"Sorry the ride so bumpy your highness" Kristoff called back as they hit another particularly rough spot and the sleigh jumped into the air and slammed back down on the ground with a loud thud. Up ahead, Sven pulled the heavier load with a large grin on his face and his hoofs thundering loudly on the ground. Elsa and Anna were in the back of the sleigh, while Henrik sat next to Kristoff and watched as he worked the reigns.
"It's alright.." Elsa called up trying to look positive but still gripped the sides of the sled tightly, feeling as if she were going to lose her lunch. Anna was doing no better and kept hitting either the side of the sleigh or her sister as they bounced up the mountain that was all rocks and grass. Typically the mountain was blanketed by snow and made for a much softer ride but during the summer time, especially in this heat, it was mostly plants and lush grass everywhere. "I don't suppose we could take a break soon?" she asked after looking back and seeing their castle was almost out of view.
The group toured through very little of Arendelle, wanting to stick to the nature side of it. Kristoff took the most scenic view on their way to the mountain, trying to get the full view of the towns and life in their green home. Elsa almost wished they had just stayed back at the city, as they slammed into another rough patch.
"Almost there!" Kristoff said and smiled back at her then looked at Anna who smiled weakly at him, trying to support this trip the best she could. Another five minutes went by and then ten, Elsa figured she wouldn't ask when they'd get there and just focus on not getting sick.
Henrik asked Kristoff several questions as they ascended the mountain leaving the girls sitting awkward and silent in the back seat, waiting for the ride to be over. Anna would occasionally ask her sister a question or two just about life only to be left with one worded responses or silence. Anna sighed unsure what she was to do with the girl. "Here we are!" Kristoff yelled and pulled on Sven's reigns easing him to a stop.
Although Kristoff had all the intentions of stopping lightly, Henrik still fell forward and was caught by the mountain man before he could fall completely off. Elsa and Anna too fell forward but caught themselves on the front of the seat. Elsa's hand unknowingly grabbed for Anna's and tightened around it, frightened and shaking. Anna gripped it tightly back, making sure she knew she was there for her.
"Okay, get out your journal's enthusiasts…and look to your left at this beautiful tree…and over there another tree!" Kristoff joked and pointed in every different direction as he jumped out of the sleigh. Henrik eagerly followed after, clearly not getting the joke and taking out a pad of paper and a pen to write every word the man said. Anna wasn't sure who she should be more amused with, her boyfriend or Henrik.
"Are you okay?" Anna asked, seeing her sister hadn't quite recovered and lowered her head to catch her eyes. Elsa took a deep breath in and scooted herself back in the seat. She immediately noticed her and Anna's hands entangled with each other's and released it awkwardly.
"Of course, shall we follow them?" Elsa asked and she, as gracefully as she could, got out of the sleigh waiting for Anna. Elsa, feeling her belly flip flop from both the hand holding and the sleigh ride had to hold everything in as she looked back at Anna, not wanting to alarm her or mess up her day. Anna, missing the warmth of the girl's hand, gradually got out after her but seemed to pout as she did.
The next few hours was Kristoff showing Henrik the entire land and naming every flower, tree, bug and animal right down to the very tee. There were trails to take, rivers to watch and animals to write down and the crew didn't stop to even take a breath. Henrik was thoroughly impressed and jotted down every word Kristoff had to say; even Elsa was intrigued to see that Kristoff was indeed correct about everything that fell from his mouth. Studying was a constant duty of being Queen, knowing about Arendelle was a must as well from the animal life to the grass type that fills the mountains.
Everyone seemed in good spirits except Anna , who was lingering further back the more time they spent out there. The girl felt out of place and a little annoyed at how much Elsa and Henrik interacted for just 'business partners'. She was hoping that since Henrik was so intrigued with her boyfriend that the two could spend extra time together. But since their arrival Elsa stuck to Henrik's side, leaving Anna to her thoughts. "Anna keep up!" Kristoff called back once when the girl was so far behind they could hardly see her. Anna straightened up realizing she was much further than she expected and ran to catch up, the group waiting for her as she did.
Later the team decided to take a break. Kristoff laid out a mat for them to all sit on while he looked for a nice stone to teach Henrik how to use as a flint for a fire, leaving Henrik amazed by such a device. The men scurried off together, joking and talking about the land and leaving the two girls alone together for the first time that day.
Anna who had been particularly quiet spoke for the first time since arriving at the mountain, "Are you enjoying yourself?". She wasn't exactly sure if Elsa wanted to talk or not, seeing as their sleigh ride was a little off, but she figured it would be best to give it a shot. She had given the girl space and let her walk alongside Henrik for nearly most of the day and she hoped it was her turn for Elsa's attention.
"Of course, thank you for advising this Anna…I know Henrik.." she trailed off again, "Prince Henrik is really having a good time.". The word was like a sharp knife to her heart. So when did she start calling him by his normal name? Anna's hurt was all over her face and Elsa quickly went to recover. "He reminds me a lot like you Anna, doesn't really approve of formalities.".
"So you've been happy?" Anna asked, trying to move the conversation onto something that didn't involve Henrik.
Elsa gave her an odd look and looked over to see if the two men were back from gathering flints, "Happy?" she questioned and Anna nodded. "Of course I have been, it's been a really good day..I'm glad we got to spend time with Kristoff and show Henrik around.", Elsa smiled at the end of her words, trying to emphasize how much of it she meant. "I've also enjoyed getting to see you for most of my day...I'm always so busy and we don't get that time as much as I'd like."
Anna smiled, feeling important to Elsa, and had to fight down the urge to blush. "I'm glad you've had a good day..especially since I wasn't sure if you were excited to have me around." Anna blurted out before she could stop herself, granting a look from the Queen.
"Not excited?" Elsa questioned, "Anna of course I always love seeing you..". She seemed distant for a moment, thinking perhaps of her behavior of the day. "I was just sick from the sleigh ride earlier; I didn't mean to be quiet..." Elsa tried to explain recalling their weird moment before and after the ride.
Waving her hands defensively, Anna tried to speak, "No please..it's not like I was worried..I mean I kinda was but not really, I just..". Elsa watched as the girl tried to control what she was going to say. She sputtered out words of how she was just worried and that she was just moody or sensitive. The girl was honestly such a spazz sometimes. "Elsa it was really nothing, I just..well..I".
"Anna!" Elsa laughed and grabbed for her face, moving it so she would look directly into her eyes. Anna immediately stopped, dazed by Elsa's sudden demanding action. "Anna you are so sweet..don't worry okay?" she said, trying to show how much she meant in her words. "I'm your sister, I could never be mad at you."
As the words left Elsa's mouth, Anna couldn't help but feel a little down for some reason. Her disappointment showed as her eyes immediately left Elsa's and looked down at the ground. Elsa noticing the sadness felt the same as Anna and brushed a finger over the girls face, "Hey what's wrong?"
"Nothing.." Anna said suddenly, moving her hands off of her face and away from her touch, trying to sport a smile for her. "Don't worry Elsa, I'm fine!" she laughed and rearranged herself of the blanket. Honestly though she didn't feel as fine as she was trying to fake.
Elsa seemed to notice this and sat quietly for a moment, processing this situation while Anna watched her. Then without a single warning, the Queen sat up on her knees and leaned forward, kissing the girl on the top of her head. The kiss was very soft and long, much longer than she had ever done before to Anna. The kiss was followed by a hug and then just like that, it was over.
"I do care very much for you Anna.." Elsa said and looked out onto the mountain, avoiding eye contact with her but smiling still; a light blush covered her face. Anna, who was very much blushing at this point as well, leaned back on her hands. She felt lightheaded and warmth flowed throughout her as if she had been kissed for the very first time in her life. She couldn't pinpoint it but something about that kiss was much more than a caring gesture or a sisterly form of affection. Anna knew Elsa cared for her, but this showed much more than just that.
"Hey we're back!" Kristoff yelled, causing Anna to jump. During their little time together, Anna had completely forgotten that they were joined by both her boyfriend and by Henrik. Upon their arrival back, Anna grew quiet again just to have time to think. She was feeling too many emotions at that moment and couldn't bother with talking or trying to be a part of the group.