With the awkwardness between them seemingly overcome, Alder and Elsa began spending more time together. They would frequently take walks after meals, discussing everything from their powers to fond memories and even stretching as far as politics. Elsa was surprised how knowledgeable Alder was in political affairs, informing her that during his time with the Korun Do, diplomacy was almost as revered a skill as swordplay. They would often spend time in the library, either reading in silence or discussing their favourite books. Their growing bond was not unnoticed by Anna and Kristoff and the pair would often try to give Alder and Elsa as much time together as they possibly could. Elsa was normally extremely busy, her responsibilities as Queen occupying much of her time. Alder was completely understanding opting to instead enjoy what few moments they had together. For the majority of the day, Alder would assist around the castle where he could and then head to his alcove to train. He had found himself training more and more, usually by himself as he had given Anna permission to train whenever she could, meaning they would usually miss each other when they did. Dinner time was always a lively affair as Anna and Alder exchanged stories of their exploits and Kristoff and Elsa just sat and shook their heads.
Kristoff's injury had significantly improved, so much so that the doctor had said he would almost be able to return to ice harvesting. Alder had been filling in for Kristoff when there had been shortages of ice in Arendelle, making the trek up into the mountains on three separate occasions. When he returned, Kristoff was always there to critique his work, ensuring that only the highest quality ice was brought back. Alder was a fast learner and with Kristoff's teachings and experience, he found he was almost as good an ice harvester as the Arendelle Ice Master himself, though Kristoff would never admit it.
One evening, Kristoff and Alder had left dinner early, letting Anna and Elsa enjoy dessert together. Deciding that a quiet ale before bed was as inviting as it sounded, they headed into the village, stopping by at Kristoff's favourite watering hole, The Frost-Born Maiden. The owner, a man by the name of Derek, had renamed his pub out of the pride he took in the Queen's ice magic. They made their way inside, greeting Derek as the entered and took a seat in a small corner table.
"So this place is pretty nice," Alder said casually, "Better than some of the other stinkholes I've had the misfortune to find myself in."
Kristoff chuckled.
"Derek runs a tight ship. Most of the travellers and visitors to Arendelle come here so he likes to keep the place looking good. Entices more customers he says."
Alder laughed. It had been a long time since he had been able to sit down and converse casually. Whilst he felt he could be open with Anna and Elsa, there were certain... things that it was improper to discuss with them. Kristoff, not being of a royal background, was a comfort that Alder had grown fond of and they relied on each other as a source of "normality" in what was a very prim and respectable environment.
They sat silently for sometime, drinking when Kristoff finally spoke.
"I think I'm going to do it Alder," he said quietly. "I think I'm going to ask Anna to marry me."
Alder, surprised by what Kristoff had just said, began to choke as his ale went down his windpipe. Kristoff looked at him, slightly crestfallen and once he had finished clearing his throat of any liquid, he smiled.
"Kristoff that's wonderful. Good on you! Honestly, the way you two act around each other, I'm surprised nothing like this has happened beforehand."
Kristoff shook his head, his face now graced with a smile.
"I'm glad you approve. To be honest, I was worried. See the thing is, during Elsa's coronation, Anna became... "involved" with a someone she had just met. Apparently they were engaged that day. Turns out, he was a cunning and deceitful wretch, that was only using her to claim the throne. Since then, I've been hesitant to rush anything with her for fear she might think that we were going too fast."
"I don't think you have to worry about that Kristoff," Alder replied, "Anna adores you and you adore her, there is honestly nothing in this world that I can see coming between you two."
"The only problem is... I need to get Elsa's blessing. I know how protective she is when she comes to Anna."
Alder stood up reaching across the table, placing both his hands on Kristoff's shoulders.
"You have nothing to worry about you fool. If Elsa didn't think you were good for her sister, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't even be discussing this right now," Alder said.
Smiling, Kristoff shook Alder's arms off and gave him a slight push.
"Your logic is sound Sir Alder. I suppose I don't have anything to worry about."
They both laughed and drank to Kristoff's announcement, both continuing the banter that had begun with Alder calling Kristoff a fool. By the time they left the inn, the were having trouble walking, stumbling back across the causeway and into the castle grounds. Trying desperately to act sober, they sneaked back into the castle and bid each other goodnight. As Alder went to traverse the stairs, he misjudged a step and fell flat on his face. This brought a round of roaring laughter from Kristoff which echoed through the halls and Alder turned to him hissing.
"Shhhhh! Be quiet you idiot we'll get in trouble!"
Kristoff continued to ignore him, laughing all the way up the stairs and out of sight. When Alder finally reached his room, he collapsed on to the bed, fully clothed and was asleep instantly.
The next morning at breakfast, Kristoff and Alder were unusually quiet, a fact that was noticed by both Anna and Elsa. They were both nursing the horrid hangovers that they seemed to have earned from their night of drinking.
"What's going on with you two? Aren't you excited about the picnic?" Anna asked.
Having completely forgot their plans for the day Kristoff and Alder could only manage a glance at each other before they sank defeated in their seats.
"I think that they are both a little bit sore and sorry this morning Anna," Elsa smirked. "Something to do with entering the castle well after midnight and falling down stairs I'd imagine."
Kristoff and Alder both shot Elsa a guilty glance and returned to fiddling with their meal. Elsa let out a small laugh.
"Perhaps it is best we postpone the picnic for now and let these two off easy," she said.
Anna, who had been up at the crack of dawn, preparing the picnic looked at both of them with an angry stare. She politely excused herself and left the table, Kristoff quickly following suite to chase after her.
Alder watched on guiltily. It had been his idea to continue "celebrating" and now Kristoff was paying the price for it. Elsa stared at him, a small smirk on her face.
"You two are both in trouble now," she said.
Shaking his head, he met her stare.
"It's my fault. It was only suppose to be a quiet drink. Then I got... carried away and before we knew it we could... hardly walk," he stammered.
Elsa laughed.
"I think both of you owe Anna an apology. She did a lot of planning for today," she replied.
Alder nodded and excused himself from the table. Elsa nodded and he made his way up to Anna and Kristoff's room. When he arrived he was surprised to see Anna and Kristoff embracing, tears streaming from Anna's eyes.
"Ah... Am I interrupting something?" Alder said, watching as they both broke apart.
Anna saw him and rushed over embracing him in a bone-crushing hug.
"I'm sorry I got angry at you two! I had no idea!" she cried.
Looking over her shoulder at Kristoff, he saw the blonde man shrugging, gesturing to his ring finger. Immediately understanding what had transpired, he looked down at Anna, still hugging him tightly.
"This is the most wonderful day ever! Thank you both!" she said as she pulled away, marvelling at the shiny ring on her finger.
Alder shook his head and laughed.
"I think you can only use the "We-were-celebrating-me-going-to-ask-you-to-marry-me" excuse once Kristoff."
Kristoff shot him a glance, instantly reading it as shut up Alder.
He laughed and they all left the room, Anna eager to find Elsa and tell her the news. She ran off ahead and Kristoff and Alder were left behind. Alder nudged Kristoff teasingly.
"I must say, that is a new way to get out of being scorned for drinking to the wee hours of the morning," he chuckled.
Kristoff shook his head.
"I didn't want it to be like that... I wanted it to be... special. But she was so angry and I... I caved... I told her everything..." he said solemnly.
"Cheer up! This is supposed to be a happy day! Besides, if it comes down to it, you can always take her out somewhere nice and do it all officially," Alder replied.
They made their way back into the dining hall and was met by a giggling Anna and a stunned Elsa. Kristoff made his way over, humbly explaining to Elsa the entire situation. For a moment Alder thought Elsa was going to burst out in a snow-filled fury, but her expression softened and she embraced Kristoff in a hug, explaining that as long as Anna was happy, so was she. The trio embraced in a large hug and Alder took that as his cue to leave. Making his way back to his room, he prepared his equipment and headed out to his alcove to train, hoping to sweat out some of the toxins still causing his head to pound like a drum.
The next few days were spent in good spirits, Anna and Kristoff's engagement being made public and the townspeople threw a large party to celebrate. Learning a lesson from their previous indiscretion, Alder and Kristoff avoided any alcohol, instead choosing to spend time with Anna and Elsa. At one point, Anna pulled Kristoff away and Alder and Elsa were left alone.
"You Arendellians certainly know how to throw a party," he said grinning.
Elsa looked up, returning his smile.
"A royal engagement is a big thing. I think too because Kristoff is not of royal descent and is well known and liked around Arendelle, everyone seems to be putting a bit more effort into the celebrations."
The noise of the party was deafening and Alder suggested moving to a quieter location to continue their discussion. Finding a spot, secluded and quiet, overlooking the fjord, Elsa got a brilliant idea.
"Do you skate Alder?" she asked.
Shaking his head, he watched on in amazement as she froze a small section of the fjord, creating a layer of ice thick enough to skate on. She grinned eagerly and waved her hands again, this time a pair of blades made entirely of ice appeared on the soles of his boots.
"Incredible. Is there anything you can't do?" he said awestruck.
She laughed and pulled him out on to the ice. He staggered at first, struggling to keep his footing. He fell forward and she caught him, propping him up and supporting him.
"I don't think this is such a good idea. I'm going to end up breaking something," he said nervously.
"If I can teach Anna to skate, I can teach you. Now stop being a baby and follow my instructions," Elsa replied.
"Oh yes your majesty. Anything for you," he replied teasingly, attempting a small bow only to find himself slipping and crashing to the ground.
Elsa couldn't control her laughter. She stood on the ice, pointing and laughing at him, desperately trying to regain control as she struggled to breath. She glided over and helped him to his feet. Tentatively she continued to pull him, slowly moving out to the centre of the ice. After about ten minutes of Alder slipping and continuously crashing to the ground, he finally managed to find a semblance of balance and began to progress. The skated for what seemed like an eternity, Alder holding her hands tight the entire time. The warmth from his hands comforting Elsa and she found the feeling in her stomach returning. Still unable to identify what that feeling was, she tried to ignore it. But every time he fell over or made her laugh, his hands meeting hers again, the feeling returned and she slowly came to the realisation as to what the feeling might be.
It's not... I can't be... Alder? she thought to herself. Her thoughts muddled once again by his touch, she suggested a break and they skated back over to the bank. Unable to stop, Alder hit the edge of the bank and staggered forward, crashing into the ground once more. Another laugh from Elsa earnt her being pulled down by him as she offered to help him up. Laying on the ground breathless, they both looked upwards to the heavens.
"I think you do make a fine teacher your majesty, so much so that I will have to request your presence to teach me further," he chuckled.
Smacking his arm lightly, she laughed. Alder found himself looking for excuses to make her laugh. It was a sound that he never got tired of. Even when she lost control and laughed so hard she could barely breath, there was an elegance to it and he was certain that it was the most amazing sound he had ever heard.
"Is that how you are going to address me from now on, Sir Alder?" she responded teasingly.
Laughing he nudged her slightly.
"So I am to be knighted now huh?"
"Maybe... If you keep up your services to Arendelle, I might consider bestowing upon you such an honour," she said.
The both burst out laughing, turning to face each other. Now their eyes met and for what seemed like an eternity they stared at each other. Elsa's icy-blue eyes staring deep into his stormy blue-green. She saw no trace of a storm, like whatever conflict inside him had already settled. Before she even realised, his hand was on her face, gently caressing her cheek as he stroked a rouge strand of hair back behind her ear. He leaned forwards slightly, her heart racing as she eagerly awaited what she expected to follow. The feeling in her stomach now consuming her, she realised in a moment of clarity exactly what it was.
I have feelings for Alder.
The thought was not an unwelcome one and for the first time, her muddled thoughts were now clear. Her eyes fluttered shut as he leaned forward more, their faces only inches away.
"Hey! I found you guys... Oh..." Kristoff yelled from the top of the hill.
The moment gone, they both pulled away, snapping back to their senses and smiling awkwardly. Alder stood up, helping Elsa to her feet. They both ran up to meet Kristoff and Elsa moved ahead to find Anna.
"Uhm... Sorry about that..." Kristoff said nervously.
Alder could only manage an awkward half smile.
"Don't worry about it," he said chuckling. His heart was still racing as they rejoined the party, his own thoughts a clouded mess. Unsure of what his own opinion was of the time down by the fjord, he chose instead to throw himself into the party, hoping that a distraction from his feelings, would help him begin to make sense of the noise in his head.
A/N: Sooo close! But not really! Going to yank on your heartstrings a little more first. I must say that I am not the best when it comes to writing romantic interactions between two adorably awkward people, so I think that for the most part, this turned out okay. I hope you all enjoyed this update and once again a huge thank you to all of you that have left reviews and have chucked either a follow or a favourite down on my story. If you have any questions for me regarding anything you find in this story, please feel free to leave a review or pm me and I will endeavour to answer it as best as I can. Until the next update!