Thanks to those who reviewed! I am very happy to say that I now have 40 reviews, and only 2 claiming this is a MarySue (which it's not) and 1 of those being a flame! Thanks to all those who appreciate the story for what it is!-
LoveJoyPeace-This is not a MarySue. I wish you had read everything I had posted, and THEN reviewed, because you would have seen that this is not a MarySue. You would also see that I only give out a little info at a time, and if you had read up to this chapter, your questions would have been answered. I do thank you for taking the time to review though, and that you will continue to read.
prem-4-Thanks! Yes, I have a friend from TheDancingLawn forum who is helping me find those errors.
Enjoy!
Chapter 23: A New Land
The next day after a large breakfast, Nerina took the four siblings on a tour of Arcadia. Adelphos would join them later, for he was spending time with his family.
The castle was exactly as Nerina had described it. She took them to the highest tower and they looked out over the parapet.
To understand what Arcadia looked like, one must think back to their childhood days. If you were to take clay, make a ring out of it, then pinch the clay upwards to make a wall, you would get something that looked like the high rocks surrounding Arcadia.
The closest land to these rocks were the farms, where Arcadian farmers sand as they worked. In the center of Arcadia was the giant building they had all passed yesterday. Nerina now told the siblings that it was a stadium large enough to seat every Arcadian. It was used for big events. Surrounding the stadium were the theaters where practices were held daily. There were also buildings dedicated to dance, as well as ones filled with orchestras and bands. Every Arcadian had their daily duties along with attending rehearsals. Between the theaters and fields were the Arcadian houses. The housing land was split into four sections, and each section had a Lord to make sure everything was running smoothly. These Lords reported anything important to the King. Filia's father was one such Lord, Nerina informed the Narnian monarchs.
She then took them around the small country in a carriage, waving to her subjects as they welcomed her back.
At the end of the tour, Nerina had them driven to the foot of the rock wall. They got out of the carriage, and she brought them through a small cave that went through the wall, and came out on an Arcadian-made veranda. The ocean waves crashed against the edge, so they all stood close to the wall to avoid getting wet.
"This is my favorite place to go, because it's close to the castle, and it has a great view of the sunrise," Nerina explained. "There are caves like the one we went through that lead to beaches like the one over there," she pointed. "Arcadians usually go there to sing, dance, or just sit and be alone with the ocean. It makes us feel closer to Aslan too, since he lives across the ocean."
"We shall have to put seeing an Arcadian sunrise on our list of things to do while we're here," remarked Peter.
Fetching their lunches from the carriage, the five friends sat down on the veranda and ate silently, listening to the sounds of the surf.
When everyone had finished eating, they rode back to prepare for the ball.
Peter and Edmund went to get ready with the Arcadian princes, and the girls went with Nerina.
"I love preparing for celebrations. It's so much fun! And now I get to share the fun with you!" Nerina exclaimed.
First the girls went to their private bathroom, and washed themselves with Arcadia's finest soaps. Each donned a robe and met in a large room where hair stylists waved their hands and removed the excess water from their hair to dry it. Only Susan and Lucy needed this done though, since Nerina could use her own powers.
The three then chose their gowns. Susan and Lucy chose from what they had brought, which contained all Narnian-style dresses. Lucy decided on a soft pink dress with white flowers embroidered on the fabric. Susan went with a yellow dress that had crinoline in the skirt. Nerina wore her favorite dress- a white tulle dress with crinoline in the skirt and layers of teal tulle over the skirt. For shoes all three girls wore lace-up sandals.
After dressing, the girls went back and had their hair done. Finally came the make-up and jewels. The Narnian Queens wore little make-up. Nerina let them each borrow jewelry to finish their look. To show their status as Queens, they wore a circlet around their head- Susan's was gold and Lucy's was silver.
Nerina explained after the make-up artist was finished that the aquamarine and silver glittery paint was worn by females of the Royal Family. The paint was dark on her eyelids, and got lighter as it spread toward her ears and cheeks. It was very beautiful and made the Princess look very regal.
NTMNTMNTMNTM
Meanwhile the males were all ready and waiting with Adelphos in a common room for the girls.
Peter, Edmund, Adelphos, and Koros were currently discussing Nerina and her brothers.
"The girl adores you Koros," Adelphos smiled. "She thinks the world of you."
"I can't see why," the Prince replied. "I'm nothing special, aside from being the closest in age to her."
"Well whatever the reason, I can tell she truly looks up to you," remarked Peter.
Koros laughed. "Yes, and I love my sister, but being her role model is not easy. I must be careful in everything that I do. She has this idea in her head that I am perfect, and although I am far from it, I try my best to be, at least for her sake. If I ever did anything wrong, it would break her heart and losing her respect would make me feel very low."
The four continued talking until Adelphos addressed Peter.
"Um, Peter, may I speak with you privately for a moment please?"
"Why of course."
After excusing themselves, the two walked over to a window.
"What do you wish to talk to me about?" Peter asked.
"Nerina," Adelphos replied, his face turning crimson.
"What about Nerina?"
"If you don't mind me asking, do you…that is…um…do you…"
"Do I what?"
"Do you fancy Nerina?"
"She is my friend and a wonderful young woman and musician, but no, I do not have any feeling for her romantically."
Adelphos sighed in relief. "Thank the oceans."
"Why?" asked Peter curiously. "Do you?"
Adelphos looked out the window. "Yes, very much so. I'm in love with her Peter. I have been in love with her ever since we sang out first duet together. I think she is the most amazing, beautiful, wonderful young woman in the world. I adore her, and would do anything for her."
I wanna steal your attention…
"Does she know this?"
"You mean have I told her? No, I have been foiled every time. I was going to tell her after her presenting party, but he showed up. I even wrote a musical for her, in the hope that we would play the romantic leads, but it didn't work out that way."
And I wanna stand out in a crowd for you
A man among men
I wanna make your world better than it's ever been
"What musical was that?"
" "The Ice Queen"."
"You are the anonymous writer?! How did you write it so quickly?"
"I questioned the messenger and finished the musical while the gifts were being collected to bring to Narnia."
"Wait, what do you mean "finished"? How did you know Nerina was alive to even start?"
"All of Arcadia knew she was still alive because the ice sculptures she made were still frozen."
"So you wanted to be Bersaro? We can switch parts if you would like."
I'm gonna be here for you from now on
This you know somehow
You've been stretched to the limits but it's alright now
"Thank you, but no. I will just have to figure out another way to tell her that I think she looks like- an angel." He was looking past Peter now, and Peter turned. The girls entered the room, smiling and ready for the ball. The group then went down the hall, and two at a time, entered the enormous ball room, walking down the grand staircase while trumpets fanfared.
Song Used-Keith Urban's Making Memories of Us
I would like to highlight one of the plot's lessons. Pay close attention to the relationship between Koros and Nerina. I have had too many role models destroyed because of their bad choices. If you are an older sibling, a mentor, teacher, upperclassmen, or in any position where someone could possibly look up to you, watch your actions. Keep in mind that someone thinks you rock, and don't do anything that would make them think otherwise.
Please review. Thanks
Haras