A/N: Hey everyone! I am very sorry that it has been so long since my last update. External time constraints forced me to take a break from writing. Thankfully, my schedule now allows me to continue this story with weekly updates throughout the fall. I suspect to be writing this story for quite some time, as it will be a long one!

I want to thank all of my readers for their support and their encouraging favorites, follows, and reviews! Also, another big thanks to ArendelleKnight for continued help with editing these chapters before they are released. I hope you enjoy this new chapter!

Chapter V – Viking Funeral

The Frostskader cut through the Baltic. It bounded over waves and the water clung and splashed against the hull with each dive into the sea. The satin sky held itself above the white sails. The wind ripped through the rigging and above the waves, fabric flapping in the air. The day was clear and the wood baked in the sun.

The abyssal waters pushed against the hull, but the Queen placed her faith in the steadfast hands above her to guide the ship. The cabin swayed with the sea. The candles crackled and the pens rolled on the desk. The room was dim, dark, red wood and scarlet carpet and gold trim. Below the crew, above the storage and between the armaments, The Queen's Quarters were lonely. The solitude welcomed her like an old friend.

They had traveled south and followed the land as it bent north. The Queen watched the thin line of green rise and drop on the horizon from a small window. The fjords cut into the mountains, into her lands. It was an impressive sight, to see how far Arendelle's dominion stretched. Elsa had studied the maps and read the books, but travels could make her a savant of the kingdom.

Elsa stacked the papers and reports and missives on her desk. The words burned into her memory, haunting and torturing her mind. She could do nothing but accept Time's slow march and inevitability, and wait for the Frostskader to reach Balestrand. Elsa stood up and walked to the window and looked at the shinning waters and infinite skies. The world was empty. She opened her dresser, grabbed the gloves and slipped them over her fingers. She left the room.

Above deck was quiet except for the wind. Sailors sat on the railings and in the mast, talking of the myths and legends of the sea, decorating personal stories with their own fantasies and drunkenness. The guards saluted as she passed. Elsa stood on the bow, starboard side, leaning over, arms on the railing.

"Enjoying the voyage, Your Majesty?"

"Hey Kai…"

He stood next to the Queen.

"I enjoy it, but the rocking is unsettling."

"Your mother never liked it either. Your father, however, found it quite fun to converse with the crew. He even shared a few drinks with them.

"Did you often travel with them?"

"Only on sensitive matters, such as this. It was always a pleasure to work for them. They were caring and friendly. Our relationship always seemed like a partnership and not a pact between royalty and servant."

Elsa watched the sun as it hung in the afternoon sky. Beyond the loneliness and the waves, the scene was peaceful.

The wind grew and the boat tilted. Elsa clung to the rails. A sailor shouted into the air, men pushed ropes and spun the wheel. The masts turned and the deck leveled. Kai laughed.

"Your Majesty, I told you these were the finest sailors in Arendelle."

"I really hate sailing."

The seafarers of the North respected the sea and the men who lay at the bottom. The stars as their guide and their knowledge as their shield, the Norsemen were the finest sailors in the world. Other men learned to traverse the sea, but they lived with the sea. The tradition was as old as the stones and mountains that watched over the kingdom.

"Well, I'm pleased to inform you that we will be arriving in Balestrand shortly."

"What will happen when we get there?"

"We must meet with General Hermansen. He's been keeping the town under control since the rebellion ended. He will have more insight on the situation."

"I hope so… I will enjoy speaking with him."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Afterwards, there will be some sort of public appearance for the townsfolk. Show them you have control of your powers. Maybe give a speech or two…"

Elsa rubbed her gloved fingers.

"It's nothing big. Just do what you did in Arendelle. Once they see the benefits of your powers-"

"There are no benefits of my powers. My powers are what got us in this situation."

"Anna wouldn't like you saying that."

"No, she wouldn't."

Elsa left Kai standing on the bow and went back into the Queen's Quarters and closed the door. She threw off her cloak and sat at her desk. The papers were still staring back up at her, words illuminated by the faint glow of the candlelight. She rubbed her eyes and stood up and collapsed on the bed.

It was all too much. The rebellion, the papers, the kingdom. She had dreaded Coronation Day, the inevitable responsibility that Fate had dealt her. It was cruel. She chuckled. It could be worse. Anna could be stuck with this curse. No, rather Elsa than her sister. She looked up at the ceiling and felt the steady rock of the boat as her mind fell devoid of thought.

She succumbed to sleep, her savior.

The smoke rose and smelt of death. The columns rose from their orange bases into the grey sky and covered the charred, black fields. The blood of brothers sowed and Death reaped the farmland to the east of Balestrand. Beyond the walls, the killing and the warring of the nation tainted the ground.

Captain Gabriel Alvarsson walked across the fields. The stiff tips of black grass crumpled beneath his boots. His right hand rested on the hilt of a sheathed broadsword, and his jaw rose above the smoke. He had a thick brow and dark eyes, and his hair matched the blackness of war and the burn marks on his silver armor and purple cape and bloody hands.

He walked down the fields and into the valley. The fields were quiet besides the crackling of distant flames, the howling of the wind, and the crashing of the stream below. It was a pleasant day. The morning rain hung in the evening air, and rays of sun were breaking through the gray clouds and smoke. The wind smelt of the sea, free and longing. Wars ruin the best of days.

The Captain walked over the bodies, clad in both green and brown, to the river. The river washed the red downstream but the memory was vibrant, and no angler or child would ever come here for peaceful solitude again.

A cabin sat on the riverbank. A cobblestone walkway stretched down the valley and twisted with the land until it reached the door. The cabin was desolate, destroyed by the rage of the nation's dissenters. The wall adjacent to the water had collapsed, and the burnt logs rested in the shallows. The roof was fragile and brittle. Half of it covered the cabin and the rest strewn across the floor. Remains filled the ground surrounding the cabin. Wood shards. Broken vases and plates. A doll missing an eye and arm from the fire. Pictures that lost their meaning in the flame.

The Captain walked around the dead house, kicking the remains aside and examining the crisp wood. The whole war was a waste. It was a useless conflict.

"Captain! Sir!"

The Captain turned from the dead house. A soldier was stumbling down the hill. Crossbow over his back, helmet in his arms. His chest was heaving and there were bags under his eyes. Jaw covered with scruff unchecked since the fighting.

"Captain… Sir. I… I have news!"

The soldier brought his hand in saluted to his sweaty brow. The Captain waved him off.

"What is it, Matthew?"

"It's the Queen, sir. She just arrived."

"Thank you. I'll go back into town soon."

"Sir?"

"Yes Matthew?"

"Do you think it's over?"

The Captain turned and looked back to the dead house. The deformed frame sat at a prime location – at the bottom of the valley, on the river side, looking at the green mountains that rose from either side of the fields.

"This village doesn't have any blood left to spill. It's over here."

"But sir, is it all over?"

The Captain's dark eyes met the bright eyes of the soldier.

"We have a Queen who can freeze the summer. Of course it's not over."

The captain turned back to the dead house and looked through the window. The interior was rotten from the flames. It was a tragic loss from the battle – a mere bystander who sat at the bottom of a valley and in the middle of a battlefield. The memories, the family, were gone with the smoke. The crippled house sat, waiting to collapse and rejoin the soil from which it came.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Matthew?"

"Did you know the family who lived here?"

"No." He walked towards the house. "It was a poor family. Everyone who has ever lived here has been poor. But it is a good place to live. You have the stream and good soil to grow crops. It is solitary and cozy out here in the mountains. It's… a good place to grow a family."

"I suppose so. But I imagine the winters would be hard, havin' to walk all the way up the hill to reach town."

"It is. My father would often make the trek alone when I lived here as a child. But he loved the cold, and so do I."

"Oh…"

"I'll get someone to clean this place up later. We need to go back to town."

"I… yes sir."

The soldier nodded and followed the captain up the cobblestone path and across the burnt fields.

The Frostskader spotted Balestrand when the sun was red on the ridge. It woke Elsa and brought her above deck.

Balestrand was small, rustic, lost in the Old Ways. The town was scattered, lacking a clear layout or design. It was a conglomerate mess of wooden houses and towers and trading posts, each with a yellow glow from the windows and white smoke from the chimneys. The town stretched beyond the earth and wooden platforms held buildings over the water. The green and purple banners were burnt and black. It was colorless.

General Hermansen met the Queen and her company on the wharf. His beard was grey but his hair still had streaks of black. Wrinkles clung to his skin and the scars outlined his past triumphs. His armor was barren and scarred, and a patch of sun caught the polished silver medals on his chest. Everything about him was old except his sea green eyes.

He bowed to the Queen and shook her hand.

"General Hermansen, I've heard many great things about you."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Majesty. I hope the sea was farin' you well."

"It was. Thank you."

"What do you think of this little corner of the Kingdom?"

"It's… traditional. I must say it's a bit different than I imagined."

"Once you get over the smell o' fish and that stink from the smithy, it's not so bad."

The Queen and Kai and their guards followed General Hermansen across the pier and into the town. The ground was a mixture of mud, water, garbage and decay from the fighting. Puddles still had a red tint – dirt and blood. The people sat in the decrepit streets. They watched, grasping their bandages and mourning their losses, as the Queen and her company strode through the vile streets.

The company stood tall above the crumbling structures and kneeling peasants. But the Queen kept her chin level, concerning, appealing, welcoming. She had traded her normal attire for the Ice Dress, which the sunlight that stretched through the clouds. The appearance was vital.

There was a chapel in the middle of town. Its layout matched the one in Arendelle but its appearance was cold, antique, omniscient. The wood was dark and the roof matched the texture.

Elsa stopped in front of the chapel.

"That looks like Arendelle's Chapel. Is this the one Arendelle's Chapel was modeled after?"

"Arendelle's Chapel was modeled after this one. Some great, crazy, Norse hero built this one centuries ago. It was… It was… Alvrid… Alfird or something-or-another."

"I've never read anything about him…"

"If you ask me, it's jus' a bunch of crazy legends. Life up here can get a little boring. Gotta do something to keep yourself sane."

"Arendelle certainly isn't boring, but sometimes I wish it was."

"Well at least you don't have an angry mob tryin' to kick in your door and toss your head out in the streets. That's been me the past few days."

"Uh… True…"

General Hermansen nodded and continued down the streets. Kai stood next to Elsa.

"Your Majesty, we'll double the guard on your quarters tonight."

"Thanks Kai."

Elsa followed General Hermansen through the twisted streets to the Keep. It was in the center of town above the clutter – a stone structure that housed the garrison of troops. It was old and medieval, rough from the barren wilderness that surrounded the village. Resolute, strong amongst the flimsy structures of the town.

They entered the keep through two heavy, wooden doors pushed open by the watch. The inside was dark and cold, illuminated by torchlight. Rooms were small and littered with swords, banners, bows and shields. The walls were a mixture of rock and sediment mortar, strong, thick and cold.

Deeper into the labyrinth, the company found the Great Hall. They sat at the tables that lined the room. The Great Hall was long and tall, and the tables stretched from the doorway to the empty throne. There were no windows. The artificial glow of torches and a fireplace lit the room. The fire reflected off the sets of armor and swords and shields that lined the wall. Past memorabilia and lost treasures of the ancients decorated the stone from floor to ceiling.

All of Balestrand was stuck in time, longing for the Old Ways, unable to accept the new culture and exuberance of Arendelle and the Western nations. They believed in the strength of one's arm and the sweat of one's brow - These were the staples of life, which lead to success in the fields and valor on the battlefield. The Nordic heroes thrived in Balestrand. It was their heaven, where they sat around ale and sung the songs of old.

Servants brought mugs of tea. Elsa and Kai drank. General Hermansen watched the tea stare back at him.

"Your Majesty, if you don't mind me askin', is it true?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You know…"

Elsa sighed. She rose her hand. A flash, and snowflakes spiraled from her palm and to the ceiling.

"Huh. Not sure how folks will respond to that. Got any plans?"

"I was hoping to address the city. Try to convince the people that I'm not a threat and I have full control over my powers."

"Well, I can get you an audience, that's what you're askin'. And whole lot of guards."

"That will suffice."

"Jus' keep in mind that this is still a war zone. The people here… the smell of rotten flesh and the sight of blood paintin' the streets is still fresh on their minds."

"Of course. Thank you for your advice, General."

They sat in silence, listening to the crackle of the fire and drinking tea. The Keep was cold. Alone. Similar to Elsa's Ice Palace. The solitude, hiding in the mountains in a forgotten town, was pleasant. It was a nice break from the clutter and the turmoil of Arendelle. Anna could never stand it.

"You know. I think I'm about done with this."

"The… tea?"

"No, all of this. I mean, I've been fightin' and leadin' men to their deaths for about fifty years now. I'm old, Your Majesty. I love this kingdom, and I love this nation, but I think it might be time for me to put down my sword."

"I understand. I'm sure there are plenty of contenders who can fulfill your position, should you chose to resign. Right, Kai?"

Kai rummaged through his bagand through a stack of papers.

"Uh… Right."

General Hermansen looked down at his tea. The cup was full. He laughed.

"Nah, I'll keep this position, but it's tiresome. I wonder what ol' Arnbjorn would think of me now…"

"Who?"

Kai nudged Elsa.

"General Alvarsson."

"Oh."

General Hermansen looked up from his tea.

"You know, that old fool and I met when we were goin' through training all those years ago. Your father had just been born. After our official induction, we both went to an old tavern and drank until the bartender cut us off. We made an agreement to die on the battlefield together. Looks like I haven't held up my end of the bargain."

"I'm very sorry for your loss, if there's anything I or my servants can-"

"There's a whole damn lot you could do. But we've all lost things. You know what that's like. This town needs time… That's all…"

"I suppose there will be a burial ceremony?"

"Yeah. Later tonight on the shore. It's one of those traditional, Norse burials. The people like to send their warriors out like that.

"He had a son, correct? I heard about his triumph on the battlefield."

"Yeah. Gabriel Alvarsson. I sent for him before you arrived. Kid's a military genius. The people look up to him. When he lead the charge against the rebels… I've never seen my men fight like that. They were out for blood, and so was he."

"He sounds like someone we could use."

"He is. You'll probably be seein' him around here soon."

The Queen and the General drankuntil their cups were dry and Kai examined papers.

The torchlight started to die, and the company left when the servants came in to reignite the flame.

Elsa sat on a wooden chair in the barracks. There was a small table in front of her, decorated with pastries and tea atop silver plates. Across the table sat an empty chair. Kai was next to her. She took off her gloves and ate one of the pastries. She held the gloves in her hands, then folded them and sat them under her chair. It would be a quick meeting. She could do it.

A knock on the door. It opened. The Knight strode across the room. Elsa stood and offered her hand. He took his hand off the hilt of his sheathed broadsword and shook the Queen's gentle hand. They sat.

"Captain Gabriel Alvarsson. It is pleasant to meet you."

"Likewise, Your Majesty."

"I understand that your bravery on the battlefield ensured the safety of Arendelle and Balestrand. You will be commended for your valor and dedication to this nation."

"I was simply doing my job, Your Majesty."

"And you did it well."

"Of course."

Gabriel's eyes were straightforward, dark. They hid his inner secrets and propelled his stone demeanor. His armor was clean, bloodless, but the scratches and burns and dents from the battle were still there. The scars gave warriors pride. They were resilient despite the onslaught.

"I am very sorry for your loss. If there's anything we can do for you, please let me know."

"Thanks. But I'm okay."

"Actually, there is something I would like to offer."

Elsa took a drink. Gabriel watched her put the porcelain cup back on the table.

"We've reviewed several prestigious members of Arendelle's military, and my servants and I have decided that you would be the best candidate to fulfill your father's position as a General."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored by this decision."

"If you accept, you will be brought back to Arendelle so the proper ceremonies can take place."

"As you wish."

"And since General Hermansen is nearing the end of his career, he has offered to stay here. You will be in command of the garrison in Arendelle."

His eyes broke their stare, shifting around the room.

"Your Majesty, with all due respect, Balestrand is my home. I must help my people recover from this travesty."

"My advisors have assured me that the fighting her is over, and-"

"The fighting is over, for now, but Balestrand is in ruins. I cannot leave now."

"I… understand. But Arendelle needs your service. We're at a time of political turmoil and this is not the time to appear weak."

"Arendelle will be fine. Our military is strong."

Elsa sat back, cup of warm tea in her hands.

"I want to believe that. Part of me does, but I don't know…"

"I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to keep Arendelle safe."

"I know. At least consider the proposition, will you?"

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"Thank you. You are dismissed."

Captain Alvarsson stood,bowed, and walked to the door.

"Captain Alvarsson?"

"Your Majesty?"

"I'll… see you at the funeral."

He bowed again, and opened the door, and left the room. Elsa drank in solitude as it shut. The tea was warm and her fingers tingled.

The door reopened and Kai entered. He sat across from Elsa and poured some tea into an empty cup.

"How did it go?"

"I don't know. He's thinking about it."

"Leaving one's people is never an easy thing to do."

"I know, but Arendelle needs him."

"If necessary, I'm sure we can find other candidates."

"I don't want other candidates. I want the best, and both you and General Hermansen made it quite clear he's the best."

"Your Majesty, I agree that our military must remain strong, but-"

"Of course it must!" Elsa threw up her hands. "We just had a rebellion almost destroy one of our ports. The entire world has its eyes on Arendelle, on their Snow Queen, wondering if the nation will collapse from internal strife or if they'll have to come here and do it themselves. My powers are a burden on this world. Unstable."

"Elsa…"

"Look, he's the best of the best… or so you tell me. If anything happens, anything at all, I want nothing less than the best protecting Arendelle and my sister during-"

The fear. It tensed her veins and pressured her bones. It shot from her right palm. A light. A blast. A shatter. The cold. The plates flew off the table and onto the floor. Shards of broken glass and ice covered the floor.

Kai stood. His tea spilled

"Your Majesty! Please… let's just sit down."

Elsa was on the floor, scrambling. Her shaking hands grasped gloves. She slipped them over her fingers.

Kai was at her side. He helped her back into her chair.

"I'm… fine." Elsa stood and faced Kai. "I need some time to think. Thank you for meeting with me."

"Yes. Of course, Your Majesty. I will see if we can encourage Captain Alvarsson to accept."

"Thank you."

"Is there anything-"

"No. Thank you Kai."

He glanced at the Queen, and left the room, closing the door. His eyes and heart wished to stay, but he was a servant – he would grant the Queen her wishes.

Elsa sat looking down at her fingers, rubbing the turquoise cloth that masked her fear. The Ice Dress, crown, confident demeanor. It was all a façade, one built in isolation, broken for her sister, and rebuilt for the people of Balestrand. It was exhausting to maintain. And she didn't notice until the tears froze to her cheeks.

"Hey, Gabriel."

"General Hermansen."

Gabriel saluted the old man.

"Oh, save it, would ya? Not sure how much longer I'll be alive anyways."

The General placed his hand on the Captain's shoulder and led him through the hall.

"Come on, let's share a drink. Soldier to soldier."

"Sorry, but I have to prepare for the funeral…"

"Oh, you'll have time."

They left the keep and walked into the town. The sky was dark, the moon was large, and the stars were sparse. Occasional torches lit the way through the town, glowing and welcoming in the patches of the night.

The soldiers entered a rigid old tavern on the seaside and sat at a small table in the corner. General Hermansen called the bartender, who brought mugs of ale. General Hermansen ripped the mug off the table and downed it. Gabriel followed.

"So tell me. Did the Queen offer her fancy proposition?"

"Yes."

"You should take it."

"I may decline. I cannot leave Balestrand like this."

Hermansen laughed.

"You're too much like your father."

He drank his cup clean and raised it over his head.

"Hey! Can I get another?"

The bartender rushed over and filled his cup. He was back to drinking.

"Oh, don't be so uptight. It's a good thing, bein' like your father. That man was bravest man I ever knew. Stubborn. But brave. You should accept the position."

"I know I should. It's what the Queen wants."

Hermansen leaned forward, mug in hand, pointing at Gabriel's chest.

"Yeah, you should. But not because it's what the Queen wants – because it's what Arendelle needs."

"Yes, but I'm sure there are many who are more qualified than me."

"Yeah, there are. But they aren't you. Listen, I saw the way you handled those rebels. I thought your father's death would cripple you. Heck, it crippled me. But nah, you just raised your sword and lead the men straight into Death's embrace. I don't know what you have. I don't think you know what you have. But whatever it is, Arendelle needs it right now… If you ask me, all of Arendelle is about to face Death's embrace."

And Gabriel had nothing to say to that. He sat there, sipping the ale, recollecting on the past days with the General's words echoing through his head.

"Gabriel, you do know there'll be a war eventually, right?"

"Yes, I suppose there will be."

"And when that time comes, there's no one else I would rather have my men follow. The son of an old friend and a brilliant tactician."

"Okay. I'll swear my allegiance and command to the Queen."

"No, you'll swear your allegiance and command to Arendelle."

"My sword belongs to both."

Hermansen leaned forward.

"Listen, Gabriel. We both know what's comin' for this nation. It's the only reason I haven't gone and resigned from my position… And when it does come, you have to keep Arendelle's needs above the Queen's."

"Of course."

"Good. Let's drink."

The mugs clinked in the air and the two finished their drinks. Hermansen left a few gold coins on the table and the soldiers left the tavern. There was a slight drizzle in the air, and the clouds blocked the stars in the sky.

"You know, I just want to say how proud I am for you."

"Thank you, sir."

"You don't need to 'sir' me. We're friends, and soon we'll be equals."

The old man opened his arms and embraced Gabriel. The moment was short."

"I'm drunk, but it still seems strange to lose you and your father within a few days…"

"Are you sure you'll be okay here?"

"Yeah." Hermansen's sea green eyes surveyed the town. "Yeah, this is a good place to die."

The town gathered at the seaside. Peasants, soldiers, all took time from their mourning to mourn the lost General Alvarsson. The soldiers had shined their swords and cleaned their garb. Citizens draped themselves in blacks and grays, matching the dying nature of the town. Balestrand and its people admired his courage, respected his valor, and wished the old warrior fortune in the afterlife. He was a valiant soldier – a true warrior of the North, unlike the Queen. Fate, not labor, gave her strength.

Citizens bore long torches, clinching the wood and holding the flame high above their heads. The lights came across the town, wandering through the streets and hills, and merged at the seaside. There was a new sky, red, whimpering, united. Flame engulfed Balestrand, but the red glow was the brightest the town had seen since the sunny days before the rebellion. There was hope lost in the night and the tears. The community stood together to honor the man who saved their lives beneath an artificial starlight.

The boat was small. It sat idle in the water. A single mast rose from the center, carrying a brown sail. The General lay on blankets and a pillow of flowers at the stern. Hair groomed, sword clasped to his chest. His armor was silver, decorated with a golden crocus on the breastplate. He was ready for battle, and as regal as the King of Arendelle.

Elsa stood with Kai and her guard distanced from the crowd, at Kai's suggestion. They had watched the town gather, reach the boat, and raise their torches to the sky.

"Is this common in Balestrand?"

"No, Your Majesty. It seems the people only do this for their bravest warriors. There has only been a handful of Viking Funerals since your father became King."

"I suppose if anyone deserves it, it's General Alvarsson."

"Indeed."

"You know… I'm not sure how I feel about all of this."

"Neither am I. The priest threw a bit of a fit, but I don't think the people care."

At last, there was a call and the sails opened. The wind carried the ship away from the shore. It crept through the waves and the orange glow on its sail faded, lost in the darkness. The people stood on the sand and watched it leave the Earth - days after the General had entered the heavens.

A lone silhouette stepped through the crowd, black and dark in the orange glow. He was carrying a bow. It was Gabriel Alvarsson. A soldier approached him and dipped his torch. Gabriel drew an arrow from the leather quiver slung over his back. He brought the arrow to the torch, the flame jumped to the tip, and he notched the arrow. Bow drawn back, string tight, aiming for the moon. A flick of the wrist and the arrow was a flaming bolt over the water.

The arrow hit the sail. The flame spread, consuming the thick material. It jumped to the mast and to the bow and to the stern, and the entire boat was a bonfire on the water. The mast fell first, crumbling the bow as it splashed into the sea. The ship split, bow shattered and in the water, and the stern capsized and sunk into the sea. On the water, there was dark smoke and a starless night.

The town stood, huddled in their pile of light, until weary souls extinguished their flame and left the crowd. Small pockets turned from the seaside and drifted into town, and soon the fire was gone and it was a dark night in Balestrand. The town went to sleep.

Gabriel stood on the sands as the crowd dispersed, never looking back to see those who left early or wished to stay with him. He turned from the water and approached the Queen. He knelt, drawing his sword, lowering his head, and offering his sword with both hands.

"My sword has been, and will forever be yours. I accept your offer. I will lead the armies of Arendelle as General."

"Excellent. We will leave for Arendelle tomorrow."

She dismissed him and watched him trudge into the night. Then she returned to the Frostskader and went to sleep.

"You ready?"

"Yes..."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. It's just like in Arendelle."

Elsa threw off the gloves. She was wearing the Ice Dress, hair braided along her back, sprinkles of snowflakes in her golden hair. She was the Snow Queen.

"People of Balestrand. By the grace of God, I give you this nation's magical ruler – Queen Elsa of Arendelle."

The doors creaked open and Elsa stepped into the courtyard. The priest, finished with his announcement turned to the Queen. Gabriel to her right; General Hermansen to her left. They strode down the steps to meet the crowd. Their faces were dirty, stern, and hardened. No smiles, no cheers. Balestrand. The world beyond Arendelle.

Elsa raised her hand and ice flew through her fingertips. The formations danced in the sky and elicitedcries of wonder from the children, but the town was still cold, frightened. She brought both her hands together and a snowflake formed in the sky and burst into a winter flurry with soft snow falling onto the crowd.

Men and women held their children close, took off their caps and stared up at the sky.

Heads turned and the crowd murmured.

"You monster! You've come here to freeze Balestrand over, just like Arendelle!"

The guards moved to the voice in the crowd. Elsa stopped them. It was no use - the people would not fall for the illusion, and the world fell on her shoulders. The town offered no sentiment, only fear and hate and war. Elsa could go back to Arendelle, wait it out, but in time, the dissent would find its way to her doorstep.

Hermansen turned to the Queen.

"Let's just leave. Balestrand is a lost city, anyways. There's nothin' left here."

"Your Majesty, I think it is best we follow the General's advice."

Elsa obeyed the soldiers and turned and jogged up the stair into the keep. The doors shut. Kai was there, standing with the servants.

"Your Majesty! What happened?"

"Exactly what we thought would happen."

"That bad?"

Enough of this. Elsa threw on the gloves.

"I didn't even get to the speech. I can't show my face in public without being called a monster."

"Now, that's just not true, Your Majesty. Your gift-."

"It's true here. My curse has caused nothing but problems. Next week, it will be some other fringe town. And the week after that another. Soon, all of Arendelle won't be able to stand the sight of me."

"Your Majesty, I assure you that we can fix this."

This whole thing is a mess, Kai. Let's just go home. I want to see Anna."

"I can have the ship ready at a moment's notice."

It was midday when Elsa, Kai, General Hermansen, Gabriel, Matthew and the Queen's guard met on the pier next to the Frostskader.

Hermansen shook the Queen's hand.

"Your Majesty, it was a blessing to have you here, though I wish your trip was more successful…"

"As do I… Please, do whatever you can to keep this town safe."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I think the fightin' may be over for a month or so. If it comes back, we'll be ready."

Matthew shook Elsa's hand and joined the General.

"That's right, Your Majesty. Balestrand is safe with us."

The two soldiers approached Gabriel, shook his hand and patted him on the shoulder.

"If you don' mind, can we get a moment with the Captain? Just a little farewell, soldier to soldier."

"Of course."

Elsa and Kai went to the end of the pier and stood overlooking the water. It was cloudy, gloomy, and calm. Birds flew over the ocean. A good day for sailing.

"Kai… I just wanted to thank you and apologize. I've been… harsh and blunt the past few days."

"Your Majesty, it is my job to help you through the darkest of days, and I'm glad I can help you. There is no need to apologize."

"I know. It's just… after my isolation, it's so strange having people there… people…"

"Caring for you?"

"Yeah."

"You know, I've worked with this family since your grandfather was King. I never got the chance to really have a family of my own, but I'm okay with that. You and Anna, your father and your mother, you are my family."

"Thanks Kai, you're too sweet."

She hugged the stout man. She had known him since childhood, and maybe he had longed to see Elsa triumph over fear just as much as Anna had. They could find a way to ensure the safety of Arendelle. Elsa knew it.

All these people looking after her. They were few but strong in spirit. Elsa could find some solace and comfort in her companionship with the servant, the family friend. It could never compare to the one she longed to be with most.

"Your Majesty, it looks like we are ready to depart."

Elsa and Kai boarded the Frostskader, followed by Gabriel and the guard. The sailors lowered the sails and the ship had departed. General Hermansen and Matthew stood on the pier, waving until they become specks on the horizon. Balestrand was gone, left to its fate.

They were back in the open world. Gabriel disappeared below deck. The waves grew and the boat rocked. Done with the hectic tasks of departure, the sailors sat on the railing and sang a song with their drunken slurs. The Frostskader had a new life – full of joy and tact as she sailed across the horizon.

"You know, I really hate sailing."

Kai nodded. Elsa walked to the stern and put her hands on the rail and leaned over sea. A breeze in her hair, the smell of salt in the sky, and a warm summer's day to brighten the mood.

Home. She could not stay away for long, and she was okay with that.