Chapter 14

The repairs and re-provisioning of the Pride of Arendelle II took two days. The stopover at Lukens Island would be a two days journey, as they would arrive early Saturday.

On arrival, Lukens personally met the ship at the dock. Elsa met him at the bottom of the gangplank.

"ELSA! It is a joy and relief to see you alive, and your ship in good order! You are to be my guest at my castle tonight, with the entire crew of your ship!" Lukens stated happily.

But Elsa replied, "You are too generous, Lukens. But we really are homesick. Please let us take friendly leave and return to Arendelle! We have heard about the good news on the Icy Fjord and North Mountain. "

Lukens smiled, "I understand, Elsa! I will send a 10-ship escort of man-o-wars with you to ensure your safety. I will also require Commodore Jon to dock his ship with yours in Arendelle, to ensure that everything is alright, before he and the other ships return."

"Thank you, Lukens! We appreciate your help and your understanding!"

With that, Elsa re-boarded the Pride of Arendelle II and they set sail for Arendelle. They would be home early Monday, as Lukens and the Island residents gave them a hearty send off!

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Anna's mood sank as the week rolled on. There was no word on Friday, and also Saturday. Kai then addressed her.

"I am sorry, Princess Anna! But we will have to assume that Queen Elsa has been lost. We….we must go through with the Memorial Service tomorrow," he stated sadly.

"I understand, Kai," Anna said almost inaudibly.

Kai took leave of the acting Queen to make final preparations for the Service on Sunday. It was after he left the Throne Room that Anna broke down sobbing.

"Elsa…Elsa ! Why did you have to leave me? Why did you have to go?"

Kristoff tried to comfort her, but she sobbed uncontrollably.

On hearing Kai's address to Anna, James left the Throne Room quickly and went to the garden. Tears fell from his eyes as he cried silently for his lost love. He would never see her again! Never hold her, never enjoy another walk in the garden with her!

He stayed in the garden for about half an hour before he could compose himself.

During that time, Kristoff had been able to console his wife, and take her to their quarters. She quickly fell asleep. Kristoff knew his good friend James also needed some comforting, so he quietly left Anna and went looking for James. He saw him as he re-entered the palace from the garden.

In a subdued tone, Kristoff asked, "How are you doing, friend?"

James turned and said, "About as expected Kristoff."

"Do you want to talk?"

Nodding his head 'yes', James said, "Why did the only woman I love have to die, Kristoff? She was my everything!"

"I know, James. There is no logical reason. Sometimes it just happens. But we can't stop living. We can show our true love for that lost love by moving on in life, knowing that we loved them with our whole heart while they were here. That would be your everlasting tribute to Elsa, James."

James thought for a moment. He let Kristoff's words sink in. And he finally understood that Kristoff was right. The Palace Imperial Guards needed him, and Anna would need his protection as Queen as well. He couldn't stop living.

James smiled and said, "Thanks, buddy! You are a true friend!"

Kristoff put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Remember, if you need to talk to someone, I'm always available."