A Whole New World
June 21st, 1836
"A little more to the left!"
"Your left or ours?"
"My left!"
The two servants moved the huge bukkehorn as Agdar took a quick look around the courtyard, which littered with various decorations.
Today marked the fifteenth year since the birth of Princess Anna. These occasions have always consist of small parties due to Agdar's paranoia, but this year will be different as Agdar himself took the mantle as the party planner. The past several weeks he had spent planned everything, wanting to give his daughter a wonderful birthday.
Even it includes ignoring the bags under his eyes.
"Do we really need that old thing?" He hears Idun's voice cut in.
"The birthday bukkehorn is a family tradition. One that I don't plan to end." Agdar signaled for the servants moving the large instrument to stop. The king walked across the courtyard. "Gerda, go make sure the cooks started on the cake."
"Yes, your majesty."
"And make sure its a chocolate ice cream cake." He shouted as she left, giving out a small yawn.
"Are you alright, dear?"
"I'm fine, love. Someone get a vase of flowers on this table!"
"Don't you think you're working this too hard. You've been at this for weeks."
A deep sigh escaped from the king. "I don't want to screw this up for Anna. I've robbed her the chance for her to have a real birthday party for so much of her life. I just want everything to be perfect."
"And you're doing a great job."
"Yeah, relax. Everything looks great!" The sound of Kristoff's voice came not too far from the monarchs.
"See, even Kristoff agrees. She'll love it regardless if it's perfect or not."
"Speaking of perfect, what do you guys think?"
The two rulers looked over to see a large banner with the words 'Happy Birthday Anna' in crudely painted in various colors hanging above Kristoff. One of the paints dripped off onto Sven. Both monarchs gave they gave polite, yet nervous smiles.
"It's...wonderful." Idun side glance at her husband, who still couldn't form his words, nudges him with her elbow.
"Oh, yes. Truly excellent indeed." The sounds of the clock's chime echoed through the courtyard. "Oh, it's time! You two remember the plan?"
"Yes, dear. I go get Anna ready for the day."
"And then I keep Anna occupied, while you guys finish up here, correct?" Kristoff followed up after the queen as he removed the last bucket from Sven.
"Now let's get to it. We don't have all day." Agdar turned a full 180 as he walked away.
Idun rubbed her forehead. "Lord, give me strength."
"I guess I'm finished here."
"You remember what to do? Don't bring Anna back until-"
"Five o'clock, I know."
"Good. I'll see you then, Kristoff."
"She thinks you're an idiot," Sven said to him once Idun was out of an earshot.
"Well, clearly she's wrong," Kristoff replied smugly before he trots onto a table, almost knocking over an expensive looking vase. Thankfully no one, including the king, did not see his misstep, so he manages to carry on as nothing happened.
"Now we go into phase 2 for the day."
The sight of Anna drooling, arm draped over her head, and messy hair is a sight Idun typically expected to see whenever she found her daughter sleeping. In the queen's arms was a white bag attached to a hanger and a bowtie on top, to which she hung up.
"Anna, wake up," Idun cooed.
"What for? Can't I just sleep?"
"Even though your birthday?"
"Birthday...It's my birthday? Why didn't you say so before?" The young princess jumped out of bed, not giving Idun the chance to further speak. The first stop she made was her closet. "I need to find something good to wear!"
Particles of clothing were thrown throughout the room. Idun gave a playful smile as she picked up the clothing.
"Where's my rose dress?"
"Still 'recovering' from the last time you wore it."
"Oh, right. Sorry!"
A shoe flew past Idun's face and struck the wall. "Please don't to make a mess."
"How 'bout this?" Anna wore a bright purple dress with some tacky patterns.
A hesitant smile crept across the queen's lips. "Do you want my honest opinion?"
Taking notice of how her mother spoke, Anna quickly took off the dress and resume searching in her closet. Idun resume cleaning the mess her daughter made when she heard her spoke with a gasp, "What is this?"
The second dress Anna is wearing is a rather large, poofy orange dress made for a build that was obviously too big for Anna to properly wear.
"Oh. That wasn't supposed to be in there."
Anna didn't seem to take interest in her mother's confusion as she started goofing around, moving her waist in different directions. "Oh, la la! My hips are here. My hips are there. Oh, pardon my behind, young man. Didn't mean to knock you over."
"It was just a gift," Idun manage to speak out through her giggles.
"From whom?"
"I don't know. Equis, Dubroch, one of those fancy countries. Now before you go back in, I have something you." The queen handed her daughter the bag that was hanging on the door, along with a small box. Under the cloth revealed to be a dress with a navy blue bodice which has olive, crimson, green, and orange prints on the front with copper linings, and a light chartreuse short-sleeved blouse accompanied by an apple-green colored sleeveless cropped gilet. The skirt is a teal color with sunflower patterns. In the box had light olive stockings and black ballet flats
"A new dress?"
"Courtesy of me and your father."
"Thanks! You two must be in a generous mood if you're giving me gifts now."
"Only that. The rest you'll have to wait later."
"Aw, do I have too?" Anna whined in mock child's voice.
"Yes, you do. Now stop goofing around."
"But I can barely fit through the doorway."
Another giggle escaped the queen as Anna went behind the changing screen to put on her dress, toss out the orange dress. Idun mentally notes to have a talk with the laundry ladies at a later date.
Anna emerges from the screen several moments later. "How do I look?"
"Wonderful. Now let's do something about that hair of yours."
"Could you do it in a bun? I feel doing something different"
"Of course, sweetheart."
It took several moments for Idun to properly brushed and styled Anna's hair into a bun, even braiding a lock turning it into a headband. "There we go."
"Thanks, Mama."
"Is there anything else you need?"
"I don't think so."
"Alright. You go enjoy your day."
"Okay, mama. Thanks again for the dress!"
The young teen made a dash out of her room. Excitement swept through her mind, but for different reasons.
Elsa had no clue what was going on. What she did know was that today was Anna's birthday. A week before, Anna told Elsa that she planned a special outing for that day. Part of the plan she knew was Kristoff arriving to pick her up to take her to their meeting spot with Anna. Kristoff had been kind enough to let her ride on Sven. As they rode on the area around Elsa started to be a bit familiar.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see soon."
Soon was just about another ten minutes when they begin climbing up a tall hill. A familiar figure is seen pacing across the top until they noticed the individuals climbing.
"Took you long enough."
"Hello to you too."
"I'm glad you made it, Elsa."
"I'm always happy to see you too, Anna. But what are we doing...today?" As she finally manages to reach the hilltop Elsa looked to the series of buildings behind Anna. She got off Sven to get a closer look to realize it was the city of Arendelle. "Why are we here?"
"That's what today's about." A deep breath escapes Anna before she started speaking. "I know throughout most of your life you've had bad experiences with people. When you told me what happened it made me realize just how awful those people were too you.
Anna gave a side glance to Kristoff. "That night when we watched you sleep, we came up with a plan. You've already seen the worst of humanity, but we want to show you the best side of it by taking you around Arendelle."
"You both want me to go there?" Elsa spoke up, clearly apprehensive about that suggestion.
"I understand if you're don't want to, but it'll be great for you. A day in town with just the three of us." A small grunt came from the reindeer. "And Sven of course."
"What if something happens?"
"Don't worry, we got your back," Kristoff said.
Anna extended her hand. "Do you trust us?"
Elsa spent the next few minutes making her decision. Ten years she evaded human contact mostly out of fear of meeting people like Fritjof. But she knew Anna & Kristoff were nothing like him. It did not take long to answer.
"Yes." Elsa accepted Anna's hand.
All three friends and reindeer made their way down the hill until grass ground turned into cobblestone. Elsa's heart heated rapidly in her chest, clenching her hand in Anna's tightly. Unlike her visit months ago where it was dark and empty, the streets were bright and filled with people.
"There are so many people."
"This time yeah brings a lot of activity, especially with tourists." The other reason why Anna planned to bring Elsa into town today to avoid anyone giving her suspicious glances.
"So what do you ladies want to do first?" Kristoff asked them.
An idea pooped into Anna's head when she noticed Elsan wearing one of her old worn blue dress and hood rather than her extravagant ice dress. "Shopping," all she answered.
Elsa walked inside with Anna in tow. In the older girl's view were long rows of clothing in various colors, styles, and shapes.
"That's a lot of clothes."
"Welcome to the world of fashion."
"Are you getting me all of these?"
Anna giggled. "I could do that, but were only buying the ones you want."
"But I don't even know which ones I like."
"No worries. I know just the person to help."
Anna guided Elsa to a counter where a blonde woman about a decade older than the two girls is sitting at.
"Hey, Caissie."
"Princess! It has been so long!" Caissie smiled. "I love the dress."
"Thanks."
"So is there anything I can help you with?"
"Not me, but I was hoping you could help my friend here find some new clothes." Anna gesture Elsa closer to the desk. She gave an awkward wave to the woman.
"Hi, I'm Elsa."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Caissie." The woman's expression turned curious. "I don't believe I've seen you around here before."
"She recently moved here," Anna spoke up. "I'm helping her get some new clothes."
"I see. In that case, what type of clothes are you looking for, Elsa?"
"I...don't know."
"No worries. I know someone who can help you. Patti!" Another woman emerged from the back. She appears to be several years younger, and her hair color is similar to Anna's.
"You called?"
"Yes. Our friend, Elsa, right here could use your help in finding clothes that suit her."
"Not a problem. Let me just get a look at you." The woman slowly circled around the ice wielder, making several comments as she did. "Hmm, a good figure. Good height, plenty dresses to fit your length. Love your hair, by the way. Good waist size too, perfect if wish to have children one day."
"What?"
"I don't want to sound judgmental, but what is going on with this dress? It looks it could fall apart any moment! Were you raised in the mountains?"
"Uhh, something like that...?" Elsa gave a timid smile.
"I believe I know what to look for. We have plenty of selections for you to try."
2 Hours later…
Kristoff sat right in front of the clothing store, with a bored Sven by his side.
"What's taking them so long?"
"You know women and shopping, buddy."
A huff escaped from the reindeer. Kristoff could only pat his head. Then from the corner of his eye, the door to the shop opened with Elsa in a purple dress with a long-sleeved vest over blouse and bodice. Anna emerged from behind, with bags in her hand.
"You both took your time."
"Sorry." Anna rubbed her neck as her face blushed. "Elsa wanted to try everything she liked."
"I noticed. Love the outfit, Elsa"
"Thank you. I think this one is my favorite. I even got one in blue, too!"
"You really love your blue. Anyways, now that you ladies have done your shopping what else do you want to do?"
A grumble emerges from Elsa's stomach. "Could we get anywhere to eat?"
"There's a cafe not far that makes GREAT sandwiches." Anna said.
Anna & Kristoff took Elsa to a cafe. She ended up trying Anna's recommendation of sandwiches, along with a slice of chocolate cake. Once taking a bite Elsa pretty gobbled down her entire lunch. That earned a few stares from the patron and some of the staff.
Once everyone finished their lunch the two friends took Elsa around a tour of Arendelle. Showing every shop, stand, anything they could.
One of their first stops was chocolate shop Elsa watch the people inside making through the window. As Anna stood by her side answering her questions, Kristoff stood on the side. He noticed two boys around his age, who he figure out to be tourists, making lewd gazes at them. When the girls went into the shop he gave them 'a talk' and the boys scrambled away. Thankfully all of this was done with any incidents, nor the girls noticing as they rejoined him
Their second stop on the tour where they encountered a bard playing the accordion. The man, who called himself Kass, was happy enough to share his songs. One that Elsa regarding enjoying was about a boy from a kingdom called Agrabah who found a lamp and married a princess. Anything that stuck to her is that he also really likes birds.
Later on, they went to the marketplace. Elsa was running to each stand like an excited child. The more stands she visited fueled her curiosity. It made it difficult for her other friends to catch up, more so with the summer crowd.
Elsa couldn't hold down her excitement of exploring this whole new world. A hundred thousand things for her to see!
A large wall with a mural painting of a girl caught her eye. Several flowers had been placed in front of the mural. She couldn't help but keep on staring the girl, especially at her hair and those blue eyes. They were almost like...
"Elsa!" Anna's voice snapped the girl out of her trance. She went to the direction of her voice. "There you are! Don't run off like that!"
"Sorry. I got too excited."
"Just don't do it again, please."
"I promise."
The girls catch up with Kristoff and the three resumed their tour of the town. A few more hours had gone by as they explored. They finally made it to the town square.
"And our last stop is the town square. Here, many people would often gather for our festivals, and it's connected to the harbor where the ships dock."
"It's certainly lovely."
Elsa looked around as she walked to the square. She saw a group men erupt in a series of joyous laughter near the docks, small children playing around the overhead, accompanied by a small dog, and a young man giving a woman a flower before she gave him a kiss. One sight Elsa seemed to enjoy was a man holding a small boy on his shoulders with a woman next to him, holding a baby. They all looked so happy.
This is perhaps the most peaceful, the most beautiful place Elsa has ever been too.
Music came to her ears. Looking to her side she saw a small group of men playing instruments.
"What are they doing?"
"They're street performers."
"What are those?"
"People who play music in the streets. Sometimes for money, or sometimes for fun. Speaking of fun, I think some dancing could lighten the mood." Anna eyed Kristoff.
"Don't even think about it, feisty pants."
"Please, Kristoff?" She gave him the puppy eyes.
"Fine," he said with a sigh. "But only because it's your birthday."
"Great! Wanna join, Elsa?"
"I don't dance. I'll just watch you guys."
"Suit yourself. C'mon Kristoff!"
The two friends went near the musicians where they both started dancing. Anna coaxed other people to join in which several people did. It went towards fifteen, maybe twenty other people join in while everyone who was watching cheered them on. Elsa, alongside Sven, stood in the crowd. She has to admit that it looks fun. The reindeer took notice of Elsa's desired look. He gets a look as he used his rear end to push Elsa into the dancing crowd.
She stumbled before straightening herself. That when she noticed the many eyes staring down at her. Her body was frozen in place, figuratively, before she followed its instincts as she started tap dancing in place. The crowd seemed to like it judging by their cheering.
"Not bad for someone who doesn't dance," Anna commented
A cheeky smiled grew across Elsa's mouth. "Not so bad yourself, princess." She then twirled around as she continues her improvised tap dancing. Then Anna decided to join with her.
Nearby, Kai was standing near the pathway leading into the square.
The King has been putting all of his effort to the party. Kai knew for certain that he lost some sleep over it. He could tell by his sluggish movements. He also swore to have seen Agdar dozed off for brief moments. The queen took notice of this, thankfully, and practically took over the planning, though Agdar wouldn't back down.
Then it was discovered they were several items & food missing for the party. The Queen assigned Kai & Gerda to retrieve them. They both decided to split up to save time. Kai had finished his part and was waiting for his wife. On the bright side, it was nice for him to go into town. Not much had changed since his last outing, aside from the number of tourists. That was the only downside about this time of year but he could deal with it.
The sound of music & cheering caught his ear. Among the dancing crowd, one of them Kai recognized as the princess. A smile grew on his face until he noticed the girl she was dancing with. Her almost white hair stood out among the crowd, but her facial features what stuck to him the most. A feeling in his gut told him that he knew this girl. For a moment, he wondered…
"Kai?" The sound of Gerda's voice.
"Oh, Gerda. Did you find everything?"
"I did."
"Good. We should head back."
The couple made their way to the castle. However, Kai did a double take to the crowd but no longer can see the girl.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine dear," Kai assured his wife. "I thought I saw someone I knew."
The three friends were sitting on the top of the clock tower to relax. Anna and Kristoff just lounge around while Elsa took the whole view of the town.
"What a day," She heard Anna say.
"You're telling me," Kristoff followed up.
"It was tiring, but it was really-"
"Sick…?" Both friends eyed at Elsa bewilderingly. "It's an expression for something cool, awesome, and amazing." She glances at them, giving a small smile.
Anna smiled amusingly. "Yeah, it was."
Elsa returned her sights to the town below her. Today's event played through her mind again and again. But there was something itching her, and not the kind of itch she could just scratch off.
"Anna, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"When I got ahead of you guys I saw this large painting with a small girl."
"The young girl with white hair?"
Elsa nodded.
Both Anna and Kristoff gave nervous glances. Anna sat up in a more direct position, straighten herself out. "Do you remember, a while ago, when I told you about my sister?" Elsa nodded her head. "That painting is supposed to be her. A tribute."
Elsa responded with a small 'ah' before the silence resumed. "What exactly happened to her?"
"To tell you the truth, no one knows," Kristoff said.
Elsa tilted her head in confusion. "I don't understand."
"She was kidnapped," A sadness lingered in Anna's voice. "Some men broke into the castle and took her. She was only three. The kingdom searched for her for months but nothing came up. Its as if she completely disappeared. This happened just four months before I was born."
Elsa's heart grew heavy from hearing that statement. When Anna first told her of her sister she always assumed that she died. Somehow, this was perhaps an even worse outcome.
She noticed Anna looking down at her lap with a somber look in her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make feel sad."
"It's fine. You didn't do anything wrong." Anna moved her gaze to the town. Quite often the past few months she would think about her sister at least once a day. Many times she wondered...what would life be if her sister was never taken?
What would their relationship be like most of all? Anna had heard people tell their stories, mostly horror stories, of their own experiences of having siblings. But from what her parents had shared, her sister was a very sweet girl and was very much excited about becoming a sister herself.
Would her sister watch over her as she slept in the crib? Would she be willing to play with her in the middle of the night? Would she be willing to do anything to keep her safe? Who knows?
"Y'know, she was also named Elsa, too."
"That's...nice."
Truth to be told, Anna had no idea why she shared that information to Elsa. She felt like it was something to be done.
The clock gave a loud chime, scaring Elsa nearly half to death.
"4:30," Kristoff spoke.
"Shoot," Anna muttered. "I have to be home soon. I'm afraid we have to end things here."
"It's fine. I probably should get back before Olaf & Marshmallow gets worried," Elsa said.
They all climb down the tower stairs and walk outside, where Sven had woken up from a small nap.
"You can get back home yourself okay?" Anna asked
"I'll be fine. I had a fun time today." Elsa glanced down sorrowfully. "And...I'm sorry I didn't get you a present."
"Seeing you have a good time was the greatest gift you could give me. That's what matters,"
Both girls smiled at each other. Without any warning, they gave each other a hug that lasted for only for a few moments.
"I'll see you later?"
"Sure. Happy Birthday, Anna."
They all parted ways. Anna & Kristoff going one way, Elsa going the opposite until she was out of their view. The rest of the walk back home Anna remained quiet. More quiet than usual. It wasn't until they were crossing the castle bridge when Kristoff brought it up.
"You okay, feisty pants? You've been awfully quiet."
"I'm fine. Just a little tired."
"Well, I know what will bring your spirits up. But first, close your eyes. And don't peek."
"Okay," she closes both of her eyes. Big hands gently grabbed her own as they guide her. "Can I open them now?"
"Just about...now."
When Anna opened her eyes up she's greeted by the sight of a highly decorated courtyard, and the crowd of people gathered around with big smiles and yelled out "Surprise! Happy birthday, Anna!"
A huge grin grew across Anna's mouth. "Wow! Is all this for me?"
"All for you, sweetheart." Anna turned to her parents standing nearby.
"You guys did all this?"
"Most of it was me." Idun gently nudges Agdar's side. "With the help of your mother of course."
"You didn't have to go through this trouble."
Agdar lifted his hand signal her to be silent. "I've been holding you back for too long. What happened in February made me realize that life's to short to hold back. I promised myself to no longer do that by letting you live the life you deserve."
"Thank you."
"Now then, let the party begin. And, let today be the start of your future."
Everyone around let out happy cheers. Despite the high volumes, Agdar yawn did not escape Anna's ears.
"Are you okay, Papa?"
"Of course I'm fine..."
He sluggishly toppled to the side as Idun grabbed his arm to prevent him from falling over. "He's been busy putting this party together. And now he's going to sleep."
"Wait! All that's left to do is for the king to blow the royal bukklehorn." He reached out to the huge instrument and gave a hard blow. That must've taken whatever energy he had left as he finally succumbed to slumber, slumping over Idun's shoulders.
"At least he's sleeping now."
"He gonna be okay?" Kristoff asked.
"I imagine he'll be out for a while," she moved Agdar to Kai, instructing the servant to take him to bed.
The party went on without a hitch for the next several hours. Everyone attending were enjoying themselves. Gift giving and cake eating events had passed so the guests were just mingling. During this Anna manage to slip away from the party. She sat at the banks on the side of the castle, staring into the fjord leading into the woods.
"Hey, you okay? You're missing the party," a familiar said behind her.
"I just needed some air. I'll be back in soon."
Instead of leaving as she hoped, Kristoff sat next to her. "Are you really alright?"
"I am, really. The party is wonderful. It's just...I wish Elsa could be here as well instead of being alone out there. I know she doesn't like being around people, but she was so great today. I wish we could do more of that."
"Maybe...maybe you should tell your parents about her?"
Anna looked at him as if he were crazy. "What?!"
"You've known her for about four months now. I think now's a good time to tell them. I would if I were in your shoes. But I'm not you so I can't exactly-"
"You're right," Anna cut him off. "It's been on my mind the past few weeks. The problem is I don't know how to bring it up to either of them.
She placed her hands on her head.
"Are you free tomorrow?" Kristoff spoke up after a few moments.
"Well with my father's sleep deprived state, I'm gonna assume I won't be starting my queen lessons tomorrow. Why?"
"Because I think I know someone who might be able to solve our dilemma."
Man it's been a while, hasn't it? I don't why but lately whenever I try to write I feel drained out. I guess thats what happens when you have a job and go to university, and I have a tendency to get easily distracted. Not to mention I had trouble writing out this chapter so it maybe a bit sloppy. The Aladdin remake (yeah thats where the title came from), Frozen 2 trailer, and Toy Story 4 has helped motivate me getting this done. Hopefully it can do the same when the The Lion remake comes out.
And before you come after me, I will say my bullshit ends here. What I mean by that you'll see the next chapter.
Yes, those two women in the clothing shop are named after Elsa & Anna's Broadway actresses. And there's a Zelda reference here as well.
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy reading.
