#they are described as not having a generous chest yet I've lost count of how many times people drew them with big chests

[purplebass]

Companion of "they would not have abs" about fan arts of fictional characters is "they would not have a chest that big" btw

[aasfandoms]

Hiya, I feel like I've asked this before but I'll ask again. I'd like a bit of writing advice if that's alright with you? Just, how do you write thousands of words without making your story feel like it has too much going on or without making it super purple and wordy? Your fics always strike such a lovely balance between long and not overly detailed. I just struggle to write 1000 words without accidently writing the entire plot in one chapter, even if I try padding it out a bit, it's still too short for my taste.

This is tough to answer because honestly most of it comes with practice, which isn't always fun but is necessary. I find that I can strike a decent balance by including descriptions of the scene or items/people in it (but don't OVER describe, or describe every little thing; you want to mainly give the general vibe/description, the reader's brain will fill in details), what the characters thinks about those things, and their physical or emotional reaction to anything that sticks out.

It also helps to just... add things. Add a tiny thing that happens here and there, doesn't have to be plot relevant, just a little thing that the characters notices then moves past, or a small detail that just expands your length a little. Or something a little bigger that better reveals the characters personality or thoughts.

Here are maybe some examples that might help (featuring BkDK A/B/O);

Instead of saying something like;

"He went to the club right after work and hurried inside. After paying the entrance fee he slipped through a crowd to get to the main stage, where he waited eagerly."

Try expanding and adding some little things;

"After work Katsuki rushed home to change into something nicer than his plain civilian clothes. He chose a plain black shirt with a purple button-up over it and black pants. There was an attempt to do something with his hair, but it did not work. Oh well. He brushed his teeth, hastily wrapped his gifts, and hurried out the door. Maybe, just maybe, he sped a little too.

It was 5:45 by the time he got to the club. He left the gifts in the car and hurried inside. “Has Zuzu danced yet?” He asked the lady behind the counter who took his cash and marked his hand.

“No, but he’s up next.”

“Thanks,” he scurried inside.

It was busier than two nights ago, but that made sense. It was Friday. Every pervert in the city was rushing to the strip clubs to spend their evening getting trashed and watching sexy dancers.

Technically, he was now part of that demographic, but he chose to ignore that fact.

The bar was busy but he didn’t give two shits about getting a drink or snack anyway. Instead, he pushed his way through the crowd to get to the main stage. A pretty female Omega was finishing up her dance, so he stood back until she was done. No sense taking up space that a paying customer could occupy. Wouldn't be fair to her at all. Once her song ended and she strutted off, he pushed forward and planted himself firmly against the stage.

His heart was racing. All he could think about was seeing Izuku again."

So we've added a detour to the house to change and get ready. We added a short conversation with the lady behind the counter. We've added his thoughts/observations about the club. We added a dancing lady that created more realism and lengthened our word count.

Additionally, by mentioning the counter lady and dancing lady, we've reminded the reader that there are other people in this world that effect it (instead of hyper-focusing on our two main characters) and we've shown how our character reacted to them and thereby gave him a little more depth.

We can tell he's eager and worried about being late by the convo with the counter lady. He was polite to wait and allow the dancing lady to make more tips instead of being rude and taking a spot from someone else, showing that even though he'd very focused/eager right now he still considers others and reacts to them, rather than ignoring them.

We also didn't over-describe the club. We know it's busy, we know there's a bar, we know there's a stage. Granted, this particular bar was described a little more in a previous chapter, but the general vibe was the same; we don't need details or the layout, just the important bits.

Here is an example of showing emotion through actions, not words;

Rather than saying;

"He finally received a text back. He stopped punching the bag to check his phone. He was eager to see what it said."

Let's do this;

"The text went unanswered for a few hours. Katsuki nearly forgot about it, so lost in showing this free-standing bag who was boss. He punched it hard enough to knock it over, then used his foot to force it back up. Just as he went for another swing he heard his phone chime. He nearly tripped over his own feet hurrying over to it."

It's a little longer, has a bit more character, has a bit of humor, and we've displayed that he's so excited to receive that text that he nearly fell over to see it. I like to include small, almost silly details like that because it feels human and it tells us what kind of emotions that person is feeling without actually just stating the emotion.

Another thing I like to do is bleed the real world or certain actions with characters thoughts. Here's an example;

"Hideki was standing outside, but his attention was on the dancer. Katsuki probably could have slipped right in past him, but he opted to just lean against the wall nearby and wait. His erection had, thankfully, disappeared, and these few moments alone allowed him to ground himself a little more. Stop exuding horny pheromones, exude some neutral or pleasant ones instead, straighten his clothes, check his hair, make sure he didn’t actually have any droll on his face, look presentable goddamnit."

Katsuki is taking a moment to gather himself and make sure he looks okay and we can tell he's nervous about it by the last 3 words, in which his inner dialogue has bled into what was real-world description.

We can combine these two things as well! Example:

"His schedule was next. It was the same as usual. Patrol started at eight. Lunch from noon to one. Patrol done by five. Same shit different day-

His phone chimed and he nearly dropped his coffee in the scramble to get it out of his pocket.

“The heck? You okay?” Eijiro asked.

“Shut up,” came the venomless bite. A text. From Izuku. Exactly what he’d been hoping for. His heart hammered in his chest."

His inner thoughts were cut-off my real world events and he reacted in a mild panic. By using very short sentences we can also show that his thoughts are racing and he's anxious to see what the text says.

When it comes to writing there are a lot of little tricks you can use to both lengthen your work and make it more fun to read. These are the ones I use most. Hopefully, it was helpful, or at least readable. I'm always happy to expand on something too or offer critiques!

Don't beat yourself up about not being as good as you want to be right now either. Like I said, it takes practice. My writing style now is very different from ten years ago and significantly better, but I've written and LOT of fics since then, read a lot of fics since then, and taken in writing advice I've gotten from others. It takes time to improve but that's no reason to stress! Have fun with your writing, you created it from nothing!

[moody-blues-requiem]

I see requests are open again!! Would it be ok to ask for a scenario? I've been hanging on to this one for a while... Mikitaka with a fem s/o (anxious if that's alright), using his eyes to hypnotise her at first just to help her calm down but which leads to both getting aroused and making love, maybe with some light suggestions? I know that's not very specific but I've never made an nsfw request before;;;; also you can get as creative as you want with the whole alien aspect

HOLY MOLY THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME A CHANCE TO WRITE SOME GOOD HYPNO 

I think I went a tad bit heavy on the hypnosis, based on the tone of your request, but I just couldn’t help myself! I really hope you like it! 

(n/s/f/w under the cut!)

The alluring emerald eyes of your alien boyfriend pulled you in like magnets. Sure, there was getting lost in his eyes normally, but then there was… this. Mikitaka had told you that, on his home planet, this was more like a party trick, just an odd thing he had figured out his eyes could do. You found yourself struggling to describe what exactly happened, what he would show you, because every time he told you to watch his eyes they would start moving, almost glowing and pulsing softly. You could feel a wash of cool numbness begin to trickle over you. Your cognitive processing slowed until, had you kept watching, you would have been a thoughtless, blank slate, deep into a hypnotic trance. Mikitaka had never let it get that far, not yet. He normally only used his ability to calm you down when you were feeling overwhelmed. And you appreciated it, of course you did! He was always so gentle, whispering about how much he loved you as he lulled you into a light trance. But you couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to take things a step further. 

“Miki,” you whispered, nuzzling in against his chest. The two of you were snuggled together in bed, relaxing. Mikitaka was playing a game with cartoon cats on his phone, but set it aside in favor of you. “Hm?”

“I was wondering....” you started, letting your voice trail off. You never knew exactly how to bring up these conversations; hell, sometimes you just had trouble expressing yourself in general. Maybe he could hypnotize you to be more confident and speak your mind. You tried to refocus your thoughts back to the present. “You know that trick with your eyes, yeah? The hypnosis one?”

“Yes!” he replied cheerfully. “You look very cute when you relax like that.”

Your cheeks blushed red at his response, but you pressed on. “What, um… what would happen if we kept going?” 

“Kept going?” he asked. “I…” he paused for a moment, thinking. “I’m not entirely sure, but I think the trance would just get deeper for you. Why do you ask?” 

Just thinking of the reason made your cheeks feel even hotter, but you knew you could tell Mikitaka anything. He wasn’t the type to judge. You took a sharp breath, gathering your resolve. “I want to try hypnosis in the bedroom.”

“Oh, excellent!” 

His reaction made you exhale a breath you didn’t realize you were holding, almost in a laugh. “I had thought… well,” he started, the tips of his ears nearly glowing green, his alien equivalent of a blush. “The last few times I put you into a light trance, they caused something to stir within me… I just can’t resist how delicious you look, so open, a-and,” Mikitaka paused for a breath, gulping like he needed a drink. “I… I would very much like to take you further, yes.” You shifted yourself upwards, until you were able to press a gentle kiss to his pillowy lips. “Why don’t we try it out now?” 

It always happened the same way. You blushed as you stared into Mikitaka’s eyes, wondering just what he was thinking as he stared back at you (this time, you could feel yourself blushing harder, knowing that his mind was somewhere in the gutter). Then slowly you lost your focus, distracted by the pulsating glow from his irises. Down, down, down you went, and at some point you just… stopped. The thoughts normally rushing through your mind were fogged down, like bees sedated by smoke. You didn’t think, but you didn’t need to think. Even listening to Mikitaka’s voice was odd. His tone was so soothing, washing over you like gentle water, but the words didn’t register in your mind as words. He could give you commands, ask you questions, anything, and while you were still able to respond (to simple questions, anyways, anything more than a “yes” or a “no” became difficult) it was as if the words just bounced off your brain. They never stuck. You only acted on your instincts, nothing more. That was the power of a good, deep trance. 

“[Y/n],” Mikitaka cooed in a gentle voice, “it’s so arousing, seeing you so blank for me. So deep… are you ready to try some simple orders?”

“Yes.” Your voice was certain. You wanted this. 

“Take your clothes off for me,” he stated simply. “Kneel on the bed when you’re done.”

Normally Mikitaka tried to restrain himself a bit and not be so blatant about what the sight of your bare body did to him, but not, seeing you almost robotically obey him and waiting for his next order, it made him as stiff as a board. Blushing once again, he began to palm himself through the patterned pajama boxers he wore, but quickly had another thought. 

“Do you want to touch me, [y/n]?”

“Yes.”

He waited a moment, before remembering that he had to be a little more direct about his orders. Chuckling at his own inexperience, he stepped closer to you. “Then go ahead, start touching me.” 

You pulled off his shorts, earning a small squeak from the alien, before taking his length in your hand. It was fairly similar to a human penis in size and shape, but the shaft was covered in small, firm bumps, spaced equally apart from one another. The slit on the tip of his penis was an X instead of a single line, and the precum already starting to bead at the tip was fluorescent blue. Mikitaka could feel himself twitching in your hand as you lightly pumped his length. 

“Tell me what you want next,” Mikitaka whispered, trying not to let his soft moans interrupt his words. 

“I want you to make love to me.”

The alien smiled. “Then lie back,” he said, “and let me take care of you.”

You couldn’t hold back gasps and moans as Mikitaka slid into you, filling you up in one slow, fluid motion. Being in trance didn’t dull the sensation for you, it was just different. So much of your energy usually reserved for your brain was instead directed between your legs, lighting up every nerve with electric pleasure. Distantly you could hear a long, low moan, your own, caused by Mikitaka beginning to move.

"W-wrap your legs around me," Mikitaka nearly growled out. You obeyed without question, the shift in position pulling him in deeper. His platinum hair fell around his face like a curtain, shielding you both in the silky hair veil. He leaned in, pressing his lips gently to your forehead, then the bridge of your nose, and finally, your lips. You kissed him back, smiling: the three-point kiss was special to you and Miki, just an odd quirk of his that you couldn’t help but find endearing. 

Mikitaka watched you closely, the way your eyelashes fluttered when he thrust in a certain spot, and how you bit your lower lip when you were getting close, which had just begun. One of his hands snaked between your legs, the pad of his thumb finding your sensitive clit-- even just lightly brushing it had your legs trembling with overwhelming pleasure. But you weren’t cumming, not quite yet. 

“[Y/n],” Mikitaka whispered, his voice wavering from his own impending orgasm. “I’m going to count to five, and when I do…” he took a deep breath, thrusting his hips in hard. “I want you to wake up from your trance as you cum, okay?”

Your eyes were still hazy and unfocused, but you nodded.

“Alright. One… you can feel that warm pleasure building…

Two, you’re getting so close for me,

Three, your trance is lifting, but the pleasure isn’t,

Four, almost there…

Five.”

Mikitaka thrust in deep and hard, hips stilling as his seed coated your inner walls. You were moaning, back arched high as you came, riding out the combined sensation of a strong orgasm and hypnotic obedience. White spots danced across your vision until your orgasm was through. Your eyes squeezed shut, you were acclimated back to reality by a gentle hand carding through your hair. Mikitaka. 

“I hope that wasn’t too much,” he said, concern in his voice. “I was worried about sending you so deep, and I wanted you to be awake to enjoy the orgasm---”

You couldn’t help but laugh, pulling Mikitaka down into your arms for a hug and a kiss. “Miki,” you said lovingly, nuzzling against your boyfriend. “I enjoyed it all.”

[shadowofhapiness]

Shards Of Ice (16/20)

Summary: When princess Anna finds herself gifted a personal slave for her twentieth birthday, her life changes, as she becomes fascinated with the broken girl she’s been given as a servant. Discovering her present’s supernatural abilities and how she was forced to conceal them, Anna just might be able to help Elsa heal, offering her the one thing she’d always been denied, love. [Elsanna]

AN: It's really been a looooong while since I've given this story a bit of love and for that I truly am sorry. Here's to hoping that 2017 might see this through to the end though, because there really isn't much left to this 'fic! :)

Rated: T

Word Count: ~ 5.300 words (~ 73.400 total)

Fanfiction.net - Archive Of Our Own

Plotting Against The Crown?

Elsa was over the moon.

Well, not exactly –if someone had taken the time to ask her whether her life was indeed perfect and to be completely and utterly honest when answering, she probably would have pointed out a thing or two she might not have been entirely satisfied with, but right that moment, as she hurried down the royal corridors with one large and expensive dress awkwardly placed in her hands (and, more importantly, desperately trying to not have it trail on the floor and gather up any dirt), this was quite possibly one of the first highlights she’d had in many a week.

As the preparations ran smoothly, the time seemed to fly by, and before she’d even noticed it, the big day was upon them already, the event itself only hours away from them now. The slightly uncomfortable feeling of having butterflies in her stomach had determinately clung to her throughout the day even though Elsa was pretty certain she had nothing to worry about and she was pretty certain her heartbeat kept picking up speed as she approached the door –which was rather odd, given that this wasn’t even about her in the first place, if there was anyone who ought to be having a hard time of things right now, she would guess that it was probably Anna. What with all this princess duty and all, Elsa gathered that that couldn’t possibly easy to manage.

When Gerda had handed her over the dress, all gentle hands and kind smile and enthusiastic “I hope it’ll be okay for Anna!” she’d given her an awkward grin from behind the garment (for it may not look it, but the elaborate gown did in fact weigh a considerable amount, especially after three flights of stairs) before scurrying off, the old woman’s radiant mood making her think for a while as she weaved her way through the many servants and guests slowly piling up in the castle.

This was going to be a big day for Anna, and the old maid’s words had made it dawn on Elsa that perhaps Anna might need the same enthusiasm and support from her this morning –just a few words of encouragement, they couldn’t hurt, right?. Truth be told, Elsa had no real idea what being a princess truly entailed –after all, being born in poverty and sold off for a few gold coins after her mother’s passing didn’t really call for any glimpses into a life of luxury and royal customs (and she was pretty adamant that it was due to a kind twist of fate that she had ended up in Arendelle castle at all), but she gathered that it was probably a whole lot of burdens and responsibilities that Anna was about to take on, and that a smile, hug and reminder that Anna could certainly do this (because Elsa was pretty certain that Anna could do anything) would probably be the kind thing to do.

Mind set, she hoisted the slipping garment back into her arms, carefully slipped past one of their Southern guests –recognizable due to his elegant grey coat and shiny emblems engraved on the area around his chest- mindful to give him a respectful bow before coming to half in front of the large green doors of Anna’s bedroom.

She had her left hand fisted and had been about to knock on the door when she pulled her limb back, unsure as to whether she actually wanted all of this after all.

Did Elsa miss Anna? Of course, anyone could have asked her that question, even the King or Queen themselves, and Elsa was pretty certain she wouldn’t have been able to give either of them a respectful answer, the bubble of ache, want and loneliness which had been growing day by day having now become something almost unbearable to live with at times. She wasn’t about to fool herself into believing that actually going in there, getting to be close to her once –what word could she use to refer to what they had once been? A couple? An item? A fling? Elsa wasn’t even sure if there actually even  was anything that could truly describe it to be honest, it was too singular and special that she wasn’t even sure she wanted to label it- sharing a room with Anna, actually having the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation (the one thing she’d longed for ever since that fateful evening) seemed quite scary. And Elsa wasn’t too sure she wanted to deal with that.

Going in there meant facing Anna by herself, nobody around them, just the two of them. And the reality of it all, what they had been and what they were now would be something she would need to accept.

She had thought that she’d dealt with those feelings –hell, she’d been so happy not even ten minutes ago at the thought of just spending time with the princess, yet here she was, cowering in front of her door as an unwanted can of worms –of damned feelings- opened up again. And Elsa could really do without those right now.

Dammit Elsa, keep it together!

She clenched one hand beneath the dress, the cold she could feel burning the tips of her fingers almost a welcomed distractions, anything really but the stupid broken heart she should have by all means come to terms with at this point.

Deep breath. Deep breath, Elsa. It’ll only be a few minutes, keep it together.

The sound of her knuckles hitting the hard frame of the door was still ringing in her ears when it opened, only a little at first but was thrown back when Anna’s face peered back at her, almost curious at first then beaming with joy when she saw who exactly had been sent to help her.

“Elsa! Elsa come on in!” And she’d barely been able to form a coherent reply and thank you when a gentle hand came to her back and she was ushered inside, the princess gently closing the door behind them both.

Elsa’s eyes widened a little as she took in the bedroom and all of a sudden, the a dull ache erupted din her chest as her eyes swept around the neat, comfortable and familiar place. As she took in the dresser on the left, the piled up papers on the desk in the corner (poor Anna, having to see to all that must have taken a toll on her) and how the receding sunlight filtering through the grand window cast a soft glow on the bed –the one they’d shared once, where they had retreated every night, safe in each other’s arms  and most importantly, together, Elsa suppressed a sigh as everything she’d lost and could never hope to gain back (at least, not with Anna) came rushing back to her.

She’d been kidding herself the whole time, of course she’d missed this.

The sharp clap of Anna’s hands made her shake her head and bring her back to the here and now, and as she rounded on the princess, she was disconcerted by the smile she bore. A while ago, Elsa would have prided herself in being able to tell whether it was genuine, real and a reflection of what Anna truly felt, but as she looked at her now, she wasn’t so sure she was able to discern witch one it was. And it was quite upsetting, not being able to understand how someone you truly cared about (very deeply, was it wrong of her to still want to label it as love?) when a few months ago, it would have come naturally.

Maybe she’d lost a lot more than she’d fooled herself into believing by abiding with Anna’s decision after all.

“So, um, today’s the big day hmm?” It was clumsily worded as Elsa tried to push her own feelings aside, they weren’t what mattered right now, Anna was. This was Anna’s special day –and the princess had told her how important this was to her- and she wasn’t about to ruin it because of her inability to move on. Quickly and thanks to a skill she’d had the opportunity to perfect over years of servitude, she plastered a smile –maybe it was fake, but it was a smile none the less, and hopefully, Anna would be fooled for the short while they would be together- a give a false impression of enthusiasm. Or maybe it was real, for Elsa truly was proud that Anna had decided to accept her heirloom and birthright, it was just a pity that such a heritage was not compatible with their feelings.

“Gerda asked me to bring you this, she thought you’d want to wear it.” She offered as a way to change the subject, arms outstretched as she handed Anna the golden laced gown. It brought out the lighter streaks in her hair, Elsa noticed, as Anna took it and retreated to the screen at the other side of the room –not that Elsa would have looked anyway, she was much too modest for that.

It took a while, and Anna’s occasional muffling and cursing and colorful words she sprouted towards the fabric definitely made Elsa smile fondly (she’d missed this too, apparently) and the wide grin resulting from general goofiness and a moment of relaxation –dare she say normality?- all too suddenly froze for an instant before melting into a smile of pure and genuine adoration as Anna awkwardly weaved herself out again, hand clutching the front of her gown to keep some semblance of modesty.

“Hey Elsa, do you think you’d mind…?” Her finger pointed towards her back and the crooked grin and barely-there blush quickly spreading across her cheeks had Elsa shaking her head in earnest fondness.

“Of course, don’t move.”

Elsa’s hands hovered over the buttons for a moment, almost not daring to touch out of fear that the second of newfound closeness would be too much, too painful to deal with because they would barely get a chance to graze the smooth skin before retreating again, and it all seemed like a cruel game to her, tease her with a semblance of the intimacy she’d missed and take it away only a moment later. Yet, as a servant whom had been tasked with something, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse, especially not when it was Anna that was asking, and with a deep breath, she brought her hand to the bottom button, nearly at the base of the brunette’s spine.

The tingle in her finger made her breath stop for a moment, a moment where Elsa basked in their newfound closeness, in being handed back something that had been taken away from her –them- and she let it linger there, her pale skin a sharp contrast to Anna’s pink. Oddly enough, it still seemed to fit, a deep contrast she’d remembered Anna mentioning on one of those first nights, waking some poetic comparison to a sun and a moon or something along those lines (it all seemed so far away now that Elsa wasn’t sure she could entirely remember) and how their hands would fit perfectly in each others’ hold. And how Anna wouldn’t want for the world to have to let them go, because she liked how they fit together.

And now she had a chance to fit their broken pieces back together, but in the back of her mind, Elsa knew it was only for a fleeting moment, in a few seconds, she would have to pull them back, lift them up and away, and the short semblance of completeness, of them being together again would crumble back to the dust it was apparently supposed to be.

So much for hope and second chances, huh.

Shaking her head harshly and scrunching her eyes closed so she would not have to look (feeling was torture enough, actually seeing their proximity without being able to do anything would just add fuel to the flame), Elsa quickly grappled about closing up the rest of the buttons, hands unsteady as the she closed the back of the dress up. Once her hand reached up to touch the base of Anna’s neck, she pulled back, gently tapping the princesses’ shoulder.

“There we are, all done.” It was quiet, and her voice sounded rather sullen even to her (apparently, Elsa couldn’t keep up the fake enthusiasm appearance indefinitely it would seem, and while she knew she ought to try harder, especially today, it just seemed to impossible a task for her to complete right now), so she didn’t bother trying).

Anna looked back up at her reflection, momentarily stunned at how different she looked with all this elaborate and fancy attire now adorning her body. This was not her, the Anna she remembered wanting to be, this wasn’t who she was at all, and the disappointment at realizing that she barely recognized herself felt bitter in her mouth. She was careful to hide it of course (being of royal descent and a princess, she had learnt to master the art of hiding her feelings and adorning a mask reflective of the position she held), but the closer this whole evening seemed get to actually happening, the more Anna felt like everything was about to take a sour turn, which was rather depressing considering she and the rest of the castle household spent so long preparing for this.

Nevertheless, a princess she was and a princess she would remain tonight, and as such, she was quick to cover up feelings that had no place popping up at the moment and plaster the forced smile she’d been taught to put on for formal occasions, rapidly coming up with an appreciative comment to make about the dress.

“Gerda must have worked really hard getting it all mended and spotless, it really means a lot to me that she did it. Mind passing along my thanks if you happen to cross her tonight?” She asked, still half-looking at her reflection in the mirror, head slightly turned to her left trying to catch a glimpse of Elsa behind her, whose fingers were delicately arranging her hair over her shoulder, a long silky ribbon tying it out of her face.

“I’ll be sure to drop into her quarters.” Elsa said sheepishly, taking a step back as Anna got back to her feet, the pair chuckling as the princesses’ knees gave an audible crack.

“Here’s to hoping I won’t have to spend the evening standing up.” Anna commented lightly, in an attempt to ease the atmosphere somewhat and to push down the growing anxiety she could feel in her chest. Everything will be fine, there’s no reason why it won’t. Stop worrying.

“Thank you, Elsa.” It was sincere, Anna really meant it as she looked the older girl in the eyes, hoping she managed to convey truly how much it meant to have someone she cared about so much get ready for such a huge thing. The prospect of having to uphold the crown and family name in the presence of so many still had butterflies flying about in her stomach, but the intensity had lessened somewhat since Elsa had helped her get ready. She wasn’t really sure how it had worked but the blonde seemed to have relieved her of some of her initial apprehensions, and if Elsa believed in her, surely convincing the crowd waiting for her in the grand hall couldn’t be any harder, right? Just be yourself, if anything, don’t compromise on that and everything will be okay.

“I guess this is it, then.” A deep breath later, shoulders now set and head held high, Anna reluctantly pulled her hand back from where Elsa had unconsciously been holding it (between both her own, and Anna felt like it should have stayed there, felt like that’s where their hands should belong –together) trudging towards the door. Once she pulled it open, there would be no going back, she would be officially recognized as the heir to Arendelle and next ruler of the throne, there would be little to no chances of this casual intimacy ever happening again no matter how much she kept telling herself that it was unfair. Once the door closed, it would be over.

Might as well get it behind her quickly then.

It took everything not to look back, to keep staring at the embellished symbols painted on the wall right in front of her, but Anna knew turning back now would just make it all the more harder (on both of them, and she really didn’t want to have to put Elsa through more than she already had, it would just be unfair). Her heart beat madly in her chest as she took the first step over the threshold, back into the real world of a busy servants scurrying about making last-minute check-ups and very noticeable guests chattering about incoherently down the stairs. This was her world now, this was where Anna belonged.

It felt stale, cold, wrong.

By chance or pure luck alone (she was not sure which), and anchor of familiarity reached out for her hand before she drowned and Anna whipped her head back as Elsa reached out for her. “Wait!”

“I-I” The blonde fumbled for a moment, as if aware now that they were out in the open that this might not be deemed as appropriate behavior for a servant. A pinkish blush spread across her face, a cute pinkish blush Anna noticed as Elsa’s hand rummaged around in her pocket before pulling out some sort of object wrapped up in a greenish tinted wrapping.

“I thought maybe you might like this.” She said, hands outstretched towards her, the little gift neatly sitting between her palms. “Just in case things get a little overwhelming or something.”

Anna stared at the package mouth slightly hanging open at a loss for words –truth was, she hadn’t expected such a kind gesture form Elsa for tonight, she certainly hoped the other girl hadn’t felt obligated, but as she pulled the string and the wrapping fell open she knew immediately that it was not the case. Formal smile now turned into a genuine grin, Anna picked up the mini chocolate cake from its decorative wrap, biting into it and making the most of the rust of sweetness, the unbidden memories it brought along and just how nice it felt.

“Oh, Elsa, you really didn’t-“

“I wanted to. Thought you might want a little something before heading down. You should probably get down there before everyone starts wondering if the guest of honor might have forgotten their special night.”

“Thank you though, really.” Their hands, which had somehow linked back together, were pulled apart, Anna doing so with much reluctance as they reached the grand door. “I’ll see you later then?” She asked hopefully, about to make her way in, throwing the question back at her as an invitation for them to spend a little while together once the whole official business was over and done with.

“As you wish.” Elsa bowed –and maybe over did it a little, but if it made Anna chuckle, it was worth it.

However, as the doors closed between them, neither one got the chance to see the other’s smile fade from their face as soon as they turned away.

It still took Elsa a surprising amount of willpower to turn away from the door and take the first few steps away from it without casting a backwards glance after Anna had gently shut it. Her hand still lingered on the handle for a moment as if it meant that somehow, she and Anna were still connected, as if the moment wasn’t over yet  –and it was just for just a moment, nobody would notice or mind, right? Eventually though, the guilt at the knowledge that she had duties she was expected to fulfill before the events started and that her being here meant that somebody else was probably covering for her made Elsa pull away, casting one last longing glance backwards before slowly making her way down the corridor. 

Well, to be fair, it wasn’t as hard as she’d anticipate it would be. And the fact that her skin still tingled where Anna’s warm fingers had brushed against it (as if she was somehow there with her right now) made Elsa feel less lonely in an odd way. It was like Anna would be with her for the evening despite not really being there.

Right, back to I then, Elsa. By the looks of the sheer amount of guests Gerda and the servants will probably need a hand in the kitchens bringing out the buffet.

Once again weaving her way down the corridor trying hard not to bump into any of their guests as she did so, Elsa wormed her petite body through small chubby dignitaries, elegant noblewomen and strong handsome lords, apologizing profusely whenever she happened to elbow one of them by mistake, until she finally managed to make it to one of the back corridors not used by their guests.

Leaning against the wall for a second and wiping her brow she took a moment to recover before heading back to Gerda, head bowed, and the initial thrill and excitement for the evening having sizzled out somewhat since helping Anna get ready. It’s not that she didn’t appreciate the fact that she was the one Anna had asked after –no, that was something that she would trade for the world- nor was it the celebration in itself: as a matter of fact, Elsa had been telling herself that tonight was going to be something absolutely huge for Anna, something, something the princess had been anticipating for a lifetime now, and watching her make her formal entrance as Princess of Arendelle and official heir to the throne was something the blonde was sure would make her proud to see unfold –it was simply the stark knowledge that she now had to accept that after tonight, any particular bond they might have had (even that respectful friendly distance they’d kept from one another since that talk she’d had with her parents), that any special and intimate connection they shared (and that a part of her had perhaps secretly kept hoping they might be able to rekindle) had only been an illusion she’d fooled herself into believing to make the fallout of this whole sorry affair easier to deal with on her end.

And while Anna still obviously considered her a valued and trusted friend, Elsa wasn’t even certain that etiquette would even allow either of them to actually openly display after tonight. It would seem like the society’s conventional rules was certainly out to get them, or that Fate seemed to have a funny sense of humor when it came to her life. Turned out she only now realized that she was on the verge of losing so much more than she’d initially fooled herself into believing (and Elsa scoffed at her own defense, that it would have somehow made it easier to bear in the long run. As if).

That doesn’t matter now, just… At least try to at least do what Anna asked of you, it will give her that much less to worry about.

Opening the servant’s quarters’ door to Gerda’s wide wrinkly smile and helpful hands was almost a relief as the old woman took the two damaged shawls Elsa had picked up in Anna’s room before leaving, shaking her head fondly and offhandedly commenting that for all her good-heartedness and enthusiasm, Anna’s tendency to be overzealous and, at times, forgetfulness when it came to looking out for herself (going so far as to bring up one of Anna’s embarrassing childhood embarrassing mishaps, a failed attempt at picking a bouquet of roses from the royal gardens to offer to her mother, which had ended up damaging her frilly blue dress more than anything else) was something she’d learnt to accept along with the princesses many odd but charming quirks.

“Oh! But you shouldn’t stay here dear!” She suddenly exclaimed as she looked up from the piece of clothing in her hands, somehow upset at the thought that she might have been keeping the younger servant from seeing to any last-minute duties she might still have on her list. “You should run along and get ready, and-“ She momentarily took hold of Elsa’s wrist before the blonde politely took her leave. “Take this, for the road.” She added with a little smile, rummaging through her apron’s from pocket.

It was a small square of chocolate cake wrapped in a fancy embroidered napkin, probably a left-over from the kitchens.

The fresh memory of having done the exact same thing for Anna not even fifteen minutes ago brought an unbidden smile to her face.

“Thank you.” She said politely, smiling down at the little treat. The tiny sugar rush would probably be most welcome if it would help her keep her on her feet for the evening.

“Good, run along now.” The old woman encouraged, light hand on her shoulder guiding her back out.

And so Elsa once again found herself wondering about the palace corridors, only difference was that this time, she felt a little at a loss as to what to do. She doubted she had any place in the great hall, since it was reserved for the noble guests and other highly ranked officials, she likely had no place there, but neither did she have any other duties to attend to.

At least, the king seemed to have gotten things going, for the corridors seemed to have emptied out in the short space of time it had taken for her to give Gerda Anna’s damaged clothes. The guests must have all gathered around waiting for Anna then.

Or most of them anyway… Elsa concluded when she heard an old scratchy voice just around the next corner. Maybe he got lost? God knew it had taken her a while to find her way about the palace. She’d been about to make the turn when she was able to make out a second voice, slightly younger though barely audible (or making a point in speaking in a hushed tone). Elsa quickly gathered it was the latter however.

“You certain nobody will suspect anything?” The older voice asked, slightly hoarse.

Well that was certainly odd.

Ears more alert, Elsa inched to the left, still making sure to keep her back to the wall and strained to hear as much as she could.

“I made sure of it, I gave orders for one of our servants to be the one in charge of bringing out the refreshments, said he’d see to princess Anna in person for us.”

“Excellent.” And there was definitely a venomous hiss to the tone now, one Elsa did not like and it sent shivers down her spine.

Swallowing the hard lump in her throat, she dared take a peek around the corner in the hopes of catching a glimpse of whoever it was who was talking. She did not like the look of this one bit, especially not with the festivities so close to opening.

She was unable to make out who the man turning his back to her. The person was obviously tall, with a nicely trimmed haircut, broad shoulders , and as her eyes traveled downwards, Elsa quickly gathered why. With the distinct green and black uniform and the golden shoulder pads, the man had to belong to their delegation of Southern guests, not anybody she’d ever had the opportunity to meet in the castle beforehand. He seemed to nod for a second, producing something in his hand and making sure to let his interlocutor know that “He’d handed an exact replica to Francis who’d make sure it found its way into Anna’s cup somehow.”

What the Hell?

“And you’re certain this will work?”

“Of course it will. Prince Hans is but a convenient scapegoat for me, by all logic all eyes will turn to him when it comes to pining the blame on someone. Foreign prince lusting after power and riches, poisoning the princess of Arendelle to seize control with his army, who wouldn’t believe such a story? And you make sure to twist it that way.”

“Of course sir-“

“And that’s where I come in.” The smug little voice said snidely, and as he moved aside, and it was as Elsa looked down that she finally got a glimpse of the stranger –or so called stranger. It turned out to be that little man with a grand mustache (what was his name already Weaseltongue? Whistletong?) , who’d caught his interlocutor by the collar and was dragging him to his knees.

“The King and Queen will need to form an alliance against the South once the truth comes out, and who better to help them than me? I’ll have them bowing to my will, and with my good heart and willingness to help, they will only be too quick to offer me a reward in exchange for my services. The crown can be mine, and with it, my friend, we will be rich. You, will be rich… If you pull this off that is.” He added sharply, eyes narrowing on his trembling subject –poor man did not seem to particularly want to do this.

“So, once I let go of you, what are you going to do?”

“Go back to the kitchen sir-“

“Good. And?”

“Make sure to pour this into princesses’ cup as I bring it out.” And he motioned the small red vial in his hand.

“And then?”

“Hand it to her as I congratulate her on her official entry into royalty and make sure she drinks.”

“Good.” The elder man snapped, at last releasing his hold on the younger. “You make sure that gets done, I’ll be sure to keep Hans in close vicinity to take the fall for this.”

The other man seemed to hesitate slightly before a sharp glance from Westleton sent him on his way, his unsteady feet leading him towards the royal kitchens, and it was only when the Duke himself turned around in the other direction –towards the grand hall, where Anna was- that it truly sunk into Elsa.

They were after Anna and Anna didn’t even know about it and she couldn’t even tell her!

Stark realization seemed to be the cue her heart needed to begin thumping in her chest madly as Elsa stood there, at a loss as to what to do. She couldn’t just barge in there and outright tell Anna that their guest was about to poison her –it was the word of a servant against a high ranking dignitary, it would never work!- and she couldn’t risk harming his partner in crime, that would certainly backfire to.

But dammit, she had to do something before it was too late! Anna and her might not be anything anymore, but she definitely wasn’t about to sit back and watch a royal assassination attempt unfold right in front of her eyes when she could actually do something. She owed Anna at least that much.

But who on earth could she ever-

Oleg!

Oleg hadn’t made it down to the grand room yet, and surely if she let him in on this, her argument would hold more weight against the Duke than her poor servant voice on its lonesome.

Not even thinking twice, Elsa darted down the corridor, too nervous to even care that she might have knocked a servant or two back to apologize or slow down. She needed to find Oleg right now, or what was supposed to be one of the most special events of Anna’s life turn into one of the worst (or last, she thought fretfully, and that couldn’t happen).

Nobody was about to harm the princess. Not when she could still stop it.