"Huh. It's a lion after all. A big, talking lion."
Aslan chuckled at the Centurion's statement.
"Thanks for pointing that out, genius. We're not blind or deaf, ya know."
Rin said before she nodded at Aéd.
Aéd nodded back and slapped the back of Titus' head.
Titus rubbed the back of his head and looked at the Great Lion
"So, those children are actually in their 30s? And their the Kings and Queens of this world?"
"Yes. Though" A sorrowful look formed in his features "Two of them have already learned all they can here. They can never return to Narnia."
Titus crossed his arms "So their travel here is a learning experience for them. To take to their world. But why are here?"
Aslan observed the three, one by one.
"I cannot say whatI see three warriors born in a world filled with nothing but war and bloodshed."
He looked at Aéd "I see a man who seeks only the safety of his clan and family. A man who would do anything for them. Even fight for a war they did not start. You wish to find peace for your people in the mountains. For their children to be born in times of peace, not an everlasting war. You dream of a life for your people that you tell yourself that it is beyond reach. You have wandered far from your home in search for an answer to end the war. A fools errand, you thought, yet you never stopped searching. Even now. For that, you have my respect."
Aéd closed his eyes and lowered his head "I am honored to have your respect, Leòmhann Mòr."
Aslan turned his gaze on Titus "I see a warrior who deludes himself with the life of false grandeur to escape the reality of what your world has become. You set your own ideals of Might and Glory above all else. Yet, I see a man who would give his life to protect those close to him from anyone who wish to harm them. Even from yourself. You detach from anyone you deem as a friend in fear that you will hurt them. But the death of your brother opened your eyes. His ideals became yours. When you valued Might and Glory, now you value Strength and Honor. But still, your heart is conflicted. You wish to part with your former ideals but cannot for it is what had made you survive for this long. Whether you conquer your battles through might and glory or strength and honor. Accept who you are, Centurion, and never loose hope and faith."
Titus nodded and muttered "Semper Fidelis."
Aslan's gaze turned to Rin, who lowered her Kasa to cover her eyes from the Great Lion's gaze.
"You hide yourself behind a mask of bravado. The sting of betrayal, still fresh despite the years that have passed. To see the master you have given your life and heart to, destroy everything you held dear had molded you into this warrior you are now. You travel across different lands as a mercenary. A noble swordswoman who has fallen from grace. Now you fear that if anyone manages to find their way into your heart, they will only betray in the end. But when your companion saved your, a small part of your heart believe you can call someone a comrade again. You deny it but you cling to it as well. You built walls around your heart yet a part of you wishes to break it. Bring back the woman you used to be but you see that part of you as naive. Weak. That it will never survive in the world you live in. But a part of you wants to try. Don't be afraid to try again. You have two people that respect you that will stay and fight by your side."
Aéd nodded and looked at her "He's right, lass. You may not be of my clan but I've seen enough of you to know you are a warrior worthy of respect. For that, I shall fight with you as a I would fight with my kin."
Titus brought a hand to her shoulder "I'm not really good at this but, Aslan's right. We will stand and fight by your side. Like he said, I never let my friends close but you two. I can make an exception. Besides"
He grabbed Rin by the neck and took away her Kasa before bopping her on the top of her head.
"Hey!"
"Who's gonna save your ass the next time a boulder comes at you?"
Rin wriggled her way off and snatched her Kasa from Titus. Dusting it off, she placed it back on her head and crossed her arms while looking away.
"Temē." she muttered
"I don't know what that means but I know it's bad."
Rin scoffed and elbowed him in the gut. "Baka."
Aéd shook his head and looked back at Aslan.
"Can you help us find our way back home?"
"Hmm. Perhaps. Go outside when you're ready."
Aéd watch the Lion leave and looked at his two companions.
Titus was lying on his back while nursing his nose and Rin was sitting on his stomach, smoking with a Kiseru."Aslan said perhaps he can give us a way home. He said to meet him outside when we're ready."
Titus stopped nursing his nose and pushed Rin off of him.
"Kisama!"
Titus dusted himself off and nodded at Aéd.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go."
Outside
Aslan stood outside and nodded his greeting. He motioned his head to the small pool beside him.
"This pool may take you back to your world but I am unsure for it is unstable. The way you came to Narnia was different. I had no control of how you got here."
Aéd looked at the pool and determination was set on his face.
Without warning, he jumped in.
Rin looked at Titus and shrugged before diving in as well.
Titus turned to Aslan and said "Thank you, Aslan."
"I must warn you that this portal may lead you to different worlds. It might take some time before you finally reach your home."
Titua nodded "I understand."
He looked at the pool and said "Well, here goes nothing."
He jumped to the pool.
Instead of feeling like he was underwater, he felt like he was falling.
He opened his eyes just in time to see the ground before everything went black.