Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: When the General took the day off, it was not without its challenges.

A/N: This story is part of my A Light in the Darkness universe. Enjoy!

When the General Took the Day Off

Part One

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18 Sunbend 1008

I didn't look up as Ardon stepped into my study. "Ardon."

"Oreius, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to find you in here even though the hour grows late."

I frowned at the report as I mumbled, "It is my study. Why wouldn't I be here?"

Ardon set two more reports down on my desk. "I merely thought Alambiel would be able to persuade you to at least lessen the number of times you spend all night working on reports and such."

I snorted, "You mean that is what Alithia was hoping."

"She has a point, you know."

And her current delicate condition had only made her more demanding. Of course, she did not approve of the fact that I did not protest or at least hurry along the patrol that lasted six weeks. I continued going over the report from the latest patrol along the Northern border. "Good night, Ardon."

Ardon chuckled as he left. "Good night, Oreius."

I'd just finished issuing the orders for the three patrols set to leave the Cair over the next week when I realized what I had, indeed, forgotten. Oh no. Alambiel.

She was still in the solarium next to the main library, reading. I hid a wince as I noticed the wine decanter and two wine glasses sitting untouched on the far table. She never drank alone, so I wasn't surprised to see her place a mug of either coffee or hot chocolate (if I knew her at all, it was most likely the latter) on the small side table next to the settee as she looked over her shoulder at me. "Alambiel, forgive me. I-"

"Forgot. Yes, I figured out that you forgot our date about three hours ago." She shook her head before she stood and, turning around, gave me an unfathomable look. "Paperwork or meeting, Kentauri?"

I shuffled my hooves, wishing there was no need for the question. "Paperwork."

Alambiel shook her head again as she moved toward me, murmuring softly, "You know, I never thought I would say this, but I think I detest your paperwork more than I detest my own." I caught a glimpse of hurt in her eyes as she walked past me. "Good night, Oreius."

I let her go, feeling as though I had committed the worst offense imaginable…it wasn't bad enough that I had missed this rendezvous, this was the fourth time in a row that I had left her waiting due to either paperwork or a meeting run overlong. Something I certainly should not have done considering how I had hurt her when we were in the Seven Isles a few months ago. I stamped a hoof, thoroughly annoyed with myself. I had to do something to make up for it all, but- Frowning, I considered the half-formed idea. It might work. I nodded as the idea continued growing, and it was something that would surprise my Alambiel. I quickly left the solarium, already formulating a list of what was needed in order to achieve a successful execution of my plan.

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A/N: Please Read and Review! Hmm, what do you think? Will Oreius pull off his plan? Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.