awakening;

[sleightofhans]

Sender: Hans Westergaard

Hello, this is Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. I've been informed that I've been asleep for the past month in something known as a 'sleep coma.' As such, I hope that explains my absence lately and I apologize for any missed dates I've had.

[Should he also apologize for worrying anyone? It's not something he feels accustomed to, especially not in a genuine manner. But apparently, there's been a couple of people that actually cared and. He doesn't know what to do with that right now, so he'll just continue writing.]

I'm not entirely sure how common such an incident is, but if anyone's curious, I'll do my best to provide details about the long sleep I was in. I'm just grateful that my body nor mind didn't degrade at all while in such a state.

[ooc: Also, if anyone wants to visit him in person, I'm cool with it!]

Comments

[sleightofhans]

Are you telling me to take this less seriously, General? I think I'll have to in that case.

[roseofmay]

I believe I was only reminding you that this is not conquest. Not all battles ought to be viewed the same way. A spar, for instance, is not the same thing as meeting your opponent on the field of war as enemies. It is important to distinguish such things.

[sleightofhans]

I'd hope that I would never meet you across the field as an enemy. But yes, you are certainly correct about that, as I can see myself at least coming out alive from a spar.

My family had frequent spars back home, but to honest, they became tiring after a while. But I don't intend to let those experience sour my view here.

[roseofmay]

I did not anticipate that we would cross swords as enemies, Your Highness.

Perhaps it was the nature of the spars with your family, or the frequency and thus the lack of discovery that caused them to grow dull. Sparring with others here would likely provide you with something new. It could be valuable as both tactical mastery and a means of forming bonds with others like us.

[sleightofhans]

Of course not.

Is that why you spar, General? To form bonds with others? Perhaps crossing blades with another is a good way to gauge another person's character.

[Hans doesn't fully believe it, but he thinks that she might view spars in such a way.]

[roseofmay]

[She spars to prove her superiority and just how much she doesn't need to form bonds with others. She has the sense not to say that, however.]

Hardly, to the former. The latter, a bit. It allows me to see the capacity of others. To understand their value as opponents, as potential soldiers, as defenders. And naturally, to see where they stand in comparison to me.

[sleightofhans]

[Ah, that's the sort of response he'd expect from her.]

Understandable, coming from someone of your position. But I must ask, do you have any interest forming bonds with others?

[roseofmay]

[What a heavily-weighted conversation. Beatrix doesn't even know how to begin addressing that. She isn't good at making friends. She's never really thought much about making them to begin with.]

Should I have such an interest? I suppose it depends on what one means when they say 'form bonds.'

[sleightofhans]

I think most people would say make friends with people.

Perhaps a simple forming of a camaraderie is a good start if you're not used to having friends. But it's not so bad being able to rely and trust others, even if they're not soldiers.

[roseofmay]

[Once again, she's about to say something that she has said multiple times since she's arrived. It sounds harsh and cold and in some ways, that is all quite intentional. Beatrix just evidently loves to keep people away from her.]

I do not require friends. I require subordinates.

[sleightofhans]

Certainly, as a commander, you need soldiers to lead.

I have no doubt that you'll be able to find at least a few soldiers here to command, but don't knock friendship too much either. I've recently learned that myself.

[roseofmay]

[...]

I appreciate the allies I have made here thus far. I should think that to be good enough. There are those that I find capable and worthy as adversaries and occasional companions when the situations call for it.

[In other words, 'friends,' though Beatrix would never refer to them as such. At least, not at this point in time.]

That is to say, I understand and appreciate their value. Including your own.

[sleightofhans]

[.......]

I believe that to be good enough as well.

[Suddenly, poking at Beatrix isn't as appealing right now, so Hans is just going to let it go.]

[roseofmay]

You would be the first person to agree with that assessment, I think. Seems to me that so many people simply want more, not realising already what they have.

[And she may not seem it, given how cold she is on the outside, but she's a loyal woman. Adamantly dedicated to a cause, to a person.]

We give of ourselves what we believe that we can. Nothing should ever come easily. We should earn what we have. I would like to think that I have earned your interest, after all. Just as you have earned mine.

[It's more complimentary than it sounds. Beatrix simply doesn't carry herself the way some would expect her to.]

[sleightofhans]

It's not always easy to be satisfied with what we already have. Perhaps I understand them in that regard, just not when it comes to personal relationships.

[He's always wanted power, mostly the power to rule a kingdom as his own. That dream seems so far away now, especially after being caught in Arendelle, but he's been thinking less about taking a throne these past couple of months. Maybe it's just this place isn't conducive for something like that anyway.]

If we're both speaking honestly now, yes, you have.

[roseofmay]

I do suppose that would be a very human feeling to experience.

[She wonders if she has ever wanted anything herself. When she considers it immediately, she doesn't have an answer. How long has she been without thoughts seemingly of her own? She's... spent so many days, weeks, years purely focused on the desires of her royal family.]

I will consider your interest a genuine compliment.