Sunlight glanced off the surface of the fjord, glittering like scattered diamonds across the water. The ocean lapped at their little boat, slapping softly against the hull and rocking them gently into the afternoon. A mild breeze kept the summer heat from becoming oppressive, stirring up the crisp, briny smell of the open sea. Languorous tranquility settled around them like a bubble, shielding them from the outside world.

Elsa sighed, leaning back in Anna’s arms, tipping her head back to the warmth of the sun. She was just beginning to doze when Anna’s chin tapped her shoulder. “What are you reading?”

Elsa stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Hmm?” It took a moment to realize what Anna was talking about, until she remembered the book in her lap. “Oh- it’s a collection of poems by an ancient greek woman.”

“Read me some?” Anna asked.

“I thought you weren’t interested in poetry?”

“I am when you read it.”

Elsa chuckled softly and cracked the book open, leafing through until she found a page that suited. She began to read aloud, the low, sweet cadence of her voice filling their private solitude, lulling Anna into a near trance.

“‘That man to me seems equal to the gods,

The man who sits opposite you and close by listens

To your sweet voice

And your enticing laughter—

That indeed has stirred up the heart in my breast

For whenever I look at you even briefly

I can no longer say a single thing,

But my tongue is frozen in silence;

Instantly a delicate flame runs beneath my skin;

With my eyes I see nothing;

My ears make a whirring noise.

A cold sweat covers me,

Trembling seizes my body,

And I am greener than grass.

Lacking but little of death do I seem.’”

Anna hummed thoughtfully, resting her cheek against her sister’s hair. “Lovely.” Though whether she meant the poem itself, or the way Elsa read it, or both, she couldn’t say. “Although…”

“Although?”

“It does sound…pretty gay.”

Elsa’s shoulder’s shook with silent laughter. “Yes, sweetheart, I believe that’s the point.”

“Well then,” she pressed a kiss to Elsa’s temple, “it’s an excellent point. Read me another?”

“Of course.”