'You don't have to if you don't want to, Anna.' Elsa was brushing her seated sister's hair in her room, a few scented candles lit with the curtains drawn partially for a soft lighting. The queen and princess of Arendelle were preparing for the grand feast celebrating King Arthur's return and the upcoming wedding. They didn't have much time, and the maids were quite annoyed that the girls wanted some privacy, but Elsa didn't care. Arthuria's proposal was a curious one for many reasons, and Elsa didn't want her little sister to be forced into anything she wanted no part of.

'But you and Rynn…'

'No.' Elsa cut Anna off, noting the gorgeous but ultimately simple gown her sister had chosen. Her shoulders were somewhat exposed, with lace and ribbon tying about the piece that was dominantly a greyish green. Elsa had chosen an outfit that almost matched Anna's, save for its bluer tone, and she loved the idea of the two of them looking like a set.

'What do you mean "no"?' Anna went on, her eyes forming inquisitively in the mirror that Elsa looked upon them both through.

'If you don't want to be involved then I will discuss it no more with Rynn and Arthuria.'

'That's not fair to you though!'

'It's not a matter of being fair. I will not be selfish and take your feelings for granted, Anna. I did that once; I will never make that mistake again. You are too important to me. My magic will certainly recover over time. I am not worried.'

'But what if it doesn't?' Anna insisted, and Elsa's voice was caught for a split second. Her chest felt heavy, and she swallowed painfully. She wanted her magic back, yet…

'That is a risk I am willing to take. It is not worth my relationship with you.'

'What if I said it was okay? If it meant you got your magic back, I…I think I could live with that.'

'No.' Elsa said a little more angrily now. 'I will not. That is the end of the story. I love you, Anna. You. Entering any sort of…er…sexual engagement with another person only has meaning if you're there and we can enjoy the experience together.'

'But…I don't think I can. I'm just not…comfortable with it, you know?'

'Then I will respect your feelings and thank Arthuria for the suggestion before politely declining. They are more than aware that it is an odd method, and they will surely understand your apprehensions.'

'Ugh! But I feel like poop!'

'Don't. It is a lot to ask of you, and even I am nervous about the prospect. I-I mean, I am not very confident to begin with, and Arthuria and Rynn seem very…sure of themselves. It's somewhat intimidating.'

'Right!? I'm just starting to get the hang of things. What if I'm just terrible and they start laughing at me? I honestly never thought I'd be…like…into other girls.' Anna froze, staring at herself in the mirror and blinking rapidly. 'And I-I'm not even sure I am. I guess I am? But I'm not. Not really. I mean, I like you, and I think you're beautiful, and I get…you know…excited thinking about you. But…I also thought Kristoff and Hans were good-looking, and I did kinda sorta fantasize about Kristoff here and there once or twice. So, I like both? Is that a thing? Or…I think I just like you, Elsa. Really. I've always thought I'd end up with a guy, but when you said you loved me, everything made more sense. I've never thought about another girl in that way, but you totally go past gender and all that.' Anna paused, shaking her head. 'I'm totally all over the place.'

Elsa, admittedly, did not love the idea of Anna thinking such thoughts about the males that had been in her life, but it was understandable, and she wouldn't fault her for it. Just because the elder sister had never imagined herself with a man in such a way didn't mean Anna wasn't allowed to.

'I don't see why you wouldn't be, Anna. You cannot help how you feel. I have come to understand that I, personally, hold no interest in males. However, I do find the female form inarguably attractive; yours being the most alluring to me of all.'

'Stop it. I'm really not all that…'

'Pardon?' Elsa stopped combing Anna's hair and held both of her arms, leaning down and looking at her sister through the mirror with an expression of mock-anger. 'Are you saying that others wouldn't find your modest but shapely body just as appealing as me?' The queen of Arendelle cupped her sister's chest, causing Anna to flinch and gasp in surprise. Anna diverted her gaze stubbornly. 'Don't turn away, Anna. Look at yourself. I want you to see what I see.'

'I know what's there.' Anna muttered, sounding almost sad. 'I'm not interested.'

'Really?' Elsa began teasing where she knew her little sister's tips were, circling them softly until they perked up alongside the skin surrounding them. Anna held in a sound of pleasure, but she still wouldn't look. 'Imagining your form even now nearly causes me to release you from this silly outfit. Shall I act on my desires?'

'A-ah…! Stop it, Elsa. We need to get going soon!'

Elsa smiled, kneading Anna's soft mounds and loving the way her sister's breaths became progressively more taxed the longer she massaged her front. Elsa enjoyed seeing Anna's face in the mirror, and she found a strange fixation in the reflection, the memory of their very first intimate encounter bringing forth a surprisingly melancholic recollection.

'Your freckles are too cute, Anna. I hope you don't dislike them.'

'They're okay, I guess. I wish they were a little softer, like yours…'

'I love them.' Elsa kissed Anna's shoulders where the discussed markings could be found a little more prominently. 'You're so beautiful to me, Anna. I want you to see it, too.'

'Let's be honest; between the two of us, you're definitely the prettier one…Oh, man…I'm starting to get light-headed here, Elsa…'

Elsa bit Anna's arm, and the younger sister jumped, held down by the queen in anticipation of such a reaction.

'Ow…! Hey…!'

'That's for belittling the woman I love.'

'W-what's gotten into you? You're super aggressive suddenly!'

'Suddenly?' Elsa scoffed, reaching down and over Anna from behind and pulling her skirt up with minor resistance from her sibling. Anna bit at her lip, her chair shuffled back a bit, and she turned away from the glass that insisted on reflecting that which she did not desire to see.

'White lace. How pretty.' Elsa giggled.

'Okay. You're seriously out of control.' Anna laughed nervously.

'Maybe I am. I'm happy, I suppose. I'm feeling a little daring. Not only that, but…it's been so long.'

'I…I know.'

'Is that why you're not resisting?'

'Well…a bit.'

Elsa kissed Anna's cheeks, glanced at the two sisters in the mirror, and then slipped Anna's undergarment to her ankles, letting the material fall to the ground and knowing she was somewhat twisted for finding satisfaction from Anna's partial embarrassment. Her younger sister's eyes were shut and turned away, but Elsa cupped her lovely chin and directed her back to the reflection.

'Can you look for me, Anna?'

'…I know what's there. I do.'

'Do you? I doubt you'd be so self-conscious if you did.'

Anna sighed, likely understanding the futility of her resistance by now. She peeked through one eye and lingered for a moment.

'Can I say something?' Elsa whispered, her breath tickling Anna's ear and making her shiver.

'S-sure…'

'You're so enchanting, Anna. If your own insecurity is holding you back, don't let it. I hardly want to share what we see here, but I am willing to if it's an experience we can have together. It would be quite the adventure, wouldn't it? I'm nervous too; very much so. But if you're with me…I think I can manage.'

'But…it's pretty crazy, right?'

'It is.'

'And…'

'Stop it.' Elsa went to her knees and worked her hands over Anna's exposed thighs, dipping her thumbs into her sister's groin when the movements allowed her to. 'If you're going to say anything about you being inadequate I don't want to hear it.'

'A-ah…Hah…hah…E-Elsa…You shouldn't…keep going. I-I mean, we have a dinner to go to, and…and…'

Elsa finally stroked Anna's glistening crevice, and her sister yelped, covering her mouth and going dumb.

'So pleasant.'

'Don't stare…'

'But it's such a lovely shade, and you've kept it so clean and bare. How lewd!'

'Oh, my gosh…!' Anna put her hands over her face. 'I just thought…you'd like it, you know? I-I mean, do you have any idea how tricky it is to get myself all pretty down there? I was scared the first time I did that grooming session, and…a-and…U-uh…Mmm…'

Elsa's fingers slid in with complete ease, and Anna's hips were twisting in the chair, her gasps coming out in bursts of disjointed release.

'You're so warm. I love feeling every piece of you, Anna. Look.'

Anna winced, but eventually opened her eyes again, seeing herself being penetrated by her own sister. She drunk in the sight of her flushed face and her mouth agape. She witnessed the way her body shifted in time with the pleasure, her womanhood wrapping about Elsa's hand and holding her tightly with every inward quiver. The sight left her transfixed, her breasts somehow more shapely than she remembered, and her gorgeous sister doing things to her that Anna had only dreamt about shamefully and with utter confusion in the past.

'Elsa…' Anna hummed, touching her own body and stimulating her already aroused breasts. 'Oh, Elsa…'

'Yes, Anna. Just relax. Let me look at you as you lose yourself in my love.'

'A-ah…Oh, boy. This is…so weird…but…I kinda like it…'

'Me too.' Elsa muttered, beginning to rub her breasts on Anna's legs as she continued to play with her trembling form, Anna's hushed moans becoming more difficult to muffle.

'N-no fair…' Anna hissed through clenched teeth. 'I was barely holding on…as it was…'

'Like you said,' Elsa giggled quietly. 'Time is of the essence.' And she pivoted around a bit so she could kiss Anna, managing to extend her reach just a little deeper into her sister and feeling something that made Anna's whole body jump and her innards pinch about in more places than Elsa could possibly realize.

'Mmph…!' Anna huffed, her mouth enveloped by Elsa's tender lips. She locked onto her reflection once more, and she saw the way her and Elsa kissed so passionately, their bodies truly like the sun and moon in all their purity and perfect unison. Anna knew she had a minute left in her at most. The sight of her and Elsa on full display was too much. Elsa's bottom was thrust out because of the position she was forced to take, and her dress was tight about her due to this. Anna could see the lining of her older sister's underwear, the type revealing itself to be rather scandalous in coverage.

Anna's mind ran a mile a minute as her body prepared to reach a euphoric release. She was kissing her older sister. The mirror wasn't lying. It was somehow easier to dismiss when she couldn't see it, but the image was as plain as day. Anna was practically making love with Elsa, the girl she had always admired and virtually wished to be. Elsa's fingers were exploring her most private canvas, and Anna couldn't stop herself from almost fainting in joy. It was too perfect. It was…it was…!

'Queen Elsa? Princess Anna?' Laura's voice sounded like a trumpet, both girls instinctively recoiling away from one another, Elsa's fingers exiting Anna so abruptly that the younger sister yelped in a mixture of delight and pain.

'Are you two alright?' The door handle turned, and Elsa and Anna could only give one another the quickest of panicked looks before they both hastily did what they could with the state they had ended up in. Laura was present in seconds, with Elsa's heartbeat hammering in her throat as she subtly adjusted her dress. She checked on Anna, knowing her little sister was in a much more compromising position than her, and was, at first, relieved to find that she seemed to be in perfect condition for the sudden invasion. However, it only took a closer look to discover that Anna's underwear were still upon the ground, her foot covering the majority of their presence, but the pure white fabric quite visible if someone knew where to observe.

'I knew we should've assigned some maids to you two. The dinner is starting within ten minutes and you haven't applied any makeup yet. Do you need my help? I think I should help.'

Elsa blinked rapidly, fluttering her eyes as if reflecting precisely how her brain was functioning in that moment. She couldn't think straight. She tried not to look at Anna's undergarments peeking out from under her foot, but she had to assure that Laura hadn't spotted them either.

'W-we're fine! Totally fine! We just got gabbing. Sorry, Laura.' Anna placed her hands together as if praying in apology, and Laura simply breathed out in knowing defeat.

'Very well. You both look lovely anyway, so, makeup isn't completely necessary. Please, just make your way to the main dining hall. King Arthur's guests have already begun filtering in, and we can't have one of the most important persons running late, right?'

'Thank-you, Laura.' Elsa hoped she sounded sincere and not as flustered as she felt. Not only that, but Laura couldn't exactly be trusted either and this bothered Elsa. Not that Elsa was being completely honest either, but she wasn't looking for rumours to gossip about with her fellow maids.

'My pleasure. Now, I best return to the hall. There is much to do, and some of King Arthur's knights are certainly worth working for. Heheh!' And Laura was gone, leaving the Arendelle sisters to pause and reflect on just how narrowly they had dodged the potentially horrible situation.

'And that's why we haven't done anything in a while, right? Oh, my gosh! My heart! My heart, Elsa! I think I'm going to faint!' Anna was usually being comedically overdramatic, but this current form of theatrics was likely mostly a true reaction.

'I-I'm sorry. It's my fault.'

'Pfft. It's not like I actually tried to stop you.' Anna shook her head.

'Thank goodness she didn't see what you were hiding under your foot. How would we have explained that?'

Anna laughed, reaching down and retrieving her lingerie, holding it playfully and then widening her eyes in disbelief.

'What's this, you say? Oh, I was just airing out before the feast. No big deal.'

'You wouldn't!'

'Why not? It kinda makes sense.'

'Mmm…' Elsa thought about the excuse and started giggling. Anna soon joined her, and the sisters were reunited, holding hands and pressing their foreheads together.

'Ugh. But really? Now I'm all…you know? And I have to sit through a dinner? This is going to be a little rough.'

'I understand what you mean, Anna. Try to distract yourself and focus on what needs to be done until afterward. I'm sure you and I can find some privacy to finish what I foolishly started.'

Anna's expression faltered.

'Oh. Um…with Rynn and Arthuria?'

'No. Not at all. You have made your decision, and I more than understand.'

'But your magic…'

'Is not worth compromising our relationship. We've been over this. Do not worry, Anna. With Devil locked away, I now have time to recover. I won't push myself, and it will all be well in the end.'

Anna went to debate the finality of Elsa's statement, but the elder sister touched her lips with her index finger, "shushing" her effectively.

'No more.' Elsa insisted. 'Now, let us enjoy one of your favourite activities together.'

'Heheh! Okay.' Anna nodded. 'There'll be chocolate, right?'

Elsa arched an eyebrow in sarcastic scepticism.

'My sweet Anna; it is Arendelle palace's feast, is it not?'

Although Elsa hadn't been exceptionally excited about hosting such a grand celebration, she had to admit that spending some time with Arthuria, Rynn, Anna, Leonard, and even Kristoff and Olaf wasn't exactly a terrible thing. The fact Elsa didn't have to worry about selecting a future husband while being conflicted about her incestuous feelings for Anna helped, and the fact Devil was mostly no longer a threat was even better. Elsa could actually – almost – relax and simply be the queen of Arendelle alongside the people in her life whom she valued most. Arthuria was charming. Rynn was sassy but kind. Leonard allowed himself an alcoholic beverage for once. Kristoff chatted harmlessly with Anna and Olaf, a strange sense of longing occurring within Elsa at the sight. Arthuria's knights were boisterous but respectful, each of them approaching Elsa to give their blessing. The queen of Arendelle sensed their evaluating eyes, but not one of them left without something of a smile upon their chiselled and valiant faces. Overall, the feast was an amazing success right through until dessert and drinks. The lighting was perfect, a dimly hued setting bringing forth a warm atmosphere for all. And the company was pleasing, with civil conversations and mingling between the two kingdoms happening seamlessly. Elsa enjoyed spectating it all, and she almost had trouble allowing herself to be happy with all the turmoil she had dealt with both physically and mentally as of late. Once Elsa had a couple of glasses of her favourite wine, however, she found it that much simpler to just be and cherish the moment.

'Good evening, Queen Elsa.' Myrddin was suddenly next to her, and it was then that the queen realized Arthuria was locked in deep conversation with Leonard and some councilmen over by the dessert table. Anna was close enough, however, gabbing away with Kristoff, two of Arthuria's knights (Gawain and Kay, if Elsa's memory served), and an apparently hilarious Olaf, based on the laughter ensuing. Nonetheless, considering what Arthuria had said about this man now beside her, Elsa was somewhat on guard.

'Good evening.' The queen answered politely. Myrddin carried the air of mystery with him well. Even Elsa could sense the incredible magic circulating about him as if it was the air he breathed. He paid no heed to conventional expectation dress-wise, still wearing his elaborate, gold-trimmed cloak which concealed a great deal of his face. When Elsa did catch a glimpse of the man, however, she saw that same mischievous grin she had noted earlier in the day, his long and sharp features attractive, if not for his obvious mockery of everything around his being. The man's hair was almost white, but he was physically youthful in appearance, locked in his prime despite the un-kept mess he allowed his locks to rest in.

'I hope I'm not disturbing you.'

'Not at all. It is nice to speak with you. King Arthur praises you highly.'

'You mean Arthuria.' Myrddin cocked his head childishly.

Elsa caught her voice and glanced around, wondering if anyone had heard.

'You know?'

'Of course, I do. I, after all, helped her produce an heir to the throne.'

Elsa choked, pounding at her chest and attempting not to make a scene so as to frighten Myrddin away. He chuckled a bit at the queen's reaction, and this said much to his character. He did not lift a finger to help Elsa. He simply watched as she couldn't breathe for several seconds. He either knew Elsa would be fine, or he couldn't care less either way.

'He has not mentioned this to me.'

Myrddin chuckled again. It was almost animalistic in sound.

'Why would she? She provided the seed for someone she didn't wish existed. It was, essentially, against her will. But her will wasn't the one worth considering at that moment.'

'I don't understand.'

'You don't need to.' Myrddin leaned onto the table lazily, resting his face on his hand, eyeing Elsa inquisitively. 'We have deviated. Might I ask you a question, Queen Elsa?'

Elsa knew she had very little choice. If Myrddin was willing to risk Arthuria's greatest secret in her sex, then he would have no qualms defying Elsa's mediocre wishes.

'You may.'

'Thank-you.' Myrddin glanced to Anna, and Elsa did the same. Her sister caught the look and waved happily, forcing Elsa's hand and feigned comfort. Elsa's little sister than made a momentary face of shock, pointing at one of Arthuria's knights with her thumb as if to indicate he may have been a little more than friendly conversationally with her. This picked a bit at Elsa's emotions, but she resisted the urge to react too enviously.

'How long do you intend on performing this farce? It can never be.'

Elsa felt her face turn stern, all humour with Myrddin drained effectively.

'That isn't for you to decide.' She spoke coldly, hating the way the wizard's grin spread even wider. It wasn't a surprise that he knew. His eyes were almost clear crystals. She had never seen such transcendent irises in all her life. He saw more than anyone would ever realize. Elsa could feel it in her veins and the whimpering magic within. This man was leagues beyond her; perhaps even further than Devil in terms of raw intellect and capability.

'Oh? I don't decide anything. I merely relay what is foretold.'

'By whom?'

'Heh. By whom, indeed?'

'I do not enjoy this type of conversation.'

'Surely. The ray of hope you cling to has been dashed by a source you know you cannot refute…yet you will anyway.'

'Of course.'

'Why?'

Elsa stared at Anna, watching her giggle awkwardly and mime actions that illustrated whatever story she was enrapturing all who engaged with her.

'Because,' Elsa smiled wryly. 'She is my world.'

Myrddin chuckled anew, but this time, the mockery slipped away almost completely.

'You remind me of that once foolish king, Queen Elsa.' The wizard uttered longingly, still somewhat arrogant, but much, much more accessible. 'She was a child well into adulthood and into her deathbed. Now look at her; she glows brighter than the most wondrous of stars. You have that same potential, and I trust, come what may, that you too will not merely reflect the sun, but illuminate the darkness all on your own.'

'T-thank-you.' Elsa blushed, thrown by the seismic shift in Myrddin's persona suddenly.

'But understand this,' The wizard tapped the table, crawling with his fingers to a glass and balancing it on its edge. 'Your story is not yet over; far from it. You are still fragile, fresh from relief. Before the dawn, as always, it will be black. Even blind, you must not lose your way. Even when the world is an abyss of despair, you remain queen of Arendelle.'

Chills ran Elsa's back and crawled about her arms like a swarm of insects. The weight of this man's – no – this being's words bore down upon the queen like little else.

'…What do you see?' Elsa asked finally, leaning in and observing Myrddin's eyes more closely. She could only make contact for a second or two before the sheer gravity of his power sent a shiver into her spine and made her recoil in knowing defense.

'I see many things; shapes and sounds mostly. It is my wisdom and knowledge of the world that allows me to make even the slightest sense of my visions.'

'And…?' Elsa swallowed.

Myrddin's grin vanished, and he placed the glass he was fondling on its side before tapping it – not even forcefully – and causing it to break apart into hundreds of pieces.

'I see you screaming until your throat bleeds and hardens, your tears flooding Arendelle and your voice snapping in two. I see your palace so cold not a soul can traverse it without being frozen solid. I see a darkness you cannot even begin to comprehend.'

Elsa didn't have a response to that past shock, her heart stopping and the glass Myrddin had just shattered reforming anew, except now even more extravagant than before.

'…You are strong, Queen Elsa. Remember this.'

'What is he saying to you, Elsa?' Arthuria and Rynn had returned from their discussion with Leonard, and Myrddin lifted his hands in denial.

'Nothing at all! I was simply wondering about her beautiful hair colour and which parent she had inherited it from. You see? It is close in shade to mine, if with more blonde than silver, correct?'

'He's lying.' Rynn sighed, her arms crossed. She was wearing a gorgeous blue dress that showed off her slender features and smooth skin, while Arthuria was dressed in only the most regal of suits, a complimentary cape draped over her shoulders and her hair tied in a neat ponytail.

'It's fine.' Elsa smiled, filing Myrddin's frightening words away for now. It wasn't the time. The future wasn't set in stone. She would never believe that.

'I'll take your word for it.' Arthuria shook her head at Myrddin who stood up and stumbled about comedically.

'Ah! Dessert? How did I not see this? Off I go! Have a lovely chat, everyone!' And he was gone, his hands up and his fingers moving about strangely.

'Are you truly fine, Elsa? He can be troublesome. Just remember what I said.' Arthuria followed up.

'He's certainly eccentric, isn't he?' Elsa tracked Myrddin with her eyes, watching as he bumbled and chuckled charismatically. Elsa's people seemed to like him enough.

'That's a very kind way of putting it.' Rynn muttered.

'Anyway, with that being said, Rynn and I recommend Anna and yourself consume a little more alcohol than you normally would if you're feeling apprehensive. It will make the process much simpler, I'm sure. We should commence the ritual tonight, since tomorrow is sure to be very, very busy, and the wedding night will likely be much more closely facilitated.'

It took Elsa a second, perhaps because of the wine's effects that she had been progressively feeling the more the night went on, but then she realized what the king and attendant were referring to.

'Oh. Um…we won't be accepting the offer after all. I appreciate your willingness, really, but…we talked about it, and we feel it isn't something we are comfortable with. Anna especially.'

'See? I told you we should never have mentioned the ritual!' Rynn poked Arthuria, but the king didn't budge.

'What of your magic, Elsa?'

'It should return, in time. With Devil put away, there is little need beyond putting on a show for my people to use any strenuous powers.'

There was a pause, with the buzz of conversations enabling the break to linger for longer than it would have otherwise. Arthuria appeared to be prepared to counter the argument once more, but Elsa's eyes lit up at the entrance to the hall, and she found Anna, both girls simultaneously agreeing to approach the door leading into the hall where Gerda and her grandmother stood.

'I'll…be right back.' Elsa nodded to the king and Rynn prior to approaching Gerda, the head maid in an adorable little dress that, while not the most expensive or elaborate of outfits, complimented her tiny figure in a lovely way, her wavy, short hair pinned up and back with a flower clip. Her colours were neutral otherwise, but the dress was somewhat frilly, with visible ribbons holding its more detailed pieces in place.

'Gerda! Is that really you? I kinda forgot what you looked like! Oh, my gosh!' Anna exclaimed, and Elsa noted that her sister was just a little bit influenced by the drinks that had been made available throughout the evening.

'It's good to see you again, Gerda.' Elsa agreed, finding that her balance could have been better as well.

'She is still somewhat unwell, but she insisted on coming to the banquet tonight. We're sorry for the late arrival.' Gerda Sr. explained, possibly the reason for the tardiness due to arguing with the same woman.

'It's fine. Do not push yourself, Gerda.' Elsa touched the girl's shoulder but then was fairly quick to remove the affectionate contact, remembering what her maid had told her before becoming so very ill.

'I-I'm fine. It's good to be back.' Gerda spoke, her voice evidently still raspy and recovering from the damage done due to Devil's curse. This angered Elsa, and although she had begun pitying Devil to an extent, this latest development did little to develop the sentiment.

'Did you want us to get the cooks to bring you out a plate?' Anna went on, surprising Elsa by how cordial she was being. The queen blamed and thanked the drink, liking the fact Anna was relaxed and warm as always.

'I ate at home, thank-you.'

'What about some dessert? Nobody can say "no" to a tasty treat with chocolate in it, right?'

Gerda looked to her grandmother and found the acknowledgment that she needed just as Anna was taking her hand and dragging her across the small space to the grand table. Elsa thanked Gerda Sr. and followed, careful not to push Gerda too hard, but also inquisitive as to when her sickness had finally broke and she was given some relief. Perhaps Anna had found it in her heart to look past the maid's mistakes, preferring to focus on what good things Gerda had done for Elsa and her rather than the singular negative scene. Elsa was proud of her sister for attempting to befriend Gerda after what she had been through, and although the queen wanted to possibly obtain a little more information on Devil and Gerda's pact on some occasion, she certainly wouldn't pursue anything in this moment.

No. In this moment, Elsa was quite pleased, discarding Myrddin's terrible fortune and focussing on the joy that was before her. Gerda had finally returned. Anna was laughing away as more and more individuals joined the small group. Arthuria and Rynn. Kristoff and Olaf. Leonard and even Maxwell, whom Elsa hadn't noticed until now. The older man was generous with his words of encouragement to Elsa, and he meshed very well with Leonard, which made Elsa smile over and over.

'I-I missed you…' Gerda mumbled to Elsa amongst the animated conversations generally helmed by Anna and/or Olaf.

'I missed you too, Gerda.' Elsa admitted, a flurry of emotions dancing in her stomach. Gerda and she had been through so much in such a short period of time. Having her head maid back at her side was a salve on one of the final wounds Elsa still harboured throughout the entire Devil incident. 'Will you return to work soon?'

'I-if you would have me, I would very much like that.'

Elsa nodded, searching the maid's small, brown eyes and seeing the innocent, endearing soul within them. Gerda was in love. She was in love with a dream. She was in love with someone she could never, ever have. Elsa knew what that felt like. She knew what lengths she herself would go for her love. She would not fault Gerda for making a deal with Devil. She had done so, surely, in a moment of defeat and hopelessness. Elsa could not claim she would have acted any differently. She wanted to give Gerda something. She wanted to show Gerda that she appreciated her support as the first person to accept and understand Elsa's feelings. She felt the maid deserved that much, at the very least.

As the evening went on, Elsa found her vision growing slightly hazier. She didn't drink much more, but she clearly went past her regular capacity. Her speech slurred, but it wasn't unlike most of the others present. Leonard and Maxwell were locking shoulders eternally by the end. Olaf finished off any and all leftovers from dessert. Kristoff and Gerda talked a little more than expected here and there. Anna had Arthuria's knights glued to her, Kay even going so far as to ask the girl out for dinner the following evening in a brave display of intoxication. Naturally, Anna shut him down a little more harshly than she would have normally, but it was in seeming fun, with laughter all around as maids and guards cleaned up the last of the dishes and directed some of the guests to their quarters. Elsa was thankful that everyone was merry, for she noticed the way Rynn's hand found Arthuria's sleeve in the smallest of moments, and it brought warm settlement to Elsa's heart.

Eventually, after the appropriate "goodbyes" were distributed, Kristoff volunteering to walk Gerda home, Arthuria, Rynn, Anna, and Elsa were left to their own devices, the four young women making their way (somewhat unbalanced) to the special sector of the palace reserved for rather important guests. The wing was quiet, with only a few guards present, some of which belonging to Arthuria. Her knights and Myrddin were absent, however, the members of the round table continuing their celebrations in town and Myrddin disappearing as he pleased. Elsa and Anna prepared to bid their friends goodnight, with Arthuria being considerate enough not to raise the subject of the ritual all over again.

'Thank-you so much for joining us tonight.' Elsa managed, her brain pounding a bit, but in a strangely pleasing way.

'It was our pleasure. I am looking forward to the actual wedding festivities more than ever now.' Arthuria put her arm about Rynn without remorse, thinking nothing of the guards stationed at the wing's entrance.

'Oh, boy…I think I had just a tad too much tonight…' Anna hiccupped adorably.

Rynn giggled, poking at the girl in a friendly manner.

'And I thought I was a lightweight.'

There was joyous laughter, and eventually, Elsa stumbled into Arthuria, hugging her happily. Anna did the same with Rynn, and more cheerfulness escaped the quartet of royalty.

'Sleep well.' Elsa finished, and just as she was turning to leave, Anna tugged at her hand, pulling her back a bit, to everyone's surprise.

'Um, Elsa? You forgot something. Was I not the only one who drank a teensy bit too much? Silly goose.'

'Anna?' Elsa chuckled.

'I've decided.' Anna found it in her to level her voice. 'I want to get your magic back. I want to get your magic back right now.'