The first stop on the journey was the Southern Isles. Elsa and her ships would visit their closest ally and friend, King Lukens and his brothers on Lukens Island. Lukens had arranged for his brothers to meet with Elsa on Wednesday, holding the Southern Isles Council meeting one day early.
On arrival at the Lukens Isle port, Elsa and the three ship captains, along with some crewmembers retrieved the gifts for King Lukens and his royal brothers. They were then escorted with some fanfare to the castle, and the waiting King and his brothers in the Council Chamber.
Elsa was greeted warmly by King Lukens as well as by his brothers.
"Did you have a good trip, Elsa?" Lukens asked amicably.
"Yes! It was fine sailing weather and we made good time!" replied Elsa enthusiastically.
"May I address the Council, King Lukens?"
"Please!"
Elsa then went on to give a short address to the Council members, acknowledging the past, recognizing their mutual trust and friendship, and wishing for more of the same in the future.
Elsa then presented her gifts.
"I have brought some new machines that will help the Southern Isles with planting and harvesting their crops, one for each brother. I also have a 55 gallon cask of Arendelle's best wine for each brother, along with five new outfits, with all of the accessories for their wives (Elsa had obtained a list of styles, favorite colors, and accessories preference for each brothers' wife before the trip).
"And here is an additional gift for King Lukens, that all of the brothers can use: a 200 book library covering an assortment of topics, for the Southern Isles Central Library."
Lukens and his brothers were impressed and happy.
"Thank you, Queen Elsa! I am sure my wife will enjoy your gift of new outfits and accessories! You were even thoughtful enough to provide them in her favorite color! (Elsa smiled). And I know how good Arendelle's wine is. I will definitely enjoy that, along with visiting the new additions to our Library!" stated Amund.
"Agreed, Amund!" commented Thor. "You are very thoughtful, Elsa. The new machines will be a boon to the agriculture on each island. And I know we can count on Arendelle if anyone tries to attack our kingdom!"
"Indeed you can!" relied Elsa. "We would fight as one against the aggressors!"
But as Elsa was taking leave, she hadn't noticed that Lukens had left the chamber. He returned, but not empty-handed.
"Elsa, we also didn't forget our good friend Arendelle," started Lukens. "We have for you five barrels of our various fruits and vegetables, sealed for longevity, along with this plaque!" And he presented Elsa with a beautiful coat of arms, with the names of "Arendelle" and "Southern Isles" intertwined as a show of friendship.
Elsa was deeply touched. "Lukens! I'm supposed to be giving the gifts, not receiving!"
But Lukens replied with a smile, "We wanted to show you that we value Arendelle as an ally, and more importantly, as a friend."
"Well, thank you very much Lukens and brothers! This coat of arms will hang in my Throne Room on my return!"
All of the brothers smiled and clapped. They had sent their friends off on the remainder of their journey in high spirits.
As the Southern Isle gifts were loaded on the ships, and the passengers re-boarded, Elsa thought to herself how kind and considerate the Southern Isle rulers were, as she waved goodbye to the send-off party. How did they ever get stuck with Hans? She thought to herself, as the ships moved to the next ally: Acropeligos.
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Anna started her first day as Acting Queen with an audience with Kai, Kristoff and James.
"The first group to see you, Queen Anna, is from the school. The children want to present a small gift to the Royal household for their frequent visits to their school on 'story day' (Friday), and acting out the parts," informed Kai.
"Okay, Kai! (Anna had winced at the words 'Queen Anna')" and she was very nervous.
Kristoff tried to ease the tension. "It's just the same children we see often at the school, Anna! Relax!"
Just then two students entered the Throne room with the principal. The young boy bowed and the young girl, and principal curtsied. Anna curtsied back. The children then gave Anna a poster with all of the children's names on it. Anna was touched, and thanked the children and principal warmly. The children and principal bowed and curtsied again as they left, which Anna returned.
"What a thoughtful gift!" Anna exclaimed. "We should hang it here in the Throne Room!"
But Kristoff and Captain Smith gently disagreed.
"Anna, we really ought to put this in the hallway between Elsa's and our bedroom," stated Kristoff.
"True," added Captain Smith. "The wall hangings in the Throne Room should be from alliance members, as the Throne Room is the seat of government."
Kristoff agreed.
Anna somewhat sheepishly agreed, just as Kai entered the Throne Room.
"Your Majesty," Kai started, " It is proper for visitors to bow and curtsy to the ruler, but you should not curtsy in return. They are showing respect for their ruler."
Again Anna sheepishly agreed.
Kristoff then kissed his wife on the cheek and said, "I know this is new to you, Anna. No need to be embarrassed! You'll get the hang of it!"
Kai and Captain Smith agreed.
Anna immediately felt more at ease, as she continued to hold court for the rest of the day, without a hitch.