(A/N: Well, today's my birthday. Another year, another penny. I realize some people like inviting friends and other family members over to celebrate but I'm more of a "only immediate family members" kind of guy. I don't mean to come off across rude. I just don't see the big deal of having more than my family there to celebrate. So, I guess you can assume I wasn't exactly happy when my little brother brought one of our cousins over. I know I'm such a jerk. XD)
CHAPTER TEN: A GODDESS CALLED ME
Anna watched her sister leave again. Inside she was at war with herself. Since they were both little, they were inseparable. It tore her heart to be separated from Elsa and being reunited with her brought the greatest joy back into her life. When Elsa abdicated her throne to live a civilian life with Kristoff, Anna was fine, because Elsa was still there in Arendelle. However, when Elsa left on a mysterious trip to the North, it felt like she was losing her all over again. Then they were reunited again and all was good. That happiness to have her sister close again didn't last long because Elsa was leaving again. Anna knew why, but seeing her leave again didn't hurt any less. She'll be back. You'll see. She always comes back. Anna continued in her duties as Queen alongside her husband to help take care of their home. She waited to see Elsa again. Minutes turned to hours. Hours turned into days. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. The separation anxiety was becoming too much for her.
If you ever need me, Anna…just whisper my name and I'll coming running back home to you.
Anna lost count how many times she desperately wanted to call her sister's name just to see her again. She came so close so many times, but guilt silenced her. She's too busy to see you, Anna. She's a goddess and has far more important things to do than come visit you every time you are a little lonely. The guilt was hollowing her out as the next Yule season came upon them. She's not coming.
Hans came out onto the balcony and stroked her back, "You miss Elsa." Anna nodded. "There are whispers from other kingdoms. I don't understand how but a new continent magically appeared far north. She created a new Kingdom. So far, the Northuldra you told me about and a few other foreigners live there now."
She has her own Kingdom. She just too busy.
"She'll be back. You'll see," Hans assured her as he held his wife affectionately around her stomach. His touch was a silent invitation to try and have a baby again. They have been trying during the last few months since it was the ruler's top priority to produce an heir. The attack of the spirits and the Southern Isles invasion gave everyone a fresh new perspective on life: life was limited and it had to be lived. However, Anna and Hans have failed multiple times. Not having Elsa near to comfort her during this time depressed her even more. Hans tried to hold her, but she pulled away and left, feeling guilt for not giving Hans an heir. Hans turned back to the North. He whispered, "Elsa. If you only knew how much your sister misses you."
Elsa, disguised in her cloak, walked amongst the people of Arendelle that was covered with snow. Elsa. If you only knew how much your sister misses you. She smiled. I know. That why I'm here. What should I get for Hans and Anna? There are so many new shops since Anna began ruling. I want to pick something special.
Seeing the skilled works of the business owners, Elsa wondered, I wonder if some of these skilled workers would work in a place like Ahtohallan.
The familiar of Blodget's Bakery caught her nose abd she smiled as she followed the fresh scent of freshly baked bread and treats. In Arendelle, there were several bakeries, but Blodget's Bakery was one of her favorites. She stopped when she entered and remove the hood of her cloak, smiling as she inhaled deeply the various scents. The owner liked experimenting with different things so the environment was filled with so many things. If only I had a place like this in Ahtohallan. She closely examined the display case, seeing the various kinds of breads and treats. She followed the case around the corner to see the rest and she froze when her blue eyes fell on the delicious piece of chocolate cake. She pressed her hand and face against the case to get as close as she could as her beautiful eyes stared at it with a intense longing gaze. Oh, my. Oh, Chocolate Cake…my first love…my deepest and darkest guilty pleasure. Why does fate place us on opposite sides of this display case. How cruel are the Fates that cackle at our love. She could almost taste the chocolate gooey goodness and licked her lips as a craving struck her. Her face lit up when she remembered she had money, but it wasn't enough to get a piece of cake AND get gifts for Anna and Hans. She inhaled deeply with disappointment. I'll be back for you. I promise.
The sudden arrival of customers entering, pulled Elsa out of her own little world. She glanced around the corner to see two men. She remembered the older man. Hef, who was a skilled masonry and owned a fireplace installer and cleaner business. The second man was young, perhaps his assistant. She couldn't help but notice Hef walked with a limp and his face showed signs of discomfort with each step he took. "Limp is getting worse, Hef," the bakery owner said, greeting them.
Hef looked down at his bum leg and gave an affectionate pat, "Oh, this old thing. It always acts up during the Yule season. The cold is really murder, but it'll let up once winter passes, however, I can't say the same for my business. This Christmas is going to be pretty rough. There's too much competition here in Arendelle and my distant contracts ended up canceling. They were…intimidated of Arendelle after hearing rumors of Elsa destroying the entire Southern Isles' fleet. They didn't want anything to do with Arendelle."
Elsa paid close attention around the corner. She didn't mean to scare anyone, but they had to pay for coming to her home to harm it. She knew they were technically family through Hans, but she never approved of them after hearing Anna defend Hans shortly after the Great Thaw.
"Yeah and thank God they only think they're rumors. I actually saw what happened from a roof and those ships just got obliterated and then sucked into the earth. Tell you the truth I still get nightmares about what happened. I wouldn't want to cross someone as scary as her," the assistant said, catching everyone's interest.
The shop owner spoke in defense of Elsa, "They deserved what they got but yeah. I also had a few out of towners come by who ask and are curious about the Queen turned goddess."
Elsa backed away slightly, feeling very awkward and guilty how scared she made people feel. She never wanted to scare anyone. I can't stay here. I need to leave. Maybe if I just step out and greet them, they won't feel afraid of me anymore. She stepped out and smiled nervously, "Uh…hi."
The looks on their faces made her heart twist into a knot. They looked so terrified. The two men quickly muttered a few things. Hef whispered loudly, "Just be cool. Be cool."
Elsa just laughed and said, "Well… this is a little awkward."
The shop owner asked, "Where did you come from?"
Elsa answered, "I'm sorry for being so quiet. I came in shortly before they did and was checking your display. I really missed the smell from this bakery. It was always one of my favorite places since I was a little girl." This seemed to calmed the shop owner some, seeing her shocked face turn into a smile.
"Please don't hurt us. We didn't mean to offend you by what we said," the assistant blurted out. Hef elbowed him angrily and whispered through his teeth, "Quiet! Don't tell her what to do! She smite you!"
Smite? Elsa couldn't help but laugh at that strange word. "You should listen to your elder, young man. I'll SMITE YOU," she teased and the shop owner laughed with her, hearing how silly that word sounded. She looked back at the assistant like he was strange and asked, "Why do you think I would hurt you?"
Clearly embarrassed the men didn't really have an answer. Elsa smiled at them and said "Gentlemen…you have nothing to fear of me. I love Arendelle and everyone in it. You two look like hard workers and good men". They were still speechless so Elsa decided, "I'll pay for whatever they are getting." The shop owner smiled and took her money before she eaded for the door, but she stopped and looked back at Hef and his assistant. "You know, I did overhear that it was going to be a bit rough due to much competition. If you two fine gentlemen wanted you could relocate your business to my kingdom. We don't have anyone that does that. I mean if you would be fine to have someone as scary as me as a queen." she said smiling.
The men pondered this and Hef said, "This is too big to decide on immediately. We'll need to talk with our families, but your offer feels very promising."
Elsa said, "Well, why don't you come for a trip and check it out and then you can make a decision. After Christmas I will return and your welcome to join me."
This made the guys happy and they agreed with nods. The shop owner stopped Elsa before she left and mentioned, "I have a niece. She's responsible for most of what we bake here. She has been mentioning moving to a different kingdom to start her own bakery business."
Elsa smiled, "I would LOVE to have your niece in Ahtohallan."
"She'll be very excited by this." The shop owner said, "I heard what you did for Tim. You should see how happy he is being able to see again. He and his parents are very grateful."
Elsa smiled, "It was the least I could do for him after what he did for me. I'm not sure if you realize that Tim actually saved me from a rouge wagon driver by pushing me out of the way."
"Wow, so you two knew each other already," Hef said, captivated by this. "I came to the Goran's forge when Tim apprenticed for him. He's a good young man. He's got a future in forging. That's a fact."
"You should definitely stop by Goran's forge and see him, Elsa. Tim is now Goran's equal partner. His apprenticeship ended a few months ago."
This made Elsa smile and she said, "Thanks. I will. Merry Christmas!" As Elsa left, the three processed meeting the goddess for the first time. "Wow," the assistant exclaimed.
"You can say that again," the bakery owner laughed.
"Wow. Wow. Wow. I never met her before. She's more beautiful than the stories said," the assistant said.
"Easy there, lad!" Hef laughed, "She's a married woman! Kristoff Bjorgman is her husband!" His smile instantly disappeared when he noticed something strange in his leg.
His assistant asked, "What's wrong, boss?"
"The pain-! It's gone!" Hef exclaimed. He started walking like a young man again, laughing with joy.
Elsa walked down the street where the forge was, moved from its original location near the Market Square. The closer she got, the more she smiled. Tim was a very dear friend of her's. It was always nice to see him again. She glanced in the window to see Tim speaking with a few of his coworkers. Elsa walks up to the door and knocks.
One of the coworkers comes and opens it and sees Elsa, "HOLY SHIT!" He immediately covered his mouth and Elsa laughted, "It's okay. Is Tim busy?" The coworker pointed deeper in the store, speechless from her presence.
She entered and Tim's face lit up when he saw her. She walked up to him with a confident step and asked with a massive smile on her face, "How are you, Tim?"
Tim can't even talk he's just overjoyed to see her again. Elsa got closer to check each eye, "I thought a follow up with my favorite patient."
"Never better, Elsa. Thank you so much," Tim replied before shooting a look at the others, "I told you and did you hear that? She says I'M her favorite."
"Everyone's my favorite in Arendelle," Elsa spoke up.
"Yeah, but let's be honest…I'm your real FAVORITE," he whispered and winked.
She laughed lightly and pushed his face away, "Whatever you say, you little heart breaker." The others laughed and Elsa gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek, which almost made him melt right there, "I am very happy to see you hard at work and living the life like you wanted."
Time to fly by as Elsa hanged out in the forge with everyone. Finally, one of them asked, "May we see it? Your magic, I mean. Tim told us so much about your ice business years ago."
Elsa asked, "What they would like to see?"
He asked her, "What can you do?"
Elsa look at him and calmly responds with an attractive confidence, "Anything." This got a reaction from everyone in the room. Seeing them freak out made her laugh.
All of a sudden, across the street, Old Man Vladimir was heard shouting at children playing in the snow in front of his snow.
"Man, I hate that guy. He's literally the Ebenezer Scrooge of Arendelle. Allways killing the spirit of Christmas," a coworker complained.
"That's a fact," Tim agreed, "Remember him, Elsa? He always complained about you stealing his customers with your ice sculptures. Always finding an excuse to complain."
"Oh, him," Elsa remembered, losing her smile. "I lost count of the number of times he demanded I leave."
Tim and his coworkers all looked at each other and smiled before they looked at Elsa. "Perhaps, a certain goddess should teach the old fart a lesson?" Tim suggested mischieviously.
Elsa giggled, "I couldn't do that. That would be mean."
They all got close and on their knees with raised clenched hands as if praying to her, "Please. Please. Please, O Powerful and Beautiful Elsa. Please don't let another Christmas pass without giving him what he deserves."
"Yeah, seriously. That old fossil is such a jerk."
Fully laughing now Elsa walked over to the window held up her hand and looked over at them and asked, "Are you really sure?"
They all nodded and looked out the window as Elsa made a pile of snow fall off the roof of Vladimir's shop and onto him.
He got up all flustered and embarrassed and ran back into his store. Elsa laughed alongside Tim and all the coworkers. "GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!" Tim laughed, tears threatening to escape his eyes since he was laughing so hard.
"I have to admit…that did feel good," Elsa confessed.
"Uh huh," Tim smiled, "I vote we make this a Yule tradition. Elsa returns and drops snow on him yearly. Who's with me?" All the coworkers all raised their hands and shouted in eager unison, "Aye!"
Elsa shut them down immediately, "Arendelle is not a democracy." Everyone groaned with disappointment making her laugh, "Sorry, CHILDREN. I had a fun time, but I must be leaving. Merry Christmas."
Tim quickly asked her, "What could I do to repay you?
Elsa thought about it and asked, "Would you like to accompany me back to my Kingdom, Ahtohallan? I know Kristoff mentioned the farmers and the Ice Harvester Guild there could use a blacksmith of your skill. Would you be interested?"
Tim couldn't believe it and agreed, "Just name the time and place. I'll be there." With that, Elsa smiled and left. News of Elsa appearing at shops shoots around Arendelle. She was the talk on the streets and she started to see people waving and smiling to her as she walked over to the castle ready to surprise Anna and Hans who had no idea she was coming.
Anna, oblivious to the talk shooting around Arendelle, was still upset that she might not get to see Elsa this Christmas and moped as she walked down the palace halls and decided to step into Elsa's old room which had a view of the gates. She looked at the empty bed and furniture and realized how much she missed her sister, recalling all the precious moments they spent in this room as children before the accident and even as adults before Elsa became serious with Kristoff.
She looked out the window and walked away but had to do a double take because staring back at her was Elsa who was waving at her to come outside, as if Elsa knew Anna was in there. Anna ran like crazy, grabbing her cloak and ran outside. Suddenly the doors flew open and Anna ran out half crying tears of joy and shouting, "Elsa! You came! You actually came!"
Anna jumped into her making them both fall into the snow. Laughing, Elsa and Anna grabbed fistfuls of snow before throwing the cold powder at each other.
Anna quickly got up when Elsa put snow down her dress, screaming, "OH! Elsa! That's cold!"
Elsa still laughing just got up and dusted the snow off her the old-fashioned way and gave Anna a huge hug.
Anna said, "I didn't think I would see you here for the holidays. I thought you would be too busy with Ahtohallan."
Elsa just held her and replied warmly, "Nothing in this world means more to me then my family and my place will always be with you during the holidays. Let's go inside. I have gifts for you and Hans."
"Ooh! I love gifts," Anna replied with childish excitement.
(A/N: The next chapter will be the last and will explore the new kingdom of Ahtohallan.)