The Ice Behind Bars
Chapter XXVII: Soaked Flowers
It was around seven o'clock in the morning when Elsa started to wake. Everyone else were utterly tired and were sleeping like bears in hibernation. The past terrifying nights had stolen away a lot of their sleep and everyone was exhausted. The calm and relaxing sun rays gently lightened the room a bit and the only sound that was heard was the rooster's crow.
Elsa slowly lifted her eyelids. These past days, she had learned to wake up without instinctively starting to panic, fearing that her father would be present with her, ready to hurt her like every time she woke up in her cellar.
Her eyes quickly shot wide though, but it wasn't from fear. She quickly lifted herself up in a sitting position, "Mama…!" She whispered to herself. She started looking around-her long, wavy and loose hair swinging as she did- to try and desperately locate her mother. That voice she heard was angelic and soothing. She would never forget that voice that had sang to her every night when she was little. She looked around and only saw the weird sleeping form of Anna and the peaceful one of Rapunzel, but there was no sign of her mother. She suddenly buried her head in her hands and forced herself not to cry. Of course she thought she was hallucinating again.
You killed her, Monster!... You killed her! She's dead! Never to return!
The haunting words repeated in her head. Elsa squeezed her eyes shut and tried to send away the dreadful words that would make her feel delinquent and sinful. After a moment, she opened her eyes groggily and lifted her head from her hands. She brought her legs to her chest and started looking around again. It was only then did she realize that the room was not familiar. It wasn't her room, it was another, bigger one. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and wondered why and how they were moved here. Then, she remembered the nightmare. She gasp slightly as the sounds of Mad and her father's voices and her screams of the nightmare were suddenly heard in her mind. She winced and closed her ears. No, no, no… Go away! Go away! She begged the sounds to vanish but they continued to torment her for another five minutes, turning the rhythm of her heart beat fast, before everything turned silent. When she was sure that there were no more voices and sounds, she slowly slid her hands from her ears and her eyes darted cautiously around, making sure that Mad wasn't here. She quietly sighed in relief when she felt a bit safe. She never had experienced nightmares when she was locked away, and that's because she was living a nightmare. She then turned to look at Anna, whom libs were tangled weirdly in the bed sheets and her hair was a mess. Anna let out a loud snore and Elsa couldn't help but smile lovingly at the woman. Elsa's eyes then wandered towards the rose. Elsa's eyes widened in awe when she saw it. The rose looked more beautiful than ever, and even bluer. Elsa then turned to get up quietly-not willing to wake the other women- and wanted to take a look at the amazing rose up close. She dangled her legs from the bedside and reached for the stick. Before she could get up, she stopped herself and raised an eyebrow in wonder. I don't need that anymore, right? She thought, looking at the stick in her hands. She bit her smiling lip, excited to try and walk without the support of that old damn stick. She placed the stick on the nightstand and readied herself to get up. She fidgeted in her seat, stuck her tongue out at the corner of her mouth and concentrated. She pushed herself up and her leg wobbled a bit and the only support she needed was her hand on the nightstand. When she was sure everything was fine, she slowly removed her hand off the nightstand and stood shakily straighter. Her lips formed a wide, delightful smile of excitement. I did it! She thought happily as she balanced herself. She then turned to look at her target… The rose. She started walking-with a bit of limping- towards the rose and she had the biggest excited smile on her face, just like a toddler who was learning his first steps. When she was a meter away from the table, she more like threw herself at the table edge and steadied herself. "Oof… Haha…" She laughed at her childish behavior. Then she saw it. The blue rose was so flawless and it stood all elegant and proud. Elsa brought her gloved hand and touched it in curiosity. She wanted so horribly to try and know what it felt like to touch it with her bare fingers. Elsa looked down at her hands and felt in the tiny tickle on the finger that she used to touch the flower. She then suddenly frowned. She wanted actually to know how everything felt to the touch. The wooden table, the bed sheets, the rose, the bread of the sandwich, the metal forks, the dirt, the grass… There was just so many things she wanted to let her real hands discover. Were those things smooth, silky and soft? Or were they rustic, harsh, rough and coarse like the stony floor of the cellar that her body had been always in contact with? She despised the leather barrier of the gloves that prevented her from accomplishing her desires. But she knew that it was for the very best. Removing her gloves? Yeah, right. Not even a second thought.
Elsa shook her head to relieve herself from such an impossible wish that was more like a miracle that would never ever happen. She returned her eyes on the rose and smiled. It was only then did she realize that something was missing. Elsa furrowed her eyebrows and looked around. Where's Zoey's flower?! She thought, worriedly. And poor Elsa didn't know that she had caused a chaotic blizzard at night that destroyed the plant completely. She darted her eyes around the room to try and find it, but after a moment, her shoulders slumped in disappointment and sadness when she couldn't. Maybe Anna knows where it is? She wondered and gave hope to herself. She turned back to the rose and her eyebrows lifted, "Water…?" She whispered and asked the rose. Her head slowly and nervously turned to the door. It was always Anna who had went out to bring water for the plants. Elsa tried to suppress a sly smile. Everyone was definitely asleep and she was just going to go out and bring some water. No harm, right?
She slowly walked towards the door and tried to reach for the handle. Her hand froze above the door knob. Was she really doing this? Was she really going to get out of the room without at least two people at her side? Her hand hesitantly lowered to grip the door handle. She turned it slowly and with every creak, she felt her heart beat faster. The lock clicked open and Elsa stifled a gasp. She took one more glance towards the sleeping Anna and Rapunzel, making sure they were asleep. It's only water… I'm not going anywhere else… Just to bring water for the rose… Just for the rose. Elsa then nodded to herself in determination and swung open the door slightly, enough for her to fit through.
And she was out.
Aiden sat on a barrel in the huge dining hall, thinking about what would make Elsa happy. He already awoke early since he was used to it, due to past quests and tasks given to him. Maybe she likes to fish? He thought desperately. It's been a whole hour since he woke up and he still couldn't find an idea for Elsa. Anything over exaggerating could turn to chaos regarding her specifically. So he was having hard times trying to find a simple way to make a tortured woman happy. It was a bit weird and strange to him. He had never met someone like Elsa. In both physical beauty, troubled mentality and vicious and cruel past. Now he understood why Rapunzel was so happy when Elsa started to at least soften to her. It really was the hardest thing anyone could ever do. Gaining Elsa's trust would be Heaven for him. Aiden groaned in frustration and buried his head in his hands, "Fish?!... Am I really that stupid?!" He said to himself angrily. How about… Take her to The Summer festival in Agrowen! His face lit up as he gasped joyfully but- There will be a lot of people!... Aaaaghhhhh! She can't go there! She'll be terrified! He let his head fall down in his hands again as he cursed himself and shook his head at his stupid idea. His eyes then widened when he heard light footsteps going louder and coming closer, but he suddenly heard a light gasp and the footsteps stopped. He quickly lifted his head and his eyes couldn't go any wider, "Elsa?" He called in surprise but he suddenly felt worried when he saw her face.
There, stood Elsa, holding a pottery water jar with eyes wide with shock. Her platinum hair looked even longer and more beautiful when loose. But what concerned Aiden that her brilliant eyes were suddenly full with fear. "Y-You're awake." He said nervously with a smile but Elsa stood frozen, unmoving and silent, and her face still showed utter worry and fear. He stood off the barrel and made sure he kept his distance from her, "L-Looks like you're one of those who wake up early, huh?" He asked and kept his goofy smile and Elsa kept staring. He started to get worried, wondering what she was thinking. His eyes widened in happiness when he noticed that Elsa was standing there without the stick, "I-I see you're walking!" He said happily, "That's great! It means you're feeling better!" He said cheerfully. Elsa suddenly started to back away fearfully, digging her nails in the jar and shaking her head at him.
Seeing this, Aiden accidently took a step forward, "No wait! D-Don't be scared. I won't hurt you. I-I swear!" He assured gently with the best honest smile he could put and still didn't realize what he did until now.
When Elsa saw him take a step towards her, she gasped in horror and she had one thing in her mind. She quickly released the jar from her hands and it came crashing to the ground, sending water and clay parts everywhere, and quickly turned to run back unsteadily to her room.
"Elsa, please wait!" Aiden called urgently but Elsa kept running.
Aiden groaned angrily at himself and slapped his forehead. I'm definitely dreaming… She would never trust me.
A few minutes earlier…
Elsa walked happily, staring down at the clay jar that was now full with water. Luckily, she didn't pass anyone and she was able to fill the jar from the kitchen safely. She then lifted her head to concentrate on her way but she stopped right in her tracks. Her eyes widened in horror and she gasped lightly in shock and held her breath. There was a man in front of her. She was all alone and there was a huge man with her! Anna wasn't there so she could hide behind her, nor Rapunzel. The man suddenly lifted his head to stare at her in surprise with his light green eyes that met her terrified cyans. Elsa cursed herself for the gasp she emitted since it drew the man's attention towards her. When the man lifted his head and revealed himself, Elsa recognized him as one of Anna's friends. Aiden was it? But she still didn't feel any less anxious. What is he going to do to me!? She thought in utter worry and fear. He didn't hurt her before but she presumed because she had Anna at her side, but now, she was all alone and vulnerable in front of him. "Elsa?" She heard him say and now she felt even more afraid since he recognized her and acknowledged her. Please don't hurt me! Please don't hurt me! The man got off the barrel and Elsa's heart stopped. He then started asking her question that her panicking mind didn't understand any of them. She was staring at him as if she did not even hear him. Elsa had one thing on her mind. I have to get away! Her mind wasn't even concentrating on his questions. The man seemed happy and nervous but Elsa didn't care about all that.
In Elsa's mind: She was alone. No protection. Nowhere to hide. A huge man. In front of her. Pain. And that was it! That's all what Elsa was seeing now. She started to back away fearfully. Get away! Just get away! You can still run from him! Get away! The man took a step forward and Elsa had it. No, please! She shook her head at him and he looked even more nervous and confused. I have to get away! He's gonna hurt me! I have to get away! She let go of the pot and it came down, crashing. She turned and started running, ignoring the minor pain in her legs and the cries of her name from Aiden. She tried to run as fast as she could back to her room, where Anna would greet her with a smile and protect her from men.
Elsa dashed inside the room and quickly closed the door behind her and backed away from it, panting and breathing fast for air as her heart thrummed inside her chest.
At the loud noise of the door, Anna and Rapunzel woke up quickly. Anna looked around rapidly and saw Elsa's horrified face. "Elsa?!... Elsa, what's wrong?!" She quickly got off the bed and ran to the terrified woman. Rapunzel quickly followed in worry.
Elsa was staring right at the door and probably didn't see Anna and Rapunzel. He's coming! He'll follow me here!
Anna furrowed her eyebrows when Elsa didn't turn when she called her. She placed a hand on Elsa shoulder so she could grab her attention but the minute she touched her, Elsa gasped and whipped her body towards Anna and recoiled and jumped away. "Woah, woah! It's me! It's me, Elsa!" Anna assured with a face now full with concern.
Elsa kept breathing fast a bit before she exhaled in relief and relaxed. Anna exchanged worried looks with Rapunzel and then she turned at Elsa, "Elsa, are you okay?! Did anything happen?! And- Oh my! Elsa's y-you're walking!" Anna's concerned voice turned happy by seeing Elsa on her feet without help.
Elsa felt utterly relieved when she saw Anna and Rapunzel. Now the bad men won't hurt her and she could hide behind the women. Hopefully.
"Elsa, what happened? You look as if you were racing a horse!" Rapunzel said, concerned, hearing Elsa's loud panting.
Elsa shook her head as her breath started to relax. She took a deep breath and pointed nervously at the flower, "I-I was just… g-getting some water… for the flower." She managed to say through her breathing.
Anna felt utterly happy that Elsa had the courage to at least get out of the room without them, but her happiness started to turn to concern when she supposed that something wrong must have happened when Elsa went out alone. Did they do something to her!? She thought in horror as she remembered the people that raged at the presence of Elsa in the fort last night. "Oh my god! Are you okay?! Did anyone hurt you!? Did anyone say anything to you!?" Anna showered Elsa with worried questions but at every question Elsa shook her head in denial and Anna turned confused. "Then what happened?"
Elsa averted her eyes, "I-I was walking back here… A-And I saw..." She thought for a moment, then, "A-Aiden?... A-And I had to get away! I was just…"
Hearing Elsa's explanation made them finally understand that she might have met Aiden on her way. Rapunzel and Anna already knew that Aiden would always wake up early. They don't need any further explanation to know that Elsa had freaked out when she saw him.
"Oh Elsa…" Anna said as she smiled sympathetically at the scared woman. She approached her and rested her hand on Elsa's shoulder to calm her. "I know that you're still scared, but Aiden or any man here would never hurt you."
Elsa lowered her head and hid her tears. How could she ever trust a man? She could barely trust women, save for Anna and Rapunzel. She tried, she tried, she tried so hard to at least relax at these men's presence but she couldn't at all. Her mind wouldn't allow her.
Anna exhaled sadly, seeing Elsa tears. She brought a hand on Elsa's chin and lifted the woman's head to look at her and she smiled sadly.
Elsa looked right into Anna's soothing eyes with her ashamed, apologetic and tearful ones. She never wanted to be a disappointment but hearing Anna's tone of voice, she knew Anna was disappointed in her being afraid. She didn't know why, but she somehow knew that Anna wouldn't hit her for her lack of trust and courage.
"Don't cry, Elsa." Anna said gently and felt happy that Elsa didn't flinch at her touch, "We all understand what you'd been through. I wouldn't expect you to trust anyone else just like that but…" She brought her other hand and brushed Elsa's tears away carefully then the platinum bangs off her face, "Can you at least try?"
Elsa's eyes left Anna's for a moment before they returned to look at Anna's smiling face. She smiled back weakly a bit and nodded slowly.
"Alright!" Anna said happily, "That's my Elsa!" She cheered and made Elsa blush lightly.
A knock on the door grabbed the women's attention and Elsa's fearful face was back again. The two thieves exchanged confused looks before Rapunzel made it to the door and opened it to reveal a nervous Aiden, holding a new clay jar of water.
Elsa gasped and quickly hid behind Anna, gritting her teeth fearfully.
Aiden saw Elsa and exhaled in relief, "Oh thank god, you're here! I thought you got lost or something." He said with a smile.
Anna smirked, "Is everything alright, Aiden?" She asked as if she didn't know what had happened.
The man's eyes widened and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, "I-I… I'm just here to apologize to Elsa… A-And…" He looked down at the jar and then held it up, "Uh… Here's the water for the rose. I-I guessed you didn't want the broken jar anymore so I brought a new one and filled it."
Rapunzel's smirk couldn't go any wider but Aiden ignored it. Anna's face softened. She was about to take the jar from him but she suddenly stopped as an idea popped in her head. She turned to look at Elsa from her shoulder with an evil smile and Aiden had a confused look on his. Just take it already! He thought, bracing himself for what was going on in the evil redhead's mind.
Elsa's face turned confused too as she saw Anna's smirk. Why is she looking at me like that? Elsa thought, and started to worry.
Both Elsa and Aiden's eyes widened in unison when they finally understood what Anna was about to do.
Oh no… Oh no, no, no, no! Elsa thought.
Rapunzel stifled a laugh since she already had an idea about what was going on in Anna's head.
Anna raised one eye brow at Elsa and Elsa quickly and nervously shook her head, pleading for Anna not to make her do what she wanted her to do.
Anna then turned with the same raised eyebrow at Aiden and he too shook his head. Don't make her do this you crazy woman! He screamed in his head.
Anna moved away so Elsa could see Aiden and she motioned for Elsa with her hand to go forth and take the jar from Aiden on her own.
Elsa's chest rose as she took a sharp breath and held it in nervously. She fidgeted with her fingers and her head slowly made it to look at Aiden. Her eyes nervously darted at him up and down and he couldn't feel any more awkward. Of course he wanted her to trust him, but he felt actually concerned about what Elsa's reaction would be.
"Come on, Elsaaa." Anna encouraged with a sing-song and tried to stifle a smirk.
Elsa bit her lip and gave Anna a wince, begging her not to make her do this.
Anna made a blank face, using Elsa's technique and pointed at Aiden.
Rapunzel watched in amusement. Why you sly, sly girl! She thought at Anna.
Seeing this, Elsa did recognize what Anna was doing now. The two had another silent conversation before Elsa frowned at the younger woman and silently sighed in defeat.
Déjà vu. Rapunzel thought.
Elsa turned to Aiden and she gulped nervously and took one step forward and Aiden held his breath. Oh god! He thought in both joy and worry.
Elsa was using her entire willpower to just move a muscle. She froze in place and her shoulders started to lift up.
Anna noticed Elsa's old habit of shoulder lifting and she decided to give her a shove of encouragement. She placed a hand on Elsa's back and gave her a gentle push forward.
Elsa wanted so badly to run back to Anna and hide right behind the girl and never move again, but she knew that Anna wasn't going to leave her alone before she could take the jar from that huge, dangerous buffalo. Her shoulders slowly started to lift again-without even her knowing- as she made her way to the man. Please… Just don't hurt me. She thought, worried.
Anna noticed Elsa's nervousness again and she knew what she was thinking of and she shook her head, "Elsa… Aiden won't hurt you. Right, Aiden?" Anna said with a remorseful smile.
Aiden quickly shook his head, "I would never!" He admitted.
When Elsa was a meter away from the man, she couldn't feel any more afraid. She tried her best not to tremble and luckily she succeeded. She then bit her lip hard and lifted her shaky hands slowly to grab the jar. Her eyes went from the jar to Aiden, making sure he wasn't going to lunge at her and hurt her at any second.
Aiden gave her a goofy smile and Rapunzel couldn't hold back the tiny giggle at the look on his face. I am so going to get you girls when I'm done with this! Aiden thought and vowed for revenge to Anna and Rapunzel.
Elsa's fingers touched the jar but she quickly recoiled her hands back to her chest and shook her head quickly, "I-I can't." She said to everyone.
Anna felt the room started to go cold but she shook her head, "Oh no you won't!" Anna said and approached Elsa a bit so she could encourage her, "Making the room cold won't save you from that task, Missy!" Anna scolded playfully.
Elsa mentally glared at Anna. As if she could even control her powers to stop that? Of course not! She was only scared and nervous.
"Come on, Elsa… It's just a jar. It won't bite." Anna teased with a smirk.
But he would. Elsa thought back as she stared cautiously at Aiden. She took a deep, shaky breath then lifted her hands again.
When they arrived, she quickly snatched the jar from Aiden's hands and the very tip of her gloved fingers touched Aiden's big hands and the poor guy felt his heart fluster.
Elsa took the jar and quickly backed away… More like jumped back and- "Ah!" Anna yelped as Elsa bumped into her and sent them both to the ground, sending water all over them.
Rapunzel couldn't take much anymore. She started to laugh loudly at the sisters, "O-O-Okay!... Y-You two really know how to make me laugh!"
Elsa fell on top of Anna and blew the air out of her sister's lungs as her elbow made it right into Anna's stomach and the water from the jar soaked both girls.
As they felt dizzy from the sudden impact, Elsa shook her dizziness away and removed her wet bangs that blinded her, off her face. Her eyes widened when she felt something underneath her. She gasped aloud and quickly moved off of Anna and sat right next to the girl, "Oh my god! I'm so sorry! Are you okay?!" She asked in concern and Anna replied with a moan of pain. Without thinking, Elsa helped Anna up to a sitting position… Using her HANDS! Midway up, Elsa realized what she was doing and she quickly let go and made Anna fall back dizzily with a thud. "OOF!" Anna muttered when she contacted the puddle on the floor and this time she grunted.
Elsa gasped again, "Oh God!... A-Anna? I'm sorry! M-My hands!" She showed Anna her gloved hands to show her point, "T-They are dangerous! I Just… I can't-"
Anna suddenly, still lying on the ground, started to laugh.
Elsa stopped her rambling and forgot that she and Anna were soaking wet. She stared dumbfounded at the redhead that laughed like a drunk person. Elsa started to fear the worst. She supposed that Anna might have hit her head hard and lost her mind.
Anna then pushed herself up on her elbows and gave Elsa a wide smile in which Elsa returned with an unsure one. "Well," Anna said and rubbed her forehead, "At least that's a start." She said and Elsa understood that the woman was talking about Aiden and the jar. "Maybe next time you'll do it without sending us to the ground or showering us with water." She deadpanned.
"Are you okay?" Elsa asked again and she tilted her head up and inspected Anna's head from any injuries.
Anna waved a hand at her, "Don't worry, I'm fine. It looks like I'll keep being covered in things with you though. First broccoli, now water!" Anna joked as she laughed and made Elsa feel embarrassed. "Besides, you're soaking wet too!" Anna said, pointing at Elsa's wet hair and continued to laugh harder.
Elsa's irises looked up as if she was seeing her hair. She brought a hand to touch her hair and felt the water through her already wet gloves. "Water is for flowers." Elsa mumbled to herself then looked at Anna, "That makes us flowers, right?" Elsa said with a wide, innocent smile.
Anna suddenly gasped. Did Elsa just… complimented us? She then got up and helped Elsa up on feet. She smiled fondly at Elsa, "A beautiful, sweet flower." Anna said softly and complimented back as she looked right into Elsa's eyes.
Aiden stared in disbelieve at Elsa as he smiled warmly at her. She's just so… Nice! How could someone so innocent and pure be locked away?! Why was she locked away?! Why!? Why?! Why?! He wondered how eminent and great she would have turned out if she was allowed to live her life normally as a child. She wouldn't have been afraid. She would have been brave and strong. Not that she already wasn't. Elsa was able to survive what she been through and still kept her hope on having a normal life. In some way, he admired and respected her courage. Although she mostly showed she was utterly terrified of things, he did not mean that kind of courage. Having hope and keep carrying on with her life, despite the huge amount of horrible things that accompanied her through it, was the greatest courage that Aiden have ever seen. Any other person would have strangled himself with his chains if he was in Elsa's place. And for a Princess like Elsa, he would have done more than just to bow in respect for the royal. Chapeau bas more likely. He felt a tingle in his hand where Elsa's finger had touched him, and his other hand was brought distractingly to brush the spot.
As the two sisters giggled with each other, Rapunzel stared at Aiden and shook her head in amusement at the poor man who was definitely lost in thoughts. Damn!… You got it BAD, Oafy! You… Got it… Bad! Rapunzel thought and she let out a giggle, snapping Aiden back to attention.
Aiden looked over at her in confusion, "What?" He asked innocently.
Rapunzel had a mischievous smile and she pointed with her eyes towards Elsa.
Aiden's eyebrows lifted in surprise, "I got it bad don't I?" He asked with a worried look, making sure none of Elsa or Anna heard.
Rapunzel nodded excitedly in confirmation.
"T-There's still a lot of time." He whispered to Rapunzel, "It might never even happen."
Rapunzel frowned at his lazy optimism and she whispered back, "Learn to have hope and courage like Elsa then." She said, making him stare at her with a mouth slightly open. She then gave him one last smirk before she moved towards the other two women.
But I don't care about that. As long as she's happy, I'm great and that's enough for me. He thought, satisfied when he looked towards Elsa, Anna and Rapunzel to see his favorite girls smiling and laughing.
"I- Uh… Sorry to interrupt you girls." He started sheepishly, "I'll just go now and bring you some towels and call for Ferga to clean the water up." He looked towards Elsa and smiled warmly, "Again… I'm… I'm really sorry Elsa for scaring you like that. I didn't mean it. I-I'll just go now and bring another jar. Third time's a charm, right?" And with that he gave them a friendly wave and turned to leave.
Anna frowned in confusion at Aiden's slightly sad behavior. What's wrong with him?
Rapunzel mentally shook her head at him sadly. Children… They never learn.
"Thank you."
Aiden's eyes shot wide when he recognized the voice. It wasn't Anna's… It wasn't Rapunzel… Then it only meant one thing. He quickly turned to see Elsa standing nervously behind Anna, but he knew that it was hers. His face lit up in the most joyful manner and he smiled widely at her, "Y-Your welcome!" He said happily. "I-It was just a jar and all… A-All what I had to do was to fill it with water, not like it's a hard task or anything- annnnd I should stop. I-I better go now! Uh… Bye!" He said and blushed hardly in embarrassment before he practically stumbled out of the room, feeling his heart would burst out at any second. It was a simple, modest 'Thank you.' But who cares?! Elsa talked to him! Not that it was a talk, since they were only two words but still… WHO CARES!? He was in utter joy.
As he ran outside, on his way to nowhere in particular, he grabbed a nearby member of the guild, bear-hugged him and lifted him off the floor, "SHE THANKED MEEE!" He said joyfully and didn't care about the weird and confused looks the man was giving him as if he was looking at a maniac. He placed the dude back on the ground and continued running, "YEAAAAHH!"
Anna's head slowly turned to Rapunzel, "Now that was weird." Anna said, hearing Aiden's joyful shouts.
"Don't mind it. He's just a crazy man." Rapunzel assured and waved her hand, dismissingly.
Anna then shrugged her shoulders to herself and turned to Elsa, "I'm so proud of you." She said with a warm smile.
Elsa heard the man and could only think of one thing: Definitely Coocoos… Elsa's eyes turned from the door to meet Anna's. She smiled back and felt a wave of pride and happiness overwhelm her.
"You. Are. One. Brave. Woman." Anna said and tapped Elsa's nose and made her giggle lightly.
Elsa still had good manners of course and a simple thank you wouldn't hurt. Even though she used her entire might to just pronounce those words to the man. But after hearing his sad tone of voice, she just couldn't allow anyone to be sad because of her, even if she wasn't sure at all if the man had good or bad intentions. She had a pure heart, anyway.
Anna looked down at her clothes and then at Elsa's, "We should probably change." She noted, "Ferga will come after a few minutes and clean that up and she'll be bringing us the towels." She said, pointing at the puddle and the shards of clay on the ground.
"Yup! You two should change. I think the boys we'll be waiting for us at the stables." Rapunzel informed and reminded.
The stables? Elsa thought, wondering why the hell they were going to the stables.
"We'll have breakfast first." Anna suggested and turned to Elsa, "You still have to eat to put some meat on those bones." She joked with a playful smile. Only then did Anna notice that Elsa stood much straighter than when she was using the stick and she realized that Elsa was a bit taller than both her and Rapunzel.
She hoped that Elsa stood straighter because the heavy, bad memories and thoughts were finally starting to lift off of the poor princess's shoulder and not just because she stopped using the stick. But wasn't the relief of the stick a sign that Elsa was finally starting to recover?
Well… She can only hope.