A/N: This isn't long, but I hope it'll tide y'all over until I know just what I'm doing with the sequel(s) to KoV.
God bless,
-AoR
The Garden
I opened my eyes to see rich green leaves in place of the expected gray stone of my room's ceiling. I sat up and looked around. The bed, four posts, curtain and all, sat upon lush green grass in the middle of a garden. The sun shone brightly in a clear blue sky, and birds sang and soared overhead.
I climbed out of bed and began to explore the garden. The beautiful green grass felt soft and comfortable under my feet, rather like a perfect carpet. The garden was filled with lovely fruits, many of which- strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, watermelons- are easy to describe. There were also many bushes and trees bearing fruits I had never seen before, nor since.
"It seems a shame to let such lovely fruit go to waste. I suppose it will make quite the breakfast."
I picked an apple, a watermelon, and a handful of strawberries, and made my seat at the foot of a large orange tree. Thankful that the dagger ever-present on my person was still there, I said a quiet prayer and sliced the watermelon open. It was such a perfect shade of pink that it seemed other-worldly. The first bite was magnificent. Wet, juicy, refreshing and sweet- everything one expects of a good watermelon. But this was so superior to any other that they make a very poor comparison. Rather like a dream thing to a waking one, or a mirror image to the true one.
"Good, isn't it?"
I started to my feet, only to see a beautiful woman standing before me. She was clothed in a dress of purple and gold, and wore no shoes- one had no need of them in the garden. Her chestnut hair fell almost to her waist, and she had piercing green eyes. The sort of eyes you could stare into forever, without even knowing you're staring. They were filled with kindness and wisdom and love.
"It is indeed, my lady."
She smiled the loveliest smile I have yet seen.
"I thought you might enjoy it."
"Forgive me lady, but who are you?"
"I am the keeper of this garden. My name is Wisdom."
"Then this is your fruit? I apologise for eating without your permission."
"No, the fruit is not mine. It is here by Aslan's decree for any who would choose to eat it. I merely tend it for Him, that those who come might fully partake in what He would give them."
"I must say, you do a magnificent job Lady Wisdom."
Her laugh was sweet and soft and golden, hushing even the birds above in awe as it rang through the garden.
"Thank you Martin. There are those who would disagree with you."
"You know my name?"
"Indeed. Aslan told me you were coming."
"But how did I come here?"
"Did I not tell you that the fruit is here for any who would choose to eat? Aslan has answered your prayers Martin! Here is knowledge and discernment and joy! Will you not eat?"
"I shall."
She smiled again.
"That is well, for you shall never forget what you learn here, and I shall remain with you always."
With that she vanished, and I returned to my breakfast, and then my bed. I have not seen Lady Wisdom from that day to this, but I have seen the results of Her presence and her fruit, in me and in my Kings and Queens. I thank Aslan every day that He gives me Wisdom when I but ask for it.
James 1:5: "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
