A New World

"With the new day comes new strength and thoughts."-Eleanor Roosevelt

"Every day is a new day and you will never be able to find happiness if you don't move on."-Carrie Underwood

Elsa awoke in bed. Confused, she glanced around, the memories of the previous night coming to haunt her again. She threw off the covers and raced into the hall, tears leaking out of her eyes.

"Mom," she called. "Gerda, Please, anyone?"

No one responded. The castle was eerily quiet and it frightened the princess even more. She raced through the castle seeking for anyone else, calling names until she saw a window door open. Out on the highest balcony was the Enchantress. A young woman of immense beauty, she had on a peachy and green robe, had pearly blue eyes, and unlike the King, she radiated warmth and comfort. Elsa hesitated: after what had happened last night, she stayed back. The Echantress opened her arms to the child and her need for comfort overrode her hesitation.

Elsa walked towards her, crawled into her embrace and she broke, bawling into the Echantress's blouse. A soft warm magic washed over her as the young woman cooed a soft melody, a warm hand massaging her back. The Princess was there for what felt like hours until she realized the full reality of her situation. She looked into the eyes of her who was responsible, already knowing somehow what had happened.

"What happened? What have you done to everyone?"

"They are all in a deep sleep. Your father had no heart."

A sudden fear gripped Elsa's heart. "The Kingdom, people will be scared..."

The Enchantress smiled at the princess on the brink of womanhood. "Your first thoughts are for others. Such a gem in such a cruel world."

"What happened to my...the King?"

The Enchantress pulled out a mirror and handed it to the Princess. Elsa fingered it, it was made of silver, reflected clearer than water, and had gold rose petals adorning the edge.

"This will show you anything you want. Ask and say please."

"I'd like to see my father please," Elsa asked, bracing herself.

A large black bear came into view. She recognized her father's tuxedo around its neck as it wandered through a dark forest, stopping to eat some scat (Elsa's nose wrinkled in disgust).

"A monster he was and so he became."

"Then why not me?" Elsa asked. "I should be one as well."

"You speak of your powers. They are to be revered not feared."

"How? Ice kills, it maims, it freezes crops and..."

"What happens after the spring thaw? When all the snow and ice melts?"

Elsa blinked. "It warms up, grass returns, the trees push out their leaves..."

"Yes," the Enchantress said, nodding. "Some fruit trees need a late freeze to bear their fruit. Ice is good, necessary. The question you must answer is are you a fruit tree or the annual flower that lasts only six months? That will determine your destiny."

Elsa didn't say anything else.

"You have a hard road ahead. Your parents had a lot of secrets."

Elsa suddenly realized something. "Is Mom alright?"

"I don't know. She wasn't in the castle."

Elsa's jaw dropped. "She wasn't?"

"No. I sense her fate is one of the secrets. Seven in all. If you don't discover all of them, I will return on your eighteenth birthday, and we will look into them."

The Enchantress gave her a red rose, the most prefect Elsa had ever seen.

"This will be a constant reminder of my coming. For each secret you uncover a petal will drop to the floor. Guard it with your life. Now, Gerda will be along anytime now. Go to bed now, a big day is ahead of you. The Kingdom will think the King died in a storm out at sea. Only you and one other will bear witness of these events."

"Princess? Your Majesties? Elsa?" came the voice Elsa cherished above all others.

"I'm here," the Princess called. She heard the pattering of feet running towards her.

The Enchantress lifted Elsa off her lap and set her on the balcony. She ran into Gerda's arms, relishing in the warmth of her true mother.

"Oh princess," Gerda said, both now crying. "I was so worried."

"I can't do it," Elsa said. "I can't."

"What happened?" Gerda asked. "I was in my quarters..."

Gerda did not fully believe her until Elsa showed her the mirror and the rose. Both looked out to the balcony: the Enchantress was gone. Elsa looked back at the balcony, a swirl of emotions in her chest. She didn't want to be alone, at least on this night. "Can I sleep in your quarters?"

"As long as you need," Gerda said. She took the Princess's hand, and they left the balcony. As sad as she was, she felt a new era was dawning not only for, her, but all of Arendelle.