Fear, the Enemy

-M. Lauren

Rated: T for violence, language, and mild sexual situations.

Disclaimer: Disney owns the rights to Frozen, including all merchandise and product representation. Additional characters within this story, including plot elements and history, are my own.

CHAPTER ONE

The world was silent as colorful flakes of snow descended from the dark sky and fell to the frost covered earth. In the light of the moon, the ground shimmered with spectacles of ice, dancing under the twinkling stars. All else was still on this cold December night. The fjords lapped with quiet wrinkles from a soundless wind and the day mammals took to their slumbers as the first signs of winter graced upon the Nordic lands.

An ural owl perched high above the growing night in an old scots pine tree. He looked down at the world in undistracted concentration, waiting for the lonely straggling mouse, or perhaps, if he was lucky, something a bit bigger. Yet everything was still. The owl ducked under a branch, hiding from the falling snow, still insistent in his search for supper. He craned his head, listening for the sounds of small scurrying feet amongst the gentle pitter-patter of the ever-growing storm.

Something louder reached his ears and he lurched back in alarm. Thunderous movements echoed down in the forest bellow. Without hesitation, he took off in flight, his great wings soaring into the sky with supreme delicacy. His hunt would take him elsewhere.

Amongst the cool earth, the thunder continued and grew louder with each passing second. Twigs snapped and the frost crunched under heavy boots. A cloaked figure reached a clearing, tugging a smaller stature behind its wake.

"Keep up." The figure scolded, pulling another against its side. The second, smaller human doubled over onto its knees, raking in swallowed breaths. With little time to collect, the tallest pulled the other back onto their feet. "We have to hurry."

"I can't run much longer." They crooned in exhaustion.

A howl omit from off in the distance as the rumble continued. The tallest pulled back her hood, long brown hair falling onto their cloaked shoulders; a woman. She stared down at the tiny human beside her, taking her cheeks in her gloved hands. "We have to hurry."

The figure nodded as she was forced back into a sprint across the clearing.

The great hall was filled with delegates all adorn in their best robes. The conversation was lively and loud. Warm brisket and Scandinavian wine filled their bellies and fueled the atmosphere with mindless chatter. The collection was of men mostly and a few wives who would not be denied the opportunity to dine amongst the famous Ice Queen in her castle. They moved in harmonious groups, moving from one community to another, talking of winter trade deals and the over taking of the southern grounds. What was supposed to be an arrangement between the Northern Isles had turned into full-scale party. Elsa watched from her seat wrenching her gloved hands under the mahogany dining table in front of her. A warm palm dropped to her knee, squeezing her lightly from her thoughts.

She looked up into the dark blue eyes of her sister, Anna. She was smiling. It obviously had something to do with the intoxicating commotion, or perhaps the assortment of cakes and sweets provided from the royal family of Oslo.

"You're doing great." She whispered, removing her hand and relaxing back into her seat.

Elsa hummed, tapping her finger against the wine glass in front of her. "I can't help but feel they're all waiting for something…dramatic to happen."

Anna shrugged. "Well it is in your repertoire." She flashed her older sister a comedic smirk.

"Very funny." Elsa droned.

Anna rolled her eyes. "I'm serious. The meeting went excellently! And everyone is so happy that you've invited them into our home."

"I still feel like their waiting for me to erupt or something." She glanced around at the patron's hesitant eyes.

Anna took a gentle hold on Elsa's shoulder. "Let them think what they want. You just single handedly ensured the security of the Northern Isles for another winter." Elsa didn't respond, she fidgeted with the leather material covering her fingers.

Since the Great Summer Freeze, six months prior, she'd been accustomed to embracing her bare hands. Kai had encouraged that it may make the delegates feel more at ease if she kept them covered. But they were tight, just like the royal purple and green dresses both girls had been given to wear for the occasion.

"Queen Elsa." Sir Talbot stood in her wake. He had served as her father's right hand man for many years and assisted in her training for taking over the throne. He waved in the direction of an elder gentleman dressed in golden garbs with red accents. She noted the house colors of the Akranes.

She stood and took the man's extended hand in a brief acknowledgement. "Lord Barks." She smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Please, Queen Elsa, the pleasure is all mine." He bowed at the waist, his eyes never leaving hers. As he stood, he collapsed his hands together. "I would like to thank you for hosting today's legislation and for allowing my wife and I to attend this splendid evening." Elsa nodded at his approval. "It has been a long time since the Barks and the royal family of Arendelle have united under one roof."

"Just over a decade I presume." Anna came to the queen's side, but was quickly ribbed away.

Lord Barks laughed uncomfortably. "I imagine so." With a quick shrug his smile returned. "Well, the times are different for us now. I am pleased to have our two houses together in unity once more."

"A true alliance between the Northern Isles is one I have been quite passionate about for sometime." Elsa encouraged.

"Well please," He bowed once more. "Let's not keep you from the party. Please enjoy the upcoming holidays and I look forward to making more deals with your kingdom in the future."

He backed away and retired to the communal hall. Sir Talbot offered her a small grin. "You're doing great, your majesty."

"I told her that, but she didn't believe me!" Anna danced back into her sister's hip once more. Elsa flashed the red head a quick scowl before settling her glance back on Sir Talbot.

"Thank you, Douglas. I appreciate everything you've done for me today." She handed off her glass of deep red wine for him to drink from.

He accepted politely before replacing it on the table. "Before we announce your exit, there is one more person who would like to speak to you." Elsa nodded as her eyes flitted around the busy room. "Queen Inkeri of Aalborb would like to make your acquaintance."

Elsa frowned before settling her gaze back upon Douglas. "Aalborb?" She questioned. "But isn't that in the Southern Isles?"

Sir Tablot nodded. "It lies on the borders between the Southern and Northern Isles, yes, but your father and her late husband, King Felman, had an ongoing professional relationship. It's true we've neglected the alliance over the last few years, but they came tonight requesting to be a part of the delegation."

"Then why was she not at the counsel?" She inquired.

"It appears they were stuck in a winter storm working its way up the coast. It took them off track a few hours."

Elsa nodded and moved around to the far end of the table. Sir Talbot linked their arms together and led her over to the far corner of the room. They approached a middle aged woman, roughly in her forties. She had brown hair with glimpses of silver. Her face was worn with years of politics and survival.

"Queen Inkeri." Sir Talbot presented the woman at his side. "I give you, Queen Elsa of Arendelle."

The older queen stood with a bow before casting an elegant smile over the young woman. "Queen Elsa, how lovely it is to finally meet you."

"And to meet you." She echoed calmly.

A man fell into step beside Inkeri. He had the same golden brown hair and eyes to match. "This is my son, Prince Felman the Sekund, but we call him Prince Junior to ovoid confusion."

"Your majesty." He smiled and took her hand in his own. He bowed to kiss the glove all while raising his eyes to meet hers. As he stood she pulled back her hand and collapsed it against her chest.

"I'm happy you both could join us this evening." Elsa raised her head in poise. "I'm sorry you missed the delegation. I hope the storm was not too troubling."

"Aye, yes." Queen Inkeri looked to her son. "That is what we would like to discuss with you." Elsa watched as the Prince looked to his mother who nodded in approval.

"You see, Your majesty." He continued.

"Please," She smiled raising her hand. "You may call me, Elsa."

"Elsa," He returned the expression. "For the last eleven years hardship has fallen over the village of Aalborb. We would like a chance to negotiate a new treaty between our countries and restore an alliance between our lands."

Elsa's eyes drifted towards Sir Talbot who raised a hand to her back encouragingly. "I see," She mused plainly. "I fear this is not the right environment for such discussions. Perhaps we can hold a more private arrangement tomorrow in the meeting hall. I am interested in what you have to say, but I will require more information if I am going to sign off on such a treaty."

"Of course," Prince Junior bowed. "We would not dare ruin such a lovely party with talks of delegations."

"Thank you for understanding." Elsa lowered her eyes at him in approval.

"It was lovely to meet you, Queen Elsa." Inkeri nodded once more. "We look forward to speaking to you tomorrow." She turned back to her table, Junior's eyes lingering on Elsa before he moved to follow.

Sir Talbot removed his hand from the Queen's back as she rotated to face him. "Did I make the right call in arranging to meet with them?"

Douglas smiled and offered her a small shrug. "I think you are Queen and you will always in your heart make the decisions you believe are best for your people."

"That didn't exactly answer my question." Elsa mumbled.

"No, I imagine it did not, but it is not my responsibility anymore to make decisions for you, instead it is for me to encourage you on the decisions you make yourself."

Elsa nodded. "I think I'd like to retire now, Sir Talbot." She said elegantly, raising her head back high onto her shoulders. "But you may let the party die down on its own."

"Of course, your majesty." He took their arms together before leading her out towards the west wing. He bid her goodnight before she passed through the large oak doors and shut the enclosure behind her. She sighed, relaxing into her step as she approached the living quarters. She released the gloves, setting them into a box at the bottom of a grand staircase and began her climb. With the gloves discarded she flicked her wrist, frozen tangles of magic released from her fingertips, tangling into the formal bun upon her head, releasing the strands and allowing them to cascade down onto her chest.

As she reached the landing, footsteps echoed up the case behind her. "Elsa!" The blonde turned to see her sister hurrying behind her.

"Anna, you did not need to leave the celebration on my account."

The younger red head shrugged. "Eh, it's not really my kind of party anyway."

"Not enough chocolate?" Elsa joked and her sister giggled as she reached her side.

"Speaking of chocolate.." Anna whispered, floating away from her sister's in a quirky dance. "I was thinking we could make Yule Tide cookies with Gerda tomorrow like we used to when we were younger?" She avoided eye contact as she considered one of her favorite paintings. It was of a young girl on a swing, poised back in the summer time.

"I can't." Elsa whispered. Anna turned with a frown, ready to protest. She raised her hand to keep from her intrusion. "-tomorrow, but perhaps the day after."

Anna beamed. "I'll let her know!" She spun excitedly taking Elsa's hands in her own. "Oh, it'll be so much fun! You're going to love it!"

"I'll take your word for it." Elsa deadpanned and offered her a small smile.

Anna took a step back. "Well, I guess I should let you get to bed." She reached out a squeezed her sister's arm once more. "And Elsa, I uh, I meant what I said before. You did really great tonight."

"Thank you, Anna."

The red head swayed awkwardly for a moment before straightening up. "Well, goodnight!"

"Goodnight Anna" She watched as her sister flitted off down the hall and around the corner towards her room.

Elsa smiled before continuing up the north hall. She passed by her room and rounded the corner towards her father's study. She hesitated with her hands pressed against the grain as frost began to cover the surface. Beckoning the encouragement, she pushed up the stronghold and entered the dark room. She turned the dial on the old oil lantern and watched as it ignited to life. A smile spread across her face as the old dusty study came into view. His desk was still scattered with old files and parchment. She'd asked the help to keep it that way after his passing. She rounded the wooden chair and sat town, something she used to do at night as a child, ready to take the throne.

With gentle fingers, she opened up the side drawer, leafing for something unkown. She filtered through the documents until she settled on what she desired. The worn yellow parchment dropped to the solid surface and she held it up to read.

Winter 1826: Aalborb-Arendelle Treaty

With a sigh, she relaxed into her chair as she began to read.

It was just after midnight when Elsa had finished pouring over the Aalborb Treaty. The house was quiet. The guests had surely left to return to their sleeping arrangements for the night. All was as it should be. Elsa entered the hall, holding the folder against her breast as she sought the embrace of her own bedroom. She shut the door behind her, relaxing against it's confine. She took solstice in the knowledge that the world was asleep around her. It was calming to be the only human awake amongst the stars.

She set the parchment down on the end table and crossed to her large bay window. The moon was at full. It glistened down on the frost, shinning in its cold glory. A new snow had begun to fall. Elsa chuckled thankful only Mother Nature and the season could be blamed for this one. She turned her back to the sky as she moved to drop her robes.

"Help!" A voice called out into the stillness of the night. The queen shot back around in alarm as she looked out across the field. A cloaked figure darted out from the tree line just beyond the royal grounds. They tugged another, smaller figure along with them. They broke out into a sprint across the hill leading to the village. Following their distance was a pack of wolves. They stalked from the forest in eerie decent. They spread out amongst the hill, chasing after their prey.

Elsa's eyes widened in terror. Their prey just happened to be, human. She kicked off her clogs, and leapt onto the sill of the window. Looking one story down from her bedroom, she frowned. Ice rose to life from her fingertips encircling the ledge into a frozen platform. She started at a run, creating landings for herself until she reached the solid ground. Elsa rounded the gate, lifting herself over the iron in one swift movement, before hurrying to their aid. The wolves had grown closer. She watched as she dug her bare feet into the icy tundra, willing herself closer with each step.

The furred beasts cornered the pair against an old gardening shed off to the far side of the field. One of the figures worked hurriedly to lift the smaller one onto the roof and out of lurching distance for the wolves.

The taller one turned as she faced the pack. They'd slowed to circle her menacingly. Her hands found the wood of the building behind her and she closed her eyes in anticipation of the obvious pain to come.

But a woman clad in a royal blue dress darted in front of her as the leader lunged. She watched through shielded eyes as the large wolf tore at a sash of ice blue fabric. The woman raised her hands above her head and sent shards of ice flying at the feet of the hungry wolves. They cowered in surprise, backing away from the woman, but the leader rose back on its hind legs once more, ready to pounce. A gust of wind spiraled above the woman in blue. She sent it straight into the chest of the wolf and he barreled into the others behind him. The wolves scampered back into the woods with haste.

"Are you okay?" The woman turned facing the pair in blatant distress. The figure dropped her hood. Dark winglets fell against her tanned cheeks. Elsa's eyes enlarged, stunned to find it was a woman who had been chased from the woods by wolves at this time of night. She stared back at her, equally as alarmed.

She shook her head and quickly looked up to the roof above her. The smaller figure was huddled back, shielded in their own cloak. "It's okay." The woman whispered and reached up to help them down. Once settled back beside her, they withdrew their own hood, and let their blue eyes settle on their mysterious rescuer.

Elsa stared back between the woman and her young female cohort. Both alarmed at her arrival, or perhaps at her powers. "Are you both alright?" She asked examining them in concern.

The woman nodded. "We're fine." She breathed. "But you are not." She directed the woman's eyes down to the torn fabric of their sleeve.

Look for updates every two days, unless you review. I could be inspired to release chapters sooner.

Thank you for reading,

M. Lauren