Before very long, the temperature warmed enough so that the Pevensies and Elaine's clothes dried and they were able to finally remove their heavy wet coats. Hopefully, the Professor wouldn't notice the absence of five fur coats from his wardrobe.

Elaine lifted her face up to the sun as they walked out of the forest and into a large field. She had forgotten just how much she loved warm weather, and she vowed to never underappreciate the warmth of spring and summer again.

Tents became apparent in the distance along with the sounds of voices chattering and weapons clanging.

They had finally made it to Aslan's camp.

A horn sounded from the cliff above them. To Elaine's astonishment, a centaur blew into a large horn supposedly announcing their arrival. After all they'd seen on their journey, seeing a centaur shouldn't have surprised her so much but it did all the same.

They all slowly began walking through the camp and immediately attracted the eyes of all the various creatures preparing for battle. Fauns, centaurs, griffins, and animals of all kinds made up the army. Each time someone looked up and saw the humans, they stopped what they were doing and stared in awe.

Elaine nervously rubbed the strap of her satchel, feeling especially small under the creatures' gazes. She was painfully aware that they were all wondering, much like her, what exactly she was doing here with the other humans and why she was a girl instead of a boy.

Several of the creatures dropped what they were working on and followed the humans through the camp as they walked to Aslan's tent.

"Why are they all staring at us?" Susan asked.

"Maybe they think you look funny," Lucy joked.

Peter laughed though Susan didn't look amused. Her comment made Elaine relax a little, and she wondered if that had been Lucy's intention.

Mrs. Beaver nervously combed her fur.

"Oi," Mr. Beaver said gently as he put his paw on her. "Stop your fussin'. You look lovely."

Elaine smiled again, comforted by Mr. Beaver's words even if they hadn't been meant for her. She could imagine her own father telling her the same at a moment like this.

At the very head of the camp was a large red and gold tent. A centaur stood guard outside. He looked fierce and formidable, but Elaine could also sense a gentleness beneath his rough exterior.

By this time, every single creature in the entire camp had gathered behind them, anxiously waiting to see what would happen.

Elaine couldn't say she blamed them. They'd all been waiting hundreds of years for the Pevensies to arrive in Narnia. She wouldn't want to miss a moment either.

Peter took his sword out of his sheath and held it in front of him. "We have come to see Aslan."

Several of the creatures behind them gasped. The centaur looked towards the tent where the flaps at the entrance rustled in the breeze.

At the sound of movement, the children turned to see the entire camp go down on their knees with their heads bowed. The centaur himself bowed at the waist in reverence.

The tent flaps moved, and Aslan, The Great Lion, stepped out.

Elaine gasped in wonder and awe. She was overwhelmed in his presence and couldn't find words that properly explained how she felt. All of the wonderful things she'd felt back when she'd first heard Mr. Beaver mention the Great Lion's name returned tenfold. She wanted to stay in his presence forever if it meant that she could always experience such a pure and beautiful feeling.

Peter, Elaine, Susan, and Lucy got down on one knee and bowed to the true King of Narnia.

"Welcome Peter, Son of Adam," he said gently. "Welcome Elaine, Susan, and Lucy, Daughters of Eve."

Elaine loved hearing her name leave his mouth. Her name had never sounded so wonderful. She wished he would say it again.

"And welcome to you, Beavers. You have my thanks. But where is the fourth sibling?"

A bitter feeling filled Elaine's stomach. She was once again reminded that Edmund should be the one standing in front of Aslan rather than her. It hurt to know that despite Aslan welcoming her, she wasn't the one he wanted here.

Peter and the others slowly stood up again and he sheathed his sword. "That's why we're here, sir. We need your help."

"We had a little trouble along the way," Susan said.

"Our brother's been captured by the White Witch."

"Captured?" Aslan asked. "How could this happen?"

"He betrayed them, Your Majesty," Mr. Beaver explained.

The creatures behind them all began murmuring to themselves in shock. Could a traitor truly be one of their destined kings?

"Then he has betrayed us all!" the centaur growled.

"Peace, Oreius," Aslan said calmly. He looked at the children. "I'm sure there's an explanation."

Peter looked up at Aslan guiltily. "It's my fault, really. I was too hard on him."

Susan put her hand on his shoulder sympathetically. "We all were."

Aslan seemed pleased yet saddened at the admission.

"Sir, he's our brother," Lucy said quietly.

"I know, dear one," Aslan told her. "But that only makes the betrayal all the worse. This may be harder than you think."

Elaine bit her bottom lip. That didn't mean that he wouldn't help, right? Edmund was the rightful king. It should be him here, not Elaine. She couldn't take his place. The prophecy said two Sons of Adam. Edmund had to be all right…

"Alaesa."

A beautiful young woman stepped forward with the grace of a dancer and deeply bowed. "Yes, my King?"

"See to it that the Daughters of Eve are given new clothing and private quarters. I'm sure they've had a long journey and need some rest."

The woman smiled so beautifully that Elaine didn't know how she didn't have all of the men in the camp falling at her feet. "Of course, sir. The naiads and dryads are happy to help."

Aslan looked at the centaur beside him. "Oreius, please do the same for the Son of Adam."

The centaur nodded once and directed Peter away from the girls and inside one of the tents.

A group of women similar to Alaesa eagerly approached the three girls and ushered Susan and Lucy into one tent and Elaine into another.

Once Elaine was alone with Alaesa and two other women, they all looked Elaine up and down which made her feel quite uncomfortable. It felt as if they were sizing her up to see if she posed a threat to them.

Alaesa circled around her while occasionally lifting up one of the girl's arms to get a better look at her. "What is your name, young one?" she asked.

"Um…Elaine."

The young woman sighed happily. "Oh, such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

Despite her initial reservations, Elaine did not hear any insincerity in the remark as the woman's eyes gleamed, and her heart fluttered. It had been so long since someone had talked to her like this.

"Let's see, I think a nice dark blue would best suit you. Vaella, start working on her hair. I'll get her a new dress. And Rayne, find her some food. She looks starved."

After two days of constant walking and fighting for her life, it felt unbelievably refreshing to have these women comfort and care for her.

Vaella had Elaine sit down on the chaise longue and gently worked her tangled hair out of its thick braid. The girl's eyes watered as she recalled her mother doing the same for her so many times as she grew up.

"You are saddened, child," Vaella said.

Elaine quickly wiped away the forming tears. "It's nothing, it's just…been very difficult to get here."

"You must be very tired. Please, rest and relax while we do our work."

The offer was too tempting. As Vaella worked on her hair, Elaine allowed her eyes to close. Vaella's hands were surely magical as she never once pulled her hair too hard, her touch very gentle and soothing.

Rayne brought her some grapes, cheese, crackers, and meat which she eagerly dug into. She hadn't realized just how hungry she really was until she started eating. The last time she had had a proper meal was when she'd had lunch yesterday afternoon just before they'd walked into the wardrobe.

Shortly after Vaella finished working on her hair, Alaesa returned with a long dark blue dress in her hands and helped Elaine into it.

"It fits perfectly," Alaesa smiled.

"How did you get this so quickly?" Elaine asked.

"The dress belongs to me. I fixed it to fit you better."

Elaine wrapped her arms around herself. "I don't deserve this."

Alaesa smiled warmly and took her hands. "Nonsense. You wear it better than I ever did. It is truly becoming of such a noble Daughter of Eve."

"I'm—"

"Hush now. Come see."

The woman directed her in front of a large mirror in the back of the tent, and Elaine gasped quietly.

The dress truly did suit her. Red pieces of fabric that complimented the blue showed in between a long slit in the skirt to match the portions at her elbows. Her long brown hair flowed in waves down her back. Vaella had tied several strands around a beautiful flowery silver headband that tied everything together.

"See?" Alaesa smiled. "You are beautiful."

Elaine shyly smiled back. "Thank you."

"Is our little prince uncomfortable?" Ginarrbrik taunted, circling Edmund around the tree he was tied to. He let his furs caress the boy's face. "Does he want his pillow fluffed?"

Edmund terrified eyes tried to follow him around the tree.

"Special treatment for the special boy!"

He jumped when the dwarf suddenly appeared right next to his head on the other side.

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

Edmund was so thoroughly exhausted that he barely had the strength left to be afraid. Every ounce of energy he had left was spent feeling frightened as the dwarf circled and taunted him.

He missed his siblings now more than ever before.

He wondered if they missed him. Maybe they were glad to be rid of him. He wouldn't blame them.

Please…I know I don't deserve it, but…anyone…save me…

Elaine walked to the edge of a hill that overlooked the entire camp and beyond to stand next to Peter. She wasn't crazy about the high view, but after some food and rest, not to mention everything she'd been through in the last two days, it wasn't as bad as usual.

Elaine looked at Peter to find him staring at her. "What?"

"Nothing, it's just…I-I've never seen you with your hair down before."

She nervously fiddled with a strand of her long waves. "I wish they'd tied it back up."

"No, it…it looks nice."

"Oh. Thank you."

"So, um, I never told you…thanks. For…back at the waterfall."

"You helped me with my fears, so I had to help you with yours. But I can't exactly say how much help I would've been had that wolf actually attacked. I know nothing about using a staff."

"I wasn't particularly confident with my ability to use my sword either. That's why I don't understand how I'm supposed to lead this entire army. There's no way they'll be willing to follow a child into a battle against the White Witch."

"I don't blame you for feeling afraid and doubtful. But…I also believe that, with training, you are more than capable of leading this army. You are very protective of anyone in harm's way, and that is an admirable trait in a leader."

"Being protective isn't enough to help me lead an army and survive a battle."

"That's why I said 'with training'."

"I'm only fifteen. I'm no more ready for this than I was to take Dad's place when he left."

"Well…this time, you don't have to do it alone."

Peter met her eyes as she gave him a small smile. Had her smile always been that pretty? Come to think of it, had Elaine always been this pretty?

He broke his gaze away from her and looked at a large castle in the far distance.

"That is Cair Paravel, the castle of the four thrones," Aslan said as he came up behind them to stand next to Peter. "In one of which you will sit, Peter, as High King." When he saw the uncertain look on Peter's face, he asked, "You doubt the prophecy?"

"No," Peter answered softly. "That's just it. Aslan, I'm not what you all think I am."

"Peter Pevensie, formerly of Finchley."

Peter's brow furrowed in surprise.

"Beaver also mentioned you planned on turning him into a hat."

The two children laughed at the memory. How had that only been this morning?

Aslan laughed kindly, a deep and pure sound that lifted both of their spirits. "Peter, there is a Deep Magic more powerful than any of us that rules over all of Narnia. It defines right from wrong and governs all our destinies. Yours and mine."

"But I couldn't even protect my own family!"

"You've brought them safely this far."

Peter looked out to the distance again. "Not all of them."

Elaine looked at him sadly. She was worried sick about Edmund and she wasn't even related to him. She couldn't even imagine how he must be feeling right now.

"Peter, I will do what I can to help your brother. But I need you to consider what I ask of you. I too want my family safe."

The conversation might've continued further, but the sound of a horn cut through the air and made their hearts stop.

Though they had never heard the horn before, they knew exactly who it was coming from.

"Susan!" Peter yelled as he dashed off.

Elaine sprinted after him as fast as she could, stopping only to run inside her tent and retrieve the satchel that held her staff. She expected it to be hard to run in a long dress, but she found to her pleasure that it moved with her as if it was part of her body.

Of course! It was a naiad dress, so there must've been magical elements sewn within the fabric.

By the time she finally caught up to the fight, Susan and Lucy had climbed a tree in an effort to escape from two wolves: Maugrim and Vardan. Peter aimed his sword at both of them, trying to keep them both in his sight so neither one had the chance to catch him off-guard.

"Come on!" Vardan growled as they both circled around him.

"We've already been through this before," Maugrim challenged. "We both know you haven't got it in you!"

"Peter!" Susan cried. "Watch out!"

The two wolves viciously barked and growled at him.

Suddenly, Aslan roared and placed his giant paw on Vardan which allowed Peter to keep all of his focus on Maugrim.

Oreius and some other Narnians raced towards the fight with their weapons at the ready while Elaine pulled her staff out of her satchel.

"No!" Aslan commanded. "Stay your weapons. This is Peter's battle."

"But Aslan—" Elaine started.

Aslan silenced her with a calm look as Oreius motioned for the soldiers to stay back.

No, she had to help. She could see Peter's hands shaking as he struggled to hold onto his sword. After all he'd done for her, she didn't want him to face this by himself.

But she was not about to be the one to disobey Aslan. She just wished she could understand why he wouldn't let them help.

Peter stared Maugrim down. His fear had stopped him last time, but he wouldn't let that happen again. He had to prove that he could fight, that he could lead, that he could be king.

"You may think you're a king," Maugrim taunted. "But you're going to die…like a dog!"

Maugrim lunged for him as Susan and Lucy screamed his name.

Elaine put her hand to her mouth. Neither Peter nor the wolf moved, and she couldn't tell if there was a victor or if they had both lost.

The two girls quickly hopped down from the tree. Elaine looked at Aslan and he nodded once. She rushed over to join them, and they all shoved Maugrim off Peter who frantically sat up. His sword had stabbed the wolf before he'd had the chance to hurt Peter at all.

Elaine sighed with relief, and his sisters tightly hugged him. She could see Peter trembling as they held him, both from the adrenaline of the fight and from his fear of dogs.

But after this, she didn't think he had a fear of dogs anymore.

She realized that was why Aslan hadn't let anyone help him. Letting Peter fight the wolf on his own was his way of testing him and helping him grow while also keeping him safe by stopping Vardan and having the soldiers nearby.

Aslan took his paw off Vardan who yelped and ran off as soon as he was free from the lion's clutches.

"After him," Aslan told Oreius. "He'll lead you to Edmund."

Oreius nodded and took off after the wolf with several other Narnian soldiers following him.

"Peter, clean your sword."

Peter slowly stood up and cleaned Maugrim's blood off his sword using the water in the stream.

"Kneel before me, Son of Adam."

The boy got on one knee before the Great Lion.

Aslan placed his paw on Peter's shoulder. "Rise, Sir Peter Wolf's-Bane, Knight of Narnia."

Elaine smiled. If he could conquer his biggest fear to protect his sisters, and with no prior training at that, she had no doubt that Peter could lead the Narnian army to victory.

The Pevensies left to return to camp, but Elaine lingered behind. Aslan noticed and approached her.

"Forgive me, Aslan," Elaine said with her head down. "I know I am not meant to be here."

"How did you decide that?" he asked gently.

"The prophecy only includes two boys and two girls. That's the Pevensie children. Not me."

"Is that all?"

That was not at all what she thought he was going to say. She thought not being in a prophecy that had been around for at least a hundred years was a pretty good reason that she wasn't supposed to be here, but she tried to think of something else. "Everyone at this camp knows that I'm not supposed to be here with the other Pevensies. They expect Edmund to be here and instead they got me."

"So you place your value on the opinions of creatures who do not even know you?"

Elaine was once again at a loss for words. "Um…I haven't even been able to help them. If anything, I only got in the way."

"Do Peter, Susan, and Lucy regret you coming with them?"

She started to say that they had to, but then she recalled Peter's confession last night that he was glad that she was there. "No."

"Do you regret coming?"

At first, she had. But the longer she spent with the Pevensies and inside Narnia, the more she came to understand herself and her companions in a different way. If she hadn't come, she probably never would've come to enjoy being around them as much as she did.

"No."

"Then why do you think you should not be here?"

Elaine had run out of reasons. She hadn't expected him to question her about it. She had fully expected him to agree with her.

She went back to the most obvious one. "The prophecy—"

"The prophecy only reveals a portion of the future. Your prophecy is merely unwritten."

Elaine quieted. There was nothing left for her to say.

The way Aslan spoke made her question all of her fears and doubts and everything she thought she knew. He didn't indulge her self-pity but made her confront her own negative thoughts about herself. While she still didn't fully understand why she was here, she no longer felt that she didn't belong in Narnia.