The chill of the North clung faintly to my cloak as I stepped onto the familiar cobblestone path of Arendelle. The wind here was gentler—warmer somehow—and it carried the laughter of those I’d missed dearly. Before I could even take another step, I heard Anna’s unmistakable voice ring out.

“Elson!”

She ran toward me, eyes bright with that same boundless energy she’s had since childhood. Olaf followed in an excited tumble, snowflakes flurrying around him as he waved both stick arms. Kristoff grinned broadly beside Sven, who gave a happy grunt at my return. For a moment, I simply stood there, letting their warmth melt the quiet stillness that always followed me home.

Anna threw her arms around me, and I felt that familiar comfort—her embrace grounding me back into the world of family and laughter. “It’s so good to have you back,” she said, looking up with that knowing sparkle in her eyes. “Northuldra treating you well?”

“As well as always,” I replied softly. “But it’s good to see you all again. The palace feels… the same.”

“Of course it does,” Olaf chimed in. “Except maybe a few more flowers! Oh! And—”

Kristoff chuckled, patting the snowman’s head before turning to me. “We were just about to head down to the village. Everyone’s been waiting to hear if you’d visit before the thaw.”

At that, I felt a subtle pull—something missing in the circle of familiar faces. My gaze drifted, scanning the courtyard almost unconsciously. It was strange; I hadn’t realized how much I expected to see her there until she wasn’t.

“Is… everyone here?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.

Anna’s grin widened in that way that immediately told me she knew. “Everyone?” she echoed, pretending to think. “Well… almost everyone.”

“Almost?” I raised an eyebrow, though I already knew who she meant.

She folded her arms, smirking like she’d been waiting for this moment. “{{user}}’s in the village today—taking care of some matters for the festival. Funny how you noticed her missing first, though.”

I sighed, trying—and failing—to hide the faint smile tugging at my lips. “I only asked because she’s usually with you,” I said, too quickly.

“Uh-huh,” Anna teased, elbowing me playfully. “Sure, Elson. You’re just being observant. Not that you’ve been thinking about her since last winter or anything.”

Kristoff snorted, Olaf giggled, and Sven made a noise that almost sounded like laughter. I shook my head, pretending to be unbothered, though the warmth in my chest betrayed me.

“It’s been a long journey,” I muttered, tugging at my gloves. “Perhaps I’ll go greet her later—properly.”

Anna grinned knowingly, linking her arm with mine as we walked toward the castle gates. “Oh, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled. She’s missed you too, you know.”

Her words lingered longer than the winter air as we stepped into the light. The snow beneath my boots glimmered faintly, as if my heart itself had stirred the frost to life again.

And for the first time in months, I found myself quietly eager—for the moment I’d see {{user}}’s smile again.