Disclaimer: Don't own it. I'm in therapy as we speak…
Chapter One
The rain poured down, drenching everything (as rain tends to do). The Narnians on the wall gazed into the drizzle, keeping a wary eye open for any travelers. And in the distance, just beyond the sight of the watchers, there was such a traveler. She was, taller than most women, with long black hair that curled attractively about her waist. She trudged through the mud grumpily, eyeing the castle before her angrily. I hate rain. She thought. It's cold, wet, and completely miserable. Her thoughts continued on in such a manner until she was finally below the towering walls and sighted by the Narnians.
"Hey! You down there! State your name and business at Cair Paravel!" one called, peering down at her.
"My name is Charis, and I come with a grave message for the High King concerning the lands to the North!" She called, briskly shaking droplets of water out of her eyes.
The Narnian frowned down at her. "Not so, lady! Surely the giants could not have forgotten the lesson King Peter taught them so quickly!"
"I didn't say this concerned the giants!" She called back with a cold glare. "Oh for goodness sakes, you can let me in out of the rain at least can't you?"
The Narnian conferred with his partner for a moment then nodded down at her briefly. "Hold on a moment, Lady Charis. We'll have it open in a moment."
She smiled up at him, pretending to be grateful as the wide gates swung inward and the soldier from above motioned her in.
"We'll give you a bed for the night and pass your request to meet with the King along to his aide. Do you require anything else, my lady?"
Charis shook her head, and the Narnian smiled. "Good. Welcome to Cair Paravel."
The next morning dawned bright and sunny, (perhaps a little wet in some places, but in general it was apleasant weather) and the castle was a flurry of activity. For today, their new queen arrived. The city was at it's best, each and every stone polished until it gleamed in the sunlight, as all eagerly awaited the arrival of the Princess Serena from Archenland. Susan and Lucy made there way across the courtyard, dodging fauns with trays of food for the celebration that evening, birds that constantly flitted about, hanging banners here and there, and mighty centaurs who were to form the honor guard as the princess entered.
"Oh, where are those three?" Lucy grumbled, staring about the crowd around her "The boys have got to be here somewhere!"
"Probably on the walls." Susan surmised, quickly scanning the battlements "Peter will want to watch for Serena and Edmund and James can't be far from him."
Minutes later, Lucy found that her sister's logic was indeed correct, when they found all three on the walls, Peter's eyes focused on the horizon.
"Morning girls." Edmund said with a nod in their direction "How are you?"
"Fine." Susan said, "You?"
"I'm fine." Edmund said, a cheeky grin on his face "Peter's nervous."
Peter's head jerked up and he glared at his little brother. "I am not!"
"He's been pacing." James commented dryly, earning a glare from Peter. "And muttering to himself."
"Oh, pacing and muttering are we?" Lucy teased, "It must be serious."
Peter rolled his eyes, "That's right, because those are sure signs that I'm nervous beyond compare."
Suddenly there was a large cry from one of the griffins hovering above the crowds at Cair Paravel. "She comes! The queen approaches!"
The crowd burst into cheers and the Narnians scuttled into place, each jostling for the first glimpse of Narnia's queen-to-be.
"How close are they friend?" Edmund yelled to the scout barely heard over the excited squeals and grunts of the creatures below.
The griffin cocked his head slightly, and stared toward the south. "I'd say a league to go at most, Your Majesties. They should come into sight momentarily."
Peter instantly whirled and scanned the horizon eagerly. Sure enough after a moment, a large party of riders appeared in the distance riding leisurely toward Cair Paravel.
'Oh, come on you love-sick twit!" Edmund laughed "Lets go down to the gate and meet her, before you drive me to insanity."
"I thought Lucy had already done that, Ed." Peter said, dodging a punch aimed his way as he dashed down the stairs.
James shook his head. "He's like a child at Christmas." Lucy laughed and pulled her husband closer, as they looked down as the Archenlander's party trotted in, and Peter gently pulled Serena from her horse, and into a soft kiss.
"But it is wonderful to see." She sighed "They're going to be so happy."
AN: Well here is the new one, as promised. Enjoy, and special points to whoever figures out what this Charis girl is up to!