[PRP] Conceal, Don't Feel [Elsa & Anupu] FIN

[Lithiasaur]

Queen Elsa was not sure how well her efforts were going at this point. She was doing her best, but she had been so far away from her home, and had not managed to find any other prides to help her. And what did she think she would do if she found another pride? Walk into it and just expect everyone to believe her when she saw she was a Queen and needed to speak with their leaders?

What if that just got her killed or chased off? She knew she had to try, no matter what, because she owed it to her lions and to her home, but they were so small, and could lose so much... she was not sure how much longer her home could survive.

She knew she was failing it, and she did not know how to fix it. She did not look like a Queen. She did not act like one. She hid away from those that scared her, and tried to pretend the hatred that many held for her, for the curse she had brought on the pride, did not exist. She focused on the good around her, and tried to hide her emotions from everyone. It just made her quiet and timid, and no one could respect a Queen that was too afraid to wield any of the power she was meant to have.

Sitting in the rogue lands, staring into a small pool of water at the bright reflection of herself, she sighed. Her blue pelt, the ice that marred it and made it beautiful at once, captivated her. Repulsed her. Was she really cursed to bring snow to the home she loved? Why did she not look like her parents, her siblings? They were all gone now, anyway. There were stories that she had just appeared in the litter, that she wasn't really royal. Where did she come from, if that was the case?

Tired and hungry, she was not in a good state of mind to deal with any of the questions that were currently plaguing her. She just wanted to lay down and push it all out of her mind for a little while.  

[Roxy_roxanna2]

Anupu struggled, it was hard for him to form these bonds with royalty and then watch as they aged, lost their prides, lost their families, or failed to regain their birthrights. He had withdrawn from his duties once before and in a deep slumber nothing had disturbed him, but he had forgone life and he had failed so many mortals. He promised himself that he would not do such a thing again he had no desire to be a selfish God. He knew that a royal was near, her blood sang to him and so he sighed and slowly walked towards her.

He was accustomed to dealing more closely with Kings there was an easy male bond to turn to there. Yet he had spoken with and advised Queen's before and this should be no different. He paused a little away from her and masked his appearance to match her better, his wings went from gold to icy blue. His scales changed in gradient from pale blue to white and the markings of royal purple on his pelt swirled with color before settling on the cerulean of a winter sky.

Stepping loudly enough so she wouldn't feel snuck upon the God of Royalty approached the Queen.

"Your Majesty?"

She looked so troubled, and she was out here exposed to any number of dangers in the rogue lands alone. He wasn't doing a very good job of protecting and helping royals if this Queen looked so forlorn. Then again he already knew just how badly he was failing them, every small success was met with a glaring failure.  

[Lithiasaur]

Roxy_roxanna2

Elsa still managed to jump when she was spoken to, though she had heard his approach. Maybe she was hoping whoever was coming up to her would walk by, and leave her to her thoughts. At the same time, she was glad for him to have stopped to speak with her: she was lonely, and she wanted company to help ease her mind. Even if she did not speak about what was troubling her.

His words registered, though, and she blinked. She had never seen this lion before, though he was blue and icy like she was, and seemed right away to be a friendly face that she just did not recognize.

Had they met before? Did she forget him?

"I... I'm sorry. Do I know you?" He had addressed her as royalty and since she was so far from her home, she had to assume she had managed to forget him. Her ears drooped a little as she looked at him, shaking her head slowly. "Are you from the Frozen Island? I... I'm sorry, I feel like I should know you, but I don't."  

[Roxy_roxanna2]

Anupu sat down across from the jumpy Queen and ducked his head with a slightly abashed smile.

"No, you don't and I'm afraid that is my failing. I am Anupu God of Royalty and I have come to you because you are a Queen, it is my duty to offer you assistance and advice as you may wish it or not, and protection from harm to yourself or your lineage. I do apologize for not presenting myself to you sooner."

Hopefully she hadn't felt abandoned, but she didn't exactly look as cheerful as he might have hoped. Clearly this young queen was feeling the weight of her responsibilities.

Lithia_Brandon

 

[Lithiasaur]

Roxy_roxanna2

"Oh, I'm certain you have nothing to apologize for," she began cordially, her calm returning to her in an easy wave. She halted again, though, as his words really sank in and she found herself staring at him for a long, silent moment.

"Did you say you were a God?"

She knew very little about Gods, and what she did, she kept to herself. She had never met one, at least not one she was aware of. She had no idea that she was the daughter of one, nor did she know that her half brother was in her pride, and a full god himself. She was fairly oblivious to that whole realm, save her own thoughts and the hand me down stories from the pride.

"How can you tell that I am a Queen? I... my home is very small. It was recently destroyed, and the rulers... my parents... they're gone now. I am doing my best for my home but... I... " she did not think she wanted to tell this stranger, and one of such importance, that she was questioning her own right to the throne.

"I'm honored to meet you," she said, not thinking twice about taking him at his word. She was nothing if not trusting.  

[Roxy_roxanna2]

Well she was gracious enough to forgive him, then again most royals didn't wait around expecting him. He had been sadly absent from enough generations that rulers no longer spoke of him to their heirs. It was hard but he managed not to chuckle at her question.

"Indeed, and the God of Royals which is how I know you are a Queen. I know those of royal blood as surely as I know the sun must set and rise each day."

He didn't wish to insult either of them by either offering proof or having her ask for it. Instead he waved a paw and a crystalline throne appeared, he moved to lounge in it and cleared his throat.

"The honor is mine, as I said I have a duty to you your majesty and if you require my assistance in any matter I would be pleased to offer it. As it is...you appear somewhat troubled? What are you doing out here away from your pride alone?"

Lithia_Brandon

 

[Lithiasaur]

Roxy_roxanna2

Elsa watched him with wide eyes, never seeing magic used like that before. There was no doubt that he was a God, and she marveled at him silently for a long moment. She realized she was just gaping at him, her mouth hanging slightly open, and she quickly composed herself. Sitting down gracefully, albeit a little shyly, she watched him. Her paws were drawn together, her body fairly coiled and her tail wrapped around her paws protectively, she watched him with a soft expression.

"My home is... is very small. I don't think you could call it a pride, not really any more. We're trying very hard to put it back together, but we were plagued by snow and storms, and many died or scattered... I have those that remain out looking for more lions..."

She looked sad, guilty.

"Some think I'm responsible for the snow. That my pelt is cursed."

She had a hard time saying it out loud, and she wondered if it was because she believed it, or because she didn't. Either way, she was not too happy about the whole thing.

"As for myself, I'm trying to find other prides that might want to become allies to us, and help us recover our footing."  

[Roxy_roxanna2]

He listened patiently and watched her, she had composure but her attitude also seemed somehow defeated. Indeed the more she spoke the more worried he was, and if he could so easily tell how she felt then others probably could as well. Sometimes it wasn't an issue to let your feelings show, but in this case her sense of guilt could easily be twisted against her.

"I am going to offer you a piece of advice your majesty...and I hope you take it to heart. Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know that you have all these doubts in you. You are a Queen and you DO have a home, a pride that is relying on you. If you do not show them that you believe in them then you cannot expect them to believe in you."

He moved off the throne and it vanished behind him as he moved to sit in front of her instead his dark blue gaze trying to meet and hold hers.

"It doesn't matter what others think, do YOU believe you are cursed?"

Lithia_Brandon

 

[Lithiasaur]

Roxy_roxanna2

Elsa watched him placidly, nodding her head but feeling as though she did not have the right to ask him for his advice. Since he was offering it, she also had no right to refuse. She watched him with a curious, wide eyed stare, still wondering about who and what he was. She could hardly fathom it, that she was speaking to a God.

His words rang in her, though, and she looked down at her paws.

"Conceal..." she wore her emotions too clearly, and those that needed her to be strong for them could not count on her strength. They saw her doubt and fears, and despite her best efforts so far, they understood who and what she was. She was filling a role she did not know how to play, and if those she was trying to rule over could see that... they would not follow her. "You're right... of course. I need to show them that I'm doing my best, and... and that they can count on me. Believe in me. And I need to believe in myself... maybe if I start acting that way, I will, in time..."

She looked up at him at his question, surprised.

"I... I don't believe I am." She did not sound too confident, but she looked up at him, holding herself up a bit more. "I am not cursed. I am... I am Queen."  

[Roxy_roxanna2]

He smiled and gave her a reassuring nod; she understood and judging by the way she slowly responded, her subtle change in posture, the advice would take hold.

"Believe in yourself and in your pride, do not go to other prides like a meek beggar. You are a queen you do not have the luxury of allowing your emotions to rule you. I know this must be difficult for you, but you CAN manage, you are meant to rule."

He hoped that he was bolstering her confidence, she seemed young but capable. She could have run off by now, the rogue-lands were large enough for many young royals to escape their weighty duties. Yet here she was trying so hard and looking rather fragile under the strain.

"Now then, I hope you do not plan to reveal how dire things are for your pride? When you go to other prides you must explain your situation as if seeking alliances, do not reveal weaknesses your majesty it is all too easy for others to see the path of exploitation."

Lithia_Brandon

 

[Lithiasaur]

Roxy_roxanna2

I'm not getting quotes because I changed my user name!

Elsa nodded her head slowly, smiling at him sweetly. She really appreciated that he would take the time to try and help her, though she had never met him before. She vaguely understood that this was what his duties were, that he was the god of doing exactly this, but she still appreciated it on a personal level.

"Thank you, you are very kind," she said with a low nod of her head, bowing graciously, and gracefully, to him. She held herself a little more regally, knowing that, though she was tired and things were difficult, she was meant to bear the weight of it. Just as he was meant to have this duty. It was not so different, was it?

She would have to rethink her strategies, and seek alliances with other prides in a way that was more befitting them both.

"I will try to focus on how good things will be, and not how bad things have been. How strong we will be, and not how weak we may be now. You are right, of course, that really isn't how I should go and ask for help... I don't want them all to pity us, or to think they could overwhelm us and steal our home for theirs. We are still proud, even if we're small. We'll be okay."  

[Roxy_roxanna2]

Anupu found his respect for the young queen growing, she was neither vain nor spoiled, she had the strength to rule. It was a consolation for him after seeing others falter on the path, royal lines ending in disaster and Prince and Princesses, young Chieftan blood, and the children of Empresses wandering the rogue lands like commoners.

"I am glad that you can look beyond this difficult moment, you will be a fine Queen. Remember, no matter how you feel inside show the world your royal side."

He tipped his crown and clawed out a sapphire his paw holding it out to her.

"If I may ask a favor of you now your majesty? Take this, if you should ever need me, if you should ever need advice or protection use it to call to me and I will come. I would be honored if you allowed me to see your cubs someday as well, though I imagine for you that is in the future once your pride has regained it's stability."

He chuckled faintly not wanting to put TOO much pressure on her, though lineage was important to Anupu he knew some royals took to expanding their families after their power was secure.

Lithiasaur

 

[Lithiasaur]

Roxy_roxanna2

Elsa smiled at him regally and nodded her head. She had been raised by royalty, after all, and for all she knew, she was a part of their family. Just a random color, that's all. There were rumors that she was not really a member of the royal line, but it hardly mattered now. She was the only one left alive after the storms and accidents, and so she was Queen whether everyone liked it or not.

She had to be more confident, or at least do a better job of hiding her insecurities. Conceal, don't feel. It made so much more sense than dwelling in how nervous and sad she was.

"Thank you so much for all of your help and your advice. And this stone... I will call you if I begin to falter again. I'll do my best, for my pride, and for you." She smiled at him, and then blushed under her fur when he mentioned cubs. "I would be happy to introduce you to my family... i-if I have one. In the future," she said bashfully. She cleared her throat and straightened up again, but she felt much happier now.

"I already owe you a lot, Lord Anupu. I will do my best to make you proud."  

[Roxy_roxanna2]

He had given her his backing, the support so that she wouldn't feel so alone and overwhelmed by her duties. While the Gods had many powers he could offer little more to Royals than these small consolations, the right to call for his aid, protection for their young heirs, and words of comfort. He had fought in battles to help Royals keep their positions, but even he knew that not all battles could be won with brute force. The road of success for this Queen would lay in her ability to form strong alliances and trade routes.

"In showing confidence in yourself and in your willingness to do your duty you have already made me very proud of you, your majesty."

He tipped his head and offered her a small smile before glancing around. He wasn't certain where she was heading next but the fact that she was alone concerned him mildly. Perhaps he ought to escort her to her next destination before returning to the realm of the Gods.

"Will you be alright out here alone? You should be careful when traveling alone..."

Lithiasaur

 

[Lithiasaur]

Roxy_roxanna2

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be alright, thank you," Elsa smiled and him and nodded her head once more. She stood up this time and her tail swished behind her. She was feeling far more confident than she ever had, or at least in recent history. She was very glad to have run into him, and she was feeling much better because of it.

"I wouldn't want to keep you any longer than I have. It should be alright, I'll just continue my quest as I have been. I do appreciate all your help and I will keep your words and advice with me!"

She smiled at him and bowed politely, and because she felt like he had very much deserved the respect, and it was the only real way she could show it. She smiled up at him again and chuckled.

"I look forward to meeting you again! Hopefully, under much better circumstances."