With the threat now passed, the people once again resumed their lives especially around the palace grounds where the gates remained open despite the threat of all out war. It was the promise Elsa made, not just to her sister, but to the people of Arendelle, and despite of all that could happen, and the council of others warning of the potential danger, she refused to close them.

Elsa spent a moment look out at the autumn sun, people watching from the front gate. Her wound was now carefully concealed as to not draw any attention to it. Far better bandaged than what Bjorn managed. He was a good man, but his medical skills were more the rough patchwork meant for the battlefield, rather than refined as she needed. Gerda was much better, even if she did complain about how it required five stitches to close.

Anna should be returning soon, and no doubt would hear all about the battle along the fjords. It was the main subject of conversation among Arendelle's citizens after all, but Elsa hoped no one would mention her involvement so readily, even if she doubted it could be avoided. The entire defense of the fjords depended on her ability to conjure ice and snow at will, and myths of her ability has scared off more than a few would be intruders looking to rob Arendelle's impressive wealth.

"Waaaiiiiittt!" said the distant voice of Olaf as he waddled towards her, twigs, or were they arms? Flailing. "If you're going outside, I wanna come too!"
"Olaf, the gates are open. You can go out whenever you want," said Elsa.

"Yeah, but I don't ever really get to walk with you," he said shyly. Elsa truthfully wasn't sure what to consider Olaf. Her child? Creation? She made him on a whim once realizing that the restraints of secrecy no longer applied up on north mountain. She did what she wanted, when she wanted, and it was a still a temptation to return to that life again, leaving everything behind. Even if the people accepted her, came to terms with a queen who held unimaginable power, there were still the restraints of responsibility to consider. She couldn't just unleash a blizzard in the middle of town, or build ice structures where people were walking. But it didn't seem to matter. Her limits were none. Whatever her mind thought, she could create from ice, and further exploration of her abilities wouldn't just be dangerous, it would be pointless.

She let Olaf come, knowing what the snowman really wanted was to see Anna again. He was made to love her after all, and yet had to remain behind in the castle while she and Kristoff were away. Staying with his creator assured he was taken care of, but without Anna, he seemed to lack a bit of purpose.

The citizens nodded, addressing her properly. Strangely despite being a cryokinesis, Elsa was very approachable by the people. She didn't bring bodyguards with her, as they tended to look aggressive, but well disciplined magic seemed okay. Sure, there was some mention of what happened over a year ago when she froze the entire fjord for three days, but the people held no grudge overall. Especially as many were more than happy she finally threw out that "cheating Duke of Westleton", who tended to run out many of the smaller merchants through unfair and even illegal business practices.
"Queen Elsa," shouted a gang of children from across the palace courtyard. "Can you make an ice skating rink again?"

"No, that's just for once in awhile," she said.

"Awww..." they said in unison.

"But snow is alright," she said, launching a small flurry. The people just smiled, pointed it out to the visitors who seemed a little awestruck that suddenly there was a small snow flurry when the weather was hardly cold at all. The residents simply nudged them and said, "That's our queen."

"Anna!" shouted Olaf running as fast as his snowman feet could carry him the moment he saw the sleigh and the mangy reindeer pulling it. Kristoff helped Anna out just as Olaf reached them. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course I did," she replied. "Why wouldn't I?"

Of course Elsa took her time, despite the fact she wanted to see Anna more than anything. Anna found her speaking with Bjorn out in the palace grounds. She always looked so dignified, with perfect posture and hands often folded in each other in a queenly manner. Despite born in the same household, Elsa's upbringing differed from Anna's greatly. When she felt compelled to speak about it, Elsa told about a upbringing of discipline and meditation as she tried to control powers she scarcely understood. Anna, it didn't seem anyone cared what her manners looked like. She bounced through the halls, jumped on furniture, and was on a constant sugar rush. It seemed the only excuse one could give was, "Don't mind her, she's just the second princess."

"Oh, he's demanding to speak with you now," said Bjorn.

"Demanding, huh? A little straight forward for a man in prison with no support of anyone, including his twelve brothers," replied Elsa.

"I think he even made a few threats."

"Such as...?"

"They were hardly interesting. The usual threats on your life," said Bjorn.

"Elsa!" said Anna. Before Elsa could react, she was hit with Anna's embrace.

"Excuse me, Bjorn," said Elsa when she was able to regain her pose, despite her happiness. "This is my little sister Anna. And Anna, this is my friend Bjorn."

"Charmed," said Bjorn. "Elsa... I mean the Queen talks about you quite a bit."

"Ohh, first name basis. You know Elsa talks about you too... Well she doesn't actually talk about you. What I mean is she mentions you in practically every letter she sends..." said Anna.

"Really?"

"I mentioned you once or twice," said Elsa grabbing Anna's arm.

"In every letter, she mentions you once or twice... or more."

"Anna."

"Oh, right..." said Anna. "Say Bjorn, why don't you and Kristoff male bond, and us ladies... do our thing..."

"Wait for me guys!" said Olaf following the two sisters into the castle.

"I guess he's going to go female bond," said Bjorn sarcastically.

"I guess," replied Kristoff leaning against his sled and folding his arms.

"So that's your ball and chain?" said Bjorn also leaning against the sled as well.

"Yup."

"Seems, quite... energetic."

"Yup."

"She doesn't freeze things when she gets angry, does she?"

"Nope, and I'm pretty happy about that."

"Good for you. You ought to see Elsa when she gets mad. The whole castle is a meat cooler."

"Couldn't imagine."

"Uh, huh."

As they walked to the gates, Anna practically was exploding with excitement. When they finally reached them and were inside where there was more privacy, she let it out in one big burst of her usual energy.

"He's much cuter than I thought," she said.

"Anna..."

"Oh come on. You guys have known each other for what? Six months? And I know he likes you too..."

"Enough Anna. Right now I have a lot more things to worry about," said Elsa folding her arms, as she often did when she began to shut down. Despite the progress they made in their relationship, Anna couldn't help but feel the sense of Elsa holding back, as though she had another life somewhere inside that Anna had only seen glimpses of. Elsa never, for example, talked about why she isolated herself for thirteen years. Why she stayed isolated after their parents died. Bringing up their parents was for certain an unwritten taboo in their relationship. She only seemed to focus on the present, refusing to even touch that which happened in the past.

"It's alright Anna," said Olaf as Elsa walked away. "She still gets like that sometimes."

"I wish she wouldn't. I know she's hurting inside, but she won't talk to me. What am I suppose to do? I can't push her, or she unleashes an entire winter and that's never good..."

"Oh I think she just does that because it's the only way to get people to leave her alone."

"She seems pretty open in her letters..."

"Some people are better at writing their minds than speaking them. Give her time to collect her thoughts, and then just talk to her."