The people of Arendelle were busy at work, rebuilding houses, resetting streets, and setting lamp posts back up. It was hard work for everyone involved. And they knew they had a long job still ahead of them.
The docks, too, were being rebuilt by the team of ice scavengers led by Kristoff. They weren't as badly damaged as the town, but it would still take some time. Kristoff was taking a break, sitting off to the side with Sven. He looked out of the water and just sighed. Since the queen took back the ice wall, the mist over the bay was gone too, so new ships could come in everyday.
"I don't know, Sven," he said finally, Sven looking at him, confused, "Do you ever just sit back and think that maybe you really don't know the world well at all?"
Kristoff looked at him, "'I'm just a reindeer, why would I think that?'" he responded for him. Sven nodded in agreement and Kristoff laughed, patting his head, "When you're right, you're right."
He looked up again, wondering about Anna. He'd been busy helping with the rebuilding, he hadn't had the time to make sure she was alright after she hit her head. He told himself Elsa would let him know if something happened. And that if Anna needed him, she'd come find him. He sighed again, shaking his head. He stood again, starting to walk, Sven right beside him. He looked up as they walked through town, everyone out and about enjoying the sunlight. They all seemed in good spirits despite the accident at the docks.
Kristoff smiled. Of course they do, this was a peaceful town that just endured a terrible accident. It's not as if someone is out to get them. As he looked up at the castle, he thought about going to see if Anna was alright. Maybe she—
Kristoff's thought cut off as he bumped into someone, falling back against Sven, "Whoa! Hey, sorry about that," he scratched his head as he looked up to see who he had bumped.
It was Dyre. He had stumbled back a little, but managed to catch himself on his crutch. He straightened up, shaking his head and looking at Kristoff. His eyes were fierce, angry, at first. But, then blinked with recognition. He shook his head, waving his free hand.
Kristoff folded his arms, raising an eyebrow, "You're that guy from the mountain. Should you really be up and around like this?" he questioned him.
Dyre smiled a little, looking down at his cast around his leg. It seemed like he was okay. He was probably still in pain, but okay. Kristoff looked confused as Dyre took out a pad of paper and wrote something down, then showing him. The paper read, "I need to get my strength back. But, I want to thank you for saving me."
Kristoff still looked confused, but just nodded, "It's not a problem. I'm sure you would have done the same for me."
Dyre just smiled, looking down at his paper. He paused a moment, then wrote, "Still, thanks."
"What's with the paper?" Kristoff asked suddenly. After Dyre blinked, Kristoff realized he probably shouldn't have blurted out what he was thinking, "Uh, I-I mean, can't you just say it instead of writing it?"
Dyre shook his head and wrote, "I can't speak. I haven't been able to for as long as I can remember."
Kristoff rubbed his head, exchanging a look with Sven, who was confused, "Oh man, I'm sorry. I had no idea."
Dyre smiled, shaking his head, "Don't worry about it," he wrote.
Kristoff smiled at him, "So, what are you going to do? Do you plan to head back home once you've healed? Or, do you have other travel plans?"
Dyre looked at him, then down a little, a sudden look of reluctance crossing his face. Kristoff tilted his head, wondering if he had said something wrong. Dyre blew a piece of his hair from his face and just sighed, "I don't know," he wrote.
Kristoff tilted his head, "You don't know? Do you not have somewhere to live?"
"Not anymore." Dyre wrote, looking down.
Kristoff rubbed his head, looking around. He looked at Dyre again and just put his hand on his shoulder. Dyre blinked and looked up at him. Kristoff smiled, "Hey, no worries. I was the same way. Sven here and I were both orphans before we found out family," he rubbed Sven's head, he snorting happily in response, "So, I wouldn't fret over it. You'll find your place, uh..." He blinked, "I never got your name."
Dyre smiled and just wrote, "I'm Dyre."
Kristoff grinned, "Dyre! Pleasure to meet you! I'm Kristoff." He held his hand out and Dyre shook it with a nod. Kristoff looked ahead, "I was just heading back to the castle to see Anna. You wanna come?"
Dyre shrugged, then just nodded with a smile.
Kristoff nodded, "Awesome! Let's go!" He patted Sven's neck and the three of them walked back through the town to the castle. Dyre glanced at Kristoff as they walked, but he never noticed. Kristoff just smiled ahead, thinking of what he can say to Anna.
All shall be lost.
He blinked and glanced behind him. Did he hear someone talking to him? No way, this was the busiest part of the town. He probably just overheard some conversation.
"Don't be ridiculous!" someone said, "There will be time to recover whats lost!"
Kristoff smiled, looking ahead again. See? He told himself, you had nothing to worry about.
Anna couldn't stop thinking about that guard. No, it wasn't because he was attractive, which she totally didn't notice, but, was he really there? She rubbed her forehead again, a bruise evident. She could feel the bump, in the mirror it had turned sort of purple. She sighed, keeping in her room saved her the embarrassment of everyone seeing the bump. It was like she was growing a horn!
She groaned aloud and fell back on her bed. She looked up at her window, seeing the sky starting to turn orange outside. It was getting late in the day, late in the week, but she had kept everyone away, well, she at least avoided them. It wasn't hard with Elsa, she was a loner anyway. And Kristoff seemed busy with helping rebuild the town. Somehow, Anna felt more lonely than she intended. With a sigh, she heaved herself back up and put her robe on. She stood slowly and slumped towards the door. She tried to hide the bruise under her bangs as she stepped outside the door.
The halls were pretty quiet, gentle lights on the walls giving a warm glow as Anna walked. She yawned, looking around. There were a few servants still walking around, each giving Anna a nod or a bow as she passed. She just gave a tired smile and headed right for the kitchen. It still smelled of fresh ingredients they used for the stew they gave to the ones still staying in the castle. She smiled at the smell, but her mind was on something else.
"Your highness, the usual?" one of the cooks asked.
Anna gave a wink and smiled, sitting at the counter, "Chocolate."
The cook bowed his head with a smile and walked away. He returned after a moment with a big bowl of chocolate ice cream with sprinkles and whipped cream. Anna smiled, nodding her smile before digging into the sundae. She gave a sigh of satisfaction, then a giggle as she kept eating. The cooks watched her with a smile as they continued their cooking or cleaning.
"It's been a while since you've been in here," one of them said, wiping a counter down. Anna smiled at her as she ate, "Guess you've had a rough day?"
"Rough week," Anna nodded in agreement, "You wouldn't even believe it if I told you!"
The cook laughed, "Trust me, I've heard my share of crazy stories."
Anna looked around to see if anyone was listening. The others were busy with their work. She looked at the lady cook and leaned in, the cook leaning forward in response, "I think I saw a ghost!" she whispered.
The lady cook blinked, but then laughed, standing up, "Is that all?"
Anna shook her head, "No! I'm serious!"
"Did you hit your head again?"
"Well... yeah, but thats beside the point!"
"My, my! Look at that bruise!" she gently brushed Anna's hair to the side to get a better look. Anna flinched a little and moved back a little, "Have you been keeping ice on it?"
Anna rolled her eyes, "Of course! Olaf has been with me."
The lady cook smiled, "That is good, miss. Just keep an eye on it. It looks right painful."
Anna sat back in her chair with a sigh, "It is."
The lady cook just smiled and turned away, wiping another counter. Anna held her spoon, pushing the sprinkles around the melted ice cream. They swirled around, but not moving much on their own. She could hear the commotion the cooks made as they finished their duties and cleaned up. There were a couple women with children cleaning up their own messes. The servants tried to tell them they didn't have to, but the mothers insisted. Anna smiled as she watched a couple young girls giggling together as they cleaned their plates. They seemed happy, even when they both jumped back and squealed in disgust at something. Anna laughed, oh they so much reminded her of her and Elsa. She leaned on her hand.
When exactly did that all change? She knew now that Elsa had only been protecting her from her powers, but when did they become so distant? Even when Elsa returned two years ago, things still weren't the way Anna pictured them. Was it just because she was Queen? Was she really just too busy?
Anna closed her eyes. She didn't want to believe that Elsa was still shutting her out, even now. It was just strange how little they talked about anything other than a problem. Maybe she was just exaggerating because of what happened. Everyone seemed stressed about it. And why not? It was so weird!
"You shouldn't look so down," a voice said.
Anna blinked and sat up straight. It was the injured guard. He looked the same as the last time she saw him. It was as if had come straight from where they had met in town to here. Even if it had been a few days.
"It's you. How'd you get in here?" Anna asked, looking around to see if anyone else saw him. The women and children had left, and the servants chatting on the other side of the room.
"Why are you so troubled?" he asked, using a dirtied rag from his breast pocket to clean the counter.
Anna watched him, moving her arms off the counter as he came closer, "Why would you think I'm troubled?"
The guard tapped her bowl, "Usually only troubled people eat this bad."
"Oh so you can answer questions."
"Only if its the right one."
Anna groaned, "What exactly does that mean?"
He looked her dead in the eye, "Why are you so troubled?"
Anna sighed and folded her arms in a huff, looking away.
"Not going to answer?"
She paused, wondering if she should answer. Finally deciding, she looked at him again, "You trouble me."
The guard stopped cleaning the counter. He smiled and shook his head, "Wrong answer."
"Your highness."
Before Anna could think of an answer, she turned to the servant who addressed her and just smiled, "Sorry, I'm leaving now." The servant bowed as she stood and walked out.
Wrong answer. What was that supposed to mean? She was troubled by the guard. Well, since she remembered him anyway. Anna shook her head, how terrible to think that way!
Then suddenly, it hit her. Literally.
She felt something hit her square in the back. It wasn't hard, but it did startle her. She jumped to the side with a squeal and looked behind her.
"Oh! Sorry Anna!" she heard Olaf's voice, followed by his laugh. With a smile, she saw him with a few of the kids. The puddles on the ground and on the wall proved what was going on.
"Oh, Anna." Elsa came walking behind the kids, dressed more casually than usual in just pants and a short sleeve shirt. Even dressed plainly she looked incredible.
Anna smiled, a bit beside herself at seeing her sister, "Elsa! I-I didn't think-" what didn't she think? That even Elsa didn't have fun? Surely she knew better.
Elsa knew better though. She just laughed, shaking her head, "Would you care to join us?" She asked, "The kids insisted on a snowball fight."
Anna smiled brightly, "Yeah! Its a great idea!"
Elsa smiled, "Then its decided! Come on, to the ballroom!" She said, leading the way with Anna. Olaf laughed, trailing behind them with the little kids. Anna smiled back at them, seeing the little girls from the kitchen as well.
Elsa swept her hand across the room as they walked in, covering it in a thin layer of ice and a gentle snowfall from above. The kids smiled and laughed as they skid across the ice, catching snowflakes on their tongues.
Anna laughed a little and smiled at Elsa. She seemed happy too. She looked at Anna and smiled, shrugging a shoulder. Something else seemed to be on her mind. She looked away from Anna, as if to confirm the thought. Anna started to frown when one of the little girls grabbed her hand and pulled her across the ice.
"Come on!" she giggled.
Anna smiled, "Here we go!" she spun around, swinging the girl with her. The girl laughed as she held on, looking all around them. Elsa set mounds of snow up around them, the other kids jumping in and on them. The girl with Anna let go all of a sudden, flying straight into a nearby mound. Anna blinked, but then laughed when the girl poked her head out of it again.
"Again! Again!" she said, spinning around Anna.
Anna smiled, "Okay, here we go!" She spun around, faster this time. The girl laughed harder as they spun. Anna tried to hang on, she starting to get dizzy. She tried to hold on, losing sight of the snow around her, all of it starting to blend together.
But the little girl let go, making Anna stumbled forward to her knees as the little girl flew across the room towards one of the pillars near. Anna didn't have a chance to look up and see Elsa's face, the world still spinning. But she heard her.
"Anna!"
Anna shook her head, trying to gather her bearings again. Even as things settled in her vision, the world was still blurry and white. She closed her eyes, trying to focus, when a gust of wind blew through them all. Everything went quiet.
Why are you so troubled?
Anna forced herself to open her eyes. The snowfall had stopped, the other kids looking at something, a bit surprised, but not quite terrified. Anna looked where they did and just let out a sigh.
The girl had landed safely onto a cushioned bench in front of the beam. Elsa was sitting beside her, smiling at her.
"You have to be more careful with the ice. You could have been hurt terribly." Elsa told her, rubbing the girls head gently. Anna walked over to them and smiled.
"I'm sorry, Queen Elsa," the little girl said. She hugged her before running—sliding rather—off with the other kids to keep playing.
"Whoa," Anna said, sitting beside Elsa, "well, that was weird."
She looked at Elsa, who just shook her head, "Anna, she could have really been hurt."
Anna shook her head, "But she wasn't! She landed here safe."
"You don't understand, you need to be more careful!"
Anna frowned, "Can't you even really have fun when you're having fun?"
Elsa sighed, looking away, "You don't understand, Anna. And how could you? You've forgotten," she shook her head and stood, walking over to the group of kids.
Anna blinked. She'd forgotten? What was Elsa talking about? She groaned, sitting back against the soft pillows of the bench. Everything was fine, so why was she still so uptight?
She watched as Elsa was playing with the kids, more watching them and providing them with snowballs. She smiled, but her eyes still glanced back at Anna now and then. Maybe she really was trying to shut her out again. But why? For what reason?
She doesn't need you here.
Anna frowned. Maybe Elsa was trying to drive her away again. Maybe to be truly alone was what she really wanted. No one just snaps one day and is fine the next, she had to be suffering still. Maybe it would be better if Anna left.
Standing, Anna slid to the pillars then to the walls to keep her balance as she left the room. She glanced back just before closing the doors. Elsa was smiling. She didn't glance back at her again. She just smiled as she laughed with the kids.
The darkness of the castle was welcoming once the sun went down. There was no denying the comfort that came with being alone. The servants were either in bed or scrubbing floors somewhere. The Queen and the Princess were both asleep, as were the children and families still in the castle.
For a shadow in the night, moving around was not hard. No one heard a sound from the shadows, not a whisper from the footsteps.
First, there was the butler, Castor. He was a simple man, with simple wishes. As any other butler, he wished just that his mistresses were happy. A pitiful existence, working just under another, never on top of anything but a to-do list.
Next were the rest of the servants. They were the same as the butler, just doing their jobs. Nothing to report.
Then, there was the snowman. He had his own room—the snowman had his own room with a glacier that never melted. He slept like a normal person, though he probably didn't need to. He was just pile of ice and sticks after all.
The princess next, continuing up the ranks. She had a totally normal life, as boyfriend and a sister who both love her. But, her heart was troubled. Even in her sleep, close up, she seemed to have nightmares. She whimpered ever so softly, but never woke.
At last, there was the queen. She slept alone in a huge room coated in ice that seemed to build up and melt all at once as she slept. Perhaps she was having a nightmare as well? Her flawless face certainly showed some level of sadness in her sleep.
Ah, such sweet sorrow this castle holds! A dark secret kept between sister, even if it was mostly revealed, and both still mourning the loss of the family they once had. Each wants to do their own thing, but neither has the heart to truly leave.
No, the shadow simply thought, it can't be this way, it can't be all sorrow and sadness. They are just as happy together.
But are they? Are they truly happy in their separate situations?
No, the shadow shook his head, trying to rid the terrible thought from himself, they just don't understand. They thought they did, but they truly don't.
Then show them.
The shadow looked up towards the night sky, the light from the full moon illuminating his face. His eyes, dark as night, searched the skies for an answer. But there was none. With a sigh, he tied his hair back in a knot, closing his eyes again. He leaned forward and fell through the shadow, disappearing completely.
Descend into the dark.