Well, here we are, the final chapter. I apologize for it's late arrival, but this took a lot of research. Because of which, if you intend to read the entire Narnia series, do so before reading this chapter, because you will be really confused. And I made a mistake in the last chapter. Drusus is not a young man. He looks like his is in his early 50s. Thanks to those who reviewed-
glitterP, Eve, Aslan's Princess, and star, thanks.
And now to the reason behind me writing this story-
My friend, who I have mentioned before, is very much like the Arcadians. She literally needs music to stay alive and keep sain. When Nerina first came to me, my friend was being forced to take a course at the same time as orchestra, preventing her from playing music with others. She started to go insane. She needs music that bad. No one really understood, and so I wrote this in the hope that someone could relate or understand what she went through. I hope I accomplished it. Thanks for reading.
Since I don't talk at the end of chapters, I would just like to say thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you learned something.
Keep the music alive,
Haras
PS-I originally was not going to write the last section of this chapter. Just as an FYI, but after I read my favorite of the series, I just had to. The chapter title is extremely symbolic, so think about it when you finish.
Chapter 40: The End and Final Bows
"Your Grandmother?!" the four Pevensies exclaimed.
Susan looked, shocked, at Drusus. "But that would make you Peter's-"
"Grandson?!" choked the eldest sibling.
"And that makes us your great uncle and great aunts," added an astounded Edmund. "We have been gone a long time."
"Drusus, would you care to join us outside?" asked Peter. "We have a fire."
"I know," replied the man. "I was on my way to get some water after working in Grandmother's garden when I saw it and heard talking coming from the old treasure room, so I came down here to investigate."
"Why were you in her garden?" asked Peter.
Drusus turned. "Come," he said grimly. "I have much to tell you."
NTMNTMNTMNTM
When they had all gathered around the fire, Drusus began his tale.
"I think I should start after you left. Grandmother told me all about you and how you had to leave to go back to your world. After you left, Grandmother gave birth to-"
He stopped abruptly, and looked up, sorrow in his eyes. "That's right," he said in sad realization. "You left before she gave birth."
Susan nodded. "Yes, we know."
Drusus shook his head sadly. "I'm so very sorry."
"About what?" asked Lucy. "Oh do continue please."
Drusus started again. "After you left, Grandmother gave birth to twins. My father's name was David, and his sister was Melody. I have seen paintings from when they were young, and they looked just like you…Grandfather."
Peter felt odd at being called this, when Drusus himself looked old enough to be his own father.
The Arcadian continued. "Grandmother ruled Narnia very well while you were absent. She made sure to keep the music programs running, to make sure everyone experienced her people's joy. Then, it happened. When they were six-years old, Aunt Melody grew very ill and died. Grandmother was beside herself with grief."
Lucy looked over at Peter, who had tears in his eyes.
"Then what happened?" asked Edmund.
"Well Father grew up, and he and mother helped Narnia's music program flourish even more. They both strove to keep the music alive here. Eventually Father married my Mother, Harmony. Mother was the daughter of Grandmother's best friend, Filia. They had both hoped Melody and Harmony would become friends, and they were, until she died that is. My parent ascended the throne, and later on I was born. When I was five, Grandmother died. Soon after, Mother and Father discussed the beginning of Narnia, and how Aslan had wanted Sons and Daughters of Adam and Eve to rule Narnia. They decided that they, as Arcadians, should not rule Narnia. Even though everything was going pretty well and the music was wonderful, they wanted to please Aslan.
"The search began for a new ruler. Things became chaotic in Narnia during the search, and that's when the Telmarines took over. Because of my parents' old age, we were forced into hiding, and both Mother and Father died a few years after. After their death, I was helped to flee the country. I did not want to leave, but the loyal Narnians insisted. I went to Arcadia, and buried my parents there. Soon after Narnia went silent, both literally and musically. The animals hid their ability to talk, and the trees and river gods fell asleep. All the hard work we had all put into making Narnia a musical country was gone when the Telmarines took over.
"I still came to visit my old home. I come every year to take care of Grandmother's garden. We should sleep now, and in the morning we can all visit Grandmother and Melody."
As they settled down to rest, Lucy asked, "Drusus, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"
"Five-hundred and eight," he replied sleepily.
NTMNTMNTMNTM
Early the next morning, after a breakfast of apples, Drusus brought them to the still-standing wall that protected Nerina's precious garden. Using his water powers, he brought them over the wall. The other siblings had never been inside Peter's gift to Nerina, and they loved the blossoming garden.
Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear
"I always make sure the garden stays perfect," said Drusus solemnly. "This way."
As they followed their descendant, the Pevensies noticed something strange.
Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above
While the rest of the Cair Paravel ruins were eerily silent, the garden was alive. It was the only place in the ruins where birds could be heard singing. They walked on, and finally stopped at Nerina's old reading bench.
Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
Peter walked forward. In front of him were two stone tombs. The first was small and had the statue of a sleeping young girl on the top- Melody. The larger one was Nerina's, and there was a sleeping statue of her as well on the top. Peter reached out his hand and caressed the stone face, tears streaming down his face.
Are you gently sleeping?
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing?
All power can't be seen
Lucy read the inscription on the side.
"Princess Philyra Nerina Anaxandra Pagos Basilikos. Born April 16, 985. Died November 6, 1800 at the age of 815. A beloved musician, princess, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her music will live on forever."
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above
"Princess Melody," read Susan. "Born June 13, 1015. Died February 16, 1026, at the age of 5. A wonderful daughter and sister who will be missed greatly."
"Grandmother was buried with Violet, her violin," said Drusus as he placed flowers on both tombs. "Melody was buried wearing her ballet slippers. She was a dancer."
And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave
All the Pevensies could do was stand in silence as the tears rolled down their faces.
Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
When their respects were made, Drusus brought them out of the garden. They walked to the beach, and they heard the sound of someone in a boat.
I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
"I must bid farewell to you, dear Grandfather, Great- Uncle Edmund, and Great- Aunts Susan and Lucy. I can not afford to be seen. I feel that you must stay here and investigate though." He waved before slipping into the water and swimming off.
Sadly, the Pevensies turned to see who was coming.
NTMNTMNTMNTM
"Further up and further in!" cried a mouse.
"Reepicheep!" yelled the Narnian monarchs. The run had ended, and now, years after their last journey into the real Narnia, the seven friends of Narnia were headed to the gated hilltop.
Once inside the reunions began.
"Fledge!"
"Glinfeather!"
"Puddleglum!"
"King Rilian!"
"Caspian!"
"Lord Drinian!"
"Lord Berne!"
"Trumpkin!"
"Trufflehunter!"
"Glenstorm!"
"General Orieus!"
"King Cor!"
"Queen Aravis!"
"Corin!"
"Bree!"
"Hwin!"
"Beavers!"
"And Mr. Tumnus too!"
Everyone had a wonderful time, and soon after they went to meet King Frank and Queen Helen.
After formalities, Queen Helen motioned to a group of trees.
"Peter," she said kindly, "I believe someone over there is waiting to see you."
Everyone looked, and for once the entire wonderful world went silent, for there, standing shyly, was Nerina.
Can I touch you?
I can't believe that you are real
How did I ever find you?
You are the dream that saved my life
You are the reason I survived
Baby...
Peter stood, stunned. Slowly he walked to Nerina, then grasped her in his arms as both burst into song. He kissed her for a long time, and then Nerina said, "There's someone who you have to meet."
I never thought that I could love
Someone as much as I love you
I know its crazy but its true
I never thought that I could need
Someone as much as I need you
I love you...
She stepped aside, and from behind her skirt stepped a small girl with wavy brown hair and large blue eyes.
Can I hold you?
Girl your smile lights up the sky
You are too beautiful for the human eye
You are the dream that never dies
You are the fire that burns inside
Baby...
"Melody," said Nerina, "this is-"
"Daddy!" smiled the girl as she ran to her father's open arms.
I never thought that I could love
Someone as much as I love you
I know its crazy but its true
I never thought that I could need
Someone as much as I need you
I love you...
"Hello Father," said a deeper voice, as a young man stepped forward.
"Hello David," grinned Peter.
You are the sunshine in the sky
You are the sparkle in my eyes
And the reunions continued as every other Arcadian the monarchs had met, and some they hadn't, came forward.
I never thought that I could love
Someone as much as I need you
I know its crazy but its true
I never thought that I could need
Someone as much as I need you
I love you.
Eventually Nerina asked about Susan, and was sad to hear of her friend's denial, but the grief did not last long. A horn sounded, and Peter walked toward Aslan, holding Nerina's hand and carrying Melody, as the rest of his friends and family walked around him. Aslan had come to begin the gala, one with music more joyful than anyone held before it, and one that would last longer too, for there was eternity waiting for the friends, and as a great author once wrote,
"…but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."
END OF ACT 4
THE END
Songs Used-To Where You Are-Josh Groban
Never Thought-Dan Hill