Just another Elsanna fic that takes place just after the end of Frozen. I had the urge to write this late at night after reading too many (is there such a thing as too many though?) wonderful Elsanna stories. This is my humble contribution to the fandom, though I admit that I lack the talent of several great authors here. You guys are awesome, really.
I have a few ideas for a storyline that will earn the M rating. This chapter mainly serves as intro. That said, I hope you enjoy.
And just like that, summer is back, and the gates stay open. There is a lot to do of course. Gauging the damage that the short, but intense Freeze has done. Then, there the extent of damage to the confidence that the people of Arendelle might feel towards their young Queen, barely of age and a stranger to them all, but now feared, romanticized and adored in equal measure. That Arendelle starts to see its Queen as a benevolent protector and not a threat or, worse yet, a mad witch, is largely due to the endeavors of the Princess however, who seems to burst with pride and adoration whenever she talks about her sister in public. As such, the Queen at least enjoys the benefit of the doubt of those who have yet to make up their mind about the new monarch.
And of course there are…international affairs to deal with, caused by a sudden rupture in the balance of powers. The small kingdom of Arendelle that for all these years has kept out of the political scheming of its larger neighbors is suddenly a force to be reckoned with in the eyes of the foreign dignitaries. Yes, Arendelle now has a monarch that is capable of bringing eternal winter to entire nations, and this needs careful analysis and observation before actions are to be taken.
All of this is on Elsa's mind as she buries her head in her hands and sighs wearily. Her neck and shoulders are stiff from reading through piles of documents that seem to flood her large desk these days. Her father's desk actually, which is now hers.
Letter after letter arrive these days, and more and more are from monarchs, ministers and other people of power that most likely have never heard of Arendelle before, but are now congratulating her on her ascension to the throne. It is almost funny, Elsa muses, how she is learning to read the true meaning behind the elaborate, seemingly repetitive diplomatic phrases and wording. And there is a whole range of meaning to be discovered, assessed and responded to. This one fakes enthusiasm over her coronation for the sake of new trade arrangements at the expense of Weselton. This one contains careful prodding about Arendelle's official stance in political affairs that Elsa is not even aware of. Another reminds the ruler of Arendelle of the "old ties between our grand nations", and another is but a barely concealed threat should Arendelle think of becoming "overly ambitious".
Suddenly, two arms encircle the monarch from behind, and there is the split of a second where Elsa's body remains tense after the initial surprise. Is it safe to be touched, is she in control? But then Elsa smiles and relaxes back into the arms holding her, the tension leaving her body. "It is okay. I am okay. Love will thaw."
"More royal correspondence, your Majesty?" The teasing smile in Anna's voice is evident as she holds her sister affectionately. Her breath tickles Elsa's cheek slightly. The readhead leans closer, letting her chin rest on the Queen's shoulder. Elsa nods and gives out a sigh, this one deeper than the previous one. "It appears that every nation wants to be on good terms with Arendelle these days. But I am not sure how long this is going to last, Anna. At some point Arendelle will be asked to give up the comfortable neutral position we enjoyed for being just a small kingdom in the far north. People believe we are not unimportant enough anymore to just let us be."
Anna senses what her sister is really trying to say. Maybe without noticing it, Elsa has covered one of Anna's hands with her own, lacing their fingers together. "Arendelle is ruled by a woman that conjures a snowstorm with so much as a twirl of her hand. I am feared, and if I mess this up then all repercussions on Arendelle will be my fault and my fault alone."
The Princess nuzzles her sister's neck affectionately, knowing that she has no answer that can dissipate the blonde's worries, no matter what she'll say. But she also believes that Elsa is, as is so often the case, worrying too much. "Maybe they will leave Arendelle alone once they realize that the mighty Ice Queen is not interested in power and would rather read her sister good night stories than conquer the world. I am sure that realization will come as a shock to royalty around the globe, but I think its suits Arendelle and the royal princess just fine."
Elsa manages to chuckle and wince at the same time, squeezing Anna's hand gently. "I am not sure it'll be that easy."
"No, it won't," Anna nods, the smile still on her face, Elsa can feel it against her cheek. "But I know you can do it."
And there it is again, the unshakeable faith that Anna has in Elsa no matter the doubts and insecurities that are plaguing the blonde. Elsa doesn't know whether to laugh or to cry, she still isn't entirely sure she can live up to whatever Anna sees in her. But Elsa can feel some of the apprehension leave her body. The Queen nuzzles her younger sister's bare arm, placing a soft kiss on the smooth skin.
Ever since that day, the day that was both the Freeze and the end of it, there hasn't been a single day where both have not spent time together. There is so much between them, a growing…something….they are aware of but can't voice. At least not yet, when there is still so much catching up to do, so much lost time to make up for. So much getting to know the other who is both a stranger and yet closer than anyone else in the world.
They are both keenly aware that their interaction not only becomes more intimate through words by telling the other about harbored dreams and hopes as well as fears and insecurities as the grew up, separated from each other; but all talk of the past is outshone by the sheer joy of being together again and knowing, truly knowing, that neither stopped loving the other during all those years. After years of loneliness and longing for human contact, the re-acquaintance with each other is expressed physically as well. They hug, they link arms as they walk, and often Anna will lay her head on Elsa's shoulder, just enjoying her sister's closeness. When Elsa reads to Anna, Anna often rests her head in her sister's lap; or Elsa will wrap one arm around her sister while Anna leans back against her, and the younger sister closes her eyes and savors the warmth of Elsa's body. The beautiful dresses made from ice are more and more reserved for public appearances and less and less worn when both of them spend time together. It is a treasured knowledge to Anna knowing that, despite all rumors that are of course out there, the Ice Queen's body can be remarkably warm to the touch.
They don't talk about it, but as if in unspoken agreement, the touches have grown more tender, more intimate, over the past weeks. A first soft kiss to the cheek, then forehead, then closed eyelids. A first brushing of lips against one another late at night in the library when the fire has burned down and they have run out of words to share.
It is Anna – of course it is Anna – who whispers "I love you" after this, and she has almost anticipated this moment of hesitation, this moment when she knows Elsa *needs* to make sure first that what she is about to do has no negative repercussions. Elsa, who is always so cautious, always so self-conscious about her actions and about what she perceives as selfishness.
And then Elsa, in a voice that is all tenderness, whispers back. "I love you too." And Anna reaches up and pulls Elsa's face towards her, and they kiss some more until Elsa's starts crying even though she isn't able to tell why.
Of course they need to talk about this. Definitely. But not yet, even though the longing for each other is growing with each passing day. Just a while longer enjoy this state that is not quite sisterly, but not quite romantic yet either.
Anna waves a hand in front of Elsa's face, breaking her out of her reverie. "Did I lose you there for a second?" Elsa flushes, embarrassed that she let her mind wander. But Anna doesn't even give her the chance to feel guilty or apologize. She pulls her sister to her feet.
"As far as I remember, you have a royal appointment today to teach me how to ice skate as befits any big sister. Protests and excuses will not be accepted," she adds as Elsa opens her mouth to do just that.
Elsa shakes her head in mock defeat, even as a wave of warmth spreads through her body. She leans her forehead against Anna's for a moment, taking hold of her hands. "Thank you, Anna", she whispers. "For lightening the mood when I start brooding. For being there when I don't think I can't handle it anymore. For not letting go of me. For loving me no matter what."
Anna is momentarily startled by Elsa's gesture. But she also knows her sister by now, and knows that her idea to go ice skating came just at the right time. "Don't thank me, just make sure you don't drop me like last time. My rear hurt for two days, which I think would have justified two days of getting your dessert instead of just dinner's that evening you know."
And just like that, in this moment, Elsa s not the Queen of Arendelle anymore, but a young woman who loves her sister more than anything in the world and who will be damned if she is not going to come up with a good reply to the redhead's tease right now. "One should think that by know you'd be able to skate on your own," she says airily. "After so many hours of practice, even a toddler would be able to skate better than you. Honestly Anna, how much longer do you need to hold onto me…" Elsa trails off as she notices the twinkle in Anna's eyes. Realization dawns upon the queen, further confirmed by Anna's face breaking into a smug smirk.
"I have the feeling I will need to hold onto you for a good while longer, Elsa. And you'll have to teach me for a long time to come." The redhead replies happily, dragging the Queen of Arendelle towards the door.