Jack awoke the next morning to the smell of bacon and eggs. When he came downstairs for breakfast it was just Charlotte. She was wearing very strange clothes and she seemed distressed slightly.
"How are you, Lotte?"
She smiled "Fine. How did it go with Elsa yesterday?"
Jack cringed. He'd dreamed of nothing but Elsa. Her smile haunted him and the memory of laugh caused his heart to pound throughout his dreams. He had fallen asleep holding the fabric swatch from her dress.
"I made a huge fool of myself and probably disgraced her." Charlotte gave him an apologetic look. "I heard all about it. But, don't worry. No one likes normal. What you did probably stood out. She's had nothing but potential suitor after potential suitor come into her halls since the harbors unfroze after the coronation, you were a fresh breath of air." Charlotte was shaky as she poured him mead.
"Charlotte, you're not okay. I can tell. Tell me what's wrong. Please." He took the pitcher from her hand. "I've just received some unsettling news. My lover is dead." Jack was shocked. He took her in his arms. "What do you mean?" Charlotte looked up. Her eyes brimmed with tears. "She was burned for witchcraft. I had been saving up money to bring her here. Where I come from, we were tortured. We overthrew our oppressors but, of course, times are still tough. I come from a line of Visigoths, you know." She laughed softly as she patted his arm. Jack was concerned for her. He knew she was not a native to Arendelle. He also hadn't heard he ever reference her lover. "Is there anything I can do?" He whispered to her like a father to a child. "No. I don't want to talk about it right now. I've got a lot to settle. Let's move on a bit. There's an invitation for you here."
She handed him a light blue invitation with the royal seal. Inside was a letter from Elsa asking him to meet her on the highest mountain north of her castle in Arendelle. There he would come across another castle. This one made of ice.
He turned to Lotte and with a mischievous smile said "Do you want to have some fun?" With that he covered the tavern with snow. Tiny mountains of snow formed around the large room and the tables were over turned with a gust of wind. "Let's have a war, Lotte." He smiled and formed a snowball and threw it at her.
Charlotte ducked behind a table and before he knew it she was bombing him with snowballs. He was forced to hide behind a tiny mountain of snow. "How is she making these snowballs so fast?" He thought. "I'll have to play a little dirty." He conjured um a cloud to his side and it produced nothing but snowballs. He started to retaliate. But, Charlotte was clearly living up to her lineage. Just when he thought he had found her she scurried to another table. He couldn't keep up. He had to move or she'd overwhelm him. He jumped over the table and let out a ferocious battle cry. Then "smack!" When Jack came to, he only saw her impish grin. "Looks like I won, Mr. Frost." Jack smiled and made sure Lotte was okay before grabbing his staff and traveling the winds to Elsa.
As he flew he really took in the grandeur of Arendelle. He gazed at the soft waves with their white tops as they caressed the sides of the boats. He watched children wearing festive gowns for ceremonies playing in the streets and the migration of the day workers who braved the mighty and ancient forests of Arendelle. He smelled the salty air and saw baskets full of fish and cheese. Strawberry jams from Finland were being delivered to delighted customers. As he approached the castle tiny snowflakes began to fall. They were perfect. He knew Elsa had made them just like on the day he arrived. He was very excited about their meeting.
When he arrived he found the staircase. He chose to walk to the castle instead of fly because this crystal staircase fascinated him just as much as she did. It was strong and delicate. Once over the staircase, he came across a yeti who told him his name was Marshmallow and he was only allowed to let in James. Jack was confused. "Who the hell is James?" When Marshmallow asked what his name was he said "Jack Frost." This displeased Marshmallow. "You, Away you go now." Jack tried to charm Marshmallow. "Me? No. Marshmallow, I know you're supposed to keep people out, but why would I be here unless Elsa-" Marshmallow slammed his hand down causing snow to engulf Jack. "QUEEN ELSA." Jack was dazed from the impact "Of course, Queen Elsa. Please, let me through." Marshmallow only replied "No. Go now." Jack remembered the letter in his hoodie. "I have an invitation." Marshmallow relaxed "Invit-a-tion?" Jack sighed and smiled weakly. "Yes, here." Marshmallow took the card in his hand and then threw it back. "Marshmallow….not read can." Jack held his head in his hands. "What do I do now?" Marshmallow grabbed Jack by his hood and flung him off the ridge. "You go now." Luckily Jack was able to catch the wind and he decided it would be safer to fly to the front door than brave Marshmallow again.
Inside Jack marveled at the design and craftsmanship of the castle. He was in love with the castle and felt strangely at home there. He went through the castle's many levels but he never found Elsa. When he'd reached the top he heard running water. He could see somewhat through the castle's walls. He noticed a figure getting out of something. When he found a door he realized it was Elsa and she was just getting out of the bathtub. Jack immediately closed his eyes and became very still. After a few seconds he figured she would be clothed and he could announce that he was there. When he opened his eyes she was still changing. He stood and watched her change. He took in the slight of her white skin and he unbraided hair. She was free and wild. Like a white lily in the middle of a winter forest. She was humming to herself and then began to sing out loud a bit.
"I glitrende solskin/ Et landskap som våkner/ Vi seiler inn mot havnen/ Hjem til deg i dine armer/ En historie å fortelle/ Ankomst, ankomst gi meg havn/ Ankomst, ankomst åpne din favn/ La dine sorger hvile i havet/ Et sted mellom nord og sør/ Vinden synger de evige toner/ En sage å fortelle/ Ankomst, ankomst gi meg havn/ Ankomst, ankomst åpne din favn/ Ankomst, ankomst gi meg havn/ Ankomst, ankomst åpne din favn (*1 see below)"
Jack was moved by her voice. The song stirred in him. Something he'd long forgotten. He felt himself swallowed whole by great waters. He was pulled to the bottom of the sea. But he was not distressed. He took in the salty paradise and when he turned his gaze back to the top he saw the sky above the water was turned red and gold with hot flashes of color. He saw the underneath of the boats as they penetrated the water until one was herself consumed, condemned to sink to the bottom of this strange land. Jack gasped when he felt his lungs suddenly fill with the seas warm waters, bringing him back to Elsa's face. She was standing in front of him with a confused look and deep blush across her chest.
Elsa covered herself with her arms. She was clothed but must have realized that Jack could have seen her. He had the strangest look on his face. "Thank you for coming but why are you here?"
Jack had to think quickly in order to save himself. Being caught spying on the Queen while she was naked wasn't exactly how he wanted to be know. With a wicked smile he replied smoothly "Oh, I'm sorry. Were you expecting James? Are you disappointed?" Elsa was confused "James?" Jack shrugged and innocently said "That's who your Yeti said you were expecting. I hope you don't mind if I ask who exactly this James is?" Elsa was thrown off. "Marshmallow must have thought I said James. She became flustered. But, I specifically told him Jack. I'm not expecting anyone. I don't know a James. Elsa was a bright red now and shaking.
Jack teased further "He's not one of your various suitors? Tell me is he a prince or a count? Brunette or blonde? Has he got a big boat?" Jack said with a devilish grin. Elsa cringed at the thought. She shouted "No! We're completely alone. I'm always alone" Jack's face dropped and he took in her face. She was being honest.
Elsa pushed forward and closed the door to her bathroom. She was nearly against his chest. Jack couldn't stop himself and reached out and felt the braid of Elsa's hair. "I like it like this. But, I like it more when it's free." Jack took only shallow breaths. He was all too aware of how close he was to her. Frost began to form around them and on the tips of his fingers. Elsa didn't breathe. He removed the band that secured her hair. It was still braided but laid on her shoulder. He smoothed her bangs back from her face."I like it better too." She said quietly removing his hand politely from her face. There it was again, that feeling when they touched. It was a rush. It threatened to overcome Elsa and when she sought to take her hand back Jack held it tighter. Her breath hitched and she was forced to stand there and look into the face of this strange boy.
After a few moments he smiled and said playfully "Now, wasn't that interesting? Where would you like to go, Elsa?" Elsa held her hand to her chest. "We should go to my library and talk about what Bunnymund told me last night." Jack pouted, "Bunnymund? Is that why you called me here? I'd rather just hold your hand again and figure that out." Jack batted his eyes. Elsa giggled. She quickly covered her mouth. A queen shouldn't giggle. Jack grabbed her up in his arms "Where's this library, Elsa?" Elsa was breathless "Put! Ugh! Put me down!" Jack laughed "If you won't tell me, then I'll find it myself." With that Jack ran throughout the castle. He slid down the staircases and burst through the doors of various rooms all while Elsa's cries turned from protestation to laughter.
*1 Leaves Eyes. "Ankomst". Lyrics Kristine, Liv; music composers Krull, Alexander; Thorsten, Bauer; Röderer, Mathias; Lukhaup, Christopher. Vinland Saga. Napalm Records, 2005, CD.