A Royal Reunion
The Valley of the Living Rock is quiet, save the hiss of the steam pits. Nearly an hour had passed since the shocking revelation of Elsa & Anna's true connection. The impact of the news caused Elsa to faint. Pabbie and several trolls brought her to one of the caves, leaving Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven to wait. Both reindeer and snowman were occupying each other, Kristoff paced around, while Anna sat on a rock, staring at her lap.
The princess did not budge from her spot nor say a word since Elsa was moved which made Kristoff concerned. He thought Anna would be freaking out over the news. Much to his astonishment, Anna appears to be taking this rather...okay.
"How are you doing?"
"What-oh I'm managing alright," Anna replied.
Kristoff knelt by her side. "You seemed...pretty relaxed about this."
"Is that bad?"
"No, it's just that I'm pretty sure other people would be shocked over discovering their lost sibling."
"I am shocked," Anna blurted. "I found out that the girl who I've been friends with for four months is my sister who had been missing for fifteen years. But at the same time...I'm not. Since my parents told me about my sister, I've had this inkling that both she & Elsa were connected. I think somehow...I knew but I didn't believe it. I'm such an idiot."
"You're not an idiot. How could you have known that Elsa is your sister?"
"They had the same hair, same eye color, even the same freakin name."
"Did your parents tell you she had magic?"
"No...but why didn't they tell me?"
A rolling rock caught their attention. The rock unrolled to reveal Grand Pabbie. "I believe I can provide that information."
"Grand Pabbie! How is she?" Kristoff asks.
"Elsa's fine. She just fainted from the shock but I think she'll wake up soon." Grand Pabbie paused. "I suppose I can answer some questions you may have."
"You knew her name but I never told you guys anything about her." Kristoff paused. "You knew who she was, didn't you Grand Pabbie?" The elder troll nodded to the ice harvester.
"The day that Elsa was taken away, Arendelle was surrounded by a somber aura that lingered for months. I believed that Elsa was lost to the world until several months ago I received this." Pabbie held out his hand which revealed a snowflake surrounded by three leaves. "I was sitting on the cliffs nearby when these flew by. I knew there was something unique about this snowflake. I examined it carefully until I discovered that it was created by Elsa. Not only that, I learned she had come into contact with you, Anna. I then received a vision that you both would come here and discover your relationship."
"Why did you never tell me about it?" Kristoff asked. "If you knew of their friendship you would know I was hanging out with Elsa too."
"Which is why I knew you would be the one to bring them here, Kristoff. Once I found out that all three of you were acquainted, I knew it was only a matter of time before all of you came here. I figure I would be the one to tell you both the truth, but it seemed you both figure that out on your own."
"That doesn't answer why my parents wouldn't tell me that my sis-Elsa has magic." Anna brought up. "Why would they not tell me something like that?"
Pabbie took a deep breath. "Your father has had a bad history with magic. It ranges back to when his father, King Runeard, died."
"But papa told me he died from falling off a cliff."
"That is partially true. You see, Anna, when your father was around your age, he and Runeard went on an expedition to an enchanted forest in the North. There were there to celebrate the alliance with the natives, the Northuldrans. During it, a battle suddenly erupted between the natives and your people, and your grandfather was killed. Your kingdom believed that the Northuldrans attacked first and feared magic since."
"So that's why your parents never mentioned Elsa's magic," Kristoff said. "Every worst moment in your dad's life, magic was involved. Magic was the reason his dad died…"
"...And magic was the reason Elsa was stolen away." Anna finished.
"Regardless of everything, your father still loved Elsa," Pabbie added. "After she was taken, he did everything in his power to find her. The night before the searches were called off he came here. I will never forget the desperation in his eyes. Despite our efforts, we could not help him. Your father...did not take that well. I don't think I've seen that much anger in a person in my long life."
"Papa…" Anna muttered.
As the group remained silent Bulda rolled up to the group.
"Elsa's awake."
A few minutes earlier…
A small sensation of pain is the first thing Elsa felt when she opened her eyes followed by a small groan. She rubbed her head as she rose. Elsa noticed she was in a dimly lit cave laying on a moss bed of sort.
"Oh good, you're awake!" One of the trolls, Bulda she remembers, went to her side.
"What happened?'
"You passed out. You've been out for almost an hour."
Elsa remained quiet until she remembered the revelation, the pain in her head increases. "Anna...She's my…"
"Easy there, dearie. Don't push yourself. Stay put while I'll get my father."
Bulda rolled straight out of the cave, leaving Elsa with her thoughts. As she sat still, memories she had long forgotten crept up in her head. She remembered the kingdom of Arendelle, with the citizens walking in the streets filled with joy. She remembers the castle with the servants doing their duties. She remembers her father playing with her and telling stories. She remembers her mother, her belly big telling Elsa that her sibling is in there. She remembers the night she was kidnapped, how she tried to break free before one of them hit her head.
A yelp came out of Elsa's mouth as she clenched her head, moving her eye level to the ground. She remained that way until Pabbie rolls into the cave.
"How are you feeling, Elsa?"
"My head hurts."
"The headache is a normal side effect. Memories that had been stored away deep into your mind for a long time are a lot to handle, especially with so many at once. Do not worry, the pain will dwindle soon, but there are more pressing matters at hand."
Pabbie glances at the other end of the cave, with Elsa making the same gesture. Anna was standing at the cave's entrance.
"I'll leave you two be. I'm sure you have a lot to discuss."
The elder troll rolls out of the cave, leaving the two girls alone. Anna takes a moment to build up her courage before walking to Elsa.
"Hey."
"Hey…"
"Mind if I sit next to…"
"Oh go ahead." Elsa scooches on her side, giving Anna the space to sit down.
"So...How are you feeling?"
"Like I got hit with a boulder," Elsa said. "That was an expression."
"At least you're finally getting the hang of it."
Both girls chuckled.
"I- uh brought this." Anna pulled out the small ice figurine of her-their parents that Elsa conjured up earlier. "I wasn't sure what to do with it."
Elsa gently took the figurine from Anna. The figures' arms locked with each other but they had warm smiles. She wipes a speck of dirt off the figurine of her father.
"What Pabbie said, is it true? Are we…" Anna nods. "So, we're really…"
"Sisters."
The air between them was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.
"Are you...disappointed?"
"What, no! It..it's not every day you find out your long lost sister is a mountain woman who can make snow & ice."
"Well...At least I'm not boring, right?"
"You're right about that. Never a dull moment when you're around."
Elsa smile before she brought her attention back to her figurine. "You know despite never remembering them, I always thought about my parents. What were they like, what they did, and why they couldn't take care of me. I always figured that maybe they died and that Fritjoff never had the heart to tell me. I thought it was the best reason why they weren't around. Otherwise, the worst reason is that..."
"That they didn't want you. That they never loved you..." Anna finished.
"Exactly. I never pushed the subject with Fritjoff because part of me was afraid it was true."
"But it isn't true! Mama and papa love you so much. They still do."
"Would they still love me even if I never went back after I escaped? I had an opportunity for ten years and I never went back to them."
"It wasn't your fault. It was Fritjoff's. He never told you anything about your past because he stole you from us! Mama and Papa went through so much pain when you were taken. They would be so happy to have you back. I would be happy to have you back," Anna gently grabbed both of Elsa's hands. "My whole life there was a part of me that was missing, but when I'm with you I feel full and know why now. I'm happy you're my sister!"
Anna pulled the ice wielder into a hug. Elsa then hugged back as a smile grew across her lips. "Thank you, Anna..."
The sisters pulled away. Both pairs look at the ground, waiting for one of them to speak up.
"So...now what do we do?" Elsa asks.
"You should let everyone else see you're okay."
The newly discovered sisters slowly stood up. They exited outside of the cave where they were greeted by Pabbie and the trolls. Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf were also closeby as well.
"How are you both doing?" Pabbie asks the sisters.
"Alright, for the most part," Elsa answered. "It's just…
"It's just gonna be an adjustment," Anna stated. "For all of us."
"You are right about that. There will be many changes from this point forward. It won't be easy but it will be good, that I assure you. You both know what you need to do now."
"We do, Pabbie."
"And Elsa," The elder troll brought his attention to the ice wielder. "You've been through a lot in your young life. You experienced horrors that no child should've gone through. Fear has dominated the majority of your life but you should not let it dominate it forever. Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn't make you who you are. It is the rest of the story, who you chose to be. So tell me, who are you?"
Elsa slowly glances around. She looks over to Olaf, then to Kristoff, and then to Anna. She already made her answer.
"For so many years I've always believed I was nobody because of my powers. I spend so many years not knowing who I am. Now I see that it was a lie. I am somebody. I am Princess Elsa Eriksen of Arendelle. Daughter of King Agdar & Queen Idun. And sister to Princess Anna."
The trolls all then cheered, clapped, and danced in celebration. As the small celebration went on Kristoff approached the sisters.
"I guess we all head back to Arendelle then?"
"Not yet. I need to do something if that's okay with you guys."
"I'm supposed to be home soon. If I'm not back mama & papa will freak," Anna mentioned. "But I think I have a good excuse." Elsa gave a smile. "What do you need to do?"
The foyer of the ice palace remains silent despite the presence that inhabited it. Anna waited near the entrance of the palace. Olaf had stuck around with Marshmallow and the Snowgies, filling them on about what had occurred in the Valley. The snow creations had remained quiet though they did give Anna several glances.
Footsteps echoed the foyer. All eyes looked upon Elsa walking down the foyer stairs with a satchel on her shoulder.
"You got everything?" Anna asked.
"Everything that I can bring. I'll have to come back for the rest at some point."
"So you're leaving?" Olaf's words echoed off the foyer.
Elsa glimpsed at her creations, all of which gave gloomy expressions. She shifted her eyes back to Anna, who gave a nod. Elsa walked over and knelt to Olaf's level.
"Yes, Olaf. I'm going back to my home, to my parents."
"It's gonna be so quiet around here without you…" the snowman said gloomily.
Elsa placed her hand on Olaf's face. "Olaf, I won't be gone forever. Once everything is settled, I'll come back to see you guys. You've been my family for the ten years I lived here. No matter where I'll go you'll always be my family."
"We'll miss you."
She wraps her arms around Olaf's body, holding him close."I'll miss you guys too." The Snowgies then huddled around their creator. Then Marshmallow wrapped both of his large hands around the group. Anna had to wipe away a tear that had escaped from her eye. She assumes that won't be the only tear she'll be shedding today. The group hug lasted for a few more moments before it dispersed.
"Keep an eye on this place for me, Olaf?"
" I promise, Elsa."
"Thank you. Goodbye everyone."
Elsa stood to her feet and made her way to Anna. She opens the foyer door to let Elsa exit first.
"Anna." The princess heard Marshmallow's voice bellow out. She turns to meet his gaze. "Keep Elsa safe."
"Don't worry, big guy, I promise." The teenager replied with a smile. She steps outside, the loud thud of the door heard on her ears. She goes down the stairs, where Elsa, Kristoff & Sven were waiting at the bottom.
"Everything went okay," Kristoff asks as both girls made it to the bottom.
"Just some hard goodbyes. I'll be okay," Elsa replied.
Anna put a hand on her shoulder, with a comforting smile on her face. "C'mon guys, let's go home."
Idun paced in the Great Hall for the past half hour. Anna was supposed to be back by now, yet there was still no sign of her. She thanked the Lord that Agdar hasn't noticed yet. After waking up several hours ago he went to his study to get all caught up with his work so much that he hasn't noticed Anna's lateness, yet.
"Anna, I swear you better have a good excuse for being out late or so help me…"
The doors suddenly opened. Anna walked in with Kristoff by her side.
"Anna, where have you been? You're late!" Idun exclaimed.
"I know mama, but I swear I have a good reason why. There's...someone I want you to meet."
Iduna arched her brow, looking over to where Kristoff is. When moved to the side she noticed a figure behind him. Despite wearing a hood, Idun could tell that the individual is a girl.
Elsa's eyes locked on to the woman that is her mother. Aside from some wrinkles, her mother is the same as she remembered. She wanted to go over to hug her mama, but she couldn't do that yet without warning. She considered showing her magic first, but she chose to try something else.
"Hi…"
"Hello?" Idun tilted her head. "Have we met before?"
"We have. It's been a long time since we've seen each other. You probably don't remember me, but I remember you." Elsa reached behind her and pulled out her brooch. "Do you remember this?"
A puzzled look grew on Idun's face as she took the brooch from Elsa's hands. The air remained quiet as the queen exclaimed the brooch. Her expression changed a few moments later when her eyes widened.
"I..I had a brooch like this once years ago. It was lost when-"
"When your daughter was taken from you."
Idun stared upon the girl questioningly. "Who are you? Where did you get this?"
"You gave it to me on my third birthday, two months before I was taken."
Idun watches the girl bring her hood down, revealing her whole head. The queen's heart raced, causing her to drop the brooch in shock. It was like looking into a mirror, except the reflection was younger, has platinum blonde blond hair, and her blue eyes were lighter than hers. Only one such person who could have those traits.
"El-Elsa?"
Elsa laid out her palm and let out a small stream of snow as final confirmation, ignoring the tears in her eyes. "Hi, mama…"
A small sob escaped from the queen as she embraced her daughter tightly. "My little snow. My little snow...:" Idun repeated several times as tears trailed down her eyes. Elsa said nothing as she hugged her mother. Anna stood from the sidelines, shedding some happy tears, while Kristoff patted her shoulder.
"Queen Idun, we still haven't found Princess Anna-" Kai walked into the room, followed by Gerda. The servants were not expecting the sight unfolding on hand.
"What's going on here?" Gerda asked.
The mother and daughter dispersed their hug as they looked at the husband & wife duo. The looked back to back to the Queen and Elsa. It didn't take long for the servants to put the puzzle pieces together.
"Princess Elsa?" Kai uttered.
"Hi Kai. Hi Gerda."
"Oh my God…" Gerda covered her mouth. "But...how?"
"I was about to ask that myself." Idun faced Anna.
"It's a rather long story," Anna rubbed her neck. "First, I need to know where papa is."
A breath escaped from Agdar's mouth as he placed his pen down. Piles of paperwork surround him on his desk. He had been awake for several hours after falling asleep at his daughter's birthday last night. When he woke up he was shocked at how long he had been sleeping and was behind on his work. Fortunately, the energy he had gotten from his long sleep manage to assist him in getting this work done.
Just as he stacked the last of the paperwork, a knock echoed off his study's door. "Come in." Anna enters the room. "Oh, Anna! I'm sorry we couldn't start your royal lessons today. I promise we will get started tomorrow."
"I'm not here about that." Anna bit her lip. "Someone's...here to see you in the throne room."
"Who? I wasn't expecting visitors today." His face went to look agitated before swiftly getting up from his desk. "Oh no, what did you do this time?"
"Hey now, why do you assume it's me? Okay, technically it relates to me, but it's not bad I swear." Anna rambled as she followed her father down the hall.
"Explain to me how this is not bad?"
"Well, it's not something I can simply explain, this is something you just have to see for yourself."
"Yeah, add that to the list." Agdar went down a flight of stairs as Anna continued to trail behind.
"Papa, unlike most surprises I bring on you, this is one you'll definitely like. You just need to stop for a moment and let me prep you..."
Agdar continues to hear his daughter ramble on as he continues his trek to the throne room. When he arrived, he did not expect to see the sight of Kristoff, Kai, and Gerda waiting right outside the doors. They all look at him with uneasy expressions. Before Agdar could even ask, Idun walked into the hall.
"Agdar, good, you're here." Idun rubbed her eye. Agdar could tell she had been crying.
"Idun, what's going on?"
The queen stepped to the side gesturing him inside. "There's someone you need to meet." Idun gave a wanly smile.
All Agdar could do is walk into the throne room. The moment he entered, the appearance on his face went from bewildered to shock once he saw the sight that had befallen to him. The sight of platinum blonde hair with blue eyes. Something he had not seen for fifteen years.
Elsa held her breath as she saw the figure of her father. He is exactly how she remembers him to be. Neither of them utters a word to one another. Several moments of the tense silence passed before Elsa mustered up the courage to finally speak.
"Hello, papa. I know you're probably wondering. 'Where have I been?' Why did I stay away all these years and not come back to you, mama, and Anna?'. The reason why is that...I forgot about you. Even after I escaped the people who took me, I couldn't remember you guys or remember if I had a family at all, but I never forgot what you told me: Love will thaw. It brought me back here."
Agdar did not respond as he continued to stare at Elsa with an unreadable expression. The ice wielder's heartbeat increased its speed as she hyperventilated. The temperature in the throne slowly dropped as snowflakes fell from the ceiling. This did not bother the king as he trekked his way to Elsa, furthering her anxiety as she crossed her arms.
"Even then, I'm sorry that I never came back to you and mama all these years. Anna told me how much pain you both went through after I was gone. I've spent ten years frolicking around the mountains while you guys wallowed in misery."
Agdar remained silent as he took several more steps closer. The snowfall fell even faster.
"I'm a horrible daughter for putting you through that and if-if you hate me then I won't blame you. I'll leave and I won't ever come back. I mean how can you love someone who causes you so much pain?"
A warm feeling then pressed against her cheek. Elsa's eyes met her father's. His face remains unreadable but his eyes were filled with love & tenderness.
"I could never hate you," Agdar spoke in a whisper, tears rolled down his eyes. "Nothing will ever freeze the love that I have for you."
With those words, all the tension and fear Elsa had were completely gone. Anna was right. After all these years her parents still loved her. The snow that fell in the room had evaporated leaving the room in the state it was before. Her eyes cast downward as a tear went down her cheek that was touched by her father's hand, who then wiped it with his thumb. That prompted Elsa to look in his eyes again. Several seconds later father & daughter hugged each other tightly, giving out quiet sobs. Agdar stroked Elsa's hair, wanting to be sure that this is real and not like the many dreams he had. Fifteen years he thought about this day, but he would never think it would happen.
"I missed you, papa."
"I missed you too, Snowflake."
At the throne room doors, Idun held Anna closely as they watched the scene unfold, shedding their tears of happiness. Kristoff and Kai & Gerda had peaked through the door as they watched the emotional event unfold. Anna gave a smile knowing that her sister is finally back to where she belongs.
For the first time in forever, the Arendelle royal family were whole.
Ho boy, a lot has happened in the world since I last updated this story. First a global pandemic, and now riots are breaking out all over my country. Yeah were not exactly living in good times, but that won't stop me from updating this story.
After some hard thinking I've decided to incorporate Frozen 2 in this universe. So yeah, the events of Runeard and Northuldra do occur in this universe, and it won't end here.
So anyways, the royal family has finally reunited after 15 long years. I do hope I made the reunion's satisfying enough. Elsa & Agdar's in peticualr I took inspirations from the scen in How to Train your Dragon 2 where Stoic finds Valka.
Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading. And stay safe out there folks!