A/N: Be sure to check out the polyvore page. The link is on my profile.
Elsa began seeing a psychotherapist, and having 'talk' therapy. She really was diagnosed with PTSD. Symptoms that she'd been having (or had) included flashbacks, bad dreams, feeling strong depression, difficulty remembering the specifics of her trauma when she didn't have a flashback or nightmare, her fear of going back to Quebec ever again, difficulty sleeping, being on edge, being easily startled, and being clingy to one person (Nico). Her therapist (named Alyssa) talked to Elsa three times a week; on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, for the first couple of weeks, so that Elsa could tell her everything. Then, it was changed to Mondays and Thursdays. After the first couple of weeks, Elsa showed a lot of improvement from being able to have a professional to talk to. She cried a lot during those sessions in the first weeks. A lot of lavender scented tissues made their way into the wastebasket, but Elsa came out, feeling like there was less weight on her shoulders. She began eating normally again, slowly gaining back her appetite. She began exercising more; going on walks with Reyna and Hazel. Elsa also began sleeping more. She didn't paint nearly as much as she used to, but when she did, it wasn't as dark and sad. Elsa had switched to oil paints; creating images of ice and snow. But she stopped spending so much time in front of her easel. Elsa might even leave her room for the whole day.
One day, where Nico had no classes, he and Elsa cleaned out her room. Elsa asked to burn all of her watercolor paintings. Nico was hesitant about this, but they later had a bonfire with Hazel and Reyna; watching the paintings burn. Watching the last bit of evidence of Elsa's depression turn to ash. This was like turning over a new leaf. This was giving Elsa another chance at living life happily.
Alyssa really helped Elsa a lot. After a month, Elsa's habits had improved a lot. She still cried though, but no longer in the shower. She cried when she had people around her to be there and comfort her. They were her friends and family, and they wanted to support her.
Elsa began taking classes, the way Nico was, but she was taking Norwegian classes in order to make sure she was still a fluent speaker. She also had lessons in archery, fighting with a dagger, and with a sword, so that she could improve. Eventually, she was able to take on both Jason and Nico at once, with only one sword.
Every morning, she would try to summon her powers, by trying to summon a bit of snow, or freeze a glass of water. For the longest time, she couldn't. But then, one day, there was a spider on her bed spread. She screamed, grabbing a water glass, and trapping the spider underneath it. Then Elsa realized that the water in the glass was frozen solid. With that, she laughed. It had been seven weeks since she had started psychotherapy. And this proved that it was working. When Nico ran in to see what happened, he saw the frozen water, and smiled as well. Her powers weren't gone. They were coming back. As they found, Elsa's powers were coming back slowly. At first, only fear allowed them to activate, but then, she could use them whenever she wanted. It had been two and a half months since Elsa attempted suicide, and she was back on track. She had vastly improved.
They would Iris message their friends at Camp Half-Blood, and just talk. Elsa had become good friends with Piper and Annabeth, so she felt alright telling them what was going on with her, the way she had with Hazel and Reyna. The two girls at Camp Half-Blood were supportive, and congratulated Elsa on her small accomplishments. Percy, because he was dating Annabeth, knew vaguely about Elsa's problems, and was very kind to her. Elsa just welcomed all of the support she received. Alyssa had told her that Elsa would be nowhere without any support.
She'd come so far, with all of the help she'd gotten. Elsa had learned self-love; something she'd forgotten in all of her worries about finding true love and thawing her frozen heart. She'd learned to love and take care of herself. Elsa knew that she wasn't perfect, and probably never would be. She'd survived so much, and for that, she was proud. She was proud of herself. She'd come to love every inch of herself; inside an out. She even learned to love her mental disorders, because they were a part of her. Elsa knew that she was a fighter. She fought against everything trying to take away her strength, and it only made her stronger. Her happiness had peaked incredibly once she'd learned to love herself, as did her control of her powers. Elsa was no longer just using the love of and for others. She was using love for herself.
When she came to this revelation that she loved herself, Elsa was in a session with Alyssa. Nico was sitting in, as he was allowed to, though mostly, he remained silent.
"So does the love between you and Nico help you?" Alyssa asked. Elsa nodded.
"It's helped me a lot." She commented.
"Does it help you when you're worried about thawing your frozen heart?" At this question, Elsa stopped for a moment. She thought about having someone to love. Was platonic love like having a romantic love in certain ways?
"Not anymore." She found herself saying. "I mean, I do love Nico. He's helped me a lot. But now… I… I don't need anybody to love me. Because… I love myself now, and I think that's the most important thing. Even if I don't thaw my frozen heart, I'll always have myself. I can't just rely on the love of others. I did need it, but I love myself now. I love myself despite everything. I love everything about myself."
"You love your powers?" Alyssa checked. Elsa nodded. "And your mental illnesses." The young queen nodded again. Alyssa smiled. "Congratulations, Elsa."
Elsa was better than she'd ever been. Therapy was down to once every two weeks by the end of November. She decided that she wanted to visit Camp Half-Blood with Nico; to see her friends, whom she had not seen (as in, actually been in the same room with) in months.
She and Nico decided to go to Camp Half-Blood for a few days. They'd stay in the Hades cabin together.
Surprisingly, Calypso did not cross her mind. She hadn't been on Elsa's mind for a while. Another of Elsa's revelations was that she was so worked up and depressed over a girl. A person that she had no control over whatsoever. Elsa decided that since Calypso had rejected her, she should just move on. Sure, Calypso was supposed to be her soulmate, but it didn't matter to her anymore. Elsa was fine with having a frozen heart. Nico had accepted his too, and it was about time that she loved that part of herself along with everything. At least she never had to accidentally fall in love with someone. Elsa decided that it would be a one woman show. She didn't need to thaw her heart. There was really nothing wrong with not falling in love. She'd learned about the aromantic community, and she found comfort.
Needless to say, when Elsa strode into Camp-Halfblood, she was a very different person than she had previously been. She was stronger. More confident. Her wardrobe was the same; she was rocking her white lace leggings, a pastel blue batwing dress with a pleated skirt, a pair of crystal snowflake earrings, her black and white oxfords, a white leather jacket, and her normal ring, braid, diadem, and makeup. However, her smile was more confident. Almost a smirk; like she had a secret. Elsa was no longer just pale. Her skin had an ivory glow. There was pink in her cheeks. Her blue eyes sparkled like jewels. Elsa's stance more confident. She stood up straight; her shoulders back. Her hips swung when she walked. Elsa was pretty much ready to conquer the world. She was still regal, but she was now strong.
Elsa smiled as she hugged her two friends when they saw her. The three girls hugged each other. It was Thanksgiving break, so they were spending a few days at camp.
"It's so good to see you." Elsa told both of them.
"You look great!" Annabeth informed her.
"I'm so happy for you and all you've done." Piper whispered. "You're amazing, Elsa."
"Thank you." Was the daughter of Khione's response. "I feel amazing."
"That's wonderful." Annabeth said. The three girls pulled away from each other. Nico walked forward with both of their suitcases, handing Elsa hers.
"Thanks." The young queen flashed a smile at the son of Hades. "We're going to go to our cabin for now, okay?" The blonde and brunette nodded. Elsa and Nico embarked on their trip over to their cabin.
The two began to unpack and fill the separate dressers with their clothes. Neither of them minded sharing a cabin. They'd, due to sharing an apartment, and due to Elsa's time of need, accidentally seen each other either only half dressed, or completely undressed. The thought of sharing a cabin was alright. There was a bathroom, but they could also change with their backs facing each other.
Just as Elsa was finishing unpacking; setting out her makeup and putting her toiletries in the bathroom, there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it." She volunteered, going back into the main room, and over to the door.
"You know, it makes no sense for you to get the door." Nico commented. He was changing the sheets of his bed, as he'd done for Elsa. Neither wanted to sleep on dusty sheets. Since Elsa had more clothes that she was setting out, Nico had decided to deal with the sheets. "I mean, I'm right here."
"And yet, I'm the one about to open the door." Elsa retorted, quirking an eyebrow. Her hand was on the doorknob. She opened the door, a pleasant smile on her face. When she saw who was on the other side of the door, her eyes widened, and her smile faltered, but it did not fade. For it was Calypso on the other side of the door. Her hair was messy, and not in the attractive way. There were dried tears on her face, and fresh ones making trails from her eyes. Elsa's voice got stuck in her throat, but she managed to sound breezy. "Calypso! How nice to see you. What can I do for you?"
Calypso's lips trembled, and more tears slipped down her cheeks. Her eyes were red, and her nose was running. She managed a small smile, plunging her hands deeper into the pockets of her parka, if that was even possible.
"Elsa…" She murmured, her voice hoarse. "You're even more beautiful up close. You know that, right?"
"I… Thank you, Calypso, but—" Elsa began, but she was interrupted.
"I'm… I…" Calypso flailed at being able to communicate what she wanted to say. "Elsa… I… I can't say it very well, but… You…" She looked desperate, and let out a sob. "I… You…" Her lips trembled as she removed her hands from her pocket, gesturing at the young queen before her, and then Calypso's hand clutched her heart. Elsa gasped.
"Really?" She breathed. Calypso nodded. "Calypso, is it alright if I—"
"Yes." The caramel girl breathed, cutting her off.
And then they were kissing. Calypso's hands held onto the back of Elsa's head. Elsa's hands cupped Calypso's cheeks.
Elsa still loved Calypso as much as she had when she'd left Camp Halfblood months prior. But she'd stopped focusing on the love as much once she'd tried to kill herself. She'd pushed it to the back of her mind. But now, the floodgates were open, and Elsa was consumed with her overwhelming love for the girl kissing her back. In a pleasant daze, Elsa pulled away.
"Tell me everything." Elsa pleaded. Calypso nodded, her tears slowing to a stop.
A/N: So yeah... The lesson is that self love is more important than romantic love. Elsa learns all about different types of love in this story. Not just romantic love. Feedback is appreciated.