Anna,
Toothless, the Bewilderbeast and I have safely arrived back on Berk. It is good to be home, though I miss the both of you already. I look forward to the time we can all be together again.
I have decided to call the Bewilderbeast Jorunna. It is what first popped into my head when I first saw her. She has been pleasant company, and even allowed Toothless and I to ride on her back for part of the trip. I hope she will consent to stay and build a nest. They are leaders, and care after the dragons that find their way to them.
Speaking of dragons, the one you have there is named Hlif. She is one of my personal little flock. She is fairly sweet, and has an even temperament. Terrible Terrors are not as intellegent as Toothless, but they are curious. If you bond with her, she will protect you, should the need arise. They eat mostly fish, but are partial to rodents as well. Most of them loiter around the granaries here. We've not had a rodent problem on Berk for quite some time. On a side note, I've learned that jaw and chin scratches are universal. There is a spot on their backs, just behind their wing joints, these guys are particularly fond of.
There is another matter of import. When I left, there were stirrings of uniting all the islands into a single kingdom. It was not an idea I supported. Sustaining such a large kingdom, in a climate such as ours would be a nightmare. And there are still those who see dragons as nothing more than pests to be eradicated. This King would be a fool to take the job. But, alas, I believe I'm the fool they want to lead them. My mother has alluded to secret goings-on of my council, without my knowledge or consent. It presents a particularly sticky, smelly problem. If you can get word to Elsa, please tell her to be ready for anything. I have sent another Terror to find her, but I do not believe it will reach her.
I hope you are well, and do not worry for me much. I have support here. And most of the archipelago will support me, and the dragons as well. I will write as soon as Elsa arrives. Together, I'm sure we will get to the heart of this matter, and hopefully turn it in the right direction.
Love always,
Your BIG Brother,
Hiccup
She had read the letter a few times over the last week. Sadly it arrived three days after Elsas' departure. She was fearful, but took heart in the thought that the two of them together would be a force to be reckoned with. Hiccup was smart, and politically savvy. Elsa was disarmingly charming, emanating grace wherever she went. And she was just as smart. She had read Rapunzels' letter. Hiccup and Toothless had taken on a ship full of pirates. Elsa was scary powerful when she was upset. Thinking of her angry, and directing that power against some one or some thing made her shiver.
She sighed. Thoughts of her sister being gone made her sad. She had only just begun to get a feel for running the kingdom. Now her teacher wasn't around. Kai was ever by her side, and the Lady Catarin as well. The council was being supportive, but she missed Elsa. The reason behind her leaving made up for her absence a little. She was going to see her future husband, and meet his council and his subjects. To make arrangements for their life together. She was happy for her, really happy. But it also meant that their days together may be numbered.
She drew in a breath and released it. This caused the little dragon on her lap to stir. A few brief kicks of its' legs, and she settled. She smiled and stroked Hlifs' back. She was still trying to wrap her head around this. This tiny dragon could be so fierce and dangerous, yet here she was napping peacfully on her lap.
She had been walking down the hallway after the morning meetings, getting a brief respite before her next set of meetings. There was a commotion coming from her room. Upon entering, Hilde and one of the guards had cornered the dragon atop one of her wardrobes. Thinking to her encounter with Toothless, she was able to calm it. After a bumpy start, and a few scorched dresses, Hlif had become a close companion. Her first encounters with Kristoff and Sven had been almost comical. Sven had been trying to convince her to play, but she startled, and had wound up perched on Kristoffs' head. They were now good friends.
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Kristoff peered into the room, then entered. Hlif had jumped off her lap, and was making her way over to the new arrival. After catching his scent, she jumped in to his un-waiting arms. He laughed, scratching her head to which she responded by nuzzling him, purring. Walking over to her chair, he kissed her hair and ran his hand across the top of her shoulders. "And how have my girls been today?" He asked light-heartedly.
"Oh, a little rocky at first, but she calmed down after a while. She's spent most of the day in my lap, or at my feet. She'll be a great foot warmer when winter comes!" He smiled warmly at her. "How has YOUR day been?" He sighed heavily.
"Gods! So boring sometimes! And the dinner lessons! So many forks and spoons! What goes where, when to stand, when to sit! It's all so confusing! Why do you royals have to make everything so complicated?" He let out an exasperated sigh.
"Ehhh, You'll get used to it. It's all a part of our charm!" She fluttered her eyelashes at him playfully. He chuckled. She loved him, there was no doubt now. He cared about her sure, but the way he had worried over Elsa, carrying her up to her room when she returned from the mountain. And after Hiccups' return, had all but sealed it. The final blow came when he told her he was giving up his ice business, to be at her side. His proposal could not be far off. He had been given a room in the palace, and Kai, Gertrude, and the General had been giving him lessons. Etiquette, Protocol, and even some proper dancing lessons had been thrown in. These were her favorite. She got to spend time with him under the guise of learning. Touching him, moving with him. It had caused another set of feelings to bloom within her. Very, VERY pleasant feelings.
He offered an arm. She rose from her seat and took it with a smile. Hlif crawled from his arm to her shoulders, curling up like a shawl. They walked together to the dining room. The meal was a little tense. Not everyone had met Hlif yet, but were accepting of her presence. The council had been a little trepidatious, and Anna wanted to keep it that way. Hiccups' words rang true. She was not a pet. Only through gaining her trust, would she warm to anyone. The servants had been fearful, but the kitchen staff loved her. Within a few days of her arrival, Hlif had rid most all the storerooms of pests. She was a regular visitor.
She laid on the floor now, curled up beside her chair. She had finished off a large platter of fish. She would send her back in a few days. She hated the idea, but after all, Hlif belonged to Hiccup. She would have to send a response and fill him in on some of the goings-on here. But she had grown very fond of the little dragon. Perhaps he would send her back.
She was brought out of her thoughts by a soft nudge at her elbow. She smiled brightly at Kristoff, and engaged him and the others in conversation again. They talked of the people and the kingdom, and of the return of her cousin. When the meal was done, she and Kristoff bowed and left, with Hlif perching on his shoulder. They went to the parlor, where they sat and talked some more. Kai interrupted with a message from Rapunzel. She could not come right away. Eugene was still healing, but would be ready to travel in a few weeks. Queen Isabelle would accompany her. She would be grateful for the support, and between the three of them, they could possibly offer advice and direction to Hiccup and Elsa.
Kai then thankfully left them alone, for a little while. Full of heated kisses and gentle touches. A little more exploratory than before. The extra meaning behind his sacrifice not lost on her as their relationship turned to something else entirely in front of her eyes. For this was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The feelings of warmth slowly stoked a fire within her. She wound up languidly resting her head on his chest. His heartbeat thumping in her ear. Wildly at first then slowly returning to normal. She felt she could stay right here, in this moment, for an eternity, and be content.
Kai softly cleared his throat in the doorway, and the moment was closed. They rose up, and walked silently, arm in arm to the hallway outside her door. They shared a few gentle kisses, and a warm embrace, and said goodnight. Her head hit the pillow with the memory of his heartbeat lulling her into a peaceful sleep.
She stood on the dock brimming with anticipation. She had not seen her Aunt in over a year. She had so much to tell her. She imagined Kristoff might have a thing or two to talk about, but she wouldn't mention. He looked nervous enough. They had met before, and had gotten along well. But Aunt Isabelle had been a little protective since the incident.
The Queen came down the gangplank first. She curtseyed, and Kristoff bowed, straightening when she stood in front of them. She enveloped Anna in a warm embrace.
"Anna! Sweetheart! How are you?" She loved her. She thought of her Aunt and Uncle as her parents in their absence. Always offering support and advice.
"I'm very well Aunt Isabelle. I'm finally getting a grip on running the kingdom, although, it hasn't been easy." She told her. She smiled, and placed a hand on her cheek.
"Yes child, but it will get easier with time." Anna couldn't help but smile. Her words were true. She was always encouraging.
"I'm sure you remember Master Bjorgmann, your Highness?" She stepped aside indicating him.
"Ahh yes! Kristoff! How is your ice business of late?" She offered a smile, and her hand, which he took. His lessons were showing. He straightened, stammering a little.
"Ahh, well, your Majesty… it, it doesn't. I, -I gave it up for. other. pursuits…" She cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Oh? And what might these pursuits be?" Her tone was slightly accusatory. But she knew she was teasing. The poor man! He looked like a rabbit who had stumbled into a wolfs' den.
"Well, I… that is we, I… we, -we should talk, -later…" He was extremely nervous. She wanted to be the fly on the wall for THAT talk.
"Oh we shall Master Bjorgmann! We shall…" She patted his arm gently. He was off the hook for now. The queen then moved to the next person in line. Kristoff let out a sigh. Rapunzel bounced in front of her now, and hugged her fiercely.
"Rapunzel! So good to see you!" She thought for a moment. "No, Wait!" She held her at arms' length. "I am sooo Jealous! You actually got to ride on Toothless! I can't believe it!" Rapunzel shrugged apologetically.
"I'm sorry! But I had an opportunity! I just -had to take it!" She smiled sheepishly. She guessed she could be off the hook. For now…"And anyway, I don't have my very own dragon! Where is she?" Annas' face fell.
"Well, I'm not sure Hiccup just gave her to me, but I sent her off a week ago with a letter. I hope she comes back…"She frowned. Hiccup had not said she was hers, but they had bonded, so maybe if she came back, she could stay for a while.
Her attention was drawn to Eugene who was making his way gingerly down the plank. He had a cane, but was still having difficulty. He waved Rapunzel off to no avail. She slipped her arm around his waist, and helped him over. She went to take his hand, only for him to grab hers. He kissed it gently.
"Anna! You look very well! How are you?" He cocked an eyebrow at her. Ever the charmer.
"Eugene? Are you alright? Do you need to sit?" He waved her off.
"I'm fine, really! Just a little sore that's all…" Rapunzel glared at him.
"Well, you would be fine, if you would stay off your feet for two minutes!" Rapunzel scolded. He just smiled that smile of his.
"I have been off my feet! For a whole month! I'm well enough to travel. I just need a little exercise." Rapunzel seemed to let the argument go for now. She glared again nevertheless. After greeting Kristoff, they all walked down the dock to the waiting carriage. They came to the palace and went in, making their way to the parlor. There were refreshments on hand, even though lunch was but a few hours away. The servants left and they began to talk. Queen Isabelle spoke first.
"SO, Anna! How are things in your kingdom?" It was an honest question.
"Very well Aunt Isabelle. Nothing major going on other than the aristocracy's apparent inability to get along." She smiled.
"Yes sweetheart! And with Elsa gone, they're all scrabbling to get in your good graces, and trying their best to figure it all out." She chuckled. "I would talk with your council, with your permission of course, Anna dear, to make sure everything is alright and running smoothly." Anna nodded.
"Of course, although I can't help but feel like knocking a few heads together would help immensely!" Isabelle laughed out loud at this.
"Of course dear! But the art of politics is knocking heads, without the physical knocking!" Anna offered her a warm smile. She was going to be a great help.
"And what of this business between Hiccup and Elsa? You said you had received a letter? Did they see each other before he left?" Anna nodded and handed her the letter. The mention of her sister being gone made her a little sad again, but at the telling of their tender farewell, She felt better. The girls were atwitter, with stars in their eyes. The boys only rolled their eyes. Isabelle looked up from the letter with a faraway look in her eyes.
"So how much land, or how many islands are there?" Rapunzel asked.
"I don't know. I have been seeking maps, but there aren't any to be had. Hiccup had one, but Elsa took it with her. I had another commissioned. It should be ready in a few days. Another thing was, Hiccup said he had support, but that there were also people who had not yet accepted the dragons. I, -I'm not sure what it all means…" They both frowned in thought. Isabelle seemed to have come to some conclusion, for it was she that spoke next.
"It means there will possibly be some sort of conflict. If I know him, Hiccup will seek to head it off, if he can. I find the idea of his councils' meddling repulsive. It is the most underhanded…" She drew in a breath. She had never seen her Aunts' anger flare before. She let it out, slowly. "It is impossible to say, without knowing the people involved, or the political climate there. Nevertheless, we should show our support. Anna? I trust that Elsa took letters with her? The proposals and agreements?" She nodded. "Good! I shall speak with your uncle, and you should speak to your council on this. Perhaps a few of our ships, from each of our kingdoms will tilt things in their favor!" Anna brightened, and took her Aunts' hands in hers.
"I, -I was thinking the same thing, but I wanted to know how you felt about my idea… I'm so glad you're here Aunt Isabelle!" She released her hands and hugged her tightly. She patted Annas' back.
"There, there, -of course sweetheart! Elsa has said your were smart like that, and here you are! Thinking of such things, all on your own! I'm very proud of you!" Isabelle gave her a squeeze. She was a little embarrassed with the praise, but it was heartening to know that Elsa had spoken highly of her. She missed her so much in that moment.
They talked a little longer. Of goings-on in Corona, Hiccups' stay and his departure. Anna told them in depth of their encounter with the BewilderBeast, and with Toothless. Before long, it was time for lunch. They separated, with the new arrivals going to their rooms to freshen up. She and Kristoff went to alert the council of her Aunts' request, and some paperwork.
Lunch was very crowded. The whole council was there, along with several nobles and friends of the Queen and Rapunzel. Anna made mental notes as she watched her Aunt engage her council is amicable conversation. Rapunzel was talking with Kristoff about Toothless, and some other subject she wasn't privy to. Eugene was chatting with a few of the nobles who were questioning him about his adventure. She cast a forlorn glance at the empty chair next to her. She left it this way for breakfast and lunch, out of respect for her sister. She hoped they would be OK.
She felt a hand on her arm. Rapunzel started describing her flight on Toothless. Using her hands, she gave a very animated description. It seemed wonderful. She made up her mind right then she was going to Berk and riding a dragon. She wasn't going to take no for an answer. After all, she did have a right to personally oversee the negotiations.
They finished lunch shortly thereafter, and after a short chat in the hallway, went their separate ways. She spent a few extra moments with Kristoff before heading to her office for some paperwork before her afternoon meetings. One in particular stood out. A historian from the Anglish Isles, who had information and stories of dragons elsewhere. She wanted to know more, and try to change some minds here in Arendelle.
She sat in the office going over more paperwork. It seemed to never end. She can fully understand now how Elsa must have felt, in her first months. It was a little overwhelming at times. Aunt Isabelle had been a great help in times like these. She tried to focus, and not let the anxiety wash over her. Elsa has been gone four weeks, and still no word. Hlif had come and gone, then returned again. Hiccup hadn't mentioned her at all.
The little dragon now lay curled on her lap, dozing after a lunch of fish. She was a small comfort now. Isabelle and Rapunzel had been curiously absent from lunch. They had mentioned something about arranging a meeting of sorts. They weren't giving out any details though, which was kind of strange. Kristoff was here, and that was another comfort as well. Her family had been helping him in earnest now. He had attended a few of her council meetings, and had even been there at court. But all this meant that they had precious little time together. They made the most of it.
She had two meetings after lunch. The ambassador from Bertois offered his congratulations, but was seeking the queen. His country wanted to resume relations and trade, if possible. The relationship had been rocky from the start, even before the prince and Elsa… became interested. She didn't have a problem, but there were many concessions. She would see Heimir about this. The ambassador from Boggestonia had shown up, -again apparently. How Elsa did not freeze him was beyond her. He was an oaf, and sent him packing… again.
She thought her schedule was over, and was looking forward to some time to herself, -with Kristoff. But apparently -not. Catarin had come in and announced she had one more meeting. One that would probably take up the rest of the afternoon. She sighed, she just wanted to get this over with. She was taken aback when Catarin passed up the office, and escorted her down a flight of stairs. Where was this meeting to be held? The throne room? The courtyard? It was all very unusual. They made another turn. Aha! The gardens! But, who could they possibly be…
She received her answer as she turned a corner. The was a particularly short table set up underneath a tree. There were four adults, three she recognized, Rapunzel, Aunt Isabelle, and Eugene. The fourth person was a woman she was not familiar with. There also was a group of five young girls. The table was set with two teapots, and cups, and a large assortment of cakes and sweets. She saw Rapunzel lean in and speak. Everyone rose from the table. One little girl was bouncing up and down once she turned. She ran towards her, her blonde pigtails bouncing with her. Her heart clenched. Such a sweet gesture, and Rapunzel did say… She scooped up the little blonde as she reached her, and spun her around. The little one squealed in delight.
"Lady Kirsten! So nice to see you again!" She giggled, and wrapped her arms around her neck.
"Oh Princess Anna! Thank you for coming!" She pecked Kirsten on the cheek.
"Well! This is one meeting I wouldn't miss for anything!" She smiled brightly. Kirsten hugged her once more. She set her on her feet, and greeted the other small guests. She walked to the table. She curtseyed to her Aunt, as an example. Which she returned. A nod to Rapunzel, who was smiling widely, her eyes glistening. She had to walk around the table to offer a hand to the prince. He took it, and placed a kiss on it. The children tittered madly. She turned to the other woman who curtseyed deeply.
"Princess! -Leiva Heismol! I'm Kirstens' mother." She dipped again.
"Well met! Lady Heismol!" She averted her eyes.
"Hardly a Lady, Your Highness!" She said.
"Nonsense!" She answered. "Perhaps we can do something to change that! If not you, then young Kirsten there…" She looked very grateful. They all sat, and chatted about various things. She learned that Kirstens' father was a fisherman. Lieva had worked for a few of the various seamstresses in town, and occasionally helped at the bakers'. The palace was seemingly always in need of a seamstress. And with the possible additions of Hiccup, and, she thought, -babies. Perhaps she could find her steady work here at the castle. She made a mental note to talk to Kai on this.
She cast a glance at Eugene. He looked exasperated, but he was smiling the whole time. She didn't know if he'd been forced to come, but she caught a few of the glances he threw at Rapunzel. He may have been forced, but he was taking it all in. Preparing, she realized, for when they would start having children of their own. It was very sweet.
And something inside her twinged as she thought of it. For soon, Very soon, Kristoff would ask for her hand as well. She hadn't thought much on marriage, let alone having children of her own. They had discussed it a few times before. It was what he wanted, but she wasn't so sure. She did know she loved him, and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
"That is a very pretty necklace Kirsten! Where did you get it?" Rapunzel asked.
"Sir Hiccup made it for me! And the Princess gave it to me on my birthday!" She said brightly. She waved the little girl over. Rapunzel took it in her fingers, examining the stone.
"It's a dragons' scale!" Kirsten told her. Rapunzels' mouth dropped open.
"Toothless?" She cast a glance at her. She nodded vigorously.
"He made me these earrings, and Elsa a broach!" Rapunzel considered the necklace again and narrowed her eyes at her.
"Now I'm the one who's jealous!" She smiled smugly.
"Who's Toothless?" Kirsten asked. She cringed a little. Only the council, and a few of the trusted nobles had knowledge of the dragons. She had begun to change some minds, but still…
"Toothless is the name of the dragon the scales came from. It is Lord Haddock, -Sir Hiccups' dragon!" She scrunched her face in thought.
"When will Sir Hiccup and the Queen be back?" An honest, innocent question, though she didn't have an answer.
"I don't know. They have gone to his own kingdom to meet his subjects, and make arrangements…" -And had possibly walked into a trap. She pushed such thoughts aside. She couldn't dwell on this now…"But I expect they will return soon." She hoped so. She dearly missed her sister.
She then heard a noise. A faint, somewhat familiar noise. She shrugged it off, until she heard it again, somewhat stronger, a few moments later. She cast her eyes skyward. She thought what she saw was a bird, until she could make out an erratic flight pattern. She heard the noise again, a little stronger yet. A familiar squawking. Oh Gods! She thought. She slowly rose from her seat. The shape had gotten closer, she could make it out now. But Hlif was securely in her room… She knew this, a lesson learned the hard way. When one of the dragons' curiosity-filled excursions resulted in a few burned carpets and drapery.
"Children? Please stay in your seats!" She said in a gentler version of her "Queen voice". She put two fingers in her mouth an let out a shrill whistle. She put a little distance between her and the table full of guests. They were all, to a person, casting glances at her, then skyward. The tiny shape immediately changed course, headed for her.
"Hilde! Go get Hlif from my room! And bring a basket of fish! -Small ones! -Right away!" Two servants dipped, and ran for the palace. She kept her focus on the small dragons' approach. It cleared the wall and continued on. She could make out the cylindrical container strapped to its' leg. She held up a hand to direct its attention to her.
It landed about twenty feet in front of her. There was a collective gasp from the table. She continued to hold her hand up, palm out. The tiny thing seemed to recognize the gesture and scuttled up to her. It stopped about six feet from her and considered her with one eye, then the other, tilting its' head.
"Hey there, little guy! Who are you?" She kept her voice soft and soothing. It was the same size as Hlif, but was colored reddish-orange. Its' tongue came out licking one eyeball, then the other. A thing she found utterly disgusting, but Hlif did that all the time too. Not that it made it any less disgusting…
It took a few tentative steps, and considered the table, then her. It took a few more steps. She crouched down, and offered the hand. It sniffed, then took another half-step. She brought her hand under and started scratching its' jaw. It let out a purr, and started coiling around her feet. She scratched its back, just behind the wing joints. That did the trick, as it let out a growling purr. A noise she associated with contentment. It then settled on its' belly. The poor thing looked tired. Rapunzel came over slowly, and crouched by her side smiling. With her taking over the scratching duties, she reached over and opened the container.
Sure enough, there was a letter. The children had gotten out of their seats and were coming over to see the new arrival. Now was a good time to teach as any…
"Children! You all must be careful! While it may look tiny and cuddly, it can be dangerous!" They all, save one, stopped and went wide-eyed with a little fear. The one was little Kirsten, who merely slowed her approach.
"Should you find one of these, or any other wild animal, you should get an adult!" Kirsten came alongside Rapunzel, and finally stopped. Tilting her head, she crouched down. After sharing a glance with the Princess and her, she slowly put her hand out and touched it. Its' nostrils flared. It opened one eye and looked at her, then closed it. The dragon wiggled once, then settled once again. Kristen smiled and started to scratch gently.
She heard a squawk from around the corner. Hilde had returned. Hlif had caught the scent, and when she saw the other dragon, she jumped out of her arms and flew over. She landed and started sniffing in earnest. The other just lifted his head and gave a few tired chirps. Hlif then sniffed Kirsten, then scuttled over to the other children. Two drew back a little. Rapunzel rose, and picked her up. She held her for the others to pet and scratch.
She looked down at little Kirsten, who was watching the others. She looked up at her and smiled, continuing to scratch the new arrival.
"You're doing very well Kirsten!" The girl beamed at her. Yes, she thought, there was something that could be done for this little one. Brave, smart and curious. That is enough! Isabelle had walked over and cleared her throat.
"Anna? The letter?" How could she forget! She opened it quickly.
Anna,
I hope this letter finds you well and not too stressed. By now I trust Rapunzel is with you and is helping things along. We have been at sea for two weeks now, and our passage has been smooth thus far. I feel it may be another two weeks before we reach Berk.
I have received a letter from Hiccup. He says that things are not well at his home. There is a political situation brewing there. Talks of merging all the Islands into one Kingdom. Possible underhanded dealings with his council. I will tell more once I arrive and can talk to Hiccup. He says he has support, But I think a show of even more support will be helpful to his cause. Please do speak with Aunt Isabelle and Uncle Gregory. I think a small force of a few ships may be all that is needed. I can't be certain, but have them ready to sail on a moments' notice. I will send word.
Hiccup says the dragons' name is Sharpshot. He is his own personal messenger. Hiccup says he is very smart for a Terrible Terror, and has a bright disposition. I have to agree. He has been a pleasure, although it was an unpleasant start. He made friends with the entire crew, and even sang from the yardarms to wake them every morning! Not like a bird, but very sweet, for a dragon. They are truly amazing creatures!
I hope that running the Kingdom is becoming easier for you. With Rapunzels help, I am sure it will get better still. Try to get plenty of rest, and relax whenever you have downtime. Every little bit helps Anna! Believe me! Try not to take the bad things too much to heart. And always, ALWAYS , try to do what's best for the good people and the kingdom. Kristoff can help you carry this burden with you. Running a business as he has, has unknowingly given him some insight on running a kingdom. Share your thoughts with him. He does care for you, and loves you so.
I myself am doing as well as can be expected. I now understand how you feel when Kristoff leaves. I think of Hiccup all the time, and cannot wait to be with him once more. With what he told me in his letter, I worry for him too. I am not sure our reunion will be as happy as it could be either. But I remain positive that it will all work out in the end.
I miss you so very much Anna! Your bright and positive attitude has always held me up, even when I am at my darkest. The Gods know we could use the entertainment too. I try to help in that regard, but you are so much better at it than I. These are skills I need you to teach me.
I love you very much Anna! Know that, if anything else. I pray every night to keep you and the Kingdom safe. I am sure that Hiccup and I will resolve this matter quickly, and return to Arendelle before the summer is over.
All my Love,
Elsa
Her eyes stung. First learning Elsa had spoken highly of her, when she had doubted herself. Then the letter she held, professing her love and her trust was almost too much. She absently handed the letter to her Aunt, who took to reading it immediately. Just knowing she was alive and relatively safe was enough to cause waves of relief and emotions to wash over her. A thought crossed her mind. She swallowed the feelings down and tried to focus.
She had only received one letter at this point. She herself had gotten three. Poor little Sharpshot must have searched for quite a while to find her. She hoped the journey back wasn't as arduous. She would make sure he was fully rested and fed before she sent him out again. Hiccup hadn't said a whole lot about his situation. Only to say he had more leads and the other chiefs were helping him figure it out. But Elsa couldn't know, unless he had more than two Terrors. Which she suspected he did. Hiccup probably didn't want her to worry, which would be so -Hiccup. But, dammit! She needed to know, and so did Elsa! She sighed. There was no way of knowing for sure. She must send the Terrors back, and insist he tell her the truth, the whole truth.
Just then the other servant, Sabina, returned carrying a modest basket of what she suspected was fish. Hlif squawked and flitted out of Rapunzels' arms. Sharpshot caught the scent as well and rose quickly. Kirsten started. The little dragon looked at her, then nuzzled her hand before trotting off towards the food. Kirsten giggled and smiled widely. Sharpshot stopped within arms' length of the basket and sat on his haunches. Hlif was pacing back and forth, scratching at the basket. She had gotten a little spoiled in her stay. Sharpshot waited patiently.
Sabina tossed Hlif her fish which she gobbled. She held up Sharpshots', but he stood waiting. Only when she walked in front of him, did he open his mouth to accept the fish. He gobbled it, and started to weave around the servants' legs purring loudly. Sabina then took another fish. The dragon sat, and opened his mouth. Only after laying it in his mouth, would he gobble it down. Sabina giggled. "My! Aren't we the proper gentleman!" More purring and weaving ensued.
Hlif apparently became indignant, for she trotted up to him growling, and started displaying aggressively. Sharpshot lowered, and lidded his eyes. He then sent a short burst of flame, which struck her in the face. She squeaked, and ran over to Annas' feet, curling into a ball. Satisfied, Sharpshot sat on his haunches again and raised his head. He let out a bark, eyeing her menacingly. She couldn't help but giggle, and neither could any one else.
"Well Hlif, it seems you've met your match!" The dragon whined pitifully. Kristoff then appeared. He gazed uncertainly at one dragon, then the other.
"What's this? Another mouth to feed?" A touch of mirth was in his voice.
"His name is Sharpshot, and he belongs to Hiccup. He brought a letter from Elsa!" Anna said. He held his hand out, which the dragon then nuzzled. Kristoff noted the small table and her guests. He paid his respects to the queen.
"I guess this means the tea party is over. I'm, -sorry I missed it." She cast a glance at Kirsten. Her face fell a little.
"I'm afraid so. We should tell the council immediately. And Sharpshot should rest." A thought came to her. "Kirsten? Perhaps you and your friends would like to assist in getting the dragons settled?" Her eyes went wide as did most of the other children. She gathered up Hlif in her arms, leading Sharpshot, and her little entourage out of the gardens and towards her room.
She sat at her desk, going over the last remnants of her work for the day. A royal proclamation for the artists guild, and a draft trade agreement for the small country of Hlafstaad. Everything seemed to be in order. Heimir had wrote this out himself, but another set of eyes didn't hurt. Speaking of which, her own eyes were very tired. She placed the documents in her "out" pile and leaned back in her chair. She brought her hands up, and started rubbing said eyes. It was getting a little easier as she went, but some days were worse than others…
She heard the door open, then close. She wanted to open her eyes, but it was too much effort. The footsteps stopped behind her chair. After a moment, two hands were placed on her shoulders, Large, strong, and gentle. They started rubbing her muscles near her neck, then worked outwards. She melted, then felt a gentle kiss on her hair. The hands then worked back towards her neck. Thumbs pressing firmly into the tense muscles there, working to the base of her neck. She wondered who taught him this. Her first guess was Eugene, but decided to not dwell on it. All she knew was it felt glorious!
She felt his chin on the top of her head. He spoke softly. "Are you done then?" She nodded.
"Yeah, all tasks accomplished!" She said tiredly. One of few days like this. When she finished on time. Aunt Isabelle had helped with procedure and protocal, also a bit of anger management. Rapunzel with prioritizing, and time management. And Eugene had offered his insight on human behavior, and negotiations. She was eternally grateful. She had managed to cram most of Elsas' training into a few short weeks. She still had the occasional stumble, but as a whole, meetings were shorter, and less contentious. She had a far better grasp on the kingdom, and also what was happening internationally.
And Kristoff? Kristoff held her heart, and kept her sane. Small acts, as he was doing now, and ever at her back, or in the background. He kept her grounded, kept her eyes focused on what was important. That was her family, and loved ones, and the good people of Arendelle. She came to know Hiccups' words were true. To do right by them. For what was good for the people, was good for her family in the grand scheme of things.
Kristoff still hadn't proposed yet. She knew it would be soon. This affair with Elsa and Hiccup was probably dampening things a bit. Aunt Isabelle had left two days ago, promising to be back within the week. That probably had something to do with it also. She hoped he wasn't waiting for Elsa to come back. The Gods knew when that was going to be! It would come when it came, she decided.
She straightened in her chair, sadly, for it released her from the bliss of his ministrations. But she had to get going, lest he put her to sleep. She would have to thank whoever taught him this, but for now…
She stood, a little wobbly. Still under the effects of his tender gesture. She stood in front of him and placed her hands on his chest. She looked up at him through her eyelashes. Her arms then snaked up his chest and around his neck. She pulled him into a long, passionate kiss. Her body went flush against him. She quivered slightly at the feel of his muscles against her whole front. His arms came around her waist, pulling her tighter against him. Her whole body was on fire, everywhere it touched him. She also became hyper-aware of everything. His muscles, his breathing, his heartbeat, and also, something else, -growing, pressing against her tummy. Something she wanted to explore, but she dared not. At least not until he proposed…
She ended the kiss, and rested her hands and head on his chest. She could hear his heart beating wildly, matching her own. Very slowly returning to normal. She ran a hand up to his shoulder, and down his arm. He grasped her hand and kissed it tenderly, keeping ahold of it. With their heartbeats and breathing returning to normal, they walked hand in hand out of the office, towards their rooms to freshen up before dinner.
She sat in her room, idly brushing her hair. Her mind wandering aimlessly. After dinner, she and Kristoff had went to the parlor, talking about their future, and matters of the kingdom. Marriage did not enter the conversation. She decided not to push him. She was quite comfortable right now, although there were new, physical feelings she felt a need to delve into, as their sessions together became more heated.
Her eyes wandered to a corner of the room, where sat two small slabs of rock. She sighed. She had sent the two dragons off the day Aunt Isabelle left. She hoped they would be OK, and would return soon with news. The not-knowing was worrying. But it was a comfort to know at least they were alive. She wished for a letter telling her Elsa had arrived. She knew that together, they would take care of this problem and return to her.
She stood and placed the brush on her small table. Reaching her bed, she climbed in. She snuggled under the covers, and was fast asleep. She dreamed of dragonfire and ice.