Chapter 11: Rivendell at Last
Eustace's P.O.V
Eustace had seen some amazing places in Narnia, even in England there were some beautiful places (although of course they had none of Narnia's wildness), and while for him nothing could compare to the wonder or Beauty of Aslan's country, and Narnia's beauty was always closer to his heart than anywhere else; he could still stay of a surety that Rivendell was one of the most amazing places he had ever seen.
The hidden valley was so peaceful and had an air of goodness to it, like the one Eustace imagined the tree that grew from the apple in the garden on the hill had. When the Professor and Aunt Polly had told that story Eustace could see it in his head, the protective tree, with its silver apples protecting Narnia in Aslan's stead, a feel of Him about it. Not that it could ever be anything but a faint reflection of Him. This valley had that feel, a faint reflection of Aslan's country.
Eustace looked over at Jill, who was staring down the valley with a look of wonder, reaching out to touch the trees. "Eustace, can you feel this?"
"Eustace reached out and touched a different tree. "By Jove yes, it's as if they're almost..."
"But not quite." Jill continued for him. "Yes I felt much the same; I wonder if this was what the trees in Narnia felt like when it was inhabited by the Telmarines and all the dryads fell into a deep sleep."
"Perhaps, but I don't believe these trees ever had Dryads Jill. They've not got their own life, but the life of the land runs through them."
Jill smiled at him, "Why, I do believe you're right. The whole land in this valley is alive in a way the land outside was not." Eustace managed to smile back at her, but he almost felt like a Dufflepud had just jumped on his chest. Jill looked More in this valley, he couldn't quite understand it, but she was more Lady Jill of Narnia here, than she was Jill Pole of England. Her smile had quite undone him. He only barely heard her conversation with Pippin about what Dryads were, and as he glanced after her.
He felt eyes on him, and turned to see Strider walking with another elf, the later regarding him with intrigue, and the former with amusement. He wondered what Strider found amusing, but felt his eyes wonder back to Jill, and he caught up with her. She was never so dynamic in England.
Oh you mustn't think Jill was at all shy, but as I have mentioned before, and Mr Lewis touched upon in his own books, the air of Narnia, and indeed also this land stripped away the restraints of England and showed people as their true selves, and not whom they pretended to be. Among the giggly, gossipy girls Jill shared a dorm with; she couldn't help but begin to act like them a little. But here she was her own self.
Eustace couldn't understand why he liked Jill better here, surely he couldn't be so shallow as to like her more when they were on an adventure, for true friends, such as he was sure they were, cared for each other no matter what situation, so why was it that when he saw her now her smile made him feel... Something, when it never had before.
"Eustace." He turned back to see Strider beckoning him, and he dropped back to talk with him and the elf. By the way the other elves were treating this one he assumed he was someone important. The golden haired elf seemed to be the only one with that hair colour, maybe he was visiting too.
"Strider?"
"Lord Glorfindel this is Lord Eustace of Narnia, Eustace, Lord Glorfindel of Rivendell."
Eustace bowed his head in respect- it was what he's done with the Lords and Ladies in Narnia, at least the time when he and Jill went to find Rillian. Lord Glorfindel reminded him of them, very proper, sophisticated, but kind as well. Lord Glorfindel smiled. "It is an honour to meet one of the chosen of Eru Ilúvatar.
Strider started at that, and Eustace looked very confused. "I feel as if I almost know the name sir, yet I cannot understand it." Lord Glorfindel smiled down at him. "Lord Eru, is he whom made the world, and all that is in it. He is the creator and father of all. You would know Him as the great Lion."
"Aslan. He did say he was in every world, when Edmund, Lucy and I had to leave Narnia that first time. But I didn't realise you knew of him sir."
"Oh yes, the firstborn know much of The Father of All. I had not known of Him in any other worlds, or indeed that there were other worlds till Estel told me off your story, and when I heard His name, much as yourself, I recognised Him."
"Why is it so much harder to find Him in my world? I have looked, but I..."
"It is sometimes harder to find something in a place you know well than a place you do not know. But He is there, have no fear otherwise".
Eustace smiled at Glorfindel, and then registered what had been said in the conversation between them. "Wait, Estel? Is that your true name?"
"Yes, it is one of my names, I have many." Eustace could believe that. He had figured before that Strider had other names, but he wasn't sure which to call him now.
"What would you rather I call you then?"
Strider smirked. "Since I have so many names you may chose for yourself, however to save confusion, Aragorn is my most well know name, and the one most of the visitors that will be coming in the next few weeks will use. Estel is the name my ada gave me when I was raised here."
"I see. Well I'm more boring, and only have one name. It's far easier to remember."
Aragorn grinned. "I am sure most people would agree with you my friend."