Crisp cool air wrapped around her as in a loving embrace. Aravis could breathe easy again now that she was back in Archenland. She was nervous when Aslan confronted her with the order to go home, to family and Calormen. She thought Aslan was upset with her and she feared this was his way of kicking her out, but no... Aslan wanted her to reconcile with her family so that she may learn to open her heart again. Upon her arrival in Archenland again she felt a true home coming.
Taking in a deep breath she whispered, "By the Lion's mane, it's good to be home."
"Yes, milady," Her lady-in-waiting smiled. "I'm sure your presence has been greatly missed."
"I missed them," Aravis sighed.
Her gentle companion eyed her with sly looks. "Them? Or just him?" Aravis felt the blush creeping up her neck, but before she could rebuttal the great horns announced her arrival. The battlements were bustling with activity as if there had been a tournament. Everyone stopped to pay their respect for her return. Towards the top of the entrance stood three stately figures.
One, so obviously, was King Lune. His plump magnificent figure brought a smile to her face; he had been more of a father to her in the last five years than her own father had ever. The twin figures are what caught her attention, they finally bypassed their father in height. She couldn't see their faces, but if she could she would see how grown up they'd become in her year gone.
"The Lady Aravis," The Gate Guard announced. In that moment one of the figures she had been admiring started racing towards her.
Before she had her wits about her, hands were around her waist lifting her off her horse and around in circles. Once her feet were back on the ground she found herself crushed in those lanky arms. She could barely see over his shoulder but she caught the smirk from her lady-in-waiting. Aravis smiled, she didn't care about appearances so she held on tight.
"Cor," Someone chided, breaking the moment. They reluctantly let go and turned to the speaker. "Compose yourself, you are a prince."
"Sorry, Father," Cor replied, but failed to sound remorseful. He squeezed her hand before letting her go completely. Cor turned to her and bowed low. "Welcome home, Lady Aravis."
She curtsied, "Thank you, Prince Cor. It's good to be home." Aravis turned to King Lune and Prince Corin, "Good day, your Highnesses."
"Hello, Aravis," Corin replied very unenthusiastically. Cor winked at her, but King Lune elbowed his son in the stomach. Disgruntled Corin gave his father a dirty look which Lune easily ignored.
Opening his arms to her, Lune said, "Oh come here, girl." She eagerly walked into his open embrace. "You have been greatly missed, Aravis," he whispered. She knew she was home, the warmth she finds in Anvard, and in this house, bypass any love or care she had ever felt... ever!
Lune let her go, "You must be tired, I will have a bath drawn for you and we will see you at dinner." As the party moved inside, Cor whispered to Aravis, "Once you've cleaned up, to your satisfaction, please meet me in the library." She nodded her agreement.