Little Things (Helsa)

A Night In The Moonlight

(ELSA)

I had gone to bed early. After Anna had brought me a tray to my room for dinner, we had talked briefly, reminding each other that it would all work out for the best. Of course, I said that more to soothe Anna than myself. Once she left I changed into my favorite pajamas and climbed into bed. I had grown used to not sleeping with Anna near me due to our separation as children, but it felt wrong tonight for her to be away from me. All I could think about was Hans escaping and trying to get revenge. I tossed and turned for a while but nothing helped. I had no idea what I was going to tell my council in the morning, and I'm sure they would be demanding an explanation. I had yet to tell anyone except Anna about the letters I received from King Rovan. I finally crawled out of bed and grabbed a blanket. I wrapped myself in it and walked out of my room into the hallway. I made my way through the main hall and down the stairs to the side door. I headed outside to the garden to smell the roses and hopefully clear my mind.

I sat down on a stone bench near my favorite fountain. It was always running, and when the moon was out the light looked absolutely beautiful reflecting off the water. It was the most peaceful place in the kingdom and I always visited when I had the chance, which unfortunately was not very often. It always had a silence to it that comforted me when my queenly duties were getting the better of me. A calm spot within the storm. This spot also had a stunning view of the harbor. I could see lanterns on the ships at the docks, and the moon's reflection on the water. The cliffs were very defined tonight, and if I looked hard enough I could just see the tip of the North Mountain. It was one of those peaceful, nature moments everyone dreams of witnessing but never has the motivation to stay awake and watch. I stared out into the water and imagined how busy it would be the next day.

I would have to write a letter to King Rovan tomorrow and tell him what had happened so far with Hans. And while nothing had been decided with Hans, I almost didn't want him to go through trial. My people would be harsh judges, and the jury would not leave emotion out of their decision either. I could always overturn the jury, but I hated going against my people. My advisers were just starting to warm up to me and respect my authority. If I went against them now, especially since Hans had tried to take over the entire kingdom, I would lose their trust for a long time.

I tried not to think too much about Hans. Why should I support him? He did try to kill me after all. Yet something about him made me hesitate. I hated him for what he did to my sister, and I would never forget it. But, it was because of him that I didn't fear my powers anymore; I had a healthy relationship with my sister for the first time in years, and I was the sole monarch taking care of my kingdom. I had everything I could ever want in my life. So why did it feel like something was missing?

(HANS)

I couldn't believe my luck. Not only did I have a comfortable bed, a decent dinner, and a way to talk to the outside world; I had a perfect view of Arendelle. I hadn't realized from my old cell on the boat, but the moon was full and bright tonight. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The harbor was my favorite part; with all its shadows and lanterns and specks of moonlight. The wind blew gently and fresh ocean air filled my cell. I walked over to my little window to take in my wonderful view. I couldn't help thinking, "What a beautiful place to die." I stopped myself from thinking too negatively and smiled as another breeze came by.

I was happily looking out at Arendelle when I saw movement in the corner of my eye. I turned my head and saw a figure closing a castle door and walking in the moonlight. It looked like a woman, but they were too far away to tell for sure. They walked over to a huge fountain in the middle of this beautiful rose garden. I remembered walking with Anna to the same fountain when we first met. Along with some of the more crazy things we did that night, going to this fountain was one of best things we did. It was at the fountain where I realized I might actually be able to love her; to ask her to marry me. Of course, things didn't turn out that way. I had been selfish and cruel; and that had landed me in a cell while this woman was walking outside with her freedom.

I tried not to think too long about Anna. She hadn't been the right one for me anyway; I knew that when I first met her. I hadn't originally planned to court her, of course. But I met her before anyone else at the coronation, and she seemed to be looking for love. I didn't want to turn her down right away, especially when I had wanted to court her sister in the first place. It would have been rude to turn her away and then try and flirt with her sister, right? I had heard Elsa was never seen outside her room, and I wondered if she had grown up with a childhood that was anything like mine. It wasn't, thankfully, but I had wanted to try and comfort her. I knew what isolation felt like, and even if she would not accept me for a potential courtship, I wanted to at least comfort her as a friend. I had hoped we could still be friends, if I hadn't tried to kill her and her sister that is.

I stopped thinking and put all my focus on the woman in the garden. She had gotten up from a bench and started walking in my direction. I knew she couldn't see me, but I felt bad for spying, even if there was nothing really to spy on. As she came closer I could tell by her night gown and hair it was Elsa. I started to panic and pulled away from the window. She must know I'm in a cell, she could almost certainly tell if she tried to see anyone in my area. I calmed down and looked back out. The Queen had stopped walking and was looking to the north. Was she thinking about what happened a few weeks ago..? What if she decided to leave and retreat to her ice castle? No one could stop her. I was thinking so much about what she might do that I didn't notice her staring right at me through the open window. I looked back for a moment and dived out of sight; not wanting to anger her.

(ELSA)

After I had stood from the bench, I walked through the garden. I didn't walk in any direction in particular, just random paths. I thought about what tomorrow might hold, and how my people would react to having a criminal in the castle. I was certain nothing good would come of it. I started to get a weird feeling though, like it wouldn't be too bad if I said the right things in the right way. I stopped walking at one point and looked to where my castle had been. If only I hadn't run off, Hans would have never been able to do what he did. Of course, I knew I shouldn't be blaming myself for his choices, but I still felt partially responsible.

I still had a weird feeling in my gut. I looked around for a while to make sure no one had been following me. My night guards had a habit of sneaking up on and scaring people who walked around at night, and I was bound to never be caught. As I was turning to look around, I saw something unexpected; a head peaking out of a window. I was almost startled, but calmed myself. I tried to see who it could be, but a second later they ran away from the window, as if they didn't want to see me. Or maybe, they didn't want me to catch them..?