Bolting up onto their feet, they rushed through the trees and toward the cliff that overlooked the gorge. As the mist disappeared, the awaiting water started to spill over and down the steeper cliffside toward the fjord. The large current of water slammed into the cliffsides as it forced its way around the faded parts of the mist. Nathan looked to Mark, shouting out to him over the noise. "Can you stop it?!" Mark closed his eyes and raised his hand like he was feeling out the water. After a brief time, he shook his head and told him in a panic. "I can't. Even if I divert the water to the ocean, the water level is going to rise and slam into Arendelle anyway. I can't stop it..." They locked eyes for a moment, before Nathan dashed off back through the woods, yelling out. "NO! WE HAVE TO STOP IT!" Running through the woods, Nathan reached Aputsiaq who was laying completely still but her eyes were half open. She looked utterly spent. Placing his hands on her nose, he panted as he fueled as much of his power into her as he could. He didn't have a lot, but he hoped it was enough to get her up. As his power was absorbed into her, her half-melted body began to fix itself.

Solidifying into frosted ice before flaking away to flawless ice. Lifting her head, she stretched and shivered off her fatigue. Not wasting time, he climbed up onto her neck to grab the harness on her, yelling out. "To the fjord! We have to seal off the fjord! Hurry!" Aputsiaq helped him up, then leapt into flight over the trees. Below as they passed over him, Mark yelled out. "NATHAN! DON'T!" Soaring out into the fjord as the last of the mist was dissipating, Nathan braced himself as he screamed out. "FREEZE IT!" Aputsiaq took a deep breath, then blasted the wall of water as it began to spew forth over the cliff. Aputsiaq's breath of powerful ice burst forth, but as it hit the water, it crumbled into pieces as more water rushed over the wall or slammed into the ice to knock it down. The massive blocks of ice chipping at the cliffside as they crashed down into the fjord. Cursing, Nathan glanced back to see that the water could be diverted out to sea if they could seal off the entrance into the fjord. Yelling out to Aputsiaq to seal off the fjord, she whirled around and quickly started forming a massive ice wall between the cliffs of the fjord. The water behind them thundered down the cliffs in an untamable waterfall of fury.

The water slammed into the sides of the cliffs, braking thick rock as it crashed into the water below, building out toward the ice wall as more water rolled out faster. Aputsiaq pulled up over the icy water mere seconds before the tidal wave of water reached the ice wall. Hovering over it, Nathan gasped at just how high and frightening the water level was. Aputsiaq could easily submerge herself in it, it was that deep. The water churned with dirt, rocks, trees and bits of ice as it charged to the ice wall at full force. The water slammed into the ice wall so hard that the wall cracked and spewed water fiercely into the fjord. Aputsiaq hovered over to try and seal up the crack, until an eagle flew at her and scratched at her face as it screeched out. "STOP! FLEE!" Nathan gasped out in shock. "MARK?!" The eagle glanced at the ice wall in a sudden panic, seconds before the next wave of rushing water slammed into the wall and shattered it into pieces! Aputsiaq yelped as chucks of her own ice were blasted at her face and chest, causing her to falter in the air. Dropping low enough that the surging water got ahold of her hind legs and threatened to pull her into the rolling waved of raging water. The water sloshed over Aputsiaq's neck, making her incredibly slippery and despite his best efforts, Nathan lost his grip on her harness and fell into the wild waves.

Mark let out a loud screech, diving in after Nathan and quickly changing form into Aalto. Cutting through the waves in his agile shark body, Mark found Nathan struggling in a current and rushed in to grab him. Biting Nathan's leg, Mark moved with the waves, but rushed to the surface. Nathan winced at his sharp teeth but clung to his dorsal fin as they breached the surface. Taking deep breaths of air. The waves slammed up alongside a cliffside as a sharp turn tunneled the water, prompting Mark to rush up the side with it and launch out of the water to land on the top of the cliffside. Changing in the air, Mark landed expertly on his feet with Nathan in his arms. Aputsiaq used the wall to spring out of the water herself and onto the other cliffside. She looked both spooked and tired. Nathan hugged Mark's neck, watching in horror as the water went on a straight course now toward Arendelle. The water level high enough that the lowlands were completely obliterated as the water rushed over them. The trees of the forest were submerged in seconds and ripped up from the force of the water. The fjord water started to rise enough that ships docked by the castle were swaying threateningly close to each other as they rose above the docks they were tethered to.

Mark held him tightly as the tidal wave of water plunged onward. The waves were higher than Arendelle's highest tower and before the high waves even reached the castle, the courtyard started to flood as the water continued to rise. Ships broke from the docks and either turned over in the low waves or slammed into other ships as the waves shoved them toward the castle walls. Nathan couldn't breathe and he couldn't look away as the high wave reached Arendelle. Slamming into the castle with so much force that the castle crumbled apart without resistance. Tears ran down his face and he pulled himself from Mark to move closer. Sinking to his knees in the wet grass, Nathan hugged himself. Everything he knew was gone. His home was gone. The water washed over the town, destroying homes and washing away any trace that Arendelle had ever been. The water continued passed Arendelle, bursting out of the fjord toward the open ocean and then just seemed to vanish into the deeper depths. Leaving only the higher water line in the fjord. Arendelle couldn't be rebuilt in the same place because it was entirely underwater now.

Dropping his head into his hands, Nathan cried. It was all gone, and it was all his fault. Mark inched up behind him, sinking to his knees to wrap his arms around Nathan's shaking shoulders. Turning into Mark, Nathan buried his face against his neck to hide how upset he was. Holding him tight in his warm loving arms, Mark cooed out to him in a deep soothing voice. "This wasn't your fault, Nate. It was going to happen. You did all that you could. You saved lives." Nathan sniffled, his fingers clawing into Mark's shirt, when he strained out. "Mark... I'm scared. I've lost everything... I... I don't know what to do... What do I tell them? How do I...? Where do we go...?" Mark's hand brushed over his cheek, before stroking his hair away from his ear to whisper to him so strong and beautifully. "You haven't lost everything. You still have me. You still have the people of Arendelle." Kissing his temple, Mark cuddled him and sweetly added. "We'll move forward. We'll rebuild Arendelle and grow stronger." Sniffling, Nathan wrapped his arms around him to hug him with what little strength he had left in him. Mark rubbed his cheek against his, a small smile on his face. As the sun rose higher into the sky, Nathan couldn't help feeling like a weight had been lifted. The sun was dawning on a new day. It wasn't the end. Just a new beginning.

Sitting up from Mark's embrace, he took a deep breath of the fresh air and exhaled all his heavy sorrows. He had lost a lot, but he was still alive and so were his people. Putting his forehead to Mark's for some needed emotional strength, he whispered back to him a bit shakily. "What will you do now?" Mark locked eyes with him through their mixed bangs, telling him with a warm smile. "I'm going to stick around and help you. Unless you're tired of me..." Nathan huffed a light chuckle, cupping Mark's face as he told him in a loving voice. "Never. I need you now more than ever." Lifting his chin with a finger, Mark pressed his lips to his in a tender kiss that held so much emotion that one last tear ran down Nate's cheek. Breaking the kiss, Mark got to his feet and extended a hand out to him. Looking up at him, Nathan inhaled softly. Mark looked like a vision with the bright sun at his back, his cheeks adorned with the symbols of the spirits. He could almost see Mark in the reindeer skin cloak with a hood crowned with a set of antlers, his hand offering warmth and strength. He was a vision of home. Mark's voice pulled at his heartstrings when he asked him hopefully. "Let's go home, Nate."

Nathan took his hand, letting him pull him up to his feet. Mark's fingers intertwined with his and he started to walk away until Nathan pulled him to stop. Mark turned with a worried look, but Nathan stepped up against his chest. Resting his head on Mark's shoulder, his fingers tightened to hold Mark's hand to reassure him. He didn't know why but he needed this moment with him. Part of him was overwhelmed and needed to be held. Mark pressed his cheek to his and Nathan exhaled slowly. His soul suddenly felt so at peace. The longer he stood against him, the more he realized that the part of him that was Isak... was finally at peace. After so long, they could be together. Fresh tears ran down Nathan's cheeks, but they didn't feel like his. They were full of so much joy and longing that he just couldn't explain why he felt them so strongly. Mark didn't ask, he just brushed his tears away with his thumb and whispered to him. "This time... I'll go with you. I'll protect you as fiercely as you protect me." Nathan snuggled Mark, whispering to him in a blissful voice. "Mark... look at me." Leaning back, Nathan fearlessly met Mark's eyes. Looking beyond the reflection of himself and farther into the color of Mark's eyes to his soul.

Taking a deep slow breath, Nathan's lips curled into a smile. He could see how much he loved him. A love that transcended time. He could see him flying in the sky as an eagle with Isak in dragon form over the ocean surrounding Ahtohallan. He could see Mark watching him dream in the ice castle, watching the snowy figures of them dancing with a smile. He could see and almost feel how Mark felt about him with every kiss and touch of his hand. Mark's soul was an open book of a boundless sky and nurturing warmth. Pulling back, Nathan swallowed as he forced the power to stop in order to just stare into his soft golden flaked brown eyes. It wore him out a bit, but he hoped with practice that he'd get better. Cupping his face, Mark purred over his lips. "Don't push yourself too hard. I can't have you pass out just yet. We've still got a lot to do." Nathan nodded but swayed as his exhaustion came in waves. Turning into a dragon had really drained him and whatever adrenaline he had was fading away. Pulling him close, Mark whistled for Aputsiaq to come over, before telling him calmly. "Let's go back to Misthaven. I need to see Yelena. It's time to unite our kingdoms. Don't you think?" Nathan nodded sleepily, causing Mark to chuckle and lift him up into his arms.

Nathan closed his eyes for what felt like a moment, but when he opened them, he was riding on Aputsiaq with Mark. Staying huddled into his warmth, Nathan dozed off and eventually heard Mark telling someone nicely. "He's alright. Let him rest. It was a long night." Nate could hear the creaking of wagons and bellowing of reindeer, before Yelena asked from nearby. "I'm sure you need some rest too. As I recall, the last time Jara shot you with mistletoe, you were laid up for months in pain." Mark hummed softly, then told her openly. "I remember, but Jara had a lot more power then. As powerful as he was this time... He didn't have the power of ice behind it to make the numbing effect between me and my spirits stronger. Although, he didn't need too... Without Sten, I couldn't overcome the effect if I wanted too. Jara had me right where he wanted me. But once again... he couldn't overpower him. He saved me." Yelena chuckled, interjecting lightly. "Nathan is stronger than Isak was. If his isolation is as you say... he has a lot of pain hidden inside. No wonder his power was bursting at the seams. To have that many emotional scars... Ice feeds on those negative emotions to grow. It's a shame you didn't get to see his dragon form. It's quite a dark beauty to behold."

Mark's hand brushed hair off Nathan's sleeping face, upon replying coolly. "I'm just glad that he's ok. I'd rather see it when he has better control over it. Then I can teach him how to fly. He'll love that." Seeing Nathan's lip curl into a sleepy smile, Mark grinned. He was listening. Yelena steered her reindeer closer to the cart, telling Mark a little nervously now. "What do you plan to do with Mattias and the other soldiers?" Mark leaned out a bit to see the other wagon with the soldiers tied up, all looking both confused and worried. Leaning back against the side of the wagon, Mark rubbed his sore shoulder, telling her honestly. "It's not for me to judge. They aren't my people. They are his. I'll let him decide." Yelena gave him a soft motherly look, before telling him. "I hope you do speak for them. Yes, they tried to kill him and... us. But be mindful that they have been imprisoned in time for... a long time. Give them a chance to catch up with the world." Mark gave her a simple nod but made no promises. As they made their way to the border of Misthaven, Yelena asked him nervously. "Are you sure that Arendelle will be welcoming to us? It's not that I don't trust you... but I'm just concerned. They have no reason to trust us."

Mark reassured her by saying confidently. "It will be a change... but right now. Arendelle could use a friend and we are neighbors. We have to put the past behind us and at least try to heal old wounds." Yelena nodded, then trotted out to the front as they rode out of the forest for the first time in years. All the Northuldrans slowed to a stop to take in the open plain and vast blue sky. Even the soldiers looked up with watery eyes. Misthaven was free. They were finally set free. Mark rubbed his arm, his transformations had strained old muscles, leaving him too sore to ride or walk. Popping his neck, he smiled when he saw Nathan slowly sit up. Yawning, Nathan groaned out. "Why didn't you wake me?" Shrugging, Mark told him innocently. "It will be a long ride anyway. I wanted you to rest before confronting your people." Resting his shoulders on the wagon wall, Nathan groaned out gruffly. "Still... We should be talking about what we are going to tell them. Maybe I should fly out on Aputsiaq to speak with them and then come back to tell you if it is safe." Mark shook his head, leaning forward on his crossed legs to tell him lovingly. "No. I have a different plan... if you are... interested."

Nathan raised an eyebrow, asking a little confused. "What do you mean?" Mark took ahold of Nathan's hand, turning it palm up. Putting a small lump of sunstone and a stick of wood in the center of Nathan's palm, Mark closed his eyes for a moment and covered his palm with his hand. Nathan felt the little lump and stick move, becoming warm to the touch, before Mark opened his eyes and lifted his hand off Nathan's. As Nathan looked at his palm, he gasped a little. The items had been transformed into a beautiful wooden ring that had sunstone formed around the center of the band. The ring was smooth to the touch and so unique. He'd seen hundreds of rings made of metal, but this felt so... special. Closing Nathan's fingers around the warm ring, Mark cupped his hand and told him as he stared into his eyes a bit nervously. "Nathan... There is so much that I want to say to express what you mean to me... but I can't find the right words. I missed my chance the first time and spent what felt like eternity without you. I was heartbroken and scared of everyone. I didn't live up to the man you wanted me to be... This time, I can only hope that I will. Though I know in my heart that you deserve better. Because you're a king and I'm... a man of the woods. But I promise you that no one will love you as fiercely as I do."

Bringing Nathan's closed hand up to his lips, Mark kissed his hand and told him without looking at him now. "Nathan, will you marry me?" Sitting up straighter, Nathan reached out with his free hand to lift Mark's chin. Looking into Mark's timid earthy eyes, he leaned in to whisper over his warm lips with a little smile. "Yes. I will." Mark's eyes teared up a little, before his gentle hands cupped Nathan's chilled jaw and pulled him into a long passionate kiss. To Be Continued...