I watched from the top of a house as the new King Caspian X, the Kings and Queens of Old, and Aslan came closer and closer to walking by me in the great parade. Celebrating was always fun, especially when you can laugh at the number of ridiculous people that might be watching the same parade as you. This particular parade was celebrating welcoming the royal line back into power, and the hope the Narnians brought. Once Aslan, who was at the front of the line, was no more than twenty meters away, I jumped down from the building and landed on the street, just barely missing the crowd of people. It was a good thing I was wearing pants.
I started sifting my way through the people, trying to get to the front. With a good mix of angered expressions for my pushiness, and quite a few blank expressions, I slipped out so I was standing in front of the crowd just before Aslan reached me. He looked me straight in the eye for a second, and then lightly nodded. I smiled a small smile and started walking next to him.
"You have done well, dear one. How are the two nations adjusting?" Aslan's deep voice was easily heard even over the screeching of young children who were throwing flowers everywhere.
"Well, they're adjusting. The fauns are widely accepted, and many of the animals are adored by the children, but the others are still … not as, well, accepted …" I trailed off, wishing I could help with their acceptance more. However, all that was needed now was time.
"Understandable. Do not fear child, they will all come to terms in their own time. How was your own journey? Did you find and bring back what I asked for?" He asked. I giggled.
"It was fun. I still think your light interference is funny. It was longer than I had expected," I sighed. I enjoyed excitement, whether it was battles, riding, dancing, or a number of other things, but sailing on a ship for six months straight is not something I do for a joy ride.
"My dear girl, everything is longer than you expect. But you finish what is needed done. You are much like your mother in that respect," Aslan said, quieter than he had been. I smiled sadly. Oh, how I missed my mother!
"It's her!" I heard from behind me. I whirled around, my hair accidently hitting many spectators in the face, and smiled at the looks on the Pevensies' faces.
"Your majesties! Delighted to see you again," I cooed, bowing from my neck, since I was still walking. And believe me, it's bad if you try to walk and bow.
"Come! Everything will be explained tonight before the ball … which you will be attending…" Aslan directed the last part at me.
"No! Please! Anything but the ball, I beg of you!" I whined, while attempting to keep my voice down and retain some dignity. After all, whining wasn't a very honorable thing to do to Aslan.
"No one will force you to dance, my lady," King Caspian said. I cringed at the King's attempts to read my mind. He was way off.
"Dancing isn't what scares her, Caspian," Aslan chuckled. I glared at the ground the rest of the way to the castle.
We walked into the courtyard and the royalty dismounted from their horses. Aslan gave me a nod and I walked away, into the stables. I pulled out a dark chestnut horse, winked at him, and called over the faun from the back of the stables. I positioned the faun and the horse in front of the door between the other paddocks and the doors, all the while keeping the faun hidden from view of the doors, behind the horse.
"Dear ones, first I shall give you each something you will need in these next few years to overcome a challenge you will each face. Some may seem more significant but they are all of equal balance to keep Narnia strong." I could hear Aslan saying, even though it was slightly muffled.
"…" I couldn't make out who was talking or what the voice was saying through the door but Aslan's reply gave it away.
"Yes, Lucy, you will be here for quite a while. Now Peter, I'm giving you Cair Paravel. I have rebuilt it since you last visited, and have added some things that will help. You, your family, and any Narnians who wish to go will leave in one week. In here Peter!" Aslan said. I softly giggled, imagining High King Peter walking right past the stable doors, oblivious to where they were headed.
Suddenly the hinges creaked and light poured in through the doors, revealing the Kings and Queens looking at us. "I hope you plan on long ride with lots of apples to make up for leaving me alone for 1300 years," the horse said, staring straight at King Edmund. King Caspian looked startled, the queens and the High King looked confused, and King Edmund stared…and stared…and stared…
"Phillip!"