A.N. Inspired by attending the Lithuanian celebration of Jonines (Midsummer) and the actual Midsummer Eve this little story came to life.
Originally published June 23th 2019 on Tumblr.
There seems to be a life before, and there seems to be a life after. A life before where the quiet echo of the mountains was the loudest he would hear, a time when the harsh winter winds were more welcome then human talk, a life that dreaded all the lavish joys of a village life. Then, out of nowhere there seems to be this life after. A life where solid walls hold out the cold, a time where familiar voices can warm the heart, a life where he enjoys smiles on other people's faces. But many months ago he would have never believed there could be two so different things for him.
Yet, right now he is standing in the courtyard of the royal palace, moments before only exiting the stables where he cleaned Sven's fur to be extra nice for the special occasion. Celebrating Midsummer Eve was not new to him, growing up with the trolls ment celebrations of all kinds when it came to nature spectacles, but for the most part he had tried to avoid coming near a village during this times, less he should come across some trouble. At that time the greatest trouble he could imagine was coming across other people. Now however his biggest trouble seemed to be avoiding to be run over by a happy walking-talking snowman, who as often decided to take the same direction as he himself thought. Luckily Kristoff's own strides were bigger then the ones of his little friend. Coming towards him he only now noticed the two sisters, hand in hand like often these days. He was not an expert on women's fashion- except for troll taste at best- but even he could see how nice both of them looked in their dresses today. As they came closer he gave a short wave to the older who replied with a soft smile, while her strawberry blond sister skipped the few feet in a second and placed herself happily by his arm.
And so they walked together towards the main square, the many people still a new thing to him. The twilight sky was colored in hues of blue and with edges of yellowish pink and purple, the water in the fjord glittering with the soft sunlight. Arriving at the square he was sure every house was empty today as the masses were already in a joyful state, with carts and tables full with food, stands with cider and ale, and a small merry-go-round for the children. Everyone was waiting for the Queen's signal. She on the other hand lifted her hand and the spectacle began.
The flames went higher and higher, their goal the evening sky, and before he knew it a hand grabbed his and drew him towards the area where people had started to dance. Of course Anna would want to dance, that seemed to be a sure constant in her life. He would not be the one to deny her that luxury.
And as they were dancing he felt a sudden warmth, it was nearly too much to be precise. A gust of wind came up yet could not cool the air. He looked at the girl in front of him, the girl that kept dancing even though she could have found a much better partner for this jigg, yet never let go of his hand. There she was, two braids jumping around her face, her wide skits twirling around her legs, a flower krants resting on her head like a crown only could. The warmth appeared to come from her, not from the bonfire behind, her whole demeanor radiating with a shine so bright it became hard to ignore. He wondered if the glass of cider had not been too much and if all this was not just a fancy of the atmosphere, but then his eyes did wander away and they stopped at a point not far off. Elsa was standing not far away, one moment talking to some people, then again just standing there enjoying the view. Yet, among those many surrounding her, he was sure, the thing that only he noticed was how relaxed the young queen stood today, her hands peacefully resting in front of her while a smile played on her lips, the face illuminated by flames in front. And this peaceful picture made him wander back to the girl in front of him, made his mind flash in realisation, for the answer hit with more impact than an actual rock on the head could. It was Anna who was the source of all things, all good things, all warm things. She was the one who could thaw an eternal winter with her heart, the one that could find the truth behind a howling blizzard. Since she entered his life it had not been like the one he had known for years, the one he had thought he got used to. But now he could see and feel that there had always been something missing. His life may never be what it used to be, but he would take the swirling head and unknown tomorrow anytime if it meant have her near.
And they danced in circles and rows, turning and swirling, two people lost in the mass of a dozen couples, illuminated by the blazing fire, a clear twilight sky above them. He would hold her hands or lift her up by the wrist, and she would bless him with her smiles. The hours would fly by like leafs on a steady wind, and he merry voices echo like the rivers flow. And he knew that the sun was truly the source of all things.