Chapter 7 and finally we get to see Anna. Anyway sorry for the delay but with my other story I had written myself into a corner. Oh there's an OC in this one by the name of Captain Anders (his name comes from the Old Norse language). Anyway he'll be playing a bit of a role in the story as well but for all those concerned he won't overshadow the main characters. Anyway lets dive into the long delayed chapter 7
The final stage of the journey began when the medium sized ship the Jedi and Clones were travelling on began to enter the earth's atmosphere. Despite the turbulent ride through the wormhole, the ship was coping well with entry. Though that's expected given the fact that the majority of the planets their galaxy have oxygen. Bursting through the final cloud layers and everyone on board was treated to a spectacular sight. The mountains rising up from the clear blue water, the trees reflecting the afternoon light and at the head of the fjord was the Kingdom of Arendelle. The various houses and buildings that can be seen both near the water and up into the surrounding hills comprised the township. With The Castle stood on an outcrop which was a sight to behold. Be it from weary sailors who were close to finishing their voyage, or those arriving from a different Galaxy. Up on the bridge, Anakin and Obi-Wan were observing the approach and landing whilst Hawk and Broadside were making their way up the fjord. They had to be careful about the arrival. After all it's not every day you see a space ship fly over the top of your head.
"So Anakin what's your first impression?" Asked Obi-Wan who was standing on the left behind Hawk.
"Breathtaking would be an understatement master. It's just like the Lake Country on Naboo." Replied Anakin.
"Indeed it is Anakin." Said Obi-Wan. He then turned his attention to Hawk.
"Hawk is the repair cameras working?" He asked.
"Yes sir, the cameras are working and the feed is directed to the video screens in the Mess. Just like you asked?" The Clone Pilot responded.
In the Mess all the Clones were sitting at the various tables looking at the video screens as they saw the landscape move by with the Ship.
"So this is what a peaceful Planet is like," commented Rex.
"I've got to hand it to the Generals. They certainly picked a scenic planet," said Cody.
"The houses look a lot smaller and older. Must be a different style of architecture they're using." Wooley spoke as he watched a house move past the video screen.
"Well it doesn't seem special to me," quipped Jessie.
"It's a bit too early to tell Jessie. Who knows there might be something you could like about this place," responded Kix. Jessie simply rolled his eyes and turned back to the monitor
"They're lucky not to have seen or hear anything about the Clone Wars," Waxer sighed.
"It's a good thing too. I hate to imagine if someone like Grievous was to destroy this place," Boil replied. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed something odd. Echo, Fives, Tup, Dogma, Wooley, Crys and Hardcase were missing.
"Hey where are the others?" He asked concerned with regards to his missing comrade's whereabouts. The door suddenly slid opened and the Clones walked into the Mess. Rex then walked up to the group wandering on what they were up to.
"Where have you been, you're missing the scenery." Dogma responded in his usual crisp manner.
"I apologise sir, but we were just securing some of the cargo for landing." Rex nodded before turning to the others.
"Regardless, you're here and that's the main thing." He then led the others over to where the rest of the group were sitting.
Back on the bridge Anakin and Obi-Wan were looking out through the viewports taking in the town from above. From the port (left) side where Hawk was sitting Anakin noticed the castle and surrounding buildings.
"Hey Obi-Wan", he began "is that the Castle?" Obi-Wan walked over to his old Padawan and looked at what Anakin was asking about.
"Ah yes that's it Arendelle Castle alright. The home of the royal family for roughly 20 or so generations. Though we will not be landing there." He said.
"Why not?" Anakin asked.
"Do you think the town's people would react well when they see a spaceship drop out of the sky and a group of people step out wearing strange clothes with strange weapons?" Obi-Wan enquired. Anakin put his prosthetic hand up to his forehead as he realised the consequences. But then he noticed that even though they're flying, the ship could still be seen. A fact Anakin was willing to point out.
"You do realise that our current course would mean the ship would be spotted anyway."
"Despite not landing in the middle of the town, I didn't say we weren't going to get spotted. The point is to engage the people's curiosity. Be side's it's the fastest route to the landing zone." Anakin was still confused about the planning behind it.
"It means that I wanted to let the castle guards know were here." Obi-Wan explained before turning his head when Broadside spoke up.
"Sir we are less than ten miles to the landing zone."
"Good begin landing procedures." Obi-Wan ordered.
"I hope this plan works." Anakin mumbled to no one in-particular.
As the ship banked right, a telescope was looking straight at them from a balcony on the Castle. A middle-aged man was looking through it. Suddenly the door opened and a man wearing a green over coat, white gloves and a service cap which stuck out at the top entered the adjacent room. He kneeled before the middle-aged man in a show of respect.
"You have summoned me Lord Kai." The Soldier asked.
"Ah, Captain Andres I have a mission for you. But first tell me have you heard of a group known as the Jedi?" Kai asked.
"Only from what I've read in the royal library and the information you have given, milord. But what I understand is that the Jedi are a group of mystical, but highly trained warriors that come from another world." Andres answered.
"Excellent Captain." Kai responded. "How would you and a platoon of guards to meet one in the flesh?"
"We would be honoured to be given the opportunity." The Captain answered. Kai reached into the breast-pocket of his coat and pulled out a scroll, which he promptly handed over to the captain.
"This map will lead you and your men to the site where the Jedi arrive from. Your orders are to escort them back to the Castle. Also take a couple of carts with you I have a feeling they'll be needed."
"Yes, milord". Andres saluted Kai and marched out of the room.
The ship was descending towards a large clearing in the woods. Apart from a wooden cabin, the place was relatively clear. Manoeuvring the ship above the tree line, Hawk and Broadside were being careful not to damage anything. Once above the clearing, the ship engaged its ventral thrusters to slow the final descent and allow for the landing struts and ramp to extend. Once settled on the ground, Anakin and Obi-Wan were the first to step out followed by the platoon they bought with them.
"So nice to be back here after all these years." Said Obi-Wan as he stretched his back.
"Huh not a bad place, a bit quite but it'll do." Replied Anakin before turning to Obi-Wan.
"So do you think your spot the cruiser plan worked?" He asked.
"Give it time Anakin. They don't have speeders so their more than likely using Horses to travel up here." Cody who was standing with Rex behind the two Jedi spoke up.
"Sir what are Horses?" Obi-Wan and Anakin turned around.
"Horses are animals that are used as beasts of burden Cody. They're like how some of the outer-rim worlds would use Eopies." At that comment Rex shuddered under his helmet. Remembering the wakeup call he had from one whilst staying on Cut Lawquane's farm on Saluecami. An action that didn't go unnoticed to his commanding officer.
"Something the matter Rex?" Asked Anakin. Rex simply stood at attention.
"Nothing sir. Just remembered an awkward experience with an Eopie." He replied. Knowing about what had happened on the Planet during the hunt for Grievous. Anakin just dropped the matter altogether.
"Anyway while were waiting". Said Obi-Wan. "Rex, Cody have the men unload the supplies and equipment from the ship. Whilst that's happening Anakin, you and I will go to that trading post to see if we can get a map of the area." Obi-Wan gestured to the building in front of them.
"Yes sir." Both clone officers responded before turning back to the others. Obi-Wan turned to Anakin and waved at him to follow.
"Come on Anakin let's get to work. Oh and let me do the talking." Obi-Wan reminded Anakin of the last bit. Something his friend didn't take to well as he frowned and crossed his arms.
"What you think I can't handle myself around a shop keeper." He snarked. Obi-Wan simply shook his head.
"No, just that they don't use Republic Credits here and you my friend don't know the local currency." To explain his point Obi-Wan reached into a belt pouch and retrieved some gold coins which had a flower crest on them. Putting them away, he continued on with his explanation.
"Also your belief in using a Lightsaber to solve any problem is not exactly helpful." Knowing that his former master was right, Anakin simply nodded.
"Ok, ok. Let's just get the map and be on our way." The soon stepped up to the signs of the cabin which read Wandering Oaken's Trading Post on the main one and looking down at the smaller one And Sauna. Anakin walked up and pushed open the door that struck a bell on top. The inside of the cabin had shelves loaded with items from around the kingdom. As expected a bit rustic as compared with the worlds located back in the Republic. At the front of the store sat a burley looking man with; blue eyes, red hair, wearing a knitted hat and jumper with suspenders and a smile on his face. The shop keeper turned to the two Jedi and waved at them
"Hoo hoo, I'm Oaken and welcome to my store and sauna." At the last bit he pointed to a door with a fogged up window. Anakin was giving him a strange look but Obi-Wan who was standing next to him subtly nudged his side.
(A/N no I'm not writing as though he has a Norse accent. I trust you people would be able to imagine it).
"Hello, you wouldn't happen to have a map of area would you?" The Jedi Master asked.
"Not from around here huh?" Oaken replied.
"Your right about that, you see my friend and I were from a neighbouring kingdom and we lost our old map." Obi-Wan explained. Anakin however was sceptical that the lie would work. Mainly because they had landed a massive spaceship right near it. But whether Oaken knew about it or not was hard to tell because he hasn't changed his expression. The shop keeper immediately reached for a nearby shelf and pulled out a scroll. He handed it to Obi-Wan who studied the drawings of the area to confirm what he wanted.
"Yes, this is the map we wanted. How much would we pay you for it?" Obi-Wan asked as he pulled out the coins from his pouch. Oaken took a look at them before smiling back at Obi-Wan.
"That'll cost you 5 for the map. Plus I'll throw in a visit to Oaken's Sauna." Once again gesturing to the door.
"I'm afraid that will have to wait for another time, my friend. But thanks' anyway." Obi-Wan nodded to Oaken. Turning his attention away from the counter, he noticed Anakin taking a look at some hiking gear. Shaking his head Obi-Wan walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Well it's nice to see you taking an interest in the local produced." Obi-Wan quipped.
"Oh sorry master I was just wandering when you would be done with the map." Anakin replied.
"I have it." He said gesturing to the scroll he was holding. "Now let's see if the men have unloaded the equipment yet." Obi-Wan suggested. The two Jedi then walked out of the store once again leaving it empty.
As they were making their way back to the ship Tup and Wooley ran up to them.
"Sir, we have unloaded the supplies and equipment like you asked. But now we have a problem." Said Tup.
"What's going on?" Asked Anakin he was confused and so was Obi-Wan. Normally something like this should have been easy for the clones.
"Hawk had a check of the ships radar and it appears we have company." Responded Wooley.
"What's the size of the contact?" Questioned Obi-Wan.
"It looks like roughly about 25 personnel including support. Commander Cody has the rest of the men set up a defensive perimeter on the other side of the ship while Captain Rex is monitoring the road leading up here." Replied Tup.
"Any ideas?" Wandered Anakin.
"It could possibly the Royal Guard." Said Obi-Wan. He turned to the two Clones.
"Alright lead us to where the rest of the men are." Ordered Anakin.
"Yes Sir" The Clones turned around and lead the two Jedi to where the rest of the Platoon was. Once past the ship, the sight that greeted them was something of a regular occurrence during the war. Cody and rest of the troopers were lying in prone position with the 212th troopers on the left and the 501st on the right. Rex had a pair of macro binoculars pressed up to his helmet visor observing the terrain in front. Obi-Wan spoke up.
"What's the situation Captain?" He ordered.
"Sir, we have picked up possible unfriendlies heading this way." Rex responded.
"What's the distance since last contact?" Asked Anakin.
"Last contact, was two minutes ago. They were five miles out and closing." Anakin reached into his pouch and bought out a pair of his own binoculars. Looking through them he saw a bunch of men, riding horses, some of which are carrying carts heading up the hill towards their position.
"You know who they are?" Anakin asked as he handed the Binoculars over to Obi-Wan. He looked through them and turned back to the clones.
"Stand down men. Looks like our escort has arrived." He said. The Clones immediately stood up and looked down at the Royal Guard as they were now halfway up the hill. Anakin turned to the Clones and begin issuing orders.
"Alright, have the supplies ready to be loaded into the carts and have this area cleared so the ship has room to take off."
"Yes Sir". Said Cody and Rex who then turned to the rest of the men.
"You heard the general get moving I want those boxes in three piles and ready for loading." Cody ordered .As the Clones got under way Anakin and Obi-Wan went to greet the Royal Guard. When they went up the one riding a lead horse got off and bowed to the two Jedi and then address them.
"Master Jedi it is an honour that you return to Arendelle again. I'm Captain Andres. Leader of her Majesties' royal guard." Obi-Wan and Anakin returned the bow. Obi-Wan was about to speak but Anakin had beaten him to it.
"Thank you captain. This is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," he gestured to his master who was less than pleased with being interrupted "and I'm Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker." Captain Andres nodded in acknowledgement before looking behind and seeing the Clone Troopers working on the boxes.
"I wasn't aware that you were bringing troops along. In fact we thought you were peacekeepers not soldiers". The captain said.
"We have recently been in a war for three years and as such had to re-adapt our roles to the situation". Said Obi-Wan.
"Interesting." Replied Andres. "Regardless, my men and I have been ordered to escort you and you soldiers to Arendelle. Having anticipated that you would be bringing your own equipment we will lend you these carts to transport them." Gesturing to one of the wooden carts bought with them. Anakin turned to Rex and Cody and repeated the gesture with the Clones nodding in response. He and Obi-Wan went towards the ship's boarding ramp where Hawk and Broadside who have come out of the bridge were standing. At the sight of the two Jedi approaching them they stood to attention.
"Well we can take it from here. Thanks for flying through one of the most turbulent flights ever." Said Anakin.
"Anytime sir", Hawk responded.
"Heh I think that flight was exciting" piped in Broadside.
"Just make sure you remember to pick us up in ten days' time", reminded Obi-Wan.
"Certainly sir."
"Too bad you can't stick around. But with the war wrapping up a lot of troopers will need to return home soon." Sighed Anakin.
"Aahh don't beat yourself up sir, we have our duty you have yours. Anyway I'm sure, Rex or one of the others will fill us in." Smiled Broadside from underneath his helmet. The two pilots gave a final salute and the Jedi returned it with a bow before parting from the boarding ramp. The ramp retracted the engines then fired up initially spooking some of the horses but the guards were able to quickly calm them down as the massive ship lifted up into the air and flew off back to Coruscant.
Five minutes later both carts had been loaded with the boxes bought in and seem to be holding the weight. The Clones formed two ranks with Cody and Rex leading from the front. The guards had moved to the front and rear of the column and were ready to set off. Andres looked ahead and noticed the sun moving lower in the sky. He turned to Anakin and Obi-Wan who had finished securing their gear in one of the carts before getting off it.
"Master Jedi are you ready to depart?" He asked.
"Yes all of our supplies and equipment has been secured and we are ready to depart." Obi-Wan nodded.
"Good but first I need to make you aware of issue before we set off." Andres said with a bit of concern.
"Oh?" Anakin piped up.
"Yes it's about your men."
"What about us?" Responded Fives having overheard the conversation and turned to face the three of them. This in turn caught the attention of the other Clones. Andres began shaking slightly. While he and his men were trained to fight a variety of threats from pirates and Viking tribes to invading kingdoms they were all fighting on roughly the same playing field. This was not the case and if he didn't play his cards right it could end badly.
"You see while the people haven't seen the Jedi in a while, they know about the existence. It will take some time to re-adjust but it will be done. Your soldiers are strangers to here. To be perfectly honest, their current appearance isn't going to win them any favours." He explained. To further explain his point he gestured towards them. The Clones began looking over themselves in confusion.
"Our armour is recognised throughout the galaxy and very few people don't know who we are." Exclaimed Jessie.
"But you see we don't know who you are. The helmets you all wear cover your faces and whilst excellent in intimidating the enemy would be a liability in our peaceful kingdom." Said Andres. Though he couldn't see past the T-Visors of their helmet it was becoming quite clear that the Clones were becoming quite annoyed with him.
"But sir." Shouted Dogma. "It's part of our regulations to wear all our gear whilst on duty. That includes our helmets as well." Many of the Clones were shocked. Particularly, Fives, Jessie, Tup and Hardcase as they often don't get along too well with the "by the books" Trooper.
"Well I'm afraid that you will have to make an exception to that rule." Andres said simply. Obi-Wan and Anakin sensing that a fight might soon breakout stepped in between the Guards and Clone Troopers.
"Perhaps, from now and until the coronations whenever our men interact with your people they don't wear helmets." Suggested Obi-Wan.
"It could work." Andres responded thoughtfully. Anakin then spoke up.
"But I'm going to warn you though that you'll be in for a shock." Anakin then nodded to the Clones to take off their helmets. Rex was the first followed by Cody, then Waxer and Boil. This continued until all of their faces can be seen by the others and they were staring at them in shock. They have never seen so many men share the same face. With the exception of features like; hairstyles, tattoos and scars. The rest of their features were identical.
"Well I didn't expect them to be so...uhh… similar." Stammered Andres as he began to regain his composer. "But I must ask why your men look this way?" Anakin decided to answer this question.
"It's a long and complicated story. We will explain it later but right now it appears we are running behind schedule." Andres nodded.
"Understood." He replied before turning to his men.
"Mount up, were heading home." He ordered. The Clones placed their helmets on the carts and resumed formation and proceed to march with them. Anakin and Obi-Wan stepped up on the lead cart and soon the group set off down the hill towards Arendelle.
Though the trip down the hill was steep, it was nothing compared to what the Clones and Jedi had experienced. After three years of fighting on various, worlds they have adapted to the long marches. Still the sight of Arendelle was relief for everyone as it meant the end of a long and bumpy journey. The wooden houses and buildings made up the entire town along with the tile and cobblestoned roads. Many people were busy going about their business until they saw the royal guard pass through with their convoy. Everyone was murmuring as to what the guards were escorting. Rumours ranging from prisoner transfer to a mercenary group were heard all over the kingdom. Yet when they saw Anakin and Obi-Wan pass by it brushed away all the rumours. Instead they were more questions and given by the way they are talking it was no secret.
"The Jedi are back"? Asked one man.
"That's impossible I thought they were banished years ago." Replied another.
"Maybe they're here for the coronation." Mused a woman.
Then the sight that shocked them to the core was the Clone Troopers.
"Who are they?"
"Why do they all look alike?"
"What on earth are they doing here?" These and many more were the reactions as the convoy moved through the centre of town before making a turn to cross the bridge into the castle.
"They seem to be taking this well." Mused Obi-Wan.
"At least they haven't started attacking us yet." Quipped Anakin. He then turned to see how the rest of the Clones are doing.
"Rex, Cody how are you holding up?" He asked.
"Never better sir." Cody responded.
"You know it's alright to admit you're nervous." Piped in Obi-Wan
"It's a bit more peaceful than what were used to but nothing we can handle." Rex assured them. As soon as he finished they saw the castle towering in front of them. If the view from the ship was a sight, then this one blew everything away. The towers and walls would have been a sight to behold for anyone who was new to the kingdom. While Anakin, was impressed it reminded him even more of the Lake Country on Naboo and subsequently, Padmè. There was a hint of guilt stirring within him about leaving her behind. But he trusted her maids, Artoo and Threepio to take care of her and assuming things go to plan, a new child in the mix. Obi-Wan had sense of nostalgia about the castle and it served to him as a reminder of happier times before the Clone Wars. The Clones on the other hand were a little easier to please. Although with it appears that Hardcase had forgot about the gap in technology.
"You have got to be kidding me." He said. Tup looked at him with some confusion.
"What are you talking about?" Tup asked.
"No, turbo laser defence, no ray shield and no blasters. Geez if the Clankers were to hit this place all it would take is for a bombing run and that's it." He exclaimed
"Calm down Hardcase, not everywhere has the budget or tech to have that gear." Replied Echo. Wooley then decided to add his opinion to the matter.
"While I admit this place isn't suited for a Clanker attack. It could be ideal against the various localised threats." Hardcase was about to continue when Cody decided to end the conversation.
"Buck up you lot." He ordered. "Were almost there." With that they halted as the convoy stood at the entrance to the main hall. The Guards immediately broke formation and began dismounting from their horse and began to unload from the carts. Obi-Wan appeared to be talking with Andres and then with Anakin. When he was finished Anakin began to address the group.
"Alright men, collect your helmets and follow us. It appears that Princess Anna wants to meet you all."
"Sir yes sir." They replied and quickly began to grab their stuff. Once they were ready they set off in a 2X2 line with Anakin and Obi-Wan leading the way as the group was flanked by Andres and a few more royal guards. The interior was decorated with various paintings and was painted red. The clones were in awe by this. At the head Anakin began to speak with Obi-Wan.
"So Obi-Wan did you sense anything about this place that seems. Well split?" He asked.
"Now that you mentioned it, there is a mix of energy here. One happy, joyful and energetic. The other is sad, fearful and afraid." Obi-Wan answered.
"Any clue into what's causing it?" Anakin asked with some curiosity.
"It could possibly mean the sisters. Anna and Elsa were both on different sides of the emotional spectrum but shared a strong bond. Oh that reminds me Anakin be careful around Princess Anna."
"Ok Why?" He asked even more curious.
"Well it's just that in the past she has been hyperactive. I don't know whether that has changed or not but just keep an eye out on things." Obi-Wan warned
"Ok if you say so." He replied. They turned to discover a pair of large doors in front of them which were opened by a pair of servants. The Jedi and Clone Troopers were had their breath taken away by the size of the place. Inside Kai was standing there waiting for them with a respectable smile on his face. He was a bit surprised by the group that accompanied them though nonetheless continued on with the formalities.
"Master Jedi, We welcome you back to Arendelle. I'm Kai, chief advisor to the crown and who would you be..." As soon as he saw Obi-Wan he had a faint look of recognition which the Jedi Master sensed.
"Padawan Kenobi is that you?" Kai asked Obi-Wan had a warm smile and approached the man and gave him a handshake.
"Yes it is Lord Kai. Though I'm afraid it's no longer Padawan now." Kai once again was shocked so he decided to ask a bit more.
"So you're finally a Jedi Knight now. Your Master Qui-Gon would have been proud of you where is he by the way?" Obi-Wan slightly winced at the mention of his old Master but fortunately remained calm.
"It's with great regret that Master Qui-Gon was killed on a mission 13 years ago. But anyway you are close. I'm a Jedi Master now and one of the members of the Council." He informed him. Kai had a look of regret quickly cross his face but brushed it off.
"Oh sorry to hear that. Anyway who are your companions?" He gestured to Anakin and the Clone Troopers.
"This is Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. He was my former apprentice and despite his status also serves on the Council as well." Obi-Wan said while gesturing for Anakin to come forward.
"Your excellency." He addressed Kai formally.
"A pleasure to meet you." Responded Kai.
"Enjoy it while you can. Anakin has a bit of an impulsive and wild streak to his personality." Quipped Obi-Wan.
"Hey". Shot back Anakin.
"Well you would certainly get along with Princess Anna then. She hasn't changed much since you have left." Kai said. Obi-Wan just groaned as he remembered how much of a handful the young princess was.
"Also these are our soldiers; Rex, Cody, Echo, Fives, Waxer, Boil, Tup, Dogma, Wooley, Crys, Jessie, Kix and Hardcase." He listed off. Kai noticed the men in white and blue and white and orange armour. He was speechless at their appearance. Though whether it was from the near-identical appearances or just the fact the Jedi needed to use soldiers.
"I wasn't aware that the Jedi were required on the Battlefield." Kai said with some confusion.
"We have been at war for about three years now and we have almost won it. The effort lies with the Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic." Obi-Wan stated, though he was concealing the true nature of the Clones.
"Well the bright side is that you have survived and that should count for something. Now if you excuse me I'll fetch Princess Anna." Kai said as he began to walk towards a side door. Anakin however spoke up.
"With all due respect, we were hoping to see Princess Elsa as well. Seeing as it's her coronation we are guarding." Obi-Wan bought his hand up to his forehead as part of a reflex he developed over the years. 'Leave it to Anakin to get straight to the point' he thought. Kai just shrugged it off.
"Don't worry you will see her at the coronation." He said in a jovial manner. Now if you would excuse me I'll fetch the Princess. Oh and make yourselves comfortable". Then he rushed through the door. The Clones immediately relaxed and began their own conversations. Obi-Wan turned to Anakin and looked at him with a frustrated look.
"Really Anakin you had to bring up Elsa to them." Anakin simply shrugged.
"I know but if what you say and the visions are true then she will need our help."
"I understand your reasoning on this Anakin but the orders still stand that she is to be left alone." Obi-Wan, replied. Anakin was about to retort when he heard someone running in the other hall, followed by a crash. The Clones stopped their conversations and stood back to attention. A feminine voice blurted an apology to which Obi-Wan groaned at. The door burst opened with a crash and a slim girl with strawberry blonde hair worn in pigtails and wearing a creamy grey summer dress* ran straight out.
"Sorry I'm late had an incident involving a statue. It should be fine… I hope. Oh sorry let me introduce myself I'm Princess Anna of Arendelle." Anna curtsied and Anakin and Obi-Wan bowed in response.
"So you two must be Jedi. That is so cool you get to do some pretty awesome stuff." Babbled Anna before she realised that they haven't given their names. "Sorry again I forgot to ask who your names were and why there are a whole group of guys in white standing behind you." As she finished Obi-Wan stepped forward.
"Thank you your highness although it appears you haven't changed a bit." Smirked Obi-Wan. Anna looked confused for a moment. She had only remembered two Jedi: Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. The bearded man who stood before her didn't look like the maverick Jedi Master but it did remind her of his Padawan. In fact his voice sounded similar to him as well. It didn't take too long before all the dots started to add up.
"Obi-Wan… is that you?" She asked.
"It's finally nice to see you again." The Jedi Master answered. At this Anna screamed and practically leapt at him before he could react and nearly cause the two of them to loose balance. Thankfully Anakin happened to be standing behind his former master and used the force to subtly keep them from falling.
"Wow it's good to see you and I really loving the beard. Are you a Jedi Knight now? Did you get your own apprentice? Is Master Yoda still the same size of a troll?" Anna racked off a few of what would be many questions. Obi-Wan just shook his head and laughed.
"You certainly haven't changed and thank you for the compliment. Now about those questions. Yes I was a Jedi Knight but I have been made a Master and I hold a seat on the Council. I did take my own apprentice in fact he's standing behind us". He gestured to Anakin. Who flashed a grin at the Princess and she flushed in return Obi-Wan then finished up answering her questions "And finally yes Master Yoda is still the same size as a troll."
"It would be so cool to see what you guys are like. Anyway would like to introduce me to the others?" Anna asked.
"Certainly your highness." Obi-Wan replied and Anakin closed the gap.
"This is my former apprentice Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker." Obi-Wan introduced them. Anakin was flattered but something stirred within him. There was something about the Princess which reminded him of his old Padawan Ahsoka. But he let it slide for now.
"So you were the one who was giving grief to him before I came along." Anakin joked.
"Yep and it was awesome when he and Qui-Gon used to show us these cool tricks with the force and tell us about distant planets." Anna laughed. She then noticed Anakin's prosthetic hand.
"So what's with the weird glove?" She asked. Anakin winced, as she was unknowingly referring to his hand. However after taking a quick breath he answered the question.
"That glove covers a prosthetic hand. I lost my real hand in a Lightsaber duel three years ago." Anakin sighed. Anna was taken aback and sensing it was a sensitive topic decided to move onto something else.
"So what world did you enjoy the most?" She asked. Anakin pondered the question before replying.
"Naboo. It's a peaceful and lush world, with a natural beauty surrounding it. In fact your highness Arendelle kind of reminds me of a place called Varykino, which is an estate up in the Lake Country there." Anakin responded. Anna looked at them with a mixture of awe and envy. She clearly wanted to explore these places and after being locked in a castle for so long it would make sense. As she was thinking about the planet, Anna noticed the Clones standing off to the side. Immediately she regained focus.
"Oh who are the men behind you? They look incredible. Not that you're anything less than that. Though I don't think we have been introduced". Anna said. The two Jedi looked at each other before realising she was talking about the Clones. They both knew that because the technology in Arendelle is basic at best, the people would not know how the process worked. Luckily Obi-Wan was able to figure a way around it.
"Those your highness are the Clone Troopers. The Dedicated soldiers of the Republic and some of the best in the Galaxy.." He said proudly but noticed Anna had bounded over towards them and began to look over them extremely closely. Rex, Cody and the others were a little shocked at the Princess's approach to them and her closeness. Fortunately Anakin decided to bail them out.
"Perhaps your highness it would be more appropriate if Obi-Wan and I introduced you to them personally." Suggested Anakin. Anna was awed by the Clones all the adventures they have been on in fact it gave her an idea.
"Certainly Master Skywalker. In fact if you don't mind I invite you Master Kenobi and your men to dinner…please". Anakin turned to Obi-Wan and shrugged.
"That would be perfect your highness." He replied
"Yay! I can't wait. Ohh I should probably let Kai know to set up the big table." Anna then ran out of the room leaving the two Jedi and the Clones a bit stunned.
"Well she certainly seemed to be full of energy." Anakin commented.
"Oh don't remind me." Obi-Wan groaned. Suddenly Kai and Captain Anders showed up at the door.
"Well it seems that the princess is keen to have company tonight. In the meantime, Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker I'll show you to the guest chambers while Captain Anders here sees to it that your men are settled in at the Barracks." The Jedi nodded and began moving with Kai towards the door. Anders stared at the Clones with an inquisitive look. He had seen the soldiers of other kingdoms in the past. But compared to them the ones standing before him seem to be an oddity. Nevertheless he stood tall and addressed the group.
"Now Gentlemen if you care to follow me I'll show you towards the Officers' Quarters and Troop Barracks." He turned on his heel and marched out of the throne room. The Clones all shot confused looks to each other but said nothing and followed the Captain out the door.
So that's the end of Chapter 7. I think I have broken the whole "Show don't tell rule" but I really wanted to squeeze as much of the plot into this chapter as possible. Don't forget to favourite, follow and review.
Two more things. The first is that because I'm back at University the schedule I have set myself is a chapter every two weekends. This allows for greater editing, plot analysis and room in case things go wrong. The second is my other story "Return of the Snow Queen" is almost finish. One more chapter which is basically the wedding.
Next chapter is one where the ground work is in place. So how the Jedi and Clones adjust to normal life. Anna getting reacquainted with Obi-Wan whilst moving in on Anakin. As a bit of a sweetener Anakin decides to try to find Elsa.
Well Bye Bye
