Here is chapter 30! This chapter should have been released April 3rd, but I am catching up!
Thanks again to floppyearsthebunny, the only one who has been reviewing. Thank you a bunch!
Enjoy, and in keeping with my no-commenting-at-the-end-of-an-act policy, please review
Chapter 30: Leaving
"Good morning Lu," Edmund yawned as he met up with his sister on the way to breakfast. "Are you ready to go home?"
"Yes and no," she replied. "I do miss Narnia and Cair Paravel, but I shall be sad to leave Arcadia. We've had so much fun here."
"Me too," agreed Edmund.
Everyone was sad during the large breakfast that morning. After finishing her cheese and raspberry Danish, Nerina said, "It will be odd going back to eating only on special occasions after you leave."
"We have to cheer up," said Adelphos. He and Filia had been invited to breakfast.
"Yes we must," Filia smiled. "We have to enjoy our guests for the last few hours they are here."
"Why don't we take a walk in the garden after the carriages are packed?" suggested Koros.
"That's a lovely idea," said Lucy.
When they had all finished, the four Narnian monarchs finished packing. The Arcadian Royal family helped them bring the trunks down and onto the two remaining carriages.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
"Why don't you all take that walk, and we will let you know when the other Narnians start arriving?" Queen Charissa asked.
"Let's go!" Iremo shouted as he and Gelio started running toward the gardens.
"A walk boys!" their mother called after them. "Those two will never grow up," she said with a smile.
As the group started walking, Adelphos stayed where he was and said, "Peter and I will catch up with you later. I have to talk to him."
Peter stopped and walked over.
"Alright then," said Filia.
The King and Queen were discussing something, so, motioning to the castle, Adelphos said, "Care to take a walk inside?"
As they walked, they discussed various things. Finally, coming to a balcony overlooking the gardens, Adelphos stated the reason for the walk.
"I'm going to tell her today," he said, looking down into the garden and watching Nerina and Koros chase after each other.
"When?" asked Peter.
"I have it all planned out." He looked at Peter. "After you leave, I will take her to the ocean veranda she likes so much, and tell her everything. Do you think that sounds alright?"
"I'm sure it will be fine," said Peter assuredly. "I wish you all the best in your relationship with Nerina."
"Thank you Peter. I just hope I can muster up the courage to tell her what I have been trying to tell her for years, but have always failed."
"Like I said, I'm sure you'll do fine," said Peter. Then the two young men walked to the gardens and joined the rest of the group.
The time went by too quickly, and before they knew it, a servant came to notify the friends that it was almost time to go.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
Somberly they all walked back to the carriages. They tried to be cheerful as they greeted the rest of the Narnians and their host families. Various songs were heard from different Arcadians, who quietly sang or hummed to themselves as both Arcadians and Narnians helped pack up the final trunks. The Narnians missed their homes, but did not want to leave the land that had welcomed them instantly.
The last trunk was put on a carriage, and everyone prepared for the final good-byes. The Narnians who had stayed in host homes said good-bye and thanked their new friends for everything. The Narnian monarchs made their way over to Filia and Adelphos.
"Well I guess this is good-bye then," said a teary-eyed Susan.
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…
Filia nodded, tears in her eyes as well.
The two friends hugged.
Dance...I hope you dance.
"Thank you for everything," Susan said before stepping back and allowing her siblings to say farewell.
"It's been nice getting to know you," Peter said to Adelphos. "You'll have to come back and visit us sometime."
"Of course," his friend replied, and they shook hands.
After they had said their first good-byes, all the Narnians said good-bye to the Royal Family who stood in a line.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but its worth makin',
Last to bid farewell to the family were the Narnian monarchs. Going down the line, they shook hands with Iremo, Gelio, Chorevo, and then King Arion and Queen Charissa.
"You are always welcome here in Arcadia," said the King.
"Yes, we can never thank you enough for everything that you've done," added the Queen.
"Thank you for your kindness and hospitality," said Peter. "And you are always welcome in Narnia."
Next came Koros, and finally, the hardest good-bye of all, Nerina.
Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
Tears poured down her face. "Good-bye Susan. Good-bye Peter. Good-bye Lucy. Good-bye Edmund. You must come back and visit sometime. I will never forget you, for both your friendship and what you did for me. Thank you."
"We'll miss you too," cried Lucy.
"Narnia will never forget you," said Edmund.
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…
They all hugged, and sadly waved as they got in the carriage. They watched as the Arcadians waved from the stairs, and saw Nerina, Adelphos, and Filia run inside Mousiki Nero. As they rode through the streets lined with waving and singing Arcadians, Lucy spotted the three waving from a high tower. They waved back until they could no longer see them, and then turned around sadly, but ready to go back home to Narnia.
Dance...I hope you dance.
END OF ACT III
Song Used-I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack