The sky above the Kingdom of Arendelle was a soft, muffled gray, its usual robin egg's blue hidden by the winter's snow-filled clouds. A gentle chill nipped at the air, but it was hardly given a moment of attention by the citizens that dwelt within the peaceful land. They were all far too excited to let the gloomy, wintery weather get them down. It had been six months since the now Legendary Great Thaw had taken place. Every person, from the smallest infant to the frailest elder, knew the story of how their Queen's magical powers over ice and snow were discovered. Everyone knew the tale of the love between the two Royal sisters that had thawed their fear-riddled Queen's unintentional eternal winter.
And now, exactly half a year since the Thaw, winter had finally arrived and the Kingdom was filled with life as it prepared for the newly named Winter Festival. In years past, they had spent only a single day during winter to pray that they would survive and prosper during the harsh months of winter. But now, that single day of prayer had transformed into a glorious, week-long celebration that would honor the beautiful winter that their Queen held domain over.
There was another cause for celebration, though. This was to be the first major event in Arendelle that their once distant, introverted Queen would organize and participate in actively. Everyone could hardly wait for this auspicious week, the cold of the winter barely noticeable past everyone's excitement and joy. Within the palace, however, the young Queen that the citizens were preparing to celebrate was anything but joyous.
Elsa paced within her study, wringing her thin hands together gently as ice formed on them and a few stray snowflakes fell upon her platinum gold hair. She took in long drawls of breath only to let out small flurries, which made her scowl and pace even more. Sitting at her desk, feet up upon its surface, was her ginger haired younger sister, Anna. The blue eyed Princess was watching Elsa closely, tapping her feet together in rhythm with the woman's footsteps.
"Elsa, just calm down," Anna said softly, lowering her feet and sitting up some. "Everything will be fine. You don't have to hide your powers and everyone knows you mean them no harm, so-"
"I know, I know," Elsa huffed, crossing her arms as she just continued to pace, the beautiful trail of her icy dress gliding along behind her. "But what if I mess up…? What if I get something wrong? What if I ruin the whole festival? What if I lose control? What if-"
"What if, what if, what if," Anna sighed, standing from the desk and going over to Elsa, grabbing her hands and making her turn to face her. "Elsa…you need to stop worrying over the 'what if's' and just relax. You'll do fine. The festival will be fun, beautiful and all around wonderful! The people will be happy, I'll be happy and you'll be happy! And besides…" she smirked before capturing Elsa in a tight hug. "If you lose control again, I'll just give you a BIIIIG, warm hug~!"
Elsa blinked for a moment before chuckling and gently returning the hug. "…I know I shouldn't be concerned," she murmured, resting her chin on the girl's shoulder, "but I just want so badly for everything to go perfectly. I want this festival to be as admired as the ones Father and Mother used to throw before they shut the gates…"
"And it will be. Who knows, maybe it'll be even better with YOU planning it," Anna pulled back, smiling softly at her, "Just don't worry and focus on being happy, okay? This coming week is supposed to be FUN!"
"I know," Elsa returned her smile, nodding.
"Did someone say something about a warm hug!?" Both sisters looked up as the door to the office opened and Olaf the snowman came waddling in, laughing his usual gleeful laugh. He went right up to the two sisters, hugging them both around the legs. "'Cuz I like warm hugs!"
"Yup, we sure did! Elsa's just a little worried about the festival and needed a nice hug," Anna told him with a giggle.
"Oh, well am I helping?" Olaf asked as he tilted his head back, looking at the being who had created him.
Elsa smiled and knelt down, hugging him gently, "You certainly are, darling."
"Good!" Olaf beamed at them, nuzzling into Elsa's hug happily.
"Oh, Olaf, is Kristoff back from getting the ice for the sculpture contest, yet?" Anna asked as she moved down beside Elsa, the snowman looking at her while she spoke.
"I don't think so," Olaf said with a shrug of his twiggy shoulders. "I was just out by the stables and didn't see Sven, so I think they're still out."
"Darn," Anna huffed and plopped onto the floor completely, leaning against Elsa. "I want him to hurry back so I can start planning out my own entry for the contest!"
"You're entering?" Elsa looked at her in surprise. "What are you going to be sculpting?"
"You'll see~! I want it to be a surprise."
"Do you even know HOW to sculpt ice?"
"…Y-you'll see!"
Elsa sighed and placed a hand on her head, "Just don't hurt yourself trying to impress anyone, Anna."
The freckled Princess gave her an accusatory glare. "Hey, just because you can build an entire ice palace with itty bitty tiny little details all over the place in five seconds doesn't mean I can't build an awesome ice sculpture in a week! Trust me, it's gonna be AMAZING! So amazing you'll wanna put it in the city square for everyone to admire and stare at in absolute awe!"
"I don't doubt it for a moment," Elsa said gently, smiling. "Anyway…I should probably get back to work planning out the events for the festival-"
"Ooooh yeeeah!" They looked at Olaf, who stuck his hands into his snowy body before pulling out a stack of letters. "I almost forgot! Miss Gerda asked me to give these to you," he said as he held them up to Elsa.
Anna laughed aloud as Elsa accepted the letters. "Olaf, how did you keep those in you without getting them wet?"
"I have NO idea!" He replied happily.
"Ah, finally," Elsa breathed as she looked through the letters, "I've been waiting on these. RSVP's from diplomats and ambassadors that will be attending the Festival." She continued to flip through them for a moment before she stopped, a small gasp escaping her and her eyes widening. The snow that had stopped falling with Anna's hug began to fall anew, and in a larger quantity than there had previously been.
Anna frowned and hugged her sister's arm gently. "Elsa…Elsa, calm down. What's wrong?"
Elsa gritted her teeth together as she stared at one letter in particular, more snow falling and a bit of ice creeping up the walls. "It's…a letter from the King of the Southern Isles," she finally managed to grind out, frowning as Anna instantly tensed up beside her.
"…What does he want?" She asked hesitantly.
"Two of the Princes will be attending the festival in his place," she growled, the snow picking up when Anna gripped her arm a bit tighter, fear entering the younger girl's bright eyes. Elsa took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before she froze the whole room over. "…I'm sure it's not him, Anna," she tried, attempting to comfort her sister's fears. "There is no WAY they would be stupid enough to bring that slime here. And if they do, they can guarantee that it will be seen as a threat against you, and as such, a threat against our Kingdom."
Anna still looked concerned, but gave a small nod, hugging Elsa's arm even more and cuddling up closer to her. The Queen gave her a comforting hug, stroking her hair and frowning at the ground as Olaf went over to the window.
"Ah, Kristoff's back!" He piped up, drawing their thoughts away from the Southern Delegates that would soon be within their midst. Anna instantly jumped up and ran to the window, Elsa following her gracefully. They looked out of the window together, Anna beaming as she saw Kristoff helping some servants unpack the ice he had collected, Sven drinking from a nearby water trough.
Anna looked back at Elsa, hesitating before giving her one more hug. Elsa sighed, closing her eyes. "Everything will be alright, Anna…just go spend some time with Kristoff and relax."
"Same goes for you. Don't stress yourself out too much planning this whole thing. Remember to get out every now and then and get some fresh air," Anna gave her one more sweet smile before hurrying off to welcome home the man she loved.
Elsa turned back to the window, smiling softly when Anna came running out of the gates and tackled Kristoff, hugging him around the neck and kissing him while he gave her a quick spin in the air. When they parted from the innocent kiss, he set her down and they spoke lovingly to one another as she helped him and the servants unpack the ice.
"…Elsa?"
She looked down in surprise at Olaf, who had been standing beside her the whole time. "Why don't YOU have a Kristoff?" He asked.
Blinking in surprise, she just stood there for a moment before clearing her throat. "There's only one Kristoff, Olaf, and we're not-"
"No, no, I mean, why don't you have someone like Kristoff? Someone you love, like Anna does?" He clarified, staring at her.
Elsa sighed and brushed a hand through her swept back locks. "I do have someone I love, Olaf…quite a few people, actually. I love Anna, I love you, I l-"
"Why don't you have a TRUE love? Why don't you have someone you love and who loves you, like them?"
She closed her eyes, taking in a breath before looking back at him. "…I don't need someone to love like that, Olaf," she murmured, "Nor do I want someone to love in such a way. I am happy loving the people I do now…people who I know care for me the same way, without a doubt. People I have no fear of being…" she trailed off, clearing her throat a bit. "Not everyone is made for that kind of love. Not everyone desires it. Besides…I have an entire Kingdom to look after. My family and my people take high priority over the trivial pursuit of finding someone to share romantic feelings with."
"Are you happy without a true love?" Olaf pressed.
She chuckled, giving him a small but genuine smile. "Of course I am. How can I not be happy, knowing that you, Anna and so many others care for me?"
Olaf was silent for a moment before smiling as well, "As long as you're happy, then I guess it's okay you don't have a true love! Welp, I'm gonna go see if Kristoff will let me ride Sven~"
"Just don't bother him too much if he says no," Elsa chuckled, watching him go waddling back out of the office. She stared after him with a warm smile on her face. She stayed that way for a good ten minutes, only pulling her eyes away from the door when a clock chimed out in the hallway.
"Alright, Elsa…no more playing around," she huffed, pushing aside her dress's trail as she sat down at her desk. "Time to get back to work…" She pulled back the long braid that fell over her shoulder, securing it into a bun at the top of her head so it would stay out of her way as she worked. Once that was done, she picked up her quill and began to look over the papers for the festival, working on organizing all of the events for the week long celebration.
She worked diligently for well over an hour, but the entire time her mind seemed to have a difficult time keeping focus on the task. By the middle of the second hour, Elsa finally sighed and set down her pen, pinching the bridge of her nose as she leaned back in her chair. Eventually, she lowered her hand and stood with a small huff. "Some fresh air won't hurt," she murmured, pushing aside her long, transparent trail and heading for the door.
She made her way down to the main hall, exiting the palace through the now open, welcoming gates that had remained closed for most of her and Anna's lives. She took a deep breath, breathing in the sweet winter chill that filled the air. While it made others shiver in discomfort, it warmed her naturally cold body to feel so at home in the element she controlled.
She walked slowly and coolly through the courtyard, just enjoying the crisp air and watching the servants as they prepared the decorations for the festival. "Ah, a little to the left, if you don't mind," Elsa called up to a man as he was putting a wreath up on one of the courtyard pillars.
He looked around in surprise and instantly nodded. "Y-yes, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, will you be freezing the fountains today or closer to the festival?" One woman asked politely, holding a check list.
"I'll be doing it the night before, to make sure they don't melt," Elsa answered, the woman bowing in thanks before hurrying off.
Energized by the enthusiasm of the busy courtyard, Elsa smiled and continued on her way, heading out into the frost coated city. People greeted her as she passed, bowing and watching in awe as the previously reclusive Queen walked among them, her head held high, her true self there for all to see.
"Your Majesty!"
She looked around to see three children, two little girls and a boy, running up to her. Their mother followed, holding a crying baby in her arms. She turned, smiling as she looked at the children. "Hello there, little ones. How may I help you?"
"C-can we see your magic!?" One of the girls asked enthusiastically.
"Now now, I told you lot, don't bother the Queen! She's probably busy," their mother scolded softly, her baby crying even more.
Elsa raised her hand, shaking her head. "It's no trouble at all. I'm out here on a bit of a break, so I am sure a little fun couldn't hurt at all." She looked at the crying baby, hesitating before stepping closer. Her eyes softened as she stared at the little infant, images of Anna cuddled up in her crib, shortly after she had been born, flashing into her mind.
The Queen extended her hand, not putting it too close to the child, and felt the chill of her powers racing through her veins, spreading throughout her arm until it reached her fingertips. From the burst a soft flurry of large, beautiful snowflakes, each an individual, each just as gorgeous as the next.
The baby instantly stopped crying, staring in awe at the flakes as they drifted around, dancing through the air with a twirl of Elsa's fingers. She stepped back some, the baby and children's eyes all locked on her. She spread her arms, the snowflakes following obediently, growing in number as she slowly moved her arms through the air in graceful, arcing motions. More and more snow came fourth, spiraling into the air slowly, like fireworks too timid to shoot straight up.
The snowflakes grew larger and larger until they began to burst, sending shimmering, snow soft flakes of ice that glittered blue falling like rain stuck in slow motion. The children squealed eagerly and chased the flecks, the baby continuing to just watch in wonder as the beautiful special happened right above its head.
Elsa spun her hands together in quick, circular movements, creating a large ball of snow that she tossed up into the air before striking it with a blast of ice, breaking it up and sending large flakes spiraling down, leaving trails of smaller specks in their wake. More than just the children were watching now. Many people had gathered, watching their Queen in admiration as she preformed her beautiful magic.
"Elsa? Showing off now, are we~?" She glanced over as Anna and Kristoff, who looked like they had been preparing to go out for a walk in the woods, approached. Anna was affectionately hugging Kristoff's arm, much like she had done to Hans when they had requested her blessing for marriage. But, unlike that time, Elsa greeted them with a warm, genuine smile, holding nothing but respect and gratitude towards her sister's lover.
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Elsa chuckled as she tossed up some more snow, turning her hand so a few flakes flew right into Anna's face.
Her sister sputtered, blinking the snow off of her lashes. She stuck her tongue out, Kristoff brushing some flakes off of her ginger hair. "Of course it's a bad thing! You didn't invite me!"
"Oh my, do forgive me," Elsa giggled.
"I don't think that apology was sincere!" Anna huffed, smirking as she scooped up a handful of snow and tossed it at Elsa. It smacked right into the woman's face, gasp passing through the crowd that had gathered, followed by a tense, uncertain silence.
Elsa brought her hands up, slowly whipping the snow off of her face, a few stray strands of her slicked back hair falling onto her now cold-flushed cheeks. She opened her eyes, staring at Anna, her face blank and unreadable. Suddenly, out of nowhere, she twisted and churned her hands around until she created a HUGE snowball, holding it high above her head.
Anna gasped and turned to flee only for the snow to harden at her feet, turning to ice and keeping her trapped on the spot. The next moment, Elsa tossed the snowball, knocking her sister flat off her feet. She landed comfortably in the thick, soft snow below, the big but fluffy snowball covering her up almost entirely.
"Was that sincere enough~?" Elsa asked with a playful grin, the villagers relaxing and chuckling in amusement at the sight of the Princess buried in the snow. Elsa turned, about to return to her small show, when Anna suddenly jumped up and tackled her right to the ground.
They rolled through the snow, both squealing and laughing as they shoved snow in each other's faces, trying to get the upper hand over each other. Their fun ended when they rolled right into a palace guard, knocking him over and into the snow. The two young women sat up, their hair a mess and their clothes covered with snow. "O-oh, we're so sorry!" Anna gasped, though it was clear she was holding back giggles.
"It-it's no trouble at all, Your Majesty, Your Highness," the guard sat up, clearing his throat as he brushed the snow off of his clothing. He bowed apologetically to both of them. "I should have been watching where I was going. I-"
"It's nothing to beat yourself up over," Elsa told him softly, standing and helping Anna up as well. With a flick of her hand, the snow that clung to them and the guard flew off and landed back on the ground. "What is it you require?" She asked of him, straightening her hair as her regal demeanor returned.
He nodded, giving another small bow. "I have come to inform you that the diplomats that will be attending the Winter Festival have arrived and are awaiting your greeting at the harbor."
Elsa blinked in surprise, looking at him. "The… diplomats? But I only JUST received a letter earlier today, notifying me that they would be attending!"
"…Ma'am. Said letter arrived almost a whole week ago. Why did you just now receive it, if I may ask?"
Anna's jaw dropped and she stood in silence beside Elsa for a moment before she snickered, covering her eyes with her hand. "Olaf…" she giggled, Elsa just sighing and shaking her head.
"Please tell them I will be there momentarily," she told the guard, who bowed and hurried off to do as she said.
Elsa let out a long breath, looking at Anna. "I swear…sometimes I wonder if I should've given him his own flurry."
"Elsa!" Anna gasped, playfully swatting at her shoulder.
"Oh, you know I don't mean it," Elsa laughed, nodding a farewell to the crowd of villagers, "But it would have been nice to know that the letter was brought to me almost a week late."
"You know Olaf. He forgets important little details like that," Kristoff put in, accompanying the sisters as they made their way to the harbor to greet the diplomats.
"It's no big deal, at least they didn't come while you were sleeping or doing something important, Elsa!" Anna said as she hurried ahead of them some.
Elsa gave a small laugh, shaking her head. "Sleeping comes before important work now, does it? I-…Anna?" She paused mid-step, staring at her sister's back as the girl froze, not moving even the tiniest bit. They had arrived at the harbor and Elsa could see the white sails of their guests flying overhead, but she could not see what was making her sister tense up like a deer caught by a flash of light.
"Anna…?" Elsa slowly came forward, stepping up beside her sister and looking at her face. She felt her heart give a sharp, painful throb as she saw absolute horror on her dear sibling's normally bright, gleeful face. She followed the girl's turquoise eyes, looking at the harbor ahead of them only to take in a sharp, shocked breath.
The chilly winter air turned downright frigid as ice formed beneath Elsa, growing from small patches to full blown spikes, slowly rising up all around her and Anna. Snow began to fall, slow at first, but quickening the longer she stared at the people standing before them.
Two Princes of the Southern isles had arrived, just like their letter had said. But there was a third member of their group. A tall, handsome man with auburn hair and bright hazel eyes stood between the other two Princes, his hands secured behind his back, a tight fist of each gripping his lean arms to keep him in place.
Elsa felt her breathing quicken, ice crawling up her trembling hands now, which itched to hurl the hardening substance straight at the cockily smirking man. She took in a few, quick breaths, the snow quickening even more as the spikes around her continued to rise.
"Long time no see, Your Majesty," chided the thirteenth in line for the thrown, Prince Hans of the Southern Isles.