Autumn came to the kingdom of Arendelle forcing a sluggish late summer to leave for the year. By mid-September the leaves were changing to vibrant and colorful fall colors-golden yellow, crisp apple red, sunset orange, and redwood brown. The air was warm and balmy and occasionally breezy.
Underneath a tree in the castle's garden sat Princess Anna and mountain man Kristoff on a marble bench. Since Olaf spent the day with Sven the couple decided to do the same with each other. For the majority of the day they spent their time in the town. Anna and Kristoff decided to retire to the castle's garden for some rest after having sandwiches for lunch.
Kristoff looked up at the sky and saw the sun had fallen low. He had not realized how late it was in the afternoon until he saw the sun and the shadows that were casted in the garden. He turned toward Anna who had rested her head on his shoulder. It seemed so strange to him that the typically energetic princess was taking a mid-afternoon nap as if her life depended on it. But then he remembered that Anna was to meet with her sister later on and he considered that she was saving the remainder of her energy for Elsa.
He smiled to himself before bending over to pluck a small flower at his feet. He held it in the disappearing sunlight and admired its beauty and simplicity. The flower reminded him of the strawberry blonde resting on him. Kristoff turned back to Anna and tucked the flower behind he left ear. He thought the flower had fit perfectly in the princess's hair. He savored the sight in front of him before he gently shook Anna awake.
"Anna."
"Hmm?"
"Wake up."
Anna barely opened up her eyes. "What?"
"Wake up. We have to go."
Anna rubbed her eyes before opening them all the way.
"Why?"
"It's getting dark."
"Oh. Okay."
Anna pushed herself from the bench and brushed off some leaves on her red and soft orange dress. She turned around just in time to see Kristoff standing. She spotted some leaves on his blonde head.
"Hold on. You got some leaves on your hair."
Anna carefully brushed off the leaves off Kristoff's head. She gave him a smile as warm and bright as the sun.
"There you go."
Kristoff could only softly smile back at Anna. He was genuinely happy to have the privilege to be in her life because she was thoughtful, caring, and friendly. Anna was herself and Kristoff couldn't ask for a better gift from life than her. He loved her deeply despite the fact that they had been seeing each other for about two months.
"Thanks, Anna."
Anna happily shrugged like it was no big deal. "Sure, Kristoff."
The sensitive mountain man took the princess's small and smooth hand in his own large and rough one and walked her back into the castle.
Once inside, Kristoff guided Anna to the safety of a wall in a corridor. He let her go so she could rest her back against the wall.
"Anna, I had a great time with you."
"Me too, Kristoff."
"But now we have to part ways. I have to return to my work and you need to meet up with your sister."
Kristoff leaned in and planted a tender kiss on Anna's lips. Anna kissed back before he drew away from her.
"Goodbye, Anna."
"Goodbye, Kristoff. See you later."
"See you some time soon. Have fun spending time with Elsa."
"I will and you be careful harvesting ice."
"I will."
Kristoff had trouble pulling himself completely from Anna. But then he managed a few steps backwards before turning his back toward Anna and walking away. Anna watched Kristoff leave her until she could no longer see him. She had a dreamy smile plastered on her face feeling blessed to have the sensitive mountain man in her life. Without paying attention to her surroundings, Anna turned around and bumped into someone. The sudden impact threw her body back causing her to fall flat on her butt.
"Ow."
Anna rubbed her back as she stood up from where she fell.
"Anna."
Anna turned to face the poor soul she bumped into. Her blue eyes went wide with surprise.
To Be Continued…