Chapter 32
Hey there. Here's next chapter. Ready for Elsa's birthday and for Christmas.
I hope you are all in good health and your family and friends too. Sorry to take so long but I have a very demanding job. And you guys deserve good content so I will upload only when I find the story satisfactory to read.
Happy Holidays and stay safe and in good health.
Feel free to visit my doodles and set of this story in AO3 or Instagram or DeviantArt
. My Instagram is Starflame007 and my deviant art account is Starflame7
Disclaimer: Frozen and other Disney characters belong to Disney Co. This is merely a fanfiction and a bunch of fandom references and puns.
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Chapter 32. 'Til puns do them apart
Derek turned around as he heard Kristoff's announcement. They had arrived. But where exactly?
He had been so focused or distracted in Elsa…err…. in Elsa's conversation with Anna that he really was not paying attention to their actual destination.
Kristoff jumped off the wagon and so did Olaf. The little snowman began jumping around as he tapped some rocks on the icy ground.
"Hey guys, how are you?" the snowman said to one rock to another. He giggled at one. "Oh, look at you, you got a new mushroom and you," Olaf said to another tiny rock "you've gotten so big already."
Anna got off the wagon and with Kristoff they helped Elsa to leave the wagon careful not to hurt her injuries.
Anna went after Olaf and also began patting the rocks.
"Need a hand pal?" he heard Kristoff calling him.
The Prince looked at Kristoff confused. "Uh…Mate? Where are the trolls? I mean your family?"
"Oh they are here. It's just they must have a sensed you and they don't like strangers coming." Kristoff said as he helped Derek to reach the ground. "Or maybe your ridiculous hair is scaring them too much." He joked.
Elsa stood next to Kristoff and giggled. "Sorry Kristoff. I think the Captain has suffered enough for now. Allow me then."
With a swirl of her hand Derek's hair lost its frozen shape and the candy and berry fell off. Leaving his always wild looking hair. The Prince tried to arranged it immediately to its normal shape and Elsa giggled. He just ignored her giggles and tried to recover his handsomeness.
"Thanks Elsa." The ice harvester smiled. "Now Derek,…" he paused as he looked at the Prince, "I must tell you, my folks can be too much for some people. So just a quick warning. Don't let them check your teeth and no matter what happens don't uhm…" he looked at Elsa then and then back at Derek then at both of them." Well, just in case for both of you, you should be careful with them. They can be very err creative and spontaneous."
"Me?" Elsa laughed. "Kristoff, you don't have to warn me. I already know your family."
"Kristoff, come on. Wake them up!" Anna said from afar as she was also waiting for them.
"Just one second Anna." Kristoff said. Then turned to other royals.
"Trust me Elsa. This time, it could be different." He said. As he looked at Derek.
"Different how?" she wondered.
Derek could not understand anything. If Elsa was also lost then it was pointless to ask what was going on. What could happen? It was Kristoff's family not strangers they were visiting right? So, there was nothing to worry about. Right? Right?
"Uh, you'll see. But I can only warn you both." Kristoff said seriously. Elsa seemed extremely confused now and that was not a good sign. She trusted Kristoff and that meant Derek should also trust Elsa's instinct to trust the ice harvester. Something, that not even Elsa knew might happen. But what?
"Kristoff, honestly. I know this might be surprising for Derek. But he'll be alright." Elsa said. "I promise I'll see he doesn't joke around them with rock puns."
"Oh not a single pun?" Derek asked. "I was planning a boulder approach on Kristoff's kin."
"Not now Derek." Elsa asked him gently. "These are ancient wise magical creatures. The deserve respect. And they are Kristoff's family and our friends."
"Alright, alright." The Prince crossed his arms. "I get it. Rocks have feelings and sediments."
Elsa gave a silent but not so happy look at the Prince.
He smiled guilty. "I get it. If I don't want to get stone cold, I'll be a good boy."
She smiled at him. "Good to hear it. See Kristoff, he'll behave." Elsa said more content.
"Err…well thanks, I guess. But just in case, you two should listen to me." He insisted lowering his voice. "I know my family. Even more, I know my mother. And they will try anything to, uhm…" he looked at them both, "to…well… just be careful okay? Just hold on until we Grand Pabbie arrives."
"Careful?" Derek asked this time. "You mean my teeth are in grave danger?" he asked confused.
"Possibly. And no matter what happens, remember this. "He told them to approach them. They did and Kristoff covered his mouth with one hand to whisper at them. "Avoid saying at all costs the words "I do". Okay?"
Then he took a step back and sighed.
"Understood?" he asked them.
"Hey Kristoff, I think Sven is in need to go make his needs behind the tree. I think he is trying to say of you don't let go of the reins soon your wagon will be in trouble." Olaf asked from behind. "Or maybe he just wants to dance. I don't speak reindeer after all."
Kristoff turned around and answered. "Wait what?! Sven, hold on buddy. I just painted it."
And Kristoff left the confused pair of royals just standing there.
Derek looked at Elsa as she shared the same confused expression.
"I do?" / "I do?" the royals asked to each other at the same time.
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Just in that instant the ground began to tremble. Anna and Olaf ran to the other group and as they arrived the rocks that just now, we're completely static rolled around Derek and Elsa who just looked even more confused.
While Sven ram to the trees with a hurry Kristoff came back with worried face.
"You said it didn't you?" he asked them.
"Elsa and Derek nodded with even more confused looks as the rocks around them began to move.
"I told you not to say that" Kristoff said.
"Kristoff what's wrong?" Anna and Olaf approached them.
Kirstoff sighed and face palmed himself. "It's too late." He sighed. "Too late."
"Late?" Olaf asked. "Oh, I'm sorry Kristoff. It was a nice wagon. So many memories. But you can't blame Sven."
"Not Sven. Them!" Kristoff pointed at Elsa and Derek.
"Elsa and Derek dks something ntp your wagon?" Anna asked.
Olaf gasped. "You did?!"
"We didn't do anything." Elsa said.
"Oh, but you did. You said it. Even after I told you not to do it." Kristoff said.
"You mean?" Derek asked.
"I do?" / I do?" Elsa and Derek repeated.
"Nooo!" The ice harvester yelled but it was in vain.
The ground trembled even more as the Queen and Prince repeated those jinxed words. And soon, the rocks jumped in the air and literally to Derek's surprised eyes, they popped into trolls. Living moving rocks.
"Great." Kristoff knowing already what the dumb royals had just provoked, just covered his ears ready for what was coming.
"CONGRATULATIONS!" all the trolls cheered. The yell was so loud it could have caused an avalanche.
The shouting and troll wave had been so strong that Anna almost lost her balance and she had to grab Kristoff's arm for support. Olaf's head was spinning and the poor Queen and Prince were rounded in seconds by the so called love experts.
Kristoff sighed. "They are so doomed."
"What's happening?" Anna asked.
"Oi! Mate! Anna! What the rocks is going on?!" the Prince yelled as he fought the trolls in vain. They were dressing him with leaves and shiny stones. "Hey! Don't touch me there!"
"Kristoff, what's happening?!" Elsa was also in the same predicament. She couldn't fight back against the crazy army of the female troll population. She covered her eyes as lots of troll hands worked as fast as they could.
In mere seconds the trolls jumped back and both Elsa and Derek were dressed with forest decorations and shiny stones.
"Ready!" Kristoff recognized Ma Bulda's voice. "Darling you look amazing. Although we need to talk about your perfume sweetie. That rose scent doesn't suit you at all."
"We make no miracles but Prince Charming here looks sharp as onyx." Cliff appeared from the male trolls' side. "He also stinks like roses. But at least their stink match."
The female girls sighed dreamily.
"Hey! We don't stink. Right Els… Wow. I don't know what the hell is happening. If this some kind of welcoming ritual but. I have to admit it. You look stunning Your Majesty. Or should I say stone-ing?"
"Hey, what did we say about the puns?" she asked trying to her her blush after his compliment.
"That troll guy just said I look as sharp as onyx. That invalidates our previous agreement. They like to roll. And I really meant it." He said as he tried to arrange his hair nervously. "What I said that was no joke."
Elsa blushed even more as she tried to hide it with a shy smile. Then she looked at her dress and forest garments over her shoulders. "I don't know what is happening either but," she walked until she was next to Derek. "this has never happened before. But, you don't look so bad either." She said as she studied his new forest clothes.
"Really?" he said looking at his green leaves over his shoulders.
"I might still prefer you in spots, but at least this is better that the onesie Captain."
"I knew it!" Bulda said happily to the girls. "This young man had to be only but the famous Captain." And they all giggled happily.
Kristoff sighed even more. Anna looked as surprised as the poor other royals just looked down at the trolls. He would let them figure it out.
"Wait a minute." Olaf said as he approached Elsa and Derek. "Somehow this looks familiar to me."
"Now that you mention it, it does seem familiar." Anna said as she approached the royals. "Hey Kristoff didn't your family received us like this the first time me met?"
Kristoff produced a knowing smile. "They did."
"But I have come here before and they never did this." Elsa said.
"Maybe I am special Elsa." Derek joked.
"Don't flatter yourself so much Derek." Elsa replied back with the same teasing voice.
"Wait. I remember now." Anna said as she smiled for remembering. "They wanted to… But we didn't say… " the Princess looked at her sister. Then at Derek. "Oh, oh. Don't tell me they said…"
"They did." Kristoff said. "And worst of all. They said it twice."
"Ohh. "Anna sighed. "Is this even legal?"
"I don't know." Kristoff explained.
"All legal Princess. Except in the land of Dunbroch that is. There is a clause that if one of the pair is a bear the ceremony doesn't count. Now. You two." Cliff addressed Elsa and Derek.
"Are any of you under the influence of bear magic?" the troll asked.
"Err no."/ "Nay". They answered.
"Good." He said. "Then it's official."
"Anna what's going on?" Elsa asked. "What's official?"
"Is this some kind of joke or some kind of ritual?" Derek asked.
"Weelll,…" Anna explained. "Maybe you two should sit down."
Olaf pressed his cheeks and squealed with excitement.
"I can't believe it. Elsa, Derek I know this is too soon but, can I be the flower girl? Or better be the flower snowman?"
Both Elsa and Derek looked at the snowman confused. "Flower what?" Elsa answered still not fully understanding what was going on.
"Here Olaf." Ma Bulda got out of nowhere a basket full of petals and Olaf with a full smile began spreading the joy and flower petals. "Yay! Congratulations by the way."
"For what?" Derek asked. "Elsa did we won something?" he asked her.
"I don't think so." She responded. "Where is Grand Pabbie, I need to…"
"Ehem…" the voice of Cliff made everyone look down. The troll was holding an old book. "If you don't mind, we should at least finish the ceremony properly. Normally, a sermon and then some vows would be shared before saying the I do's. But as you decided to skip that part already, I guess there's nothing left but to end this."
Cliff cleared his voice. "Here be stated and known that they had declared I do to each other. Twice I might add. Henceforth, by the power of the spirts and the legacy of Rock Valley ancestors passed to me, I declare you husband and wife. What the spirits had joined today only death may do them apart. So,….did you bring the rings?"
His eyes left the book and turned to look at the frightened faces of two young royals as each word was processed in their minds. Second by second the realization hitting them.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds passed and...
"WAIT…?" Elsa began.
"WHAT?!" Derek ended the sentence.
Both had their eyes fully opened. Their faces became pale then as they dared to glance at each other. Their face turned to a bright red and avoided to look at each other immediately as they began to digest Cliffs words.
"No rings? Doesn't matter. You'll get time for that." He explained. "All that is left is to seal it with a kiss."
Elsa's eyes opened even more and in instinct she pressed her lip nervously.
"I'm sorry mate… what?" Derek asked still in shock.
"I think it means you only need to kiss each other to be officially married." Olaf said.
"Hold on. Kristoff what do we do?" Anna said this time.
Kristoff only sighed. "I told them, but did they listen to me? No."
"Are they really married?" Anna asked. "This didn't happen last time with us."
Elsa and Derek turned to look at Kristoff with pale faces.
"Kristoff?" Elsa pleaded.
"Mate?"
"Well, you did say I do. And you said two times. So…"
"What?!" Elsa said. "That was completely out of context."
"That's right. We demand a refund." Derek said.
"Refund?" Kristoff said. "You didn't even pay for it."
"Exactly! If this were our wedding, hypothetically speaking of course, at least there would be good food and puns. Right Elsa?"
"Well, " Elsa cleared her voice. " Hypothetically speaking there would be at least chocolate." The Queen nodded at him. "But no puns."
"Not even three? Derek asked her.
She rolled her eyes. "If that were to ever happen. For this theory of example. I would grant you one pun."
"Well, in the same example. I would give a counter offer for two puns in exchange that I would wear a proper shirt and never let Oaken to be in charge of decor."
"For that, I would allow you even four puns." Elsa rolled her eyes. "Of course, hypothetically speaking."
The Prince smirked. "N-ice."
The nodded at each other in agreement. And turned to Kristoff and Anna who were just staring at the royals with disbelief.
"You see mate. This whole weeding idea is ridiculous." Derek explained.
"Definitely." Elsa said in the same determined tone. "Now. Listen everyone, we are sorry to inform you that this was a misunderstanding."
Kristoff and Anna blinked twice. As Anna whispered to her boyfriend in the ear.
"Was it my imagination, or were they taking too seriously their hypothetical wedding?" she asked.
"They are so weird." Kristoff whispered back.
"I can't tell if they were joking or sarcastic." Anna said as she crossed her arms.
"I know. They scare me sometimes." He admitted.
Derek and Elsa exchanged a nervous laugh after that. They looked relieved to say the least. At least Kristoff could guess as much. They were back to themselves more or less. But he could tell they had been shaken. And probably their minds and their hearts were a mess.
"I think I miss the ridiculous pajamas over these Elsa." Derek said with relief in his voice that they weren't married.
"Agreed. The ridiculous pajamas top these by far." She said to him with a calmer voice. "Not sure about the onesie though."
"Lies. You know I totally rocked I'm that onesie." The Prince defended his onesie looks.
Anna let out a breath of relief. "For a moment I thought you two would be tied for eternity. Kristoff, your family really likes to play games on us."
"Games?" said troll granny. "Darling the ceremony still counts. So, what are you waiting for huh?" The old Gran said pointing at surprised Elsa and Derek with her cane.
"What?" Anna said. "For real?"
"That's right. So, Donald wasn't it?" Cliff said.
"Derek." The Prince corrected him.
"Whatever." Cliff said. "You may kiss the bride."
Everyone turned to look at the newly declared bride and groom.
Both Elsa and Derek had remained silent as they learnt the ceremony had been real. Their eyes finally left the troll and dared to meet the other one.
"Wait …." Anna said.
"That's it I'll stop this." Kristoff as he began walking towards the apparent groom and bride. But just at that moment the Olaf happened to be passing by and blocked him.
"I love weddings!" Olaf jumped in circles spreading petals and still unaware of what was happening.
But before Anna or Kristoff could reach them, or that Elsa or Derek could get the chance to say anything else, the old Granny troll spoke again.
"Oh, come on, I am not getting younger you know." Said old Granny troll as she approached the pair. Old Granny pushed the Prince with her wooden cane.
What the old troll didn't know was that Derek had an injured leg, which caused him to lost his balance at once. Derek fell towards Elsa causing everyone to gasp. But right before their lips touched Elsa covered her blushed face with her hands and the magic spoke itself.
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As cold dust began spreading everywhere, the floor was covered in shiny ice that made everyone lose their balance and fall to the floor. Kristoff who had been walking fell in his stomach. And Olaf divided in three balls of snow.
The only ones standing were Elsa and Derek, who had been stopped falling by Elsa's magic. Somehow, she had conjured a thin ice wall between them. And Derek's lips and hands were now stuck on the cold surface in a ridiculous way.
Elsa opened her eyes and uncovered her face slowly to meet Derek's lips stuck to the ice wall. He blinked.
"Gut thinkn' Elssah." He thanked her with his lips still stuck to the ice.
"Oh Derek, please forgive me." She made the wall of ice melt and caught him by the arms.
"I'm so sorry." She tried to apologize as he was again on his two feet and Olaf who stood first handed him his cane. He smiled at her.
"Thanks mate." He thanked Olaf. "And thanks Elsa and bless your magic. If it weren't for you we would be. Well, you know." He cleared his throat.
"Don't even mention it." She said also looking away to hide her own blush. "We need to be careful to what we say or do here."
"Agreed." He nodded briefly.
"Uhm, sis?" Anna said as she tried to stand up. "Congratulations for not getting married I guess, but could you get rid of the ice please."
"Oh right. Sorry Anna. Sorry everyone. It's just…" Elsa tried to explain herself but couldn't find the right words.
"No need sweetie." Ma Bulda said to the Queen. "We get it."
"Thanks for understanding Bulda." Elsa said. "I appreciate the kind gesture but please never do that again."
"Like never ever." Derek added.
"You sure?" Ma Bulda said. "It's your loss dearies."
Elsa and Derek let out a deep breath of relief as they looked at each other for a second.
"Yes. Pretty sure." Elsa answered.
"Very, very sure." Derek added.
"Pity," Ma Bulda said. "Oh, never mind. There will be other opportunities to kiss and seal the deal."
"What do you mean?" Both royals asked as they paled again.
"Well," Ma Bulda said as she smiled mischievously at them. "You already promised to each other. So, all that is left two end it with a kiss."
"Wait, you mean, this is permanent?" Elsa began to ask. "Hypothetically speaking. If we ever kiss, like tomorrow or in ten years, even by accident for example, we would be married?"
"Well, hypothetically speaking. Yes dear." Bulda replied. "But, not worries dearies. All you have to do is not to kiss. Easy right?"
"Oh, I see." Elsa simply. Her voice had been calm but her eyes looked worried.
"Ohhhh." Olaf said. "Well, that's piece of cake right guys?" Olaf looked up to them. "It can't be that hard to not kiss."
Elsa smiled nervously and Derek shrugged. They both avoided to look at each other.
"Right." Elsa said shortly as she crossed her arms. "Right."
"Piece of cake." Derek said as he rubbed his hair.
"Ha!" Bulda said. "Got ya! You should have seen your faces dearies. Oh you two are so cute." Then she jumped at Derek and he caught her. He almost fell but Elsa managed to grab him by the arm.
"Wait. Were you just messing with us?" Elsa asked once again confused. "Nothing will happen if…of course, hypothetically speaking we…uhm…k..kiss?"
Kristoff could only but admire her temple. Here they were marrying Elsa to Derek and she was still being respectful to them.
"Well dearie." She said and she opened Derek's mouth to inspect his teeth. "The ceremony was real. That was no joke. But you both made your decision and that's fine."
"Buh whah abouh if we kishh?" Derek asked as he couldn't get rid of the troll that was inspecting his teeth. "If we du, will we be married?"
"Oh you mean that? Don't worry sweetheart. That was just me messing with ya! You can kiss as much as you like before you decide to go make it official if that's what worries you two." Elsa and Derek's faces turned red with embarrassment. "Wow! You really have perfect teeth. Oh, what do we have here. You fought a pig did you? Oh and you lost."
"So? We are not married? Or anything remotely similar?" Elsa asked with more confidence in her voice.
"Elsss… helfme". Derek babbled at the Queen.
"Als, would you be so kind leaving my friend's teeth." Elsa added.
"I was done with my inspection anyway." Then Bulda jumped off leaving the Prince's cheeks all sore.
Then Bulda turned at the Queen." Still, you should think about it dear. " she said to Elsa. "Not every day you find a guy with such perfect denture and sense of humor to match." Then she turned at the Prince. "And you handsome." Bulda moved her hips. "Not every day you get the whole package. I mean come on! You two understand what 'am sayin'?"
Elsa and Derek sighed.
"I'm sorry what was that?" Bulda insisted again. Which made the Queen and Prince nod rheir heads quickly.
"Understood." Both said.
Bulda smiled. "Good."
Elsa and Derek sighed in relief.
"Hey are two okay?" Anna asked as she finally managed to stand up.
"If you call fine to almost getting married and have your molars inspected. Then yes. We are okay." Derek replied in a sarcastic tone.
"Don't pay attention to him. We are fine Anna. I mean, I don't want to ever experience something like that again in my life but… we'll survive."
"You sure sis? I mean. You almost got married. For real. Like bells and everything and …ohh just imagine if you did. What would the Council say?! Or Kai?! Oh my gosh Kai would kill Derek."
"Ugh." Elsa sighed at the pure thought of that. "Maybe I do need to lay down a bit, my head has started spinning."
"Your head? What about my teeth? Good thing I brought a toothbrush. And I still don't know how did she know about the pig." Elsa rolled her eyes.
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And just like that, both royals decided to better take a rest form the journey and all that has happened. The Queen and Prince were calmer now as they rested their injuries and almost puked after another dose of reindeer tonic from Anna. They were quiet mostly. Maybe too quiet. Which meant, at least in Kristoff point of view, the poor pair must be screaming inside. At least for Kristoff's point or view.
He could see it clearly now. His mother must have known he would warn them about those words. She had put those thoughts inside his head since that party. And he had fell for her trap. And now, not intentionally he had grabbed the poor Elsa and Derek to the same trap.
On the other hand. It wasn't like those two acted like just friends. Of course, there was something going on. Even Kai acted defensively towards the Prince because he saw what the poor royals didn't.
Kristoff had to give some credit to the trolls. Their plan had been pure evil genius. They wouldn't be officially married but the idea would be there. The thought had been presented and it was up to them to what to do with it. But what if they avoided it completely and forced them to part ways instead? There was still that possibility. Those two were like powder and match together. Easy to burn into argument in an instant.
Oh, poor Elsa. Poor Derek. They were doomed and they didn't know it.
Kristoff looked again at the almost bride and groom who didn't say anything. Could this put in jeopardy their current unlabeled relationship? He wondered.
Then he saw as both royals began to take off the leaves and stones from them trying to pretend, they were back to normal. The trolls and Olaf helping them as they began to assault them with questions.
Elsa and Derek avoided the questions with short answers. Then Elsa asked for Grand Pabbie. Some troll said he would be fetching him and left to look for the patriarch troll.
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Soon after. Kristoff lit a fire and they we're all sitting by it to wait for Pabbie. Then Olaf began to tell in all details about the fire in Arendelle and how everyone took part of it. Everyone gasped and cheered as Olaf acted the part where Elsa jumped into the hospital in flames to save the baby and how Derek dressed as a cow also did the same and they met inside.
"Seems you still keep some tricks under your sleeve." Derek said as they hugged. Olaf said imitating Derek' . He was using two tiny sticks as cow horns as he played Derek.
"What?" Olaf took off the horns and made them look like a braid. He made a sweet voice trying to sound like Elsa. He held a rock under a blanket, that was meant to be the baby.
"Look around us." Olaf turned to be Derek again. "And Elsa gasped as a wall of ice protected them. She had saved them with her cool powers!"
Then back to Olaf. "Oh Derek," Olaf said in his girly voice. "Your hug gave me strenght to use my powers. I think I can do anything thanks to your warm hugs."
Elsa coughed at her drink as everyone laughed at Olaf's impersonation of her. She didn't remember telling that part to anyone. Less Olaf. Not that any of that was real. Just a dramatization of the events. But still the embarrassment was real.
She felt the burning stare of some sapphire blue eyes from the other corner. He must have caught her sipping her drink. She could feel his mocking stare. But she wouldn't give him that pleasure. Not after all that had happened.
Great! Elsa sighed. Just what she needed to worst things even more.
And all the trolls cheered. Even Anna and Kristoff seemed to be entertained. Elsa saw they were sharing a bag of popcorn. How many snacks had Olaf brought to this journey?
"And then they went up to the third floor." Olaf continued to tell the tale.
Elsa knew what came next already but somehow Olaf managed to bring back those memories. The real ones and the nightmare one's too.
"Elsa sliped and fell. But Derek caught her on time because he is awesome and soon both managed to reach the last floor. But the floor was cracking already." Olaf said making the young trolls gasp.
"Forget about the structure." Olaf said playing Derek. " We run and jump through the window."
"Are you crazy?!" Olaf exclaimed as he impersonated Elsa this time.
"Same level as you." Olaf said in a deep voice as he pretended to arrange his hair in an attractive way.
"Can you trust me on this one?" Olaf being Derek, said as he extended his hand.
Some trolls sighed dreamily at Derek's dramatization. Elsa rolled her eyes and bit her lips to avoid the laughter. That's not how that happened at all. Derek had literally extended his arm and yelled at her desperately. He hadn't combed his hair and then declared like out of a Shakespeare novel.
She dared to look at the Prince this time. He was making a funny face. He might be hard to read but Elsa could tell he was cursing inside. Embarrassment was what he was feeling.
Then he looked to the corner and met her eyes. He frowned at her. He knew it was her turn to mock him.
She raised her eyebrows knowingly at him. Who's laughing now? She asked him silently.
Derek rolled his eyes at her and frowned slightly at her. Oh shut up Elsa.
She dared to smirk at him and he couldn't avoid but accept defeat with a consent smile. Fine! He shrugged.
"And then Elsa took his hand and said: I want to! " Olaf said in his Elsa's voice with the most dramatic voice ever.
Elsa felt her cheeks warm again. Please I don't speak like that!
"And she held his hand and they ran." Olaf explained.
All the female trolls sighed dreamily again.
Derek turned again to meet Elsa's eyes. He raised both eyebrows at her. "Well, well. How the tables have turned."
It was her turn to roll eyes at him and frown at him. Oh shut up Derek.
And he responded with that evil smirk or his.
"Meanwhile, Anna was like: LET ME GO!, LET ME GO!." Olaf said in his Anna's voice.
"And they were like: But Princess… it's too dangerous. And Anna was like. I DON'T CARE. SHE IS MY SISTER! And Kristoff was like, Anna why are you dressed like Romeo?"
"And then what happened?" asked one of the young trolls.
"CRASH!" Olaf said making everyone gasp."They fell out of the window."
More gasps.
"But wait .. what is that?!" Olaf asked to the public.
"What is it?" asked another troll kid.
Olaf jumps in the air and catches his bottoms.
"Safe!" he says. "Marshmallow catches everyone and saves the day!"
The trolls cheered.
"That's it?" asks Cliff.
"Yep. Oh, and Elsa fainted and has been having weird nightmares and her magic's been acting weird. Also the ice harvesters think the fire was not an accident. And Elsa and Derek disobeyed Anna and went on a secret date together and now smell of flowers. And …" Olaf takes a deep breath. *We arrived here to ask about Elsa's powers but Pabbie is still missing and now Elsa and Derek almost got married but not really. And we came here to ask Pabbie about Elsa's magic."
"And that's it?" Cliff asked again.
"That's it." Olaf said.
And the trolls began to chat and talk about their own theories about the story. Some of them still wondered why did Elsa and Derek smelled so much of roses. Grand Pabbie and the other troll were still missing. Kristoff wondered if Pabbie had went to meditate deep in the forest or something.
"Wow, I know that we were there and it happened just a few days but still. Is it me or we have been through a lot lately. And there's the thing about Elsa's powers." Anna said with worry as she stared at her sister. Elsa was sitting in the floor resting her back at a rock as she listened to Olaf.
"Not to mention she is sort of engaged now." Kristoff whispered at Anna in a joking tone.
Anna hit his arm playfully. "I still can't believe they fell for it so easily."
"Well, we almost did too." He dared to admit as he scratched his head nervously.
Anna's cheeks turned slightly pink.
"That's different." She quickly said rolling her eyes.
They looked again at Elsa who was now staring at the forest deep in thought. Then to Derek who seemed very entertained watching a squirrel in a tree.
"You think they are okay?" Anna asked. "I mean. Not every day a troll tries to marry you."
Kristoff remembered how the had found Elsa and Derek playing in the woods earlier that day.
"They'll be fine." He assured her.
"Of course they'll be fine." Ma Bulda appeared from behind them.
"Oh, hello ma." He rolled his eyes. "Even if it was funny to see Elsa all flustered and Derek's tongue stuck to a wall of ice don't you think you went too far this time?"
Ma Bulda laughed. "And miss all the fun? Nonsense! We wouldn't be love experts if we didn't join couples."
"Yeah, But for once could you stop trying to marry every person I bring home? I don't have lots of friends you know?" He exclaimed. "They'll think I'm weird."
"Son, we all already think you are weird. We'd seen you talk to Sven." Ma Bulda said in her classic sassy tone.
Anna giggled.
"Now if you must excuse me. I'll get more herbal punch." And she left.
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Elsa extended her hand and produced some tiny flurry snowflakes. They danced on circles above her hand. She studied them as lots of thoughts filled her mind. No pain, no crazy ice pikes. Everything seemed normal.
"What's in your mind Your Majesty?" A male voice took her out of her thoughts.
She looked at her side to acknowledge his presence. He took a sit next to her and left his wooden cane resting on the rock. Elsa sighed.
"To be honest, I'm tired of thinking." She looked back at her flurry snowflakes and then made a movement of her hand and made them disappear.
The Prince laughed.
"Now that's new." He said as he looked at her. "Then stop thinking."
It was her turn to laugh.
"If only I knew how to do that." She admitted. "Any suggestions are welcomed Captain."
Derek scratched his chin deep in thought.
"How about you take a nap?" he asked. "After you haven't slept but just a few hours."
"You mean, we haven't slept but just a few hours." She corrected.
"I'm fine." He added. "Elsa, a nap could be helpful."
"I'm fine too Derek." She insisted. "Besides, uhm…"
"What?"
"I am not sure if I might get another nightmare like last night. What if I freeze everyone here by accident?" she asked.
"Relax." He said calmly. "You won't. Because we are here to help if something happens. Just take the nap. You'll see."
"Maybe later." Elsa said. "I'd rather be awake."
"Fine. Then I have another idea." The Prince added with a new enthusiasm.
"What is it?" the Queen asked.
"Well, how about we play a game while we wait for your rocky old friend?" he suggested.
"A game?" She asked.
"Aha." Derek said. "You know. To leave our worries aside and kill some time with some fun?"
"Fun?" She repeated.
"Sure" he said. "I mean. After all that has happened you deserve a distraction. Even if it's a little one. Besides, we deserve to ease our minds after, you know…"
"What?"
"After these guys almost married us?" he whispered. "Remember?"
"Oohh." She realized what he meant. "Right. Right. I was not thinking about that at all."
"Me neither." He tried to also sound calm. "But you know. The thought is bugging my brain."
"I know what you mean." She finally admitted. "The whole thing keeps, err, bugging, like you said."
They looked at each other for a second or too, probably thinking if they had said too much or maybe they hadn't said much at all the thought again buzzing their minds.
"More herbal punch dearies?"
A tray with cups and a jar with a red liquid was presented right in front of them.
Both royals stood back a little to look at the troll.
"Oh, thanks Bulda." Elsa said. "You can fill mine." Elsa showed the troll her empty wooden cup and let the troll fill it.
"Thank you." Elsa said.
"You are mostly welcome sweetie." Bulda then turned to the Prince. "How about you Mr Perfect Teeth?"
Derek shrugged. "Uh," he looked at Elsa for help.
"It's fine." She whispered back.
He nodded at her. "Sure, Mrs…? Uh… Kristoff's mom. I'll have some."
"Good!" and the troll gave Derek one wooden cup and then left.
Derek tried his drink. "Hmmm, not bad." He said as he looked at Elsa.
"I might not recommend to try troll food, but Anna told me their punch was safe for humans." Elsa explained as she took a sip.
Derek took another sip and sighed.
"So," he cleared his throat. "As I was saying… we should clear our minds. If both of us are too stubborn for a nap. At least we could have some fun in the meanwhile."
Elsa thanked him silently that he had broken the awkwardness of the previous situation. He was right. Their almost marriage had shaken them too much for what it should have.
"I wouldn't mind some fun." She admitted as she took another sip of her drink.
"So?" he asked.
Elsa tried to hide the embarrassment in her voice. The least she needed right now was a new thought in her already busy mind. But of course, the damage was done. The thought was there. And she was honest to herself it was taking too much of her attention.
"You know what? A game sounds nice." She thought for a second if she should ease the mood as he did too. Then decided she would also try. For her own sake. "Before you come up with some wedding puns or something." She dared to add with a little humour in her voice.
Derek blinked and then a smile formed in his face. He had gotten her message. A bit of fun would actually be nice. Even if making fun of themselves would do the trick.
"Weeding puns." He said in a playful tone. "Mhmmm, wife would you think of that?"
Elsa rolled her eyes. "Ugh what have I done."
"Ohh don't act so groom Your Majesty." He insisted. "A good pun is always wed-come."
"You had them already prepared, didn't you?" she asked her with a slight amusement in her voice.
"Me?" He asked dramatically
"Yes you." She insisted now smiling a bit.
"There's no way you have invented those right now. You've been thinking about the right moment to use them, haven't you?"
He only smiled back. "Nope. It does ring a bell." Then he laughed.
"I can't believe you tricked me like that." She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Till puns do us apart I guess?" he teased back.
"Oh my gosh. Fine." She looked the other side hiding her smile. "So, what did you say we were playing?" she tried to change the subject.
"Now that's more like it." He said with ease. "Well, how about we play ..."
"Hey!" Grand Pabbie is here." Some troll yelled and all humans turned their heads to the corner of the valley.
And then Elsa and Derek shrugged at each other.
"Oh well, I guess, we'll have to reschedule the game for later." Derek added with half smile.
Elsa returned the timid smile.
"I guess." She admitted. For a moment she thought that maybe a game wouldn't have been so bad after all. She had started to forget about her worries already. At least for some minutes. "For later then."
He nodded.
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Anna stood immediately and ran towards Elsa. Kristoff followed behind while Derek also stood up but stood next to Kristoff to give the sisters space.
"Elsa," the old troll arrived and took the Queen's hand. "I think I know why you came. I have sensed unbalance in the magic around here and thought it might be related to you. But before I speak I would like to hear everything you have to say. "Do you need us to speak in private my dear?"
Elsa looked around and met eyes with Anna. Her sister nodded at her with an encouraging smile.
"It's okay. They deserve to hear everything too." She looked at everyone again then for a slight moment her eyes stopped at Derek then back to Anna, and she sighed. "I'm sorry everyone. I'll tell you everything that has been happening. My powers have been acting strangely and sometimes I didn't tell you. I don't see any good in keeping them secret anymore. You all might be in danger after all. And…" she looked at Olaf and patted his head. "I know you care about me, so Grand Pabbie I will tell you everything in hope we can figure out what's wrong with me."
"Speak child." he said patting her hand.
"Well …" The Queen took a deep breath and began telling everything that she remembered ever since her powers began acting weird, back to the beginning of the Council of the Realms.
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And that's all for the moment. Hope you had enjoyed it as it was fun to write. Happy holidays and be in health