^*(Part 1)*^
-_*(Annabelle's P.O.V.)*_-
The wind whispered softly throughout the clearing, its softly spoken unknown words drowned out by the clinking of goblets, chrieks of laughter, and beautiful Narnian music. The glowing moon cast its pale light down among the dancing folk giving them such an elegant shimmer. Peace surrounded us all as we danced in triumph once again. Standing amidst the crowd alone with a goblet of sparkling water in hand was the only one who understood that there was darkness suffocating every party goer. Unfortunately, the sparkling water did not provide me a great distraction from the looming darkness.
The whispers of the wind did not produce soft words of comfort, but perilous words of doom and lament for the future to come. No amount of happy voices, loving laughter, and affectionate coos could put away the darkened words, not to my ears at least. Though the moon caused everyone to seem iredescently beautiful and immortal as they danced around the large bonfire, the shadows that were cast as a result could not have been more menacing or threatning like. The goblet felt freezing against my lips, as if the hand holding the cup belonged to Jack Frost instead of me.
A cool sweep of air trailed down my spine as I took another sip from the water. The laughing and smiling faces of the Narnians could convince you that the terror of war was not slowly approaching. Their giddy smiles and heartfelt words could careen you away from worrying. From knowing. You could quickly be swept away onto the dance floor with just a few of their musically enchanting words. You could then forget everything, everything from the sky above your head to the ground below your feet.
Their smiles seemed haunting. The Pevensies, they were out kicking up dust with their silly dances, and draining goblet after goblet of sparkling water. The way that the light shined within their eyes, reflecting the moon and fire, you wouldn't think that their innocence had been ripped away from them and stamped into the dirt. No, you wouldn't have a clue about just how dark tonight was.
They think that they're celebrating the safety of their future king. In my eyes, many of them are just enjoying one of the last nights that they'll be alive.
The bundling knot within my body twisted tighter as their smiles seemed to turn mocking. Mocking me for not enjoying my night. Mocking me for understanding that celebration was not in order. The bile was quick to rise within my throat, obly to be met in battle with the swig of rum that I had just swallowed in secret. The sensation of acid slipping down my esophagous created a wave of coughs and sputters to escape me as the forbidden adult drink made its way into my stomach. The drink had been an absent-minded doing, though despite its massive inducement of pain, it had done its job and calmed my racing mind.
"Annabelle," The soft pur of velvet floated into my ears just as I had picked up another mug of rum. "it is not wise for a child to drink such a beverage."
The ginormous paw of the mighty lion softly covered the drink in my hand, guiding me to put it in its original place. Shame and embarrasment dusted my cheeks with a familiar red. Out of anyone who could catch me doing such a sinful act, the last person I would want it to be is Aslan. Or perhaps Peter or Lucy, but their overjoyed faces seemed to drift over me. Seeing only what they wanted and not what was actually there.
They saw a happy Annabelle, tapping her feet to the beat with a smile gracing her chapped lips. They wanted to see me happy, props to them. Unfortunately, things tend to not be joyful to the damned. What really stands before them, just out of their line of vision, is the image of a girl drowning in her sorrow. Attempting to reach the surface, but only being dragged deeper into the dark waters by the evil hands of the White Witch herself.
'Who would give their life to do the right thing, when they can live eternally for doing wrong?'
"My apologies, Aslan your majesty." With a sorrrowful grimace, my body fell into a small curtsey. "It will not happen again."
The Witch's words were dancing throughout my thoughts, leaving behind a dirty stain on my purest thoughts. The offer was plain. Join me or die. Live forever, or perish a fool. The answer for those corrupt at heart was obvious; they would wish to live forever. Those who had not yet been plagued by the darkness, they would choose to die. As a fool. But, what would those with open eyes choose? Certainly they can see that corruption and evil plagues the entire world, not only the opposing force. My eyes are open. If I fight for the true Narnia, then I will perish as a fool. If I fight for the Witch, life will be eternal, though it shall be filled with eternal regret and guilt.
"Is something troubling you, Annabelle?" Aslan sat casually next to me going un-noticed by all of the party goers.
Aslan, or the Witch? Aslan was obviously better than some cold hearted woman, he is valiant, gentle, just, selfless, and magnificent. Everything you would expect from a ruler, it was all wrapped into one by Aslan. Everything you would expect from a dictator; harsh, selfish, evil, and cruel could be found inside the Witch. One fought for the freedom of all, one fought for the freedom of themselves. It was obvious who to choose, and of course I chose them. Never would I consider going to the Witch's aid. The allegiance of my heart stood solidly with Aslan, despite the fact that I will die if I fight for him.
"Yes." My lip quivered.
"Trouble is rearing its ugly head on us all," Aslan spoke softly, as if I were a child. His child. "Some ignore it and continue to smile. Others like you and I are plagued with the thoughts of it."
The lion's words explained my thoughts clearly. The dancing, singing, smiling people around us knew that the war was only a stone's throw away, they just chose to ignore it. To ignore it and enjoy their last night. How they could be so joyful knowing that they could very well die tomorrow was a mystery to me. Though, I wished that I could understand. A blooming ache rose in my chest. I want to be happy right now, but knowing that tomorrow will be the date they carve into my gravestone as the day I died...it's horrible. The sinking feeling. You can smile, but then you just remember and your smile slowly withers away under the glaring stars.
The warm, pleasant air of summer wisped around my semi-bare shoulders. Its warmth surrounded me, giving me the embrace that a mother would. That could be an upside to dying a hero, tomorrow. Mother and father would be awaiting me at Heaven's gates with open arms. Waiting for their daughter who fell in battle as a soldier to come home to them.
"Annabelle," His voice caused the ground to vibrate, shaking the tears I had been holding back. "I'm afraid that there is a dire matter I must speak with you about."
The dams of my eyes broke with the sudden shake of my head. The tears fell like the curtain at an opera. The weary eyes of Aslan noted them for a second, before purring deeply. The pur itself calmed me slightly, but allowing my hand to tangle within his velvet-like fur. As my hand buried itself deep within the soft surface, the need to sob heavily diminished quickly.
The laughter of the Narnians could only be heard as a mumble behind the walls of the tent. Their shouts of happiness and glee-filled voices could not be heard anymore. Now inside the luxurious tent that belonged to Aslan, we could sit and wallow in our own sorrow alone without disturbance. The mighty lion did not show physically just how melancholy he was, but his tired eyes spoke in loud volumes.
"Aslan..." My voice was soft and only above a whisper. "Did...what was the compromise with the Witch?"
The lion stiffened visibly from where he stood. The fur lining his back seemed to rise up and above the rest of his soft mane. Just as he turned to face me, a loud shout filled the air. Another party-goer, drunk on rum. That could have been me. A slurring mess, making mistake after mistake, and not understanding why everyone was angry and upset with me. Thankfully, Aslan arrived just as I was breaking down.
"The compromise..." A sigh was blew from his large muzzle. "The compromise released the blood right from the White Witch. Edmund and yourself were not to be murdered on the Stone Table..."
He closed his eyes and crossed the room to where I sat on a small sofa. The paw he rested upon my knee felt heavier than usual. As if the weight of the world was attacking every point of his body. Envy did not course through me at the thought of his position. Ruling over so many creatures, making tough decisions all the while planning to fight against his greates nemisis. Aslan had so much on his mind and so much on his shoulders, it wasn't surprising that he had to feel down sometime.
"I apologize dearly, Annabelle." He muttered downcastedly. "The right to Edmund's blood was completely diminshed from her holding. Yours, however, could not be taken fully."
Coarsing inside my veins was no longer the warm blood that had been a result from the rum, but now an icy river that consisted of dark and murky waters. That's it huh, no matter what, I am going to die. Either by the Witch's cursed staff, or the blade of one of her followers. Neither was very appealing. But, you can't ask a person how they wish to die. The answer is always the same. 'I don't want to die, not yet anyway.' My answer, well it would be the same. Inside my head though the answer would be different. It is not my wish to die, but if I must, I wish to die by justice.
"The compromise I made with the Witch promised one life for two, and the servitude of another as recompence." The voice was only reaching my ears slightly now, the blood pounding in them was loud enough to over-take the voice. "Tonight, my life shall be ended on the Stone Table and you shall cross over into the Witch's army where you shall become her second in command."
The bile erupted from my stomach like a volcano. The contents of my stomach were hurled onto the soft fabric of Aslan's carpet. The acridic smell filled the air as I fell to my knees and gagged. Fighting for the Witch against my will? Fighting against everyone I've come to know and love? Fighting against the Pevensies? My body shuddered violently as another rush of nausea left me.
The heavy paw of Aslan landed delicately on my back. Despite the massive size and clunkiness of his paw, he managed to rub my back soothingly. Soothing me as I emptied my stomach onto his carpet.
There are reasons why Aslan is such a beloved leader. Allowing his subjects to vomit on his carpet must be one.
"I-I don't want to fight against everyone I love." I used the sleeve of my gown to wipe away the disgusting stomach exit-tations. "I can't do it. I just can't."
The air had turned cold around us, as if the White Witch herself was here for the show. To see us break down and lose ourselves in our own sorrow must have been a delight for her to witness, if only she could. Thankfully, the loss of my dignity was only being witnessed by Aslan, who himself had been thrusted into the dark pit of melancholy. He was going to die for Edmund and I on the Stone Table. The award for the most selfless person ever must go to Aslan. For even I would find it difficult to end my life on such a short notice. Dying is not a fovoarable option, but according to the situation, death seemed very gratifying. Being sent into the harsh embrace of the reaper himself for the safety of others was a very honorable and selfless thing to do. Now, I couldn't even do that. I won't die. I'll be forced to live forever by the Witch's side, drowning in the ocean that is my guilt.
"Slaves are commanded by their masters, Annabelle." Aslan spoke somberly. "They must show obedience to their masters, or they will be punished severly. That does not mean that there isn't a choice ever so often."
"What do you mean, Aslan. That I'll become a slave?" my eyes were covered with an unfocused glaze as I listned intently.
"I mean, young Annabelle, that just because you will be forced into her command," His large paw rested on my shoulder. "That does not mean that you will never get a choice. When you stand on that battle field, you will have a choice. Fight against your enemies, or fight against your true enemies. Family, or evil. While on that battle field, you are free to break away from her army, and join back with the others."
Isn't that just a waste of time, though? Slip into her army for what? Gather information that will not be presented until it's too late. Learn which ways to take her beasts down just after I can spread it through the Narnian army? It seem very ignorant and unnessacary.
"Annabelle, the White Witch does not understand the Deep Magic." Aslan spoke again. "If she had, she would request a very different compromise. She believes that ending me will bring her victory, and that having you as a general in war will give her knowledge and security. But, the slave laws do not work as she thinks they do. In your world, slaves are bound to their masters until release, in Narnia it is the same. But, there is a way that can keep you from being her slave without her knowledge."
"Aslan, please tell me, please oh please." I pleaded on my knees, my hands clasped before me. "Tell me the way that I can escape her grasp."
The party had simmered down from a raging fire to a wasting ember. The people who were left were either cleaning up or hugging their friends goodnight. The smiles on their faces had dissapeared elusively and were now replaced with grim looks of disatisfaction. Reality seemed to have caught up with them, allowing them to see how that this was one of their last days. Their eyes no longer glowed with the light of the moon, for it had long sicne been covered by dark and onimous clouds. Weeping could be heard in the distance, complimenting the crunching of the grass beneath my feet and the sorrowful silence greatly.
The mighty lion himself had gone to Orieus' tent, checking up on the war strategy and soldier numbers. Orieus most likely thought that Aslan was only preparing for battle in the next few days, little does he know that Aslan is only making sure things can be taken care of after he is gone. Goodbyes were in definite order.
Lucy, Susan, and Edmund already recieved their farewells, even if they didn't know that it was goodbye. They had been conversing with a few fauns when I had found them, my eyes puffy and red. Their concern was obvious, but my cover-up of allergies was bought quickly. Unfortunately, Peter wasn't with them. Apparently, a dryad was flirting heavily with him, causing him to become upset and leave the party to 'get a good nights rest'. In a way, it made this all easier. In reality, it would only make saying goodbye so much more difficult.
The wind again picked up, carrying a warmth around my shoulders. The tents were only a few yards away. I wanted nothing more than to just turn around and run. Run into the distance and never return. Bundling together within my body was an aching knot. The twisting pain brought tears to my eyes. Though, the tears could have been a result of the terrible sadness gripping my throat. It isn't fair. I shouldn't have to do this. I should be at home, picking apples and making dinner for everyone.
"Peter..?" The silence was finally broken by my voice.
The tent was darker than that of the outside world. In the darkness a small bundle could be seen on the bed. At the soft sound of my voice, the bundle shifted slightly. True to his words, Peter had went to bed after leaving the party. Quickly I lit a small candle that was sitting by his cot. The room alit with the dim light. His blonde hair could be seen peeking out from under the thick blanket which had been pulled nearly over his head.
"Peter...wake up..." I shook his shoulder timidly.
Unfortunately, he didn't wake up. The soft snores continued to drift through the air. He wouldn't be waking any time soon, for his eyes barely fluttered when he rolled over onto his back. Sighing, I did what could only be done for a goodbye. A goodbye to someone as special as Peter was to me.
Slowly, I pressed my lips to his.
As they brushed against each other, a tingling sensation shot through my lips. My eyelids drifted closed causing a tear to leak down my cheek. The tear landed on Peter's cheek and stood there motionlessly. Every emotion that I had felt for him was pouring out of my heart and adding power to the kiss. It was an advantage that he was still asleep, he would have felt just how terrified and sad I was. But, maybe it could be masked. Just in case he were to awake.
This is my first kiss...and I don't think I would have it any other way.
Suddenly, seemingly out of no where, a hand snaked up my back and tangled in my wild hair. Underneath my own, Peter's lips began to move against mine. Slow and soft yet powerful and meangful. Opening my eyes slightly revealed that Peter was now awake. The brilliant ocean blue eyes were wide with surprise and shock, but held a fire within them. It was this that revealed everything to me. I was in love. I am in love with Peter Pevensie. And, I will give everything I can including my life to save him. For, if I betray the Witch tomorrow, the original prophecy will be brought back. Dying on the battlefield will not be so bad. Everything I could every want is being given to me right now.
"I love you, Annabelle." The slur of sleep was evident in Peter's voice.
"I love you too..." Pressing my lips to his once more, I lowered his body back onto the bed and brought the covers up to his chin. "Goodbye, my love."
Sleep had wound its arms around him and dragged him into the lulls of slumber. No fight or protest was given as I exited the tent.
Aslan waited for me at the edge of the wood. The gentle wind blew his mane around as he gazed into the distance. The orange eyes of the lion were alight with sadness and grief. Accepting his fate. Just as I had accepted mine.
"I apologize Annabelle." Aslan said solemnly. "This was the only way to keep you and Edmund alive."
"I understand, your majesty."
That was all that needed to be said. Earlier, we had come to an agreement about what was to be done. Even though my part of the plan was sickening and evil, it had to be done. For if it weren't, neither Narnia or myself would survive. That was unnacceptable. No matter what, Narnia must thrive under the Pevensie's rule. The hour that they are crowned shall provide great happiness and harmony throughout the lands. I will not let my own selfishness prevent that from happening.
"The time has come, we must go."
Aslan nudged my hand with his head, insisting that I wind my fingers through his mane. Obeying his silent command, I allowed my left hand to dig through his soft hair just as we stepped into the forest. The minimal amount of moonlight allowed me to note the dissapearance of another leg on the triskellion. Another tear dripped from my eye as I studied the swirly line. The brand that held me to this fate. The brand that commanded me to die a child.
It no longer mattered to me.
_-Hello there lovelies! I decided to update before 7 p.m., shocker isn't it? Anywho, I hope you enjoyed the first part of Chapter 14. Question of the Chapter time! It seems that Annabelle must become a part of the Witch's army, how do you feel about this? It also seems that she can evade the Witch's command by doing a certain something, what do you think that is? Oh, and the moment you all have been waiting for has arrived. Peterbelle has finally kissed! Sadly, he was only half-awake. Anywho, I love your comments! I hope you enjoyed, my lovelies. I'll see you Tuesday!-_