"Something has happened in Northuldra. I can feel it."
Kristoff leapt up from his seated position by the door. He rapidly blinked. His wife paid no mind. Anna continued right passed him as she headed quickly for the stairs.
"What? Wait! Anna!" Kristoff balked. He scrambled after her, trying to keep up. "Where are you going? What are you doing? Wait, what did the doctor say?"
Anna flinched as he caught her arm. He spun her toward him slowly. Kristoff's eyes were low, and Anna sucked down on her bottom lip when she saw the concern burning behind them.
"It's nothing." She answered curtly. "I'm fine. The doctor said I'm fine. It must be nerves or something."
"Or something?" Kristoff frowned. "Please don't lie to me, Anna. That something had you you really upset in there."
Anna tugged harshly from his grasp and continued again for the stairs. "It's not important right now! I really need you to trust me on that. Elsa is in trouble, and helping her takes precedence."
His shoulders lowered in defeat. Kristoff fought a groan. "I don't even know how you could possibly know that, but Anna, please! You can't wander off into the forest right now. Not with Arendelle in the state that it is, and certainly not with your health in question."
"My health is fine!" Anna quickly defended herself. She reached the bottom steps and began to cross the hall.
Kristoff was following closely behind her. "Your health is fine, but you just had yourself locked in our bedroom for hours. There is something you don't want to tell me and it has nothing to do with your sister!"
"Why can't you let this go?" she begged.
"Because I'm stubborn!" he shouted after her. "And because you know me better than that. You need to meet me halfway here. Then, we can decide about how to move forward for Elsa's sake. Now, tell me what's wrong, and please don't make me ask again."
"Fine!" Anna spun on him, finding Kristoff standing much closer to her than she would have thought. Her extended finger brushed his chest, and her eyes suddenly turned wild.
Anna's hands pulled anxiously across her face. Her body shook and she stared at him.
"I'm pregnant, okay? Are you happy now? You heard what you needed to hear, so if you'll please excuse me. I have to get back to finding my sister!"
But Anna didn't move. She couldn't turn from him. Her feet froze to the floor, watching as shock stretched over Kristoff's face.
He had paled. His jaw tipped open. Kristoff was staring at her with an expression that wavered between passing out and bursting into tears.
"What?" The word fell from his lips. He dragged in a sharp breath.
Anna's hand clasped tight around her waist and she began to fidget with her fingers.
"Pregnant." she said again, but slower this time. Her eyes dropped to the floor.
Anna felt the moisture building behind her eyes. There was a lump in her throat, and her shoulders curled forward protectively.
"Are you going to say anything?" Anna circled her toes into the tile.
"I-" Kristoff stammered. "I would, but… you are really upset about this?"
"No…" Anna sighed, still looking at her feet. "I just… don't have time to get excited about it yet…" She brushed a lone tear from her cheek.
Kristoff stepped toward her then. Anna couldn't help but tense as his hand raised, and she shivered when his fingers stroked the back of her head. Very slowly, Kristoff directed her to his chest, his arms wrapping loosely around Anna's waist.
As his hold tighten, Anna began to cry.
"I'm sorry!" She managed between tears. "I know I've hurt you. This is why I didn't want to say anything yet!"
"Shh…" He soothed. His hand caressed the length of Anna's spine. "You didn't hurt me. You couldn't, but please, don't fight yourself for feeling this way."
Anna drew back to see him through her tears. "But I should be excited, and I can't because the children of Arendelle are sick, and Elsa can't hear my call! There is something wrong, don't you see? We can't have a baby right now!"
Kristoff stifled a laugh. "Well, lucky for us, babies take a bit of time before making their first appearance. And as for the rest of it, we will figure it out. That's what you have me for, to help you through life. Now, what do you need me to do?"
Anna sniffled, pulling from her husband's arms. She whipped her nose on her sleeve and quickly dried her tears.
"You're right." She whispered. "I can't leave Arendelle. My responsibility is here. I will send Mattias and his men to check on Elsa. They will make sure she's alright."
Anna didn't like her own answer. Kristoff could see that, and so he shook his head.
"Why don't I go?" He told her. "I know how much you need her here. I will find out what is going on in Northuldra, and see to it that Elsa makes it back to us right away."
Her head tilt and the tears returned to her eyes. "I-I shouldn't bother her! Elsa has enough going on, and- wait, you would do that for me?" Anna stumbled emotionally through her words.
Kristoff's lips lowered to her forehead. "Of course I would. I would do anything you asked me to."
"But I need you here." She cried. "Is that selfish of me?"
A slow smile spread across his face. "No, but I will tell you what. Give me two days to collect Elsa, and we will both be back here at your side, faster that Sven can finish a carrot.
"We will get through this together, Anna. I promise. There is no need to stress."
She dried her eyes once more. "Okay," Anna pouted.
"Okay."
Kristoff kissed Anna, brushing his lips softly against hers. His hand settled against her waist, and the second caressed her cheek.
"Go, rest a while longer." he instructed. "I will send Gerda up with some tea."
Anna barely shrugged. Her eyes fell away. She took a slow step back toward the stairs and then turned.
Kristoff watched her go, caught between emotions himself. Anna reached the steps and started her way up them. Her shoulders were pulled forward. Her hands held tight at her side.
Her breathing was shallow, too, when suddenly, she stopped. Frowning, Anna spun back to him.
"Kristoff…" She whispered. Her voice was small.
He took a single step towards her before Anna came running back into his arms.
"I love you." She breathed, holding her face into his neck.
He drew his arms tighter around her. "I love you too, Anna."
-
Their journey back to the village was slow moving. Honeymaren limped along. The bump on her head had her swaying, and left her vision dizzied. Yet, she continued without complaint. Tucked under Elsa's arm, she allowed herself to be directed cautiously down hill.
"Are you worried?" Honeymaren asked after a long moment passed between them.
The sky above their heads had quickly grown dark. Distant stars began to shine through the endless blue. Knowing nightfall would make navigating over Gale's destruction more difficult, Elsa was forced to pick up speed.
"I think, worried is an understatement at this point." Elsa emitted a small laugh. "Last week I was worried, but now I am scared… scared and overwhelmed, really…"
Honeymaren nodded. She pulled her shall further around her arms. "I am scared, too."
Elsa turned to her and they shared a sad smile. "I will figure it out." She promised.
Honeymaren shook her head. "Together." She encouraged. "We can figure it out together. You have a whole village behind you now, Elsa. Don't forget that."
Her grip on Honeymaren loosened. Elsa quickly looked away. "You sound like Anna. I am not great at asking for help, or at letting people in. Perhaps it's because of the nature of the events I find myself involved in, but I am not in the habit of risking the lives of others."
"Yes, I have noticed that risking your own life is more your speed."
Turning, Elsa watched as Honeymaren arched her brow. A slow smirk started it's way across her dark cheeks.
"Poor family trait, I'm afraid. It appears all the women in my family make a bad habit of that…"
"You could start the transition, you know?" Honeymaren nudged her. "You could change your families ways by learning to rely on the Northuldra to help you."
Elsa hummed. Her eyes pulled back to the trail. "I will think about it."
Their conversation drifted off as the quiet night settled around them. Only the sounds of their footsteps were heard as they continued. The animals of the forest remained hidden away. Gales tirade had sent them scurrying and they had yet to reappear. It was eerie, unsettling even, that Gales violence could spook the entire forest into silence.
"What is your plan?" Honeymaren whispered. "How would you go about handling this on your own?"
Elsa considered her for a moment. Her eyes briefly traveled to Honeymaren's before turning to her feet.
"It may sound strange, but I believe the illness in Arendelle may hold some answers. I am not suggesting it caused the spiritual imbalance, however, I can no longer ignore the possibility that they may be related."
"It does seem strange that both Arendelle and Northuldra would be facing catastrophes at the same time. Both, barely a year after your sister has become queen, and you, the fifth spirit." Honeymaren agreed.
She pulled from Elsa's hold, stopping her when Elsa tried to follow with her hands.
"I'm okay." Honeymaren assured her. "I will let you know if I get dizzy again, but it's easier to think this way."
Elsa pushed her hair behind her ears, revealing the blush circling her neck. "I'm sorry. That wasn't very appropriate of me."
Honeymaren laughed. "I think we can forget what is and isn't appropriate right now, don't you think? After All, I did just take a rock to the head."
"I suppose so." Elsa whispered. "Though, the last thing I'd want to do is make you uncomfortable."
Honeymaren pursed her lips. Her fingers flexed in irritation. "That aside, I think it may be time to consider that there are other forces at work here. I can't help but feel that what's going on is some desperate ruse to keep us distracted from the bigger picture at play."
Nodding, Elsa began fidgeting with her hands. "I had that thought as well. Someone, or something, wants to weaken us, to make us feel vulnerable. If I tell you something, will you promise to keep it between us?"
Honeymaren frowned. "Of course, Elsa."
Elsa faced her hands as she fought for the words. She wasn't skilled in the art of sharing her thoughts. Honeymaren knew this, and placed a hand on Elsa's arm for encouragement.
"Back at the river," Elsa began. "Something happened… something I am not sure how to explain."
Her expression flinched. Honeymaren responded by pulling her hand up onto Elsa's shoulder.
"Tell me." She softly instructed.
Elsa bit her lip. Her fingers corded together. "When I was rescuing you from the embankment, my powers… failed. I felt them as I always do, but nothing came to the surface. It was as if they were blocked, just for an instant, and then as quickly as they were gone, the magic came rushing back in…"
Honeymaren's hand fell back to her hip. "A possible side effect of the spirits leaving?" She considered.
Elsa shook her head. "I don't think so. My powers never relied on the spirits before. I had them for years before coming to Northuldra. It seems strange that they should fail me now because of this."
"Not unless your powers are directly attached to Ahtohallan now." Honeymaren suggested. "As it weakens, so do you."
She drew her hands to her shoulders, and Elsa hugged herself protectively. "Further proving my, 'benefiting off our vulnerabilities' theory."
"I might have to agree." Honeymaren nodded. "But the big question still remains-"
"Who or what is trying to weaken us?" Elsa finished for her.
"Exactly." Honeymaren sighed.
The two returned to the village at full-dusk. Greeted by soft chatter and a roaring fire, the people turned to watch as the two newcomers strode in. They shuffled a bit, relieved by their return. However, their spirits were low, and so the response was limited.
Elsa ignored the stares. She led Honeymaren directly to Yelena.
Though mild in expression, Yelena appeared more than happy to see them.
She sighed as she took Honeymaren's hands in hers. "You're alright."
"I'm afraid she has an injury that needs to be examined." Elsa interjected. "An abrasion to the back of her head."
Yelena turned Honeymaren around at once, quickly drawing back her hair.
"I'm fine." Honeymaren assured her. She flashed Elsa a fierce glare. "Someone is just being paranoid."
"Paranoid or not, have Brandr see to you immediately. He will take care of this." Yelena nudged her toward the gathering. "Leave Elsa and I to speak. We have something important we must discuss."
Honeymaren's eyes scanned between them. Her lips pulled to the side. She watched sadly as Yelena directed Elsa away from the fire and out of sight behind the trees.
Under the veil of night, Elsa and Yelena stood beside piles of rubble. Huts barely reconstructed after Bruni, hadn't been able to withstand Gale.
Elsa's wandering gaze turned to Yelena. She stared back, looking stern.
"How are the others?" Elsa inquired.
Straightening, Yelena's hands clasped at her waist. "A few cuts, some wind burn; all minor." She explained.
"We were lucky." Elsa sighed. Yet, Yelena's frown only deepend.
"This time," She stressed sadly.
"What do you mean?" Elsa's weight swayed between feet.
"Elsa, we must prepare ourselves for the final departure." she began. "You know as well as I do, what is to come next."
She shivered. Elsa's heart began to race. "I do, but-"
"No." Yelena shook her head. "We cannot waste anymore time believing that we have the power to fix this before it begins. Nokk will drown us all. We know its strength. Many of us have seen it before, and you should know this better than anyone else. We cannot wait around for it to happen, Elsa. We don't have enough of a fight left in us to try and suddenly fail."
Lines pulled through the skin of Elsa's forehead. "I need Nokk. I need to be here to access Ahtohallan."
"Ahtohallan has already closed its waters to you. If not now, then soon. You have no business going back there until you are certain of where Nokk's loyalty lies." Yelena's teeth grit. "Whatever troubles we face now are beyond the spirits' understanding."
Elsa pursed her lips. She turned her hands at her side. "What are you suggesting?"
She could see the pain lingered behind Yelena's eyes. The words on her tongue would hurt for her to admit aloud. Yelena fought with her thoughts, with her fear, and her leadership.
"We must consider that it is time to leave the forest. We must get to higher grounds before the waters take our lands, and then take us down with it."
Elsa fell silent. A hard weight settled against her chest.
"It is not a permanent relocation." Yelena continued, placing her hand in Elsa's. "However, for now, it is our best chance for survival."
Sighing, Elsa pulled from Yelena's touch. "I did not want it to come to this."
"Of course not." Yelena drew Elsa's eyes back to hers. "Northuldra is just as much your home as it is ours. What hurts us, hurts you. However, it is important for you to remember that there are some forces on this planet, Elsa, for which not even you can tame. And we must protect each other from them."
Elsa bit her lip. She felt small under Yelena's stare.
Yelena didn't blame Elsa for losing control over the spirits, nor did she hold her responsible for their destruction. Despite this, Elsa still expected herself to fix it.
"I know of a place." She finally spoke. "There is a home between here and Arendelle that I built for myself when I thought I had nowhere else to go. Our people will be safe there for now." Elsa promised.
Yelena's eyes briefly closed. When they reopened, she simply nodded.
"When the sun rises, then."
-
Hours later, Elsa laid awake.
Tucked into one of her many, quickly crafted ice huts, her eyes held wide. Elsa looked up at the ceiling and willed herself to fall asleep. Her thoughts ran rampant with night. Anxiety coursed through her blood. There was too much to consider and therefore, her mind could not settle.
Elsa turned on to her side. She trapped her hands beneath her head. Clenching her eyes closed, Elsa held her breath.
After a long moment, she released it, and fell with a thud onto her back once more.
A knock sounded at her door.
Elsa quickly sat up. She brushed down her hair and readjusted her nightgown.
"Come in," She softly instructed.
Honeymaren's head squeezed between the tarp and its frame. She appeared almost shy as she glanced back at Elsa who was leaning against her pillow.
"You're awake, good. I just need a minute." Honeymaren let herself in, sliding the tarp flat behind her.
Slowly, she crossed the room. Her brown eyes held at her hands as she came to stand at Elsa's bedside.
"How can I help you?" she asked. Elsa rose from the blankets to make room against the bed.
Honeymaren didn't sit. "I just came to apologize."
Confusion creased Elsa's forehead. "Apologize, to me?" She blinked. "If anything it should be me who still owes you the apology. It was my fault, afterall, that you were hurt today."
"There is no need for that. I pushed you into your reaction with my jealousy. You have nothing to apologize for." Honeymaren's hands pulled through her loose hair and she released a muffled groan. "Listen, Elsa, I was being innapropriate before-"
Elsa lifted her hand to stop her, but Honeymaren charged on.
"I don't like change. I know that is not a good excuse for being so forward, but it's the truth. For most of my life, things remained exactly the same, day in and day out. I used to crave new worlds to explore, having new people to meet, and then, I met you."
Elsa's cheeks tinged pink as she stared. Honeymaren wouldn't look at her as she spoke, and that had Elsa feeling nervous. Even when Honeymaren finally sat beside her, her eyes stayed on her lap. She wasn't touching Elsa, and left a more than cautious amount of space, yet Elsa could still feel the heat trapped between them.
"When I met you, everything changed, and not only for me, but for everyone in the village. Suddenly, my small, isolated world was flooded with light. Northuldra no longer felt as tiny as it had when I was growing up here. My days were once filled with dreams for a better life, but then suddenly- I was learning to enjoy my days for exactly what they were.
"I would wake up earlier, just for the chance to see you before you set off for Ahtohallan. I found myself staying up late, all so we might enjoy one of our fireside chats before bed. I'd be walking amongst the forest and see something I wanted to share with you. Then, I would wait all day for you to return, all so I could do just that.
"I don't know exactly when the lines began to blur for me. Perhaps they were never all that formal of lines to begin with, but I learned to like you, Elsa, and more than a friend should feel towards another friend- and Ahtohallan knows, I never meant for it to happen. I wished it hadn't, so I might always feel content with the way things are between us right now. But we both know how lives change, and sometimes with very little prompting from ourselves. When Ryder told me of his feelings for you, I thought, if not him, then soon it would be someone else fueling that change."
Honeymaren sighed and flexed her fingers. Elsa had been surprisingly calm as she sat beside her listening. Worried that if she stopped Elsa might push her away, Honeymaren decidedly hurried to finish.
"I began dreading the time for when things between us would become different. When I saw you speaking with Ryder, it was suddenly happening faster than I could have prepared for. Because of that, I allowed my fear to spiral. I reacted on my jealousy, and you didn't deserve my response.
"And you don't have to say anything- not now, and not ever if you don't like. This wasn't supposed to be forced on you this way. Honestly, I was kind of hoping to take this secret to my grave..."
Honeymaren chuckled sadly, and Elsa could see that she meant what she had said. Conceal don't feel, came to Elsa's mind; she shook her head, realizing just how much weight those words could hold here.
If Honeymaren kept her feelings for Elsa suppressed for the rest of her life, then she would never experience living to the fullest extent. If she were to carry this torch in secret forever, she would never be able to open herself up to love from another source.
There would always be the doubt of, but what if I had said something?
Turning to her, Elsa brought her feet onto the bed. Her back drew further into the pillows. It was easier to look at Honeymaren now that she wasn't looking at Elsa, herself. However, her disheartened face still caused Elsa greif.
"You said, I believed you could only like me because of your personal beliefs-"
Honeymaren's eyes struck wide. "-no, it's okay! You don't have to explain!"
Elsa held up her hand. "But I would like to try, if you'll let me?"
Hesitating, Honeymaren frowned. She bit down on her lip and turned her head. After a long moment, she finally nodded.
"Thank you," Elsa began.
With her hands on her knees and her thighs to her chest, Elsa kept her eyes cautiously on Honeymaren.
"I know now how that came across, and thinking back on it, I understand why you were so upset with me. I degraded your feelings for me, and you were right in saying I never allowed you to validate them.
"But what you have to understand is this- I have been a figure, a title, for all of my life, and the reality of that holds very little merrit when compared to the size of the storm brewing inside of me. Growing up, not even my sister knew what I was capable of. I was a queen with responsibilities, but I couldn't hold a conversation with a stranger without fearing the worst possible outcome; without conjuring up all the assumptions that those strangers might make about me.
"I'm aware that's not the same person who wandered into Northuldra all those many months ago. She was a little more open by then, and a lot more confident than the person I knew for my first twenty years. Despite that growth, though, that scared princess, she's never really going to go away. She taught me to look at the world differently, and that will always be the hardest thing for give up.
"Because of that skewed perception, when I learned of your feelings for me, I reacted with fear. I didn't understand how it could be possible for someone to like me without being afraid of the person I was. I didn't want you to be interested in me because I was quickly reminded of all the ways in which I would let you down.
"And that's why I said, it's not you who was the issue here. I have been lucky to have you in my life everyday, Honeymaren, but it's often me whose luck runs dry. I would only end up hurting you in the long run; if not physically, then by saying something I don't mean, or can't understand myself.
"So, please forgive me for insulting you and your people. I wish I never said what I did. I should have shown you the trust you deserved when you asked for it, and for that I am sorry."
Honeymaren was rendered silent. Her eyes turned, flickering over Elsa's, long after hers had fallen away.
She cleared her throat. "There is, um, a lot to unpack there." Honeymaren teased.
"Tell me about it."
Honeymaren's lips drew to the side. "You know, for someone who is so afraid of hurting people, you spend an awful amount of time trying to save the lives of others."
Elsa shook her head. "My sister is the true lifesaver. It is her who always has to find a way to clean up my mess."
Her words were not spoken with as much seriousness as Honeymaren would have believed. In fact, Elsa was almost smiling. Her eyes were light with humor, and she lessened the hold on her knees.
"There's a twenty two year old Northuldra woman sitting in your hut tonight that says otherwise." She teased. "If it hadn't been for you, I probably would not be sitting here right now at all…"
"Don't say that!" Elsa pushed lightly against Honeymaren's arm.
"But it's true!" She pushed back. "You saved my life today, Elsa."
A slight blush drew to her cheeks and Elsa turned away.
"You know, I was thinking about what you said when I was out looking for you. The storm was at its worst, and I was caught between rocks. I wondered if I would still be out there risking my life to find you, even if I didn't know about your feelings for me? And of course the answer was, yes. I knew at that moment, and even before it, that I would sacrifice anything to keep you safe, just as I would do for Anna.
"And you know how I feel about my sister, so you know what a powerful comparison that would be for me to draw. However, I knew it was different, too, because what we share is different than what I have with Anna, and its different than every relationship I have made since coming here.
"I thought about change, just as you described it. I considered how I would feel watching you with someone else- the way you thought I had been with Ryder."
Elsa paused, and Honeymaren's eyes widened.
"And…" She encouraged.
Elsa sighed before continuing. "-and… I decided I wouldn't like it; that it would be difficult for me to wrap my head around. The idea of changing what we have together to accomodate someone else, or not having you in my life at all- no, I wouldn't want that."
Honeymaren nodded silently. Her gaze joined Elsa's against the bedspread. She wanted to press for more, understanding where Elsa's thoughts were leading, but she wouldn't. Elsa had already said enough to put her mind at ease. They were on the same page now, and tonight that was enough for Honeymaren.
"You know, I don't think you quite grasp how thankful I was to have you today." Honeymaren's light tone drew Elsa's eyes back hers once more. "I felt so foolish for running away, and when the wind picked up, I kept right on walking. By the time I found myself hiding near the river, the waters were rising, and before I knew it, I was stuck. I was terrified..afraid..and feeling so, incredibly stupid. I thought you might be too angry to look for me, and I knew the storm came on too suddenly for the rest of the village to realize I had walked away."
Elsa felt surprised as a tear pulled down Honeymaren's cheek. After a moment, a second joined on the other side.
"I wasn't just a little scared." She continued. "I kept thinking about all the things I'd never get to say nor do. I would never have the chance to apologize for the things I'd said, or discover how you rescue the spirits and save Northuldra. At that moment, I felt certain I'd finally stepped too far, just like the lullaby said, but then, you saved me- and I still don't feel very deserving."
At that Honeymaren's few tears turned to cries. Elsa felt helpless, and a little desperate, even, to help her stop. She had never seen this vulnerable side of her friend before. To say it was surprising would be an understatement.
Without thinking, Elsa pulled her toward her. She tucked Honeymaren into her arm, with her head softly resting against her chest.
"I'm sorry if this is too much." Elsa whispered. "Given everything else… I just wanted to help."
Honeymaren's head shook. "No, this is.. Nice." Her tears persisted.
Elsa's hand worked through her curls, mindful of the bump. "You are just as deserving as everyone else to be saved by me." She promised. "There wasn't anything you could say or do that would have stopped me from going out there today."
Honeymaren was silent. Her arm wrapped cautiously over Elsa's waist.
"May I stay here… just for a moment longer?" she asked. "I'm not ready to go back to my hut alone."
Elsa smiled and relaxed her legs. "You can stay here for as long as you would like."
Wind whipped through the fjords. Fierce waves crashed against the shore. The ground trembled in a thundering shudder. Movement coursed across the Dark Sea until, in an instant, the water was frozen stiff.
Galloping feet sounded in the distance. A figure drew nearer from off the banks of Ahtohallan. They were but a speck of light in the midday sun; growing larger with each passing second. That bright beacon was a horse carved from ice. A female companion led at his reins. The two slowed as they reached the shores, and approach their friends in waiting.
Elsa of Arendelle leapt from Nokk’s back. Her bare feet planted against the smooth stones along the beach.
“What brings you two this far North?” She sent them a small grin, beforing turning to thank the Nokk.
Her hand waved over his icy coat. Nokk crooned into her touch. He nudged Elsa playfully before backing away and dissolving into an oncoming wave.
“There was a disturbance amongst the reindeer.” Honeymaren explained. Her hands raised in feigned dramatics.
Elsa stepped in at her side. “A fight?” She questioned. Her brows pulled low.
“They fled to the giants’ territory-”
“-but don’t you worry! I got them back!” Ryder pushed his sister aside. His hands splayed proudly over his hips, and he grinned.
Elsa was forced to stifle a laugh. “I see. Well, as all has been settled, I imagine you are both waiting for me now?”
“No!” “Yes!”
Honeymaren and Ryder’s words blurted together at once.
With a grin, Elsa rolled her eyes. She took the lead back towards the trail, and teased them from over her shoulder. “-now that you’ve cleared that up.”
“What we had meant was…” Honeymaren sang, and circled in at Elsa’s hip. “-we figured we would wait and walk you back to the village.”
“Yeah!” Ryder shouted as he raced to catch up. “You know, so you didn’t have to travel back on your own.”
Elsa sent them each a nod. “What a nice gesture, though I am pretty comfortable being alone. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Confusion crossed Ryder’s face. “Oh…” He hummed.
“-but I do prefer having company.” Elsa nudged him, and Ryder’s smile immediately returned.
“Besides…” Honeymaren pulled Elsa’s attention back to her. “We were not worried, per say-”
“-no; more like bored, and avoiding more chores from Yelena.”
Elsa giggled. She shook her head. “Glad I could be of service, then.”
She watched Honeymaren shoot Ryder a deadly glare and fold her arms in irritation.
“Siblings, am I right?” Ryder’s lips pulled to the side.
Elsa scrunched her nose with a glimmering look. “I don’t know about that.” She searched to explain. “Anna and I almost never have fights.”
“Never?” He balked.
Elsa shrugged. “Not really, no. Though, neither of us exactly had what you would call, a normal childhood.”
“Princesses aren’t allowed to fight?” Ryder’s brows touched to his hairline. “How strange.”
“She is talking about having powers, you dope.” Honeymaren tilted her eyes toward the sky.
“Oh…” Ryder scratched at his head.
“Perhaps having brothers is much different than having a sister.”
“It is.” Honeymaren quickly answered, and the two women shared a laugh. “Men are completely different than women; that is all I am going to say.”
“Hey!” Ryder defended. “-man, standing right here!”
“A man?” Honeymaren came to a swift halt.
Startled, Elsa did the same.
“Where?” Honeymaren asked again. Her head whipped wildly over her shoulders. “I don’t see any…”
“Haha.” Ryder dryly mocked. “Very funny.”
He lagged behind as the women carried ahead, feeling disheartened by their continued laughter.
“It was only a joke!” Honeymaren called back to him. Yet, Ryder continued his grumbling.
“The two of you are always going at it.” Elsa whispered to her.
“It is all in good fun!” Honeymaren smiled as she explained. “We like to get on each other’s nerves. It is pretty normal for most siblings.”
Elsa hummed, and carried her eyes to her feet. She pulled back a small sigh. “I am afraid that is something I will never understand.”
“It is all about having trust.” Honeymaren continued, and Elsa lifted her gaze. “You see, Ryder and I fight because we care about each other. It is like two wolf pups who bite at each other’s ears. I know Ryder will eventually bite me back, but at the end of the day, our love for one another remains.”
A slow smile turned to Elsa’s cheeks. “I might know what you mean. I can remember teasing Anna for fun when we were little.”
The sigh finally fell passed her lips. Elsa’s eyes returned to the ground.
“It is friday-game-night, right?” Honeymaren nudged Elsa in reminder. “You are missing Anna, but you will see her soon enough.”
“That is true.” The light in Elsa’s eyes returned. “Perhaps I will head there a little early today.”
Honeymaren forced a small nod. Her smile noticeably weakened.
“See, now there’s an idea...” She held her feigned grin until her face had hidden to the side. Elsa then watched it fall away completely.
“I planned on finishing our walk first... Don’t you worry.” She casually teased.
“No, I-” Honeymaren began, but Elsa had stepped ahead.
“Women, am I right?” Ryder snuck up behind his sister. He ribbed her playfully in the arm.
“You’re an idiot.” Honeymaren deadpanned, and she nudged Ryder further away from her.
The three continued on, up the final span of trail before they’d meet the river’s edge. As the gentle melodic sounds of the current were heard, the wind began to pick up. The skies darkened. Clouds poured in.
“Is it only me, or did it get colder all of a sudden?” Honeymaren drew further into her shall.
Elsa had stopped at the hilt of the trail. “What is it, Gale?” She asked her.
Streams of green leaves circled around her. Elsa’s arms lifted to the air, and Gale continued to spiral. She carried a bit of parchment in her wings. Gale dropped it in Elsa’s hand before fluttering off into the forest.
“Another reminder from your sister?” Honeymaren taunted her.
“It would appear so.” Elsa lifted the folds from the parchment, and quietly began to read.
Honeymaren watched on. Elsa’s forehead creased as her gaze wavered across the page. Her blue eyes pulled low. Even her hands flexed where her fingers met the parchment. Elsa’s movements were often stiff, however this spoke of something further.
Elsa’s leveled demeanor fell away.
“Is something wrong?” Honeymaren asked.
“Anna says she has to reschedule.” Her face fought to pout.
Confused and saddened for her, Honeymaren’s jaw tipped to respond. Yet, in an instant, her words were stolen by a sound like thunder.
The earth below their feet gave a sudden lurch.
The ground trembled on for miles. The three fought the vibrations to remain on their feet, and a low bellow cried out from across the moving river.
Elsa’s eyes sprung wide. “The earth giants!” She announced.
Elsa took off at a sprint, leaving Honeymaren and Ryder to follow.
Through tangles of briar and overgrown brush, Elsa led them along the forest. She cut across the jagged boulders. She scaled over fallen trees, and came to a halt at the ledge of the falls.
Chaos had erupted to life amongst the giants. Three of which had scattered, shaking rocks loose from the walls as they scurried away. With poise, Honeymaren dodged a rock that came rolling her way. Ryder yelped. He jumped into the air, and quickly hid behind Honeymaren’s back.
“That is one fight I do not want to be in the middle of!” He quivered, and Ryder was correct.
The largest of giants began to brawl with a second; one closest to his size.
He let out a low growl. His hands came forward, and he knocked into the chest of his foe. The second giant pushed back. He lifted off his feet, and body slammed them into the shore.
As they tumbled into the river, waves coursed across the water’s length.
“Stand back!” Elsa shouted.
Both Honeymaren and Ryder stumbled into a crawl as they scrambled back up the hill.
Ice shot out from Elsa’s hands. The waves froze and crashed against the rocks. Elsa leapt down from the ledge and onto a slide of her own creation. She skated to a halt along the bank. Her feet scratched against the stone, and she sped off to stop the giants.
“What is going on?” Ryder turned to Honeymaren. “-and what is all over you?”
Honeymaren looked down at her tunic. It was covered in red dust; the same red dust she could see shining along the river bank. Ryder’s pants were covered as well.
“I don’t have a clue.” Honeymaren worked to brush it off.
Then, their attention diverted. The two watched as Elsa desperately pried the giants apart with her magic. She was quickly cast aside. Elsa fell onto her rear, and the brawl continued.
“Enough!” She shouted back.
The giants paid no mind. Boulder throwing persisted as rocks sailed through the air, forcing Elsa to dodge their weight.
“Why aren’t they stopping?” Ryder worried. “Elsa is the Fifth Spirit! She is the giants’ balance on earth.”
Honeymaren’s eyes grew as wide as her brother’s. She dropped her voice into a whisper. “It is as if they don’t recognize Elsa at all.”
Anxious, with their hearts racing, Honeymaren and Ryder drew closer together.
“The spirits are stirring.” She said to him, and the two shared a fearful look.
-
Miles from Northuldra, Arendelle was amidst its own upset.
Queen Anna, with a face like stone, was crossing through the busy village square.
She could feel the many eyes on her. The villagers watched with their unwavering gaze. They waited, testing Anna, and ready to see how their queen would respond.
Anna’s feet bore heavy, yet she held her stance. She continued to walk with her chin held high, as she headed for the castle gates.
Guards released the doors to the foyer. Gerda was there to quickly usher Anna inside. Her hands worked off Anna’s shall, and she directed her into the light; before retiring the garb to its hook.
Beyond the hall, Kristoff waited. His hands were clasped tight at his waist. His eyes drove wide, but immediately softened upon seeing his wife’s return.
In an instant, Anna broke. Seeing Kristoff, she drew in a staggering breath, and her tears began to flow. Her feet went limp. She allowed herself to fall, and weakly cocooned into Kristoff’s arms.
Wordlessly, he held her. Anna’s face pressed into his chest. Her cries muffled into the fabric of his shirt, and Kristoff slowly began to stroke her hair.
She awoke warmer than she had in a long while. It reminded Elsa of winter evenings when her bedroom fireplace had been forcibly lit. Yet, this wasn’t quite the same. It was a surprising warmth, stemming from the steady pressure applied to her abdomen. It roused her from sleep; a deep sleep.
Driven curious, Elsa opened her eyes. She looked down, but her head held in place. Something had braced itself under her chin and tickled at her nose. She looked to the side. Tangles of brown hair splayed out across her chest and pillow, masking her view and blending with her own.
Honeymaren had evidently stayed the night. Knowing she needed the comfort of a friend, and quite appreciating the closeness herself, Elsa didn’t mind. In fact, she enjoyed it. Elsa felt giddied by this new warmth, and considered she might not be as cold as she always believed she was.
During the night, Elsa had remained impossibly still. Subconsciously, she must have believed moving would jar Honeymaren from sleep. Instead, Elsa’s arms had wrapped around her. Her hand caught protectively at Honeymaren’s waist, and the second ran the length of her back.
Honeymaren, however, must have spent the whole night tossing and turning. She rotated completely onto her side and buried her face into Elsa’s neck. Her right leg stretched, pining Elsa’s knees to the mattress. Even Honeymaren’s hands grappled on desperately. Like a leetch, she secured each part of her to Elsa, seemingly afraid she might leave her while she slept.
Elsa wondered if she should feel embarrassed by their predicament. She certainly didn’t feel that way. She felt calm and sedated by the warmth surrounding her, but Elsa was also cautious. She considered how it would feel to be caught in this manner, by her sister or someone in the village. Was it appropriate for Honeymaren to be here with her? Were they breaking some unspoken rule for conduct by engaging in closeness? In that moment, Elsa wasn’t the only one thinking this. As Honeymaren stirred beside her, she quickly retracted herself from Elsa’s arms with a swift tug.
“Gah!” she nearly shouted. She sat up straight, eyes wild with concern. “I am so sorry!”
Rising to follow, Elsa shrugged. “It’s alright. I told you to stay... You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I know, but,” Honeymaren paused, blushing madly. “I never meant to fall asleep here! You were being so kind to me, and I would never want to take advantage, and- I’m sorry!”
Elsa giggled. “Aren’t I always kind to you? Besides, like I said, it’s really okay…”
Despite the subtle upward movement of Elsa’s brow, Honeymaren didn’t appear convinced. Her eyes trailed over Elsa’s face. She began to sweat. With her gaze flickering between the bed and the door, Honeymaren tilted her head.
Her expression brightened noticeably. A laxidasical smirk tugged at her lips and she stood. Honeymaren said nothing as she moved toward the door. Humor bloomed behind her eyes, and she turned back to Elsa.
“You like me.” Honeymaren smiled. Hand caressing the tarp, her shoulder pulled into her ear. A small giggle escaped her throat and she quickly left the hut.
-
“Mercury?” The word left Anna’s lips with ease. She felt it rolling awkwardly over her tongue.
Standing beside her was Doctor Laugen and Mattias. They stood at the edge of the dock, overlooking the fjord. The doctor handed Anna a small vial from his pocket. Squinting, she lowered her eyes to the silver liquid behind the glass and frowned.
“It was discovered along the shore by one of our merchants, your majesty.” Mattias explained. “It appears to have spread two kilometers south of the town.”
Anna blinked. She turned to Doctor Laugen. “You believe this to be the culprit behind the illness? It looks harmless!”
Seeing her face scrunch in confusion, Doctor Laugen’s eyes lifted. “When this discovery was brought to my attention, I had to go back to my books. I remembered reading about mercury during my study years at the academy. It was used in ancient Chinese medical practices as an attempt to aid in the healing of epidermis infections. That was, until they learned of the long term health effects it caused. Patients treated with mercury began developing stomach sickness. In extreme cases, patients died. You see, what mercury does is it builds up in our bodies. During prolonged exposure, it poisons and breaks down the different organ systems that allow us to function.
“The reason mercury has affected the children so drastically is because their young age and manner of digestion. It has made them vulnerable to immediate illness. It’s summer. They’ve been playing in, and drinking from the fjord. Their underdeveloped nervous system is weak to the poisonous nature of mercury. Overtime, the adults would have been at risk for the same decline in health. The longer we ate from our fish supply and drank the infected waters, we would have fallen ill as well; and with no known way of counteracting it.”
Shaking the vial, Anna’s frown deepened. “I don’t understand. How does this amount of mercury end up in our water supply? Has it always been there? Were we at risk of poisoning all along- my sister never said…”
“This is difficult for me to answer because mercury is a naturally occurring element. It derives from an ore called cinnabar, found in tropical climates and deep-well mines. However, because both cinnabar and mercury are highly coveted exports, I imagine large shipments of ores navigate through our trade routes on a monthly basis.”
Anna’s expression only continued to darken. “What you’re saying is, this whole ordeal could have been as simple as an overturned shipping vessel?”
Taking a deep breath, Doctor Laugen’s hands turned at his sides. “Again… difficult. Cinnabar must be mined in order to extract the mercury, and to produce the levels we are seeing in our fjord- that would require multiple overturned vessels. Or-” he paused. His face flickered cautiously. “-or this would have required a strategic exploit of our waterways.”
Anna hummed. “Many ships, dumping many supplies…”
Nodding, Doctor Laugen watched her eyes pull back toward the vial. Anna’s nail tapped against the glass and she sighed once more.
“Where do we go from here, then?” She asked. Her attention returned. “ I’m aware it falls to me to locate our culprit still, and to lead the motion to make amends, but what do we do about the fjord? How do we protect ourselves from being poisoned?”
“Really, it’s as simple as finding an uncontaminated supply, and it is as complex as flooding the fjord with fresh water to dilute the mercury concentration. Neither is without caution, of course, and constant testing efforts, but it is reversible. Until then, we will have to be diligent about avoiding drinking and eating from the fjord.”
Biting her lip, Anna’s shoulders drew to her ears. “This will create complications amongst the markets. We will have to direct all fishing efforts out to sea.”
“We will put more men on ships to assist.” Mattias suggested. “If we double our fishing efforts we will still be able to meet our winter stock quota.”
Anna returned the vial to Doctor Laugen before burying her hands in the fold of her dress. “The Royal Guard will address the fish supply. I will meet with the counsel and report to the village, and Doctor Laugen, if you could, see to it that your apprentices locate trainees for water maintenance. With those efforts, we will be off to a good start.”
“Of course,” The doctor nodded. “I will put together a team of our best scientists from the area. I will teach them what they need to know and put them in charge of conservation.”
WIth her lips pursed, Anna lowered her eyes. “Good,” Her chin jerked downward sharply. “Let’s get this behind us, and I will worry about finding out how and why it happened in the first place.”
-
“We will be relocating South of the forest entrance.”
Standing before her people, Yelena addressed them calmly. Her hands wrung patiently at her waist, and her wide eyes scanned the crowd.
She waited for their chatter to die down before continuing.
“It would be foolish to wait for the final leg of this revolt before making moves toward safety. Having said this, it is in our best interest to seek refuge beyond the borders of our home. Graciously, Elsa has offered up her palace in the North Mountain for our people to recollect, while we plan how to take back our lands.”
As she finished, the villagers' commentary surfaced all at once. Confusion stuck their faces and their words scrambled over each other’s.
“But when will we be leaving?”
“What of our supplies?”
“When will we return?”
Batting her hands, Yelena silenced them.
“We will be leaving before mid-day. I suggest everyone partakes in breakfast, and collects any necessity that will ensure our survival for at least two remote weeks.”
“Yelena, Yelena!” Their voices barreled together once more.
“Yelena, what about the reindeer?” It was Ryder. He was frowning as he hobbled forward against his crutch.
Stifling a sigh, Yelena turned to the herders. “We will drive the reindeer to the northern border, but that is as far as we can take them. As I understand it, the mountain impasse is too narrow. The deer would not be expected to survive the trip.”
As the questions continued, Honeymaren pulled Elsa aside. “You knew about this?” she frowned. “-last night, you knew about this, but you didn’t say anything to me?”
Her tone was flat, but showed no indication that she was angry.
“It didn’t come up. We had other matters to discuss, and I knew it would not change the outcome…”
Honeymaren’s hands pulled under her arms. A spike of anxiety shot through her spine. She had never left the forest before.
“I do want you to know, though, I will not be going with you.” When Elsa continued, Honeymaren’s gaze turned wide. “I told Yelena this morning that I intend to stay in the forest. I must be here to protect our home after the last of our magic fades. Perhaps once our defenses are down, our culprit will finally show its face...”
Honeymaren shook her head. “Are you crazy?” she balked. “You can’t take on the Nokk by yourself! It’s not safe, and it’s insane for you to stand in harm's way because you believe there’s a small chance you might find an answer!”
Pulling in a deep breath, Elsa kept her emotioned reined in. “I tamed the Nokk on my own. He is no match for my powers.”
“Yeah, except it was only yesterday you told me that your powers were failing! May I remind you of that? What if Nokk rebels and you find yourself without the ability to counter his attack? You would plan to sacrifice yourself all because of a theory that whoever is behind this is waiting until the spirits fall before attacking us?”
Elsa reached to take her hand, but Honeymaren stepped back out of reach. “I’m sorry." she replied with a snap. "-but there is nothing you can say that will change my mind. I will be staying here with or without your support.”
“And what does Yelena have to say about you risking your life for us?” she hummed. “I can hardly see her agreeing to something as idiotic as this plan!”
She folded her arms. Elsa’s eyes lowered sharply. “She is not thrilled about it, but she knows that it is pointless to try and convince me otherwise.”
“If you do this, I am staying with you!”
It felt wrong to smile, but Elsa couldn’t help it. Honeymaren sounded so much like Anna at that moment; wanting to throw everything aside to help her. The sentiment had Elsa feeling warm with affection.
“You know I would never allow that to happen.” she whispered. “No sooner than I would decide to leave, would I permit you to stay behind with me.”
Honeymaren fell silent. Her attention dropped to her feet. Agitated, tight fists drew to her sides and she scoffed as she kicked at the dirt.
“You will be traveling to a secluded mountain; the location of a home I built for myself when I had nowhere else to turn.” Elsa explained. “It is well-hidden, and you will be safe there, and that is exactly how I would like for you to remain.”
She stood there for a long moment. Honeymaren’s face was stern and her eyes flickered while her mind drew quickly between thoughts. Finally, feeling her anger spike, she stomped away.
Elsa painfully watched her go, forcing herself to believe that at the end of the day this would all be for the best.
-
Within the hour, the Northuldra village was packed for their departure. Elsa meant to see them off, but she found herself walking away when the herders set out with the reindeer. It was more upsetting than she anticipated; to watch her family leave the forest. The sense of guilt that came with it was devastating, and Elsa couldn’t help but blame herself.
When Honeymaren drew her bag to her shoulder, she turned her head to find Elsa. Her friend was nowhere to be seen. Angry or not, her disappearance stung. Part of her wondered if she would ever see Elsa again, and now Honeymaren had been robbed of that final opportunity to do so.
She was made to hold back tears as the village moved forward. Her nails dug into her palm, and she struggled for a deep breath. Honeymaren’s eyes directed to the South. She took up the rear of the group, and forced herself follow as her people began heading... into the unknown.
A mile North, Elsa was seated on the bank of the Dark Sea. Her eyes glued to the horizon, leading out to Ahtohallan.
Nokk was stationed calmly at her side. He brayed into her open hand, nuzzling Elsa softly.
She knew he’d turn soon. It was only a matter of time, but he had come to her on his own. While she softly cried against the shore, Nokk conjured up from the sea. Allowing her fingers to drift over his cool form, Elsa wanted to savor the moment.
In a matter of a few weeks, she had lost the earth giants, Bruni, and Gale; her most treasured friends. Elsa was on the brink of losing Nokk now, too, and she wanted the peace of knowing she would get to say goodbye.
“If I may ask you for one favor,” Elsa turned to him. “-please, try and fight this.
“Don’t leave me to care for Northuldra on my own. I need you at my side.” she pleaded.
Warm in each others arms, time moved slowly. Elsa’s ears trained to the steady beat of Honeymaren’s heart as it clenched beneath her ribs. She was ready to react if anything happened; not that she was certain it would anymore. Too much time had gone by since her magic first touched Honeymaren’s heart. Now, only confusion kept Elsa’s senses alert. How this happened in the first place; how Honeymaren survived it- it didn’t make sense.
Feeling Elsa's muscles tensing once again, Honeymaren knew the woman had lost to her mind. While she had relaxed in her arms, a part of Elsa refused to settle. Instead of prying, Honeymaren was content to hold her tighter. She said nothing. She did nothing, while Elsa mulled over her thoughts. Yet, only silence had filtered between them for a long while. Despite all the worry and uncertainty, their simple shared warmth was enough to carry them through the night.
“May I try something?” Elsa said, breaking their hold. She rolled to face Honeymaren and drew her head further onto their shared pillow.
“You’re not going to try and kiss me again, are you?”
Blushing, Elsa emitted a soft giggle. “No- just, I need you to trust me.”
She held up her hand, and without prompting, Honeymaren did the same. Their palms fit together. Fingers laced. Elsa closed her eyes and felt her magic begin to flow beneath her skin.
“What are you doing?” Honeymaren asked.
Elsa’s brows pinched. “Shh…”
Her eyes remained closed, and her frown continued to deepen. Honeymaren felt Elsa’s fingers twitch uncomfortably against her own.
“What? What is it? What’s wrong?”
A tiny huff escaped her lips. Elsa slowly rose, keeping their hands braced between them. “It’s strange… I feel my powers. They’re right there... and almost stronger than I've felt them yearn before, but look-”
Her hand pulled from Honeymaren’s. Immediately, a gentle flurry began over Elsa’s own head. Yet, as their hands touched together once more, the flurry came to a swift halt.
“My powers don’t seem to work when I’m touching you…” She shook her head.
Honeymaren’s expression soon matched Elsa’s. She rose to sit beside her, eyes low and brows furrowed. Her hand fell into her lap. “If you can feel them, they must be working. Perhaps your magic doesn’t work against me, and that would be a good thing; wouldn’t it?”
Shrugging Elsa turned her eyes. “I suppose, but I don’t understand... They worked against you once before- all those months ago, when I first came to the forest. Why would they not behave in the same way now?” Her fingers lingered between them briefly before settling over Honeymaren’s. “When I am touching you, I feel strong; powerful. But my magic won’t release against your skin.”
Her other hand clenched around the furs beside them. Ice rose to the surface, coating the fine hairs in frost. Meanwhile, the fingers splayed to Honeymaren’s remained warm to the touch.
“That’s a good sign. Is it not?” Honeymaren nodded. “Your powers are not affected by me, nor am I by them.”
“I wonder…” Elsa hummed, and her eyes drifted closed.
Her hand clasped tighter around Honeymaren’s. The second raised to the air. Without the bright ignition of magic, nor the sound of release, the walls around them flash-froze. Everything from Elsa’s desk and chair, to the ground beneath the frozen bed, covered in a block of ice. All that remained unscathed was Honeymaren, herself.
When her eyes returned, they grew wide. “I hadn’t meant to do all that!”
Elsa pulled her hand from Honeymaren’s and released the room from ice. She listened intently, training her ears to the door. When nothing beyond the goahti stirred, she released a breathy sigh.
“It’s as if my powers are reacting to your touch.” Elsa shivered, whispering her words softly. “Over the years, they’ve continued to grow, but this is different; it feels different, somehow... It’s as if I am stronger by being near you, yet also more uncontrolled. What does this mean?”
She turned to Honeymaren. The panic trickled back in.
Sensing it, Honeymaren drew nearer. Her fingers brushed against Elsa’s cheek and soothed down the length of her arm.
“Only Ahtohallan knows.” She offered her a small smile.
Elsa tilted her head. “Are you suggesting I bring the mages there?”
“I think…” Honeymaren began. “-that while they know more about Ahtohallan than most, only the Fifth Spirit may access what they need. Why else would they require you to take them there? They made it no secret that they know exactly where the frozen river lies. Whatever they want, only you can get it for them. And what that means is- only you, Elsa, can protect it from them. The sooner you learn what it is they are after, the faster we can figure out a way to use that information against them.”
Elsa pulled back from her. She combed her fingers through her long strands of tangled of hair.
Sighing, Elsa allowed her hands to fall into her lap. “I have already walked myself into a trap once today. I truly don’t want to back us both into another one so soon after…”
“You said it yourself.” Honeymaren explained. “We’re already in their trap. Our goal now should be, getting ourselves out of it. Whether that means escaping to regroup, or ending it once and for all; we can’t do that until we understand our enemy better than they understand us. We need to even out the battlefield. Make ourselves strong in both knowledge and tactic.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?” Elsa arched her brow. Her curiosity peaked.
“How do the hunted become the huntsman?” Honeymaren asked, and Elsa’s face lowered into a frown. “-by learning the environment better than their assailant, and by blending into the scenery.”
Her shoulders raised. Honeymaren leaned forward and her lips tugged to the side.
“We know this forest better than anyone, Elsa.” She continued. “Do not allow their confidence to fool you into believing any differently.”
Their faces held mere inches apart. Elsa’s eyes subconsciously flickered downward and settled briefly on Honeymaren’s lips.
Quickly, she sat back on her hands. “May I ask you something?”
“You just did, silly.“ Honeymaren teased, yet she could tell by Elsa’s expression that she didn’t enjoy her comedy.
“Why do you think my powers didn’t work against Cleyo, yet the others flinched when I raised my hands?”
Pursing her lips, Honeymaren shrugged. “I don’t know. Perhaps Cleyo’s magic deflects yours, but the other mages don’t have the same ability?”
“If we’re going to gain the upperhand,” Elsa continued. “We have to find out what kind of resources they have, and what kind of magic we are dealing with. I need to know what Cleyo meant when she said our natural elements respond to the magic that flows through the earth. If we can understand this, I'm confident we can figure out how to overpower them.”
Suddenly frowning, Honeymaren leaned in close once more. “Did you see what Cleyo did to my staff? Snap. Poof, and it was gone… You don’t think she can do that to people, do you?” Her eyes bore wide.
Turning her attention to the sidewall, Elsa tilted her head. Hanging there were the maps that she and Anna had found aboard their parent’s ship.
“Only Ahtohallan knows…”
Honeymaren's frown deepened. “Yes, but-”
“No, listen to me!” Elsa was facing Honeymaren faster than she could blink. Her legs crossed. Her voice lowered, and she touched their foreheads together. “Whatever they did to the spirits, it affected Ahtohallan as well! I couldn’t search through the past because the balance in nature had been overthrown. This means, whatever piece of information the mages want- it's not accessible without all of the spirits united. In order to go to Ahtohallan, they will be forced to bring them back! Then, the past will be written again, and I will know what their methods were to deter the spirits. I will know what they are searching for, and how to use it against them! The timing, of course, will be a challenge, but I will know their weakness!”
Honeymaren’s head shook against Elsa. “Don’t you think they know that?” She asked. “-or at bare minimum, are counting on it? We’d be foolish to think they don’t know how Ahtohallan holds its secrets. Why else would the mages use Kristoff and I as leverage against you? They’re anticipating for you to ignore their weaknesses, because of your commitment to your family and friends...”
Elsa’s brow furrowed, tickling Honeymaren’s skin. “Only I command the spirits. Once rallied, they can be used to save both you and Kristoff.”
“And you as well.” Honeymaren bartered. “I told you, I am not leaving you alone with these people! I won’t do it.”
Pulling back, Elsa glared hard. Tight fists directed into her lap. “I cannot leave Ahtohallan without my protection. If the mages drain it’s magic, all of this will be for not.”
She growled, taking Elsa’s chin between her fingers. “When will you learn to stop fighting support when it is so freely given to you?”
Cleyo’s words flashed through Elsa’s mind. Her face fell from Honeymaren’s hold. “Why do those I care about allow themselves to be sacrificed in exchange for my love?”
Honeymaren moved onto her knees at once. Her hands caught Elsa’s cheeks, and she lifted their eyes together. “No, you beautiful, thickheaded woman, you- If you think that. If you really, truly believe that what Cleyo said is true; you are already letting them win! She was wrong, Elsa. Cleyo was counting on you to dwell on her lies! This is what she expects from you, and you have to fight it! That is not why your sister followed you into fire. That is not why she weathered storms in the North Mountain to bring you home! I didn’t come back for you tonight because I wanted to win your love, Elsa. I did it because I already had love for you in my heart! Don’t you understand? It is no different than Yelena making decisions for the tribe that are in their best interest. It’s the same as Ryder facing the fire spirit to save our huts from destruction. We don’t do these things because we want to justify our love for people, Elsa. We do them because we already have love burning deep inside our heart!”
Her words cut off with an exasperated breath.
Elsa’s stare was wide against hers. Air caught painfully in her lungs. She’d never heard Honeymaren speak so passionately before. How she described love for Elsa; it proved she had been fighting those same words for some time. Honeymaren was both so angry with her, and yet filled with adoration. The expression was startling. It was both beautiful and terrifying to witness. And just upon hearing her words; Elsa’s skin had begun to heat. Warmth surged between Honeymaren’s hands and her cheeks, and sent a ripple of static out across her face. The sensation caused Elsa’s lips to part. She forced air into her throat. She couldn’t think. Elsa couldn’t see beyond the brown eyes in front of her, and so she leaned forward to do what felt, … the next right thing.
Her lips brushed against Honeymaren’s; once and only for a second, before they fell away. Waiting a mere breath apart, both suspended there in silence. Shared air mingled between them. Hearts raced with shock as fuel, however, the magnetizing action had Elsa leaning forward once more. She closed her eyes, fingers clenched between layers of white fabric. All the while her actions remained terribly stiff. Yet despite the novice fire, her lips continued to meet Honeymaren's firmly for the first time.
The kiss had Elsa's fighting a gasp at the back of her throat. It escaped in a rush, and both women quickly separated.
“I-I’m sorry…” Elsa stammered. “You asked me not to, but I-”
Honeymaren’s hand settled over her mouth. “Stop talking,” She told her, and turned quickly to the door.
Her brows pinched and lowered. Honeymaren’s stare turned harsh.
“Do you hear that?” She continued.
Breathless and dazed, Elsa slowly moved beside her. She turned her ear, and her eyes drifted back closed.
Above their heads, and high over the roof of the goahti, leaves shifted amongst the wind. Branches creaked against the pressure. Sticks and dirt bounced together as they swirled up from the ground.
“Gale’s back…” Elsa whispered. Surprised blue eyes turned to find brown.
Honeymaren blinked. “As your power grows, theirs' weaken.” She explained.
Honeymaren’s words filled her with confusion. Her mouth tipped to respond, but Elsa was suddenly startled silent. The tarp to the goahti was thrown back, and Cleyo entered the room.
Her face was red with anger. Fists braced at her side. “What did you do?” She commanded them. “What did you do to call back the wind?”
Shaking her head, Elsa rose to meet her. “I-I don’t know!”
Cleyo reached forward for her hand, but Honeymaren halted her actions by taking Elsa’s other one.
“She’s telling the truth!” She told Cleyo. “We don’t know why the wind spirit has returned!”
“It’s too soon to unite the spirits!” Cleyo continued. “You will ruin everything I have worked so hard to plan if this power surge continues on!”
She ripped Elsa out of the hut. Honeymaren was dragged to follow, but was quickly forced back inside. Two mages had surfaced in the doorway. Their shoulders tucked together, and they created a barrier Honeymaren was all too eager to take down.
Elsa was forced to sit on the log in front of the fire. Gale, who had been circling the skies, dove down low to greet her. The wind tickled against her cheeks, but Elsa dutifully ignored her.
“Tell me what you did and how you did it!” Cleyo towered over her. “I knew better than to allow you two to conspire against me, but I will be made a fool no longer!”
She snapped and Honeymaren was brought forward. Elbows linked quickly with hers. Honeymaren fought against the hold, but the mages had her locked firmly in place. She was directed to the other side of the fire pit, and forced down onto her knees.
Cleyo snapped again. Two hands braced Elsa’s shoulders. She looked up to see two dark coats stationed behind her back. With her detained, Cleyo circled the flames. She came to stand at Honeymaren’s side.
“Don’t you touch her!” Elsa cried out.
“No, Elsa, the time for bartering is over!” Cleyo snarled behind grit teeth. “Now, we will say goodbye to your friend here, and to your sister’s spouse. Elsa of Ahtohallan, your reign has finally met its end! I eagerly pronounce, The Dawn of Mage has just begun.”
As the sun set on Arendelle, the last light of day glistened upon the fjords. Waves rippled against the shore. The fishermen retreated from the docks, and the villagers returned to their homes.
At the same time, Elsa arrived in Arendelle. Avoiding a scene and lost time with her sister, she decided to sneak in. Nokk carried her up to the rocks surrounding the palace, and bowed to let her off.
Elsa pat his head. “I will see you again soon.” She promised.
Nokk neighed and crooned against her hand. Then he faded back into the waves.
She turned. Her eyes lifted to view the castle. Rays of light cascaded around the stone walls, creating a halo above their peaks. It was as if a beacon had formed to call Elsa home. She raked in a deep breath and grinned. Whether it was the thought of seeing her sister after weeks apart, or the warmth of the kingdom and its people; Arendelle would always be her home.
Anna must have been waiting at the entry for her. Elsa had barely made it through the doors before she was tackled into a hug. Anna’s arms latched around hers. She held her still and buried her face into Elsa’s hair.
“You are here!” Anna sighed.
She went limp in Elsa’s hold. For more minutes than either felt passing, they simply clung to each other.
“I have missed you.” Anna grinned, and pulled back to see her sister’s face.
Hands went to her hair, fluffing it, and laying each strand flat. “I missed you, too, so much.” Elsa took Anna’s fingers between hers.
She was led towards the main hall. Their hands swung between them.
“Gerda baked fresh bread and made a vegetable stew. Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.” Elsa squeezed Anna closer.
Her ear came to rest against Elsa’s shoulder, and she brought her arms around Elsa’s waist. “I am sorry about last week. Something came up. You know I wouldn’t reschedule if I didn’t have to.”
Smiling, Elsa drew her fingers down Anna’s back. “I understand. Besides, I am here now, and so happy to be with you.”
“You are!” Anna cheered. “You should visit twice next week to make up for it.”
Elsa giggled. “I like the way you think.”
Anna released her before opening the door to the dining hall. Inside, the warmth of a roaring fire soothed against Elsa’s skin. The tables had been set. It was a simple spread with sweet bread and dried meat. It was simple for Arendelle, anyway.
Meals in Northuldra were vastly different. They were usually enjoyed in passing. Only during dinner did most of the village convene together. Additionally, it was the women who hunted, harvested, and then prepared most of their foods. One person saw through their meals from beginning to end, and Elsa found that fascinating.
“Ah! Miss Elsa!” Gerda approached from the kitchen. Her arms held wide in greeting, and Elsa accepted the hug. “You are looking well. Are you eating enough?”
“I am.” Elsa nodded as she was released. “Though, I cannot say I haven’t missed your home cooked meals.”
Gerda grinned. “That’s my good girl. Now, sit tight. You won’t have to waste another minute. I shall leave the two of you time to catch up.”
Gerda’s hand briefly squeezed against Anna’s shoulder before she departed. Both women waited until she had gone, and then sat before their meal.
“So, how are you? How is Arendelle?” Elsa didn’t waste a minute. Her eyes were on Anna as she sipped at her tea.
Something in Elsa’s tone struck Anna as odd. Her sister was rushed. Her thoughts were elsewhere, and her eyes traveled away with them. Even Elsa’s hand corded too tight around her mug. The knuckles bore white, and her smile shown a tad forced.
“I am good. Arendelle is good.” Anna feigned.
She did not have to be a good liar in this scenario; only a better liar than her sister.
“That is good to hear, then.” Elsa teased, and smiled at Anna behind the brim of her cup. “And where is your husband?”
Anna fought the blush coursing across her cheeks.
She and Kristoff had been married three months prior. However, Anna could not calm the butterflies that ran rampant in her chest every time she heard his new title.
“Kristoff will join us shortly.” Anna cleared her throat, hoping not to give too much away. “He was taking care of a few things for me down in the village.”
Biting into a bit of bread, Elsa nodded. “How far our valliant reindeer king has come. Did you just say he was assisting you with royal duties?”
Anna waved her fork at Elsa. “Yes, but don’t tease him! He may stop helping me all together.”
Elsa laughed and shook her head. “No. He wouldn’t.”
“You’re right.” Anna agreed. "He wouldn't."
She felt warm knowing Elsa supported her marriage to Kristoff. Sure, Anna had given her sister more time to get used to the idea; this time around, anyway. Nonetheless, Elsa had blessed the ceremony, and even gave the first toast to the happy couple.
Enjoying the togetherness, the two fell silent for a time. The piles of food between them shortened. And despite all her other concerns, Anna’s eyes continued drifting to Elsa’s. Elsa was keeping something from her. Anna could tell. Her sister was mowing through bread like she was using it to keep her mouth shut.
“So…” Anna sang nonchalantly. “How is the forest? Are Honeymaren and the others doing well?”
Elsa didn’t immediately answer. She took her time to chew her food and swallow before lifting her eyes.
Across from her, Elsa could see Anna’s impatience. Her sister saw right through her; clear through her mask. Anna’s eyes never wavered from hers. All of her attention fixed on Elsa, and Elsa wondered why she even bothered trying to hide things from Anna at all.
“I cannot lie to you, Anna.” She released with a breath. “And it would be untruthful to tell you that everything is fine.”
Anna frowned. She leaned forward over her elbows. “What’s wrong?”
Elsa shrugged and looked away. “There was a disturbance amongst the earth giants.”
“A disturbance?” Anna widened her eyes. “What happened?”
Sitting back into her chair, Elsa replayed the events of the last week for her sister. She told her about the giants’ disappearance, and about the mysterious markings down by the river. Anxiously, she told Anna about Ahtohallan, and how she hadn’t been able to locate any answers yet. Elsa was finishing the wrap-up on her week when Kristoff finally strode into the hall.
He greeted her with a quick wave, and then kissed Anna’s cheek.
“Ladies,” Kristoff sat. “So, what have we been talking about here?"
Anna looked wordlessly at Elsa, wondering if she should share. Elsa merely nodded, and her attention pulled back down to her soup.
“Elsa has been experiencing some complications in the forest. The earth giants departed-”
“-but I am going to call them back.” Elsa quickly defended.
“Of course,” Anna flashed her sister a grin. “I have faith in you, Elsa; we both do. There is no limit to what you can accomplish with your heart, and your powers combined.”
Shaking her head, Elsa cleared her blush as it formed. “See, this is why I miss Arendelle. My Anna-pep-talks always got me through another day.”
“Well, there are more where that came from. I plan to make up for lost time.”
The sister’s shared a smile, and Anna reached across the table to squeeze Elsa’s hand.
-
The three finished their meals. Their chatter had turned casual, and Kristoff stretched back into his chair.
He fought a yawn. “Shall we, ladies? If we don’t get this game night started, I’m afraid I may fall asleep on this buffet.”
“Don’t you dare.” Anna giggled. “We can’t have that! Why don’t you go prepare the fire in the lounge, and I will ask Gerda to start another pot of tea?”
“I can do that!” Elsa stood from her chair. “Go on, I will meet you both in there.”
“You better get your game face ready!” Anna called, watching as Elsa disappeared into the kitchen.
Kristoff squeezed a hand against Anna’s shoulder. She turned to him with a pale face. Anna was missing her usual light this evening. Sadness clouded her eyes, and the haze rolled in thicker once Elsa left the room.
“I am assuming you have not told her yet?”
Anna shook her head. “No. Elsa is dealing with so much right now. I don’t want to add to her list of things to be worried about.”
“Anna,” Kristoff sighed. “You have to tell her. This illness is dangerous. In the least, you have to warn her about it.”
Looking away, Anna brought her hands into her lap. “I am the Queen of Arendelle now. This is my home, and my responsibility.”
Kristoff touched her chin. With a single finger, he lifted Anna’s eyes to meet his. “Both your sister and I are here to help you, Anna. Having a new title doesn’t change that. Not for you, and not for Elsa. Just as you want to help her, Elsa wants to be there for you as well.”
Anna turned, flattening her cheek against Kristoff’s hand. She felt his fingers brush against the skin of her jaw, and Anna shivered.
“I will talk to her.” She promised.
“Good,” Kristoff nodded with a grin. He leaned forward and placed his lips lightly against his wife’s. “Now, shall we go to the lounge?”
He stood. His hand extended and he held it out for Anna to take.
Anna looked at the hand, but she didn’t move. “Could you give me a minute, please?” She squeezed his fingers before offering him a reassuring nod. “I’ll be there in just a second.”
“Of course, my lady.” Kristoff playfully bowed. “But know, I will start looking through those charades cards you made if you are not there in five minutes.”
Anna rolled her eyes as she watched him go, and her soft laughter faded when the door shut behind him.
Stretching back into her seat, Anna reeled in a deep breath. Very slowly, she came to her feet. Her legs bobbled a bit. Her knees quivered uneasily, and a fog of darkness rushed to her brain. Anna gripped the table for support. With her eyes closed, she allowed the darkness to take over. Her nails scratched into the wood as she fought for balance.
When Anna released a sigh, the dizzy spell faded. As quickly as it had come on, her trance had fallen away.
She shook from the sensation and released the table. Anna nodded to herself. She grit her teeth, and strode from the dining hall with her chin held confidently high.
-
Hands fought for the spoon at the center of a small tea table. Anna swatted Kristoff away, and clutched the silver to her chest. Excitement filled her body. Yet, before she could yell out her feat, the spoon was pulled from Anna’s grasp. Ice worked it way up the stem of the spoon and it sailed across the room into Elsa’s hand.
“Hey! No magic!” Anna shouted.
“I don’t believe we established those rules. Did we, Kristoff?” Elsa gleamed, dangling the spoon between her two fingers.
“I am not getting involved.” He deadpanned, and Kristoff pushed himself away from the table.
Anna grumbled. “I don’t think I like this game.”
“It’s okay, Anna.” Elsa patted her sister’s knee. “You know, very few people are good at family games; that’s just a fact.”
Anna pushed Elsa’s hand away as she giggled.
“Okay, okay, I asked for that one.” She surrendered. “So, what’s next? Charades? I could go for another round! Oh! Or Kristoff, didn’t you pick up that game from Oaken’s with those dangerous looking dart things?”
Both Elsa and Kristoff began to squirm.
“Actually,” He sang. “It is getting pretty late. I thought I would hit the hay, and let you two ladies stay and chat… give you time to talk about that thing, perhaps…”
“Thing?” Elsa’s eyes widened. “There’s a thing? What thing?”
“It is nothing!” Anna defended. “It’s less than a thing; a small thing. What is that? A thinglet?”
“Well, that’s not exactly true.” Kristoff sighed, and squeezed his wife’s shoulder. “It is most definitely ‘thing’ sized.”
Elsa stood up with her hands wringing at her waist. “I knew it! I knew something was up. I could feel it, but I was too distracted by my own thoughts to read between the lines. There was something you weren’t telling me! And there I was, ranting about my own things! I can be so dense sometimes-”
“Hey, woah, woah, hey!” Anna quickly rose, taking her sister’s arms between two hands. “This isn’t like you; this ranting. It’s okay! I just didn’t want you to worry.”
“Worry me?” Her voice lifted. Elsa tried to step back but Anna’s grip held firm. “This is a serious thing, then?”
Hands suddenly very heavy, Anna allowed them to fall away. She crossed the room on shuffled feet, and her fingers splayed along the window glass.
She sighed against it. “I am afraid it is... pretty serious...”
Kristoff cleared his throat from his spot by the door. “I will, uh, give you two a minute. It was nice to see you, Elsa.”
She nodded to him. “You too, Kristoff.”
Once he had gone, Elsa withdrew their mother’s shall from hiding. She wrapped it around Anna’s shoulders and listened to her sigh.
Anna crooned into the fabric. “Thank you.” She whispered, and her eyes returned.
“It is your week. I would not forget.”
Elsa watched Anna’s nose bury deep into the silk. She breathed. Her eyes briefly closed.
“Come,” Elsa instructed. “Let’s sit.”
She led Anna back to the couch. Elsa sat first before pulling Anna under her arm. Their heads fell together. Their elbows linked beneath the shall, and Anna squeeze Elsa in a show of relief.
“There is an illness spreading through Arendelle.” Anna finally divulged. “The village children are dying, and there is nothing the doctor nor I can do to stop it.”
“What?” Elsa’s reply came at but a breath.
Anna turned to Elsa with her lips pulled to the side. “I am sorry, Elsa. I am failing you. You put your faith in me to protect Arendelle, but I have let you down.”
“Hey now,” Elsa soothed. She brushed Anna’s fallen hairs from her face. “You are not responsible for this.”
Anna turned her cheek. Her eyes fell to the floor. “Nothing like this happened when you were the queen.”
Elsa shook her head and pulled Anna in closer. “No, perhaps not. I did, however, cast an eternal winter over the kingdom, destroy thousands of crops, and damage the livestock.”
Anna frowned. “Why didn’t I know the rest of that?”
“Because you didn’t need to. I took care of it.” Elsa touched her sister’s nose. “All I am saying is- we are all given our own hands in life. We are all tested in different ways.”
Anna remained silent. Her head fell to Elsa’s chest, and she snuggled into the sound of its beating.
“Illnesses happen.” Elsa continued. “They strike villages all over the world. They run their course and-”
Shaking her head against Elsa’s chest, Anna frowned. “This illness is different. It’s not spreading through the air. It has traveled through our food, or our water... Everyone is worried, and I don’t have any answers for them.”
Elsa hummed. The vibrations carried up and through Anna’s ear.
“What do you need from me?” Elsa asked. “Do you need me to address Arendelle? Should I go to Ahtohallan and try and find you answers?”
Her head rose quickly. Anna’s tired eyes found Elsa’s blues. “You would do that for me?”
“Of course.” Elsa smiled. “We do this together, remember?”
The barest hint of a blush tinted Anna’s cheeks. “I have missed you.” She sighed, and pulled back into her sister’s arms.
-
Elsa’s ride back to Northuldra was unusually warm. The day’s humidity lingered, causing the air to stick to her skin. Nokk could feel it, too. His footsteps weighed heavy against the earth, yet he galloped along peacefully without complaint.
The two found their solace in the clear night sky.
“I could get used to this.” Elsa whispered to him.
She relaxed back on her hands, and her eyes held high toward the stars.
“It is peaceful.” She smiled.
The calm of the evening was a welcomed change of pace; when compared to all that had transpired back in Arendelle. As it appeared, both Elsa and her sister were facing problems. The only difference was, Anna's problems had carried along a tome of death notices with it.
Elsa's eyes watered at the thought.
When she agreed to stay in Northuldra, Elsa believed she had made the right decision. She knew she had a responsibility to the people and the spirits, but she had a commitment to honor with her sister, as well. Now, she was conflicted. Her heart was being ripped in half. She had a family in Arendelle, but there was family in Northuldra now, too.
"What to do?" She groaned.
The night sky twinkled in reply, and Yelena’s words began to echo through her mind. Elsa's heart expanded in her chest.
“I am one with the wind and sky.” She felt herself calm.
The spirits were guiding her, just as Elsa was guiding herself. Together with this new power, she could serve Arendelle, and still solve the secrets of the forest.
Elsa breathed and allowed herself to be captivated by the stars once more.
With her eyes transfixed above, Elsa did not realize when Nokk suddenly slowed. His head was turning erratically to each side when Elsa pulled herself up.
He sensed something.
“What is it?” She reached for his neck. “What is wrong?”
Nokk brayed, deep and loud. He pulled his weight back onto his rear legs. His front hooves kicked toward the sky, and Elsa fought to catch herself against the reins.
That was when Gale appeared.
Gale poured through the trees with a tempest force. She snaked around the earth before making her way to Elsa. Swirling and spiralling, Gale moved up the Nokk’s legs. She braided into Elsa’s hair and stole her attention.
The Nokk whined fearfully, and he kicked at Gale with his hoof. Elsa reached down to soothe him as Gale quickly darted away.
Elsa's hands replaced around the reins, and her knuckles pinched white.
“Go!” Elsa called to Nokk. “Follow the storm!”
Nokk quickly shook from his fear. He leapt into the air and advanced on Gale at a full-sprint.
Gale lead them through the forest, dodging between the trees. She made tailing her at night a challenge for Elsa. However, she had Nokk, and they both had their instincts.
Unfortunately, those instincts told Elsa where they were headed.
Something was wrong in Northuldra, and Elsa could only hope to arrive as fast as she could manage.
“The likelihood that this illness is airborne grows less plausible each day.”
“Then what other explanations do we have left? We have more patients coming through that door than we have walking out.”
A week had passed since Arendelle’s first two cases of the mysterious illness. Another six had since followed. In each instance, a child was brought into the clinic with, what appeared to be, flu-like symptoms. They came in for care; for stomach pain and nausea. Yet, not a single one had left on their feet.
Anna’s station at Doctor Laugen’s side had become a frequent occurrence. As Queen of Arendelle, she saw it in her responsibility to support each and every family that came through the doors. More than that, she felt it was her job to get to the bottom of it; to find a cure, a culprit. Or to risk falling gravely ill, herself.
“We have exhausted our efforts, your majesty.” Doctor Laugen replied. “Airborne pathogens would leave whole families susceptible. Even our weakest and eldest population would not have the power to withstand this disease. No. Whatever is causing this, it is environmental. It is in our food; our water, perhaps. It is destroying our youngest from the inside out.”
“Our food?” Anna frowned. “What you are describing sounds intentional. Are you saying you believe someone in Arendelle to be responsible for all of this?”
The doctor shrugged. “Perhaps not.” He sighed. “What we are dealing with could be as simple as a bad fish supply, or as complicated as infected waters. I have read of something like this taking its toll on big cities in Southern Europe. If one waterway is contaminated, there can be serious repercussions.”
Dragging a hand over her face, Anna shook her head. “I cannot tell our people to avoid the markets without just-proof. I need more than that! The little we do know has already caused a panic. It is not fair to the families to keep them on edge like this.”
Doctor Laugen turned his face towards the door. Outside of his office, there were more than a dozen patients and their parents; each one of them awaiting answers as desperately as Queen Anna. She was asking the doctor for too much, and Anna knew it.
“Just, please. So what you can.” She pleaded, and Anna stepped toward the exit.
Briefly, she froze. Her fingers suspended over the door handle. Anna spun back toward the doctor and bit her lip.
Her hand came to rest lightly against Laugen’s shoulder. “Thank you for what you are doing here.” Anna offered him a small grin. “I know you are doing the best you can, and I appreciate all your efforts.”
Doctor Laugen nodded, and Anna pulled away. She left his office with her chin high. Her eyes held straight ahead. She, once again, avoided the stares of patients, and dodged each hopeful glance. Right now, she had nothing for them, and she worried she would fail them as their new queen.
Kristoff awaited her outside the clinic. Sven stood calmly at his side. They both looked up, impatient, and stepped forward as Anna came out the exit.
“Any changes?” Kristoff asked. Sven chuffed with his nose against Anna’s hand.
She gave him a quick pat. “No, I am afraid not.”
She sighed, and her husband took her under his arm.
He slowly began leading them back towards the castle. “It might be time we bring Elsa down from the North…”
Anna nodded, sighing at the thought. “Unfortunately, I was thinking the same thing. Afterall, only Ahtohallan knows.”
-
“Cinnabar?” Elsa frowned. “I have never heard of it before.”
With her brows pinched, she came to her knees. Elsa leaned in close, holding the lantern over head. She examined the red powder under the glass, and released a small sigh.
“It is a Spanish ore used for paints and glazes.” Elder, Brandr, explained. “You may touch it, if you wish. It is harmless.”
The powder appeared fine, yet held a coarseness under her fingertip. Cinnabar was moist to the touch. It was as if it had soaked up water from the river, and had yet to dry out.
“Strange…” Elsa mused. She returned to her feet and stepped back. “Spain, you say? How did it come to find us here?”
Brandr turned to Hilf, his eldest son and aspiring scholar. “I am afraid, that, we do not know.”
“However, with the forest no longer hidden by the mist, there may be travelers from other parts of the world that have come to find these lands.”
It was Yelena who spoke next. The four had gathered at her goahti to discuss the elders’ findings. They deemed it best to keep any information about the disturbances to themselves until they had something more concrete to tell the people. For now, life in Northuldra had returned to normal. The giants had settled, and no further markings had been found throughout their lands.
“Foreign ores, such as this one, are also used in spiritual practices in the communities to our east. People will pay good money to export European ores for use in their sacred ceremonies, and other rituals.” Hilf explained.
As Elsa had come to learn, most of their history had been passed down through Northuldra generations. All their knowledge spanned across many years, and even more people. It was quite similar to how libraries were compiled back in Arendelle. However, the Northuldra had a forty year gap in which no new information was established. Elsa dared not to call it a deficit, but much had changed in the world since the mist drifted in. If this powder and the symbols were not traditional to the forest, there was a great likelihood they were dealing with something, or someone, foreign to these lands.
“What information do we have on these rituals?” Elsa asked.
Hilf came forward with a hand-rendered scripture. “We lack specifics.” He sighed. “I am afraid most of these practices belong to new-age religions, meaning their beliefs are ever-changing. As with the Northuldra, we rely on nature to form and guide our communal instincts. We yield our spiritual essence from the properties of magic found in our lands. However, with the dawn of a new-age, there are people out there who seek to profit from the creation of magic.”
“The creation of magic?” Elsa huffed. “Well, that is not much to go by. I have never heard of anyone having the ability to conjure magic before.”
“-and it may not even be possible.” Yelena stepped in. “Though, that will not stop people from trying.”
Elsa turned the parchment towards her. Hlif had compiled the drawings he'd found along the river. They reminded Elsa of the engravings she had found on the headstones at the entrance to the Enchanted Forest, and of the same ones found on her mother's shall. They were more complicated than that, however. Where lines crossed and new scriptures started; these drawings resembled that of a puzzle more likely.
“And what of the symbols? Am I to assume they belong to these new practices as well?”
Shrugging, Hilf directed a hand behind his neck. “There is no way for us to know. As Yelena has said, we are exposed to the outside world now. Anyone, with any belief, could wander in here.”
“But undetected?” Elsa shook her head. “That cannot be! I trust the spirits to show me the truth; to guide me towards that which does not belong here.”
“Perhaps they do not know, themselves.” Yelena cut in. “For as long as we have been isolated, so have they.”
Silence filled the small hut as Elsa mulled over her thoughts. So much here, was unknown. Modern science would fall victim to the same dead-ends. Not even the Northulda and their records could explain. Yet, one question still weighed heaviest.
“The earth giants.” Elsa’s brow pulled low, and her eyes caught in the light of the dim lantern. “Those markings and this powder; could they not be what caused the giants to rebel?”
With a steady breath, Yelena came to sit at Elsa’s side. “My dear, I have lived alongside the spirits for a near half of my life. I have both loved and feared them. From this, I have learned that nothing in nature is certain. Things are not always as they appear. However, if there is one aspect of these lands that I know I can trust, it is that the forest is ever-learning. If there is something here for which does not belong, we shall know soon enough.”
Her hand came to rest on top of Elsa’s. “Only Ahtohallan knows.”
A tiny grin teased at Elsa’s cheeks. “I believe I have somewhere I need to be, then.”
“It would appear so.” Yelena squeezed Elsa’s fingers before removing her hand. “Now go, dear child. Be one with the wind and sky.”
Elsa nodded. Feeling full, her confidence soared as she said her goodbyes and gave her thanks. She left the goahti with heightened spirits, yet made it no more than four feet before she was stopped once again- this time, with much more force.
Honeymaren had appeared out of nowhere. Her hand corded around Elsa’s forearm, and she dragged her between two huts. There, they were hidden from the villagers gathered in the clearing. As an added measure, Honeymaren tucked Elsa’s back into the trunk of a tree; where no one would be witness to their seemingly secret meeting.
“What, um. What are you doing?” Elsa balked. Her eyes held wide in confusion.
Honeymaren’s hand came to cover Elsa’s mouth and she glared. She was standing right on top of her, their torsos a mere inch apart.
“Shh,” She pleaded. “Listen to me. There is something you must see!”
“See what?” Her words muffled against the palm pressed to her lips. Honeymaren released her, and she tried again. “See what? What is going on?”
Honeymaren responded by dragging Elsa closer to the treelines, and away from the busy village. Once hidden in the forest, she turned to Elsa once more.
“What did the elders say?” Honeymaren asked. “Everyone is anxious, and Yelena will not tell them anything. But they know something; they must!” She shook her head clear. “That is not important right now. Anyway, please hurry! You have to come with me.”
Elsa tried to shrug from her hold, but Honeymaren's grasp persisted.
Irritated, her voice rose sharply. “The elders know nothing! They have nothing to say. I am heading to Ahtohallan to find the truth. If the village must know something, tell them we are doing the best we can.”
As Elsa tried to move past her, Honeymaren tugged back. “You have been to Ahtohallan already! There were no answers for you there.”
Elsa rolled her eyes. “It is not a telegram. I cannot make the truth appear for me by simply pushing buttons and asking.”
She stifled a growl. Honeymaren’s eyes burned with annoyance, and Elsa had never seen her in quite this way; a mix of impassioned and enraged.
“Listen to me.” She begged. Her tense whisper wavered at Elsa’s ears. “You must come with me now, please. There is something you should see, but we cannot yet tell the elders.”
Elsa wanted to argue. She wanted to tell Honeymaren that there were more important things she had to do; things in which would better serve the forest. Yet, Elsa could not bring herself to do so. She had come to trust Honeymaren; her unique instincts and beliefs. Elsa believed Honeymaren to be a new sort of family for her; her family outside of Arendelle. And by tell of the desperate look on Honeymaren’s face, Elsa knew she should give in.
“Alright.” She finally nodded. “You may show me.”
Honeymaren released an appreciative sigh. “Great!” She cheered. “Now, come with me!”
Elsa yelped as she was forcefully directed down the hill. Honeymaren had her running, Elsa’s arm still laced between her fingers.
Elsa stumbled as she raced to keep up. “Fifth spirit or not, I am still mortal. Ease up on the arm, could you?”
However, Honeymaren did not listen. She sprinted between trees and over rocks, leaving Elsa scrambling behind her.
“This way!” She encouraged her. Honeymaren pulled them into a hard left.
Elsa decided to keep her discomfort to herself. Seeing her friend near-panic, Elsa now sensed the urgency in Honeymaren’s actions. She began following as close to her heels as she could manage, and had a hard lock on all her other comments.
It was only a few more feet before they came to a drastic stop. Elsa skidded against the dirt, catching herself against a tree. She winced. Her hands scratched at the bark, and missing the opportunity to complain; Elsa was spun the other way.
Ryder was there now. Elsa had to blink to clear her vision, but there he was, looking as cheery as ever.
“Are we going?” He asked from a top his reindeer, Dahl.
Honeymaren ignored him. “Get on.” She instructed.
Elsa blinked and her eyes enlarged. “I beg your pardon?”
“Stop being stubborn!” Honeymaren’s hands snatched at Elsa’s waist.
She hoisted her onto the back of the reindeer and slid in behind her.
“Are we good to go?” Ryder asked.
Elsa’s protests were drowned out by Honeymaren’s reply. The deer had lurched forward. The three squeezed together, and suddenly, they were off.
Glaring, Elsa turned her head over her shoulder. “Yesterday, you asked if I felt at home here. Well, now I can confidently say, no one at home has ever dragged me down a hill and threw me on the back of a reindeer before!”
Honeymaren mimicked her stare. “It is not my fault you are always so stubborn!”
“Ladies! Ladies!” Ryder called overhead. “There is no need for hostilities!”
Both women grumbled in response.
Elsa crossed her arms. “Can you at least tell me where we are going?” She demanded.
“You shall see soon enough.” Honeymaren replied.
However, soon enough did not come as quickly as Elsa would have liked. They were riding the length of the valley, North. Even with the reindeer exhausting all four legs, Elsa could have gone faster by Nokk. That thought was moot now. She was fashioned between the two siblings in the middle of the forest. It was mid-day, and the summer sun was hot, yet all three were kept cool by the wind coming in from off the Dark Sea.
Long minutes passed by. How many minutes, was entirely unknown. The deer continued at full speed until they reached the peak of a great rock ledge. From there, the ground continued to roll downward, leading them back toward the river.
Dahl slowed at the hilt of the falls, and Honeymaren leapt from his back.
She spun to Elsa with hands on her hips. “Well?” She sang.
Elsa’s head tilt as she frowned. “Well, what?” She stepped onto the ground.
Elsa approached Honeymaren slowly, and assessed their surroundings with a calm and wandering gaze. Everything appeared normal. It was quiet. There were no strange markings, nor powder found on the ground. Yet, Honeymaren continued to stare at Elsa as if she were missing something obvious.
“I don’t understand. What am I not seeing here?” She asked. Her face stayed intentionally blank.
“Yes!” Honeymaren cheered. She jumped into the air. Taking Elsa’s shoulders between her hands, Honeymaren shook her erratically. “That is exactly it! What are you not seeing?”
Ryder was suddenly at Elsa’s back. His finger pointed out over her head. “About that tall…” He explained. “-big… some might say, giant… made of rock…”
“The earth giants?” Elsa dryly guessed. Her arms crossed defiantly.
“Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner!” He beamed.
Shaking her head, Elsa pulled from the pair. “What about them?”
“What about them!” Honeymaren scoffed. “Oh, I don’t know. Ryder, do you see a thirty foot tall earth giant anywhere?”
He shook his head and hummed. “You know, Mare, I do not!”
“Down by the shore?” She continued.
“Nope.”
“How about, in the meadow?”
“Nope again!”
Honeymaren turned to Elsa sharply. “Are you catching on yet?”
Elsa had turned silent as she walked to the face of the cliff. Her eyes scanned the low riverbanks. They pulled high to the tops of the Scots Pine. Finally, she turned.
“Gone?” She gasped. “As in, they have disappeared?”
Honeymaren stepped forward with her eyes circling playfully. “Well, let’s not go that far.”
“I tracked them out to the eastern border.” Ryder explained.
Elsa’s brows drew low. She shook her head. “The eastern border? But that’s the end of the forest; the end of Northuldra territory…”
“Finally!” Honeymaren sighed. “You have finally caught on to our dilemma.”
Though teasing, Elsa knew Honeymaren was worried. She could make sense of the fear held behind her dark brown eyes.
The earth giants were leaving the forest, and not one of them knew what could happen in consequence.
This is about as far as I got typing up chapter three of “Where Magic Flows” yesterday. New Year’s recovery had me napping from about 17:00 - 22:30. So, cheers to that. I promise I’ll pick up where I left off after work today.
