They are in Germany after all... And man this is long... I hope you guys are alright with that. :/
To make a long story short, here we go: Rapunzel took the sisters around the whole kingdom within an hour, which by no means is an easy feat when you're being forced to shovel down all types of food samples and be introduced to random peasants, or chameleons, or royal horses, or thugs turned realists as they followed their dreams. But that's where Eugene knew to find them all. A re-created Snuggly Duckling in the midst of town where the thugs liked to rekindle their friendship every so often, like the day that Anna and Elsa happened to arrive. No coincidence what so ever. Noooo...
Eugene could hear the clanging of chalices and gauntlets followed with booming baritone voices chanting a slurred cheer for the queen and princess of Arendelle. Eugene paused from outside the door and pinched at the bridge of his nose in irritation. He wanted nothing more than to not step foot in there because her knew what would incur.
Then out from underneath the door squeezed a rather brown looking thing and upon hearing a tiny burping noise Eugene opened an eye and saw a sloshed Pascal zigzagging his way under his feet. Eugene simply followed the little chameleon with his, now wide, eyes and then looked to the door again as another clash and clang came from inside.
With a heavy sigh, completely saturated with discontent, Eugene then inhaled a confident breath, and puffed himself up like Maximus does all the time, and threw the door to the bar open and took one step inside and folded his arms across is chest, a judging scowl stitched to his smug face as he surveyed the dark hovel for the two girls he promised he'd procure by this time an hour ago.
"Eugene!" The whole bar exploded at once with his name, just like he expected, and the bar tender sent out another round of drinks in his honor. Well everyone, save for one person; the one whom caught his attention, and could she not? Her hair practically glowed in the darkness.
"I'm not here to join you my boys, sorry. I've come by request of the Queen." Eugene explained with a regal air.
"Oh yeah? And what that be?" A hiccuping drunk asked somewhere as everyone began to whisper through their beers.
"To deliver the queen and princess of Arendelle to her royal majesties at once."
"Oh Eugene, come on!" Rapunzel came racing towards her husband, her words choked out by the whole bar cheering for the sisters again at their mentioning. "She can wait a little while longer, can't she? We're getting to know each other!" Rapunzel declared fiercely and she threw her arm out in the sisters direction as if to solidify her point. Anna was already by Rapunzel's side, and Elsa was still trying to hide on a bar stool.
"No can do sweet cheeks. Orders are orders. You can have them back later. Isn't that why you wanted them here early anyway? Let them rest up! They had quite an adventure and they don't need anything more tacked on at the moment without a good night's sleep."
"He's right Rapunzel." Anna piped in and Rapunzel looked back with a face of horror at the treason she just heard against her. "After tea, and settling down I know I'll come find you and we can hang out some more. I've had a wonderful time!"
"Thank you Anna. Oh... I guess you can take them then." Rapunzel conceded and Anna patted her gently on the back which lifted her spirits and so she wrapped an arm around Anna and gave her a little hug to show her appreciation.
"Alright then! Elsa!" Eugene called out and Elsa snapped her head up at the sound of her name. "Let's go! It's tea time my lady!"
Elsa thought she had never heard something so wonderful in her life. She jumped off her seat and then collected herself and continued on in a poised manner. Now, things were starting to get good. She adored Rapunzel's energy and charisma, it was the spitting image of Anna's! But, she could barely handle Anna's let alone take on two of her like she had to for an hour. She wanted to enjoy herself for the sake of making Rapunzel happy, but she felt she failed miserably.
Once she reached the other three waiting on her she decided to do something bold. She hugged Rapunzel right then and there.
"Thank you very much for showing us around Rapunzel." Elsa retracted and saw the look of utter shock from Rapunzel and the flustered expression from her sister, but pressed on continuing, "It was... Breathtaking, to say the least." A little chortle sounded from Anna as she understood the reference from all the times Elsa was trying to keep up and catch her breath the whole hour.
"You're welcome." Rapunzel responded, exasperated and embarrassed. Her cheeks glowed red. "Any- anytime!"
Elsa gave a curt nod and a small smile and then gestured for Eugene to lead the way.
Rapunzel didn't walk with them and instead went off to look for Pascal when Eugene accounted for his last whereabouts when inquired.
"She's a bundle of energy that girl, but I love her for it." Eugene explained as she vanished in pursuit of the missing chameleon.
"I know what you mean." Elsa admitted, and she playfully elbowed Anna in the side and Anna retorted with sticking her tongue out crudely.
"Here we are, the queen's chambers." Eugene announced when they reached a wide set of open doors and through them you could see another wide set of open doors that opened onto a veranda. "I'll just go announce you real fa-"
"No need Eugene. I've been expecting them." The queen interrupted with a kind smile as she came through the doorway with a book in her hands, a finger holding her place before she put a bookmark in seeing that it was indeed the people she was expecting.
"Sorry your majesty, Rapunzel took some convincing on both our parts, "Eugene explained gesturing over to Anna, "to let them go."
"Nothing to worry about. Go on and relax yourself." Amelia lightly demanded and Eugene smiled and bowed his head and then retreated away down the halls, leaving the girls with the queen.
"Please! Come in!" The queen bid them inside the lofty room.
All Anna really focused on was the smell of early summer battling with spring as the wind tussled in the leaves outside. Elsa could smell all that too, but she couldn't take her eyes off the expansive array of books, the little table and couches and chairs in the middle of the spacious room. The natural daylight spilling in from three other doorways and then giant clear windows set up between them. She had never thought a room could be so full yet so empty and inviting in her life. She instantly thought her study could use an upgrade, or even a complete change of venue.
Anna had already sat down at the queen's silent behest and nodded when Anna pointed to the whistling tea pot and so Anna helped herself.
"Elsa?" Amelia called out softly.
"Yes?" Elsa absentmindedly, faintly answered.
"Are you still with us?" Amelia joked, provoking a giggle form Anna as she looked on to Elsa's entrancement at the natural beauty and knowledge that surrounded them.
"Hm? Oh!" Elsa shook her head to get out of her little reverie and strode to the chair beside her sister's to take a seat. "Yes, I'm sorry, it's just that it's... Well it's beautiful in here!"
"Thank you." The elder queen replied with a warm, gracious smile. She went to take a seat on the couch and grabbed the tea pot and poured out a cup for Elsa and herself. Help yourselves to the cream and sugar."
"Don't mind if I do!" Anna exclaimed happily and practically lunged for the sugar bowl, but Elsa saw what she was thinking before hand and lunged first to block Anna's hands.
"No more than two, reasonable, spoonfuls of sugar." Elsa said, almost growling. Anna pouted but consented in taking just two, reasonable, spoonfuls of sugar.
"You two most definitely are the most delightful young woman I've ever met." Amelia laughed at their actions, noting how Elsa had become Anna's mother in a way.
"Well, I don't know so much for that one over there." Anna whispered, trying to block her hushed voice with her hand while pointing her thumb at her sister, blatantly giving her away.
"Is that so?" The queen laughed wholeheartedly at the sister's antics when Elsa sent a tiny flurry of snow directly into Anna's face. Amelia didn't see a hint, not a single trace, of fear in Elsa's demeanor. She looked genuinely happy and at peace to be there. Maybe Rapunzel smoothed things over already.
"Well, as queen, I would think you, Elsa, would be very delightful." Amelia said before taking a sip from her cup.
"Maybe, if she wasn't running around being queen all the time." Anna lightheartedly quipped. A grin growing on her face as he sister responded.
"Oh, how silly of me Anna! Why didn't you ever tell me of your feelings before! I would have denounced the crown years ago!" Elsa jested back with the most sarcastic heart felt sentiment, which they both knew was true either way. If Elsa could really denounce the crown, with no side effects, no consequences, she would in a heartbeat.
"So, you are ruling all by yourself?" Amelia's tone took a sharp turn down "mother street" and they both heard it. The queen's brow rose with worry, and she put down her cup as Elsa lifted hers to finally take a sip. It was bursting with honey flavor, but it tasted so much better than the honey tea back home. It just tasted so much more vibrant.
"Well, yes." Elsa responded after swallowing, taking her time to think out her full response. "I just see no need to try and look for a partner right now. I have a competent staff that has helped me tremendously ever since I was crowned. I don't feel that over burdened, really."
Elsa took a mental double take from her words and tone of voice. She hadn't used it in years. Not since she last spoke with her mother; trying to assure her that she was trying her hardest to contain her powers, but her mother kept assuring her that she was doing more than okay despite Elsa's perpetual doubts, but Elsa kept going like she didn't believe her.
"Oh, now don't start this whole thing off with lies Elsa!" Anna objected, almost spilling her tea everywhere. Both queens looked to her in shock at her outburst. "You never stop working for more than five minutes to spend time with me! Or anyone for that matter!"
"Anna. This is not the time to discuss this." Elsa warned sternly and Amelia noticed a few snowflakes descended from above Elsa, but they evaporated after an instant as if they were never there. She's knows she didn't make believe it.
"Girls, let's calm down. No need to air any dirty laundry. Let's just calm down and perhaps talk of something else. Maybe your trip? Or all that Rapunzel ran you about to see?"
"Oh everything! It was amazing!" Anna exclaimed in a new found bout of happiness. Elsa mentally sighed with relief. She loved how Anna could be so easily swayed into different topics.
"We visited Pascal, and Maximus, an absolutely divine cupcake shop, and lots pf other shops too! Over flowing with jams and chocolates! Then we went off to the Snuggly Duckling to meet all of Rapunzel's friends she made on her way getting here the first time."
"My! How are you not completely drained my dear! You must carry the sun in you as well, like my daughter." The queen acknowledged with a warmhearted laugh.
"I feel like we were separated at birth!" Anna was too excited to realize what she just said, and so the queen let her be and continue being happy. It was the least, and yet, the most, she could do for her. She knew all too well how it feels to be separated at birth. With Rapunzel...
"I just know we're going to be the best of friends for all of our lives." Anna sighed gleefully into her cup to finally taste her tea. "Oh! What in the world is this!? It's amazing! Elsa have you tried it yet?!" Anna shrieked, looking over to her shocked sister as Elsa paused from reaching for the kettle.
"It's honey lemon tea. Very simple, nothing fancy." Amelia said plainly, although she knew it was a marvelous brew that everyone loved.
"Well, we drink this all the time back home, but this tastes just so much better! It tastes just like... It tastes like..." Anna tapped her chin with her finger, her brow furrowed in deep concentration in how the taste was so familiar, though she hadn't tasted it in years. Four of them to be exact.
"It tastes just like mother's." Elsa realized when she took her second first sip. Her voice was quiet and uncomfortable and heavy with the recognition.
"Yeah! It tastes just like how mom used to make it!" Anna bellowed in utter joy and then she turned back to face Amelia. "When I was around six, I was still running around asking momma for pretend tea, but one day she decided to actually make it for us. That was the day she taught me how to set a table! It was the most fun I ever had doing something so completely boring!"
"When I was nine I got wine instead..." Elsa smiled into her cup. "Father used to say, "No time for wine like nine!" He said it was what his mother used to tell him when he began to learn how to hold down liquor and such."
"How quaint!" Amelia laughed and she imagined how Rapunzel would have responded to being full of wine at such a young age. She imagined it wouldn't had ended very well.
"I'm still mad about that. I never got that much training as you did." Anna angrily mumbled, jealous that her sister got all the wine to herself mostly, even though Elsa hated every moment of that training.
"That's because you don't need wine to be drunk. You get drunk by merely living! Mom and papa thought you fully capable." Elsa explained to coax out the gloom in her sister's eyes
"Really?" Anna's eyes sparkled again and she straightened herself up in her chair a little with pride.
"Of course. Mother and father knew what was best."
A sound was heard at the veranda. Anna and Elsa turned around in their chairs to see nothing, but then they saw a small rock landing atop the stone, recreating the noise they heard previously.
"I do think Rapunzel is trying to get your attention." Amelia theorized with a beaming smile at her daughter's antics.
Anna laughed and smiled brightly and Elsa could see that she wanted to stay and behave for her, but Elsa had too big of a heart. Anna's happiness made her forget her fears of the queen.
"If it is quite alright with you Anna, you may leave so Amelia and I can get to the main point of this talk-" Amelia smirked and winked at Elsa, knowing full well what she was doing. "Politics and reports, and the likes."
Anna snapped her head back to Elsa, and then gave a pleading expression to Amelia, who nodded her head in tacit acceptance. Anna squealed and jumped up out of her chair, but then made sure to replace her cup carefully on its saucer.
"Thank you Amelia, the tea was wonderful and it was wonderful to meet and talk with you."
"Thank you as well Anna. Now you go and run off. Us old folk have our business that would surely put you to sleep in an instant."
Anna grinned and then turned to her sister and bent down and gave Elsa a quick hug and an "I love you" before promptly speed walking out of the room, and then fully to the queens knowledge, sprinting towards an exit to go find her new friend.
After Anna quitted the room Elsa could feel the ice dug deep into her veins start to throb, and there probably wasn't enough steaming hot tea to keep it away in all the observable universe. Now she remembered her fears and they were sitting across from her.
Amelia reached out for the kettle to refill her cup, keeping her eyes on Elsa, but Elsa kept her now cold gaze on her tea.
"Well!" Amelia spoke up and Elsa glanced up at her expecting a scowl or something along the lines of a mother's rage breaking through her fake happy facade. But, alas, all she got was the same warm, friendly smile she's received ever since she's arrived.
"It would seem as though we are very much alike Elsa."
"Oh? How do you see that?" Elsa practically murmured into her cup.
"We both look after exaggeratedly energetic young women!"
Elsa couldn't help but chuckle and some of her fear evaporated like the steam from her tea.
"When you put it like that I can see no lie." Elsa finally dragged her eyes up to meet the older woman's. "Your argument is very valid."
"Then, to continue the argument, there is also the whole things of both of us being queens." Elsa's fears returned full force and she felt the room get cooler, despite the three open doorways letting in summer all around them. Elsa prayed prayed Amelia didn't notice. She did of course. That caused Amelia to press on.
"How are you really faring in Arendelle? It must be difficult ruling by yourself. I know you said you have a wonderful staff to assist you, but that's all they do in the end dear one. Assist. It's all your decision in the end." Amelia knew she refilled her cup for nothing when she set it down on its saucer on the table between the two of them, giving Elsa her undivided attention.
"It's an enormous hassle, yes. I admit it. It's difficult, but I have to do it, for the sake of keeping what's left of my family together. I don't want my kingdom to look vulnerable, just because it's just me. But, I mean I've been trained and brought up my whole life to rule one day. None of us knew it be quite so soon though. I felt prepared, yes, very prepared, just not ready." Elsa's voice started out wobbly, but with each word, each sentence, it grew in its sturdiness until she almost heard her mother's voice instead of her own.
"Yes, you're parents were very wise leaders. They did everything with your interests at heart. Very passionate people they were. And great friends of mine." Elsa's face lit up, and Amelia's face turned maternally concerned. "That's why I was worried not to hear anything from you after their tragedy. But, you're here now so I can tell you personally." Amelia rose from her seat to take Anna's empty one, right beside the fear stricken Elsa.
She sat down and optically implored for Elsa too look at her and Elsa felt compelled to, against her wishes. She heard her mother's voice again, and it wasn't coming from her, but from Amelia. She wanted to see her mother, and she felt this was one way.
"If there is anything I could ever help you with, please, don't not hesitate to ask."
The silence that befell them could barely hold a candle to the intensity of Elsa's stare back into her tea. There was no holding back the snow now. That's not what she expected to hear. She almost felt angry that's that what she did hear! She just wanted to be punished already. Get it over with! Anything but it being delayed and drawn out.
Amelia waited in the silence, an occasional bird chirp would make her jump a little. She watched the snow fall around the young girl and she felt no fear. All she wanted was to to wrap Elsa in her arms and give her some peace of mind.
"Y-... You knew my parents?" Elsa finally stammered out. It wasn't gratitude, but Amelia knew better.
"Your mother and I were long time childhood friends. Even after she was sent away to marry your father we stayed in touch very often. She was very dear to me."
"I guess... me not having many friends... It hindered the subject of you two coming up."
"That's alright." Amelia assured gently. She still looked to the snow falling and felt a shiver run up her spine.
"Elsa, dear? Are you afraid?" Elsa didn't respond herself. The room simply got colder. "Elsa?" Amelia persisted. "Please, tell me what troubles you." Still nothing, more snow, more chilly breezes, ice was forming around Elsa's cup.
The elder queen let out a soft sigh. She didn't think it best to try and physically comfort her, Elsa would probably just yank away. No, instead she got up from her seat to step over directly beside Elsa's and kneel down half way in front and to the right of her. The emanating cold from the young queen bit at Amelia's face.
"Elsa, dear one. I'm not afraid, if that makes you feel better. There is nothing here to fear! What frightens you then?"
Finally something. Elsa's frozen gaze shifted down to meet the kneeling queen's warm emerald eyes, pleading for a answer. Elsa still doesn't speak, but it does stop getting colder.
Amelia took in a large breath silently through her nose. She had to finally just come out with it, no matter the consequences.
"Do you fear that my husband and I wish to retaliate against you? Because in all honesty, we've quite forgotten the whole ordeal. You must understand as a queen yourself. There are too many things that are always demanding you immediate attention and memory. But I do remember that Rapunzel found the whole thing amusing! Sure, Eugene had more than a few complaints, but that's men for you dear. Nothing is good enough."
Amelia felt confident that Elsa was warming up to her again and reached up to tuck back some of Elsa's loose hair that was tousled from the icy breeze earlier, and Elsa didn't even flinch. Amelia swore she could see the beginnings of a smile on the young woman's static mouth.
"You didn't hurt her, or anyone. My dear Elsa, we are in no way angry with you. Please believe me. I'll call my husband if that's what it takes. He's the most worried that you are afraid of us."
All of Elsa's snow melted in the summer breeze that once again swam through the room and brushed against Elsa's icy cheeks.
"You aren't angry with my actions against your daughter, or son-in-law?"
"No! As I said! Rapunzel was enthralled! She was captivated by your powers. She reportedly had the time of her life."
"Th- Bu-... Well, then why didn't you, or she, ever say anything? All I've heard are shipping and quarterly reports, which did take a while to receive them in the first place."
"Well, we figured you needed your space and we respected that. I am so very truly sorry for this whole misunderstanding. Elsa! You most certainly are welcome in Corona, with fully open arms. Anything you need you shall have my dear."
"You are much too kind your highness." Elsa said with a dark blush boiling under her cheeks.
"And you are much too humble! You are a queen as well! There is no need to be so formal with me. Perhaps after hearing some of your mother and I's escapades you will feel different?"
A giant giggle came from Elsa that surprised them both and Amelia was pleased to see, and hear, that she had succeeded.
"I would very much like that your h-" The queen gave her a stern look. "Amelia." Elsa corrected herself, and both their faces softened with big smiles.
"Very well! After dinner, both you and your sister can return here and we can share stories. I heard some rather interesting things at the docks today. I'm sure you have one hell of a story. Pardon mon français."
Elsa laughed and rose from her chair as did the woman before her.
"Pas besoin, vous avez raison." (No need, you're correct.) Elsa assured with another laugh. "Maybe some wild stories of mother would help Anna find a way to relate to her."
"Do you mean your mother finally settled down long enough to be serious?" The queen jested as she offered her arm for Elsa and they began to stroll out of the room down the halls to continue chatting until they came to girl's room. That's when Elsa realized she hadn't been there yet to know where they are.
"Mother was always bemused by Anna's kindred spirit to be sure, but our parents were very serious people. You know..." Elsa looked down to her free left hand and let out a small puff of snow. "Because of me."
"Well! We'll get that kindred spirit hiding inside of you yet dear one, don't you worry about that. But, again, I must apologize for all our misunderstanding. Rapunzel was simply in the clouds with exciting at hearing that you two accepted her invitation."
Elsa smiled at the memory of the crumpled and ruined invitation from when Anna first burst into her office with it. "I don't think someone who isn't excited to have you would drag you about the kingdom to see everything there is to see."
"As I say, she has the sun inside her. A boundless amount of energy and creativity."
"She is a remarkable, charming young woman, and she really is a perfect friend for Anna."
"Yes! I think it will be very hard for Rapunzel to let go of Anna when you two leave."
"I believe it will be harder for Anna to leave Rapunzel behind, in all honesty." The two queens shared one more warm laugh together and in it Elsa heard all the prove she needed. Amelia and her mother had to have been very close. That was her mother's laugh through and through. Four years of it's absence couldn't hide it's ring.