Author's Note

This is my first attempt at a Narnian fan fic (officially at least as I've written a few one shots to amuse myself but not saved them) and I hope you enjoy it. I'd appreciate it if you would read and review to let me know what you think. I don't mind constructive criticism, though please don't flame me. Like all humans I'm not perfect so if you see any grammatical errors or such please let me know. Also I do not own any of the original characters created by C. S. Lewis or those that are featured in the movie. All the other characters, however, are of my own creation. That said, I hope you enjoy the story.


Love is a Battleground

Chapter One

The stench of acrid smoke and blood still lingered in the air, the two scents combining to form the famliarly pungent scent that was present after every battle. This one had not been long finished, and the cries of the wounded and dying still rang in the air. Though the White Witch had been defeated and her power over Narnia destroyed there were still those loyal to her in the farther reaches of Narnia.

Barely a year had passed since the four human children had been crowned rulers of Narnia and already they had been brought to battle numerous times against those who still supported the witch. Unlike the other battles, however, which had been mostly smaller clashes easily won by the Narnians, this one had been better thought out by the enemy and the fighters had been more highly skilled than before.

What most had anticipated as another easy victory had turned into a bloody clash, neither side gaining the upper hand, until the very end, when King Peter's forces had rallied and succesfully routed the remaining foe. There were no jubuliant shouts of victory ringing in the air this time though, only solemn silence as those un-injured came to the aid of their fallen comrades.

Among them was a female centaur, now tracing her way slowly through the war torn landscape, a look of sorrow etched upon her pale features. Every so often she would kneel down upon her slender limbs, reaching to touch the body of one fallen, only to slowly rise once again when no sign of life was revealed.

The normally creamy golden color of her equine body was almost indecipherable beneath the dirt and blood, the parts of her human torso not covered with armor equally as stained, as well as her long, fair colored locks, though she seemed not to be bothered by it. Indeed, Lareyna's only thought was to help those in need, for by trade and at heart she was a healer, one meant to bring life to those around her, not the death that now surrounded her.

Her face clouded at the thought that many would no longer feel the warm Narnian breeze or see the beauty of the coming spring. All of them would have no doubt met the same fate had it not been for King Peter and General Orieus's valiant efforts to rally the troops.

Oreius.

She had not seen him since their last frantic efforts to defeat the enemy and could not help but worry for his well being.

One of only a few highly skilled healers in the Narnian army, Lareyna had in the past few months, found herself quite often in the General's company as he came to check on the progress of those injured. It was during one of these visits that she suddenly realized that what she had been trying to convince herself was only strong admiration for him was actually something much deeper, the very sight of him bringing a thrill to her soul. She was very careful, however, not to let her feelings show for he gave no sign of returning them, his actions towards her no different than that of any other member of the army.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she focused upon the task at hand, glancing sideways to see a faun struggling to help a wounded dryad to it's feet. Moving quickly to give her assistance, the female centaur simply nodded at their gratitude before continuing onwards.

Finding herself now in a more secluded area of the battlefield, her deep brown eyes landed upon yet another fallen member of their company, one of her own kind this time.The number of slain enemies around him proved he had fought hard before being overcome and she started towards the body, saddened, yet proud. As she got closer, however, a sense of familiarity tugged painfully at her senses, the coloring, the armor, so similiar to...no, it was not possible, it couldn't be...

"Orieus!"

His name came out as a strangled cry on her lips, her limbs covering the last few feet in a single lunge. Falling to the ground where he lay face down, Lareyna turned his torso to the side, a sob-like gasp forming in her throat. "Dear Aslan..." She breathed in a choked whisper, stunned at the sight of a broken spear protruding from his abdomen, forced at an angle between the upper and lower chestplates.

With trembling fingers she reached to press them against his neck, desperately hoping she was not too late. Holding her breath, she waited tensely, her own heart suddenly beating faster as she felt the slightest of movements beneath her fingertips. He was still alive! The thought soared through her mind even as she knew he was barely clinging to whatever life was left in him. Lifting her head, she gave out a piercing whistle, signaling to the others that help was needed.

"Hold on..." she whispered to Oreius, cradling him in her arms and praying to Aslan that the one she loved might live.

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Author's Note

I know this chapter was rather short but it is really only somewhat of an introduction. I anticipate them becoming longer as the story continues. Whether the chapter is going to be long or short is actually something I don't know beforehand. It all depends on when I come to the point where it feels like I need it to stop. Please leave a review and let me know what you think of it so far.