The village was burning, the smoke filled the night sky so completely not even the full moon could pierce the darkness. On the ground ran a river of blood produced by the multitude of bodies laid strewn around with no discrimination between man, woman, and child. The only sound that rang throughout the night was that of a sword piercing flesh with a dying scream. Men of the village ran to defend their burning homes but it was futile, they were killed before they could even see the hand holding the weapon. The only thing they could registered before joining thier dead friends and families was the flash of silver that rushed past them.
The sword gleamed in the fire's gaze, leaving behind no one alive. When all was said and done the village had grown deathly quiet, nothing but the crackling of fire filled the air. Concluding its work was done the sword turned to leave, only to hear the sound of a creak in a nearby house. Too loud and quick to be from the fire, with a languid finesse the murderous weapon stalked to the house. It was a simple one-story, a living room by the door with the kitchen leading out the back and rooms on the far side of the room. The fire had yet to reach the building so the sword took its time looking around for the source of the sound.
it cleared the living room, kitchen, and one of the rooms. The last place to check was the other room, pushing the door open the sword could see it was empty. Just a bed, desk, and drawer was in the room. Nothing was disturbed or out of place, it looked as no one had been here yet. The sword chuckled, it was a good attempt, had been a regular soldier they probably would've left. However, the sword could hear the breaths slow frightened breaths that were just under its feet. From the what it could tell there were two of them, judging by the depth and length the sword concluded one woman and child.
Without a care in the world, the sword plunged into the floor and was rewarded with a gush of blood before swiping the hidden door away to see them both. The woman had one hand to her bleeding shoulder and one arm around her child, no strength in her body to scream but more then enough in her eyes as she glared at him with deep blue eyes. The child, with the same eyes was frozen in fear, his own deep blue eyes as small as pinpricks that tracked the sword's edge. For a moment, none of them moved, perhaps the sword found some semblance of mercy and would let them go?
That was the last foolish thought the child had as he watched his mother's head fly off her shoulders and stared down the raised blade that began its descent to end the boy's life.
Edward's eyes flew open as he shot up into a sitting position looking around wildly. He was in a large room with white beds that lined each other with dressers in between each of them. There were stands that had white screens to provide priavcy to those that needed. Turning to look around fully, he could see there was no one in the room with him, he seemed to be truly alone. Pulling the sheets that covered him, he swung his legs off the bed and landed on his bare feet. Looking down at himself, he realized he wasn't wearing a shirt anymore and that his shoulder had fresh nicely dressed bandages covering them. His tattered pants were still on but his boots had been removed and set to the side.
Deciding to leave them at his bedside, Edward walked to one of the many windows that lined the room. Reaching the sill he looked out to see a large courtyard with what seemed to be ice outlining the roofs allowing the sun to shine on the castle and causing it to sparkle. Beyond the bridge to the courtyard, there was a large town on the water, even from here Edward could see people going about thier business. He squinted and could see very few guards patrolling, some of them were even helping people with carry boxes around.
This place is a very different from home.
Before he could even think of the differences the door to the large room he was in opened and an older man stepped through it. He looked like a standard doctor; greying hair, white coat, glasses, etc. The man was reading something when he looked up to see his patient standing at the window sill.
"Hello, how are you feeling young man?" Edward was about to answer when his stomach roared in hunger causing the doctor to laugh. The young man scratched the back of his head as a blush spread along his cheeks in embarrassment at such a response. "I guess that answers that, I'll have the cooks whip up something for you to eat as well as have Gerda inform the servants that you require a bath. In the meantime can you stay here for a moment, I want to do a quick check up on you before I send you on your way." Edward nodded and watched the man walk away leaving, the young man alone once again.
That's what he thinks.
A frown marred Edward's face as he thought about how much time could have elasped between him fainting and waking up now. The sun wasn't at the highest point in the sky so it was still in the morning. With the North Mountain in view from window, he could safely deduce that he was probably in Arendell, an extremely peaceful kingdom with virtually no enemies. Instead, they had an abundance of trade partners that docked in their harbor very often. Perhaps he could use one of them to go even farther away, but to do that he needed money which would be a chore all on its own.
That could come later, he should be focused on his body currently, its been days since he's last eaten. The brief flashes of strength before he falls unsconscious weren't random in the least. He knew someone would come soon after he awoke, had the doctor not arrived he'd been forced to relieve the entirety of that nightmare. One he's had for a very long time, and it still caused his heart to pulse in absolute rage. Edward didn't like to show his anger, it always ended badly for everyone around him when he lost control. Now, he let the anger flow through him, his veins appeared along his skin, his muscles shifted and condensed. With a simple calming breath, his the veins vanished and his muscles relaxed.
The best way of handling anger was to admit one was angry, once you've done so dispelling it becomes much easier. At first he tried to conceal and don't feel that ended in explosive bursts of absolute rage that left no one safe from his wrath. Now he had a firm grip on it.
Most of the time.
He lost it last night with those bandits, he hoped the snow would bury their bodies deep enough that no one could see what he had done. He didn't want to be labled a monster here so soon, at least until he got some money. Money for supplies and safe passage to somewhere far away where he could live as he should, alone.
That's never going to happen.
His thoughts were interuppted when the doctor returned with a plump woman carrying a water pitcher and tray with a lid on top. Edward turn to greet them with a wave and accepted a cup from the doctor as well as some water from the woman. Nodding in thanks, the young man gulped the cup as his beyond dry throat welcomed the refreshing water. When the last of it slid down his throat, Edward went into a coughing fit that worried the two older adults and as they were about to go to pat his back, the young man grabbed the pitcher and began to down all of its contents.
The pitcher was at least a gallon and with wide eyes the doctor and maid watched Edward inhale it all without spilling a drop. After doing so, the young man let out a long breath and handed the pitcher to the woman with a smile. "Thank you, I was beyond thirsty." The woman nodded mutely and took it while offering the tray which the young man took with a smile as he went to sit back on the bed he woke up on. When he took off the lid, a plate of rice, soup, and some venison was offered to him. The meal didn't last long as he devoured it, suprisingly he ate like a gentlemen yet the pace he did so suggested that one meal wouldn't be enough to satisfy him.
The doctor was about to advise he slow down so he wouldn't throw it back up but it was too late. Edward was already wiping his mouth with a napkin and replaced the lid on the top of the tray. The smile on his face was almost childlike as his strength returned to him, without warning he jumped to his feet. "Thank you both for taking care of me but its time that I get going." Edward began putting his bare feet into the boots by the side of his bed and began to tuck in his tattered pants into his boots. The doctor getting over his shock put a hand on the young man's well muscled shoulder that was littered in scars. At first when he realized the multitude that spread all over the young man's torso, he wondered what kind of life his patient had lived to obtain them.
He was somewhat worried that when his patient would awaken he'd be somewhat of violent disposition, but so far he'd been polite and excited. He was like a male groomed version of the princess, the thought made the older man chuckle. "Take it easy youngster, you just got out of bed after being unconscious, plus you can't just walk around with no shirt on. I also said I wanted to check on your shoulder, to make sure you don't have any infection or anything."
Edward already knew there'd be no infection and for the state of his body, now that he'd eaten, he could go three days without rest but it would be smarter to play along. Nodding to the man, he sat back on the bed then offered him his wounded arm. Raising an eyebrow at how easy to young man followed insructions, he began to remove the bandages before turning back to the maid who had her eyes still wide. "Could you go grab a set of new clothes as well as prepare a bath for him in one of the rooms, I'd like to make him more presentable before informing the Queen he's awoken."
The maid blinked before getting ready to turn and hurry off to fulfill his instructions, as she did, she thought she saw a flash of red appear in the Edward's eyes before they returned to his deep blue eyes. When she looked back his eyes were still deep blue and he had a smile as he waved her goodbye. She gave him a polite smile before rushing off, leaving the two men to themselves. The doctor finished unwrapping the bandages to see the gunshot wound looking old and faded. It was as if it had already healed days ago, looking to the young man who was looking out the mirror with a smile on his face made the older man make a mental note to talk to the Queen later. "Well you seem to not need bandages anymore, your wound healed extradoinarily fast, this happened last night when you were attacked with Master Kristoff correct?"
Edward turned with a smile and nodded. "I've always been a quick healer, I'm more worried about Kristoff and Sven, I know he wasn't injured but still its hard to get over being attacked so quickly." The doctor nodded before leaning back and standing to his full height then giving the young man a calculating stare. "That is true but you seem to be handling it well." There was a beat for a moment as Edward held the man's stare with his own happier expression but on the inside…
He knows something off, he's probing for something.
The young man shrugged before answering. "I'm used to it." Before the doctor could respond a knock was heard on the door. "The bath has been prepared with fresh clothes in the room, I'm ready to escort him there if he's ready." The doctor gave the young man a harder stare before gesturing to the door. "You seem fine, so I'll clear you to leave."
Edward nodded before walking to the door, but before he went through it he decided to give his caretaker one last thing. "I can' thank you enough for getting me back on my feet, hopefully I don't see you again, if I did, that would mean someone is hurt and that's something that should always be avoided." The doctor listened as he stared at the young man's back, his face was a blank canvas giving none of his thoughts away even though the young man couldn't see his face. "It was no problem, I hope you take it easy in the future."
That's never going to happen.
Without another word, Edward walked through the doors and followed a different maid to the room they'd prepared. The doctor watched them leave and waited a moment before walking out and heading towards the Queen's study. Unaware that the young man heard his footsteps down the hall.
Edward was led to a guest room where the woman left him to his own devices, walking through the room into the bathroom he was surprised to see a porcelin tub. It was six feet long and was three feet wide, it was huge he could hardly imagine bathing in this on a daily basis. Having a lot of trade partners must've done wonders for their economy. To the side there was soap, towels, combs, brushes, as well as a shaving kit laid out for him. Stripping out of his clothes he let the water envelop his body and was instantly entranced with its warmth.
Hope the Queen isn't waiting becuase this is going to take a while.
Elsa was in her study going over some trade documents when she heard some knocks on the door. Replying with a quick 'come in', the doctor opened the door before closing it behind him then bowing to the Queen. "Your Magesty there is something I need to discuss with you concerning the patient you brought to me last night." Elsa stopped what she was going to look up to the doctor and nodded putting her documents to the side and clasping her hands on one another.
"Is there a problem with him Doctor Steward?" The older man in question, tried to find the right words to convey his thoughts but he was having some trouble. It must've been on his face because Elsa began to grow concerned as he the man finally found his words. "Physically speaking, the patient is fine, already on his feet and bathing right now your Highness. His wound has completely healed, there's only a slight scar that looks old. Your Magesty, gunshot wounds take weeks to heal not hours and there wasn't any movement he exhibited that was impeded by the wound."
Elsa was relieved to hear he hadn't died but was also interested at the news. Though its only been a year, most of her subjects accepted her abilities presented that things not considered possible just might be possiuble. Maybe this stranger had his own set of abilities, ones that allowed rapid healing. It was something she'd like to know, to see if there were others like her out there.
"That is interesting, what was your impression of him doctor?" The older man chuckled when he remembered how the young man acted when he awoke. "He's like a male version of the princess." Elsa couldn't help but chuckle at the thought also.
Just what I needed, another one.
"You said he was bathing, right now?" The doctor nodded and watched Elsa stand and neatly stacked her documents before putting them in her desk. She walked around it before gesturing to the door. "Then I might as well get ready to recieve him in the throne room, thank you for treating him." Giving a bow, the doctor watched her leave him alone in the study.
Elsa was on her way to the throne room, with thoughts bouncing around in her head. She wondered how she'd ask if he was like her, and if he was were there others. She finally didn't have to feel alone in being born this way, she wanted to trade stories, experiences, and know what it was like to not be the only one in the room that everyone was cautious around. She was so proccupied with her thoughts she didn't even notice Anna who was calling for her as she blew past her without saying a word. It wasn't until, the brown haired woman shook her shoulder that the platinum blonde stopped in her tracks.
"You seem to have a lot on your mind, is there something wrong?" Elsa shook her head as she gestured Anna to walk with her. "No, I was just told our patient had awoken and was completely fine, better than fine, Anna that wound he recieved last night was completely healed. Doctor Steward said he never seen anything like it, maybe he's like me." There was hope in her sister's eyes as she said this. In the brunette's mind, it would be really cool to have someone like Elsa around.
Maybe she'll notice how cute he is.
So for her sister's sake, she began to get excited as well. "Well what are we waiting for let's go see him, I wanna know too!" The brunette began tugging the blonde along not even knowing where they were supposed to see him. Elsa laughed before asking. "Anna do you even know where we're going?" That didn't stop the princess in the slightest. "No but we'll check every room if we have to find him!" The queen stopped her sister and pointed to a door to their left. "OR we could wait for him in the throne room, and ask the servants to bring him here."
That stopped Anna for a moment, she looked at her sister with an adorable frown. "But he could take FOREVER to get here!" Elsa patted her sister's head before walking through the door pulling her along. "All good things come to those who wait."
Edward had finished his bath and was currently grooming himself in front of a mirror. He shaved all of his facial hair, trimmed his side burns so they were at the top of his ears, cut the long hair that was covering his face before slicking it all back into a clean looking cut. Looking into the mirror, he felt professional and presentable. Putting everything where he found it, the young man changed into the clothes left out for him, which consisted of a white long sleeved collar shirt, with brown pants, black boots, and a beige buttoned vest. The only thing missing was a tie, making sure there was nothing out of place he walked to the door that led into the hallway and was surprised to see the same maid standing there.
Shame immediately crossed his features, he was in there for about thirty minutes he didn't want to keep someone waiting on him. Before he could apologize, the woman raised a hand with a kind smile. "Its alright, you seemed to have needed the time, you look very handsome now that you've cleaned up." A blush blossumed along the young man's cheeks as the maid gestured him to follow her. "The Queen awaits you in the throne room, and asked I bring you when you finished." Edward groaned when he heard that.
So the Queen WAS waiting, what a great first impression.
When the two arrived in front of the large door that led into the throne room, the young man entertained the thought of running away. He could be out Arendelle before the guards had the chance to mobilize, if he seriously wanted to, but he shook his head. So far he hadn't done anything wrong so he shouldn't be in any trouble but at the same time he noted the multiple windows he passed on the way here, just in case.
"Knock three times and when told enter and bow to the Queen before speaking." Edward nodded his head as the maid left and left him alone at the door. Steeling his resolve, the young man knocked confidently three times and waited for promission to enter. He heard a melodious voice beckon him inside and when he opened the doors, his eyes were drawn to the woman sitting on the throne.
White perfect skin glowed with the sunlight entering the room, platinum blonde hair flowed like a beautfil mane, her soft smile made his body shake, but her eyes, it was her eyes that made his body go incredibly stiff. They were the color of a bright open sky filled with happiness and great wonders. He could've stared at this image for days, would've if given the chance but his mind forced itself to focus and he remembered that he hadn't bowed yet.
"Your highness." He rushed to bow and hoped he hadn't angered the goddess before him. He could hear her melodious voice lightly chuckle as she cleared her throat. "You may rise." Standing to his height the first thing he noticed was a set of slightly duller sky blue eyes face to face with his. His mind must've been preoccupied with seeing the queen that he hadn't registered her footsteps until they were inches apart.
"Hi I'm Anna, Kristoff said your name was Edward, where you from, how do you feel, do you have powers like Elsa?" The young man wasn't sure what to say, he only looked at the queen to see her put her forehead in her hand and shake her head. Attempting to gather his thoughts, Edward cleared his throat before speaking.
"I'm from somewhere very far away, I feel fine, and what do you mean powers like Elsa's?" The woman in front of him frowned in confusion before taking a step back. She found it hard to believe he's never heard of her sister's abilities, she was under the assumption after last year everyone knew about them. Maybe he lived so far away he didn't know.
"You've never heard of the Snow Queen of Arendelle?" He HAS heard of that name along his travels. As the rumors went, Snow Queen had the ability to create ice and snow with the flick of her fingers. She was powerful so powerful in fact she cursed her home with an eternal winter but thawed it out of mercy. He was never able to get a name but all he knew was that she was the queen of Arendelle. Edward then had the urge to slap his forhead, the queen was sitting literally ten feet from him, how was it that the first thought that popped into his head upon seeing her was how beautiful she looked?
"Oh yes, I have, it seems my mind hasn't really had time to catch up yet." The brunette shrugged before circling him excitedly. "Aww that's fine, that happens to me a lot, I usually act before I think, Kristoff and Elsa always tell me I should think before i act but what's the fun in that you know?" Edward chuckled and tried to follow the ball of energy around him by turning his body.
"I understand what you mean, my older brother always had to drag me out of trouble when I rushed into it without thinking. But I can't deny the best and most fun times of my life were before he caught me." Anna nodded and continued asking questions back to back with Edward answering back to back. It seemed those two would've talked all night if Elsa hadn't loudly cleared her throat to get them to stop.
"Ok Anna, I'm sure Edward has answered enough questions for now, perhaps we should get back to why I called him here in the first place?" Anna frowned in thought before bouncing off to sit next to her sister. "You mean if he had powers like yours? He hasn't answered since clarifying that he knew about you."
Edward choose that time to intervene. "Your Majesties, my skill set does not branch into the realms of an Elemental's. All of my abilities are anchored to what is humanly possible."
That's a quite a stretch.
The two women raised an eyebrow in confusion as Elsa choose to spoke first. "What do you mean 'Elemental'?" Now it was the young man's turn to raise his.
"Elemental, you know, a person with the ability over an element of nature." The two sisters have never heard of the word before and were instantly curious about it but Elsa could learn all of that later, she just wanted to know one thing.
"So there are others out there with the abilities like mine?" Edward shrugged his shoulders like it was a weird thing to ask.
"Of course there are."
Well that's chapter 3 I hope you all enjoyed it. I'll try to drop another one next weekend. Hope you read and review it plus tell your friends, the more readers the better.