A/N,
Guys, I'm starting to have a real existential crisis, sort of. It's as if I feel guilty writing Elsa as a hetero character. In the context of the movie, I always thought Anna's sisterly love would be enough for her, and basically, she's Aces. Have I read one too many Elsanna stories? In two years, am I going to walk out of the theater when Elsa meets her handsome Prince? Let me know what you think.
Kristoff awoke before she did, and that's just how he wanted it. She had fallen asleep before he did and he had time to think. He had been able to restrain himself up to this point, but he didn't know how long he could hold out. The temptation of Elsa and her beautiful form was just too great, and it was time to go. He hated the thought of leaving her alone up here, but she had done it before, and she could just create a being to ride down the mountain with, she had the power.
"Sven, wake up! We're leaving."
"You're not going to leave her here all alone, are you?"
"Yes Sven, she'll be fine,... she's a witch." He wasn't exactly referring to her ice powers.
Kristoff would once again say his teary goodbyes to all in the Valley. He would be gone for a very long time, over two years by his initial calculations. He would write Elsa a note; while he wished he could have told her in person, avoiding conflict was so much more appealing right now.
Queen Elsa,
I must apologize for stranding you on the mountain, but I felt the temptation of you and your love is just too great. Since I will be gone for a very long time, this will be an opportunity for you to set your feelings straight, as I am not the man for you. Please make sure Sven is taken care of, I'm sure he'll be depressed by my long absence. Always know that I do care about you, you are becoming like a sister to me. Take care of yourself as well, the world needs you.
Kristoff
"Lun, make sure the Queen gets this message, and also, maybe someone should go rescue her."
"She'll be fine, boy. She has become fairly adept at making beasts of burden. I thought you were planning to stay here for a while, what changed your mind, hmm?" Kristoff felt that horror begin to bubble up in his stomach, the horror of betrayal.
"Let's just say the Queen is the main reason, and leave it at that."
"Ah, the passion of youth. You do know your emotions are easy for me to read, huh boy?"
"Yea, I get it, old man. She just about had me forget all about Anna, and I just can't allow that to happen."
"Umm, true love. It does my heart good, knowing it still exists."
"Take care of yourself Lun, and don't eat Sven."
"Not with these teeth boy. Besides, how can I eat him if he goes with you?"
"Huh? The thought never occurred to me. Besides, it costs a fortune to ship animals."
"You mean, like this?" Lun set the bag of gold in front him. "It is yours, and don't say anything. You will need a partner for this trip. I cannot think of anyone better suited for this."
"Thank you, Lun. I'll figure out some way to repay you someday."
"Anna breathing once again will be payment enough."
"Goodbye Lun, I'll see you around, OK?"
"Farewell Kristoff. May your journey be fruitful." He got up, and once again had to look around like it was the last time, and walked out the door.
"Come on, buddy. Looks like we're doin' this one together."
"Really?!"
"Yes Sven, this time, I need some help."
Sven wasn't doing so well. He'd never been on a boat before. A seasick reindeer is not a pretty site. Kristoff would hold him and comfort him as best as possible. The cabin boy came by the hold later that evening and handed him a jar of herbs.
"The captain wants the animal to take this, give him just a little every few hours. He says he's getting tired of the smell."
"Thanks, I think." The last part was a little under his breath, but he did as instructed, and Sven began to feel better. By the time Sven got his sea legs, he would be allowed up on the deck, much to his delight.
Cairo was a bustling, gritty, and dangerous place. There would be one thing Kristoff would purchase here, that he would personally dread, a gun. He hated the things, and swore he'd never own one.
"As soon as this trip is over, I'm casting this wretched thing into the sea, buddy."
"I'm all for that!" And down the road they went, for two years. They would see many wondrous things, meet very interesting and strange people, and see more magic than most would encounter in a lifetime. Whenever they found something they thought would help, they would pack it to the next weigh station and ship it off. They would also save some as the chance of it making it all the way to Arendelle was slim. The months went by slowly, bitter cold in the mountains, scorching heat in the desert. Sven had never been sheared before, but he damn sure appreciated it in the Ottoman Empire. Occasionally, they would run across someone who thought they could cast a spell to free her, and Kristoff told them of the great fortune to be made by going to Arendelle. Then they would tackle the Himalayas. Over the top of India and through Katmandu, they would find the monastery that was spoken of years ago.
"Say this incantation in her presence, and the spell will be lifted." Kristoff felt the monk said that with too much confidence, plus the fact he wasn't supposed to be speaking in the first place. They climbed down out of the mountains, the sea once again appeared, and the long journey down the Silk Road was over. Sven was very reluctant to get back on another boat, but the thought of going home finally was very relieving.
They still had a great deal of traveling to do yet, as they had to sail around the southern tip of India. Once again, they would be astounded by many wonders, and of course, magic. They would collect a few more potions and incantations along the way, and they spread the word to those who may be able to help. Now in the very last leg of their journey, the two weary travelers would take the back way in thru Mariabronn, and go to the Valley first. As the boat pulled into the harbor, they seen the snow,… it was August. Mariabronn had come under the grip of the Eternal Winter. As Kristoff made his way to the trail, he overheard many of the villagers grumbling about the weather, and some planned to take up arms and march on Arendelle. He figured now would be as good a time as any to pick up the pace a bit.
It would be a heroes' welcome for them. The Trolls quickly whipped up a celebration for their two adventurers. Bulda was especially happy to see Kristoff, she wasn't really sure if he would make it back.
"It's so good to have you back, the children really missed you." The tear in her eye betrayed her statement, she really missed him.
"It's good to finally be home, and the truth is, I'm done. I just can't do this anymore. Sven and I nearly lost our lives on several occasions. I've got no more adventure in me. The good news is, the word is out, and if what I've sent or brought back doesn't work, there should be some people coming here to free Anna."
"Ahh, I've see you've made it back alive, although you look thinner." Lun had walked up from the cabin with a bit more hobble in his step.
"I'm sure Bulda will fix that soon enough. So, have you tried anything I've sent back?"
"We have tried it all, boy. We have not had any success yet."
"I still have some other things I've managed to gather sailing around India. I also have the incantation from the monks in Nepal."
"We will try it all in the coming weeks, Kristoff. For now, let's just enjoy the fact that you're home." So they ate and drank wine. Kristoff had a very attentive audience with his harrowing tales of the Silk Road, and they all ohh'd and ahh'd with every scary detail.
"Sorry, everyone, but it's getting late. I'll need to save some of these stories for later."
"Awwww!"
"Goodnight, family."
"Goodnight Kristoff." Their voices once again a chorus. Lun, Sven and Kristoff made their way back to the cabin. Once inside, and after the fire was going….
"Lun, where was Pabbie? I didn't see him anywhere tonight."
"He's been locked up in the Prayers Den with the potions you sent back, it's amazing that the merchandise made it. Although I've sent many an item thru the courier network, I guess they have a reputation to uphold."
"Is he OK?" It was a little troubling for Kristoff to not see him after such a long absence, but the fact that he was working on a cure for Anna made him feel better, somewhat. The reality that she wasn't cured yet was disturbing.
"We're getting old, boy! Pabbie is showing the signs, as am I."
"We're going to the castle tomorrow, correct?"
"Yes, I would assume so. Is Sven up for having a rider?"
"I'm sure he is." Kristoff said with a bit of a chuckle. Sven never minded carrying Lun, him weighing over ninety pounds would be a stretch. The knot in Kristoff's stomach would return, for tomorrow he had to face the Queen. He would lay there in his old bed staring at the ceiling, thinking about what he would say.
