Authors note: Welcome to the next chapter. I want to thank all of my lovely readers. I am happy that you are all enjoying the remake so far as I worked hard to make sure this was as perfect as possible.:)
I will not tell a summary of what to expect in this chapter as I want to keep the rest a secret, a secret which I hope will delight all of you lovely readers. (Wink). Any way on with the new story, please tell me what you think and what improvements I can make on it as your opinions matter.
Sitting in a local pub Hans and Joseph had a drink or two and exchanged stories.
"Your such a card, I cannot believe that those pirates really though that the boat was haunted" laughed Joseph.
"Varian made a good ghost, but me and Aisha did the creepy voice while Heidi went around knocking stuff over in the dark" laughed Hans "You should have seen how high the captain jumped when he heard the loud noise caused by Heidi crashing one of the emergency boats in the dark"
"What did the captain do?" Snickered Joseph,
"Abandoned ship, it was a pure miracle the guy did not jump out of the ship with his crew" laughed Hans,
"That's great! Your lucky! I wish I could go on all of those adventures" said Joseph and then sighted "But... I cannot abandon my daughter",
"You love your daughter" said Hans with a small smile,
"She is my world John, my princess" declared Joseph,
"I am jealous of you and her" said Hans "Having a family... it's truly a gift from god"
Joseph looked then sighted and said "Sometimes I wish I could do more",
"How so?" asked Hans curious, to this Joseph took a drink and spoke "My daughter does not have much time left in this earth, yet I wish I could show her the world... but I can't as it's too risky",
"Risky? Does she have TB?",
"No, it's something else, an unnamed disease that is slowly eating her from the inside out... as for why it's risky it's that it's just me and her, not exactly a good way to travel" explained Joseph.
Hans though for a bit, looking at Joseph before asking "You used to be an iron smith right?",
"The best in my village, I fixed all manner of swords, weapons and such" said Joseph with pride,
"Then maybe you and your daughter can come with us" offered Hans,
"Really? But did you not have an iron worker already?" Asked Joseph confused,
"Oh Varian? He is more of an inventor and at times he can be a little..." Hans hesitated as he really likes Varian and wanted to find the most polite words to describe one of Varians flaw.
"Inexperienced?" asked Joseph,
"Uh, more like accident prone, he means well and does amazing inventions" said Hans then wincing as he added "Which tend to blow up... most of the time",
"Ah I see" said Joseph then though before saying "Well then you got a deal, I would also keep an eye on Varian, maybe even give him a few pointers".
Shaking hands Joseph left after Hans payed for the drinks before going back home. Yes maybe having Joseph and Jane around would make a good change.
A loud clank was heard as a window opened and a clerks head pop out. Looking through mail he looked up and stared at Hans then back at the letter before saying "John winter?",
"That's me" said Hans as he was first in a long line of people waiting to receive his mail.
With that the man handed the mail before waiving him off rather impatient and called out "Next!".
"Rude" though Hans as he held his mail and left the line, heading out of the building he looked over them and smiled before packing it up and going to the market.
Vendors lined the area, showing off the latest textiles, seasonal fruits and vegetables with the occasional rare imports.
Looking over the fruits Hans picked some cherries and pears, then bought bread and a bit of cheese, meat and bone for a soup.
Packing it all up Hans made his way back home, following the path towards the ranch Hans stopped and looked back only to stop and take in the view. He had never noticed the pathway went up a hill allowing him to get a perfect view of Arendelle.
It had changed so much, it was much bigger than he remembered, busier too and the Arendelle castle. It was huge!
Seems Elsa had it remodeled or something as it was now large, made of what looked to be entirely out of marble making the wooden roofs color more intense. There were decorations here and there made out of wood that looked like vines and trees that surrounded the castle, the inside had a massive garden that looked to be both the ornamental and functional.
Another thing Hans noticed was the this castle was more inland than in the coast like before, but still the sight was truly breathtaking.
"Glad to see she is doing well for herself" though Hans with a small smile, this reinforced that his choice to leave was definitely the right one.
With that he continued his way to the ranch,
"Good morning" he heard Kristoff, turning he saw the ice harvester peeking from one of the windows at the side of the house.
"Good morning" said Hans as he walked over,
"Went to town?" asked Kristoff,
"Yes, just picking up somethings for me and father" said Hans as he gestured to the bag he had with him.
"Are the pears any good?" asked Kristoff as he spotted the pears,
"Not sure" said Hans as he looked and took out one of the pears.
"Let's give them a taste test just to be sure" suggested Kristoff, to which Hans laughed and took out a pear, moving the items around to hold them more comfortably Hans reached and took out a knife he had and used it to cut the pear into slices.
"That's a nice looking knife there" complemented Kristoff,
"Thank you, a close friend made it for me" said Hans proudly as he showed it off, it was an impressive knife, a mixture of silver and other metals making it shine, the handle was ivory and elaborately decorated as it was carved to look like a beautiful tree and roots.
"Your friend is an artist" said Kristoff,
"I know" said Hans as he placed the knife back in his pocket and took a slice of pear, placing it on Kristoff mouth.
"Thank you, taste a bit sour though" said Kristoff as he chewed then shivered a bit,
"Really?" asked Hans surprised as he took and ate a slice himself before shivering, yes it was sour, which was odd as pears tended to be sweet.
"Are they not ripe enough?" asked Kristoff,
"They look ripe" said Hans as he looked over the fruit, yes it was ripe, overly ripe to be honest.
"That it odd" said Kristoff,
"Humm" though Hans as he put the remaining slices away in his pocket and though. This was truly strange, the harvest has been somewhat strange, the fruits don't taste right, too sour or bland, yet people acted as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
"Had the land become cursed?" Though Hans then shook his head, that was ridiculed, who or why would anybody want to curse Arendelle?
"Well I will leave you be, you need to check on your father and Anna was asking for you" said Kristoff,
"Really? Why?" asked Hans curious,
"Not sure, she said something about a favor" said Kristoff,
"Alright, I will be around" said Hans with that he turned and left to the guest house.
Arriving there he found the old man making his way to the living room/kitchen/dinning room. He was being guided by a cane Hans had carved for him and tied to his arm since he had no hands to hold the cane.
"Father" called Hans making him jump a bit,
"Oh John, you are here" he said as he "felt" around with his free stump, finding the chair he sat on it and asked "How was the market?",
"It was good" said Hans as he walked over and placed a hand on the old mans shoulder "I bought some fruit, want some?",
"I never say no to that" said the old man with a smile. Taking out the sliced pears Hans took a slice and placed it on the old mans mouth.
The old man took a couple of chews made a face before grimacing as he swallowed and asked "Hans... are you playing a trick?",
"No, why would I trick you with food? That's not polite" said Hans a little hurt by the accusation,
"Sorry it's just that... texture wise... yes it's a pear but the taste... it's like trying to eat a lemon" said the old man grimacing a bit more.
"I am sorry... maybe the cherries will be better" promised Hans as this confirmed that neither he or Kristoff we're loosing their taste buds. Moving to the kitchen he took out some cherries and prepared them by washing and removing the pits before putting them on a plate and walking back to the old man.
"Cherries" said Hans as he placed a cherry on the old mans mouth. He shivered again and said "Ugh! These taste like salt!"
This was very odd for Hans, how could a cherry taste like salt?
Taking one cherry from the plate he placed it on his mouth. He was barely able take a couple of chews before spitting it out.
It did tasted like salt!
"What is going on here?!" Though Hans as he looked at the cherries very baffled before deciding to throw them out.
"So... whats for dinner?" asked the old man,
"Hungry?" Joked Hans,
"Of course I am! Look at me! I am wasting away!" joked the old man back as he made a show making Hans laugh before answering "I am going to make some bone broth soup with some mutton meat",
"Can you save one of the bones after you make the broth? Bone marrow is my favorite part" asked the old man,
"Of course, I will leave this to cook in low while I go to see Anna" explained Hans,
"See Anna?",
"Yes, she said she had a favor to ask of me" explained Hans as he left the bones and water to cook in really low flames as he did not want to over due it or worse burn the house down with the old man in it.
"Alright, just hurry back" said the old man. Nodding Hans covered the pot then put on his coat again before heading out the door, locking it.
Bending down Anna gently stroked a leaf from the vegetable patch Hans had made for them. It was so vibrant, so green which was a welcome change as for a long time everything seemed to be so dull, the colors were there, but never with such intensity.
Grasping the leaf she pulled out a carrot, her smoke widening a bit as she admired its vibrant orange color as she held it up in her hand, stroking it gently as the green of the leaves somewhat reminded her of somebody she wished was there.
With a sad sight she though "I wish..." as her mind went back to the last time she spoke to him.
Anna was in a warpath, the fire pants as her husband playfully refers to her stomped her way through the castle, trying to find Hans.
If he wanted to leave then fine! Who needs him! But he was not leaving unscathed! She will give him a piece of her mind and more!
Looking around in rage Anna stormed around before she found Hans. He was pacing around, why she did not know or care but she laughed. Yes sure, if he wanted to leave he would have as soon as possible!
"Maybe Father is right! He is manipulating us!" though Anna in rage as she stormed over and threw her hand back, as Hans turned to face her she slapped him across the face.
He closed his eyes, his hand on his stinging cheek as Anna breathed in anger. She wanted to keep slapping him over and over but she stopped herself as she glared at Hans as she snarled "How dare you?"
She said nothing else and waited for a reply, some excuse, something!
But there was nothing as Hans turned away to try to leave but Anna quickly moved to block his path and continued "Hey! I asked a question! You are not allowed to leave!",
"I have to go" whispered Hans softly, so softly in fact Anna barely heard him.
"No! You will not! You will face what you did!" Snarled Anna,
"I did what was right, this..." Hans sighted "I love your sister, I really do, but this is not healthy for us, we need to go our separate ways",
"Why?! Is everything too hard? Your just going to give up because your not man enough to see things through?" Yelled Anna even more angrier than before,
"Anna it has nothing to do with that, please try to understand, if we stay together we will just be miserable and start to resent one another" explained Hans, almost pleading to her.
"Guess what! My sister is miserable because you are making her so! She is in love with you! You leaving is destroying her!" screamed Anna as tears of anger and sadness left her.
"Princess Anna please, this is for the best, Queen Elsa deserves the best" Hans tried to reason,
"Well guess what! My sister wants your sorry butt! Why?! Don't ask me! If it was me I would have thrown you out myself and banished you from this kingdom" said Anna then what happened next... it stunned her to no end.
"Do it" said Hans making her stop her ranting, turning she stared, her mind almost broke as she was beraly able to say "wha...",
"I ask you to banish me please" said Hans in a surprisingly calm voice.
This shocked Anna even more, she opened and closed her mouth. Not able to answer.
What happened? What to do? She was at a loss.
She was prepared to handle a manipulative Hans, an angry one, maybe even an indecisive one. One mention of how he owed them, how he was hurting Elsa and he would change his mind and back track... but this? This was a Hans she did not even know existed.
With a bow Hans said "I will wait for your orders" before he walked pass her and out the door or tried. Anna confusion turned to fury as she turned around and screamed at him with all the fury that she felt inside "If you leave I will never forgive you!".
He stopped. Did not face her, but was not going anywhere. So Anna continued "You walk out and I will never forgive you... you will always be a monster to me and nothing will ever change that"
There was no answer. Turning to face her, Anna felt her heart turn to lead and fall to the bottom of her stomach. His face was stoic, no emotions, but his eyes were another story, never had she seen such broken eyes before.
If the eyes were the window of the soul... did that meant that he was broken?
Before Anna could say anything he left without saying a word. Turning around Anna left.
It was a trick, another manipulation. She told herself over and over. Yet her heart knew the truth.
This was not a trick... this was not another manipulation.
That became clear to Anna when she witnessed that horrible meeting. To hear him say that... it proved what she wanted to deny.
He was more than just bent pass the point of no return. He was broken to pieces and no amount of talking, bribery, promised, gifts, praises and love would change that.
Whatever Hans had, whatever that kept Hans going despite all the struggle and pain he endured... it was gone.
When Anna learned from Kristoff Hans was killed she did not believe it, not because she did not believe her husband, it was because she did not want to believe it.
Unfortunately when she said it Kristoff though she was saying that she did not believe him and he broke down crying. It lead to an open honest conversation, hearing him cry, saying how he felt he was not important to her, that it had been months and it was like he was nonexistent and then asking if this is what life will be like forever, if it was he was glad that he was paralyzed and could not have kids, because it would spare the kids from knowing that they came second place to their mothers sister.
It was horrible to hear that their relationship had to come to that, but hearing that made Anna to realize how neglected her and Kristoff relationship was. It took a lot of time and effort before the two reconciled, so many days talking open and honestly, holding one another, crying, as they did Anna realized they had not spoken like that... they had not communicated like that ever...
Yes Hans death was tragic, but it brought a lot of good. Her relationship with Kristoff was great, despite the fact that she had to renounce her royal tittles due to Kristoffs condition rendering him basically infertile in the eyes of the law, having to take care of him Anna found she would never wish to be anywhere else. The love and freedom they now share, the bond, it was perfect despite its small flaws.
In Elsa's case she wished she could find a way to make her happy. But she respected and did not pry into her business. Elsa was her own woman and after this they had a respect for one another, especially as the whole experience made Elsa walk a mile in Anna's shoes.
"I just wish that all these fixes happened without the cost of Hans life" though Anna before she heard "Your highness" which startled her a bit.
Turning around she saw John behind her, how long was he standing there?
"John, oh you scared me" laughed Anna as she set the carrot she was holding onto her pocket,
"I am sorry, I though you heard me" said Hans/John as he walked in "I called but I think not loud enough",
"Oh no, I think my head is just elsewhere" laughed Anna waiving the worry off before saying "Any way, I am glad your here, I have a rather big favor to ask of you",
"What is it?" asked Hans,
"I need you to go to the mountains and get me some cloudberries" said Anna,
"Cloudberries?" asked Hans surprised,
"Yes I know it's a lot to ask, but they are my husbands favorite and I would like to surprise him with some for a special dinner I am planning to celebrate our marriage" said Anna with a smile.
"Hum, that's a big order, but I will see what I can do" said Hans,
"Thank you, feel free to use our equipment, oh and take one of the reindeer with you to help out" said Anna,
"Thank you and I will try my best, but please I ask that you take care of my father for me" said Hans,
"I will, don't worry" promised Anna, with a nod Hans turned around and left. As he did Anna smile faltered as she looked down sadly and though "I am sorry, I hope you understand"
In a hurried step Hans hurried up to the guest house, after informing Agnaar they had a quick meal together before Hans packed up and gathered some necessary materials before leaving the house.
Once out he went to the barn and chose a reindeer named Luke. Why named Luke? Hans has no idea but who was he to complain as they were not his.
Getting the reindeer on a cart he got it ready before they headed out. As they left Hans would look back every so often, his focus on the guest house till he could no longer see it among the trees.
"I will be back soon Father, I promise" though Hans.
Meanwhile:
The fire crackled gently as the old man buried himself into the blanket Hans had placed over him before leaving. Resting his head to the side he listened to the sound the fire made, the gentle cracks and the occasional loud pops, it was soothing to the ear, yet despite how soothing the sounds were, how comfortable he was, his mind and heart were not at peace.
Memories haunted him, swirled around his head like snowflakes inside of a snowglobe as his mind went to the past... and how he got into this predicament...
I was fine, with people
who would come into her life, now and again
I was fine, cause I knew
that they didn't really matter until you
He paused and gently moved the arm that had the cane Hans made him attached to it. Was not the best but it was the best solution as he did not have hands to hold the cane. It was necessary, but it was a constant reminder of how horribly wrong he was about Hans.
I was not fine, when you came
and I fought you like it was all some stupid game
over my daughter, who she'd choose
After all this time, I never throught I'd lose
The old man sang as he never heard the door handle of the front door unlock and slowly open.
It's over... isn't it?
Isn't it?
Isn't it over?
It's over, isn't it?
Isn't it?
Isn't it over?
You won and she choose you and they loved you but you left
It's over, isn't it?
But can I make it right?
Getting up the the old man turned his head to "look" at the fire as the memory of the events which happened filled his mind. At first he always blamed his daughters lover... for everything... it was just easier that way. It was the lovers fault his daughter was sad, it was his daughters love that his wife is angry, always his daughters love...
But, after a while and what happened... he knew that he had nobody to blame... but himself...
War and glory, reinvention
frozen, freedom
her devotion
out in daylight, my flaws
Stubborn, prideful, a hypocrite
Who am I now in this world without them?!
petty an dull with the nerve to hurt them
what does it matter it's alredy done?!
now i've got to pay the price
If the blind old man would cry if he could, years had been long and hard, he had been blinded yet despite that he felt that never had be seen so clearly. He saw all the hurt and damage he caused to his own family and every day he begged the Lord for a chance to make right what he did wrong.
But even if he did; Would he ever be forgiven for the sins he committed?
it's... over, isn't it?
isn't it?
isn't it over?
it's over, isn't it?!
isn't it?!
isn't it over?!
you won and she choose you and they loved you but you left!
it's over, isn't it?
But can I make it right?
it's over, isn't it?
But can I make it right?
As the night progressed he hoped that the good lord would give him a sign, any sign that things could be made right... that he could be forgiven...
But there was non and the old man was sure there would be non. While yes he had started trying to make things right by bringing Hans back to Arendelle, but once it was all done what will happen to him?
Will he be forgiven? Cast out? He did not care if Hans never forgive him or even want him 80 feet near him after everything he was put through, but what the old man feared the most was that Hans still would not love his daughter and want to be with her. But at this rate it was all out of his hands, he set the events in motion and all he could do now was wait and hope.
"Can I make it right?" He whispered when all of a sudden he heard the floor creak. Yes house floors made all kinds of strange noises, but this one was different. The creak was the kind of creak you hear when somebody is walking through the floor.
Turning his head he asked "Who is there?", there was silence.
"John?" Called the old man, again there was no answer and this scared him. The old man knew how Hans/John was, he always announced his presence and let him know he was there.
The very though made the old mans blood run cold as he knew that the person who was here was not John/Hans, but an intruder.
But before he could say anything he heard Anna speak "Hello Agnaar"
A couple of weeks later:
Wheels squeaked loudly as Hans drove the cart back to the ranch. He was exhausted but proud, it had taken a while but he managed to find some cloudberries hiding in the outskirts of the north mountain.
He could see why Kristoff missed being a mountain man, it was amazing to explore the wilderness and take in all the views of the mountains in Arendelle. Which was saying a lot as Hans had been through many mountains, peaks and had taken in many views.
Stopping the cart inside Hans let the reindeer go which immediately went off to join its brethren.
With the berries in hand, well a hand basket, Hans was going to go directly to Anna and Kristoff home but stopped when he saw the guest house.
"Nothing wrong with checking on father" Hans though as he changed his direction to the guest house. As soon as he got close he could not help shake the feeling of dread off of him, as if something was not right.
Stopping he looked over the home, the door was locked which was good, windows were not broken, no sign of fire...
"Fire" he though as he looked up to the chimney and saw that there was no smoke. That alone was a big red flag for him as he knew his father liked keeping the place warm. With alarm bells going off on Hans head he quickly ran and opened the door only to almost puke in dread.
The house was empty, dusty, no sign of the old blind man anywhere.
"Father!" Hans called as he turned the place upside down trying to find him, praying he was playing some kind of game or trick, but he was not, the old man was gone!
Turning around Hans ran out the house and towards Anna and Kristoffs house. Barging in he hurt his shoulder as it hit the locked door.
Hitting the door with his fist Hans yelled "Where is my father!?", there was no answer.
"Answer me! You promised! You promised to take care of him for me! How could you!?" yelled Hans with tears streaming down his face at this point.
Seeing there was no answer Hans turned around and ran, he knew he would be wasting his time trying to get Anna to talk so his best chance was to go out and find the old man on his own with the help of some friends.
As he left he never noticed one of the curtains part as Anna looked out the window in sorrow and shame. Turning around she closed the curtain and looked at Kristoff sadly, he simply looked away before saying "This is wrong... we should have never done this..."
To be continue...
Fun fact: Of course we know better now, but back then people who are paralized were though to be infertile. Don't ask me why they though that because I am not sure myself. But any way, one of the little ways women could divorce their husbands or have their marriage annulled was to prove the husband was infertile. Which was what happened here, the council wanted to annul the marriage because Kristoff was infertile, in truth they and Agnaar already wanted to do that due to Kristoff not being royal, but did not as they needed the right opening so Anna could be remarried to the person of their choice.
And yes Agnaar wanted to get rid of Kristoff as well, he got greedy and decided why settle for just Elsa marrying somebody of higher class and riches when he can have both his daughters married off to rich and powerful men. Of course as you see this backfired on him... badly...
Authors note: Oh no... Agnaar is gone and Hans is worried sick! Will he find him? and where did Agnaar go? Please review to let me know what you all think, but for now I bid you adue and will post the sequel of this story as soon as possible. Take care.