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... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: Glimpses of the story of the Lion and the Flower

A/N: This will be a series of loosely connected vignettes. This is part of my A Light in the Darkness universe and ties in with various other stories. But, you can read it as a standalone if you so choose. Enjoy!

Lion and Flower

Part Ten

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6 Greenroof 1007

The sound of waves crashing and gulls, Talking and non, crying was almost deafening as Peter stood beside Vidar at a cove. A light rain fell, adding to the gloominess of the day. Vidar gestured to the surging waves below, "Within these waters is a rare oyster, its shell streaked with purple and red, and no bigger than your hands put together. The oyster produces an iridescent pearl of greatest rarity. Since you seek to be worthy of rarest jewel in my treasure, my Thalia, it is fitting that you fetch a pearl that is almost as great a prize as the one you seek. You may carry with you a single dagger when you dive in search of the oyster. However, you must not remove or damage the oyster when you open it to retrieve the pearl. Nor may you set foot on dry land without fetching the pearl. If you do so, you will forfeit both the task and the challenge."

Peter nodded, "I understand." Shucking his shirt and boots, Peter took only a moment to secure his dagger before jumping into the water. He surfaced, gasping and shivering from the cold water, then dove again. At least, it wasn't as bad as all the times when Oreius made him and Edmund swim across the river at Cair Paravel in late fall and early spring to build up their cold weather endurance. Filling his lungs with air, he dove and swam for an area that was dotted with oysters.

The shelf covered with oysters was further away than he had assumed and his lungs were burning with the need for fresh air by the time he reached it. There was a flash of silver near the rocks to his right, but he didn't chance losing time by taking a closer look. Clinging to the shelf, Peter pulled himself around to inspect the oysters but none had the distinctive markings described by Vidar. He glanced up and the surface seemed so far away.

"Are you the High King?"

Peter started and automatically opened his mouth only to gag and desperately kick for the surface as he choked on the seawater. Blood pounded in his ears so loudly that he barely registered another voice lightly scolding, "You mustn't startle non-Merfolk when they're visiting our realm, Sybil." Then slender but strong arms wrapped around his waist and dark hair swirled into his vision before Peter felt himself being towed to the surface far faster than he could have hoped to do on his own. His fingers broke free of the sea first then his head. Gasping and choking, Peter spat out the salty water before greedily sucking in the air his starved lungs clamored for as the Mermaid continued to hold him steady. "Are you all right, Your Majesty?"

She let go once he began kicking steadily enough to keep himself afloat and Peter turned to thank his rescuer. "Yes and I thank you for your timely aid."

"See, Mama, he's okay. How come you tried to talk underwater if you were going to be drownded?"

Peter grinned as a very young Mermaid swam up to him. Her big eyes and rounded baby cheeks reminded him of when Lucy was still a chubby little toddler. "Well, I didn't intend to do so, Lady Sybil."

A big grin that could almost rival Lucy's split the little one's face, "Mama! The High King knows my name!"

The Mermaid smiled, "So he does. Your Majesty, I am Syrena."

Peter nodded to her, "Lady Syrena, I-"

Sybil swam closer until she was nose to nose with him, "How come you visited without saying hello? That's rude. Daddy says all visitors to…to…oh, to our realm should at least say hello. Otherwise they have bad manners and we shouldn't talk to them."

"It is also bad manners to scold our kings and queens, Sybil. I apologize, your majesty, my daughter can be a little forward at times."

Peter smiled, "Oh no, Lady Syrena, it's all right. I would have conducted myself properly had I been aware that you and your lady mother were here, Lady Sybil, but I did not and so I focused only on my quest."

Sybil's eyes widened and her mouth formed a perfect 'o' as she leaned in, "What quest? Are you looking for a sea dragon? They're mean but they don't swim here…unless you're bad and lie then they eats you up, Uncle said so."

Peter struggled not to laugh as the look on Syrena's face said that "Uncle" was going to get a stern talking to for sharing scary stories. But, he still took the time to explain why he was in the cove. Syrena looked thoughtful, "I have seen this oyster but it is too far, I think, for you to swim with only a lungful of air."

Peter frowned, "I was told it would be in this cove."

Syrena nodded, "One used to be here but it was damaged last year and died. The only other one that is not a fortnight's swim away is the one of which I speak."

Sybil splashed her tail in excitement, "Oh, oh, I know! We can give him the Pearl of Life, can't we, Mama? That way he can swim and swim and not worry about drownding at all!"

"The Pearl of Life?"

Syrena looked thoughtful as she answered, "It is a pearl we use when we rescue the survivors of shipwrecks, keeping them alive until we can bring them to Cair Paravel and the surface. However, it is not normally used for men attempting to complete a Wood god's challenge and we only carry them with us when there is a storm." She smiled at him then, "Still, I could ask permission. I believe the King of the Merfolk would be…amused enough to grant you this boon. Sybil, come along now."

"Oh Mama, can't I stay please? What if he gets lost? And I haven't found it yet."

Peter didn't know what 'it' was, but then Sybil pouted and looked at him with big green eyes. Apparently, I can't resist the Eyes even when it's not Edmund and Lucy turning them on me. He turned to Syrena, "Lady Syrena, I would be honored to watch after your daughter while you run this errand, doubly so since it is on my behalf."

Syrena considered for several moments then nodded, "Very well. Sybil, do not leave the cove and don't let the High King drown."

"Yes, Mama."

Syrena looked at him and he bowed his head, silently promising to keep her daughter safe and in the cove. She nodded once more, "I will return as quickly as I may." Then she vanished beneath the waves.

Peter treaded the water in silence for a few minutes then he twisted to meet Sybil's gaze, "What haven't you found yet?"

"My ball. Daddy gave it to me for my birthday, but a mean old sea otter took it. I couldn't catch him. He lives in this cove…somewhere. Mama and I were looking for my ball. I gots to find it before Daddy comes home."

"Is he away a lot?"

Sybil sniffled, "Sometimes he and Uncle have to swim the whole realm and make sure there isn't any great big scary monsters coming close, like the sea serpents and the kraken. Daddy went very, very far to the south last sennight to help one of the border towns. Mama says it's very important. But, I miss him lots and lots. Daddy said I have to take care of my ball. I have to find it."

It took Peter less than a heartbeat to make his mind up. He held his hand out to the little Mermaid, "Sybil, why don't I help you find your ball?"

Sybil threw her little chubby arms around his neck and squealed, "Thank you, thank you!"

It didn't take long to find where the sea otter had stored the shimmering gold ball. Sybil had squealed and leaped in delight when Peter handed it to her. Syrena still hadn't returned, so Peter agreed to play with Sybil (after all, it wasn't as though he could climb on shore and sit around waiting for the Mermaid to return). The little Mermaid chortled as he lunged half out of the water to catch the ball, "You jump funny, High King Peter."

Peter grinned as he tossed the ball back to her, "Do I?"

She nodded, "Your jumps would be prettier if you had a tail."

"Well, I can't argue with that logic since you've made some very pretty jumps."

Sybil beamed then dove, popping up right in front of him when she surfaced still clutching her ball. "Do you want to see what else my ball does? It's what makes it even specialer!"

Peter couldn't help laughing as he tickled her, "It's even more special than I thought, huh?"

She giggled and twisted away, "Uh huh. But, you have to be underwater to see."

He nodded and she dove right away with Peter following at a more leisurely pace once he'd taken a deep breath. Diving, he saw Sybil waiting several feet down below. Once he reached her, the little Mermaid grinned widely, "Watch!" She raised the shimmering golden ball then moved her hands so she could tickle the bottom, "Never lost under the sea, Daddy's strength and Mama's love guide me home 'til them I see." Peter's jaw nearly fell open before he caught himself (gaping underwater wouldn't be the most brilliant idea in the world) as the golden ball began to glow. First, it shimmered, creating a sort of map. Well, actually it was a flat oval that contained five brightly glowing lights. One was nearly on the edge of the map, while one was practically on top of the largest. Another was nearly upon the smallest light. Then, the flat surface shifted until there were mountains and valleys and reefs and the lights changed shape until they formed two Mermen, two Mermaids, and a large house in one of the biggest valleys. He peered closer then realized the Merman to the south was near the smaller outline of a walled town and he looked as though he were wearing armor and carrying a sword.

Peter wished he had time to look closer but his lungs burned for air to such an extent, he knew he couldn't linger. Kicking his way to the surface, he mused that it was probably a good thing Edmund hadn't been there with him. Otherwise, he would have ended up dragging his unconscious brother to the surface because Edmund wouldn't come up for air until he had a chance to thoroughly examine Sybil's ball even if it meant he practically drowned. Sybil bobbed up next to him, "Mama's back. That was her light."

Indeed, Syrena surfaced less than a minute after her daughter, "I see you found your ball."

Sybil nodded vigorously, "The High King helped and we searched and searched until he found it, Mama!"

Syrena smiled, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"It was no trouble at all, Lady Syrena."

"Did you get the Pearl of Life for him, Mama?"

Syrena slanted her daughter a look and Sybil quickly swam behind her, clutching her ball. Syrena held up a pearl, "This is the Pearl of Life. You must take a breath, dive, and then slowly exhale all the air in your lungs. Then I will place the Pearl of Life in your mouth and you will be sustained even though your lungs will not move again until the Pearl is removed. It will feel disconcerting at first, but you will grow used to it. I will show you the way to the oyster and then I will take my daughter home."

Peter bowed his head, "You have my thanks, Lady." Then, before he could think too much about the instructions and balk on grounds of common sense. Peter took a breath then dove. With difficulty, he slowly forced the air out of his lungs, watching the trail of bubbles rising in front of his eyes. Finally, his lungs emptied and the compulsion to survive to find air nearly drove him right back to the surface but then Syrena rolled the pearl against his lips until he opened them and it slipped in. She had understated just how strange and disconcerting it was to float there with his lungs still while he also fought the automatic desire to swallow, but then being a Mermaid, she'd probably never experienced it.

He glanced at Syrena and nodded. She pointed out of the cove, "We must go five miles out then you will be able to search for the oyster." He nodded again, following at a steady pace as she set out with Sybil giggling and chattering as she swam between, around, and beside them.

By the time they reached the area, Peter had nearly forgotten about the strangeness of the Pearl of Life and the stillness of his lungs. Syrena pointed down to where hundreds of oysters rested in their reef, "There, High King, you will find your prize. Remember, too, that sometimes it is the lightest touch, not the forceful one, that wins the greatest treasure."

Sybil swam up to him and hugged him then kisses his cheek, "Thank you for helping me find my ball. I'll tell Daddy all about you. I hope you find the pearl and win your quest lady because that's what heroes do and I think you're a hero." Peter smiled as best he could without dislodging the pearl then waved as Sybil swam off with her mother.

Reaching the oyster reef, Peter watched as scores of oysters clammed up when he approached, but their shells were all black or gray. Where was the oyster with purple and red streaks on its shell? He crawled more than swam down the length of the oyster reef, taking care not to press too hard for fear of damaging any of the oysters (somehow he doubted Syrena and the other Merfolk would look too kindly on that even if it was an accident), searching for the distinctive shell. It had to be here somewhere. He half-crawled and half-swam back the other way, scouring the oyster reef for even a hint of red and purple.

It was on his fourth round that he spotted something, so slight he almost swam right over it, but then he looked closer. It was the right size and its shell was…it was covered in algae. He unsheathed his dagger then carefully scraped at the algae until it fell away revealing an area that was definitely red and the hint of purple on the far side. This was it. He studied the oyster for some time, trying to figure out how to open it. He considered his knife for only a moment before Vidar's instructions echoed through his thoughts. "You must not remove or damage the oyster when you open it to retrieve the pearl." And it is impossible to open the pearl with this knife without damaging…I'll just have to think of something else. Sheathing his knife, Peter remembered Syrena's words about a light touch and then he remembered tickling Sybil and her reaction had been just like Susan and Lucy's when he tickled them, especially Lucy's, open mouth and laughter.

He shook his head slightly. Am I really considering tickling an OYSTER into giving up its pearl? Well…this IS Narnia and it wouldn't be the strangest thing I've seen if this works. There was no other way around it that he could see. Reaching out, Peter felt under the oyster and then he lightly tickled the bottom shell. The oyster shuddered. He tickled a little more. The oyster shuddered again and then it opened. The pearl nestled within was iridescent and emitting a soft glow. Peter reached in and plucked it up with his forefinger and thumb before he curled his fingers around it to form a protective shield.

He swam back to the cove as quickly as he could. He reaching the cove, he searched for any sign of Syrena or any others of the Merfolk but there were none. He swam for the surface and gasped, barely remembering to catch the Pearl of Life when it rolled out of his mouth. The air was almost painful as his lungs moved, expanding and decreasing with every breath, restoring the natural rhythm. Rain pelted his face and the waves were choppy, but he still didn't try to climb out just yet. He needed to return the Pearl of Life.

A deep voice spoke up behind him, "I will take charge of the Pearl of Life now, High King Peter."

Peter twisted and met the stormy gray eyes of a Merman. A wave slapped him in the face and he coughed then held out the Pearl of Life, placing it in the Merman's upturned hand. "Please convey my thanks to the King of the Merfolk for his generosity in agreeing to lend me the Pearl for the duration of my task. I could not have completed it without such aid. And if you would, please convey my thanks as well to Lady Syrena and her daughter, Lady Sybil, I am in their debt."

The Merman gave a curt nod, "All will receive your words, High King. Now return to shore, the Sons of Adam were not meant to spend so long in the sea." He vanished beneath the waves before Peter could even think of a response. Shaking his head, Peter swam to the shore and carefully climbed out of the water. Vidar was waiting next to where he had left his shirt and boots, only now they were safely stowed out of the rain. Shivering, Peter presented the pearl to Vidar.

The Wood god studied it as Peter pulled his shirt and boots back on then added the warm cape, pulling it close as he tried not to let his teeth chatter too loudly. The iridescent pearl vanished within Vidar's robes and he gave Peter a curt nod. "You have passed the second task in your quest to prove yourself worthy of my Thalia."

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21 Greenroof 1007

After two weeks of nothing save sitting around repairing odds and ends in Vidar's home due to the storms rolling through, Peter was itching for the chance to complete another task (for Vidar had assured him he still had more to do than repairing chairs and fixing wobbly shelves). A break in the rain was more than welcome as he followed Vidar through the woods without being soaked to the skin. Once again, Vidar told him nothing of the task ahead other than to greet him with the gruff command to follow him since it was time for him to continue proving his worth. Still, he thought he just might be growing on Vidar since the Wood god no longer manipulated the air to press down on him; instead, he only scowled at him.

Vidar stopped in front of a massive weeping willow tree then motioned for Peter to step forward. Peter reached out to touch the vine-like branches, brushing them aside until he could see the willow itself and just beyond the willow the dark maw of a cave. He glanced at Vidar, "I am to go in there?"

The Wood god nodded, "A lantern has been placed just inside the mouth of the cave. Go to its heart and you will see a Salamander living in the midst of its fire. Take this crystal vial and capture some of the fire within it then return here. Do not harm the Salamander nor refuse it anything it requests (for it will make a request of you). You have three hours."

Peter entered the cave, pausing only to uncover the lantern. Just how was he supposed to capture the Salamander's fire? And what kind of request would the Salamander make? He had no idea… He had never actually met a Salamander before (since they usually lived in volcanos and lava streams, oh and that one hot springs on the southern border), but surely it couldn't be too bad.

The heat was the first indication that he was getting close to the heart of the cave and the Salamander's home. Then a flickering orange and yellow light filled the tunnel, rendering the lantern superfluous. Covering the lantern, Peter noticed the light wasn't flickering precisely. Rather, it was pulsing as though it were mirroring or in harmony with a heartbeat. As he walked further down the tunnel, the heat increased but the light continued to pulse steadily. For a moment, he almost believed he heard the sound of a beating heart matching each pulse of light but then the illusion was gone, leaving only the pulsing light as his guide.

The end of the tunnel appeared before him, both beckoning and repelling him since he knew he must enter the chamber beyond even as his instincts clamored to flee the heat. Sweat rolled down his back, causing his shirt to stick to his skin, and dripped down his face, threatening to blind him. He had fought forest fires a few years earlier and while the heat wasn't quite as bad as it had been then, it was close. Raising an arm to help shield his eyes from the intense light, Peter stepped inside the chamber then peered through narrowed eyes at the source of the light.

Fire. His first impression was of a large fire, dancing and licking its way around a carving of some type in the center of the room. The fire flowed down from the carving into a trough, creating a literal river of fire that vanished into a crack on the far side of the chamber. At first, he didn't see the Salamander. Then he heard a hissing sound, "Who comesss, ssseeker, warrior, rogue, ssscoundrel?"

Blinking, Peter focused on the carving. It looked rather like a petrified tree trunk that had been shaped into a bowl…no, more a throne than a bowl. And in the center was a glowing red lizard-like creature about the size of a large house cat, but instead of scales, its skin was smooth and surprisingly moist-looking considering it lay curled in the middle of a blazing fire. He started as he realized the Salamander was peering at him with its bulging gold eyes, waiting for his answer. He inclined his head respectfully, "I suppose I am a seeker for I am here on a task."

"Tasssk? How do you sssay you are on a tasssk, if know you not whether you isss a ssseeker?"

Peter paused then smiled, "I am on a task because I pledged I would submit to the challenge to prove my worth. I am a seeker because I seek both a specific item for this task and the goal of my challenge. I am a warrior for I have fought with blade and shield to defend my family, my people, and my country against foes who threaten them." He held out his right hand, ignoring the heat of the pulsing flames, "Look at my sword hand and you will see the calluses of one who has used the sword and staff and spear six days a week every week for the past seven years in training and in battle (unless the healers forced me to inactivity)." Lowering his hand, Peter continued with a quiet confidence, "But I claim neither rogue nor scoundrel as my title. Indeed, I have striven to be their opposite, honorable, conscientious, and chivalrous, a gentleman who honors Aslan and His ways."

"Wissse wordsss the Ssson of Adam ssspeaksss, ssseeker, warrior, yesss yesss, but more than two, leader, protector, brother, king alssso. Ssson of Adam many thingsss. Ssspeak, Ssseeker who iss a Ssson of Adam, tell what tasssk you are charged."

The Salamander's bulging gold eyes vanished briefly as its tongue flicked out and licked each one. He had thought only certain lizards did that, but then again it was a Salamander living in a fire, so if it wanted to lick its own eyes, who would naysay it? He certainly wasn't about to say anything. Instead, he held up the crystal vial, which felt remarkably cool in his sweaty grasp. "My task is to capture some of your fire within this vial. Will you permit me to do so?"

It was difficult to tell but he was positive that the Salamander grinned then it made an odd popping noise, rather similar to the sound of logs popping and crackling in the heat of a fire. "Perhapsss Ssson of Adam may have fire if Ssson of Adam doesss sssomething for Sssalamander. It isss lonely here for Sssalamander. Sssalamander make requessst, Ssson of Adam grant, Sssalamander let Ssson of Adam have fire."

Peter nodded, "I will hear your request then grant it if I can do so without transgressing my vow to follow Aslan and His ways and to protest those He has charged me with the keeping of."

"Ssso will it be." The Salamander surveyed him for a moment before it spoke again, "Sssalamander isss lonely. Assslan called out pairsss but ssstill Sssalamander alone. On other ssside of my home isss another Sssalamnder, ssstubborn and finely wrought from the flamesss, persssuade thisss one to come be a pair with Sssalamander. Ssson of Adam ssseek fire for love and pairing, bring Sssalamander hiss pairing and love, Sssalamander let Ssson of Adam have fire."

Peter stared at the Salamander, unheeding of the sweat rolling down his face and neck, as he tried to wrap his mind around its request. He was supposed to find the other Salamander and persuade it to accept this Salamander so they could be a pair? For the space of a breath, he had the wild notion that this was Vidar's idea of a joke. But, no, that couldn't be since Vidar didn't strike him as the type to waste a task on tricking him (and he was certain Vidar would view such an action as a waste) and the Salamander's bulging gold eyes were watching him so intently… Peter found himself nodding and agreeing before he realized he'd even made the decision (though, in truth, he was certain he would have agreed…eventually), "Which way do I go?"

Walking down another tunnel, Peter swiped at the sweat stinging his eyes. Now it felt as though he were back in the midst of burning trees and homes. He swallowed, desperate for any moisture, as he entered a chamber, slightly smaller than the previous one and contained yet another petrified tree trunk (though smaller than the first one) wherein lay a Salamander. However, this Salamander was smaller more the size of a yearling cat than a large house cat and its skin was a brilliant orange. It blinked its bulging golden eyes at him then a distinctly softer, more feminine voice, "Who comesss passst the other? What ssseeksss a Ssson of Adam in a Sssalamandar's fire?"

He bowed his head, "I seek to bring you greetings from the other Salamander, the first warden of fire within the caves. He has spoken quite highly of you, describing you thusly "stubborn and finely wrought from the flames.""

Peter's eyes widened as he realized he had quoted the first Salamander precisely…too precisely he feared. Then he noticed the Salamander before him was…preening. Apparently, being called "stubborn" was also a compliment for the Salamanders. The Salamander hissed softly, sounding rather like damp wood tossed on a fire, "Ssson of Adam, what value you mossst? Sssword, Hearth, Crown?"

Peter paused, a little confused at the line of questioning, but he answered truthfully, "I value all three, Lady. Hearth because it is the reason I practice the Sword and it is what makes the Crown worthwhile and not so heavy a burden as it could be. Sword because with it I am able to safeguard those at the Hearth and those under the protection of the Crown. Crown because with it I am able to have the ability to do what must be done to protect the Hearth and it, like the Sword, is my charge from Aslan Himself. With all three, I am able to balance far more ably than with only one or two."

The Salamander curled her tail closer tucking it under her flat chin, "Ssson of Adam hasss wisssely anssswered. But what value you mossst, Ssson of Adam? Family, Love, Country?"

"I value all three. Family because they are the reason I am able to know the value of Love and they have taught me how I should treat my Country. Love because it is the bond that keeps Family together and allows the Country to be rules, to live, and to thrive in accordance with Aslan's laws. Country because it holds both Love and Family for me, not only of blood but also of the heart, and I see its value in the fact that Aslan has entrusted me and my Family to care for it. I would be incomplete if I were missing one or two or even all three. I cannot be at my full potential, who I am meant to be, if I do not value all three equally."

"Wisssely anssswered. Ssson of Adam, tell Sssalamander thoughtsss on the other and hisss proposssal. Sssalamander'sss fire burnsss hot and will not perisssh sssoon. Why ssshould Sssalamander join the fire of the other?"

Peter resisted the urge to swipe some sweat threatening to drop into his eyes as he met the Salamander's golden gaze. "I know not the history between the first warden of fire and yourself. But, I do know that when two lives are joined, they are stronger than before, when two flames meet, they merge into an even stronger blaze. He does not wish to be alone anymore and he desires love, for him the brightest flame would be the one that would come of your pairing and love. If your heart reciprocates, then do not delay longer than necessary for a long delay may bring grief, but it is true as well that absence and trial allows the flames of love to burn brighter as well. I believe the other, the first warden of fire does love you, but you alone know the truth of your heart in this matter. All I can counsel is for you to search it."

The Salamander held his gaze for a long time then she slid into the trough. She disappeared into the river of fire. Peter stared after her, but when she did not resurface, he wearily trudged back to the first cave. He would report his apparent failure…there was nothing else he could do.

However, when he reached the cave, he was greeted by the sight of two Salamanders. The first Salamander curling his red body around the smaller orange female. They both nodded to him, then the first Salamander spoke, "Ssson of Adam hasss sssucceeded. Sssalamander not alone, let Ssson of Adam have fire."

Peter barely kept from stepping back when the Salamander lunged forward and clamped his mouth around his right hand, which was still clutching the crystal vial. The other Salamander hissed something too soft for Peter to hear but the pulsing of the flames changed slightly as the first Salamander released his hand. "Ssson of Adam take fire quickly no fear of burnsss."

Peter carefully undid the vial's stopper then thrust his hand into the fire. To his amazement, the flames within the crystal vial still pulsed but now they were in time with his own heartbeat. Then, searing pain and the horrid scent of burning flesh filled the air as Peter jerked back, screaming. His sleeve was on fire and his arm… He barely managed to keep from collapsing at the pain as he smothered the flames. Gasping, he shakily stoppered the vial, only half-noting the rapid pulsing of the flames within its confines. He had to get out…he had to get out. He forgot the lantern as he stumbled into the semi-darkness of the tunnel. Pain licked its way up and down his arm, the stench of burnt flesh his constant companion, filling his nose and threatening to gag him, but still he staggered on. Bursting out into the sheltered shade of the willow, the last thing he saw was a look of alarm sweeping over Vidar's features before Peter collapsed.

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He woke inside a familiar house…Vidar's house. The Wood god was spreading some sort of ointment onto an arm…his arm. Odd how disconnected he felt, although now that he was watching the movement of Vidar's fingers against burned skin, he could feel a vague sense of discomfort. A vague sense that was rapidly changing to pain of a disorienting proportion.

"No. Relax your hand. Tensing the muscle will only make it feel all the worse. I am almost finished." Peter forced himself to relax in spite of the pain. An agonizing period of time later, Vidar switched from the ointment to loosely wrapping a bandage around it. "You should feel the numbing effect of the ointment now. Do you?"

Peter nodded, sighing as the pain faded to an uncomfortable but tolerable level, "Yes. Thank you, Vidar."

Vidar stood up abruptly, clearing his throat, "If you were to perish during the course of the tasks or severely wounded, I would no doubt not only be forced to deal with the reactions of my wife and eldest daughter, but also the reactions of your siblings and the General who regards you as a son… I do not need such interruptions to my charge as keeper of this grove. Therefore, until you are recovered, you may continue doing such minor duties as I assign before I assign you your next task."

Peter nodded, "Yes, Vidar." Inside, he felt a surge of joy that he had completed the task to Vidar's satisfaction and a twinge of trepidation at what the next task might comprise of…but hopefully, it would not revolve around fire. His burn healed within the week, being only slightly tender and red when the thirtieth of Greenroof dawned. Vidar nodded when he examined it and Peter fully expected to be assigned his next task, but then a Robin courier arrived.

Peter frowned as he re-read the missive then looked up at Vidar. "There is an incident in the Northern Marshes I must clear up, but I give you my word that I will return to complete my challenge as soon as I may take leave once more."

The Wood god bowed his head curtly, causing a few leaves to fall from his beard and crown, "I will expect your next visit. You have fulfilled one consecutive month participating in the challenge. This satisfies one of the provisions concerning the length of your service. The next month of service will be measured out in smaller units when necessary and when you may take leave of your duties. Keep that in mind. Aslan with you, Peter Pevensie."

In spite of the urgency of the missive, Peter couldn't quite banish his pleasure at the knowledge that Vidar had definitely begun to warm up to his presence. Perhaps when (he could not allow himself to think 'if') Peter proved his worth, Vidar would be a very welcoming father-in-law. If not… At least, it meant that one giant hurdle between himself and Thalia was slowly being whittled away. Now, if only the Ettin or two (oh, how he wished the report had been more detailed) harassing the settlement near the northern edge of the Northern Marshes proved as easy to whittle away. Swinging himself into the saddle then gathering his horse's reins, he nodded to Captain Cletus and the rest of the soldiers and they moved out. He needed to address the problem in the Northern Marshes and then he would return as he had promised.

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A/N: Please Read and Review! The Pearl of Life was graciously donated by WillowDryad (she invented it in her marvelous tale Refined by Fire), who was insistent that Peter could not drown after I realized that was the most likely outcome if he didn't get help. Big thank you to Willow for not only keeping me from accidentally signing Peter's death warrant, but for pre-reading this chapter and keeping certain parts of the tasks from getting too out of hand. Next chapter will probably be posted next weekend due to RL demands and will feature another task for Peter. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one (well, these two).