The Queen has Returned

[Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais]

Alexandra had been away from Aralore for far longer than she would have liked to. But she wouldn’t admit to that to Aric, nor would she complain, because, in all actuality, they hadn’t been in Tresteria for too long. They had spent more time on the damned ship to and from Tresteria, that it was enough to make her restless.

She missed Aralore, Orin, and just being home and in her own element where she felt she belonged. Even Aric had told her that Aralore felt more like home than his own homeland did, and it made her feel proud of her kingdom.

They traveled through the ocean, deciding to make it so their ship was as unmarked as possible, for obvious reasons, with trying to prevent any sort of attention. The second ship that followed behind them, belonged to Tresteria and was filled with soldiers Triston had sent along with them to help prepare for war and defend them if needed earlier than they were anticipating. The sight might be enough to cause some curiosity. And although they followed far enough behind to appear they were just heading in the same direction, it still made Alexandria nervous if it were to draw any sort of attention towards Tresteria. The last thing she wanted was for Aric’s home to be attacked by Saelis for simply being Aralore’s ally.

When the ship’s captain informed her and Aric that they would be reaching Aralore’s shore within the next half hour, Alexandria didn’t even wait a moment longer before she was climbing onto the ship’s deck and rushing to the railing so she could watch the shoreline come into view and for them to drift closer.
No one would know of their arrival--at least not until the ships would be spotted from the watchtower that stood high above the port. (But they would not recognize their ship until the flags were raised to ease whatever alert their approaching ship may cause.)

That half-hour seemed to take far longer than it should have. She paced back and forth along the railing, turning every so often to see if the shoreline was in sight yet. After what was probably the hundredth time of looking, she finally saw it and an excited shriek escaped her throat and she looked as if she were about to cry at the sight. “Aric! We are almost home!” She shouted excitedly as if he wasn’t seeing it for himself. Alexandria threw her arms around him and rested against his chest, squeezing him tightly as if trying to contain and calm herself.

For the briefest of a moment, she wasn’t thinking about any possibility that there could be an impending war on its way. All that mattered was that they were back.

------

When the ship finally came to a stop and was anchored into place at the port, Alexandria had to hold herself back from nearly jumping overboard to swim the rest of the way. Internally, she wanted to, but she knew that she couldn’t. It didn’t mean she continued to pace along the railing as she waited for the crew to prepare an exit and get the boats ready to row them to the shallow waters and finally to the docks. Several of the guards would go ahead, so they would be ready to defend her upon stepping on Aralore soil. And when it was finally time to leave the ship, Alexandria climbed aboard the boat and sat, fumbling impatiently with the folds of her skirt until they came to dock and she was allowed to step onto the ground of her home.

[Devinia Nesrin]

Devinia was excited. The Queen was returning and she would get to officially meet her. It was exciting, the prospect to work for her but she still needed to be introduced so that would come later but it was still exciting nonetheless. She was going to be helping her country, her beautiful country and that alone warmed her soul.

She would stand there waiting among the crowds of people but she was close to the guards so she would get a good view of the Queen. Her hands were clasped against her lap but she would have some flowers that she would hand off to her Majesty as a welcome home gift. It was simple sure but she made sure they were beautifully colored for her.

[Aric Demarais]

He didn't mind traveling too much, but it had been a lot in such a short time, and sitting idle on a ship for weeks on end was exhausting. And frustrating. There was only so much planning and brainstorming he could do from the cabin in regards to this impending war.

For now, he kept most of it to himself because his wife seemed to be so excited about returning to Aralore. There would be time to involve her more, and right now he was simply trying to keep himself busy. There was no need to cause any upset, and he was happy to see how much she changed, how her face lit up when speaking about how glad she was to be going home.

Aric was tired, though. Time drifted so very slowly out on the sea, and he was struggling to comprehend why three of his cousins enjoyed traveling so much. Still, Alexandria's excitement helped wake him up a little bit and he let out this heavy sigh of relief when they were informed of how close they were. Thank God. The King Consort was looking forward to getting back onto land, and have it be far away from Tresterian court. He just silently prayed that Eleesa and Triston were surviving it. A part of him still felt guilty for practically dumping it all into their hands.

But this- Alexandria and Aralore- was his priority now.

As his wife ran off, he was following behind, albeit a little slowly. He was happy to be back as well, of course, but his tiredness was making him feel his age, a thought that made him almost chuckle as he stepped up beside her at the railing. "Indeed we are," he said in return, pressing a kiss to her temple as they watched the Aralorian shore drift closer and closer.

Then, finally, it was time to disembark, and the smile on his face was wide as he sensed Alexandria's growing impatience. He certainly couldn't blame her, though. Climbing into one of the rowboats along with her, he ensured he got out of it first when they reached the docks, holding out a hand for her so that she could finally step back onto land and breathe in the spring air.

[Claire Beauchard]

Finally, finally They were nearly home! Goooooood bye, stuffy, stick up your bums Tresteria!!!! Claire had been a practically jumping bean the moment the ship captain had told them they were a day away, and it had gradually grown worse and worse until they were told a half hour. She's squealed in glee, frantically making sure she had everything packed and that it could be easy for the workers to take her trunk back to the castle. 

She was oh so very excited, and had ran up the steps to the railing much like the queen had, though she gave her space. Claire had taken the ship ride back to get more acquainted with Sylvie DuPont, and at this point, the Tresterian woman was about to see Claire in all her Clairish glory. 

She was practically beaming when they were finally allowed in the row boats and she scurried on in "Sylvie, Sylvie, Slyvie!!!! We're ALMOST THERE!" She gripped the other woman by the shoulders shaking her slightly while her voice rose in pitch. As the boats were finally off, Claire practically leaned over the front of the row boat. Trying to remind herself to calm down some or she'd topple right over into the water, and then she surely would be bed ridden for a week. 

She gripped each side of the boat with both hands, the crowd of forming people was getting larger, and Claire was trying to see the familiar red locks of her best friend. "Sylvie you get to meet Teagan! Oh I'm so excited, you're going to love her, she gives the best hugs, and advice, and she's just the greatest. She's probably missed us so much, but she doesn't have to be sad anymore because we're here! We're home!" She rambled on, tears of happiness beginning to swell in her eyes. She really had missed everyone desperately. Even her brothers and parents. Her sudden waves of happiness faltered for a brief second, wondering if her family would even be there to greet her. If they had missed her at all, or if they would only show their faces to support Alexandria. She pursed her lips for a moment, but soon the idea of being in her own bed, and seeing Teagan again, lit her face up. 

[Sylvie DuPont]

Being Claire's roommate for her remaining time in Tresteria, and also their time on the ship, Sylvie knew only too well how excitable her new friend could be...or so she had thought. This was a whole new level of squealing excitement, and the shrieking and shaking made her eye twitch ever so slightly, even as she smiled right back at her.

It was only fair that Claire get to be excited about returning home to her very best friend, and to her own bed, her family… Sylvie, meanwhile, was experiencing a sudden panic. She'd been so sure of her decision, right up until she saw the shore on the horizon. What if she'd made a mistake? What if everyone here disliked her just as much as they had in Tresteria? What if--No.

No more of that nonsense--the queen and her sweet little lady-in-waiting had welcomed her with open arms, and even Stefan, the intimidatingly large man she'd met that first day, was beginning to relax around her. She was going to be just fine. She smiled warmly at Claire, keeping a guiding hand on the girl's elbow in case she lost her balance and needed a hand.

"I can't imagine anyone not being happy to see you, sunshine," she teased softly, although she really meant it. She had already come to love Claire: for all her flights of wild emotion, she was a kind and generous young woman, and Sylvie couldn't help feeling affectionately for her. She was happy to have this sweet woman as her new friend and guide to a whole new land.

[Teagan Bruce]

Teagan tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the ship to finish docking and put down a ramp for the queen and her retinue to disembark. She'd been waiting for this for WEEKS. It felt like longer than that, honestly--she'd been practically starved for attention and interaction with (almost) all her favorite people gone off to celebrate with the fancy kingdom. Sure, she'd still found things to keep herself busy--like learning how to white-wash a house, helping with a barn raising, and all manner of chores with that farming co-op the Donnelly's had started--but she missed her best friends.

As soon as people started to descend, Teagan strode forward confidently--Queen Alexandria was her employer and her dear friend, after all, she had every right to go forward to see them all, right? She smiled brightly and curtseyed to @alexandria and Aric Demarais as they were pulled away by others, but was soon distracted by a tiny person flinging her arms around her neck.

"Claire!" she cried, returning the hug with enthusiasm. "Do you have any idea how much I've missed you? I thought I was going to go crazy!"

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce had long been looking forward to the return of the queen. Certainly Aralore continued to develop and grow without her, but having their queen return to them was that missing piece to help them truly thrive. Of course she was busy working for their betterment while away, but just as she was excited to be home, home was excited to have her.

Despite that she hadn't been gone very long, it felt like ages. Like many, no matter how long it had been, he was glad of her arrival. Although attending the docks was perhaps a bit too much excitement for everything he had been through recently, nothing was going to stop him from seeing his queen.

He maintained a respectable distance on the dock, watching the smaller craft ferry the Queen and King Consort to the docks. While he had risked life and limb for the woman and would do so again, his was only a slight personal connection and he didn't wish to overstep or overwhelm the woman. He smiled at her visible excitement and offered a bow to the monarch and her king.

[Orin Evans]

Orin had done as much as he could, with whatever resources he could find, to fortify the shores of Aralore. Additional watchtowers had been built and set up to watch the horizons for approaching ships or any type of suspicious activity. He had promised both Alexandria and Aric that he would do whatever he could to ensure Aralore was prepared for the possibility of another attack--especially after the Saelistian spies had somehow gotten onshore and nearly assassinated their queen. It would not happen again if he had any say in it.

So when the two ships had been spotted approaching, he had immediately been alerted. At first, there was a moment of panic, his first instinct was that they would soon be under attack, and while it would have been ideal that Alexandria was nowhere in sight, and safe in Tresteria, it would most likely mean that she would come home unwarned and surprised to find her land destroyed and overrun by Saelis and most of her people dead or enslaved. But then he remembered Aric had written to him a month ago, letting him know they would be returning soon.

As he approached the nearest watchtower to the military building, he quickly climbed up, skipping two steps at a time until he reached the top and was greeted by one of the guards. “Any flags showing?” The man shook his head and Orin stepped up to the railing, holding a hand over his forehead to peer out. He stood there waiting and watching silently, knowing that the procedure put in place was that the flags would be raised if it were an Aralorian ship once it reached a certain distance away from their island. Failure to do so would give them enough time to fall into full alert and preparation, even though that process had already begun the moment the ships were spotted. So he waited until the ship reached that distance, and as it did, he curled his hands around the railings and stood straighter, as if waiting one more minute before he’d step away and spring into action. But ten seconds into that minute, the flags slowly began to rise up and he immediately recognized them.

“It’s the Queen.” Before the guard could respond, Orin was already descending the stairs of the watchtower. It would take some time before he would reach the docks from where he was, so he wasted no time, retrieving his horse and riding off as quickly as he could towards the docks, ensuring he would be there to greet his sister and Aric.

He had several emotions coursing through him as he rode. There was that happiness that his sister was back home, and hopefully safe. But there was also worry. More than just because of the impending war, but because of the two letters, he had received just a month or so ago. First by Aric, who had told him of his plans regarding his cousin and the dangerous mission he had sent them on. It was the second letter that had him more worried. Something told him that Aric didn’t know about Cassandra and he would have to be the one to inform him of what his cousin had done. Because of him. That damn woman.

Upon arriving at the port, Orin dismounted his horse and handed him off to an attendant. Word must have quickly gotten out of the approaching ship being the queen’s because a crowd had already started to gather as they waited for the ship to dock. He let out a sigh and moved through the crowd, muttering quietly with annoyance as he did so. Just like everyone else, he stood there and silently waited.

Once the boat came to the dock and he saw Alexandria, a slight smile twitched on his lips and he stepped forward to approach her and Aric. “Welcome back,” he held a hand out to Aric to shake before he reached for his sister and gently embraced her. “I’m glad you are back safely,” he whispered into her ear and kissed the top of her head.

[Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais]

Before Alexandria was even allowed to leave the boat, her personal guard, Stefan, stepped out of the boat first, ensuring that everyone stayed back and that there would be no harm to her. He prepared himself to protect if need be. Then Aric stepped out and assisted her in climbing out of the boat where she finally stepped onto the dock and breathed a sigh of relief. It was good to be home.

Despite Stefan holding people back to allow them the safety and space needed to make their way down the dock and to step onto the Aralorian soil. Bright blue eyes searched the crowds, a warm smile on her lips and she waved to those gathered around, trying to acknowledge whomever she could. She trusted her people and did not think any of them would bring harm to her, but she knew she couldn’t let her guard down, or instruct her guards to ease up--not since her assassination attempt.

Her smile never faded, and as she saw Teagan there, it only grew a bit more--oh how she missed her.

But when she saw Orin approach them, she nearly shrieked and pulled her arm from Aric as if she were preparing to run towards her brother, but he was already there, shaking Aric’s hand and pulling her into an embrace. Alexandria wrapped her arms around him tightly, clinging to him for a moment. “Me too…” She whispered against him. She was glad to be back, despite everything that would need to be done now.

When she let go of Orin, she gently pushed a hand against his chest, though not enough to cause any sort of scene, and looked more friendly than anything else. “You’re a fool, by the way.” She narrowed her eyes at him, making it fairly obvious that she was talking about him and Cassandra. She stepped away and moved past him, walking through the crowd, reaching her hand out to whomever she passed, to shake their hand and speak kindly to them.

She took hold of Devinia Nesrin 's hand and squeezed it gently, offering her a smile, as the flowers were handed to her, “thank you, love… That is so kind and sweet of you.”
And then came to Pearce Lockheed and shook his hand, “hello--thank you for coming to see our returning.” She smiled at him, unfortunately being urged to keep moving. Although she did not personally know all of these people, she wished that she could, and she did all she could to at least acknowledge and speak to them as if she did know them.

[Devinia Nesrin]

Davinia was patient, a sweet smile on her face as she would hear al the people talking and excited and vying for the attention of their ruler but she was quiet and patient. It would be alright if she was overlooked only because she knew that she would have a chance to meet her later on- hopefully.

At @alexandria approaching her and taking her hand and the flowers, she could only smile and dip into a bowing curtsy, “You’re welcome, your majesty. I’m glad that you were able to make it back home safely,” she told her as she straightened and looked up to her again. A light squeeze would be given in return before her hands dropped down against her lap.

She was smiling, this was a great day, she felt like she could dance and sing in the square; she wouldn’t but Devinia felt she could.

[Aric Demarais]

He knew most, if not all, of these people were here to welcome his wife home. A lot still viewed him as the Tresterian foreigner, just the man who married their queen. The views had been worse when Edward made more of his intentions clear, but he prayed those would die along with his brother. With the Tresterian king gone and buried, Aric hoped this meant a new step in a better direction...if they could survive the next looming war that was likely coming to their front door very soon.

So, the King Consort remained close to Alexandria but did not interfere unless spoken to. He quietly watched their little entourage, specifically Claire, get excited for their return, watched her reunion with Teagan, as well as the rest of the crew that was beginning to disembark to the open arms of their families. A part of that made him miss his own, especially Cassandra who he had been able to tell had desperately wished to leave with them, but she would not leave Henry. Despite what she had done, what he originally thought of her for so long, Cassie had certainly grown in the last year, and it pained him to have left her behind in a place that would suppress her once again.

To any that would acknowledge him, he made an extra effort to offer a verbal greeting, otherwise, he still nodded or waved to all that were gathered, trying to prove how grateful he was to see them all there in support of his wife's return. How different it was in Aralore compared to Tresteria, and he couldn't help but wonder how his cousin and Eleesa were fairing with the regency. He would have to remember to write to Triston soon if he did not receive any word from him in the next couple of weeks.

Suddenly, he was coming to a pause- finding himself facing Orin where he couldn't help but look down his nose a little at the slightly shorter man. Although he took the offered hand (after a moment of hesitation, mind you), those dark eyes didn't remove themselves from the other's face...and it was very clear how displeased he was. No, "displeased" was putting it very lightly, but Aric wasn't about to start a scene right here in front of the crowd, especially not while he was hoping to get into their good graces. His jaw clenched and he didn't hold his hand long.

But, it was quite possible, that he wanted to deck him.

He said nothing to Orin, simply stepping aside to allow Alexandria to embrace her brother before she was off greeting a few others along the way, such as Lord Lockheed and Miss Devinia. He remained his wife's silent albeit smiling shadow.

[Claire Beauchard]

She was so happy she was sure her heart would burst! If Claire was able, she might have picked Teagan up and spun her around, but as it was, the moment she saw her best friend, her lungs be damned, Claire ran as hard as she could towards her. "TEAGAN!!!!!" She practically shrieked in joy, flinging her arms around her. She hugged her tight and could feel tears forming in her eyes. Oh no! Don't cry! Think of the boogers! Not the boogers! She told herself. 

"Not as much as I missed you!" She told her, pulling away to beam at her friend. "Oh Teagan, it was miserable without you!" She hugged her again, holding her tight, before she remembered Sylvie. "AH! We came home with new friends! Teagan, this is Sylvie!" Claire gestured to the Tresterian woman. Her smile never left her face, and she was just so- ugh happy! 

So happy in fact, she started waving frantically to others she knew, and for a moment, Claire's shyness was gone. She was just so glad to be home in a place that wasn't so stuffy and judgy, that she did the unthinkable. The moment King Aric moved away, following after the Queen, Orin Evan's was revealed to be standing there in all his broody glory. Normally the man terrified Claire, but in that moment she'd realized she'd take his scary face over Tresteria any day. 

She zipped right over behind King Aric as he passed the man, and wrapped her arms around his middle in as tight a hug as she could muster. "Oh Lord Evan's! I missed your scary face so much!" She exclaimed. Not even thinking about what she'd said or registering who her arms were around. She was just so relieved  to be home. "It's so good to be home!" She pulled away from him with a sigh, glancing up at him. Before she realized what she'd done. The realization hit her, and her face was starting to turn red, as she sputtered an apology, that didn't even sound like English, and she was afraid for a moment she was going to faint, before she managed a "I'm gonna g-go t-that way," She pointed idly with a finger before she bolted. 

Her embarrassment was short lived before she found herself glancing around at the various faces, looking for no on in particular, there was that thought to whether or not her own family was there. If they'd missed her as much as she had missed them. She knew deep down that they were really probably there for the Queen, being big supporters and all, but there was still that bit of hope. She picked at her fingers, as she looked around, trying not to let the disappointment eat away at her. 

[Pearce Lockheed]

The Marquis was quite pleased with the number of people that turned out to meet the queen. Even just to see her and speak to her for a brief moment was reassuring. To see that she still possessed some of her girl-ish charm and excitement at seeing her family and dear friends. He felt a bit like a distant but loving uncle toward the monarch, of course he had much more respect that that. Pearce smiled, happy to simply shake the woman's hand for that brief moment.

He recognized a good many people. Orin, whose display of affection for his sister was endearing and solidified him to be a good man but made not a dent in the blonde's perception of him as intimidating). Teagan, who he was glad to see managed time away from her family and her work to meet with a much more age appropriate friend. Devinia, who looked just as excited as he felt. And many others.

It was a reassuring and proud day for the kingdom, to know that their queen had returned safely to them. He looked forward to serving her more directly. And perhaps inviting a few of those he knew well and not so well to celebrate being together.

[Orin Evans]

Cassandra had told him in one of her letters that she had told Alexandria of their relationship. He had responded that he would deal with it when the time came, and he imagined that time would be approaching sometime soon--especially with the way Aric looked at him. He held back a sigh, showing no emotion of fear, intimidation, regret, or denial. Instead, he simply offered the man a nod of acknowledgment before his hand was released and his sister was embracing him.

Once again, he was receiving a reminder of his supposed wrongdoings. He was a fool, he knew, but he didn’t regret any of it. His and Cassandra’s relationship was a private one. Regardless if it had been right or wrong, he knew neither his sister nor Aric would deny the fact that Cassandra wasn’t happy and she was finally taking control of her own life. Could they really fault her for that? Or maybe he was the one at fault. He knew he wasn’t a good man, probably not the best for Cassandra, and both Alexandria and Aric knew or felt that much.

He only smirked slightly in response to his sister and lifted one of his shoulders in a slight shrug. “And that surprises you?” He quietly muttered.

Orin remained still after Alexandria and Aric moved past him and into the crowd. He needed a moment to process his thoughts before he’d follow behind. But then, suddenly, he felt arms wrap around his torso tightly and he held his arms up and out of the way, glancing down to find the awkward lady to his sister. Claire. What in all of hell was this?

"Oh Lord Evan's! I missed your scary face so much!"

He blinked, confused and unsure of whether he should hug the woman back, peel her away from him, or what. He had a scary face? Orin stood there, his arms awkwardly held up and out of the way, showing the displeasure of the moment. When Claire pulled back and looked at him, his brows lowered in that intimidating, questioning manner. Finally, he gave her a nod and mumbled a response. “Welcome home,” he offered.

Before he could say anything else, Claire was dismissing herself and bolted off. He couldn’t help but smirk (only slightly), and he shook his head before finally moving into the crowd to follow behind the queen. He was certain the rest of the day would be quite busy upon her return.