Disclaimer: I own nothing of C.S. Lewis' work, and I only beg a small claim to the wonder of his fantastical world by creating this parody.

Chapter Quote: "You don't understand! You're not the one who's been fantasizing over marrying that boy and having his children!"

Note: Character Index is located at the end of this chapter.

Chapter Ten

A Narnian Winter

Elora started to look greener as the meeting wore on, apparently she wasn't as well as she thought- though it might have been largely due to the whole 'assassination' business more than anything else. The rest of the meeting drew on in a long and uncomfortable manner- as most meetings do- and the rest of the children say silent as Peter, Edmund, and the older girls debated about what should happen next.

Elora filled Peter in on any details of their arrival that the children had missed in the initial telling, though Peter still didn't completely understand how they had gotten into Narnia and where exactly they had come from. But he didn't seem to show too much concern about the whole situation.

"We'll figure out what to do from here later... for now, why don't we all adjourn for the evening? I'll instruct that your meals be served in your rooms."

Elora looked like she was going to melt into the floor as relief flooded her pallid features. The children bid Peter and Edmund farewell and hastened to return to their rooms. They had a bit of explaining left to do... but everyone was feeling better now that Elora was up and about and that Alysia's 'minor' mishap had been taken care of.

Elizabeth helped Elora back to her own room followed closely by Elora's friend, Marcus the faun, who insisted that Elora remain in his care one more night before she joined the others.

Awaiting the children when they reached their rooms was a small faun who told them their sleeping arrangements had been revised and to 'follow me if you please'.

Clomping along in soiled tunics and wrinkled dresses, the children obeyed without complaint- though Tyler mumbled something about being hungry and Cecilia wished aloud longingly for a pizza.

The walk to their rooms wasn't an especially long one, but little did the Campbells know that they had only just begun to see the majesty of Cair Paravel.

Elizabeth volunteered to keep Elora company that night and she was formerly introduced to Marcus. Elora was soon cuddled up snuggly on the bed with Elora sitting on the edge. "This is all rather ridiculous you know." Commented Elizabeth finally.

Already starting to grow sleepy, Elora nodded with a dreamy sigh. "What? This place or that lovely shiner you're sporting?"

Elizabeth grimaced, lightly touched her bruised eye, and shoved her sister lightly. "You know what I mean."

Elora chuckled. "Yeah... I know. It's dumb- it's really, really dumb."

Elizabeth smiled and prodded her sister playfully. "Are you sure you're all right?"

Elora nodded and yawned. "Yeah- just tired. I'll feel better in the morning."

Elizabeth slid her Narnian shoes off and pulled her feet onto the bed, sitting cross-legged as she faced her sister. "You were great today." Elizabeth laughed. "If you could have seen the look on Alysia's face when we found her..." She shook her head.

"I'm just glad it wasn't me." Elora chuckled, "Can't say I've ever had to apologize to a king before." She sighed. "And I don't think I want to go through something like that ever again."

Marcus bid them goodnight and told Elora he'd be back in the morning to check on her. It was growing dark now and, with the last rays of the Narnian sun shining softly into the room, Elora and Elizabeth whispered and giggled with one another- until, at last, they fell asleep.

The other Campbell Children were not in for so quiet an evening. Upon reaching their new rooms, they were met by a number of nymphs who smiled and laughed as they directed the Campbells towards steaming baths the size of a small swimming pool. Once everyone had donned some light swimming garments, they all scrubbed themselves clean until their skin glowed, their hair shone, and their hands and feet were as wrinkled as raisins.

The nymphs found them all some casual clothing for the evening and they discovered, upon entering their sleeping quarters, an enormous room with a large table set by a roaring hearth. With Narnian slippers cushioning their feet and Narnian garments warming their squeaky clean bodies- all felt energetic and much better then they had during their 'trial' with Peter.

The table was piled high with all sorts of Narnian foods, with meats and pastries, golden goblets filled with sweet drinks and bowls filled with biscuits and sugary candies.

"This is better then Thanksgiving!" Maria exclaimed, eyeing the table with wonder.

Tyler's eyes seemed about at the point of bursting from his head. Michelle reminded them to say their prayers... just before they stampeded the table with fleeting thoughts of hungry desire coursing through their famished bodies.

"Does this dress make my butt look big?"

Elora glanced up from her breakfast to regard the voice of her sister.

Marcus had come early that morning with Fania bearing two trays filled with lavish breakfasts for the two sisters. The nymphs had been sewing like crazy since the Campbells had arrived, and Elora and Elizabeth had both received three new gowns each since the previous night.

Elora studied Elizabeth, who was staring in a mirror with a frown on her face, as she twisted and turned to catch different angles of herself. The gown was a pale green- like young leaves, made from a soft, silky material. The lace trimmings were colored white, and the bodice crossed in front with a white satin belt tied at her waist.

Gulping down the last of what tasted similar to orange juice, Elora shook her head. "No... I think it's impossible to look fat in a dress like that."

Elizabeth smiled, took a bite into something akin to a cinnamon bun. "Maybe not."

Marcus knocked and, upon entering, he smiled- dark eyes twinkling with an inner sense of charisma. "Time to get you all wrapped up." He said. "You'll be having a busy day today."

Elora and Elizabeth exchanged glanced. "Really?" Elora asked curiously.

"Why?" Added Elizabeth, frowning at the faun.

Marcus set some bandages down on a table next to Elora's bed. "Did you think the High King would keep you wormed up in your room all day? Spring is almost upon us! Soon the snow will be melting and the flowers will be budding."

Elora slowly swung her feet over the edge of the bed. She looked a little nervous as she shook her head. "I don't think I can handle any more excitement, Marcus." She said, biting her lip and pulling her tunic over her shoulder so Marcus could bandage her cuts.

He chuckled, "All that your siblings showed was a lack of Narnian... knowledge perhaps? As they should- you are strangers to our land. But do not worry, King Peter has assigned them guides to help them avoid any... mischief."

"Are the kids awake yet?" Asked Elizabeth, sitting next to Elora now and sipping a cup of tea.

"No, I should think not. They were up until all hours of the night last night with a feast fit for kings."

Marcus had Elora bandaged up in no time and Elizabeth helped her into one of her new gowns. The one she chose was a creamy white with gold-colored trimmings. Elizabeth brushed and braided her sister's curly hair, per request, and Marcus tidied up his medical supplies. "You'll be able to join your siblings tonight now, Elora. You'll be back to your old self in no time." He said with a grin.

Elora was about to reply when there was a sudden knock at their door. Marcus rose to answer it while Elora finished getting ready. "What do you think we'll do today?" Asked Elizabeth as she made the finishing touches to her own hair.

"Well..." Began Elora thoughtfully, "I'll suppose we'll have to talk to Peter again at some point." she sighed. "We can't stay here forever- Mom and Dad will be worried sick." She paused, "Other then that, I'd love to get a better look at this place."

Marcus re-entered the room with an amused smile on his face. "Lady Elora?"

Elora glanced up at him in surprise, for he hadn't ever addressed her before using the term 'lady'.

"King Peter is here to see you."

At that moment, Peter entered, looking every inch a Narnian king and every inch the dreaming desire of any teenage girl alive. Sufficiently flustered, Elora struggled hurriedly to her feet while Elizabeth hooked her arm through her sister's.

"Good morning." He said, his eyes were bright and his smile kind.

The two sister's managed a reply in a mannerly fashion before he continued. Though, as he spoke, Elora's face reddened slightly, blood rushing to her pale cheeks.

Peter cleared his throat. "I hope I have not inconvenienced you in any way-"

"Not at all!" Responded Elizabeth quickly.

Nodding, he glanced pointedly at Elora. "I was wondering if you would like to join me for a walk?" His blue gaze met Elora's, nearly making her melt into the floor. "You have not been able to see our kingdom due to your illness- I thought perhaps I could give you a tour of Cair Paravel?"

Elora's face blanched- she had trouble enough with talking to boys in her own world- let alone a fictional character that she had drooled over since... well... forever.

"Lady Elizabeth, you would be more then welcome to accompany us." Peter added.

Elizabeth smiled at the stricken look on Elora's face. "Well... I don't have-" Elora elbowed her sister and gave her a pleading look. Elizabeth chuckled and cleared her throat. "I think the kids could live a little while longer without me." She gestured with a quick nod to Peter and Elora turned to the High King once more.

"Sounds great." She said, her voice rising just a little as she met Peter's warm gaze.

"Excellent... I shall send the nymphs at once to assist you with some warmer gear." He then left the room, saying he'd wait for them in the corridor, and Elora turned and hugged her sister tightly.

"Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!"

Elizabeth laughed as the nymphs entered the room, holding a pair of boots for each girl, and a navy cape for Elora and a brown one for Elizabeth. "But I don't understand- you did great yesterday without someone holding your hand."

Elora tied the cape strings about her neck and then moved to pull on her boots. "That was different." She replied, "All the kids were there and it wasn't like he was talking to me all by myself!"

Tying on her own cape, Elizabeth smiled. "You'll do fine."

Elora shook her head, her cheeks still red. "You don't understand! You're not the one who's been fantasizing over marrying that boy and having his children!"

Elizabeth patted her sister's shoulder, trying honestly to sympathize without bursting into laughter. "You're right." She replied.

"That's just sad."

Still sleeping all together in the same room- the rest of the Campbell Children awoke that next morning to three sets of fresh clothing piled neatly by each of their beds, a roaring fire in the hearth, and another steamy breakfast awaiting them at the large table.

Michelle squealed two or three times as she changed behind a changing curtain in one of the corners of the room. "What's wrong?" Asked Alysia after the third squeal.

"I have hips! Real hips!" Michelle danced out from behind the curtain and twirled. "Isn't it wonderful? I'm thinning out!" She turned and pointed to her posterior. "You see this butt? You'd better take a good look, cause you won't soon! At this rate, it will be too small for you to see by next week!"

Alysia shook her head in amusement. "Guess you could call it magic huh?"

Michelle nodded excitedly. "It's like I eat and I eat- but I never get any fatter. Isn't it wonderful?"

The brat pack was already munching greedily on their breakfasts. "I don't know about you." Anthony said, biting into a piece of toast. "But I could get very used to this."

"What do you think we'll do today?" Asked Maria as she polished her glasses and looked about the room for something to read.

"Don't know." Replied Cecilia. "But it better had be something good."

Fania entered, the clicking of her hooves was muffled by te thick carpets lining the floors. She wasn't carrying a spear today. Her thick hair had been brushed to a glossy glean and braided. She wore a tunic of maroon red and a vest over-top of soft, Narnian, leather emblazoned with the symbol of the great Lion on the front. Her chocolate skin gleamed in the late, morning light and she smiled when she saw them.

"Good morning, esteemed guests of the Kings and Queens of Narnia."

"Hi Fania." The children echoed, still enjoying their exquisite breakfast.

"Are you hungry?" Asked Cecilia, who had started to like Fania very much. "There are some cinnamon buns over here."

Fania, still trying to keep her 'regal' look, sniffed indignantly and stomped one of her front hooves. "No thank you." She said with an important air.

Saddened by her friend's refusal, Cecilia glanced around the table for something else to appease Fania's attempt at royal manners. Smiling, she offered the young centauress a small plate. "Sugar cubes?"

Fania's blue eyes lit up and she trotted over excitedly to the table. "Perhaps... just a few..." She said lightly, her voice tingling with excitement. She took the plate from Cecilia and began to delightedly pop the sugar cubes into her mouth, her multi-colored tail swishing in happiness.

"What are we going to do today, Fania?" Asked Alysia, who had finished eating and was now brushing some stray crumbs from her dress, which was the same maroon color as Fania's tunic. Fania looked up at the children, munching still on sugar cubes.

"Oh- right. King Peter has arranged for a few Narnians to give you a tour of the castle. On a proper tour- the kind in which no one can be accused of assassinating anybody." She glanced pointedly at Alysia and the second eldest Campbell blushed.

"It was an accident." She mumbled lowly, wishing she could somehow go back in time and erase the events of the previous day.

Fania placed the empty plate regretfully back on the table and knickered something that sounded like a mixture between a 'snort' and a 'chuckle'. "Well, the High King has expressed his sincere wishes to avoid any more such... incidents. So, when everybody's ready, I'll be obliged to take you where you like."

"If you don't mind us asking Fania, where are Queen Lucy and Queen Susan anyway?" Asked Grace.

"In the souther kingdoms I think..." Answered Fania, she paused, "... but King Edmund said they sent word by hyppogriff of your arrival. So you might yet get a chance to meet them before you leave."

They looked up abruptly. "Leave?" The Campbells asked in unison, glancing at their mountains of still unfinished food and, some, glanced fondly at their beautiful clothing.

Fania nodded, "Of course, you still have to go home don't you? The High King has suggested that we help you search for your way home once the snow melts."

"He did?" Asked Michelle in surprise and the other children murmured similar questions.

Fania whinnied brightly and then laughed. "Of course! You didn't think you could live at the palace forever did you?"

"When did Peter decide all of this?" Demanded Michelle, her eyes narrowing at the thought of the High King deciding their fate in this place.

Fania's eyes widened. "Oh- I forgot to tell you! Peter discussed this with your sister this morning."

"Which one?" Asked Anthony, holding up seven fingers to represent the numerous females in his family.

Fania shook her head with amusement as she watched how the children eyed each other suspiciously. "No silly... your oldest sister- the one who's been ill. King Peter asked her to take a walk with him and they-" She paused, "You didn't know about any of this... did you?"

"NO!" They said loudly.

"Where is Elora now?" Maria asked.

"And where's Elizabeth?"

Fania shrugged, a smiled reappearing on her face. "I'm not sure... but I guess you'll find out soon enough."

"Why is that?" Asked Alysia.

"Because you're going ice-skating today. This is the last day before the ice starts to melt so the High King insisted."

A/N: Well, well, well. Semester stars on Tuesday and here I am posting another chapter. Fania is one of my favorite characters by the way, she's very spunky and brave- but also very childish and immature, which I like. Centuars are always looking too stuffy anyway. :)

Character List:

Elora: Oldest, clumsy, writer, age: 16

Alysia: 2nd oldest, Boy Crazy, likes to talk, Age: 15

Elizabeth: Singer, Boy Crazy Age: 14

Michelle: Boy Crazy, More Reserved, Loves Romance Age: 14

Anthony: Hates Chores/Work, Likes to Play, Has a fresh mouth, Leader of the Brat Pack Age: 13

Grace: Very Pretty, Shy, Trips a lot, Age: 12

Maria: Smart, Cute, Likes to make people laugh Age: 10

Cecilia: Saucy, Rides Horses, Member of the Brat Pack Age: 8

Tyler: Youngest, Doesn't speak well, Finder of Narnia, Member of the Brat Pack Age: 7

Mom: Beautiful, Smart, Everything a mother should be. Age: Perfect

Dad: Handsome, Strong, Smart, Everything a father should be Age: Perfect

Uwey: Senile, Old, Likes to Bite horses, Age: Ancient