A/N: I totally subscribe to the theory that the Queen of Corona and the King of Arendelle are (were) brother/sister. Elsa and Anna are going to be received as family, and I'm assuming that in the years since the movie canon, the sisters would have gotten closer with their relatives. So I'm going into this thing with Corona being a major ally. It'll make for some fun negotiations later, but that's here nor there.
Didn't get too far in this chapter plot-wise, but I hope I managed to clear up a bit about how their link works. I hope I've conveyed it okay so far. Also - thanks to everyone for the reviews. I read every single one, and you all are so sweet. Thanks for giving my little story a chance!
The bonds that unite another person to our self exist only in our mind. - Marcel Proust
"I have no idea how you deal with these dresses, Elsa. They're heavy."
The queen gave her younger sister a slightly exasperated look and didn't bother answering. Anna just giggled. "Seriously!"
The princess received nothing except rolled eyes. Anna was tempted to blow a raspberry in her sister's direction, but she didn't want the entire crew to see her so undignified. She almost did it anyway.
A quiet laugh entered her mind. 'Not like they've never seen you hyperactive before.'
She gave her older sister a slanted grin. 'Einar's men maybe, but not this crew!' She laughed out loud. "I'm not kidding, though. Doesn't your back hurt?"
"I'm used to it?"
Anna wasn't sure if the reply was a question or a statement, and she raised an eyebrow at her older sister. Elsa just shrugged. "I could make it thinner, but then it'd be see-through. It'd be a disaster."
The princess shook her head, her grin turning into a wicked smile. 'No, I think I'd actually enjoy that quite a bit.'
Elsa blushed and her lips quirked a grin, but she didn't reply. Anna took her by the arm, grinning brightly. She looked up at her older sister. "Do we know when Rasmus is getting back?"
The queen shook her head slightly. "He was supposed to verify our escort, but I have no idea how long it can take."
"It's already been an hour!"
"I distinctly remember the lessons we took on patience as children. Apparently they were lost on you." Elsa sent a feeling of gentle mocking through their link, but smiled down at the woman.
"Yeah, and that's back when you were ignoring me. If you try to recall those lessons accurately, you'd remember me making faces at our tutor behind his back to make you laugh. The entire lesson. Every day. He was boring." Anna lightly hip-bumped her sister.
Elsa smiled, but it was slightly bitter. "I remember. That was before Papa made me take lessons alone. I wish he hadn't done it. I know why he did, but..." Her voice grew wistful, and Anna could feel the longing rolling from the queen.
Anna set her lips in a hard line. "He was wrong."
A feeling of slight reprimand came from her sister, but the princess could tell the woman didn't really mean it. "He did what he thought was best."
She dismissed Elsa's feelings and overrode them with a sudden urge of bitter, sad regret. Out loud, she sighed. "His best wasn't good enough."
"It's in the past, Anna. Nothing we can change now." She felt a wave of love and comfort creep into her mind, and it soothed the negative feelings. She knew it was useless to be upset over the past, but underneath the mental hug, she could feel the surface of a deep pool of regret and sadness in her older sister. She wasn't mad at her father, just the situation he had put Elsa in. Why hadn't he realized how much her older sister needed her?
'It's okay. Everything ended up alright.'
Anna looked up to Elsa, who had been gazing down at her. She gave her older sister a wry smile. 'It almost didn't.'
Elsa whispered, "But it did." 'I have you.'
Anna squeezed her sister's arm. 'Always.'
Elsa looked up, hearing a commotion from the dock. She leaned on the railing of the ship to look out further. Anna saw her sister looking out and followed her gaze. She smiled once she saw who was on their way. "It's Rapunzel!"
Anna tore her arm from Elsa's and leaned up against the railing, pushing herself up and trying to get a closer look. As her hands touched the wood, the queen gasped.
Elsa felt a cool sensation in her chest, and felt her power flow down their invisible link to Anna. It was entirely undisciplined, and was flowing into the woman like a broken floodgate. It was very unlike the queen's careful and concentrated river when she summoned it herself, and the sudden rush took Elsa by surprise.
The wood underneath Anna's hands began crackling over with frost, and once the princess saw what was happening, she panicked and froze. "Elsa..?!"
Her younger sister's fear brought her back into focus and Elsa summoned her will. She forcibly cut off the source of the power inside herself, and turned her mind to the power flowing into the redhead. She closed her eyes, concentrating.
Anna was fighting against her unknowingly. The younger woman was trying to stop the spread of the ice, and in her panic lost her grip on the tenuous willpower she needed to control it. She was grasping at tendrils, trying to force the ice away, but was only causing it to spread further.
If the queen hadn't been concentrating on the task at hand, she would have laughed. The situation was one she had been in many times before.
She brought the force of her resolve to bear against the wayward ice and grabbed control of all of it from her sister in one fell swoop. Sighing in relief, she dismissed it with a final, forceful thought.
Elsa looked toward her sister, who was holding the railing in a death grip. She then looked around quickly to make sure no one was watching them. Once she was completely sure the crew hadn't seen the mishap, she let out a sigh.
The thoughts going through Anna's mind were jumbled and she couldn't make a bit of sense from them. She put a comforting hand on the younger woman's back. "It's okay, Anna."
The princess was scared, that much she could easily tell from body language alone. Though the feeling was rolling down their mental link in waves and Elsa had to hold her mind back to keep from being overpowered by it. Anna looked into her eyes, searching for something, though the older woman had no idea what.
Suddenly a clear thought rang through the chaos in her younger sister's mind. Elsa grimaced, knowing what that thought was before Anna even asked it. "Is this what happened when you were younger? You just couldn't control it? It just...came out like that?"
Elsa closed her eyes and nodded sadly.
"Oh, Elsa..."
The queen rubbed the younger woman's back and comforted her the best she could, sending as much love as she could bring to bear spiraling down their bond. It didn't seem to faze Anna.
The younger woman spoke softly. "High emotions bring it out?"
Elsa nodded. Anna continued, "I'll...I'll do my best to keep it in, then. I'm not sure if I...oh hells, Elsa. I'm so sorry."
Tears were in the younger woman's eyes. Elsa turned her sister to face her and laid her hand on the younger woman's cheek, forcing the princess to look up. Anna stared up into bright blue eyes, almost taken aback by the conviction held in them.
Elsa spoke a single word, softly. "No."
Anna's mouth quivered as though she was going to say something, but she shut her lips tight. A few tears dropped from her eyes. Her older sister's thumbs wiped them away, and Elsa continued, "You do not need to try and keep it in. I can help you. Don't try and shut off your emotions. Believe me," a wry laugh, "It doesn't work."
Anna took a deep breath and stood taller. She let out the barest of smiles. Elsa nodded happily and grinned down at her sister. "It'll be okay. I promise."
Anna returned the nod, her smile becoming genuine. Elsa kissed her sister on the forehead and released the woman, turning towards the dock. Their cousin was talking to the captain, but the handsome, dark haired man standing next to her was looking in Elsa and Anna's direction. She put on a polite smile and nodded at the man.
He nodded back, a small grin lighting his face, then turned back to the conversation between the captain and his wife. After a few moments, the three of them turned and walked towards the gangplank.
As they got closer to the ship, Elsa noticed Anna began happily rolling back and forth along the balls of her feet, doing her best to keep her emotions in. The queen held the powers in check, and sent her sister a feeling of pure reassurance. Anna smiled brightly at her sister, then turned and let out a little wave at her cousin. Rapunzel's face lit up. The princess looked up at her older sister, pleading with her eyes. Elsa laughed lightly and nodded.
Anna's smile widened, and she flew down the gangplank, rushing at the two royals and the captain. She bounded straight into the dark haired girl and the two hugged tightly.
Rapunzel was practically glowing. "Anna! It's been way too long!"
The Arendellan woman beamed right back. "It has! We're so glad to be here! Well, not that we're glad about the treaty issue, because that's kinda crazy and I really don't know why there's any issues with it, but we're so glad that we get to see you guys and we really need to talk, cause it's been an insane few years and I have so much to tell you!"
Eugene's eyes were wide, but Elsa just let out of laugh as she walked calmly towards the small group. Anna took a deep breath and was about to start talking again when Elsa reached her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Queen Elsa!" Rapunzel reached toward the woman and they shared a small hug. Elsa laughed. "Oh, don't you start with the honorifics. We're family here, none of that!"
The dark haired man next to Rapunzel smiled. "Sorry to break this up, but we should probably get up to the castle. It's not safe to be out here."
The captain, having been silent up to that point, nodded eagerly. "I've had my men on lookout since we've docked, so I'll be escorting you myself on horseback. I need to give my report to his Majesty."
Eugene nodded. "We actually have a carriage a bit up the road. If everyone would follow me?"
They all made it to the nondescript carriage and climbed in. The ride wasn't very long, but Rapunzel and Anna spent the entire ride talking about anything and everything. The weather, crops, the festival...especially the festival. Anna's exuberance was palpable. Rapunzel explained the traditions behind the celebration and Anna fed into every word, clearly interested.
Elsa and Eugene spent the ride mostly rolling their eyes at the two and sharing knowing looks at the other two women's antics.
Anna could feel the amusement from her sister, and spent a split second to throw her a look. Elsa only laughed. They reached a stop and their vehicle's door was opened by Rasmus, who beckoned them out. They were ushered into the courtyard where the King and the Queen of Corona were there to meet them.
As they grew closer, the queen immediately brought the two sisters into a hug. She released them but kept her hands on their shoulders, looking worriedly at them. "I only heard bit of what happened on your way here! Are you two okay?" She gasped. "Anna, your hair!"
The princess of Arendelle grinned and swept the new white streak behind her ears self-consciously. "I missed the old look, you know how it goes..."
Elsa tried her best to put on a reassuring smile. "It's okay Primrose, we're both fine except for some bruises. The Arendellan house just seems to have bad luck with sailing, is all."
The Coronan Queen gave Elsa a sad smile. "I'm just glad you dears are okay. If something happened I would never be able to forgive myself!"
The sisters looked like they were about to reply with reassurances, but the King interrupted. He had made his way to his daughter's side and was grinning at the family reunion. "It's okay, dear. Lets get them to the healers, just to make sure. It's getting cold out here, and it's not good for any of us."
"It's not too bad," Anna and Elsa both chimed in unison.
Once they realized they had spoken at the same time, Anna let out a giggle, and Elsa managed a small smile. Rapunzel laughed. "Well, not all of us are used to constant foul weather. I'm freezing! So lets get inside!"
They all made their way to the main hall, with Rapunzel, Anna, and Queen Primrose taking the lead. The three were chatting about different dresses that they would be wearing to the winter festival, and Anna was asking about the local fashions so she could restock the wardrobe that she had lost on the sunken ship.
Eugene and Captain Rasmus took up the rear, watching over the party, with Elsa walking with the king in the center. He was talking animatedly at her and explaining the specifics of the treaty revision. "Well, the summit's actually been set back another week and a half. Half of the dignitaries haven't even reached Coronan waters yet. Most are a week from shore. These storms have just been killer, though it seems to have calmed enough for the time being..."
Elsa nodded. "That makes sense. I hate to be away from home for so long, but there's nothing that can be done for that." She grinned, "Now, about the treaty...what's going on with the revisions? What could possibly be causing an issue?"
King Thomas halfheartedly shrugged. "Well, the Southern Isles are looking to forcibly commit the larger kingdoms to agree to a new trade treaty, as they think the current situation is... less than fair."
Elsa couldn't help but scoff. "They're that desperate?"
The king nodded solemnly. "Unfortunately so. They're actually on the brink of a civil uprising, believe it or not. After you renegotiated your new agreement years ago, they've had issues bargaining with the other kingdoms. I'm not sure if you were made aware, but we renegotiated as well."
Elsa's eyebrows shot up. Thomas smiled at her. "It was actually rather fortuitous for Corona. We ah...used the situation to our advantage."
The Arendellan queen said nothing, raising an eyebrow. He continued, "We sent their king a rather angry letter admonishing their son for trying to usurp my niece's throne, and telling them that we were severely disappointed to the point of cutting off all trade."
Elsa gasped. "Are you serious?"
Thomas laughed. "About the letter? Oh yes. Cutting off trade? No. It was mostly posturing. Though that boy did a lot of unneeded damage to Arendelle, and we were going to find a way to support you regardless. But that letter worked!"
Elsa had to cover her mouth to stop from laughing, and she heard a chuckle in her mind. She hadn't realized Anna had been paying attention the the conversation, but when she looked up at the redhead, the younger woman winked at her slyly before returning to the conversation with their cousin and aunt.
Elsa continued on like she hadn't just been communicating her emotions mentally with her sister. "So, the terms were favorable, then?"
The king laughed a deep, belly laugh. "I'll say. Our kingdoms ended up hurting them desperately, though that wasn't actually part of our intentions. A few other kingdoms managed to cash in on the issue as well. We both seem to have great reputations. It seems the other kingdoms don't enjoy seeing them tarnished."
"Or they just really enjoy increased revenue."
"Who doesn't?!"
The two shared a laugh. "Just between the two of us...watch out for yourself during this summit. From what I've heard, their king seems to blame Arendelle for their son's behavior, and they have a pretty nasty streak. We'll do out best to protect you and Anna, but we both know guards can't be everywhere at once."
Elsa sighed, slightly frustrated at the thought of having to be on her toes constantly. She nodded. "I've noticed how nasty they are, believe me. And I can definitely watch out for myself." The woman smirked, "Though I can't see how they can possibly blame us for their son trying to usurp my throne. That doesn't make any sense."
The king nodded, "Well, of course they never make any s-"
He was interrupted by his wife talking back to them from the front of the group "-dear! We're here. Stop talking poor Elsa's ear off. We have weeks to discuss business, and she's been through a lot in that last few days. Leave her be, love."
The king smiled a bit timidly and bowed at Elsa, apologizing. Elsa just smiled. "It's okay, really. I'm fine."
As soon as she said it, she grimaced internally. The cuts and scrapes she received were just starting to set in with actual pain, and she realized that she desperately wanted a bath and sleep. Anna sent her a rush of compassion to ease her mind, and Elsa smiled internally back through their link. She knew the princess was feeling the pain just as much as badly she was.
The queen must have seen through Elsa's remarks because she smiled warmly and pushed them into the healer's chambers. As they were leaving, Rapunzel turned back towards them. "I'll have someone come by to show you guy's to your rooms in a bit – mother put you two in the family suites. Dinner's at six. I'm sure you guys are tired, but feel free to come down to the great hall whenever, I'd love to chat with you two more when you're feeling better!"
The two Arendellan women expressed their gratitude, and Eugene grabbed Rapunzel by the arm, practically dragging her out. The two were laughing and joking as they walked away and could be heard from halfway to the main hall. Anna giggled.
The two were given a cursory once-over by the healers and some ointment to help with the pain, then were given the okay to leave. They were shown to their rooms, and the sisters were enthralled to find out that the suites they had been assigned were connected via a large, luxurious bathroom.
Anna giggled at her sister. 'Well, that saves us some sneaking around, at least.'
The princess could feel the satisfaction radiating from her queen and her giggle turned into an outright laugh. Elsa found the laughter infectious and began giggling as well. Once they calmed down, the older woman stretched and grimaced as her muscles pulled painfully. Anna made a face as well, feeling the pain through the link.
A sudden thought came to the red haired princess and she smirked. 'I think I need a bath, love.'
Elsa met her sister's gaze with a mischievous grin of her own. 'Oh? I'm assuming you need some help?'
Anna sent Elsa a mocking grin, teasing, 'As if you have a choice.'
The look the princess sent to her sister was almost predatory, and Elsa shivered at the scrutiny. Anna hummed happily at the reaction. She put her hand on the small of the queen's back and led her into the bathroom.
The door closed with a click, and the two didn't emerge again until the water had run cold.