On the Notepad:

1. Again, I thank each and everyone who reviewed. It keeps the inspiration flowing. (Or the plot bunnies biting.)

2. So far the reviews have all been positive. I enjoy these, but constructive criticism always helps, and it will help me to improve my writing style. So please, if you have something that you feel needs to be worked on, I will truly appreciate it.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of C.S. Lewis's work. I am not doing this for profit or any other reason, than my own enjoyment. And my enjoyment is what keeps the world turning. Dum dum dum…

The Emerald Princess

Chapter Two: Of Learning and Exploring

To have an internal alarm clock set at 6:30am every morning does not make one a "morning person."

Especially not when that person is a 16 year-old girl, who was dropped into a magical land, told by talking animals and previously thought "mythical" creatures that she was supposed to be their Queen, defeat an evil Magician, who had enslaved much of the land, and rule the land, called Narnia, assuming she lived through it all.

Oh yeah.

Definitely gonna need some coffee for that one.

But, although her watch said that it was early, the girl could already hear the stirrings of Roanon's camp, coming to life.

Ronoan's camp. In Narnia. With lots of strange creatures.

It took three slow heartbeats for Alyssa to remember everything that had taken place yesterday. Another six, helped her to think of who Roanon was, and realize that the warmth from her new friend near her side was gone. Two more had her sitting up. The last, brought her to her feet, in the large tent she had come to know as the Infirmary. A hospital ward of sorts.

There were no other occupants in any of the cots, and the main thought on Alyssa's mind was to find her old clothes, and not the loose, white nightshirt that now covered her body. Then maybe some food.

As if reading her thoughts, a Hedgehog strolled into the tent. Netty, Alyssa recalled. Her name is Netty, and she was nice and helpful. Another friend; the girl smiled.

"Netty?" she waved a hand towards the creature. The Hedgehog turned and quickly bustled over. Though it still disturbed her to see animals so…human-like, she was rapidly becoming used to it, even liking it.

"Ah, you're awake, Your Majesty. I was just about to come see you. We should get you a bath in the river, and then perhaps a little breakfast, hm?"

Alyssa smiled at the creature. "You don't have to call me that, Netty. Just Alyssa is fine. A bath does sound nice, though."

Netty nodded, quickly taking the girl's hand. Alyssa had to bend a little, to accommodate her. They walked towards the back of the tent, where there was a doorway that the girl hadn't seen earlier, and they went through this outside.

Alyssa found herself on the edge of the camp, with the tents spread out behind her, and a cold northern wind blowing in her face. She shivered, but Netty continued leading her into the grove of barren trees that surrounded them.

"Wait…where are we going?" she asked.

"To the river, dear," Netty replied.

"What! But, I can't go take a bath there! It's the middle of winter! I'll freeze!"

"Oh no, dearie, the Dryads will make sure that the water's plenty warm. And then we'll find you some proper clothes." She emphasized the word "proper" as if the clothes the girl had previously worn were not nearly good enough.

"Dryads?" the girl wondered. "What are those?" There seemed to be no end to the new things this place held. Though she had to admit, it was truly beautiful. The snow was whiter than any she had ever seen before, the skies clearer, and the air sweeter, but then, she reasoned, it could be because this place seemed more like the Medieval Renaissance, rather than the "Modern" age they had at home.

"They're the spirits of the water," Netty waved a hand absentmindedly, as they descended down to the riverbank. There was a line between two trees, and a towel hanging there. On the line next to it, was a dress made of hunter green, with silver trim.

"Um…Netty?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Couldn't I just wear my normal clothes? I'd much prefer them over a dress."

The Hedgehog made a noise of disapproval, but after a moment's thought, sighed. "I suppose so, if you insist, Alyssa."

"Thanks, Netty." The girl grinned.

Netty smiled back, the gave her a gentle push towards the water. "Take your bath, dearie, and then we'll fix you up and have breakfast, so you can meet Roanon."

Alyssa felt a little apprehensive, for her meeting with the infamous leader, but she figured he must be a good man to lead such a group.

She waited until Netty had disappeared back up through the trees before stripping down, and setting a foot in the water. To her surprise, she found it to be as warm as bath water. The girl welcomed the soothing heat, and the chance to wash her hair. She swam about for a minute, and then removed the bandages around her arms, hanging them next to the towel. Quickly, she washed her clothes and laid them out to dry. When she was sure they were done, Alyssa stepped, out placing them back on, and toweled her hair dry as best she could. She then placed everything back as she had found it, and for some reason, she felt compelled to bow to the stream, shaking her head at her foolishness as she returned into the wood.

The girl remembered the way that she and Netty came as best she could, proud that she eventually found the path back. When she entered the Infirmary again, she found Netty arranged some herbal remedies on a shelf in the corner.

The Hedgehog smiled as she saw the girl. "There you are, dearie. Now let's get you to your tent, and some food." She took Alyssa's hand again, and led her out of the white tent.

Around the camp, creatures busied themselves, going about their tasks. However, as some of them saw the girl going by, they stopped and bowed, or called out greetings of, "Your Majesty." Alyssa felt her face heat, and nodded to them, smiling an uncomfortable smile at each one.

Finally, she and Netty reached a grand tent, in gold and red, larger than any she had seen.

"That's your tent, dearie," said the Hedgehog, squeezing the girl's hand.

Alyssa gaped. "You-you mean I get to sleep in there?"

"Of course! You wouldn't expect a queen to stay in the Infirmary now, would you, dear?" Netty chuckled. "I've already put your breakfast in there, and I'll wait out here while you go and eat. Then we'll go to Roanon."

"You can come in," said Alyssa, "I don't mind, really."

Netty smiled. "Let's go then."

Both entered the magnificent tent, and Alyssa noticed that everything was lined with rugs, tapestries, banners, and richly decorated blankets, covered with glided insignias she had never seen before. The girl and the Hedgehog sat down at a small wooden table to one side, as she ate a breakfast of toast, and eggs, and pancakes, washed down with a sweet tea, made of an herb Alyssa was sure she had never tasted before.

Netty waited patiently, but silently. And though, Alyssa had many questions to ask, she somehow felt that this was not the right time.

Eventually, the girl finished everything on her plate, and stood along with Netty. The Hedgehog walked out, and the girl followed her, as the left her tent, and went briskly down to a tent that was diagonally across from her. Netty went in, and Alyssa took a deep breath.

She pushed back the flaps, and their stood a sight that made her gasp.

Bottom of the Notepad:

1. Merry Christmas! I will post Chapter Three, after Christmas.