Anna awoke to the hustle and bustle of castle life outside her door, and Kristoff snoring raucously from across the room. Sunlight filtered in through the blinds, illuminating the room in a soft, warm glow that Anna decided right then and there she could get used to. The fire was just starting to die down to mere embers, but the room was still pleasantly warm and the blankets Anna had cocooned herself in were softer than Sven's fur after his spring bath. The peace was disturbed by three swift knocks to the door and Kai's muffled call, "Master Kristoff, Miss Anna, are you awake?"

Kristoff jolted upright, hair sticking up in every which-way, grunting some string of unintelligible slurs that Anna took as "Come in." Kai must have, too, because he swung the door open and strolled inside with two other servants on his heels.

"Good morning, you two," Kai was jovial as ever, cheeks rosy and lapels freshly pressed, "I trust you had a good night's rest." He smiled as Anna nodded vigorously and Kristoff sort of just yawned his consent. "I thought I'd let you sleep in this morning, since it's your first day," he gestured for one of the servants to come forward and Anna noticed now that she was holding a covered silver tray, that, upon removal, held an assortment of food fit for a Queen. Kristoff was immediately wide awake.

"Normally we all dine together before attending our duties, but we wanted to make an exception for you today," the servant girl placed the tray on the writing desk next to Anna's bed, (much to Kristoff's chagrin). "And I also promised you some uniforms," the second servant stepped forth with two parcels, wrapped and tied perfectly, and placed one on each of the youths' beds. Anna, never one to pass up a gift, was on the parcel before you could blink, carelessly ripping through the paper to find a neatly folded uniform nearly identical to Kai's.

"I hope you don't mind," he began, as Anna pulled out the deep green jacket and ran the fabric between her fingers, "But I saw you in trousers when we first met, and I just assumed you'd be more comfortable in this than the dresses we offer. I can have one sent up for you if you'd prefer that instead."

"No, no this is perfectly fine," Anna's voice held a slight hint of awe at just how nice the clothes were, and this was just her work uniform. Kai let out a sigh of relief as he continued.

"Very good. You'll notice I had the seamstress take in the coat a bit, and generally just alter the uniform to better fit you. I apologize if it doesn't fit correctly, I didn't have your exact measurements, so we had to just estimate."

Anna pulled the rest of the uniform out piece by piece: a tailored shirt, trousers of the same forest green as the jacket, and a simple brown vest of the finest corduroy Anna had ever seen. Kristoff was still very much focused on the food, but was too curious as to what was in his parcel to hold off from opening it. His wasn't much different, most of the differences came in the material. His coat was of a sturdier build, and fur-lined to provide warmth in the stables and surrounding grounds.

"You'll receive three more sets before the week is up." Kai kept explaining, "When you need something laundered, just place it in one of these bags," he produced a small cotton sack from one of the wardrobes nearest to him, "And we'll take care of it."

Kristoff donned a perplexed expression, "How will anyone know whose clothes are whose?"

"Check the inside of your collars," the woman who'd given them the packages instructed, and sure enough, there, embroidered in delicate gold thread were their names, the same on each piece of clothing they'd received.

"This is too much," Anna gushed, still tracing her fingers over the subtle patterned cloth in her lap, and Kai just smiled.

"Nonsense, you're part of the Castle Arendelle family now." He clapped his hands together finally, "Now, get dressed and eat up, you have a big day ahead of you. Miss Anna, when you've finished, if you'd report to the kitchens, Gerda should be there to direct you to wherever you're needed. And Master Kristoff, I'm sure the livery is barren without you."

With that, he and the two women with him took their exit, leaving the two newbies alone to prepare for the day. When she was sure they were far enough away, Anna jumped from her bed and let loose a squeal that had her friend covering his ears in misery.

"Geez, Anna, can't you wait to shatter my ear drums until after I've eaten?" the ginger-haired girl merely stuck her tongue out at him in protest before chucking a still-warm roll at his head and shoving another in her mouth. He took a bite and groaned, "Gods this food is good."

"Shou can shay that again," the feisty girl spoke through chews, swallowing quickly and washing it down with whatever warm cider they'd left with the meal.

"Slow down there, feisty pants," the man warned, "You're going to make yourself sick at this rate, and then what use are you?"

"I don't know," she spoke clearly now, "I'm still pretty cute." Kristoff just scoffed and stood, discarding the blankets and his shirt in one fluid motion. He was reaching for the tie on his breeches before Anna screeched.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

Kristoff looked at her, confused, "Um, getting ready?"

"Right out here in the open?!"

"Yeah," he started warily, "What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is that it's barbaric! Go behind the divider!" Kristoff looked over to the tall paper divider that stood in the corner of the room across from him and back to Anna.

"You can't be serious," he deadpanned, but her face showed her determination, "Why don't you just go behind the stupid divider?!"

"Because," she sniffed and pointed her nose in the air, "I'm not the one standing half naked in the middle of the room." He continued to glare at her, and her right back at him, until he eventually relented, snatching up his clothes and stomping of to dress behind the 'stupid-piece-of-trash-divider'. As soon as he was done, he stepped out to see Anna, fully dressed in her new livery, looking as at home as possible… a little too comfortable for Kristoff's own comfort. And that was when he noticed the significant dent in the amount of food that had been served to them.

"What the hell, Anna?!"

"What? You were taking too long."

Anna practically skipped down the stairs on her way to the kitchen. After placating Kristoff, (and promising that he could have her dessert at lunch), they'd parted ways, with Anna promising not to do anything too rash and jeopardize their employment. Again.

The kitchen was abuzz with activity, a stark contrast from last night. People were rushing to and fro in a frenzy of activity, and paid no heed to the redheaded girl as she made her way in between them. She realized then that, huh, she didn't really know who she was looking for, and was about to ask someone when she heard a gentle voice speak from her side.

"Are you Miss Anna?"

Anna looked at who had spoken and came face to face a kindly older woman in the same green regalia as every other member of the staff, "Miss Gerda?"

"That's me," the woman spoke with a smile that you could hear on her voice, and Anna found herself relaxing when she hadn't even known she was tense, "Kai told me to expect you, but not so soon."

"Oh," Anna grimaced sheepishly, "Am I too early?"

Gerda laughed and ushered the young woman towards the door out to the main hall, "No, not at all, actually. You're right on time for a very important task." Anna's spirits lifted at that, she could handle important things, that was her middle name: Anna important-task-doer… Something.

The pair made their way outside into a part of the castle ground that Anna actually recognized: the courtyard she and Kristoff had come to that long time ago. Except, now it wasn't nearly so lush. The trees were bare, and there were weeds overgrowing the few plants the straggled to survive in their beds. The fountains no longer bubbled but were dry, icicles hanging from the spouts' ends.

"Ah, I see you've noticed the sad state that our poor courtyard is in," Gerda's voice was melancholy, "Yes, we never realized just how short-handed we were around here until Masters Hardingswood and Claussen were gone. Those who tended the grounds were brought in to help fill the missing positions, and the poor court felt the brunt of it." She turned toward Anna with a smile, "But that's where you come in!"

To say Anna was confused was the understatement of the century, "Me?"

"Yes! You're to breathe life back into this place." Anna's shock must have shown through because Gerda placed a calming hand on her shoulder before continuing, "You won't be alone. Whenever we can spare a hand in the house, others will aid you, but Kai and I discussed it and we decided to give you this task."

"Um… why?"

"Well," Gerda seemed at a loss, "Well honestly because there was no one else, and this place has to be in tip-top shape before the solstice."

Anna cocked her head, "What happens on the solstice?" Gerda looked at her as if she'd grown a second head.

"What happens on the," she spluttered, "Child, were you raised under a rock?"

"Actually," Anna deadpanned, "I was raised by rocks." At least, she and Kristoff would pretend that the rocks could hear them as the tried to rat each other out growing up. But Gerda didn't need to know that. Or maybe she did, judging by the confusion in her gaze, "Just, never mind."

"Right, well," Gerda cleared her throat and continued, "Every year on the winter solstice, the kingdom has a ball-"

"But we haven't had a Winter Ball in years…" Anna interjected, earning a level stare from the older woman that shut her up quickly.

"Yes, we haven't had one in four years, since the death's of the former King and Queen, gods rest their souls. But this year, the Queen has decided that we should hold one, since it's been far too long since the tradition was last kept."

Anna tried to tell herself that the flop of her stomach was at the fact that she'd had far too much to eat this morning, not at the mere mention of the Queen. Gerda kept talking, explaining the nit-pickity details of the dance and who'd be there, and what was expected of the staff in preparation of the event, and exactly what Anna would be doing to get the grounds presentable in the few weeks leading up to the solstice. The girl tried to focus but eventually found herself zoning out as the elderly woman rambled on, lost in her own world until Gerda thrust a set of keys in her face.

"W-what?" Anna jerked to attention, taking the keys from Gerda's outstretched hand.

"The toolshed's over there," the housekeeper repeated, moving aside for Anna to see the a standalone building not far from the stables that was significantly larger than what she'd thought a toolshed could be, "You'll find everything you need in there, but of course, if you should have any questions, feel free to seek out either Kai or myself and we'd be happy to help you."

"Thank you, Miss Gerda," Anna tried to give her most reassuring smile to the woman, and gave a slight bow, "I'll try my best to whip this place into shape." She wondered who seemed less convinced, as Gerda turned to go back to her own work in the castle and Anna took a final glimpse around at the desolate yard before trudging over to the shed.

Kristoff walked briskly into the stables, shrugging his coat off and hanging it on a brass peg next to the heavy doors as they slammed shut behind him. The animals simultaneously raised their heads to acknowledge his presence, and then looked back again, with the exception of Sven, who looked about ready to bolt over the bars in front of him to get to the man.

"It's nice to see you too, pal," Kristoff chuckled warmly and nuzzled the reindeer's snout before setting about his tasks: change out the hay in each horse's (and reindeer's) stall, getting each animal out and allowing them to roam for a bit, grooming, etc. 'Shouldn't be too hard,' he thought to himself. He unlatched Sven's door and stepped in, taking a pitchfork down off the wall and tossing fresh hay into the empty feed box against the wall. Sven watched him as he worked, eyes never moving until he finished and moved to pump water into his trough, at which point he snorted pointedly.

"What?" Kristoff turned halfway to face him, and was met with an expectant stare. He looked from the reindeer to the hay and back again, "It's as full as it gets, bud, I don't know what else you want me to do." Sven didn't give an inch, in fact his intensity seemed to grow until Kristoff broke, and with a quick glance around the hall to make sure the horses were preoccupied, reached in his pocket and tossed a carrot on top of the mound of straw. The reindeer let out content snort and made quick work of the orange delicacy as Kristoff rolled his eyes and returned to his work. He took the pump's handle in his hands and gave a forceful push, but nothing came out. Once more, twice, thrice, and still nothing.

"Gah, the pipe's busted," the burly man kicked it for good measure and stood to face his furry companion, "Guess I'll have to fill it myself." He scanned the room for a pail of some sorts, but was met with nothing. Moving outside of the livery, he looked around the sides of the building for any sign of bucket, and found nothing. He was about to give up and track down someone for help when an absurdly loud crash came from a building not too far from the stables. Instincts kicking in, Kristoff ran to the shed, flung open the doors ready to help or fight- whichever the situation called for- but instead of either of those he slumped against the doorframe and crossed his arms at the sight before him.

"How did I know that it was you making such a racket?" He called and had to stifle a laugh at the flush that spread across his friend's face, so red it nearly matched her hair. Anna was sat in the midst of a sea of scattered gardening tools, with what appeared to be a small hand rake in her grip and an ever-elusive pail on her head.

"It was like this when I came in…" she tried to reason, but Kristoff ignored her, making his way carefully through the havoc she'd wreaked to pluck the pail off of her head.

"Just try not to kill yourself, okay?" He smiled as he walked away, leaving Anna to grumble to herself about 'stupid hoes'.

Anna sighed and plopped down onto one of the many stone benches scattered about the courtyard. She'd been working for- actually she didn't know how long- and had only gotten half of the weeds pulled and gathered the fallen leaves into piles that she was struggling not to jump in. She'd pushed her sleeves, shirt's and coat's, up to her elbows in an attempt to keep them as clean as possible, an attempt that was proven futile as she proceeded to fall into the dirt numerous times afterwards. The sun was sinking further and further in the sky, and the guards had already gone on their rounds of lighting the lanterns around the castle, leaving Anna in near darkness to wrap up her work for the day and head to supper.

She busied herself gathering the tools she'd strewn across the yard and returning them to the toolshed Gerda had shown her before retreating back inside the castle walls, and was just about to head in herself when she caught a faint rustle in the corner nearest to her. Never one to shy away from a mystery, Anna locked the toolshed, and stuffing the keys into her coat pocket, crept toward the source of the noise. Slinking past an enormous overhanging tree and ducking behind the crumbling remains of a low wall, Anna didn't have to think too hard to remember exactly where she was: the Queen's private garden.

Also, the fact that said Queen was seated next to the trickling fountain, twiddling a flower between her fingers as she stared into the water's depths was a strong indicator.

Anna's breath stopped, and she tried rationalizing that it was because she didn't want to be caught, but some part of her knew that it was the sight of the woman in front of her that made her heart skip. She knew she should leave; just get up and go back to the kitchens, maybe go to the stables and see if Kristoff need any help before dinner, and yet she couldn't bring herself to leave. Elsa- the Queen, she looked so much different than that night so long ago. More haggard, and still easily the most breathtakingly gorgeous woman Anna had ever seen.

The blonde woman simply sat there, occasionally reaching and plucking up another flower to twine together with the ones she already held, making a crown of sorts. Such a minuscule task, but to Anna it was art, and Elsa was so engrossed in her work that the servant-girl found no harm in staying around to watch, even if she felt a tad guilty at invading such a private moment. She imagined herself walking over, sitting next to the monarch and smiling at her, taking up the crown and placing it over the golden piece in her platinum hair. Would Elsa be excited to see her? Or upset? Would she be upset for being lied to before? Or would she understand?

"Queen Elsa?" Kai called from the castle's courtyard entrance, causing both girls' heads to whip up so fast that Anna practically gave herself whiplash.

"Yes, Kai?" Elsa's voice was pleasant, but Anna could hear the discomfort at being interrupted.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but we were going over some of the preparations needed for the ball, and we'd like to have your say on the matter of what food orders should be placed." Elsa nodded, even though Kai surely couldn't see her, placed her flower-piece on the fountain next to her, and stood to head to Kai's aid… which required her to walk right by Anna's hiding place.

Anna ducked so fast she nearly fell, sliding behind the wall just as Elsa strode past. Her heart was racing at the prospect of being caught, so loud in fact that she was surprised that the Queen didn't turn at once at the sound. But she took no heed, and upon reaching the door where Kai stood waiting, exchanged pleasantries and disappeared into the massive castle. It took several minutes for Anna to collect herself enough to stand, and even then her knees felt weak.

Looking around the courtyard, she decided that no more could be done today, especially now that the sun had completely set and the call for dinner would sound at any moment. She started to head inside, but something made her stop, and turn. The Queen's handiwork was still in the small alcove, and she felt compelled to take it with her, to remind her that she hadn't just dreamed this up. Anna made her way over to where Elsa had been sitting moments before, and bent down to pick up the crown of flowers, nearly dropping them in shock when she discovered them to be completely frozen.

Howdy there, here's another chapter! I've got to say, the way some people reacted to this fic's return made me cackle, so I hope you enjoy this unedited junk. Also, I really feel like drawing Anna and Kristoff in their snazzy new clothes, so if that tickle's anyone's fancy, they can creep on my tumblr (soullessturtle) and those should be up in the next couple of days or so. Or you could just come talk to me, anything really. Alright, well, I'm off! Have a beautiful day y'all!