Chapter 4

Dr. Cornelius was arranging the papers on his desk. His brows furrowed, showing lines on his face even more prominently. He'd hunch over slightly, placing a hand on the bridge of his nose.

Recently days had been filled with worry. Lady Prunaprismia was almost due. The guards loyal to lord Miraz had been growingly restless. Still the doctor wished that the worst-case scenario would not come to fruition.

He didn't have much time to mull over it, as a door to his study was opened. A figure a bit taller than him, slipped through and to a corner of the Doctors study. He didn't have to guess twice who the lurker was, and instead he'd give his beard a stroke or two before walking over to the prince.

"Prince Caspian, our lesson are not for at least a few more hours." Cornelius chuckled as the young man glanced over his shoulder.

"I've had a strange dream professor." He'd say dark brows harrowed together. His accent and tone much heavier than his tutors.

"A dream?"

"Yes, it had something..." The prince would pause snapping his fingers in thought a couple of times. "There was a building. I thought I had seen in one of your books before." Cornelius furrowed his brows as well, now a bit on edge.

"What did it look like?" He'd question his royal student.

A wistful look glazed over into the prince's eyes as he began describing it. "It was a castle… not like ours, much more beautiful, made with white stone and gold." A flicker of recognition appeared in the professors' eyes. "A palace on a hill next to the ocean." This making the prince look at his tutor with surprise, who now moved next to him. His chubby fingers grazing over the spines of different books laid out on the table. Soon reaching for one. "Here we are." He'd nod and slide his glasses on. Flicking from page to page before finding the right one. There was a sketch of the beautiful building, to which the prince nodded to. "That's it."

"Cair Paravel." Cornelius would look over his round glasses at his student, who was listening intently. "How curious for that to appear in your dream. It was once a city full of life, Narnians to be specific. This being in the golden age. When the kings and queens of old ruled over these lands, though that is a story that you're familiar with."

The young man would nod and spoke "It is in ruins, isn't it? After my forefathers conquering." To which professor nodded. "After the major losses experienced during the final battle over the palace, Telmars steer clear of it and the woods surrounding it. Creatures and monsters are said to reside there after all."

"And the witch, with the…" His highness mentioned with an amused smirk, holding his fingers behind his head. Cornelius gave a thoughtful hum. "Yes, yes that too, though- "He'd pause and clear his throat as some guards passed by the slightly ajar door. "Well, I'll tell you another perspective some other day." He'd smile a bit sadly, wondering if he would ever have time for that.

"Keep your dream to yourself though, for I do not think others will think of it with the same open-mindedness as me." The professor patted the boy's shoulder, before moving towards the door. "I will get myself some breakfast!" He'd pat his belly joyfully, letting out a chuckle, pausing before walking out of the door.

"Oh, and Caspian? You forgot to pick up your history essay last time." Giving him a pointed look before going around the corner. Leaving the prince to sigh. Pushing the book his tutor had just shown into his bag. He began walking around the cluttered study to try and find his assignment.

"Maybe I could feed it to one of the guard dogs." He'd mumble as he found the parchment under a book. Which came tumbling down along with most things as the prince pulled the writings from in-between. He closed his eyes, grimacing at the amount of sound and mess. Slowly opening them only to see that something had emerged from underneath all that disorder. A broken jagged edged stone tablet.

His head tilting slightly as he stepped over the books, to take a closer look. On this tablet was a carving of a woman with long hair, bowing her head towards a lion who reflected this action back. "This is Narnian." His eyes widening slightly. Recognizing it from the unreadable writing on the stone slab's outer corner.

Something suddenly shone brightly into his eye. What he first thought was a mere reflection from the sun, seemed to be something more. His hand hovering over the eye of this stone woman which had begun to flicker. Holding his breath he'd tap the surface, a strange warmth emanating all over his body as he did so. A quiet whisper in his ear.

"Prince Caspian!" An agitated yell came from the doorway. "A short dark-skinned woman stood there with her hands on her hips. "You're late from breakfast." Her eyes glancing down at his attire. "And you're not even properly dressed." Making the prince look down at his sleepwear. He'd shrug at his maid. "I got distracted." He'd glance back to the stone which now seemed very ordinary. Shaking his head, he'd mutter. "I must still be half asleep." Rushing to the maid who was now impatiently tapping on the doorframe.


Bird song stirred Primrose from a beautiful dream. Opening her eyes in confusion, as a cool breeze hit her face.

As she sat up, she'd blink, running her hand through her tangled hair. "I'm definitely not in London anymore." A small smile appearing on her lips as she looked around the misty morning forest. Couple deer who were eating grass of the meadow she sat on were blinking their doe eyes at her.

To which she'd nod her head carefully at them, to her surprise the buck bowed his head back, before trotting off with the rest of his herd.

A ray of sun hit Prim's eye which made her look down, to her surprise she found a nearly perfect circle of flowers around the place she had slept. "That's strange." She muttered before taking a small breath and hopping up. Having gotten up too quickly her balance swayed for a moment.

The girl looked quite disheveled standing in the middle of that meadow, her usually neat hair messy with flowers tangled with in the golden mane. Her white blouse had multiple-colored stains on it from rolling around on the flowers. She wouldn't have been too bothered about this except for one fact. Prim had no shoes, and her socks were getting soggy.

"Ugh… Narnia couldn't have waited long enough for me to put some boots on?" She spoke to herself. Spinning around and eventually pointing to a direction that looked most inviting to her.

As the girl walked around the woods, she didn't feel a similar panic as she had last time when shifting worlds. It felt more natural, secure even. Like the ancient forest itself was watching over her.

After a while Primrose had removed her socks, preferring the pricks of pine needles over moist cloth.

"Telmarines might be bigger and stronger than us! But not quicker." A dramatic voice catching Prim's attention, which led her towards a large fallen log that looked like it had been there for ages.

"So slow, that they'll never see us coming until its too late and our swords have already cut their heel!" Words that were followed by a rhythmic sound of blades hitting wood. She'd hesitate for a moment before calling out.

"H-" Her throat making a squeak, before clearing it loudly. "Hello? Who's there?" The sounds stopping as soon as she made herself known. She'd bite her lip, unsure if calling out again was a smart option. The sounds of small quick steps along the ground made her look down though. Noticing how a bunch of tallgrass and fern were shifting from something moving under them. A brown small blurry figure suddenly shot out from underneath one of the plants, making its way towards her feet.

Prim reacted nimbly by jumping to her side, towards the large log, stumbling slightly with her landing.

"Woah, WOAH!" She'd yelp holding her hands out, as that small figure didn't give up. It ran towards her. A blade flicking from left to right. Stopping just a foot away.

A mouse with a red feather attached a golden circlet on his ear looked at Primrose with alarm and curiosity.

"Well… You do not look like any Telmarine I've seen." He'd clear his throat while letting his sword fall to his side while still holding onto it tightly.

Tearing her eyes away from him, Prim noticed a bunch of other mice peeking their heads out of the bushes. She had to resist the urge to giggle at the scene, which now seemed overly cute and humorous. Finally glancing back to the mouse that seemed to be their leader, she'd say calmly, while crouching down to be more on their level. "That is because I am not a Telmarine." Her eyes scanning the different faces a bit nervously. "Though I am a human." A small smile forming on her lips.

The mouse was too stunned to speak. Only for a moment though before sheathing his sword. "Forgive me lady. This is quite peculiar; most humans are either terrified of us or this forest." He'd state, while grooming his feather with his small fingers.

"This isn't my first time speaking to Narnians." She'd state, getting more comfortable as the pointy rapier was out of view.

"Hmm, and most humans don't walk around without…" He seemed to have lost the word, so a grey mouse spoke up. "Shoes!"

"Yes, shoes! Thank you Peepiceek!" The leader mouse snapped his fingers and pointed to Prim's feet.

"Unfortunately, my uh- trip here was quite spontaneous, and in fact not up to me at all. So, I didn't have time bring any shoes with me." She'd say while wiggling her toes a bit.

This peaking the leader mouse's curiosity. She noticed that look and Prim thought it to be better just to explain herself.

"I am not from around here at all. Would you happen to know a faun named Tyviel by any chance?"

"Tyviel? Tyviel the Defender?" Prim furrowed her brows at this answer.

"Is that a title she got after I was gone?"

"Well, you must have been gone for quite a while. Tyviel the Defender has been dead for many centuries now."

Prim's eyes got wide with shock. Her gaze falling as she got up, trying to process this information.

"How long has it been since the fall of Cair Paravel?" She asked her breathing hitched.

"My lady, that was over three hundred years ago."

This made Primrose slump back down, finally fully looking at the mouse, who seemed to be contemplating on something. The other mice restlessly gathering around him. He cleared his throat proudly.

"Reepicheep at your service, lady…?"

"Primrose Wright." This getting a collection of small gasps from the small furry Narnians.

To her surprise Reepicheep knelt down, bowing his head. A gesture repeated by the entire group.

"It's an honor to make your acquaintance Primrose the Radiant, Guardian of Narnia."


Primrose had settled into her new reality. Many of the mice being very supporting and eager to speak to her. She had found out so far that the colony was living in the large hollow log. It being too small space for her she stayed outside and pondered her next move.

"So, you've hidden from them all these years?" Rose asked while sitting on the log with Reepicheep.

"Yes, my lady. They seem to have forgotten about us. Allowing us to rebuild with what we have left." The noble mouse spoke, the words bringing a melancholic look on Prim's face.

"I wonder what brought me back this time." Her brows furrowing in slight worry. Reepicheep picking up on that, said.

"The tales told of your deeds and bravery during the flight from Cair Paravel are legendary, surely you have nothing to agonize over."

"Hmh, maybe those deeds were blown out of proportion." She'd chuckle, while trying to get some squished flowers out of her hair.

"You lead our people to safety when all hope was lost, you mustn't doubt yourself." Reepicheep gasped. Prim looked down at the Narnian.

"If only I had someone so encouraging back home." Her brow twitched slightly. "Though I'm not sure where home is now."

At those words Reepicheep hopped down from the log swiftly.

"That and to figure out why you were brought here we should ask someone who's more likely to know. I, after all am a mere soldier." He'd bow his head.

"Oh, and who's that?"

"Well, I'd go ask the centaurs, but since they're too far away…" The mouse motioned for Prim to follow him. "We must ask Trufflehunter."


It was around noon when the two reached an opening full of very old trees, the largest one caught her attention, especially when she saw a metallic doorhandle poking out, from between its roots.

"Here we are." Reepicheep turned to look at the young woman. "Uh, I should go ahead first, stay here my lady." To which Prim just nodded and looked around her surroundings. Her feet ached a bit from walking barefoot all those distances. Despite that she began wandering around the nearby area. Stopping just next to a small stream, and a bunch of small hepatica flowers, most of them not blooming yet.

Her fingers touching the tops of a few of them, but as nothing happened, she'd let out a small sigh before shuffling to a more comfortable position. Focusing on the sounds and feeling of the forest. How the birds chirped, hopping from branch to branch, dragonfly wings flapping around near the water, and the sunlight beaming on to her hair.

Trufflehunter, Nikabrik, Trumpkin and the noble mouse were looking in slight awe as not only the flowers by the stream burst into bloom, but the previously murky ground also sprouted thick green grass. Her eyes gave off an eerie powerful glow for just a moment, before it dimmed down, and those now brown eyes met four pairs of others.

"By Aslan, I thought you were pulling our legs Reepicheep." Trumpkin a red-dwarf looked between the smirking rodent and Primrose.

"It seems we are moving towards stranger times." A badger said in a grave tone, while examining the girl closely.

"Uh, hello. I'm Primrose." She introduced herself awkwardly after getting up and dusting some dirt off her already messy clothes.

"Yeah, we already knew that bit." A grumpy seeming darkhaired dwarf, Nikabrik mentioned. Earning a smack on the arm from the fussy badger who waddled closer to Prim.

"My name is Trufflehunter, that crabby one is Trumpkin, the other even more ill-tempered fellow is Nikabrik." All of them nodding their heads after being introduced.

"Well, I'm unsure how much Reepicheep shared with you all, but…" She'd pause hesitantly. "As much as my reputation apparently proceeds me. I do not know much of this world, where to go, what to do, or where to stay." Prim admitted while still holding her head high.

A couple looks were shared between the Narnians, before Trufflehunter smiled, grasping her hand gently.

"It'll be alright dear. You can stay here as long as you need to. I'm certain we will figure out something."

Those words comforted Primrose, still so many questions running through her mind, that she held to herself for now.

Crouching down so that she'd be able to slip into Trumpkins house, which was surprisingly roomy inside.

"Sit down while I make some tea." The badger nodded towards a cozy looking armchair.

"Your home is wonderful." She'd genuinely smile, always having wondered what most Narnian homes looked like. The intricate woodcarvings would have made Tom her father jealous. That comment being answered with an appreciative nod. She'd soon be frowning as the state of her clothes became obvious to her as she sat on the seat.

"Reepicheep?" Trufflehunter called out to the mouse, who had stepped inside and was talking eagerly to the two dwarves. "I think the lady will need a change of clothes. Poppy and Egeria should have some to spare."

"Ah yes, yes though! I would appreciate a little something to keep my strength up during the trip." Reepicheep bargained while staring at a tray of bread and cheese.

"Its just down the stream and you know that. You'll get back in time for tea." Mentioned Trufflehunter calmly, while clattering around with a teapot.

"Alright!" He'd mention while holding his head high. Soon muttering under his breath "Dryads, always such a pain to deal with…"

This catching Prim's attention. "Wait, dryads? I don't think I've ever met one before."

Reepicheep sprung into an explanation quickly. "Probably because you didn't know you were talking to one. Shapeshifters. Those who could shift into convincing human forms disappeared behind Telmarine lines and into their cities during the war At least that's how it was. Now many of them live double lives moving between Shudderingwoods and human cities."

Prim couldn't help but to wonder, how many Narnians were hiding in plain sight. She'd slump further into the small armchair, watching as Reepicheep ran out of the door on all fours.

"When I woke up this morning, having the Guardian or Narnia herself in my home didn't even cross my mind." Trufflehunter said eagerly while humming.

"Oh, please. Just call me Primrose, or Prim. All those honorifics…well I'm not too sure how to feel about them." She'd comb her messy hair with her fingers awkwardly. Nikabrik and Trumpkin sitting down on seats around the table. "What was it like then?" Nikabrik asked, while stuffing a hard looking piece of bread in his mouth while looking at Prim.

"What was, what like?" She'd ask while trying to find the comfiest position to sit in.

"The final battle of course."

Trumpkin kicked the other dwarf from under the table, giving him a sharp look. Rose just chuckled at this and hummed.

"Well, to you it was hundreds of years ago, which is still a bit hard to wrap my head around. Since to me it has only been around four years." They'd blink in disbelief, even the badger turning to look.

"Time seems to flow very differently between our worlds."

"Yeah, I'd say." Trumpkin chuckled.

"Not much has seemingly changed with you all having to still deal with Telmarines, but back then." She'd shake her head. "Everyone, grown and child alike were cut down for just existing…"


"…when I got back to my world, I thought I'd be able to convince myself for it all to be a vivid dream, but there are some reminders I couldn't escape from." Primrose finished telling her tale, having left most of the embarrassing parts out. She couldn't help getting emotional as she spoke of Tyviel, Mouri, Isolis and especially Artalion and the sacrifice he made. They were all gone now. Her hand rubbing her right arm subconsciously.

The kitchen was silent, resting in a quiet admiration from the Narnians. A silence which was eventually broken by the teapot whistling loudly as the water boiled.

"Oh! The tea!" Trufflehunter rushed to the stove, this getting a chuckle out of Prim.

"That tale has changed quite a bit in a couple hundred years." Trumpkin stated.

"Changed how?" She'd raise a curious brow.

"Depends on who you're asking." The dwarf added. Primrose was ready to dig in deeper into this topic but was stopped by a knock on the door. Whoever it was didn't wait for permission to enter and stepped right inside.

Huffing and puffing Reepicheep entered the snug home, pointing behind him, while taking breaths.

"I-" He'd take a deep breath, straightening his back. "-got some clothes." Rose's gaze lingered on the mouse for a moment before getting up and walking to the door.

Outside of which was a normal sized bag with a couple sleeves sticking out of it. She lifted it and to her it didn't feel too heavy. So, she'd look back to Reepicheep.

"Thank you… was the trip that long and heavy?"

"Oh, what? No, my lady it was my pleasure." He'd bow, tipping his feather slightly. "That is not why I am short of breath." The mouse took a deep inhale and turned to Trufflehunter who was setting up the table with tea and bread. "They made me tend to their garden!" He began ranting. A sound which Primrose mostly tuned out. Looking inside of the bag with a pleased hum. Then to the sun which was slowly setting.

Something tugged on the hem of her skirt and Primrose glanced down to Trufflehunter.

"C'mon, let's have some tea, then I'll help warm water for you to wash up with."

Rest of the afternoon and evening passed by peacefully. Reepicheep bidding adieu quickly after tea. The small gathering of Narnians sharing stories and debating topics. All of which Primrose was eager to listen to. Being even more eager to wash all the grime off her body.

The clothes residing inside of the bag were mostly adjustable. The two dryads having included boots along with a couple of overdresses, a chamise, to her surprise pants and a dark-brown bodice.

She changed into the chamise and pulled a mulberry-colored kirtle over it. Even trying on the shoes, which were too big for her, but not too much where it would be inconvenient.

Trufflehunter had set up a sleeping nook filled with blankets and pillows in the back corner of his home for her.

"I must get a chance to thank Poppy and…um."

"Egeria." He'd fill in for her, as she sat down on the comfy soft surface.

"Yes, Egeria for lending me these clothes." The badger nodded. "You look more like a Narnian now, a tired one." He chuckled good-naturedly as the English girl yawned, holding a hand to her mouth. She'd peek through a small window, that was mostly covered by roots. It was indeed getting darker, making her yawn again. "It's been a long day. I think I'll try and sleep at least for little." She'd mutter, laying down already struggling to keep her eyes open.


"Do, ya think he's still breathing?

"Go outside and check." A hushed voice commanded someone else.

That, and sounds of low bickering woke Rosie up from a light sleep. She'd sit up while rubbing her eyes. Following the voices to the kitchen. Noticing the two dwarves arguing, while holding onto their blades.

Her brows furrowed and she moved to the closest gap in the roots she could find. Holding her breath as she spotted a dark figure laying on the ground. After a while the figure sat up slowly and looked around.

"Alright go." One of the dwarves said opening the door.

"Wait!" Prim called out in a hushed tone, but it was too late. She'd rush to the door to hear Nikabrik say: "He's seen us." To which she rolled her eyes and mumbled. "Of course, he saw you, you walked outside." She didn't have much time to make snide quiet comments as she heard a horse whinny, and with it following other noises. Noises she recognized all too well.

A small figure bumped into her as she was about to rush outside. Holding her back from exiting the doorway.

"Please stay back." Trufflehunter instructed and pushed his head out of the door to see better.

"Take care of him." She heard Trumpkin command, as a blade was swung in the air. The galloping getting ever closer. Anxiety piled up in her chest, not being able to stay still any longer, when a sharp "No!" reached her ears. Her hand reaching outside as a sound of a horn being blown tuned out all others.

A magic so strong filled her body, that it made her knees buckle and hold her hands to her ears.


Its time to get into the good stuff!