no one else I'd entrust my daughter to."
Elsa nodded wordlessly, overwhelmed by the amount of faith her King had in her.
xxx
"Really? I'll get a fancy jacket like yours?" Anna exclaimed jubilantly.
The redhead, Elsa decided, was taking the news of her appointment far better than she could have anticipated. Elsa was half-expecting the princess to grumble, even vehemently refuse her appointment as Lieutenant Grand Marshal, understudy to Elsa herself. Upon finalising the arrangements of Anna's new appointment with the King earlier that morning, Elsa had been tasked to deliver the news to the redhead. Why the King decided not to make the announcement himself, she would never know. It was minutes later when she found herself waiting on the princess in one of the many studies within the castle.
"Yes!" Anna whooped raising a triumphant fist into the air. "When? I don't mind dresses, but they come with a whole bunch of annoying etiquettes…" Anna glanced down at her attire, brows furrowing as she wrinkled her nose in disdain at the creases in her pleated olive skirt and her crumpled teal bodice.
"The Royal seamstress will be here shortly for a fitting. Perhaps you'd care to join me for a cup of tea while we wait?" Elsa gestured to a chaise decked in maroon velvet in a corner of the study, a fine china tea set with a steaming pot of the beverage already occupying the centre of the mahogany table before it.
Anna waved a hand dismissively, huffing out a breath. "Tea's for boring old people. I'd rather have hot chocolate."
Elsa quirked an eyebrow at the redhead. "I like tea. Are you implying I'm old and boring?" She tilted her head in challenge.
"Well, when you drink tea, yeah." Anna stuck out her tongue at the blonde but settled onto the cushions anyway. "Fine. Let's have tea. And have conversations about the weather." She faked a large yawn as Elsa carefully set a filled cup on its saucer and pushed it towards her.
"A little dreary today, don't you think? What with the changing of the season, one would expect a little snow." Anna put on her best stuffy voice.
"Say snow again and I'll cover you with some." Elsa muttered, pouring herself a cup of the dark beverage.
"Snow." Anna deliberately stressed on the single syllable, mischievous eyes maintaining steady eye contact with the blonde in a dare.
Casting the redhead a sceptical look, the blonde stared back unwaveringly. The unrelenting redhead glared back, eyes watering as she fought the urge to blink. It was a childish game of who breaks eye contact first and Anna was determined to best the blonde. She didn't, however count on the ever just grand marshal to cheat.
A clump of snow fell onto Anna's head, eliciting a shriek of surprise at the cold sliding down her face. As she flicked her wet bangs out of her eyes, Anna caught sight of Elsa bend over in silent laughter on the other side of the chaise. Face red in indignation, she balled up some of the powdery frost and flung it with all her might into the blonde's face.
With a smug expression, she grinned toothily at the shocked blonde, whose face was coated with the white particles, leaving only wide eyes that blinked slowly in comprehension within the mask of ice.
"You. Should. Not. Have. Done. That." Elsa's voice was low and dangerous as she wiped the snow off her face, dissipating it with a casual flick of her wrist.
Anna immediately raised both hands in surrender, inching backwards against the cushions until she felt the armrest pressed into her back. "Sorry…" She apologised meekly, cowering beneath the blonde's cold glare.
"Oh, you will be." Without warning, Elsa dove forward, her hands going straight to the redhead's sides.
Anna yelped in surprise before choking back on her laughter as the blonde tickled her relentlessly. "Stop – please, Elsa – stop…" She gasped out, squirming on the cushions as tears of laugher leaked from her eyes.
"Ahem." The subtle interruption caused both women to freeze in place as they looked up at the sound; Elsa bracing her weight on one knee on the chaise with her hands pressed against the sides of a flustered Anna beneath her. Their positions were nothing short of suggestive and wholly inappropriate. The seconds seemed to stretch into hours before both women flew to opposite ends of the chaise, heads bowed and red faced in embarrassment.
"Are we interrupting anything?" The normally cheery housekeeper, Gerda swept into the room, casting disapproving glares at both women.
"Not at all." Elsa responded, her voice barely louder than a squeak. Even though the memories of being told off by the housekeeper for breaking something in the castle during one of Anna and her many disastrous adventures as children, the matronly figure could still make both women feel like misbehaving girls all over again.
"Good. If you are intending to stay, Grand Marshal, I implore you to stay where you are. Let's not make this any longer than it has to be."
"Yes, Ma'am." Elsa responded automatically. She may be the commander of an entire army now and well accustomed to giving orders, but when faced with the housekeeper, old habits die hard; she knew better than to pull her rank on the older woman.
Gerda nodded in satisfaction before turning to address Anna. "Your Highness, if you'd follow the seamstress for your fitting."
The redhead nodded vigorously, nearly tripping over her feet as she hurried after a petite woman with greying hair held up in a bun to the other side of the spacious study. Gerda watched Anna closely; only returning her gaze to the still seated blonde when she was certain the redhead was doing as told.
"Now, now. Stand up for me would you, Elsa?" Gerda asked quietly, a kind smile gracing her face. The blonde did as told, remaining still while the housekeeper scrutinised her thoroughly.
"You have certainly grown up into a beautiful woman, Elsa." Gerda firmly grasped the blonde's forearms, gazing up with pride. "I can see why the princess is so taken with you." She teased, chuckling when the blonde flushed as red as the chaise behind her. "I remember when you were both little. So pure and innocent…and inseparable." She trailed off, staring off into the distance.
Elsa smiled, her mind going back to the precious memories of her childhood in the castle. She hadn't realised how much she had missed the housekeeper. Up close, Elsa could see deep wrinkles etched into the woman's face, and her heart clenched painfully at how much the housekeeper who had been a motherly figure for a big part of her life had aged.
"Come back more often. I haven't seen the princess this happy in a long while. Goodness knows the castle is long overdue for some cheer." Gerda pulled Elsa down into a quick embrace before pushing the blonde back onto the chaise and bustling out of the study, her calloused hands rising to wipe tears from her face.
A/N:
Lol. This chapter is a joke.