I
Puck managed to get a few hours of rest in the cavern. He might no longer be human, but this form still needed to rest in order to restore his mana.
Pink soft paws without claws rubbed his eyeballs. "Uhhh…Lia?"
To his demise, she was nowhere in sight. "Lia! Lia!"
Puck cat pupils widened. Emilia was outside.
The strong wind finally died down but a gentle breeze still made her green cape move. Small snowflakes rained down from the clouds onto her and the winter nightmare land below.
Emilia's hands were clasped together in a prayer. Dozens of lighted orbs were hovering over her. "I won't let you go on a nameless tombstones. I will always be with you, each and every one of you. None of you will ever go forgotten."
Her eyes remained closed, focused. "Of that I pledge."
Lia. Puck watched in amazement. Those lights emitted, radiated, stronger and stronger, eventually fusing into one and flying into her heart."
Emilia held her chest. "I love you all."
Her bruise on her face was still visible but between the pain and heartbreak, she looked calm. As if there was clarity.
"Hmm?" The half elf's blissfully self-unaware bubble broke. "Ah Puck sorry I woke up earlier!"
The floating fur ball floated. "Geez, Lia, one of these days you're going to turn me grey! I'm the one who should be waking YOU up!"
She giggled. "Silly, you're already grey!"
"My silly Puck!" Emilia poked the spirit's tummy. "So furry and grey like a cute kitten!"
It was nice to see despite everything, there was still a smile on her. She was smiling through the entire adversary.
"We need to save them Puck!"
"We can't Lia!"
"We can't just let it go either."
"We don't have to! We can just go to the royal Lugnica Kingdom and report it to the authorities!"
"The people being traded as slaves are refuges. They wouldn't care."
Emilia paced back and forth in the snow. "It'll take way too long to get there anyways! The slavers would have taken them back to the borders."
"You have a point but-"
"Look!" Emilia pointed towards the hundreds if not thousands of trees. "The forest is home of the elves, no one knows them better. I'll have the advantage."
"They'll be here any moment." It was a grim warning for them. "I can't talk you out of this can I?"
Emilia's smile was answer enough. "Let's plan a surprise party for our evildoers."
"Ugh!" The half elf grunted. Her fingernails dug a hole. She casted a magical trap and concealed it with snow.
Next she sharpened a wooden stick, stacked them together into a row. The knife she used was with the magic she formed with the ice, a shiny blue knife. The knife would soon disperse of all its mana. The girl attached a snare that once stepped upon would release the wooden sharp spears.
"Emilia, they'll be here any minute now."
"I know."
"It's not too late. If we go now we'll be gone from their route."
Emilia clasped her hands together, initiating a spell. Slowly, an ice hatchet formed. She slammed it into the nearest tree. There was only determination on her face.
She extended both her arms as an ancient aesthetic ice bow appeared. "There's no going back now."
"You're a really stubborn girl Lia.."
The calm before the storm and yet she continued smiling. "I know that too."
The moment came. The sound of horseshoes and the horses neighing could be heard off in the distance. Carriages were creaking as the women cried on it. The iron bars were around them to prevent anyone from escaping.
Three elves, one orc, a racoon girl was there. Their clothes torn, their necks were shackled aswell as their wrists. Chains were clinging with every bump on the road.
At each side of the horse carriage were three grunts at a side marching. First one right side had curly red hair, eye patch on the right side, his physique was out of this world; as if he was a cross species between a man and a gorilla. His upper torso muscles were huge. The brown hoodie kept him warm in the cold. He was known as Karnivore, known for his love for red meat.
Behind Karnivore, was someone with a more lean build; very thin actually, a dirty look with his slick oily jet-black hair and a tattoo on his cheekbone. He was Snake, known for his way to slither out of dangerous situations.
Last on the right, was a more average medium built man, a baldhead that shined. He had armour on to protect his chest. His arms were exposed to the winter however. There was a distinct Aztec tattoo pattern all over the mercenary's fore and upper arm biceps. Slung on his back was a tall spear. He was known as the Panther, accurate and deadly on top of the food chain.
Now onto the left side, the first one looks like he belongs in the exercise barracks still. He was known as the Rook, self-explanatory. He was wielding a sword much bigger than him and his armour wasn't any better either. It hanged loosely off him and he had to hold onto it with every step. He was placed on the front lines as a meat shield for Karnivore.
Last two behind Rook were twins of the same cloth dressed in yukatas. The inscriptions of the dress had a golden and green dragon. They did not follow the tradition/honour aka "bushido crap" in their words.
The only love and loyalty they had was for the golden coin.
"Hurry up men!" The leader called. He was on a white horse. He was an elf, pale skinned that matched the mare he rode on. Different races have always been discriminated against, whether they are dark elves or half elves or even full-blooded elves like himself. This man, however, had royal armor on, red lines and a family royal crest emblem on his chest. He was Marek.
Which means you don't look at him the wrong way or you'll be beheaded.
"Sir, can we please rest?" Rook asked. The helmet visor bunged too low, shielding his view. "The girls are hungry."
"I'll give them something to eat." Karnivore chuckled, enjoying himself too much. He had a deep smoking voice and used his hips in a thrusting motion.
"We do not touch the merchandise." Marek said sternly. "Pure girls for a pure price. That was the arrangement."
"Besides my dear Rook, we're almost there." The leader's cold empty lifeless eyes stared at the gaged girls. "We don't want to waste rations on those…things."
The three elf girls in captivity wept and held onto each other closer and tighter than ever. The racoon and orc girls just stared blankly at their chains. They too were beaten physically and emotionally.
"Now if you don't have any more questions, we can get there before dusk."
The horse galloped around them, full of energy.
"Come on Marek! How are we supposed to know if the merchandise is any good if we don't try it?"
"Karnie baby, daddy already spoke! One more word and I'll take out your other eye."
"Now." He slashed is sword in the air. "Onwards! Drinks are on me tonight!'
It was quiet, too quiet. Just the sound of the wind accompanied them. Everything else was hibernating. The absence of the birds and the river were prominent.
Marek really wanted to get out of here but the forest felt like it was going on and on. It didn't help that their carriage that had their precious cargo kept getting caught on tree stumps and roots.
"Trees, trees, trees, go away!"
"I know!" Snake broke the ice. "Let's sing a song."
"I got confidence in sunshine. I got confidence in me. I got-OWWWW!"
He was smacked at the back of his head. "SShh!"
"Don't shush me. I-"
"Keep it down you twick!" Karnivore said.
Absolute silence.
"Why? I don't even hear anything!"
The snow on the tree branches fell to the ground in front of them.
"Shit! What was that!"
"Quiet."
Marek looked up. "We have a little monkey stalking us. Men, formation!"
The six of them, by formation command of their leader, formed a circle around the cage. Weapons were firmly grasped as they breathed heavily.
Snow fell on their heads this time.
"Crap!"
The captured girls also looked up but nothing was there except for the grey threating clouds.
"Come on, this is stupid!"
Snake lowered his sights off his crossbow. "Listen, we are tired, these vixens have us running for the last five days on a goose chase. Karnie here is on edge and wants to hump them. We're seeing shit that isn't there!"
The other six stood their ground for a few more seconds.
"Let's get out of here." Ri suggested.
"Negative. Hold your positions!"
"Hold up." Snake slung his bow right on his back. "I gotta take a piss."
"Snake, I repeat! Do not break your formation!"
"I said I gotta take a-AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Sharp ice spikes slammed into his shins and Achilles heels. He stepped on the magic sign that was hidden by the leaves and it immediately dispersed mana, blowing the mercenary on his back.
"My legs, I can't feel my legs!" The residue of the magic had an afterburn like a sizzling steak.
"Stay with us buddy!" Panther said as he rushed to his comrade's aid.
"Hmmm.." Marek traced his finger on the magic pattern. "Witchcraft."
PEW!
PEW!
The rope that held onto the two horses onto the carriage snapped and just like that they ran away.
"Rook, don't just stand there like an idiot! Go after them or you'll be pushing that shit!"
"Sir!" He saluted them, jogging after the horses like an over encumbered soldier.
However, it did not take long before he tripped over his large boots.
"Stupid oversized gear!" Rook donned his visors up.
Someone's bare feet were infront of him. Looking further up, she had beige clothes on, white fur on the sleeves and a green hoody cape tied to her neck. She had silver long hair that reached all the way to her slender hips. A little flower on the left side of her hair and a corsage was over the right side, a memorabilia from someone close to her.
She had violet eyes, they were fire in them just waiting to explode. The prophecies forewarned them of such an entity that had already covered half the forest in such ice. It was Emilia.
"THE WITCH OF ENVY!"
PEW!
Emilia shot Rook with a magic crystal from her wrist.
Slowly, the half elf girl crouched closer to the six. Equipping her ice box from earlier, she hid behind the tree, peeking to observe the villanonious scums.
Unbeknownst to them, they were right where she wanted them. The tree was half cut already so with all her might she pushed, gritting her teeth as she stood on her tippy toes and pressed with all her weight forward.
SNAP!
The long tall tree came down like a hammer of justice.
"Ah shit!"
"Watch out!"
"Panther get out of the way!"
Only Snake couldn't move away, his eyes widened as he only let out a fear gurgling scream. "NOOOOOOO!"
CRASH!
The tree collapsed right on top of him, his lifeless arms sticking out from underneath the log.
Emilia peered out, arrow and bow aimed down her sights. First villain she saw was Karnivore trying to get back on his feet, facing away from her.
An arrow was lodged in his back as he yelled in pain. "AHHHHHHHH!"
With a snap of her delicate finger another ice arrow appeared and she shot that too in his back.
But he somehow still managed to stand up.
"No way!" Emilia feared.
Third arrow, fourth arrow, fifth, sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, tenth, eleventh.
Karnivore collapsed back to his knees.
She pulled the twelfth arrow back and was about to shoot.
"FUCKING BITCH!" Panther speared her to the ground. He climbed over the half elf, pulling out his trusty bowie knife.
"Gonna kill you!" He brought it down but Emilia lifted her ice bow just in time, it made a spark when the two weapons clashed together.
The weight difference was no contest; Panther had the advantage over the petite half elf. With both his hands on the knife's grip he attempted to bring the knife on her face.
The serrated edge was getting closer and closer to its mark, the only thing that kept it from happening was the bow held aloft. It felt like her arms was slowly but surely losing her strength.
"You're dead! Dead, you hear!" Emilia gritted her teeth. That may be true but she was going to die trying.
Panther slammed the rear end of the bowie knife. The blue ice bow started to crack from the pressure. It was going to shatter soon.
Emilia's eyes widened. A victorious grin was on the man's face. The sharp point was an inch away from her.
And the distance kept cutting closer and closer by the second. She winced as she felt the cold steel on her skin.
"OFFFF!"
Emilia gave him a quick swift kick to the groin. The man was immobilised as the knife dropped next to her. The girl swung the blunt edge of the bow and it finally broke.
She used the collapse tree for support as she stood back up. Her cheek was bleeding. Emilia clenched her fist as an ice force wrapped around her hand.
Panther's teeth and spit were flying as Emilia's ice enchanted fist-vibrated shockwaves through his jaw. He was out of the count. He hit the ground hard.
"Lia, I'm almost out." Puck warned internally in his spirit form.
She took deep breaths. "Its okay we can do this!"
"You WITCH!"
"Huh?" Emilia's attention went to her next threat.
"You….you HARLOT!" The voice spoke with so much venom.
"INFIDEL! JEZEBEL!"
"CHARLIATAN!"
The snow was starting to get worse now.
Marek with a gash on his head approached Emilia, his sword in hand. "I will strike you where you stand! Your head will be stuck to my wall as a trophy!"
"Pagan scum!" Marek clashed forward in order to kill Emilia with one strike. On the very last second an ice field like a cocoon wrapped around her.
"Die! Die! Die! Die! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!"
Each scream of the white elf was hysterical and screeched with hatred towards the half elf but none of the slashes passed the protective field.
"Puck now!"
The hits the shield accumulated made it stronger and once it unleashes.
VOOOMMP!
THUMP!
It sent Marek flying sky high, hitting the highest part of the tree. It's the equivalent of sending a lightweight on a catapult.
"The snow should break his fall." She wondered.
"Stay back!" Emilia grabbed Marek's sword he dropped on his way to the moon. The threat was almost neautralised but now instead of one.
She faced two.
Ri and Rah recovered and were on their feet in perfect synch fighting stance. Both of their right feet were forward, left feet back, hands on their samurai swords slowly unsheathed from its holsters.
Their eyes trained and focused on the brave albeit arrogant half elf girl infront of them. One thing was for certain, neither of them was going to rush in and underestimate her like their fallen comrades did.
Emilia swallowed her fear, bringing the sword back, ready to swing it should they be in range.
"Ri Ri, we are the only two left."
"Rah Rah, just less coins for us to share."
The steel sword was much heavier than the magic weapons. She could feel her sweaty palms.
"I'm not going to ask again!" Emilia stuttered. She had the bare minimum mana and she feared they could tell it. The twins did. They could smell the fear and the uncertainty from her.
"Rigu!" The twins simultaneously charged towards the half elf. The two separated infront of Emilia, taking a means to blindside her.
It worked. She was bewildered and swung the blade at the wrong time. It was a simple forward slash in empty air and now her defences were open.
SLASH!
Ri's sword cut right through the cape and her clothed back, slicing her cold soft skin. Emilia yelled in pain from taking a slash on her back.
"It hurts!" Tears appeared from the corner of her eyes, but she bit her lip, refusing to show any kind of weakness.
Ri and Rah made a u turn, charging towards the injured girl. They showcased extreme athleticism as Rah dropped to hid knees and his brother Ri jumped on his shoulders and used him as a launcher. He was like a shadow casted over Emilia. He was sky high, blade over his head. This was going to be the killing blow.
"Not today fiend!" Emilia's well-timed strike deflected the attack. The samurai's eyes widened.
"Rashu!" Rah vaulted over Ri's shoulders, striking the steel sword too.
Emilia dashed backwards as the sword took most of the damage.
CLING!
That strike almost took off her pinkie if it wasn't a centimetre off.
CLING!
She could feel the effect shaking through the sword.
CLING!
CLING!
CLANG!
CLING!
CLING!
Thinking quickly, Emilia ducked and swung the sword underneath them in an attempt to sweep them off their feet. They jumped over the sword, expecting the move.
"No!"
Just like that a fast super kick was delivered to Emilia's ribs as she hit the tree. The side of her head hitting the log especially hard, her vision was getting blurry.
This was it.
She was seated against the tree, unable to move. This was the end.
"Foh Rah Ri Dah!" Ri picked up Panther's spear and looked at the barely conscious Emilia. The ancient tongue he spoke talked about a brutal but quick death.
Ri held the spear with one hand, both his eyes was open for accuracy. Ri sprinted as he pulled back and chucked it forward.
The sharp spear flew with a deadly accuracy towards the down half elf girl who it seems was admitting defeat and waited for the inventible, or so it would seem.
THWACK!
Emilia rolled away at the very last second as the spear lodged at her previous spot. Had she not moved, she would have been impaled right there.
The girl, injured, crawled behind the tree to their surprise. The half elf wasn't going to die that easily.
"Ri Ri, finish it!"
There were glances sideways as to figure out what exactly was going on. This scenario was no different than a wolf chewing his leg off eventually it'll die from blood loss eventually. So why persist?
With his sword ready, Ri approached his prey.
"Come out and I'll make it quick."
WHOOOSHH!
A cape was thrown in the samurai's eyes, shielding his view and muffling his words. The desperate and still kicking Emilia grabbed the rear end of the edge of the spear while it was still lodged in the tree and let it go.
THWACK!
It knocked Ri unconscious and then there was only one.
"Puck." Emilia spat out blood. "Use the remaining mana now."
"Lia, you're injured! I need that to heal you!"
"Just do it Puck!" She eyed the last mercenary.
The storm was picking up as the two walked circles around each other. Rah had a change of heart. "Impressive. You bested everyone including my own brother."
Emilia extended her arm, a magic ice hatched flew in her hand. Sweat drops were rolling down her forehead despite the below zero weather.
Rah discarded his sword in exchange for an ONO, a Japanese hatchet. Maybe deeds are better done in a traditional manner. "It's going to be an honour killing you."
Rah swung right but Emilia strafed left. Emilia swung her right but Rah dodged it with ease. Emilia blasted an ice chunk on his shoulders so he couldn't lift the weapon anymore.
"AHHH!"
Emilia sliced various directions, flipping the sharp side to the blunt hammer side. It was followed with a direct uppercut from the axe, sending him on his behind.
"YOU!" He tried to jump back up but..
PEW!
Blue lights were emitting from her wrists. The ice chunk grew on his shoulder pinning him to the snow.
PEW!
This time it was on his knee.
PEW!
PEW!
PEW!
PEW!
PEW!
Rah was now in a cryogenic frozen sleep, much like the very one she found herself in. This should give him plenty of time to think about his crimes.
Victoriously, Emilia approached him, hands on her chin. "Hmm.." She wasn't any artist but she personally like this masterpiece she crafted.
"Thank you for being defeated." She bowed before taking her leave.
"AH!" She held onto her side as she flinched of the pain, She hopped on her good leg that didn't have a bad ankle after being speared.
"Help! Save us!" Frantically, they shook the dark bars that were impenetrable to cut through. They were going to freeze to death at this point.
"Hold on everyone! She's here!" The racoon face beamed up like sunshine. Her tail was wagging from excitement and anxiety. The half elf was in bad shape but she kept hoping, perseverance and determination swelling.
"I know you, you're that girl in the frozen forest living all by yourself."
They also tried to capture her earlier but she managed to retreat up to the mountains for sanctuary.
"Yes I am. Don't worry those men won't be bothering any of you again."
The racoon girl's face was dirty but yet an ear-to-ear smile was plastered on her. "One of them has the key."
"I don't need one, get back." Emilia lifted her hatchet as the five girls proceeded to the corner.
SLAM!
The magic of the axe turned the chains more brittle and with the second slam it rolled off the bars. Now all that was left was for their handcuffs.
"Behind you!" The raccoon yelled.
With his last power, Karnivore threw his knife and pierced her lower back as blood spurted out off her mouth.
"Bullseye!" Famous last words as he collapsed, finally succumbing to his injuries. All the ice arrows were still on his back.
Her skin was getting paler. The rose shade on her cheek was gone. Blood was continuously spurting out of her mouth.
"No…" Was the only thing the racoon could utter in shock.
Emilia collapsed.
"NO!"
With the last bit of mana, Emilia's finger touched the centre point where all the chains on the carriage were connected. The chains broke and they were free from prison.
"I'm outta here!" The green orc shouted, leaping out to sweet freedom.
The three blue-eyed green haired elves rose, carefully walking past Emilia who just laid there. They cried for their own but they didn't want to die here too.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" The raccoon said. "I don't know what to do!"
She was beyond hysterical. Her voice was cracking. She could only hold onto the half elf.
Emilia had nothing to go back to anymore. No more Fortuna, no more Betelgeuse, and all her friends were reduced to nothing else than ice statues, even the simple memory of them weren't granted to her.
"Raphtalia!" The crude woman orc called. "Get your gears moving. We have to go now!"
"What about her!?" Raphtalia scowled as she cried.
"What do you mean, what about her? She's a half-breed and the Witch of Glaciation! She can die here along with the rest of them for all I care."
The racoon girl was dumbfounded by those heartless words. "She saved us!"
Threateningly, the orc breathed loudly down her nostrils. "If you don't move that squirrel ass right now, I'll leave you here to die!"
The racoon responded by tightening her hold around the injured half elf. Needless to say her mind was made up.
Displaying major feat of strength, the orc hoisted her up but the racoon girl simply refused to let Emilia go. Since the small animal girl didn't know what's good for her, she'll go towards take a more aggressive approach.
On the corner of her eyes, partially, Emilia saw the three elves heading towards the direction that would lead them to those arctic mabeasts and slave traders.
"Don't go." Blood was seeping from her mouth, desperation in her eyes. She begged, pleaded them not to go there.
THWACK!
BEEEEEEEPPPPPPP!
The dark orc brought her foot down on Emilia's skull. The collusion was so hard that it left her ears ringing. Her view was blurry but she made out how a small racoon fought. Her heels were anchored on the wooden floorboards of the wooden carriage. A backhand and Raphtalia's hair flew upon impact. She was hoisted up on the broad woman's shoulder.
Last thing Emilia saw of them was five silhouettes disappearing off into the blizzard.
"P-Puck." She uttered out in pain.
The spirit was unable to respond with all his mana depleted after the fight. It would take half a day for him to get back and tend to those wounds.
'No time…' Emilia felt dazed and sleepy. The blood loss was getting to her. She had to think and fast.
The shackled chains that were destroyed earlier will have to do. Emilia grabbed the chains and threw it around her tiny frame, forming a knot infront and tying it tightly over her middle frame. The knife was still lodged at the girl's side.
'The storm is only going to get worse now. If I stay here I'll freeze to death' She dropped down the carriage, hitting the ground hard. "Ah it hurts!"
Her voice cracked, tears were threatening to escape. However, she still refused to give in. The half elves teeth were clenching as her bloodied hands dug into the ground and snow. The silver from the hair was painted crimson from the side she was kicked.
Her shoulder leaned against the tree. She stumbled to the next one, grabbing ahold of it before she fell. Emilia hugged tree as not to lose her balance and grip from the winter wind that shrieked.
She dragged herself to the next one and then on towards the next. Emilia could have sworn that the wind lifted her up from her feet. Droplets of blood followed wherever she went.
Emilia pushed herself off the tree to gain momentum from the strong current pushing her in the opposite direction. Her sore heel dug like an anchor into the white frostiness.
Her hand reached out in desperation as she clung to life.
Conceal, don't feel.
The Queen of Arendell cleared her throat. The talking went on for what felt like hours now. The round table had a huge assortment of forks, knives and spoons.
From what she gathered during her scheduled royal dining etiquette lessons was that each one had only one role. The thin glasses were for the champagne, the short more oval shaped ones was for the white wine, and the tallest was for the red wine.
As for the cutlery, it was diligently placed in a way that it would be used outside in. Left side was silverware forks, right side for the knives. A spoon being placed last was for the soup. Next in line would be the salad. After the salad, were the fish dishes and lastly the meat.
All that information would be great if she was hungry.
Again, conceal, don't feel, as a wise man had once told her. The coronation itself went well. Whatever happened next is a whole other story. Long story short, she made arrangements with Grand Pebble and the trolls to have everyone's memories erased in their sleep and no one was the wiser.
The only downside except for deceiving her own people, she was sorry but it's for their best, is that without any knowledge of this, it also exonerates any crimes that took place during it. That involves the coup and the attempt assassination of the Queen of Arendelle.
Hans, if that even is his real name, one of the eleven brothers, if he even has brothers, from the Southern Isles, if he even originates from there, was granted a silent amnesty before his memories were altered.
Last thing she wants is questions being raised on why he's locked up in the first place.
The deceiver was seated at the opposite side of the round table, fiery red hair and lamb chops as side burns. He tried to make advances towards her sister earlier but Anna, best sister ever, learned a valuable lesson and gave him a cold shoulder.
Next to Hans was a dignitary from the Northern Isles wearing a traditional uniform by the Celtics along with an emblem crest representing his family. "Pass the gravy please."
Just left to the Gaelic man, was a large man. "Here you go my friend."
Coincidentally, speaking of animal décor, a wolf pelt was draped across the Viking's shoulders; a wooden and battered shield was slung on his back. He may not have the best dining manners considering he ate soup with his fingers.
The Thor worshipper, bit a chunk of brisket he held, chewing with his mouth open. The man's red unibrow turned towards Elsa.
It was rude to stare and now she was caught red handed. The brow narrowed as she shook from fear.
Instead, the older warrior smiled, a meaty grin. She smiled back.
On the right side of Elsa was one of the nations youngest rulers. An eight-year-old prince sat up straight.
Last but not least, who can forget about the overly short moustache-twirling archduke of Weasel town.
"Wessel town," He corrected as if he could read her most inner of monologue.
Not much was known about him, other than the fact that he and Elsa's father had trader's market involvement with goods for the citizens of Arendell, involving medicine and weapons for its soldiers. A contact to good to sever, no matter how shady he might be.
All things considering, everything is going well. Despite the different cultures and upbringing, they were good company and the food was good too. That alone was enough not to let her turn into a worried wart and turn the dinner event into an ice skating range.
Speaking of cool the weather hasn't died down at all. The wind was still whistling as it threatens to push the old castle windows out of its frames. Elsa looked on, white snow parading down.
A small fire came from the chimney; it burned brighter as a log was thrown on top. Kristoff stood back up, his hands behind his back, his chin raised and obediently upright and neat just as he was taught.
'Neat for the most part.' Elsa thought. The butler uniform he worn had some last minute configurations done. His belly did stick out a bit.
"Soooo Princess Elsa, it's been a month since the coronation. How has things been on the throne." The duke asked nonchalantly, sipping his soup.
A melancholic look was on her face. The eating sounds have stopped as the leaders waited for her response. The only thing that could have been heard was the fire log crackling from the immense heat. The halfway melted candles on the centre of the table lit the room.
"It's been tough." Her fingers were on her arms of her chair. Unbeknownst to them, the conflict within her was getting a bit steep to control, leaving ice marks on the recliners.
"I have some really huge obligations and expectations to fill. There are days where I feel like I can't meet up to them. It keeps me up at night."
They looked on in curiosity.
"Just because I was born into royalty doesn't mean I'm destined for the same role my parents were. I want to be an open book with you as my father was." She smiled sweetly.
"I don't want to do this but I do so because I have to. I want their memories of them to live on and last here in Arendelle. I want to solidify their legacy. They helped people and died doing so.."
Dead silence was accompanied in the short break.
"I guess….that I don't want it all to be in vain."
A small chuckle to ease the mood, she closed off. "Sorry you must think less of me now.
"Oh no no no no no." Hans shook his head. "If anything it's… inspirational."
"Ayyyy, Prncess, you're the type I want my wee less to look up too. You're….uhhhh.."
Elsa fidgeted nervously. 'Yes, go on.'
"One of those.." The Viking twirled his fingers, trying to articulate his thoughts. "Ahah! One of them wee fishes in a big pond, I's scary but you have to learn how to use your fins eventually, and what better way than amongst the big ones."
"You're the woman rendition of Abahahabahadia. "Said the young boy so gleefully.
Hans raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
The reaction was lukewarm for the most part since her profound confession. Maybe it's because their customs believed in the saying if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Maybe it was because she was overthinking.
She chugged the wine glass in one go. 'Ugh, I need a drink!'
"You're like a bird." Ironically, Hans used a chicken wing to illustrate his point. "Open your wings and fly away."
'Make that two drinks now'
The butler, Kristoff came and titled the bottle sideways pouring into her empty wine glass.
"Queen Elsa, an observation, if I may?" The Duke broke his silence. "…and apologies for mixing politics into the lovely feast."
'I'd rather not.' But she could not have blown him off either. "Oh sir Arch Duke by all means proceed."
"What's your policy regarding immigration?"
'Here we go' Elsa took another swig of alcohol for the nerves. This has always been a touchy subject regardless what the ruler enforces.
She collected her thoughts, the fire still dancing happily. "I feel it's important how the outside world sees Arendelle. My primary focus is and will always be my own people. We take care of our own. However, the Samaritan in me can't look away if there are homeless, hungry people from warn torn countries at my gate."
He had a judgemental tone. "That explains why those demi humans were at town market earlier. All that hair and things with that lizard skin and tails, uggh, truly a repugnant sight!"
The Duke's steak knife screeched on the porcelain plate and directly on Elsa's temper.
An uncomfortable laugh was on her behalf, "Sir, with all due respect it is the coldest it has ever been in Northern Arendell history. We've lost over half the livestock and countless of crops because of the blizzard-"
"Which is why I would recommend it is bad-"
Elsa raised her hand. "Please don't interrupt me."
She cleared her throat. " As I was saying, but we survive! We understand hardships, so why should we turn a blind eye and let sleeping dogs towards the hardships of others? They risked their lives to come here, Sir Arch Duke. Being in a country into poverty, civil war is no way to live. Whether, it is all the way east at the Lugnica Kindom, The Northern Isles or the Southern Isles, everyone is welcome."
In the end they had to agree to disagree. Elsa wouldn't be much of a ruler if she was such a pushover on her policies.
"I apologise Queen Elsa."
She only hoped this didn't sour any future business. "Oh no no no no, It's!"
He intercepted. "Oh no, it's completely on me! I hope I haven't tainted this wonderful dining experience for anyone."
Hans flicked the chicken bone to the other side of the barely lit room. "Not at all."
"Ayyy nothing will ruin dis great feast 'ere!"
"Give my compliments to the chef, Queen Elsa. Everything is baked and cooked to perfection!"
"I love the sweet flan pudding, it has the perfect blend of milk and flavour. It reminds me of me gran's recipe."
"Hey man, pass some of that over here!" Hans was overheard. "I want to see what all the fuss is about."
"Speaking of the Lugnica Kingdom, the royal elections are next year."
"Ah yes." A slight chewing noise, " I suppose whoever it shall will be joining us in the foreseeable future, Queen Elsa?"
Elsa's forearms were folded on the table. She didn't look too enthusiastic over rumoured candidates. "We're going to have to wait and see. I, for one, can't see myself coming to any negotations term with Priscilla Bariella and her policies."
"Well she is beautiful!" Hans added.
"Looks can be deceiving ol chap! She can mesmerise you the one moment, then the next you'll only be in your socks and knickers!"
A smugly face was on Hans. "Arch Dukie, you sly dog! You're speaking from experience, aren't you!?"
"Why, I have no idea what you're speaking of." The moustached man took a sip of tea, feigning innocent. The whole table erupted into laughter.
"What about Van Astrea?"
"There's quite a lot of young blood involved apparently, even then experience always wins. Many will vote for Wilhelm."
"Not him, his grand son, Reinhard."
Say what?! I wasn't even aware that Wilhelm and Theresia had children, let alone grandchildren. Wasn't Theresia killed by some giant white wale years ago!?"
"That's true, however, she had already given birth to a baby boy called Heinkel and then many years later Heinkel and his wife Louanna gave birth to a boy called Reinhard. Louanna died short after, no, really! That's some serious wicked omen for the women who get married in that household. Now Reinhard, he isn't in the elections as a ruler, mind you, but as a Knight for one of the ruler's camps. Heinkel is involved too but in an opposing camp! Whilhelm is also there but in a completely different camp aswell. There's some serious bad blood in that family tree!"
Elsa listened on and here she though her family had quite a past.
"Now, get this: Reinhard is blessed by some royal sword. He's so strong that they say he can level down castles and even kill The Witch of Envy Satella herself!"
I'm sure they won't be opening up personal family problems to strangers.
"They had far more pressing matters to attend to so they declined my invitation."
In truth, they did decline by not even responding to her letter. On hindsight, they saved themselves from the prying guests.
"Well next time then."
'Don't count on it."
Another guest rose to the occasion, using a spoon to cling against his wine glass. "Lady and gentlemen, I prefer we make a toast to commemorate this evening."
Elsa was nervous. This man's intentions were good
He continued. "Not just to lineage, but to Queen Elsa! May you live a long and healthy life leading Arendelle to a prosperous future. Your parents, Queen Idun and King Agdar's spirit resides within you."
A sincere smile formed on her cold face. "Thank you."
"To Elsa!" They cheered, raising their glasses simultaneously.
"Yeah…to me." Elsa concurred, under her breath.
She certainly didn't feel proud nor a sense of belonging.
It was way past midnight when the table was finally cleared. A long dark log was chugged into the fireplace. Only smoke came out.
Elsa was holding onto a bright lantern, guiding each political leader to their room. it was an exceptionally large castle with a lot of rooms. She wasn't going to see them out in the eyes of the storm anyways.
They got appointed to their rooms by the Queen with extra bed covers, blankets and drywood for the fireplaces.
Last and definitely her least favourite, Elsa got rid of Hans, making sure to show him around the room. Kristoff was by her side at all times. What could she say, she doesn't' trust him one bit after all the heinous acts he committed to her and Anna, even with his memories removed. No, especially with his memories that were altered, she still knew very well what went on in his head.
"And there we have it! Your transport shall await you at the gates tomorrow and will take you to your boat. Goodnight."
"Before you go, have you seen Princess Anna?" A cold chill went down her spine. Kristoff's lips tightened and so did his knuckle which didn't hold onto the lantern. He suppressed all his emotions despite every fiber of his being telling him to break every bone in this two facade's body.
"She's out and won't be back for a dew days." It was pretty vague answer. 'Far away from you.'
Hans sat down on the edge of the bed, staring blankly. "A shame really."
"Indeed. Well, it's getting late-"
"It feels to me that she's so familiar and yet such a stranger at the same time." An evil chuckle and grin plagued on his face. "Sorry, I'm speaking in riddles here. It doesn't make sense, does it?"
Elsa had the most forced smile she could possibly compose, "I'm sorry it is pretty cryptic."
He smiled for her. "Must be my vivid imagination then. Anyways, goodnight Queen Elsa. Don't let the bed bugs bite."
Without another word, Elsa and Kristoff left the room leaving Hans all to himself. He laid with his back on the bed with a smile as he stared at the ceiling.
He couldn't place his finger on it. He could have sworn that he met her somewhere but in her memory there was such a huge barrier.
"You think he remembers?" Kristoff asked Elsa. They walked down the hallway.
"No, he doesn't. Grand Pebbles magic is too strong. The memories aren't intact and can't be accessed again."
"Damn." Kristoff lamented. " I wanted to punch him so bad!"
Elsa sighed. That feeling was mutual. "Get in line."
"Why make deals with him Elsa? He hurt my Anna and he damn near killed you!"
"Listen, Hans is a son of a very powerful leader he has the capable resources to improve Arendell for the people. I can't give him life in prison no matter how badly he deserves it."
She crossed her arms. "So I made him a non threat, I turned him as docile as a puppy and sent daddy's boy back to his rightful place."
"Well I don't like it!"
It was a harsh and cold reality "You don't have to like it. You're just going to have to deal with it."
A sad look was on his face. Of course she could sympathise, Anna is her sister for goodness sake.
"This time next year, you and Anna won't be here, You two can go to the private royal cabin and neither of you will ever see Hans's face again. Sounds good?"
Too good to be true. A beaming smile came across the ice merchant's face as he started to daydream of his Anna. Oh Anna. He imagined waking up as his princess sat crossed legs in her cute pajamas, combing her ginger hair, lecturing him. "Quit staring at me like that."
She pouted, dressed in an apron. Anna had her trademark pigtails. "I made this for you."
Lastly was her cute head with soggy hair sticking out in a bubble bath. "This is big enough for both of us,"
Back to reality, "Hello, earth to Kristoff."
She snapped her fingers, waved at him but he just had this love-struck face, fetishizing over her sister. "Men."
"Thanks sis, you're the best!" The in law gave her a bear crushing huh. A nice gesture she was sure but a cold person like her who loved her personal bubble wasn't particularly a fan of it, to put it lightly. "Ehehe that's nice. You can let go now."
It was a few more hours until dawn, everyone especially the Queen of Arendell fell asleep. Almost everyone, that is. The only thing that could have been heard was Kristoff's footsteps. He was the rare exception for being untouched by the sandman.
Understandably so since Anna couldn't be next to him, cuddling. She was out in the mountains with a few knights helping civilians and merchants who were stuck in the avalanche.
Outside, the pure white flakes hit the castle's window. He hoped that she was safe. Kristoff whistled non-chalantly as it echoed. He stopped, realizing the effect. "Hello."
"HHeeeeelllllooooo."
He smiled. "Anna."
"AAAnnnnaaaa." Her name filled the hallway.
He was really bored. The big guy sat on the hand railing, sliding down the long spirial stairway with little to no enthusiasm at all. He wished Anna were here.
Kristoff ended on a level in the castle he had never been on before. Might aswell do some exploring. It was an old art gallery. Curiously, the man held his candle high so he can have a better view through the darkness.
It was a family portrait from years ago, untouched throughout the years if the dust particles and cobwebs were anything to go by. The man with a white neat royal uniform and a moustache was the father and the brunette who had a lot of Elsa and Anna's features was the mother. And in her arms was the two when they were young.
"Anna is sooooo cute!" She was hugging her Olaf plushie, even as a kid she was adorable.
There were various more other portraits of the family tree but each and every one of them was covered in black linen as if they were still mourning.
The large doors at the entrance of the castle flung open, startling Kristoff a few levels down, which was at a seemingly more or less restricted area. He tip toed out as not to get caught red handed.
How strong must that wind be to open those huge doors? He wondered.
"HELP PLEASE!"
"Anna..?" That voice. What is once a source of joy was devoid of it. It had only distress.
"ANNA!"
"Oh God." Anna was out of breath, collapsing on her exhausted knees, strands of her strawberry auburn hair made its way out of her pigtails that was covered in the frostiness. She held onto the injured Emilia. The blood was pouring out like a rainfall. It started dripping everywhere onto the marble floor of the interior.
"Just…leave me." Emilia barely managed to get the words out.
"Not an option! You better not die on me dummy. Otherwise, I'll get really mad!" She attempted to ease the tense mood.
"I'm better of dead….I'm just a nuisance."
She laid on the smooth surface as a blood pool formed around her. Her violet eyes that were slowly starting to lose its colour gazed at the ceiling. Anna was on all four, catching her breath.
"Do you know how it is like, doing your best and it's still not good enough."
Anna looked on without a word.
Emilia's voice felt frozen. "To do a good deed and be spat upon because. She gasped for breath. "…you look like a Witch AHHHH!"
She clutched on her wound. Her hands were crimson red.
Anna held onto the half elf. She couldn't relate much. She was after all born in a royal household so they were always held in high regard. Maybe at worst, the receiving end of criticism, but never scrutiny to such extent.
Her hands tried to warm Emilia up. "Listen don't you dare fall asleep. You'll be safe here okay!"
This was the most she had ever spoken in a day after the merchant who sold her boots. "I saved those girls from the bad men."
"Good. Those slavers are a nasty bunch! You are brave!"
Even if the outcome wasn't as successful, she smiled. "Thank you.."
"Stay awake you hear? You can thank me later. Just a bit longer."
"This is bad. This is really bad!" Olaf the snowman with the carrot as a nose hopped back and forth. "I'll go get some help!"
"Anna!" She could hear her fiancée off in the distance. His footsteps were echoing in the dark cold castle.
First thing Kristoff saw as he reached the top was his wife covered in blood. "Anna are you okay!?"
He realised it wasn't hers but the girl Anna was cradling's blood. "I'm fine but she was stabbed by those slavers a few miles from here. I'm sorry I didn't know where to take her. I just went here!"
He ran up to the two, kneeling and shaking the half elf. He checked her pulse. Emilia's outcome didn't look good. "There's a meditrition not far from here. I'll take her. It'll be quick."
Kristoff picked Emilia up. She was really light like a feather. "Stay up, don't let all that bad assery go to waste!"
"Hmmm.." Emilia slightly responded. She just wanted to sleep now.
"SVEN!" Anna called out at the top of her lungs. She put two fingers in her mouth, giving the sharpest whistle that could have audible in the loudest and strongest of storms.
As if on cue, like a noble steed or a loyal canine, a large reindeer arrived with tall antlers standing on top of his head, awaiting orders from his loyal master.
Kristoff jumped up, lifting Emilia on top of the reindeer's back. He placed her in front of him so he can prevent her from falling off. "Oopsie daisy."
An extra pair of arms went around his waist. Anna decided to come join. "I'm going with you."
She hugged her hubby tightly from the back, a determined look on the Princess's face. She was going to see this entire thing through.
"Okay buddy to the Herbalist and step on it! YAHHH!"
The trio on the deer disappeared into the storm in a race against time. Olaf trailed behind them, hopping as fast as a living snowman can hop. His stick for arms flailed.
"WAIT FOR ME!"
Emilia felt sleepy. She leaned forward, closing her heavy eyes. She didn't care any more. She wanted to sleep and not wake up anymore.
Sven, the sharpest and fastest in the North took a sharp turn in the snowy town of Arendelle. Emilia's barely conscious body tilted sideways and almost fell off had it not been for Kristoff.
He tried to keep her awake. "Hey now, we're almost here. What's your name?"
She could barely respond. "Emilia. Just Emilia."
"Okay, Emilia. Just Emilia." Kristoff laughed.
"Just stick with us a teeny tiny bit longer. It is right around the corner."
Sven came to a halt as Kristoff jumped off and picked Emilia back up in his arms. The beige clothes were painted red now. Time was running out.
They were at the shop. There was a sign that hanged off chains that said Herbalist. At the small window displayed outside were various colours of herbs. The old man who runs it had decades of experience.
Kristoff frantically knocked. Anna stood next to him. The whole experience giving her grey hair, "Don't tell me he's a deep sleeper!"
No answer.
This time the knock was louder ten fold. "Come on, old fossil! Open the damn door!"
A short man with thick-rimmed glasses answered. He looked grumpy, as if him cursing in his native foreign tongue wasn't clear enough. He then spoke in a language he'd well understand. "Stupid head! Do you not know vat the basic concept of time is!?"
He noticed the half elf in the young man's arms and the stressed out Anna. "Vat did you do?"
Wasting no time, the man with the limp and cane allowed them in, quickly assembling the necessary herbs. Emilia had already fainted from the blood loss.
"Shit, she was awake just a second ago!"
"Then we shan't waste a moment longer. You two go put her on the table."
Carefully, Kristoff laid the unconscious Emilia on the wooden table. The herbalist was crushing a few of the herbs into power with a grinder mortar and pestle.
"Don't give up on us." Anna's fingers were playfully and comforting running through Emilia's silver and messy hair. She was so affection like a mother.
"Now," The older man approached. "Remove her top."
This was a life or death situation so Kristoff helped Anna remove Emilia's blood stained long sleeved shirt. He closed his eyes however since he wanted to respect the elf girl's privacy.
Karnivore's bowie knife was still lodged in her hip. With a crack of his old fingers' the herbalist was ready. In his one hand was all the herbs he mixed. In the other was a clean poker beaming with fire.
"Stay strong… it's going to hurt a lot. "He spoke to the girl, even giving her an endearing nickname in his language. He gave Kristoff a stern look. "Remove the knife."
Kristoff reached for the handle of the hunter knife. 'UUUHHH it's making weird squishy noises.' He pulled it out quickly. Blood started to rain at an even larger volume. The herbalist clotted the natural herbs into the open spurting wound.
"This will stop the internal bleeding."
SSSSSSSSSZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
The fire poker hissed as it melted the medicine and cauterized the wound. Emilia's eyes shot open.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Emilia screamed, feeling the most painfull thing she had ever felt. She started to violently kick.
"Hold her down!" The herbalist yelled.
Kristoff pinned her ankles down. Anna held her shoulders to stop Emilia from injuring herself. Emilia resorted to scratching the edges with her muddied and red fingernails until her painful expression faded away.
Emilia fainted from the pain again.
"Ayyyy the bleeding has stopped. The medicine will do the rest of the work."
A relieved expression on both their faces, their breathing became more relaxed. "So she'll be okay?"
"Elves life long lives and have a strong immunity system unlike no other. They can bleed like stuffed pigs and regain those lost cells fast. Nothing sleep and traditional medicine won't fix." He assured.
Anna wiped her runny nose. She couldn't be any more grateful. "You hear that Em? You're going to be okay! Wait, it's okay if I call you Em, right?"
He wiped his face with a hand cloth. As macho as Kristoff tried to be, there's a reason he never went out hunter with other ice pickers like himself. He hated the sight of blood. It was all across his forehead and the bridge of his nose.
"Hehehe that's a lot of blood."
A large thud sound filled the cabin's shop.
It gave Anna her second scare of the day. "Kristoff!"
"Pfft." The Herbalist.
Hemophobia was indeed a case but he certainly didn't expect it from a man built like a mountain. He said something considered offensive in his language. Kristoff heard but couldn't make out what he said before drifting off.