The journey was proceeding better than expected. They had been gone from Arendelle for two weeks and now only had two more allies to visit, at the southernmost part of their journey. These were two of the allies that Arendelle gained on the defeat of Freya (Fire and Ice fanfic), so it was extremely important to re-affirm their friendship and treaty ties.
At night, Elsa would go on deck and gaze northward out to sea. Her mind was at home, in Arendelle. She could see the people, the bustling market, the various people in the castle like Kai, Anna and Kristoff, Sven and Olga, Olaf and Katrina, and lastly, the one she missed the most, James.
This particular night, her longing for home hit a bit harder, as she stood under a full moon with a sky so clear she could touch the stars! She and James relished those nights during their garden walks. Thinking of those walks caused Elsa to shed a small tear.
Captain Bjorkland always kept a watchful eye on Elsa. He promised he would personally look after her, for his friend, Captain James Smith. He could see that Elsa was a bit troubled and walked over to her.
"Queen Elsa, is anything wrong?" he asked thoughtfully.
Elsa was brought back to her current reality, and looking at the Captain, smiled and said,
"No, Captain, everything is fine! I'm just feeling a bit lethargic, and I don't know why."
The good Captain smiled and said, "You are homesick, your Majesty. You have never ventured far from Arendelle. It's perfectly natural."
Elsa was a bit surprised, "You would think that after spending 14 years of my life in seclusion, it wouldn't bother me! But I dearly miss seeing the people of Arendelle, my sister, the castle staff, and the guards. I used to just see them from my cocoon of a room, and couldn't directly interact with them, but it was comforting that I had that tenuous connection with them."
"It is perfectly normal, Majesty! I too get homesick, even on journeys like this one."
"You do?" Elsa asked suprisedly.
"Yes! Even though I go to sea often, I always miss my home, my family, especially my wife, and I miss Arendelle! One way I cope, is to look at the moon and the stars on a clear night like tonight, and imagine that my wife and family are gazing at them as well, wishing I were home. I find it comforting thinking that we have that long distance connection. You should try it, it really does help!" the Captain finished, as the First Mate came to him with a matter that needed his attention.
So Elsa gazed at the night sky and imagined that James, and her loved ones were doing the same, and that they were wishing she was back, just as she was wishing she were home.
The Captain was right. It gave her a feeling of contentment. She returned to her cabin in a much better mood than she had left.
Captain Bjorkland could read the relief on her face as she went to her cabin, and smiled.
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The first two weeks had gone very smoothly for Anna as well. But she still longed for the day when Elsa would return in two weeks, and take her place on the throne.
Anna was getting adept at resolving issues, both large and small. The latest had to do with two different Councils of the Builders Guild.
The two parties entered into audience with the acting Queen. David and Bjorn represented the councils..
After brief introductions, Anna asked, "What can I do for you, gentlemen?"
"Your Majesty, there is some masonry work needed on the walls adjacent to the main gate. Our Council should do the work, as we are the larger of the two Councils!" exclaimed David.
But Bjorn responded, "No, our Council should do the work. We are the more experienced!"
Anna listened attentively, and then asked Bjorn, "Is it special work that needs to be done, or routine?"
Bjorn answered somewhat quietly, "Routine, your Majesty."
She then addressed David, "Does the work require a great number of craftsmen, or only a few?"
Now it was David's turn to respond quietly, " Only a few, you Grace."
"I see," Anna continued. "And about the same amount of work has to be done on either side of the main gate, is that not so?"
Both gentlemen nodded yes.
"Very well. Please adjourn to the waiting chamber, and I will come to my decision."
Both gentlemen left.
Kai mentioned, "The real reason for the dispute, Anna, is the Council who gets to do the work will trumpet that they are the Favored Royal Council of the Builders Guild, and that would mean a sharp increase in their work over the other Council."
"I thought as much, Kai. I think I have a solution that will benefit both Councils without causing detriment to either." Anna then laid out her resolution to Kai, James, and Kristoff, and all three enthusiastically approved. She then asked Kai to summon the two men.
" I have made my decision," Anna started. "Bjorn, your Council will do the needed repair work East of the main gate, and David, your Council will do the repairs West of the main gate."
Both men accepted the decision. They really wanted Anna to pick one, so that they could boast about being a 'Favored Royal Council', but deep down they knew that the decision was fair and just. They both left with a greater appreciation for Anna's judgment.
That being the last of those seeking audience for the day, Anna adjourned Court. She and Kristoff left to stroll down by the docks, and James ventured into the garden.
James glanced at the clear sky sadly. He prayed that Elsa and the others were safe, and took comfort thinking that maybe Elsa was gazing at the same stars as he. He experienced a small feeling of contentment, and went to his post, to ensure that everything was in order for the Imperial Guards.
Anna and Kristoff strolled silently gazing at the stars.
"Do you think Elsa is okay?" Anna asked.
"I'm sure. Captain Bjorkland took every precaution, plus if they run into something unexpected, he has the experience to pull them through!" replied Kristoff.
"I miss her!" stated Anna, as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I lost her for 14 years when she was in that room, and I can't bear to not see her and interact with her."
"I understand, Anna! I'm sure Elsa feels the same way. But the journey had to be done! It was her royal duty."
Then, giving Anna a loving kiss, Kristoff stated, "Have faith in Captain Bjorkland! We pray every night for her return, and I'm sure those prayers are heard!"
Anna smiled. That was true. Elsa was in good hands. Besides, there were only two more weeks before her return. Anna could hold out that long!