AN: Nope.. I got nothin. No excuse.

Of Ice and Dragons

Chapter 17

The day dawned brightly as He stepped through the motions of the VokunTanz. In the early morning light, he tried to concentrate, but thoughts and memories continued to intervene his focus. His movements, sloppy. His footwork, terrible. Trampled snow where once was nothing more than the marks of the dance.

Starting from His customary position once more, he began the dance again.

Turn and step.

For some reason, His Voro had grown so great that he could now barely talk, let alone whisper. He knew the reason, and while its purpose was innocent in nature, it felt like a betrayal. The splintering of His word to one before; to the light of the Bromenkun. These past few weeks had shown Him something unique, something he hasn't seen in so long, and He was beginning to see a different side to the Queen due to this change.

Step and turn.

She was now watching Him more closely. Why? He had no answer for such a reason.

His feelings of duty were now being strained. Turn, kick, step, slash. He was having thoughts He should not have. A complex twisting jump, turn, step, thrust. Feelings He should not have. Step, backhand, step, slash. Why would He think these things? Turn, step, slash.

Trip.

Damn-it.

Finally, He admitted defeat. He was thinking too much, distractions that, should this have been a real battle, would of lead to his death. He got back up and sheathed his swords as to end the VokunTanz.

To not be of clear mind means he must first meditate his being if he should wish to try again later.

The moment of silence was interrupted by a slow hand clap from behind Him.

Cursing in his native tongue mentally, he acted almost like a startled cat and immediately entered in a defensive position before He could catch Himself. The Countess Dibella, in her customary red and black dress, had approached unnoticed.

He silently chided Himself and put up His swords as she spoke, "That was beautiful, Lord Dovahkiin. Where did you learn that?"

Of course, only those who knew Him well enough would notice His slipping of skill, so he took solace in the fact that he could cover his mistakes.

"In my homeland. Countess." He relpied, which resulted in her being started at the snow being shook off the trees of the surrounding castle park.

"What was that?" as she looked around nervously.

"My voice. Countess." He clarified for her, but instead of being suddenly afraid, her face expressed a satisfied curiosity and suddenly, she started to confidently walk towards him.

As she stepped closer, she said, "You know, as Champion and Lord, you are technically my equal, and can use my first name."

Her too-perfect lips curled into a smile and smoky eyes twinkled at him. He knew seduction, no matter how subtle, when he saw it, and it made him frustrated with her, or as Anna would put it: 'ticked off'.

Thinking back, He never understood where Anna conjured these words. He should of learned more from Anna to understand them better, making a mental note to train himself through the meaning behind 'worded expressions'.

"That would be inappropriate. Countess." the slight stress he injected upon her title caused her face to flush a shade brighter along with putting more emphasis into his words by taking a small step back as to respectively decline her invitation. It also shivered the snow up around them.

"Oh, I think it would be very appropriate. After all, its not like you are betrothed to anyone are you?" The countess was definitely laying on the charm, and he revised his opinion of the countess from courtier to Follower of the Dibellan Arts.

"I am not spoken for. Nor do I seek to be. Countess." With a salute of fist to heart and a very short bow that almost didn't make the name, the Dovahkiin turned and marched away.

The fuming Countess looked behind her with narrowed eyes, following the path the Dovahkiin took away from her, then gave a small smile.

OOOOO

Later that morning, He sought out the Princess of Arendelle, to speak with her about a troubling memory.

Dressed in His armor, He found her sitting with Kristoff in the library, the exact place He needed. The two broke off their small talk as He entered, and the princess addressed him as He bowed, "Dovahkiin! Why are you wearing your armor today? I thought you were going to wear the new clothes we got you."

The big man smiled as he answered, "The Queens edict is not until tonight Your Highness, and I must exit the city for an hour or so before the ball."

"Oh, practice, right?" she said, and He nodded.

Kristoff spoke, "Well, I don't think you are here for us to talk about your wardrobe."

He shook his head and said, "Niid, I recently had a recurring dream, and I wished to discuss it with you, Princess Anna."

Kristoff read the atmosphere and went to stand and made polite noises about leaving, but the Dovahkiin held his hand up as to stop him as he explained, "Please stay. This may be difficult for Your Betrothed."

"Oh," and the soon to be Prince Consort sat next to Anna, who spoke up, "So what is this dream?"

He gave himself a moment to collect His thoughts, and once he knew what he needed to say, he spoke, "It starts with me falling, after my battle with Alduin…"

OOOOO

Elsa looked out over the city, from one of her favorite spots in the castle, a tower which afforded an entire view of Arendelle, which always soothed her when she needed to think.

Now all she could do was think.

Lessons with the Dovahkiin were… strained, which was putting it as lightly as possible. He was obviously battling something, but she just didn't know what. His behavior was very formal and even borderline stiff, more so then before. He only spoke when necessary towards her, and only in the most formal of tones, with a whisper that made her entire body always vibrate in shock.

Just thinking of how his voice makes her do the little things made her slowly blush as those thoughts began to slightly drift into dangerous territory.

She took a deep breath and let it out slow, a calming technique he had taught her as a form of meditation.

She raised a hand and created a snowflake from her power. It is said that each snowflake is unique, with its own patterns and structure. But in each snowflake she made, she could see the most minute flaws. Each one she had created like this over the past few days had been worse, imperfect, flawed with cracks, longer or shorter legs, missing patterns and even sometimes the center.

She knew the reason, but she did not know how to even approach the problem. She knew that she was thinking like a blushing maiden, so she calmed herself and thought about this logically first.

She respected Him. His sacrifices and deeds confirmed as truth by Anna. Though He was loath to say they were without proof beyond His own words, which of course shook the room wherever He was. In a way, His honor was one of the things she most greatly respected.

She shook her head and reminded herself that her position was one of responsibility… but He had a certain air about Him which just captivated her attention. Like a fable, He was mysterious as to His history, about His skills with the sword, the armor He wore, the scars on His arms…

She had found herself staring after Him sometimes in the past few weeks, her eyes tracing the details of his skin on his arms and face. His form perfectly shaped, strong, yet not too muscular, bulky but not built like a mountain, and his eyes…

…Those eyes. Each time He looked at her, it felt as if her soul was laid bare before him, like she couldn't hide anything from Him. That green gold glare seemed to hold anyone's attention she had noticed, and she thought how striking they looked, like a black panther crouching through the darkness. Any who looked into them knew He was different. Very few were allowed to know how, though many rumors had started to sprung up in the kingdom itself. From the outlandish demon theory, to the more respectable that his homeland simply had different eyes.

Elsa decided to talk to the only person she could truly trust. Turning away from her window, she went looking for her sister.

OOOOO

Anna watched as the Dovahkiin left. His whispered thanks rattling the room in His distress. She told him the truth of the dream, His fall, the turning of the world, the unleashing of the World Eater.

All true.

The unimaginable length He had been lost outside of time, tore at her. Leaning into Kristoff's warm embrace, she shook as she cried.

He had lost everything. Homeland, love, friends. She could not see how he could keep going. Anna herself couldn't image it. What if she was locked inside that ice statue, and only to unthaw thousands of years later, would Arendelle still be there? Would Elsa have heirs to continue the line to the throne, or would someone else become the new monarch? Would Kristoff move on, found someone else to love? What about Olaf, would be gone too? Be all alone in an ever changing world?

It truly sounded like hell, and Anna cried silently in pity of His story. Suddenly, A knock and Elsa entered, "Anna are you…" and looking at Anna in her state, Elsa rushed over-

-and then Anna saw something, as the world went white around her.

OOOOO

She sees her sister, kneeling in front of an Ice-built Sarcophagus. Sobbing in the snow created from her grief. She resides now in her castle of ice she once called home long ago, and cannot go far. For He is here, at rest in this place of solitude.

Slowly she stands, a dress of black ice adorns her, emblazoned upon her cape of Black Ice is a silver motif of His symbol, the dragon in flight. Around her, she struggles to keep the eternal winter centered on just the mountain. He was dead, killed in her service. Sacrificing His life for hers.

The storm grew in power and reach, her grief expanding with it. She would never be able to tell Him now.

As the world was slowly cloaked in Ice and Snow, Wind and Gale, Grief and Despair, she sobs upon the mountain. Cries for the love she almost gave. The storm growing around her, covering the world.

Even when the end finally came for her one day, she knew she would keep her silent oath to Him eternal…

…Her love, Eternal…

…This Frozen World, Eternal…

OOOOO

She awoke from her vision to both of then calling her name, Elsa standing a few feet away, frosting the ground around her. Relief washed over both of them as Anna blinked open her eyes and moved her head a little. Speaking she asked, "What in oblivion happened?"

Elsa responded as she got closer to her sister and knelt beside her, taking her hand, "You looked at me, your eyes suddenly turned white and fainted. Anna, what happened?"

Anna gave a pause that hung heavy in the air, as she struggles to find her voice, before finally responding, "I had a vision.. Of you, after… after the death of the Dovahkiin, and you covered the world in eternal Winter."

Elsa's face went whiter than normal as she slowly backed up, the temperature in the room dropping fast enough to fog their breath. Anna almost panicked and reacted first on instinct alone, fearing a repeat of the summer, and struggled to get to her sister, heedless of the danger, to hug her sister tight.

Elsa was caught off guard when Anna embraced her, and as the two stayed in that embrace for a long moment, as the air warmed slightly, Anna spoke again, "I understand them both now, what they mean. If either of you die, while Dovahkiin is in your service, the world will end. They are warnings of a possible future though Elsa. Only warnings."

Elsa buried her face upon her sisters' shoulder, and for a moment, a release of stress allowed the room to return to its original temperature. The two gently stepped away finally, and Elsa spoke, "I wanted to talk to you about Him anyway. In private please."

Anna nodded, then turned to she directed the request to Kristoff, who rose with a light smile. As he walked away while itching the back of his head, he said, "I'll be grooming Sven. Call me if you need me."

OOOOO

Kristoff and Sven both relaxed in the task of grooming, and he thought of the events of the past few weeks.

He wasn't dense as to see the growing relationship between Dovahkiin and Queen Elsa and believed it to be a good match. It was only looks right now, but he was certain it would blossom soon enough.

Plus… well, He did go out of his way to not only save Anna, but got them engagement rings to boot, which by the way, looked really nice on Anna's finger. Not that he hadn't been saving up every scrap he could.

But going back to the topic, it was satisfying to see the Queen finally showing an interest in someone, as Anna had confided in him about her possible suspicions, and he very much agreed.

But he thought Anna had some sort of weird 'oracle juju' going on, but to see her not be fully correct on something and relying on his input was a nice change of pace to the dynamic of their 'group'.

In other developments His sword training with the man had resumed just recently with his arm healed somewhat, His friend insisting that it would grow stronger quicker with exercise.

"Work through the pain. The only way to improve the body." He would say.

And low and behold, he had known what he was talking about.

At least it had been a simple break. Though now it hurt like oblivion, the winter weather reacting with the new break.

He heard a familiar rumbled greeting, "Hello, Big Man. Hello, Big Deer."

He turned to see the ice wolf behind him in a sitting position, his tail wagging side to side in anticipation.

Kristoff smiled and said, "Hey Olaf, good to see you bud." He scratched the big wolf behind the ears. As Sven bleated his greeting, Kristoff continued, "By the way, Seven isn't a deer, he's a reindeer. They're different."

Olaf looked down apologetically and said, "Saw Dovahkiin, no happy."

Kristoff made a 'yeesh' face and said, "Yeah… its not good."

The big ice wolf sat and hung his head in thought, before finally asking, "What we do?"

Kristoff surged his shoulders in acceptance and said, "Nothing much we can do Olaf." as he looked around the stable. "Nothing we can do. He's a man out of time, with no way home."

OOOOO

Elsa and Anna sat upon a couch facing each other, as the slow blush crept up Elsa's cheeks.

Anna was smiling slightly as she spoke, "Just do what your doing Elsa, and the rest will take care of itself."

Being the older sister, it was embarrassing to someone of her standing to go to a younger sibling for advice on such trivial matters, but she had no one else to talk to about this. Elsa explained her nervousness, "I don't know what to do."

Anna gave a small giggle and said, "Neither do I, neither does Kristoff, we just kind of let it flow." the red-head suddenly had a flash of insight and said with much seriousness, "You will know when it's time, trust me on that."

The serious look the Princess gave Elsa, let her know it was one of her feelings. She nodded, and sighed "So now what?"

Anna gave a big grin and said with arms raised in the air with excitement, "Now? We get ready for the Grand Winter Ball!" A grin which Elsa returned slowly, caught up in her sisters exuberance.

Little did Anna know, Anna herself was very dense when it came to love in the past, and a talking wolf had to be blunt about her direction on love just to get her on the right track. However, this little detail flew past Anna in her prideful state as she got up and dragged Elsa out the room to get ready.

OOOOO

(MTR Note: I listened to "Jeremy Soule (Skyrim) — Tundra + "Winter Ambience" [1.5 Hrs.]" to get into the mood)

As the sun finally set and the stars came into view, the Grand Winter Ball was finally underway.

With dancing and merriment present, and the guests awaited the arrival of the Queen. Elsa had tried to get the Dovahkiin to enter with her as a formal introduction, but he had to reject the offer. Pleading that he had too many duties to attend to, which was true, but he had stacked them up on purpose to prevent his entry with her. He just could not stand the idea of that much attention, along with his other issues that were also present.

Now he stood with the guests in the hall. Dealing with the various people who recognized him, even with him not wearing the usual armor. Which was few and far between thanks to the Queens Edict that he dress well, and not in his armor.

Although he did wear his swords, they were both hung from his right side and peace bonded with black sick cord, which was of coursed sheaved in leather as to not accidentally cut any of the sir's or madam's dresses. In this place, it was more ceremonial then useful, with the side of safety precessions of the most minute details. Thankfully, there were enough guards to handle a surprise riot, should one occur.

He had planned and scheduled on rotating the guard through so they all got some downtime to enjoy the festivities. Many He knew would celebrate in the city, dressed in uniform and ready if necessary.

The only outlier was himself due to one extreme issue; His Voice.

He didn't want to break any of the glassware and windows, as well as blow any and all of the guards and guests ears to oblivion with a whisper, especially due to his increase on Voro lately, and made a mental note to not speak within the room for as long as he was present.. or at least as quietly as possible.

It was then that General Tychus Loran approached him, "I must congratulate you, Lord Dovahkiin, your men are very well disciplined."

Ruth Nii, the Dovahkiin thought to himself, now I need to speak.

However, He knew how to properly control his voice enough as to whisper so low that the small rumble can still be heard, "I thank you, Lord General. But they are not my men, they serve Queen Elsa as I do."

The general stood next to him and swept the crowd with his eyes, as a smile broke out on his face, "Don't lie, It never goes away, the training of a true soldier. Had you pegged as one as soon as I saw you. They are your men because you treat them as such."

The sharp look Dovahkiin directed the general's way made him chuckle as he continued, "It shows, trust me on that."

Realizing that all habits can slip through the most disciplined, He said, "I suppose it does."

The two soldiers nodded their respect for each other, and parted ways.

He began a slow careful scan of the room again, noting much, but nothing of importance. Kai walked in, the round Housecarl dressed perfectly as always in his royal uniform fit for a man of his standing. Standing near the Dias, Dovahkiin noted that Kristoff had taken a position nearby the Thrones, seems he too had gotten out of the introduction, possibly because of his arm. He was then cut out of His thoughts when Kai began his announcement.

"Presenting Her Royal Majesty! Queen Elsa of Arendelle! … Her Highness! Princess Anna of Arendelle!" bowing with the other guests he waited for the fanfare to finish then rose. His eyes sweeping above the crowd, scanning the room.

OOOOO

Elsa looked across the room, dressed in her gift.

Anna had been very adamant in making Elsa wear that dress, which much to Elsa's embarrassment to not only show her figure out more easily to the other guests but was feeling embarrassed that the He would see her in it too.

What the dress made her upper arms look flabby? Am I showing too much of my skin when I walk in it? Is the snowflake cape going to get caught on something and make me trip in front of everyone? These thoughts were only spurred on by the fact that He would see her in it and would make her feel a little self-conscious, but Anna gave her enough emotional support to finally wear it, and change her hair into a long braid that went over her left shoulder.

As Elsa would expect, the crowd was abuzz as most had not been here for the coronation. But based on their faces of wonderment, the stories must have become somewhat farfetched as time went on. To have them confirmed must have been quite shocking to many. She could see the various diplomats and dignitaries, most who had come simply because of the general invitation. She saw the Ambassador of France and the Duke of Ireland to the left of the room. Men and women of various station, some oddly dressed in the garb of their homeland. Looking over the heads of many, she saw many minor nobles, very well-off merchants, a young man with bared arms, the ever-present guards, the ambassador to the Southern Isles Prince Harold and his betrothed… her thoughts locked as her eyes snapped back to the young man standing partially in the shadows with his face illuminated only by a single candle that was innocently just at the corner on one of the dining tables.

He was dressed in black, trimmed with grey that almost shined like silver, a long vest which left his powerful arms somewhat bare and Elsa just barely had to stop herself from gazing at them, upon his right breast a depiction of the stylized Dragon in silver, black leather bracers with bright steel cuffs and etched into them were geometric shapes, a black leather belt with polished steel buckle. Hung from his right side were his twin blades, bound in their scabbards by a silken black cord and leather.

But what really arrested her gaze was his face, for the first time he was clean shaven, his hair neatly trimmed and combed. His green gold eyes reflecting the light. Even the scar running alongside his face did nothing to distract from him. His eyes swept the crowd and arrested on her…

OOOOO

There was once a journey He went on that led to a place called the Forgotten Vale.

It was an arctic paradise, a large glacial valley, hidden deep within the mountains on the northwestern Skyrim peaks of Haafingar and the Western Reach of High Rock.

The valley features its own unique flora and fauna, almost like it was completely not from this world, and a handful of caves and subsections throughout its icy valley. The area also contains a large concentration of Falmer, creatures who wished for nothing but the destruction of the surface and all who dwell on it, who have built a series of walkways and camps throughout the canyon, leading to the Inner Sanctum, one of the last Snow Elf bastions left.

Having traveled to many places during his time as a Legionnaire, he saw beauty amongst the snow-covered woods and caves of ice.

Looking at Elsa reminded him, just for a second, of home.

Radiant in a dress of her gift, blue upon light blue, a thousand shifting hues where small pieces of ice reflected the light around her like a living diamond, her sleeves like the clear shy and her right leg showed her ice slipper to the world. A cape made of spun Ice and snowflakes, emblazoned with a snow crystal motif. Her hair held in a complex braid over her left shoulder, tied with bright blue ribbon, while some of her locks on her head stuck out to give the look of a platinum crown. Her eyes were more closed than before, showing the purple shadow under her eyelids and her longer eye lashes, giving off almost a seductive look.

For the first time, he saw what she truly was, what she always was meant to be, and it dazzled him, awed him beyond compare. Her perfect form, no longer hidden, allowed her eyes to shine in the light of the hundred candles and lamps of the room. He could not, would not, look away.

OOOOO

For the first time, each saw the other in a different light.

For the first time, each knew, how they would see the other in their minds eye.

He could not look away,

She could not look away,

A passing Diplomat blocked her view of Him,

And when sight returned, He was gone.

OOOOO

Her eyes finally tore themselves from the spot where the Dovahkiin had been standing, Elsa gradually became aware of Her sister staring at her off to the side, a look of puzzlement on her face, trying to remember every detail of her reaction.

And answered her beloved sisters unspoken question, "I..I saw Dovahkiin." Anna looked to where her sister had been so focused on with a smile on her face, but was let down when she said, "He's not there." with an eyebrow slightly lifted.

Elsa could only say, "He was."

Elsa also felt that He finally saw her for what she truly was, who she always was, and felt her knees shake a little in nervousness. But Elsa quickly steeled her nerves and descended to the guests, talking with them one by one as to help her with the event at hand.

OOOOO

After an interminable bout of greetings and compliments, and a small speech, Elsa needed some fresh air, and maybe a small drink afterwards. Stepping out into the frost and snow covered courtyard she made her way to the western wall. Her light steps making little sound, she stepped up onto the wall, only to find it already occupied.

He stood in a position of rest, but He was anything but restful. His legs spread slightly, His arms behind His back. He looked over the cold sea, but she knew enough of His abilities to know He was perfectly aware of her at this close of range.

She stepped out to stand beside Him, the cold sea air not bothering her. She wants to speak, but does not know what to say. For the first time in her life she feels something she cannot explain.

He can only stand, holding His position, her Presence an assault upon him, even when they are a couple of feet away from the other. Her Presence though, was a soothing balm. He knew what he felt, and for the second time in His life, He did not know what to do.

The two stand, silent,

They look to the sea,

She does not know what to do,

The lights of the stars twinkling on the water,

He does not know what to say,

The waves falling ashore with sibilant whisper.

After a few moments of time, He turns and offers His arm to Her, the cold shell of steel back upon His face.

Elsa was feeling many emotions, just standing next to Him. But among those, she thought that He was putting a front because He too felt nervous around her, or that He could sense her nervousness in her recent attire change and was just trying to give her emotional support. Either way, Elsa still couldn't figure out what he was thinking or feeling, which made her frustrated not he inside. But instead, she hesitantly takes His offered arm in her own, and they step silently back to the ball.

OOOOO

Anna was beginning to wonder where Elsa had gone when she saw a most peculiar sight.

Her sister, being escorted back to the ball by the Dovahkiin, made Anna did a double take, and could not believe her eyes, for she had never seen the Dovahkiin like this, both in his new clothes and the funny straight face he was trying to make!

She nudged Kristoff, and when she had his attention, directed it to her sister. His jaw fell slack as he spoke in a whisper, "Is that?…"

"Yep." Anna whispered back proudly to her Betrothed.

"Wow." Kristoff said to himself

Then the two stopped just before entering, completely unaware of the two staring at them. Anna watched as the Dovahkiin bowed, and her sister inclined her head. Then the two separated to go their different ways.

Unbeknownst to the two and Kristoff, both of these actions had warning bells going off in Anna's head.

Fire… Pain… Golden swords… burning city… Steel Rent Apart

RAGE….

OOOOO

He stood in the shadows of the hall, watching the guests like before. After escorting Elsa back to the ball and retreating to the shadows, He had to fight with every ounce of willpower to not give a sigh, or else he would cause the castle of Arendelle to cave in.

For Him, its like trying to dance on Dragon eggshells while the mother was sleeping right next to Him. Maybe instead of always being silent and trying to avoid it, maybe he should-

He felt a presence behind Him, one he did not want right now. He was getting sloppy with his senses.

"Well, well, well! I almost didn't recognize you. But your eyes sure do give you away." the velvet contralto rolling off those too perfect lips.

He had to work hard to keep his face under control as his frustrations continued to grow. As he turned to face Lady Dibella, she spoke again a smile upon her lips, "Perhaps as recompense for your earlier rudeness, you could ask me to dance. Or are you simply content with standing by?"

His anger just about slipped his grasp, while his face did not show, his eyes radiated a fire that threatened to destroy her as she insulted him.

"Ooh honest anger…I like a man with pure emotion." She spoke as she laid a hand upon his chest, her lower lip caught in her teeth as she quickly leaned in and breathily whispered in His ear, things that she would like to do to him, whats he would like him to do to her.

OOOOO

Elsa turned the corner to face what for a second she thought was something very inappropriate. Then she saw who was involved. Her rage came forth, ignited by something she couldn't explain. How dare He? HOW DARE SHE!?

Thankfully she was ways away from them or else show would of accidentally frozen the champagne in some of the guests hands and caused some of the dancers to slip.

Then she saw His stance, where His hands were, where her hands were, and the absolute fury upon His face, while it was stoned and emotionless, His eyes told her everything she needed to know. She immediately moved her queenliest face to the front, walked slowly towards them without disturbing the other guests of her presence, and cleared her throat once she was close enough.

The countess jumped in complete surprise, much to the relief of the Dovahkiin, and moved back from Him, to immediately drop into a curtsy when she turned to her.

"Your majesty!", she began to explain, "I am terribly sorry, We thought we were alone."

Elsa watched for the tell, and when his eyes still full of hatred, she knew the truth.

"We?" she asked in a very insinuating tone.

The Countess tried to explain before Elsa cut her off, "Whatever your reasons may be, I would like to speak with the Dovahkiin alone for now."

Unable to refuse the command of a royal, the countess dipped into a apologetic curtsy again, then turned and stalked off, her flaming curls bouncing behind her head and back with her step.

When she had turned the corner, Elsa looked back to the steel hard face of the Dovahkiin. She looked into his eyes, and once again the world stopped.

OOOOO

Like a foggy breath in the cold air, gone was His sudden anger, for the temptress had been routed by the Queen. Replaced with a feeling He has had before, and pain spikes through His heart. As He looks into her eyes.

He could see that she looked slightly hurt, and had a suspicion of Elsa, but to end this charade of emotions was just to simply tell the truth and relieve himself of such a burden.

But because of the oath, because of their standing, because He was more of a man of action than a man of words, He steeled His emotions once more and remained calm in the presence of the Queen once more.

OOOOO

She watches His face, the complex emotions dancing in His eyes. Like many times before, Elsa cannot read or understand them. She couldn't understand the feeling of why His pain always come to the front of His face, why His honor always felt shameful to Him. She at least knows He has lost, a love torn away from Him long ago.

Anna herself has told of visions of a past filled with suffering, which Elsa herself couldn't even fathom.

All Elsa wants to do is to stop the pain in His eyes.

All she wants is to do be there for Him, with Him, when it feels like he couldn't take it anymore.

Slowly, almost like control of her body was taken away from her, Elsa reaches out, but before she can touch His chest, He steps back, and looks away.

She can see the redness of His cheeks, which was a first, and would of been hilarious to see and say, weren't it not for the pain exposed in His eyes.

While His eyes were the only windows of his steel façade, it was like Elsa was peering through a foggy window.

Regardless, His action of turning away from her made the corners of Elsa's eyes to fill with tears at His rejection. Slowly she steps back, her hands falling to clasp in front of her. She bows her head slightly, closing her eyes to keep the tears from falling.

A whisper of sound, she looks up, and He is gone once more.

OOOOO

After leaving once already, Elsa couldn't leave the ball again, so she stayed until all of the delegates and guests retired for the night. Once everything was in order, Elsa left the ballroom and walked to the palace gardens.

She could only wander around as her slumbering form moved across the snow of winter.

For the first time in her life, she feels for someone beyond her friends and sister.

But she just couldn't get it out of her head; maybe she overthinking it due to her emotions getting the better of her, but for Him to step away from her felt like the moment Anna became an ice statue, a deep pain she never wanted to feel again.

Without realizing it, she suddenly felt tears drip freely down her cheeks, small flurries slowly tumbles from the clear sky, as the two mix in the wind of her pain.

Elsa knows He has feelings for her, she can see that now. But each time they come to the front, He ruthlessly crushes them by using His honor and Oath to shield Himself. She wonders why… why did He? What had happened to him to cause Him so much pain? To not fall for anyone?

Amongst the blurry vision, she stops at the appearance of a track, a path, and while she was no hunter, she could tell that this path had been recently walked on.

Instinctively, she follows it, thinking how it was as good as any to take. And as she follows, she sees the lights of the northern sky begin to show through the night.

Just like that night she met Him, and in their brightness, in front of her, she sees her Champion.

He steps and turns, a single blade performs complex arcs and sweeps in front of Him. But the movement is choppy, unsound, and most importantly, unsure, as if it was a soul without direction. The snow below Him marked His footprints, trampled in the mess of His footwork.

Each movement shows his inner turmoil. Each movement shows his pain.

OOOOO

The familiar steps of the VokunTanz do nothing to calm Him, just like all those nights before.

He could not just stop thinking, cannot think of nothing but her.

His pain twists higher, as He tries to forget everything. As He tries to put away His past emotions.

Step and turn, His movements graceless, without true form,

The ruined snow around Him, a testament to His footwork's destruction,

He can think of nothing but Her,

Her eyes of Ice,

Her hair of Snow,

Her form of perfection.

The Bromenkun shines about Him, urging Him on, but He knows not what it wants.

The dance becomes sharper, faster, uncontrolled,

He pauses, to breathe, to settle,

To become aware, of a Blade of Ice against His of Steel.

OOOOO

Elsa acted before she could think, and now her heart was beating faster than it has ever heated before.

She watches Him in the light of the sky, the Bromenkun as she once heard Him call it. She can see His pain, His turmoil as He steps faster and faster. Never before when she has watched Him dance in the evenings light has she seen him be so different. so open…

In the dance, there was only him.

And something in the sight before reminded her of her days away from her sister, her days locked alone in her room, her days when the emotions she felt had no way of being vented or expressed.

She saw herself in Him.

At that moment, something urges her forward, in that warm light of the skies.

To create from her gift, a Blade of Ice,

To lay it against his of Steel.

OOOOO

Surprise graces His face, and the moment hung in the air.

Both with emotions that had no direction, and so was set the dare.

He looks to her eyes and only through expressions of action, steps slowly to the left.

She steeled herself in committing to her actions and mirrors, mimics, keeping her blade against His, to form between them a cleft.

A slow break, and she raises her blade slowly to an upper cut in the air.

Slowly He blocks, the form more fluid then ever, ready to leave everything to be seen bare.

Step and turn, they move as one,

One being the welcoming cold night, the other being the hot and giving Sun.

High and low, block and strike, slowly carefully, each testing the other,

Testing if their emotions can be held by the other, spoken to each other in silent prayer.

Dancing in the light of Masser,

Dancing in the light of the Bromenkun,

Step and turn, the echo of ice and steel.

Eyes locked with each other,

Both giving the other a powerful and silent stare, not willing to falter.

Movement formed without thought,

Their feet gliding amongst the snow without any doubt.

Ice and steel touch, high, low,

He mirrors Her, She mimics Him, amongst the Bromenkun's glow.

He breaks away to draw his twin, she motions a hand to create another,

The bright light danced amongst their eyes, full of emotions and color.

Faster they move, high and low, each blade mimicking the others,

A question to be answered, both were His, and Hers.

Suddenly, wrists touch, an accidental contact, and both are breathing heavily,

A sickness in their hearts, but there existed only one remedy.

Hearts began to beat as one.

Yet their raging emotions were not done.

Step and turn, they move about each other,

Their inner storms slowly began to whither.

For the first time in Her life, She feels complete,

Finally able to act on her emotions has never felt so sweet.

For the first time in what seems like an age, He is free of pain,

To back out now, to reject His feelings, would be truly insane.

Faster they move, trusting each other, trusting their hearts to one another.

Step and turn, a flurry of movement, strike and block

Step and turn, they move together,

Step and turn, they intertwine, brought together in the clench,

Hearts,

Beating as One,

Eyes Locked Together,

Frozen,

Chest to Chest,

Eye to Eye,

Soul to Soul

And with slow tenderness,

Their lips become one.

Blessed by the Light of the Sky.