How have we never done a fake dating AU? HERE IS THE FAKE DATING AU.
Alarik, Beata, Knut, and Neta belong to @patricia-von-arundel :D
***
“What are you doing New Year’s Eve?”
Alarik sighed. He knew where this conversation was going.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me, Beowulf!” Beata said from the other end of the phone. “I may not be able to see you, but I can tell you’re rolling your eyes!”
“Beata, must I…?” Alarik asked.
“You absolutely must come! It’s my biggest party of the year! Who knows, maybe you’ll have better luck at midnight this year- I said don’t roll your eyes!”
Alarik snorted. “Are you spying on me, or something?” he asked. “Fine. I’ll go. But only for the bacon.”
It’s “Scales” today, but I’m so far behind, I’m just posting even if it’s not related to the prompt. I actually was going to use this for Elsarik week 2020, but that clearly NEVER happened. So I get to post it now.
I mean, Alarik under anesthesia. What’s not to love? As always, he, and Neta belong to @patricia-von-arundel. I just air him out now and again.
@bepoets, can you find TWW reference? ;)
Rating: G
Flirt
Anna found Elsa, still wearing a paint-splattered shirt- it must have been craft day in the classroom- sitting in a folding chair, staring at the empty space where the room’s hospital bed should have been. Anna pulled up another chair and sat down next to her.
“I’m going to kill him.” Elsa gritted out.
“Please don’t. It took long enough for the two of you to get together. Plus, I refuse to explain to Neta why her uncle isn’t visiting her anymore.”
That was enough to pull Elsa’s gaze away from the wall. She gave Anna a weak smile, and accepted the embrace her sister offered.
“You okay?” Anna asked when they pulled apart.
“That really depends on your definition of ‘okay’.”
“Elsa.“
"What do you want me to say, Anna? My idiot husband decides he’s going to climb up a rock wall to collect a specimen without the proper climbing equipment, falls, and breaks his leg. But does he call 9-1-1? No! He gets one of his assistants to drive him an hour to the hospital. An hour. And do you know how I find out? He calls me, while in the car, and tells me he ‘hurt himself’ and is going to get his leg 'checked out’. Nevermind that it’s swollen to twice it’s normal size or that there’s a bulge in the middle of his leg. But, it’s fine, he doesn’t need immediate medical attention for that!”
She slumped forward with a groan. “And this happens in the middle of the day, with my students elbow-deep in paint, and I have to leave them to come here. It’s just…"
Elsa made a frustrated noise, and Anna placed an arm around her shoulder. Before anything could be said, they were interrupted by the sound of a bed being wheeled in.
Ok so this fic doesn’t fit in with the candle prompt at ALL, but deal, hahahahahaha.
Jenny and Alarik belong to @patricia-von-arundel :D
***
Jenny padded into the hallway, making her way into the kitchens. Finding what she needed (and sneaking some chocolate cookies into her mouth in the process), she made her way back into her room.
She took the jug of water and placed it on her bedside table. She then took the glass of water in her other hand and placed it beside the jug of water. Then, slowly, carefully, she began to fill the glass halfway with water.
Jenny sat on the bed, wiggling her toes, and doing some stretches before starting her attempt. She then began to stare at the glass of water.
art commissioned from anzuzzy on Instagram! based on @bepoets Mermaid AU! Alarik belongs to @patricia-von-arundel
Prompt was: Scales
***
The waves were unforgiving as the beat on Alarik from every direction, him holding on to the woman he had seen amongst the floating wreckage of the ship. “Just…just hold on, okay ma’am? Everything’s going to be fine.”
“Where are we going?” the woman asked as they swam against the waves.
“To shore!” Alarik cried out, turning his head towards the general direction of where he could see the beginnings of land. Alarik found a large piece of wood paneling from the ship and pushed it towards her. “Here, climb on!” he said, “I’ll hold on to the side and pull us to shore!”
The woman shook her head, “I don’t think that’s really a good idea, I-”
“Ma’am, please, I insist, it’s far too long of a swim to shore, you should rest,” Alarik said, already about to help her onto the wood paneling, when the woman let go of him for a moment, and pushed him onto the paneling. “Wait, what are you doing?”
“Trust me, I’m a better swimmer than you,” the woman said, pulling them towards the shore.
Alarik hung on to the wood paneling for dear life, careful not to let the waves throw him overboard. The woman was right, she was a strong swimmer, although he could only see her head and shoulders, she must’ve been kicking really hard, at the rate they were making it to land.
Finally, they reached close enough to the shore, where the waves pushed them towards the sand. Alarik coughed out all the saltwater he had swallowed, and turned around to thank the woman. When he saw her still half submerged in the shallow waters. It was then that he saw the pale blue scales glittering in the sunlight.
“Is that a…?” Alarik said, trailing off as he stared at her. She really was beautiful, with long, pale wavy hair and wide eyes as blue as her….
“Tail, yes.” said the woman, biting her lip and waiting for his reaction. Suddenly, a strong wave came and pushed the woman towards him, both of them rolling onto the sand, her on top of him. Suddenly, there was a light coming from her tail, starting from the fins, moving up, up, up, and her scales dissolved like seafoam.
“Wait, what happened to your tail?” Alarik asked, noticing that the woman no longer had a pale blue tail, but now had a pair of legs. Alarik suddenly remembered his manners, suddenly acutely aware that she was wearing nothing else. He stood and removed his long sleeved shirt, covering his eyes as he handed it to her. “Here,” he said. “You can wear this first.” He turned around to give her some privacy.
After a few moments, the woman cleared her throat.
Alarik turned around to see that she was still sitting on the sand, the oversized shirt looking much like a dress on her, with the sleeves tied around the back of her neck. “Can…can you walk?” Alarik asked, walking towards her.
The woman shook her head. “I don’t know. I’ve never tried.” She stood up slowly, took a few wobbly steps, before her knees buckled together.
“Woah, easy!” Alarik said, catching her quickly. “May I help you?” he asked.
The woman nodded. She put her arm around Alarik’s shoulder as they walked towards the little fishing village in the distance to find help. “I never asked, what’s your name?” she said.
“Alarik,” he said, grinning as they made their way across the shore. “And you?”
TDOE Day 3: Crown (Elsa’s Reaction to Dag’s Crown Heist)
Title is self explanatory. Somewhat sequel to @the-spaztic-fantastic‘s HILARIOUS fic, Dag’s Crown Jewels.
Alarik and Dag belong to @patricia-von-arundel <3
***
Alarik always found peace in his lab. He always found himself engrossed with his latest research, and sometimes, he would just come into the lab when he needed to think. Or sometimes he just needed to get his mind off things.
“Alarik!” came Elsa’s voice as she strode into the lab unannounced. Although, of course, he had an idea what this was for.
“Hello Darling,” Alarik said from his place on the workbench.
Elsa had already begun to pace the length of his lab. “We have a state dinner next week, and I’m required to wear the crown, Alarik!”
“…Ah.”
Elsa turned to him, practically wild eyed. “Ah? AH? Your son defiled the crown that I’m still required to wear, and all you can say is ah?”
Alarik had his hands up, palms forward, trying to placate her. “Now Darling, I’m sure it’s not that bad. At least he and Eira enjoyed themselves? When we had our chance with the crown,I know we certainly…” he trailed off at the look on Elsa’s face, he could see the faintest of twitches at her left eye.
“Alarik Geatland, if you finish that sentence by comparing what WE did in the crown to what your son did in the crown, so help me…”
“My son?” Alarik asked, snorting. “Since when is he only my son?”
Elsa’s eyes narrowed into slits. “Today, he’s
your son,” Elsa muttered. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to ask if crowns can be washed. Or maybe boiled.”
Okay, this one is only loosely related, but it works. Alarik and Jenny are @patricia-von-arundel‘s OCs.
Rating: E. You’ve been warned.
The Pool Redux
Even after five years of marriage, Elsa could still find herself surprised at how attuned Alarik was to her emotions. Sometimes, to the point where it seemed he knew them before she could, or perhaps was willing, to recognize them.
Such was the case on a day, six months into her second pregnancy, he sent Jenny to Honeymaren and Ráfi’s lavvu to play with their daughter Margú. Elsa was suffering aches in her lower back and feet, and the unusually high and humid temperature of the day made it all the more unpleasant.
“Will you take a walk with me?”
Elsa sat at the polished table- a gift from Kristoff- in the center of the cabin, reading a missive from Anna. She looked up to see Alarik extending a hand, smiling. She hesitated.
“Please?” His tone was light, almost whiny. “Take a break. It’s hot, and I can think of no better way to spend the day at the pool.” His eyes were wide and hopeful, and Elsa felt her resistance crumble.
Damn that man and his intuition.
Elsa mock-sighed, letting the paper drop to the table as she took Alarik’s proffered hand. His smile grew into the familiar grin that made him appear young and boyish.
They walked through the village at a sedate pace, returning greetings from the Northuldra. As they passed the healer’s lavvu, they caught sight of Jenny chasing Margú, both laughing uproariously. Jenny paused only long enough to wave before dashing off again.
The sight of Jenny running off, care-free and happy, caused Elsa to pause, her hand coming to rest on the swell of her stomach. Even after four years, she still marveled at the idea that she could have borne such a wonderful, joyus child.
Alarik squeezed her hand, and she looked at him. His smile was soft, the kind he used when he wanted to reassure her. He didn’t say anything, but lowered his free hand to hover above her abdomen. When she nodded her permission, he let it rest over her own, warm and soothing.
She let his hand remain on her swell for a few more moments, before taking his hand and starting down the path once more.
This is technically Elsarik but mostly snow sisters. Also really short. Hehe. Takes place in The Whisking Star AU.
***
“Alright, I think the cake should be ready for the taste test!” Elsa said, rolling out a cake as high as a tall tower, made of many concentric circles.
“Wow. Impressive,” Alarik said from where he was sitting at the counter.
Elsa flushed. “Thank you. I was hoping you’d give some input, see if you’d think this could be something we could serve our customers for catered events. Anna had found this old box of recipe cards of Mama’s from when she and Papa still lived in Norway, so we’re still tweaking it a bit.”
Alarik eyes the towering cake. “So…how do we slice this?” he asked.
Elsa eyes the cake. “Well…it’s made of eighteen concentric circles…we very well can’t slice it all the way through…perhaps the top layer?” Elsa made a move to pick up the top layer, when Anna came bounding into the kitchen.
“Hey, you two!” Anna called out, grinning as at them. “Ooooooh, I see you’ve already started on the kransekake!”
Alarik laughed. “Well, not quite,” Alarik said. “Your sister was just about to get the top layer, so that we could sample it.”
“Well, why don’t you help her pull it?” Anna asked, eyes twinkling. “You know, wouldn’t want that tall tower to topple over!”
“Um…alright,” Alarik said, walking over to Elsa and helping her pick up the top layer of the kransekake. “Oh, some of the other layers seem to have stuck to the top when we pulled it, is that okay?”
Anna grinned at them. “That’s perfect,” Anna said. “Two perfect layers. Yup yup!”
Later, once Alarik had left the bakery, Anna rounded on Elsa. “You know what that meant, right?” Anna asked her, eyes wild and ecstatic.
Elsa took a sip of her hot cocoa. “No…should I?”
Anna took Elsa’s face in her hands. “Oh, Elsa. Elsa, Elsa, Elsa…when a bride and groom pick up the top layer of kransekake during their wedding, the number of rings that stick to the top one is said to predict the number of children the couple will have!”
Elsa’s eyes grew wide. “Anna…don’t…don’t be ridiculous, he and I are just friends…” she said, turning away to put her mug in the sink, trying to hide how her face was quickly growing warm.
“Two rings, Elsa! You two are gonna have two kiddos!”
Here’s my submission for TDOE Day 1. Alarik and Jenny, as always, belong to @patricia-von-arundel.
Rating: G. This is pure fluff.
Pancake day
“Provided there are no further questions, I would like to wish all of you a wonderful winter break. As always, while I unfortunately cannot host any of you at my home this year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you will be spending the break here. Elsa and I would be more than happy…”
Alarik started when the door to his office swung open. He swung his chair about just as Jenny tottered in, dragging her stuffed rabbit toy behind her. Her mouth opened into a wide grin- a mirror of his own, Elsa often said- and broke into a series of rolling chuckles, wobbling over to his chair as fast as she was able.
“Pa!“ She thrust both hands in the air, and he picked her up, placing her in his lap. Jenny’s attention immediately snapped to the computer screen and the dozen or so squares displaying delighted college upperclassmen.
“Jenny!” A chorus of cheers greeted her appearance, and Jenny threw her hands into the air, crowing with delight. The students copied her motion, sending Jenny into a fit of giggles. From his camera, Alarik saw a haggard looking-Elsa burst into the room.
“Alarik, I’m so sorry, I tried to stop her.”
Alarik turned to face her, smiling and shaking his head. “It’s never a problem, Darling. Besides, it appears my class doesn’t mind the interruption.”
“She’s welcome to join us anytime, Mrs. G!”
“Yeah- she makes class actually interesting when she shows up!”
Alarik shot the last commenter a mock glare, one he knew was spoiled by the stubborn tug at the corner of his mouth. “Funny. I’ll remember that when it’s time to grade your project."
Jenny snorted and clapped her hands, provoking another round of laughter from the students. Alarik sighed and shook his head. "And with that, happy holidays to all of you. Relax, enjoy, and I shall see you next year.” He waved alongside his daughter as the students said their goodbyes and signed off.
“Did you enjoy your audience, Eldig?” Alarik shut down his computer, then stood, turning Jenny so he could rub his nose against hers. She squealed and grabbed at his cheeks.
“She does enjoy her fans.” Elsa ran a finger through Jenny’s tufty curls. “But as much fun as they are, we do need to figure out dinner.”
“Cakes!” Jenny looked over to her mother, clapping her hands together. “Cakes, cakes, cakes!”
Alarik couldn’t hide his grin. Ever since Elsa had made the first batch of mini pancakes- Anna’s recipe- Jenny had become enamored with “cakes”, and frequently demanded them. When Elsa sighed, Alarik nudged her with his shoulder.
“Darling, it’s officially the start of winter break, and let’s be honest- we didn’t have anything planned tonight. Why not have breakfast for dinner? We’ll have some fun.”
Elsa rolled her eyes, but Alarik could see the corners of her mouth turning upwards. “You are such an enabler, min gås.”
Alarik leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead. “Chocolate chip paaaancakes…” he sang. It earned him another eye-roll, but he knew he’d won when Elsa could no longer hold back her smile.
“Very well. But I get to control the chocolate chip amounts for my pancakes. None of your skimping.”
“I think you mean ‘putting a reasonable amount in’. You put way too many in.”
“Blasphemer! I will have you know there is no such thing as too many chocolate chips.” Elsa spun on her heel and marched away. Alarik readjusted his hold on Jenny and followed.
“She does, though,” he whispered. “By the time your mother’s done, there’s more chocolate chips than pancake batter.”
Okay, this is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay late (considering it should have been up on December 31st), but it’s finally done! This is heavily inspired by @patricia-von-arundel‘s AMAZING fic Sweet Joy Befall Thee (seriously- go read it!)
As always, Alarik and Jenny belong to the amazing @patricia-von-arundel.
Fifth Spirit
Rating: T
Anna leaned against Kristoff, enjoying his solid warmth. Neta, exhausted from a day of running and playing with the Northuldra children, lay curled within her arms, already fast asleep. Across from fire from them, Elsa and Alarik sat together, one of his arms wrapped about her shoulders, the other rubbing slow circles on the gentle swell of her belly. Elsa was in her sixth month of pregnancy, and Anna wanted to speak to her about something had been on her mind ever since she’d been told the news. Elsa looked contented enough, calm enough, that Anna felt she might have some success broaching the topic. Anna took a steadying breath.
“Elsa?”
“Hmm?” Elsa’s voice was soft, and Anna could tell she was close to sleep.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you. Don’t worry about it.”
“No, it’s alright. What is it?” Elsa was looking directly at her now, and Anna knew it was now or never. She hesitated for several seconds, trying to figure out how best to phrase her next sentence.
“Have you… have you figured out what you’re going to do when it’s time for the baby to come?”
Elsa drew in a breath. “Anna, you can’t be there. I can’t… my powers… I can’t risk it”
Elsa knew. Of course she knew. Anna was never good about hiding her intents anyway, but she had hoped that she could ease Elsa into the discussion, would have more of a chance before Elsa’s fears took over. And what argument could she make that would assuage her fear? She had to try, though.
“Elsa, please, hear me out. I know you can control it. You did just fine during Neta’s birth, and look at how much you’ve done since you’ve been here! Please don’t ask me to leave. Please let me be there to help!” Anna could feel the tears stinging on her cheeks as Elsa’s head began to shake again, back and forth, refusing her request. She could see that Elsa’s cheeks were likewise wet, and Alarik’s eyes met Anna’s, his sadness evident.
“Anna, I just can’t, I can’t risk it, I can’t.” Elsa leaned away from Alarik, her hands clasped together. Kristoff draped an arm around Anna’s shoulders, squeezing gently. Before Anna could say anything else, however, the familiar whistle of Gale passed overhead, twirling around the group before rushing over the small stream behind Elsa and Alarik, trilling with a high, constant note. The water in the stream rippled and distorted before Nøkk rose forth with a high-pitched whinny. As they did, the fire’s color changed from orange to pink, and the familiar small shape of Bruni emerged with a chirp. A rumble filled the air and the head of a Giant appeared over the tree line, its massive hand coming to rest next to where Elsa sat.
“Elsa what-” Anna’s voice petered off when the spirits converged on Elsa’s position- Nøkk rested their head on Elsa’s shoulder, Bruni scurried into her lap, Gale spun around her shoulders, and the Giant’s finger touched her foot. None of them made a sound, but Anna could tell that they were still speak with Elsa, using their particular manner of passing images and feelings to communicate. After several minutes, Elsa nodded her head, her tears coming much harder.
“Thank you. All of you.” There was a rush of mixed sounds from the assembled spirits, and all except Bruni left the area. Noticing the circle of confused and worried looks, Elsa managed a small smile, wiping a hand over her eyes.
“They said that they would… help me keep control. They’ll do what they can to make sure my power won’t touch any of you.” Elsa leaned down with a trembling finger to stroke Bruni’s back. Alarik watched her, saying nothing, but Anna could see that his eyes were wet. After several seconds, Elsa lifted her head to lock eyes with Anna.
A very, very short one after day 11, and I’m finished with TDOE!
Alarik belongs to @patricia-von-arundel.
Rating: K
Some Things Never Change
Alarik wakes screaming sometimes.
He wasn’t even there for it, and yet in his nightmares, somehow he can still see it, ice closing about her body, starting at her legs and crawling up, inexorably up, until it encases her perfect, beautiful face, turning her into a flawless sculpture.
A lifeless sculpture.
And he wakes screaming at the final breath leaving her lips, his heart pounding, eyes streaming with tears.
But Elsa is always there, and alive.
She knows why he screams.
And so every time he wakes, screaming her name, she pulls him close, as close as she can, cradling him as her hands stroke her hair. Murmuring over and over and over.
“I’m here. I’m here. I’m here.”
Because she knows he needs that reassurance. Needs to run his his feverish hands over her skin, feeling the softness, the coolness- never cold, just cool- to feel that it isn’t ice. She allows him to rest his head against her chest, listening to her heartbeat until he drifts back to sleep, comforted by the knowledge that she’s still there, still alive, still his.
Here it is! This one got longer than I expected, but I enjoyed writing it!
Alarik and Neta belong to @patricia-von-arundel.
Rating: T (some gore)
Earth Giants.
Gale was the first to alert Elsa of the man’s presence in the forest. She twirled through Nøkk’s legs- much to their annoyance- as Elsa rode out to patrol the Eastern border, whistling until Elsa asked Nøkk to stop.
Images flooded Elsa’s mind- a lean, gangly man with auburn hair walking into the camp, speaking to Honeymaren, Ráfi and Ryder. She guessed him to be Alarik, a scholar of magic whom Anna had written to Elsa about- he’d expressed an interest in visiting the forest for his studies. Alarik was left alone for a while, and something appeared to catch his attention. He started off into the woods, and the vision jumped, showing him with his eyes and mouth wide open as he looked around, walking along the edge of a familiar river lined with cliffs.
Not cliffs- Earth Giants. Sleeping Earth Giants.
Elsa sucked in a breath, turning Nøkk and spurring them into a gallop towards the river. Idiot, idiot man! What was he thinking? He had spoken to the Northuldra- Gale had shown her that- and they would have warned him about the dangers of entering the forest without a guide. Why had he gone out on his own? The Earth Giants had become far less temperamental ever since Elsa’s ascension to the Fifth Spirit, but they were still dangerous, particularly if woken during their daily naps.
“He’s going to get himself killed.” Elsa growled. She only hoped that she could get there in time.
A flutter at the window drew Anna’s attention from her papers. Stoppering her ink bottle and placing her quill well away from the documents- she’d had enough accidents in her early days to learn- Anna pulled the pane open, allowing the collection of leaves surrounding a folded paper to enter her study. She smiled as the breeze swirled past her, whistling and lifting Anna’s hair as it passed.
“Hello, Gale, how have you been?” Anna lifted a hand, running her fingers playfully in her form of greeting as Gale whistled and warbled before depositing the letter into Anna’s outstretched palm.
“Another letter? What, did Elsa forget something?” Anna teased, before noticing that the folding of the paper, was different from the ones she usually received from Elsa- the folds were messier, quicker than the ones Elsa made. When Anna turned the paper over, she knew for certain it did not come from her sister. The handwriting, which she had seen many times before in manuscripts sent from the Northern Forest to be printed in Arendelle, belonged definitively to Alarik.
Anna couldn’t keep her hands from trembling as she worked the paper open, her mind a tumult of fear. Alarik had never before written to her- while he had added his own parts to Elsa’s letters before, Alarik had not done so by himself. Was Elsa hurt? Had something happened to the baby?
“Gale, are they okay, has something happened to them?” Gale whistled, shaking the leaves in her whirlwind back and forth- her version of a no- before nudging the window pane open and disappearing. Anna watched Gale’s departure with a sigh.
“Spirits. I’ll never understand them. Alright, Alarik, what do you have for me?”
Here’s my (short) entry for TDOE! Look out world, Jenny’s met Bruni!
Jenny and Alarik belong to @patricia-von-arundel.
Bruni
Bruni pattered through the undergrowth, passing budding plants, greening leaves and unfurling fronds that accompanied the late spring day. He followed a well-worn path until he arrived at a building far different from the surrounding wooden huts- it was a lodge, far larger than the homes surrounding it. Bruni scurried up to the lodge’s open door, peering within with wide eyes, emitting a cheerful chirp. From within, a tall, thin figure rose.
“Hello Bruni. How are you today?” The man offered a hand into which Bruni happily crawled, rolling and peeping a greeting. Unlike the surly Nøkk, Bruni liked Elsa’s mate- the man always treated him with fascination and often indulged him, much to Elsa’s consternation. Alarik ran a finger across Bruni’s back, chuckling when he chased his fingers with his tongue. “No, I don’t have anything for you to eat right now.”
Bruni grunted, then crawled up Alarik’s arm until he reached his shoulder, looking pointedly towards the interior of the lodge. While Bruni couldn’t send thoughts and feelings to Aalrik as he could Elsa, he was able to convey enough for Alarik to understand.
“Yes, she’s in there. Would you like to go see her?” As Alarik strode into the lodge, Bruni spun around with a happy shrill, emitting a few small sparks in his excitement. Alarik yelped when the sparks hit his skin, and Bruni shrank back with an apologetic chirp.
“Careful, Bruni, he’s not quite as fireproof as I am.” Elsa rose from where she lay on the fur-covered bed, wincing slightly. When he saw that, Alarik rushed over, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Now, now, none of that, darling. It’s only been a day since Jenny was born. You need to rest. Here he is.” Alarik left his arm in place, allowing Bruni to scamper down to curl up next to Elsa’s neck. He purred and hummed, rubbing his nose on her skin. He hadn’t seen Elsa since her labor, and the memory of Elsa’s cries of agony still bothered him.
“I know, I know, Bruni, and I’m sorry you had to witness that.” Elsa raised a hand to stroke along Bruni’s back, and at Alarik’s confused look, she explained the memories Bruni had sent her. Alarik gave Bruni a rueful smile.
“I get it, buddy, trust me. But why don’t we show you the result, hmm?” Bruni’s head shot up and tilted as Alarik stood, making his way over to a small, strange bed. As Bruni watched, Alarik reached over to pull out a small, squirming bundle and brought it over to the bed. “Bruni, meet Jenny.”
Alarik settled next to Elsa, pulling back the blankets so that Bruni could better see. He looked over to peer into a soft, rounded face topped with a tuft of reddish hair, with features reminiscent of both Elsa and Alarik. Bruni peeped, and the babe opened her eyes to look up at him. One small hand worked free of the blankets to wave in his direction, and Bruni watched the movement with wide eyes. Carefully, slowly, he made his way down Elsa’s arm to Alarik’s, his front feet perched on the blankets. He stretched out to touch her, and Jenny’s hand fell on his nose. Bruni fell still, his eyes locking with Jenny’s, completely fascinated. Jenny cooed, tugging at him, but Bruni didn’t feel the pain, only a warmth that had nothing to do with the fire within.
He loved this little child. In the thirty-odd years spent isolated within the forest, Bruni had never paid much mind to the Northuldra’s babies- for him, they’d held little more interest than the huts they lived in, part of the landscape and nothing more. But Jenny was different. Jenny was a mix of his spirit friend and her mate, and even at a day old, he could tell she would be as fiery as his own element, and a good friend. With a happy trill, he cuddled into the blankets, rolling and tumbling about with happiness.
Dec 25- Show Yourself
This fic takes place shortly after Elsa and Alarik get engaged in the Frozen 2 semi-compliant AU :P
Alarik belongs to @patricia-von-arundel :D
*******
“Elsa! Alarik! You’re here!” Anna said, grabbing them both into a hug. “Just in time, I was getting so bored of all these coronation preparations, I need a break!” she said, flopping over to the nearest couch. “How was your trip here?”
“Aside from the fact that we had to take the murder horse to get here?” Alarik said, grinning.
Elsa elbowed him lightly in the ribs, “you do know that Nøkk would like you better if you stopped calling them that, right?” she asked.
Alarik pouted. “It threw me into the ocean the first time I tried to get on!”
Elsa only laughed, and Anna joined her. “Alright you two lovebirds,” Anna said, “who’s hungry?
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY @patricia-von-arundel! Gotta give her a horse fic for her birthday!
Here’s a fic gift from @couragedontdesertme and @frozenprocedural!
Rating: K
Ahtohallan
Elsa needed go for a ride.
The past few months had seen her stressed, and every little thing seemed to set her off. Most recently, she’d had an argument with Alarik- a simple spat over an injury Alarik had accrued while exploring- that had ended with her in tears and running off to the water’s edge, calling for the Nøkk in a voice choked with sobs.
Nøkk exploded from the water’s surface with a haunting whinny, shaking their head and nudging her with their nose, sensing her distress and sending her worried images in response. Elsa ran a hand over their neck in an attempt at reassurance, scrubbing stubborn tears from her eyes as she forced a smile. The Nøkk rested their head against her chest, humming softly.
“It’s alright, I’m fine. I just… need to get away for some time. Ready to ride?” Elsa held her hand out, ice collecting on the surface as she prepared to start the transformation. To her surprise, Nøkk took several rapid steps backward, shaking their head and nickering, a single, solid thought coming, not in the Nøkk’s normal way of images and emotions, but a single word- No.
Elsa drew back, uncertain. Nøkk had never, never refused a ride. No matter the conditions, no matter her mood, they were always ready for a run. She let the power fade from her hand. “What’s… what’s wrong?”
Nøkk looked at her, ears flicking nervously. They stepped forward once more, this time resting their muzzle closer to her belly, their bright eyes locking on hers. For a moment, they did nothing, then closed their eyes and sent a thought. It was the Nøkk’s perspective, moments earlier, as they rested their head on Elsa’s chest, listening to her heartbeat, as always.
This time, however, there were two.
She staggered away from the water’s edge, thinking hard, trying to remember when her last cycle was. She had always been irregular, and usually thought nothing of a missed cycle.
Summer.
She hadn’t bled since summer.
Not since before…
The hidden spring they had found while exploring one day.
Elsa felt her vision swimming, and she blindly made her way to a tree, feeling the autumn leaves crunch beneath her feet. She leaned back on it, before feeling herself sliding down, down, until she was sitting at the base of the tree. She curled up around herself, hugging her knees to her chest, feeling tears prickling at her eyes. She buried her face in her knees, feeling her shoulders shaking with sobs.
After what seemed like a lifetime, she heard the crunch of boot stepping on a fallen twig, and looked up.
“Darling?” Alarik asked, eyes wide and worried. “I came to apologize, you were right, I shouldn’t have gotten myself injured like that, I promise I’ll be more careful…”
Careful…
They hadn’t been careful. If they had been more careful, if they had used protection, if, if, if…
She burst into tears. “I’m pregnant.”
The word broke something within her, and ice spread in a ragged circle, thick and spiked. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Alarik step closer and pulled back with a cry. He stopped where he was, but did not back up- he would never back away, only give her the space she needed. He lowered himself so he was at her eye level.
“Elsa.” His tone remained calm and soothing, “Deep breaths. Deep breaths, calm yourself. You will be fine.” He spoke more, soft murmurings in both Norwegian and Swedish, a stream of words meant simply to help her calm down. Elsa pulled air into her lungs, struggling to comply, her world spinning. After a moment, her heart slowed, and the ice beneath her thawed, soaking her legs. She could hear Alarik’s steps sloshing through the water, and after one more shuddering breath, she turned, allowing him to wrap an arm around her and bring her away from the growing puddle. As soon as they were settled onto dry ground, Alarik pulled her close, running a hand through her hair in slow, reassuring strokes.
“Deep breaths, darling. We can’t be entirely sure at this point-”
“Nøkk heard two heartbeats.”
Alarik’s eyes drifted over to Nøkk, who had remained standing in the breakers, eyes never wavering from the two of them. Upon noticing his gaze, Nøkk’s ears went back, and they snorted irritably. Alarik, for his part, merely narrowed his eyes before looking back to Elsa, who had managed a small smile at this point- the two of them had never truly gotten along.
"I see."
“What if I can’t control my powers?” she whispered, looking up at him, eyes wide and wet. “It’s going to hurt, it’s going to be hard, I-”
“Darling,” he said, stroking through her hair, “we’ll practice. You’re going to be just fine.” He pulled her closer, pressing his lips to her brow. “Do you trust me on this?”
She looked up at him, “yes…” She did trust him. She trusted him with her life.
And with the life now growing inside her.
They sat quietly for a minute more, holding one another, processing. Eventually Alarik shifted, then stood, offering a hand to Elsa. She took it and stood herself, turning in the direction of Arendelle.
"I'll have to tell Anna and Kristoff," she murmured. Alarik squeezed the hand he still held, following her gaze.
"You don't have to, at least not right away. Give yourself the time you need. Anna will understand."
"No, I… I want to. As long as… will you come with me?"
"Always, Elsa, always. I am always here for you." Alarik turned to her, eyes seeking permission. She lifted her head, and he brought his lips to hers. When they pulled away, he motioned towards the Northuldra village.
"Do you want me to prepare a sled? We should be ready within a half hour."
"No need. Nøkk, will you take us? No, I know, not riding," Elsa added when Nøkk shook their head. She sent a mental image, and after a moment's hesitation, they bobbed their head in agreement.
"Elsa, what-" Alarik's voice petered off as Elsa raised her hands, sending a shower of ice out onto the water. Within seconds, a sleek craft, somewhere between a sled and a boat, appeared, with slim strands of ice reaching out to wrap around Nøkk. Elsa chuckled at the wide-eyed look on Alarik's face, and motioned to the craft.
"Let's go tell them."
……….
Many, many months later…
Elsa stood at the edge of the stream winding through the camp, baby Jenny resting securely in her sling against her chest. She leaned against Alarik, eyes closed as she called once more for the Nøkk. The water rippled and warped, and they exploded forth with a whinny.
As soon as their gaze landed on Elsa, the water spirit’s head tilted, ears pricked. An image came to her, with a questioning emotion attached. Alarik started when Elsa burst out laughing.
“They think I’m still pregnant- the sling is confusing for them. No, here she is.” With deft movements, Elsa unwrapped Jenny, settling the sleepy infant in her arms, lifting her so Nøkk could better see. The water spirit gave a sudden snort, stepping back and shaking their head. Elsa felt Alarik’s hand clench her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.
More images and feelings, these tinged with worry.
Small. So small. Could hurt.
“Oh, oh, it’s alright. Come here, Nøkk, you won’t hurt her.”
“Hmph. So you say,” she heard Alarik mutter from behind her. She gave him a quick shove, rolling her eyes. Nøkk gave him a much more aggressive snort before approaching Elsa once more, head low. They stretched their neck, nostrils flaring as they took in Jenny’s scent. Alarik’s hand tightened again, but Elsa remained still, letting Nøkk continue their inspection.
After a few more sniffs, Nøjk reached forward and tentatively placed the tip of their muzzle on Jenny's chest. Jenny shifted, her eyes fluttering open, but before Nøkk could pull away, she raised a hand, resting it on their nose.
Elsa had never seen Nøkk's eyes go quite as wide as they did then. Their entire body appeared to glow, and a shudder worked its way through them. A bevy of emotions and thoughts flooded Elsa's mind, chief among them being an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and love. Nøkk had fallen completely and irrevocably in love with Jenny, and was willing to protect her with every fiber of their being. Elsa felt tears sting the corners of her eyes at the thought. She rested her forehead on Nøkk's.
"Thank you, my friend."
After a few moments, Nøkk pulled away, prancing and snorting, flinging their head towards their back in a clear indication of their intent. Elsa hesitated, looking down at Jenny with concern. Alarik removed his hand and grabbed the sling, securing it around Elsa's shoulder once more. When she looked at him in surprise, he smiled and gave her forehead a kiss.
"Go. You'll both be fine. I'll see you when you come back." He looked at Nøkk, giving them a stern look. "You will keep them safe, do you hear me?"
For once, Nøkk didn't respond with their normal bluster. Instead, they lowered their head, sending one clear thought to Elsa.
"Always," she echoed. Alarik relaxed- smiled even, before offering a hand as Nøkk lowered to their knees. Elsa took a breath and swung on, feeling a rush of adrenaline when Nøkk stood. Alarik adjusted Jenny's sling once more before placing a hand on Nøkk's hindquarters.
"Have a good ride. Both of you." He stepped back as Elsa coated Nøkk in ice, and turned them inland. With one more check to see that Jenny was secure- she was, in fact, sleeping soundly- Elsa touched her heels to their sides.
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