Chapter 10
(4 months later)
The North Mountain Ice Palace looked very different today. With her sister's wedding being held there, Elsa had used her powers to make some additions, providing accommodations for the many guests who would be attending. An east wing, made up of guest rooms. Stables for the horses, as well as a special stable for the Dragon Riders dragons. Large platforms around the outside of the castle to keep guests from falling down the mountainside. Even a long ice bridge between the castle and the adjacent mountain, a safe place for Victor to land his flyer should he attend. But of all the guest replies, his was the only one that never came.
Elsa could not let her mind wander though. She had bigger issues to deal with now. For even though she wanted to be helping Anna prepare for her big day, the ice palaces unique features made it necessary for her to guide the attendants during setup. Placement of rugs and fire bowls was crucial to keeping the guests comfortably warm yet not so warm as to melt the castle around them. And though it was now late spring with clear and sunny skies, the air on the north mountain was always cold. Couldn't have the bishop trying to perform the ceremony over the sound of chattering teeth.
Arriving guests were awestruck by the beauty of the ice palace. Many just stood staring at it upon arrival, having never seen anything like it. At the base of the stairs leading into the castle, they would be met by Olaf and Marshmallow. Olaf would check their invitations and welcome them while Marshmallow would deal with anyone trying to get in without an invitation. No problems with security here. Once inside, attendants guided guests to the upper level where the ceremony would be held. Chairs had been placed facing a platform, with a red carpeted aisle down the center and clusters of flowers secured to the walls. On the platform, tall ornate torches held floral decorations. The lower hall had been set up for the reception that would follow. Carpet covered the entire floor, and flowers adorned the walls. A raised platform for the band now held musical instruments. And tables on either side of the frozen fountain between the staircases waited to be loaded with refreshments. Elsa had worked hard to make the scene perfect, and arriving guests agreed she had succeeded.
Needing a break from the activity, Elsa stood on her private balcony on the top level of the castle, taking in the refreshingly cool air. She had looked in on Anna earlier, finding her very excited and just a little nervous, and assured her that everything was going perfectly. Now she was trying to convince herself of the same.
"ELSY!" a familiar voice called from behind her. Turning around, Elsa quickly recognized the source. Her cousin, Princess Rapunzel of Corona.
"PUNZIE!" Elsa replied happily as they hugged. "I'm so glad you could be here. Is your husband here as well?"
Smiling, Rapunzel replied, "Oh yes. Eugene's downstairs. He distracted the guards so I could sneak up here and see you. How are you doing?"
"A little frazzled." Elsa stated, "but I want this day to be perfect for Anna, so it's worth it."
"And it will be," Rapunzel reassured her. "Anna will have the most amazing wedding ever, thanks to you."
Elsa was grateful for her cousin's reassurances, and they spent a little time chatting on the balcony. Until something caught Rapunzel's attention. Pointing upward, she asked Elsa,
"Um…what is THAT?!"
Looking up, Elsa smiled brightly. "That would be some more guests."
Elsa and Rapunzel went back downstairs, with Rapunzel heading back to the husband, and Elsa heading outside to meet their guests. She arrived at the base of the staircase just in time to calm Marshmallow as 7 dragons landed.
"Riders!" Elsa exclaimed. "It's wonderful to see you again!"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Hiccup replied as they hopped off their dragons.
After a greeting hug, Elsa commented. "I see you have some new recruits."
Hiccup replied. "A few introductions are in order. You know the original riders."
"Of course." Elsa replied, nodding to them.
Hiccup continued." First, this is Eret, son of Eret, and his dragon Skullcrusher."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, your majesty." Eret stated, respectfully bowing.
"And this," Hiccup added, "is my mother, Valka, and her dragon Cloudjumper."
"YOUR MOTHER?!" Elsa exclaimed.
Valka bowed. "It's an honor to meet you, your majesty. Hiccup has told me much about you and your sister. Thank you for inviting us to share in your sister's celebration."
"The honor is mine." Elsa replied. "And I apologize for my outburst."
Hiccup chuckled. "That's ok, Elsa. I did the same thing when I found out."
"Was Stoick unable to attend?" Elsa asked Hiccup.
Sadly, he replied, "I'm afraid he was lost in battle."
Elsa gasped. "Oh no! I'm so sorry." Then calmly added, "But I'm sure he's sitting at Odin's table now, sharing tales of glorious battles with Thor."
Valka smiled. "Someone's been doing their homework."
"I've prepared a special stable for your dragons," Elsa said. "with plenty of water and fish. I hope Icelandic Cod is suitable."
"The dragons are getting spoiled today!" Fishlegs commented. "Icelandic Cod is their favorite fish."
Smiling, Elsa directed them towards the dragon stables. After settling the dragons in, Hiccup and Valka returned to Elsa, while the other riders joined the guests inside.
"This castle is magnificent, your majesty!" Valka said amazedly. "However did you build it?'
Elsa smiled. "Actually it was accidental. I was making full use of my powers for the first time, seeing what I could do. I just thought of an ice castle and there it was."
"Incredible!" Valka exclaimed. "I thought only the Bewilderbeast had the power to create ice at will."
"The Bewilderbeast," Hiccup interrupted, seeing Elsa's confusion, "is a very large and very powerful dragon with the ability to breathe ice rather than fire."
"I see." Elsa commented, clearly intrigued. For a short time, the 3 chatted, until Hiccup spotted something odd.
"Is that a Night Fury?" he asked, pointing to the sky.
Looking up, Valka commented. "If it is a Night Fury, it's not very healthy."
Elsa squinted, trying to see what the others were looking at. But when she realized what it was, her face lit up.
"No. That's my boyfriend!" she exclaimed excitedly.
"Your BOYFREIND?!" Hiccup and Valka replied in amazement.
As they watched from the ground, The Wooden Dragon swooped down, flying low and fast as it passed the castle. It then pulled up in a spiral, then leveled out, before descending toward the ice bridge. As Elsa, along with many others, watched, Victor guided his flyer down, gently touching the wheels onto the ice. The engine roar became a gentle chugging as he powered back, rolling to a stop near the gathered crowd. After shutting down the engine, Victor held his hands high and exclaimed proudly, "NAILED IT!"
Elsa ran towards him, barely giving him time to climb out of the flyer before throwing her arms around him and firmly planting her lips to his. A gesture he eagerly returned. And for a few moments, there was nothing in existence but the two of them. But ONLY a few moments. The crowd that had witnessed Victor's arrival, including Hiccup and Valka, was also coming down to see the unusual flying machine that had just appeared before them.
Composing herself quickly, Elsa said, "Everyone, this is Prince Victor of Zalaria. My boyfriend and creator of The Wooden Dragon."
"G'mornin!" Victor smiled, holding up his hand.
Questions began to fly at them, but before they could answer any of them, Kai pushed his way through the crowd and commented respectfully, "Your majesty, it's almost time."
Elsa politely asked everyone to head to the upper level, then turned to Victor.
"You need to get changed. I've had an outfit prepared for you."
Victor smiled. "Already got that covered, love." He replied, pulling a bag from the flyer. "I think you'll be impressed."
With only half an hour before the ceremony was due to begin, Elsa chose not to ask. Instead she made one request of Victor, before directing an attendant to show him to a room where he could prepare. She went to see to last minute details, including one last visit with her sister before she became a married woman.
All the guests were now seated, with the front two rows filled by Kristoffs family, the Troll clan, owing to their smaller stature. The choir began singing and the bridal party entered, one bridesmaid and one groomsman at a time, each moving to the side at the front of the room. There were 10 of each in total. They were then followed by the ring bearer and flower girl. The flower girl, Gerda's 6 year old niece Emily, the ring bearer a troll child known as Rocky.
Next down the aisle was Kristoff, dressed in full princely attire. He held his head high as he walked, and his noble appearance drew many whispered complements for the crowd as he too took his place at the front next to his groomsmen.
Anna looked stunningly beautiful as she made her walk, her elegant white dress and long lace train giving her the appearance of floating rather than walking. Her face bore the most brilliant of smiles as she looked at her soon-to-be husband. A smile that Kristoff mirrored as he looked upon her. She too took her place with her bridesmaids.
An attendant then called out." ALL RISE FOR THE QUEEN!"
As was tradition, the queen was the last to enter. On command, everyone stood, bowing in respect as Queen Elsa and her escort, Prince Victor of Zalaria, passed them. At the front, Anna and Kristoff could not believe their eyes upon seeing Victor. Partly due to the fact they were unaware of his arrival, but mainly due to his perfectly polished appearance, his uniform adorned with gold over the royal colors of Zalaria. When Elsa and Victor arrived at the front, Victor assisted Elsa onto the platform, then took his place off to the side as the queen stood at platform center and addressed the crowd.
"Welcome, Everyone!" Elsa began. "Today we gather to unite Kristoff and Princess Anna of Arendelle. According to royal custom, such a union cannot occur between a royal and a commoner male unless he is granted a royal title by the ruling monarch. Kristoff, please step forward."
Kristoff complied, moving to stand directly in front of the queen. Kai then stepped onto the platform and presented Elsa with an ornate sword with many jewels on the hilt. Elsa took the sword from its sheath, holding it in front of her.
"This is the Royal Sword of Arendelle. According to family history this blade would be used by the ruling monarch to bestow a royal title upon young men that the monarch would deem worthy of entrance into the royal family of Arendelle, or to remove the heads of those who were deemed unworthy."
Despite many rehearsals, Kristoff still gulped uncomfortably at that thought.
"It should be known," Elsa added, smiling, "that the Sword of Arendelle has not tasted blood in more than 20 generations, and has not hungered for it."
Quiet giggles from the crowd, and Anna, rose as Kristoffs shoulders slumped slightly in needless relief. After a moment, Elsa continued.
"Kristoff, adopted son of the Troll clan, why do you present yourself here today?"
Standing tall, Kristoff replied strongly. "I come seeking the hand of Princess Anna of Arendelle in marriage, your majesty."
"Do you deem yourself worthy of such an honor?" Elsa asked.
Kristoff took a deep breath, then replied. "I do not feel it's my place to make such a judgment. But to the best of my knowledge, Princess Anna does. And that is sufficient for me."
'That answer would have cost you your head 20 generations ago' Elsa thought to herself.
"So be it." Elsa replied. "Kneel, Kristoff."
Kristoff did as ordered. Elsa then held the sword with both hands above her head. Even though it was well known what the outcome would be, some in the crowd still gasped in fear. Even Anna looked a little nervous. Elsa then lowered the blade, lightly tapping it against Kristoffs shoulders, stating,
"I deem you worthy of entry into the royal family of Arendelle. As such, as Queen of Arendelle, I bestow upon you the royal title of Prince. Now rise, Prince Kristoff."
Kristoff stood tall as Elsa returned the sword to Kai, who then left the platform. Anna then stepped over beside Kristoff, looking up to her sister. Elsa turned and stepped back as the bishop stepped forward, taking Elsa's place.
"Queen Elsa," the bishop asked, "As the eldest of your family, do you approve the joining of Princess Anna to Prince Kristoff."
Elsa smiled pleasantly. "Yes, your Eminence. I do approve."
"Dearly beloved," the bishop began, "We are gathered her today to bear witness to the joining of Prince Kristoff and Princess Anna of Arendelle in holy matrimony. If there is anyone present who can provide just cause as to why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your silence."
At the back of the room, Marshmallow scanned around, ready to pounce on anyone who dared to speak. Fortunately, no-one did.
"Prince Kristoff," the bishop asked, "do you take Princess Anna of Arendelle to be your holy wedded wife, from this day forth, for as long as you both shall live?"
Kristoff looked to Anna and replied, "I do."
"Princess Anna of Arendelle," he continued, "do you take Prince Kristoff to be your holy wedded husband, from this day forth, for as long as you both shall live?"
Looking at Kristoff, Anna replied, "With all my heart, I do."
"The rings, please." The bishop called.
Rocky rolled out into the aisle and up to the bishop's feet. He then unrolled himself and stood upright, his hand raised above his head holding 2 gold rings.
Taking the rings, the bishop said, "Thank you my young friend."
"No problem!" the troll child replied. He then turned and walked back to his place, grinning the whole way. This elicited many ohhs and awes from the crowd, and a woman's voice could be heard whispering "I want one!".
The bishop held the two rings above his head, and recited a blessing in the cleric's speech. With the blessing complete, he handed Anna and Kristoff each one ring.
"Kristoff, place the ring on Anna's finger." The bishop ordered. And Kristoff did so.
The bishop then repeated the order to Anna, who also complied.
As Kristoff and Anna held each other's hands, the bishop now recited a marriage prayer, again in the cleric's speech. Once completed, he proudly announced,
"By the powers vested in me, it is my great pleasure to pronounce this couple as husband and wife." Then to Kristoff he said, "You may kiss the bride."
The moment their lips met, the room burst into applause. The trolls jumped and cheered, a few of them breaking their chairs in the process, and the Dragon Riders of Berk howled in celebration.
Elsa then stepped forward.
"As Queen of Arendelle, I welcome Kristoff into our family. And it is my great pleasure to present to all of you, Prince Kristoff and Princess Anna of Arendelle."
The cheers and applause resumed. Elsa let it run for a few moments before raising her hand. The room then went silent.
"A reception has been prepared in the lower hall." She announced. "If you would all make your way downstairs, we can all begin celebrating the union of my sister and brother-in-law."
As everyone headed to the lower hall, Anna and Kristoff took the opportunity to steal a few minutes for themselves. Standing together on the balcony, they watched as the sun fell below the horizon, setting the sky ablaze.
"It's so beautiful." Anna commented.
"The mariners have a saying about this." Kristoff replied. "Red sky at night, sailors delight. It predicts favorable conditions for tomorrow."
Anna looked into his eyes. "Does that work for newlyweds as well?"
"I'd like to think so." Kristoff replied, kissing his new wife.
For a few minutes, they just stood holding each other, looking out over the land, watching the sky burn. Then Kristoff commented,
"We should get downstairs, my love. It is our party after all."
"You're right, my husband." Anna replied, stepping away smiling and holding a finger up. "You just make sure you stay away from the Viking ale. I want you clear headed for later tonight."
Jokingly, Kristoff commented.
"And so it begins!"