Arendelle was buzzing with gossip, yet it seemed the only common ground in the rumors was the fact that Kristoff—brave, loyal, incredible mountain man Kristoff—was nowhere to be found. Elsa was standing outside her sister's closed door, unsure of how to break the news for the second time that day that the groom was still missing. Her hand was raised as if to knock on the white painted door, wondering if this is how Anna felt all those years. Nervous, discouraged, and scared. Maybe not because of rejection on Elsa's part, but the fact that so soon after her isolation, she'll be expected to comfort the abandoned bride just on the other side of that oaken door. She didn't know if she could do it. No…It was silly to compare the unorganized emotions in Elsa's head to the ones Anna felt all those years. Anna had been left, with no knowledge as to why. They both had lonely childhoods, both behind different kinds of locked doors, both feeling different things. That in mind though, Elsa had a duty. She would have to revive her old mantra: conceal, don't feel, and put on a show. Put away the fear, ignore the uncertainty, and be the sister that Anna deserved and she owed.
Taking in a deep breath, Elsa rested her hand against the solid barrier between the two girls. She let it out, closing her eyes and then with a sudden surge of courage, the snow queen spoke.
"Anna, do you want to build a snow man?"
Almost instantly, the door flung open. Standing there in pale green silks and unbraided hair was her beautiful and broken sister, whose face was covered in snot and tears.
"Yes," Anna managed, her voice breaking. Her face crumbled and she lurched into Elsa's arms. The queen held the crying girl with one hand on her head and one arm around her waist, as their mother had done whenever Elsa had a particular upsetting time in those early days. Nobody else had wanted to hold her then…everybody was afraid. Even the butler Kai, they never…She could feel herself falling, her fingers beginning to tingle…not even her father would touch her…only mother…no. She curled her fingers and held her sister tighter. She willed away the selfish thoughts, about how easy it would be to just…let it go. Instead, she held on tightly to the warmth of her sister. Her brave, brave little sister. Who, though under the heavy scrutiny of their people, stood on her own feet. Her heart was breaking, yet she opened the door and still let others in. Elsa had come to realize that there was fierce courage in Anna's vulnerability. It had shown all those months ago when she sacrificed herself, and then unfolded more so in the time since, leaning on her, on Kristoff, and on the people who loved her so dearly.
As Anna pulled back, wiping the tears from her cheek, Elsa smiled leaned back was well. Her voice was soft and alluring as she whispered, "How about we arrange a trip to see The Babies?"
There was an almost instantaneous brightening in Anna's eyes, and an almost instantaneous darkening. "I can't…I have to wait for Kristoff. It's not too late yet."
"Anna—"
"I'm not giving up on him Elsa. He'll make it," her lips smiled, but her blue eyes didn't. "I have to get ready, would you help me?"
Elsa looked down, gathering her strength. She wasn't brave like Anna. Anna was going to walk down the aisle with no groom, for she knew it was expected of her. Kristoff had failed her, leaving days before they were set to take their vows, and yet…she was looking over her shoulder at the dress that Elsa had created for her. She had stepped back, out of her sister's arms, and was standing alone. She wasn't vulnerable in that moment…no…she was stronger than any magic Elsa had. And what was the queen to say? "No Anna, you're only going to cause yourself more pain. The show of strength is not worth the torture it will do to you to stand at that alter, to recite your half of the vows..." Anna would not listen to that. Those unsmiling eyes were determined. So Elsa pressed her lips together, put on her best show, and nodded.
