Daring to Dream
Chapter Twenty Five
Getting there in the End
Dedicated to TastyasitGets and Penny Caird who believed that much in Karna's journey.
Mrs Beaver was having a very busy morning. She had had to scold far more people than usual and kept being distracted from the duties that she had been expressly told not to fulfil. Well, at least, the High King has expressly ordered that no fuss should be made – but then when did anyone ever listen to Peter when he was being what his youngest sister referred to as "too altruistic for his own good"?
It had all started with the return of Swiftmane.
He was the youngest of Oreius' sons and was proving to be a reliable messenger (though he was still considered too young to actually fight in the wars). The centaur had brought word of the High King's triumphant defeat of the giants and expected return in approximately a week. Swiftmane had also shared that King Peter had expressly forbidden any special feast of celebration to be held at their return.
It was a well-known fact among his subjects that the High King hated a fuss being made. However, when one had known said king since he was a boy, Mrs Beaver thought that one had the right to countermand such decrees.
So she did.
With alacrity!
The preparations had begun the very day of Swiftmane's return as men and beasts had been sent out to acquire the necessary provisions. The whole court was in a whirl of fishing, hunting and gathering.
Mrs Beaver would have been satisfied with the pace of preparation had it not been for the frequent interruptions that kept affecting her schedule. That very morning she had already had to shoo several of the sheep dog puppies out of her kitchen and away from the fresh meat pies, wasted at least an hour convincing the Lords Peridan and Marken that the High King really would be delighted with the surprise and had almost had to bully the moles into providing the vegetables for the stew, despite what the Foremole had stated about "unnecessary depletion of their winter surplus stores".
With an irritated twitch of her whiskers, the female beaver set about working the pastry with slightly more energy than was probably needed, muttering under her breath.
However, one good thing that had come from the recent battles was undoubtedly the arrival of the sweet Miss Karna to their ranks.
From the moment of their first meeting, Mrs Beaver had warmed to the quiet, gentle Calormene girl. She had proven polite, attentive and very keen to help about Cair Paraval in any way that she could. It had only taken a day for her culinary skills to be recognised and she had since become an almost permanent feature in the kitchen of the castle. Mrs Beaver was particularly impressed by her dedication to her work.
However, there was also a reserve about Karna that she did not think was natural. The girl walked around the castle as quietly as a mouse, seeming constantly in awe of everything around her. She supposed it was only to be expected, given her upbringing as a servant girl in Tashbaan. But there was seldom any burst of feeling from her, except when she was with certain people that she trusted. She observed her now, carefully forming the loaves for the evening meal, and wished that she knew how to bring about more than a polite smile.
Flora was also present, and Karna did seem comfortable with her …
"How do you find, Cair Paravel, Miss Karna? You have now been here two weeks," the beaver asked, smiling at her.
Karna looked up and returned the smile politely. "It's so very different and wonderful, Mrs Beaver," she replied.
"It's certainly different!" Flora agreed with a giggle. "I don't think you ever find a moment's peace, what with everyone running about."
"It is busy, but it's a good busy," Karna offered.
"How so?" Mrs Beaver queried.
"In Tashbaan, it was always busy, but people went about with an air of mystery that was considered fashionable. There's none of that here. To quote a Calormene proverb, people call a spoon, a spoon. There's no mystery, they just say what they mean and laugh if they are amused. It's a wonderful busyness."
"Do you miss Tashbaan at all?" Flora asked.
"Only my family. I'll never miss the work or future I would have had."
"So you're happy?" the maid pressed.
Karna blinked, slightly confused at Flora's pushing. "Yes, very."
"Then why are you always so careful?" the other girl asked, almost as though she had been reading Mrs Beaver's mind.
"What do you mean, careful?"
"We mean, almost nervous around us, my dear," the beaver confided. "I was wondering the same thing myself, before young miss here bludgeoned her way in." She shot a hard look at Flora, who shrugged, unapologetic. "Do you fear us?"
The girl coloured and shook her head. "No, dear Mrs Beaver, I could never fear you. I was just afraid of doing something wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know how to act around talking beasts and other creatures who live here. I've met so many these past few weeks! Dwarves, fauns, satyrs, centaurs, naiads, dryads, giants … I've been afraid I might misspeak and offend someone. All my life in Calormen it was frowned upon to speak your mind and I was silenced almost every time I spoke. It is so very different here and I didn't want to upset anyone …"
She petered off in embarrassment and turned her face to hide it. Touched by her confusion, Mrs Beaver left her pastry and walked over, placing a paw on Karna's arm.
"Karna?" The young woman glanced down. "Just listen to me and heed my words. You have been nothing but polite and helpful since your arrival and you could not be more welcome. Narnia is now your home and we want you to be yourself. Don't ever be afraid to laugh or speak your mind. Aslan said you were home, did he not?"
Karna nodded.
"Then do as the High King over all Kings has said and be at home. Speak your mind. Laugh. Be happy. We want to see the real you."
Deeply touched, Karna hugged Mrs Beaver and received a kindly pat upon her back.
"There you go," finished the kindly creature. "Now you return to those loaves before they burn or good dough will have been wasted."
After sharing an amused glance with Flora, Karna returned to her baking, her heart feeling strangely lighter.
One of the first differences that had struck Karna about Narnia was the way she woke every morning.
In Tashbaan, she had been surrounded by the breathing of her family and normally awoke to Tarneesh's kick, or some sound from the street such as a bark or shout. In Narnia her slumber was interrupted by the chorus of morning birdsong or the noise of the cows in the yard. She would wake in her own chamber with only the sounds of Timeon knocking around in the main room.
There would be a flurry of activity in the morning but it involved them working together, rather than bumping into each other.
After two weeks of Timeon explaining how life worked in the small holding, they had fallen into a comfortable routine of morning chores. He would always draw the water and bring in the wood, while Karna made the tea and baked their morning loaf. She was a skilled enough cook and had taken great pleasure in cleaning their home from top to bottom when she first moved in.
But there had proven to be other skills that she had little knowledge of, such as how to care for lifestock or tend a garden. Some chores, such as caring for the chickens and goats now came naturally. But other tasks, such as how to milk their two cows, still eluded Karna. She was able to get a steady spray of milk from the younger cow, Aster, but still lacked the ease with which Timeon would carelessly milk her mother. It had become something of a standing joke that he could milk Gracie (the older cow) and muck out the goats in the time it took Karna to simply finish milking.
The start of the day was always spent in the quiet little home before they both walked up to Cair Paravel to fulfil their daily duties. Timeon was always in the infirmary or collecting herbs. Whereas Karna's time was often split between many occupations. Whether that was in helping to clean the castle, or swapping cooking tips with Mrs Beaver in the kitchen. She enjoyed a daily riding lesson under Peridan's patient tutelage, as well as learning how to care for the beasts.
The residents of her new country had also proven very welcoming and accepted her as one of their own. Something all the more reassuring since her conversation with Mrs beaver.
She had spent many a happy hour sewing with Queen Susan and the other few ladies of court after lunch, all of whom were young and merry. Flora had become a good friend and would often spend time showing Karna the castle and explaining how things ran.
But Karna's closest companion besides Timeon and Peridan was undoubtedly Queen Lucy. From their victorious return to Cair after the siege of Anvard, the valiant queen had taken time to not only befriend, but also get to know Karna personally. They had spent long hours together walking and discussing her life in Tashbaan, as well as Queen Lucy's memories of her old life. They possessed a similar imagination and would share endless stories from their childhoods. Karna had even told the young queen of her meeting with Aslan and listened in wonder as Lucy related her own interactions with the lion.
"Do you see him very often?" Karna had asked.
"Not regularly, but he comes when he is needed," Lucy replied. She had been teaching Karna archery and it was proving to be another skill that she found hard.
"You just need to practise," the young queen comforted as Karna missed the target for a sixth time.
Her companion sighed. "Along with so many other things."
"How is your milking?" Lucy enquired with an impish grin.
Karna laughed. "Still slow, but Aster is patient and I am making progress! Have you ever milked a cow, your highness?"
The blond queen pulled a face. "Once or twice. But I am much better with horses."
"I envy you your relationship with Mist. I hope that I can one day have such a way with the beasts."
"You have to remember Karna; I've been riding since I was eight. Mist and I have been together for ten years."
"And Peridan broke Telden in when he was fourteen. I had no idea that humans could have such a bond with animals."
"I suppose you had no need for them in Tashbaan?"
Karna shook her head. "We went to the market for our food and my stepfather always carried his carvings in a bundle. Only farmers and stall holders had need of a horse or mule to pull their cart."
"What of hens' eggs or goats for milk?"
"We never drunk milk, it would sour quickly in the heat and we rarely ate eggs. Narnia has a very different climate to Calormen."
Lucy nodded. "That's true. I would miss the greenery of Narnia. I could never live near a desert."
"The desert does have a beauty of its own, but it is so vastly different to Narnia's deep forests and rolling hills. I do love the trees."
The younger queen smiled. "So do I. Have you danced with the dryads yet?"
Karna shook her head.
Lucy grinned. "Come with me tonight. There is a particular grove of birch trees whose dryads always dance at the full moon, it's glorious. Now, mind back on why we are here. Show me your stance and remember to take your time."
Karna avoided an eye-roll at the change in focus. After taking in a breath, she took up her stance and raised the bow carefully. It was rather hard to focus when her mind was upon dancing fauns …
"Try to relax your shoulders slightly," Lucy instructed. She did. "Lower your right arm. That's it. Now breathe out and release as you do."
Karna slowly let out her breath, felt the arrow release and was rewarded with it sinking into the bottom right corner of the circle.
"I did it!" she exclaimed.
Lucy grinned. "It's all in the preparation," she replied. "Speaking of which … aren't you due at the kitchens very shortly?"
Her companion flinched and stared at the sky in dismay. "Blast! I was meant to be there at high sun, I promised to help with the vegetable preparation for dinner."
Lucy nodded and quickly jogged to retrieve the arrows. They were just walking past the vegetable garden when they heard a cry from above. A large raven landed near them, his plumage glossy in the bright sunlight.
"Good morning, your majesty, my lady," he greeted them, bobbing a quick bow.
"Good morning, Master Sallowpad," Lucy replied, returning the gesture. "Would you care to accompany us back to the castle?"
The raven nodded. "I should be delighted, but I did wish to have a moment's discussion with Lady Karna, if I might?"
The merry queen smiled. "Of course. I will return our bows to the armoury. I shall see you later, Karna."
Karna smiled as her friend left, marvelling at the sunniness of Lucy's outlook. It seemed that nothing could affect her cheerfulness.
Once the queen had departed, she smiled at the raven.
"I hope Velvetplume was well this morning, Master Sallowpad?"
"She was very well I thank you, Miss Karna," he replied. "I suppose you know why I wished to speak to you?"
The young woman's face sobered and she nodded. "About Peridan?"
"Indeed."
"Before you do, I have wished to say something for a long time. Peridan has told me of the role you played in helping him to realise what he felt for me and … I cannot thank you enough, Master Sallowpad. If it had not been for you I might have chosen so differently …" She paused as the pictured the other decision and could not repress at delicate shudder.
"I require no thanks, Miss Karna. Peridan is one of my oldest friends and I simply helped him to realise the truth of what he felt. The reality is that he had never experienced such feelings before and could not identify them. Even when it was obvious to all those about him."
Karna managed to laugh at this. "He was that oblivious?"
The raven cackled. "I believe I compared his judgement to that of a child in this particular matter."
That elicited a giggle and she actually found herself smiling. Eventually they both sobered and Sallowpad continued. "All joking aside, my lady. I wanted to reassure you that Peridan does feel very deeply for you, although he may not be very good at showing it."
More temperate now, she nodded. "I had thought that once we were in Narnia …" She paused as she tried to find the right words. "Might I be blunt, master raven?"
"I wish you would, Miss Karna,"
"He was so … so earnest and gentle when he left for the battle. He told me that he loved me and even kissed me." She blushed slightly at the memory. "I had thought that all was now sorted between us but since their return from the battle …"
"He has pulled back?"
She nodded. "He is courteous and kind. But, more as he used to be before my life was threatened. It is as though …"
"As though he does not care for you as strongly as you thought in Tashbaan?"
Karna sighed. "I was anxious that now he is back in his homeland, he might be feeling as though he has made a mistake …"
"He doesn't," Sallowpad was quick to reassure her. "Please believe me, Miss Karna. Peridan still loves you as much as ever. He is just struggling with how to express his feelings in the court and … I think that he wishes to give you the opportunity to experience your new life without the pressure of expectation."
"The expectation of what?"
"To express feelings that, in his opinion, might possibly have been expressed through a sense of gratitude."
Karna flushed, suddenly angry. "He doubts me? He actually doubts that I love him?"
"No, not doubts!" the raven assured her. "But he wants to give you time to adjust to life in Narnia. To find your place and feel at home, to be sure of how you truly feel before he acts upon his feelings again."
Amazed at how deluded one man could be, she shook her head. "Why has he not spoken to me about this? I could have spared him (and myself) two weeks of distance."
Sallowpad actually smiled slightly. "I am afraid Peridan is still a complete novice when it concerns matters of the heart."
"Aren't we all?" Karna muttered. Forcing herself to calm down, she turned to the raven with a smile. "Thank you for your words, Master Sallowpad. You have reassured me greatly. I now see that it is I who must act. If we waited for Peridan we might still be here in five winters."
The raven cackled and bowed to the young woman. "I believe you might be right, my lady."
With a smile Karna left, now dreadfully late for her shift.
It was the sighting of the huts that first made the High King's heart leap. They were on the fifth day of their march homeward and he had been growing daily wearier of the passing stones and grey, barren grasslands. But with the first sighting of a marsh-wiggle's hut came the certainty that they had finally left Ettinsmoor and the giants far behind.
Unable to withhold a grin, he cantered his horse forward so that he was level with Oreius (who bore the standard at the front of the column).
"One day's ride until we are home, my friend," he stated with satisfaction.
The centaur nodded. "It will be good to see Cair Paravel once more," he agreed.
"I look forward to hearing about the siege of Anvard," Peter replied. "I am very curious about what Rabadash's fate was. The scoundrel's actions deserved death, but I doubt King Lune would have taken such extreme measures."
"I believe he will have released the prince under strict conditions. Though I would not trust him to keep them, sire."
The High King nodded. "We must keep even more regular contact with Archenland to ensure their desert border is quiet. I fear the prince will not take Queen Susan's refusal with a good grace." Oreius heartily agreed and they discussed plans of defence extensively for the rest of the day.
By sunset they had just reached the banks of the River Shribble and all considered it a good enough place to camp. Both Peter and Oreius agreed that the army deserved a rest after the exertions of an extensive campaign.
Their location also offered the luxuries of running water for a wash and plentiful fish for the evening meal. So, when they did lie down to rest that night it was to the comforting feeling of full bellies and a proper wash for the first time in weeks.
It was only after an early rise the following morning that the High King started to question the likelihood that all of his orders had been obeyed. He had a horrible feeling that they might have prepared a celebration for their return. Oreius did little to assuage his concern upon the matter.
"I would think it likely, sire," he added. "They need little excuse to plan a celebration."
"But would they go expressly against my orders?" Peter pressed.
The centaur shrugged. "I am no more certain than you, your highness. We can only see what awaits us upon our return."
The High King had to be satisfied with this. He tried to let the passing countryside distract him, but he could not avoid a nagging feeling at the back of his mind that they would face a celebration on their return.
They made excellent time and were soon entering the woodland to the north of Cair Paravel. Soon, many talking beasts were coming out to bow and greet their High King, delaying their return somewhat. But Peter was very glad to see them and spoke to each creature politely.
Eventually, they passed through the last of the trees and were greeted by the clear blowing of a horn. Peter sighed as he took in the assembly of the entire population of Cair Paravel awaiting them on the slope at the front of the castle.
"So much for low-key," he muttered. He earned a single smile from Oreius before leading the way towards the group.
Once at the main group he dismounted to greet his siblings with a sardonic smile.
"It's nice to see that every command was obeyed," he commented drily.
Edmund smirked. Susan laughed. Lucy sprang forward to hug him.
"It was Mrs Beaver's doing!" she exclaimed with a chuckle. "But you are too altruistic for your own good Peter."
"She does have a point," Susan agreed as she stepped forward to hug her brother. "Welcome home Peter, we have missed you."
Peter gave a real smile as he hugged his sisters. "I suppose I shall have to forgive the force of nature that is Mrs Beaver," he agreed, grinning at the kindly beaver who beamed up at him.
"Well what else would you expect, sire?" she chided. "You've achieved a great victory and you don't even want us to celebrate it?"
"She is right, Pete," his brother agreed. "You do need to occasionally take some credit, especially after routing an entire population of giants."
"You're one to talk!" the High King replied, "Defeated any Calormene armies recently?"
Edmund merely grinned and the brothers shared a warriors' embrace of clasping arms and thumping each other on the back. The greetings continued and though he would never admit it to anyone, Peter very much enjoyed being welcomed home by his friends and family.
Eventually though, Mrs Beaver would not allow any more hellos and shooed himself and the entire army off to bathe and have a small meal.
"There's a feast tonight," Lucy confided, "And I believe dancing was mentioned."
Peter smothered a groan. Susan grinned in response, "At least there are no visiting princesses you'll be required to dance with. You can remain seated for the whole night if you wish to."
He perked up at this and moved away with more of a bounce to his step.
Lucy turned to Karna with a smile,
"He never will, he likes dancing too much! He just enjoys making a public reaction."
Karna returned the smile and watched the departing king with interest. He was still a young man. No more than seven and twenty. Tall, broad-shouldered and strongly built. He had a regal bearing and yet there was something almost boyish about him when he interacted with his siblings. She looked forward to being introduced and getting to know him better.
"Well, that was High King Peter."
She turned to smile at Peridan.
"Indeed and apparently very displeased with the prospect of dancing."
He laughed and she was pleased to see his grey eyes warmer than they had been in weeks.
"It is only his way. We would be concerned if he did not react in such a way."
"Why?"
"The High King is very popular with visiting ladies of noble birth. He seldom manages to escape from their clutches because he is far too polite and charming."
Karna laughed. "Well I hope he feels amenable to dancing tonight. I am sure he will enjoy it."
"Oh? Are you hoping to be honoured with his hand?"
She paused before answering. There was subtext to Peridan's question that she could not disregard. Remembering her earlier resolution, Karna dared to be more forward that she normally would.
"I would be honoured if he asked me, but there is another lord whose hand I am more keen to accept for the first dance."
"Who?"
Peridan's expression was openly curious but also a little guarded, almost as though he were … jealous?
"Who do you think, Peridan? You, of course!"
He blinked. "Oh. I see."
Karna sighed. "I hope so, because I would very much like to dance with you tonight. If you will ask me."
Peridan's embarrassment was palpable. He clenched his hands so hard that his knuckles turned white.
"I'm sorry Karna," he stated with chagrin. "I never meant to hurt you …"
"Why have you been so distant?" she pressed, more relieved that they were now finally talking.
"I wanted to give you a chance to settle in …"
"Did you imagine that your distance made it easier?"
He frowned. "I suppose not. I am very sorry."
"I accept your apology, now may we please move on?"
"I would very much like to."
"So, you still love me?"
Peridan looked horrified. "How can you even ask that? Of course I do!"
"Then will you show it? I have been feeling horribly isolated from you. I am very fond of Timeon and Flora and Lucy have become very dear friends, but the person I most wanted to speak to was treating me as though I was a distant cousin rather than the woman he loves."
"Karna, please forgive me." Peridan took her very gently in his arms, cradling her to him. "And may I make amends by asking you for the first dance tonight?"
Karna smiled then, relief making her almost giddy. "Of course you may, my lord."
Peridan returned the smile with a real one of his own. "I've been a fool."
"Well now it is water under the bridge. Shall we agree to never speak of it again?"
"You are very understanding, my love."
"I try to be. But now I must depart to get ready for tonight. Lucy informed me that I was expected in her chamber without delay."
"Do you know why?"
"I believe she wishes to lend me a dress."
"Then I will let you go. Heaven forbid that I get in the way of beauty's call."
Laughing, Karna started to pull away. But not before Peridan caught her hand and placed a kiss upon the palm.
"I shall see you later," she promised, before fleeing.
Peridan watched her go, marvelling that he could have been such a fool for so long. Sallowpad had indeed been right, he was a complete child when it came to matters of the heart!
It began as the sun was setting. Delicious smells had been emanating from the kitchens all day, but Mrs Beaver would not allow the diners to enter until the long table was set exactly to her satisfaction. So they were all mingling in the entrance hall and the throne room as they waited to be allowed entry.
Peridan had changed into one of his finer tunics and was talking quietly with Peter, Edmund and a group of knights that included Mister Tumnus and Marken. They had related the main events of the siege of Anvard and were just discussing the likelihood of any further action from Rabadash, when they heard a voice calling from the grand staircase.
"Lords, ladies, friends and fellow Narnians. May I introduce the ladies of Cair Paravel?" Dell was acting as voice piece and did not seem to mind the duty.
The ladies of the court descended in a group, all smiling and laughing. They were dressed in their finest and looking very lovely. Susan was striking as always in a gown of lobelia and Lucy looked very pretty in a red and golden dress.
But there was one lady in particular that Peridan could not look away from.
The only time he had seen Karna finely dressed, it had been during the dance at Master Tirshan's house. Then, she had been dressed alluringly in the golden outfit. Tonight, she easily surpassed her beauty upon that night. It was in the way she carried herself. Now, there was no fear, no distance in her smile. She was completely at ease as she descended the staircase amongst her friends.
She wore a gown of pale green silk, with embroidery of a darker green around the neckline, sleeves and bodice. The colour made her skin appear golden and perfectly set off her exotic beauty. Her long dark hair was mostly loose, but partly braided away from her face. Small white flowers decorated the braids and a delicate silver chain graced her throat.
Peridan swallowed hard. She was beautiful … and she had chosen him.
He could not take his eyes off her and it was not missed by those standing near. Edmund nudged Peter and Peridan was even oblivious to their shared smirks.
"Peridan?"
He turned to the High King.
"Would you introduce me to Miss Karna now? I haven't yet had the pleasure."
"Of course, sire."
Hastily, Peridan gathered his senses and led Peter over.
"Miss Karna, may I introduce High King Peter of Narnia?"
Karna curtseyed deeply as the king bowed.
"I am honoured to meet you, your majesty."
"Nay, the honour is mine, Miss Karna," the High King replied, bowing over her hand and kissing it gallantly. "I have heard much of your bravery and courage. Might I also add; you look very beautiful tonight."
Karna blushed deeply and thanked him. The conversation that followed was easy and comfortable as the King asked after her family and life in Calormen. Karna found him very charming and easy to talk to. She could see why so many young noblewomen fell in love with him on such a regular basis!
Eventually the gong sounded and Mrs Beaver allowed them to finally enter the dining hall. King Peter bowed and absented himself to lead Susan into dinner. Not wanting to miss his chance, Peridan quickly offered her his arm. Karna took it happily.
"I am disappointed that Peter beat me to the punch," he confided.
Karna stared at him, not understanding.
"He got in ahead of me," he explained.
"How so?"
"I wished to tell you how beautiful you look this evening and he said it before I could."
She laughed, feeling her blush returning. "It is simply the dress, Queen Susan very kindly leant it to me …"
"Nay, Karna, it is not just the dress. You are beautiful tonight. I have not said this before; I probably should have much sooner … you are always lovely to me. But to see you coming down that staircase, smiling and utterly at ease among the other ladies of the court … I have never seen you more beautiful. I cannot believe that you love me …"
Unable to speak at such words, Karna managed a squeeze of his hand and allowed her eyes to speak for her. Peridan himself felt overcome and kissed her hand before leading her into the hall for the meal.
The whole evening was one of uncommon delight to all who were there. The food was excellent, the wine plentiful and delicious. The company better.
Once the tables had been cleared, a small band started up and soon they were all dancing. Karna started off following Peridan carefully and allowing him to lead her, but she soon realised that the basic steps were similar for every dance. After the end of her third she was having a wonderful time, laughing and swinging arms with many partners. She danced with everyone – Peridan, Marken, Tumnus, Edmund, Peter, Felsted and even Timeon got in on the act, whirling her around in a lively number. She skipped with the fauns and kicked with the dwarves. It was a time of unbridled delight for all who took part.
Then came the storytelling and great tales were told. Of distant battles and adventures in Calormen, Narnia, Telmar, the Lone Isles … the list went on and on as first one and then another storyteller was called on to relate a good tale.
It all ended with Queen Lucy retelling the story of how she and the other monarchs had first come through the doors of the wardrobe and entered Narnia. Karna listened with open mouth as she heard the tale of the defeat of the White Witch and of Aslan's great sacrifice for the first time.
The feast finally ended and the Narnians left for their beds, weary but happy. Karna had just bidden Lucy, Flora and Susan good night when she saw Peridan walking towards her. There was a determination in his face that surprised her. She met him with a smile.
"Could I walk you home?" he asked.
"Timeon can take me …" she began.
But Peridan shook his head. "I just spoke to Timeon and he will be a little late. He said to go on ahead."
Karna nodded. "Alright."
The journey back to the small holding turned out to be a slow one as they made their way through the quiet castle. The only sounds were those of Narnians bidding each other good night.
"Did you have a good time?" he asked once they were out of the main building.
Karna smiled. "It was the best night of my life, Peridan. I had no idea that life could hold such possibilities and joy. That is, until I met you."
He paused for a moment, seeming to make a decision. Abruptly, he pulled her away to the left, when they should have gone right.
"Peridan, where are we going? The small holding is …"
"I just want to show you the beach in the moonlight."
Not wanting to argue, Karna allowed herself to led down the sandy path and they were soon on the beach. The clear moonlight bleached all colour, making the shore a mixture of blacks and whites.
"There is one thing that is always the same," she commented. "Even from a back street in Tashbaan the moon was as bright and beautiful."
"You do know that I am not responsible for bringing you here, don't you, Karna?"
The seriousness of his tone struck her. "What do you mean, Peridan? Of course it was because of you!"
He shook his head. "No, my love. It was you who had the bravery to hope for such a thing. You were the one who helped me to see the world differently. It was you who showed me that true faith can overcome any adversity, any situation. It was you who taught me what it is to dare to dream for things to be better. That's one of the reasons I fell in love with you."
She couldn't speak. Completely overwhelmed. Was what he said true?
Neither could speak for a long time, both overcome. Eventually though, Karna found her voice.
"Only because of the one who encouraged me to. Do you remember the first time we met? I was entranced by your description of Narnia and you told me to never stop dreaming, to keep hoping for good things. It was because of you, Peridan. You gave me hope. You were the first man to ever care about me in my living memory. I didn't understand why you were so willing to risk everything for me and I couldn't help loving you for it. I've never known anyone like you."
Peridan smiled tenderly at her. Very gently, he cupped her chin in his hand.
"Then, may I ask you a very important question?"
Karna felt her heart skip a beat. She could only nod.
"Karna, daughter of Harradin, will you be my wife? Will you marry me?"
It is hard to explain the wave of emotion that overtook Karna at that moment. She had never known such joy, such happiness. Unable to speak, she merely nodded and flung her arms around his neck.
Peridan drew her tightly to him and swung her around joyfully, causing her to squeal and laugh. Karna begged him to put her down. He did so gently before adding,
"Please, say it out loud Karna."
"Yes, I will marry you, Lord Peridan of Narnia. With all my heart."
Again, he drew her too him, but this time he was gentle. He kissed her, tenderly and long. Karna kissed him back, pouring all of her love into it.
When they drew back, each was beaming at the other.
"Shall we go and tell the others?" Karna asked.
Peridan grinned. "We had better, I know Timeon was expecting it."
Karna smiled. "And Aslan knew all along."
Peridan's grin warmed to a smile. "He always does, that's why we trust him."
She nodded, "Always."
With that, they left the beach and headed back to the castle. Both knowing that throughout the rest of their lives, whatever might come to pass, they could trust Aslan for the rest of their lives.
And they did.
Author's note:
Wails! I can't believe it! I just can't believe it! (Get that film quote and I'll be impressed!)
We actually got here! I also have a small confession to make which I have been putting off telling you for months …
I first started writing Daring to Dream over ten years ago. It was first posted in 2005 and I got to chapter 11 and … well I got writer's block and gave up. It was because of the encouragement of one author that I kept writing it. Her name is Tastyasitgets. She doesn't write actively on here anymore, but she asked me to submit me story to her website back in 2006 because she loved the original idea and that amazing woman beta'd the whole story for me.
It then sat on my computer for nine years until my dear old mum said, "Daring to Dream deserves to be finished"! and because of a case of appendicitis last summer I started down this writing road and now here we are a year later. 115,000 words and I have finished Peridan and Karna's journey, as well as my first ever full-length novel!
I still have to post the epilogue and I will write some personal thank yous to specific people then. But I want to say a HUGE thank you to every single person who has read, favourited, reviewed or put this story on their watch list. Every review has been written by people who love and care about the wonderful world Lewis created and have appreciated the care I have tried to take when using his wonderful characters.
The words of the reviews have been wonderful and so encouraging for me as a writer. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also, this is very much not the end. I am going to be starting work on the next project within the next couple of weeks after the epilogue is published, so keep your eyes open and again.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You all mean so much to me.
Breeze.