Dark Witch
Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia
A/N: Hey guys, I just posted a story…Well, it is a rewrite from my previous story, "Something that could have been." Since I made some changes to this story, I have to do the same. Please take a look at it. Same title, but has Rewritten at the end.
Chapter 18: Making adjustments
Eirlys's POV
I stared at my chamber that I have lived for the past three hundred years. All those years in living the How. Now it was time to move. All this time in hiding in the dark. So much weight has been lifted off my shoulders. In a few days times, Caspian will be King, and Narnia will be at peace.
"Eirlys," a voice called out.
I looked up from packing to see Aslan.
"Aslan," I greeted.
He entered my room, eyeing the simplicity of it. Not like the last time he entered my room back at Stone Castle. Once he was next to me, I have a feeling this was no simple visit. No, I broke my promise to the Great Lion. Even though he saved my life from death, I knew there will be consequences.
I bowed my head, showing submission to Aslan.
"You disobey an ordered I gave you when the prophecy happened," he said.
"I know, you told me I could not use the dark magic of Charn," I said. "The first time was an accident; the bear was going to kill Lucy, and…it was the first thing that came up. But what happened at Telmar Castle is unthinkable. I turned two men into stone. I cast a winter spell, even though it alters from Jadis's. Yet it doesn't excuse the use of the Decaying Incantation. I accept whatever punishment you consider is acceptable."
Aslan gave a growl. I closed my eyes and waited for the punishment. Except, it never happened. Instead, he breathed on me. A migraine took over for a moment, then vanished. I blinked a few times, wondering what just happened.
"You are forgiven," Aslan said. "I removed the knowledge of the Dark Arts. Even though you used it for good, some spells should not be repeated."
"Thank you, Aslan," I replied.
"You have done so much for Narnia in the past thirteen thousand years," he murmured. "You have served my people and me."
"It was what you asked of me," I said. "I may have not been the Pevensies. But I tried to help those who can't help themselves. Repent for all my sins during the Eternal Winter."
"You are forgiven, and so does the Narnians," Aslan assured. "Now, let's get ready. You lived in a cave for far too long."
I nodded, securing my trunk, which two minoboars came in to collect. They grabbed the trunk, heading out to the wagon. Aslan followed them when a thought came to me on what happened at the Ford of Beruna. Why Aslan let Edmund age for a moment.
"Oh, Aslan," I called out.
Aslan stopped turning around to face me. His expression was neutral, "Yes, Eirlys?"
I hesitated, not sure how to ask the question. Fearing if I ask the question, the answer will sabotage the Pevensies from staying. A part of me wanted them to stay. Primarily, for Edmund to stay. But the look in his amber eyes held the answer that my heart sunk. Afraid to ask it now, knowing what he said thirteen-hundred years ago.
"Never mind," I sighed.
"One day, you will find happiness," Aslan promised. "However, Narnia is still in need of you yet."
I nodded, accepting that my fate is not done yet. Not while the magic of Narnia runs through my veins. With nothing else to say, the Narnians and our friends waited where all the wagons were. In five days', time will be Caspian's Coronation. But how long will the Pevensies stay afterward? As Aslan once said, 'What's Narnian must stay in Narnia. What's not, must return to their world.'
"Are you alright, Eirlys?" Edmund asked.
"I'm fine," I answered, giving him a reassuring smile then glance at the How. "Just hard to say goodbye."
Edmund nodded as he offered a hand to help me on my horse. I accepted, climbing up. Edmund then got on his horse before joining his siblings and Caspian. The entire journey, I was lost in my thought, grasping the encounter with Aslan in what his face told me. I debated if I have asked for the Pevensies to stay longer. What would happen if I asked him if the Pevensies could remain until their elderly age before returning to their world?
Edmund said time stops from Spare Oom than it did in Narnia. One year in their world was a thousand years in Narnia. So if a near life in Narnia, is several minutes in Spare Oom?
"Eirlys, what are you going to do now?" Lucy asked.
"What?" I snapped out of my train of thought.
"After the coronation, what are you going to do?" she repeated.
"I've never thought much of it," I confessed. "I might return to the Western Wild and rebuild Stone Castle. Search for any Narnians who are still in hiding."
"You are always welcome to Telmar Castle," Caspian said immediately. "I could use your guidance."
"I don't know, I don't want to cause confusion of power," I explained.
"I insist. You have been there for me since the beginning," Caspian said.
"Thank you, Caspian," I said with a smile appreciating it.
Caspian nodded with a smile.
"But I still need to check the Western Wild in search of other Narnians who are still in hiding," I reminded.
"You will need some help; can I tag along?" Edmund offered.
I smiled softly, "Sure, why not. Just don't get tusk by a minoboar again."
"Why did you get tusked by a minoboar?" Susan asked.
Edmund blushed from that comment.
"Ed?" Susan tried to pry.
"It's a bit of a long story," Edmund said.
"We have time," Lucy assured.
I couldn't help but laugh from it. Since it is one story, Edmund definitely doesn't want to share. Especially the part about the cave. Edmund shook his head. Now there is some payback.
.o0o.
After two days, we arrived at Telmar Castle. Caspian escorted the Pevensies to their room. They sighed in relief in seeing a bed. No doubt, Susan will appreciate the hot bath. Once they were settled, Caspian led me to my room. When I entered, I stepped inside, surprised for it was not like the Pevensies.
There was some resemblance to Stone Castle. Although it wasn't a room, an apartment divided into sections. We walked into the solar room, the walls were clean and bare. The Fireplace was decor in carved wooding, the floor having a lavish rug while there were a lounge and two chairs. I then walked into the bedroom, where there was a queen-size bed with tapestries. There was basic furniture. When I reached the balcony, I had the views of the mountains.
"It's not much, but hopefully, you change it to your likings," Caspian said.
"I don't understand," I replied, turning around to face him.
Caspian stepped forward, "You've been there for me since I was born. You helped me out of the forest when I was nine. And spent five years being my nurse. You told me stories about the Narnians, preparing me to be a king when Miraz wouldn't."
"Thank you," I said.
"I meant what I said, even though Aslan says your reign is over…you are still a Queen. And I will still need guidance. Therefore, can you be my royal advisor?"
"The Dark Witch as the King's Royal Advisor?" I chuckled. "Your reign shall tremble."
Caspian laughed from that, "I mean it."
I came over, resting a hand on his shoulder, "I'll do my best. Although, I advise you to make your council a mix between the Telmarines and Narnians."
"Agreed," Caspian said then gave me a hug. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," I murmured. "Now get some rest, tomorrow is a special day."
Caspian nodded, "I'll have the servants tend to you. And a seamstress for new clothes."
"New clothes?" I asked.
"No offense, but your dress has holes," he kindly noted before leaving.
I stared at my lace sleeves, seeing the significant tears and holes. I chuckled, knowing he had a fair point. My clothes are indeed worn out and not in good condition. My trunk came in, as I took my things out and started settling. I had three sets of clothes, and Caspian was right, I needed new clothes.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I went to it, opening the door to see a couple of servants, as two men brought in a copper tub, taking it to a spare room that is used for baths. The women went back and forth, carrying in buckets of hot water.
I stepped aside when Bircha appeared. She took her humanoid form, far easier to move around than her hybrid. As she stood tall, her skin like the bark of the birch tree, while her hair short and spiky on the top. She wore a dress made out of her leaves covering her privates.
"It's rare to see you in this form," I told her.
"I prefer being closer to nature," Bircha replied.
I chuckled softly then noticed the Telmarines staring at Bircha. "Forgive me, I did not introduce myself. I am Eirlys, and this is Bircha. She is a Birch dryad."
"So, she is a nymph?" one girl asked.
"Yes, my mother was a nymph, and my father is a dryad. So, I take both forms," Bircha answered.
The girl nodded before rushing to fill in another bucket. After a while, the copper tub was set. Bircha had them leave while I stripped out of my clothes and got in. I gave a groan, for it has been five years since having a hot bath. Even as a nurse, it was a bucket of warm water and a rag. Bircha came over with a comb and started working on my hair.
"It's a rat's nest," she noted.
I chuckled once more, "I haven't been kind to myself for five years. Thought of braids and let it be."
Bircha hummed as she continued to work on the knots, before washing it. Stripping all the years away. She hummed a soft melody. The scent of lavender filled the air. Physically my mind and body were at peace. No longer was I dying. The Narnians are no longer in hiding. However, it doesn't solve one issue.
Bircha placed a hand on my shoulder, "You are not alone. I am here now, as are many."
"I don't want him to go," I whispered.
"Only Aslan decides," she murmured.
I nodded, knowing she was right.
An hour later, I was cleaned. I got out of the bath, wrapping a towel to dry off before putting on a robe. A seamstress came in as she stared at us. She glanced at Bircha surprised before looking at me.
"Oh, you're taller than I expected," she said.
True, I was six feet tall, taller than most human women. If she saw my mother, she be more surprised, since she was seven feet tall. Wait until the Giants come to visit. Especially with Wimbleweather, he is twenty feet tall.
"I brought you a dress," the seamstress said. "Once dress, I can take your measurements."
I nodded, taking the dress, and went into my room to change. When I came out, the seamstress took my measurements as her assistant wrote them down.
"I'll get you a dress ready for the coronation," the seamstress said.
"Thank you," I replied.
The seamstress and her apprentice nodded before leaving. There was still a slight tension of apprehension. The Telmarines will need to adjust to the Narnians. The Narnians are a variety of species and not a single one. They do not age like humans. Some resembled more humans while others more animals. I think the tricky part will be the end of hunting. Since there are talking animals.
When it was time for dinner, Caspian invited the Pevensies and me to dinner. I was there a bit early when the Pevensies arrived. Edmund came over with a smile.
"You look nice," he said.
"You mean I don't look like a scary witch," I implied.
"That too," Peter joked as he helped Lucy sit down.
Caspian helped Susan sit down at the table. I was about to do my own when Edmund rushed in, getting the chair for me. Surprise, as I sat down, and Edmund helped me in before taking a seat next to me. Peter and Susan seemed to notice this.
"How are you enjoying your accommodations?" Caspian asked.
"It's great, thank you," Lucy answered.
"You're welcome," Caspian said.
"Despite the fact we tried to raid it," Peter said.
A few snorts can be heard. There will be ghosts in the halls for centuries from the Battle of Telmar. Maybe once things settle, we can restore Cair Paravel. Anyway, dinner went on as a small conversation passed around. It was strange. Back in Stone Castle, I ate alone or with my council, which was quiet or professional. When I ate meals with other kings, it has been formal. There were a few times I ate in a casual setting, and it was either with Coriakin or Bacchus. They were all familiar. So light-hearted, sharing jokes and story. It was strange.
"Is everything all right, Eirlys," Susan asked.
"Yes…it's just different from having a meal with all of you," I said.
"An opportunity we missed long ago," Susan agreed.
"Hopefully, we can make things up now," Lucy said.
"Agreed," Peter said. "That way, Edmund doesn't have to hide his friendship."
Edmund almost spat in his cup.
I couldn't help but chuckle from that and take a sip of wine.
"It would be nice, so I don't have a bird and loyal trees reporting ahead of schedule," I added.
There were a few chuckles from that. For once, it was nice to feel welcome instead of being treated like the enemy.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!