Ex: So, before I get into the details of this foolish rewrite I've undertaken, a little bit of where the hell have I been needs to be discussed. Ignoring the fluctuating state of my own mental health, I had another laptop up and die on me. So I went a few months without easy access to an easy writing format. I actually typed a good portion of this chapter on my phone. But now that I have a laptop at my disposal once again writing will be easier, at least in a physical sense.
Now before I get into this chapter, frozen 2 needs to be addressed. I haven't seen the film yet, but even when I do I plan to largely ignore it as far as this story goes. Firstly because it doesn't alter my own timeline so far. Secondly because I don't plan on continuing my story after aftershock is finished. Maybe that will change but for now just consider frozen 2 not canon to the thundersnow timeline.
So, with all of that out of the way, welcome to the rewrite. Unless you found this story after I started the rewrite in which case welcome to chapter 7. Hopefully(and I do mean hopefully) I can finally get back on a good schedule(we've all heard that before) and finally put this story to bed. Anyway, I guess on with the show!
The remainder of their journey to the capital of Tonitrus was as uneventful as the start. The only noticeable difference was that the roads became more crowded as many others made their own way to the capital. Elsa looked out the window at the many carriages and horses stretching ahead and behind them on the road. "And I thought we threw big parties." She says with a hint of awe.
"Father always said he saw more new faces each winter hunt than he ever did in the rest of his life." Mathias replied, joining her in watching the massive crowd. "It's our most defining event to the rest of the world."
"How long until we reach the capital?"
"We should be able to see it in just a few minutes. Though it may be awhile before we actually reach the city with how busy the road is." Mathias looked away from the road ahead to the surrounding forest. The environment had changed the further south they travelled into Tonitrus. The trees, normally thick with dark green leaves, now lay bare and gray. The ground was dark and muddy with the recent rain. It rained for most of the morning, stopping for only brief moments. "Looks like it's been a tough winter, at least by Tonitrus standards."
"It's definitely become more...brown as we've gone."
"I told you. Lots of rain, very brown."
"It's not without its own charm I suppose. Still, I think I prefer Arendelle."
"So do I. It's where we met after all." Mathias says with a smile before looking back out the window. "Still, it was home...once upon a time anyway." After a few minutes, they come over the crest of a hill and the capital city comes into view. A large stone wall hides all but the tallest buildings and the castle towers from being seen. Around the outskirts of the walls, many of the travelling caravans had set up.
"Those are some tall walls." Elsa notes.
"It was built as a fortress first. The city grew inside it after whatever old war passed." Mathias replied.
"Does Tonitrus have a history of war?"
"No more than most kingdoms. We haven't officially been at war in centuries."
It's some time before they actually arrive near the city gates. Most of the carriages and caravans were stopping and setting up off to the sides of the road to the gate. Only a few people seem interested in getting inside the gates.
Elsa takes note of this and asks, "Why are so many people staying out here?"
"Space inside the walls is...limited to say the least. A lot of buildings, narrow roads. Only the city center and castle have a lot of open space."
"So most people stay out here then?"
"Only the nobility seem to care about the festivities held inside the walls. Most who come for the hunt prefer it out here. Closer to the prey. At least, that's what the hunters I've heard talk about it say."
Their carriage finds an open place near the gate and they finally step outside. Elsa stretches her arms upward and Mathias rolls his shoulders. They haven't stepped out of the carriage since early in the morning before heading out, and it was now well past noon. Behind them, Anna jumps from her carriage. She slips on the mud below, catching herself before falling and walking over to them, letting out a dramatic sigh. "I don't think I've ever spent so much time sitting in one spot as I have in the last few days. I am not looking forward to the return trip."
"I can agree with that." Kristoff said as he jumps out of the carriage behind her. Elsa nodded her agreement, again stretching before saying, "We have a couple weeks to avoid thinking about that." She then turns to Mathias and asks, "I assume we won't be staying outside the city walls?"
"I'd like to think father arranged as much."
"You thought correctly." The group looks to the direction this new voice came from. They see a man approaching them followed by a pair of guards. Elsa is a bit taken aback by the appearance of this man who looks very much like Mathias' brother Alan, though older. His hair is also longer, and he has a short mustache and beard. "Oliver." Mathias says, walking towards his eldest brother. "It's good to see you Mathias." Oliver replies with a handshake and a pat on the shoulder to Mathias, "You're looking well."
"You as well Oliver, what are you doing here outside the wall?"
"Keeping things from descending into chaos, as well as awaiting your arrival. The hunt has drawn an unusually large crowd this year, and people are beginning to fight for space. But enough about that, introductions are in order." Oliver turned to Elsa with a smile. "Queen Elsa of Arendelle, it is an honor to finally meet you. And you as well princess Anna, lord Kristoff." Elsa returned the smile and replied, "And to you as well. Mathias has always spoken very highly of you."
Oliver nodded his head in response before turning and gesturing for them to follow. Elsa stopped briefly gestured for captain Reynard to follow while the rest of the Arendelle soldiers secure the carriage. He led them in the direction of the gates, the guards doing the best they could to move the crowd out of their way. As they walked many people in the crowd began to stop their ongoing conversations and watched them as they passed. A few began to whisper quietly among themselves. "We seem to be drawing a bit of attention." Elsa pointed out as they neared the gate.
"News travels quickly," Oliver replied, "And rumors of yours and Mathias journey here is something of a talking point."
"We're that interesting to people?" Mathias asked as his eyes scanned the crowd. Most going silent when his eyes fell upon them.
"People haven't forgotten the tales of the winter Queen Elsa caused. And with the rumors of what you're capable of Mathias added to the announcement of your marriage, you two are the talk of politics at the moment."
"And here I'd hoped we'd go unnoticed."
"That's why father had me watch for your arrival." Oliver said before he turned from the conversation to greet the guards at the gates. They stood at attention before quickly opening the gate to allow them through. Once they enter and the gates shut behind them, Oliver continued, "And another reason he was adamant that you stay at the castle while you're here. Less chance you'll be ambushed by opportunists seeking allies or worse, potential enemies." He walked them over to an open top carriage waiting near the inside of the gates and said, "I need to remain here and continue to ensure things move smoothly, but father is expecting you. With luck I'll see you all later tonight. Until then, Mathias, it's good to see you again. Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, it's been a pleasure to meet you all, good day." As he turns and leaves back through the doors, Elsa, turns the Mathias. "Oliver seems nice. Formal, but nice."
"I already like him better than Alan." Kristoff said as they climbed into the carriage.
"That's not exactly a high mark." Anna added.
"Oliver is at the worst of times more tolerable than Alan, " Mathias said. "But something seemed off with him. He looks distracted by something."
"Something with the hunt?" Elsa asked.
"I'm not sure. I might just be being paranoid." As the carriage begins to take them toward the castle, Anna looks at the city around them, noting the differences in Tonitrus compared to Arendelle.
Almost every building is made of stone, where Arendelle's buildings are wood. The carriage moves quickly through the narrow streets of Tonitrus, the streets mostly empty until they arrive at the city center. The driver carefully makes his way around those setting up the festivities, some setting up booths while others hang tapestries and banners from and between the lamp posts.
Elsa's eyes are drawn up to the castle, its presence somewhat foreboding over the square. Like the rest of the city it's almost entirely made of stone, with a few large towers jutting out of the top and breaking away from the squareness of the rest of the structure. Mathias follows her eyes up the towers and points to the one on the front most left. "That one right there is my room. Or at least it was."
"Think we'll be staying there?" Elsa asked. Mathias shrugged. The carriage slows down near the middle of the city center, where they see king Simon, flanked by a pair of guards and speaking with a man clad in full armor.
"You think I'm being paranoid?" Simon asks.
"It's not that your majesty, I just don't think that…" The man begins to respond before they turn their attention to the carriage. Simon smiles before saying to the man saying, "We'll continue this later, you have your orders."
"Yes your majesty." the man says with a bow before turning to leave. The carriage pulls to a halt and Mathias hops down from it before turning and offering a hand to Elsa to help her down.
"My son, it's good to see you again." Simon with a smile as he approaches. "And you as well Elsa."
"It's good to see you too father." Mathias responds. "You're looking well."
"Hopefully better than I feel at the moment."
"Are you alright?" Elsa asked, voice full of concern.
"Personally fine my dear, if a little stressed." The king says before gesturing around them. "However we've experienced a few… delays the past few days with regards to preparations for the hunt."
Mathias nodded saying, "Oliver mentioned the hunt has drawn a big crowd this time."
"Unfortunately that has something to do with the pair of you." Simon responded. He gestures for them to follow and begins walking toward the castle. "Somehow word got out that you two would be attending, and I've had no shortage of nearby allied kingdoms nobility begging for an introduction." He says the last part with a frown before shaking his head. "But enough about that. The four of you should head inside and get settled in?"
"You're not joining us?" Mathias asked.
"I'd love to catch up right now Mathias, but there are still preparations for the hunt that require my attention. As well as a few details for tonight."
"What's happening tonight?"
"A party of sorts. Welcoming you home as well as formal announcement and congratulations on your marriage." He stops at the entrance of the castle where a servant is waiting for them. "Please escort our most honored guests to the rooms they'll be staying in. And of course find a placed nearby for their entourage." He says before turning back to the group. "I'll discuss the details with you after you've settled in, if I can find a moment of peace. Until then, welcome home son." He says before he and his guards turn and walk back towards the square. "Mathias watches them go for a moment before turning back to the large wooden doors of the castle. "Welcome home indeed."
Ex: So, after a very long wait we get a kind of boring chapter. Not exactly how I wanted to start things off but that's how it goes I guess.
Elsa: Any chapter is better than no chapter at this rate.
Ex: Fair point. So I'm not really sure how to end chapters anymore, and this seemed like a good spot. I'm also not really sure what to put in my chapter closing anymore. So let's just stick with the classic review, follow, possibly favorite? If you've been here since to beginning or have just really been waiting for this chapter, let me know how much of a slacker I am in the reviews or in a PM. See you guys next time!