Disclaimer: I own nothing except my own characters and plots. The original universe and everything in it belong to C. S. Lewis. All photos used of film characters belong to Walt Disney Pictures. The content I have written is fanfiction and its only purpose is to inspire creativity and to further immerse oneself in the universe C. S. Lewis has created.
"Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny."
- C.S. Lewis, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (1950)
Chapter 6 – A New Beginning – September – December 1001 – Narnia
High King Peter stood before the heavily ornate mirror in his bedroom while a faun adjusted the plates of his ceremonial armour. He was readying himself for another knighting ceremony, followed by a court meeting and formal dinner with ambassadors from Galma and Calormen. Deep in thought, he barely acknowledged the faun fastening his trusty sword, Rhindon, on his left hip.
A lot can happen in a year, he mused quietly in his mind. Seasons change, people change, feelings change. A year ago, everything was different. He was an ordinary boy, fleeing the clutches of war like so many other children. Back then he felt responsible for his siblings' safety, he worried for his father's life as a soldier, and he was anxious for what the future would bring, especially if they were to lose the war.
Now though, he was a king, and as king he had different worries and responsibilities weighing heavy on his shoulders. His subjects depended on him for food and shelter, his allies looked to him for strength and stability while his enemies plotted against him, always looking for a sign of weakness in the young Kings and Queens of Narnia.
He knew he was not alone in bearing the responsibilities and burdens of ruling a country properly. He had his siblings, of course, but Peter still felt they were too young to fully share the concerns of politics and war. And so, in the earliest days of their reign, he had established a privy council in which only the most trusted advisors and closest friends of the royals could attend. This included Pippa, Mr. Tumnus, and the Beavers, whenever they had the time to leave their dam.
Peter adjusted his golden crown, sweeping blonde hair away from his eyes as he looked himself over in the mirror. Yes, a lot can happen in a year, he thought once more. Seasons change, people change, feelings change. And now that a year has passed, he realizes just how much he misses her presence when she's gone. The honourable and stubborn lady Philippa.
Although it's been nearly two months since Peter last saw and spoke with Pippa, he can still easily recall the wisps of brown hair dancing across her face, the soft smile playing on her lips, and her alluring grey eyes looking into his own. As he stepped away from the mirror, Peter wondered, does she think of me like I think of her? The High King walked out of his chambers, ready to greet his new allies awaiting him in the throne room. Aslan knows, how much he regretted how they had parted ways all those months ago.
Two months ago.
A full year had gone by since the coronation and many things had changed for the Pevensies and Pippa. After the witch's defeat, they had settled into Cair Paravel's vast chambers and tried to become acquainted with their new surroundings. The Narnian people had welcomed them openly and spent hours of their time devoted to showing the newcomers around the land and educate them on their culture and ways of life. Not long after the coronation, foreign ambassadors from neighbouring kingdoms came to visit with gifts and well-wishes for the newly crowned royals, as well as a few marriage proposals for Peter and Susan.
The Pevensies and Pippa adjusted easily enough, and their first year as rulers flew by without too many hiccups along the way. The most pressing matter of state, however, were the lingering followers of the White Witch Jadis causing troubles in the northern regions. The rumours reported that the Witch's followers were rallying together the giant tribes, but so far, patrols had found no sign of the giants having left their mountain caves. Marriage proposals, foreign politics and giants aside, this very night a feast was being held in the Great Hall in honour of the Kings and Queens' anniversary.
Everyone of importance were present and currently enjoying the drink and the music in the ballroom and throughout the castle. Everyone, except one dark-haired, young woman. Pippa had left the feast shortly after the food had been eaten to enjoy the peace and quiet in the main library in the east wing of the castle. Her love of books had not gone unnoticed by the Pevensie siblings or anyone else at the Narnian court, and few were surprised to find her spending her spare time in the library, always with a new book opened in her lap.
Pippa had found that the books back home in England were nothing compared to the Narnian tales, and this library contained nothing less than hundreds of years' worth of recorded history, of geography and maps and of stories of knights, ladies and great romances. The book currently laying in her lap, which she dare say was her favourite book so far, was the tale of the Tree of Youth, whose apples were said to be silver in colour and to contain powerful magic. However, Pippa noted, the apples should only be picked and eaten if the magic was intended to help others and not oneself.
"Ah, there you are, my lady." A familiar voice sounded from behind her. Pippa closed her book and rolled her eyes at the formalities.
"High King Peter." She acknowledged as Peter emerged and sat across from her, resting his boot-clad feet on a nearby ottoman. His clothes were exquisite, and his crown perfectly placed on the top of his head as he closed his eyes peacefully. "Had to get away from it all for a moment?" Pippa asked softly.
Peter opened his eyes, sighed and gave her a charming smile. "You know me all too well, lady Philippa."
Pippa couldn't resist, she simply had to roll her eyes again at the way he uttered her title, as if he was teasing her. Which, to be fair, he probably was. "I still don't understand why it was necessary for me to have such a title. Pippa suits me just fine." She said.
"Susan insisted it was the proper thing to do, given your position at court and such." Peter replied casually.
Pippa grinned. "And since when do you listen to what Susan thinks is proper?"
"Good point." Peter laughed. Then he pointed to her face. "Why do you wear those still? I thought you no longer needed them?"
Pippa touched her newly constructed glasses as they rested neatly on her hooked nose. "I don't. I simply couldn't get used to not wearing them, especially while I read." She explained.
"Well, if you don't mind me saying so, I quite like you without them. I can see your eyes more clearly." Peter flirted. Pippa blushed heavily at his attempt of flirtation, feeling more than a little embarrassed.
"Don't be daft." She scoffed. Before Peter could protest, she changed the topic of conversation. "Surely there must be some other reason for you coming here, other than to rest your feet?" Pippa asked hurriedly.
Peter's flirty smile turned sheepish. "Actually, there is. I need a favour."
Pippa looked at the High King in surprise. "A favour?" She wondered.
"Yes. As you well know, visits to our neighbouring kingdoms are long overdue." Peter began and Pippa nodded. "Archenland in particular, as we are dependant on their supply of iron ore for our tools and weapons. And as they certainly are a powerful nation, we are also dependant on a peace treaty between us to ensure a long-lasting friendship."
It was no secret that King Lune of Archenland had been reluctant in sending his ambassadors to Narnia, and instead insisted upon meeting with the newly crowned royals in person at his own court at Anvard. It was, however, a well-kept secret that the Kings and Queens of Narnia were sceptical towards this agreement, and instead wished to send an ambassador of their own to meet the King and his men.
Peter had been silent for a moment, his blue eyes watching Pippa.
Pippa raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What does this have to do with the favour you wish to ask of me?" She asked, suspecting his proposal, but wanting him to ask her properly.
Peter hesitated before speaking. "Would you consider travelling to Archenland on our behalf?"
Pippa looked at the young king sitting before her, the expression on her face blank. This was no favour, but a command from her Kings and Queens. "King Lune might take offence if someone other than your majesties leave for Archenland." She declared.
"You won't be meeting King Lune." Peter clarified. "My siblings and I reached an agreement with him last week. We will send a respectable representative to Anvard to meet with one of his closest friends; lord Talon. Together you will work out the details of a treaty which benefits both countries and ensures a peaceful bond between Narnia and Archenland."
It truly was a tremendous task which was now bestowed upon her, but in truth, she felt like nothing more than a glorified messenger. Pippa was also surprised and shocked no one had told her of this agreement before, which felt like a betrayal to her and the trust she thought she shared with the Pevensies.
"When would I leave?" Pippa asked simply. She wasn't ready to admit how upset she felt with Peter.
"As soon as possible." Peter answered, his eyes still watching her intently. "You will leave with a few personal guards, and some of Narnia's finest diplomats to assist you with the negotiations of course." He added hastily.
Pippa swallowed, knowing she would be gone for months. "I might miss Christmas." She stated.
"I know." Peter acknowledged, the atmosphere between them no longer light-hearted, but tense.
"I might miss Lucy's twelfth birthday." Pippa said, her eyes were bright with unshed tears.
"I know." Peter repeated.
"Why me?" Pippa wondered aloud, her voice no more than a whisper.
"There's no one else I trust more." Peter admitted truthfully, leaning closer to her, sensing her unhappiness and wanting to make her feel better.
Pippa tore her eyes away from his face now only inches away from hers as she realized the most probable reason why she had been chosen to lead this mission. "Yes, or because King Lune demands a respectable representative to negotiate this treaty. In other words, a human."
Peter didn't have the decency to deny it. Damned be King Lune and his views on non-human beings, and damned Peter for agreeing to his terms. Pippa slammed her book shut and stood abruptly from her seat.
"Alright. I'll leave at first light." She proclaimed coldly, and before Peter could speak another word, she briskly left the library.
At first light the next morning Pippa, her guards, and her advisors departed for Anvard on horseback. The ride toward the capital of Archenland would take them a few weeks to complete without any distractions, and Pippa prayed Aslan would keep them safe during their travels. Her trusted steed, Rollo, whinnied beneath her thighs as she urged him forward and across a wooden bridge. As Pippa knew he was afraid of water, she patted his neck reassuringly.
"Promise me you're alright with this journey, my friend?" She asked.
Rollo trotted forwards, keeping his eyes straight ahead. "I assure you I'll be fine, my lady." The horse answered firmly.
They kept riding south, only stopping for food and rest whenever strictly necessary. Within the first days they had crossed the Narnian border and moved into foreign territory. Pippa had limited knowledge of Archenland and its people, but she did know that most were settled around the capital, and as such, it was no surprise they met few others on their journey save a couple of stray, wild animals.
As Pippa and her entourage rode across plains and rivers, through forests and mountains, her thoughts kept returning to the High King. After the coronation their friendship had grown as they got to know each other, and within a short amount of time, Pippa found herself caring for the young King in a way she did not care for his siblings. She was almost certain he cared for her too as he flirted with her quite often. The flirting between them was not unwelcome, but Pippa sometimes found it difficult to respond, uncertain of how to best express her growing feelings towards him.
She had hoped for some time that they would become something more than friends, but with their responsibilities it was hard to find time together beyond council meetings and banquets. They were almost never alone, and if they were, there was always a greater matter to be discussed or attended to, such as their conversation in the library the other day. Pippa hated how she had stormed away without a proper goodbye and without apologizing for her reaction. She knew her reaction had come from having to leave Narnia and her friends and family behind for such a long time. Especially the High King. Peter Pevensie, the boy with blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and courage and wit beyond measure. Pippa shook away her distracting thoughts, a vacant expression and warm blush still present on her face as Rollo galloped further into the green landscape.
After nearly twelve days of riding, Pippa and her companions welcomed the sight of Anvard and its castle unfolding in front of them. The castle lay on a wooden ridge with its city beneath it, green fields and acres of land freshly ploughed for growing crops surrounded the many brown-bricked homes. A wide road led them through the city, through the vast palace gardens and into the red-bricked courtyard of King Lune's fortress. A man clad in fine burgundy clothes stood atop of the stairs leading further into the castle.
"Greetings Narnians!" The tall, handsome man called out as Pippa and her entourage pulled their horses to a halt. The man looked to be about thirty years of age with short black hair and a shapely beard around his sharp jaw. His bright green eyes and broad smile gave the impression of a charming noble man.
"Lord Talon?" Pippa guessed correctly as a stable boy helped her dismount her steed. Lord Talon approached her leisurely as he eyed her and her company with interest.
"Lady Philippa. Welcome to Archenland." Lord Talon said smoothly, his voice rich and accented. He bowed to her and reached for her hand. As he took it, he swiftly bent his head and placed a kiss upon her knuckles.
"Thank you." Pippa answered and curtsied the way she had practiced with Susan and Lucy the past year.
Lord Talon swiftly took her arm and led her through the castle halls guiding her to her chambers. As they walked, he spoke quietly of the people they passed in the halls and the portraits adorning the tapestry. Pippa enjoyed the way lord Talon spoke of the people of Archenland and how he described everyday life in his country. The pair soon reached a large wooden door with a golden handle and decorated with an embroidered rose leading to Pippa's bedchamber.
"You must be tired." Lord Talon stated. "After you've rested and eaten well, we'll meet again in King Lune's winter garden where we shall begin our negotiations."
They reconvened a couple of hours later in King Lune's winter garden as planned. Pippa and the Narnians had rested, bathed and eaten, and were now clothed in smooth, vibrant coloured silks offered to them by lord Talon. He came from a long line of prominent noblemen with fortunes in the trading of silk and satin, and clothes were never in short supply in Archenland because of his family's trade.
The Narnians and the Archenlanders sat on opposite sides of a grand marbled table during the first meeting. Introductions were made and roles were assigned as their first order of business. Pippa and lord Talon were to lead the negotiations as discussed whilst lord Ambrose, a plump, middle-aged man from Archenland was assigned the role of mediator in case disorder amongst the delegations would ensue. As lord Ambrose laid a scroll of parchment no less than four feet long across the table, Pippa sighed heavily. This treaty would indeed take months to complete.
The last sunrays of autumn soon bled into chill, dark days of winter as Pippa and the Narnians stayed in the capital of Archenland for many months during the negotiations. They were slowly, but surely, making progress and Pippa would dutifully sit and listen for hours as the two countries worked out the details of beneficial trade and military alliances during the long days spent in the winter garden. In the evenings she would eat her meals with the noblemen of Archenland and discuss whatever subject they desired to discuss, whilst later attending dances with their wives; drinking wine and listening to their gossip. The women of Archenland were nothing like the noblewomen Pippa had met so far. They wore gowns of fine silk and adorned their necks and fingers with jewellery as they gossiped mercilessly about anyone they wished.
She learned many things from these noblewomen though as she pretended to laugh at their jests and japes. She learned of King Lune's paranoia; how he was certain any country could attack at a moment's notice if he was not prepared, and how he kept his wife locked away in the castle as she was expecting their first child. According to lady Davinia, the Queen could give birth any day now, and apparently, she looked like she had swallowed a whale or two by the look of her stomach. If not for lord Talon's friendly conversations about actual interesting subjects – though regrettably he was not much of a reader – Pippa would have thrown herself off the highest tower in the castle weeks ago. Luckily, their negotiations were nearly concluded.
One night, lord Talon invited her to walk with him after a particularly suffocating dinner party. They strolled together in silence for a moment before he spoke:
"You speak so little of your life at court in Narnia, but one does hear rumours. Is it as magical as it sounds at Cair Paravel?" Lord Talon spoke politely, and the question seemed innocent enough, but there was a strange glimmer of hunger in his eyes.
Pippa thought that compared to Anvard's heavy smells of spices and cloth, the fresh air of the salt sea beneath Cair Paravel seemed magical enough on its own. But waking every day to sweet songs of mermaids or travelling through the forest with dancing tree nymphs was truly the greatest gift of magic she had ever known.
"It truly is." Pippa murmured as the chill of the wind pricked her bare arms. "Not that I had much to compare it to." She added. Pippa had told the story of her arrival in Narnia many times through her stay, and some, including lord Talon, seemed equally astonished by the tale each time it was told.
"And what about the Gentle Queen? Is she as lovely as rumours would have it?" Lord Talon asked absentmindedly as his gaze studied Pippa's face.
Pippa's first thought is that he is much too old for Susan. She nearly giggles aloud when her mind conjures the image of Susan rejecting no less than five suitors last spring, her voice polite, but her eyes and cheeks showed embarrassment and boredom. She grinned knowingly.
"Ah, I see."
Lord Talon shook his head vehemently. "No, my fair lady, you misunderstand me. I only ask out of curiosity." He exhaled. "Ahem, alright, I'll admit I have envisioned her beauty, but only because of the rumours." He defended profusely.
Pippa merely grinned at his flustered expression. Suddenly the glimmer of lust was once more present in his green eyes.
"In fact, there are more than tales of the Queen's beauty that has me convinced Narnia is a place I greatly wish to explore. I have grown tired of this life, the people and the politics. I wish to explore new countries, and the delights they have to offer. Perhaps, you could assist me in my endeavours?"
His words took her by surprise. "What I could possible assist you with, my lord? With this agreement in place, you will be able to settle anywhere you wish in Narnia, you have no need for my help."
Which was true. A part of their treaty gave citizens of both countries the ability to move freely between the borders and make a home wherever they desired. Although, Pippa thought sourly, many in Archenland where prejudiced to other creatures and she could not guarantee the Narnians would not face unfair treatment.
"Yes… but I'm no simple settler looking for lands to plough. I am a lord. We could help each other you and I." He said ambiguously.
"Lord Talon speak plainly if you please. I have no interest in guessing games." Pippa stated boldly.
"You are a lady, and a trusted companion of the Kings and Queens; you could procure me a seat on the council." Lord Talon explained steadfast.
"What do I get out of it?" Pippa was not a seasoned player in the game of negotiations, but she had learned a thing or two since her arrival at King Lune's court.
"There are some, how shall I put it, more conservative views among our people about talking beasts and their equality when compared to humans. Last week you fought valiantly to secure the Narnian settlers protection from prejudiced citizens. Sadly, you lost the vote on that particular charge." He paused. "Procure me a seat on the council and I will agree to meet your terms. You have three days to make your decision."
Pippa watched as he walked away, leaving her bewildered by his proposition, and wondering how many hidden agendas lurked in lord Talon's mind. This might be a dangerous game to play, she reminded herself.
In Narnia, snow once more covered the land in specks of white and the air turned cold and the wind was unforgiving as it swept through woods and mountains. Christmas passed at Cair Paravel with much joy and entertainment, as did Lucy's birthday celebration. The young girl gleefully sang and danced through the halls for days, and even the most sombre dwarves were moved by her frolicking. A week before Christmas they had also received the joyous news of Pippa and her companions' planned return from Archenland. They were expected to arrive any day now, and Peter secretly hoped it would be today so he could ring in the new year with her by his side.
"Yuck, get off me!" Edmund's voice suddenly screeched from the nearby sitting room. Peter walked in to find his two sisters giggling as Edmund blushed furiously. Lucy held a mistletoe in hand.
"It was only a peck on the cheek, Ed! Don't be so immature." Susan scolded playfully in between giggles.
"She keeps ambushing me! I swear she's put them everywhere!" Edmund exclaimed in embarrassment.
Lucy hid sly smile with the back of her hand. "I have not!"
Mr. Tumnus entered the room as the siblings laughed and teased each other. "If I may interrupt, your majesties, there is someone here who would like to wish Queen Lucy a happy belated birthday." He grinned as he stepped aside to let a windswept, tightly cloaked Pippa through the doorway.
"Pippa!" Lucy screamed and threw herself at the young woman. "Oh, you're finally back!"
Pippa smiled and accepted hugs from Susan and Mr. Tumnus. Edmund, ever the awkward chap, gave her a nod. "Yes, finally." She agreed. She met Peter's gaze from across the room and hesitantly moved to stand before him.
"Hi." He breathed. "It's good to see you?" He asked, wondering if she was still upset with him. Before Pippa could respond, Edmund groaned loudly. "What?" Peter inquired, looking around to see what had caused Edmund's discomfort. Edmund simply pointed toward the marble column the couple were standing next to. A small, green branch with white berries was pinned sloppily to the marble with a red Christmas sash.
"Can't deny a kiss under a mistletoe, it might bring bad luck." Lucy teased, revealing herself as the mischievous planter of the mistletoes around the castle.
Pippa gulped as Peter moved towards her tentatively. For a moment, the world around her faded, her breath caught in her throat as he bent his head towards her. As his lips firmly pressed against her mouth, her grey eyes shut tightly. Her very first kiss. Well, unless you counted the short kiss from Toby, her neighbour, who had kissed her once after walking her home from church when she was merely thirteen years old. And in this moment, Pippa certainly did not think his kiss counted or even compared in the slightest.
Much too soon they parted, and the rest of the world appeared in view once more. Pippa gazed into Peter's eyes, her skin still tingling from the soft touch of his lips. Their moment had passed, and although his blue eyes said, 'I care for you', the words escaping his lips left her feeling disappointed.
"Sorry 'bout that." Peter uttered whilst a red tint spread across his cheeks and neck. "Lucy and her traditions. Can't deny her some holiday fun after all."
Suddenly, all too aware of the crowd around them, Pippa stepped away from him and nodded awkwardly. She cackled noisily; her voice laced with insecurity as she spoke the only words she could think of:
"Well, happy new year!"
TO BE CONTINUED.
Songs for this chapter:
Berceuse – Lo Mimieux
Snow – Tengger Cavalry
I See The Light – Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi
Take My Heart When You Go – Ramin Djawadi
Peter Pevensie – Born 19th of January 1924 (17 years old)
Susan Pevensie – Born 2nd of June 1925 (16 years old)
Edmund Pevensie – Born 6th of March 1927 (14 years old)
Lucy Pevensie – Born 25th of December 1929 (11 years old, turning 12)
Philippa Copland – Born 7th of July 1924 (17 years old)
Author's note: No darkness lasts forever. Be safe.