Dark Witch

Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia

A/N: This chapter has been reedited.

Chapter 6: D.W.F.

By dawn, I've come to an understanding of motherhood. Or at least when it comes around the Pevensies waking up in the morning. They are cranky and complain over nonsense, indicating they are not morning people. Peter grumbled under his breath how we would appreciate a cup of coffee right now. Coffee, what on earth is that? Edmund noticed this and explained it was a drink that is filled with caffeine that sometimes awakens people. Almost like black tea, but stronger. Such a strange potion this…coffee.

Anyway, everyone had a small breakfast before we set forth towards the Shuddering Woods. When we were at the halfway point, Peter stopped realizing he remembered this spot. I stared at the human strangely. The forest has changed the past several hundred years. The trees he could possibly know are tall as the mountains, or the grounds have formed into new lands.

"I know where we are going," Peter said.

"Peter, it might be wise if Eirlys leads," Susan said.

"Trust me," Peter said with determination.

Sighing, not wanting another argument, I let the eldest Pevensie lead. Let alone avoid another confrontation between us. Even after a few days in one's company, Peter doesn't trust me. My heritage is the only thing he needed to despise what I am instead of who I am. Anyway, Peter lead through the rugged terrains followed by Susan and Lucy while Edmund and I covered the back.

"I don't remember this way," Susan noted.

"That's the problem with girls. You can't carry a map in your heads," Peter joked.

"That's because our heads have something in them," Lucy countered, which both sisters giggled.

Edmund and I chuckled along with them. I must say, the young queen surely knows how to counter a male's arrogance quite reasonably.

"I wished he'd just listen to the D.W.F. in the first place," Susan whispered.

"D.W.F.?" Edmund asked.

Susan and Lucy looked at each other before staring at me with an innocent smile, as Lucy murmured, "Dear Witchy Friend."

I stopped as they continued onward. Dear Witchy Friend? Out of all the titles in the world, including the ones I have done...the queens declared me such a name. Edmund, who stopped on top of a boulder, watched my expression amused.

"Oh, that's not at all patronizing, is it?" I muttered.

"Hey, it means they're warming up to you," Edmund chuckled.

He jumps off a boulder, catching up with his siblings. Dear Aslan, help me survive through all this because my patience is wearing thin. The last thing I need is casting a silencing spell on any of them for peace and quiet on this journey.

"Come on, Eirlys," Edmund said.

I took a deep breath and caught up with him. We walked side by side, yet there was a distance between us. Walking alongside him was strange. The last time I saw him, he was a man. Now he is an adolescent once more in his fifteenth year. For some reason, I had expected more when Caspian blown Queen Susan's horn. I wanted the opportunity that Edmund promised on the night during the storm those years ago.

It was the tenth year of the Golden Age. I was heading to Ettinsmoor to talk with the giants, the Ettins, to arrange a peace treaty. Since the Ettins have been crossing my territory raging through farms during harsh winters. On the journey over, I crossed paths with Edmund, who was wounded at the time. A storm occurred, and we took refuge in a cave as I tended his wounds. Later that night…we became intimate. On the following morning, I tried to sneak out, regretting what happened. Not because of him, but we were a taboo. If not crossing the line of our friendship. I was Jadis's daughter, a witch, and he was a Son of Adam, a human. None of our kingdoms would approve, not Dark or Light Narnians.

Before I could escape, Edmund stopped me. He wanted to start a relationship. Saying he was in love with me after five years of our friendship. How can we, we hardly know each other, other than letters and small visits in the Lantern Waste? However, Edmund held this desire, this wanting to know me…to be part of each other's lives, even if it is not romantic. But I challenged him, saying Peter wouldn't approve. The Silver King took the challenge, meaning he will try to make peace between our two kingdoms.

Sadly, five years later, when we last encounter was the last, I would ever see him. Not again for over a thousand years. And now, the man who infatuated me, stirring my emotions were once more is a young man. While I remained the same age of appearance. So, it would never work out. The promised has long since been dead the moment we went our separate ways when leaving the cave.

The gorge path, Peter lead, had my concern if he knows where he was going. There was no river or easy passage through these parts to the Shuddering Wood. I would have spoken out, but it's best to let Peter realize this. It wasn't long where we were all center of a five-way route.

Peter stood on a boulder, confused. "I'm not lost."

"No. We're going the wrong way." I started walking towards him.

Peter turned around, glaring at me. "You last saw Caspian at the Shuddering Woods, and the quickest way there is through the River Rush."

"First of all, I left him in the hands of a trusted companion, and at this rate. They are heading to the Dancing Lawn." I corrected. "But unless I'm mistaken of your geography, there's no easy crossing in these parts."

"That explains it, then. You're mistaken." Peter said with such a condescending attitude.

I took a deep breath, "I am 1390 years old and know these lands."

"Lands that you and your mother corrupted," Peter challenged.

I stood there staring at him in bewilderment. How dare he say that? He has no right to say such a thing in my presence. I may have ruled alongside Jadis in the Eternal Winter for ninety years. But I was not the queen, nor did I hold any power over that cold period. Can you blame the child of a tyrant for the actions of their parent? The Narnians have forgiven me, along with Aslan and Edmund. Why can't Peter or any of the Pevensies believe that?

"Peter," Susan warned.

I took a deep breath and seethed, "Lead the way, Little King."

Peter scoffed as he turned around and continued onward. I let the others continued then followed, not wanting them to see me hurt. Why must everyone think I am my mother? Have any of them know I betrayed Jadis during the prime of the battle. I could have slaughter Edmund, leaving Jadis to dispose of Peter if a swift, while Aslan struggles with what remains with his army. However, I decided to retreat, and those of Jadis's army followed, leaving her exposed.

My mind soon wandered into a dark memory that happened several hundred years ago. During the time of Narnia's Darkest age. When the Emerald Witch from the Shallow Lands appeared after another assassination attempt. She called herself the Lady of the Green Kirtle. A witch with serpents' blood in her veins. A hybrid just like me. The Emerald Witch came with an offering as she brought the remanence of the crystal wand. She told me it was my heirloom to remember my mother. To have it in honor of her memory. Until she awakens the remaining essence of Jadis, both trying to convince me to join the darkness once again. The temptation was there, but I was a sworn guardian to Narnia and made a sacred vow to Aslan. Therefore, I banished them away.

"Are you alright, Eirlys?"

I snapped out of memory to look down at Edmund. I didn't realize I've stopped walking and how far the others have gone. With a nod, I started walking.

"Can we talk in private?" Edmund whispered.

I nodded, What is it, Edmund?

I'm sorry what Peter said. It was uncalled for, Edmund apologized.

I am not her.

I know.

We were silent as we caught up with the others.

Did you ever try to arrange peace with your brother about us those years ago?

Edmund was silent, his expression deep into thought. As if he is trying to find the right words. Words either sound appropriate or not to be disappointed. I had waited for many years in hopes that there was a possibility.

I tried. Lucy was supportive, and Susan was coming along with the idea.

And Peter?

He…he thought you bewitched me and sent me on a campaign to the Lone Islands. Thought distant and obligation could break the spell. That is why I never got a chance to talk with you, if not the battle with the Calormen army and war on the Ettin giants.

Oh, I thought.

I truly wanted to bring a truce or peace between you and Peter. But-

I understand, I interrupted.

Eirlys-he started, as he tried to grab my hand, except I pulled it away.

What happened in the past…should stay in the past?

After saying that, I disconnected the connection and continued walking. Edmund was about to speak but closed his mouth. We didn't talk anymore afterward. It hurts indeed, like a dagger to the heart. But I have to realize what could have been was only a thought…an idea. Once created out of infatuation and lust. We hardly know each other back then. Our arrangement of friendship was not durable enough. And even now, there is a chance Edmund and his family will return to their world.

.o0o.

The sun was at its peak when we reached the ravine. All of us stared at the rushing water hundreds of feet below us. This ravine used to be the heart of the River Rush. However, just like the trees where the nymphs spoke. The naiads felt overwhelmed by the chaos, that their emotions changed the current, which cut the earth until they became silent…leaving this ravine.

"You see, over time, water erodes the earth's soil, carving deeper…" Susan started to explain.

"Oh, shut up." Peter interrupted.

"Is there a way down?" Edmund asked me.

I paused, remembering the mental map from the last time I was in these parts. "Yeah, falling."

"Well, we weren't lost," Peter stated, trying to hold on what pride he had left.

"No, your mental map was not of this century." I murmured, which the girls chuckled. I then pulled out my crystal and stared at the options it gave. Seeing Beruna I sighed, putting it away. "There's a ford near Beruna. If we hurry, we can be there by tomorrow and cross the river. Hope you don't mind swimming?"

"I'd rather that than walking," Susan agreed.

We started walking; however, Lucy stopped.

"Aslan?" She called out. "It's Aslan! It's Aslan over there!"

Lucy was ecstatic, turning around and pointing in the direction of the great Lion. Albeit, there was no great lion on the other side of the ravine. For a second, I had hoped to see Aslan. After last night feeling his comfort aura. But once more, I hold fate in someone who is possibly no longer of existence or is occupied in another realm.

"Don't you see he's right…there…" Lucy paused, confused as well.

"I don't see the Great Lion, my dear," I said sadly.

"I'm not crazy," Lucy alleged. "He was there. He wanted us to follow him."

Peter took a moment before saying calmly, "I'm sure there are any numbers of lions in this wood. Just like that bear."

"I think I know Aslan when I see him," Lucy countered.

"Forgive me, but we need to get going," I said. "Aslan or not…"

"The last time I didn't believe Lucy I ended up looking pretty stupid," Edmund said.

Peter took Edmund's words into consideration. "Why wouldn't I have seen him?"

"Maybe you weren't looking," Lucy answered sadly.

"I'm sorry, Lu." Peter apologized.

I sighed, leading the way to Beruna.

On the journey, I caught sight of an intelligent falcon. I called on him to send a report to Glenstorm, that I won't be able to make it to the Dancing Lawn with Prince Caspian on time. Due to the limited magic I have, I can't risk doing astral projection to attend. Hopefully, Caspian and convinced the Narnians that he is their ally.

.o0o.

The following day, we reached the ford of Beruna. The last time the Pevensies were here was probably during the battle against Jadis. If we cross the ford, we can reach Aslan's How in two days. The thought of being there to catch up with Caspian and the other Narnian had me on mixed emotions. With all the delays, I can only assume Caspian, Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, and Nikabrik have gone to the Dancing Law to meet Glenstorm.

I prayed to Aslan none of the Narnians held a trial and executed the prince. Three hundred years of hiding has left a scar on the Narnians. Many lives were lost, and species have gone extinct because of the Telmarines. So far, there are only four generations that thrive. Not many of the Narnians could continue their existence without the nymphs. But they remain in their elements. I fear when the fauns go extinct. Since their breeding is the nymphs keeps the certain species alive, is the child born male, it takes the form of his father, or if born female, then it becomes a nymph.

As we reached the forest line, the leaves on the ground swirled in the air. The freshly fallen green leaves spun around as a dryad attempted to take form. All of stop staring at the dryad. For a second, I felt hope, wondering the horn had awake the dryads. However, the dryad could not properly take shape, as he screamed in agony. He burst, crumbling to the ground.

Suddenly there was a sound. A repeated sound of chopping wood. My ears twitched. The winds were wailing. Faint shrieks and screams of agonizing pain. I stopped there in horror, for I heard these cries before. One that brought great sorrow to Narnia three hundred years ago.

"No," I whispered.

"Is everything all right?" Susan asked.

"No," I nearly bellowed.

Instantly, I ran through the remainder of the forest. Heading to the source where the sounds of sorrows. In mere moments passing the forest line, did I stop to watch in horror! There along the ford were the Telmarines building some sort of bridge and the materials…freshly cut trees. It was happening again, the massacre of the trees. They have started putting the foundation, not even a quarter of it was made. Still, countless trees, mainly those of the dryads, were being butchered.

The Pevensies arrived, but I used magic to force them down and hide behind a pile of logs. I gave them an apologetic look for such aggression. When they saw why they appeared to understand. They, too, felt the anguish for the trees. Peter, however, held a different expression. One that held anger.

Soon galloping horses draw near. Looking at the nobles to find Miraz and the other lords. Oh, how much I desperately want to kill that human traitor or better yet turn him to stone. He has destroyed Narnia to a new low since the death of his brother. I knew the truth the moment I heard of Caspian IX's death.

"Perhaps this wasn't the best way to come after all," Susan whispered.

"We better get going," I whispered.

They nodded as we return back to the River Rush. On the journey back, Lucy came up to me with a concerned look.

"You can hear them," Lucy stated.

"Pardon?" I asked, stopping as we walk.

"You can hear the trees," She corrected her words.

I sighed, placing a hand on the nearest tree. Feeling its life magic while it slept. "Asleep they may be, alive they forevermore. Both of us are connected."

"How is it you are still alive all these years?" Peter asked.

"Peter," Edmund warned.

"Seriously, everyone we know is dead except for you," Peter said, glaring at me. "You haven't aged since the battle. Let alone the prophecy. I want to know why."

I took a deep breath, "Aslan spared my life."

"Why?" Peter demanded.

"Because he thought I deserve a second chance," I said. "So, with his magic, he connected my life to Narnia."

All went silent after I said that. Susan dared to speak, "Connected your life to Narnia?"

I nodded, "Aslan used the deep magic to join my magic to that of Narnia. As long as Narnia still has magic than I shall live. That is how I can hear the trees. How I know this country so well."

"Because you and Narnia are one and the same," Edmund said.

"In a way," I commented. "However, if I die, Narnia will remain. But if Narnia continues to suffer in darkness..." I took a deep breath, showing the markings on my right arm seeing dark veins. Their eyes widen. "This is how I know Narnia is suffering. That is why I want the Narnians to be safe. Why I will be damn if they don't reclaim their home."

With nothing else to say, I rolled down my sleeve and continued walking. They should never know that Narnia is in the process of finally aging. How the deep magic is losing its charm. The magic I am tied into. If they knew, they would be a concern for the country. Let alone, Peter would proudly kill me knowing how weak I am.

I rather die in trying to protect my country and its people than being killed because of one king's vendetta.

.o0o.

"So where exactly do you think you saw Aslan?" Peter asked.

We were back at the Ravine over the River Rush. Lucy spent some time to recreate the spot she saw Aslan. She was in deep concentration while the rest of the Pevensies and I waited. Although, we started to become impatient.

"I wish you'd all stop trying to sound like grown-ups," Lucy said. "I don't think I saw him, I did see him."

"Does 1390 years old considers me a grown-up?" I asked Edmund quietly.

Edmund snorted with a slight chuckled, "Probably."

Lucy gave us a look, then focus on the critical discussion. "It was right over…" She took a step near the ledge, except the ground gave way under her. We shouted, running over to her aid; however, we found the Valiant Queen sitting on solid ground. One that appeared to form a ramp down to the stream. "…here."

How can this be? This formation of rocks wasn't here before. Is Lucy, right? Was Aslan actually here to create this slope? If so…why hasn't he made his presence known? There is so much I need to ask him. Let alone an explanation for why he has not returned to Narnia until now. Anyway, we all climbed down and crossed the stream to reach the other side.

When nightfall came, we stopped and made camp. The air was slightly colder than before. We all circled around the fire as the Pevensies asked more questions about the past millennia. Wanting to know about each generation of royals and how they ruled the kingdom. Susan even wondered about whatever happened to the fur coats. I laughed, informing her the fur coats were found during the retreat. However, I gave the family of wolves when a liter was born during the cold winters.

"And I'll say this; you would not want them back," I said. "One for smell and two for it became the pups' comfort."

Susan chuckled with understanding.

"So tell me, what is it like in Spare Oom?" I asked.

"What?" Lucy said.

"What is it like in your world?" I asked. "Mr. Tumnus told fractions of the knowledge he received from Lucy. Also, my mother told me a few."

"Jadis was in England?" Peter asked in shock.

"Yes, for a short time," I answered, looking at them confused. It took me a moment to realize something, "Do any of you know how Narnia was created?"

They nodded, "By Aslan."

"True, but do you know the details? For example, the first King and Queen, or the Tree of Protection?" I asked. "Or how Jadis came to Narnia?"

None of them answered that question. This surprised me dearly for every Narnian should know this. It was a significant part of our history. Our culture. So, I told them what I knew about the dawning of Narnia. About the Magicians Nephew and the journey, he and his companion telling them what I knew from the experience my mother adventure, bringing the lamppost that still glimmers in the Lantern Waste. The near millennia of peace, until Jadis and Gethen destroyed the Tree of Peace.

"What were the children's names?" Peter asked.

"If I recall correctly, Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer," I answered.

All four humans gawked at the names of the children who helped banished my mother to the far north of Narnia. "Do you know these people?"

Edmund nodded, "Digory Kirke, he was our caretaker during the war a year ago. It was through his wardrobe did we enter into Narnia."

"It explains everything, how he believed in us so easily," Peter said.

"Once a king of Narnia, always a king of Narnia." Lucy murmured.

"Is the Magicians Nephew still alive?" I asked curiously.

"Yes, although very old," Susan answered.

"Well, he is old as Narnia… maybe older." I said in fascination. "And is there a war still lingering in Spare Oom? What about Lanterns, do they still exist?"

It has been a long time that I forgot some fact Edmund had told me long ago. Then again, the longer he stayed in Narnia, he and the others began to forget their world as well.

"There is still a war going on in our world," Susan answered. "Though, today's lanterns run by electricity."

"Electricity?" I repeated. "What is electricity?"

Edmund opened up his satchel and pulled out a strange silver device. He moved his thumb on leverage, and the cylinder of glass lighten up to an unknown source of a fire. "This is electricity."

"What is this contraption?" I asked curiously as Edmund handed me the device.

"It's called a torch." Edmund chuckled. "Although, in America, they call it a flashlight."

"Torch? Seriously, a torch?" I asked.

A torch is a stick with a combustible material at one end. This is…appears like a metal wand with fireflies trapped in glass. The Pevensies found my curiosity amusing. They explained things that exist in their world that Narnia doesn't have. Objects called machines that run on steam, coal, and this electricity; trains, cars, and airplanes. I was utterly fascinated, wishing to visit this city called London. But as they spoke, something bothered me.

"How long was it until you returned to Narnia?" I asked.

"A little over a year," Susan answered.

"You've been gone a year in your world?" I repeated.

The knowledge surprised me. They knew they been gone for 1300 years since I told them from the beginning. Now to know them, they were absent for a year. It makes me wonder if the Pevensies are and forever to stay or will they return to their world. A reminder of why the past forever remains in the past.

I handed Edmund his torch and gotten up. "I'm going to patrol the area. You all should rest. We're about a day's journey from the Dancing Lawn. Hopefully, you'll meet the others tomorrow."

Everyone nodded as they made rest.

As I left, I let my thoughts pounder in what I learned.

I hope you guys enjoy this.

Also, I updated the short story about Eirlys and Edmund's romance. The story is called "Something that could have been." I hope you guys enjoy this. Also, be warned that story is rated M for sexual content.

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.