Chapter 10:
Speeding Up The Process
The Southern Isles
"There." Sighed Hanna as she set the pen down before taking one good look and rereading her response to Queen Elsa. Making sure her grammar sounded royal enough.
She folded the letter very elegantly and stuffed it inside the envelope. She turned her attention to Hans's pendant still wrapped in her left hand as she stared at it one final time, as if she was seeing her brother before her. "You better not run away until I get there." She said before stuffing it inside the envelope with the letter.
She then reached for the drawer and pulled out the wax steel stamp and held it close to the burning candle that was helping light up the room. And then with such ease she pressed the wax into the center of the envelope, branding and sealing it with her families crest.
She stood up and turned around to face the strange wind spirit who was still hovering above her patiently. "So... I just give it to you and you'll deliver it to Queen Elsa then??" She asked timidly.
Gale whistled politely in return as if she was confirming her answer to her. Hanna sighed heavily, she was about to give a important letter to a magical wind spirit that would deliver it to Queen Elsa. "Here goes nothing." She raised the letter above her head for Gale to retrieve. The letter slipped out of her hand in elegance and began to hover naturally with the leaves and wind.
Hanna only stared in unbelief.
Then with one final whistle, Gale hovered out of the window, along with the letter to Elsa while Hanna stood next to the window and watched as her letter disappeared under the bright moon.
"It's all up to destiny now." Said Hanna as she undid her long braided ponytail and let her long natural and auburn hair fall to her back. She was ready to sleep this off.
Northuldra
When Elsa awoke the next morning she always found herself turning to Hans direction to see if he was still asleep or not. It became a morning routine and much to her to her surprise he was still sound asleep in bed which was surprising since he was usually up before she was.
Then again they did go to bed late last night, she had been teaching the older Northuldrans the alphabet while Hans and Tedashi had been in deep conversation.
I wonder what they were they even talking about last night.
She moved her feet to the side of the bed and sat up straight before stretching her arms, curling her feet and yawning. But her brows furrowed when she felt something unusual bounce of her naked feet. Did Bruni fall asleep next to her feet?
She looked downwards and her brows furrowed even more when she found a envelope on the floor and next to her pale feet. Had Anna written to her again? Perhaps that could have been the case since she usually wrote another letter whenever she didn't respond as quickly as her sister hoped for.
But when she reached down and turned the envelope around her eyes widened and her heart stopped for a brief second when she saw that Arendelle's crest wasn't the one sealed with wax.
It was the Southern Isles.
Her breathing got so heavy and so quickly that she had to focus as to not get herself too dizzy or worse, freeze her entire hut, or possibly even Hans.
Hans! She quickly turned her attention to the former prince again who continued to snore his problems away.
She didn't know whether she should call his name or walk over to him, so instead she did both. "Hans!" She whispered loudly as she stood up from her bed and walked her bare feet over to his.
"Hans!" She hissed again, even a little louder while she shook his arm shoulder roughly.
"Zzzz—huh??" Grunted Hans as his eyes blinked open. He focused his vision at the first thing he could register on and found himself staring at the braided queen of Arendelle standing over him. "Elsa? What are you doing??" He asked with furrowed and still tired brows.
"Hans... your sister replied." She replied as she raised the envelope to her eye level.
Hans has been in the middle of a deep yawn when his eyes widened in surprise. He met Elsa's gaze again, this time clearly more awake. "She replied already??" He asked surprised himself.
"That's what I said." Nodded Elsa with a surprised expression of her own as she moved the letter in front of her face just slightly for him to look at again.
The Southern Isles crest. He knew it so clearly and seeing it again sent chills down his spine.
He stood up from bed slowly, his bandage still covering his naked torso as his blanket fell from his skin. "If she replied this fast it means she already accepted."
"How can you be so sure?" Asked Elsa nervously.
"Well, there's only way to find out." Said Hans scooting over and making space for Elsa. She immediately sat on his bed, not caring how close they were to each other as she crossed her naked feet together.
She stared at the envelope in front of her, studying the Southern Isles crest so intensely. It was actually her, Hans sister actually replied to her letter.
Hans brows furrowed in confusion. "Are... you going to open it or—"
"Shhhh, yes." Retaliated Elsa immediately as she began to tear the sealed envelope with her finger and then popped the letter into her hand.
She turned to look at Hans who was already staring at the letter. "You ready?" She asked.
"No. But neither are you." He replied.
Elsa sighed heavily and tried her best to relax her tense muscles as she opened the folded letter in front of him.
Seeing his sisters elegant handwriting gave him a slight feeling of guilt and satisfaction at the same time. It's as if he could feel her presence at this very moment, despite sitting right next in bed with the Queen of Arendelle.
It's as if a giant basket of flowers was thrown into his face with full force. He could even smell her sweet scent coming off the letter. That recognizable smell of sweetness with confidence.
Elsa on the other hand didn't think anyone had as much of elegant handwriting as she did, but she was surprised and awed herself when she saw Princess Hanna's handwriting and beautiful vocabulary.
Queen Elsa of Arendelle
Your Majesty, I am Princess Hanna of the Southern Isles, and it shall be an honor to help you.
Elsa's eyes widened as she gasped in surprise. She turned to face Hans who was giving her a reassuring expression. "Told ya. Go on keep reading."
Elsa quickly turned back to the letter to where she where she had left of.
The rumors regarding your abdication of the throne did come to the Southern Isles and many were surprised. And there was gossip regarding her majesty living in some magical forest, but that's all it was, gossip. But now I know for a certainty that it is all true, especially with my windy visitor who came into my room to deliver your letter.
Elsa smiled.
I have not spoken with Hans in almost a year and a half. We wrote each other frequently but I knew it was only a matter of time until he he would stop writing. The last letter I received from him was when he was going to cross through the dark sea that just lay north of Arendelle.
I must admit my soul is somewhat at peace knowing Hans is safe and that the kind and generous people living in the forest have been allowing him to stay as a guest. Although I am also mad at him that he didn't bother to at least send a letter to me regarding his well being this past year and a half. But it's Hans, what else could I expect.
Elsa turned to Hans and gave him a deadpanned stare. "She's right you know." Hans rolled his eyes as Elsa returned to the letter.
You are a fair and kind hearted woman, Queen Elsa. Your fair proposal to not just keep quiet about Hans whereabouts, but also offer him a permanent home that I may frequently visit him is a very generous thing to do.
I would have accepted to help you and Queen Anna regardless. I will always help and support women who want to do good to their fellowmen and their kingdom. And I believe all women should support other women no matter the cause, and Arendelle will always hold a special place in my heart.
I await your instructions in faithfulness, your majesty. I am ready to serve you and Queen Anna in any way you may need. I await your further instructions with meekness in my soul. God bless you, Queen Elsa and God bless Arendelle.
Sincerely,
Princess Hanna of the Southern Isles
Elsa couldn't seem to close her parted jaw whatsoever. She was in complete awe of the desire to serve from the Southern Isles princess. She didn't expect her to write so soon and be so willing to help her kingdom.
"I... I have no words..." Said Elsa softly.
Hans shrugged. "Well she accepted so that's good right? And she wrote you back in Norwegian."
Elsa inhaled deeply after a moment before standing up to her feet. She began to pace back and fourth in front of Hans with her hands playing with each other as usual. "Okay. Okay she accepted... that was step one. Now step two is that I have to speak with Anna and tell her who exactly is going to be visiting Arendelle."
"That's going to be an interesting meeting." Chuckled Hans sarcastically as he sat forward on the edge of the bed with his feet on the ground. "Just imagine, two red heads in one room. One of them my ex fiancé and the other my twin sister."
"Hans." Said Elsa quickly as she turned to face him with a serious expression on her face. "I need you to tell me exactly how your sister is like in person that way I can somehow prepare Anna when that day comes."
"She's not cruel like me if that's what your wondering." smirked Hans as he stood up from his bed. "I mean, she can be cruel, but only if she's defending herself or others. Or stealing her food."
"Hans—"
"I know I know." Said Hans raising his hands up. "Honestly though I wouldn't worry about it. She's very easy to get along with. Can be very elegant and royal like me, but also very annoying. But she's only kinda..."
"Kinda what?" Asked Elsa with furrowed brows.
"Well, she grew up with twelve older brothers. So she can act tough when she feels like it." Replied Hans.
"Have you forgotten about Anna already?" Scoffed Elsa. "She practically grew up wanting to be a boy. She behaves like one occasionally."
"Trust me, she doesn't compare to Hanna." Said Hans crossing his arms. "But I'm sure they'll get along."
Suddenly the flap opens up and in popped Rhanda's head. "Hey Elsa, just checking— oh..."
Rhanda eyes widened when she saw the two young adults standing in front of each other, obviously just awoken from their sleep by the way their hair was unkept and their nightly wardrobes.
"Sorry, am I disrupting something?" Finished Rhanda.
"No." Replied the two of them at the exact same time. "Umm, no. Everything okay, Rhanda?" Continued Elsa.
"Well good, breakfast is ready is you guys want to come. Oh, and Hans. Tadashi says he wishes to speak with you." Said Rhanda smiling at the two before she turned around and closed the gap behind her.
Hans and Elsa turned to look at each other, each of them reading each other's expression so perfectly.
"'Now what..." sighed Elsa.
"Ah, there you two lovebirds are—uff!" Grunted Ryder as his sister elbowed his left side.
"You guys sleep okay?" Said Honeymaren as Elsa and Hans walked towards the small group.
"We slept good." Shrugged Elsa. "How about you guys?"
"We slept all right. We've just been waiting for you two... we have some things to discuss." Replied Honeymaren.
"I have to speak with Tadashi." Said Hans.
"That's actually what we wanted to speak to you two about." Said Honeymaren as she gestured behind Hans. He turned around. Where he saw none other than Tadashi and his men walking towards Hans with the Northuldran warriors and their spears pointed at them and with Yelena escorting them.
"Hello, Hans." Said Tadashi with a devilish smirk.
Hans glared at him, his stare dangerous yet remaining calm all at the same. "Loose their bands." Instructed Yelena. The warriors all did as they were told as they each pulled out a knife hanging from their satchel. Honeymaren did the honors of taking care of Tadashi's.
"What do you want." Demanded Hans as Tadashi massaged his wrists and moved them around in circles to get the blood to start flowing again.
"You." Replied Tadashi just as darkly.
"Sorry to inform you this but I don't swing that way." Retaliated Hans as he turned around and began to walk away. Not before Ryder choked on his food from laughter while Elsa had widened her eyes.
"We talked about this yesterday, Hans." Said Tadahsi as he, his men and everyone else including Elsa started to follow behind. "You are expected to stand before Rhas for the crimes you committed."
"I don't work for Rhas anymore, and there is nothing you can say or do that would ever make me change that." He replied darkly as he continued to walk away.
"How about for our people's sake??" Said Honeymaren suddenly and boldly.
Hans brows furrowed as his eyes widened in surprised. That was the thing he didn't want to hear ever in his life ever again. Having someone's life be in danger for the sake of his, let alone a people.
He turned around and wasn't surprised to see Elsa's face filled with concern. In fact he was expecting it. "Wha—What do you mean by our people Maren?
HoneyMaren sighed as she gave Tadashi a glance before she gestured for him to continue.
"The League is stronger than what you remember, Hans." Said Tadashi as he slowly stepped forward towards him. "You were there when we raided villages and took down criminals from the underworld. But now things have changed. Now... we can raid kingdoms if we so desire."
Hans breathed into heavily and with frustration as Elsa listened attentively.
"Rhas al Ghul has an army of eight hundred ready to march into this forest—"
"Stop." Bit out Hans.
"And if you continue to ignore his demand he will send them out!" Yelled Tadashi this time.
"Whoever tries to invade this forest will be frozen to death immediately." Said Elsa stepping forward angrily this time. "As one of the protectors of this forest I would never allow that to happen.
"There are simply too much of them, Elsa." Sighed Yelena.
"I have the spirits by my side. They'll fight with me till the very end."
"But the issue is about our people, Elsa." Sighed Honeymaren this time. "We aren't as skilled as these men, and the spirits will only help when they can. We can't risk the safety of our people, Elsa."
"Honemaren is right. We only fight to defend and protect, not to conquer. If the spirits won't fight, neither shall we. And if it means migrating somewhere, then we shall do that too."
"So are we supposed to do then? Sit back and do nothing??" Replied Elsa more firmly this time.
"Yes." Replies Hans suddenly as everyone turned to look at him. Elsa's brows furrowed. "They are coming after me, not all of you."
"What are you suggesting then??" Asked Ryder.
"I have to get far away from here. That way they at least follow me elsewhere and away from here.
"No." Replied Elsa firmly as she stepped forward. "You will not."
"I don't have much of a choice, your majesty." Bit out Hans.
"You're right, you don't. That's why I am commanding you to stay. I made a deal with your sister, Hans. I will not be breaking that deal."
"The deal doesn't matter, your majesty. Hanna will help you and Anna regardless, and I'll be long gone so they don't hurt any of you." Replied Hans
"I gave her my word." Retaliated Elsa. "I will not be breaking it."
"Elsa—"
"No. That's final." Added Elsa more firmly. "There must be another way."
Soon enough many of the Northuldrans have huddled around the small circle, listening to the news of a possible attack. Many were already muttering with one another.
"No harm will come upon us, my people. We will figure out another way, I promise it." Said Yelena.
Hans pressed his lips together, pondering an idea that would benefit all of them. He soon found himself pacing around and even rubbing his bearded face, trying to find a solution. Finally he looked up at Tadashi who had been staring at him. He had a plan.
"I know that face." Grumbled Tadashi with grimace as he stepped forward. "What's your plan."
Hans inhaled deeply before finally answering. "We could speed up the process."
Elsa blinked. "Your not saying—"
"Yes." Replied Hans. "If we move up our schedule, Hanna could be here next Monday."
Elsa sighed this time as she hugged her arms. "I don't know if that'll give me enough time to convince Anna."
"Then you have to convince her. Today." Said Hans bluntly before turning to Tadashi. "How much time are you willing to give me."
Tadashi shook his head in annnoyance. "I'm supposed to bring you back to Rhas alive next week. But... if we don't meet our deadline then he himself would be coming down to find us two weeks after that."
"And if he finds me?" Asked Hans with a hint of him knowing the answer.
"He'll kill you on the spot." Replied Tadashi darkly.
"Let's do it then." Said Hans. "In three weeks I'll be waiting for him."
Tadashi sighed. "You do realize that he's going to kill you. You don't stand a chance against him."
"I know. But I'm also not going to just surrender myself." Replied Hans.
Tadashi snickered and shook his head in annoyance. "Same old Hans. Never giving up without a fight."
Silence hung in the air as Elsa stared at Hans dedicated emerald eyes. She could see the honestly in them for once.
Rhanda cleared her throat suddenly. "Ahem, all right... well. Can we finish having breakfast now?"
It wasn't a surprise to anyone that Elsa went back to her hut and immediately began to pack for Arendelle. Yelena had to force her back outside to at least finish her breakfast. She had a bad habit of avoiding food whenever she was focused on something very important.
Hey, you getting ready to head out?" Asked Honeymaren as she opened the flap and entered Elsas hut. She was just packing up some final things in her bag.
"Yeah, just about." Said Elsa she stood up on her feet and faced her. "Have you seen Hans around?"
"Last I saw of him he was talking with Tadashi near the riverbank. Ryder and Rhanda have been supervising them."
"Good..." Said Elsa as she flicked her wrist. The magical ice particles flowed through her hand as they replaced her purple gown with her glorious white dress before turning to look at her again. "I really appreciate all your help, Maren."
"It's nothing." Smirked Honeymaren before she grimaced again. "Just... promise me that our people won't be in danger."
"I won't let anything remotely close to that ever happen, I promise." Said Elsa as she gently put her hands on Honeymaren's shoulder.
Honemaren smiled. "I know you won't."
They shared a friendly hug before Elsa took off to find Hans.
She found him speaking with Tadashi right by the riverbank like Honeymaren had said. As she slowly approached the two men she could hear the final moments of their serious conversation.
"Hans, you don't understand how powerful Rhas has become. You are basically writing a death warrant for yourself when he comes across you."
Hans shook his head. "I wrote a death warrant for myself the day I set foot on Arendelle. This won't be a problem either."
Tadashi growled. "You selfish piece of--"
Tadashi immediately silenced himself when he heard the crunching sound of leaves approaching. They both turned around to where Elsa had been standing behind the two of them patiently, as if she was waiting her turn to speak to Hans.
Tadashi quickly excused himself without a word and started walking towards his men where he was being kept on probation.
"Everything okay?" Asked Elsa steeping forward once they were finally alone.
"Yeah, everything's fine." Sighed Hans as he walked towards her. "You heading out now?"
"I am." Said Elsa adjusting her satchel. "I have to speak to Anna and the council today if we are going to speed up the process."
"Do you plan on telling her I'm alive." Smirked Hans.
Elsa sighed. "Not yet. I think I may have to wait till Princess Hanna gets here."
"Well then, I bid you farewell, your majesty." Said Hans as he sarcastically bowed before Elsa as if he was prince again. Despite the obvious sarcasm amd forced bow, Elsa was still surprised how he was still able to remain regal.
She rolled her eyes and hid the smirk at the end of her lips as she jumped on top of the water spirit and adjusting herself on it's back.
A strong thrust of cold wind suddenly breezed through the camp. The wind had been getting stronger wish even the river waves splashing closer to the land.
"Snow is coming, I can feel it." Said Elsa completely unbothered by the cool Scandinavian the wind sent her beautiful platinum locks behind her.
"Of course you can feel it." Said Hans sarcastically as Elsa and the nokk walked towards the river.
She was about to enter the river when she suddenly turned around with a strong impression in her chest. "Oh, Hans."
He turned around to face her.
"Is there anything you need?" She asked.
His brows furrowed. "What?"
"Is there anything you need. Food, clothes, anything?" She asked.
His brows furrowed even deeper and his mouth parted in surprise. "You're ... you're asking me if I need anything? Why??
"Just trying to help." Shrugged Elsa.
"Ah, no. No I'm fine... t-thank you."
Her brows furrowed. "Are you lying?"
His eyes widened. "Huh, no--"
"Yeah you are." She cut him off as she continued to stare at him.
"I don't need any help your majesty." He replied darkly after a moment.
She shook her head and turned back around with the nokk towards the river. "I'll see what I can bring you." She said one final time before the water spirit took off in full speed.
"I said I don't need anything!!!" Yelled hans with frustration before grunting.
Elsa's hidden smirk turned into a small smile.
Arendelle
It must have been the nerves getting to her because she had arrived in Arendelle in less than 30 minutes. And the Nokk seemed to be completely fine.
She hopped off the nokk and adjusted her dress while the water spirit descended back into the waters. Even Arendelle could feel the strong cold winds picking up.
"Okay, Elsa. You got this. Just tell Anna about Princess Hanna, convince the council and then convince Anna to write to her immediately. Doesn't seem so hard right?" She talked to herself as she made her way through Arendelle.
As always a large crowd of her people welcomed the Queen with happiness. She quickly had to say her hellos as she made her way though the guards who bowed to her and into the castle where many of the servants and staff were keeping her home in order.
And of course it just so happened that Olaf was in the middle with Gerda looking over him and speaking to him in a polite but corrective tone.
"Now, Olaf. This is the fifth time we tell you. You can't sleep inside the tub of ice cream, even if you are made of magical snow." Said Gerda.
"But I like sleeping in the tub of ice cream! It makes me taste delicious." Replied the giddy snowman.
"Yes but isn't sanitary, Olaf."
"What does sanitary mean?" Asked Olaf innocently as he tilted his head to the side.
"Sanitary means--"
"It means a condition in which it could affect hygiene and health in a good way." Smiled Elsa as she walked towards them.
"Elsa!" Shouted Olaf as he ran and gave Elsa a hug. Gerda curtsied to the queen although she was surprised she returned so soon.
"I missed you too, Olaf." Chuckled Elsa, now knelt down and meeting the tiny snowman's height. "But Gerda is right, you can't be sleeping inside ice cream, okay?"
"Thank you, your majesty I agree." Said Gerda politely.
"But you should really try it sometime, Elsa! It's really cozy in there!"
"As tempting as that may sound, it's just not something we do, okay Olaf?" Smiled Elsa as she pet his snowy head.
"Okay, I understand." Smiled Olaf.
She rose to her feet and turned to Gerda.
"Hi, Gerda." Said Elsa as she approached the head maid servant.
"Your majesty, it's nice to see you again. But may I ask why? Not that we don't mind, we love having you here!"
Elsa chuckled. "I'm actually here to see Anna. Is she around here? It's urgent."
"She's been in a meeting with her council for about two hours now, I think she must be almost done--"
"Perfect thanks Gerda!" Shouted Elsa as she started running her way upstairs to the council room, leaving a surprised Gerda and a giddy Olaf by themselves.
If there was anyone who had the castle memorized by heart, it was Elsa. She made her way through the staff quickly, even taking shortcuts and secret passages through the rooms.
Everyone one of them completely surprised to see the Queen of Arendelle run through the halls, let alone be here so early.
She slowed down her pace when she was arriving at the large council room where she could already hear the muffling sounds of the council through the other room.
She quietly peeked inside the room and found several councilmen explaining their ideas with an obvious exhausted and bored Anna who had her fist pressed up on her cheek as she tapped her pen on the desk, back and forth.
She was clearly over their meeting.
"So perhaps come winter we can cut the food supply and provision by thirty percent. Only providing service to the number of family members." Said one of the councilmen.
"That's absurd, we wouldn't make it past a month!" Said the newly appointed councilwoman.
"Should we sit back and hope Odin rains food upon all of us, it's the only way, councilmen Selverson." Retaliated another councilmen.
Anna leaned back and rubbed her temples as the councilmen and the one council woman erupted into arguments and debates once more. Elsa knew the feeling very well.
Suddenly the council doors open and there were quiet gasps as they saw the Queen consort enter the room with her hands folded in front of her as always.
"Queen Elsa." They said in union as they all stood up on their feet at the same time.
"YES!" Shouted Anna with giddiness as she pointed at her older sister, no royal elegance whatsoever. "YES, YES, YES. You've come in the perfect time!"
"Anna--"
Anna quickly ran to her sister and gave her a giant bear hug, to which Elsa turned red and then whispered to Anna she was having trouble breathing.
"Anna..."
"Sorry! It's just I'm so happy to see you!" Said Anna as she set her older sister back on the ground.
Elsa chuckled as she gently touched her arm. "You see me every week, Anna."
"I know and it's still not enough! Come." Said Anna as she wrapped her arm around Elsa, not giving her a choice as she followed her up to the podium where Anna sat.
Anna pulled the chair and gestured Elsa to take a seat.
"Anna I don't sit here, you do. You're the queen--"
"Oh quit your talking and just sit, I need to stretch out my legs because I've been sitting for two hours straight and my butt is asleep. Now sit!" Said Anna as she shoved her sister playfully into her chair.
"Ahem, hello everyone." Said Elsa as she straightened herald forward while Anna came behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Your majesty." They all bowed in respect.
"Sorry for the late notice but I actually had to come because of an important matter."
"What's so urgent, your majesty?" Asked the only councilwoman in the room.
"Well... I'm sure Anna has already filled you in with what we have planned for winter?" Said Elsa.
None of them replied until Anna lowered her head to Elsa's. "Oh, uhh yeah. I kinda haven't told them yet."
Elsa sighed. "Okay... well what Queen Anna and I had discussed is regarding this winter. Now we all know it will be a difficult season for us."
"Agreed. We need provisions or we will starve." Said one of them to which they all agreed in union.
"But after much thought we've come to the conclusion that there is only one way we can survive." They all stared at Elsa and Anna as they waited for her to finish her sentence. "We have to trade with another kingdom."
"With all due respect your majesty, we simply can't afford anything we can offer other kingdoms. We are still facing the expenses from fixing our kingdom from the catastrophe in the fall."
"Yes... I remember that." Muttered Elsa with a guilt. "But there is one kingdom that could be willing to trade with us. One kingdom that could benefit from us too."
None of them said a word as they waited for her to speak.
Well, here goes nothing.
"Queen Anna and I propose a plan to establish alliance with the kingdom... of the Southern isles."
Their eyes immediately widened and all at once they rose to their feet, exclaiming their opinions as if they just heard blasphemy come from her mouth.
"Your Majesty, we cannot!"
"They are our enemies!"
"That whole royal family are nothing but trouble, espeically that prince of theirs!"
Well he's not wrong about that one...
"Okay, okay. Everyone calm down." Said Anna gesturing her hands peacefully. "Let's let her finish. Elsa, please continue."
Elsa inhaled deeply and stood up on her feet gracefully. "Councilmen, and councilwoman. I understand how traumatic this may sound, even crazy. Believe me, I know better than anyone. But this is the only way we are able to help our people. We were once strong allies with the Southern Isles, and our provisions helped their kingdom during the summer while we helped them during the winter."
"But your majesty if I may--"
"And let us not leave out the most important part about this. The Southern isles would have no choice but to provide our first season of trading free of no charge for what Prince Hans did when he was here in Arendelle." She expanded.
The room grew quiet, all the stubborn councilmen whispered with one another, not sure how to respond to Queen Elsa's idea.
Elsa pressed her lips together before continuing and leaned her hands on top of the podium. "I know many of you are unsure about this plan. And you have every reason to be. But I have faith this will work. Queen Anna has faith this will work. All we are asking is that you have faith in us, and I promise we will do everything we can to help our people not just this winter, but for many winters to come."
Silence hung in the room as Elsa's bold but soft words echoed the chamber, piercing every council men's heart slowly.
Anna stepped forward and placed her hand on Elsa's shoulder once more. "As acting Queen of Arendelle, I full heartedly endorse this plan and will do everything in my power to make this happen. We will succeed..." she turned to her sister and met her eyes before smiling. "Together."
Elsa smiled at her before turning back to the silent chamber. No one said a word, that is until the only councilwoman stood up and cleared her throat. "I believe Queen Elsa and Queen Anna have presented us a perfect plan." All the councilmen looked towards the young and newly appointed councilwoman in shock. "I believe we should all support this idea."
"Thank you, Frida." Smiled Anna before turning to the rest of the men. "Anyone else?"
Silence hung in the room for two minutes. But finally one by one all of them began to stand up and agree with the queens of Arendelle, casting their votes in until all of them had accepted the plan at the end.
"Then it's settled. We shall do business with the kingdom of the Southern Isles." Said Queen Anna.
"Well, that turned out better than I expected." Said Anna as she and Elsa walked down the large halls towards the great dining room as the dismissed councilmen and councilwoman returned to their homes.
Elsa smiled as Anna put her arm around her and hugged her. "I'm glad you came to visit us a little sooner than expected, especially in the nick of time when I'm with the council."
"Sorry about that, Anna. I should have warned you ahead of time. I should be better in remembering my place." Said Elsa.
"Are you kidding!? I'm soooo glad to see you. You really saved the day, Elsa! I was just about getting ready to throw my favorite pen at one of the stubborn old councilmen if you hadn't showed up." Said Anna as Elsa erupted into laughter. "However, something tells me you're here for a different reason, aren't you?"
Elsa pressed her lips together and smiled. "How about I tell you after dinner?"
"Only if it involves chocolates." Smiled Anna as she playfully pushed her sister.
Olaf, as always was a non stop talking machine during dinner. Elsa could clearly understand why Anna had been growing uneasy about his constant storytelling from the letters she had written. It's clear the magical snowman was only maturing by the second.
"And that's how I discovered what pig pee smells like!" Finished Olaf.
Elsa cleared her throat and had to bite her urgency to cackle." "That's very impressive, Olaf." She turned to Kristoff who continued to devour his food, now his third plate. The ice harvester always ate three plates a minimum. Then again so did Hans. "How's the ice business doing this year, Kristoff."
"Mmm, insanely good." Said Kristoff as he dabbed his lips clumsily. "Thanks to the harsh winter we're going to be approaching, I have hundreds of orders to fulfill. I found ice hanging in places they never usually do. Thing is I don't know how I'll have time to get to it since I'm still doing my stupid how to be a prince lessons."
"That doesn't mean you can't go ice harvest!" Said Anna as she sat her cup down. "Kristoff, it's your job, hobby and lifestyle. I'm not taking that away from you at all."
"Everyone heard that right? I got that on record.The Queen of Arendelle said she isn't taking my ice harvesing privileges." Announced Kristoff.
Anna shook her head and laughed as she turned to her sister who sat just next to her. "So, I'm ready for chocolates are you?"
"Huh?" Said Elsa as she set her fork down on her now empty plate.
Anna raised her two hands up and clapped three times and within a second two large entrees of chocolate covered strawberries rolled out of the kitchen. Anna's favorite dessert dish.
"Wow. What an entrance." Chuckled Elsa.
"Hey! I'm queen so I make the rules now." Said Anna jokingly.
"Technically I'm still Queen too you know? Isn't that right, Kai?" Said Elsa jokingly as she winked to their old and friendly servant.
"Precisely, your majesty." Said Kai bowing.
"I could take the chocolates away if I wanted to you know." Said Elsa with sass in her voice.
Anna gasped. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Oh I would, fortunately for you I love chocolates more than you ever could." Replied as she moved forward and plugged the chocolate covered strawberry from Anna's bowl and popped it into her mouth.
"Hey! This is my batch." Retaliated Anna with a deadly but giddy tone to which Elsa erupted into laughter as one by one, each of them devoured bowls of chocolate covered strawberries.
"Mmm, that's delicious." Said Anna wiping her lips with the cloth that sat on her lap. "All right. Now that that's out of the way. Belly happy and all, what was it you wanted to talk about?"
Elsa stopped midway from the chocolate covered strawberry meeting her mouth as she looked up to meet her sisters gaze. "Oh... y-you wanna talk about it now? Here on this table??"
Anna shrugged. "I don't see why not- ooh this one is a big one." Said Anna as she reached for the larger chocolate covered strawberry. She licked the tip on the large strawberry, tasting it with her lips before giving Kristoff a teasing glance and winking at him.
Kristoff cleared his throat nervously and took a big sip of his wine. Hoping his pink cheeks would go away.
Elsa on the other hand set her strawberry down, wiped her hands and inhaled deeply before reaching for the Southern Isles kingdom book from her satchel.
"Oooh, that looks like an interesting book. What's it about?" Asked Olaf innocently.
"You're about to find out." Sighed Elsa as she began to flip through the pages. But Kristoff furrowed his eyebrows, he could have sword he read The Southern Isles on the cover of the book.
Elsa cleared her throat and nervously began to move her chair close to Anna to which she furrowed her brows. "You okay?"
"Anna... you have to promise me you'll stay calm." Said Elsa.
"What's gotten into you?" Chuckled Anna as she popped another strawberry in her mouth.
"Please just promise me, okay?" Pleaded Elsa once more.
Anna stared at her sister in silence, licking her teeth to make sure there wasn't any chocolate stuck between them before finally nodding in reassurance. Elsa cleared her throat and began to speak. "So I studied the Kingdom of the Southern Isles long and hard--"
"Wait, what?" Interrupted Kristoff this time with his brows furrowed.
"As well as their culture and their laws-"
"Whoa hold on. Time out." Said Kristoff more sternly. "Did you just say the Southern Isles, like the kingdom of the Southern Isles??"
Olaf gasped with happiness. "That's where Hans is from! "Anna and Elsa both looked at each other and bit their lip.
"Yeah, what he said." Said Kristoff more seriously as he folded his strong arms in front of him. "Is there a reason you are bringing this kingdom up again??"
Elsa turned to look towards a nervous Anna. "You haven't told him yet have you..."
Anna sighed. "I was going to tell him eventually just... seemed better to do it here, together."
"I'm listening." Said Kristoff as he leaned back on the dinner chair, his arms still folded in front of his large chest.
"Me too!" Said a giddy Olaf as he leaned back and imitated the ice harvester jokingly.
Anna sighed this time. "Kristoff, Elsa and I both discussed the possibility of making amends with the Southern Isles in order to become allies and trade partners once again."
"With the kingdom who's prince left you for dead? Yeah that seems fair." Replied Kristoff sarcastically.
"Look, Kristoff. I know you don't like it but this winter is going to be very dangerous for our people. We've lost a lot of money and provisions. Even to this day we are still in procedure of fixing the broken streets of our main capital. Not to mention that many of our noble farmers suffered lots of loss in their cattle and grain." Explained Anna
"But why do it with the Sourhern Isles." Deadpanned Kristoff.
"It's the only kingdom that would be willing to give us free provisions of no charge due to the actions taken place three years ago." Said Elsa.
"Oh I remember all right." Replied Kristoff darkly. "But what makes you so sure they'll accept the bargain? I may be a ice harvester and all but I'm not that stupid."
"I'm not stupid either!" Repeated the giddy snowman.
"Kristoff, I'm sorry, I know how uneasy this may sound but our people need this. I need to make sure they are safe and sound at all times." explained Anna. "Besides, it's always good to be allies with one of the strongest militaries in Scandinavia."
Kristoff shook his head in disappointment. "I don't like this."
Anna licked her lips and folded her hands in front of her with disappointed eyes. "Well I'm sorry to hear that. But this is my call."
Awkward silence hung in the air again, and even the magical snowman could tell how serious the engaged couple were feeling right about now.
Kristoff sighed before sitting up again. He didn't want to deal with this at the dinner table. "Continue, your majesty."
Anna shook her head and had to refrain from rolling her eyes. She could already tell that she and her fiancé were going to be having a long talk after Elsa headed back to the forest.
"As I was saying." Continued Elsa, ignoring the awkard tension. "I studied their laws inside and out as well as their history and culture. The Southern Isles is a kingdom that likes to remain powerful at all times, always in control of it's people and it's destiny."
"Sounds like someone I used to know." Scoffed Anna.
"And kisses too!" Said Olaf smiling. Kristoff's eyes widened.
"Uh, yeah no. We never kissed, believe me. He wouldn't let me." Replied Anna.
"Okay, moving on please." Said Kristoff.
"Anyways, I looked into their whole family tree and their kingdoms laws and they could really use our provision during the summer, especially since we have the most successful ice harvesting business in all of Europe." Explained Elsa.
"Well.. can't argue with that." Shrugged Kristoff as he took another sip of his wine, this time with a little pride in his gesture.
"So your saying I should definitely write them soon, right?" Said Anna.
"Well there in lies the catch... Said Elsa clearing her throat.
Anna raised her eyebrow. "What catch..."
"You see... it's custom for the Southern Isles to always send a representative of their royal house to meet with the ruling monarch of a kingdom first before they do business. Meaning you would kinda have to get to know them first before anything."
Anna's eyes narrowed as her brows became serious.again. "You mean like get to know one of his brothers and have them stay here until we agree to a deal?? No, hell no-"
"Anna-"
I don't trust the Westergaards in my castle." Said Anna cutting off Elsa before taking a sip of her wine.
"It's the only way, Anna. It's how they do business. They at least send one representative to the kingdom to make sure the deal or agreeance is legitimate." Said Elsa. "It's what they've done for centuries."
Kristoff chuckled darkly.
Anna sunk back in her chair and rubbed her temples. "So I have to meet one of his disgusting brothers then..."
"Well yeah but--"
"Yeah I don't like this plan." Said Kristoff sitting forward again. And taking another sip of his wine. "Who's to say they wouldn't send Prince doofus again."
"Oh yeah, sorry honey I forgot tell you." Said Anna as she removed her fingers from her temples. "Hans... is kinda dead."
Kristoff's eyes widened and he immediately began to choke on the wine he had been drinking. Olaf quickly came to his aid and began to slap his back with his twig hands.. "Cough-cough, He died?"
Olaf gasped, a little too dramatically.
"Yeah, well that's what our records show. I mean the last time it was updated was about three years ago, isn't that right, Elsa?" Said Anna as she turned to her sister.
Elsa swallowed and nervously licked her lips. If there is anything in the world she hated most about hurting Anna, it was also lying to her. But unfortunately she knew she had to do it at this moment. There was no way she could tell Anna that he's still alive and had been sleeping in her hut. Not yet anyways.
"Yeah. Yeah t-that's what the record said that he was deceased..." Said Elsa timidly.
I'm not technicallylying...
"Well regardless, meeting one of his brothers is a bad idea." Said the large ice harvester.
"I don't have a choice, Kristoff. If it means helping our people, then the least I can do it welcome one of his brothers to our kingdom." She sighed again and turned to Elsa. "Which one of the Westergaard brothers did you have in mind."
"Umm well-"
"Let's see which child of Satan I have to meet." Said Anna as she took the navy blue Southern Isles book from Elsa's hands. She started flipping through the pages, scanning each name with detail while taking a sip of her wine. "Mmm, what about him? Prince Lars. Third in line for the throne. He doesn't sound so... cruel."
"Yeah actually-"
"No your right, you can't trust the nice ones..." she scanned more names before stopping her finger at another name. "Prince Beowulf? Seventh in line for the throne?? Ugh no thank you. That name just sounds like trouble already."
"Anna I-"
"Prince Rudi and Prince Runo, ninth and tenth in line for the throne. Twins! Hah!" Laughed Anna. "Can you believe that?? Two of Hans's brothers?? Double the trouble I suppose-"
"Anna." Exclaimed Elsa just a tad loud. Finally able to get her attention. "I already have a name for you."
Anna raised her eyebrow again. "You do?? Well spill it out sis! Which devious brother did you have in mind."
Elsa bit her lip. Here goes nothing. "Umm it's not actually a brother..."
Annas brows furrowed as did Kristoff's "What do you mean?" She asked before taking a sip of her wine.
"I mean you're going to meet one of his siblings but not his brother..."
Anna raised her eyebrow up. "How? He has twelve of them." She said as she slowly sat her cup down on the table.
"Yes... but he left out one of them." Said Elsa.
Annas eyes widened as she looked down to see Elsa flip the page and then move the book slowly towards her She immediately recognized Hans's name, but when she saw the other name below his, it made her eyes widen even larger with her jaw parted.
"What, what is it?" Asked Kristoff.
"Princess Hanna of the Southern Isles, daughter of King Soren and Queen Nora, fourteenth in line for the throne." Read Anna slowly.
Elsa took a deep breath and was about to open her mouth when suddenly the large navy blue book slammed to the table with a loud thud, knocking over several cups of wine and scaring several maid servants, including Gerda.
"HE HAS A SISTER!?!?!?" Exclaimed Anna as she rose to her feet. Her face was bright red in anger.
Elsa quickly moved closer to Anna. "You promise you wouldn't freak out!"
"He has a sister, Elsa!" Shouted Anna more loudly. It was a miracle that the crown on her head hadn't fallen yet.
Elsa gulped. "Twin sister to be more exact..."
Anna's jaw parted again and before anyone could gather up the courage to cool down the queen of Arendelle, she was already exploding. "Twin sister!? Why that no good lying son of a--"
Kristoff quickly leaned forward and covered both sides of Olaf's head with his hands. Regardless of the snowman having ears or not, he wasn't going to risk him repeating everything Anna was exploding about.
Elsa and Kristoff looked at each other before turning back to the hotheaded queen. He slowly removed his hands from Olaf's head as Anna finished her rant
"And he's lucky he's dead or I would pull those stupid sideburns off his ridiculous smug face myself!" Yelled Anna as she clenched her hands as if Hans's decapitated head was in her hands already.
Silence lingered across the dining room as the final echoes of her loud voice traveled through the castle. Kristoff was the first to clear his throat. "You done, feisty pants?"
"What did I miss?" Asked Olaf innocently with a goofy smile on his face.
Anna sat back down with a giant pout as she began to rub her temples again, this time with both of her hands as she closed her eyes. "I can't believe he has a twin sister and he completely refused to even mention her on our night together! Like hello, that would have been really helpful don't you think!?"
"Okay, Anna. Let's take a deep breath." Said Elsa calmly as she moved closer to her. "I know you're upset but we need to focus back on the bigger picture."
"A mysterious twin sister isn't a bigger picture already!?" Exclaimed Anna.
Elsa gave her a look, a look only their mother was able to produce when she was warning or trying to calm her daughters to know their place. Anna immediately stopped.
"Sorry, yes you're right. Anyways... so what you are suggesting is I Invite... Princess Hanna to stay with us and to do negotiations?" Said Anna unsure of herself. "Gosh even repeating that name is insane..."
"Yes. I believe she's the only obvious candidate." Replied Elsa.
Anna leaned back and sighed. "I-I don't know, Elsa. What if she's just like Hans or worse? I mean they are twins after all. Maybe she'll want to overtake the throne like he did or something."
"Good point." Said Kristoff as he took a sip of his spilled wine.
Elsa bit her lip and then slowly smiled at her. She had to convince Anna without telling her that Hanna had already accepted and told her she would be honored to help. "That night on my coronation when you were with Hans. He did say he never liked any of his brothers, right?"
"Yeah, he also said three of them pretended he was invisible two years." Scoffed Anna.
"Right, he said all those negative things about his brothers but... he never said anything negative about his sister." Said Elsa.
Anna snickered. "You mean his twin sister he failed to ever mention? His twin sister who just so happens to have the same name as me only with a H in front of the Anna."
"Yes, precisely." Smiled Elsa.
Annas eyebrows narrowed as she began to recognize what Elsa was saying. Finally she sighed defeatedly. "You're right..."
"Anna, there's only one way to find out. And I have a feeling that his sister is our best shot at getting this deal done." Said Elsa.
"Are you sure about this, Elsa?" Asked Anna.
"I'm sure of it. And we'll meet her... together." She smiled as she put her hand lovingly on top of Anna's.
Anna pressed her lips together and after a long silence she finally smiled and nodded her head as Elsa smiled in return. She reached out and plopped another strawberry in her mouth. "Princess Hanna it is then."
"I have a bad feeling about this." Muttered Kristoff to Olaf as the royal sisters shared a hug.
"Me too!" Exclaimed a giddy Olaf as he jumped across the table and joined in the group hug.
Kristoff sighed. "I need more guy friends."
Anna had fallen fast asleep on Elsa's lap after she had purposely sung their mother's lullaby so she could have privacy to write to Hanna. There was no way she was about to do it in front of Anna.
She gently moved Anna's snoring head away from her lap and to the pillow. She then walked towards the window and opened it slowly so to not make noise.
"Gale!" Whispered Elsa. Soon enough the wind spirit appeared in front of her window. "I have a letter for you to reliever."
She gently moved towards her old desk where she sat quietly and opened the small drawer as quietly as she could. Elsa bit her lip when Anna grunted and adjusted her body closer to the pillow she was hugging.
Elsa quickly grabbed a piece of paper and a pen when she heard Anna snoring again and soon enough she quickly and quietly began to write.
Princess Hanna of the Southern Isles
I'm sorry my letter is so brief and to the point. But I must inform you that it seems we will have to speed up the process. Hans seems to have entangled himself in some trouble from past acquaintances (if that's what you can even call them).
Long story short, we may need you to come to Arendelle a lot faster than what was anticipated. I was able to successfully convince my sister, Anna, to give you safe passage.
She agreed if she is to start alliance with the Southern Isles again, there is only one person she is willing to talk to first. And it seems she isn't so fond of any Southern Isles prince, king or men to be exact. No offense.
I promise and give you my word that once we take care of business between our two kingdoms, I will take you to see Hans that same hour.
Once again, I'm so sorry I may be coming off as persistent, but I just want you to know ahead of time so you are prepared. You should expect a letter from Queen Anna hopefully tomorrow, if not the day after. I am so grateful for your service, princess Hanna. I promise Hans won't be leaving anywhere.
Sincerely,
Queen Elsa of Arendelle
As Elsa finished reviewing her letter to Princess Hanna, a sudden thought popped in her mind. A crazy thought that made no sense, but for some reason it felt right.
"Gale, wait! I have one more letter for you." Elsa quickly reached for another piece of paper and quickly began to write.Her eyes were concentrated on her handwriting, careful to use her words.
She stared at the letter as she set her own down. Reading it over and over again as if she had just drawn art. It wasn't until Gale whistled for her that she was able to finally snap out of her gaze.
Elsa quickly reached for the hot wax stamp and held it close to the candle before pressing it on top of the two envelopes, sealing her family's crest.
"Here you go, Gale. Stay safe out there okay?" Said Elsa as she stood up and walked towards the wind spirit. Holding the two envelopes above her head.
The wind spirit whistled and surrounded Elsa with her leave before snatching the two envelopes. Then the wind spirit hovered to the open window and off it went towards the kingdom and to the direction of the forest where the dam once stood.
Elsa sighed as the cool Scandinavian wind blew across the kingdom, watching Gale disappear into the night as she began to remember one of her mother's most inspiring words.
Life is a funny thing, dear. Sometimes it's very unpredictable and you find yourself in the most unusual circumstances. But that's the funny thing about it, you get to choose whether you want to make the best of it or not.
Elsa smiled lovingly as she looked up to the northern lights now hovering above her. "You're right, mother. Life sure is a funny thing."
Northudlra
Hans had been one of the few still awake in camp. Ryder had been a non stop talking machine who had been telling him stories of when he was a young child and how many reindeers he's helped give birth. He wanted to blow his brains out.
Honeymaren on the other hands seemed to be the normal one out of the two. She still didn't trust Hans and he wasn't surprised. But at least she was able to ask normal questions unlike her twin brother.
"So." Said Honeymaren as she approached Hans who had been staring at the river from where Elsa had left to Arendelle. "You really think your sister will actually make it to Arendelle?"
"She'll do anything in her power to get here. I know her heart. Even if the king disagrees, I'm sure he'll try to prevent it somehow." Said Hans with his arms crossed in front of him.
"And by the king you are referring to your father, right?" Asked Honeymaren with an eyebrow raised.
"Yup. Him." Deadpanned Hans.
She shrugged and crossed her arms. "Welp. Let's hope the Queen of Arendelle is okay with it."
Just then she looked up to her shoulder where the familiar sounds of the wind spirit approached the two of them. Gale hovered over Honeymaren, giving her a quick and loving hug with her leaves before going to Hans and flying over his long and unkept auburn hair.
He grimaced and shew away the leaves but stopped the second he saw a small letter plop into his hands. His eyes brows furrowed with what he saw.
Arendelle's crest.
"Oh, looks like you've got a letter from someone. I'll leave you to read it in privacy." Said Honeymaren with a suspicious smirk as she walked away, her back facing Hans confused face.
He looked down to the letter and quickly tore open the envelope and plopped the letter into his hand as he began to read the elegant and beautiful handwriting. His heart beating just a tad faster.
Hans,
I write this letter to inform you that Anna has agreed to meet with your sister, Princess Hanna. She is going to be issuing a letter of request sometime tomorrow. I will try to convince her to do it tomorrow morning as soon as possible.
Please don't leave the forest. I gave your sister my word.
Once this is all taken care off I promise we'll find you a place for her to visit you regularly.
Sincerely,
Queen Elsa of Arendelle
He stared at the letter as if he hadjust seen one of Leonardo da Vinci's original paintings. He didn't expect this letter from Elsa. Nor did he actually think she would be able to convince Anna of the idea of Hanna staying with them.
But Elsa was capable of anything. And he knew it.
It was strange, almost unreal, but for some reason the stars were aligning.
And for once, a small and genuine smirk filled the corner of his lips as he found himself rereading Elsa's letter that night, over and over againand found himself falling asleep to her words in her hut.
Did you guys miss me? ;)