Chapter 9: Daughters of the River God

Indeed did I find a way to defend myself: along with a small contingent of soldiers, Peter brought me inland, to the Great River. There he summoned the Daughters of the River God, Naiads, Maidens of Narnian Waters. The Great River was a sight to behold: strong, unruly, the white waters raging against the rocks. It reminded me very much of breakers upon the shores, and I felt at home.

The Naiads arose from the river, their watery forms both blue and clear, welcoming me into their ring. For the following weeks, the Great River was where I honed my new skill: to influence water at will. I could control the element with an already-owned skill: singing. Along with my training came history lessons as well. The Naiads were distant relatives to the Merfolk, having originated from the same source when Aslan sang Narnia into being. With this knowledge I was at ease, for I was familiar with Merfolk lore and the oceans.

I was grateful to Peter, not only for putting me on this particularly peaceful martial art, but helping me chase away my fear of the mainland.

I was up before the sun rose, riding toward the Great River with two soldiers with me. Trainings finished after the sun had set. I had my meals by the river with the soldiers, the forest folk and Naiads providing the provisions that it was unnecessary to pack or scout for food and drink.

My first marks came when I graduated from the basic teachings to the advanced dexterities. The symbols laced from my fingers, swimming up to my forearms, up to my shoulders: blue-silvery white swirling letterings of ancient Narnian languages that bespoke of fluidity, strength, adaptability, willpower, tranquility, and fury. Each symbol stung a burning brand upon my skin, a forever score on my person. But with each pain I gained supremacy and discipline over the water elements, control and precision a goal now at hand.

In my weeks of training I felt at home for I was surrounded by living, life-giving waters, yet I felt distant from the Royal Four. They too were busy with their training just as I have been. I knew I should have been glad by the achievements I accomplished with the Naiads, now confident that I could fend not only for myself but for others if needed, but I felt alone.

Finally the last day of my training came. I was forlorn, knowing that I wouldn't frequent the forest anymore, but I knew the Naiads were only a thought away if I ever needed their aid. Even if I just dipped a finger in any water source, my message would be delivered to them in an instant.

A change had come over me: I loved the forests now. No longer did I feel the claustrophobic sensation, but more of a comforting blanket around me.

It was nearing dinner when a Vision appeared before me. It had been weeks since I last saw one, having been mentally and physically exhausted from each training session I immediately fell into deep sleep the moment I arrived in my bedchamber. It was a Vision of a land south of Narnia, of a kingdom beyond a mountain pass. The castle and villages weren't as big or grand as that of Cair Paravel, but they were just as colorful, a palette of rich reds, woody browns, evergreens, and happy yellows adorning the citizens. There was something about the way they moved, the way they walked that looked so familiar. Then the Vision showed a throne room, a king and queen. The king was a fair-skinned corn-haired individual, the queen was a mahogany-complexioned and deep black-purple haired that ran past her waist. They were talking, and the way they looked at each other suggested a great love. I turned back at the king; why did he look so familiar?

Just then King Edmund rounded the corner that led to the Great Hall. "Ah, Vhala! We were about to search for you. We were informed that today was your last training session with the Naiads, and we're holding a feast in your honor."

"In my honor?" I repeated, confused. "Why?"

"To be honest we've missed your company. We know the concentration and exhaustion that comes with training, so we didn't push that you attend any functions during your teachings with the Naiads. But now that they're finished, we're celebrating your return!" he smiled.

I smiled back. So I wasn't the only one feeling that way.

The Vision still held in front of me, and Edmund noticed it. "Ah, King Cor and Queen Aravis of Archenland."

"Archenland?" I looked at the couple more closely. Could it be that this king was a kin?

"I would imagine that Cor is a relative of your mothers, therefore yours as well," said Edmund. I smiled at his words; he remembered my tale.

"I would like to meet him one day," I admitted as the Vision shivered and disappeared.

"That day may be soon, for I will travel to Archenland before the armies march to the Western Woods. Celuxzia and I will wed."

"Oh, a wedding!" I clapped.

"That's to be my announcement during the feast. Since you're the first I told, I ask that you not tell," he requested. I nodded in reply. "Well then, shall we dine, princess?" he offered his arm to me, and I accepted. As soon as we entered the hall the court stood up and cheered. I expected to go to my usual seat with the other nobles, but tonight I was at the high table. From left to right were King Edmund, Queen Susan, High King Peter, me, and Queen Lucy. I was too shocked to say a word. What was going on?

"Tonight," began King Peter. "We welcome back Princess Vhalanaese to our court. Her absence has made us miss her dearly, and her sacrifice has been great. See the glowing characters on her arms," he indicated. The symbols easily bore through the thin gauzy long sleeves, making the swirls more translucent and ethereal. As if on command the swirls flared on their own, eliciting a chorus of sighs from the hall. "These signify that she has indeed succeeded in her training with the Naiads. Now we have one more protector of Narnia in our numbers!"

King Peter raised his goblet and the court followed suit. I reached for mine. My eyes rested on a fountain just outside the western doors that led to the gardens. I suddenly ached to see the Naiads. An instant later they appeared, rising from the fountain and walked into the hall.

"They're here!" I whispered to Peter, smiling at the direction of the Naiads. He raised his goblet to them.

"To the Daughters of the River God!" he cheered. The court repeated his cheer. Then he raised his goblet to me. "To Princhess Vhala!" As the court cheered he took my hand and raised it to his lips. "How I have missed you."

"And I you," I blushed. He helped me into my seat and the court took theirs.

But before the dinner could commence, King Edmund remained standing and called for their attention. "There is something I would like to say…"

Author's Note: It's been a while. I know it. You know it. It's because I've been studying. Not really back into school, for I've already graduated college last March. More of a home-schooling / self-studying session for the past months. My uncle decided to take me in as his student and teach me a thing or to (more like a LOT of) about marketing. Information overload in a sense, but I enjoyed the learning very much. Exhausting, yes, but it was well worth the sleepless nights and endless reading materials that he kept giving me. Not to mention putting into practice what I learned so I could prove to him that I indeed learned what he was teaching me. That meant little-to-no writing time. Only now was I able to re-enter this fan-fiction. Holidays, so I was given a reprieve of some sort from all those books and manuals.

I'm sorry for letting this stay unfinished for so long. I thank you all who have read and reviewed this story.

Happy Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to you, fanfiction readers!

All the best for 2011 for you, me, and us.

Cheers!

God bless.

Sincerely,

Lady Saffron of Xybria (LSoX)

P.S. I got the idea of the swirling characters on her hands and arms from my recent Henna tatoos.