[ He... hadn't sounded like that, had he? Suddenly, Eirwen feels a crushing weight on her chest. A problem in the kingdom. Was that all she'd been-- a problem? No. They loved her and Ardea. They were good parents, and good parents didn't say things like... that. ]
I'm sure he was just... frustrated, since I couldn't get a hold on my powers.
No... I know that tone of voice. He used it on me when I asked about you. And mother would get really quiet when I tried to talk about you... I know they were trying to do what was right, but... Eirwen, don't you think they could have done it differently? Found something or someone who could help you instead of locking you up?
What about the trolls? They could have helped... They could have told our parents how they could help you... I've met them, they would never have told father to lock you away!
[That might even appall them to have it suggested.]
Yes, but wouldn't locking you up make you more afraid? It scared me... it scared me because I thought I did something wrong... that you hated me. That it was punishment, and no one would tell me what I did.
[This is not something she even wanted to bring up.]
[ For a moment, Eirwen doesn't say anything. She doesn't even move. But soon enough, her shoulders curl inward, and she clings a little tighter to Ardea. She still says nothing.... but her shoulders shake, and she is crying. ]
[Ardea starts crying as well, holding Eirwen tightly.
It was awful, painful, and the guilt over thinking her parents could do something horrible ate at her... yet the relief she felt about finally telling Eirwen her fears made the pain lessen.
[ It still hurts, yes. But... but it's a little bit easier. A little. Having Ardea here helps more than Eirwen could ever describe. Holding her like this, being the one to cry on Ardea's shoulder... it's a new situation, and sort of scary.
Yet.... she feels a little calmer, somehow. After a moment, Eirwen pulls away, wiping her eyes and laughing a little breathlessly. ]
[ She lets out another little laugh, this time a little steadier. ]
If only a certain little sister hadn't bragged about how her older sister is a queen... [ Eirwen's definitely feeling a little better. There's a note of affectionate teasing there. ]
... We really can be anything we want here, can't we?
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[ He... hadn't sounded like that, had he? Suddenly, Eirwen feels a crushing weight on her chest. A problem in the kingdom. Was that all she'd been-- a problem? No. They loved her and Ardea. They were good parents, and good parents didn't say things like... that. ]
I'm sure he was just... frustrated, since I couldn't get a hold on my powers.
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No... I know that tone of voice. He used it on me when I asked about you. And mother would get really quiet when I tried to talk about you... I know they were trying to do what was right, but... Eirwen, don't you think they could have done it differently? Found something or someone who could help you instead of locking you up?
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Ardea... I don't think there's anyone who has powers like I do. And it's too dangerous besides!
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[That might even appall them to have it suggested.]
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[ ... but even she sounds unsure now. ]
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[This is not something she even wanted to bring up.]
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I... I feel terrible thinking that way, Ardea...
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[Hesitantly she pulls her sister into a hug.]
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It was awful, painful, and the guilt over thinking her parents could do something horrible ate at her... yet the relief she felt about finally telling Eirwen her fears made the pain lessen.
Now all she had to do was help her sister cope.]
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Yet.... she feels a little calmer, somehow. After a moment, Eirwen pulls away, wiping her eyes and laughing a little breathlessly. ]
My... what behavior for a queen, honestly!
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You know, you're not a queen here... you can act however you want to.
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If only a certain little sister hadn't bragged about how her older sister is a queen... [ Eirwen's definitely feeling a little better. There's a note of affectionate teasing there. ]
... We really can be anything we want here, can't we?
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[Ardea nods.] Yes. I'm a gardener, you're a librarian... isn't it nice not to always be a queen and a princess?
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[ Her chest feels less tight now. Eirwen rests her forehead against her sister's. Talking like this... ]
Nicer than I ever thought I deserved, really. In even my wildest dreams, I was never not a queen.
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[Ardea gives her sister a soft smile.]
I like not being a princess. We're just like everyone else here. No more bowing, courtesies, having to practice manners all the time. It's so nice.
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[ But she returns the smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her sister's ear. ]
You get to be free.
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[Let's be free together.]
thread end?
No more closed doors--for real this time.
Yes!
Good. I'm glad.