(This chapter has been revised 6/13/2024)

Anna's Perfect Day

The two children and reindeer made their way through the town. They had arrived at a massive marketplace of sorts. There were stands all around, with different people selling many things. Some of which Anna had never seen before.

"I've never seen so many people gathered in one area," Anna said, awestruck.

Kristoff had a hard time keeping up with the princess. She ran to every stand she saw. Kristoff could somewhat understand her excitement. Plus, he found her enthusiasm rather charming.

They both continued walking when Anna noticed a floral stand. She immediately went over to it to get a closer look. It contained a variety of flowers in pots.

"These flowers are lovely." Anna gave a quick sniff. "And smell really nice!"

"Why thank you, young lady," said the vendor. "These are the finest flowers in all of Norway!"

"What's that one?" Anna pointed to a small blue-purplish flower.

"That is a Blåveis."

"It's pretty."

"They indeed are. Here." The vendor got a strand of the flower and gave it to Anna.

"Oh, you don't have to, sir."

"No need for that. Only one strand is free. It's nice to meet someone who appreciates flowers."

"In that case, thank you." Anna was about to walk away before stopping herself. "By the way, do you know which way the town square is?

"Just go down this street, and then you turn on the second left."

"Okay, thank you, sir."

Anna left the floral stand and found her way back to Kristoff.

"So, how did that go?" he asked.

"It was nice. The man gave me this flower." Anna showed the boy the plant.

"That was nice of him."

"I better put it somewhere safe. But where? If I put it in my pocket, it'll get torn up."

Kristoff had a sudden idea. "Hand me that flower for a second." Anna hesitated for a moment before giving the flower to him. Kristoff carefully placed it on top of Anna's right ear. "There. Now your flower is in a secure place."

Anna was at a loss for words. "...Thank you, Kristoff." The boy couldn't see it, but the young girl gave a light blush. "Oh! The vendor told me that town is just down the street and a go on the second left."

"That sounds helpful." Before they could move, a slight growl was heard from Anna's stomach. "Haven't eaten recently, huh princess?"

"Not since breakfast…"

"Maybe with luck, we'll find a cafe or something."

While walking in the direction Anna was given, they did manage to find a small cafe. Anna had enough pocket money for both of them or at least a princess's definition of pocket money. Thankfully, this was a simple cafe with nothing fancy. The two went inside, while Sven had to wait, given that animals weren't allowed. However, the reindeer didn't seem to be bothered.

The two friends were sitting at a table eating their food. Both of them ordered sandwiches. While doing so, Anna decided to get to know Kristoff better.

"...Wait, so you're telling me that's what your family is?" Anna recalled with a hint of amusement.

"Yep," Kristoff answered. "Weird, I know. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't believe me."

"Of course I do. I just never expected it."

"Well, regardless, they still took me and Sven in, and I'm grateful for that. Though they can be inappropriate. And loud...very loud."

"They sound so different from my parents. Mine are so regal and serious most of the time. When they do have their moments, it's very funny. Earlier this morning, my papa was drooling so much he made a puddle, and my mama had one crazy bedhead!"

Kristoff chuckled at that. "That does sound funny. Despite our family's flaws, we still love them."

"Even if they're big stinkers sometimes."

Kristoff & Anna both giggled as they continued eating their lunch.

After finishing eating, the children & reindeer restarted their journey to the town square. Anna was still looking around at the sites around her. Of course, she wanted to get back with her parents as soon as possible, but she didn't want to rush herself.

As she looked around, something caught her attention. Nearby, it looked like a massive painting on a wall. Wanting to look closer, Anna stepped forward, with Kristoff not far behind.

The artwork was about eight to ten feet tall and contained a painting of a small girl who looked to be about three to five years old. She had a single braid and was wearing a light blue dress. Her hands were clasped before her body, and her head was slightly tilted. Her almost white blonde hair and pure blue eyes were her most noticeable features.

"Kristoff, what's this?" Anna asked.

"Huh?" Kristoff turned to see that Anna was talking about the mural. "Oh, that. It looks like a mural."

"What's that?"

"It's basically a huge painting on a big wall."

"Who's the girl in the mural, though?"

He shrugged. "Beats me. Probably just some random girl."

Something in Anna told her otherwise. The princess continued to stare at the mural girl. She looked into the girl's face, especially her eyes. While Anna had never met someone like her, there was something familiar about the girl.

"Hey Anna! You coming?"

"Oh right!" Anna said after she was taken out of the trance.

The trio started to walk away again. However, Anna could help by giving one last look at the mural before stepping out of view.

"I knew this was a bad idea!"

"Agdar, please. We need to stay calm. Getting upset will not make this better." Idun stroked her husband's arm to put him at ease.

Little over an hour ago, they discovered that Anna had disappeared. Whether she purposely ditched them or accidentally wandered off is unknown. Right now, their top priority is to find her. So far, there hasn't been any sign. Agdar became frantic, while Idun did everything he could to keep him calm.

"We just have to clear our heads and figure out a plan."

"But where could she have gone too? She could be anywhere."

"I don't know, but someone must have seen her. We just need to ask around."

Agdar took a deep breath. "You're right."

And so they both stuck with their plan. They would ask people if they had seen the princess. The town guards were also alert of this and promised to keep an eye out for her. The two rulers manage to make their way into the marketplace. They would go by each stand to ask their question. So far, most of them didn't have any idea. Soon the couple reached a floral stand.

"Excuse me, sir?" Idun called the vendor.

The vendor turned around to face the King & Queen.

"Oh, your majesty's!" The man gave a quick bow. "This is quite unexpected. To what I earned the pleasure?"

"We want to ask you a quick question. Have you seen a young girl, about nine, with freckles and two braids?"

"Hmm...As a matter of fact, I believe I did."

"You did!" Agdar perked up.

"Yeah. She came up here to look at my flowers. She liked the Blåveis I have here. I gave her one strand for free."

"How long ago? Did you know where she was going?"

"She did ask for directions to the town square. So, I believe that is where she intends to go. She left about a half hour ago. There was a boy as well."

"A boy?" Idun muttered.

That added detail had caught both royals off guard. Agdar & Idun just looked at each other with the same confused expressions. But they returned their attention to the vendor.

"What did he look like?" Agdar asked.

"He had blonde hair and looked around 12. Had a reindeer with him. The two kids seem to get along well."

"Did this boy have a name?"

"I think I heard her call him something...Christopher? No, wait! Kristoff, I believe. Are there any more questions I can answer?

"No. That would be all, sir. Thank you." Agdar almost walked away before taking a small bag that had money. "A token of our thanks."

Both royals left after giving the money to the vendor. They started to go down the path they hoped Anna would go down. While they were still concerned for her, something else was on their minds.

"At least Anna knows where to go and that she isn't alone," Idun stated.

"I'm fine with the former. It's the latter I'm concerned with," Agdar stated.

"Agdar, don't overthink this. Maybe this Kristoff is just helping her. But please, don't scare him off if he's still with her. He's just a child."

"I know." However, Agdar's protective side nagged him otherwise, and he mentally composed questions he might ask the boy.

Idun, meanwhile, kept thinking about the boy. Was this boy just helping her out? Or did Anna manage to make a new friend?

Of course, their questions will only be answered once they find their daughter and her new companion.

"This chocolate tastes amazing!" Anna took another bite of a piece. During the walk, she caught the scent again. This time, it led her to a traveling chocolate stand. With the remainder of her pocket money, Anna purchased three huge boxes of chocolate.

"You must really love them if you bought three boxes," Kristoff commented.

Anna looked at him thoughtfully. "Actually, Kristoff, those other boxes aren't for me."

"Oh? Who are they for?"

"The second box is for my parents. A 'sorry for running off' gift, y'know?"

"And the third one?"

"I got it...for a friend."

"I thought you said you didn't have any friends."

"Well, I do now."

Anna looked at him the moment she said that. Kristoff took a moment to comprehend who she was referring to.

"Me?" Kristoff muttered, and Anna nodded in response. "You see me a friend?"

"Why wouldn't I? You were willing to help me, even before I told you I was a princess. You listened to my issues, even though you could've just ignored me. And you help me have the greatest day I've ever had."

"Wow, I...I've never had a friend before."

Sven gave an annoyed grunt and nudged his companion.

"Okay, a human friend I mean."

Anna giggled at his reaction.

"You really want me as a friend?"

The princess nodded as she held out the box of chocolate. She waited for his response to the gift. After several minutes, Kristoff put his hands on the gift.

Kristoff nodded. "Friends."

Anna gave a bright smile.

The two friends talked as they kept on walking. Kristoff even offered to share his chocolate with Anna. She accepted his offer but only took a few since she finished her box and didn't want to eat Kristoff's. They kept on walking and talking until a clearing came up.

"Hey, Anna. I think that's the square up ahead."

Anna looked straight ahead. She could see the overhead view of the center and the docks where the ships were. And, of course, she could see the castle, her home.

"We found it!"

"So, now that we're here, what will you do?"

"Oh, um." Anna stuttered. "I'll just wait here until my parents or a guard finds me."

"I guess you don't need me anymore."

Kristoff was about to walk away when Anna shouted, "Wait!" Causing him to stop.

"Since we're friends, you should meet my parents," Anna suggested.

"You think they don't mind me hanging around you?"

"Of course, they wouldn't. They're not those types of royals. I mean, my mama might warm up to you, but Papa might ask you questions 'cause you know he's protective of me. Of course, you know that since I told you that. But anyway, I think my papa will like you too."

"Well...I guess I can stick around a little longer." Sven nudges Kristoff a little closer to Anna. A little to close. This caused the boy to give an annoyed stare at his reindeer. But that was done when he saw Anna smiling, and he gave an uneasy smile.

"Well, um."

"This is...awkward," Anna mentioned.

There was nothing but silence between the children.

"So, what do you want to do while we wait?" Kristoff asked.

"Hmm..." Anna thought about what to do. There were some shops around, but she was tired of seeing shops. Most of her pocket money was gone, so she couldn't buy anything else. She then heard some music. Turning in the direction, she saw a group playing instruments.

"Let's check those guys out!" Anna pointed to the musicians.

"Go ahead. I'll join up in a bit."

The princess dashed to the musicians. Anna thought it was lovely music. She unknowingly started tapping her foot to the rhythm of the music. Kristoff had been making sure Sven would wait while he was with Anna. When Kristoff did make his way, he saw Anna dancing around. The musicians seemed to play along as she danced.

Once she saw Kristoff, she gestured for him to join. Kristoff waved to decline, but Anna went over and dragged him in. Although annoyed, he decided to play along.

Their dancing started to attract the attention of other townsfolk, mostly children. A small crowd began to gather, which made Anna even more excited. She gestured for the children watching to join in. Some were reluctant at first, but they soon started joining this dance. Soon, more children joined in while the adults watched with amused looks as the children danced.

At that moment, the king & queen themselves had made their way to the square. They had spent most of the day looking for their daughter, but she hadn't turned up. Right now, they hoped that she did make it to the square.

"Do you see her?" Agdar asked.

"No," Idun replied.

Agdar's anxiety started rising up as he desperately kept looking around. Aside from a crowd of children dancing nearby, there was no sign of Anna, but the king would not give up. As he kept looking, he noticed a creature with antlers nearby a bench.

"Is that a reindeer? Why do I get the feeling that…"

Something then clicked in Agdar. It had something to do with the reindeer.

"Idun. Do you see that animal?" Agda pointed to the creature.

"The reindeer?"

"Yes! Do you remember what the flower vendor said earlier?"

"That Anna was with a boy?"

"He also mentioned a reindeer was with them. There's not many reindeer in town."

Idun's face widens in realization. "Oh, of course! So if a reindeer is here…"

"Then Anna has to be here somewhere!" Agdar concluded.

They both started looking around again. While they did, they got a close look at the reindeer. He seemed to be a few years old. The reindeer give a friendly look towards them. The sound of a child cheering was heard, and it came from the direction of the dancing children. This time, the royal couple looked closer at the children. One struck out to them the most. A strawberry-blonde-haired girl with two braids was specifically dancing next to a blonde-haired boy.

Anna continued to dance. All she heard around her were the happy cheers of the children and the chants of the adults watching. Anna danced and danced with Kristoff alongside her. Though the boy was reluctant, he admitted that he was having fun. As he danced, he kept his eyes on Anna. She was a good dancer.

Then, the musicians came up with the final notes of the current song. Anna twirled around in the rhythm of the notes. The final note arrived, and Anna made an elegant pose as it occurred. The children and adults applauded.

"Oh, thank you," Anna slightly blushed. She was never used to this kind of attention. "Just someone having fun, that's all."

After a few minutes of applause, the crowd started to disperse. Anna was still catching her breath from all the dancing. Next to her was Kristoff, who was quite impressed.

"Wasn't that fun, Kristoff?"

"Y'know I have to admit, that was the most fun I'd had. Never took you for a dancer."

"Being a princess taught me one or two things about dancing."

"More like a lot. That was great."

"Really? Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Anna was quiet as she thought about what to say to her friend.

"Um, Kristoff, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"When my parents find me, I probably won't be out here for a while. I want to ask if you would like to come by the castle sometime? If you still want to be my friend, that is fine."

"You sure your folks won't mind?"

"I'm not sure about that. They're always suspicious when it comes to strangers. But if they say yes, would you?"

Kristoff remained silent as he considered his answer. The longer the silence went, the more nervous Anna became. But he soon gave his answer.

"Of course."

Anna smiled. Before she could say anything else, a male voice called her name, bringing her attention.

"Anna!"

The two friends turned in the direction of the voice, only to see the King & Queen themselves.

"Mama! Papa!" Anna ran straight into her parent's arms.

"Oh, Anna! We were so worried about you," Idun said.

"Are you alright? What happened?" Agdar asked.

"I'm fine. I was waiting for you to be down with those rich people when I smelt chocolate. I wanted to get some, but I ended up lost. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to run off from you guys."

"It's a fine, sweetheart. We're just glad that you're alright. We should've watched you better."

"But it wasn't all that bad. I made a friend. He helped me get here, and we both explored the town. I want you to meet him."

Anna turned away from her parents, went over to Kristoff, and dragged him to her parents.

"Mama. Papa. Meet Kristoff. Kristoff. Meet my mama & papa."

The young ice harvester could only give a nervous smile and an awkward wave.

"Uh, hello…" The boy managed to utter out.

"Young man, "Agdar asked in a gentle, calm, yet firm voice. "Did you help my daughter get here?"

"Yes," Kristoff answered. He decided to be as honest as possible as his family had always taught him.

"What exactly happened?" Agdar asked mostly towards Anna.

Both children explained how they met and what their day was like together. Both rulers listened to every detail. While Idun seemed to warm up to Kristoff already, Agdar slowly grew less skeptical of him as his daughter's and her companion's story went on.

"And now we're friends!" Anna also added.

"Yeah, heh..." Kristoff added.

Both rulers didn't say anything for the few seconds that had passed. That is until Idun spoke up.

"Thank you, Kristoff, for helping our daughter find her way. I just hope it wasn't a problem for you."

"It wasn't, your majesty. I actually enjoyed her company."

"Mama, papa there's something I would like to ask."

"Oh?"

"Would you be alright if Kristoff visited the castle?"

"Oh well," Idun stuttered. "I don't see any problem. Though that would depend on your father."

Anna looked at her father with a hopeful look in eyes. Agdar had thought about his answer. He never liked random strangers visiting the castle without permission for safety reasons. Agdar would've most wanted to say 'no' in a heartbeat, given that he hardly knew the boy. But after hearing about his daughter's time with Kristoff, new knowledge of their friendship made him think differently. Seeing his daughter express her happiness by spending time with her newfound friend made him realize something.

He had been holding Anna back for all these years. Perhaps his wife's statement last night was correct. It may be time for Agdar to 'cut loose.'

"What do you think of him, Anna?" Agdar asked.

"He's very nice. If he didn't want to stick around, he would've left me alone earlier," Anna answered.

"If you trust him, I suppose he could be allowed to visit."

"Really?" Anna asked again, to which Agdar nodded.

Anna hugged her father while practically thanking him over and over again. After that settled, Anna talked with Kristoff to discuss when he could visit. Agdar watch as this occurred.

"It seems you were right," Agdar said to his wife.

Idun looked over to him. "About what?"

"About Anna making a friend."

This day might've not been perfect for Agdar, but it was perfect for Anna. That was more than enough for him.

(EDIT: 11/25/17. I have renamed the chapter title.)

I apologize if the ending seemed rush. I didn't know how else to end the chapter. But anyways...

Holy cow! Over 1,000 views, 14 followers, 12 reviews, and 8 favorites?! I just only had 4 chapters beforehand. Thank you guys so much!

I was going to put Anna & Kristoff's adventure in town in the last chapter. But it would've been too long. So yeah.

Blåveis is a type of Norwegian flower, btw (Research!).

See ya next chapter!