dear_mun | possible spoilers in the comments?

[Something's wrong. Something's really wrong.

But her eyes are blue.

No, this isn't her.

But her hair is blonde.

His wife is dead and he sat with her ghost just a month ago.

But this woman named Elsa looks so much like HIS Elsa that...

That....

That he just has to be here a moment.]

[ ... strange. elsa thought she'd grown past being nervous when people stared at her too long, but she's a little guarded, nonetheless, even as she presses a small smile to her face, gracious and graceful. ]

Are you alright?

[It's just another subtle difference. His Elsa didn't smile too much. And yet he finds himself smiling a little in her presence, though he doesn't understand why.

Maybe it's because her question isn't The Question.]

It's been a long time since I've been all right. But that needn't be your burden.

[He bows before her as he should.]

It's my own bad fortune that you remind me of someone. That's all.

[ her smile fades into an expression of confusion and surprise, one of her hands raising off of her chest to her lips. what could she say to that? ]

It's coincidence. [ she finds herself saying. ] So it's neither of our faults. I'm sorry you're troubled.

[ with a hand outstretched to him; ] What is your name?

[He starts at The Question. It's not her fault, he has to remind himself. She doesn't know. He didn't warn her. No witch has arrived with a swarm of challengers. The swan isn't coming to take him away again. This woman he doesn't know is not about to die.

But all of that doesn't stop the automatic reaction of shooting up straight again and taking a small step back.]

Ah. My apologies. Lohengrin is my name.

[He finally remembers his manners and takes her hand, bowing again. He has to stop himself from pressing his lips to her knuckles and must be satisfied kissing the air over her delicate fingers.]

[ he pulls back so quick elsa's lips purse into a frown. what had she done to make him retreat so quick?

she relaxes only a little as he moves back, surprise tensing her body when he takes her hand. she's icy cold and he feels, well--normal, likely, but too warm for her. conceal, don't feel, she chides herself, no longer a chant for her powers and more to keep her regal stature. ]

It's a pleasure, Lohengrin. I'm Queen Elsa, of Arendelle.

[ i hope i haven't frightened you. ]

[He doesn't know what he would prefer, the warm but ethereal touch of the ghost that visited him on All Hallow's Eve or the real but cold hand of this living person. As soon as she introduces herself, his mind fills with the fact that her name really IS Elsa and oh no she said she was a queen he's not showing proper decorum and where is Arendelle that isn't Brabant thank goodness it's not Brabant he just came back from there.
At least he remembers to let go of her hand at some point.]

If you will pardon me for saying so, your majesty, the circumstances themselves are not so pleasant. But I've learned before that poor circumstances mean little and it is, indeed, a pleasure.

[ she folds her hands carefully, and nods. ]

You don't need to be sorry for saying what's on your mind, Lohengrin. [ elsa shakes her head slightly, braid flitting. ] You said before that you haven't been alright in a long time. Are these the same circumstances?

It is related. I don't expect things to get much better until December has passed.

[Not unless he can get distracted by fighting some of the Monstrous Raven's crows.]

It brings the first anniversaries of my wedding and my wife's death.

[ sympathy and empathy both show on her face clear as day. ]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank you.

[It does little, as mourning must run its course, but that doesn't make it unappreciated.]

I find it heartening when those who bear the crown take such care. You remind me some of my own liege, who has been a great comfort to me in the past year.

[When she doesn't, you know, remind him of his Elsa.]

To that end, I'm certain my liege would want to know if our foe, the Monstrous Raven, has made any move to tarnish the winter of your lands.

A Monstrous Raven? [ hm. the smile falls off her face as she thinks. ] I haven't heard of them.

You can rest easy. I'm sure our winter will be safe. [ in... more ways than one. 8') ]

And thank you. [ it's really flattering to be said to bring any sort of comfort. ] Your liege must be dear to you.

You wouldn't want to. He is cruelty and despair itself. And I hope you're right. He and his despicable crows love the winter.

[It seems odd to him, even when the people he meets are from places he doesn't know, that anyone wouldn't know of the Prince and the Raven.]

Though, if you've not heard of him, you've likely not heard of Prince Siegfried. He's the sort who would gladly march into Hell if it would save just one soul.

And I follow to get him back out again.

They'll have more than their fair match if they come to Arendelle. [ it's a solid, almost carefree promise as she stands primly. ]

He sounds like a noble soul. So do you.

[It's a familiar look and a familiar stance. Lohengrin's never seen a monarch make a promise that way without being able to back it up. He doubts Elsa will prove him wrong.

He wonders if his Elsa had been anything like this during the happier days she spoke about.]

I am simply a man of action, Elsa.

[His eyes widen at his faux pas but he doesn't particularly want to apologize for it, not unless the queen before him takes offense.]

[ her smile simply softens. if she takes offense, she certainly doesn't show it. ]

That doesn't mean you're not noble.

I....

[She wasn't offended and Lohengrin's not sure if he should be relieved about that or not.]

Of course. Some would even argue they have nothing to do with each other. But whether by title or by deed, in the end I am still just a man.

[ she can't deny that--she won't deny that. ]

As we all are. [ which isn't meant to argue with him; but simply agree. ]

How long have you been by Prince Siegfried's side?

Since we were children. My father, Sir Parsifal, serves the King.

No wonder he's dear to you--you two must be close.

[ it makes her long for the days lost and past where she and anna could've actually played and grew up together. ]

[He nods. There are few others who have as much of Lohengrin's loyalty.]

He is very lucky.

[ c: ]

I hope the days pass faster for you, Lohengrin.

possible spoilers in the comments?

I am sorry and I blame it all on Disney

omg ahhh oh no

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