Hey everyone. By Saturday I will have the rest of this act typed up and ready to post. I have to hurry and finish act 3, because I am only on Chapter 24! Please don't forget to review!
Chapter 18: Life Goes On
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" asked Susan offstage. The cast had been practicing once a week, and it was now the beginning of October, but Nerina had not yet performed any of the scenes she had alone with Peter. That morning she had told Susan she was ready.
Nerina nodded her head. "I shall do my best," she said before taking a deep breath and starting to walk onstage.
When you're sad,
When you're feeling low
When you're hurt and don't know where to go.
Think of me-
There I'll be,
Anytime you need a friend.
"Wait!" called Peter.
Nerina stopped and turned around. "Yes?"
"May I speak to you before we rehearse?"
"Um, sure," she said hesitantly, then walked over to Peter.
"Listen, Nerina," said Peter, running his hand through his now ear-length hair, "if anything that is in the script makes you uncomfortable, let me know. Like the- er-"
"Kiss?" said a loud eavesdropping Edmund.
His brother shot him an angry look, to which Edmund grinned sheepishly. Lucy came over.
"I was just talking to Adelphos, and he said that you two could stage kiss if you wanted to."
"I think we are going to skip that part," said Peter, and he smiled, seeing the look of obvious relief on the Princess' face.
When you're down,
And your luck runs out,
Or if you're in trouble or in doubt,
It's OK-
Turn my way,
Anytime you need a friend.
The two finally went onstage. Nerina was slowly getting over her flinching problem, which was of course caused by the fact that no one had touched her kindly in a long time, and that she was used to being hurt whenever anything touched her. Peter was aware of this, and when it came time for Bersaro to caress Jadis' face, he softly whispered, "May I?" to which Nerina nodded her head, eyes petrified. She still flinched when he touched her, but over time she would get used to it again. Susan was thankful of how her brother was handling the situation. During the practices that would follow he would always ask permission to touch Nerina, and was very gentle with her.
The rest of the musical was going wonderfully. Everyone was rising to the challenge. Susan's confidence had grown, and she was now able to sing out during her soprano parts.
Two weeks passed, and it was Edmund's birthday. There was a party and dance, just like there was for Peter and Susan. At this party Nerina actually danced, but it was only with Adelphos. The two had a wonderful time dancing together again, and even taught the others a few Arcadian dances, in exchange for some Narnian ones.
As time went by, the days started to get colder, and the leaves turned to gold and scarlet, falling to the ground in a whirl.
After a practice one day, Adelphos ran up to the monarchs.
"Have you seen Nerina?"
"No, why?" said Edmund.
"Because it's raining out, and I want to find her."
"What?" asked a confused Peter.
"Rainstorms are special to our people," he explained. "We love to stand and dance in them."
"Maybe she went outside already," suggested Lucy.
"With a coat on I hope," said practical Susan.
"Arcadians are part water," reminded Adelphos. "We can just go out in a storm."
"Well if we are all going outside, then the rest of us need coats," Susan said, mothering as always.
When you're scared,
I will stay with you,
When you feel you're falling,
I'll lift you.
When you're heart breaks,
I'll ease your aches,
Whatever it takes, I'm in-
Anytime you need a friend.
Coats were found and donned. Then all five went outside to look for Nerina. They called her name and finally found her on a hill, palms upwards, and face looking to the skies. Hearing her name, she turned and laughed. She ran to her friends.
"Oh isn't it glorious?" she asked. "Come dance with my Susan and Lucy!" Grabbing their hands, she began teaching them steps to an Arcadian rain dance. Pretty soon everyone was leaping, spinning, and splashing.
All our lives,
Anywhere we are,
Just reach out-I'll never be too far.
Come what may
There I'll stay
Anytime you need a friend.
Nerina hugged the two sisters. "Oh I'm so glad we could share this with you! I will miss you all terribly when we part, but that is still months away, so let's forget it all and dance!"
Running a short distance away from her partner, she flung her arms out and yelled, "Adelphos! Big Finish!"
When you need a friend,
Come what may,
There I'll stay,
Now until the very end,
Anytime you need a friend.
He in turn stepped back and when Nerina ran to him, he lifted her in the air with his muscular arms, held her there for a moment, then set her back down gently. Adelphos and Nerina laughed and looked at one another, then embraced. Adelphos set his chin on Nerina's head. The rain had plastered his bangs to his forehead, and water rolled down his face, dripping onto Nerina's hair. Suddenly he saw something.
"What's that?" he asked, squinting.
Nerina pulled back and everyone watched as a centaur galloped over, then bowed.
"Your Majesties and Your Royal Highness, Aslan has arrived. He wishes to speak with all of you."
"Aslan? Come on everyone!" shouted Lucy, and they all splashed their way back inside.
Nerina and Adelphos used their power to dry everyone off in the foyer, then they hurried to the throne room. Aslan waited there for them, as majestic and awe-inspiring as ever.
Nerina and Adelphos' eyes widened when the saw the Great Lion, for this was their Creator. This was the Lion that created their kind from ocean water and music. No matter how many stories they had heard about his greatness, none of them prepared the two for what he was really like.
All six bowed, and when they rose, Aslan smiled, reached a paw out and said, "Nerina and Adelphos, my children, come here."
They needed no second bidding. They ran and hugged Aslan. He smiled and chuckled in his deep baritone. After Nerina and Adelphos stepped back, Lucy voiced what everyone was thinking.
"We are so happy to see you again Aslan. What brings you here to Narnia once more?"
"I am here to explain some final details to you all."
Turning to Nerina he said, "You were right in saying that music was and still is your remedy. Follow Susan's advice for the rest of the related problems, and you will fully heal. Also, do not ever forget that you did not die because you still have so much more to do before you can go to my country."
He then faced the group as a whole. "Always remember that you were not brought together by coincidence. All six of you need each other, and together you have an important purpose. I sent you four to rescue Nerina for a reason, and Nerina is still here for a reason, and Adelphos was the messenger for a reason. As I said, do not forget that you are a part of a greater plan. And now I must go south, for there are things that must be put into motion. Farewell."
The group knew Aslan never stayed long, so they did not protest. They waved to him from the steps of Cair Paravel until they could see him no more through the rain.
Song Used-Anytime You Need a Friend by the Beu Sisters
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Thanks!
Haras