I'm Afraid of What I'm Risking if I Follow You

Part 4

I'm Afraid of What I'm Risking if I Follow You

Chapter 4

Alright focus. Breathe. Meditate.

What did she know?

She knew Hans had been on the run from the Southern Isles, from responsibilities, from himself for the better part of three years. She knew his brothers had sold his horse, left him humiliated, and that was what prompted him to leave. She knew that his effervescent charm was certainly working on the Northuldra.

She knew her powers affected Hans as the bridge, but the other spirits couldn't even touch him.

The Earth Giants ignored him; when Elsa stood beside him on a ledge to be lifted, nothing happened. The moment he stepped off, she moved atop the hill almost instantly. Each passing day Hans could sit up a bit straighter, walk a bit farther.

But Elsa wasn't ready to take him to Ahtohallan. That was her place, where the spirits blessed her with powers. To take Hans there was to corrupt it, to share it.

Even if that was what Yelena seemed to always hint at.

Her ability to conjure up memories only came from something within herself. Memories from Gale during the battle between the Northuldra and Arendelle. Of her parents' lost ship. Of Mother saving Father's life.

"I thought you didn't get cold," Hans teased, sitting beside Elsa at the fire made for cool evenings, just outside her hut. It took her out of her little meditation, but really, she hadn't gotten much further than when Yelena first suggested trying to broaden her powers, push their limits even further. All she did was think, and then her thoughts just—halted.

Because she didn't really know this Hans. She didn't know Hans at all, and neither had Anna. She knew he had twelve older brothers, he liked horses, and he was mentally capable of taking over any kingdom.

He also had this way with words, that brought down her guard just a bit more each time. Like he was chipping away at ice. Patience came easily and naturally, after waiting so long to take his shot at Arendelle's throne.

"I don't," she admitted. But she was wearing Mother's scarf, sitting beside a fire. Of course the image looked like she was trying to warm up. She shrugged, showing off the embroidery. "This was my mother's. I wear it when I'm trying to think."

Hans held his hand out, asking permission to look at the scarf like Honeymaren had, trying to study it. Elsa nodded, and reluctantly let him hold a square. She still kept her grip on it; who knew if Hans might tear it, intentionally or not.

He pointed at each of the elements. "Yelena taught me each of the symbols," he said. "She said you should lead me to the edge of the forest, to see the pillars?"

Yelena. Elsa didn't know if she kept intentionally pushing her and Hans together so she could get over her past hang ups or—?

No, that wasn't it. Yelena kept hinting that Elsa should leave, but there was no purpose she knew of outside the Northuldra.

Sighing, she replied, "All right, I suppose I can. It's not far. Will you be needing... assistance?"

Hans put a hand to his side. "Outside is mostly bruising, but Yelena thinks I cracked a rib or two on impact. I suppose we'll see, if I should wait it out or not."

Yelena this, Yelena that. She seemed to adore Hans, or maybe just found some infatuation with his situation.

Maybe it was the ponytail.