They had met in the town earlier that day. Princess Anna had been utterly enthralled by this exotic visitor and had invited him to dinner with herself and her sister.

"Your chef serves you well," the visitor had said. "Quite a change from eating what you catch in the wilderness."

"So," Anna said. "What's the strangest thing you've ever had to eat out in the wild like that."

"Princess," he said with a big smile, "You wouldn't want to hear about that right now."

"I agree," Elsa said. "Let's save those stories for when we're not eating please."

The visitor, who went by the name Leo, gave a hearty laugh. "Yes, wouldn't want to upset any sensitive stomachs."

Elsa was a little annoyed at this last-minute guest, whom she had not been consulted about. But he seemed friendly enough, if a little too boisterous for her taste. Certainly, his tales were entertaining.

After dinner they went to the drawing room, where Leo continued to tell stories about hunting, trapping, and general wilderness survival. All stories that sounded very familiar to the other man in the room; an ice harvester who seemed to have become invisible to the two girls who he had come to care so much for.

Kristoff could easily spot the parts of the story that were likely true, or at least could be true, and the parts that didn't make sense...But must sound good when you're trying to impress two young ladies.

"...So, the last of the pack charging. I turned to point my pistol, pulled the trigger, and got nothing but a click. So, I threw the pistol down and drew my knife. The wolf lunged at me. We struggled, his jaws barely missing my face, but when it was over the beast lay still, the hilt of my knife standing out on its chest," he said triumphantly.

"But I know you ladies have had some adventures to. Why don't you tell me about them," He asked flashing his most charming smile at the Queen.

Anna started to speak up. "Oh, you should hear about the coronation."

"Anna, that's not something I want to recount," Elsa interrupted.

"Well," Leo said. "Perhaps you would both like to take a trip with me into the wilderness sometime. I think we could find some exciting things to do," he said with a wink; eliciting a slight giggle from Anna.

Kristoff didn't intent to be drawn into some masculine ego contest with this man, but he could guess what 'exciting' things he had in mind. However, before he could speak Elsa did.

"A tempting offer sir but our place is here." She added. "And it's getting late. I'll be retiring for the evening."

"I'll walk you to your chambers," Kristoff said offering her his arm.

"Okay, that will be fine," she said putting her arm through his. She turned to Kai. "Please see our guest out when Anna is ready to retire."

Kai nodded. "Yes, your Majesty."

They walked in silence to Elsa's suite. When they arrived, she took her hand from Kristoff's arm, but before entering her room she said, "Something's bothering you Kristoff." It wasn't a question but a request for an explanation.

"Our guest," he said with a disdainful tone. "He's a braggart, and if you don't mind me saying it's clear what his interest is in you and Anna. I've been both hunter and hunted myself and trust me, you and Anna were his quarry tonight...and will be until he leaves Arendelle, I'd guess."

"I could tell," she told him. She looked up to him. "If half of what he says is even half true then he lives an exciting life; but was he the one who kept my sister from freezing to death? Was he the one who had seen her back to Arendelle, putting his own feelings aside for her sake?" Before he could respond she continued. "And was he the one who kept Hans from striking with the broken sword after Anna's sacrifice?"

"Didn't think you saw that," Kristoff said.

"I didn't, although I was wondering why he was rubbing his jaw when he came to on the ship." She chuckled at the memory then went on to explain. "Some of the people watching told me later. I would never have seen it coming. The point is, I know who has my gratitude, and my affections." With that she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.

"Good night Kristoff. I'll see you in the morning." She went into her room and closed the door.

Kristoff stood there surprised. "Good night Elsa," he said as he walked toward his own quarters.