[ her mouth opens, but shuts again before she manages to say anything, because- is there even a gentle way of putting this? she knows she doesn't have to sugarcoat things for Anna, it's not really in her to do so anyway, but it's a heavy question to try and answer. it should be that simple. she wishes it was. but- ]

We don't have much control over when we arrive here, or when we leave again. The monarchs seem to have a way of manipulating time, I suppose, and as such, they feel it's justifiable to keep us here as long as they see fit.

[ and she almost apologizes, because she is sorry, she knows how much it means to Anna - the gates finally being open, being united with their kingdom instead of locked away in the castle - but. well. as responsible as she feels, and as much as she's been hoping, she knows it wasn't her choice to bring her here. none of them have that control. ]

I've been here for a few months now, Anna. [ time for Elsa to have a minor babble moment- ] Well, I was here, and then the monarchs sent me home, only to bring me back a few days later. ... A few days later at home, but a few months later, here. [ it's a short-lived babble! ] My point is that while we're here, the people at home won't know we're gone.

[ but that's not very comforting, is it!! she's so bad at this. ]

But we're not just trapped here, you know? They brought us here because they need our help. That's what I've been trying to focus on - that if I can't be at home, in our kingdom, then I should be doing what I can to help here.