defyingfrigidity | [ryslig IC Inbox]

[It's... hard to ignore how hearing that makes Cassandra feel. It's good though. Really. Amazing. Flusters her a little.]

Yeah I would have probably ended up attacking a car, or something.

[She shifts slightly, in tone and posture.]

I mean it. I'm not really... good with people, so having someone around that was from the same place as me helped.

[Two someones, of course.]

[Where Elsa's previous laugh was a light giggle, that gets a full-on snort from the nymph. She won't say it out loud, but she'd be absolutely unsurprised if her first run-in with Cass involved the other woman attacking a car. It's just... something she could see her doing.

...To be fair, she was pretty startled by cars too! There's no judgement here, just humor!]

... You know, you say you're not good with people, but I don't think so. [.... She sounds serious.] It takes a lot to be able to speak your mind without caring what other people say. I... admire that attitude, actually.

[Maybe she wouldn't be as blunt as Cass is sometimes, but. The courage is what she really admires.]

[Oh, a full-on snort. That's definitely someone she hasn't gotten out of Elsa, at least recently... she's taking that as a win no matter how dumb she feels.

...She would have absolutely attacked a car. It's a truth, stable and honest in her heart of hearts. Big, loud machines that can hurt you haven't had the best track record as of late in Corona. But then again, she was busy threatening shambling blobs of flesh as well, so.]

...You think so? To be honest, I'm not always... honest with everyone. I'll call it like I see it, sure, but opening up is... ehhh...

[She sounds serious as well, and Elsa should well by now why. She's heard the Rapunzel story.]

It's a lot easier speaking your mind when you don't have to talk about yourself.

[Anna giggles, but yelps a moment later as Elsa pinches her on the arm. She sticks out her tongue.]

Hey, don't remind me. Anyway, this isn't about me! And don't worry. Twenty-five isn't that old. You're only halfway to fifty after all!

[shut up anna????]

Here, try a pancake!

[Just. This face. Elsa's gunna get her revenge, little sister, so you better sleep with one eye open for the forseeable future.]

Trying to bribe me with sweets to get me to forget about your incredibly rude comments... you're becoming quite shrewd in this land, aren't you?

[Even as she says that, the mask of her pout begins to crack as she sits, digging into the plate in front of her and taking a bite of the pancakes.]

Mmm... do I even have to say that these are delicious? They're wonderful, just like everything else you make.

It's working, isn't it?

[Anna gives Elsa her biggest, brightest smile, and even moves around to give her sister a quick, fond shoulder rub while she tucks into her breakfast.]

It's Gerda's recipe! Or, at least, what I can remember of it. Try the hot chocolate? I added juuuust a touch of peppermint schnapps to the whipped cream!

I certainly understand how that feels. Maybe not the bit about being able to speak your mind, but being able to focus better on things other than yourself.

[Even in this world of magical monsters, with people from all different worlds and dimensions with vastly different abilities they once harnessed... it's hard for Elsa to talk about herself. Her magic especially. But there are also people who have helped her be more open about things like that.

People like Cassandra.]

But it's easy to talk about things with you, Cassandra. I... I haven't told everyone about my magic, you know. But I didn't feel afraid to tell you.

[Elsa just rolls her eyes, but the smile on her face doesn't fade one bit. Of course it worked; Anna could get away with pretty much anything to Elsa. She just doesn't like to admit it.]

Normally I would say no to anything involving alcohol this early in the day... [Even as she says this, Elsa reaches for the nearby mug, taking a long sip of it and humming. Also, she may have just a dab of whipped cream on the tip of her nose.] But this is fantastic. Something we should consider selling at the cafe, even.

[She still holds onto the mug, letting the warmth of the drink seep into her hands to help ward off the slight early morning chill, but she focuses her attention on Anna instead of the hot chocolate.]

You better eat too. Don't spend all of breakfast just watching me.

[Anna giggles and takes a seat next to Elsa, reaching for her own mug of hot chocolate, and then reaches out and swipes the bit of whipped cream from her sister's nose.]

My thoughts exactly! I think it adds just the right amount of bite to the whole thing.

[She cuts off a comically large hunk from her stack of pancakes and shoves it into her mouth. and then, of course, talks through it.]

—mmf, woulbn't dream've it!

[I didn't feel afraid to tell you.

She was trusted with something Elsa wasn't comfortable showing everyone else. Cass could understand wanting your own secrets, of course, even in a world as large and complicated as Ryslig. Hell, Elsa had been one of only a handful of people who learned which way Cassandra... leaned.]

Wow, I'm... honored, Elsa. [And rightfully so. She gets it.] But then again you are one of the only people I've ever told about Raps. So I think it evens out.

Really, I'm glad you're not afraid to talk to me. That's something people should do, I guess.

[Some might think the prim and proper queen of Arendelle would be extremely put off by such a blatant lack of manners, but Elsa just snorts, shaking her head.]

Give yourself enough room to taste it, Anna! You're going to turn into a chipmunk at this rate!

[Some things really don't change, do they? Anna always ate faster than she could swallow when they were kids, and it's no less hilarious now than it was back then.]

What would Gerda say if she saw you inhaling food like that?

[Anna laughs through a mouthful of food. Ladies and gentlemen, the future Queen of Arendelle.]

At least I'd be a happy chipmunk.

[She swallows, hard, struggling a little bit with that huge bite she just took.]

I'm pretty sure Gerda would be incredibly flattered that I thought her food was so good!

[If anyone has a problem with that, the Fifth Spirit will put her foot down!]

she'd be insulted because you didn't even pause to savor the flavor of any of it.

[Almost as if to mock Anna, she takes a very dainty bite of her eggs, taking the time to chew before swallowing. While staring straight at Anna the entire time.]

...Okay, fair. But this is my food so I choose to be flattered by my own bad manners.

[Ha! Logiced! But Anna does slow down her eating considerably. Point taken, Elsa.]

[There was a feeling in Cassandra's chest, one emotion that had been plaguing her for months, a need to let it out. She'd denied it for so long, but whatever it was about the recent weeks had made it grow to fill her chest and plug her throat at the mere thought of it. Now, today, she could think about barely anything else. There was no denying it any longer.

She had to do something about it. Not one second more of waiting.

So, she prepares until late into the evening. It's become a bit of a routine thing for her; Cassandra makes sure to stop by Elsa's room to wish her a goodnight. Tonight would be the same, but different.]

Elsa?

[A knock, quick and sharp, as usual. Hopefully not too much tremor in her voice. Every nerve in her body is leaping in anxiety, even though she really shouldn't be. But... how can she not when she sees Elsa's face? Just relax. Put on a smile. Keep your hands steady behind your back.]

Hey.

[Strange things happen, and there's always that calm after the storm where they're left to pick up the pieces. Elsa has been helping to dote on Eugene after what happened to him after the party, and she's been doting a bit on Cass and Rapunzel as well after what they saw at the auction. It's a lot to process, even as an outsider this time, so when Elsa opens her door a moment after Cass knocks, a look of confusion flashes across her face.]

Cass?

[She says goodnight every night, of course. Elsa's gotten used to sending her girlfriend off to bed with a quick kiss at the doorway of one of their rooms, but the way Cass is holding herself, the arms behind her back... what's going on?]

Hey... is everything okay?

[Picking up the pieces, Cassandra had been dong that a lot this past month. Not just with the storm Ryslig usually brought them, but the mess of her own making. She'd still helped to dote on her, and Anna. Even Eugene and Rapunzel hadn't escaped her concerned eye- albeit a bit begrudgingly.

But like many times before now, she was standing outside her girlfriend's door. Why was she nervous?]

Yup! No problems here. But, there's two things I've been meaning to do...

[Just breathe. Breathe.]

First, I know that I missed Valentine's day because of... everything that happened. So, I wanted to try and make it up to you with a little gift.

[And she finally pulls her hands out from behind her back. Held in a safe, but gentle, grip was a potted plant; a Venus flytrap, to be exact!]

[Most people, when given a plant as a surprise, might think it's kind of tacky. But Elsa isn't most people; for the nymph, giving her a real, living plant is like the equivalent of giving someone a cute furry pet. There's a glint in her two-toned green eyes, and she gently takes the pot from Cass's hands, a smile crossing her face.]

She's so cute...

[Elsa can tell the plant is a she??? Don't ask her how. She just... gets a feeling.

When she looks up from the flytrap to Cass, the smile doesn't fade one bit; instead, it just shifts into something softer. Warmer. Looks like you did good, Cass.]

You didn't have to do this, you know. Just having you back is a good enough gift for me.

[She passes it over carefully, knowing by now just how much the lives of plants meant to the nymph sisters.]

She, uh... sure is.

[And judging by that smile, a smile so warm and loving it makes her heart melt, she did a pretty good job with her gift again. Thank the gods she had second thoughts about a bouquet of roses.]

I know, but I think you deserve more than that.

[She rubs her wrist. She's not uncomfortable, just.... thinking.]

There's... something I want to tell you.

[Cass could give Elsa single, wilted flower and she'd probably adore it. Elsa's not a materialistic person at all; most of her childhood mementos were just the gloves that she had to wear and eventually grew out of. But gift-giving for her was special. Anna's presents to her every Christmas were the things that really kept Elsa going. Her gfts were a reminder that someone still cared about her, when she was at her lowest and deepest in her pit of self-loathing, so... she's always reminded of that, when someone precious to her gives her something like this.

As if responding to the nymph's natural magic, the venus flytrap opens and closes, but Elsa's attention isn't on the plant. It's on Cass, her words...]

Oh? What is it?

[True. Though a single, wilted flower wouldn't be enough for her. As her memory became clearer, Cassandra had time to think about everything she's attempted in her life. All the respect and validation and love she's ever wanted, but was denied from... yet, here was Elsa, who was giving her all just to try and understand. She'd earned this much, hasn't she?]

I just thought we've been dating for a while, and I know you've forgiven me for running away. [to a certain degree of forgiveness] But I want you to know, just no matter what happens from here on out, if I have anymore dreams, or the others do...

[It's all on her, what she says now. Words so delicate, but powerful.]

I love you, Elsa.

I...

[Only three little words, and yet the force of them hit Elsa with the force of a speeding truck.

It should be obvious, shouldn't it? They're together. They've been together, for some time now. They've kissed, hugged... they do all the little things couples do. It shouldn't come as a shock to hear Cass say I love you. And yet...

Elsa had been forced to keep her distance from others for so long. From her people, the staff, her family. Love was never something she'd been able to express so freely. Even in the years after her coronation, the three years of memories of home and her two years here in Ryslig, she was still reserved around other people. Affectionate enough with Anna, yes, but it was always a little harder with others. So to hear Cass say that, to have the affirmation that her relationship with the other woman wasn't just some kind of fling... it's enough to bring damp, sticky tears to her eyes.]

I love you too, Cass.

[She has just enough sense to set the pot containing her new plant friend on the ground beside her door before she throws her arms around Cass, burying her face in the crook of the woman's shoulder.]

No matter what happens here, no matter what hardships you're forced through... nothing will be able to change that.

[The first word coming to mind should not be "Are you sure?"

How long had she waited to hear those words from someone? She couldn't even be certain. People had said similar things before; different words, with different intentions. Her friends, her dad, Rapunzel, her own mother... they all wanted to say that they cared, and maybe they did. Or they wanted to say what would keep Cassandra satisfied, but never more than that.

Cassandra had worked tirelessly for years, hoping to hear those simple words and know they were true. When it came, it came with strings, and she would be left waiting for the next opportunity to prove herself. Every day a new chance, every denial a twist of that knife.

Then Elsa entered her life. And here she was, putting feelings on the line that she so often forced down, fearing those delicate emotions being stomped on once again. But with Elsa's arms wrapping around her, her face pressed into the crook of Cass's shoulder, it all suddenly feels okay. She could hold the other woman in her arms, let those simple words echoed back to her sink in for real.]

I love you.

[Like a spring uncoiling, taut muscles in Cassandra's arms relaxed. Two decades of worry evaporating in a single instant. Words flow out on her breath, like a laugh, overjoyed.]

I love you.

[At the sound of Cass's breathy laugh, Elsa can't help but let out her own giddy little laugh as well. This is just.... so much. Overwhelming, but in a good way. She's seen the love between her parents, the utter devotion between Lup and Barry, the way Anna and Lorna (and Anna and Kristoff) fit so well together, like perfectly aligned puzzle pieces. She's seen true love countless times, but never once felt it; only ever an observer. For a long time, she was fine with this.

But then she met Cassandra. Then she fell for Cassandra. The feeling of comfort, of safety with the other woman was like nothing Elsa had ever felt before. It makes her feel like she's floating, yet grounded at the same time. She never wants this feeling to stop.]

I love you.

[Her arms pull back from around Cass, but only so she can cup Cass's chin with her hands, pulling her in close - not to press their lips together, but just to give her a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.]

I don't think I'm ever going to get tired of saying that. [Or hearing it.] However many times you want to or need to hear it... I'll tell you every time.

[It's not just Elsa being a sap, though that's certainly part of it. It's more Elsa offering her unwavering support; Cass has been through so much, and revealed some rather upsetting things about her new memories. If Elsa reminding her that she'll always be there for Cass can help even a little... she'll be more than happy to say it all day long.]

[At first, Cass had assumed being brought to this world was a bizarre trick of the gods. Stuck in a new land, forced to become a monster that did horrible things to survive. But she'd met friends here, found a home that she wanted to protect. She'd fallen in love for the second time in her life, but never acted on those feelings before

Maybe... this was the destiny she'd been searching for; what she'd spent so many years trying to find in Corona, why she followed Raps beyond those walls. The fear, worry, and doubt that led to her taking the Moonstone didn't have that hold on her here. Not like it did in her memories. Being with Elsa eased the weight of those thoughts.

She had no Moonstone, but there were things far more important here than that.]

Every time? [She lets herself lean into Elsa's touch, dreamily sighing as she basked in this loving glow.] I can work with that... I don't think I'll ever be tired of it either.

[It would be something she'd need- though, not in a selfish way. Cass would never abuse Elsa's support. But in dark times, on the road ahead... knowing she had that support may help more than anything else.]

The way I feel for you will never change. I promise.

Edited 2020-02-29 10:22 (UTC)

[ryslig IC Inbox]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[Action; 02/21]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, QUEENOFICEOLATION. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 013.11.221.20 * QUEENOFICEOLATION has joined 013.11.221.20 <QUEENOFICEOLATION> I think I've finally gotten the hang of these devices. <QUEENOFICEOLATION> So! <QUEENOFICEOLATION> There's no harm in setting up one of these, yes? <QUEENOFICEOLATION>** (Thanks to those of you who helped me do so and I'm sorry if I frustrated anyone)