Dark Witch

Disclaimer: I do not own The Chronicles of Narnia

Chapter 21: Until We Meet Again

Eirlys's POV

I woke up to stare across from me. Edmund was there, asleep, lying on his side. Back to his adolescent form. Mix emotions were stirring inside me. Happy to have a moment like last night in the dream realm, but also guilty. The voice inside the back of my head was scolding me in getting to close. For any day now, Aslan will send him away, and I will remain here heartbroken.

A part of me wishes I had Jadis's frozen heart when it comes to romantic love. Able to resist it and not feel broken when the person you love is gone. I put my broken heart in my duty. I remember a phrase that is passed around with leaders like me. Love is the death of duty. And duty is the death of love. You can love your people, but to love someone to stand next to you, to spend forever is hard.

Am I doing the right thing in letting Edmund have this moment? I reached out, cradling his cheek. What if I am truly wrong? Maybe Aslan will let the Pevensies stay. At least a life time's worth. A life for them to be together before returning back to Spare Oom or London, or wherever his mortal life is from. Since the Pevensies stated when they returned to their world, they were back in the bodies when they enter the Wardrobe.

Sadly, my magic stirred, the Deep Magic vibrating that something was happening. The same vibration I felt on the day of the hunt. All I can do is take as much as I can before my friends are gone. Before Edmund is gone. My throat clenched at the thought.

Suddenly I heard a soft knock in the distance. I quietly adjusted the curtain before sliding out of bed, leaving the bedchambers to the solar before answering the main door. On the other side was Bircha holding another dress. My eyes widen, for it was a style I haven't seen in a long time. It was a vibrant green dress, almost that of an emerald. A sheath gown, made out of silk, while a coat made of sheer fabric was flowy with angel sleeves. There were also two armbands made out of gold, with a cincher with floral embroidery.

"What's the special occasion?" I asked.

"Don't you deserve to wear nice clothing?" she replied. "His majesty wanted you to be dress for your title. Not a witch who lives in the woods."

I snorted, letting her in, "Are you now my handmaiden."

Bircha enters before twisting her head, back to a deviant face of her eyes covered in branches and lips flat that would petrify children. I'll take that as a no.

"I want to make up for lost time, but I am not a servant," she said.

"You're far better than a servant, you're my best friend. You have been there for me since ruling the Western Wild," I explained.

Bircha nodded as her face transfigured to a natural appearance that is welcoming. If it wasn't for the restriction of Telmar Castle's height and countless stairs, she would be in her tree form.

"His majesty has requested for the Pevensies and your presence for breakfast," Bircha announced. "Allow me to help you to get dress."

"I truly appreciate it," I said.

Bircha nodded until spotting a tunic on the couch. She arched a bark eyebrow and stared at me with a slight smirk. I mentally groaned for I forgot Edmund left outer layers out in the solar. Excusing myself, I grabbed the clothes and went back to the bedroom, still finding Edmund asleep. Hating myself on doing this, I shook his shoulder.

"Edmund, Edmund, it's time to wake up," I told him.

"Five more minutes, Susan," He mumbled as he turned on the bed.

I chuckled softly as I leaned down that my lips were against his ear, "I doubt you want to sleep with your sister."

And just like that, Edmund's eyes shot right open as he sat up stumbling a bit. I pulled my head back in mere seconds, so we didn't collide our heads together while laughing. Edmund looked around to see where he was, still staring at me before staring at his close, seeing he wore his trousers and shirt while I was still in my robe and nightgown. He paused, confused.

"Did we…"

I chuckled, "In the dream realm. Not in reality."

Edmund nodded, followed by a yawn with a stretch, "Probably be for the best…Until I'm older."

"Doesn't stop the fact that I am older than you," I reminded.

"Well, you are immortal," He grumbled.

I smiled softly, "You better return to your chambers and get ready for the day. Caspian has asked to have breakfast with your family."

"Yeah, I better go before they wake," He sighed. "The last thing I need is them lecturing me."

I nodded, assuming due to his appearance being in an older woman's bedroom is not appropriate. Even though we did nothing physically, we were still not pure souls like we were back in the cave. I handed Edmund his tunic and boots, which he accepted putting them on. We walked out of the bedroom where Bircha was. His brown eyes widen seeing the dryad-nymph, blush dusting his cheek. He gave a short "morning," before leaving the room.

Bircha and I couldn't help but giggle from that.

"You truly love him," Bircha said.

I stared at her wide eye, "What do you mean?"

"I can see it in your eyes. The way you smile and eyes glimmer," she explained. "Also, your aura changes."

"I'm a sad old mare," I sighed. "I can feel it in my bones. He won't be here for long."

Bircha frown slightly, "Have you tried asking Aslan?"

"I didn't have too, his eyes told me," I replied.

Bircha nodded, "One day, you will find happiness."

"When Narnia no longer needs me," I said.

"Come, let's get you ready for the day," she suggested.

I nodded, letting Bircha have control as she got me ready for the day.

.o0o.

After getting dress, I headed to the private room where breakfast was being served. Five years of being a nurse, I knew my way around the castle. At least when it came to the basics. Living arrangements change over time, but I knew where libraries, halls, and gatherings are.

I enter the private room finding Caspian was there along with Peter. The two were having a conversation. They stopped their conversation when I came in, giving the nod for greeting. I nodded back, walking over to the table and sat down. It wasn't long when Edmund came in in fresh clothing.

"I take it, Susan and Lucy are getting ready," Edmund assumed.

"Susan, yes, and Lucy being dragged into it," Peter replied.

Edmund laughed as he came over, taking a seat next to me.

"I didn't see you late last night," Peter commented.

"I walked Eirlys back to her chambers, and we talked for a bit," Edmund said naturally. "We lost track of time. Until Eirlys kicked me out."

"As if I would let you sleep in my bed or lounge," I countered.

Edmund snorted with a sarcastic laugh. Peter stared at us for a moment, as if debating if we told the truth or not. After a few seconds, Peter shrugged, believing it. How he believed it amazes me, yet the probably assumed based on our appearance and not the use of magic. We continued the charade when Lucy and Susan arrive.

Lucy was wearing a green dress with floral embroidery while her hair was braided back. Susan wore a light blue dress, as her chemise sleeves shown in a virago. Her shoulders and slight cleavage bare, while her hair mainly down with two side braids. Caspian stared at her in awe. Susan smiled slightly as her cheeks blushed. Peter gave a cough to disrupt the trance.

"Shall we eat," Peter advised.

"Of course," Caspian said, as he pulled a chair for Susan who gladly took her seat.

Peter did the same for Lucy before the two sat down where breakfast was on the table. Food was passed around as a social conversation is shared. Everyone enjoying themselves, as Peter suggests about going riding and taking Caspian to Cair Paravel. Caspian liked the idea of seeing the ruins.

"Are you going to the Western Wild, Eirlys?" Lucy asked.

"In a month or so, to find any more Narnians who are still in hiding," I answered.

"I would love to see the Western Wild," Lucy said.

I chuckled, "It is just like the Western March, once you pass the mountain range."

Although I hid the information about Aslan's garden since no one knows of its location except a handful.

"By any chance, can I come?" Lucy asked. "I would love to see the ruins of Stone Castle."

I bit my lips slightly since the Ruins of Stone Castle is now a cemetery. If not binding dark spirits there so the dead can't haunt the living.

"Maybe," I said. "I can't promise."

"Of course," Lucy said with a smile. "I just want to see how much Narnia has changed."

I nodded in understanding.

"Still, I appreciate the search to find Narnians who are still in hiding," Caspian said.

"There are many," a deep voice confirmed, as Aslan entered the room.

"Good morning Aslan," Lucy greeted with excitement.

Aslan chuckled, "Good morning, Lucy."

Everyone greeted the Great Lion in return.

"Did everyone sleep well?" Aslan asked. "Especially after the festivities."

There were some chuckles in which Aslan joined before he got serious.

"Caspian, I need you to summon your people and have them gather at the Square of the Tree at noon," Aslan said.

"What for?" Caspian asked.

"An offering," Aslan answered.

"Of course," Caspian said.

Aslan nodded and looked at the Older Siblings, "Susan, Peter, a word once you are done eating."

I felt my stomach tighten, realizing what was happening. Aslan looked at me, giving an apologetic look before leaving. Today? I thought it would be longer, at least a few more weeks. But in the end, Aslan has made his decision. I took a deep breath, mentally casting a calming spell, so the Pevensies and Caspian wouldn't realize something is wrong.

Once we were done eating, everyone got up, as Caspian said, "Well, I better get everyone."

Peter nodded, "Susan, we should go see Aslan."

Susan nodded as she glanced at Caspian before leaving with her brother.

"What should we do?" Lucy asked.

"How about a stroll through the gardens?" I suggested.

"There are gardens here?" Edmund asked.

"Of course, you just need to search for them," I said. "There are some plants that the Telmarines brought from Telmar. Would you like to see them?"

"Oh yes," Lucy answered, as she took my hand leading the way out.

Edmund and I chuckled as we follow the Valiant Queen out before I took the lead. Meanwhile, Caspian went to tell his Council to summon the Narnians and Telmarines.

.o0o.

It was around noon when the Narnians and Telmarines gather at the Square of the Tree that faced the south. As the carved terrace hovers over the gorge where a tree stood tall. I could sense the intense energy from the tree. When I first came to Castle Telmar, I thought it was a powerful dryad. However, the tree was not a dryad or nymph, but a magical source the same as the Stone Table, and the Lamppost. The Telmarines tried to chop the tree down, except no steel or fire could destroy it. Instead, they build around the tree, placing it on a platform of stone, thinking the stone will kill it. They were wrong, and the tree stood for three hundred and five years. Therefore, the Square of the Tree is where the Telmarines held their conferences and speeches for the people.

Lucy, Edmund, and I arrived a bit early along with the Council. The Council consisted of Glenstorm, Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, Bulgy Bear, Reepicheep, and Professor Cornelius. All watching as Narnians and Telmarines gather around. Not all the Telmarines, only the townspeople who live by Castle Telmar, since many Telmarines live in villages and towns spread out through Narnia.

Caspian soon arrives with Aslan, Peter, and Susan. The Older Pevensies held sadness in their eyes. One of disappointment and understanding. I glanced at Aslan, wondering what he talked about to the Older Pevensies. He merely nodded, as he stood by the Council while Peter and Susan joined their siblings and I. Caspian took center on the top step facing his people.

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians, just as it does to man," Caspian announced on the patio in front of his people. "Any Telmarines who wish to stay and live in peace are welcome to. But for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers."

"It's been generations since we left Telmar," Lord Montoya said.

"We're not referring to Telmar," Aslan explained. "Your ancestors were seafaring brigands. Pirates run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world. The same world as our Kings and Queens."

The Pevensies and I were surprised by this. I thought humanity was a species that lived in different worlds. Maybe humanity only comes from one realm. It explains many things since they were not like the Laputans, Charnians, or the other witches and wizards who held similar appearance. Only the Pevensies knowledge of technology was far advance than the Telmarines. So, they were born from a different era.

"It is to that island I can return you," Aslan offered. "It is a good place for any who wish to make a new start."

There were a few murmurs on the offered.

"I'll go," General Glozelle spoke first. "I will accept the offer."

Caspian was surprised by this, staring at the man who tried to kill him three times. Yet, Caspian pardons all the soldiers and generals who were part of Miraz takeover. Before Miraz was King, he was the Lord Protector, having command of the militant of Castle Telmar forces and could summon the Lords for their militia. Even pardoning General Glozelle from Lord Sopespian assassination on Miraz, for he had no knowledge of his cousin's treachery. The general nodded back as he made his way over.

"So will us," Queen Prunaprismia said, holding her baby. I frown that the child will grow up without a father. Lord Scythley, Prunaprismia's father, nodded following her daughter and grandson. All following Glozelle up the steps to face Aslan. Caspian was baffled since his family will be gone.

"Because you have spoken first, your future in that world shall be good," Aslan said, then breathed on them in blessing.

Aslan nodded and stared at the tree behind them that balance just a mere edge on the cliff. Slowly, the tree began to move, splitting from the center as the bark unravel to create an archway. The tree's magic had the Telmarines in awe, along with a few Narnians. For so long hadn't the tree moves until now. Glozelle, Lord Scythley, and Prunaprismia, with her babe, bowed to Aslan afterward, walked through the passage to their forefathers' land. Many of the people gasped in horror since they vanished in a blink.

"Where did they go?"

"He killed them?"

Caspian stared at Aslan, wondering what happened to his aunt and cousin.

"How do we know he is not leading us to our death?" A villager demanded.

"Sire," Reepicheep said aloud, "If my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice through with no delay."

Aslan looked at the noble mouse for a moment and then raised his head at the Pevensies. Susan and Peter exchange a look before the once High King stepped forward. "We'll go."

"We will?" Edmund asked, baffled, then stared at me with panic.

"Come on. Our time's up. After all…" Peter said as he walked towards Caspian. Peter then removed Rhindon and handed it to Caspian. "… We're not really needed here anymore."

Caspian took hold of Rhindon, "I will look after it until you return."

"I'm afraid that's just it," Susan said suddenly, "We're not coming back."

Caspian stared at Susan bewilder by this.

"We're not?" Lucy asked with concern.

"You two are," Peter promised to his youngest sister, "At least, I think he means you two."

"But why," Lucy asked, looking to Aslan in worry. "Did they do something wrong?"

"Quite the opposite, my dear. But all things have their time," Aslan assured as he gave a look at me for a second then back to Lucy. "Your brother and sister learned what they can from this world. Now it is time for them to live on their own."

"It's all right, Lu," Peter murmured, walking up to his sister, taking her hand. "It's not how I thought it would be… But it's all right. One day you'll see, too. Come on."

Peter led Lucy over to the Council to say goodbye. Edmund followed, still in shock, not staring at me. I remained where I was. I had prepared myself for this the moment they returned to Narnia. And yet, their departures hurt. I have made friends and reunited with my lover, only to be taken away once more. My eyes stung as they became watery, watching as Susan walked over to Caspian.

"I'm glad I came back," Susan murmured.

"I wish we had more time together," Caspian replied.

Susan gave a small smile, "It would never have worked, anyway."

"Why not?" Caspian asked.

"I am 1,300 years older than you," she teased.

Caspian scoffed slightly from her joke. Susan smiled a little before turning to join her family. She hesitated for a moment before turning around, wrapping a hand around his neck, and kissed him. The crowd awe and chuckled from this moment. Meanwhile, the Pevensies walked over to me, seeing this encounter. As Caspian leaned over, giving Susan a hug.

"I'm sure when I'm older, I'll understand," Lucy murmured to her brothers.

Peter chuckled at his sister's innocence.

"I'm older, and you don't want to understand," Edmund sarcastically said.

I scoffed, "Well, then…"

"I… I mean- "

I leaned down and planted a kiss on his lips. This caught him by surprise as he kissed me back for this moment. During this distraction, I removed my new ring and placed it in his hand in which he grasped. When I pulled back, I nodded sadly.

"Until we meet again," I murmured.

Edmund opens his mouth to speak, only to look down and nodded. Lucy rushed in, giving me a hug. I gave her a hug. Next, it was Peter who gave an awkward embrace. Yet it somewhat felt right for us being once rivals turn friends. When Susan pulled back from Caspian, she came over, giving me a hug as well.

"Thank you," I told them. "In saving Narnia and helping me."

"You're welcome," Peter said. "Try not to have Caspian burn the kingdom to the ground."

I barked up a laugh and nodded.

We gave each other one more hug before the Pevensies made their way towards the Tree. Caspian walked over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. My heart clenched in is seeing my friends go. To see Edmund, leave once more. As he glanced over his shoulder with regret and love. I held the same feeling as the tears fell. Peter and Susan went first through the tree, followed by Edmund, as he vanished.

Lucy turned back in question as her siblings had a head start. She glanced at the world that was once her home. Aslan stared at Lucy with a reassuring smile, bobbing his head, assuring that Narnia will still be here when she returns. Lucy nodded, hope in her blue eyes for one day she'll return. With a final glance, she turned around and walked through the tree's archway. The moment the Valiant queen crossed through, the Pevensies vanished to their world. Caspian gave my shoulder a squeeze, which I looked up to him and smile.

Aslan stepped forward, facing us, "Do not worry, you will see them again?"

"Another thousand years?" I asked.

Aslan gave a comforting smile, "Very soon. I am sorry, Eirlys, you will understand in time."

I nodded, wiping the tears away, "When Narnia no longer needs me."

Aslan bowed in agreement, "I promise you; you will find happiness. Now it is time to guide Caspian to become the King."

"I will," I promised.

Aslan nodded and started at Caspian, "I leave my kingdom in your hands."

"I will protect the Kingdom with my life," Caspian assured.

"I know you will, I believe in you as long as you believe in me," Aslan said.

"How long will the passage be open?" Caspian asked.

"I will leave it open for three months, allowing time for the Telmarines to decide to stay or go. I assure you, once they enter, they will be safe for there are no more pirates left." Aslan answered. "I advise you warn them, once they go through, they can never come back."

Caspian nodded in relief that his people will be safe if they decided to leave. He then turned, facing me, "Let's go back to the Castle."

I nodded, needing some time to be alone. The crowd has already dispense returning to their homes to think about the offer. I glance at Aslan, who once gave a silent apology with a nod. I nodded back in understanding, for he has his reason. Caspian wrapped one arm around me, leading us down the step. When he glances over his shoulder, he stopped confused.

"Where did he go?" he asked aloud.

I turned around, seeing Aslan was gone.

"Don't worry," I assured. "We'll see him again."

"When?" Caspian asked.

"In time," I answered. "One day he'll be here and the next he won't. But you mustn't press him. After all, he's not a tame lion."

Caspian nodded in agreement.

Until next time, my friend, I thought. Until next time.

Hey guys, there is one more chapter. We are almost done with Dark Witch.

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