1Where the Sidewalk Ends
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except Kristen, my very own, customize as you wish character.
Chapter Twenty Three: Riding Free
((Sorry about the lateness. Here's the next chapter! Thanks for all the reviews, it makes me feel really good about my writing. Let's make it to 210 on this chapter, shall we?))
"I'm thinking nice bouquets of roses and lilies as the centre pieces…Peter? Peter!"
"Huh?" he said, snapping to attention. He was sitting on the 2nd floor balcony with Isabel as they discussed wedding plans with 4 wedding planners. It was the day after the ball and he was extremely exhausted from bull-shitting his way through everything. He was trying to at least focus on what Isabel was saying, see as it was going to be his wedding too, but his focus was only on his family and Kristen, who were all presently down in the rose garden playing hide and go seek outside. The sun was shining brightly and he loved what Kristen was wearing; a pretty blue sun dress with pink and green detailing.
"Honey, please try and pay attention" Isabel exasperated, trying not to get embarrassed infront of the gossiping wedding planners infront of them. The last thing she needed was to hear that her own consultants were spreading nasty rumours about her that Peter and herself weren't getting a long. Not that it was a rumour, since they weren't. But the less people that knew that, the better.
"Yeah, ok" he snorted sarcastically, blinking his eyes at Isabel before getting up and giving his soon to be bride an appropriate kiss on the cheek. Actually, his lips never touched her cheek. Instead he just hovered over her cheek and then backed up.
"I'll let you all to your own devices" he noted as he excused himself, bowing to the consultants and then out of the balcony. He walked down the hallway and was leaving the palace to join his family in the rose garden when they all scampered into Cair Paravel. Giggling, Kristen pushed the Pevensies up the stairs, shouting something out about going hunting to Peter. He grinned at her and followed her up the stairs and onto the bedroom floor. Seconds later, they all emerged from their bedrooms, fully clad in riding clothes. Kristen laced up her brown knee high riding boots and tucked the hem of her black pants into them neatly. On top she was wearing a forest green tunic with a tight brown half vest over it, 3 buttons neatly displayed. She looked pretty darn cute in the clothes that usually made people look like slobs.
"Let's go!" She shouted excitedly as she threw her curly hair into a messy bun and then scampered down the hallway, Edmund, Lucy, Susan, and Peter all following her. She pulled on her brown riding gloves and ran to the stables, beating them all. She ran to the last stall and started to dress a black horse which as of 4 days ago was her's. She'd given him a name, Jake, and since then she'd been taking him out for daily rides to get the horse used to her. They also had interesting conversations on Peter and whatnot. She had definitely found out that her horse was quite a chatter box.
"Where are we headed?" Jake asked her as she mounted him and slowly galloped out of the stables, trying not to interrupt the other's. She rounded to a stop right outside the doors and soon, everyone else was out and ready to go.
"Come on!" she shouted gleefully as Jake went up on his hind legs and galloped off with a burst of speed. She laughed out loud, having the most fun she'd had in a while. As the wind and the fresh air whipped her face and was inhaled into her system, she some how felt at ease. Her thoughts were cleared of Peter and Isabel, and for some reason, she had a feeling that everything was going to work out. Narnia was her home, and she knew things were going to be alright. Peter galloped next to her and then shot off after staying stride with stride to her.
They rode from forest to forest, often getting sidetracked from their path to follow a deer or caribou. Hours later, just as the sun was setting, they returned back to the stables and she dismounted quickly, undressing Jake and cleaning and feeding him quickly. She didn't want to miss a sunset on such a wonderful day.
"Come on! You're going to miss it!" She shouted as she ran out and ran down to the bank of the lake, the mass of water infront of her creating a perfect backdrop to the sunset. She felt them all come up beside her and an arm go around her waist. She rested her head against his shoulder and sighed, contemplating how such an amazing day could be riddled with such doubt.
They watched in silence and as the sun disappeared from view, they ran up to the castle, all famished from their day. They didn't even bother to change, and instead just stormed the kitchen, the chefs and cooks all getting rather flustered. Instead of the traditional meal in the dining room, they all ate with the help.
Servants, cooks, butlers, maids, and such all sat down on the balcony and enjoyed a huge meal with the Royals as the summer air created a perfect atmosphere for a laid back gathering. When they all finished eating, one of the servants had fetched a record player from Peter's bedroom and they all started dancing to ancient records of human music. At first, many of the Narnia natives were confused but after a while, everyone was dancing and having fun, just like they should be doing.
"Dance with me!" Kristen shouted as she grabbed Peter's hand and dragged him out of his chair. They danced the night away in their riding clothes, sharing dances with anyone close. Everyone's laughs rang out until the wee hours and finally, they all turned in, The Pevensies and Kristen all thanking their party members a lot.
"I must say your majesty, this was quite a night. I don't think I've had this much fun before!" A cook exclaimed as he bowed to her. Kristen smiled at the man and then bowed to him.
"The pleasure was all mine. Thank you all for putting up with us! And call me Kristen," she said with a grin as she turned and ran to the stairs, joining the Pevensies as they walked up the stairs.
"This whole day has been completely fantastic. I haven't had this much fun since I left England!" Susan shouted, her voice echoing off the halls. She twirled around and laughed, giving Kristen a huge hug as they entered their bedroom landing.
"I think I can say Kristen that honestly, you've saved Narnia!" Edmund said as they stopped outside Peter's bedroom.
She laughed and gave the youngest King a quizzical look. Say what now?
"What do you mean? I haven't done anything!" She said logically, giving them all looks of confusion.
"You've done more for us then we can ever thank you for Kristen. You really have" Edmund explained.
She laughed again and shrugged, and said goodnight and then retreated to her bedroom, shutting her door and flopping on her bed. She hadn't done anything to save Narnia. Sure, she'd stopped a bad guy but honestly, that was no big feat. What had she done that was so amazing?
Um, try like, everything?
((Author's Note- Thanks for being so patient! The end is near soon for this story, but I promise I'll be writing a sequel. I'm going to give this story a few more chapters and then end it, but I promised she'll be back! Keep on reviewing! Thanks for everything you guys))