InsaneJournal

Who: Lomea and Elsa
What: A Sith Lord and an Ice Queen walk into a bar dress shop
When: This may or may not be very backdated to Shore Leave...
Where: San Francisco



Lomea could be laying on a beach right now, sunning herself. Not that that was ever high on her list of things to do, but it seemed like a nice idea. But… she supposed she could use the holodeck if she desperately wanted to. Or beam over the next day. She’d deemed spending time with Elsa more important, for reasons that weren’t entirely clear even to herself.

She wore a simple red dress that was a little on the short side, and waited outside Elsa’s room, expression a little brooding.

Lying on a beach in the sun sounded like the exact opposite of a fun day to Elsa. But then, shopping wasn't exactly her idea of a good time, either. It was rare that she went and purchased new things. She found she really didn't need it. And she was still so uncertain about the clothing of this time period.

But Lomea had asked, and she didn't usually tell her friend no. Though when she opened the door to step outside, she almost wished she had. “Hi,” she said, her tone a bit anxious. “Is everything okay?”

Looking over at Elsa, Lomea’s face softened just a notch. “I am reflecting on something, but it is of no consequence.”

She sweeped her left hand dramatically. “Shall we? I’m not sure what we’ll find, but it is better than being cooped up in a room.”

She always seemed so dark. And for someone who had lived the majority of her life in isolation, that was saying something. Elsa knew this place couldn't compete with the world Lomea came from, but sometimes it seemed like she didn't even make an effort.

“I haven't used many of my credits since we arrived. Just some food and an album of photos in Alaska. I'm looking forward to looking around a little.” For a queen, Elsa wasn't exactly the spending money type. And certainly not on frivolous things. She'd lived with far less than she had on the Enterprise.

"Nor have I. I suppose I should improve my wardrobe beyond what I have." And maybe she could make an effort to not be a downer. It was easy enough to smile for Elsa. Probably too easy.

Maybe it was that this Earth didn't sit well with her. "We could find a place to eat, as well. There are many places with nice views."

“I guess it might be nice to have something to wear that I didn't make.” Elsa waved down at the ensemble she was wearing. It was still probably quite old fashioned for these locals, but it was comfortable for her. The skirt was just past her knees, the top was short sleeves. She'd worn a sheer shawl over the top to feel a bit more comfortable.

The views in this city really were spectacular. “There was a lovely place overlooking the bay we might try. I was watching the… I think they're sea lions. I was watching them play the other day.”

"Then we'll eat and watch these sea lions." She envisioned some kind of aquatic cat, which sounded rather interesting.

Lomea started to walk, though she moved slowly, in no hurry. "Does the warmer weather really bother you?"

The question was asked without any ulterior motive, simply curiosity and maybe a little concern. She wondered how Elsa's newer roommates could handle the cold, or if Elsa had a handle on that by now.

She shrugged at the question. “It isn't my favorite weather. I can usually adjust for it, but being out in direct sun sounds horrible.” Yes, she could always make a cloud of cooler air around herself, but it took so much effort.

Some of the things she'd read about this Hawaii sounded wonderful. The landscape especially. But days on the beach, lying in the sun? And it was already warm in San Francisco, she'd heard Hawaii would be worse. “I do hope Anna and Kristoff enjoy themselves, but I really think I'll be better off here.”

"Honestly, I can't entirely disagree with you." She thought of Tatooine, which was the very definition of too much sun. Glancing out of the corner of her eye, she asked. "Though is getting you in the water sometime entirely out of the question?"

Lomea wondered if she ought to talk to Anna. Get to know Elsa's sister, who was so important to her. Part of her was jealous. She didn't have that kind of focus, nor any sort of relationship that close with anyone. Harley and Elsa were as close as she got.

Her cheeks went a bit pink and Elsa avoided the gaze she knew was on her. “I don't actually know how to swim. Not well. I was just learning when…” Well. That was one of those tales she didn't talk about, wasn't it? “When I stopped going outside.” That would have to be enough for the moment.

It wasn't that she didn't trust the other woman. She was just so… Powerful. Even being in her presence was a little overwhelming. Talking to her, giving her anything she could use against her, it was almost too much. “I'm not opposed to it. I just prefer my water in other forms, is all. Anna and I were talking about how to make ice skating on the ship happen.”

That was something. Lomea would take every something Elsa let slip. Eventually, she might have the whole picture, and she could be patient.

"Ice skating? My, now there is something I've never done. What if I teach you to swim, and you teach me to skate?"

It seemed like a fair trade-off. Lomea was trying to get Elsa to be disarmed, to loosen up. She was aware she intimidated her and while under most circumstances she'd prefer that, she wanted Elsa to relax around her. "You can relax. I will not bite. At least not without permission."

She said relax, but Elsa didn't entirely know how. She'd spent her entire life on edge, save one blissful day of ignorance in her mountain castle. Every day was either worrying over her powers hurting someone or struggling with becoming queen far younger than she'd ever intended.

“I think that would work.” The trade-off, not the relaxing. Though being back on the ice might make her more relaxed, in itself. “I taught Anna. Sort of. She's still learning.” Of course, she was terrified of looking foolish trying to swim in front of this woman, but hopefully she could be patient with her.

The streets were busy, and automatically her guard went up. “You say relax like it's easy,” she murmured, taking a deep breath and plunging into the people on the sidewalks.

"If you can teach Anna, you can teach me," Lomea assured her. Almost gently, she took Elsa's elbow to guide her through the crowd, using her presence to create almost a corridor for them to travel through. She thought that Elsa could do the same, if she let herself feel confident enough. She’d let go if Elsa gave any indication she was uncomfortable with the contact. Probably.

"I know it is not easy. I'm reminded of a ... friend. It took effort to get her to relax. She was always on, always wary of what might come at her from the shadows. It was healthy for both of us. It kept us alive. But I think the happiest she might have been was when she did let herself relax." There was almost a fond expression in Lomea's eyes, similar to those moments where she was unguarded around Elsa. "Where we were from, such moments were rare. The Sith believe in the Force setting us free, but our society had us trapped. It was not freedom, not truly."

The thought occurred to her that save for those moments, being on the Enterprise was the happiest Lomea had been in years. She smiled at the epiphany, the expression probably kind of alarming because it wasn't something that was usually so bright. "In this world, we can discover who we can be without our responsibilities. Though I do not know who I could be without ambition."

You couldn't take the Sith out of her, and maybe she needed to meditate and embrace that part of her again before she strayed too far from her path, but right now, she'd follow the part of the Sith code about being free. “Let us be free today at least. No Queen, no Sith. A day without labels, not even the ones we give ourselves.”

It sounded so easy when Lomea said it. Relaxing, being free. Had it really been so long since she'd run away from her own Coronation, seeking that freedom her friend described? In some ways it felt like forever ago. And in some, she thought maybe she was still trapped in her rooms. Letting go of her past had seemed easy in the moment. All these months later, maybe not.

But labels, she could handle losing. “I'm hardly a queen anymore,” she reminded her, allowing herself to be guided through the busy streets. It was as if the people around them knew, just by looking at her, that the woman was strong and powerful. She carried herself in a way Elsa wasn't sure she ever could. She tried. She'd tried so hard to be even half the queen her mother had been. But it wasn't always so simple. A simple lift of the chin and a push of the shoulders didn't exactly equal regal.

Still. Relaxing. She could manage. Releasing a slow breath, she worked to steady the rapid beating of her heart. “I've barely gone into any of these shops. They're not much like the ones we have back home.” That being said, she hadn't gone into too many of those. She'd intended to, in order to get to know the businesses of her subjects. But, then, well, the Enterprise had happened.

Lomea's hand lingered on Elsa's elbow as they came to a stop in front of as shop. There were actually several of them. Clothing stores and boutiques, swimsuits, a souvenir shop with 'alien' artifacts, a store selling gadgets, and an undergarments shop with some very risque displays. Lomea's eyebrows rose into her hairline. She suspected Harley would have dragged her into that one. And she'd have enjoyed it.

She eyed Elsa with a slight smirk, then doubting she could get Elsa into that place, gestured instead at a local tailor's dress shop. "Shall we try this one?"

Elsa was ferociously avoiding that particular shop window, thank you. She was already quite surprised by the sun bathing suit her sister had created in the replicator. Though she wasn't being judgmental, exactly, she couldn't quite get past how much skin people in this time were willing to show. She was still getting used to air around her knees.

But dress shops, she could handle. Maybe she could get some ideas for the little business idea she and Anna had plotted. “We can at least look around.” Maybe they'd meet the dressmaker, even. It might be nice to get to know some of the modern styles. Her own dress was at least close in nature, though not nearly as tight all over as these women seemed to wear. There was a time and a place for that, and the Enterprise wasn't it.

"What, do you have no desire to put on special under things for me?" Lomea teased with a laugh, moving her hand to the small of Elsa's back as the entered the shop.
She didn't spy the shop owner as they entered. Some of the dresses were stylish, and a few immediately appealed to her sense of style. But she supposed she should get a few simple things to balance out ostentatious. "That blue one would suit you."

At that, Elsa's cheeks went an almost purple shade of red. If almost anyone else had been so blunt with her, they might have found themselves at least a temporary icicle. As it was Lomea and she was at least starting to grow accustomed to her brash ways, the younger woman simply stepped inside the store and then took a slight step out of her friend's grasp.

Blue would suit her, and the dress was nice. But she wore almost entirely blue. It was becoming a signature color. She wanted something...different. “What about this?” she asked, holding up the pale yellow dress, very similar in style to the one Lomea had found.

The reaction was everything Lomea had hoped to get out of her. Making Elsa blush was a particular delight. Perhaps her feelings had grown beyond a basic attraction, or an interest in power. But that was something Lomea was barely inclined to admit to herself, let alone anyone else.

She tilted her head as Elsa held up the yellow dress. "That would look beautiful on you. The pale would compliment your eyes. I’ve always been fond of gold."

Grinning a bit, though the expression was shy, she held it up to herself, looking in the mirror. It wasn't quite gold, but it was lovely just the same. It did compliment her eyes, and it made her hair look more blonde than the silver it tended to glow. “Perhaps. I'll hold on to it. We can keep looking.” Already, though, she knew some of her credits would be going to the dress. It was different than anything she'd worn before, but somehow it still suited her.

She turned to a display, admiring the dress the model was wearing. The model looked almost lifelike, a fact she couldn't help finding a bit disturbing. “What are you looking for? Something far more revealing than I'm ready for, I'm sure?”

"Less revealing than you'd think," Lomea said, lifting her head up in faux disdain. "Though I do like this one."

She held up a dress that was deep purple, with a low neckline. "It matches my lipstick."

For that, Elsa had to laugh. “I can't say I've ever chosen clothing based on my makeup colors.” The color did compliment her friend's features, though. Her skin tone and hair just sort of begged for that rich, deep color.

That neckline, however, would have been scandalous in Arendelle. And, Elsa imagined, even with a few people in this time. “Are you sure that's not the back?” she questioned, that familiar innocence peeking through.

Elsa's innocence was endearing. Lomea shook her head and laughed softly. It wasn't even the worse culprit, nor the worse thing she'd ever worn. Like words, clothing could be manipulative, too "Oh, no."

She spun it around, showing the back was a little lower. "I do love an exposed back. It's hard to explain just why..."

Hanging it over her arm, she spotted something else. A red sundress that was loose and flowing and kind of innocent. Exactly what Lomea wasn't. She pulled it out and held it in front of Elsa. "What do you think of wearing this?"

Elsa bit her lip, uncertain why anyone would want so much of themselves exposed. Front or back, for that matter. If Lomea couldn't explain it, she certainly couldn't.

Red would be an entirely new color for her. Bold. Standout. Much more Lomea than her. But the style itself was pretty. It was sleeveless, which would be a bit new. But what if these planets and space stations they visited were warm, like the one Lomea had described? She might need something a bit cooler, especially given her sensitivity to heat. “Well. I could try it on.” Hesitantly, she took the dress and held it up to herself. It was at least an inch or two shorter than the current one she wore. But the color was incredible.

She might just like the attention. It was certainly part of it. Lomea tilted her head, a considering smile on her face. “There’s nothing wrong with trying it on. Either you look good in it, or you won’t, and we’ll try something else. But if you really mean to try some other color, than red is the perfect choice. It’s daring and bold. If the yellow makes you feel airy, the red will have you feeling confident. Both feelings are wonderful. Trust me.”

To be honest, she wasn't sure that was the sort of confidence she wanted to exude. Still, Elsa took the dress and added it to the yellow. How bad could it be? Many of the women on the Enterprise wore the red uniform. It grabbed attention and yet they were professionals.

But maybe that was part of it. She didn't feel much at all like someone who should be grabbing people's attention. “I trust you,” she agreed, though her voice was soft.

Well that was one way to make Lomea speechless. She got an odd lump in her throat as she processed what Elsa had just said. It was rare for someone to tell her that and mean it, but there was no deception from Elsa that she could sense. Elsa could hide things well, but Lomea didn't think that Elsa could lie.

For some reason she wanted to hug her.

Composing herself, she nodded towards the dressing rooms. "Let’s try these on, and we'll see if your trust is well placed."

Lomea had obviously come to know Elsa quite well. Deception was difficult for her. Hiding from Anna for years hadn't just been in fear of her powers, but also fear of telling her the truth. Though she knew in her particular line of work, the occasional secrets would need to be kept, Elsa truly hoped she'd never have to outright lie.

So it wasn't a lie that she trusted her friend. She truly did. Even if she sometimes questioned the woman's intentions or morals. So far, she'd given her no reason not to put faith in her.

Making her way to a modern day fitting room, she slipped inside and, hopefully, secured the door behind her. They definitely weren't like any of their doors back home but she thought they were similar enough to the ones on the ship to make some sense. “I think I'll try the yellow first,” she announced, knowing Lomea must be in one of the rooms nearby. It just made sense and she had fallen in love with the dress at first sight, after all.

"Excellent. It will compliment your eyes." Lomea carefully changed into the purple dress, examining herself in the mirror. It was actually more low-cut than she'd thought it was, and was on the fence about that.

She had a style to maintain, and did this really suit her style? "This might work for a more formal function. Like a dance, or another karaoke night."

Stepping out of the dressing room, she said playfully, "Would you like to go to a dance with me?"

Elsa found herself rolling her eyes, but the gesture was good natured as she opened her own door and stepped out. Her eyes then widened considerably. “I didn't really think of karaoke night as...formal.”

The dress was gorgeous. But what made the dress gorgeous was Lomea. That confidence she radiated was, somehow, even stronger than usual. “You look stunning.”

To Lomea's eyes, Elsa looked innocent. It made her insides uncomfortable, like she simultaneously wanted to protect her, kiss her, and corrupt her.

She posed, hip cocked and one hand gesturing palm up, before turning around for her. "I suppose it depends on the song. Thank you."

With a dramatic sweep of her hand, she gestured at Elsa. "And you look like a summer day."

What Elsa wouldn't give to be that composed in a dress that showed so much skin. To still be so sassy and flirtatious. Still, she grinned sheepishly, giving her own little twirl. “So what you're saying is, Anna would love it. Also Olaf.” Of course, Lomea had no idea who Olaf was and that might have been for the best.

She took a moment to look in the mirror before giving a definitive nod. She loved it. The dress made her hair shine an almost golden color and her pale skin looked a little more tan. “I'm definitely getting it. I guess I should try the red one.” Her voice dropped a little but she channeled her inner Lomea. Which wasn't a real thing but maybe it should be.

What was a good word? Angelic.

Lomea decided to take a picture, so that they could send Elsa-in-yellow to Anna. It was such a random thought for her to do and she surprised herself as it wasn’t even for a selfish reason. She'd never admit to that. Not in a million years or under duress.

"You should." Lomea favored her with a confident smile. "Perhaps then you shall see what I see in you."

Considering Lomea often saw herself as selfish, Elsa hadn't seen much of that side of her. This was the woman who had taken a shy and scared new arrival under her wing with ease. She'd calmed her in some of her darkest moments. It wouldn't surprise Elsa in the slightest to learn her friend was being selfless.

She couldn't imagine seeing that person. But she slipped the yellow dress over her head and stepped into the red. It was a bit slinkier than the cut of the yellow. It was a bit more snug in places. In many ways, it reminded her of the dress she'd created for herself back home.

But that red was bold. Standout. Not even a soft, muted red like burgundy or a red wine. This was just...red.

And she maybe, possibly, liked it. “I'm pretty sure this would be my formal occasion dress. If we're going dancing and all.” And she stepped out of the fitting room to hesitantly meet her friend's eyes.

"I doubt you could keep up with me." Lomea lingered in the purple dress, checking herself out in the mirror. She tried to imagine what someone back home would say, but pushed away the thought. It was no use becoming lost in the past.

At Elsa's entrance, she lifted her head and opened her mouth, only for no sound to come out. Elsa was stunning and the Sith managed a breathless, "Breathtaking."

There was a certain predatory glint of desire in her eyes, but mostly fond appreciation once she'd composed herself and hoped Elsa retained her obliviousness. "More importantly. How do you feel?"

“Oh, I know I couldn't keep up with you,” she admitted with a laugh. After all, she'd said herself she didn't dance.

But her eyes sparkled just a bit brighter at the sophisticated woman's reaction. While Elsa could accept that she was pretty, breathtaking wasn't an adjective she'd have considered. But she liked it. She moved to the mirror Lomea had been using. “You really think so? I don't know. It seems a bit much. But what if we do have something formal on board? I should have something for that, right?”

"I am probably the last person to ask if something seems a 'bit much.'" Lomea pointed out. She put her hand on Elsa's bare shoulder, squeezing lightly.

"It looks good on you." There were many things Elsa could wear that would look good on her, but to find something that fit to her tastes while still being just a little different? Even risque in a few places? That was rarer still. Definitely less innocent looking than previously anticipated but not in a way that might make Elsa uncomfortable. At least that was the hope.

"And it never hurts to have a variety to wear. You are a beautiful woman, Elsa. When you let your confidence through, you shine. And that, my dear, is a power that one should not take lightly."

She'd never really been called beautiful before. Not really. Even her parents had mostly focused on her power and how to hide them. Her looks had never really been in the forefront of her mind.

But looking in that mirror, she could almost see what Lomea was describing. Side by side with someone who wore sexuality like a badge, she thought maybe some of that might just rub off on her.

“I'll get it. I've no idea when I'll have the need to wear it. But I'm going to get it.” She had more than enough credits for both dresses and still a bit to have that meal they'd discussed. It was worth it to expand the contents of her closet.

"Lets get a picture, or your sister will never believe us." Okay, so that was just a little selfish. Just a smidge. "We look good together. The galaxy would tremble before us."

Lomea intended to have their packages delivered to their rooms, which would make it easier to pick up their meal and go see these "sea lions" which she might be rather eager to see.

On impulse, she threw in two pairs of dangly earrings. One for herself, and one as a gift to Elsa.

Okay, that made Elsa giggle. Because the idea of anyone trembling in her presence without her shooting icicles at them seemed almost impossible. Lomea was intimidating. She was...getting there. Trying not to look like the pushover queen she had the potential to be. But she had put Weaselton in its place. Maybe there was some hope there.

“Did you want to stop in any of the other shops?” She was, without question, not going in that one store. But she could always sit outside and people watch if her friend wanted to go.

One #sithselfie and #sithqueenie picture later, Lomea was back in her starting clothing and too hungry to shop further. "The sea lions are waiting."

Still, she cast a glance at the one store, before turning her attention to Elsa. "This time, you're going to have to lead."

Elsa had the distinct feeling that sea lions weren't going to be quite what her friend was hoping for. And, that tiny part of her that could be trouble when she wanted to be, couldn't wait to see her reaction. “Then who are we to deprive the sea lions?”

She was the one who had suggested the restaurant, and the one who knew the way. But she knew what Lomea was doing. She was testing her. Pushing her to be more confident and find her strength. Well. If that was what she wanted. “All right, then.” Lifting her chin, pushing every single thing her father had taught her to the forefront, she pushed into the crowd, which did somehow seem to separate for her.

It was probably because they were making way for Lomea. Even when not in command, the Sith held an air to her.

Lomea shook her head a little. One day, Elsa would see what she saw, and on that day Elsa would be someone to bow to.

“Very good,” She murmured. “Hold your head high, and walk like you intend to murder everyone around you, even though you do not. Command the respect you deserve.”

Glancing to her side, Elsa very clearly rolled her eyes at her friend. “I will not lead my people using intimidation. I want to be respected, not feared.” If she ever went back, anyway. Many friends had already been returned to their times. It stood to reason that she might someday as well.

Still. With her shoulders back and her chin lifted and a smooth walk, she almost felt regal. That woman who had panicked at her own coronation was being replaced and she could feel it.

"To be loved. Is that not what we all want?" Lomea clasped her hands behind her back, keeping her pace even with Elsa's. She wasn't quite ready to let Elsa be in front of her.

But alongside her, she could accept. "Fear has its place. In the hearts of your enemies. A woman who can control ice, who can freeze the very blood in your veins? None would dare assail your kingdom."

Elsa had no urge for Lomea to be trailing behind her. She was her friend, not her subject.

“Love may be a bit far. Anna is the one they'll love. If she chooses to stay in Arendelle after marriage, she would be a useful asset.” By rights, she could have forced her sister to marry elsewhere, to use her as a political pawn. But that wasn't her. Their parents had known that she'd never use Anna in such a way.

While she understood what the Sith was saying, she found it terrifying. Lomea would never understand the fear she felt on hurting people. Having that kind of power was a horrible feeling. “Arendelle’s enemies are few. The world will know what I can do soon enough.” She had no doubt that Hans and his cronies would soon tell anyone they could find.

“No, they will love you.” Lomea glanced at her, a weight in her words. She sighed, staring forward again, as though she could bore a hole through the world with her eyes. Someone sidestepped out of their way.

“There will always be enemies, and if you can convince them to leave you alone or join you, then you never need to use your powers against them. But what if you are invaded? Do you do nothing and let your people be killed and injured? Or do you step in front of them, like their spear and their shield? You do not have to answer that now. Truthfully, you may not know the answer until it happens.”

She wished she could be as certain of that as Lomea was. People didn't just love her on sight. It had been a long time since she'd even seen her subjects, let alone talked to them. She wanted to. It was something she planned on doing if she was returned. But it wouldn't be yet.

“I raise my army to defend,” she protested, though she knew what was happening. Trying to convince her that even using her powers in a way that would harm wasn't always a bad thing. But it was. She couldn't help that feeling. “We have a military and I would intend to use them.”

"As you should. That is why armies exist. But remember that they are people. With lives, and with families. If they believe that you understand that, then they will fight harder for you. But they will fight harder still if they believe you will fight too."

It wasn't always the case, but in Lomea's experience battles could turn on a dime, and a little morale could go a long way. It was a lesson that her peers often failed to grasp. Thus they perished, and this Lomea survived.

She didn't want Elsa to join the perished, simply because she was afraid of herself.

It was something to consider. Though she had the feeling if she ever went back through the nebula to return to Arendelle, this conversation wouldn't matter. Judging by the few who had come back with no memory of the place, and the fact that she came from a time before Anna and Kristoff and neither had noticed her missing, it seemed likely that the nebula stopped time in a sense.

“I never wanted this,” she admitted, coming to a stop in front of the restaurant. “No one expected my mother and father to pass as young as they did. With me still having so much to learn.”

“You were thrust into the spotlight before you were ready.” Lomea gently placed a hand at Elsa’s back. “I still believe you will shine.”

It could be frustrating some days, dealing with Elsa. But Lomea was too invested now to give up. Besides, she’d seen some glimpses of Elsa’s inner steel and confidence. It was there, it just needed to come out.

The thing was, Elsa genuinely had no idea why the other woman put up with her. She had difficulty making friends due to the circumstances in her life. There was a part of her determined her own sister only loved her because she was her sibling.

That didn't mean she wasn't appreciative. She knew how different they were. Lomea could easily have pulled anyone towards her and yet she'd chosen Elsa to befriend and take under her wing. And she felt like she should at least try and earn it.

So she gave her friend a grateful smile and nodded. “I'm trying. I hope to. I was too young to be crowned when we lost them, so I had some time to prepare.” It just hadn't felt like enough. Maybe a lifetime still wouldn't be enough time to take on a role you were born for but maybe not meant for.

Lomea chuckled, then reached to open the door for her. She decided they should do what the tourists do, and stuff their faces.

Politely, of course.

“The first step is believing in yourself. Once you do that, nothing in the galaxy can stop you.”

“You make it sound so simple,” she huffed, offering the hostess, who she was fairly certain was an alien of some sort, a smile. Either that or this place was themed in some fashion.

The woman with the tentacles led them to a table overlooking the bay. Maybe she could smell the tourism on them. “I just think expecting the galaxy out of me might be a bit extreme for now.”

"That's because it is, when you peel back all the layers and look at the core of it."

The hostess was intriguing, but Lomea barely batted an eye at her. The view, however, was fantastic.

She turned her gaze back to Elsa. "What I expect from you is for you to be willing to believe in yourself. All stems from you finding your steel."

Elsa didn't answer right away. She was looking out the window, trying to let the sea soothe her. It was an old habit, stemming from those childhood years of forcing herself into isolation with little to do save look at the walls around her at times.

“I do. I really do,” she finally began. “It isn't easy. I know you think it should be, that I'm this strong and powerful queen and therefore these things should fall into my lap with ease. But there was a long road just to get to where I am now.” That part, she thought, Lomea could understand.

Lomea’s gaze softened, and she nodded. “Perhaps the trick then, is to make others think it was easy. Perhaps I’ve forgotten how hard it could be.”

“Not everyone is as strong as you are,” Elsa reminded her quietly. “And a part of me doesn't want to be. But I know I'll need to be in order to lead my kingdom properly.” It was an intimidating thought. She'd been a week into her reign when arriving on board the Enterprise. Her advisors had been willing to deal with her innocence and naivete. But how long could that possibly last?

“Tell me, Elsa.” Lomea steepled her fingers together and leaned her elbows on the table. “If you had the choice what would you choose to be? Who would you choose to be?”

That was a loaded question that Elsa wasn't entirely prepared for. As a child, all she'd wanted was to be rid of her powers and be normal. She'd only recently begun to embrace that part of herself. “I have an eye for design. It's something I do now and then. Make dresses. Or change decor, though I think I'm better with fashion. I can't sew, though. Wasn't in the royal lesson plan, I suppose.”

"Mm." Lomea put her chin on her fingers, studying Elsa's face without any malice. Or any obvious emotion at all. It was an interesting answer to an interesting question. "I would have expected something a little grander. Architecture perhaps. I've learned that no matter what we are born into, we can take our fates into our own hands. A Queen who designs? Everyone needs a hobby."

But if she'd not been a slave, if her family had never fallen? Lomea had no idea who she'd have been. Or even what she'd have wanted to do.

Elsa lifted an eyebrow. It was as if the other woman could see into her. As if she somehow knew of a time when a newly crowned queen had escaped to a castle she'd made entirely herself. “I may have a bit of a knack for that, too,” she admitted. In case Lomea didn't already know. And she wasn't sure she didn't.

“And I'm not sure what makes architecture anymore grand, really. I'd say it's about equal. Besides, everyone needs a hobby.” And she did appreciate having ones that weren't snow and ice based. Even if her designs in fashion and architecture were all due to her powers.

It had been an educated guess, but Lomea had noted some of the intricate designs that Elsa had favored. And snowflakes were very intricate indeed. "I think it may just seem more impressive, since more people can see a building. Imperial architecture was always so... ugly. But you are beautiful, so I would hope what you create is also beautiful."

Despite the space age technology that was such a far cry from her own, Elsa didn't think building a house of ice there in the middle of a restaurant was a smart idea. That being said, she eyed her friend for a moment before lifting her hand. She pulled the water from Lomea’s glass and, within a few seconds, made a tiny replica of her home in Arendelle on the restaurant table. Not the ice palace she'd created for herself, but her genuine home she shared with her sister.

“That's our architecture. Back in Arendelle. Not something I made myself, but that's where my inspiration would draw from.”

“It’s lovely.” Lomea stared at the little ice replica. It was a castle, and she had some experience with castles. Certainly more lovely than the Capital. “The details you’ve recreated are extraordinary!”

So far, this was almost more interesting than the idea of sea lions.

The funny part was, recreating those details was hardly difficult for her. It simply came to her, the journey her magic took from her head to her fingertips. If she truly focused, there wasn't much she couldn't make out of ice.

Focusing again, she turned the little replica into her own ice palace, the home she'd created to escape the world's fear of her. “And that...that I made myself. It was far more than I needed. But it was everything I wanted.” She did skip the giant snow monster. She had a feeling her friend might take a bit too much interest in that.

Lomea would love a giant snow monster. But this ice palace, it was also of interest. She leaned in, peering closely at it. “This is beautiful. A work of art. Perhaps more than you needed but…”

She lifted her eyes to Elsa’s. “Sometimes when you want something, you should take it. We are, after all, human. And it is human to want, and human to need. As long as you do not harm others in your pursuit of what you want, I suppose.”

Unless they deserved to be harmed, but she thought they’d have differing definitions of that.

If she didn't harm others… Well, that certainly put a damper on things. She smiled hesitantly up at the waitress who'd come to take their order and ordered pasta with some sort of shrimp. Cajun, whatever that meant. Hopefully she'd enjoy it, she did tend to like seafood and they were here by the bay.

The waitress didn't seem to notice the small castle on the table was made of ice. Just seemed surprised that Lomea’s glass was already empty. And Elsa couldn't help but giggle. “It may be human. But it isn't always royal. I turned away from my responsibilities and pushed my sister away. Emotionally and physically. The things we want aren't always things we should have.”

“Mmm,” Lomea said, picking up her refilled glass and taking a sip. “You need only find the balance. Somewhere in there, is a way to have at least some things you want, while still taking care of your responsibilities. Repression is unhealthy.” She thought of the Jedi. Case in point about repression.

“A lot of it is that I don't know what I want,” Elsa pointed out. “For so long I just wanted to keep my powers hidden. To not hurt anyone. That's all changing.” Nudging the little icy palace closer to her friend, she shrugged. “You can keep that, if you want it. It won't melt.”

Lomea felt momentarily touched. She took the palace, gently lifting it with her hand to gaze at it some more. “I… thank you.”

She had no comment on Elsa’s powers. Her opinion was well known and she was in no mood to press, nor did she think Elsa was in the mood to be pressed.

Elsa found herself blushing. The conversation was serious, yes, but she'd received gratitude for something she'd made. Which was a thing she was always proud of. Not being able to create things, but making her loved ones happy. She smiled a bit bashfully and ducked her head. “You're welcome.”

Her eyes drifted out to the Bay and she grinned brightly. “Look. Out on the rocks. Do you see them?”

Lomea might have had a comment about Elsa’s blushing, that probably would have made her blush more. It was an attractive sight, but her comment drew Lomea’s attention to the Bay. She straightened.

And that wasn’t exactly what she’d expected. It wasn’t what she’d expected at all. They weren’t some ferocious beast. They were actually kind of cute. “...That is not what I was expecting.”

Elsa was slightly distracted by watching the sea lions play. When she finally caught the dubious tone of her friend's voice, she turned to face her. The expression she was making was priceless. “Wait. What was it you expected to see?”

Unable to entirely contain the surprise on her face, Lomea just shrugged her shoulders. “Something a little more vicious, I suppose.”

She was certain that Elsa would not let her live this down. And Elsa would be the only one allowed that privilege.