1This Was Home

"It's so still."

"They're trees. What did you expect?"

"They use to dance."

Does he even understand? What kind of life has this poor dwarf led, always in hiding, never seeing the trees move?

What sad world have I stepped into? It's not the same Narnia that we all remember. What happened to our home? Cair Paravel use to be the most beautiful, splendid place in all of Narnia. Now it is nothing more than a forgotten, overgrown ruin. The trees use to dance, all the animals talked, and fauns, satyrs, centaurs, and others came and went in peace. But now the trees are quiet. Animals that once spoke have become dumb and wild. And all the beautiful creatures live in hiding.

Oh Aslan, Aslan, how did this happen? Why have You brought us back now, to this? I'm so glad to be here, but why can't it be the same? All of my friends, everyone I knew and loved, is gone forever. I'll never see the beavers, or the fox, or General Oreius, or anyone. I'll never see Mr. Tumnus again. I can bear much, Aslan, but this is so hard!

How can this be the world I found through the wardrobe? I know in my heart that it is. But it's so different. This was my home. I want it to be still, but I cannot understand why have You brought us here now, and not sooner, back to the Narnia that we knew. Nothing is the same. And yet...

You are the same.

Dear Aslan, forgive me. Though everything changes, You are always the same. You would not bring us back now if that weren't the best thing to do. You are at work here, in a way more glorious than any of us can see.

It is painful for me to be here, Aslan, but You know that. You need us to be here. Give us the strength to help as much as we possibly can. This is still Your land. These are still Your people.

This is still home.