How long had it been since they had taken their first step upon this journey of theirs? Rhaena had long since lost count. However now they were nearing the journey's end, for Meereen itself was coming into sight. She could scarce draw breath as she stared at it, drinking in every detail but what took her attention most of all, was the great pyramid which stood above the city with its golden tip. There. That was where Daenerys resided. She was close now, closer than she had ever been before and now Rhaena was ready to fling herself into the ocean to paddle to shore herself she was so frantic with impatience. Their journey had taken them far less time than the captain had anticipated, an unprecedented voyage in his reckoning, but Rhaena hardly cared. Daenerys was within reach. Her sister. Her twin. Finally, this was the day where Rhaena would meet her in person. She tried to think and plan what it was she would say but her mind continually fell away into blankness. Now it was Sansa's turn to gently coax her along, taking Rhaena by the hand in order to disembark the ship as they said their goodbyes, embracing and kissing the cheeks of every member of the crew in order to give them their heartfelt thanks and gratitude. The captain himself came to see them off, sweeping a deep bow and promised that if ever they had a need for passage or simply wished to join his crew, they would always be more than welcome. It was difficult for Rhaena to say goodbye because part of her did not want to whilst the other part of her struggled to even focus upon them, but she knew if she did not say a proper farewell now then she would regret it. It would be at least a year before they would make the return journey and there was no guarantee their paths would ever cross again. So she smiled and embraced them, wished them luck in their travels and prayed for fair winds and gentle tides to always go with them.
Then she turned and faced the pyramid once more. Feeling nothing but an impatient desire to see her sister once and for all, Rhaena released her hair from the scarf which hid it from view to let herself be seen. They would know her by her hair, would know that she was Daenerys's kin and take her directly to her sister. She was certain of it. Striding forwards, Rhaena began to make her way directly for the great pyramid, Sansa, Lady and Syrio all chasing after her as she near enough broke into a run. Thinking only of meeting Daenerys, Rhaena did not pause to take note of the atmosphere in the city around her or the sharp looks which followed her with every step she took. It was only when the sound of hissing began to rise around her. Faltering in her step, Rhaena only then began to look around her. People who looked to be former slaves were glaring and hissing, baring their teeth whilst steadily creeping forwards, stalking Rhaena as she blinked and turned, finding herself surrounded by these strangers who for some reason did seem to like her. Suddenly Syrio Forel was beside her with his sword drawn and Sansa ran to clutch onto Rhaena's arm as Lady snarled warningly. The presence of such a freakishly large wolf was enough to cut off the hisses of the watchers, retreating backwards but still they looked at Rhaena darkly, seemingly accusing her of something. "I think perhaps things are not quite peaceful here in Meereen as we might have thought." Murmuring softly, Rhaena rested her hands over her sword and the dagger at the small of her back.
"I think you are right, dear child. Come. Stay close to me. They will not attack so long as your beast stands guard. A man numbers may overcome, but a strange beast will keep them at bay with fear. For long, however…we had best hurry." Nodding her head in agreement Rhaena wrapped her hand around Sansa's and walked closely beside Syrio whilst maintaining a constant grasp upon the hilt of her sword. She could not understand it. These people should love her sister if she had set them free, then why would they hiss at her? Rhaena could only surmise that they had mistaken her for Daenerys because of her hair, which now meant that the welcome she had expected was unlikely to come to fruition. In fact as they walked people began to follow like shadows, staring hatefully as more of them seemed to appear, blocking the main road which led to the pyramid and forcing them down a smaller street.
"We cannot be herded, Syrio. I doubt it will end well for us if we become trapped."
"I am inclined to agree, my dear." Syrio shifted his stance with his sword still held daintily aloft as the former slaves continued to press in closer, hissing once again. "Perhaps you might try speaking to them?"
"Do you think that will make them more or less likely to attack us?" As of that moment, it was uncertain whether revealing herself as Daenerys's sister would improve their situation at all. By Rhaena's intuition, it would not. So she drew her sword and bared her teeth in order to hiss back, crying out a warning in High Valyrian for everyone to stay back and let them pass but none responded. "I do not think they understand me." Even if they did, Rhaena doubted they would have listened anyway. "Stay close to me, Sansa. Lady will protect you. They should leave us alone if we scare them a little." Sounding more confident than she felt, Rhaena was impressed at how calm Sansa appeared. She did not tremble or shiver, she did not even look overly afraid. If anything she looked resolute, one fist balled at her side as the other gripped onto Lady's back securely as the direwolf continued to snarl and growl menacingly. Giving her a smile and a nod, Rhaena twirled the blade once to ready herself to fight, balancing lightly on her feet ready to dive forwards. The tension became as thick as fog, tingling upon Rhaena's skin as she looked from one face to another. She expected someone to move first, to make the initial attack which would allow her to rightfully defend herself, but before any of their aggressors could move a sudden shout rose up from behind them.
Rhythmic movements of soldiers rushing forwards caused the crowds to part like water around rock, the former slaves scrambling to get out of the way of the soldiers who wore dark leather armour and helmets, carrying shields and spears in their hands. Staring at them dumbly, Rhaena was shocked when they called to her in High Valyrian, addressing her as the queen and rushed to form a tight military circle of protection around her with their shields and spears lowered. She stuttered, turning around as one of the soldiers asked her to come with them, promising that they would get her to safety and all the while still addressed her as the queen. With one of them taking her by the arm Rhaena found herself being pulled along at a brisk pace, barely managing to call for Sansa and Syrio. Thinking quickly she gave an order in High Valyrian, commanding that these soldiers, who could only be the renowned Unsullied, to protect her companions and bring them too. It was slightly unnerving to see her command obeyed so quickly and precisely. Rhaena could not recall ever giving any real command before in her entire life, but the Unsullied answered her because they had mistaken her for their queen. The misunderstanding could be rectified later, but for now all that mattered was that they all reached the safety of the pyramid.
They went with an impressive escort, more Unsullied forming ranks alongside the protective shield wall and dome which had formed around Rhaena and her companions though they were pressed tightly together and Rhaena had to focus upon her feet to ensure that she did not step on Lady's paws. Occasionally something would clatter against the shields which were lifted over their heads. They were now throwing rocks. "What in seven hells happened here?" She hissed to Syrio as Rhaena kept Sansa close to her chest. "Are they trying to stone us to death because they think I am my sister?!"
"Whatever it was your sister did, it has made her very unpopular. Perhaps you should ask her when you see her." Syrio responded calmly as he continued the brisk pace with his hand still resting upon his sword hilt. None of them allowed themselves to relax or feel at ease until they were ushered into the towering pyramid away from the masses, the Unsullied closing ranks behind them once again and the moment they were safe, the soldiers broke apart their formation and instead formed lines either side of Rhaena, standing to attention as the one who had addressed her before spoke again, once more calling her his queen and asking if she was hurt. Taking a deep breath, Rhaena turned a soft smile upon the man before replying in High Valyrian, informing him that she was not Daenerys Stormborn, but rather she was Rhaena Nightflyer of the House Targaryen, and she was here to see her sister. Their shock was visible despite their silence. At first no one moved to respond, staring at Rhaena until gradually, they began to realise that the woman before them was not their queen. They shared similar features, but their faces were not the same. This stranger had lighter eyes and a more delicate face, her chin ore angular and her lips finer and more rosy in shade. This was not their queen. Still she spoke to them gently, apologising for deceiving them and using them for her own protection but she had feared for the safety of her companions and did not want them to become victims to the anger of the citizens of Meereen. Still they were silent.
"Please." She finally began to beg. "Please take me to your queen." Repeating the plea in High Valyrian, the soldiers gradually began to recover from their shock and the one who had spoken to her, a captain, opened his shield in order to gesture that they should begin walking. Inclining her head towards him, Rhaena walked first with Syrio and Sasna behind her, Lady faithfully bringing up the rear. Her chest and stomach were convulsing and tightening painfully with every step she took. She passed numerous others who seemed to be waiting in line to meet with their queen though whispers began to spread as they looked upon Rhaena, confusion in their eyes. She ignored them. There was barely any breath in her body as she was asked to wait, the captain continuing onwards in order to give his report and inform the queen that she had a guest who wished to see her immediately. After all this time, Rhaena felt as if she would faint. It was Sansa who took her hand and squeezed her fingers, tearing Rhaena's attention away from the spot where the captain had disappeared in order to look at her.
"She will love you, Rhae." A slow calmness seemed to seep into her from Sansa's hand, flowing up through her arm and across her chest before spreading across her entire body. A breath finally escaped her. Nodding her head with a weak smile, the captain returned and informed Rhaena that the queen would see her. This was it. The moment she had been waiting her entire life for. Years of estrangement were going to finally end the second Rhaena walked through those doors. So why could she not move? Again it was Sansa who came to her rescue, whispering in her ear and pushing at her back until Rhaena was moving forwards, dimly aware that she was handing over her weapons as instructed by the captain before entering the audience chamber where her sister Daenerys had taken up residence after conquering Meereen. The doors swung open…and there she was. Dressed in white with her hair drawn back from her face in elegant braids, Rhaena lost the ability to breathe. Sansa pushed her forwards again, making her go further into the audience chamber as her eyes met with her sister's for the first time. They were darker than hers, rounder too. Her full lips were parted as if she also had forgotten how to breathe, slowly rising from her chair as the sisters stared at one another in utter silence.
"You are in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen…" A young woman began to speak, breaking the silence with the long list of titles Daenerys had accumulated for herself but Rhaena did not want to hear them, because only one title mattered to her.
"Sister." Rhaena interrupted, causing the woman to falter and blink. Taking a large step forward, Rhaena finally smiled breathlessly as tears began to gather. "She is my sister." Daenerys gave a similarly shaking breath as she began to descend the steps, unable to take her eyes away from the woman in front of her. They had shared a womb and been born together on the same night, but this was the first time they were truly meeting, the first time they were seeing one another's faces. Ever since she was a child and her brother Viserys had told her that across the Narrow Sea their sister was held hostage by the Usurper, Daenerys had dreamed of her. What did she look like? Was she like her? Did they share any tastes or dislikes? Was she taller? Shorter? What would her voice sound like if she spoke to her? Would she love her? Here and now, the answers to all those questions came to her at once. The woman before her loved her. It was clear in her smile and the shine of her eyes, the tender gaze of a sibling Daenerys could not even recall appearing upon her brother's face whenever he looked at her. She felt such overwhelming love that at first she was breathless from it as the sensation filled every crevasse of her being, swallowing her hole until finally it settled, seemingly seeping into her skin. She had to swallow in order to wet her throat for it had run dry.
"What is your name?" Now the woman blinked before her, surprised at the unexpected question.
"You do not know?" All Daenerys could do was shake her head as she continued to take slow, measured steps towards her, gradually closing the distance between them. "My name is Rhaena. It was chosen for me from one of our ancestors. You are Daenerys. My sister. My twin sister. Gods be merciful but you are beautiful, I never thought I would live long enough to ever meet you." To be complimented so sincerely Daenerys gave a smiling laugh, her face now damp with her tears as she lifted her hand. Rheana stayed perfectly still as Daenerys first touched her hair, weaving a lock of it through her fingers before then touching her brow, skimming her fingertips against her skin little by little as if to confirm that she was flesh and blood like her. "I am here now, Dany. You are not alone any longer." Even as a queen Daenerys could not hold herself up against such sweet relief. Her tears grew in ferocity as Rhaena opened her arms and brought Daenerys into them and the two sisters embraced for the very first time. Being the taller of the two, Rhaena tucked Daenerys under her chin and pressed kisses to her hair and face, murmuring to her all the promises she had ever wanted to give her, vowing that she would be beside her when she needed her, give her comfort when she was sorrowful and laugh with her in times of joy. She vowed that they would be true sisters from this moment until their last, and she would love her even beyond her dying breath.
It was some time before either of them recalled that there were others present in the room. Their heads lifted from one another and looked, Rhaena seeing Daenerys's handmaiden and guards whilst Daenerys saw the auburn haired girl, a Braavosian swordsman and a giant wolf which caused her to gasp in alarm. Glancing behind her, Rhaena beamed at her. Taking her sister by the hand, Rhaena introduced with pride Sansa Stark of Winterfell, Syrio Forel the former First Sword of Braavos and Lady, direwolf companion to Sansa. "You must have quite a fascinating tale to arrive here with such an assortment of companions." Daenerys finally spoke, returning to her queenly composure but smiling all the while. "We have a lifetime of talking to make up for, my sister. Perhaps we had best begin?" Nodding her head in agreement, Rhaena was eager to sit down and talk to Daenerys about their lives, however the woman who had stood beside Daenerys by her seat, who was introduced as Missandei, hesitantly reminded Daenerys that there were still many people waiting to speak to her and matters still needed to be addressed. Her face fell in irritation, wishing she could command everyone to simply go away and leave her with Rhaena. They had spent their entire lives apart from one another, now she did not wish to spend a single moment away from her side. Deliberating over her decision, her thoughts were interrupted when Ser Barristan Selmy arrived having heard the rumour that a woman had arrived claiming to be the queen's own sister.
The old knight looked upon Rhaena who turned her head to see him and instantly her jaw dropped in delight. "Ser Barristan!" He did not recognise the woman in front of him. The last time he had seen the little dragon, she had been a girl, too small for her age and barely higher than his waist. Now he looked upon a radiant woman who had come into her own, who carried herself with confidence and poise even as she raced towards him and flung her arms about his neck. His hands jumped to catch her as he started, a hundred different memories rushing to him of the same little dragon running and leaping upon him in the exact same manner over the course of her life in King's Landing. He did not recognise her, but he knew it was her. There was no mistaking Rhaena Targaryen for anyone else. She had finally freed herself from the Lannisters and found her way to her sister, to him. Love and devotion warmed his old bones as his arms crossed over her back and drew her closer to him until her feet were off the ground and she was laughing, clinging to him tightly as they reunited after several years of separation.
"Little dragon…you've grown!" He finally exclaimed when he put her down once more, clasping her face in his hands as he looked her over head to toe. "My princess, it brings this old man immeasurable joy to see you here at long last." Nodding her head, Rhaena could scarcely speak. She embraced Ser Barristan once again as he continued to hold her, receiving the sense that his own child had finally come home to him after so many years of absence. Watching them with a smile, Daenerys gently suggested that Ser Barristan see that her sister and her guests were given appropriate accommodation and refreshments whilst she saw to her duties, looking then to Rhaena and promising that she would come to her as soon as she was able so that they could speak. Bowing to his queen, Ser Barristan fixed his hand around Rhaena and drew her away as she signalled quickly to Sansa and Syrio who followed, each bowing and curtseying to Daenerys before they disappeared from sight. Returning to her seat, Daenerys had to take several minutes to catch her breath, but even after that she could not remove the smile from her face. Missandei looked to her and shared in her grin, pleased to see her queen so happy. When they broke contact, Daenerys cleared her throat and cleansed her expression, becoming the queenly countenance she needed to express before ordering the next person to be brought before her.