Genre: Spiritual

Rating: G (General)

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended and I'm not gaining any profit from this story, I'm only having fun with C.S. Lewis's fantastic world and characters.

Author's Notes: So I was inspired after having my Narnia marathon and reading the seven books one after the other these past days. The moment I read the last line of the final page of "The Last Battle", the imagery of the real Narnia as a peaceful sort of Eden strongly remained in my head and this long poem-esque drabble was the result.

Not beta'd.

(EDIT) I want to thank Miniver for pointing out an error I made in the summary; now all's well. Forward, to Narnia and to the North! :)

"Further Up and Further In"

By Mase992 (-chan)

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Rich, riveting, slender brooks seem like liquid gold in the morning sunlight.

They speed through the breathing trees;

the rushing trails like pearly steeds tossing their manes.

Forward; deeper and more inviting.

To the South:

warm, friendly, simply lovely plains and mountains

with colours unseen on Earth: lively and radiant.

Higher up, almost flying on eagles' wings

while racing the laughing winds,

and darting up to touch the whirling skies.

Everything smells and tastes sweet;

sweet as the bread and milk you first ever ate or drank.

The hills stretch Northward, yet your pace remains steady and untried.

Welcomed by jovial faces alike and old friendships rekindled.

Once through the Gates the race is finished

so bid farewell to the Shadowlands

far beyond the raining stars and fading into shadow.

Now the keen eyes seek out the mountains of the corners of the world

and you find yourself deep within that magical mirror, or in truth:

within the reflection of all things merry and real,

yet hidden from the common, faithless, caged eye.

And the horn calls you home, towards your throne

of marble, silver, or gold.

The wine is poured, the fruits have grown, the Haven shines with dances of joy.

The music sways as in summer

and flourishes such as when the Dawn of the World,

yet here no winter nor night falls.

And you know this dream is all you ought to believe in.

Whereas in the dream, you've always been a King or Queen.

On the glittering East, where castles stand, and clouds do clear,

He glows and purrs in soft, brilliant curls amidst the warm sand.

And to the West, to tread through light, two-legged or on horseback,

Lady, Lord, High King, and Queen;

Son of Adam, Daughter of Eve,

You must set on further up and further in.

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