NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Prologue
-Snow-
Swirling about, floating on the winds around them. At first, it didn't look that bad, just low clouds covering the tops of the mountains they were coming up to. now having reached dry land, there was no way around them. They just had to follow the coastline, and find a pathway through them. The other side of them would provide at least some shelter from the winds coming off the ocean. With the clouds covering the tops, going over wasn't an option. They had been crossing miles and miles of open ocean all day, and were tired. They both needed rest, and the sun was settling on the horizon. They would soon be out of options. Traveling at night, in unfamiliar territory, in the middle of a snowstorm, was a recipe for disaster.
They had been traveling for about a week now. Getting away from the hustle and bustle, from the responsibilities, and a list of tasks that NEVER reached its end. He loved his people, he really did. And he never was one to shirk his responsibilities, it was just, everyone seemed to want a piece of him, at all hours of the day(or night), and left him drained. Both physically, and mentally. He had to get away, for a little while, least he slip into a brooding darkness. It was hard enough the last time, after…
He couldn't allow those thoughts. He stamped them down, slammed the door, and locked them up in a remote corner of his mind for now. They had lessened some, loosing most of their sting. But sometimes, they would come out at the most inopportune times. His home was littered with places and things that would trigger a memory. That's another reason they were out here, because only time, and time away would make the thoughts go completely.
He needed all of his brain to work through the different scenarios of finding shelter before darkness overtook them, and then, they would be in BIG trouble. Although his traveling companion, and lifelong best friend could navigate in the dark, it was a risk. A risk he was definitely not willing to take. The winds coming off the ocean would slam into the mountain range, and sweep upwards, creating unstable drafts, and unpredictable gusts. They could snap a wing, or otherwise damage the flying rig. And in the low visibility, crash into a mountainside, none of those were very pleasant outcomes.
Thus it was, that Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third was scanning the range ahead, and getting anxious. He and Toothless had better find shelter, and soon. He soon spotted a break in between two peaks, with enough clearance below the cloud deck where they could safely duck into the valley beyond, and hopefully find a forest, or at least a group of trees, maybe even a cave were they could hole up for the night and continue their journey tomorrow. Luckily, there was one such forest just beyond, and soon found a clearing large enough to land in. Toothless spotted it as well, and began descending towards it. He landed somewhat ungracefully, but it was to be expected. They were both tired and hungry. Sleep would come quickly, he hoped, for they would continue the next day.
Hiccup noticed a dragon-sized clearing about fifty yards beyond the treeline that would make a good campsite. After gathering some wood, and with the help of his scaly friend, he soon had a small fire going. Rummaging through the saddlebags, he produced three fish. He gave two to Toothless and the third he put on a stick for roasting over the fire. He would have to let him hunt tomorrow, he thought to himself, for it was a long flight today. Toothless didn't seem too worse for the wear, He seemed to be content to be spending time with his human friend. Time that was less and less after becoming chief, and Toothless becoming Alpha. They got away when they could, but it was only for one, maybe two hours at most. It always ended too quickly.
Hiccup finished his dinner, then laid back against the dragons belly. Toothless' breathing slow and even, threatening to rock him to sleep. His heartbeat a soothing rhythm. He reached up and rubbed and scratched his hide, earning himself a series of croons and warbles of contentment from him. After which, Toothless curled his tail around him, and dropped a wing over him to provide shelter. There, in the protective cocoon of his buddy, Hiccup fell into a deep sleep before he realized…
-Snow-
Gently falling outside her window. Fluttering with the gentle breezes. Her favorite time of year was ending, just as the day itself was. With a full day behind her, with meetings of her council, making the rounds of the castle, then holding court, with more meetings and paperwork after. She wanted nothing more than this moment to last a while to unwind, and let her thoughts drift to something other than issues with the kingdom. She would have to go soon, to change once more, then have supper in her private dining room. Perhaps, she hoped, just her and her sister. Her over-exuberance and casual attitude would almost always bring a smile to her face, if not sending both sisters into fits of side-splitting laughter at her antics.
She sighed wistfully, they really loved each other. But, the duties as Queen and Princess usually kept them apart, making it harder to make up for the years they spent separated from each other. What with the seasons changing, and travel from other kingdoms becoming easier due to the winter storms lessening, it would mean their time together would be even less. Visits from foreign dignitaries, trade ministers, with the associated meetings, and paperwork and treaties to be signed, festivals, parties, and all those activities that the warmer weather would bring, and Ungh!… those visits from Princes and other Noblemen with marriage proposals.
Thus, Elsa Ellesmyre, Queen of Arendelle did sigh again. She loved her people,and her kingdom, and everything in it. She would give everything she had, to the last measure, to protect her people, and make sure prosperity would be had by each and every one of her subjects. But one thing she would keep for herself, her ability to marry someone she loved. Not for convenience, or beneficial alliances, it would be that, or nothing. She had several suitors in the five years since her coronation. Most nothing more than painted peacocks, wanting nothing more than to improve their own position, or agenda. Thanks to a certain someone from the Southern Isles, she was able to see right through those displays, and promptly sent them packing. She was especially glad to have Anna with her, in times like those, for her support.
There had been only two that turned from a mere exchange of letters. One going so far as a moonlight walk along the docks, and a stolen kiss on a secluded balcony. In the end it couldn't be reconciled for her powers. That was a difficult, and dark time for her. She was especially glad more than ever for Anna's bubbly and quirky personality, when her emotions nearly led to her losing control over her powers. She had to remind herself she was still young, and firmly held to the belief that there was someone out there for her.
She sighed again, looking through the window at the falling snow. This time, none of her doing, turned and left her office. She stopped by her personal chambers to the bathroom, and splashed some water on her face, to wash at least some of the day's toil off. She decided not to change, and then headed for her private dining room. Anna was there thankfully by herself, and rose to greet her sister with a much needed warm hug. They both sat, and began to eat, relating events of the day to each other. Trading giggles when Anna again had some strange incident somehow involving pigs and pies. Elsa tried to maintain an air of composure, however a continual assault by Anna's quirky behavior had her holding her sides with laughter.
After they both finished eating, they both rose, and said their goodbyes. Elsa hugging her sister, and telling her that she loved her, then headed to their own chambers. As soon as Elsa got there, she made a beeline to the bathroom, pleased to find her bath already drawn. Just the right temperature, she sunk down to her chin, feeling the rest of the tension melt off her. After a while, she got out, dried herself off, and pulled on one of her favorite nightgowns. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow…