OK, so I was going to wait another day or two for this... but I just couldn't help it. So, here is an extra special treat, chapter 2! Enjoy! (I hope)

The Naiad Trilogy

Part 2: The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 2

"Oh!" Ava took in a great gasp of air in surprise as she looked upon her target. "Caspian, she's beautiful! She's breath taking! Simply stunning! I can't seem to find the right words to describe her."

"So you like her then?" Caspian questioned sarcastically.

"I believe, Sire, that would be an understatement," Lord Drinian replied. Caspian's smile grew wider and Ava let out a little laugh.

"Honestly, Caspian, I don't know what to say," Ava said.

"Well that's a first," Caspian teased.

"Oh stop." Ava hit his arm playfully. "Have you thought of a name for her yet?"

"I have thought of many names. But after giving it a considerable amount of thought, I believe I have settled on the name Dawn Treader. It seemed most appropriate seeing as how she will be sailing eastward in about a month's time."

Ava turned her eyes back to the target before her: a magnificent ship sitting just out to sea at the end of the quay. She had an open-mouthed dragon's head at her prow and the tail at her stern. The jade green wings of the dragon stretched nearly half the length of the ship. Ava found herself breathless before the sight of it. She had known for several months that Caspian was building a ship and planning a trip to the east, but he had kept the details of the ship a secret even from her. He sought the aid of the trees, Dr. Cornelius, and even the River God for a magical concealment hiding the ship from view. Only those who were building the ship could see it. Now, at last, Caspian has allowed Ava to see the final product before the rest of the citizens.

"A month's time, really? You plan to leave that soon?" Ava asked, looking back at Caspian.

"Ava, I do not think I could hold back my excitement much longer." And in truth, Caspian looked the most excited he'd ever been.

"Who will be her captain?"

"That honor would be mine, Princess," Drinian said as he gazed adoringly upon the magnificent vessel.

"A finer choice you could not have made, Caspian. And what of her first mate, who should have that honor?"

"Look at you! Been doing a bit of reading, have you?" Caspian asked.

"Oh Caspian, I have been as nearly as excited as you about this voyage. Of course I would do my research. And even if I weren't excited about it, I would have had to research it anyways just to keep up with all your talk."

Caspian let out a hearty laugh before finally answering Ava's question. "Drinian and I have discussed the matter of 'first mate' quite often, but we have yet to make a decision."

"If I may be so bold as to offer my opinion…"

"I would expect nothing less from you, Ava."

"…I would suggest Tavros. He is most loyal to Your Majesty, and for a Minotaur I find his heart to be quite light. The thrill of a sea voyage would please him to no end." Ava continued on as if she hadn't heard Caspian's sly remark.

"Not to mention he would be quite the sight to behold if we were to run into any unfriendly vessels," Drinian added.

"That he would," said Caspian. "I will take your opinion into consideration, Princess."

"That is all I ever ask of thee, Your Highness," Ava said rather former like earning her a glare from Caspian; to which she responded with an innocent smile.

Ava sighed and looked back at the ship. "She is most beautiful."

"Would you like to see more of her?" Caspian asked. "I could take you on board if you like? Show you around."

"Oh Caspian! That would be wonderful!" Ava exclaimed.

Caspian held out an arm in invitation to Ava and she quickly wrapped her arm through his. Together the three friends walked to the end of the quay and climbed aboard the grand ship. Caspian showed Ava around the main deck and the forecastle first. Ava marveled at the intricate details and inlaid carvings of the apple wood deck. She ran her fingers gently over the carved wooden Fauns holding the bell, amazed at how life-like they looked. She stared up at the top of the main mast where she saw what appeared to be a lamp post like that of Lantern Waste.

Next Caspian led Ava through two sets of double doors with stained glass windows and golden handles. This, Caspian informed her, was the Royal State room where Caspian would bunk. Ava was mesmerized by the paintings that lined the walls as she walked about the cabin. Directly to Ava's left there was a golden plate of the Great Lion's head and mane. Following along the same wall was a picture which depicted the Kings and Queen's of Old riding through the wood, and beside it was a picture of a noble Centaur blowing his horn on the battle field. Ava then came to more stained glass windows and double glass doors which opened onto a balcony.

Following back up the wall towards the main entrance was a painting depicting a snowy winter scene and a young Daughter of Eve conversing with a Faun; this, of course, was the young Queen Lucy and her first Narnian friend Mr. Tumnus. The picture Ava came to next took her breath away more than any other. It was of the Great River, and in the river were two figures. One figure was that of an old man with weeds hanging from his face like a beard; Ava knew this figure to be her ancestor, the River God. The other figure was of a beautiful blonde maiden with clear blue eyes. Ava hadn't made it completely around the room, but this picture drew her to a stop and she turned around to face Caspian.

"It seemed only fitting to have the Naiad Princess aboard a sailing vessel, even if only in ink," Caspian said softly.

"It's beautiful, Caspian," Ava replied just as softly. She smiled at him quietly before speaking again. "Where exactly will she be sailing to?"

"We can show you the planned voyage best in the map room," Drinian answered.

Ava followed Caspian and Drinian back through the double doors to the main deck. They climbed the stairs on the port side to the poop deck, Ava's eyes lingered upon the detail of the wheel and the two carved fish which held it up, before entering another cabin. Ava looked about the room and saw that the walls were lined with maps of Narnia and the surrounding land. Meanwhile, Drinian rolled out a large map on the table.

"First we sail to Galma," Drinian said as he pointed to an island just off of Narnia on the map. "I expect to arrive there the day after we leave. The Duke will be expecting us and has promised our time at port to be an enjoyable affair. From there we make way to Terebinthia, and after spending a few days at port there we sail north to the Seven Isles. Then south and east to the Lone Islands."

"And how long should all that take?" Ava asked.

"If all goes well a month, give or take a few days."

"I see no more islands beyond those of the Lone Islands. Are you to return home then?"

"No," Caspian answered. "We will continue to sail eastward. It is my desire to learn of the fates of all seven of the Lords my uncle sent away. I will not stop until I have."

"But Caspian… that could take many months."

"I am aware of that, Ava. But I must find them."

Ava nodded; she knew how he felt about the matter. "And what of me, Caspian?" Ava smiled sweetly. "What shall I do while you are gone all this time? But more importantly…" Ava paused as her smile turned into a smirk. "How will you ever get along without me for so long?"

Caspian and Drinian both chuckled, Drinian out of amusement and Caspian in an attempt to mask his true reaction: dread. Had she discovered his secret fear?

It had been seventeen months since the end of the war with the giants, and Caspian and Ava's friendship had only intensified. A couple of months after the war ended, Ava had decided to live as a Lady of the Court and she was given lodgings at the newly restored Cair Paravel where she still resided. Ava and Caspian ate meals together and spent much of their waking hours at each other's side. The main reason Caspian had kept the details of the Dawn Treader a secret from Ava is because he wanted to see the joy on her face when at last she did see it, and because he enjoyed teasing her about it. Her smile brought joy to his heart and shined like the sun. How could he live without that light?

"Oh Caspian, she is truly a lovely ship," Ava said dreamily. "I am certain you will have a marvelous adventure. I will pray that Aslan will return you safely to Narnia." Ava smiled brightly before turning to leave the map room.

Suddenly Caspian realized he couldn't live without the light of Ava's smile, but before his mind could fully process this revelation his mouth had already opened and begun to form words. Unfortunately, they were neither coherent nor cohesive.

"How…? Do you…? What about," he stammered in a fashion that was unlike him.

"Caspian? Are you alright?" Ave asked as she turned back to look at Caspian.

"I believe," Drinian began, "that His Majesty is trying to extend an invitation."

"An invitation?"

"Thank you, Drinian," Caspian nodded his thanks. He took a deep breath before continuing. "Would you like to join us, Ava, on the voyage?"

Once more Ava found herself speechless. "Really? You—you want me to go?" She covered her mouth with her hands.

"Ava you are my greatest friend. Of course I would like for you to go."

"What is your answer, Princess? Will you join us?" Drinian asked when Ava did not respond immediately.

"I would be honored, Your Majesty," Ava answered with a curtsey. Then she rushed upon Caspian and threw her arms around his neck in an embrace.

XOXOX

The two swords came together with a clash.

"Keep your sword up, Ava," Caspian instructed as Ava barely held off his attack. "That's much better. Now attack a little faster…. Good, good."

For a few moments all that could be heard was the ringing of swords and the shuffling of feet. Ava and Caspian were practicing their swordsmanship; well, Ava was practicing and Caspian was instructing. Almost immediately following her tour upon the Dawn Treader, nearly a month ago now, Ava had asked Caspian to teach her how to sword fight. Ava and Caspian were still practicing when Drinian and Dr. Cornelius walked in.

"You're getting much better, Princess," Drinian said when Caspian and Ava finally paused.

"Drinian… I have told you…to call me Ava… but nevertheless, thank you." Ava said while trying to catch her breath. "Though, I should say that most of the credit goes to my excellent teacher."

"Don't count yourself short, Ava. You are a fast learner and an excellent pupil," Caspian commented, before taking her sword and putting it away.

"I still don't see why you feel you must learn to fight," Cornelius said in a worried tone.

"I told you, Father, it is for the voyage. I will be the only lady present," Ava explained once more.

"Yes, and you will be surrounded by skilled swordsmen and bowmen. You will be well protected."

"And why should I not be able to protect myself? Am I just to be a pretty face and nothing more? To smile my graces and flatter men with my company? The Queens of Old did not settle for that and neither will I, Father. Queen Lucy did not receive the name 'Lucy the Valiant' for nothing. And even Queen Susan was excellent with the bow."

Ava sighed. "Father, when I was a small child you read me the stories of the Golden Age, and when I was frightened you told me to be like Lucy the Valiant. I have strived for that every day. Why should I stop now?"

"I think she has won this argument, Dr. Cornelius," Drinian said.

"So it would seem," Cornelius replied, defeated.

"Father, I love you," Ava said tenderly as she placed a kiss on his wrinkled forehead. "But you must learn not to worry about me so much anymore."

"I shall not cease to worry about you until I have left this life and journeyed to Aslan's Country. You will understand when you have a daughter."

Ava conceded with a smile. "Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, dinner will be ready soon I imagine, and I must freshen up. After all, I am but a Lady."

"A title that seems fitting only when you desire it to be, I see," remarked Caspian.

"Exactly, my dear friend, it seems you are fast learner too." Ava grinned before walking away. When Caspian thought she was out of range he leaned down to whisper to Dr. Cornelius.

"Do not worry, Professor. I intend to make sure she stays well away from any sort of danger and fighting. I will lock her in the cabin if I have to."

Ava stopped abruptly and called out, "I heard that Caspian!" She paused and looked over her shoulder. "And you will do no such thing," she added before continuing on to her quarters.

XOXOX

Two days later, Ava and Caspian were once more boarding the Dawn Treader. This time though, it was to set sail. All of Narnia was present at the shore to bid their King and their Naiad Princess a Bon Voyage. Around eight of the clock in the morning, the Dawn Treader let her single large purple sail unfurl, and at once it caught a strong and steady westerly wind. The voyage had begun!