Susan Pevensie [Part 2]

Susan stood stone still. Aslan took a step closer.

"Why are you so scared of me?" he asked. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. He purred in her direction and at once she broke down crying.

"I miss home. I miss my life in England, my friends. And I feel so guilty, because I have a wonderful life here." she confessed. Aslan looked at her sideways.

"You remember what you're old life was like?"

"I do, only barely." she sniffed. "I know my siblings don't, but I remember." Aslan breathed in and out steadily as he thought.

"So you want to leave here?" he asked her, already knowing the answer. "Then I shall grant you your wish." he said. Susan was silent. "Take your brothers and sister up over the mountainous forests in the West. Go past the ocean and travel through the Winter Valley, though it be almost Autumn there. You shall find your way home." he instructed. "And because you have been so ungrateful for my hospitality here, you shall never return until after your deaths on Earth." he announced. Susan grabbed for one of Edmund's bed posts to keep steady. Her heart seemed to stop.

"What have I brought upon my family?" she breathed. Aslan watched her sadly.

"I should have known you'd feel this way. Your time here is almost up." he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked, a look of wonder on her face.

"Everything changes. Seasons pass. Even here in Narnia. And the reign of the Pevensies is passing also. It is time for new things." he told her. She listened carefully, a stone dropping into her gut. "Cheer up, dear one. You have learned all you can here. It is the way things must go. It is not so much your doing as it is mine. All will be for the best." he said. Susan stared at him, almost not believing his words. Fear was in her eyes. Aslan sighed.

"Have you never learned to love me all this time?" he asked. Susan cried and wrapped her arms around his neck. He turned his head away. "I shall miss you all." he spoke softly.

"Nay, you'll never miss me. Not after the way I have acted." Susan sobbed. Aslan kissed the top of her head.

"Say goodbye to Peter for me. Tell him he has been my greatest servant. He has done well for Narnia. None shall ever be alike after him. And say farewell to Edmund. Not anyone has ever possessed a more good-willing and fair heart then he. He had brought peace like no other during his reign. And tell Lucy..." his voice seemed to break. "Dear Lucy. Tell her her rewards shall be great when she comes back. For believing in me when not many did. Her faith is immesurable."

"I shall." Susan promised. "Wait, we are coming back here?" she asked. Aslan nodded.

"Like I said, after your deaths, we shall all return to my land. Where time equals eternity." With that, he dissapeared. Susan waited in Edmund's chambers, feeling cold and alone. She walked out of the room. In the hall, she met the frantic Edric with a pitcher of water and a towel.

"Where's the king?" he asked. Susan smiled sadly and shook her head.

"He's fine. There was no wound." she said quietly.

"But I saw a deep cut and blood..." he persisted. Susan put a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you for your assistance." she said and turned to go on her way. Outside, there was almost no sign that there had ever been a war. Everything was as it should've been, no riot or battle. Peter and Lucy came running as soon as they saw her. Peter embraced her and looked at her with wide eyes.

"Aslan was here, wasn't he? He did this." he said. Lucy looked around.

"Aslan? How come I did not see him?" she asked. Edmund came from behind them.

"What did he talk to you about, Su?" Susan shook her head.

"He was here, and yes, he let out a strong roar that vanquished everything. But all he told me was...that we should all go for a ride. Up past the mountains and ocean and into the Winter Valley. He says we all deserve some time together. Time to celebrate our victory." All three were silent. Then Edmund spoke up.

"Are you sure?" Susan nodded.

"All right then. Let's get on our way." Peter said, slapping a hand on Edmund's back.