Ninth Flake [text]

[defyingfrigidity]

[This is new: a post from Elsa not in video. Normally she tries to use it as often as she can, since it helps her with talking to people without the intimidation of being face-to-face in person. But she's feeling kind of... not quite upset, but not like herself today. She'd rather not let that bleed into the video and audio, so for now, text it is.]

I just noticed the anniversary of a very important event in my life is almost here. The thing itself wasn't so bad - it was certainly something to celebrate at least - but the events that happened during and after it... they were more than a bit terrible.

[Yeah she's being kind of vague here. But only because she hasn't really told anyone about the whole "Eternal Winter" thing. And she's.... still somewhat afraid to. People know about what happened with Anna, yes, but if they knew she'd almost sentenced her entire kingdom to an eternal winter of suffering... would they act different towards her then?]

Even so, I... look back somewhat fondly on those days, despite the bad things that happened. Because even though bad things happened, a lot of good came out of it in the end.

Still... is that odd?

Comments

[defyingfrigidity]

[... Okay, Elsa's laugh this time is back to its genuine sound.]

If we're judging it like that, shouldn't you be the queen now? I'm the one watching from the sideline in times like that!

[loveisanopendoor]

[Thank goodness, because Anna's laughing, too!]

Yeah, but I'm sure you could do it too if you went up there and gave it a shot! You're way better at strategy than I am!

[defyingfrigidity]

Still. You have the proof now, whereas I don't. Therefor, you're the better of the two of us right now.

[loveisanopendoor]

You'll have to take that title from me then before we manage to get back home, or I might have to steal your crown...

[defyingfrigidity]

Oh, I don't know... it would be interesting to see how you would rule Arendelle...

[Elsa looks like she's about to say something else, but quickly snaps her mouth shut before You'd probably be better than me! could come out. She's sure Anna wouldn't like that...]

[loveisanopendoor]

The first thing I'd probably do is make every Friday into National "Give Queen Anna Chocolate Day," and then we'll take it from there...

[defyingfrigidity]

Be careful, Anna. Demanding tribute from your subjects is usually the first sign of a benevolent ruler slowly sliding down the slope into malevolent behavior....

[loveisanopendoor]

B-but it won't be bad if I share it, right?

[private]

[defyingfrigidity]

That's... an interesting way to put it. Interesting, and more easy to understand.

But still... if other peoples' possessions were burned down in that fire, and they were clearly upset about it long after the house was rebuilt, do you still have the right to say such things?

[defyingfrigidity]

That's... not a good idea, as good as your intentions are. I hold the most power in the land, yes, but if I show that I'm not willing to listen to the people who are supposed to help me, well...

That might just make things worse.

[defyingfrigidity]

And yet, I still have to ask things like this.

[Twilight can't hear it over text, but Elsa lets out a laugh at that.]

It's more like.... I realize I should grow, not that I know how to. I'm still having trouble with that, in more ways than one.

[defyingfrigidity]

I've opened up the chance for discussion, yes, but with my coronation, and opening the gates to the public for the first time in thirteen years, and having to negotiate new treaties and other things that need to be addressed in the fallout of what happened... there hasn't been much time to, yet.

[defyingfrigidity]

It's all right. I know people here are from all sorts of different worlds and walks of life, so you don't have to worry about not knowing something.

[Even in the middle of dealing with her own problems, Elsa has to stop and reassure someone to make them feel better. Oh Elsa....]

In my world, magic is a very rare thing. Not many people understand it, and many fear it. For good reason, too - it can be dangerous when you're not in control.

I wasn't in control when I accidentally revealed to my people that I have magical abilities... so I ran away because I was scared that my inability to control it would hurt others.

[defyingfrigidity]

... It depends. If I can only forget the entire event? I... suppose not. But if I can forget bits and pieces? It would be very tempting to say yes.

But losing memories... I've seen that happen. And it hurts, seeing someone unable to remember something the way it was. I don't know if I'd wand others to feel that way when looking at me.

[Because that's a whole other feeling of immense guilt right there....]

[defyingfrigidity]

Yes, but only after a few days had passed. More than enough time for damage to be done.

[defyingfrigidity]

Not any sort of materialistic gain, no. When everything was said and done, and when what I'd done had been reversed, what I gained was the repairing of a broken relationship I had with my sister, and more confidence in what I was able to do...

But I suppose that would count as personal gain, wouldn't it?

Private Text

[defyingfrigidity]

[Elsa wants to ask how he was able to cope with not being able to protect everyone, but... her mind drifts back to that one accidental post of his a while back.... so she holds her tongue for now. So instead....]

Does it.... get easier? Dealing with that fact?

[defyingfrigidity]

I suppose it depends on who you're sharing it with. Your friends, or the people?

[loveisanopendoor]

My sister..?

[defyingfrigidity]

... A good way to try and cheer me up, but even so. Taking from the people just to have something for yourself and your family isn't something a benevolent ruler does, Anna.

[shatterings]

I think... it's very good that you've tried so hard. And... I also think that, since you're so worried... and you have made such an effort.... They may not forget what's happened, but they may be able to heal. Like you. I... hope I'm not overstepping any lines here.

[ Comforting people isn't exactly a thing she's done much, or she's good at. ]

[loveisanopendoor]

Okay, okay, fine. I'll just replace all the taxes with chocolate, then, so then the people and I will be even!

[dangerousidol]

Wow. You should take a note from other queens. Queen Elizabeth the first let no man tell her what to do, and her council listened to everything she said. She was a really mighty ruler, and her people loved her! She even beat Spain!

And then there's other queens, like Cleopatra! There's a lot, really.

[She pays attention in class about powerful women.]

[defyingfrigidity]

I doubt all those other queens had magical abilities that could affect entire kingdoms, though. If people saw a queen like that ignoring those trying to help her, then that might make things them even more likely to be suspicious.

... Or it might just make them scared, which is something I don't want at all.

[defyingfrigidity]

... That... might hurt Arendelle itself, since the crown will have no money to spend on the things we need to spend it on...

[Okay yeah maybe her joke about Anna being queen wasn't very good...]