Thanks for the reviews. Things are now finally getting interesting. So keep reviewing and reading. This chapter is dedicated to my close friend cschaferdramaqueen only because she's been riding me to have Susan and Caspian meet and guess what…you got your wish.

And as he spoke, he spoke
Ordinary words, although they did not feel
For I felt what I had not felt before
And you'd swear those words could heal
And as I looked up into those eyes
His vision borrows mine
And I know he's no stranger for I feel I've held him for all of time
And he said…

Take my hand, Live while you can
If we walk now we will divide and conquer this land
Divide and conquer this land

-Second verse and chorus of "Ordinary Day" by Vanessa Carlton (Live version lyrics)

The archers gathered around to see why their mentor/leader was in such a shock. Once they followed her gaze, they too did the same thing. They all bowed in respect while Susan slowly walked up to meet the new group. She walked slowly while examining everyone new in the group. She saw the new Narnians that her brother had left to recruit. She quickly examined them like she did with everyone else they recruited to find their weak points and strong points. An example would be that some centaurs in the back were collecting fruits and plants while others were looking at the surroundings. They would make great healers and strategists while the minotaurs who were also looking at the surroundings and holding weapons would be good protectors. The fauns usually helped as healers and protectors but mainly helped as providers of weaponry, as with the dwarves.

After quickly and thoroughly examining the group of Narnians her brother had recruited, she examined her brother and his recruiting group just to make sure none of them saw difficulty along the way. They all seemed to be in the same condition as when they left. She now eagerly started examining the siblings she hadn't seen in nearly 13 centuries. She almost forgot their appearance after so many years. Peter looked like as he did when he was crowned High King but was slightly taller with what looked like a stronger and tougher build. She couldn't tell if Peter was excited to see them or not. Susan's main guess was that he was trying to maintain his High King pride. Lucy also looked like she had grown a little and matured. Susan could feel the aura around Lucy and figured out that Lucy's faith was still as it was before they parted ways. Before Susan could examine the final addition to their group, the one who stuck out most being that he was a Telmarine, Lucy ran up to Susan and embraced her in a tight hug.

Everyone else was walking at normal pace to Susan. Lucy just couldn't contain herself and ran up to Susan as fast as she could. Lucy would have started crying if the voice she hadn't heard in a year (her time) hadn't started speaking. Susan kneeled down to Lucy's height to further examine her little sister's precious face. "Lucy, I've missed you so much." The two sisters wouldn't let go of each other. A hand went on Susan's shoulder and she stood up again and faced her older brother (she didn't know whether to consider him her older or younger brother anymore).

Peter didn't hesitate to embrace his sister just as tight as Lucy had but he didn't cling as long as Lucy had. Susan was perfectly fine with that. When they let go she gave Edmund a one armed hug and a wink as if to say 'I told you they'd come back eventually.' Edmund rolled his eyes at his sister.

After the "re introduction" to her missing family members, Susan was finally able to greet the Telmarine Prince and rightful heir to the throne, Prince Caspian. When Susan glanced at him on the hill with her siblings earlier, she didn't realize how handsome he really was. Before anyone noticed how long she had been staring, she put her hand out to shake his. "I'm guessing you're Prince Caspian. It's nice to finally meet the man who would save our race."

When Caspian first glanced at Susan training her archers, he saw a beautiful face on a skilled and strong woman. Not only that but the fact that she must have been the woman who raided the Telmarines for weaponry and appeared in his dream with her brother. After she turned around to face them and their group she started walking to them but Lucy immediately ran to her and made it to her before Susan even made three strides.

Caspian and everyone else walked to Susan. Edmund instructed the Narnians to follow until orders were given. Caspian allowed the Pevensies to go first in greeting the Gentle Queen. When it was finally his turn for an introduction, he tried putting together words in his head but none came out. He was overcome by how beautiful she was in person and without the cape that hid her face, but even though he wouldn't admit it he was slightly intimidated by her after seeing what she can do. Lucky for him, the Queen was also staring at him with interest but at least she was able to start the conversation.

After hearing her speak his name, he finally came back to reality and answered her. "It is also nice to finally meet the woman the Narnians so greatly look up to." He bent down to take her hand and gently kiss it. Before he stood up again, he looked up into Susan's eyes and smiled while she smiled back. He straightened his back again before anyone noticed that his feelings for this Narnian Queen were no longer just an acquaintance but now slowly developing into something more. He gave thanks for small graces that Lucy was speaking to the other Narnians that came with them and Peter was in a discussion with his brother.

When Susan offered her hand to Prince Caspian, she expected a hand shake. She felt some kind of spark when she felt his lips meet contact with her hand. She didn't know whether she blushed or not when he kissed her hand but she hoped that she didn't or else Edmund would definitely be the first to notice. After he kissed her hand, he stared into her eyes and she stared into his. She was quite mesmerized by his beautiful bright eyes that didn't harness anger to the Narnians like the other Telmarines did. He was more of a gentleman than Susan would have expected in a Telmarine. She didn't want to admit it but she was slowly growing into an infatuation with this prince but the logical side of her (although she thought she killed it when she was first crowned) kept saying that they would never work. There were already several reasons running around through her head but she decided to save it for later. For now, she wanted to enjoy the moments they had.

He stood up again and let go of her hand which brought them both back to reality. She gave him a small smile and quickly turned her head away before he noticed how embarrassed she felt under his gaze. She didn't know what came over her. She's had suitors before but then again that was 1300 years ago. For Caspian, he tried to wipe the grin off his face while Susan turned away before either of her brothers noticed. Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately, Edmund had noticed and while Peter was talking to him about the life in England with Edmund bringing him up to speed about the life in Narnia, he kept looking through the corner of his eye the little passing between Prince Caspian and his sister. He knew when he first saw Caspian that something was going to happen between him and his sister. It was only logical, especially with her being the only female human in the entire Narnian area, besides Lucy of course.

Edmund went back to listening to Peter until Susan put her hand on his shoulder. He turned and faced his sister. He quickly noticed the very small hint of blush on her extremely pale skin and almost smirked at her but held it in. She spoke to him in ancient Narnian telling him that she was a little afraid of whether or not the Narnians trusted Caspian. As she said this, Edmund looked at her group of archers and noticed most were already back inside the How to tell the rest the news. He looked back at the group he just recruited and noticed that they were getting fidgety and didn't know what to do but stay where they were. The only other Narnians outside the how were the centaurs lining up on each side of the entrance to raise their swords in respect to their rulers. Susan and Edmund decided to see first how everything goes one step at a time.

The centaurs were all lined up but did not take out their swords. They deeply bowed just like when the Narnians all bowed in respect to Aslan. This time they bowed in respect for the rulers who have been with them throughout everything from the golden age to now. Edmund and Susan walked inside the How with the centaurs still bowing at them. Peter, Lucy, and Caspian felt awkward and didn't know what to do. After Susan and Edmund were in the How, the centaurs raised their swords in respect to the new monarchs who would help in the upcoming battle.

Peter and Lucy walked through the sword arc. Lucy was almost hit by a sword lifted by a child centaur until the centaur next to him helped to lift it up. Caspian walked through closely behind them while the other Narnians were behind him. When everyone finally entered the How, the new recently recruited Narnians from earlier were taken by Edmund and were given instructions. Susan took to her siblings and the Prince.

Susan saw the three of them looking around the place. Lucy had gone exploring further but the two teenage boys were still standing in the same position. Most Narnians were staring at them with blank expressions. Others were busy making weaponry or armor. Susan broke them from their trance. "It may not be what we're used to but it is defensive."

Lucy chose that time to make her appearance. "Peter. You may want to see this." Peter followed her while Susan looked to where Lucy had gone. When Peter went to follow Lucy, Caspian had stared at Susan as if to say 'should I follow?' Susan gave him a small smile, nodded her head and took a torch. The two of them caught up with Lucy and Peter. Susan answered their unasked question of who the people painted on the walls were.

"It's us." Peter, Lucy, and Caspian all stared at Susan and at Edmund who had finally caught up with them, another lit torch in his hand.

Lucy asked the first question. "What is this place?" Susan and Edmund looked at each other and realization dawned on them both. They didn't know the exact origin of Aslan's How. Susan handed Peter her torch and took another one then lead the way while Edmund kept up the back.

They were lead into a dark room but Susan had set a circle of fire alight to show them the details of the very room. What Peter first noticed was the carvings on the wall. All over the room were depictions of groups consisting of fauns, centaurs, minotaurs, griffins, and dwarves, those who made a last stand at Cair Paravel. The main one that seemed to stand out most was the middle carving depicting Aslan in all of his glory sitting on a hill with the sun shining behind him. Caspian noticed everything at once and thought it surreal to be standing in the same room as the ancient stone table.

Lucy noticed the carving of Aslan first along with the stone table in the middle. She could see Aslan's death play clearly in her head. Susan observed her siblings and Prince Caspian while Edmund went to see what was going on with the Narnians. Susan saw that they all knew why she, Edmund, and the Narnians chose this as their secret location.

Lucy walked up to the stone table and gently put her hand on it. She turned to face Susan and everyone else. "He must know what he's doing."

Peter was the next to speak. "I think it's up to us now." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement with him except Susan who didn't know what to do or feel. Something didn't feel right to her. She wasn't threatened that Peter was here to take her place as leader and she didn't want Peter to think that. Ever since Susan's decision to take refuge in the woods, everyone elected her high ruler while Edmund was most trusted advisor and lieutenant. Everyone trusted her judgment, especially Edmund, which is why he never complained to following his sister's orders. One of her good judgments led to their perfect system of acquiring more Narnians to build up an army.

She stayed back and allowed her eldest brother and Prince Caspian to take the lead thinking that they could do better than what she's already done. No one knows but she kept some kind of emotional feelings in the back of her head and heart that not even Edmund knew about and he knew her best out of anyone. She stayed quiet. Edmund quickly rushed back to Susan and alerted her in English that the Narnian that the Narnians were no longer in the How.

All five of them rushed outside to see where they had all gone. The sun had finally faded and everything was covered by the night. All of the Narnians were outside in the back of the How forming a circle. The five monarchs were confused. Some Narnians who didn't join the circle yet grabbed the monarchs and gently pushed them to the middle of the circle of Narnians. All five looked at the Narnians around them in confusion. The young monarchs all had the same question in their minds. Had the Narnians turned against them?

Before anyone could speak, Susan was grabbed by a Minotaur and carried bridal style to a rock that served as a platform. She let out a shriek of surprise but didn't fight the Minotaur who had put her down safely on the rock like platform. Another Minotaur did the same to Edmund. Soon both Susan and Edmund were standing together on a rock like platform with a centaur and Minotaur standing protectively in front of them.

Caspian noticed that it was the same platform as when he first dreamed of them. Peter and Lucy didn't know what to do because the Minotaurs didn't do the same for them. Instead, they were gently pushed to the opposite side of where Susan and Edmund were standing. Two fauns were holding them in case they tried to run.

Caspian was left in the middle of the circle. Now everything was even more confusing. Susan finally spoke to the Narnians knowing that they trusted her. She spoke in ancient Narnian. "What is the meaning of this?"

Once she said that there was an uproar among the Narnians. One of the fauns who was holding Peter and Lucy spoke first through all of the yelling. "Forgive us your majesty but he is a Telmarine. He is not trusted among us. Who knows what he could have possibly done to the minds of the former High King and former Queen Regent during their time spent."

There was another uproar and each Narnian was yelling something different at Caspian.

"Kill him!"

"Telmarine!"

"Liar!"

"Murderer!"

Now Nikabrik spoke before Susan or Edmund had a chance to stop the Narnians. "All this horn proves is that they've stolen yet another thing from us." He was talking about Susan's horn which everyone learned had been under his possession and still is under his possession.

Caspian now addressed him and everyone else. "I didn't steal anything." Again, everyone started yelling again. They were mostly calling him a liar.

The Minotaur guarding Edmund and Susan spoke up. "Didn't steal anything?" The Minotaur now addressed the other Narnians. "Shall we list the things the Telmarines have taken?"

A female centaur spoke up. "Our homes…"

Then a faun. "Our Freedom…"

Another Narnian yelled. "Our Lives!" Another Narnian after him yelled. "You stole Narnia!"

Caspian turned in a full 360 to see the faces of those accusing him of such things. "You would hold me accountable for all the crimes of my people."

Nikabrik spoke up yet again. "Accountable…and punishable."

Reepicheep, who didn't fully reject Caspian, contradicted Nikabrik. "Ha! That is rich coming from you dwarf. Or have you forgotten that it was your people who fought alongside the White Witch!" Reepicheep was accusingly pointing at him with his sword but Nikabrik flicked it away from him.

"And I'd gladly do it again, if it would rid us of these barbarians!" He practically spat out the last word at Caspian.

Trufflehunter now spoke up after seeing the distress on all four of the Pevensie's faces, mainly the distress coming from Queen Susan who worked so hard all these years to keep them from fighting. "Then it's lucky that it is not in your power to bring her back. Or are you suggesting that we ask this boy to go against Aslan now?"

Everyone was yelling "No!" The last thing they wanted was to go against Aslan.

Trufflehunter continued to talk. "Some of you may have forgotten, but we badgers remember well that Narnia was never right except when a son of Adam was king." Peter and Lucy stayed quiet, hoping that no one would bring up the fact that they had practically abandoned the Narnians the first time.

Nikabrik spoke again. "He's a Telmarine. Why would we want him as our king? I'd rather put those two kids on the throne. They've been here for 1300 years at least we know where they'll be in another few hundred." He was referencing to Susan and Edmund and pointing at them as if they still weren't a good choice as king or queen and yet they were the best. The centaur guard pointed his sword at Nikabrik. "Don't you dare talk to them like that!"

Susan looked at Caspian's face and he looked at hers and neither of them knew what to do. Susan finally took the chance and spoke up. "You don't know where we'll be in another few centuries. King Edmund and I could die tomorrow for all you know." Again, everyone started yelling but Susan kept speaking through the crowd. "The only think that we do know right now, is that we need him." She motioned to Caspian and gave a look that said he should speak if he wants their trust.

He got the message and started speaking. "And I can help you." He looked at everyone. "Beyond these woods, I am a prince. The Telmarine throne is rightfully mine. Help me claim it and I can bring peace between us." He looked at all of the Narnians who had grown quiet then at Peter and Lucy. Lucy smiled at him but Peter gave no eye contact. Caspian then looked at the faces of Edmund and Susan. Edmund nodded in approval while Susan gave him and encouraging smile.

Glenstorm, general of the Narnian army whose ranking was right under Edmund, spoke. "It is true. The time is right. I watch the sky for it is mine to watch, as it is yours to remember, badger. Tarva the Lord of Victory and Alambil the Lady of Peace have come together in the high heavens. Now here, a son of Adam has come forth to offer us back our freedom." He pointed to Caspian.

A squirrel by the name of Pattertwig spoke up. "Is this possible? Do you really think there could be peace? Do you? I mean, I mean, really?" He was speaking in his fast squirrel voice.

Caspian addressed him along with everyone else. "Two days ago, I didn't believe in the existence of talking animals, or dwarves, or centaurs, or even the ghosts of an ancient king and queen. But here you are, in strength and numbers that we Telmarines could never have imagined." He lifted Susan's horn. "We have seen that this horn really is magic. It brought us together and brought back your other missing King and Queen. And together we have a chance to take back what is ours."

Glenstorm spoke again. "If you will lead us along with our Kings and Queens, then my sons and I…" He paused to lift up his sword. "…offer you our swords." Everyone followed his example and lifted their swords. The Pevensie's looked around them. Susan, Edmund, and Lucy were happy that the Narnians trusted the man destined to save them but Peter couldn't help but feel some kind of anger and betrayal in the pit of his stomach. He did nothing but stared without expression.

Reepicheep also lifted his sword to his heart. "And we offer you our lives, unreservedly."

Trufflehunter faced Susan and Edmund. "Miraz's army will not be far behind us, sires."

Susan looked at Edmund and he spoke. "If we are to be ready, we will need more soldiers and weapons. I'm sure they'll be here soon. We will divide and conquer. Queen Susan will lead a Narnian party to steal weapons from their camp grounds tonight. Everyone else will help set up here for tomorrow's training sessions."

The group dispersed, some people went back inside the How while others went to collect their weapons and things they need to join Susan for their nightly thievery. Edmund escorted Susan back into the How and told her that Peter and Caspian were coming with tonight.

Both of them knew the boiling anger that was bound to erupt between the two and the only thing that Edmund had to say to Susan was "Good Luck." Edmund had a playful smirk on his face while Susan looked at him in surprise. They continued their walk back to the How.

Oh the power to be strong
And the wisdom to be wise
All these things will come to you in time
On this journey that you're making
There'll be answers that you'll seek
And it's you who'll climb the mountain
It's you who'll reach the peak

Son of Man look to the skies
Lift your spirit, Set it free
Someday you'll walk tall with pride
Son of Man's a man in time you'll be

-First verse and chorus of "Son of Man" by Phil Collins (Tarzan Soundtrack)

I'm really sorry for the long delay. I had a mini writers block. Originally this chapter was longer but I had enough for it to fit into two chapters, so read and review to see how it all plays out. And yes, this was the dancing lawn scene. What's amazing is that i was able to fit it in this story at all.

Stuff to look forward to in Chapter 11:
Susan and Edmund on her relationship with Caspian…will he approve or not?
More Susan and Caspian interaction
Pre-raid training
Nightly thievery of the Telmarines
Possible introduction to raid…

Read and Review to see it all play out!

-tin2lo