A/N Okay I'm tired so I'll keep it nice and short today. Just a big Thank You for all who are sticking with this story, even thought it may not always go the way people expect. Also thank you to all my awesome reviewers, you all give me something to look forward to after a long day. :)

"Miss Queen Lucy, Miss Queen Lucy?" Lucy was helping sand the frame of a door to a new hut, when she felt a tug on her dress and looked down. She was met with a toothy grin from a muddy haired, freckled little girl. It was Talie, one of the youngest girls in the village.

When she had visited the Mountain people's camp earlier to escort Lady Perna back to Cair Paravel, she didn't really get a felling for the group dynamic. She was only there one night. Now that she had arrived with Edmund, they'd found the two court messengers were correct. There were only about seventy people and most of the camp was aged between fifteen, and thirty. There were about five people over the age of fifty, and Chief Renlon was one of them, as was Perna's old nurse Laia. There were only three children under the age of ten, Talie, Kasatka, and Maio. Kasatka and Maio were sister and brother. Maio was eight and Kasatka was six, the same age as Talie. But the two girls were very different from each other. Talie was a handful. She was a spirited one who would often run off and come back covered in mud, or soaked from splashing in the river. She reminded Lucy of herself when she was much younger. Kasatka was a shy little thing. The fair haired girl would often hid behind her mothers dress and suck her thumb. She was often picked on by her older brother Maio, who would taunt her, and pull her hair. Maio was a snarky little boy, with an acrid disposition. Even though he was very young, he was exceptionally bright, and had a great understanding of the suffering of the village. Kasatka and Maio lost their father during the Narnian raid, and their mother had little patience for her unruly son. She often let him wander in the wood, where he would use his sling shot to hit small birds off branches, and squish ant hill simply because he could. As well as the fact it would take his mind off suffering of his family and the hunger pangs that plagued them daily. He picked on his sister mainly because well, brothers do that.

"What is it Talie?" Lucy asked gently as she brushed her dirty hand on her dress.

"Are you really leaving tomorrow morning Miss Queen Lucy?" The young girl managed to squeak out. She had taken almost immediately to the two monarchs. Little girls of all ages love hear tales of kings and queen, and meeting one seemed like a dream. Lucy gave her caring smile.

"I'm afraid so little one."

"King Edmund too, does he really have to leave?" Lucy laughed lightly.

"We've been with you two weeks now. My brother and I have helped move your camp to this new village, we've helped build huts and started plowing the fields. We have lots of work to do back at our home." Once Lucy and Edmund had moved the Mountain People to Narnia, they spend several days showing the people how to tell between a normal tree and one habited by a dryad or nymph. They also taught them how to distinguish between the talking Narnian animals and the ordinary ones. Then they negotiated with the two dryads in the area to give them a meter of room around each tree, so they would not be plowed over. Once the physical labor started, Lucy and Edmund were not afraid to get their hands dirty; they pitched in a fair share to help the rest of the village. The two monarchs helped cut logs for huts, hook up plows to the horses, and sowed seeds in the fields. There was still much work to do, and Lucy and Edmund's time was waning, they had to return back to Cair Paravel with Chief Renlon and Lady Carlyn. Due to careful planning, they made sure the fields to grow food crops were planted first. In several more months, when most of the hardest labor would be done, the Mountain People could reap their first round of crops. In the mean time they were given enough food to support their hunting. Early spring was in the air, and some of the animals from the north were starting to wake.

"But I want to go home with you. I bet you have a pretty hut, I bet it's as big as this whole field."

"I think you have the most beautiful home right here."

"Really?"

"Seas of wheat will soon spring up and shine a beautiful gold, the woods to the south, and the mountains to the north. You've got paradise to explore dear one."

"But stinky Maio keeps picking on me and Ka. Queen Lucy is it normal for a boy to pick on his sister and her friend?" Lucy shot a look to Edmund, who was rubbing some salve on his blistered hands. She then got on her knees and looked Talie in the eye.

"Long ago, before Edmund and I lived in Narnia, he used to pick on me all the time."

"Really?"

"Um hmm, yes, he used to be down right beastly to me, calling me names and telling my older siblings I was making up stories. But I also know that Narnia has helped him grow up, and he's a wonderful person. I think, given some time, it may do the same for Maio. My little dear, you've all been through some trying times. Think about it, Maio's lost his father and all the other boys his age. At least you and Kasatka still have each other as friends."

"Oh, I guess that's true. Still can I go with you Miss Queen Lucy? Pretty, pretty please!"

"Maybe soon dear one, maybe soon, also I may come back to visit after my brother's wedding."

"Could King Edmund come too?"

"I'm sure he will. You may be able to meet my other brother and sister as well."

"Are they as nice and pretty as you?"

"Yes, nicer in fact." Talie nodded enthusiastically and then ran off again. The young girl had a very short attention span, every minute something else would distract her and she'd be off again. Lucy let out a happy sigh and shook her head. Helping these people was the right thing. Lucy couldn't help but think Talie would be very much like herself when she grew up. Maybe some of her enthusiasm would rub off on Kasatka, to help give the young girl more confidence. Edmund came up behind her.

"Everything packed up for morning?" Lucy turned startled; she didn't hear her brother's approached.

"Yes, yes," Lucy replied.

"A Tree for your thoughts?"

"No I was just thinking about the children. There's only three, but I know they'll grow up well here. Though I am a little worried about Maio."

"I was when I first met him, but I don't think he'll be a problem any longer. I caught him trying to wring the neck of a poor duck, not a talking one mind you, and gave him a quite a tongue lashing. I regretted it immediately when I saw how… misguided he was, and sat down and had a long talk with the young man. The poor thing is scared out of his mind, afraid he's going to die like his friends and father. He picks on his sister, but have you noticed that if anyone one else say anything harsh to her, he's fiercely protective?"

"I have."

"Well during our heart to heart, I explained that he is very lucky to have survived the plague that killed off most of the children. He agreed, even though he doesn't think its fair the he survived and they didn't. I told him, it was his gift to survive, and that Aslan has a plan for him, just like everyone else. I then appointed as recorded keeper for all unusual animal behavior. So instead of spending his time torturing small animals, he would watch and study them, hopefully learn something. He's a keen one, and I think once he get's older, I'd like to train him personally as a knight. He's about the same age as the young Prince Corin of Archenland, so maybe if we head down there for a liaison, I can take Maio with me. It would do him some good to meet a boy his own age."

"I would agree. As for the horses, we are all packed and ready to return to Cair Paravel come dawn."

"Well done, as much as I would like to stay here, the labor has been doing well for my disposition, my back is sore and my hands are raw. I would trade my sword for a good hot wash."

"You have been very withdrawn the past few weeks at home. I was going to ask you about it, but I figured you'd tell me in due time as needed. If not, I know you keep confidence with Susan, so at least you have someone one to talk to if needed."

"In time, dear sister, I may be more willing to talk. It's not that I don't trust you, quite the opposite, you know I'd trust you with my life, I just don't wish to speak of feelings I'm not certain of."

"You don't need to explain to me. I just don't like seeing uncertainty in your eyes; it's not a look I'm very accustom to seeing on you. I think it just puts me on edge that all. Never mind, you do look better now."

"Backbreaking labor does have that effect. You spend all your time concentrated on what you're doing, and then by the time you're done, you're so exhausted you don't have the energy to think of anything worrisome."

"I think my feet have blisters on blisters. When we get home I'll have a nice long rest, and then, a walk on the beach."

The ride back to Cair Paravel was shorter than their ride out. When Lucy and Edmund returned both held true to their word. Edmund went for a hot wash and Lucy took a long rest before taking a leisurely walk on the beach. High King Peter personally welcomed Chief Renlon and Lady Carlyn. One look at Perna's mother and he saw exactly where she got her regal stature. Though it was Perna's father who held the title, it was Lady Carlyn who seemed to hold the royal blood in the family. She was stunning and her wide green eyes held serenity. Though Peter did notice, Perna inherited her father's eyes. Perna stood a step behind Peter as her parents dismounted their horses, after Lucy and Edmund. She had held her self back for a moment, as Peter introduced himself, then she ran forward.

"Father," she cried throwing herself into his arms. "You look well, so much better than when I last left you. How was the move?" Her father held her close for several minutes before answering.

"My dear daughter, you look quite well yourself. Life here seems to be doing you very well. The move was difficult, but the land is good and fertile. We have plenty of room to grow the crops we need for food, even some extra space to possibly grow some tobacco or maybe some cotton. King Edmund, though I thought I would be angry with him, was splendid, and Queen Lucy was an angel as always." Peter smiled at the compliments of his family.

"Good, I will have to come visit soon. It's wonderful here. The Kings and Queens are so kind." Perna was beaming; she loved seeing her parents again. "Mother you look lovely as always. I'm so glad you're here."

"Come here child and let me look at you." Lady Carlyn replied. She took a minute to examine her daughter before pulling her in to a hug. "Yes, quite right. I'd have to agree with your father. Life here suites you well. Now, if it's alright your Majesty," she nodded to High King Peter, "our journey here was long and I'd like some privet time with my daughter."

"Of course," Peter replied. "My dear," her turned to Perna and kissed her hand. "Take the night with your family, show them around the Castle. I'll have dinner brought to your parent's apartment. Tomorrow, we will all have breakfast together in the dining hall."

"Yes, your Majesty," Perna said and kissed him back on the cheek. He was her fiancé after all. She then let his hand linger on hers for a while longer before she went back to her parents. Peter saw that they were given a stately apartment in the west end of the castle.

Perna's parents were impressed with the castle. Every room seemed to shine with light from all angles, and the tapestries on the walls seemed to glitter and dance, as if they were alive. Even though the rooms were vast, there were never any drafts. And the smaller rooms never seemed cramped or stuffy.

Several days passed and Perna finally got to spend some quality time with her parents. If they weather had been better there would have been picnics on the beach, but for now they were content sitting on a balcony of the castle, and talking about future plans. Perna had a chance to discuss wedding plan with her mother, and Queens Susan and Lucy. During the days, Edmund was content letting Perna be with all her own thoughts, but Peter insisted that dinners be taken together. She knew she would have to face Edmund every night. At first it wasn't too hard, most of their dinner conversations were about the move, and discussing who in the village would be fit to join the army. There was talk about what types of crops to try and plant, and now that they knew the size of the area, how much would be paid in tribute. Then as the meals dragged on she caught Edmund giving her sideways glances once again. He was trying so hard to be as friendly and genial as possible. But Perna could still see the hurt in his eyes. It was impossible not to spend long moments staring at him, trying to determine what he was thinking of her. Perna knew her mother noticed the way she was looking at Edmund.

"Dear Perna," he mother said catching her after dinner one night. "I know what you're thinking, looking at the other King? You look at him with lust and curiosity, but stay away from him. You are engaged to his brother, you were promised to him, to High King Peter. We've had good fortune because of you, and you get to live a wonderful life, don't throw it away. Loving King Edmund would put everything you've worked for in peril. Do you understand me?"

Her mother always thought with her head, never her heart. Her marriage to Chief Renlon had been arranged by her father. It was only fitting the most beautiful woman in the village, marry the most powerful man. Her parents had settled into a mutual respect and admiration for each other. There was and odd affection between them which Perna both hoped for and feared. Then again, Perna's mother didn't know the circumstances between her and Edmund. Although, she would probably be opposed to it anyway, her mother was way too sensible. Lady Carlyn always valued power over love; love was just a silly thing for young girls. As you get older emotions play little role in relationships, they're only about gaining an advantage for your self. Maybe that's why secretly, Perna loved her father more then her mother. Her mother had never been the maternal type. Perna wondered if she settled with Peter, she would become callous as her mother was at times.

It was now ten days until the tournament and forty until the wedding. The High King was calling court back to session after a couple week recess. Today was the day Perna and her parents finally received their new titles. The four monarchs had spent the last couple days discussing the matter with the courtiers. The area where the Mountain people had settled was now being called Farmington, and the village was named Dawnsville. As the court gathered, Perna, dressed in fine silver robes, was brought before the Kings and Queens first. Peter stood up with Edmund behind him; Perna kneeled before them as Peter placed a sword on her shoulder.

"Do you swear your allegiance to the country of Narnia, denouncing any ties to any other country?"

"I do."

"Do you swear to uphold he laws of Narnia to the best of your abilities?"

"I do"

"And do you promise to love Narnia and her people unconditionally?"

"I do."

"Then, in the presence of court, with the blessing of King Edmund and Queens Susan and Lucy, I, High King Peter of Narnia, Emperor of the Lone Island, title given to me by Aslan himself, will present you with the title Duchess Perna of Farmington." He then presented her with the papers and signet for her new duchy.

Perna's father went through the same ceremony almost immediately after. He had butterflies in his stomach the whole time. Renouncing his claim as total ruler of the Mountain people was difficult. He'd spent his whole life ruling his people, and now was just a subject under a monarchy. But they had given his people a second chance, and he was titled Earl Renlon of Dawnsville. By association Lady Carlyn was now Countess Carlyn of Dawnsville. After court was adjourned, a huge banquet was thrown that night celebrating the ceremony. Earl Renlon looked on happily at his daughter danced with delicately with her new fiancé High King Peter. The he laughed heartily as Queen Lucy asked him to dance with her, and King Edmund danced with Countess Carlyn. Yes, despite giving up his command, he's made the right decision. He felt his daughter would have a far better life because of it.