The Ice Behind Bars
Chapter XXVIV: A Reindeer's Friendship
As the three women sat on the table, each eating there preferable meal, Elsa's head went from right to left each time Anna and Rapunzel argued about who would teach Elsa to cook with Louis.
"I'm responsible on Elsa's food!" Rapunzel insisted while raising her hand in the air.
"But what will I do then?" Anna whined with a pout.
"Beats me. Find your own lessons. I take cooking." Rapunzel said with a shrug and took a bite of calamari.
Anna frowned, "If you took the cooking, Kristoff took the riding and animal friendship thingy, Flynn took the combat, Aiden decided Fishing, then… Can't I just teach her how to waltz?" Anna desperately asked.
Rapunzel gave her a serious look, "Really, Anna?... Dancing?... You don't even know how to dance yourself!" Rapunzel mocked, "Poor Brandon couldn't walk for four days when he tried to teach you how to waltz."
Anna glared at her and threw a broccoli at her in which Rapunzel couldn't help but laugh.
Elsa watched them, mostly not understanding what they were talking about, but she knew they were talking about herself. She was really anxious that she was going to spend more time with these men. She could only hope that things would turn good.
"Then how about… Planting?" Anna suggested.
"Bulda already took that." Rapunzel said as she munched on a piece of calamari again and Elsa smiled at the thought of spending time with Bulda.
"What?! Since when?!" Anna asked frustrated.
"She sent Zoey yesterday evening to tell me."
Anna's shoulders slumped. "Hmmm…" She tried to think of something else as she scratched her head with a fork that still had the broccoli on it. "How about…" She swayed her fork of broccoli, "Pottery?"
"That's for Brandon." Rapunzel said casually as she ate.
Anna was now desperate, "Hide and seek?! Tag!?"
"Zoey and the other kids called that out."
"Knitting?!"
"Waela."
"Origami?!"
"Also Zoey."
"Chess!?"
"Some woman… Denise maybe?"
"SERIOUSLY!? Since when everyone became so creative?! And when did they ever say that they'll do all that?!" Anna asked in frustration since she still couldn't find anything to teach Elsa.
"You and Elsa were having dinner when everyone who wanted to help decided to tell us and joined."
Anna stared blankly at Rapunzel in silence for a moment and the blonde in front of her was still eating calmly, then, "You have got to be kidding me." Anna said and slammed her forehead on the table.
Elsa didn't know what to say. What was chess? What was Knitting? What was Pottery?! And what the hell was Origami?! She was really worried now. She was going to be with a lot of strangers. Could she be able to handle them all?
Anna's head suddenly snapped up with a joyful gasp. She slammed her fist on the table and made both Rapunzel and Elsa jump in their seat. "ICE SKATING!" Anna shouted excitedly.
At that Elsa's ears perked up and her face lit up. Rapunzel slapped her mouth with both hands and tried desperately not to laugh.
Anna saw Elsa's joyful and excited face, "You like that, don't you?!" Anna asked playfully. Well, obviously! She is The Ice Princess after all.
Rapunzel let out a laugh.
Anna glared at her, "What's so funny?!"
Rapunzel wiped away an imaginary tear, "Oh god!... Y-You?!... Ice skating?!" She barked out another laugh and nearly fell backwards. "You're the Queen of Clumsiness! You don't know how to ice-skate!... Oh! O-Oh my!" Rapunzel couldn't take it anymore, she was really laughing and tears ran down her cheeks as she clutched her aching stomach. Anna gave her a death glare and started throwing broccolis at her but Rapunzel ignored all the vegetables and continued, "I-Ice skating needs… Grace and Poise!" She laughed again, "And we both know you lack both of those! Besides…" She slowly tried to calm herself down, "We'll have to wait till winter, or we have to go near the east mountain and we both know that it will take us two days to go there."
Anna raised a finger to protest and opened her mouth but when she thought about it and realized that Rapunzel had a point, she frowned and lowered her finger. "Okay, fine. You win this time."
Rapunzel shook her head, "Anna I don't mind if you wanna teach Elsa how to ice-skate but I just don't want her to end up decapitated." Rapunzel deadpanned as she giggled, "She's still needs some rest and she can't make it all the way to the mountains. Plus, her arm is still broken and I already told Flynn that his turn will come last. We'll start easy with cooking and playing with Zoey and all that, then we'll see this thing about bows and swords."
"But what am I supposed to do?!" Anna whined and made a pout but Rapunzel shrugged her shoulders.
Anna felt hopeless with this woman, so she decided to turn to Elsa, but Elsa shrugged her shoulders too. Anna then sighed and let her head fall to the table again.
A knock on the door grabbed the three women's attention. The door opened and revealed a skinny young man, Olly. "Uhm, Anna? Rapunzel?... I- uh…" He looked at Elsa cautiously, yet couldn't deny her beauty, "Uh…" He lost himself in a trance.
Rapunzel stifled a laugh as the boy nearly drooled. Anna raised an eyebrow at the young man, "Yoohoo! Earth to Olly! Do you copy?!"
Olly snapped out from his daze and smiled shyly, "U-Uhm… I have a letters for you."
Rapunzel got off her chair and went forward to take the letters. "Thank you, Olly." She said gratefully with a smile. Olly nodded happily then quickly turned and left.
Rapunzel went to the table and gave each of them randomly a letter, "We'll just read them together to see what these lunatics want." Rapunzel said and plumped herself in the chair and opened the letter in her hand as Anna did the same and Elsa nervously and awkwardly opened hers.
They want me to read this?! Elsa thought as she gulped nervously.
"Oh it's Bulda!" Rapunzel exclaimed happily, "She said that she'll start with Elsa next week."
"And this one from Denise!" Anna informed, "Oh! She wants to teach Elsa to play the lute too!" Anna let out a laugh. "Aww! I always wanted to play that!"
Elsa opened her letter and unfolded it. Her eyes darted around the writing randomly. She bit her lip as she stared at the piece of paper in her hands. This was going to be totally embarrassing for her.
Anna and Rapunzel turned to look at Elsa, "So what does it say?" Anna asked with a smile.
Elsa's eyes looked at Anna, then back at the paper, then back at Anna, to Rapunzel then back at the paper. Her eyes darted again on the writing and she gulped again, "U-Uh…"
"What? What's wrong?" Anna asked a tiny bit worried and confused.
Elsa then turned a bit red and she winced a bit at the paper.
Anna and Rapunzel's eyes grew HUGE in realization, "OH MY GOD! I FORGOT! How could I be so stupid?!" Anna exclaimed as she nearly jumped then slapped her forehead, "Elsa!... You can't READ!"
Elsa's cheeks were bright red now. She looked at the paper and all what she saw were Writings that, for her, were more like random drawings and lines.
"And you can't write!?" Rapunzel followed with a stupid question.
Of course she can't write if she can't read you stupid blondy woman! Anna thought as she mentally facepalmed at Rapunzel's silly question.
Elsa shook her head in denial and she felt utterly embarrassed. It wasn't her fault she was banned of doing all that. She haven't seen a quill and paper in years. And she was pretty sure that she had other things to concentrate on back in her cellar.
"How did we forget about all that?!" Anna said to Rapunzel. Elsa was locked away since she was nothing but a child and Anna couldn't believe how this really haven't passed her mind. Of course she doesn't know how to read or write! Anna gasped again as she realized how much Elsa lack of learning. Oh my god! She doesn't know anything! Anna then realized that Elsa lacked the most important thing: Knowledge and Education.
Anna and Rapunzel suddenly gasped in unison- and Elsa swore these Coocoos were doing a gasping contest- and turned to look at each other, "I call that!" They both said as they raised their hands.
"No way!" Anna said and poked the blonde's shoulder, "You got the cooking! I call teaching and tutoring Elsa!" She said and puffed her chest in dominance.
Rapunzel sighed, "Okay… You're probably right." She thought for a moment then she pointed at Anna's face, "But you have to let your mum help. You're not smart enough. She is. And we all know she is the smartest one in the fort… And the most knowledgeable and educated." Daaaa! She is a Queen! It's the least she could do.
"Got it!" Anna said and high-fived Rapunzel.
"You'll start first thing tomorrow. We promised Kristoff that it's his turn today." Rapunzel said and suddenly smirked at Anna, "Damn! Your boyfriend is really eager to introduce Sven to Elsa!" She said dramatically.
Anna gasped aloud and Elsa had her confirmation that they were really having a gasping competition. "He's not my boyfriend!" Anna shouted in shock and turned bright red.
Rapunzel wiggled her eyebrows, "I'll tell you just like I told someone dear to me…" She said as she placed a hand on her heart and closed her eyes dramatically, then, she opened them again, "First thing is Deniaaalll!" Rapunzel sing-songed and waved jazz hands.
"A-And who said you're a love expert?" Anna shouted back and turned redder.
Rapunzel gave her a 'Seriously, Anna? Don't deny it.' smirk. She turned at Elsa, "See, Elsa?" Rapunzel said as she pointed at Anna's face, "That's what a tomato looks like."
Elsa turned to look at Anna's face with her confused one. She tilted her head and raised an eyebrow in wonder, "Red?" She asked.
Rapunzel laughed, "Exactly!" And Anna sent her a death glare.
Elsa then turned amazed, "How do you do that?" She suddenly asked Anna.
Anna turned at her, confused too, "Do what?"
"That!" Elsa said happily in awe while pointing at Anna's red face.
"Just say 'Kristoff', Elsa and she'll turn red like a chameleon." Rapunzel joked and laughed harder.
"SHUT UP ALREADY!" Anna said and buried her crimson face in her hands and felt utterly embarrassed.
Elsa suddenly smirked as she remembered something. Rapunzel had her own Kristoff, right? "How about Flynn?" She asked Rapunzel and gave Anna an evil smile.
Anna recognize what Elsa was trying to do. Aww! She's helping me out!
Rapunzel's eyes widened, "F-Flynn?!... What about him? Yeah of course. I l-love him." She said and turned red too.
Elsa suddenly started to laugh lightheartedly at Rapunzel, and Anna couldn't get any happier, while Rapunzel forgot about her embarrassment when she heard Elsa's carefree laughter.
"HA!" Anna said as she pointed at Rapunzel's red face. "Wayta go Elsa!" Anna said as she playfully saluted her with a military gesture.
Elsa smiled back when she stopped her laughs.
I wonder what makes Elsa red... Anna thought.
Rapunzel shook her head at the two sister and chuckled, "Alright, you two… We should probably head to the stables. The boys are waiting for us."
The three women stood off the table and Elsa's excitement that she was walking alone didn't drain just yet.
As they made their way out of the room. The three of them forgot about the third letter that none did read, and didn't notice that it was from Tyler.
When they entered the stables, the first thing that Elsa saw was a weird looking horse with wooden sticks on his head… A reindeer. But Elsa never saw something like it before. She was really fascinated by this creature. She already knew what horses were, but she felt more pulled to this beast since it was different from any horse, just like she was different from every human being.
"Hey guys!" Kristoff greeted delightfully when he turned to see them. He was feeding Sven his daily morning carrots while patting the reindeer's head. He would have ate the carrot after the reindeer but he knew that it wasn't appropriate and especially in front of Anna… Even though the girl won Flynn in a burp contest.
"Hey boys! We're here for Elsa's lessons!" Anna said excitedly as she clapped her hands in eagerness.
"Now, now, Feisty pants." Flynn chastised, "She still need to get used to the horses first." He said as he brushed Maximus' smooth and pure white mane.
"Okay, Elsa…" Aiden started as he stood next to a pure black horse, "Meet Maximus!" He said as he pointed at the magnificent white stallion that stood tall and proud next to Flynn, "And this one is Ebony." He said, patting the mighty black stallion next to him.
Elsa never saw horses so beautiful and massive… Well… Elsa actually haven't seen horses in general since she was six.
"And this is Sven!" Kristoff introduced as he gave his reindeer a sideway hug.
"Sven…" Elsa tried the name on her tongue.
"Yup!" Kristoff said, "He's my best friend! Don't worry, he doesn't bite."
"Alright, Elsa…" Rapunzel started, "First you need to build your trust with the animal so you can mount them." She turned to Flynn and motioned for him to come forth.
As Flynn led Maximus towards Elsa, she could hear the horse's loud and confident hooves making contact with the coble stone of the stables. When the horse drew closer, he neighed in distress. She could see how big the beast was. She felt a bit unease, and she backed away a bit.
Flynn calmed the horse down with a pat on the neck. What's wrong with you boy?! It's just Elsa. "Don't worry Elsa he might be too confident in himself but he's harmless." Flynn assured.
Elsa looked towards Anna for assurance, and Anna nodded in encouragement. Elsa looked back at the stallion and smiled. She slowly approached the steed, looking at him in awe. Maximus neighed again, feeling uncomfortable and scared of the unnatural cold waves Elsa was emitting.
"Flynn, be careful…" Anna said a bit worried.
"Calm down…" Flynn whispered to the horse through gritted teeth while smiling at Elsa. What the hell is wrong with you?! He thought when he saw the horse lowered his ears back in nervousness.
When Elsa was now close to the horse, Maximus reared and nearly knocked out Flynn.
Elsa gasped in fear and she jumped away, "He's afraid of me!" Elsa said and felt disgraceful and woeful. I'm a monster… She stared down at her hands and clenched her fists. She started to shake her head at the horse and felt tears in her ears.
You're unnatural!... A Freak! Everyone will be afraid of you!
Elsa lowered her head and wrapped her arms around her middle. She knew her father was right, and the animal in front of her proved it even more.
When loosened, Maximus quickly backed away as much as he could from Elsa, snorting and nickering at her, not used to the cold at all.
Everyone was shocked at the horse's reaction and Anna quickly rushed to assure Elsa, "No, no, no, Elsa! He's not afraid of you! He's just not used to the cold, that's all!"
Elsa looked at Anna eyes, wanting to find any sign of fear and show herself that everyone really feared her, but she found none in those warm blue-grey eyes. She looked away from Anna and hugged herself more.
Kristoff felt heartbroken for Elsa. Stupid horse! I told them that reindeers are better than horse but they didn't believe me-… Wait. Reindeers? Kristoff's face lit up and an idea poked his mind. He turned to his best reindeer and finger-whistled for him. The reindeer poked his head up from his carrots and his face lit up at his master. He was about to run at him and lick his face all up but, "Oh no, no, no! Not me, boy." Kristoff stopped him and turned to point secretly at Elsa. Sven is used to the cold… He can manage Elsa's cold right? Kristoff thought.
Sven tilted his head in confusion at Elsa's sorrowful face and he could sense her sadness. The reindeer's face lit up again when he understood what his owner wanted. He quickly hopped happily and excitedly towards Elsa, feeling the cold, but ignoring it and actually loving it.
Anna was patting Elsa's back and trying with the help of Rapunzel to comfort her when the three women suddenly heard loud thuds of excited hooves. Elsa lifted her head in confusion to see what was making the noise but she was met with Sven's face as the reindeer licked her mercilessly and would have tackled her to the ground but Elsa quickly steadied herself.
Everyone's eyes widened in fear-except for Kristoff- knowing that Elsa would definitely freak out by suddenly being invaded by a reindeer and soaked with salvia. Oh, nonononono! Sven STOP! Anna was about to rush and remove the reindeer off of Elsa but Kristoff held her back and gave her a reassuring smile in which she returned in a worried and unsure one. Then all of their eyes widened when they heard it.
Surprisingly, Elsa started to laugh as she tried to calm the reindeer down and tried to dodge as much licks as she could but the reindeer was too excited. "S-Stop, Sven!... Stop!" Elsa tried to say as she laughed gleefully aloud and tried to back the reindeer away from her, but he was no longer following his Master's command, he was enjoying the company of Elsa.
Anna and the others watched happily in surprise. "Awwwwwwwww!" Rapunzel cooed at the two and clapped her hands.
Anna turned to Kristoff with a smile of disbelief, "This is your work, isn't it?" She asked with a smirk while pointing at the gleeful Elsa and the enthusiastic reindeer.
Kristoff grabbed his shirt with the tip of his fingers, gesturing that he had nothing to do with it, "I only whistled."
Anna smiled fondly and proudly at the man's kindness and warm heart and felt her own heart beat lunged herself at him and gave him a huge hug, "Thank you." She whispered in his ear. Why are you so amazing?
Kristoff's eyes widened when he was wrapped in a hug… By ANNA! He felt he was about to faint of happiness. His nervous hands slowly made it to hug back, "Y-Your welcome!" He said back in surprise. He was never ever close to someone and especially women and never even hugged anyone. Why are you so beautiful?... Wait, what?! He suddenly turned bright red and Anna broke the hug and was red as well, "U-Uh… Look! You… M-Made her happy!" Anna said as she tried to hide her blush and pointed at the delightful Elsa.
Elsa's eyes followed Sven since the reindeer was hopping and snorting in happiness around her and she couldn't help but laugh at the strange animal that reminded her of herself. Different and weird looking. As she motioned for Sven to calm down with her hands, Sven stopped his hoping and calmed down. Elsa smiled fondly at him. As the room turned silent, Sven slowly made his way towards Elsa again, sniffing her as he approached. Then he slowly approached his nose to Elsa's hand. Elsa didn't notice the reindeer's new approach, she was beaming at Anna like an excited child showing his mother what he just discovered. Elsa felt something touch her hand and her eyes widened before she quickly flinched her hand away and turned to look who touched her and she was met with Sven's face.
Everyone watched the two carefully, though Kristoff seemed calm and sure of what would happen since he only smiled and crossed his arms.
Elsa looked at her hand then back at the reindeer. Sven tried to approach again and sniffled her hand. "No, Sven." Elsa said calmly and sadly as she motioned for the reindeer to stay back from her hands, "I-I could hurt you… I don't want that." But Sven tilted his head in confusion and the others would have sworn that the reindeer understood since Elsa was talking to him as if she was talking to a human being. Sven shook his head, snorted and made a sad sound and bobbed his head as if motioning for Elsa to touch his nose. Elsa bit her lip and darted her eyes on the ground, wondering if she should do what Sven probably wanted. I can't do that! What if I hurt him! She looked back up at Sven and gave him a worried look, but Sven bobbed his head more and insisted. Elsa then bit her lip, turned her face away, cowered a bit, slowly held her shaking hand up for Sven's nose and she closed her eyes with the other hand, not willing to see how the reindeer would freeze and die right in front of her. Then… She felt Sven's nose on her hand and she let out a gasp but didn't dare remove her hand off of her eyes. He's frozen! He's dead! What did I do!? Before she could panic, she felt Sven's hot breath on her cold hands and the reindeer let out a satisfied and relaxed sound as he rubbed his nose more on Elsa's hand, loving the cold touch.
Everyone smiled sympathetically at Elsa. And they dare say that she wants to hurt us. Anna thought a bit angrily at the people who accused Elsa of being an evil person.
Can someone still be brave if he's afraid? Aiden thought. These past few days, Elsa have taught him something important; He have learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. A brave man was not he who did not feel afraid, but he who conquered and fought that fear. And Elsa was the one who have been trying to overcome her fears and tried her best to learn new things. Again, his admiration towards her grew.
Elsa, with her eyes still closed, moved her gloved fingers carefully on the reindeer's nose, trying to imagine what fur felt like. When she was sure that her ice didn't escape her gloves and could still feel the life of the reindeer next to her, she slowly parted her fingers so she could peek through. And to her surprise, the reindeer was well and happy, and not frozen and dead. He's not frozen! I didn't kill him! There's no ice! Elsa let out a loud breath of laughter and relief while rubbing and petting the animal's nose. Sven licked her hand and she giggled when she felt it tickle. She turned to Anna with a radiant, lip-parted smile, "Look, Anna! Look!" She called and her hand trailed to pet the reindeer's head, "No ice!... No ice, Anna! No ice!"
As if Elsa's laughter was contagious, Anna and the others giggled at her excitement.
Sven then licked Elsa's face again and Elsa felt greatly attached to this animal. She quickly wrapped her arms around the reindeer's neck and squeezed him- nearly choked him- in a hug as if she was hugging her favorite blanky or teddy bear, squishing her cheek with Sven's fur and felt tickles on her face. Even though the reindeer smelled horrible, she ignored it. "Good boy, Sven!" She cooed, "Good horsey!"
Everyone stifled a laugh since Elsa probably didn't know what a reindeer was. Kristoff quickly stopped his laughs, "I-It's a reindeer, Elsa." He corrected through his giggles.
"Reindeer!" Elsa repeated happily-even though she didn't understand what a reindeer was- and squeezed Sven tighter and Sven now had a 'Help me! I'm choking!' look and his eyes would have popped out.
Well… Looks like she loves animals. Anna shook her head in amusement at Elsa's behavior and she moved to stop her before the reindeer could get really strangled in her hands, "Okay, okay, big girl! Give the poor boy a break." Anna said as she motioned for Elsa to give him mercy.
Elsa's eyes widened in realization and she quickly let go of the reindeer and smiled apologetically at the animal whom she swore that he gave off a sigh of relief. "Sorry, Sven…" Elsa said and felt embarrassed as she patted the poor reindeer's head calmly, giving her apologies.
"When you get and feel better, I'll teach you how to ride him. Now… Do you know what makes Sven really happy?" Kristoff asked Elsa happily.
Elsa felt a bit unease as Kristoff spoke to her so she squeezed herself to Sven as if the animal would protect her. She shook her head, not knowing an answer for Kristoff's question.
"Well! He loves carrots!" Kristoff said and held a sack of carrots for her to prove his point and when Sven saw this, he couldn't stop hopping in place, wanting a carrot so badly.
"Carrots…?" Elsa tilted her head, not understanding what Kristoff was talking about and looked at Anna for explanation.
"Yeah!" He nodded in confirmation excitedly and grabbed a carrot from the sack to show it to Elsa.
Elsa mouthed an 'Oh'. So that's the orange thingy the women in the field were pulling from the ground! Elsa realized.
Kristoff held a carrot for Sven and the reindeer took a huge bite that took off half of the carrot, then Kristoff followed suit and munched the same carrot.
Rapunzel made a disgusted face, "Ew…" She muttered while Anna tried to hide her disgust with an uncertain and awkward smile.
That's… Interesting. Anna thought.
Sven jumped at Kristoff and nearly pushed him to the ground as he licked his master gratefully and showed him how much he loved him. Kristoff laughed and quickly tried to calm the beast down while Elsa watched in amazement at how much the reindeer loved this man. When the reindeer calmed down, Kristoff chuckled a bit then held a carrot for Elsa to take so she could feed it to Sven.
Elsa's eyes widened and she looked between the carrot, Kristoff and Sven in unease. She didn't dare turn at Anna. She could already sense the girl's smirk and she knew what the redhead wanted her to do. Why do they love to make me do this?!
Anna cleared her throat, "We're waiting." She teased and Elsa wanted to glare at her so badly.
Elsa took a deep breath before she took a peek at Sven, so she could somehow take assurance from him. The reindeer only stuck his long tongue out in happiness and waited eagerly for a carrot. Elsa took that as a 'Go ahead.' She swallowed then brought her hand up to take the carrot from Kristoff… Probably snatch it.
"Nice and easy." Anna reminded.
Elsa bit her lip and her fingers grabbed the tip of the carrot, far away from Kristoff hand. Kristoff let go of the carrot and backed away to show Elsa that there was no harm done.
Anna let out a laugh, "See! That's much better than before! At least we're not on the ground and soaking wet, right Elsa?" She said with a humored tone.
Elsa wasn't sure what to do. She eyed Kristoff cautiously for a moment before she looked at the carrot in her hands. They didn't hurt me… She thought as she remembered Aiden's kindness and now Kristoff's. Coocoos… Elsa then felt someone nudge her elbow and she turned to see Sven waiting for his carrot.
Elsa looked at the carrot then back at Sven. She smiled and held it up for him. Sven quickly bit the carrot and wagged his tail happily. Elsa let out a small giggle and then looked at the carrot in her hands, unsure of what to do next. She remembered that Kristoff munched on it after Sven. Did that mean she had to, too? What did it even taste like? What if it was like broccoli?! She scrunched her nose when she remembered the horrible taste. Though, Sven seem to love it. Elsa then shrugged her shoulders and went to take a bite.
Anna saw that and she hurried to stop her, "Elsa! Nononono! Not after the reind-" But it was too late and Elsa munched on it and froze, not knowing that the carrot was probably covered in reindeer salvia. Anna held her breath and quickly ran to hide behind Rapunzel since she didn't wanted to be covered in carrot remains too. Rapunzel shook her head and turned to hide behind Anna too, not wanting to be spat at like Anna before.
"What are you doing?! Stop it! I wanna hide behind you!" Anna said.
"Oh nononono! Not me! I don't wanna be covered in carrots!" Rapunzel said as she too tried to hide behind Anna.
The other men watched in confusion at the two women's strange behavior. Anna and Rapunzel decided to hide behind Aiden's huge body. "Just stay put, Oafy." Rapunzel said and patted his back while cowering behind him. Anna and Rapunzel then peeked from behind Aiden's shoulder and waited for Elsa's reaction.
Elsa's eyes were wide and she shuddered horribly at the salvia but as soon as the real taste of the carrot arrived, she suddenly relaxed and munched again… And holy cannoli! Her eyes grew wide again as she felt how INCREDIBLE this orange thing tasted! It was a nice, satisfying, slightly sweet, nutty taste and Elsa's tongue haven't tasted a sweet thing in years. Elsa then smiled widely and took another bite from this amazing new food. To hell with meat! This thing was much better than anything she ever tasted. Not that she ever tasted anything other than meat.
Kristoff laughed aloud, "Looks like I'm not the only one who loves carrots!" He said delightfully and beamed with pride.
How did she even managed to ignore the salvia! Anna thought as she stared jaw-slacked from behind Aiden.
"That's really weird." Rapunzel said as she shook her head in amusement at Elsa.
Elsa turned to give Anna a bite but Anna wasn't next to her. Her face turned confused and she looked around to locate her before her eyes landed on Anna's dumbfounded face. Elsa smiled and held the carrot for Anna to try it with a cute smile, even though Anna was like five meters away. How did Anna get over there so suddenly? Elsa didn't know.
Anna walked out from behind Aiden's and moved towards Elsa, "Awww! You wanna share? U-Uh…Oh no thank you… I'm good with neat and clean broccoli." She said as she giggled nervously a bit, "I don't actually like carrots anyway."
Elsa's hand was still held up with the carrot and her face suddenly turned blank… and determined.
Anna gasped aloud in horror as she realized what Elsa was doing, "Not that face again! Oh please, no! Have mercy! I don't like carrot!" She quickly hid her face with her hands, not willing to look at THAT DAMN BLANK FACE!
"Come on, Anna, it's only a carrot! And Elsa is just sharing it with you!" Rapunzel teased and Anna vowed that she was going to stuff the blonde's pillow with broccoli tonight.
She peeked through her hand and was met with Elsa's blank face again. Anna slapped her forehead and sighed in defeat. She slowly took the carrot from Elsa's hand and the princess smiled in satisfaction.
Anna looked at the carrot in unease and bit disgusted then bit her lip and gulped. She slowly took a bite and shivered at the taste she truly always hated. "H-Hmmm…" She hummed nervously as if she loved the carrot just to satisfy Elsa. "I-It's great!" She lied. Her eyes twitched and she couldn't hold it anymore. She spat the carrot on the ground and brushed her tongue with her hands, "Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew! I hate carrots!" She screamed.
Elsa suddenly burst into laughter and clutched her stomach as she pointed at Anna.
Anna looked at her in disbelief. She suddenly gasped when she realize something, "You did this on purpose!" She shouted and wanted to slap herself how she didn't figured it out. "How did you know that I hate carrots!?"
Elsa stopped her laughs for a bit as they turned to giggles and she pointed at Rapunzel.
Rapunzel waved with a smirk, "I told her when you were snoring like a pig at night and didn't let us sleep."
Anna gasped again and turned to Elsa with an evil smile, "I'm so gonna get you!" She warned playfully.
Elsa's face suddenly fell and turned afraid, she didn't expect Anna to be angry at her. She started to back away.
Anna saw this and realized what she did. "Oh my! Oh nonono! Elsa I'm just kidding! It's just like a metaphor? Wait!... That's not a metaphor! I don't know what I'm talking about!" She flailed her hands and giggled a bit at her rambling, "It's not like I'm gonna get you get you! It's more like… A playful joke or something like that we say for revenge." Her eyes widened, "N-Not that I want revenge or anything! What I mean is… I won't hurt you!" She moved towards Elsa to reassure her with a wide apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, I scared you. I sometimes forget that you don't like hearing these stuff." Since they probably remind you of when you were locked up.
Elsa's body relaxed.
Anna placed both hands on Elsa's shoulders and looked right into her eyes, "Now you listen to me carefully. I said and I will keep saying as much as you want, that I will never, NEVER, oh dear never hurt you!" She smiled widely, "Do you understand?" She asked gently.
Elsa nodded slowly. Though on the inside she was more than grateful that she really did trust Anna. What happened a minute ago was just a kind of reflex and an instinctive reaction. Give her a break! The poor girl was tortured and treated badly for years!
"Elsa…" They heard someone call her and both her and Anna turned to see Aiden.
"Please, Elsa… You have to believe us that we will never hurt you." He assured with an honest smile while pointing his hands towards his friends and himself.
"Yes, Elsa." Anna confirmed, "No one can ever hurt you again!" As long as I'm alive no will be able to hurt you. She added to herself.
The stable door suddenly opened and everyone turned to see Tyler standing in the doorway, "We need to talk." He said sternly to Anna and the other thieves, and gave Elsa a cold look.