Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: The moments in which friendship turned to love in the lives of the Steadfast and the Valiant.

A/N: This story is part of my A Light in the Darkness universe. So here is Lucy and Tarrin's story...parts of it at least. Enjoy!

Steadfast and Valiant

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

15 Fairdawn 1010

Tarrin fidgeted with his tunic then gave up with a sigh. If Raisa weren't training in King Lune's court, he'd consider asking her help. He did miss her, chatterbox though she was. By the Lion, with his nerves one would think he was preparing to propose. Even in the privacy of his bedchamber, Tarrin felt himself blush scarlet. He picked up the gift he had spent the last three months perfecting and then glanced in the mirror one last time. At least, the flush was fading already.

Striding into the hall, Tarrin could only hope he would be able to find her before the celebration started in earnest. He didn't much fancy having to press through all those princes and dukes who had descended on the Cair this year. Apparently, Narnia's allies had translated the occasion of Queen Lucy's 18th birthday as an opportune moment to start seeking the Valiant's hand in earnest. Or so the Kings had been grumbling for the last fortnight. Tarrin also didn't want anyone to think his gift was meant to be some sort of expression of an intent to court her. Especially the Kings.

He dodged through the servants finishing the last minute details and the ladies-in-waiting supervising them on Queen Susan's behalf. Tarrin finally emerged onto one of the smaller balconies overlooking the Eastern Sea. Queen Lucy's long brown hair hung down her back and shone an almost honey color in the morning sun. Her silver crown sparkled and the rich red of her gown completed the picture. Tarrin caught himself staring and quickly brushed a hand through his hair, trying to make it lay neatly. After all, a knight shouldn't present himself to his queen in an unkempt state if it could be helped.

"Tarrin?"

His ears started burning as Tarrin jumped. He quickly offered a short bow. "My Majesty. I mean, Your Queen. I mean, My Majesty Queen…" By the Lion, how did I manage that one? Tarrin cleared his throat and studied the marble floor, fervently hoping that the floor might swallow him up as he heard Queen Lucy's tinkling laugh. "Forgive me, Queen Lucy, I fear my tongue defies me yet again."

The light touch of her hand on his sleeve made him look at her. Mirth danced in her blue eyes and an easy smile graced her pink lips. Queen Lucy smiled again. "I'm so glad you found me, Tarrin. Don't you know it's a great honor to be the first to make someone laugh on her birthday?"

Tarrin found himself smiling back at her. "Then I am most honored, Your Majesty." He looked down at the small package in his hand then started slightly. "Oh. I almost forgot- I mean, I hope you will forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty, but I wanted to give you this." He thrust the package into her hands, trying not to feel too foolish, and added belatedly, "For your birthday, I mean. It's a gift for your birthday."

Sometimes he wondered why Aslan even let him have a voice.

"Oh. Thank you, Tarrin." He clasped his hands behind his back as Queen Lucy opened the box. The tension was so unbearable that Tarrin was half-tempted to tug on the neck of his tunic again. Queen Lucy didn't seem to feel it though as a wide smile split her face as she drew out the delicately fashioned silver replica of the broken Stone Table with a golden Aslan standing on it. "Oh Tarrin! Where did you get this?"

"I made it. Well, that is, I made the design for it before taking it to Gark. See, I was trying to replicate how you described the scene when you were telling Maisee and the twins about the way you first came to Narnia. But Gark stated the piece would be too big if we did the full hill and the pillars. I wanted, well, that is I had hoped you would like to keep this with you when you are traveling upon the sea. A bit of home. Although, Aslan is always with us, of course. But, you know that." What was he saying? He didn't know but he also couldn't seem to stop. He looked away, still nervously babbling, "I didn't mean to imply that you wouldn't know that Aslan is with us, I mean, you…Your Majesty. I just meant that-"

"Tarrin! I love it. Thank you!" She placed her hand on his shoulder and Tarrin turned to look at her. That was a mistake. Queen Lucy's kiss, which had no doubt been intended for his cheek, landed on his lips instead.

Tarrin froze. He was kissing Queen Lucy. Or Queen Lucy was kissing him. He didn't quite know what to do but he was quite certain that he shouldn't have leaned into the kiss.

Queen Lucy jumped back, her eyes wide and her mouth forming a perfect 'o' of surprise. Tarrin's ears were burning. Clearing his throat, he bowed. "I- I'm glad the gift pleased you, Your Queen. Queen Lucy!" She startled and Tarrin flushed even more as he realized he had shouted. He bowed again, wishing he could just jump in the sea. "Sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice. I should….I should go." He stepped back and stumbled as his heel knocked against someone else's foot.

Oh no. Tarrin righted himself then turned. His embarrassment grew as he met the stunned gazes of Queen Susan and King Edmund. He offered another bow. "Pardon, Majesties. I, uh, I didn't see, that is, I didn't realize you were there. I have to go. My parents are expecting me to do…something that isn't here." He bowed again, ears burning, then he finally managed to leave the room without causing himself or Queen Lucy any more humiliation. Tarrin leaned against the door and sighed. At least now that he had offered birthday felicitations to Queen Lucy, he could- Tarrin groaned then opened the door and stated in a rush, "Manyblessingstoyouonyourbirthday,QueenLucy."

He shut the door again before any of the royals could respond. Tarrin hung his head. Why could he never keep his wits around the youngest queen? A cold nose nudging his hand made him jump. One of King Edmund's Wolves was looking up at him with wide yellow eyes. "Are you trying to mate with Queen Lucy, Tarrin?"

Tarrin's jaw dropped then he stuttered, "N-No! You're not supposed to ask questions like that, Remus!" He hurried off before the Wolf could respond but he wasn't quite out of earshot when he heard Remus ask someone, probably his brother, "Why can't humans tell when they're trying to pick a mate?"

"I don't know. Let's ask Alpha once he stops barking."

Tarrin walked faster. He also refused to think about that accidental kiss. More than once. Or twice.

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

A/N: Please Read and Review! Poor Tarrin, but he's so adorable, right? :D Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one!