Frozen Beyond [gxg]

Grand Pabbie

Elsa hummed to herself, the weight of Keahi pressed gently into her back. From her gentle breathing, she assumed Keahi was sleeping. She had no earthly clue how the woman managed to accomplish that.

But it was late. It took a few hours by horse to reach the place in the mountains the trolls called home. Just past Oakens trading post and not quite to the castle she created in the North Mountain.

Geysers of steam hissed as they passed, causing Nokk to whinny and toss his head.

Keahi's arms tightened around her waist and the woman groaned. "Don't tell me we're going to start singing. My vocal range is nowhere near yours." Keahi's raspy, sleep heavy voice mumbled into her back.

Elsa stopped humming and craned her neck to try and see her. It didn't work. "How do you know what my singing voice sounds like?"

"Are you kidding? Your regular talking voice sounds like honey off a golden spoon. Have you heard yourself?"

Heat rose to her cheeks. "I don't —"

"You do," Keahi interrupted, before gripping her waist so hard she let out a breath, "and why are those rocks moving?"

"We're here." Elsa whispered, waiting for Keahi to slide from Nokk and Elsa followed.

The crumbling and rumbling sound of the trolls rolled form the edges of the open stone platform. Moss tangled along the edges and the area dimly lit by the moon filtering through the trees.

"I need to talk to Grand Pabbie." Elsa told, watching as the trolls unrolled themselves and stood around gawking at the two of them.

"It's Elsa." They all murmured.

"Wow. Was not expecting trolls to look like this." Keahi muttered, standing close to her side, their shoulders and arms brushing together.

"They are harmless." Elsa gave a short, breathless laugh and squeezed Keahi's hand lightly.

The other woman relaxed.

Grand Pabbie rolled from the back of the group. The trolls stepping out of the way to make a path for their elder.

"Why did you bring cursed magic here?" Grand Pabbie demanded, eyes narrowing at Keahi.

Elsa took a step in front of Keahi. Her arms opened lightly in front of her. "Please, we need to know if there's something we can do to help her curse." She pleaded.

Grand Pabbie looked her over then glanced at Keahi. He mulled it over before motioning for her to come forward.

Elsa took Keahi's hand and smiled reassuringly, taking a step out of the way. Keahi kneeled down so that Grand Pabbie could take her hand.

He grumbled something before turning and waving his arms in the air, "Lets see what I can gather..." His graceless voice echoed through the air as a mirage of colors started above him.

The background clouded crimson. "A wrong has been made, a great evil was born." He started, squinting into it, "While you, Elsa, were able to help right a wrong this is something that cannot be fixed."

Elsa's heart hit her feet. She clenched her fists at her side.

Fire erupted and darkness swirled into the cloud. "I see no future for the cursed. But I do see something dark that threatens you, Elsa, and the spirits." He glanced over at Keahi whose gaze dipped downward. "But," Grand Pabbie took Keahi's hand, "you will be faced with a choice. And depending on your choice, you just may be saved yet. But it depends on the spirits on the other side, and if you can combat the darkness."

"What about my brother?"

Grand Pabbie closed his eyes and waved his hand, a man stood in the center of the crimson cloud before darkness leaked in inky shadows until in engulfed him. "I'm afraid he may be lost to a need for power and greed." The cloud flashed bright before disappearing.

Elsa leaned over and put a hand on Keahi's shoulder. She hated how upset she looked.

"There's nothing else, Grand Pabbie?" Elsa whispered, pleading.

He glanced away, shaking his head. "It is too much wrong to be righted," he glanced up at Keahi, "remember, a choice will be coming your way that will either end or save you. And Elsa," his voice was grave as he took both of their hands in his. "Something dark is coming for you. I fear for your safety if your future continues to be tied to Keahi."

Grand Pabbie took one last look at the two before shaking his head and rolling back. The rest followed until they were left alone.

She gripped her fists at her side. "I thought Grand Pabbie would have more answers. I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have brought you here." Elsa whispered, sitting down beside Keahi.

She hesitated before putting her hand over Keahi's. She was determined to figure something out. "You can't just be punished for mistakes someone else committed. I promise we will work together to figure this out."

Keahi looked up at her and Elsa found herself wanting to do nothing but comfort her and shelter her from everything. She tucked a strand of hair behind Keahi's ear. In response, the woman rested her head on Elsa's shoulder; she looked exhausted.

"The curse is my fault. It's because of me." Keahi whispered lowly.

Elsa shifted, confused. "How is it your fault?"

Keahi shook her head, rubbing the heels of her hand to her eyes. She shook her head, clearly she didn't want to elaborate. As much as Elsa wanted to push, she left it alone for the time being.

They sat there until the sun came up.

Elsa finally motioned for Keahi and helped her up. "Let's get back to Arendelle." She sighed.

The ride back to Arendelle felt longer than it had on the way up. She supposed, it was because she had felt hopeful that she could fix Keahi's issue. Now, she just felt hopeless. Yet, she wouldn't allow this to happen without a fight. There had to be something she can do.

Once back at the castle Nokk shivered as he returned to a liquid state and melted back into the lake with a ghost of a whinny.

They both trudged into the castle, disheartened by the night's events.