Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with Narnia, except all seven books, the Focus on the Family Radio Theater production of all seven books (which is really good by the way), the movie on special-edition DVD, the official movie companion, the Narnia soundtrack, the album "Music Inspired By Narnia", a movie poster, and I'm probably going to get the minatures of Peter's sword and shield soon. Other than that I own nothing, so please be nice and don't sue me.

Author's Note: This is my very first fanfic, so if you don't read and review I shall be quite heartbroken. Please, please, PLEASE REVIEW!! Thanks! ;-D

Part One: A Dark Childhood

Chapter 1 Her Name Is Aravis

The night was cold and clear, and a stern, solitary figure was gazing out his window. The moon was floating in a sea of silver clouds, and the stars glimmered as gems in a deep, velvet sky. So beautiful, yet he couldn't enjoy it. Not now. His wife was bearing her second child and he was worried about it. She had always had a strong spirit, but her body was weak.

If something happens to her…

No, he wouldn't think of that. He shook his head and pushed the doubt away. Of course she'd be fine. She didn't have any problems with her first baby.

But that was before the fever took her. She did survive it…barely. It took her a long time to recover, and afterwards she was never again as strong as she once was.

"Father?"

A timid, four-year-old's voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned around and saw his son, standing there with an anxious face. "Will Mother be alright?"

The father stooped down and took the little boy in his arms. Would she be alright? His heart was painfully uncertain, but he smiled at his son reassuringly.

"She'll be fine, Emmel. Your mother has a strong will and a determined spirit. And soon, you shall be a big brother." A hopeful grin spread across the boy's face.

"Will it be a boy—or a girl?" he asked in an excited whisper.

"We don't know that yet," said the father, raising his eyebrows mysteriously. "Now go back to bed. The hour is late, and you need your sleep."

"Yes Father," the boy mumbled, yawning sleepily and rubbing his eyes.

"Good night, son."

"Good night, Father." The patter of his small, bare feet against the polished marble floor faded into the darkness, and the father was once again alone with his thoughts.

OooooOooooOooooOooooO

An hour passed by, and still he paced back and forth outside his wife's room, waiting…and hoping…and fearing. He halted abruptly and closed his eyes, clenching his teeth and his fists; he could hear more noises coming from behind the door. The sound of his wife struggling with pain inspired more fear in him than the deadliest peril he knew. He had fought many battles without the slightest tinge of fear, but the thought of losing his wife made his heart go cold. He held his breath and waited…and then he heard a sound that was music to his ears: a baby crying. It pierced the stillness of midnight, filling him with hope and joy. He had become a father once again.

Soon the door opened, and the midwife came out and smiled at him.

"O my master, the gods have blessed you with a healthy, baby girl."

"Praise Tash," he sighed. "And my wife?"

"She is exhausted, but well and happy. Once again she has proven her strength. The labor was hard for her, but not once did she cry out in pain."

"May I see her?" he asked, anxiously.

"Yes," answered the midwife, "but not for too long. She is drained, and she needs to rest and regain her strength." He nodded understandingly. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door with trembling hands.

He stepped inside and saw his wife, propped up on the silk cushions. Her face was thin and pale, her dark hair was damp and lifeless, her eyes were half-closed with weariness.

Just as she looked during the fever.

Haunting images of that time flashed through his mind. Suddenly she opened her eyes and saw him. Her lips curved upward in a tired, but brave smile that chased away his dark memories, and in her arms she held a baby. He came forward, knelt by her side, and kissed her forehead. "How are you, Araleena?"

"I am well enough," she answered softly. She looked up at him, her emerald eyes shining with joy. "Would you like to hold your new daughter, Kidrash?" Smiling in reply he took the small bundle from her arms, cradling it in his own, never taking his eyes off his daughter.

So tiny…so perfect…so beautiful.

The newborn stirred and wrapped her tiny fist around his forefinger. His heart swelled with fatherly pride. "She truly is the 'delight-of-my-eyes,'" he said, chuckling. He gently hand the baby back to his wife, and kissed her again. "I love you," he whispered.

"And I love you," she whispered back.

"Is the baby here yet?"

They both raised their heads and saw a small figure standing in the doorway.

"Come in, son," said Kidrash. "You are now a big brother." The little boy grinned, ran forward and scrambled up onto the bed.

"Is it a boy?" he asked hopefully.

"No Emmel; it's a girl," said his mother. "You have a new little sister."

"Oh." He looked disappointed. "I wanted a brother to play with." He scooted closer for a better look at his sister. He studied her carefully, his eyes filled with wonder and curiosity. He reached out and ran the tip of one finger lightly over her face and down to her tiny hands. His face changed, and he shrugged and said, "But I guess a sister will do." His parents chuckled. "What is her name, Mother?" he asked, eagerly.

"Precisely what I was about to ask," said Kidrash, putting an arm around his wife. Araleena gazed at her little girl in thoughtful silence. A slow, sweet smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, and she announced her new daughter's name:

"Her name is Aravis."

Author's Note: So what did you think? Did you like it? Any suggestions? Comments? Critisisms? Please let me know if there's any area I could improve on. Thanks!