Thread: ღ LadyAthene's Writing Samples ღ

Not So Happily Ever After Introduction Post For the first time in forever - okay, not forever, but it definitely felt like an eternity - Arendelle had entered its peak, its golden age. Trade was at its highest, and it was being ruled by a now very emotionally stable Queen Elsa. Of course, she hadn't changed overnight. No, she had needed time not just to find a sense of balance in herself, but regain the trust of the citizens of Arendelle. Just as importantly as re-earning the faith of the residents, however, was gaining favor to a very specific someone. And that was none other than her younger sibling - nay, her only sister - Anna. It was slightly painful to admit, but she knew it had been largely due to her sister. Without Anna ... where would she even be? The thought made her grimace before quickly shaking her head. Over the years, change had come not only to her and Anna's kingdom, but also the young leader. Again, Anna had come into the picture with Elsa maintaining a decent grip on her ice powers. While she had no doubts her father would have helped, the simple and harsh truth was ... he couldn't. The late king Agnarr and his wife, Iduna, had been deceased for about six to eight years. But he'd be happy, damn proud of her, for all she had accomplished thus far. Right, father? Elsa rhetorically asked, lifting her head to look at a framed picture of the deceased parents in question. Of course, she received no answer, which resulted in Elsa eliciting a defeated sigh. It was childish of her to hope for some sort of an answer. She'd known for a long time that it wasn't possible to speak with the dead. Still, some side of Elsa - probably the magical portion - always hoped for something. Even a sign, no matter how subtle, would be better than not receiving anything. Alas, the death of her parents had helped her learn the very harsh way that one really couldn't always get what they wanted. Now was just another one of those days, it seemed. Yet, Fate wasn't being completely cruel. To make up for not giving her the sign she'd been trying to wait for, something else she had hoped for arrived. A much needed and far more positive distraction. A knock echoed on the large, double doors leading to the throne room, soon followed by a very familiar voice. Queen Els --- uhmm --- sis? It's me, Anna . A sly grin spread on Elsa's face as she chuckled, staring at the doors. How many times have we gone over this? You don't need to be so formal with me. No one does, really. I'm not overly fond of the formality etiquette, honestly. Anyway, come in. As Anna walked in, the first thing Elsa noticed was not her sibling, but rather, a piece of parchment she was holding in her hands. The sight made her almost sigh. Were it anyone else, she would have given in and allowed her frustration to be heard. However, she was trying to be more ... cautious about re-triggering her temper. This included knowing when to jump to the best and worst assumptions. So, what do you have for me? It's not another proposal or decree, is it? Huh? Anna asked, following the Queen's gaze and realizing what she was staring at before smiling and quickly shaking her head. Oh no, no, no, no! Actually, this is something even better! Now, just hear me out before saying anything, okay? Once Anna got a confirmation from Elsa, she took a breath to help gain her composure and confidence before beginning to elaborate. Alright, sooo .... I've been doing some thinking. Mhm. I'm following so far. Go on. Well ... you made Kristoff the official ice maker and deliverer for Arendelle. Sooo ... maybe we can hire some other people? Elsa's head tilted slightly as she tapped her pale index and middle digits on the fabric of her dress. Well ... I suppose we can give it a shot. There's two problems that are immediately coming to my mind though. This isn't necessarily going to be a cheap task, as some may want money for their work. And I wouldn't blame them. But perhaps more than that ... who? I mean, Arendelle only has so many people that I can try to seek out talented individuals. I know, I know. That's what this is for. The paper that Anna had been holding onto was passed over. As Elsa took hold of the parchment, she found a list of names odd ones that she had definitely never heard of. Probably for a damn good reason, though honestly, that didn't matter too much. So, Elsa started after pausing to study the list, You ... are going to get a hold of all of these people? Do you even know what their fortes are? Not yet, Anna sheepishly admitted, But I can find out upon their arriving, let alone if they'd even be a good match for our kingdom! Another short respite lingered in the air before Elsa nodded to Anna, handing the paper back to her sister. Very well. I will leave you in charge of this task. I expect you to report back whenever you get an answer from any of these people. Furthermore, I am leaving you in charge of their interviews, including finding out their area of expertise. Are these conditions fair? Perfectly! Anna exclaimed happily, even jumping slightly in the air. When she caught herself, Anna cleared her throat, a new crimson hue appearing over her face and cheeks. Ahem, well .... I guess I'll go get started then. Before you do, Elsa called out, Would you mind amusing me? What gave you this idea? Anna merely smiled and, without missing a beat, began to relay her response. More likely than not, it was fair to assume she had expected to hear this inquiry, and had therefore come up with an appropriate answer to give the Queen. Well ... I remembered your coronation. How you felt and even looked so ... lonely. As the Princess and thus next in line, I can only begin to realize how tough it must be to have almost no one around to help you out. Especially since .... we haven't had many real supporters around us for ... years. Since ... well, you know .... Elsa nodded solemnly, already knowing exactly what Anna was saying without using the exact words. But ... you shouldn't have to do everything on your own. Yet, I can't always be around to help you. I know and understand this now that I have my own lover and future life ahead of me. So ... this is my way of indirectly helping you. Slowly, Elsa stood up, getting on her feet. She said nothing. Even as she moved forward, she stayed silent. Without uttering a word, Elsa pulled Anna into a quiet but tight embrace. Thank you, she whispered. Not many people are so ... patient with me. You truly have saved me, more than you'll ever know or realize. The red on Anna's face darkened slightly as she shook her head again, I ... I dunno about that. I'm just me, still. But ... thanks, all the same! As the two pulled away from the hug, Anna breathed a sigh of relief, not having realized she'd subconsciously held her breath prior till then. Alright so ... I'll get working on this! Thanks for letting me try this, sis! Offering her sibling a quick bow of her head, Anna pivoted on her feet and ran out of the throne rooms, closing the door behind her. The loud entryway caused a loud thud to echo throughout the castle as it was pulled shut once again. Elsa sat back down in the throne, wearing a wide, content grin. For the first time in forever, she felt genuinely happy and very positive about the direction her life had taken. Things were going to change. And they would do so for the best, not worst. She knew it. She could almost literally feel it.