Hey everybody. This is my first fanfic, so I really appreciate reviews and constructive criticism. However, constructive criticism is not bashing somebody's story, so NO FLAMES PLEASE!!! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the first chapter.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my characters, which is Aristella at this point. All else belongs to C.S. Lewis and Disney/Walden Media.


Chapter 1- Harvest Moon

… The Keep, a strong defensive fortress, usually has a secure and durable exoskeleton composed of several layers…

I studied the text and sighed. When I had signed up for Medieval History as a minor at the Institute of Art in London, I had no idea that it would be so… boring. I thought it would be all interesting battles for glory and the light; like the ones that nice old man had told me about.

Flashback:

The scary lady was bustling all of the people about, including my parents and me. Being an inquisitive 10-year old, I could not help but become cross at her for rushing us through the tour, like we did not belong. Well, excuse me for coming here. If you don't like us here, then don't offer tours.

I snuck off like a mouse, exploring rooms in depth, which I'm sure that old bat would not have let us do. I crept around the old house while giggling at the cleverness of my plan, until I ran into a warm, solid object. It was an old man.

The Professor was actually quite a nice man. He invited me to his office for tea. When he found out I was interested in tales of old, he began describing battles of glory and of holy wars.

I was entranced. Even when the crotchety housekeeper came up complaining about a lost child, I did not look away from the professor. I did not turn away until I heard another small child enter. The young girl, about eight I would say, ran towards the Professor for comfort. All I could hear from the mumbling a bubbling was "…think I'm lying…Narnia…faun named Mr. Tumnus…" Before another three children burst in…

End Flashback

"Ari, Steve's having some people over at his house; do you want to come?" my sister, Gwyn (actually Gwyneth), popped her head into my room, before retracting it in disgust. My room was not suited to her tastes. If she had her way, Gwyn would paint my room shades of bubblegum pink and chartreuse, a bubbly room for her shallow personality.

"Can't, have to study for the finals," I replied, trying to lace my answer with regret and resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

"God, you need to get a life," she rolled her eyes as she departed. I stuck out my tongue at her then berated myself for doing so. It was unladylike conduct and not what Gran and Dad would have approved of. If they were here, I thought bitterly.

No matter, I thought to myself as I palmed the small ring that hung in the hollow of my neck. The ring, a head of a lion with a ruby in its mouth, had been my Gran's until now.

Tonight I was going stargazing, or more to the point, moon gazing. Tonight was to be a harvest moon. Something like this, though not rare, was a treat during times like these. The eerie orange glow of the moon creeped some people out, but I loved the rich hues of pumpkin and peach that came out at these times. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to paint.

I loved to paint. It filled the dark voids in my mind and soul. It cloaked all my senses from the outside. While painting, there was no war-stricken London, no soldiers being shipped home in coffins, no children finding their grandmother's house blown to bits…

I stood and rid my head of any leftover morbid thoughts.
There would be time to grieve after the harvest moon. After smoothing my long skirt free of wrinkles, I straightened my peasant blouse and put on my boots. I retrieved my cheap, patched telescope from in my closet and headed out to our tiny backyard with a sketchpad in hand.

By the time I had properly set up the telescope, the moon had risen and been up for an hour. As I admired it through the telescope, a shooting star passed by the lens, casting a glittering streak of light across the smoky sky, like a rip of hope through the war-struck heavens.

Electricity had been rationed, so now I was desperately squinting at my charcoal sketch by the light of the moon. I wished so much for more light so that I could see what I was doing. All of a sudden, the area around me turned bright.
Expecting a constable, I turned around, only to find no one there. It was then I realized that the light was radiating from the ruby in the lion's mouth. Panicking, I went to grab it and rip it from the chain. However, the second my hand closed around the ring, a bright flash blinded my eyes, and I could see no more.


Yeah...it's a bit short. I have the first 5 or so chapters written up, so it's just a matter of time when it comes to typing them up and posting them. I'll try and get them up faster, though, if I get a good reception. :)

Review please!