Chapter Text
A hooded figure approached a castle shrouded in mist with calm, confident steps. Most people would have already turned back by now, but this person was not most people. It was almost as if she knew this place, and perhaps she did. The figure was certainly mysterious enough for it. She was wearing a cloak embroidered with dragons and ravens and her face was covered, as if she didn't want to be seen. Perhaps she didn't.
When she reached the doors of the castle, she placed her palm on one of them and they swung open but, once she passed the threshold of the doors, they slammed shut again. The hooded figure breathed a sigh of relief and walked purposefully into the Great Hall. She didn't falter, even as the eyes of everyone in the room were drawn to her, but continued walking until she had reached the Head Table. It was only then that she drew her hood back and uncovered her face, revealing long hair that was blood-red on one side and silver-gold on the other.
Not unexpectedly, people started talking at once.
"Raven!"
"Raphaela!"
"She's back!"
"Long live the queen!"
This last one was chanted by all of them.
Raphaela raised a hand for silence and waited for everyone to stop talking, before addressing her people. "As you can see, I've returned from my self-imposed exile. My throne has been taken once again, this time by someone I considered a friend, and I realised that the only people I can trust are here." She caught Siuan looking at her with a frown but forged ahead. "This time I won't take this insult lying down. This time, we will fight and we will win." Her words were followed by cheers.
Siuan stood up and the cheers started dying down. "I think I speak for all of us here when I say that we have missed you, Raphaela and that we are glad that you are back. I propose a feast to celebrate our queen's return tomorrow night. I call an end to today's evening meal so preparations can begin."
At this, people started leaving in large groups. Raphaela made her way to Siuan and offered her arm. Siuan took it and they headed to their chambers. Despite, her long absence, Raphaela remembered the route perfectly. They had soon reached their chambers and gone in.
"Aela," Siuan began," we need to talk."
Raphaela closed her eyes but noodded. "I know."