Disclaimer: I do not own Narnia or any of the inhabitants therein. I wouldn't be putting the kings through this if I did…at least, I think I wouldn't.
Lady Ariella woke at the precisely perfect hour of two hours before dawn. It was perfect when one planned to travel that day because it allowed one time to practice one's swordplay before breakfast (practice of all sports was normally done in either early morning or late evening so that the sun would not mar her perfect complexion) as well as plenty of time to dress and pack. She pulled a elegantly tailored tunic over her head an slid a loose pair of pants on her legs. Mary braided her hair in several plaits and bound it firmly to her head. It would never do to have one's hair catching in one's sword.
For exactly one hour Lady Ariella practiced, first with one sword, then with two, with sword and shield and with bow and arrow. After that time, she went inside to eat a delicate breakfast of two pieces of lightly toasted bread, a soft-boiled egg, and five strawberries. By the time she finished eating, only two hours remained before the stated departure time. She rose to return to her room and oversee her packing but was stopped in the doorway by a most unwelcome person. The suitor who had come the previous night was there, blocking her exit and bowing in a most servile manner.
"Your ladyship must pardon my intrusion," he began. "It was only the rumor of your most wonderf…"
"Why must I pardon your intrusion?" Lady Ariella demanded. Her tone was not friendly, but nor was it quite cold. True it was rude to interrupt, but a lady has rights in some areas.
"I fear I have offended you. Pleas accept my most humble a…"
"Answer my question please. If I am to pardon you, I must know why you think I am obligated to do so."
"It was rumor of you great wisdom and beauty that brought me here, most excellent lady. I could not leave without knowing if what I have been told was true. Has not one of the poets said 'A…"
"I care not what your poets said. You have seen me; are you convinced?"
"I am overwhelmed your ladyship. None that I have seen could compare…"
"Good. Now you may go," Lady Ariella swept elegantly past the tarkaan and then stopped and turned back toward him. "Oh. And tell any others that you meet coming hither with a similar purpose to your own that Lady Ariella Thalia Raven will no longer be receiving suitors. Even now I prepare to leave for my wedding."
Once back in her room, Lady Ariella began the delicate task of choosing the proper gowns to take. Sarai informed her that the elder of the two queens was said to be an archer, so she packed a tunic and leggings to wear if the occasion demanded it. Dresses were harder to choose. Of course all of them would come to Narnia eventually but she must have exactly the right dress to awe and inspire this "High King Peter the Magnificent." For her grand entrance, she finally settled on a emerald green dress (to bring out her eyes) trimmed with gold (to match her hair). The sleeves were fitted to the elbow and then flared out to show a rich gold undersleeve. The skirt likewise was split to show the golden petticoat. It was fitted exactly to her, neither to loose nor to snug. The neckline was not too low, but perfect when one curtsied at the proper angle. A gold necklace and headdress, both set with emeralds completed the outfit.
Thirty minutes before the appointed time, Lady Ariella summoned fifty knights and ordered them to appear before her fully armed and ready for a week or more of travel before half an hour passed. As expected, they complied. In addition to the knights, Lady Ariella took eight ladies-in-waiting, twenty-five squires with as many pages, six cooks, twenty pack horses and their drivers, and three dogs. There would be no doubt about her wealth if she had her way.
Two weeks after setting out, Lady Ariella and her party crossed the border of Narnia. She was slightly surprised to see animals talking and trees walking but hid it well. Her servants she commanded to speak to the inhabitants and learn all that they could about Narnia's High King. She could not lower herself to speak to such lowly subjects until she knew how the sovereigns of this land treated them. Everything she heard about High King Peter only heightened her desire to have him for husband. He was tall and broadchested, she was told, had light brown hair tinted with gold (a perfect complement for hers) and deep penetrating eyes. He was the greatest swordsman of all the lands, could defeat six men barehanded, and outrun an antelope. Of his younger brother she also heard good things, but her mind was set on the High King. Surely she had finally found a mate worthy of her beauty and wisdom. And it would be good to be known as the "High Queen"
On the day of the grand arrival, Lady Ariella dressed with especial care. Her dress was donned and the necklace settled exactly right. She timed her entrance for late in the evening, the time when she was told that the sunset light poured through the doors of Cair Paravel, the castle on the eastern edge of the sea. She would arrive, surrounded by a brilliant halo and the kings would be overawed by her beauty. With her wisdom and wit she would capture the High King and then with her wealth, win over his siblings. Everything was planned perfectly.
And then the rain began. Coverings were hastily erected over Lady Ariella but not fast enough to keep her completely dry. No matter, Lady Ariella thought, her disheveled appearance would surely breed sympathy among the High King's sisters. So it was that an hour after supper, Lady Ariella and her most handsome knights swept into the castle of Cair Paravel.
"Lady Ariella Thalia Raven!"
Her steps were perfectly measured, soft and quiet, her curtsey graceful and precise. Nothing marred the elegance of her arrival but the one braid that insisted on falling into her face.
"The High King Peter, Queen Susan, King Edmund, and Queen Lucy, Sovereigns of Narnia by the grace of Aslan that great son of the Emperor Over the Sea," cried the same faun who had announced Lady Ariella.
"Your majesties," Lady Ariella said, tuning her voice to its most pleasing pitch.
"Lady Ariella, you are welcome in our court. We trust that your travel was untroubled?"
The High King's voice was everything Lady Ariella had imagined and more. His appearance to was wonderful. None of the tales she had heard did him justice in her mind. However, she steadfastly refused to let her gaze wander to the graceful queen who sat at his side. A single glance had shown her to be extremely beautiful and Lady Ariella did not wish to let the slightest hint of any emotion besides love to cross her face.
"My travel was untroubled, High King. All difficulties have been more than repaid by the sight of you and your royal consorts."
A slight cough came from her left and Lady Ariella allowed a brief glance in that direction. The younger king seemed to be having some sort of respiratory problems. Perhaps an offer of assistance would not be amiss.
"Is your majesty ill?" Lady Ariella asked. "If you are troubled by illness, I have several able doctors among my followers. They may be able to offer you a remedy."
The coughing increased for a moment and another echoed from the other side.
"Your offer is most gracious, lady," King Edmund finally answered. "However, we fear that our illness is not one that can be cured. We find that the presence of certain things causes our person to have some difficulty with breathing. The assistance of your physicians will not be required."
"As you wish, King Edmund."
"Now, my lady, as it is late, you must be tired. Twitterpatter here will escort you to your rooms where you will be able to refresh yourself and take some refreshment if you so desire. Twitterpatter!"
To Lady Ariella's surprise, a large brown squirrel bounded out from the wings of the Great Hall and bowed low before her.
"This way, my lady!" he shrilled, pointing to her right.
Disappointed that her objective was not yet achieved but certain of her ultimate success, Lady Ariella curtsied (perfectly) and allowed herself to be led away. Tomorrow was another day.
A/N—Once again, thanks to Electrum for allowing me to use the ideas in "They Also Serve." If you haven't read that and "Into the West," you should. Also, I think I am going to write a companion piece to this on what Lady Ariella didn't know. :-)
Next chapter: The Codex Consors