Disclaimer: We are coming to some fairly original innovations. Fwirra and Duke Terril, for example, are OCs. But I'm still just tacking them on to Lewis' characters and sticking them in his world. So I still can't claim the story. Darn.

Chapter Fourteen

We had not been at Anvard a month, but I could have sworn Prince Cor had complained of his lessons with the Lord Darrin every day- sometimes two or three times in a day. To tell the truth, I was well sick of it, and one day I ventured to tell him so. He was going on about how tedious it was sitting in the old classroom with Lord Darrin poring over books of letters and sums, and hearing him go on about such and such an old king and how to bow to a duke rather than an earl of Galma.

"Will you shut up about it!" I cried at last. "I mean, come on! It can't be worse than mending nets or whatever you did as a peasant in Calormen, and to be sure, you need the knowledge! I've scarce met a more ignorant boy, and right now you are certainly the whiniest."

Cor's eyes widened, and he reddened. "Like you can talk," he spluttered. "You just sit around gossiping with the maid all day, playing tricks with Corin, or talking to Father! You've nothing remotely difficult to do!"

"If I did," I snapped, "I wouldn't sit and moan about it, I can tell you! I'd spend my time doing the task and trying to make things better for myself."

"Why don't you?" he demanded. "You're as new to Archenland as I am! You don't know anymore about its history and culture than I do. But I don't see you taking lessons."

"I can read," I said coldly. "I can learn it for myself."

He snorted. "I'm learning," he said. "Sure, I'm being forced to do it, but I am making an effort. You say you can learn about Archenland for yourself. Are you?" He crossed his arms. "I don't think you are."

"I already have an excellent education," I said, going stiff. "I'm no untaught former-peasant."

"No," he said. "You're a snobby Calormene princess too lazy to learn what's important in her new home who will go on and criticize a fellow for complaining when he finds it a bit difficult."

I stood, casting aside the embroidery I was doing of Hwin, Bree, Cor and I in the desert. "Well if that's how you feel I shan't waste my time talking to you."

"Don't," Cor shot back. "It'll give me some much-needed peace!"

"Ugh!" I cried in disgust, beginning to leave the room before remembering it was my own sitting room. "Get out, Your Highness," I said, shaping the words into a mockery.

"With pleasure, Tarkheena," he returned just as venomously, sweeping out of the room.

I kicked the chair he had been sitting at and sat down, fuming. Of all the cheek! He'd been the one moaning! And I'd listened past anyone else! Corin had knocked him down for all his complaining last week! And he actually had the nerve to go around and say I was at fault. Well, he'd see if I'd be sympathetic again. Dreadful boy! I wouldn't speak to him. He'd like that!

A week later, I still wasn't speaking to Cor. It wasn't my fault. If Cor had come and apologized at any point in time, of course, I would have been perfectly willing to be friends again, but he had not. In fact, at times it seemed more as if he weren't speaking to me than as if I weren't speaking to him! This was very irritating, especially when King Lune called Cor, Corin, and I to him and told us that the four sovereigns of Narnia had invited the three of us for a visit, and that he was disposed to let us go.

Cor had looked excited. "Shall I not have to study while we are in Narnia?" he had asked eagerly.

King Lune had laughed. "Thou art not five weeks into thy lessons and art already so anxious to be rid of them? Let thy anxiety mold thee into a better pupil. Nay, Cor, the Lord Darrin says you are doing well, but even Corin, years ahead of thee, is not to be let off for a fortnight and more, for such is the time shalt stay in Narnia, I guess. Your tutor will accompany you."

Now we rode over the mountains, the three of us, behind the Lord Darrin to Narnia. The pass was dreadfully narrow, and the cliff to our left terribly steep. The Lord Darrin every now and then called back information to us, telling us who had passed this way and when, or what that particular plant growing out of the rock face was and what were its uses. Darrin was stricter and quieter than his loud, humorous brother Dar, but he was an excellent teacher. The things he said had a tendency to stick in one's head- and he wasn't even my tutor. Indeed, I rather thought he disliked me. Sometimes I would catch him looking at me beneath his thick yellow brows as if I were a problem particularly perplexing that he did not exactly care for.

For all that he seemed to dislike me, I had nothing against the Lord Darrin, and if I had not been on the outs with Cor, I should have enjoyed the trip. The air as we went through the pass became cold and crisp: delicious to breathe. The sky was so blue that it almost hurt to look at. Summer was fading away into autumn, then, a beautiful sunset of an autumn.

But I could not enjoy it. Cor would not speak to me, I was resolved not to break my silence and speak to him, and as a result, Corin was put out with the both of us.

"You're both being perfect beasts, you know," he said in a low voice lest Lord Darrin hear us. "Look, I don't know what you two quarreled over, but I'm pretty sure it isn't worth all this rot. All this glaring and sulkiness, it's depressing, and I don't care what problem you two have with each other, but it's no fun for me now, too. Are you angry at me?"

"I have no quarrel with you, Corin." I said. "Lovely afternoon, is it not? Tell me, what's Narnia like?"

Corin's eyes flashed, and Cor flushed. "No," Corin said firmly. "That's no good, either. I'll not be a weapon, Aravis, and that's that. You talk to both of us, or you oughtn't to talk at all. That's just plain meanness."

"Thanks, Corin," Cor said. "Some people just don't understand common decency."

"By the Mane!" Corin said. "You're as bad as she is! But, brother, if you go on like that I can knock you down, and I shall. But I can see it's no use talking to the either of you. Let me know when you've decided to make it up and be sensible, will you?" And with that he spurred his little mountain pony on to join Lord Darrin, gazing back at the two of us half in scorn, half in pity.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cor's face twist in guilt, and I grit my teeth against it and rode on in silence.

We came down from the pass in a green meadow, and without warning, Cor suddenly spurred his pony up to the Lord Darrin.

"Sir," I heard him say. "I've some friends, a family of dwarves, just over the next hill. It's about time we stopped for dinner- do you think we could share our food with them, and I could say hullo and see how they're doing?"

"But of course, Your Highness," said Lord Darrin. "'Tis well thought of. Was it here, then, where you found yourself after you got lost at the crossroads and found the stag to warn King Edmund?"

"Well, that was mostly accidental," Cor admitted, "But yes, sir. It was."

I scowled. Cor had never told me that he had stayed with a family of dwarves in Narnia. For some reason I felt personally slighted, then I wondered why on earth I should. It wasn't like Cor should tell me everything. Then I was angry at myself.

There were three Dwarves, all brothers that lived in a tiny house on the other side of the hill. Their names were Duffle, Rogin, and Bricklethumb, and they were unlike any people I had ever met before. They were shorter, but stouter, and much wilder looking than men. Their hair and beards were like fox-fur, and they dressed in leather and had little, horny hands that I knew just from looking at were capable of great strength and craftsmanship.

They were delighted to see Cor- though they at first greeted him as Shasta- and even more delighted to learn that the peasant boy in rags they'd befriended and lodged for a day a month ago was the long-lost Prince of Archenland.

"I thought he looked familiar, Prince Corin," said Rogin as we shared dinner- on our part bread, cheese, and wine, and on theirs hot sausages and rich potatoes. "But he didn't look like any Prince when he was here, let me tell you, all rags and faintin' from mortal hunger, he was. Just goes to show, I say, that you never know."

Cor was very happy to see the dwarves, too, and he chattered away to them about the autumn and how the High King had trounced the giants and about the siege of Anvard. Corin waxed eloquent, too, especially about the battle, and Lord Darrin lectured for a while on the political ramifications of King Peter's defeat of the giants. I found that I didn't know what to say, however.

I knew nothing of the security in Narnia, or how dwarf etiquette differed from court manners at Anvard. When we left, I was presented with a cleverly made little belt knife and had not the faintest idea of the proper reply until Corin said it for me ("Thank you, Masters Duffle, Rogin, and Bricklethumb, she will wield it well, and its fine craftsmanship will speak for you wherever she goes") I just stood there feeling awkward, and I curtsied as best I knew how. The dwarves said it was nothing, but raised their eyebrows at me slightly, and the Lord Darrin sighed and rubbed his chin. I had curtsied in the Calormene manner.

Lucy came out to meet us at the gate of Cair Paravel late that night. It was too dark by then to see much but the moon glittering off of the sea and off the windows of the towers, but I could make out that the Cair was a castle bigger, if slightly newer, than Anvard.

"Greetings, friends," she said happily. "Welcome back, Corin, Lord Darrin. And you, Prince Cor, Lady Aravis, welcome to Cair Paravel. 'Tis my pleasure to greet you. I have been seeing to it that your rooms are in order. I can show you to them- I know you must be tired. My brothers, sister, and I will see you in the morning, after you all have rested from your journey."

She led us through shining corridors, brighter, but not so homely as at Anvard. Cor and Corin were placed in a room together, and next to theirs the Lord Darrin had his room, and across the hall from him I had mine, so that he could hear any of us and come should we call for anything. I found my room with a great, wide, canopied bed, a comfortable green armchair and a roaring fire. In front of the armchair was laid a light supper. I sank into the chair and into my meal, and almost immediately afterwards, fell asleep.

The next morning I awoke fresh, and dressed in one of the gowns that had been left in the wardrobe for me- I sensed Lucy's hand- the gown fit me to perfection. I looked out my window, and saw the sea below, shining like a jewel in the rising sun. I opened the pane and it seemed I heard an unearthly music. If I looked hard, I saw where it came from: silver tails and bright yellow hair splashed among the rocks just off-shore.

A knock sounded at my door. I opened it to see Lucy. She smiled at me and embraced me. I hugged her tight. "Oh, Queen Lucy, it is good to see you," I said. "This room is delightful. Oh- this place is just simply glorious!"

"You are up, then," she said, with a laugh. "Good. Will you come and get the others with me? My brothers and sister are anxious to meet with you all."

I smiled. On this morning I could be happy even to see Cor. Lucy rapped on the door of Lord Darrin's room, and I knocked upon Cor and Corin's.

Corin flung the door wide and darted out. He seized me by the hands and spun around. "The air is clear, and the mer-folk are singing!" he cried. "Good morning, Aravis! Welcome to Narnia! And isn't it lovely?"
I laughed in joyful delight and he twirled me around. Cor came out, smiling as well, and I sighed. I let go of Corin, walked over to Cor, and held out my hand. "Cor?"

He took it. "Aravis."

"I'm tired of being angry with you," I explained simply.

He shrugged. "It's kind of hard to be angry here, this morning, isn't it? Sorry I was insulting. Shall we just forget about the whole thing then?"

I nodded wearily. "It was a stupid fight, anyway."

Corin put an arm around each of us. "You're both stupid, then," he said cheerfully. "Look, Queen Lucy's got Lord Darrin up. Shall we?"

The four of us followed Lucy down several flights of stairs to a wide, yellow-tiled room with a little table. A large, stain-glassed window made up almost one whole wall, and the light came in and lit the entire room with bright, cheery colours. Three people sat at the table, which was laid for seven. As we entered, they rose. I recognized King Edmund, and he bowed at us with a smile.

Then the two others came forward. They were both stunning. The woman was perhaps the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. Her shining ebony hair was plaited, wound, and rewound about her finely shaped head atop a long, slender, pale neck. She was garbed in blue and scarlet. Every feature was precisely where it should be. Her eyes were big and dark and expressive, her nose perfectly straight, her lips plump and pink. Her figure was gorgeously curved, her hands elegantly boned. I sighed just looking at her, and half understood why Rabadash was willing to lay waste to two lands for her beauty.

But for all of the woman's envy-inspiring beauty, it was the man that grabbed my attention. He was tall and sturdy and his dark blonde hair and the gold circlet thereupon caught the light. But, though he was handsome, the reason I looked at him was much the same reason I looked at Lucy. As goodness and happiness radiated from Lucy, so goodness, strength, and authority radiated from this man. He did not look older than five-and-twenty, but I could see in that first instant that men would fight and die for this man, do so gladly, and wish even that they had six more lives to give to his service.

As Lucy took her place beside her brothers and sister I saw the radiance I had always seen in her increase, and the thought and earnestness in King Edmund's visage burned forth suddenly.

I looked at the stained glass behind them and saw it was an image of the Lion, coming forth out of the sunrise over the sea. The sun hit it then, and the image of Aslan seemed to smile proudly upon the four sovereigns of Narnia. My eyes suddenly stung, and I curtsied deeply, and did not rise. Beside me Cor, Corin, and Darrin bowed and straightened.

"Oh, get up, Aravis," Lucy was saying then, and whatever it was ended, and the radiance had left the faces of the four Narnian monarchs and I could look at them again. "Peter, Susan, this is Cor, Prince of Archenland, and the brave Tarkheena is the Lady Aravis, who flew an unjust marriage and has bound her lot with Archenland, forsaking her family and her country."

"Welcome, friends," the golden-haired man said. "I am Peter, High King here in Narnia. This here is my sister, the Queen Susan, and my brother King Edmund and sister Queen Lucy you know. Sit. Let us dine together, and we shall talk a little."

The High King himself held out my chair for me, and I, trembling, sat. I was seated between the High King and Corin- with Cor at the other end of the table between Lucy and Lord Darrin.

"So," the High King said once food had been brought. "I am but returned from the northlands a fortnight ago, and as such, I find now that I am very much at a loss as to what has happened in the interim in Archenland and beyond the desert. My royal brother and sisters tell me that you, the long lost Prince Cor, showed up in the peasant rags of Calormen and saved Archenland from an attack from my sister Susan's former lover Rabadash. Tell me, your Highness, how all this came to be."

So Cor spoke. He talked of how he had grown up with Arsheesh the fisherman and met up with Bree the night the Tarkaan Anradin came. He recounted how Aslan had forced him and me together, and how we had gotten separated in Tashbaan. Edmund explained how he had mistaken Cor for Corin in Tashbaan, and Corin explained, to the High King's amusement and Queen Susan's grief, what he had actually been doing that day. Cor took up the tale again then and told how a little after he found out how to cross the desert, I had found out while escaping with my friend how Rabadash planned to attack Archenland and Narnia. He told how we had crossed the desert and how he had run alone with the message after the Hermit to King Lune, and then how Aslan had led him on to Narnia, and at last how Corin had found him and brought him to King Lune and everything had come out at last.

I noticed with some amusement how he completely left out him running at the lion. King Lune had told that story so often at court that Cor was heartily sick of it. I took mercy on him and didn't retell it.

"Well, Your Highness, you have had an adventure and no mistake," said the High King after he finished. "And milady Aravis, I cry you mercy. I had not comprehended how brave you were, though my sister sang your praises, until this moment. If ever you need anything at all, I pray you only ask. You have saved our friends at Archenland from a terrible fate, and perhaps our own land, at the cost of your own family and homeland."

"Truly, a most incredible tale," said Queen Susan. "Though it shames me now to realize this Ass Rabadash capable of such knavery. I cannot help but feel in some part responsible for your many sufferings."

"If you are, Queen Susan," said Corin. "You also have to own up to some responsibility in how good things are now. If it weren't for all this, Cor and Aravis might be living somewhere under a rock up here and Father and I would never know." He appeared to think. "That might be better, all things considered."

"Corin!" said Cor.

"Teasing, brother. Then again, I don't really think Queen Susan had much to do with it, begging your pardon, I'm sure. I think that Tisroc wanted an excuse to attack Archenland and Narnia."

Queen Susan's face fell ever so slightly, and I wondered for a brief moment whether it was over the logical conclusion that the Tisroc wanted an excuse to attack Narnia and used her, or its corollary that she and her unearthly beauty hadn't started all the trouble. Then I dismissed the idea as unworthy of me. Queen Susan couldn't possibly be as vain as all that.

"I think you speak the truth, Prince Corin," said Darrin. "The Tarkheena's account of the counsel supports you, at any rate. You've learned your lessons in politics well from me."

"Well that he has, at that, Lord Darrin." said the High King. "On the morrow the duke from Galma will arrive, and stay with us a little. Tell me, Cor, how goes your Highness' lessons in politeness?"

Darrin looked a little apprehensive. Cor answered "Courtesy isn't courtesy that looks learned, Your Majesty."

Susan smiled in delight. "Couldst not have put it better myself, Your Highness! Thou hast a quick pupil, Lord Darrin!"

"His Highness Cor progresses well, in truth," replied Darrin. "But just in case, I shall drill him on international manners this afternoon. And I thank you for your warning, Your Majesty."

"Not at all," said King Peter. "Go. Explore the gardens, enjoy yourselves. We shalt meet again for the evening meal."

As it turned out, Cor and Corin both had lessons, and the Lord Darrin was teaching them, so the only one truly free to explore and enjoy herself was me. I had already learned at Anvard that monarchs could not do whatever they wanted to all day, and though there were four to divide the paperwork and boon-seekers at Cair Paravel, there were also four to argue about how things should be done best. So I was pretty much left to myself.

Wandering in the terraced garden by the low wall and looking out over it at the shoreline, I found myself rather lonely for the first time in a while. The gardens here were not as expansive as the ones at Anvard: King Lune had told me a few weeks before that his wife had loved flowers and he had kept the gardens lush in her memory. The flowers were smaller and paler than the ones we had in Calormen, too. A cloud had come over the sun now, and a wind blew off the sea. I shivered.

I sat at the bench nearest the eastern wall, under an arbor of dying yellow roses. I was sure I was feeling homesick and lonesome, but I was not sure for where and for whom. I thought of the gardens that went on for miles and miles of sweet smelling fruit trees and wide, gay flowers in fountains of wanton abundance back in Calormen. I thought of my little room back at Anvard. I thought of my Father, rejected that. I thought of Hashafed, and felt a pang. I thought of Lasaraleen and of other acquaintances I would never see again. I thought of Hwin, somewhere in this wide, beautiful country, and Bree, and wondered if they'd come to the Cair sometime while I was here. With a smile I thought of kind, fatherly King Lune, and realized that I missed him more than I had thought I would.

I did not know what or who I wanted, only what I had. The clouds were still gathering, and the wind was growing stronger.

"You'd do well to go inside, milady," said a voice. I looked around for its source, but could see none.

"Who speaks?"

"Over here," said the voice again, a young girl's voice. I looked over in the direction of the voice and saw a slim young birch leaning against the wall. I checked. There was no one about. I looked hard at the tree. I remembered Corin saying once that the trees in Narnia sometimes talked.

"Hullo," I said inquiringly.

"That's right," said the voice, and straight out of the bark walked a girl. She was clad in silvery green, with long, whippy hair. She looked no older than ten. "You look startled, miss."

"Um…" I hesitated. "You spoke to me, tree?"

"Yes. My name is actually Fwirra," she said, making a sound that sounded like the rustle of the wind through leaves. "What's yours?"

"I'm Aravis," I said in amazement. "Where I come from, the trees don't talk."

"How sad," remarked Fwirra. "Am I the first tree you've ever spoken to?"

"Yes," I said.

She grinned impishly then. "I guess I probably gave you a bit of a turn, then, didn't I?"

"A bit. What were you saying, though?"

"There's a bit of heavy rain coming, is all," Fwirra said. "Lovely, I think- my roots could use a bit of a drink- but I've noticed that you humans don't like to be out in the wet: and it will get cold, too." She shivered. "I don't like that any more than you do," she informed me. "In fact, the big oak over there told me that you people stay awake through all the cold time. I don't know how you manage it!"

I found myself staring at her, and then caught my rudeness. It was fascinating to be talking to a tree, and even more fascinating how she seemed so like a child. I dropped a curtsey then. "Well, um…thank you, Fwirra. Enjoy your…drink."

"I will," she said cheerfully. She waved and began walking back towards her tree. "Goodbye, Aravis." She faded into the bark, but I heard her voice. "Say, come and talk to me again sometime, will you? It's dull sitting here against the wall with no one but the oak over there to speak to, and the Queens, you know, when they come."

I shook my head in confusion, my melancholy broken, and walked inside as the first drops of rain began to pour.

Supper passed at Cair Paravel, in the Great Hall. With the rain beating down outside, still it was a merry meeting. The lamps blazed, and danced off of the walls. The Lord Darren, Cor, Corin, and I sat at the dais with the High King, Queen Susan, King Edmund, and Queen Lucy, but we looked out over a hall full of smiling humans and Beasts and even queer people I might have termed 'things' or 'demons' back in Calormen. Talking Rabbits as well as men raised goblets high, and I think I saw a Water spirit conversing with a bull with the head of a man. There were jokes and laughter, and after the meal I found that Queen Lucy had told the whole story of how Cor and I had come to Archenland to a poet, who had spent all day composing a song about it all.

I saw Cor's cheeks redden- for the bard had not left out the lion- and had added a great many adventures and things that had never happened at all. I myself was a bit embarrassed. Though persons had often bowed and scraped and paid me outrageous and untrue compliments to win the favour of the Tarkheena back in Calormen, still I had never had a song made about me, as if I were some ten-foot-tall heroine. I recalled Corin's first words to me, and smiled. After a tale like this, I was shorter than I expected myself to be.

We went to bed late. The next morning again I spent mostly in solitude, but towards eleven Cor and Corin were let out of their lessons and came to find me.

"So, Aravis, what do you think of Narnia?" Corin asked, grinning. It was the first chance the three of us had gotten to speak together since our arrival.

"I think it very strange, and beautiful, and wonderful. The kings and queens are very kind," I said.

"But?"

I shrugged. "I confess I prefer Anvard better," I said.

"Me, too," said Cor.

"So much the better," said Corin. "You live at Anvard, don't you? I'd be all desolated if you decided to up and leave for Cair Paravel. It's fun when you're here, mind. And once that duke's gone we'll have a bit better time- The High King said he'd hold a tournament, remember Cor?"

"You'll beat the stuffing out of me," Cor sighed.

"'Course I will," Corin said, unruffled. "You're still useless with a lance- though you did manage to knock me one with the practice stave the other day- I never told you, good hit, by the way- I've still got a bruise."

I saw Cor smile in pleasure for half a second. "I'm almost certain to say something stupid when the duke shows up," he said. "He'll be here in an hour."

"Aren't Archenland and Galma on good terms?" I asked.

Cor nodded. "Sure they are-Father's on good terms with nearly everyone- 'cept Calormen, now, but the Tisroc did say in that conference he wasn't going to attack us, if I remember right." He looked inquiringly at me, and I nodded in affirmation.

"Technically, Galma isn't even its own country," Corin said. "It belongs to Narnia, with the Lone Islands; but the duke does come every now and then to renegotiate trade and go over the taxes and boring things like that. The old one died, so this is his son coming, name of Terril, I think. Anyway, Cor, you couldn't really say anything that will do much more than make things awkward. You rank the duke, as Crown Prince of Archenland."

"All the more reason to not mess up," Cor said, forehead crinkling. "I don't want to embarrass you or Lord Darrin…or Father, if he hears about it."

Corin made a noise of disgust. "Aravis," he said. "Where did you find this boy? By the Mane, he's so decent and conscientious sometimes I wonder if you didn't pick up the wrong brother."

I stuck my tongue out at him. "How can you doubt it?" I asked. "His face is yours, after all, and I've no doubt you could be just as simplemindedly and annoyingly decent if you tried." I looked at Cor. "Seriously, though, Cor, you've been studying enough to complain about it at all hours to Corin and me. If you mess up at all it'll be because you worried too much about it and did too much. Look, here comes King Edmund to fetch us. They must have sighted the duke's ship."

King Edmund led us to the little dining room where we'd been received the morning before. The other Narnian monarchs were already there. I looked at Cor. "Where's Lord Darren?"

He waved his hand. "He's not coming. Ran into Lord Peridan after we were let out of lessons- Lord Peridan tutored them, you know. I guess they're probably having lunch someplace else complaining about stupid young royals."

"Too right," laughed Edmund, who'd heard us. "But I thought Your Highnesses might like to meet the Duke Terril, and you, Lady Aravis."

I looked sideways at Corin. He made a face. Both of us knew we weren't really necessary for this: that the High King was trying to teach Cor something by example. Corin was here to ease things for his brother, and I was here because they couldn't in good conscience leave me out. Still, the whole proceeding was bound to be boring.

The duke of Galma, when he entered, proved a slim, rather short man with a pointed beard. He was in his mid-thirties, it looked like. His clothes were almost painfully correct. He exchanged pleasantries with the royals- whom he'd obviously met before- then the High King turned to the three of us from Archenland.

"These here are the young princes of Archenland: Cor, King Lune's heir, and his twin Corin. The girl with them is Lune's ward the Lady Aravis. King Lune has graciously allowed them to visit for a time."

Cor and Corin bowed- Cor much more correctly, if not more naturally, than he had done five weeks ago, and I curtsied as I had been taught by my governess back in Calormen. As I rose, I saw the duke frowning at me. I looked around- Peter, Susan, and Lucy looked a bit too natural, but Edmund had paled a little. Cor and Corin looked inexplicably nervous, and I wondered what I had done.

No-one said anything, though, and we went to table. King Edmund pulled out my chair for me with hands a bit too tense. The queens sat, then I sat- and the duke of Galma frowned again. Belatedly I noticed Corin shaking his head at me, and I realized that I ought to have waited for the duke to sit. I sprang up to my feet, blood rushing to my cheeks. He sat, looking perturbed, and then Cor and Corin and I sat before the High King and King Edmund.

The High King began by inquiring after Duke Terril's voyage. He stroked his pointed beard. "Weather was as good as can be expected this time of year, really- it was the pirates we had to avoid." Here he looked at me for some reason.

"Well?" Lucy asked.

"We managed it, we managed it. Saw a ship off the shore of Terebinthia, but we were able to outrun 'em. And now here we are. I must say, Your Majesties, it's a privilege to be back at Cair Paravel. And Your Highnesses-"he hesitated. "Milady…pleasure, I'm sure. But if you'll pardon me, I thought there was only one Prince of Archenland?"

"Oh, my brother's a halfwit," Corin said breezily. "We don't talk about him much."

"Corin!" cried Susan. "For shame!"

Corin grinned unabashedly at her. Cor turned red and shoved Corin's arm half-heartedly. "Pardon me, I'm sure," said Corin.

"Truth be told, there were two when they were born, Your Grace," said King Edmund, "But from two weeks after their birth up until five weeks past, there has been only one Prince of Archenland."

"How can this be?" asked the Duke curiously.

"If it pleases Your Grace," said Cor cautiously. "'Tis a long tale. But I was kidnapped as an infant, and was raised in Calormen until but five weeks ago."

"Calormen," said the Duke. He nearly spat the name, as if it tasted bad. I raised my eyebrows. "Did this damsel then, come hither from there?"

"Indeed," said Cor. "At the same time."

Duke Terril forced a smile. "Pardon my abruptness," he said. "We in Galma have little love for Calormenes."

"Why?" I asked, annoyed. "Is there something wrong with my countrymen?"

"Your countrymen?" asked Duke Terril. "I thought you were King Lune's ward."

"But five weeks ago I was a Tarkheena in Calormen," I said. "Excuse me if I find it hard to forget. Tell me, what causes your animosity?"

King Edmund shook his head, and the High King's eyes hardened. "Really," said Susan anxiously, "Your Grace, I'm sure she means no offense."

"It is nothing, Your Majesty," growled Duke Terril. "Tarkheena, then, have you no idea of your history?"

I hesitated. "Your Grace, sir, I know nothing of why you should dislike us so."

"Then tell me, Lady," he said. "From whence come fifteen out of every hundred slaves bought, sold, and treated like objects in that realm of Calormen?"

I suddenly remembered Baba telling me once that he'd come from Galma as a boy…abducted and sold at market. I felt my face grow hot.

"I see you know of what I speak," said Duke Terril in horrible accusation.

"Your Grace," said Peter, "You forget yourself. The Lady Aravis is a guest in this house as you are. I assure you, she has thrown off all allegiance to Calormen, but even had she not, you could hardly blame her for all the failings of her countrymen."

I looked back at Duke Terril, paralyzed. "The pirates…" I muttered. I stood abruptly. "Sir," I said, "I cannot say now that you have no cause for anger against the country that gave me birth, if it is as I think it is. I…I cannot say how foolish I feel regarding my ignorance this afternoon…had I but known. I have…you must have thought it a great insult…oh," I turned to the four monarchs of Narnia. "Your Majesties. Beg leave to retire. I'm…I'm sorry." I shot Cor and Corin a pleading look, and turned, and fled.

I all but ran from the room and out to the garden. The day was sunny, and there was no wind. I cursed within my head again and again. Once I calmed, I realized that Duke Terril had been wrong to blame me for my people, but still- I had not given him cause to think me different. I curtsied in the manner of a proud Tarkheena, had taken offense at his dislike of Calormenes, completely forgetting he might have reason. And I could not deny I had spoken out of turn just now. It was almost funny. Cor, Corin, and I had all been so sure that if anyone messed up with regard to political relations it would be him.

I wondered why I'd been so sure of that, and could only trace it back to the same pride and complacency I'd despised in myself upon first discovering it at the Hermit's five weeks ago. Small wonder I hadn't been able to get rid of it just upon discovering it.

I ought to have realized that a Calormene Tarkheena living in the North would have to be doubly aware of the politics and courtesy thereof. Calormen was strong enough to handle its enemies. I was not strong enough to handle my former nation's foes, though, so my reputation and standing would now depend on my ability to divert their animosity. It wasn't exactly fair that I would have to be so careful- but still, I ought to have realized- and it was laziness, pride, and- I realized with shame- even lack of commitment that kept me from acting on it. I had wanted to live free among the Northern peoples- it was right and proper that I should live, not only free, but also as they lived.

I went back to my room after a brief talk with Fwirra- she had enjoyed the rain and was feeling sleepy so we didn't talk long. I stayed there, thinking about what I was to do.

Lucy found me there later, after supper had passed and when the castle was starting to quiet down. She sat down on the bed beside me heavily. "You know, you did not have to stay up here all afternoon," she said softly. "Cor, Edmund, and I were able to explain things to the duke. He feels badly for his ill manners now; he was hoping you would come down for supper so he could apologize."

I looked over at her. "It wasn't all his Grace, Lucy; don't be kind. I spoke out of turn, too, and besides, once the High King said Galma I ought to have remembered I'd have to tread carefully. I'm so embarrassed."

Lucy reached out to lay her own little white hand on mine. "The fault was not all on your side, nonetheless, nor even, I think, mostly on your side. The Duke Terril has always been-how shall I put this- a little oversensitive. His sister was taken by Calormene slavers, you know."

"So much the worse!" I cried.

Lucy sighed."Slavery's one of the prime evils in the world today. I do not expect you know that yet- at least not fully. Even as much freedom as you had as a Tarkheena- little as it was- is denied a slave. You were primary decorative. A slave's entire personhood is reduced to mere utility, a gross degradation of the human spirit. But that you grew up among it is no more your fault than your name."

"I know I was horrified when Shasta-Cor, now, of course, told me that the fisherman wanted to sell him to Bree's old Tarkaan," I said. "And…I suppose, since I always rebelled at the thought of serving like a slave, that I knew, even then, that there is something wrong with the position. And I think that the way King Lune does things in Archenland- paying his servants and giving them days off and calling them 'friend' or by name- is much nicer."

Lucy smiled. "It is nicer. As for any rudeness you exhibited, I think you are probably still adjusting. It is strange still, is it not, to call Archenland home?"

"I don't really think I've fully processed it until today," I said. "Lucy, I shall have to learn all about the customs and history, as if I'd never learned it before. I realized it's even more important for me than it is for Cor. He belongs in Archenland, so it makes sense that he'll get a little more..." I struggled for words.

"Acceptance?" Lucy offered in a soft voice.

I nodded slowly. "But I'm going to have to prove I deserve it. But I will, Your Majesty, I will! By the Lion himself, I'm never going back. I'll do whatever I have to."

Lucy squeezed my hand. "Whatever work you put in, the good deeds I am sure you will accomplish as a free lady of Archenland: they will testify even more to your credit than they would if you were otherwise. It is strange: I have not thought of it for years, but you remind me of another young woman in a story my mother used to tell me long ago, in that other world."

I scooted closer to her, so I was leaning up against her side. "Tell me," I asked.

"There was a young woman," Lucy said, in a faraway voice. "Not much older than you. She had married a foreign man, but her husband had died, and her mother-in-law was leaving the country to go back to her own homeland, for there was a famine. She told this young woman to go back to her father, and to serve the gods of her own homeland, and to perhaps marry again and bear children. But the young woman loved her mother-in-law, and thought her way of life was better, and she would not go. I remember liking what she said so much I memorized it then…let's see if I remember…

"Ah, yes. 'Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee:" Lucy quoted. "For whither thou goest I will go; and where thou lodgest I will lodge: thy people shall be my people and thy God my God…"

"'Where thou diest I will die,'" said Queen Susan's voice from the doorway, "'and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.' Yes. Mother used to have that on the wall. She did love that story. I had almost forgotten. It does remind one of Aravis, does it not?" She took up a brush off of the table, and walked around and knelt on the bed behind me and began running the brush gently, but firmly, through my unruly curls.

"Just as the woman in the story," Lucy said, "You have left your homeland for a life you think better- without even so much family as a mother-in-law you have left your father's house and your king and your gods to live as a foreigner among us. I think it is terribly brave of you. And I think that just as that woman in the story has been renowned in the world from whence I and my siblings came for her loyalty and goodness, so will you be among us in days to come."

My eyes stung. Queen Susan's lovely low voice came from behind me. "And, Lady Aravis, know that even as you have adopted Archenland, so has Archenland adopted you. In truth, Cor is yet timid in his role, but he spoke out bravely for you after your departure this afternoon, as did Corin. And, dear, you have friends at Cair Paravel, too."

I squeezed Lucy's hand, and said, "Queen Susan, Queen Lucy…I cannot…" I broke off.

Presently, Susan said, "Your tresses are beautiful, Lady Aravis."

I smiled. "I hate them. I've never been able to do anything with my hair…it's too thick and wild. No one's brushed it since my mother…"

"No one?" asked Susan. Her hand went to my shoulder. "I think, dear, you've missed out on a great deal."

"Had you any brothers or sisters back home?" Lucy asked.

I bit my lip. "Two brothers," I replied. "But one…one died years ago in battle. And the other…he was so young I wonder if he will remember me when he is grown."

"You have known your share of sorrow, haven't you, Lady Aravis," said Susan. She didn't sound pitying, but compassionate. She continued to run the brush through my hair, though now it was soft, smooth, and shining, and Lucy sat by me, and I was happy.

The next day as soon as I had finished breakfast- brought to me in my room, I sought out the room where Lord Darrin was teaching Cor and Corin their respective lessons. I nodded my head when I entered.

"Lady Aravis," he said in surprise. "Their Highnesses will not be out ere noon, you know that."

I shook my head. "No…um…sir, I was wondering if you had time, or desire, for one more pupil."

Lord Darrin's eyes widened and I saw Cor and Corin behind him gape. "Lady?"

"It occurred to me that perhaps I do not know as much about Archenland, its history and customs as I might, as it is my home now. I know no one more qualified than you to rectify my ignorance, and frankly, I am ashamed I did not think to ask to benefit from your wisdom before." I looked at Cor sideways, offering more than a ceasefire- offering an apology. He gave me a little crooked smile, showing he understood and forgave.

Lord Darrin regarded me for a moment. Then slowly, he smiled and nodded, and whatever reservations had been there in his gaze before looking at me had disappeared. "It would be my honour, Lady Aravis. What do you think you need to learn?"

I grinned. "A great deal, Lord Darrin. I don't even know how ladies in Archenland greet others."

"Come in, then" Lord Darrin said. "The Prince Cor is learning a little history right now. You might do well to join him."

I sat down beside Cor. He shook his head at me. "I can't believe you're asking to be educated," he muttered.

"Well," I said, "Now I'm doing it too, you have to promise not to complain. Do we have a bargain?"

Cor looked at me, smiling, but his green eyes were serious. I could see he understood the things I wasn't saying. He offered me his hand to shake. "Deal."

A/N: So one downside to creativity is it demands a lot more space to work in. I'm not sure how successful this my first original little mini-story was. I wanted to put Aravis at fault in one of her fights with Cor- but the thing with them is that they both WILL be in the wrong- and the Aravis-awkwardness I came up with eventually involved someone else being just as wrong as she is. But seriously, she OUGHT to learn how things stand with free countries. I hope I dealt with real issues. And I hope everyone was in character. The story and the quote are taken from Ruth 1, from the King James Version that would have been in every home in England at the me what you think. Please?

God Bless!

L.