Kristoff shifted akwardly, feeling a bit out of place even though he was among his own 'family'. Sven nuzzled him, and his 'mother' troll, Bulda, patted his arm sympathetically. He had never officially met the prince; though he had seen the man (apparently, the twin brother from recent events) try to kill Elsa. He sulked, running a finger through his hair and dislodging his cap. Yes, he had told Anna not to make snap judgements, and he himself had only known her a couple of weeks; but he still felt like his claim was superior. He'd spent more time with Anna, he'd risked his life for her. What had this prince really done?
Kristoff sighed. He knew from his little experience with girls that this was something he would have to let Anna figure out, and that attempts to persuade her one way or another would probably backfire. So, he'd hung back; ready to give a hug or a comforting word if asked, but trying to be as out of the way as possible. That was as much for his own benefit as to spare Anna further confusion; he felt like a third wheel.
Up ahead, Anna and Elsa were entreating Pabbie, the troll king. Han's frozen body was propped up by a litter held by six guards.
"Bring him closer," Pabbie motioned, and the guards set the litter down. "Yes, yes, this is a problem. He's frozen stiff."
Kristoff rolled his eyes. Trust Pabbie to announce the obvious as if he was revealing great wisdom.
"Can anything be done?" Anna sniffled. "Are we too late?"
Pabbie knocked on the statue and listened, eventually crawling up Han's shoulder and muttering to himself, knocking on the back and head.
Another troll, Rockel, shook her grassy head, "It's never too late. But sometimes it's impossible."
"What does that even mean?" Anna scrinched her forehead.
"That there never has been a spell that could not be broken," Pabbie announced, climbing back down, "But that to break it is often far beyond what mortals can do".
Elsa looked mournful. "There is nothing we can do, then?"
"There may yet be." Pabbie picked at a barnacle on his cheek. "You see, he's not -completely- frozen. Place your head to his chest and listen closely."
Anna leaned over, placing her ear to the freezing cold.
"His- his - his heart~!" She jumped back, clutching her sister.
It was Pabbie's turn to look confused, "Somehow, his heart has not been completely frozen. A piece of it has remained untouched."
"How is that possible?" Elsa asked, "That is, that is a good thing, right?"
"Yes, yes." Pabbie muttered to himself.
Bulda stepped forward, patting Kristoff on the arm and leaving his side. "This is rare indeed". She listened against the chest. "He still lives; he must have a strong heart".
"Then you can help him?" Anna asked.
"I am afraid not dear." Pabbie shook his head.
"That does not mean that nothing can be done," Bulda interjected. "If his heart did not freeze, then he may be aware of the outside world on some level".
"Which means what?" Kristoff stepped forward. "What can we do?" While he was not pleased with the current turn of events, action suited him better than inaction. And despite his personal feelings, he wasn't about to let the guy die.
"Talk to him," Bulda suggested, "Any form of interaction, especially you Anna. He has the strongest connection with you." She shot an apologetic glance at Kristoff, who was shifting his feet sulkily.
"Left on his own, he might thaw eventually." Pabbie speculated. "But that might take hundreds of years. My daughter is right; the best way to melt him is to speak directly to his heart."
"I suppose I've talked to enough paintings to be used to one-sided conversations," Anna laughed nervously.
"Then we should take him back." Elsa ordered, "Put him in the library". The guards nodded and headed back. "Thank you, Chief Pabbie, for your aid once again." Anna and her bowed, while Bulda hugged Kristoff and Sven goodbye.
Kristoff hugged her back tightly. There was a weird pain in his chest and a confusing mix of feelings swirling in his head. Then Elsa tapped him on the shoulder, and it was time to return to Arendelle.