Chapter Text
“Wow, you play beautifully.”
Ashlyn gives a start at the sound of the gentle voice. She sets down her flute and stands to meet the stranger. White hair, and a glittering blue dress. “My apologies!” Ashlyn curtsies. “You must be the dignitary from Arendelle.”
The woman curtsies back. “Arendelle, and the Enchanted Forest. I must apologize, I learned all of your names before coming, but--”
Ashlyn smiles. “Not to worry! Sometimes our own dad can’t keep us straight. Princess Ashlyn, at your service.”
“And I’m Elsa.” She smiles. “I’m sorry to have interrupted you. I arrived early, and they put me in a tea room to wait for the king to meet with me, and I heard the music...”
“It’s okay,” Ashlyn assures her. “Actually my hands are rather sore, so I must take a break. Let me show you around.” She leads Elsa back into the hallway, rubbing her sore wrists.
“Does that happen often?” Elsa asks. “The pain in your hands?”
“Yes,” Ashlyn admits. “I think I got it from my mother, but my father thinks it's from playing the flute too much.”
Elsa stops in front of a large window, the sunlight making her look almost ethereal, with her shining hair and sparkling dress. “You know about my powers, correct?”
“Yes, I think everyone in the land does. I’ve heard such amazing stories.”
“Can I see your hands?” asks Elsa.
Ashlyn hesitates, but holds out her sore hands. Elsa gently takes them in hers and hums. Suddenly, an unnatural cold comes over them. Her wrists and fingers practically freeze in place, yet it stings for only a second. After that, it starts to go numb, and Ashlyn realizes what is happening. In the winter she’ll often stick her hands in a snowbank to soothe them. This is even better, and it’s the middle of the summer!
“Is that better?” Elsa asks after a few minutes.
“Yes,” Ashlyn breaths. “Thank you!”
Elsa lets go, and the warmth slowly begins to return to her joints. “Wouldn’t want you getting frostbite.”
Once they’re unfrozen, Ashlyn flexes her hands, marveling at how they feel better than they have in ages. “Thank you!” she says again. “If there is anything I can do to repay you...”
“Don’t mention it.”
Ashlyn smiles. “Well, I should at least finish your tour! Come this way.”
Elsa follows her down the hall. “And, anytime you need me while I’m here, if you’re hurting or anything, just say the word.”
“Don’t worry,” says Ashlyn, looking at the loveliest, kindest girl she’s ever met. “I will.”