Thanks to Eve and Terra for reviewing.

Here's chapter 34! One more chapter and then I will be up to date!

Chapter 34: The Return

"What?!" cried Peter. "Wait- what happened?"

Edmund looked at his brother sadly. "The messenger just said that the King was dying. We don't know why."

Peter looked back at Nerina, feeling a stab in his heart once more as he watched Susan and Lucy (who had gone over) comfort her.

Turning to the rest of the group Edmund said, "I think we are done for today. If everyone could pack up, we will head home soon."

A few minutes later they were all riding back to the castle- Nerina softly crying, and tears and heavy hearts riding with the others.

Reaching Cair Paravel, Nerina sadly bid farewell to the guests, and they each hugged her as they expressed their sympathy. When they had all gone, the four siblings went to their friend.

"When do you plan on leaving?" asked Susan.

"Um, probably tomorrow morning," she sniffed, brushing her hair away from her face. "I want to be-…to be able-…to- say- good- bye." She began sobbing heavily.

Peter went and held Nerina protectively in his arms, stroking her hair. The sobs eventually lessened, and Susan said,

"Nerina, you should get to be. You don't need supper, and we have a long journey tomorrow."

"We?" Nerina looked up, confused.

"Well we can't possibly let you travel back home by yourself while you are so upset, and what kind of hosts would we be if at least two of us did not go? Peter and Lucy will come with you. Edmund and I will stay home and deal with matters here."

"Thank you," said Nerina. "I will see you tomorrow morning. Good night." She turned to go, but stopped. "Oh," she added sorrowfully, "make sure you pack gold clothes." She began crying again, and the four walked her to her room.

Early the next morning the carriage was packed, and the horses saddled. Everyone said their good-byes, and the three friends left once again for Arcadia.

It was a gorgeous day, and since there was no ice in the cave to delay their travel, the Narnians and Arcadian reached Mousiki Nero at sunset.

They were greeted by servants and rushed up to the Royal Chambers. Outside of the King's bedroom were the tearful members of the Royal Family. Greetings were said, but it was a bittersweet moment.

Everyone held their breath as the doctor came out of the room.

Quietly he said, "His Majesty wishes to see you one by one in the time he has left."

The Royal Family each went in, youngest to oldest, and as he exited, Chorevo said,

"Father would like to speak to Peter and Lucy as well."

Lucy entered, and when she came out Peter entered the room where the once happy, opera-singing King lay, now worn-out, pale, and dying of old age.

Peter came out with a strange look on his face, and Queen Charissa entered. The group stood or sat in silence, waiting, and knowing what was going to happen.

A wail was heard from inside the room, and with it began more sobbing and wailing. Chorevo held his wife, and Peter held Nerina and Lucy. The doctor entered, and Queen Charissa came out. When she did, the Arcadian Royal Family began to sing. They sand to Aslan, asking him to watch over the passed Arcadian. The Narnians listened to the song, stunned that the kind, good King was dead, but reminded themselves that he was now in Aslan's Country.

The next day the word was spread throughout Arcadia that King Arion had died. His funeral was to be held that night, with the coronation of Prince Chorevo and Princess Anthea to be held the following week.

The reason that Nerina had told Peter and Lucy to bring gold clothes was because instead of black, Arcadians wore gold at funerals. Blue and silver were their country's colors. The blue symbolized water and the silver stood for music. Gold to the Arcadians represented life and Aslan. It was a sacred color to them, and they wore it at birth, funerals, and anytime a celebration for Aslan was held.

That night the procession lined up just outside Mousiki Nero. Everyone was dressed in gold and held a candle as they slowly marched behind the gold carriage, drawn by four white horses, that carried the casket holding the King's body. Peter and Lucy received the honor of marching directly behind the Royal Family, followed by the King's council, and then the Lords.

Sorry I never told you

All I wanted to say

And now it's too late to hold you

'Cause you've flown away

So far away

The solemn procession slowly wove its way through the streets of Arcadia. The sides were lined with singing Arcadians, who also wore gold and carried candles.

When the procession reached the large cathedral-like building the Narnians visited on Nerina's birthday, the stopped. The procession entered, along with other family friends, such as Adelphos, and they were seated. Peter and Lucy sat with Adelphos, Filia, and her family in the middle of the sanctuary.

A beautiful service followed. Songs were sung, thanking Aslan for King Arion's life, and asking him to bless the Royal Family and Arcadia as they suffered with the loss. The most heart-wrenching part of the service came when the final tributes were made.

Never had I imagined

Living without your smile

Feeling and knowing you hear me

It keeps me alive

Alive

Queen Charissa played her harp and sang about how King Arion was the love of her life, and how even though she had been married to him for only a short time, her heart still ached for him.

And I know you're shining down on me from heaven

Like so many friends we've lost along the way

And I know eventually we'll be together

One sweet day

The last tribute was made by the King's children. The five of them stood behind the casket, which was at the front of the sanctuary. They bowed, or curtsied, to the stained-glass window depicting Aslan standing on a beach. They then faced the audience, the five of them standing in order from eldest to youngest. They sand a sad song about their father watching them as they go on with their lives. The brothers and sister sang their hearts out. When it was finished they hugged, and slowly walked to the casket. One by one, each put their hand on the simple, carved box, each saying good-bye to their father. Nerina kissed her hand before touching the box and whispered, "Good-bye Daddy. See you soon."

Darling I never showed you

Assumed you'd always be there

I took your presence for granted

But I always cared

And I miss the love we shared

When the service was over, Chorevo and his brothers carried the casket out of the sanctuary, followed by Queen Charissa, Anthea, and Nerina. Adelphos quietly explained to the Narnians what was happening. The Royal Family was going to the cemetery and would bury the King there. It was an extremely private affair, for their final farewells were given, and they would sing the King's favorite song.

Although the sun will never shine the same again

I'll always look to a brighter day

Aslan I know when I lay me down to sleep

You will always listen as I pray

Later that day the Narnians, along with Filia and Adelphos, went with Nerina to the skating rink where they had also gone on Nerina's eighteenth birthday.

And I know you're shining down on me from heaven

Like so many friends we've lost along the way

And I know eventually we'll be together

One sweet day

Filia looked every-inch the prima ballerina now, and Adelphos had reached manhood. The five friends had frown older since their last encounter, but time had now destroyed their bond. They watched as Nerina waved her hands, and looked at the final result when she was finished. Among the other ice statues around the rink now stood a life-size statue of King Arion, and upon stepping closer one could read the inscription:

"King Arion,

A great opera singer,

King,

Husband,

And father."

Song-One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey. A heartfelt song that I highly suggest listening to. It fit this chapter perfectly because of all the different vocalists in this song.

Please review. Thanks

Haras