"Gerda?" I called, pulling a paper closer and inspecting it.
"Yes your majesty?" Gerda replied, stepping into my study.
"Can you please get Heidi for me? I need to go over the final preparations for tonight."
"Yes your majesty." Gerda bowed politely. Ah, ah, ah ah… I blinked, looking up from my papers.
"Gerda, did you hear something?" I asked.
"No, your majesty." I shook my head slowly.
"Nevermind, can you get Heidi here as soon as possible? She's the last person I have to talk to the Autumn Festival."
"Of course." With another bow, Gerda disappeared out the door. It was sometime later when Gerda returned with Heidi.
"You called, your majesty?" Heidi greeted with a small bow.
"I just wanted to double-check that everything's ready for tonight." I told her, setting my papers aside. I looked up at her. I gestured to the seat opposite my desk. Heidi sat down. "I just wanted to make sure that the kitchens weren't overrun about tonight. If they are I'd be happy to lend a hand."
"There's no need to bother yourself with what." Heidi assured.
"Are you sure?" I emplored. "I can delegate some more people to the kitchens if you need it."
"We're ok, I promise." I nodded.
"Ok, if you're sure. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, I want to make this the best Autmn Festival it can be."
"It will be, your majesty." Heidi promised. I nodded and stood. I collected my clipboard, tucking it against my arm.
"Well then, let's get the final preparations sorted and have the best night this Kingdom has ever seen."
TIMESKIP - 3RD PERSONS POV
Elira found herself in the middle of the main courtyard, supervising the preparations for the Autumn Festival. Her mother and father were discussing trade routes with dignitaries from the far reaches of Auradon, her younger brother was unfortunately with them for his 'King Training', her uncle was talking with his reindeer discussing how to propose to his girlfriend, and said girlfriend was with her talking snowman best friend about mortality. "I don't worry because...well, I have you and Elsa, Kristoff and the kids, Sven and even Elira and Elias, the gates have been open for ages and we're learning new things from new places, and I'm not alone anymore.
Anna -
Yes, the wind blows a little bit colder
And we're all getting older
And the clouds are moving on with every Autumn breeze
Peter Pumpkin just became fertilizer
Olaf -
And my leaf's a little sadder and wiser
Anna -
That's why we rely on certain certainties
Yes, some things never change
Like the feel of your hand in mine
Some things stay the same
Like how we get along just fine
Like an old stone wall that will never fall
Some things are always true
Some things never change
Like how I'm holding on tight to you
Across the kingdom, Kristoff and Sven were walking through the markets.
Kristoff -
The leaves are already falling
Kid, it feels like the future is calling
Are you telling me tonight you're gonna get down on one knee?
Yep, but I'm really bad at planning these things out
Like candlelight and pulling up rings out
Maybe you should leave all the romantic stuff to me
Yeah, some things never change
Like the love that I feel for her
Some things stay the same
Like how reindeer are easier
But if I commit and I go for it
I'll know what to say and do, right?
Some things never change
Sven, the pressure is all on you
Elira held her clipboard tight as she watched her aunt, uncle and their friends. She smiled softly, before feeling the wind blew through her hair. She watched as leave picked up near her feet and disappeared into the sky. Her mother exited onto a balcony, the same feeling of uncertainty lurking in her heart.
Elira -
The winds are restless, could that be why I'm hearing this call?
Elsa -
Is something coming? I'm not sure I want things to change at all
Elira -
These days are precious, can't let them slip away
Elsa -
I can't freeze this moment, but I can still go out and seize this day
Queen Elsa joined the festivities, smiling at her family as they gathered around each other. Elira's smile faded when she realised that her father refused to join them, but plastered one on her face for Elias.
Arendelle -
The wind blows a little bit colder
Olaf -
And you all look a little bit older
Anna -
It's time to count our blessings
Anna and Kristoff -
Beneath an Autumn sky
Arendelle -
We'll always live in the kingdom of plenty
That stands for the good of the many
Elsa -
And I promise you the flag of Arendelle will always fly
Elira -
Our flag will always fly
Arendelle -
Our flag will always fly
Our flag will always fly
Some things never change
Turn around in the time that's flown
Some things stay the same
Though the future remains unknown
May our good luck rest, may our past be past
Time's moving fast, it's true
Some things never change
Anna -
And I'm holding on tight to you
Elsa -
Holding on tight to you
Olaf -
Holding on tight to you
Kristoff -
Holding on tight to you
Elira -
I'm holding on tight to you
"Elira, Elias, do you want to join us for charades?" Anna asked, turning and walking backwards through the entrance hall to talk to her niece and nephew.
"Elias won't be participating in such childish games." A voice sounded from the top of the stairs. Elias' shoulders slumped as General Ruben glared down at the group. "He's had enough of childish drivel today, he is to go to bed so he can be ready for training in the morning. Go to bed, now."
"Yes father." Elias muttered.
"Sweet dreams, son." Elsa said. She pulled Elias into a hug and kissed his forehead.
"Goodnight Elias." Elira repeated, hugging Elias as well.
"Night." Elias muttered, quickly hugging the rest of his family before scurrying up the stairs, past his father and into the hall. Ruben scowled at his daughter before turning and stalking after Elias.
"Elira?" Anna asked hopefully, turning to her niece.
"I'm sorry, Aunty." Elira apologised. "But I have a couple things I have to do before I turn in."
"Ok."
"I'll see you all in the morning." Elira picked up her skirt and started to ascend the stairs.
"I'll be in to say goodnight in a little bit." Elsa called up to her daughter. Elira waved back at her family before leaving the entrance hall.