Frozen Beyond [gxg]

Guests

"Our ship got caught in a storm, the ships are fine, but we've got turned around and have since used most of our provisions. We usually dock in the Southern Isles for the winter. We were wondering..." Crow trailed off. He seemed to assume everyone knew what he would ask.

"No. Pack up your men and leave." She didn't care if she was judging them harshly, there was something in his eyes she didn't trust. Or maybe that was just her nature, the precarious position she was in on ensuring the elements were happy and safe meant she really wanted nothing to do with these... wayfinders.

"Elsa," Anna's voice echoed behind her and she pivoted. Anna's eyes were soft, and she leaned in to whisper, "We can't just send them away. The Southern Isles is a long voyage from here."

Her brows knit forward and she took Anna's hands in her own. "Anna, just look at them. They look like mercenaries or at worse pirates. It's not safe."

Anna sighed, "If I went based on appearances, Hans would have been the perfect prince,"

"Ugh." Kristoff scoffed in the background.

Anna grinned and returned her gaze to Elsa, "and you would've been the villain after you froze the Kingdom and ran off. We can't judge them on how they look."

She winced. Every time she remembered the choices she made in her past, she cringed. She knew those choices made her who she is today, she was no longer the insecure young girl afraid of her own body and powers. But, that didn't make the choices any less regrettable. "I'm worried about you, Anna. They know of my powers."

"Most of the other Kingdoms have heard of your powers." Anna bounced back.

That wasn't wrong but she still chewed her lower lip and glanced back at Crow.

Anna stepped around Elsa and took a step forward, "You may stay for the duration of the winter and restock on supplies and tend to repairs," Anna started.

Elsa smiled at her, when she looked at Anna all she saw was the goofy, slightly clumsy younger sister. It was amazing to see her adapt so well to her position.

"...but we will only allow two ships in the fjord at a time, you understand," Anna concluded.

Elsa shifted, holding her hands in front of her as her eyes went from Anna to Crow.

The man dipped his head, "I understand, that is very sensible of you. Thank you, your Majesty."

Upon dismissal, Elsa turned to Anna who let out a huge breath and seemed to deflate. "That was so difficult." Anna breathed, leaning over.

Elsa rolled her eyes, she should've known Anna was putting on a show. She turned to look at the empty floor and past the doors. She wrung her hands together, playing with her fingers. She didn't like the idea of going back to the forest with these people staying here.

Inwardly, she groaned. That meant she was likely to stay here some of the winter to be sure nothing went awry. Not that staying with her sister was a hassle, she truly loved to be with Anna and the group. But old memories plastered these walls and she could already feel them closing in on her. Perhaps she could turn her attention elsewhere, focusing on this wayfinding group and being sure they didn't cause issues.

"Anna I---" She started.

"Elsa, Arendelle helps people. It's everything we stand for. We do the next right thing, remember?"

She sighed, Anna was right, but that didn't mean she was any less settled.

"Let's host a party in the fountain square. That way, Arendelle can get to know its guests and we can get to know them better."

Of course, her sister wanted an excuse to throw a party. It was like Anna sensed her displeasure over it and tapped her shoulder. "Oh, come on! It won't be hosted in the castle walls and Matthias and his soldiers will be here. And you'll be there!"

Well, she couldn't argue with that. She would most certainly be there.

Olaf jumped from one room to the left. She hadn't even realized he was missing, she should have known, it was too quiet.

"A party! I'm ready!" He announced joyously, coming to stand with the group. "Did you know most fish--"

"... are colorful." Elsa finished hastily for the snowman.

"That's not what I was going to say. Interrupting it rude, Elsa." He chided.

"Anna, I'm sure you and Kristoff will have a lot to plan for the party." Elsa redirected.

"Ah, you're right! We need a cake, chocolate, soup, dancing..." Anna's voice trailed off as they disappeared from the room and down the hall.

Elsa held a hand to her chest and breathed out, scowling at Olaf.

He had no idea what was going on and happily jumped on Sven and the two strode out together.

Shaking her head, Elsa walked to the window to look out over the docks.

She had a bad feeling about all of this.