The day passed, the morning over Arendelle was interrupted by streaks of thunder rushing across the sky, which meant only one thing, Anders set off to the far north to deal with the barbarians once and for all, although he did not know that it had already happened by itself, but the inhabitants of the city, the soldiers, guests from far away saw in it for the first time great hope than fear, for the first time Anders and his power did not arouse fear or fear in anyone but great hope, because today everyone knew that they had a sincere friend in him, by some called a one-man army and universal soldier.
But most of the inhabitants saw the newcomer from another world as a perfect soldier, the nearest group never even thought of him in such a way, because for them he was a brave and crazy man who with his power exceeded everything known, with the power of thunder and lightning overcoming the greatest threat, the chords barbarians, so today when there was a streak of rushing lightning in the sky, everyone started cheering, raising their hands and rejoicing at the image of their friend who gave them safety.
At the same time, a white-haired princess in her white-blue dress was standing at one of the windows, staring at the image of clouds rushing across the sky, broken by the thunder of her beloved and how Anders had just rushed north to break up once and for all broken groups, chords of barbarians it was the moment when Elsa clenched her hands tightly on the wooden windowsill looking at the horizon, wanting it all to end, come and she knew Anders's powers, abilities and strength, yet a deep fear appeared in her heart, so strong that for a moment she didn't move away from the window even as a strong knock on her bedroom echoed through the room.
As it turned out, her sister again entered the bedroom wearing a green orange dress and with her brown hair styled, Anna went to the window looking at her older sister, focused only on the view of the northern horizon.
- don't be afraid, little sister, he'll come back, I know it, he'll make me angry and come back, for sure. Anna said placing her right hand on her older sister's cold hands.
- I know he will come back, but I still feel uneasy, I don't think someone like Horgan would be defeated so easily, Ressa claims that her brother always has some trick up his sleeve, though she doesn't know his plans, she expects the worst. Elsa said as her hands clenched even tighter.
- and Ressa, today I'm supposed to give Ryder a letter of pardon, I hope Ryder is not naive here. Anna said, and that's when she felt her sister's hands suddenly soften like a strong grip.
- I'm sure that Ressa won't fail and won't betray, yesterday I saw her talking to Ryder, gosh how they are in love with each other, I really didn't expect something like that, I also talked to Ressa, she understood who she was but I also know one more thing. Elsa said as her gaze focused on the horizon again.
- what are you sure about. Anna asked.
- that the enemy is up to something, Horgan is a man who won't give up, but if Anders breaks them, drives them east and frees the captured elemental spirits, there's a really good chance that even Horgan will be defeated, I believe, I have to believe it because otherwise I'll go crazy, and Anna, please tell me that Anders will be back. Said Elsa looking into her younger sister's brown eyes with a look full of trembling hope.
- he'll come back, he'll manage, after all he wields the power of the sixth element, he must come back, he must. Anna said as she hugged her sister.
- thank you Anna, for everything, thank you. Elsa said as they hugged her little sister tightly until Anna suddenly looked up and reminded Ressa of both things.
- I, I have to go, I'm sure Ryder is already waiting for me in the Crown Hall, waiting for the letter of pardon, as soon as Kristoff hinted to him about the pardon Ryder walked around the city impatiently until late at night. Anna said.
- well, I think I've already seen him at the castle at six in the morning, he's really patient on one hand but on the other hand he can't wait, give him a letter and let him release his beloved, that's all we can do for him, and as for the rest, it is already in his hands, his and his beloved. Elsa said and Anna for the last time of her dreams hugged her sister and then ran to the door and Elsa again tensely watched the horizon where for the last time she saw a small flash of rushing thunder.
- I know you will come back, and not alone. Elsa said to himself, looking at the horizon, then at the silver dove flying over the city, and the dove itself circled over the city and flew down somewhere beyond the palisade, as if nothing strange, but not this time, it was not an ordinary dove but a carrier of an unknown undiscovered threat.
The pigeon circled, flew down and landed in the hand of an unknown observer, the observer stroked the pigeon with his pale hands and pulled out a letter from the chief himself from under his right paw from under the ring, a moment later only ominous laughter could be heard and that meant more problems for all of them, now everything was to be decided only by time and everything that was set in motion.
Meanwhile, Anna, running fast, ran into the throne room where Kristoff was waiting for her, still dressed in the green uniform of the Guard and accompanying him a man from the pool of the night, in a gray robe, it was black-haired Ryder and when he saw the queen his blue eyes trembled, Ryder stood to attention and the face was full of hope and joy and blond hair Kristoff smiled sincerely at the queen, looking from her to the naive young man.
- Madame, Queen, I. said Ryder as they bow their heads to the Queen of Arendelle.
- You don't have to bow, Ryder, I have something important for you. Anna said, extending her hand from behind her back with a pardon letter in front of Ryder and his trembling right hand.
- is it, is it?. Ryder asked as Kristoff suddenly tapped him on the back.
- as I said, Anna signed a letter of pardon for your beloved, Ressa is free from today. Kristoff said, and Ryder, beaming with joy, first took the letter gently and carefully, then knelt down and thanked for everything.
- thank you, thank you, me, how should I thank you, how. Ryder asked.
- Ryder, please get up, you don't have to thank me, besides Elsa, Anders were also in favor of letting your beloved go, we were all in favor. Anna said.
- sewn in, me too, after all, we can't stand in the way of your happiness, it would be stupid and too cruel. Kristoff said, patting Ryder on the back again.
- I thank you, everyone, thank you. Ryder said before being slapped hard on the back by Kristoff again.
- so what are you waiting for, run to her, run and don't make her run. Kristoff said.
Ryder looked at his benefactors one last time and ran to the palace exit as Anna and Kristoff shook hands, staring at the happy man.
- do you think something will come of it, Ressa is a strong girl, a woman, a little older and ruthless when necessary. Anna said feeling a warm hand on her left hand.
- I'm sure they'll succeed, and the fact that Ressa is a bit older and really strong when needed is just an advantage, because I doubt Ressa would use her strength against us, if she uses her strength against possible competitors. Said Kristoff laughing under his breath with a vision if some girl appeared on the road.
- I prefer not to think what Ressa would do with a potential competitor. Anna said and pulled Kristoff to her.
- you too remember, I am strong too. Anna added, holding her lover's green cuffs to which Kristoff nodded twice.
- that's what Anders said, you know, dude. Kristoff said and Anna muttered something under her breath again remembering Anders.
Meanwhile, Ressa, sitting in her dungeon, was looking at the overhanging ceiling, lying on a wooden bunk with a hard straw pillow, dressed in a gray prison robe, with her right hand shackled on a long chain, but her blue eyes, like yesterday, showed no anger or a sense of shame, even on the contrary, the golden-haired Ressa was beaming with joy, knowing about the great retreat, the defeat of three of her subordinates, the plot of Sergos, the fleet of Borus, and her general Hatos, her face was full of joy.
However, when the sound of the keys and the guard Ressa talking to someone in the cell rumbled, she was sure of another meeting with Ryder, she immediately got up from the bench and saw Ryder enter with two guards with an unpacked letter, but strangely the two guards did not stop, and without a word but with a suspicious look they approached the former leader of the barbarians, Ressa didn't understand what it was all about at first, but as the first guard pulled out the second key, Ressa looked at Ryder in shock.
- Ryder, what's going on, just don't tell me you're letting me go, please, I have to redeem myself somehow. Ressa said as two guards tried to remove the shackles from her right hand.
- Ressa, I, I asked the queen, Elsa and Anders were also behind it, and I am asking this letter of pardon, this is the will of the monarch of the whole city and kingdom, please do not resist, me. Ryder said walking over to Ressa, taking her right hand and removing the shackles himself.
- it's not supposed to be like this, Ryder you're so sweetly naive, I, I don't deserve your love, me, will you ever forgive me. he asked Ressa, and Ryder grinned and nodded.
- Ressa, you know, I forgave you a long time ago, a long time ago when you did what you did, I can't be angry with you. Ryder said, and the outgoing guards shook their heads, and after a while the guard returned to the cell with new Northuldra clothes, a gray robe with a red belt.
- oh, how in love they are, it makes me sick. Said the guard who was the last to leave the cell.
- it's a villain. Ryder said looking back.
- it's normal and I, I know how everyone will perceive me, Ryder, I have to tell you something, I know a lot of people will hate me, I know it all too well if it wasn't for me and my brother, because I can't justify anything nothing, I know your tribesmen will hate me and I won't run away from it. Ressa said and Ryder stood firm and belligerent.
- If someone offends you, I will fight anyone, even him. Ryder said which of course brought a smile to Ressa's face today.
- I know, I know it, but you can't fight everyone, you're not him. Said Ressa, first staring deeply into the eyes of her beloved and finally turning to the lying gray robes with red stripes.
- What is it, a gift?. Ressa asked with a smile on her face.
- yes, a gift from all of us, I spoke to my people, I convinced them to you, even my sister, and it's a gift from all of us, we want you to become part of us, and this is our first sincere gesture. when you wear this clothes you will be one of us. Ryder said, and Ressa, looking first at the clothes then at him, shuddered, shed a few tears, and hugged du Ryder tightly.
- how stupid I was, now I see it even better, you give me so much when I took from you even more, how stupid I was, I can only believe that one day you will forgive me. Ressa said looking into the blue eyes of her beloved.
- each of us has already forgiven you, but can you forgive yourself? Ryder asked at which Ressa stepped back and looked guiltily at the stone floor.
- I don't know, maybe someday, but first, I thank you for everything, Em Ryder, you can turn around for a moment or you want to watch me openly while I change my clothes. Ressa said giggling as Ryder suddenly turned red and quickly turned around and closed his eyes.
- I, yes, yes, now. Ryder said with wet eyes.
- Just curious, what Anders is planning now. Ressa asked.
- From what I hear, he probably flew north to deal with the barbarians and your brother. Ryder said and was only answered by silence, for a moment the silence was so great that Ryder wanted to look behind him in case Ressa didn't pass out or worse, but Ryder stood there still, so as not to break his word to her.
- I see that, however, you are very verbal, come on, you could look at yourself, and I must have lost consciousness. Ressa said and her serious condition made Ryder really hesitate but he stayed put.
- I'm sorry, I wanted the other side. Ryder said in a shaky, broken voice.
- oh, you're sweetly shy in your own way, come here!. Ressa screamed as she spun Ryder around and he saw his beloved in a gray Northuldra outfit with red strings, now showing off her beauty and delicacy.
- me, this, me. Ryder tried to say something but his shock and shyness had his tongue stuck in his mouth again, only to be changed by Ressa herself pulling Ryder's right arm towards her and stealing a quick kiss from him.
- So how is it better now?. Ressa asked with a seductive smile.
- er, this, this, yes, I mean, so much better, this. Ryder said, still stumbling over the words, but his seriousness returned as Ressa returned to the previous question.
- so what's Anders' plan?. Ressa asked, and Ryder immediately became serious.
- Anders ran north this morning, he wants to drive out the barbarians once and for all, and your brother, I know how it can look. Ryder said, and Ressa, listening to him, also grew serious, her eyes becoming focused that could almost cut an opponent in half.
- so be it, the fool deserved it, but something stinks here. Ressa said as she thought about the whole thing.
- Meaning. Ryder asked.
- hey, what are you doing there for so long, you want to live here. The guard asked, looking inside when suddenly his eyes focused on the former warrior.
- Wow, our prisoner is a beautiful girl that I haven't seen before. Said the guard teasing Ryder more and he suddenly turned red with anger.
- let's get out of here, it's getting too crowded here. Ryder said and taking Resse's right hand he led her out of the dungeons.
In the first moment, when Ressa left the casemates, walked the bridge and then the city, she met what she had foreseen, with suspicious looks and reluctance from everyone around, soldiers in gray and green uniforms looked at her with cautious eyes, Destin Mattias marching through the city walking arm in arm with the lady of the heart, Halima in a green dress, also black, they both looked at Resse, whispering something under her breath, and Ressa herself took upon herself everything that the whole of Arendelle had for her, because she knew, she expected such a reception and she sincerely wanted it, seeing it as a chance for penance.
- Ressa, all you have to do is close your eyes, I'll guide you. Ryder said, and Ressa returned his affectionate words with a smile.
- you don't have to do this Ryder, me, this is my penance, mine and mine alone. Ressa said.
- but you don't have to be alone. Ryder said.
- I know, but someone is alone again today, taking risks again. Ressa said, intelligently switching to another line of conversation.
- Yes, I know, our benefactor, Anders, Ressa, tell me what worries you. Ryder asked what Ressa took a deep breath and with a sharp look looked ahead so it happened that their eyes met Ryder's sister and the black-haired Honeymaren in a gray robe seeing this look until she took a step back come at first she wanted to verbally attack Resse who stole the heart her brother.
- I'm not sure, but when Anders strikes, it's almost impossible for my brother to be defeated, but today it's very possible, and I have to believe it because something has to be believed, Em, Honeymaren, something happened. Ressa asked as she suddenly realized she was standing between the assembled tribe of Northuldra and the white-haired Yelena standing in the middle of the three buildings of the older village.
- Yelena, let me introduce my fianc e. Said Ryder, first bowing to the village elder and then doing the same according to the customs of their people extending their right and left hand with the Arendelle ring held in their fist.
- Ressa, will you be my wife?. Ryder asked and Ressa suddenly forgot all the stares and took the ring with the red eyelet and hugged Ryder tightly to Sergo's heart.
- sure, I agree, I agree, come on, I didn't deserve someone as wonderful as you anyway. Said Ressa, dripping fashionably beloved.
Suddenly, Ressa's eyes widened to the limit as many hands were placed on her right and left shoulders, including the Northuldra Elder, Yelena, and Sister Honeymaren.
- now you are one of us, you are from Northuldra. Yelena said, and all of Northuldra intoned a short song of their people, and Ressa looked around and, no longer seeing any hostility in the tribal looks, she only felt joy, acceptance, and forgiveness, something Ressa could neither expect nor ask for.
- Me, why are you doing this to me, I don't even deserve to hear a good word from you, why do you forgive me, it's not possible. Shocked Ressa said when the tribal singing ended and everyone except maybe Honeymaren looked at the given enemy not with contempt but with warmth and understanding.
- Ryder forgave you, so we forgave you, Ryder asked you to marry him, so today you are one of us, besides, it's worth giving everyone a second chance, I can see how Ryder is in love with you and ready to fight for you with anyone, so I prefer not to get in his way. Yelena said confidently and jokingly at which Ressa smiled and her blue eyes released tears again.
- but don't think you'll get off so easily with me. Honeymaren said.
- sister, please. Ryder said, wanting to get between Ressa and her sister but Honeymaren quickly pushed past her brother's hearthief.
- I know you don't trust me. Ressa said but Honeymaren quickly interrupted her, starting with a strong slap on the right side.
- girl don't be afraid, I mean I love my brother so be careful because if you hurt him, you see, I can, if you even try to run away, I'll catch you and give you a good kick in your four letters, now come here. Honeymaren said while being serious when it came to her brother and speaking jokingly, remembering the next anecdotes, jokes and everything she heard from the visitor from another world, ending with a strong hug greeting her future sister-in-law.
- I expected. Ressa tried to say anything before Honeymaren interrupted her again with loud laughter.
- did you really think that I would stand in the way of my brother's happiness and yours, everyone has the right to happiness and a second chance, Ressa, be happy, and remember what I told you. Honeymaren said and Ressa confidently nodded her head and smiled sincerely taking Ryder's hand.
- And just out of curiosity, Ressa, what were you so sure about a moment ago, your eyes were piercing through the wounds. Honeymaren asked, coming back to the previous case.
- and as for my cursed brother, I heard that Anders decided to visit my brother and the barbarian tribes in the north, supposedly he wants to free the four elemental spirits. Ressa said.
- exactly, from what Destin told me, after talking to Elsa, he, Anders decided to stop playing with the opponent and break them up forever. Yelena said as the other tribals began to return to their duties.
- so let him sort it out, Horgan, my brother is pure evil, he can't be helped, but I feel a little sorry for him. Ressa said.
- Everyone would feel the same way if I were in your place. Said Honeymaren but Ressa felt nothing more today than great anger towards her brother, anger and resentment, but everything was suddenly interrupted by a rolling troll in a green robe with grass for decoration, it was Pabbie who was more like shocked, because last night after he first saw the Lord of Thunder with his own eyes.
- I don't know why Elsa, she's crazy, someone with such powers is a madman, we have to prepare for the fight, but how, how to fight the element of heaven, how, this madman will bring us only problems, and worst of all, he convinced all my kinsmen how he did it and his jokes, I don't understand. Pabbie said, shivering at the mention of the otherworldly man's name.
- oh Pabbie, it seems to me that you are a bit hyperactive and you judge him badly, and the fact that he wields the power of the heavens does not make him a monster, and it is impossible that he would ever want to attack us because why would he. Honeymaren said, waving her hand at the whole thing.
- if it were so, he would not show mercy to us, I can see when someone wants power, and he, despite his powers, does not want it, it's a bad assessment of a man with a pure soul. Said Ressa, unable to come to terms with the bad opinion about her benefactor, when Ryder was ready to fight for her dignity, so she and everyone else was ready to fight for the good name of their hero.
- Exactly, Pabbie, I think you're a bit prejudiced against him. Ryder said.
- you sound the same as all trolls, he infected all of you with something that I can't understand, you'll see, he'll show us all. Pabbie said, then rolled back to his troll tribe, and those watching and listening to the troll chief shook their heads together.
- I see that now the fear of the unknown has spread to the most sensible, I hope that this epidemic will not spread more, you are talking today, even Destin has been convinced by it. Yelena said and everyone around began to return to their daily duties and the fear of the visitor from another world disappeared almost completely, but there was still a lot to be achieved.
L
I wonder if this chapter is more cute or naive.