Chapter: 2 The Nanny

Arendelle's blustering winds carry on throughout the night. Lush trees are stripped of their oldest leaves, prompting fresh ones to start budding. Choppy waves ripple across the fjord and there's a chill in the air. Early that morning, a powerful gust continues to surge from the east. Amidst the windy atmosphere, a steady figure drifts among the clouds. It descends throughout the morning air and glides down on the eastern winds. The figure's steady flight guides it over several homes and winding streets. A pair of mid calf, black boots land against a cobblestone walkway. Their wearer pauses and closes the very umbrella she's soared in on.

The winds fluctuate as this stranger lowers her umbrella. Her white-gloved hand clasps its parrot-headed handle. She carries it alongside a floral-patterned carpet bag and makes her way down the quiet street. Most of Arendelle is still asleep as she traverses its windswept pathways.

Contrary to their slumbering peers, early risers are on the move to start their days. Fishermen head to the docks, ice harvesters make for the mountains, and a florist tends to her shop. The winds rattle her wind chimes and rustle the flowers outside. Her curly black tresses bob as she scurries to secure her displays. She makes sure her floral 'children' are fastened down and returns indoors. A lantern's glow highlights her golden dress. The bright, sunny fabric lays juxtaposed against her dark olive skin. The florist starts watering her flowers when a figure looms by her window sill. It pauses beside a pot of daisies as the florist notes its stature. She squints with curiosity and cautiously lowers her watering can.

"No puede ser," the florist whispers and inches forward for a closer look. "Can it really be?" Her hazel eyes widen at the figure's wide-brimmed hat. "I could never forget that silhouette," she says. "But something's missing." She reaches into the nearby pot, plucks out a pair of daisies, and gently adds them to the stranger's hat. The florist gasps and staggers back. She's overwhelmed with so much joy that she can hardly speak. She stands with mouth agape as the hatted woman slowly turns.

"Now Lupe," the stranger says. Her soft-spoken tone is like medicine on the ears. "I know I taught you better than that," she teases. Wavy brown locks lay tucked beneath her hat. Her bright blue gaze is as attentive as it is kindly. "Close your mouth. We are not a codfish."

Lupe obliges but cannot conceal her giddy snicker. Her suspicions are proven right as she celebrates with arms spread wide. "Mary Poppins!" she rejoices. "It is you!" Lupe nearly trips trying to vault out her window. She stumbles towards Mary as the two share a tender embrace. "Te extrañé," Lupe sighs.

"Igualmente," Mary answers as they part from their hug.

Lupe glances at Mary from head to toe. "But you look...different from how I remember you as a girl."

"Like the changing winds-" Mary explains. "-I am what and where help is needed."

Lupe gulps grimly. "Is Arendelle alright? It may not be my home kingdom, but it doesn't mean I won't protect it."

Mary smiles softly and places a gentle hand on Lupe's shoulder. "This land will fine," she assures. "I'm only here to return something." She waves a hand across the street. "This way to the castle, yes?"

"Sí," Lupe says.

"Thank you, dear. And thank you for the flowers." Mary straightens her hat and makes her way down the cobblestone walkway.

She's only started walking when Lupe calls out, "Mary-" She glances back with curious, luminous eyes. "Welcome back," Lupe says. A cheery smile forms between Mary's rosy cheeks before she continues on her stroll.

Servants commonly brought breakfast to the royal family. The king and queen were often busy before sunrise, leaving Anna to bond with Kai or Gerda. This morning, Iduna had gone out of her way to make sure she brought breakfast for her daughter. She'd put whatever she had to on hold if it meant trying to smooth things over after the previous night's dinner. Iduna had even given the cooks a break and fixed Anna's breakfast herself. She approaches the princess' door and gently knocks on it.

"Anna?" Iduna inquires. She imagines that the ensuing silence means she's still asleep. Thinking that she'll surprise Anna in bed, Iduna gingerly turns her doorknob. Her heart sinks when she realizes it's locked. "I'm not used to them both being like that," she mumbles to herself. Her head tilts when she hears something shuffle from inside. "Anna?" she beckons. "Are you awake, sweetheart? I'm so sorry about last night. I don't know if this can make up for it, but I hope it's a start. I made chocolate pancakes! Your favorite!" Iduna drops her smile and presses her ear to the door. She hopes to hear something...anything as her daughter remains silent. As the quietness seems to stretch on, Iduna slouches forward.

"Your majesty," Kai calls from down the hall. "You're needed downstairs."

"But the meeting isn't until-" Iduna pauses when she notices Kai's bewilderment.

"It's not about the meeting, my queen," he says. "There's a stranger at our gates."

Iduna furrows her brows but ultimately obliges. "I'll be right there," she sighs and turns to the door. "Anna," she says. "If you can hear me, please just know how sorry I am. I'll leave these pancakes for you outside and I hope we can talk soon. I love you, my little crocus."

Iduna sets the pancake tray down and covers it. Once she departs from the hallway, the door to Anna's bedroom gingerly unlocks. Anna pokes her head out and discreetly grabs the tray. She's still upset over the previous night, but overhearing Kai's statement has her curious. "A stranger at the gates?" little Anna questions while munching on a pancake. An idea dawns upon her when she realizes she might be able to see them from her window. The princess scurries up to her sill and squishes her face against the glass. Anna groans frustratedly, as all she can see is a pair of guards peering down from the wall.

"As I said," Mary Poppins clarifies. "I'm merely here to return something."

The guards raise suspicious brows and glance at once another. The taller, bearded guard has had enough of her shenanigans. "Yet you won't tell us what it is you're returning," he says. He and his partner descend down a set of stairs and confront Mary face to face. "Not just any stranger can have an audience with the king and queen, you know."

"Then let us not be strangers," she quips and extends a hand. "Mary Poppins. And you are?"

"Lars," he mutters and stares her down. He carefully shakes her hand and peers at her belongings. "What's in the bag, Miss Poppins?"

"Only the basic necessities," she insists. "No more. No less."

"Mind if we take a look?" Lars inquires.

"By all means," Mary answers with a cheery smile.

"Ruth," Lars calls and his partner takes Mary's carpet bag. Ruth unfastens the seals and scours its contents with an inquisitive, emerald gaze. Her search is oddly brief and has Lars craning his neck. "Something wrong?" he asks.

"It's empty," Ruth reports and tilts the bag in his direction.

The guards glare at Mary Poppins as she simply shrugs. "What could you possibly have to return?" Lars asks. "The bag itself?"

"Oh no," Mary denies. "I assure you the bag is mine."

"She's mad," Ruth whispers to Lars.

"It isn't polite to gossip, Ruth." Mary says and the guards freeze. "Nor should you be slouching, Lars."

"I beg your pardon?" Lars grumbles and grouchily puffs out his chest.

"Much better," Mary smiles and compliments his corrected posture.

"Guards?" Iduna calls from beyond the wall. "What's going on?"

"There's a woman here claiming she has something to return," Ruth hollers. "Only she doesn't seem to have anything, your majesty."

"Never judge things by their appearance," Mary intones and tilts her hat.

"Well let her through," Iduna insists. "Agnarr and I can resolve this."

The guards reluctantly oblige and ascend to open the gates. After doing so, Lars can't help but question his partner. "Ruth," he murmurs. "Do I really...slouch?"

The rising sun sets Mary's royal blue dress aglow. Its rosemåled patterns catch Iduna's eye as she wonders who the visitor is. Mary tilts her head up and notices the tiara nestled in Iduna's brown locks. She curtseys before the queen and says, "Good morning, your majesty."

Kai steps beside her and prepares to make formal introductions. "Presenting, Queen Idun-"

"It's okay," Iduna assures and dismisses him with a wave of her hand. "There'll be plenty of formalities at the upcoming delegation." There's a hint of dread in the queen's voice as she thinks about all of her work.

"Iduna?" Agnarr beckons from the foyer. He steps out towards the courtyard and asks, "Who is it, dear?"

Their visitor curtseys again and says, "Mary Poppins, your highness."

"Poppins?" Agnarr murmurs and looks to Iduna. He furrows his brows and contemplates if he they've met before. Iduna's innocent shrug reassures him otherwise.

"I understand you wanted to see us?" Iduna inquires.

"Does this have anything to do with the trade treaties?" Agnarr adds. "If so, all delegates are meeting in the council chambers. Kai can show you to it if you'd like."

"That won't be necessary," Mary assures. "I've only come to return something. I believe this is yours?" Mary reveals a swan feather between her fingers. While Agnarr seems perplexed, a mystified Iduna steps forward.

"Where did you find this?" the queen asks.

"Along a nighttime breeze," Mary answers. "I figured someone must've misplaced it."

"Iduna," Agnarr whispers behind a wavering smile. "That could be any feather."

Iduna shakes her head and concentrates on its pale glow. "No, dearest," she utters through her bewilderment. "This is my feather. But I gave it to my daughter."

"Things can still be misplaced despite our best intentions," Mary says. "Even little feathers."

Agnarr purses his lips but tries to tone down his skepticism for his wife. "King Agnarr...Queen Iduna," Kai calls from the doorway. "The other delegates are ready for you."

"The meeting," Agnarr intones and brandishes his best, fraudulent smile. "Well Miss Poppins, thanks for the...erhm...feather. But we really must return to our kingdom's affairs." The king notices his queen's worried expression and rubs her back. "Iduna? What's wrong?"

"It's Anna," Iduna says. "I tried to take some extra time this morning to talk to her, but it looks like things still caught up with me." Iduna looks to Kai and asks, "Can you spend some time with her?"

Kai swallows hard. "You know I would at any other moment, but you need me at this meeting, remember?"

"Then Gerda can be with her." Iduna blurts.

"Gerda is scheduled to clean the-"

"Leave things dirty," Iduna frets. Her hastening breaths have Agnarr holding her hand. "Just find someone to spend time with her and-"

"Queen Iduna," Mary says. "It appears you may be in need of a nanny. Perhaps I could be of assistance."

"A nanny?" Iduna considers and looks into Mary's eyes.

"Thanks, but we're alright." Agnarr insists. "Come on, dear. I'm sure Anna won't mind a few hours by herself." Agnarr raises a brow when Iduna doesn't follow. "Dear?"

Iduna can't quite figure it out, but there's something special about Mary Poppins. As she looks into the woman's eyes, she feels like those deep blue pools are telling a story. Mary's gaze is enchanting and has Iduna feeling like she's back in a home she's long forgotten. She recalls the magic she experienced in the Enchanted Forest and feels melancholic at the thought. She remembers when magic was revered and embraced, not feared and locked away. If Mary reminds her of the magic she felt among the Northuldra people, she wishes to invite that energy back into her home.

"Queen Iduna?" Mary calls and snaps Iduna free of her rumination. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," the queen mumbles while trying to understand Mary. A curious smile forms across her lips as she asks, "Would you mind looking after Anna?"

"Iduna," Agnarr intones. "Can we talk about this?"

"Your majesties," Kai calls. "Not to rush you but...the meeting?"

"Just a moment," Agnarr pleads and leans towards his wife. He huddles with her as they whisper to one another. "We don't know who this woman is nor what her true intentions are. It's suspicious. Especially with the Duke of Weselton's arrival and-"

"I know," Iduna sighs. "But I just...feel like there's something special about her."

"I felt like there was something special about that chocolate cake last week," Agnarr adds. "But should I have eaten the whole thing in one sitting? No."

"No one should have eaten that much cake in one sitting, Agnarr. We need to talk about your chocolate addiction."

"That's beside the point," the king huffs. "We have other servants. I'm sure someone can see to Anna."

Mary Poppins tilts her head with intrigue and watches the couple trade sharp whispers. "Agnarr," Iduna says. "I need you to dig deep down and look at me with all of the love in your heart."

"But I already do," the king defends. "Each and every day."

"Then I need you to share that loving gaze with others," Iduna pleads. "Because there is something special about this woman. I can just feel it. So please...in the name of all we've been through...trust me to trust her."

Agnarr looses a heavy sigh but ends up nodding. "Oh alright," he says.

The royals turn back to face Mary, who's been patiently awaiting their response. "We'd greatly appreciate your help," Iduna says.

"It'll only be for a few hours anyway," Agnarr adds mostly to convince himself.

"You'll find Anna's bedroom in the west wing," Iduna instructs. "Take the stairs up from the second great hall." Kai is urging the royals to head to their meeting as Iduna hollers, "Thank you!"

Mary sighs as she's left standing in a tranquil silence. Once she's ready, she enters the grandiose foyer of Arendelle Castle. The polished floorboards hardly creak as she treads across them. Sunlight shines in from the doorway and highlights the rug's intricate patterns. The pleasant aroma of perfume fills the quiet air. Despite such regal beauty, Mary observes how eerily vacant the castle is. The staff is nearly non-existent and the ticking of a nearby clock seems to be the loudest sound in the room.

Seems to be.

It isn't long before a distinct shuffling echoes from behind the couches. Mary's head slowly turns as one of the seats shifts. She playfully raises a brow and proclaims, "I think there may be a ghost in here."

A subtle gasp heralds the swift patter of little feet. The footsteps dart out of the foyer and slip into the next room. Mary takes her time and follows her spy towards a winding set of stairs. Her wide-brimmed hat snaps as she peers up at the young princess. Anna's bright eyes are looming over the uppermost railing, curious over the stranger's intentions.

Mary makes eye contact and offers a gentle smile. Her gaze drifts towards the nearest set of railing and...she actually sits on it. Anna barely has any time to be confused as Mary suddenly ascends via the railing. The princess can't decide whether to be awestruck or terrified. Mary's just drifting up the spiral stairs like some supernatural specter. To make matters even more alarming, she's just sitting there...smiling and staring at Anna. The child backs away from the railing and scrubs her eyes in disbelief. She shakes her head out of sheer denial and scrambles back towards the stairs. Her heart sinks when Mary is gone and the railing is as vacant as any other day.

Only then does Anna hear a sudden creak beside her as Mary leans over. "Have you lost something?" she asks while glancing down as well.

Anna yelps and stumbles back. "But...how?" she utters and points towards the stairs. "You were down there. And then you sat on the-...but then you-...and-...wait, what?"

Mary overlooks the child's confusion and kneels beside her. She focuses on her first question and continues. "I believe this is yours?" Mary withdraws the swan feather and holds it up to Anna's face.

The princess gasps. "Hey," Anna says. "That's the feather I-...But how did you get it?"

Mary places the feather in her hand and says, "Lost things have a way of finding me. Or perhaps it's the other way around. Vise versa and such."

Anna observes the feather and tries to hold on to the meaning her mother bestowed. "Who are you?" she asks.

"Mary Poppins."

"Poppins?" Anna giggles at the name until Mary glares. "Sorry. It just...sounds like puffins."

Mary smiles faintly and answers, "I suppose it does, doesn't it? You must be Princess Anna."

"How do you know my name?" she asks until her imagination gets the best of her. Anna nervously leans forward and asks, "Did the feather tell you?"

Mary chuckles and shakes her head. "Your parents have assigned me to be your nanny for the day."

Anna raises a suspicious brow until a deeper sorrow takes hold. "I guess that means they're busy then," she murmurs.

"It does," Mary affirms. "But come now. We'll be quite busy ourselves." She offers a hand to Anna and asks, "Would you like to show me to your room?"

Anna stares at Mary's empty palm. She yearns to grab it at first, but the sting of rejection creeps within. She recalls how even her mother's promises to spend time with her aren't guaranteed. Rather than take Mary's hand, she steps ahead and grumbles, "This way."

Mary follows Anna across the castle's vacuous halls. Shadows consume empty corners as Mary notes the ceaseless rows of closed curtains. As they head upstairs, Anna reluctantly opens the door to her bedroom and lackadaisically gestures inside. "Here we are," she groans.

Mary struts in and observes her cozy surroundings. Her inquisitive stare lists from Anna's unmade bed to her pile of unfolded clothes. Something thuds against Mary's boot and she glances down with furrowed brows. She observes a pair of smiling dolls at her feet. While each wears their own unique dress, one of the dolls is fashioned to look like Anna. Rotund tufts of orange yarn stretch to represent her auburn locks. The second doll piques Mary's curiosity as she examines its blonde hair. The doll's blue dress sways as Anna scoops both toys up.

"Careful," the princess warns while cradling the dolls. "You almost stepped on them!" She gently kisses their heads and sets the dolls on her nightstand.

"Right then," Mary says and catches Anna's attention. "Time to see how you measure up." The princess cranes her neck as Mary pops open her carpet bag. Her nanny grins before plucking a tape measure out. She struts up to Anna and takes a knee. "Now hold still and make sure to keep your head nice and straight." Anna obliges and feels Mary press the measuring tape to her head. She shudders at the sound of it suddenly gliding behind her. "Hold still," Mary intones. "Almost done." Anna huffs impatiently as Mary withdraws with her measurement. Her nanny's affirming hum has her stomping a foot.

"What?" Anna asks.

"I figured as much," Mary says while reading the tape measure.

"Figured what?" Anna blurts. "Tell me!"

"Feisty and impatient," Mary reads and looks at her.

"Am not!"

"There's the feistiness."

"Can we just do something else already?"

"And there's the impatience."

Anna crosses her arms and pouts. "What kind of measuring tape is that anyway?" she mumbles. "I bet it doesn't even say what you said." Mary holds the tape up so she can read 'Feisty and Impatient' for herself. "Oh yeah?" Anna bumbles. "Well...um...it's obviously broken."

A sudden shuffling in the hall catches Mary's attention. She tilts her head towards the sound and sets her measuring tape on Anna's nightstand. While Mary investigates the sound, the princess flashes a devious smirk and snatches the tool for her own use. Gerda's out in the hall, desperately trying to water several plants. "Oh dear," the servant whispers. She worriedly caresses its wilting leaves until she feels the presence of someone behind her. Gerda finches for a moment and says, "I'm sorry. I didn't see you there Miss-"

"Poppins," Mary says. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm afraid not," Gerda admits. "Everything must be perfect for the royal delegations, but our floral decor isn't holding up."

Mary hums in thought before leaning over. "If I may offer a suggestion. There's a young florist in the village who goes by the name of Lupe. You won't find finer nor fresher flowers anywhere in Arendelle."

"Do you think she'd be willing to make deliveries here on such short notice?" Gerda considers.

"I think she'd be honored and happy to do so," Mary assures. As Gerda nods and departs, Mary hears something snapping behind her. She smirks and glances over her shoulder to find Anna trying to measure her. She humors the princess and extends a hand. "Hold that end," she instructs. Anna reluctantly follows suit while Mary pulls the measuring tape up to her own head. She looks at her measurement and grins.

"I wanna read it," Anna asserts. "I wanna make sure you're not lying."

"Of course," Mary obliges and hands the tape to Anna.

Anna's eyes scour the measurement as she mumbles, "Practically p-" Her eyes dart up towards Mary.

"Well?" her nanny inquires.

Anna hands the tape back and scoffs. "I still think it's broken," she mutters. As Mary returns the tool to her bag, she discovers that Anna's run off. The patter of her feet fades as she scurries down the darkened halls. Mary sighs and reseals her bag. Before setting off after the princess, she takes a final...lasting look at the blonde doll on Anna's bed.

"Practically perfect in every way?" Anna blurts. Her raucous voice echoes throughout the royal art gallery. "Are you kidding me? Who does that lady think she is? She just shows up with her measuring tape...and her measuring tape...and her...and her-" Anna glares at a painting of a stoic viking. "Measuring tape! Thanks, Ulfric." Anna stomps across the gallery and continues to vent her troubles away. "She thinks she can just tell me what I am. She's just like Mama and Papa. Next she's gonna be telling me what to do and where I can't go." Anna plops against a cushioned seat and looks up at Joan of Arc's painting. "What am I supposed to do, Joan? I don't have a horse like you, but all I want is to run away. Run away and-"

The doors behind her creak open and Anna gasps herself into silence. Mary cautiously steps in and looks to the troubled princess. "There you are," she says. Anna stares at the ground and twiddles her thumbs. "Who were you talking to?"

"N-no one," Anna mutters.

Mary sighs. "That's a shame, really." Anna glances up and sees Mary observing the gallery. "This room is teeming with voices to be heard and ears ready for listening." Anna knits her brows when Mary leans towards a painting of dancers. "What's that?" Mary inquires as if listening to them. "Oh I concur indubitably. Anna does appear rather stressed."

"Wait," Anna speaks up. "Are you...talking to them too?"

"Why not?" Mary queries. "After all, art is just another form of life."

Anna notices Mary observing the viking painting and decides to speak up. "That's Ulfric," she says.

Mary simpers and curtsies to the painting. "A pleasure to meet you, Ulfric," she greets.

Anna purses her lips and sighs. "It can just get really lonely around here sometimes." Mary sits beside Anna as she continues. "There are moments where I feel like these paintings are my only friends." Anna gestures to the painting above them. "And then there's Joan. She's like...a best friend. She tells me to be strong and I usually tell her to hang in there. I hope she's winning whatever battle she's in."

"Why don't we find out together?" Mary suggests. "I've got an idea, but you'll have to trust me." She offers Anna her hand again and the princess stares into it. She focuses on Mary's gloved palm and relates its whiteness to that of the swan's feather.

Anna takes a deep breath and utters, "Okay." She holds Mary's soft hand and is alarmed when she leads them upward. Mary has her standing on the cushions as they face the portrait. Anna feels jittery as she gazes at the painting. "What's gonna happen?" she asks.

"Hold on tight," Mary instructs as Anna squeezes her hand. She gently rocks them forward, swaying their arms as she says, "One...two-" With a valiant lunge, Mary leaps forward alongside Anna. The princess shrieks as the world around her seems to warp.

Anna can't tell if she's shrinking or if Joan's painting is expanding. The gallery's coldness fades as a peculiar heaviness clunks against Anna's shoulders. She stomps against a grassy field and nearly loses her balance. Despite stopping herself from falling, Anna is more perplexed by the alarming shimmer coming from her feet. Such a glimmer is accompanied by the mysterious shifting of steel as Anna peers down. The rising midday sun shines brightly against her own set of greaves. As Anna rushes to feel them, she quickly discovers the glistening gauntlets fastened to her hands. The first attempt to touch her face is met with a clamor as she realizes she's wearing a full suit of armor. Her helm's visor slams forward and she flinches in alarm.

Another gauntleted hand gently lifts her visor. With her vision no longer obstructed, Anna follows the hand towards Mary, who's also donning a set of unique armor. A vibrantly blue plume extends from her helm while a daisy blooms near the visor. "Are you alright?" Mary asks.

"What just happened?" Anna blurts. Her armor jingles as she nervously flails her arms.

"I took us for an outing," Mary nonchalantly explains. "I figured we could pay your best friend a visit."

Anna is still reeling from her transformation. "This isn't happening," she pants. "I've got to be dreaming."

"Well if you are-" Mary says as a tumultuous galloping sounds behind her. "-don't wake up just yet."

Anna's heart sinks as an armored woman on a pale steed rides up to them. With a broad shield and sheathed longsword, Joan of Arc raises her visor. "Bonjour, Anna," she says and the princess nearly faints.

Mary keeps the child standing upright so she can say, "Uh...h-h-hi."

Joan faintly smiles and dismounts. "It's so nice to see you," she says.

"It's so nice to really meet you!" Anna confesses.

Joan appears confused. "But we've already met, your majesty."

"Wait...I was actually talking to you for all those years?"

Joan nods. "And I was always listening, mon amie. Always...as you said...'hanging in there'." Anna fights to conceal a squee until a roar echoes in the distance. "But now that you're here-" Joan explains. "Perhaps you two can help me with a serious matter."

Anna looks to Mary with worried eyes before turning back to Joan. "What's going on?" she asks.

"A fire-breathing dragon has plagued these lands for many years," Joan says. "No one has been able to stop it and I fear that time is running out. It's only growing stronger in its lair."

"We can help you!" Anna assures. "I'm not scared of any dragon." Joan smiles and nods to the child.

"We'll need an extra horse if we're going to follow you to its lair," Mary says.

"Of course," Joan concurs. "Anything for you, Mary Poppins." She whistles sharply and a fully saddled steed gallops over.

As Mary helps Anna onto the chestnut stallion, the princess can't help but pose a question. "Do you just know everyone?" she asks.

"Not everyone," Mary admits. "I've yet to meet the King and Queen of Corona." Anna is left befuddled by her statement as they mount up and gallop after Joan. She leads them across expansive, lush fields until the land turns ashy. Blossoming trees becoming withering, uprooted messes beside a rocky basin.

"This is it," Joan says and dismounts. Mary and Anna do the same as they look upon a massive entrance. Two tremendous, iron doors seal the pathway into a jagged cave. "The dragon's lair," Joan defines.

A furious roar echoes from beyond the doors and has Anna hugging Mary's leg. She hurriedly detaches to appear brave when Joan turns around. "I was just...making sure her armor was nice and tight," Anna fibs.

"It's okay to be scared," Joan laments. "I am too." She looks over the giant gate and shakes her head. "There doesn't seem to be any way to open the doors."

"Have you tried knocking?" Mary suggests.

"Knocking never works," Anna mopes and rolls her eyes. "Trust me." As she does so, she notices a tiny crack in the gate. "Hey!" she declares. "What about there?"

"It's much too small," Joan replies.

"For you, maybe." Anna considers. "But I can get through!"

"Are you sure about this?" Mary asks. "You'd be on your own on the other side."

Anna gulps but ultimately affirms. "I wanna help Joan," she insists. "I can do this."

Mary and Joan nod to each other and motion for Anna to join them. While Joan stands proud, she hoists Mary on her shoulders. The nanny then lifts Anna up so she can reach the crack and climb through. "Safe travels!" Joan hollers. "Hang in there, Anna."

Anna smiles at her words and climbs in through the crack. The cave is deeper and darker than she anticipated. Once she's through, Anna loses her footing and takes a serious tumble into the shadows. Her armor clangs as she rolls further down. She plops against an ashy surface and her helm rolls off of her.

"Oh no," Anna whispers and crawls to recover it. She snatches it up and starts brushing off ashes as a sudden flicker sparks behind her. Flames rise and a distinct warmth causes the princess to heat up beneath her armor. Anna's heart races when a titanic, scaly reflection appears against her helmet. She bites back a scream and leaps for cover behind an ashy stone. Flames spew from a scarlet snout as the dragon lurks into view. His roar is ear-splitting while his wings stretch towards the cavern's flame-lit walls.

Anna nervously pokes her head out from behind the rock and observes her giant foe. The horned beast is poised to strike. Its golden, glowing eyes drift towards an unmarked stone. Anna watches as the dragon roars again and coats the rock in flames. Such an act only further angers the creature. Its tirade causes the cave to quake and Anna nearly loses her balance. The princess is ready to flee when she faintly makes out a word amidst the dragon's roars.

"No!" it shouts before collapsing in an ash heap.

Confused, Anna emerges for another look at the dragon. Its limp body is all the more alarming until she notices the glower on its snout. As the dragon sniffles, fiery sparks flare from its nostrils. Anna freezes when she notices a single tear fleeing the dragon's eye. Mustering her courage, Anna dares to speak up. "Excuse me," she says.

From the moment she speaks, the dragon's eyes widen and he snaps his head towards her. "What?" he blurts as fire sparks in his maw. He instantly rushes to cover his mouth and trips over himself. "How did you get in here?" he muffles.

"I kinda climbed through," Anna confesses.

"Go away!" the dragon growls. "Leave!"

Anna pauses and lets the dragon settle down. She waits for his wings to relax and then drops her helmet. "Why were you crying?" she asks.

The dragon slowly shakes his head. "I didn't want to burn you."

"But you didn't know I was here."

"I didn't want to burn anyone, okay?" The dragon snaps. He curls up into a scaly ball and tucks his tail in. His mournful eyes focus on the crisped stone as he whimpers. "I never meant to hurt anybody. I wasn't trying to burn their crops and forests. But every time I try to have fun or laugh or shout...I-" The dragon hangs his head and gestures to the flaming stone. "That happens."

"It sounds like it was an accident," Anna says and sits down beside him.

"You'd be the first to say so," the dragon mumbles. "No one else would ever believe that. They think I'm a monster. I'm better off locked away in here."

"That's not fair," Anna retorts.

"But now I won't burn anyone else!" the dragon snarls.

"But what about the people you did burn? Don't they deserve to at least talk things over with you? You made mistakes and you'll never get answers to them if you stay here. The people out there won't get answers either."

The dragon leers at her and asks, "Who exactly are you, kid?"

"Just...a princess." Anna mumbles.

"Well you're pretty smart," the dragon says. "But what if no one forgives me for what I did?"

"Then I'll be the first," Anna assures and places a hand on his claw. She looks up at his glowing eyes and says, "I forgive you, Mr. Dragon."

"My name's actually Gorgollogan Ignatio-Flamespewer the Third." He faintly smiles at the child and adds, "But Mr. Dragon works too." Anna grins back at him as he says, "Thanks for giving me a chance, but I don't even know where I'm supposed to start."

Anna pauses in thought and looks up at him. "Just open your doors," she says. "Start with that and go from there."

Mr. Dragon nods and stomps forward. He swallows hard and nervously opens the gates to his lair. While Joan braces herself, Mary appears unfazed even though the creature hasn't appeared yet. Anna emerges as a blissful ray of sunlight shines down on the open gates. Mr. Dragon nervously trails behind her while Joan raises a brow.

"He means no harm," Anna explains. "He just...needs some time to figure things out."

Anna smiles up at him as Joan approaches. She sheathes her sword and offers the dragon her hand in friendship. Although nervous at first, he gently raises the tips of his claws to shake her hand. "Thank you for your valiance, Princess Anna." Joan remarks.

"I was happy to help!" she says. "Take good care of him. And-"

"Hang in there!" Joan and Anna tell each other simultaneously.

With aching legs and strained eyes, Agnarr and Iduna return from a long day with the foreign delegates. "My goodness," the king sighs. "If I have to see one more piece of legislation."

"Easy, darling." Iduna says. "It's only day one." A set of giggles from the art gallery has Iduna pausing. She looks to Agnarr before discreetly opening the door. The couple discovers Anna mingling with Mary just beneath Joan of Arc's portrait. "Agnarr," Iduna whispers. "When's the last time you saw Anna smiling like that? Honestly."

Agnarr slowly shakes his head in disbelief. "I couldn't tell you," he admits.

Anna glimpses her parents, springs from the cushions, and goes sprinting towards them. "Mama!" she shouts. "Papa!"

"Hello, little crocus!" Iduna rejoices as Anna leaps up to her arms. "You're extra cheery today."

"How was your nanny?" Agnarr inquires while peering at Mary Poppins.

"She's amazing," Anna boasts. "First, she went up the stairs just by sitting on them! Then there was this magical measuring tape and then...then then then the paintings!" As Anna cheers, Agnarr and Iduna exchange merry glances. "We went through that painting and actually met Joan of Arc. There was a dragon and-"

"Well, it's nice to see her exercising her imagination," Agnarr whispers to Iduna as Anna continues raving.

"Please tell me Mary is staying," Anna pleads as her parents think it over. "Please! Please! Please!"

Iduna looks at Mary and then smirks at Agnarr. "If she makes you so happy," the king says.

"Of course she can still be your nanny," Iduna adds. Anna cheers at the news in a manner of which Iduna hasn't seen in years. She's forgotten the appearance of such natural joy on her child's face. As Iduna looks to Mary Poppins, all she can do is wonder what else this mysterious woman has in store.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter! It's an honor and pleasure to entertain you all and I'll see you next Saturday for the third installment.

Long Live Imagination!

~ Michael