The Deep Magic of Narnia

Summary:

The Pevensie's had completed their intial quest for Narnia by defeating the White Witch. They believe that they have discovered all that is Narnia. However, the royal family is presented with a new mystery. Together they uncover more about Narnia history and deep magic. They also discover new friendships, allies and romances.

Settings:

England during WWII, Narnia few years after the Pevensie have been coronated.

Pairings:

PeterXOC, EdmundXOC, LucyXTumnus, SusanXTBA?

Disclaimer :

I don't have any rights to Narnia, only my OC Stephanie

This story is rated M for later Chapters.

Additional Author's Notes:

I have recently joined and this is my first fanfiction story. Literally, first fanfic ever written anywhere.I thought it would be wise to admitt that Iam a newbie. So please no 'flaming'. I am still learning the lauguage and definitions for fanfiction (ie. Mary Sue, Fluff, Drabbles, etc.), its all new to me folks.

In regards to The Chronciles of Narnia, I would like to add that I haven't read the books. I purchased the a volume containing all of the works. Presently I am working my way through them.So this story is based alot from what I learned from the motion picture and what others have told me. If I have made any mistakes when describing Narnia, I apologize and will do my best to correct them. However, seeing as this is a fanfic, I did add elements to Narnia that aren't part of the original.

From what I have read about different genres of fanfic, I suspect this will be deemed fluffy. But I am not sure. I would love feedback and friendly constructive criticism. BUT if someone really dislikes it and needs to 'flame me' then I shall just roll my eyes and move on.


Prologue

Disclaimer: I don't have any rights to Narnia, only my OC Stephanie

This story is rated M for later Chapters.

It was hot. Muggy and hot. Stephanie's skinny legs sweated in her hosiery and she squirmed in an effort to un stick her sateen dress from her body. The lead housekeeper, Mrs. Smithers, droned on in a monotone fashion with irritable sighs about proper house keeping and how few people bothered with the finer points any more. None of the other maids or butlers seemed to have much interest in what Mrs. Smithers was talking about because she gave the same tired speech about twice a week. She'd now been going on for an hour; it seemed to Stephanie, as the manor baked in the heat of this Monday afternoon in late May.

Stephanie was having a difficult time tuning Mrs. Smithers out from where she sat in the attic above the servant's chambers.

"And so the proper folding and categorizing of the linens is not only essential…blah blah blah…when maintaining superior orderliness, but…blah blah blah .remember cleanliness is next to godliness and is the duty of every chamber maid in all of England…'

Blah, Blah, Blah. Stephanie's mind continued to drift. She idly observed the chambermaids below through the tiny cracks between the wooden planks of the attic floor.

Her dearest friend at the manor, Evangeline Potter, looked almost bug-eyed in an effort to appear interested and attentive. Stephanie smiled affectionately. Knowing that Evangeline wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, however stiff or boring the person was. Her pale skin glowed with sweat and her dusty blonde hair was even curlier then usual from the humidity of the sixth floor servant chambers. Evangeline was sensitive and kind, the only person who took a genuine interest or concern in Stephanie. Stephanie thought of her father.

"Most manors today are slacking in proper etiquette from their staff and I shall not let myself live to see the day this manor lacks even an ounce of proper English etiquette … blah blah blah….May I have your attention now, while we go over the preparations for the stately dinner….blah blah blah…."

Gazing out the attic's picture seat window atop the six story manor, she watched the groundskeepers below slowly tending to the gardens. Hoping Mrs. Smithers would soon relieve the staff from her stagnant lecture, that way Stephanie could join Evangeline while she completed her daily tasks. She sighed. There were so many things in her life that were troubling her. So many things she was confused about. So many things were more important than Mrs. Smither's ode to the propriety to running a manor. She studied the day outside.

The sky that fell over the English countryside was a vibrant blue, and the little wisps and tuffs of clouds hovering over the tree-tops made her think of the tips of ocean waves. There was new life everywhere from the not so uncommon rain that accompanies springtime in England. Wild flowers shot up everywhere bringing vibrancy along the stone wall that lined the ground of the huge acreage.

The Manor was called "Heskin Hall" in honor of the Lord James R. Heskin who founded it. Lord Heskin was Stephanie's grandfather, and was in his late-sixties. He was her confidant and his favorite companion. Ever since his granddaughter was small, he'd always been glad to entertain her whenever matters brought her to the manor. He remained her truest supporter throughout her family's troubles. The thought of her grandfather comforted her. However, her grandfather was sadly away in London occupied with the worrying matters of the second world war. Her grandfather's return was more then three weeks away and leaving her to her imagination and to the large manor that had many twists, turns, and surprises.

Stephanie's attention hopelessly turned across the grounds. There he was the most beautiful horse she'd ever be able to imagine. The large stallion was silky, polished and muscular, with long legs and a fine-boned intelligent head. His mane and tail were a bright auburn and his healthy glossy coat was deep liver chestnut; a true beauty. Stephanie often gazed at this stallion from the manor windows, wishing more then anything that she could have the chance to ride him someday.

She could picture herself on his back. Racing over the pastures, splashing through rivers and jumping anything in her path. This horse with his elegant action and smooth gaits would feel as if she was gliding, flying even. They would make a great team, and he would carry her off into a wonderful world of adventure. From the time she was little, she'd loved horses. Living in London she'd never had a horse of her own. Her father, O.R. was supposedly an experienced horseman, who'd been raised on an island full of horses. Over the years, Stephanie had heard countless stories of her father's courage and ability with horses. Never knowing her father, her mother had filled her mind with their youthful stories of the love and short life they'd shared together.

Lost in thoughts of her mother, a large black crow landed on the window's ledge, cawing loudly and startling her. Gasping out loud, jolting herself out of her thoughts. Accidentally knocking an old coat wrack which fell over sending a box of old silverware crashing to the floor. Stephanie sucked in her breath because she knew she'd disturbed the lecturing Mrs. Smithers below.

'humph! My word what was that disturbance. I shall not be having these disturbances in this house." piped Mrs. Smithers as she marched out of the staff room and towards the attic steps. Stephanie could hear her hurried steps as the plump Mrs. Smithers made her way.

"Mrs. Smithers! Oh Mrs. Smithers…" Evangeline called after her. She knew very well that Stephanie enjoyed spending time in the old attic, along with all the things forgotten in this house. "Mrs. Smithers please allow me to see to this disturbance. For I am sure it ought to be just the cat fetching some mice."

"Mice! There are no mice in this manor, oh no!" exclaimed Mrs. Smithers who was very agitated. She didn't take kindly to any sort of surprise.

"Right, well I shall be happy to see to it. You're so very busy preparing us all for the stately dinner." Evangeline explained. She knew it was a good idea to butter Mrs. Smithers up. "You're so very knowledgeable and we need you! This entire manor needs you to show us the proper way to polishing', and waitin'and …"

"That will do Evangeline for you are quite right, clearly you lot would be cast from your posts if it weren't for me." beamed Mrs. Smithers. "Please see to the attic and then return to us at once".

"Very well Mrs. Smithers, Thank-you" replied Evangeline as she watched Mrs. Smithers turn on her heels and back to the rest of the staff. Letting out a sigh she made her way up the creaky attic stairs. When she arrived in the attic, the silverware was strewn across the floorboards but Stephanie was no where in sight. Suddenly the sound of a tiny sneeze broke the silence of the steamy attic. "Miss Stephanie, it is I, Evangeline. Do come out dear girl".

Stephanie emerged from behind a stack of old clothing boxes. "Oh Evangeline, I am terribly sorry."

"No need to worry now lets get these put back away" Evangeline said as she began collecting the silverware off the floor. "Any word about your mother Miss Stephanie?"

"No, Evangeline I haven't. Grandfather said that he would send word as soon as he knew anything of significance." Her mother had taken a post as a military nurse, she always had a strong sense of duty to help and protect others. Stephanie had been sent from her home in London to the family manor for protection. Recently, the German army had begun to send bombs to England. London being the Centreville was no longer a safe place. Stephanie worried a great deal for her family. After all she'd never known her father, all she had was her grandfather and mother.

Evangeline gazed at her young friend. Slim and Slender, and auburn-haired. Evangeline had grown very fond of the leggy passionate teenager. Stephanie was what Evangeline described as the "hum of life", always so creative, and inquisitive. Even though she missed her mother and grandfather she'd remained strong in front of everyone. Evangeline knew that the girl had a yearning for something; she was missing something in her life. She could see the worry in Stephanie's eyes. She wished she could spend the rest of the day with her but she had to return to the staff meeting.

"Stephanie, dinner time is almost upon us. You should return to your room and ready yourself for dinner. I will see you this evening" Evangeline instructed

"Thank-you Evangeline, I look forward to our meeting" Stephanie replied hugging Evangeline and then leaving her to her duties.

After dinner Stephanie waited and waited for Evangeline. Soon learning that Mrs. Smithers had sent Evangeline to a neighboring manor to fetch some draperies. Delighted to find a package and small note from Evangeline waiting outside her bedroom door; She quickly tore the letter open and began to read.

Stephanie,

I am sorry that Mrs. Smithers sent me away on errands this evening. I found this package while sorting through boxes in the attic. Mrs. Smithers wanted thee summer draperies, but I was unable to find them. However, I found this and I'm sure that its contents will interest you. It seems to be a box of children's trinkets. I know you're fond of things forgotten. I hope that this box contains some treasures that will comfort you in your family's absence. I shall see you in the morning, sleep well my darling friend.

Love, Evangeline

Stephanie stared at the package for a moment before tearing the lid off. The contents of the box were like exploring a new world. There were photographs of her mother as a child. A small boy appeared in many of the photographs. She checked the back for a name, but found none. She imagined that the boy was her father. There also was a small sketch book filled with drawings of an exotic landscape and different animals. Then something caught her eye at the bottom of the package. Something appeared to be glowing. She reached in and retrieved a small folded white handkerchief. Something was radiating from within the folds of the fabric. She gently unfolded it until she held a small charm bracelet and silver locket in her right palm. She inspected the bracelet further, and admired each charm that clung to it. The charms were no bigger then the end of her pinkie finger but were extravagant. There was a lion with jeweled gold eyes, a castle with green windows, a unicorn, a tree, a coat of arms and finally a crown. It was the most beautiful charm bracelet she thought. The locket was of equal beauty, oval shaped and silver. The locket had some sort of emblem engraved in it. A lion crouching with the letter N in its mouth, there was also some sort of inscription but she could not read it. She fiddled with the locket but could not open it. She shrugged her shoulders and continued to examine each piece. Neither the locket nor bracelet was the least bit tarnished.

Stephanie struggled with the clasps of both pieces before she managed to have both on. What a splendid treasure, she couldn't wait to share them with Evangeline. Stephanie decided she would sneak up to the attic where she could gaze at the stars and watch for Evangeline to return.

Stephanie found a candle and lit it. She didn't want to be waking Mrs. Smithers at this hour for she was in her charge while her grandfather was away. Stephanie managed to get into the attic with few creaks from the stairs.

She pulled an old wool blanket from a trunk and curled up in the seat of the picture window. She gazed across the grounds where the stallion's coat was reflecting the moonlight. She sighed deeply at the beauty of the night. Stephanie also admired the locket and bracelet as it too caught the moonlight and glimmered. She sat there waiting for hours until she drifted into a peaceful sleep.