Before we start, I just want to say that I think it's extremely funny how there was more of an outcry over the cliffi in the last chapter than there was for the cliffi at the end of chapter 8, when we didn't know the state of Ava's health. That just makes me chuckle...hehehe
I have already started typing up the final chapter for this part! Yay and a little sniffle. There will be 21 chapters just so you know, and chapter 19 will be a doozy! It's over 4,200 words! WOW! Chapter 20 is pretty large too, so be prepared.
The * indicate direct quotes from the movie, while the ^ indicates direct quotes from the book. Hope you all enjoy! And thanks so much for all the reviews and stuff; I've broken 100 reviews for this story! That's totally awesome! I love you all!
The Naiad Trilogy
Part 2: The Naiad and Her King
Chapter 18
*"You are most beautiful,"* Caspian said, barely above a whisper.
Ava felt her heart sink to her toes. "Beautiful?" she thought. Ava remembered clearly what Caspian really meant when he said beautiful. "For you see, what truly makes a lady beautiful in my eyes is not only her looks, but her character also….My Queen will not only be fair to look at, she will be the full embodiment of beautiful." Caspian had only ever called her beautiful; even the great Queen Susan he only considered fair-faced. "You're beautiful, Ava, truly beautiful, in every sense of the word." He had told her that in the Duke's estate on Doorn after their kiss. Now he found Liliandil most beautiful?
Ava studied Caspian's face carefully. Could he really mean what he said, or was he under some enchantment? Some power of the star?
No. He wasn't.
Ava knew Caspian well, and she knew he was being completely earnest in his feelings. What's more, he was completely enraptured with the star. She had seen that look on his face before; it was when he told her she was beautiful. And now he was saying it to the star. Suddenly Ava felt a dangerous fire flare up inside her, and she fought desperately to keep it at bay.
"Ava?" Lucy whispered her friend's name quietly, but Caspian still heard and he tore his eyes away from the star briefly to look back at Ava. "Are you alright?" Lucy asked.
Ava's eyes met Caspian's for only a second before she harshly looked away. "I'm fine." Ava's eyes met the star's and she couldn't help but to feel remorse for her hateful thoughts of the girl. "Please, forgive us for not eating, but we feared the food might be enchanted and that it sent our friends to their sleep."
"^They have never tasted it,^ young Naiad," Liliandil responded kindly.
"Then what happened to them?" Lucy asked.
"The poor men were half mad and almost fully starved when they arrived here seven years ago. They quarreled over what they should do next and they threatened violence upon each other. One took up the stone knife and meant to fight with it, ^but it is a thing not right for him to touch. And as his fingers closed upon the hilt, deep sleep fell upon all the three.^ Please, eat. *The food is for you. There is enough for all who are welcome at Aslan's table.*" Liliandil raised her hands and the candles were lit.
"And what about these, Lords?" Lucy asked. *"Will they ever wake?"*
*"When all is put right. Come, there is little time."* With that, Liliandil turned and began to walk away. Caspian was quick to follow, still entranced by the girl; Edmund and Lucy followed soon after, while Ava came last. Drinian and the crew stayed behind to enjoy the feast prepared for them.
XOXOX
"There it is. Dark Island," Drinian said solemnly from behind the wheel. After eating a full meal and a good night's sleep, or at least the attempt of one, the Dawn Treader and her crew had set out for Dark Island; it was just a short sail from the island of Ramandu. Liliandil had shown them the island the night before and confirmed what they must do to break the spell. They had to find the final lord and his sword, and he was somewhere inside Dark Island.
"Who do suppose is behind it?" Lucy asked.
Ava shook her head. "We may never know. Remember what Coriakin said. It has the ability to take on any form, and it can give life to our darkest fears."
"Then we must not think of them," Caspian said as he stepped up beside Ava and placed a hand on her shoulder. He knew what fear she had been thinking of. "We must be strong. Today, we do not face a single enemy, but we face the very essence of fear." He looked over to Edmund, *"Let's get ready."*
At his touch Ava felt a swarm of warm confidence flood her, but as soon as his hand left she was left feeling cold once more. Ava had been one of those who attempted sleep last night, but it seemed to elude her. As a result Ava had plenty of time to think about Caspian and Liliandil. The attraction between the two could not be denied; he had hardly left her side all night.
Ava was still not overjoyed with Caspian choosing another Queen, but what choice did she have when she refused to believe the other option was even possible. To put it simply, Ava was confused. She knew she loved Caspian and she was certain that she would never feel this way about anyone else, but could she really part with her magic? One thing Ava had decided on during the night, was that if being with Liliandil made Caspian happy then she would have to accept their love.
"Princess, Ava," Rynelf gently interrupted Ava's thoughts. "His Majesty would like to see you in the State Room."
"Thank you, Rynelf," Ava replied softly with a nod of her head.
Ava quickly and quietly made her way to the State Room; she had been meaning to pull her hair back in case there was a fight anyways. She knocked softly on the second set of doors and it was promptly answered by Edmund. With a small, encouraging smile, Edmund traded places with Ava as he left the room and she entered.
"You asked to see me?" Ava said.
"Yes, I wanted to see...I just... I wanted to apologize," Caspian stumbled over his words; he didn't know exactly what he was going to say he just knew it needed to be said. "I know I've been distant these last few days and I wanted you to know that it wasn't because...it's not..."
"I know, Caspian. I know why...I sort of heard a bit of what you and Edmund were talking about on Dragon Island. I didn't hear everything, just enough."
"Oh. You heard. So then you know...?"
"Yeah, I know."
"Is it working?"
"Ah... no," she thought. Ava couldn't tell him that so she nodded her head silently.
Caspian smiled feebly. "You not a good liar, Ava."
"Sorry."
"Don't apologize for that; it's one of the many things that I lo...it's one of the things that make you, you."
There was a slight moment of semi-awkward silence between them. Ava knew what Caspian had been about to say. She'd almost forgotten how easy it was to slip back into their casual banter and she wished it didn't have to end. But she knew it would, eventually, or else they would never move on.
But wait! What if they didn't have to move on? What if Caspian had called her back here to do more than just apologize? What if Caspian didn't want to choose Liliandil over her? There was only one way to find out. If Ava was wrong, then the truth would hurt, but she had to try. She turned her face away from Caspian so she would not have to see his reaction in case it was what she feared.
"Liliandil was quite pretty wasn't she? Exquisite...perhaps even beautiful?"
"She was beautiful," Caspian responded dreamily and without hesitation. "She was..." he paused as he realized Ava's implications. "She was beautiful, yes."
Ava felt her heart plummet all over again and a flurry of ravenous jealousy consumed her. She was glad that her back was to Caspian for he could not see her face either as her eyes swelled with tears. She cast her gaze to the golden image of the Great Lion and felt his strength renew hers. Ava bit back her tears and spoke evenly.
"She would make an excellent Queen."
"I am certain she would."
Ava nodded weakly before turning around and offering even a weaker smile.
"Ava," Caspian reached out for her.
"Don't worry about me, Caspian. I'll be fine."
"And what of us?" He stepped closer to her.
Ava took in a shaky breath. "Whatever happens...you will always be my greatest companion." Caspian nodded, somewhat sadly, in understanding. "Now, I do believe we have Lord Rhoop and his sword to find. The men will be wanting a short speech, words of encouragement from their King."
"Your father usually writes my speeches for me."
"Well, I suppose you will have to do this one on your own. I know you will do just fine. Just...let your heart guide you." Caspian cocked an eyebrow at her in bewilderment. "Go. I'll be right there; I just want to pull my hair back before I leave." Ava pushed him towards the doors.
"You are wonderful, Ava," Caspian said before he walked out. Once he was gone, Ava let a few silent tears fall before composing herself and following after him.
XOXOX
Caspian gave a riveting speech, or at least he thought he did. Judging by the reaction of the crew and the proud look on Edmund's face he supposed he was right. He followed Ava's advice as best he could, but he could not follow it fully. Ava had told him to follow his heart, but his heart was leading him to something he could not have: Ava. He had not been lying when he said Liliandil was beautiful; she was, and he was sure that she would make a great Queen. But was she or could she ever be as beautiful as Ava? Caspian didn't think so, but how could he tell Ava that when she was so set on her magic?
After the crew's enthusiastic cries of "for Narnia" died down, Caspian walked across the deck to stand behind Drinian on the poop deck. Ava stood slightly in front of him towards the stairs. Edmund and Lucy stood with the crew on the main deck, while Reepicheep rode on Eustace. Dark Island stood directly before them, steadily growing nearer. As they approached the fog grew thick and the Green Mist floated freely around the ship.
This was the moment they had been preparing for. The crew knew the mist would try to get inside their heads and mess with their minds; they had to remain strong. Each crew member saw something different as the mist passed over them. Rhince saw his missing wife. Edmund saw the White Witch. Caspian heard his father, and Ava saw Caspian with Liliandil.
"He never loved you," Liliandil said. "How could he? Why would he choose you when he could have a star? You will lose everything."
"No," Ava whispered. "You're wrong. I know that's not true."
Caspian heard Ava whispering and he saw the tears roll down her cheek. He didn't know for sure what she was seeing, but he had a suspicion. He stepped up next to her gently squeezed her hand to reassure her. It seemed to work as the tears ceased their falling and she squeezed his hand back.
They sailed deeper into the fog and the Green Mist parted, momentarily defeated.
XOXOX
*"Keep away!"* a man's desperate voice called out in the dark. *"Keep away!"*
*"Who's there?"* Edmund asked the desperate voice.
*"We do not fear you!"* Caspian added.
*"No I you,"* the voice responded.
Edmund grabbed his torch and shined its light over the starboard side. He scanned the length of the ship and at last saw something worth seeing. A man with a straggly beard and raggedy, torn clothing stood on a lone rock, and in his hand he held a sword. Edmund's torch light reflected off the blade and Edmund knew at once what the man held. Caspian too recognized the sword for what it was and he knew the man was none other than Lord Rhoop.
*"Stand down,"* Caspian ordered the crew who were ready to strike. "We need to get him on board."
Before the crew could do anything to pull Lord Rhoop in, Eustace, who had been flying over head, had heard everything and he swooped down and picked the lord up with his feet and carefully set him down on the deck of the Dawn Treader. It took some gentle words and coaxing to calm the frightened lord, but one look at Caspian's face assured the lord that Caspian was King.
*"My Lord, you should not have come. There's no way out of here. Quickly, turn this ship about before it's too late,"* Lord Rhoop urged desperately.
*"We have the sword; let's go!"* Edmund agreed.
Caspian was not going to argue that point and he promptly instructed Drinian to turn the ship around and leave. But before Drinian could do anything, Lord Rhoop felt it necessary to remind the crew once more not to think about their fears. No one had been thinking of their fears until Lord Rhoop told them not to. Edmund had not meant to do it. He didn't even think it was really one of his fears, but the instant the thought popped into his head he knew it could only mean trouble.
*"Oh no,"* Edmund moaned.
*"Edmund? What did you just think of?"* Lucy asked with trepidation.
*"Oh, I'm sorry."* Edmund rushed to the port side and looked over into the water. He prayed silently with all his might that his thought did not register and that they could safely leave the island, but then he saw two round hump-like rocks sink into the ocean and he knew it was too late.
"What was that?" a crewman asked, but before Edmund could answer him and warn them all of the danger he had put them in something bumped into the boat knocking everyone down to the deck. Ava had nearly toppled overboard from where she was standing, but a swift grab from Caspian saved her. He held her arm tightly and pulled her back away from the edge and to his side.
*"It's too late! It's too late!"* Lord Rhoop cried out in despair.
"It's gone back under the boat!" another crewman called out.
Everyone turned around to look across the deck when there was a giant splash from the port side. They caught a glimpse of large green tail with spiked webbed endings before it crashed back into the ocean. A ferocious, high pitched screeching brought their attention to the head of a tall serpent-like creature which towered above the mast. It had two large eyes pinched together in a scowl on what would be its face. In its mouth were at least two rows of very sharp, fang-like teeth. The water which dripped from the tentacles around its mouth made it look like the creature was salivating at the sight of a tasty snack.
"Really Ed? A sea serpent? You had to think of a sea serpent?" Ava asked.
"And it's even uglier than I imagined," Edmund replied.
P.S. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II was AWESOME! Loved it! Can't wait for the DVD!