Kingsley Family/Alyssa/Warm in the Cold

Kingsley

The Queen's arrival was met with some fanfare, though she showed little excitement herself. Alyssa felt much too exhausted from the two days of non-stop travel for the pomp and flair provided for her return to the capital, but she put on her best; sitting proudly in the saddle of her white mare, Starlight, and trying to offer her excited people at the very least a smile, however weary it may have been. She glanced over at her Stormfront escort, namely, the beautiful dark-haired knight at her side who led them. Isana beamed at her joyously, clearly enjoying festive atmosphere their city had put on for their Queen. Alyssa could not help but find her laboured, weary smile turn into an easy fond one as their eyes met.

Isana's company had been a welcome surprise from the grim forests of Meuse where memories of the haunts who now lived in those woods were a constant presence. I tried for you. She had told them in her head.

But her mood had changed quickly under the escort of her beloved knight. Her solemn memories were no match for Isana's joyful presence, and the two rode closely together along the Golden Road through the fields of Brive, their hands intertwining as Alyssa dutifully recounted the details of her trip and Isana told her all about the preparations the city had made for winter and for the coronation. The simple presence of her partner was enough to warm her through the winter cold and light snowfall that had been coating the city streets.

In the city now, Alyssa admired the city's changes for the wintertime, just as Isana had told her; garlands spread out between the buildings, lanterns hung from rafters and lines strung overhead shone brightly, reminding her of her first visit to the city and the wonder she beheld as she explored the place that would become her home. As they approached one of the city squares they spotted large wintergreen pines, brilliantly decorated with red bows and glass ornaments. More garland, bows, and lanterns were strung all across the shoppe fronts and in a few places it seemed children had built snowfolk throughout the square. Common folk who bustled about on their business through the city stopped and parted as their Queen's procession rode past, their cheers and waves Alyssa returned quietly and gently.

At last they had arrived at the palace stables, and Alyssa relaxed, dismounting her steed and rolling her neck with a sigh. Isana had apparently done the same as she bounded forward with a smile and leaped into the Queen's arms, one foot in the air. Alyssa gave an light amused hmm and picked her up an inch of the ground, giving her a half spin before setting her down, her boots sounding a light crunch as they set down into the snowy courtyard.

"Welcome home, Your Majesty" Isana offered brightly her smile never fading like an eternal star shining in the heavens. And Alyssa, seeing the boundless joy of her beloved knight knew that she was indeed, home.

Kingsley

Alyssa's hand held tightly to her love's as they guided each other through the corridors of the Ducal Palace towards the Royal Wing where their suites were. The warmth she held in her hand was welcome in the cool stone hallways. The Queen shivered, and pulled herself close to Isana as they walked together towards their chambers, Alyssa eager to change into a looser dress and out of her riding leathers.

Arriving in their wing of the palace, the pair retreated first to Alyssa's royal solar and Alyssa glanced towards her office door, wondering how much had stacked up in her week-long absence. Something felt wrong as they walked in. She felt the room's warmth as the heat radiated from the well-fueled fire in the fireplace. Curious... Alyssa considered. Neither of the pair had been home, her Dawn had met her in Brive. The door to the parlor was open as well. No one should be here. She rested her hand casually on the pommel of her sword and glanced at Isana with some concern.

"Aly?" She heard from the door to the parlor, a voice, old and familiar caused Alyssa to straighten up, her eyes widening with recognition as her aunt peered through the door at her, her uncle following suit as they came out of the parlor, her aunt wearing a warm smile, her uncle a slight one. Immediately Alyssa abandoned her typical demeanor and dashed across the room throwing her arms around her uncle, her aunt leaning in and joining them.

"You came, I'm so sorry I was never able to see you!" Alyssa said into her uncle's chest

"Oh darling," her aunt whispered, gently rubbing her back, "You've done so much for all of us, there is nothing for you to be sorry for."

"I've missed you both terribly." Alyssa muttered, a few tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"We missed you too, Your Majesty." replied her uncle his slight smile growing into a a proud one. Alyssa looked up at him with mock sternness. He gave a little chuckle and retidied his spectacles as Alyssa pulled back, catching her betrothed out of the corner of her eyes. She saw her aunt and uncle's eyes had followed curiously to the other in the room.

Straightening herself, she looked to Isana with smile. "Ah... Isana... My aunt and uncle." She looked hopefully at the two of them as they looked curiously to her betrothed.