[https://i.postimg.cc/nL1D9Dk9/TTB-FF-Head-1-page-0001.jpg]

Later that evening, Arendelle was restored to normalcy. Where the castle had crumbled, Elsa repaired it with ice. All the people, royal attendants, and soldiers included gathered at the castle’s courtyard. A grand fair was set up to celebrate the liberation and the open gates. Elsa stood at the center of the dais, wearing her dazzling blue ice gown. Kai stood to her side with a scroll in hand—something was coming. Anna stood aside at the stairs to the dais. She smiled at the sight of everyone. Kai took a breath, which silenced the gathering.

“People of Arendelle. Tonight, we commend the exemplary services and heroic deeds of the brave and selfless.”

The crowd fell silent.

“First, I humbly invite Lord Frederik to the dais.”

The people applauded his arrival.

“For helping those in need with his own funds and caring for Arendelle from the bottom of his heart; he is to receive the Exemplary Service Medal.”

Queen Elsa pinned the medal to his tunic. “Thank you for looking after our people, Lord Frederik.”

Frederik assured, “It was only my duty, Your Majesty.” He left, bowing.

After a while, Kai continued, “Next, we have Sergeant Alex of the Royal Guard. For leading an operation to free Arendelle from the grip of enemy forces and for protecting Queen Elsa from imminent danger, he is awarded the title ‘Hero of Arendelle’.”

All the people, especially the soldiers, erupted, applauding. The sergeant brilliantly marched up the dais and halted before the queen with a smile. Elsa didn’t say a word but only returned the gesture. As a soldier walked toward her with the medal, he smartly delivered a salute. The ribbon bore the royal colors of Arendelle, and the award itself was nothing less than a badge of solid gold, embossed with the wreath and golden crocus.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Elsa picked up the medal and pinned it above his uniform pocket. After doing so, she looked at Alex. In a quick moment, he furtively shot her a funny face. Elsa couldn’t help but giggle, covering her mouth. When she stopped, Alex saluted, made an about-turn, and marched off the dais. He came to a halt yet again before the Captain of the Royal Guard. After the customary saluting, the two men exchanged serious looks. Knowing that their captain was a stickler for discipline, the royal guards watched in undisturbed silence. Eventually, the officer put his hand forward and shook Alex’s.

“Well done, sergeant!” he cried, wearing a jubilant smirk. Hearing this much-awaited expression, the entire Guard threw their caps into the air in celebration.

That night, the castle gates were wide open. Elsa stood at the center of the courtyard. The lamps were lit; townspeople and attendants stood looking at her in anticipation.

“Are you ready?” she asked aloud. They all cheered, ready in their ice skating boots. Elsa stepped on the ground and froze the entire courtyard, creating an ice rink. The people hopped onto it and twirled about in their ice skates.

“Swing me!” Olina laughed as Kai spun her around and knelt down, holding her hand.

“I like the open gates.” Anna came up to her sister and said delightfully.

“We are never closing them again.”

Elsa waved her hand, and magical skates made entirely of ice formed on Anna’s legs. “What? Oh, Elsa, they’re beautiful, but you know I don’t ska--”

She grabbed Anna’s hands and pulled her along on the ice.

“Come on. You can do it!”

Anna slipped and slid but laughed merrily.

“Watch out! Out of the way!” warned Alex. Elsa quickly pulled Anna out of Sven’s path as he went slipping past.

“Look out! Reindeer coming through!” told Kristoff as both the men ran after an uncontrolled, sliding Sven.

“I got it. I got it.” Anna was getting the hang of it, before she began to slip too. “I don’t got it; I don’t got it--”

In a flash, Olaf came to the rescue, “Hey guys!”

Elsa smiled as he helped her balance, “That’s it, Olaf.”

Olaf skated and helped her coach.

“Glide and pivot, and glide and pivot. Go…” rang his ever-lively voice.

Arendelle was shining, full of laughter and life. Even from the mountain peaks in the fjord, it glowed like a lighted candle amidst all the darkness.

----------------------------------------