Author's Note: This is the product of having a splitting headache and being unable to sleep... just so you know. :P And we're back to Aaryn's perspective on this one.

Pronunciation guide: Qarindife (Car - in - dife)

Disclaimer: Hmm.. It seems I own quite a few characters in this one. *maniacal laughter* I'm sure there are many OC's to come, but for now I only own Aaryn, Qarindife, Tournadue, and Sevrik. The rest are the property of a certain Clive Staples Lewis.

Chapter 4- Correspondence

"Love, love, love
Is all we ever talk of
And talk, talk, talk
Is all we ever get done."
-Common Code by Staggerford

Aaryn quickened her pace to match the others as they walked briskly through one of Cair Paravel's many courtyards. After being informed of the latest developements with the attack on Anvard, Susan was nearly in tears with the idea that there would be bloodshed on her account while the others were trying to focus on what was to be done.

"Su, it's all right. No one blames you for this. Rabadash is a fool with an army." Edmund assured her. "Go up to your quarters and lie down. It's been a rough few days for you and we need you here." Susan nodded her head shortly and headed inside.

The rest entered the armory and began suiting up.

"Aaryn, I don't mean for you to go into battle today." Edmund said as he handed his sword to a dwarf to be sharpened. "Lucy and I can handle them, but I'd like you to stay with Susan. Corin will have to come along because his kingdom is the one under attack, otherwise I would have him stay as well."

The princess of Narnia's lips pressed together in worry for her three friends, but she nodded, accepting the orders from her king. "Alright." she finally responded.

"And would you mind writing to Peter about the latest developements. No doubt he'll throttle me if he finds I didn't keep him entirely up to date." his lips crinkled in a roguish smile that made Aaryn laugh as she assured him that he would.

Lucy then spoke up as she caught the large smile on Corin's face. "No."

"What?" Corin asked, feigning innocence as he turned to the youngest queen, not missing the fact that she was looking at him as she said it.

"Don't don that impish grin, lad. You're not to be fighting today. You will stay with rear guard and not bother the others."

"But Lucy-"

"No buts. Your father has never revoked his order to keep you out of harms way. You may be thirteen but you are also the sole heir to the throne and your life is not to be put on the line." she scolded. Niether of the two caught the tense look that passed between the Just king and Golden-Hearted princess at her remark.

Corin's eyes narrowed as he harrumphed and continued to put on his armor. He didn't bother to argue with the young queen any longer, but all knew they'd still have to keep an eye on him. He had a knack for finding ways to bend and break every rule that had been given to him. They had no doubt that he would disappoint now.

Moments later, the company headed off, she-creatures waving at their husbands' backs as they marched to the south and toward battle. Aaryn and Susan, the latter who had come down to see them off, stood in the front as the line disappeared and the crowd around them thinned.

Susan's eyes were still shining with unshed tears and Aaryn wrapped an arm around the Gentle queen's shoulder and squeezed lightly. Normally, this would be about the time that the younger girl would suggest a swim in the Eastern Sea to take their minds off things, but Edmund had given strict orders that they stay within castle walls. No need to tempt fate, as part of Rabadash's plan had been to steal Susan away on Narnian soil.

"Susan, you really must stop blaming this on yourself. You didn't beseech that bothersome oaf to come pester us. You resisted his advances and he's only pining after something he can't have."

"But that's just it, Aar. I resisted and now he's attacking a country that had nothing to do with my refusal. Narnians and Archenlanders will die because of me and I simply can't bear the thought."

"What you need is to forget about all this. In a day or so, Ed and Lu will be back home. Corin will probably stay with his father, but will likely return for another visit within the year. Peter's campaign can't last forever and everything will be alright." Aaryn reminded her. "Now go upstairs and have a bath or a nap. Later in the day, you and I can go out and practice our archery, alright?"

"Thank you, Aaryn." Susan smiled softly as they stopped at the end of one of the corridors of the beautiful castle, about to part ways.

"Think nothing of it, love. I'll see you soon."

The two parted and Aaryn followed the familiar pathways to her quarters. She entered her small sitting room and pulled out a parchment and pen, tapping the end to her mouth a few times before dipping the quill in the inkwell and beginning to write.

Dear Peter,

There have been quite a few developements since Edmund wrote to you just a few days ago and he has asked me to fill you in as he is currently employed otherwise, you will soon see why when I explain to you what has occured.

Prince Rabadash has turned out, much to my expectations, to be quite the barbaric host. He overstepped his boundaries in publicly kissing Susan without her consent and Edmund, of course, was outraged. The Narnian party left the celebrations of that night early.

We realized that in calling the prince out in his overstepping of boundaries, that he would perceive it as overstepping our own. We snuck away on the Splendour Hyaline and rushed home. We were pursued for a short while, but were successful in outrunning them.

Upon reaching Narnia, we were greeted by Lucy who had assembled the army and had been ready to depart when our ship was spotted on the horizon. Anvard is under attack by the Calormenes, who meant to conquer it and snatch Susan away from us.

However, do not fret, Peter, though I wager you'll fret either way. For Susan is safe and Edmund has ordered us strictly to castle grounds. Corin has gone with the two and hopefully the guards will be able to keep him in line.

That is all the news we have for now. I'll try to cheer Su up, for you must know that she is casting the blame solely upon herself as she tends to do. I'll be sure to knock some sense into her for you (though mostly for myself).

Write to us soon. We all worry about your safety and hope for a speedy return.

Sincerely,

Aaryn

Rolling up the parchment, she sent a maid to find her a carrier for the message as she poured wax on middle and pressed her seal against it.

Standing, she poured the fresh water from the pitcher on her nightstand and splashed it across her face. She was happy to be home again and enjoyed every second of mild weather and not-so-salty air. She could still smell the salt, but it didn't whip across her face. And Narnian weather was much milder than Calormenian weather. She was much inclined to the former.

"Try to get me to marry a Tarkaan, O mighty council." she scoffed aloud. "I swear to you that my mate will not be found among them."

She then crossed into her bedroom and collapsed across the huge, canopied bed. It wasn't long before she succumbed to a sweet, beckoning sleep in her very own bed.

She was awakened not long afterward by some sort of tapping noise that irritated her out of her dreamless rest. Pushing herself off her mattress, she smoothed out her dress for a moment before following the sound to its source- the door to her balcony. Just outside, a raven was pecking gently at the glass in order to get her attention. He stopped when he saw the princess and bowed his head as she opened the door.

Ruffling up his feathers he flew upward and on to her desk by a close window and perched upon it. "Begging your pardon, Your Majesty." he squawked. "My name is Qarindife and I was told that you were in need of a message-bearer."

"Ah, good fellow." she responded with a smile, lifting her sealed parchment from the desk. "I would greatly appreciate it if you would deliver this letter to High King Peter. As I'm sure you know, he is in the north doing battle against Ettinsmoor. Last I heard, he was scarcely to the northeast of the Narnian border. He shouldn't be to far from there."

"Would you like me to wait for a response?" he asked.

"Yes, I would be much obliged if you would."

"Is that all, Princess Aaryn?"

"Yes, I give you leave, Qarindife. Fly safe and may the Lion be with you."

He left and Aaryn found herself adjusting the circlet upon her head and wandering out the door. Her short nap had given her a bit more energy and she was certainly glad to be home, but Cair Paravel was never as warm when one of it's monarchs was absent. Right now, three were in battle and two were left to tend to matters of the kingdom itself.

She heaved a sigh as she gazed upon the tapestries that decorated the walls of her home. Honestly, she ought to be grateful that she wasn't being sucked into some matter of state that required her attention immediately. It wouldn't last long, she knew. Particularly with the others away. The council would want to discuss all the particulars of their trip and what it meant for the kingdom. She knew they meant well, but they seemed to be the constant headache of the five monarchs.

She made her way to Susan's room and rapped on the wooden door lightly. When she didn't answer, Aaryn slipped through the door and saw her sleeping, eyes slightly swollen from crying. She shook her head, feeling for her friend and deciding not to wake her. Luckily, she found the shirt she'd been mending for Edmund before they'd left for Calormen. She hadn't realized she'd left it in Susan's room, but didn't mind so much for now she had something to do.

Aaryn slipped into the room adjoining Susan's bedroom and opened a window to let in the fresh spring air. She sat in a lush chair that faced the ocean and where she could still see where Susan lay, in case she woke up.

She began stitching Ed's beloved turquoise tunic that Lucy had made him just a few months ago for his birthday. It was his favorite and he didn't want his little sister to know that he'd ruined it so soon after receiving it, so he'd asked Aaryn to mend it instead. After 'borrowing' a bit of Lucy's turquoise thread, she had halfway finished stitching together the left side.

Her mind wandered again as she watched a few young mermaids and mermen performing their lovely acrobatics, jumping in and out of the water below. She hoped Lucy and Edmund were doing alright, she guessed they were nearing the battle by now. Hopefully the prince had managed to keep himself out of trouble for the slightest bit of time.

Ever since his mother had died, he'd gotten even more troublesome than usual. Though he was still as tender-hearted as ever, no matter how hard he tried to cover it up.

Aaryn sobered as she thought of the deceased Queen Arelia. That woman had meant so much to them all. It had only been during her visits and their stays at Anvard that Susan seemed to truly relax and let someone else mother the others. She and Lune had taught them so much about what it meant to rule a country.

It had only been two years since her death, but the absence still hurt. Of course, Lune had been the most broken by it. The love between the two monarchs was something beautiful to those who had been fortunate enough to see it. Ever since her death, Corin had been sent here more and more often, not because his father didn't want his presence, but because he knew the boy would benefit from the familial atmosphere in Cair Paravel. The Pevensies, and Aaryn, had accepted him with open arms.

Her mind turned to the boy she'd met in Calormen. He had to be Cor. Arelia had always been convinced that her son still lived. He was out there somewhere, Aslan had preserved him. Aaryn prayed that their paths would cross with the young adolescent once again. Then they would not let him slip through their fingers.

She sent up a silent prayer to Aslan that the boy would show up again. He had to have a plan in all this or the boy wouldn't have had that prophecy made about him.

Being so deep in thought, Aaryn pushed the needle through the fabric again and straight into her finger. With a yelp she tossed the shirt away as if it were on fire and quickly stuck her aching forefinger into her mouth.

"Aar?" Susan's voice drifted to where she sat.

She turned, sure she looked ridiculous yet unwilling to pull the finger out just yet. Instead, she stood and walked over to where Susan was getting out of bed. Only when she reached her friend did she bother pulling it out of her mouth.

"Sorry to wake you. How are you feeling?"

"Honestly, Aar. I'm not wounded, just a little upset."

"Yeah, well, none of us like seeing you upset." Aaryn responded as Susan moved to the mirror to smooth down her curls. "And maybe a little bit of your 'mothering' tendencies have rubbed off on me." she conceded.

Susan stuck out her tongue at the blonde woman in the reflection and Aaryn merely rolled her eyes in response.

"You ready for the archery practice. I'm thinking we use the padded, dull ones and have a war. You can pretend that I'm Rabadash and I'll pretend that you're the council and we'll have a grand time of it!"

"Alright, you're on." the Gentle queen responded, a playful glint in her eye.

An hour or so later, both with a few new bruises, the two women were back from the practice ring and both were grinning broadly. Their 'war' had given each the chance to cool off while giving them a bit of friendly competition. Oreius, had he been there instead of in Ettinsmoor with Peter, would have approved of their training for fun.

Aaryn was glad her 'slave driver' didn't get the chance. She still called him that after all these years and he always took the times that she said it near him to remind her that his training is what saved her hide so often.

The two dined in Aaryn's quarters before Susan had to do some paperwork that would never get done if she didn't do it now. Moments after her departure, Aaryn was summoned by the council.

"Honestly, sometimes I think they believe they rule Narnia instead of us." she grumbled as she made her way through the corridors leading to the council room.

She entered the large hall and took the seat that was usually allotted to her at the front of the room. The council was gathered in a semi-circle around her and its fifteen members, almost every one a different species from the next, were seated and ready to begin.

"Princess Aaryn." Tournadue, a large owl and head of the council addressed her, presenting her with a low bow. "We are happy to hear of your return from Calormen. Pray tell, how did your meeting with Prince Rabadash fare?"

"Not very well at all, Lord Tournadue." she responded, working very hard to hide her annoyance with the lot of them. "Rabadash has proved himself an unfit suitor for Queen Susan and she will not have him. Nor will any of us. Have you not heard of his current attack on Anvard? King Edmund and Queen Lucy left only this morning to come to our allies' aid."

"We have heard and this is grave news indeed. The council had hoped that a fitting match would be made between the two."

"Then I suggest we not try to form marital alliances with nations that willingly scoff at Aslan's name and all our fair country stands for."

"But, Princess Aaryn, if we do not form alliances with other nations besides our own and Archenland, we will open ourselves up to attack." a bengal tiger, Lord Sevrik, pointed out.

"Do not mistake me, council, I do not mean to cut us off from all forms of treatises. But if you are going to persist in marrying us off, you mustn't expect us to create such unions with heathens." Aaryn closed her eyes, clearlhy irritated as she tried her best to keep calm. She should've made Susan stay in here with her, for Aaryn never was good at keeping herself out of trouble when safety came with holding her tongue. When she trusted her voice again, she spoke. "There is no use arguing this once again. I have sent a letter to High King Peter informing him of what has happened. As I'm sure you know, Queen Susan is in charge until his or King Edmund's return, whichever comes first. Are there any other matters to be discussed?"

Lord Tournadue shook his head and Aaryn stood.

"Then this council is dismissed." The twenty year-old princess left the room as quickly as possible, before her mouth could run her into any more walls.

The next morning, Aaryn slipped on a navy blue dress and plaited her blonde hair into a long braid that fell upon her back before going to breakfast. When she reached the dining hall, she found a very happy Susan holding a piece of paper in her hand.

"What are you so happy about this early?" she asked as she sat and immediately began to eat.

"Edmund's sent word from Archenland." Susan responded, smile still wide.

Before anything more could be said, Aaryn snatched the paper out of the eldest queen's hand and read it for herself.

Dear Su,

The battle went successfully and Anvard is safe. It was over by sundown and Lucy and I, along with our troops, are currently staying as guests. I'm afraid we couldn't keep Corin away from the battle, but don't worry. He's in prime condition.

King Lune asks me to formally invite the two of you to a ball in just two nights. It is being thrown as a celebration for the return of Prince Cor of Archenland. Yes, Aar was right about the boy being Corin's twin. A young Tarkheena by the name of Aravis has come along with him and she will be living at Anvard from now on.

Rabadash has been taken care of by Aslan himself. The prince has been changed to the form of an ass and he can only be human within a certain distance from Tash's temple. We need not worry about him any longer.

Preparations are beginning and Lucy asks that you bring her new gown for the ball- I'm sure one of you will know which that is.

-Ed-

"I knew it!" Aaryn cried triumphantly.

Susan laughed as she stole the paper back from the princess and folded it back up.

"I suppose we'd better get packing and inform Tumnus that he'll be acting as regent for the next few days." Susan said.

"Alright then, but you're going to be the one to tell the council."