Eight more years had passed, and the citizens of Arendelle were starting to believe that their home was cursed and haunted by the Devil. They believed he was torturing them with screams and unbearable cold.
Summer nights were unnaturally freezing. Winter nights sent people to their unwelcomed cold death. The Screams were always accompanied by raging snow storms and blizzards. The citizens already noticed that with each passing year, the storms only grew more powerful and dangerous, turning some of the small wooden shacks into piles of shattered and broken wood. Some said God was furious, others said the Devil was having fun. Some even said it was a sign of war and the ones that blamed the king, were hanged, leaving their body dangling from the gallows to freeze.
While Arendelle was dealing with unbearable nights, other kingdoms were dealing with great amount of theft. The news scattered the lands, announcing the successful theft of Corona's Lost Princess' crown, Prince Hiccup's royal family sword, Hammertown's treasury and many more. Bounty hunters were sent everywhere, so that whoever would catch the thieves, would be rewarded handsomely.
The Thieves Guild members gathered in the huge stony hall to attend their newest member's vows ceremony. Flynn, Rapunzel and Aiden, already had their vows last year, stood amongst the others, around two figures, one standing in front of the kneeling other.
"Rise." Tyler spoke with a commanding tone.
The young woman with strawberry-blonde hair who was kneeling in front of him, stood slowly, all proud, strong, trained and brave. "You are one of us now, Anna." Tyler continued. "Remember our vows." He said, resting both of his hands on her shoulder.
"We fight for the weak. We steal from the wealthy, to give the needy. Everything is permitted. In people's eyes, we're thieves, but in God's, we are heroes." The whole room chanted with Anna in unison.
Leanna stood silently at the far end of the room, watching her adopted daughter, who had grown and became a great, brave and well-skilled young woman. She couldn't stop herself from shedding a joyful tear at the sight of Anna, whilst grinning warmly at her. She is no longer a little girl anymore. She thought, smiling. Soon, she'll have her own tasks and quests. And at that thought, Leanna's smile dropped. She knew that eventually Anna had to do her duty to the guild, and that meant going out there and having the risk to be harmed. No... No, she is strong and capable! I trust her abilities. She was trying to convince herself before her eyebrows lifted as she was brought back from her thoughts by a strong, familiar voice.
"She is still the Anna you're afraid to lose, you know." Leanna calmly turned her head to face the voice.
Aiden approached her before he stood at her side, both were now looking at Anna who was talking to Tyler, probably about her first quest.
Leanna was taken aback first. She was surprised since it felt like as if Aiden already knew what she was thinking of. Indeed. Leanna didn't want Anna to grow up. She wanted her to stay playful and loving, and she was worried that the hard and stern training might stir Anna's personality, yet it clearly never did. And she was utterly grateful.
"I know." She said flatly, her face expressionless, yet Aiden kept smiling.
Leanna sensed her harsh tone and she mentally winced, for Aiden was like a son to her. He had grown into a tall, well-built man. He was wearing the guild's known black leather armor, his frizzy hair tied in a low, barely visible ponytail and he had grown scruffy and stubble light brown beard.
She forced herself to ask, not willing to disappoint him by her silence, yet still stern, "What makes you so sure?"
Aiden looked at her then gave her a smile and chuckled, "Well... Take a look!" He said cheerfully, pointing at something up front, with his open palm.
