It had been at least 3 weeks since Lorelei had seen the "magnificent" king Peter. Good riddance too, was her only thought. Although for some reason she couldn't help unconsciously glancing towards the trees in hopes that he should visit again.

She and Eli had just finished practiced stick warfare. While he was packing up, Eli casually yelled over his shoulder,

"Oh yeah, the royal family has invited me, you, and Aslan to come dine with them tomorrow evening."

"WHAT?" Lorelei panted out as she quickly moved out of her resting spot in the shade and stood in front of Eli.

"You mean I have to see that… that… BRIT again? Well I refuse to go."

"Kid, come on. They're the royal family. Besides Aslan really wants you to go."

"Fine." Lorelei tossed over her shoulder as she stormed out of their clearing and into the thick thicket of woods around it. "But only because of Aslan."

"Yeah" Eli said with a secret smile. "Only because of Aslan."

As Lorelei made her way through the forest, she couldn't help but feel a strange mood of elation. Could it be because she would see Peter again in just a short fortnight and an afternoon?

"Of course not", she told herself. "He is nothing to me and never will be." Even as she said this, she subconsciously envisioned his sea colored eyes and the feel of his hard body on hers.

As she walked further on she heard crying just about at the entrance of the forest. It sounded like a young girl.

Running towards through the rest of the woods, she saw a young girl sitting down and crying into her hands.

"What's wrong little one?" Lorelei asked. She had always had a weak spot for children in distress.

The little girl gasped at having been discovered. Her attire was a simple sky blue dress that stopped at her knees. Her sandals were adorned with golden leaves, as was the tiara on her shiny brown hair. The setting sun emphasized the tears sparkling in her blue eyes. She looked to be about 12.

Upon seeing Lorelei's concerned look, she ran to her and buried her face in her upper thigh as a fresh wave of tears came out.

"They still think of me as a babe", she mewled.

"I'm a ruler too. My opinion counts."

"What's your name?" Lorelei asked.

"Me name's Lucy. But everyone calls me Lu; well just my family, but you can call me it too on account of you being concerned about me. They don't even care. What shall I call you?" All traces of tears were gone from the girl's face and she smiled happily up at Lorelei.

"My name is Lorelei. But you can call me Lori. That's what my mother used to call me."

"Well it's great meeting you Lori." Lucy said enthusiasticly as she shook her hand vigorously. The two girls began laughing at the newfound friendship. After talking about random things, Lorelei noticed the girl rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"Oh, Lu don't you think you should be heading home? I'm sure your family is worried sick about you."

"Oh my! You're right. I didn't realise it had gotten so late. Would you mind walking me halfway Lori? I'm… I'm a bit afraid of the dark."

"Sure. Only if you promise to tell your family how you feel. I guarantee you that they'll listen after this little stunt."

The two walked for a while before they heard the sound of a worried girl's voice.

"Lucy! Lucy! Where are you? I'm sorry we didn't listen to you. We'll try harder, I promise. Just please come home!"

"That's Susan, my older sister!" Lucy yelled as she ran towards the direction of the voice. She ran to a slightly tall young woman with long brown hair who was dressed in clothes similar to Lucy's.

"Susan relax. It's alright. Lori took good care of me. She walked me here."

The girl named Susan peered through the darkness and tried to find the girl her sister was rambling about. For some reason, Lorelei decided to hide in the shadows. She had just realized this was Peter's family. Why she was hiding, however, she had no idea.

"Lucy, you silly goose, there's no one out there. Are you trying to play a trick on me? I guess I deserve it for not trying to let you talk. Oh, Peter and Edmund will be so relieved. Edmund was worried his teasing had gotten to you again."

But Lucy wasn't listening. She was too busy trying to look for Lorelei in the distance. Why did she hide? Did she just make her up? Or maybe she was one of the mystical Narnian creatures she hadn't meet yet.

"Well come on Lu. Let's get you something hot in your belly," Susan said holding out her hand.

Lucy hesitated and peered somemore. Finally, with a sigh, she grabbed Susan's hand and walked off.

A/N: soooo sorry for the long hiatus. I missed ya mates! We have finally settled in our new flat. My internet is up so I should be able to update sooner. Also feel free to send some ideas or questions about the story.! Ta'! Live long and prosper!