(See the end of the chapter for more notes .)

There is a little spoiler of Frozen Forest of Shadows, but I don't think it spoils the book. It's more a setting information.

Chapter Text

The bonfire was bursting with purple flames, spreading an intense light reflected by the white trees.

"It seems that the Fire Spirit is having fun."

"Yes, Bruni and Gale are enjoying the celebration. They seem like the more playful spirits. They are happy to play again with humans."

Honeymaren and Elsa chuckled when the Wind Spirit lifted up Ryder up to the top of the trees.

Looking at him, Honeymaren caught something else with her eyes. "Oh, is that a star?" she asked with an uncertain tone.

Elsa replied with a melancholic, "Yes…" then changed her tone. "Well, actually no. That is Venus and it is a planet. It is brighter than most of the stars."

"Venus?" said Honeymaren looking back at Elsa.

"I don't know the Northuldra's name, but Venus is the goddess of beauty."

"There is a goddess of beauty?"

"Yes. Uhm.. no? Well, I don't know. But the planets are named after Roman gods. And the Romans are long gone, as are their gods."

"I thought there were more stars, or what Venus is…". Honeymaren said a little crestfallen.

Elsa looked at Honeymaren, determined to lift her mood. "You can't see the stars properly with all this fire and the trees. Let's go to the entrance of the Forest, by the monoliths."

When they were near the monoliths, but still in the thick of the trees, Elsa took Honeymaren's hand. "Wait, close your eyes." Honeymaren obeyed without any hesitation and Elsa guided her in the clearing. They both sat down, Honeymaren's eyes still closed. "Now you can open them," Elsa said with a warm tone.

Honeymaren was speechless for a little while. Then spoke with a little voice, "How could there be so many? I think I am a little dizzy… and that part? It's like a river of fireflies…"

"That is the Milky Way."

"Wait… and the one I saw before?"

Elsa scooted a little closer and pointed up. "Venus is the brightest light there."

"That one?” Honeymaren seemed uncertain, “How did you find it? There are so many…"

"I love to see and to learn about the night sky. People have drawn constellations to help find the right star. For example, the four stars of that square are part of the Pegasus constellation."

"Pegasus?"

"It is a horse, with wings."

"There are horses with wings?" Honeymaren said with excitement.

"I am afraid it is a legend of the past."

"Oh." Said Honeymaren with a sad tone.

"Well, I don't know for certain. Sometimes legends have a truth to be found. I found recently with Anna that the Huldrefolk, the hidden folk, are real. So maybe there are Pegasi and Unicorns, somewhere."

"Unicorns?"

"Horses with a horn and magical powers."

Honeymaren started laughing. "What is with you and horses? Maybe the Water Spirit should be jealous."

"The Nokk is so beautiful… but if Pegasi were real… just imagine flying on them." Elsa said with awe.

"So, a horse with wings…" said Honeymaren searching the sky. "I am not even sure I am looking at the right stars."

"Allow me." Elsa waved one hand and glimmering lines hovered above them.

"Oh! But it doesn't really seem like a horse…"

With a flick of her wrist, Elsa added a more pictographic image of Pegasus.

Elsa was enjoying pointing out various constellations to Honeymaren. Just as she was about to point to Cassiopeia, the vain and boastful queen, a thought crossed her mind and she abruptly stopped.

"Actually, these are the constellations I learned in astronomy… they follow the classical myths." Elsa cleared away the magical shapes and looked at Honeymaren.

"But Mother told me about other constellations. Like Frigg the Fisherman and Ulf the Wolf. Are those Northuldra?"

"Yes!" Said Honeymaren excitedly, but her voice quickly shifted to a sad tone. "Or, at least, I know the stories. But I didn't know there were constellations for them. The Elders don't like to talk about things that were beyond the Mist."

"I am sorry."

"You don't have to be sorry. I already told you I was happy. But, I never knew the sky could be like this. It wasn't even in my wildest dreams."

They both stay silent for a while, lying comfortably on the grass.

"It was starting to be a little grim. You know, there are already children born to people born under the mist. We don't know the stars and we had never seen the sun. When all the Elders would have been gone, I am not sure we would have had the words to describe what was beyond the mist to the children. We are the people of the Sun, but the sun was becoming a myth. Like Venus or that horse with wings. Like the Fifth Spirit." Honeymaren turned her face to look at the Fifth Spirit.

"Even if it may seem impossible, sometimes things that are lost can be found." Elsa added, not completely sure if she was talking about herself, the Huldrefolk, Aren's blade, or something entirely different.

Elsa studied intensely Honeymaren's eyes, and then suddenly rolled on top of her. Honeymaren’s eyes went wide, but she didn't recoil, so Elsa leaned closer and kissed her lips.

After a moment of stupor, Honeymaren kissed back. In a very short time, the kiss deepened and Elsa’s hand found her way under Honeymaren’s tunic.

"Damn!" As suddenly as she had started, Elsa pulled up. Honeymaren looked uncertain, grasping for words.

"I am a little drunk and I sort of promised not to do anything tonight," said Elsa while standing up. Brushing her hair, Elsa added with a smile, "Tomorrow I will have to go to Arendelle, and I will stay some days. We may continue when I am back."

And with that, she walked back into the forest, leaving Honeymaren lying in the grass.