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In the Light of Day: A Frozen Epic	By : GeorgeGlass Category: +1 through F > Frozen Views: 21531 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I claim no ownership of Frozen or its characters. I made no money from writing this story. I am completely divided about whether Elsa or Anna is hotter.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Chapter 10: The Descendant

Startled, Elsa cried "What the hell!?" and reflexively backed away from Rajiv, whose body was completely engulfed in fire.

Rajiv dove to the stone floor and rolled, trying to put out the flames. It made no difference—the fire continued to blaze all around him. His clothing was on fire from head to foot, and even the cloth on a table that was several feet away from him began to smolder, so intense was the heat.

The door burst open, and Anna, Kristoff, and Ajay rushed in. The sight of Rajiv swathed in fire stopped them in their tracks.

“Whoa!” Kristoff shouted.

"Oh my God!" Anna cried.

"Oh, no," Ajay nearly whispered.

Moving quickly, Anna snatched a curtain from the nearest window and started toward Rajiv.

"No! Stay back!" the prince cried, even as Ajay put a hand on Anna’s shoulder to stop her. "The fire is too hot!"

"Rajiv, stay still!" Elsa shouted. "I can help you!"

She started toward him, but the fire-cloaked Rajiv looked around frantically and then scrambled backward into an empty corner, shouting, "You mustn't come near me! You'll be burned alive!"

Elsa forced herself to calm down. If Rajiv was anything like her, getting him more upset would only make things worse.

"No," she said calmly, "I won't."

Concentrating, Elsa created a zone of cold around herself. Here and there, ice crystals formed from the moisture in the air around her and fell like tiny snowflakes as she walked slowly toward the burning prince.

"No! I cannot stop the fire!" Rajiv cried, raising his hands as if to warn Elsa away. "You must stay back! Please!"

"It's all right," Elsa said soothingly, intensifying the cold around her to balance out the growing heat as she approached him. "Fire can't hurt me."

Sure enough, as Elsa came near the Sundaran prince, the flames around him began weaken, dimming from orange to red as they shrank. And when she reached Rajiv and pulled his body against hers, they extinguished entirely.

"It's all right now," she said, putting her arms around him in reassurance. "I've got you."

Rajiv held onto her, panting.

"I- I do not know what happened," Rajiv said. "How can this be?" Elsa felt a hot tear land on her shoulder.

"Oh, my boy," Ajay said, putting his hands to his bearded face. "I am so sorry."

Rajiv blinked hard and looked at Ajay. "What- What are you saying? Do you know something about this?"

"I will tell you everything," the older man said gravely. Then, glancing downward, he added, "After I fetch you some pants."

***

By the time Ajay returned, Anna and Kristoff had left to give Rajiv some privacy. Elsa averted her eyes but remained near the prince in case he again burst into flames—and because, she admitted to herself, she had an intense desire to hear what Ajay knew about Rajiv’s condition.

After handing the prince a pair of goatskin-leather pants, perhaps thinking the tanned hide would be more fire-resistant than linen, Ajay began to speak.

"You were barely three years old," he said. "The King and Queen had decided to take you and your brothers and sister on the royal yacht for an afternoon cruise of the bay. I was a young officer then, and I had recently been assigned to the yacht’s crew.

"I had put my career aspirations ahead of thoughts of marriage and family, so I had little experience with children, but I found you quite charming. You didn't seem to fuss or get upset at the least thing like many children do. You were just happy to play with your new toy—one of those monkeys that plays the cymbals when you wind it up.

"At some point, after we had cast off and sailed out into the bay, your father began to speak to you and the other children about Sundara’s navy and the importance of sea power. But you were completely absorbed in playing with your toy, and you did not seem to hear when your father told you to put it down and pay attention.

“Your father was not accustomed to asking for anything twice. When you did not immediately obey his command, he snatched the toy from your hands and threw it overboard.

"At the time, I was partway up the rigging, checking some lines. But when I heard an ear-piercing cry, I looked down and saw you, red-faced and screaming, pointing over the rail where your toy had gone.

"And then, right before my eyes, you suddenly caught fire. Your entire body was ablaze, as if you had been doused in burning oil. The King shouted and jumped back, and one of the men seized a tarpaulin from a nearby lifeboat and tried to roll you in it to smother the fire. But instead, the tarpaulin burst into flames, and the sailor was forced to flee to avoid being burned.

"By that time, I had climbed down to the deck and started running towards you. A coil of rope near where you were standing had caught fire, and the wooden deck beneath your feet was smoking, as though it might ignite at any moment. I realized that the entire ship was in danger.”

Ajay let out a sighing breath. "I did the only thing I could think of. I wrapped my jacket around my arm, snatched you up as quickly as I could, and threw you overboard."

Rajiv looked at Ajay with a mix of guilt and horror. "Your scar..." he whispered.

"As soon as I saw that the water had extinguished the flames, I dove in after you. But the wind was high that day, and even in those few seconds, the ship had moved a good distance away from you. By the time I reached you, you had nearly drowned.

"Afterwards, the King commanded me never to speak of the incident again except with him. I did not understand what had happened, in any case.

“But I knew that it was not your fault. So when your father asked me to spend time with you whenever my duties allowed, I did not hesitate to agree.

"You didn't seem to remember what had happened. Even so, a guru was summoned to the palace the very next day to begin your training in yoga and meditation. Everyone was told that it was meant to help you overcome your fear of the water—which was the truth, if not the whole truth.

“And you never had another incident. Until today."

"Why did he have to suppress this magic?” Elsa asked, more angrily than she had meant. “Why couldn't he have been taught to control it instead?"

"Perhaps he could have," Ajay answered. Shaking his head, he continued, "But no one knew how. Such power had not existed in Sundara for generations.”

“Generations?” Rajiv asked. “Then someone...at some time…”

“It is said,” Ajay replied soberly, “that the first King of Sundara defended his people with the fire in his heart.” Then, with a tone of grave irony, he added, “Most believe this to be a metaphor.”

Elsa took a long moment to consider all of this. Then she turned to Rajiv.

"Stay here," she said. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Ajay, come with me, please."

Ajay hesitated for a moment, perhaps loath to leave the prince alone. But he seemed to conclude that Elsa might know better than he how to proceed.

"Certainly, your Majesty," he replied, and followed her out of the parlor.

***

Minutes later, Elsa returned alone, carrying outdoor-appropriate clothes and boots that Ajay had supplied, as well as a few other items.

"Come on," Elsa said, holding the clothes and boots out to Rajiv. "We're going for a hike."

"It is not safe," Rajiv replied. "How do you know that I will not burn your kingdom to the ground the moment we leave here?"

"I'll be with you the whole time. Besides, you've managed to keep your magic under control for the better part of two decades without even knowing you were doing it. I think you can handle it for a few more hours."

"Very well, your Majesty," Rajiv said, pulling on his boots.

"How about we stick with 'Elsa' and 'Rajiv' for now?"

"If you think it best,” the prince replied. Then, after a moment, he asked, “But...what is the purpose of this excursion?”

“To help you learn to control this fire magic of yours. Because I believe you can control it.”

“Perhaps,” Rajiv said uncertainly. “But…why do you want to help me? Me, of all people?”

"Two reasons," Elsa replied. "First, as you said, I can't have you burning my kingdom to the ground."

Rajiv nodded.

"And second," Elsa said, her voice softening, "when you discovered that you couldn't put the fire out, you didn't scream for help, or go running through the halls trying to save yourself. You fled to the corner of the room and told us to stay back, because you didn't want anyone to be hurt. You put everyone else’s safety—including mine—ahead of your own.

“Now,” she said, pulling a small leather pack onto her back, “let’s go. It’s going to take a few hours to get where we’re going.”

“I could carry that for you, if you like,” Rajiv replied.

“This is our dinner,” Elsa replied. “And I’d prefer that it not be accidentally overcooked. But here,” she said, handing Rajiv a full waterskin. “You can carry this. And, just to be safe…”

She touched the skin with her fingers, and the water inside froze solid.

“Fair enough,” Rajiv said, and followed Elsa out of the parlor.

***

They went out the castle’s rear gate, Elsa signaling the guards and other personnel to give her and Rajiv a wide berth. Then they entered the forest.

"The woods are completely waterlogged from the rain," she assured Rajiv. "And this is the most direct way to the North Mountain."

"A mountain?"

"Yes. Are you up for that?"

"I have climbed many mountains, in my country and elsewhere. The view from a mountaintop can be quite conducive to inner peace."

Inner peace wasn't what Elsa had in mind, but she decided not to say anything about that just yet.

They walked through the forest for nearly an hour. During that time, Elsa told Rajiv the story of her powers and the events that resulted from her limited ability to suppress them—her isolation from Anna and the rest of the world, her disastrous coronation day, and Anna’s rescue of her on the icy fjord. Rajiv, seeming to want to make the exchange of information even, told her about his youth, his studies of yoga and meditation, and his many travels—on foot and horseback in the mountains, and on the seas with Ajay.

The sun set as they hiked. For once, the sky was clear, and the moon lit their path as they emerged from the forest at the base of the North Mountain. Elsa quickly spotted the path she had taken nine months earlier; it was much easier to find without a layer of snow to obscure it.

As they began their ascent, Rajiv said, “I…I wish to confess something.”

“All right,” Elsa replied.

“At the welcome banquet, when you made that remark about my naval rank, you…touched a nerve. I have never used my royal status to advance my naval career, but I know that my father has done so on my behalf, against my express wishes.”

“Parents can be like that,” Elsa said. “Sometimes, what they think is best for you just…isn’t.”

“In any case, I overreacted, and I apologize. For that, and…many other things.”

“I want to confess something, too,” Elsa said. “At the ball, what you said about my dancing-“

“-for which I also apologize,” Rajiv interrupted.

“No, you were right,” Elsa said. “I’m a terrible dancer. I never had much talent for it to begin with, and…well, for a long time, it was dangerous for me to touch anyone. So…no dancing lessons. And even though I can control my powers now, I don’t have much time to practice.”

Rajiv nodded pensively. “It seems we are quite adept at finding each other’s sore points.”

“Mmm,” Elsa replied, nodding, and they continued their climb.

***

Kristoff and Anna walked into the main entrance hall, where all of the attendants and all the princes save Rajiv had assembled for the evening’s event. Hildy had reappeared, as well, her hair now up in a cascading coif that took as much advantage of her natural dark curls as her low-cut black evening gown did of her other notable physical assets.

“Hey, Hildy!” Anna said. After the day she’d had, it was nice to see Hildy’s friendly face again. “Your hair looks amazing.”

“Why, thank you,” Hildy said, tossing her curls artfully.

“Not that it doesn’t always look great,” Anna added.

“Yeah, well, my gift from the Bohemian side of the family,” Hildy said.

Over the many months of their friendship, Anna had noticed that Hildy, although candid to a fault about other aspects of her life, rarely spoke about her biological father. Anna figured it was a sore subject and had decided not to pry; if Hildy ever wanted to talk about it, Anna would let her begin that conversation.

“I guess,” Hildy continued, “I’m lucky to be living in a kingdom where blondes and redheads are a dime a dozen, and brunettes are the exotic beauties.” Anna chuckled.

“So,” Anna said to Hildy in a mock-whisper as the two women and Kristoff walked toward the waiting group of princes and attendants, “are you crashing our pub crawl?”

“I was going to,” Hildy replied, “but then your big blonde boyfriend ruined everything by inviting me.” She gave Kristoff a playful smack upside the back of his head, making the ice-man grin.

As they met the group of princes, Anna saw Prince Varek whisper something to Popov.

“Night of prettiness, High One,” Popov interpreted to Anna.

“Yes, good evening, your Highness,” Prince Sefu said, bowing from atop his stilts. “I have been looking forward to this opportunity to see more of your fair city, and to spend time with you and the Queen.”

“I’m afraid I have some bad news,” Anna said, speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear. “The Queen won’t be able to join us this evening.”

“Same goes for Prince Rajiv,” Kristoff added. “Sorry, everybody.”

“Finally killed each other, have they?” the kilted Prince Gormal said offhandedly. Hamish gave him a sharp look.

“They are unavoidably detained,” Ajay said, his tone indicating that this was a statement of fact that would require no further discussion. Anna figured this was a skill a navy captain would develop by necessity, and considered that it probably wouldn’t hurt for a princess to learn it, too.

Lord Otos, who had been standing with the young Prince Hypatios, now approached Ajay.

“If I may ask,” he said carefully, “how long did Prince Rajiv’s interview with the Queen last?”

“If you must know,” Ajay replied, frowning, “probably no more than three minutes.”

“Ha!” cried Mofa, who this evening was clad in a festive orange shuka and a matching circular hat. Then, extending his open hand toward the other attendants, he said, “Pay up, gentlemen.”

As the other attendants began digging into their pockets and purses, Ajay said, “You wagered on how long the interview would last? I hope at least one of you bet on the full hour.”

“I’m afraid,” Otos replied, “that mine was the longest time, at twenty-five minutes.” Sighing, he added, “I don’t know what I was thinking. Ah well, as King Aegeus is known to say, ‘Plan for success, but be prepared for failure.’” Otos then opened the leather purse that hung from his belt and fished out a few silver coins to hand to Mofa.

“So…” Halfdan began, addressing Anna and Kristoff, “what are we to do now?”

“Well,” Kristoff said, “you guys want to go anyway?”

Prince Hjalmar grunted in what Anna thought might have been the affirmative.

“The day a prince of Lainn refuses a friendly drink,” said Prince Gormal, “will be the first day of the End Times.”

Anna looked around, and it seemed as though everyone were in agreement.

“All right then,” Kristoff said, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. “First, I’d like to introduce you fellows to a classy little place called the One-Eyed Wharf Rat.”

“Which, disappointingly enough,” Hildy said as they all started out the door, “is not a penis metaphor.” She leaned toward Anna. “I asked the owner.”

“Of course you did,” Anna sighed.

***

Elsa and Rajiv climbed about three-quarters of the way up the mountainside, stopping when they reached a wide plateau that overlooked the castle and the adjacent port.

"This," she told Rajiv, "is where I went after my powers got out of control on my coronation day. I wanted to isolate myself, for the safety of everyone.”

Rajiv nodded. “You are always thinking of your people. I have heard this from many who know you.”

Not wanting to get sidetracked, Elsa continued, “But there was another reason I came up here…something I needed to do. Something you need to do now."

"What is that?"

Elsa looked Rajiv in the eye. "Let it go."

Rajiv looked back quizzically. "Let what go?"

"Fear...anger...frustration—everything you've been bottling up or tamping down."

"But, your M- Elsa, what if...what if I-"

"You can't do any harm. Nothing grows up here, not even in the spring. And I'm the one person fire can't hurt."

Rajiv held up his hand and gazed at it, still uncertain.

"Start slowly if you need to," Elsa prompted.

Rajiv stared at his hand for several moments. And then, like a candle being lit, a tiny flame sprang up in his palm.

"Good," Elsa said. "Keep going. Let your feelings fuel the fire."

“My father,” Rajiv said, staring at the flame in his hand, “always seemed anxious to keep me at a distance.”

The flame grew, filling Rajiv's hand.

"After my family received the invitation to send me to Arendelle," the prince said, "I overheard my father telling my mother that this was a great opportunity. At the time, I thought he was talking about having me bring Sundaran steel to your kingdom."

The flames spread, surrounding Rajiv's hand as they grew brighter. Then, carefully, the man extended his arm toward a point on the ground several feet away.

"So I did not understand why his words seemed to upset my mother. But now, now I know—he was talking about the opportunity to get rid of me!"

The flame shot from Rajiv's hand and struck the rocky ground, flaring up and then dissipating.

"That's it," Elsa said. "Let it out."

"My entire life," Rajiv said angrily, "he was always sending me away—to meditate in the mountains, or to sail with Ajay. He said he was trying to build my character, but I always knew there had to be another reason. He was just keeping me out of his palace, out of his kingdom—out of his life!"

Another gout of flame burst from Rajiv's arm, exploding against the ground.

"He was afraid of me!" Rajiv cried, loosing another gout of fire, then another. "Ashamed of me!”

A tear escaped the prince’s eye as he shouted, “And now he sends me as far away as he possibly can, in the hope that I will never come back!”

Rajiv looked upward, and with a cry that seemed to contain rage and anguish and terror all at once, he unleashed an immense column of fire into the sky.

Then, breathing hard, the man half sank, half fell to his knees. Elsa went to his side, kneeling next to him but giving him space to breathe and think and cope.

After a minute, Rajiv looked at her.

"I had no idea what- what was inside me,” he said, his voice shaking.

“It’s hard to see what we have inside until we let it out,” Elsa said, “and look at it in the light of day.”

“But…” the prince said, “now that I know...what do I do with it?"

"When I first came up here," Elsa said, "I built an entire castle out of ice, just to see if I could. You need to see what your power can do."

Rajiv looked despondent. "One cannot build a castle with fire," he said grimly. Looking at the ground, he added, "Fire can only destroy."

"We'll see," said Elsa. "You sent that last blast into the air; see what you can do with that."

Rajiv raised his hand and sent a thin spout of fire into the air. Then, nodding to himself, he swept his other arm up, creating a larger, higher plume.

"Come on," Elsa said. "If your power is anything like mine, you can make something a lot more complex than that."

Rajiv tried again, managing to create a crude circle in the air, then a rough square.

“Don’t try to force it,” Elsa counseled. "Fire is like ice—it has natural shapes it takes, ways it moves. And so does your mind. Just try letting them do what they want to do."

Rajiv inclined his head and closed his eyes. Elsa watched him, waiting.

Suddenly, eyes still closed, he threw both arms straight up. Twin gouts of fire shot upward from his hands and flew perhaps fifty feet into the air before they burst outward, forming a huge circle that contained a figure in the shape of a lotus flower. The symbol rotated slowly, fiery orange against the black night sky.

"What...What is it?" Elsa asked, gaping as she stared upward.

Rajiv opened his eyes and looked up, and it seemed that he scarcely believed what he saw.

"It's...a mandala,” he gasped. “I sometimes use them in my meditation. This one...among other things...is a symbol of peace."

"It's beautiful," Elsa said.

Rajiv suddenly turned to her.

"Elsa, I...I cannot apologize enough for my behavior towards you, when you have been so-"

"Stop," Elsa said. “I was just as horrible to you. So let’s agree that we’re sorry and consider all apologies offered and accepted.”

Rajiv smiled at her weakly. “You are very wise. But what made us behave this way?”

“I suppose,” Elsa said, “that our having opposite…elements…inside us made us see each other as enemies."

Rajiv took a deep breath and looked Elsa in the eye.

"You are not my enemy, Queen Elsa of Arendelle,” he said. “You are an exceptional person. And I am not speaking of your powers."

Elsa smiled.

“You have helped me so much, just in the past few hours,” Rajiv continued.

“I’m glad,” Elsa replied.

Rajiv looked down and said, “I only wish…”

She drew close to him. “What?”

He looked up at her face and said, “…that someone could have done this for you.”

And the next thing Elsa knew, she was kissing Rajiv more passionately than she had ever imagined kissing anyone.

END CHAPTER 10
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In the Light of Day: A Frozen Epic