The soldiers led a happy procession back to Arendelle, marching by twos down the lane, singing Arendelle songs. Next came the sled, with Kristoff and Anna in the Driver's Bench, and Elsa and James in the Passenger Bench. Olaf and Katrina followed, with Marshmallow bringing up the rear. Pulling the sled was a happy Sven and Olga.
As they approached the outskirts of Arendelle, the soldiers in the city created a procession corridor along the roadway, with swords drawn and held upright. As the sled approached, they extended their swords overhead, diagonally for Elsa. The townsfolk were gathered on either side of the road, throwing flowers.
Elsa, never one for pomp, was overwhelmed by this display of joy and love by the soldiers and townsfolk, so much so that it brought tears to her eyes.
After the sled made it to the center of town, Kai was waiting with the entire castle staff.
"Welcome home, your Majesty!" Kai cried out joyfully as he helped Elsa out of the sled.
Elsa made her way to a central spot in the city and addressed the people.
"People of Arendelle! Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome home! By the grace of God, the entire embassy made it home safely! You were always in our thoughts and prayers on the journey, and our allies send warm greetings to you!"
The people let out a loud cheer.
Kai then addressed the people. "Good people, I propose that we turn tomorrow's planned Coronation Celebration into a Welcome Home Celebration!"
All the people yelled, "Aye!"
Elsa was then able to return to her castle this day and learn about the goings-on of Arendelle over the past five weeks in her absence.
Anna filled Elsa in on all of the items she made decisions on, and Elsa happily told Anna that those would have been her decisions too. That made Anna very happy.
Kai told Elsa about the other official business, including the Memorial Service the previous day and the planned Coronation planned for the next day. He expected to be reprimanded, but Elsa was not angry.
"Kai, don't beat yourself up for doing what the law stated must be done! You had no way of knowing that I was alive and would return. You did what was best for Arendelle, and for that you deserve high praise!"
Kai breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Elsa!"
Elsa also thanked Kai, Kristoff and James for helping Anna rule in her place.
"It is comforting knowing that Arendelle is in good hands, if and when I am absent!"
Elsa then instructed Kai to hang the Friendship Coat of Arms received from the Southern Isles in a prominent place in the Throne Room.
In private, Elsa talked to Anna.
"Anna, the island we were marooned on was the very same island Mom and Dad were marooned on after their shipwreck!"
Tears started to well in Anna's eyes as she remembered her parents. Elsa continued.
"I know that because one of the sailors found this logbook containing the final days of Mom, Dad, and the crew," she said as she produced the book.
"When you feel up to it, read it. It was sad, but also provided closure for me," she concluded, as she handed the book to Anna.
Anna clutched the book to her chest and put it in a cherished spot in her room. She would read the book, then she and Elsa would put it in a revered place in the Palace.
That evening Elsa and James took their customary walk in the garden.
"Elsa, tonight is more special than any other stroll, because I never thought I'd see you again!" commented James, as he gave Elsa a kiss.
"I wasn't sure I'd see you either, James! And I missed everyone terribly, you most of all! But Captain Bjorkland help me cope by telling me to gaze at the clear night sky and imagine you were doing the same. It made me content, and re-affirmed our connection to one another."
"I did the same, Elsa! Kristoff gave me the same advice! Nice to know it works!"
They walked over to their bench and sat in one another's embrace under the half moon, just enjoying each other's company.
Finally, James broke the silence.
"Elsa, I think we should set our wedding date. We have waited until all official business has been completed, now it's time for us!"
"Yes, you are right James! We need to give the Royal Seamstresses and Jewelers enough time, along with the Bakers and Cooks! We need to send out invitations, and arrange for the flowers. We already have the Ballroom and Dining Hall we can use, as well as the Royal Chapel."
"How about a month from this past Saturday?"
"That sounds fine! I'll run it past the various parties tomorrow during the Celebration to make sure they have adequate time!"
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The Tuesday Celebration was a fantastic and joyous day for all! The people of Arendelle thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as did everyone in the castle.
Elsa, true to her word, checked early with each Master of the various guilds who would have a hand in the planned wedding, and all agreed that one month from this past Saturday was plenty of time to get ready.
As the Celebration was coming to a close, Elsa and James made an announcement.
"Good people of Arendelle, and all good folk of the castle, Captain Smith and I have an announcement"
James then spoke up, "Elsa and I will be wed four weeks from this past Saturday, and you are all invited to share our joy!"
This was the first time Anna and Kristoff heard about it and Anna rushed to embrace her sister and future brother-in-law, as the crowd let out a rousing roar. Kristoff also went over to give a hearty handshake to James and a hug to Elsa. The soldiers were all congratulating James and Elsa, and the castle staff was congratulating both as well.
The wedding ceremony took place as scheduled . Many dignitaries came to the wedding, including King Lukens with his Queen, Tyra and Thor with his Queen, Kalle. Also attending were all the subjects of Arendelle.
Elsa was resplendent in her wedding gown of pure satin. And James was quite handsome in his 'tuxedo', a new clothing style that Arendelle has learned about during the Good Will Embassy. Indeed, all of the men , and Olaf, in the wedding party wore tuxedos, but only James wore a cummerbund.
Anna acted as the Matron of Honor, and looked very beautiful in her Lincoln green dress and Kristoff acted as Best Man. The women in the party wore pastel green dresses. Once again, Olaf and Katrina were included as usher and bridesmaid along with Sergeant Janssen and Helga, Sergeant Wilhelmson and Wilhemina, and Sergeant Andersson and Tomasina. The Trolls were included as guests. Also included on the guest list was Marshmellow, a first! And he had a wonderful time, too!
All had a grand time, and celebrated the happy occasion for a week