Narnia:

When Children Cry

Part IV

DISCLAIMER: Ok, you know I don't own this.

This is the chapter you've all been waiting for. Gosh, I didn't even think I'd get this far. I usually never end my books, and this one... I think I'm going all the way. LucyTumnus romance is actually beginning! If you approve, show me by dropping a review... You don't have to, it's just a request, and this chapter made me so happy. Now I can finally start toying with their emotions... muahahaha...

It took me thirty-five chapters,and I've done it. But the story isn't ending here. Oh, no, this is just the beginning...

Chapter Thirty-Six

The Truth Won't Die Again

Lucy smiled, settling herself down into Mr. Tumnus' chair; the chair specially reserved for friends. She needed to tell him what happened with Corin before her title ceremony, and she especially needed to ask him...

Taking a sip of chamomile, she closely observed him. Things were finally beginning to resolve comfortably after the defeat of the Winged Army, and many Narnian soldiers had suffered disfiguring badges of bravery. For all his efforts in battle, Tumnus had altered his pleasant appearance little. At a glance, one would notice the two streaks of silver on either side of his head; a result, no doubt, from the trauma of battle, though she could remember little of the experience. She did recall with a singing clarity being clutched scathingly by the hair, eyes fixated on Tumnus, an urgency in the moment. Tumnus could apparently not remember anything more.

The only other mark of battle was a little, thin scar that intertwined the ivory brand with the amber of his right eyebrow. Smiling approvingly at it, Lucy made a mental note that it made him, on the whole, a rather dashing man.

Faun, she thought hard, boring the word into her mind. He's a faun, he's a faun, not a man—

But the words helped her not, and she then noticed a mark that she felt sure no one else had... perhaps they could not. There was a glint in his eye, a sprightly shine that spangled adventure and mischief.

'I am glad,' said Tumnus with more openness and lively spirit than he'd shown in a long time, 'that you were able to stop by this afternoon. Tea is always just as calming as it was meant to be, but is ever so much more gratifying with company.'

'Couldn't have put it better myself,' Lucy agreed.

'Butter cookie?' he asked, holding out a platter. Lucy smiled, nodded, and plucked a fat crumpet from the silver platter. 'And you do make such excellent company.'

'Thank you.' Things were going in an unusually cheery manner today, and anyone could see behind her own mask. Tumnus, however, was rather as endearing as ever, seeming quite oblivious to the fact that things were going altogether too perfectly.

Letting the riant expression fall from her face, Lucy set down her cup of tea solemnly with the savory butter cookie beside it. 'Tumnus, I must ask you something,' she intoned seriously.

Tumnus looked up, then frowned incredulously at her face. 'Lucy, whatever is the matter?'

'Well, it's just...' Lucy paused, then continued. 'Well, we – that is to say, my sister and brothers and I – are travelling to Archenland quite soon.'

Tumnus' eyes grew dullcast as he glanced down. 'I know.'

'I just... well, I... I hoped you might want to come with us. With me.'

Still staring acutely at the green carpet, his lips curved up in a wry smile. 'I don't think Corin will be too excited at the thought of me attending your wedding.'

Lucy swallowed and leaned forward to make her words better heard. 'Tumnus, I'm... I'm not marrying Corin.'

Tumnus' head shot upward, feeling a funny jolt in the pit of his stomach. His eyes widened as he mouthed wordlessly, looking so much like a beached fish that Lucy would have laughed under different circumstances. After all his efforts, all he could say was, 'No?'

Lucy shook her head.

'Why... Why not?'

She sighed. 'Tumnus, my intelligence equals nothing near yours, and you still cannot see it? There is too much of a difference between Corin and myself. He is far too... Oh, I don't know!' she exclaimed, frustrated. 'Maybe it's the fact that he's eight years younger, or that he's too arrogant and controlling, or... or...' Lucy broke off, shaking her head violently. 'I don't love him; we're just too different! For my country, for Narnia, I would marry without love. But I can't stand him.' Her temper slowed, Lucy sank backwards into her chair. 'He is a good enough friend, that much is true, but if I am to spend my life with one person and marry them and have children and live a happy life, I just can't do it with someone like him!' she finished.

❦

In her mind, she recalled having to tell Corin the truth. It was a most awkward situation, for she'd dragged him into a corner of her room without thinking that she wasn't fully clothed.

'Lucy!' Corin had gasped, shielding his eyes extravagantly. 'I ask that you button your dress, or at least warn me next time you decide to attack me indecently, or –'

'Corin,' she'd said calmly, clutching his collar, 'I could say this in a million different ways, many of them longer yet all of them kinder, but that would take too long. I am already hoping it's not too late, but you must know: I can't marry you.'

Corin had ceased covering his eyes and looked at her directly in the face. His eyes glittered, and he'd said softly, 'Thank you.' He'd kissed her platonically on the forehead, then drew back laughing.

'What?' she'd said, a grin swelling on her face.

'Given the circumstances, that was probably not the best thing to do,' he chuckled. 'And, also given the circumstances, you really should button your dress.'

❦

Recalling the memory, Lucy sat forward again in her chair, looking intently at Tumnus' face. 'I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable, but you would've found out one way or another, and I wanted you to hear it from me.'

Tumnus smiled gently, taking her hand and pouring comfort into it. 'Is there anything I can do?' he whispered.

'Oh, Tumnus,' she sighed, and they both stood, Lucy wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders, 'you have done enough for me.'

They stood there for an age, breathing as one, unmoving, simply being. But it had to end, and end it did, soon enough.

'Look at me,' said Lucy, laughing shakily. 'I'm such a wreck. I'm terribly sorry, Tumnus.'

'That's quite all right,' he consoled, and squeezed her hand comfortingly.

'I should go,' she said, lifting her skirts slightly to walk. 'I'm due back at the Cair for supper.'

'Allow me to escort you,' Tumnus offered.

'Oh, no, that won't be necessary,' she smiled, and was content with permitting Tumnus to hold open the door for her as she left.

'I shall see you soon, I expect?' she said, stepping outside.

'I should hope so. Friends shouldn't be parted for too long.' He smiled again and watched her leave, the green hem of her dress skimming the earth behind her. With a sigh, he closed the door and leaned against it, resting his head on the wood grain. He remembered being so flustered at her news that he'd quite forgotten to answer her invitation to Archenland. She must think him rude now.

She isn't getting married to Corin, chanted a voice in his mind.

Recalling the funny jolt in his stomach as Lucy had spoke to him, Tumnus was aware of a suspicion that had threatened to arise many times before.

No, he told it. She is a Queen of Narnia, and I am... I'm just a faun! This can't happen again, I won't let it!

But no matter what he told himself, he couldn't deny it any longer. The issue had come up too many times to be ignored, and now, it seemed as though Fate had confronted him in a duel, and he couldn't back down now.

He had to admit it to himself, after months – years, even.

The truth was dangerous, but the lies and agony were behind him and he couldn't go back, even if he tried.

Aslan help me, I love her.