Chapter Text
The skies have darkened over Arendelle. Eerie clouds form overhead as snow starts to sprinkle downward. The kingdom's denizens emerge from their dwellings and bewilderedly raise their hands. They murmur to one another as snowflakes plummet against their palms. Any mild confusion sparks into a belligerent panic once the snowfall increases. Ice forms across rooftops while snow clusters on street corners. Citizens fall into disarray as an icy mist blankets them all.
"Elsa!" Anna shouts amidst the chaos. She barely catches a glimpse of her sister's silhouette and darts after it. "Wait!" she calls out. "Come back!"
Her big sister's breaths shorten under her swift pace. Elsa's frantic eyes sway across the mist as she remains determined to escape. Every panicking person looks like a daunting blob feeling its way through the mist. They might just be searching for a way out, but Elsa feels like each person is hunting her.
Now you've done it, Elsa's inner voice scolds as she flees. You just couldn't listen to your Papa, could you? What part of 'Conceal, don't feel' did you not understand? The self destructive thoughts dig into Elsa like unseen, twisting daggers. They weaken her until she can hardly pay attention to the path ahead. The princess bumps into a stack of barrels and sends them toppling into the snow. Such a clamor catches Anna's attention and has her dashing over.
Elsa's fighting to hold back tears as her inner voice moves in for the kill. What kind of a daughter are you? It scorns. Your family trusted you! Your Papa trusted you! And now he's-
"No!" Elsa weeps and collapses in an alley. As her emotions intensify, so too does the swirling snowstorm over Arendelle. Howling winds rattle windows while frost coats entire street poles. "What have I done?" Elsa whispers and curls herself into a ball. She tucks herself between a stack of crates while the storm rages on around her. As she succumbs to the pain of her accident and the sight of her motionless father, Elsa wishes she could just disappear. She wishes she could fade into nothingness and never hurt anyone again. When she fathoms the magnitude of her disaster, Elsa wishes she didn't exist.
Anna hurriedly hauls herself over the toppled barrels and ventures into the alley. "Elsa?" she beckons. Upon hearing Anna, Elsa silences her sniffling and buries her face in her folded arms. But even as the eldest princess tries to hide away, she can't stop Anna from spotting her tucked in shoes. Tears drench Elsa's cheeks as Anna leans into her hiding spot. "Elsa," she whispers, observing her sister's state.
"Leave me!" Elsa yells, her voice cracking as she does so. Anna's no stranger to hearing rejection from her sister through a door, but this shout is different. It isn't aggressive...it's a warning. A last resort from a desperate and broken child. "Please," Elsa begs. She can hardly get the words out between each shallow breath. "I was wrong to think I could control this, Anna. I can't."
"No," Anna utters.
"Just stop!" Elsa pleads.
"No!" Anna cries out and drops into her hiding spot. "No! No! No!" With each tearful reiteration, Anna releases years of pent-up sadness. Unafraid, she inches closer and says, "I can't lose you!" She drops her head and furrows her brows. "Not again." Elsa looks up and observes her grief-stricken sister. "I'd only been with you for a few hours and that alone made it the best day of my life."
"Until now," Elsa sniffles and looks at the snowy skies above. "Until I-"
"It doesn't matter," Anna interjects. "I love you, Elsa, and I'm not giving up on you. So don't tell me to leave because I'm staying!"
Elsa slowly nods, accepting her little sister's declaration while crying softly. She lets Anna scooch in and wrap her arms around her. "I'm sorry," Elsa utters. "I'm just so scared. And Papa-...I-"
"He'll be okay," Anna says without even knowing for sure. Still, she maintains her unwavering optimism and holds Elsa tight. "I've got you," she says and plants a kind kiss on her sister's head. The gentle gesture reminds Elsa of their mother and she hugs Anna back. They remain hidden away in a safe embrace as the winds start to ease up around them.
Everything had happened so quickly for Agnarr. The past is a blur as he briefly recalls moving towards Elsa. I shouldn't have pushed her, he thinks amidst the darkness of his mind. Why do I always do that? What am I trying to prove? Is it because of my father? Am I still acting like him whether I want to or not? Or am I just afraid? Maybe I've been more frightened than Elsa has. All of Agnarr's thoughts wrap around one another. They collide alongside the climactic moment during Elsa's outburst. The king recounts the feeling of being struck by her powers before blacking out. Whatever had met his chest was as sharp as it was frigid. It was like an invisible icicle, piercing his body only to disperse within.
Agnarr slowly stirs to the sounds of galloping hooves and rickety wheels. His head bumps against a set of wooden planks as he cautiously opens his eyes. Chilled vapors escape his trembling lips as he hugs himself for heat. Despite Agnarr's coldness, he's greeted by a warming sight. He focuses on Iduna's calming, blue gaze as she looms over him. His wife concernedly drapes a third blanket over him. "Hey," she whispers.
"I-Iduna," Agnarr shivers and tries to sit up. "I-...Where?"
"Try not to move so much," she insists and bunches the blankets around his body. She bundles him up like a tightly-wrapped pastry and feels his forehead. Whatever sensation she encounters sends an ill feeling pulsing through her. While Agnarr has been masking his emotions for years, he can see the fear in Iduna's eyes. She's trying to stay calm for him, but he knows something awful has happened. An oddly cold gust from town blows some of Agnarr's locks in front of his face. Gone are his auburn tresses as he observes a tuft of pale strands. As Iduna runs a hand through Agnarr's white hair, he starts to make out their environment. He peers beyond the wagon they're traveling in and notices unique, oblong rock formations jutting out from around them. Steam rises from natural hot springs as the locale returns to Agnarr's memory.
"The...Valley of the Living Rock," he trembles. Memories of rushing Anna to the mystical troll dwelling come flooding back to him and he reaches for Iduna's hand. She takes his ice cold palm as he squeezes. "I think it's my heart," he winces.
Iduna slowly shakes her head and squeezes his hand back. "Let's just get to the trolls first," she assures.
"What about the girls?" Agnarr coughs as his strength dwindles. "Are they safe?" Iduna's knitted brows have him trying to sit upright. "Dear?"
"They ran off in the storm," she says. "I have Kai, Gerda, and all of our guards searching for them."
"No," Agnarr whispers as he takes in all of her words. "Everything we've feared is coming to pass. You should've left me to help our girls."
"That talk won't help anyone now," Iduna says. "And I could never leave you, Agnarr. Had our roles been reversed, you wouldn't leave me either."
"We've arrived," a voice declares and Agnarr turns his head. He notices the blue-dressed woman guiding their wagon. As Mary Poppins glances back at them, he can't help but feel a twinge of resentment.
The wagon comes to a halt and a distinct rumble sounds. It's as if the very ground is quaking as living stones roll down in droves. The moss-covered, pointy-eared trolls gather around the wagon with curious stares. Mary and Iduna quickly disembark to unlatch the wagon's protective bedding. The trolls exude a unanimous gasp upon seeing Agnarr in such a detrimental state. Among them stands Grand Pabbie, the wisest and eldest in his colony. Intricate, yellow crystals dangle from his ropy necklaces and illuminate his alarmed expression. "Your majesties," the elder murmurs.
"Pabbie," Iduna calls. "We need your help."
The queen helps her husband up as Pabbie hobbles over. He takes Agnarr's hands in his and frowns as if sensing what dwells within. "Oh, your highness." Pabbie laments. "There is ice in your heart, put there by your daughter." Agnarr looks to Iduna as his suspicions are confirmed. "If not removed-" Pabbie pauses and worriedly observes the couple. "-to solid ice will you freeze."
"C-c-can you help me?" Agnarr asks.
"As you did Anna?" Iduna adds.
Pabbie sulks and shakes his head. "Things were different when you came to me all those years ago," he says. "Anna was struck in the head, but a frozen heart-" The elder troll rests a stony hand on Agnarr's forearm. "-can only be thawed by an act of true love."
Iduna can't tell if Agnarr's about to laugh or cry. Her husband's brows twitch as he forces himself to stand up. "True love," he mumbles while shivering. "That's what all of this was in the name of, right?" The trolls seem confused until he redirects his conversation towards Mary. "Is that what you thought you were doing, Miss Poppins? Did you th-th-think that you were promoting love when you outright removed Elsa from her room?"
Despite Agnarr's harsh tone, Mary doesn't waver. She stands tall and says, "Princess Elsa was spending time with her sister. Queen Iduna said I could bring any assistance that I might need."
Agnarr shakes his head in disbelief. "You just have an answer for everything, don't you?"
"Agnarr," Iduna says and interposes herself between the two. "This isn't Mary's fault."
"We had a system," Agnarr asserts. "A safe system."
"A miserable system!" Iduna retorts. As she raises her voice, the trolls wince amongst each other and nervously roll away. "Separating our girls...disappearing into our work. All of us slowly dying from the inside out!"
"I'm dying now!" Agnarr snaps back and his voice nearly breaks mid-sentence. His shoulders slump forward along with his hauntingly white locks. "We did what we had to, Iduna. For each other and for Arendelle. But once this woman came into the picture," Agnarr says and glares at Mary. "Everything came crashing down. Whatever joy you thought she brought just wasn't so."
"Your majesty," Mary speaks up. "Because you seem so keen on comprehending the effects of my services, what is it you'd request of me?"
Agnarr huffs and shivers. He stumbles towards her with a deepening glower. "What is there left for you to ruin, Poppins?" he jeers. "There's nothing I could request for you to do. It's too late for anything I'd want anyway, for I'd just wish you'd never come here to begin with." Iduna gasps at his words as he jabs a finger towards the nanny. "I wish you'd just go-" Agnarr nearly chokes as he realizes he's pointing at nothing. "-away?" he utters and peers across the valley. "Mary?...Where did she go?"
A deafening silence fills the chilly air. The trolls have returned to their dens as Iduna stands alone with her husband. Agnarr drops to his knees, at a loss for words as the ache in his chest grows. A delicate layer of frost creeps across Agnarr's hands as he trembles profusely. Yet despite how alone he feels, he hears Iduna stepping to his side.
Together, they stare out at the vast valley and observe a shadowy forest in the distance. As the queen looks down at her freezing husband, she holds her breath and clenches a fist. A long-suppressed urge returns, only this time she hardly resists. As Iduna exhales and relaxes her hand, she knows the time has come. She understands that she'll never be fully ready to take the leap, and must gather her courage. "You know," Iduna begins, telling herself that there's no turning back. "From the moment I'd laid eyes on Mary, I'd always known there was something special about her. I could feel a sort of 'magic' to her. The kind that was never to be feared, but adored. Just like Elsa's." Iduna sighs while staring into the forest. "When Mary came to our castle, she reminded me of something."
"What's that?" Agnarr asks while glancing up at his wife.
Iduna bites her lip. "Arendelle has been a beautiful home," she says. "It's given me so many memories to cherish. I've studied among its people and strived to better their lives. Arendelle's given me you, the love of my life, and two beautiful daughters. But..."
Agnarr's sympathetic smile falters at that single word. His pale brows furrow in confusion as he rises to meet Iduna. No matter what pain he's going through...no matter how limited his time alive is, he focuses on her. "But?" he inquires.
Iduna shuts her eyes as her body stiffens. "I can't forget all that I've left behind...and where I truly come from." Her husband's icy breaths quicken and eyes narrow. "Agnarr," Iduna croaks, battling the lump in her throat. "I am Northuldra." His brows relax as he staggers back in astonishment. Although Iduna keeps her head held high, she looks to Agnarr with teary eyes. Her stammering voice clears up with each passing statement. "I am a person of the sun, a shepherd of the Enchanted Forest...and your rescuer."
Agnarr loses himself in her final declaration. "Iduna," he utters, looking upon her with widened eyes. "It was you?"
She nods solemnly. "Elsa was never my first encounter with magical elements, for you were saved by the Wind Spirit. I called upon it to save you...save us from that horrible battle. But by the time we were out, the mist had fallen."
Agnarr's gaze trails off as if he's recalling that fateful day. Amidst the deepest recesses of war and loss, he remembers that voice. The same, beautiful voice that's been singing to him and his children for years. As he looks back at Iduna, relief whirls alongside realization. "It was you," he gasps. "After all of this time."
"There were so many times I wanted to tell you," Iduna says, taking his frigid palms in hers. "I'd choose moments to come clean, but could never bring myself to do so. Between doing what was best for the kingdom and protecting your rule, my secret was never kept out of shame...but-" Iduna swallows hard. "-out of fear," she concludes and Agnarr hangs his head.
He squeezes her hands and stumbles closer. "I'm sorry," he says softly. Iduna tilts her head as he gazes down with sheer conviction in his eyes. "I'm sorry that you ever had to feel so frightened to tell me the truth. To truly be yourself. That was never fair to you."
Those words alone have her nodding into his embrace. "No matter what secret I kept," she says. "My feelings for you were always real."
"I know your heart," he whispers and dips his head towards hers. Frost creeps up his jacket and forms against his neck. He ignores its stinging sensation and chooses to focus on his wife. "And no matter what happens, I'm glad you told me. I will always love you, Iduna."
"And I will always love you," she replies, raising her head to find his weary gaze. Their lips meet amid their tearful embrace and they tighten their grips. Neither wants to ever let go as that kiss takes them back to every shared moment before. It's as if they're children again, sneaking about and hiding their blossoming romance in the castle gardens. Time stands still...and Agnarr's body suddenly warms. The couple gasps, holding each other close as the frost on Agnarr's skin recedes. The icy coating melts away and his bold locks regain their auburn hue.
"An act of true love," Iduna recalls while caressing Agnarr's face.
A few eavesdropping trolls emit a unanimous "Awww" from their dens as Pabbie emerges.
"I was about to suggest true love's kiss," the elder troll remarks. "But it looks like you two figured it out."
Agnarr smiles at Iduna, his eyes filled with so much adoration. "That's twice you've saved my life now," he jests. "Thank you." As they share a gentle kiss beside the valley, Iduna looses a calming sigh. "You never have to keep a secret from me ever again," he says.
Iduna's tranquil grin fades. "Elsa shouldn't have to keep secrets either," she whispers. "Agnarr, fear's entrapped all of us. Look what it's done to our family. When Pabbie said fear would be the enemy, perhaps he wasn't just speaking to Elsa."
Agnarr stares at one of the empty seats on their wagon and sulks. "I never should've scolded Mary like that," he says. "For a brief moment, Elsa genuinely looked happy with her. All before I came barreling in." Agnarr bites his bottom lip and hangs his head. "I was the frightened one."
He finds comfort in Iduna's loving touch. "You don't always have to be the strong one," she says. "Look how far 'conceal, don't feel' has gotten us. Elsa and Anna need love. The same love that's kept us together and thawed your freezing heart." She presses her hand to his chest and Agnarr raises his head.
"You're right," he affirms. "We need to get back to our girls immediately. No more secrets...just love. And that alone should be enough."
Iduna's smile widens as she wipes the blissful tears from her cheeks. She retrieves Sir Jorgenbjorgen from the wagon and caresses his fluffy plumage. "I think it always was," she says. "We just had to open our eyes and see it for ourselves."
Anna and Elsa remain cradled in each others arms. "I've got you," Anna reassures until a set of footsteps has both girls shrieking. Elsa tightens her grip on Anna as a shadow looms over them. "If you wanna hurt Elsa, you're gonna have to go through me!" Anna yells with her eyes shut tight.
"Princesas?" a familiar, kindly voice speaks up.
Anna cautiously opens her eyes and glimpses the hem of a bright yellow dress. "Lupe?" she utters. Elsa peeks out from Anna's protective embrace as the florist kneels beside them.
"The castle staff are looking everywhere for you two," Lupe says. "They're very worried."
"Worried?" Elsa inquires. "Or afraid?"
Lupe sulks and scoots into the hiding spot beside them. "Why would they be afraid of their princess?" she asks.
"You saw what I did," Elsa mumbles. She winces while recalling each detail. "Your poor flowers...Your shop! I'm so sorry."
"Hey," Lupe whispers. "It's okay. What matters right now is that you two are safe."
Elsa knits her brows and questions Lupe's demeanor. "You aren't even a little scared of my magic?"
"Let's just say I've seen my share of magic before," Lupe insists and thinks about Mary. "What happened was an accident, your majesty."
"An accident that I can't undo!" Elsa panics and the snowfall intensifies again. "I don't know how."
Anna glances at Lupe with worried eyes, hoping that she'll provide some form of guidance. The florist tousles her curls and says, "While I don't have all of the answers, I do remember something my nanny taught me." The girls' eyes light up with curiosity. "While she taught me a great many things, I mostly recall what she used to say about messes." Anna and Elsa watch as Lupe rises to her feet and gestures to the snowfall around them. "No matter how wild and rampant a mess gets, you can always clean it up." She extends a hand to the children and says, "We'll do it together. How does that sound?"
Although timid at first, Elsa finds her courage in her sister's presence. She holds Anna's hand, who in turn takes Lupe's. They rise as one and emerge from the cramped hiding spot. "But where do we even start?" Elsa worries.
"My nanny always told me to turn jobs into games," Lupe says. "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. All we have to do is find the fun!"
"Your nanny sounds like she was really special," Elsa remarks.
Lupe peers up at a frosted weather vane. A smile finds its way to her lips as the East Wind blows against it. "She is," Lupe says and leads the girls out of the alley. "Find the fun," she whispers to herself while looking around. "Find the-...aha!" Lupe eyes a stack of toppled shovels from her frozen shop and hands two to the girls. She twirls a third in her hands and clangs it against the glazed street.
The clamor is enough to distract Arendellians from their tizzies and bring all eyes towards Lupe. A heavy silence encapsulates the village square as she stands tall. "¡Oye!" she proclaims with a proud flourish of her shovel. "I never thought I'd see the day. Since when are you northerners scared of a little snow?"
"Since it started snowing in summer!" a burly blacksmith gripes. "This is an ill omen!" His words prompt others in the crowd to holler alongside him.
Lupe notices Elsa's visible fear and deepens her tone. "Ay por favor, Henrik," she jeers. "Are you not known as the fiercest blacksmith in Arendelle?"
"That I am," Henrik growls. His inky black beard twitches as he defends his title.
"And yet all I hear is you whining about snowflakes and slush!"
"Watch it, florist," he grumbles. "I don't see you coming up with an explanation for all of this."
"You're right," she asserts. "Because I'm too busy coming up with solutions!" Lupe digs her shovel into the ground and scoops up a mound of snow. "Come on, Arendelle! Come rain or snow in the dead of summer, surely we can handle this!" The rest of the populace watches Lupe scoop away another section. "Your majesties," she teases. "I bet I can get more than you can."
"Nuh-uh!" Anna quips and scurries to Lupe's side. "Hurry, Elsa!" she urges. "Help me catch up!" Though cautious at first, the eldest princess ultimately obliges.
"This is absurd," Henrik mumbles.
"I agree," a fellow Arendellian remarks. "The royal children are putting in more effort than we are."
"Wait, what?" Henrik bumbles.
"You heard me!" the maiden says before addressing the crowd herself. "Come on, everyone! Grab a shovel...a wheelbarrow...anything!"
Within a matter of moments, the people of Arendelle are scrambling to take on their snowy entrapment. Shovels clang across the street while chisels clatter on windows. Feeling left out, Henrik ultimately opens up his smithy and distributes more tools to fellow citizens.
As Elsa loses herself in joyful feelings beside Anna and Lupe, the snowfall comes to an end once more. While she can't put an end to the snow beneath her, she finds comfort in seeing Arendelle united. "Your majesties!" an older voice beckons. Anna and Elsa spot Kai and Gerda stumbling over with the rest of their parents' search party. Lars and Ruth trail behind as the servants reach the girls.
"We were so worried," Gerda frets and holds the children close. "Are you two alright?"
"We're okay," Anna says. "All thanks to Lupe."
"You're just in time!" the florist says before handing tools to Kai and Gerda. Despite observing the community's togetherness, the servants know the truth. They observe Elsa amidst the snowy predicament, but find comfort in her faint smile. Kai and Gerda shrug to one another before joining in the cleanup.
Lars nudges Ruth and jabs a finger at the frozen homes. "I'm not hallucinating this, right?" he mutters.
"No," she says. "But you are slouching." Ruth playfully shoves him back and grabs shovels for them.
The village's confidence grows as it continues to clear snow. Suddenly, a cadence of heavy stomps has citizens turning their heads. "Look!" someone rejoices and points towards the hills leaving town. "It's the ice harvesters!"
The nomadic, leather-clad ice harvesters come boldly marching in. Having seen the snowy phenomenon from afar, they arrive eager to lend a hand. Pickaxes gleam on their shoulders as they vault from horse-drawn wagons. Moving as a single unit, these toned men and women hack ice away with mighty swings. Civilians cheer as their pickaxes strike ice in a rhythmic fashion. Stepping in time, the harvesters spin and frontflip over one another. As they liberate frozen homes, they send tiny fractals spewing over the streets like icy confetti.
What could seem so laborious becomes part of an icy festivity. There's joy in the air as Arendellians not only clean, but dance together. Laughs are exchanged as they twirl one another amidst the frosted mounds. In those moments, Anna takes Elsa by the hands and merrily spins her. Applause ring out as the ice harvesters take to the rooftops. Their leader stomps his feet and urges their youngest member to quicken his pace. "Come on, lad!" he says. The child brushes his disheveled, blonde locks from his face and leaps up with his coworkers.
The reveling is so raucous, that Agnarr and Iduna are left dumbfounded as they ride back into the kingdom. They exchange bewildered glances and observe such a chaotic juxtaposition. While their kingdom endures a frozen situation, its people are anything but bothered. They're happily prancing about and working as one to shovel snow. "How is this possible?" Agnarr whispers.
As he and Iduna ride further into town, they catch a glimpse of Frederic and Arianna. "Is it...normal for it to snow this selectively in Arendelle?" the Queen of Corona asks. Agnarr nervously scratches the back of his head while Iduna shrugs.
Back in the square, Anna and Elsa spin each other beneath the 'snowfetti'. As the duo lands in a giggling and dizzy embrace, they suddenly hear something shuffling above them. The ice harvesters are marching overhead, freeing windows and clearing chimneys. Their youngest member struggles to keep up and suddenly loses his footing on one of the frosted shingles. The boy's shriek brings an end to the festivities as all heads turn to the rooftop. People gasp and thrust fingers as he tumbles towards the edge. The commotion brings Agnarr, Iduna, and those in their company rushing over. The boy attempts to catch himself using his pickaxe, but the tool slips out of his panicking grasp. As the pickaxe plummets to the street below, the boy prepares to share a similar fate. Screams sound as he falls seconds before a harvester can grab him.
Time seems to slow and it feels as though no one could possibly reach him in time. As Elsa watches him fall, she thinks of the baby puffin. She recalls the helplessness in its family's squawks as it fell out of reach. Elsa glances down at her steady hands and remembers Mary's words to her.
"Your past is not your future," she'd said.
In those moments, Elsa pretends she isn't surrounded by the citizens of Arendelle. There is only her and that falling boy as she throws her hands forward. Calling upon her power just as she had for that puffin, Elsa sends a vibrant beam of magic pulsing forth. She couldn't save Anna all those years ago, but she will save this boy. Resounding shouts echo throughout the crowd while they observe the child's power. Iduna gasps and grabs Agnarr's hand as they watch a mound of snow form. Like a gentle and chilly pillow, it catches the boy just in time. Silence consumes the square as no one looks to the harvester anymore. All eyes are on Elsa and the power swirling from her hands.
"Elsa!" Agnarr's voice calls out from the crowd. It's enough to have the princess shuddering as he and Iduna squeeze their way over. While others back away from the powerful child, her parents slide to her sides. Anna makes her way to them as Elsa braces for a scolding that's never coming. She cautiously opens her eyes and looks upon her parents' worried faces. "Are you alright?" Agnarr asks softly.
Elsa looks over his body and winces. "Are you?"
The king shakes his head and keeps focusing on Elsa's needs. "I'm fine, sweetheart. I'm just sorry. So...so very sorry. I didn't trust you because-" he sighs as Elsa hangs her head. "I was afraid," he confesses. "And I let that fear keep me from seeing the genuinely happy daughter in front of me."
"I'm sorry too," Iduna says as Anna nestles against her arm. "You were never meant to be locked away, Elsa. Not from anyone and especially not your sister."
As Elsa takes in their words, she becomes distracted by the cacophony of astonished mumbles around them. The people of Arendelle have the royal family surrounded and look to them with widened eyes. While they've actively strived to avoid such a confrontation, Agnarr and Iduna stand tall. Like noble sentinels from an ancient storybook, they put themselves in front of Anna and Elsa.
"People of Arendelle," Agnarr bellows. "Hear what I say now more than ever." While he appears robust and firm, his heart and thoughts are racing. Iduna takes his hand to calm him as they stand as one. They are an unknown union of lands connected by love. "Magic is..." He can see the crowd hanging on that word as he struggles to continue.
"Unique," Iduna says. "Mysterious."
She glances back at her husband and he continues. He gratefully nods to her and says, "And such mystery is often feared rather than embraced. It's the reason we closed the gates. The reason we shut our eldest child out from truly experiencing the world. We gave in to fear, the very enemy I swore to defend Arendelle from."
"It's true," Iduna adds. "Our Elsa does possess magic." The crowd remains silent as Iduna stays close to her daughter. "But she should be embraced, not shunned for it. Look what she's done, even amidst error!" The queen gestures to the child sitting atop a snow mound. "Elsa saved this boy with her gift."
"Gift?" an older voice snarks. Heads turn as the Duke of Weselton is escorted by a set of guards. "Do you think us, daft?" the scrawny dignitary jeers. "That little monster nearly froze your kingdom solid along with all of us in it!"
"That's not true!" Anna yells until her parents take over.
"Elsa's not a monster," Agnarr asserts in a deepened tone his family has seldom heard. "She is our daughter," he kneels down and puts a defensive arm around Elsa. "And we love her."
The duke's bushy mustache twitches as he jabs an accusatory finger. "But...but the snow she sent pouring over-"
"Ay por favor," Lupe huffs and throws her hands to the crowd. "So we got some snow and ice on our houses. I don't know about you all, but I appreciated some cool weather during a blazing summer." The duke's rigid jaw drops as several Arendellians nod in agreement. "Plus, when's the last time this whole community came together like this?" Even Henrik reluctantly concurs with her statement. "If all of that happened because of Princess Elsa, then that magic of hers is a gift."
"She saved my life!" the ice harvester blurts while climbing out of the snow mound. "Of course it's a gift!"
The King and Queen of Corona come forward. Agnarr's defensive grip on Elsa relaxes as Frederic and Arianna take a knee. The queen extends a hand to Elsa and she looks to her parents for permission. "It's alright," Iduna whispers.
As Elsa approaches Arianna, the queen's emerald gaze softens. She imagines what it would be like to reunite with her own child after so many years. Arianna shakes off such thoughts and holds Elsa's chilly hands. Frederic puts an arm around his wife as she says, "Princess Elsa, I owe my life to magic. It is a blessing in Corona and should be one here." Frederic nods as their influence casts a glow over any doubters in the crowd.
"Thank you, your majesties." Elsa says and curtsies to them.
"This is an outrage!" The duke snaps and stomps his buckled heels. "You're all being deceived by this sorceress' lie! You must be! I think I'm catching a cold from the icy residue in the air. I won't stand for this. Weselton won't stand for this! I-"
"Then allow us to make things easier for your courteous kingdom," Iduna intones. Agnarr smirks at his wife as she goes on. "Kai," she beckons. "Take a note."
"With pleasure, your majesty." Kai says and unravels a scroll from his steward's satchel. Ever his loyal companion, Gerda hands him a quill and uncaps an ink bottle.
He stands at the ready as Iduna decrees, "Arendelle will henceforth and forever no longer do business of any sort with Weselton." The duke's eyes twitch behind his rattling spectacles as Iduna stares him down. "That will be all," she says. "I trust you can see yourself out of our kingdom." The duke attempts to depart in a huff, but only ends up tripping on a remnant of ice. His faulty toupee flips up and reveals his balding head. Anna and Elsa snicker at the sight as he leaves with whatever dignity he thinks he still has.
Agnarr and Iduna drop to their children's eye levels. Their nurturing gazes rest on the princesses as Elsa says, "Thank you."
Iduna caresses her pale cheek and whispers, "We love you, Elsa. And I'm sorry we ever deprived you of those feelings." She looks Elsa in the eye and hands her back Sir Jorgenbjorgen. "I promise that I'll never let that happen again."
Little Anna leans against her father's arm and asks, "Does this mean we can open the gates?"
Agnarr chuckles as his mustache curves with a grin. "Yes, sweetheart," he says and that declaration sends Anna over the moon. She excitedly leaps into Agnarr's arms as he happily pulls his whole family in for a hug.
Gerda can't help but get teary-eyed as the royals embrace. "I always prayed this day would come," she sniffles and leans on Kai.
As Elsa sinks into her family's loving arms, a wide...genuine smile returns to her lips. A cyan glow glistens and shimmers from her palms. Agnarr and Iduna back up as Anna gasps with excitement. "Elsa?" her sister inquires. "What are you doing?"
Embracing the love around her, Elsa raises her hands to the skies above. Gasps echo across the streets as what remains of the snow is magically lifted through the air. Ice and slush gather in vibrant, sparkling clusters overhead. The rest of Lupe's shop unfreezes and her flowers magically bloom once more. As Iduna watches her daughter spread her arms like an uncaged bird, the queen can't help but shed a joyous tear. "Agnarr," she whispers with the biggest smile across her face. "...she's free."
The gathered snow and ice morphs into a colossal snowflake. Its intricate details are as unique and beautiful as the princess herself. With a powerful, yet controlled sway of her hands, Elsa disperses the snowflake and clears the sky above. Arendelle's summer sun shines with newfound warmth and brilliance. Its people rejoice by basking in its rays and applauding Elsa's actions.
Anna claps alongside them until her foot bumps into a lost pickaxe. She curiously tilts her head and hears the young boy searching for it. He's scratching at his mess of blonde hair when she says, "Excuse me."
"Huh?" the boy inquires, only to clunk his head on a barrel for turning too quickly.
Anna winces and asks, "Are you okay?"
"Oh I'll be alright," he groans. "I have a thick skull." His brown eyes light up when he spots what Anna's carrying. "Hey!" he cheers. "You found it!" As Anna extends her arms to return the pickaxe, her fumbling hands touch the boy's. They gasp and simultaneously let go...causing the pickaxe to land directly on his foot. "Youch!" the boy yelps and stumbles back.
"Sorry! I'm so sorry!" Anna panics, unsure whether or not to try handing the tool over again. Instead, she fidgets with one of her pigtails and says, "I don't suppose...you have a thick foot too?"
Her terrible joke gets a chuckle out of him. "No I don't," the boy snickers. The distraction temporarily dulls his pain as he rises and retrieves the pickaxe. He smiles softly and says, "You're funny."
Anna's freckled cheeks flush with red as she nervously twirls one of her pigtails. "You...think so?" When he eagerly nods, she rushes to introduce herself. Much to her surprise, so does he. The two take turns talking over each other until Anna ultimately puts a hand over his mouth. Her light touch has his eyes widening and cheeks reddening. "I'm Anna," she says. The princess then drops her hand and gestures for him to speak.
"I'm K-" the boy sternly clears his throat when his voice cracks. "I'm Kristoff," he replies.
"Anna!" Iduna hollers, calling her back to the family.
"I gotta go," she tells him. "But it was nice meeting you, Kristoff!" As Anna turns, she ends up tripping over herself. She sneaks another wave at the ice harvester and whispers, "Bye!"
As Kristoff waves back, something fuzzy nuzzles against him. A young reindeer snorts to further capture his attention. "What is it, Sven?" Kristoff asks. The reindeer eyes Anna from afar and raises a flirtatious brow at him. He utters a series of grunts and it's as if Kristoff can understand him. "I'm not blushing!" the boy retorts while nervously hiding his face.
Anna dashes back to her family and leaps into their united embrace. She presses her face against Agnarr's chest as he wraps his arms around his beloved girls. As he glances up, he spots Frederic and Arianna standing before him. "We'd best return to Corona," the queen says. "After all, it's not like there's going to be a Weselton trading agreement anymore."
"But we will support your kingdom," Agnarr assures. "Arendelle's ports will always be open to you," he adds while Iduna nods.
"And we greatly appreciate that," Frederic answers. His humble, yet tired eyes fall upon the princesses. "But there will be a time for trade. Spend time with your children now." He takes Arianna's hands in his and says, "We'd certainly do the same if we ever got our dear Rapunzel back."
"If we ever."
Heartache lingers in Arianna's eyes. It pains her to feel her husband's hope dwindling. As they bid the Arendellians farewell, a hatted figure watches them from the dispersing crowd. Her wide-brimmed hat dips as shifting winds blow her daisies westward. Those same gusts have Mary Poppins squinting at Frederic and Arianna. It's as if she can feel the daunting sorrow lingering over them.
Lupe sneaks her way next to Mary and follows her gaze towards the royals. "Duty calls?" the florist teases.
Mary sighs as Frederic and Arianna disappear from view. She peers up at the midday sky and whispers, "The winds are changing, but only time will tell what will become of it all."
In that instant, her parrot-headed umbrella handle swivels and squawks. Lupe yelps as his carved eyes suddenly blink and he actually speaks to Mary. "Must you always be so cryptic?" the handle mutters. "I know that look in those shimmering eyes of yours. You'll always rise to help a family in need." Lupe gasps as the handle turns to face her. "I just hope the next kingdom isn't so chilly! I-"
Mary pinches his beak shut and says, "That'll be quite enough of that, thank you."
Lupe snickers as the handle quiets down. Her smile falters as she observes Mary's prolonged gaze. The nanny watches the Arendellian royals laugh and embrace one another. "Well," Lupe says. "You told me that you came to return something. I'd say you have."
"Indeed," Mary laments.
Picking up on her tone, Lupe leans in and adds, "You know, saying goodbye to you was one of the hardest moments in my childhood. But I appreciated that you took the time to give me that farewell. No matter how much it hurt both of us."
Mary raises a brow and glances at Lupe. "I beg your pardon?" she mutters.
"Mary," Lupe answers with sincerity in her heart. "Even 'practically perfect' people get attached sometimes." Mary smiles sympathetically as Lupe surprises her with an embrace. "Adios, mi amiga. Until next time."
"Farewell, Lupe." Mary replies. She runs her fingers across the daisies atop her hat, seeking to keep them as a reminder. As Lupe frolics off to tend to her shop, Mary looks to Arendelle's royal family.
Agnarr, Iduna, Anna, and Elsa have formed a chain bound through love. Their smiles are wide as they hold hands and stroll out of the village. "What are we gonna do now?" little Elsa asks.
"Something fun!" Anna declares with a spritely bounce. "Lets jump into a painting!"
"Or go for a picnic," Iduna considers.
"And have a chocolate-eating contest!" Agnarr jests.
"You could always fly a kite," a voice suggests and has the family skidding to a halt. While guilt and shock consumes Agnarr, his children are overjoyed to see Mary Poppins again.
"Mary!" the princesses cheer together.
Their nanny stands atop a grassy hill just outside the village. The West Wind blows against her dress as Agnarr stumbles forward. "Ms. Poppins," the king laments. "I-...I shouldn't have-"
"I have already forgiven you, King Agnarr." Mary says. "Now it's time for you to forgive yourself."
She smiles down at the children until Anna waves for her to come down. "You're just in time!" the redhead declares. "We're gonna go have some fun as a family this time!"
"As you should," Mary concurs.
"But you're part of our family too," Anna adds. "So come on!" She merrily spins back towards the others until she notices Elsa's discouraged face. Anna's brows furrow as she follows her big sister's confused stare back to the nanny. "Mary?" she worries.
Elsa's slowly catching on as she nervously says, "You're not coming, are you?"
Mary takes her time to exhale gently. "I'm afraid not, your majesty," she responds. "As a matter of fact, I must be on my way."
"Wait, what?" Anna blurts and scurries up the hill. Elsa dashes behind her as Mary kneels to meet them. Anna practically throws herself against Mary's chest. She looks up with anxious eyes and whimpers, "But you can't leave! You're the best nanny ever!"
"Is it...our fault?" Elsa asks.
"What?" Mary whispers. "Oh no no no," she answers in a gentle, reassuring voice. "You've both been brilliant, beautiful, and wonderful little ladies."
Anna clings to Mary's dress, never wanting to relinquish her grip. Her eyes redden as she struggles to hold back tears. "Then why do you have to go?" she sniffles.
Mary smiles softly and holds the princesses close. "Anna," she sighs. "Elsa...you're united with your parents once more. You have a chance to truly embrace the happiness you've found in one another." Elsa nods while patting Anna's back. "But not everyone is as fortunate as you are. All around the world, there are little boys and girls who still haven't had that chance."
"You're gonna help them," Elsa realizes and Mary faintly smiles.
Although she understands, Anna hangs her head in disappointment. Her sniffles catch her nanny's attention as she looks up and whimpers, "Mary-" Anna can hardly say her name before she has to gasp for a breath. Tears stream down her cheeks as she throws herself into the woman's arms. "I'm gonna miss you," Anna weeps. Mary gently strokes her auburn locks while Elsa joins them in a warm embrace. Anna's sobs become muffled as she buries her face in Mary's dress and dampens it with her tears. The aching sight has Iduna reaching for Agnarr's hand.
"Shhh," Mary whispers softly and rubs the child's back. "It's going to be alright."
Elsa lifts her head and wipes a single tear. "Will we ever see you again?" she asks.
Mary sighs at the question while lifting Anna up on her knee. She looks to Elsa while wiping her little sister's cheeks. "I don't know," she admits.
"But not knowing can be exciting, right?" Anna queries, recalling Mary's teachings.
The nanny smiles and says, "That's precisely right, my dear. The mystery of tomorrow is the greatest adventure of all. While I don't know what the future has in store, I do know that we will forever be in each other's hearts." The princesses smile as a powerful gust presses against their backs. Mary follows it and looks to the clouds. "The winds have changed," she tells them and rises to her feet. "It's time." She opens her umbrella to the heavens and lets the West Wind carry her. "Farewell your majesties!" Mary declares as she's lifted into the blustery air. "I promise, you'll be alright!"
Scrubbing their tears away, Anna and Elsa eagerly wave before chasing after Mary. They follow her from below for as long as they can, prompting Agnarr and Iduna to pursue. The family observes Mary's ascension until they reach the shoreline. "Goodbye!" Anna hollers as the brisk fjord nicks her shoes.
"Stay safe!" Elsa shouts before dropping her voice to a whisper. "Thank you," she says with a smile upon her face. "For everything." Mary Poppins soars to the highest heights and ventures beyond a sea of clouds. A blissful smile finds its way to Elsa's lips as she looks to the family at her side.
"You know," Iduna says. "I'm going to miss her too. But I'll never stop being grateful for what we have. What she's returned to us." While they're at the shore, she removes her shoes and cools her feet in the fjord's waters. Her daughters mimic their mother's gesture and it isn't long before Agnarr joins in. As their footwear lays tossed in a gathered pile, the family bathes their feet together...caring little for the soaking of their garments.
"We have so many stories to share," Agnarr tells his daughters. "So much to explain. But for now-" he leans in as Anna raises a curious brow. In that instant, the king flips his hand up and sends water droplets splashing over his youngest. "Gotcha!" he teases.
Anna's astonishment is short-lived as she flashes a daring smirk. "Oh now you're in for it, Papa!" With a wild flap of her arms, she sends miniature waves splattering against Agnarr's torso. He chuckles and only splashes her further. As they go at each other, Elsa notices Iduna sneaking up behind Agnarr. Bringing a finger to her mouth, the queen urges her to stay quiet as she lunges at him. Agnarr's eyes go wide before Iduna dunks him in the fjord. Her victory is brief as her husband quickly recovers. Raucous giggling fills the air as Agnarr pulls Iduna under with him. Longing to feel included, Anna cannonballs towards her parents. The princess' splash is colossal and Agnarr holds her close.
Elsa faintly smiles and observes their shenanigans from a smooth stone. In that instant, her mother's brown bun floats over to her. Iduna's bright eyes rest just above the water's surface like a crocodile's. She leans against Elsa's stone and catches her breath. "I am so proud of you," Iduna says and extends her soaked hands.
"Thanks Mama," the princess replies. "I love you," she says and fearlessly takes Iduna's hands. The gesture brings Iduna to tears as she rejoices in the feeling of her daughter's bare palms. The queen's grin widens as she happily pulls Elsa into the water and tickles her. The royal family laughs, splashes, and swims for so long, that they completely lose track of time. Their company becomes all that matters as they wade in Arenfjord's glistening waters. And while their hearts reconnect long into the evening...a family of swans flies peacefully towards the sunset. United by grace, they soar toward paths unknown and into the mystery of tomorrow.