Chapter 50-Final Meeting
The sisters continued to stay together for hours after hours. Sometime speaking, sometime just resting within each other's comforts. Elsa also learned that over the pass two days of her unconsciousness, the pale color of her hair and skin, as well as her body temperature were all slowly turning back to normal, which caused quite the confusion with the council, the Commanders, as well as with Lipso and Grill. However, Merida was able to come up with a simple lie, and that was Elsa overexerted her descended abilities during battle and now they're extinguished. Merida also lied about claiming to see her doing one on one battle with another one of Pitch's abomination creation, much more deadly than the other black sand minions, and that was probably when she exerted herself. None of the men were happy to hear that at all.
By the time the Summer Spirit returned, the time indicated that night was going to set soon, but the haunting snow outside has yet to stop falling. Everyone was once more gathered together to discuss what they were going to do about Hans and Pitch. Merida withheld her report, insisting to wait and hear what Arendelle will do before announcing the Southern Isle's decision.
But even when the meeting started, no one knew how to begin. Gorm took the lead by reporting the army's status; the few remaining men who are able to fight could hardly make a decent sizable unit; there are still plenty of dream sands to refill all the weaponry, but the blacksmiths are doing the best they can with the overall armory in need of repair. Without Hiccup magic crafting, reforging the necessities is proving to be difficult.
When Elsa asked about the remaining citizens; something that wasn't reported to her in their last meeting before, Grill told Elsa that after losing the last battle; the citizens insisted on returning to town, even if injured soldiers were there they just wanted to be home. However, if the citizens no longer want to hide in the forests, Grill suggested at least having the citizens take shelter in the castle's courtyard when they go to meet with Hans and Pitch. The suggestion was numerously agreed upon.
The topic eventually fell once more about Rapunzel's departure. This time the council and Commander Gorm were more than eager to have the princess be taken home any means necessary, and so agreed to let Merida fly her home. However, the council had also argued for Prince Eugene to return home with his wife, they didn't see any point in having a coordinator from Corona in Arendelle anymore. No conclusive agreement was reached with that matter, everyone just didn't have the energy to fight for either side. In the end, despite all the discussing on other matters needing their attention, the group still couldn't decide on what to do with Hans and Pitch.
Eventually to Merida's discomfort, she was forced to tell the Southern Isle's decision despite her initial condition. Merida report was unfavorable. The council and the eight Princes of Southern Isle have discussed long and hard, but inevitably, with the kingdom now surrounded and hearing about Arendelle own condition, they have no other choice but to surrender.
The room became incredibly quieter than before. After a long pause Lipso was the first to speak. "Queen Elsa," he started, "what would you like us to do?" Elsa looked up at Lipso. "With our brothers' surrender, we're limited in what we can do to help you and your kingdom. But whatever is at our disposal here, than I believe my two brothers and I will make good use of it at this war's final hours."
Elsa couldn't help but look at Lipso, along with Lukas and Grill with sad eyes. "Would you really, despite our grave situation?"
It was Grill who answered. "Why Queen Elsa, it was one of our own family who started this conflict with you and your kingdom, and it is only right that we stay and aid in the finishing. And may I remind everyone here," Grill said a little louder, "that no matter what we all decide to do tonight, the war will finally end tomorrow morning."
Elsa looked at all three of the brothers with new gentle eyes, and for the first time that night, a grateful smile touched her lips. She realized that night, even though the Southern Isle Kingdom had indirectly brought about war to her people, in the form of Hans, and that Arendelle was doomed when next morning comes, she and her kingdom will be more than ever indebted to the twelve brothers for their support and kindness.
Elsa slightly dipped her head in gratitude, "I thank you all, Lipso, Lukas, and Grill, for your noble decision and honorable words. I can say with honesty that I am grateful for all the three of you and the rest of your brothers have done for my family and Kingdom. So please do not take this the wrong way, but I believe the best course for you all and your soldiers is to return back home and prepare for the worse. I know that four of your ships are still currently pertained by the Dream Pirates, but you still have three of your original seven ships, and what whatever ships Arendelle has to spear, than please use it to take your men home. Besides, there is no more need for you and your men to risk their life on foreign soil."
None of the brothers appears to be offended nor did any of them raise any objections to Elsa's surprise, well at least not yet. Lukas was the next one to speak. "So tell us Your Majesty, what do you intend to do?"
Releasing a heavy sigh from her nose, she then turned to look at her sister, "First I will have to make sure that Anna and Kristoff will be safe." Anna didn't argue back, but sat where she was mirroring the same look as her sister was giving to her. Unwavering. Elsa then turned to look at towards Merida. "I hope you don't mind Merida, but do you think you can make another trip with Anna and Kristoff after Rapunzel?" she then turn to look at her cousins, "And Rapunzel, Eugene, do the both of you think you can shelter Anna and Kristoff in Corona, even if it's just for a few days?"
"Of course we will," said Rapunzel, and she reached over to touched Eugene's hand sitting beside her, to which he returned the touch and nodded his head in agreement.
"I don't think I can make all the trips needed from here to Corona before the night is finish. Most likely I will have to make little ones, take you all somewhere safe and then finish the trips from there. The important thing is to at least get the four of you out of Arendelle before Hans and Pitch comes for their answer."
"Do what you must," said Elsa.
"You know I'm not leaving without you," Anna said quietly, though sternly. Elsa gave her a look, letting Anna know that they will be discussing that matter further later.
"Is there any objections to this?" Elsa asked towards the Arendelle Council; there was none.
"Alright, and after that?" questioned Lukas, "What will you do after your families' are in safety?"
"Nothing less but to meet with Hans and Pitch to deliver an answer."
"And during then?" continued Lukas. But Elsa didn't answer right away. "Your Majesty?"
"…It is like Prince Grill said; whatever may happen tomorrow morning, the war will end nevertheless."
"But by how do you plan to end the war?" Lukas pressed, but Elsa suddenly stood up from her seat.
"We shouldn't waste any more time talking now, there are still much we have to do before morning comes. Commander Gorm, I want you to gather the remaining able soldiers of Arendelle and split them into two forces, one to come with me to greet Hans and Pitch, the others will guard the remaining citizens once we move them to the courtyard. Their safety is of the utmost importance from this point on, do you understand."
"Yes Your Majesty," replied Gorm as he inclined his head. Afterward, Elsa ordered Gorm to leave first and to start assembling.
She then turned to the Arendelle Council. "Gentlemen, I assign you the task of gathering the remaining Arendelle citizens into the courtyard; please have this task finish before morning, but don't rush the people too quickly. I don't want them to be more alarm then they already are; we have to keep them calm as possible before and when Hans and Pitch return." The council agreed to their Queen's order and started leaving.
Lukas stood up also. "If you don't mind Queen Elsa, but I would like to assist in the gathering of the citizens as well."
"But you must prepare yourself and your men for departure."
Lukas bowed his head in kind. "I believe I also speak for my brothers here that though we are deeply touched by your words and concern for our safety as well as our men, what my brother have said earlier, about us staying to finish what one of our family members started, we will not be shy away from that so easily. However, I believe we will make use of the remaining ships to send our injured home. As for the remaining soldiers who are able, we'll give them the choice if they wish to return home, or stay and see the war's end."
"But what about the Promise Book? I don't think it would be wise to let Hans are Pitch get their hands on it."
"I thought about that as well, but there's no point in going back home just to protect the book. Pitch and Hans will just go there straight after Arendelle, and then what will I do? Be on the run for the rest of my life?" Lukas shook his head. "I have my duty as a Prince before the protection of a single book." He then lifted up his satchel and tapped the side of it. "Besides, all-and-all despite its magical properties, it's still just a story book." Lukas chucked as he left the table. "And I believe a good story from this book will be good thing for the children, to keep them distracted from what's to come." And with that, Lukas left, followed by his brothers, who said they will get started on sending the injured home.
And once again, Elsa found herself to be left in the room with Anna, Kristoff, Eugene and Rapunzel, with the addition of Merida.
"We should also be going now" said Rapunzel, and Eugene quickly helped her out of her seat. "At the very least we should pretend to be preparing for our departure."
"Remember to pack lightly," said Merida, moving herself to be closer to the group. "You're 'supposed' to be travelling by air with me."
Rapunzel nodded her head, and added, "I'll also go and heal Hiccup and Toothless, just enough for them to move without hurting themselves too much. You can tell the others that Beings can heal faster than humans or something similar." After that the couple left.
The remaining members of the group removed themselves from the table and in a circle stood side-by-side together.
"I'm not leaving you," Anna repeated. "Just like how Lukas is not going to leave his duty as Prince, I won't leave mine as Princess of Arendelle."
"I never asked you to. Don't forget Anna, we still have most of our people in Corona. Someone has to look after them and make decisions on what will be the next course of action after tomorrow morning."
"—Fine you got a good point there, but it still sounds like to me you're just trying to extend my life."
"I told you earlier that I wasn't going to let anything happen to you or Kristoff. If I can't protect you personally, then at the very least, I can make sure the two of you will be safe one way or another."
"But Elsa, by having us go to Corona, we'll just be dragging out the threat of endangering the kingdom of Corona."
"Anna—"
"We're staying Elsa," interrupted Kristoff. To which Elsa turned almost a glaring look at him, and Kristoff couldn't help but hesitantly grin. "Let it be known, as much as I love Anna, that doesn't mean I don't care about my sister in-law." Elsa smiled slightly. "Beside, harvesting and selling ice is the only thing I know how to do, where else am I going to get my merchandise?"
Elsa slightly leaned her head to the side. "You've spent some time with Jack haven't you?"
Kristoff chuckled, "The guy's funny and fun. Who wouldn't want to spend some time with him?"
Elsa's smile widens a bit. "I suppose you are right about that."
Before anyone could say anything else, Merida took Elsa by the arm and said, "Sorry, but I need to speak with you for a bit. Alone." She emphasized the last word, and pulled Elsa away from the group. When far enough, Merida whispered, "Alright lass, I've been keeping my tong hold for a while, but not anymore."
"What are you talking about?" Elsa whispered back.
"Look, for a while I've been able to sense what you're feeling, and based on the feeling I know what you're thinking of doing. It's incredibly brave of you, but stupid."
"So are you telling me not to? Or are you thinking of stopping me?"
"…I want to help you. But even with your courage giving me some strength, I'm still very limited in what I can do. The chances of you even succeeding—"
The room suddenly went dark, and all eyes turned towards the windows. The outside, though was already dark, but the sky had lost its stars and moon.
"Those damn sour plumbs. I should've known they wouldn't wait till morning."
Dear Readers,
In total about three more chapters to go. But here is a sneak peek of the next chapter to give you guys...hope?
"Give it up Elsa, you can't beat me!" said Hans; he was maybe no more than just a yard away from her now, but she couldn't see due to the wave attack. However, Elsa kept at it, even though she could feel herself being pushed back. A minute later, Elsa felt something powerful shoved against her wave and she was slammed down onto her legs, ending the attack with another clouded explosion. This time though, the cloud cleared away faster, revealing Hans before Elsa with his sword drawn.
"Noooo!" Elsa heard her sister from behind, running towards her, along with another pair of boots and assumed it was Kristoff.
Elsa saw the sword coming down on her; it was surrounded with swarming sands, probably meant to protect the weapon from her magic and allow it to still cut through her. Instinctively Elsa lifted up her hand to block it. When the blade came close, unexpectedly her magic suddenly blew against it with a heavy bolt of frost. It immediately froze the blade and nearly along with Hans' hand. The bolt had pushed against the blade so hard, that Hans' arm was sent too far back popping the muscle in his shoulder.
Hans fell to his knees with his other hand griping his shoulder, and shouted out in pain. Meanwhile Elsa was baffled; she had meant for ice to defend her, but instead it was a bolt of frosts, chiming like hundreds of needles hitting on glass...