ǫᴜᴇᴇɴ ᴇʟsᴀ (icicles) wrote in thecityof, @ 2018-01-23 10:42:00 |
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Perhaps practicing magic out in the open was a bad idea, but he couldn’t exactly help himself. Besides, it wasn’t like he was in the middle of a sea of people or something. Hadie was standing in alley and staring at a ghost. His lips curled up into a slight smirk as he fished a gold coin out of his pocket. He flipped it up in the air and didn’t yank his gaze away from the ghost. “A deal,” he nearly purred out. “Pass a message on to my father and you can have this to pay the Ferryman.” He flicked the coin through his fingers like a magician as he waited for the ghost to nod. Hadie brought the gold up to his lips and gave it a kiss. Yeah, he didn’t one hundred percent know what he was doing it, but a lot of it just felt right. As if what to do was coursing through his blood or something. The coin took on a blue glow and he tossed it to the ghost. “Tell him I’m fine. Oh, and tell the Ferryman I expect him to give Cerberus a belly rub for me.” The ghost vanished with the coin and the young heir to darkness was left standing alone. He spun on his heel and amused himself by summoning blue fire. It danced across his fingers and jumped from one hand to the next. Addictive and his birthright! Fairy Godmother had denied him of this with her stupid barrier. He hurled the fire up into the air as if it was a baseball and caught it easily. He had promised Harriet, of all people, that he’d behave in this city for now. Surely a bit of Hellfire magic wouldn’t get him killed? He didn’t realize anyone was watching him and when he looked up from his fire he found himself staring at someone who looked vaguely familiar. “Do...I know you?” The color of the fire was what caught Elsa’s attention - it was so bright, the shade of azure. Like lightning, sort of, but that wasn’t it entirely. She blinked blue eyes, clear as a lake frosted over, and automatically reached up to anxiously fix her braid - the intricate style pulled cornsilk hair back in its usual way, her hair long enough to flip that braid over her shoulder. “No, I don’t think so,” she responded, shaking her head. Today she’d actually worn a dress - leggings underneath, boots, a soft cardigan. She thought she looked a little bit like a librarian, but overall Elsa was fond of the style. It was comfortable. “I’m...I was just watching your fire. It was pretty.” Maybe she ought to introduce herself. “Oh, and I’m Elsa. Of Arendelle.” Not like he’d know where that was, but adding that was habit by now. Hadie looked down at the fire in his hand and then back up at the admirer of flames. He grinned and clapped his hands together. The fire vanished without a sound. His lips suddenly formed a slight circle of surprise when she introduced herself. Elsa of Arendelle, that was a name he knew vaguely. The woman in front of him was a much younger version of the Queen he associated with that country. “I'm Hadie of the Isle,” he grinned cheekily and didn't let on he knew who she was. Uma had sort of explained that there were versions of people from their world here that didn't know them. Not like anyone from Auradon really knew much about the kids on the Isle.”It's my pleasure to meet you, Elsa of Arendelle. He held a hand out like a magician and the fire appeared as a blossoming rose. Each petal sprang to life as he focused on the creation. “I merely dabble, but it passes the time.” “The Isle? I’ve heard a little about it,” Elsa shared, and the appearance of the fire rose made her smile in pleasant surprise. “From some of the people here. What I’ve read, too.” She didn’t always participate in discussions, but she was able to get a gist of what the ‘the Isle’ was like - and it was no place appropriate for children to grow up on. “Aren’t you charming.” She returned the favor, not usually one for theatrics with her magic but why not? A wiggle of fingers had a rose made of ice forming; it looked like clear glass, with bits of frost on the petals and the leaves. “You’re new here? I’m sorry - it’s...not the best world to get dragged into.” So people had been talking. He wasn’t surprised, most of the teenagers that were now in LA weren’t exactly the most discreet. They talked and talked a lot. Hadie tended to be a bit more sealed lip about things, using information as a currency of sorts. That might have been why people had no problems talking to him. He just listened and stored information away. “Then I don’t need to bore you with tales of my home,” he waved his fingers and the rose vanished. His lips curled up into a smile as he bowed his head ever so faintly. “I’m told my charms are to die for,” he teased lightly. She wouldn’t get the joke yet, not as long as he kept who he really was close to his chest. “I really only act charming when I am around people who deserve my attention.” He couldn’t help the way he leaned forward to inspect the ice rose. The craftsmanship was impressive and he almost reached out to touch it, but his fingers stopped just shy of the petals. “It looks like it is alive,” he said in faint wonder. He couldn’t sense the life in it and he knew his eyes were playing tricks on him. “You are a far better magician then I am,” he looked up at her with a half smirk. Oh, he knew just what she could do, but this was much more amusing. He was curious how long he could keep the act up. Using her ice magic to create life wasn’t something Elsa did often - there was Marshmallow though, and also Olaf. But being in LA hadn’t exactly required her to stock up on giant snow creatures for defensive purposes. She wasn’t in a castle made entirely of ice, alone and desolate - not this time. She was trying to interact with people. Like how someone normal would do, right? “Sometimes I wish I was a little warmer,” she admitted, the ice rose disintegrating, melting - it poofed off into the ether, little snowflakes swirling about before they too dissolved into nothing. She could melt smaller objects by now, but taking back an eternal winter? Always a bit more difficult, especially since she knew love was the key to thawing. She didn’t love many people. “So, the fire...why is it blue?” Color her curious. He had very blue eyes, maybe that was why. And the hair? Interesting look. “Why? There is beauty in the cold,” he questioned with an honest tone. He was used to the doom and gloom and seeing the underneath. Hadie was a romantic of sorts. Even his old man was a bit of one, though not many people knew that. Most times Hades was just ranting about the old days and cursing Fairy Godmother, but he saw the way the god cared for flowers. The question about the color of his fire had him giving a shrug. The answer was Hellfire, but that wasn’t the answer he was going to give. He knew his father only sprouted red or orange flames when angry so he opted to go the emotional route. “Tied to my mood, I think. I’ve only started being able to summon the flames since arriving here,” he said carefully. “And, also my apologies, I was so distracted by your stunning rose that I forgot to answer your question.” He ran a hand through his blueish hair and glanced towards the sky. “I arrived not that long ago. How long have you been here, if I can pry?” “A little over a month, almost two,” Elsa replied, once she’d thought about it. Time passed quickly - the days were long, yet fast. Seemed like mere moments ago she’d arrived and brought the winter with her - which wasn’t entirely terrible. At least, it didn’t appear to have inconvenienced anyone. Maybe some were even pleased by the white Christmas - things were always so much more festive around that time of year, when it was snowing. “I try not to get used to everything. I’m sure complacency is what our captors want.” Fingers idly stroked the plaits of her braid, as she tilted her head and studied the young fire-thrower. “I was just heading to grab something for lunch if you want to come?” Nothing that would take long - she had to get back to the pastry shop, after all. Just something quick, like...tacos. She actually loved those, messy as they were. “You can tell me what’s so beautiful about the cold.” He held up a finger and then a second one as she said she had been in this strange town for nearly months. Not quite as long as the pirates, but long enough to have seen some things. Hadie snapped his fingers together and let a tiny ball of blue flames appear for a second. “Getting used to things is boring,” he waved his fingers through the air. “It is the unknown that adds to life.” The question had him honestly smiling in surprise. This was an unexpected turn of events! “I’d be honored,” he was accepting for two reasons. One had to do with the fact he was still trying to learn as much as he could about real food. Not food that was rotten, but honest fresh food. The other reason, and the main one, was because he was intrigued by the young Queen. “I can recite poetry about the cold, but I don’t think any of those words will do justice to that display of power I saw from you. That and I am sure you want my own words and not the words of some scholars.” He winked at her before motioning for her to lead the way. If it was fresh food Hadie wanted, then fresh food he’d get. In fact, the place Elsa was thinking of was quite fresh - before she’d arrived here she had no idea you could purchase delightful eats from a truck, and also had been skeptical about the quality at first, but her doubts poofed into nothingness when she tried her first one. They were actually better than many restaurants because nothing was defrosted - the food was made right there. And she really did like tacos, so that’s where she was headed. To a line of food trucks, and the smell was a smoky siren song. “Of course I want your own words,” she laughed a little. “You seem to be good at weaving them. Though I do like ‘some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice.’ But fire represents desire, and ice...hate. The poem was supposedly inspired by Dante’s Inferno - in Hell, traitors were submerged up to their necks in ice. Ice always gets a bad rap.” She read a lot, could he tell? He had yet to experience food truck food, but he wasn’t one to judge. Hadie had grown up with the trash from Auradon. It was a special day when the bread was only a little moldy and not stale. Honestly, anything was fresh for him at this point if it was less than two days old. He had already experienced greasy burgers here. Big fan, by the way, but he was ready to try something new. Hades, the smell was actually making him hungry. “That is merely one interpretation of the elements,” he argued without thinking. “Fire, yes is often used to represent desire, but it is also anger, rage, and so much more. Fire devours, but it also can allow what is beneath a chance to grow. As for ice.” He shook his head. “Ice isn’t hate. It is love, a mother’s such strong love for her daughter that she would blanket the fields as she waits for the girls return. Ice lets life sleep and when it thaws? It blossoms that much stronger. You can’t have spring without winter, Elsa. People only assume that ice is cruel because they are blind to how strong and passionate it is. Ice is just as powerful as fire. Either can be used as a punishment, but both can be used as a means to push forward seedlings,” he felt his cheeks color just a bit when he realized he may have gone on one of his rare rants. “I like your interpretation better,” Elsa said honestly; listening to all of that, she didn’t mind the rant at all - in fact, her smile bloomed like flowers that only opened beneath the moon. Never in a million years would she describe herself as passionate - she was frigid, chilly to the touch (literally), and had spent much of her life in isolation not knowing how to be close to anyone. It was something she still had trouble with - Anna was married, she’d found the love of her life, but Elsa would likely remain a virgin queen. Or at least, she’d already resigned herself to her fate. But still, the thought that ice was something other than cruel was...pleasant. A different viewpoint was refreshing. “You seem different than the others who come from the Isle.” She’d seen them around, seen their network arguments - they were children who hid behind a computer screen. So when she referred to Hadie as different, she meant it as a compliment. “Here, get as many tacos as you want,” she encouraged when it was their turn. For herself, she went with the kind with lots of cilantro, pineapple, tender chicken and pork. “You can try my drink too, if you’d like - it’s called horchata,” she said as she offered the cup. Her tacos were still being put together but she liked to sip on this drink while she waited. It was sweet, but not overly so - mostly creamy and cold and delicious. Her smile was enchanting and he felt a bit better about the rant he had gone on. Hadie knew he often got a little over zealous when talking about life and death or any aspects of such. “I only speak what I think is the truth,” he gave a shrug before shoving his hands into his vest pockets. He had yet to adopt the current styles of this place and still wore mainly black. Clothes patched with various shades of black allowing silver thread to stand out in various designs. At some point, honest, he’d finally go and see what this world had to offer. Fashion wasn’t exactly at the top of his list. An eyebrow inched upward when she said he wasn’t like the others. “I should hope so,” he said with a faint laugh. “I believe there is more to life then holding onto the grudges of our parents so perhaps I carry myself differently?” The menu was impressive and a tad overwhelming. Hadie stood there for a moment before he finally ordered. He had meant to stick to things that seemed basic, but the idea of a taco with Diablo in the title just had to be ordered. Carne asada, pork, and he wasn’t entirely sure what else he ordered. He did manage to stick to five tacos since he wasn’t trying to be glutton. The mere fact she offered to share her drink caught him completely off guard. That wasn’t a behavior he was used to unless it was coming from Dizzy. There was a clear pause before he nodded his thanks. He took a cautious sip of the drink and winced. Sweet. Yes, it was subtle, but that was the first thing he tasted. “It’s...different,” he said politely. “I’m used to bitter things.” He handed the cup back with a sad smile. “I want to like it, but my mouth isn’t quite sure what to make of it.” Elsa chuckled warmly at his reaction. This particular beverage wasn’t for everyone - she supposed that if all you knew was old, discarded food and drinks then you wouldn’t have a chance to really taste more than rotten. Or develop much of a palette. “I have a sweet tooth, so for me it’s good - one day my teeth might fall out,” she teased. “Chocolate’s always been my favorite. I work at the pastry shop so one day I’ll find a dessert that you’ll love.” This was now her goal. “It won’t be too sweet, but more savory. And I promise your mouth will know what to make of it.” For her, it was three tacos - she had somewhat of a dainty appetite (or she tried to keep it in check, rather. Probably she could polish off a small pizza on her own, but anyway). And she handed Hadie his supply, seran wrap over the red-and-white striped container stuffed with delicious tacos. “I think there’s a bench over here if you want to sit?” “I’ll have to let Dizzy know about that drink,” he remarked as he made a faint face. That tiny bundle of sunshine had taken to sweets as if she had been only eating them her whole life. Somehow the youngest of them had all of them protective of her. Hadie hadn’t been joking when he said he wanted to keep her. “I don’t think I’ve ever had chocolate,” he admitted. “And I think you have yourself a wager, Elsa. I look forward to seeing what you’ll find for my mouth to love.” He accepted the tacos and found himself surprised at the amount of food. The scent was like ambrosia to him, making his mouth water. This day was just turning out better and better! “I’d enjoy sitting, steal some more of your time,” he flashed her a smile before heading towards the bench. He sat and waited until she was situated before he even attempted to start eating his food. Hadie may have been raised on the Isle, but he had some manners. “Thank you, I owe you,” he picked some cheese off of a taco and tossed it into his mouth. Faintly salty, rich, creamy, and a hint of heat from whatever sauce was on the taco. Manners may have been forgotten for a second as he picked up a taco and took a large bite. The food was messy and he burst out laughing as some sauce ran down his fingers. Damn it, it was going under his rings. There was no graceful way to eat a taco it seemed and he didn’t even care. “Cerberus’ tail, I think I am wearing half of it.” I look forward to seeing what you’ll find for my mouth to love. Hadie, you rascal. Elsa wasn’t used to this sort of talk - she might have blushed a little, all cotton candy pink for a second there. Best to focus on stuffing her face with tacos - there really was no graceful or dignified way to eat them, and she found herself chuckling. Because she was having the same difficulties. “I made sure to grab a bunch of napkins,” she laughed, passing over a few for him to wipe his fingers on. “They’re so messy though, aren’t they? But so good.” Biting into one was a burst of flavor - she’d never had anything spicy like this before, not in Arendelle. The food there was rich and hearty, though somewhat unadventurous when it came to spice - lots of carbs too. Potatoes, oats, barley. Tons of fish and even roast reindeer. “And don’t be silly, you don’t owe me.” Oh, yes, Hadie knew how to weave words together and was fully aware that how he said things mattered. Flirting was a harmless pastime, more so on the Isle where people didn’t have relationships. Affection was a weakness, falling in love almost a crime, and even having friends was disgusting. The Anti-Hero Club had hoped for a place more like Auradon, oh not that perfect castles and manners. They had wanted the happiness. Hadie just wanted to be free. The problem was he knew that he would be shackled to his legacy and no matter how far he managed to run? The ghosts would track him down. A child of Hades couldn’t outrun the dead forever. He accepted the napkins and tried to clean sauce off the various rings he wore. He gave up after a moment and settled on going back to eating the tacos. He saved the Diablo one for last, which turned out to be a good idea. Hadie winced at the heat and found himself breathing out through his mouth. Oddly though he didn’t hate it. He took another bite and let his taste buds erupt with the spicy heat. “I can die happy,” he breathed out as he leaned back against the bench. “Thank you for introducing me to tacos, even if they are messy. Are you sure I don’t owe you? Excuse my confusion, but where I am from people don’t just do things because they can.” Elsa shook her head, re-crossing her legs, one knee tucked over the other. “Of course you don’t. I can’t think of anything I’d ask for anyway.” A lot of people dealt in making and breaking deals, or constantly thinking about themselves and only doing things because it benefited them in some way. That just wasn’t her. She didn’t have time for that sort of behavior. “Unless you want to meet me some other time? I can introduce you to...hm...have you had decent pizza yet?” she grinned. That was also new for her, when she’d arrived. So much of the food in the modern world was unhealthy, but it tasted amazing and...besides, moderation was key, right? Hadie liked making deals and wagers, it was merely in his nature. He wasn't as bad as his dear old dad and he rarely cheated. Okay, he cheated when he was positive he was going to lose. He was Hades’ kid and he was from the Isle, double crossing may have come a little natural to him. He did try his best not to double cross people, but sometimes it just happened. A slow smile appeared on his face. “Can't say I have had pizza. So, yes, I'd be happy to meet with you some other time, pizza or no pizza.” Uma was not going to be amused he was willingly spending time with a do-gooder. She could deal. Hadie had different views on life and he found Elsa intriguing. He crumpled up his napkin and tossed it in the empty taco container. “If you’re done I can take your trash?” Never had pizza! Well, Elsa would have to fix that. She was curious about what Hadie even ate on the Isle - how could anyone just let kids grow up that way? It was terrible. So while she recognized that, she was curious - about things like that, about him. Obviously growing up on the Isle had shaped him into the person he was today. “Oh! Yes, please. Thank you,” and Elsa’s meticulous (some might say anal retentive?) nature had her balling everything up to place neatly into her taco container, hands now clean and free from sauce. She also had a bottle of that sanitzer in her bag, which she would readily use. “And thank you for having lunch with me,” she added as she stood up. “I should get back to work. But I’ll see you soon?” Los Angeles giveth and Los Angeles taketh away, but he had just arrived - so Elsa hoped he wouldn’t leave so soon. He took the trash and got up to toss the rubbish away. On the Isle someone would have found a way to reuse it, but he wasn't on the Isle. Hadie smiled at her when she stated she had to get back to work. “Thank you for the new experience and, yes, I do believe you'll be seeing me soon.” He gave her a half bow and laughed slightly. “Have an enchanting day, Elsa.” He fully planned on bothering her again. |