Chapter # 4 - Mystery Woman

Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Narnia, just my OC Stephanie

Stephanie was dreaming. Rain pelted down onto a lush landscape, wind howling angrily. Blue lightning was illuminating a beautiful young woman with long auburn hair. The woman was wearing a battered crimson gown, the satin covered in mud. Her face was scratched and badly bleeding, the blood ran down her face and blurred into pink from the rain. Her pleading eyes seemed to be trying to communicate something important, and her lips moved furiously, forming words. She was speaking urgently, but to no avail. Stephanie tried as hard as she could, but couldn't hear. Her skin burned from the wind, The wind continued, ever louder, screaming and wailing, obscuring the woman's cries.

She awoke, her heart pounding, to a searing sensation on her chest. She brought her hand to the locket, it radiated with heat. So that's what made my skin burn in my dream, she thought. It was almost pitch black, except for the dim moonlight peaking through the sheer curtains. She turned in her bed trying to fall back asleep. After stirring for several minutes she ignited the oil lamp on the night stand. The locket still rested warm against her chest. Stephanie removed the locket from her neck and held it towards the light. She ran her fingers over the engravings. Suddenly a gust of wind blew the window further open. The cool night air rushed in, causing a hanging tapestry to snap loudly as the wind tossed it around. Jumping a little Stephanie snapped her head in the direction of noise. She quickly rose from the bed, and strode across the room. She was now standing in front of the giant tapestry, holding the locket up to it. She was frozen still by mystery. For on the tapestry was the same coat of arms as the one engraved on the locket.

Morning finally greeted Cair Paravel and everyone was anxiously awaiting the day. Stephanie wasn't the only one who'd had a restless night. Peter, who's mind was constantly full, had stayed up all night contemplating Stephanie's arrival in Narnia. What could this mean. He hoped that his yearning for further adventure hadn't caused more trouble for the kingdom.

Peter's thoughts were interrupted by a soft knocking on the door. He yawned and slowly pulled himself from his bed to get the door. It was Edmund and Susan. "Good Morning" they said entering the room.

"Good Morning"

"The guardsmen told us that more guests arrived over the night. Others have been arriving since seven. I trust you didn't sleep well" Susan said as she noticed the tired looked in his eyes. "Neither did we with the excitement of Stephanie's arrival"

"We will have to announce her presence during the opening ceremonies. As not to alarm others." added Edmund

"That would be wise. It's nearly ten and soon we will have to begin attending to the festival. We shall have someone summon Stephanie to meet with me at eleven." Peter replied and Susan and Edmund left their brother to breakfast and dressing.

Stephanie

Stephanie had dressed in the clothes provided by a chamber maid. The chambermaid had been a female faun. Stephanie was still not quite accustomed to seeing this amazing beings. She was sitting enjoying some fruit and oatmeal. She'd been preoccupied with her own thoughts about the locket that she didn't notice Mr. Tumnus's arrival.

"Miss Stephanie, good morning, I have been sent for you because their majesties wish to speak with you now."

Awoken from her thoughts, Stephanie greeted Mr. Tumnus good morning and again was following him down a hallway.

"Narnian habit suits you, Miss Stephanie. You look lovely," Tumnus said admiring her quiet beauty. Stephanie looked upon her new surroundings that made Narnia with the same innocent wonder that Lucy had.

"Mr. Tumnus, that is so kind. Thank-you."

"Ah, here we are." Tumnus opened the huge mahogany door and gestured Stephanie in. Then with a slight bow he left.

Stephanie found herself in a large study. Tall bookshelves lined one wall, on the opposite were a series of hanging maps of the kingdom. Soon a door opened from the other side of the room and in walked Peter.

"Good Morning, Stephanie" Peter said as he walked to her. "Please, sit" he motioned to two armchairs near a window.

"Good Morning, your majesty. Where are the others?" she asked.

"Tending to the festival and our other guests. Susan thought it best if we first met in private. There is much speculation to your arrival. You seem to have arrived in Narnia at a perfect time. I'm sure you will enjoy the activities"

Stephanie smiled. "Yes, the Beavers told me about the festival and its significance while we were journeying here."

"Am I right to assume that you have no knowledge of how you came to this world?"

Stephanie nodded. "No, I do not. I just awoke here."

"Hmm, well something had to have transported you here. My family and I were transported here through a wardrobe"

"Yes, the Beavers told me your family's story to. I am not certain but this may be what brought me to Narnia" Stephanie said as he removed the locket from her neck. "It's engraved with the royal emblem of this castle" she handed it to Peter and he began to examine it.

"Hmm, its indeed the royal seal of Narnia"

"There is also an inscription on the locket. I don't understand the scripture" added Stephanie

"Neither do I, perhaps Mr. Tumnus can be of assistance. There are many languages in Narnia. How did you get the locket?"

"In a box from the attic of my grandfather's manor. I found it the night before I came. " Stephanie answered.

Peter stood up and paused. Stephanie rose from her seat to. "Here, turn around" Peter asked. Stephanie turned she felt the brush of his hands on her neck as he helped put the locket back on.

"Thank-you" Stephanie said turning and smiling to Peter.

"Listen, the festival runs for a almost a week. Afterwards I will seek the necessary council and try to unravel your case. It would be our pleasure to entertain you"

"The pleasure is all mine, thank-you your majesty"

"The opening ceremonies are this evening, until then you are welcome to explore the castle. The staff will be at your service"

"Again, thank-you. But if I may I'd like to visit Braun and Oberon. I have yet to properly thank them for bringing me here."

"Of course, right this way. I will take you to the castle's grounds."

Stephanie followed Peter out of the study as they walked to the foyer. When they reached the main doors of the castle Peter took his leave. But before doing so he asked Frieze to bring her to Braun. The grounds of the castle had transformed into a sea of brightly colored tents. There were animals and creatures of every kind bustling around. Finally, she and Frieze met the unicorns.

"Oberon!" called Stephanie.

"Hello Stephanie" The colt turned and cantered toward her.

"Oberon, I just wanted to thank you and your family for bringing me safely to Cair Paravel. I had never seen a unicorn until you and it was truly an honor."

Oberon chuckled. "Would you like to go for a ride now? Along the shore perhaps"

"I would love to"

Oberon bent to his knees and Stephanie climbed onto his back. He charged for the beach, Stephanie's long auburn hair streaming behind her. The two new friends, a daughter of eve and a unicorn, spent the day cantering along the sands of the eastern shore. They laughed and enjoyed telling each other of their families and childhoods.

That Evening

Stephanie sat at a table reserved for the special guests of the royal family. She couldn't put the enjoyment of her afternoon with Oberon out of her mind. She smiled with happiness. Her thoughts returned home. To England. She wished she could share this with Evangeline. For she was her best friend and most treasured caregiver. Evangeline had been in Stephanie's life for as long as she could remember really. She knew her mother would not worry because she wouldn't realize that she'd even left. She laughed at the thought of Mrs. Smithers. I definitely don't miss her. Stephanie had met with Susan that afternoon and she'd explained how time worked in Narnia. When she returned to England it would be back to the moment before she left. No one even knows I've left. I guess that would be best, who would believe Narnia existed.

Her concentration went to the head of the hall, trumpets sounded announcing the arrival of the royal family. From where she sat she had a good view of the head table. The royal family entered and took their seats. Peter was seated in the center of the table, to the right was Edmund and to the left Susan and Lucy. They were lavishly dressed in royal attire, richly embroidered tunics for the Kings and gowns for the girls. Altogether they looked like a very extravagant painting.

The ceremony began. Peter stood. The conversation among tables faded and everyone turned their attention to him. It was in that moment when he began to address his kingdom, that she was struck by his strength and pride for Narnia. He held the crowd well and spoke with such confidence. Physically Peter was striking as well. Tall and brawny, fair skin and golden blonde hair. Stephanie was beaming from ear to ear watching him.

"Welcome Narnians to thee Festival of Creation. Tonight marks our fourth gathering. As you know it has become an honored meeting where we shall together celebrate the new youth of Spring. Tomorrow the events shall begin at dawn. In other announcements some of you may have already heard that there is a new daughter of eve among us."

The crowd flickered with conversation and gazed around the hall. Stephanie felt what seemed to be a million eyes on her. Her face turned red as a tomato.

Peter continued "Please extend her the same welcoming and kindness you once showed myself and my family. We now shall enjoy some of the finest Narnian delicacies." Teams of waiters flooded in serving dinner. It was delicious; clear soup first, wild rice, broiled pheasant, vegetables, wine, and for dessert, chocolate mousse and tiny, crispy cookies. After each course, servants reappeared to clear things away, and bring on the next. Music played in the background.

Afterwards, Stephanie spent the evening with Oberon while he introduced him to many of his friends. She was speaking to a snow leopard when Peter caught her eye. He flashed her a smile. Lucy was next to him and she gave a little wave. Later that evening she'd been corned by a pair of raccoons. They were going on about the finer points of formal entertaining. Stephanie thoughts went directly to Mrs. Smithers. Susan noticed Stephanie's look of boredom and went to her rescue.

"Excuse me, Stephanie will you please join me for some refreshments?" she interrupted taking Stephanie by the arm. Once they were several paces away she added "They're kind enough, but rather insufferable to talk to"

"My word they are" they girls laughed together. They enjoyed some juice and dessert. They peered around the room taking in everyone. Susan make kind comments of all those she knew. They're conversation then turned to England, favorite past-times, etc. They both departed for bed that evening feeling as if they'd made a new friend. Stephanie had no friends beside Evangeline. It was wonderful to have someone her own age to spend time with.

Following Day

Stephanie's second night in Narnia was much more restful. She awoke recharged and excited to watch the competition of the colts. She dressed, ate quickly, she promised to met Oberon and help prepare him for the event.

Stephanie braided Oberon's mane and tail and chattered to him about her time last night. He was pleased to hear she'd found a friend with Susan. She picked out his feet and polished them, groomed him within an inch of his life, she even brushed his teeth. Oberon was definitely ready.

Stephanie walked with Oberon to the area set aside for the competition. As Oberon left to take his place in line. Peter joined her.

"Good day your majesty" Stephanie greeted him. "I hear that this is your favorite event"

"Good day, and yes Edmund and I take pride in choosing the colts. Narnia's army is very important to us and the colts very valuable."

"What are they judged on?" Stephanie asked as they approached Peter and Edmund's post at the end of the arena.

"The competition is to be judged on their ability to navigate this course, they're physical form, similar to what a horse and rider would be judged on in our world"

"I see, I love horses this is such a delight." Stephanie proceeded to Peter about her knowledge of horses. She'd pointed out her favorites from the lot. Defining their good points.

"You're quite the horsewoman, please join us in the judging"

"Are you sure?"

"Please, now come on we must begin" Peter took her by the arm and led her to the podium.

Twenty magnificent colts present themselves to the court. Only eight would be selected. The results were to be given at the festivals final banquet. Oberon rode into the arena the final competitor. He was showing off his talent and enjoying every minute, high-stepping in his loose limbed, muscular way, with his head tucked and neck arched. The crowd loved him. Stephanie noticed Peter on the edge of his seat. He leaned forward whispering into her ear. Her senses tingled as she felt his breath on her ear and neck. "Oberon shall be a great addition to our cavalry." Stephanie beamed she was so proud of Oberon, and she knew Braun would be so proud of his son. Oberon finished in top form, his glossy white coat warmly reflecting the light.

That Night

Stephanie was dreaming. A beautiful auburn haired woman was galloping across a barren, windswept plain. The sky was dark and stormy. Her long crimson gown was torn and spattered with mud. The cape that had been attached to her gown was also ripped, and was flapping wildly in the wind. Blood trickled down her face. Her horse was tired, and laboring hard. Her sides heaving, she was drenched with sweat. Lightning flashed. Thundered crashed. She slowly turned to look at Stephanie. Her eyes were hollow and serious, her words urgent. Stephanie couldn't hear her , the wind was howling so loudly. If only she could read lips. The woman was calling to someone, straining to be heard.

Stephanie sat straight up in bed. It was dark. From the position of the moon from her window she figured it was about 4:30. That women in my dream. She's been in my dreams before. Restless she quietly got out of bed and went to her balcony. She could see the faint glow of candle light emanating from some of the thousand tents below. Her eyes went to where the unicorns stayed. To her surprise Oberon was making his way to the Ocean.

She pulled on her robe and shoes and left her room. She tip-toed down the darkened hall and down the stairs, through the foyer, and out the stately front doors. There's only one thing to do, she thought, I must go to Oberon. She knew she'd never get back to sleep anyway.

Running as fast as she dared, she stumbled on a clod of earth and righted herself. She tripped over some branches at the side of the path to the ocean. She trusted she was now on a clear path. This is crazy, she thought. Wandering the grounds at night. A few minutes later she could see the ocean just a little ways off. There weren't any others on the beach, except for Oberon and now herself. As she walked on the beach, she was convinced that she'd let this dream get the best of her. But she wanted to see her friend anyways. The beach was beautifully calm at night. She discarded her shoes and let her feet caress the cool sand.

She approached Oberon slowly, he sensed her presence and turned round.

"Stephanie, what are you doing out at this hour?"

"I..well its rather silly…I had a nightmare and couldn't sleep. When I saw you from my balcony I thought I'd join you. Oberon took a step towards Stephanie and she cuddled into his warm neck. Laughing. They heard laughter round the bend of the shore. They decided to find out who was having such a time at this hour.

When they turned the corner they saw two people intertwined in the sand, rolling back and forth, screeching with laughter. It was King Edmund and a young woman Stephanie had met at the opening ceremony. Well the girl wasn't exactly a girl, she was a maiden of the forest, a nymph. The couple had stopped rolling around in the sand. Now standing in an embrace, they bid each other good night with a long kiss.

Stephanie and Oberon not wanting to intrude had retreated behind the bend. She couldn't help longing for what she saw. Not with Edmund. But to meet someone in the moonlight and steal a kiss or two. It was dreadfully romantic. Oberon noticed Stephanie was lost in pleasurable thoughts and nudged her with his head.

"Dreaming of a boy…a very special boy?" he teased "Perhaps a High King?"

"I am not!" she protested. She hadn't honestly. But come to think of it, she didn't mind entertaining that thought.

Edmund rounded the bend of the shore. Shocked but pleased to have company he walked over to the bickering friends. He realized that Oberon was teasing Stephanie.

"Good evening, enjoying yourselves are we?" Edmund enquired

"Indeed Sire, you certainly have" Stephanie answered a little saucily. "enjoying a lover's tryst"

Blushing and a little surprised. "Tryst, Madam?" Edmund asked

"Oy! It's the lady language of love" Oberon chuckled

"Tryst, a secret meeting of lovers" Stephanie she said in a long breathy voice "She's rather lovely Edmund and that was incredibly romantic"

Edmund just smiled and shook his head. "She, Isadora is rather lovely, and I rather Peter and the others not hear about this. I'd never hear the end."

"Very well" Stephanie replied with her fingers crossed.

Edmund and Stephanie walked Oberon back to his tent. They then returned to the castle as dawn quickly approached.

Four Days Later

The Festival of Creation was coming to an end. The week had gone by so fast. Stephanie barely had memory enough to hold on to all the glorious things she'd witnessed. There was the picnic on the beach, where everyone played games and cooled themselves in the ocean. Stephanie was a bit afraid of the ocean and didn't join in on the swimming. The most special event had been the blessing of the new young. So many adorable babies were honored by the royal family. Stephanie admired the foals the most. She had seen Edmund sneaking off to meet Isadora. She envied the romantic excitement the young teenager was having. Oberon continued to tease her about Peter. For she'd been caught stealing glances from the High King.

Frieze, the kind centaur, let Susan, Lucy and Stephanie into the eastern shore's entrance of the castle. He reminded them that he'd be at their chambers at eight o'clock to take them to the festivals closing celebration.

Still flushed with the great excitement and success of the festival, the three young women walked through a elegant entrance hall and up a grand stair case toward their chambers. As Stephanie followed the two Queens it occurred to her that it seemed weeks since she'd arrived in Narnia. It couldn't possibly have been only a weeks time.

Along the walls that enclosed the grand staircase were hung large, gilt-framed, ancient oil portraits of aristocratic-looking men, women and other creatures of Narnia. Some stood proudly, gazing out, or sat up up stiffly in formal settings, dressed in the finery of the day. Others had more relaxed poses, playing with the animals or smiling with children. The colors were rich, but muted with the passing years. Stephanie glanced at them as she walked along, thinking about how much Narnian history they represented. She considered asking her grandfather to get one painted of herself and the magnificent chestnut stallion, to hang in Heskin Hall's corridor, she chuckled to herself.

Suddenly she stopped, transfixed. She gaped at a painting of an auburn haired woman, kind-looking and beautiful, dressed in a crimson flowing satin gown, sitting sidesaddle on a handsome chestnut horse.

"Who's this?" Stephanie croaked

"Why that's … Stephanie what's wrong?" Susan looked with concern at her new friend, who'd gone completely white.

"Who is that woman?" Stephanie demanded

"We don't know Miss Stephanie. I have never seen this portrait before and there are no plagues accompanying it" replied Susan

It had been the woman in the painting who'd been in her dreams. Twice since arriving in Narnia. Even more alarming was the locket round her neck, for it was the same Stephanie wore. Stephanie fell to the floor in a dead faint.

Stephanie came to, tucked into her feather bed. Mrs. Beaver sat in a chair beside the bed. Queen Susan and Lucy had responsibilities regarding the party so they'd sent their concern and apologies with Mrs. Beaver.

"Stephanie. Hello. How about a cup of good Narnian tea?"

"Hi, Mrs. Beaver. How long have I been sleeping?"

"About a half an hour. A perfect beauty nap. I've run a bath for you."

"Excellent, thank-you"

"How do you feel?" asked Mrs. Beaver patting Stephanie's hand with her paw

"Much better, thanks" Stephanie answered smiling at Mrs. Beaver's kindness.

"Do you want to tell me why you passed out?"

Stephanie paused. 'Can I tell you while we're having tea? Tea sounds just right."

Mrs. Beaver nodded and went to have tea prepared for two. Stephanie had a luxurious soak in the grand tub while she waited for Mrs. Beaver to return. She let herself melt into the bubbles of her bath. The oval tub was perched upon a large window sill that overlooked an ocean view. Stephanie admired the reflection of the stars against the stillness of the ocean. Beautiful she thought. Mrs. Beaver laid out Stephanie's gown for the evening. Stephanie appeared cozily wrapped in a terry towel robe when there was a knock on the door.

"Thank you so much," Mrs. Beaver said to the centaur servant, as he wheeled in a cart of delicious looking scones with butter and an assortment of jams along with a beautiful porcelain teapot and cups.

"My pleasure, Mesdames. And I have been asked to tell Stephanie that Queen Susan requests your company before the ball. I will return at a quarter to eight to fetch you."

"Thank you," Stephanie said and the servant left the room, nodding his head in a slight bow.

Mrs. Beaver and Stephanie enjoyed some tea and scones. Stephanie recounted her dreams to Mrs. Beaver and told her of the locket.

"Well my dear I think that you should tell Peter about your this. For I am sure he can help you discover whom this woman is." Mrs. Beaver strongly suggested.

"Alright, I shall request to speak with him again tomorrow when the other guests leave for their journey home"

Thoughts of the dream and locket were pushed aside. It was time to dress for the closing banquet, and the two went about their tasks.