A Simple Impersonation

Declan
The sooty colt let out a big yawn, stretching out his front and back legs, ready for the day. He’d been dreaming of playing with Royal fillies, having them chase him around in an attempt to braid his hair with flowers. Declan didn’t mind when they played with his mane, it was actually really convenient to have them untangle knots and add special herbs to it - but flowers? Really? They were far too girly.

Thinking of his dream, he was reminded of the curly-haired Princess he met yesterday - the King’s daughter whose mother had died. He also remembered that he’d been planning on asking Mother about her special magic, what sort of limitations it had and if she knew the Princess he was talking about.

Nudging her, and softly saying ‘Mother’, he waited for the doe’s attention and started firing questions as soon as it was granted.

“Mother, can Princesses die? I met a Princess yesterday, and she told me her mother was dead - but I thought the sparkle magic can fix things, can’t it?”

Anastasia
Ana curled into her bed subconsciously, the weather was quite warm and she found herself to be comfortable. Perhaps she could sleep longer today. After all, she had no meetings with other royal does and her mate had been absent for some time. Besides that, Declan could use some extra sleep. She woke to a prod on her side and her son’s voice in the distance of her mind. “What?” she mumbled, dragging herself awake.

“Mother, can Princesses die? I met a Princess yesterday, and she told me her mother was dead - but I thought the sparkle magic can fix things, can’t it?”

The sooty doe shook herself to full alertness. Could a Princess… She yawned. What would make him think they were immortal? Their magic could heal, yes, but few were powerful enough to keep themselves youthful longer than was normal for their age. “Yes, Declan, Princesses can die just like anyone else. While our magic can heal, I’ve not heard of a Princess able to keep themselves alive forever. Our magic works with nature, not against it necessarily,” she said fluidly, trying to keep the remaining sleep from her voice as best she could.

Declan
The young fawn felt slightly ashamed as he realised it was too soon to be throwing questions. Granted, he’d never been particularly inquisitive about his surroundings, but he had learnt that it was more appropriate to wait for Mother to wake up before placing demands on her.

“Yes, Declan, Princesses can die just like anyone else. While our magic can heal, I’ve not heard of a Princess able to keep themselves alive forever. Our magic works with nature, not against it necessarily,”

Hmm… Apparently, he’d phrased his question wrong. He inwardly cursed his poor vocabulary, looking forward to the day where he’d be able to properly express his thoughts. Somehow, the weanlings Declan had known when he was first born had appeared so much smarter than himself - was he dumb? But that was a topic for later discussion, back to the Princess!

Furrowing his brow as he searched for the words, Declan said “What I mean is… The Princess I met, Princess… Ice… Isetnofret?! She’s the King’s daughter. When did the King lose a Lady?”

Anastasia

Ana furrowed her brow in confusion. Princess? Daughter of the King? She knew King Drustan had several daughters and at least one of the Princess bloodline, but none called Isetnofret. She tilted her head at her son. “The King has not lost a Lady, Declan,”she said simply, an edge of her confusion in her words. “Even so, if this Isetnofret’s mother were a Lady, she would not be a Princess. See, she wouldn’t from the Swan Queen’s bloodline and would not have Light magic like I do. So even a daughter of the King is not necessarily a Princess. Isetnofret would just be a Lady with Earth Magic. Does that make sense?” she asked.

The thought nagged her though, how did she not know of a Lady called Isetnofret? She should have at least heard the name before. “Declan? describe your friend to me please.”

Declan

His ears perked at his mother’s uncertainty. If the King hadn’t lost a Lady, how could the Princess’ mother be dead? Unless… his friend had thought she was dead. Oh, how Isetnofret would be pleased to hear the good news! But then, maybe she wasn’t a Princess at all? If what his mother was saying was correct - which it probably was, Mother was always right.

“Well… she was taller than me, but really thin. Like she hadn’t eaten enough. And she had a bright yellow coat, like those flowers you showed me! Dandy-lions? And she had the curliest curls, just like the King does! She was also carrying a brown thing, I don’t remember what they’re called, but the healers have them? Actually, I could probably find her for you! Should I show you?”

Anastasia

Tall and too thin? The young Princess cringed. That was the prime description of a Blackwood. .. "Yes, please, Declan. I would very much like to meet this friend of yours," she said, trying to keep suspicion from her voice.

Declan

The young Lord couldn’t contain his excitement as Mother announced she’d like to meet a friend. The doe typically didn’t get an introduction to his friends, as their lineage provided enough information for her to advise him on whether or not he should pursue the friendship. But Isetnofret was different! He headed off in the direction he’d last seen his playmate, a slight bounce in his step.

“Princess Isetnofret!” he called gently “Where are you, Ice?”

Isetnofret

The golden hind had been enjoying her day in the Glenwood, walking along at a slow pace. She was enjoying her stroll, listening to the birds singing and the scuffles of foraging critters. Spring was always a very busy time in Glenmore… and Isetnofret adored it.

The filly’s long ears pricked forwards now as a little squirrel caught her attention. The rodent was scrambling about a tree, chittering loudly and almost aggressively. Isetnofret came to a halt, looking about as she tried to figure out what had the little thing riled up. After a moment she figured it out- or rather it was figured out for her. Another squirrel darted into view. The two broke out into a scuffle, loud squeaks filling the air. It ended as quickly as it began, the victor scrambling off with the loser’s nut. Isetnofret frowned slightly, feeling sorry for the losing squirrel. The poor thing was probably starved.

A voice suddenly broke through the golden filly’s thoughts. She recognized it right away. Declan! So the little Lord had returned… That was both good and bad. Ice was in the mood for a little company, but she’d have to put on the princess charade… again. But, it wasn’t an option. She had to do it.

The filly lifted her head, throwing her head back, curly hair bouncing. She started forwards, legs lifting high as she pranced along. Her eyelids remained half-closed, giving her a regal air. “Well, hello Lord Dec-” her voice broke off and faded as Declan came into view….. and he wasn’t alone.

Anastasia

The sooty doe studied the scrawny hind carefully. This was certainly no Lady and by no means a Princess. What trickery had been used to make her son believe this filly was nobility of any kind? The thought made Ana sick. She cleared her throat and lifted her head higher, “Isetnofret I presume,” she said, her voice suspicious and tipped with venom as she eyed the gold pelted fawn.

Declan

A beaming smile flashed on the colt’s face as his friend came into view. Completely oblivious to his Istenofret’s pause, and his mother’s disapproving glare, Declan stood between the two females and gave a formal introduction.

“Princess Isetnofret, this is my mother, Princess Anastasia - daughter of Lord Morag and Princess Nara. Mother, this is Isetnofret - daughter of the King himself.”

He didn’t know the name of Ice’s mother, but figured he could get away with deviating from formalities to avoid bringing back memories of the deceased doe. He couldn’t bear to imagine how heartbreaking it must have been for the young hind to lose her mother, and upsetting Princesses was never a good idea.

Isetnofret

The golden hind’s face fell completely as she found herself looking on at Declan’s mother… Oh no… How much had Declan told her? Had he told her that she was a Princess? The colt didn’t know of her false lineage… Oh no, he must’ve. The doe looked angry… and now things were getting even worse as Declan introduced the doe at his side as… as a Princess. A PRINCESS.

“Y-yes.” Isetnofret stuttered, cowering back a bit, long ears slicking back into her ridiculously curly mane. “L-look I can explain…” she started slowly, but faded off. How was she going to explain this one? There… was no way to explain. This was fraud… how much trouble was she going to get into?

Anastasia

The sooty doe tilted her head, anger creasing her features. She needed to make this idiot fawn admit it, before Declan, to prove her false words. “Explain what?” she said, voice high with feigned kindness and accusation tainting it.

Declan

Oh no, what had he done?! Even a naive young colt such as himself could pick up on the rising tension between the females, and Declan was certain he was somehow responsible. When he grew up, it’d be his responsibility as a Lord to weave words, keeping encounters civil and getting what he wanted. He had to learn to do so at a young age, since the stags who were the most successful at this were the ones who got to mingle in the most prestigious circles. He had been doing a good job, making friends with a Princess close to his age, but clearly this introduction had been a mistake - Isetnofret must have been insulted that he hadn’t introduced her lineage correctly!

He gave a nervous chuckle and glanced at Isetnofret, “My apologies, Princess, I did not introduce your title properly but you need not be embarrassed - my mother is aware that your dam now lives with Óganach.”  

Isetnofret

The young filly's knees knocked together with nervousness, a lump forming in her throat. "I-I was just playing!" She squeaked, ears still slicked back against her head and tail between her legs. Oh no... Was this a crime? Had she committed a crime? How harshly would she be punished? The golden filly trembled with terror just at the thought of being punished... and of her secret being uncovered.

The golden filly's eyes turned upon Declan now. Poor Declan... So easy to fool. She was certain he would hate her now. "I-I'm not a princess, Declan..."

Anastasia

Anastasia grinned wolfishly, staring down her nose at the faux ‘princess.’ That had gone over quickly indeed. “See, Declan? She is no Princess. She lied to you,” she said simply, facing the small bay and straightening her face to a more motherly and concerned expression.

Declan

One might expect that the young fawn would respond with a mixture of shock and anger. A Commoner, masquerading as a sacred Princess - blasphemy! However, Declan felt none of this. Instead, the sooty bay colt tilted his head in confusion. How could she not be a Princess? She had the coat, and could act like a Royal. She even had the curly hair of the King!

It was his fault - Declan should have realised it had all been a game. How could he have been so foolish?! His ears flicked back in embarrassment, as he realised his mistake. Obviously she was pretending. When he had played with the other royal colts, they had pretended to be Guards - some had even pretended to be Blackwoods! But that didn’t make it true - so why should it be the same for Isetnofret?!

“My apologies, Lady Isetnofret. I’m afraid my foolishness has led me to confuse a game with real life - I hope you can forgive me”

He then bashfully looked towards his mother, and apologised to her as well. “Mother, I made a mistake. I’m sorry.”

Isetnofret

Isetnofret flinched back once more at the harshness in Princess Anastasia’s already-demanding voice. She didn’t like this, not at all. The temptation to turn and flee was great, but she didn’t trust her wobbly legs to carry her very far before she fell and made an idiot out of herself. Well, moreso than she already had. What a screw-up… Looked like she was going to lose one of the few friends she’d gained, all because of a stupid lie..

But, Declan’s response surprised her. He was apologizing to her… Why? He hadn’t done anything wrong. The filly winced slightly, praying to Uir that the colt wouldn’t get in trouble with his mother for his antics. “No, no… Don’t be sorry… I shouldn’t have lied… I should’ve been more clear.” her eyes dropped to the ground. “And… it’s just Isetnofret… I’m not even a Lady.” Tears burned in the filly’s eyes at the awful truth… But it wasn’t all the truth. She could never tell anyone the whole truth. Nobody. She would carry the secret of her lineage until she died.

Anastasia

“It is not your fault someone with poor blood has turned deceitful, Declan. However I do expect you to learn from it and not be tricked again,” Ana said, her voice softening as she turned to her son.

However her gaze flicked back to the filly as the pathetic fawn began spilling more truth. The Princess smiled. “There, you see? It’s because of things like this that we cannot under any circumstances deal with commoners unless they are serving you somehow, even then If you have choice always take servants with good, royal lineage,” she added with more force.

The sooty Princess sighed, now bored with the situation. “Come along, Declan. It is time we left this silly filly to her games and for us to return home. I have a meeting scheduled for you and some other nice young lords so you may have good company.”