Winter's Echo

Chapter Thirty – Revelations

Elsa raised her arms over her head and stretched out her sore muscles as best as she could, a small sigh of relief escaping her as she felt a satisfactory pop in the middle of her back. She hadn't slept wonderfully last night, but she had expected no less – she knew sleep wouldn't come easy without her noaide to cuddle up to. The queen had spent the morning with the three remaining spirits in the forest discussing possible strategies and contingency plans, each having a role to play. Gale would help form the best strategies, using her ability to move undetected above the trees to relay troop movements to the others. The earth giants were the meat and potatoes of Elsa's plan, responsible for shock, awe and mass destruction when necessary. Bruni...well, Bruni would do what Bruni did best – run around causing general chaos and mayhem and, hopefully, funneling the soldiers toward the earth giants.

The storm that had been brewing in the distance had finally reached the valley of the Northuldra late last night, leaving a fresh covering of snow across the forest. All the better in Elsa's mind; the bright white covering would make it nearly impossible for any of the Calabrian forces to hide in their clunky armor. Elsa walked slowly and purposefully around the camp, keeping a sharp eye for movement in the trees. She hated this waiting; she felt like an animal pacing anxiously in a cage. She hated doing it alone even more, despite the fact that it had been her original plan. Elsa smiled a bit to herself as she walked, the memory of Honeymaren's rather smug denouncement of her instinctual reflex creating a small bubble of laughter in her throat.

It was one of the many reassurances Elsa had that Honeymaren was more than her match when it came to the ability to rule with a clear head. Not only was her empathic lover a natural-born leader, she was a proven one as well. Despite what most modern leaders would consider her 'less than civilized' upbringing, the noaide conducted herself with a poise and maturity that rivaled and surpassed many members of the modern-day court. Elsa grinned a bit to herself. She would be lying if she said she wasn't at least somewhat looking forward to the chaos that would ensue when her lover was presented to the court after she and Honeymaren were officially married. The magical queen was certain her clever Northuldran would cause quite the stir.

She was brought out of her pleasant musings when a sudden uneasy feeling washed over her in the most unpleasant way. There was something off about the forest and she strained to listen for any unusual sounds around her. After a long moment, the queen realized what had put her senses on edge. It wasn't something the winter spirit had heard – it's what she had stopped hearing. There were no birds, there were no small animals rustling in the trees; the forest had gone completely silent.

The winter spirit was no longer alone.

Elsa glanced around her surroundings as casually as she could, putting on an air of uninterested nonchalance as she surreptitiously scanned the tree line. The longer she went without seeing anything, she more nervous she got. She was missing something – something critical, and she knew it. She suddenly felt dangerously exposed, like a deer in an open field. A sudden snap of a twig made her whip her head around and freeze.

There!

A hint of movement near the base of a tree brought her gaze to lock squarely on a pair of eyes hidden behind a white cloak, blending in seamlessly with the fresh snow. Elsa's eyes widened in alarm and dread as she realized she had greatly underestimated Ulrik. She was so sure he would rely on sheer brute force, the arrogant misogynist that he was, but she was so wrong. The storm hadn't hindered them - they were waiting for it, dressed specifically to hide in her own element!

Just as she came to that horrible realization, the sharp whistling noise of an arrow loosing had her instinctively throwing up a wall of ice behind her, a solid thwack following it. Elsa spun around to see an arrow embedded in the ice and gasped, looking around frantically. The magical queen surrounded herself in a protective cocoon of thick ice as arrow after arrow struck at her from every angle. Elsa sent a burst of magic from her hand into the air, her giant snowflake materializing high above the forest and pulsing brightly before exploding outward, signaling to the other spirits that the attack was underway. The queen sent a silent plea to the heavens before taking a deep, steeling breath and allowing the full might of her magic to explode from within her, sending her attackers flying in every direction.

Elsa felt the approach of the rest of the platoon before she saw them, their sheer number vibrating the earth beneath her feet. Her eyes widened as the massive contingent came into view, spreading out amongst the forest and slowly surrounding her, closing in on her location now that their element of surprise was gone. 'At least I wasn't completely wrong,' the queen thought darkly as she saw what had to be hundreds of men continuing to pour into the forest. Her eyes searched frantically for the face she had yet to see.

Ulrik.

Despite the predictability of his ego, the manic king was the biggest unknown of Elsa's plans, especially now after his nearly successful camouflage tactic. Soldiers would do what soldiers did best; they would follow their orders to either capture or kill Elsa, and thus were rather straightforward in the way Elsa would deal with them. But Ulrik was different; Ulrik was a narcissist and a coward. He would allow his soldiers to bear the brunt of Elsa's wrath while finding the best way to take advantage of the queen should she become overwhelmed, coming in to claim the glory and victory of her moment of defeat for himself.

A sudden commotion interrupted her search and she looked to her right to see a group of several dozen soldiers simply disappear. Their screams of surprise were the only remaining evidence of their location when one of the earth giants opened up a massive sinkhole right underneath their feet. A huge roar followed from Elsa's left when another began to stomp his feet at a second large group of soldiers, sending them scattering and running for their lives as he herded them away from Elsa. She turned her gaze back to the archers who had fired upon her, watching as they regarded each other uncertainly. The Snow Queen willed her magic to her fingertips, smirking from behind the blue glow it created. Time for her own version of shock and awe.

"Alright Gale, let's do this," she whispered quietly to the wind spirit. Immediately, Gale surrounded her in a bluster of snow and leaves, blowing her hair and cape about her majestically. "Misguided men, you are serving the will of a false king!" she exclaimed, Gale carrying her voice throughout the land. "Have you any idea how dangerous I am? Ulrik sent all of you. Have you any idea how foolish you men are?" Elsa paused for dramatic effect, allowing a wicked smile to cross her beautiful features.

"You came."

The queen waved her hands about, an icy wind carrying an unbelievable cold with it whirling about the forest. Elsa watched with satisfaction when her threatening words and blustering took immediate effect, many of the soldiers near her beating a hasty retreat while their leaders shouted for them to regroup. Ulrik's soldiers had all but abandoned him last time after seeing and hearing what she was capable of, and the Snow Queen hoped in her heart of hearts she could use that to spare unnecessary bloodshed once more. "Lay down your arms. Turn and go back to the warmth of your homes and families and I will show you mercy. There is no need for your blood to be spilled this day. Choose to stand against me, and I will send you to whatever Gods you wish." With that, the fabled Queen of Ice and Snow went to work clearing the invaders from her forest, the full fury of nature behind her with every step she took.

She didn't see the two pairs of eyes that hadn't moved a muscle, remaining hidden in their white cloaks against the freshly fallen snow. Nearly black eyes met bright green with a triumphant grin before both pairs went back to the magical queen as she twirled about with her devastating magic, completely oblivious to the true danger lurking so near. A barely perceptible nod and the green eyes began to move ever so slowly through the trees, stalking around the queen like a wolf and settling into position to wait for the perfect moment.

Honeymaren grinned as she watched her people marvel at the buildings around them while Anna and the council welcomed the Northuldra through the gates of the castle of Arendelle, the noaide's full quiver and bow strapped across her back. She vividly remembered the awe she felt during her approach to the impressive kingdom when she had visited with Elsa for the Winter Solstice. Anna's sudden excited squeal brought her out of her musings before she could dwell too long, an affectionate smile tugging at her lips when she saw the source of the redhead's excitement in the form of a blonde mountain man and his reindeer companion. Anna flung herself into the large man's arms excitedly, Kristoff laughing and lifting her up so he could spin her around before setting her back down and kissing her soundly, careful not to stab himself on the quiver of arrows the redhead also wore. Honeymaren politely avoided her gaze and busied herself directing her people through the gates, trying to avoid intruding on their private moment.

The noaide's heart clenched in her chest when she saw her brother and Yelena coming down the path, though she put on a bright smile for them. Ryder grinned and waved enthusiastically as he jogged up to her, eyes bluer than the sky itself wide with excitement. "This is so cool! Can you believe we're going to be living in a castle?!" the young man gushed, nearly shaking in excitement. Honeymaren smirked and put her hands on her hips, cocking her weight to one side. "Correction, little brother. You are going to be living in a castle. I am probably going to be freezing my butt off hiding in a tree somewhere," she joked good-naturedly. Oh, how she wished it were true...

Ryder smirked and lifted his hands in a shrug. "I dunno, sis. Seems like it's your natural habitat, with all the other crazy old bats." Ryder suddenly found it difficult to breathe in the strong chokehold he found himself in, her knuckles digging roughly into his skull. The young Northuldran began to make odd sounds, a mixture of wheezing and giggling, as he tried in vain to escape. "What's the matter, little brother? Old bat got your tongue?" she taunted, laughing lightly.

"I'd watch who you're calling an old bat if I were you, children," came a low, mezzo voice full of mature authority. Honeymaren grinned and released Ryder just as he gave a final mighty heave in an attempt to escape her grip, resulting in him flying backward to land on his backside. Ryder laughed as he regained his breath from the ground, smiling when Honeymaren offered her hand to him. He allowed his big sister to pull him up, dusting himself off and grinning at Yelena. "Go help Queen Anna's young man see to the reindeer and the supplies," Yelena said, gently nudging Ryder with her staff. As Ryder turned to go, Honeymaren calling his name made him pause and turn to look at her curiously. Without a word, the elder sibling reached out and embraced him tightly. Honeymaren closed her eyes as she held her little brother close, images of him as a small child flooding her mind. "I love you, little brother," she said softly, breathing in deeply. Ryder blinked in surprise, but returned the tight embrace without hesitation, a warm smile tugging at his lips. "I love you too, sis," he replied quietly. With one final squeeze, the siblings parted and Ryder left to do as he was bid, turning to give his sister a final, emphatic wave before disappearing in the throng of people. Honeymaren watched him go, sadness settling over her like a heavy pelt on her soul. When had her baby brother gotten so tall? When had the baby fat fallen from his body and transform into muscle? What kind of a man would her brother become?

"Are you alright, noaide?"

Honeymaren turned to see Yelena watching her carefully, wise green eyes searching hers for answers. The dark-haired woman simply nodded, offering a small smile of reassurance. "There are just a lot of big plays in motion right now, Grandmother," she said quietly. Yelena nodded slowly, accepting the young woman's answer with a small smile of her own. A warm, wrinkled hand reached up to cup Honeymaren's cheek, guiding her troubled gaze to hers. "You have done us proud as the noaide, Granddaughter," she said softly, her smile warm and reassuring. "Our people could not be in better hands than those of you and your wife." Honeymaren blinked in surprise, her mouth falling open and closed in speechlessness. "Wha..? H-How did you..." Old green eyes wrinkled in amusement and Yelena lifted her chin haughtily. "You think just because you are the noaide that your old Grandmother doesn't know what goes on in your life? I regret to inform you, but my hearing is as perfect in my old age as it was when I was your age." Honeymaren blushed furiously, her hand coming up to cover her face in embarrassment. Yelena patted her shoulder comfortingly, her amused grin melting once more into a smile of loving reassurance. "It is a fine match, Honeymaren. You are lucky to have each other. I sense a great destiny lies before you both. I know you will make us proud." With a final smile, Yelena turned and walked away, leaving Honeymaren to her thoughts once more.

Honeymaren sighed and turned back to the path. She stood stoically with her arms folded across her chest as she watched the rest of her people file into the safety of the castle gates, dozens of servants milling about and making a warm greeting for the nomads. The noaide hoped her people would not feel too out of place during their hopefully short stay in this place that may as well be another planet for all the similarities their cultures shared. Once again, her mind drifted to her time spent in Arendelle with Elsa and she began to withdraw into herself, lost in the memories of their first, timid confessions. She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder, whirling around and blinking in surprise to see Anna and Kristoff looking at her worriedly. She cursed herself inwardly – now was not the time to allow herself to become distracted.

"Are you alright?" Anna asked, her voice and features full of concern. Kristoff simply stood at her side, gazing at the noaide with a somber face. Honeymaren nodded, forcing a small, reassuring smile on her face. "Sure thing, Sugar Rush. Just going over some things in my head, that's all." Just as Anna was about to inquire further, a sudden bright flash of light engulfed the fjord in a bluish tint. All eyes turned to the northern sky, staring in awe at the giant snowflake that flashed high in the air in the distance before exploding outward and vanishing as quickly as it had come. Honeymaren felt her breath leave her and her blood freeze in her veins.

Her time was up.

"Elsa...they've come!" Anna whispered. Honeymaren turned serious eyes back to the couple. She met Anna's anxious teal eyes only briefly before gazing piercingly into Kristoff's. "It's time. Can I count on you, Kristoff?" Anna narrowed her eyes, glancing between the two as she tried to puzzle out their cryptic exchange. "What are you talking about?" she asked suspiciously. Her heart began to beat faster when she saw Kristoff's features harden, nodding resolutely. Honeymaren reached into her shirt and pulled out a folded piece of parchment with Ryder's name written on it. "Give this to my brother, please," she said as she handed the letter to Kristoff. Blonde bangs fell in his eyes as he hesitated momentarily before taking the letter gently, tucking it into the safety of his vest. She gave him a sad smile and nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Kristoff...for everything," she said quietly before finally looking at Anna, teal eyes shifting anxiously between her two loved ones.

"What's going on?" she asked, a slight panic tinging her voice at the despondent look on Honeymaren's face. The noaide reached out and placed a hand behind Anna's head, guiding her forward to press a lingering kiss to her freckled forehead. "I'm sorry, Sugar Rush," she whispered, pressing her forehead to Anna's. "I hope one day you can understand." Honeymaren pulled back and gave Anna a final, teary smile. "Goodbye, Anna." With that, she turned around and dashed away toward the docks, calling for Nokk. "Wait!" Anna called, starting to run after her when powerful arms suddenly wrapped around her in a giant bear hug. The redhead struggled against Kristoff's strong embrace, crying out as furious tears streamed down her face. "What are you doing?! Kristoff, let me GO! Let me go RIGHT NOW! KRISTOFF!" she screamed, beating futilely against his muscular arms as she watched Honeymaren swiftly mount Nokk. The noaide glanced back only once before taking off down the fjord like a shot, Nokk's ethereal whinny echoing across the water faintly.

Anna sobbed and went limp in Kristoff's arms, the ice harvester quickly gathering her up in his embrace and holding her close. "I'm sorry, Anna. I'm so, so sorry, but you have to listen to me," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. Anna shook her head furiously and pushed away from him hard, only to come back and shove against his chest in blind fury, managing to push the large man backward a couple of steps. "How could you, Kristoff?! What the hell are you thinking?! Elsa is under attack and she needs my help!" Kristoff tried to reach out to his furious fiancé again, only for her to sidestep past him, calling for one of the servants to bring her a horse. "Anna, wait! Please, listen to me!" Anna completely ignored him, continuing to march away from him and wiping furious tears from her face. Finally, Kristoff couldn't take it anymore.

"Anna, if you go to that forest, Elsa will DIE!"

That froze Anna in her tracks. The redhead whipped around to face Kristoff, her eyes narrowed dangerously. "What did you just say?" Kristoff swallowed thickly and steeled his nerves as Anna approached him. He promised Honeymaren he would do what it took to protect both of the sisters, even if it meant suffering Anna's wrath. "If you go to the forest, both you AND Elsa will die," he repeated. Anna shook her head and ran her fingers through her hair in agitation. "What the hell are you talking about?!" she yelled in frustration.

"Two days ago, Ahtohallan sent Honeymaren a vision – a premonition of the future. She's seen what will happen, Anna," he said gently, imploring her to believe him. Anna's brow furrowed as her gaze fell to the ground, pairing what Kristoff was saying with Honeymaren's strange behavior yesterday. Teal eyes lifted back to her fiancé's beseeching pools of honey, the anger in her gaze starting to soften as she began to recognize the torment in his. "What...what did she see?" she asked quietly. Kristoff slowly closed the distance between them, glancing about at the many eyes on them before speaking lowly. "First she saw Elsa and you die. Then, she said the vision shifted. Elsa was there, alive and fighting, but you were not there. Only her and Elsa were in the forest."

Anna shook her head in confusion, pacing back and forth. "I don't understand," she muttered quietly, wringing the ends of her hair in one hand in thought. "Why wouldn't she just tell me that? Why the big secret?" Kristoff winced – this was the part he was worried about. "Anna," he said, gently calling her attention back to him and placing his hands on her shoulders. "Anna...Elsa is going to be taken." Anna's eyes grew wide with fear - a fear that grew exponentially as she searched her fiancé's eyes for any trace of a lie and found nothing but sobering dismay. "Honeymaren isn't sure what happens. She knows she is going to prevent Elsa's death in the forest, but both of them will be taken to Calabria as prisoners. She..." Kristoff swallowed the lump in his throat before continuing. "She couldn't see beyond...a certain point in Calabria."

Anna's eyes went wide in understanding. "That's why she wanted the army to go to Calabria," she said with dawning realization. Kristoff blinked in confusion, unaware of such a development. "Wait, what?" he asked in bewilderment. Anna nodded, resuming her pacing. "They're nearly finished mobilizing as we speak," she confirmed, hope beginning to rise in her voice. "If we hurry, we should get there at nearly the same time they will. And when I get my hands on Honeymaren, I'm going to throttle her something good. She's going down like a box of chocolates," she growled out, beginning to turn and walk away. She paused when she didn't hear Kristoff following her.

Anna turned, ready to give her lover another tongue lashing but paused when she saw Kristoff staring at the letter Honeymaren had entrusted to him. The wheels in her mind began to turn as she replayed all the interactions she had had with Honeymaren over the past two days in her mind. She thought back to Honeymaren's extreme difficulty leaving Elsa the day before, their cryptic conversation on the fjord, and the emotional interplay between the Northuldran and General Mattias. What the redhead had assumed were emotionally drained interactions, she now began to see as the secret, drawn out farewells they truly were.

'You are already a sister to me, Anna. I hope you know how much I care about you...and that I only ever want the best for you.'

Honeymaren's touching admission at dinner last night exploded to the forefront of her mind as she shakily walked back to Kristoff. 'Please, no...' she thought futilely as she reached out and ran her fingers through her fiancé's bangs, the ice harvester's sad, honey eyes lifting slowly to hers. "Kristoff..." she whispered, almost afraid to finish her sentence. "Why did Honeymaren give you that letter?" Kristoff swallowed thickly and took a deep breath, steeling his nerves. He had to be brave for the Queens of Arendelle.

"Because she's not coming back, Anna. She's going to die in Calabria."

The blood drained from Anna's face and she stumbled backward a step, Kristoff reaching out to steady her. She felt like she couldn't take a breath, shaking her head slowly. "No..." she whispered. "No, no, no..." The queen lifted her hands to her face, her eyes darting to and fro as her mind raced. "Kristoff...w-we have to stop this! We have to save her!" Kristoff placed both hands on the panicking redhead's shoulders, drawing her attention back to him. "This is why she couldn't tell you or Elsa...because she knew you would both put yourselves in danger all over again to save her," he said in a rush, trying to get her to see reason. "We will go to Calabria and do what we can. But, Anna, I think we have another problem."

"What else could possibly be going wrong!?" she cried in frustration, looked up incredulously. Her mindset instantly shifted when she found hard, serious eyes gazing down at her. "Anna," he said lowly. "Honeymaren said in her vision she saw another man with Ulrik." Anna blinked, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she waited for him to explain.

"Anna, I think I know who he is."

AN:

Here we gooooo...

-Volchise