Nathan dropped to sit on his ass, mumbling out to himself. "What have I done now..." Grand Pabbie hugged his little stick cane to his chest, leaning closer to him as he asked in a light curious voice. "What did you do? Even if they felt your power last year... They didn't stir like this. You must have done something recently?" Nathan tried to think of where to even begin explaining, until Mark slipped in softly. "The voice...? Nate, what did the voice tell you?" Grand Pabbie's long ears perked up, his long tail arching behind him when he blurted out. "A voice? He's been hearing a voice. Since when?" Nathan took a deep breath, informing Grand Pabbie slowly. "It started a little after Mark left last year and has been steadily growing louder. Earlier tonight... I heard it again. Loud and clear. I couldn't block it out. And then I saw... a woman. She was like a ghost but... different. I can't explain it. I call her a Siren because she always sings to me. She doesn't speak." Grand Pabbie slowly moved away, his expression lost in thought when he asked over his little shoulder. "This woman... This siren you saw... What did she look like?"

Nathan took a moment to recall, then gave him a description of her right down to her pointed ears. Grand Pabbie suddenly turned his attention to the horizon in the direction of the Dark Sea, his body shifting from tense to calm. Mark put a hand on Nathan's shoulder, asking nervously. "Grand Pabbie? What is it?" Turning around with teary eyes, Grand Pabbie told them in a gentle voice. "It's Aurora Borealis." Nathan gave Grand Pabbie a blank look, while Mark said softly. "The Northern Lights? I know they lead the lost, but I've never heard them sing." Grand Pabbie smirked, exhaling a little before regaling in a sweet voice. "They aren't just lights in the sky. I've never seen any of her physical forms myself. Very few creatures on this earth have. She's a goddess of the lost. She nurtures and guides those looking for answers with her soothing lights. My own mother told me that the Northuldrans called her 'Mother.' It's rarely happened, but I've heard stories of her 'calling' to those that haven't found themselves, or possibly haven't become who they were supposed to be. So, she calls them home." Mark shrugged, asking Grand Pabbie carefully. "What does she have to do with the angry Elements? With Arendelle? Or with Nate?"

Grand Pabbie raised a hand to calm him, then told them both softly. "I don't know. But if she is reaching out to Nathan. Then she knows something. Nate? When you saw her. What was she doing?" Nathan cleared his throat and told him where she had led him and what she had showed him with his own power. As he finished up, he added with a shrug. "I don't understand what my ancestor Isak has to do with all this. Or how I woke the spirits. I just... when I touched the image... I felt them through my fingers. Then... the castle just started shaking and going crazy." Grand Pabbie rubbed his chin with his fingers as he mumbled different parts of what Nathan had told him. After a minute, he lowered his hand and told them cautiously. "Strange. Very strange. She seemed to be trying to tell you about the spirits... Warning you that they are seeking you out, maybe? This type of magic is beyond me... The only way for you to know what she's trying to tell you is to go to her." Mark huffed, stating out uneasily. "Go where exactly? Can't she just show up again and tell him?" Grand Pabbie shook his head, replying swiftly. "I'm afraid she cannot. The stories say that in the night she is the Northern Lights. Limited to communicating by song or shimmers of light. She can only truly take physical form and communicate where the lights touch the earth. Where the lights go to hide during the daylight hours. Ahtohallan."

Lifting his head, Nathan asked him curiously. "How do I get there?" Grand Pabbie glanced at the Dark Sea, before telling him firmly. "Traveling by sea will be too dangerous. Ahtohallan is protected by the most shipbreaking waves in the world... It will never let you get close. The only way to get close to Ahtohallan is to travel up through Misthaven to the black shore. From there... you'll have to find a way to cross the ocean to Ahtohallan." Mark bit his lip, asking curiously. "How did Stig do it?" Grand Pabbie lowered his gaze to the ground, answering grimly. "Stig took an old Troll tunnel through the mountains to the black shore. Then used his extensive knowledge of Ahtohallan's waters and his Troll magic to sneak across. I'm afraid that strategy will not help you. You're too big for the tunnels and our abilities to sneak around are only able to extend to ourselves. There is nothing we can do to hide you from the waters surrounding Ahtohallan." Mark exhaled loudly, stating out. "Then there is no other way to get there then, and that's by water. Otherwise, the mist around the Enchanted Forest will just send us packing back home. No one has ever been able to go inside."

Grand Pabbie nodded, but his eyes drifted to Nathan as he said almost reluctantly. "I have enough reason to believe that the mist will part to let HIM inside." Nathan perked his head up, glancing from Mark to Grand Pabbie when he asked a bit startled. "Me? Why?" Grand Pabbie shuffled on his feet a bit, before telling him honestly. "Well... For one, she is calling to you. Which has me thinking that she has planned for you to venture through there. In theory. Second, these angry spirits appeared to be trying to chase you out of the castle and away from the fjord. Which makes me think that they either want to speak with you or... harm you. Either way, they might part the mist to let you inside. Again, in theory. And third, the Enchanted Forest has always been a sanctuary for those with magic. Even if it denies me and my kind... and your average human... your power might be strong enough to get you through the mist on your own." Mark shifted uncomfortably on his feet now, stating under his breath. "I don't know about this. There is a lot of speculation involved." Grand Pabbie nodded solemnly, innocently shrugging his tiny shoulders when he said reluctantly truthful in a soft voice. "Yes. However... I don't see any other option."

Mark turned away and paced a little, while Nate told Mark gently. "I think Grand Pabbie has a point. If we try to go back to Arendelle... who knows what we'll provoke them to do next. They are already angry... I don't think we should make it worse. We already evacuated. The people will be safe here for a time. We should just go see what's going on. Maybe my blizzard did something to the forest..." Mark stopped pacing, crossing his arms before retorting seriously. "Fine. But you're not going alone. I'm coming with you." Nathan smirked, teasing back lightly. "As if that was even an option." Mark smirked in return, turning away as a light blush formed on his cheeks. Grand Pabbie looked concerned though as he slipped in. "It will be dangerous... for both of you. As much as I don't want you to go... I only ask that you be careful. Prepare for anything to happen." Nathan nodded, slowly climbing to his feet as he told Grand Pabbie nicely. "I'm going to get us set up to leave at once. Please look after my people until I return. If you have any questions, my King's Regent can assist you. Just please make sure that they stay out of the kingdom for their own safety. A castle can be rebuilt... lives are not so easily replaced."

Grand Pabbie bowed to him, answering respectfully. "Of course, your highness. I will do all that I can to help your people." Nathan bowed back to him in return, telling him warmly. "I'll make this up to you and your people, I promise. I don't ask this favor lightly." Grand Pabbie gave him a nice smile in return, then as Nathan turned to leave with Mark, Grand Pabbie raised a hand and called out hopefully. "Oh, Mark? A word alone?" Nathan slowed to a stop, but Mark gave Nate a smile and said sweetly. "Go on ahead. I'll be right behind you." Nathan patted Mark's arm, then slipped away. Leaving Mark alone with Grand Pabbie. Grand Pabbie beckoned Mark down to his level, before whispering to him. "Mark, I'm worried about him. I have always feared that Nathan's powers were too much for this world. It's impossible to determine what his limits are... I know that his powers are strongly linked to the river that runs deep within Ahtohallan. That's why she is reaching out to him. She can feel apart of herself inside him. I can sense how unstable that magic is within him. His powers are continuing to grow... and I believe the Elements can sense it... Mark... I think Nathan may be the reason that Arendelle falls."

Mark glanced over his shoulder to make sure Nathan wasn't around, before asking in a curious whisper. "I see. Tell me. What do you know about Prince Isak? Did you preform the ritual that killed him?" Grand Pabbie shuffled from foot to foot, before whispering out guiltily. "I was... and I'm ashamed of it. I was young and curious in my youth. Before the mist overtook the Enchanted Forest. I had a dream of it and sought him out. Witnessing firsthand how he was blessed by Aurora Borealis, when she appeared as a rainbow in the sky over his fields. Dropping a single drop of gold onto his head. I was an arrogant fool to try and remove it in order to claim the blessing of magic for myself. It's why I... Why I can't blame Stig for all that he has done, because I've done something similar. I know what he thought that he could do with it. It puzzles me why she took him to see the journal of Isak's wife. I didn't know Isak well enough to understand the reasons behind his blessing..." Mark bit his tongue lightly within his mouth as he thought over what Nathan had mentioned to them about it. Straightening up, he sighed out with a shrug. "Maybe it's the wrong that needs to be righted? But I don't see how... Prince Isak has been dead a long time now. How do you make something right for someone who's dead?"

Grand Pabbie shrugged, then put a tiny hand on Mark's leg, telling him in the voice of a worried father. "I don't know. But please be careful. If you seek your answers in the Ahtohallan River, know that it is a tempting thing to gaze upon. Should you lay eyes upon it... don't look too deeply for all the answers you wish you know. Or you'll drown within yourself. I fear what the river will do to Nathan should he be left to drown in his deep well of questions... So, keep a close eye on him." Mark put a hand on Grand Pabbie's side, telling him confidently. "I won't let anything happen to him." Getting to his feet, he headed off to see Nathan loading the last of the supplies into a wagon that was hooked up to Donner. Aputsiaq was curled up on a bundle of blankets, snoring away as her little tail and wings twitched. Moving up to him, he overheard Nathan tell the King's Regent. "I'll only be gone a few weeks. Call it a diplomatic mission." The King's Regent dropped a set of water jugs into the wagon, retorting firmly. "I understand that. However, I'm inclined to think that you should take a few of your royal guards with you, Highness. Just in case things go poorly." Nathan kept himself composed when he told him. "No. They are needed here more. To protect my people. I have my powers. I'll be fine. Plus, I have the King of the Trolls with me. He'll sneak me in and out if I run into any trouble."

The King's Regent looked doubtful but huffed out unwillingly. "Very well. I'm sure your people will be grateful to have the protection and renowned hunters staying here." Nathan patted the Regent's shoulder and thanked him before hopping into the wagon. Moving up beside it to climb in, Mark quickly snatched the reins from Nathan and rushed out. "Whoa! Not a chance. I'm driving." Nathan glared at him, but Mark flicked the reins to get Donner moving. While Donner trotted quickly down the mountain, Nathan leaned back and grumbled out. "I can drive." Mark smirked, telling him sweetly. "I never said that you couldn't. He's my reindeer. I'm driving." Nathan rolled his eyes, then asked with soft curiosity. "What did Grand Pabbie say to you?" Mark kept his eyes on the road, telling him calmly. "He just wanted me to be careful and look out for you... because if I lose you... Then I'm just going to end up living back home and he certainly doesn't want that." Nathan chuckled, shoving Mark playfully. Scooting closer, Nathan snuggled against him and sleepily yawned out. "How long will it take to get there?" Draping an arm over his shoulder, he answered causally. "Two days."

Nathan peeked up at him, asking suspiciously. "You're going to drive for two whole days?" Breaking out into a grin, Mark honestly informed him. "No. We'll take turns. Get some rest. I'll wake you when we reach Oaken Outpost. Donner will take a rest and we'll eat. Then you can drive, and I'll sleep." Closing his eyes, Nathan mumbled out. "Ok. I'll try to sleep." By the time they reached Oaken's Outpost the dawn had come and was fading away. Leaving the landscape and sky in shades of blues and soft pinks. While Donner rested in the stable, Mark and Nathan ate a late dinner and bought a few snacks from Oaken before continuing on their way. Mark slept in the back of the wagon under his blanket with his head on Nathan's blanket bundle. Nathan was nervous to be driving, but Donner was smart enough to know what to avoid and the road was pretty well laid out, making it easy to follow as they just kept going North. As the road moved along a field that had an amazing view of the North Mountain, Nathan chuckled. He could see his ice castle set along the North Mountain's peak. It was so strikingly beautiful. Practically glowing amongst the snowy mountains. He hoped that he'd get to go back there again.

When the sun completely vanished and left only the starry night sky, Nathan took it all in with a relaxed smile. He missed being out of the castle and just taking the time to gaze at the stars. They were so bright and beautiful. Upon turning to take a dark mountain path, Nathan pulled Donner to a stop and tried to light the lanterns that hung off the front sides of the wagon. Even if Donner didn't need the light, he wanted it. Striking the match, he tried to light the wick, but the wind coming around the mountain snuffed it out. He tried again, using his hand to block the wind, only to have the flame flicker and burn his palm. Resulting in him blowing it out as a reflex. Groaning, Nathan picked up another match and heard the sound of Mark's light chuckle. Looking into the back, Nathan grumbled out embarrassed. "Don't laugh..." Sitting up, Mark climbed up into the front, saying just a little teasingly. "I'm not laughing at you. Just the irony that a snow wielder can't use fire to even light a lantern." Nathan pouted, mumbling out. "It's the wind..." Mark unhooked the lantern, setting it on the dash and striking the match closer to the little open glass door.

Lighting the first lantern, he quickly shut and locked the glass door before hanging it back up. Just as he was reaching for the other lantern across Nathan, he stopped and purred out to Nathan's pouting face. "I still love you, baby. I just thought it was cute. That's all." Letting Mark steal a quick kiss for him, Nathan pouted out as he took the other lantern. "I'm not useless... I can do things." Mark smirked, answering promptly. "Of course, you can. I just have more experience being outside. That's all. Here." Handing Nathan the lantern, he told him sweetly. "The wind is coming toward us. So, position the lantern like I did. Use the lantern to block the wind. Strike and light." Leaning forward, Nathan did as he instructed, then quickly lit the wick inside. Shutting and locking the lantern, Nathan chuckled out. "HA! I did it!" Hanging the lantern up, Nathan then blushed a bright red and mumbled out to him. "Thank you, Mark." Mark laid an arm across the backrest, cooing out lovingly to him. "You're welcome." Scooting up against his side, Nathan flicked the reins to get Donner moving again, before asking shyly. "You want the reins now?" Mark shook his head, telling him confidently. "No. You got it. Just keep him steady."

Mark reached back to pet Aputsiaq, who purred and stayed curled up on the supply bags. To break up the steady pattering of Donner's hooves and the creaking wagon, Nathan shyly asked Mark. "So... Now that we're alone... I want to ask you something." Mark hummed as his response, his lips drawing closer to nuzzle his neck. Nathan giggled a little, easing him back to ask seriously. "Mark... Are we... dating?" Mark raised an eyebrow, asking in a light playful reply. "Shouldn't you have asked me that... before we slept together?" Bracing his feet up on the dash, Nathan timidly uttered out without looking at him. "Yes... But I was thinking about Isak's wife, and it got me thinking about something." Mark's hand moved from Aputsiaq to rub Nathan's shoulders, upon coaxing gently. "About what?" Exhaling slowly, Nathan forced himself to just blurt out still without looking at him. "Well... if you plan to... marry someone... someday. And whether you'd... forget all about me." Leaning closer to his ear, Mark whispered to him in a deep comforting voice. "I could never forget about you. As for marriage... I don't want to rush into anything just yet. I'm more worried about you marrying someone else and forgetting me. After all... You're a King with a nice castle. While I'm... playing in the woods."

Nathan smirked, then broke out into giggles. Mark joined him in a little laugh, before gently turning his head and sharing a passionate kiss with him. To Be Continued...