23. Sensitive Subjects

"Hey. You all right?" Kristoff asked Anna as they stopped before they reached the causeway.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Anna tried to be dismissive, but "conceal, don't feel" had never been her strong suit. She looked back at her snowball fight teammates; the Minister of Tourism had taken over as their unofficial host and was chatting with them as they tried out the adult-sized playground equipment.

"The little girl wanted to know if Elsa was fun to play with," Kristoff said patiently.

"It was a perfectly legitimate question," Anna defended.

"And it would be perfectly legitimate for it to be a sensitive subject for you," Kristoff pointed out and placed a gentle hand on Anna's shoulder.

"I answered it, didn't I?" Anna tried to sound authoritative, but that was another thing that had never been her strong suit. She sighed, and did not attempt to shrug off his touch. Sven moved in and forced her arm around his neck. "Thank you. For understanding and being concerned." She managed a genuine smile for them.

"You're allowed to have a few sensitive subjects, Sunflower Princess," Kristoff reminded her. "You put up with everybody else's."

"Now that you mention it, I do," Anna said with self-deprecating pride, her usual sanguine attitude returning. "Listen, I think I'll take a nap. As much as I like camping out with the trolls, I didn't get my usual beauty sleep, and then Elsa popped that snowball fight on us, not that I'm complaining, and the reception after tonight's dinner could run late, and shopping turned-"

"Whoa, Feisty Pants, you're making me tired just thinking about it," Kristoff broke in. "Go take a nap. I'll probably do the same after I get some carrots for Sven." The reindeer bounced happily.

"Remember that some of the really snobby diplomats are coming tonight, too," Anna warned him.

"I'll take a bath, make sure my tie is straight, and pay attention to which fork I use," Kristoff pledged.

"I hate it when you don't get to be the real you," Anna told him and kissed his cheek.

"Are you saying I stink, am a sloppy dresser, and have bad table manners?" Kristoff teased.

"I'm saying that the real you doesn't care what those people think, goofball," she said and kissed his other cheek.

"Yeah, well, it actually does make things go more smoothly for me, you, and Elsa if I meet some of high society's expectations," he admitted. "And it's not like it's total torture."

"If it were up to me, we wouldn't ever invite anybody who would get upset if we slurped our soup and ate dessert first," Anna said.

"So you'd kick Elsa out of the dining room?" Kristoff joked.

"I don't think getting kicked out of the dining room would bother Elsa too much; she'd probably say it increased her productivity," Anna bantered back. "But she is totally in favor of eating dessert first." The Princess' eyes twinkled merrily.

"Right. I'm surprised there hasn't been a royal decree yet," Kristoff laughed, certain that Anna's spirits had improved. He turned back toward the market district. "All right, I'll see you at dinner. Don't oversleep!"

"When have I ever overslept?" Anna asked with feigned indignation.

"Actually-" Kristoff began.

"It was a rhetorical question!" Anna interrupted. "See you at dinner!" She strode off toward the castle.

"Come on, Sven. Let's get you some carrots, hit the hay for a little bit ourselves, then try to get presentable for dinner," Kristoff said to his four-legged friend as they walked back to Bjarne's produce shop.

"Clearly, she doesn't know that the real you does care what those people think," said Kristoff-As-Sven.

"I think she does know, buddy, but she's trying to encourage me to be a little more confident around my social betters," Kristoff replied. "She believes in me. I just need to believe in me, too."

"Talking to yourself again, Ice Master?" came a familiar voice. Kristoff jumped, and he and Sven turned quickly to see Einar flanked by Dag and Åsa.

"No, I was talking to Sven," Kristoff clarified. He kept walking toward Bjarne's shop.

"Oh, all right, then," Einar said with perfect sincerity, tagging along. "It's been quite a day, and I feared that you might have been stricken by all those snowballs to the head." Åsa laughed into her hand.

"I'm fine, thanks. I've got a thick skull," Kristoff said dryly.

"Must be why you haven't popped the Question to the Princess yet," Einar needled.

Kristoff sputtered. "Look, Einar, there are certain things that you just can't rush. This isn't as simple as 'country boy meets country girl.' This isn't even as simple as 'country boy meets city girl.' " Åsa and Dag looked on sympathetically.

"True. But it's one thing to give a lady enough time to change her mind and quite another to give her a reason to change her mind," Einar chided. "You don't want Princess Anna -or the Queen- to get the wrong idea about your silence. If one of them decides that it's because you're not serious about the relationship, you'll be kicking yourself for the rest of your life."

"Trust me, Einar, this is a lot more complicated than me being too shy," Kristoff snapped.

"Ah, yes, it's about you thinking you're not good enough to be a Prince Consort," Einar incited. Kristoff clenched his jaw. Dag cringed.

"Papa!" Åsa gasped and swatted her father's arm.

"Look, lad, if you weren't good enough, the Queen would have seen you off by now," Einar analyzed. "Now, I don't claim to know her, so feel free to correct me on this, but she doesn't strike me as the type to toy with people, to make you think you have a chance in order to hurt you all the more when she crushes your hopes. And with an ally like Queen Elsa, you don't need to worry about anybody else. Except for the castle's kitchen staff, who obviously rule the roost. By the way, speaking as an expert on the subject, please tell Princess Anna -in the most delicate way possible, mind you- that you two were making fun of the Queen."

Kristoff shook his head and smiled at his old friend. "I'll be sure to pass that along when I'm a safe distance away from Her Highness."

They drew up to Bjarne's storefront, and saw the young messenger from the foundry looking over the produce. Sven stood eagerly in front of the carrots, savoring the aroma.

"Hello, Sander," Åsa greeted the messenger with a smile.

"Sander? Now, I may be getting old, and my skull is likely even thicker than Bjorgman's here, but I'm still pretty sure his name is Sáppá," Einar said in confusion. "Or is this a practical joke on your old man?"

"Hello, Mr. Nansen," said the youth shyly. "I go by Sander here in town. It's easier."

Sven looked at Kristoff, who wasn't paying any attention to him, and then back to the carrots.

"How is 'Sander' any easier to say than 'Sáppá'?" Einar asked, still puzzled.

"It's just easier on me," Sáppá/Sander said quietly. "I didn't want to get started off wrong here."

"Started off wrong? How? Isn't the Queen paying for your schooling?" Einar posed, still perplexed.

"Her Majesty is, and I have already learned things about metalworking. I mean started off wrong with the people," Sáppá/Sander whispered. "It's easier if I'm just one of them."

"What are you talk- Wait, are you trying to hide the fact that you're a Lapp?" Einar spouted. Dag winced.

"Ssh! Keep your voice down, please," Sáppá/Sander murmured urgently. "Please."

"Papa, please don't be loud," Åsa appealed. "And they don't like being called Lapps; they prefer the word 'Sami.' "

"Of all the-" Einar muttered. "Do your parents know about this name change?"

Sven stared patiently at the carrots, waiting for the humans to finish their discussion.

"Yes. They understand. They want me to have the best possible chance," Sáppá/Sander said.

"Kid, have you noticed that the official Arendelle Ice Master and Deliverer here is a La-, uh, Sami?" Einar asked, pointing to Kristoff and motioning to his boots.

"Yes, but he has the protection of the Snow Queen," Sáppá/Sander explained.

"You do, too," Kristoff informed him, feeling very uncomfortable. "All of the Queen's subjects have equal protection of the laws."

Sven glanced back at Kristoff, who was focusing on his fellow humans, and nudged the carrots with his snout.

"The laws are all well and good, Ice Master. I'm talking about the way that people treat you and me," Sáppá/Sander rebutted. "The comments, the looks, the cold shoulders, the unfair prices. There's none now that dare do any of that to the Ice Master because of the Snow Queen, but the rest of us don't have that luxury. So I'd rather avoid trouble before it even begins."

Einar turned to Kristoff. "Did he take too many snowballs to the head today?"

Kristoff exhaled noisily and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, one: Arendelle's laws don't discriminate against us; we have the same rights and protections as the rest of the citizens. Two: if you do have any trouble, you can go to the Queen. She holds an open court on the first Thursday each month, and sometimes the third, too, depending. Or you can go to the constables and guards any time."

"I know that the royal family is fair-minded, but I don't think Her Majesty's open court is intended for me to complain that I don't like the way somebody else looks at me or steers clear of me in the streets," Sáppá/Sander contended. "And I don't trust the constables or guards."

"They are a lot better now, after the Great Purge. There's a better hiring process, better training, better performance review procedures. I know a couple of them pretty well, and they will definitely help you, no matter who you are," Kristoff countered. "And if the only things you have to complain about are the way a few people look at you or won't associate with you, maybe you're being a little too sensitive."

"Perhaps so, sir," Sáppá/Sander said meekly. "But I still think it's safer to pass for a Nordmann, if I can. You never know when official policies could change."

"I really don't think Queen Elsa is going to reverse her positions," Kristoff reassured him.

"I hope I don't live to see it, but she won't always be the Queen, sir," Sáppá/Sander said softly. Kristoff rolled his eyes, but his stomach tightened at the involuntary thought of how close they had come to being ruled by a lying, murderous usurper, or at least having a broken chain of succession. Åsa, Dag, and even Einar seemed to be somberly reflecting on the same subject. "Please excuse me, but I need to go." Sáppá/Sander ducked his head and walked off at a quick pace.

"Unquestionably too many snowballs to the cranium," Einar grumbled. "Go easier on him next time, Åsa. Hard to believe he's a mountain boy, acting all paranoid and beaten-down like that."

"It can be a little overwhelming when you're new here in town, away from home for the first time. I'm sure he'll get over it," Åsa said hopefully.

"He will," Kristoff said with a conviction he wasn't convinced he felt. "He'll see that most people aren't like that here." But in his head, he heard "Sven's" voice singing the old refrain: "Yeah, people will beat you and curse you and cheat you..."

"Even if they are, I don't think they would risk crossing the Queen, given what we saw her do today. Unless they're the castle's kitchen staff," Einar ribbed. "Of course, she could always fire the lot of them once she finally grows tired of being ordered about, as she undoubtedly will, and hire new, more respectful cooks. Maybe there's your way to the lady's heart, Dag! Learn to cook and join the staff! Do they offer culinary arts courses at the university?"

Dag once again pulled his cap down over his face. Sven looked at Kristoff with huge, begging puppy-dog eyes.

"Papa, stop pestering him!" Åsa reprimanded. "Oh, Kristoff! Sven wants carrots!"

"Sorry, buddy!" Kristoff said, giving the reindeer a contrite pat on the head. "I got a little distracted. We'll get the carrots and go back to the stables." Sven wagged his tail and smiled. Kristoff grabbed two bunches and wandered into the back of the shop to pay Bjarne.

"We should get going, too, my love," Einar said to Åsa. "We'll be back with another load of ice for the festival sometime on Friday, and then teach this town how to celebrate."

"I don't have enough money to bail you out if you end up in jail," Åsa laughed.

"The Ice Master will vouch for me," Einar quipped as Kristoff rejoined them, and watched as Sven bit off a carrot's tip and his owner finished the slobbery remainder. "Ew! Upon further review, you're not ready to be a Prince Consort. I'm surprised the Princess even kisses you."

"Gotta side with him this time, Kristoff," Åsa said with a smirk. Dag nodded in agreement.

"Hey, love me, love my reindeer," Kristoff said breezily as he and Sven walked off. "See you later, if you come to the festival."

Einar wrapped his daughter in a tender embrace and kissed the top of her head. "I love you, and I'm proud of you," he said earnestly. "Study hard, and uphold the ice harvesters' honor in these snowball fights. I'll come visit as often as I can."

"I love you, too, papa," Åsa said with a sigh that held back her tears. "Please don't get into too much trouble. And be nice to Dag!" Her eyes met the young ice harvester's.

"Good-bye, Åsa. I'll see you on Friday," Dag said with a bashful smile.

"Maybe we can have a dance or two," Åsa said playfully. "None of the city boys know the gangar." Dag stared at the ground, but kept smiling.

Einar grabbed Dag's cap and pulled it down over the young man's face. "Come on, lad. We spent more time here than we planned on, but we can make it to Blakstad before too long." They waved once more to Åsa before turning the corner.

"Nothing wrong with being awed by nature's beauty and power, lad, but don't forget the simple happiness we feel among our own kind," Einar said with exaggerated innocence. "And nothing against city folk, but I would prefer a mountain boy for a son-in-law." Dag kept his eyes on the cobblestones as they came to their cart and horses.

Åsa returned to the waterfront to get the box score of the student-versus-faculty portion of the snowball fight. She saw the visiting researchers and Minister of Tourism gathered around one of the adult-sized slides and waved to them as she passed by.

"These frictional properties are worth investigating," said Newark as he ran his hand on the incline's surface.

"Or checking to see if someone else has tested them," added Sinibaldo, examining the ladder. "The rungs have a distinctly gritty texture. Non-slip ice, I guess."

"Yes, I think someone has asked Her Majesty to make ice as slippery as she can, but I'm not sure about the opposite direction," Åsa told them. "I sometimes help file and index the magic research papers."

"Ah, so you're more than just good aim and a pretty face," Sinibaldo remarked. "Would either you or Minister Haugen know how much conscious thought the Queen put into making this playground? She created many complex objects simultaneously with a single gesture."

"Once she has worked out the design, making them repeatedly is almost effortless," Haugen disclosed. "Maybe even too effortless at times, if the monoculars are anything to go by. She got a little carried away with those. And the Snowgies. Good thing she was only sick for a day, because that was mass production with every sneeze."

"And you're not at all afraid of her?" prodded Newark, watching Olaf play with the children.

"I respect her power, and we all know to obey her if she tells us to run away or let her leave, but I am not afraid of her," Åsa declared.

"I haven't been since the initial shock in the courtyard on coronation night wore off," Haugen professed. "Well, I have been afraid that she was going to fire me a few times, but never that she was going to do more than throw me out on my ear."

"What did you do?" asked Eliasz with a laugh, but was also decidedly curious to hear a firsthand account about what could lead to an early termination from the Queen's payroll. "Or was it fail to do?"

"The first time I thought my stint as a royal adviser was over was when we were discussing what to put in the magic show, and I suggested that she could shoot some apples off of people's heads," Haugen said nonchalantly. "Either with an ice-arrow or with a bolt of pure magic that would ice the apple over. Maybe both. I even volunteered my own head for the first shot, and then we could get a member of the audience to participate for the next one. Her Majesty wasreally not keen on any part of that."

"Can't imagine why, sounds perfectly safe," Eliasz said sarcastically. Irene, Debora, and Åsa stifled their chuckles.

"I know, but if the star of the show refuses to do something, then you're stuck," Haugen responded, seemingly oblivious to Professor Mandelbaum's tone. "And it's more difficult yet if the star of the show is also your boss." He sighed heavily and surveyed the playground.

The others also looked around at the snow scattered on the ground and the people having fun on the swings and merry-go-rounds. Off to the side, Zlata, Waclaw, Stefanie, and a few other university students were building a snowman from the remnants of the snowball fight. Olaf giggled at their endeavor, and some of the children rushed over to help out and give advice, while others went off in search of accessories for the project.

"I must admit this is the most unusual place I've ever been to, and what I've seen makes my head spin, but so far, I rather like it," Homberg owned up. "I'd like to ask to extend my visit. Now that I'm here, it's obvious that two weeks won't be sufficient."

"Same here," said Papadopoulos. "I could spend two weeks just talking with Olaf, never mind seeing the countryside."

"Stop by the office and fill out the forms," Haugen said genially. "You'll probably want to take at least one backcountry tour. We have several trip lengths and destinations to choose from. And please keep this to yourselves, but the Queen is trying to negotiate an agreement with Thelir, one of our neighbors, to include some of their territory in our excursion packages."

Newark lifted an eyebrow. "Expanding Arendelle's reach, eh?" the Myrcian asked suspiciously.

"This is Queen Elsa we're talking about. Thelir would get a proportional share of the profits," Haugen elucidated. "They've had a peace treaty and a trade partnership with us for centuries, and quite frankly, they'd be stupid not to jump at this chance. Their terrain is even more rugged than ours; they're landlocked; and except for our shared border, they're surrounded by Norway proper. They probably would have had to cede to the rest of Norway long ago if it weren't for access to our port. In fact, even as modest as Arendelle is, we also could have annexed Thelir several generations back."

"I see," Newark said mildly. "And considering the feats I saw the Snow Queen do today, she could easily take whatever she wants."

"I assure you, sir, that there is not much that she wants. For herself, at any rate," Haugen said pensively, and once again, the newcomers had the feeling there was a deeper undercurrent to the flow of someone's words.

"But for Arendelle?" Newark probed.

"Oh, nothing more than for us to remain a free and prosperous country that is rightly recognized for our fairness, peaceful intentions, and industriousness. Yes, I know I sound just like an advertisement, but in this case, it's perfectly true," Haugen replied with a self-effacing smile, and placed his hand over his heart.

Newark smiled in return. "Normally, I wouldn't believe a word of it, but you seem like an honest young man - although it is part of your job to make sure Arendelle has good publicity."

"Good publicity does not necessarily equal lying," Haugen riposted without taking umbrage. "I hope that you can understand that someone like Queen Elsa has a valid heightened need for public relations, both at home and abroad."

"Good points, both," Newark granted. He shifted his attention to a merry-go-round, and Sinibaldo and Eliasz joined him in inspecting it. Åsa, John, Irene, Debora, Homberg, and Papadopoulos walked over to where the university students and younger children were shaping the snowman.

"I don't think this thing is attached to the ground at all," said Eliasz as he got down on his hands and knees to peer underneath the platform. Sinibaldo did likewise with a groan. Newark gave it a strong tug, but the overall apparatus didn't budge from its location, yet the platform still rotated smoothly.

"Probably not," Haugen said with a laugh. "The Queen doesn't need to engineer her ice and snow constructions with the normal laws of physics in mind. Gravity is optional for her."

"Speaking of ice constructions, when can we see the Ice Palace?" Duffin asked.

"You can view the exterior any time, either on your own or with the guide of your choice, but you can't go inside except on Wednesdays, weather permitting, as part of the official guided tour," Haugen stated. "I'll have to check, but I think the reservations are already filled for next two trips, but since you're special guests, we can probably arrange something for your group sooner. If, however, you want Her Majesty to come along, you will have to wait for an opening in her schedule, which could take a month."

"A busy woman," Newark said drolly.

"You have no idea," Haugen replied profoundly.

The sound of delighted laughter carried over to them as the finishing touches were being added to the snowman. Beatrice was given the honor of affixing the carrot nose, and Zlata tucked a scarf around the junction of the head and upper torso. Olaf struck a humorous pose that mimicked a certain piece of artwork from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Papadopoulos' eyes went wide, and he covered his mouth with his hand.

"Well, the children have already made friends here, eh?" Sinibaldo commented to Eliasz.

"That part has happened surprisingly fast for Zlata," Eliasz agreed. "She's usually more reserved. So is Waclaw."

"It looks like they've met Miss Rask," Haugen observed. "She's our best tour guide. Very knowledgeable and down to earth despite being a favorite of the Princess. They're in good hands."

The assembly around the snowman broke up slowly, the children of Arendelle either returning to the playground equipment or heading for home, and the young adults chatting amongst themselves as they drifted away. Stefanie directed the gaze of Papadopoulos and Homberg to an outcrop by one of the waterfalls, and they set off toward the path that lead there. The Scurrs and Åsa wandered back toward the new part of town. Debora, Zlata, and Waclaw strolled over to Eliasz.

"That's enough research for now, Professor Mandelbaum," Debora commanded with a grin, "if playing with a merry-go-round can be called research. We need to start getting ready for the dinner tonight. No last-minute fighting over the bathroom!"

"Yes, ma'am," Eliasz said with an affectionately flippant salute.

"I'd better be going, too," said Sinibaldo. "This was more exertion than I'm used to, and it would never do to arrive out of breath and sweaty."

They bowed to Duffin, Newark, and Haugen, who nodded farewell in return, and wended their way up toward the university's level, waving while they passed by Åsa and the Scurrs, who had stalled out as the children dragged their feet about leaving Olaf and the playground behind.

"You'll get to see him again tonight," John said encouragingly. "Princess Anna told us he'll be in the children's dining room."

"And you'll see him in town all the time," Åsa put in. "He loves playing with children. Actually, he loves playing with everybody."

"Will Snow Queen Elsa make another playground for us?" wondered Beatrice.

"Certainly, from time to time. You'll probably get one at the Harvest Festival," Åsa said. This news enlivened the children's pace.

"Will you be at the Harvest Festival?" asked Adam.

"Yes. And so will just about everyone else you met today," Åsa answered with a smile. "By Arendelle's standards, it will be a huge celebration."

"Your father mentioned he would attend, which should make the party quite interesting by anyone's measure," John wisecracked. "I met him earlier today at one of the shops. He's a good storyteller."

Åsa choked slightly. "I apologize if he offended you. He can be a little bit inappropriate. And loud, very loud. Also stubborn at times. And a little overbearing. But he means well," she rambled.

"Don't fret yourself. I can tell he means well," John said. "Even when he was teasing the young man -Dag, isn't it?- that was with him, I could see it was in a very fond way. At first I even thought they were perhaps father and son, but judging from how they addressed each other, they're just good friends, despite the age difference."

Åsa bit her bottom lip and stiffened slightly. "Dag was my brother's best friend."

John came to a halt and gave Åsa a concerned look. "Judging from your use of the past tense..."

"He fell through the ice, two years ago," she said quietly. "Dag was the nearest to the hole, and dived in after him. He was so close to freezing to death, too, but wouldn't give up searching. My father had to pull Dag out." Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

Irene put her arm around Åsa's shoulders, and Adam and Beatrice each hugged one of her legs.

"I am so sorry for your loss," John whispered. "And sorry for bringing up a sensitive subject."

"It's all right, Doctor," Åsa said, regaining some of her composure. "You couldn't have known. And as my father said, accidents like that just happen when your livelihood depends on nature ... although I wouldn't mind if Queen Elsa put all the ice harvesters out of work this very day.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go study. Good afternoon." She did not wait for them to acknowledge her departure, and they did not hold it against her.

"Well, Dr. Scurr, you put your foot in it," John berated himself.

"Best to tread lightly here, for the time being," Irene recommended sympathetically. "I get the sense it isn't always just fun and games in Arendelle."

"Right," concurred John with a sigh, and looked earnestly at the children. "Do you understand, Adam? Beatrice? Don't ask too many questions about other people's families or their lives."

"Yes, papa," said Beatrice. "And don't say mean things."

"And don't keep asking questions if somebody's eyes are watering, even if they say it's just allergies," Adam contributed.

"Very good," John commended. "Be aware of other people's feelings, and everything will be fine."

"Now, let's get going," prompted Irene. "You've dawdled long enough. We need to get ready for the dinner. No last-minute fighting over the bathroom! You know how long your father takes with his hair."

Author's Notes - Lots of characters are getting their buttons pushed in this one! Apparently, there was a fair bit of real-life discrimination against the Sami in Scandinavia. Just how much discrimination and prejudice exist in Arendelle will be explored. I realize that back in the 1800s, the Sami were called "Finns" in Norway, but that just creates too much room for misinterpretation.

Thelir is meant to be Upper Telemark, and if you check out the Wikipedia article on Telemark county, you'll see that an old name for it was "Mark of the Thelir." For this story, I imagine Arendelle's territory to be the modern Norwegian county of Aust-Agder, with maybe a little more inland area. I also imagine Arendelle and Thelir to be last remaining petty kingdoms within the region that comprises modern Norway. I will go into more detail as to why later. Hint: It involves an every-thousand-years ice-wielder.

The fresco from the Sistine Chapel's ceiling that Olaf was imitating was, of course, "The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo. Disney would never do it, but I think it would be hilarious to see Olaf playing "God" to an ordinary snowman, especially if he himself doesn't get the reference.

For the record, an answer to the what the runes in the book say can be found at "Panya's Blog: Linguistic Aspects" in a post from 13 March 2014 and updated on 31 October 2014. The upshot is: The trolls can heal someone hurt by "cold sorcery" if you can get the victim to them soon enough, but warns that love is the only thing that can thaw an affected heart.