A/N: I'll bet every single one of you people a reindeer-slobbered carrot you didn't see this coming. Thank you so much for all the support, welcome to new followers/favorites and thanks to all my reviewers who keep me on track.

Chapter Sixteen

Warm Hugs

"He wasn't… physically sick anymore. But after he recovered… he just… stopped caring. He wouldn't talk to anyone; he wouldn't get out of bed. He'd just stay shut away in his room all day and stare at nothing… he wouldn't play with me anymore, he wouldn't play with anyone… finally, the doctor suggested the only thing she could think of, that my parents take him away from home for a while, to try and ease the stress of whatever burden of fear still had hold on him. … I don't remember where they took him, but it was some kind of family vacation, just between Hans and my parents." - Heins

*Eighteen Years Earlier*

"Land ho!" called the captain of the ship as he cupped a hand around his mouth, guiding the helm with a firm, experienced touch and turning behind him to see the crew and passengers emerge from below the hull. "All crew members, report to your stations and ready to make port!"

The first to come out from below the deck was a tall, regal man with an impressive chestnut beard, holding the door open as others emerged, giving him respectful nods of thanks. He seemed to command recognition without ever having to ask for it, his stature imposing, but his expression good-natured. As the last of the ship's crew members scattered to their posts, the man climbed the stairwell and stood beside the captain, graciously nodding in return to the man's bow, his smile betraying amusement. "Don't let go of that wheel for too long, Anton. I'd hate to run aground before we make it to port after such a smooth sail."

The captain flashed a smile to his king and nodded, his grip reinforcing on the helm. "Yes, sir."

"George?" called a sweet, melodic voice from behind the men. The king turned as the willowy, graceful figure of his wife climbed the stairs, her face hopeful. "Are we really there?"

"Soon, my love," replied the king, gesturing in front of them to land that was quickly getting closer. "It won't be long now; we should be making port within the next hour." He glanced back behind her and lifted an eyebrow. "Where-"

"Asleep," answered the queen, following her husband's gaze back towards the doors. "Let's not wake him until the moment we finish making port. Helen said sleep is good for him. His nights are so often shattered by nightmares."

"All right," the king agreed, looking ahead as the land came into more detailed view. The captain expertly navigated through the fjord towards the mainland, where half an hour later, landlines were tossed and those in charge of the port helped tie down the regal ship.

Allowyn's face brightened and she waved a hand high in the air as she recognized a figure waiting to greet them on the docks. "I'll go and help him up, George. You handle the reunion until I return." She lifted the hem of her long dress as she quickly descended towards the cabins below, and the king waited patiently as the crew finished settling the ship, setting out the gangplank. It was a combination of tradition and respect to allow the king to disembark his ship first, and George followed the stigma, departing his impressive vessel. Waiting on the deck below was a man dressed in a black suit shimmering in a few medals, and long gray pants, hemmed just above black shoes. His small blonde mustache curled as he smiled, the man holding his arms out, and the two kings met with a handshake and a brief hug.

George laughed and clapped him on the back once or twice as they parted, resting his hand on the man's shoulder. "Agdar!"

"George!" the man exclaimed brightly, his hazel eyes brimming with joy. "It's so good to see you after all this time; how was the trip? No rough storms, I hope. The weather can be unpredictable at sea as of late."

George shook his head with a smile. "No, I'm pleased to report there was hardly any rough weather at all. It was a perfect start to a little time away from the Isles." His gaze turned to face the brunette woman standing next to Agdar, her blue eyes shining even brighter than her husband's. "Idun, you look as lovely as ever."

"Thank you, George," she said, her smile widening as she saw the queen running down the gangplank, waving an arm, her red braid flaring out behind her. "Allowyn!" The two women met one another with hugs similar to the men's greeting, but lasting far longer. "Oh, I'm so happy to see you; I've been looking forward to this for weeks!"

"I know, so have I," exclaimed Allowyn in a gush. Suddenly, she spotted a flash of blue from behind Idun, and small hands gripping the sides of the woman's dress. "Idun," she whispered, her face taking on a playful smile, "don't look now, but I think you're being followed!"

The queen laughed softly, turning and putting a hand on the head of a little girl, easing her out from behind her dress. "Allowyn, this is my oldest girl, Elsa, the one I told you about in the letters." Idun stroked her daughter's small braid and spoke in a gentle voice. "Elsa, this is my very good friend, Queen Allowyn. Can you say hello?"

The girl looked at Allowyn with bright blue, curious eyes, and gathered folds of her periwinkle dress in each hand, dipping them out to side with a curtsey. "Hewo. I'm very pweased to meet you."

"Oh, George, look at this little princess, she is just too adorable," Allowyn praised, returning the child's curtsey with a single dip of elegance. "The pleasure is all mine, Princess Elsa. Thank you for allowing us to visit your beautiful castle."

"She has her mother's eyes," commented George stiffly with a nod of appreciation, seeming to have to force his own to look at her.

Idun smiled graciously, craning her head towards Allowyn. "Don't look now, Allowyn, but I think you have a little shadow of your own."

Allowyn's face slackened and she carefully knelt down, cupping an arm behind her and easing out a timid, pale child. The boy was much less enthusiastic about being presented to company and hung back until his mother's persistent nudging produced him fully. His expression was sleepy and drooping, his auburn hair looked rumpled and unkept, and in one arm he tightly clutched a worn stuffed horse. His green eyes blinked at the unfamiliar faces looking him over as Allowyn smoothed back his hair. "This is my youngest child… Hans." Holding out one hand to gesture to Idun, she spoke quietly. "Hans, this is mama's special friend, Queen Idun, and her husband, king Agdar. Their daughter is Princess Elsa, and later we will meet baby Anna. We'll be staying at their castle for a little while. Can you say hello, sweetheart?"

The boy hung back and ducked behind his mother's dress, slipping away from her guiding arm, his eyes falling to the ground.

"Hans." George cleared his throat, raising his eyebrows expectantly.

"George…" Allowyn tried to interrupt, but her husband shot her a persuasive look and she sighed compliantly, standing aside.

"Hans, your mother asked you to extend a greeting to our hosts. Can you set a good example for the Southern Isles and say hello as she asked?" George presented the request lightly, though it was obvious that obedience to his command was not negotiable.

Nudged once more into view, Hans tucked both hands behind his back to hide his stuffed animal, his eyes focused on the ground before him. A few long moments passed, and just before the king spoke up again, the boy's voice came, trembling like a leaf, hushed as the wind in the night. "Hello."

"Well, he looks like a strapping young man," commented Agdar with a nod to his wife, silently encouraging her, aware of the boy's discomfort.

"What a handsome boy…" Idun added in soothingly, her voice smooth and sweet.

Elsa took a step towards him, a smile on her face revealing one or two missing front teeth, repeating her cute curtsey with a little more energy and less shyness. "Pweased to meet you," she lisped.

Hans slid away behind his mother, clutching her dress with his hands and burying his face in the folds, saying nothing more.

"You must be tired after such a long journey," Agdar commented, clearing his throat and placing a supportive hand on George's shoulder. "Let us give you a little tour of the castle, show you your rooms and we'll have dinner together."

Idun nodded gracefully, though her eyes met Allowyn's with an underlying shadow of concern. "That sounds like a lovely idea." She guided her daughter with a hand on her shoulder, turning back towards their home as Allowyn caught up beside her, and the little girl, despite having to keep up with her mother's pace, stole several interested glances towards the mysterious little boy hiding behind his mother.

#

Elsa waited expectantly to see the boy again after getting little chance to talk to him during the castle tour. Between the grown-ups talking about kingdom things and his constant dodging of her eye contact, she simply couldn't interact. She hoped for an opportunity to see him during dinner, and brought her concerns to her mother's attention as the queen brushed her daughter's silky hair in preparation for the meal.

"Mama, how come he didn't say hewo back? Do you think he knows how to tawk?" Elsa asked, leaning her chin on her hands and squishing her cheeks together with a sigh.

"He may be a little shy, my love," Idun said, reaffixing Elsa's braid with a small blue lace ribbon tied at the end. "And he's only just recovered from being very sick for several months. I think he may need a little more time before he's ready to talk."

"Anna can't tawk; she just cries a wot. Did he cry, too?" Elsa asked, dipping a hand in a jewelry box and fiddling with the little jewels contained inside it.

Her mother paused for a moment before responding. "Everyone cries sometimes, Elsa. What's important is that we understand why they're hurting and try to help them feel better."

"Can I hewp?" Elsa asked, turning and smiling at her mother hopefully.

Idun leaned down and kissed her daughter's cheek. "If anyone can make him feel better, I believe you can."

#

Whatever plans Elsa might have had for talking to her potential new playmate that night were crushed, because he was the one member of the visiting royal family who did not attend dinner. Elsa, disappointed by the lack of her overdue company, set to work separating her peas from her carrots and tracing a snowflake in her mashed potatoes.

"I have a gift for you, Idun," Allowyn exclaimed, gesturing to behind her where one of her accompanying ladies in waiting approached Idun and set a potted plant beside her on the table, the blooms just beginning to open and reveal rich purple flowers. "I've always loved lilac and I know how much you enjoy flowers. Perhaps you could try cultivating this shrub among your gardens."

"Oh, thank you, Allowyn; it's a lovely-looking blossom," replied Idun, admiring the color. "Look, Agdar, isn't it lovely?"

"Yes, thank you for your thoughtful gift, Allowyn," Agdar agreed, gesturing to his distracted daughter. "Eat your food, Elsa, don't play with it."

"Let the women fawn over their flowers, Agdar, wait until you see what I've brought for you!" enthused George, earning a small, playful smack on the shoulder from his wife. Reaching beside him, he held out a thick book, the title written in a language unlike anything Agdar had ever seen. "I know how much you love these mythical stories, and this one involves a place located in your own country."

"Really?" Agdar accepted the book and opened it, flipping through the pages. Although the majority of the language was not familiar, Agdar was able to pick out a few words scattered among the illustrations. "Trolls… a valley of living rock?" He came to a folded piece of paper near the middle of the book and removed it, opening it. "A map to the place itself? This is far-fetched even for you, George."

"You really should look into it, Agdar," Allowyn encouraged, her face alight. "You should have seen how much Horatio, one of my older sons, enthused about it after George brought it home. Believe me, if he says it's possible, it's possible. He's quite the bookworm and interested in the fantastic."

"It's a passing fascination of his," George admitted with a wave of his hand. "Soon he'll see that certain things in life…" His eyes dimmed, growing distant for a moment. "…aren't fairy tales…and some realities…cannot be changed."

Agdar's eyes clouded in sympathy as his face grew solemn, and he closed the book, setting it aside on the table. He was grounded in silence for several minutes, weighing his words, and then decided with a sigh to simply be open and forthright. "How have you been dealing with it, my friend? We were both grieved to hear the news in your letter. I don't think a day has gone by Idun and I haven't thought of you, and you can believe we're willing to support you however possible. Idun has shed many tears for you."

George lay his fork on the table and stared into the distance for several minutes. Allowyn reached over and grasped his hand gently, which seemed to give him the strength to speak. "Some things should never, ever happen. Parents should never lose a child, especially in such a tragic, meaningless accident. Afterwards, you spend so much time thinking what you could have done to change things… I think the hardest part is, we'll never really know what happened. Hans is the only one who was there, and whatever happened still remains in mystery. For a long time, we thought we were going to lose him, too. When he was found unconscious by the shattered hole in the ice, we had no idea how long he had been there, but his clothes and hair were literally frozen solid. He was clutching a red scarf his mother had knitted ...the only thing we ever recovered…from the accident. He was barely breathing, and didn't open his eyes for days."

He kneaded his forehead with tense fingers. "Dr. Helen did everything she knew to do, wrapping him up in piles of warm blankets, packing his chest with hot poultices, poring over books looking for new herbs and medicines to try. We sat by his side night and day holding his hand and whispering to him to keep fighting. He finally woke up when Allowyn was singing his favorite lullaby, and we thought the tide had turned. But he was still so sick, constantly coughing until he could barely breathe, and his skin was hot as fire. We had to keep him alive by spooning sips of water and broth between his lips and begging him to swallow. And he had a horrible wound under his arm…. It was deep and jagged, and became infected, and it still hasn't completely healed. We have no idea what they were doing ….or how….or… or why…." his voice broke off with a choked cough, and he took a sip of water, burying his face in a hand. An awkward silence reigned around the table.

Struggling, Allowyn picked up the threads of the story. "He finally broke the fever after almost a month, but he still is….not himself. We tried to question him about what happened, but whenever we spoke of it he would seem to freeze into a trance and stare straight ahead, and we finally gave up. It's like looking at the empty shell of the boy he was…like he's gone away, somewhere we cannot follow. A door has closed we don't know how to open. He wakes up screaming in terror many nights, clawing at the air and fighting when I try to hold him. During the day, he spends hours sitting on his bed staring at the wall or out the window. He used to be…so full of life…always chasing after his brothers, wanting to play. Some of them have treated him badly….I suppose older brothers naturally consider younger siblings a pest…and most of them would ignore him, not want him tagging along, all except…..you see, the two of them had a special bond, and they used to be inseparable." Her voice trailed away in a sob, and George took a deep breath and continued for his wife.

"I think it would be easier to help him if we knew the truth, but that's become hopeless. Our whole family has been affected. Hans' illness has pushed some of his brothers even further away… I once heard the oldest ones whispering about him being crazy or deranged. Believe me, they will never say such things where I can hear them again. Some of them even seem to think it was his fault and won't talk to him or visit him; they act as if he's, well, invisible. I sometimes can't believe they would be so cruel. Heins is one of the closer brothers in age, and he has tried to spend time with him and get him to talk and play, but there has been no connection between the two. Heins can't seem to understand…but he doesn't give up. That boy is," he chuckled dryly, searching for words, "…indomitable."

Allowyn wiped tears from her eyes. "So, you can see, we are at wit's end. We don't know what else to do, and when Dr. Helen suggested getting him away from anything that would remind him of what happened, of course our first thoughts were of you. You are really…our last hope…to heal a frozen heart."

Idun gently laid her hand over that of her friend, eyes full of empathetic tears. "Of course, you're doing the best you can. We are honored that you trusted our friendship. You are welcome to stay for as long as you wish, and in the morning young Hans will see our castle doctor, and we will listen to his advice. Not because I do not believe in your doctor's skill, but because I believe our doctor may be able to help. He has some experience in treating flesh wounds, though I do not know of his expertise in healing the human spirit. Perhaps the only thing that will truly help your son is time….and concern….and perhaps new experiences. Our Elsa has a tender heart, and I'm sure she will try to befriend Hans as well. She's quite sensitive for a three-year-old."

Elsa suddenly looked up from her plate. "Awmost four, Mommy."

Idun chuckled at her and then paused for a long moment, squeezing Allowyn's hand. "And Allowyn…. Hans is not the only one who needs to heal. My heart bleeds for you….though we have not personally lost a child, I have felt a touch of your grief. My sister-in-law, the queen of Corona, has lost a baby girl…not to death, but the child has been stolen from her cradle in the night. They have searched the kingdom from border to border with no hint of her whereabouts, and we spend each day wondering if our precious niece is alive or dead. They have no closure, and I believe they will never stop searching. This year on her birthday, they released hundreds of floating lanterns into the air as a promise they will never give up hope until she is found. We will not give up on Hans, Allowyn, or on you."

The two queens stood, leaned over the table, and embraced, simply holding each other for long moments. Then as they pushed apart, Idun gave a weak laugh. "Now, I believe you and your husband must be in desperate need of rest, and I have a baby girl who will need to nurse before bedtime. We shall say goodnight, and we shall see you at breakfast whenever you awaken. Sleep well, my friends, and I wish you all quiet and peaceful dreams. Consider our castle your home, for as long as you need it."

#

Hans woke with a start, as he often did, with a muffled scream of terror echoing in his head. He wasn't sure if it was his own voice or a remnant from the dreams that so often haunted him. He lay still, panting, listening to hear if his mother's quick footsteps would resound from the hall, and found himself gazing in surprise at a dim and unfamiliar room. It took a moment, but then he remembered the trip they were taking on his father's ship. Something was missing, though…he had gotten used to the incessant creaking and rocking of the ship, the splashing waves and rustling sails that kept him company in the small cabin, and here, in this moment, it was far too silent. He shut his eyes a moment, and reopened them.

In the dim light of the fireplace that was still faintly burning he saw stone walls, an elegant bed and chairs, thick curtains and tapestries and paintings, and he remembered. They had landed, and were visiting some friends of his parents. He couldn't remember the names, but they were a family…a king, a queen, and a little girl, and oh yes, his mother had mentioned a baby. They had spoken kind words when he met them, though he hadn't paid much attention. He had been so tired from the trip he could barely keep his eyes open. He felt tired all the time, and his thinking was foggy, so with the reassurance of where he was, he sighed and lay his head back down on the soft pillow. He was about to close his eyes again when a sudden movement startled him, and he sat up to see the little girl he had met standing by his bed regarding him quietly. He stared back at her in surprise, and she was the first to speak.

"Was it the monster?"

Her voice was sweet and lilting, but he had no idea what she was talking about. "Wh – what?" he stammered.

"You were crying. Sometimes I dream about the monster. He wooks wike a big, big, mean snowman, and I'm scared. I run to mommy and daddy and then he goes away. Was he here?"

He grimaced at her, not quite sure what he wanted to say to this inquisitive little girl, and wishing she would go away. But she simply stood there silently and patiently, gazing at him. Finally, he sighed. "No…it's not a monster. It was… a bad dream… I can't remember. The ice breaks, and there's screaming, and I'm so cold, and can't breathe, and someone is trying to help me. I hurt, and they disappear, and I always wake up…alone…I think, I'm afraid… maybe it's real. But I don't want it to be."

She watched as he angrily scrubbed a few spare tears from his eyes. Then she suddenly changed subjects, again throwing him into confusion. "What's his name?"

"Wh-what? Who?" he stammered, furrowing his forehead.

"Your horsie," she replied, pointing to his chest. He looked down at the forgotten stuffed animal he was clutching in his arms.

"Um…Sitron."

"I wike him," she replied with a smile, and suddenly climbed up on the bed beside him. "Do you want to share?"

As he again stared at her in confusion, she took his horse and held out an object that had been cradled in her arms. He realized it was a stuffed snowman with big, shiny, black button eyes and a goofy grin. He was opening his mouth to protest, moving to take Sitron back, with she spoke again. "His name is Owaf. Mommy made him for me to sweep with when I'm ascared. He's not a monster….he's nice. Here…you can howd him."

As Hans hesitantly accepted the offered toy, still watching Sitron warily, the little girl lay down on the pillow beside him and yawned. "Friends share," she said simply, "now we're friends." Then she surprised him with a big smile. "Mommy says Owaf gives warm hugs. You won't be cowd anymore." Sticking her thumb in her mouth, she closed her eyes and was soon breathing softly.

After watching her in surprise for a few minutes, Hans slowly snuggled back into his pillow and closed his eyes as well. In the morning, a surprised Idun and Allowyn found the two figures curled next to one another, both deeply and peacefully asleep, and both clutching one leg of a slightly squashed stuffed snowman.

#

"I can't believe it's been a month already! It's been such fun, how I wish you didn't have to go!" Idun exclaimed at breakfast, passing a tray of strawberries and muffins to her friend.

"Now, ladies," King George interjected firmly. "You both knew we couldn't stay forever. It will soon be fall, and traveling will be more dangerous with unpredictable winds and storms. Although my older sons have apparently managed well in our absence, the kingdom has some pressing affairs of state that only I can handle. Idun, you have been more than generous with your home and time, but now you need to devote your attention to your own subjects and family again." He stopped and swallowed hard, diverting his eyes. "And, I cannot lie, I will be forever grateful to you. We cannot repay the debt. I am more than happy with the progress young Hans seems to be making. The doctor has made tremendous strides with his daily wound treatments, and soon the scar will be barely noticeable." He cleared his throat several times before he could continue. "Your sweet Elsa has worked magic on his heart. His eyes are bright, and I have actually heard him laugh this last week. He seems to have turned a corner, and I believe he will continue to improve now with the attentions and ministrations of his brothers." He hesitated and continued under his breath, "At least, such is my hope."

Allowyn pressed a napkin to her lips, giggling. "Yes, I believe he is now well enough that they are getting into mischief together. Do you remember yesterday when the cook served fresh fish and broccoli for lunch? She has tried so hard to serve up nutritious meals to help him heal. He shoved it around on his plate for half an hour, and finally begged to leave the table. I couldn't resist those sad eyes he gave me, wanting to go and play. Those are your eyes, George. It looked like about half the food was eaten, so I gave him permission to go join Elsa in the garden. Well, when the servants cleared the table, we found the half that was gone, hid in his napkin under his seat! I looked out the window, and there was Elsa, with some type of a sandwich smeared all over her face and hands, offering bites to Hans! I don't know what it was, but it looked like chocolate, believe it or not! And he was downing it like he hadn't eaten in days!"

Idun laughed. "It's amazing what children will eat. It was probably her favorite treat: a chocolate banana sandwich, lightly sprinkled with coconut. Cook makes them for a special treat whenever she runs to the kitchen and begs. Can you imagine?"

King Agdar snorted in his laugh. "Well, they have certainly gotten to be inseparable friends. They spend all day together doing puzzles, rolling balls, looking at picture books, and walking in the garden, chasing the geese. I heard them singing as Hans tried to teach her the famed alphabet song for his letters."

"Oh, I do apologize again for him carving their initials in your balcony with his fork, Agdar," Allowyn said as she bit her lip.

"Don't give it a second thought, Allowyn. Elsa was absolutely thrilled to show me her first "E", even if it was backwards. Do you know, I even saw them dancing around together out in the sunlight with their shadows! I wonder if they will remember any remnants of this last month when they grow up? It's a shame they weren't older. That is the type of close relationship I hope Elsa and Anna will enjoy as they grow. I think its been a lonely life for Elsa these first few years. She needs a sister for a special playmate."

George winced as if in pain. "Yes, I believe it's been that way for Hans… and his brothers. A sister can be a great softening influence on anyone. There's a great deal of testosterone around our castle. I'm afraid Hans' heart will always have an emptiness that Elsa helped to fill for a while. As far as memories, though…perhaps its better if they fade…sometimes memories can hurt too badly."

His words saddened them all into a brief silence, and then Idun spoke again in a brighter tone. "We must keep in closer touch. You will send letters, won't you? By ship it takes only a few weeks. And perhaps, someday, we can visit again. Our families and kingdoms must stay connected! It is meant to be that way forever, you know!" Reassurances and agreement came from everyone present in the room as they spoke their tearful goodbyes.

#

Hans stood on the edge of the pier, close to the gangplank, watching Elsa, each of them gripping their respective stuffed animals. The adults were hugging one another and talking about future plans for meetings, his father and mother accepting gifts of spices and flowers to bring back to the Isles. He thought he would have more to say, but he was at a loss for words. It was Elsa who spoke in a sing-song voice, holding out her snowman plush and making him move from side to side as if dancing.

"Don't forget about our snowman… or the way we got to pway," she said, meeting his eyes.

"We'll see each other soon again," Hans ventured.

"Tew me when!" Elsa exclaimed, grinning.

"I wish that I could stay…" Hans murmured, dropping his gaze.

"I wish I couwd come with you," Elsa said, glancing back at Idun, and pursing her lips in a little pout, "but Mom says no… I wish she wouwd change her mind!" Drawing her eyes back to Hans, she reached over and gave his hand a little squeeze. "Don't forget about our snowman…"

Hans linked his fingers in her hand and squeezed back. "I won't forget about our snowman."

Allowyn placed her hand on her son's shoulder, smiling and bending down to take him in her arms. Hans knew without a word it was time to go, and clutched Elsa's hand until Agdar lifted her in his own grip, and the two were parted, Hans looking over his mother's shoulder just long enough to see Elsa whisper, "Okay…"

Hans waved and wrapped his arms around his mother's neck, leaning against her hair and watching until Elsa was out of sight. "Bye…"

A/N: If you sang near the end during this chapter, I won't blame you, because I totally did, too.