Hello everyone! I apologize for the delay, and for the length of this chapter. When I began writing it, I didn't think it would be so long. But it is, I'm just warning you now.

Chapter 23~A Place In This World

"And that is how it's done." Damien caught Rose's sword as it flew through the air, and then bowed.

"Lucy is right, you are talented."

"As are you. You and Lucy are closely matched."

"Yes, we are. We sparred a few times in Archenland." Rose sheathed her sword, and Damien offered her his arm.

"I've heard you've lived there your whole life. Why haven't I seen you before?"

"I don't often participate in social events."

"Why ever not?"

"I don't prefer to."

"Or King Nain is secretly your father and he didn't allow you to participate until the Narnian court found you?"

"How did…"

"Shaina told me, and Peter told her."

"Who else knows?"

"No one, unless you have told anyone else. I'm sorry, but Peter tells Shaina everything, and she tells me everything."

"I understand. And I've told Rhince and Drinian. I was going to tell all of you at some point, I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize, I understand why you didn't."

"Oh?"

"Yes. You didn't want us to pity you."

"Very perceptive."

"Rose, of course we're going to feel sorry for you. But it won't affect the relationships we've formed with you over the past week. I know how obnoxious it is, and I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."

"How do you know how obnoxious it is?"

"Experience."

"How so?"

"I first came to the castle when I was 14, and Shaina was 12. It was the first year of Caspian's reign, and our parents supported him one hundred percent. But there were still many angry Telmarines out there who had formed a 'secret' society that they hoped would eventually kill Caspian. They started with those who liked him however; especially native Narnians like talking animals, dwarves, elves, etc. One night, we were taking a stroll through Lantern Waste, and five of this society's men heard us talking. Before Shain and I knew what was happening, our parents had fallen to the ground with arrows in their backs."

"Oh that's awful…how did you manage to escape?"

"I took my father's knife that he always carried and threw it at one of the Telmarines. It caused a long enough distraction for me and Shain to get a head start toward our house, but soon the Telmarines were gaining. We realized they wouldn't leave us be, so we couldn't go home. Instead, we ran to our stables, I grabbed my father's horse, hoisted Shaina up and galloped as fast as we could away from them. I had heard rumors about these men, and I knew the right thing to do would be to alert the King. When we reached Cair Paravel, I recounted the story for the council, and Caspian insisted on Shain and I staying at the castle. He was ever so kind, as were Drinian, Rhince, Trumpkin, Trufflehunter, and Glenstorm. But all the others always used to whisper about us when they thought we couldn't hear, and give us these sympathetic looks. It was the last thing we needed; it just made us feel worse. So trust me, I know exactly how you feel."

"That's definitely not a part of your life I would have guessed. How did you get through?"

"That's a good question, so I'll ask you the same thing."

"I'm not very sure…Rama, I guess."

"Exactly. And I had Shaina, and Caspian. Not to mention all our friends now. As long as you have the love and support of your family and friends, you can survive anything."

"I could not agree more." The two friends took in their surroundings, listening to the birds singing and the waves crashing along the shoreline. "Damien, whatever happened to the Telmarine rebels?"

"They were eventually stamped out. Caspian got to it the minute he learned of it."

"Were you a part of it?"

"I lead it."

"But you were only 14!"

"Fifteen, by the time we banished them. But age makes no difference. Why, Caspian and Peter were only 13 when they lead wars and became kings. Edmund was 10."

"I had forgotten that. But is that the reason why you're one of Caspian's war generals?"

"Yes, I have been ever since."

"You and Glenstorm must be excellent friends."

"Indeed we are. He is a most loyal companion."

"I can imagine. Have you ever ridden on his back?"

"Only once, for I was mortally wounded. To ride on a centaur's back is a great honor, you know."

"Yes, Drinian told me. I've been wondering something for a while now. May I ask you?"

"Go ahead."

"Are there any social boundaries between the different species and races in Narnia?"

"Hardly any. Those that exist are only because of the days of the White Witch. Black dwarves hold grudges."

"Yes, Trumpkin told me of his friend Nikabrik."

"But no, we all tend to get along extremely well. Why do you ask?"

"It's just in Archenland there is a very large caste system, as there is in Calormen. I merely wondered."

"Nay, everyone is equal here. I'm an elf and my dearest friends are humans, centaurs, dwarves, badgers, cheetahs and mice."

"Oh I do love the mice. Peepiceek is excellent company."

"If only you had been here in the days of Reepicheep. Besides Aslan, I don't think there has ever been a better living being in the world."

"Not even me?"

"No Rhince, not even you," Damien laughed as the young man came over to join him and Rose.

"I feel so hurt," Rhince sniffed.

"You two are ridiculous," Rose laughed.

"You're one to talk," they said together.

"So what are the two of you doing out here so early in the morning?" Rhince asked.

"We were sparring. Damien won."

"I am not surprised. He is an excellent swordsman."

"Why thankyou. But I'm nowhere near the level of Peter or Edmund."

"They are quite skilled," Rose agreed. "I've sparred with Edmund before and he won four out of five matches." She smirked a bit, remembering that day.

"What is so funny?" Damien asked.

"Nothing," Rose grinned.

"Does it have anything to do with Edmund? Do tell; it is such fun learning embarrassing information about him."

"How do you learn it? He's a very private man."

"That's what makes it so fun!"

"Boys, are you plotting against my brother again?" Damien and Rhince turned around to face the newcomer, identical grins on their faces.

"Of course not, Lu," they said together. Lucy turned to Rose, who nodded.

"Poor Edmund. What he did to deserve the two of you in his life, I will never know," Lucy sighed, the hint of a smile in her blue eyes.

"Obviously something wonderful and heroic," said Rhince.

"Yes, yes. Like breaking the White Witch's wand," Damien suggested.

"Egotistical idiots," Rose muttered good-naturedly.

"Hey!"

"It's true," Lucy laughed.

"You girls are mean," Rhince pouted.

"I'm sorry sweetie, I didn't mean to make you cry," Rose said, emulating the voice of a concerned mother about her baby.

"Oh hush," Rhince said, still pouting.

"If he weren't so tall and built, you'd think he was a five year old," said Rose.

"I would have to agree with that."

"Damien! I thought you were on my side!"

"Sorry mate, but if you can't beat them, join them."

"What a wonderful thing for a war general to say," Rhince said wryly, and the other three burst out laughing.

"Oh I've missed you two," Lucy sighed, wiping a few tears of mirth from her eyes.

"It was much too quiet without you here, Lu," Damien agreed, and took her arm. "And we're so glad you brought Rose."

"Indeed," Rhince agreed.

"I'm glad I'm here. I feel more at home her than I ever did back home."

"That's because I wasn't there," Damien and Rhince said at the same time.

"Honestly, are they the same person?" Rose asked Lucy.

"I've wondered that myself. They always say the same thing at the same time. It's rather unnerving."

"We're just telepathic," they said together again, then Damien said,

"Lucy is right, it is kind of unnerving." A bell sounded from inside the castle, and Lucy said,

"We should head inside, I don't want to miss breakfast."

"There you all are!" Drinian exclaimed when they reached the castle. "I was just about to come find you."

"Why, is something the matter?"

"No, but after breakfast Caspian is holding a council to discuss certain matters. He fears we haven't heard the last of the Calormens, and he wants to discuss our plan of action incase he is correct."

"We will be there, you can count on it," said Damien. Drinian turned to Rose and said,

"Will you be alright by yourself?"

"Of course."

"Shaina and Carina won't be attending either. You can spend the day with them," Lucy suggested.

"That sounds much more fun than a council, no offense," Rose smiled.

"I agree with you. Unfortunately, I have to be there as I am a part of his council," Lucy sighed.

"Don't sound so thrilled," Drinian laughed.

"Oh good, you're here," said Peter as they entered the dining hall.

"Drinian has explained everything."

"Excellent," Caspian smiled. He got up to kiss Lucy on the cheek and pull her chair out for her.

"Thankyou darling," she said, smiling back at him.

"And suddenly I'm not hungry anymore."

"Very mature, Ed," Rose laughed quietly, being the only one who heard him.

"I'm sorry, but she's my little sister…I shouldn't have to watch her share any physical contact with any man."

"You're cute."

"Excuse me?"

"You're so protective of her—I think it's adorable."

"I am not adorable. Babies are adorable. Kittens are adorable. I am a King and a warrior—I am not adorable."

"Then I'll stick with cute."

"I'm not cute!" Rose just laughed and buttered a biscuit. "You're so aggravating."

"I try."

"I'm sure." Edmund reached for a biscuit himself and noticed Rose's sword on her side. "Whom were you sparring with?"

"Damien. He beat me."

"I'm not surprised."

'Oh, thankyou so much."

"You know what I meant."

"I know," Rose laughed.

"Wait, you sparred in a dress?"

"Does it look like I'm wearing a dress to you?"

"Oh, I guess you aren't. That's a good sign."

"Yes, the pain has mostly subsided."

"Good. I worry about you."

"You shouldn't, I can take care of myself."

"I know, but you shouldn't have to all the time." There was a pause as Edmund bit into a scone, and then Rose said quietly,

"Do you think if anyone found out they'd be angry?"

"What on—hold up. First, who are you planning on telling? And second, why would they be angry?"

"Well I'm not planning on telling anyone…but say someday I get married." Both of them turned a bit red and Rose continued. "And then I'm er…having…er…"

"I get the hint, go on," Edmund scowled.

"Well obviously he'll realize he isn't the only one I've er…been with, and what if he gets angry?"

"If he loves you, he'll understand," Edmund grunted. "And who are you planning on marrying, anyway?" Rose completely missed the jealous in his eyes and said,

"No one, I was just speaking hypothetically."

"I see," he said skeptically. "Oh great…"

"What is it?"

"It looks like we're about to start session. I'll see you at supper, love."

"Have fun." Edmund just glowered at her in response.

"Aren't you glad we don't have to be a part of this?" Carina asked Rose as she and Shaina took her arms.

"Very. I'm glad that the two of you don't have to go either, otherwise I'd think I'd be rather lonesome."

"Lonesome? More than half the castle isn't on Caspian's council, dear," Shaina laughed.

"Well I haven't many, only close friends."

"We shall have to remedy that, won't we Carina?"

"Oh definitely."

"Where should we go first?"

"The kitchens. Being friends with the cooks is always a good thing."

"Carina loves to eat," Shaina explained to Rose.

"Yes, I really do."

"I'm rather envious, for you can't tell at all."

"A high metabolism is a gift from Aslan," Carina grinned. "Drinian marvels at how much I can eat in one sitting."

"From the sound of it, anyone would," Rose smirked.

"That's who!" Shaina cried randomly. Carina and Rose looked at her oddly.

"What are you on about?" Rose asked.

"It's been bothering me all week…whenever you smirk, you remind me of someone and I've only just figured it out. Edmund."

"Yes, well, I wouldn't be surprised if I obtained my smirking skills from him. I never really did until I met him."

"Edmund always smirks more than he smiles. I wouldn't be surprised either."

"Really? I've always imagined Edmund to be a very jovial man."

"Edmund?" Rose and Shaina said together. "Not at all."

"That's odd. Oh, we're here!"

"She gets so excited," Rose laughed.

"Rose, I'd like to introduce Anna, Jamelia, and Bernice—the head cooks." Rose smiled at the woman, faun and beaver.

"We have heard much about you miss," the faun, Jamelia smiled.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Bernice (the beaver) added.

"The pleasure is all mine," Rose smiled. "Your food is excellent—it surpasses all I've ever tasted in Archenland.

"Thankyou miss," Anna beamed.

"Please, call me Rose."

"Of course," said Jamelia.

"We should be off," said Carina. "We're introducing her to everyone today. But I have no doubt we'll be back later."

"We shall be delighted to see you again," Bernice laughed.

"Have fun!" Jamelia added. They left the kitchens and Rose said,

"There is no other help?"

"Oh plenty, but they're clearing the breakfast dishes."

"I see. Should we offer to help?"

"I've tried," said Shaina. "But they refuse. Afterall, it is their job, and that is what they get paid to do."

"Alright," Rose sighed. "Oooh, who is that?"

"Oh, William…he's one of Edmund's guards," Carina sighed. "I don't normally find centaurs attractive, but…"

"Carina! You're married!" Shaina scolded.

"You almost are and you think he's beautiful as well."

"Touché. But I think every female in this castle does," Shaina laughed. "He has the most gorgeous blue eyes…and his blonde hair is just perfect…"

"A nice body, too."

"Carina!"

"What? It's true," she grinned. They passed William and he said,

"Hello, ladies."

"Hello William," Shaina and Carina said together, turning a bit pink.

"And who is your friend?"

"My name is Rose, I'm the newcomer from Archenland."

"Ah yes, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. King Edmund speaks very highly of you, and indeed he is correct."

"Correct about what?" William smiled a bit, and said,

"He said you are one of the most beautiful women he's ever seen, and I would have to agree."

"Coming from you, that is very kind. But I will most definitely tease Edmund about it later." William chuckled.

"Just don't mention my name." He winked and continued on his way. As soon as he was out of earshot, Carina and Shaina stared at Rose in amazement.

"How in Aslan's name did you not faint?" Carina gasped. "What a lovely compliment…and coming from him."

"And when he winked…" Shaina sighed.

"It takes practice," Rose laughed.

"How old did you say you were again?"

"Sixteen."

"You must have been five when you started practicing," Carina laughed.

"Wait a minute…I just realized something."

"Never a good thing," Carina whispered to Rose. Shaina ignored her and said,

"William said that Edmund called you one of the most beautiful women he's ever met."

"I wouldn't dwell on it if I were you. He was probably joking."

"Edmund doesn't joke about things like that. Infact, he rarely even talks about women," Shaina frowned. "Is there something between the two of you?"

"No," Rose sighed.

"By that sigh it sounds like you want there to be," Carina said.

"Would you like the short version or the long one?"

"Long," was the consecutive answer.

Between introductions of Rose to passerby animals, fauns, satyrs, centaurs, dryads, naiads, dwarves, elves and humans, Rose related her feelings toward Edmund and all the confusing moments between them. For example, their spar matches, the time Edmund found out her feelings, and the kiss they shared early on.

"Well one thing is for sure…I never would have guessed all that from merely watching the two of you," Carina finally said.

"I suppose that's a good thing."

"Rose, Edmund has never been the type of man to let his feelings get the best of him. But since this has been going on for a few months now, I'd warrant he won't be able to stop himself for much longer. I know he loves you, he's talked to Peter about it, and Peter tells me everything."

"That's what Lucy told me as well. And when he found out how I feel about him, he didn't deny feeling the same way."

"Does he still know you're in love with him?"

"I don't know; I haven't been acting like I am…wait, love? I never said anything about love."

"Rose dear, it's rather obvious. You just listed off all the qualities that matter to a woman in love. Those are the exact qualities I love about Drinian, and I have no doubt Shaina could say the same for Peter." Shaina nodded.

"Looks and physical strength have nothing to do with love," she said. "Well, in our three cases and Lucy's they're an added bonus, but I know that if Peter looked like…say, Trumpkin, I would still love him."

"And I would Drinian. Would you still feel the same way about Edmund?"

"Yes, I think I would."

"See? You're in love."

"Oh Aslan help me," Rose groaned, and the other two women laughed.

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"I don't care if we aren't expecting war, the army should be trained and ready at all times!" Edmund said, banging his fist on the table.

"My brother is right, if not a tad over reacting. Many moons ago when Prince Rabadash and his army of Calormens tried to take Anvard, Aslan knows what would have happened had we not been prepared," said Lucy.

"That may be so," said one of the Minotaurs, Benjamin. "But may I remind you, Lady, that 1300 years have gone by since that time, and times have changed. That also means that you are no longer the ruler of this country; it is Caspian's choice."

"I know my place, Benjamin, how dare you accuse me of not?" Lucy snapped, rather unlike herself. "But when it comes to war, looking at past battles is always a good strategy. Shouldn't you know this if you're so high and mighty with war plans as you claim to be?"

"Silence," Caspian said loudly, trying to hide his laughter. Lucy always looked rather comical when she was angry.

"Benjamin, you are correct in saying that Caspian has the choice of whether or not we should train the army back up, or leave it as it is. But the council also has a chance to vote on the subject," said Peepiceek.

"A ridiculous law in my opinion," Benjamin scowled.

"Of course you would think so, Edmund made it," Rhince muttered.

"Those in favor of building up the army?" Caspian asked loudly. Lucy, Edmund, Peter, Rhince, Drinian, Glenstorm, Damien, Trumpkin, Trufflehunter, the cheetahs, bears, mice, and birds all raised their hands, paws, wings, etc. "Those in favor of letting the army stay as it is?" Benjamin, a few of his friends, the other dwarves and a fox raised their hands (paws, etc.) "I also favor we build up the army. It is always good to be prepared, especially when the Calormens have been acting as rash as they have been. I should never have been so careless to let it weaken in the first place."

"It is not as weak as you think, Sire," said Glenstorm. "But I will not lie in saying much could be done to improve."

"Than it shall be so."

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"Goodness, how long do these councils normally last?" Rose asked much later that day. It was nearly 9:00 in the evening, and still there was no sign of their friends.

"Normally not long. My guess is that Benjamin is causing problems," Shaina sighed.

"Who is Benjamin?"

"He's one of the Minotaurs, and he's rather obnoxious. He isn't very fond of Peter, Lucy and Edmund because they were the ones that got rid of the White Witch. So when they have council, he always argues with them and tries to get Caspian to expel them from the council."

"Of course, Caspian would expel Benjamin before he expels the Pevensies," Carina added. "Benjamin just chooses not to look at it that way."

"Benjamin knew the White Witch?"

"Oh no, only his ancestors. In those days the Minotaurs supported her."

"I see."

"Good, here they come."

"Please?" Edmund scowled, and Peter glared at him.

"No!"

"What are you two arguing about now?" Lucy sighed, rather exhausted.

"Edmund wants to hang Benjamin from the highest tower and leave him over night," Peter scowled.

"I'll help," she glowered.

"This isn't good, Lucy never gets angry," Shaina said nervously, biting her lip.

"You might want to stay clear of them at the moment," Drinian whispered to the three of them. "They're rather perturbed."

"I can see that," Rose frowned. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fine. Many good decisions were made, and they approve. Benjamin has just been aggravating them for twelve hours, and they are not happy at all."

"Why did it take so long?" Carina asked, and Drinian put his arm around her.

"Just many things needed to be discussed. We haven't had council in over four months what with Caspian being gone. But right now, I need to go to bed. It's been a long day."

"I think I'll join you, as I haven't talked to you hardly at all today," Carina said, and Drinian kissed the top of her head. "Goodnight you two, I had fun."

"So did we," they grinned.

"What did the three of you do?" Drinian asked, and Carina just smiled.

" We talked, and introduced Rose to everyone. It was fun."

"I wish I could have been there, that sounds much more fun than what I did today."

"How about I make it up to you?" Carina said with a mischievous grin.

"Hm…I think I like the sound of that," he grinned back, and they vanished up the staircase.

"That wasn't awkward," Rhince snorted. Shaina and Rose just looked at him. "I'm sorry, he's like my brother…how would you like it if you saw Damien with a woman in a situation like that?" he asked Shaina.

"Okay yes, that would be awkward."

"I bet this will be some of the best they have ever had," Rhince said.

"Rhince!" Shaina scolded.

"Now this is awkward," Rose shuttered.

"What? All I'm saying is since Drinian is so stressed…"

"Ok please stop," Shaina cringed.

"Sorry," Rhince said, throwing his hands in the air. "Lucky man has somewhere to release…" he paused and looked at Rose. "Rose?"

"Oh that's revolting," she grimaced.

"I was just kidding," he grinned, and slung his arm around her shoulder. "I want some food, would you care to accompany me?"

"Why not?" Rose shrugged. "Just promise me one thing."

"What is that?"

"Please, oh please stay away from the topic we were just discussing."

"I will be much obliged," he laughed. They walked off and Edmund turned to Shaina, a frown clearly visible in his weary eyes.

"Why are they going off alone?" he asked suspiciously.

"They are getting some food," Shaina said, trying not to laugh at how ridiculous Edmund was being. "Relax, you don't need to be envious."

"I am not envious," he grunted.

"Yes, okay, whatever you say."

"I don't need this right now," he sighed. "I'm going to bed."

"What's wrong with him now?" Peter asked tiredly, slipping his hand through Shaina's.

"He's paranoid because Rhince and Rose just went off alone."

"Oh Ed…he needs to learn she won't wait around for him forever," Peter sighed.

"Yes, she is rather tired of it. She explained their entire situation to Carina and me today. It doesn't sound good."

"It really isn't. Edmund is being a blockhead, as usual."

"Peter, stop calling Edmund names," Lucy yawned, and almost fell over backward. Damien caught her though, and set her on her feet.

"I think someone needs to go to sleep," he chuckled. "Come, I'll walk you to your room."

"Okay," she said, yawning again. "Wait, I need to say goodnight to…"

"I'll send him up to your room when he comes out," Peter assured her.

"Are you sure you will be up?" Lucy asked.

"Yes. I want to make wedding plans."

"You do?" Shaina asked, surprised.

"Yes. It sounds fun."

"What happened to you in there?" she laughed.

"I just want to be with you for a while. And the last time we started discussing wedding plans, it was rather entertaining."

"Well I will be happy to assist you," she smiled. "We'll see you all in the morning."

"Goodnight," Lucy smiled dreamily.

"Can you walk or do you need me to carry you?" Damien asked as they neared the stairs.

"I can walk." She tripped up the first few stairs. "Or not." Lucy looked up at Damien with big puppy eyes.

"Fine, I'll carry you," he laughed. "What would you do without me?"

"Sleep on the stairs." He laughed again and carried her up to her room. "Thankyou, Damien."

"Of course."

"Will you stay with me until Caspian comes up? I don't want to fall asleep."

"Okay." He set her on her bed, and sat down in an armchair.

"So Shaina told me you met a woman."

"Yes, yes I did. I don't think I am going to court her though."

"Why ever not?"

'She isn't you,' he thought. "I just can't imagine the courtship going very far."

"I see. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize, you didn't make that decision."

"I know I just—Caspian!"

"Peter told me you didn't want to go to bed without saying goodnight. Thankyou Damien."

"Of course," Damien smiled at them. "Goodnight." He left the room, and closed the door quietly. 'Caspian, you are a very lucky man.'

"I'm sorry Benjamin was being so aggravating today."

"It isn't your fault," she said.

"I know, but I hate seeing you angry."

"Oh please, you think it's rather funny."

"Well yes, but I hate it at the same time. You seem exhausted though, so I'll just say goodnight and leave."

"Alright, goodnight darling."

"I love you," he smiled, and kissed the top of her head.

"I love you too."

And it's done! Once again I'm sorry for the length, but I wanted to establish all the new relationships Rose has formed. And I also wanted to establish Rhince's, Damien's, Carina's and Drinian's characters more, since they become a larger part of the story. Yes, yes I know Damien has feelings for Lucy, I felt that in my earlier chapter he always has. The result of this will come later, but do not worry, Lucy doesn't leave Caspian for Damien. Hopefully the next chapter will be up soon, and if I'm not mistaken, that's the one with Peter and Shaina's wedding.