Winter Moon (Jelsa)

Chapter 28: Elsa

"First things first," Astrid declared, when Jack and I retook our seats at the table. "What were you two talking about?"

"My disappearance," I answered, noting that Merida had arrived during my conversation with Jack. She smiled at me and to my surprise, I smiled back.

"Yeah," Hiccup frowned. "What happened?"

"You see," Jack began in sarcastic tone, and I knew what he was going to say.

"Hey guys! I think we're just about done eating! We should go see if we can rent some rooms!" Rapunzel interrupted loudly. 

All of us gave her a blank stare.

Leaning forward, she whispered something in Jack's ear. He nodded frantically and gestured for us to stand.

After a short chat with the bartender, Jack and Rapunzel led the way up a set of stairs in the back to a suite of connecting rooms. I realized the Cistern might be a lot bigger than I originally expected.  

"We just needed somewhere quieter to talk. Even if the people in the tavern can be trusted, it doesn't mean they should be," Jack explained.

We all gathered around a low table. Merida and Rapunzel each took an armchair, while  Astrid Hiccup and Flynn flopped on to the couch. I sat on one end of the divan and Jack on the other.

All seven of us were present. It felt like a lot of people, but at the same time barely any.

I glanced at Jack. He was tapping his foot nervously on the floor. His indecision radiated off of him. 

On instinct, I gave him an encouraging nod. 

Do it. Tell them. Or I will.

I couldn't believe I was giving him this sort of advice. Usually, I preferred keeping things secret. Ever since Jack and Rapunzel had found out about my secret though, I felt better. More comfortable and relaxed. Maybe even happier. 

Jack met Rapunzel's gaze. Some sort of agreement passed between them, like she was giving Jack permission to share her secret of being an Elite.

"Don't kill me until I finish telling you guys everything," Jack told Merida, Hiccup, Flynn, and Astrid. 

"No promises," Merida replied with an easy grin.

Then, he told them everything.

~ ~ ~

After he finished, there was a moment of silence.

Jack hadn't left anything out. From Pitch and my powers to his and Rapunzel's elite status. (No pun intended.)

Occasionally, Rapunzel and I had interrupted when he glossed over something important or left out a few details. 

"So let me get this straight," Merida said angrily. There was hurt in her voice, but also undertones of worry. She was concerned for us. "There's an angry fifth god after you, and you didn't think to ask for our help until now?"

Oh, she was concerned for me.

"Um," I bit my lip. "We thought we could handle it."

Merida harrumphed and glared at the three of us.

I surveyed the rest of them. Hiccup and Astrid seemed mostly shocked, but Flynn was scowling, particularly at Rapunzel. He seemed hurt.

"Everyone seems to be taking this news remarkably well," Jack said amiably.

"What are you guys going to do now?" Astrid asked, ignoring Jack.

"Find out why Pitch is after Elsa," Jack answered.