#shardsverse

[frozenprocedural]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Frozen (Disney Movies) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Elsa/OC Characters: Elsa (Disney), Alarik (OC) Additional Tags: First Time, Vaginal Fingering, Vaginal Sex, Intimacy, Nipple Licking Series: Part 10 of Elsarik Smut Summary:

Elsa and Alarik's first time in the original Shardsverse Universe.

Alarik and the Shardsverse universe belong, as always, to the amazing @patricia-von-arundel.

[frozenprocedural]

Handmade

Rating: K

“I need you to teach me how to knit.”

Kristoff turned from the stack of crates, one eyebrow raised. Alarik fidgeted, realizing how the sentence sounded. 

“Um… please teach me how to knit. I'd like to try to make something for Elsa's birthday. My funds are more or less tied to Elsa, so that makes buying her a gift… well it would be her paying for it and…”

“Elsa's birthday isn't for another six months.” Kristoff spoke in a flat tone, his eyebrow raising even higher. 

Alarik grimaced. “Yes, well, knowing me, it would probably take me that long to make something. Or at least, make something I wouldn't immediately want to burn.”

Kristoff remained quiet for so long, Alarik was certain he would be refused. 

“I'll try. It should be interesting, at least.”

…….

It was Neta, not her father, who ended up doing most of the teaching. 

Not that it was Kristoff's fault. They both agreed that Alarik had been wise to start so early. It took him a month to learn the technique, and to keep the stitches on the needles. More than once, Alarik believed it certain his brother-in-law would snap the needles in frustration. 

Fortunately, Neta had found them one evening in the stables- one of the areas of the castle Elsa would be less likely to walk in on them- and took over almost immediately. Both men were equally relieved.

Neta proved to be a far more patient teacher, clearly finding Alarik's blunders more amusing than frustrating. They kept to a simple project- a pale blue scarf- but even that provided Alarik with a challenge. It took an agonizingly long time to get to a length that Elsa could wrap around her neck. Worst of all was its appearance- a lumpy mess, with holes peppering the uneven surface. It even lacked a straight edge, with parts bulging out or curving in. 

Still, Neta refused to let Alarik quit, sitting at the door to his lab (it had gotten too cold to remain in the stables, and Elsa was growing suspicious of his trips there), keeping up her own, far superior, projects and coaxing him to finish just a few more rows. Eventually he got to the point of binding off, but one look at the misshapen product only solidified Alarik's certainty that he would never horrify his wife with its presence. Despite Neta’s protests, he tossed it in the corner of his lab, and left, feeling defeated and despondent. 

His departure meant he failed to notice Neta picking up the scarf and placing it with her knitting.

…….

Elsa's birthday was a quiet affair, as it most often was, particularly with her pregnancy having been officially announced only two weeks prior. Save for the ringing of the Jule Bell, she'd remained inside the castle and out of public view- not that Alarik blamed her.

Still, she was smiling and cuddled close to him as she opened the gifts, and he hoped it had been a good day for her, one where her fears could be put aside. As the last of the wrapping paper was swept aside, he settled deeper into the couch, intending to spend some time simply enjoying his wife's closeness. 

“There's still one gift left, Aunt Elsa!” Neta looked up at them, holding a lumpy paper parcel. 

“Oh, thank you Neta! Although you've already given me so many wonderful gifts!” Elsa gestured to the small pile of knitted and carved items her niece had made.

Neta handed the parcel over with a grin, waiting until Elsa began to tear it open before adding, “It's not from me! Uncle Alarik made this!”

Alarik blinked, momentarily confused, until he caught sight of a familiar shade of pale blue. He jerked, feeling the color drain from his face.

“Neta! Oh no, no, no, no, no, no!”

But it was too late- Elsa pulled the scarf free, holding it up so every hole and misshapen stitch was on display. 

“Alarik, what-”

“I tried to knit you a scarf, but… you can see the result. I don't… Neta, why did you keep that!?”

“Because you made it for Aunt Elsa! That's the important part! That's what makes it special!” Neta's chin jutted out stubbornly, her glare as fierce as any her mother could give. 

Alarik opened his mouth to retort, but Elsa's soft voice cut him off. 

“She's right.” 

Elsa wound the scarf around her neck, running a finger over the yarn. Alarik noticed that the imperfections had become far less noticeable, and the color suited Elsa. She caught him looking, and reached over to cup his cheek.

“You made it. That makes it special. Thank you, Alarik. And thank you, Neta, for not letting him get rid of it.”

Neta grinned, jumping up to hug them both. 

[frozenprocedural]

Storms

A very, very happy birthday to the one and only @bepoets! I hope it’s a great one!

This is set in @patricia-von-arundel‘s Shardsverse. Alarik and Jenny belong to her. This is just pure fluffiness.

Storms

Rating: K

The first time Alarik witnessed Elsa's fear was during her visit to Leisalla. 

They were eating together- Knut, Beata, Elsa and himself- when lightning lit the hall so bright it seemed to be mid-day. Less than a second later, thunder roared, shaking the windowpanes and causing them all to jump in their seats. 

Alarik laughed with Beata and Knut, but after a few seconds, he noticed that Elsa had not joined them. Instead, she stared at the windows with wide eyes, and Alarik thought he could see her shaking. As soon as she noticed his gaze, however, Elsa schooled her features, carefully placing her fork by her plate and excusing herself, stating exhaustion. 

Alarik almost rose to follow her, but then remembered Elsa's rebuke from after the trial. He didn't know her. 

He remained where he was, hating the helpless feeling in his gut as he watched her disappear down the hallway. 

……….

The second time was during Alarik's early visits to Arendelle- still a stranger then, but somewhat more familiar with Elsa than he'd been in Leisalla.

He was coming back from the library, so focused on his studies that he almost ran into Elsa in the hallway. He opened his mouth to apologize, but was interrupted by a rumble of thunder. Elsa leapt back, and he saw a coating of frost encase the paper she was holding. 

"Elsa? Are you…"

She stepped back, eyes wide as she shook her head. Frantic, jerky movements that made him think of a trapped prey animal, terrified and ready to run. He took a step back of his own, giving her space, trying to find the right words to say, something that may provide her with a measure of comfort. 

He could find nothing. 

"Elsa? I'm here."

Anna stood beside Alarik, giving him a meaningful jerk of her head. He caught the hint, leaving the pair as Anna continued to talk to Elsa in tones too low for him to hear. 

Hours later, Anna found him in the library. He couldn't sleep, still replaying the event in his head, Elsa's terrified face haunting him. He hated how he couldn't help her, couldn't provide even the smallest amount of comfort.

"How is Elsa doing?" Perhaps it was far too familiar of a question, but he needed to know. 

Anna took a seat on the couch beside him, running a hand over her face. There was exhaustion there, and a look of profound sadness. 

"As well as to be expected, I suppose. The worst of the storm's over at least. Still, I doubt she'll sleep much tonight."

Silence stretched between them, but Alarik once more lacked the ability to come up with something to say. He didn't have to, as Anna broke the silence.

"Neither of us do well with storms. Not since our parents died." She cast a sidelong glance in Alarik's direction, and he nodded in understanding. 

"I think it's something Elsa's never been able to come to peace with. I remember her asking them if they…" Anna's voice broke, and Alarik saw a tear running down her cheek. Taking a chance, he offered a hand and she took it, squeezing hard. 

"She asked them if they had to go. And… they never came back. Elsa… I'm sure she thinks it's her fault, no matter how ridiculous that is. But she… well.."

Anna looked away, and Alarik could hear her quiet sobs. He patted his pockets, wishing he had a handkerchief to offer.

"I'm so sorry…" What more was there to say?

Anna sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve, giving a rueful chuckle. "Don't tell Elsa- she hates when I do that."

She sighed, standing up and clasping her free hand over his. "Thank you. For caring." 

He only wished he could do something more. 

………..

The third was a decade later, when he faced his truth and admitted what needed to be admitted. When he and Elsa both finally accepted that the feelings between them were something far more than just a friendship. 

Anna, Kristoff and Neta had taken a trip to the summer lodge, while he and Elsa remained behind to finish various projects. Alarik was in his lab when he heard the first clap of thunder. He was deep in his work, hardly able to be distracted by the weather, but something kept niggling at his mind. 

When another thunderclap shook the windows, he remembered instantly. 

Elsa!

He was out the door in seconds, leaving his notes behind, rushing as fast as his feet could carry him. He heard a few startled cries from the servants as he dashed past them, but he didn't stop- not until he reached the door to her study.

Only then did he pause, making himself take several deep, steadying breaths. He needed to be calm. For her. 

Once his heart rate and breathing slowed, Alarik tapped on the door with his knuckles. 

"Elsa, it's me. May I come in?"

"I'm f-" Her voice cut off at another roll of thunder, and he could hold back no more. Alarik pushed the door open and felt an immediate drop in temperature. What he saw inside made his heart sink.

Elsa was still sitting at her desk, but she was curled in on herself, flinching with each flash of lightning. Her desk was coated in a thick rime, and a small pool of ice sat at her feet. She was shaking- not from the cold, he knew well.

"Elsa." Even his gentle tone was enough to make her start, spikes of ice forming on the desk. She shook her head, scrambling off the chair, putting more distance between them, and he stopped. Another boom of thunder, and she yelped. 

"Elsa," he tried again. "I'm here." Repeating those words Anna had spoken so long ago. "I won't come any closer. Not until you're ready. But I'm right here. You're not alone. I'm right here."

Elsa watched him with wide eyes, but after a moment, she nodded her permission. He stepped in- slowly, gauging her reaction- and held his hands out. He kept up a stream of murmured reassurances, and when lightning flashed again, Elsa let loose a sob and collapsed into his arms. He pulled her close, running a hand through her hair. 

Some tiny part of his mind brought forth the idea that this wouldn't be proper- him holding her in what could be considered an intimate manner before their marriage, but just as quickly as it arrived, he mentally swept it away. Propriety be damned- Elsa needed him. 

So he held her tight, heedless of the cold, hoping that his own warmth would help. He lost track of how long they sat there- certainly long enough for his back and joints to start aching. But he made no effort to ease the pain.

Eventually, as the storm quieted, so did Elsa. She sniffed and shifted, and he released his hold enough that she could sit back, although he remained close enough their legs still touched. Elsa pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes and nose. Alarik couldn't hold back a small smile, remembering how Anna had used her sleeve those many years ago. It dropped when he saw how exhausted Elsa looked.

Elsa glanced around the room and sighed, closing her eyes. The ice around her desk began to recede, dripping onto the floor, but she clearly lacked the strength to dissipate it fully.

"There go the last three hours of work. At least they were documents I was writing." Elsa's voice was more resigned than upset.

"I'm sorry." Alarik got to his feet, wincing at his sore muscles, then offered Elsa a hand and helped her to her feet. She wouldn't meet his eyes.

"No, I'm sorry you had to… deal with that. It's not fair to you."

"Elsa, no." He took her hands in his, squeezing them gently. "There's no 'fair' in this. And it's nothing I have to 'deal' with either. I love you, and I am here for you. No matter what."

She finally looked up at him, and he used his thumb to brush away the tears at the corner of her eyes. After a moment, she nodded, and rested her head against his chest. He could just barely hear her whispered "Thank you."

Alarik pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll walk you to your room, if that's alright."

They left the study hand in hand.

……….

When Jenny was three years old, everything changed. 

Alarik was jarred awake by a roar of thunder that rattled thr windows. He blinked a few times, trying to get his bearings, and recognized the drumbeat pattern of heavy rain. 

And something else.

A whimper, so soft he almost missed it. But it drove away the last vestiges of sleep more effectively than the thunder had.

"Elsa."

She was still asleep, but her face was tight with fear, her body jerking with small, sharp movements. He could see small semicircles of frost surrounding the tips of her fingers. He stroked a finger down her shoulder, trying to wake her carefully so as not to cause more panic. 

It didn't matter, because that moment, the loudest crack of thunder caused her to jolt awake, her hands clutching the sheets that had frozen beneath them, and scream. 

"Elsa! It's alright! I'm right here. You're safe." Alarik kept his hand on her arm, hoping the contact would help calm her down. Elsa cast a wild glance around the room before her eyes landed on him. She whimpered, curling away from him, but before he could speak, another scream sounded. But not from Elsa.

"MAAAAMMMAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! PAAAAAAAPPAAAAAA!!!!!!!!"

Elsa straightened and leapt out of the bed, dashing to the door and throwing it open. Jenny stood there, clutching her stuffed rabbit and bawling. Elsa scooped her up into her arms, holding her close. Jenny buried her head in Elsa's shoulder, and even from where he was, Alarik could see she was shaking. 

"Shhhh, little one, shhhh. It's alright. We're here, and you're safe."

Elsa carried Jenny back to their bed and climbed in, nestling her between the two of them. Alarik reached out and smoothed a stray curl away from Jenny's face, and used his thumb to brush away a tear. 

"Did the storm scare you, Eldig?"

Jenny nodded, then ducked her head with a muffled shriek when lightning flashed yet again. When thunder followed it, Alarik snuck a quick glance at Elsa, expecting to see signs of fear. To his surprise, while he did see lines of worry on her face, it was clearly due to Jenny's distress rather than the storm. She pulled Jenny closer, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.

"Storms can be scary, little one. Even to me."

At that, Jenny's head shot up. "You're scared too?"

Elsa's eyes flicked to the window, then back to Jenny. "Yes, little one. But I am surrounded by people who love me and are brave. Your Papa, of course. And Aunt Anna and Uncle Kristoff."

"And Neta! Neta's very brave."

Elsa chuckled. "That she is. And there is one other very important person who helps me."

Jenny wrinkled her nose in confusion. Alarik noticed that neither she nor Elsa flinched with the next flash of lightning. 

"Who?"

Elsa kissed Jenny's forehead. "You, Jenny. You help me so much."

Jenny's face lit up, then fell a bit. "But I'm still scared!"

"And that's alright. Just being here helps me."

"Oh." Jenny yawned, laying her head down on Elsa's pillow. "Okay. Love you Mama." Her voice was thick with sleep. Within moments, she was snoring softly, one hand clutching a handful of Elsa's night shirt. 

Alarik tucked a blanket around Jenny, even though he knew it wouldn't stay on her for long. Catching Elsa's questioning look, he nodded and wrapped an arm around the both of them, feeling his own drowsiness grow. 

"Let's let her sleep here tonight. It will be good for all of us."

Elsa turned her head to kiss his fingers. "Thank you," she whispered, so softly he almost missed it. 

"You're welcome, min älskling. Sleep well."

He fell asleep, happy to know that Elsa's fear was abated. 

[frozenprocedural]

🌹🌹🌹

Whimpering cries woke him, ones he recognized well.

Hungry. She's hungry.

Alarik rubbed the clinging remnants of sleep from his eyes, sitting up with a yawn.

-from a Shardsverse story

[frozenprocedural]

In honor of the anniversary of @patricia-von-arundel‘s incredible Shardsverse, here is a preview of a commission done by the amazing @comickergirl for my (hopefully) upcoming multi-chapter the Beowulf Saga, based on Shardsverse. I’ll be dropping more as TDOE comes up!

[bepoets]

Review for Trish’s Dream Fic

Trish ( @couragedontdesertme  ) said she’d write an epilogue of the elsarik dream Fic if I made a Formal Review of the elsarik dream fic. So here we are.

Please note review should be taken VERY LIGHTLY this is more or less me re-reading the Fic and loudly yelling about things with too many exclamation points. Enjoy Trish.

Ch1

First of all imagine my fucking surprise I didn’t even know you had gotten work done on the dream fic???? Here I was thinking the link you sent me was the next chapter of city of ice and then I click on it and it saYS DREAM FIC???? E X C U S E M E oh my goodness

The first section is just so entirely domestic and beautiful and you can tell how lived in and content they are in their life as roommates. ALARIK (listen my phone autocorrects ALARIK to be in all caps and I’m too lazy to fix it so y’all are gonna have to deal with reading ALARIK’s name as if I’m yelling it every time I type it) anyway ALARIK just bringing her the chocolate croissants she loves so dearly and Elsa curling up with a book and him fretting and worrying over her being there alone all day and later... it’s just SO DOMESTIC. it’s such a small short moment but it’s so domestic and a perfect opposite of the PAIN THAT HAPPENS AFTER!!! And we al know I LOVE READING PAIN

The fact that ALARIK was only home late because he was doing tutoring to earn more money to by Elsa A PRESENT????? Shut up no one speak to me that’s true love but also PAINFUL the guilt he must feel oh my god

Elsa...stops struggling... because she doesn’t want ,,,, ALARIK ,,,, to get hurt. Because she cares for his safety more than her own because he has protected her and he is her friend and she loves him I am going to SCREAM

The fact that you use the phrase ~marching her out of the warmth of the room~ when she just used her magic to like cover the walls in frost makes my Heart burst cause idk if it was intentional or not but I just love the thought that this room has become Home to her it’s become safe and beautiful and lovely and WARM because it is full of love and friendship and companionship rather than the cold loneliness of say her ice palace of her locked room as a child. I like to think Elsa could have covered the room entirely in ice and snow and frost and it would still feel warm to her because of the love that’s developed there thank you for coming to my tedtalk

Ugh fuck hans

I have literally no words other than fuck hans for any section with hans in it I DONT even want to RECOGNIZE THAT HE EXISTS !!! Making Elsa feel like she’s nothing I am going to punch him in the eye

~ALARIK weeps over smushed chocolate croissant. End scene~

I know that it’s such a heartbreaking sad ending for that first chapter but also I really can’t stop laughing about him crying over a stepped on croissant since I know that your like planning note for that last scene was literally just some variant of ALARIK cried over a smushed croissant and that’s just such a funny IMAGE TO ME EVEN THOUGH ITS SAD

I just like to imagine ALARIK cradling the chocolate croissant in his arms like a bébé as he sobs

Ch2

I’m fucking S A D

ALARIK having like NO MONEY and just thinking about that the money he has was going to go to a gift for Elsa and the guard LAUGHING AT HIM LIKE THATS IT THATS ALL YOU HAVE?? Like shut UP HES TRYING TO SAVE HIS BELOVED

P e t t y c h a n g e HE IS TRYING MR GUARD I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW HE WORKED EXTRA TO GET THAT MONEY

ALARIK is so fucking DEVOTED I’m going to run through a goddamn wall I cannot cope. Willing to sell the clothes off his back have you ever seen an idiot more iN LOVE

ALARIK just going willingly cause he has no fight left in him and he just wants to see Elsa even if it means he gets imprisoned too oh my GOD

THE SCENE ITS THE SCENE!!!!!!!!!

STRAIGHT FROM TRISH’S SUBCONSCIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT STARTED IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!

ALARIK wanting to hold her hands when her hands are what are chained up and seen as dangerous and what ~make her a witch~ the absolute love and power that holds.

LET ALARIK AND ELSA HOLD HANDS

“I promised to keep you safe” the pain I feel oh mY GOD

“They’ll KILL you” they’re really out here trying to protect each other at all costs oh my god nothing matters more to the other than keeping the other safe and for that I want to cry and love them and also I want to ram their heads into the wall because wHY WONT THEY JUST PROTECT ESCH OTHER TOGETHER

The PARALLEL OH MY FUCKING GOD

the P A R A L L E L of ALARIK stilling and no longer struggling when the guards threaten Elsa’s death in the same way that Elsa stilled and stopped struggling when they threatened ALARIK’s death oh my god that broke me right there

U g h hans fuck that guy

A N N A !!!!!!!!

When I first read this,,, I DONT know why??? But for some reason??? I didn’t think Anna would be in it???? Which like thinking back on that it makes no sense of COURSE Anna would be in the FIC why would I ever think otherwise. But anyway I was so surprised when she showed up I literally gasped and went ANNA??? Out loud because I was so shocked

ALFAFA GERANIUM

ALARIK really is just so bad under pressure who thought this was a good idea

AG FOR SHORT wink wink nudge nudge cough cough

I’ll be thinking about ALARIK shouting alfafa geranium on my death bed let us never forget

“No harm, no foul” is literally the most fucking Anna line I’ve ever heard. She absolutely would say that to someone who was being question for a crime she’d be like “it’s not biggy”

Why is it that when hans says “BUT ANNA!!!” I hear it like he’s wining like a petulant child I read it like “bUT annNNAAAAA” ugh I hate him

“Don’t scream” *ALARIK’s inner monologue* “this ,, is the story of how I died”

ILL HELP YOU HELP HER ESCAPE!!!!! HELL YEA YOU WILL ANNA HELL YEA YOU WILL

Ch3

My dumbass really went “why are none of the children named neta” before remembering that is the child of Anna and Kristoff and these...are the children of Anna ,,, and .... ugh please don’t make me say his name

I would die for these kids though I love them and I want to protect them at all costs 

Johannes at 5 (and a half!!!!) being a fine soldier GOOD FOR HIM

Isak owns my entire heart from the moment he started fake crying for his mother what a star performer a true Actor he’s too good

Arendellian Royal Guards, are they guards? Or are they simply baby sitters? The world may never know

JOAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of the babies being named JOAN!!! Hang in there Joan!!!!!!!!! That made me cry oh my god J O A N

Bébé Isak lookout supreme with his big eyeballs and smile and goofy lil salute I love him

The fact that Elsa says she felt stupid for being lured into a false sense of security means she felt secure and safe for literally the first time since she was a child when she was with ALARIK and I cannot properly articulate how much that made me cry I love that so much that has to mean sO MUCH TO HER oh my god

“You have to get out!! Do the magic!!” NO ONE SPEAK TO ME ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT THIS LINE FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS I LITERALLY WEPT

the use of DO THE MAGIC oh my god AND ELSAS HEART LIKE BREAKING BECAUSE SHE FEELS LIKE SHE CANT

DO ! THE ! MAGIC !

Brave little boy with his mother’s determination saying “be brave. That’s what mama said to tell you” oh my GOD THESE CHILDREN HAVE MY WHOLE HEART OH MY GOD

A rooster crow for the signal COUKD they be more obvious I love these kids they’re ridiculous they are truly the children of Anna

Elsa!!! Chose!! To be!!! Brave!!!

IF SHE TRIED TO SAY GOODBYE TO ELSA!!! SHE MAY NEVER LET GO!!!

SHE HAD NO WHERE TO GO!!! BUT SHE DOES BEVAUSE THERES ALARIK WAITING FOR HER BECAUSE GUESS WHAT

ALARIK IS HER HOME !!!!! HE IS HER HOME !!!! SHE CAN GO TO HIM!!!!

Queue another one of my shocked and delightfully surprised screams as I shouted KRISTOFF????? Because blonde dude driving a reindeer cart

Let’s get you somewhere safe I’m going to cry THEYRE finally together again and they can keep each other safe together as. They. Should.

They are cuddling and my heart is exploding oh my god ALARIK seems so surprised like you big dumb idiot you’re both in love with each other it’s a mutual thing get with the program

SLEEP ELSA! ITS GOING TO BE OKAY! AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROBABLY FOREVER! IT WILL BE!

Ch4

*queue another gasp* there’s only one bed?????

Yea I saw it coming yea I was just as shocked even so yea I got very excited about it wHAT DID YOU EXPECT

They’re cUDDLING and he went to move away and she DOESNT WANT HIM TO they could’ve been sharing a bed THIS WHOLE TIME AND I JUST WANT TO SCREAM BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY

ALARIK laying all the credit on kristoff and the kids when he’s kind of the one that steamrolled the whole plan into happening because he’s the one who showed up ALARIK please give yourself more credit

“You came back” “of course I came back... I couldnt ...” “why?” And then ALARIK refusing to meet her eyes has me absolutely weeping this is the kind of shit I THRIVE ON this is truly a gift to us all everyone say thank you Trish for these three bits of dialogue I will be thinking about them for all my days

ELSA KISSED HIM!!!!!!!!!

Yeah I do lose my shit anytime Elsa is the one to make the first move you go girl you go

THE SPICE VENDOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bringing in all my favorites I am going to cry thank you Trish I love Darius

I SUPPOSE YOU TWO HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN MARRIED

listen I SCREAMED WHEN HE SAID THAT I SQUAWKED!!!! MARRIED!!!!!!

I had been observing you two and just assumed!!!!! You would assume right mr spice vendor sir if they WERENT so stupid for so long it’s okay we understand

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ??? And Elsa says MARRY US? And ALARIK is going to PASS THE FUCK OUT

He literally got to finally kiss the woman he’s in love with for the first time last night and now they’re getting married poor boy is going to get WHIPLASH from how fast things are progressing but it’s okay im sure he is happy

Elsa’s little vows of just needing each other and keeping each other safe and keeping company and not needing gold or silver ugh TRUE LOVE

And ALARIK hopelessly devoted to her being like I PROMISE

“just you being there no matter what is enough” peak romance true love the devotion the dedication I’m a wreck

LE SMOOCH! LE MARRIAGE! INCREDIBLE I LOVE THEM

~end review~

Okay where is my epilogue please and thank you

[naturepointstheway]

number 12? 👉👈

Elsa leaned her elbows on the table, watching Alarik hard at work on sorting the rock display for the next gaggle of freshly-minted-out-of-high-school first year geology students. There was a growing pile for sedimentary rocks, greatly outnumbering the metamorphic and igneous rocks combined. Elsa didn’t know much about geology, but she recognised the beautiful obsidian rock from Alarik’s bedroom, and the gneiss from the one corner of his lab where he kept his favourite geological specimens from the field. 

“Admiring my rocks?” Alarik asked with a wink, catching Elsa watching.

“What? I mean...yes, yes, you have beautiful rocks.” 

“Got a favourite one?” 

“Probably that one with the little red things in it.” 

“Ooh, garnet mica schist! She’s a beauty, but not as beautiful as you. Anything else you would like to ask?” 

“So you’re a geologist, then.” 

“And very proud to be one.” 

“So...you lick rocks for a living?” 

Alarik chuckled, throwing her a mysterious grin. “Sometimes. You should try it someday.” 

Elsa wrinkled her nose at the thought. “Not a chance.” 

“I’ll convert you to it soon enough. Now...how about that coffee date we were talking about?” 

[frozenprocedural]

“I know hurts, but you have to stay awake, okay?” Elsarik? :D

This... this one got long. Of course, I have to have all the angst happen to poor Alarik. Sorry, buddy.

Alarik, of course, belongs to @patricia-von-arundel. @couragedontdesertme gets the blame for all the damned promts.

This happens in my Beowulf! AU. Rating is T, some mentions of blood.

Stay Awake

They had no warning. 

Alarik and Beowulf were crossing the plains, returning to the forest after meeting a supply wagon as the sun dipped low in the sky. What he'd assumed to be another boulder dotting the landscape rose suddenly and began lumbering towards them.

Bear!

Its mangy coat hung loose on its frame, and Alarik could see its ribs. It was clearly starving, and its beady eyes were fixed on Beowulf, who pressed against Alarik's leg, her own eyes wide and white-rimmed in terror. 

"Make yourself big. Big and noisy." Alarik muttered Honeymaren's advice, but his body refused to move any closer to the massive beast. He tried to force himself to step forward, to make some sound. 

The bear broke into a gallop, and fear overran sense.

Alarik dropped his parcel and scooped Beowulf up, sprinting down the path, his mind screaming at him to run, to escape, the heavy footfalls of the bear closing in with each stride. 

He made it to the four monoliths when a paw struck his back, knocking his head against one of the stones. Pain exploded through his skull as bursts of light obscured his vision, and hot blood ran into his eyes. He had just enough sense to tuck Beowulf close to his body and roll into a ball.

A roar, and lancing pain shot across his back as the bear's claws dug in. Alarik would have screamed, but the blow drove the air from his lungs, reducing the sound to a whimpering gasp. He clutched Beowulf close, his ears assaulted with a cacophony of her terrified bawling and the bear's enraged roars. 

Another strike, and another, his back aflame. Alarik could feel his strength sapping away as rivers of blood streamed down his back, his hold on Beowulf slipping. He didn't want to let go, didn't want to lose the calf that had brought him and Elsa together, but his arms would no longer cooperate. 

Another roar- but this one was different, familiar. Heat at his back, and the raking claws were gone. He heard a panicked sound from the bear, followed by its clear retreat. 

"Bruni…"

Bruni scurried up to Alarik's face, his back still pink, eyes wide. He peeped, nudging Alarik's cheek. Then his head shot up. 

"ALARIK!"

…………

Elsa didn't think much of Alarik going to meet the supply wagon- it was a routine visit, and a path he'd taken many times before. 

Then Bruni flooded her mind with panicked images.

Bear-big-hungry, Alarik-no-fire-hair-friend, blood-red-hot-badbadbad. 

Elsa had to stop in the middle of the path, clutching her head in her hands as she fought to make sense of the cacophony of emotions and images Bruni conveyed. Elsa was vaguely aware of several Northuldra approaching her with concern. She shook her head, waving them off. 

Then she realized what Bruni was trying to convey. 

"NØKK!"

The water in the stream beside the path exploded at her scream, and Nøkk erupted forth with a roar. Elsa was at their side in seconds, pressing her palms into them and releasing the magic roiling just below the surface of her skin. Once the ice covered Nøkk's body, she swung astride. 

"The monoliths, Nøkk, hurry!"

Nøkk dropped their head and surged forward, far outpacing any mortal horse. What would have taken ten minutes on foot took Nøkk less than a minute to cover. When the standing stones came into view, Nøkk reared and screamed, and Elsa was greeted with a horrific sight. 

Illuminated as the scene was with Bruni's flames, no detail was spared. Alarik lay still on the ground, curled around a trembling Beowulf. Bruni stood by his head, nudging him with his nose. Alarik's back was torn to shreds, ribbons of flesh hanging down and rivulets of blood streaming to the ground. He made no movement, gave no signs of life.

"ALARIK!"

The scream that left Elsa was harsh, animalistic. She leapt from Nøkk's back, rushing to his side and pressing her fingers to his neck. Up close, she could see he had a gash on his head, and there was blood on one of the monoliths. Beowulf squirmed free and jammed into Elsa's side, bawling. 

Alarik groaned, a watery, weak sound, and his eyelids parted. Elsa nearly sobbed with relief- he was alive.

For now. 

"Det är okej... mamma...gråt inte…" Alarik's eyes were glazed and unfocused, and while Elsa spoke little Swedish, she recognized that he spoke to his mother. He blinked, and his eyes began to close.

"Stay awake, Alarik! I know it hurts, but you have to stay awake, okay? I'm going to get you back to the village. You're going to be alright, just stay awake." Elsa spread her fingers and loosed a thin coating of ice across Alarik's back to stem the bleeding. 

If Alarik heard her, he gave no indication. His head dropped, and his breathing grew shallow. Next to him, Bruni whined and patted Alarik's cheek with his paw. 

"Try to keep him awake, Bruni." Elsa let out another burst of ice, creating a rough sledge directly beneath her, Alarik and Beowulf. Glimmering strands wrapped about Nøkk's body, and at Elsa's nod, they took off, galloping back to the village.

Elsa wrapped her arms around Alarik and Beowulf, rested her forehead against Alarik's, and quietly begged him to live.

……………

"I am so sorry, Lady Geatland, but there is nothing left that I can do, short of ending his pain now. Otherwise, you will simply have to make him as comfortable as possible and wait."

A broken cry could be heard from the hallway, and Alarik struggled to rise from his bed.

It's alright... Mama...don't cry...

But his body felt as if it were made of lead; the mere task of keeping his eyes open taxed the rest of his strength. 

"Stay awake, Alarik! I know it hurts, but you have to stay awake, okay? I'm going to get you back to the village. You're going to be alright, just stay awake."

Village? What village? He was already in his bedroom- why would he need to go to a village? 

Cold spread across his back, and he struggled to open his eyes. The scene before him swam, colors shifting, changing from the stone walls of his manor bedroom to the multitudinous shades of green of a forest. A beautiful voice, soft, yet insistent, begged him to hold on, to live. Not his mother's voice, but one just as beloved. 

Elsa?

He wanted to call her name, ask her what was happening, but his voice would not work. He felt as if he were floating, incorporeal, his tether to the world weakening. In some part of his dazed mind he could recall a bear- snarling maw and slashing claws laying open his flesh as easily as a sharp knife skinned prey. 

Something jostled him, and he slipped back into his bedroom, staring at the ceiling, sweat clinging to his skin as the fever within raged unchecked. Pain everywhere, each breath made it feel as if glass shards tore at his insides.

Soft footfalls- Mama's- and he heard the soft splash of water. She wiped his forehead with the wet cloth, then his face and neck, but the relief it provided was temporary. 

"Mama, I don't want to d…" his throat closed on the word 'die'. Mama's sharp intake of breath made him wish he'd never spoken. She dropped the cloth and took his hand in hers.

"Shhhhh, shhhh, now Alarik. You will not die. You will fight, and you will live." Her words were firm, unyielding.

Pain flared across his back, and he arched, crying out. The scene changed again, and he was lying on his stomach, his back aflame. Someone took his hands, squeezing them.

"Stay with me, Alarik, stay with me." 

Who spoke? His mother, or Elsa? He blinked, and could just make out a figure in front of him, one cool hand lifting to smooth his hair. 

Another flare of pain, and it became too much. Darkness surged up to meet him, and Alarik gratefully surrendered to it.

………………

At first, it was easy for Elsa to keep her mind occupied. 

When Nøkk stopped at the healer's lavvu, Ráfi was already waiting, helping Elsa carry Alarik inside. Once he was prone on one of the cots, Elsa's world condensed to dissipating and forming ice while Ráfi began working at a feverish pace. The two of them worked to stem the near-constant flow of blood and close the horrid wounds, some cut so deep they exposed bone. 

Several hours, poultices and stitches later, when night had long past fallen, Alarik lay prone, his torso swathed in bandages and another wrapped around his forehead. His skin was sweaty and fever-hot, his breathing shallow.

And without anything left to do but wait, Elsa found herself at the mercy of her thoughts.

Thoughts that would not let her forget the warm stickiness of far too much blood covering her and Ráfi's hands, Alarik's back, and the copious bandages and clothes they used in a desperate attempt to stem the flow. She could not forget his eyes, glazed and unfeeling, staring through her as he muttered incomprehensible words. Or the one sentence she did understand, spoken in an almost child-like voice.

"Mama, I don't want to d…"

She knew what the last word was. 

Die.

Anna, five years old, barely breathing in her arms. The creeping cold, destroying her tiny body… it merged into her ice, webbing across Alarik's back, tinged red.

"Oh, Elsa."

Her head jerked up, eyes widening when she saw Anna pulling the lavvu's cover shut behind her. Anna wasn't looking at her, but rather Alarik. Elsa could feel frost spreading beneath her palms, and pulled her hands to her chest, fighting the lingering cold. Anna took a deep breath before crossing over and sitting down next to Elsa, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. 

And Elsa could hold back no longer. She sobbed- messy, uncontrollable crying that shook her body. She knew her skin must be frigid, but Anna made no move to release her. Instead, she rubbed Elsa's back and murmured soothingly, encouraging her to release. 

The hardest thing for Elsa- trusting herself to release.

But she had no energy left to fight her tremulous emotions, and- selfishly, she knew- it felt good to let everything out. To rail against the unfairness of it all, even though she wasn't the one fighting for her life. 

Eventually her tears subsided, and Anna offered a handkerchief, which she used to clean her face. Anna's arm remained wrapped around her shoulder the entire time.

"I'm here, Elsa. I'm here."

"Arendelle…"

"Will survive without me. I'm here, as long as it takes."

………….

Kristoff and Neta arrived the morning after Anna- she'd been brought in by Nøkk, while they took the slower wagon. Kristoff joined Anna and several Northuldra in the rotating vigil that kept watch over Alarik and allowed Elsa to take some time to care for herself.

Rather, they forced her to. Save for the times she needed to relieve or clean herself, Elsa refused to leave Alarik's side. Many times she had to be reminded to eat, and slept in short bursts, often waking in a panic, convinced Alarik had passed.

Water and broth were dripped down Alarik's throat, and besides swallowing, his only other movement, the only indication he still lived, were the short, shallow breaths he took. Ráfi seemed content with Alarik's healing, but Elsa couldn't shake the fear he would not wake again.

Honeymaren, leading a group of hunters, found the bear by the second day. They returned to the village, grim-faced and bloody. They carried no meat or pelt.

"Desperate." Honeymaren's report to the elders was curt and quick. "It was desperate, starving and possibly sick. We burned the body to be sure."

The injured hunters came to Ráfi's to have their wounds tended. Most left shortly afterwards, some had to stay the night. 

But eventually, they too left. Only Alarik remained.

……………

Alarik drifted in a void after the dreams- were they dreams?- only occasionally aware of unintelligible voices and an ever-present, yet distant, pain. It was easy, just to drift and not have to think, just observe, and be. He could have stayed like that for a long time, especially since doing any more seemed to increase the pain. Best to leave things be, then.

But there was a niggling feeling in the back of his mind. That he pulled away from the quiet and calm, for someone waited for him, needed him. Alarik resisted at first, not wishing to leave the comfortable state he was in, but the feeling grew, sending flashes of images and sensations through his mind.

Bewolf. A bear. A snarling maw. Running, lungs burning, too slow! His head striking stone, and the pain of claws flaying his body. Blood, hot and sticky, fire, then a voice, familiar and sweet...

ELSA!

His eyes snapped open, and almost immediately he shut them, the sudden introduction of light intolerable. He made to cover his face, but stopped when the movement ignited a fire across his back, agony so incredible he nearly lost consciousness. He cried out. 

"Alarik, no, stay still. Shhhhh, shhhh, stay still."

"El...sa?" His voice was hoarse, as if he'd been screaming for hours. He slitted his eyes, and a shadow moved across his vision, easing the painful light.

"I'm here." She did not touch him, and he could hear the tremor in her voice. Alarik forced his eyes open the rest of the way, blinking away the blurriness. Elsa sat on a cot next to his, and a quick glance around confirmed that he rested in the healer's lavvu. 

"How… how long have I…?"

Elsa looked down, her hands balling into fists. "Three days. It's… it's been three days." She trembled, and Alarik's heart sank. "I thought you might… I didn't think…" Her hands dropped to the furs, and he could see frost crawling out between her fingers. 

"I am so sorry, Elsa."

"No, it's not your fault, it's just…" Her jaw clenched, and he could see tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. "I didn't know if I would see you alive again."

Alarik felt a burning in his own eyes, and he extended a hand, palm up, towards Elsa, silently begging her to take it. She remained still for several seconds, the only movement coming from her heaving chest and the tears that tracked down her cheeks. Then, slowly, she let her shaking hand rest on his. Elsa's skin was cold- almost painfully so-, but Alarik twined his fingers with hers, hoping she would feel the warmth he had to offer.

"I'm here, Elsa." Alarik repeated. He tried to bring his other hand over to stroke her knuckles, but the movement sent another spike of pain down his muscles. He settled for squeezing her hand, and after a moment's hesitation, she squeezed back. 

The short exchange was proving exhausting, however, and Alarik struggled to keep his eyes open. Ever perceptive, Elsa freed her hand and pulled the blanket higher over his shoulders. 

"Sleep, Alarik." She took his hand once more. "I'll be right here."

"So will I," he murmured as he began to drift off. 

"So will I."

The last sensation he had was the feel of her lips brushing across his forehead.