Elsa and Ingrid slept for almost two days straight. It began to worry Regina how deeply her lover slept. Thankfully, she always stirred when Regina came to bed, pulling her close in the middle of the night when she felt her presence. For those two days there was peace in Arendelle. Mal was happy to stay on watch and keep the enemy at bay. Regina was sure that if Elsa did choose to go to war, the dragon would not be far behind, regardless of who they were fighting and what it was for. She would be a powerful ally to have and she would be more than happy to offer her services in any fight. Zelena helped her when she could but her concern was focused on the toxin that Regina had been infected with. She, Ruby and Belle went back to Storybrooke so she could use her vault and she had not returned since. If anyone could find something on it, it would be her sister.
On the second night, after Regina spent the day helping Anna and Kristoff around the castle and continuing the cleanup of the harbor, she went into the bedroom she was sharing with Ingrid and found her lover gone.
"Ingrid?" She called. The only other adjoining room was the bathroom so she checked there first. Ingrid was sitting on the edge of the tub, wrapped in a towel. "Hey."
The blonde raised her head and gave her a tired smile. "Hey."
"Everything alright?"
"Yeah. I guess I'm still a little tired." Ingrid said, her voice hoarse and soft, barely above a whisper. "I've never overexerted myself before. This sucks."
Regina smirked and stepped into the room. She was well aware of the effects of magical exhaustion. It was an odd and awful sensation that made one feel fatigued and sluggish but it wasn't the normal feeling. Sleeping and eating only replenished one's physical energy while magical energy had to return on its own or through a transference.
"Is there anything I can do?" She asked. "Want a massage? Something to eat?"
"Yes, please."
Regina nodded and moved to help Ingrid back into the bedroom. The blonde let her towel fall and Regina conjured her a silver silk nightgown. She watched in amusement as Ingrid flopped on the bed. She smiled and teleported to the kitchens to fix her love something to eat. It was so quiet in the room that she found herself missing the rest of the family. Anna and Kristoff had retired for the evening and Olaf, with his ceaseless questions and comments, had been sent up north to Northuldra with the rest of the townspeople. Arendelle was so empty.
She fixed Ingrid some stew and warmed some rolls in the oven for her. Afterwards, she grabbed a pitcher of fresh water and some cups and placed everything on a tray. Ingrid was sitting up in bed when she returned, now wearing a fluffy white robe.
"How long have I been asleep?"
"Two days. You and Elsa."
"So she hasn't passed her judgment yet?"
Regina shook her head, placing the tray on the bed. Ingrid waved a hand over the pitcher, dropping a snowflake into it to make it cold before filling up the two cups. She took a sip and frowned.
"Water? Really?"
Regina smirked. "There was nothing else on hand and I know you don't like conjured food. In case you haven't noticed, we sent the staff up north and we're pregnant. We also have two dragons walking around so all of the good wine is probably gone anyway."
"I know." Ingrid sighed, but she gave Regina a smile when she thanked her.
"Thank me by eating all this food." Regina replied, settling down on the bed and relaxing for the first time in days. Ingrid ate quietly and slowly and it was clear she was still a little tired. After a while she removed her robe so Regina could give her a shoulder massage. As she worked out the blonde's kinks, she transferred her own magical energy through her fingertips, sharing her reserves. "What are you thinking about? She asked, when Ingrid had gone more than a few minutes without speaking.
"Names." Ingrid answered. "We haven't discussed any names yet. Boy or a girl?"
"One of each."
"Maybe twins. Two sets of twins?"
"Oh gods no-"
"Two sets of triplets." Ingrid grinned.
"Please do not-"
"Quadruplets!"
Regina could've passed out at the thought. "No, no, no. Do not even cast that spell."
Ingrid giggled. "You don't want eight kids with me?"
"Not all at once!" Regina said, smiling when Ingrid burst out laughing.
"I can only imagine a little Regina running around. Probably be the sassiest little thing in the world."
Regina only smirked as she laid down on the bed. "And a little Ingrid? Soft as snow? Cold as ice?"
Ingrid flicked an eyebrow. "Is that what you think of me?"
Regina nodded and placed a kiss on Ingrid's cheek. "I think you are the kindest woman in the world...until someone threatens those you love. Then… you could turn hell itself into a frozen wasteland. That's really sexy."
"The kind part or the being really powerful part?" Ingrid narrowed her eyes and Regina kissed her lips, savoring the taste.
"Both. Although you have to admit that the powerful part is a huge turn on."
"I suppose it is."
"You suppose?" Regina snapped her fingers, teleporting the tray away. Ingrid let out a gasp just before Regina's lips slammed against hers and she melted instantly, moaning when Regina skillfully undid her robe with one hand and allowed her fingers to roam. Regina relished that moan and every one that followed. She wanted more, but Ingrid suddenly grabbed her hand.
"No." She panted. "As much as I would like to, Gina, I am too tired."
"I will gladly do all the work." Regina replied, smiling at Ingrid's giggle.
"When I am fully recovered."
Both women relaxed back on the bed, cuddling up beneath the sheets and enjoying the peace and quiet. Ingrid was nearly asleep again before she moved away from Regina and rolled onto her side so she could look at her.
"What?" Regina asked.
"We should come up with a few names for boys and girls. Just in case."
"I agree. What about Harald? For your father. We could call him Harry."
Ingrid seemed to think it over but ultimately shook her head. "He should have his own name. Unless you want to name him after you?" She smirked. "Perhaps we should go for a Roman theme like Prince Caesar."
"Or Prince Sigurd? What about Thor? We should absolutely name one of our sons Thor."
"No, we are not." Ingrid laughed. "What about girls then?"
"Astrid?"
"Why are you only coming up with Norwegian names?"
"Because I want them to have a name similar to yours. I got my name solely because it means 'queen' and because that's what my mother envisioned for my life." Regina shrugged.
Ingrid leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "Your mother was a bitch. You are more than even you could imagine. Besides, you are a queen through and through and you deserve your name. It suits you perfectly."
Regina found herself blushing at her sincere words. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Ingrid was quiet before she grew a mischievous smirk. "You know, it's such a shame that the person you hate has such a good name for a daughter."
"You'll have to be more specific. I hate a lot of people. Oh, you mean Snow?" Regina rolled her eyes again and collapsed back onto the bed, drawing another giggle from her lover. "I'd sooner name my daughter Apple."
Both women would go on to discuss some more names and finalize plans to build a nursery. Regina even offered to redesign the entire mansion to incorporate Ingrid's style and tastes.
"Regina, you don't have to do all that for me." Ingrid said.
"Of course I do. Your opinion matters. That's our home now. Unless you want to live somewhere else…"
"No! I understand you're being considerate but I shouldn't make all the decisions and not everything must be about me."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Fine. Then I will make the decision to do some redesigns on the house and you can help me redecorate it." Ingrid narrowed her eyes at her tone so she quickly thought of a way to explain her reasons. "For years everything has been about me, Ingrid. Storybrooke itself was made because of what I wanted and damn everyone else. But this is about us, it has to be about you becoming a part of my family, a part of me. So, you will have to make some decisions because I've already done the rest. If we have to tear it all down and rebuild then I'll do that too."
"You would?"
"I'd do anything for you, Ingrid." Regina said.
Ingrid was quiet for a moment and when snowflakes started falling around them, Regina grew worried. Then the blonde pulled her into her arms. "And I you." She let out a sigh and sank into her lover's embrace. They stayed like that for so long that Regina was sure Ingrid had fallen asleep again, but when she moved Ingrid released her.
"Now that that's out of the way," Regina said, sliding out of bed and mentally shaking off the feeling of vulnerability. "How about you get some more sleep while I talk to Tink and make sure everything is in order back in Storybrooke."
"Okay, but not for too long. Wake me up in-"
"I'm not going to do that. Get as much rest as you need." Regina scoffed, tucking her lover into bed. "By the way, since we were talking about the babies, Maleficent wants to be a godmother."
"Oh? Why?"
Regina shrugged. "She believes our children will be unique because of their bloodlines. She wishes to...watch them grow, I suppose?" She shrugged again. "Beyond that, she does seem sincere in wanting to help."
"You don't have a problem with that?" Ingrid asked.
"Not really. Mal's probably just curious. My only reservations about the arrangement is that she will go overboard in her godmotherly duties."
"Overboard how?"
"She's a dragon. Money means both everything and nothing to her. If we agree, I guarantee we will go home and the house will be filled with every baby product known to man." Regina said.
Ingrid smiled. "And what's wrong with that?"
"Only the matter of where we'll put everything."
A knock at the door caught their attention and Regina teleported around the bed to answer it.
"Um, hi." Kristoff said, sheepishly. "Elsa is awake and she wants to speak to Ingrid."
Ingrid sat up instantly and swung her legs out of bed. "I'll go immediately." Kristoff nodded and closed the door. "It shouldn't be long, Regina."
"Call me if you need me. I'll join you in a minute."
Ingrid gave her a quick kiss and magically dressed herself in a long white dress as she left the room. Regina watched her go before going over to the vanity and taking a seat. She touched the mirror, silently casting a spell that would connect to the mirror in her home. Tink appeared in the mirror a moment later and scowled.
"What the hell, Regina?!"
"What?"
"It's been days! You said you were being attacked. You had to bring in Maleficent and Zelena and you didn't call me when it was over. Are you okay? How is Ingrid?"
"For now, everything is under control. We defeated the armada and captured the king. We're just waiting on Elsa to decide what to do with him. She and Ingrid have been asleep for two days but they're up now. It's been an eventful few weeks."
Tink let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to know at least. Would've liked to know sooner."
"How are things there?"
Tink shrugged. "Fine. Quiet. The kids miss you guys. Aerrick and the rest of the Lost Boys are keeping things under control."
"Has Emma been a nuisance?"
"She stopped by a few times, but nothing in the past week."
Regina slowly nodded. "That's promising. Thanks again, Tink."
"It's no problem, Regina. Just stay safe." The fairy pleaded.
"I will." Regina ended the connection and went to go find Ingrid. She found her in the library with the rest of the royal family. There were books open on the table nearby and Regina glanced at them as she passed. "What's going on?"
"Elsa wants to go searching for a myth." Anna answered.
"After everything we've found out about the world, can anything really be considered a myth?" Elsa asked, looking much more vibrant after her long rest.
"What is she talking about?" Regina looked at Ingrid as the two sisters started arguing again.
"Elsa wants to look for Ahtohallan."
"What is Ahtohallan?"
Ingrid glanced at the sisters. "It's an ancient magical river that is said to hold all the answers to the past. It's the subject of the nursery rhyme I sang before."
"What answers do you seek?"
"Not answers, but memories. If Ahtohallan is real, we can draw on the memories of others long past. Others with powers like us. Essentially, everything they learned, we would learn as well."
Regina arched an eyebrow and turned to the queen. "You're going to war then? Are you going to hold Eogan and the duke until you get back?"
"We haven't decided if she's going to go." Anna replied.
"Of course I'm going." Elsa said. The two began arguing again and Regina and Ingrid both moved to a quieter part of the library to resume their conversation.
"Do you believe in this Ahtohallan?" Regina asked.
"I don't know." Ingrid said. "It's supposed to be just a myth, but who am I to say it's not real?"
"Do you want to find out?" She inquired, remembering her conversation with Mal about helping Ingrid get a better understanding of her powers. If Ahtohallan was real, it would solve that issue. Apparently Ingrid or Elsa had the same thoughts, but they would only have those thoughts if they wanted to go to war. Perhaps they wanted the memories of others to become better fighters or more experience. It would make sense, although she was worried about Ingrid and Elsa running off after a legend.
"Of course I do." Ingrid replied. "There is still so much I don't know about my powers and there's no one to teach me. Besides, even if I didn't, I can't let Elsa go alone. It's a dangerous journey across the Dark Sea."
"Dark Sea? You know where it is?"
"We know where it supposedly is. Or at least, Elsa does. It'll take several days using magic. No ship can make it."
Regina arched an eyebrow. "Alright then. If this is what you want to do, then so be it. I can get you across the Dark Sea in a day."
Ingrid narrowed her eyes. "That's impossible."
"Nope. It'll just take some gold and a necklace." She turned to leave but Ingrid grabbed her arm, looking at her strangely. "What?"
"You'd...be okay with me going?" She asked.
Regina nodded. "If it's what you want to do then how can I stop you? Besides, it might be beneficial. Any chance to learn a way to better protect yourself sounds like a good idea, no?"
Ingrid slowly released her arm and stepped forward to plant a heartstopping kiss on her lips. Regina was unable to hide her surprise by the display of affection. "Come with me then."
Regina scoffed. "I have all the answers I need about my past. I can sum up everything with pain, death, destruction, almost dying many times and my mother… She's pretty self explanatory."
"Your past is not just your mother, Regina. Neither is it just you being evil. Maybe you'll find answers to questions you didn't even know you had." Ingrid said. Regina flicked an eyebrow, mulling over her statement. She'd always avoided her past, dreaded to think of it most days and prefered to ignore it lest she lose focus on her present and future. When she thought of her past it always began and ended with her mother or Snow White or Henry. She'd never thought to go beyond that and it piqued her curiosity. What could Ahtohallan show her?
She smiled and gave Ingrid another peck on the lips. "If that is your wish, how can I say no?" Ingrid turned away as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "Adorable. Now, shall we secure you a ride?"
"We can just take Nokk and Snowfire-"
"Nonsense. Let me handle it."
Ten minutes later, Regina was in the kitchens, watching Mal as she processed the recent information that she had been given. Belle and Zelena were on the other side of the table, also watching the dragon to see her reaction. Ruby and Belle were busy fighting over how to cook whatever they were cooking. It smelled like it was burning and it made her wonder why a dragon and a werewolf hadn't noticed it yet, but she didn't intervene.
"Let me get this straight," Mal said. "You want me to fly you, Ingrid and Elsa to some mythical river across the Dark Sea that will supposedly give you the answers to the past?" Regina nodded. "And you want me to do this in a day?" She nodded again. "One more question...Have you lost your mind?"
Regina sighed and looked at Ingrid. "I guess she can't do it. Maybe we should take the horses. It might be faster." She almost laughed when Mal perked up.
"Can't?" The dragon growled. "Is that a challenge?"
"Well, we wouldn't want to impose any more than we have, your majesty." Ingrid replied, quickly falling into step with Regina. "We know you must be tired after all of this activity and the Dark Sea is massive. I don't think anyone could cross it in a day." Regina turned her head to hide her smirk. She cleared her throat and turned back to see the dragon looking at her suspiciously.
"I know what you're doing and I do not appreciate it. Neither will I let it stand." Mal said. "I can carry you across the Dark Sea in a day."
"Can and will?"
"Can and will. However," Mal stood up so she could step closer to Regina, looking down at her as she loved to do. "I will accept the title of godmother in exchange."
Regina rolled her eyes and looked at Ingrid, who was grinning.
"We would be honored, your majesty." The blonde said.
"Excellent and please, call me Mal. Here, while we have some time, sit." Mal said, motioning to the seat next to her. "Tell me all about you and Regina and the babies. Tell me everything."
Regina pinched the bridge of her nose as the pair started talking. "Ingrid, what about Ahtohallan and the war?"
"This'll only take a moment." Ingrid replied.
Regina sighed and left the room. They could find her when they were ready. She walked through the castle to where the garden was. It was a quiet and beautiful place and she enjoyed spending time here. Elsa's magic protected the multitude of colorful flowers from being harmed by the cold and they were in full bloom almost all year round. She found a seat and sat down and breathed deeply of the sweet scent of the flowers while she thought of Ahtohallan and the possibilities of what it could show her.
Soft footsteps made her look up as Elsa came around the corner. "Oh, excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt."
"It's alright, Elsa. Please, join me."
The queen sat next to her on the stone bench and almost instantly it started to snow lightly around them. She knew better than to draw attention to it but she felt that Elsa wanted to speak, so she waited. After a while, Elsa took a deep breath and turned to her.
"What would you do, Regina? In my position."
Regina scoffed as her decision required no thought whatsoever. "I would execute the king and the duke, raise my armies and bathe the Southern Isles in fire and blood." She patted Elsa's hand, smiling at her look of fear.
"Is that who you used to be?" She asked softly.
"It's who I am now." Regina replied. "They attacked you and you are family now. They attacked Arendelle and it is my home now. That means they attacked me and I do not let slights go lightly. I know your heart though. It's like your aunt's." She smiled. "However, you are not me. I know you won't like war and killing."
"I could kill Eogan and the duke easily. I wouldn't even bat an eye after everything they've done." Elsa said, her voice suddenly dropping and Regina flinched when a thick layer of snow fell on top of them. She again chose not to comment on it, knowing that it would only upset the ice witch who was far too similar to her Ingrid. She waved her hand, using magic to sweep the snow off. Elsa appeared a bit upset at having such thoughts. "I don't know if that's good or bad."
"Revenge is an easy decision." Regina shrugged. "Trust me."
Elsa shook her head, "But to go to war and drag my people with me? Eogan and the duke are bastards but their people are not to blame. They are the ones who will suffer. My people are the ones who will have to fight and they will suffer."
"That's what war is." Regina said, watching the emotions play out on the blonde's face. She suddenly stood up to pace and Regina watched her go back and forth on the costs of war.
"My advisors want to go to war."
"Of course they do." Regina neatly crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. "Let me guess, your war advisor wants to go to war. He and his soldiers want to fight. They want vengeance for the invasion. Your financial advisor has advised you against war because of the economic costs and threats to future trading routes. Your spymaster is beside himself and currently on a witch hunt trying to find out how the armada was able to sail into the harbor without raising the alarm. The rest of your council continue to bicker about what to do and your nobles are fighting about who and what to support which is only what will make them more money or give them more influence. None of which really assists you."
"So you understand!" Elsa let out a happy screech and Regina chuckled.
"I do. I also ignored every single one of those people when I was queen. I know how hard it is to make such decisions when others depend on your word and you have an entire council throwing in their own suggestions. At the end of the day, you are the one who decides the fate of your kingdom."
"That is what I fear."
"Come, sit." Regina patted the seat next to her and Elsa plopped down next to her and let out an exasperated sigh. "You are a good person, Elsa. It is hard for a good person to rule. And yet, rule you must." Elsa looked down but Regina tapped her cheek, drawing her gaze again. "Those like you are the ones who should rule because you have a good heart and you actually care about your people."
"That is not enough."
"It's more than what a lot of people get. That's coming from a former tyrant." Regina smirked. Elsa gave her a small smile in return. "Now, tell me about this Ahtohallan idea. Why do you want to find it?"
"For what I could learn. Aunt Ingrid has practically taught me all she knows and there is so much more that she doesn't. We could both stand to learn more about our powers."
"I know that but this didn't occur to you until the invasion, so the true purpose is…"
"So Arendelle doesn't have to go to war...but I can."
Regina flicked an eyebrow. "Elsa, if you want to hurt those sons of bitches just go to the prison, tell the guards to leave, tie them up and kick their asses."
"It's more than them." Elsa replied, standing up again. "It's the implications of the invasion."
"Explain." She prompted.
"If you and Aunt Ingrid and your friends were not here our losses would have been devastating. Who knows how many people would have died or how much destruction they would've caused. Arendelle could have fallen because of my inexperience. I replay the battle over and over in my head and I know that I wouldn't have been able to stop them."
"Don't give yourself that much credit. Arendelle has an army and several generals, as well as watchtowers along the fjord. If you think about it, the alarm should have been raised much sooner than it was. That was not your fault." Elsa perked up at her words. Perhaps they'd thrown away the spy theory too early. If there really was one they could've already left the city, maybe even amongst the people sent up north. It could've been anybody. "Then you would've had enough time to build a proper defense. You don't need to stop an army on your own. That's why you have your generals and an army."
"And when we go to war and return with less people than we set sail with?" Elsa retorted. "How can I look my people in the eye when their sons don't come home? If I can learn to harness my powers, I can fight for them. They won't need to."
"And when you've met your match?" Regina asked. "When you have harnessed your powers and fought for your people, what happens when you face a threat you can't defeat? Your people will be defenseless because those same generals and that same army will have grown lazy while you do all the work. You may think you're saving them but all you would be doing is putting Arendelle on your back and when you fall, so will your precious city."
Elsa turned away and snow started falling again. "I don't want people to die, Regina."
"I know."
"I know I'm being too idealistic but is it wrong to want peace?" Elsa asked. "If there is a way I can spare my people from being killed, shouldn't I take it?"
Again Regina pulled Elsa to the seat next to her. She pulled the queen's hands into her lap and gave them a squeeze. "Close your eyes and take a deep breath, your majesty." Elsa narrowed her eyes slightly at her but she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Another one." Regina breathed with her and gradually the snow stopped falling as Elsa calmed down. She couldn't imagine how annoying that must be. Elsa and Ingrid were lucky they had magic to clean up after their snow storms. Although if one didn't have magic they wouldn't have to worry about making it snow whenever they got upset. Or if their parents had actually taught them about their powers instead of making them terrified to use them it wouldn't be a problem. "One more." She and Elsa took another deep breath and Regina released her hands. "Better?"
"Not at all."
Regina chuckled softly. "I understand your dilemma, Elsa, but war is war. People die. It's not wrong to want peace and it's not wrong to want to protect your people, however you can't really be a peaceful kingdom without being willing to fight for it. I know that sounds wrong, but if you aren't willing to fight, you're just harmless. And as Mal said, others will think Arendelle is weak and more people like the king and the duke will come. People will die but they will do so fighting for their home." Elsa grew quiet as she pondered her words but Regina felt compelled to continue. "You are quite like your aunt, you know." Elsa looked over at her, eyebrows lifting in interest. "As soft as snow and cold as ice. You're kind and you have a gentle heart, but you need to find a balance between softness and coldness. You should be kind to your friends, your family, your people but when someone threatens them, well…let's just say that your enemies need not fear gods, men or monsters. They need to fear you." Elsa fell silent again and Regina turned her eyes back to admiring the flowers. This was Elsa's first true test of being queen and it would be her decision what follows.
After a few minutes, Elsa stood up. "I need to speak to the spymaster." She said, "Thank you for this talk, Regina. I appreciate it."
Regina rose to her feet and bowed. "Anytime, your majesty." She was surprised when Elsa suddenly threw her arms around her, but she was less surprised than usual as she was getting used to sudden displays of affection. Anna was the big hugger between the two sisters and she'd probably hugged Regina more times during her visit than she'd been hugged in her life. "If you still wish to go to Ahtohallan and you are sure of its location, Mal will take us there. We can leave in the morning." Elsa's grip on her tightened for a few moments and she smiled. Elsa eventually stepped away and smiled shyly at Regina.
"Thank you." She said again.
"I am at your service." Regina bowed again.
Elsa moved to leave but paused. She turned back around. "I'm glad you and Aunt Ingrid are together. I'm happy that she has you."
"I love your aunt and I plan to be with her for a long time." Regina smiled. "That also means you have me too. If there is ever anything I can do for you, for Anna, for Arendelle, don't hesitate to let me know. If you would like… I could take revenge for you."
"No, it must be me." Elsa dipped her head and hurried off to speak with her spymaster. Regina teleported back to the bedroom and fell into bed, suddenly feeling quite tired. It wasn't long after that she felt the bed move as Ingrid tried to quietly get into bed. She opened one eye and Ingrid froze.
"Um, hi."
"You know, you trying to get into bed softly is more concerning than you diving in."
"I didn't want to wake you." Ingrid slid beneath the sheets and pulled Regina into her arms.
"Did you enjoy your conversation with Mal?"
"I did. She is delightful."
"Of course she is."
Ingrid giggled softly. "She adores you. I mean, she told me about you two having sex and the times you tried to kill each other-"
"By the gods." Regina groaned, sitting up. Ingrid grabbed her arm before she could get out of my bed. "The woman has no filter, I swear." She heard laughter and looked over her shoulder at her giggling lover. That damn laugh again. She couldn't resist grinning at the sound of it.
"It's okay, Gina." Ingrid wrapped her arms around her neck and kissed the top of her head. "Mal only had wonderful things to say about you."
"Even about me trying to kill her?"
"Even then." Ingrid pulled her back down. "Relax, she was very kind and I think she will make a great godmother."
"I know she will, but just know that I warned you."
Ingrid laughed softly. Regina slid closer to her lover, burying her face in Ingrid's chest. It was such a perfect place to go to sleep. The morning would be here soon and they needed all the rest they could get.
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