WINTER'S HEART
Before noon, Elsa's dress was stitched and pulled tighter; she wasn't exaggerating when she made choking noises as her breasts were squeezed against her lungs. The skirt hung loosely like a ball gown, the long sleeves felt like cardboard on her arms; she'd be waddling to the front of the castle that day, some of her mother's old handlers painted Elsa with blush and mascara. Her eyelashes stood up high. She couldn't keep up with any of them as they crowded her in the large, grand washroom. "Look up, honey!" "Open your mouth, sweetheart." They all talked to her affectionately as two of them tried to do her eye makeup and put on fuchsia lipstick at the same time. One of them brushed her fingers through her fine hair. "Uh oh, it's already getting oily!" Elsa's blonde hair, though lovely, was thin and easily got greasy if not washed daily. She kept it pulled up so often that no one could notice, her blue eyes widened. "I washed it last night!" She was hoping she wouldn't have to throw off her tight dress and have them sew it back together right then and there. Getting ready was never easy in her home. "Well, we're gonna have to wash it again." She took the bobby pins out of her hair to let it out of its bun and held it up as she walked with her to the sink. "But wait!" Another one called, "Her face will get wet and it'll soak the makeup off!" "Well…" She gripped Elsa's fine locks as the Princess knelt over the washbasin, "Then we'll just have to put it back on." Elsa growled with frustration as the hot water blasted over her hair and dripped down her face. She shut her eyes as the maid violently pulled and ferociously scrubbed her hair with the shampoo and softener. Some even got in her mouth and she had to spit it out. Being a princess wasn't always fine treatment like everyone thought. Once it was over, they toweled it dry and pulled it back up again, her bangs swept on the left side of her forehead. When she was all made up, the maids cooed and adored at her. They nearly teared up at how the 'little princess' was now an adult. Smiling as much as she could, she waited at the bottom of the stairs like she was told until the King gave her the cue. Elsa knew Agnes and Erlend were outside when she heard the crowd roar with delight and awe. She was sure they were all bowing and curtsying. Elsa looked exactly like her mother—her face and all, with the exception of Agnes's dark hair. Erlend had tawny hair; no one explained where her blonde came from. If it were dishwater blonde, perhaps it would make sense; but instead she had platinum blonde, it was appeared white from a distance in the correct lighting. She couldn't space out now; she had to make sure she walked outside at the right time! Agnes looked at her husband, who smiled and nodded. The moment he opened his mouth to speak, the crowd went silent, "On this day eighteen years ago, I was given the greatest blessing God has ever given me." Elsa approached the doors, her heart pounding, she breathed out and tried to blow her fears away. She pressed her hands against the castle doors and waited, "A girl who grew up to be an intelligent, proper, and much adored young lady." Adored by everyone but her parents, that was, Elsa rolled her eyes just before she could step outside, "Please welcome on her eighteenth birthday… My daughter, Elsa!" This was it… She pushed the heavy doors open and her mother and father stepped to the sides to let the audience give their attention. Entranced by her beauty and the grace she showed as she calmly stepped to the front and stood tall among her subjects. The crowd applauded as the King and Queen joined her at each of her sides, the royal family of Arendelle had united the village to celebrate once again, and they were the hosts. Gerda was at the side of the courtyard, in tears along with the other handlers who raised the precious girl. Agnes's eyes slowly turned from the crowd to her daughter, speechless for the moment. "You look beautiful, Elsa." Surprised that they were willing to have a conversation at that moment, Elsa flinched and awkwardly looked at her, "Oh, thank you." She quickly curtsied, "Mother, father." She had practically saluted both of them, "You both look very… regal, today." Erlend grinned. "Thank you." Elsa was quite surprised that they were speaking to her. All they ever normally did was have her stand in silence and in posture to look good for Arendelle. She couldn't help but let a smile swipe across her face—even though it was strange; she always had to keep a straight face in front of crowds. Elsa wanted to say more, but Kai, Gerda's husband and the royal handler spoke to the audience, startling her. "Attention everyone, please join us in the ballroom for dinner and dancing! This celebration goes on into the wee hours of morning, so let's get started!" The man enthusiastically gathered everyone into the castle, where drinks and food were served. All the children wanted to see the princess and say hello. Elsa lost count of how many times she had to get on her knees to hug the children. They always warmed her up, but gave her envy as they lived much easier lives, dressing the way they wanted, not having to brush their hair every time a strand stuck out. As they jubilantly ran back to their mothers, Elsa stood straight at the end of the ballroom. Not daring to go for the cake or treats, knowing she'd gorge herself from the stress she was feeling. She couldn't slip away either, she had to make a speech later on about 'her duties as a Princess and how she shall fulfill them.' She hated that ridiculousness—Elsa always sneered or over exaggerated it when she practiced in her room or with Gerda. She knew she had hours to endure; there was dinner, dessert, dancing, the speech, and then the midnight ball. It was all the same in Elsa's mind. Just another performance she had to put on for everyone. As hours slipped by, she began to feel more and more relieved that the night was almost done, but also more nervous because of the speech she'd have to make. Up on the mountains, Jack exited his home; he was bored of experimenting with his magic and he didn't have Pitch's company at this hour. He'd love to watch the sunset but the castle doors faced east. He couldn't watch the sunset without having to reconstruct his entire castle or having to find a path to the other side of the mountain. Jack preferred the sunrises anyway—it was amazing how the sun could sink to such a dark level, but then rise again every day. The sky was an incredible pink and orange that evening… a perfect time to watch Arendelle and daydream yet again, only this time without Pitch's interruptions. He sat down and leaned dreamily into his staff again, he grinned just thinking of how wonderful it must be to have a family, to be accepted to have… warmth. Jack Frost was protected from the cold thanks to his powers, but he never knew what true internal warmth felt like. He couldn't describe it, but it wasn't the physical warmth he wanted—he had plenty of that. Jack wanted… he wanted… oh god, he didn't know the words. Yet he felt like if he tried to find them, it would cause him pain, a deep emptiness that grew each day. Everyday there was a hole in his stomach that grew day by day. Not even Pitch's company could fill it, for he only spent so many hours a day with him lately. He saw the street lights flash on, limning the lovely little town. The lights illuminated the halls of the castle, a castle that was only a distant fantasy. Jack had his own sanctuary, it sparkled in the brilliant sunshine… but it wasn't quite as magical as the castle in the middle of the fjord of Arendelle. Why couldn't he be grateful? He asked himself every day, he was free from hurting people, but if he could just touch… No! He couldn't touch any living thing without freezing it. His damned curse prevented him from doing so! That's why he couldn't go down there! That's why he could never return home. Wherever that was. Jack stood up and his boots sank in the snow; just as he was about to walk back into his frozen home and spend another night unsatisfied once again, he stopped. If there really was an important gathering that night, then no one would certainly be wandering the streets! A glint of hope sparked in his chest, and he trudged hurriedly down the mountain. Using his staff as support, he slid down the fluffy slope. "Just for tonight!" He told himself aloud, "No one has to know!" By no one, he meant Pitch. No one would be outside, he told himself. And even if someone saw him, he'd just keep silent, return to the mountain and go back into hiding. It's only one night! Just an hour, a minute was all he needed! Then he could say he knew what it was like to trod a village, a kingdom! Maybe this was the thrill he'd been needing for so long! A man read aloud from a transcript he'd found. The villagers were sharing their poetry and own speeches before the royals performed theirs. Oh what a tangled web we weave When first we practice to deceive! It was a beautiful poem, Elsa prayed it wouldn't end; this was the last of the subjects to be performing. Then it was the King… then it was her. Her father and mother stood in front of her and behind her respectively. There was no escaping now, Elsa bit her lips and held her hands low in front of her body, the thins of her palms were sweating. Stay calm, she told herself. She was in control, she reminded herself. Just say a few nice words about being a princess and about Arendelle and then she was done. She could scrub the goop off her face, throw her hair down and change into her loose, flowing nightgown. Just the way she liked it. The night was almost over. She was lost in her thoughts when the audience began to clap. Oh god, she was next! She clapped too; despite she hadn't heard a word other than the first two lines. Erlend looked at Elsa and nodded, "Remember, Elsa, tonight is about you!" She wished he hadn't reminded her. She smiled at her father and listened as Kai announced the King. Erlend stood up, well postured and reserved, so proud and calm. Elsa envied his strength, if only he'd been around to teach her how to act like so! Agnes held her daughter's shoulder, so proud of her, if only Elsa knew it. "We all know why we are gathered here tonight." His voice was so powerful. He was like a god among the men, his voice echoed against the large ballroom walls, enhancing his charisma and voice, it could even make Hercules feel meek, "For eighteen years we've raised Arendelle's pride, our treasure. She has grown into a royal blooded young woman who shall, one day, be running this kingdom… this country maybe!" Elsa sank where she was, the speech was ending, she could tell! What was she supposed to say again?! Drat! "And tonight, you people of Arendelle have the gift of meeting her tonight—for she has given us the gift of her presence." No, no, no, no… "Please bow and praise thy Princess, my daughter, Elsa of Arendelle!" The men and women got down on one knee and cheered. Agnes gently nudged on Elsa's back; making her heart leap. Her knees were shaky, but she couldn't hold back—her father was holding out a hand, waiting for her. The smile on Erlend's face only made it worse, Elsa gulped and took his hand; her legs felt wobbly and weak as she stood up in front of the audience, taking the single step that led up to the throne. Erlend stepped away and presented her like a trophy. The few people who had yet to see her up close ooh-ed and ahh-ed. Her eyes were wide, her cheeks were red, Elsa swallowed her tongue and watched the crowd like a deer in the headlights. Paralyzed. Silence… They waited to be struck dumb, fascinated. Elsa found herself at a loss for words, fearful in the eyes, she looked for Gerda. But she was lost in the crowd. She looked towards her mother who gestured her to go on with the speech. Why was this so difficult?! She fiddled with her hands and bowed her head—which was almost an illegal thing to do in royalty! Erlend quickly gave her a look of disapproval which, thank heaven, she did not see, "I…" Her lips were quivering as she gazed back at the faces of her people, "I honor this position as Princess of Arendelle." Erlend nodded, much more satisfied, Agnes was relieved, "It's truly a wonder that all of you are here to-to celebrate my birthday…" The words were there, not JUST my birthday, my coming of age! But she couldn't bring herself to say them, she didn't mean it. Elsa fiddled with the sides of her gown, "But…" She bit her lip, looking at her feet again. Gerda was in the corner, now worried for the poor girl. Erlend was getting angry; he started to look at the confused audience. "But I must say…" Elsa had to say what she felt, "Being a princess isn't always this glamorous." She noted, starting to feel calmer, "It's a lot of stress in looking good and—getting ready, and you hardly get to see your parents." "What?" A woman was shocked. The crowd began to murmur. Agnes showed sudden worry, but Erlend quickly glared at Elsa. How dare she speak such words! "You know, I grew up hardly ever getting to leave the castle, I hardly even get to leave my room!" The crowd was still gasping and whispering. Erlend was clenching his fist, the Queen, meanwhile, put a hand over her heart and tried to calm her husband from the other side of the throne area, "Which is why, during moments like this, I truly am grateful that I get to see my subjects in person and see how the village has been keeping up! It's very beautiful by the way." She complimented everyone in keeping Arendelle in shape—she couldn't see much through the castle windows. Gerda snickered at her blunt honesty. Erlend couldn't take much more, the shame! "But most of all, it's an honor that I-" "Elsa!" He whispered into her ear, grabbing her wrist, "May I have a word with you?" She'd done it now… and she knew it. But she felt relieved at least. She curtsied to her audience one last time. "Of course, father. Thank you, everyone." The crowd went talking about the family in a different light at normal volume. Gerda looked petrified as she watched Erlend drag Elsa out to the hallway and Agnes quickly rush towards them. "Are you out of your mind?!" He shouted, slamming the doors behind him. "No!" Elsa hardly had family moments, but when she did, they were usually like this, "I was told, by you, that I had to give an honest speech on how it felt to be the Princess!" Though it wasn't directly said by Erlend; he'd told Gerda to tell Elsa. "You embarrassed me in front of half the kingdom!" Agnes rushed through the doors and closed them, but the fight was already heated, "I can't believe my own daughter would have the nerve to disgust me in such a way!" "Erlend! Don't be so harsh!" Agnes shouted, "But Elsa, you knew better than to-" "Than to what?!" She interrupted her, indeed having nerve, "Tell the truth? It is lonely and stressful in this house! I don't even feel like a princess, I'm just… just… a show!" "A show?!" Erlend repeated. "Yes! A performance that's put on every so often to remind Arendelle why its King and Queen are 'amazing!'" "Elsa, no princess would act this way!" Agnes replied, but Erlend pushed her hand away. The eighteen year old didn't respond, she didn't have any words left in her, just anger. "You indeed aren't a princess, you're a disgrace!" Those words bore like arrows into her flesh. Agnes, shocked by her husband's words now changed the direction of her anger. "Erlend!" "No! You couldn't follow orders; instead, you acted like a distasteful lout!" "ERLEND!" Elsa couldn't take much more anyway. Before Agnes could take back the King's words, Elsa rushed down the halls and through the doors that led to the castle garden. Upon seeing his daughter fly away in such pain, he felt it himself. Regret building in his chest, "I hope you're happy!" Agnes hissed, "If anyone ruined this party, it's you!" She turned away and stormed back into the ballroom. He didn't have the nerve to go after Elsa nor to join his wife. Instead, he left to the lounge room; maybe warm tea would calm his nerves. Jack finally made it to the castle and crept through the open gates. He heard the voices from inside, but decided to look around the area instead. How long had it been since he saw greenery up-close? He saw a large, metal gate and pushed the door open. He worried that the loud squeaks would get him caught, but there was so much going on that no one noticed. Jack was amazed by the beautiful colors of the flowers around him, the green leaves that created a pattern of the moonlight. He reminded himself look, don't touch! But it was difficult; Jack wanted to feel the smooth pink and blue petals of the effulgent Blåveis… He remembered as a child his mother always brought fresh-picked flowers to the house and placed them in a vase on the dinner table; it made the house smell like spring. Jack remembered that smell; especially after it rained his mother would go hunt for flowers, bringing in the scent of petrichor. He sighed, trying to make those memories fade. Then he heard crackling. Frost formed under his boots and was creeping towards the trees. It must've been the sadness he felt. Just in that moment, he'd lost his control! "No, no, no!" He called, horrified. The frost missed the flower patch and climbed up a tree's bark, "Stop, stop, stop, stop!" He grit through his teeth, trying to halt it… it slowed and slowed, so painfully close to the leaves. It stopped, beginning to thaw into little water droplets. Relieved, Jack realized he had no business around living things and went to leave. But he heard something, like someone gasping. Had he been caught?! Jack heard it again, someone sounded like they were in pain. He couldn't leave them there… but if he touched them he would—this was difficult. Slowly sneaking through the garden, he found a path of floral gazebos, where the sounds of someone ventilating were present. Jack felt someone was near, but he didn't know what. Princess Elsa, meanwhile, was standing near the flower hedge, leaning against a gazebo wall. She held herself as she spasmed and sobbed, weeping so dreadfully; her face was red and she was sure her makeup was running. She didn't care. Elsa wiped her eyes once more, trying to keep quiet so no one would 'check on her' and drag her back to the party. Jack crept over the corner to see… a woman! He hid, darting out of sight, but his gasp caught Elsa's attention. She halted her weeping and looked to her left, "Hello?" Her voice sounded gentle and fragile, yet nurturing. Jack didn't know why, but he was reminded of home when he heard that voice. Jack peered over the corner once again, he stepped out into the light to see the moonlight shine before him… perfection. He didn't notice her pain, only burning curiosity as Elsa observed him… so beautiful… so painfully beautiful. Her sapphire eyes that twinkled, her pale skin like the moon… her hair pulled back so perfectly that she could pull of having a pixie cut. Jack was in awe… who was this beauty he was gazing upon? They stared each other down like animals. Who was this young man? She didn't recall seeing him before. And his appearance… he looked like a villager—but his eyes were too blue… his skin and hair were white. Was he a shepherd? The staff would hint at it. A shepherd's son, maybe. With intense wonder, they continued to gaze at each other curiously. Elsa quickly wiped her eyes and straightened herself out. Jack said nothing and gingerly looked away. She went to speak to him. "Elsa?!" It was Gerda. Jack looked back at her; Elsa reserved herself once again… Glancing at him for another moment, she rushed back into the castle; leaving Jack amazed… he felt something he'd never known before. He watched as he would probably never bump into her again… Souls_&_Swords: Hello, everyone! I can't answer any questions without spoiling anything, so… they'll be answered as you read on. Please listen to We Were So Close from the Frozen soundtrack; that's what inspired Jack and Elsa's meeting scene at the end here! :)
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