Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't...
Summary: Children? Children to lead the army? Narnia? And one a traitor? This was not ideal. It was swiftly turning to impossible in the eyes of one Centaur.
Not Ideal
Part Seven
OOOOOOO
It wasn't ideal. Not in the least and yet, here they stood. Aslan came up beside him, His presence warm and comforting and miraculous. Peter could still remember the Cherry Dryad carrying the news of His death, of the terror that gripped him when he walked into the empty tent and the full weight of the news settled on him. Going into battle without Aslan. Going into battle with only a fraction of the training he and Edmund had really needed. He had seen that concern in Oreius' eyes after they finished their last training session and that had been before Aslan's death.
Yet, the Centaur had shown no hesitation in allowing him and Edmund to adjust their plan of attack. He had even promised to stand with him to the death. It had been both humbling and comforting. Just as having Aslan with them now.
Peter glanced over at Edmund, still not quite believing that he was alive and well. He was also fidgeting with his tunic. Peter brushed a hand down the front of his own tunic. The rich fabric wasn't uncomfortable to wear, merely…strange. Then a rich Voice spoke. "Be at peace, My children. No one here intends to eat you."
Lucy giggled and even Susan laughed while Edmund smirked. Peter grinned. Aslan shook His mane, sending the sweet perfume clinging to it throughout the antechamber. Peter inhaled deeply, drinking in the sudden sense of calm, of peace filling the room. He took a step forward. "Is it time then?"
Aslan smiled. "It is time, dear ones."
OOOOOOO
The distance yawned in front of him. All the eyes watching. The expectation and excitement was palpable, though all maintained a respectful silence as the trumpets and horns' final notes shimmered into nothingness. Edmund let out a slow breath. Peter nudged his arm. Edmund glanced up and met his big brother's eyes. It was strange how reassuring it was to see him give that little nod like Dad used to. It used to make him so angry when Peter tried to mimic Dad, but now…he was glad for a reminder of home.
He looked again at those four thrones and swallowed hard. Was he really going to be a king? Aslan believed he could be, but what would happen later? Aslan was probably too busy to stay in Narnia all the time. What would happen when He left?
They were already almost to the dais. He wasn't sure this would work. He was hardly the ideal king. He wasn't even an ideal boy!
He glanced to his left. General Oreius' dark gaze met his and the stern Centaur's features cracked into a smile and he offered the tiniest nod of approval.
Edmund took a deep breath and stepped onto the dais. Not ideal…but maybe not as isolated as he feared.
OOOOOOO
Oreius watched as the Four attempted to keep up with their dance partners. He smiled as he watched Queen Lucy laughing. Of the foals, she seemed to be the only one to catch on quickly to the dance. Apparently, these dances were not taught in Spare Oom. Strange land, that it was.
The colts had recovered well from Beruna. He watched the dark colt critically, but he showed no ill effects from his brushes with death. Still, the near-drowning by the Fell Naiad had been enough to stress the need to ensure that all four royals were well-suited to water. The golden colt was catching on faster to the dance, though once he had moved too slowly and the Nymph he had been dancing with had fallen as a result. Fortunately, her good spirits had allowed her to laugh the misstep away.
A flash of movement caught his attention. Oreius glanced once more at the Four then noted the guards present. It was unlikely that any of the Fell would be bold enough to attack during the coronation, but there was always a need for caution. He would not permit Narnia to lose her royals just as they had been crowned. One last check to assure himself and then he left the Great Hall.
He did not have to go far before he found Him. Aslan looked back at him and then nodded. "General, you are missing the celebration."
"As are You," Oreius countered. He fell into step with the Great Lion, walking in silence for several minutes. "You are leaving us already."
"It is time. I am needed elsewhere and now is the time for Narnia and the Four to grow and learn as they could not if they saw Me here." Aslan looked up at him and added, "Faith is always stronger when it occurs without seeing. Narnia must learn to look to the Four and the Four must continue to learn to look to Me. These things will be best accomplished when I am away."
Oreius considered. "Another refining."
"Indeed." Aslan chuckled. "And, Oreius, you might consider permitting Peter and Edmund an extra day before beginning the new training regimen."
"Perhaps." Oreius stopped just outside of Cair Paravel's gates, his gaze drifting to the pristine white walls and the banners snapping in the breeze. Even now he could still hear the music playing and general sounds of merriment. "Not ideal…" He looked back at Aslan. "…But what we needed."
The Great Lion bowed His head. "Now you understand, General. I leave the Four in your hands. Guide them well. Raise them well."
Oreius bowed low. "I shall ever strive to do as You command, My Lord Aslan."
He did not reply beyond an approving purr and, when Oreius straightened, He was already walking toward the beach. Oreius did not follow.
"He is leaving?"
Oreius looked over his shoulder. Nephele was watching Aslan's retreat. She brushed a stray lock of hair out her eyes and tapped a hoof before turning her gaze to him. Oreius gave a curt nod. "He is needed elsewhere."
Nephele sighed. "A pity. I had hoped to speak with Him about some stories." Her gaze shifted to the palace rising high above and then she smiled slightly. "Chronicling the reign of the Four shall be most interesting, based on their fulfillment of the prophecy."
"Indeed. You intend to join the royal scribes, then?"
The Centauress nodded. "In addition to staying in the army. I have already spoken with Bayheart." She smiled slightly. "Though, perhaps we should not chronicle King Peter letting his partner fall during the coronation celebration. Good evening, General."
Oreius turned back to the sea. He could not see Aslan nor did he know if He still walked along the beach. He raised his eyes to the sky. The stars were not out yet. However, he felt certain that they too would carry the message: That which is not ideal is often what is needed.
OOOOOOO
A/N: Please Read and Review! So, another tale has ended. I hope you enjoyed this imagining of what happened in the early days of Narnia meeting their future kings and queens, the children who were not ideal. :) I started this story as a belated birthday present for my dear friend and fellow author Willowdryad. Now, I end it as an early birthday present for her. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.
