The autumn leaves were a deep red in the clearing. Elsa had told Anna her plan to stay with the Northuldra and the spirits, which meant that Anna would now be Queen, and now Anna was sitting alone while everyone else made plans to head back south to Arendelle.
"Hey." Anna heard the painfully familiar, gentle voice behind her. "Can I join you?" Kristoff asked as she turned around, smiling sadly.
"Of course!" she insisted, "You're always welcome."
"Elsa told me…"
Anna nodded.
"I'll help you get back to Hans," he said, "and then…"
"No," she grabbed his hand, "Please…"