Author's Note:
This is fanfiction inspired by Disney's Frozen (a truly incredible movie!) that takes place several years before the story told by the film.
I've never written fanfiction before. I hope this turns out well, but if not, oh well! I'm doing this all for fun, so enjoy! Do comment and give suggestions and reviews. I would love feedback on what I can do better in my writing.
I couldn't find given names for the king and queen of Arendelle, so I just put in my own. They are Scandinavian-based, as are most of the characters in the movie (except Anna. That's Hebrew).
Chapter 1
The cobblestoned streets of Arendelle were white under a layer of freshly fallen snow. The winter had come much earlier than expected. After all, it was only October. As expected, the streets were mainly empty, with the exception of an occasional figure, hunkered against the chilly wind, fighting toward warmth. Arendelle had not seen weather like this in many years.
One figure walked down the road alone, a dark blue cloak draped lightly over his shoulders. He strode gracefully and upright, as if the cold didn't even bother him, and the snow crunched softly under his boots. A sturdy walking stick was in his left hand, but he was not really using it, just carrying it along with him, as he made his way toward a frantically swinging sign that read: Prancing Caribou Inn.
Pressing his weight against the door to open it, the stranger entered. The inn was packed full of people trying to escape the early winter chill, and every stool was taken. The man went up to the bartender and tossed a few coins on the counter.
"A room," he said, his voice smooth and deep.
"Ah, that's no good, I'm afraid, my friend," replied the bartender with a sympathetic smile. "You see, all our rooms are full tonight. There is a celebratory ball tomorrow, that's why all of these people are here. The King and Queen are announcing the good news."
"News?"
"Not from around here, then, I take it?"
"No," the stranger shook his head.
The bartender waited for him to continue, but he did not.
"Well, the Queen is pregnant!" he said, breaking into a wide grin. "That's what the ball is about, you see."
"Ah," said the stranger, seemingly uninterested. But in his eyes, something flashed. "Well, I will still need a place to stay."
"Try the Kettle-Drum. It's a few streets down. Not as roomy as my own establishment, I dare say, but it'll get the job done," the bartender smiled again and said, "Sorry."
Without a word, the stranger whirled his cloak around him and walked out the door.
He stood in the street, the snow creaking beneath him and his breath turning to steam as it left his mouth. The stranger stared up at the castle looming above the town. A rare smile creased his face, and he turned and walked off toward the Kettle-Drum Inn.