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Anna was still reeling from the events of the past few days. She had been dragged into the depths of despair, forcing herself to crawl out as every heartbeat surged with agony. Even the rush of adrenaline from baiting the stone giants couldn't make her feel alive, as her world had gone murky grey. When she discovered that Elsa and Olaf didn't die, she was thrust to the highest peak of elation she had ever known. Her joy was only multiplied when she found out Arendelle didn't fall, and Kristoff proposed to her. Colour erupted back into her life like fast-blooming flowers, so bright they made her squint.
She was approached by Elsa, who looked like a Goddess in her ethereal white dress. Once she took off the satin gloves, she really did develop a flair for the dramatic.
"You look exhausted," she said, cradling Anna's arms. She may have ice powers, but her voice was so warm whenever she spoke to Anna.
"I feel wide awake," she replied, pulling Elsa into another hug to check she was really there. She grounded herself in the familiar embrace that was both gentle but firm.
"Come, sit down," Elsa said when they broke apart, guiding her to a smooth log. "I'd conjure you an armchair, but I'm not sure an icy one would feel nice."
"Yeah, that's the reason you left your ice palace," Anna joked, lowering herself down with a sigh.
"Oh, definitely the only reason," Elsa replied sarcastically, smiling as she sat down. She wrapped an arm around Anna, who rested her head on her shoulder. Now that she wasn't standing, Anna could feel the heaviness in her bones. Her eyelids drooped, and she became lightheaded. The wind in the leaves was so calming...
● ● ●
She couldn't remember falling asleep, but burst awake and yelled, "Elsa?!"
"I'm here," Elsa said, squeezing her hand. Anna let out a breath, taking in her surroundings. Gorgeous autumn leaves carpeted the ground, and the sky shone baby blue. She was in the wagon, covered by a blanket and mother's scarf. She held the scarf to her nose, taking a deep inhale of its comforting scent. "What time is it?" she asked, voice still thick with sleep.
"Almost sunset," Kristoff replied from the front of the sleigh. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"
"I need another warm hug!" Olaf said, flopping down on Anna's lap.
She giggled and held him close. "I'm just so glad you're all okay," she sighed.
"So am I," said Elsa.
"Me too," added Kristoff.
"Me four!" chirped Olaf. "I can't count." Sven neighed in confirmation.
They continued in comfortable silence for a while until Kristoff spoke up after a particularly straining uphill climb. "I think Sven needs a break," he said, earning an appreciate neigh.
"Oh phew, we were getting tired!" sighed Olaf, who had been lounging on Sven's saddle.
"Good idea," said Anna, pecking Kristoff on the lips.
"We won't arrive at Arendelle for a while," he said. "I think we should settle down for the night. It's not safe to travel along the cliffs in this darkness."
"Alright, we can rest," Elsa replied.
"We're also running low on supplies; I'll collect some firewood," Kristoff added.
"Thanks, fiancé!" Anna said, giving him a hug.
"You're very welcome, fiancé-ette," he replied dramatically, unhooking Sven from the sleigh.
"That's not a word," she grinned.
"It is now!" he exclaimed, disappearing into the treeline with Sven trotting beside him.
"Onwards, trusty steed!" announced Olaf, still balanced on Sven's back.
"Bye, boys!" called Elsa. The sisters watched the brilliant sunset together, the vast sky streaked with pink and orange.
"So- what exactly happened with Ahtohallan?" Anna eventually asked. She had been briefed on the basics, but was hungry for more details. Elsa took a deep breath, then told her everything. Anna felt a rising horror as she relayed her treacherous journey on foot across the Dark Sea. She gasped as Elsa described the Water Spirit, an ethereal horse that tried to drown her before she managed to tame it. Elsa's eyes shined as she told Anna how she felt inside the mighty glacier. She said it was like returning to a home you never knew you had, everything shifting in place with cool, crisp clarity. Her voice wobbled as she revealed the appearance of their mother, singing their childhood lullaby. Anna clasped a hand over her mouth, eyes welling up with tears. She gave a watery smile when Elsa recalled the snowy figures of Arendelle past. When she reached the part about their grandfather, Anna clutched the hem of her coat tightly.
"I don't understand how he could be so cruel," she muttered.
"He said that magic makes people feel like they can defy the will of a king," sneered Elsa.
"I'm ashamed to be related to him."
Elsa's face softened. "The Spirits chose to spare Arendelle for a reason. That reason is you," she said, taking Anna's hands and running soothing circles into her palms.
"I'm so grateful to them. I hope the citizens are doing well, too."
"Oaken will be glad his trading post wasn't washed away," Elsa remarked, hoping to lighten the mood a little. "He just upgraded his sauna, after all."
"Ooh, he did? I could use a long hot steaming when we get home. Everywhere aches," groaned Anna. "So what happened next?"
"I followed him out of the main room down a dark corridor. He said he built the dam to investigate the Northuldra people's size and strength as they gathered to celebrate. I followed him off a ledge, but the bottom was colder than ice. My fingers went numb, then I realised they were frosting over. It crept across my body like fire through my veins, but I had to know the truth. The Northuldra leader was raising concerns with King Runeard - saying the dam was cutting them off from the north. Runeard suggested discussing it over tea by the Fjord."
"He just wanted to remove him from support to prepare for the attack," Anna said, her fists clenched.
"Exactly. And he attacked from behind as the leader was kneeling down, drinking soup. He coveted unquestionable power, but didn't possess a smidge of honour. The last thought I had before I froze was of you, Anna; it couldn't be anything or anyone else. I sent my message at the last second, knowing the dam had to fall."
Anna breathed heavily for a few moments, leaning against her sister. Elsa eventually asked, "How did you destroy the dam, anyway?"
"When you sent Olaf and I away in that ice boat, we tried to stop, but ended up pushing it into a river. The stone giants were sleeping by the banks."
"Anna, I'm sorry. I should've been more careful," sighed Elsa.
"A while after getting your message, I screamed for them to wake up. I turned myself into bait, leading them to the dam as they threw boulders at me."
"What?! That was so reckless of you!"
"You're criticising me for being reckless?" Anna exclaimed, her brow furrowing. "You ran across the ocean even our parents' ship couldn't cross!"
"I have my powers to protect me."
"And I thought you were gone! I thought Olaf was gone!" yelled Anna, her throat closing up. "I knew the giants could kill me, but I felt completely crushed already! I almost wanted it, because at least my pain would end!"
Elsa looked horrified, her wide eyes overflowing with tears. "Oh, Anna," she cried, grasping her in a tight embrace. Anna fell apart, sobbing into her shoulder. Elsa stroked comforting circles into her back, a gesture their mother used to do when they were little. Their shuddering breaths eventually slowed, and they broke apart.
"I'm so sorry," Elsa said.
"Well, I've got you back now," replied Anna. They settled back into silence, gazing at the sunset's embers. Despite the hardships they had faced, it was peaceful and calm.