(A/N: I have a special request to you Reader. I need your help. I have the rest of year 1 for Frozen Tales planned out and a good chunk of year 2 as well. If anyone has any suggestions for what they would like to see in future chapters of Frozen Tales (last half of year 2 and all of year 3 to be exact), please let me know in reviews. It would be very appreciated.)

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: BIG BROTHER KRISTOFF

Today was a day of mourning in Arendelle, as Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff supported Lady Diantha as she faced the loss of her elderly father, who went by the name Old Man John. Along with the three from the palace, there were close friends of Old Man John at Diantha's orphanage. A special memorial was already erected at a special spot of the deceased's choosing: underneath a beautiful tree that grew flowers.

Back at the orphanage, the three paid their respects to Lady Diantha. Elsa gave her a comforting hug, "I'm so sorry for your loss, Diantha."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I had time to brace for my father's passing, seeing his health slowly give out on him. The children are taking it hardest. For them it was sudden," Diantha replied, looking over at the orphans who were separated from the visitors, avoiding any socializing.

"We know the feeling," Anna said, taking Elsa's hand and meeting her eyes. Their parents went for a two-week voyage in the Southern Sea on a diplomat mission with other kingdoms, but never made it to any of their stops. The news of their parents' deaths was too sudden for them.

"Thank you again, Kristoff, for your donations. The children always enjoy your visits," Diantha thanked.

"Anything for the orphanage," he nodded at Diantha before explaining to Elsa and Anna, "Occasionally, I drop off firewood on cold nights and other supplies I can get my hands on."

Kristoff began looking around for Cian and Ciara. The brother and sister they helped get away from their father who trained them as thieves. After their father and his men were apprehended and sent away to face judgement, Cian and Ciara were handed over to Diantha to care for them.

Diantha noticed. "Cian and Ciara have been taken in by a warm and loving family. They left Arendelle a week ago. Sorry, Kristoff, for not telling you. I know you had a special bond with them."

Kristoff quickly recovered from the revelation and just smiled and nod before walking away. On the nearby wall, he noticed different paintings of past orphans. He froze when his eyes fell on a familiar girl. Dark hair. Blue eyes. Have I…seen her somewhere before?

Anna came over to check on him. Before she could say anything, Kristoff confessed, "I was going to adopt them. Ciara and Cian, but I was too late." Anna tried to comfort him, but he just shrugged off the disappointment. "It's fine. It'll probably be better for them. What's a family …without a wife and a mother?"

Anna froze when he looked at her in the eyes and held her right hand, his thumb stroking her ring finger. She couldn't speak. He smiled and kissed her on the forehead softly before walking away to talk to the other orphans. Anna took a deep breath to compose herself before rejoining Elsa and Diantha.

Diantha continued speaking with the Queen and Princess. "My father founded this orphanage. When he retired and I took over, he remained to ensure it was maintained. He had such a special relationship with the orphans, always making them laugh and teaching them about life."

"Sounds like an incredible man," Anna commented, glancing over at Kristoff who was already bonding with the orphans, helping them come out of their shells. She smiled warmly at Kristoff.

Diantha followed Anna's gaze and smiled when she noticed the kids warming up to Kristoff. Elsa did the same.

"Kristoff has a way with orphans," Diantha commented. "I could use such a person around the orphanage. Help with maintaining this place, keeping the children out of trouble. Do you suppose he would be interested? I could pay him well."

"Let's find out," Elsa replied before calling him over, "Kristoff."

Kristoff turned red slightly when he noticed all three were watching him with the kids. He said something to the kids before coming over. "Yes?"

"I see how close you are with the children. They always liked you visiting. I have a position for you here if you are interested. It would pay well. That if…you are interested," Lady Diantha offered.

Kristoff took quick glances at Elsa and Anna, then turned to glance at the children before looking back at Lady Diantha. "I'll do it, but not for money. I'll do it for them."

"As you wish," Lady Diantha smiled, "Report back to me tomorrow morning and I'll give you an idea of what duties this position will entail."

Kristoff nodded.

"I'm afraid I can't stay longer. Duties at the palace demand my attention. If there's anything you need, please," Elsa excused herself as she hugged Diantha goodbye.

"Of course. Thank you again for coming," Lady Diantha smiled after Elsa pulled away.

Kristoff and Elsa followed Elsa. Kristoff looked over at Anna by his side when Anna hugged his large arm and smiled up him.

(A/N: I was thinking about doing more for this chapter, but I felt it would be better to show Kristoff performing his tasks at the orphanage in future chapters instead of cramming it all in one long chapter. It'll make his connection with the children feel more natural and not forced.)