Act I

Chapter I - Starlight

The castle burned in the night sky. For a week, the orange glow of the castle would reach to touch the starlight. The visions of the poets, songs of the musicians, passion of the lovers, and dreams of the people had never reached higher in Arendelle.

Above the waves, on the gray rocks of the fjord, a gem sat upon the earth. A stem tore between the rocks and crags, carrying atop it a lonely crocus. Each of the six petals had veins of royal purple surging outwards from the white center, reaching up to the night sky. Its beauty stood above the crashing of the waves upon the rocks.

The flower had a nice view of the town. Each day, it would watch as the town filled with barterers and traders, shouting, advertising the finest prices for their fruits, furs, and furnishings. It's location on the fjord welcomed newcomers from the sea and sent farewells to the old faces that had long sailed in the waters of the North. Occasionally, a young lad or lass would spot the gem upon the gray rocks, pull their mother over for a closer look, and continue down the streets with a higher skip in their step. It was the simple beauty, the beauty of a flower on the shore or the smile of a friend, which pushed the dreams of Arendelle to the stars.

Seven hours.

The Queen had expected the illusion to last for seven days. It shattered in seven hours.

The celebration continued. A simple display of control in the courtyard – coating the grounds and damage with a thin sheet of blue ice – and for the first time in three years, the people believed the nation was stable.

An old man and woman stood together in the celebration. Elsa was watching them. The man removed his rugged cap from his head, placed it in his coat and took the hands of the woman. In the far corner of the courtyard, the band raised their instruments and began to play. First, a steady beat. Then, a melody filled the air and reached the Queen through the muffled glass.

As the notes carried, the couple found fervor in their feet. They waltzed across the blue sheet of ice, feet moving with the music, smiles gleaming with the celebration. Lost in time, they pranced across the crowded courtyard, watching the world fade until there was only the music, their joy, and their love.

Three taps on the wooden door. It creaked open.

"Your Majesty…"

The Queen did not turn. She stood in front of the triangular window that dominated her study. Below it, the courtyard. Above it, the stars. It was her gateway to Arendelle. Against the window, Elsa's ice dress glimmered as the moonlight outlined her silhouette. Her braided hair flowed down her shoulders.

"Yes Kai?"

"I put the report on your desk. Did you-"

"Yes," said the Queen "I suspected something like this to happen."

"I… As did I, Your Majesty."

The room was silent. The only movement came from the flickering candlelight.

"Your Majesty, I suspect a full report to arrive during the night."

"Thank you, Kai. We will discuss this further tomorrow."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Goodnight."

Elsa turned, revealing her face to the servant.

"Kai…"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"I need you to keep this celebration going. Keep the people happy."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

"Thank you."

He bowed and left the room.

The old couple lost the fervor in their feet. Time was unforgiving and it leached at the small amount of energy this joyous occasion had brought them. Reality reminded them that they were no longer young. They came to a stop, hand in hand, eyes locked together. The man took his cap out of his jacket, placed in on this head, put a hand around the woman, and walked through the front gates and into the night.

The crowd was beginning to sulk back into town, pulled to the castle by the food and song, pushed home by the weariness of the night and the persuasion of the City Guard. The greens and browns left the courtyard, leaving nothing but the Guard in their green garb, a table of assorted dishes, meats, and desserts, stragglers holding on to the night, and the blue ice.

Elsa left the window. The room was lonely. There was a wooden desk, piled with papers, letters and unfinished business. On top, an envelope. Torn seal, rough edges, and fading to a pale brown. Elsa picked it off the desk. Her fingers lifted the flap, went to the frayed edges, and pulled out the scribbled note.

She read it for the fourth time.

Her fingers were trembling. She placed the note inside the envelope, fingers shaking against the frayed edges, and closed the flap, pushing a finger over the broken seal of Arendelle. Her hands placed the letter back on top of the desk.

She opened the desk drawer. Inside, an assortment of stationeries, pens, and a pair of turquoise gloves. Elsa put her hand on top of the fabric. It was smooth, comforting, with each strand of fabric gliding against her fingers. She took them out of the drawer and held them in her hands.

Her hands were shaking, the icy fingertips struggling to maintain a grip over the smooth gloves.

In one fluid motion, the gloves were on. She held her hands out. They were still.

Her hands lowered. The letter stared at her, its small package dominating the cluttered desk. Elsa stared at it. Tomorrow. Now, she needed to see Anna.

She walked across the room, brought her gloved hands to the door, and left the room.

"Hey, I've got it!" Anna was staring down at her reflection in front of her feet as the skates carved through the ice. Legs stiff, arms stretched, she fidgeted with every wobble of her feet. "Hey Kristoff! Maybe I should be the ice harvester instead- Whoa… whoa!"

Her feet sped up and her body stopped. Her hands went to the ground, and she was staring at the night sky with a broken dignity.

"What were you saying?" Kristoff smiled. He was standing over her, hand outstretched.

"Hmph."

Anna's fingers were fumbling over the laces. The skates came off her feet.

"I'll try again tomorrow," she stood up, arm rubbing her side, "That's enough pain for one day." She handed the pair of skates to a servant. The servant scurried inside the castle.

"Kristoff, you wanna get out of here?"

Kristoff glanced around the courtyard. Despite the Queen's departure, the citizens of Arendelle were still pouring through the gates to get a glimpse of the celebration. He liked the band, but the crowds…

"Yeah, let's go walk around the town."

"Oh yes! I haven't had the chance to explore. Come on!" Anna took Kristoff's arm and pulled him as fast as the ice would allow. They left the gates.

The guards saluted as Anna ran past, but she didn't notice – beyond a city, a beautiful painting, nestled in the crevasse of the ancient fjords and forgotten hillsides, merged with the earth and sea. The Town Centre was beyond the cobblestone bridge. It thrived in the commerce of the day. Merchants, artisans, ice harvesters and other peddlers took their goods here to be sold. By night, people would drift to the tavern, where fiddlers and pianists would raise a note in celebration of their city.

Beyond were the docks. Ships bearing gold, silver, ice, goods, and unpleasant dignitaries docked here. More politicians and visitors were able to sail home after the Great Thaw, yet merchants and tradesmen seeking wealth in the open Kingdom were beginning to arrive.

The town stretched across the shore and up the foothills until the lush green overtook the wood and stone. The outskirts of Arendelle crawled up the mountainside until it reached the walls of the rocky mountains.

Green and purple streamers and banners dotted the marketplace and accentuated the buildings. Anna and Kristoff reached the end of the bridge, but did not find the solitude they sought.

"Princess Anna!"

"My lady!"

"Oh bless you for the safety of the town!"

Some of them bowed, others clapped, and they all tried to get closer to the princess.

"Oh thank you," Anna pulled Kristoff through the crowd, "please it was nothing, I'm just glad Elsa's – and Arendelle, Arendelle too – is safe."

"Dearest Princess, would you please bless my child?"

"Uhhh…"

"Where is the Queen? We want to see her!" shouted another.

"She's working. In the castle..."

The crowd was monstrous. A legion of tall figures in military garb moved through the array with their hands outstretched. "Please, give the Princess space!" said one of the guards.

"No, it's okay. They're not…"

The guards had pushed the crowd away from the couple.

"Please, people of Arendelle," said a guard, "the Queen and Princess are safe. You can expect more details in the future. Until then, please, give them time and privacy. Feel free to enjoy the celebrations in the courtyard."

There were murmurs as people turned and went into the night.

The guardsmen turned to the Princess, bowed, "G'day, sir," to Kristoff, and continued their patrol.

"Looks like you've become a bit of a celebrity."

"Yeah. It's been an interesting week..."

"It's been an interesting two weeks."

The town was quiet. Most townsfolk had left the streets, now drunk in the taverns or asleep in their beds. The lantern light lit the empty streets. There was nothing but the chill of the ocean breeze and the warmth of a companion.

Midnight in Arendelle.

Anna and Kristoff walked the empty streets. Their feet carried without any goal, except to stay close to the pair next to them. Anna's eyes darted around the streets, at the colored buildings, at the sparkling fjord, and the glistening starlight. Kristoff's eyes stayed on the road ahead and the girl whose hand he held.

"Look at the fjord."

Anna pointed to the waters. The fjord reflected the glow of the moon, and dashes of white and blue danced in the waves. The steady rise and flow of the waves danced on the horizon.

Anna sat next to the flower and stretched her legs. Kristoff sat next to her. The waves crawled up the rocks and receded before reaching their toes. The serenity of the scene drew Anna's eyes across the horizon.

"When I was in the castle… I would look out at the fjord. During the summer, I wanted to run out here and dip my toes in the water. Maybe Elsa would come, if she wasn't…"

"So, what's it like now?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, it's over. Thirteen years and your dreams are a reality."

"I don't know…" Anna looked out at the water, then to Kristoff. "It doesn't feel… complete. I mean, life is great and I have Elsa and you, but it almost seems… fake."

"Is Elsa doing well?

"She's fine, it's just a lot to get used to."

"I can imagine. Running a kingdom can't be easy."

"She just has a lot to worry about." Anna lay down on the rocks, "I'll try to comfort her tonight."

Kristoff lay on the rocks, his head next to Anna's, and they stared at the night sky. A billion stars watched the couple, each one calling out to them. The couple reached back, hopes and dreams of the future longing to dance among the starlight.

"What's it like sleeping under the stars?"

"I dunno. Peaceful."

"Do you sleep outside often?"

"Yeah, why?"

"You really shouldn't. Maybe I can get you-"

"Anna. Thanks, but no thanks. I wouldn't be comfortable."

"But I don't want you out here at night."

"It's what I've done all my life." Their heads turned and their eyes met, "Trust me. I'm fine."

Anna's eyes went to the sky. The sparkling twilight was soothing… She closed her eyes. The waves crashed on the rocks. The sea breeze glided over her. Kristoff's hands slipped over hers, his leather skin complimenting her smooth skin. It was peaceful. They lay there for a long time.

She opened her eyes and turned her head.

"Kristoff."

"Mmm?"

"Look over there."

Kristoff's eyes opened. She sat up. Anna was pointing to a purple blotch on the rocks. A flower – a crocus with purple petals. It was close to the water's edge. An odd place for a flower to grow.

Anna scrambled to it. The childlike wonderment drew the Princess to the flower. She knelt next to the purple crocus and watched it sway in the breeze.

"Look at it…"

"What, the flower?"

"Of course Kristoff! It's beautiful."

He sat down next to Anna. His gentle hands ran over the petals, "Well, I'd say it's the second most beautiful thing on the shore."

"Awww… you're awful." Anna slapped him on the shoulder and hoped he wouldn't turn to see the massive grin across her face. She could get used to this.

"Have you ever seen one grow this close to the shore?" said Anna.

"No, I'm surprised it didn't die when the fjord froze."

"This one must be special."

"Huh? It's just a flower."

"Not just a flower. Look at it!"

"Well, I suppose something had to keep it alive during the winter."

Her eyes stuck to the flower as if it were a candle in the dark. It drew on her newfound happiness, her newfound freedom, and returned it in larger quantities. It was strange to find joy in such a simple ornament amidst the fireworks and songs and food that overflowed in the castle courtyard. Perhaps it was the defiance, the confidence, and the hope that drew Anna to the flower. It reached to the starlight, just as Anna had for thirteen years.

The Princess knelt forward and dug her fingers into the soil. She pulled the grime out of the ground and with every grasp into the earth, she revealed more strands of the roots. The task landed a thin layer of dirt on her green dress and hands. Her blood was royal; her actions were human.

"What are you doing?" Kristoff laughed. It was nice to see a girl who wasn't afraid of work.

"I want to bring it to Elsa." Anna kept digging, grunting with each pull at the earth. "She'll… grrr… like it."

Anna kept digging. Kristoff's leather hands joined Anna's, moving the rocks. The black sediment was damp. The roots clung to the water beneath the rocks. Anna dug out the thin strings that sprayed from the bottom of the roots and pulled the flower out of the ground.

"Haha!" Anna smiled at the flower in her hands, Anna and Kristoff stood. "I suppose I should get this thing back to the castle," said Anna.

"And I should catch some sleep."

"Will I see you tomorrow?"

"Of course you-"

"Wait, are you going to sleep outside again?"

Kristoff looked at her. His shoulders lowered

"Ugghh. I don't want to know." Anna threw her arms around the burly miner. She dug her face into his chest, and he held her close. She could feel something – warmth. Not as strong as what she felt on the fjord, but it was there. They stayed in each other's arms for a long time.

They separated, held each other's arms, and stared into each other's eyes.

"Goodnight Kristoff."

"Goodnight Anna."

Anna pulled him close for one last squeeze and walked across the lonely town to the castle.

The party was over. The City Guard had shuffled the last guests out the gates. Servants scurried around the courtyard with empty glasses and messy plates. They had supplied dishes of meats, fish, and vegetables for the party, and drinks that had been long stored in the Castle's cellar. Food, drink, song and show had cheered the weary town. The servants left and the courtyard slowly lost all company except the pillars, the ice, and the Princess.

The last servants entered the castle. Anna took in the night and followed them inside the castle. The wooden doors closed behind her.

Anna stood in the Entrance Hall. It was a small room. The walls were scarlet, a purple rug covered the white floor, and miniature golden crocuses decorated both. Moonlight gleamed through the open windows and doors and mixed with the fire light inside the castle, illuminating the colored walls and timeless paintings. Servants walked around the rooms bearing rags and brooms and other tools. The hurriedness of the day was still foreign to Anna.

A stout man approached her. He still wore his coat and bowtie.

"Good evening, M'lady."

"Evening Kai!"

"What a lovely flower. Allow me to fetch you a vase." Before Anna could stop him, the short man scurried off. Anna looked around the Entrance Hall and at the doors. She used to come here and peep through the crack between the doors. Kai brought her mind back.

"What did you think of the celebration? I was quite fond of it myself."

"Yeah, it was great!" Anna handed him the flower. Kai put it in a skinny, clear vase with water at the bottom. "Hey, have you seen Elsa?

"The Queen has retired to her room."

"Thanks, Kai."

"Goodnight, M'lady."

"'Night, Kai!"

He handed Anna the vase, tipped his head and left. Anna grasped the vase in her hands. The bottom was cold. She looked at the purple petals. It was a nice flower.

Anna walked through the castle. She passed the suits of armor standing guard, and walked up the staircase.

She reached the upstairs hallway. White doors lined the left of the hallway and windows with red curtains lined the right. The blue moonlight poured in from the windows, the glare obscuring Anna's view like a fog in the hall. She gripped the flower and walked into the moonlight.

She stopped at the door. It was closed. Taking one hand off the vase, she tapped on the wood three times.

"Come in."

Anna's hand went to the handle. She twisted it and the door opened.

Elsa was sitting on the window couch, leaning on the arm and legs stretched across the cushions, the moon illuminating her silhouette against the triangular window. She wore a simple teal evening gown. Hair down, hands rested on a book that lay on her outstretched legs. She gazed at the starlight.

"Anna…"

"Hey. I found this." She held up the vase. "I remember Mom would sometimes bring these in from the garden. You always liked them. I remember you would put them on your window sill and water them and everything." Anna stepped into the room. It was a white room with wooden floors and purple furniture.

"I remember one time you knocked one off the windowsill and broke the vase. Gerda made you clean it up." said Elsa.

"Yeah… sorry about that." Anna laughed.

She reached over the couch and placed the vase on the windowsill behind it. The flower looked out the window and at the town.

"Anyways, I thought you would like it. It might remind you of…"

"It's beautiful. Thank you Anna."

Anna had a gift - this capability to maintain a flame in the windy night. Here she was in a room of coldness, with its whites and greens and purples, and she gave it warmth. Elsa leaned back on the couch. Her body implanted itself in the softness. Anna walked across the room and plopped down on a wooden chair. They sat in silence. The day was over. Elsa sighed. She could wait until tomorrow. Now, she just wanted Anna to stay…

"Elsa, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Anna leaned forward, "Come on. I know that look."

Elsa straightened up and looked at Anna. "There's been a rebellion."

"What?"

"It's a small one. In Balestrand."

"How? More importantly, why?"

"I think we both know why."

"Don't be so hard on yourself…"

"The garrison is led by General Alvarsson. He's one of our best. They'll be fine. In the meantime, I am consulting with Kai about how to approach the situation." Elsa took the book off her lap and sat it on the floor. Her eyes turned from Anna and went to the window. The moon was starting to sink. She was tired, and she knew she would be for a long time.

"I guess we'll just have to get used to it."

Anna stood up. Arms crossed.

"You're worried that people won't accept your ice powers."

Elsa looked out the window.

"Oh Elsa. We'll be fine," Anna began pacing about the room. "Look. I've been talking with people all week, and they're all just happy the Great Freeze is over, that you're okay, that I'm okay, that the kingdom is okay, and-"

"They like you, Anna. Not me."

"Of course that's not true. Well, I'm sure they love me because, you know, but they also love you! Just the other day I- Hey! Where are your gloves?"

"What?"

"Just earlier today they were here on your desk…" Anna rummaged through the assortment of papers on the desk then went to the drawers, pulling each one out, examining its contents, and closing it.

"Wait." Anna turned to Elsa. "You were wearing them again, weren't you?"

"Anna…"

"I told you that you couldn't do that!" She paced over to Elsa. "Where? Where did you put them?"

Elsa sighed. Her hands reached behind her back and pulled out the turquoise gloves. Anna snatched the gloves out of Elsa's hands. She folded the gloves and put them in her bag.

"You can't use these every time you think your powers are going to slip! Are you just going to hide in the castle for the rest of your life?"

"Anna, I'm sorry."

Anna's face dropped. She bit her lip and sat down on the couch next to Elsa. Their eyes met. Anna grabbed Elsa's hand.

"Elsa, I'm sorry, I just don't want you to start shutting the world out again. I'm here to help you with this." She squeezed Elsa's hand. "I've already lost you twice… I can't do it again."

Elsa's eyes focused. They darted into the empty room, back at Anna, and then to the hand she held, and then into Anna's eyes. The girl in front of her was strong. Confident. Charismatic. All the things Elsa lacked. She wanted her to stay here, with her, and maybe the worries of this world would wash away. Life would be bliss, but Elsa knew her condition would never allow that. Thirteen years and there was still ice in Elsa's heart, and the people would never let it thaw.

"I never asked," said Elsa, "Why did you do it?"

"What?"

"On the fjord. What made you… you know."

Anna bit her lip, "Well, when I saw you, you had a sword raised over your head, and all I wanted in that moment was for you to live and for you to be happy. I just took one last look at Kristoff and then… did it."

"Yes, but you shouldn't have. Without me, this kingdom would be at peace."

"No no. Don't say that."

Anna leaned forward, turning and landing on Elsa's chest. Elsa put her arms around her and held her sister close. "I wouldn't be at peace. I need you, Elsa."

Anna's eyes closed and her breathing slowed. They held each other on the couch and wished this night would never end.

"I told you Elsa. I did it because I love you."

Elsa ran her fingers over her sister's back. Here was the girl, the only one who could touch the Queen's heart, the heart she had been longing to touch for thirteen years. In turn, she had reached the heart of Arendelle. She brought joy in their darkest hour, gave her own life for the one she loved. Elsa's fingertips stung with her sister's warmth, and slowly, more of Elsa's heart thawed. It would be a long process.

Elsa watched Anna's eyes closed on her freckled face. Her fingers brushed her hair out of her face, and Elsa stared at her sister falling from one dream to the next. She was an optimist and a lover, and the Queen wanted to stand beside her sister with the same smile, and the same confidence, and the same love. For Arendelle, and for Anna.

"I love you too, Anna."

Anna was asleep. Her chest rose in steady waves as the girl sank into her sister's comforting embrace. Elsa pulled the blanket off the end of the couch and rested it over them both, for the comfort of her sister.

She gazed around the moonlit room, at the city, resting in the night, and at the stars. The world was no longer lonely.

She closed her eyes. Seven hours of rest, then she would face her first crisis as Queen.

Elsa and Anna slept. The purple flower sat in its vase on the windowsill. Once again, it watched the town through the night, and this time, it also watched the sisters, and its petals reached just a little closer to the starlight.