I would like to thank Mistress Peverell, Pure Red Crane, and purple-pink-ice for beta reading and helping me improve!
I am always open to feedback. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know. I take feedback very seriously.
Disclaimer: I do not own Frozen or Rise of the Guardians. Frozen is owned by Disney and Rise of the Guardians is owned by DreamWorks.
Chapter 4
The customers inside the café made no attempt to bother Elsa as she sat down at an open table in the corner.
Once Elsa was seated and had folded her hands neatly in her lap, a waitress greeted her. "Hello, ma'am. How are you doing today?"
Elsa smiled. "I am well. How are you?"
The waitress grinned back. "I am doing great. Thank you for asking. May I get you started with anything to drink?"
Elsa looked at the drink menu before deciding to get some tea. "I would like a tea, please."
"Of course. Would you like to have honey in your tea?" the waitress asked.
"Yes please," Elsa responded.
"Certainly. I will be back with your tea shortly." The waitress beamed before she made her way back to the kitchen to prepare the tea.
Elsa turned her attention to the food menu. While she did have some familiarity with a few of the most common foods in Norway, she was hoping to have something healthy to ensure she had enough energy to make it through the day.
Jack floated down into the chair adjacent to Elsa, smiling. "Do you need any suggestions on what to eat?"
Elsa turned to face him and nodded. "If you could, I would like a few suggestions, please."
"Of course. Norway has some of the best cheeses in the world. Therefore, I would suggest having some freshly baked bread with whatever cheese you order," Jack offered.
"That is a good recommendation, but I am not sure that bread and cheese alone could count as a meal," Elsa responded.
"True. I think you would probably need more than just that," Jack agreed before he contemplated for a moment. "Maybe you could have a sandwich to go with it, or a fruit bowl?"
The Snow Queen nodded. "I think that will be enough. Thank you, Jack."
"Of course," Jack replied with a wink. Elsa giggled.
The waitress returned with a steaming hot cup of tea, placing it in front of Elsa. "Here is your tea, ma'am. I would advise you to be careful though. It is very hot."
"Thank you," Elsa stated gratefully.
"Of course. Are you ready to order yet, or do you still need a few more minutes?" the waitress wondered.
"I would like to have a turkey and cranberry sandwich. Along with the sandwich, I would like to have a fruit bowl, and some bread and cheese, please," Elsa elaborated.
"Certainly. I will get those started for you," the waitress responded with a smile. She made her way back to the kitchen.
Elsa watched steam emit from her cup of tea, patiently waiting for it to cool down enough for her to drink it.
"Do you like to have honey in your tea?" Jack asked.
"Sometimes," Elsa replied. "It just depends on how I am feeling. Since we are visiting, I suppose it is one of those times where I do not mind having honey in my tea."
Jack nodded. "One thing I enjoy putting honey on is biscuits."
Elsa giggled. "My sister and I would have that for breakfast occasionally. You could say Anna and I both have sweet tooths."
"Now that you mention it, I am curious to know who has the bigger sweet tooth between you two," Jack wondered.
"That would be Anna, since she prefers milk chocolate, and I prefer dark chocolate," Elsa replied.
"At least you have your fair share of sweets from time to time, right?" Jack asked with a smile.
Elsa smiled back and nodded. "Yes, I do. I just prefer not being excessive with the sweets."
"Understandable," Jack responded.
The tea had finally cooled down enough for Elsa to avoid burning herself. She took a sip, savoring the hot tea with the hint of honey.
Soon the waitress brought out the food. "Here you are, ma'am. Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"I think that is everything. Thank you," Elsa replied, smiling.
"Of course. If you need anything, just let me know," the waitress stated before leaving to allow Elsa to enjoy her meal.
Elsa placed a napkin on her lap before examining the food before her. Her sandwich had freshly sliced turkey with cranberries on it, in between two slices of freshly baked bread. To the side was more bread with cheese, and a fruit bowl with bananas and assorted berries.
The Snow Queen began with her sandwich. After she finished her sandwich, she had more tea before turning to the bread and cheese.
The waitress came by to ask Elsa how everything was tasting, and was pleased when Elsa said everything was delicious.
Elsa noticed how soft and airy the bread was. While the turkey and cranberries were excellent, she felt the bread was some of the best she ever had.
She also enjoyed the fruit. It tasted so fresh, like it had just been picked. Elsa then finished the last of her tea.
Once Elsa had finished her meal, Jack asked, "How was everything, Elsa?"
Elsa smiled. "Everything was delicious. You gave me a great suggestion, Jack. Thank you."
"Of course. What did you like the most about your meal?" Jack wondered.
The Snow Queen had to think for a moment. "While I would say everything was amazing, the bread was the best part. I do not remember having bread that was so soft and airy."
Jack grinned, pleased that Elsa enjoyed the food. "I am glad that I could make a good suggestion on where to eat."
Elsa giggled. "You certainly know where the good food is."
Jack nodded with a chuckle.
The waitress soon returned. "How was everything, ma'am?"
"Everything was very tasty. Thank you for the great experience today," Elsa praised.
"Of course. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the food," the waitress replied with a smile.
The Snow Queen then inquired about the price of the meal. When the waitress named the price, Elsa counted out some coins. Once she felt she had counted out enough coins to pay for the meal, Elsa held out the coins to the waitress.
The waitress counted the coins, and an astonished look appeared on her face after she counted them. "That is way too much, ma'am. You do not have to give me that much."
"It is okay. You can keep it," Elsa insisted gracefully.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Touched by the gesture, the waitress smiled gratefully. "That is very generous of you. Thank you."
"Of course," Elsa replied with a beam. "I once again thank you for the experience, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
"Thank you, ma'am. You too," the waitress responded as she waved to Elsa, who waved back before making her way to the exit.
OoOoOoOoOoO
After they left the café, Elsa and Jack began to browse shops along the streets of the city. Elsa, captivated by a silver thistle brooch nestled amongst a pile of other forgotten treasures in a small, dusty box, paused, her breath catching in her throat. The intricate detail was breathtaking; tiny, almost invisible, silver leaves curled around a central bloom, catching the light and throwing off shimmering sparks. It was more than just a brooch. The ornament felt ancient, imbued with a forgotten story. She traced the delicate filigree with a fingertip, feeling a strange pull towards it, a connection that transcended mere aesthetics. Jack, ever playful, but sensing the depth of her fascination, refrained from his usual teasing. He watched her, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he observed the brooch's effect on her.
Jack understood the allure of such objects - the way they held echoes of the past, whispering tales of forgotten lives and bygone eras. They continued their stroll, the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere of Christiania swirling around them like a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. The air hummed with the energy of street musicians, the aroma of exotic spices mingled with the earthy scent of the cobblestones, and the cheerful chatter of passersby painted a vivid tapestry of life. Their shared experience transcended mere sightseeing. It was a communion of spirits, a silent understanding that deepened with every shared glance and whispered comment. The possibilities for future adventures were not just a thought. They hung in the air, palpable and exciting, promising a future filled with similar discoveries and shared moments.
Their conversation flowed easily, a comfortable rhythm of laughter and shared observations weaving a rich tapestry of memories into the fabric of their journey. They spoke of the brooch, of its potential history, of the stories it might have witnessed, their imaginations running wild with possibilities. Their exploration continued down the uneven cobblestone streets, past colorful houses adorned with vibrant murals, and past bustling stalls overflowing with handcrafted goods and unique trinkets. The thought of a return trip, this time with the luxury of ample time to explore Christiania's hidden corners and delve deeper into its unique culture, blossomed in their minds.
Elsa and Jack paused, their eyes lingering on a charming antique shop tucked away on a side street, its windows displaying a curated collection of fascinating artifacts. The faint scent of old wood and aged paper wafted from within, beckoning them to step inside and uncover more of Christiania's captivating secrets. The shop, with its promise of further treasures and untold stories, seemed to hold the key to unlocking even deeper levels of their shared adventure.
With meticulously prepared packages nestled inside, Elsa procured sturdy shopping bags prior to commencing her retail expedition.
After shopping for a while, Elsa had her arms filled with bags full of treasures.
"You know what, Elsa? I was thinking that we could rent a room somewhere to keep your treasures for safekeeping," Jack suggested.
"That is a great idea," Elsa replied in agreement.
Soon, they arrived at Royal Jewel Hotel, the finest hotel in Christiania.
Upon entering the elegant lobby, Elsa was greeted by an enthusiastic bellman whose smile was as wide and welcoming as the grand oak doors themselves. The lobby, a breathtaking expanse of polished marble and soaring ceilings, shimmered under the light of a magnificent crystal chandelier. Its intricate design, a cascade of sparkling prisms catching and refracting the light, cast dancing patterns across the plush, deep-red carpet beneath Elsa's feet. The air hummed with a low, pleasant thrum, a subtle blend of hushed conversation, the gentle clinking of ice in glasses from the nearby bar, and the soft strains of a classical piece playing from unseen speakers.
As for the bellman, he was perhaps about fifty years old with a neatly trimmed mustache and twinkling eyes. He smoothly took her luggage with a practiced ease, his movements suggesting years of experience in anticipating the needs of discerning guests. The bellman offered a crisp, white glove, a small detail that spoke volumes about the hotel's dedication to impeccable service. Before Elsa could even speak, he was already directing her towards the reception desk with a flourish, his voice a low, pleasant baritone that felt both reassuring and professionally deferential. The overall effect was one of effortless luxury and understated elegance, a carefully orchestrated symphony of sights, sounds, and subtle gestures designed to create an experience as memorable as the destination itself.
Once all of Elsa's parcels were safely upstairs inside a room, Elsa thanked the bellman, tipping him before heading back out onto the streets, eager to see what else she might have yet to see in Christiania.
OoOoOoOoOoO
After an entire day of exploring Christiania, Elsa decided it was time to head back to her ice castle.
Elsa and Jack returned to the Royal Jewel Hotel to retrieve the treasures. Once Elsa had everything with her in the lobby, she gave the appreciative bellman a handsome tip. The bellman wished her nothing but the best of luck and said that she was welcome to come back anytime.
After bidding the bellman farewell, Elsa and Jack made their way back to where they entered the city.
It took a little while, but they eventually arrived at the same grove of trees that they landed in upon their arrival in Christiania.
"How are we going to get all the treasures back to my ice palace, Jack? I am worried that some of them might fall on the way there," Elsa explained.
Jack nodded in understanding. "There must be something we can do." He contemplated for a few moments before an idea came to his head. "I have an idea, Elsa."
Jack summoned an icy platform next to them. "Place your treasures on this platform. That way I can make sure to carefully seal them so that they are secure and do not move around or fall while we are in flight."
Elsa nodded, carefully placing her bags on the platform.
Jack then created more platforms to create an open box out of them. He then used some snow that could act as packing paper to keep everything in the box secure and prevent them from banging against each other. Once he felt there was enough snow inside the box, Jack summoned one more platform to close the box. He admired his work, pleased with himself.
"While we are flying, the box will follow us back," Jack explained before asking, "Are you ready, Elsa?"
"Ready," Elsa replied as he wrapped an arm around her waist while she slipped an arm behind him to secure herself against him.
A moment later, they soared into the sky, the square box trailing closely behind like a devoted, miniature shadow. The wind whipped through their hair, a wild, exhilarating rush that sent shivers down their spines and painted their cheeks a vibrant rose. Below, the landscape shrunk, transforming familiar fields and houses into a patchwork quilt of greens and browns, stitched together by the silver threads of winding rivers. The sun, a blazing orb in the vast expanse of blue, warmed their faces, and they could feel the powerful lift of the wind beneath their arms, a constant, reassuring pressure that propelled them higher and higher. Surprisingly resilient, the box bobbed and weaved in the air currents, a testament to its unexpected sturdiness. They climbed until the world below became a breathtaking panorama, a breathtaking tapestry woven from mountains, forests, and the shimmering, endless ocean. The air thinned, becoming crisp and clean, tasting of freedom and adventure. For a moment, suspended in that boundless expanse, they felt utterly alone, yet profoundly connected to the vast, magnificent world stretching out beneath them.
OoOoOoOoOoO
The air was crisp and cool, with a hint of pine and snow. The scent of the ice palace was familiar, yet somehow different at night. Elsa took a deep breath, savoring the smell of home as she and Jack landed on the lower balcony.
Jack's hand was warm against her back, providing a sense of security. Elsa's feet touched the icy ground, and she could feel the coolness seeping through her shoes. It was a comforting sensation, reminding her that she was back in her element.
Jack carefully guided the ice box inside, taking care not to have it bang against any walls or anything else.
"Where would you like me to place the box of treasures, Elsa?" Jack asked.
"Could it go in my bedroom please? I think that would be a good place to put everything for now," Elsa replied.
"Will do," Jack stated with a smile as they made their way to Elsa's bedroom.
The Snow Queen entered her bedroom first, with Jack following and making sure to guide the ice box into the room with great care.
Elsa directed Jack to place the box where she wanted it, and once the ice box was in place, they began to remove the treasures from the box.
Jack made the sides of the box, as well as the snow, disappear once Elsa had placed all the treasures in a safe and secure place inside her bedroom.
To her pleasant surprise, none of the treasures were broken or wet. Impressed, Elsa smiled at Jack.
"Thank you for carrying the treasures, Jack. Everything is exactly the way it was when I purchased them. You are amazing," the Snow Queen stated with a proud smile, placing a hand on Jack's shoulder.
"You are welcome, Elsa," Jack replied, winking. "Did you have fun today?"
Elsa nodded enthusiastically. "Today was a lot of fun. Thank you very much. It was fascinating getting to see the capital of Norway and all its sights, its vibrant culture, and its delicious food, everything! From the iconic Oslofjord, shimmering under the Scandinavian sun, to the bustling streets of the city center, there was a constant stream of captivating experiences. I especially loved exploring the Akershus Fortress, imagining the centuries of history that unfolded within its ancient walls. The views from the fortress were breathtaking, showcasing the city's stunning architecture and the vast expanse of the fjord. We wandered through Vigeland Park, marveling at the intricate sculptures and the sheer scale of the park itself. The sheer number of statues, each with its own unique story, was astonishing. Of course, the food was amazing as well! I savored every bite of the fresh seafood, the hearty brunost cheese, and the comforting warmth of a traditional Norwegian meal. The cultural immersion was profound - witnessing the quiet dignity of the people, their respect for nature, and the overall sense of calm that permeated the city was truly unforgettable. Other than being unable to enter the Royal Palace, which was a slight disappointment, I would say it was an amazing trip. The palace itself looked majestic from the outside, with its imposing architecture and well-kept grounds. It was a stark reminder of the history and prestige associated with the Norwegian monarchy. Hopefully, next time we go to Christiania, we will be able to go inside the palace and experience its grandeur firsthand. This trip has certainly ignited a desire to return to Norway's capital and delve even deeper into its rich history and stunning natural beauty. The memories made will last a lifetime."
"It makes me happy that you had a great time today. I am confident that you will get your chance to go inside the royal palace someday," Jack responded, beaming.
"We will see," Elsa said. She then realized that she was getting tired. "I think I am going to get some rest now."
"Okay. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything. I will see you in the morning," Jack replied with a wink.
Elsa giggled. "Thank you once again, Jack. Good night."
"You are welcome. Good night, Elsa," Jack responded as they waved at each other before Jack left the bedroom, closing the door behind him.