First chapter of my Frozen II rewrite. I’ll leave links to AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/52396078/chapters/132547186
And Fanfiction: https://m.fanfiction.net/s/14309034/1/A-Retelling-of-Frozen-II
I’ll post the story here too for anyone wanting to read on Tumblr:
Prologue:
As the snow-covered forest enveloped her, a young girl sprinted desperately with tears streaming down her face. Her voice echoed through the trees as she called out for her mother, seeking refuge from the unknown dangers that lurked around her. Adorned in a cloak bearing Arendelle's noble coat of arms, she pressed on.
Suddenly, her frantic footsteps came to a halt as distant shouts reached her ears. Fear gripped her heart, and she quickly sought cover behind a towering tree. Peering through the branches, her eyes widened with trepidation as she caught sight of fluttering Arendelle flags in the distance.
Amidst the wintry landscape, soldiers raced past her, their hands gripping swords and crossbows tightly. Among them, she spotted a pair locked in a tender embrace. "My love, it's becoming too perilous. Please, return to the safety of our camp." he implored, concern etched on his face.
With determination shining in her eyes, the woman responded, her voice filled with unwavering resolve. "Oh, come now, Mattias. What soldier doesn't fight for the home she loves?" Her words carried a fierce determination as she defied the dangers that lay ahead, sprinting off into the unknown.
In a panic, the girl's desperate whispers of "mother" filled the air as she turned to retreat. But her movement halted abruptly as her wide eyes locked onto a towering figure draped in a cloak of animal hides, adorned in furs from head to toe. With a finger pressed to his lips, he urged her to silence, his presence both mysterious and intriguing.
Together, they turned their attention towards the rustling sound in the trees, their hearts pounding in anticipation. And there, emerging from the shadows, came an army of Arendellian soldiers, marching steadily towards them. The girl's gaze flickered back to the man, only to find him vanished into thin air, leaving her bewildered and alone.
Suddenly, a firm grip seized her arm, yanking her back to reality. "What are you doing out here? You must return to camp!" Urgency laced the Arendellian soldier's words as he narrowly dodged an arrow that embedded itself into a nearby tree. Without hesitation, he disappeared into the chaos of the battle, swallowed by the fog and smoke.
The girl found herself once again alone, her heart racing as she sprinted and slid down a small hill. As she caught her breath, she glanced up and caught a glimpse of something soaring through the trees. Before she could get a clear look, the sound of voices reached her ears, causing her to instinctively seek cover.
"Stay low, my son," a commanding voice urged.
"Yes, father," came the obedient reply.
"Your majesty—" began the soldier, but his words were abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of a massive elk leaping out of the bushes. The majestic creature narrowly missed them as it bounded up a towering rock, its form transforming into that of a man adorned in an elk's skin.
"There you are." His eyes were fixed on the mysterious figure in the elk skin. With a sense of urgency, he turned to the solider at his side, and commanded, "Mattias, get the boy out of here."
"But, Your Majesty, my orders are to never leave your side." the soldier protested, his loyalty evident.
"I want my son to be safe." the king declared resolutely before dashing off.
"No!" cried the prince, his anguish echoing through the air.
"Come, Prince Agnarr, please." the soldier pleaded, swiftly scooping up the young prince. Without looking back, they fled in the opposite direction, the prince's anguished cries lingering in the air.
As the girl's eyes widened in disbelief, she witnessed the king charging forward, his sword held high, ready to strike at the mysterious figure. The clash of their blades filled the air as they traded blows, their movements swift and precise. Each strike reverberated with the intensity of their conflict.
But then, in a stunning turn of events, the king and the figure were sent hurtling off the very edge of the cliff. It was as if fate had intervened, guiding their battle towards this precipice of danger. The girl's heart raced as she watched them disappear into the abyss below.
Suddenly, an incredible surge of power erupted from the depths of the forest. It was a force so immense that it seemed to shake the very ground beneath her feet. Like an unstoppable avalanche, everything and everyone around her was pushed back by this overwhelming energy. Trees swayed, rocks tumbled, and the air crackled with an electrifying intensity.
Amidst the chaos, the girl's eyes caught sight of a boy, desperately clinging to a ledge. Time seemed to slow down as panic gripped her heart. Without a second thought, she sprinted towards him, her feet pounding against the earth. With every ounce of strength she possessed, she reached out and grasped his hands just in the nick of time.
Their eyes met, a mixture of relief and gratitude reflected in their gazes. "Thank you," the boy uttered, his voice filled with sincerity. But as the girl looked back at him, her expression shifted, panic etched across her features as she realised who she had saved.
As the ground trembled beneath their feet, the world around them seemed to crumble. The very earth beneath the king and the mysterious figure gave way, swallowing them into its depths. A blinding burst of light pierced through the darkness, illuminating the chaos that ensued.
A fierce wind roared to life, swirling around them with the force of a tornado. The boy and the girl found themselves at the mercy of this tempest, their bodies being pulled towards the tumultuous vortex. Fear gripped their hearts as they fought against the powerful currents.
But just as all hope seemed lost, a strong hand reached out and grabbed them. "Mattias!" the boy exclaimed, relief evident in his voice. The trio held on tightly to one another as Mattias, with unwavering determination, maneuvered through the collapsing trees and crumbling ground. "Don't let go!" he urged them, his voice filled with resolve.
With every step, Mattias skillfully navigated the treacherous terrain, ensuring their safety. Finally, they reached the safety of the camp, where a moving wagon awaited them. Mattias gently placed the boy and the girl inside, assuring them that everything would be alright.
But the girl's anguish could not be contained. "No, mother!" she cried out, her voice filled with sorrow. Mattias turned back, concern etched on his face, and whispered, "Your Majesty." Without hesitation, he darted back into the forest, disappearing into the darkness.
As the girl was carried further away from the forest, her sobs echoed through the air. The weight of her loss hung heavy upon her heart, her grief overwhelming.
Thirty-three years later
Queen Elsa stood in front of the grand doors of the council chamber, her heart pounding in her chest. Anxiety washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to consume her.
Her hands trembled, the icy chill of fear coursing through her veins. Each breath came in short, shallow gasps. as if the weight of the world rested upon her shoulders. The responsibilities of being Queen, the expectations of her people, and the impending meeting with the council who still to this day didn’t trust her all felt suffocating, closing in on her like a tight embrace.
Doubts and insecurities flooded her mind, relentless waves crashing against the shores of her confidence. The doubts whispered, questioning her every decision, making her second-guess her own abilities. In those moments, she wondered if she was truly worthy of the crown she wore.
Just as Elsa was about to succumb to the rising panic, Kai, her trusted advisor, approached with genuine concern etched on his face. "Your Majesty, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
Elsa forced a weak smile, trying to hide her distress. "I'm fine, Kai," she replied, her voice betraying her true feelings. "I just... I need a moment."
Kai hesitated for a moment, torn between respecting her space and wanting to help. "Should I send for Princess Anna?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes. He knew that Anna was always there for Elsa, ready to offer support and comfort.
Elsa shook her head, frustration and exhaustion evident in her eyes. "No, Kai. She deserves to enjoy the festivities outside, it's all she's been talking about for the past week. I can handle this.”
Deep down, Elsa longed for Anna's comforting presence, but she didn't want to rely on her sister for every moment of weakness. Her sister had a life outside of Elsa and she had to respect that.
Taking a deep breath, Elsa closed her eyes and focused on grounding herself. She thought of Anna and what she might say. "You've got this, Elsa." she whispered to herself, channeling her sister's unwavering support. Slowly, the panic began to subside, replaced by a resolute determination. Elsa straightened her posture and pushed open the council chamber doors.
_ _ _
Anna and Olaf sat on a checkered blanket, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the meadow. Anna flipped through the pages of the advanced book, her brow furrowed in confusion more and more as she flipped through the pages. She glanced at Olaf, who was trying his best to understand the complex concepts.
"Olaf, this book is ridiculously difficult!" Anna exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. "I can barely make sense of it myself. Why did Elsa have to pick this one for you?"
Olaf tilted his head, a puzzled expression on his face. "Well, Elsa said it would be good for our intellectual growth, but I think she overestimated us.“ he said innocently.
“Our? Pfft, that stinker, she did this on purpose.” Anna chuckled, playfully tossing the book behind her without a care for where it landed. She ignored the audible splash. “I’ll get her back later and you’re right, Olaf. Maybe we should stick to something a little less... snow-phisticated next time," she teased, playfully nudging him with her elbow.
Anna’s eyes lit up with excitement as he remembered something. "Oh, speaking of snow, Olaf, how’s the new permafrost?”
“Oh it’s great! It’s like living the dream Anna.” he replied, rolling onto his back to bask in the warm sun. Anna followed suit, lying down beside him. “How I wish this could last forever.” she hummed in agreement.
Suddenly, Olaf sprang up, catching a falling leaf. “And yet change mocks us with her beauty.”
“Whats that?” Anna asked, curious.
“Forget it. Maturity is making me poetic.” he said, releasing the leaf. “Tell me you’re older and thus all knowing, do you ever worry about the notion of that nothing is permanent ?”
That caught Anna off guard. “Uh, well no.”
“Really?” Anna nodded, a smile gracing her face. “Oh I can’t wait till I’m ancient like you so I don’t have to worry about important things.”
Anna chuckled, “That’s not what I mean. I, I don’t worry because I have you and Elsa and Kristoff and Sven and the gates are opened and…I’m not alone anymore.” She laid back down, gazing up at the sky, “Now that, that will never change no matter what.” She turned her head to Olaf, smiling, and he returned the smile in kind.
_ _ _
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the stables, Kristoff paced back and forth, rehearsing his proposal to Sven, who was playing the role of Anna. He wanted to make sure every word was perfect.
"Anna you’re the most extraordinary person I’ve ever known." Kristoff began, his voice filled with sincerity. “I love you with all I am.” Kristoff took a deep breath, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. “Will you marry me?” Sven, doing his best Anna impression, placed a hoof over his heart tor feign shock and nodded enthusiastically as he pretended to wipe away tears.
"Thanks buddy.” He chuckled as he stood back up but his smile quickly diminished. “I love Anna, I really do. It’s just, sometimes, I can't help but doubt myself. I'm not a prince or a nobleman. I don't have fancy titles or riches to offer. I'm just a simple ice harvester."
Sven gently placed a hoof on Kristoff's shoulder and gave him a ‘you’re kidding me look’. "Kristoff, don't you see? You are so much more than titles and wealth. You have a heart of gold, and your love for Anna is what truly matters. You don't need to be a prince to be worthy of her love."
Kristoff's doubts began to fade as he listened to Sven's words of encouragement. "I know buddy or else Elsa definitely wouldn’t have given me her blessing.” He gave Sven a scratch behind his ear.
Suddenly the sound of the festival bell rang through the air, signaling the start of the town's festivities, Kristoff carefully placed the ring back in his pocket. "C'mon, Sven. Let's go find Anna and Olaf. Tonight, I ask her to be mine forever."
As Kristoff stepped out into the bustling town square, Anna couldn't contain her excitement and practically tackled him with a bear hug. "Kristoff! You're just on time! I've been counting down the days until the festival!"
Kristoff laughed, wrapping his arms around Anna in a warm embrace. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Feistypants. You know how much I love seeing you happy."
They strolled hand in hand through the festival, marveling at the colorful decorations and the lively music that filled the air. Anna couldn't help but notice Elsa's absence at the start of the festivities. "Hey, you didn’t see Elsa on your way here, did you? She's usually here early to make sure everything is perfect. I hope she's okay."
Kristoff looked around, scanning the crowd for any sign of Elsa. "Hmm, not sure where she could be. But knowing Elsa, she's probably tied up with some last-minute meeting. She'll show up soon, I'm sure."
Just as Anna voiced her concern, Olaf, got caught up in the excitement and was whisked away by a group of giggling kids. "Oh no, Olaf! He's off on another adventure," Anna exclaimed, watching as Olaf was pulled away, his laughter echoing through the crowd.
Kristoff shrugged, “Was only a matter of time.”
“C’mon let’s go get him. She pulled Kristoff’s arm, “Elsa will kill me if he gets destroyed again.”
"Nah, she won't kill you. Maybe just ban you from chocolate for a month," he smirked, crossing his arms and refusing to budge, despite Anna's efforts to pull him.
“Which is basically death! Now c’mon!” Anna insisted.
He let himself be dragged by Anna, laughing away.
_ _ _
“Another thing Your Majesty, when do you plan to marry and produce a heir? You’ve been reining for three years now and we are no step closer to Arendelle strengthening connections and we are in desperate need of supplies for the Winter.”
“As it stands Lord Falsen, Princess Anna is my heir and shall be for the foreseeable future with the throne being passed to her own children. Yes, the Blight was unforeseen but we have rationed enough to see us through Winter.”
“Barely enough.” He mumbled. Elsa chose to ignore it.
Another councilman chimed in “That’s another thing Your Majesty, why do you continue to let the Princess court that peasant? He has absolutely nothing to offer to the thro-“
“His name is Kristoff Bjorgman, and I will not tolerate such disrespect towards him.” Elsa interrupted sharply.“ Need I remind you that Mr. Bjorgman is responsible for saving Arendelle from an eternal winter three years ago, his love for Princess Anna is genuine and true and I believe that is greater than any Prince Consort could bring to the throne.” The council fell silent, and Elsa considered it a small victory.
“Now Gentlemen, is there much more to discuss?” She said cooly.
Another councilman spoke up, "Yes Your Majesty, there are still those among the citizens who harbor doubts and fears of your rule. They believe that the recent Blight was caused by your powers."
Elsa's hands trembled as she struggled to maintain her composure. Doubts once again flooded her mind.
"I... I understand their concerns,” Elsa stammered, her voice quivering. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “But…" her voice trailed off, truly at a loss of what to say.
The council members exchanged glances, their lack of confidence in Elsa becoming increasingly evident. The room fell into a heavy silence, further fueling Elsa's anxiety.
Councilman Falsen, known for his sharp tongue, seized the opportunity to make a cutting remark. "Arendelle has suffered greatly under your rule. First an eternal Winter, then a Blight which both severely damaged our supplies, it’s shocking we didn’t have more casualties. Who knows what you'll put Arendelle through next? Maybe it's time for someone more capable to take charge."
Elsa's heart sank as his words hit home. The doubts she had been suppressing surged to the surface, fueled by the councilman's harsh criticism. Her hands trembled, and she could feel the familiar tightening in her chest. Panic once again threatened to consume her.
Unable to bear the weight of their words, Elsa abruptly stood up, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and vulnerability. "This meeting is over. You’re all dismissed.” Her words hung in the air as she hastily left the meeting room, the sound of her hurried footsteps echoing in the silence.
In the solitude of her chambers, Elsa fought back tears, her mind swirling with self-doubt. The council's words had struck a nerve, reinforcing her deepest fears of inadequacy. As she stood there, the frost began to form on her trembling hands, a visible manifestation of her inner turmoil. In a moment of desperation, she dug her nails into her palms, puncturing her skin and causing crescent moon shaped cuts to form. The pain was a harsh reminder of the consequences of her powers, but it also served as a temporary distraction from the emotional pain she was feeling.
Elsa glanced at her hands, worried that Anna would see the marks, evidence of her struggle, of how she still wasn’t coping. She wished she could shield her sister from the darkness that sometimes consumed her, but she knew that she couldn't always control it. Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm herself, to regain control of her emotions before facing Anna.
“Don’t screw this up, this is an important day for her.”
With a practiced smile on her face, Elsa made her way out of the room, her hands still tingling from the cold.
_ _ _
"Oh, you're not getting away with that, Kristoff!" Anna giggled, playfully retaliating with a mischievous grin as he nudged her arm. The crowd cheered as their competitive spirits ignited a friendly rivalry.
Amidst the excitement, Anna spotted Elsa making her way through the crowd. "Elsa's here!" she exclaimed with relief. "I was starting to worry. Let's go.”
They made their way towards Elsa, weaving through the crowd, until they finally reached her. Elsa greeted them with a small smile. "I'm sorry I'm late. I got held up with a meeting." she explained.
Anna embraced her sister, feeling grateful for her presence. "Was Falsen giving you a hard time again?”
“No, no, just some trade discussions took longer to sort out than anticipated, don’t worry.” Elsa said hastily. Anna gave Elsa a suspicious look, sensing something more. But before she could ask, Elsa swiftly changed the subject. "So, have you been enjoying yourselves?"
"Yes! Everything looks amazing. We've been having so much fun!" Olaf exclaimed, his joy infectious.
Elsa's warm smile grew as she looked down at the snowman. "I'm glad."
The five of them spent the rest of the evening enjoying the festivities, dancing, and savoring the delicious treats the festival had to offer. They created memories that would last a lifetime, cherishing the joy and love that filled their hearts.
As the festival came to a close, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff & Sven returned to the castle for their weekly family game night.
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DECEMBER RELEASE
Boop! The Musical - Chicago Tryout
December 3, 2023 - Medium Observation
Video | Matinée
Cast:
Jasmine Rogers (Betty Boop), Faith Prince (Valentina), Ainsley Anthony Melham (Dwayne), Erich Bergen (Raymond), Stephen DeRosa (Grampy), Angelica Hale (Trisha), Phillip Huber (Pudgy), Anastacia McCleskey (Carol), Lawrence Alexander (Ensemble), Colin Bradbury (Ensemble), Tristen Buettel (Ensemble), Joshua Michael Burrage (Ensemble), Gabi Campo (Ensemble), Daniel Castiglione (Ensemble), Rebecca Corrigan (Ensemble), Josh Drake (Ensemble), RJ Higton (Ensemble), Nina Lafarga (Ensemble), Morgan McGhee (Ensemble), Aubie Merrylees (Ensemble), Ryah Nixon (Ensemble), Christian Probst (Ensemble), Ricky Schroeder (Ensemble), Gabriella Sorrentino (Ensemble), Brooke Taylor (Ensemble)
Notes: Nice video from the second week of previews and Version 3.0. Some scenes are majorly wideshot due to the nature of the show, along with usher activity. Some washout can be seen at times but it's not too bad.
NFT DATE: June 6th, 2024
Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB5Cro
Video is $20
Six - Second US National Tour (Boleyn)
November 19, 2023 - Medium Observation
Video | Matinée
Cast:
Cassie Silva (s/b Catherine of Aragon), Zan Berube (Anne Boleyn), Aryn Bohannon (s/b Jane Seymour), Terica Marie (Anna of Cleves), Taylor Pearlstein (s/b Katherine Howard), Courtney Mack (t/r Catherine Parr)
Notes:
Excellent video of a fantastic group of alternates and Courtney's unexpected final performance as Parr!
NFT DATE: December 1st, 2024
Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB3Ye3
Video is $20
Mrs. Doubtfire - First US National Tour
November 16, 2023 - Medium Observation
Video
Cast:
Rob McClure (Daniel Hillard), Maggie Lakis (Miranda Hillard), Giselle Gutierrez (Lydia Hillard), Cody Braverman (Christoher Hillard), Emerson Mae Chan (Natalie Hillard), Aaron Kaburick (Frank Hillard), Nik Alexander (Andre Mayem), Romelda Teron Benjamin (Wanda Sellner), Leo Roberts (Stuart Dunmire), David Hibbard (Mr. Jolly/Ensemble), Jodi Kimura (Janet Lundy/Ensemble), Alex Branton (Ensemble), Jonathan Hoover (Ensemble), Sheila Jones (Ensemble), Julia Kavanagh (Ensemble), Marquez Linder (Ensemble), Alex Ringler (Ensemble), Lannie Rubio (Ensemble), Ian Liberto (s/w Ensemble), Lauryn Withnell (Ensemble), Julia Yameen (Ensemble)
Notes:
Near perfect capture of the tour! Some washout is seen in wideshots due to primary robs doubtfire outfit being so Bright.
NFT DATE: June 6th, 2024
Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB3Z7Y
Video is $20
Frozen - First US National Tour
November 29, 2023 - Medium Observation
Video
Cast:
Caroline Bowman (Elsa), Lauren Nicole Chapman (Anna), Erin Choi (Young Elsa), Annie Piper Braverman (Young Anna), Jeremy Davis (Olaf), Dominic Dorset (Kristoff), Collin Baja (Sven), Preston Perez (Hans), Jack Brewer (Oaken), Evan Duff (Weselton), Tyler Jimenez (Pabbie), Renée Reid (Bulda), Kyle Lamar Mitchell (King Agnarr), Katie Mariko Murray (Queen Iduna), Natalie Wisdom (s/w Head Handmaiden), Jack Brewer (Bishop), Kate Bailey (Ensemble), Kristen Smith Davis (Ensemble), Jason Goldston (Ensemble), Natalie Goodin (Ensemble), Zach Hess (Ensemble), Adrianna Rose Lyons (Ensemble), Alexander Mendoza (Ensemble), Nick Silverio (Ensemble), Daniel Switzer (Ensemble), Peli Naomi Woods (Ensemble), Michael Allan Haggerty (s/w Ensemble), Jessie Peltier (s/w Ensemble)
Notes:
Absolutely gorgeous video of this tour! Lots of wideshots and close ups.
NFT DATE: June 6th, 2024
Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB5mqB
Video is $20
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