An Uzumaki in Arendelle
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Disney's Frozen.
Key:
"Speaking Japanese"
"Speaking Norwegian"
"~Kristoff Speaking For Sven~"
-Start Chapter-
"I don't think I've ever seen you put this much effort into wearing clothes," Kurama called out from within his friend and partner.
"I'm doing this to help Elsa," Naruto gave as a mental reply. Trying desperately to fix the collar of his shirt.
"Now that we are off that mountain, I'm looking forward to learning more about this woman who has changed you so much in the short time that I've been resting," The fox barked out in a laugh.
Giving up on perfecting his shirt, for the moment, Naruto turned to look through the closed window. A light shower of snow fell from the mid-spring sky. Coating the town in a thin white dust.
"She must be a special person to get you to put up with something like this, using only her words."
"Of course she's special. She's a lot of fun to be around, and really smart."
"Not to mention beautiful."
"Well yeah, so was Sakura. But Elsa's more than that. Everything she does is for those around her. Whether it's the village, the people in the castle, or even us. She always tries to make everyone happy," Naruto smiled as he thought about his girlfriend. Recalling a few of the times when she would take on a task to help someone.
"And her powers?" Kurama questioned, interrupting his partner's musings.
"What about them?"
"The ability to freely control ice seems to be even more of a rarity here, than it was back in the Elemental Nations. Most people would chase after someone with that kind of power. Whether to take it as their own, or ensure it can't be used against them."
"If there are people like that out there, I'll make sure to protect Elsa from them," Naruto firmly stated. "If someone wants to use or attack her, they'll have to get through me first."
A thunderous laugh floated through the blond's mind. "You never fail to show why you're the only human I like. Anyone else would have focused on her powers first, and, possibly, protecting her second."
"While her powers are cool, they're not what define her," the ninja waited a few seconds before continuing. "I don't think you and I can really talk about people wanting to use others for power. I spent over two years training for the Akatsuki, and you had it even worse than that, long before I was born."
"True," Kurama lamented.
The two fell into a silence that was neither tense nor comfortable. It was a simple quiet between two friends who had endured a lot. Both before they became friends, and afterwards.
After a few minutes, during which Naruto was able to fix the collar of his shirt, a knocking at his door grabbed his attention.
"Pardon me Natuto, but you should head down to the banquet hall soon," Gerda called from behind the door.
"Thank you Gerda," the blond called back. "I will be done in a minute."
An acknowledgement was said, before he heard the woman walking away. Continuing with her many tasks.
Naruto liked the head maid. Ever since he had arrived, she had always been friendly with him. Giving a kind smile as she moved about the castle. Always working on her next project.
It had actually been her who helped foster his friendship with Kai, the head attendant of the castle. While the man had a strict adherence to rules and traditions, he also had a mischievous nature. That blended well with Naruto's own.
With one final look in the mirror, Naruto exited his room, and steadily made his way to the dining hall. Where many of the visiting ambassadors were anxiously waiting at the table. When the blond ninja arrived the only familiar face he saw was Kristoff. Neither Elsa nor Anna had arrived yet. Both of them were intended to be the last ones to enter the dining room.
Kai called out a quick, but formal, introduction as the two blonds entered the dining hall. Both men waved politely as they made their way to the table, taking their spots at their predetermined positions.
At the center of the table was an open seat, where Elsa would preside over the dinner when she arrived. To the right was another empty chair for Anna, giving a strong sense of unity between the queen and princess. Kristoff took his own seat next to his girlfriend's.
This put Naruto beside Elsa's left. A fitting spot, he thought, given his girlfriend's handedness. While few of the visitors would understand, he enjoyed the thought.
"Presenting, her majesty, Queen Elsa of Arendelle," Kai called out after a few minutes. Stepping to the side as the blonde ruler strode into the room. Her ever elegant features on full display, as she moved through the room. Graciously greeting guests as she passed them, or waving to the farther away ones.
Eventually she neared her spot at the table, and Naruto stood. Holding her chair as she sat, before pushing her towards the table. While he had been unsure about doing this, the smile that Elsa now wore outshone even the ice she controlled. Meaning Naruto would have to thank Kristoff for the advice.
"You look beautiful, Elsa-chan," the blond said in his native language. Making sure he was loud to be heard by those around him.
"Thank you very much, Naruto-kun," she replied slowly. While still not comfortable speaking Japanese, she had been practicing. Giving them a way to talk with each other, and allow them simple, yet special, moments together.
*break*
It alway amazed Elsa at how devious Naruto could be. While she had never been on the receiving end of his pranks, she had heard plenty of stories from the castle staff. But this had been something different. A clear declaration about the relationship they shared. Which involved the shared knowledge of an exotic language.
Many of the visitors were shocked by the action. Some of them were trying to repeat the foreign words in their head, and attempting to decipher what they meant. One ambassador was even writing down what he thought he heard, and would probably ask someone back in his country to try and translate it.
With the soft ringing of a fork against her glass, Elsa addressed the congregation. Welcoming them all to Arendelle and the feast. Before giving a short speech about the legacy of trade between all the nations, and how she hoped everyone continued to prosper together.
When she was done she sat down, as the servants brought the food to the table. Beside her, Naruto gave a smile, pleased by her speech. Although she did notice him grimace at some of the longer words. She would have to work on his vocabulary again. Especially since he would be accompanying her to more political events in the future.
Soon the clatter of silverware could be heard, as everyone began to eat. With all enjoying the good food, much to the kitchen staff's silent pleasure. Many of the guests gave particular praise to a noodle soup they had never heard of called ramen.
Elsa was just glad that everything was going well. Except for one minor annoyance. She was left handed, and Naruto was right handed.
While her boyfriend was taking his time eating, and putting all his etiquette training to use. The way they were seated next to each other was problematic. Mainly that if both of them happened to stick their arm out at the same time, their elbows would bump against each other.
The first time it happened the two smiled and continued eating, the second time, they realized what was going on, and the third time had yet to happen. Now, every time Elsa unconsciously stuck out her left arm, she saw Naruto's either above or below her's. Showing off the speed and dexterity that he possessed.
Thankfully, none of the guests noticed the odd display. Or if they did see the two bump their arms together, they chose not to mention it. Wanting to avoid insulting the queen.
Soon enough dinner was finished, and Elsa stood once more to address everyone. "Thank you all for the generous compliments to the kitchen staff," she started. "Now, We would like to invite you all to the next room, where we can all talk in peace."
The gathered dignitaries agreed, everyone of them was excited to have a chance to personally talk with the queen. Or possibly her new boyfriend, and learn how deep their relationship had gone.
Within minutes everyone had gathered in the converted ballroom. Happily congregated around the tables topped with small cakes and wine filled glasses.
"Queen Elsa, this has been a magnificent evening," an ambassadress said. The young, beautiful, and dark haired woman held a still full glass of wine in her hand. As her sharp auburn eyes quickly traveled over the room.
This was Babette, one of the few ambassadresses among the group of visiting dignitaries, and the only one that was close to Elsa's age. She and the queen had been cordial, if not outright friendly, with each other. However, Babette was loyal to her country, and intent on learning everything she could about Naruto.
"It was a big surprise to learn about your boyfriend," the ambassadress stated, echoing the feelings of many in the room. "Especially with all the wild rumors from last year. I never would have imagined that the beast you tamed would be such a handsome man."
Elsa laughed politely, "We do not know where those rumors came from, but Naruto has never acted like an animal around us."
"You are very fortunate then," Babette cheered. "You've found a good man, but I'm curious about how loyal he is."
While a patriot for her own country, Ambassadress Babette was also a known flirt, be it with her hosts or other dignitaries. While Elsa was safe from the other woman's advances, she worried about what the dark haired woman's intent was for Naruto. Thankfully he had moved to the other side of the room, where the majority of the guests were gathered. Coincidentally leaving Elsa with only a few dignitaries around her.
The displaced ninja was busy answering questions about himself and his homeland. With the occasional, unsubtle, query about his powers and abilities. At which point everyone would become very quiet as they intently listened for his answer. Eager for any insight into what made him strong.
An older diplomat, with a large mustache stood next to Naruto, listening to the young man's story. "Well young sir, it sounds like you've had quite the adventure," the man exclaimed. "And yet now find yourself in the lucky position of dating a queen."
Naruto turned to the man, and as clearly as he could said, "Anyone can date a queen. What makes me lucky is that I am dating Elsa."
Many of the gathered men chuckled at the comment. Amused by the young man's belief that dating a queen wasn't special. Although some of the older men were touched by the blond's loyalty to his new girlfriend.
Of those gathered, the only one who spoke up in support of Naruto was another young man, who was even younger than the ninja.
"I have often heard my sister say she wants a man like you for her husband," the boy spoke. His regal attire was perfectly fitted to his small frame. His green eyes locking with Naruto's blue ones. "If she were to get married I think my whole kingdom would rest a bit easier."
"Prince Rudolph," one of the older ambassador's called out to the boy. "In a few short years you will ascend to the throne, and your sister can step down as queen regent."
"But that shouldn't stop my sister from looking for love now," the now named prince sighed. "I believe that Queen Elsa has set a new president, where one's obligations do not distract from finding love. Don't you agree, Lord Naruto?"
"I agree," the blond responded slowly, making sure that he fully understood the conversation. "And call me Naruto."
"Very well," the prince responded. "But you must call me Rudy in return."
The two shook hands, as the older guests around them made strained faces at the casual nature of the two. Several minutes passed as different diplomates came around to talk with Naruto, while Rudy stood nearby. Listening to the conversation, but constantly looking around the ballroom for something.
Suddenly Rudy shifted, moving next to Naruto as he looked across the hall. "I'm sorry to leave so suddenly, but I need to go find Princess Anna and her boyfriend," the young prince proclaimed.
A nearby older man twitched his hooked nose in annoyance. "The Queen's sister was near the dessert table," he said with a sneer, "I'm sure she has plenty of time to spare."
Rudy gave a curt thanks to the man, before he left to find the red-headed Princess. Leaving Naruto with the hook-nosed man. Who he quickly left behind as well. Using his ninja training to vanish from the man's sight, only to reappear seconds later with another group of, much more pleasant, diplomats.
*break*
A couple of hours later, the guests were beginning to leave the castle. Some of them were headed back to the hotels they were staying at. While others made their way back to their ships docked at the harbor, and their private rooms on board. Elsa was standing at the entrance to the castle, seeing off the final few guests.
"It was so good to see you again Queen Elsa," Babette the ambassadress cheered. "And it was wonderful to meet your handsome boyfriend."
Elsa gave a strained smile to the woman. She enjoyed talking with the ambassadress, but was not happy with her word choice anytime Naruto was mentioned.
"It's just a shame that we couldn't have a ball," the notorious flirt cried," It would have been so much fun to dance with Lord Naruto and Prince Rudolph."
The snow queen withheld her smile. Due to the suddenness of the dignitaries, there hadn't been enough time to arrange a ball, or any kind of dance. Which meant she had less things to worry about.
"Of course, once the kings and queens are told that Naruto is both real, and as powerful as the rumors say, they will want to personally meet him," Babette continued.
Elsa shuddered at the unspoken truth. Soon there would be more people coming to Arendell, and they would expect more than a state dinner. There would need to be entertainment, and a formal dance planned out. Which left the young queen feeling uneasy.
With a few more parting words, Babette left the castle for her hotel. Leaving Elsa in the castle entrance way, with only Anna beside her. And once the Ambassadress was outside the doorway, both sisters let out a great sigh of relief. Happy that the night was over with no new problems to take care of.
"Please tell me Babette was only joking about more royals coming to meet Naruto," Anna asked. Feeling tired at the thought of another royal ball. Even if she did love parties.
"Unfortunately there will probably be another group coming to visit Arendelle," Elsa answered. "Thankfully they won't show up until the summer."
"At least Kristoff will be happy that Rudy will be coming back," the redhead chuckled to herself.
"Where is Prince Rudolph?" the queen questioned. "I didn't see him leave with the other dignitaries."
"He and Kristoff left together about two hours ago to visit Sven," Anna replied. "I think they're still in the stable."
"I never knew Prince Rudolph liked reindeer."
"Neither did anyone else, but apparently he's as big a reindeer fanatic as Kristoff is," the princess growled. "He walked up, proclaimed that I had to call him Rudy, and then stole my boyfriend to go talk about reindeer. He is the strangest prince I have ever met. And I was engaged to Hans for a day."
Elsa tried to hide a chuckle at her sister's distress. "Prince Rudolph is a strange case," the queen admitted. "He's the prince of the Eastern Plains, and younger brother of Queen Regent Annette. However, he is supposed to take the throne when he comes of age in a few years."
"Then why is he outside the country?" Anna wondered.
"Supposedly, he wanted to see the world and learn about it before he took the throne, so his sister placed him as the royal ambassador of their country. He now travels around the globe, and has been doing a wonderful job of keeping good relations with everyone."
Anna hummed, fascinated by the story.
"The problem is that most of the other countries are putting a lot of effort into keeping him happy, so he'll remember them when he takes the throne." the blonde continued. "They treat him as a prince who will one day rule a country, instead of an ambassador." Elsa chuckled to herself. "There are rumors that Prince Rudolph is so comfortable being the ambassador, that he might abdicate the throne, and choose not to become king. Leaving his sister to rule the land."
"That sounds complicated," Anna groaned. "I'm glad you're around to deal with this stuff, so I don't have to."
"It's not that hard," Elsa said, nudging her sister. "But don't worry, as the princess you have other duties you need to do."
"Yeah," the redhead chuckled, "And I think the first one I need to do now, is to pull Kristoff out of the stable."
Elsa laughed as her sister walked into the cold courtyard, intent on bringing her boyfriend back inside where it was warm. Although the queen waited patiently for her own source of warmth to return from guiding the visitors over the castle's bridge. Ensuring that everyone actually left.
And when he did return, the queen thought it would be wonderful if the two of them went to one of the quiet sitting rooms alone. To talk and spend time with each other after the stressful day. With the possibility of getting one of his wonderful massages always being on her mind.
-End Chapter-
This is going to be a long footnote, but there are a lot of things we need to talk about.
1: Kurama's gender: Kurama is going to be male for the rest of this story. I was toying around with the idea of having him be female, but not as a romantic partner for Naruto. Instead serving as a motherly character who would give the blond knucklehead advice about dating. "Mito always enjoyed it when that, accursed, mate of hers would walk up behind her and surprise kiss the side of her neck," Sadly I felt this wasn't going anywhere, so I scrapped it. At some point I'll go back to the previous chapters and fix them.
2: Prince Rudy and Queen (Regent) Annette, of the Eastern Plains; and Ambassadress Babette: There have been a lot of reviews asking for some kind of love rival for Elsa. Specifically during this state dinner. I liked the idea and came up with two scenarios. So I did both.
Ambassadress Babette is a very flirty person, while Prince Rudy wants to introduce Naruto to his sister, Queen Annette, who might take a liking to the blond ninja. All of these characters were named from Hans Christian Anderson's other story "The Ice Maiden." I thought it was fitting, and at the idea of Prince Rudolph, I couldn't help but give Kristoff a new reindeer loving friend.
A while back I asked on my profile update if anyone had name suggestions for these new characters, and I wanted to thank everyone who answered back, specifically Rebelling Death. Ultimately I did decide to stick with Rudy, Annette, and Babette.
3: At the time of posting this chapter, this story is 9 reviews short of 1000. I can not thank you all enough for this. And while it is just a number, it feels great to know that so many of you are enjoying my writings. To show my appreciation, I want to show a, tentative, list of where the story is going. This isn't everything, and some things might be cut, but it's a good overview.
Frozen 1 (spring of year 1)
Naruto arrives in Arendelle (summer of year 1)
stuff happens
The state dinner (spring of year 2) - this chapter
Ingrid and Hedda (spring of year 2)
Naruto and Elsa go on a date
Naruto and Kristoff (summer of year 2)
Naruto learning to be royal [might be cut for brevity]
The Royal Ball (summer of year 2)
"Pirates" (fall of year 2) [I'm intentionally keeping this vague, but notice the quotations]
Ingrid and Hedda 2 (spring / summer of year 3)
Frozen II (fall of year 3)
While vague I hope I've piqued your interest with what's coming up. And know that I have a rough outline for all of this. Including what I want to do for Frozen 2, and how I'm going to end this story. It is a long way off, with plenty of content still to come, but the ending is now in sight. Meaning I can work towards that ending, and make it as fun and glorious as possible.
4: I moved.
Edit: during the posting of this chapter I was in the middle of moving across the country. Things went well, but my upload schedule was more unusual than normal.
Lastly, I wanted to once again thank you all for reading this story. I'm so glad that so many of you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoy working on it. Thank you for reading, there's still more to come, so I hope you continue to enjoy.