"Pappa?"
The king turned from his work to gaze upon the small girl that had entered the room.
"Well hello there, Elsa. Is everything alright?"
The little blonde girl smiled and scrambled into her father's lap. "All is well Pappa. I finished my studies!"
"What a good girl! I am so very proud of you. Where is your friend Anna?"
"Oh, shes training with her Pappa. He's teaching her how to use a sword!"
"Well now, that is very exciting indeed!"
"Pappa can I learn too?"
The Kings face grew serious for just a moment at his daughter's question. He was silent as he searched for the right answer.
"I suppose that would be a good skill to learn." A pause. "However you must know little one, that swords are not toys. They can easily -take- a life, -end- a life. "
"That is a bad thing?"
"Yes darling, even in the most dire circumstances a life is still a life; each one is sacred. Taking a life should only be a very last resort."
"Alright Pappa, I will remember that. When I am Queen I want to be as great and wise a ruler as you Pappa!"
He pressed a kiss to her forhead before he set her down with a smile.
"Remember Elsa, as a ruler we must know above all else that our duty is to our people first, ourselves second."
The colors faded as Elsa snapped from her memory. She had zoned out standing in front of her father's portrait. Slender fingers gingerly touched the late king's painted face. A single tear raced down her cheek.
"I miss you Pappa. I don't think I can do this. This war? I'm not sure if I am doing the right thing, or...I..I'm lost Pappa..."
The blonde turned her gaze sharply at the sound of a soft knock.
"Your Majesty?"
"Oh Nicolas, it's you." The Queen smiled. "Where is Anna?"
"She is giving some one on one training to some of the less gifted recruits, your Grace."
"I see. What can I do for you?"
"Well to be quite honest my Queen, I had first come to give my report on the status of the soldiers. Now I find myself worried for your emotional standing." He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword as he spoke, eyes never leaving Elsa, fixed in a soft gaze.
"I assure you I am fine." Elsa nodded.
"With all due respect, I don't believe that to be true. Your Majesty, if I may..."
His request was met with a soft nod from the young woman he had addressed.
"This war, while it stems from your anguish, it is rooted in Arendelle law. This war is not just for you, its for the people. My dear, you were not the only one who loved him, and you are not the only one who mournes. It is not a selfish act, you are doing nothing wrong; all of the losses the Souther Isles will now face are the fault of their king's actions, not yours."
"And when I finally have Hans in my grasp? When he is in chains at my feet? Is it selfish then to want to watch him die painfully?"
"My Queen, your father always told me that true bravery, true courage, was knowing when -not- to draw a weapon."
Nicolas' words seem to hit her harder than she thought they would. Elsa gave a nod and a smile. "Thank you. I feel like the head of my queensguard is a better adviser than my counsel." She mused. "Now, about the report?"
"Ah you flatter me. Oh of course. The troops are showing promise after just three weeks of training. Most are already proficient in sword fighting, and hand to hand. Come time for war, I believe they will make their kingdom proud."
"Excellent." A pause. "Nicolas, I would like to take up my private lessons for the sword once more."
He was quiet for just a moment, weighing the pros and cons of this desicion of hers.
"As you wish, your Majesty. May I ask why?"
"When the war comes, I want to be on the battle field, like any good ruler is. Like my father's father. I want to be side by side with the men that fight for me. I want to fight for them."
"Your father would be proud, Elsa."