By first light, Mal was up and raring to go. Regina was not far behind. In order to deter any attacks from Eogan's men while they were gone, they conjured an apparition of Mal that would sit on the towers until they returned and they prepared to hide their departure with magic. Regina, Ingrid and Elsa rode with Mal while Zelena, Ruby and Lily followed in her wake. Fast was never a word Regina would use to describe Maleficent, but with a bet and her pride at stake it was like the dragon had drank a dozen Red Bulls and strapped rockets to her back. Regina had to use a spell to protect herself and the others or they'd have fallen off within minutes.
Mal set a brutal pace and the world whizzed by below. The Dark Sea was barely more than a blur. The water was so dark that it looked black and the waves seemed unnaturally high.
"We should be there by midday at this rate." Ingrid called to Regina.
"She'll slow down soon. She doesn't want Lily to fall behind." Regina reminded her. She looked back to see Lily keeping up well despite not being as experienced or as large as her mother. She couldn't help glancing back to check on her progress and her heart nearly stopped when she saw a flash of red hair and her sister falling. "ZELENA!" Ingrid and Elsa whipped around just in time to see Zelena hit the water. Regina was poised to jump off after her when Zelena appeared again, flying on her broomstick. She dove so she could cut through the tall waves and rose to fly beside Lily, grinning as she left a trail of water behind her.
Ingrid giggled as Regina buried her face in her hands. "My sister's crazy!"
"Then she's perfect for the family."
Regina only rolled her eyes and laid down flat between two of Mal's spikes. It was going to be a long flight. And it was. The wind was deafening and she had to use another spell to protect their hearing, as well as protect them from the harsh gusts and create a magical tether to anchor them to one of Mal's spikes. With that done, the ride was almost comfortable. Mal was a smooth flyer and laying on her back was like laying on a heating pad. She was sure Ingrid even fell asleep at one point. When Mal had to rest, Elsa created a giant iceberg for her to sit on, but she barely took more than twenty minutes before she was hustling her passengers on her back to take off again. That afternoon there was a storm and the dragons chose to fly right through. Mal loved flying when it rained. It was a dragon thing. She had no chance to enjoy it because Regina conjured a shield around them to keep themselves dry. However, it rapidly grew dark and the clouds completely blocked any sunlight from helping them. Within the storm Regina couldn't discern their orientation at all and she could tell that Mal too was having trouble navigating through the downpour that seemed to stretch on and on. She could feel Mal growling as the wind knocked her around. When she looked around there was no end to the darkness. Dark clouds, dark water, just an endless blackness broken only by a flash of lightning that lit up the two dragons who seemed like the only two creatures in the world.
Regina whispered a spell to speak directly to Mal. "Perhaps you should land again."
"In this storm?"
"Just to get your bearings. We could wait for the storm to pass if we need to."
"Ssh."
Mal carefully tilted, slowing down. She moved her head from side to side as she tried to see where she was going.
"Don't go down too far, Mal. The waves are high." Regina reminded her.
"Ssh." Mal snapped again. For a moment, they hung there, suspended in the darkness while the rain pelted her shields and the lightning split the sky. Lily suddenly dove, roaring for her mother to follow. Both dragons picked up speed and everything became a blur. A hand took Regina's, squeezing tightly. She glanced at Elsa, who had her eyes closed and was holding on to one of Mal's spikes for dear life. She gave the blonde's hand a squeeze in return. Mal knew what she was doing. "Found you, you bastard." All three women looked up. The rain suddenly stopped as they entered the eye of the storm and there they found a massive glacier, an entire island made of ice that glowed with a bounty of colors.
"Ahtohallan is...frozen?" Elsa said.
"Let's hope it still works." Regina assured her. Now that they were in the eye, she could feel a strange magic pulsing here. The closer they drew to the glacier, the stronger the pulse until her shields disappeared and she couldn't feel her magic at all. Smoke suddenly began billowing off of Lily and Mal and the next thing she knew she was falling. She heard the others panicking and Mal swearing as she repeatedly tried to use her magic to no avail. Regina couldn't call hers either. There was nothing below her but a black sea and it hurt like hell when she hit it.
/
The water closed over Ingrid's head and she panicked, scrambling to get back to the surface. The water carried her like she weighed nothing. She couldn't see anything at all. Every time she broke the surface and managed to get some air, another wave hit her and pushed her back under. She found herself slamming into someone else and a strong arm wrapped around her waist, dragging her back to the surface. She was thrown through the air and landed on something hard and cold.
"Aunt Ingrid!" Elsa called, wrapping her arms around her. "Are you okay?" Ingrid couldn't reply as she was too busy vomiting up a gut full of water but the only thing on her mind was Regina. Elsa waved her hand and Ingrid looked to where she motioned. The water turned into a slab of ice beneath Ruby and Zelena, lifting the pair above the shifting waves.
"Have you seen Regina?" Ingrid asked, watching Elsa conjure a long strip of ice. Ruby and Zelena's slab of ice began sliding along it, heading for Ahtohallan. Ingrid summoned her own magic and was relieved to find that she could still use it. She launched a flurry of snowflakes at the water, sending them searching for her beloved. She followed them and nearly threw herself back in the water at seeing her clinging to Lily as she paddled towards them.
"Thank the gods." Mal sighed. She was still in the water, hanging on to the side and Ingrid realized that it was probably she who saved her. Ingrid watched Lily struggle to swim towards them while a barely conscious Regina held onto her. Lily was probably already exhausted. The flight here was not an easy one.
"Get on." Ingrid commanded, looking at Mal. The dragon wasted no time in doing so, though her eyes did not stray from her child. Ingrid threw out both hands to either side, willing the waves to freeze. She pushed her magic as far out as she could, forcing the surge deep underwater to freeze more than just the upper layer. It sapped the rest of her dwindling energy but it did relieve her to hear a thud as Lily rolled down the frozen wave with Regina in her arms. Mal pulled them both onto the piece of ice Elsa had conjured. Elsa pushed them off, freezing the water before them as they slid forward, following Ruby and Zelena's path to Ahtohallan. Ingrid conjured an ice spike to stop them and the abrupt halt threw them onto the beach.
"Holy fuck." Lily panted, laying flat on her back and ignoring her mother's attempts to check her for injuries.
"Are you guys alright?" Ruby asked.
Ingrid went over to Regina, who had barely moved. "Regina?" She let out a happy breath when Regina rolled onto her stomach and started retching. Ingrid used her magic to dry them off, noticing that Regina was also shivering. She didn't feel the cold but the others were probably freezing and without their magic, it left her and Elsa to use a few spells to dry them all off and warm them up. Afterwards she collapsed against Regina and took a few deep breaths, letting the fact that they'd made it sink in. They had reached Ahtohallan. Elsa was pacing, ready to explore the mythical iceberg, but she remained on the beach with them while they recovered.
"Are you okay?" Ingrid asked, softly. Regina simply nodded, her head laid on Ingrid's shoulder and an arm wrapped protectively around her stomach. "Do you need anything?" She glanced at Regina's stomach, hoping that their little one was okay. They'd really been tossed around over the last week and a long rest was in order.
"I'm ready." Regina said.
"Are you sure? We can wait a little bit longer."
"No. Arendelle is still vulnerable and we came to complete a mission. I'd like to go ahead and get it done."
"Regina, we can take a few minutes. We almost drowned-"
"This isn't the first time it's happened, Ingrid. At least, not for me." She held a hand up to Zelena as she walked past and her sister helped her to her feet. The witch turned to do the same to Ingrid. The others soon followed Regina's example and Elsa wasted no time in disappearing into the entrance. Lily and Ruby chased after her before she could get too far ahead.
Mal clapped Regina on the back. "I win, by the way."
"Never doubted you, my dear."
Ingrid entered the glacier behind Zelena. She didn't want to admit it but she was quite nervous. Ahtohallan was a myth in Arendelle that she'd heard tales of ever since she was a child. Getting here seemed like a gamble, but all the stories were true. People had searched for this place their whole lives, many dying along the way trying to cross the Dark Sea and Maleficent had flown them here in a day. It sounded impossible.
"Careful!" Zelena said. She yelped and lurched forward, landing on the ice slide that Elsa must've conjured. She disappeared into the darkness until they heard a thud and another yelp.
Mal snickered from behind Ingrid, who was busy looking around the ice cavern in wonder. It was vast. The ice walls were blue and glowed with multiple colors pulsing along them in time with that strange magic. She stepped onto the slide, letting it carry her through the magical place. She was followed by Maleficent, who struggled to stay upright and ultimately fell onto her back. It was a comical sight but Ingrid pretended not to see. She would tell Regina later on though.
The slide ended at a narrow tunnel that after a short walk opened into a great room whose floor was covered in a layer of snow. The walls were streaked with multiple colors and sparkled, as if the ice had been infused with minerals and gemstones and huge stalactites of ice clung to the ceiling. Ingrid shivered at the thought of one of them falling. Ahtohallan was both beautiful and menacing in so many ways.
"What now?" Lily asked, flinching at the echo.
As if on cue, the snow began circulating in front of her, piling itself up and shifting to take the form of Maleficent with her horned helmet.
"What's going on?" Mal whispered. The snow near her reacted by morphing into the image of a woman with a belt of what looked like jewels. Maleficent instantly smiled. "Mother." She reached out to touch the statue of snow. Her eyes glazed over and turned completely white and ice encased her fingers.
"Mom? Is she okay?" Lily asked, rushing to Mal's side.
"Don't touch her." Elsa cautioned her. "She's looking into the past."
"She shouldn't stay under too long." Ingrid said.
"In her waters deep and true, lie the answers and a path for you. Dive down deep into her sound but not too far or you'll be drowned." Regina's whisper was rather loud in the empty area. She had wandered away, exploring the cavern and as soon as she made her presence known, the snow began to move. It created an image of the Evil Queen and Regina instantly frowned. "I'll never be able to escape you, will I?"
"Why should you?" Ingrid asked, coming to her side and taking her hand. "The past can be a good teacher."
"Or just a vile reminder."
"Or both."
Regina glanced at her and smiled. "Fine, you win."
"Guys, what about my mom?" Lily demanded.
"We'll wait until she comes out of it." Regina decided. "The nursery rhyme warns against going too far, looking too long and too far at things you shouldn't. We may have to pull her out ourselves. Until then, give her time to do it on her own."
"And how long is that? She's like a billion years old and her mom was double that."
"Relax, Lilith." Regina coaxed her away from Mal. "Your mother is fine." She gestured to Mal's arm. "If she doesn't wake up by the time the ice reaches her shoulder, we'll wake her."
"What happens if we can't?"
"I imagine that she'll freeze solid. Don't worry about that though. We're not leaving here without Mal."
"We can't anyway." Zelena added. "She flew us here." Regina and Lily both glared at her but the witch's attention was caught by the appearance of a snow figure. It was of a man that Ingrid didn't recognize. By Zelena's frown, she didn't seem to either. "Who the hell is this supposed to be?"
"Perhaps your father?" Regina suggested.
Zelena flicked an eyebrow. "I've literally never thought about this man."
"Well, Ahtohallan wants to show you something."
The witch shrugged and touched the statue. Her eyes glazed over like Mal's and glowed bright white.
After that the rest of them decided that Ruby and Elsa would see what Ahtohallan had to show them while Regina and Ingrid would keep an eye on them. Lily kept watch over Mal. Ingrid found herself pacing anxiously and repeatedly checking the others to see how far the ice had traveled and avoiding the figure of an unknown woman that had sprung up near her. She didn't know who it was and while she was curious to find out, she was too worried about the others. All they had to go on was a nursery rhyme and a basic idea of what Ahtohallan would do. What if they were wrong? What if they'd made a mistake?
"Stop worrying." Regina said, as if reading her thoughts. She came to stand in front of Ingrid and the blonde could do nothing but stare at the woman before her.
"How can you be so nonchalant about this?"
"I'm not. I just know that you're internally freaking out and regretting all of this for fear of something that could go wrong."
"Damn. You know me too well." Ingrid smiled.
"I do. Perhaps you should conjure a chair and have a seat. We may be here a while."
/
About an hour later they heard a crack and all three women rushed over to Maleficent. The dragon blinked and her eyes returned to normal while the statue of her mother collapsed to rejoin the snow on the ground.
"Mom, you okay?" Lily asked.
Mal moved her arms, layers of ice cracked and fell away as she stretched and walked around. "I'm fine, dear." She said, kissing Lily's forehead.
"What happened?" Regina asked. "What'd you see?"
"Too much to tell you in one sitting. We'd be here for days." The dragon had a dreamy smile on her face, as if she wasn't quite all there. "But I encourage the rest of you to see for yourselves. I'll watch the others."
"So, it was okay?" Ingrid asked.
"It was...informative." Mal said. "In many ways."
Ingrid exchanged looks with Regina. Her lover gave her an encouraging smile and stepped towards the statue of the Evil Queen. With Maleficent's assurance she confidently pressed her palm against it. Ingrid turned to the one of the strange woman and did the same. At once she felt a chill in the air and her fingers felt so cold that they hurt. She found herself outside a small cottage nestled on the edge of a sprawling city. It was the middle of winter and snow blanketed everything in sight. Unsure of what to do, she crept into the cottage, searching for the purpose of her being here. Inside, she found a woman dressed in a dark brown frock. She had long, dark hair and a strange tattoo on her forehead. She was sitting near the fireplace as she rocked the tiny newborn in her arms. Ingrid smiled at the sight until she realized the mother was crying. She stepped closer and saw that the woman was covered in bruises, as if she'd been in a fight.
Wind rocked the small cottage and the woman's head whipped around to look at the door just as there was a knock. Ingrid watched curiously as she picked up something next to her chair and stuffed it into the bundle with her child.
"Leave us." She called.
"I cannot, Sarah."
Sarah looked back down at her child. "Forgive me, Eira. I love you so much."
The person outside knocked again. After a moment of silence, the door cracked and opened. A man stepped into the house and closed the door behind him. He was small in stature, incredibly pale with silver colored hair and bright blue eyes. Draped on his form was a sparkling silver and gold doublet made for a king and matching cloak.
"Sarah, it is time. The king wants his grandchild to be raised in the castle. I'm sorry, but neither one of us has a choice."
"You have one." Sarah pleaded. "Let us go, Odonis."
"You killed five hundred of the king's best soldiers. I can't let you go without committing treason. And our son must be taken to the castle. He will live a good life there. He will have to-"
"Her name is Eira." Sarah hissed. "And all your king wants is a weapon." Ingrid glanced at Odonis, who seemed almost disappointed that the child was not a boy. Sarah had not missed the change in his expression, but she didn't react to it. Her tone remained matter of fact and though her eyes did not leave her daughter's face, her words were meant for the father standing across the room. "You are a fool. I blame myself for not seeing it sooner. You'd die for your idiot father's approval and subject your own daughter to a lifetime of misery and hatred."
"She will be fine. I will look after her and teach her." Odonis stepped further into the room. "I will protect her. No one will hate her, Sarah. She will be their hero-"
"As you want to be?" Sarah asked, looking up at her former lover. "You are weak. Your magic is weak. You can't protect anyone." Odonis scowled at the insults, but Sarah left little room for him to defend himself. "You are the one who will hate her, Odonis. Because she is everything you want to be. She is already stronger than you. One day, she will be beloved, she will be famous, she will do incredible things. And you?" Sarah chuckled bitterly. "You will just be your father's bastard who can move a little snow. You have magic and yet still so insignificant."
Odonis took a deep breath. "I will take her if need be. You are too weak to fight anymore." His face softened and for a moment Ingrid truly believed he once loved the woman before him. Sarah was not in the mood for such things and whatever love they once had was gone. This man was trying to take her baby and a past love did not compare to the love of a mother defending her child.
"What mother would I be if I didn't fight to the end?" She stood up and faced Odonis, who took a step back. Sarah could hardly stand but Ingrid could feel her magical aura pulsating. It was an act of intimidation to deter a fight and as she cast the spell, Ingrid felt her own magic react, as if it wanted to cast the spell as well. It wasn't one she knew, but as soon as Sarah cast it, it was as if she could read Sarah's mind and could figure out the spell she cast as well as how to do it. This was how she could learn new spells! Elsa's plan would work!
"Don't do this, Sarah." Odonis said. "You won't win and I don't want to have to kill you."
"I committed treason. I'll be killed anyway. You'll take my daughter and raise her to be a weapon or a surrogate for the life you feel you deserve."
"You like spouting philosophical nonsense as if you know everything about me." Odonis hissed.
"I know everything because you told me. I remembered because I loved you." Sarah replied. "But Daddy makes all the decisions, doesn't he?" She looked back down at the sleeping child in her arms, blissfully unaware of the charged room around her. Sarah took a deep breath as she swayed on unsteady legs. Odonis leaped forward to gently ease her back into her chair, all of the fight seemingly drained out of her. "I placed a rattle in her blanket. Let her keep it." She whispered.
"Of course."
"Will you tell her about me?"
Odonis looked away. "No."
Sarah nodded slowly. "I suppose I'm not surprised." She choked back a sob as she kissed Eira's forehead. "I love you, my child."
Ingrid blinked and the cottage was gone, replaced by a smoking carcass of what was once a house. People had come out of their homes, bundled up against the cold, searching for any survivors. Sarah was nowhere to be found, but Ingrid spotted Odonis slipping away in the commotion with Eira tucked into his cloak. The scene shifted suddenly again showing Odonis bowing before a man on a throne. She guessed that this was the king Sarah spoke of. He was a big, burly man who must've been a warrior at some point by his powerful frame. He took one look at Eira and waved them away.
"See to it that she doesn't turn out like her mother. You will teach her all you know and she will use her power to protect my kingdom above all else. Understand?"
"Yes, Father, but-"
"You are dismissed."
Odonis' face fell and he hurried to obey his father's command. Ingrid did not miss the snide looks from the rest of the people in the court as he scurried away with his daughter. The scene began changing again, showing Eira as she grew older under her father's care and tutelage. Initially, Ingrid thought that perhaps Sarah's words describing Odonis were just for being malicious as she was in a situation that she knew that she wouldn't survive, but there was truth to them. Eira became everything Sarah predicted her to be. By the age of five she had mastered everything Odonis had to teach her and by age six, she was experimenting on her own. She was in every sense of the word, a prodigy, displaying power and precision that not even Ingrid possessed. Day by day she grew stronger and every spell she crafted Ingrid was able to learn, but more than the magic she was interested in learning what would become of Eira. She'd never heard her name in any of the records but there was also no telling how far back she'd been transported by Ahtohallan.
Ingrid refocused on the world around her as a new scene was playing. This one was of the king, Marius, and Eira, standing on a balcony that overlooked the city. At this point Eira was close to ten and was a pretty young girl with long, silver hair that made her stand out from the other children.
"Why do I have to protect the kingdom?" Eira pouted. "Isn't that what the army's for?"
"It is." Marius nodded. "But with you, we can do great things, Eira. When you are older, you will be an army. Imagine the kingdoms we can conquer, the places you would see. The people will love you, respect you. You will be a hero to them. A hero who saved their families from having to fight."
Eira didn't look the least bit interested in his vision of power, but that didn't stop the king from pushing her into it. When Ingrid saw Eira again she was practicing her magic in a forest far from the city. She used the snow around her to make weapons in the blink of an eye, conjured creatures made of ice and snow, shapeshifted into arctic foxes, polar bears, and snowy owls and ending by climbing up the mountain just so she could ride back down on a board made of ice, creating jumps and ramps along the way. She enjoyed her magic in ways Ingrid never had. By the time night had fallen, a huge snowstorm had begun to shake the forest and Eira decided to test her magic on the foreign element. Ingrid had never used her magic to manipulate weather that she hadn't made herself, but Eira was undeterred and succeeded in silencing the entirety of the blizzard for a few moments. She started cheering like a happy child and Ingrid applauded her talents. When she clapped, she paused and looked down at her fingers. They were numb. Her hands were numb as well. She rubbed them together, but the feeling wouldn't go away. In the end, she shook it off and crossed her arms. She wasn't done yet.
The scene before her changed her again and this time Eira was perhaps sixteen years old and fighting in the king's battles. Her power had increased tenfold and ending the fight took minimal effort and she didn't even have to kill anyone. She was the kingdom's hero and the king's pet champion. She spent most of her time practicing her magic or combat and when she wasn't doing that, she was taking care of the people. She kept the crops growing during winter and cleared roads when it snowed, kept blizzards at bay and unfroze the harbor so trade could continue to flow. Every time she had to do it Ingrid could see her resentment grow. The poor thing had no life of her own and even with everything she did for the people, there was a certain, underlying fear as well. Mothers would keep their children close when she passed, the men would watch her until she was out of sight, and she didn't spend time with anyone else her age. She was their protector but she was also dangerous and everyone seemed to know that if Eira truly wanted to, she could've destroyed that entire city and there was nothing that could be done to stop her. She was the most powerful being in the kingdom and as she and her legend grew, the king had Odonis and several other people shadow her to keep an eye on her. It wasn't surprising to see Eira slip away one night. She used her magic to escape her guards. It was an odd spell that saw her dissolve into her own personal snow flurry that, with a gust of wind, carried her across the mountains to where she found a new home and a new life in a very familiar place. Ingrid bounced up and down at seeing Arendelle.
"Wow...nothing's changed." She made a mental note to talk to Elsa about some renovations.
In Arendelle, Eira seemed to thrive. She took on various jobs that she seemed to enjoy, from dockworking to helping healers make medicine. She eventually managed to attract the eye of a beautiful young woman with red hair named Runa and Ingrid bounced up and down again. She remembered a Queen Runa in the history books who was said to be a fierce warrior and a beloved and wise ruler. If she was remembering correctly, Queen Runa never married though she would have two sons, one of whom would lose his life in the same battle she did, while the other would inherit her throne. A sinking feeling gathered in Ingrid's stomach. If this was that Runa, then this story would only end in tragedy. Eira was able to see a decade of peace before it all fell apart.
It began with a hooded stranger knocking on her door. Eira had moved into Runa's private villa since their meeting. She was the one who opened the door. The stranger removed his hood.
"Hello, Daughter. It has been a while."
Eira stepped outside, closing the door behind her. "Leave." She said icily. "Leave and never return."
"Or what?" Odonis asked. "Would you kill your own father?"
"That is your decision. Leave and I won't have to make it for you."
"And if I leave and tell the king how his granddaughter abandoned her family and her city for Arendelle? What do you think he will do?"
"Most likely attempt to persuade me to return to be his war dog." Eira replied with a shrug. "My answer is no and it will always be no. He may be angry but is he foolish enough to attack Arendelle? With me protecting it?"
"He is a king. He can do as he pleases and you have doomed these people by living among them." Odonis hissed. "You've forsaken everything I've ever taught you! For what?"
"Mommy!" The front door opened and a little silver haired boy burst out. He froze at seeing his mother talking to a stranger.
"Get back inside." Eira commanded. The boy quickly stepped back and slammed the door. She crossed her arms and faced her father again, who was quite stunned at seeing his grandson. "I am happy for once." Eira whispered. "Let me have this."
"Happy? Your people suffer while you are enjoying your happiness."
"That damn city was standing before I was born and it continues to do so without me. If your people can't survive without someone to do every little thing for them then maybe they deserve to suffer. Why don't you help them, Father?" Her tone changed to one of mockery and in that moment she looked more like Sarah than she ever did. Odonis scowled at her words.
"I raised you better than this, Eira."
"You raised me to live for the king. You raised me to put the needs of a bunch of other people before my own. People who were afraid of me, who hated me. If I wasn't Marius' pet or his little war dog, I was a monster. The difference between me and you, Father, is that I don't want their approval or acceptance. I don't want the king to finally love me."
At this point Odonis was shaking with rage. That was the same nerve that Sarah had pressed the night she'd died and it clearly still had an effect on the man. "You will never live in a world where people aren't afraid of you. Everyone will always fear you!"
"Incorrect." Both of them spun around to find the red haired queen walking up the steps to the villa, staring down the visitor to her home. She wore a long red dress and was dripping with diamonds. Behind her came a dozen armed guards. "I do not fear her." Eira dipped her head respectfully but Runa's eyes had not left her father. "I don't know who you are, sir, but-"
"I am Eira's father." Odonis said. "I've come to bring her home."
Any attempt at niceties and peace went out the window as soon as he said those words. Runa glanced at Eira. "Eira, do you wish to leave?"
"No."
"Then, sir, leave my home and kingdom." She motioned to the guards. "Escort this man away and let the rest of the soldiers know he is not to return. Ever." She brushed past the bristling man and walked into the house, followed by Eira. The scene suddenly switched to a pair of children playing in the backyard. It was the silver haired boy from the front door and a brown haired boy who was bundled up against the cold. The other wasn't bothered by it.
"See anything?" The brown haired one asked.
The other shook his head before quickly dropping into the snow. His eyes momentarily lit up. "It's another magic user. Mother is angry. There are a lot of soldiers."
Ingrid tilted her head, watching him, until she realized that he was using the snow to see what was happening on the other side of the house. Her first thought was that he was using a spell to sense the vibrations but it was more complex than that and certainly too complex a spell for a child to be using. When he touched the snow with his hand, it was like anyone touching the snow around the house was lit up like a beacon. That was brilliant! With that spell and enough power she could use the snow all around her to see for miles in every direction. That could be useful in many different situations.
Eira and Runa stepped out onto the back porch and the blonde boy immediately inquired about the guest. Eira sat down to explain to them who Odonis was and where she came from.
"Is he going to come back? The silver haired boy asked.
Eira nodded. "Almost certainly, but I won't let them hurt any of you. I will choose to protect Arendelle." She looked at a smiling Runa. The two were soon lost in each other's eyes and their gazes were broken by one of the boys making a disgusted noise while the other pretended to gag.
"I want to protect Arendelle too." said the silver haired boy. "I already came up with a new spell."
"I'm going to learn how to be a warrior," said the other.
Eira and Runa smiled, promising to teach them all they knew. And they did. As they grew, the children came up with their own ideas about different spells and ways to protect Arendelle. Eira was truly happy for the first time since Ingrid had been walking through this piece of history. Still, she did not forget her father and his warning. She continued practicing her combat and magic skills and kept watch for an attack that she felt was coming. When it came, it came as a whisper. Eira had taken to using little animals made of snow and ice to keep watch over various roads and passes into Arendelle, another spell that Ingrid could make use of. One of the snowbirds alerted her to the arrival of a massive force. The king had gathered his entire army and all of his allies and marched them through the mountains. It was a shorter route but even Ingrid knew how stupid that was. Eira met them with a snow storm that halted all progress. Odonis' magic was no match for Eira but he was able to protect most of the army using some sort of magic crystal that amplified his power. Eira waited for them at the other end of the path, blocking their way to Arendelle.
KIng Marius approached his granddaughter, demanding her to stand aside. Eira's response was to conjure a sword of ice. A massive wall of ice rose behind her so high it seemed to disappear into the sky.
"All of you know who I am." Eira called to the enemy army. "You know what I can do. You know what I will do. Leave. You don't have to die here today."
"Stand aside." Marius growled, attempting to glare his granddaughter into submission.
"No."
"Stand aside! NOW!" Marius roared. Eira's expression did not change. She was not afraid. After all these years, Marius should've realized his mistake long ago. Not only was Eira naturally gifted with magic and perfectly confident in her abilities but he had spent so long building her up as a one woman army that there was no doubt in Ingrid's mind that she believed it. She could not and would not be intimidated by a simple man with a crown.
Eira ignored the red faced man and turned to the army again. "This man has marched you to your deaths. He wants you to die for a city you do not need and because I decided to do more than live for him." She gestured behind her at the wall. "You will not be getting through that. If you fight me, you will have to walk all the way back through the mountains to get home. Assuming I let you leave." She paused to survey the men before her. "You will return, cold, hungry, in pain and with heavy hearts. I will kill all of you to protect my kingdom and my family. Choose wisely."
Odonis suddenly charged, followed by about half of the army. The rest hesitated and Eira took advantage of that. With a wave of her hand, the wind picked up in a violent wave of icy air barrelling towards the men. Odonis managed to avoid the blast with a magic shield, but those that followed him were frozen solid in seconds. Eira made a swiping motion with her hand and an ice spike sprang up from the snow, impaling Odonis through the shoulder. Eira approached the king and held the sword up, pointing to his neck.
"This is your final warning."
The king only smirked. "If you kill me, half the world will go to war with Arendelle. Your precious city will be-"
"Let them come." Eira said nonchalantly. "Let any come who wish to test me. Arendelle is my home and I will defend it to my last breath." The king's smirk dropped just as Eira thrust the sword into his stomach. She released the hilt and turned just in time to dodge the spray of ice spikes from Odonis.
"You killed him!" He hissed. "You really killed him."
Eira ignored him. She was still looking at the king. Ingrid followed her gaze to the dying man and that was when she noticed the flash in his eyes as the light was reflected. Eira crouched next to him and removed the spell covering his face. As soon as she realized that it wasn't the real king she was gone, blasting into the air with a word of magic. Everything was a blur as Eira flew across the forest to Arendelle. The city was in complete disarray. Ugly black ships had filled the harbor. There were people fighting everywhere and holes in many of the buildings. Ships were on fire and civilians were scrambling to find shelter. They were following the same path to Northumbria that Ingrid had ushered her people along only weeks before. It broke her heart to see so much death and destruction in her beloved city. It made her angry as well. Eira's grandfather had no need for Arendelle. It was too far away to be of use and they shared no allies. It was ridiculous, unnecessary barbarism.
Eira landed in front of the villa she called home and she ran inside, rushing throughout the rooms searching for her sons and Queen Runa. Ingrid felt her panic as if it were her own, but she had a feeling she knew this battle. She knew what would happen. When Eira stepped into the courtyard, a cry tore from her throat that had Ingrid covering her ears. Bodies were strewn across the courtyard, friend and foe alike. Queen Runa was on her knees, blood pooling around her. There were two swords in her chest and a spear in her thigh. One of her arms was curled around the silver haired boy, her son she'd died to protect. Eira fell next to her queen, checking her pulse. Finding none, she turned to the boy and collapsed into sobs when she found that he wasn't breathing either. She allowed herself only a minute to cry before she began looking around again and her eyes narrowed at King Marius. The king was half hidden in shadow, barely breathing, but watching her closely. He was covered in blood and there was a sword sticking out of a chink in his armor, right where his armpit was. Ice began creeping along the walls. Ingrid didn't even need to see the rest of the memory to know what would follow. Rage. An ice cold storm of rage followed.
Eira stepped towards the king and healed his wound before encasing him in a block of ice. After that was a series of flashes of memories that left Ingrid confused. They showed Eira helping defend Arendelle and then rebuilding. Her other son was found alive and well and there was a scene where Eira was consoling him, but the anger was still there. When the scenes finally calmed down, it showed Eira placing the frozen king on a mountaintop, facing what Ingrid assumed to be his city. She unfroze him partially to speak to him.
"I warned you, Marius. I told you what would happen if you attacked Arendelle. You did not heed that warning." Eira said, circling her grandfather like a shark in the water.
"Release me!" Marius roared. "I will have your head for this! I will-"
"I will destroy your city." Eira cut in, softly yet sharply. Matter of factly even. "You will watch as I erase it."
For a brief moment, Marius looked afraid of how calm his granddaughter was as she spoke of destroying his city and everyone in it. "You will not-"
"You doomed them all. Runa and Aeron are dead because of you and your foolish desire to control me. They are gone!" Eira suddenly roared, trembling with rage. Snow started falling around them but it rapidly shifted into a mini blizzard as Eira unfroze Marius and punched him in the face with an ice covered fist. She followed it up with more punches and kicks, unleashing all of her anger and grief in a flurry of strikes. "They are gone! Do you understand?! They're dead! Gone! Forever! I will never see my son grow up! He will never become a man or fall in love or have children! You took away his mother! Left his brother alone! You ruined everything!" By this point Eira was completely out of control and the storm she was making worsened. Ingrid wasn't sure if Eira was actually influencing her but she felt the frigidness of the air, a cold that she'd never known threatening to overwhelm her and when Odonis appeared, it only made things even worse. Perhaps he thought being Eira's father would stay her hand, but she didn't seem to care about that any longer. She barely glanced at him before firing a wave of ice spikes at him. He managed to deflect most of them, but two pierced his defense and sunk deep into his chest.
"INGRID!" That was Maleficent. Was it time to wake up already? But she hadn't seen everything yet. She had to know more. Why wasn't Eira in any of the history books? Knowing someone had lived in Arendelle, had powers like her, would've helped her not feel so alone growing up. Hell, Eira could've left something to help those with ice magic. She still had a son who might've passed on that family gene. "INGRID!"
"Five more minutes!" She called, although she was sure Maleficent couldn't hear her and she had no way of speeding up this story.
To her surprise, Eira did not destroy Marius' city. She had expected the woman to go on a rampage and while she did kill Odonis, beat Marius to death and her snowstorm managed to envelope the entire mountain and cause some damage to the city, once she had calmed down, she simply went home. There were more scenes of her returning to her son and him being crowned king, but he was not so merciful. Even though he was only twelve, within a year, newly crowned King Erik had gathered the army and waged war on King Marius' former kingdom. Eira was by default the Queen Mother, but she chose to serve in his personal guard and as far as Ingrid could see, did nothing to quell his quest for vengeance. Perhaps she still felt the same way he did and they needed to do this before they could move on. Whatever the case, they finally had their revenge-
Everything suddenly went black and the snow queen was bombarded by warmth. So much so that it was jarring and painful. Then she opened her eyes and met the baby blues of Maleficent.
"Take it easy, Ingrid. We'll get you warmed up in a second." She gestured over Ingrid's head and Lily helped her sit up. Everything ached and she was soon wrapped in heat as the younger dragon put her arms around her.
"W-w-where's Regi-gi-ina and E-elsa?" She grit her teeth against the chattering, but luckily her magic was starting to kick on again and the cold was swiftly chased away.
"I'm about to wake her up." Maleficent replied. "Just rest." Ingrid closed her eyes and obeyed, snuggling into the purring dragon's arms.
/
As soon as Regina touched the ice statue of the Evil Queen, she found herself standing outside a small house. It seemed like any other house in the Enchanted Forest, quaint, quiet, most likely belonging to a peasant. There was another structure nearby that looked like a barn. Why was she here? Unlike Ingrid, she didn't have a purpose she wanted to accomplish, nothing she really wanted to learn. So she was curious what Ahtohallan would show her. She reached for the door, growing even more curious when she heard singing. She opened the door slowly, peering in before moving inside. It was a simple two room hovel with little furniture but some wooden pieces on the floor near the cold fireplace that looked like the makings of a table. A man was sitting amongst the pieces, grumbling about not understanding what he was doing. He was a large man dressed in sweat stained clothing that had been patched numerous times by the stitching. Regina hardly paid him much attention because the singing woman had stolen it. She searched the woman's face, trying to see if she recognized her and kept coming up empty. Was this one of her ancestors? A distant relative?
The woman wore a faded red dress and sat in an old chair, singing softly to the swaddled baby in her arms. She was a pretty woman with a lovely smile and she looked at the babe in her arms with such love that Regina felt a twinge of jealousy, having never seen that look in her own mother.
This seemed like a nice family, but she still did not understand why she was here. Then she noticed the stitching on the baby's blanket. "Cora?" This was her grandmother? Regina blinked and the woman and the baby were gone. The house became dark and dusty and there were empty bottles laying everywhere. The man remained, laying on the floor near the fireplace, a half empty bottle in his limp hand. Time had not been kind to him. Where he was once a strong, imposing bundle of muscle, hard earned from work, now he was a thin and unkempt shell that drowned himself in drink. If this was truly Cora's first home, the man was her father and she knew enough of her mother's past to know that he was a poor excuse for one.
She would've liked to know the name of her grandmother at least. Before she could take a look around, the door opened and a now adult Cora walked in, her lip curling instantaneously at seeing the mess her father had left.
"You drunk bastard, get the fuck up and do some work!" Cora snapped.
Regina's eyebrows rose in surprise at her mother's cursing. It was almost comical, until she remembered just what a terrible home life her mother had before she weaseled her way into royalty. It was quite similar to Zelena's upbringing and she wondered if Cora had ever realized that. She watched her mother angrily clean up the room, barely restraining herself from throwing the bottles when she put them in the waste. Suddenly, the world around her shifted, rippling like water to retake the form of a snowy battlefield. The Evil Queen was in the center, surrounded by slain enemies and dripping with blood. She smiled with delight as she ran a man through with a black sword. Regina frowned at the sight of what she used to be. Angry. Brutal. Ruthless.
Everything around her froze, as if someone had pressed pause. The snow behind the Evil Queen flowed together and took the form of her father in an impressive golden suit of armor. He was younger than she could ever remember seeing him. She almost laughed at seeing his full head of hair. Behind him were five other men, all mid swing. She didn't care to remember their names but she knew that they were her uncles, her father's brothers. She remembered writing letters to them for most of her life, begging them to come rescue her from her mother. Whether they didn't care, were too afraid of her mother or her letters had been intercepted by said bitch of a mother, they never returned them. All that mattered is that Regina asked for their help and they never came. Behind them was her grandfather, King Xavier and more people appeared behind him.
"Ahtohallan, I don't really know what I need. Not like Ingrid and Elsa. However, I do know that my father's family history is not something I care about. So can we get a little more interesting?"
As if in response, an older Cora appeared on the other side of the Evil Queen. Behind her was her drunkard father and moving backwards were a bunch of people Regina didn't recognize except the woman just behind Cora she knew to be her grandmother. Cora never talked about her childhood or any other family she may have had. In fact, beyond her, Regina had no knowledge of anyone else on her mother's side. Considering who her father was, Cora might not have known either. The people behind Cora were more varied in their appearances and clothing. Some were dressed like peasants in simple clothes in dull browns and greens, others wore embroidered silk like merchants or nobles and a couple were heavily scarred and wore leather suits of armor. One caught her attention. Instead of a person, there was a horse. She didn't recognize the breed, but it was large with a coat the color of golden champagne. It was beautiful. Although why it was here remained a mystery to her. The horse shook its head and the world rippled around them again, replacing the battlefield with a lavish bedroom. Regina looked around the extravagant room and her jaw dropped. Not even the Evil Queen lived in such finery. The walls and floor looked to be made of a gold colored sandstone. There were thick embroidered rugs covering the floor and long red tapestries on the walls. A single massive bed was the cornerstone of the room and it was covered in dresses and shoes while a woman picked through them, folding up what she wanted and placing them in the trunk nearby.
The door burst open as a man rushed in and slammed the door. "What is this nonsense?" His voice boomed around the room and even Regina flinched at the sound. He was a large, thick man, broad shouldered and well muscled with a head of wavy dark hair and a thick beard. The bejeweled crown and expensive looking clothing confirmed Regina's thoughts of his royal status.
"I'm leaving." The woman said, continuing to fold clothes.
Regina walked around to the foot of the bed to get a better look at the woman. She didn't recognize her, though she didn't know why she bothered to try. This was one of her mother's ancestors. In fact, the woman bore a bit of resemblance to Cora Mills. Her hair was a golden brown and it was beginning to gray at the roots. A couple of scars around her right eye and the corner of her lip marred a lovely face that was otherwise unblemished.
"And going where? You are the queen, my queen. How can you just decide to leave?" The woman said nothing as the king stared at her. "Atla!" He snapped. Regina glanced from the king to Atla, who was still folding clothes. "What did I do, Woman? I have given you everything!" He said. "You have more money than you will ever spend, more food than you could ever eat, more wine than you could ever drink! Silks and furs, all your fancy oils and imported spices, an entire herd of the finest horses, a kingdom to rival that of the gods! What more could you want?!" The man exclaimed, his voice rising an octave. He was almost whining now and Atla continued to ignore him. "We have children, Atla. A family. The people adore you. They need you. WHY?!" Regina glanced at Atla again, who finally turned around.
"I have not been happy for years, Edric. Years. In truth, I have not been happy since I sat on that throne. All of these things, these gifts, that you gave me, I never asked for. I never wanted them."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Didn't I? Didn't I?!" Atla roared. "You've decided everything since we were married. Everything! You claim to be so wonderful but my words mean nothing to you."
"What lies you tell, Woman."
Atla's expression suddenly turned hard. "What about our daughters then? The children you sold off like cattle to your supposed allies. Myrcella was 14! Hana, I haven't heard from in over a year! Serah-"
"I did not know that Kurst would respond in that manner." Edric said. "Do not bring her name into this."
"Why not?" Atla said, sitting on the bed. "You don't want to hear about the daughter you married off to a monster? Who was killed the moment you-"
"I am well aware of my deepest regret." Edric growled. "You have no right to weaponize the death of our child against me. Don't you think I feel the loss?"
Atla turned away. After a few moments of silence, she cleared her throat. "I apologize. I shouldn't have mentioned Serah."
"You blame me for her death." Edric walked forward and sat down next to his wife.
"I blame you, Kurst and myself."
"Yourself?"
"Indeed. I should've stabbed you in the ear the moment you offered that proposal. Maybe Kurst as well if I could reach him in time."
Edric sighed. "You are really going to leave?"
"I've never wanted to be queen, Edric." Atla replied. "I've never wanted any of this. I still don't want it. You're right. It is a life any woman would dream of, one some would even kill for, but spending the rest of my days in luxury amongst a bunch of idiots, nonsense and ladies in waiting who may poison me, is not something I want. So...I relinquish my throne, my crown, and all my titles. You may marry again. Perhaps you'll have more children. There are plenty of women in the court who would enjoy that."
Regina tilted her head, watching the exchange silently. She didn't know what to make of it really but she was interested to know how it would end. While Edric seemed like a good husband and king, at least as good as one could get back in the Enchanted Forest, Atla had clearly made up her mind. She found herself smirking when she realized the parallels to her mother's story. Cora Mills had lied and murdered and intimidated her way into power and one of her ancestors was preparing to give it all up. Never mind the fact that Atla actually seemed to care about her daughters while Cora chose to throw one of hers away and abuse the other. Was that why Ahtohallan was showing her this? Was it some sort of lesson?
"I cannot change your mind then." Edric said. Atla shook her head. "Where will you go? What will you do?"
"I don't know. Travel, see the world, kidnap our daughters, learn magic, write a book, find Kurst and murder him… The list is endless."
Edric smiled fondly at her. He truly did love her. Atla was avoiding his eyes now. After a few minutes, she returned to packing. Edric soon joined her. "Forgive me. I didn't know you were so unhappy. Is there nothing I can do?"
"I want to be happy, Edric. That won't happen here." Atla smiled as she closed the chest of clothes. "You know, when my father accepted the proposal for our union, I ran away." She sat down again and let out a sigh. "My mother found me and told me that I had to accept, that I had to do what was needed. For our family. I told her that I didn't want to be married. I just wanted to be happy."
"Why couldn't marriage make you happy?" Edric asked. "Why couldn't I make you happy? I asked you to marry me because I wanted you to be happy with me." He moved to put his arms around Atla, but she swiftly ducked him and walked a few feet away.
"You didn't ask me to marry you. You asked my father." She replied. "My mother agreed about the union but neither of us had much choice even if she didn't. That day, she asked me, "Who told you you should be happy?"
"And the meaning?"
Atla shrugged. "I'm not sure. I've taken it to mean that the world is a dangerous and terrible place, especially for a young woman who is married off to a man she barely knows. It was not made for us to be happy and that is why I will make my happiness regardless. To do that, I must leave." She waved her hand and the chest with her clothes disappeared. That was when Edric's entire demeanor shifted. His face hardened as he scowled at the place where the chest was before turning a look of suspicion to his wife.
"You kept practicing magic." He growled.
"I did." Atla replied nonchalantly.
"I thought we agreed that you would stop when we were married."
"Your fear of my magic is ridiculous."
"It's ridiculous to fear magic?"
"I said my magic." Atla said. "You think that I would hurt you?"
Edric shook his head. "You lied to me."
"You really thought I would marry you without being able to protect myself? I didn't know what kind of man you were. Besides, I've never used it because I've never had to."
Regina stepped aside as Atla walked to the door. Edric followed and so did Regina. The pair were walking quickly, whispering amongst themselves lest their problems be overheard by the rest of the court and Regina busied herself with examining the castle as she kept up. It was an impressive thing. Not gray and dark like most castles in the Enchanted Forest. This one was much lighter and brighter, made of golden stone with huge painted glass windows and chandeliers. There were all sorts of trophies and tapestries on the walls and the halls were mysteriously devoid of people.
Edric suddenly grabbed Atla's arm. "Stop it! We need to discuss this-"
Atla snatched her arm away. "I'm leaving, Edric. We don't need to discuss anything anymore."
"Leaving?" Both royals spun around at the soft question. Regina guessed that it was a noblewoman by her expensive looking gown.
Atla only rolled her eyes and kept walking while Edric attempted to amend the overheard words with the noble. Regina followed Atla. She understood Atla's decision to keep her magic a secret. It seemed that in every world magic was hated and feared and seen as unnatural and unwelcome. Even those with the kindest hearts and the best intentions were subjected to prejudices beyond their control. Magic users were always a minority in the Enchanted Forest and those with it were often in powerful positions. Rarely were peasants found with the gift for magic and they did not stay peasants for long. If you had such power why wouldn't you use it? Why would you let others tell you how to use it?
Up until the point of Atla casting a spell, Edric seemed like a dream husband or at the very least, a good man. What was his problem with magic? And if he disliked it so much and he knew Atla used it, why marry her at all? Why was she even being shown this?
Atla never waited for Edric to catch up to her. She slipped through a back hallway and out of the castle through a side door. After that was a straight shot through the city to the wall and Atla simply teleported through that. Smoke pooled around her, engulfing her in a golden cloud. Out of it stepped a beautiful golden mare that looked back at the city once before taking off. Regina felt herself being propelled along with her without actually moving. Atla kicked her legs in the air as she ran and even Regina grinned at seeing her so elated. The woman, well, horse, ran for what must've been miles. It was a new day when she arrived at a small cottage in the woods. A woman was hunched over in the flower beds and briefly looked up at Atla as she trotted around the edge of the garden.
"It's about time you got here." She was an older woman, aging with grace and still a great beauty. While her hair had turned silver, she still appeared much younger than she felt. When she stood up, the dust and dirt fell from her simple dress as if it had been washed away. The garden gate opened on its own as she exited and her tools moved to put themselves away. She had to be a witch or a sorceress of some sort, for there was only one reason such a remarkable woman would live in such an unremarkable location.
Atla shapeshifted back into a woman. "Hello, Mother."
"Hello to you, my love. You're late."
"I know. Edric caught me packing."
"Did he try to stop you?"
"Of course."
Atla's mother nodded slowly and turned to look at Regina. "May I help you?" Regina glanced behind her and tilted her head. "Yes, I see you." The witch smirked. The scene around them shifted, rippling like water until it became something else entirely. They reappeared in what she assumed was the inside of the cottage. It was a cozy little home. "I am Julia. Please, have a seat."
Regina warily came forward and touched the chair with a hand before taking a seat. "I wasn't aware that I would be able to speak to you. I thought I could only see memories."
"That is true. You are now looking through my memories and I am still alive."
"Oh." Regina gasped. "I apologize. I didn't-"
Julia shook her head. "Calm yourself. I am not upset. That is the way Ahtohallan works."
"I'm sorry, I expected to learn about Atla. She is my mother's ancestor. It showed me her in the form of a horse and I was curious."
Julia chuckled softly. "She loved shapeshifting. The horse was her favorite. May I ask who you are and why you visited Ahtohallan?"
"Of course, I'm Regina Mills."
"And?" Julia smirked, waving a hand eagerly. "Please, tell me more about yourself. I would love to learn about one of my descendents. Also, you don't have as much time as I do, so..." Julia waved her hand for her to continue.
"Um, well," Regina let out a huff as she thought of where to begin. "I am currently the mayor of a small town called Storybrooke. I was once the Evil Queen, a tyrant from the Enchanted Forest. Recently, I have found love and am expecting children. My lover is a woman named Ingrid, the Snow Queen. Her niece, Elsa, is the queen of Arendelle and we are at war. They came to Ahtohallan to learn magic using the memories of their ancestors. They're the only ones with their kind of magic and Elsa wishes to fight but she feels she doesn't know enough."
"And you?"
"I don't really know my reason for coming beyond protecting them." Regina said. "You see, my mother was a terrible woman. She was evil, abusive, murderous. She killed the first person I ever loved and left my older sister in the woods to die because she ruined her plans to become queen. Before that, she was just a miller's daughter. My father was a prince, a kind man, and his lineage was well known and documented. The only thing I knew about my mother's ancestors was her father was a drunkard and made her do all the work. I didn't know any more beyond that."
Julia was quiet for a moment as she took in all of this information. "Start again. I wish to know more." Regina began again, telling her story in a more detailed version. Julia seemed quite fascinated by her tale at the end of it. "What a life you have lived so far. I salute you. I know it cannot have been easy."
Regina smiled. "It wasn't. I fear it will only get more difficult."
"With the war? According to you, you've conquered realms before."
"No, that's the easy part." Regina shrugged. "At least it would be if I were calling the shots."
"You are concerned about being a mother again because of the son you lost? Perhaps fears of being like your own mother?"
"You're good."
"Thank you."
Regina let out a sigh, thinking of the future. She wanted so badly to be a good mother and she was afraid things would turn out like Henry. She knew that Ingrid would be a good mother. She'd been a foster mother and she was good with children. She was kind hearted and patient and even though they didn't completely trust her, the townspeople didn't hate her the way they did Regina. They didn't hate anyone, not even the Dark One, the way they did Regina. She deserved it, of course, but she wondered if such an environment was the best for her child. She'd made so many mistakes with Henry to the point that she saw no difference between herself and her mother and she would not make those mistakes again. She was many things but she would not be the mother Cora was to her. "I want to do better this time. I know I was too hard on Henry. I clung to him too much. I put too much on him. He was the only thing I had in this world and once he found out who I was and wanted nothing to do with me, nothing mattered to me. I felt that I needed him to be happy and I realize now that our relationship was toxic."
Julia nodded slowly. "It is good that you recognize your mistakes, but perhaps understanding your own relationship with your mother could help you."
"What is there to understand?" Regina scoffed, looking down as she rubbed her hands together. Despite the fireplace nearby her hands were going numb with cold. "She ruined my life for her stupid revenge plot. It was the only reason she had me."
"Lessons." Julia replied. "The lessons she taught you that you will have to unlearn." Regina frowned slightly, waiting for her to explain. "Everyone has a past, Regina, but ignoring it and running from it never works. We love to pretend that our pasts do not define who we are now, and in reality, it is what helps to shape us. You are still dealing with yours. The townspeople and their opinion of you is something that just won't change, I'm afraid. Not anytime soon at least. You cannot hurt someone the way you hurt them and expect to be forgiven, no matter what you do. You don't get to tell them to get over it just because you are better now." Regina nodded slowly and Julia reached out to rub her arm. "But you are better now. Don't forget that. Growth is good and every step you take forward is one you should be proud of. As for your mother, she grew up without power. She was powerless as the miller's daughter and the first lesson she ever taught you was that you need power. When you are without power, you are subjected to pain, punishment and abuse. But that cycle can end with you."
Regina chuckled sadly. She'd already tried to cage Henry before, using the same vine trick her mother used on her. She tried everything she could to stop her curse from breaking and she only hurt him even more. She did try to be a good mother to him, she did try to change but it was never good enough and she knew it was never going to be. Julia had been watching her as she fought through her conflicting thoughts and it surprised her when her ancestor suddenly stood up and opened her arms. Regina smiled widely as she stepped into the hug. Julia was cold to the touch, but she needed a hug right now.
"It'll get better, Regina." Julia said softly. "You'll already hit rock bottom. There's nowhere to go but up now."
After a few moments, Julia stepped away. She reminded them that they didn't have all the time in the world to converse. Regina took a moment to compose herself before asking, "Why are you here, Julia? I thought I was walking through Atla's memories because of Ahtohallan. You said you were alive, but how am I able to speak to you?"
"I stayed too long in Ahtohallan." Julia said, her expression darkening. "Living without fear of aging is fine for a while. After a time, the novelty wears off. People you love vanish so quickly." Her voice cracked and Regina was dismayed to see tears on Julia's cheeks. She slid her chair closer and took Julia's hand.. "Atla was my only daughter. She died before I could teach her the spell that extended my life. A parent should never have to lose a child. Cherish them while you can." She said, giving Regina's hand a squeeze. "Even if they hate you."
"I will." She said softly.
"I came to Ahtohallan not long after I heard its legend. Atla was the most important thing in the world to me and she had been gone for some time. I woke up one morning and I realized that I couldn't remember the sound of her voice."
"You came to remember her."
Julia nodded, drawing in a shaky breath. "I did. I stayed too long and now I am a part of Ahtohallan."
Regina was quiet for a few moments while the older woman composed herself. After a few moments, Julia abruptly stood up. "Julia-"
"You didn't come here to hear my sob story. You came to learn about your mother's bloodline. Let's go."
"What?"
"You don't have much time. How cold are you?"
"Um, not that-"
Julia touched her cheek and the iciness of her skin made Regina flinch. Julia ignored the involuntary reaction as she moved her hand to Regina's arm and then down to her wrist. "You have half an hour at best. Let's go." She waved her hand, as if casting a spell and Regina found herself once more on the battlefield where her mother and father were. Julia paused to look at Cora while Regina looked at her father. "Are you certain you don't want to see your memories with him?"
Regina's answer was instantaneous. "No. Then I may never leave." She turned to face her mother. Besides, even the good memories of her father were tainted by her mother. She didn't want to relive those and seeing her father again after what she'd done to him… She'd come to realize that her relationship with her father was also complicated in a way. She loved her father, always had and always would. She hated that she had sacrificed him for her own stupid desires and she was happy to have one parent that did his best to make her life good. That didn't change the fact that he simply couldn't protect her. Not against Cora. As many memories she had of being happy with her father, there were just as many of him doing nothing but watching as she was punished by Cora. She didn't blame him though. It was just...complicated, as everything was for her.
"Are you ready to learn more?" Julia's question interrupted her thoughts.
"Yes." She said, hurrying to the older witch's side. "But first, may I ask what happened to Atla and her daughters?"
"Atla killed the man who murdered my granddaughter, Serah. Then she went on to travel and see the world. One day, she left and did not return, but I knew she'd passed. Her children lived happily. Myrcella left her husband as soon as Atla went to her. They travelled together for some time. Eventually she settled down and had a family. Hana was quite happy in her marriage and had several children." Julia pointed them out in the line behind Atla.
"And Edric?"
Julia's smile curled into a scowl. "That bastard hunted Atla for years afterwards. I never understood why. I don't believe Atla ever loved him."
Regina almost disagreed. She'd seen Atla and Edric together. Atla may have been leaving him and she may have stayed for years in a loveless marriage, but perhaps something had grown between them. After all, they'd raised three daughters together. A quick look back at her own marriage with Leopold silenced any disagreement however.
"Atla told Edric something that you said. It was-"
"Who told you should be happy?" Julia flicked an eyebrow. "My mother told me that and the meaning she took from it was a bit different from Atla's. I didn't have a choice in marrying Atla's father and I didn't have a choice when it was arranged for her to marry Edric. My mother believed we were just tools to further ambitions. It is a terrible way to view the world so please do not take them to heart. I'm glad Atla found new meaning in them but I regret passing on any lessons my mother taught me." Regina nodded slowly. "Shall we?" Julia said.
Regina nodded again and the scene shifted before she could choose another ancestor. This time, Julia joined her. They reappeared outside a small village. It seemed like an ordinary town situated just outside an impressive castle. Julia took the lead through it, smiling at all the happy, simple folk, living simple lives.
"Did you live in a village like this?" Regina asked.
"Mmm, perhaps a little bigger?" Julia replied, skirting a group of children as they ran past playing with sticks like they were swords.
"You were married off as well?"
"Unfortunately. My parents hoped to elevate their status by marrying me to a young noble with potential to be more. They were tired of a life like this."
Regina rolled her eyes. "And I suppose your husband was of similar mind."
"Oh yes, he wanted to be a king."
"It seems the people in our bloodline have an unnatural fascination with thrones and the power they wield."
"So it would seem." Julia said. "But that's not the only thing that flows throughout our bloodline."
"You mean magic."
"I do. There are many of us with magic. Some strong, some weak. Some dark, some light. Some with something else entirely."
A minute later they reached the heart of the village and walked into a large building where Regina was bombarded by the aromas of all kinds of herbs. There were cots around the room with a person in almost each one. Several healers were moving throughout the room, offering water and food to the sick and wounded. Julia pointed out one woman who was helping a man with a knife in his arm. She was a pretty woman with black hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. Her hands and dress were stained with blood. Regina wandered closer, watching her try and soothe the man.
"Look, I'm going to pull this out on the count of three, ok?" The man nodded as she grabbed the knife handle. "You ready?"
"Yes." The man took a deep breath and held it, wincing as he closed his eyes. He let out a sharp yelp as she yanked out the weapon and tossed it into a bowl nearby. "You said you would count."
"I did." She smirked.
Julia came to Regina's side. "I thought that since you seemed to think so little of our line that I would show you something good. This is Viola and she is one of my favorites. She has strong light magic and was never very good at controlling it."
"How so?"
Viola suddenly sneezed and a bright light exploded around her, stretching across the entire room and blowing open the doors and windows. Regina blinked away the spots from her vision and found that all of the people in the room had been completely healed. "Damn it." Viola hissed, accepting a tissue from the man with the injured arm. Although she'd cast the spell unintentionally, her healing spell was incredibly powerful and she hadn't even needed to use any hand signs or magic words.
"Light magic isn't quite like Dark Magic." Julia said, "Light magic responds to emotions or strong feelings like love and compassion. From what I've seen, it has no language that binds it or hand motions or anything. People might use them to properly direct the magic, but it's not really necessary."
"But one could bind them to the words and signs, yes?"
"I suppose."
Sounds like a challenge for Zelena.
"You mentioned that you had no teachers for light magic and your lover was using Ahtohallan to learn more about her magic. Perhaps you could do the same."
"I wasn't aware that anyone else in my family had light magic. Magic didn't run in my father's family and I never knew anything about Mother's."
The hospice and the village disappeared, to be replaced by what appeared to be a much older Viola. Her once ebony locks were streaked with silver and she had a few more wrinkles than before. She was seated on the porch of a large home, watching a little boy in the yard practice his magic. In her lap was a book that Regina rushed around her to examine. As suspected, it was a magic book. It was full of notes and scribbles and magical formulas that showed Viola had tried to come up with a better way to use light magic that didn't have her relying on instinct to make use of it. It was surprisingly advanced work and Regina made a mental note to have Zelena look through her memories so she could make sense of them.
"Mama! Look!" The three women simultaneously looked up to see half the forest floating.
"Holy shit." Regina whispered. What if her own children were this powerful? Was that what Mal meant by a powerful bloodline? How the hell were they supposed to handle that?! With two babies?!
"Amazing, isn't it?" Julia said, looking on with pride, as if the boy was her own.
"What if my own children are like this?" She said aloud, spinning around to rub her temples. She suddenly felt a little lightheaded. That was going to be even more work! What if they were born with magic like Zelena had been? She needed to prepare magic lessons just in case or something to stop their magic? No, she didn't want to do that. She wanted them to love their magic. They couldn't grow up like Ingrid.
"Oh relax, Regina. You have Ingrid and a strong support system. You'll be fine. As will your children." Julia touched her face again. "I would love to show you more but you don't have the time. You need to wake up or you'll freeze."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
The pair reappeared alongside the line of ancestors. There were others that Regina would've liked to see. A man with a golden left arm was one of them. She'd have to tell Mal about that one. There was another woman that caught her interest. She was dressed like a peasant in ragged clothes but she was wearing piles of jewelry and carrying a golden spear.
"Who-" Regina winced a bit at how dry her skin had become in the cold air. Julia looked at her in concern as she rubbed her hands together. She could see her breath too.
"It's time for you to wake up, Regina."
"Yes but-"
"That man's name is Oscar and he had his arm cut off by a king he pissed off. He built a wooden arm, staged a coup, took over and replaced his arm with a gold one. The woman is his wife, Jhani, the Queen in Rags. She preferred a quieter life to being queen and eventually grew to hate the position." Julia waved her hand dismissively when Regina went to ask more. "You don't have the time-"
"REGINA!"
"That's Mal!" Regina couldn't help the smile that burst forth at the sound of her friend. It fell when she looked at Julia and remembered that her ancestor was still technically alive. "Wait, are you staying here? Is there a way to get you out?"
"No, you would die."
"But there is a way? You don't want to be free?"
Julia gave her a sad smile. "If I am freed, I will just die. I won't let you risk your life or the life of your unborn child to-"
"I won't. How do I find you?"
"There is a room further into Ahtohallan where I was frozen. Go too deep and you'll drown, remember? But-"
"I'll free you, Julia." Regina took her hand and gave it a firm squeeze. "I promise. It'll just take some gold and a necklace."
"W-what?"
"I know a dragon, remember?" Regina smiled as Julia gave her one last hug. She looked up at her grandmother. "Wait, Julia, what's her name?" Julia turned to see who she pointed out.
"Io." She answered just before everything went dark.
The return to the real world was a jarring one. All Regina felt was cold. She was so cold it made her body ached. She heard Mal speaking to her softly and then there was a wave of warmth. She wanted to close her eyes and sink into it but Mal wouldn't let her.
"Open your eyes, Regina. Stay with me."
"Sleep." Regina whispered.
"I know, but not now. Not yet. Stay with me."
Regina obeyed in opening her eyes. She was back in Ahtohallan. She looked around at the people gathered around her and found that she couldn't move. Panic rose when she found she still couldn't use her magic but Mal's warm hand on her cheek managed to stop it. The dragon came into full view.
"Relax, Regina. We're getting you out."
"What? Why am I-"
"You were under a little long."
Regina looked down and found herself encased in ice from the chest down. "Mal-"
"Don't freak out. It's okay. Just as long as we get you out in the next ten minutes or so, you shouldn't have frostbite or hypothermia."
Regina twisted her head to see Zelena slowly melting the ice with a torch. "And Ingrid?"
"She's okay." Mal stepped aside and motioned to a busy Snow Queen checking on an unconscious Elsa, who was being held by Lily. She was by Regina's side in a flash and touched the ice, causing it to shatter.
Ruby came to pull Regina into her arms.
"Miss Lucas, what are you-"
"Shut up and let me hug you, Regina." Ruby snapped. Seeing as there was very little she could do, she accepted the hug from the werewolf, who wrapped her in her arms and rested her chin on Regina's head. She was so warm that it was painful going from nearly freezing to being wrapped in a heater. Regina could do nothing but shiver and try to stop her teeth from chattering. Eventually, she felt her eyes start to close and sleep sounded so heavenly, but she remembered her promise to Julia.
"Mal, I know you're tired, but I need you."
The dragon glanced sideways. "Regina, Ingrid's right there. I don't think that's appropriate."
"That's not what I meant!" Regina snapped. "I met one of my ancestors when I was frozen." She said. Everyone instantly turned to look at her and the dragon let out a low growl in worry. "I'm fine, Mal. Her name is Julia and she came to Ahtohallan a long time ago because she wanted to remember her daughter. She stayed too long and she froze completely. I want to rescue her. She said there's another room-"
"This is not wise. We need to get you all home."
"Please, Mal. I'll give you anything you want. You can pick any necklace from my vault-"
"Done. What does this Julia look like?"
Regina glared at her as the dragon laid a hand on her shoulder, searching her most recent memories to find an image of Julia. With that done, she walked away towards another pathway. "Wait, Mal. What-"
"You're staying there, Regina. I'll be back in a second."
"Be careful!" Regina called after her, but of course the dragon was already gone. Ingrid came to her side, laying a hand on her shoulder and touching her stomach with the other. Her magic chased away the cold and she felt renewed and invigorated in minutes. "You should be saving your energy." Regina cautioned her.
Ingrid smiled before pecking her lips. "The mother of my children is my first priority. How do you feel?"
"Better." She untangled herself from Ruby and the werewolf helped her stand up. "Did you find everything you were looking for?"
"I think so. You?"
"I don't really know." Ingrid arched an eyebrow and they made the silent agreement to discuss it later. They'd have to talk about everything they'd learned anyway.
"Mom?" They spun around as Lily dashed forward to catch the ice sculpture Maleficent was carrying before she dropped it. The dragon was panting and trembling. Ingrid stepped forward to begin removing all of the ice that clung to her clothes and skin.
"Are you alright, Mal?" Regina asked.
"No, it's fucking cold."
She smirked as she inspected the statue. It had to be Julia. "She said that removing this will kill her."
"Then destroy it." Mal said. "I'm sure she had the best intentions when she first came here, but spending years amongst the dead? One has to move on eventually."
It was the dragon's firm belief that cemented in her heart that this was the right thing to do. She nodded to Ingrid and stepped back as her lover approached the statue and with a single hand motion, the statue exploded into a thousand tiny crystals and snowflakes that hung in the air around them for just a moment before falling to join the snow on the ground. A tremor passed through the iceberg, causing the walls to shake. The rumbling only grew worse and the snow began sliding. Ahtohallan was…turning?
Lily suddenly tackled Ingrid as a stalactite crashed to the ground where they'd been only moments before. "Let's get out of here! Run!" She lifted the blonde up and placed her back on her feet as if she weighed nothing and ran to pick up Elsa. Ingrid took the lead as they ran to get out of the iceberg. When Regina found herself running along what was once the walls she realized that Ahtohallan was flipping. Water started pouring into the halls. Ingrid did her best to freeze it before it reached them, but in doing so it made the halls narrower and escape more difficult. Mal even demanded that she cease. They needed her magic to get beyond the eye of the storm and then the rest of them could use their magic to get them home.
And so, it was back into the water again. Regina was already exhausted and swimming through the icy water began sucking whatever energy she had left right out of her. When they finally made it free of Ahtohallan, they were met with the massive waves that came with traversing the Dark Sea. She fought for every breath as she struggled to stay above water. She focused on the gold of Ingrid's hair, something bright in all of this darkness, something warm to keep the cold at bay.
Up ahead, Ingrid blasted a part a wave to keep it from crashing down on them and summoned an iceberg. The others were quickly crawling aboard and she looked back for Regina just in time to see her go under.
There was a bright flash of light and something slammed into Regina's chest and the next thing she knew she was in the air. She landed on something hard and cold and the air rushed out of her lungs, making her see stars for a moment.
"Regina!"
Regina pushed Ingrid's hand away as she turned over and vomited a stomachful of water onto the ice. When she looked up her jaw dropped. Ingrid had frozen…everything. She could still see the rain outside the eye but everything in it was frozen solid. Ingrid was truly amazing. She wanted to tell her that, but she was so tired. She was fading quickly.
"It's okay, Regina." Mal's voice sounded far away. "We're going home."
Regina willed her eyes to open and saw stars whipping past. "Ingrid."
"She's here." Mal purred softly and Regina felt the vibration throughout her entire body pulling her back to sleep.
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