Narnian Year 1012

Twelfth Year of the Reign of Peter the High King

Queen Susan of Narnia gazed around the banquet hall. Sunshine was pouring in through the large eastern windows facing the ocean. Colorful tapestries depicting locations and inhabitants of Narnia covered the walls. The gold ceiling and the mosaic floor gleamed. Courtiers and guests were beginning to rise and mill around the hall. She was seated in between her brother the High King and Prince Marcus of Terebinthia on the dias. Peter's fiancée Princess Melina sat between the High King and King Lune of Archenland. There was a lively discussion occurring between the men about the proposed rules for the tournament that would take place the day after the wedding. Susan was bored of listening to the discussion.

Queen Susan leaned over slightly in front of her brother, and asked "Princess Melina, would you like to take a short stroll with me?"

Princess Melina smiled and said "That would be delightful your Majesty."

Queen Susan led the Terebinthian princess from the dias.

Susan smiled sympathetically and said "I find it wearying when I get off a ship and need to attend a welcoming banquet immediately. Are you tired Princess?"

Melina replied "Madam, you are so considerate but nay, it is so exciting to be here in Narnia that I can not feel weary."

Susan motioned around the banquet hall as she led her soon to be sister in law towards a large open door in the middle of the room. "We are fortunate to have such a large banquet hall that is separate from the throne room. In many courts, they are the same rooms. It provides us with much room for dancing and other celebrations as you will see tonight."

Princess Melina replied "I have always thought our ancient palace in Terebinthia was beautiful but Cair Paravel is truly magnificent."

Queen Susan agreed saying "When I first saw Cair Paravel, I was stunned at how large and beautiful it is. Sometimes I fear I take the beauty for granted."

They entered the enjoining throne room. It was magnificent with the carved ivory ceiling, the western door hung with peacock feathers and the eastern doors and windows facing the ocean. On a dias were four thrones covered with elaborate carved designs. At both side of the thrones was another smaller chair.

Princess Melina said "The thrones are so unique."

Queen Susan replied "Legend has it that the thrones appeared at the same time that the evil White Witch seized control of Narnia. These thrones appeared to fulfill the prophecy of the downfall of the witch. It is said Aslan caused them to be created. They are so unique, I am not sure if any human or dwarf or other creature could create them." She smiled and added "The two smaller chairs appeared just as mysteriously a few months ago, the day the High King returned and announced his engagement. We were quite surprised. We believe it is a sign of Aslan's blessing on your marriage."

Princess Melina stopped and stared for a moment. "It is going to be difficult for me, Madam, to accustom myself to how involved Aslan is in your lives. Aslan rarely visits Terebinthia although we revere Him and try to follow His wise words."

Susan said "My royal brothers, Queen Lucy and I are quite fortunate to have Aslan's guidance although we would love it dearly if He stayed longer or He visited more frequently." Susan then smiled and added "King Edmund says the second chair is just to create a balance look to the thrones but Queen Lucy keeps insisting that Aslan must have foreseen that either Edmund or I will get married soon."

Princess Melina commented "I understand that you have many suitors."

Susan said "I am no hurry to marry and leave Narnia. I suppose I could find a husband who wishes to live here but usually the wife follows the husband. I hope Princess that you will come to love Narnia as I do."

Princess Melina said "I believe I will. Royal women in Terebinthia usually marry as decided by their families. I grew up knowing I would most likely marry for an alliance and leave home. When the High King asked me to marry him, he was astonished that my brother King Antonio had to give permission before I could formally answer."

The throne room was so large, it took several moments for the two royal ladies to walk through it to the western door into the enjoining Hall of Statutes.

Princess Melina asked "The evil White Witch turned people into statues, correct? Are these those statutes?"

"Oh no" replied Susan, "Aslan magically released that enchantment. These are all carved from marble. They are here to represent many of the different creatures in Narnia."

As they walked through the Hall of Statutes, a centaur with a long white beard approached them. He bowed while Princess Melina tried not to stare. What fantastic creatures she thought.

Queen Susan said "Princess Melina, let me introduce one of our wisest advisors, Master Greystorm. His son Master Ravenstorm, who you met earlier, is one of our War Commanders."

Master Greystorm extended his hand and Princess Melina offered him her hand in response. He held her hand for a moment and then lifted it and kissed her hand.

Master Greystorm said "Narnia must be a mystery still to thee but I am one who reads the stars and other signs and I have seen that you will be happy here in Narnia. I have foreseen, Princess, that your marriage will be blessed."

Princess Melina replied "My thanks, kind sir. I will treasure your words."

As Susan and Melina walked away, Melina whispered "Do his prophecies usually come true?"

Susan replied "Yes, in my experience he is a wise and true prophet."