dreamscape #2

[sleightofhans]

Who: Hans Westergaard and open
Which: Interactive dream
What: It's King Hans of Arendelle, everything is totally fine with no murder involved.
Warnings: Discussions of murder prob


[There's a celebratory feeling in the castle, with food and drinks being served to everyone that's decided to attend the celebration. Oh, you haven't heard? Apparently, the new king saved the kingdom by slaying an ice queen, it's just too bad his fiancé froze to death-- but everything is in good hands, right? The people seem to be relieved, especially as they laugh and drink throughout the night.

For whatever reason, maybe as if to greet his new subjects, Hans is making his rounds around the party, dressed mostly the same, except for a crown on his head. Eventually, he'll come across your character and--]

I'm the newly crowned King Hans of Arendelle.

[He smiles almost politely, but there's definitely something off about this whole situation, even if you don't know him. It probably doesn't help that the music that's playing sounds just slightly off.]

I wish to express my gratitude that you decided to come here. That snowstorm was awful, wasn't it? Please, make yourself comfortable.

Comments

[noblegarnet]

[Like many of the dreams he's found himself in, Ferran's head is clouded and the uncertain feelings that come to him at the sight of the places and people around him never clear up until the dream is almost over. So even though there's a surge of emotions he can't quite sort through, the only thing that comes out of his mouth when the new king greets him is:]

Y-yeah... I'm bad at handling the cold.

[While his own attire suits the celebration (and the chill) well enough, the pale look about him and dark circles under his eyes makes him seem unwell. It might lend credence to his claim, anyway.]

[sleightofhans]

[There's not any recognition from Hans, not yet, as he looks over Ferran. He's practiced at looking concern anyway, with a small frown lifting his features.]

You do look like quite awful. [He smiles again, almost apologetic.] My apologies, that was rude. Do you wish to have another coat to keep you warm? Or something else I can possibly give you?

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran shakes his head at the apology, even as something twists in his chest. He never would think such a thing about a stranger, but he knows it's all fake.]

No, it's true. [He knows he looks awful; he feels it, too.] I...

[There's a lot you could give me, he thinks, a thought that feels completely out of place but absolutely true. He pushes it aside with a twitch of his brow.]

I wouldn't mind the company, if you're not... too busy. Or I could just come around with you, maybe.

[sleightofhans]

I believe I can spare a few minutes with you. After becoming king, there's a lot of work I must attend to, but I still believe that listening to my subjects to be important.

[After all, this whole kingdom, everything, is his. All that plotting has paid off and he really only had to kill one person for it.

...

This is what he's always wanted; his brothers will have to acknowledge and respect him now. But more than that, this is what he was born for. Why in the world would even feel slightly guilty?]

Besides, this is a celebratory night. [His smile almost looks forced, but it's mostly due to his own thoughts.]

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran knows innately that something is wrong, even aside from the fake expressions and sentiments. At the same time, it feels like he's already accepted that. He has no reason to break the charade, does he? He keeps his eyes fixed on Hans anyway, like he's searching for something, and his gaze is sharp despite his clear lethargy.

A few minutes isn't enough.]

... It's good to see a leader who's willing to do the hard work himself.

[The gossip hasn't escaped his ears. The queen who'd frozen the kingdom... she was out of control. Regrettable, to be sure.]

Sorry it had to come to this, though. It's not the most pleasant way of ascending to the throne...

[sleightofhans]

[Most attendees express their regret and sorrow about their former queen, but every so often, a voice can be heard, whispering 'murderer' throughout the venue. It doesn't seem like anyone have noticed, except for Hans and perhaps his companion here.

The king's smile falters just slightly, as he does his best to respond to Ferran.]

It was a last resort. If there was any other way to stop the storm...

[noblegarnet]

[The whispering doesn't affect him; his expression doesn't change, and he's not concerned with the implication that the queen was killed for more sinister reasons. The only thing that surprises him is the momentary change in Hans's expression. Did it bother the man, truly? He wonders.

Ferran lets the silence hang in the air for a moment before responding, his own voice low enough not to be heard by the others around them.]

A king shouldn't have to get his own hands dirty.

[sleightofhans]

Perhaps not, but I don't mind doing such things in order to to accomplish my goals.

[Maybe he could've framed that more neatly, but Hans doesn't take it back. He's considered himself to be unconventional in his methods anyway.]

A true king should shoulder responsibility. Even if he tells someone else to do the deed, his hands would still be 'dirty.'

[noblegarnet]

... I guess so.

[Ferran understands that no real leader is able to avoid darker things like that. There is no ideal world where a king can be completely blameless, as much as he'd like there to be. But... collateral damage can be minimized.]

But he'd still need someone willing to do what needs to be done when he's already got enemies waiting.

[Those people whispering... some of them will probably start shouting eventually.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Despite the relief, a sense foreboding still hangs over Susato. It almost feels too good to be true. She doesn't seem quite as happy as the rest of them, but rather than ruin the celebration, she's hidden herself away in a quiet corner of the room in front of one of her favorite things: a giant bookshelf.

Around her shoulders is a large, royal-purple blanket. There's a steaming cup of tea in front of her, as well as a thick book on her lap. Despite all these comforts, however, she can't seem to stop shivering. Even when she speaks, she can see her breath, but she doesn't seem to question this. Streaks of white in her hair catch the light, almost glowing, making her appear ghostly, but she doesn't question that either. She simply looks up from her book innocently, sluggish to react. ]

Oh! [ She shuts the book abruptly, practically shoving it aside. She stands up far too quickly, just to bow with more respect than he rightly deserves. ] Your majesty... Of course. We can't thank you enough.

[ He saved the kingdom, didn't he?

...Didn't he? ]

It must have been difficult.

[ Doing what he did... But kings and queens often make such difficult decisions, so is it really so strange? ]

[sleightofhans]

[Normally, Hans would leave someone alone, but her posture and the blanket, along with the sight of white in her hair catches his attention, more than some diplomat trying to win him over with praise. He still politely excuses himself, before making his way to the ghost her. Hans feels some relief when he sees her facial features, a confirmation that this is someone entirely different.]

It was very difficult, I didn't want to resort to such extreme measures...

[But Hans is still very distracted by the white in her hair, a memory of a certain younger princess appearing in his mind and causing the king to clench his teeth. She was an idiot for falling in love with him in the first place.]

I'm sorry, are you affected by an illness?

[judicialassistant]

...Oh. [ Susato looks momentarily caught off guard. Her hand moves to brush some of her hair aside out of her face, and she catches a glimpse of that ghostly white as she sinks back into her seat.

She hesitates. How is it possible that she doesn't know? Has it always been that way? Her mind quickly starts to fill in the blanks, the longer the dream goes on. ]

It's not something you must concern yourself with, my king. There's this friend of mine... Her pup got free from his leash yesterday and ran out onto a frozen lake. I wanted to save him, but unfortunately I fell through myself.

[ A pause as she ignores a tightness forming in her chest. ]

I was able to surface, but it's been like this ever since. [ Then she lets go of her hair and seems to sink deeper into her blanket. ]

[sleightofhans]

[His eyes can't help but linger on the white on her hair, Anna's last words echoing in his mind. He also can't help but remember the desperation and crushing expression on her face before freezing in front of him, unable to save her sister at the very last second.

...

Why does he keep thinking back? Everything went according to his plan. Maybe it's just fresh in his mind, that's all. Oh, and this lady in front of him isn't helping.

So caught up in his memory, he barely catches what Sustato is saying, the faraway look in his eyes only dissipating at the end.]

Ah... that must've been a frightening experience. Normally, you'd be facing hypothermia, but this seems rather odd in comparison. I've only seen something like this once before... but the death of the Ice Queen should've stopped it.

[judicialassistant]

[ The death of the Ice Queen.

Hearing it spelled out so plainly, Susato has a rather faraway look herself, as if she'd rather be anywhere else. Her heart twists, but she has never been one to avoid the difficult topics. ]

Oh...? [ It's too bad she has no explanation to offer to put them both at ease. ] Perhaps it is just taking a while to wear off.

[sleightofhans]

[More than likely, she'll just freeze to death, turned into another frozen statue in the end. Would it be kinder to let her know the truth of her situation, or just give her false hope? It probably doesn't matter either way, but Hans puts on a mask of empathy, calling for a servant to provide her with more blankets.]

I'd hope so. [...] Although, there is a legend that an act of true love can dissolve this aliment.

[A younger voice, full of desperation and pain, calls out 'he left me to die'.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Soon she'll have enough blankets for a whole fort. Susato blinks in surprise, though she doesn't really know what to do other than accept the blankets. They are all warm and so neatly folded, it seems almost a shame to unfurl them all. ]

I see. I've yet to read about that... Though I suppose it is reminiscent of many fairy tales of old.

[ A glance at her book. She will not be so rude as to resume reading in front of him, but she does pull it a little closer. ]

Forgive me for asking, but... what sort of act would you consider to be one of "true love"?

[sleightofhans]

[....]

Saving a loved one at the cost of your own life. I can hardly think of anything more self-sacrificing than that.

[Somehow, he feels that's the true way to break the curse. If Anna was a little faster and saved Elsa, everything would've turned out just fine for them, but things sadly didn't pan out that way for them.

It's fine, he'll rule Arendelle just fine in their stead.]

Although, I suppose that would beat the purpose of saving yourself.

[roseofmay]

[Something about this is... all very, very. There is something about it. Unnatural? Discomforting? A combination of those two things? Although Beatrix has stood in the noble court of Alexandria many, many times, as guardian and representative both, there is something about standing in this very room that leaves even the hairs along the back of her neck rising.

What's wrong here. What's off here. Her eyes are scanning the room with haste. She's heard the announcement all right. But the Hans she knows. A prince. A prince who wants to be a king? In order to be a king, does he have to slay the queen?

Is...
...

Regicide?

Before her thoughts can wander away from her in their skittering haste, Hans is addressing her. His expression is so diplomatic, so perfectly presented. Too perfectly presented. She wants to cut right to the heart of the matter. Ask him what's really going on.

But does he even know who she is?

Instead, Beatrix falls into old habits. She always does in his company. Hand firmly across her chest and the little bend at her waist in formality.]

Your Majesty.

[How strange the words feel falling out of her mouth like so. As if they don't belong there. Something isn't right about any of this. Or maybe Beatrix is being too sceptical.

...When is she not, though?]

[sleightofhans]

[For whatever reason, he knows her name, and that she's a general-- although she doesn't appear to be from Arendelle's own military. He's probably just been briefed about hear appearance, that a foreign representative has come here to meet the new king. That seems right.]

General Beatrix, is that right? I believe this is the first time we've met.

[He still behaves cordially, his words filled with false warmth as he smiles at her.]

You must've travelled long to arrive here.

[roseofmay]

[As she's straightening herself back up, she's still turning everything over in her head. She isn't sure she's supposed to be here. A part of this conversation. Standing in front of him. She also understands, however, that if this is a dream, much of what's around her is likely not even real.

Even in a dreamscape, however, it is possible to be hurt. It is possible to be affected by the atmosphere. As such, she must be careful in her approach. If she decides to approach at all.]

Correct. I am Beatrix of Alexandria.

[Although she has to wonder if that means anything to this version of the man. Perhaps his experiences with her directly are capable of colouring the knowledge he holds in this world, though this is, certainly, not the same Hans she's familiar with. It doesn't feel like the same man who she once caught firing cupid arrows at innocent citizens. It doesn't feel like the same man who's been willing to share conversation with her and his insight. It doesn't feel like the same man who's found optimism in hopes and dreams where she has had few or none.]

The distance was nothing, I assure you. [Eyeing him thoughtfully, her head tilts.] You seem to be taking well to your role.

[sleightofhans]

I believe I've heard of your kingdom. It's very good to have you here.

[Usually, he does a better job knowing about the kingdoms and their various diplomatic statues, but he can't recall many details about Alexandria right now. He knows it's quite powerful, however, so he definitely wants to set a good impression as the new king.

As such, Hans keeps his polite demeanor, even if the whispers around them start to grow louder. The word 'murderer' can be heard every so often, but it's hard to tell who is saying that in particular.]

The people here... they just lost their former queen and princess, it's my duty to be a source of strength at a time like this. To many, I may seem like an outsider, only given his role due to unfortunate circumstances.

[roseofmay]

[She listens carefully to what he has to say, her attention only broken every so often when she’s certain she hears something else. Something different. A quiet interjection? She can barely make it out. The beginning of a word. The end of a word. The middle, on occasion.

That he admits he’s an outsider is a concern in its own way. Anyone in a kingdom would be apprehensive to have a foreign leader. Many things about this don’t add up properly. There are tales in history where princes have wed into the families of foreign princesses, or vice versa, and have inherited the kingdom by way of ‘unfortunate’ death.

Such things are always difficult to prove, however. The politicking of kingdoms is never a simple process.]

Know that on behalf of my kingdom, I represent support where it may be needed. The reign of any new monarchy is a fragile thing, especially that when it comes to a king who is native. What a grave misfortune that befell Her Late Majesty and Highness. Whatever became of them?

[She asks with care, trying not to pry too hard.]

[sleightofhans]

[The whispering starts to become louder, more frequent, as all the dignitaries and diplomats begin to look at the two of them. A sudden chill breaks through the air, as they give accusatory stares to the newly crowned king. If Hans notices, he doesn't react, just his polished demeanor still planted as he adopts a remorseful sort of tone.]

I won't avoid the truth, I've slain the queen. [He closes his eyes, as if to look upset about what he's done.]

She was hurting the people of her kingdom through an everlasting winter. If there was a different way to stop her, I'd pursue it, but time was not on our side.

[The whispers begin to adopt a new word, echoing 'liar' through the air.]

[roseofmay]

[He confirms what she’s merely made conjecture over and she isn’t sure she’d rather be right or wrong. This might be one of those rare occasions that she’d like it to be the latter, and that’s saying quite a lot for a woman who doesn’t like being wrong.

She dares not offer an immediate response. That would be too telling, she thinks. However she responds, she must be careful. Instead, Beatrix simply studies him, taking in the green of his eyes, as if she’s attempting to extract information she hasn’t even asked for.

Something about this doesn’t seem right. But maybe that’s because she’s always wary. Safer to be wary. Safer not to take everything at face value. He is probably not fully telling her the truth. She has never pried into him before and she doesn’t intend to start doing so now, but…

Whatever she hears in the air, or thinks she hears seems to be agreeing with her.]

That is unfortunate. I think your path, wherever it is you are intending to go, may be a difficult one for you.

[She casts a look around Arundel’s court before returning attention onto him.]

I am surprised that you are so willing to tell me what you have done. You did just say you are not so familiar with my kingdom, after all. Yet you trust me to say so? How flattering, Your Majesty.

[sleightofhans]

[There's a small head tilt from Hans as he looks at her, somewhat aware that she's observing him as well. It's not anything he's unfamiliar with, especially after tonight, but he still wants to be slightly cautious here.]

My way of ascension to the throne is not a well-guarded secret here. You may have asked any citizen or even one of our knights and they would've told you the truth of the matter.

[He smiles now, although there's a slight edge to it. As if to match the disconcerting atmosphere, the whispers around them continue to grow in volume, along with adopting an accusatory tone.]

I figure it's more respectful to hear this from the king himself.