A/N: Some of you may have seen it already on your own, but a short while ago, I posted a poll to my profile about continuing with my Frozen universe after the completion of this story. Main reason being, there isn't much HansAnna to go around lately, and I'd hate for our favorite pairing to fade away into nothing. Now, I know what you're all thinking. "Does that mean…SEQUEL?" – Well, no, not officially. Basically, I want to hear what you all think. There's no guarantee that I will do anything after this story (not for a while, anyway), but I do have some ideas in my head that can develop into a new fic. So guys, please vote, and if you can't, leave your thoughts in your reviews Registered users, feel free to PM if you want to have any discussions. I enjoy hearing from you.
Now, onto the update itself. This is representing the passage of time, and so the whole format will be a bit different that the others. While the previous chapter was set a few weeks after her return home, this one begins roughly the moment Anna left the Isles. A slight backtrack, but as you read, you'll see why. Dates represent the time they were written, not read.
Chapter 56: Correspondences
Sunday, 1st of March, 1840
Dearest Hans,
I promised I would write you every day! This is exciting—I've never really written letters before! What does one put in a letter? I guess what I've been up to, and thoughts and stuff. Maybe writing letters is like a diary, only some else is supposed to read it. Huh. Interesting.
Obviously, it'll be a while before you get to read this. I mean, first we must get back to Arendelle before I can even give this to the royal messenger to send right back to you. And by then, you'll have a stack to read. Hopefully you get to read this one first…and then the rest in actual order. Although, I guess it doesn't matter much, does it? You're still going to….
Wow. Even in letters I ramble. I'm sorry.
Another wow. Writing on a ship is harder than I thought. Sorry if this is hard to read—but at least it seems more legible than the one you gave me last night! (Sorry… not sorry)
I'll probably end this one here. The sea is rough right now—no storms! Just windy and stuff—and it's making it hard to do this. And I'm feeling sleepy. And a bit green. Talk—er, write soon!
-Love, Anna
-00-
Still Sunday the 1st!
Hi Hans! Me again!
….of course it's me. who else would be writing?
So, I took a nap, and now I'm feeling much better. It's been quiet so far. I still haven't left my cabin. Kristoff came in with a deck of cards to pass the time a short while ago. We played a few games. He tried to teach me to gamble with chocolates as a wager…but I kept eating them, so that happened. And I know you're laughing. Stop it! Don't judge me.
I've been avoiding Elsa most of the journey so far—ok. Most of the day. We only set sail this morning. But it feels like FOREVERRRRRR! This is going to be the longest week of my entire life. But, back to Elsa. I'm mad at her. UGH. I want to rant, and scribble all my feelings, but I don't want to bore you, or make you upset. Would you be upset? I mean, she only snubbed you and tore us apart. I have nothing nice to say to her right now except 'hi, how are you', so I'm just hiding here in my room. She hasn't come to see me, so it works. It's about time she gets the cold shoulder.
Okay… onto something else. Has Lisee come to see you yet? She wouldn't let go of me on the docks. It was sad, and it made me want to grab her up into my arms and run right back to the castle. Leaving today was the hardest thing I had to do. Wait, scratch that—leaving YOU was the hardest thing I've had to do. But Lisee? Close second.
Are you doing ok? Are you still in a lot of pain? Did I hurt you last night? I know I was clingy, and if my arms were wrapped too tight, I'm really sorry. I doubt you would have said so regardless, but still. I wish I didn't have to leave you. I should still be there right now helping Lisee eat the leftover pastries from the ball, and sneaking you some, too. We still had three weeks to go! Three weeks for me to play nurse and be your source of fun and excitement. Instead, I'm stuck on a ship headed home.
SIGH.
I should probably go. It's almost dinnertime, and I promised I'd come on deck and give Sven some attention. I'll write more tomorrow.
Love, Anna.
-00-
Friday, 6th of March, 1840
Hans!
First things first. I'm back in Arendelle! AND, we made it back a day sooner! Halfway through the week it got windy, and the breeze was blowing in our favor. Thank goodness. I think cabin fever was starting to get to me.
You probably also noticed the date. Yeah, it's been almost a week since my last letter. I broke my promise. But, it's not my fault! Elsa said I shouldn't' waste the parchment supply on the ship by writing so much. They'll all be delivered at the same time anyway. Well, I blew her off. And then she hid the supplies.
I love my sister. I love my sister. I love my sister. I love my sister.
Anyway….
I'm writing this one in my own room. Gosh, if feels so weird. I sat down on my bed and was all 'wow… this is what this feels like! It's been so long!'. I will sleep well tonight. I hope. Better at least compared to the week at sea. I've been having some bad dreams. Some of them were about getting shipwrecked. Others, I was drowning. One from yesterday? I was shipwrecked on a lone island with only Tomas and Dirk as company. What. The. Heck?! I think most of them were spurred from memories of my last voyage. You know the one—it's what started this whole crazy adventure. Still. They were weird. Have you had any weird dreams? I mean, you only spend all night asleep, and you nap half the day away. Tell me some! Share your strangest ones when you write.
I had no idea that my cousin Rapunzel and her husband were staying in Arendelle while Elsa and Kristoff were in the Isles. It was nice to see them! And Eugene was very relieved we were back. He seemed homesick. Or—just sick of Olaf. They'll be heading home in a few days, after they get Elsa settled back in.
Gerda is here now, helping me unpack. She loves my new clothes that Lilith had made for me. If you see her, please send my regards and compliments! I miss her. I miss you all. Especially YOU.
I better go help her. I'll write again tomorrow. Stay well, rest up!
Love, Anna
-00-
Saturday, the 14th of March
Hi Hans,
Okay. So… I'm thinking an 'every-other-day' or a weekly writing schedule is better than a daily one. I'll have more to say, and maybe I won't blab as much. Plus, Elsa won't get on my back for using up her supply of paper. It's worth a shot, right? This will be the last letter for this group. As I'm writing this, the royal messenger is outside my door, waiting. He was supposed to set sail an hour ago. Oops.
Things…haven't been to good so far. I'm not sleeping well. At all. At least once a night I've been getting nightmares again, just like the ones I had in your kingdom that whole last week of my stay. They're about what we went through… only worse. For me, anyway. Now that I'm back home, I've been dreaming of my own interpretation of your fight with Dirk. Sometimes you win… most times, he wins. Regardless of that though, watching someone get stabbed right before my eyes is really, really, REALLY GROSS. And worse, seeing him skewer you had me in such a horrific frenzy on Wednesday night that I forced myself awake and rushed to a chamber pot to vomit. Dreams like those are so terrifying, because I can't rush down the hall to your room to make sure you're still alive. I don't have a support system here like I did before. Kristoff and Elsa… they don't know what I've been through. Dealing with this all alone…. It's hard.
You know what else is hard? Lying to my sister. You know how terrible of a liar I am. I can tell from the way she looks at me during meals that she knows that something isn't right. And she asks every time. All I've really said is that I miss all of my new friends. I can't say that I miss -you- because she'll… well… let's just say, I don't feel like hearing another of her lectures. At least she doesn't refer to you as the 'scum of the earth' or 'devil spawn' or whatever. I think you've been promoted to 'untrustworthy scoundrel' or something. Kudos. So… to keep whatever peace, I lie. She tries to make me feel better, and has offered to use her magic for various activities to lighten things up. But honestly, I haven't been in the mood to do anything. Deep down, I'm still miffed at her behavior, and I've rather spend my time in my room. Also? She's noticed I keep wearing your ring on my finger and thought it odd since I've never really worn rings before. Granted, I've never owned a ring before this one. I told her I got it for the ball and really liked wearing it. I couldn't well tell her YOU gave it to me, for obvious reasons. It seemed to satisfy her curiosity for now.
How is your recovery? Is your arm out of its sling yet? You mentioned before that would be the quicker of the two major injuries to heal. And I'm a little curious if your handwriting has gotten better. I won't make fun of it anymore, I promise! Are things just as hard for you? On top of the physical pain you're forced to endure, I really hope you aren't being plagued with my types of nightmares too. They're awful.
I'd better go. The man keeps knocking on my door. The guy's rather impatient today.
Take care of yourself and keep resting. I can't wait to read your responses!
Love, Anna.
Monday, 23rd of March
Greetings, Princess Anna!
It's been quite some time! Georg and I are happy to hear you and yours have arrived home safely. We hope Arendelle is prospering well with the changing of the seasons! It feels so wonderful that spring is finally here. The temperatures have been rising over the last week, and a lot of the snow is melting. With much of the frost gone, everyone has become much more chipper. Not only within the castle gates, but in the villages as well. I'm sure you recall someone telling you—our Isles never get that much snow dumped on us during the winter months. Seeing so much white probably felt like an extension of Arendelle. I hope one day you can visit the kingdom in the glorious summer months. These lands are so beautiful when not plagued by frost.
Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Hey, you're not Hans'!'. You're right. Sorry for the extreme disappointment. I can almost imagine the frown forming on your fair face while I write this. Hans….well… lets just say, I've seen doctors write clearer messages. So, in the name of fairness and friendship, my brothers and I (and Giselle) have promised to keep you up-to-date on our baby brother's well-being. At least until he can get his act together.
First, let me say, Hans did receive your letters. Georg can't tell you how many times we've caught him reading them over and over again. If he isn't careful, he'll rip the parchment! Word around the castle is… he keeps them under his pillow. Aww, isn't that just the cutest? You know, your lover is one big SOFTY. And a bit of a crybaby. Ever since you left he's been pining and whining for you. Hmph. I remember when my brothers and I used to rate around here. I've never been so snubbed in my entire life!
Hans won't let us read the letters you sent. You must have written some hot stuff! Georg and I are madly curious. He wouldn't even tell us either. Jerk. But, he did want to relay that his condition hasn't changed much. I guess you asked if he's recovered more. Well…. No. The doctors said he made his foot worse by being all macho at Freddy's ball. You should have seen him during the last few weeks as we tried to keep him in bed. Did you know, Alexei offered to chain him to the bedpost? Alexei of all people! I'm rather upset that I didn't think of that first…
As usual, Hans sends his rather mushy greetings and such, and asks for more letters. Probably so he can cuddle them at night. Did you spray them with perfume or something?
We wish you well, and Hans hopes to hear from you soon. Sooner than soon. Please write something. Anything! His crying at night is getting embarrassing….
-Vik and Georg.
PS. I did some recon last night. Hans does sleep with them!
[illegible scribble on the back of the twins' letter: ANNA. Don't believe a damn thing they said about me. -Hans]
-00-
AUNTIE ANNA!
Wah, it's so boring without you! And the snow is almost gone! Whyyyyyyy? I wanna build a snowman!
I MISS YOUUUUUUUUU! COME BACK SOON! Like… TOMORROW? Pretty please?
- LISEEEEEEEEE
-00-
Wednesday, 25th of March, 1840
Dear Princess,
Giselle and I send our greetings. We hope you have been able to readjust to being home again. To be honest, I had grown so accustomed to you being in our castle that I almost forgot you aren't from the Isles. You've felt like family to us during your stay. I can only hope you hold us in similar regard.
It's been quiet since you left. Most everything has gone back to the way it was before your arrival. Majority of the guests from Frederick's ball started departing from their own kingdoms the day you did, or a day afterwards. And you aren't the only princess writing a slew of letters to a member of our house. Do you recall a young woman from the ball dressed in black? Frederick had sought refuge with her during the latter half of the party. She is Princess Charlotte of Vallacia—your northern neighbor. She and Frederick have taken up correspondence as well. We all hope something sprouts from this friendship of theirs. Our father has been harping for Frederick to get married for years now. It would be wonderful to have another princess in the family. Giselle is terribly outnumbered.
I am aware that the bulk of our news was being relayed by the twins this round. However, I doubt they would have relayed one event that did transpire. A week after your departure, news of Dirk's death became public knowledge, although the true story is being kept within the castle walls. The proclamation stated he was killed in a hunting accident, and the family declared an official period of mourning for forty days, and our flags have been lowered appropriately. However… because we all know the truth behind Dirk's death, father told us we only have to wear official black mourning attire while out in public, for appearances sake. Giselle refuses to wear black regardless and has voiced her opinion on the matter with a bitterness not natural to her. I get the feeling she knows something I don't, and it bothers me greatly, but since she refuses to discuss it, that will be one mystery I'll never solve. I know it isn't exactly the cheeriest topic to write about, but you did know the man (unfortunately), and it just felt right that you would know what happened. I can only hope there can be some closure for you.
Anyway, we hope you continue to be well, and hopefully our paths will cross again soon.
Best wishes,
Ludwig and Giselle
Friday, the 3rd of April, 1840
Hi Hans.
Wow. I wasn't expecting to get a barrage of mail from your family! How nice! Am I supposed to write responses to all of them? Or just you? I'm gonna need some more parchment.
I guess you read the twins' letter, huh? I liked your scribble on the back. I was actually able to figure out what you said!
….After Kristoff read it to me first.
Shut up.
Okay. So, I have to admit. Your brothers are hilarious! I really enjoyed reading what Viktor and Georg had to say, even though a good half of it was poking fun at your expense. I'm sorry, but it was funny. I didn't really believe everything they said…much. Okay, I'm teasing. While I do agree you can be a big softie, I'm sure you don't reaaaally sleep with my letters under your pillows, right?
….Right?
Anyway, I'm sad to hear that your recovery hasn't been progressing as well as you'd hope. Please don't feel discouraged or anything. You're still in bad shape, and these things will take time and patience to heal properly. Not that I have any real personal experience with such things, but that just seems, I dunno, natural. Don't rush your healing, and make sure to listen to what the doctors tell you. If they said stay in bed, STAY IN BED! (Although… hearing that Alexei wanted to chain you to the post? Marvelous! Kristoff was with me when I read that, and he was amused too.)
The dreams are back, and they're getting worse. So much worse. Apparently, I was in such a terrified state in one of them that I couldn't wake up. Oh god Hans… it was—disgusting, for lack of a stronger word. I relived everything from inside that shabby shack. And I do mean EVERYTHING. Even with Dirk dead, he's still making my life miserable. During the worst of those terrors the other week, Gerda had to get a few maids to wake me up because she couldn't do it by herself. How embarrassing is that? Ugh… and since I couldn't tell her the truth, I had to lie about what happened. Of course, she probably didn't believe me but what else was I supposed to do?
Well, Gerda told Kristoff. And Kristoff made me tell him everything, so now he knows too. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. I mean…. At least now I have someone to go to when I'm feeling especially down, but— I'm worried he'll crack and tell Elsa. And then Elsa will crack and freeze the UNIVERSE in frosty frozen rage!
Okay, maybe not the universe. But probably the castle. And the Southern Isles. Even though the man responsible is deader than dead.
But, back to Kristoff. He didn't take the news too well. Who would? It's just… and nothing against Kristoff: he's an amazing friend and I'm thankful and grateful for his support…. But he's not you. I broke down that day when I told him, and of course he pulled me into a huge, comforting hug. I felt safe in those arms….but it wasn't the same level of comfort that I felt in your own arms that night. I feel so guilty and petty in a way about it because he's only trying to help, and yet deep down all I want is to be held by you.
I don't really have much else to say. These last few weeks were uneventful. Most of the time, I stayed in my room and didn't want to be bothered. I'm sure when I start my next letter, I'll have much better things to talk about.
Be well, and stay strong. I love you.
-Anna
-00-
Sunday, 5th of April, 1840
Dearest darling Annalise!
Greetings from Arendelle! You have no idea how much your tiny greetings made me smile when the messenger arrived. Trust me, I wish I could jump ship and come right back to the Isles too. I miss you so much! Hopefully someday soon I'll be back to visit. My fingers are crossed!
I remember our joyful days playing in the snow together. Let me tell you—one of the first things I did after reading your letter was, I went and found Olaf and gave him a huge hug! He absolutely loved it! AND… I told him all about you! He is very excited to meet you now, because a friend of Anna's is automatically a friend of his! Hopefully your parents will come visit here soon (or your uncles) and you can come along! Even if I were to visit you first, I'm not allowed to bring Olaf with me. Unfortunately, Olaf must remain in Arendelle. Queen's orders. But hey, even more reason to come visit!
Be well, and be a good girl for your mama and papa, okay? OH! And give extra big hugs to your Unkie Hans for me. Really big! And a big ol' kiss on his cheek. I'm sure that will brighten his spirits.
Love, Auntie Anna
-00-
Friday, the 10th of April, 1840
Hi Hans,
So, I hoped I would have something way more interesting to talk about this week. Well, I do! Sort of.
I had a temporary solution to my nightmares. Operation 'don't-go-to-sleep' lasted for three…maybe four days. Did it work, you ask? NO. If anything, things are that much worse. I mean, by not sleeping, no nightmares. But now I've been super tired all the time. I nodded off during both breakfast and dinner the other night. Kristoff suggested that I sleep in the barn with him and Sven for a change of scenery. Well, Elsa put a stomp on that idea real quick. 'Princesses don't sleep in barns, and how dare I spend the night with a man!' (hehe. If only she knew the truth ) So instead, she offered for me to have a sleepover in her room! That was totally not what I was expecting her to say, but hey. I wasn't going to complain.
So, last night was the first night in forever we slept in the same room. It was a true sleepover party with all these pillows and cushions and blankets strewn all over the floor. What a mess! I can't say it was an awesome experience, since I've still been a bit rocky with Elsa ever since we left your kingdom. After all, she doesn't know what's been bothering me all this time, and just thinks I miss my new friends. I mean, it's not like that's a real lie, right? Anyway, I didn't really expect sleeping on a pile of cushions would be comfortable, but wow. I slept like a baby. No nightmares whatsoever. Thank goodness. It must have been a fluke or something. I know for certain when I go to bed tonight they'll be back.
But yeah, back to the sleepover. She used her powers to create this mini-fort in the corner of the room, and we filled it with blankets and pillows. It was big enough for both of us, and for a while that night we both sat inside drinking hot cocoa and sharing stories. It was….fun. Honest! Maybe it's a sign that things will get better? I certainly feel closer to Elsa, the way we used to be before I left for Malengrad. I want that feeling again. I hate the constant lying, but I'm more afraid of what she'll do if she finds out the truth. It's safer this way. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.
So…what have you been up to? What do you do to pass the time every day while you're essentially a prisoner in your own room? Inquiring minds want to know.
I don't have much else to add for this letter, so I'll end it here. Tell the clan I said hello, and make sure you take care of yourself!
Love, Anna.
Saturday, 18th of April
Good day to you, Princess,
Hans forbid Viktor and Georg from writing on his behalf after the last time, so it seems my turn has come around. I hope you are well and that things have settled down for you back home. With spring now in full force here, the temperatures have risen to the more comfortable warmth that we are used to this time of year. Everything is in bloom. There is so much life around us, it's beautiful. What a glorious transition to the tragedies that occurred at the end of our winter.
I'm not sure if you were privy to this information by one of my brothers, but we did have an 'official' mourning period for Dirk's death. It was for forty days but only truly observed if we were going to be either visiting the public or having someone come to the castle. Well, that farce ended last week. No one in the castle, with the exception of Derrick, mourned him or felt his loss to be tragic in the first place. What a terrible truth to admit about one's own blood.
I'm sure you've also heard, I too am engaging in written correspondence—with Princess Charlotte of Vallacia. She is a shy and sweet young woman. You might recall seeing her at the ball. Out of all the young ladies I met that night, Princess Charlotte was the only one I felt any sort of connection to. I hope if you find yourself going to your norther neighbor for any sort of official visit, be sure to spend some time in her company. I assure you, you won't regret it. And, if timing works out, perhaps we might run into each other there. Father has lined up several official appointments for me to undertake in his stead—but I know my father. It's all just an excuse for me to court the girl in person. I am indeed looking forward to seeing Charlotte again, but not to thrilled to have her grandmother chaperoning our every step. To think, I could have 'pulled a Hans' and asked for her hand at the ball. Then, all this back and forth would have been avoided. Such is life.
Speaking of Hans, he is doing just fine. His doctors are with him now. The sling was removed from his shoulder yesterday, and he is undergoing daily therapy to regain proper strength and movement in his arm again. I was only present for the beginning of their session but judging the doctor's mutterings to one another and Hans' facial expression when he straightened his arm out for the first time, he's got quite a way to go. Before I was dismissed, I overheard something about nerve damage. Apparently, Dirk's sword went deeper than I initially thought. I can only hope the inflicted damage is not permanent. Hans has been through enough.
I have been making it a point to spend more time with my little brother—something you have been harping on various times during your stay. It wasn't until I really saw Hans near death for me to finally snap out of my stubbornness to realize you were right all along. So, in an attempt to make peace with myself and become a better man, I've come to visit Hans every day to see how he's doing. Sometimes we engage in conversation- whatever he wishes to talk about, or, if he's in a mood, I let him vent his anger and frustration. Usually his grief is directed at me, anyway. Other times, I've come and he's been taking a nap, so I just sit off to the side and read one of the books he's stockpiled beside the bed, just to keep him company. Yesterday, before the doctors arrived, we played a game of Draughts, and he always made it a point to be incredibly smug when I upgraded his piece to its 'king' version. We are both pretty evenly matched skill-wise.
We all send our greetings and wish you well in the upcoming days ahead. Hans wished to relay that he misses you, and in his exact words: 'hopes you could come back to visit because we brothers are miserable company'. Poor man. But, I suppose we are all poor substitutes to compare to a lover's warmth and care.
Take care, Anna.
-Prince Frederick
-00-
Monday, 20th of April
Hello Anna.
I'm sorry I couldn't write sooner. Little Henry had a fever during the last writing session, and before I had the time and chance to write, the messenger had left. I did want you to know that I received a response from your sister and she granted me visitation to Arendelle. If all goes smoothly, I should be traveling sometime in the middle of May. When I know the exact dates of my departure, I'll let you and Queen Elsa know. I'm excited to come see you and your beautiful kingdom.
Best wishes,
Giselle
Wednesday, the 29th of April, 1840
Dear Hans,
Frederick relayed the latest news, and I am soooo happy to hear that you both are spending more time together. It really sounds like Frederick is turning himself around, too. How wonderful! He was so spiteful before. It warms my heart that he's realized his mistakes and is trying to better himself. Hmm, I wonder who that reminds me of….
Thank goodness your sling is off. Finally, a step in the right direction! How is your arm? Frederick said you have nerve damage? I don't know much about medical stuff. Is it far worse than it sounds? Or is it just technical words for saying your arm hurts? Whatever the case is, please, please, PLEASE be careful, and listen to the doctors! They know what they're doing.
I hope.
I've still been feeling so moody lately. The nightmares are still there, but at least I'm not plagued with more than one a night now. I just feel so trapped. It's as if the moment I step into my room at night, I feel this sense of dread. I don't really know how to explain it. I can almost feel the dreams creeping up on me like some predator.
I've talked to Kristoff about it and he tries to be supportive. While I'm out and about either around the castle or town I feel fine. Or, mostly fine. Some days have been better than others. It's just so hard… almost every day starts off feeling so lonely and depressed. When I'm not plagued with night terrors and such, I end up with visions of us, I suppose what could have been. It makes me even sadder than the horror dreams because these are pleasant in nature, and usually involve you or your twin brothers, even Ludwig and Lisee. I'm among friends, and they're usually this warped reality where everyone gets along. I suppose in a way, something as if you didn't go insane here in Arendelle, Elsa didn't go ice crazy, and we got married into this huge weirdly-happy family. It was just so nice—
And then I woke up.
Sometimes after dreams like those, I cry harder than the nightmares. I had one of those last night. We were at a ball. I don't remember whose it was. But it was so romantic in nature. Maybe it wasn't a ball….maybe it was a wedding reception. Hmm. Oh well. Not important. Anyway, There were so many people there: my cousins Punzie and Eugene, you and about half of your brothers, Duke Spencer, Elsa, and well…you get the idea. You found me on the dance floor and we just spent what seemed like hours twirling and spinning and waltzing. After we were totally dizzy, we snuck out to this balcony overlooking the water and you got down on one knee and asked me to marry you. Of course, I said yes, and as soon as you leaned in to kiss me, Viktor and Georg started whistling from the doorway like immature children and totally killed the moment, which was also when I woke up.
I've found, a lot of my more pleasant dreams involving us include you proposing. Like… my mind is trying to tell me that this is what I want. Well, duh. That's a no-brainer! Still, It's not fair. I wish you were able to do it when we were together. It makes me miss you so much. Not that I didn't already miss you… this just makes everything worse. I miss your presence, the way your arms feel when they're around me, the tone your voice gets when you're picking on me, plus that smirk you do when you know you're being a jerk. A really, handsomely adorable jerk. I miss those tingly feelings I get when you kiss me, too. Is it this hard for you, too? Us being apart for so long? I'm not like you, Hans… I'm not strong. Between memories of Dirk, and now this…. I don't know how long I can do this….
[closure of the letter illegible from tear stains smearing the ink]
-00-
Friday, 1st of May, 1840
Hi Hans,
So, yesterday was an interesting day! Kristoff staged another one of his 'interventions' and he took me to work with him! We went up towards the north mountain and I got to meet his team of ice harvesters. Yes, you heard me: his team. Kristoff is a boss! Haha. See, he's now the Official Arendelle Ice Master and Deliverer. Yes, that's a thing. No, it wasn't something Elsa completely made up. Anyway, since he's been put in charge of the ice shipments and ice trades going out of Arendelle, Elsa helped him organize a team to be more efficient. And instead of him having to compete with the others for private business, they all work for the kingdom and get their livelihood through the trade agreements with Arendelle and our allied neighbors! Plus, Kristoff and Sven get to live at the castle with us! Everyone wins!
Oh right. Yesterday. So, yesterday I got to meet his friends. Friends that aren't trolls. They're all super nice, and strong! I never realized how difficult harvesting ice was. I watched them work for a while, and one of the older men tried to get me to try my hand at it. Basically, they cut away the ice and I had to lift it from the water. Don't worry, I didn't fall in. Kristoff held onto me. But oh my gosh, for just chilly water, ice is heavy! I bet even YOU couldn't handle this. They were all good sports about it, and stopped me from trying too hard so I didn't hurt myself. Around noon, we stopped to have lunch together. I had brought along a huge picnic basket with a nice spread. In all it was a lovely day.
And tonight, we all made a trip back out into the valley to visit the trolls, too. Even Elsa came along! Oh, if only you could have seen the look on her face when she saw how goofy they all were. You know, out of all of the times Kristoff and I have gone to see his family, this is really the first time Elsa has come along. It almost felt like we were some weird dysfunctional family. Bulda (Kristoff's troll mother) and the rest still keep trying to set us up. Don't worry, Love. Kristoff keeps putting a stop to it. And if it makes you feel better…. Elsa doesn't quite approve of their pushiness either. As much as she approves of Kristoff, I think the fact that he was essentially raised by these creatures, well… it's still a thing she's getting over.
It's actually really late right now. I think I heard a clock chime midnight before, so I'm going to get to bed. Take care, Hans, and sweet dreams!
Love, Anna.
Friday, 1st of May
Greetings, Princess!
Hans thinks he's so smart by telling us off for writing humor into our news. Well, the joke is on him! So what if we can't personally relay his wishes. We'll still write garbage about him anyway and pass it off as news. Don't worry, we do it out of love. And besides, it's not like Hans has any real sway over us from being so far down the birthing order.
You probably noticed this letter is coming separate from the rest. That's because something very important just happened that Vik' and I just have to share.
Today was…
Wait for it…..
Hans' birthday!
That's right. Our baby brother has reached the ripe old age of twenty-four. He's so old!
Yeah, we forgot to tell you about it earlier. Sorry…. It kinda snuck up on us. To be fair, this is the first time in over two decades anyone in this castle bothered to acknowledge the day to begin with. Or, you know…. even given a damn about Hans at all. In usual rude-Westergaard fashion, we've only observed the date as the anniversary of our mother's death. I mean, who wouldn't? Weigh the options: mourn loving mother or celebrate one more lousy brother? Hmmmm…. Lets think about this.
Okay, I know that sounds terribly cruel, but honest, that's exactly what we did for years. Just tellin' it straight, not defending our own crappiness.
But then this magical thing happened. We got an unexpected visit from this amazing princess, and suddenly, Hans is this super cool guy. I mean, he woo'd this girl and scored a proposal in what, an hour? And he led a kingdom for a day, fought this huge snowman, and did probably a lot of other cool things that you can easily think of that I currently cannot. Heh.
Anyway, the gang decided to try and cheer him up since he's still stuck in his room and all mopey and miserable. Turns out, if you want a happy Hans, give him some attention. Huh. Who knew?!
And cake. Who doesn't love cake?
It turns out, while he was intrigued to have someone other than Annalise acknowledge a day all about him, he was still a tad sour. We all failed in getting him the one present he really wanted. Vik' heard him mutter something about a ginger princess all wrapped in a bow…. Or popping out of a cake.
Is that a thing? Princesses popping out of cakes? I've never heard of baking people in giant confectionary masterpieces. Hmm….I will investigate this further.
I'm sure you're eye-rolling like crazy. I'll sober this up. It was a nice day. Astor arrived home from a long stint in Malengrad and so we roped him into the birthday festivities. He was so confused. It made the whole thing that much more fun.
We just thought we'd share today's festivity with you since you couldn't be here in person. Again, sorry we dropped the ball and forgot to tell you about it way earlier. We'll do better next year. Promise.
I'd add more, but there's one piece of cake left with my name on it. And Lisee has been eying it up for the last hour. I'll have a bite in honor of you, Princess. Assuming I still can.
-Georg
Sunday, 10th of May, 1840
HANS!
Why didn't you tell me your birthday was coming? I would have sent you a present! Or convinced Elsa to let me visit! Or…I dunno, just left to see you. Ugh. I feel so terrible for missing something so important. After everything we've been through, I can't believe it never crossed your mind to tell me when your birthday was! Worse than that, I can't believe I never asked!
Okay, rant over.
How was it? Georg was the one who wrote, and said it was a fun day, but we both know how he is. Did you really have a pleasant day? Did you get any cool presents? …Did you get -any- presents? Oh! And cake! What kind of cake did you have, and how many pieces? I hope you had a bite for me. Georg said he had a slice for me, but I get the feeling Annalise ate it before he scored the chance to.
Well, I suppose my upcoming bundle of letters could be a lame belated birthday gift. The last one I wrote was actually on your birthday! The messenger just took them a few days ago, but he was stopping in Weselton before heading to the Isles, so I get the feeling that this letter will arrive before those do. Oh well.
Giselle is supposed to be visiting Arendelle in a week or so, and I'm really excited! I wonder how long she'll stay, and if Ludwig and Annalise are going to come too! I suppose I'll get the true story of what's been going on in the Isles lately when they arrive. In the meantime, relax and stay healthy. I love you and miss you, and I'm looking forward to the day I see you again.
Happy belated birthday!
-Anna
A/N: I did a lot of research for this chapter on various subjects. Random trivia time!
-The year 1840 was a leap year! Freddy's ball was held on Feb 29th.
-The dates and days of the week used in the letters correlate to the actual calendar of that year.
-Draughts is just the European name for Checkers.
-The whole 'ladies popping out of cakes' thing wasn't something that was done in the early-mid 1800s, but since it was just Vik and Georg acting like jolly jokers, I stuck it in there anyway for laughs.
-I made up the date for Hans' birthday. Anna's remains the canon Summer Solstice (June 21st)
-Anna did reply individually to everyone who wrote letters to her, not just Lisee. I just didn't write them out. The important letters were the ones she wrote directly to Hans himself.
Thanks for reading!
