A/N: My own personal belief concerning the reign of the Pevensies is that they reigned for about fifty or so years. C. S. Lewis hardly would have used the term "Golden Age" (LWW) to describe so short a period as fifteen years. Caspian declares that they reigned for "ever so long". Both of these statements lead me to the conclusion stated above.

Also, I believe the Four are under Aslan's special blessing as His appointed rulers. This includes, to my mind, a longer lifespan and youth than normal. Therefore, even after a fifty year reign, the Pevensies are still at the peak of physical health and vitality. This story (and those preceding it) are based on these two ideas.

The Peridanson family belongs to ThalionKing'sDaughter.

Kanell, Xati, and Celer belong to elecktrum.

Lion keep you all,

-AoR

Time Well Spent

Chapter One

I was standing out on the veranda of my room, sipping my morning tea, and looking over the horizon as the sun rose. The sky turned from pink to orange to blue as the lamp only Aslan can light came up over the sea. I turned back to my desk and began sorting through the miscellaneous papers Mervin had left for my personal viewing. Breakfast had consisted of bacon, an egg over-easy, and several pancakes smothered in butter.

As my eyes drifted over the pages, I heard the door open, and the ruffle of skirts.

"Getting the dishes already? Starting a little early, aren't you?"

"I suppose I am early, but I'm not here for the dishes."

I turned in surprise to see Queen Lucy standing before me. I bowed promptly.

"I beg your pardon Your Majesty. I thought you were Saendra."

"Disappointed?"

"Not at all. It's always good to see you Lucy. Although I can't help but wonder, what brings you here so early?"

"I thought that we might perhaps go visit Jaer and Ariella this afternoon, if you'd care to? I haven't yet seen their new grand-baby."

"I'd be honoured to Lu. Name the time."

"Noon?"

"I'll meet you at the stables."

Jaer and Ariella were fine parents with lovely children. These children had equally beautiful descendants. Over a happy tea, Lucy cooed over the precious young boy in Ariella's arms. The absolute, unabashed joy on Ariella's face was lovely, and Lucy had a look of longing in her eyes.

After a two hour visit, a promise to be back to the Cair by dusk forced us to leave. The afternoon sun shone brightly as it filtered gaily through the leaves, giving the whole forest a lovely green hue as we rode along. It wasn't often I had Lucy all to myself, and I couldn't help but wonder why she'd asked me to come along.

"You're wondering why I asked you to come, aren't you?"

"Well, yes. I'm pleased beyond explaining, but I am curious."

"I just wanted to spend some time with a good friend. We don't spend enough time together, and I should like to change that. Ever since you turned up at court thirty-eight years ago you've been faithful to the point of death. You're a good man Martin, and I'm blessed to know you."

"Lucy, I-"

Before I could finish, her horse reared at a snake in the undergrowth, and threw her hard onto her back before galloping off. I leapt down from Lady Grey to help her.

"Lion's mane! Are you alright?"

"I think so, but I'm afraid I've sprained my ankle."

"Here, put your arms 'round my neck."

As I picked her up, our eyes met. Her hair fell about her shoulders, careless, loose, and lovely. I sat her on Lady Grey, and led her back to the Cair. When we arrived about 8 o'clock, Susan came bounding down the steps.

"Where on earth have you been? Lucy, are you alright?"

"I'm fine Su. Just a sprained ankle, nothing more."

"We'll soon see about that!"

I helped her off of Arod, and carried her to the infirmary. Susan, Greenleaf, Mrs. Beaver, and a pair of nyads began poking and prodding Lucy with such earnestness that I decided to take my leave.

I returned an hour later,and found her half-sitting against the headboard with her leg raised slightly to help the circulation. As I strode up she smiled, its brightness rivaling the stars.

"Thank you Martin."

"It was nothing Your Majesty."

"It was -is- a great deal to me."

I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"You are more than welcome. Just get well soon, will you?"

She laughed gaily.

"I shall certainly try!"

As I turned down the hallway I knew what I had suspected for several years. Whether or not it was reciprocated, I loved the Queen Valiant with my whole heart.

"What the devil is wrong with you Martin? All you've done is stare out the window the past half hour! Chess is no fun when your opponent isn't even playing. I mean really, if you're going to let me win you could at least disguise it better!"

"I apologise, King Edmund. I've something on my mind."

"I can see that. What's troubling you?"

"I find myself realising -feelings- for a young lady. I don't know if she cares, or whether I am even worthy of her. I simply know I love her, and would sacrifice everything short of my soul for her."

"You mean Lu?"

I stared at him, jaw gaping, for a long moment.

"Anyone who spends two minutes together with you two can see it, Martin. You go goo-goo eyed the moment she steps in the room. Indeed, your face takes a hue generally known as "beet red" whenever you are in her presence. Why don't you just tell her?"

"I'm not worthy."

"Tosh! You yourself have said you'd give almost anything for her -and backed it up on numerous occasions- and I can't think of anyone Peter and I would rather put up with as her suitor. We actually like you, you know, and might be able to stomach the thought of her marrying you."

He winked laughingly.

"At least you're better than most of the fops we've had trying to marry her. Just go and tell her, will you? And while you're on your way, would you send Peter in here to play?"

Mrs. Beaver was watching over her when I reached the infirmary, having just taken watch from an exhausted Susan.

"How is she?"

"She seems to be sleeping peacefully. The swelling should go down within a week, and she should be walking within a few days."

"Shall I take watch? I can sleep just as comfortably in the chair as I can in my bed."

It was a lie, but a convincing one, I thought. Mrs Beaver smiled.

"If you like Sir Martin. Good night to you."

The kindly beaver shuffled off to her guest chamber, and I took my seat beside the bed. I reached over and brushed a strand of hair away from Lucy's face. Oh Beloved. How often has she lived up to her title, and indeed, to her name. I am told that Lucy means "light" in one of the ancient tongues. Always joyful and bright, never doubting, never once faltering in her faith. Hope is her constant virtue, as much a part of her as her arms or teeth. I leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

"Martin?"

"Lucy! I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"

"No, no, that's alright. I wanted to see you. We didn't get to finish our conversation earlier."

I nodded dumbly.

"Martin. I- Well, you've been wonderful to me all these years. You've certainly risked your life for me. And Susan. And Ed. And Peter. We've all come to love you, but I-"

She stopped, searching for the words that would properly convey her emotions. I looked into her eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes. Suddenly, I couldn't wait a moment longer.

"I love you!"

She stared at me a moment before giggling.

"You beat me to it!"

Another blinding smile and my heart melted completely. I knelt by the bed.

"Lucy, will you marry me?"