Michael’s Musings: Ahtohallan Calling

As we left you from my last article, we had trekked back to the Northuldran settlement to pack up and head back for Arendelle as quickly as possible. Queen Anna had sent everyone an urgent note, telling us of the happenings of our advanced agents, plus Countess Viola’s urgent trip back to the Jotenheimen Mountains, the land of Keep Mundilfari. Commander Von Altheim and Sir Alan had gone with some of her troops to see if Vi needed help. We also postponed going to Ahtohallan with Elsa, the Fifth Spirit, my Snow Queen niece. Would’ve been nice.

But…

We got back to the settlement, surprised to see two visitors who arrived. To my amazement, it was Time Spirit Princess Danielle and Selene Severin, royal librarian and head of the Ravens, the spies of the Arendellian government and crown.

“Hello, Mummy!” Danny said as she ran into Elsa’s outstretched arms. Elsa picked up and hugged the little ice princess and said, “Sweetie, what are you doing here? I thought you’d be with Olaf and Auntie!”

“Danny’s been hearing a noise that she said sounded like what her Mummy heard, when she was being led to Ahtohallan,” Selene said.

“I asked Auntie Anna if I could go, and she said only if someone went with me,” Danny said.

Bruni was on Elsa’s shoulder, happy to see Danny as he wagged his tail and grinned. “Hi Bruni!” Danny said as the fire salamander leapt into Danny hands.

“I volunteered because I’ve been wanting to come up to Northuldra, to meet the people and learn about them,” Selene explained. I do have my ancient Kveldulf amulet along to keep us safe on the journey.”

The Kveldulf amulet is the same one that Selene used against Vi and Hilde. Once things settled down I talked to Selene, I advised her to keep it handy for emergencies.

“Good girl,” I complimented to Selene. I then started to ask Danny; “You said you heard what mummy heard before they…”

AH-ah-AH-Ah!”

“See, there it is again!” Danny said.

AH-ah-AH-Ah.”

“I hear it now!” Elsa exclaimed.

AH-ah-AH-Ah. AHAH!-AHAh aaaaahhhh.” Elsa and Danny heard it again.

“Uh, Elsa?” I said. “I heard it too.”

Elsa, Danny, Selene, everyone turned around to see the shocked and surprised expression on my face.

“What? But you’re not magic, Uncle. You’re mortal.”

“I know. But still…”

Elsa pondered it, then said: “It must be a very urgent call for Ahtohallan to call you as well, Uncle. Looks like the trip to Ahtohallan is back on.”

“Yup, it is.” I said.

I got out my warmest clothes because of the more intense cold at Ahtohallan. “Can I go too, Mummy?” Danny asked. Elsa and me were worried for Danny’s safety, but Auntie packed warm clothes for Danny. Queen Anna thinks of everything! We got dressed, Elsa made an ice wagon for us three. The Nokk was hitched up and we were off for Ahtohallan and an experience one will never forget!

*

We made a quick stop at the shipwreck which was on the way to the Dark Sea. We stopped to let Danny explore and tell her about her grandparents, King Agnarr and Queen Iduna, who died while trying to get to Ahtohallan to find the answers to Elsa’s powers, and how Grandma Iduna’s good deed in saving Grandpa Agnarr resulted in the Spirits’ gifting Elsa. It was a very bittersweet time there, but necessary.

We then got back into the wagon and sped off for Ahtohallan. The sea was was calmed by the Nokk as Elsa made an ice path for what was now an ice sleigh.

Across the ice we sped and made it to Athohallan in no time. Elsa and Danny both breathed in the frosty cold, clean, invigorating polar air. I breathed it in. Elsa said  “Careful Uncle!”

It took a bit of my breath away, but I still said “Ole’ mountain man here!” They giggled while I did wheeze a bit!

“I hear ya’ Old Mountain Man!” Elsa jested back. We grinned and chuckled with each other then.

By the time we made the shoreline, Danny and myself were in our warm clothes, gloves or mittens, coats and hats, ready to go inside.

“You two alright?” Elsa asked me and Danny. “Yes, mummy. I’m just so excited!” Danny said.

“I’m good, Elsa.” I answered. “I see the cold still doesn’t bother you!” I said with a cheesy grin!

“Only if I go too deep and drown!” Elsa replied with a grin.

“Mummy won’t do that, will you?” asked the Time Spirit.

“Hahaha. No, sweetie. Not again.” Elsa said.

“It didn’t bother me much when I was younger,” I said. “Then I got older. And colder!”

Danny and Elsa laughed. “Oh Uncle!” Elsa said while shaking her head playfully.

We entered the great Athohallan. The ice cave entrance was spectacular as a magical light lit the way to the next corridor, where Elsa had slid down to where she made the ice pillars she jumped from to enter the main chamber on her first visit. She made an ice stairway when her and Anna visited a couple of years ago.

We decended, hand in hand down the steps from one corridor to the next. We passed through the triangular opening that led us to the room where stood the massive ice columns. Needless to say, Danny and I were like, “Woaaaaaahh!” as we took in the icy beauty of this place.

“They were all on the floor in heaps when I firat came here. I used my powers to upright them.” Elsa said.

“How long did it take you? Hours? Days?” I asked.

“Oh, just a few seconds, really!” Elsa said with her grin!

“Holy cow!” I said, mouth hanging open in shock and surprise! I smiled and said, “That’s my niece, the Snow Queen fer ya! Love how you work!”

“Wow, Mummy!” The little ice princess said in amazement. “Totally Awesome!” Elsa let off a giggle and said “Someday, you’ll do the same!”

“I know you will, littlest snow.” I said. “Time and practice.”

We entered into the darkened, inner chamber. It was lit with a magical white light that was very brilliant. We looked all around it.

“It’s a dome,” I said. “Amazing!”

“You’ve only seen a third of it. There are still places I haven’t found yet.” Elsa said. “It is generations, millennia old, Uncle. Yet it reads all memories for generations. Just call politely to it, Uncle. Give it a try!”

“Okay,” I said. I then addressed Ahtohallan personall. “We have come at your calling. What can you show us, please.”

The dome went from white to its dark icy blue, then all of the memories of us three were projected on the wall to see! Iduna as a little girl, calling out to Gale to rescue an unconscious Agnarr. Using our memories, the image of Iduna appeared on the wall behind us, smiling and happy to see her daughter again.

“Hello Little Snow,” the image said. With tears in her eyes, Elsa replied, “Hello Mother.”

The image looked at me and echoed, “Hello Michael. It’s nice to see you again.”

I choked up and just barely managed to wheeze, “I’ve missed you, Your Majesty.”

“Iduna, Michael. Iduna, remember? We’ve been friends a long time.”

“Yes, we have.” I acknowledged, tearing up.

“Who’s this cute little one you have with you?”

Elsa said, “This is Princess Danielle. She has ice powers as well. We rescued her from her abusive parents, the king and queen of Mirerini. We adopted her.”

“If I still lived, I would be your Grandmother.” Iduna’s image said happily.

“I think I’d love that, Grandma. Mummy, Auntie Anna, Uncle Kristoff and Great Uncle Mike have been so kind to me.” Danny said. “Watch this, Grandma!” Danny waved her hands and a snowman like Olaf appeared before their eyes. She then rolled and threw her hands up in the air and a flurry of snow gently fell around us.

“Ahtohallan has it’s own powers and rules that I’m still learning to comprehend. It is quite amazing!” Elsa said.

“Good evening everyone,” echoed a warm, masculine voice. King Agnarr’s image shimmered into sight. waving greetings. “Hello Elsa, my daughter.”

As Elsa sniffled, the image turned to me. “And hello, Michael.”

“Hello, Agnarr,” I said, so overcome with emotion that I dispensed with formalities. I hung my head. “I first want to say how sorry I am that we broke up on such bad terms…”

“You were forgiven long ago, old friend.” Agnarr’s image replied. “We all weren’t thinking very clearly back then.”

“No, we weren’t.” I said. “No hard feelings?”

“Never, my champion. My only regret is not having been able to go sleighing with you one last time.”

My shoulders shook. “A deep regret of mine, too,” I whispered.

Elsa said, “Daddy, Uncle’s been such a blessing since he returned to Arendelle. His advice and love for us has really helped Anna and myself.”

“It was my pleasure to help them. We all needed some healing. Elsa still had some struggles as did Anna.” I added.

“Look at her now, Michael,” Iduna said.

“I know.” I said. “When I saw her up close after their journey, it was the proudest, happiest day of my life.”

“Well, not perfect.” Elsa said. “Uncle keeps his door open for us if we need to talk about our troubles.”

I blushed as I felt as if the eyes of the actual King and Queen were on me. “We’re all stonger together when we carry our burdens with each other.”

The images then disappeared as the fog swirled around us, filling the room. As quickly as it came, the fog dissapeared and ice images of our memories came into sight. Elsa smiled as we looked on in utter amazement.

“Come and see this.” Elsa beckoned. Danny and I walked over to the memory of how Iduna rescued Agnarr. The ice statues moved to show how Gale gently laid Agnarr in the wagon as Iduna laid next to the unconscious prince as she covered up with her shawl to not be seen. Danny gasped in amazement while I stood there in awe.

“What’s that over there? Danny asked as she turned her head. It was the ice statues replaying my babysitting nights with Elsa and Anna.

“Tell us a story, Uncle.” Little Anna asked.”

Little Elsa said, “Please? One of the Bible stories!”

“Alright, you two!” Uncle said with glee. “As Momma would say, cuddle close, scootch in! Ah, the story of Daniel in the Lion’s den…”

A great scream: “No! Stay back! I don’t want to hurt you, Uncle!” came from across the room. The image of uncle picking up a scared Elsa and holding her to calm her fears emerged.

The Fifth Spirit came up beside me, placed her cool hand on my shoulder and whispered “Thank you, Uncle.”

We hugged.

It closed with the day in Ellicott Mills of me sobbing over the news of the deaths of Agnarr and Iduna. A little girl, scurrying through the night from a party in Arendelle Castle was the ice image of Princess Danny, running from her abusers. It cut to where Queen Anna found her. “Hey there, are you OK? “Anna’s image asked. The ice powers came from Danny’s hands as Elsa came and lifted her up.

“Don’t be scared,” Elsa’s image said to Danny’s.

Countess Viola and Danny playing together happily came up in another memory. Then this one:

Danny smiled a big smile seeing those memories.

Then Runeard’s image arrived. “Ooohhh!” Elsa said.

“Who’s that?” Danny asked.

“Great-Grandpa Runeard,” I said.

 “Oooohhh!!” Danny said. Elsa flicked her hand and CRASH, the image shattered like she did to Hans’.

“We don’t talk about Runeard. No, no, no!” I quipped. I’ve got other words about him, but not for little Danny’s ears!

There were a lot more ice sculpture memories, too many to list here. Then the images vanished. Everything turned dark blue again. This time, Grand Pabbie’s image appeared. “Pabbie!” Elsa said in her stoic, quiet voice.

“It is good to see you again, Fifth Spirit.” Pabbie said. “And how are you, my sweet Ice Princess Danielle?”

“Hello, Pabbie!” Danny said excitedly. “I’m fine, thank you.”

“Master Michael, it’s been a while since we last met, sir. How are you?” Pabbie asked.

“It’s been too long, sir. We’re doing good.” I answered. We’ve enjoyed touring Elsa’s sanctuary and refuge here, wondering at all the ice memory scenes here.”

“I am one of the few outside of Northuldra that knows of Ahtohallan and the river of memories it contains. I can for now, communicate with you through my magic and Ahtohallan’s temporarily. Elsa, I was very pleased that it had all of the answers and your destiny of being The Fifth Spirit along with your sister, Anna.” Pabbie said. Which brings me to why Ahtohallan and I sent the sirens call. It was a chance with Michael not being magic, but the risk and urgency was worth it.”

With that, Grand Pabbie started with his message.

 “Queen Anna has set Arendelle and Northuldra on a perilous path with Yixin recruting her to recover the Elixir of Life from Chang’e and the Moonborn and form a new Exhalted. Yixin is a rebellious child of Chang’e and she had to break up the pieces and have the Moonborn guard them because of him. This journey, while dangerous, marks a crucial time for Arendelle. Already, steps have been taken to shore up Arendelle’s affairs worldwide, but this journey will test the character of Anna. Such power like The Elixir could corrupt her as it would anyone who is tempted with its promise.”

Pabbie continued, “It is up to you, Michael and Danny along with Kristoff, Sir Alan, and Viola to help guide Queen Anna in doing The Next Right Thing where the Elixir and Yixin is concerned.”

“Elsa, as the Fifth Spirit and Snow Queen of The Enchanted Forest, your powers will be needed to fend off the The Moonborn. They will not stop until either defeated or your sister, Anna is stopped. Again, we hope your powers are enough. Anna will be needing your love and sisterly advise at this time. Your togetherness

will be tested.” Pabbie advised

“Michael. Your Faith in God, will give Anna rock solid direction in the decisions Anna must make. The Ten Commandments are what the next right thing needs to steer her along the dangerous straits and fjords of world politics and in this journey. Michael, give her wise council.

“Danny. Even though you are still a young child, you are still valuable to this endeavor. The royal family accepted you as their own when your Father and Mother abused and forsook you. Your love will make the difference for Queen Anna at the right time. Stay strong for her as you stood strong against the nightmares that no longer torment you.”

Grand Pabbie concluded; “The future of Arendelle, Northuldra and the world are at stake. Please, act wisely. For as we speak, at Keep Mundilfari, Viola is now enslaved to the Moonborn, Magnificent Maximillian, as he handily defeated Mephistopheles. Commander Von Altheim is on her way with the Borealis Corps. When they meet, it will be a cataclysmic battle!”

“Thank you, Grand Pabbie.” Elsa said. “We will do our best.”

I shook my head in agreement and said: ” I’ve had major concerns with Anna taking this on and I am worried for her. I just hope she stays the same sweet, loving Anna we know. The Moonborn, Yixin, Chang’e…”

“I know, Uncle. I am too,” Elsa said. “Whatever happens, I promised Anna that we’ll do it together.”

“All of us, Elsa my wonderful Snow Queen niece. All of us!” I added.

“That’s double for me, Mummy!” the little Time Spirit enthusiastically chirped in!

“I know I could count on you all. Good fortune, my friends.” Pabbie said as his image faded out as we waived goodbye.

The chamber was then lit with a brighter ice blue glow. We looked at each other. Elsa picked up Danny. I embraced them both. We stayed like that for what seemed an eternity.

After a good night’s sleep in the warm alcove Elsa made for guests to stay overnight, I woke up first to a clear, cold, crisp arctic morning with a spectacular sunrise! I found a place to sit eith a blanket under me, I took out my rustic pipe, filled with a fine burley, lit up and had a very nice relaxing smoke. Elsa came outside ne t to me and asked, “Contemplating, Uncle?”

“Yes indeed.” I said. All of everything we’ve witnessed and seen here just blows my mind. Ahtohallan is truly an enchanting, beautiful and wonderful place. Think we can return again one day? Maybe when the world is not in trouble?” I said smiling.

“Sure,” Elsa said with a chuckle.” My family is always welcome here.”

“I’m glad you think so Mummy. I love it here!” Danny said as she came out and joined us.

We got back into the sleigh and rode back to the Northuldrans settlement. Lunch, drinks and dessert with Yelena, Ryder and Honeymaren. Selene joined us. “This place is very fascinating,” Selene said. It is very enchanting and the people here are just lovely.”

“I’m very glad you love it here.” Honeymaren said. We were glad to meet you!”

“Come, let’s do dinner. Tell us about your adventures, you three.” Yelena said inviting us to dine with the Northuldrans.

Next morning, Elsa, Selene, Danny and myself packed up the wagon, said goodbyes and departed with Maren joining us to meet with Queen Anna.

Next stop, ARENDELLE!

Michael’s Musings: A Northuldran Autumn Getaway

By Michael, trade minister of Arendelle

We had just wrapped up the Summer Session of meetings with the ministers and PM Viola Mundilfari at the Great Assembly, and I was feeling the burn-out! It was time to get a breath of fresh air and finish up what was waiting for us in our offices.

If you’ve read the small, independent paper, The Arendelle Times as well as our beloved Arendelle Guardian, I had some fires to put out and hired staff to delegate a lot of the business of being trade minister. Our Queen Anna has been quite the busy bee, making new friends with many nations and kingdoms as we extend trade relations abroad. The high point was meeting with the trade minister of Russia, Baron Krüdener, who presented me with the stunning image of a wind driven rail car made by Evan Thomas of Baltimore, Maryland from a place I know well, the United States.

Queen Anna talked about when she had visited her big sister, Elsa the Fifth Spirit, in Northuldra. How all the leaves were just so brilliant and lovely in the Enchanted Forest. So the last weekend Elsa was home, she found me not in my study working or just reading or joining in with Anna and Kristoff, visiting with her. I was not even at my favorite place having a good cigar or pipe! I was just on my couch, passed out tired from all the work I had from the session, plus, the logistics and support for an upcoming mission for Anna. I felt like a worn out dish rag after Gerda, Olina and the kitchen folks finished washing dishes after a big state dinner! So, seeing my door open, Elsa looked in and saw her poor, overworked uncle sacked out and seemingly dead tired to the world.

I felt this cool, refreshing breeze with a bit of light snow on my brow as I stirred up slowly. I saw this slender, gentle hand with fingers, gingerly wiggling over me with snow flakes appearing out of the air. It felt really good as I saw Elsa, leaning over me.

“Uncle,” she said in her gentle voice.

“Oh, hey there, Elsa,” I said as I rose up to an inclined position on the couch arm.

“Anna says you’ve working hard lately.”

“Oh my gosh, yes,” I replied. “Meetings, arranging supplies for our exploration for the Elixir: holy cow, I’ve never been so busy! I’ve hired on some great folks to help in handling the additional duties, it seems like there’s never enough time in the day.”

Elsa said, “You know, we’ve appriciated you when you help us with your advice and wisdom when we have problems, especially when you came back and I was learning how to deal with my powers, anxieties and fears. You mind if I returned the favor with you?”

I replied, “Sure, sweetie. I don’t mind. What’s your suggestion?”

Elsa suggested, “Come with me to Northuldra. You should see how the forest is now that Autumn is here. Maren, Ryder, Yelana, Bruni, everyone would love to see you! Stay with us for a week or two!”

“Sure! Why not?” I exclaimed. “Besides, Vi said she was going back to Keep Mundilfari. Maybe our resident vampiress needed a getaway from here. I could see her just now, soaking up in the warm mineral springs under the Keep with a good libation, just chillin’ like a villain!”

We smiled and laughed.

“Sounds wonderful, then. I’ll tell Queen Anna we’re going,” Elsa said.

“Good,” I said. “I’ll pack and meet you at the door to the fjord.”

Elsa then met with Anna to tell her our plans. Unfortunately, Anna couldn’t join us as she was needed at the castle for ongoing royal business with Kristoff and Lady Kam in China. So, I packed up for the trip and met my nieces at the gates. We mounted Nokk to my wagon, Elsa sat with me, she gave Nokk a look, and off to Northuldra we went!

I wish I had Nokk pulling my freight wagon. Talk about making time! Once Elsa said, “Hold on, Uncle!” ZIP! We were off and flying up the fjord!

We made good time with Nokk pulling us a the way to the stone monoliths as we then slowed to enter the forest. We followed the wagon trail that home minister Maren oversaw in making into the Northuldrans’ settlement village. Maren, Elsa and the earth giants really made it nice!

We arrived in the late afternoon as Nokk came to a stop in the middle of the village. The Northuldrans saw us come in and welcomed us as the Northuldrans’ leader, Yelana and Home Minister Maren emerged from Yelana’s tent. Elsa exited the wagon first then embraced Maren in a hug as Yelana said: “Welcome home, Fifth Spirit.”

“Thank you very much,” Elsa said. “I’ve brought a special visitor,” she noted, gesturing to me as I stepped forward and greeted Maren.

“Ah, welcome back to Northuldra, trade minister. What brings you here so unexpectedly?”

“Thank you very much, Yelena.” I answered. “Just call me Mike or Michael. The ‘Trade Minister’ is still in Arendelle!” I said with a smile and a chuckle. “It’s been so hectic lately, Elsa took pity on her poor old Uncle and suggested a trip here to Northuldra in the fall and unwind.”

“The colors are just exceptional this year, trade minister,” said Ryder. The young, strapping gentleman had come up from the reindeer herd he and the others were handling.

“Just Mike there, Ryder ole’ buddy!” I greeted. We shook hands, smiling.

“I trust you’ll be joining us for dinner tonight?” Yelana asked.

“Looking forward to it.” I said.

But then, a red bolt came right at me. It was Bruni!

“NO, DOWN BRUNI, HEEL HEEL!”

THOOMP! BOOM! Down I went! Mugged by a crazy fire salamander! Slurp, slurp, slurp!

“Ha, ha, ha! I’m glad to see you too, you little flaming turkey!” I boomed in laughter. It was so nice to see him again.

“Okay, okay, Bruni,” Elsa said as everyone laughed. Elsa made Bruni’s favorite snow flakes to draw him over to her hand.

“It wouldn’t be a complete vacation up here without getting mugged by Bruni!” I said in amusement!

Dinner was roasted veggies with some fine Northuldran salmon over an open fire, with fresh hot tea following. Fine eatin’. Then, in the blink of an eye, it was bedtime under the stunning Northuldran moon and stars uncovered by clouds.

Next morning came with a good, rich breakfast of fresh fruits, especially berries. Afterwards Elsa, Honeymaren, Ryder and myself, packed up for a picnic and overnight camp out. Bruni even came along with us! When he wasn’t out ahead of us, he mostly was taking in the snowflake treats from Elsa! He’s such a cutie!

Autumn in Northuldra is magical. Having the Fifth Spirit, my Snow Queen niece Elsa as tour guide, made it all the more special.

I was given a unique gift by the settlement elders: an exquisite wooden cane, carved out of Northuldran oak, to assist me in walking with Elsa and Yelena. It was sturdy and beautiful. It came in handy as we walked along the woods and marvelled at the colors that the forest just burst out in.

Elsa and Gale put a little show on of swirling the leaves as they fell from the trees, making a colorful display of wind and foliage, ablaze in reds, yellows, greens and golds before falling to cover the forest floor.

FROZEN 2 – Visual Development Art by David Womersley – Art Director Environments. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Elsa led our little expedition to a spectacular overlook that showed the entire valley below in a breathtaking scene of color!

We stopped here and enjoyed our picnic lunch with fish, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers for sandwiches, some of the locally made fruit juice and such. “This is just so beautiful and serene,” I said as we sat there, enjoying the day and the gorgeous scenery.

“You’re looking a lot better, Uncle Michael,” Ryder said, and it was true. I was definitely feeling much better.

“I think Elsa got that same smile from you, Mike,” Honeymaren said, sitting next to Elsa.

“It’s not a bright as Elsa’s, believe that,” I said as Elsa shyly grinned!

“I also think that you’re feeling alot better, Uncle. Your cheeks have a healthy flush, and, and there’s a skip in your gait,” Elsa said.

“Just doing as the Snow Doctor said.” I joked.

We packed up and started down the hill and passed by where the Earth Giants were. They recognized Elsa and were very friendly with us. We found the clearing right by where they sleep in the valley’s river, so we made camp for the night.

We sat around the campfire that night, eating a small dinner of leftovers and such I stopped at the candy store for chocolate and marshmallows, then the bakery for a new thing called “graham crackers” before Elsa and I had departed from Arendelle. We made a new treat called “s’mores.” Elsa really had to really watch it with the chocolate! We settled in for some tea. I dug out my pipe for some good aromatic tobacco to relax and enjoy the company by. Maren and Elsa chatted away the evening as Ryder and me listened.

We spent the rest of the evening gazing at the stars on a lovely, clear night. The stars shone so brilliantly. Elsa leaned over to me and asked, “Uncle, do you remember my invitation to come to Ahtohallan? I’d love to take you there and see all of the memories in that river and show you what I saw.”

“I do, and I’m very much looking to go!” I said. “I’m always interested in seeing what you and Anna have going on.”

“Well, maybe the day or so after we can go?” Elsa asked.

“Sounds great! I have my warm clothes with, so, sure!”

Just as we looked up, a beautiful yet angry face was formed by the stars.

“What constellation is that, Elsa?” Ryder asked.

Elsa looked up and was puzzled, then concerned. Honeymaren and myself looked up. I said, “Oh. My. Gosh.” We were all puzzled at what we were seeing.

Next morning brought breakfast and more questions as Gale came in with a message.

Elsa received the message from Gale and thanked her. Elsa opened it. It was from her sister, Queen Anna.

Dear Sis and Uncle,

I hope you guys are having a great tome in Northuldra, hiking and enjoying the fall leaves in The Enchanted Forest. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to come up this weekend to be with all of you.

General Mattias just stated that our advance trekkers near Khara-Khoto in the Gobi Desert have been killed, save one, Babuhai, by a mysterious enemy. Lady Kam is doing all she can while laying low as almost all of her cash was spent to cover all tracks and keep the Qing from executing Babuhai. I’m sending Peony to see what can be done.

“By the Spirits!” exclaimed Honeymaren.

“There’s more.” Elsa said in consternation as she continued.

I have also just learned from Commander Hilde that Viola was not going to Keep Mundilfari in the Jotunheimen Mountains to vacation. Rather, her groundskeepers and stewards who take care of the Keep have been subjected to some very deadly and terrifying attacks by a mysterious force. Just as the Khara-Khoto news came, some of her staff were murdered in ways that are reminiscent of the London murders she investigated. Plus sounds of gutteral howling and laughing in the numerous hallways of the Keep, terrorizing the servants. Vi has gone there to investigate and may have to face this invader of her ancestral home.

We’ve been targeted by the Moonborn and/or supernatural powers intent on targeting us.

I hate to ask you and Uncle to shorten your vacation, please come to Arendelle quickly.

Love, your sis

Anna XO

“We’ve just recovered from Grand Duke Nykras’ assult,” Maren pointed out somberly. “Now this.”

“I know,” I said. “I have a bad feeling, guys, that this may have answered our question about what we saw last night.”

“That with the attacks in the desert and Jotunheimen,” Elsa said. “It may be best to head back to Arendelle Castle quickly to see if Anna needs help. I’m sorry if this ruins our plans.”

“Don’t fret. Matter of fact, you read my mind, Elsa,” I said. “We need to cut this vacation short, the safety of our lands and homes are at risk.”

“I’m sorry to hear this too, Mike,” Ryder said. “Maren and I will come with you.”

“Thanks you two. I think Queen Anna and Prime Minister Viola are going to need all the help they can get.”

Well, it looks like our trip to Ahtohallan has been postponed. We packed my wagon, said our goodbyes to Yelena and the Northuldran folk, and hitched up Nokk for a fast ride back to Arendelle.

I hope my Anna didn’t eind up going over her head and pay grade with this…

Trade Minister Michael

Ghosts of Vengeance: Khara-Khoto

Follow the search for the elixir of life here

The Gobi Desert. Late afternoon

In the scorching region of Khara-Khoto, amidst a town of eerie structures that had been abandoned centuries ago, several shrouded figures were huddled around a campsite, their visors screening their eyes from the inhospitable howling of tempestuous wind.

“Is this the place, Yelu?” shouted one of the trekkers. “We’ve been trying to get here for weeks.”

“Yes. The City of Black Water, called Etzina in the writings of Marco Polo, that Venetian explorer. There are whispers,” cried the other called Yelu, over the screaming wind and holding up his scarf to stop too much sand from flying into his mouth. He paused, mindful not to gasp or panic, or else his mouth would be filled with even more grit. “That this could be the place. The place where a fragment of the elixir of life is located.”

Continue reading “Ghosts of Vengeance: Khara-Khoto”

Our Story So Far: The World of The AG

A small kingdom in the north, watched over by a Diarchy of two queens. With Elsa watching over the world as the Fifth Spirit, and Anna securing her legacy as Arendelle’s greatest queen, a vast world beyond the lands of Arenfjord await them.

This is the story of Anna’s reign after Frozen II, in a world full of allies, foes, and everything in between. Where will you explore next?

Continue reading “Our Story So Far: The World of The AG”

Before Arendelle: The Scattering

Featured image art “Moon Goddess” by hannah.digiart (@HDigiart)

By Arute (@ast05water)

The Forbidden City. Qing China

“Everything is going to plan, master.” Peony stood at attention in the darkness of the imperial hall, the throne before her swathed in incense-choked darkness. “Anna’s strength grows by the month, and Arendelle, step by step, is taking its place among the family of great powers.”

Peony pursed her lips. “Arendelle is a unique country among countries, headed by the Diarchy: the only leaders who are capable of taking on the very Moonborn themselves.”

She took a deep breath. “And, with help from her new Exalted, they’ll take what Chang’e, your mother, denied you. What she denied humanity: a fair shot at immortality.”

There was silence from the seated form a few feet in front of her.

Peony paused. “Master?” she asked, looking up as she heard Yixin shift. His robed body moved slightly, and two smoldering orbs of light that were his eyes gazed balefully down at his adoptive daughter.

Continue reading “Before Arendelle: The Scattering”

From the Ravens: The Global Situation (Inner Asia, Africa, and South America)

TO: GENERAL DESTIN MATTIAS

RE: The global situation, as concerns Her Majesty and the Exalted

General,

Selene Severin’s agents have spread across the planet and begun gathering important intelligence about the elixir of life. Soon, Her Majesty may approach you to mobilize the Borealis Corps or the larger army to act on the intelligence that the Ravens provide. Perhaps the Exalted themselves will choose to act and come to our regions of interest. We have begun identifying these regions based on meticulous collating of local information, rumours, legends, and accounts. We have tapped into local networks, government figures friendly or allied to Arendelle, and, where appropriate, reached out with attractive rewards for the more mercenary-minded.

In our first report, we will relay to you what we know about Queen Anna’s targets of South America (Queen Colisa’s jurisdiction), Africa (Honeymaren’s assignment), and Inner Asia (Peony’s specialty).

Continue reading “From the Ravens: The Global Situation (Inner Asia, Africa, and South America)”

The Protectors of Arendelle, Part One

Featured image art by Inkwhite (@Inkwhite_Mo)

It was a quiet morning at the Grand House that overlooked the hillside of Arendelle. It was an imperious structure, even though it was a significant downsize from Keep Mund in the Jotunheimen Mountains. “Pass the butter, sweetie?” requested Tess Gaunt, sitting at one side of the six-person, mahogany dining table, where Hilde and Vi joined her for breakfast. Vi sat at the head, and she silently passed the silver butter keeper (all the silverware had been transported from Keep Mundilfari to Arendelle) to Tess. The Englishwoman glanced at Hilde, who ate her usual fare – scrambled eggs, a piece of bread, and some fresh fruit – also in silence.

“Are the eggs okay?” asked Tess gingerly. “Do you need some pepper?”

“Hm.” Hilde’s grunt was warm and not curt, but her gold eyes couldn’t mask the fact that she was thinking about something, engrossed in her own thoughts.

Continue reading “The Protectors of Arendelle, Part One”

Editorial: Arendelle must strike an elegant balance amidst the Shogunate’s tension

By The Arendelle Guardian Editorial Board

As Arendelle’s prestige rises, so do its risks. Among them is the danger of accidentally entering into a conflict in which Arendelle has no stake. There are fewer disasters more catastrophic for a queen, than to find herself mired in a dispute that drains her attention, the kingdom’s resources, and the treasury’s coffers with little reward.

Anna began her reign with a strongly anti-colonial bent, with an instinctive sympathy for the oppressed people of the world. This was informed by her relationship to Northuldra, and her long-term objective of eventually unifying the northern region with Arendelle proper. It was easy to signal one’s anti-imperial philosophy when Arendelle was just one small kingdom among many, despite its already burgeoning geopolitical importance.

As readers of this newspaper know, things are quite different now.

Continue reading “Editorial: Arendelle must strike an elegant balance amidst the Shogunate’s tension”

The Meeting of the Mischievous

Featured image art “Queen of the realm” by hannah.digiart (@HDigiart)

By Skyink

The river waters, roaring, roaring east, wash away the legends bygone.
Success and defeat, and right and wrong, become empty at the turn of a head.
The green mountains still are, under so many crimson evening suns.

The white-haired angler and woodcutter are used to watching the autumn moon and spring wind.
On an isle in the river, they meet happily, over a pot of cloudy alcohol.
So many things past and present, enter the flow of mirthful conversation.*

There comes a hooded one, a rod within his hand,

Under the chariot sun, upon a reeded bank,

Whereby a river runs, east through a foreign land.

There sits upon a rock, waving a tattered fan,

Hair frazzled and frame gaunt, wearing a broken hat,

Chirping a cheery song, an old dishevelled man.

The old one hears the foot, the old one sees the hood.

Continue reading “The Meeting of the Mischievous”

Michael’s Musings: Information on Japan and the Fujiwara Clan

FROM: Michael, Trade Minister of Arendelle and loving Uncle to you and your sister, Queen Emerita Elsa, the Fifth Spirit and Snow Queen
TO: Her Majesty and beloved niece Anna
SUBJECT: Brief historical background of Japan and the Fujiwara

On the heels of General Mattias’s cautionary note to you, I did some research for a brief history on Japan and most notably, the Fujiwara Clan.

First, I want to be on record in thanking our newest friend, Selene Severin. Her assistance in gathering the information on file in our library or through the Ravens and others in her network on the ground near or in this mysterious country, has proven invaluable for this report.

Japan has been in existence for tens of thousands of years. “Japan” come from the two Chinese words “Jee-Pan” which means “Land Of The Rising Sun,” since it is a series of volcanic islands that lie east of mainland China.

Continue reading “Michael’s Musings: Information on Japan and the Fujiwara Clan”