#;beast

It was impossible not to feel intense pity for the other. Especially for Elsa. She’d seen her fair share of fear in the eyes of the people around her. Even her own family. 

“I understand... More than you’ll probably ever know.”

Elsa had gotten used to being stared at. Mostly by strangers... But this was different. She didn’t look... much like a person these days.  Of course she couldn’t fault him for staring. She’d stared in shock at her own reflection often as it was. She looked so different now...

Elsa’s extended visit to the castle had been going well. Helping the servants with the tasks they hadn’t the fingers to manage on their own was really brightening this old castle up. Elsa had barely noticed the number of days that had passed.

What she HAD noticed was her long fingernails catching on the fabric of the curtains she’d been hanging. ... Again. 

“I don’t think I’ve danced.... ever. I’m pretty certain ice skating doesn’t count.” She laughed, grabbing his wrists to try and pull the large beast from his seat. It... didn’t work. 

The servants looked to Elsa as she spoke, then back to Beast, eager for his reply. He cleared his throat and scratched his cheek. “No–no, no… No. No, it’s a good time!” Oh. Don’t seem to eager, right? “Well. I mean. An okay time.”

Chapeau would have slapped his forehead if he had one. Mrs. Potts wisely stepped in once more, very quietly ushering the servants from the room. Beast was thankful not to have their expectant gazes on him, until they had gone and he realized he was on his own. “Ah… um…”

He cleared his throat again. Maybe a little too loudly. “How-how was your trip?” 

Elsa cast a glance at the horde of servants as they dispersed. She’d grown used to them scattering and going back to their chores when Beast entered the room. Perhaps they were too intimidated to linger?.... Well.. Whatever the reason, at least there was no longer an audience. 

The queen was thankful he was making an effort to be more polite.  Perhaps he’d received some nudging from the enthusiastic candlestick who was surely pressing his ear- or what would be an ear on a human- to the other side of the door.

"Oh, uh.. It was fine. Long- obviously. But I don’t mind.” Ah, small talk. An unappreciated art form...... for good reason. In truth, Elsa hadn’t planned this far ahead.  It wasn’t as if she could just walk up and hug him and things not be at least a little awkward. This was still pretty new for the both of them.

@goofymuses​ said:  "I’ve spent so long in the darkness, I’d almost forgotten how beautiful the moonlight is." ~Beast

Meme

“It really is, isn’t it?” 

Elsa let out a quiet, contented breath. Her shoulders hung loose, relaxed at last. Under the first clear sky in days with and the stars sparkling like diamonds overhead. They’d been through an ordeal. Triumphed in the face of adversity... Overcame the past, freed themselves and the people of this beautiful forest.. And found the answers they only hoped they would find here. The key to freeing Beast’s castle just as they freed the Northuldra of their curse. 

At least... mostly.