"The Lady Amelia, here to see High King Peter, has arrived."
This is the fourth this week! thought Susan. She was tired of these spoiled maidens chasing after her brother, after all, he deserved better than some spoiled duchess who only wanted the crown.
She walked into the garden, looking for Lucy. As the years had gone by, the two had become each other's best friend. She found her talking to a tree.
"Did you see her?" shrieked the younger of the two. "She's horribly stuck- up looking, isn't she? Peter would never want a girl like that… Hello Susan!"
"Hello Lucy. How do you know what sort of a girl Peter would want? He never talks about it."
"Oh," said Lucy. "That's easy! He keeps a list, I've seen it, in his study."
Susan was shocked! "Lu, that's prying, why would you do that?"
Lucy rolled her eyes. "I didn't find it on purpose! I was looking for the law book, and found that instead!"
Susan was intrigued. "What did it say?"
"I copied it when he was out riding, let's go get it!"
The two went into Lucy's room, a large, light blue paradise, just the sort of bedroom any girl would want.
"I think I put it in… oh, here it is!"
Susan went and sat in a soft, white chair, and Lucy sat on her blue and white rug.
"Go on, read it!" cried Susan.
"I will, calm yourself!" Lucy cleared her throat, and began.
"So that I will never be blinded by looks, I have chosen to write down exactly what I hope to find in a future bride:
I don't care what she looks like, I just want her to be happy with herself. I want her to love herself as much as she loves me, but not vain, just having self pride.
I want her to have hobbies, which don't involve me. I want an independent woman, who doesn't need me to function.
I want to marry a woman because I want her, not because I need her, and I would like her to feel the same way.
I want her to be open with me, and try not to play those stupid little mind games with me. I want her to be straight forward, and honest as much as she can.
I want her to be easy going, and child-like, that is, I want her to love life.
I want someone who will be strong and level headed in a crisis.
I want someone who will not run away from danger, but will take it as it is and accept it.
I do not need perfection, I just want someone who is herself, and will apologize when she realizes she has done wrong.
I want someone to love me for me, not for my crown, and that is what I truly want.
Signed, Peter Pevensie, High King of Narnia."
"Wow. " said Susan. "He's never going to find that in Lady Amelia!"
Lucy giggled. "I don't know where he will find it. There's not that many choices!"
"He'll find her somewhere, but I don't think he'll find her here." Sighed Susan.
"Then maybe he should stop looking here."
"Peter," said Susan, "We think it's time you got out of Cair Paravel, you know, see all that Narnia has to offer."
"Yeah, Peter. There's lots of fantastic towns and stuff all in Narnia. I think you should go too." Agreed Lucy.
"I'll think about it," said Peter. "but there's so much to do around here!"
Edmund took this opportunity to say his point of view. "I could do it, seeing as I'm now 15, and almost an adult. It could be, you know, a test, to show you that I'm just as responsible as you are."
Peter sighed. "I can see where I'm not needed…"
Lucy grinned. "So you'll go?"
"I guess so! How long shall I be on this little excursion?" laughed Peter.
"Oh, I don't know.." said Susan. "Three weeks, maybe?"
Peter stood. "That sounds fine. But I don't want any announcers, or fancy things. I'd rather just go incognito, if that doesn't bother anybody."
"Go ahead," said Edmund. "I'll take care of everything."
And so he did, for Peter left the next morning with a pack of clothes and food, planning to stop in a small town 50 miles down the coast.
The scenery was gorgeous, and Peter pondered the thought of choosing a wife.
I don't want a duchess, or a princess unless she is unafraid to be who she is. I wonder if I will ever find her? Or if I do find her, will I notice her before it's too late?
As Peter rode into town, he realized the something was different… no one was bowing to him! They seemed not to recognize him, which was just what he had wanted. He pulled his horse over, stopping at a Tavern called "The Fair Maid." Once inside, a friendly girl about his age led him to a seat, and asked him what he wanted, and did he need a menu?
"Yes, please. I've just arrived into town today." Said Peter, thankful that she didn't recognize him.
"Sure thing, I'll be back in a moment." She walked over to a door in the back of the room, and spoke to a large man that Peter assumed to be either her boss or father. He looked to be about fifty, with graying brown hair, and a full laugh.
He walked over to where Peter sat.
"My girl tells me you're new in town. Let me introduce myself, I am Daniel, owner of this fine establishment." He shook Peter's hand.
"It is very fine," said Peter, scanning the menu. "What do you recommend?"
Daniel yelled out to the girl that had seated Peter. "Rachel, bring this man the special!" He looked at Peter, and added, "on the house… and one for me as well!"
Rachel brought the drinks and meals shortly, a hearty mead and roasted lamb with potatoes. "Enjoy," she said with a smile. "Holler if you need anything, although…" she added, directing her comment at her father, "I'm sure you don't need me to remind you." Smirking as she walked away, Daniel laughed.
"She's a witty one, Rachel is. So, boy, what did you say your name was?"
Peter gulped his mead, wondering if he should tell the truth. Swallowing, he determined that these people seemed kind, and it would hardly be acceptable to lie,
"My name sir, is Peter, I am traveling from the Cair, where I work as a horseman." He said, telling where he was from, but not his true identity.
"The Cair? Wonderful, son, and how long will you be staying?"
Peter again wondered. "I'm not quite sure sir, a few weeks at least. I still need to find a place to stay." In his rush of finally getting Peter out of the castle, Ed had forgotten to book a room.
The older man chuckled. "You can always stay here! The Fair Maid always had a spare room or two."
"Thank you, sir." Said Peter. "How much per night?"
"We have our tenants work their stay in the kitchen. Rachel and her mother are the only help we have, as well as the occasional tenant. Right now we have a young man a little older than you appear to be. Maybe he can show you around town when he gets off his shift." Said Daniel. "Christian!"
A tall man with red hair stepped out from the kitchen, drying his hands with a stained towel. With long legs, he walked over to where Peter and Daniel sat.
"Hello," he said, shaking Peter's hand. "welcome!"
Peter smiled. "Nice to meet you."
Daniel spoke. "Peter will be staying with us for a spell. Why don't you show him around town with Rachel, while Lizzy prepares our dinner."
"Sure thing! Just give me a moment, I'll be right back." Christian walked away.
He was soon back, Rachel with him. The three made their way through the town, introducing Peter to many people.
"There's my sister, Claire. She and her husband run the mill by the river." Said Rachel. "That's where the tavern gets its bread… Oh! There's my good friend, Eric! The girl with him is called Ariel… I heard they got engaged, did you, Christian?"
Christian nodded. "I did, and wasn't surprised. I've noticed she's wearing her apron higher these days…" Rachel hit him. "Oh, stop! Love isn't something to be ashamed of."
She waved at the happy couple, who returned the greeting, and came over.
"Congratulations!" exclaimed Rachel, hugging her friends. "It's so exciting!"
"I know!" said Ariel. "I can't wait! Wait…" she said, noticing Peter. "Do I know you?"
Peter shrugged. "I don't believe we've met. Peter Pevensie, my lady." He said, extending his hand. Ariel took it, shaking her head at her fiancé. "such a gentleman! My, it may be the last one in Narnia! Quick!" she said to Rachel, grinning. "Get a painter!" The two women burst out laughing.
Eric rolled his eyes, along with Christian. Peter, blushing, suggested they head back to the tavern, for the sun was setting.
"Oh, right…" said Christian. "Care to join us?" he asked Eric and Ariel. They agreed, and the group walked back to The Fair Maid.
