Heated Ice (Helsa)

Chapter Two: Valley of the Living Rock

Elsa woke up early the next morning and decided to dress herself in a long, dark green dress like the coronation dress she had worn. She tied her hair back into her famous long braid, slipped her black boots on and put on a long, black, hooded cloak.

Elsa made her way down to the throne room and found Olaf and Anna chasing after Kristoff, playing tag and giggling loudly.

"Anna," said Elsa. She cleared her throat loudly, grabbing everyone's attention. Anna stopped in mid-run and skipped over to her with Olaf but Kristoff stopped and bent over with his hands resting on his thighs, catching his breath. "I'm leaving now." She said and looked down at Olaf and when she smiled at him a little more snow fell down from his personal cloud, making his silly grin even bigger.

"Be safe. We don't know what he's capable of." Kristoff said, walking over to the group and wrapped his arm around Anna's waist. "I'll take care of her."

"Guards, please ready my horse." Elsa said and the guard nearby nodded and left the room. "I don't think I'll be taking any guards with me. I'll be fine on my own and I don't want Hans to hurt anyone."

"Please be safe, Elsa." Anna pleaded and brought her into a tight hug and began sobbing into her shoulder.

"I will." Elsa said sternly, she had to stay strong for Anna. She was the older sister and Queen. It took all of her power to not cry and to not stay home and enjoy the time she had with everyone. "I love you." She said and Anna pulled away from her, drying her eyes and cheeks.

"I love you too."

"Queen Elsa, your horse is ready."

"Thank you." Elsa smiled and left everyone. She walked out to the main castle doors and stood at them for a second. As they opened both sets of doors she took a deep, cautious breath, she still wasn't used to having the gates be able to be opened.

Outside was her tall, dark chocolate brown horse named Bastille, waiting for her. Attached to the leather saddle was a fabric, brown bag.

"What's that on Bastille?" Elsa asked the guard that was holding the reins.

"It's a food sack that Princess Anna had us prepare for your trip."

"She's so thoughtful." She walked up to her horse and brushed her hands across his fur. Bastille responded with a small neigh and brushed back on Elsa. "Give Anna my thanks, please."

"I will, your Majesty." He bowed his head and helped Elsa up onto her horse and once Elsa was settled she took the reins from him.

"Thank you. Please make sure that not only is the kingdom safe but that Anna and Kristoff are safe." She said, sounding like a repetitive, concerned mother. "Olaf too." She added.

"Yes, your Majesty." He said and once again bowed his head.

Elsa clicked her heels against Bastille and they took off through Arendelle. The first place she thought to explore would be the mountain caves and maybe visit the trolls and Pabbie at the Valley of the Living Rock. She thought she could ask if they've seen Hans roaming about.

As Bastille began to tire out it was almost the afternoon and Elsa was closing in on where she remembered the trolls were. Elsa smiled to herself when she saw the familiar place and all the rocks on the ground.

"Pabbie, it's Elsa." She called out and hopped off of her horse. Suddenly all the rocks began shuffling towards the middle where Elsa and Bastille stood.

"Little Elsa." Pabbie said when he popped up from his rock shaped form near Elsa. He still looked the same since when she was younger. His ears were pointy, his coloring was darker and he still wore dark green that had small, yellow crystals. "What can I help you with?" He asked.

"I was wondering if I could have your help?" She asked and looked around at all of the trolls and smiled at everyone. It was so overwhelming to have them be so personal and close to you.

"Yes, of course."

"A man named Hans, do you know of him?"

"No, I don't believe so."

"He's tall, fair skinned and has auburn colored hair."

"No." Pabbie said and scratched the top of his head. "I'm sorry that I'm no help to you."

"That's okay." She said and looked down at her hands. "I wonder where he could be then." She muttered and thought of all the places Hans could disappear to.

"Who is this Hans fellow?" Pabbie asked.

"He's escaped Arendelle's prison."

"Have you checked the Northern Mountains? He could try to blend in with the mountain men."

"Mountain men?" Elsa asked, a puzzled look coming across her face.

"The ice miners. They're villagers but more on the loner side."

"Like Kristoff?"

"Exactly." He nodded. "Most of them, if they would see anyone trekking the mountains or forests alone they'll take them in. They're kind people."

"You're right." She nodded in agreement and thought of all the places where mountain men could be. "Thank you, Pabbie, very much. It was so nice to see all of you!" She yelled out to everyone and hopped back up on Bastille and grabbed his reins.

"Does Bastille like carrots?" Pabbie asked and pulled out a few carrots. Elsa nodded and smiled at Pabbie's kind heart. "Here's some for the trip." He said and handed one of the carrots to Bastille then the rest to Elsa, she stuffed them away in the food sack and thanked him. She said her goodbyes to every one and rode off with Bastille towards the mountains.