Valenca

Rebecca hadn't been back to the castle since she tore it apart to kill the King, so she was somehow surprised to see her plants still growing. The castle looked like it had been abandoned for a century, and not just a year. She noticed on the way to Stonekeep that the roads were starting to get lively with people which in a way was intriguing, but was a thing to deal with later. 

Rebecca stepped into the overgrown courtyard and found Sirene waiting for her, a broad smile on her face. Bounding over to Rebecca, for a change Sirene curtsied before Rebecca. Rebecca was impressed, it turned out Sirene did have manners after all.

"Welcome back to Stonekeep, Duchess Ashe." Sirene said, looking up at Rebecca. "Shall we head inside?"

"You're not only be polite to me, you actually formally addressed me." Rebecca replied, crossing her arms. "What's going on?"

"Right now I'm speaking to you as the Conservator of the Shadow Court, Duchess. Ancient protocol demands I must treat you with the respect you have earned and are due." Sirene replied, adopting a neutral pose. "Please, let's head inside where we can converse away from prying ears and eyes."