Chapter 7
A month has past since the VKs went into the tunnels. A month of awkward conversations between Elyse, Hadley, and Mal. Ben attempting to keep the peace to prevent a war between Arendale and Auradon. While taking Mal on a tour of Auradon before she becomes Lady of the Court, Arendale was the last stop. And the one Mal dreaded the most. She and Elyse never made up after the threat, forcing Hadley to choose sides. Which was easy for the daughter of Hades. She chose Elyse. At the royal table, Mal and Ben sat to the left side of Elsa. On the queen's right, Merida sat next to her wife. Elyse and Hadley sitting in the following chairs. Before this meeting, Ben had reached out to Elsa and Merida to explain the situation. The three of them decided that this would be a great time to clear the air.
"I heard that there have been some issues at school. Ben, Merida, and I agreed that this issue needs to be resolved before my citizens decide that they wish to cede from Auradon," Elsa states calmly as she looks between her daughter and her King's girlfriend. After the first time Hadley came to Arendale, the citizens grew fond of her after she unfroze a child from the grund using her fire powers. The flames going from feared, to respected.
"Arendale may actually cede?" Mal asks, unable to hide her shock. Ben mentioned that things could get worse, but not that bad.
"Olympus would to if they knew why you and Elyse are fighting. I talked Artemis and Apollo into not telling my uncle," Hadley says as she absentmindedly twirls a butter knife in her hand. Only noticing when Elyse gently removes the knife and sets it down. "I had to agree to actually spend time with my aunt to buy their silence."
"Hadley had been trying to facilitate peace from that end. However, we don't know how long we have until Hera catches on," Ben says as he looks around the table. As much as he loves Mal, he could see why Elyse is mad at her. If someone treated Mal badly, he would rage at them.
"Neither countries will benefit if this continues. Anna had a few suggestions for possible solutions, with Olaf's help," Elsa states with her pale hands clasped in front of her. The blue gloves she once wore now donning her heir's hands.
"What were the solutions?" Ben asks, eager to hear of what Anna suggested.
"The issue stems from how Mal treats, or treated, Hadley. If they learn to understand each other, the conflict will end," Elsa answers simply. It worked for her and Anna. It also worked for Merida and her mum. So it only makes sense for the sisters to give it a try.
"So like a spell?" Mal asks itching to try a switch places spell.
"Don't turn each other into bears. Tis a terrible spell to reverse," Merida recommends. No one wants a repeat of her mum or her brothers.
"But Malie would make such a cute bear," Hadley teases. Resulting in a few chuckles from all but Mal, who just rolled her eyes at her sister's antics.
"Malie?" Ben asks looking to Mal for clarification of the sudden use of what sounds like a childhood nickname.
"It's what Hadley would call me before she would steal for me," Mal says before sighing figuring that her younger sister is up to something.
"Stealing? You were a thief?" Elsa asks the young demigoddess. Not having been able told that by Hadley or Elyse.
"Food is a steal or trade item on the Isle. I found that I could get more food by stealing Mal's stuff to trade to her enemies. Her rival would pay a lot for Mal's stuff," Hadley explains. Giving Mal an innocent smile when her older sister glared at her. The fact that Hadley worked for Uma was known to Mal. Not that Hadley was the one who stole Mal's trinkets for Uma to destroy before it would reappear back in Bargain Castle.
"You two will definitely need help getting along. Perhaps Grandpappy could be of service," Elsa suggests as a servant clears the plates from the table. All of them being done eating. "Hadley knows how to find him."
"Grandpappy?" Mal asks as an excited Hadley gets up from the table.
"You'll like him. A rock solid guy. If there are no more plans for the evening, I can take Mal to Grandpappy," Hadley suggests with a big grin on her face. She makes a point in visiting the rock trolls each time she comes to Auradon. To hear stories of Arendale before Elsa became queen.
"Try to not be out all night. The trip back to Auradon City is quite long," Elsa states as she nods at the blue haired girl. Her version of permission to leave.
"You can take my horse, lasses. He will listen to Hadley," Merida suggests as she and Elsa get up to retire to their quarters.
"Thank you, Queen Merida," Hadley smiles before bowing to the two queens. "Let's get going, Mal," she says before walking out of the room. Her sister not far behind.
"Hadley will at least joke about pushing Mal off a cliff won't she?" Ben asks as they watch the sisters leave.
"Definitely. And that's why I love her," Elyse chuckles.
"When did you learn how to ride a horse? No one uses horses to get around," Mal questions as the younger girl brings out a black shire horse.
"Meet Setanta. His father, Angus, was Queen Merida's trusty steed until he died. Setanta is great with beginners. Unlike his brother, Connla. As for you question, Arendale and DunBroch still travel using horses. Merida taught me how to ride and Cristof taught me how to steer a sled," Hadley explains. Patting the neck of the horse next to her. "I'll get on first. Do what I do and get on behind me," she orders as she gets out a stool for Mal to use. Hadley easily slipped her left foot into the stirrup and pulls herself over. After a minute of struggling, Mal finally climbs up behind Hadley. "You'll have to wrap your arms around me or you'll fall off."
Once Mal gets a grip around her younger sister's torso, Hadley clicks her tongue and Setanta gallops towards the mountains already knowing the path by memory. The purple haired girl looks out over the fjord. "I've seen pictures… but this is far more beautiful," she says in awe as Setanta stops in a clearing filled with moss covered rocks.
"Grandpappy! We need your help," Hadley calls out as she gets off Setanta. Easily landing on her feet. Mal following suit.
The rocks begin to roll out of the way as the largest one rolls towards their sisters. Stopping just short of them and standing up. "Lady Hadley, Mal, I have been expecting you."
"Hello Grandpappy. Can you help us better understand each other?" Hadley asks as she kneels down to the rock troll's height.
"The best way I can think of is a magic spell. One that will allow Mal to go into your mind. See how you see yourself, others, and the world around you," the rock troll answers after a moment of thought. Tapping his grey chin.
"Mal, I'm up for it… but you may not like what you see," Hadley says as she turns to look at her older sister. This wouldn't be the first time someone entered her mind. Shortly after the tunnels, Elyse used the same spell to go into Hadley's mind when the blue haired teen continued to be trapped in her own insecurities.
"If it helps me understand you, I'll take that risk," Mal says as she takes Hadley's hand.
"Abandon hope all ye who enter," Hadley whispers as a soft golden light surrounds them both.