Love, Laughter, and Halflings
"Susan's horn," Edmund breathed.
Peter just stared in disbelief, fingering the delicate ivory horn.
"Shall I go and acquire the search team?" The brown haired boy who found the horn, inquired.
"No…no. Let them rest. King Edmund and I will continue the search and come back to you in no more than a few hours." The High King replied, securing the horn's supple leather strap into his shoulder.
"Your majesty, you should not go alone." He said, quite alarmed.
"I will not be alone. I shall be with King Edmund. Please bring our horses to us and inform the company of our departure." Peter commanded.
The boy quickly rushed back to retrieve the kings' horses and returned within moments. They mounted speedily, and set off through the forest.
"Last night's rain most likely washed the hoof prints away." Edmund pointed out.
"We will continue our journey south and west. We are probable to find some indication of Susan's fate." Peter answered without hesitation.
They were silent for a few moments, listening to the soft creaking of the saddles and the jingling of the silver bits. The powerfully muscled horses dipped their heads to match their gait, and silently submitted to their kindly masters.
Both of the kings had doubts in their minds. Would they ever find the Queen of Narnia? Might they find that she had fallen over the edge of a jagged cliff? Or had she been slain by some wild beast? Had she runaway never to return?
The woods were dark and the air heavy with silence. The towering trees swayed in the cold wind, and the sunlight had difficulty filtering through the canopy of immense branches. The Oak tree's leaves trembled with fear as if to warn the King's not to go a step farther. The horses had to pick their way through fallen timber and dense weeds. It was mid afternoon when they came to an overgrown thicket.
"Brother, ought we to travel through this here thicket? The Queen has not seemed to have gone this way. Wouldn't the shrubbery have been thinned and a path made if she had passed this way?" King Peter asked his younger brother's council.
Edmund had already vaulted off his horse and drew his sword, "You never know what kind of enchantments or evil magic is at work in this untamed land."
"A wise consideration." He said jumping off his dun colored horse.
The sliver blades tore through the bushy area. Dark brown branches crackled and snapped. Tall stalks were sliced in half; making their juices ooze. Thick, dark grass was slashed without almost any effort.
The young men ambitiously hacked their way through the thicket for some time.
"How long do you think we have been at this?" Edmund wondered as he slashed an entanglement of thorns.
"Maybe a few hours," was the breathless reply from the golden haired king.
"Let's stop for a rest." Edmund suggested, sweat glistening on his dark brown hair.
"All right."
They both stopped and sauntered wearily back to their loyal stallions that had been following them faithfully. The kings took their water flagons out of the saddlebags and stood quietly for a moment; drinking deeply.
Then they inspected their horses' tall, well-muscled legs, and their dull, gray hooves for any scratches or cracks.
"How is your horse faring?" Peter asked, patting his horse on his arched neck.
"He's fine. Are you ready to continue?" Edmund responded, drawing his sword.
Peter nodded and swept a mighty blow upon the dark vegetation in front of him.
After a while longer the Just King stopped, "Do you hear that?"
Peter paused in mid-swing, "What is the matter?"
"Nothing, unless my ears are deceiving me, I believe I hear a cricket singing to the setting sun." He responded, listening hard for the sound in the distance.
Peter grinned and replied, "I think we have finally come to the end of this mysterious wood. Look up!"
They eagerly gazed up at the treetops and saw golden rays of a setting sun sparkling through the shadowy branches.
"I thought the sun would have dipped behind the western mountains by now." Edmund stood there, perplexed by what he saw.
"I have thought of that as well." The High King said, "It may not be as late as we thought."
"Let us move on. We do not have much daylight left." Edmund wisely recommended his strong, deep voice penetrating the silent wood.
So the Narnian Kings pressed on. About half an hour later they broke out of the woodland and found a surprise waiting for them. Ahead of them was a green, wheat field and beyond that were more farm fields and gently rolling hills. The sun set the puffy clouds dancing with an abundant amount of bright color.
"What do you make of this land?" Peter questioned Edmund.
"I do not know. This is not the Western Wild. It may be that some evil lingers here." Edmund thought cautiously.
Peter burst out laughing at his brother's notion. "I don't think any evil lingers here. It seems like a quiet and happy place."
Edmund shot him an angered look, his dark eyes flashing.
Peter suddenly changed his tone, spotting his brother's irate expression, "This predicament is quite unusual. Shall we venture farther?" he asked, while surveying their surroundings.
"Aslan sent us forth to find Susan, our quest isn't at an end until we find Narnia's Gentle Queen." Edmund said with a firm determination.
Peter stood in thought for a moment and then drew his sword, "We shall take the adventure that Aslan has sent us!" He cried.
They both mounted their horses and rode toward the edge of the wheat field. The shafts swayed gently in the cool evening breeze. Crickets chirped within the safety of their hidden homes and birds sang quietly.
Soon they found a road upon which to travel. It was a narrow path leading up a hill to a small, wooden gate. The small trail led up to a rounded door built into a smooth, lush knoll.
"Shall we see who lives in yonder home?" Edmund said gesturing towards the gate.
"We shall, but stay on guard. We do not know if they are friend or foe." Peter advised, stepping down from his majestic horse.
"Now look who's worried." Edmund grumbled under his breath.
Peter unlatched the gate, and Edmund followed, his eyes darting around the yard. It was fairly large and had many flower beds and some small leaved trees. Bees buzzed noisily around the vibrantly colored flowers and the short, rich grass glowed in the evening light.
They were about the knock on the rounded door when they heard the faint sound of shears snipping twigs, and of someone humming softly. Then to their surprise, a hefty, blondish brown haired person came around the edge of the house. He was very short, yet the brothers could tell that he was an adult. What first came to Edmund's mind was that he was a dwarf, but he didn't have the features of a dwarf.
The 'little person' suddenly looked up. His eyes got real wide and he shouted, "Mr. Frodo!"
Another dark haired person who was about the same size ran out of the door and asked, "What's wrong Sam?"
Then he spotted the two Kings and took a half step back; a spark of fear showing in his eyes.
"Who are you and what do you want with us?" Sam snapped sharply, narrowing his eyes. He strode over to whom he called, Mr. Frodo, and held the pointy hedge clippers out in front of them as a kind of defense.
"Um…where are we?" Edmund queried without bothering to answer the question while fingered the hilt of his sword.
"Answer my question first and then I might answer yours." Sam retorted, standing his ground.
"I am sorry; my brother did not mean to offend you." Peter intervened, giving a polite bow, Edmund shot him 'the look', "I am King Peter of Narnia, and this is King Edmund."
"Humans," Sam's voice was edged with a bit of trepidation.
"Yes, of course. Don't you know who we are? Are you dwarves?" Edmund said trying to keep some politeness in his voice.
"I am no dwarf! I am a hobbit! And as for you; we don't know who you are, nor do we know your business." Sam retorted looking very offended.
"We have never heard of hobbits. In what part of Narnia are we?" Peter asked trying hard to find out any information between the two instant rival's insults.
"Narnia?" Frodo piped up, putting his hand on Sam's garden shears to make him lower them.
"Yes, Narnia. Have you not heard of Narnia?" Peter said taking a step closer in curiosity.
"Don't trust them, Mr. Frodo. We don't know what they want." Sam warned his master, raising the clippers higher than before.
Edmund rolled his eyes, crossed his arms, and stared down the bulky hobbit. Sam returned stare with a fierce glare of his own.
"No, I have not heard of such a land." Frodo commented, "You are in the land of the Shire in Middle Earth."
"Middle Earth?" Peter echoed, giving a sidelong glance towards Edmund.
"Yes, Middle Earth! Do you need it spelled out for you?" Sam said rudely still very apprehensive of the human kings, "I repeat, what is your business?" His deep, blue eyes still locked on Edmund's face.
"We have traveled far in search of our Queen. Her Grace has been missing for quite some time. You haven't seen her by chance have you?" Peter explained attentively.
"We have not seen her if that's what you want to know." Sam answered, impatient for the kings to be on their way. He still stood tautly guarding Frodo while distrustfully eyeing both visitors.
"Then we best leave. Thank you kindly for the information. It has been most helpful." The High King said graciously, gathering his horse's reins and mounted gracefully.
Edmund swung into the saddle after sending Sam one more scowl, but before they could leave Frodo stepped out from behind Sam and said, "Shall you not stay for supper and a night's rest?"
"Mr. Frodo!" Sam hissed sharply, but Frodo did not listen.
Peter glanced towards Edmund who was frowning in disapproval and said, "We shall depart from your presents. We would not want to impose your hospitable offer."
"You would not be imposing at all. Please stay for the night and rest." Frodo insisted once more stepping towards the horses.
After a moment of debating with himself on whether to stay or not, Peter replied, "We accept your offer with gratitude."
--
Clisendal cantered over the crest of the hill and there it was in the distance…a city shining like white marble. Minas Tirith. Huge gray mountains loomed behind the city, and green fields rippled in the soft, afternoon breeze before the massive city gates.
The horses rode abreast through the thick, solid, stone walls that were being rebuilt from the Battle of Pelennor Fields, and the city residents stopped their daily work to watch us as we rode pass. I noticed immediately that there were not many horses in the city, but many people on foot. We traveled for a while, winding our way up the city's many levels.
When we came to the last gate and Legolas said, "We must dismount, and leave our horse's here; for no horse can enter the uppermost level."
I did what I was told and swept gracefully off the back of my attractive stallion. I handed the braided reins to the young boy that came up to help me. He led Clisendal away to a nearby stable.
Legolas dismounted with ease, but Gimli had a troublesome time getting off of Arod's back. Everything went fine until he stepped on to the cobblestone street. His left foot got caught in the stirrup as he set his right foot down. He tried pulling his boot out of the riding iron several times; on the third try his foot came loose and he fell to the ground, his battle ax clattering a few feet away from him.
I rushed over to him with concern as Arod was led away, "Are you alright, Master Gimli?"
"Completely intentional." He answered, hopping up on his short, stout legs.
Legolas burst out laughing, his clear voice ringing out through the noisy street. Gimli glowered at him.
This is the first time I have heard Legolas laugh. I thought with a smile.
Then we strode proudly through the seventh gate of Minas Tirith. My dark purple and gold skirts floated behind me. I held my head up high and brushed my dark, tangled curls onto my back, making sure my gold and silver crown rested securely on my head. I smelled of an awful scent of horse, and tried in vain to straighten my wrinkled skirts.
As we strolled through the guarded gate, I looked around. The area was a sort of courtyard. It was quiet, and you could barely hear the street noise from the level below. In the center was an odd looking tree and the pavement was of a silvery-gray. On the top level you could look out and see for miles; immense mountains, wide, flat plains, gently, rolling hills and the whole city down below.
Legolas led as I walked beside Gimli. We came up to another wooden door that soared above our heads in a beautiful arc. Legolas spoke to one of the guards and presently he opened the wide doors and strode away.
We stepped into the quiet, cool hall. The pillars were made of marble stood in even rows along the massive hall. A few moments later the guard came back with a beautiful, young-looking lady. She wore a gown made of a pale blue and a silvery train trailed behind her. She had raven black hair that cascaded down her straight back; she had dark brown eyes, and had fair skin.
"You are all welcome." She said in a light and airy voice with a warm smile.
"Lady Arwen." Legolas replied bowing deeply.
Gimli bowed and I curtsied in the formal court fashion.
Then Legolas gestured towards me and introduced me, "Lady Arwen, this is Queen Susan of the land of Narnia. We met her near the Forest Fangorn, when we were attacked by a reckless band of Orcs."
Arwen politely listened as Legolas told a bit about our adventure and then she said, "You must be tired from your travels. Come with me and I will show you suitable chambers for rest. After you have refreshed yourselves, you shall tell the rest of your stories."
She motioned a servant to come forward and the servant led Gimli and Legolas away. Then she signaled me to follow her. We glided down a side corridor that led to the rest of the castle. Large windows were carved out of the side of the passage walls to let the sunlight stream in and the mild breezes float in.
She turned down several different passageways until we came to a hushed area were guests of high rank stayed. At the end of a short, secluded hall there was a door with a silver metal handle that was inlayed with gold.
"Here is where you will stay. I will send a servant up to help you and bring you a change of clothes in a while." Lady Arwen said graciously.
"I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lady Arwen." I replied in a light tone, "I am in your debt."
"I am happy to assist you in any way possible. Please, do not hesitate to ask someone if you need something." She answered then she turned to leave.
I was about to turn and enter the room that she had led me to, when she turned around again and said, "Lady Susan, please call me Arwen."
"Alright, Arwen, but only if you call me Susan." I replied politely.
A gentle smile penetrated her lovely face and she answered, "Alright, Susan."
Then she turned and glided silently away.
I think we will be good friends. I thought as I entered the room that had been prepared for me.
It was a spacious room with a large bed with feather mattresses and soft pillows. Above the bed was a curtain that was almost transparent. The bedcover was of rich red and crimson ribbon tied off the curtain at each corner of the bed. Multiple rugs carpeted the white stone floor and there were a few wide steps that ran the length of the room and led down to where the bed lay.
There were some windows that faced the North side of the city, and I discovered a small balcony with double glass doors. There was a great fireplace at one end of the room with two dark wood chairs set near it. The room looked magnificent as the afternoon light created a golden glow.
Exhausted, I stripped myself of my bow and arrows and my small jeweled dagger. Falling into the plush bed, I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. My last thought was, Oh Aslan, how will I ever get back to my country?
--
I was awoken later in the afternoon by a soft knock on the door. Opening it, I saw a young woman with a simple green dress on. She was carrying an abundance of clothing of various colors in a large basket.
How did she manage to knock on the door? I thought with amazement.
"Her Majesty, Lady Arwen sent me to help you." She said a bit timidly.
"Thank you." I stepped aside, "Come in."
She walked into the room and started helping me wash myself and helped me select a dress. The one we agreed on was a deep, blue v-neck dress with short ruffled sleeves. It had a silver train that trailed down from silver flower shaped clasps on the shoulders. A silver underskirt peeped out from where the outer skirt split down the middle and silver thread laced up the back of the dress. The dress was very stunning with my soft, blue eyes.
After about an hour of getting ready, I was prepared to go meet Arwen in one of the dining rooms. The servant told me where to go to meet Arwen and I thanked her as she rushed off to fulfill other duties.
I snapped my dagger onto my waist and hurried out of the room. On my way to dinner I rounded a corner of a hall and found two short people walking in front of me. At first I thought they were children, but as they spoke I could not mistaken their deep, manly voices for children.
I silently glided behind them listening to their conversation.
"Did you hear about the Queen from another world that is visiting?" The shorter one said.
"Oh yes! I heard she was very beautiful and that her name is Susan. Isn't that a lovely name?" the other person sighed dreamily.
I smiled at the compliment, and decided to not let my presents known for a while longer.
"I'm glad Arwen invited us to come to dinner to meet this wonderful Queen. Aren't you, Pip?"
"How do you know she is wonderful, Merry? You haven't even met her!" Pip questioned.
"I'm glad I came to visit you this week." Merry ignored the pervious question, "It's too bad King Aragorn can't come tonight, but I guess he has some business to attend to."
"Excuse me gentlemen?" I interrupted.
They both whirled around and stopped in their tracks. I had stopped in the fading sunlight in front of one of the vast windows. The sun cast a golden light around me.
Both of the men were speechless and then Merry spoke up, "Ar-are you Qu-Queen Susan?" He stuttered.
"Yes. Would you introduce yourselves?" I asked politely.
Both were silent for a moment, staring with their mouths and eyes wide open. Merry jabbed Pip in the side with his elbow and Pip retaliated with one of his own.
I waited patiently for one of them to speak.
"I'm Peregrin Took, but most people call me Pippin. This is Merry." He answered bowing deeply.
"Uh…Meriadoc Brandybuck, but people call me Merry." Merry added not wanting to be outdone by his friend.
"It is a pleasure to meet both of you." I replied with a small curtsy.
"Co-could w-we escort you to dinner?" Pippin asked shyly.
"It would be my honor." I responded, delighted at Pippin's bravery.
Both of them smiled and Pippin jumped to take my arm. Merry glared at him, but then turned and led us down the corridor.
We entered the large dining hall and everyone turned to see who entered. The wide banquet table was carved with intricate designs. Torches were lit along the wall as the evening light disappeared and twinkling stars came out. A cool breeze floated through the windows. A large quantity of food was set out on the table and silver chalices were set before each place setting.
Legolas and Gimli were sitting side by side on the left side of the table. Arwen sat at the head, and to her right sat an old man clothed in pure white. He had long, flowing, white hair and wisdom sparkled in his merry, blue eyes.
Merry and Pippin took their seats across from Legolas and Gimli, and I sat down between Gimli and Arwen.
After a few minutes Arwen rose from her chair and raised her hands, "I would like to welcome and thank everyone for coming tonight. This is Queen Susan of Narnia." She said motioning to me, "Susan, this is Gandalf, the White Wizard. This is Merry and Pippin, but you must have already met them for you came in with them."
Soon everyone was drinking clear, dazzling wine, and eating an array of different foods. Some were spicy, some sweet, and yet others flavorful. I joined in on the warm conversation that followed Arwen's introductions. I caught Merry and Pippin both staring at me from time to time throughout the evening.
Later that evening, after everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Legolas told of our adventures; from battling Orcs to the archery contest. Merry and Pippin asked about how I had gotten into Middle Earth and wanted to know about Narnia. So I told them about Cair Paravel and of my brothers and sister.
It was late when the group went their separate ways, and this time Merry jumped at the chance to escort me to my bedchambers. As we walked we talked about how lovely the evening had been.
"Thank you for the escort to and from dinner." I said courteously when we reached my room.
"The pleasure was mine, Queen Susan." Merry said, with a grin and small bow.
"I hope to see you again soon." Pippin countered as he bowed, "Goodnight."
"Farewell and Goodnight." I replied and shut the weighty, wooden door.
I sighed a good, tired sigh, and looked about the room. What a lovely dinner. I really like the people of this world.
I unstrapped my dagger and placed it on the bedside table. Suddenly, I felt something was wrong…very wrong. Something's missing… What's missing?
Then it dawned on me... My bow and quiver were gone.