Orious and I moved faster than I thought was ever possible.
I had a feeling Aslan and the Deep Magic had a slight hand in our quick arrival to the battlefield. I made sure my hood was firmly in place, covering most of my face from view.
As we arrived we spotted that the trees had begun to take action and were fighting back alongide the Narnians. A large tree was hit and knocked down by a catapult thrown stone. I swung myself up into the air onto a high branch on one of the moving trees and sharply extended my arm. The tree on which I balanced shot out a root under the ground under my influence and destroyed the catapult. I patted the bark of the tree, "good work. I'll leave you to do the rest." After shooting off a couple of fire spells and a knockback spell at several Telmarines that had begun to sneak up on Edmund and Susan. I felt I was done for now, needing to rest for a moment as my powers were still coming back to me. At least my connection to the Deep Magic was now complete once more and that was a great comfort to me.
I lept from the tree and with a quick levitation spell, I gracefully landed on Orious back once more, "well done, my friend." I laughed and nodded, "lets go."
The Narnians broke out in wild cheers of excitement and victory at this achievement.
Peter seeing a new hope rise among the Narnians cried out for all to hear, "FOR ASLAN!"
The Telmarines were retreating into the forest, exclaiming, "To Beruna!" and "To the bridge!"
"Aslan is drawing near!" I stated to Orious as I felt Aslan's approaching presence. "Stick to the tree line, watch for stray Telmarines," I ordered.
Orious smirked, "as you wish, my lady." I didn't correct him as this time I could tell it was almost in a mocking way. I smiled, "lets do this. I want this over."
We reached the river before the Telmarines, we had taken out a few Telmarines who had thought it wise to take a short cut through the forest.
"What now?" asked Orious.
"Can you cross the river?"
"Through the water? Possibly. It may be too deep."
"I will help you."
Orious raced forward but his hooves only seemed to go in the water about half an inch, "how.." but he didn't finish as he glanced back at me, "you are getting stronger." It wasn't a question, so I felt no need to answer.
We continued forward until we reached the shore once more, "there!" I cried pointing to where I saw Aslan letting Lucy slid off his back. It reminded me of the first time we ever rode upon Aslan during the battle with the White Witch.
"Well?" questioned Aslan.
"I assume we did as you wished. Telmarines and Narnians are almost here."
Aslan smiled and nodded, "Yes, this is as I had planned. If you both had not shown up when you had I doubt this would have accured."
"You mean the Narnians would have lost the battle," I spoke softly not daring to believe it.
"The trees can only do so much, especially with the Dryads being peaceful creatures in the past. Your magic directed them in what to do and who to fight. They had been locked away inside themselves for far too long."
Aslan's logic was sound, so I nodded and glanced out into the break of trees to where I could now hear the loud shouts of soldiers, neighs and whinnies of horses and the cries and yells of Narnians chasing them.
Lucy strode forwards with confidence which made me feel quite proud of her. As she unsheathed her blade with a sly smile I calmly walked to her side, my identity still hidden by my hood. Though I was certain if anyone truly was paying attention they could easily tell it was me just by my staff. It was like my signature after all.
The Telmarines all watched us, quite confused and uncertain of what to do or what was to happen next. Lord Sopespian stood upon the bridge facing us ahead of the troops. I could just barely glimpse the Narnians behind the large Telmarine army. They were probably very confused as to what was happening as other than the giants and a couple of others, none of them would be able to see.
Lucy and I shared a look as Orious joined us, shortly followed by Aslan. Orious stood on my left Aslan to my right, with Lucy next to him.
Sopespian gave the order and the Telmarines came charging at us along the bridge and in the water.
Aslan looked at me and nodded his head to my left at the water, I suddenly felt his mind connect to mine, "Let us, as they say, flush them out. Use the water." I gave a smirk and nodded understanding. Together at the same time, I slammed my staff down onto the wood with such force and power that it caused it to crack and my staff to go through to touch the actual ground while Aslan roared. A burst of blue and white light burst across to the left from me while a giant ripple effect moved across the water from Aslan's roar.
The river begins to lower, I can feel the magical energy rising and it takes everything in me to control it but I know I can. Aslan's mind connects with mine giving me a boost as together put a stop the Telmarines.
"What is happening?!" this is just one of the yells I hear from the Telmarines as a giant wave makes it's way down the river in our direction.
"Retreat!" yells Sopespian but it was far too late for that.
The water rose and the smirk on my face grew as I manipulated the water into the form of the water God, which ever one, I didn't really care. Just how I imagined him from my study of mythology back at school in London.
Many of the Telmarines were trying to flee by jumping off the bridge into the water. I was certain the Narnians could see what was going on now.
I shared a look with Aslan, together we took a small step forward as we pushed our powers a bit further. The figure of the water God, reached forward with large hands of water, flooding the bridge and then lifted it high into the air. The ends of it crumbling into the water. Lord Sopespian was the only one left on the bridge, still sat upon his horse.
The figure of the elderly man of water, leaned the wood forward as it continued to splinter and shatter. Sopespian slashed at him with his sword but it did nothing but graze the water. He gave a loud scream of terror before he was swallowed up the God, his cries silenced. The Sea God collapsed back into the river with a humongous splash and the river leveled itself once more.
"Well done, my Little Lioness. You have truly become very powerful," complimented Aslan.
"That was you Dawnie! It was amazing! I thought only Aslan was that powerful," cried Lucy in amazement.
"I merely helped, Dear One," spoke Aslan with a soft chuckle.
"You did much more than help," I said with a soft smile. Glad that everything was nearly over.
"Come," exclaimed Aslan powerfully,"let us wait, they will come to us, I am sure that you both wish to be reunited with your family... and with others. " Aslan sent me a small wink at the last part which caused Lucy to give a small, girly giggle. "I noticed it too! Dawnie and Caspian sitting in a tree! K.I.S.S-" Lets just say Lucy found herself surprising mute for a moment.
"I thought you would have learnt your lesson by now! Don't taunt a magic user!"
Lucy's voice returned to her as she said, a couple of tears escaping her eyes, "I missed you."
I hugged Lucy tightly to me, she knotted her fingers into the ends of my hair as she hugged back.
"You have no idea how hard it was for me to see you all after my death and not actually being able to hold you or comfort you as I should have."
Lucy pulled back and gazed up at me, not that I was much taller then her, probably at most an inch in difference between us, "Well you're here now. That's even better!"
Together with Orious we waited for Caspian and my family to join us as we watched the Narnians who were rounding up the Telmarine soldiers.
I could see Orious was itching to get back to his family.
"Are you ready?" I asked him.
"No. Yes. I don't know."
I laughed at his confusion.
"I know one thing though," he said.
"Only one?" I joked with my friend.
"Oh, very funny. But yes, and that is my mother is going to kill me herself when she sees me."
Together we laughed as we relished in the thought that we were safe and back with those we loved. Now we just needed to find them.
Quickly order was sorted and all Telmarines were being pulled from the river, they gave up their weapons and were gathered together. They were not to be harmed.
I smiled when I spotted Trumpkin taking a sword from one of the Telmarine army generals. Orious nodded to me once he spotted his mother and father, aswell as several of his brothers and sisters and left to cross to them eagerly.
We were shortly joined by Caspian, Edmund, Peter and Susan. Lucy sheathed her dagger now that she no longer needed it and smiled as they approached us. I kept my face hidden, waiting for the right moment, as I always did. They all looked a bit battered and bruised, especially Peter from his duel with Miraz.
In unison, the kneeled down before Aslan, the men on one knee while Susan went down on both.
"Rise, Kings and Queens of Narnia," ordered Aslan. Edmund, Peter and Susan all got their feet but Caspian stayed down his head down as he apparently found his boot much more interesting than us.
"All of you," spoke Aslan coolly.
Caspian raised his head in surprise and gazed at the Great Lion with doubt, "I do not think I am ready."
"It's for that very reason that we know you are," I spoke softly. Caspian's eyes darted to look at me though he could not see my face.
"She is right," agreed Aslan with a smile.
The three eldest Pevensie children and Caspian shared some confused looks and Peter stepped forward to speak, obviously to ask who I was or something along those lines when the sound of a sad tune being played on a bag pipe like instrument was heard from near the ground.
Coming through the middle of Caspian and Peter, several mice came in prossessian carrying Reepicheep on a stretcher. They placed him before Aslan, Lucy and I. Lucy rushed forward with her cordial and carefully let a drop fall into his slightly open mouth. We all watched with worry and concern, praying that hew ould be alright.
Lucy stood up slightly nervous that it was too late, until Reepicheep came to with a great sigh and exclaimed after catching his breath, "Thank you, your Majesty."
The small mouse then caught sight of Aslan as he was helped to his feet by another mouse, "Ah! Hail, Aslan! It is a great honor to be in your-" but when he went forward to bow he lost his balance and fell forwards. Glancing back, he had lost his tail in battle. He spun around in shock trying to get a better look before steadying himself and covering his behind and the small furry stub where his tail used to be, "I am completely out of countenance."
"I must crave your indulgence for appearing in this unseemly fashion." Reep then turned to Lucy and asked, "Perhaps a drop more?"
Lucy gazed down at him sadly, "I don't think it does that."
"You could have a go."
Aslan and I both laughed, drawing everyone's attention away from Lucy and Reep.
"It becomes you well, Small One."
"All the same, Great King," spoke Reepicheep, "I regret that I must withdraw, for a tail is the honor and glory of a mouse." He unsheathed his blade and held it in his two paws horizontally.
"Perhaps, you think too much of you honor friend," Aslan replied.
Reepicheep then quickly continued to explain himself with all his fellow mice nodding in agreement behind him, "Well, it‟s not just the honor. It‟s also great for balance… and climbing… and grabbing things."
I connected my mind to Aslan's again. "Oh! Go on! He deserves it and you know it. So stop dragging it out."
"Why don't you do it? You are powerful enough, now. Your powers grow stronger and stronger and you do not even notice. You must test your limits."
"Yeah, and breakthrough. I get it. I'll try." (Sorry couldn't resist, it just kinda happened. If you don't understand try singing a little. If that doesn't work... I'm sure someone will explain for you.)
One of the mice stepped forward, taking his tail in hand, the other following suit as they brought their blades to their tails, "May it please your high Majesty, we will not bear the shame of wearing an honor denied to our chief."
"Fine. I'll do it. But you can take the credit. If I do it, who knows what people will start asking me for. I just want to do so that I know that I can. Never know what kind of situations I'll end up in during the future."
Aslan chuckled inside our mind link and said, "Very well, my Little Lioness."
"Not for your dignity," spoke Aslan drawing everyone's attention once more. I closed my eyes, not that anyone could see me with my hood and concentrated. Pooling my magic together and channeled it through my staff. I suddenly felt lighter and more in control, I barely heard Aslan finish as though it was just a voice on the breeze, "but for the love of your people..."
Opening my eyes again, I smiled. It worked.
Everyone around him gasped at the sight of his new tail. Reepicheep feeling it and hearing the gasps, looked and grasped his new tail happily. He turned around showing his troops in excitement.
"Look! Thank you! Thank you, my liege! I will treasure it always! From this day forward it shall serve as a reminder of my huge humility." Once again Reepicheep bowed and sheathed his sword.
Aslan looked to Lucy and exclaimed happily, "Now, where is this Dear Little Friend you've told me so much about?" I shook my head in amusement and him and Lucy.
We all turned to stare at Trumpkin who was directing Telmarines out of the water. Spying our looks and the stare of Aslan he approached and kneeled his sword pierced the ground in front of him.
Aslan rose onto his four paws and gave a loud roar causing the dwarf to give a large flinch.
Lucy called out, "do you see him now?" Trumpkin looked around in relief and disbelief at what had just happened.
Susan was the one who actually turned and asked Aslan, "what happened to that lioness you sent us? Where is she? How did she grow so quickly?"
Everyone seemed interested to know this. "She is here," spoke Aslan.
"Where?" questioned Edmund as looked around, he had grown quite close to me as a lioness.
Lucy stepped forward, eager to explain, "She wasn't actually a lion. Well not really, anyway! Aslan turned her into a lion so that she could help us, without us knowing!"
"What are you going on about Lu?" asked Edmund with a smile.
"The lioness, Hope, well her name wasn't Hope, obviously. She was -"
"Me"
It was time for me to make myself known.
"You?" asked Peter.
I nodded, "yes, me."
"And who are you?" spoke up Caspian.
I gave a small laugh, "It appears you have all forgotten me so quickly. I thought my voice or my staff would give me away. I was wrong."
I removed my hood.
It appeared as though the whole area had gone silent. It probably had as all looked in our direction in amazement. The silence seemed to last forever and I began to shift nervously. I was glad finally when my twin shuffled forward slightly, as though he was nervous I wasn't real.
"Dawnie?" whispered Edmund, in shock and disbelief.
"Its me Ed. I'm back."
I looked to all of them, stopping on Caspian, his face held as much expression as a stone and it terrified me.
"I'm sorry. To all of you. I could do nothing, I had to stay and try to protect them. When I couldn't even protect myself."
Aslan nudged my shoulder, "it was how things had to be."
Without any further delay, Edmund, Peter and Susan tackled me with rib breaking hugs and Lucy quickly joined in. "Breathing is essential for life! I may have died once, but I'm not in a hurry to do it again so let GO!" They didn't listen.
Once they finally freed me from their arms, I was ambushed by questions and lectures, mainly from Ed and Peter.
"Do you know how hard these past few days for us have been? Oh I'm just so happy you're back! But we had to go through with thinking we were never going to see you again!It's amazing what you just did, brilliant, never knew you could do that but on the other hand, ARE YOU STUPID! You could have been killed! Again! We couldn't go through that again! Well at least the battles over."
By the end of his rant, which e said all quite fast it took me a minute to realize what he actually was saying also to realize that it was english he was speaking and not some gibberish as he spoke so quickly, he was red in the face. We all couldn't stop laughing but Peter's rant did remind me of our mum, she always went on like that sounding as though she was bipolar and then going back to normal her afterwards.
I finally turned to the one person who had been silent this whole time and strangely, the person I was most anxious to talk to again. I looked to Caspian, "didn't you miss me?"
He walked to me and stopped in front of me, "never die again!"
Out of all the things for him to say at that moment, that wasn't what I expected, but it would do for now. I laughed and replied, "I'll try."
With that he lifted me into the air and spun me around before dropping me down into his arms, my feet still not touching the ground as he was much taller than I. It felt so good to back in his arms. It felt like I had been away from him for years instead of only days.
We must have been like that for a while as it took Aslan giving a small laugh to separate us. All of my family, Trumpkin, the mice and Aslan were watching with amused smiles. Lucy was beaming and Susan didn't look overly happy but she seemed to be accepting it that maybe Caspian wasn't for her.
I spotted out of the corner of my eye on the other side of the river, Orious embracing his mother and father. I was glad to see him reunited with his family like I was.
After being at the castle for several days, the coronation of Caspian was ready and was too take place tomorrow. We were all settled in the Telmarine castle and the Telmarines were awaiting their new king impatiently.
I came out from behind my dressing screen in my nightgown and was about to go to sleep when Lucy entered my room completely forgetting to knock and darted over to me with something made of fabric in her arms.
"Its your dress for tomorrow! Susan and I got ours this morning. They worked extra hard on yours."
It was a beautiful pale green. I half expected it to be red as that was the main Narnian colour but I was happy with green. There was also cream, silver and white detailings. It was quite beautiful and quite light and flowy even with the amount of fabric put into it.
"I can't wait to dress up tomorrow! Its been so long since we've had to!" exclaimed Lucy as she left my room without even a 'good night'. Rolling my eyes at my sisters antics I gently placed my dress on a chair by my balcony door and went to sleep.
I was woken bright and early by the young girl set as my handmaiden for when I was there. She was a very sweet girl and was a couple of years younger than I.
"Do you have the dress you are to wear today? The tailors said that Queen Lucy brought it to you."
"Oh yes," I smiled, "its over there." I gestured towards it well I washed my face in a large basin of water.
After a long relaxing bath, Edola, my handmaiden, helped me into my dress. It had my usual long sleeves that billowed out and grazed the ground. I was usually depicted in such fashions so I guess that is where they got their ideas. I placed a pair of lace, green gloves on my fingers which stayed on with a green ribbon going around my middle fingers.
Edola then stepped forward as I began to brush my hair, holding a box.
"This was given to me by the Great King, Aslan. He said that he wishes for you to wear it today."
She opened the box for me to see, inside was a beautiful silver headress with many chains, links that fell from my temples to the back. As soon as it was placed and settled on my head by Edola, I gasped as my hair magically waved lengthened down slightly past my waist.
I quickly stood and strode over to the floor length mirror and was amazed. I looked beautiful. I slipped on a pair of white moccasins that tied after being crisscrossed up legs. I hurried out and joined Lucy who beamed at me. She was wearing a bright pink dress with her hair down around her shoulders. Susan soon joined us wearing a red and gold dress, I couldn't help but assume that Caspian would be dressed in similar colours to her. So I tried to not feel too jealous of her getting to almost match the man I held feelings for. She was the eldest girl after all. Peter was wearing several shades of blue while Edmund was wearing reds and browns.
The ceremony began. We sat near the front in the Great Hall in the Palace which was packed with Narnians and Telmarines. The doors opened and Caspian entered with Aslan. Professor Cornelius who I was pleased to actually meet properly and talk was standing next to the Throne where Caspian would be crowned king, holding the pillow on which lay a large golden, jeweled crown.
I was quite surprised to see that Caspian did not wear deep red or gold like Susan. He wore a large cream vest and jacket over a brown embroidered tunic. If anything my attire matched his more than anyones. Lucy sent me a wink and glanced at my dress and to Caspian. She leaned over, "I asked the tailors if you could both dress a bit similar." I gave her a playful glare before join in the applause of the crowd.
Aslan spoke, it wasn't too different to our coronation. Maybe slightly longer as he spoke to the Telmarines and the Narnians. When he stopped speaking and was silent it was as though he was waiting for something.
Suddenly I felt an intrusion in my mind. Only Aslan could do that.
"My dear, would you please step forward and crown our new King."
"ME?! Why me?"
"You are the closest to Caspian out of the royals and the highest respected even more than Peter by the Narnians. Who better. Just make it sound official."
"I actually have to say something?!"
"If you wish. And I would hurry. The people are waiting."
Breaking the connection I stepped out of my place from where I stood in between Lucy and Edmund, walked past Susan and Peter. Each of them asking me where I was going, Susan even demanded me to go back to my place before I made a fool of her.
Everyone's eyes seemed to be on me and it had been a while since I had truly felt this much pressure on the spot but I continued. Caspian's eyes followed me intently. Though I did not meet them. Knowing if I did I would most definitely trip over my own feet and the hem of my long dress.
I reached Professor Cornelius and took the Telmarine crown from the cushion and stepped up in front of Caspian.
"I, High Queen Dawn, the Enchanting, of the Golden Age, crown King Caspian X, the Noble Contradiction. The Telmarine who saved Narnia." I then placed the crown on his head as everyone cheered. I glanced at Professor Cornelius, he had told me all about his discussion with Caspian after the battle here at the Keep.
As the cheers broke out, I smiled up at the new King who stood from his throne and pulled me into his arms. I added something on, "who also stole a Narnian Queen's heart."
Caspian placed a soft kiss behind my ear as he replied, "who stole his in return. You look beautiful."
I stepped back out of his embrace. He took my hand firmly and kissed my palm gently for all to see.
Aslan stepped forward, "come let us go through the streets so that your people may gaze upon their new King."
Caspian looked to me, "only if you shall ride next to me."
I smiled softly, "I would be honoured."
Together we all rode horses through the streets. Aslan, Caspian and I following behind many Telmarine children who danced ahead of us throwing flowers while people lined the streets waving at us, some from the windows of their own houses.
Peter and Susan were right behind us, with Edmund and Lucy behind them followed by many of the Narnians, all of which were smiling happily and waving to the crowds they passed.
As we neared the castle once more, Caspian reached across the space between us, taking my hand in his and kissing the back of it tenderly as he smiled at me. I returned it full heartedly. Aslan chuckled from next to Caspian, "Young love. What a magical thing." Causing both Caspian and I to blush a little.
That night a great ball was held in honour of Caspian's coronation. Lucy, Susan and I were surprised by the royal tailors who had made more dresses for us in honour of the occasion. We were loving it.
This time I wore black, red and gold with red lace gloves with a gold headpiece with just a single smooth ruby settled against my forehead. I thankfully was only wearing a pair of black boots on my feet as I was being asked to dance by what felt like every man and Narnian present.
I loved to dance but being interrogated by Telmarine men and being leered at by them and being practically worshipped by the Narnians because of my 'return from the dead' was getting very annoying.
Finally when I managed to get away, I escaped to the balcony to watch the many fireworks exploding up above the castle. They were beautiful and amazing to see. I almost screamed when I felt arms wrapping around my waist from behind me, until I heard a familiar voice whisper in my ear.
"Feeling a bit crowded inside?"
I relaxed back into Caspian's arms and against his chest.
"Yes, there is only so many times I can handle Telmarines getting a bit touchy."
Caspian laughed and stepped away causing me to turn to look at him, "I'll leave then."
I laughed as I took his hand in mine, tugging slightly to pull him back to me, knowing him was only teasing, "Your an exception."
"Oh, am I really?" he asked as he leaned down to press his lips against mine for the first time since I died.
His arms wrapped around me, one hand knotting into my hair and pulling sharply. His other hand pressed into my back roughly pushing me against him. The passion and desperation was completely returned and accepted by me. I had missed him so much. The hand that had been entangled in my hair pressed against the back of my neck, moving my head slightly at an angle. His lips were perfectly in time with mine, pulling, tugging and his teeth nipping away at my bottom lip. He pushed me back against the small wall behind me, his hand trailing up my back to settle in between my shoulder blades, pressing me even further into him, which I was amazed was even possible.
Pressing his lower body into mine, causing a gasp to escape my mouth and into his, which he took as his opportunity to invade my mouth with his tongue. The air around us seemed to be heating and rising and I felt as though I couldn't breathe but that might have been because Caspian and I hadn't come up for air in a while. His skin was scolding hot from his hand on my neck, even through the back of my dress where his other hand was placed as his fingers caressed and stroked there.
The kiss began to slow. His tongue dancing along mine, the battle that had been raging only moments ago between them was gone as they seemed to move in perfect harmony together. His hand at the back of my neck left and took my cheek into the palm instead, holding me in place as we continued. We had no need to rush anymore, the battle was won and Caspian was crowned.
Who knows how long we stood like this, Caspian pinning me against the edge of the balcony with the two of us locked in a lover's embrace. We were forced to part by a soft cough followed by a short low toned chuckle.
The two of us sprang apart to see that we had been caught by none other Aslan.
Caspian's hand immediately went to the back of his neck in embarrassment while my checks exploded into red, my hands flying to cover them at the shock and embarrassment of being caught by the Great Lion Aslan no less. I just wished that the ground would swallow me up from the overwhelming feelings.
"I don't know which is worse," I exclaimed quietly yet both males present could hear, "this or if it had been my brothers!"
Aslan laughed again, "it is quite alright. I actually expected you two to be lost in each other now that you have been reunited. Love is a wonderful thing, very powerful."
"You wanted this to happen, didn't you?" I asked.
Caspian gave me a strange look, I rolled my eyes and continued.
"You planned for a relationship between Caspian and I."
Aslan nodded, "I had hoped. As I watched I could see if pushed in the right direction at the right time, I knew you would come together but it was all depending on the two of you. A match created by the Deep Magic itself, I'm sure."
Caspian and I shared a small smile, his hand taking mine in his, my skin tingling at his touch as it always did, giving me that wonderfully safe and warm feeling as his fingers slipped in between mine. Giving a gentle squeeze.
Aslan smiled at us both, "I will speak with you both at a later time."
With that the Lion left. Caspian kissed me gently on the check and on the temple, "come its getting quite late. Dance with me for a while and then we can retire for the night."
"I think you are the only one I haven't danced with tonight, I have even danced with Trumpkin, the Professor, even Glenstorm and I haven't danced with you."
The night continued for about another hour or two, which I spent dancing with Caspian. Thankfully, dancing with the new King seemed to scare off the rest of the Telmarine men so we were left at peace but we did get some strange looks as we began our fifth dance from some of the council men.
Once we were we finished up for the night and said goodnight to practically everyone one by one as to be proper before Caspian walked me to my guest chambers which happened to be quite close to his. I wonder who organized that.
The next day I found myself, curled up on an armchair in the large Telmarine library, reading up on the many stories of our time ruling and times in between then and now. So much had changed and I thought it would be useful to be at least slightly knowledgable of what had happened. A long white, flowing dress attired my form bunch together as I had my knees pulled up onto my seat to my chest, ankles crosses with the the large leather bound lying open in the seat in front of me.
The only sound in the room was the turning of the pages yet I did not move, I didn't have to. I just used my powers to turn the page, I needed to use them while I could. Books covered the whole library and not just on the shelves, in fact very few books were on shelves. Some bookcases were old and rotten, the shelves having broken and collapsed, others were simple old, some covered in dust and cobwebs. It was rather sad to see. Books simply thrown across the floor, the spines being damaged, stacks of novels and poems were against the walls. All in all quite a sad library that could be amazing.
The bookcases could be easily prepared, paintings and carvings along the walls were covered, hidden and destroyed by cobwebs and time. The ceiling was covered in beautiful carvings and designs which wouldn't take long to clean.
A smile spread across my face as I flipped over to the next page, out of the corner of my eye I could just barely see books rising off the floor as though on strings or being carried by invisible people. Bookcases repaired themselves or appeared to. Paintings were revealed, carving repaired and restored, candle holders dusted and shined with blood red and snow white candles arranged around the room on different tables and desks and along the walls. Statues rebuilt themselves, some from decades old stone and rocks scattered across the ground that were brushed under the bookshelves or under desks or into corners. A Telmarine shield above a large marble fire place was shined and restored to it's former glory now with two Narnia blades crisscrossed behind it. Tapestries repaired themselves and even some new ones were sewn together before my very eyes at an impossible speed. The tall ladders that gave access to the higher books were repaired, re-painted and glossed aswell as fitted with golden seals over the rungs for better grips along with golden details along the sides. Desks repaired and ready to be used with ink bottles and quils all ready to go along with large tidily stacked pages and scrolls of parchment.
The books now arranged in order once again for what must have been the first time in over two hundred years at least, the library looked new and impressive and ready to be used. I hadn't even looked up from my book, while my magic did this in under half an hour. It was amazing what magic could do.
Just as a knocked over pedestal was set right and a directory of the whole library appearing on it, the door opened and a loud gasp was heard. Dawn gave a small cry of alarm, her book falling from her lap, her magic instinctively caught it mid-air, holding it on the correct page.
Standing behind her was Professor Cornelius, Caspian and several other men.
Caspian and Cornelius caught sigh of my startled appearance in my seat and smiled widely.
"Did you do all this, my Queen?" asked the Professor.
I smiled and nodded, "when I saw how sad the library was, I just couldn't resist. I meant no harm. I just thought things needed a little... touch up here and there."
"You did more than 'touch up' Dawn! This is amazing! We actually might be able to work in here while my study is being sorted out."
I beamed at Caspian as I heard the professor mumbling to himself, "amazing, absolutely amazing. It's like a dream."
The other men who I believed to be scholars or council men began to inspect the library each nodding with satisfaction and smiling to themselves.
"This will do nicely."
Later on that day, I was out exploring the kingdom.
I was surprised at how welcome I was made by all the people who lived there. The children who had been playing were nervous at first but when I joined in with them they were all eager to get to know as they called me 'the Fairy Queen of Narnia'. I found this all rather amusing and let them do as they pleased. Little girls braided flowers into my hair and made me a crown of daisies and buttercups. I introduced them to several Narnian children who were being a little left out and were mainly playing alone, trying to stay out of everyone's way but seeing me they were all but eager to join in.
I spoke to several of the parents, as I knew some would be a bit cautious of the Narnians, they wouldn't know any better, it was how they were raised. So I eased them into it.
Once I was finished talking to the mother of a small little girl named Alicia who had gifted me with a beautiful rose she said that her mother helped her grow, I noticed that all the children had disappeared, Narnian and Telmarine alike. When I glanced back to the woman I was talking to, Anita, I saw she was smiling widely.
She pointed over my shoulder and I spotted several of the children shyly peeking around a building at us. Seeing that we had caught them watching they darted off out of sight. Anita and I, along with the other mothers leisurely went after them. It was now that I realized how much I really wanted kids of my own in the future. I loved children.
We made our way into a large square that I recognized from yesterday. People stood in the corner with violins, drums, flutes, guitars and harps. I laughed as they began to play and the children pulled me into dancing with them. They all were so original and creative in their movements, some were slightly awkward but eventually relaxed into the music. Mothers and fathers paired up and began to waltz around the square, those that weren't dancing clapped along to the music at the sides, tapping their toes to the music.
A strange hush fell over the crowd suddenly and we all turned as one to see what had happened. There at the main entrance to the square, nearest the castle, stood Caspian. His face completely blank. I knew he was playing it up for the crowd. This would truly be his first act out in public as king, the ball and parade yesterday didn't count.
He stalked forward splitting the crowd as he walked all moving to get out of his way. He stopped mer inches from me, gazing down at me. He sent a small wink so my suspicions were proven correct.
"You are having a party. In my Kingdom." His voice boomed across the square.
"Without inviting me!" His voice changed into a humourous tone before he gestured for the musicians to continue playing before taking my hand and spinning me away from and then back into him before gliding us together across the cobbled streets.
The whole area broke out into cheers and the fun began again. I have to say, this celebration was much more fun then one I took part in last night. And from what I saw Caspian enjoyed it aswell. Spending his day getting to know his subjects better, both Telmarine and Narnian. It was a surprise for him at first to see both of them together but he brushed it off with a wide smile, pleased that it was so.
I knew we were still a long way from truly bringing the two communities together, so many years of hatred against another species could not be forgiven or forgotten in just one day. But it was a start.
The celebration ended earlier than the other one, children had to be brough home and put to bed. All left with a smile. I even spotted some Narnian and Telmarine children hugging each other good bye as well as some adults waving and saying farewell as though they had been friends for years. It was a pleasant sight.
Returning to the castle with Caspian was a quiet affair but it was peaceful and welcome after the long day. My arm tucked into the cruck of his elbow while we strolled along. The sun slowly descending before our very eyes, beautiful colours of red, gold, purple, pink and orange flooding the sky as it faded behind the far off hills. It was so romantic.
"Goodnight Caspian," I said after kissing him sweetly in farewell.
"Rest well, I will stay up a while longer. I have much to think on."
"I hope nothing too troubling."
"Hopefully not, sleep well, my love."
It was only when Caspian had gone from the corridor and was out of sight and I had entered my chambers did I register what he had called me. I began to dance around my room with excitement, sure we had said much to each other so we both knew, showed each other in our actions but to actually say it! I felt amazing, my magic was practically bursting. I didn't notice but my excitement and joy had become visible by the bright white light that surrounded my body.
Throughout my dancing, I had not noticed that I wasn't alone.
"I always seem to catch you unawares lately, my Little Lioness."
I jumped and smiled once I realized it was just Aslan.
Wait? What!? Oh no, Aslan had seen me dancing around my room like a fool. A lovestruck fool, that was.
Seeing my such obvious embarrassment he gave a laugh and a wild shake of his mane.
"Come, let us leave the castle I wish for us to talk. Let us walk through the forest."
Once we had made our way there, we began a quiet stroll through the trees, we spotted the odd Narnian but they weren't too close most were returning to their homes for the night while others were simply relaxing.
It was only when the moon was high above us and the stars were twinkling away in the heavens that Aslan finally spoke.
"Your family will not be staying here for much longer."
I felt as though my world had come crashing down.
"You mean we will have to leave again. So soon?"
Aslan sighed and nodded, "Caspian must prove himself as King without the help of the Narnian Kings and Queens of Old."
I nodded in understanding but I needed to know, "will we come back?"
"Not all of you."
"Will I come back?"
"What does your heart tell you?"
"That I belong here. In Narnia. With Caspian."
"Then you have your answer."
We continued walking sharing the odd word ever now and then. About what was to come and what had passed.
Until Aslan led us to tiny grassy clearing filled with beautiful white flowers, the moon shone down on the clearing, the light seeming to almost reflect off the flowers. Lying in the middle of the clearing was Caspian, muttering away to himself, too quietly for me to hear.
"Go to him. I take my leave."
That sly Lion must have known Caspian was here. He is more of a matchmaker than Lucy!
"Caspian?"
The young King shot up in alarm and spotted me. His face relaxed into a loving smile.
"Will you join me?"
He held out his hand for me to take.
I stepped forward and placed mine gently in it as a carefully lay down, resting my head upon his chest as I did, "I could never say no to my King."
I felt more than heard his laugh which I liked.
"I love you."
I was amazed, he had just come out of the blue and said it. I looked up at him with shock, "what?"
"I came out here to try and figure out some superly romantic way to tell you but I just couldn't wait any longer and then you were here and it was perfect. So I said it, I love you."
I placed my hands on either side of his head and leaned over my long dark hair curtaining us, "I love you so much." And I kissed him.
We spent the rest of the night point out the stars and speaking of our pasts, our lives, everything and nothing.
"Tell me are the stories behind the stars different from your time in Narnia to my people?"
I shrugged, "I don't know, why don't you tell me a few of yours and I will tell you if they are different."
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders pulling me gently across his chest so my head was placed over his heart, "why must I tell the stories? You tell me your people's tales and then I shall speak th difference."
"Because I love your voice."
He laughed at that, "very well but when we are finished, you must sing for me. It feels like I haven't heard you sing in so long."
"Deal."
As the night continued to pass with Caspian telling his tales of adventures and heroes and love and death, I grew tired and was haunted by the thoughts that we would be leaving soon. But I was comforted by Aslan's words as he himself was pushing Caspian and I together and this reassured me that we would be together again, hopefully in the not so far future.
"Don't you fall asleep. I believe you owe me a song."
"Why yes. Now let me think."
And I knew the perfect song to sing to him.