Narnia, spring 1002

Three years had passed since the defeat of the Witch, and now the Four led the country into peacetime. Spring was approaching and the woods danced—literally—with the blossoms of colorful flowers and fruits. As lively as Paravel was, however, the monarchs were sitting in the depths of the castle in High Council, discussing their next step.

High King Peter sat on a chair, tossing pieces of paper at his royal brother, who didn´t hesitate in tossing them back from his own chair. Both Queens sat on a sofa, one knitting, and the other longing to join her brothers in their tossing game.

Susan, glaring at her brothers, decided it was time to get down to business.

"Pete, Ed, is it true that Jadis' allies have been eradicated?"

"As much as a weed can be," replied Peter.

"Aid has been given to most citizens. Neighbors helped reconstruct Beaversdam, the rivers and naiads run without problems, and all seem happy. An army has been gathered, right?" asked Lucy, who always knew of the whereabouts of her people.

"Yes, but it's rather unorganized. Most who fought in Beruna didn´t stay in the army," replied Edmund. "Anyway, a constant stream of all kind of creatures are coming to join."

"The castle is being repaired as well. There are many rooms to clean, but it is good enough. Court is established, and we are researching old laws in very old documents. We must revise them thoroughly but as there are little to no cases, it is not an urgent matter."

"So, a militia and a court have been established, aid has been sent to those who need it, the castle is being repaired, and the Witch's allies have been eradicated. What's next?" asked Peter.

"I think—"

"Well, that's not exactly new, Susan," Edmund cut in.

After an eye roll and a resounding SMACK of her hand atop his head, Susan continued, "We should start relations with other nations."

Silence.

"I think you are right, Su, it's quite the time to go abroad," agreed Edmund, "but, well, we don´t really know where to start, do we?"

"It makes sense," Lucy agreed as she beamed at the thought of the adventures she might be having in the future. "Merchants have already come, gone, and come back. Yes, it's time to do some state visits, or however they are called."

"Lucy, you are amazing! We could summon some merchants to gather information about the other countries in this word," Susan praised.

"I'll consult our books. Perhaps I can find more information or histories about these countries," suggested Edmund.

"It´s settled then," concluded Peter, standing up and stretching himself. "We are exploring abroad!"

"Oh, wait, we aren't done here!" Susan exclaimed.

"Come on, Su!"

"No, you aren't going anywhere," Edmund said as Lucy forced her oldest brother to sit—and remain sitting. "You are still injured from the last raid"

"We should also make a map, you know, to settle borders," Edmund proposed from his relaxed position. Then he added with a slight chuckle "Of course, first we must learn where the borders are."

"Sometimes I wonder why no country has ever come to visit. Specially Archenland –Is that its name? – that's so close." said Lucy

"Narnia was ruled by a cruel unhuman witch for a hundred years," said Edmund "You can't expect people to cross the Narnian borders only because the land defrosted. I think the Archenlanders know exactly where their country ends, but they don't want to risk crossing the frontier."

"Going back to making an official map, I suppose gryphons could help us with that."

"Peter, you know they will help us willingly, but how are they to draw what they see?" Lucy asked.

"Well, I could ride one—if they allow me, of course—and then try to draw some kind of map."

"No one would dare to question your fantastic drawing abilities, Su," remarked, rather sarcastically, our beloved dark-haired king.

"Oh, shut up, Ed, why don't you go, if your drawing abilities are as fantastic as you imply?"

"My most royal sister, how could I imply such a thing? My drawing skills are, by no means, better as yours –and that's saying something– but Lucy's are."

"Oh, Ed, you flatter me, but –"

"He's right Lucy," Peter told her, "The garden at sunset you painted was downright amazing."

"Maybe I could try, but first we must know where the borders are."

"Let's investigate tomorrow," Peter announced. "I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry!" was the synchronized reply of Peter's three siblings.