Chapter 3 – Caught in each others eyes
It had been seven long, painful days and seven endless, dark nights for the High King, since he had found that mysterious girl under a large magnolia tree and had swiftly carried her to Cair Paravel. He had demanded the most qualified doctors in whole Narnia and had told them to take care of her with all the medical strength and knowledge that lay within them. He was most concerned about her health and her wellbeing. He had even given her some of Lucy's curative potion. But for some bizarre reason, it had, mournfully, no healing effect on her, what so ever. Peter had arranged a peaceful room in the castle for her. He had devotedly not left her side since the moment he had caringly laid her down on the soft bed. She had not once been out of his thoughts. But now, as he lovingly looked at her pale visage, the hope that his beautiful angel would ever come to life again, began to fade. Each day, it became more and more doubtful, if not impossible, that she would be able to recover. The petrifying thought that he would never get a chance to meet her and tell her about his amorous feelings, pained his good heart.
The concerned and comforting sound of a warm and tender voice was the first thing Leonora heard. "She is waking up! Thank Aslan! Are you safe and sound? Are you able to get up? Can I help you, milady?" When Leonora opened her auburn eyes, she gazed, much to her surprise, in the enchanting azure pair of a youthful man. "Yes, thank you for your generous concern, good sir. But I think I'm all right", she whispered, feeling still a bit weak.
The huge room, in which she had awoken just a few moments ago, in the caring arms of that perfect stranger, did not seem familiar to her at all. It was the most marvellous room she had ever seen. The plastered walls were painted in a soft indigo and on one side of the room; there were hung numerous tapestries in the most brilliant colours with roaring lions embroidered on them. On the other side, there were a number of impressive golden windows. In the centre of the room, a magnificent silver chandelier with sparkling crystals was suspended from the high, sea green ceiling. Leonora was lying in an elegant, oaken four-poster with mint green, silken sheets and countless, feathery blue and green pillows on it.The other astonishing pieces of furniture in the room, such as the imposing wardrobe, which had golden, lion shaped handles and the chic cupboard, which had gemstone knobs, were made of the same kind of wood. The delicate wood-carving seemed to tell an ancient tale. It was obvious that skilled and experienced craftsmen had made these gorgeous pieces with great care. Leonora was stunned by the beauty of every little detail in that amazing room.
She took a look through the circle shaped, golden window next to the bed. The overwhelming sight of the deep azure sea in which graceful mermaids were playing a delightful game, marvelled her. "Excuse me, my noble sir, for this question may sound odd to you, but … where on earth am I?" Leonora asked incredulous. "You are in Narnia", a little girl, who had just entered the room, accompanied by two other children, answered with a loving smile. "My name is Lucy Pevensie", she said cheerfully. Leonora was immediately fond of Lucy. No one could do otherwise, I guess. Lucy was a sweet, spontaneous, little girl. She had short, brunette hair, cobalt eyes and several endearing little freckles around her tilted nose. Leonora presumed she was just about ten years old. "My name is Edmund Pevensie, I'm very pleased to finally meet you", a boy with dark features added. Edmund had short, black, uncombed hair and emerald eyes. He wore a naughty grin on his face, although he was rather friendly and polite. Leonora believed him to be around twelve years old. "And I am Susan Pevensie, the eldest sister", another, more mature girl said. Susan had stunning, long, brown hair and jade eyes. She had an intelligent expression on her face and a kind smile. Leonora assumed she was the same age as she was, although Susan gave the impression of being elder, because of her refined and poised appearance. "My name is Peter Pevensie", the eldest boy with the striking eyes said. "Welcome to Cair Paravel, our castle." Peter had stunning golden locks and heavenly sapphire eyes, in which Leonora instantaneously drowned. She could not help herself, for those captivating eyes had innocently hypnotized numberless persons before. He was a gallant and handsome gentleman, but, deep in his virtuous heart, somehow still a boy. He was a tad elder than Susan, about seventeen years old.
This all came as a startling bolt of lightning on the bright break of an agreeable spring day to Leonora. Not only did she appear to be in another, magical land, perhaps even in another world, she had found herself in the presence of four welcoming siblings, who seemed to own an enormous and breathtaking castle, as well. This could not happen but in a fantastic and unbelievable dream. A dazzling dream she did not wish to wake up from yet. Leonora pulled herself together. "My name is Leonora"; she said shyly with a sweet and rather silent voice. "It is an honour to meet you, fine sirs and dear ladies. But, forgive me my bluntness, for I can't help but asking; do you really possess this remarkable castle, my hospitable hosts and hostesses?" "Indeed, we do. This palace was, is and will be the home of every king and every queen of Narnia, actually. We have lived here for almost three wonderful years now, I believe. It is a splendid place to live, really. You can go for a walk in the enormous Royal Gardens, visit the old wooden stables and each and every room is even prettier than the previous one", Lucy said with a merry tone of voice. She was always exceedingly thrilled whenever the opportunity of meeting a new friend arrived.
Leonora gasped. These courteous children were powerful kings and gracious queens. But they seemed so young, far too young even; to make the grave decisions that kings and queens are ought to make and that could affect an entire kingdom. Peter noticed the bewildered look in Leonora's dreamy eyes. "Allow me to clarify things for you, milady." Peter proposed thoughtfully. Leonora smiled gratefully at him and blushed as the charming king smiled back at her.
She enjoyed listening to Peter's deep and gentle voice, whilst he told his miraculous story. He told about Lucy, finding a magical world inside an old and dusty wardrobe, about the massive battle the four children had fought against a deceitful Witch, about good prevailing and about their coronation, the most precious moment in their, yet so young, lives. The three other siblings added some little details they found noteworthy every so often, which made the enjoyable tale even more realistic and amusing to listen to. When Peter had ended his unique story, it was Leonora's turn to reveal her past. She told them about her life at home, about her daily occupations, such as reading fascinating books and dreaming about tremendous things, and she told them about her loving family, those she treasured most in her life. She also mentioned how she came, or rather stumbled, into Narnia and shared her first impressions of this quite extraordinary place with them. While they were telling their most hilarious anecdotes and their most cherished stories, the four siblings and Leonora had a terrific time.
When these lovely tales were told and the children were all fairly acquainted to each other, they were starting to feel rather hungry. They decided to get dressed for dinner, which was served in the Grand Ballroom that evening, in honour of Leonora…