Disclaimer: I do not own any of Narnia or the character from the Chronicles of Narnia series. It all belongs to C.S. Lewis and he is the one who created it. I do, however, own Jewel and Embarr. Thank you very much for not suing me. (I do wish I owned Edmund/Skandar though)
Chapter 1: Meeting
Susan rode through the forest, humming to herself. It was late in the afternoon, early in autumn and a perfect day for strolling through the areas of Narnian trees.
"Milady?" her mount turned his head to look at her. "It is getting late. Their Highnesses, your royal brothers will be worried."
"Just a little further, Embarr. I want to visit the daughters of the River God yet."
Embarr, named aptly for his imagination, sighed and continued on.
Susan settled once more into the comfortable Narnian saddle. The horse's actions were typical. But Susan knew her brothers. Edmund wasn't one to worry and Peter knew that she was prone to long rides in the forest. He did, though, make her carry protection. Susan reached over her shoulder and felt the smooth wood of the white bow she had received from Father Christmas.
Embarr stopped.
"What!" Susan demanded.
"Milady, there is something on the other side of that tree."
Susan was amused by the horse's fear. She dismounted and walked over to the tree.
"Be careful, Your Majesty."
There was a rustle of leaves the moment Embarr spoke.
Susan looked around the tree and saw…nothing. "Now, Embarr. What's the fuss?"
"The bushes."
Susan shrugged noncommittally and pulled aside branches to peer inside. To her surprise, she found a girl about her own age, crouched to spring.
"Hello." Susan greeted.
"Who are you?" the girl whispered.
"I'm Susan. And you?"
"Jewel. What do you want?"
"Nothing. Are you from Archenland?"
Jewel's brow furrowed. "What's that? I'm from Wales."
"Well, since that is obviously not around here, do you have a place to stay?"
A slight shake of the head was all that was given in answer.
"Then come on. I'll take you to Cair Paravel."
After a moment's hesitation, Jewel relaxed and crawled out of the bushes. "What's Cair Paravel?"
"The castle of Narnia. I'm one of the queens."
Jewel was silent, but she cringed as Embarr spoke,
"What did I tell you!? Who are you girl?"
Susan introduced the two. "You'll ride in the saddle, Jewel. I'll sit behind you. Embarr, make all hast to Cair."
As soon as the girls were on, the horse took off at a canter towards the palace. When they reached the courtyard, they found the two kings of Narnia discussing something in great seriousness.
"Ahem." Susan slid down.
The two kings turned.
Jewel's first impressions of them were that the younger one seemed more confident whereas the older was flustered and earnest. She nodded as Susan introduced her. Edmund gave her a sweeping bow and a mocking smile, but Peter came directly up to Embarr.
"Jewel, it's very nice to meet you. I hope you have a pleasant stay."
"Thank you."
Peter flushed and smiled.
"Come, Jewel. Let's get you cleaned up." Susan suggested.
Edmund chuckled as the two girls left. "Very nice to meet you, Jewel." He mimicked.
"Oh, hush." Peter growled.
"Just wait until she comes down for dinner. Dressed Narnian-style, with that beautiful hair let down. Can't you just see her, Peter?"
Peter could see. Reluctantly, he pushed the image from his mind. "Don't be absurd, Ed."
"But I'm not." Edmund's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Tell me, Peter. What color were her eyes?"
"Blue. Pale blue." Peter said dreamily.
Edmund nodded. "And her hair?"
"Silver." Peter turned on his younger brother. "Quit! You're making me look stupid."
Edmund shrugged
Later that evening, Peter woke from a fitful sleep and hurried to the dinner table. The others were all seated and the sight of Jewel made his heart skip a beat.
"Peter, we think ASLAN sent Jewel to us." Susan announced suddenly.
Peter froze, his hand in mid-air. His fork clattered as it hit the table. "What?"
Susan rolled her eyes. "We think ASLAN sent Jewel to us." She repeated patiently.
Peter's eyes fastened on Jewel. She sat meekly in a chair between Susan and Lucy. Her head was bowed; her long straight hair hid her face. She seemed so lost and forlorn.
"For what reason, do you think?" He asked.
Susan shrugged. "I don't know."
Peter didn't know. He didn't know how he would be able to tear his eyes away from the figure seated so calmly before him.
