Chapter 7

The next week passed smoothly. Elsa recovered from her episode and returned to her position as representative of Arendelle, much to Anna's relief. She secured a trade agreement, but had also made progress in another area as well. Her and Bumi were now pretty close friends. Anna and Kya were slightly disappointed that their relationship hadn't progressed any further, but hey, progress was progress. They both knew that their older siblings had trouble trusting others; Elsa because of her isolation and the whole incident with Hans betraying Anna, and Bumi because he got his heart broken by someone he loved. It would take time for them to trust each other enough to let their relationship progress, and Anna and Kya were set on making that happen.

The day Elsa and Anna were set to leave, everyone came to say their goodbyes on the docks. While Elsa was thanking Katara and Aang for everything, Kya and Anna embraced and said their parting words.

"I'm really gonna miss you." Anna said with a slight pout. "It was nice to have someone to hang out with it. Not that I don't like to hang out with my sister, she's just busy a lot, and-" she coughed in embarrassment. "Sorry, rambling again."

Kya grinned. "I like it! It's nice to have someone who likes to talk as much as I do. I'll miss you as well, Anna. I never get to hang out with girls my age, especially nice ones like you who actually understand what it's like to be related to someone who holds so much power."

Anna blushed at the compliment and grinned at her friend, then leaned closer. "We have to make sure those two stay in touch; they probably shouldn't go too long without seeing each other, either. I have a feeling the council at Arendelle is going to start putting a lot of pressure on Elsa to marry, and soon."

Kya nodded. "I'll try and convince my dad to find a reason to visit." She suddenly got a thoughtful look in her eye. "You know, Bumi travels a lot with the United Forces, and they're always looking for places that will allow them to stop and get provisions. I think my dad said something about that being a part of the treaty."

Anna beamed. "It is! I remember them talking about it! Do you know when he is returning?"

"Next week, I think. I also think they're heading North and will pass by Arendelle. I'll send you a letter before he leaves to let you know."

"And when he gets there, I'll make sure they spend time together."

Kya grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me."

The two girls returned to the group. Anna said goodbye to Aang and Katara, and Kya said goodbye to Elsa. Katara and Aang had to get back, and Kya and Anna deliberately left Bumi and Elsa alone together to say goodbye. They stood there in silence for a moment.

"Well," Elsa said, breaking the silence. "It's been fun."

Bumi nodded. "It has. I'm really glad I got to get to know you a little better, Elsa."

Elsa blushed slightly and nodded back with a shy smile. "I'm glad, too."

"Um," Bumi rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the ground. "I was wondering if it's alright if we, you know, exchange letters? If it's not proper, it's totally fine if we don't, or if you don't want to, but I just thought it might be nice if we, you know, stay in touch?"

Elsa smiled and nodded, looking more like a schoolgirl with a crush than a queen. "I'd like that."

Bumi smiled at her and bowed, taking her hand. "Well, Your Majesty, it's been a pleasure. Until we meet-or write, I guess-again."

Elsa nodded. "Yes, and if you're ever passing by, feel free to stop. The castle is open to you and any members of your family, as well as the United Forces."

"Thank you, I just might take you up on that."

"I look forward to it." And she was honest when she said that.

Once they were on their way, Anna decided to talk to her sister and see if she could extract any details. She found Elsa on the deck, looking out over the water with what appeared to be a somewhat sad expression.

"So," Anna said, coming up beside her. "You and Bumi, huh?"

"What?" Elsa looked at her in surprise. "Oh, Anna, we're just friends, nothing more."

"Uh-huh." Anna said, unconvinced. "Just admit it Elsa, you like him."

"Yes, I like himas a person and as a friend."

"Elsa, come on! Just admit it! I saw the way you two looked at each other! You both like each other, but you're both to stubborn and scared to admit it!"

"Anna, I've only known him for a week. That's not enough time to fall in love, especially not for me."

"Well, of course it's not true love yet, but that doesn't mean you can't like him."

Elsa sighed. "I just...don't think I'm ready to be in a relationship yet."

Anna laid a hand on her shoulder. "I don't expect you to be, and I don't think he does, either. Just...promise me you won't completely shoot it down?"

"Okay, I won't. Don't get your hopes up, though."

Anna just hugged her in response. Elsa rolled her eyes at her beloved little sister and hugged her back. "Anna, you're a goof, but I love you."

Anna jabbed her side, and Elsa squeaked and jumped back. Anna stuck her tongue out at her. "Well, you're too serious, but I love you, too, you stinker."

Elsa smiled and began to drag Anna below deck. "Come on, let's get off the deck, maybe that'll hold your seasickness off for a little while."

Anna groaned and slumped into her.

"Don't worry, Anna." she soothed, pulling the younger girl down onto her bed. "I'll be right here."

Anna laid down and yawned. "Hey, Elsa?"

"Yes?"

"You'd make a great mother."

Elsa stared at her in surprise. The thought had never really crossed her mind, so she had no response at the moment. Anna saved her from having to respond when she continued.

"You're so nice and warm and gentle and loving. Any kid would be lucky to have you for their mom." With that, Anna dozed off. Elsa still stared at her, stunned. Then she got up to look out the small window in their room. She had never imagined herself as a mother. I guess it'll have to happen at some point, though; Arendelle needs an heir, she thought, and a prince consort. That reminded her of the comment her council had made before she left, and she cringed.

"Queen Elsa," they had said. "We have decided it is now in the best interest of Arendelle for you to begin seeing suitors. The kingdom needs a prince consort, and an heir."

Bumi stayed at the docks for a while after the boat disappeared. He sat on the edge and stared out over the water, deep in thought. He snapped back to attention when Kya took a seat beside him.

"Miss her already?"

Bumi shot her a glare, but didn't say anything. Kya grinned wickedly. "You do! Aww, my big brother likes a girl!"

He sighed. "Kya..."

"Oh, don't deny it, I saw the way you looked at her."

He didn't respond.

"Bumi?" Kya asked in a much more serious tone.

"Yeah?"

"Don't shut down. It's okay to fall in love. You never know, she might be the one."

"But what if she's not?" He asked, turning to look at her. "I don't want..." He sighed, and stopped talking.

Kya looked at him sympathetically and put an arm around his shoulder. "I know what happened with Izumi hurt you, and I'm sorry, but not every time's going to be like that. Besides, she's just as nervous about all this as you are."

Again, he didn't reply. Kya sighed. "Just give it a chance, okay?"

"'Kay"

"Now come on, Mom says lunch is ready."

"I'll be in in a minute."

Kya turned and left, leaving Bumi alone. He lay back on the docks and stared up at the clouds. Maybe Kya was right; maybe he should give it a chance.