#tdoe

[frozenprocedural]

TDOE Day 1- Eloise at Christmastime

Set in @couragedontdesertme‘s Falling Slowly verse! Sorry, can’t link it here right now.

Alarik, Jenny and Neta belong to @patricia-von-arundel.

LET THE GOOD TIMES BEGIN!!!

Eloise Jenny and Neta at Christmastime

Rating: K

"Pssst. Neta! Neta, wake up!"

Neta grumbled and rolled away from the sound of her cousin's voice, pulling the covers over her head. 

"Netaaaaa, wake up!" 

"Go back to sleep Jenny, it's too early!"

"Neta, it's JUL!"

Neta shot upright, all traces of tiredness gone. Jul! The biggest celebration in Arendelle- how could she have forgotten? When she looked over, Jenny was grinning and bouncing. 

"Come on, come on, come on!"

Jenny took Neta's hand and tugged. Neta let herself be pulled out of bed, pausing to put on a pair of slippers. Jenny's feet remained bare- she never noticed the cold. They were passing Aunt Elsa's and Uncle Alarik's room when Neta heard her mother's voice coming from the same room. Neta stopped- that was strange. 

"Elsa, it will be alright. Really-"

"It's our tradition, Anna!" Aunt Elsa sounded like she was close to tears. Neta and Jenny shared a concerned glance- what could make Aunt Elsa so upset?

"Elsa, they will show up, I promise. Let's focus on today, and we'll keep an eye out for them, alright?"

Aunt Elsa sniffled. "Alright." 

Footsteps approached the door, prompting Jenny and Neta to race back to the room and close the door. 

"What's a 'tradition'?" Jenny asked. 

Neta shrugged. "I don't know. But Aunt Elsa seemed sad about losing it."

"I know." Jenny looked thoughtful for a moment, and then her face brightened. "Let's ask Bestemor and Bestefar! They'll know!"

"What will we know?"

Both Neta and Jenny jumped- they hadn't heard Bestemor enter the room. 

"What's a 'tradition', Bestemor?" Jenny asked.

Bestemor's lined face crinkled into a smile. "A tradition? Well… it's something people do at special times, something that's been passed down from person to person. Or it's something special to a place." When she noticed their scrunched-up faces, bestemor gestured outside. "Such as ringing the Jul bell. That's a tradition for Arendelle. Or when we read as a family after the ball. That's our family's tradition. Why do you-"

"Your Majesty? Pardon my interruption, but His Majesty would like to go over final details for tonight's ball." Kai stood in the doorway, giving the family a deep bow. 

"Of course." Bestemor rose to her feet, placing a hand on Jenny's and Neta's shoulders. "Now, get dressed you two. I'll see you at breakfast." She leaned over to kiss each of them on the forehead before leaving. 

"I don't know how Mama lost a tradition." Jenny's brow was furrowed. "No one's ever lost the Jul bell before. It's too big."

"But Bestefar lost the book last year." Neta pointed out, as she pulled out her dress. "Bestemor had to find it for him. Maybe that's what happened to Aunt Elsa's tradition."

Jenny's eyes lit up. "Then we can look for it! After breakfast- everyone will be busy then! Let's surprise them!"

………..

It wasn't until after breakfast, when they were able to sneak off, that Neta pointed out a big problem with Jenny's plan.

"What are we looking for?"

The question made Jenny pause- she clearly hadn't thought that far ahead. 

"I don't know. Maybe some books? We could look in her study."

Nets looked uncertain, but followed Jenny when she started walking. They were halfway to the study, when Jenny stopped abruptly, causing Neta to stumble. 

"Jenny! What…"

Her cousin was staring at a ladder left out by one of the servants. She turned back to Neta with a grin. 

"The attic!"

"Wait, what?"

Jenny was already headed towards the stairs, only pausing long enough to grab Neta's hand and drag her along. 

"The attic! There's a bunch of stuff up there! And Kai left a ladder up in the spare room! Let's go!"

Any arguments Neta might have voiced were left behind as Jenny continued her enthusiastic rush to the residential wing. Her cousin fast when she wanted to be, and it was all Neta could do to keep up. Only when they came to the spare room was Neta able to catch her breath.

"Jenny, I don't think this is a good idea…" Neta cautiously eyed the very tall ladder leading up to the trap door in the ceiling. 

"It's fine!" Jenny rushed forward and started scrabbling up the ladder. 

"Jenny!" 

Neta clambered up after her, wishing she was anywhere but on the rickety old ladder. Above her, Jenny pushed the trapdoor open and climbed up. Neta followed her, her eyes struggling to adjust to the darkness. As she pulled herself up, her foot caught on the ladder, and she tipped forward. 

Neta yelped, and kicked out on reflex. In a matter of seconds, everything went wrong. The ladder fell back, and the trapdoor swung shut. With another yelp, she pitched into Jenny, sending them both sprawling into the darkness. Several things began to fall, and Neta cried out when something hit her head. 

Silence fell over both of them, save for their ragged breathing. 

After a moment, Neta heard Jenny whisper, "Are you okay?"

"My head hurts."

"I'm really sorry." Jenny sounded as if she were about to cry. "It's all my fault."

Neta fumbled in the darkness until she found Jenny's arm, then her hand. She squeezed, trying not to cry herself. "It's okay."

Jenny sniffed, but squeezed back. "Can you find the door?"

Neta shook her head, then remembered that Jenny couldn't see her. "No. I fell. I don't know where…"

"Neta? Jenny? Where are you?"

"Mama!" Neta cried out. "Mama, we're up here! Help us!"

Neta heard her mother say "The attic!" After a moment, there was a clatter, footsteps, and to Neta's great relief, light flooded the dark room as Mama pushed the trapdoor open. 

"Mama!" Neta all but collapsed into her mother's arms, clutching tight. The tears she'd been fighting to hold back now fell, rapid and insistent. Mama made a startled noise, and rubbed Neta's back. 

"It's alright, it's okay. I've got you. Come here, Jenny." Neta felt Mama reach out, and moments later, Jenny cuddled in beside her. She too was crying.

"What happened!? Are you hurt?"

A cool hand ran over Neta's head, and she looked up to see Aunt Elsa's face, tight with worry. Before she could say anything, Jenny spoke up. 

"It's my fault."

The story came spilling out, Jenny keeping her eyes firmly on the floor. Only when she came to the end did she look up, tears running down her cheeks. 

"I didn't mean for Neta to get hurt! I just wanted to find the tradition! I'm sorry!"

"I'm fine. I just got a bump on my head." Neta rubbed the sore spot, and sighed in relief when Aunt Elsa pressed a cool hand to it. 

"Tradition?" Mama asked. 

Jenny hiccuped. "The- the one you and Mama were talking about this morning. The one you lost."

Aunt Elsa sighed, and she pulled Jenny closer. "Oh, little one. I appreciate you trying to help, but going up here alone is dangerous. I was looking for the dolls. They aren't stored up here."

Mama sighed too. "Actually…" 

She got up and opened a trunk, pulling out something wrapped in paper. "I was hoping to do this tonight, but I suppose now is as good a time as ever."

Mama peeled the paper away, and they all gasped.

……

"'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house…"

Elsa rested her head on Alarik's shoulder, and his hand, wrapped around her, pulled her closer. Dag was fast asleep in his other arm, and Elsa used the corner of his blanket to wipe a dribble of milk from his lips. 

As Agnar continued to read the poem, Elsa's eyes fell upon the dolls. They were, as was tradition, sitting atop the mantle above the family's stockings. Slugged replicas of her and Anna, from their own childhood, but now updated with the clothing and hairstyles each of them preferred as adults.

And it was no longer just the two of them. 

At Anna's side was Kristoff in his ice-harvesting outfit, his shaggy yellow yarn hair falling over brown button eyes. And at her doll's side, Alarik, wearing a dark green vest and cream shirt, his red yarn hair a mess of curls pushed back to reveal bright green button eyes. Elsa's doll now held a small bundle with Dag's dark curly hair and tiny blue eyes just visible. 

But there were two dolls missing from the group. 

Elsa gazed down, smiling when she saw Jenny and Neta yawn in near unison. Between the attic incident, the ringing of the Jul bell, and the subsequent party, they had to be exhausted. And in each of their hands, they held the doll of the other. 

As Agnar finished the poem, Jenny yawned again, slumping against Neta. Within seconds, the two of them were asleep. 

"Time for bed." Anna whispered.

She pulled free of Kristoff's embrace and scooped Neta into her arms. Elsa did the same with Jenny, making sure the Neta doll was still tucked in her daughter's arms. Jenny made a small, sleepy noise, and cuddled closer to Elsa's chest. 

"So, do you like the newest additions?" Anna nodded to the dolls. 

Elsa smiled. "It's a perfect new tradition."

[12daysofelsarik]

🎵Deck the halls with OTP, falalalalalalalala🎵

It's two more months till Christmas season, which means, IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR TDOE 2020!

This year, the prompts are mostly based on random objects (consider them just a guide!)

The tags are #TDOE 2020 #TDOE #Elsarik

Some additional info!

-Fics of all ratings are fine, as long as they are properly rated, with proper warnings, and M and up rated fics are under a read more

-Please tag or message me (@couragedontdesertme) , @frozenprocedural , and @bepoets if you post a TDOE entry so that we can reblog it!

- Alarik, of course, belongs to the amazing @patricia-von-arundel

- Thank you Brooklyn for the lovely poster!

[patricia-von-arundel]

Till Min Älskling

Anyone remember this one? I guess it’s right at four years old, since I wrote it for TDOE back in 2014. 

Till Min Älskling,

It is less than a day since our marriage was finally made complete, the consummation of our love. Even as I write this - “working,” ostensibly, at the desk in the quarters we now share - I just caught you glancing my way, saw your soft smile and hooded eyes, the flush across your cheeks, and I know you are thinking of it, too. The best part, though, is that you look happy.

If I could bring that light, that joy, to your face every moment of every day for the rest of your life, it still would not be as much as you deserve. But I swear to you this, my darling Elsa; I will spend the rest of my life doing all that I can to give you that happiness. If I have a purpose in this world, it is that.

And it is a purpose I thought would be forever unfulfilled. Do you know when I first felt a spark for you, a tiny flame carefully kindled and carried across so many miles and so many years?

Alas, the day and time are lost to me, fallen victim to faulty memory and failing attempts to deny those same feelings. They frightened me, Elsa - oh, how they frightened me! You know well what a coward I am.

And yet, you have accepted my love regardless. You are everything I know I will never be. You are everything of which I will never be worthy. And for so many years, a part of me has known how much I love you.

For a very long time, i tried to deny that part of myself, to convince myself that it was merely a result of your philosophical presence in my life long before your physical one. I knew you for so long through the words of your father; surely, I thought, this is the natural extension of seeing what has always been a product of the imagination unexpectedly made flesh! And truly, it took me by surprise, on our first introduction so many years ago, to actually meet someone who had heretofore only existed on paper. I’m sure your first impressions of me were far from favorable, considering I was behaving like a puppy, overeager to please but as yet not particularly well-versed in etiquette. You have spoken of wishing you had taken more time to get to know me - I lay no blame on you, considering the circumstances and my behavior.

But it was sometime then that the spark was kindled - the realization that not only were you so much more than words on a page, but also that you were the most remarkable person that I had ever met, would ever meet. And despite my best efforts, that spark only grew.

Did I truly believe I might ever see that love reciprocated? I hoped - but I did not truly believe, no. Too many times, I set myself on a path I knew was doomed to fail, and at some point, I finally learned my lesson. But hope - yes, there was always hope.

I might have forgotten the moment when I realized I was in love with you, but I shall never, as long as I live, forget the day I knew it was reciprocated. I will never forget how beautiful you looked, the way the light reflected in your eyes, the way your hands felt when I took them in mine. I will never forget you in my arms - how right and wonderful, at that moment, the whole world seemed to be. I will never forget any moment we have had together since - not if I can prevent it. A true narrative began then in my life - new meaning, new purpose. I do not know where our story ends, but I know the journey through it will be a magical, beautiful one. 

Elsa - my darling Elsa - know always: you were the answer to all of my questions. 

I love you.

- Alarik

Til Alarik, Min Elskede Mann

So many things I once thought were impossible, because of me, because of who - or what - I am. Angry mobs screaming “monster” were never necessary to see one in the mirror. I knew. From a very young age, I knew, but I did not understand. I didn’t want to understand.

I just wanted to be anyone but who I was. Even as at the same time, I believed I deserved it - to be a pariah. An outcast.

I hurt, again and again, the person I loved more than anyone else in the world. I deserved every torment life could offer me.

I lived with that truth for so very long.

There are many people to whom I might owe an apology, but only two I felt deserved an explanation: Anna, and you.

But as I have discovered time and again, through all the years of my life: I lack talent in the spoken word; I stutter and stammer; I lose the path of my thoughts, and fail to backtrack to the start.

Anna is patient, but she has her limits, and I fear I will never adequately express for her all that weighs on my fractured conscience. Perhaps, if I find the self-fortitude to deliver this letter, rather than casting it into the fire, I will try to write to her, as well.

(Speaking of fires - I’m still getting used to trying to sleep, once more, in a room made so suffocatingly warm by one. I trust you appreciate the sacrifices I make for you!)

From a young age, I knew that my future held not only the running of a kingdom, but also, in all probability, a marriage made for diplomatic reasons. It was the case with my own parents, it would be the case for Anna, and it would be the case for me, no matter the fairy stories that spoke of love and romance: such things existed for me no more than a poisoned spinning wheel and cottages of gingerbread.

Then, of course, I realized the darker truth: no negotiations would be made for my hand. No family would risk their child on marriage to a monstrosity. I would be spared the possibility of a loveless union, but equally, I could never anticipate a loving one. I could only hope Anna was not assumed to carry the same taint in her blood; she wanted so badly to believe in the possibilities of romance. Selfish thing that I am, I couldn’t bear the thought of being responsible for yet another of my sister’s disappointments.

But I found out later, much later, that it was me, not Anna, for whom my parents were attempted to negotiate a betrothal at the time they were lost. I didn’t have the faintest inkling - but when I found out, all I could think of was what Anna would have thought, finding I had taken something else from her. With a history of such thoughts, I still marvel that I was surprised when she showed up on the arm of the first eligible royal she happened to meet. It seemed the beginning of the end. I could never have imagined it heralded the start of wonder as well as terror.

The young woman I was then - I doubt very much you would have seen anything but a cipher, a half-clever ruse. You have always seen so deep within me. It is one of the traits, to my own surprise, that I have come to like best in you. I enjoy being seen as who I truly am, at least as far as your biased gaze observes me. My role and my strange abilities so often create facade that is view enough for most.

But I digress. My point: I never anticipated, initially, an opportunity to marry for love; later, I never anticipated an opportunity to marry at all. Perhaps as a result, when the responsibility became mine, I reacted rather poorly to Anna’s first attempt at betrothal. Hindsight may have shown this to be for the best, but it was, honestly, due solely to panic on my part. In some way, I have always seen Anna as my sole chance at redemption. Her marrying for love, then, not diplomacy, was more important to me than was perhaps politically expedient. I will credit myself with one thing: doing everything necessary to allow her to marry Kristoff, when that proved to be her wish, and to assure that her children might be legitimate heirs to my throne.

I believed, then, that I had done my part, as far as such things went. My sister in a happy marriage to a wonderful man like Kristoff, and Neta the healthy child of their union. My feelings for you, despite their gentle, gradual growth, came as quite the shock when I finally forced myself to acknowledge them.

What am I trying to say here? I wish I knew for sure. Perhaps I’m no better, in the end, with written word than with spoken. I can’t think of anything I’ve attempted to write aside from my schoolwork and official correspondence - and it is possible I would better grasp my own intentions with the familiar format of an essay or diplomatic missive.

Or I could build you something from ice?

(Actually, I have strong suspicion you might like that very much!)

I have rambled on long enough, I think, with no obvious conclusion in sight. I was hoping that writing this might ease my mind - should you receive it (or merely stumble across it) at some distant point, I should say that I am writing it in the midst of another half-miracle: I believe marriage unlikely, marriage for love almost outside the realm of possibility. But carrying a child?

I would have harshly, unequivocally dismissed the very notion.

I am frightened, Alarik. As frightened as I have perhaps ever been - and fear is, for me, an old friend. I know that you, and scholarly authorities, maintain my powers hold no threat for the quickening life I carry - but my heart returns always to my tiny sister, so still and cold in my arms.

And yet, the same arms ache to hold the child that grows within me, the very physical manifestation of the unwarranted love you have gifted upon me. Your faith in my ability to navigate these uncharted waters gives me such strength - such hope. Your trust in me is the greatest gift I will ever receive.

So many paths that I believed closed to me, you have helped me find my way down. With you as a light in the darkness, I conquer the unknown.

Jeg elsker deg.

- Elsa

Till Min Älskling,

I write this as you speak low, soft words of encouragement to the infant at your breast, both of you entirely absorbed in one another. “Johanna,” I have learned from your sister, means “gift from God” - she informed me it is related to “Joan.” I meant to ask you about the relevance of the last, actually; I know Johanna is your grandmother’s name, but I have not come across a Joan in the annals of Arendelle. Perhaps this will jog my memory later.

I have learned quickly that I prefer not to interrupt your interactions with Jenny: few things in life give me as much pleasure as watching you with her. In three months, it seems to have become wondrous second nature for you, mothering our child. I should finally admit, through this safe medium of paper and ink: As you feared pregnancy and birth, I feared you would refuse to allow yourself to love the baby once she arrived. Rarely have I been so pleased to be proven wrong! You have taken to it, to her, so naturally. I can hear your arguments to the contrary, my darling, were I to voice these thoughts. “I’m just doing what I saw Anna do,” or, “I’ve read a lot of books, I’m just following directions.”

But it is not that simple, and you know that as well as I, whether you are inclined to admit it or not. Not everything can be learned by extension: many things, you must just do, and discover in perseveration any talent or natural affinity. As Anna could attest - she can watch how beautifully you can skate across ice, but it does not ever seem to improve her own performance! Some things, you can either do well, or you cannot. And you, darling, care for Jenny so, so well.

She fascinates me, you know. I have not often since my own childhood spent much time around children, and even less around infants. There is the added, selfish bonus here - the infant in question is made up for half of you and half of me, and somehow, that makes her more fascinating still. I seem somehow almost hardwired to see with amazement every change in her, every new development or act of self-discovery. (Though I will admit, it will take a lot to displace my most cherished memory: our shared mirth at Jenny’s obvious delight upon first discovering her hands!)

But watching you and her together: that is one of the greatest gifts that life has given me. I watch you when she wakes crying, the way you soothe and murmur, the soft song to ease her back to sleep, cuddles and smiles and gentle touch if she calms, and the way she stares up at you, you who are the center of her entire world. What a wonderful, loving world it is, too!

I thought, for a very long time, that I could not love you more, that I knew your bravery and your strength and your intelligence, and that left me so enamored that no matter what happened, I thought it could not be more than it was. How wrong I realized I was, the moment I first was able to place our newborn daughter in your arms!

I truly believed I would never have children of my own. For a very long, as you know, my life held the possibility of ever-present threat, and risking a child to that would have been the height of selfishness. By the time all that was dealt with, of course, I was well past the typical age by which one would be expected to marry. And truly, by then, I knew - I could love no other as I love you. And I believed wholly that my own cowardice had destroyed any affection you might otherwise have felt for me.

Wonderful woman that you are, though, you would never deny someone a second chance, just as you believe so many gave to you. (Anna, I suspect, would disagree that you ever had need of them!) And you gave me mine - and so much more, more than my wildest dreams might have imagined. Including the daughter I can see even now warm and well-fed in your arms, fighting sleep, those slow, heavy blinks that mean the inevitable will have her soon.

I know that you, too, believed you would never have children of you own, though for different reasons. I do remember when you told me, so many years ago, that Anna felt it her duty to provide the kingdom with an heir, because you believed yourself incapable of carrying a child. I had my doubts, even then, but of course I had no place in your life to say that - more cowardice.

But I have always believe din you, Elsa - in your strength, your power, your intelligence. You are a wonderful mother - but you are, always will be, so many other things. So much more.

I love you, darling.

-Alarik

[frozenprocedural]

TDOE Day 6- Four Christmases

Here’s Day 6! Thanks to @bepoets for giving me the Christmas pumpkin idea. And as always, Alarik and Neta belong to @patricia-von-arundel.

Four Christmases

Rating: K

"Erhm, Anna, what… what is this?."

Alarik gingerly held out the misshapen object, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. At closer inspection, he realized it was supposed to be some sort of stuffed pumpkin, albeit one of the most ugly ones he’d ever seen. Lumps and bumps covered the neon-orange skin. It had a face, with giant lips and two- no, three- beady black eyes. But the strangest feature was a tiny sprig of holly, made of felt, that was hot-glued onto the base of its stem.

“Oh! You found Wilfred!” Anna reached out and gently took the pumpkin, straightening the holly. 

“Wilfred!?”

“Yep! Wilfred Jenkins, the Christmas pumpkin! Isn’t he just adorable?”

" 'Adorable' is not a word anyone would use." Kristoff grumbled. He grunted when Anna elbowed him. 

"He's also a Christmas tradition. So there."

"You only got it four years ago!" Kristoff argued. 

"That's four Christmases! And he's a tradition for Neta at least! I found him at a craft fair shortly before Neta was born."

At the sound of her name, Neta looked up from the garland she was playing with. When she saw Wilfred, her face lit up.

"Wilfred Jenkins!"

Neta rushed over, picking up the pumpkin and cuddling it close. Alarik felt his mouth fall open. Beside him, Elsa chuckled. 

"That's slightly terrifying." Alarik said.

Anna stuck her tongue out at him.

……..

Alarik woke to an empty bed, not that it was too surprising for him. Elsa was always an early riser, even on the weekends. He went through his morning routine, shuffling downstairs to the kitchen, still not entirely awake. When he reached for the coffee maker, he found the pot filled with something other than coffee.

"GAH!" 

Alarik leapt back, staring at the face of Wilfred, who was stuffed into the coffee pot. 

"ANNA!"

"Wasn't me!"

He spun around, glaring at Anna's grinning face. "Oh!? Then are you suggesting it grew legs and walked!?"

Anna chuckled, pulling Wilfred out of the pot. "You never know…" she said in a sing-song voice. "And he, not it, thank-you-very-much."

"Just keep him away from me." Alarik grumbled as he rinsed the pot out. 

Three times, just to make sure. 

…….

It became some sort of macabre game- Alarik determined to catch Anna in the act, and her just as determined to place Wilferd where he least expected it, but would inevitably find it. 

The bathroom. The box of wrapping supplies. One day he even woke to the beady eyes staring back at him. 

Only Neta, holding Wilfred close and pouting, had kept him from tossing it into the fire. 

Each time, Anna teased that it wasn't her. 

By Christmas morning, Alarik was a frazzled mess. So far, he hadn't found Wilfred, and some small part of him hoped that even Anna would not try to scare him on such a day.

A much larger part knew she would.

But when he came into the room, Wilfred was hung on the tree, right in view. Alarik let out a sigh of relief, happy to see that the game was over. He settled next to Elsa, who gave him a peck on the cheek and cuddled into his side. 

By the time they were nearly through gift-giving, Alarik had forgotten about Wilfred. He was interested in the present for him that Elsa had immediately pushed to one side, insisting he open it last. Finally, it came time, and she deposited it in his lap, a smile forming across her face. 

"I think you'll like this one."

Alarik raised an eyebrow, but set to tearing away the paper, unwrapping a nondescript white box. He opened the lid to find…

"GGGGGAAAAAHHHH!"

Alarik leapt off the couch, flinging the box away. Out rolled an identical copy of Wilfred, down to the glued-on holly leaf. The room erupted in laughter, Anna's the loudest of all.

"I told you it wasn't me!" 

"Elsa!?" Alarik yelped, taking in her red face. "You hid him!?"

Elsa nodded, wiping away a tear. Anna punched the air.

"You called Wilfred 'him'! Ha! I knew he'd grow on you!"

"Yeah, like a fungus." Alarik leaned down and picked up the pumpkin, eying it. 

"I'm sorry Alarik, but your reactions were so funny. I couldn't help it." Elsa was still chuckling. 

Alarik sighed, carefully placing the ornament on the table. 

"You have come up with a name!" Anna said. When he hesitated, Anna began chanting "Name! Name! Name!", with Neata joining in. 

"Fine!" Alarik put his hands up. "Just give me a second!" He stared at the pumpkin, until a name came to mind.

"Meet Eustace Gopnik."

[frozenprocedural]

Grapefruit

Spiced Rum

Theatre

Whoo! Here's my post for TDOE Day 5- A Christmas Carol.

Alarik belongs to @patricia-von-arundel.

A Christmas Carol

Rating: T (for mentions of alcohol)

"Well done Elsa!"

"Fantastic show!"

Elsa smiled and nodded, thanking each of the cast members as they congratulated her. She'd just finished her first show as the standby for the lead, and it seemed to have gone well. 

As Elsa thanked the well-wishers, she kept noticing one person in particular was missing. She kept watching, hoping to see his gangly frame, but he never appeared. 

At last, once she'd extracted herself from the crowd, Elsa made her way backstage until she tracked down one of the techs.

"Geatland? He left just after intermission. Looked like he got a call. I think he went towards the prop shop."

Thanking the tech, Elsa headed to the prop shop, to find the door cracked open. She paused at a strange sound- was that crying?

"Alarik?"

She pushed the door open, to find Alarik sitting on the floor, accompanied by a squashed grapefruit and a bottle of spiced rum that was already half-empty. When he looked up, Elsa could see tears streaming down his face. 

"Alarik? Did something happen? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." His words were somewhat slurred.

Elsa closed the door behind her, praying that no one else would need to enter the shop. She settled beside Alarik, giving him some space, but remaining close. 

"You're not fine, and I am going to worry about you. What happened?"

Alarik looked away, and Elsa wondered if she'd gone too far. But then, in a voice so soft she almost didn't hear him-

"My brother called."

"Oh, Alarik." She knew the two had a strained relationship ever since Alarik left his family's estate to travel. 

Alarik's voice took on a sharp tone. "He wanted to let me know he was removing me from the will. And that he won't let me back on the estate. God knows how he managed that, but he's always been good at finding loopholes and shady lawyers."

Alarik took a swig from the bottle, and Elsa could see he was swaying a bit. "Not that I want anything with the money, but that was my home for eighteen years. I wanted to go back at some point. Happy Freaking Holidays to me, I guess." 

He looked back at her, and realization dawned on his face. "The show! Your show! And I just left!"

He buried his head in his hands, sobbing. Elsa shushed him, putting an arm around his shoulders and trying to ignore the reek of alcohol. 

"Alarik, no. You were dealing with this. Look, let's just get you to your hotel room, alright? Can you walk?"

Alarik hiccuped, and let her help him to his feet. He was still swaying a bit, but was steady enough for her to clean up the grapefruit and rum. He did make a face when she dumped the bottle in the nearest trash can.

"You've had enough."

Alarik grumbled something unintelligible that she ignored, and she helped him walk out into the night. Thankfully their hotel wasn't too far, and within a half hour, she had gotten him into his bed. 

Elsa pulled the covers up over him, chuckling when she heard his soft snore.

"Sleep well, Alarik."

……………

Alarik woke to a pounding headache and dry mouth. He groaned, cursing himself for whatever had driven him to a hangover. It took him a moment to remember the events of the previous night. He shot up, yelping when the movement caused his head to throb. 

Once the pain subsided to something at least manageable, Alarik looked around and noticed there was a glass on the nightstand. He hadn't remembered putting it there the night before. Next to it were pain relief pills and a note. He picked up the note, which was written in Elsa's neat handwriting.

Alarik,

Stay hydrated! I hope your hangover isn't too bad.

Please don't worry about last night. I understand. But please text or call me when you can. I'd like to know that you're okay. 

-Elsa

Alarik swallowed the pills and picked up his phone, which he saw had been plugged in. He started to open his messages, but changed his mind and pressed the phone button instead. 

He hesitated a moment, then called.

Elsa picked up on the second ring. "Hi, how are you feeling?" Her voice was soft, and he could hear the note of worry in it. 

"I've been better. Thanks for taking care of me last night. You really shouldn't have."

There was a pause, and in an even softer voice, Elsa said, "I've been there before. When our parents died, I… I couldn't leave you by yourself."

It was Alarik's turn to hesitate. "I… thank you. That means a lot to me."

“I am curious, though. Where did the rum come from? And the smashed grapefruit?”

Alarik barked a laugh, then winced when his head protested again. “Well, the grapefruit was a snack. I... may have smashed it when I got the call from my brother. As for the rum... that was actually going to be a gift... for you. I remember you told me you liked drinking that over the holidays, so I bought it before the show. And then I drank it like a fool. I’m so sorry.”

“I know what you were going through, Alarik. It wasn’t the best way to handle it, but I understand.” Another pause, and Alarik could hear Elsa take a deep breath. “We don’t have a show tonight. There’s a little cafe a few blocks from here that I’ve been to before. They Will you join me for dinner there?”

Alarik felt a warm heat suffuse his entire being. “I would love to. Do you want to meet up at five?”

“Five o’ clock,” Elsa said. “I’ll see you then, Alarik. I’m looking forward to it.”

“So am I.”

Alarik hung up, feeling happier than he had been in a long time.

[frozenprocedural]

Hollow

Hungry

Hippo

Here's my part for TDOE Day 10- The Grinch!

Jenny and Alarik belong to @patricia-von-arundel. Thank you @bepoets for the idea!

The Grinch

Rating: K

This was the year. Jenny was certain of it. This would be the year she would see Santa. 

She'd waited until Mama and Papa had put Dag to bed, waited until the house was quiet, then carefully snuck down the stairs, armed with her stuffed hippo- Harold- and her blanket. 

Once in the family room, she nestled into a spot between the couch and the big comfy chair, wrapping the blanket around her and Harold. Her hiding spot was perfect- no one could see her, but she could see the fireplace just fine. She opened Papa's phone to the Santa map, double-checking. Yes, Santa was definitely on his way- she could see the sleigh heading to her neighborhood. Papa had showed her how to look for it. 

Now all she had to do was wait…

………..

Bright light brought Jenny back to consciousness. She blinked awake, turning away from the window.

Wait.

That was her bedroom window, and she was in her bed! Jenny shot upright, looking around in growing horror. This wasn't a dream- she was back in her room, not downstairs. 

Jenny threw herself back into her pillow with a muffled scream. No! Santa hadn't come! Why else would she be up here? She had to have stayed up long enough to see him come to the house at least! The Santa map had showed her that. Mama and Papa must have put her back in her room when they saw there weren't any presents. 

She was mad! She had been good all year long! Well, maybe not all year, but at least for December! She had done her very best to leave Dag alone, no matter how annoying he was, and had tried to do all her chores! 

And despite all of that, Santa still hadn't come!

Despite hearing her family call her name from downstairs, Jenny pulled her blanket over her head, tears streaming down her face, feeling hollow inside.

………..

"Jenny still hasn't come down yet?" 

Alarik shook his head. "I haven't seen her since last night."

Elsa worried about that. They'd found Jenny fast asleep with her stuffed hippo and her favorite blanket moments before they were about to place the presents under the tree. She hadn't even stirred when Alarik picked her up and tucked her into bed.

"Did she feel hot at all to you? Maybe she's coming down with something?"

Alarik's brow furrowed. "She didn't feel hot last night. And I haven't heard any coughing or sneezing. Do you want me to check on her?"

Elsa was already on her way. "I'll check. Can you keep Dag away from the presents until then?"

"I will."

When Elsa came to Jenny's room, the door was still closed. As she reached for the knob, Elsa heard sniffling sounds- Jenny must be sick. 

"Jenny, are you feeling alright?" Elsa opened the door and stepped in to find Jenny buried under her blanket, her body shaking.

"Go away!"

Elsa realized then that her daughter wasn't sick, she was crying. That worried her far more than any illness- it was rare for Jenny to cry. 

"Jenny! What's wrong!?"

A tangled mass of auburn curls popped out from under the blanket. "Santa didn't coooooooome!" Jenny wailed, pounding at her bed with a fist. 

Elsa blinked in surprise. That wasn't something she thought she'd hear. 

"Jenny, what are you talking about? Of course he did!"

"No he didn't!" Jenny pushed her hair free from her face. Her green eyes were bright with tears, and a flush colored her cheeks. "I waited all night! He didn't show up! He was on the map, and he didn't come to our hoooooouuuse!" Jenny fell face-first into her pillow, sobbing. 

Elsa fought the urge to laugh- leave it to a seven-year-old to come to such an odd conclusion! But laughing would do her no good. Instead she sat at the edge of the bed, rubbing Jenny's back.

"Jenny, that's not the case. You just fell asleep before Santa came. We found you-and the presents- last night. He was very hungry- all the cookies are gone. Come on downstairs and see."

Jenny shook her head into the pillow. "Don' wanna."

Elsa shook her head as well, but there was a smile on her face. "Well then, I suppose I'll just have to send your presents back to Santa then."

That got Jenny's attention. She shot up, almost colliding with Elsa before leaping out of bed and dashing down the hallway. 

"Wait! Wait for me!"

She dashed down the stairs, Elsa following in her wake. As soon as she reached the family room, Jenny stopped in her tracks. Her eyes went wide, taking in the considerable pile of gifts, the boot tracks on the mantle, and the empty plate and cup.

"Mama! Santa came! He really came!" 

Jenny ran over, hugging Elsa's knees. Elsa bent down and hugged her back.

"Of course he did, little one. Of course he did." 

[frozenprocedural]

Fic version of Elsarik Holiday + First Time AU? 👉👈

TDOE DAY 7- HOME ALOOOOOOONE!!!

From this post here, this is the full fic.

Alarik belongs to @patricia-von-arundel.

WARNING- RATED E UNDER THE CUT!!!!

Home Alone

Rating: E

The skiing trip was Anna's idea.

Alarik had been hesitant- he'd only ever attempted cross-country skiing once before, and never downhill. But Anna refused to take 'no' for an answer.

"They have bunny hills there, Alarik! And you don't just have to ski! There's snowboarding, tubing and sledding too! But we're all experienced, we'll help you. Besides, you'll have a nice cozy cabin for you and Elsa to return to each night…" Anna wiggled her eyebrows at Alarik.

"Anna!" 

Despite his reservations, Alarik found himself enjoying the trip. Two days in, Elsa talked him into trying skis. 

"I'll be right by your side, promise. Give it an hour, alright? If you don't like it, we'll stop."

Alarik lasted more than an hour, with Elsa helping him up any time he fell, coaching him each time. He even tried a bit of night skiing after dinner, until they were both tired and their gear was getting soaked through. 

By the time they made it back to the cabin, they were shivering. 

"Better…get…the gear off…" Elsa spoke through chattering teeth. They worked quickly to divest themselves of their outwear, and Alarik made his way over to the fireplace, working as quickly as he could to get a fire going. 

"You know how to build a fire?" Elsa gasped, placing a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry! That sounded so rude!"

Alarik chuckled and shook his head. "No, no, I understand. I had to do it while camping, when I was doing my field work. It still comes in handy from time to time." He settled in front of the fire, patting the space on the rug beside him. "Sit here, it's warm."

Elsa settled in next to him, and as close as she was, he could feel her shivering still. He opened his arm in invitation, and she nestled into his side, sighing with contentment. 

"Better?" He asked, stroking her hair. 

"Much. You did pretty well out there today, by the way."

"That's only because I had the best instructor helping me. Or at least, the prettiest one."

Elsa laughed and swatted at his chest. He retaliated by hauling her on his laugh, delighting in her surprised squeak, before placing quick kisses anywhere he could reach. She wriggled in his arms, giggling as she tried to avoid his lips. That was until he found a place behind her ear. 

As soon as he brushed the skin there, Elsa's breath caught, and she let out a soft "oh!"

"Is everything alright?" He started to pull away, but her hands tightening on her arms stopped him. 

"Yes… that was nice…"

"Was it?" He returned to the spot, suckling the skin there, and she whimpered, her nails digging into his arms. Not that he cared- he only wanted to hear more of her pleasure. 

Suddenly, Elsa pulled free, turning around to face him. Before he could ask if he'd done something wrong, she had her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. This one was fiercer than any she'd given before, but he found himself reciprocating instantly, working feverishly against her lips, even pressing his tongue against them. She opened her mouth with a soft moan, and he pressed it inside, running it across hers. 

After a few minutes, they pulled away, breathing heavily. Elsa played with the hairs on the back of his neck, and Alarik sensed that she was hesitating. He cupped her cheek, stroking it with his thumb. 

"Elsa?"

"Alarik, I… I think I want…" she looked down briefly, then back up at him. Her eyes were wide, a flush creeping up her neck. "I want to have…sex." At the final word, the flush crept all the way to her cheeks, which he felt grow warm under his palm. 

"Are you sure?" He watched her face for any hint of hesitation, but she nodded firmly, placing her hand on his.

"Yes. I want to. I want you."

He reached out to her, but then shook his head. "I don't have a condom! I didn't think-"

Elsa took his hand. "You've been tested?" When he nodded, she squeezed. "I have an IUD. It's alright."

They came together once more, the kiss even more desperate than the last. Elsa's hands tugged at the collar of his sweatshirt until he let go long enough to tug it off. Her hands were slower then, running through the hairs on his chest. Alarik watched her, his pulse racing. She slid her hands down his arms, taking his hands and bringing them to the hem of her sweater. 

At her nod, he pulled it over her head, and then undid the straps of her bra. He stopped before lowering it. 

"Okay?"

"It's alright."

He let the garment drop to the floor, and the sight of her was enough to make his breath catch. 

Elsa was watching him, her own breath coming out in soft huffs. He reached out, and stopped, until she nodded, and ran his hands up her torso. He could feel goosebumps rising on her skin, but doubted it had anything to do with the cold. Alarik continued his way up, cupping her breasts. She pressed into him with a low whine, and he teased her nipples with his thumbs. When that drew out an even louder moan, he pinched them gently, reveling in the way she arched into his touch.

Elsa's hands were at his waistband, tugging until he released her to deal with it. She worked her own pants free, but he stopped her when she started on her underwear. 

"May I?"

Elsa let her hands fall, and he pulled it away, leaving her completely naked before him. His mouth was dry, and it took him a moment to realize he was staring. 

"My God, Elsa. You are beautiful."

She blushed and looked away, but when he rested his hand on her hip, she looked back up at him. He lowered his lips to hers, and she arched against him, pressing against his own arousal, causing him to buck his hips. Elsa found the waistband of his boxers and pulled them free, pausing with her hand hovering over his erection. 

"It's okay." He murmured. She traced a vein, then swiped her thumb across the weeping tip. Alarik couldn't help the needy moan that escaped his lips. When her hand curled around his shaft, he shuddered, his hands gripping her hips. 

Elsa released him and settled onto the rug, her eyes locked on his as she slowly laid back. He could see the trust and love in her gaze as he followed her down. Alarik slid a hand across her stomach and let it come to rest on her pale curls. She nodded, and he brought his fingers to her folds, seeking and finding her nub. 

Elsa's head fell back as he stroked, her hand gripping his arm. Alarik pressed a finger inside, curling it against the rough patch on her wall, nuzzling her neck and inhaling her scent to ground herself. Elsa's nails would undoubtedly leave marks in the morning, but Alarik couldn't bring himself to care. He slid another finger inside her, shivering at the slick warmth.

"Ah… Alarik. I need you… please…"

He rolled over her, bringing her hand to his member, letting her wrap her fingers around it. "Take your time," he murmured. 

Elsa took a breath, and guided him in. Alarik dug his fingers into the carpet, tossing his head back at the sensation of sliding into her tight heat. He made himself wait, let Elsa control the pace, until he was fully buried within her. 

Elsa shuddered, and he kissed up her neck, staying still. Even when she relaxed, he just jogged his hips, trailing a hand down to circle her bud. She rose to meet him, hands gripping his shoulders, and he pulled back and thrust in. 

"Yes!"

She clung to him as he found a steady rhythm, his finger stroking her nub in time with his thrusts. Alarik closed his mouth over a nipple, flicking it with his tongue. Elsa cried out, nails dragging across his back. 

He was thrusting hard, now, his entire body screaming for release. He could feel Elsa's walls fluttering about him, driving him to the precipice, but he made himself stop for a moment, even when she whined in clear displeasure.

"I'm…close. Should I… pull…out?"

Elsa shook her head, wrapping her legs around his thighs. "Let me feel you, I'm almost there." 

Alarik's head dropped to her neck as he groaned, thrusting faster, his pace erratic. Elsa pulled him to her, her cries reaching a crescendo. And then she was there, head thrown back, body taught against his, her pulsing walls driving him to completion, spilling deep within her, crying her name out like a prayer. They shuddered together for a few moments more before collapsing. 

Alarik was quick to roll off Elsa, whimpering as he slid free of her. Now he was plenty warm. He sought her hand and clutched it, working on catching his breath.

Once he felt he could speak again, he rolled onto his side, trailing a finger down Elsa's arm. "Are you okay?"

She rolled to face him, a sleepy smile on her face. "I'm wonderful. Thank you."

"Thank you, min älskling. But I think it's best if we get to bed. My back doesn't do sleeping on the floor any more."

Elsa chuckled and pushed herself up. She wrapped his arm around her waist and let him lead her to the bedroom, and a good night's rest. 

[frozenprocedural]

TDOE Day 4- Nightmare before Christmas

Here’s day four! Set in @couragedontdesertme‘s Big Hero 6 AU once more, takes place after the TRUE ending.

Alarik and Jenny belong to @patricia-von-arundel.

Nightmare Before Christmas

Rating: T (for some swearing, imagery- nothing graphic).

The explosion almost caused him to bite Elsa's lip in surprise, and when they pulled apart, Alarik was horrified to see a gout of flame burst through the shattered windows. Even from where they stood, he could feel the heat. 

His horror grew when he remembered Anna had gone back in to begin cleaning their presentation area. 

Alarik was running, only realizing he was doing so when Elsa screamed his name. He turned to find her at the base of the steps, coming up after him.

"Stay here!"

I can't lose you.

“I can come in, I can help, please don’t go there alone, I need to get-”

Unconsciously, his eyes drifted to her still-flat belly, and he shook his head furiously. 

I can't lose our baby.

“No Elsa, no, it’s too dangerous in there-”

"ANNA is in there!"

"I'll get her. I'll get back. I lo-"

Another explosion, one he felt in his chest, and he turned and ran in, wishing he could say the rest. 

I love you. But you can lose me.

Outside, the heat had been intense. Inside, he was almost knocked backwards when it struck him like a physical blow. Someone rushed past him, screaming, just as he cleared the doorway. A beat, and he realized it was Anna. He turned, ready to follow her out, only to be met with the sight and sound of the doorway crumbling behind her, nearly striking him as he dove clear.

Trapped. 

Alarik pushed himself off the floor, tugging the collar of his shirt over his nose in a vain attempt to keep from breathing in the acrid smoke. There was movement in his periphery, and when he looked, he saw a figure bolting into a somewhat clear hallway. With no other option, Alarik followed. 

It wasn't until he burst inside that Alarik realized he was back in the convention hall. Not only that, but right to the space where, a mere hour earlier, Elsa had presented her nanobots. The flames hadn't reached the hall yet, and while hazy, it was clear enough for Alarik to make out the figure, not running as he would have assumed, but instead rifling through the papers and posters on the table.

"Hey! What-" the words died on Alarik's lips when he got a good look at the man. 

Red hair, thick sideburns. Hans Westergard, Alarik's former roommate. It was he who'd offered an immense sum for Elsa's nanobots. But she'd trusted her instincts, turning him down. And now he held a slim flash drive in his hand, the same flash drive that held the nanobot blueprints. 

And somehow, Alarik knew Hans was the one responsible for the fire. Responsible for putting Anna's, and who knew how many others', lives in danger.

Rage colored Alarik's world red, and his feet were moving even before his brain realized it. He slammed his entire body into Hans', somehow managing to catch the flash drive as it flew from the other man's hand. Without missing a beat, Alarik raced back to the hall. With a silent apology to Elsa, he hurled the flash drive into the raging flames with all his strength, feeling a rush of satisfaction when the device disappeared into the heart of the inferno. 

"Fucking son of a bitch!"

Something hard slammed into the back of Alarik's head, and he dropped to his knees, sparks exploding across his vision. Something cold and hard pressed against his skull.

"You just cost me everything, you fucking bastard! You're- Wait." 

The gun- he assumed that was what had been pressed against him- left, and Hans knelt in front of him, grabbing a handful of his hair and yanking his head up. Through his clearing vision, Alarik saw Hans' face split into a terrifying smile.

"Alarik Geatland. How wonderful to see you again. Maybe you've just saved yourself."

Alarik tried to shove the gun away, only to choke when the barrel was shoved against his trachea. 

"Stop that. Now, I'm going to give you two choices. One, I shoot you and let the fire burn your corpse and the evidence. Two, you come with me, and to everyone else, you die. Your choice." Hans eased the gun from his throat, although he didn't entirely remove it.

He knew then Hans' assumption- that Alarik, not Elsa, had been the one to create the nanobots. Despite the fact there was a gun to his throat, Alarik felt fury rise over the misogyny of the presumption. He gritted his teeth, biting back the instinct to correct Hans. 

There was no way he would let this monster anywhere near Elsa and their unborn child. Even if he may never see them again. 

"I'll go with you." he gritted out. 

Hans smirked and rose, keeping the gun trained on Alarik. "You were always a smart man. Get up, and head to that door." He motioned to an exit on the other side of the convention hall with his empty hand. "Try to run or do anything stupid, and I shoot you."

Alarik rose, feeling tears prick in the corners of his eyes. He turned before Hans could see them, then let them fall. Each step took him further and further from Elsa, away from his love. And while he was still alive, he didn't know how much longer that would continue- eventually it would come out that he knew nothing about the nanobots, save for the conversations he'd had with Elsa.

And there was nothing to say that he'd be allowed to live if by some miracle he managed to recreate the bots. And as far as Elsa would be concerned, he was already dead. 

He bit his lip- hard- and forced back the sob that threatened to escape. No. He refused to simply lie down and accept that fate. He would do everything in his power, until he had no breath left, to reunite with his family. To be there to raise their child. 

Just as he stepped outside, a heavy force pinned him to the wall by his throat. Alarik kicked and struggled, but he may well have fought steel.

"He's coming with us, Mikkel. Let him breathe."

The pressure eased off of Alarik's throat, although the giant of a man- taller and bulkier than Kristoff- remained close. Mikkel had the same red hair as Hans, although his was done in a buzz cut. 

"Thought you were grabbing blueprints."

Hans made a dismissive gesture, although Alarik noticed his face had a slight flush. "There's been a change of plans. He's making the nanobots. Bring him to the car."

Mikkel glanced sidelong at Hans' retreating figure, but said nothing. He grabbed Alarik's shoulders and started marching him to the waiting black vehicle, ignoring Alarik's protests that he could walk by himself, and wouldn't be able to get anywhere. 

Just as Mikkel reached for the car door, Hans stopped him again. 

"Wait, bring him over there." He motioned to the trees by the parking lot, then ducked inside the car, raising his voice slightly to be heard. "We need to make sure people think he's dead."

As Mikkel steered Alarik to the copse, Hans emerged with a massive pair of bolt cutters in hand. Alarik's blood ran cold and he yelled in terror. Despite knowing both men were likely armed, he lunged forward, desperately trying to escape. 

Mikkel caught him easily, wrapping an arm around his neck. Alarik scratched and kicked, but Mikkel only increased the pressure until he could barely breathe. Hans grabbed Alarik's left arm and stretched it, examining his hand. 

"The wedding band should add a nice touch, don't you think?"

If Alarik could have screamed, he would have. As it was, he could only attempt to pull his arm away, an attempt easily foiled by Mikkel's free hand grasping his wrist. 

Hans eased the blades of the bolt cutters around Alarik's ring finger-

"ALARIK!"

He bolts upright, halfway to his feet before even realizing what he's doing. The room is dim, his eyes slow to adjust, and all he can see, can feel, are the blades closing on his finger. 

"Alarik." A softer tone, but firm. "It's alright. You're safe."

A light flicks on, and Alarik blinks against the sudden brightness. He's not at the convention center, nor pinned against a tree moments from amputation. He's in a bedroom, the bedroom he shares with-

"Elsa?"

She's there, sitting up in their bed, hand outstretched. He eases back, settling into her embrace, and as her arms encircle him, the tears come. 

"Oh, Alarik."

He wants to apologize for his weakness- it's been five months since he came back- but he can't stop the sobs that shake his entire body. 

Elsa cards her hand through his hair, murmuring soft words of reassurance, then simply humming- a soft tune he recognizes as one she often sings to Jenny. He clings to her, breathing in her scent, pressing his head against her chest to hear her heartbeat. How long it takes for his sobs to subside, he doesn't know, but eventually they reduce to soft whimpers. 

"Thank you, Olaf."

He hadn't even heard the robot approach. 

"Of course. Can I get anything else?"

"A cool washcloth, please."

"Of course."

Repetitive squeaking fades away as Olaf makes his way to the bathroom. Elsa offers Alarik a tissue, and he takes it, wiping at his eyes. Moments later, the squeaking returns, and a cool cloth is pressed to his forehead, wiping away the sweat.

"You shouldn't have to deal with this. I should be over this!" Alarik bunches the tissue in his hand, unable to look at Elsa. He can't stop staring at the space where his ring finger used to be. 

Elsa's hand comes into his vision, covering his own. "Alarik." When he doesn't look up, she twines her fingers with his and squeezes. "You experienced severe trauma. It's only been five months. It's going to take time to recover. And I am your wife. I'm here through good times and bad."

When he doesn't respond, she takes his right hand, the one that now holds his ring, pressing it to her own. He sighs, curling his fingers around hers and bringing her ring to his lips. 

"Thank you."

Any reply she may have is interrupted by a sharp cry, and they both look to the bassinet in the corner.

"Let me," Alarik says, placing a hand on Elsa's shoulder when she starts to rise. "Please?"

Elsa nods, sinking back into the pillows. She certainly doesn't mind watching him with their daughter- the wide grin on his face, the soft shushing noises he makes, and his gentle movements as he cradles Jenny close. 

But it's the look on his face, the pure love he has for Jenny, that strikes Elsa the most. She once thought he would never hold their daughter, and even now she still tears up watching him. 

"I think she's hungry."

Elsa is glad he's watching Jenny- it gives her time to brush away her tears before removing her night shirt. She must have missed some, however, for once Jenny is latched on, Alarik wipes a thumb under her eye. 

"Are you alright?"

She smiles, sliding closer to him. He wraps an arm around her. 

"I'm fine. It's good to be here with you."

He's silent for a moment, just tracing gentle patterns on her arm. Then he kisses the top of her head, and she can feel his body relax. 

"It's good to be here with my family."