Soo sorry for not updating in awhile! Was on a long vacation visiting my brother in South Carolina, saw the ocean for the first time, yes! But anyway I'm back now! So don't worry the next updating period wont be long at all!

A Foreign Exchange

Chapter 4: It's Not A Dream

When Anna stirred awake yet again, the sun was shining bright into the room painting its contents in hues of golden sunlight. She figured it had to be at least early morning when the chirps of birds made their way to her ears,

Uhg why are birds always up so early? Hello, some of us don't want to be up before 9!

Momentarily forgetting her given predicament, Anna stretches her body out like a cat and repositions herself on her stomach, breathing in the intoxicating smell of mint and fresh linens.

Weird...When was the last time I washed my sheets...I swear the scent I bought at the store was fresh meadow! So why does it smell like mint? Damn, I didn't leave my mint chocolate chip ice cream in bed again did I!?

Almost hesitantly Anna opens her eyes and peers around the creamy sheets. After not finding any trace of the creamy mint dessert, Anna contentedly sighs and buries her head back into the pillow.

Guess mint is the new meadow. Not that I'm complaining. I mean, it can't get any more peaceful than this, laying in bed in the early morning with the smell of fresh sheets and slightly annoying birds.

She engrosses herself further into the sheets, entombing herself in the supple bed and thinking of nothing but clear skies and sweet smells. Yet such peacefulness is the perfect time for the mind to wander, and Anna's mind wanders to electric blue eyes and a long plait of silky white blonde hair.

Wait... Icy blue eyes… long blonde hair...Elsa!

Anna abruptly turns over twisting herself deeper into the sheets to sit up, looking frantically over the perfectly ordered room. She takes in the simplistic look with splashes of dark blue. As an afterthought, Anna rips at the string collar of her shirt, tears already building up in her eyes at the sight of the mark on her chest.

It wasn't a dream...I'm really here... stuck in this fairytale land. How could I...how will I...where is Elsa? I have so many things I need to ask her! What did she tell me before I fell back asleep..? She- I mean I know I'll see her eventually but maybe I could find my way through this castle to her.

Before Anna can delve too deep into her thoughts, a soft knock echoes throughout the room. Anna looks up at the sound to the large arched door in the room causing a pause in her mental hysteria. A soft voice asks,

"May I enter Lady Anna?"

Anna attempts at jumping out of the bed, hoping it may be Elsa at the door. Not taking the time to consider her limbs are trapped in the tangle of sheets and she tumbles on to the cold stone floor, bumping into a nearby table. Hearing the commotion inside the room a woman hastily opens the door with a loud creak hanging in the air as Anna and the brunette make eye contact from across the across the room. The woman doesn't say anything, just steadily watches Anna through the open door way. Slowly, Anna cracks a crooked grin at the brunette, causing the woman to place a hand over her mouth to try and smother her laughter.

Anna disentangles herself from the tethering of sheets and stands up, running her hands over her clothes, dusting off imaginary dirt.

Oh god how embarrassing! Let's all look at Anna the strange foreigner who can't even get out of bed correctly! Well, I mean at least she laughed...and it wasn't Elsa at least.

Anna didn't know why but the thought of Elsa walking in on her at the sight of her previous disaster seemed much more embarrassing to her, a blush paints her cheeks at the thought.

"Sorry I'm not usually such a klutz, Well I mean I have my moments but I think we all do...Uhm anyway...I'm Anna, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Anna says while making her way to the woman.

"It's quite alright, you're very energetic in the morning." She says chuckling lightly. "I'm Gerda, Elsa's hand maiden. She sent me to inform you breakfast will be served on the hour and your presence is highly requested." Gerda finishes with a twinge of urgency.

Anna takes a moment to observe the woman in front of her, she can't help but notice a certain twinkle of familiarity in the woman's 's also something else she can't quite place...Is it relief she sees in her eyes? Words failed Anna from the way the woman was looking at her so expectantly, she stared back observing her in detail. Gerda, dark brown hair tied into a high ponytail with small braids trailing down her temples. Peering slightly over her shoulders, Anna can make out a few more braids in the high ponytail. The woman's eyes are a warm golden honey brown, but what drew Anna's attention was one of the more noticeable features: her ears.

I know everyone I've seen has had elongated ears, impish, looks almost elvish by how pointy the appendages were. The thing is though hers are much longer than any others I've seen. Much longer than Olaf's, and even Elsa's. I wonder if it has something to do with their age... How old could she possibly be? She doesn't look over 28! For some odd reason though it makes me want to pierce her ears...whoa slow down Anna, so not the time to be thinking about ear piercing!

It's then Anna notices what appears to be clothes in the smiling woman's hands. Cautiously, Anna approaches the woman.

"Are those a change of clothes for me?" Anna asks timidly.

"Oh yes! I drew a bath for you. I figured you'd like to freshen up before you meet with the Queen." She replied.

Gerda holds the clothes out towards Anna with a brilliant smile, causing Anna to pause from feeling the overflowing emotion the woman was radiating. Cautiously, Anna takes the clothes from the woman's arms, and uses the opportunity to grip the woman's hand.

"Thank you for the clothes, uhm do you think someone could show me to the bath? I have no idea where it might be…" Anna replies embarrassed.

Gerda doesn't respond for a moment while her eyes momentarily linger on their interlocked hands. Anna absentmindedly keeps gently shaking the woman's hand in past greeting. Creating a more puzzling look and unsure smile on the woman's face. Finally, realizing she's still shaking the woman's hand, Anna abruptly let's go and scratches her head completely avoiding the woman's gaze.

Nice Anna shake the poor woman's hand for twenty minutes! She looked at me as if my hand had some see-able virus! Goodness, I'm that new kid that no one wants to be friends with. Everyone probably thinks Elsa made a mistake by letting me stay here. Wait...wasn't this her room? Oh god…

Anna burn bright red thinking of the conversation between Elsa and her from last night. She can't help but think it's somewhat strange that she let a perfect stranger sleep in her bed.

I mean, there's the whole aspect that she acts like she knows me...even if we had, she's not someone I would forget, she'd be impossible to. Yet I can't shake the feeling there's something else going on here, I should take the time to explore the castle and shake off this feeling.

Gerda clears the her throat quietly, snapping Anna out of her thoughts and previous embarrassment.

"Shall I show you to the bath now Lady Anna?" Gerda asks.

Anna lets out a sigh of relief.

"Yeah, that would be great, thanks Gerda." Anna replies.

Gerda spins around on her heels and steps out into the hallway. Anna gathers the clothes closer to her body and follows after her. Both woman walk silently down the hall, Anna unsure of what to say, when a sudden thought comes across her mind.

"Gerda can I ask you a question?"

"Yes of course, what are you wondering about dear?" She replies.

"Well, I'm not sure how things work around here at all, I know Els- I mean Queen Elsa told me I'm her kave-kavaljer thingy but I'm not sure what that means." Anna says quietly.

"Lady Anna, it's quite alright for you to refer to the Queen by her name, it does not apply in that way for everyone, but It would seem odd if you referred to her so formally." Gerda starts.

"Is it odd because I'm her kavaljer?"

"Well, that's a difficult question to answer dear. But yes. I'm unsure of what information the Queen has supplied you with but, the bond between kavaljer's is held very highly in our society. Especially among the nobility, in a way she's your other half Lady Anna."

"My other half? I'm afraid none of this is making any sense to me…" Anna says rubbing her temple.

"Tell me in your realm did you ever have moments where you felt like something was missing? That no matter what you did or who you were with it never felt fulfilling? It felt as if-"

"As if there was always someone missing…?" Anna questions.

"Yes, exactly." Gerda stops next to a large arched door and slowly turns around to face Anna." I know most of this must be overwhelming for you Lady Anna, but please do give Elsa a chance. You should ask her these questions, spend time with her to get to know one another." She replies with a heartfelt expression.

Slowly Gerda's hand extends towards Anna, but just when Anna thinks she'll grip her hand, she passes by and grips her forearm instead. Anna is puzzled by the sudden gesture, she looks up at Gerda quizzically searching for an answer.

"Here, this is how we greet and say farewell to each other. Earlier, you grabbed my hand, which is still common enough here but, it's usually used...under different circumstances." Gerda grips Anna's forearm slightly firmer and Anna gently returns the gesture with a sheepish smile.

"Well, that's good to know...I was wondering why you were looking at me so oddly earlier...There seems to be so much I need to learn." Anna replies with a sigh letting go of the woman's forearm.

"Don't fret so much dear, in time you'll learn everything you must. I believe her majesty has an exceptional teacher in mind already." Greda states.

At hearing the statement a wide grin spreads across Anna's face, overcome with the notion that the queen had thought ahead about her well being and already found a suitable teacher.

I wonder what they'll be like? What if they're really old and get tired of me and yell because I'm not that great at learning their culture...customs? Whatever, like Gerda said it'll take time but I'll get it! I need to learn as much as I can about this place...so I can find a way home. Teachers are knowledgeable, so they'd be my best bet on figuring out this fairy land.

"That's a relief, I was worried about not being able to communicate with the people plus with my luck I'd end up offending someone! But it looks like that won't be too much of a problem! When am I supposed to meet with this teacher?"Anna asks.

"I'm unsure, her Majesty has made all the arrangements. The topic will most likely be brought up at breakfast." Gerda pauses and glances at a tall clock in the corridor. "Speaking of breakfast you better wash up quickly, you don't want your food to be cold." Gerda says.

"Oh of course! Thank you again for...everything. I shall be quick!" Anna says seriously. The thought of cold food spurring her on.

"I shall send someone to fetch you when it is time, so bathe and take a moment to relax. I'll see you shortly Lady Anna." Gerda says while turning on her heel down the hall.

Anna watches the woman until she disappears around a corner. She takes a moment to collect her thoughts, and with a deep breath she reaches out and opens the door to the bath.

Well might as well get this over with quickly so I can attend breakfast with Elsa, I know she said I wouldn't be able to return home until the winter solstice or whatever but I still need to try! Alright quick scrub down then off to see the Queen!

ELSANNA

Eventually someone came to retrieve Anna from the bath, her and the servant made their way quietly to the dining area. The servant pauses briefly ahead of Anna opening the large door for her, Anna replies with a quiet thank you as she enters the room. The servant nods in reply before shutting the door behind her. When Anna surveys the room her eyes are Immediately drawn to the Queen, she stands by the open window leaning against the wall. The silky white curtains drifting around slowly from a light breeze, blending with the Queens cream colored dress. While the Queen remains staring absentmindedly out the window. Anna slowly approaches her hoping not to startle her while she's lost in thought.

"Something interesting going on outside your Majesty?" Anna asks.

The Queen casually turns away from the window to look at Anna, a small smile gracing her features. Anna returns the look with her own uncertain smile, and a slightly arched brow in question.

"Nothing too exciting, an arktiske bird has made its nest on the ledge outside the window. There not know to perch so close to the castle, I find their behavior somewhat...odd." She replies offhandedly.

Anna moves as if to look out the window but stops when Elsa suddenly faces her again and takes Anna's hand in her own. Momentarily dumbfounded Anna continues to stare forward as the Queen brings her hand to her chilly lips to press a kiss to the back of her hand. Her frosty lips send chills up Anna's arm and down her back.

"Good morning, I hope that you slept comfortably?" She asks.

"Ho-How could I not…" Anna replies shyly.

"Well, I'm sure you're quite famished, shall we dine?" She asks letting go of Anna's hand to motion to the elaborately set table.

Almost on cue Anna's stomach growls loudly in reply. Causing the Queen to look at her with one poised blonde eyebrow. Anna breaks eye contact looking at the ground abashedly, not being able to deny her hunger.

How long has it been since I ate...now that I think about it..?! How long did she say I was out for a day? No wonder! I'm going to have to eat a lot to make up for all the meals I've missed! There bout to see a human girl destroy some food.

"I'll take that as a yes." She replies.

"It's a definite yes, I'm starved! You'll have to tell me what's good." Anna says with a laugh.

"Of course, Maybe our taste in food is similar." She replies.

The Queen gracefully sits down in a nearby chair, while a servant gently ushers Anna to a seat directly across from the Queen. Anna skims over the table, noticing the food seems relatively normal, nothing appears terribly out of place. There was fresh bread and jam, some kind of meat that looks strikingly like ham, but what catches Anna's attention is the large platters covered with bountiful bright hued fruit. She can't help the ravenous look that overtakes her face as she piles on heap after heap of fruit onto her plate. With a slice of bread and the mystery meat, which like she predicted tastes a lot the the wonderfully juicy and salty combination of ham.

"It appears my suggestions were not needed, wouldn't you agree?" The Queen says in an amused tone.

"Sorry I couldn't help myself, It feels like I haven't eaten in weeks! But I'm still open to suggestions." Anna pauses picking up a piece of a deep blue piece of fruit roughly the size of a strawberry. She stares at it for a moment before nonchalantly popping the decadent fruit into her mouth. An explosion of flavor hits her senses, it's unlike anything she's ever tasted it's sweet and juicy but sour at the same time. "Like what kind of fruit was that?!" She asks while popping a different gushing orange fruit into her mouth.

The Queen picks up the deep blue fruit, turning it over in her slender fingers before popping it in her mouth. "It's called Kråke bær, there quite an odd fruit they grow high on the arctic mountains. But of course with the influence of my gift it allows me to grow them year round." The Queen replies.

"Wow that's amazing! Do you have your own arctic orchard in the palace?!" Anna replies excitedly.

"Not quite in the palace but on the palace grounds yes, I keep it concealed and protected so it doesn't interfere with the normal weather patterns." She says.

Anna sits quietly for a moment mulling over the information the Queen supplied her, she wonders how her magic works, is it really strong enough to alter the weather? Anna absentmindedly looks out the window, staring out into the welcoming spring air.

"Alter the weather… Is your magic strong enough to change the weather completely..?" Anna questions.

The Queen looks up from her plate, her icy blue eyes meeting with Anna's curious sea green pools from across the table. An odd look takes hold of her face, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Would you like to test it?" She asks playfully.

The mischievous look in the Queen's eyes throws Anna for a loop, causing her heart to hammer slightly harder in her chest. She fumbles for a reply unsure if the Queen is serious or not.

I surely don't want to test that theory! She'd probably freeze me to the seat, or worse all the food on the table! That would be such...such a waste of all this glorious food! That look in her eye...it's one I've seen before.

"Are you teasing me Your Majesty?" Anna asks in a falsely hurt tone.

"Why would I ever do that?" She replies slowly.

Suddenly Anna feels a chill as the Queen lets out a long solid breath, causing a frigid line of frost across the table between them teasing Anna's nose, her nose twitches like a rabbit for a moment tickled by the chill. When Anna looks back across the table the Queen has a hand placed delicately across her mouth stifling her sweet laughter. Her attempts fail though and Anna can make out the soft laugh,

She totally did that on purpose but God, Is it wrong that I want to make her laugh more? Too want to hear her soft and sweet laughter it reminds me of wind chimes in a slight breeze.

Anna's laughter mixes with the Queens, as she fakes a glare at the woman across the table. Abruptly the large dining room door is swung open. A look of slight irritation ghosts over the Queens features at the interruption. Anna looks on at the visitor still standing in the doorway. A tall man with long wavy auburn hair and mossy green eyes study Anna as she studies him. He wears a long white and gold coat, Anna catches a glimpse of a light blue undershirt as he makes his way towards the table.

Are those sideburns real?! Gosh I don't think I have ever seen anyone with luscious thick sideburns like that…I wonder if he has to comb them! Besides that though he's quite handsome. In a sophisticated sideburn way I guess.

"I thought I heard our enigmatic Queen in here laughing, of course it's due to her lovely recently arrived kavaljer." The man says smugly.

The Queen doesn't respond, she simply stares the man down in slight irritation. Which seems to grow as he makes his way to Anna,

"Hans Southerguard scholar, and the castles spy master. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, I'm sure her Majesty has informed you that I'll be tutoring you in our ways?" He says in a diplomatic voice while simultaneously grabbing Anna's forearm.

"I hadn't quite gotten that far in our discussion before you so flamboyantly interrupted." The Queen states before turning her attention to Anna, "I hope you don't mind Anna I thought learning what you could about this land would help you adjust. I would of taken the responsibility on myself but I'm afraid I'd be unable to do a sufficient job with my attention divided." She replies.

"Oh don't worry about me your Majesty, I know you have other duties and your top priority is ruling the kingdom." Anna turns her attention to Hans he certainly wasn't the big fore headed scholar she thought he was gonna be but who was she to judge. "Besides Gerda already informed me earlier this morning that you had arranged someone to tut-teach me." Anna replies with a gentle smile.

"Of coarse Gerda would of beaten us too it, I assume you're okay with me teaching you?" Hans asks.

"It's not her fault I just had some questions about…" Anna pauses briefly glancing up at the Queen. "About how some things work. Also of course I don't mind I'm glad actually! I have a tendency to not do things… accordingly so I'll need all the help I can get." Anna says with a laugh.

Hans gives Anna a knowing smile, then smugly turning to the Queen. She rolls her icy blue eyes, It appears to Anna that something else is going but she doesn't say anything thinking the whole situation was awkward enough without her own input.

God why is everyone so quiet?! Can somebody please say something instead of staring into eachothers eyes, were all way to old for staring contests. Why is he even staring at her like that...it's like the I know something you don't face. Maybe they have a thing going on...I mean what else could it be?

"So Anna would you be up for a tour after your meal?" Hans asks.

Anna looks up from her plate realizing Hans sat down in a seat next to her, his mossy green eyes lock onto hers waiting for an answer.

"Oh yeah, of coarse! I mean I'd love that, To be honest the first thing I wanted to do was explore the castle." Anna says.

"Great, her Majesty and I shall escort you until she has to report to the council at a quarter till noon." Hans replies.

"Sounds fantastic."

Anna looks back and forth between The Queen and Hans, almost reluctantly Anna reaches across the table and grabs a deep purple fruit off a silver platter. Sinking her teeth into the ripe flesh, the same sweetness runs amok in her mouth as she swallows the all too familiar sour flavor takes over.

Hmmm such an odd fruit, just like the tour with the two of them is going to be. Well I can't complain at least it won't be boring.

HMMMMMMMM THE APPEARANCE OF HANS!

Sorry the chapter wasn't super interesting, mostly establishing the plot and such, as usual all reviews comments and concerns are appreciated! HAVE A GOOD REST OF THE DAY!