AN: First of all... I'm sorry for taking so so soooo long to write this chapter. Real life has caught up with me and I haven't had a moment to do much of anything. Hopefully you all are still wanting to read this and I promise I WILL finish this story! Actually, it's nearly finished so it would be sort of silly to NOT finish it. Secondly, I hope you all will excuse any mistakes in here. I wanted to go ahead and give you guys this chapter since I made you wait so long. Hopefully there won't be very many - but I'm sure once I go back and reread this there will probably be a few! Finally, I just want to say that I've really missed you all and hope everyone will leave a nice, happy review and accept my apology for taking so long to give you this chapter! Anyway... go read! Glad to be back!
"Your majesty, no!" Lucy heard a voice yell behind her as she ran down the hill towards the battle. As she entered it she dodged the fighting soldiers, jumping over the bodies that littered the ground as she made her way to Tirian. Spying a forgotten sword sticking out of a fallen soldier she grabbed it, yanking it away from the body and continuing to push through.
"Lucy, stop!" Susan cried behind her. Ignoring her sister she swung the sword in front of her, knocking a Thalasean away. Lucy's eyes widened when several feet in front of her she saw Tirian lying on the ground, still grasping his midsection. The large man he had been fighting stood over him, his sword poised to strike.
"No!" Lucy screamed. The man looked up when an arrow suddenly protruded from his neck. He slumped forward, landing on his knees before falling to the side. Lucy quickly turned and saw Susan standing behind her, her bow still aimed.
"Go!" Susan exclaimed as she nocked another arrow, ready to fire. Lucy spun towards Tirian and ran to him, throwing herself at his side when she had reached him.
"Tirian, I'm here," she said softly.
"Get out of here! You'll get yourself killed!" Tirian groaned as Lucy gently lifted his head and put it in her lap. She pulled off his helmet and smoothed back his hair.
"I have my cordial. I'll make it better," she said, pulling the small glass bottle from her pocket. Opening it, she poured a single drop into his mouth. "There, that should do it," she said triumphantly as she placed the stopper back in the bottle. Tirian closed his eyes in pain.
"Sweetheart, I don't think it's working," he said.
"But it has to! It's supposed to help everything!" Lucy cried.
"Maybe not this time. Maybe it's not supposed to work for me," he said, reaching up and wiping a tear from Lucy's face.
"What are you saying? Tirian, I can't lose you! I haven't told you I love you!" Lucy exclaimed. She leaned down and touched her lips to his forehead.
"Tell me now," Tirian whispered.
"I love you. I love you more than anything, more than anyone, more than everything. I want to say it over and over and over for the rest of our lives," Lucy said. Tirian closed his eyes and began breathing laboriously. "No! Tirian, don't leave me! You're supposed to stay with me; you're supposed to ask me to marry you! You said you would!" Lucy cried, taking his face in her hands.
"Just for argument's sake," Tirian began, keeping his eyes closed, taking a shallow breath before continuing, "Let's say that I did ask you to marry me. What do you think your answer would be?"
"It would be yes. Of course it would be yes. Stay with me, ask me, let me tell you yes!" Lucy said urgently as she placed kisses between words on his face.
"I'll never leave you. I love you," Tirian said softly as he pulled Lucy to his lips, kissing her gently. She felt him pull away and opened her eyes, leaning back in shock as she saw him disappear, hundreds of tiny golden lights appearing where his body had been.
"Lucy!" she heard Susan scream. Through a haze of tears Lucy saw a man standing over her, his sword raised to strike. She quickly grabbed her forgotten sword and thrust it upwards, stabbing the man in the stomach. He fell to the ground just as his sword came down beside her. Lucy felt Susan grab her arm and pull her up.
"Let's get out of here!" she cried as she pulled her away from where Tirian had disappeared. A flash of gold appeared before her eyes.
"Olyria, stop this instant! Come back here!" she heard Jill cry. Lucy looked towards where the flash had gone and saw the small girl, weaving through the battle.
"No! I can't lose her too!" Lucy cried as she pulled out of Susan's arms. She grabbed Jill roughly. "How could you let her get away from you?" she exclaimed angrily before pushing her aside.
"Something's happening to Georgiana! Olyria said something about stopping all of this," she heard Jill cry behind her. Lucy turned back towards her, tears running down her face.
"Find Edmund. I have to get her back!" she said before rushing away.
Lucy pushed to the edge of the battlefield where she saw Erivin seated on his dark horse, an evil gleam in his eyes as he surveyed the ongoing battle. Her eyes widened as she saw Olyria run towards him, suddenly stopping several feet from him.
"Olyria, no!" Lucy cried as she rushed towards the girl.
"Stay back," Olyria said calmly, raising her hand toward Lucy, her eyes never leaving Erivin. Lucy felt a wave of power push her back, knocking her to the ground. Breathlessly she watched as Olyria stepped towards Erivin, a calm look on her young face.
"So I see you've decided to stop hiding," Erivin sneered.
"Stop this madness, Erivin. Release the Thalasseans you've put under your control. Let them return to our world and leave this one in peace," Olyria said loudly. Erivin laughed, his maniacal voice ringing out.
"You foolish little girl. Do you really think you can defeat me when Tritonia could not?" he asked as he dismounted.
"Tritonia held back, a mistake I never make," Olyria said, her voice becoming deeper, angrier.
"No!" Lucy screamed, scrambling to her feet as she saw a ball of blue energy begin to build in Erivin's right hand.
"Stop," Olyria said quietly, holding her hand to Lucy again, this time looking at her. Lucy felt herself paralyzed, unable to move from the spot she was in. Erivin snickered.
"Powerful little witch. Pity her power will soon be gone," he said as he swung his arm, the energy flying towards Olyria. She raised her hand, casually waving the energy away. It dissipated in the air, the bright blue light quickly flickering out. Lucy watched in horror as Erivin raised both hands and created a second ball of blue, this one much larger than the first. It shot through the air, faster than Lucy could see. Again, Olyria waved it away. Erivin's face darkened in frustration.
"I see you've learned some new tricks," he growled.
"I see you still have not learned the true magic of our world," Olyria replied calmly.
"True magic? I am the true magic!" Erivin yelled, sending multiple balls of energy towards Olyria. She held up her hands as if to catch them, the energy disappearing as it reached them.
"Give up, let there be peace again," she pleaded earnestly.
"No!" Erivin shouted as he drew his sword, raising it to strike the girl. Olyria quickly raised her hands above her head, spreading them apart as if she was opening a curtain. Lucy gasped as she saw a circle of sea-green water form above them, lowering to the ground as it encircled them. The water churned and foamed, creating a barrier around the two as bright flashes of blue and green struck under the water's surface. Lucy suddenly felt herself able to move, the force of the release nearly knocking her to the ground.
"No, no, no!" Lucy cried as she rushed towards the wall of water. A strong hand grabbed her arm, stopping her suddenly. "Let me go!" Lucy shouted, struggling to move.
"Lucy, stop! You can't do anything," she heard Robert say as he held her tightly. A loud explosion sounded from the water, spraying mists from its surface. The wall of water fell to the ground, disappearing as suddenly as it had formed. The ground surrounding where it had been was dry as if it had never been there. Left it its wake was Erivin, lying motionless on the ground.
"Olyria!" Lucy screamed, lurching forward and pulling herself from Robert's grasp. The girl had disappeared with the water. "Where is she?" she cried as she ran towards Erivin.
"She's gone, Lucy. We have to get out of here!" Robert yelled as he wrapped his arm around Lucy's waist and pulled her away.
"I can't leave without her! I have to protect her!" Lucy screamed as she struggled against him. She heard him sigh deeply as he yanked her into his arms and ran. Lucy sobbed against her brother-in-law's chest as he pushed through the waning battle.
"What happened?" she heard Susan ask. Lucy pulled her head away from Robert's chest as he set her on the ground.
"She's gone, he's gone. I lost them," she sobbed. Susan quickly pulled her sister into her arms, hugging her tightly as Lucy cried.
"People of Choras, today we are safe from the threat of invaders. Thanks to our visitors, the Narnians, we can sleep in peace once again," King Patria announced. An eruption of cheers rang through the large ballroom, the excited Chorans cheering for the Narnians and their victory.
Lucy stood in the far corner of the room, behind the crowd, as she watched her family smile and wave to the room. She took a sip from her wine glass, wincing slightly as the tart liquid ran down her sore throat. She had spent the better half of the day crying, only managing to drag herself from her room at the insistence of Peter. Their victory had been hollow in her mind, losing more than they had won. The remainder of the battle had seemed like a million years ago. Lucy was pulled out of her daze by the sudden sound of music beginning to play. She glanced up and saw a swirl of colors through her tear-laden eyes. How can they celebrate like this after all we lost today? she thought as she took another sip of her wine.
"Lucy, are you okay?" Georgie asked, placing her hand on Lucy's shoulder. Lucy swallowed hard and nodded quickly. Georgie sighed.
"Are you alright?" Lucy asked, remembering the trouble Georgie had during the battle. Georgie smiled.
"I am. The stress of the battle was just a little too much for the baby," she replied. Lucy found a slight giggle and shook her head.
"I'm a little surprised Edmund let you come down here after that. I don't think I've ever seen him so scared in his life as he was when he found out something was wrong," she said.
"He wanted me to stay in bed, which I probably should have, but I wanted to come down for a while," Georgie said, smiling across the room to Edmund, who waved at her. Lucy caught the interaction and sighed. Georgie glanced at her young sister-in-law's downtrodden face and wrapped her arm around her shoulders.
"Lucy, I know how you feel. When I found out Edmund and you had been lost at sea, I could hardly find the strength to go on. I wanted to die, too. You four were my family and Edmund was my future. It was devastating to know that in one moment my entire future was gone," Georgie began.
"But your future wasn't gone. You found Edmund again," Lucy argued. Georgie smiled slightly.
"So what does that say to you about your future?" she asked. Lucy leaned her head on Georgie's shoulder and said, "I wish I knew."
Hours later Lucy walked slowly to her room. Her entire body felt heavy with exhaustion and defeat. Scenes from earlier played over again in her mind. Watching Tirian disappear into a million tiny lights, the sight of Olyria disappearing behind a wall of water - they soon became too much for her to bear. She drew in a shaky breath, struggling to fight the tears welling in her eyes, as she reached her door. As she slowly turned the door she imagined the happy sight she wished awaited her, Olyria smiling happily, Tirian welcoming her with a kiss. These were images she knew she would never see again.
She stepped into the dark room, moonlight pouring through the window casting deep shadows throughout the room. Lucy walked to the chair where Tirian had slept and ran her hands over the arm of it, remembering their last night together as she had watched him sleep. His tunic he had worn in Thalasea was draped over the arm of the chair haphazardly. She picked it up and hugged it close, his smell still lingering on the soft fabric. A single tear escaped from her eye and rolled down her cheek.
"Why did you leave me?" she whispered as she closed her eyes. Lucy sat in the chair and leaned her head against the side of it as sobs began to wrack her body. Sleep slowly came upon her as she tossed fitfully in the chair. Her dreams haunted her, remnants of Tirian's smile and Olyria's laughter floating through her mind.
The sound of waves crashing rang in her ears, growing louder with every second until they were nearly deafening. Her eyes popped open and quickly squinted against a strange blue glow that filled the room. Lucy felt the presence of another in the room and turned quickly in the chair, gasping at the figure that stood next to her bed.
"Queen Tritonia!" she cried in surprise.
"Hello, Queen Lucy," the queen replied sadly.
"How are you here?" Lucy asked as she stood.
"The same way you are. Magic," Queen Tritonia replied.
"Did you know this would happen?" Lucy asked.
"Did I know what would happen?" Queen Tritonia asked, leaning her head to the side.
"Olyria, Erivin, their powers. Did you know about them? Their fates?" she asked, her anger growing. Queen Tritonia shook her head slightly.
"I knew of the possibilities, the possible outcomes. I knew what could happen," she replied.
"She's gone. I don't know what happened," Lucy said sadly.
"What happened was meant to happen. Olyria's death was meant to be. I prepared myself for the day when it would happen, although I knew not when. I do apologize for keeping this from you; Thaliotari thought it would be easier for you if you did not know,," Queen Tritonia explained.
"Well it's not! I loved her!" Lucy cried angrily.
"Dear Queen Lucy, I know. I did, too, more than you can imagine. It took all I had to let her go, but I did, for the greater good," Queen Tritonia said soothingly as she placed her hands on Lucy's shoulders.
"Some greater good," Lucy muttered. Queen Tritonia sighed and dropped her hands.
"In time I know you'll see the good Olyria did. In time your pain will ease," she said.
"Queen Tritonia, why are you here?" Lucy asked, hoping to change the subject.
"I came to take my people home. They should be with their families," she replied. Lucy pressed her lips together before replying.
"They're in the dungeon. I'll take you there," she said as she turned to the door.
Lucy led Queen Tritonia through the castle to the dark dungeon. Torches lit the walls, casting long shadows as the two women passed them. When they reached the cell where the Thalasseans were locked Queen Tritonia stepped towards the thick wooden door and placed her hand above the lock. Lucy heard the distinct click of it unlocking. The door slowly creaked open as Queen Tritonia pushed it and stepped inside. Lucy followed her, stopping in the doorway. She watched as the Thalasseans greeted their queen, bowing low before her as she placed her hand on their shoulders.
"I am sorry for the horrible crimes of my brother and for the burden he had placed on you. While I cannot pardon his actions I grieve for my loss as well as for the loss of our fellow countrymen," she said, her voice laced with sadness.
"Will we return to Thalasea, my lady?" one of the soldiers asked timidly.
"That we will. You will all return to our home and to your families. No repercussions will await you," Queen Tritonia replied kindly.
"How will you return?" Lucy asked. Queen Tritonia turned to Lucy and smiled.
"We will return by the same magic that brought me here," she explained. Lucy smiled sadly at her.
"I wish I could borrow a little of that magic so I could go home. I don't know how much longer we're meant to be here," she said. Queen Tritonia stepped forward and placed her hand on Lucy's cheek.
"You will return when the time is right. Your life is only at its beginning. Our lives are like the sea, ebbing and flowing as they continue on eternally. Do not fret, dear Queen Lucy," she said gently. Lucy blinked back tears as she nodded against the queen's hand before quickly throwing her arms around the woman's neck, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Thank you, Lucy, for taking care of my Olyria," Queen Tritonia replied softly as she gave Lucy a final squeeze before pulling away.
"I know we'll meet again," she said as she stood next to the other Thalasseans. Lucy stared in awe as they slowly disappeared behind a blue shimmering haze. The smell of salty sea air stung her nostrils as the haze grew brighter. In a blinding flash the Thalasseans were gone, nothing left but the salty air that hung in the room. Lucy stared into the room a moment longer before slowly turning from the cell and walking back to her bedroom.
Lucy turned the corner of the hall that led to her room. Leaning against her door was Peter, his arms crossed loosely over his chest. She hid an inward smile at the nervous look on his face, knowing he was slightly unsure how to proceed once he began talking. Her brother had always had a confident air, always seeming to know exactly what to say at exactly the right time. She had always admired that about him. Of course, when it comes to consoling us, he's usually pretty flustered, she thought. Peter's brow furrowed as she neared.
"Where have you been?" he asked.
"I needed some air," Lucy replied quickly, unsure about telling her oldest brother that the Thalassean prisoners were gone.
"I see. Are you okay?" he asked concernedly. Lucy nodded.
"I will be. Where's Laira?" she asked. Peter grinned and shook his head.
"She's a bit, ah… Out of commission," he said sheepishly.
"Too much wine?" Lucy suggested, giggling. Peter chuckled with her.
"Not exactly," he replied. A moment of silence passed between the two siblings.
"Did you…" Lucy began as Peter said, "When you…" The two laughed at their collided sentences.
"You first," Peter offered.
"I was going to ask if you needed anything," Lucy said.
"Oh, well not really, I suppose. I wanted to check on you and see if you were okay. I know today has been pretty rough for you," Peter explained.
"Yes, it has," Lucy said softly, the lightness she had begun to feel disappearing.
"Lu, I think I know how you feel. I know I haven't lost a child, but I can't help but think you probably feel similar to how I felt when Edmund wrote me and spoke of your run in with the pirates all those years ago while sailing with Caspian. Just imagining losing you hurt more than I've ever hurt in my life. But to lose a child, to lose one you love… Lucy, I honestly believe you must be the bravest woman I have ever known. I wish I had your strength," Peter said. Lucy gave her brother a small smile.
"I wish I felt stronger. It's just so hard to believe she's gone. If only Tirian were here maybe I wouldn't feel so weak alone with this," Lucy admitted. Peter placed his hand on his sister's shoulder and gave her a small squeeze.
"Lucy, you're never alone. Your family is always here whenever you need any of us," he said firmly. Lucy laughed softly and hugged Peter.
"I know. Thank you," she whispered.
Lucy woke to the sound of two women talking in hushed voices. She opened her eyes slightly, squinting at the bright morning sun that shone through her window. Susan and Jill were in the far corner of her room putting her few belongings into a small bag.
"What are you two doing?" she croaked, her voice thick with sleep.
"Oh!" Jill exclaimed in surprise, spinning quickly towards Lucy. Susan rolled her eyes at the younger girl's theatrics and smiled at her sister.
"It's time to go home. We wanted to let you sleep in a little before we left," she explained.
"We know how tired you must be from losing Tirian and Olyria – ouch Susan!" Jill cried as Susan elbowed her sharply in the side. Susan shot her a dirty look. Lucy laughed loudly at her sister and cousin, her first laugh in what felt like an eternity. The two women stopped their scowling and smiled at Lucy, happy that although she had suffered a painful loss her cheerful spirit was still a part of her.
"There's hot water behind the dressing screen as well as some breakfast and tea on the bedside table. We'll leave you to get dressed and see you in the throne room in a bit," Susan said as she ushered Jill out. Lucy watched them leave and close the door gently behind them. Leaning over she took one of the biscuits from a small plate set on her bedside table. She leaned back against her pillows and nibbled on it, a few crumbs falling into her lap. Sighing she brushed the crumbs away and closed her eyes. Home, she thought. Home will make everything right.
An hour later, Lucy stood outside the tall doors to the throne room. The hot water from her bath and clean clothes had refreshed her. Her heart, however, had begun to grow heavier. She was happy to be going home but felt as though she was leaving Tirian and Olyria, abandoning them and her memories. Her brow furrowed as she heard laughter from behind the doors. Why is it so easy for them to laugh after all we've been through? she thought.
A low rumbling laugh caught her ears; it was as unhumanlike as it was familiar. Lucy's heart leapt as she pushed open the door to the throne room. Standing in the center of the room, surrounded by her family, was Aslan, golden and magnificent as always. "Aslan!" Lucy cried as she rushed to the Lion. She threw herself at him, hugging him tightly and burying herself in his mane. Tears began flowing down her face even as a comforting warmth began to fill her.
"Oh Aslan, I've failed everyone. Tirian's gone, I let Olyria die; I feel so hopeless," she softly wailed.
"Dear one, you've failed no one," Alsan said comfortingly.
"I promised Thaliotari and Queen Tritonia I would watch after Olyria. All I did was let her leave," Lucy argued as she pulled away from the Lion. Aslan shook his head.
"What happened was always meant to happen. Olyria knew it, Thaliotari and Queen Tritonia knew it, and, I suspect, deep down you knew it. You watched over the child as best as you could, giving her comfort when she was away from her family, love when she needed it most, and a mother and friend she grew to love. You've failed no one, Queen Lucy. It is time you believe that," Aslan explained gently.
"Olyria loved me?" Lucy whispered.
"More than any child could love her mother," Aslan replied.
"Lucy, I think it's time to go," Peter said as he placed his hands on her shoulders.
"That it is, High King," Aslan chuckled.
"Do you really have to leave right now?" King Patria asked wistfully.
"Don't worry King Patria. I know you will be a great king. Just rule your country with fairness and honesty and Choras will once again flourish," Peter advised. King Patria nodded as he stuck out his hand which Peter firmly grasped.
"Thank you, King Peter. It's been a great honor to have you all here," King Patria said. Lucy smiled at the change that had taken place in the young king. He had begun to remind her of Peter and how he had been when they first became kings and queens of Narnia.
"Queen Lucy?" Princess Adria said softly next to her. Lucy turned to the woman.
"I want to apologize for how I behaved towards you. I should not have acted the way I did with King Tirian nor doubted the girl," she apologized. Lucy smiled and shook her head.
"Don't worry about it. All is forgiven," she said.
"Come. It is time to leave," Aslan said deeply. Lucy walked to her family and stood with them. She shut her eyes as she felt Aslan's warm breath wash over her. A sudden tug came over her and the world instantly disappeared from her her feet, returning as quickly as it had left. When she opened her eyes she saw Cair Paravel standing tall and proud before her, her home for the rest of eternity. A slow smile grew on her face. Tirian's waiting for me, she thought.
Lucy walked along the beach, the hem of her dress damp from the water that licked her feet as the tide came in. It was morning in Narnia. The cool air swirled around her as she walked, chilling her slightly. She had woke early before the others, needing to be alone with her disappointment. When they had returned to Narnia she had rushed into the castle calling out for Tirian. She had searched every room, hoping he would be waiting for her. He was not. There was no sign in any room, including his bedchamber, that he had set foot in the castle since they had left for Choras.
The night had been filled with varying emotions; sadness, initially, over losing him. Anger followed quickly followed by guilt and then numbness. She had been so certain that he would return home, to Cair Paravel, and would wait for her with open arms. "I would have done that," she muttered.
She stopped and turned towards the water. It stretched out forever, the rising sun peeking over its horizon, lighting the sky slightly with hazes of blues and oranges. A gust of wind blew causing her to shiver against the chill.
"Exactly what made you think to come out here without a cloak?" she heard a man chuckle. Gasping, Lucy turned to the voice.
Tirian was walking to her, handsome and wonderful as he had ever been, a wide smile on his face as he approached. She picked up her dress and ran to him, slipping slightly in the cool sand. When she reached him she threw herself in his arms, hugging him tightly. Tirian wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her to him. Moving a hand under her chin, he lifted her face to his and lowered his lips to hers, kissing her gently. Lucy threaded her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. Tirian's fingers ran through her hair as he pulled back. He kissed her nose, her cheeks, along her jawline. Lucy kept her eyes closed and let the wave of happiness and love she felt overtake her as he kissed her. Her emotions began to escalate and happiness was soon replaced with irrational anger. She pulled away from him, her eyes narrowing as she caught his surprised face.
"Lucy?" he asked confusedly.
"Where have you been?" she shouted, slapping away his hand that reached for her.
"What?" he asked.
"You left me! I was absolutely miserable and then Olyria was gone and you were gone and I was alone! I came home and you weren't there and I thought... I don't know what I thought but you weren't here!" she cried, her words beginning to run together. Tirian smiled slightly before pulling her into his arms, gently rubbing her back as he tried to comfort her.
"Sweetheart, I never meant to leave you. I couldn't stop it, however," he began.
"But where were you? Why weren't you here when I returned?" she asked softly. Tirian chuckled.
"I had no idea when you would return. The idea of sitting in our home waiting for you didn't sit well with me. When I left Choras I appeared at Cair Paravel; Aslan was waiting for me. I begged him to let me return, knowing good and well that I couldn't sit here and wait while you were left in the midst of a battle. He obviously would not return me to Choras so I went to visit my parents at King Frank's. That's where I've been, distracting myself from being alone without you," Tirian explained.
"I needed you. I needed you so much it hurt. When Olyria was gone, I couldn't bear it. The others tried to help but I needed you," Lucy said.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry," Tirian said soothingly.
"What are we going to do without her?" Lucy whispered. Tirian took a deep breath.
"I suppose we'll grieve a little bit, support each other and continue on as we were. We both knew this would happen even though neither of us really wanted to admit we knew. But I will tell you one thing we'll do," he began, lifting Lucy's face to his again.
"What's that?" she asked, catching a twinkle in Tirian's blue eyes. "
You did say you would marry me. I distinctly remember you saying yes," he grinned. Lucy's brow furrowed playfully.
"That's not quite the way I remember it. Perhaps your memories are a little hazy. You were dying on a battlefield," she stated. Tirian chuckled as he leaned down and kissed her.
"Remind me then. What did I actually say?" he asked between kisses.
"The way I remember it, you only asked me hypothetically," she giggled.
"Well, please accept my apologies for not asking you properly. I was, as you pointed out, dying on a battlefield," he said.
"I accept your apology, King Tirian. You have the forgiveness of Queen Lucy the Valiant," she said teasingly.
"Thank goodness for that," Tirian said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He and Lucy grinned at each other, a moment of silence passing between them.
"Well, I suppose that since I'm finally not dying on a battlefield, I should do this properly," he said as he reached into his tunic. He pulled out a small leather pouch and opened it, pulling out a ring. Lucy gasped as he knelt in front of her. She noticed his hand slightly trembled, as did hers, as he reached for her left hand and took it in his.
"Lucy, I love you. I think I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. Despite all we've been through, despite all the challenges, it's all made us stronger because we've been together. I want you to be my wife just as much as I want to be your husband. Will you-" he started.
"Yes!" Lucy cried, interrupting him excitedly. Tirian squinted up at her, smiling slightly.
"Will you let me finish?" he asked.
"Oops, sorry," Lucy said sheepishly.
"Will you marry me?" Tirian asked.
"Yes! Of course yes," Lucy answered.
