Anna had never been more grateful for her notebooks in her life. The habit she'd picked up trying to not replicate her sister's mistakes in overworking herself had more than paid off. Besides the notes and ideas she'd made so she could deal with them after the crisis was over, she'd also made note of most of the things she needed to do related to the crisis itself. In part for the historical records but also in part because of the logistical undertaking that the recovery would require.
The treasury had been hit hard, but not as hard as she feared. They'd still be able to run the telegraphy wire; now that they'd experienced a crisis Anna was of the mind that having quick communications would be beneficial in future emergencies.
And depending on how quickly Arendelle recovered their trade power she might not have to wait as long as she feared before beefing up their Navy. If there was one thing Anna was certain of it was that, sooner or later, the Southern Isles and their allies would respond to the sinking of their fleet.
But that was a problem for the Admiral to worry about right now and Anna had more pressing concerns.
There were still a few dozen people too weak to move, and a hundred more that wouldn't be returning to work for at least another week. Anna had to see to it they were cared for while praying the work that needed to be done could still be done. The Grandmother Brigade was doing their best, but the poor women could use a break.
Anna would roll up her sleeves and work the fields and … whatever … if she had to. Whatever she had to do, whoever she had to be, she was Queen of Arendelle and she-
"Your Majesty."
"Yes, Kai?" She darted her eyes.
"Your fiance wishes to see you."
"Kristoff?" Anna looked down at her notebook and flipped through it, though there was really no question that she'd go to him, "But there's still so much I have to do today."
"He was quite insistent." Kai had a look in his eyes that told Anna that maybe it wasn't Kristoff that was insistent but kept that thought to herself. It was just her steward's way of making sure she took time for herself. A habit he'd picked up with Elsa, and she supposed that they really could be two sisters, one mind.
"Okay." She ripped out a paper and handed it to him, "Can you take care of these tasks for me? Delegate responsibility as you see fit, I trust you. "
Kai smiled at her in his victory, "Of course, Your Majesty. I believe I saw Soyun around and I know she will be glad to help."
Allowing him that victory, Anna bounded through the hallways and into her chambers, where she'd had Kristoff moved as soon as Doctor Engberg had cleared him. He wasn't quite ready to be up and about all that often, so Anna had wanted him comfortable, and where she could watch him. Besides, he'd be sharing that bed officially eventually anyway and had been unofficially sleeping in it for awhile now so she didn't really see any point in putting him elsewhere. It might be a scandal but Anna was pretty sure Arendelle wasn't going to sweat it after the past few weeks.
"Hey sweetie. How are you doing?" She flopped onto the bed next to him and smiled tiredly, "Did you really send Kai looking for me?"
"I did." He patted the bed next to him, and Anna scooted up until she could curl up against his side. He was a lot thinner than she liked but knew he'd be chomping at the bit before long to be up and about. "How long do you think until Elsa and Sven get back?"
"A few more days, maybe? I'm holding off on the search party a little. I was looking over some of the notes Honeymaren left behind and doing some math. I figured a couple of days to get to a ship, then … " Anna shrugged, nuzzling her nose into his side, "They have to sail back, and there could be storms or whatever. But we have to have faith. Elsa will come back to us."
She lifted her head to look at him. "They did it. You're proof of that! So we have to have faith that they'll come home to us. I'm sure Elsa didn't anger any gods or anything."
Kristoff looked concerned, so Anna clarified, "I was reading one of the books from the library that Olaf was reading. Well, re-reading it since I read it as a kid. It's called the Odyssey, and the main character angered the god of the sea, so he spends the next ten years trying to get home which … oh God why did I pick that one to read?!"
Just the thought of Elsa being gone for a decade or longer was enough to send Anna into a panic spiral. Only Kristoff's gentle coaxing and back rubbing brought her out of it before she could really panic.
"She's coming home, she's not going to be lost at sea for ten years. Or even one year. Or at all."
"You're right, I just… What I if just spoke that into being? Elsa is a spirit and I'm half of that spirit aren't I? Something like that anyway."
"I don't think it works like that."
"Still, it's totally a bad idea to tempt Fate." Anna blew hair out of her face and then tried to tuck it back into a braid, and then called out to any potentially ornery gods that might be listening, "Elsa is not at all gonna be lost at sea for ten years and will come home this week and Arendelle is going to have an awesome fall and winter and summer and-"
A notebook on the end table fluttered as a breeze came in through the window. Gale spun around the room frantically, like some kind of tasmanian devil. Anna slipped off the bed and held her hands out, "Whoa Gale! It's okay! What is it?"
The wind spirit seemed to respond to her, picking up her braid and undoing it completely.
"What are you… Elsa?!" She ran to the window and peered out to the fjord. Distantly, almost as if it were a mirage, she could make out sails that glittered like a glacier in the sun.
Feeling simultaneously elated and also like she might puke a little, Anna rushed to the bed, grabbing the wheelchair on the way. "They're back! Come on! We can still make it to the dock before they get in!"
With an assist from Gale, Kristoff was able to get into the wheelchair. Anna pushed it down the hallway, all but racing for the exit and swerving for the dock so fast Kristoff nearly tumbled out into the water.
But they made it safely in time for Elsa's ship to come completely into view.
"That's definitely not the ship they left with," Kristoff noted.
"I don't know." Anna tilted her head, "Kinda looks like it's part of the ship they left in. There's gonna be a story in that!"
She could just imagine what had happened, but felt guilty even doubting for a little bit that she'd see her sister again.
They'd both have a story to share, Anna thought. Elsa's adventure and her own in Arendelle holding everything together. The battle at sea, the sickness, everything. Anna's chest tightened, but she was strangely proud of herself, and she hoped Elsa would be proud too.
The ship had barely docked when Elsa raced down the gangplank and into Anna's arms. Anna hugged her so tightly that she was afraid one or both of them would burst. She flailed, blindly, until she got Olaf in on the hugging action too. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sven wrapping around Kristoff like a cat and inched the three of them close enough to include the rest of the men in her life.
She looked behind Elsa, smiling at Honeymaren, and held an arm out in invitation.
?
It felt really good to be back in Arendelle. The late summer breeze rustled through Elsa's hair as she walked next to Anna. Every once in a while she'd lean in and put her arm around her sister, just to reassure herself that she was there and okay and alive. Elsa knew she'd never quite let go of her penchant for worrying about her sister just as she knew that Anna would always worry about her.
It was oddly reassuring.
"What do you think the Southern Isles will do?" Anna asked, glancing at Elsa.
Elsa shook her head, "I don't know. They're going to be very upset that you sunk their ship and Faronda won't let that lie either. But they fired on Corona first and encroached into Arendelle's waters."
"Do you think there'll be a war? I mean, I keep thinking about that, about where all this could lead. Arendelle is in no way ready for a conflict and I don't think I have the stomach for it. And I didn't have powers and-"
"Anna." Elsa stopped, and took her hand, "You led our people into battle during an epidemic and you won. No one will forget that. Those cannon shots have been heard around the world and what they're saying is that Queen Anna has teeth. It's not me they need to worry about. You did all of this with only the power of your heart."
Anna chewed on her lip. "There is so much responsibility, and everything sort of hangs in the balance of me not screwing up."
"If it makes you feel better, I understand exactly what that feels like." Powers or not, being Queen was responsibility and everything hanging in the balance of not screwing up.
"Can I ask you something?" Anna swung their hands back and forth, as she grew deep in thought.
Elsa wondered what it could be, but just nodded and waited for Anna to ask her.
"Please don't take this the wrong way, but I realized something during all of this and what you've just said has reminded me of that." She squared her shoulders and lifted her eyes to Elsa's, "If something happens, like we're attacked or a war is declared, do you think you could wait until when, or if, I ask for your help?"
For half a second, Elsa wanted to take that the wrong way, her head spinning slightly as her chest ached. But she took a breath, and allowed the request the space it needed to breath in her head. "You don't want to have to rely on me for every emergency."
"Like political type stuff. I mean I still value your advice and your opinion, but if I'm going to be Queen, I have to do it my way, for good or ill."
Okay it still hurt a little, but Elsa understood where Anna was coming from and what she meant. She squeezed Anna's hand. "I understand. But I have to protect the North and I'll always act with that in mind." Then she winked, "If I happen to see something that could threaten Arendelle that's not a matter of state, I make no promises not to do something about it."
"Who needs to worry about acts of God when your big sister is the Fifth Spirit," Anna joked. She sobered just a little bit, "So just to make sure we understand each other, I ask for help if I need it for matters of state, but if it's like some giant monster or the kingdom is on fire or something you really don't need to wait for permission. Deal?"
Elsa grinned, "Deal."
"Your Majesty?"
Elsa turned and almost answered, before she snapped her mouth shut. Anna noticed and gave her a side-long, amused look, "Yes?"
"Our messenger to Corona will be leaving shortly, but he wished to speak with you before he left."
Anna's face lit up, "Oh good! I wanted to talk to Scott before he left!"
"Scott?" Elsa asked.
"He was on the ship that tried to help us, he and some of the others are returning home and delivering a thank you message and request for additional aid to King Frederic," Anna explained. "I have a gift for him, too.
"Mare is eager to get back and check on her brother and I have to admit I'm eager too." Elsa reached for Anna, pulling her into a hug, "So I think we'll leave a little early today. When do you want to do game night?"
Anna wrapped her arms around Elsa, burying her face in her shoulder, "I wish you could stay longer but I get it." She pulled back a little and smiled through teary eyes. "Why don't you two come back in … two weeks? Not for game night, just for… just to hang out. That should give us both time to get our houses in order."
"I think that's a good idea. There's so much I have to tell you about the journey."
"Me too." Anna smiled lopsidedly, "I do have one thing I need to know before I let you go."
"What's that?"
"When's the wedding?"
"Wedding?" Elsa took a step back, eyes wide.
Anna shook her head and laughed, "Nevermind. But if you ever do decide to propose don't take any advice from either Ryder or Kristoff."
Voice a little breezy, Elsa replied, "I'll keep that in mind."
?
"I was about ready to leave without you," Honeymaren said, watching as Elsa approached her. "But I thought you'd just catch up to me really fast anyway."
Elsa laughed, brushing Maren's cheek with her knuckles before she leaned in and gave her a deep, almost longing kiss. For the space of an eternity Honeymaren forgot almost everything else, the taste of Elsa's lips a familiar comfort on her tongue.
When she pulled away, she realized that there were people staring at them, gawking really. "I take it," she said roughly. "That they're not used to seeing you display affection like that."
"They're more used to it than they used to be," Elsa admitted, face red. She took Maren's hands, "Let's get back home. I'm sure Ryder is out of his mind wondering if you're okay."
"He cares about you too, you know. Not… Not in the same way I do, I mean."
"We had that conversation," Elsa said.
"You did?"
Elsa nodded, guiding Maren out towards the fjord, "Mm. Remember when he was asking me what I thought about you?"
"Oh!" Maren grinned. That day felt like it had been a century ago. They'd left the Forest on a quest and now that they were going back she wasn't entirely sure who they were, or what they were to each other. They'd talked about it, when death was on the line, but things would return to normal now.
Maren just didn't think she could go back to a normal where she could pretend she wasn't in love with Elsa.
"That was only a few weeks ago, but it feels like forever," Elsa murmured, watching as the Nokk splashed out of the ocean. She stroked his mane, her powers turning him to a mixture of ice and snow, and then swung up onto his back and offered her hand to Honeymaren.
"I was just thinking that." She climbed up behind Elsa, sliding her arms around her and snuggling close as they started to ride up the water.
"Can I ask you something?" Elsa asked.
"Anything."
There was a smile in Elsa's voice, despite obvious nerves, "How does courting work among the Northuldra?"
"Courting?" Maren asked, confused.
"Oh. I guess you'd have different words for it." Elsa tensed against Maren, so she started to rub her back.
"What does that mean, and maybe I can tell you?"
"Romance?" Elsa tried, "When you're interested in someone. Like Kristoff and Anna. What is it called? Are there any rituals? Like flowers and chocolates, going out to dance together…"
Those were all things they'd done together, Maren realized, "Wait, have you been trying to do courting with me this whole time?"
"Not on purpose!" Elsa replied. She swiveled around to face Maren, a dawning realization on her face, "Oh my god, I think maybe I have been."
Maren laughed and pecked her lips, "There are words and rituals. Sometimes they involve reindeer, and they do involve gifts and flowers. There are a few ceremonies; a promise ceremony that's something less formal than Kristoff and Anna's engagement, and there are weddings too."
She wet her lips, trying to imagine what an Arendellean wedding would be like. She supposed she'd find out if she attended Anna's. While she thought she'd be invited she didn't want to assume anything until it happened.
"Oh. That's not too different." Elsa turned back around, and Maren could hear the smile in her voice, "The Northuldra are so unique, but it's nice that these things seem to be universal."
"It's like music and dancing, Elsa. The steps might be different but it's still something beautiful."
Elsa laugh was ridiculously beautiful and though she had no words in response Maren knew she'd said the right thing. Silence fell on them, the only sound the Nokk's hooves on the water and the wind rushing past.
Before too long she could see the forest and a feeling swept over her not unlike waking from a nightmare. She was home. They were home and Maren was so eager to feel the forest beneath her feet that she jumped off the Nokk as soon as they'd reached the village. Elsa dismounted as well, taking a moment to thank the Nokk, but Maren was already running towards a circle of people emerging from one of the goahti.
"Ryder!" She all but flung herself at her brother, lifting him up in her arms and spinning him around. "You're okay!"
"Yeah! That was a long nap wasn't it." He grinned at her, "Funny how I still feel tired."
"It was the sick kind of sleep," Haladreth said, smiling in their direction. Unlike Ryder she didn't look all that tired, but they both looked as thin and ashen as Kristoff had.
"How is Yelana?" Elsa asked.
"I'll be fine when everyone stops fussing over me." Yelana pushed her way to the front of the growing crowd of people and looked incredibly surprised when Elsa hugged her.
"How did you figure it out?" Ryder asked, pulling away from Maren so he could hug Elsa too.
"That old book of runes had the key. It just took me a little while to understand the meaning." Maren was doing a little headcount as they talked, terrified that maybe they'd been too late. But as far as she could tell, everyone was accounted for.
"It was a balance thing," Elsa said and Maren suspected that they'd be telling the story over dinner that night.
There were more hugs and greetings, and a profound sense of relief that permeated the air and left Maren feeling light on her feet.
?
It was very late by the time Elsa entered her goahti. She and Maren had taken turns describing what had happened on their adventure, with an assist from Elsa's powers to set the scene. She wondered what it might be like a hundred years from now; if the people might gather around the fire and share the story of the sleeping sickness.
Elsa feared Honeymaren's role might be lost, and had made a special point of bringing her up every chance she could.
She knew they would never have made it without her, if she'd even had figured out which direction to go in the first place.
To Elsa's surprise, her home had been restored. All her things had been stored in Ryder and Maren's goahti before she'd left so the Northuldra would have ice to keep their sleepers hydrated, but someone had obviously taken great care to put her things back. None of it was exactly where it belonged and there was a bit of a pile on the floor but she really appreciated the effort. And was glad they hadn't really tried to figure it out; Elsa had a system and she would have had to rearrange everything anyway.
"Elsa?" Maren knocked on the door frame and peeked her head in. "They forgot something."
"Come in," Elsa said, turning to face her.
Maren stepped inside and held out a maroon scarf. Elsa smiled and reached for it, "Thank you. I've been meaning to bring it back to Anna. I like the idea of us each holding onto it for part of the year."
"It sounds like a nice tradition," Maren said.
Elsa tucked some hair behind her ear, wondering if Maren remembered when she'd told her she wanted her to stay forever. That feeling hadn't changed and if anything it had gotten stronger.
"We should turn in," Maren added. "I want to help with the reindeer tomorrow."
"That's a good idea." Elsa glanced at the bed, then back at Maren before asking hesitantly, "And tomorrow night, we could move your things in here?"
"Yes!" Maren clapped her hand over her mouth. Elsa shook her head and started to laugh, before taking her hand and pulling her close.
With a smile, Elsa leaned in and kissed her as Gale was kind enough to blow the door closed. Almost as soon as it swung shut, Maren started to guide her towards the bed.
It was thrilling in a way, this closeness and this passion. New and exciting and filling her with emotions she was still trying to grasp.
"I told Ryder," Maren murmured as she pushed Elsa onto the bed and straddled her. "If he let anyone bother us before dawn I'll throw him in the volcano."
Elsa laughed, and gazed at her. Then, slowly but with confidence, she pulled on the laces to Maren's tunic and watched with delight as her lover slipped out of it.
Something surged within her, an emotion that grew like a cresting wave and maybe it was never something she'd searched for but it had happened and she was glad for it, "I love you."
Tears sparkled in Maren's eyes, her fingers rising to Elsa's face, stroking her cheeks and brushing at her jaw. "I love you too, sweetheart."
