AN: Longest chapter so far. I really wanted to post this chapter as soon as possible. But my busy schedule is making it quite difficult so the next one may not up for a while. Thank you for your patience and I swear I will make it worth the wait. Anyways enjoy this installment.

Disclaimer: Do not own Frozen and the characters, just the original ones.

Chapter 4: Inquiries

A knock on her door alerted Elsa of her visitor. Not just any visitor with the way the visitor knocked in rhythm. Then a voice softly spoke out, "Elsa?" Elsa grinned knowing exactly who it was and replied, "Come in, Anna."

Slowly Anna opened the door and tentatively peeked inside Elsa's private study. Before Elsa had time to walk around her desk to greet her sister, Anna rushed in and embraced her in a tight hug. This caught Elsa by surprise which temporarily dissipated as she returned the warm embrace with a small squeeze.

Years of isolation and fear forced Elsa to build enforcements around her heart, trying to conceal her emotions to protect those most dear to her. Her carefully guarded icy barrier shattered with a mere warm and kind touch from Anna. Picking up the pieces and learning to deal with the newfound acceptance of her feelings and powers might be a difficult path to travel. And although she might never be able to wear her heart on her sleeves like Anna, Elsa knew that Anna would always be there to support her. That's why she refused to make such an important decision without taking Anna's feelings into consideration.

Pulling away from their embrace and giving Anna a serious look, Elsa began, "Anna, there's something very important I need to talk to you about. I'm not sure if you heard about our guest from Persia but…"

Anna quickly interrupted her, "Yeah, I know. I've even met Prince Ali." Surprised Elsa gave her an inquisitive look and responded, "Really?! You even know about his special request?" To which Anna smiled and replied, "I do."

Then Elsa watched in confusion as Anna's cheerful demeanor disappeared and a mischievous grin plastered her face. "So…" Anna proceeded to walk around Elsa like a killer whale circling its prey as she asked in a mockingly business tone, "…what does Queen Elsa of Arendelle think of Prince Ali of Persia?"

Elsa raised an eyebrow at her sister's strange behavior, but decided to play along with her charade and responded in an equally false serious tone, "Well, Prince Ali is courteous as expected from one with royal upbringing. He is earnest but also sincere in his request. It is quite admirable of him to travel so far when a letter or even a royal messenger would suffice."

Ever so slowly Elsa broke out of character as a timid smile graced her face. After shyly brushing a strand of her hair around her ear, she continued, "Such a noble act demonstrates his compassion for his family and his people. I doubt you can find any other lord ever so kind, sensible, brave, strong, and charming…" Elsa paused quite shock by the words leaving her mouth. She turned away from embarrassment, wishing to conceal the evident blush on her face.

All the while Anna listened intently as she observed her sister change her facial expression and tone from a regal queen to a soft-spoken shy young woman. She had never witness her sister so strongly expressive much less so bashful, a surprisingly welcomed change in Anna's opinion. She even found it quite adorable.

Not able to contain her excitement any longer, Anna squealed and walked around to face her sister. Looking up eagerly at Elsa, Anna bombarded her with questions, "So what was your answer? Did you say yes? Wait, isn't this too fast? Shouldn't you take things slow? I mean he seems great but do you think you are ready for this? We don't want another Prince Han, right?"

Elsa stared back at Anna bewildered as she watched her sister start to pace. She tried to catch Anna's attention, "Wait… Anna, slow down. What are you talking about?"

But Anna raved on, "Maybe we should give him a chance. I mean it is not fair to compare him to someone like Han. He seemed sincere when he made me that promise. But don't worry, Elsa. If he hurts you in anyway, he has to answer to me!" As she made this proclamation, Anna puffed out her chest and a determined look graced her face. Elsa could not help but smile at Anna. She had no doubt that Anna would keep that promise.

Amusingly Anna ranted on, "I'll scare him straight and introduce him to Marshmallow. That should teach him a lesson…" But Elsa felt the need to stop Anna and raised her voice to finally gain Anna's attention. When Anna realized how she rambled on, she quickly apologized and gave Elsa a sheepish grin.

Taking her sister's hands in hers, Elsa replied, "Do not worry about it. While I appreciate the extent to which you will show your concern for me, I am just not sure what you are talking about?" Confounded Anna answered, "We are talking about Prince Ali's marriage proposal, right?"

Upon hearing this Elsa clutched her side, laughing at the hilarity that ensured from Anna's misunderstanding. Anna raised her eyebrow in confusion, feeling unsure about the situation and at Elsa's reaction. After noticing Anna's baffled expression, Elsa wiped away her tears of laughter away and regained her composure. She then proceeded to tell her sister the true nature of Prince Ali's request.

After instructing Zuberi to escort Felix back his room and sending Faddei out to the markets to shop for gifts to bring back home, Prince Ali strolled along the castle grounds. Takeshi quietly followed the young lord a few paces back. His hand hovered cautiously over the hilt of his sword. Eventually the pair stumbled upon the castle stables. There Prince Ali noticed a blonde young man hauling chunks of ice. Ali rushed up to greet him, "Hello there, good sir. May I help you and unburden you of your load?"

Surprised to see the young man and his older companion before him, Kristoff felt alarmed at first and only relaxed a little after some assurances of peace from the younger man. Shrugging Kristoff asked, "I guess, but why do you want to help me?"

Prince Ali flashed him a smile and replied, "Well, I am simply fascinated by ice. You cannot find it from where I am from. I have read books about ice, even how sometimes the ice reflects the light to create beautiful and color streaks across the sky like a rainbow. But after touching and seeing them up close in all its majesty, I realized those books fail to give it justice. This is quite an interesting profession you have here. If you would please, tell me all about it."

Sharing in his enthusiasm and conversing as they hauled the ice to be stored in the castle's depository, Kristoff proceeded to tell him all about ice harvesting. He eagerly told him about the techniques he so painstakingly mastered, recounting a time when he struggled to pull the ice out. This incident ended with him in the icy cold water and Sven pulling him out.

Prince Ali gave him an inquisitive look and asked, "What's a Sven?" Kristoff chuckled and explained that Sven is his reindeer best friend who helps him carry the ice down the mountains. Instantly Kristoff and Prince Ali bonded over ice and their close animal friends. Strangely their interaction reminded Kristoff of Anna and how he unknowingly warmed up to her just as he is now with the young man.

Finally after storing the last chunk of ice away, Kristoff asked, "I don't think I caught yours or your friend's name." He gestured to the older man silently observing on the side as the two of them worked. The young man insisted that the samurai relaxed and let the younger more energetic men take care of the physical labor to which the older man obliged without protest. Ali then introduced himself as well as Takeshi. Kristoff also introduced himself and with a firm handshake sealed their friendship.

After Elsa recounted Prince Ali's tale and laid out the consequences of her decision, Anna only replied with a simply, "Oh!" She felt embarrassed by her misunderstanding earlier. But then she furrowed her eyebrows and closed her eyes in concentration thinking about the dilemma Elsa presented.

Of course, she would like Elsa to go and help Prince Ali. Anna felt that others should witness just how amazing Elsa's powers are and the great things she is capable of. Hopefully they would be more accepting of Elsa as a result. Even though she would terribly miss her sister, Anna resolved to persuade Elsa to leave with Ali, but convincing Elsa as well as the council would be challenging. Then an idea popped in her head.

Anna opened her eyes and spoke, "Listen, Elsa. I understand your qualms for leaving me to rule Arendelle to aide Prince Ali. But I do not want to be the reason why you turn him down. There are people out there that need you and your powers. Their deaths would be on my hands." Elsa grabbed Anna's hand, rebuking her for thinking such thoughts. Anna shook her head and explained, "Elsa, your powers are a gift, one that you should share with the world. We have no right to refuse the people and hide it away." Touched by her words, Elsa squeezed Anna's hands in gratitude.

Despite her words of encouragement, Anna clearly noticed that Elsa still felt conflicted. So she decided to pull out her trump card. Anna then suggested, "If you are worried about leaving Arendelle in my hands, then let's make a deal. I will take control over all the planning and preparations for the New Year's Ball and Celebration. I will prove to you and the council exactly what I am capable of. That will put those old geezers in their place. Also you, sister, will run out of excuses not to go. So what do you say, Elsa? If I dazzle you, then will you consider traveling back with Ali and save his kingdom?"

Shocked to hear Anna's suggestion, Elsa merely nodded in agreement, not sure how else to response. Refusing her sister proved difficult especially when Anna gives you the large, sad, and pleading puppy eyes. But then she smiled, feeling quite proud of her sister. Sometimes Anna would show glimpses of maturity beyond hers. Elsa felt that Anna would make a wonderful queen.

With a triumphant look on her face, Anna stated, "Great. Now all you have to worry about is getting to know Prince Ali more maybe even fall in love. And so I hope you don't mind but I invited him to join us for dinner. "

Before Elsa had a chance to react, Anna bolted towards the door like a culprit caught sneaking away with her loot of chocolates. Then Anna waved her sister goodbye before disappearing down the hall. Elsa touched her temple, looked down, and shook her head in disbelief at the predicament Anna left her to deal with.

AN: I hope I did not make the Frozen cast too out of character. I try to apply my impression of their individual personalities and relate to how they might act at the given situation. Please let me know if I went overboard with it. Also thank you so much for the reviews. They were very encouraging and motivating. So as always reviews are welcomed.