A/N: Alright folks I come baring another fairy tale retelling. Why you may ask? 'Cause I can! Now, I'm going to admit something I'm rather hesitant to upload this 'cause even though I'm following the movie more so with this one I'm still taking a risk by adding some twists. Question's, complaints, or compliments go ahead and leave them, but don't flame my ass for trying.
High in the unforgiving north mountains looming over the kingdom of Arendelle sits a mysterious palace made entirely of ice. No now knows how it came to be or if anyone lives in it. One day the palace appeared as if by magic. Many believe the mountains are cursed and wouldn't dare to make the journey to confirm the rumors. Those who have braved the treacherous climb, vicious wolves, harsh winter air, and have seen it would rather calm the sun was playing a trick on them than to wonder up the staircase to tempt fate. The few who have dared to sneak a peek could have sword they saw a large monster lurking in the shadows upon the balcony. They dismissed it chalking it up to an illusion for the townsfolk would deem them crazy or blame it on the thin mountain air. Unknown to them they weren't wrong.
Looking out upon the snow covered land blue orbs filled with sorrow seeing nothing expect for a kingdom of isolation. A cold wind blew through gray and white fur not fazing the beast, but mocking it with hollow cries of loneliness. Retreating back into the safely of its castle the beasts eyes take in the sights of the empty and dark room save for a bed and a small icy table. Upon the table sat a pair of teal gloves and a case made of ice. Though it was smooth and clear as glass so to display an object underneath allowing the beast to gaze forever gaze upon it. A mixture of joy and grief coated the monsters features as it looked at a simple blue rose. The flowers petals were frosted keeping it from ever dying unlike the beasts heart. The delicate rose served as a reminded of a much simpler time, but also to never allow anyone close to it again. As guilt fogged the monsters mind the snow outside fell harder and the wind blew harsher for the beast knew it could never have what it once treasured most. For no one could ever love a monster with a frozen heart.
The door of a small cabin just along the outskirts of the town opened and a young female of exited. Two distinctive red pigtails bounced with every step she took along the dirt road. Running a hand over her hair her fingers lingered upon an area where the hairs were white and it often felt colder than the rest at strange times. She once asked her brother how it came to be though he joked saying she was kissed by a troll or that she was getting older which resulted in her smacking his arm. Anna came to enjoy her hair white strands and all for it made her different in a sea of normal and incredibly dull cycle of village life.
She made her daily pilgrimage to town just as she did the day before and as she had done during the prior weeks. Carrying her little basket to hold all the items she and her brother needed. Pausing at the top of the hill Anna spotted the town. It was quite, quaint, and rather simple with people who accepted the daily routing and their tedious lives without a second thought or questioning that there might be more beyond the norm. Letting out a morbid sigh she strolled into town where a farmer greeted her with a smile and wave. It begins, Anna grimaced.
Every day the mundane routine ensued with Anna being welcomed by the farmer wheeling in his cart of freshly grown crops. The baker wandered around the town his tray of baked goods in hand to advertise his bread and pastries before stopping at his store to shout at his wife for the crumpets. Hidden in the shadows between the blacksmith and tavern stood the woman in the blue dress who took pleasure in watching Anna always far too timid to wave. A little boy chased his dog being dragged along a trail of sausages. Just as they had done the day before, and Anna honesty had grown bored with the tiring lifestyle often dreaming of something different or exciting to happen.
She desired to follow the call of the wind from a distant place. To walk off the beaten path where she hoped would lead her somewhere fresh and exciting. Like the tales from her books she often read to escape the cold reality. Stopping at the vegetable stand she picked up some carrots and various other things when she began to hear it. The silent whispers of the people behind her back talking about her. As usual to keep up with the schedule Anna turned puzzled though now she didn't care anymore about the hushed whispers. The pair of women stopped going back to looking at necklaces they planned on never buying. Selecting a nice bundle of carrots Anna made her way knowing she was about to be followed by a few of the citizens.
Her dreams of adventures in the great wide somewhere, her nose buried in books, or having her head in the clouds didn't go unnoticed by the townsfolk. They took the liberty to whisper about her odd behavior as part of their daily and spiritless routine. Anna ignored the gossip figuring they were just jealous that she chose to make an attempt to break free from the mold that had plagued the people for years. She entered the boo store where she found herself most at home, and to escape the hush conversations behind her back.
Entering the shop Anna could smell the musk of the pages, the wondrous and calming scent of ink permeating the air, and she felt a sense of relaxation consuming her. Every wall was shelf-to-shelf of books ranging in length, size, and color bindings. They had become her friends over time each one with a different story to tell. Each one telling her secrets with just a simple turn of the page sending her on magical journeys through the clouds, under the sea, climbing mountains, and saving a beautiful princess or kingdom. Everything Anna could ever image sat at her fingertip waiting to be discovered.
The shopkeeper greeted her with a smile since he too didn't allow the town to taint him. He was an older man with thinning gray hair, wearing a pair of glasses that were always on the edge of his nose, and blue eyes twinkling with life. "Good morning Anna, back already I see," he chuckled. He found the girl entertaining and quite the ball of spunky energy. The shopkeeper enjoyed how she could light up a room and her love for books. He appreciated every day she came in ringing that tiny bell for no one else came wandering into the store fearing the unknown of what might lurk in the shop.
"Yes, I simply couldn't put it down! A daring princess wanting to alter her fate, a gigantic demonic dog, a life changing spell, and a magical worthy wild ending! It was truly wonderful " she exclaimed, beginning to search the shelves for something new. Over the course of the years she managed to read every book at least twice. Removing a book from her basket she handed it to him. Climbing up a few rungs of the ladder she ran a finger over the spines. "Do you have anything new?"
"No, not since last week," he informed, placing the book upon his desk to return to it's rightful spot later.
Saddened by this revaluation Anna decided to revisit one of her favorite tales. Reaching up to the fourth shelf she removed a book with a blue cover and gold letters. "Alright, I'll borrow this one," she beamed passing it to the man.
He lifted up his glasses to read the title. Rolling his eyes a smile graced his face. "You have read this several times my dear."
"I know, but I love it so much!" Pushing the ladder off Anna slide along the shelves. "Joan of Arc is one my favorite tales. It's a shame she died so young, but it has so much action and adventure the pain is worth the read."
Handing it back to the ecstatic girl he offered, "If you like all that much it's yours."
"Really?" she asked astounded. He nodded confirming her question. "Oh, thank you sir, and good day."
Leaving the shop Anna turned to the first page where she buried her nose into the safe haven of the book and began to stroll around town. She didn't need to look up having done it so many times before she knew where to go and what to avoid. Above her a woman poured the dish water from the previous day down the gutter. Anna paused for a moment allowing the water to tickle down and proceeded walk on through without even glancing up. She weaved through a flock of sheep, dodged a few children running around, and man carrying a large barrel of water. Even as she ignored the world, it did not ignore her.
Overhead a flock of birds flew and three gun shots broke the silence. One of the birds fell next to a young boy waiting with a burlap sack to catch the latest kill. He missed, but casually stuffed it into the sack rushing over to the wall thrilled. "Wow, Hans you didn't miss a signal shot. You're the greatest hunter in the world." The young boy named Sitron admired the man holding the gun in the shadows. "No animal alive stands a chance against you!" He noticed a trio of three very pretty ladies watching the pair. "or no girl for that matter!"
Hans Westergard stepped out of the shadows running a hand through his perfect auburn locks. A few feet away he heard his onlookers sigh completely enamored with the handsome gentleman. He threw them a sultry wink and gleaming smile inciting two to nearly faint. "That's right Sitron, and have my eyes set on that one," he boasted, pointing the muzzle of his gun towards Anna.
Sitron gave him a perplexed look. "You mean the creepy guy who talks to his reindeer sister?"
"Yes, she's the one. The most beautiful girl in the whole village."
The young boy figured Hans could do better. Sure Anna was a nice girl, but different. "Yeah, she's pretty, but I don't think-"
Hans bent down wrapping his arm around the boys shoulders. "She's the best, and don't I deserve the best?" he insisted.
"Yes, but-"
"Then, it's settled Anna will become my wife. Mark my words, and I always hit my mark," he winked, again causing a few girls to fan themselves. He looked around ready to confront Anna, but didn't find her anywhere nearby. Packing up his gun he knew one of the places where she might be. "Come along Sitron we're going on a hunt."
Dragging the bag the boy followed ready to see his hero in action.
On the other-side of the village Anna came to a halt in front a tree just on the edge of Arendelle. The wind blew through her hair creating a peaceful atmosphere around the area. It was one of her favorite spots in the town. Her quite getaway when the rampart and whispers of townsfolk snaked into her mind mocking her. Plus, she enjoyed reading in the comfort of the branches and leaves. Sliding the basket down her arm Anna climbed up the tree until she poked through the leaves seeing the landscape around her. From her perch she could watch the people in the village carry on with their days, but the best view was of the castle.
The castle of Arendelle where the king and queen resided was closed off to the people for reason's unknown. One day the fair citizens could visit the place the next they discover the gates were closed. Running a hand over her red locks Anna wondered what happened to cause the royal family to close the gates. Sometimes when the town's focus wasn't on her, and her daydreams she heard rumors of a princess living behind the walls with strange magic. Of course they often laughed off the idea finding it preposterous for magic to exist. Even the legend of the ice palace and Beast of the North Mountain that circles around the town from the darkest corners of the local tavern was often looked down upon when spoken of.
Climbing down a little Anna took a spot leaning against the tree, resting her feet along the branch, though one often hung off and swinging in the air. Comfortable in her cozy corner of her own little world she began to read allowing her mind to drift taking her on an adventure losing herself to the words and the world around her. Of course her journey riding a horse through a battlefield didn't last long for the sound of a gun shot interrupted her. Looking around she didn't see anything until a bullet hit the bark above her scaring Anna to the point of falling out of the tree and into someone's arms.
She didn't even need to open her eyes instead she rolled them meeting Hans forest green ones, and his typical cocky smile. Getting out his arms quickly she brushed off her dress. The smug bastard placed a hand over his chest. "I think a thanks is order for saving you from what could have been a nasty fall."
Anna refused to give him any recognition for something he planned from the start. "Thank you Hans," she began seeing his smirk grow larger. "Thank you for shooting me out of a tree and causing my fall. I'm so grateful," she added acid in her voice.
His smile deflated, but he wouldn't let that get to him. Anna's spiteful attitude was expected from the redhead making the hunt far more challenging to him. Seeing the book on the ground he picked up and started to flip through it. Anna reached to snatch it knowing all to well how people felt about her and books. "How can you read this?" he asked, confused staring at page after page of words. "There's no pictures."
Finally getting it out his grasp she tucked away under her arm. "Some people use their imagination to see the pictures the words create." Opening the book back up she turned to a page, and explained, "As you read your mind forms its own picture of what's going on through description. It's like painting a beautiful work of art only with your thoughts."
Hans placed an arm around Anna ignoring the disgust on her face. "Anna, allow me to inform of something. Woman shouldn't read it gives them idea, and those only get you into trouble. You should be considering marriage, and working on making your future husband happy not on things that are nothing more than dreams."
Removing his arm Anna protested, "There's more to life than living a dull life that drags on for a lifetime. It's better to dream then to live a life only leads to depression, and a possible early grave. Also, some woman aren't cut out of the simple life. Some may wish to feel the wind in their hair, the sun on the back-"
"Anna, the whole town talks about your strange hobbies," he deadpanned. "It's not right for a woman to read or for a man to be with obsessed with ice." He eyed Sitron who began to laugh knowing how crazy Kristoff could get over ice.
Anger blazed in Anna's teal eyes. She knew Hans would test her patience mocking something she loved most, but it was low for him to tease her about her brother. "My brother is inventive more than you could ever be, barbarian."
"Oh, come on Anna admit it to yourself your brother is indeed crazy."
"My brother is not crazy, he's-" An explosion went off in the direction of Anna's cabin. In the distance she could see smoke. Quickly grabbing her basket she rushed off for home hearing Hans and Sitron's laughter following her.
Entering the cabin in a frenzy Anna found her brother on his backside. "Kristoff are you okay?" she asked worriedly, though finding him on the ground she tried not to laugh.
Sitting up the blond haired man rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, Anna I just slipped on some ice working on my latest project, and the fire got a bit out of hand when I was smelting something. It just overheated that's all. The ice here melts far too quickly to place into the box through."
Anna rolled her eyes as she helped her brother off the floor. The older man had a love for ice so much that every winter he helped out with the local harvest. Some like Hans called it a strange hobby like when he talks to and sometimes for Sven. During the summer when he isn't messing around with his crazy ideas as the fickle village people called them he worked with the blacksmith.
"So, do anything interesting in town today?" he inquired hammering at a large steel brace.
Anna thought back at the typical boring day she had. Some days she longed for an adventure like the ones told in her stories. Climb a tower, run from guards, save a damsel in distress. There were days when the sky was clear or then the first snow of winter fell something fuzzy tickled her mind. Brief images of her and a young blonde girl running around enjoying the weather having fun. Though she chalked it up her wild imagination, or the doldrums of her mundane life finally bringing her to the point of insanity.
"Nope, nothing special the same old boring town and people. I headed to the market got some carrots, bread, the nice shopkeeper allowed me to keep one of my favorite books. Climbed tree and took in the sight of the castle." She took walked over to Sven who had his head hanging over the door of his stable. Pulling out a carrot she fed it to him while Kristoff worked away.
Kristoff glanced at his sister a sly smile curved his lips. "I take it you didn't see Hans?"
The redhead shuddered. Ever since he moved to Arendelle from the Southern Isles he has been nothing, but a pain in her side. Sure, the young woman had a brief infatuation for the auburn, green-eyed stranger when he came into town. After a few months he showed his true colors, of being nothing more than a tail chaser. That and she never forgave him after he tried to shot Sven. "Yes," she groaned, "he shot me out a tree while I tried to read."
She noticed Kristoff's shoulder twitch. He wasn't the biggest fan of Hans either, and would love to toss him onto the next boat back to his homeland where he wouldn't have to see his ugly side-burned face again. He hated how he tried to flirt with Anna every chance he got, and he knew his little sister could take of herself though he still worried. That's his job as her big brother and . . His gaze found the white streak in her hair causing a twinge of guilt to cloud his mind. The night she got it was one he would never forgive himself for even though it wasn't his fault. He still felt obligated to take the full weight on his shoulders for both hiding the truth from Anna, and not being more cautious.
Shaking the horrible memory of the past he placed the freshly formed hinge upon the large wooden box. Pounding a few iron nails Kristoff hoped it would work. Wiping off his brow he called to his sister, "Anna, I think it's finished. Care to do the honors?"
Nodding the redhead got up from the stool. Lifting the lid she opened it to find it empty. There was nothing special about the box with and she feared he to was becoming a bore. "Um Kristoff, it's a great box but-"
He laughed lightheartedly, "Anna, it's only a box, nothing more to it, but I have big plans for it you see." The blond snatched piece of tanned animal hide from his desk. Taking a closer look Anna noticed it was a map. "See I got this map from a man in the tavern he said it will lead me to a place where it is rumored magical ice is supposed to be. If I can get some and put it in the box we will be able to store ice and meat for a long period without having to dry it out. Just imagine Anna eating berries that we aren't forced to jam for the winter. To be able to make sandwiches that are dry and salty."
Taking the map from his hands she gave it once over. Anna noted a few marks forming words in ancient language she had only seen a few times in books. A small black drawing of a castle shape sat upon a mountain shape and underneath it the writing warned of a dangerous creature. Handing it back to him she asked worriedly, "When are you leaving?"
"As soon as I can," he replied patting her head. "Think you can pack Sven and I basket?"
"Yes, I'd be happy to," Anna left with a half smile on her face. Once her back face him she grimaced unsure about the idea of him traveling with nightfall so near.
Outside Kristoff attached the sled to Sven who dug at the ground and snorted excitedly for the trip. The burly blond patted his friend before giving him a carrot. Sven snatched the vegetable from his hands. "Ah," he tutted wagging a finger at the animal, "share."
Sven pushed the half out of his mouth offering it to Kristoff. He looked around checking for his sister knowing she found act of sharing a slobbered coated carrot disgusting. Unable to find the redhead he bit off a large chunk.
Able to hear the crunch Anna rounded the corner hiding her grimace knowing fairly well during tough times they weren't able to afford food for them both and the reindeer. So, if sharing a carrot with Sven kept the reindeer alive and well Anna didn't mind . . . most of the time. Arriving at the sled she placed the basket on the seat. "I see you put a fresh coat of lacquer on it. Excited about the trip?"
"Of course Anna this ice box idea of mine might just put on the path to riches. I've got to gather this magic ice I feel it deep in my heart this is my life.
Anna chuckled knowing how much her brother loved his ice. Though she couldn't help but to worry. The mountains weren't the safest place to be even during summer. Wolves lurked the woods, sometimes robbers, and there was a legend about a beast that lived in the area. The warning on the map didn't help either. Anna narrowed her eyes placing her hands on her hips. "Kristoff Bjorgman," she barked.
The man and reindeer exchanged worrisome looks hearing his sister take a stern tone. Glancing over at her behind her strict facade he saw concern in her teal eyes. "Yes Anna."
"I want you to promise me you will be careful. You and Sven are all the family I have left."
Kristoff nodded. Removing his hat placing it over his heart, "I promise I will return safely." Replacing his hat, he gently kissed his sister's forehead.
Letting him finish packing Anna patted Sven. She bent down whispering in his ear. "Take care of him. Don't let him do anything reckless. If you bring my brother home without any major injuries I will give you a bundle of carrots."
Sven snorted in responses and licked her cheek.
Shoving him back Anna wiped the slobber off her cheek laughing. "Silly reindeer."
"Alright the sleds all packed," Kristoff announced. Hoping the seat, grasping the reins he called, "Let's go Sven."
The reindeer obliged and began pulling the sled towards the mountain trail. As the pair road off into the setting sun Kristoff turned back waving good-bye to Anna. Waving back she shouted, "I want you back in one piece." Soon she could no longer see him as they disappeared into the sun's glare. "Stay safe," she whispered pray like to anyone who listened before heading back into the cabin. Running a hand over her hair the area of white hair felt oddly colder then usual.
With night at their back Sven continued to pull the sled his ears twitching at every noise. The crunch of leaves under his feet, owls hooting in the shadows, a snort from another deer, and the flaps of birds in the unknown darkness. Kristoff held his lantern reading a map. "Okay bud, if we keep going at this rate we ought to reach Oaken's by moons peak which then according to this map. . ." holding the lantern closer to the map so to read the foreign and accident text Kristoff squinted unable to make out a word of the small print. Hearing Sven grunt he figured the reindeer was mocking him saying, "Anna could have probably read it for you."
The blond faked a laugh, "I know Anna could have translated it for us. There's no reason to be rude about it. You worry about watching the road." Sven lulled his head and would have rolled is eyes if he could.
Continuing their journey along the path it grew darker in the distance and the foreboding sound of howling wolves echoed all around them. Coming to a path Sven paused looking down both sets of trails. The first clear, moonlight shinning down revealing a steady path. The second dark covered in snow, leaves dancing in the chilly wind breezing through Sven's fur. The animals senses told him not to venture down that path for something had a freighting and haunting air. Sven turned his head towards the clear path and began to set his hooves upon it when his owner and friend tugged on the reins. Kristoff barley did such an act knowing the reindeer was perfectly capable of leading, but the blond wanted to go the other way. "Come on Sven lets go down this trail."
Kristoff noticed the misting air in front of Sven as he once again grunted not liking his opinion being ignored.
Sven's ear twitched hearing the cries of wolves grow closer. Out of the shadowy tree line three wolves emerged growling and baring their teeth ready to pounce. Sven quickly turned running up the snowy hill, but not gaining much traction. "Sven, come on boy," Kristoff yelled, a slight panic in his voice. The reindeer managed to climb up the hill racing through the forest the cries still gaining on them. Unable to see much aside from what the lantern could illuminate. Sven's front hooves suddenly fell off the edge dim light shown the deep darkness of a cavern. "Back up Sven." Doing so the reindeer galloped lost and confused everything looking the same in the pitch black forest. He came to sudden halt flinging Kristoff off the sled. "Sven," he called watching the reindeer disappear into the night.
Getting up he brushed himself off unsure where he was or where to go. His eyes grew wide hearing the howling wolves again. The moon thankfully came out giving Kristoff a clear view of the hunger in their eyes. Racing off into the forest praying for a place to give him shelter from impending doom under the moons pale hue did he notice a set of stairs. He blinked a few times, "Ice?" Hearing the growls grow closer once more the blond didn't have time to question or inspect a possible trick of the light. Looking back he paused noticing the wolves were unable to chase him any further. Turning back knowing the strange place was his only hope of safely. The ominous feeling the place gave off sent a chill down his spine, but carries onward.
Grasping the handle Kristoff gulped before entering. His glove stuck to it oddly enough. Pulling it away he noticed ice crystals dancing in offered light. "It really is ice," he gaped overwhelmed by emotions. "I might just cry." Though his joy didn't last long as he entered the eerie castle. Calling his voice echoed inside a vast room. "Hello, I lost my reindeer, and I need a place to stay for the night." The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he felt someone or something was watching him. Stepping further into the palace he couldn't help a sudden awe seeing everything was made out of ice. He reached out admiring a vase with roses made from ice in perfect detail. He found a clock hanging against the wall. Hazel eyes light up seeing icy gears moving behind the clear clocks face. "This simply amazing," he beamed.
"Ooh, do you really think so?" a cheerful asked.
Stepping back Kristoff's eyes grew wide hearing a voice. Quickly looking behind him he discovered a snowman. Growing slightly worried the cold was getting to him, he asked wearily hoping he simply imagined it. "Did you just talk to me?"
"Yes, I did! I'm Olaf, and I like warm hugs." Olaf looked up his eyes growing big in surprise. "We don't get a lot of visitors." Kristoff sneezed proceeding to wipe his nose against the sleeve of his tunic. "Oh dear, come on how about a hot cup of tea. That will warm you up from cold outside," he glanced around, "and inside."
Taking a seat in the offered chair he shivered and sneezed again the cold air scorched his throat and felt like it was stabbing his heart with every inhale. His hands and feet started to numb and his shivered violently. The tiny living snowman light a fire and the flames blazed throwing off heat. Smiling the blond rubbed his hand together gaining a sense of warmth. A cart made of ice wheeled up beside him and two stick hands passed a saucer and cup of hot tea. "Thanks little guy," he said, taking a sip. Kristoff still wasn't sure if this place was a dream and would probably wake up face first in snow. The fire and the tea though were very appreciated and welcoming.
"You're welcome. You get toasty and drink up." Starting to pad off he paused his smile became a fearful frown. Turning back racing to the man he began to push him. "Time to leave."
"Wait," Kristoff began confused. "What's going on?"
A deathly chill swept the room reducing the fireplace to smoke, before his very eyes the once pipping hot tea froze solid. Olaf took cover behind the chair as the thud of mighty steps thundered down a staircase. Slowly rising the snowman tried to defuse the situation. "Now El-" a loud roar stopped him from finishing.
Kristoff tried to see what was happening in the darkness facing to his left he felt icy breath upon his face, and met frosty blue eyes filled with anger. "Why is this stranger here?" something growled.
"I-I just w-wanted t-to stay for the n-night," he spoke voice stammering out of fear.
Whatever it was placed a foot or paw titling the chair up. "You're not welcome here," it roared. He couldn't stop staring once he caught sight of large fangs. Noticing this the monster growled furiously, "So, you've come to stare at the beast, have you ?"
"No, I honestly mean no harm," Kristoff pleaded trying to back away.
The beast reached out grabbing the man by his tunic lifting him high into the air. Black claws ripping holes into it. "Fine, I will give you someone to stare at." The beast took Kristoff away and the pair disappeared into the shadows. The daunting of a door slammed silencing Kristoff's further pleas.
A/N: So, there you have you the first chapter in what I hopefully will be five or six. I have a feeling it's probably not as good as my other one, but Beauty and the Beast is kind of hard. Also, I know little to nothing about Joan of Arc and figured it would be Anna's favorite tale. You guys do what you do and stay awesome.