An Uzumaki in Arendelle
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Disney's Frozen.
Key:
"Speaking Japanese"
"Speaking Hygge (guess what I did over the holidays?)"
~NOTE~ Elsa's birthday is on the winter solstice, December 22nd 1818. Anna's birthday is the summer solstice, June 21st 1821.
Jul = Yule
-Start Chapter-
"Happy birthday Elsa," everyone yelled out as the queen stood behind a table with a massive chocolate cake.
A large room in the castle was filled with a small group of people, most of them being staff members. While normally the birthday of a beloved ruler would be cause for mass celebration, Elsa had grown up preferring smaller, more intimate parties. This worked out for the best, since the Jul Festival was only a few days away. During which the villagers were more than happy to give their best wishes.
After the attendees had finished passing out slices of cake, the blonde queen took the time to look around at everyone. Her sister was darting around the room, making sure to talk with each guest at least once. Some of the staff had taken to tidying up, so they would have less to do later. While Olaf seemed to be everywhere at once. The final guest, a blond man, stood off in a corner, and upon noticing her gaze, gave a light wave before going back to talking with his reindeer friend.
Elsa let out a soft breath, happy to be surrounded by those she knew so well, but feeling like there was someone missing. A sudden gust of wintery air made very clear who wasn't there. The sun-like warmth of the absent man was missed by all who frequented the castle.
"Happy birthday," Anna called next to her sister, having finished her rounds.
"And happy half-birthday, to you," Elsa returned with a half smile.
"Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about that," the red-head said. "But I'm happy where my birthday is. Not only is it opposite to your's, but I also get two sets of presents each year," here the princess stopped and looked at the scant amount of wrapped gifts on a far table. "While it's just easier to give you all your presents at Christmas, given how close your birthday is."
"It's not so bad to have a birthday so close to the holidays," Elsa said, her mind wandering to years past, as fond memories of her parents giving her a new toy during Anna's birthday, to keep things even, brought a smile to her lips. "While more gifts would be nice, I don't think a queen should complain too much."
"True," Anna agreed, unable to counter the claim. "But depending on when you get married you could get anniversary present in the summer," the red haired princess almost sang out.
A deep flush stained Elsa's cheeks as she resisted the urge to cover her face. Her sister having brought up one of the most embarrassing topics she had to deal with.
"Please Anna, not you too. I already have enough people asking me about when I'll get married." Elsa resisted the urge to hold her head, just feeling happy that winter was here again, and she wouldn't have to deal with any foreign dignitaries asking about her love life. Although the topic of marriage did have one bright spot, the ability to tease her sister.
"Of course I don't think you have any room to talk about marriage," the queen purposely turned her attention towards the blond ice harvester on the other side of the room.
"Yeah," Anna coughed out, a flush matching her hair upon her cheeks. "Some of the villagers have been way to forward in their inquiries." The princess was quiet again, looking anywhere but her boyfriend.
Elsa stifled a chuckle at her sister's discomfort, before changing the topic to help ease the tension, "Speaking of the villagers, how's our little surprise coming along?" The sisters waited a second, casually noted that Olaf wasn't near them, and began speaking in hushed whispers about their upcoming plans.
"While most of the food will need to be prepared on the day of the feast, the chefs have already started making what they can," Anna said, recounting as what the staff had told her.
"And with the banquet being right after we ring the Jul bell, everyone will be there," Elsa cheered, genuinely excited to give the people a gift of her own for the holidays.
Anna's voice cut through her sister's giddiness, "everyone, except for one will be there."
The queen deflated slightly, knowing full well who would be missing the party. "As much as I want Naruto to be in attendance, I have to keep in mind the safety of everyone else." The blonde's shoulders sagged as she continued, not happy with the decision she had to make. "With the entire village in one place, the chance that someone might bump into Naruto and burn themselves is to great a risk to take."
"Well that's easy to fix," Anna stated, "we'll just have him stand a little farther back from the main group. You know how much he loves to sit in the rafters of the castle."
"And what would be the point of bringing him to a party, if we don't let him join the party?" Elsa asked, having already spent hours working through the problem in her head. "It would be best to have him come down for the new year celebration. Everyone should be a bit more spread out, and he can more easily avoid bumping into anyone."
Anna listened, not having a good argument against her sister's idea. Although she was not pleased with the idea of spending the holidays without even one of her friends. Especially since this would be the first holiday she spent with Elsa, without a door between them. Not to mention that Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf would also be there, but the princess wanted to make sure that everyone had a great time.
And knowing Elsa as well as she did, Anna was certain that her sister would be constantly worried about the blond haired man living in the mountains, and the queen would just continue to worry until he returned to Arendelle. Thankfully, Anna had her own blond man who could easily make it up the mountains.
"You want me to go to the ice palace, and bring Naruto back as a present for Elsa?" Kristoff asked, making sure he had heard everything correctly.
"Exactly," Anna cheered, having pulled Kristoff away form the party to discuss her new plan with him. "You'll leave after we ring the Jul Bell, and be back with him in time for all the night time activities. And by that time, a lot of people will have already gone home, so there'll be less of a chance for him to accidentally hurt anyone. It'll be perfect and Elsa will love it."
Resisting the urge to ask for clarification, on her choice of wording, Kristoff agreed with his girlfriend's plan, and let her wander off. None the wiser that she had just, plainly, asked him to bring the queen a man, as a present, for "night time activities." The mountain man loved the redhead, with all his heart, but sometimes it was obvious that she had been a little sheltered as a child.
With a shrug of his shoulders, Kristoff went to make some early preparations for the Christmas tradition he celebrated with the trolls, and wished to spread to his girlfriend and her family. Since he was now going up a mountain instead of making the traditional Flemmy stew, he needed to go get ready for the surprise trip he now needed to make.
*break*
While it wasn't a complete disaster, the surprise feast had not gone as Anna had planned. The Jul Bell ceremony went perfectly, with the whole town showing up to ring in the holiday season with a joyous sound. Unfortunately immediately after she and Elsa had rung the Jul Bell, when their surprise feast was to be unveiled, everyone went home. Their own holiday traditions waiting for them in the warmth of their own homes, with their own families.
Elsa had been crushed that their gift had been unneeded, and Anna could only think of one way to cheer her sister up. A few words later and Kristoff was on his way up the North Mountain to bring his fellow blond home for the holidays. Assuming that Naruto would be able to understand what was going on.
"So, you are having a winter festival, and you're going to give gifts to each other," Naruto recited, making sure he got everything that Kristoff had told him.
"That about covers it," the ice harvester said,
"And for some reason, Elsa is sad?" Naruto asked, getting a nod in return. "Let me make a gift and we can go."
It took him only a few minutes, but Naruto exited the ice palace carrying a small package covered in paper. Kristoff didn't worry too much about it, knowing that his fellow blond didn't have a lot of resources at the mountain top to make much of anything. Honestly all there was to work with was ice.
The trip down the mountain went quickly, yet still took enough time for the sky to turn dark, leaving a beautifully lit Arendelle off in the distance. Or it would have been lovely if more than half the lights within the town were on. Leaving the houses with a dark atmosphere, a heavy contrast for such a happy time of the year.
It was only through Naruto's observant eyes and keen hearing, that they noticed flickering lights and the sound of carolling through the forest. Making their way forward, the two men were surprised to find a celebration taking place in a clearing in the woods. With, what looked like, the whole town of Arendelle in attendance.
Several tables made of ice had been created in the ankle deep snow, topped to the point of spilling over with food and snacks for everyone to enjoy. Some of the townsfolk had taken to skating around on a nearby frozen pond. While those on land chatted with each other, ate delicious food, and held candles to help illuminate the large area.
And off to the side, standing near the center of the clearing, was Elsa. Surrounded by the people she worked tirelessly to take care of. All of them wishing her well, or thanking her for all that she has done over the past few months. With hopes of good things to come in the next year.
Suddenly, a silence began to pass through the crowds, starting near the edges before reaching the center. Causing Anna and Elsa to bring their heads up, and locked eyes with the two blond men who had just stumbled into the clear.
For several seconds, it was silent. The sudden appearance of the two men being a welcome, yet unexpected surprise. But once the silence had settled, the first ones to move were a set of girls.
Ingrid, for as young as she was, began charging through the snow towards the blond haired man. The other girl was Anna, who leaned over to her sister, and whispered a quick "Merry Christmas Elsa, hope you like your present," before pushing the queen forwards.
By this point the rest of the villagers had come out of their shock, and began talking to each other. Meanwhile Ingrid had reached the shinobi, stopping just in front of him. Keeping just far enough away that she wouldn't be burned by his heat. Although her smile was just as radiant as it always was.
Narut also wore a smile, but it was more subdued, determined. While he knew what he was about to do was safe, he still worried for the little girl he had come to care for so greatly. With slow movements, he pulled the protective gloves from his hands, and held his fist out for her to see.
Normally the heat from his body would be enough to keep the snowfall from ever reaching his skin. Yet now, each icy flake had to fly next to him before melting. A sign that all his hard work to lower his fever had been successful.
Ingrid, herself, couldn't have possibly been brighter, curling her own fingers into a fist and bumped it against Naruto's own. While warm, there was no danger of her being burned from the blond's skin. It was only a few seconds before the little girl threw her arms around the ninja's waist. Happy that her friend was feeling better.
By the time Elsa reached the two, she couldn't keep the smile from her face. The little girl and the Uzumaki continuing to embrace was a heartwarming sight. Although the hug did remind the queen of something else she had promised earlier.
Giving a sweet smile, that couldn't hide her smirk, Elsa leaned down to Naruto, and whispered softly in his ear. Ingrid had let go of the man by this point, and joined the rest of the villagers in wondering what was being spoken. Between the two blondes, it was a short held secret. Known only by them for a passing second, before Naruto's broad smile turned mischievous.
Reaching forward with singular purpose, the ninja grabbed hold of little Ingrid by her sides, and lifted her into the air. Screaming for only a moment as she found herself weightless, while being turned around midair. The young child soon found herself sitting on her idol's shoulders, while his firm hands held her safely to him.
Elsa helped as well, placing a steadying hand on the girl's back. Which mostly served to increase Ingrid's glee. Leading to her shouts of joy lighting up the cold winter night.
The whole town was talking now, with hushed whispers passing through the gathered crowds. Most of them were discussing Ingrid and how happy she looked, riding on Naruto's shoulders. While a few others were more focused on Elsa, and how telling her actions might be.
"The Queen would look so lovely wearing white," an older woman spoke softly to her group of friends.
"Oh Halima, you old romantic," someone chided her. Remembering how in love the woman had been in her youth, before her beloved had disappeared.
A few steps away, Kristoff had joined with Anna. Holding her close with one arm, as the couple watched on.
"Thanks for bringing Naruto to Elsa," the red-headed princess said, kissing her blond on the cheek. "It was super easy to see how worried she's been about him."
With the last guests having finally arrived, the party continued, long into the night. Naruto would walk around, greeting everyone. Ingrid still riding on his shoulders, and Elsa by his side.
Eventually the ninja ran into Olaf, and it had to be explained that the reason for the outdoor part was caused by the snowman. Apparently after the Jul ceremony, the carrot-nosed individual went out to collect as many traditions from the villagers as possible. Then, through a series of strange events, Olaf became lost and everything he had collected had been destroyed.
"It was crazy," the snowman said. "First the tree that you're supposed to hang stuff on caught fire, and that spread to the brooms. Which let me tell you, I was given those brooms to hide from the witches, and I think I accomplished that goal. They're ash now, and no one is going to find them."
Naruto listened, trying his best to keep up with the energetic snowman. Ingrid and Elsa smiled, familiar with the story already, but enjoying the more detailed telling.
"The tradition I think I'm most upset about losing, was the sauna," Okaf continued, pointing at Naruto. "I think you and Elsa would have really liked it. First you get naked, put on only a towel, and then you sit in a really hot room together until you feel good."
Naruto was now confused, sauna being a word he hadn't learned yet, and the description wasn't helping with his understanding. At best he guessed that it was something like a hot springs, but without the water. And no separate rooms for girls and boys.
Elsa wasn't sure she needed to go to a sauna, given how hot she was feeling at Olaf's description. So she decided to redirect the snowman before anymore could be said about the topic. "Olaf, I don't think Naruto needs to be any hotter than he already is."
"Oh yeah," the snowman replied, "You're right, since he's hot enough to burn footprints into the steps of the ice palace, he probably shouldn't be going to any warm places."
A loud groan resounded from a nearby Kristoff, "I knew I was forgetting to tell you something," the ice harvester held his head, muttering about driving his sleigh all day.
"Oh, what's the big deal," Anna called out, "We all knew that Naruto would probably melt some of the ice, and it's not like it's a problem or anything."
"Unless the steps are over something dangerous, like the gorge that leads to the palace," Elsa pointed out, while staring sternly at Kristoff. Whose nod confirmer that was, indeed, where the damage was.
"It would definitely be bad if someone fell down there," Anna admitted, sheepishly.
"Which is why I need to go and fix it as soon as possible," Elsa said, forgetting about the part and late hour.
A sudden movement broke everyone form the conversation, as Naruto had started waving his arm to get their attention. "If you are talking about where I walked on the ice without shoes, Marshmallow showed me, and I have been jumping over the stairs ever since." the ninja explained as best he could.
"What I think Naruto's trying to say is that the steps are safe for the moment" Kristoff offered in agreement with his friend. "Last time I was up there the footprints were noticeable but shallow. So I don't think there's a reason to go charging up the mountain right now, at night."
Elsa released a sigh, knowing it was true. "Very well, but I will have to go with Naruto when he returns to the ice palace. So I can fix and reinforce the steps."
"How about you go up after the new year," Anna recommended, "That way Naruto can stay in the castle with us for a little bit."
"Yeah!" an excited Ingrid interrupted the princess. Before letting out a loud yawn, and laying her own head atop Naruto's.
Elsa relented, and agreed with Ingrid that it was getting late. As one the group made their way over to Kristoff's sleigh. Several other families following similar strategies, ushering their own sleepy children home.
As they continued to walk, Elsa noticed a pair of discarded gloves in the snow. Given how thick they looked, she had to believe they belonged to Naruto. A smile peeked onto her face as she watched the blond. His bare hands gently keeping Ingrid in place as he moved. Making sure not to grip her too tightly, for fear of burning the little girl, yet still ensuring that she would never fall.
When they reached Kristoff's sleigh, Naruto first lowered a now sleeping Ingrid onto a seat, and covered her with a spare blanket to keep her warm. Once he had finished tucking in the little girl, the Uzumaki reached over and picked up a medium sized package, crudely wrapped in paper, and tied with a piece of string, the blond presented the parcel to Elsa.
"Kristoff told me this was a winter festival, and that people normally give gifts to each other," Naruto explained.
As the queen accepted the gift, she wasn't sure how she felt about the gesture. While she had received plenty of gifts for her birthday, just days ago in fact, she had not expected to be given anything from her whisker cheeked friend. Especially since he had been living on top of a mountain.
Taking the package, she felt the leftover heat from where Naruto had been holding it. A reminder that he still wasn't wearing his gloves, and that, along with the surprise present, brought a wide smile to the ice queen. Happy that her fellow blond was healing, and would soon be able to take off his gloves for good. Much like she had done earlier in the year.
Tearing into the paper with all the refinement an anxious royal could have, Elsa had soon freed her gift, and came face to face with herself. An ice sculpture in her own image. The statuette was roughly shaped, but still unmistakably a recreation of her.
"It's beautiful," she said, tenderly holding the icy gift
"I was thinking about ways to use up more magic, and I decided to start cutting blocks of ice," Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head in nervousness. "I am just glad that I could get it to look like you."
"You cut ice?" Elsa asked, adjusting the statuette in her arms.
"For my magic I have a natural wind ability."
Elsa was glad that she would have until the new year to spend with her friend, so she could try to figure out what he meant by that.
-End Chapter-
Happy birthday Elsa, is what I would have said if this chapter had come out when I had planned. But the holidays happened.
I hope you all had a good festive season, and will enjoy this late present of mine. Though I will also add in that next chapter, Naruto and Elsa finally begin dating. It's taken so long, but those two are finally going to see where things will go between them. Especially when their at the ice palace by themselves (plus an army of snow creature, and one nine tailed fox.)
Continuing on, a lot of the reviews mentioned how they couldn't see Elsa leaving Naruto out of a party, and I get that. But I think that as queen she would have to weigh the risks to her people versus her own desires. Creating an internal conflict, where she would try and satisfy both sides. Especially since she didn't know how fast Naruto was healing. But I want to know how all of you felt about my justifications.
Speaking of Naruto's healing, I couldn't really find a good place to put Kurama into this chapter. I'm just going to say that our lovable demon fox is just sleeping, and will be present for the next chapter. Pushing Naruto in the right direction at times.
When I can, I do try to be culturally appropriate, so I did choose to use the word Jul over Yule. Trying to spread a bit of worldly culture around. Also the Norwegian people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve, so the witches won't steal them.
"Hygge" is the danish concept of relaxing. Curling up in front of a warm fire with a good story and a hot drink, on a cold winter's night. It's also Wandering Oaken's song from Frozen on Broadway. As I said, guess what I did of the holidays.
The show was fun, and while it did have a lot of nods towards the earlier drafts of Frozen, I don't think I'm going to be taking much from it to add to this story.
I'll try to get the next chapter out within a month, but I did promise several people that another disney story of mine would be getting a new chapter. So, we'll see what happens.
Thank you everyone for reading and enjoying this story with me. And I hope we all have a great year (and decade) ahead of us.