As dawn cracks for a new day, Henrik had a routine. He would wake up before sunrise, wash up, go to the shed, warm up the furnace, sharpen the nails, the axes, the swages, and the chisel, and then after, he would eat breakfast. It became his everyday thing, and he was satisfied with it. But every now and then, he would become restless. To end his restlessness, he would go to the back and use his swords to practice on and he would sometimes use hay for a target. He didn't want to become rusted like the last time, so he continued his training at the back and sometimes in the forest on his day offs.

Unknown to him, Russel was always watching him. The older man was completely amazed while watching the younger man has his way with his swords. Russel could admit that he was beyond curious on whom the man really was, but from his personality and kind-hearted manner, Russel knew that even from the scars on Henrik's body and his way with different types of weaponry, he knows that the young man was not wicked in any way.

One day, Ford came by the shed, and asked for Henrik from Russel. The man went to the back and called Henrik as he was cutting lumber. Henrik went inside and saw Ford with his sword and armor. The man greeted the captain, as Russel went to the back to continue the lumber.

"Captain Ford," he said, as he gestured for him to come inside the shed. It had an open space at the side, where the customers could see the products and the way it would be made or repaired.

"Good morning, Henrik." He greeted casually. "Call me Ford. I would like to be friends with a skillful man such as yourself."

"I'd be honored." Henrik leaned at the table. "How can I be of service?"

"I would like my sword sharpened and it seems that my armor was chipped somehow in training." He said as he showed Henrik.

"Rough training," he commented as he analyzed the scratch on the armor. "I'd have this fix before lunch, sounds good?"

"Yes, I actually assumed that I would have it in the afternoon." Henrik chuckled as he prepared the tools. "Mind if I stick around and have a conversation?"

"You can take a seat there, away from the furnace for safety." He said, before putting his apron on.

As Henrik worked, Ford couldn't help but notice the scar on the back of Henrik's neck, when he walked around the table and as he works on the sword on the anvil with his hammer. "Pardon my curiosity, but where did you get that kind of scar behind your neck?"

Henrik looked up to him and decided on whether or not he would tell the man, but Henrik figured that Ford would be able to understand. "Battle scars," he simply said, before striking his hammer.

"Which battle?"

Henrik hammered the sword causing a spark. "For survival," he struck again, as he remembered a few of the battles he was in from the years he was travelling. "In my first years of travels, I washed up on the lands in war. Even if I did not mean to, they made me choose a side to fight for." He struck again. "But since in my belief, war is not the answer, it would go unnoticed, for they only have one thing in mind." He turned the sword around and struck its other side. "And then from the next few years after that, bandits and robbers would always seek the opportunity to rob you when you are alone on the road." He struck a last blow. "So what am I to do, but fight for my own safety, would I not?" he looked up to Ford, who was listening intently on his tale. "Would they have me wrong if I did not know how to fight?" Ford nodded in understanding. "My father trained me to fight for something." Henrik straightened up himself. "And that is to fight for your home." He continued to fix the sword before dipping it in water, causing steam to erupt.

"With a cause like that, you are made to be a soldier." Ford remarked, as Henrik faced him. "Would you like to be part of Arendelle's Guards?"

Henrik lets out an amused breath as he had heard that request before. "The Queen herself offered me that choice a fortnight ago, but I refused."

"Why?"

"Because even if I do admit that serving and protecting this wonderful land has it's significant in me, I love what I'm doing right now. I am not one to be joyous with attention, because I would not know how to handle it." He gently placed the sword on the table and grabbed the armor. He placed it on the anvil and got his chisel and hammer out.

"But if you change your mind, you can come to the castle and look for me. I would still welcome you for the job you over-qualify to." Henrik couldn't help but chuckle a bit before pounding the armor.

Little did they know Russel overheard the conversation and he was equally disappointed with Henrik's decision; he knew that Henrik could do Arendelle good from his widespread knowledge in combat. When Ford left that noon, Henrik came back outside, to see that Russel already finished cutting the lumber, so Henrik decided that since they don't have much work that they, he would just continue his training.

He spent the whole afternoon training with his swords, making up new moves and techniques for a swift footwork in the field. Russel, after finishing his chores that day, came to the back and watched for a moment on how Henrik was noticeably comfortable in how he was in his movement. Henrik had his last whip and turned around to finally see Russel watching him. He stood straight up, and sheathed his swords on his back.

Russel walked out on the field and took a seat to rest on one of the large trunk that has not been cut yet to lumber. "It's a waste, you see." He said.

"What is?" Henrik removed the straps of the sword from his back, and walked over to Russel.

"You, laddie," he said, confusing the young man, as he sat down at the other end of the trunk. Russel faced him with a serious look. "Henrik, I have watched you with your swords, and it has proven something. You are not only good at crafting, but you are also good in using what you have created. You are an impeccable Blacksmith, I can boldly admit to that, but what I can honestly declare is that you are one hell of a fighter as well. I may not have seen you in combat, but I see potential that you are what Arendelle needs to strengthen their security."

"I think that's been brashly proclaimed, Russel. I can fight, yes, I can admit to that, but I am not enough." He said, "I have not seen Arendelle in battle, and god forbid, I hope I never have to. But from being a lowly Blacksmith to an Arendelle soldier, I think that would be impossible."

"It is not, young lad. Being a Blacksmith and becoming King; that is impossible. Your self-confidence is undoubtedly low, Henrik." Russel sighed. "You mentioned that your father trained you, my apologies, but I overheard you earlier." Henrik gave a nod, accepting the apology. "So, wouldn't that training be a waste, even from the years that you've been training would go to waste." He stated, as Henrik was slowly getting the point of his speech. "You say that you fight for your home. Well, isn't Arendelle your home now?"

Henrik sat in silence as he took in the fact that Russel pointed out to him. The older gentleman was right. Henrik does fight for his home. And his years of training would go to waste if he would just stay as a blacksmith. He could still forge and repair, but at the point of his own weapons from the battle he's been in. The man did want to protect. He did want to serve. And he made it to the point where he can help make Arendelle safe when he gets Danko to live there. It would be a relief to him knowing that Danko would be safe with him.

The next morning, Henrik came over to the castle in confidence that he was definitely going to take the job that was offered to him twice. Henrik was just about to enter the gates, when Ford saw him and was immediately in joy in seeing the man.

"Henrik!" he called out as he walked over to the man, one soldier was also on tow.

"Ford," he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Would I be overly anxious if I had to guess on why you have come?" Ford knew why.

"I'd be reassuring you that what you may have guessed is already precise."

Ford patted his back with a solid pound, and a bark of laughter. "I knew it! I am happy to have you on board, Henrik."

"Wait, you're not even going to see if I qualify through a test, maybe?" Ford gave him a look.

"What are you talking about? The Queen requested that you join, do we need to test you?" Ford asked in rhetoric, before leading Henrik to his office. "This is Ram Pines, by the way, he is my second-in-command." He introduced the other man, as he was walking away from the two.

"Nice to meet you," Ram gave a smile and a polite wave as he walked away.

They arrived at a small cabin beside the training grounds for the soldiers and guards; it was Ford's office. He sat behind the desk, and offered the seat in front of Henrik, which he took. "Now, do you really accept the job?"

"Yes, that is why I'm here." He pointed out.

"Alright, that is wonderful. Now, the job I'll be giving you is fairly different from the rest." Henrik furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "It means that yes you are part of the guards, but with a different post."

"And that is?"

"Being the Queen's personal bodyguard…" Henrik went wide eyed at the news. "Because Queen Elsa needs to be protected at all cost, we all know that, but being surrounded by guards everywhere she goes is kind of a bit over the top. So she requested lesser number of guards, but we fear that it may not be enough, so we wanted to exceed the limited skills from our soldiers, but it would take years to reach what you have now." Henrik lightened his expression.

"I say, this is not the first time people overly estimated my abilities." He said, in worry. "Ford, I do not think that I am that qualified to be the only bodyguard for the Queen."

Ford sighed and leaned back on his chair. He stared at his desk for a moment before having an idea in his head. A smile crept up his face and leaned forwards once more, and looked straight at Henrik. "I have an idea."

"Clearly, from the look you just made…"

"You said that you expected that you would have to be tested, am I right?"

"Yes…" Henrik answered, as he was getting worried at Ford's notion.

"Then you'll be tested," he said, standing up from his chair. "You will battle my soldiers, the top soldiers in my care, and if you defeat them, or be left standing at the end of the battle, you qualify for the job." Henrik went wide eyed. "What do you say?" Henrik opened his mouth to speak, but Ford assumed that he was up for it. "Splendid! We'll give you the weapons and armor, but it's best to use practice swords to avoid fatality." Ford said as he went straight out the cabin, leaving Henrik, speechless at the sudden turn of events.

Henrik took a moment before going outside. He saw Ford talking to the soldiers and some of his in commands. At some point they kept taking glance at Henrik, some with a dirty look. After Ford finished talking to them, one of the soldiers gave him armor and a wooden swords, as they dispersed. Ford walked back to Henrik and handed him the equipment.

"What's going on?"

"I talked to some of my soldiers and asked for volunteers on who wants to join in."

"How many?" he asked, a bit concerned.

"Twenty-one, but I think some of them might join in later." Henrik's mouth opened in unbelief. "Suit up." He said before walking back to the field. Henrik sighed and proceeded to put the armor on.

The word of Henrik's test finally reached Elsa, who was in her study, reading over her trade across the lands. But once she heard of the news, she immediately went to the balcony overlooking the training grounds. Anna and Kristoff arrived there as well, when the news reached to them. Elsa was worried for the man, but knew that he can handle himself pretty well, but still she knew that this test was different from the ones given to her regular soldiers. This was the test to prove if Henrik was qualified to be the official bodyguard, the only bodyguard, of Queen Elsa.

They watched as Ford led Henrik at the middle of the training ground, as two dozen soldiers were surrounding him. "Is he going to fight them all?" Anna asked, as they watched the soldiers prepare and Henrik was alone in the middle.

"I think so." Kristoff guessed, from how Henrik was turning to the soldiers. Elsa remembered the Henrik hated to be in the center of attention. She could only imagine the discomfort the man is feeling at that moment.

On the ground, Henrik was feeling nothing but discomfort. But he didn't want to show it to anyone, especially the soldiers. He figured that it was better for him to win in front of them, than lose in front of everyone. He only has one wooden sword and his armor, which he finds a little uncomfortable, compared to the armors he personally makes. He noted that if he qualifies, he would request for more comfortable attire. Ford gestured a question if he was ready. So, Henrik took a deep breath before nodding, and Ford's second-in-command blew the horn.

Henrik thought that it was to be a battle on one at a time, but numerous soldiers attacked him so he immediately changed strategies. He was all around the men attacking him from all sides. He was swift, precise, and he made sure that every move he made count. The other soldiers, the ones not fighting him, were amazed at his footwork, his techniques, and the way his attacks were both offense and defense. He made every move count.

By the next few minutes, he already had half of them down, and from his exterior look, he doesn't look exhausted, but that was how he wants them to see it. He never wants to show weakness, especially to the enemy. Elsa was gripping the ledge as she watched the man fight with all his might, from the dozen of soldiers that were coming right at him. They were all amazed on how he was able to hold up his ground without falling. Elsa watched as Henrik was taking multiple hits to his body, but the man was relentless in his actions. Every blow he gives and every punch he springs a soldier goes down, he makes sure that his actions weren't a waste.

Henrik grabbed a second sword from one of the soldiers he sent down, and became even more agile in his movements and blows, sending multiple more soldiers down by the next minute. In less than the time they expected, Henrik had all the soldiers down, but exhaustion became visible from his point.

He thought it was over, until Ford took out his wooden sword and slowly walked over to him. He and Henrik stared at each other for a moment, where Ford was trying to look for Henrik's weak spot, but all throughout the battle, he wasn't showing anything. So Ford considered it to be a little complicated than he expected it to be for Henrik.

Henrik took deep breaths and waited as Ford charged at him. He stood his ground as the man was running towards him. Henrik ran to him as well, but slid down at Ford's first swing. Henrik stood up turning around and sending a kick on Ford's back, causing the man to tumble down. Henrik waited as Ford stood up and charged at him again, Henrik waited until Ford gave his second strike. The two of them clashed swords, giving each other every power they have, but for Henrik's case, what he has left.

Ford's second-in-command joined in, but Henrik noticed it from the way Ford's eyes averted for a split second, so Henrik used his second sword to block Ram's strike. Ram was ultimately shocked as everyone else on how Henrik managed to know that he was going to attack. But he didn't have time to react when Henrik used Ford's knee to send a kick at Ram, sending him down. Henrik turned to Ford and managed to take his sword away, as it flies off of his hand.

Henrik caught his breath before tossing his second sword on Henrik's way, and the man caught it. Ford was confused at Henrik's action. But the man explained. "I don't fight an unarmed man." he simply said.

Ford gave a smirk before attacking once more. Henrik giving the strongest strike he can, struck Ford's sword so strong that both of their swords broke in half, in seeing the opportunity, Henrik sent a strong kick at Ford, causing him to fall down to the ground. Henrik then looked around and saw the soldiers around him, some were being aided, and some were still down but evidently alive. He turned back to Ford who was having a hard time getting up, so he walked over to him. Henrik held out a hand, and when Ford saw it, he gave an appreciated smile, before grabbing it. Henrik pulled him up gently.

"You, sir, are underestimating yourself too much." Ford remarked, as he was holding on to his stomach. Henrik just chuckled a bit, before they walked to the others. Henrik looked up and finally saw Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff, watching them. Elsa gave a smile before going back inside.

There were nurses aiding the minor wounds of the soldiers. They were beaten, but the amazement didn't leave them, as Henrik walked over to them. Henrik didn't know what to say to them, but he was truly sorry that he hurt them all. He was about to speak, when one of them started to slowly clap, until everyone joined in and cheered for the man. Ford was also clapping, and the nurses who also witnessed the battle. Henrik couldn't help but be happy at their reactions to him. Then suddenly, everyone straightened their posture, so when Henrik turned around, he saw Elsa walking towards them. He immediately straightened his posture as well.

Elsa stopped in front of him and gave a light smile. "When do you want to start?"