We do not own 'Frozen' or any of its characters.

"Frozen Again: 'Love Never Ends"

Act IX

Chapter 20

"The First Step of a Thousand Mile Journey"

The day after Christmas was a busy one in Arendelle.

Fun songs at the pianoforte, playing genial games with presents and enjoying extravagant feasts, filled the day after Christmas. Nearly everyone in the festive castle was late in starting, due to making rather too merry the night before.

After a pleasant luncheon, Olaf had jumped at Queen Iduna's offer of Elsa and Anna to host the royal sponsoring of a local children's day's outing. It was the generous woman's brilliant idea that Anna would benefit from being with the Arendellian tykes she loved playing with, to give the young mother-to-be a good frame of mind concerning little ones.

The outing would also give the townspeople and their children in the courtyard the ability to spend time with their returned Queen after the most recent Eternal Winter threat. Both Elsa and the kids would benefit from the unforgettable outdoor fete featuring impressive Marshmallow and the playful snowgies, as well as the magical snowpeople, Olaf and Eliana, with perhaps a few elemental tricks up their sleeves.

But the day was also full of fond farewells to King Roland and his family and friends from Enchancia. Princess Sofia and her kinsmen already had plans to visit the warmer climate of Portugal they were invited to ages ago by their friend, Queen Maria.

So, when Chancellor Esteban informed all at lunch that too was his destination, King Agnarr had no hesitation to offer the travelers a swift and safe voyage on the HmNos Gler. His Navy's prize ship had been refitted with all new steamship upgrades to increase its ocean speed capability and secure maneuverability even through their northern hemisphere's iceberg-prone climate.

Opting out of the boisterous festivities outdoors, Agnarr had taken most of the men indoors to play at his new billiards table. His wife and daughters had surprised their father with the gentleman's game as a Christmas present which was sure to keep their late-night owl entertained when he couldn't sleep.

"My Vise Admiral will personally take the command of the upgraded, re-commissioned Gler to ensure your safe arrival to Portugal, King Roland. It will also serve as a fine opportunity for Kommander Westergaard to log in his duty to the Sjoforsvaret by putting the refitted ship through its paces. And give it that thorough inspection we previously discussed for the remainder of the first year of your mandatory naval tour. Is that not agreeable, Prince Hans?" King Agnarr announces this arrangement abruptly, doing his best to balance naval code with Elsa's unspoken wishes to keep the Southern Isles Prince nearer than his previous current assignment in the distant Indian Sea.

Sailing a small jaunt down the continent's coast and back was a much closer tour of duty, to be sure.

The Admiral had just been informed of the Royal family of Enchancia's itinerary to soon depart by ship. Proud of himself, Agnarr believed this idea would please his elder girl, as well as fulfill his future son-in-law's required service to the Crown, so to speak, before the wedding.

Son-in-law…Strange how naturally that title comes to mind when I look upon young Westergaard now…Early steps, Agnarr…The King considers Elsa's choice in a new light as he gazed upon the handsome Prince of Denmark intently.

"Why thank you, Prince Hans! It is so very generous of you to share your best officer to escort us there, Agnarr." The King and Queen of Enchancia and their children would be joined by the Chancellor of Avalor and his new wife, beloved nanny and faithful servant Johanne, on their journey to Portugal, before heading out to cross the Trans-Atlantic home to South America.

The couple would begin their romantic shipboard bridal tour on route to Iberia by invitation of the Portuguese Queen Maria and her husband Dom Miguel who had obviously sent correspondence back, via Sven and Svala.

Hans jerks his red head up at the mention of his name by the King, losing his billiard cue's level balance enough for it to miss his ball thrust into the left corner pocket he had been aiming at.

The Danish Prince was normally not so easily disturbed. But he had been concurrently monitoring where Elsa was with Anna outside the window in the courtyard. Olaf had dreamed up a novel idea for the snowgies to take turns climbing up and sliding down Marshmallow's mountainous slippery body so they could take down the Julebukken and Christmas decorations that Kristoff and the others had put up on the roof.

Meanwhile, rightful Queen of Arendelle Elsa had used her ice wonders to amaze the happy children from town. They were all clapping along and laughing so hard after former Queen Anna and Queen Iduna had invited them to enjoy watching the excitable snow creatures from the Ice Queen's Palace that were bursting with fun energy.

The visiting little icy mischief makers, once high up on the roof, had set up a competition to knock one another down and play reindeer games with Sven and Svala. All while dismantling the Christmas wreaths and berries and Yule goat ornaments as the snowgies un-decorated the castle effortlessly. But they were driving poor Kai's footmen crazy trying to catch the falling décor in all the commotion of their supposed clean-up duty.

Nonetheless, the industrious little snowgies got the job done in a more messy chaotic method, all while entertaining their young guests, thusly killing two birds with one snowball.

Much like the situation going on inside Arendelle Castle's conservatory with Prince Hans.

"Aye, aye, Admiral Bernadotte." The red-headed Danish man chooses to break the uncomfortable silence between the two men during this challenge match at the billiard table with his father-in-law to be. While plying his game, all morning Hans had been wracking his brilliant mind as how to address his return to the Far East and the command of the HmNos Nidaros, no doubt expected of him in the Spring after his wedding ceremony to Queen Elsa took place and their subsequent honeymoon time concluded.

But this new mission down the coast to Portugal, taking me oceans away from my fiancée, again parting us previous to our matrimony?

"Nothing would please me more, your Majesty. It will be my great honor to escort yourself and your family down the coast to Portugal on the HmNos Gler, King Roland." Still eloquent on a dime and putting on a chameleon face despite his own somewhat perplexed mental state, Hans speaks as he turns his resigned viridiscent eyes from the wintry scene. The Danish Prince deferentially salutes his superior naval officer, then turns to graciously bow to King Roland while the wheels in his head were still spinning.

"Then it is decided." After sending the white cue ball flying with some deft aim, Agnarr straightens his jacket collar to glance in his vision's periphery, following Hans' attention. The Ice King offhandedly sends an errant arctic wind gust through the small crack in the window to halt the snowgie avalanche that reckless Anna had obviously instigated.

It was threatening to bury alive the crowd of jaw dropped little boys after one naughty tyke decided to try to slingshot out some key bottom row snowgies from their formation of the frozen pyramid Anna and Olaf had constructed.

SSZZT-SZZTINGG!

"Brrr! Cold buns cold buns cold buns!" That little boy of nine or ten was getting his comeuppance to his bottom as reward. The spiteful child grabs his flash frosted posterior after the chuckling Ice King had caused to undo the brown haired bully's churlish antics to ruin all of the other children's carefree enjoyment.

"Maybe that will leave a frostbitten Christmas memory when that kid tries to sit pretty around the yule table tonight. Bet it'll make him think twice before being a bully." Quietly standing in the corner of the billiards room thus far, smiling General Mattias murmurs his support for his at times spontaneously rash friend and King with a thumb pointed at the chilled backside of the bad boy outside.

The pleased with himself King of Arendelle preens at his ginger moustache triumphantly before returning to his game of billiards.

"Nice shot, Agnarr." Esteban similarly curls his dark moustache on his own debonair face when he enters the King's conservatory. The Avaloran Duke congratulates the ginger monarch's billiard stroke by the same token as the King's double punishing frosty spank to the erstwhile bully child just outside.

"Thank you, Chancellor. But these young men are no slouches when it comes to this age-old gentleman's game." The Ice King responds, looking over the billiard table to the scorecard which Kai had been dutifully scribing for his friend and leader.

"Yes indeed, your Prince Hans is giving us a run for our money. It's a good thing we haven't wagered any monetary bets here, Agnarr! Ha ha! My wife would chastise me if she ever found out I was dabbling in gambling again. Making small wagers is my one secret vise that I have sworn to her will be my New Year's resolution to kick. Of course, it's not New Year's yet… So how about we put some maravedí down before this young Dane has the chance to wipe the floor with us, eh, partner? Ha ha!" A jovial King Roland lets out a merry belly laugh as he too gives the unassumingly wily Prince of the Southern Isles a conceding smirk that his billiards partner and fellow King was not so ready to grant.

"Not at all, Your Majesties. Both Prince Desmond and I are mere amateurs with nothing more than beginner's luck on our side. Your skill at this time honed, noble game is impeccable. Suffice it to say, it is a wife's prerogative to be preemptive of such sordid affairs as gambling to keep we men in check from our own weaknesses and foibles." Hans wisely responds to the adjunct praise coming from his two elders on either side of King Agnarr.

Hans and Prince Desmond had been playing a foursome against King Agnarr and King Roland in two teams at the billiards table for the better part of an hour now, each side gaining points that Minister Kai had been studiously marking down as General Mattias had been standing by sipping his coffee as watchful referee of sorts.

But as with most competitions, clever Prince Hans could not help but excel, as he chalks the end of his own cue stick to increase friction between it and the ball.

"This is true. My dearest Johanne has already made subtle corrections to two of my bad habits of impatience and self vanity in her quiet womanly ways, So, I have wholeheartedly pledged to mi esposa (my wife) to be cautious of these vises from now on. And we have been wed for what? Two days? Two days and two glorious nights…" The past middle-aged Avaloran Duke explains his satisfied introduction into matrimony with roguish eyes to his fellow married men, his impish latter sentence not intended for young Princes Hans' nor Desmond's ears.

However, Councilor Kai clearly heard it and obviously did not take too kindly to the South American man saying such things as he slams down his pen and pad on the edge of the billiards table with an angry look written all over his portly features.

The golden pen just gifted to the faithful head servant rolls under the deep green billiards table, just out of a sighing Kai's frustrated reach.

"Here, let me get that for you, old friend. I know my old hands aren't as steady as they once were, especially after these past few days of making merry." Mattias chuckles, trying his best to lighten his old friend's sour mood. "But as you and I both know firsthand, a good woman to steer the way makes all the difference in life to calm our nerves. That and a cup of hot coffee." He slides in the little marital bliss softening statement as sleeker General Destin Mattias kneels down and pick up the dropped pen beneath the billiards table with ease. "Here, my friend. Have a fresh cup of Halima's fine coffee that the inventor boy's gift of a 'thermal container' has kept piping hot for us." The dark skinned military man returns the 24 carat gold writing instrument to the slightly less irate Arendelle Minister at the mention of his wife Gerda's sweet demeanor with a winning smile.

That and a mug of proffered hot java from the insulated carafe cousin Rapunzel's friend Varian had gifted the royal family before he left.

"We mustn't let Minister Kai hear you speak so flippantly, Chancellor. He's still a little uptight about your unexpected sudden wedding." Glad Mattias was there to lend assistance as nimble as always, Agnarr diplomatically chastises Iduna's older friend in a whisper under his breath. The King gives an apologetic grin at his right-hand man, Kai, who had accepted his old rival's kind offer of sharing a sip of coffee to steel the nerves and warm the soul.

"I have heard good report from High Councilor Roservalen, after visiting the Arendelle naval yard this very morning that the HmNos Gler's updates have been successfully completed, with your fine vessel comparable to few others currently sailing the high seas, Admiral." Smoothly changing the subject so a red faced and stewing Kai could cool down in his recognition, Hans relies on how Elsa's father enjoyed discussing the competency of his Navy.

"It is good that you value the labor of our competent naval engineers and shipbuilders, Vise Admiral. As you will be sailing their handiwork soon enough when you return to your duty to oversee the maritime function of my ships." Agnarr responds just as shrewd as Hans Westergaard predicted he would, insinuating his junior officer's necessity to complete his shipboard tour of duty after he wed his daughter Elsa.

Coyly smiling with plans of his own on the delicate subject, the svelte Dane then utilizes the leather tip he applied to his two piece cue stick to advantage of applying side spin to the ball. Here Hans could have easily sunk the remainder of the colored solid and stripe balls available all in a stroke that would, with one solid strike, send two object balls successfully into the diverging corner pockets, for the win.

But the perceptive young Dane had already mentally schemed not to end the game in his favor. Savvy Prince Hans instead decided to allow his future father-in-law's moves to gain points in an increase of this young Westergaard's clever charm offensive to greater advantage than an easy victory.

"Yes, speaking of our impending journey… You must forgive my memory loss, but it had slipped my mind up to this point, Agnarr. Pardon me, but, with Christmas and my impromptu wedding bliss taking place as well, my- ehem- mind was a little distracted." Chancellor Esteban's creased brow seemed to suddenly recall one important tidbit of information he had neglected to pass on till now.

"In my letter of communication from Portugal with Prince Alonso and his betrothed, Princess Valentina - who have been staying at the Palace of the latter's Aunt, Queen Maria of Portugal - apparently the Princess of Paraiso has made a special request." Esteban smoothly relays, using his own charm to work up to this sticking point.

"It is of such a high honor, showing so much respect for your country, Your Majesty, concerning your daughter, Elsa. The Princess of Paraiso has chosen Queen Elsa to be her privileged Maid of Honor and Prince Hans to serve as her intended, Prince Alonso's Best Man at her royal wedding in Brazil. Princess Valentina and Prince Alonso have officially requested that the Queen of Arendelle and Prince Hans meet with the wedding party in Portugal before they all leave for South America on board their luxurious cruise liner." Esteban says grandiloquently, causing a distracted King Agnarr to perform an amazing bank shot where the King quite surprisingly and successfully landed the volley into a victorious billiards carom to take the game match.

"Excellent stroke, your Majesty. I believe that insured your team point victory. Congratulations are in order, King Roland. Prince Desmond and I bow to your time-honed experience and greater billiards prowess, Majesties." Interrupting with the flattering remark as he processes the news himself, Hans had cunningly set up that cue ball shot angle fashion for his Admiral to score the multiple points to a one-shot victory.

"Yes, well, a fellow gets a knack with these things with time, Son." Brushing Hans' compliment off, a preoccupied Agnarr was easily taken in by young Westergaard's smooth words and winsome demeanor so much that he had forgotten himself and even called the Dane his 'Son' already.

"Now, what is this you are going on about, Chancellor? An unexpected trip to Portugal and then Brazil for Queen Elsa? At such short notice? How preposterous!" Agnarr puts down his cue stick testily, turning to the debonair Duke. Esteban shrugs in indifference, and hands King Agnarr Princess Valentina's letter of invitation Sven had delivered to him early yesterday morning.

Just then, former ladies maid, Johanne – now Duchess Flores – accompanies Queen Iduna into the room as the polar night's early setting sun was already sinking into the western afternoon sky.

The happy visiting children were waving there farewells to Olaf, who was sniffling on Eliana's shoulder, while they all watched dutiful Marshmallow usher the snowgies in his chest 'compartments'.

The only way to get the little rascals to comply was for resourceful Anna to have Kristoff find another willing, ancient fir tree – named ole Cecil, by the way - to chop down, with burnishing Bruni and powerful Nokk's aid this time, for their recently rebuilt North Mountain Ice Palace too. Powerful 5th Element Winter Queen Elsa even promised to long-distance cryokinetically make it shine with Olaf's frozen star on top when the festive snowgies were done decorating it.

Now that the holiday visit was over, the snowgies were growing impatient to set up their own Ice Palace frozen Christmas tree Marshmallow was carrying with all the festive trimmings Elsa had cooked up for her knit hat and scarf wearing little 'babies' who had just learned to joys of Christmas.

So, still celebrating the joyous birth of a newborn King in their own special way at that time of year, Olaf's extended frosty family would swiftly return to their North Mountain Ice Palace home. Christmas carols and hummed song echoed all the way up the snowy peak under ground swell maker Jordskjvelvet and wind-surfing Gale's promised uphill climb back for Elsa's noisy, fun-loving creations.

After waving a final goodbye to both the snowy entourage and the smiling children and townspeople going home, Elsa and Anna follow their mother and her former ladies' maid to come bounding into the male occupied Conservatory.

The Queen of Arendelle calmly nods to the dignitaries on Anna's rambunctious arm as a blissfully chuckling Olaf, from Eliana's sprinkles kiss of their shared gingerbread cookie from best baker Halima, comes rolling in several knocked apart pieces not far behind his girls.

"Esteban! I do hope you haven't forgotten to mention to the King the fine letter from Princess Valentina inviting Queen Elsa and Prince Hans to their wedding in Brazil." Johanne says to her dashing husband with a small prodding smile.

"But of course not, mi Bonita amor (my beautiful love). Do I look the fool?" Feigning mental injury, the Chancellor massages his salt-and-pepper goatee with a lackadaisical shrug before his new wife.

"A charming, attractive fool, who has made me the happiest, most fortunate woman alive, mi marido (my husband)." With a familiar finger to Esteban's signature tough of hair upon his noble brow, Johanne responds in a soft voice whisper to her husband that causes her big brother to wince.

"You are ever the sweet voice of my better conscience, Bonita." Esteban lifts both of Johanne's blushing hands to kiss the open palms of each one adoringly.

"Aww! No fair! I wanted to be the one to tell Papa about the thrilling news of our trip south to Portugal, and then all the way to South America! Elsa's going to be Valentina's maid of honor at her wedding to Alonso in Brazil! Isn't that crazy good?! I've always dreamed of traveling around the world! And we're going south of the equator no less! This is going to be the best New Year's party ever! Imagine celebrating on board our own ship, cruising around the world!" Bright pink cheeked Anna was as excessively exuberant as her ginger braids were wildly flapping, ever since Kristoff told she and Elsa about the invitation from Valentina to go to Brazil for her wedding.

Now Anna was bursting with joy and anticipation at her lifelong fantasy to travel to parts unknown while her increasingly creased brow father reads and rereads the ostentatious Princess of Paraiso's demanding invitation several times slowly.

Anna's askew braids had flopped down from their mature-look, wrap around the back of her head bun. They had fallen out ages ago when the friendly gal donated her holly berry leaf hairpin for the little town-girls to be hairdressers for the fashionable snowwoman they had built outside with stylish Eliana's help as model for Elsa's Ice Queen perfect, sticky snow.

"Don't be silly, child. In your condition, you cannot go traipsing across the Atlantic on board some pleasure craft as if you were some free and easy adolescent. If you want to be a good mother, you will start to have to learn that you are in a fragile state, my girl. For the baby's sake, you must start to slow down now, young lady." With a chortle, King Agnarr emphasizes his words of gentle reprimand as he was attempting to dissuade his feisty daughter from this non-recommended trip.

"Please, Papa. We all have known forever that visiting the sunshine drenched, lush green vibrant scenes of South America has been Anna's dream ever since you brought home those encyclopedia books that Mama wanted to educate us with. They spoke of exotic life and different climate and foreign shores across the sea that inspired so much learning and dreams for your pair of little girls. And the pictures were unforgettable, especially for Anna." Big sister Elsa pipes up on behalf of her baby sister.

Elsa could recall Anna, even as small child in her wiggling bare toes, chattering nonstop about jaguars and lemurs, alpacas and caiman and so many other creatures that inhabited the pretty green, southern continent on the other side of the world that was so diverse from their cold, icy world here that she would do almost anything to experience it.

"That's true, Agnarr. You must remember how Anna cherished those pictures of the exotic animals so much that she tore out the pages from the encyclopedia – much to her tutor Kai's distress - to pin them up to her ceiling for years." Queen Iduna interjects to her disturbed once again worrywart King, with past memories still vivid to those who loved Anna and knew her lust for living.

"Hmm. Now that you mention it, if I recall from those reference books, there are several deadly insects and vicious creatures out there in South America. No, it is too dangerous and too far away. Neither of you girls will be going." King Agnarr digs his heels in with the rash decision, as the reactive Ice King always does.

"But Crown Princess Valentina has particularly asked, as a mark of great respect, the favor of Elsa to be her maid of honor, and Prince Hans to stand as Crown Prince Alonso's groomsman at their wedding in Paraiso, Brazil, Agnarr. They, at least must attend. It would be a slap in the face of our newest trading partner allies to refuse." Giving Anna a conciliatory hug of her slumped shoulders, Iduna speaks up for Elsa, using her womanly wiles to give her husband a little push in the proper compromise direction.

"Papa, I do feel some obligation of friendship to the Prince for his heroic actions during our struggles here to vanquish that evil Devil Troll. Please allow Anna to come as well, Papa. She will be on her best behavior and I explicitly promise to look after her well." Elsa states to her worried parent in far less emotional terms as a jaw dropped, pouty Anna was making faces behind her father's back at the idea that he may curb her trip south of the equator.

"A long voyage on ship is no place for a young woman in Anna's delicate condition. We cannot jeopardize the unborn child's life on a whim." The King insists, feeling terrible for being the harsh voice of reason here, but Anna's health was precious to him.

"Elsa has no reason not to travel then, Agnarr. She must go, with Prince Hans at her side, as both were personally requested to attend the royal nuptials. It would be insulting, not to mention severely damage our ties with these vital trading countries, to not accept. It is Providential that Elsa will have her valiant protector to escort she and her ship to these exciting foreign ports." Queen Iduna chimes in, choosing to smoothe over on her King's imminent explosive blowup moment that she was sure this idea would cause to come.

The savvy woman comes up from behind her mate to state the undeniable fact before he had further time to ponder and refute. "I'm sure Elsa will be healthy and fine for this once-in-a-lifetime trip that will create valuable liaisons with other countries and friendships that a certain obdurate father's over-protectiveness had made previously unfeasible and unattainable before. I'm sure that King - who has learned his lesson - now hopes for his daughter to experience a brilliant, full life worth living outside the Castle walls she has been trapped behind for far too many years." Iduna plays on her husband's guilt for the sheltered past that had almost doomed both of his beloved children to lead lives of loneliness and banishment from enjoyment and love outside of Arendelle's secretive protection.

"Yes… There is regret there on my behalf, to be sure. But, be that as it may, Iduna, South America is practically on the other side of the world! At least, on the other side of the equator! And we have already made many essential arrangements not only in Arendelle, but several other Norwegian townships, to meet with many important local citizen leaders concerning the rebuilding of our nation after the blizzard's trauma. So there is no way conceivable for me to escort Elsa – "

"What luck then, Agnarr! It is well that you have already wisely commissioned your second-in-command, Vise Admiral Westergaard of your proud Sjoforsvaret, to make the journey in your place! And since he has more than a stake in the protection of your daughter, as her betrothed fiancé, I'm sure he will bear the responsibility of her travel impeccably. It is quite serendipitous for Prince Hans to take command of that beautiful steamship craft of yours and support Queen Elsa on the voyage, as he brings us down the coast to sunny, scenic Portugal. No doubt, we too will receive invitations once we arrive, to travel to Brazil with the wedding party. I was cousin to Queen Maria's husband Dom Miguel, after all, so we will once again be glad of your daughters and their friends' local company aboard the royal yacht. So please have no fear, King Agnarr, as a friend and fellow King with two daughters, I will keep an eye out for your elder girl on this voyage as if she were one of my own." The tall, graying, well traveled King and father enjoyed seafaring vacations as much as the rest of his family.

The entire clan from Enchancia was always ready for a new lark across the ocean with friends and family to join in the fun.

"Extremely wise indeed, your Majesty." Queen Iduna smirks that her cornered King could not detract the commission of the Gler from Prince Hans without losing face in front of his peers. Nor could he underwrite Elsa's authority as Queen before these other members of royalty he hoped would give her nothing but respect in the future.

"Truly, you need not worry about Elsa on this journey, Agnarr, Iduna. My daughters and I will be only too glad to accompany her as companions, so she never feels alone." Queen Miranda joins the others in the argument with a friendly smile. The older woman had been watching her adopted son James, and Sofia's young man Hugo, partake in a friendly game of darts in the far corner of the Conservatory game room in a more youthful competition than at the Billiards table where Hans and Desmond took on with the older generation.

"That is, unless you see Queen Elsa as not yet ready to represent your country without your explicit supervision, Your Majesty? She is still just a young woman, after all. Though the other rulers at the gathering in Brazil may wonder why if she, the highly honored invited, fails to attend the wedding, or indeed worse, if she arrives under your supervision." Avaloran Chancellor Esteban interjects here to push the Ice King over the edge with the hard facts other rulers would see and look down upon.

To which, self-conscious to have his nation be respected as a power in the world, King Agnarr, does not disappoint.

The stuffy Norwegian royal, who thought a lot about keeping up appearances, forgoes the underlying main objection, to now give thought to the more pressing subject that had been giving Agnarr some apprehension.

Namely, as to how young Westergaard would be in that ultimate command position, unchaperoned with Elsa for such an extensive journey on board ship.

Mostly because he knew exactly how he, as a verile young man of yesteryear, would have propositioned his innocent Iduna had they been practically alone on a month-long journey and back to far distant romantic shores prior to their wedding too.

But the good man in Agnarr shakes that fretfulness off when he focuses his fatherly eyes to see Elsa's previously pensive, calm orbs receive an encouraging nod from Anna with a surprisingly trusting look that travelled between the sisters to Prince Hans.

"It is so that this letter only requires Elsa to be the one of our Royal family invited to join this foolish wedding party." The King's brow creases in more resignation than displeasure. King Agnarr knew his wife and their friends were correct about it being a blatant sign of disrespect to the Kingdoms of Brazil, Argentina and Portugal if the Queen did not grace them with her presence.

"Queen Elsa is obligated to travel with the Chancellor to Portugal and then onto Brazil, to simply attend this outlandishly quick Royal ceremony, with no intention to mix with the wildlife of those uncivilized jungles." King Agnarr prejudicially pronounces, shaking the damnable missive in the air after reading its demanding contents.

The irked king gains a raised brow from the classy Chancellor who hailed from that 'uncivilized area' of the world that encompassed many ancient civilizations of noteworthy mention.

"I assure you, Your Majesty, I am diverse in multiple cultures, and I will uphold your fine Navy's reputation to the utmost of my ability on this voyage at every port, to lend assistance to Queen Elsa in any function I can humbly offer her on this bold journey to the Western world. Rest assured, she will not ever feel alone for a moment." Here, Prince Hans asserts himself to address the King with his reassurances. But it was Queen Elsa to whom the Southern Isles Prince was providing his confidence to.

At Iduna's pinched arm prompting, Agnarr observes how Elsa's noble Prince Hans' directs a silent, hand-over-heart pledge to Princess Anna earnestly, then gives an inviting, gentlemanly smile and bow to Elsa with encouragement to be content.

The timid Queen of Arendelle was starting to see the bright side of the idea of traveling the high seas – even without her security blanket of little sister Anna - to summery locations on the exciting trip with her young man at this peak moment of their carefree youth together.

SIGH.

"Fine." Nominally answering his Vise Admiral, Agnarr foregoes his overprotection and understandably underlying fear of being separated from his loved ones by sending Elsa on a long ship voyage away to and from a royal wedding.

Agnarr shivers at the memory of the HmNos Iduna's tragic first and final sea voyage's demise, due to the rough Dark Sea and underwater mermaid wars that culminated into disastrous pirates and painful captivity for torturous years.

"Elsa may go." Taking a deep breath, the Norwegian leader, trying to be a good man and better father this time, gives a prayer to the Almighty One in control of all above, to Whom the unworthy king could only turn to in supplication for Elsa's protection.

It would be cruel to not allow my beautiful child who has been through so much, this once in a lifetime chance to shine and have the world at her feet.

King Agnarr looks around the room from eager face to face all ganging up against his anxiety, wishing for him to allow this trip and just let it go for once.

Then, Papa Agnarr goes back into anxious father mode – now exponentially more as he shifts into soon-to-be-grandfather mode.

"However, I am sorry, Anna. But it is time for you to sit back and relax, at home here with Mama and I, my Gingersnap. Your short time spent as Queen should delineate to you the importance as we look to reconciling affairs here in Arendelle after the traumatic events of the past winter, together." King Agnarr puts his regal foot down right on Anna's big bubble of joy that he once again unwittingly explodes.

But it was true that the younger Arendelle Princess, though not entirely suited for it, had thrown herself wholeheartedly in serving the people she loved in her homeland.

"I will need you here at my side in Elsa's place, my brave girl, as we stand with our people in this New Year unfolding, to rebuild our country after that harsh, cold blizzard has taken its toll on so many of our citizens." Anna's father places a trusting hand on his younger daughter's shoulder with a smile trying to dispel her disappointment.

"But—!" Glancing around helplessly, for one last moment Princess Anna looked like she'd just been run over by a reindeer, as all the happy fantasized excitement on her face dissolves into disenchantment at her father's dousing words.

But that's when Queen Anna gathers her scattered mind and emotions to find inner tranquility for the peace of Arendelle.

"The Trolls in the Valley of Living Rock, whom I have heard GranPabbie himself say that you have much esteem and influence with, my girl, have invited us for a visit at the New Year. While your Mama and I have other obligations here in Arendelle for the holiday, someone must ensure the Fire Trolls we brought to them from the north are settling in well with their Rock Troll brethren, and I can think of no one better suited at spreading love and warm familial cohesion than you, Gingersnap." The King affords Kristoff a look to back him up here on this pleasant offer of a place full of friendly faces for Anna to travel to, much closer to home.

To which, the young mountainman hurriedly concurs with his father-in-law with a nod to his trembling little wife.

"Yeah, Cliff and Bulda and all the Trolls will love to see us for New Year, Anna. Especially when we explain to them about our…(gulp) baby. I'm sure they'll have tons of advice to give. Most likely in song. He he heh. 'Tons', get it? A little Rock Troll humor there." Twisting nervously at a deep red and green stitched cap in his big mittened hands, Kristoff ambles up and wraps an arm around his Feistypants' small, but double fisted shaking and unhappily growling frame. As a responsible new hubby, he was making his best attempt to calm her with his corny joke.

"But I wanted to go to the New World, too…" Anna whines with a painful squeeze to her fella's muscly arm, feeling rather ill now and a bit low in spirits at the thought of being left behind from another grand adventure.

{"Hey, won't it be nice to wake up under the stars in the cave again, Baby? I'm sure Bulda will fix up my room for us, just like last time, with those downy soft feather pillows and fleecy blankets that made us feel all comfortable-like. Just you and me, Feistypants."} Kristoff, inwardly sensing his gal's down mood, attempts to mentally lighten it, with a little friendly persuasion at the memories of their own honeymoon bliss spent in the Valley of the Trolls with a playful embrace to his upset wife.

{"Just you and me, and our little angel in here. I just know it's a boy as pretty as you."} With a gentle rub to her sloshy tummy, Anna responds with a sweet smile, imaging the Kristoff-clone-like child within, to replace the frown that was previously adorning her cute gingery face.

{"Yeah…By the way. I found this knit hat outside on the snow by the castle corner. I have a feeling it was meant for me. New nickname?"} Again lightening her spirit, Anna's sweet sentimental guy unravels the Christmasy maroon red yarn cap to display it's poorly executed stitch embroidery of his name.

The barely legible term in messy green unfinished moniker of Anna's frustrated efforts at sewing appeared more to say 'Kusto' than 'Kristoff' in the light of day.

But it was all good for her mellow fellow, who loved every inch of his 'Baby', everything about her and what she ever tried to do with those feisty, determined, fearless hands, her trials as well as her triumphs too.

{"Thanks Kristly I needed that."} Anna simpers a forced grin that came more naturally the more she gazed at that mangled yarn cap.

{"Just call me 'Kusto', Baby."} Kristoff smiles that incredible uplifting, magical smile to his girl. He speaks mentally in his 'Sven-like voice while sheepishly pulling the cap over his massive knuckles to stretch out and show off the wiggling letters comically on his discarded, but much appreciated gift.

"Okay. I know Elsa can handle this without me." Anna concedes, squeezing her sister's cool hand with a bright smile and mature hold of her full with child stomach that was already rumbling for her complete attention.

"There is no doubt that Elsa is our competent, confident big girl now who can represent our nation on her own as Norway's esteemed Queen, worthy of respect around the world. I have no choice but allow you, my Snow Angel, to go on this vacuous, harebrained Atlantic crossing scheme that capricious Princess of Paraiso has arranged for her precious Valentine's Day ceremony in Brazil…with my blessing." After giving a deep sigh of resignation, King Agnarr relents to the crowd of expectant faces surrounding him.

All in the Conservatory switch their pensive looks at him to smile at ease to one another with the contented happiness and eager excitement to come.

"You're going to have so much fun in Brazil, Elsie! That means you can go too, Olaf! I bet you can finally hit a real beach with Eliana!" The utterly good at heart girl races around the room to embrace each trekker, switching right back to that youthful spark of light, in true delight for Elsa's good fortune.

"And I'm gonna celebrate New Years with our Troll family! Thank you, Papa!" In honest joy for Elsa and Olaf and Eliana, without a trace of envy of the seafaring party, a not-withholding-her-exuberance Anna squeals out shrilly in her father's deafened ear as she descends upon him with a sloppy hug.

Anna then drags Kristoff off his feet with her before dashing out and up the stairs to start packing for her beloved sister right away.

She orders her big bear lover to lug some heavy trunks down to the cottage with Sven and Svala's help to fill up with every choice of clothing the imaginative young woman could envision Elsa would need in the south of the equator new world.

"I promise to represent Arendelle before our allies and the leaders of nations attending to the utmost of my ability, Papa, with the decorum and dignity you taught me." In stark contrast with her feisty little sister, Elsa, who had never attended such a lavish affair so far away from home - and in the presence of scores of innumerable strangers on the other side of the world- clenches her fist behind her back.

Sure, the Ice Queen had found herself as the 5th Element of harmony to usher in a new era of open society for the Northuldra and the elementals. Yes, the shy royal ruler had matured into a wise and collected monarch of her nation these past few years, beloved by all her people at her selfless sister's loving side. And finally, the introverted young woman had discovered her heart was ready for true love and romance of her own due to the tenets of God's mercy and higher plan for the special young Prince to share in her amazing life.

Nonetheless, this courageous, liberated, strong female was wringing her fingers together as she was wont to do in worry. Still, Elsa's determined face serenely composes into a smile up to her perplexed Papa, saying all the proper words to becalm his upset anxiety.

Even though her own were swirling with ice butterflies in her stomach fluttering around.

"You will be brilliant, min kaereste (my darling). Have no fear, I will be right beside you all the while." Hans softly murmurs as he takes his place beside his queen of hearts.

The rest of Elsa's inner fears start to melt away in her Hans' ever-present warm smile, her pondering countenance decidedly altering to be more determined.

"I have no doubt you will embody our nation splendidly, Elsa. You have far and above earned my respect and admiration as a fine leader who will unquestionably make us proud in Brazil." With a genuine smile into her pleased eyes, Agnarr puts his hands proudly on his lovely successor's tall shoulders.

"You all have my blessing to travel with my daughter on my newly recommissioned flagship on its course to Portugal, where I have been informed it will meet up with Queen Maria's Royal liner before its launch next week. But I must insist Vise Admiral Westergaard's command of the HmNos Gler continue to sail our top of the line steamship to accompany that craft across the Atlantic, to safeguard secure passage from unforeseen icebergs, marauders or engine malfunction." Agnarr was taking no chances that a single ship – even that massive Portuguese ocean liner moving across the wide expanse of the transatlantic - would be left vulnerable to disaster, accident or attack traveling the high seas alone.

So the cautious older man had no recourse but to send his finest outfitted steamship and its entire crew in her Majesty's service, along with their Queen.

Vice Admiral/ Captain/ Danish Prince suitor fiancé and all.

"I vow to endeavor to captain your Navy's magnificent flagship, the HmNos Gler, as befitting your unparalleled fleet, Admiral Bernadotte, on this imperative passage to the West. I will act upon it as commanding officer, as you would, Sir, holding the responsibility of the safe and swift passage for Queen Elsa and her auspicious guests to the Portuguese kingdom's shores as my highest honor. I take on the weighty task, thereafter, to be the Queen's steadfast escort in your place, showing responsible alacrity to Arendelle's monarch during her time in Brazil. I swear to accomplish this task with all due solemnity and dependability of one gentleman to another to ensure your daughter's safe return to you, Your Majesty." Eloquent Prince Hans puts on his finest speechifying skills for King Agnarr, with a dramatic hand over heart and salute ahead to the visitors and Queen Iduna all around who were smiling at the dutiful young officer's coherent articulacy.

At Hans' overdramatic bow, Prince Hugo sniggers to the other restless young men in the room. On the other hand, Sofia, Cleo, Amber and Hildegard had nearly swooned at Elsa's impressive, svelte fiancé's smooth words of reassurance as to their long journey ahead.

"Perhaps, Kommander Westergaard, our ship and the Portuguese craft we are to escort can have a race to see which is fastest across the Atlantic!" The now jazzed up Russian Prince Hugo eternally found sport at every turn he could.

"Yeah! That would be a riot to break up the long monotonous voyage!" Prince James – who never cared for ship travel much, preferring to go on land by steed - raises his voice in assent to reckless Hugo's racing idea.

"I assure you, Prince Hugo, I will captain the Gler with the utmost precaution to guarantee this journey to be a safe crossing, with absolutely no intention to break any records on this run as to speed or mobility that would endanger my passengers or crew, as is my sworn duty as their ship's Kommander." Saying all the right things, Hans gives a wide-eyed, petrified at the idea Agnarr a competent simper over his shoulder.

Then Hans deftly veers the younger, more into the world of speed Prince of Kiev and his echo lackey Prince James of Enchancia away to the other connected room to discuss the trip further, without disturbing his future father-in-law's beleaguered protective senses further.

Princesses Sofia, Amber, Cleo and Hildy soon take hold of Elsa, and already start tittering about the sea voyage together onboard ship with her dashing fiancé at the helm. They barrage extol the blonde queen all at once on her good fortune to be chosen as Royal Maid of Honor at Valentina's thrilling Valentine's day wedding; the stunning clothes they would all have to pack to wear; the places they'd see in beautiful Paraiso; and, of course, the handsome princes from around the globe sure to attend the wedding in Brazil that everyone who is anyone would have to attend, until Elsa's head was literally spinning.

"Kids these days." King Agnarr murmurs under his breath at the raucous scene full of vigor and excitement for the journey ahead that only youth could embrace so wholeheartedly.

"Don't try to sound like such an old man yet, min älskare." Attaching herself to his slumping shoulder and giving its stiffness a grateful massage, Iduna coyly smiles with loving eyes that sparkled for her stringent man to have compromised so thoroughly and with such grace.

"Not when we'll have an anniversary where there'll be an entire empty Castle, with Elsa on her way to Portugal and Anna planning to spend some time with the Trolls in the Valley on the 1st of January. There'll be just the two of us, alone together, for the first time in forever. Imagine the possibilities." Iduna smiles seductively at her mate, running a pressed finger up and down her lover's spine that was so rigidly stiff with all he had to endure this morning.

"I suppose there may be some snap left in these old frozen bones that are looking forward to spending that New Year diversion as you suggest, my Windlass." After nearly three decades of romance with the same one woman, the Ice King still could feel that fire of love for his one true love and queen.

Yes, there is much query in my heart I need to discuss that only you can answer for me, my native beauty…

After all, Iduna still possessed that Northuldran spirit of womanly wiles to calm and divert her man's attention from any subject with a single look in her gifted of the four elements, crystalline indigo eyes.

The Norwegian leader gives a courteously bowing Chancellor Esteban – early to retire to bed with his own new-wife-of-two-days Johanne - an eyebrow twitch that Councilor Kai grimaced at as he was tidying up the emptying Conservatory for his King and Queen.

The King offers his best friend and trusted advisor a nod as the large-set retainer was yet trying to look industrious, even after his attention had already left with that dashing Chancellor and the Councilor's just married sister.

Agnarr still recalled, after all his own hardships and emotional strain over the years, what it is like to be freshly married to the love of his life. And that emotion still burned hot with embers of love even after twenty-nine years to melt away the ice chill inside him stemmed from his current, personally uncertain, inscrutable issues.

"Thank you for trusting our Elsa to go out into the world and make her mark on her own, my King." Iduna whispers adoringly to the stubborn man who had indeed learned his lesson – though it took him nearly all those thirty years she had known him to do so.

Queen Iduna leans her head on King Agnarr's chest as he leads her upstairs to their once again shared bedroom to change for the early evening meal. They pass by King Roland and Queen Miranda, and a few others of the guests in Arendelle Castle halls who were busy packing their traveling bags in the various other occupied rooms.

They all must get ready for their morning launch of the HmNos Gler under Vise Admiral Kommander Hans Westergaard's command and Queen Elsa's authority.

Both Agnarr and Iduna were glad to be the proud parents of two extraordinary young ladies they could be proud to send out into the world to represent this kingdom.

"I do trust my Elsa to purport herself in my place with other world leaders in all politesse and decorum with grace. I only hope my trust is not misplaced in another

The King inaudibly mutters as he and Iduna pass by where the redheaded Danish Prince was standing so tall and proud and eloquently ready to command in the King's drawing room. Queen Elsa had opened it up to hold court with the various young men and women who had not yet retired for packing.

As if he owned the place, Prince Hans appeared to be standing near the fireplace, showing the men the ship plans and schematics on the King's desk to the newly upgraded steamship Gler, as well as the route and port stops he had judiciously chosen on the maps to Portugal and beyond.

But as he was speaking, from time to time, long-legged pacing Prince Hans would simultaneously loom over the delicate, regal platinum blonde who was seated nearby on a settee with the other young female Royals.

They had insisted on seeing Elsa's royal jewelry regalia that she must wear at the wedding - including that stunning platinum engagement ring that adorned her delicate finger— as the Royal maid of honor on the romantic Valentine day wedding in Paraiso.

King Agnarr's protective fatherly eyes glimpse that unmistakably possessive, keen awareness on the Danish Prince's face that never strayed far from his young Queen, even while he was addressing the others.

And Prince Hans of the Southern Isles looked like the proverbial cat who ate the canary all the while.

The oft-restless King of Arendelle wondered if he made the right choice, after all, as his wife had to drag him the rest of the way up the long, winding stairs to change into their proper dinner clothes.

But it was already decided.


In a whirlwind of packing the luggage trunks with numerous servants' help, the Royal family of Enchancia, along with Prince Hugo, Princess Cleo, and Princess Hildegard, set off for the Arendelle docks not long after the 9 AM sunrise.

Hugo had not forgotten his husky dog sled team, requesting for King Agnarr and his groomsmen to keep watch and feed them well until the Russian Prince passed by, after the return voyage, on his way back to Kiev.

Instead of bidding his sister 'Farvel' (goodbye), Chancellor Esteban and his new wife Johanne were surprised at last minute to be joined on board the deck of the Gler by a breathlessly heaving with exertion Minister Kai.

The portly servant had bounded up the gangway plank under his heavy weight, added to by luggage of special foodstuffs that his wife Gerda insisted they carry on board for the Queen.

"Ah, yes, I am sending Arendelle's Chief Councilor out with you, Elsa, to serve as your right-hand man, as Councilor Kai has always been invaluable to myself on many past crossings to visit other members of royalty. You will find faithful, well-studied Kai to be versed in the diverse cultures that you and your party may encounter on your journey to southern Europe and beyond that, to the American continent across the ocean." Agnarr explains to his daughter as Kai, officiously dressed in many high-collared coats, is accompanied by his plump little wife Gerda, bouncing up the ship's plank with a big, bright smile just as it was about to be raised.

King Agnarr and Queen Iduna had personally come to the port to accompany their precious daughter in one of the many carriages set out from Arendelle Castle to the Gler awaiting them at the docks.

"Consider this a long-deserved vacation for our dearest old servants. Seeing Johanne settled into her new home is important for Kai, and Gerda's brand of doting care on board ship will no doubt do you a world of good to surely make you feel a bit like home." The Queen mother saw no real consequence in the older couple tagging along, but it placated her anxious husband to some degree.

"Watch over yourself in that great wide New World, my Snow Angel." Agnarr says to Elsa in his low voice bass, pulling her aside as protective confidante.

"Yes, Papa, I promise I will." Elsa reassures them, looking prim and proper with good posture and pristine coiffed hair in her low chignon bun. Elsa looked so regal, wearing her purple embroidered velveteen suit jacket as she nods to her parents shyly.

"You are such a beautiful, in-charge of your life, grown-up lady now, Elsa. Just enjoy yourself on this exciting journey with your young man. I'm so proud of you." Queen Iduna whispers with a kiss goodbye to her pale child. Closing her eyes, the gifted Northuldran mother mentally calls upon the spirits of the elements also dear to her heart to travel alongside her daughter when needed.

"Yes. Be my good, brave girl, Elsa. God be with you." Bowing his head to the Creator who held greater power than all the spirits He formed, with a deep breath intake, Agnarr collects his checked emotion. With a cool fatherly kiss to Elsa's similarly chilled cheek in fond farewell before Elsa pauses at the ramp the led to the Gler's top deck to speak to Anna.

"You be careful up north with the Trolls, Anna. They're well-meaning, but not always the gentlest of folk." Elsa gives her baby sibling a tender hug, eyes motioning down to where a tiny little stranger, vulnerable to Rock Troll musically raucous tomfoolery and new to above ground Fire Troll cumbersomeness, was entirely in her sister's care within.

"Don't worry so much about me and my little bun in the oven, Elsa! We were born ready to travel!" Straggler Anna vigorously states, hugging her emotional Papa close. "It's in his tough seafaring Viking ancestors/ spiritual Northuldran native plus magic Snow Queen/Saami nomad/ rugged ice harvesting blood!" The perky princess pronounces her baby's descriptive long lineage exuberantly to her sister. Anna thumbs a backwards gaze up to where Kristoff was shaking his head, incredulously chuckling at her from the ship deck above where he was loading Elsa and Eliana's – not to mention Minister Kai's - multiple trunks.

Overhearing, King Agnarr could not help but laugh aloud, rolling his eyes with a smile and encouraged grin down at his baby girl. Then his fluctuating between icy pale blue and normal hazel eyes gaze upon his elder child.

And more particularly, the young man who had escorted her up to the deck of this vessel he would again captain where so many of their memories were heroically made.

"Any last minute commands, Sir, as we head out to sea?" Prince Hans dares to ask in age-old naval tradition as he and King Agnarr walk up onto the Gler's bridge to 'check' the ship's instruments.

"Don't give me the chance to further deliberate on it, Kommander." Agnarr rumbles quietly beneath his ginger smile so as not to alert neither wife nor child. "Lest my purported stubborn side I've heard much about of late rears its ugly head and I land in dire straits with my better conscience." The King's eyes guardedly gestured to his 'better self', AKA Queen Iduna, who was down on the foredeck with Anna, primping at Elsa's braid and sentimental warm grey cloak. It was the Arendelle naval coat which her father had always wrapped around his naval heir when Agnarr had taken Elsa to the docks to explain her duty to her ships and sailors someday. The same type cherished coat that Elsa had always admired Kommander Westergaard wearing, had been quickly tailored to be more form fitting feminine and flattering for the young Queen's tall, slender form now.

King Agnarr looks at how grown-up and responsible, a mature, unifying, capable leader and Royal naval ruler his beloved firstborn had become. Take the first step…Time to start to let it go, man.

SIGH. It is hard being a father.

"This voyage down the continent, and then on to South America via the HmNos Gler, will prove a fortuitous opportunity for you, Vise Admiral. As, if all requirements and proprieties are met with exemplary service, I may consider it the finish of your obligated tour of duty required to my nation's naval service to fully join her ranks as established citizen in our royal line tradition." King Agnarr had no idea how much that one sentence sent pure elation through Hans Westergaard's tingling senses, but the joy was evident on the speechless young Dane's face.

"Prince Hans. You have proven yourself time and time again to be a responsible officer and a wholly reformed gentleman of character enough to myself and my family many times to warrant this privilege from me. So, as Queen Elsa's father, the King of Arendelle and Admiral of the fleet you proudly serve in, permit me to bless you both on this memorable and no doubt romantic voyage together as an official affianced couple to that idyllic warmer climate. It is a setting I remember well with fondness, spent with my own youthful beauty years ago, along as a regret or two. But I hope you will not squander the providence of your vacance, as I almost did as a foolish, rashly jealous youth many decades ago, had not my shining angel granted me undeserved mercy that all we men must cherish our ladies for." King Agnarr imparts all this in a low murmur to a stunned Hans while he was gazing at the scene of his lovely three girls embracing goodbye hugs and well wishes, now that Halima and Mattias had joined Gerda and Kai on deck to see their dear friend Johanne off, too.

"Perhaps this will be a time for a new world of new discoveries for us all." The older man mutters enigmatically under his breath, causing intuitive Prince Hans to cock his head at the King with keen eyes trying to decipher the greater meaning hidden there in his words.

Turning back to his second-in-command, Admiral Bernadotte's sudden, conversation-ending salute would have to be sufficient for now, as the two men stride side by side down the loading steps back to the dock as per traditional launch.

Prince Hans' eyes travel to his Queen Elsa and the ocean he would be responsible to traverse for her in his full purview starting now and soon henceforth.


There were waves of farewells and hugs and kisses as a weeping Marshmallow and his bouncing snowgie kinsman all wished their big brother Olaf and snow girlfriend Eliana wordless 'good lucks' and 'goodbyes' for their exciting journey across the sea.

But as to why Olaf would want to travel to a sweltering, warmer clime, none of the other frozen snow creature clan fully comprehended their snowman brother's desire to visit.

"Fair winds and following seas, Vise Admiral. I give you my leave to serve and protect your Queen, your passengers, your crew to your utmost capacity." At the Arendelle dock, standing before the readied to sail HmNos Gler, Admiral Agnarr gives the age-old naval salutation in a more formal address.

The remodeled steamship had been ordered to be shipshape and prepared for departure this bitterly cold, late December early morning.

"Aye-aye, Admiral. I take my leave of you with the vow to return your fine vessel in first-rate condition to this port, well before the Spring equinox. I hold my duty of command at sea of your Sjoforsvaret vessel to be sacrosanct, as I swear upon my Bible before the magnanimous Creator of all, I will ensure the welfare of Queen Elsa, as you would, Admiral Bernadotte, at all costs, onboard ship, even to whatsoever foreign port we travel. On my honor." Still trembling inside from all the King had imparted to him moments ago, Prince Hans – no Kommander Westergaard, in charge at sea of the Norwegian fleet from this moment until the King relieved him of duty upon return, salutes his Admiral before formally asking, as per naval protocol:

"Permission to deploy your Navy's premier vessel, the HmNos Gler, Sir?"

"Permission granted, Vise Admiral. I delegate her and all who sail the sea to your authority, and place their welfare in your diligent, watchful hands." The Admiral and his second-in-command officer exchange ceremonious words in transfer of authority, to which Agnarr adds:

"I'm entrusting the future of all I most treasure to your care, Sir. Do not disappoint me. Godspeed, Son." The King speaks that latter part in a low voice so that only Hans could hear his expectantly trust endowing, yet still intimidating sentiment.

Hans nods in comprehension of the responsibility he was taking on from this honorable man, the respected King of Arendelle, whom Hans esteemed more than any other, now more than ever.

And not just because King Agnarr was his beloved Elsa's father.

Then the Prince of the Southern Isles takes a breath of the bracing cold air of the sea calling to him and offers his Queen his arm as he escorts her purposefully up the ramp. Prince Hans stands side by side with Elsa, proudly at the foredeck of his new ship. The Prince of the Southern Isles exchanges a glance with General Mattias, standing as always close behind his 'Crown Prince', now again playing dual role as the King's official personal guard as well as head of the Arendelle Army.

At the last second, an emotionally bereft of words Anna runs over the plank ramp just before it went up, with a hop and jump to Sven's stabilizing back as he carries her up the rest of the way.

The intuitive reindeer was 'homn-ing' his farewell beside Kristoff up to Elsa and a waving Olaf when both jaw-dropped man and beast saw Anna's crazy leap of faith, to run up and hug her best friend one more time, and the quick cloven-toed rangifer responded immediately.

"Hold tight, Iduna." Then, the girls' trying-to-be-stoic Papa unleashes his Ice King slide back up to the top deck to follow her rash ginger lead, with an unwitting Iduna being transported along under his one retaining warmth arm.

As soon as her Papa arrived, an inexplicably weeping Anna wraps her arms around his Naval uniform neck, almost knocking the King's official black and gold Arendelle Admiral's cloak off as she pulls him tight and lovingly strong into her shared embrace with Elsa.

Agnarr had tried to refrain from showing much emotion until the caring father could not help but hug his more resolute daughter to his chest as well, kissing her blonde forehead tenderly.

Seeing her in his refitted grey Aredelle cloak she loved to be wrapped in as a little girl, the King recalls when Elsa was just a tiny girl who looked up to her first hero and all he wanted was to shield and protect her from the world that wouldn't understand her gifts.

But look at her now, all grown up and ready to face the new world.

"Now, Papa. Elsa will be fine." Queen Iduna says in a motherly way, looking quite lovely on her King's arm in her violet long coat and Northuldran shawl that was aglow with the spirits' sentiments for their special elemental sister for her distant journey. Iduna smiles into her husband's eyes that were sprinkled with emotion as Anna's stretched wide arms pull in her smiling mother into their embrace too.

"Please don't worry. We will all be together when the snows melt in the Spring and the good Lord paints the world green anew." Were those tears of love behind Queen Elsa's cool blue eyes? Her parents appreciated how much the Lord of all forgiveness and mercy had given back to them this beautiful young woman who had hidden herself away in loneliness and fear they wrongly imposed upon her, once upon a time.

Both Agnarr and Iduna look in pleasant surprise to see their once withdrawn, reticent elder daughter wholeheartedly join the once undreamt of family hug under their Creator's sunny blue sky with a kiss of her own to each of them in return.

"Until then, God be with you 'til we meet again, Mama, Papa. I love you both very much." Elsa expresses the words with such open devotion she could never before utter since the cold set in over a decade ago.

She kisses Agnarr and Iduna's pleased cheeks with control and regal nobility before Elsa collects herself and leans on Hans' arm. Ever present at her side Hans looks over the Arendelle family, as the King and Queen are picked up by Svala, whom Kristoff had sent up for them.

"Have fun! And write me every day! Er, well, almost every day! Eek! How 'bout—at least once a week!? Yeah, that shouldn't be too much! Now don't forget! And remember, I'll always be with you! I love you!" Clambering onto Sven with a wave farewell to Olaf and Eliana, Anna hugs and kisses Elsa emotionally tight, giving Hans one last saucy, warning glance and poke that plainly said: 'But not too much fun for you, Sailor.'

Elsa smiles with a grateful, unspoken nod to reliable General Mattias to care for her parents and sister in her absence as sure-footed Kommander Westergaard escorts his most precious cargo - her - on his arm up to the forecastle of the Gler.

Once there, before the entire crew and audience - particularly her gleaming-eyed Papa below, Elsa prepares to speak eloquently projected and uncommonly loud, as the Queen assumes her mantle as ruler of the Sjoforsvaret Admiralty, only under the ultimate authority of the ship's Kommander.

Which Hans found a rather titillating mental picture.

"Then let us set sail, Kommander Westergaard! Towards the sunset on the western horizon!" Queen Elsa lifts her head high and proudly voluble to give the Admiralty's personal order for the man who commanded her heart as well as her Naval vessel, to now take full command of the exciting voyage ahead for them all.


min kaereste - 'my darling' in Danish


Hello, Frozen Again friends!

This chapter title is derived from the proverb of Chinese philosopher Laozi in the 'Tao Te Ching'. 千里之行,始於足下; which literally means: "A journey of a thousand miles starts beneath one's feet"

Well, Elsa & Hans and their friends from Avalor and Enchancia have certainly begun that long mileage trek! But not with their feet as much as on a fast-paced steamship across the sea! :)

Vise Admiral Kommander Westergaard is in quite a position of trust from his superior/ future father-in-law! King Agnarr, realizing mercy and forbearance at last it seems for his child's happiness, has imparted many things that have given Hans great hope, including his required 2 year tour of duty will be coming to completion early! Wow! Quite a New Year shift for the stringent Ice King! But still, Hans had better watch his step on this sea voyage! (Looks like the King sent an emissary in the obese form of his right-hand man on the Gler! Be on your best behavior, Hans! At least when Kai's looking! ;0 )

They're on the way to Portugal to meet with Princess Valentina's impressive, 'better than anything' on the ocean, cruise ship yacht, before the party all head together to Paraiso, Brazil, where wedding bells will be ringing 'just a little bit more' magnificently than anywhere else in the world!

Are you starting to pity poor Alonso yet? ^-*

I've got the next episode already typed out hopefully for next weekend as the Arendelle group and friends make their way down the coast, then off to South America for Valentine's Day! There'll be a special royal guest star in the next episode as the Gler makes a pit stop at port in merry ole England!

God bless you all! Thankyou so much for your patience in this busy new year!

I'd appreciate hearing your reviews on this Helsa romantic trip story arc counting down to their much awaited Spring wedding! ^_^

Love and hugs,

Haruka


P.S. Thanks for reminding me of Anna's tossed out Christmas hat present for Kristoff! You inspired the cute little 'Kusto' scene, my dearest friend Saman-chan! Again, doumo arigatou (thanks)!