The crowd at the harbour waved as Anna's ship sailed away from Arendelle. Elsa held on to Olaf and let out a contented sigh as the rest of the wedding guests began to board their ships.
"I still don't understand why I can't go on honeymoon with them," said Olaf, sounding confused. "I mean, why do Anna and Kristoff want to spend time alone anyway?"
"It'll all make sense when you're older!" Elsa told him while bending down to ruffle his hair. "And anyway, you can come on our trip with us!"
Olaf smiled at Elsa and giggled. Meanwhile, Joanna was talking to her parents.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" her father asked, sounding concerned. "Your mother and I are worried about leaving you here. Rizucia won't be the same without you!"
"It's only for a couple of weeks Dad!" Joanna replied. "I think I'm old enough to be left on my own. And anyway, I'm sure Elsa will look after me!"
"Alright!" Joanna's mother said. "You know your father and I get worried, it's what parents do! Very well, you have your holiday, the ship will be waiting for you here when you get back."
"Aw, thank you!" Joanna said as she walked up to her parents, preparing to give them a hug. The three of them quickly embraced. "Bon voyage!" Joanna said to her parents as they boarded their ship.
Once the King and Queen of Rizucia had sailed away, Elsa walked up to Joanna. "Now then, our carriage awaits!" she said as she gestured in the direction of Sven. He was all ready to pull Kristoff's wagon, standing proudly in his harness.
"Oh, er, delightful!" Joanna said as she gave Sven a nervous wave.
"Are you ready Ryder?" Elsa called.
"Sure thing!" Ryder replied as he jumped into the wagon. He grabbed Olaf and pulled him in, his little snowman legs dangling over the side. Joanna climbed in with a little more grace. Elsa sat at the front and took the reins. Sven trotted away from the docks and took them in the direction of the North Mountain.
"I thought I'd take a little detour on our way to Northuldra," Elsa said while turning around to face everyone. "You've all got some warm clothes, yes?"
"Yes, we remembered!" Joanna replied, excited to see where she was being taken. After a while, they reached the North Mountain. Joanna could just make out something sparkling at the top of the mountain in the morning sun.
"What's that at the top?" asked Joanna. "Is that where we're going?"
"You'll see!" Elsa replied calmly.
As the wagon made its way up the mountain path, the group got closer to the summit. Joanna's eyes sparkled with delight when she realised what was at the top.
"It...it's a palace!" she exclaimed to Elsa before turning to Ryder. "Do you see it too? Isn't it beautiful!"
"Yes, I can see it!" Ryder smiled. He looked up and concentrated on it, dazzled by its beauty.
"I like to call it home," said Olaf. "It's got everything a snowman needs!"
The wagon continued up the mountain until they reached an icy staircase. Sven knew that he couldn't go any further, and he stopped while everyone else got out the wagon. As they all walked up the staircase to the ice palace, Ryder and Joanna gasped.
"Elsa, this is incredible!" Joanna said softly. "You made this?"
"Yes," Elsa said with a tinge of melancholy. "I remember when you asked me how I coped with my powers, and if I got angry. Well, on the day of my coronation I ran away, and ended up here. I let all of my anger and frustration go, and I made this place. I intended to stay here forever."
"Wow," Joanna gasped, looking up at the palace. "I guess powers can be creative afterall!"
"Shall we go in?" Elsa suggested.
Joanna tried to run on ahead, eager to go through the palace door. Elsa put her hand on Joanna's shoulder and gently held her back.
"Best let Olaf go first," Elsa smiled.
"Why?" Joanna asked.
"You'll see!" Elsa replied as Olaf toddled up to the door and knocked on it.
"Hey bro! You in?" Olaf called.
There were some dull thuds from inside before the door was opened by Marshmallow, a monster Elsa created as a guard for the ice palace. He looked around and sniffed the air before looking down at Olaf and giving off a low grunt.
"Hi big guy, some friends want to see the place!" said Olaf. Marshmallow opened the door wide and Olaf wandered in, followed by Elsa. Joanna and Ryder followed close behind while Marshmallow glared at them and growled. Elsa turned back to address him.
"It's okay, these are my friends too!" Elsa told him gently. Marshmallow nodded and slinked away.
"Incredible," said Ryder. "I've never seen anything like this!"
"It's stunning!" Joanna added. "And you really built this all by yourself?"
"Yes," Elsa replied. "I'd spent my entire life trying to keep my powers a secret. When I first came here I was on my own, I felt such a rush as I did whatever I wanted. It was really something! Would you like to see the view from the balcony?"
"Sure!" Ryder enthused as he ran to the doors of the balcony and flung them open. "Wow! What a view!" he said as he looked over Arendelle and the fjord below.
"It's beautiful," said Joanna as she joined him. "And Arendelle looks so pretty," she said as she realised that the town had fully recovered from the fires she started all those months ago.
After looking around in amazement, Joanna realised something. "Wait. There's no food here. Or water. Were you really going to live here?" she asked Elsa.
Elsa looked down at the ground and held one of her arms with her hand. "Yes," she said as she let out a sigh.
"Oh…" Joanna exclaimed as she opened her eyes wide and looked at Elsa's forlorn figure. She walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Shall we go?" she asked gently.
Elsa didn't reply. She just continued to look at the ground while she gave a single nod.
Joanna looked around and noticed something unusual about the icy blue walls. They were turning green.
Joanna turned to Ryder and called to him.
"Ryder!" she said while raising her voice. "Time to go!"
"Already?" he replied while still looking out over the fjord. "But we just got here!" He turned and looked at the walls, then at Elsa. "Oh," he said as he came to a realisation. "This place holds bad memories for you, huh?"
"Yes," Elsa replied quietly, trying to hide her feelings.
"Okay then, let's go," said Olaf as he toddled over towards the door. "You've heard all of my brother's stories anyway."
Marshmallow let out a confused grunt as the four of them left the palace.
"Bye bro!" Olaf called. "I'll be back to read you some Pushkin later!"
Another confused grunt from Marshmallow filled the palace as they left through the front door.
The party returned to the wagon. This time, Joanna sat at the front with Elsa while Ryder and Olaf sat in the back. Sven pulled them away from the North Mountain and towards Northuldra.
Joanna put her hand on Elsa's shoulder. "Thank you for sharing that with me," Joanna said softly while looking up at Elsa. "I realise how important it is. I think I know a little more about you now."
Elsa glanced at Joanna and managed to raise a slight smile. "I'm sorry we couldn't stay longer," Elsa apologised. "I just wanted you to see it. I created it a long time ago, but I've moved on. I know who I am now. I hope you know who you are too."
Joanna thought for a second while looking forwards. "I...I think I do," she said while glancing sideways at Elsa. "Things are great at home. My parents care about me, I have lots of friends, and most importantly I feel like I've made up for all the damage I caused. I'm the Princess of Rizucia, and I've accepted that I'll be queen one day. I can see a future now."
Elsa smiled gently. "It's so good to hear you say that!" she said to Joanna. "Okay then, next stop Northuldra!"
"Ooh, time for more trivia!" Olaf enthused. "Did you know that each part of the foot corresponds to a different part of the human body? It's true! You can cure any ailment just by rubbing someone's feet!"
"But what if you've got a sore foot?" joked Joanna. Everyone else other than Olaf chuckled.
"Oh right, didn't think of that," Olaf admitted while scratching his chin. "Anyway…"
Everyone let out a slight groan as Olaf reeled off more of his trivia. After several hours they reached the top of a hill that overlooked the Northuldra forest.
"Let's take a break here," Elsa called. "You'll enjoy the view!"
They all jumped out of the wagon and gasped as they saw the forest. It's lush green colours stretched out for miles.
"I'm so proud I get to call this place home," said Ryder contentedly. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Joanna nodded but she couldn't speak. She held her hands to her chest then wiped away a tear.
"Are you okay?" Elsa asked as she put her arm around Joanna's shoulder.
"Yes…" Joanna managed to reply. "It's just...I never thought I'd see the forest like this! It's incredible!"
As Joanna looked around, she could see an area of the forest by the coast that was clearly still recovering from the huge fire. She lifted her hands to her mouth in shock.
"Oh…" Joanna winced. "I can see where I first landed. I'm so sorry…" she said as she shook her head.
"Don't worry," Elsa said calmly. "That was a long time ago and you're not who you were then. We'll make this right, remember?"
"Yes, I know...it's just...can I have a moment alone?" Joanna asked. "Please?"
Elsa nodded and the rest of her party headed back to the wagon. Joanna looked over the forest and began to tear up.
"I have a life now thanks to Elsa, and this is where it all started," she thought to herself. "I know what I need to do…"
After a couple of minutes staring over the breathtaking view of the forest, Joanna sighed and headed back to the wagon. The others were ready to set off. She climbed up front and sat next to Elsa.
As they set off for the Northuldra camp, Elsa put her hand on Joanna's shoulder.
"Is everything okay?" she asked, concerned. "Are you ready for this?"
"Yes, I'm ready," Joanna replied.
"Okay then, let's go," said Elsa. Sven started to pull the wagon north.
After a short while, the wagon arrived at the Northuldra camp. Ryder hopped out of the wagon and ran to his sister Honeymaren.
"Hey bro!" she said as they hugged. "Welcome back! How did being Kristoff's best man go? You didn't embarrass yourself did you?" she asked as she winked and nudged him in the arm.
By then, Elsa had caught up and she joined them. "He was great!" Elsa told Honeymaren. "It was a fantastic speech, everyone thought so. He didn't even embarrass Kristoff by saying that thing about the reindeer!"
Elsa looked over at the wagon. Joanna was standing there looking on, clasping her hands in front of her. She sheepishly looked at the ground.
"Joanna!" Elsa called. "Come and join us, it's okay!"
Joanna nervously ran her fingers through her hair and raised a slight smile. She began to walk over to Elsa. Honeymaren took a step towards Joanna and opened her arms to her. Joanna smiled at Honeymaren and accepted her embrace.
"We told you we'd welcome you with open arms!" Honeymaren told her before she took a step back and looked at Joanna from head to toe. "You look wonderful, and so different!"
"Yes, well, I'm acting like a princess now," Joanna said nervously. "I have standards to uphold!" she giggled.
Just then, the elder Yelena walked up to them with a warm smile on her face.
"Well, well, Princess Joanna of Rizucia!" she declared as she held out her hands. Joanna reached forwards and held on to them. "How good of you to return to Northuldra. I trust we will hear about all of your good deeds?"
"You certainly will!" Elsa chimed in. "Everyone in Arendelle has been very impressed!"
"That's wonderful to hear!" Yelena enthused. Joanna hunched up, feeling embarrassed. "Everything has been prepared for your ceremony tomorrow," Yelena continued, "but before then we have an evening of celebratory entertainment planned! Please, come with us!"
Yelena led everyone to a clearing. There, they found half a dozen Northuldra tending to their reindeer.
"We have prepared a reindeer race!" Yelena announced. "The rules are simple. The first rider to complete three laps of the course wins. Do we have any late entries?" she asked as she glanced towards Ryder.
"What do you say, Sven?" Ryder asked him. "Think you've got enough energy to take on these guys?"
Sven grunted, smirked and kicked a hoof. He was ready.
"Alright then!" Ryder declared as he jumped on Sven's back. "Let's do this!" he said with a smile on his face. He laughed and joked with the rider next to him as they took their place in the line up.
While they were getting ready to race, a baby reindeer walked up to Olaf and nuzzled him.
"Hey boy!" Olaf said obliviously. The baby reindeer gave a little grunt and nodded in the direction of the racers.
"Oh, you want to go in the race too?" Olaf asked. The baby reindeer smiled and quickly nodded. "And you want...me to ride you?" Olaf enquired. The baby reindeer continued to nod. Olaf looked up at Elsa with a confused look on his face.
"Oh, go on Olaf, what's the worst that could happen?" Elsa insisted.
Olaf shrugged his shoulders, and hopped up on the baby reindeer's back. Together, they took their place in the line up. The baby reindeer looked up at Sven and winked. Sven couldn't stop himself from laughing.
Joanna walked up to Yelena. "May I have the honour of starting the race in traditional Rizucian fashion?" she asked. Yelena opened her arms and gestured towards the reindeer while bowing a little.
Joanna put her hands in front of her and turned her nose up, jokingly putting on swanky airs. She walked up to the riders and took out her handkerchief.
"Riders, you are racing for the honour of a kiss from myself!" she declared. "When my handkerchief falls to the ground, the race will begin!"
The reindeer got ready to start, and all eyes of the riders were on Joanna. She held her handkerchief up, then dropped it. It fluttered to the ground and they were off!
The adult reindeer sprinted off together, with Sven taking a slight lead. The baby reindeer enthusiastically tried to keep up, with Olaf's body segmenting as he tried to hold on. The lap only took the adult reindeer a minute to complete, the rest of the Northuldra cheering them on as they galloped down the home straight. The baby reindeer was tiring, it's tongue hanging out as it lagged far behind.
"Shall I give them a hand?" Elsa whispered to Joanna.
"Oh, go on then!" Joanna replied. "It's just for fun after all!"
Elsa nodded, then raised her arms and made a trail of ice that ran the whole length of the course appear in front of the baby reindeer. She then made an icy wind blow behind the baby reindeer, propelling it past the other racers. Olaf held on for dear life, the pieces of his body flying behind him. They quickly completed the second lap, way ahead of everyone else. They sped towards the finish line, about to win the race. Everyone by the line was cheering for them.
"Elsa, they've got to stop, remember?" Joanna said worriedly.
Elsa realised her mistake and held her hand to her mouth. In a panic, she used her powers to create a wall of ice after the finish line. Olaf and the baby reindeer slid across the line to huge applause, then crashed right into the ice. The baby reindeer sat there a little dazed, but Olaf went flying, with pieces of him landing all over the place.
"Oh dear!" Joanna called as she put her hands over her mouth and giggled.
The rest of the riders raced towards the line, with Sven and Ryder finishing second.
While Olaf's head was on its side, the lower part of his body walked up to it. Joanna and Elsa gathered up his buttons, arms, hair and carrot nose. They caught up with him and put him back together. Olaf frowned and rubbed his head.
"What's the worst that could happen…" Olaf muttered to himself.
"Well, congratulations Olaf, you won!" Joanna said happily. "This should make you feel better!" she said as she bent down and gave him a peck on the cheek. Olaf giggled bashfully.
"Hey!" Ryder called as he and Sven walked up to them. "No fair!"
"Aw, it was just a bit of fun," Joanna giggled. "You boys did very well, you deserve a kiss too!"
Joanna gave Ryder and Sven pecks on the cheek and they laughed bashfully too. "Well, I guess it was worth it!" Ryder joked.
Yelena approached them with a smile on her face. "Now then, thank you for the exhilaration everyone, but now it is time to eat!"
They all made their way back to the campsite, and took their places around the fire where a pot of stew was cooking. Joanna sat between Elsa and Honeymaren.
"I remember when I was last eating stew here…" Joanna said as she looked at the campfire. "Times really do change, don't they?"
"They certainly do!" Honeymaren said softly. "Do you think you are ready to tell us what happened to you in Ahtohallan? We'd love to know!"
Joanna put her bowl down and smiled at Honeymaren. "Well, okay! I think I'm ready!" she declared. On hearing her words, the rest of the Northuldra turned to listen.
"Things were so different then," she began to explain. "I still had my powers. I knew that Elsa was a lot stronger than I was, and I thought the key to her power lay in Ahtohallan. I turned myself into a fireball to cross the Dark Sea, when the Water Nokk kicked me, then tried to drown me. I still don't know why, but it suddenly disappeared."
Elsa looked to the side and thought for a moment. She then opened her eyes wide when she pieced everything together. She realised that she saved Joanna in a totally different way.
"When I finally got to Ahtohallan, I saw so many memories." Joanna continued. The Northuldra leaned in, eager to hear more. "The images themselves were beautiful," she said gently, looking distant. "They were made of ice and snow, and they had this incredible blue glow." The Northuldra tilted their heads and gently murmured at the idea.
"It was what they depicted that was less beautiful," Joanna said forlornly. "I saw memories from my life that made me sad. I saw myself being locked in the castle tower. I saw myself as a baby shooting fire from my fingers, and worst of all, I saw my mother drinking a magic potion that gave me my powers," she said as she closed her eyes and looked at the floor. The Northuldra gasped in shock.
"That last vision made me so...angry," Joanna continued, sounding pained. "I felt betrayed. Betrayed by my own parents. Their actions meant that I grew up alone." She let out a sigh. "The anger amplified my powers," she said as she looked at her hands. "I couldn't think straight. My thoughts were dominated by fury and revenge. I remember standing on top of the glacier and firing a huge jet of fire into the night sky. Did you see it?" she asked everyone. They all nodded.
"Wow…" Johanna gasped as she looked to the side. She sighed again. "Then Elsa arrived," she said as she looked up at her. Elsa smiled awkwardly.
Johanna crossed her arms and looked down. "I wasn't myself. I thought that only Elsa could stop me," Joanna said as her voice started to tremble. "I attacked her," she said as she leaned forward and placed her hand on her face. The Northuldra gasped again.
Elsa reached across and held Joanna's hand.
"But Elsa fought back!" Joanna declared as she took a sharp breath and sat up. "She drew us both into the Chamber of Emptiness. I lost my powers! Elsa helped me out of Ahtohallan, and led me here," Joanna smiled as she held her arms out.
The Northuldra gasped happily, then smiled and nodded to one another.
"So Ahtohallan is beautiful," Joanna concluded as she looked down. "Without it, I wouldn't have lost my powers. Without my powers, I see the beauty in the world." She looked up at the Northuldra and sighed. "All thanks to the spirits," she said as she looked at Elsa before turning back to the Northuldra, "and Ahtohallan."
The Northuldra smiled, and some of them started to hum. The humming soon formed a rich harmony. Joanna turned to Honeymaren.
"What's going on?" Joanna whispered. "Did I say something wrong?"
Honeymaren smiled and shook her head. "You've inspired us!" she declared.
The humming turned to signing. The Northuldra slowly got to their feet, and their harmonies soon filled the night air. Joanna felt a lump in her throat as Elsa and Honeymaren held her hands. She listened intently to the singing of the Northuldra, and closed her eyes. She immersed herself in the song. When it was over, Yelena walked up to Joanna and smiled sagely at her.
"Your tale of deliverance proves to me that you are ready for tomorrow!" Yelena declared. "But now, we all need rest. To bed everyone!"
"You'll sleep in my tent tonight," Elsa said softly to Joanna. Honeymaren approached her with a pail of water.
"Would you like to do the honours?" she asked Joanna as she smiled.
"Oh okay," Joanna replied as she took the pail. "For old times sake!" she said as she threw the water on the campfire, extinguishing the flames.
Elsa and Joanna were sleeping soundly next to each other when Elsa sensed something and woke up. While she was still on her side, Bruni the fire spirit got into the tent and scuttled up to her face.
"You sense it too, don't you?" Elsa whispered as Bruni let out one of his little grunts. "Shall we wake Joanna?" Bruni licked his eyeball, which made Elsa giggle. "I'll take that as a yes!" she smiled.
Elsa sat up and gently grabbed Joanna's knee. "Hey, Joanna, wake up!" she whispered as she shook her leg. Joanna blinked and woke up, bleary-eyed.
"Wha-what's going on?" Joanna asked as her vision came into focus and she looked at Elsa. "What's the matter?"
"Everything's fine!" Elsa assured her. "I've got something to show you, but it's a surprise! Close your eyes and get out of the tent, then I'll take you to it."
Joanna hopped up onto her feet. She closed her eyes, then clumsily made her way out of the tent. Elsa got out too and stood next to her. Taking her by the shoulder, Elsa put her hand over Joanna's eyes and led her to a nearby clearing. She made sure that she was facing the right way then took her hand away.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now!" Elsa beamed.
Joanna opened her eyes and stepped back in amazement. Staring at the sky with wide eyes, her mouth hung open. She raised her hands to her mouth then clutched her chest as she looked at Elsa.
"Wow!" she exclaimed. "Aurora borealis! The Northern Lights! Fire in the sky!"
Joanna ran up to Elsa and grabbed her while jumping up and down. "Thank you! Thank you!" she exclaimed.
"I thought you might like them!" Elsa said as she tried to peel Joanna off her.
"Oh, I've only read about them in books! Aren't they beautiful!" Joanna shouted as she turned to look at them. Great sheets of purple and green light danced in the night sky, dazzling Joanna.
"Shall we sit and watch them?" Elsa asked.
"Oh yes please!" Joanna replied. She went back to the tent to get some things to sit down and keep warm on.
As Elsa and Joanna sat down to watch the light show together, Joanna let out a contented sigh.
"You know Elsa, it's at times like this when I realise just how lucky I am," Joanna said. "I know things could have been so different. If you hadn't saved me back in Ahtohallan…"
"Hey, you don't need to think about that now," Elsa interrupted her. "Let's watch the lights, shall we?"
Joanna chuckled a little. "And you always know just what to say!" Joanna said with a smile. Elsa smiled right back.
"You know," said Joanna, "I've never said this to anyone other than my parents, but...I love you Elsa. You're like the big sister I never had."
"I love you too, Joanna," Elsa replied. "You remind me so much of Anna. She used to get so excited by the Northern Lights too!"
Joanna scooched over to Elsa who cradled her, just like she had done before. They watched the light show for a little longer.
Joanna sighed contentedly, half asleep. "Do you ever think back to when we first met?" Joanna softly asked Elsa.
Elsa chuckled a little. "No," she said as she hugged Joanna. "What would be the point?"
"I suppose so!" Joanna agreed.
Elsa had her own question for Joanna. "Do you ever look at that statuette I made for you?" she asked.
Joanna smiled. "I haven't had time!" she insisted. "You told me that I should look at that statuette if I ever felt alone. And the fact is," she said as she shrugged her shoulders, "I've not felt alone since!"
"Aw, that's wonderful!" Elsa said gently as a beaming smile came across her face.
"I mean, how could I feel alone now?" Joanna continued. "I have my parents, I have the kingdom, I have my friends. And right now," she said as she turned away from the lights to look at Elsa, "I have you!"
Elsa hugged Joanna tighter and smiled. "Would you like to see something more magical?" she asked.
Joanna gasped. "More magical than this?" she asked.
"Just watch!" Elsa said softly. She raised her hand, and cast her icy magic into the lights. Soon, blues and whites joined the greens and purples, creating an even more dazzling display of colour. Patterns of snowflakes emerged from the symphony of tinctures.
"Wow…" Joanna gasped, entranced. Elsa held her as the show continued. After a while, the icy magic faded away.
"Now, shall we go back to sleep?" Elsa asked. "It's your big day tomorrow!"
"Aw, but I want to see more!" Joanna insisted.
"There's always tomorrow night!" Elsa gently enthused.
"Oh, okay!" Joanna replied.
With that, they left the lights behind them and went back to the tent, where they slept until morning.
The next day, the Northuldra prepared for Joanna's ceremony. Elsa and Joanna got out of their tent and met Yelena by the campfire.
"Everything is in place!" Yelena said calmly. "Please, Princess Joanna, follow me."
Yelena confidently strode to the part of the forest where Joanna first landed, her staff in hand. Joanna followed close behind, her hands neatly held in front of her. Elsa walked behind Joanna, gently smiling.
When they reached the forest, they found the rest of the Northuldra waiting for them. They all gently smiled in anticipation. Joanna could see that a small hole had been dug at the edge of the forest, and a sapling was standing next to it. Joanna let out a contented sigh. Yelena stepped towards her, smiled and took her hands.
"We are here today, to witness healing," Yelena declared. "Healing of the forest, and of Princess Joanna's spirit. Now that she is no longer burdened by her curse, she has pledged herself to restore the forest, and to satisfy the spirits of nature."
With that, three Northuldran men used their staffs to begin beating out a rhythm. They started to sing a rich harmony. Before long, the rest of the Northuldra joined in.
Joanna suddenly felt something nudging her foot. Yelena let go of her hands, and Joanna looked down to see Bruni smiling up at her. Elsa told Joanna to hold her hands out, and she used her powers to create a tiny snowdrift in them. Joanna knelt down and Bruni hopped into the snowdrift, purring contentedly.
"All of the spirits wanted to be here!" Elsa said gently as she smiled at Joanna. Just then, Joanna felt a breeze tickle her back, then her arms, making her giggle. It was Gale, the wind spirit, and it breezed over Elsa too. Joanna looked out at the sea, and saw that the Water Nokk was standing at the edge of the forest. Then, she felt the ground shake.
Joanna suddenly looked around, alarmed. "What's that?" she hurriedly asked Elsa.
Elsa remained impassive. "When I said all of the spirits wanted to be here," she said as she turned towards the source of the thumping noise, "I meant all of them!"
Over the forest canopy, an Earth Giant emerged. It approached Joanna and Elsa and leaned over so that it's nose was next to them. No longer alarmed, Joanna joined Elsa in placing her hand on it. The giant stood back up, and stood a distance away from the Northuldra.
As the singing continued, Honeymaren approached Joanna, holding the sapling in her hands. She smiled with her head tilted a little, and held the sapling out. Joanna took a step forward, looked down at the sapling, and clasped it with both hands.
As Joanna walked with the sapling, she felt tears in her eyes and a pride in her heart. She reached the edge of the forest, crouched down and placed the sapling in the hole. Using her hands, she packed the soil into the hole and around the base of the sapling. As she stood up, she tilted her head to one side and softly smiled as she contemplated the sapling she had just planted. When she looked round, she saw Elsa, Honeymaren and Yelena smiling at her. She began to walk back towards them.
Bruni hopped around Joanna's feet. The wind spirit blew Bruni up into the air in front of Joanna, before it put him down and blew over her, making her giggle. It then flew around the sapling, tickling its tiny branches. The Water Nokk reared onto its hind legs, and the earth giant smiled and nodded.
As the Northuldra song reached its climax, Joanna hugged Honeymaren, then Elsa. Yelena held her hands out. Joanna took them while Bruni scurried around her feet. The beautiful harmonies of the Northuldra singing brought their song to a conclusion. Joanna sighed in happiness as she looked into Yelena's eyes.
"The spirits are satisfied," Yelena announced. "Through your contrition, your deeds at home and your actions here, you have more than made up for the misdeeds of your past life. Through the simple act of planting a tree, you have given back to the forest. You have formed a connection with nature that can never be broken. The sun smiles upon you, and from this day forth, you shall forever be a friend of the Northuldra."
Tears poured from Joanna's eyes as she smiled at Yelena with uncontrollable happiness. Yelena started to tear up too. She let go of Joanna's hands and opened her arms to her.
"Come here, my child," Yelena said as she smiled. Joanna gratefully put her arms around Joanna as they embraced.
Elsa and Honeymaren wiped away tears as the rest of the Northuldra applauded. The Earth Giant slowly turned round and began to lumber its way back north. The Water Nokk disappeared into the sea. Yelena and Joanna's embrace came to an end.
"We shall return to our camp now," said Yelena.
"I'd like to stay here if I may," Joanna said while drying her eyes. "I'd just like to take everything in."
"Of course!" Yelena replied softly. She joined the rest of the Northuldra as they walked back to their camp, leaving just Joanna and Elsa. They smiled at each other.
"I know it's not much," Joanna said as she turned to face the sapling, "but that little tree means everything to me."
"Of course it does!" Elsa replied earnestly. "That's your tree. Your tree will be a part of Northuldra for generations to come!"
"I know…" Joanna said softly as she slowly nodded, "that's what makes it so special!"
"Now, shall we go back to the camp?" Elsa asked. "You've got a whole holiday to enjoy!"
"I just...would like to be alone here, if that's okay?" Joanna asked as she put her hand on Elsa's arm. "Just for a short while. I've got a lot to think about…"
"Of course!" Elsa said as she held her arms out. Joanna stepped forwards and Elsa held her. "You take as long as you need okay? I'll be here for you!"
"Thank you, Elsa," Joanna said softly. She looked down and sighed, then looked up at Elsa. "For everything that you've done for me."
Their embrace ended. Elsa smiled at Joanna then turned to catch up with the Northuldra.
For the first time in her life, Joanna was glad to be alone. The sea was calm. She looked out over it as she listened to the birds sing in the forest. She thought of the first time she laid eyes on the forests of Northuldra, and how different things were now. As she sighed, she walked up to a tree, and placed her hand on it. Feeling the bark against her fingers she looked up, saw a squirrel on a branch, and smiled. The squirrel scampered up the tree and disappeared out of sight. Joanna let out a giggle.
Sighing, Joanna walked up to the tree she had planted. Thoughts about time filled her mind. She knew that the mercifully brief reign of the Fire Queen was over. Some day, her father would pass on and she would take her rightful place as the Queen of Rizucia. Her tree would still be there. Hopefully she would have children, and she would eventually pass the throne on to them. Her tree would still be there. Before long, her legacy, and the lives of everyone in Rizucia, Northuldra, Arendelle, and the whole world, would be but faded memories, but the tree would endure. Her tree. The tree planted by Princess Joanna of Rizucia.
Once Joanna had finished her contemplation, she turned back to the Northuldra camp and caught up with Elsa.
"How are you feeling?" Elsa gently asked her.
"Great!" Joanna replied without hesitation. "Just...great! I feel lucky, honoured," she said as she smiled and held her arms out, "and so happy!"
"That's wonderful!" Elsa enthused as she held Joanna's hand. "Now, let's go and enjoy your holiday!"
Together, they took long walks, went swimming in a lake, and sat around the campfire with the Northuldra. The two weeks flew by. When they were over, it was time for Joanna to say her goodbyes. She stood at the shore of Northuldra next to Elsa and the Water Nokk.
"Well, thank you all for everything, it's been wonderful!" Joanna said as she held her hands out to the Northuldra. "I shall have to make this my regular holiday!"
"You know you're welcome any time!" Honeymaren said as she hugged her. With that, Joanna waved everyone goodbye, and set off with Elsa on the back of the Water Nokk.
As it galloped across the calm waters, Joanna thought about the last time she was on the Water Nokk with Elsa. She took in a deep breath as she saw Arendelle castle majestically rising in the distance. As they approached the harbour, she could make out a grand ship flying the Rizucian flag. She knew it was waiting to take her home.
They reached the docks, and Elsa helped Joanna down from the Nokk. They walked up to her ship, and saw that it's captain was standing by the lowered gangway waiting for her. The captain saw Joanna and bowed to her. Joanna was about to say her goodbyes to Elsa, when she noticed some activity at the Arendellian ship docked next to hers.
She saw a huge ginger man with his hands clasped together overseeing his crew loading crates onto a ship. He recognised Elsa and gave her a little wave. "Yoo hoo, Your Highness!" he called.
"Who's that?" Joanna asked.
"Oh, that's just Oaken," Elsa replied. "He's a trader. He must be getting ready for another trip to Rizucia."
"A trader on his way to Rizucia? I wonder…" Joanna thought to herself as she walked closer to the crew. She squinted at one of them and thought that she recognised him.
"No, it couldn't be…" she thought to herself.
"Henrik?" she asked out loud.
A young man looked up at her and smiled.
"Joanna?" he called in reply.
"Henrik!" she shouted happily as the two of them ran towards each other. They embraced, then kissed.
"Hey, I am not paying you to kiss, ja?" Oaken called out to Henrik.
Henrik smiled and called back. "Sorry boss! I thought I'd never see her again!"
Elsa sidled up to Oaken. "She's the Princess of Rizucia, you know. I'm sure she could endorse your business if you played your cards right!"
"Oooh!" Oaken cooed excitedly as he pressed the tips of his fingers together. "Okay, five minutes break everyone, ja?"
"What on earth are you doing here?" Joanna asked Henrik as she smiled through happy tears. Joanna and Henrik walked over to Elsa and Oaken, hand in hand.
"So, what happened?" Elsa asked Henrik. "How did you come to work for Oaken?"
"I couldn't stop thinking about Joanna after the ball," Henrik confessed. "I resigned from the army the next day."
Joanna looked up at him, almost shocked. "I told you not to give up your dreams for me!" Joanna scolded him.
"The army wasn't my dream," Henrik continued as he shook his head. "I didn't have a great record, and my indiscretion on Queen Anna's wedding day made General Mattias' decision easy for him. We shook hands and he gave me a discharge. I went to the docks straightaway, looking for traders who regularly went to Rizucia, in the hope of seeing Joanna again. I found the boss here and he gave me a job!" he said as he gestured to Oaken.
"Army men make good workers!" Oaken's added. He grabbed Henrik's arm. "So strong and disciplined, ja?"
"Are you really on your way to Rizucia?" Joanna asked Henrik.
"We certainly are!" Henrik beamed. "It's my third trip already!"
"Rizucians love Arendellian goods!" Oaken beamed. "And they have a lot of money. Business is booming, ja?"
"Well," Joanna said nervously as she looked at the floor and ran her fingers through her hair. "Seeing as you are sailing to Rizucia anyway, would you like to sail with me on my ship?" she asked as she looked up and smiled.
"Are you kidding? Of course I would!" Henrik enthused. A beaming smile came across Joanna's face. "Wait, are your parents on board?" he asked, concerned.
"No, they're back in Rizucia, they sent the ship to pick me up," Joanna replied, still smiling. "I'll be the most senior Rizucian on board!"
"Well then, I guess that settles it!" Henrik said as he raised a hand. "Is that alright boss?" he asked as he turned to Oaken.
"This is okay," Oaken replied, "but I'm not paying you for the journey, ja? And you must not be late if you want to be paid for unloading the goods!"
"No problem boss!" Henrik said happily. "See you in Rizucia!"
"Just a second," Joanna said to Henrik as she smiled. She turned to Elsa.
"I had a feeling you two would see each other again!" Elsa enthused. "Enjoy your journey home!" she giggled.
"Thank you Elsa!" Joanna said as she leaned forwards and hugged her. "I'll try and not be a stranger. I know I have duties in Rizucia, but I'll be back in Arendelle as soon as I can!"
"Don't forget to write!" Elsa said softly.
"I won't!" Joanna replied.
With that, Joanna took Henrik's hand and walked him to her ship, waving at Elsa as she left. They boarded, and the ship set sail for Rizucia.
"Okay, back to work everyone!" Oaken cooed as he clapped his hands. "We must set sail too, ja?"
While Joanna's ship sailed away to Rizucia, Elsa sighed and sat down on the docks, her toes dangling above the water. As she took in the sights of the sea and fjord, she heard the sounds of children squabbling behind her.
"You ask her!" one child whispered to the other.
"No, you!" another one whispered back as they put their hand on the other child's shoulder and gave them a little shove forwards.
Elsa heard the voices of the children, then looked down at the water and grinned. Still sitting on the docks, she turned to face them. "Hello!" she said with a gentle smile.
"P...Princess Elsa?" one of the children stuttered.
"Yes?" Elsa replied as she got up, faced them and held her hands in front of her.
"Can we ask you something?" said the child.
"Of course!" Elsa beamed.
"Well...could you do the magic for us?" the child asked as he raised his finger and gave an awkward smile. "Please?"
Elsa put her hands on her knees and leaned forwards. "Alright then!" she giggled.
The children clenched their fists and held them up in excitement. With a wave of her hands, Elsa created a dazzling display of snowflakes in front of them. The children gasped with delight.
While the children were being entertained by Elsa's icy magic, a boy walked up to her.
"Princess Elsa?" the boy asked, looking up. "When will Queen Anna be back?"
Elsa knelt down and draped her arm over her knee. "Soon!" she replied, her eyes level with the boy's. "She's on her honeymoon with Prince Kristoff!"
"What's a honeymoon?" the child asked.
"A honeymoon is a holiday that people go on after they get married!" Elsa replied. "They've gone somewhere nice and hot!"
"Hot? Like when that nasty Freya was here?" the boy asked as he looked down and scrunched his face up.
Elsa backed off a little. "No...not like that…" she replied, trying to raise a smile.
"Freya was so mean!" the boy continued as he folded his arms in front of him.
"Oh dear," Elsa sighed as she shook her head. "Well, we don't have to worry about her any more. She's gone for good. Why are you upset?" she asked. "Did she take something away from you?"
"Yeah!" the boy huffed. "She burned my toy soldiers!"
"Well, maybe this will make you feel better!" Elsa said as she raised her hands. From a swirl of magic came six smart miniature soldiers crafted from ice. The child looked at them with wide eyes, and he scooped them up off the floor.
"Thank you Princess Elsa!" the boy said as he jumped up and down. Just then, the boy heard his mother calling.
"Ah, there you all are!" the boy's mother said as she arrived and took his hand. She looked up at Elsa. "Oh, I hope they weren't troubling you, Your Highness!"
"No," Elsa said as she giggled and shook her head. "This is a charming young man!" she exclaimed as she reached down and ruffled the boy's hair, making him laugh.
"Glad to hear!" the mother replied. She then looked out to sea. "Is that a Rizucian ship, Your Highness?" she asked. "I'm so glad we're trading with them. We love some Rizucian beef for our Sunday roast, don't we?" she said as she looked down at the children.
"Yay!" the children yelled in unison.
Elsa chuckled. "Well, it's all down to Princess Joanna!" she replied.
"She seems like a lovely young lady!" the mother stated. "Have you two become friends, Your Highness?"
"Yes," Elsa sighed as she turned to sea and watched Joanna's ship sail over the horizon.
"Yes we have."