Work Text:
the first step
Anna walked slowly down to the door that had mocked her for 13 years. A door she can't remember ever being open. It’s been exactly 13 hours, 13 minutes and 13 seconds since she last saw Elsa. How ironic. Perhaps deep down she chose the time to set off to correspond with their separation and the years of the younger woman thinking that she was mad and that there really wasn’t anyone behind the door. Yet brief memories of witnessing her parents disappear behind the always cold door hit her like a freight train and the occasional sob she knew she would hear on birthdays and Christmas. Finally facing the door, she raised a trembling hand and produced a soft knock. Panic clawed at her when there was no answer. Did she imagine the three day blizzard? Anna even felt her own forehead– no fever. Taking another breath, the young woman knocked a little louder.
The sound that filled the small space stole her already scarce breath.
“Come in,” it sounded faint and if it weren't for the fact that not many people wandered the hall, Anna didn’t think she would have heard it. She took a step and hesitantly opened the door. “Oh. Hello,” she greeted and Anna saw as she curled her hands to her chest and a timid smile came about her pale features.
“Hi,” Anna replied, taking a seat on Elsa’s bed. The Queen looked unsure about whether she was expected to take a seat too so Anna gently patted the space next to her. Elsa made her way over and sat as far away from Anna as she could. A sad smile fluttered across the crowned Princess’ face as she wanted the fear still etched on her sister's face. “Come closer,” she instructed softly. “You don’t have to be in contact with me but also don’t act like I have the plague,” she said in jest, however a saad and respectful look came across her when she thought about the pandemic. However, it got a small laugh from her sister so she thanked everyone. Elsa moved up and so there was a small gap between the two women. Anna couldn’t stop the smile that was on her face as she - internally - told her sister she was proud of her. “SO. This is where you have been hiding. Missed it already?” she teased.
Elsa rolled her eyes fondly however, while this room had been her cell for thirteen years, it was also the most familiar part of the castle for her. It was her safe haven. A place she knew she wouldn’t hurt anyone she loved. Of course, that didn’t mean she wanted to spend the rest of her days here. Not anymore. Not now she knows the truth behind her powers and her control.
“I miss you,” Elsa replied sheepishly, yearning to hold her baby sister but fear held her back. Anna saw the pull in her eyes and decided to take the next step for her. She moved slowly before wrapping her sister in a hug. Anna could feel that she had gone as stiff as a tree with this side hug. The Princess was kneeling on the bed facing her sister who was almost catatonic while she gazed at the wall, her hands in tight balls placed upon her knees.
“Relax,” Anna advised her, resting her cheek on her sister’s cold shoulder. The Queen eventually relaxed, her body almost going softer as the tension drifted from her body. “That’s it,” the younger woman praised. Elsa blushed at the praise. It was so small yet warmth spread throughout her body. “See. This isn’t so bad!” Anna squeezed her tighter and let out a breath of just pure happiness. “And for the record. I missed you too,” she told her lovingly. They broke apart and Elsa moved so that she was sat on the bed properly, her legs bent under her.
“I am so sorry for the pain I caused,” she was nearly in tears.
“Oh, Elsa. It wasn’t your fault! You were a child. You couldn’t control how mother and father went about the situation!” Anna assured her, reaching for her sister's hand. Instinctively, ELsa curled her hands away only to reach out for Anna with a nervous smile. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore, sis. I am with you every step of the way,”
And Elsa smiled. She was happy. Her sister was happy.
This was the start of a new chapter for both her family but also the Kingdom.
“Hey, Anna, Sven says he really needs to see you,” Olaf said as he entered the room. Elsa hid a smile. Looks like it was a new chapter for her sister too.