Chapter # 3 - Cair Paravel
Disclaimer: I don't have any rights to Narnia, just my OC Stephanie
This story is rated M for later chapters.
The air was cool. Light and Breezy. King Peter's hair was gently blowing in the ocean's breeze, tickling his for head. He was gazing upon the kingdom from the highest balcony adjoining the throne room. He could hear the waves of the ocean behind the castle. The rest of the royal family were inside enjoying Mr. Tumnus's talent for the flute. The soft sounds from the flute seem to compliment the rustling of leaves and lapping of waves. Peter sighed enjoying the tranquility of this moment. It had been two years since his family had arrived and defeated the White Which, saving Narnia. The defeat of the Witch was rewarded with an invitation for himself and his family to become Kings and Queens of Narnia. The defeat of the witch had also attracted the unwanted attention of many nefarious characters who scheme to acquire control of Narnia for themselves. Rebuffed by their attempts to conquer Cair Paravel, many had gone into hiding. Peter knew better though, his heart knew that these people where biding their time in the shadows perhaps to try again.
Peter couldn't help but feel restless while waiting. Although he had no idea what exactly he was waiting for. His sisters were anxiously anticipating the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, along with the rest of his fellow Narnians. Tomorrow marked the second Festival of Creation. The celebrations brought him and his family great joy. Susan and Lucy enjoyed fussing over the new borns and he and Edmund enjoyed scouting the new colts. The festival also brought safety for no one, would dare strike when all of Narnia was present at Cair Paravel. His thoughts went to Aslan. As quickly as Aslan had entered their lives he also disappeared. They hadn't seen him since the coronation.
"What a fine night it is" whispered Susan her words almost not audible as she tried to preserve the peaceful silence of the night.
"It is, the stars are putting on quite the waltz" Peter replied turning round to face Susan. "Have the others gone to bed?"
"Nearly. I believe there was mention of some milk and cookies before heading off. Care to join us?" smiled Susan
"Perhaps, in a little while because it's to grand a night sky to be inside yet" he replied.
Susan kindly looked at her brother. She was never more proud of him and her other siblings then when they had completed their initial quest against the white witch. Peter was slowly realizing that he need not worry for his siblings quite as much. Narnia had changed them to. Edmund had begun to grown up and was filled with unbridled courage. Susan was wise and understanding, her intelligence was serving Narnia well. Lucy, her unremarkable trust and honesty had restored the faith to those in Narnia.
"Well do not pass up a good sleep, our guests will be arriving over the next few days. I can't wait to see the Beavers. I wonder what spring has brought for Narnia this year." Susan said turning around to go back and rejoin the others.
"Mmmm, well you and Lucy have been planning for months now, I'm sure the festival will be a great success." said Peter now resting his head on his hands.
Again he stood staring out across the land until a brilliantly red and orange feathered Phoenix landed on the balcony. "Sire, I am here to announce the approach of Braun and the Beavers"
"Oh its not morning and our guests have begun arriving, Susan and Lucy shall be thrilled!" he exclaimed excitedly "I shall ready the others for our guests"
"guests, already?" asked Edmund who'd overheard the Phoenix while joining them on the balcony.
"Yes Sire, the beavers and the herd of unicorns are about half a mile from here" the Phoenix explained to Edmund
"Thank-you, you may return to your post" replied Peter sending the Phoenix off. "Edmund fetch Lucy and Mr. Tumnus right away and send them down to greet our guests at the gate" said Peter turning to face out across the land.
Only a short while after the Phoenix had made his announcement. From the corner of his right eye Peter saw a trail of glowing lights. He soon realized that the lights were the glowing horns of the Unicorns. He peered into the night and watched them gracefully prance out of the wood and towards the castle. He watched in awe as the unicorns shimmered in the blue moonlight. It was a truly magical site. He scanned the herd until he saw a shadow figure upon Oberon's back. He figured it was just packages from the Beaver's, he knew Mrs. Beaver would have brought the dam and den if she could. Peter chuckled to himself and went inside the castle. He waited along side Susan and Edmund for their guests to be ushered inside by Mr. Tumnus and Lucy.
Stephanie's POV
Stephanie and Oberon could feel the ocean breeze upon them as Oberon carried them out of the forest.
"Welcome to Cair Paravel Stephanie" Braun said as she and Oberon came along side him. The only sound she made was a gasp of breath. If asked describe to the sight, Stephanie may not have been able to find the words. She blinked and had to almost shield her eyes from the shimmering castle. The castle appeared to be made of shiny diamonds because it reflected the moonlight casting dancing lights across the ground.
As the herd approached the castle gate Stephanie dismounted Oberon and walked among the unicorns.
"Oh deary, you will just love the royal family, splendid bunch they are." beamed Mrs. Beaver "If anyone can help you it would be them"
"I have no fears now, this place is truly heaven" said Stephanie just before being interrupted by the sound of trumpets.
Braun and Mr. Beaver were at the head of the herd and were happily greeting Queen Lucy and Mr. Tumnus.
"My Dear Lucy how you've grown" Braun didn't have to lower his head quite so much so she could hug him. "Mr. Tumnus always a pleasure"
"Mr. Beaver!" cried Lucy as she ran to give him a hug. "It's wonderful to see you…Oh Mrs Beaver!" she bellowed as Mrs. Beaver had appeared along side her husband.
"Lucy where is Peter? For I must seek his council at once". asked Braun
"Why he and the others are waiting inside. Is everything alright?" Lucy replied a little weary.
"Oh I don't think one should be alarmed, but we have brought a special guest with us" Bruan answered bending his neck and turning towards the herd. "Oberon, bring the daughter of eve forward"
Before Lucy could question what Braun had just said, emerging from the center of the heard was a delicate young woman.
"My Goodness, it's a…it's a…" stuttered Mr. Tumnus
"a girl" Lucy said helping Tumnus with his proclamation. Her and Mr. Tumnus could not believe their eyes. For until now the Pevensies were the only humans in Narnia.
"Lucy, your brother" repeated Braun snapping the girl and Mr. Tumnus from their obvious shock.
"Yes, one moment. Frieze!" Lucy called to someone just inside the castle doors. Moments later a centaur appeared. "Frieze, please show the rest of our guests to their quarters"
Stephanie hadn't said a word since she'd emerged from the herd. For she was transfixed on Mr. Tumnas. For he appeared to be a man from the waist up, and from the waste down a deer. But he only had two legs instead of four. Stephanie didn't mean to gawk at him. Mrs. Beaver noticed Stephanie's quizzical look and explained "Mr. Tumnus is a faun, there are many creatures in Narnia that are not found in your world"
"A faun..right. Thank-you" was all Stephanie could mutter for she was now transfixed on a half man, half horse. It was rather comical because he was staring right back at her.
"Frieze, we have another daughter of eve among us, don't be alarmed. I assure you she brings you no harm" . said Braun.
"Come this way, we must seek the others at once." Lucy said as she lead everyone inside
In the Foyer
Peter, Edmund and Susan were beginning to wonder what had happened to Lucy, Tumnus and their guests. However, they soon heard the sounds of footsteps and hooves coming down the marble hallway. Lucy entered the foyer first, followed by Braun and Mr. Tumnus. Stephanie was taking in the breath taking interior of the palace and hung back a few paces.
"Peter, Braun requests to have a private council with you at once" Lucy told him "You see they have brought with them a special guest. Peter they have brought…"
"A Daughter of Eve" Edmund exclaimed for Stephanie had just appeared from behind Braun
Peter and Susan whirled around until their eyes fell upon her. Indeed Edmund was right for there in front of them stood a petite young woman. No one spoke for what seemed an eternity until Mr. Tumnus kindly broke the silence.
"My dear Daughter of Eve, what is your name? I am Mr. Tumnus" He introduced himself and extended his hand.
"My name is Stephanie" she replied taking the faun's hand.
"Stephanie, welcome to Narnia. May I introduce you to our High King Peter the Magnificent" Tumnus said as he lead her by the hand towards Peter and his siblings.
"Welcome to Cair Paravel, I apologize for our brief silence we were just greatly surprised by your presence. However we are greatly pleased to have you here with us. I would like to meet the rest of the Royal court. This is Queen Susan the Valiant, King Edmund the Just and you've already met my youngest sister Queen Lucy the Valiant." Peter said while he gently took Stephanie's hand from Tumnus and shook it. Mr. Tumnus still found this human greeting a bit odd.
"Pleasure to meet you all, I understand that my arrival is much of a surprise. Trust me that it is a surprise for myself to even be in Narnia" replied Stephanie
"I must offer further apologies, as I will leave you with Mr. Tumnus for a short while. He will see to your needs for I must speak with Braun and my family. I promise to meet with you directly afterwards for I am sure you have many questions" Peter told Stephanie as he motioned to Braun to follow him and his family into another room. Although Braun had only sought out Peter, he thought it best to include his siblings in all matters. Especially one as great as this.
"Miss Stephanie, would you please accompany me to the sitting room" Tumnus asked her. Stephanie agreed and followed Tumnus out of the foyer and down another hallway. The hallway was lined with gigantic paintings of different landscapes. Tumnus noticed Stephanie admiring the work and proceeded to give her some information about them. "These portraits illustrate the creation of Narnia and the different lands within in our world"
"There are so many portraits, Narnia must be a very big place" Stephanie said moving on to another painting.
"Yes,it is a very grand place. Everything from Cair Paravel to the lamp post far in the west woods of Lantern Waste marks Narnia. But where surrounded by other lands…you have.."
"Lamp post? In the middle of the forest right?" asked Stephanie.
"Why yes, a single lamp post stands in Lantern Waste" replied Tumnus.
"I passed it on my journey here"
Their chat ended as Stephanie and Mr. Tumnus reached the sitting room. Mr. Tumus kindly ushered her inside and gave her a seat next to the window. The cool ocean breeze felt wonderful against her skin. Mr. Tumnus had asked Stephanie if she'd eaten and when she remembered she hadn't, he was off to fetch her a plate.
Braun and the Royal Family
Braun was recounting where Oberon had come across Stephanie in Lantern Waste. He told them how she said she'd awoken there in the morning apparently arriving from England. Stephanie had no idea how she'd made her way to Narnia and Braun believed her.
"She's indeed from England, you can tell by her dialect" confirmed Susan "Maybe she can bring us news of the war back home"
"Perhaps, but first we must discover why she has been transported here. " Peter replied
"Hmm, that may be a difficult task my King. Narnia works in it's own mysterious ways"
"Indeed, it's growing late so you may return to your herd and rest. Thank - you for bringing her safely here and telling us of your observations" said Peter as he walked towards the great doors. He and his family accompanied Braun to the main foyer where Frieze was waiting to show him to the rest of the unicorns.
Stephanie
Mr. Tumnus had returned with a splendid variety of sandwiches, cake and herbal teas. Stephanie gladly had her fill. She and Tumnus were now sitting in large velvet armchairs and he was telling her more about Cair Paravel. The combination of lag from her journey, the salty breeze, and these strange but marvelous surroundings made Stephanie fill with great exhaustion. Tumnus's voice was soft and soothing, she struggled to stay awake but lost and was now fast asleep. Peter and the others entered the foyer to begin their inquiries. Peter was about to wake her when Susan urged him to let her rest. They called for Frieze, who carried the sleeping Stephanie to a bed chamber.
