The man watched his daughter walk away from her siblings, then looked down at the hand that had almost touched one of her dark tresses. He turned to the ocean waves, where the other children seemed oblivious to her departure. His dark haired son was dunking his sister. The man smiled, remembering the boy's first trip to the beach…

His oldest children were already playing in the water, while the dark hair toddler carefully examined the water, never letting it touch him.

"Eddy, why not go join your brother and sister?" The man coaxed, placing a hand on the small boy's back. "They're having so much fun!" Big, brown eyes met his in suspicion, then the boy took a tentative step in.

"Don't drink the water, Edmund!" A dark haired woman cried from the shore. Still holding tight to his father's hand, the little boy began to splash and explore in the way only a child can, gradually letting loose of the big hand, until both hands were free, and the child was knee-deep. The man stayed nearby, watching. Suddenly the Edmund screamed, and Peter and Susan came running, as did the man.

"What's wrong, Eddy?" Susan asked placing a hand on his shoulder. The boy whimpered.

"De water tastes bad!"

"Mum told you it was bad, Edmund." The man sighed in exasperation. "Why didn't you listen?" But the man already knew. He turned and watched his dark haired son, older now, play in the water. The lion again nuzzled him, purring just a little. The man smiled, and not feeling the least ridiculous started sing/talking to his youngest son.

Father: Foolish Child

Aslan: Just King

Father: My foolish Child

Aslan: My Just King

Father: Why must you learn through experience?

Aslan: You have learned

Father: Touch, feel and taste everything?

Aslan: You have earned

Father: But, you never do repeat a mistake

Aslan: Your subject's love and loyalty

A well dressed man came onto the beach.

"King Lune of Archenland wishes to speak with their majesties the kings!" He cried, bringing out cloaks for their majesties.

"Awww!" Lucy groaned, pouting just a little. Edmund glanced at his sister.

"You go Peter, they don't really need me, I'll stay here with Lucy." The girl beamed.

"But Ed…" Peter started.

"No Peter, you can fill me in later, Lucy hardly sees any of us anymore."

Both man and lion smiled.

Both: And learned humility

Father: Practical Mind

Aslan: With a dreamer's heart

Father: Now so just, so kind

Aslan: Saw it from the start

Both: Not perfect, not grand, but learning and growing

Father: And I know you'll never forget

Aslan: The mercy shown to you

"Lucy! Don't drink that water!" The brown eyed boy yelled.