Shattered Reflections

19. Girls' Night

Elsa was aware that Hans had gone to introduce himself to the guard and unofficially get them started on the re-training process that morning. Having a ton of her own duties to attend to, she hadn't yet gotten the chance to stop by and visit him to ask him how it had gone. By the time she'd found an opening in her busy schedule it was already evening. But, when she arrived at his room, he was nowhere to be seen, he'd already left with the Captain.

The empty room troubled her, yet not necessarily in the expected way of Hans being missing. No, instead the feeling washed over her because of a realization she'd just made. (She didn't doubt his absence was likely due to being in the Captain's company, who'd probably taken him out for some fresh air. His blade was on the bureau, and he wasn't one to roam outside his quarters, especially with his mobility yet to be at its finest).

What she'd realized, that left a slight bitter taste in her mouth, was that she'd been unconsciously treating Hans like some sort of caged bird. One that she assumed she could come visit whenever she felt like having him sing for her. She felt it was selfish of her and that didn't sit right with her, especially considering he was no longer her prisoner. She was disappointed in herself that it took Hans not being there, for her to notice her thoughtless behavior.

Hans wouldn't always be at her disposal, once he was all healed (which was fast approaching), he'd no longer be confined to his chamber. He was there to serve her and Arendelle, yes, but to a certain extent he'd be free. Anna might have been right in questioning what exactly would happen once he was no longer injured, and the reality of that happening rather soon was just beginning to sink in.

With Hans' full recovery being right around the corner, she knew that her sword training wasn't too far off either. Elsa knew she couldn't keep her training hidden from Anna, with how well keeping secrets from her went last time. This time she was going to be upfront and honest with her even if it terrified her to upset Anna. She was determined to no longer shut doors on her, or at least try her best not to. Elsa and Anna hadn't had much of an in depth conversation about Hans since the night Anna had confronted him. She'd plan to discuss that with her sister after supper, preferably after having some much needed nice relaxing, sisterly leisure time, so they'd be in good spirits. Hopefully it'd go over much better this time without tensions running so high.

~~*~~

Anna was in good spirits as usual. She and Kristoff were getting on well, with Kristoff still having not yet asked her to visit his home. He was brave against all manner of magic and violence, but he would always be a little nervous when it came to being liked by the few people whose opinions he cared about. No man could make him fear, but the prospect of asking Anna out, or for any new advancement in their relationship, seemed as terrifying as the idea of some skirmish. As such, the two were as chatty as usual over dinner, all polite, of course, but always light and cheerful. Kristoff seemed to sense that something bothered Elsa, but he politely said nothing, only gave her a curious head-tilt to invite her to talk about it. He wouldn't be bothered if he was ignored.

"So, how has your evening been?" Anna asked brightly, not minding. She had been informed that Hans was out of his room for the guard training-- and as such, she felt significantly safer around Kristoff, so she had clung to him for the day. Not afraid, but... concerned.

~~*~~

"Hmm?" Elsa let out a questioning hum, she'd been a bit distracted, lost in her thoughts. It took her a moment to register the question she'd been asked. "Oh. Uh, it's been fine I suppose, busy like always, a Queen's duties are never ending." She gave a weary smile. "Most matters regarding the raid are under control, but I could really use a mental break from all the paperwork."

~~*~~