I feel like I messed up Tumnus' character, and Lucy's, but I hope I didn't mess up too bad. Hope you all enjoy this chapter!
God Bless and Happy Holiday!
~The Lupine Sojourner
I woke slowly to find myself still warm, not the cold of Ravenhilll I was expecting. I was in a bed, that much I knew. But it didn't smell like Erebor and was far quieter than a tent.
In fact, I didn't know the smell at all, except for a somewhat homey, earthy quality to it that reminded me of the Shire, but not enough to make me certain that's where I lay.
In short, I had no idea where I was.
When I finally opened my eyes, it was to become aware of a dim headache and what felt like a bruise on my chest. I sit up groggily, hardly aware of the sound of a door opening.
As such, I screamed when I saw a person coming toward me, a tray in his hands. He barely manages to put the tray on the bedside table when I fall off the bed as I back away from the strange creature before me. He flattens himself against the door, panting and looking at me like a deer when faced with a bow.
It's then I notice that he's not a Hobbit, Man, or Dwarf at all, or anything I'd seen in my 75 years on Middle-Earth.
He seemed fairly human from the waist up, with only a red scarf around his neck, two small horns over his temples, but from the waist down he was a goat.
His hooves clacked against the wooden floor as he backs up.
"Wh-who are you?" I stammer. "Where am I? What's going on?"
"U-uh, well, u-um...I f-found you near my house and-I'll let you get back to the Witch if you like. I'm not far from the Lampost!"
For several long seconds, we simply stare at each other as if expecting the other to attack. Slowly, my heart pounding painfully in my chest, I lower my arms. One problem at a time, Aili. Time to get a few answers. "I'm sorry. I was-...did we win? Is Azog dead? Is the battle finally over?" I ask eagerly. I'd never seen this creature, or anything like it, but Gandalf could know him from his wanderings, I suppose. He always did make such strange friends.
"Is who- -what battle? No one told me of a battle. Are you alright?" The being before me suddenly seems concerned, but not quite over his scare.
I sit on the bed, something telling me to start over. "I'm sorry- -again. Um...how far are we from Erebor?" I ask. Let's start with the basics.
"Erebor?" The creature asks, slowly putting his arms down. "What is that?" I blink several times.
"...The Lonely Mountain?" I try again. Some people didn't know the Dwarven name for the mountain, after all. Maybe I was in the Shire, or some neighboring region, after all. But why? Why am I so far from Erebor?
"There are mountains in Narnia, but none of them are lonely." The creature replies, trying for a little humor. My head hurts worse as I try to process everything.
"Narnia?" That light...the roar...was it possible I'd crossed into some other world?
If so, what was Narnia? The world I was now in?
"Y-yes. We're...we're in it. Did you hit your head?"
"Well, I was just in a battle." I explain, hand over the stab area absently. The creature still seems skittish, but inches closer.
"So you mentioned. What battle?"
"The battle for Erebor. The Lonely Mountain was threatened by legions of Orcs. My uncle, the King, and some other hand-picked fighters launched an attempt to rid the Orc armies of their leader, Azog, but...it didn't work." It's then my host looks between the haunted look in my eyes and the hand on my chest and seems to put two and two together.
"...You were killed, weren't you?"
I found myself unsure how to answer, biting my lip. "I think..?" I didn't know what happened, but the pain in my chest signified that Azog had actually stabbed me. My hand clenches the fabric over my chest absently. "I'm not entirely sure, honestly. After Azog stabbed me, I lay in total darkness. Then...I heard a roar, and there was a strange light, and- -
"Wait, I'm sorry- -did you say 'roar'?"
I nod. "Yes, though I couldn't say what creature it was. Perhaps a lion..."
"That must've been Aslan, then." At the name of whoever this Aslan is, it's like the very air in the room grows brighter, full of life and hope. I picture seeing the door to Erebor open after so long, seeing Uncle's smile, like this was everything he wanted.
I then shake myself.
There were so many questions rattling in my head, I didn't know where to start, so I picked the location. I had to confirm I really was in a different world.
"Before we confuse each other any more, how about you show me a map and we'll work from there?" I ask. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I am where I used to be."
My host seems confused, but nods politely, walking toward the door. "Oh! Right this way." He opens the bedroom door, then pauses. "Do you mean that you've traveled here from somewhere else? From where?"
As we walk out to his living room, I sigh. "Middle-Earth."
"Where is that?"
"Somewhere else entirely."
"What do you mean?"
I sigh. "My name Aili, of Durin's Folk, Heir to Erebor, the Seventh Dwarf Kingdom in Middle Earth."
"..." The being is once again stunned, staring at me. Then, he shakes himself.
"I am Tumnus. I don't have any titles, though." He laughs nervously. I smile.
"It's nice to meet you, Tumnus." I then see the map on the wall that Tumnus indicated. "...Oh. So it is true; I'm in another world." There was nothing I recognized at all on the parchment paper. Everything was foreign to me.
"...Are you okay?" Tumnus asks, hand on my shoulder.
"Yes. I just needed to confirm I wasn't in Middle-Earth anymore."
"This is Narnia. If you don't mind winter, I think you'll like it here." I hum in acknowledgment, scanning the map, and absently my hand slips into my pocket, and my fingers curl around my runestone. I draw it out, staring at it.
It was finally hitting me that I was incredibly far from my family now.
That I was alone here in Narnia.
I then think through what Tumnus said. "What do you mean 'if you like winter'?" I ask, choosing to distract myself from thoughts of my family.
"Well, it's always winter here."
"Really?" It was a good thing I'd been wearing fairly warm clothes, then. I glance down at myself and realize my chainmail shirt was gone, as was my cloak and coat. My boots, as well, though I think I saw them beside the bed.
"Yes. Always winter, but never Christmas."
"What's Christmas?" I ask before I can stop myself. Tumnus blinks several times, chuckling.
"They don't have Christmas in Middle-Earth?"
"No."
"Well, um, it-it's a day to celebrate goodwill between all creatures. We gather together with family and friends, and Father Christmas delivers gifts to those who are good, and sing songs. We roast chestnuts and feast and have a glorious time." I smile.
"It sounds like Yuletide, though we had to construct gifts for others ourselves versus having anyone deliver them for us."
Tumnus smiles back at me. "That sounds marvelous, too."
There's a moment of quiet, neither of us needing to talk, wandering the halls of our memory.
Uncle Thorin had never been much for gift-giving beyond his family and his closest friends, but when he did give gifts, they were always thoughtful and remarkably well-made.
He'd given me my first bow.
Mother was fairly angry, but calmed when Thorin said he wouldn't let me into a battle if he could help it till I had more experience with the bow.
Fili was almost as good at thoughtful gifts as our Uncle, always putting his head into whatever he made for us, and Kili always made us laugh with his gifts. They weren't the best-made, and we could see the care he put into it, the effort he made to make the gift.
"Are you hungry?" The abrupt question brought me back to reality and my stomach growls in confirmation. I chuckle and put my hand on my stomach.
"Yes, a little."
"Well, you're in luck. I was just coming back from running errands for lunch." I smile.
"Lead the way."
Soon enough, Tumnus and I share the two armchairs in front of his fireplace, which was crackling merrily to ward off the chill of the outside, a tray with a few sandwiches and tea between us.
Despite the shocking revelation that whatever that roar was had brought me into a new world, I didn't feel scared or terribly anxious.
I felt...almost safe. I could tell there was something ominous here, but not in Tumnus' home, so I was content to eat lunch and not dwell on the dark spots in this development.
"Thank you." I mumble.
"Pardon?"
"I hadn't thanked you yet. You didn't have to take me in." I explain, smiling at Tumnus. "Or put up with me as you've done. So, thank you."
"Oh, don't mention it." There's something...unpleasant about the way he says that. Like, he's being forced to do it, or he feels he has no choice.
I set my sandwich down.
"Tumnus?" I prompt warily. It was time to find out exactly what Narnia was and what felt so slightly ominous since I woke up here.
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay?" I ask bluntly. "You seem scared, and preoccupied."
"Do I? Sorry." He pretends that eating his sandwich and refusing to look at my eyes is going to dissuade me. I lean over.
"You're tense. What happened before you brought me inside?"
"What do you mean?" I suddenly recall a character mentioned earlier that had not been brought up since. Perhaps I'd get answers pursuing that line of questioning.
"Who's the 'White Witch'?"
"Where did you hear that name?"
"Earlier, when I startled you, you said you'd let me 'get back to the White Witch'." I explain, "Who is she?"
Tumnus shudders.
"She's evil, claiming herself to be the Queen of Narnia, ruling with a cold, iron fist for these hundred years. She even banished Aslan." I blink.
"Why would you think I'd go to her?" I ask, confused. Tumnus looks down, food forgotten as he mulls over what to say.
"...Most Dwarves have pledged loyalty to her. Out of fear or genuine loyalty, I don't know."
"Durin's Folk do not side with evil." I reply, "Now...who is Aslan?"
At this, Tumnus lightens up immensely and the air seems lighter, happier somehow. "Oh, he's the true ruler of Narnia! Wise, kind, compassionate, everything a true ruler should be and more. I've never seen him, but we Narnians treasure stories of his power. It was he who sang Narnia into existence, ages and ages ago." That feeling from the first time I heard Aslan's name returns, and I smile.
"Sang into existence?"
"Yes. I wish I could have heard his song," He shakes himself, picking up his sandwich, "but nothing to be done about it now."
There's still something bothering me about Tumnus. He seemed genuinely terrified of something when he offered to let me get back to this White Witch.
As if he didn't want me to stay long enough to discover something.
"Forgive me for being blunt, but...did you do something to upset the White Witch? Is that why you were so scared of me before?" Tumnus nearly chokes on his sandwich.
"How did you-no." He's quick to say, but it's too late.
"What was it?" I ask, leaning forward. "I may not have my weapons, but my uncle trained me in hand-to-hand combat. I'll do my best to protect you." Tumnus gives a airy chuckle I know means he isn't comforted.
"W-well, nothing I can do about it now, but I let a human slip through my fingers." I frown.
"Why would that mean the White Witch is mad at you?"
"Well, you see, there aren't any Sons of Adam or Daughters of Eve in Narnia." I raise a brow.
"Really?" I set aside the peculiar titles for the moment, eager to know more.
"Yes. It all has to do with an ancient prophecy. According to it, when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve come into Narnia, the time of the Witch's reign will be over and they will help Aslan rule Narnia as kings and queens. So, she ordered that if any were to come across a human, we were supposed to turn them over to her." This place suddenly lost a little of its warm comfort, but I nod and let him continue. "But the human I found was a child! She knew nothing of Narnia or the danger she was in. How could I turn such an innocent child over to such a cruel, wicked Witch?" I nod.
"You did the right thing." I assure him. "I would have done the same." Tumnus sighs, running a hand through his hair nervously.
"Now, all I can do is hope none of the Witch's spies know I helped the human escape."
"How long ago was this?" I ask.
"Nearing five days."
"Then, I dare say it might be wise to continue acting as though you did nothing wrong. If the Witch knew about it, she'd most definitely have done something by now."
"You're right. I just hope the poor girl made it back to her country safely."
I raise a brow. "Her country?"
"Yes. She seemed as lost as you when I found her at the Lampost. Poor girl was still a child in body and in spirit. Broke my heart to tell her I was about to kidnap her."
"You told her?"
"Yes. She woke up and I was so distraught by what I'd nearly done I told her everything."
"I think that was the right course to take, from where I stand." I reply. "She's safe, in either case."
"Hopefully, she won't come back."
"You don't know children, then." I murmur, chuckling. "My brothers and I wandered into a waterfall with no idea how dangerous it was. Even after having it explained to us, we returned a few days later to swim. It was only after nearly drowning that we finally understood the stern warnings. This child might come back here." Tumnus pales.
"I hope she doesn't. She knows the risks. I don't think I'll ever see her again."
As if to directly contradict Tumnus' words, there was a knock at the door. Tumnus nervously goes to answer it while I move to stand in a small side nook for books. No sense revealing myself till I know who's at the door.
"Lucy?" Tumnus asks incredulously. "Wh-what are you doing here?" He draws the little girl in as quick as he can, closing the door hurriedly. "If someone had seen you- -"
"It's alright, Mr. Tumnus!" A child's voice interrupts happily. "No one saw me!"
I grimace. She didn't truly know the stakes, did she?
"Remember when I said some of the trees are on Her side?" Mr. Tumnus groans. This Lucy hums.
"O-oh."
"You're lucky I'm so close to the Lampost." Tumnus breaths in relief. "In any case, I was just having lunch with a new friend."
"Oh?" Lucy asks excitedly.
I decide to come out slowly. "Hello." I greet, waving. the girl before he is around my height, with short straight brown hair, warm brown eyes and strange pink, floral garments. Lucy seems eager to meet me, extending a hand.
"I'm Lucy Pevensie!" She chirps. I shake her hand.
"I'm Aili...Durin." Claiming Durin as my family name felt right, so I did.
"How wonderful to meet you, Ms. Durin!" Lucy replies, letting her hand fall back to her side. "Are you a Dwarf?" She asks. I smile.
"What gave it away?" She laughs.
"I don't know." I laugh with her as we walk over to the fireplace.
Tumnus and I share a look; we'd both do what we can to protect this little girl.
"Here; there was an extra sandwich, Lucy. Sit down, warm up, and eat." I offer, remaining standing until Tumnus brought over a small cushioned stool for me to sit on.
"Oh, I can sit there!" Lucy protests. I smile, waving her down.
"It's alright, Lucy. I'm a traveler, so I've sat on harder surfaces than this stool." Lucy's eyes go wide.
"A traveler?" She asks eagerly. "Where all have you been?" I laugh, memories flooding into my head unbidden.
"Nearly everywhere in Middle-Earth, before my Uncle helped us settle in the Blue Mountains."
It takes Lucy a few moments to realize I was talking about a place other than Narnia. She frowns. "Is...is that in Narnia?" She asks. I shake my head.
"No. I am as much a stranger here as you." I reply. "Tumnus has been explaining everything to me." Lucy hums as she chews a bite of the sandwich.
"Oh." I tilt my head.
"So...why did you come back?" I ask. Lucy grins once she's finished chewing.
"To see Mr. Tumnus, of course!" I find I can't get bring myself to tell her her life was in danger, and so I just nod. Exchanging another look with Tumnus. Neither of us wanted to see this bright, youthful innocence leave her.
"Ah. Well, eat up, Lucy! Then I'll see you back to wherever you go to come to and from Narnia."
"Oh, thank you, Ms. Durin!" I smile. This girl was remarkably well-mannered.
"Just Aili is fine, Lucy."
"How about Ms. Aili?"
"Alright, if that's what you want to call me." I reply, finishing my sandwich and tea. From there, it's a pleasantly quiet few minutes as Lucy finishes her food and goes to sip her tea.
"Oh, Mr Tumnus! Could you play something for us?" Lucy asks. "Your music was so lovely last time!" I raise a brow at the way Mr. Tumnus looks rather guilty for a second, but then he smiles at her while reaching for something on his mantle.
"I...I suppose I could. I won't play a lullaby, though. You have to get back to your own country soon, Lucy." Lucy sighs.
"Yes, I know." That said, Tumnus produces a small instrument I can't remember the name of and prepares to play it.
The tune he strikes up is lovely, as if made for dancing around a fire.
It reminds me of how the Company would play together sometimes, and even of when we'd sing of Erebor around a fire at night.
Then, of course, came the moment he stopped playing and I remember I told Lucy I'd escort her through the woods.
Figured it'd be safer than letting Tumnus potentially be seen with a human again.
I stand, remembering something. When I stopped to look at the room I'd woken up in, I'd noticed my cloak on the back of a chair. I go grab it.
"Here, Lucy. Wear this. Wouldn't want you to be cold." I say, not telling her it was a disguise. Anyone who saw Lucy would rightly deduce that she was a human. But, if she were wearing a Dawrfish cloak and didn't talk, I could pass her off as my younger sister. Tumnus smiles gratefully at me as I put my hand on Lucy's shoulder, guiding her to the door after helping her clasp the cloak properly.
I smile back at him as I reach back to close the door.
"Now, you'll need to lead. I don't know where we're going." I confess.
"That's alright!" Lucy chirps. "Follow me."
We walk in silence for a few moments. "It's kind of heavy." She notes happily, "And it's so warm!" I smile and put the hood up.
"That it is. Winters in Middle-Earth are especially cold. That cloak is lined with wolf's fur and deer hide." Lucy gasps, feeling the fur with a gentle hand.
"It's so soft." I nod and we resume walking in silence.
Soon, we reach a lampost that flickered with small flames against the snow around it.
Then, I notice a boy, looking around unhappily. Hammer and stone! There was another child to worry about now?!
I can only assume this boy is Lucy's brother.
"Edmund?" Lucy asks, happy to see him, flapping the hood down. That proves my assumption as she instantly hugs him, but there's something off-putting about the boy. He doesn't really return the hug, seeming irritated by his sister's presence. "You got in, too! Isn't it wonderful?" I blanch.
Lucy didn't know Edmund was in Narnia? Who knows what could've happened?!
After a few moments, Edmund gently peels his sister off, frowning at her. "Where have you been? And what are you wearing?" He asks, managing not to sound incredibly annoyed so as not to upset the girl. Lucy pats the cloak happily.
"Oh, it's a cloak! A friend of mine let me borrow it while we were out in the snow." I step forward.
"Aili. Pleasure." I greet, extending a hand Edmund reluctantly shakes.
"We were having lunch with Mr. Tumnus!" Lucy reports eagerly. "He's fine! The White Witch hasn't found out anything about him meeting me!" I blink.
"Who's this White Witch?" Edmund asks before I could ask if he'd been in Narnia before.
"She calls herself the Queen of Narnia, but she really isn't." Lucy explains softly, glancing around.
"Has Edmund been here before?" I finally ask.
"No!" Edmund barks, as if offended by the suggestion.
"I told Peter, Edmund, and Susan everything when I got back the first time." Lucy explains, then her eyes light up like she just thought of the best idea in the world. "Oh, I know! Come with me, Aili! Then my siblings will have to believe Narnia's real!" I smile, hating having to refuse such an innocent offer. If I left Narnia, something told me I wouldn't be getting back in.
And my gut told me it was the wrong choice to make. "Oh, that's very tempting, Lucy, but I'm afraid I can't. I need to figure out what to do with myself here, and you need to get back to your family." I then get an idea. I wanted to help her, and I knew nothing I said would dissuade the girl from coming back yet again, so I reach into my pocket. "Tell you what; how about you borrow this?"I hold out my runestone.
Part of me didn't want to give it away, but part of me knew this was the right thing to do. "I couldn't." Lucy protests. "It's pretty! I might break it!" I smile and put it in her hand.
"Nonsense. That's a Dwarven runestone. Supposedly, it protects whoever holds it, and brings good luck as well. Maybe it'll help you." Lucy grins and pockets it.
"Well, thank you very much." She then turns to Edmund, who seems troubled.
"Are you alright?" She asks innocently. "You look awful." Edmund scowls at her.
"Well, what'd you expect?" He replies, sounding sharper than necessary. "I mean, I'm not wearing a cloak and it's freezing! Now, how do we get out of here?"
Lucy brightens up, taking her brother's hand. "C'mon. This way." Together, the three of us walk past the lampost and Lucy offers my cloak to her brother. He doesn't take it, even though he said he was cold. Edmund was an interesting character.
I wonder…what happened before we found him?
We soon reach a set of trees that almost seem like a doorway, leading into somewhere. Lucy turns to me.
"Here we are!" She cheers. "The entrance to the wardrobe!" I raise a brow, but before I can ask, Lucy fingers the clasp of my cloak. Can you help me take this off?" She asks. I smile and do so, clasping it on me securely. I then lean forward and hug Lucy. I was already rather fond of the girl, and if she came back to Narnia, as I feel she will, I'd do everything I can to protect her and her siblings, if they come to Narnia, as well.
"Lucy, if you ever miss me, just look at the runestone, alright?" I tell her. "Now, I'll be off and you two, as well."
"Goodbye, !" Lucy calls as she and Edmund walk through-hang on, was that fur? Was that a fur coat?
I don't understand what's happening, but the siblings left Narnia safe, I think, and that's all that matters.
I just hope we managed to avoid letting the Witch know about Lucy and now Edmund being in Narnia.