defyingfrigidity | [ryslig IC Inbox]

Not a fool at all! Just too good to question the way things were. But I'm glad you finally did. And I'm glad you have nice things, 'cause you deserve them every inch!!

Chocolate it is ;) with double-fudge frosting!!

Perhaps I should think about getting Cass one of those, if they make them big enough for werebears...

[Elsa giggles, stepping aside to let the wolf in and turning to head towards the kitchen.]

Here, follow me. We'll set it all out on the dining room table to sort through.

[ Majima trotted after her into the kitchen, looking around as he did so. This was perhaps his second time seeing Solsikke... and the last time, a poacher had been involved, so there really hadn't been much opportunity to take a tour.

Carefully, the wolf wriggled himself out of the pack, one forepaw at a time before shifting back, freeing him to place the bag on the table. ]

I got a few apples, plus those materials for Varian. Hey, this's a nice place.

[Hard to believe it's been an entire year since they started dating.

Last year was a year of highs and lows, much like this one; in a way, that's just how Ryslig was, all those bad moments stuck in-between the good. Constantly picking yourself off the ground and continuing on. In quiet moments like this, Cass could admit that for all the woes brought on being trapped in this world... she had plenty to be thankful for.

Case in point, the woman snuggling in her arms, wearing the new sweater Cass had made for her, of course. Sure, it was a little big, but Cassandra didn't anticipate on Elsa turning into a Manticore, which now made it the perfect size. All of this was perfect. Retiring to Elsa room for the evening, watching the fireplace crackle, drinking hot chocolate (and a bottle of wine Cass had purchased for the occasion).

She offered a contented chuckle to break the silence.]

Did you think this would be where you were, a year ago?

[ Season's greetings -- a Christmas present has arrived at the door!

It is a warm hooded winter cloak, water resistant, and a pair of matching gloves! No plants were harmed in the making of these gifts, ok ok ]

[Ryslig is a place of extremes. Rarely are those highs or lows ever mild; the most noticeable things in the past year were her budding relationship with Cass, and being kidnapped and mutilated several times by the poachers. It's a lot to deal with, so moments like these... the little things are what Elsa really treasures the most. She doesn't need a big celebration or fancy gifts... she just needs this sense of togetherness. She needs to feel Cass beside her, her presence warming her even when her vampiric body can't quite do the same.

Solsikke is far enough from the city that not even the distant sights or sounds of fireworks can be seen or heard. It's just them, Anna, and Angel, and the other girls have mercifully left them alone for the night.]

Not at all. I had no idea where I'd be a year ago.... or even just a few months ago.

[Her laugh matches Cass's as she snuggles in closer to the other woman, tail wrapping loosely around cass's ankle.]

Honestly... never in my life have I ever imagined I would be here. Not here here, in the peninsula, but... this. [Her head turns slightly, just enough so that her bright, feline eyes can glance up at Cass.] Us.

[ Angel was able to get her hands on a set of colour pencils, and with her reasonable drawing skills has drawn a family portrait of Elsa, Anna, and Cass as a holiday gift for the castle! ]

[Those extremes certainly love to come into play. Cass had never been very naïve, she believed nothing good would last in this place. Even then, she was only partly right; the worst parts of the year had come in the form of the poacher group's last stand against the monsters, Varian's death at Javert's hands, and her own death to follow that.... And yet, the good things stayed. The hollowness in her chest from Rapunzel, Eugene, and Varian's disappearances would never truly fill... But Elsa was here. Always by her side.

Together, with Anna included, Solsikke felt more and more like a real home. Who needed fireworks when she had this?]

Us. [She repeats dreamingly. The idea still tickled her as it did a year ago.] Hm, I always kind of hoped I'd find someone, someday. But I had no idea how. Just that I've... always wanted this.

Anna: A handmade scarf of the same size and shape as their mother's scarf, but green instead of red - the same shade of green as Anna's cape in her formal queen attire. The edges of the scarf are patterned with the same runes as Iduna's scarf, and between each square is a tiny little Arendelle crocus. Additionally, the rune in the center of each square - the rune that symbolizes the Fifth Spirit - is sewn with gold, as opposed to green, to emphasize that the role is Anna's as much as it is Elsa's.

Cassandra: A knife to match the one Elsa got for Cass's birthday last year. It's the same build and weight; a folding pocket knife that's sturdy enough not just to be a tool, but a weapon if need be, and made with steel instead of silver so it doesn't hurt Cass. This knife, though, has a dyed blue wooden handle, and instead of the Sun etched into the handle and inlaid with gold, it's the Arendelle crocus inlaid with emerald.

Angel: A warm, wool-lined winter jacket in dark blue, the kind that's very good at keeping the wind out. The winter is a terrible time for some nymphs, so Elsa wants to make sure that Angel isn't suffering through the season.

Fiddleford: ~~a ton of weed~~ A very nice, small polished oak box with little snakes carved in a Nordic style along the sides and lid. Inside is... yes, some weed, but a bit less than her usual delivery since she has no nymph magic to grow the plants fast. Also inside the box is one of those fancy beard care sets, with little trimmers and waxes and stuff.

Marco: A very nice, small polished cherrywood box that matches Fiddleford's, but instead of snakes it has fish and krakens, done in the same Nordic style. Inside is a various assortment of sweets from Hyacinth House!

Obi-Wan: Some seeds of verious flowers with colors more vibrant than any naturally-occuring flowers, bred that way with her magic. The most special ones are various shades of blue roses!

Majima: Brass cufflinks to go along with his fancy suits. On the face of each cufflink is a flat opal cut into the shape of a crescent moon.

Riley: A very nice tin filled with different teas meant to help with relaxation; lavender, chamomile, rose, and peppermint. Included is a nice, simple reusable tea infuser.

Additionally, anyone who has even passing CR with Elsa will receive a little gift bag filled with an assortment of homemade tea packets and potpurri.

Edited 2020-12-29 01:18 (UTC)

[On December 25 Elsa will receive a small tin filled with tea that Obi-Wan has made himself. All of the leaves and herbs within having been carefully harvested without killing any of the plants involved.

It comes with a simple note: Season’s Greetings from Obi-Wan Kenobi]

[There's a fluttering sort of giddiness in Elsa's chest as Cass echoes her words - a fluttering that she realizes isn't just her heart stuttering, but a low rumble in her chest. With a soft laugh, Elsa nuzzles her cheek against her girlfriend's shoulder, not even bothering to hide the low purr building inside of her.]

I'm still very shocked that nobody approached you before I did. You're so... [She wants to say perfect, but Cass probably wouldn't believe her. And really, what is perfection when it comes to people, anyway? So subjective...] You're amazing, Cass. So strong, so beautiful, so kind...

[She could go on and on and on. All night, appreciating everything about Cass.]

But I want to be a little selfish. I'm... glad you weren't spoken for before we met.

[Is that cruel of her to say? Elsa knows of Cass's feelings for Rapunzel, how much they meant to her and how intense they were. Is what she said similar to her being glad that those feelings were unrequited? She doesn't mean for it to come off in such a way....]

I've always wanted this, too, but... I never thought I'd be allowed to have this.

[Cass accepts the nuzzling, even with the purring. Hearing her girlfriend purr may have been a bit strange for the first few nights, but it's sort of... endearing? Cute even.

Living in Ryslig sort of changes your perspective on things.]

Thanks, it wasn't for lack of trying, though. But I was always focused on... other things.

[Joining the guard, proving herself to her dad, dreaming of rescuing the lost princess...]

You can be a little selfish. [She hums, turning just slightly to look into Elsa's eyes again.] Because I'm glad that you weren't spoken for either.

[Maybe... it was for the best that her feelings for Rapunzel were never expanded on. Would she tell Rapunzel someday? Maybe if she returned, after she had become engaged to Eugene. But the way things were now, she couldn't go back to the way they used to be.

...Just as long as they were being honest with each other.]

Makes you wish it could be like this forever, huh? Us, I mean.

[The purring stops, but not for any reason that Cass might fear. There's a look of surprise on Elsa's face, but it's more... wondrous than shocked. It's the expression of someone being presented with a gift they never thought they'd get, not someone being delivered news they aren't sure they want to hear.

Forever...

The concept of "forever" never really stuck in Elsa's mind. She was always focused on the next milestone - make it to your birthday, make it to your coronation, work on these negotiations or that alliance. It was looking to the future, yes, but not that far flung future where everything was a complete unknown. To have one shining light that would cut through that fog, something that would stay with her no matter what changed in her life...]

... Do you think we could last forever?

[Her words are much quieter now, somewhat awed as she tries to process this bombshell that Cass may or may not have intended to drop just now.]

[For a brief second, the lack of purring does put a pang of fear in Cassandra's chest. It's only as she finds herself looking into Elsa's wondrous eyes that the meaning behind her own words really starts to sink in. Because, as it turns out, she had said them out loud.

Forever. That's a very long time, isn't it?

Cass had never given a lot of thought towards the future; sure, she had objectives she made strides towards, but nothing was ever set in stone. A long list of things she had to do to reach something else, step by step. No dreams about standing beside her dad as a guard, or even succeeding him, besides the literal ones, of course.

But now... Looking her girlfriend in the eyes like this, in the orange light of the fire, maybe the initial ideas of... something that would've gripped her heart were forming.]

...I do. [No question in her tone, just the same quiet awe as her brain caught up to her words.] I mean, when we get out of here, and go back to our world, I know I want to stay by your side. So long as you'll have me.

Of course I'll have you!

[Her words tumble out almost too quick as Elsa sits up, looking panicked that Cass would even question the idea of Elsa wanting her at her side. She may not be one to look into the unknown future or think about forever like that, but she does know that she wants Cass there at her side through whatever will be coming at them. Cass is the puzzle piece she never knew was missing; the one that fits snugly right next to Anna, to complete the picture of Elsa's heart.

To imagine going somewhere without her brave warrior at her side... it seems impossible, now.]

There's so much I want to show you, Cass. Arendelle, the Forest, everything in between...

[That soft smile is back, and Elsa settles back down. Instead of snuggling into Cass's side, this time she simply lays on top of her, chin on Cass's chest as those shining eyes stare back up at her.]

I know you want to go out and see what sort adventures you can find beyond Corona, and I won't ever dream of stopping you from that. But you will always, always have a place at my side that can't be filled by anyone else.

[The playfulness in Cassandra's tone urged a smile at Elsa's sudden insistence, but it was true. How could she ever think otherwise? There was no room for doubt anymore, no matter how small, that Elsa would ever refuse having Cass at her side. They existed now practically joined at the hip, hand-in-hand.

A love so strong like this, like the True Love of fairy tales Cass once balked at... It's funny, but now she finally understood.]

Thanks Elsa. Just to be clear, I wasn't worried, at all.

[Her laugh rings true even as they settle back down together, Cass gazing down into Elsa's eyes... And being struck with that feeling again; that thought that was growing inescapable. Especially now, looking down into those bright, loving eyes, listening to Elsa's mentions of places she'd love to show Cass, and the adventures she'd surely like to take once they escaped this living nightmare.]

I'll have to remember to look forward to the grand tour. There's just so much out there, and... I know you need to protect your home, but I want you to see it too, Elsa. But even if you don't...

[Cass pauses, watching those eyes. Words on her lips that she can't get out. Not yet.]

I promise I'll always return.

Edited 2021-01-20 11:44 (UTC)

[It can be so hard to find the right words to say sometimes. And that's not always a bad thing! Elsa just feels so... overwhelmed as Cass speaks. But instead of the feeling clamping down on her chest like a vice and digging in, it makes her feel light, like she can fly at any moment without her wings. So light, so warm....]

I love you, Cassandra.

[What else can she say to someone who pledges to always be by her side, whether it be physically or in spirit?]

Meeting you, falling in love with you... you are one of the very best things to ever happen to me.

[There's a feeling deep in Cassandra's chest that tightens it, makes breathing almost difficult for a moment. A realization; something born of the love in her heart and the woman nestled into her chest. So wild and strange that she never thought she'd feel it herself.

Cassandra wanted to marry this woman.]

I love you too, Elsa.

[But that thought is being tucked away for now. Left for her to focus on other, immediate things. Such as leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her manticore girlfriend's head.]

Happy New Year.

[It's funny, how different things were from last year. Last year, they were outside in the cool winter air as fireworks burst all around them, the new year heralded by the cheers of the various partygoers at Maya and Dandy's party. It was perfect to Elsa, and yet... it's funny, how tonight is completely the opposite. Alone in their room, wrapped up and warm with nothing but the crackling of the fire to break the silence that fell during the lulls of conversation.

Those furry, rounded ears atop Elsa's head twitch, and her hands knead gently at Cass's sides - very reminiscent of a cat kneading a spot on the bed (or its owner) as it settles in to rest.]

Happy anniversary, Cassandra.

[ Dress: get Shoes: get now all thats left is...pulling it all together. Sure, Angel watched her share of beauty guru tutorials back on the echonet during the rare downtime, a chance to dream of a life she thought she never had, but she never had the chance to put that information into practice. Nor any of the tools.

So on the afternoon of the Black Tie event, Angel musters up some courage to ask for help over something she knows is so benign, and knocks quietly at Elsa's bedroom door. ]

Um- I'm sorry to disturb you, but I have a request.

[It isn't often that Elsa goes fully into dressing up at Ryslig. There have been fancy parties, of course - the poachers, the recent lodge party - but she'd always felt a bit... uneasy during those events. She'd dressed modestly, but with the idea of something ad happening at the back of her mind, made sure her outfits were practical, for fighting or fleeing.

Tonight, however... tonight was different. She didn't know Clint, but he was a monster, one who did a lot of good work with the Lighthouse; this was a person she was sure she could trust, in a setting she could trust. So she takes her time tonight getting ready, properly dolling herself up and making sure her fur has been properly washed and combed. She's already changed into her dark blue dress, and is coming her fingers through the feathers on her wings when Angel knocks.]

Oh, come in! [Her ears twitch in interest as the young nymph walks in, and for a moment, she looks worried - did something happen...?] You're not disturbing me at all. What sort of request do you have?

[ Elsa always looks so refined and put together, Angel sometimes finds herself wishing she had what seemed to be the natural finesse the other woman exuded. That's what makes her the perfect choice for this task, if she has the time to take it of course.

In her arms she has the dress Steve heled her pick out, carefully draped so that she doesn't wrinkle it. ]

It's not a pressing matter, if it's too much trouble but...could you assist me with my hair and makeup for tonight?

[ Adding quickly ]

It doesn't have to be anything fancy! I just wouldn't want to disappoint this um...dress.

[There's a somewhat curious tilt to Elsa's head as Angel falters somewhat over that last word, but she doesn't press that particular topic - not yet, at least. There's... something there, but Elsa knows from experience that prodding might just make the poor girl clam up even more. So for now she just smiles and nods, getting up from her seat close to the fireplace and motioning towards the door to her bathroom.]

Of course! I don't think I'm the best at applying makeup to other people, but I'll do my best. [She tends to go pretty simple with her own makeup, after all.] Is this the first time you've been to a party like this, Angel?

[ Angel's shoulders sag in relief, both at Elsa not pressing the subject and at her agreeing to help. ]

Believe me, whatever you can do will be much better than what I can manage myself.

[ She nods at the second question as she steps into the room fully. ]

I've never been to a party for non-business reasons at all.

[The bathroom they step into is more or less the same as the one attached to Angel's room; large, enough to move about comfortably without tripping or bumping into anything, but not overly extravagant. There are some personal effects stacked neatly around the tub and on the sink counter, all the soaps and shampoos (for both hair and fur!) tucked neatly in corners and such, and even a chair set off to the side. Elsa grabs it, moving it over to the counter in front of a tall, wide mirror, and taps on it in clear invitation for Angel to sit.]

Those sorts of parties have very different atmospheres from less formal parties. [She laughs.] I've thrown and attended my fair share of parties like that during my time as queen of Arendelle... they can be fun, but sometimes it feels like everyone there has some sort of ulterior motive.

[ryslig IC Inbox]

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forwarded to the 31st

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CHRISTMAS 2020 GIFT LIST

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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)